Nirvana 2017 Issue 95 (Oct-Dec)

OCT-DEC 2017 | Issue No. 95 | MCI(P) 012/09/2017 | ISSN 18-7183

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

Pearls of Wisdom 1 President’s Page 2 The New Sangha Guru 3 The Art of Building Shrines 6 Vivekananda and Mother Kali 9 Thus spoke Sri Sarada Devi 12 Swami Vivekananda Altar in Ramakrishna Shrine Message of the Hindu Scriptures for the Youth 15 We are what our thoughts have made us; Aura of the Ashram 19 so take care about what you think. News & Notes 20 Words are secondary. Holy Visit 25 Thoughts live; they travel far. –Swami Vivekananda

A few words… Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore Vedanta teaches that every soul is is a branch of the Ramakrishna potentially divine and that its Order of India, worldwide divinity may be manifested spiritual and welfare organisation. through worship, contemplation, Like the other branches in Asia- unselfish work, and philosophical Oceania, North & South America, discrimination. According to Europe and Africa, the Centre is a Vedanta, Truth is universal and all self-sustaining unit that looks to humankind and all existence are the Ramakrishna Order of Monks one. It preaches the unity of the for spiritual guidance. Godhead, or ultimate Reality, and accepts every faith as a valid The Centre primarily bases its means for its own followers to teachings on the System of realise the Truth. Vedanta, which combines both the religion and philosophy of the The Singapore branch of the Hindus, especially as propounded Mission maintains a Ramakrishna and practised by Bhagawan Sri Temple and runs a Boys’ Home, a Ramakrishna (1836-1886), his Sarada KG School and a WINGS spiritual consort and companion Counselling Centre. The other Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi activities include Discourses, (1853-1920) and his chief disciple Library, Homeo Clinic, Yoga Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) Training, Sanskrit classes, sale of and also his monastic and Publications and a Quarterly householder disciples. Magazine NIRVANA. In this Issue… Pearls of Wisdom

Pearls of Wisdom 1 President’s Page 2 The New Sangha Guru 3 Uddhava Gita The Art of Building Shrines 6 Translated by Swami Madhavananda Vivekananda and Mother Kali 9 Thus spoke Sri Sarada Devi 12 Swami Vivekananda Altar in Ramakrishna Shrine Message of the Hindu Scriptures for the Youth 15 We are what our thoughts have made us; Aura of the Ashram 19 so take care about what you think. News & Notes 20 Words are secondary. Holy Visit 25 Thoughts live; they travel far. –Swami Vivekananda As the spider projects its web from its heart through its A few words… mouth, so the immortal Lord Hiranyagarbha, the Cosmic Prana, whose form is the Vedas, projects out of Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore Vedanta teaches that every soul is is a branch of the Ramakrishna potentially divine and that its the subtle Om from the space of his heart, through his Order of India, worldwide divinity may be manifested mind which scans the entire alphabet, the infinite spiritual and welfare organisation. through worship, contemplation, mass of words known as the Vedas. These issue in a Like the other branches in Asia- unselfish work, and philosophical Oceania, North & South America, discrimination. According to thousand channels, are enriched with the consonants Europe and Africa, the Centre is a Vedanta, Truth is universal and all (classified into the Sparsha, the Antastha, and the self-sustaining unit that looks to humankind and all existence are Ushma group) and the vowels – are fashioned by the the Ramakrishna Order of Monks one. It preaches the unity of the for spiritual guidance. Godhead, or ultimate Reality, and subtle Om. They are expressed in diverse forms of accepts every faith as a valid language, by means of metres with four additional The Centre primarily bases its means for its own followers to letters in each succeeding variety. And Hiranyagarbha teachings on the System of realise the Truth. Vedanta, which combines both the again winds all up. religion and philosophy of the The Singapore branch of the Hindus, especially as propounded Mission maintains a Ramakrishna and practised by Bhagawan Sri Temple and runs a Boys’ Home, a Ramakrishna (1836-1886), his Sarada KG School and a WINGS (To be continued) Uddhava Gita 16 (38 – 40) spiritual consort and companion Counselling Centre. The other Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi activities include Discourses, (1853-1920) and his chief disciple Library, Homeo Clinic, Yoga Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) Training, Sanskrit classes, sale of and also his monastic and Publications and a Quarterly householder disciples. Magazine NIRVANA.

1 President’s Page The New Sangha Guru

The Magnet and the Needle By Swami Suvirananda One of the most beloved celebrations of all the Hindus the world over, is General Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Headquarters the Festival of Lights – Diwali, also called Deepavali.

Diwali signifies lighting of lamps in every household on the Amavasya night that follows the bright fortnight after Vijaya Dashami. No doubt this occasion marks joy and merriment. On the Diwali Day, rows of lamps decorate the houses and presents are exchanged. Diwali, in the north of India, is associated with the coronation of Lord Sri Rama when he returned to Ayodhya (in Uttar Pradesh) after vanquishing Ravana, the demon King of Ceylon, on the day of Dasshera. Sri Rama had been in exile for fourteen years and the people were pleased to see his return to Ayodhya. We get a graphic description of how the people of Ayodhya welcomed Sri Rama, Mother Sita and others in Sri Ramacharitamanasa written by the great Saint Tulasidas.

He says that “when the information reached the citizens, men and women all ran out in their joy (to meet their Lord). With gold plates containing curds, Durva grass, the sacred yellow pigment known by the name of Gorocana, fruits and flowers and young leaves of the sacred Tulasi (basil) plant, the root of all blessings, ladies sallied forth with the stately gait of an elephant, singing as they went.

All ran out just as they happened to be and did not take children or old folk with them. People asked one another: “Brother, did you see the gracious Lord of the Raghus?” Having come to know of the Lord’s advent, the city of Ayodhya became a mine of all beauty. A delightful breeze breathed soft, cool and fragrant. The Sarayu rolled down crystal clear water. Saint The Great Presence Nasik, he went there and Tulasidas says that “the citizens were transported with joy at the sight of Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj completed a diploma course in the Lord. All the woes begotten of their separation from the Lord now was born at village Andami in the commerce. Later, in 1949 he ended. Seeing all the people impatient in their love to meet the Lord, the district of Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu, shifted to Mumbai where he All-merciful Slayer of Khara wrought a miracle. He forthwith appeared in in 1929. Having lost his mother at accepted a job and also continued countless forms and in this way the gracious Lord met everybody in an appropriate manner. a very young age, he was brought his studies. “amita rupa pragate tehi kala, jatha joga mile sabahi kripala” up by his aunt. In 1946 he completed his secondary school in He was a voracious reader and Saint Tulasidas just wonders how the mystery of Sri Rama in taking many Chennai with very good results. read many English literary works forms and meeting each citizen could not be comprehended by anyone! Since his father was working in and books by Napoleon Hill on Here in the words of Sri Ramakrishna, God became the ‘needle’ and the bhakta, the ‘magnet’. Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj was elected as the President of Ramakrishna Math – Swami Vimokshananda and Ramakrishna Mission at the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Math and the Governing Body of the Mission held on 17 July 2017. He is the 16th President of the Ramakrishna Order.

2 President’s Page The New Sangha Guru

3 self-help. He was also influenced Sri Ramakrishna, Jnana He first visited Belur Math in the construction of the present by Mahatma Gandhiji’s thoughts. Yoga and Thoughts of Power and year 1954 along with Swami magnificent Sri Ramakrishna He started practising, as advised derived much insight and Sambuddhanandaji, the then Temple in Chennai Math was by Gandhiji, the repetition of ‘Sri inspiration. The urge to find a Head of Mumbai Ashrama. begun during his tenure. Rama’, and this became a turning satisfying answer to queries ‘What During this time he attended the point in his life to set the stage for is the meaning of this life?’ and concluding celebrations of Holy As a Trustee travelling far future events. Sometimes he used ‘What should be my ideal in life?’ Mother’s birth centenary and and wide to go for a solitary walk to the which had been gnawing his mind consecration of Holy Mother’s He was appointed a Trustee of the Worli beach in Mumbai and spend became intense. Repetition of ‘Sri temple at Jayrambati. Ramakrishna Math and Member time quietly sitting on the huge Rama’ was also going on all along. of the Governing Body of the rocks there and watching the One day, while travelling in a bus, Different assignments Ramakrishna Mission in 1983. In setting sun. One day while sitting the answer bubbled from his He was transferred to Kolkata April 1995, he joined there, a thought came to his mind, heart, just as it had happened at branch of Advaita Ashrama in the Headquarters as an Assistant ‘Well, these rocks are so big, the the Worli beach – ‘You will have 1958. In 1961, he was sent to Secretary, and after about two sea is so vast, the sky looks to become a monk.’ Mayavati to assist in the editing years, he took charge as the infinite, then what am I – a little of Prabuddha Bharata. Along with General Secretary of the twin speck on the surface of the earth. As a Novice his assignment, he took keen organizations. As the General Why give so much importance to By this time he had become close interest in dairy, cultivation and Secretary, he steered the it?’ Flash came the answer: It is to Swami Aparnanandaji of other activities of the Mayavati worldwide Ramakrishna true that you look like a speck on Mumbai Ashrama. After much Ashrama. He visited Mayavati and Movement for ten long years until the surface of the earth, but within reflection on the next course of stayed there for a number of days May 2007 when he was elected a you there is a great presence his life, he joined, at the age of on several occasions, although he, Vice-President of the Order. which is greater than this 22, Mumbai Ashrama as a for the most part, stayed at the universe. This thought came so Brahmacharin, on the sacred Kolkata branch of the Advaita As General Secretary and Vice- forcefully that he felt someone birthday of Sri Ramakrishna in Ashrama. Advaita Ashrama, being President, he travelled extensively was uttering those words into his 1952. Swami Shankaranandaji chiefly a publishing house, his in India and different parts of the ears. This idea lodged itself firmly Maharaj, the seventh President of enthusiastic work to improve the world and visited the branches of in his mind. He was yet to read Ramakrishna Order, visited standard of publications received the Math and Mission and also the Gita or the Upanishads at that Mumbai Ashrama towards the a lot of appreciation. unaffiliated centres in those time. end of the same year and gave him places. Through those visits he Mantra Diksha. He also received He was posted to Ramakrishna endeavoured to spread the During this time he was staying in from Swami Shankaranandaji Mission Saradapitha, an message of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri a hostel. One day while talking to Maharaj, Brahmacharya vows in educational complex near Belur Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda a friend he came upon a report of 1956 and Sannyasa ordination in Math, as its Secretary in 1976. and Vedanta among a the Mumbai branch of the 1960. During his long tenure of about 15 vast number of people. He also Ramakrishna Order. He years there, educational and rural gave Mantra Diksha to many exclaimed: ‘Is there such a place As a novice at Mumbai welfare work of Saradapitha saw spiritual seekers. He has in Mumbai!’ and asked his friend, Ashrama, he worked in tremendous development. He, contributed a number of articles ‘Will you take me there?’ His different departments of the along with his monastic to various journals of the friend replied, ‘Yes, I will take you. Ashrama. He also participated in assistants, took up extensive relief Ramakrishna Order. But don’t tell anybody.’ Thus he the drought relief camp in operations during the devastating started going to Mumbai Ashrama Aurangabad district where he floods in West Bengal in 1978. After serving as a Vice-President on the weekends. He read books conducted relief operations very From Saradapitha, he was posted for a decade he is now elected of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda efficiently along with other to Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, President of the Math and literature, mainly The Gospel of monks. as its Head in December 1991. The Mission.

