1

Sattva-gu¸a, when pronounced, results in enlightenment, cheerfulness and all-fold sublimity. Soul-delight replaces sensory pleasures. The fact that inner fullness is independent of external situations, adds gracefulness and confidence. Knowledge shines as supreme, persuading one to cultivate wholesome spiritual refinement and sublimity in thoughts, words and actions. It is the blessed state when Wisdom radiates in full measure. This is what every spiritual seeker should aim at.

June 2010 Vol. 45 No. 09

Vicharasetu - June 2010 2

Contents Jayanti Message

The Call for Loka-sa´graha 03

Science of Inner Redemption – 19

Spatial Sentience — the Supreme Reality 06

Telesatsang - 12

Sublimating K¡ma & Krodha 14

77th Jayanti Report — Devotees 21

Correspondence

Imbuing the Mind with Confidence & Courage 28

News & Notes 31

Blessings from a Saint’s Company ™…: ∫x……i…: ∂…“i… ∫…i…™…… ∫……v…÷∫…K i…M…K™…… * ÀEÚ i…∫™… n˘…x…Ë: ÀEÚ i…“l…Í: ÀEÚ i…{……‰ ¶…: EÚ®…v¥…ÆË˙: **

For one who has bathed in the cool and nourishing stream of a Saint’s company, of what use are austerities like charity, pilgrimage, penance or sacrifice?

(Yoga-v¡siÀ¶ha, MumukÀu Prakara¸a. 16.10)

Subscription Annual 3 years’ 6 years’ 12 years’ India Rs. 50/- Rs. 125/- Rs. 250/- Rs. 500/- Foreign (by Air) Rs. 1000/- Rs. 2500/- Rs. 5000/- Rs. 10000/- Bank charges Rs 35.00 to be added in the case of outstation cheques (within India). Narayanashrama Tapovanam Venginisseri, P. O. Paralam, Thrissur. Kerala - 680 575. India. Fax & Tel. (0487) 2278363 email: [email protected] Website: http://www.brahmavidya.org

Vicharasetu - June 2010 3

The Call for Loka-sa´graha

[Jayanti Message]

13 May 2010

HariÅ Om Tat Sat! Your Swamiji’s body completes 77 years in its earthly sojourn. During the past few years, especially after the reconstruction of the Ashram, our activities have grown considerably.

One important aspect of dissemination that has become possible now is the periodic meditational sitting with me of those initiated by me into Brahmavidy¡, in the new sound-proof meditation room. In the pursuit of jµ¡na-tapasy¡ that Brahmavidy¡-d¢kÀ¡ insists upon, this sitting with me to get absorbed into the Self, has great importance. I have also been initiating new incumbents into Brahmavidy¡ in the same room.

Many of you know that we have been conducting every year a major event, áreemad Bh¡gavata Tattva Sameeksh¡ Satram in Naimish¡ra¸yam Parlikkad, Wadakanchery, since 2002. Finding that devotees should also have some written material on the subject, besides the talks they hear, I began to write a series of books on ‘value-enunciation’ (maulya-nirvachana) on Bh¡gavatam. Eight volumes have already been published, covering 10 skandhas.

I am now writing on the 11th skandha, called the Mukti Skandha. Quite strangely and suddenly, in a providentially fulfilling manner, I was approached for the telecast (in Asianet) of the same Mukti Skandha. The programme is expected to run for more than two years, consisting of nearly 650 episodes.

My dear children, it is quite amazing and enlightening that the telecast series is being heard the world over with a lot of enthusiasm, commitment and devotion. People are finding something very new – as they have communicated to the producer – in the way of its depth, magnitude and sublimity.

Even if hundreds of sanny¡sins were to give such lectures from different venues, the number of people exposed would have still been much less. It

Vicharasetu - June 2010 4

is the great contribution that modern technology has given us. We should be thankful and grateful to it. The result is an explosive growth and propagation of our ancient spiritual culture.

I am feeling extremely happy and also enthusiastic about the effectiveness of such dissemination. There is also a feeling in the minds of many of you that your Swamiji should speak similarly in English for an altogether new section of people. I don’t know whether this will be possible, and when. Mentally I am prepared for it.

But all these things are taking place as my body is getting older. The message for all of you on this account is that age is not standing in my way. I am quite fervent and also devout in making this telecast series possible. I have to race against time. Every month, at least 4 days of shooting or recording will have to be done, and at one sitting I speak for about 2 and a half to 3 hours.

I have only one message for all of you – mark my words: There is nothing greater than enabling the devotees as well as seekers to listen to the words of wisdom about God or the supreme Reality. The only way this can be facilitated is by widespread participation in this extremely benevolent and devotional service.

Though your Swamiji is sitting in the Samadhi Mandir in Narayanashrama Tapovanam and delivering the telecast, understand that he does so as the antar¡tm¡ of all of you. As I always say, every drop of blood in my body is contributed by the loving devotees and seekers associated with me. Being so, whatever this Swamiji does, in whichever area it may be, is also a resultant of all that you do, think, and wish for.

Yesterday I got the news that the Delhi Chattarpur Temple authorities have agreed for our conducting a 7-day Bh¡gavata Satram in the temple complex during the month of November. While the overall plan is extremely beneficial, the task of conducting it well, meeting all the requirements including volunteering and sponsorship, appears to be stupendous. My intention is to perform it extremely well.

I would like all of you to participate very earnestly in the telecast series

Vicharasetu - June 2010 5

now going on, in the possible similar telecast in English, and also in the November event of Bh¡gavata Satram. Mention about these to all people, and see that these welfare-activities are done well. God’s work will be done and has to be done.

I always remark in a humorous manner that God should not feel and say: “Nobody tried to spread my word, a panacea for the human hearts and minds!” So, we have decided to try. It is for all of you to take part in our efforts, stand by us and see that every one of you is trying to do something good for the people, for the nation and the world.

One more year has passed, and your Swamiji is physically getting older. Apparently Nature beckons him not to become old, but to grow younger and younger. The mind has the capacity to do so. It is already doing. If this is the case with me, I expect that it is equally, and even better, the case with all of you.

May you have all the strength, devotional piety and spiritual fervour, and the power of your Indweller, in doing what the world asks for.

HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru.

Our Cultural Heritage To think fondly of others, to be interested in the welfare of one and all, to be devoted to noble causes — all these are great cultural traditions of our country. — Swamiji

Vicharasetu - June 2010 6

Science of Inner Redemption – 19 Spatial Sentience — the Supreme Reality (Series on Yoga-v¡siÀ¶ha, Nirv¡¸a-prakara¸a)

Earlier, Sage VasiÀ¶ha recounted his visit to Mount Meru, wherein he had extensive discussion with Bhu¿u¸·a, who lived long without aging. That was to tell Rama about the effectiveness of pra¸¡y¡ma in accessing the mind, which alone needs to be touched, sublimated and enriched. Now the Sage refers to the episode of his austerity in the Himalayas, during which he had a dialogue with the supreme brilliance that appeared before him, identifying itself as Lord áiva.

