Parmarth August 2017 Newletter
Travels to the USA This beautiful News Magazine highlights Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji’s recent travels to the United States of America, including highlights from the first ever Guru Purnima Retreat and celebrations in Louisville, Kentucky, Sadhviji’s high level meeting with the UN Secretary General at the Plan of Action Launch to prevent violence and atrocity crimes at the UN, star studded events in New York, ahead of the IIFA Awards, important meetings, inspiring community events and divine satsangs as well as so much more. Stardust Awards: Fashion, Passion & Compassion
American Jewish Committee (AJC) 15 CONTENTS Hosts a Special Reception for Pujya Swamiji & Sadhviji in New York
Plan of Action Launched at UN to Prevent Violence & Atrocity Crimes 16 Saints Pledge for Abating Climate Change
Guru Purnima Celebrations 18 in Hindu Temple Kentucky Pujya Swamiji and Kailash 20 Kher Meet in the Big Apple Meeting with 21 UNICEF Madhya Pradesh CM Hon’ble 04 08 12 22 Shivraj Singh Chouhanji’s Visit Mayor Jim Gray inspired Guru Purnima Weekend Retreat 23 by Pujya Swamiji to Go Green in Woodland Glen, Indiana Divine Satsang on the Power of 24 Hanuman in Boulder, Colorado Pledge to protect and preserve mother 25 nature in the sacred area of Gold Lake Guru Puja 26 on Guru Purnima Lexington Temple Pranpratistha 28 Anniversary Celebration Encyclopedia of Hinduism Presentation 14 29 to Hindu Temple in Lexington Association of Physicians tGELF Hosts Divine Satsang at Grace Cathedral of Indian Origin (AAPI) SHURUAAT! Gala 30 in San Francisco with Sadhviji Convention in New York Wedding Blessings by Baba Ramdevji, 11 31 Pujya Swamiji & Sadhviji As our Guru has brought us a new, divine life, let us work to help all of our family on earth – of all colors, all countries, all cultures and all creeds – have a life that is free from hunger, thirst and environmental degradation.” -Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
special two day Guru Purnima beautiful lake surrounding the retreat of the participants were overseas Indians weekend retreat organised by site. It was selected to meet Pujya or first generation Indian Americans. the Divine Shakti Foundation Swamiji’s inspired theme for the retreat, Several of the youth participating in the A(DSF) and Parmarth Niketan took place Guru Purnima “Celebrating a Green Guru Purnima: retreat asked questions on how Hindu in Henryville, Indiana, USA. Devotees Come to Nature, Be with Nature and values apply to their modern life, to from many states joined with their friends Change Your Nature.” which Sadhvi Bhagawatiji gave simple and family to take part in this divine and profound solutions. Weekend Retreat opportunity to be in the presence of HH The retreat included divine satsang on Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, a range of topics including: practicing Other activities included: vedic mantra President of Parmarth Niketan, and no reaction, silence, inner peace, chanting, trekking, walking meditation, in Woodland Glen, Indiana Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President dealing with emotions and answered yoga, meditation, kirtan and Naad of the Divine Shakti Foundation. The a range of questions on how to live in Yoga. A very special Ganga Aarti was Come to Nature, Be with Nature and Change Your Nature location was a beautiful picturesque the Western culture but staying true to organised by the lakeside. The general countryside setting with woods and a Indian roots and traditions. A number manager of the retreat centre, Wooded
4 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 5 If you missed any of the LIVE satsangs, you can watch them by clicking on the links below: No Reaction and Silence
Emotions and Relationships
Inner Peace
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Glen, was gifted by Pujya Swamiji and on earth have safe and sufficient water to Earth as our Guru protects and preserves Sadhvi Bhagawatiji and some of the drink to quench the thirst of their bodies. us. Let us take this divine opportunity youngest participants a beautiful green As our Guru has brought us a new, divine to recommit ourselves to making all of tree sapling, as a symbol of the green life, let us work to help all of our family our holidays and celebrations green and Guru Purnima celebration. on earth – of all colors, all countries, all also to making choices in our daily life cultures and all creeds – have a life that is that are filled with light and life for all Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji free from hunger, thirst and environmental of Creation.” led a special pledge to encourage all degradation.” present to make every celebration clean At the conclusion, a special thank you and green and to ensure that in their Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, “The Guru is was given to the dedicated seva team for everyday lives they commit to making one who removes the darkness of ignorance their efforts to put together a successful more sustainable and eco-friendly and illusion from our lives and allows the retreat. The team was led by Rekha choices. Pujya Swamiji blessed and true, divine light to come through. The Mashruwala and included but was not inspired everyone saying, “As our Guru Guru brings life and light into our lives limited to: Seema Singhal, Madhu Gupta, has brought us life, let us plant trees in and shows us the path to walk. On this Dr. Naval Kant, Atul Mashruwala, Dr. the name and love of our Guru which Guru Purnima there could not be a better Anar Mashruwala, Pushpa Patel, Sujal will bring life to others. As our Guru way to honour our Green Guru, Pujya and Shyam Popat and so many more. has quenched our thirst for knowledge, Swamiji, than by planting trees, as trees The retreat was followed by a major understanding and light, let us work to also bring life to so many today and for Guru Purnima celebration at the Hindu ensure that all of our brothers and sisters the future. Trees protect and preserve the Temple of Kentucky on 9 July.