4 self-help. He was also influenced Sri Ramakrishna, Jnana He first visited Belur Math in the construction of the present by Mahatma Gandhiji’s thoughts. Yoga and Thoughts of Power and year 1954 along with Swami magnificent Sri Ramakrishna He started practising, as advised derived much insight and Sambuddhanandaji, the then Temple in Chennai Math was by Gandhiji, the repetition of ‘Sri inspiration. The urge to find a Head of Mumbai Ashrama. begun during his tenure. Rama’, and this became a turning satisfying answer to queries ‘What During this time he attended the point in his life to set the stage for is the meaning of this life?’ and concluding celebrations of Holy As a Trustee travelling far future events. Sometimes he used ‘What should be my ideal in life?’ Mother’s birth centenary and and wide to go for a solitary walk to the which had been gnawing his mind consecration of Holy Mother’s He was appointed a Trustee of the Worli beach in Mumbai and spend became intense. Repetition of ‘Sri temple at Jayrambati. Ramakrishna Math and Member time quietly sitting on the huge Rama’ was also going on all along. of the Governing Body of the rocks there and watching the One day, while travelling in a bus, Different assignments Ramakrishna Mission in 1983. In setting sun. One day while sitting the answer bubbled from his He was transferred to Kolkata April 1995, he joined there, a thought came to his mind, heart, just as it had happened at branch of Advaita Ashrama in the Headquarters as an Assistant ‘Well, these rocks are so big, the the Worli beach – ‘You will have 1958. In 1961, he was sent to Secretary, and after about two sea is so vast, the sky looks to become a monk.’ Mayavati to assist in the editing years, he took charge as the infinite, then what am I – a little of Prabuddha Bharata. Along with General Secretary of the twin speck on the surface of the earth. As a Novice his assignment, he took keen organizations. As the General Why give so much importance to By this time he had become close interest in dairy, cultivation and Secretary, he steered the it?’ Flash came the answer: It is to Swami Aparnanandaji of other activities of the Mayavati worldwide Ramakrishna true that you look like a speck on Mumbai Ashrama. After much Ashrama. He visited Mayavati and Movement for ten long years until the surface of the earth, but within reflection on the next course of stayed there for a number of days May 2007 when he was elected a you there is a great presence his life, he joined, at the age of on several occasions, although he, Vice-President of the Order. which is greater than this 22, Mumbai Ashrama as a for the most part, stayed at the universe. This thought came so Brahmacharin, on the sacred Kolkata branch of the Advaita As General Secretary and Vice- forcefully that he felt someone birthday of Sri Ramakrishna in Ashrama. Advaita Ashrama, being President, he travelled extensively was uttering those words into his 1952. Swami Shankaranandaji chiefly a publishing house, his in India and different parts of the ears. This idea lodged itself firmly Maharaj, the seventh President of enthusiastic work to improve the world and visited the branches of in his mind. He was yet to read Ramakrishna Order, visited standard of publications received the Math and Mission and also the Gita or the Upanishads at that Mumbai Ashrama towards the a lot of appreciation. unaffiliated centres in those time. end of the same year and gave him places. Through those visits he Mantra Diksha. He also received He was posted to Ramakrishna endeavoured to spread the During this time he was staying in from Swami Shankaranandaji Mission Saradapitha, an message of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri a hostel. One day while talking to Maharaj, Brahmacharya vows in educational complex near Belur Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda a friend he came upon a report of 1956 and Sannyasa ordination in Math, as its Secretary in 1976. and Vedanta among a the Mumbai branch of the 1960. During his long tenure of about 15 vast number of people. He also Ramakrishna Order. He years there, educational and rural gave Mantra Diksha to many exclaimed: ‘Is there such a place As a novice at Mumbai welfare work of Saradapitha saw spiritual seekers. He has in Mumbai!’ and asked his friend, Ashrama, he worked in tremendous development. He, contributed a number of articles ‘Will you take me there?’ His different departments of the along with his monastic to various journals of the friend replied, ‘Yes, I will take you. Ashrama. He also participated in assistants, took up extensive relief Ramakrishna Order. But don’t tell anybody.’ Thus he the drought relief camp in operations during the devastating started going to Mumbai Ashrama Aurangabad district where he floods in West Bengal in 1978. After serving as a Vice-President on the weekends. He read books conducted relief operations very From Saradapitha, he was posted for a decade he is now elected of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda efficiently along with other to Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, President of the Math and literature, mainly The Gospel of monks. as its Head in December 1991. The Mission.

5 devotional feelings that had been my reverence that we feel when arranging constant companions throughout the the altar cloth in the shrine room; we The Art of building Shrines: shrine project had managed to can serve our family and friends with infiltrate the seemingly trivial job I the same devotion that we would feel A Lesson in Karma Yoga was working on. So, despite the fact when serving the Lord. that the stand I was making was to Swami Atmajnanananda bear not a picture of Swami Attitude is all Vivekananda but rather an old pump The critical element is our attitude. motor, I at once saw that I had been We need not sand and stain the stand A Different job not nearly as inspiring to work on. As building another shrine, for a motor with the About ten years ago I had the it turned out, my very next though unconsciously, same zeal that we would privilege of making a shrine for the assignment was a stand for an old and replied the shrine, but we Vivekananda House in South pump motor in one of our storage (incredulous that he should try to maintain Pasadena where Swami Vivekananda sheds. I had completed the basic had to ask), "Yes, as a the same state of mind lived for several weeks in 1900. I had structure and was working on the matter of fact, that's and the feeling that we recently helped restore the house to final finish of the stand. Very likely I exactly what I'm doing!" are performing our its original condition, just as it might was paying more attention than And from that moment work as an offering to have been when Swamiji actually necessary to the aesthetics of the job on, I have tried to God. lived there, and the and may have gone maintain the same whole time I was a little overboard in attitude in all my work, We find this same idea working on the sanding and to feel that whatever I beautifully expressed in house, I felt greatly finishing a was making was a the Bhagavad Gita: inspired just structure which shrine to the Lord. "Whatever you do, knowing that such would very soon be whatever you eat, a noble and heroic splattered with The experience that I whatever you offer, soul had lived grease and had that day was a whatever you give away, there. Later, as I gasoline. Having particularly valuable whatever austerities you was making the just completed the one for me. I began to perform, do all of them shrine which was to shrine project, understand the great as an offering unto Me." be installed in the however, I was importance of attitude The spiritual aspirant room which served as Swamiji's blissfully unmindful of my in spiritual life. I saw who adopts this attitude bedroom, my mind was filled with unwarranted attention to detail and that with the help of a is limited only by his thoughts of him and his stay in beauty. healthy imagination imagination with regard California. I could picture him sitting and a smattering of to spiritualizing his at the breakfast table in the morning, Making another shrine devotion, all action can everyday activities. smoking his pipe in the garden, or One of the brothers happened to see be converted into acts absorbed in deep meditation in his me putting the final touches on the of worship. All activities There is a wonderful room. It was a very special period for stand and jokingly asked, "Are you can be spiritualized song by the great mystic me and one in which my mind making another shrine?" His words, until the line of Image of Ramprasad Sen from poet of Bengal, naturally tended toward higher though casually uttered, caught me demarcation between "Brihad Banga" Dinendra Chandra Ramprasad, which thoughts while I worked. totally off guard. Something clicked sacred and secular, Sen, Calcutta University, Calcutta, reveals the heights to 1935 pg 542 inside my head, and I immediately spiritual practice and which the devotee can Since I carry out various types of realized that, without my knowledge, worldly duties, begins to aspire along this path: maintenance chores at the monastery the same attention to detail, the same gradually melt away. We can wash the where I live, I was often given jobs concentration of mind, and the same dishes with the same care that we take when polishing the sacred O my mind, This article was written by Swami Atmajnanananda, the resident Swami of the vessels used in worship; we can worship Mother Kali in any way you like; Vedanta Society of Greater Washington, D.C. It has been published in Living spread the tablecloth and set the table Repeat her name both day and night. Wisdom: Vedanta in the West. for the evening meal with the same When you lie down for rest,

