News & Notes - November 2005

     Poojya Swamiji’s Health: As reported last month, on Sep 25 Poojya Swamiji returned from Malaysia, where he had to undergo an emergency surgery due to acute bleeding duodenal ulcer. On Sep 27, midway through lunch, Swamiji vomited food along with substantial amount of blood. He was rushed to the ‘Mother Hospital’ in Thrissur. After the initial stabilization, as advised by Dr Viswanathan, gastroenterologist there, Swamiji was shifted to ‘Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIMS), Kochi, in their Mobile ICU cum ambulance.

A team of gastroenterologists led by Dr (Brig) VA Narayanan examined Swamiji in the AIMS Hospital. In spite of the gastroscopy, RBC scan, colonoscopy, Ultra-sound scan and various kinds of blood tests conducted there, no cause for the symptoms could be found. However, the lingering low fever was brought under control by antibiotics and Swamiji was discharged from the hospital on Oct 05.

The team of doctors and the nurses attended on Poojya Swamiji with a lot of care and attention. Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director of the Institute and Sri APS Krishnan, a senior member of the hospital management, had called on Poojya Swamiji a number of times to ensure that he was receiving the best of attention. 

Now we believe that Poojya Swamiji’s body is ushering into a much more stable and confident phase, although the surgery and the post-surgery events do call for an extremely regulated and careful lifestyle. He has been advised complete rest for 6 weeks. There have been a number of visitors in the Ashram including many from the village around and Poojya Swamiji has been talking to everyone individually. He is cheerful, though physically very weak. 

During the 8 days of Poojya Swamiji’s hospitalization, Nutan Swamiji and Maa were with him throughout. Rima, Ramaswamy and Brahmachari Nirmal also stayed in the hospital to help them during this period. Devotees in the Ashram had made special arrangements to carry food from the Ashram for Poojya Swamiji, Maa and Nutan Swamiji.

Despite the spells of anxious moments for the devotees, the whole event of hospitalization was a very enriching experience for all. Often the hospital room was transformed into an Ashram. The doctors and staff of the hospital fondly and eagerly spent time in Poojya Swamiji’s association.

     Delhi Jñaana Yajña: As advised by the doctors, Poojya Swamiji’s Delhi visit in November, to conduct the annual Jñaana Yajña there has been cancelled. Poojya Swamiji has asked Nutan Swamiji to visit Delhi and conduct a 2-week saadhana camp at CIRD. Nutan Swamiji may travel to Delhi, depending upon Poojya Swamiji’s health, and stay at CIRD from Nov 11 to 28 where he will conduct satsang and daily classes on Kathopanishad. For details, contact: Raj Dagur: 011- 2627 2879, Mithu Sengupta: 2924 4147/2923 4169, N.N. Ramanathan (Ramesh): 2224 6220, Rima Sehgal: 2648 0356, CIRD: 0120 – 2880563.

     Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameekshaa Satram: The fourth annual Satram will commence on 24th December 2005 and conclude on 1st January 2006 at Naimishaaranyam, Paralikad, Thrissur.

This year the Satram will be conducted for 9 days with Vishnu Sahasra Naama Saamoohika Yajna taking place on the last day. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate everyday. Bhaagavatam speakers to participate in the grand occasion have already been contacted. Elaborate preparations are in progress to host the scholars as well as devotees.

Emphasizing the social welfare (loka-sangraha) aspect of the Satram, Poojya Swamiji observed: “Satram is a great spirituo-social event, set to ensure the kshema-mangala (prosperity and well-being) of one and all. It falls under the nivrtti-dharma enjoined by Vedic life, and renders strength and cohesiveness to the society with lasting benefits”.

Besides recital of the Text in Sanskrit, the language will mainly be regional. The great holy event has, however, its auspicious benediction on the whole of humanity. 

 

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