Limitations of idol worship

Lord áiva enquired of Sage VasiÀ¶ha: EÚŒSS…iEÚ±™……h…EÚ… Æ˙h™…: ∫…∆ ¥…n˘∫i…‰ Œ∫l…i……: {…Ɖ˙ * EÚŒSS…k…{…∫i…‰ x…Ã¥…Px…∆ EÚ±™……h…®…x…÷¥…i…«i…‰ ** +EfiÚ j…®…°Ú±…∆ i™…Ci¥…… ™…: EfiÚ j…®…°Ú±…∆ µ…V…‰i…¬ * i™…Ci¥…… ∫… ®…xn˘…Æ˙¥…x…∆ EÚ…Æ˙\V…∆ ™…… i… EÚ…x…x…®…¬ ** §……‰v…: ∫……®™…∆ ∂…®… < i… {…÷π{……h™…O…… h… i…j… S… * ∂…¥…∆ S…x®……j…®…®…±…∆ {…⁄V™…∆ {…⁄V™… ¥…n˘…‰ ¥…n÷˘: ** ∂…®…§……‰v…… n˘ ¶…: {…÷π{…ËnÊ˘¥… +…i®…… ™…n˘S™…«i…‰ * i…k…÷ n‰˘¥……S…«x…∆ ¥… r˘ x……EÚ…Æ˙…S…«x…®…S…«x…®…¬ ** +…i®…∫…∆ ¥… k…∞¸{…∆ i…÷ i™…Ci¥…… n‰˘¥……S…«x…∆ V…x……: * EfiÚ j…®……S……«∫…÷ ™…‰ ∫…HÚ…Œ∂S…Æ∆˙ C±…‰∂…∆ ¶…V…Œxi… i…‰ **

(6p.29.105, 126-129)

Are the functions of your inner consciousness focused well on the supreme Indwelling Presence? Is your austerity, free of obstructions, proceeding rightly in the path of supreme felicity?

Forsaking natural, inner fruition and fulfillment, whoever (due to ignorance or delusion) takes to artificial, false (sensory) pleasures, is like one who leaves the beautiful mand¡ra (the coral tree – one of the five divine trees in Indra’s paradise) garden seeking the thorny karaµja. (‘Karaµja’ is a tree

Vicharasetu - June 2010 7

known as Pongamia Glabra, which grows in the forest).

Those who know áiva, the most adorable, as auspiciousness and pure sentience, are clear in their mind that right understanding, abiding equalness, and desire-freeness are the choice flowers the Sentient Lord relishes most.

Know that divine worship of the supreme Lord, the inmost Self, consists in offering tender flowers of desirelessness, right awareness, enlightenment, etc. Worship of visible forms with material items is no worship at all!

Neglecting the Self, which is but the sentience abiding in oneself, those who take to idol worship, remaining attached to its artificial and ostentatious details, are bound to undergo long-lasting misery.

Tapas or austerity has paramount significance in spiritual life. In religious pursuit also, austerity has its distinct place. An earnest, religious devotee must make all his activities sublime, austere and divine. In spirituality, however, austerity has the sole aim of purifying the seeker’s body, mind, intelligence and ego. Thus, spiritual wisdom aims at all-fold purity, a point that seekers must understand very clearly.

Our scriptures expose fully the message and goal of spirituality. This exposure will be the best and most effective, when had directly from a Knower. Thereafter, with all tenacity, the seeker has to introspect over what he has heard.

Austerity, as commonly understood, is the practice of Jµ¡na-tapas alone performing rituals, ceremonies, etc. But, in seeking and extricates the mind pursuing true spiritual wisdom or Brahma-jµ¡na, austerity from the assumes a higher dimension, becoming deep, wholesome stranglehold of worldliness. and refined. It becomes “jµ¡na tapas” or “knowledge- austerity”, the highest and the best, resting primarily upon the mind and intelligence. Jµ¡na-tapas alone extricates the mind from the stranglehold of worldliness.

Merely a good exposure or study alone will not make one a The knowledge gained must Knower of Truth. Our tradition does not regard a philosopher result in purity, to be a Knower. The knowledge gained must result in purity, sublimity and sublimity and expansion. That is why all Knowers of Truth in expansion.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 8 this land invariably take to a life of austerity and world-welfare. Sanny¡sa is the last and most fulfilling ashrama in our tradition. The brahmach¡rin, the householder (g¤hastha) and the anchorite (v¡naprastha) recognize its sublimity and magnificence.

To seek exclusive solitary life, permeated and surrounded by Nature’s unsullied bounties, away from the din and bustle of household settlements, is the ardent flair of devout seekers. Solitude has the power of insulating them from attractions and repulsions of household and social life. It leads the mind more easily to delve into exquisite depths of inner serenity. This, in turn, facilitates the mind and intelligence to comprehend the Soul.

Sage VasiÀ¶ha narrates an episode from his own austere life in the snow-capped Himalayas, showing how Lord áiva appeared and gave him a timely message. áiva, who is an icon of religious and mythological imagination, is described in the episode by the Sage as communicating lofty spiritual wisdom. Relating to worship and austerity, the message is to be cherished by spiritual seekers and religious practitioners alike.

Worship through Knowledge

Lord áiva continued: Y……i…Y…‰™…… Ω˛ ™…‰ ∫…xi……‰ §……±…GÚ“b˜…‰{…®…∆ S… i…‰ * +…i®…v™……x……o˘i…‰ •…¿xE÷Ú¥…«xi……‰ n‰˘¥…{…⁄V…x…®…¬ ** +…i®…Ë¥… n‰˘¥……‰ ¶…M…¥……Œ\UÙ¥…: {…Æ˙®…EÚ…Æ˙h…®…¬ * Y……x……S…«x…‰x…… ¥…Æ˙i…∆ {…⁄V…x…“™…: ∫… ∫…¥…«n˘… ** (6p.29.130,131)

O Brahman, those are the real Saints and Sages, who have known what is to be known (i.e., realized the supreme knowledge of the inmost Self). Others, who disregarding meditation on their own Self, go on worshipping external Gods and Idols, are verily like children playing with dolls.

The Divine Lord, áiva, is the Self in oneself, the supreme Source and Cause of everything. He has to be worshipped ceaselessly by flowers of knowledge.

It is true that idol-worship and allied traditions are ancient and adorable. But as the devotee progresses in his devotional and religious practices, he has to rise

Vicharasetu - June 2010 9 above them. He should understand precisely their relevance and also limitation. Every practice or pursuit is a medium or means to achieve a goal. As one grows, the practice has to be outlived.

Sage VasiÀ¶ha is conscious of this. Therefore, while discussing the subject of Brahmavidy¡, Brahma-jµ¡na, VasiÀ¶ha extends the discussion to cover all relevant practices, so as to enlighten the readers and also focus their minds on what is ultimately true and proper. He accomplishes this lofty mission by bringing in many anecdotes and illustrations.

VasiÀ¶ha Deva speaks of Lord áiva’s own message to emphasize the insufficiency of ritualistic worship, and hence the need to take to direct, personal, introspection and realization.

