In an inspiring display of dedication and endurance, 75-year-old Sivarama Swami, the former GBC of Hungary, successfully swam across the largest lake of the country, Lake Balaton, on July 20th to support an important translation project. This event is a celebrated annual swim, attracting thousands of participants from various parts of Hungary and beyond.

A historic and spiritual journey

The Hungarian Balaton cross-swim, which began in 1979, has grown into one of the largest open-water swimming events in Central Europe. This year, despite the challenging conditions, over 11,000 participants joined the swim, making it a remarkable gathering of diverse individuals united by a common goal. Among them, Sivarama Swami stood out, not only because of his age but also because of his spiritual and inspirational presence.

Sivarama Swami, a revered writer and spiritual master, has been practicing and preaching for over 50 years. His participation in this swim was more than just a physical challenge; it was a testament to his lifelong commitment to a healthy, balanced, and spiritually fulfilling lifestyle.

Sivarama Swami following the completion of the event.

A noble cause: translating the Srimad-Bhagavatam

Sivarama Swami’s SWIM-A-TON was not just an individual achievement but also a fundraising effort for a noble cause. He swam to support the Arabic translation of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, one of India’s most important ancient scriptures. This sacred text, dating back over 5,000 years, offers profound insights into living a balanced and constructive life, emphasizing the nature of the soul, a loving relationship with God, and the culture of non-violence.

By making the Srimad-Bhagavatam accessible to the non-English-speaking Arab world, Sivarama Swami hopes to bridge cultural and religious divides, offering a universal message of peace and harmony. Maharaja believes that the teachings contained in the Srimad-Bhagavatam can provide a formula for peace and understanding in a world often divided by religious and political affiliations.

Challenges and triumphs

The 42nd Balaton cross-swim began in excellent weather conditions with calm, warm waters, and clear skies. However, as the event progressed, the southwest wind picked up, causing increased wave activity. For safety reasons, the organizers temporarily halted the swim. Despite these challenges, the swim resumed once conditions improved, demonstrating the event’s commitment to participant safety.

The swim across Lake Balaton covered 5.2 kilometers from Révfülöp to Balatonboglár. Participants swam in a designated corridor formed by 150 sailboats, ensuring a safe and guided path. Alongside the sailboats, three hospital boats, motorboats, medical professionals, lifeguards, and water police were on hand to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

Sivarama Swami completed the swim in 3 hours and 10 minutes. Despite being accustomed to swimming faster, the strong winds and extra wave activity this year made the swim particularly challenging.

A community united

The Balaton cross-swim attracts a diverse group of participants, from first-timers to seasoned athletes. This year, participants came from 51 countries, including Slovakia, Germany, and Romania. The event is inclusive and welcoming swimmers of all ages, with the youngest participants being under 18 and the oldest, like Sivarama Swami, in their 70s and 80s.

Notably, Sivarama Swami was joined by 14 devotees who had previously participated in the event. Their experience and enthusiasm encouraged Maharaja to take on the challenge himself. For many, the Balaton cross-swim is not a race but a personal challenge and a memorable experience. The average swim time is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and participants often emphasize that the event is about overcoming personal limits rather than competing against others.

Sivarama Swami training for the challenging swims.

Inspiring lessons from the Balaton Swim

Sivarama Swami’s participation in the Balaton cross-swim is a powerful example of how spiritual principles and personal discipline can intersect to create inspiring achievements. As he remarked, “In both such a swim and spiritual life, it is crucial to be determined and make steady progress with planning, awareness, and perseverance – just as we must cross the ocean of material existence.” His swim served not only as a personal milestone but also as a beacon of the values he holds dear: a commitment to non-violence, a healthy lifestyle, and the sharing of spiritual wisdom. Through his efforts, he continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals, demonstrating that true strength and endurance come from within.  To watch a video about the day, click here. 

How to get involved

Sivarama Swami is taking on another swimming challenge soon. He is currently training for this year’s Thames Marathon between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. Funds raised from this event will also support the production of the Arabic translation of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.  Those interested in supporting the project may give here or here.

To follow Sivarama Swami’s ongoing service, please visit his website, or follow him on Facebook here and here.