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In celebration of Acharya Swamishree’s arrival to the USA, the young devotees of the USA held a special function on a cruise ship Horizon, as it floated along the Hudson River in New York.

Over 700 people, many from outside of the USA, were present at the celebrations, which included devotional dances and music, speeches by young devotees and eminent sants.

The chief guests at the function were the Deputy Mayor of Secaucus, Mr John Reilly, and Honourable Mayor of Weehawken, Mr Richard Turner, both of whom were delighted to be present at such a wonderful event, during which they were able to experience, in their words, ‘divinity on this earth’. They thanked Acharya Swamishree for blessing the country with His presence and commended His determination to aid society and all humanity.

The youth of New York collectively presented a cheque for $6300 to Acharya Swamishree for His charitable activities, in commemoration of Acharya Swamishree’s 63 rd manifestation day, which was also celebrated as part of the evening’s function.

During His divine blessings, Acharya Swamishree reminded everyone of their great fortune for having attained the supreme Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Acharya Swamishree said, “Recognising Lord Swaminarayan to be the creator and controller of everything is the one means to attain salvation.

“Just as the greatness of the previous (paroksh) incarnations of God, such as Ram, Krishna etc. is realised, and the eminence of the previous (paroksh) sadhus, such as Narad, Sanak etc., Shukji, Jadbharat, Hanuman, Uddhav, is recognised; if one understands the greatness of the manifest (pratyaksh) Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and the devotees and sadhus of that supreme, merciful Lord in exactly the same manner, then to that person, there remains nothing more to understand on his path to salvation. Salvation has been attained whilst in this very life.

“The divine delight that we are experiencing here today is because the merciful Lord is present amongst us. It is He who is bestowing His divine bliss and His auspicious blessings. We are in His presence, therefore, we are not sitting in a boat on the Hudson River , we are seating in Akshardham.

“The almighty Lord is extremely pleased to see His devout children gathered together, rejoicing in this manner. Do not forget the blessings that He has given you all today, and you will continue to experience the ever-presence of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, forever more.”