Life is experiential. Spirituality and its pursuit must also How long can one have their experiential testimony. How long can one go on go on worshipping worshipping a Deity, which is either mute like an Idol or a Deity, mute like distant like the gods extolled in Vedas and Pur¡¸as? Our an Idol or distant devotion and its goal have to be clear, concise, direct and like the gods? reachable within this lifetime itself. No sane person can believe that the outcome of his religious or devotional pursuit will follow, after his body falls. For, that would entail indefiniteness or oblivion.

As hunger is appeased by food, thirst quenched by water, devotional and spiritual yearning has to be met and fulfilled by a direct, experiential outcome here and now. It is very much possible. But, how and when? This is the cardinal question before the devout spiritual seeker and student.

The real áiva is the Self in one’s own being. Without understanding and being guided by this fact, those who indulge in idol worship, disregarding the presence of the Supreme in themselves, are immature like children playing with their dolls – the Lord says. For the children, their dolls are alive, active and interactive. The elderly people, however, know clearly that it is the child’s imagination that works in his interaction and the resultant interest and joy. The same is the case with devotees indulging in idol worship.

Worship is an act of the worshipper. The mind, attitude and aim of the worshipper alone count in determining the effectiveness of the worship. Like exercise acting

Vicharasetu - June 2010 10 upon the exerciser, devotion acts upon the devotee himself, directly. To ascribe the outcome of devotional performances to an external, distant, invisible entity is not at all correct. It calls for sufficient introspection and correction.

The Self, which is nothing but the Divine Lord, áiva, is the To worship Lord supreme Source and Cause of the whole creation. It Siva, who is but the produces three inner states, and these are the ones in and Inner Self, the flowers needed are through which life revolves continuously. Every day one thoughts and wakes up; till then he was asleep. Sometimes, from sleep introspections. he drifts into dream, from which he wakes up, to sleep again, and then to come back again to wakefulness. In wakefulness alone, the external, gross world is perceived and interacted with. Rather than being independent, existing by itself, the world-perception is a creation of one’s own wakefulness. Every one wakes up by himself. His wakefulness is what projects the world for his perception. In all the three states, he alone is real and true.

To worship Lord áiva, who is but the Inner Self, the flowers needed are thoughts and introspections. That is how knowledge-s¡dhan¡ or knowledge-austerity becomes supreme.

Sentience alone exists

Lord áiva explained further: S…n¬˘¥™……‰®…Ë¥… EÚ±……∫i…“Ω˛ {……Æ˙…¥……Æ˙ ¥…¥…ÃV…i…®…¬ * ∫…¥…«j……∫…∆¶…¥…SS…‰i™…∆ ™…iEÚ±{……xi…‰%¥… ∂…π™…i…‰ **

(6p.29.134,136,138)

In truth, what exists is the boundless “sentient space”; nothing else. It is impossible then for any object to be, to survive the end of kalpa, when the whole creation will get dissolved.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 11

The world manifests like a dream-city. The “sentient space” called Self, alone is. Thus, how can there be any solid or concrete object like the world?

Since the world is no more than a brilliance, akin to the dream-city, in our wakefulness too, the ineffable sentience alone exists and reveals itself. What other existence can there ever be? S…n¬˘¥™……‰®…®……j…… n˘i…Æ˙i∫…M……«n˘…Ë ∫…¥…«¥…‰n˘x…‰ * ¶…z…∫¥…M…Ê {…÷Ɖ˙ ¥…… {… ÀEÚ ∫…∆¶…¥… i… EÚl™…i……®…¬ ** ™…l…… ∫¥…{x…{…÷Ɖ˙ S…iJ…∆ ¥…V…« ™…i¥…‰i…Æ˙iC¥… S…i…¬ * x… ÀEÚ S…i∫…∆¶…¥…i™…‰¥…∆ V……O…i™…‰¥…∆ ®…Ω˛… S…i…: ** ™…i……‰ x… ∫…∆¶…¥…i™…x™…SS…‰i™…∆ ÀEÚ S…k…i……‰% J…±…®…¬ * S…k…∆ ∫…∆S…‰i™…®…{™…‰i…n˘S…‰i™…∆ ∫…VV…M…Œi∫l…i…®…¬ **

(6p.29.140,144,145)

Tell me, except the supreme Intellect, what other thing is there that could know all things in the beginning (before creation of the universe), and also sense what transpires in the heavens and other regions?

Just as the dream-city cannot abide except in the ‘vastness and emptiness’ of sentience (cid-vyomni), in the wakeful state too, the object world inheres within the same sentient space. (The visible universe has no distinct or independent status. It is but a wakeful dream.)

Does anything that can think or act, have a presence or existence except within the mind itself? Even the world we perceive has no abidance except in the boundaries of the same mind. It is all inner, conceptual and illusory.

The world is a projection of sentience {…Æ˙®……EÚ…∂…EÚ±…x…∆ j…V…M…i∫¥…™…®…÷Œil…i…®…¬ * ∫¥…{x…¥… u˘ r˘ S…n¬˘¥™……‰Œ®x… x… i¥…‰i…n¬˘uˢi…¥…Œi∫l…i…®…¬ ** ∫… Bπ… n‰˘¥…: EÚ l…i……‰ ™…: {…Æ˙: {…Æ˙®……l…«i…: * ™…∫i¥…∆ ∫……‰%Ω˛®…∂…‰π…∆ ¥…… V…M…n‰˘¥… S… ™……‰% J…±…: ** ∫…¥…«∫™… ¥…∫i…÷V……i…∫™… V…M…i……‰%x™…∫™… i…‰ ®…®… * n‰˘Ω˛…‰ Ω˛ S…‰i…x……EÚ…∂…∆ {…Æ˙®……i®…Ë¥… x…‰i…Æ˙i…¬ **

(6p.29.146,150,151)

Vicharasetu - June 2010 12

The three worlds, namely wakefulness, sleep and dream, emerge and subside, rise and set, within the inner Consciousness, the sentient space. Like the dream in the sleeping mind, so too this world, despite its grossness, is really abiding in the same sky of sentience.

The supreme Reality itself, it is said, is the true God. He has become you, he, me and indeed the entire world, leaving nothing else behind.

The sentient space alone is the whole existence, the objects, the world, your and my body. This is param¡tm¡, the supreme Soul, nothing else.

Here comes the ‘sentient space’ or ‘spatial sentience’, cid-vyoma. Cid-¡k¡¿a is a commonly used word in Vedanta. Inner sentience is ineffably extensive. Within it we perceive the entire world. It is important to discern that in all our perceptions, what we experience is mind’s own imprint of whatever the senses glimpse. When one perceives an extensive world, that perception is mind’s own reflection or reflective magnitude. This means that the mind has infinite dimension, and it is quite experiential.

Grossness is an imprint our mind forms. Distances are also equally so. All the three dimensional entities are what the mind brings forth as its own imprints.

This inner infinite sentience alone, says Lord áiva to Sage VasiÀ¶ha, causes and sources the entire visible Universe in all its magnitude.

In fact, the very purpose of our dream state is to illustrate this truth. Dream occurs, when we slip from wakefulness, getting disconnected from the external world. It is then that the mind, or sentience, brings about the dream-world with dream-objects. Naturally it is very clear that the dream-objects exist only within the sentient space.

