Hariprasad Swami separated from BAPS primarily due to a disagreement over the initiation of female disciples, a practice he and his followers advocated for but which went against the established Swaminarayan tradition.
The Core Disagreement
In the late 1960s, a notable difference in vision emerged within the BAPS spiritual organization. Hariprasad Swami, along with a group of his disciples, expressed a strong desire to initiate women into the religious fold. This proposal aimed to expand the inclusion of female followers into the monastic or formally initiated life of the sect.
Conflict with Tradition and BAPS Leadership
However, this idea directly conflicted with the prevailing Swaminarayan tradition, which did not historically permit the formal initiation of female disciples in the manner proposed. When this matter was brought before the then-spiritual head of BAPS, Yogiji Maharaj, he refused to sanction the change, choosing instead to uphold the long-standing customs and tenets of the faith.
Formation of the Sokdha Sect
As a direct consequence of this irreconcilable difference in approach and the refusal to adopt the proposed changes regarding female initiation, Hariprasad Swami chose to separate from BAPS. This significant schism occurred in 1966. Following his departure, Hariprasad Swami went on to establish his own distinct spiritual movement, which became known as the Sokdha sect. This event marked a pivotal moment, leading to the formation of a separate branch within the broader Swaminarayan lineage.
