News & Notes - March 2007

 

     Satsang at Jamshedpur Brahma Vidya Centre: Over 40 seekers assembled on 4th January, at Sri Aniruddh Singh’s residence to hear the details about the “International Volunteers’ Meet” held at the Ashram from December 19 to 28. Though it was “Sankranti”, a religious festival of this region, all participants arrived in time, ready for the full-day session.

The programme began with Pushpa-samarpanam. Sri Sujit Sengupta, Secretary, explained how the Meet had been conceived, planned and organized. As it was difficult for many to go to the Ashram, Swamiji wished that the proceedings of the IVM be shared with devotees at the various centres. Presenting the salient points discussed in the IVM, Prof. Sahu stated how the Individual as well as the Collective Sadhana are equally important. He also spoke about how Poojya Swamiji exhorted all about sadhana

Smt Dipa Sengupta talked about Swamiji’s main message – how to develop mutuality and collectivity. She also said that as Poojya Swamiji’s disciples, it is our primary duty to understand what Brahmavidya is, and as repositories of that knowledge, to share, participate and contribute effectively in its propagation to benefit the society. “As individuals and as a group, we must be ambassadors of Swamiji’s Mission,” she said with great feeling and fervour. 

The subsequent discussions were dynamic. There was emphasis on how Individual Sadhana remains the foundation of CIRD, and how individual spiritual growth is closely linked to Collective Sadhana. The discussion on CIRD as a platform for Interactional Sadhana drew considerable interest and attention from all participants.

After bhojana-pavitreekaranam, bhakti-bhojana was served on the terrace, for arranging which everyone took active part. 2nd half of the day was devoted to group discussions and individual presentations. Participants formed 5 groups, each assembling separately, selecting a facilitator, and pooling their thoughts and observations.

“What I learnt from today’s session” was the subject for consideration. The discussions were lively. Every member spoke with enthusiasm.

Smt Dipa Sengupta then explained the global projects discussed during the IVM. Prof. Sahu highlighted the areas directly involving Jamshedpur BVC. Inspired by the presentations, volunteers formed groups to take up specific tasks.

Subsequently, there was an overall review by participants, in which with joy, openness and sense of belonging they spoke heartily:

U.S.Pandey: Today I understood that my primary responsibility as a member of CIRD, is to pursue my sadhana seriously. Working harmoniously for the forthcoming Jnaana Yajna will be the first step in setting up Jamshedpur CIRD.

Dipa Sengupta: It is an important point that through our behaviour people will form impression about our Swamiji.

Jitender: I realise that we always speak loudly about others’ faults only to hide our own. Now I have something to improve upon in myself.

Rumni: Some amongst us went to the Ashram. They felt like sharing their experiences with us. I feel so grateful to them!

Aniruddh: The participants gave us a wide “vista” of what they learnt at the Ashram. I was wondering: “Am I at home or at the Ashram?”

Malati: The first time I met this group, I got the impression of a large family. I am happy to be a part of it.

The session concluded with the chorus chanting of ‘Prabuddham vimuktam….’

     Programmes in Kolkata: On Feb 09, Poojya Swamiji gave a talk on “Role of Spirituality in Modern Life” at the Institute of Engineering & Management, Salt Lake. More than 500 students listened to Swamiji. The same day, in the evening, Swamiji spoke on “Quietitude of the Mind” at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, (Aikataan), Salt Lake. In both the places there was a very lively question-answer session after the talk.

     43rd Jamshedpur Jñaana Yajña: Poojya Swamiji, along with Nutan Swamiji and Ma arrived in Jamshedpur on Feb 10. Guru arcana was held on Feb 11 at the residence of Narendran and Kala (12 Pardi Road, Kaiser Bungalows), who have made their house fully available to Brahma Vidya Centre, for hosting Swamijis and facilitating satsang during the Jnaana Yajna.

Swamiji’s discourses on “Conflicts of the mind – Redressal through Knowledge” (based on Yogavaasistha Ramayana) were held at Madrasi Sammelani in the evening between Feb 14 & 18. The discourses were partly in Hindi and were very well attended and appreciated. Nutan Swamiji’s discourses on Kathopanisad in the morning were held at Swamijis’ residence from Feb 15 to 20.

On 16th morning there was no Kathopanishad class. Instead, there was a special satsang on the occasion of Sivaratri, in which Poojya Swamiji explained the deeper spiritual meaning of the Sivaratri celebration.

A large number of seekers have been coming to the temporary “Ashram” for the regular satsangs, and even for the early morning Pushpa-samarpanam and Prabhata-rashmih. About 60 to 100 seekers are offered bhakti-bhojana everyday.

Poojya Swamiji along with Ma and Nutan Swamiji are scheduled to return to the Ashram at Thrissur on Mar 03, and again proceed for Delhi on March 16 for about 2 weeks.

     Tele-Satsang: Poojya Swamiji held a Tele-satsang from Jamshedpur with devotees who had assembled at Dr PN Tiwariji’s house in New York, on 17th February, Saturday at 10:00 pm (IST).

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