6 devotional feelings that had been my reverence that we feel when arranging constant companions throughout the the altar cloth in the shrine room; we The Art of building Shrines: shrine project had managed to can serve our family and friends with infiltrate the seemingly trivial job I the same devotion that we would feel A Lesson in Karma Yoga was working on. So, despite the fact when serving the Lord. that the stand I was making was to Swami Atmajnanananda bear not a picture of Swami Attitude is all Vivekananda but rather an old pump The critical element is our attitude. motor, I at once saw that I had been We need not sand and stain the stand A Different job not nearly as inspiring to work on. As building another shrine, for a motor with the About ten years ago I had the it turned out, my very next though unconsciously, same zeal that we would privilege of making a shrine for the assignment was a stand for an old and replied the shrine, but we Vivekananda House in South pump motor in one of our storage (incredulous that he should try to maintain Pasadena where Swami Vivekananda sheds. I had completed the basic had to ask), "Yes, as a the same state of mind lived for several weeks in 1900. I had structure and was working on the matter of fact, that's and the feeling that we recently helped restore the house to final finish of the stand. Very likely I exactly what I'm doing!" are performing our its original condition, just as it might was paying more attention than And from that moment work as an offering to have been when Swamiji actually necessary to the aesthetics of the job on, I have tried to God. lived there, and the and may have gone maintain the same whole time I was a little overboard in attitude in all my work, We find this same idea working on the sanding and to feel that whatever I beautifully expressed in house, I felt greatly finishing a was making was a the Bhagavad Gita: inspired just structure which shrine to the Lord. "Whatever you do, knowing that such would very soon be whatever you eat, a noble and heroic splattered with The experience that I whatever you offer, soul had lived grease and had that day was a whatever you give away, there. Later, as I gasoline. Having particularly valuable whatever austerities you was making the just completed the one for me. I began to perform, do all of them shrine which was to shrine project, understand the great as an offering unto Me." be installed in the however, I was importance of attitude The spiritual aspirant room which served as Swamiji's blissfully unmindful of my in spiritual life. I saw who adopts this attitude bedroom, my mind was filled with unwarranted attention to detail and that with the help of a is limited only by his thoughts of him and his stay in beauty. healthy imagination imagination with regard California. I could picture him sitting and a smattering of to spiritualizing his at the breakfast table in the morning, Making another shrine devotion, all action can everyday activities. smoking his pipe in the garden, or One of the brothers happened to see be converted into acts absorbed in deep meditation in his me putting the final touches on the of worship. All activities There is a wonderful room. It was a very special period for stand and jokingly asked, "Are you can be spiritualized song by the great mystic me and one in which my mind making another shrine?" His words, until the line of Image of Ramprasad Sen from poet of Bengal, naturally tended toward higher though casually uttered, caught me demarcation between "Brihad Banga" Dinendra Chandra Ramprasad, which thoughts while I worked. totally off guard. Something clicked sacred and secular, Sen, Calcutta University, Calcutta, reveals the heights to 1935 pg 542 inside my head, and I immediately spiritual practice and which the devotee can Since I carry out various types of realized that, without my knowledge, worldly duties, begins to aspire along this path: maintenance chores at the monastery the same attention to detail, the same gradually melt away. We can wash the where I live, I was often given jobs concentration of mind, and the same dishes with the same care that we take when polishing the sacred O my mind, This article was written by Swami Atmajnanananda, the resident Swami of the vessels used in worship; we can worship Mother Kali in any way you like; Vedanta Society of Greater Washington, D.C. It has been published in Living spread the tablecloth and set the table Repeat her name both day and night. Wisdom: Vedanta in the West. for the evening meal with the same When you lie down for rest,

7 importance for us, we naturally feel you are bowing at her feet; While you sleep, feel you are meditating perform our duties with greater attention and efficiency. Knowing Vivekananda and Mother Kali on her; And when you eat, that we have done the best job we think you are making oblations to Mother. can, we are not disturbed by the praise or blame of the world, Excerpts from The Life of Swami Vivekananda by His Eastern and Whatever sounds you hear, know them all especially since our motive for action Western Disciples, Advaita Ashrama, Calcutta, 1974 to be Mother's mantra; is no longer a self-centered one but a For Kali is the embodiment of all the God-centered one. letters of the alphabet. Ramprasad says Everything is in Her Power Her on my behalf. You must.” He with joy: One day the idea struck me that replied tenderly, “My dear boy, I We also find that much of the God listened to Sri Ramakrishna’s have done so again and again. But "Mother dwells in all things; drudgery which normally When I walk about town, accompanies work begins to prayers. So why should I not ask you do not accept Her, so She I am circumambulating Mother herself. disappear the more we think of it as him to pray for me for the removal does not grant my prayer. All worship, until even the most menial of my pecuniary wants, a favor the right, it is Tuesday – go to the Kali Spiritualising the Secular task becomes a source of joy. At that Master would never deny me. I Temple tonight, prostrate yourself What do we gain by adopting such an point we no longer look upon any hurried to Dakshineswar and before the Mother and ask Her attitude? The fruits of this practice activity as "secular" or "worldly." All insisted on his making an appeal any boon you like. It shall be are many and enduring. By keeping our actions become opportunities for on behalf of my starving family. granted; She is Knowledge our minds fixed on our spiritual ideal spiritual growth because the mind He said, “My boy, I can’t make Absolute, the Inscrutable Power of at all times, we become forgetful of remains fixed on God or the spiritual such demands. But why don’t you Brahman and by Her mere will self. Our actions become purged of ideal throughout. By cultivating the go and ask the Mother yourself? She has given birth to this world. selfish motive, and the heart becomes attitude that all action is an offering All your sufferings are due to your Everything is in Her power to purified. We no longer feel that to the Divine, we can ultimately make strong sense of attachment to work our whole lives an offering to God. By disregard of Her.” I said, “I do not give.” I believed every word and which only leads to greater misery mastering this art of "building know the Mother; you speak to eagerly waited for the night. and bondage. shrines" we can, in the course of time, make that final offering of the lower When we look upon action as an self into the higher Self, the soul into offering, we can freely give it up. God, and so attain the final aim of Since our work takes on a new human life.

Spiritualising Everyday Life ‘Success in spiritual life lies in concentrating every thought, every feeling, every ounce of energy on God. How will you do it? When you speak, speak of God. When you walk, go to His temple. When you work with your hands, do something in His service. Every function of body and mind must somehow be directed towards Him. If you have to go to an office instead of a temple, make your office the temple of God! If your work is honest it can be done. If it is dishonest, change that work. If changing means even facing starvation, then face it!” –Swami Ashokananda, Meditation: Monks of the Ramakrishna Order, p.43 Kali Puja (Deepavali) falls on Thursday 19 October 2017.

8 importance for us, we naturally feel you are bowing at her feet; While you sleep, feel you are meditating perform our duties with greater attention and efficiency. Knowing Vivekananda and Mother Kali on her; And when you eat, that we have done the best job we think you are making oblations to Mother. can, we are not disturbed by the praise or blame of the world, Excerpts from The Life of Swami Vivekananda by His Eastern and Whatever sounds you hear, know them all especially since our motive for action Western Disciples, Advaita Ashrama, Calcutta, 1974 to be Mother's mantra; is no longer a self-centered one but a For Kali is the embodiment of all the God-centered one. letters of the alphabet. Ramprasad says Everything is in Her Power Her on my behalf. You must.” He with joy: One day the idea struck me that replied tenderly, “My dear boy, I We also find that much of the God listened to Sri Ramakrishna’s have done so again and again. But "Mother dwells in all things; drudgery which normally When I walk about town, accompanies work begins to prayers. So why should I not ask you do not accept Her, so She I am circumambulating Mother herself. disappear the more we think of it as him to pray for me for the removal does not grant my prayer. All worship, until even the most menial of my pecuniary wants, a favor the right, it is Tuesday – go to the Kali Spiritualising the Secular task becomes a source of joy. At that Master would never deny me. I Temple tonight, prostrate yourself What do we gain by adopting such an point we no longer look upon any hurried to Dakshineswar and before the Mother and ask Her attitude? The fruits of this practice activity as "secular" or "worldly." All insisted on his making an appeal any boon you like. It shall be are many and enduring. By keeping our actions become opportunities for on behalf of my starving family. granted; She is Knowledge our minds fixed on our spiritual ideal spiritual growth because the mind He said, “My boy, I can’t make Absolute, the Inscrutable Power of at all times, we become forgetful of remains fixed on God or the spiritual such demands. But why don’t you Brahman and by Her mere will self. Our actions become purged of ideal throughout. By cultivating the go and ask the Mother yourself? She has given birth to this world. selfish motive, and the heart becomes attitude that all action is an offering All your sufferings are due to your Everything is in Her power to purified. We no longer feel that to the Divine, we can ultimately make strong sense of attachment to work our whole lives an offering to God. By disregard of Her.” I said, “I do not give.” I believed every word and which only leads to greater misery mastering this art of "building know the Mother; you speak to eagerly waited for the night. and bondage. shrines" we can, in the course of time, make that final offering of the lower When we look upon action as an self into the higher Self, the soul into offering, we can freely give it up. God, and so attain the final aim of Since our work takes on a new human life.

9 is like asking a gracious king for a the boon that my people at home few vegetables! What a fool I am!” may no longer suffer the pinch of In shame and remorse I bowed to poverty!” He said, “Such a prayer Her respectfully and said, never comes from my lips. I asked “Mother, I want nothing but you to pray for yourself, but you knowledge and devotion!” couldn’t do it. It appears that you are not destined to enjoy worldly Coming out of the temple I happiness. Well, I can’t help it.” understood that all this was due to But I wouldn’t let him go. I Sri Ramakrishna’s will. Otherwise insisted on his granting that how could I fail in my object three prayer. times? I came to him and said, “Sir, it is you who have cast a At last he said, “All right, your charm over my mind and made people at home will never be in me forgetful. Now please grant me want of plain food and clothing.”

