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September 2016 Vol 51 No 12

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Understand the importance of knowledge-


austerity. Of the different levels of spiritual
sdhan, the one done by the intelligence,
namely truthful introspection, is the loftiest and
the most powerful. By truthful introspection, the
mind can be led to its own essence within, the
source of all thoughts, emotions, doubts, reason
and knowledge. Introspection can lead the mind
to be free of desires, anxiety and fear, making it
peaceful like the autumn sky.

Swamiji

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Contents

Science of Inner Redemption 83


The Power of Spiritual Exposition 05
Verses for Introspection 64
How to be Fearless M Gurupriy 16
Reforming Age-old Practices - 3 20
Guruprim & Retreat 2016
An Uplifting Experience Hema Ravikumar 29
Correspondence
Helping them to Grow M Gurupriy 42
News & Notes 50

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September 2016
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Science of Inner Redemption 83

The Power of Spiritual Exposition


Sri Rama imbibed Sage Vasihas nectarine spiritual
instruction so well that for a muhrta (40 minutes) he
became still. He got dissolved into his inner being, getting
merged into the endless sea of Consciousness. He was
soaked in blissful radiance.

From competent Guru to qualified disciple


Hearing the episode from Sage Vlimki, Bharadvja, his
disciple, was wonderstruck. He asked:
uV =S*
+ J S : |{i i{n**
Elio |{iE xxE*
J: ivS ESVY o: C S {{x:*
C S n: |l n li:**
+ xM El i *
n{ vii iun **
(6p.127.7,8,9)

Oh, what a great wonder! How could young Rama


attain the supreme spiritual abode! O great Sage, how
will this kind of state be gained by sinful persons like
us, ignorant, insensitive, and knowing little? What is
that lofty state Rama attained, which Brahma and
others yearn for, but difficult even for them to attain?

O lord of ascetics, how shall I be restful, and how can


the ocean of worldliness, hard to cross, be crossed

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without delay?

Sage Vlmki is narrating to


Bharadvja the Vasihadeva-Sri On merely listening
Rama dialogue that took place in to spiritual
Ayodhya palace. Bharadvja exposition, how could
knew that the young prince had one get steeped into
not yet stepped into royal the Self so fully?
administration. For, he had only
completed the lessons in archery. On merely listening to
Vasihadevas spiritual exposition, how could such a one
get steeped into the Self so fully? Bharadvja was curious
as to how could such a miraculous inner absorption
transpire!

Usually, seekers of supreme Truth leave worldly life, trek


to the woods to plunge into ascetic life, like Bharadvja for
whom the Goal is yet elusive. Whereas the Ayodhya prince,
remaining in the palace itself attained the supreme spiritual
Goal so soon, just by listening to Sage Vasiha! Should not
Bharadvja himself achieve the same goal, if it is so direct
and easy? His wonder, curiosity and earnestness are
relevant, no doubt. And it should ever stimulate every
seeker the world over. In fact, the entire narration is to lay
open the real sdhan for all seekers of Truth.

Efficacy of Vasihadevas instruction


ES*
kxini
`CxMi x{i*
v Sx { |

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{ ioCElxj i**
+t: |{\S% xi ih{*
Sxi v nxiEx:**
|Rxi S xi i n J*
r v%{ izi {xkn VMi**
uV i Ex V ]*
+xnx i Yx |{**
(6p.127.10,11,19,42)

Vlmiki replied: By reflecting upon Ramas life from


beginning to end, and introspecting on Sage Vasihas
message well (you too will be able to attain that lofty
abode). I shall also tell you something in the matter:

This world is a creation of ignorance.


The wise
There is not even an atom of truth
discriminate this
here. The wise discriminate this
(truth) well. The
(truth) well. The indiscreet indulge
indiscreet indulge
in argumentation. in argumentation.
All things here, dear friend, do
not exist in the beginning, and also in the end. They
exist only in the middle. Hence they verily do not exist
at all. The whole world is like the dream display and
its activities.

