1 | 2011
GURU PURNIMA Adresses Contents
Ediorial 4 Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Datta Darshan 29 Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama, Datta Nagar, Mysore – 570 025 India. Swami Manasa Datta in Switzerland 5 The culmination … 31 Tel.: ++91-(0)821-2 48 64 86 oder ++91-(0)821-2 48 04 24 Fax: ++91-(0)821-2 48 74 87, Internet: www.dattapeetham.com Pilgrimage and «Guru flight» 6 «NADA is great» 34 e-mail: East and West in Dialogue 11 Behind the scenes 38 Projekte, Verwaltung, allg. Information: [email protected] Pujabuchung von Auswärts (Babu): puja@dattapeetham.com The Spirit of Guru Purnima 14 Angeloffice/Unterkunftsplanung (Pingala): [email protected] The Guru Gita is especially precious 46 Anmeldung eines Ashrambesuchs, Kontakte zu Sri Swamiji [email protected] A colourful carpet … 26
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2 3 Editorial
Dear Datta Devotees,
On Saturday, July 24th 2010, some hundred thousand people came – no, not to Sri Swamiji‘s GURU JYOTI RAGA SAGARA concert in Geseke, as I sometimes imagine – but to Duisburg, about 100 km away from Geseke. There the «Love Parade» takes place, which this year is also one of the biggest events of «RUHR 2010» presenting the Ruhr region, at whose east border Geseke is located, as Europe’s cultural metropole. Few hours before Sri Swamiji‘s concert, the mass event ends in a catastrophy: 21 people died, over 500 were injured.
Is it mere accident that Sri Swamiji just few days earlier, on Tuesday evening during the bhajan session, talked about the great pilgrimages in India, where millions of people gather at the sacred places, like during KUMBHA- MELA? Or in PANDARAPURA, a pilgrimage center of the VISHNU incarnation VITTHALA. «I like very much this place», Sri Swamiji said. «But it is very crowded. One cannot imagine. So many people! Millions of people! How they control, we don’t know. But no accident. Who controls this crowd? It looks very dangerous that crowd. They have policemen and volunteers, but not sufficient. Who controls? Lord Siva himself controls.»
One may assume that Sri Swamiji alleviated the tragedy in Duisburg. How little we know about the acting of Divine in our world. But for moments we can experience, sense and feel, that His protection is at work, that His grace accompanies us. What greater solace can there be in these turbulent times of transformation?
«VITTHALA», Sri Swamiji said after the ecstatic dancing to the VITTHALA Bhajan JAYA RAGHUNANDANA, «means: Everything I give to you. Please give me knowledge, that’s all I ask You for.» ATMARPANA – so He named this Swami Manasa Datta surrendering everything to the Divine – and that is what we can do and what we have to do. in Switzerland JAYA GURU DATTA OM NAMO HANUMATE NAMAHA It is our great joy to announce Swami Manasa For the Datta Mala editorial staff Dattas visit to Switzerland in summer 2011. He Tunga will hold a seminar in the Swiss mountains. PS. The articles in this issue are translated from the German Datta Mala magazine 1/2011 edition for the English speaking participants of the Guru Purnima celebrations in Geseke, so that those great and blissful days may be The seminar takes place from August 17th to 21st, 2011 Further information and the form for the mandatory revived from them, too. in a beautifully located Guesthouse in Prättigau, can- application will be sent on demand. ton Grisons (Graubünden). Those interested may contact Nahusha Egon Hürli- mann: [email protected], phone: +41 61 702 16 88 The topic will be: Ramayana – Sundara Kanda, depict- ing the story of Lord Hanuman, his selflessness, his strength and his devotion and surrender to Lord Newsletter der Datta Yoga Center Deutschland und Schweiz Rama. Neuigkeiten und Information gibt es regelmässig per E-Mail. Man kann sich anmelden mit einer E-Mail an news- [email protected] Adressenänderungen In Deutschland bitte an Tilaka (Conny Fischer-Zernin) [email protected], Telefon 07531- 3699691; in der Schweiz an das Sekretariat des DYC Schweiz
4 5 GURU PURNIMA
Pilgrimage and «Guru Flight» The radiance of Sadguru
Guru Purnima 2010 was celebrated on Sunday, 25th July SRI GANESHAYA NAMAHA dad, America, India, especially in Machilipatnam. Swa- SRI SARASVATYAI NAMAHA miji is visiting there now, He is giving darshan to Dat- 2010. After Pada Puja and the singing of the sacred verses SRI PADAVALLABHA NARASIMHA SARAVATI tatreya in his temple. SRI GURU DATTATREYAYA NAMAHA from Guru Gita Sri Swamiji blessed all the participants, also Now I’m extremely happy - if Guru is happy, disciples During the Guru Gita time (while the audience sang are perfect and what the disciples want, that boon, with His speech. Transcription by Tunga and Shabari the Guru Gita shlokas) Swamiji visited so many places to give DARSHAN. Some people dream today, in Trini- ➙ 6 7 these wishes are fulfilled, are definitely fulfilled, ing and going, money will come and go, that is not there is one more – BHAKTI-HEENAM (1). This is very When you were all singing I was not here – I was some- because Guru is happy. important. Meals are not important, maybe facilities important. Sometimes we are very devoted during the where. It is difficult … deliberately I’m coming here, I think we have a lot of information in the Guru Gita, are also not important, this is only a YATRA, we came worshipping time and suddenly our mind behaves like but my energy always wants to fly, to bless some how to worship, how to approach, how to understand, for a YATRA. a monkey. Hunger is coming, some confusion comes, other devotee. You might have observed or not, I how to give the different things to Sadguru, and what somebody is talking something, which makes me very don’t know. It is very difficult to control, if there are is important for our correct behaviour in front of YATRA means pilgrimage. if you go for a pilgrimage angry: ‘He! No! I’m doing puja! No!’ any couple of minutes I want to go and sleep in the Swamiji, Guru. Swamiji has already given it in the Guru you must face a lot of things, no food, no current, no Please forgive all these actions – so many mistakes. back. But I controlled, I controlled - this is INDRYA Gita, different meanings in different languages. electricity, no fan, even no bed, and nobody is asking The milk is not good, the water is not good, the flower NIGRAHA (control of the senses). Some ordinary peo- In this one week we have celebrated Guru Purnima, (about our needs), and also our luggage and our bed is not good. Today’s flower we kept in the fridge, ple think: Swamiji is very tired, is sleepy, out of love not Gna-Na-Bha-Conference – of course, there was are thrown out, we have no phone, but still our mind please forgive. they think: Swamiji is very tired, He is sleepy. It is in Gna-Na-Bha-Conference, Guru Purnima, and wonderful is on the pilgrimage. We are going to the temple and My mind is also not perfect. My mind is somewhere, your level! But at a higher level it is not sleep. It is bhajans sessions and Swamiji’s wonderful concert, give in our own service and we are praying, because busy with the telephone, or some KAMA, some hunger, PARAKAYA PRAVESHA (the ability of entering another NADA, wonderful discourses, wonderful conversation, our goal, our aim is the temple. some sleep comes up, or something like «I’m taking body), flying to all the planets. During that time we and also at the same time wonderful TriYoga and He only will look at all these things, Lord Shiva will the next flight», a couple of seconds and our mind is can give good care and good facility to the Guru, that wonderful Kriya-Yoga also. We attain, we get a lot of look, Lord Krishna will look, Jesus will look, Avadhoota travelling. In front of You, oh Sadguru, I’m sitting with is our Seva. Don’t think: Swamiji doesn’t look at me, He benefit, we are very lucky to participate in this Guru will look, Mother Goddess will look, Jaya Lakshmi Mata You, I’m associated with You, I’m talking with You, I’m is not giving any blessings to me, Swamiji is some- Purnima. will look, Ganapati Swamiji will look. OK. in touch with You, I’m asking for Your guidance, I am where, what can I do? You must support at that time, in Your environment, I’m sitting with You, in front of this is Guru Seva. This kind of systematic Guru Purnima with the differ- Please forgive You, but my mind is somewhere flying. This mind is ent items is happening for the first time, I think - sys- But on our own we sometimes are doing some mis- like a monkey, we don’t know, the mind comes back Blessing tematic, very simple and sweet, short and concen- takes. That’s why we pray to forgive, that’s why at the for a couple of seconds, and then again it goes … And no jealousy! If somebody is near Swamiji, very trated. I performed Guru Purnima at so many places, end (of a worship, a PUJA) we chant MANTRA-HEENAM, somebody comes, is disturbing, talking, and then close to Swamiji, don’t feel jealous, you can think I am in America, Canada, India. But more than anywhere KRIYA-HEENAM …. if any mistake was done in chanting again our mind goes. If somebody gets up in this sitting there, I am sitting there through this person. else this one is of increasing discipline, that is very the mantras during worship, if the mantras are not group everybody looks at this person. Don’t feel jealous, if you feel jealous you get their sin, important. How much we spend, what kind of fruits, perfect. Because they are very tough we make mis- This is BHAKTI-HEENAM, MANTRA-HEENAM and KRIYA- it goes into your account. This is a rule. If Swamiji is what kind of facilities, what kind of jewels we present takes. And the KRIYA - KRIYA means what we are doing HEENAM.(1) giving special blessings to somebody - don’t get jeal- to Swamiji, what kind of SEVA we do, how much money during the PUJA like offering flowers, offering water, ous. You must be happy! Then you will get that happi- we spend – it is not important, it is nothing, it is com- that is the KRIYA. MANTRA-HEENAM, KRIYA-HEENAM, ness, that energy. The people who are receiving those GURU SEVA blessings, they get a shower (shiver), they get confu- Sri Swamiji And KALA PARAMITI. Kala means, not our Kala [devo- sion, but when you are seeing these people, you think during His Guru tee named Kala] – kala means time. O Sadguru, today they are very lucky people. It is very difficult to Purnima speech I have eaten Your time. O Sadguru please excuse me! explain this situation, the blessing situation. I think, The whole world wants to be in your grace, but I’m later you will understand about the blessing situation. disturbing always, please forgive! I’m disturbing, I’m mentally disturbing, and also physically disturbing. I Anyway, people from so many countries attended this don’t know what kind of KARMA this is, I made this year’s Guru Purnima, were here physically. Everybody KARMA, please forgive this kind of mistake and this wanted to attend Guru Purnima in Germany but for kind of disturbance. Please give me good strength to some reason they couldn’t come. So, I first bless be a good human being, with good devotion. The devotees sitting in their house, I give first blessings to society is also looking, some other devotees are also those people, then second blessings I give to you. looking, my behaviour is not correct, please forgive! (audience applauding) This is what the Guru Gita says. It also recommends Because we are very near, we experience Swamiji, for what kind of presentations should be offered, it rec- three, four days, for one week. Today you are watch- ommends how to approach, how to give the mantras ing Guru Puja on Guru Purnima day, you are watching to you, this is in our Guru Gita. Lord Shiva has given it it physically, touching Swamiji and talking to Him, to Parvati, given it to the world. This is the UPADESHA, everything. But I also bless the invisible people, not Guru Gita UPADESHA (Initiation). only the people present here. The people of the past I
