| News
& Notes - June 2004 |
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Brahmacharya
Deekshaa.
On 14th May morning, two brahmacharins, Skandaswamy and Anil Kumar,
who have been living here with a sense of refuge and exclusive seeking for
over a year now, were invested with Yajnopaveeta
(Sacred thread). This marked their initiation into the Vedic
Gaayatri upaasana and fire sacrifice.
Early
in the morning, after Pushpa-samarpana, Swamiji took Skandaswami and Anilkumar
to his room and gave them the Gaayatri mantra and the Sacred thread,
explaining how sublime, significant and wholesome it is to preserve it and be
strengthened by its power. A new dhoti and uttareeyam were also given by
Swamiji for them to wear on the occasion.
Coming
out in the front hall, Poojya Swamiji pronounced their Brahmacharin names.
Skandaswami became Nirmalasvaroopa and Anilkumar became Vikasitasvaroopa. Svaroopa is the Brahmacharin terminal in our
Paramparaa. With shaven head and the sacred thread, both of them looked
graceful and pure.
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Poojya
Swamiji said that our Ashram has the Dasanaami tradition instituted by
Shankaracharya 1200 years ago. Seekers enfolded by the Dashanami Tradition
will generally be given to Vedic tradition, in which Sannyaasa has the
crowning place.
Through sincere practice of Sandhya upaasana and fire sacrifice, the
initiates are expected to imbibe an adequate measure of Vedic brilliance,
culture and refinement. It is not that
they needed this for their seeking as such, for which Swamiji had already
given them spiritual initiation, which is above all other practices. But,
Swamiji thought that the Brahmacharins having clearly resolved to take up
sannyaasa, must undergo this Vedic discipline and refinement, so that, they
will not have any lack or diffidence. This discipline will strengthen their
psychology, helping them to gain spirituo-religious confidence and depth. The
right growth, maturity, refinement and fulfillment of the seeker is the sole
aim at every step.
Generally
the father invests his son with the Yajnopaveeta
in the presence and guidance of a qualified priest. In this instance,
Poojya Swamiji, who generally initiates seekers into Brahmavidyaa, himself
anointed the two boys with Yajnopaveeta.
The
upaasana needs 1 hour each time – morning, noon and evening. Avaahana, Stuti,
Arghya, Praanaayaama, etc. are part of this discipline. Initially, Ramaswamy
from Madurai guided them to perform the Sandhya
upaasana and Samidaadhaana.
Then, after Ramaswamy left, Sangameswaran from Chennai has been helping them
to learn the rituals well.
Youth
Camps. The
second
session of “Interactional Excellence for Youth” (age group 18-30
years) was held in the Ashram on May 9th between 3:00 & 6:00 p.m. About 35
boys and girls participated. The first session of “Interactional Excellence
for Children” (age group 12-18 years) was held on May 16th between
3:00 & 6:00 p.m. About 30 children participated. Some of the parents
requested that a session should be organized for them too, where the problems
they face in bringing up their children could be discussed. They sought Poojya
Swamiji’s enlightenment and guidance in the matter.
Stopping
Animal-slaughter in Temples. Can a crime prohibited by law flourish
publicly for decades, in the name of religion? It can and does. Hindu
religious sentiments are noted for hosting such corruption, baffling
Hinduism’s own sound tradition and reason. Mangottukavu Devi Temple,
Atthippotta, Palakkad District, evidenced this fact. Hundreds of goats and
chicken were slaughtered there regularly as part of worship and offering.
Approached by the local residents, Poojya Swamiji wrote to the District
Collector and Superintendent of Police urging them to implement immediately
the existing law prohibiting such practices. Swamiji also spoke to the Asstt.
Commissioner, HR & CE (Palakkad), the Administrative Head of the Temple.
They responded. Newspapers played their part well by focussing our demand
effectively.
The
Temple Administration agreed to put up Notices displaying the ban order before
2nd of May when mass slaughter was to take place. Police contingent was also
present to implement the ban. This was a historic instance where a law
that was never implemented during the past 36 years after its promulgation,
was quickly enforced when Poojya Swamiji took up the matter with the
authorities. This brings to light the importance of individual effort and
will.
On
22nd
April, Poojya Swamiji was invited to Keezhtali Mahadeva Kshetram to
address the devotees on the occasion of the temple re-installation ceremonies.
Swamiji during his address highlighted the role of temple in the well-being of
the society. He exhorted the temple management not to allow any unlawful or
impure indulgence in the name of rituals or offerings. He stressed that
austerity should be the watchword in conducting the temple matters.
On
16th May,
Swamiji addressed an assembly of devotees in Guruvayur on
the eve of reconstruction and renovation of Perunthatta
Siva Temple. He spoke on the strength and greatness of
devotion. On 21st,
Swamiji was invited to address devotees at the Bhagavati
Temple of Thalakkottukara near Kecheri on the way to
Guruvayur from Trichur. He enlightened the devotees on
what constituted Temple Institution and how the Temples
should become a place of Dhaarmic enlightenment and
propagation.
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