In the book, clearly analysing the Ultimate Reality of the world in a logical, lucid manner, Poojya Swamiji has presented the essence of Vedanta, explaining many subtleties of the technique for realizing the Ultimate Reality.

Pointing out and cautioning against the widespread delusions and pitfalls, dispelling various myths relating to meditational experiences, Swamiji virtually handholds the seeker to take him to the pinnacle of spiritual saadhanaa and fulfillment.

The book (240 pages) is available in both hard cover and paper back.

      Gurupoornima was observed, with devotion and sublimity on Jul 29, at the Ashram as well as various other Centres of Poojya Swamiji’s devotees in India and abroad. Reports on the function with the 6-day Retreat at the Ashram and celebrations at different centres appear in pages 13 and 22 respectively.

      Anna Vastra D¡na Satra: Annual Anna-vastra D¡na Satra began this year in July. Distribution from Narayanashrama Tapovanam took place on Aug 04 to 5300 recipients, from Vyasa Tapovanam on Aug 05 to 3000 recipients and from Jnaana Asram on Aug 08 to 500 recipients. Distribution from about 45 other Village Centres is in progress. This year, about 23000 families spread over 250 villages, including some remote tribal areas in North Kerala, are benefited by the programme.

For the last 22 years, Daana Satra has been a significant part of our social welfare activity. The steady growth from 150 beneficiaries 22 years back to the present number has been due to the increasing interest and commitment of devotees and well-wishers from India and abroad.

Recipients arriving with tokens, distributed in advance by our volunteers, are welcomed with aarati and given 3 kg of rice, a dhoti or saree, and some sweet by Sannyaasins. Chorus naama sankeertana in the background makes the whole event sublime and holy.

Many applications have been received for Sewing machines, to be distributed next month, for providing self-employment to indigent women. Volunteers will visit the probable recipients to verify their eligibility before making the final selection.

      On August 10, Poojya Swamiji participated in the Ramayana Seminar organized jointly by Cochin Devaswom Board and the Temple Welfare Committee in Kadavalloor Temple. Poojya Swamiji said that the epics discuss the four-fold object of human life (purushaartha) – dharma, artha, kaama and moksha. The first epic of our land, Ramayana, which presents Sri Rama as a Model Human, has immense appeal. It is very enlightening at every stage. Extolling the role of epics in shaping our culture and life, Poojya Swamiji said: "Great indeed is the ascetic pen that could write so well about the fundamental values of life, teach and instil them in the society! Considering this, it is very strange that the educated and the intelligent do not care to study or discuss Ramayana."

      On August 11, Poojya Swamiji presided over a meeting held in Parlikad Annakshetra to discuss the forthcoming sixth Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram. In his introductory remarks, Poojya Swamiji emphasized the role of individual saadhanaa for the volunteers and well-wishers of the Satram.

      On August 15, Poojya Swamiji inaugurated the Vidvat Sadas to mark the Silver Jubilee of Kerala Braahmana Sabhaa at Wadakanchery, Thrissur.

In the inaugural address, as desired by the Sabhaa, Swamiji explained the personal discipline and austerity aimed at orienting the mind and intelligence to reach the Soul within. He reminded them that spiritual beatitude alone distinguishes a braahmana from the rest. Although considerations of birth and heredity will have their place and impact, the scriptures are very clear that the categorization is based upon the actual qualities of the individual. Thus braahmic thoughts, speech and actions alone will entitle one to be regarded as a braahmana, he said.

      Poojya Swamiji, accompanied by Nutan Swamiji and Maa, left for Malaysia on August 17. On the way back from Malaysia, there will be a 3-day Jnaana Yajna at Chennai (Sep 06 to 08). They will return to the Ashram on Sep 09 night.