8 9 The offering of the crown GNA NA BHA YOGA CONFERENCE is part of the Guru Purni- ma ritual
bless, those people also I bless: Not only the present Geseke was organized by Germany and Switzerland but BHOOTA BHAVISHYATE VARTAMANTA (the past and both, I’m not praising them, because if I praise ego will the future). There are three KALAS: Yesterday, today, develop, that’s a big problem for the human quality. tomorrow. Always I bless you, I pray for your prob- More and more you can do such festivals – not only lems, for your pains, through the atyatmic way Guru Purnima, all kinds of festivals you can attend, (belonging to the ATMAN). I support you, invisibly I you can organize, and Swamiji will often come and will support you. If you don’t get to talk (with Swamiji) give you blessings for good studies. physically, don’t get time (with Swamiji) physically, don’t bother – you sit and close your eyes, you call me JAYA GURU DATTA in your mind, your heart, in front of you, it is also not SRI GURU DATTA necessary to have a photo, you can call me right here. Definitely, Sadguru will help you. Now Swamiji is moving to the front and will be avail- able, please come in a queue one by one offering the So, I can’t forget this one week. It is a historical event, yellow rice of your worship, take the rice and come – especially yesterday and today! Once again special but don’t ask anything. You pray only inside, that is blessings to American devotees, special blessings to all. Don’t ask anything, but only for devotion and good Trinidad devotees, special blessings to Indian devo- energy this time, just pray. East and West in tees, and to all SADHAKAS. I’m not calling them devo- Pater Lutz Müller SJ, Jesuitenorden tees, they are not devotees, they are Sadhakas, JAY GURU DATTA – SRI GURU DATTA Germany with Sri MUMUKSHAS (2), they are good students. Dialogue Swamiji There are so many people in the world, millions and Anmerkungen millions - billions and billions, but you only came, (1) At the end of the PUJA the priests chant «mantra heenam kriya heenam bhakti heenam maheshvara yatkritan tu maya deva paripur- Mind expanding and illuminating talks on Jnana, selected souls. On our Guru’s flight there are tickets for nam tadastu me» - they pray to God to forgive the mistakes they had you only, others are waiting. (audience applauding) done during the PUJA. Nada, Bhakti and Yoga: The four day conference gave Yesterday I explained about PUSHPAKAVIMANA (the (2) SADHAKA: An accomplished person; MUMUKSHA: A person aspiring heavenly airplane of Gods), you are sitting in my PUSH- for liberation, going the way towards liberation valuable insights. Shabari, the conference organizer, PAKAVIMANA, it goes automatically, no driver, energy. Rama himself is leading the PUSHPAKAVIMANA. recollects the event.
10 11 Marianne Behnken of Via Cordis
This Gna Na Bha Yoga conference held for the first time in Europe, was very special because it included the western tradition in this otherwise exclusively Eric Cross speaks about sacral music Indian tradition. Sri Swamiji, the founder of this con- ference, welcomed the idea of a multicultural per- • where Sri Swamiji Himself honored the speakers very nicely supported by specially chosen music spective and supported it very enthusiastically, with a shawl pieces. expressing His happiness to the excellent speakers. • where Sri Swamiji portrayed the Indian tradition • where Sri Swamiji held His talks at the lectern Devotion (Bhakti) with Father Lutz Müller SJ, Jesuit Sri Swamiji honours Professor Michael von Seventeen nations Brück Order Germany. Sri Swamiji’s support and His silent guidance could and ….during one of His talks on yoga He gave a very As a representative of the Jesuit Order in Germany for already be felt during the preparations. In the working memorable portrayal of the duality that imprisons us: the Pastoral profession he explained in a detailed and group we formulated a very complex concept with ments. We were rather late in sending out the invita- while He repeatedly said the opposites «happy – humorous way how the religious exercises of Saint talks running parallel in the morning and workshops tions less than a year in advance. In May we still didn’t unhappy», «happy – unhappy» he hopped from one Ignatius of Loyola prepare the disciple for the pasto- in the afternoon. When we showed Sri Swamiji the have anyone for the bhakti topic, but luckily Sri Swa- leg to the other. This was one of the many joyful occa- ral profession, how he can develop a personal rela- proposal He greatly simplified it with enlightened miji came to London. I showed Him a picture of Father sions where Sri Swamiji illuminated a profound truth tionship to Jesus and complete this practice in ser- foresight regarding our capacity to get things done. Lutz Müller SJ (Societas Jesu: Jesuit Order) who we within our realm of experience. vice to God and mankind. We were actually very challenged with the other big intended to invite. He looked at the picture and smil- events in Geseke and the concert in Munich, which ingly said: «Is he Indian? He looks familiar!». A few Four spiritual themes from western view Yoga with Marianne and Heinz Behnken, Via Cordis, involved a major relocation. He said there should be days after my return, Father Müller accepted the The conference participants were very appreciative of Wennigsen. one speaker from the west for each of the four topics, invitation. Apparently he was very touched and the western presentations on the four spiritual They developed and led the «House of Stillness and and that He would do the eastern parts. We couldn’t impressed by Sri Swamiji. At the end of his talk he themes: Meeting» in Wennigsen Monastery as Contemplation have wished for anything better! He cancelled the thanked Sri Swamiji and said: «It is very obvious that teachers from 2001 to 2007. They deeply touched the proposed afternoon workshops in favour of the Guru You have touched the lives of many people and this is Philosophy / Knowledge (Gnana) with Prof. Michael audience and brought them into the stillness of the Gita chanting. He explained later in India that He a great service – His blessing!» Later he asked if he von Brück, LM University, Munich. heart through the Heart Prayer, which is an early especially enjoyed hearing the Guru Gita verses being could have the photos of himself with Sri Swamiji! He mesmerized all the participants from both the East Christian form of mantric praying from the eastern chanted by over 500 participants from a total of and the West, with his presentation of a non dual real- Christian tradition. SEVENTEEN nations (!) It was a marvelous experience Surprising Contributions ity in the western spiritual tradition, as is normally to be part of this «gift of sound» sung in unison to Sri Sri Swamiji’s warm-hearted, generous and surprising taught in Advaita Vedanta. Swamiji! contributions to the conference were definitely the The talks and the speeches of Sri Swamiji are main reason it was so successful and exceptional. Music (Nada) with Prof. Eric Cross, Newcastle Univer- updated on our website www.dattayogacenter. It was a big relief to experience Sri Swamiji’s support This sixth Gna Na Bha Yoga conference was the first sity, England. org -> «Termine» -> «Tourneen». Excerpts of Sri Swamiji‘s speeches can be found in the article in finding the fourth speaker for the topic on bhakti. conference He gave an impressive tour through the history of «the Spirit of Guru Purnima», Sri Swamiji‘s spee- • that took place in Europe All the speakers responded positively to the confer- music portraying how the divine was expressed in ch on NADA is fully given on page 34 of this ence invitation, being well known personalities. Some • that included the western tradition every epoch right up to modern church music, which Datta Mala. had to decline the invitation due to prior commit- • that Sri Swamiji attended the whole time shows some eastern influence. His presentation was
12 13 GURU PURNIMA The spirit of Guru Purnima The week with Sri Swamiji in Geseke A miracle unfolds, fulfills and transforms. Resolving again. A work of art from His Divine hand. And we are all participating in it. An essay by Tunga
AKHAMDA MANDALAKARAM «I bow to Sadguru, who enabled me to perceive VYAPTAM YENA CHARACHARAM the all-pervading Absolute, the Indivisible, the powerful whole, that the Mahavakya TAT TVAM TAT PADAM DARSHITAM YENA ASI calls
The 16th of July is a hot summer day. The holiday The whole summer mood ripples over from lake Bodensee into Thurgau. After Guru Purnima we spent two weeks at a small We buy cherries that are finally ripe enough, at a stall village on the south coast of Crete, which is one more along the road. Provisions for the long journey north. present of Sri Swamiji. Calmness, space, stillness. At half past nine in the evening, shortly before Kassel, Nothing to do. In the evenings we walk up to a small quantum physicists and philosophers of the last cen- guest house’s dilapidated hall! And how everything is the sun sets and we see a delicate crescent moon in chapel on the hill, and back down under a shining tury. His interpretation of quantum physics describes ready on time, so that we can receive the Divine incar- the sky. It shines more and more brilliantly on our left starry sky. There is no wind which is unusual, and it is a process of wholeness, which we actively participate nate, our Sadguru Sri Swamiji. The manifest Divine in the growing dusk, exactly where we turn west- hotter than before. They say that the heat in Russia is in through the way in which we think. presence. wards. It takes us a bit more than an hour with the preventing the northerly, cooling wind normally blow- Three days before He will arrive at the Paderborn- moon shining our way, to get to Geseke for the third ing over the Aegean Sea. Here on one of these hot Blossoming Lippstadt airport it is very hot here. Hay is busily time. days I suddenly get a flash of understanding about an Blossoming out of Sri Swamiji’s wonderful announce- being cut in Eringerfeld. In the canteen we still have As we arrive at the Dicke Birken guest house it is interview I read from the American British Physicist ment in Meilen, Switzerland, in 2009, was a master- enough space to eat at two tables. The participants eleven o’clock and the moon goes down, exactly here, David Bohm. That was what I experienced in this week work comprising all the talents, skills of the partici- will soon fill up the whole dining room. Five years ago, golden behind the row of poplar trees. When it is full with Sri Swamiji, the highlight being the Guru Purnima pants, the qualities and ideas, the engagement and Mrs. Gisela Gieseke from Geseke (her real name!), moon it will be Guru Purnima. We will have more than celebrations on July 25th: «The implicate order joy and love – like a flower, whose unfolding I always served the food and now a Turkish crew is doing the a week with Sri Swamiji, the first Jnana-Nada-Bhakti- implies mutual participation of everything with every- watch with astonishment: not as an observer from work. In addition to the hall with the leaky roof (which Yoga Conference in Europe, a concert in Geseke, Guru thing. No thing is complete in itself, and its full being outside, but as part of the process. One of His mani- caused electrical short circuiting more than once) the Purnima celebrations, a concert in Munich. is only realized in that participation.» (2) David Bohm festations on the physical level. organization was challenged with the catering for the (1917-1992) was one of the leading and most creative How a temple suddenly took form in the Dicke Birken participants.
