| News
& Notes - August 2005 |
 |
Inauguration
of ‘Prajñaana Dhaama’:
11th July 2005 was a day of great significance for
Narayanashrama Tapovanam. After many months of intensive
work, the new Prajñaana Dham (‘Abode of Knowledge’) was
finally ready. As has been the practice established by
Poojya Swamiji to mark the completion of any new
construction in Narayanashrama Tapovanam, the inauguration
of this long awaited new abode of our beloved Gurudev also
took place in a function especially held to honour all the
workers who have participated in the construction.
The inauguration commenced as Maa Gurupriya
lit a lamp from the shrine in the old Ashram Building.
Accompanied by chorus recitation of “Om
Gurudeva, Jaya Gurudeva”,
the assembled devotees and workers proceeded to the new
building. Poojya Swamiji, Maa, and Nutan Swamiji led
them all to the ‘Mandapam’
where Maa lit the lamp placed before Baba’s photo.
Standing in silence for a while, the assembly moved to the ‘Granthaagaara’
for the function.
In his speech, Poojya Swamiji said that the
function was being held to acknowledge the contribution different kinds of workers
made and that he would always remember with fondness all those involved in the
construction. He especially complimented Architect Shri K Vijayan who had conceived
the building and had come up with the design on such a difficult terrain without
disturbing the life and activities in the existing abode. Swamiji recalled the
sincere, hard work of Sri Nagappan, who was deputed from Chennai by Sri M
Balasubramaniam, a close disciple of Poojya Swamiji, to assist the Ashram in the construction
task.
Swamiji acknowledged the effort of all
workers, reminding them at the same time, the need for precision in work. While blessing
them heartily, he emphasized that his focus on attention and perfection in any
area of work would remain paramount. Swamiji also appreciated the sincere and
skilful carpenter, Kuttan Aashari, who has been associated with the Ashram for nearly
thirty years.
Highlighting that this function is quite
different from the usual ‘grha-pravesam’ conducted by house-holders, Poojya Swamiji
said that the new abode is dedicated to Brahmavidyaa dissemination.
Poojya Swamiji then distributed dresses as a token of love and
appreciation to the workers, supervisors, carpenters, masons, electricians,
plumbers, painters and others. All present received prasaada from Poojya
Swamiji and took bhakti-bhojanam.
On 8th July, Poojya Swamiji visited Kanimangalam Valiyalukkal
Bhagavati Temple, situated about 5 KM from Thrissur, where he was invited for
‘Tattva-pravacana’
on the occasion of ‘Naveekarana Kalasam’
and ‘Punah-pratishthaa’.
In his address to the devotees, Swamiji said: “As much as the existence of the
mind is true, so much is the divinity of the temple. Parents with care and attention
should explain to their children the significance and greatness of Kshetra-darsana.
Knowledge of the
Self will bestow proper mental clarity and strength to face all
adversities in life, however painful they may be. Devotion is the panacea for every
ailment.”
On 9th July 05, amidst
Naamasankeertana and light
drizzle, one hundred men and women from a fishermen colony were each given 3 kg rice, one
saree/dhoti and paayasam.
The function was specially blessed by the presence of Poojya Purushottama Swamiji and Mataji Shanta Devi. The poor village
folk received the gift of love directly from the hands of Poojya Swamiji,
Purushottama Swamiji and Mataji. The event was conducted at the request of Harish Talreja in
memory of the first death anniversary of his mother, Chandra Balram Talreja.
Gurupoornima Function: The
sacred Guru Paada-Pooja, honouring the
entire lineage of Spiritual Teachers, was
conducted in a very sublime manner, in the Ashram on 21st July.
The tastefully decorated pictures of our Gurus – Adi
Shankaracharya, Poojya Narayana Tirtha, Poojya Kshitish Dev and Baba Gangadhara Paramahamsa
(our Swamiji’s Guru) – filled Vijñaana Bhavan with their august presence. Poojya
Swamiji, Maa and Nutan Swamiji were conducted to the hall at 9.15 am, to the
resounding chorus of “Svaagatam
Guro …”.
Smt Radha and Sri Aanand Krishnan who had arrived from USA for
the occasion performed paada-pooja on behalf of
all devotees. Sri Vaman Kamath (Bangalore) welcomed the gathering. Maa explained the significance of the
paada-pooja and outlined the process of conducting it. Nutan Swamiji recited
shlokas on Gurupramparaa,
explaining how the Guru endeavours to transform the disciples and make them be like Himself. None else than a spiritual Guru has the
love and expanse to bring about this Self-full transformation.
