OCT-DEC 2016 | Issue No. 91 | MCI (P) 010/09/2016 | ISSN 18-7183

Image Courtesy: santaprk

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION | 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784 In this Issue…

Pearls of Wisdom 1 President’s Page 2 Myth and Mystery in the Mystic life of Bhakta Kabir 3 Six Days in the Divine Realm 8 Spiritual Import of Saptashati 12 Nine Nights of Divine Mother 16 Lessons from Legends 19 News & Notes 21 Our Deepest Condolences 25

The Cover & the Quote A few words…

OCT-DEC 2016 | Issue No. 91 | MCI (P) 010/09/2016 | ISSN 18-7183 The fourth issue of NIRVANA is now in your hands. The last quarter of the year namely the months of October, November and December can, as per the Hindu calendar, be seen as a triumph of woman as a Mother. There are indeed many opportunities to extol the glory and significance of the Mother ideal as one after another, the worship of the Mother in various forms of dieties is observed. The most important of the Devi Worship is in the name and form of Sri Sri Durga. Her nine-night worship is called Navaratri. Swami Tatpurushananda Puri of Chennai has given a descriptive account of Navaratri festival especially as followed in southern and eastern parts of India. The fitting scripture that stands tall over other hymns on Mother is Durga Saptashati known more popularly as Sri Sri Chandi or Devi Mahatmyam. The three divisions of the book containing 13 chapters of 700 RAMAKRISHNA MISSION | 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784 verses, recited all over the globe by devout Hindus, has spiritual import which is explained lucidly by Kissoon Behari of Durban, South Africa. One day Mathur Babu observed, "God William Page, an ardent Vedantin from Bangkok writes about six too must abide by his own law.” Sri inspiring eventful days in the early spiritual life of a late senior monk of the Ramakrishna exclaimed, "What an Ramakrishna Order, Swami Apurvananda who was a direct disciple of the Holy absurd proposition!” Mathur Babu Mother Sri Sarada Devi as a homage on the occasion of her birthday. protested: "How can it be? A plant Aju Mukhopadhyay, the Poet, Critic and Author of Kolkata, India, which produces only red flowers completes his narration of the lively story of Kabirdas, the mystic, poet and cannot produce any other coloured saint. Sujatha Ravibaskar teaches what we can learn from the story of Prahlada flower!” Sri Ramakrishna said, "God in her “Lessons from Legends”. can do that, for everything depends on Many readers look forward to reading the “News & Notes” feature His will.” Mathur Babu was not that gives a bird’s eye-view of the entire gamut of activities of the Centre in convinced. The next day while taking a stroll in the temple garden Sri Singapore. The “Pearls of Wisdom” from Uddhava Gita forms the auspicious Ramakrishna came across a hibiscus beginning, as usual, of this quarterly magazine. plant in which two flowers of different Nirvana joins thousands of Singaporeans who irrespective of race colours were found on the same or religion, creed or language mourn the demise of late President S R Nathan branch, one was red and the other by paying a tribute to the departed soul. was snow white. Pearls of Wisdom In this Issue…

Pearls of Wisdom 1 President’s Page 2 Uddhava Gita Myth and Mystery in the Mystic life of Bhakta Kabir 3 Translated by Swami Madhavananda Six Days in the Divine Realm 8 Spiritual Import of Saptashati 12 Nine Nights of Divine Mother 16 Lessons from Legends 19 News & Notes 21 Our Deepest Condolences 25 Dispute engenders vehement anger, which is followed by infatuation. Infatuation quickly overpowers his hitherto The Cover & the Quote A few words… abiding consciousness of right and wrong.

O noble soul, when a man is deprived of his consciousness, he OCT-DEC 2016 | Issue No. 91 | MCI (P) 010/09/2016 | ISSN 18-7183 The fourth issue of NIRVANA is now in your hands. The last quarter of the year namely the months of October, November and December can, as per becomes almost a zero. Like a man in stupor or half-dead, he the Hindu calendar, be seen as a triumph of woman as a Mother. There are indeed many opportunities to extol the glory and significance of the Mother then misses the end of his life. ideal as one after another, the worship of the Mother in various forms of dieties is observed. The most important of the Devi Worship is in the name and form of Engrossed in sense-objects, he knows neither himself nor the Sri Sri Durga. Her nine-night worship is called Navaratri. Swami Tatpurushananda Puri of Chennai has given a descriptive Supreme Self, but vainly lives a vegetative life and breathes but account of Navaratri festival especially as followed in southern and eastern parts of India. The fitting scripture that stands tall over other hymns on Mother is like a pair of bellows. Durga Saptashati known more popularly as Sri Sri Chandi or Devi Mahatmyam. The three divisions of the book containing 13 chapters of 700 RAMAKRISHNA MISSION | 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784 The Vedic passages treating of fruits of work do not set forth the verses, recited all over the globe by devout Hindus, has spiritual import which is explained lucidly by Kissoon Behari of Durban, South Africa. highest well-being of men, but are mere inducements – like One day Mathur Babu observed, "God William Page, an ardent Vedantin from Bangkok writes about six those for taking a medicine – spoken with a view to leading too must abide by his own law.” Sri inspiring eventful days in the early spiritual life of a late senior monk of the Ramakrishna exclaimed, "What an Ramakrishna Order, Swami Apurvananda who was a direct disciple of the Holy people to their highest good. absurd proposition!” Mathur Babu Mother Sri Sarada Devi as a homage on the occasion of her birthday. protested: "How can it be? A plant Aju Mukhopadhyay, the Poet, Critic and Author of Kolkata, India, which produces only red flowers completes his narration of the lively story of Kabirdas, the mystic, poet and Men are from their very birth attached to sense-objects, to cannot produce any other coloured saint. Sujatha Ravibaskar teaches what we can learn from the story of Prahlada flower!” Sri Ramakrishna said, "God in her “Lessons from Legends”. things affecting their physical welfare, and to their relatives – can do that, for everything depends on Many readers look forward to reading the “News & Notes” feature His will.” Mathur Babu was not all of which are but sources of danger to them. that gives a bird’s eye-view of the entire gamut of activities of the Centre in convinced. The next day while taking a stroll in the temple garden Sri Singapore. The “Pearls of Wisdom” from Uddhava Gita forms the auspicious Ramakrishna came across a hibiscus beginning, as usual, of this quarterly magazine. (To be continued) Uddhava Gita 16 (20 – 24) plant in which two flowers of different Nirvana joins thousands of Singaporeans who irrespective of race colours were found on the same or religion, creed or language mourn the demise of late President S R Nathan branch, one was red and the other by paying a tribute to the departed soul. was snow white.

1 President’s Page

Mother reveals Herself

Nineth November of this year creates a little nostalgia with regard to the most important worship of the Divine Mother – called Sri Jagaddhatri. The Myth and Puja was held at our Ranchi Sanatorium in India where I was blessed to witness for 12 long years. The enthusiasm and exuberance that expressed Mystery in the in different forms in staff of the hospital, devotees of the Ashram and the tribal public of the neighbouring villages and also well-wishers from distant Mystic Life of towns and lands too are something not easily explainable! it was a ‘puja fever’ under the spell of which we all came to our great delight. Bhakta Kabir

As per ancient pauranik lore of the Hindu scriptures, soon after the victory over Mahishasura the Devatas by Aju Mukhopadhyay became highly egoistic. They thought because of lending to Durga their instruments the mighty asuras were vanquished. Part 3

To make them understand that the primordial power is alone behind every action, the Brahman appeared before the Devatas in the form of effulgent Yaksha. Bewildered by its presence one by one the True Devotee and clarified butter was poured and Devatas approached Yaksha. First the god of wind Perfect Master Vayu. The Yaksha asked him what he could do. The incense was burnt profusely. Vayu replied that he could throw away huge trees, One Dharam Das, a wealthy Suddenly Kabir appeared and said, tumble high mountains. The Yaksha then placed a businessman, was worshipping some “Dharam Das, you seem to be a great small grass and asked him to move it. stones at the bank of the Ganges sinner.” The Vayu utilised all his powers but lo! From The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna with his wife. While passing by that he could not even displace it. So also way Kabir stopped and commented Startled, his wife returned the charge the god of fire Agni, could not even (To M.) “One must accept the forms of God. burn it. Likewise one by one the that the large stones must be for on Kabir. Then Kabir pointed out Do you know the meaning of the image of weighing two seers and the smaller how they were burning large Jagaddhatri? She is the Bearer of the Devatas failed. Universe. Without her support and ones for a quarter. Annoyed at this, numbers of innocent lives which protection the universe would fall from its And it dawned on them that their Dharam Das looked at the speaker resided inside the logs being burnt. place and be destroyed. The Divine Mother, powers are in reality not their own but who spoke again, “Tell me, have they With the radiant face of the saint derived from the supreme power who Jagaddhatri, reveals Herself in the heart of ever spoken to you, have they ever floating before his eyes, the merchant one who can control the mind, which may as protecting mother holds the entire be compared to an elephant.” creation and therefore called responded to your prayers?” With felt deep remorse. The wife gave a Jagaddhatri. Anybody who worships this he vanished. wise suggestion to hold a yagna RĀKHĀL : “The mind is a mad elephant.” Jagaddhatri becomes absolutely egoless ceremony and invite all sadhus for and a true servant of the world which is Months passed. Dharam Das and free meals. “I’m sure that he’ll come, MASTER: “Therefore the lion, the carrier of nothing but a manifestation of the his wife Amna were performing a for flies always swarm around sugar,” the Divine Mother, keeps it under control.” Brahman. –Swami Vimokshananda havan, a religious rite, in which she said.

2 President’s Page

Mother reveals Herself

Nineth November of this year creates a little nostalgia with regard to the most important worship of the Divine Mother – called Sri Jagaddhatri. The Myth and Puja was held at our Ranchi Sanatorium in India where I was blessed to witness for 12 long years. The enthusiasm and exuberance that expressed Mystery in the in different forms in staff of the hospital, devotees of the Ashram and the tribal public of the neighbouring villages and also well-wishers from distant Mystic Life of towns and lands too are something not easily explainable! it was a ‘puja fever’ under the spell of which we all came to our great delight. Bhakta Kabir

As per ancient pauranik lore of the Hindu scriptures, soon after the victory over Mahishasura the Devatas by Aju Mukhopadhyay became highly egoistic. They thought because of lending to Durga their instruments the mighty asuras were vanquished. Part 3

To make them understand that the primordial power is alone behind every action, the Brahman appeared before the Devatas in the form of effulgent Yaksha. Bewildered by its presence one by one the True Devotee and clarified butter was poured and Devatas approached Yaksha. First the god of wind Perfect Master Vayu. The Yaksha asked him what he could do. The incense was burnt profusely. Vayu replied that he could throw away huge trees, One Dharam Das, a wealthy Suddenly Kabir appeared and said, tumble high mountains. The Yaksha then placed a businessman, was worshipping some “Dharam Das, you seem to be a great small grass and asked him to move it. stones at the bank of the Ganges sinner.” The Vayu utilised all his powers but lo! From The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna with his wife. While passing by that he could not even displace it. So also way Kabir stopped and commented Startled, his wife returned the charge the god of fire Agni, could not even (To M.) “One must accept the forms of God. burn it. Likewise one by one the that the large stones must be for on Kabir. Then Kabir pointed out Do you know the meaning of the image of weighing two seers and the smaller how they were burning large Jagaddhatri? She is the Bearer of the Devatas failed. Universe. Without her support and ones for a quarter. Annoyed at this, numbers of innocent lives which protection the universe would fall from its And it dawned on them that their Dharam Das looked at the speaker resided inside the logs being burnt. place and be destroyed. The Divine Mother, powers are in reality not their own but who spoke again, “Tell me, have they With the radiant face of the saint derived from the supreme power who Jagaddhatri, reveals Herself in the heart of ever spoken to you, have they ever floating before his eyes, the merchant one who can control the mind, which may as protecting mother holds the entire be compared to an elephant.” creation and therefore called responded to your prayers?” With felt deep remorse. The wife gave a Jagaddhatri. Anybody who worships this he vanished. wise suggestion to hold a yagna RĀKHĀL : “The mind is a mad elephant.” Jagaddhatri becomes absolutely egoless ceremony and invite all sadhus for and a true servant of the world which is Months passed. Dharam Das and free meals. “I’m sure that he’ll come, MASTER: “Therefore the lion, the carrier of nothing but a manifestation of the his wife Amna were performing a for flies always swarm around sugar,” the Divine Mother, keeps it under control.” Brahman. –Swami Vimokshananda havan, a religious rite, in which she said.