14 15 It is almost 30 degrees Celsius in the room and it feels perseverance, balance, and devotion to the topic» sizing connections and showing differences. In this Creating Cosmos out of Chaos like in India. Europe is suffering from a heat wave that Ishvari said in her introduction: «The techniques are way Brück connects DARSHAN with the saying of the And now as I am writing and trying to figure out a way will lead to terrible forest and peat fires in Russia at the necessary vocabulary that one can learn with a bit Christian mystic Master Eckhart in the 13th century: to express experiences being far beyond usual under- the end of July. It comforts me to know that Sri Swa- of talent. But the vocabulary and words themselves «The eye with which I see God, is the same eye with standing, perhaps with words maybe managing to miji visited the Ukraine shortly before (from July 5th are not a language, or novel, or poem. And technical which God sees me» (5). He described a basic differ- evoke a feeling that cannot be described with words, to 9th) and St Petersburg (from July 9th to 13th). «A ability alone is not art. It is about the work on oneself. ence between western and eastern concepts using I remember one of the brilliant sayings of Professor karma burning heat»: That comes in my mind hearing An authentic artwork is only created with all technical the mythological creation of the world through Shi- von Brück: «Creating cosmos out of chaos.» What the the news and weather reports. And again I remember knowhow, when we are totally centered in ourselves, va’s dance. «He dances, as you know, on the demon, myths of creation in the west as well as in the east how Sri Swamiji said «Europe needs it» when announc- connected with our inner self. Then we are transpar- on the negative force. But he does not kill the nega- express about the creation of the outer material ing Guru Purnima 2010 to be held in Geseke. ent for intuition and can give this intuition space to tive force. He transforms the negative force, takes the world, is in reality an insight into our own mental unfold. Inspiration means being given something from energy and creates the negative energy into a struc- development: «To order unordered things, to order or Art the higher power or our most inner source, the divine tured universe. A structured universe is a musical form our mind into one stream chaos to order, is What Sri Swamiji did in these days in Geseke with 300 cosmic power. The emergence of a work of art, a universe and out of this energy comes again, time and CHITTA VRTTI NIRODHAH. As if it were creating music to 500 participants! It was touching for me to under- dance, or a composition is an exchange between the again, the beauty of the creation. The negative is out of noise. Because all the time there is noise going stand and experience the whole event as His artistic individual will to create something with perseverance, never destroyed but is interpreted as an aspect of the on in our mind and when you form it, you have the production. It was also the realization of the prayer and the openness and devotion to that which is given cosmic dance.» (6). music of an ordered mental development.» (8) that was made on the evening of our first day in to us. Sometimes the process is playful, sometimes a The wealth of the material alone is overwhelming: 40 Geseke: «May we all come together in peace, may we struggle with something that wants to be born. Plus Dancing is a highlight for many devotees of the day hours of video recordings, memories, emotions, expe- become a living and creative expression of His Self.» love. The loving vision the artists give to their work. with Sri Swamiji. At the end of the bhajan sessions riences. Some are kind of branded in, others are like Daily more devotees arrive, to take on their jobs in the All types of art are convincing when love, devotion every evening, He plays in such a way that many could butterflies dancing from flower to flower. A kaleido- preparations and on Sunday evening Sri Swamiji – it is and authenticity can be felt within them. It is more not resist jumping onto their feet and dancing. An scope of ever new colors and forms. So many tones already dark – can be very warmly welcomed with about the HOW than the WHAT. And with this we close ecstatic experience, a coming out of oneself and at and sounds, so much NADA, so much spiritual knowl- candles and torches. the circle with yoga: Everything you do can be yoga, the same time being totally present, with everything edge that Sri Swamiji feeds us, like a mother giving when you do it with supreme concentration and devo- going on around, with one self, and with Sri Swamiji. milk to her child, so much JNANA, waves of BHAKTI, «In participation» said David Bohm, «we bring out tion.» When Sri Swamiji stands up and dances on Thursday loving devotion, such a deep experience of YOGA, this potentials which are incomplete in themselves, but it evening there are no limits to the enthusiasm. In my miracle of the union of the individual soul with the is only in the whole that the thing is complete» (3). The divine dance eyes He looks like a Sufi dervish, one of those «crazy» omniscient divine. Physically one could say: A dance The program begins artistically on Monday morning. The conference – whose motto is east and west in Holy saints who, moved by Divine power to ecstasy of the «implicate order» – this «vast field of potential- Devotees greet Sri Swamiji with singing and music, dialogue – begins enthusiastically and continues on and rapture, and «circle like a star in the choreogra- ity» – and the «explicate order», in which the potenti- with yoga and photo presentations. The morning full of energy. The talk by Michael von Brück, profes- phy of the heavenly lights.» (7). ality manifests itself in this way now and in the next ended with the opening of the picture and photogra- sor of religious science, entitled «God dances in man The concert on Saturday also ends with the whole hall moment it manifests in a new way. phy exhibition in the back part of the hall. – paths to the inner self in the Christian-Hindu dia- joyfully dancing. «Art is a question of intuition, great concentration, logue» is a dance between the east and west, empha-
16 17 creation in the PUSHPAKAVIMANA – and there is still forms are different and the explanations given are one seat empty.» different. People take different paths, but there is Sri Swamiji also speaks about healing through music: only one Truth. And all paths lead to one goal: Devo- «If you touch the nerves in your body, it is very impor- tion». (11) tant which sound to hear, which note especially has to be heard again and again. If you observe Swamijis Non duality concerts, you see that He is pressing one note many One highlight of the GBNY conference is a question times – SA – SA – SA – SA – SA». put to Sri Swamiji. On Thursday morning, Marianne It is very impressive how Sri Swamiji demonstrates and Heinz Behnken from the Via Cordis community this by tapping on the conference lectern, and that gave the last presentation on YOGA. The Behnkens His instrument produces wonderful music for a talk about the path of the Heart Prayer and impart moment with a single sound. «If you keep on listening through singing together and the wonderful prayer to that sound one particular nerve reacts». ABWUN, the Lord’s Prayer translated from Aramaic This NADA is very difficult to explain. The NADA BINDU (12), the atmosphere of this Christian form of YOGA. In UPANISHAD and SAMA VEDA are our foundation for the following question and answer dialogue Heinz NADA. Recently Swamiji wrote a book (9), 1000 pages Behnken asks to the great joy and amusement of all about NADA, how to heal people with sound. Swamiji is devotees: «I am a human being and I have feelings, I giving many details how to practise.» love and I have dislikes. I have sympathies and antipa- Sri Swamiji after Pada Puja thies. Do you have these feelings or are they gone?» A companion of Jesus He hasn’t had this since His birth and He doesn’t live Or to describe it musically: A symphony of light, love and this abundant playful energy, is the real condition On Wednesday, July 21st 2010, Lutz Müller, a Jesuit in duality is the short version of the answer before Sri and grace that formes and expresses itself uniquely in of being human, as one sees in small children with Father who lives in Frankfurt, Germany, talks on the Swamiji takes the microphone Himself and gives a everyone who is there. A deeply transforming experi- their immense and wonderful creativity. A culture topic of BHAKTI. He sums up the essence of his talk more detailed explanation. «My birth itself is a teach- ence for me, happening by the grace of the physical which doesn’t lovingly support the making of mis- about the exercises practiced by the Jesuits and the ing. I was born in water, my mother was in meditation presence of Sri Swamiji. takes and learning from them, but rather judges mis- essentials of the path as: «To become a companion of and the baby lay in the water. Three hours I stay in the takes with «I don’t like it when you do that» destroys Jesus». water. No duality. I don’t know what these feelings Creativity this ancestral human enthusiasm. It is so amazing and are. So many people cry, so many people laugh, why True creativity means to participate of the ever new wonderful how Sri Swamiji wakes us up so we become Sri Swamiji speaks afterwards about BHAKTI. An do they laugh? So I learn: Somebody laughs, I am also creation of the universe. And that means creating children again and how He teaches us to take our important saying in the Indian tradition is that with- laughing. Somebody cries, I am also crying. No feel- something that reflects the order of the universe and responsibility and develop courage. out JNANA (spiritual knowledge) there will be no lib- ings – how does one live without feelings? That is your dances in harmony with the «music of the spheres». eration. However: «When devotion is pure», says