KALI THE MOTHER The stars are blotted out, Dakshineshwar Bhavatarini Kali Temple The clouds are covering clouds, It is darkness vibrant, sonant. Wanted nothing but As soon as I returned, Sri In the roaring, whirling wind Are the souls of a million lunatics Knowledge and Devotion Ramakrishna asked me if I had Just loose from the prison-house, About nine o’clock, the Master prayed to the Mother for the Wrenching trees by the roots, commanded me to go to the removal of my worldly wants. I Sweeping all from the path. temple. As I went I was filled with was startled at this question and a divine intoxication. Me feet were said, “No sir, I forgot all about it. The sea has joined the fray, unsteady… But is there any remedy now?” And swirls up mountain-waves, “Go again,” said he, “and tell Her To reach the pitchy sky. Reaching the temple, as I cast my about your wants.” I again set out The flash of lurid light Reveals on every side eyes upon the image, I actually for the temple, but at the sight of A thousand, thousand shades found that the Divine Mother was the Mother forgot my mission, Of Death begrimed and black — living and conscious, full of divine bowed to Her repeatedly and Scattering plagues and sorrows, love and beauty. I was caught in a prayed only for knowledge and Dancing mad with joy, surging wave of devotion and love. devotion. The Master asked if I Come, Mother, come! In an ecstasy of joy I prostrated had done it the second time. I told myself again before the Mother him what had happened. He said, For Terror is Thy name, Death is in Thy breath, and prayed, “Mother, give me “How thoughtless! Couldn’t you And every shaking step discrimination! Give me restrain yourself enough to say Destroys a world for e'er. renunciation; give me knowledge those few worlds? Well, try once Thou "Time", the All-Destroyer! and devotion; grant that I may more and make that prayer to Come, O Mother, come! have an uninterrupted vision of Her. Quick!” I went for the third Thee!” A serene peace reigned in time, but on entering the temple a Who dares misery love, my soul. The world was forgotten. terrible shame overpowered me. I And hug the form of Death, Statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Only the Divine Mother shone thought, “What a trifle have I Dance in Destruction's dance, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple within my heart. come to pray to the Mother for! It To him the Mother comes.

10 is like asking a gracious king for a the boon that my people at home few vegetables! What a fool I am!” may no longer suffer the pinch of In shame and remorse I bowed to poverty!” He said, “Such a prayer Her respectfully and said, never comes from my lips. I asked “Mother, I want nothing but you to pray for yourself, but you knowledge and devotion!” couldn’t do it. It appears that you are not destined to enjoy worldly Coming out of the temple I happiness. Well, I can’t help it.” understood that all this was due to But I wouldn’t let him go. I Sri Ramakrishna’s will. Otherwise insisted on his granting that how could I fail in my object three prayer. times? I came to him and said, “Sir, it is you who have cast a At last he said, “All right, your charm over my mind and made people at home will never be in me forgetful. Now please grant me want of plain food and clothing.”

11 “I have at least a Mother, if none love, my child, is the innermost else.” thing of spiritual life. The gopis of Thus spoke Sri Sarada Devi Vrindavan attained it. They were You see, it is the nature of water to not aware of anything else in the flow downwards, but the sun’s world except Sri Krishna. Compiled by a Monk of the Ramakrishna Order rays lift it up towards the sky; likewise it is the very nature of My child, this world is like a deep mind to go to lower things, to the marshy place. Once a person gets Devotion and Self-Surrender person is blessed, indeed, who can objects of enjoyment, but the entangled there, it becomes very As for those who depend upon love God alone. There is no grace of God can make the mind difficult to come out. Repeat the God and have faith in Him, well, suffering in loving God. go towards name of God. If that itself is their spiritual higher objects. you do so, He practice, sadhana. God is one’s Everything will come in time, my will cut away very own. It is an eternal child. Be devoted to Him and take Lay the burden your bondage relationship. One realizes Him in shelter at his feet. It is enough to of your mind some day. proportion to the intensity of remember that there is Someone before Sri one’s feeling for him. Don’t be —call him Father or Mother—who Ramakrishna. Japa and afraid. Always remember that is always protecting you. Tell him your Meditation somebody is protecting you. sorrow with P r a y t o t h e Repeat the name of God always in your tears. You Lord to make How many are there who truly the innermost core of your heart will find that your heart as want to realize God? They, no and in all sincerity take refuge in he will fill your pure as the doubt, profess great devotion and Sri Ramakrishna. Do not bother to arms with the star. As a result longing, but they feel satisfied know how your mind is reacting to desired object. of sincere and when they get even a tiny bit of things around. And do not waste regular japa enjoyment. They say, “Ah, how time in calculating and worrying Referring to Sri and meditation kind is God!” over whether or not you are Ramakrishna, you will find progressing in the path of Holy Mother that the Lord Always do your duty to others, but spirituality. It is egotism to judge once said, will speak to love you must give to God alone. progress for oneself. Have faith in “Really and you. All your Worldly love always brings in its the grace of your guru and God. truly he was desires will be wake untold misery. God himself. fulfilled and Why are you so restless, my child? He assumed you will If you love any human being you Why don’t you stick on to what this human body to remove the experience pure bliss. will have to suffer for it. That you have got? Always remember, sorrows and sufferings of others. He moved about, as a king walks The kundalini will awaken in Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) is affectionately called “Holy Mother” by millions of through his city in disguise. He course of time. Do japa and people around the world. Sarada Devi was Sri Ramakrishna’s wife, spiritual disappeared the moment he meditation. It does not rise of counterpart and spiritual giant in her own right. Holy Mother lived a simple, became known.” itself. Continuous meditation will unassuming and extraordinarily modest life, yet her life and teachings rang with the make the mind so steady that you truth of the highest spiritual realization. As Swami Vivekananda’s great disciple Sister He who has really prayed to Sri will not feel inclined to give it up. Nivedita wrote: “In her one sees realized that wisdom and sweetness to which Ramakrishna, even once, has When the mind is not in a mood simplest of women may attain. And yet, to myself the stateliness of her courtesy and nothing to fear. By praying to him to meditate, do not force it to do her great open mind are almost as wonderful as her sainthood. Her life is one long constantly one gets ecstatic love so. In such conditions, get up from stillness of prayer.” –Courtesy: Vedanta Society of Southern California, USA through his grace. This ecstatic the seat of meditation after

1212 “I have at least a Mother, if none love, my child, is the innermost else.” thing of spiritual life. The gopis of Thus spoke Sri Sarada Devi Vrindavan attained it. They were You see, it is the nature of water to not aware of anything else in the flow downwards, but the sun’s world except Sri Krishna. Compiled by a Monk of the Ramakrishna Order rays lift it up towards the sky; likewise it is the very nature of My child, this world is like a deep mind to go to lower things, to the marshy place. Once a person gets Devotion and Self-Surrender person is blessed, indeed, who can objects of enjoyment, but the entangled there, it becomes very As for those who depend upon love God alone. There is no grace of God can make the mind difficult to come out. Repeat the God and have faith in Him, well, suffering in loving God. go towards name of God. If that itself is their spiritual higher objects. you do so, He practice, sadhana. God is one’s Everything will come in time, my will cut away very own. It is an eternal child. Be devoted to Him and take Lay the burden your bondage relationship. One realizes Him in shelter at his feet. It is enough to of your mind some day. proportion to the intensity of remember that there is Someone before Sri one’s feeling for him. Don’t be —call him Father or Mother—who Ramakrishna. Japa and afraid. Always remember that is always protecting you. Tell him your Meditation somebody is protecting you. sorrow with P r a y t o t h e Repeat the name of God always in your tears. You Lord to make How many are there who truly the innermost core of your heart will find that your heart as want to realize God? They, no and in all sincerity take refuge in he will fill your pure as the doubt, profess great devotion and Sri Ramakrishna. Do not bother to arms with the star. As a result longing, but they feel satisfied know how your mind is reacting to desired object. of sincere and when they get even a tiny bit of things around. And do not waste regular japa enjoyment. They say, “Ah, how time in calculating and worrying Referring to Sri and meditation kind is God!” over whether or not you are Ramakrishna, you will find progressing in the path of Holy Mother that the Lord Always do your duty to others, but spirituality. It is egotism to judge once said, will speak to love you must give to God alone. progress for oneself. Have faith in “Really and you. All your Worldly love always brings in its the grace of your guru and God. truly he was desires will be wake untold misery. God himself. fulfilled and Why are you so restless, my child? He assumed you will If you love any human being you Why don’t you stick on to what this human body to remove the experience pure bliss. will have to suffer for it. That you have got? Always remember, sorrows and sufferings of others. He moved about, as a king walks The kundalini will awaken in Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) is affectionately called “Holy Mother” by millions of through his city in disguise. He course of time. Do japa and people around the world. Sarada Devi was Sri Ramakrishna’s wife, spiritual disappeared the moment he meditation. It does not rise of counterpart and spiritual giant in her own right. Holy Mother lived a simple, became known.” itself. Continuous meditation will unassuming and extraordinarily modest life, yet her life and teachings rang with the make the mind so steady that you truth of the highest spiritual realization. As Swami Vivekananda’s great disciple Sister He who has really prayed to Sri will not feel inclined to give it up. Nivedita wrote: “In her one sees realized that wisdom and sweetness to which Ramakrishna, even once, has When the mind is not in a mood simplest of women may attain. And yet, to myself the stateliness of her courtesy and nothing to fear. By praying to him to meditate, do not force it to do her great open mind are almost as wonderful as her sainthood. Her life is one long constantly one gets ecstatic love so. In such conditions, get up from stillness of prayer.” –Courtesy: Vedanta Society of Southern California, USA through his grace. This ecstatic the seat of meditation after