3 Numbers of yagnas were performed, Upholders of so called religions In life and in death, dear Lord, Thou numbers of sadhus came but not complained against him to Sultan alone art my support, my succour.” Thus Sant Kabir Spoke Kabir. Dharam Das lost all money, Sikander Lodi who ordered him to On Guru: his business dwindled. Frustrated, be brought to the court. Hands and feet bound by heavy Those who think lightly of their Guru are blind, he felt like committing suicide and chains he was thrown into the river, indeed. When God frowns upon you, the Guru is your proceeded to a remote place of the Brought before the Sultan, Kabir but the waves broke the chains and refuge; river to drown himself. Suddenly that made a greeting like to any ordinary Kabir was seen floating on the water. but when the Guru frowns, you have no refuge smiling radiant face appeared before man. Kazi charged him for not They said that it was a trick played anywhere! If body is a venomous creeper Guru is a tank him. Dharam Das said, “Day after properly bowing to the Sultan. Kabir by the magician. Kabir said, “O full-o' -nectar. day, for months I have searched for replied that he knew only one king Kabir, no one is mine in this world; Should you give for Guru your head Still the you, from place to place. I performed and he bowed only to Him. Hindus in the water and on the earth, my price is far less paid. dozens of yagnas . . .” charged him as low-caste with many savior is the Lord.” He was then On Egotism: He who says always 'my' and ‘I’ his ego does other faults and Muslims charged thrown at the feet of the elephant everything destroy. The reply was, “It had to be so. Your him with heresy, calling him kafir. which refused to trample him in spite It binds the feet tight as a chain, wife said, ‘Flies always swarm around Kabir said that the indwelling God is of the goading by the mahout. “In its It acts like a noose of death and pain. On Maya: sugar’. Had I come earlier, you neither a Hindu nor a Turk. heart too dwelt the Lord” – said Very few are aware that both Maya and a would always have thought devotees Kabir. He was then thrown into fire. shadow behave alike. can be won over by wealth.” Raising Impressed by his straight- To the Sultan’s great surprise, he Run away from them and they chase you; face them boldly and see them both run away Dharam Das he said, “Arise, forwardness and personality, emerged unburnt emitting divine from you! Dharam Das, and remember that Sikander Lodi dismissed the charges radiance. On Practice: those who run after wealth like against him. But the orthodoxy made There are many to preach; alas, so few to hungry dogs after a piece of bread, every effort to bring Kabir back to Ashamed, Sikander Lodi ordered practise. It is better that empty precepts are dumped in are not true devotees. A perfect the court. Looking at the Hindu and him to be unchained and admitted streams, Master covets nothing from disciples Muslim accusers present he smiled. that he could not realize his for preaching without practice is . . . Satguru is a giver, not a beggar. The Sultan asked what amused him. greatness. Feeling guilty, he bent his nothing but senseless screams. On Adultery: Material wealth is like the shadow of He said among other things that, head. And Kabir of noble practice, The neighbour's wife is a deadly knife. a tree- it never stays in the same “They could never bear to stand pardoned the Sultan. Bring her never into your life. place. Do not worry, I will give you together in the court of the King of Ravana, though ten-headed, lost his life, Because of his desire for Rama's the wealth of Nam . . . .” Kings, but today it amuses me to see This brings us close to the legend of wife. them standing united in the court of a great lover of Lord Krishna, On Truthfulness: The merchant and his wife, Amna a worldly king, a mortal like all Prahlad, who was equally and in the Dressed in love's attire Kabir would dance in were initiated by Sant Kabir and they others.” same manner persecuted by his mirth, And would sacrifice his all on one who spoke settled as his successor. tormentor, King Hiranyakasipu, in only truth. The invectives of the dignitaries the Indian lore Bhagavatam and how On Holy Men: God Saves a true Devotee convinced the Sultan that Kabir was he emerged unhurt by God’s grace. To become a holy man esteemed by all is like climbing a palm tree tall; Hindu priests and Muslim Maulvis guilty of blasphemy. In rage he Succeed, you enjoy the delicious juice; accused heretic Kabir of blasphemy ordered Kabir to be drowned. Kabir Staunch Unwavering Faith Fall, you're a heap of broken bones! for disregarding all tenets of said, “Lord, I live and have always When Sant Kabir turned more than He who's above the greed for gold and who's free from woman's hold, established religions. But the true lived under Thy shelter. The world a hundred years old, he decided to On such a holy man's feet I'll lie like dust seekers gathered around him. looks upon Thy lovers as its enemies. leave Benares to settle at Magahar, a

4 Numbers of yagnas were performed, Upholders of so called religions In life and in death, dear Lord, Thou numbers of sadhus came but not complained against him to Sultan alone art my support, my succour.” Thus Sant Kabir Spoke Kabir. Dharam Das lost all money, Sikander Lodi who ordered him to On Guru: his business dwindled. Frustrated, be brought to the court. Hands and feet bound by heavy Those who think lightly of their Guru are blind, he felt like committing suicide and chains he was thrown into the river, indeed. When God frowns upon you, the Guru is your proceeded to a remote place of the Brought before the Sultan, Kabir but the waves broke the chains and refuge; river to drown himself. Suddenly that made a greeting like to any ordinary Kabir was seen floating on the water. but when the Guru frowns, you have no refuge smiling radiant face appeared before man. Kazi charged him for not They said that it was a trick played anywhere! If body is a venomous creeper Guru is a tank him. Dharam Das said, “Day after properly bowing to the Sultan. Kabir by the magician. Kabir said, “O full-o' -nectar. day, for months I have searched for replied that he knew only one king Kabir, no one is mine in this world; Should you give for Guru your head Still the you, from place to place. I performed and he bowed only to Him. Hindus in the water and on the earth, my price is far less paid. dozens of yagnas . . .” charged him as low-caste with many savior is the Lord.” He was then On Egotism: He who says always 'my' and ‘I’ his ego does other faults and Muslims charged thrown at the feet of the elephant everything destroy. The reply was, “It had to be so. Your him with heresy, calling him kafir. which refused to trample him in spite It binds the feet tight as a chain, wife said, ‘Flies always swarm around Kabir said that the indwelling God is of the goading by the mahout. “In its It acts like a noose of death and pain. On Maya: sugar’. Had I come earlier, you neither a Hindu nor a Turk. heart too dwelt the Lord” – said Very few are aware that both Maya and a would always have thought devotees Kabir. He was then thrown into fire. shadow behave alike. can be won over by wealth.” Raising Impressed by his straight- To the Sultan’s great surprise, he Run away from them and they chase you; face them boldly and see them both run away Dharam Das he said, “Arise, forwardness and personality, emerged unburnt emitting divine from you! Dharam Das, and remember that Sikander Lodi dismissed the charges radiance. On Practice: those who run after wealth like against him. But the orthodoxy made There are many to preach; alas, so few to hungry dogs after a piece of bread, every effort to bring Kabir back to Ashamed, Sikander Lodi ordered practise. It is better that empty precepts are dumped in are not true devotees. A perfect the court. Looking at the Hindu and him to be unchained and admitted streams, Master covets nothing from disciples Muslim accusers present he smiled. that he could not realize his for preaching without practice is . . . Satguru is a giver, not a beggar. The Sultan asked what amused him. greatness. Feeling guilty, he bent his nothing but senseless screams. On Adultery: Material wealth is like the shadow of He said among other things that, head. And Kabir of noble practice, The neighbour's wife is a deadly knife. a tree- it never stays in the same “They could never bear to stand pardoned the Sultan. Bring her never into your life. place. Do not worry, I will give you together in the court of the King of Ravana, though ten-headed, lost his life, Because of his desire for Rama's the wealth of Nam . . . .” Kings, but today it amuses me to see This brings us close to the legend of wife. them standing united in the court of a great lover of Lord Krishna, On Truthfulness: The merchant and his wife, Amna a worldly king, a mortal like all Prahlad, who was equally and in the Dressed in love's attire Kabir would dance in were initiated by Sant Kabir and they others.” same manner persecuted by his mirth, And would sacrifice his all on one who spoke settled as his successor. tormentor, King Hiranyakasipu, in only truth. The invectives of the dignitaries the Indian lore Bhagavatam and how On Holy Men: God Saves a true Devotee convinced the Sultan that Kabir was he emerged unhurt by God’s grace. To become a holy man esteemed by all is like climbing a palm tree tall; Hindu priests and Muslim Maulvis guilty of blasphemy. In rage he Succeed, you enjoy the delicious juice; accused heretic Kabir of blasphemy ordered Kabir to be drowned. Kabir Staunch Unwavering Faith Fall, you're a heap of broken bones! for disregarding all tenets of said, “Lord, I live and have always When Sant Kabir turned more than He who's above the greed for gold and who's free from woman's hold, established religions. But the true lived under Thy shelter. The world a hundred years old, he decided to On such a holy man's feet I'll lie like dust seekers gathered around him. looks upon Thy lovers as its enemies. leave Benares to settle at Magahar, a

5 small town at a Kabir and Vivekananda emancipates the eighteenth century Saint-Poet of over the dead body of the saint; distance of some Similarities between Kabir and Swami entire fold of his Bengal, Ramprasad Sen, the Kali Hindus led by King Vir Singh 175 miles in the Vivekananda are also significant. Both of them disciples.” He worshipper. He too was a singer. He Baghela and Muslims led by Nawab wanted a 'root and branch' reform in the Indian north-east of society but on the basis of spirituality. Both said, “I have sang in one of his songs, Bijli Khan claimed to burn and bury Benares. Belief is preached morality as the foundation for all ascended the ‘O mind, his body with rites. that one dying in spiritual life and progress. Both used a very divine throne and you don’t know agriculture: Benares would strong language against oppressors and met the Lord. Such a fertile field “The shroud was removed. A large charlatans. Both upheld the need for a new not be reborn, approach and application of religion under the God and Kabir as human being quantity of flowers was seen under it. going straight to changed conditions of Indian society. Both have become one: remains fallow. Half of the flowers was taken by the heaven but one preached Yoga to the masses along with Jnana no one can Gold it would yield king of Kashi and burnt on the bank and Bhakti. In fact, Swamiji spoke of Kabir as dying in his ideal of 'reformation through spiritual distinguish who after cultivating . . .’ of holy Ganga. The ashes were then Magahar would upliftment.' With such strong similarities is who.” This buried and a temple was built. This be reborn as a between the 15th century celebrity and the two echoes Al-Hallaj, Kabir cultivated the human being in temple is known by the name of epoch makers of the 19th century India, it is but donkey. He natural that the modern Indian feels attracted to the Sufi poet, this precious birth and reaped the Kabir Chaura—a great place of decided to leave the precepts of Kabir. A new hunger for pure declaring anal haq benefits in this life. The similarity in pilgrimage for the followers of Kabir. the oldest town spirituality has arisen all over the world and it which means I their thought process is striking. The other half of the flowers was of the world, cannot be satisfied by meaningless rituals or by am That After Kabir’s coming to stay at taken by the Mohammedans and the pseudo cults of 'Mahatmas' and 'Babas' and most auspicious 'Matajis'. Kabir's life and message can supply us “so’ham”. Many Magahar, the dry river called Ami, buried at Magahar where Kabir to Hindus. pure, refreshing spirituality, enabling us to love great rishis in started flowing throughout the year died. A mosque was built over the Swami and serve God within and without. India realized and its stigma was removed. grave. This is a place of pilgrimage Sivananda wrote – Swami Gautamananda this at some point for Mohammedans.” that though his Trustee, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna of their sadhana. The Last Miracle life was spared, Mission, Belur Math One afternoon Sant Kabir was found Whether it was really a miracle or a Kabir was President, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai The Saint-Poet lying on the floor covered with a few faithful removed the body banished from wrote in his white sheet, his face radiating peace stealthily substituting it with flowers the city of Kashi. poem, and bliss without life in it. The river was not known, opined V. K. Sethi This took place in 1495 A.D. when What I was once of life merged into the ocean of the author of “Kabir the Weaver of Kabir was fifty-six years of age. The I am not now, infinity. There was a great dispute God’s Name”. Swami referred to Sikander Lodi as I have reaped the benefit the one who banished him. This was Of my precious human birth; the opinion of some others too. Says Kabir: Listen friends, Let no doubts remain: His disciples were shocked and even He who has true faith in the Lord, enemies never dreamt it. Against all For him, holy Kasi and barren Magahar are requests Kabir decided to go against the same. tradition and superstition. He said, (Sethi 40) “A man who committed hundred sins will not escape the fires of hell even if The sentence “I have reaped the he dies in Benares; but a saint of benefit of my precious human birth” God, even if he dies in Magahar, reminds us of the claim of another