Just as thoughts and emotions emerge and subside within the mind itself, dream as well as wakeful objects also rise and set in the same sentient space within.

Lord áiva makes it clear to VasiÀ¶ha Deva that however stupendous the external, gross objects are, they are fully akin to the dream-creations and their effects. There is nothing in this external world to survive the end of the kalpa. All existences, gross or subtle, rise and set within the mind alone.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 13

The ‘spatial sentience’ identifiable only in oneself, is the sole source of everything. And all that it does is not factual, gross or lasting. But for the sentient space, from where arise both dream and wakefulness, there is nothing at all ever present any time. ∫…∆EÚ±{…x…‰ ∫¥…{x…{…÷Ɖ˙ ∂…Æ˙“Æ∆˙ S…n¬˘¥™……‰®…i……‰%x™…z… ™…l……Œ∫i… ÀEÚ S…i…¬ * i…l…‰Ω˛ ∫…M…Ê |…l…®…ËEÚ∫…M……«i…¬ ®…÷x…‰ |…¶…fii™…Œ∫i… x… ∞¸{…®…x™…i…¬ ** (6p.29.152)

The dream-body, around which all the dream-incidents transpire, is not different from the mind or consciousness. In the same manner, there is nothing in creation, except the sentient substance that remained at first and will remain ever later.

In dream whatever emerges and endures is not different from the mind itself. That is how the dream-world can disappear at one stroke, leaving the mind alone to endure. In the same manner, it is the same mind that presents gross objects of the wakeful world. None of them inheres in reality. Inner sentience alone IS.

(to be continued)

* * *

Vicharasetu - June 2010 14

Telesatsang - 12 Sublimating K¡ma & Krodha

[About thirty devotees gathered in SIRD-Malaysia, on March 14, 2010 for the monthly telesatsang. After some deliberations amongst themselves, they presented before Swamiji, over the Internet video-connection, some of their doubts related to s¡dhan¡. Summary of the discussion is presented below.]

Devotees: Is living a ‘spiritual life’ in conflict with living a ‘fully passionate life’?

Swamiji: Hm. It is a very good question, but I would like to know what you mean by ‘fully passionate life’. The word ‘passion’ has got a very good meaning, and it also has got a baser meaning. What is the context in which you are using it here? What do you mean by ‘passionate life’?

Devotees: By ‘passionate life’ we mean, life with ardent love for something – like for art, music, etc.

Swamiji: Anything else? Are you using ‘passion’ to indicate anything else?

Devotees: No, Swamiji. It is passion for living a ‘full life’.

Swamiji: Yes. I understand your view now. I would like to say that spirituality itself is to make our life artful and passionate. Guided by spirituality, human life becomes most artful, harmonious and enriched.

You generally have some methods for beautifying your body. Tell me: what There are even cosmetic surgeries, nowadays. Now, will you ornament will please tell me what ornament will decorate and enrich your decorate and enrich your inner inner personality? Don’t you want to beautify your mind, personality? intelligence and ego? Spiritual wisdom is the best method to do this.

So, spirituality is not only ‘not in conflict with passionate life’, but is harmonious with passionate life. Guided by spirituality alone, human life will become enriching to the society. Am I clear? (Devotees reply: “Yes, Swamiji.”)

See, Arjuna is the best example. He came to the battlefield with his resolve, having acquired additional skills and weaponry in the form of p¡¿upat¡stra, etc. When

Vicharasetu - June 2010 15 he looked at the opposite camp, suddenly he crumbled. His famous G¡¸·¢va bow slipped from his hand. He was unable to hold it. Don’t you think that it is one of the most severe forms of crisis that one could have? That is the time Krishna unfolded the secret treasure of spirituality, as a result of which the crumbling Arjuna became bold and confident to fight the war.

Devotees: Psychologists say that suppressing anger is unhealthy and if done regularly will lead to neurosis. However, Saints say that ‘giving in’ to anger is wrong. How do we reconcile the two?

Swamiji: There are some occasions in my life when I am victimized by the anger of my disciples. Whenever they behave in an angry manner, I do not oppose them. Rather, I bear it all. Sometimes it happens over the telephone also.

A devotee of mine had spent thousands of rupees in telephonic conversations with me over a number of years. But one day it so happened that he got estranged with me, and picked up the telephone and started accusing me. I think he must have spoken for about 20 or 25 minutes.

I said: “My dear so and so, all that you say is absolutely right. I had expected this. Unfortunately what I did is also right. What you do is right. What I did also was right. Now you are free to tell me whatever you want. I was, and still am, willing to be an object of attack for you.”

He was always very dear to me. After the event, he became even dearer. He wanted to write a book. He came to me. I wrote an introduction for the book. Even now, he sends me his script by mail, for reviewing.

What I wish to tell you is this. I have never asked anybody I have never not to express his anger to me. But you should do so in a asked anybody harmless and non-hurting manner. That is all. not to express his anger to me. There are occasions when parents do get angry with the children. The children also get angry with the parents. Sometimes articles in the house would be thrown around or broken in a mood of anger! Within the house many such angry spells may take place. All that is required is to We are not tell the people that they must have a moderating tone, or a asking you moderating influence from within the mind. We are not asking to suppress you to suppress your anger. your anger.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 16

There are two words in English, which deserve attention; make a note of them. One is ‘abstain from’; the other is ‘be abstemious in’. Have you got the two? (Devotees reply: “Yes, Swamiji.”)

Whoever gets regularly irritated, must certainly understand that irritability is not good. There must be a constant watchfulness in him, by virtue of which his irritability should be tamed. We should try to sublimate this trait, and we should possibly reach a stage where no irritation takes place. In a spiritual environment or get-together, like in SIRD, all the people around should cooperate with him in his efforts for dealing with his irritability.

On the other hand, if you suppress anything, that is not the right way at all. The difference is like this: When you fry a seed it cannot sprout. But, if you bury it or throw it away, it will still sprout.

With the help of spirituality, you must ‘sublimate’ your irritation. That is the way to deal with your irritation – or any other negative trait. In fact, you must also be able to deal with the irritations of others, in a sublimating manner.

Look at yourselves in SIRD. I am sure, over a period of time many of you would have expressed feelings of ill-will towards one individual or the other. You may have discussed with each other against another person. It may happen; but it is absolutely wrong.

I want you to be moderate in the manner of forming your irritation or expressing your irritation. But at no point of time anger or irritation is justified.

We have given you a Centre, where you are supposed to After you quarrel, utilize all your interactions and expressions to sublimate you should your mind. And each member must have sufficient concern become closer, for others. At no point of time should you quarrel and more understanding and intimate. part. Rather, you should quarrel, and become more friendly. Have you heard my message? I want you to quarrel, if necessary, but always in a moderate manner. And after you quarrel, you should become closer, more understanding and intimate. Not quarrel and part. Have you got it? (Devotees reply: “Yes, Swamiji”).

One more thing. The word ‘anger’ is often used differently. If it means hatred, then it is always bad. Nobody will say that it should be expressed. Hatred is

Vicharasetu - June 2010 17 always bad. I have two capital sentences: “Love is lovable” and “Hate is hateable”.