Sri next question. I think you also practice then you Or to discover something new in the endless order of NADA Swamiji, «then the divine itself will give you JNANA». understand. the universe, as David Bohm, who does not limit crea- It was a unique sight to see Sri Swamiji, the embodi- And not only JNANA. Sri Swamiji cites one of the most tivity to art and culture, but regards it as something ment of JNANA, NADA, BHAKTI, and YOGA, standing at popular SLOKAS from the BHAGAVAD GITA (SLOKA 22, Somebody energy is leading in this body. I don’t call it as a foundation of real human beingness. Science also the conference lectern, when He speaks to the audi- Chapter 9): «ANANYA CINTAYANTO MAM JANAH PARY- God or Jesus or Datta or Allah. Somebody energy is needs creativity and originality to be able to perceive ence after each lecture during the four day confer- UPASATE /TESAM NITYABHIYUKTANAM YOGAKSHEMAM leading. Maybe I am like a wire, something energy is something really new. It is only possible to be creative ence. VAHAMYAHAM» (10). Dr. Nath explains the meaning of coming, and one can switch on the light. I don’t know when one is not imprisoned in a mechanical habit of the verse further, where KRISHNA says to ARJUNA: «I what it is – all these feelings, there is no duality. Now thinking, just repeating the knowledge already On Tuesday morning, following Professor Eric Cross’ give you all the four paths JNANA, KARMA, DHYANA, I am 68 and I don’t want to practice duality.» (13) acquired. It requires the love of learning and demands talk on music history, Sri Swamiji speaks about NADA AND BHAKTI – and I give you KSHEMA, well being, that one is, «attentive, alert and aware» as David (see page XXX for the transcription): « Music is like a prosperity, given that you surrender completely to «Toy story» Bohm says so well. Whatever is mechanical and heaven, music is like a flight. After RAVANA was killed, me.» Sri Swamiji continued on in His answer: «5,000 years habitual, more or less totally unconscious, as is so RAMA returned to His kingdom with a special flight, ago PATANJALI (14) wrote and gave the same (as prevalent in daily life, doesn’t lead to anything new, called PUSHPAKAVIMANA. Even if 10‘000 people are According to Sri Swamiji this is one of the fundamen- Marianne and Heinz Behnken taught). DHYANA is but just repeats the same things over and over in sitting in the airplane – one seat is empty. There is one tal SLOKAS of the ARYA (noble) society, which means always DHYANA. From place to place it is called some- various ways. The joy of learning, trying something more seat even if one million of people are on the as Sri Swamiji says, a truly human society. Because: thing different, there are different names in different out and seeing what happens, openness for what is, flight. It is a miracle that VIMANA (1). You can put all «The truth is always and everywhere the same. The languages and different versions. But DHYANA is
18 19 DHYANA. Meditation, is always meditation, no lan- , there is no such thing as
20 21 by the long row of people. The weather has changed when it was wide and white under snow and freezing and the sky is stormy black. During the eight hour cold. Although being completely non-aristocratic I drive to Munich on the highway it rains again and feel comfortable in Nymphenburg, which astounds again with monsoon intensity. Sometime, somewhere me, until I get clear in what role I might be here. An on the A9 south I see nine geese flying in the sky hour before the start of the concert one cannot reminding me of the birds I often see in the sky over believe that everything will be ready on time, and Sri Swamiji’s Ashrama in Mysore. As we get closer to again I feel this amazement at how Sri Swamiji man- Munich the landscape changes and it becomes more ages again and again, to ensure that everything is Swiss-like, more hilly and feels more like home than suddenly in the right place. What was lost appears the wide open spaces in northern Germany. Suddenly again, the roses all join up in the garland and every- I see that everything – highway, landscape, trees, sky, thing that was lying around in the entrance where He earth, everything that we see, in which we breathe, would enter the Hubertussaal hall is tidied up. live, that which seems so naturally to be the reality – is a third- or fourdimensional projection of THAT. It is Only my mind is confused. Perhaps I am drunk from a completely different way of perception: As if I could the scent of the thousand roses and white lilies. Full perceive the light which creates – similar to the movie of anticipation of Sri Swamiji’s arrival, I think I can projection in the cinema – this apparent reality. And in quietly put on clean trousers. Before doing this the this «movie» we are – unlike cinema – contained: thought passes my mind that it is perhaps better to Breathing, living, thinking, acting. wait until Sri Swamiji and His entourage has passed by That slowly fades away as we needed all our concen- on the way to the artist’s changing rooms. So I throw tration – it has turned dark – to find our way through my trousers over a stool - there is a loud crack as the the big city to our hotel, just in time to get our room glass bottle with rosewater and the imprint «Sadguru key. leads you from darkness to light» rolls out of the Dicke Birken, Geseke: Bye, bye Sri Swamiji! pocket and smashes into pieces on the floor. Before I «You must control» realize what had happened, Sri Swamiji swiftly comes The next morning we go up to the castle. How differ- around the corner. He smiles and I experience once ent it looks to the first time we came here in January, more how He, even when we make the most impossi- ble mistakes, uses this for an unforgettable lesson. passport control and slowly disappears out of our And the court fool, now in the fragrance of the rose- view without once turning round. Then He takes two, water from the broken bottle, wonders about the three steps back and – I can really feel His smile – grace of the supreme king. turns around to those of us still standing there and waves. That the concert had already begun, I only realize as I hear the applause. So I have to sneak through the loud We stay a while longer in this «no mans» land squeaky door right next to the stage in the Hubertus- between coming and going, between landing and tak- saal. I have never had such a loud creaky floor under ing off. «Joy is timeless», is written on a blow-up high my feet, as I make my way around the whole audience up in the hall. We also manage to say goodbye to each to finally take my seat on the other side of the hall. other. With joy, nostalgia, in peace and contentment And I understand a bit more what Sri Swamiji means even with everything that was difficult and didn’t when He says: «You must control.» That will become a function as one had imagined and hoped it would. daily training after Guru Purnima. Someone remembers the story that Sri Swamiji has also mentioned in Geseke: When you get an apple, you Timeless joy do not throw it away only because it had a little black On the following morning an unforgettable follow-the- spot on it. You can cut out the black spot and grateful master-drive to the airport where a handful of tired enjoy the apple as a gift. « It is He who makes us do and overjoyed devotees say goodbye to Sri Swamiji wrong things», said Hira Duvvuri, «so that we learn Daily: Sri Chakra who is flying on to Denmark. We stand there and wave from our mistakes.» (19) Puja as Sri Swamiji with His three companions goes through
22 23 What can one say? About the event with Sri Swamiji, In March the Eyjafjalljökull volcano in Iceland erupted (1) Guru Gita Mantra 44, in Sri these gloriously blissful days around Guru Purnima and dominated the headlines with its ash cloud that Guru Gita, p56 which took place in Europe for the first time. In spread over Europe, badly impacting European air (2) David Bohm: On creativity, Geseke the flags of all European countries were hung traffic, and causing millions of travelers to be strand- London, New York 1998, p. 106 next to the entrance of the temporary temple. «It is a ed at airports. On April 20th, the Deep Water Horizon (3) David Bohm: On creativity, London, New York 1998, p. 106 historical event» said Sri Swamiji Himself on Guru oil drilling platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. (4) Summarized from Ishvari’s Purnima day. And even if we can’t understand the 500,000 to a million tons of crude oil leaked out and talk at the opening of the exhibi- whole dimension of this, the feeling of being deeply caused one of the greatest environmental catastro- tion. moved by having experienced this historical event phes in the world. The consequences of this, as with (5) Translated from the German remains with us and – to have played a part in forming the forest and peat fires in Russia, cannot be esti- taken from Master Eckhart, Pre- digt 13, Deutsche Predigten und one of these myriads parts that unfold out of the mated. Traktate. Published and transla- «implicate order». ted by Josef Quint. München: «Europe did it» someone said to the point. With Sri Hanser Verlag, 1995, p. 216 Swamiji’s grace and in His light. (6) Taken from the transcript of the lecture (7) Pir Vilayat Khan, translated from the German taken from Lichtübungen: Den eigenen Licht- «You are That. tempel mit seiner Aura bauen, You are That. Lektion 46 aus der Meditations- TATTVAMASI TATTVAMASI kurs. You are ANANDA (bliss), (8) CHITTA: One of the mental SAT (truth) and CHIT functions, VRITTI: Activity, AANANDASSA CHCHITTVAMASI (knowledge)» (20) NIRODHA: Control, self-control. Said by Prof. von Brück in his lecture. (9) The original version in Telegu from RAGA RAGINI NADA YOGAMU November 2010 addendum was released during Sri Swamiji’s As I remember the forest fires in Russia that have While Europe had a record heat wave, Pakistan (and 68th birthday celebrations on long disappeared from the headlines, I try to recall all Ladakh) had unusually heavy monsoon rains at the May 30th, 2010. The official release outside Mysore Ashram Sri Swamiji at the conclusion program in Geseke the big catastrophes in Europe and the whole world end of July, which caused massive flooding of the big was on November 7th, 2010 with with all the suffering of people and nature that we rivers across the whole country. Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamiji at an event attended by famous /Guide us within temptation. / Because YOURS is the kingdom of love witnessed through the media. It’s only possible with I am more and more clear that Sri Swamiji is not only musicians, scientists and politicians. The Indian musician, author, and peace / the fullness of life / the lively power of rebirth and the some difficulty and research. supporting and nourishing personal growth during teacher and music scientist, Dr. Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana sound of the cosmos / which beautifies everything time over time. / I described RAGA RAGINI NADA YOGAMU as an extension of SAMA VEDA. do confirm this with my whole being. Amen. In the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 around half the event in Geseke this summer but also giving (10) The translation of the slokas is: To those who exclusively medi- (13) Summary from Sri Swamiji’s speech on BHAKTI on July 21st, 2010 a million people lost their life. The earthquake in Chile strength to cope with difficult situations. As we know: tate upon Me, thinking of no other, who are ever devout, I bring pro- (14) PATANJALI: «PATANJALI developed the eight fold path (ASTANGA) in February 2010 was one of the most powerful quakes It is not given for oneself. And whatever our duty may sperity and security (KSHEMA), Chapter 9, SLOKA 22, SRIMAD BHAGA- of yoga in 200 AD as a system, that still forms the basis of most yoga that has ever shaken the earth and it destroyed be – may we fulfill it in His service as well as possible, VADGITA, Transliteration and Translation by Sri Ganapati disciplines today.» KRIYA YOGA, introduction by Sri Ganapati Sach- around 500,000 houses. A further earthquake in and may we be worthy of His Love. Sachchidananda Swamiji. AVADHOOTA DATTA PEETHAM, 1990, p. 143 chidananda Swamiji, 2010, p.13. The new German translation by Shaba- (11) Summary from Sri Swamiji’s speech on BHAKTI on July 21st, 2010. ri was released at Geseke in 2010. China and Tibet in April 2010 was hardly mentioned at (12) Abwun (Lord’s prayer)as presented by Marianne and Heinz Behn- (15) Summarized from Sri Swamiji’s speech on YOGA on July 22nd, all. ken: 2010 Father-Mother of the cosmos / procreating birth giving love / (16) Summarized from Sri Swamiji’s speech on YOGA on July 22nd, everything YOU create in light. / 2010 Prepare within us the space of our heart / so that we may experience (17) Hira Duvvuri’s speech, July 23rd, 2010, published in the BHAKTI YOUR light and YOUR sound in peace. / May YOUR reality reveal itself. MALA October 2010, also on www.dattapeetham.com Guru Purnima / Let heaven and earth build a new creation / by discovering YOUR celebration, under «other events». love in ours. / Kindly give to us day after day / what we need in terms (18) David Bohm: On creativity, London, New York 1998, p. 1-26 of bread and insight / (19) Hira Duvvuri’s speech, July 23rd, 2010. for the call of the growing life. / Free us from the chains of our (20) Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, Journey into the Self, mistakes / as we also give free / what binds us to the guilt of others. Lessons in Vedanta, volume 1, Mantra 18.
24 25 … playing … … drawing and painting … beaming and laughing
of the stories were about elephants, about the inspi- Performing and dancing rational and colorful Elmar, about Ganesha or about As well as playing outside the young ones loved sing- A colourful carpet … Mahagiri from India. They found the story about ing bhajans and songs. Saraswati and Prakash sup- Satyanarayana («Bala Sachchidananda, the Divine ported us wonderfully on tabla and guitar. «Jai Guru Child») especially fascinating. From time to time the Datta, Sri Guru Datta …» or «Hanuman, Hanumate … woven from threads and ribbons from every country. Kambhoji children loved to dip into one of the books from the Namaha …» could be heard pouring out sincerely and was responsible for the children’s program in Geseke. She now small library we had brought along. Agastya had joyfully from children’s throats and hearts. Especially, planned an exciting animal safari in the area for Tues- as the parents related, in the evenings, during meals talks about her work with the Datta children and teenagers. day. While the older children learned pop songs with or in the shower. Kyra, the younger ones were very busily involved with Sometimes it was a great challenge and a real work of painting. With Sangeeta´s and Sushila’s support we On July 16th, I found an email with the latest infor- «Ganesha» presented us with surprises, not only at enthusiastically created Ganeshas and Elmars so that Reception on Monday morning: Welcome Sri Swamiji mation from Aniruddha in my mailbox: «32 children the beginning but also during the program. The first our «Hamburg» room soon transformed into an «ele- and teenagers aged between 2 and 16 years speaking surprise began before Sri Swamiji’s arrival when ten phant burg» [burg = castle in German language] room. three different languages, have registered for our lively teenagers formed a team first playing games A whole troop of colourful, fantasy elephants deco- program!» and then painting. On Sunday evening they stood rated the room! We had begun the preparations several months along with the younger children and everybody else, Sushila’s portrayal of the Vagdevi school as well as before, because we wanted our young friends in holding torches and Chinese lanterns eagerly await- the idea of an auction of the children’s paintings Geseke to feel welcomed and comfortable. They ing the arrival of our Master. The following morning whose proceeds would be given to the children in the should be allowed to participate in the conference in they were the first to welcome Sri Swamiji with the Vagdevi school spurred the children to a real surge of their own way, have the chance to get to know each poster they had made themselves. creativity. The paintings would be on show! On the other and relax. We wanted to offer them space within final evening they would make 2,036 Euros for our which they could express themselves in many differ- Many elephants friends in Bangalore! ent ways, where they could experience something The children’s program officially began with the start that was touching, supporting, joyful or that would of the event on Monday. The smaller children listened help them in their life. to stories from western and eastern literature. Some
26 27 art, to connect with all the young people, who had hearts were beating really fast! Even though not eve- GURU PURNIMA different cultural backgrounds and various needs, rything went according to the dress rehearsal, and and find ways to be a group and allow artistic ideas to not everything went according to plan – it was a unfold. Playing, painting, listening to stories, perform- happy, beautiful evening that brought us closer ing and dancing brought us closer. together. Many had shining eyes! The young artists Again and again there were deeply touching moments: gave their best. We were astonished and very moved For example there was a little girl who discovered for by the beauty of the performance. the first time that is was fun to paint, that she could do it and that her paintings would be displayed and Finally I would like to thank all the participants from appreciated. Another girl totally absorbed within, my heart: my friends Agastya, Saraswati, Sangeeta happily danced a story. A boy experienced how one of and Sushila as well as Kaliji and her team for their the «big boys» became his friend after a misunder- great job, Prakash and Kyra for the musical support, standing and shock. The story of Sina and the yoga all the children and teenagers for joining in so well, cat helped another boy to discover that he could do Datta, Vinuta and Mira for your unique performance, the apparently very difficult gymnastic exercises, your art moved us deeply. All the sponsors for the calmly and with confidence … pictures for Vagdevi and of course Kala I thank for your help in this project and your generosity! And It was very nice to experience how the group of small most of all I thank our Master Sri Swamiji, whose love ones, initially shy, accepted the offer of Kaliji’s yoga during this week once again enlivened, guided and team to join in the yoga class, and how they slowly protected us. opened up and were happy. The highlight was without doubt for all of us Sri Swa- miji’s surprise visit to the «children’s room», and Fri- day evening when the children, teenagers and some young adults performed on stage in front of Him and the audience with their «Young Talents Show». Some
Saraswati with Bala Swamiji and Swamiji, Navaratri 2009 YOGA ! Kaliji and the children doing TRIYOGA DATTA DARSHAN
Sri Bala Swamiji had already Several devotees might have seen me walking in my «I love Bala Swamiji» T-Shirt during Guru Purnima accepted the invitation to Celebration week. It is no secret that I Love Bala Swa- miji very intensely. Since Navaratri 2009 in Mysore, Geseke, but His visit was not when HE picked me up and took my Heart (and I could and would not resist!), it is HIM I breathe, it is HIM I possible in the end. However, think of, it is HIM who fills every cell of my body. I noticed, that through HIM, I can feel Appaji stronger He was present during the and stronger, too. So it is not strange, that I sing for event … Saraswati from the HIM every day and that during Guru Purnima Celebra- tions too, and that I also wrote a poem for HIM. Netherlands narrates her expe- I was blessed to share this poem in front of Appaji with all devotees present and the ones on Yoga San- rience. geeta.
