Straight From theJuly Heartand August 2012 2
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Institute Prabhu Premi Sangh Newsletter
3 Thought of theVolume Month 5, Issue 3 3
Reflections from Pujya Swamiji’s Diary...
Inside this issue… Dear Prabhu Premi,
Prabhu bless you. The holy period of Chaturmas is well Reflections from suited for ‘shravan’ (imbibing spiritual H.H. Swamiji’s knowledge through listening) and
diary ‘manan’ (contemplation upon spiritual
teachings).
News in a Nutshell
The proximity of a Realized spiritual Developing the Master, who is forever established in
Mental Faculties Brahman, can help the seeker to
understand the beauty and sacredness Inspiring pearls of wisdom from the diary of Thought of the of this human life. Try to remain Pujya Acharya Sri… Month constantly engaged in the divine acts of ‘seva’, ‘satsang’ and ‘swadhyay’. Spiritual Discourse
by His Holiness at With best wishes, Chandigarh Swami Avdheshanand Giri Guru Purnima Celebrations News in a Nutshell
Significance of Adhik Maas Hari Om! of the holy Chaturmas – a and Kartik Purnima. time for dedicated True Identity In the month of July, ‘Adhik Maas’, the worship, austerities and various events such as thirteenth month of the spiritual practice. Guru Purnima festival, Hindu lunar calendar Chaturmas is also a time Shrimad Bhagavad Katha, commenced this year on for festivals as several and spiritual discourses by August 18. His Holiness important Hindu festivals H.H. Swamiji in various Swamiji will be following occur including cities were conducted. Adhikmaas Anushtaan at Rakshabandhan, Krishna Haridwar until September The occasion of Guru Janamashtami, Ganesh 16, 2012. Purnima marked the onset Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali
Following the footsteps July and August’12
Following the Footsteps
Development of Mental Faculties
The Sankhya Darshan one’s thoughts at that spot. mind remains preoccupied
describes ‘dhyaan’ or with – Pramana (right In the beginning one may ‘meditation’ as the state of notion), Viparyay see a faint light or complete the mind which is free from (misconception), Vikalpa darkness at this spot. all thoughts. However, right (imagined), Nidra (sleep), Whatever we see, we should from the time we wake up in and Smriti (memory). continue to observe like a the morning till the time we Through the practice of During meditation, we witness. After some time, retire at night, our mind is meditation, we can move experience freedom from all we might experience that engaged in continuous our mind away from these the problems, attachments the thoughts are beginning external activities. As a tendencies and make it and attractions of the world. to decrease in our mind result, we find it difficult to quiet. Then neither does the We experience the delightful which could normally never remain peaceful or happy, existence of the senses presence of our own Self. be clear of thoughts. because our external remain, nor the mind. Social status, name, Gradually, through constant problems cause us worry intelligence, thoughts and practice one reaches the For an ordinary person, it is and mental stress. But if we ego, all belong to this stage when the mind a very difficult task to can set aside some time physical body, and not to becomes totally void of disengage the mind from each day for the regular and the Self. thoughts. This state is subjects, tendencies, proper practice of known as meditation. imaginations or thoughts. mediation, then we will be In order to practice But meditation is a science able to lead a simple and meditation, we need to In this state, we are free which can make the mind happy life even in the midst select a quiet spot from happiness- tranquil. In this situation we of mental pressures, preferably away from all unhappiness, gain-loss, begin to get attached with physical ills, and disturbances. We should success-failure, or joy- the Supreme Being, the innumerable problems. make an attempt to quieten sorrow. We only experience great Lord who dwells the mind and sit with our peace and bliss. The senses Suppose we analyze sorrow within us. eyes closed, spine, head and get absorbed in the mind, or the nature of our neck straight. Keeping the the