ISSO (Swaminarayan)

infobox Organization
name = International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation


image_border =
size =
caption = ISSO Logo
abbreviation = ISSO
formation = Year 1978
type = NGO
purpose = Religious
headquarters = Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad
location = Around the World
membership = Members of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
leader_name = Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj
parent_organization = Narnarayan Dev Gadi
website = http://www.swaminarayan.info/isso
Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj (who was then Acharya) founded International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (I.S.S.O.) (Devnagari: इन्तेर्नतेनल स्वामिनारायन सत्सन्ग ओर्गनिशोन) in the USA on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami in the year 1978.

The prime objective of I.S.S.O. is "To advance the Sanatana Dharma, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, founded and ordained by Sahajanand Swami", enabling Lord Swaminarayan's devotees from both the NarNarayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) & LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony.

This achieved, the efforts of all the followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday can be polarised, allowing for joint activities to be undertaken. In turn, this will enable the followers to meet the challenges they are faced with today in giving their youth a religious experience that they can understand and practice themselves.

Activities

Gurukul

Classes are held in English every Friday evening in London, where the religious principles of the SwaminarayanSampraday are taught. Exploring the greatness of the scriptures and discussing and debating on the modern day issues affecting young satsangis stimulates the desire to learn more.

Religious Camps

Summer camps with religious teachings in a divine atmosphere in the blissful presence of Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj & saints. These camps take place annually in the UK & USA, where hundreds of youth have been inspired into a religious life.

Religious Publications

Audio Cassettes (Kirtan & Katha), Video Cassettes (Utsavs & Documentaries) & Scriptural books (Vachanamrit, Shikshapatri, Satsangi Jeevan, Purans, etc.)

ISSO-Seva

In 2001 ISSO-Seva was established. It is an independent running charity under the Swaminarayan Sampraday to give a helping hand to mankind, to help the homeless and needy as well as making awareness about the modern day diseases and infections. It provides relief for when a natural disaster strikes worldwide. The charity is run by professionals and volunteers of the Swaminarayan temples and centres.

Humanitarian Relief has been accorded a privileged place in the Sampraday's social philosophy. All temples have been instrumental in raising awareness of the plight of people in numerous disasters; Orissa Cyclone Relief, Maharashtra Earthquake, Gujarat Earthquake, etc in recent times via the Swaminarayan Temples in India.

Other activities

* Hospitals
* Blood donation camps
* Medical camps
* Clinics in remote parts of India
* Setting up almshouses to feed and clothe the poor and needy souls on a daily basis.

ee also

* NarNarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal

References

* [http://moksha.akshardham.org/~isso/ ISSO Yuvak Mandal]
* [http://issoseva.org ISSO Seva]