6 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 7 Sadhvi Bhagawatiji gifts the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres a sacred elachi mala from India for his green leadership.
Sadhviji with Dr. Azza Karam Senior Advisor, UNFPA and Coordinator UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion and Development and Rabbi Burt Visotzky.
Plan of Action Launched at UN Click here to see more! to Prevent Violence & Atrocity Sadhvi Bhagawatiji and UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed sharing a beautiful moment together in which they discuss ending hate speech and atrocity crimes Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji met with HE Secretary Click here to watch Sadhviji’s also with UN Under Secretary General Adama Dieng. General of the UN, Antonio Guterres Plan of Action speech
eligious leaders gathered at the Special Adviser on the Prevention of that his leadership and vision was truly inspired initiatives for environmental us versus them and dehumanization of lack of WASH, etc, and this is exactly United Nations (UN) to launch Genocide Adama Dieng and Secretary bringing the fragrance of oneness to the preservation, education, healthcare, the other. The foundation of spirituality what GIWA is doing.” the plan of action to prevent General of the KAICIID Dialogue United Nations and the world, and cited women empowerment plus the work is oneness and an appreciation of the incitementR to violence that could lead Centre Faisal Bin Muammer. Sadhvi his great, green leadership. He was also towards many of the sustainable sacred humanity of all. It is said that The Deputy Secretary General of the to atrocity crimes in the ECOSOC Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary- invited by Sadhviji to Parmarth Niketan development goals. faith can move mountains. We need to United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammad, chambers. The event was organized by General Global Interfaith WASH (Rishikesh) next time he visited India. use our power as faith leaders to move addressed the conference and personally the United Nations Office on Genocide Alliance, was an honorable speaker In her inspiring address, Sadhvi the minds, hearts, words and actions of thanked the religious leaders for their Prevention and Responsibility to Protect on the valedictory panel on the Sadhviji shared briefly about the work Bhagawatiji shared, “84% of the world our communities. We have found that one dedication and the commitment to this in association with the KAICIID. implementation of the plan of action that the Global Interfaith WASH subscribes to a religion. So as faith leaders of the best ways to address sectarianism vital task. Sadhviji met with her and and the way forward. Sadhvi Bhagawatiji Alliance (GIWA) is engaged in by we must harness and channel this great and violence between communities is to deeply appreciated her leadership, and The event was inaugurated by Secretary greeted the Honorable Secretary General bringing the world’s leaders together to power of faith to prevent more violence. bring faith leaders and faith communities also warmly invited her to come home General of the United Nations António Guterres and honoured him with a improve water, sanitation and hygiene. Hate speech, violence and atrocity crimes of different religions together to work to Rishikesh. Guterres, Under Secretary General, sacred elachi (cardamom) mala, saying She also spoke about the many other are rooted in the illusion of separation, against a common enemy, i.e. poverty,
8 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 9 SPECIAL NEWSLETTER INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA at the United Nations in NY
Click here to see more! Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention From Medication to Meditation: Yoga for Doctors and Healthcare Practitioners
aba Ramdevji, Brahmakumari and important things Yoga does is that it sands of years ago --- jaise beetar vaise Shivaniji and Sadhvi Bhagawati helps us rise from our lower conscious- bahar (as is the inner condition, so do Saraswatiji were invited to grace ness to our higher consciousness. Yoga we create the outer condition.)” She fur- Full video of “Conversation Full video of “Yoga Session Band bless the American Association brings about divine transformation. I am ther emphasized that maintaining a con- of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) a living example of that transformation nection to Indian culture and heritage on Yoga for Health” with Yoga Masters” Convention in Atlantic City, New Jer- and each one of you can also be a living is the greatest and most important gift sey, USA, held 21st-24th June 2017. Pan- example of the transformation of yoga.” they can give their children and grand- dit Jasraji inaugurated the convention. Sadhvi Bhagawatiji emphasized the im- children. Kailash Kher and comedian Shailesh portant connection between mind and CLICK HERE TO A beautiful gift from our beloved Jai Uttal, a song in praise of Ganga Ma, to download Lodha both performed. Baba Ramdevji body and the role that what we think, Brahmakumaris Shivaniji led an intro- LISTEN AND and share with everyone! We encourage led a morning yoga session and shared feel and believe plays on our physical spective talk, in which she shared, “An- “We are all children of the rishis, of the health, as well as the health of our com- ger of the doctor and fear of the people DOWNLOAD and inspire you to write your own songs, saints and being doctors of Indian origin munities and our nations. She said, “As working with the doctor dissipates the GANGA MA BY prose, poetry or your own unique expression you must be deeply rooted in your spir- the Bhagavad Gita reminds us: the mind healing environment that we need in our of love for Mother Ganga and share it with itual-cultural heritage of Yoga, Ayurve- is the cause of all problems and the mind hospitals. Let us take a collective pledge JAI UTTAL us at [email protected]. da, Naturopath, Ved Darshan and the is, therefore, the solution. So many top today that no matter what happens we Upanishads. I would like to share with research institutes are showing today will not create anger in our lives and in you that one of the most fundamental what our sages and rishis told us thou- our workplaces.”