1313 making prostrations. Real Do not give up japa even if the meditation is of a spontaneous mind is unsteady and unwilling. Message of the Hindu Scriptures nature… If meditation is not You must go on with the possible, do japa. Realization will repetition. And you will find that for the Youth come through japa. the mind is getting gradually steadier—like a flame in a Swami Harshananda A pure mind easily gets windless corner. Any movement concentrated in meditation. When in the air disturbs the steady pure souls perform japa, they feel burning of the flame; even so the Begin Early in Life births in various species. Hence, as if the holy name bubbles up presence of any thought or desire The child devotee Prahlada while is it not better to plant the rich spontaneously from within makes the mind unsteady. The addressing his friends at the seeds of Dharma (spiritual themselves. They do not make any mantra must be correctly Gurukula of his teachers Shanda wisdom) in youth instead of effort to repeat the name. repeated. Incorrect utterance and Amarka exhorted wasting it in dawdling? delays progress. them to spiritual This will thus blossom in The kundalini will gradually be illumination thus: “A manhood, bearing rich awakened. You will realize One should practise japa and wise person should fruits in old age. everything by the repetition of meditation at regular times, giving begin the practice of God’s name. Even if the mind be up idleness. While living at devotional disciplines The Taitriya Upanishad not quiet, still you can sit at a Dakshineswar I used to get up at 3 from his very boyhood; while evolving a scale for place and repeat the holy name a o’clock in the morning and for, human birth (in the measurement of million times. practise japa and meditation. One which alone these brahmananda day I felt a little indisposed and disciplines can be (happiness got by Repeating the name of God once, left the bed rather late. The next practised) is extremely realizing Brahman) has when the mind is controlled, is day I woke up still late through rare and that too taken the happiness of a equivalent to a million repetitions laziness. Gradually I found that I uncertain about how long it lasts.” strong young man, learned in the when the mind is away from God. did not feel inclined to get up Vedas and full of ambition, as the You may repeat the name for the early at all. Then I said to myself, According to the “Garuda fundamental unit. This is the whole day, but if the mind be “Ah, at last I have fallen a victim Purana”, a Jiva or a living being highest one can aspire for in the elsewhere, that does not produce to idleness.” Thereupon I began to gets the human birth after going normal human life wherein the much result. The repetition must force myself to get up early. through a cycle of 84 million value of youth has been shown. be accompanied by concentration. Gradually I got back my former Then alone one gets the grace of habit. In such matters one should This article by Swami Harshananda, Adhyaksha of God. One must repeat the mantra keep up the practice with Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru appeared in the issue at least fifteen to twenty thousand unyielding resolution. of Vedanta Keshri of December 2014. He has been the times a day, then only, one will get President of the Ramakrishna Math of Bangalore since some results. One is sure to get it. Do you know the significance of 1989. He has several books to his credit in English, One must practise first before one japa and other spiritual practices? Kannada and Sanskrit. Some of his books have been complains that one is not By these the power of the sense translated into foreign languages like French, Korean progressing. But then one must organs is subdued and the ties of and Indonesian. The Swami sings well. He has practise japa with a little past karma are cut asunder. But authored a 4-volume set of about 2200 pages work “A concentration. People don’t realization of God cannot be Concise Encyclopaedia of Hinduism” – a result of 32 practise and simply say, “Why am achieved without ecstatic love years of labour. Almost all concepts related, either I not progressing spiritually?” (prema bhakti) for Him.” directly, or distantly, with Hinduism can be found. It contains pictures and photographs also. Holy Mother’s birth tithi falls on Saturday, 9 December 2017

14 making prostrations. Real Do not give up japa even if the meditation is of a spontaneous mind is unsteady and unwilling. Message of the Hindu Scriptures nature… If meditation is not You must go on with the possible, do japa. Realization will repetition. And you will find that for the Youth come through japa. the mind is getting gradually steadier—like a flame in a Swami Harshananda A pure mind easily gets windless corner. Any movement concentrated in meditation. When in the air disturbs the steady pure souls perform japa, they feel burning of the flame; even so the Begin Early in Life births in various species. Hence, as if the holy name bubbles up presence of any thought or desire The child devotee Prahlada while is it not better to plant the rich spontaneously from within makes the mind unsteady. The addressing his friends at the seeds of Dharma (spiritual themselves. They do not make any mantra must be correctly Gurukula of his teachers Shanda wisdom) in youth instead of effort to repeat the name. repeated. Incorrect utterance and Amarka exhorted wasting it in dawdling? delays progress. them to spiritual This will thus blossom in The kundalini will gradually be illumination thus: “A manhood, bearing rich awakened. You will realize One should practise japa and wise person should fruits in old age. everything by the repetition of meditation at regular times, giving begin the practice of God’s name. Even if the mind be up idleness. While living at devotional disciplines The Taitriya Upanishad not quiet, still you can sit at a Dakshineswar I used to get up at 3 from his very boyhood; while evolving a scale for place and repeat the holy name a o’clock in the morning and for, human birth (in the measurement of million times. practise japa and meditation. One which alone these brahmananda day I felt a little indisposed and disciplines can be (happiness got by Repeating the name of God once, left the bed rather late. The next practised) is extremely realizing Brahman) has when the mind is controlled, is day I woke up still late through rare and that too taken the happiness of a equivalent to a million repetitions laziness. Gradually I found that I uncertain about how long it lasts.” strong young man, learned in the when the mind is away from God. did not feel inclined to get up Vedas and full of ambition, as the You may repeat the name for the early at all. Then I said to myself, According to the “Garuda fundamental unit. This is the whole day, but if the mind be “Ah, at last I have fallen a victim Purana”, a Jiva or a living being highest one can aspire for in the elsewhere, that does not produce to idleness.” Thereupon I began to gets the human birth after going normal human life wherein the much result. The repetition must force myself to get up early. through a cycle of 84 million value of youth has been shown. be accompanied by concentration. Gradually I got back my former Then alone one gets the grace of habit. In such matters one should This article by Swami Harshananda, Adhyaksha of God. One must repeat the mantra keep up the practice with Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru appeared in the issue at least fifteen to twenty thousand unyielding resolution. of Vedanta Keshri of December 2014. He has been the times a day, then only, one will get President of the Ramakrishna Math of Bangalore since some results. One is sure to get it. Do you know the significance of 1989. He has several books to his credit in English, One must practise first before one japa and other spiritual practices? Kannada and Sanskrit. Some of his books have been complains that one is not By these the power of the sense translated into foreign languages like French, Korean progressing. But then one must organs is subdued and the ties of and Indonesian. The Swami sings well. He has practise japa with a little past karma are cut asunder. But authored a 4-volume set of about 2200 pages work “A concentration. People don’t realization of God cannot be Concise Encyclopaedia of Hinduism” – a result of 32 practise and simply say, “Why am achieved without ecstatic love years of labour. Almost all concepts related, either I not progressing spiritually?” (prema bhakti) for Him.” directly, or distantly, with Hinduism can be found. It contains pictures and photographs also. Holy Mother’s birth tithi falls on Saturday, 9 December 2017

15 One of the most important the scriptures advise the aspirant The story of Satyakama Jabala the name Varna-dharma and characteristics of youth is physical gradually to subdue it through young man who approached his ashrama-dharma. One of the most important theOne scriptures advise the aspirant of theOne most of importantthe most importantthe scriptures the advise scriptures the aspirant advise the aspirant strength.characteristics The of youth Chandogya is physical graduallyVairagyacharacteristics (detachmentto subdue it or through spirit of guru Haridrumata Gautama and characteristics• Spiritual of education, showingyouth is physical of youth graduallyis physical to graduallysubdue itto throughsubdue it through Upanishadstrength. advises The us Chandogyato cultivate Vairagyarenunciation)strength. (detachment and or abhyasaspirit of revealed an unpleasant truth strength. the path toThe perfection Chandogya The ChandogyaVairagya (detachment Vairagya (detachmentor spirit of or spirit of strengthUpanishad since advises a strong us to man cultivate can renunciation)(repeatedUpanishad efforts). and abhyasa fearlessly shows howadvises the Upanishad us to advises cultivate us torenunciation) cultivate renunciation) and abhyasa and abhyasa makestrength a hundred since a personsstrong mantremble can (repeatedstrength efforts). Upanishads advocatesince the telling of strengthThe Bhagavad aGita declares strongthat since man a canstrong (repeated man can efforts). (repeated efforts). withmake fear. a hundred It is also persons an aspect tremble of Beingmake Truthful atruth always.hundred makethe four Varnas were created persons by a hundred tremble persons tremble Brahmanwith fear. and It can is alsohelp an us aspectto attain of BeingIt withis onlyTruthful man, among all the fear. ItwithGod Himself.is Hence, also it wasfear. an Itaspect is also of anBeing aspect Truthful of Being Truthful spiritualBrahman wisdom and can through help us toservice attain Itcreated Brahmanis only beings, man, amongthat has all beenthe Right Education and Needed Brahmanobligatory can on the part of everyone help andus to can attain help usIt tois attainonly man,It is amongonly man, all theamong all the tospiritual the guru. wisdom through service createdgiftedspiritual with beings, the powerthat hasof speech.been Youth is wisdomthe period for spiritualbelonging to a particular Varna tothrough wisdom service through created service beings, created that beings, has been that has been to the guru. giftedAndto today,with the there powerthe are of plentyspeech. of guru.development of the intellect and tofollow its rules andthe traditions. guru. gifted with thegifted power with of the speech. power of speech. The Indriyas (sense organs) which Andgifted today, speakers there who are speak plenty more of to the taming of the emotions. It is And today, Andthere today,are plenty there ofare plenty of areThe capable Indriyas of (senseupsetting organs) the whichmind giftedconcealThe speakers their who thoughts speak more Indriyasand to best done through a well-designed TheThe(sense ultimate aim of suchIndriyas an organs) (sense which organs) gifted which speakers gifted who speakers speak more who to speak more to ofare even capable a scholar of upsetting are very the strong mind concealfeelingsare than their reveal thoughts them. capable and education. ofareeducation wasupsetting to help thecapable youth to theof upsetting mind conceal the mind their conceal thoughts their andthoughts and inof youth.even a scholar If uncontrolled,are very strong feelingsof than reveal them.even a scholarofdevelop a well-integratedeven are a veryscholar strong are veryfeelings strong than feelingsreveal them. than reveal them. impelledin youth. by Kama If uncontrolled,(lust) Krodha Butin our rishis were madeyouth. of The wisdom of the sages of India inwholesome personality,Ifyouth. which uncontrolled, If uncontrolled, (anger)impelled and by Lobha Kama (avarice), (lust) Krodha they Butdifferent,impelled our truerrishis stuff.were Itmade was theirof had convinced by them that true impelledwouldKama show them the way. (lust) by KamaKrodha (lust) But Krodha our rishis But wereour rishismade wereof made of will(anger) lead himand toLobha hell. (avarice), they different,deep-rooted(anger) truer conviction stuff. It was to theirspeak ‘education’and is better caught thanLobha (anger) (avarice), and Lobha they (avarice), different, they truer different, stuff. Ittruer was stuff.their It was their will lead him to hell. deep-rootedthewill truth and conviction keep up to the speak leadword taught. him Hence, they willtoPerhaps hell. the bestlead advice him to hell. deep-rooted deep-rootedconviction toconviction speak to speak Through the analogy of the theonce truth given and – keepSatya-vachana up the word and started Gurukulas, the Hindus can give to the truth andthe keep truth up and the keepword up the word chariot,Through the theKathopanishad analogy of hasthe oncevachana-satyaThrough given – Satya-vachana– because God and is residential institutions theThrough the youth analogyis contained the of analogythe once of giventhe –once Satya-vachana given – Satya-vachana and and chariot, the Kathopanishad has vachana-satyachariot, – because God is the chariot,Kathopanishad the Kathopanishad has vachana-satya has vachana-satya – because God– because is God is notnot only only described described how how toto controlcontrol Satyanot andand Jnana,Jnana, truthtruth only andand where the describedteacher and notin that onlyshort how described to control how Satya to control and SatyaJnana, and truth Jnana, and truth and thethe same same organs organs but but also also warnswarns of knowledge.the ForFor thatthat very very reason, samereason, the taught organs lived theexhilarating passagesamebut of also organs warns but of also knowledge. warns of Forknowledge. that very For reason, that very reason, thethe disastrousdisastrous consequencesconsequences if Satyathe andand JnanaJnana areare alsoalso thethe disastrous together. In these thethe Taitriya Upanishad.consequencesdisastrous consequences if Satya and if JnanaSatya andare alsoJnana the are also the theythey are are uncontrolled. uncontrolled. meansthey forfor realizing realizing Him. Him. areinstitutions uncontrolled. the they are uncontrolled. means for realizingmeans Him. for realizing Him. students or disciples It is the parting InIn youth, youth, the the will will power power isis strong.strong. ToIn emphasiseemphasise this,this, theyouth,the Mundaka Mundaka learnt as muchthe by Inwillinstruction youth, of the gurupower the is willstrong. power To is emphasisestrong. To this, emphasise the Mundaka this, the Mundaka However,However, it it is is equally equally true true thatthat thethe UpanishadHowever, declaresdeclares that that God God can can observing the livesit of isHowever, equallyto the disciple who is true it is that equally the trueUpanishad that the declaresUpanishad that declaresGod can that God can mindmind is is ‘chhancala ‘chhancala oror fickle’fickle’ andand bemind realizedrealized byby truth truth and and that that truth truth istheir teachers‘chhancala as through the mindabout to leave the Gurukula after is or ‘chhancala fickle’ and or befickle’ realized and bybe truth realized and thatby truth truth and that truth hencehence very very difficult difficult to to control.control. So alonehence triumphstriumphs always. always. veryformal teachings. difficulthencecompleting his education and veryto control. difficult So to control.alone triumphs So alone always. triumphs always. training. To put it in the modern The education imparted through parlance it is the Convocation these Gurukulas has four aspects: Address given by the ‘Vice Chancellor’ of the ‘Forest • General Education akin to the University’. Three R’s of the day. The gist of the address is as • Professional Education follows:- depending on the profession of the family of the student Speak the Truth and follow dharma (righteous conduct); do • Social education, which will not be negligent about the make him a fit member of the scriptural studies. After honoring society to which he belonged. the guru properly, go home, settle This usually went by the down as a householder and raise a