6 small town at a Kabir and Vivekananda emancipates the eighteenth century Saint-Poet of over the dead body of the saint; distance of some Similarities between Kabir and Swami entire fold of his Bengal, Ramprasad Sen, the Kali Hindus led by King Vir Singh 175 miles in the Vivekananda are also significant. Both of them disciples.” He worshipper. He too was a singer. He Baghela and Muslims led by Nawab wanted a 'root and branch' reform in the Indian north-east of society but on the basis of spirituality. Both said, “I have sang in one of his songs, Bijli Khan claimed to burn and bury Benares. Belief is preached morality as the foundation for all ascended the ‘O mind, his body with rites. that one dying in spiritual life and progress. Both used a very divine throne and you don’t know agriculture: Benares would strong language against oppressors and met the Lord. Such a fertile field “The shroud was removed. A large charlatans. Both upheld the need for a new not be reborn, approach and application of religion under the God and Kabir as human being quantity of flowers was seen under it. going straight to changed conditions of Indian society. Both have become one: remains fallow. Half of the flowers was taken by the heaven but one preached Yoga to the masses along with Jnana no one can Gold it would yield king of Kashi and burnt on the bank and Bhakti. In fact, Swamiji spoke of Kabir as dying in his ideal of 'reformation through spiritual distinguish who after cultivating . . .’ of holy Ganga. The ashes were then Magahar would upliftment.' With such strong similarities is who.” This buried and a temple was built. This be reborn as a between the 15th century celebrity and the two echoes Al-Hallaj, Kabir cultivated the human being in temple is known by the name of epoch makers of the 19th century India, it is but donkey. He natural that the modern Indian feels attracted to the Sufi poet, this precious birth and reaped the Kabir Chaura—a great place of decided to leave the precepts of Kabir. A new hunger for pure declaring anal haq benefits in this life. The similarity in pilgrimage for the followers of Kabir. the oldest town spirituality has arisen all over the world and it which means I their thought process is striking. The other half of the flowers was of the world, cannot be satisfied by meaningless rituals or by am That After Kabir’s coming to stay at taken by the Mohammedans and the pseudo cults of 'Mahatmas' and 'Babas' and most auspicious 'Matajis'. Kabir's life and message can supply us “so’ham”. Many Magahar, the dry river called Ami, buried at Magahar where Kabir to Hindus. pure, refreshing spirituality, enabling us to love great rishis in started flowing throughout the year died. A mosque was built over the Swami and serve God within and without. India realized and its stigma was removed. grave. This is a place of pilgrimage Sivananda wrote – Swami Gautamananda this at some point for Mohammedans.” that though his Trustee, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna of their sadhana. The Last Miracle life was spared, Mission, Belur Math One afternoon Sant Kabir was found Whether it was really a miracle or a Kabir was President, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai The Saint-Poet lying on the floor covered with a few faithful removed the body banished from wrote in his white sheet, his face radiating peace stealthily substituting it with flowers the city of Kashi. poem, and bliss without life in it. The river was not known, opined V. K. Sethi This took place in 1495 A.D. when What I was once of life merged into the ocean of the author of “Kabir the Weaver of Kabir was fifty-six years of age. The I am not now, infinity. There was a great dispute God’s Name”. Swami referred to Sikander Lodi as I have reaped the benefit the one who banished him. This was Of my precious human birth; the opinion of some others too. Says Kabir: Listen friends, Let no doubts remain: His disciples were shocked and even He who has true faith in the Lord, enemies never dreamt it. Against all For him, holy Kasi and barren Magahar are requests Kabir decided to go against the same. tradition and superstition. He said, (Sethi 40) “A man who committed hundred sins will not escape the fires of hell even if The sentence “I have reaped the he dies in Benares; but a saint of benefit of my precious human birth” God, even if he dies in Magahar, reminds us of the claim of another

7 In 1919 Swami Apurvananda was initiated Six Days in the Divine Realm by Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. He got his brahmacharya diksha in 1920 and William Page sannyasa diksha in 1923 from Swami Shivananda in Belur Math. From 1919 to 1937 he was an attendant of Mahapurush A Divine Dream Accordingly, young Kshitindra Maharaj. During that period he came into wrote to Swami Shivananda, close contact with some of the direct In 1918, a teenaged Indian boy telling about his dream and asking disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. He was made the arduous trek from his permission to visit. A warm letter President of Varanasi Advaita Ashrama village in East Bengal to Belur of welcome followed, and twice; the second time tenure was till his Math, the headquarters of the Kshitindra set out on his journey. death in 1990. He authored many books Ramakrishna Order. His memoirs, in Sanskrit and Bengali, which were later published in Bengali seventy- At Belur Math translated into other languages. He three years later, tell us not a word earned sincere respect and love from all about the hardships he endured. When he arrived at Belur Math, those to whom he showered deep love, All we know is that when he Kshitindra instantly felt that he affection and plenty of good wishes. arrived in the great metropolis had come home. He also felt that then called Calcutta, he stayed he had entered a “divine realm,” a with a friend in Baghbazar. world inhabited by divine beings Kshitindra was given accommo- come them because it proves to be (the direct disciples of Sri dation in the visitors’ room, took a testing ground. That’s what His name was Kshitindra Bose, Ramakrishna). Hence the title of his meals with the monks, and happened to young Kshitindra. At and he was only eighteen. Two his memoirs, published in 1991 as settled happily into the monastic the Udbodhan office, he met years earlier, inspired by the Devaloke (literally, “in the world routine. There were no questions Swami Saradananda. But he was writings of Swami Vivekananda, of the gods”), and recently about how long he would stay. unable to meet Holy Mother, who he had joined a local ashram translated into English by Advaita Everybody just naturally assumed had just gone out. Kshitindra was founded by an elderly devotee, Ashrama and published under the that this was where he belonged. deeply disappointed. one Jadu Babu. title In the Divine Realm. On his fourth day, at the He then went to Balaram Mandir, One night Kshitindra had a dream On his first day, Kshitindra met suggestion of Swami Shivananda, where he met Swami of a monastery on the bank of a Swami Shivananda and recog- Kshitindra set out for Calcutta by Brahmananda and, in the evening, river, where a holy old sannyasi nized him as the sannyasi he had boat early in the morning. He Swami Turiyananda. When he lived. When Kshitindra told Jadu seen in his dream. The great wanted to meet Holy Mother, who expressed his frustration at not Babu about his dream, the old swami welcomed him warmly and was living at the Udbodhan office, being able to meet Holy Mother, man said, “I think you’ve seen blessed him. Kshitindra also met also known as Mother’s House; Swami Turiyananda gently Mahapurush Maharaj (Swami Khoka Maharaj (Swami Subodha- and also to meet Swamis explained: “Is it so easy to obtain Shivananda) at Belur Math. You nanda), who impressed him with Brahmananda and Turiyananda at Mother’s darshan? She has not ought to go there and find out.” his childlike simplicity. Balaram Mandir. favored you with darshan today so that your longing may intensify. Obstacles This is an abridged version by the Bangkok resident author, of an article published Weep and pray to her. She will in Global Vedanta magazine, issue of Winter 2015-2016. We thank the publisher, certainly grant your wish.” Thus Religious aspirants often find that encouraged, Kshitindra went to the Vedanta Society of Western Washington, in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., for obstacles arise when they are kindly granting us permission to publish it. the Udbodhan office again the trying to lead a holy life. They wel- next morning, only to encounter a

8 In 1919 Swami Apurvananda was initiated Six Days in the Divine Realm by Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. He got his brahmacharya diksha in 1920 and William Page sannyasa diksha in 1923 from Swami Shivananda in Belur Math. From 1919 to 1937 he was an attendant of Mahapurush A Divine Dream Accordingly, young Kshitindra Maharaj. During that period he came into wrote to Swami Shivananda, close contact with some of the direct In 1918, a teenaged Indian boy telling about his dream and asking disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. He was made the arduous trek from his permission to visit. A warm letter President of Varanasi Advaita Ashrama village in East Bengal to Belur of welcome followed, and twice; the second time tenure was till his Math, the headquarters of the Kshitindra set out on his journey. death in 1990. He authored many books Ramakrishna Order. His memoirs, in Sanskrit and Bengali, which were later published in Bengali seventy- At Belur Math translated into other languages. He three years later, tell us not a word earned sincere respect and love from all about the hardships he endured. When he arrived at Belur Math, those to whom he showered deep love, All we know is that when he Kshitindra instantly felt that he affection and plenty of good wishes. arrived in the great metropolis had come home. He also felt that then called Calcutta, he stayed he had entered a “divine realm,” a with a friend in Baghbazar. world inhabited by divine beings Kshitindra was given accommo- come them because it proves to be (the direct disciples of Sri dation in the visitors’ room, took a testing ground. That’s what His name was Kshitindra Bose, Ramakrishna). Hence the title of his meals with the monks, and happened to young Kshitindra. At and he was only eighteen. Two his memoirs, published in 1991 as settled happily into the monastic the Udbodhan office, he met years earlier, inspired by the Devaloke (literally, “in the world routine. There were no questions Swami Saradananda. But he was writings of Swami Vivekananda, of the gods”), and recently about how long he would stay. unable to meet Holy Mother, who he had joined a local ashram translated into English by Advaita Everybody just naturally assumed had just gone out. Kshitindra was founded by an elderly devotee, Ashrama and published under the that this was where he belonged. deeply disappointed. one Jadu Babu. title In the Divine Realm. On his fourth day, at the He then went to Balaram Mandir, One night Kshitindra had a dream On his first day, Kshitindra met suggestion of Swami Shivananda, where he met Swami of a monastery on the bank of a Swami Shivananda and recog- Kshitindra set out for Calcutta by Brahmananda and, in the evening, river, where a holy old sannyasi nized him as the sannyasi he had boat early in the morning. He Swami Turiyananda. When he lived. When Kshitindra told Jadu seen in his dream. The great wanted to meet Holy Mother, who expressed his frustration at not Babu about his dream, the old swami welcomed him warmly and was living at the Udbodhan office, being able to meet Holy Mother, man said, “I think you’ve seen blessed him. Kshitindra also met also known as Mother’s House; Swami Turiyananda gently Mahapurush Maharaj (Swami Khoka Maharaj (Swami Subodha- and also to meet Swamis explained: “Is it so easy to obtain Shivananda) at Belur Math. You nanda), who impressed him with Brahmananda and Turiyananda at Mother’s darshan? She has not ought to go there and find out.” his childlike simplicity. Balaram Mandir. favored you with darshan today so that your longing may intensify. Obstacles This is an abridged version by the Bangkok resident author, of an article published Weep and pray to her. She will in Global Vedanta magazine, issue of Winter 2015-2016. We thank the publisher, certainly grant your wish.” Thus Religious aspirants often find that encouraged, Kshitindra went to the Vedanta Society of Western Washington, in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., for obstacles arise when they are kindly granting us permission to publish it. the Udbodhan office again the trying to lead a holy life. They wel- next morning, only to encounter a

9 new obstacle: Holy Mother wasn’t There was a crowd of fifteen to and gave him a of the Order in seeing male devotees that day. twenty people ahead of him. They “Bengali kiss,” the year 1922, “Come tomorrow,” they told him. all took prasad, then lined up on a an affectionate Kshitindra was Swami Saradananda was stairway, with Kshitindra at the gesture Bengali appointed his meditating, so Kshitindra couldn’t very end. One by one they went mothers make attendant. A see him, either. At Balaram up the stairway, made pranams to by gently year later, Mandir there were more Mother, who was sitting, veiled, touching their Swami obstacles: Swami Brahmananda inside the room at the top of the children under Shivananda wasn’t seeing anybody because he stairs, and went down a stairway the chin. Then gave him wasn’t feeling well, and Swami on the other side. Kshitindra was she asked softly, sannyas — and Turiyananda wasn’t available till anxious and fearful. What if “Son, have you the name evening. All the roads to holy Mother didn’t speak to him? had prasad?” Swami Apurva- company seemed blocked. What if she didn’t even Those few nanda. acknowledge his existence? What words affected A Red-letter Day for if she stopped giving darshan him deeply. He In the years that Kshitindra before his turn came? could barely followed, speak, but he Swami On the sixth day, the obstacles Finally all the other devotees had managed to Apurvananda vanished. This was a red-letter finished and gone down the other choke out the accompanied day for young stairway. Now it words, “Yes, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi at Level 1, below Swami Shiva- Sri Ramakrishna Temple in Singapore Kshitindra. It was Kshitindra’s Mother.” nanda on his started off early in turn. He went to extensive the morning, the doorway, As he went down the stairs, travels, hardly ever left his side, while he was looked inside, and somewhat dazed, he looked back even slept on the floor of his meditating in his s a w a w o m a n and saw that Mother was still bedroom, and was with him at the friend’s prayer sitting there unveiled, still gazing affectionately time of his death in 1934. He had room. He had a wrapped in a after him. The experience made a served him faithfully for sixteen vision in which he shawl, completely powerful impression that years. He also served his was transformed covered. He remained with him for the rest of successors as President, Swami into a baby. prostrated himself his life. Akhandananda and Swami before her, his Vijnanananda. A shining goddess eyes wet with Later Days took him in her tears. And when He lived a long and fruitful life, lap and played he looked up, lo! He stayed four more days at Belur serving as head of the centers at with him. She She had Math during that first visit, but Shyamla Tal, Bhubaneshwar, and fondled, caressed, uncovered her the memories remained in his Varanasi (Advaita Ashrama). To and tickled him as he gurgled face. She was the goddess he had heart for the rest of his life. Soon his credit there are many books happily. He had no idea how long seen in his dream, right down to Holy Mother initiated him at and a hymn in Sanskrit. He died this experience lasted, but he the white sari with the thin red Jayrambati; later Swami in 1990, shortly after completing noticed that the goddess had a border. Shivananda gave him his memoirs. Those who read white sari with a thin red border. brahmacharya and the name them today, may readily conclude Stunned by this vision, but greatly Everlasting Experience Shankarachaitanya. When Swami that he himself had become a exhilarated, he went to the Shivananda worthy resident Udbodhan office after six a.m. to He crept forward to touch her feet. became the Sri Sarada Devi Jayanti on of the Divine try to finally meet Holy Mother. She smiled, wiped away his tears, second President 20 December 2016 Realm.

