The Five Vows
(Panch Vartaman)
In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, followers undertake a set of moral and ethical commitments known as the "Five Vows" or "Panch Vartman." These vows serve as guidelines for leading a virtuous and disciplined life following the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan. The Five Vows are as follows:
Non-violence (Ahimsa): Devotees pledge to practice non-violence in thought, word, and deed. This includes refraining from causing harm to any living being, both physically and emotionally. It emphasizes the cultivation of compassion, kindness, and empathy towards all creatures.
Truthfulness (Satya): Followers commit to speaking the truth and refraining from falsehood and deception. They strive to live a life of honesty, integrity, and transparency in their interactions with others. Truthfulness also extends to being truthful to oneself, by recognizing and acknowledging one's shortcomings and areas for improvement.
Non-stealing (Asteya): Devotees vow to abstain from stealing or taking what does not belong to them. This extends beyond physical theft to include avoiding any form of dishonesty, cheating, or taking advantage of others. It emphasizes respecting the property, possessions, and rights of others.
Celibacy (Brahmacharya): This vow pertains to the practice of self-control and chastity. Devotees, depending on their commitment level, may undertake partial or complete celibacy. Partial celibacy involves maintaining marital relations within the boundaries of prescribed religious observances. Complete celibacy, on the other hand, involves abstaining from sexual relationships altogether.
Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha): Followers pledge to reduce their attachment to material possessions and develop a mindset of detachment. They strive to overcome greed, selfishness, and excessive attachment to worldly possessions. Non-possessiveness encourages a sense of contentment, gratitude, and sharing with others.
By embracing these Five Vows, followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday aim to cultivate moral virtues, purify their thoughts and actions, and progress on the path of spiritual growth and self-realization. These vows serve as guiding principles to shape their conduct, interactions, and lifestyle, fostering a sense of ethical responsibility and spiritual discipline.