28 29 Poem for Bala Swamiji The second day it was raining a little, but the tree It is Tuesday, the 27th of July Today it is Guru Purnima and I am thinking of You gave me shelter and I loved singing in nature here in 2010, around ten o’clock in the Concentrating on You the Ashram of our Beloved Sadguru. For of course, it morning and a foggy and rainy, Meditating on You is not only His Holiness Bala Swamiji I am singing for, more November-like than summer- Honoring You it is also for Appaji, for they are ONE. ly day. Although Munich presents So far away, but then again so close On the third day, I noticed at the end of my last bhajan its dreary side it feels like entering In the PRESENCE of our Sadguru that Appaji was approaching. On the metaphysical another world with a lordly and plane. He came from the left (from the side of His pompously, simultaneously pre- Light is coming through residence). I continued singing, tried not to be dis- cious and subtle atmospheric com- Love and affection too tracted. Still concentrating on the singing. pound veiled behind Nymphen- All Cells are charged with Divine Energy But at the last line, I could hardly finish my singing – I burgs palace walls radiating With the BLESSINGS of our Sadguru felt His Holiness who was approaching closer and tranquility as well as authority. The closer – His Force was getting stronger and stronger generous premises allow the sol- Playing the tabla, singing and dancing – emnly spirit to be perceptible espe- My Beloved Bala Swamiji Until finally it was DATTATREYA HIMSELF standing in cially towards evening. I dedicate to You front of me! All with the LOVE of our Sadguru I was actually forced to the ground, bowed down very Backstage very deeply for His Holiness Bala Swamiji, Appaji AND Even though it is early in the day From the bottom of my heart Dattatreya at the same time. there are already many volunteers With Eternal Love and Devotion busy with the props, the conversion May Appaji BLESS YOU! It took me several minutes to come to my senses of the stage, the lighting system That is MY PRAYER at the Lotus Feet of our Sadguru again. To breathe normally again. A friend told me and all the technical stuff, the later that Appaji had given me Datta Darshan. I don’t organization of decorative articles Singing under the tree even know what that means exactly – but it felt very, and the dealings with the mass of As I said, I sing for my beloved Bala Swamiji every day. very intensely. And I am very very grateful for this roses and odorant lilies. Since Sri Also during this week in Geseke. But somehow, it was experience. Swamiji and the musicians should very special, for I went early in the morning, at 5 A.M. not just find a ready welcome but and sat down under a beautiful tree, always with Bala feel as being at home there were Swamiji sitting next to me metaphysically (as it JAYA APPAJI – JAYA BALA SWAMIJI many things which had to be pre- turned out, this tree was standing in front of Appaji’s JAYA GURU DATTA pared backstage too, like the coat- residence). rooms.
Sri Swamiji receives It is not that the repeatedly heavy roses after the concert rainfalls mare the atmosphere inside the palace – quite the oppo- site it becomes even more festive and the musicians - who arrive The culmination … already around 3 p.m. do a sound- check on the stage that sounds beautiful and it is rather like a little … of Sri Swamiji’s visit to Germany: A divine pre-concert. As time goes by, the concert in the palace of a fairy tale king. number of volunteers increases and - filled with keen anticipation – A report by Mira. preparations are made. One gar- land of flowers after the other is being bound, the stage decorated, the bookstall built up, the back-
30 31 stage area perfected, the stage door prepared and interest in the knight legends of the Middle Ages, actual mental diseases were, what the very true rea- Lastly it might be a special gift that we are allowed to many other things are done… Linderhof Palace bears witness to his enthusiasm for sons were for his incapacitation on the 11th of June, pass by with a flower and to get Darshan of His Holi- everything being oriental and exotic as well as the 1886 and most of all concerning his very mysterious ness! Uniqueness Greek and Roman theodicy and Herrenchiemsee Pal- death on the 13th of June, 1886. Many questions are The concert itself is - as to be sure each of Swamiji’s ace was designed along the lines of Palace Versailles not clarified down to the present day. «I want to When Sri Swamiji is leaving the palace those who are is – unique and special. Nevertheless in at least one in France. remain as an everlasting mystery to myself as well as nearby can hear the cry - or rather a call? - of a single point it takes up an exceptional position: It is not «just the rest» as he interestingly once wrote (original swan which is swimming towards Him on the channel one among many» but rather a realisation of a con- The «Moon King» quotation in German). The concluding words of Sri next to the pavement. Sri Swamiji then walks towards cern of His Holiness expressed already 1993 in the Since King Ludwig II commonly slept during daytime Swamiji tell that there is a hidden meaning in this the swan and for around two minutes they face each context of a visit to King Ludwigs palaces Neuschwan- and was awake and lived his life during the night he is evening, that it contains a secret. other… stein and Linderhof in South Germany. He felt the also called as “Moon King” - by contrast to the French strong connection between the King and the com- Sun King Louis XIV. In other ways as well he stands out Hamsa This concert in Nymphenburg Palace on the 27th of poser Richard Wagner (1813-1883) then and uttered the due to (apparently?) contraries, mysteries and incon- One of the Ragas being played at this evening is a July, 2010 was a culmination of the foregone eventful wish to give a concert in one of the palace halls sistencies in societal and psychic aspects as well as special composition of Sri Swamiji and unforgettably wonderful days in Geseke with the someday. his policy of the government. Concerning his music dedicated to King Ludwig II. Sri Swamiji also plays Gna-Na-Bha-Yoga-Conference, excursions, hilarious preferences he really idolised Richard Wagners’ com- Hamsananda Raga - a Swan Raga. King Bhajan sessions in the evenings, the Bala-Datta-Pro- King Ludwig II was born on the 25th of August 1845 in positions - mostly operas and music dramas - which Ludwig really adored swans and until this day there gramme, Kriya- and Triyoga-Lessons, a concert and Nymphenburg Palace. Popularly he is called a fairy fascinated him all through. As a patron of Wagner who are many of them living on the water the Guru Purnima Celebrations on the 25th of July, tale king which is not in the least because of the revolutionized the compositional work in determining installations around the palace. Some short sounds 2010. Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Her- points King Ludwig II contributed a lot to the music which compare a bit to a deep choir renchiemsee Palace and the extravagant hunting history of his day. let us listen attentively, too. lodge Schachen which were built up according to his Especially after Ludwig’s death many rumors came up will. Neuschwanstein Castle holds a mirror up to his concerning how and who he «really» was, what his
At the beginning of the concert Holding the crystal wand Alongside Prince Max III (builder Hubertusssaal) Conclusion of the concert with rose garland
32 33 NADA is great
Music is like a heaven, music is like a flight. After RAVANA was killed, RAMA returned to His kingdom with a special flight, called PUSHPAKAVIMANA. Even if 10’000 people are sitting in the airplane – one seat is empty. There is one more seat even if one million people are on the flight. It is a miracle that VIMANA (1). You can put all creation in the PUSHPAKAVIMANA – and there is still one seat empty.
When HANUMANTA went to Sri Lanka in search of SITA – where is SITA? Where is SITA? Where is SITA – he went round RAVANAS palace and KUMBHAKARNAS (2) palace. Different style the palace, different style of roof and floor. If you touch any pillar there is a little sound, if you touch another pillar there is a different sound. ANJANEYA (3), our NADA GURU, formless ANJANEYA (who is of course also in the monkey form) is going one step, two steps, three steps, very slowly, Sri Swamijis talking he is watching, because all demons are sleeping. The about NADA demons also know all the tricks, MAYA, how to become invisible, how to become visible. So HANUMANTA took «Why do I take birth again? » higher energy – higher energy means invisible – but the demons know that too. HANUMANTA went invisible with a kind of – I’m not calling it MANTRA, he was using In the Japanese tradition and in the Chinese system is a kind of art. It is a temporary healing system. his NADA. NADA means the same as PRANAYAMA. That «JNANA is in there are methods for working with the NADI and the Maybe it works also psychologically. The pain is really PRANAYAMA gives a different sound. If you sleep or if nerves. For healing they press different points and gone, no doubt. But slowly it is coming again. And the you are awake: There are different sounds. Other nerves. They are only touching the nerves (= acupres- patients are going again to treatment and pay some sounds are produced when you are very angry, or your body, sure, not acupuncture). Then they give five or ten money, and again they will be healed. It’s a good busi- when you get very hungry, when you are in sorrow, or glasses of good juice and they put some sound like ness, OK. in happiness, or when you get very tense. When you OM. The patients sleep for one hour or two hours and have a female baby in the womb, there is a different NADA is in when they wake up they are very happy. Some miracle The disease will be cured sound of PRANAYAMA. You must observe your PRANA, happened. But after one week the pain comes again. But how can the pain vanish permanently? all kinds of different notes. What is this? How can we believe that acupressure I don’t blame that system (of acupressure), I give your body» treatment? respect to that system. I obey that system, we have in I will show today evening, if possible, which sounds our VEDANTA also that system. In the ayurvedic sys- represents for our nerves. This is not tricks, this is not For one week or ten days they are very happy, no tem we have NADI SHODHANA VIDYA (4). In the proper hypnosis, it’s a real fact. pain! The pain vanished. It is really true, acupressure way and with proper herbal medicine definitely the