mind gets absorbed in (Excerpt from H.H. Swami problems and try to find out body still, we should allow the intellect, and the Avdheshanand Giri Ji’s that when we become the pace of breath to be intellect gets absorbed in ‘Savarein Apna Jeevan) unhappy, then who is it normal, and try to observe the Self, eventually attaining within us that becomes the center of the forehead Supreme Joy. This stressed or unhappy? The THOUGHT OF THE like a witness. Do not make attainment automatically clear answer to this is that it any attempt to visualize destroys the existence of MONTH is the mind which becomes anything. greed, attachment, ego, etc. unhappy. It is the mind It is in this state that we which gets anxious, tense The center of the forehead begin the inner journey. In or worried. Meditation is a is known as ‘Agya Chakra’. this state, waves of bliss scientific technique with the The third eye of Lord Shiva begin to arise in the mind help of which we can is believed to be at this and our dormant energies “The core wealth of develop our mind’s spot. Clearly, a person begin to awaken. We a seeker is God. potential, i.e. increase the cannot see this spot of his become full of enthusiasm, God is happiness, faculties of our mind. These own forehead with open zest and joy. faculties are – the ability to eyes. That is why in order to bliss, piousness remain calm, the ability to meditate one has to close There are five kinds of and peace.” remain free of worry and the one’s eyes and imagine vrittis i.e. tendencies or
ability to overcome sorrow. looking there or try to focus thought patterns which the
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Spiritual discourse by His Holiness at Chandigarh
Guru Purnima His Holiness Swami as ‘basic to’ and Joy and happiness, on the Avdheshanand Giri ji ‘coterminous with’ life. All other hand, are natural and Celebrations Maharaj was invited by the religions and philosophies long-lasting. Swamiji Guru Puja, the sacred Rotary Club of Chandigarh have attempted to find a pointed out that we do not festival of the Guru was to deliver a lecture at way out of this suffering, really know what happiness celebrated on July 3, Chandigarh on 16th July which is stressful. There is is. What we perceive as 2012 at Ambala Ashram 2012. The theme of the talk nothing new about stress happiness is just an illusion and Harihar Ashram, was ‘Role of spirituality in ever since the beginning of - a subjective impression of Haridwar. Stress Management’. In His the time, but the methods happiness. We think we are
address, He granted a of dealing with stress have happy but we really are not. On this day, Naam
Sankirtan, Guru Paduka completely new dimension gradually been lost. Spirituality shows us the to the concept of stress. path to reality, not to an Pujan and spiritual Giving a new interpretation impression of reality. discourse by H.H. Swami Tracing the history of stress to spirituality, Swamiji said Avdheshanand Giriji to the times of the that spirituality is the basic Giving a unique Maharaj was conducted. Mahabharata, H.H. Swamiji nature of man. “If you are interpretation to the word Devotees from around stated that the Shrimad established in the Self, you Bhagvan, He explained that the world had gathered Bhagwad Geeta was written have overcome stress. In the letters Bh, G, V, A & N to pay their obeisance to keeping in mind the that stage you feel no fear, represent Bhumi (earth), Pujya Gurudev. problem of stress that experience no tension and Gagan (sky), Vayu (wind), Arjun, the great warrior anxiety. The meaning of Agni (fire) and Neer (water), Guru Purnima satsang, prince, was experiencing at being spiritual is to be your respectively. prayers and festivities the beginning of the war. natural self.” were also conducted by The best way to worship various Prabhu Premi Stress was also discussed by He further explained that God is thus to respect the Sangh centers worldwide. Swamiji from the point of anger and sorrow are not basic components of our
view of suffering. Referring natural to man and no environment and not to
to the Buddhist philosophy, matter how strong, are insult and pollute these life H.H. Swamiji called suffering ephemeral. giving elements.