16 One of the most important the scriptures advise the aspirant The story of Satyakama Jabala the name Varna-dharma and characteristics of youth is physical gradually to subdue it through young man who approached his ashrama-dharma. strength. The Chandogya Vairagya (detachment or spirit of guru Haridrumata Gautama and • Spiritual education, showing Upanishad advises us to cultivate renunciation) and abhyasa revealed an unpleasant truth the path to perfection strength since a strong man can (repeated efforts). fearlessly shows how the make a hundred persons tremble Upanishads advocate the telling of The Bhagavad Gita declares that with fear. It is also an aspect of Being Truthful truth always. the four Varnas were created by Brahman and can help us to attain It is only man, among all the God Himself. Hence, it was spiritual wisdom through service created beings, that has been Right Education Needed obligatory on the part of everyone to the guru. gifted with the power of speech. Youth is the period for belonging to a particular Varna to And today, there are plenty of development of the intellect and follow its rules and traditions. The Indriyas (sense organs) which gifted speakers who speak more to the taming of the emotions. It is are capable of upsetting the mind conceal their thoughts and best done through a well-designed The ultimate aim of such an of even a scholar are very strong feelings than reveal them. education. education was to help the youth to in youth. If uncontrolled, develop a well-integrated impelled by Kama (lust) Krodha But our rishis were made of The wisdom of the sages of India wholesome personality, which (anger) and Lobha (avarice), they different, truer stuff. It was their had convinced them that true would show them the way. will lead him to hell. deep-rooted conviction to speak ‘education’ is better caught than the truth and keep up the word taught. Hence, they Perhaps the best advice Through the analogy of the once given – Satya-vachana and started Gurukulas, the Hindus can give to chariot, the Kathopanishad has vachana-satya – because God is residential institutions the youth is contained not only described how to control Satya and Jnana, truth and where the teacher and in that short the same organs but also warns of knowledge. For that very reason, the taught lived exhilarating passage of the disastrous consequences if Satya and Jnana are also the together. In these the Taitriya Upanishad. they are uncontrolled. means for realizing Him. institutions the students or disciples It is the parting In youth, the will power is strong. To emphasise this, the Mundaka learnt as much by instruction of the guru However, it is equally true that the Upanishad declares that God can observing the lives of to the disciple who is mind is ‘chhancala or fickle’ and be realized by truth and that truth their teachers as through the about to leave the Gurukula after hence very difficult to control. So alone triumphs always. formal teachings. completing his education and training. To put it in the modern The education imparted through parlance it is the Convocation these Gurukulas has four aspects: Address given by the ‘Vice Chancellor’ of the ‘Forest • General Education akin to the University’. Three R’s of the day. The gist of the address is as • Professional Education follows:- depending on the profession of the family of the student Speak the Truth and follow dharma (righteous conduct); do • Social education, which will not be negligent about the make him a fit member of the scriptural studies. After honoring society to which he belonged. the guru properly, go home, settle This usually went by the down as a householder and raise a

17 family. Never be negligent about wise elders of blameless character. truth, your ordained duties, Treat the transgressions of actions necessary to protect dharma, as these elders would yourself and acquire world behave towards them, with a prosperity, also study and spread balanced attitude of firmness and the message through discourses. kindness. In addition, do not ignore religious rules and obsequial This is the command. This is the ceremonies. advice. This is the essence of Vedas and Upanishad.” Treat your parents, the teacher and guests that may come to your It is interesting to note that this house as if they are gods. Perform parting advice covers both fields only good actions and abhor evil of life—the here and the hereafter. ones. Imitate only good conduct even from me. In conclusion, we can safely and boldly declare that the Hindu Treat the sagacious Brahmanas scriptures have not concentrated who may be superior to me, with only on the elders and seekers of respect and honor. Give gifts to spiritual wisdom ignoring the the needy with faith and modesty youth but have given messages to but according to your capacity. all peoples including the youth. The Hindu scriptures contain When in doubt about action or eternal wisdom meant for all behavior, seek the guidance of the people.

18 Aura of the Ashram

Take the journey to a place A place where bliss and peace awaits. The animals and nature enchant, As the breeze of serenity baits.

Hidden as a gem of stories untold The place for seekers of truth unfolds. Be destined to feel the aura, And be swept in a wave of wonder. family. Never be negligent about wise elders of blameless character. Each drop of water flows with the river, truth, your ordained duties, Treat the transgressions of actions necessary to protect dharma, as these elders would As markers of past, present and future. yourself and acquire world behave towards them, with a Closely observe this natural reflection, prosperity, also study and spread balanced attitude of firmness and A mirror to capture the human condition. the message through discourses. kindness. In addition, do not ignore religious rules and obsequial This is the command. This is the Here distractions cannot hide, ceremonies. advice. This is the essence of For every scent and breath is so divine. Vedas and Upanishad.” Treat your parents, the teacher The senses feel a calming sensation, and guests that may come to your It is interesting to note that this Such purity and clarity fulfills the mind. house as if they are gods. Perform parting advice covers both fields only good actions and abhor evil of life—the here and the hereafter. ones. Imitate only good conduct Step by step the journey progresses, even from me. In conclusion, we can safely and By mind and soul one grows. boldly declare that the Hindu Discover the secret that is here to unveil Treat the sagacious Brahmanas scriptures have not concentrated who may be superior to me, with only on the elders and seekers of Trip by trip, the truth comes closer respect and honor. Give gifts to spiritual wisdom ignoring the the needy with faith and modesty youth but have given messages to Indulge in the experience, here it will show but according to your capacity. all peoples including the youth. The Hindu scriptures contain Aki Mahadevan, Sydney When in doubt about action or eternal wisdom meant for all behavior, seek the guidance of the people.