10 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 11 American Jewish Committee (AJC) Hosts a Special Reception for Pujya Swamiji & Sadhviji in New York India and Israel -- two great countries , two ancient cultures, one bright peaceful future
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shared, “Interfaith harmony is the and harmony for all.” he AJC - Global Jewish Advocacy had in India last year at the interfaith cornerstone of the Indian spiritual (AJC) hosted a special reception events, led by Pujya Swamiji and tradition. Our tradition tells us that Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, “I feel so deeply for Pujya Swami Chidanand organised by GIWA, in Varanasi during we may worship our own but we must connected to both my Jewish roots and my TSaraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Dev Diwali and in Rishikesh. They also learn to respect and accept all. I Hindu cultural heritage. I am honored to Co-founder of the Global Interfaith WASH shared how deeply touched they were also believe there is a lot to learn from serve as a bridge between these two rich Alliance (GIWA), and Sadhvi Bhagawati with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji’s deep the Jewish community. They may be a traditions, as there is so much that we can Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of GIWA, commitment to interfaith harmony, small population, as compared to other learn and exchange from each other.” at their International headquarters in New especially towards their efforts to deepen faith traditions, but their great history York City, led by Rabbi Noam E Marans, the relationship between the Hindu and of overcoming countless obstacles is an Rabbi Noam shared, “We are so thrilled to Director, Interreligious and Intergroup Jewish community in India and abroad. inspiration to everyone. At this time welcome both of you to our home in New Relations, AJC. They planned for ways in which AJC of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit York. It’s a small way for us to offer our could partner to support GIWA’s efforts to Israel it is a great opportunity to token of appreciation for the incredible Many of the members of the AJC present to improve WASH for every child. Click here to watch high level recommit ourselves to working together and deeply memorable experience we had during the reception reflected on the reception at the AJC and serving together to deepen our ties in India. I look forward to returning back beautiful and memorable time they During the meeting, Pujya Swamiji and to work together for health, hygiene to our Himalayan home soon.”
12 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 13 tGELF Hosts SHURUAAT! Gala in New York for Global Education Cultivating a Generation of Leaders for a Better, Brighter Future for All
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Click here to see more! Stardust Awards:
star-studded SHURUAAT! living is giving. You are a group of people Fashion, Passion & Compassion gala was organised by the who just by being here have said it’s not Global Education & Leadership ‘What for me?’ but ‘What through me?’ I Global Icon Awards Get Inspired to be the Torchbearers of Change AFoundation (tGELF)*, bringing together am certain that with the able leadership of the biggest celebrities from Bollywood Shiv and Urvashi Khemka we can all join ujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagwatiji popular Punjabi Singer, Actress Neetu to join together to protect all forms of the and leaders from faith traditions, business, together in this vital cause of instilling our *tGELF is dedicated to creating a were invited to bless and grace Chandra, Actor Gulshan Grover, Fashion divine feminine and divine Shakti whether philanthropy, media, education and the children with the core human values that movement of ethical and altruistic young the Stardust Global Icon Award arts, to work together on the challenge of inspire them to be leaders and problem Designers Asma Gulzar and Sanjana Jon in the form of the girl child or in the form leaders to improve our world. Through a CeremonyP at the Plaza Hotel in New York. as well as many others. of Mother Earth and Mother Nature Global Education, to address and achieve solvers, where they know that no matter variety of programs, it invests in the people the 4th UN Sustainable Development what challenge is in front of them they because fashion to me is not merely about and projects with the most potential to Goal, Quality Education. All proceeds are the master key. Whether it’s poverty, This year the awards show was also held Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji what you wear but really about who you transform India in its role as a world leader. from the Gala will support work with climate change, lack of WASH, gender in support of the Save the Girl Child shared their inspirational message, “If all are. Additionally, as Pujya Swamiji has tGELF continue to build on our commit- global private and public sector partners equality or any of the global goals-together campaign: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, a the ICONS awarded today can pledge that often said so beautifully, without Shakti ment of 13 years, working in 14 countries, to test and scale education innovation. they are the solution.” social campaign that aims to generate I CAN be the catalyst for change in the (divine feminine) there is no Shristi (no to strengthen partnerships with public, pri- awareness and improve the efficiency of world we wish to see, then change is not creation). Hence, let us join our hands vate, social and multilateral institutions to welfare services intended for girls. only possible but it is also inevitable. If we and our hearts today to commit to be the HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Amongst those gracing the event included: testing and utilizing innovative technology can commit to be the voice of the girl child, change and to DO the change we want to President of Parmarth Niketan the extraordinary A.R. Rahmanji, the to achieve this Global Goal by 2030. (Rishikesh), Co-founder of the Global talented Anupam Kherji, Gulshan Amongst those awarded during the event who, tragically, much too often never sees see in the world.” Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), was Groverji, celebrity Chef Vikas Khannaji, included: Deepak Chopra, Founder of the light of day, and pledge to be global, asked to bless the gala with His words of educator Gowri Ishwaran, Sadhvi Sadhvi Bhagawatiji graced tGELF’s The Chopra Foundation and Co-founder social, local and vocal about this cause Iulia Vântur, Russian singer and TV inspiration, “I am so glad to be amongst Bhagawati Saraswatiji and many others. inspiring LIFE Talks event in Delhi in of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, a then we can start to inspire and connect personality, Singer Mika Singh, Actress you today, in a room filled with people who August. Stay tuned for the highlights world-renowned pioneer in integrative countless people to be this change as well.” Neetu Chandra and Fashion Designer know that the true happiness and meaning Everyone was so touched by Pujya from this inspiring leadership conference medicine and personal transformation, Sanjana Jon and models joined Pujya in life is in giving and serving others, Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, their in our next edition... Raj Naik, CEO of Colors TV, Indira Sadhvi Bhagawatiji added, “The time has Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji in the because to me giving is truly living and message and their divine presence. Nooyi, the CEO of Pepsico, Mika Singh, come for fashion, passion and compassion pledge.
14 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 15 Pujya Gurusharananandji and Pujya Swamiji Bless Shrimad Bhagwat Katha w/ Pujya Bhaishri on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Alaska
“In the midst of one’s busy life, there is a longing in everyone to be united with the Divine, to listen to the spiritual discourses, and read the Scriptures. With the challenges of meeting one’s daily needs of work, family, and social life, it’s hard to find time for spirituality, prayer, and divine experience.”
To help fulfill these noble desires, as well as to provide an opportunity for participants to experience the divine in a fun and memorable way, a seven-day cruise with spiritual teachings of Shrimad Bhagvat by Shri Rameshbhai Oza, popularly known as Pujya Bhaishree, was organized aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that departed from Seattle July 14th.
Attended by 800 devotees, this Bhagvat katha was inspired by members of the Board of Trustees of the Sanskruti Foundation USA. Click here to see & read more!
Saints Pledge for Abating Climate Change to Prevent Violence & Atrocity “We exist if the Himalayas exist, Ganga exists if glaciers exist, & India exists if Ganga exists.” Pujya Click here to see more! Swamiji shares during the pledge
ujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Ozaji, from different countries and cities of the in addition to Alaska and the Alps in your next visit to Uttarakhand, India, soon the Gaumukh Glacier in Uttarakhand has to prevent this tragic phenomenon. renowned kathakar and scholar, world in attendance. Switzerland, the Simply Heaven State of because if visiting India is a must then been said to have receded 50 meters and Pujya Swami Karshnipeethadishwar Uttarakhand had the power to attract Uttrakhand should be first.” floating broken glaciers can be seen in During the pledge Pujya Swamiji said, “We GurusharananandjiP Maharaj, Pujya Pujya Swamiji expressed his feelings of people from across the world. the sacred river Bhagirathi, which is fed exist if the Himalayas exist, Ganga exists if Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi deep enchantment on witnessing Alaska’s He expressed that the glaciers of Alaska primarily by this glacier. glaciers exist, and India exists if Ganga exists. Bhagawati Saraswatiji, expressed their natural beauty. He said that the natural He said, “Many years of penance and have retreated about 12 to 14 km and We share an interconnected and intertwined deep concern over the increasing pollution beauty of Goumukh, Gangotri, and austerity of our saints and rishis has made they are receding quickly every year. He Pujya Swamiji and all the saints expressed web of life. Hence, to protect one, is to protect in Ganga during Pujya Bhaishriji’s Shrimad the four sacred pilgrimage sites in the Uttarakhand a powerhouse of peace, also stated that as a result of fast melting their concern and took a pledge while our own selves and the time to act is NOW!” Bhagawat Katha on the Royal Caribbean Uttarakhand Himalayas are no less divine vibrancy and energy, as well as a perfect glaciers, one could see fragments of sitting near a beautiful glacier that they Everyone joined in the pledge to work Cruise. It took place off the shores of and splendid. Pujya Swamiji shared that place for releasing the stress and tension floating glaciers in the ocean and the water would continue to raise awareness on collectively in India to keep our rivers and Alaska with about eight hundred devotees with better planning and provisions, of our lives. I warmly invite you to plan bodies that they feed. In the same way, abating climate change and inspire action our communities clean and green.