Whenever you hate a person, it is your mind or heart that becomes a furnace. No psychologist will ever say that hatred is good.

Devotees: Our next question, Swamiji, is this. Suppose we have a 20 year-old car, which still works well. But we have a desire to buy a new car worth, say, half a million Ringgits (Malaysian currency), and we have sufficient funds. Is it wrong to have such a desire?

Swamiji: Tell me: With which car you will be happy? Will you be happy with the 20-year-old car or will you be happy with the new car? (Devotees reply: “With the new car, Swamiji”). Then the question is answered. Why are you keeping the old car at all? In fact, you should have disposed it of long back.

On the other hand, if you are equally happy with the old car, don’t purchase a new one. Instead, utilize your resources more meaningfully. Give it in charity! And keep the old car. Tell everybody: “I am happy with the old car. I did not want to purchase a new one. Instead, I have given the money in charity.”

So, both options are there for you. What will you choose? (Devotees reply: “We will still stick to the decision of buying a new car, Swamiji”). Oh! I am quite disappointed! Well, then at least make a charity of the money you get by selling the old car.

I have a question for you. After setting up SIRD, and running it for a few years, have your minds become more liberal, ready to make adjustments and sacrifices? (Devotees: “Much better, Swamiji.” Hearing them, Swamiji laughed and continued.) Good! Has the stingy man become less stingy? Or, has the liberal man become more liberal? (Devotees: “Yes, more liberal, Swamiji.”) Very good. Now, don’t you agree that SIRD should be complimented for this?

Okay, what is your next question?

Devotees: We understand the effects of k¡ma and krodha. What are the practical techniques that we can exercise in overcoming them in our daily life?

Swamiji: I think Nutan Swamiji came there, and spent about a week with all of you. He must have explained in detail the s¡dhan¡ of sublimating k¡ma and

Vicharasetu - June 2010 18 krodha. Understand that k¡ma and krodha are inborn associates of our mind. Krishna says:

(Bhagavadgeet¡ 7.27)

All beings in the world, O Bh¡rata, are subjected to the delusion of duality arising from icch¡ (like) and dveÀa (dislike).

Ever since birth, every one is gripped by delusion. That delusion arises from k¡ma and krodha or love and hatred. So let us understand that k¡ma and krodha are there in every one.

Now be attentive to what I am going to say; if necessary borrow ears and eyes. In normal life of interactions, k¡ma and krodha get generally strengthened. Knowingly or unknowingly, you are increasing them and also deepening them. First of all, bring a structural change in your outlook. Let there be a deliberate attempt to reduce k¡ma and krodha in number and depth.

Every time you act, make sure that you do not do so out of The moment you k¡ma and krodha. In other words, do not allow hatred to take up an action control your actions. Understand that the moment you take with likes or dislikes, you are up an action with likes or dislikes (k¡ma or krodha), you contracting poison. are contracting poison. Will you have this assessment and outlook?

Then, everyday, preferably at the end of the day, while going to bed, introspect and find out whether you have lived up to this new outlook. Ask yourself: “Have I weaned off my traits?” This examination you must do unfailingly.

If this self-examination becomes a constant associate of your mind, automatically k¡ma and krodha will dwindle and become practically extinct. Have you understood what I said? (Devotees: “Yes, Swamiji.”)

There are specific verses in Bhagavadgeet¡ relating to k¡ma and krodha. I would like you to read these verses, commit them to memory and go on remembering and chanting them throughout the day.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 19

Another point. I am afraid your k¡ma and krodha are finding an undue place in SIRD operations too! Let me ask you a straight question: Within SIRD, do you uniformly accept and love all, or you hate a few? Don’t be stealthy and don’t hide – I want a clear answer.

(Devotees: “There is no hatred, Swamiji.”) Is it the answer of every one? (Devotees: “Yes, Swamiji.”) Then you have overcome hatred.

Wait, Nutan Swamiji wants to say something.

Nutan Swamiji: I would like to replace Swamiji’s word ‘hatred’ by ‘dislike’. Now we would like to hear that reply again. (Devotees: “We dislike certain actions, but not people.”)

Swamiji: The question is: Do you uniformly like all the people, or do you dislike a few? Please answer me correctly. (Devotees: “Some say, they dislike some ...... ”)

Everybody should answer himself or herself! See, it is a very open session. Why are you afraid? It is quite possible that some of you may dislike one or the other. There is no objection to that. We are trying to deal with ‘likes and dislikes’. After all, I am your Guru, am I not? Will you conceal information from your Guru? I don’t conceal anything from you! (After they have discussed at length among themselves, the devotees said: “We have no dislike for personalities; but we dislike some actions.”)

OK. Now tell me: Don’t you dislike some of your own Is not SIRD formed actions? (Devotees: “Yes Swamiji, yes.”) In spite of it you for you to come don’t hate yourself! Whenever you dislike someone’s together with a lot of action, why don’t you tell him so, lovingly and sweetly? liking, to overcome all your dislikes? What I am afraid is that you show a wry face to him. Is not SIRD formed for you to come together with a lot of liking, to overcome all your dislikes? That is the purpose of SIRD. Then only the existence of SIRD will be justified.

If somebody has a dislike for another, I don’t object to it. But let him moderate his dislike. If it is 100% now, reduce it to at least 60%, then to 50%, etc. Ultimately you should overcome it fully. Similarly, if you like somebody excessively, that also has to be moderated. SIRD has been formed for you to come together in a spiritual resolve, express your natural feelings, and in the process get purified and

Vicharasetu - June 2010 20 sublimated. If you are going to do it, I think you will be the best citizens in the whole world.

Devotees: Yes Swamiji, we will work together towards it.

Swamiji: Good. I embrace all of you mentally. All of you are doing such a good work! Ë¿eerv¡d.

HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru.

Going beyond Likes & Dislikes

One important spiritual discipline for seekers is: Do not do only what you like – rather, learn to do what is necessary. Likewise, do not avoid what you dislike – learn to accept what you dislike. — Swamiji

Vicharasetu - June 2010 21

77th Jayanti Report 13th May 2010

Narayanashrama Tapovanam Swati Dagur

The task of writing the report on Poojya Swamiji’s birthday celebrations was assigned to me. I began with trying to understand what this task really entailed. I enquired from Nutan Swamiji, and as always, he gave me a big smile and a very open ended brief. Then I thought of going through some old reports – that didn’t really open any doors in my mind either. Then it struck me that this task will have to be mine. I will have to own it, feel it, and experience it fully. This report is therefore written as seen through the eyes of a learner.

I am not sure how long the preparations had been (silently) going on for this day. Quite a while, I would imagine. Everything in the Ashram works like that – silently but excellently. Staying here at the Ashram one naturally imbibes these virtues – slowly but surely the mind does open itself and starts getting enriched by the experience.

The day before the programme, the Ashram was full of activity. Many devotees arrived from various places to participate in the function. In the morning-talk (Prabh¡ta-ra¿miÅ), Swamiji urged the more experienced inmates and the visiting devotees in the Ashram to work together in harmony, to make sure that each and every one of the devotees who comes to attend the programme, is welcomed and attended to.