Significance of Adhik Maas
The literal meaning of the Adhik maas can bestow ‘Purushottam Maas’. term ‘adhik’ is ‘extra’. great spiritual merit and is In the Devi Bhagavatam, it Approximately every third capable of washing away has been mentioned that year, the Hindu lunar innumerable sins. Reading charitable deeds performed calendar adds an extra of scriptural texts such as in Adhik maas produce month, and this thirteenth Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, great divine results. Just like month of the lunar calendar and Shrimad Bhagavatam is Adhik maas approached the tiny contents enclosed is known as ‘Adhik maas’. also highly recommended. within a seed is capable of Lord Vishnu saying that he Adhik Maas is considered In an interesting legend, it was called ‘Mal Maas’ producing a giant Banyan extremely beneficial for is said that while each of the (inauspicious month) and no tree, in a similar manner, religious and spiritual 12 months of the calendar god was assigned to him. even a small amount of activities. It is believed that were assigned certain gods, Having pity on him, the Lord noble deeds done during
prayer, worship, charity, the thirteenth or extra then assigned Adhik Maas Adhik Maas are capable of fasting (vrat) and spiritual month was not assigned to to His own self. Thereby, it producing huge results. practices performed during any god. Feeling dejected, came to be known as
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True Identity
Once an affluent businessman from a certain town reached the doorstep of a simple sage and began to request him to visit his house for a meal. He said, “Maharaj, if you will be kind enough to come, then we will be able to engage in discussion about religion and my knowledge will increase.”
Hearing this, the sage thought, that if by visiting the home of this man, he will be benefitted, then it is best that I should accept his invitation.
He agreed and at the fixed time, the sage arrived at the home of the businessman. The businessman served him a variety of appetizing dishes and then began to speak about his various attainments.
He said, “Maharaj, I own several acres of land in this town, and my business is spread through the length and breadth of the country. I have performed several charitable deeds as well engaged in many kinds of social work. I have constructed numerous dharamshalaas (resting houses for pilgrims), and made arrangements for the distribution of free food to travelers. My sons are also engaged in both business endeavors and charitable activities.”
The sage politely appreciated the efforts of the businessman. But he soon observed that the face of the businessman was becoming swollen with more and more pride. He was becoming extremely excited while
mentioning his every achievement.
Pointing towards a map hung on a nearby wall, the sage then said, “Son, this is a map of the world. Can you look at it carefully and tell me where our country is?”
Immediately the businessman pointed towards India. The sage continued, “Now locate for me your state and town.” The businessman was able to successfully find his state but could not find the name of his town
anywhere.
The sage said, “Son, when there is no mention of your town in the world sphere, then can there be any mention
of the land that you take so much pride in? Know that all this wealth that you are delighting in and identify
yourself with, is temporary. In the dazzle of transient glories, you have forgotten the true Self. Get a hold on yourself. Try to know who you really are.”
The businessman realized his mistake. He humbly asked for forgiveness from the sage, who then blessed him.
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Prabhu Premi Sangh
H.H. Swamiji’s Upcoming schedule
• September 1 to September 17 : Haridwar ( Adhik Maas Anushthan )
CONTACT INFORMATION
(1) (2)
Prabhu Prem Ashram Harihar Ashram Jagadhari Road, Kankhal, Ambala Cantt –133 006 Haridwar - 249 408 Harayana, India. (Uttarakhand), India.
Phone: +91-171-2699335, 2699367 Mobile: +91-8006008682, +91-8006008683,
Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
About the Organization…
‘Prabhu Premi Sangh’ is founded, directed and led by His Holiness Param Pujya Acharya Swami Avdheshanand Giriji Maharaj. H.H. Swamiji is the spiritual head of the JunaAkhada, the biggest and the oldest order of the Sanatan Vedic Dharma, which has millions of saints. H.H. Acharya Sri is playing a vital role as a board member of the ‘World Council of Religious Leaders’, a council of great religious leaders devoted to the noble purpose of promoting world peace and communal harmony. His divine vision for the spiritual and social welfare of mankind and his devoted efforts in this direction, led to the formation of ‘Prabhu Premi Sangh’. It has beautiful ashrams established in a divine, peaceful setting in the cities of Ambala and Haridwar, as well as numerous branches throughout India and abroad. Prabhu Premi Sangh is constantly engaged in various spiritual pursuits and programs with the mission to promote amongst society a spirit of selfless service, and impart spiritual knowledge via the study of scriptures, yoga camps, discourses and spiritual gatherings (satsang). Please visit us online at: www.prabhupremisangh.org.
Feedback
Prabhu Premi Sangh’s e-newsletter welcomes your suggestions, comments and queries. We invite you to share with us your viewpoints concerning spirituality, prayer and meditation. Please email us at [email protected].
“Human life is a divine gift from God. Hence, one should always remain cheerful.”
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