19 memoirs of Revered Maharaj. This Sri Guru Purnima was followed by a short but Sri Guru Purnima was solemnly News & Notes interesting slide show. observed at the Singapore On this occasion the temple had Ramakrishna Mission on 9th July Homage to late Most Revered Revered Maharaj and explained an attractive ﬂower deco. Food- 2017 with Special Puja and President Maharaj how he was an epitome of offerings were also made to Sri Bhajans. Hymns of Sri Adi inspiration for the other monks. Ramakrishna in a ritualistic way. Shankaracharya and Swami In his time, he motivated many At the close of the Meeting, Vivekananda were also chanted. A young men and inspired them to nearly 130 devotees participated Discourse on “Guru of Gurus” was join the Order as spiritual in the specially arranged delivered by Swami aspirants who took vows of ‘bhandara’ where they were Vimokshananda. He narrated celibacy (brahmacharya). He had served with Sri Thakur’s prasad. inspiring incidents from the Life an especial interest in the welfare of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna on of the common masses in the Visit by Indian High how the Teachers, who came to well this half-day opportunity for Sri Chandramohan, a Supervisor lower rung of the society. His Commissioner H E Mr J Ashraf teach him became his taught thus delving deep into oneself. He of the Boys’ Home sang a few efforts saw the development of a On 6 July 2017, His Excellency becoming the Guru of Gurus. 340 added that this Retreat was bhajans. His singing was modern Hospital at devotees joined the joyous happening on the happy occasion appreciated by all. A reading in Itanagar to cater to the function by offering Pushpanjali of the year 2017 which is the Bengali from the original Sri Sri health needs of the and having supper prasad at the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Ramakrishna Kathamrita (The Arunachal Tribals. The Sarada Hall. Subodhananda, one of the 16 Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) was Relief and Monastic Disciples of Bhagawan done by Swami Kripatmananda. The Ramakrishna Mission in Rehabilitation activity Spiritual Retreat Sri Ramakrishna. Thereafter, the third Session Singapore observed a Memorial grew enormously under A Spiritual Retreat was organised Satsang as a homage to the late his leadership. at Sarada Hall on 9th August Srimat Swami Atmasthanandaji, Thousands of houses 2017 which is a Singapore’s the 15th President Maharaj of the were built for people in National Day. The theme of the Ramakrishna Math and different States of India, Retreat was “Devotion to Ramakrishna Mission on Sunday, afﬂicted by natural Personal God”. 2 July 2017. The satsang began disasters. Mr Jawed Ashraf, the High The programme began in the after the usual evening Arati. Three close devotees namely Commissioner of India to Temple Hall with the chanting of began with an interesting Swami Vimokshananda in his Mr L Srinivasan, Ms Seeta and Singapore paid a courtesy visit to Bhagavad Gita led by Swami narration of the woman Saint brief introduction stated the Mr Varada spoke on their the Ramakrishna Mission. He was Satyalokananda followed by a few Rabiya by Swami Satyalokananda salient characteristics of interaction with accompanied by Mr Yogesh bhajans. At 9.30 am all the Thereafter, Sri Prakash Kamanat, with a PowerPoint Presentation the late Swami. Mudgal (Counsellor-Cons) of the assembled participants moved to who is a devotee of the to bring out the intensity of her Outside the High Commission. The esteemed Sarada Hall where the rest of the Ramakrishna Mission for many devotion to the Almighty. altar a picture of visitors were warmly received by programme was conducted. years spoke on the Life of Swami Sri Bishwarup Rudra an eminent the late Swami the monks and taken around the Swami Vimokshananda Subodhananda. He narrated singer of BAK, a Kolkata based was kept where Institution and shown the welcomed everyone at the several incidents that are relevant Cultural Organisation presented a the monks and activities of the Sarada KG School, Retreat. He invited all to utilise to all devotees. “Sangeetanjali” by singing devotees paid WINGS CC and Boys‘ Home. They their homage visited the Temple also. by doing pranam. Swami Satyalokananda recounted his

20 memoirs of Revered Maharaj. This Sri Guru Purnima was followed by a short but Sri Guru Purnima was solemnly News & Notes interesting slide show. observed at the Singapore On this occasion the temple had Ramakrishna Mission on 9th July Homage to late Most Revered Revered Maharaj and explained an attractive ﬂower deco. Food- 2017 with Special Puja and President Maharaj how he was an epitome of offerings were also made to Sri Bhajans. Hymns of Sri Adi inspiration for the other monks. Ramakrishna in a ritualistic way. Shankaracharya and Swami In his time, he motivated many At the close of the Meeting, Vivekananda were also chanted. A young men and inspired them to nearly 130 devotees participated Discourse on “Guru of Gurus” was join the Order as spiritual in the specially arranged delivered by Swami aspirants who took vows of ‘bhandara’ where they were Vimokshananda. He narrated celibacy (brahmacharya). He had served with Sri Thakur’s prasad. inspiring incidents from the Life an especial interest in the welfare of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna on of the common masses in the Visit by Indian High how the Teachers, who came to well this half-day opportunity for Sri Chandramohan, a Supervisor lower rung of the society. His Commissioner H E Mr J Ashraf teach him became his taught thus delving deep into oneself. He of the Boys’ Home sang a few efforts saw the development of a On 6 July 2017, His Excellency becoming the Guru of Gurus. 340 added that this Retreat was bhajans. His singing was modern Hospital at devotees joined the joyous happening on the happy occasion appreciated by all. A reading in Itanagar to cater to the function by offering Pushpanjali of the year 2017 which is the Bengali from the original Sri Sri health needs of the and having supper prasad at the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Ramakrishna Kathamrita (The Arunachal Tribals. The Sarada Hall. Subodhananda, one of the 16 Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) was Relief and Monastic Disciples of Bhagawan done by Swami Kripatmananda. The Ramakrishna Mission in Rehabilitation activity Spiritual Retreat Sri Ramakrishna. Thereafter, the third Session Singapore observed a Memorial grew enormously under A Spiritual Retreat was organised Satsang as a homage to the late his leadership. at Sarada Hall on 9th August Srimat Swami Atmasthanandaji, Thousands of houses 2017 which is a Singapore’s the 15th President Maharaj of the were built for people in National Day. The theme of the Ramakrishna Math and different States of India, Retreat was “Devotion to Ramakrishna Mission on Sunday, afﬂicted by natural Personal God”. 2 July 2017. The satsang began disasters. Mr Jawed Ashraf, the High The programme began in the after the usual evening Arati. Three close devotees namely Commissioner of India to Temple Hall with the chanting of began with an interesting Swami Vimokshananda in his Mr L Srinivasan, Ms Seeta and Singapore paid a courtesy visit to Bhagavad Gita led by Swami narration of the woman Saint brief introduction stated the Mr Varada spoke on their the Ramakrishna Mission. He was Satyalokananda followed by a few Rabiya by Swami Satyalokananda salient characteristics of interaction with accompanied by Mr Yogesh bhajans. At 9.30 am all the Thereafter, Sri Prakash Kamanat, with a PowerPoint Presentation the late Swami. Mudgal (Counsellor-Cons) of the assembled participants moved to who is a devotee of the to bring out the intensity of her Outside the High Commission. The esteemed Sarada Hall where the rest of the Ramakrishna Mission for many devotion to the Almighty. altar a picture of visitors were warmly received by programme was conducted. years spoke on the Life of Swami Sri Bishwarup Rudra an eminent the late Swami the monks and taken around the Swami Vimokshananda Subodhananda. He narrated singer of BAK, a Kolkata based was kept where Institution and shown the welcomed everyone at the several incidents that are relevant Cultural Organisation presented a the monks and activities of the Sarada KG School, Retreat. He invited all to utilise to all devotees. “Sangeetanjali” by singing devotees paid WINGS CC and Boys‘ Home. They their homage visited the Temple also. by doing pranam. Swami Satyalokananda recounted his