At this very meeting Swamiji talked about simple things like smiling and caring to people. Apparently it seemed strange as to why Swamiji would talk about such basic things (after all, we all believe that we are already doing it). However what I realized was that often it is the simple things that we forget in the zeal of getting things done right or on time etc.; and even these simple things matter the most.

As the day rolled on, the pace of activities picked up. The flowers for decoration arrived in the evening. Many children attending the Sunday “Cultural Heritage

Vicharasetu - June 2010 22

Class” arrived from the nearby village to participate in the decorations. It was a delightful sight – they all came with such reverence and excitement in their hearts! From the look in their eyes, you could tell that they have waited for this auspicious day to come, the happiness and joy was writ large on their faces. They worked hard and fast, and created some of the most beautiful flower designs that I have ever seen. The Vijµ¡na Bhavan looked divine.

I have been fortunate enough to attend many such functions, both here and in CIRD-Delhi. But the one thing I noticed new this time was that our Swamiji, along with Nutan Swamiji and M¡ somehow always know when to be where. They seem to appear on the scene at the right time to help, guide, give instructions or just be present. It is as if they always know what is going on even if they aren’t around, and we are always in their minds. It was a very comforting thought and reminded me yet again of how blessed we truly are.

May 13, 2010. Our beloved Swamiji’s 77th Jayanti arrived. Devotees started coming in, bright and early, to be a part of this blessed celebration. People from all over the country and the world were present – Malaysia, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Madurai, Hyderabad, Kannur and of course, Thrissur. But the ones who deserve a specific mention are the visitors from Swamiji’s birth place, Paralikad. They came with offerings and garlands for our beloved Swamiji – they looked so happy! Their hearts full of humility that they are blessed enough to be born in the same village where our Poojya Swamiji hails from. They had such a celebratory and festive gait, that I thought to myself: “Ah! This is how the people from Mathura must have felt!”

While devotees waited in the elegantly decorated Vijµ¡na Bhavan for our Poojya Swamiji to arrive along with Nutan Swamiji and M¡, their hearts were being filled with the nectar of melodious bhajans, sung by the devotees. Bhajans concluded with the song welcoming our Guru, who gives us eternal refuge. I have always been amazed by the beauty of the sight of our Poojya Swamiji as well as Nutan Swamiji and M¡ in their ochre robes. They look like brightly shining fire, burning away all our impurities.

The temple-committees of both the temples closely associated with Poojya Swamiji, the Pandavagiri Devi Temple and the Sankaramangalam Siva Temple, offered garlands of homage. This was followed by devotees of Narayanashrama Tapovanam welcoming visiting Sanny¡sins and Sanny¡sin¢s from Vyasa

Vicharasetu - June 2010 23

Tapovanam with garlands.

The programme then commenced with our dear M¡ speaking lovingly and fondly about her early years at the Ashram, when she used to make the arrangements. She mentioned how it was on a much smaller scale, but done very lovingly and with deep devotion, and how the devotion has only grown over the years. In the end she spoke about how she wishes that many of us will come forward and help in whichever way possible to support Swamiji’s mission, and how in doing so our devotion will reach its ultimate fulfillment.

Smt. Indu Pandey from Jamshedpur and I were selected to do the P¡da Pooj¡. Both Induji and I felt so blessed for having been chosen to worship Poojya Swamiji’s feet on behalf of all the devotees. I can only speak for myself – as we chanted the mantras and offered flowers at Swamiji’s lotus feet, everything else seemed to merge into the background. The love and devotion that it generated in the heart is beyond words. It was a very holy, uplifting and enriching experience.

Swamiji spoke to us about Guru-sa´ga and its importance in a seeker’s life. “When it comes to spiritual realization, the role of the Guru is indispensable and paramount. … Only by being in close proximity of the Guru, can the purpose of life be fulfilled. … This is the only way we can make our life more meaningful and enriched.” Poojya Swamiji also spoke with great fondness about his Gurudev, Baba Gangadhara Paramahamsa. The key point of Swamiji’s message was for us to understand that only a proper Teacher can open the inner doors to realization, and therefore, we should seek such a Teacher with great fervour. Once we have found him, we should surrender everything at his feet.

What I would like to say about the talk is this: Our Poojya Swamiji has taken up and completed such massive tasks, it is bewildering when you think about it. It is almost like he has lived many lifetimes in one. Listening to him talk about all this in a simple and natural manner was truly inspiring and enlightening.

The programme concluded with devotees receiving pras¡da from Poojya Swamiji and then bhakti-bhojanam in the Annakshetra. Almost 400 devotees were fed with love, care and attention. * * *

Vicharasetu - June 2010 24

Jamshedpur Rumni Sengupta

To celebrate the divine occasion of Poojya Swamiji’s Jayanti, every year a special programme is organized by the devotees of this steel city. Brahmavidy¡ seekers of Jamshedpur usually celebrate Swamiji’s Jayanti in two phases. On May 13, Guru- archan¡ is performed in the evening. The d¡na-satra is usually organized on the following Sunday, so as to facilitate distribution. This year, all devotees felt that both the functions should take place at the site of CIRD (Centre for Inner Resource Development).

The Guru-archan¡ was performed by Smt. Shailaja and Sri Ashok Nair. A portion of the basement of the CIRD building (under construction) was transformed by a joyous group of volunteers into a sublime satsang hall. As the ¿lokas in praise of the Guru reverberated in the surroundings, devotees placed their Swamiji in their hearts. At the same time, a little distance away, workers trudged up the makeshift staircase to the roof where casting was going on. The construction site was transformed into a Yajµa-sthala (sacrificial-site) where the Yajam¡na and Yajam¡na- patni (couple performing sacrifice) offered flower petals at the feet of our Guru, while the workers continued with their task unceasingly to give shape to our Swamiji’s vision.

Poojya Swamiji’s audio message was played after the Guru-archan¡. Our Swamiji spoke about his tireless mission of knowledge-dissemination, and the benedictions that will grace the disciples by being a part of the loka-sa´graha. He said that every drop of his blood belonged to his devotees. We felt blessed to be a part of our Guru’s mission.

About one hundred and thirty people participated in the programme. Pras¡da packets were distributed to all. Sweets were also given to workers – about one hundred and fifty of them – at the construction site.

The d¡na-satra was organised on Sunday, May 16. Recipients began arriving from early morning. They were welcomed by the volunteers who had made arrangements for seating them. Amidst the chanting of ¿lokas, the assembled guests and spiritual seekers invoked the blessings of the Supreme. All the workers at the construction site were also included in the ‘d¡na-satra’.

The programme began with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by Dr. NK Das.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 25

This was followed by chanting of the morning prayers and ViÀ¸u-sahasran¡ma stotram. Ërati was performed by Smt. Jaya Mukherji to Poojya Swamiji, and thereafter by Ashok and Shailaja to the recipients of d¡na. A Hindi translation of Poojya Swamiji’s message, prepared by Sri SR Sahu, was read out on this occasion. The Chief Guest, Sri SK Behra, a well known entrepreneur and a philanthropist, spoke about the joy he felt to be a part of this d¡na-satra. He also spoke with fondness about our Swamiji, and promised to be a part of our mission.