34 35 disease will be cured. If you touch the nerves in your power. If you read books nothing happens, only more ous countries. In the BHAGAVAD GITA there is a beauti- body it is very important which sound to hear, which and more questions are coming. We need talks like the ful picture for VISHVARUPA (6), you can see so many «Definitely the note especially has to be heard again and again. If you lecture of yesterday, easy to understand and clearing AVATARAS in one RUPA (form), SAHASRARA AVATARA, observe Swamiji’s concerts, you see that He is press- our doubts. Only on a certain level we need the help the universal form of Lord VISHNU, Lord KRISHNA, ing one note many times – SA – SA – SA – SA – SA. If you of books. After that level do not touch books any- some people say RAMA, it doesn’t matter. So NADA is disease will be keep on listening to that sound, one particular nerve more, do only SADHANA, think about yourself. NADA is also VISHVARUPA. I have told so many times what the reacts. in your body, JNANA is in your body. YOGA is also in SA RI GA MA PA DA NI is. What is the SA, what is the RI, your body. This body is a moving energy. Don’t hate what is the GA MA PA DA NI? It is in our body, com- cured» This NADA is very difficult to explain. The NADA BINDU this body. So many people hate this body. You have no pletely. SA means SAGARA, ocean. The first birth of UPANISHAD and SAMA VEDA are our foundation for right to say: I want to die. Say: I want to live with the man and woman is in the ocean, in the mother womb, NADA. Recently Swamiji wrote a book (5), 1000 pages JNANA, with the NADA. I want to live with my GURU. I in this ocean they are rounding and rounding. For nine about NADA, how to heal people with sound. Swamiji is want the SATSANGA and good association and good months oder eight months. Some people come out «This body giving many details how to practise. My forefathers friendship. Don’t say: I want to die. Your ticket to after seven months, very urgently they want to come were also music people using music like a penance death is already booked. Don’t think about death. in this miserable world (Sri Swamiji laughs) – OK, in through VEDA, first the NADA BINDU UPANISHAD, then Think about only this today. Think: I am very lucky, I this beautiful world. is a moving SAMA VEDA. In using NADA it is also very important learn different spiritual subjects, different YOGA sys- which RAGA to play at what time. Early morning tems. I’m very very lucky. You can always tell yourself: If you observe the child in the womb you can see dif- RAGAS are different from evening RAGAS or midnight I’m very happy! ferent forms, like the KURMA-form, the turtle-form. energy» RAGAS. And how to behave with our mind is also very That is the SA, the ocean. And then RI, it means the important. In India when we talk about NADA, we talk about (land) animals. When the baby is born, the first sounds NARADA and ANJANEYA and TUMBARA. Very famous are coming – NNA GNA GHO … KOUM KIM (7) … Who am Moving energy musicians, they are incarnations of NADA, these I? Why do I take birth again? What is my KARMA? Who That system ANJANEYA was following in the palace of saints. But not the musicians are great, the listeners are my parents, these temporary parents? How many RAVANA, one step, two steps, three steps, four steps. are great! Musicians don’t know how to use their own days will this Mama, this Papa stay with me? NHAA The demons don’t know about NADA. This is the final music. There are excellent singers, excellent musi- GHAA … you can note these sounds, and analyse with version for tricks, the final version for music, the final cians, and they don’t know how to use their own the computer, then you understand the language. One version for energy, the final version for Divine grace. music. Like comedy men, who are wonderfully humor- hour after birth another sound is coming, three hours «Without NADA You can give many titles to it. ous in their comedies – but in their own house they later the sound is different, after six hours again it will are always in sorrow, always unhappy. I have seen be different. The baby will take all the seven notes. And then finally he is sitting in the PUSHPAKAVIMANA. great musicians but their life is miserable. They don’t The NADA BINDU UPANISHAD gives a special explana- we can‘t live» RAMA wants to go back to AYODHYA. Many monkeys listen to their own CDs at home. Why? You can think tion, a special meaning about this. are also sitting in the plane. And one seat is empty. about this question. (1) VIMANA: Vehicle of the deities, being self-moving. PUSHPAKA VIMANA: The airplane of RAMA. Then they are flying over the forest where ANJANEYAS Without NADA we can’t live. (2) Brother of the demon RAVANA ashrama is located. His mother is crying and Turtle Yesterday I told that NADA means our PRANA. In the (3) ANJANEYA: A name of HANUMAN, derived from the name of his ANJANEYA wants to go for a visit and come back. For Music is great, NADA is great. There are so many dif- beginning I told that our NADA is different – when we mother ANJANA a couple of seconds he goes visiting his mother ferent styles, so many different instruments in vari- eat, when we travel, when we sleep the sound is (4) NADI: The subtle energy channels in the body. SHODHANA: Purifi- cation. VIDYA: Wisdom, science. ANJANA DEVI. RAMA thinks that two seats are empty changing. That NADA is a creation, a wonderful sub- (5) The original version of «RAGA RAGINA NADA YOGAMU» in Telegu now. There is the seat that is always empty and there ject in our body. NADA itself is JNANA. Some people was released on the occasion of Sri Swamiji 68th birthday celebra- is ANJANEYAS seat. But who is sitting here? Some- only practise NADOPASANA (8), they don’t want any tions on 30th of May, 2010. A further release outside the Ashrama body is sitting here. Who is sitting here? I am quoting «You must MANTRA, any VEDANTA or KARMA YOGA. They sit and took place 7th of November, 2010 in Hyderabad with Sri Swamiji in ANANDA RAMAYANA. RAMA wants to see that energy inhale and exhale. Only inhale and exhale. They have the presence of well-known musicians, scientists and politicians. (6) VISHVARUPA: Omnipresent, containing all forms, the universal and He is talking to that energy. ANJANEYA did not experience good health, good memory, good sleep. You can con- form of the Divine want to take all the energy to his mother and kept centrate on your PRANA. When you suffer from sleep- (7) KIM means «who, what» some back in his seat. How can we believe this kind of lessness you can take straight line and concentrate – (8) NADOPASANA: From NADA (sound) and UPASANA: Worship, service. stories? You don’t believe, OK. You believe that these inhale and exhale – definitely you sleep. But when you Sri Swamiji said: «There is an intimate relationship between music NADA power» and BRAHMAN. NADOPASANA leads to MOKSHA (liberation).» are only different stories. But I am talking about are going to bed you are thinking so many bad things. NADA, about NADA power. You must experience NADA You can concentrate on your NADA.
36 37 GURU PURNIMA
left: Lippstadt-Paderborn airport: He is coming! Above: The hall had to be set up with rented chairs for the conference
from the DYC store rooms in Germany and Switzerland ing to Lippstadt to buy things like plants, vases, have to be carried into the rooms and hall. The chairs, screws, torches, candles etc. Then on to the mobile special beds and mattresses, televisions, decorations, phone shop to get equipment necessary for internet Behind the scenes a complete kitchen for Sri Swamiji’s cook Kusumakka, access for our office and the Indians. Chalk for the printers, computers, various information materials, children. Buying food at the supermarket for the The events associated with Sri Swamiji’s visit to Germany were tools, bookshop etc. On top of this, there are the Indians as well as dozens of bottles of water for the newly purchased (or rented) things like food, flowers, Indians and helpers. Our transport bus was really full! only possible because many people helped. Dasharatha gives his plants, music system, translation equipment and so on. The day before Sri Swamiji’s arrival we drove an hour impression of what went on behind the scenes. to the IKEA furniture shop in Bielefeld to buy 130 This being our third visit to Geseke is a great advan- scented lamps: we only found out at the last minute tage. One knows where things are and how they func- that we would be welcoming Sri Swamiji in the dark, tion. There are a few new things like the dining room late at night. On the way to IKEA we received a call to Tuesday, July 13th, 2010. There are only five more is coming soon»! And: «It should be beautiful and it which has been redesigned. There one can joyfully look for a certain piece of furniture for Sri Swamiji’s days till Sri Swamiji comes to Geseke. The vanguard will be». The rooms in the guest house allocated for meet old Datta friends who one hasn’t seen for some- rooms, but unfortunately we didn’t find anything suit- headed by Kala and Selvam are already there. Togeth- Sri Swamiji and His entourage have apparently been times one or two years. Being exhausted, everyone able. er with a few others they worked untiringly all day neglected for years, and are now being cleaned with enjoyed a little break now and then, to revive and long till late at night to prepare and decorate the hall. incredible devotion. They will never be so clean again! then be able to go back to work. The anticipation is The fireman In truth one could well describe the Dicke Birken This is only possible out of love for Sri Swamiji. growing. Every day, Dhyani chiefly (he was the main organizer Guest House’s «undecorated» hall as a «hole». of the whole event together with Shabari) had to solve Innumerable pieces of furniture were moved from Innumerable trips all kinds of small and big organizational ‘catastro- The big cleanup certain rooms to another room nearby, which was a In addition to helping with moving furniture around, phes’. Many of the challenges arose because the Dicke Friday, July 16th. There are now a few dozen helpers. big ‘sweat’ job. We needed to create a comfortable clearing out the kitchen and cleaning, my program Birken Guest House had not been well maintained. So They work like industrious ants. There is a feeling of living atmosphere for our guests from India. Every- included a variety of shopping trips, since I was the Dhyani had to suddenly find a mobile kitchen that great anticipation infusing the work being done: «He thing is arranged with a loving touch. Tons of material main person responsible for transport. Such as driv- could feed 500 people. Contrary to our agreement
38 39 with Dicke Birken, we weren’t allowed to use the big Many familiar and some new faces continued to arrive Now it is really happening kitchen to prepare the Prasadam on Guru Purnima at the guest house. A big family celebration was about Now that Sri Swamiji had finally arrived everything day. This was a big shock. This prevented Naladatta to begin. There was another meeting of the organiza- really started happening. I was able to almost fully from preparing wonderful ‘masala dosas’ for all of us. tion team where we had to discuss a lot of details. The participate in the extraordinary GnaaNaaBhaYoga He travelled specially from the Mysore Ashram kitch- finishing touches were being made to the hall. Our Conference, which wasn’t the case for all helpers. It en in order to do this. And we had already bought reception team had their hands full giving out infor- was an especially great pleasure to listen to Professor several hundred kilograms of ingredients for this mation to participants and checking through the von Brück and of course Sri Swamiji. It was interesting from an Indian specialty shop in Düsseldorf. Where bookkeeping. I cleaned the car for Sri Swamiji once to learn about the similarity of values and goals of the can one suddenly find a big, mobile kitchen that we more, picked out every little bit of fluff, and smoothed different religions. The Bhajan evenings with Appaiji could use to prepare the other Prasadam? Dhyani out all the wrinkles from the cloth covering the seat were unbelievably wonderful, and gave me the chance managed to do it! So he ‘put out’ - sometimes with the for Sri Swamiji. to totally forget all my (helper) worries. help of others, but often alone – several ‘fires’. And even though he doesn’t like to hear it: Thank you, Meeting at the airport I usually missed the