16 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 17 Guru Purnima Celebrations in Hindu Temple Kentucky Meri Jhopdi Ke Bhag Aaj Khul Jaayenge, Ram Aayenge
Watch Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji’s inspiring message and blessings, click here!
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n Guru Purnima a beautiful move mountains; let us allow that faith to today let us take the example of Sabri’s celebration took place at the move whatever you have inside yourself devotion and let our lives be selflessly and Hindu Temple of Kentucky. that is a barrier to grace and that is a completely dedicated to the Guru and ODevotees joined from all across America barrier to the light. The moon in the sky to God. So make your home and your to warmly welcome Pujya Swamiji and may not always be full but at least our hearts like a temple and you will realise “Today let us take the Sadhvi Bhagawatiji home to the temple moon and we can be full.” that God is not awaited, rather, He has example of Shabari’s devotion and to the community that has truly already arrived.” and let our lives be selflessly flourished and thrived with Their love Pujya Swamiji said, “Today I want and blessings. to share the story of Sabri. Sabri was After the beautiful satsang, devotees and completely dedicated to the told by her Guru that Ram will come came forward for special blessings from Guru to God. So let us make your The evening included bhajan/kirtan one day and everyday day after day, Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji, who in turn (devotional singing), satsang (divine month after month and year after year gifted everyone a sacred tulsi sapling as home and your hearts like a temple discourses), especially focused on the she awaited His arrival with full faith. Green prasad. Sadhviji led everyone in a and you will realise that God is not auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. No doubts & no arguments. Everyday pledge to give back to their motherland, she kept cleaning the streets from every as a vast majority of the devotees awaited, He has indeed arrived.” Sadhvi Bhagawatiji started the direction because she had faith Her Ram were overseas Indians. The evening evening by sharing so beautifully and would come. There is a beautiful song concluded with delicious free prasad -Pujya Swami that illustrates her bhavya (feeling) Meri (divine feast). Plans for expansion of Chidanand Saraswatiji profoundly, “I invite you all to take this opportunity to reopen ourselves to the Jhopdi Ke Bhag Aaj Khul Jaayenge, Ram the temple were also shared with Pujya possibility of what happens when faith Aayenge (My hut will be blessed with Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji for enters into our life. It is said that faith can the arrival of Bhagawan Shri Ram) and Their blessing and guidance.
18 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 19 Meeting with UNICEF GIWA’s Co-Founder, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji met with Caroline Den Dulk, Deputy Director of Communications at UNICEF, in New York to discuss the exciting and ongoing efforts of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) to improve WASH and END Violence. Caroline had been in Delhi before New York, serving as the Chief, Advocacy and Communication, UNICEF India and had worked closely with GIWA. It was a beautiful reunion and also rekindling of the connection Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji shares a special and commitment to work even more closely together for these crucial causes. Click here to see more! song of devotion and love with our ever talented and beloved Kailash Kher in New York. Pujya Swamiji and Kailash Kher Meet in the Big Apple Inspiring Devotees of Shiva During the Kanwad Mela to Contribute Towards a Swachh Bharat ujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji the “You Are the Solution” Summit, and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati which honoured and celebrated people, had a wonderful meeting with Sufi organisations and leaders who have been singerP Kailash Kher in New York, ahead solutions to the pollution and inspired of the IIFA Awards. Kailashji shared his and empowered others to also become newest song “Bhole Chale,” which was the solution. recently launched on his birthday, 7 July. It was especially dedicated to the Shiva They also shared this year’s special devotees in the sacred month of shrawan International Yoga Festival (IYF) (a month observed by many Hindus, newsletter, in which there was a special during the monsoon, dedicated to the highlight of Kailash Kher’s special worship and reverence of Lord Shiva). homecoming concert. Kailashji shared with great love that his roots are from Pujya Swamiji encouraged him to inspire Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) and he Click here to see more! Kanwariyas, pilgrims of the Kanwad has been very fortunate and blessed to Mela, to contribute towards a Swachh have Pujya Swamiji’s constant blessings Bharat and ensure a clean and green and support. They planned ways in Kanwad Mela* for all. which to work together to spread the message of Yoga in Action and inspire Pujya Swamiji, Kailashji and Sadhviji the masses to work towards a Clean also discussed the recent success of India, Clean Ganga for all.