21 soulfully a few bhajans to the Cultural Show on National Day delight of the Retreat A Sequel to Sri Krishna Janmashtami participants. A children’s programme was held In his Presidential Address, at the Sarada Hall on Saturday, 26 Swami Vimokshananda first August 2017. This was a sequel to explained about the thematic the Janmashtami celebration. The three Retreats in a year held on participating children were from Good Friday, Singapore National the Saturday Hinduism Classes Day and Christmas Day. He went that are conducted at the Kumon on to explain the aspect of Room (Level 1 of the Temple) on Personal God and a few Saturday afternoons. sustaining devotional methods. “BAK" is a cultural group of artistes from Kolkata, India. The There were 32 children who This was followed by a Question- members of this group presented two beautiful dramatic, musical participated in this charming Answer session. The entire narrations with PowerPoint slides entitled "The Stories Ever Green" programme was conducted and "As the Master said” at Sarada Hall on the evening of 9th by Sri Pratik Bose. August 2017, Singapore’s National Day. The first one was on Swami Vivekananda. They had chosen five “The Birth of the Unborn” important and inspiring incidents from the Life of Swami Sri Krishna Janmashtami was Vivekananda and depicted them imaginatively. The voice observed solemnly at Sri modulations of the main Artistes Sri Amit Roy and Smt Ratna Mitra Ramakrishna Temple from 6:15 were unforgettable. programme. They had practiced pm onwards on Monday, 14 The second one was on the popular teachings of Sri Ramakrishna every week for 5 weeks prior to August 2017. Paramahamsa. The audience were enthralled by their wonderful the function. The function began with Sri presentation. It is to be noted that the same group had presented a The children began the Krishna Puja by Swami charming narrative at the same Sarada Hall in January 2017 on programme with Vedic chanting. Kripatmananda and chanting of Swami Vivekananda titled “Biley, Naren and Bibekananda”. They also did the Gita chanting hymns etc by the devotees. Everyone felt that it was a well-spent evening. and bhajans. A skit on the After the completion of Sri A Vote of thanks was given by Sri Santanu Gupta, a Member of the “Friendship between Sudama and Swami Satyalokananda received make the flowers blossom. The Ramakrishna Arati, at 7:30 pm Ramakrishna Mission’s Advisory Committee. He expressed his deep Sri Krishna” was commended by it. The past students also cooperation of the parents was Swami Vimokshananda delivered appreciation of the amazing talents of the artistes. The Show was all. A solo dance and a group contributed to the programme noteworthy. An artistic piece of a Talk on “Sri Krishna – The Birth possible only because of the joint dance both on Sri Krishna were with their presence and guidance. Rangoli, made by the teachers of the Unborn”. He narrated the efforts of the Bengali Association of performed by the children to the Swami Vimokshananda heartily with the assistance of parents was charming story of the Lord’s Singapore (BAS) and the Tagore acknowledged the tireless placed in front of the stage that appearance in Kamsa’s cell where Society of Singapore. The group of background efforts of the depicted a picturesque peacock Vasudeva and Devaki were artistes also travelled to Malaysia teachers as the unseen dews that associated with Sri Krishna. imprisoned. This was as depicted where they performed one Show at the in the 10th skanda of Srimad behest of the Indian High Commission Bhagavatam. Swami Cultural Affairs wing in the capital of Satyalokananda led the devotees Kuala Lumpur. delight of the assembled in singing “Shyam Nam Sri Shoumo Mitra, the President of the audience. The children had also Sankirtanam”. After Sri Krishna Bengali Association of Singapore informed the audience of the co- collected a cash donation and two arati and pushpanjali, devotees operation and collaboration that the BAS intended in the coming parents came forward and were served with prasad in the years with the Ramakrishna Mission in order to enrich the cultural presented the same for the Silver form of supper. About 250 climate of Singapore. Smt Dolly Devenport, the Director of the Jubilee Function of the Sarada KG devotees congregated on that Tagore Society was also present. memorable evening. School. On behalf of the School, 22 soulfully a few bhajans to the Cultural Show on National Day delight of the Retreat A Sequel to Sri Krishna Janmashtami participants. A children’s programme was held In his Presidential Address, at the Sarada Hall on Saturday, 26 Swami Vimokshananda first August 2017. This was a sequel to explained about the thematic the Janmashtami celebration. The three Retreats in a year held on participating children were from Good Friday, Singapore National the Saturday Hinduism Classes Day and Christmas Day. He went that are conducted at the Kumon on to explain the aspect of Room (Level 1 of the Temple) on Personal God and a few Saturday afternoons. sustaining devotional methods. “BAK" is a cultural group of artistes from Kolkata, India. The There were 32 children who This was followed by a Question- members of this group presented two beautiful dramatic, musical participated in this charming Answer session. The entire narrations with PowerPoint slides entitled "The Stories Ever Green" programme was conducted and "As the Master said” at Sarada Hall on the evening of 9th by Sri Pratik Bose. August 2017, Singapore’s National Day. The first one was on Swami Vivekananda. They had chosen five “The Birth of the Unborn” important and inspiring incidents from the Life of Swami Sri Krishna Janmashtami was Vivekananda and depicted them imaginatively. The voice observed solemnly at Sri modulations of the main Artistes Sri Amit Roy and Smt Ratna Mitra Ramakrishna Temple from 6:15 were unforgettable. programme. They had practiced pm onwards on Monday, 14 The second one was on the popular teachings of Sri Ramakrishna every week for 5 weeks prior to August 2017. Paramahamsa. The audience were enthralled by their wonderful the function. The function began with Sri presentation. It is to be noted that the same group had presented a The children began the Krishna Puja by Swami charming narrative at the same Sarada Hall in January 2017 on programme with Vedic chanting. Kripatmananda and chanting of Swami Vivekananda titled “Biley, Naren and Bibekananda”. They also did the Gita chanting hymns etc by the devotees. Everyone felt that it was a well-spent evening. and bhajans. A skit on the After the completion of Sri A Vote of thanks was given by Sri Santanu Gupta, a Member of the “Friendship between Sudama and Swami Satyalokananda received make the flowers blossom. The Ramakrishna Arati, at 7:30 pm Ramakrishna Mission’s Advisory Committee. He expressed his deep Sri Krishna” was commended by it. The past students also cooperation of the parents was Swami Vimokshananda delivered appreciation of the amazing talents of the artistes. The Show was all. A solo dance and a group contributed to the programme noteworthy. An artistic piece of a Talk on “Sri Krishna – The Birth possible only because of the joint dance both on Sri Krishna were with their presence and guidance. Rangoli, made by the teachers of the Unborn”. He narrated the efforts of the Bengali Association of performed by the children to the Swami Vimokshananda heartily with the assistance of parents was charming story of the Lord’s Singapore (BAS) and the Tagore acknowledged the tireless placed in front of the stage that appearance in Kamsa’s cell where Society of Singapore. The group of background efforts of the depicted a picturesque peacock Vasudeva and Devaki were artistes also travelled to Malaysia teachers as the unseen dews that associated with Sri Krishna. imprisoned. This was as depicted where they performed one Show at the in the 10th skanda of Srimad behest of the Indian High Commission Bhagavatam. Swami Cultural Affairs wing in the capital of Satyalokananda led the devotees Kuala Lumpur. delight of the assembled in singing “Shyam Nam Sri Shoumo Mitra, the President of the audience. The children had also Sankirtanam”. After Sri Krishna Bengali Association of Singapore informed the audience of the co- collected a cash donation and two arati and pushpanjali, devotees operation and collaboration that the BAS intended in the coming parents came forward and were served with prasad in the years with the Ramakrishna Mission in order to enrich the cultural presented the same for the Silver form of supper. About 250 climate of Singapore. Smt Dolly Devenport, the Director of the Jubilee Function of the Sarada KG devotees congregated on that Tagore Society was also present. memorable evening. School. On behalf of the School, 23 A Monk’s Visit Tackling the Depression Ms Hema Gurnani, Director of WINGS Counselling Centre addressed a group of women from Indian Women Association, Holy Visit by Srimat Swami Shivamayanandaji Maharaj Singapore on 27 July 2017. She contributed to an interesting discussion on “Depression”. She tracked in her lecture first the Srimat Swami Shivamayanandaji During his stay at Singapore cardinal five Signs and Symptoms Maharaj, a Vice-President of centre, Revered Maharaj will be and explained the four factors of the worldwide Ramakrishna Math available for consultations on how and what a depressed person feels. She also narrated the three and Ramakrishna Mission will be spiritual matters. Spiritual major Common causes of visiting Singapore in the month of aspirants who are seeking initiation depression and explained how the impact of Depression can be December 2017. He will be (diksha) may, for further stalled by various intervening methods such as treatment and accompanied by his Secretary particulars, contact our office and Swami Ishadhyanananda stopped counselling. She used a slideshow for an easy understanding. Swami Durgananda. duly enrol their names etc. by Singapore on his way to Initiation Date is Sacramento, USA from 10 to 14 Revered Vice- fixed on August 2017. He was earlier Yoga Experience attached to the Ramakrishna President Sunday, 24th Mission Vivekananda Society, Maharaj is December Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. expected to 2017. He went to the Botanic Gardens arrive at and other places of interest. After Singapore from After the reaching San Fransisco, he wrote Penang on evening arati, that “the sweet memories of Singapore are etched in my heart”. Thursday, 21st there will be a We wish him useful service in December 2017 daily satsanga taking Vedanta to the people of by Flight No. where interes- Amerca. The Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir Instructors as well as the public on 3K-676 at ted aspirants/ celebrated the Centenary of two days covering the topics of 6:40 PM. He will devotees may Ekadashi Days: Hathayogi Sri Nikam Guruji in “Meditation” and “Yama-Niyama”. be leaving have chance to October 2017 Singapore. The celebration was While inaugurating the interact and Sunday 1st Singapore for Chennai, India on held at the Sarada Hall from 14 to Celebration on 14 August 2017, offer salutations to the Revered Sunday 15th 18 August 2017. A week-long he appreciated the unselfish Thursday 28th December 2017 by Tuesday 31st celebration of Culture, Theory and actions of the instructors who Flight No. UL 307 at 9:45 AM. Vice-President Maharaj. November 2017 Practice of Yoga called “Yoga offered their valuable service Tuesday 14th Experience” was a unique feature absolutely free of cost. Thursday 30th of the Celebration. This December 2017 included Ramakrishna Mission Wednesday 13th daily Talks on Lifestyle, Friday 29th Basic course of Yoga 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 ———————————————— Techniques and Other Events: Ailment Specific Postures Ph: 6288 9077 Email: [email protected] 19 Oct - Kali Puja (spine, heart, diabetic, BP 9 Dec - Sri Sarada Jayanti & breathing). 25 Dec - Spiritual Retreat Swami Vimokshananda addressed the Yoga 24 A Monk’s Visit Tackling the Depression Ms Hema Gurnani, Director of WINGS Counselling Centre addressed a group of women from Indian Women Association, Holy Visit by Srimat Swami Shivamayanandaji Maharaj Singapore on 27 July 2017. She contributed to an interesting discussion on “Depression”. She tracked in her lecture first the Srimat Swami Shivamayanandaji During his stay at Singapore cardinal five Signs and Symptoms Maharaj, a Vice-President of centre, Revered Maharaj will be and explained the four factors of the worldwide Ramakrishna Math available for consultations on how and what a depressed person feels. She also narrated the three and Ramakrishna Mission will be spiritual matters. Spiritual major Common causes of visiting Singapore in the month of aspirants who are seeking initiation depression and explained how the impact of Depression can be December 2017. He will be (diksha) may, for further stalled by various intervening methods such as treatment and accompanied by his Secretary particulars, contact our office and Swami Ishadhyanananda stopped counselling. She used a slideshow for an easy understanding. Swami Durgananda. duly enrol their names etc. by Singapore on his way to Initiation Date is Sacramento, USA from 10 to 14 Revered Vice- fixed on August 2017. He was earlier Yoga Experience attached to the Ramakrishna President Sunday, 24th Mission Vivekananda Society, Maharaj is December Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. expected to 2017. He went to the Botanic Gardens arrive at and other places of interest. After Singapore from After the reaching San Fransisco, he wrote Penang on evening arati, that “the sweet memories of Singapore are etched in my heart”. Thursday, 21st there will be a We wish him useful service in December 2017 daily satsanga taking Vedanta to the people of by Flight No. where interes- Amerca. The Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir Instructors as well as the public on 3K-676 at ted aspirants/ celebrated the Centenary of two days covering the topics of 6:40 PM. He will devotees may Ekadashi Days: Hathayogi Sri Nikam Guruji in “Meditation” and “Yama-Niyama”. be leaving have chance to October 2017 Singapore. The celebration was While inaugurating the interact and Sunday 1st Singapore for Chennai, India on held at the Sarada Hall from 14 to Celebration on 14 August 2017, offer salutations to the Revered Sunday 15th 18 August 2017. A week-long he appreciated the unselfish Thursday 28th December 2017 by Tuesday 31st celebration of Culture, Theory and actions of the instructors who Flight No. UL 307 at 9:45 AM. Vice-President Maharaj. November 2017 Practice of Yoga called “Yoga offered their valuable service Tuesday 14th Experience” was a unique feature absolutely free of cost. Thursday 30th of the Celebration. This December 2017 included Ramakrishna Mission Wednesday 13th daily Talks on Lifestyle, Friday 29th Basic course of Yoga 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 ———————————————— Techniques and Other Events: Ailment Specific Postures Ph: 6288 9077 Email: [email protected] 19 Oct - Kali Puja (spine, heart, diabetic, BP 9 Dec - Sri Sarada Jayanti & breathing). 25 Dec - Spiritual Retreat Swami Vimokshananda addressed the Yoga State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage.

COLOMBO SRI RAMAKRISHNA TEMPLE

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