Section 4.
The
participation and offerings from the lovers of
Dharma
Sanyasin’s
mission but others’ sharing
A
Sanyasin
becomes so when his private life dissolves in the
mind to give place to his public life – lokasangraha. Freed from blood or matrimonial relationships, a Sanyasin
delights in the larger orbit comprehending one and
all that seek his company. Naturally this larger
orbit responds to and shares in whatever he aspires
for and does. The
spiritual cohesion and its bounties are always more
sublime and powerful, excelling their familial
counterparts.
Anna Vastra Dana Satra,
jointly conducted by both the Ashrams
for the past 17 years emerged like this.
It has grown tremendously, benefiting 18000
families in over 250 villages around 35 rural
centres. It started with the first year meagre 150
beneficiary families in Paralikad village.
The personal spiritual orbits of the Swamijs
are alone the source of Anna Vastra Dana Satra
affluence, which has established its legend in
Kerala.
Tied
down with yearly Anna
Vastra Dana Satra, could the Ashrams’
votaries respond to the additional Bhagavata
Tattva
Sameeksha Satram mission too? The doubt, though genuine, did not deter or
relent the Srimad
Bhagavata
fervour in Swamijis’ hearts. Bhagavan
and bhakti would see the efforts through, said Swamiji eloquently!
The
call of sharing emanating from the adored spiritual
abodes cannot but invite reciprocal responses even
from the remotest homes and families. Can and will human heart host the bonds of blood and of Spirit, alike?
One is a fact of bodily links, while the
other is but an invisible extension of the mind and
heart. Are
the two in conflict, or aligned to their destined
harmony, fruition?
Dharmic
Expenditure the only lasting blessings
Srimad Bhagavata
holds that the twin notes of Satsang and Expenditure
on Dharma are alone fruitful and rewarding, all else
but wasteful, destructive.
Is not
the Sage Author voicing the human mind’s laws, as
does a scientist explain those of matter and energy?
Huge
outlay, from where and whom
“God
and Devotion”– the only two props on which rests
the mega Satram – Swamiji’s words echoed everywhere.
Of the two, one is indistinct, while the
other distinct.
The indistinct agreeably has to descend from
somewhere. But
the distinct should not lack in issuing from one’s
own heart and mind!
From
the countable few within the Ashrams’
orbits, the abundance that the Bhagavata
Satram
warrants must spring. Would and could it?
God,
it is often heard, manifests in specific instances,
but rarely. His general manifestation is right around us, common and
static.
We
did not delay, drop or alter any item of the Mega
Event for lack or fear of resources.
The feeling, fervour and dedication were but
soaring higher and higher.
Everything
was done well, with the affluence of discipline and
refinement!
Feeding
devotees is a great opportunity, fortune, especially
in the context of Srimad
Bhagavatam. Unlike feeding one’s own home-mates, anna-daana
purifies, enriches and rewards those that share
in the venture.
Naimisharanyam
anna-daana had Purushothama Swamiji’s special
fondness, for Swamiji Maharaj is verily an Annadaata Prabhu for many.
With 95 percent of vessels brought in from the
twin Ashrams,
the Annakshetra
stood elegant, sublime and inviting.