*Kanwar Mela is an annual pilgrimage in which millions of Shiva devotees across India flock to Hindu pilgrimage places of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Gaumukh, Gangotri to fetch waters of Ganga River, which is later offered at their local Shiva temple as way to worship Lord Shiva.
20 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 21 Mayor Jim Gray inspired by Pujya Swamiji to Go Green US Mayor invited to Mayors to Share Conference by GIWA in India
Click here to see more! Madhya Pradesh CM Hon’ble ames (Jim) Gray, Mayor of Lexington, He also shared, “By encouraging our Pujya Swamiji also warmly welcomed Shivraj Singh Chouhanji’s Visit Kentucky, was inspired by Pujya cities to conserve water, protect our Jim to India for the Global Interfaith Swamiji to lead as a truly Green environment and make all our occasions WASH Alliance’s upcoming Mayors to Mayor.J Jim Gray was recognized by Pujya of celebration green ones, we can truly Share conference in which Mayors from Reaffirming our Pledge to Restore and Protect All Rivers Swamiji for his efforts to improve the bring about a green and sustainable world some of the major cities and towns, city’s infrastructure and for celebrating for our future generations. While we the diversity of its community, including can have a plan A and a plan B we only primarily from the States through which ith Pujya Swami Chidanand Water Blessing, Ganga Aarti and were that Pujya Swamiji speaks about. appreciating and acknowledging the have one planet and if we each take the the River Ganga flows, would be invited Saraswatiji’s blessing, given a Rudraksh sapling. special achievements and contributions responsibility of keeping our communities to share experiences and learn best inspiration and home- As Pujya Swamiji was in the U.S. at the of the Indian community in the city’s and our daily lives more mindful of our Wcoming reminders during their time practices from each other. The CM spoke about taking his example time of his visit, they spoke by telephone, growth and progress. harmonious co-existence with Mother together in the Simhastha Kumbha Mela of the Narmada Seva Yatra, where 3350 where Pujya Swamiji commended Shri Nature, then that in itself is a significant Jim Gray was deeply touched by Pujya in Ujjain in 2016, the Honorable CM km was covered in 148 days and 15 lakh Chauhanji for the recent planting of 6.63 Pujya Swamiji shared that he should step to transforming our world. As a Swamiji’s words and reaffirmed his of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh people (1,500,000) took resolutions to crore (60+ million) saplings in his home inspire the plantation of more and more Mayor dedicated to this cause, I am Chouhanji and his wife Smt. Sadhnaji, make Maa Narmada clean, and to bring state. Pujya Swamiji also warmly invited trees to improve not only the quality certain you will leave a green legacy which commitment towards green development were inspired to come back home to that dedication and action to all rivers Shri Chouhanji to come back again soon of air but the overall well-being and may just inspire people to remember you along with planning a trip to India soon. Parmarth, where they participated in a across India, to create the green corridors to his Himalayan home. serenity of the city. as Jim Green instead of Jim Gray.”
22 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 23 Pledge to protect and preserve mother nature in the sacred area of Gold Lake
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Click here to watch Watch Pujya Swamiji’s Watch Sadhviji’s special their satsang special message on Seva message on Seva
Divine Satsang on the Power of Click here to see more! Hanuman in Boulder, Colorado Raj Yoga + Meditation & the Hanuman Academy host an evening filled with devotion
beautiful group of Americans Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji led a special organize a festival called satsang, in which they shared the Hanuman Festival every year teachings, the inspiration and the divinity Ain the United States. Two of the main of Lord Hanuman’s life. They especially organizers, Yoshi Aono and Dayna Seraye emphasized the teachings of 1) Devotion, came to Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh 2) Surrender and 3) Service. during the International Yoga Festival in March and humbly requested Pujya Pujya Swamiji explained that the Divine Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji - Muniji Creator exists in all of Creation and that and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji to come today, true devotion for God can only to their Festival. Unable to leave India at exist if we also pledge to protect and uring their time in Boulder, serve the Creator but also all of Creation. to bring more and more people there for that time, the organizers requested that preserve our natural environment. Colorado, Pujya Swami They emphasized the great need to protect inspiration and divine connection. They whenever they were able to travel to Chidanand Saraswatiji and and preserve Mother Nature, because were joined in their visit by Bharat Mitra Colorado, they would organize a special They invited the entire community SadhviD Bhagawati Saraswatiji spent time Pujya Swamiji said, “Coming to Nature, and Bhavani Lev, founders of ORGANIC Hanuman satsang with all the devotees of of Hanuman devotees to come to in the sacred area of Gold Lake , sharing Being with nature, Helps us discover our INDIA, along with members of the Uplift the Hanuman Academy. Rishikesh. wisdom and inspired a pledge to not only own true nature!” They also made plans Connect.
