Toronto Satsang Centre – Today
The Dadabhagwan Toronto satsang centre is a major hub for Dada’s activity in North America (NA). Toronto is one of the five centres in NA where the grand celebration of Gurupurnima, and Pujyashri’s annual shibir, take place. Toronto has a very large and diverse group of active Mahatmas. In 2017, there were over 700 individuals who attended the shibir, of which 180 individuals participated in the gnan vidhi. And, this number is increasing year after year.
On Fridays, MMHT and WMHT weekly satsangs are organized at four locations throughout Toronto. On Saturdays, the weekly satsang and monthly shibhir take place at the main centre. Fun meets gnan every year at the annual picnic organized for mahatmas and their families, and at festive celebrations through Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Gnanis’ birthdays and Punya-tithis. The centre also participates in the India day Parade to showcase Akram Vigyan. No matter what the event is, the objective is Jagat Kalyan, and oneness in selfless service.
Another centre activity includes exemplary work in Prachaar. Distributing spiritual books during international yoga day, international book day, Navratri and other events in Toronto have proved to be an inspiration to many other centres throughout North America.
The Toronto centre is fortunate to have several senior mahatmas who had spent a lot of time with Dada, and pioneered the satsang activity in Toronto. They act as a constant guide and motivation to the younger and enthusiastic generations that are joining our growing Dada Family.
So let’s begin the journey to how it all started….
The beginning of the Toronto Centre: Year 1985
Param Pujya Dada put his holy feet in Canada in 1982 during his first North America visit. Shri Vasantbhai, who was instrumental in bringing Dada to USA drove Dada to Toronto and then to Montreal. Niruma and Khetshibhai were also with Pujya Dada. During his first visit, Pujya Dada stayed only for one night and Satsang was organized in a Church. Shri Sureshbhai, a pioneer Mahatma from Toronto, was with Dada during his first visit.
Dada also visited in 1983 and 1984, and stayed at Shri Sureshbhai’s apartment. Mahatmas enthusiastically transported Dada in a chair to the third floor, as the building had no elevator, and Dada comfortably adjusted in a one bedroom apartment. This was a moment remembered vividly by all who experienced it.
After Dada’s second visit, the number people seeking Dada’s satsang had increased. The food had to be served in the hallway of the apartment. And, during this time another one of Toronto’s pioneer, mahatma Shri Dineshbhai Patel, met Dada.