10 new obstacle: Holy Mother wasn’t There was a crowd of fifteen to and gave him a of the Order in seeing male devotees that day. twenty people ahead of him. They “Bengali kiss,” the year 1922, “Come tomorrow,” they told him. all took prasad, then lined up on a an affectionate Kshitindra was Swami Saradananda was stairway, with Kshitindra at the gesture Bengali appointed his meditating, so Kshitindra couldn’t very end. One by one they went mothers make attendant. A see him, either. At Balaram up the stairway, made pranams to by gently year later, Mandir there were more Mother, who was sitting, veiled, touching their Swami obstacles: Swami Brahmananda inside the room at the top of the children under Shivananda wasn’t seeing anybody because he stairs, and went down a stairway the chin. Then gave him wasn’t feeling well, and Swami on the other side. Kshitindra was she asked softly, sannyas — and Turiyananda wasn’t available till anxious and fearful. What if “Son, have you the name evening. All the roads to holy Mother didn’t speak to him? had prasad?” Swami Apurva- company seemed blocked. What if she didn’t even Those few nanda. acknowledge his existence? What words affected A Red-letter Day for if she stopped giving darshan him deeply. He In the years that Kshitindra before his turn came? could barely followed, speak, but he Swami On the sixth day, the obstacles Finally all the other devotees had managed to Apurvananda vanished. This was a red-letter finished and gone down the other choke out the accompanied day for young stairway. Now it words, “Yes, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi at Level 1, below Swami Shiva- Sri Ramakrishna Temple in Singapore Kshitindra. It was Kshitindra’s Mother.” nanda on his started off early in turn. He went to extensive the morning, the doorway, As he went down the stairs, travels, hardly ever left his side, while he was looked inside, and somewhat dazed, he looked back even slept on the floor of his meditating in his s a w a w o m a n and saw that Mother was still bedroom, and was with him at the friend’s prayer sitting there unveiled, still gazing affectionately time of his death in 1934. He had room. He had a wrapped in a after him. The experience made a served him faithfully for sixteen vision in which he shawl, completely powerful impression that years. He also served his was transformed covered. He remained with him for the rest of successors as President, Swami into a baby. prostrated himself his life. Akhandananda and Swami before her, his Vijnanananda. A shining goddess eyes wet with Later Days took him in her tears. And when He lived a long and fruitful life, lap and played he looked up, lo! He stayed four more days at Belur serving as head of the centers at with him. She She had Math during that first visit, but Shyamla Tal, Bhubaneshwar, and fondled, caressed, uncovered her the memories remained in his Varanasi (Advaita Ashrama). To and tickled him as he gurgled face. She was the goddess he had heart for the rest of his life. Soon his credit there are many books happily. He had no idea how long seen in his dream, right down to Holy Mother initiated him at and a hymn in Sanskrit. He died this experience lasted, but he the white sari with the thin red Jayrambati; later Swami in 1990, shortly after completing noticed that the goddess had a border. Shivananda gave him his memoirs. Those who read white sari with a thin red border. brahmacharya and the name them today, may readily conclude Stunned by this vision, but greatly Everlasting Experience Shankarachaitanya. When Swami that he himself had become a exhilarated, he went to the Shivananda worthy resident Udbodhan office after six a.m. to He crept forward to touch her feet. became the Sri Sarada Devi Jayanti on of the Divine try to finally meet Holy Mother. She smiled, wiped away his tears, second President 20 December 2016 Realm.

11 SECTION TWO : is in them. Thus it is not that the CHAPTERS 2 – 4 devas ‘created’ the Devi; rather, it Spiritual Import of Saptashati is that the Devi who is the sum 1 On the evolution ladder, we total of the powers of the Devas human beings stand the highest. (and much more!) revealed Kissoon Behari But having evolved from the Herself. animal world, we quite evidently still possess some animalistic 4 The implication is that to The myths are allegorical, for, the by Lord Brahma. On the other tendencies and qualities. control or overcome our lower external conflicts represent our hand, the opposing and Evolution may have stopped at the nature, one has to use the own internal conflicts. The destructive forces are symbolised physical/physiological level, but combined positive resources that demons are our own impulses in by the two demons. continues at the psycho-social and lie within one – else each one will search of earthly and heavenly spiritual levels. This is essentially be conquered just as the devas power and pleasures. Lord Brahma’s appeal to the a struggle between the lower man were expelled from their heavens Mother comes in in whom one by one. SECTION ONE : the face of utter animal We should CHAPTER 1 desperation. So, tendencies remember too, should be are predomi- that while 1 Lord Brahma the pleas and nant and the devas as well as prayers of the higher man occupy their Madhu and devotees. The wanting to own heavens, Kaitabha are devotee who express his they are also born from the surrenders to divinity. This resident in Lord. Good and the Mother and conflict is our bodies. evil, creation appeals represented Thus Lord and destruction earnestly to us in the Surya is in – all have their receives help. drama of the eyes, source in the one Mahishasura. Indra in the God. God 3 To face the hands, etc. Himself, of difficulties of the 2 “Mahisa” course, is world, one needs means a 5 During the beyond these a spiritual guide. buffalo, an battle with pairs of Faith and animal which the Devi, opposites. devotion arise in the devotee. One loves filth and mud, and enjoys Mahisasura changes from one becomes aware of a Higher Power. being dirty. He thus represents form to another. It is a dramatic 2 Life is a complex creative Suratha and Samadhi find Rishi the warped mind in the pursuit of portrayal of the evolution process process which involves a struggle Medhas who becomes their shameless pleasures, one whose and tendencies that accompany it. with forces that attempt to Spiritual Guide and shows them life is unregulated and wild, and is Thus, the elephant represents lust, hamper and halt their progress. the way to final liberation during characterised by indiscrimination, the lion anger. Finally, a man half The creative process is symbolised the dialogues that ensued. indolence, frivolity, and delusion. emerges from the buffalo body. This is the emergence of the Sri Devi Mahatmyam is also called Durga Saptashati or simply known as Sri Sri Chandi. It has 700 mantras, 3 The Devi is expressed through higher man. The Devi cuts off his divided into three Sections. The First Section dedicated to Mother Mahakali, consists of Chapter 1; the Second the combined light that emanates head, that is, She cuts off the head Section dedicated to Mahalakshmi covers Chapter 2 to 4 and the Third Section dedicated to Mahasaraswati from the devas themselves. It is of the ignorant man and by Her covers Chapters 5 to 13. The spiritual import of each Section is discussed. the power of the Devi Herself that grace bestows higher knowledge.

12 SECTION TWO : is in them. Thus it is not that the CHAPTERS 2 – 4 devas ‘created’ the Devi; rather, it Spiritual Import of Saptashati is that the Devi who is the sum 1 On the evolution ladder, we total of the powers of the Devas human beings stand the highest. (and much more!) revealed Kissoon Behari But having evolved from the Herself. animal world, we quite evidently still possess some animalistic 4 The implication is that to The myths are allegorical, for, the by Lord Brahma. On the other tendencies and qualities. control or overcome our lower external conflicts represent our hand, the opposing and Evolution may have stopped at the nature, one has to use the own internal conflicts. The destructive forces are symbolised physical/physiological level, but combined positive resources that demons are our own impulses in by the two demons. continues at the psycho-social and lie within one – else each one will search of earthly and heavenly spiritual levels. This is essentially be conquered just as the devas power and pleasures. Lord Brahma’s appeal to the a struggle between the lower man were expelled from their heavens Mother comes in in whom one by one. SECTION ONE : the face of utter animal We should CHAPTER 1 desperation. So, tendencies remember too, should be are predomi- that while 1 Lord Brahma the pleas and nant and the devas as well as prayers of the higher man occupy their Madhu and devotees. The wanting to own heavens, Kaitabha are devotee who express his they are also born from the surrenders to divinity. This resident in Lord. Good and the Mother and conflict is our bodies. evil, creation appeals represented Thus Lord and destruction earnestly to us in the Surya is in – all have their receives help. drama of the eyes, source in the one Mahishasura. Indra in the God. God 3 To face the hands, etc. Himself, of difficulties of the 2 “Mahisa” course, is world, one needs means a 5 During the beyond these a spiritual guide. buffalo, an battle with pairs of Faith and animal which the Devi, opposites. devotion arise in the devotee. One loves filth and mud, and enjoys Mahisasura changes from one becomes aware of a Higher Power. being dirty. He thus represents form to another. It is a dramatic 2 Life is a complex creative Suratha and Samadhi find Rishi the warped mind in the pursuit of portrayal of the evolution process process which involves a struggle Medhas who becomes their shameless pleasures, one whose and tendencies that accompany it. with forces that attempt to Spiritual Guide and shows them life is unregulated and wild, and is Thus, the elephant represents lust, hamper and halt their progress. the way to final liberation during characterised by indiscrimination, the lion anger. Finally, a man half The creative process is symbolised the dialogues that ensued. indolence, frivolity, and delusion. emerges from the buffalo body. This is the emergence of the Sri Devi Mahatmyam is also called Durga Saptashati or simply known as Sri Sri Chandi. It has 700 mantras, 3 The Devi is expressed through higher man. The Devi cuts off his divided into three Sections. The First Section dedicated to Mother Mahakali, consists of Chapter 1; the Second the combined light that emanates head, that is, She cuts off the head Section dedicated to Mahalakshmi covers Chapter 2 to 4 and the Third Section dedicated to Mahasaraswati from the devas themselves. It is of the ignorant man and by Her covers Chapters 5 to 13. The spiritual import of each Section is discussed. the power of the Devi Herself that grace bestows higher knowledge.

13 SECTION THREE : completely free from attachment egoism. The Devi themselves. The CHAPTERS 5 – 13 to the world. As the world with its simply annihilates killing of Raktabija maya cannot bind him, we say him by a mere “hum”. by Chamunda means 1 When Mother Parvati asks “Who that he has conquered the world, the destruction of the is being worshipped?” Ambika that is, has conquered the pride of Chanda and Munda: mental modifications emerges from within Her and the Mother when She has They were the first to by the awakenings of answers. The extremes of expressed Herself as the universe. have a vision of spiritual ignorance and knowledge are seen None of the demons have any Ambika. They consciousness in Her. Spirit and knowledge are notion of the divinity they represent the lower of the quality of light, hence confront. Knowledge attained is and more horrible 7 Sumbha and Ambika is also called “Gauri”, proportional to one’s sacrifice or aspect of our ego. Nisumbha: Sumbha which means “The Fair”. austerity (tapas) and self- is the more surrender. 6 When the Devi enlightened aspect of 2 Within each of us the same Candika encounters egoism. The word range of possibilities exists. All 5 Sumbha and Nisumbha are these demons, there Durge smritaa harasi bheetim itself means ‘to knowledge is within us, and each really robbers who have looted the emanates from Her ashesha jontoh shine’. Nisumbha is soul is potentially divine. The world of all its material grandeur. forehead the attachment. more this divinity is expressed, What an irony that, in a bid to awesome and swasthaih smritaa the more does one shine. allure the Divine Mother to them, ferocious Kali. As Her matimateeva shubhaam Both Sumbha and they are offering them to Her who origin is associated dadaasi | Nisumbha seek 3 The aspect of evolution is is Herself all wealth and beauty! with the third eye, Daaridraya dukha bhaya enjoyment in the stressed in Mother Parvati: As She represents the external world. daughter of the Himalaya 5 There is Divine Will and intellectual and haarini kaa twadanyaa Hence Sumbha Mountain, she is the mineral Individual Will. When the intuitive faculties. sarvopakaara karanaaya declares, “We are the kingdom; Her mount is the lion, Individual Will subordinates itself Kali seeks out and sadaardra chittaa || enjoyers of the best king of beasts; and as Kausiki, She to the Divine Will, that is, destroys the little objects”. But they are is knowledge, secular and surrenders to Divinity, it is the lower self (which is When called to mind in a slaves of their spiritual. Thus, in Her, all levels way to beatitude. But when the ruled by rajas and passions. difficult pass, you remove fear and aspects of creation are Individual Will goes counter to the tamas) so that it will symbolically embodied, and She is Divine Will, it is the way to hell – attain progressively for every person 8 Sumbha accuses therefore the Supreme Queen. if not hell itself! The devas have higher levels of When called to mind by those Mother Durga of such powers and knowledge as knowledge. in happiness, you bestow a pride and arrogance, 4 Although the Supreme Divinity will allow them to perform the mind still further pious but really this is an is before Chanda and Munda, work of the Mother. But the Raktabija: Rakta Which Goddess but you, instance of projecting they, being of a tamasic nature, demons channel all their energies means “blood” and his own qualities O Dispeller of can only see the outward beauty of to disrupt Her Divine Plan. bija means “seed”. onto Her. She the Mother. The messenger, too, is Accordingly, a power sufficient to Raktabija thus means poverty, pain and fear, withdraws the unable to understand the deeper overcome the demons is released one whose seeds are has an ever sympathetic heart Shaktis, the significance behind the Mother’s by the Divine Mother at different blood. When the for helping everyone? numerous powers reply: “He who will conquer Me in stages in the contest. blood of Raktabija Sri Sri Chandi Ch 4 Verse 17 that She had battle, he who will break My pride, falls to the ground, it projected, and stands he who is My match in the world Dhumralocana: The name means produces demons alone. In this act, She in strength shall be My husband.” “smoky-eyed”, and so suggests similar to him. He therefore reveals to him that She is the One Siva is Her husband. He is beyond veiled perception. He is thus represents the desires of the mind behind the many, that the entire the control of the gunas, ignorance and the grossest state of which endlessly multiply creation is but Her own Self.