24 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 25 Guru Puja on Guru Purnima Divine Guru Puja concluded the weekend retreat in Henryville, Indiana.
“I would like us to pledge that today and on everyday we should respect all Shaktis. For the Indian diaspora, I urge you to take this message of reverence and respect to your hometowns and villages in India. We must together to eliminate the crime of female foeticide n the last day of the Guru reverence, loving offering of the sacred Purnima weekend retreat a very aarti onto Him and He was adorned from our nation.” special Guru Puja ceremony with fragrant flower malas, He showered -Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Otook place in which HH Pujya Swami all of the flowers and love back onto His honour my mother because without her I crime of female foeticide from our nation.” Chidanand Saraswatiji was honoured and devotees. would not be here in my physical form. In celebrated for embodying pure light and the same way, I would like us to pledge that All of the devotees also joined together to the divinity in His devotees lives. He shared, “I would like all of my divine Click here to see more! today and on everyday we should respect offer Pujya Swamiji a homemade vegan shaktis [the women and girls] to come all Shaktis. For the Indian diaspora, I urge and organic cake to celebrate His recent Immediately following the bhakti forward because it is within the divine you to take this message of reverence and 65th Birthday and thanked Him for His (devotion) filled ceremony in which He feminine that lies the Creator and the respect to your hometowns and villages in guidance, direction and compassionate was offered flowers, beautiful songs of creation. I also honour all of you as I India. We must together to eliminate the leadership.
26 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 27 Lexington Temple Pranpratistha Anniversary Celebration 25th Pranpratishtapana Anniversary Celebrations of the Lexington Hindu Temple
ujya Swamiji graced the 25th Pujya Swamiji reminded the temple communities to serve and give back to their Anniversary of the Pranpratishta committee and all the devotees, “We motherland. Today you can contribute to of the Hindu Temple in Lexington, must never forget the 3M’s: Our Mother, making a better India for all. Let us pledge to Kentucky.P He had blessed the murti Motherland and Mother Tongue. Our plant at least 25 trees, sponsor the building pratishtan of the temple many years ago temples and community centres serve as hubs of 25 toilets in communities with the greatest and had been pivotal in ensuring it thrived to stay connected, rooted and grounded in need for sanitation in India and invest in and blossomed over the years. Hence, the our spiritual & cultural heritage. However, strengthening our villages, in this way we Click here to see more! entire community warmly welcomed the time has come that we must not only will not only be celebrating our mandir Him home and organised a very special maintain and sustain these institutions but here in America but also strengthening our yagna on the auspicious occasion. we must also utilize them to inspire our Rashtra Mandir.” Encyclopedia of Hinduism Presentation to Hindu Temple in Lexington
ujya Swami Chidanand be made available to the entire world, Saraswatiji presented priests in a way that is authentic, academic, *A nearly twenty five year project and leaders of the Hindu comprehensive and illuminating.” of India Heritage Research Foun- CommunityP in Kentucky with a set of dation, founded, guided and led by the Encyclopedia of Hinduism for their The Encyclopedia of Hinduism* Pujya Swamiji, the Encyclopedia temple and community centre. was compiled with the dedicated and it is the first time in history that commitment and contribution of more the depth and breadth of India’s Plans are being made to make the than 1000 esteemed scholars from great spiritual culture has been Click here to see more! Encyclopedia of Hinduism available around the world, totaling 11-volumes made available in academic and across America to universities, schools and approximately 7000 entries. It is a scholastic form. and libraries all across the nation. The compendium of thousands of years of digital version of the Encyclopedia is history, science, art, architecture, polity, also underway. religion, philosophy and culture.
