News & Notes - October 2006

 

     32nd Delhi Annual Jnaana Yajna: Poojya Swamiji, along with Ma will leave for Delhi on Nov 10 and return to Ashram on Nov 30. Nutan Swamiji will leave for Delhi on Oct 25. Programme summary:

Contacts: Mithu Sengupta: 29244147/29234169, Raj Dagur: 011- 26272879, Rima Sehgal: 26480356/ 26478163, Ramesh Ramanathan: 9818077380, Sanjay Chakravarthy (9811203815). CIRD (during the jnaana yajna): 0120-2880563.

     Ashram Building Reconstruction – 2nd Phase: On Sep 17, Poojya Swamiji laid the foundation stone for the 2nd phase of the Ashram building Reconstruction. Maa lighted the Nilavilakku (the traditional sacred Lamp), taking the flame from the lamp kept in Mandapam in front of the picture of Baba Gangadhar Paramahamsa, Swamiji’s Gurudev. Thereafter, everyone including Ashram inmates, devotees and about 150 students of the Cultural Heritage Class proceeded to the sacred spot chanting “Om Namah Sadaashivaaya Om Namo Naaraayanaaya” in chorus. Ringing the bell, blowing the conch, the foundation stone to be laid was consecrated. Poojya Swamiji, stepping into the trench made on the line of the eastern wall on the northern half of the building, received the foundation stone. Holding it in his hands, closing his eyes, Swamiji recited “Yam shaivaah samupaasate”, the benedictory verse. After placing it at the proper place, Swamiji poured Ganges water over it, as a mark of holiness and benediction, linking the whole event with the ageless culture of the land.

Before proceeding to the sacred-spot from the Mandapam, Swamiji explained to the students and others: An Ashram is a divine abode set up for the sake of devotees and enquirers of Truth. It is unlike ordinary houses or other residences of householders. This is being built with the long-term objective of catering to the welfare and well-being of generations to come. The necessary strength and precautions have therefore been well considered in giving shape to the structures. All these are intended to last for a long time as an addition to the village as well as this Earth. Everything in the Ashram is designed keeping this in mind. This fundamental difference from the usual residences of people is something to be specially kept in mind by all concerned.

     Jnaana Yajna in Malaysia: Poojya Swamiji, along with Ma and Nutan Swamiji, left Malaysia on Sep 5th after conducting the Jnaana Yajna. The stay in Malaysia was for 18 days, with 3 public events in Petaling Jaya and Seremban Temples. The first event was greeted by heavy shower, which generally interferes with traffic in many places of the Capital. It also meant some hindrance for the programme. Yet the lectures were well attended and were quite effective in strengthening and deepening the saadhanaa of the seekers.

Poojya Swamiji, Maa and Nutan Swamiji stayed in the newly set up CIRD, Petaling Jaya. Additional facilities were made by the Malaysian devotees and as a result, many could be hosted both for satsangs and for bhakti-bhojans. A number of seekers came regularly for the Upanishadic class held by Nutan Swamiji in the forenoon.

     Chennai Jnaana Yajna 2006: On 5th Sep, Poojya Swamiji along with Nutan Swamiji and Maa arrived at the Chennai airport at 9:30 am from Malaysia. They were hosted at the residence of Sri M Bala- subramaniam. Poojya Swamiji was accorded a traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham accompanied by Vedic chanting and Arati.

Swamiji’s Talks on “Loftier Dimensions of the Mind”, based on Yogavaasishtha Ramayana, were held at the Indian Music Academy. M¡ lighted the lamp and the inaugural address was delivered by Dr. K P Mishra, an eminent cardiologist and spiritual seeker. The new edition of the book ‘‘Quietitude of the Mind” was then released and the first copy was received by Dr. Mishra and the second copy by Sri N Radhakrishnan, Chairman & Managing Partner, Tarapore & Co.  Sri Sikkil Gurucharan and party rendered touching Bhajans before the commencement of the 2nd day’s talk. Papanasam Sivan Group sang devotional compositions on the concluding day. Around 500 people attended the 3-day exposition.

In his talks, Poojya Swamiji pointed out how people are more concerned about their body and its health rather than their mind. He explained how mind alone is the basis of all interactions in the world. He further described how the mind’s potentials could be harnessed for a more creative and enriching life of interactions and achievement. It was a significant event for Chennai devotees and seekers – they were listening to Poojya Swamiji after a seven-year gap. Many of them expressed that to be closely associated with a Mahatma is a sublime, elevating and enriching experience.

On 6th morning, Paada Pooja of Poojya Swamiji was performed by Sri Rajan and his wife Smt Kalpana at Sri Balasubramaniam’s residence. After the pooja, Swamiji addressed the assembled devotees (about 100) on how to practise spirituality in the household life.

     Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram: On Sep 16th in the Annakshetra Auditorium at Paralikad (Wadakanchery, Thrissur) Poojya Swamiji presided over the Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram Committee meeting. Poojya Swami Purushothama Tirthaji was also present. As announced earlier, the 5th Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram would be held in Paralikad Naimisharanyam for 12 days from 20th to 31st December 2006. The proposal to purchase the Naimisharanyam land, the Arikkantam paddy field, made last year was ratified unanimously.

As in earlier years, with a view to instill multi-faceted interest in the great holy Text, an Essay Competition in Malayalam for people of all ages on “Sreemad Bhaagavatam’s contribution to the Bhakti Movement” is being held. The last day for receiving essay (to be sent to SBTSS Committee, Vyasa Tapovanam, PO Vyasagiri, Thrissur Dist., Kerala 680 623) is 19th November 2006. Recitation of selected verses from the 7th skandha, chapter 9, verses 6 to 15 (Hymn of Prahlada) and 10th skandha, 31st chapter, verses 10 to 19 (Gopikaa-geetam) of the Text, short speech on “Sri Krishna’s Baala-leela” and Sreemad Bhaagavata question-answer session will also be held on 19th November at 9:30 a.m. in the Annakshetra Auditorium.

 

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