14 SECTION THREE : completely free from attachment egoism. The Devi themselves. The CHAPTERS 5 – 13 to the world. As the world with its simply annihilates killing of Raktabija maya cannot bind him, we say him by a mere “hum”. by Chamunda means 1 When Mother Parvati asks “Who that he has conquered the world, the destruction of the is being worshipped?” Ambika that is, has conquered the pride of Chanda and Munda: mental modifications emerges from within Her and the Mother when She has They were the first to by the awakenings of answers. The extremes of expressed Herself as the universe. have a vision of spiritual ignorance and knowledge are seen None of the demons have any Ambika. They consciousness in Her. Spirit and knowledge are notion of the divinity they represent the lower of the quality of light, hence confront. Knowledge attained is and more horrible 7 Sumbha and Ambika is also called “Gauri”, proportional to one’s sacrifice or aspect of our ego. Nisumbha: Sumbha which means “The Fair”. austerity (tapas) and self- is the more surrender. 6 When the Devi enlightened aspect of 2 Within each of us the same Candika encounters egoism. The word range of possibilities exists. All 5 Sumbha and Nisumbha are these demons, there Durge smritaa harasi bheetim itself means ‘to knowledge is within us, and each really robbers who have looted the emanates from Her ashesha jontoh shine’. Nisumbha is soul is potentially divine. The world of all its material grandeur. forehead the attachment. more this divinity is expressed, What an irony that, in a bid to awesome and swasthaih smritaa the more does one shine. allure the Divine Mother to them, ferocious Kali. As Her matimateeva shubhaam Both Sumbha and they are offering them to Her who origin is associated dadaasi | Nisumbha seek 3 The aspect of evolution is is Herself all wealth and beauty! with the third eye, Daaridraya dukha bhaya enjoyment in the stressed in Mother Parvati: As She represents the external world. daughter of the Himalaya 5 There is Divine Will and intellectual and haarini kaa twadanyaa Hence Sumbha Mountain, she is the mineral Individual Will. When the intuitive faculties. sarvopakaara karanaaya declares, “We are the kingdom; Her mount is the lion, Individual Will subordinates itself Kali seeks out and sadaardra chittaa || enjoyers of the best king of beasts; and as Kausiki, She to the Divine Will, that is, destroys the little objects”. But they are is knowledge, secular and surrenders to Divinity, it is the lower self (which is When called to mind in a slaves of their spiritual. Thus, in Her, all levels way to beatitude. But when the ruled by rajas and passions. difficult pass, you remove fear and aspects of creation are Individual Will goes counter to the tamas) so that it will symbolically embodied, and She is Divine Will, it is the way to hell – attain progressively for every person 8 Sumbha accuses therefore the Supreme Queen. if not hell itself! The devas have higher levels of When called to mind by those Mother Durga of such powers and knowledge as knowledge. in happiness, you bestow a pride and arrogance, 4 Although the Supreme Divinity will allow them to perform the mind still further pious but really this is an is before Chanda and Munda, work of the Mother. But the Raktabija: Rakta Which Goddess but you, instance of projecting they, being of a tamasic nature, demons channel all their energies means “blood” and his own qualities O Dispeller of can only see the outward beauty of to disrupt Her Divine Plan. bija means “seed”. onto Her. She the Mother. The messenger, too, is Accordingly, a power sufficient to Raktabija thus means poverty, pain and fear, withdraws the unable to understand the deeper overcome the demons is released one whose seeds are has an ever sympathetic heart Shaktis, the significance behind the Mother’s by the Divine Mother at different blood. When the for helping everyone? numerous powers reply: “He who will conquer Me in stages in the contest. blood of Raktabija Sri Sri Chandi Ch 4 Verse 17 that She had battle, he who will break My pride, falls to the ground, it projected, and stands he who is My match in the world Dhumralocana: The name means produces demons alone. In this act, She in strength shall be My husband.” “smoky-eyed”, and so suggests similar to him. He therefore reveals to him that She is the One Siva is Her husband. He is beyond veiled perception. He is thus represents the desires of the mind behind the many, that the entire the control of the gunas, ignorance and the grossest state of which endlessly multiply creation is but Her own Self.

15 Bestower of Boons enthusiasm etc. She is the great The word Navaratri indicates nine consciousness and she only Nine Nights of Divine Mother nights. On these 9 nights the creates, protects and levels worship is intended for the Divine human beings at death. This is a Swami Tatpurushananda Puri Mother. Though these 9 day very ancient worship which has to periods of worship of Mother be strictly observed with bhakti comes in every quarter of the year, and shraddha so as to earn Divine The month of songs or hymns Vasantha Navaratri in Chaitra Mother’s blessings. Bhadrapada A lovely village street in and they are all (April-May) and Bhadrapada (Purattasi in deep south of Tamil Nadu, given Tham- Navaratri in Purattasi Worship of Saraswati Tamil), is India, with rows of houses boolam (betel (September- October) are very The third part of the worship is significant with their fronts laden with leaf, nut, banana, popular. Whoever practices most important for Devi. Invoking because Divine colourful Rangoli; wooden turmeric and th pillars dressed in banana austerities in these days are sure the worship of Saraswati on the 7 Mother comes to kumkum) along to benefit as Divine Mother is day, when the star is Moolam every home, yes! saplings and festoons of with prasadam. mango leaves on the top of vara dayini (giver of boons) as (Saraswati’s birth star), the pooja Her parental doors welcome us with their Temples and well as one who can cure even is completed on the day when the home! She stays gaiety and charm. Children ashrams perform incurable terminal diseases. star is Shraavan.Goddess here for 9 days well dressed in different worship of Divine Saraswati’s blessings are needed and that is why all formats of mythological Mother in Slaying of Mahisha in commencing any new event, be these homes as characters like Krishna, Kumari (young The puranas state that as the it a study of shastram, music or well as the Rama, Muruga, Radha and virgin). demon Mahisha had received book, so that one can master it temples around so on move around merrily boons that made him unslayable thoroughly in the required time. here wear a entering each home with Nine Nights by any God, the Trimurtis were in festive look. chants of hymns and smiles. If our father Shiva great anxiety. From each of these We know that there are 4 steps in Ah! Whatever was going on has one divine devas, a terrific power emanated learning of any vidya; they are Kolu here? night on Maha and thus came out a Maha Shakti Shravanam (listening), Mananam A tradition of Sivaratri, Mother (great power). Additional arms, (internalising), Nidhityasanam keeping the dolls has nine nights to weapons and powers were given to (contemplating) and Swanubha- in a display known as KOLU is cheer us. Devi Mahatmyam points this Shakti by all other deities. vam (own experience). As practised in the South. Steps of out that all the presiding deities of That is how this Mahashakti could shravanam is indicated on this wood known as padi in Tamil, our spiritual lore handed over the eliminate the demon Mahisha. day, it includes all the other levels usually in odd numbers, are powers (divine tools) to Mother in Whoever covets victory offers of study. When Shravanam arranged in an elevation and this period. With these powers prayer to Her in these 9 days. (listening to Guru’s words) is dolls (bommai) of clay, ceramic, Mother comes in different forms Dusserah in Mysore kingdom is mentioned at commencement of metal and traditional wood are and one of these forms remain in celebrated since many years and study - vidya, it includes all efforts displayed with newly stitched the center with others around stands as proof of Her of study like consistent reading, dresses. Brass or Silver kalasam Her. On the first 3 days the power benevolence to the devout people. listening to Master’s words, (pot) adorned with Coconut, rice, or shakti is of Mahakali, while in The forms and modes of worship thinking about it in the mind, turmeric and flag of mango leaves the second 3 days Mahalakshmi is of this Supreme Power, the goal obtaining the knowledge of it as is the seat of the Mother as She is the ruler. The final quarter and philosophy of worshipping well as acting according to it. invoked in it for worship every belongs to Mahasaraswati. She is Her, are mentioned in Devi day. Chants of Chandi, Lalitha or worshipped by the other 8 Upanishad and Atharva Veda. Are not books the simplest symbol Devi Mahatmya reverberate the mothers and their consorts (Ashta of learning? This has led to homes each day. Children and matruka madhyastham ashta The word Shakti can mean power, worship of books on the last day of elders visit all these homes, sing bhairava poojitham). manliness, strength and Navaratri. It helps us in searching

16 Bestower of Boons enthusiasm etc. She is the great The word Navaratri indicates nine consciousness and she only Nine Nights of Divine Mother nights. On these 9 nights the creates, protects and levels worship is intended for the Divine human beings at death. This is a Swami Tatpurushananda Puri Mother. Though these 9 day very ancient worship which has to periods of worship of Mother be strictly observed with bhakti comes in every quarter of the year, and shraddha so as to earn Divine The month of songs or hymns Vasantha Navaratri in Chaitra Mother’s blessings. Bhadrapada A lovely village street in and they are all (April-May) and Bhadrapada (Purattasi in deep south of Tamil Nadu, given Tham- Navaratri in Purattasi Worship of Saraswati Tamil), is India, with rows of houses boolam (betel (September- October) are very The third part of the worship is significant with their fronts laden with leaf, nut, banana, popular. Whoever practices most important for Devi. Invoking because Divine colourful Rangoli; wooden turmeric and th pillars dressed in banana austerities in these days are sure the worship of Saraswati on the 7 Mother comes to kumkum) along to benefit as Divine Mother is day, when the star is Moolam every home, yes! saplings and festoons of with prasadam. mango leaves on the top of vara dayini (giver of boons) as (Saraswati’s birth star), the pooja Her parental doors welcome us with their Temples and well as one who can cure even is completed on the day when the home! She stays gaiety and charm. Children ashrams perform incurable terminal diseases. star is Shraavan.Goddess here for 9 days well dressed in different worship of Divine Saraswati’s blessings are needed and that is why all formats of mythological Mother in Slaying of Mahisha in commencing any new event, be these homes as characters like Krishna, Kumari (young The puranas state that as the it a study of shastram, music or well as the Rama, Muruga, Radha and virgin). demon Mahisha had received book, so that one can master it temples around so on move around merrily boons that made him unslayable thoroughly in the required time. here wear a entering each home with Nine Nights by any God, the Trimurtis were in festive look. chants of hymns and smiles. If our father Shiva great anxiety. From each of these We know that there are 4 steps in Ah! Whatever was going on has one divine devas, a terrific power emanated learning of any vidya; they are Kolu here? night on Maha and thus came out a Maha Shakti Shravanam (listening), Mananam A tradition of Sivaratri, Mother (great power). Additional arms, (internalising), Nidhityasanam keeping the dolls has nine nights to weapons and powers were given to (contemplating) and Swanubha- in a display known as KOLU is cheer us. Devi Mahatmyam points this Shakti by all other deities. vam (own experience). As practised in the South. Steps of out that all the presiding deities of That is how this Mahashakti could shravanam is indicated on this wood known as padi in Tamil, our spiritual lore handed over the eliminate the demon Mahisha. day, it includes all the other levels usually in odd numbers, are powers (divine tools) to Mother in Whoever covets victory offers of study. When Shravanam arranged in an elevation and this period. With these powers prayer to Her in these 9 days. (listening to Guru’s words) is dolls (bommai) of clay, ceramic, Mother comes in different forms Dusserah in Mysore kingdom is mentioned at commencement of metal and traditional wood are and one of these forms remain in celebrated since many years and study - vidya, it includes all efforts displayed with newly stitched the center with others around stands as proof of Her of study like consistent reading, dresses. Brass or Silver kalasam Her. On the first 3 days the power benevolence to the devout people. listening to Master’s words, (pot) adorned with Coconut, rice, or shakti is of Mahakali, while in The forms and modes of worship thinking about it in the mind, turmeric and flag of mango leaves the second 3 days Mahalakshmi is of this Supreme Power, the goal obtaining the knowledge of it as is the seat of the Mother as She is the ruler. The final quarter and philosophy of worshipping well as acting according to it. invoked in it for worship every belongs to Mahasaraswati. She is Her, are mentioned in Devi day. Chants of Chandi, Lalitha or worshipped by the other 8 Upanishad and Atharva Veda. Are not books the simplest symbol Devi Mahatmya reverberate the mothers and their consorts (Ashta of learning? This has led to homes each day. Children and matruka madhyastham ashta The word Shakti can mean power, worship of books on the last day of elders visit all these homes, sing bhairava poojitham). manliness, strength and Navaratri. It helps us in searching