After the prayer ceremony, every recipient of d¡na received a packet of rice, a sari or a lungi. Before they left the place, they were served pras¡da. There were about two hundred and eighty recipients. A large number of guests, including many important citizens of the city were present at the event. The volunteers and guests felt a deep sense of gratitude to be a part of such a sublime event.

On that day, we felt the presence of our Guru. We saw him in the smiling faces of all the workers who toiled tirelessly in the scorching summer heat, so that the building of the CIRD could be ready before Swamiji’s next visit to Jamshedpur. * * * CIRD-Delhi Sanjay Chakravarty

Entering CIRD, one could see several devotees, who had reached early to help in flower decorations and other arrangements. Some had stayed at the centre the previous night to get the place cleaned up and ready to receive guests and other devotees. The publication counter was set up, with some new publications and reprints. This year, there has been increased participation from the local Vasundhara residents, who have been associated with the Ashram ever since Poojya Swamiji was here, last March.

At 7:25 am, as the devotees came to assemble in the satsang hall, the beautiful flower rangoli greeted every one. The programme started with a welcome to all, and soon after, the chanting of the Guru stotras filled the air. Guru N¡m¡vali followed, with Sri Ashish Shoree and Sri Manish Tyagi performing Guru-archan¡ on every one’s behalf. After the n¡m¡vali, we are used to listening to M¡t¡ Haripriy¡ji, who would recount her early days in the company of Poojya Swamiji. But this time we missed her voice choked with devotion, as she has not been keeping well of late.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 26

This time, Swamiji had sent us an audio recording of Jayanti message, and, as we played it, we found that listening to his vibrant voice made the message more effective.

Swamiji’s central message, that there is nothing greater than enabling seekers to listen to words of wisdom, is being lived by Poojya Swamiji himself every minute. It inspires us to live the same ideal, and work in whatever little ways we can, for Swamiji’s mission.

After listening to Poojya Swamiji, a Hindi translation was read out, and then the function came to an end. Devotees queued up to offer flowers at the feet of Swamiji, and take pras¡da. The Annakshetra had been readied for a sumptuous breakfast for the devotees, before they left the Ashram to go to their workplace. * * * SIRD - Malaysia Rema Devi Menon Poojya Swamiji’s Jayanti was celebrated at SIRD in a sublime and austere atmosphere with Ramakrishnan, Ravi Menon and Rames performing the p¡da- pooj¡. About thirtyfive of us had gathered for the function, beating the heavy downpour and the consequent traffic jam.

Uncle Ramaswamy and Saraswathy led the chanting of 108 n¡m¡val¢ while the rest of us repeated in chorus. After the ¡rati was performed, we listened to Poojya Swamiji’s recorded voice-message. All of us felt as if Poojya Swamiji was there with us. Swamiji said that it was amazing and amusing that the exposition on Uddhava Gita (in Malayalam) is being heard the world over on Asianet channel. We felt that the exposition should also be heard in English.

We took turns to offer flowers at Swamiji’s lotus feet and received our little packets of pras¡da which had been prepared meticulously with a lot of love by Uncle Ramaswamy the previous day. All were served bhakti-bhojanam after the function. The annakshetra team started preparations for the event early, and with additional help from some of the devotees, they did an excellent job.

Several devotees had come early at 3.00 pm to prepare the Centre. The satsang hall was organized by Swaminathan and Jeyabalasingham. Gnanes arranged the flowers with Devi and Vasantha, while the young devotees (Subhashini, Vani and Anushia) did the kolam decoration with help from Shanti and Rathi. Rames

Vicharasetu - June 2010 27 and Uncle Ramaswamy ensured that the sound system would not disappoint us during the programme. * * * Chennai N Natarajan We observed Poojya Swamiji’s Jayanti in a very simple and austere manner. The satsang started at 6:15 pm at D3, Narmada Apartments, Subramaniam Street, Abhiramapuram, Chennai. This is where we hold regular satsangs on Sundays. Since many were out of Chennai, only eleven devotees could attend. After bhajans, we performed puÀpa-samarpa¸am and then listened to Poojya Swamiji’s message. At the end, pras¡da was distributed. * * * Pune Mahesh Menon Devotees of Pune gathered at the residence of Smt. Gayatri and Sri Sharad Nishith at 6:30 pm on May 13 to celebrate Poojya Swamiji’s Jayanti. We had a simple programme beginning with chanting of a¿¶ottara-¿ata-n¡m¡vali. Smt. Usha Dharmadhikari and Smt. Rekha Pandey offered flowers at Poojya Swamiji’s Lotus Feet on behalf of all the devotees. This was followed by puÀpa-samarpa¸am and listening to Poojya Swamiji’s voice-message. Thereafter, we chanted ¿¡nti-mantras. The programme concluded with bhakti-bhojanam. The event was conducted in a simple and sublime manner, and all of us felt spiritually uplifted. Jai Guru!

* * *

Vicharasetu - June 2010 28

Correspondence Imbuing the Mind with Confidence & Courage

28 January 2001 Poojya Swamiji:

With your blessings we reached here safely and comfortably.

Due to various pre-occupations I could not start the mind-exercises advised by you. By nature, I have a mind that wavers and wanders. During the exercise, in the beginning, I was surprised that the mind was not wavering as usual. But towards the end of the exercise, it became wavering again. I have made a record of those wanderings. Still, it is much better now. This week, I could not do my exercise, since I had to go to the computer classes. The classes were over yesterday. I shall continue with my exercises again.

In the office, my senior wants me to take up additional responsibilities. It is a new experience for me.

There are many practical things, which I need to learn in my life. Although I have the will, I don’t have the enthusiasm. I have the general feeling that whatever can be done or learnt from practice and experience is complicated. In short, I feel, man has complicated everything in this world. Unfortunately, I don’t have any simpler solutions. That is why I am confused.

Could you please give some advice in the matter?

Namask¡rams from me, and my parents.

Yours, S * * * 9 February 200l Dear and blessed S:

HariÅ Om Tat Sat. Your loving letter of 28th January in hand. Good that you have started the observing the mind-process, and it has given you some definite direction and benefit. So, you should intensify and regularize the practice. It should be like

Vicharasetu - June 2010 29 food and drink to the body, or air to the lungs. Do not fail or miss.

Your weak mind and diffidence have to grow into strength and confidence. This will take place, in time. Make the course faster by the mind-exercises and inner efforts.

Practical life alone teaches, eventually. All theories are gained, evolved and tested only in practice. Living and interacting implies practising whatever you know. Let this be. But alongside, also gain knowledge from books, or their authors. That is why you have Teachers. Knowledge always helps, strengthens and supports. Make it so.

Here are some values and truths, which will, if you assimilate, enrich and empower you:

1. Mind alone is the agent that makes or mars life. Its wealth is the real wealth. Its poverty is the real poverty. Make it rich every day and hour.

2. Mind’s laws are even more powerful, unfailing, than those of physics and chemistry.

3. You will always be led to what you rightly deserve or need. Also, what you are led to, is and will be, what you rightly deserved or needed. Have this either as a faith or as an understanding.

