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Answering the humble prayers of the loving disciples living in East Africa, Acharya Swamishree arrived in Nairobi together with sants and disciples on Monday 28 November 2005.

When Acharya Swamishree reached Swamibapa Complex, the disciples ceremonially welcomed Acharya Swamishree to the Temple. Acharya Swamishree presided on a beautifully decorated chariot, which was drawn by young children into the Temple complex. Swamibapa Pipe Band led the grand procession to the Temple and then formed a guard of honour as Acharya Swamishree carried Shree Harikrishna Maharaj into the Temple. After performing darshan to the Lord, Acharya Swamishree performed aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and then cut a welcoming cake.

During the evening, a special welcoming assembly was held in the Temple. After Acharya Swamishree had performed the sandhya aarti and daily evening rituals, the young disciples performed a devotional welcoming dance.

The Temple Committee then performed poojan to Acharya Swamishree on behalf of all the disciples and offered flower garlands to Acharya Swamishree and the sants.

Acharya Swamishree then showered His Divine Ashirwad, in which He said, “One must implicitly obey the commandments of the Lord, as they are stated in the Shikshapatri. According to one’s ability, one must humbly serve the needy, one’s guru, parents and the elderly.

“Jinabhai of Panchala was a devoted disciple of the Lord, who adhered to the Lord’s commands. Once, a young child became attracted to the Lord and became a resolute disciple. However, his father did not approve and prevented him from worshiping Lord Swaminarayan. When he did not abandon his faith, the father abandoned his son. Jinabhai heard about the fate of this young child and took him into his home.

“Jinabhai was the king of the village. Still, when people became ill, he would go out into the village and carry those people himself to the Lord so that the individual could gain the Lord’s blessings and attain salvation. Lord Swaminarayan became extremely pleased with the devotion of Jinabhai and told him to ask for anything he wished for. Jinabhai replied, “I have attained You, therefore, I have attained everything. There is nothing more that I wish for. However, during my last breath on this earth, have mercy and ensure that You take me to your divine abode.” Lord Swaminarayan replied, “During your last moment, I will look after you, in the same way that you look after my disciples who are in need.” When Jinabhai left his mortal body, Lord Swaminarayan Himself carried Jinabhai to his cremation pyre.

“That is the kind of devoted and humble disciple that one must aspire to be. The Lord never remains afar from such disciples; it is irrelevant whether the disciples live in Kenya, or elsewhere in the world. They are always together with the Lord.”