17 whatever literature is available in This image of Divine Mother the house or ashram, dust them, inspires a deep sense of devotion restore them to their prime and in the minds of all. On the Vijaya Lessons from Legends offer at worship. But for this day it has to be immersed in the Sujatha Ravibaskar pusthaka pooja (worship of river, lake or sea. Everyone would books), most of the treasures be reluctant to part with Her. It so Prahlada the young mahatma various ways to harm the young boy. The locked in palm leaves would have happened that Mathur Babu felt Hiranyakasipu had four sons. Eldest was merciless methods were attacking him never seen the light of day. It is by so possessed of Her that he was Prahlada even as a child showed his great with weapons, feeding him with poison, this worship that all these great reluctant to allow Mother’s image love for the Lord. He had spotless rolling him down from a great mountain, works were preserved by to be immersed in the Ganges. He character with immense respect to elders. exposing to intense cold, throwing his in generations of Vedic scholars and said to Sri Ramakrishna, to fire, drowning him in an ocean etc. He had a naturally flowing Prema Bhakti None of these could cause any harm to musicians. This also instills “whatever others may say, I won’t towards Lord Sri Hari even as an infant. the sinless Prahlada and he was always shraddha in the minds of the allow the Mother to be immersed He was ever immersed in the thoughts of protected by the Lord. worshippers. in the Ganges. How can I survive the Lord and was unaware of the world in this world without Her?” around him. Moved by the devotion to Secret of Prahlada’s devotion Sri Durga puja Smiling at his adamancy, Sri the Lord he sometimes cried, laughed, With the intervention of Guru sang and danced. Most of the time his Sukracharya Prahlada’s education was As knowledge is power and Ramakrishna told Mathur, “Who eyes are closed with tears welling in them resumed. Prahlada’s presence, his strength, we worship Saraswati on has told you that you will have to out of devotion. It is to this great devotee devotion to Sri Hari and his words all the last three days for strength live without Mother? And where of the Lord Prahlada, his father caused inspired the students of the school to of body, intellect and mind (bahu will She go even if you immerse great harm. follow the path of devotion to Sri Hari. balam, buddhi balam and mano Her image in the Ganges? For the His friends at school queried him where The Father and son did he learn about this great path. Then balam). That is why in Northern last 3 days She has accepted your Hiranyakasipu sent his son to the school Prahlada revealed who imparted all this parts of Bharat, especially in worship in the worship hall, but of the Acharyas Chanda and Amarka devotion to him. Bengal, this Navaratri festival is from today She will accept your (Guru Sukracharya’s sons). Prahlada celebrated as Devi puja. Divine worship sitting in your heart!” could not accept what was taught at During the time when my father was Mother is invoked on the 6th day school, as the education built egoist engaged in austerities, Lord Indra tendencies with definitions of mine and captured my mother Kayadu who was in a beautiful image made Victory is ours! yours, friend and enemy. One fine day pregnant with me. He decided to kill my specially from nine kinds of Not only the devas, do some Hiranyakasipu wanting to know the mother. Then sage Narada stopped Lord different earth. Gaiety, piety and demons also reside inside us? Yes, progress of his son’s education, placed Indra stating a great devotee of the Lord extensive Tantric worship is done. they are lust, anger and greed, the Prahlada on his lap and queried him as is growing in the womb of Kayadu. three doors to hell. By praying to follows. “Dear son, from Kayadu was saved and to whatever you have learnt, show her gratitude stayed in The most auspicious time is the Divine Mother we can kill these what do you think brings the Ashram of Narada and conjunction of ashtami and Mahishas in us and come out immense good”. Fearless served him with great navami tithis and people pray to victorious in our spiritual life and Prahlada said based on my devotion. That is when from the Mother for Her blessings by be ever with Him, the supreme readings, devotion to Lord is my mother’s womb I heard doing mantra-japa during the Brahman. the best activity to be the teachings on Dharma and undertaken. Trembling knowledge from the Sage, sandhi-puja. Chanting of Chandi Chanda and Amarka explained while my mother Kayadu goes on in every home and temple. Yes, this victory of divine qualities that this was not what they blissfully slept. It is believed that Mother had over asuri or demonic character is taught Prahlada. come to her parental home leaving really signified by the tenth day or Appearance of Lord Lord Shiva at Mount Kailas and Vijaya Dasami. May we all pray to Hiranyakasipu attempts Narasimha to kill Prahlada Hiranyakasipu was furious She is blissful with Her own Mother during Navaratri – the Recognizing Prahlada had no and Prahlada was fearless as people. Loud cheers of “Jai Ma, festival of nine nights and come A colourful ceiling affinity towards his ideals, mural at the National ever. Hiranyakasipu roared Jai Ma” rent the air and there is out victorious in all our pursuits, Hiranyakasipu decided to kill Monument Mariamman “the entire world is terrified celebration everywhere! be they worldly or spiritual! Prahlada. He employed Temple, Singapore when I am angry, tell with Courtesy:AidanMcRaeThomson

18 whatever literature is available in This image of Divine Mother the house or ashram, dust them, inspires a deep sense of devotion restore them to their prime and in the minds of all. On the Vijaya Lessons from Legends offer at worship. But for this day it has to be immersed in the Sujatha Ravibaskar pusthaka pooja (worship of river, lake or sea. Everyone would books), most of the treasures be reluctant to part with Her. It so Prahlada the young mahatma various ways to harm the young boy. The locked in palm leaves would have happened that Mathur Babu felt Hiranyakasipu had four sons. Eldest was merciless methods were attacking him never seen the light of day. It is by so possessed of Her that he was Prahlada even as a child showed his great with weapons, feeding him with poison, this worship that all these great reluctant to allow Mother’s image love for the Lord. He had spotless rolling him down from a great mountain, works were preserved by to be immersed in the Ganges. He character with immense respect to elders. exposing to intense cold, throwing his in generations of Vedic scholars and said to Sri Ramakrishna, to fire, drowning him in an ocean etc. He had a naturally flowing Prema Bhakti None of these could cause any harm to musicians. This also instills “whatever others may say, I won’t towards Lord Sri Hari even as an infant. the sinless Prahlada and he was always shraddha in the minds of the allow the Mother to be immersed He was ever immersed in the thoughts of protected by the Lord. worshippers. in the Ganges. How can I survive the Lord and was unaware of the world in this world without Her?” around him. Moved by the devotion to Secret of Prahlada’s devotion Sri Durga puja Smiling at his adamancy, Sri the Lord he sometimes cried, laughed, With the intervention of Guru sang and danced. Most of the time his Sukracharya Prahlada’s education was As knowledge is power and Ramakrishna told Mathur, “Who eyes are closed with tears welling in them resumed. Prahlada’s presence, his strength, we worship Saraswati on has told you that you will have to out of devotion. It is to this great devotee devotion to Sri Hari and his words all the last three days for strength live without Mother? And where of the Lord Prahlada, his father caused inspired the students of the school to of body, intellect and mind (bahu will She go even if you immerse great harm. follow the path of devotion to Sri Hari. balam, buddhi balam and mano Her image in the Ganges? For the His friends at school queried him where The Father and son did he learn about this great path. Then balam). That is why in Northern last 3 days She has accepted your Hiranyakasipu sent his son to the school Prahlada revealed who imparted all this parts of Bharat, especially in worship in the worship hall, but of the Acharyas Chanda and Amarka devotion to him. Bengal, this Navaratri festival is from today She will accept your (Guru Sukracharya’s sons). Prahlada celebrated as Devi puja. Divine worship sitting in your heart!” could not accept what was taught at During the time when my father was Mother is invoked on the 6th day school, as the education built egoist engaged in austerities, Lord Indra tendencies with definitions of mine and captured my mother Kayadu who was in a beautiful image made Victory is ours! yours, friend and enemy. One fine day pregnant with me. He decided to kill my specially from nine kinds of Not only the devas, do some Hiranyakasipu wanting to know the mother. Then sage Narada stopped Lord different earth. Gaiety, piety and demons also reside inside us? Yes, progress of his son’s education, placed Indra stating a great devotee of the Lord extensive Tantric worship is done. they are lust, anger and greed, the Prahlada on his lap and queried him as is growing in the womb of Kayadu. three doors to hell. By praying to follows. “Dear son, from Kayadu was saved and to whatever you have learnt, show her gratitude stayed in The most auspicious time is the Divine Mother we can kill these what do you think brings the Ashram of Narada and conjunction of ashtami and Mahishas in us and come out immense good”. Fearless served him with great navami tithis and people pray to victorious in our spiritual life and Prahlada said based on my devotion. That is when from the Mother for Her blessings by be ever with Him, the supreme readings, devotion to Lord is my mother’s womb I heard doing mantra-japa during the Brahman. the best activity to be the teachings on Dharma and undertaken. Trembling knowledge from the Sage, sandhi-puja. Chanting of Chandi Chanda and Amarka explained while my mother Kayadu goes on in every home and temple. Yes, this victory of divine qualities that this was not what they blissfully slept. It is believed that Mother had over asuri or demonic character is taught Prahlada. come to her parental home leaving really signified by the tenth day or Appearance of Lord Lord Shiva at Mount Kailas and Vijaya Dasami. May we all pray to Hiranyakasipu attempts Narasimha to kill Prahlada Hiranyakasipu was furious She is blissful with Her own Mother during Navaratri – the Recognizing Prahlada had no and Prahlada was fearless as people. Loud cheers of “Jai Ma, festival of nine nights and come A colourful ceiling affinity towards his ideals, mural at the National ever. Hiranyakasipu roared Jai Ma” rent the air and there is out victorious in all our pursuits, Hiranyakasipu decided to kill Monument Mariamman “the entire world is terrified celebration everywhere! be they worldly or spiritual! Prahlada. He employed Temple, Singapore when I am angry, tell with Courtesy:AidanMcRaeThomson