Addressing the large gathering of devotees arrived from far
and near, Poojya Swamiji said: “For an ardent seeker of Truth, Gurusanga is the first
and the last word. Brahmavidyaa becomes
easy to actualize when transmitted by the Sadguru to the earnest disciple, as Govindapaada did to Shankara.”
The paada-pooja
was followed
by bhakti-bhojanam in which
nearly four hundred devotees took part.
The Retreat function was attended by more than eighty devotees
who have arrived from India and abroad. Poojya Swamiji took classes based on
significant messages of Bhagavadgeeta and Nutan Swamiji on Kenopanishad.
Global
Tele-satsang: A
Global Tele-conference with Poojya Swamiji was arranged on the day of Gurupoornima
for the
devotees from USA, UK, Malaysia, Jamshedpur, Delhi, Pune and Chennai. Nearly eighty disciples and devotees
also listened to the conversation through the public address system in the Ashram’s
Vijñaana Bhavan.
Swamiji expressed his happiness in getting connected with the
devotees around the globe on this sacred occasion. Swamiji recounted his fond
relationship with Baba, his first meeting with Baba and the unique initiation (deeksha)
process, which he
always cherished. Swamiji said that it was the rebirth of his heart
and soul in the hands of Baba. He attributed the birth of the Ashram as well as
everything that has transpired since, to his Guru-bhakti.
In his message, Poojya Swamiji said: “Search your own heart
and mind, and find God within. Gurupoornima reminds all of us about the potential and
glory of all-fold Gurubhakti. May viveka and vairaagya dawn in each
of you.” He also mentioned that both Maa and Nutan Swamiji are shining examples of Guru-bhakti.
Maa, quite touched by Swamiji’s narrations of his fond
relationship with his Gurudev, said: “It is a wonderful experience that so many of us are
sitting at the feet of our Guru and listening to him. To be under the guidance of such a
Mahaatma is a rare privilege in a seeker’s life. Let it not be a one-time
enthusiasm. We should all continuously reflect on the deeper meaning of Swamiji’s
message. Then only we can become perfect disciples and our offering can become wholesome
and complete.”
Nutan Swamiji, with emotion choking his voice, then spoke very
touchingly: “It is for us to do the saadhana – not only for our own
Self-realization, but also for preserving and perpetuating the Brahmavidyaa
paramparaa. Our hearts should
be pure and cleansed of the blemishes to host the Guru-murti within.”
The tele-satsang lasted for nearly one hour. Reports from all
locations expressed that the tele-satsang created a very soulful and sublime atmosphere
and participants were absorbed, quietly reflecting upon the messages of Poojya
Swamiji, Maa and Nutan Swamiji.
The session concluded with recitation of the shloka Prabuddham
Vimuktam…..’
Swami Nirviseshananda Tirthaji (Nutan Swamiji)’s eye
condition not having improved despite intensive treatment for almost two months, Dr
J K Reddy of Shankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore was consulted on 26th July. Diagnosing
the trouble as iritis, he has advised that reading, travelling and working on
computer should be strictly avoided for six weeks, giving complete rest to the eye.
Exposure to bright light is also to be avoided. All programmes are being adjusted
accordingly.
Jñaana Yajña in Malaysia: As announced last month,
Jñaana Yajña in Malaysia will be conducted from 24th Aug to 1st Sep. Poojya Swamiji,
along with Maa will leave Ashram on 21st Aug and return on 4th Sep. They will be
staying in CIRD, Malaysia. Contact persons: Sri Govindankutty tel: 03-5633
8637, Sri Unnikrishnan 03-5635 8539, Smt Vasanta/ Sri Param 03-7955 0580, Sri
Jayasekar 06-762 6888, Sri KP Pillai 06-762 4130.
Jñaana Yajña in Pune: Poojya Swamiji, along with Nutan
Swamiji and Maa will be going to Pune to conduct Jñaana Yajña between Sep 26 and
Oct 6. From Sep 28 to Oct 02 Pojya Swamiji will give talks at Nehru Memorial
Hall. On 4th Oct a Management Workshop, entitled ‘Wholesome Leadership –
Wholesome Life’, is being arranged for senior corporate leaders. Contact persons in Pune:
Smt Niloofer / Sri Shirbanta Giri tel: 020-2589 3155, 98226 20499, Sri Mahesh
Menon/ Smt Divya 5626 2373, Sri Praful Chandran 2427 0911, Sri Arun Wakhlu 2729
1249/ 2729 1741.
*
* *
Back to News Index