Pujya Swamiji explained: “The wisdom, The Encyclopedia is not limited to truths, teachings and insights of Indian Hinduism as a religion, but rather provides and Hindu culture are not limited to or thorough treatment of all of India’s applicable to only Hindus or Indians. indigenous faiths, including Sikhism, Rather they belong to the world and can Jainism and Buddhism, as well as coverage deeply benefit the world. It is, therefore, of the role of the Abrahamic faiths (Islam, our aim that the richness of this ancient Christianity and Judaism) in the culture, yet timeless culture and heritage should civilization, and history of India.
28 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 29 Wedding Blessings by Baba Ramdevji, Pujya Swamiji & Sadhviji
Click here to watch Sadhviji’s satsang Click here to see more!
Graceful, Grateful and Glorious: Click here to watch Pujya Click here to watch Click here to watch Baba Ramdevji’s speech Pujya Swamiji’s speech Sadhviji’s speech Divine Satsang at Grace ujya Baba Ramdevji, Pujya Swami the couple by sharing, “In business and in it’s important that at the end of the day you Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi our professional lives we may live with our remember this is the key to maintaining Cathedral in San Francisco Bhagawati Saraswatiji blessed and brains but in our personal relationships the sweetness in your relationship.” Pgraced the wedding in New Jersey of Vidhi and at home we must live with our and Romell Bhaala. The couple and their hearts. Remember love is the key and that Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared in her beautiful with Sadhviji families were inspired by their words on maintaining a happy and harmonious blessing, “I always like to remind people the importance of cultivating divine love married life is also yoga and that is the that in marriage you have two choices, adhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in the heart of San Francisco and is also a tradition to visit Grace Cathedral for and maintaining sanskaras in their lives. divine union you are beginning today.” either you can be right or you can be recently spoke at Grace Cathedral, the 3rd largest Episcopal cathedral in the past 3 years. happily married. So in every opportunity San Francisco, CA, USA, along the US. The Bishop of California, the Georgy Bhaala, Editor-in-Chief Pujya Swamiji blessed them with his together you have the opportunity to Swith the Rev Malcolm Young, Dean Rev Marc Handley Andrus, happens to Sadhviji said that it is so beautiful to Tathaatsu Magazine, expressed his message, “What truly matters in life is choose whether it’s more important to be of Grace Cathedral. Darren Main also be seated at Grace as well. It is an see how many people from different deepest gratitude for being blessed by the not how many relationships we have in right or to choose the path of a peaceful and moderated the discussion on Grace, amazing and beautiful cathedral along walks of life and different traditions saints. The wedding celebrations were our lives but how much life we have in our harmonious marriage. Remember that by Gratitude and Glory and how to bring with being a very renown institution come together at Grace Cathedral. joined by Head of TV Asia, Shri HR Shah, relationships. Our Indian traditions teach doing so you are not giving up anything but those aspects into our lives. that is blessed with phenomenal They are literally opening their arms renowned bhajan singer Shri Anup Jalota, us that love is the magic key, especially in rather you are actively playing a crucial leadership. Pujya Swami Chidanand to the Divine in every name and every Sufi singer Shri Hans Raj Hans and many marriage the greatest mantra is ‘Ok Honey.’ role to build a strong and resilient future Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church Saraswatiji and Sadhviji have made it form. others. Pujya Swami Ramdevji blessed It doesn’t matter who says it to whom but for yourself and your family.”
30 | US Travel Abroad Newletter Parmarth Niketan | 31 Our Inspired Initiatives
HH PUJYA SWAMI H.H. PUJYA HH PUJYA SWAMI SHUKDEVANAND MM SWAMI CHIDANAND SARASWATIJI ASANGANANDJI SARASWATIJI Founder of Managing Trustee of President of Swami Shukdevanand Trust Swami Shukdevanand Trust Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh)
GLOBAL INTERFAITH GANGA WASH ALLIANCE ACTION PARIVAR
is the world’s first initiative to bring is a global family dedicated to the together the faiths as alllies in ensuring preservation of the River Ganga and everyone, everywhere has access to safe, Her tributaries in their free-flowing life-giving Water, Sanitation and and pristine state. Hygiene (WASH). www.GangaAction.org www.WashAlliance.org
DIVINE SHAKTI INDIA HERITAGE FOUNDATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION is dedicated to the holistic well being Committed to education, healthcare, of women, their children, and orphaned/ interfaith harmony, the upliftment of abandoned children, and to all women as well as to the preservation to of Mother Nature. Indian heritage and culture. www.DivineShaktiFoundation.org www.ihrf.com To learn more: www.parmarth.org Stay Connected PARMARTH NIKETAN www.Parmarth.org /ParmarthNiketan [email protected] “Welcome to your Himalayan home”
Parmarth Niketan, PO Swargashram, Rishikesh (Himalayas), Uttarakhand - 249304, India