19 Tripathi, the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Singapore. whose support you are so fearless”. breathing heavily and was seated on the In her brief speech, she traced the all- Prahlada humbly said, “Father, you are throne like a ferocious lion. Devas and News & Notes round influence of Sister Nivedita proud of having won the whole world but Gods started to offer their prayers to the among scientists, artists, poets, and you have no mastery over yourself. A Lord to calm him down. Then the Devas Thirumurai Conference 150th Birth Anniversary of the men of literature. Prof Dr Kamal person who has won over his mind and and the Gods requested Prahlada to take Swami Vimokshananda was cordially Sister Nivedita senses in devotion to all the pervading up the task of calming down Lord’s anger. invited by the 36th Singapore Bose, a senior practising Ortho Lord has no enemy and hence he is When Prahlada completed his hymn Thirumurai Conference Committee, Specialist and Vice-President of the fearless.” called Prahlada Sthuthi which was full of represented by Prof Thinnappan who Singapore Ramakrishna Mission gave praises of the Lord, he was smiling. He encouraged him to give a Talk in a befitting Vote of Thanks. Hiranyakasipu was greatly offended and lovingly lifted Prahlada and placed him Tamil. The main speaker was of course he jumped off his throne with a drawn on his lap and asked him what he wanted. Dr. N Vijayasundari from Tiruchi, Tamil On 9 August the Spiritual Retreat for sword and said “let me see if the Lord to devotees started with Vedic Chanting whom you have surrendered can protect The Peerless Prahlada Nadu, India. In a short speech in and singing of Sri Ramakrishna you. Show me if your savior is in this Here Prahlada proves why he is called as Tamil, as a Guest of Honour, Swami pillar”, then with his arms hit on one of “Bhakta Sreshta” by the Lord himself. He Vimokshananda recounted the great Suprabhatam, followed by the the pillars. From the pillar was heard a says “Please do not deceive me by giving tremendous roar. From the pillar, Lord me boons, I have taken to your devotion The Ramakrishna Mission, Narasimha jumped out. Hiranyakasipu with the sole purpose of attaining Singapore, observed a solemn two- observed the form had the body of human Moksha. In case you insist on giving me a day function on the occasion of the and head of a lion and its complexion was boon please grace that my heart does not 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister of molten gold with a glittering mane. Its seek any object pleasures”. Nivedita on 8 and 9 August 2016. mouth open like that of the cave and The first day was a programme of seem to pervade the world from earth to Hearing this the leonine Lord was Bhajan Sandhya and the second day sky. Lord Sri Hari came as Narasimha to extremely pleased and said you will be protect his Bhakta Sreshta (supreme the Lord of the Asuras till the end of this was a Spiritual Retreat. devotee). Destroying the Asuric army, he manvantara. You will perform your duty Swami Sarvagananda, the Head of grabbed Hiranyakasipu brought him to with your heart ever meditating on me Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission the door step. Placed him on his lap and and attain me at the end. truths that lie in the honey-dipped killed Hiranyakasipu by tearing open his words of songs in Thirumurai. He also chest and stomach. The peerless Prahlada after performing narrated the story of two gardeners, the funeral rites of his father was Prahlada Sthuthi crowned as the King of Asuras and ruled told by Swami Vivekananda to the Even after killing the Hiranyakasipu, the the world as Sovereign Monarch for a Rameshwaram audience conveying Lord’s anger was not pacified. He was long time. the idea that service to people is worship of the Lord. Dr N Vijayasundari later visited the Ramakrishna Mission. She was gifted Lessons from the Legend Ashrama presented a musical homage chanting of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Human life is full of fearful situations, though most of them is not as mortally fearful as Prahlada’s life situations. with a Tamil book on Sri Ramakrishna • to Sister Nivedita on 8 August at the singing of Bhajans, reading from the Prahlada always was calm, serene and fearless. He clearly states this mindset of his is because his heart immersed and Swami Vivekananda written by Ra PGP Hall in Sri Perumal Temple. He inspiring life of Sister Nivedita, Japa in the devotion to Sri Hari. He saw the all-pervading Lord everywhere, which made him truly fearless. Ganapathy. She appreciated the role was accompanied by Sri Ritwik Ghosal Yajna, spiritual discourses and Being able to see Lord everywhere and in everything will be difficult for most of us, nevertheless there is a clear of the Ramakrishna Mission in • on tabla and by Sri Raga on flute. On Question-Answer session. A DVD on lesson to consider all as our own. Didn’t Holy Mother Sarada Devi’s cardinal instruction was “Learn to make the shaping the minds of the youth and this occasion, the Guest of Honour the Life of Sister Nivedita was also world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own”. lauded the efforts taken by the monks of the Order. was Her Excellency Smt. Paramita screened for the devotees. • When a son goes against the father, out of natural love for the child a father will always try to correct the son, but never brings harm to the child. We are wonderstruck by Hiranyakasipu’s egoism causing deep conflicts even in Sri Guru Purnima sacred relationships (Parent-Child). Isn’t this happening even now? Prahlada’s points out devotion to the Lord, is A solemn function was held at the the only way to subdue the egoistic mind. Temple on Sri Guru Purnima Day. It • Lord states in Srimad Bhagavatham, that he will not be able to tolerate the merciless acts on his devotees. So it is was observed on 19 July 2016 with a best to leave the act of punishment (to our enemies or ill-wishers) to the Lord only. This leaves us in peace to be at special Puja, Vedic Chanting, singing his service. of hymns and bhajans and also a discourse on Holy Mother as Guru by Swami Vimokshananda. 20 Tripathi, the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Singapore. whose support you are so fearless”. breathing heavily and was seated on the In her brief speech, she traced the all- Prahlada humbly said, “Father, you are throne like a ferocious lion. Devas and News & Notes round influence of Sister Nivedita proud of having won the whole world but Gods started to offer their prayers to the among scientists, artists, poets, and you have no mastery over yourself. A Lord to calm him down. Then the Devas Thirumurai Conference 150th Birth Anniversary of the men of literature. Prof Dr Kamal person who has won over his mind and and the Gods requested Prahlada to take Swami Vimokshananda was cordially Sister Nivedita senses in devotion to all the pervading up the task of calming down Lord’s anger. invited by the 36th Singapore Bose, a senior practising Ortho Lord has no enemy and hence he is When Prahlada completed his hymn Thirumurai Conference Committee, Specialist and Vice-President of the fearless.” called Prahlada Sthuthi which was full of represented by Prof Thinnappan who Singapore Ramakrishna Mission gave praises of the Lord, he was smiling. He encouraged him to give a Talk in a befitting Vote of Thanks. Hiranyakasipu was greatly offended and lovingly lifted Prahlada and placed him Tamil. The main speaker was of course he jumped off his throne with a drawn on his lap and asked him what he wanted. Dr. N Vijayasundari from Tiruchi, Tamil On 9 August the Spiritual Retreat for sword and said “let me see if the Lord to devotees started with Vedic Chanting whom you have surrendered can protect The Peerless Prahlada Nadu, India. In a short speech in and singing of Sri Ramakrishna you. Show me if your savior is in this Here Prahlada proves why he is called as Tamil, as a Guest of Honour, Swami pillar”, then with his arms hit on one of “Bhakta Sreshta” by the Lord himself. He Vimokshananda recounted the great Suprabhatam, followed by the the pillars. From the pillar was heard a says “Please do not deceive me by giving tremendous roar. From the pillar, Lord me boons, I have taken to your devotion The Ramakrishna Mission, Narasimha jumped out. Hiranyakasipu with the sole purpose of attaining Singapore, observed a solemn two- observed the form had the body of human Moksha. In case you insist on giving me a day function on the occasion of the and head of a lion and its complexion was boon please grace that my heart does not 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister of molten gold with a glittering mane. Its seek any object pleasures”. Nivedita on 8 and 9 August 2016. mouth open like that of the cave and The first day was a programme of seem to pervade the world from earth to Hearing this the leonine Lord was Bhajan Sandhya and the second day sky. Lord Sri Hari came as Narasimha to extremely pleased and said you will be protect his Bhakta Sreshta (supreme the Lord of the Asuras till the end of this was a Spiritual Retreat. devotee). Destroying the Asuric army, he manvantara. You will perform your duty Swami Sarvagananda, the Head of grabbed Hiranyakasipu brought him to with your heart ever meditating on me Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission the door step. Placed him on his lap and and attain me at the end. truths that lie in the honey-dipped killed Hiranyakasipu by tearing open his words of songs in Thirumurai. He also chest and stomach. The peerless Prahlada after performing narrated the story of two gardeners, the funeral rites of his father was Prahlada Sthuthi crowned as the King of Asuras and ruled told by Swami Vivekananda to the Even after killing the Hiranyakasipu, the the world as Sovereign Monarch for a Rameshwaram audience conveying Lord’s anger was not pacified. He was long time. the idea that service to people is worship of the Lord. Dr N Vijayasundari later visited the Lessons from the Legend Ramakrishna Mission. She was gifted with a Tamil book on Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama presented a musical homage chanting of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, • Human life is full of fearful situations, though most of them is not as mortally fearful as Prahlada’s life situations. and Swami Vivekananda written by Ra to Sister Nivedita on 8 August at the singing of Bhajans, reading from the Prahlada always was calm, serene and fearless. He clearly states this mindset of his is because his heart immersed Ganapathy. She appreciated the role PGP Hall in Sri Perumal Temple. He inspiring life of Sister Nivedita, Japa in the devotion to Sri Hari. He saw the all-pervading Lord everywhere, which made him truly fearless. of the Ramakrishna Mission in was accompanied by Sri Ritwik Ghosal Yajna, spiritual discourses and • Being able to see Lord everywhere and in everything will be difficult for most of us, nevertheless there is a clear shaping the minds of the youth and on tabla and by Sri Raga on flute. On Question-Answer session. A DVD on lesson to consider all as our own. Didn’t Holy Mother Sarada Devi’s cardinal instruction was “Learn to make the lauded the efforts taken by the monks this occasion, the Guest of Honour the Life of Sister Nivedita was also world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own”. of the Order. was Her Excellency Smt. Paramita screened for the devotees. • When a son goes against the father, out of natural love for the child a father will always try to correct the son, but never brings harm to the child. We are wonderstruck by Hiranyakasipu’s egoism causing deep conflicts even in Sri Guru Purnima sacred relationships (Parent-Child). Isn’t this happening even now? Prahlada’s points out devotion to the Lord, is A solemn function was held at the the only way to subdue the egoistic mind. Temple on Sri Guru Purnima Day. It • Lord states in Srimad Bhagavatham, that he will not be able to tolerate the merciless acts on his devotees. So it is was observed on 19 July 2016 with a best to leave the act of punishment (to our enemies or ill-wishers) to the Lord only. This leaves us in peace to be at special Puja, Vedic Chanting, singing his service. of hymns and bhajans and also a discourse on Holy Mother as Guru by Swami Vimokshananda. 21 Youth Class on Sundays Visit of General Secretary Maharaj A Sunday Youth Class has begun in Fancy Dress by Sarada KG School Children Special Speech by Swami Suhitanandaji the month of June 2016 from 5 PM to 6 PM. This Class is open to all youth who are eager to transform their lives by creating an understanding of the dynamics of Life on the basis of man-making, life- giving ideas of the great Swami Vivekananda. The Class has readings, explanations and interactive discussions. The youth will be mentored by Swami Pavitratmananda.

On Saturday, 27 August Revered dance-drama programme on “The people attended this special Yoga Training Classes Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, the Rajput Princess” Mirabai conducted discourse programme. Swami The Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir, in General Secretary of the world-wide by the Temple of Fine Arts. The monks Vimokshananda welcomed the association with the Ramakrishna Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters were pleased to witness the artistic gathering. Mission, has been holding Yoga from Belur Math arrived in excellence of the participants. Lessons for the past 17 years at the Singapore. He was accompanied by Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj spoke Sarada Hall of the Ramakrishna Swami Shubhakaranandaji Maharaj about the holy company that he had Mission. These Yoga Training Classes who is in charge of HQ Law at Belur with late Swami Premeshanandaji have been popular and are Math. In the same flight, Swami and explained several incidents from conducted on Fridays and Sundays Recently a new game called Bee-Bots through Tech-Toys was introduced for the children Tadanandaji Maharaj from Fiji which spiritual aspirants could learn by experienced Yoga Instructors for Ramakrishna Mission also arrived. much. Swami Shubhakaranandaji free. Thousands of people from all Maharaj sang melodiously a few walks of life and irrespective of It was a pleasant gathering of the devotional songs accompanied by gender, race, religion or creed have interested devotees with the visiting The next day, the three Swamis were Sri Ritwik Ghoshal on tabla at the been trained. Many of them later in revered monks on 27 and 28 August taken round the Heritage site Botanic beginning of the programme. life voluntarily serve the society as at the Mission campus. On Saturday, Gardens in the early morning. This Sri Ravichandran, Treasurer of the qualified Instructors in Yoga. after lunch hours, the Swami visited Garden was visited by Swami Advisory Committee conducted the Duration:3 months WINGS Counselling Centre within the Vivekananda in June 1893 on his meeting. Earlier in the morning campus. He was received and way to Chicago for attending the Swami Tadanandaji took a Guided explained by the Director Ms Hema. Parliament of Religions. Later at the Meditation class in the Temple Hall. Visit by Directors of Malaysia Hindu Sangam Other Counsellors also interacted Sarada Hall, Swami Suhitanandaji Nine Directors of the Malaysia Hindu with the General Secretary Maharaj. gave an inspiring talk about Yoga to Swami Suhitanandaji and Swami Sangam visited Singapore the Yoga trainees of the 57th batch. Shubhakaranandaji visited Kuala Ramakrishna Mission on Friday, 5 In the evening the visiting three At 5:30 pm, he delivered a Special Lumpur on Monday and returned the August 2016. The group was led by Sri Swamis and two Swamis from the Discourse at the Sarada Hall on the next day. They were seen off at the Mohan Shan, the National President of Centre attended as invited guests a “Significance of Sadhu-Sanga”. 120 Changi airport on Tuesday evening. the MHS. All of them had lunch prasad with the four monks at the Dining hall. At their departure, each of them was given a gift of a Tamil book “Vivekananda by Vivekananda”. They presented a copy of “Kamba Ramayanam” in English Verses for the Ramakrishna Mission Library. The esteemed MHS members were happy to go around and see all the activities of the Ashram. 22 It was noted that the MHS had last Youth Class on Sundays Visit of General Secretary Maharaj A Sunday Youth Class has begun in Fancy Dress by Sarada KG School Children Special Speech by Swami Suhitanandaji the month of June 2016 from 5 PM to 6 PM. This Class is open to all youth who are eager to transform their lives by creating an understanding of the dynamics of Life on the basis of man-making, life- giving ideas of the great Swami Vivekananda. The Class has readings, explanations and interactive discussions. The youth will be mentored by Swami Pavitratmananda.