4. Every day you are irresistibly driven towards fulfillment. The manner in which this takes place may not be always clear to you. To grasp it unfailingly is your continuous task.

5. Have therefore confidence, hope and reliance. All these are, Keeping the in fact, mind’s own qualities and enrichments. Keeping the mind, which is mind, which is a treasure, and being its owner, do not fail or a treasure, do lag behind in becoming richer everyday. Such inner riches do not fail or lag behind. not corrupt anyone. External riches, on the other hand, may well vitiate the possessor.

6. Take these words from me: Do not fear. Avoid doubting. Be open, wholehearted. Avoid pretensions. Whenever assailed, close your eyes, and look within for the right guidance and inspiration. Have hope. Shine in the supreme Light which engulfs and graces every one, more so the fond believer and one who relies on

Vicharasetu - June 2010 30

Providence!

May there be ma´gal for you and all others in family. M¡ and Nutan Swamiji send you loving good wishes.

Fond ¡¿eerv¡d, Yours, Swamiji

* * *

Vicharasetu - June 2010 31

News & Notes

❑ Programmes at USA: Poojya Swamiji accompanied by Nutan Swamiji and M¡ left for Washington DC on May 18. Brni. Namrata Swaroopa and Sow. Swati Dagur (from Delhi) also travelled with them. Devotees from USA received Poojya Swamiji with a lot of love and enthusiasm. While in Washington DC area, they are being hosted by Smt. Nisha Govindani at 8611 McHenry Street, Vienna, Virginia. The abode also is the local centre for CIRD-NA.

Guru-archan¡ on May 22 marked the commencement of the programmes at USA. Regular satsangs are being conducted at Virginia. Classes on Vivekac£·¡ma¸i also will be held in the same place. Poojya Swamiji’s Brahmavidy¡ dissemination in USA includes ‘Memorial Day Retreat’ during the weekend (May 28-31) at the Airlie Conference Centre, Warrenton, Virginia.

Programmes in Dallas, Texas, will start from June 04, as scheduled. Poojya Swamiji will give talks at: The Bahai Faith of Plano (June 4; topic – “Significance of OM – A practical means to imbue strength, joy & vigour”), Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (June 5, “Meditation – A definite way to gain inner expanse and enlightenment”), DFW Hindu Temple, Ekta Mandir (June 6, “Secrets of Performance Excellence”) and at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (June 6, “Inner Resources Development – Imbuing ceaseless Inspiration & motivation”). While in Dallas, they will be hosted at the residence of Sri A Balakrishnan (Balu & Bindu).

Poojya Swamiji and others will return to the Ashram by June 23.

❑ English Discourses in Thrissur: From May 03 to 05, Poojya Swamiji conducted a series of discourses on “Personal fulfillment and Professional Excellence” at Neeranjali Hall of Chinmaya Mission, Thrissur. This was the first time Poojya Swamiji had a lecture series in English in Thrissur. The programme was well attended with an audience of about four hundred every day.

During the discourses, Poojya Swamiji emphasized that fulfillment is verily an outcome of inner personality attunement. It cannot be piecemeal or dependent on the objective situation. He explained that excellence should become an inherent

Vicharasetu - June 2010 32

factor in one’s personality, whereby everything one does become naturally excellent.

❑ Distribution of notebooks & uniforms: About 175 students of the Sunday Cultural Heritage Class were gifted notebooks at Vijµ¡na Bhavan, Narayanashrama Tapovanam, on May 09. In addition, those who had 75% attendance during the year were given school uniforms.

❑ On May 06, Poojya Swamiji inaugurated the 6th Bh¡gavata Sapt¡ham at Erattakulangara ári Mahavishnu Dhanwantari Temple at Perumbilavu.

❑ On May 07, at Paramekkavu Ootupura, Thrissur, Poojya Swamiji inaugurated “Swami Mridananda Memorial Purask¡ra Samm¡na Yogam”. The programme was organized by the Vivekananda Seva Kendram, Thaikkattussery. Poojya Swamiji also gave the Pra¿asti Patram and Award to Paravur Sri Shridharan Tantri, recognized for his Astrological and Tantric Erudition.

❑ On May 16, Poojya Swamiji was invited to inaugurate the áreemad Bh¡gavata Sapt¡ham at Karumanangad áiva Temple, Wadakanchery. Swamiji, in his benedictory address, exhorted the devotees to make the values enshrined in the holy text, the warp and woof of their daily life. In addition to Temple Management Committee members, Elakunnapuzha Sri Damodara Sarma, the Saptaham Pravakta (speaker) and Smt. Usha Kumari, Cochin Devaswam Commissioner, were also present. The function was attended by over 250 devotees and seekers.

❑ The same day (May 16), Poojya Swamiji inaugurated the 11-day Naveekara¸a Sahasra-kala¿am (rejuvenation ceremony with thousand pitchers of sacred water) at Sri Veerasthanam Bhagavathy Temple in Viruttanam, near Wadakanchery. Swamiji addressed the devotees explaining the purpose and process of Naveekara¸am, as well as the importance of temples in ensuring long-term welfare of the society.

Poojya Swamiji also said: “Offerings, which constitute Temple funds, have to be used primarily for maintaining the Temples with sanctity, providing civil amenities for worshippers, and arranging for dissemination of spiritual, philosophical and ethical wisdom, on which alone rest the external and internal welfare of the people. Any excess gold or money Devaswams have, must be

Vicharasetu - June 2010 33

used for the society to help and ameliorate the quality of life, which, in turn, will enrich the Temples themselves.”

❑ 77th Jayanti of Poojya Swamiji was observed at the Ashram, CIRD-Jamshedpur, CIRD-Delhi, SIRD-Malaysia, CIRD-Chennai and Pune on May 13. (See report on page 20).

❑ Gurupoornima & Retreat programmes: As announced earlier, Gurupoornima & Retreat will be held between July 25 and 31. Participation of those who have applied for registration will be confirmed by June 25. ■

Vicharasetu - June 2010 34

Poojya Swamiji speaking on “Personal Fulfillment and Professional Excellence” at Neeranjali Hall (Chinmaya Mission, Thrissur) during his 3-day English discourse (May 03-05, 2010).

Vicharasetu - June 2010 35

Poojya Swamiji’s 77th Jayanti (May 13, 2010)

P¡da-p£j¡ being performed at Vijµ¡na Bhavan (Narayanashrama Tapovanam, Thrissur).

Vicharasetu - June 2010 36

At Jamshedpur, devotees gathered at the basement of CIRD under construction, to observe Poojya Swamiji’s 77th Jayanti.At Jamshedpur, devotees gathered at the basement of CIRD under construction, to observe Poojya Swamiji’s 77th Jayanti.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 37

Second Annual 5-day Satsa´ga áibiram (in Malayalam), conducted at Vedavyasa Bhavan, Vyasa Tapovanam (Paralikad, Thrissur) on April 19-23, 2010.

Vicharasetu - June 2010 38

Students of the Sunday Cultural Heritage Class receiving notebooks and uniforms. (Vijµ¡na Bhavan, Narayanashrama Tapovanam, Thrissur. May 9, 2010.)

Vicharasetu - June 2010