morning prayers before Sri Dhyani! We drove to the nearby Paderborn-Lippstadt airport Chakra Puja and the Guru Gita Chanting sessions. with about a dozen people, late in the evening. Even There was always something to do. Sometimes I drove Back home again some of the musicians wanted to personally meet Sri people who had problems walking, from the hall to the Daniel Mohan and I set off with two buses later on Swamiji at the airport. The flight from Munich was canteen and back. Once I drove Professor Cross to the Saturday evening, because Swami Manasa Datta, Dr. delayed. Appaji, Prasadi, Kusumakka and Nilakantha Externsteinen and accompanied him during the after- Panishri, Naladatta and the musicians were travelling were almost the last passengers to come into the noon with my wife, Rajeshi. I half missed the Chil- separately from Sri Swamiji through Frankfurt to save arrival hall, and we welcomed them holding roses in dren’s and Talent Evening Show, because I had to them a much longer journey over Munich, and then to our hands. How can one describe the moment when drive to Lippstadt to buy various things, including a Paderborn. The flight was scheduled to arrive in one sees Sri Swamiji directly with one’s own eyes picture frame to replace one that had broken and Frankfurt at 8 o’clock in the morning, so we decided again, after a long time? It is different every time and which framed one of the children’s paintings. As soon to drive for 3 hours the evening before. Since I live in yet the same. It is hardly possible to understand it or as I got back I had to quickly reframe the picture so the Rhine-Main region, we spent the night at my home. to describe it, but it is definitely an entrancing and the auction could begin. exciting experience. Relatively quickly I had to switch It was wonderful to see our Indian friends again after into ‘working mode’ so that our guests could be taken The hardest part for me were the organization team such a long time. It actually felt like Sri Swamiji had quickly and safely to the guest house, where everyone meetings held every evening. They seldom began already arrived. At the beginning of the drive the else was waiting full of longing to see our Sadguru. before ten thirty so I was never in bed before mid- Indians were lively and chatty, but towards the end we night. And then it usually started again at five thirty in could see that their journey had been strenuous. The Of course it is very special to be able to drive Sri the morning. I along with a few other helpers in the musicians gave a little snoring concert. On the way Swamiji. It is both a big responsibility and a big hon- organization team had almost no breaks the whole they wanted a coffee and I was astonished to see our. One wants to do everything right, like changing time. This took so much energy. I was accordingly them going towards McDonald’s instead of the «An gears smoothly. Even when one has already done the quite exhausted from time to time and I felt like some- der Pfefferhöhe» restaurant. Funnily enough we met drive once to make sure one knows it, one still has to one who untiringly plugs up one hole after another on Lokesha Leo from Austria there. He was very busy be able to find the way in the dark amid all the excite- a leaky boat, while new holes keep appearing. Some- working as a driver during the whole event. ment. I chanted various mantras to help myself con- times I felt a bit proud, and could notice my ego com- centrate and also out of respect. ing up, because I was doing so much, but actually I The last minute preparations was only working out of love for Sri Swamiji. We were When we arrived in Geseke on Sunday morning the Unfortunately I didn’t see much of the reception at all inspired to make it a wonderful and successful last minute preparations for Sri Swamiji’s visit were the guest house. As soon as Sri Swamiji was out of the event for Sri Swamiji and all participants. well underway. We had waited so long for Him and car I started carrying the luggage inside. But I was done so much to get ready. I felt very happy, but was very happy to think about everyone’s beaming faces. Will the hall continue to be functional? also afraid that it would be over too soon, and that On Thursday evening we got the bad news from Har- because of my jobs I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it. old and Kala: there were electrical problems in the Installing Sri Swamiji’s living area hall! Would we suddenly be sitting in the dark? Would we be able to hold the concert on Saturday and Guru
40 41 Decorations in the hall Sri Swamiji with the ‘Reception committee’ at the airport Sri Swamiji on the way to the hall
Purnima on Sunday? Could we guarantee safety? We am for Guru Purnima. The tent with two big pots on the first part! The next day we drove back there again fulfilling feeling to cook for everyone. It was like doing discussed this for a while and thought about an emer- gas cookers, about five tables and a refrigerator were to pick up a few pre-ordered items and other things. a Puja. I peeled potatoes, chopped vegetables, washed gency strategy. We tried to get the guest house to set up on the grass at the back of the guest house. A One problem was with refrigeration, since we had pots, got rid of dirty water, and from time to time take responsibility for the facilities they had neglect- hosepipe and electrical cable from the building gave several trays of large jars of yogurt alone… stirred the 100 liter pots with a huge spoon. It was ed and not taken appropriate care of. At the same us the basic services. lovely to do this seva. I was carried along by a feeling time we developed plan B. At first, I was just the driver and interpreter in this of elation. In the end I was involved with the Prasadam Mukesh from London who has been running Indian undertaking, but Mukesh needed some helpers in the from A to Z, from shopping to the distribution behind Kala and Selvam transported all the things needed for restaurants and catering businesses for over twenty kitchen as well. Since Dhyani and I didn’t know exactly the counter in the canteen. the trip on Friday to lake Möhne and drove back to the years, was our head cook. We drove with Mukesh’s who could do that (it was clear that those helpers hall to check on the workers we had called in. Nahu- wife on Friday, after the outing, to a big supermarket. would miss most of the Guru Purnima celebrations), I Ego-killing sha also stayed in Geseke to look around for another It was a great challenge to buy the right quality, size promptly joined the kitchen team with four other The most difficult hours for me were yet to come. I available hall. Thanks to God resp. Sri Swamiji, every- and amount of ingredients. The food that is available devotees from London. In other words, my entire could talk my way out of it by saying it was just too thing went well in the end and we mastered this in Westfalia is not particularly suited to Indian (big) experience of the whole Guru Purnima celebration, complicated and I wanted to save money, but as it was enormous challenge. Whether we will come to Geseke cooking. Mukesh and his wife kept on acknowledging was a five minute glimpse of the homa preparations in I made serious mistakes with the transportation again… with little forced smiles, that things they took for the early morning and a quick jumping into the front plans. And unfortunately these mistakes didn’t get granted were simply not there. On top of that we had of the Darshan line with Mukesh (so we could get back sorted out before someone noticed it. I simply miscal- Cooking was like a Puja to think in terms of tens of kilos instead of in grams, quickly to the pots). culated some of the transportation for our Indian In addition to the fact that the chef didn’t cook the in order to satisfy 500 people. After at least two, guests and especially their luggage. kind and variety of food according to our contract, we which felt like three, hours we left the supermarket However, helping to cook the holy Prasadam was the had to organize a mobile kitchen to cook the Prasad- with five fully loaded, big trolleys. And that was only high point of the whole event for me! It was such a
42 43 During the preparation work
A small ‘catastrophe’ occurred which I, namely my shop boxes. And it turned out that we hadn’t planned ego, had to really chew on. All the beautiful six pages some things in enough detail, and the usual unpre- of DIN A4 paper, on which I had planned the transpor- dictable things happened that were challenging. If I tation in great detail written down in a big chart, had imagined that the time in Munich would give me didn’t help anymore. What had happened? Our guests a breathing space and time to enjoy the event culmi- had a lot more luggage (including musical instru- nating with the concert, I was completely mistaken. ments) upon departure than arrival, which I hadn’t expected, and the allocation of everyone in the vehi- Unfortunately our guests had to unexpectedly stay in cles was not clear. This quickly created a small chaos various places in Munich, which didn’t help with the which I could only observe from a distance. Sri Swa- transport and communication. The helpers were also miji was travelling to Hannover with a visit en route by staying at places all over Munich. Ranjani and her car, and then from Hannover directly to Munich by ICE team responded very flexibly and well to the unfore- Sri Swamiji at the entrance to His living area high velocity train. This meant I had to already leave seen changes in plan. There were only a few hours on Sunday evening to drive in advance to Munich, so I time to adjust to the changes … One of the many could be there to meet Him with the other helpers. In examples, I believe when Sri Swamiji was testing us to finally said goodbye to Sri Swamiji on Wednesday, improve, but also acknowledged what a good job we the end it somehow all worked out, but it was very see how calm we could be and serve Him as well as July 28th, 2010 at the airport after ten wonderful had done. It was nice to hear from different helpers uncomfortable for me. I thank Appaji for this valuable possible with love and devotion. days. about the positive feedback they had received. We lesson and the wearing down of my ego (ego killing), were very happy to hear the opinion of the Indian which I think was the reason for the whole situation. I would do it over and over again I look back on this time with happiness. It was great to devotees from USA who had personally experienced Despite all the difficulties, I would do exactly the be able to meet so many friends and family members the previous five Guru Purnimas, and who found the Not enough helpers in Munich as well same again to help organize such an event. One single from all over the world. In November 2010, the celebration in Geseke the best of all. We were natu- In Munich, we realized we had too few helpers for such smile from Appaji is enough to make one forget eve- organization team held a follow-up meeting in Nalinis rally most happy to hear the praise and comments Sri a big event. I helped everywhere I could as did every- rything. How lucky we are to have Him as Sadguru? So guest house in Leopoldstal, not far from the Extern- Swamiji gave in India upon His return there. It is an one else who was there, such as carrying the book- there was a general feeling of sadness when we steinen (energy place). We identified things we could honour and incentive to serve Him in humility!
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«I am always with you!» Sri Swamiji