On Saturday, 27 August Revered dance-drama programme on “The people attended this special Yoga Training Classes Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, the Rajput Princess” Mirabai conducted discourse programme. Swami The Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir, in General Secretary of the world-wide by the Temple of Fine Arts. The monks Vimokshananda welcomed the association with the Ramakrishna Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters were pleased to witness the artistic gathering. Mission, has been holding Yoga from Belur Math arrived in excellence of the participants. Lessons for the past 17 years at the Singapore. He was accompanied by Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj spoke Sarada Hall of the Ramakrishna Swami Shubhakaranandaji Maharaj about the holy company that he had Mission. These Yoga Training Classes who is in charge of HQ Law at Belur with late Swami Premeshanandaji have been popular and are Math. In the same flight, Swami and explained several incidents from conducted on Fridays and Sundays Recently a new game called Bee-Bots through Tech-Toys was introduced for the children Tadanandaji Maharaj from Fiji which spiritual aspirants could learn by experienced Yoga Instructors for Ramakrishna Mission also arrived. much. Swami Shubhakaranandaji free. Thousands of people from all Maharaj sang melodiously a few walks of life and irrespective of It was a pleasant gathering of the devotional songs accompanied by gender, race, religion or creed have interested devotees with the visiting The next day, the three Swamis were Sri Ritwik Ghoshal on tabla at the been trained. Many of them later in revered monks on 27 and 28 August taken round the Heritage site Botanic beginning of the programme. life voluntarily serve the society as at the Mission campus. On Saturday, Gardens in the early morning. This Sri Ravichandran, Treasurer of the qualified Instructors in Yoga. after lunch hours, the Swami visited Garden was visited by Swami Advisory Committee conducted the Duration:3 months WINGS Counselling Centre within the Vivekananda in June 1893 on his meeting. Earlier in the morning campus. He was received and way to Chicago for attending the Swami Tadanandaji took a Guided explained by the Director Ms Hema. Parliament of Religions. Later at the Meditation class in the Temple Hall. Visit by Directors of Malaysia Hindu Sangam Other Counsellors also interacted Sarada Hall, Swami Suhitanandaji Nine Directors of the Malaysia Hindu with the General Secretary Maharaj. gave an inspiring talk about Yoga to Swami Suhitanandaji and Swami Sangam visited Singapore the Yoga trainees of the 57th batch. Shubhakaranandaji visited Kuala Ramakrishna Mission on Friday, 5 In the evening the visiting three At 5:30 pm, he delivered a Special Lumpur on Monday and returned the August 2016. The group was led by Sri Swamis and two Swamis from the Discourse at the Sarada Hall on the next day. They were seen off at the Mohan Shan, the National President of Centre attended as invited guests a “Significance of Sadhu-Sanga”. 120 Changi airport on Tuesday evening. the MHS. All of them had lunch prasad with the four monks at the Dining hall. At their departure, each of them was given a gift of a Tamil book “Vivekananda by Vivekananda”. They presented a copy of “Kamba Ramayanam” in English Verses for the Ramakrishna Mission Library. The esteemed MHS members were happy to go around and see all the activities of the Ashram. 23 It was noted that the MHS had last An Evening of Joyful Janmashtami Celebration In memoriam… Our deepest condolences More than 250 devotees participated We, the Monks and Late Sri Nathan has visited devotees of the Ramakrishna Mission twice after Ramakrishna becoming President. First was Mission join the unofficial. Second was official. Nation in her Nirvana carried photos. During one mourning at the loss of the Thaipusam festival, he went to of its longest Tank Rd temple and told them "to serving former follow the religious worship of God Head of the State. done by the Ramakrishna Mission by We have lost a long serving the poor as taught by Swami standing Life Vivekananda….." Member of the Organization. The first Saturday after taking oath as

president in 1999, he came to our Sri Nathan's career Ashrama with Mrs Urmila Nathan started as a humble around 4pm. Security officers were office boy and reached its pinnacle when he Sri Krishna Janmashtami was Satsang at Sri Lakshminarayan Temple there in civil dress. Nobody noticed held the highest position of the land. This joyfully celebrated at Sri Sri Lakshminarayan Temple invited Swami Vimokshananda, him. success is the result of his self confidence, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore to address the He went to the Homeo clinic which Ramakrishna Temple from 6:15 commitment, hard work and his faith in the Temple’s Sunday Satsang on 12 June 2016. About 350 devout was at that time next to the President pm onwards on Thursday, 25 Maharaj's office. Divine. Hindus thronged the Temple on that day. It was a holy occasion and August 2016. About 250 One lady volunteer was there behind devotees congregated on that as part of the worship of Divine Mother Kheer Bhavani of Srinagar the counter. He asked about He took deep interest in the activities of the evening. The function began (Kashmir), a hawan was performed in the Temple. President Swamiji and told her that Ramakrishna Mission which stands for Sri Jaishankar Upadhyaya, one of the Trustees of the Temple, he came there to meet the President Oneness of the World and for harmony of the with Sri Krishna Puja by Swami Faiths. Nathan was fascinated by the man- welcomed the Swami while the President of the Temple Sri Sugrim Swamiji! Pavitratmananda and Chanting She casually replied, “No Swamiji is making messages of Swami Vivekananda such Misir garlanded. The Chief Pujari of the Temple Sri Acharya Bajarang of hymns etc., by the devotees. free now; all are busy at the as "Service to Humanity is worship of God”. He After Sri Ramakrishna Arati, at Bali Shukla also welcomed with flowers. Kindergarten function” without advised the public to practice this ideal to serve 7:30 pm Swami Vimokshananda In his address to the devotees, Swami Vimokshananda spoke of the seeing him correctly. the humanity. three reasons for visiting a Temple namely, the benefits of Then he said, “I am the President”. delivered a Talk on “Sri Krishna We offer our heart-felt condolences to his community worship, the prevalence of auspicious atmosphere and Then she asked, “which President?” and Lord Brahma”. He narrated By that time I reached the spot and family and pray for his eternal peace. the Bhagavatam story as the natural tendency of the mind to focus on Godly Thoughts. The identified him and took him inside depicted in 13 & 14 chapters of Temple whole-heartedly supports some of the humanitarian the Library. Swami Vimokshananda the 10th skanda. Lord Brahma activities of the Mission from time to time. President 22 August 2016 fully realised the dictum that Bina Didima (Mother of Mira Didi) was there. Both of them went and “sarvam vishnumayam” that is touched her feet. Bhagawan has become Didima embraced them. With an apology I said, “I will bring Someone asked me "why.....you could everything and everyone in this Then Nathan told me "our Swamiji”. have brought him straight there to the School!" universe and he also was only a relationship started when Urmila was He said “no, no” and wanted to three years old etc..," continue talking sitting in the Library part of Him. Swami Satyaloka- Then he told me that it was his first itself. But I immediately sent word to I said, I suggested that to him but he nanda led the devotees in Saturday the first off day after the President Maharaj. declined saying that it would be an singing “Shyam Nam Sankirta- becoming the President of the land Then Maharaj came rushingly and embarrassment for the Guest of Honour if he goes there like that!” nam”. After pushpanjali, and thought of spending some time both of them had their conversation. devotees were served with here quietly. Then I asked whether he had After some time, other Swamijis and What a humility! supper prasad at Sarada Hall informed early about his visit. the guest of honor (one Mr Singh of under the supervision of Swami He said that he wanted to come Ang Mo Kio GRC) also came and with sorrowful heart Jitamanasananda. casually. joined in the discussion with him. Prakash Kamanat 24 An Evening of Joyful Janmashtami Celebration In memoriam… Our deepest condolences More than 250 devotees participated We, the Monks and Late Sri Nathan has visited devotees of the Ramakrishna Mission twice after Ramakrishna becoming President. First was Mission join the unofficial. Second was official. Nation in her Nirvana carried photos. During one mourning at the loss of the Thaipusam festival, he went to of its longest Tank Rd temple and told them "to serving former follow the religious worship of God Head of the State. done by the Ramakrishna Mission by We have lost a long serving the poor as taught by Swami standing Life Vivekananda….." Member of the Organization. The first Saturday after taking oath as

president in 1999, he came to our Sri Nathan's career Ashrama with Mrs Urmila Nathan started as a humble around 4pm. Security officers were office boy and reached its pinnacle when he Sri Krishna Janmashtami was Satsang at Sri Lakshminarayan Temple there in civil dress. Nobody noticed held the highest position of the land. This joyfully celebrated at Sri Sri Lakshminarayan Temple invited Swami Vimokshananda, him. success is the result of his self confidence, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore to address the He went to the Homeo clinic which Ramakrishna Temple from 6:15 commitment, hard work and his faith in the Temple’s Sunday Satsang on 12 June 2016. About 350 devout was at that time next to the President pm onwards on Thursday, 25 Maharaj's office. Divine. Hindus thronged the Temple on that day. It was a holy occasion and August 2016. About 250 One lady volunteer was there behind devotees congregated on that as part of the worship of Divine Mother Kheer Bhavani of Srinagar the counter. He asked about He took deep interest in the activities of the evening. The function began (Kashmir), a hawan was performed in the Temple. President Swamiji and told her that Ramakrishna Mission which stands for Sri Jaishankar Upadhyaya, one of the Trustees of the Temple, he came there to meet the President Oneness of the World and for harmony of the with Sri Krishna Puja by Swami Faiths. Nathan was fascinated by the man- welcomed the Swami while the President of the Temple Sri Sugrim Swamiji! Pavitratmananda and Chanting She casually replied, “No Swamiji is making messages of Swami Vivekananda such Misir garlanded. The Chief Pujari of the Temple Sri Acharya Bajarang of hymns etc., by the devotees. free now; all are busy at the as "Service to Humanity is worship of God”. He After Sri Ramakrishna Arati, at Bali Shukla also welcomed with flowers. Kindergarten function” without advised the public to practice this ideal to serve 7:30 pm Swami Vimokshananda In his address to the devotees, Swami Vimokshananda spoke of the seeing him correctly. the humanity. three reasons for visiting a Temple namely, the benefits of Then he said, “I am the President”. delivered a Talk on “Sri Krishna We offer our heart-felt condolences to his community worship, the prevalence of auspicious atmosphere and Then she asked, “which President?” and Lord Brahma”. He narrated By that time I reached the spot and family and pray for his eternal peace. the Bhagavatam story as the natural tendency of the mind to focus on Godly Thoughts. The identified him and took him inside depicted in 13 & 14 chapters of Temple whole-heartedly supports some of the humanitarian the Library. Swami Vimokshananda the 10th skanda. Lord Brahma activities of the Mission from time to time. President 22 August 2016 fully realised the dictum that Bina Didima (Mother of Mira Didi) was there. Both of them went and “sarvam vishnumayam” that is touched her feet. Bhagawan has become Didima embraced them. With an apology I said, “I will bring Someone asked me "why.....you could everything and everyone in this Then Nathan told me "our Swamiji”. have brought him straight there to the School!" universe and he also was only a relationship started when Urmila was He said “no, no” and wanted to three years old etc..," continue talking sitting in the Library part of Him. Swami Satyaloka- Then he told me that it was his first itself. But I immediately sent word to I said, I suggested that to him but he nanda led the devotees in Saturday the first off day after the President Maharaj. declined saying that it would be an singing “Shyam Nam Sankirta- becoming the President of the land Then Maharaj came rushingly and embarrassment for the Guest of Honour if he goes there like that!” nam”. After pushpanjali, and thought of spending some time both of them had their conversation. devotees were served with here quietly. Then I asked whether he had After some time, other Swamijis and What a humility! supper prasad at Sarada Hall informed early about his visit. the guest of honor (one Mr Singh of under the supervision of Swami He said that he wanted to come Ang Mo Kio GRC) also came and with sorrowful heart Jitamanasananda. casually. joined in the discussion with him. Prakash Kamanat State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage.

Edited and Published by Swami Vimokshananda, President, Ramakrishna Mission, 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 Tel: 6288 9077 Fax: 6288 5798. email: [email protected], Website: www.ramakrishna.org.sg EditedPrint and Production: Published EAZI by Swami Printing Vimokshananda, Pte Ltd President, Ramakrishna Mission, 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 Tel: 6288 9077 Fax: 6288 5798. Email: [email protected] Website: www.ramakrishna.org.sg Print Production: EAZI Printing Pte Ltd