O Bharadvja, win over your delusion very well by


true discrimination. No doubt you will soon attain
extraordinary wisdom.

Sage Vlmkis narration proved its worth by instilling such


curiosity, earnestness and resolve in Bharadvja, a forest

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ascetic. True spiritual narration is meant to achieve this kind


of an outcome!

In answer, Sage Vlmki first states that one should reflect


upon young Ramas life in its entirety. The beloved prince
was born in the renowned Solar dynasty, which had
illustrious kings like Ikvku, Harishchandra, Sagara, Dilpa,
Aja, Raghu, Daaratha, etc. He was reared fondly by three
mothers and his father, in all pomp and glory. He was
enrolled into royal education and learning, including the
science of archery.

Before taking up the princely role in the palace, Rama


embarked upon a pilgrimage, his first entry into the wide
land and people of this subcontinent. The exposure it
provided struck the princes heart deep, generating an
exquisite note of dispassion towards life itself, particularly
royal tasks and burdens.

When Rama was unable to


contain or resolve the crisis, he Rama only listened to
was brought to Vasihadeva, who the Sage attentively.
He did not perform
took up the task as his mission.
any austerity or
Rama only listened to the Sage
embark on another
attentively. He did not perform
pilgrimage.
any austerity or embark on
another pilgrimage. How could
Vasihas instruction have so much effect, that too
instantly, in the budding prince? The outcome, the prospect
it reveals, surprises Bharadvja.

How Sage Vasiha was treating the plight of a princely


mind, is what Sage Vlmki is narrating to the curious young

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ascetic seeker Bharadvja. The episode proves the greatness


and relevance of Guru-iya dialogue. Spiritual instruction
and wisdom, no matter where it is delivered and to whom,
will always have unfailing appeal to all seeking minds.
Seeking is always of the mind and it is for gaining the
imperishable Self within. But how can one attain this rare
gain?

Elusive nature of the world


<nx iSU `x{{ni*
Yxh OxlxH {nix**
(6p.127.60)

Bharadvja asked: I yearn to hear without any


omission, the essence of knowledge dealt with by
Vasiha, and stated by the scripture, explained
through words.

Sage Vlmki categorically says As the mind is subtle,


that Bharadvja has to ponder whatever it produces
over Ramas life, particularly in as reflections can
the way Vasihadeva deals with only be subtle and
it. Everything the Sage discusses imaginary.
and reveals relates to Ramas
dispassion and quest, the sense of urgency they radiate.
They are, in their full depth, applicable to all humans, in
whom the role of mind and intelligence is supreme.

Sage Vlmki further emphasizes, in brief, how Rama could


get absorbed within so well and so soon. However visible,
the gross world is no more than mere bubbles floating in
the perceivers mind. As the mind is subtle, whatever it

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produces as reflections can only be subtle and imaginary.

Further, every experience or reflection is preceded and


succeeded by its own absence and extinction. This makes
the whole process illusory, making its substratum alone real.
This truth applies to the world, its reflection in our mind,
as well.

He asks Bharadvja to discard delusion and be free of the


illusion. Be clear about the elusive nature of the world and
the real nature of its substratum, the Soul within oneself.
He further states:
ES*
uV hn Yx Hn*
hjh v x xVV**
S Si
ii|{i x x Si {x:*
iRMSUjEi: {x:
MHx ii**
(6p.127.61,65)

Vlmki said: Hear this O Bharadvja, the great


knowledge, merely by listening to which, you will no
more be drowned in the worldly-sea.

Introspect yourself by your own mind, whereby you


will attain that by which you will no more grieve. The
truth is to be contemplated upon, and actualized by
discrimination and dispassion cultivated through the
holy association with Saints and Scriptures.

Bharadvja earnestly wants to know the essence of Sage

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Vasihas instruction. Sage Valmiki In attaining


confirms that in attaining spiritual enlightenment,
enlightenment, ones own introspection on the
dedicated introspection on the supreme Truth alone is
supreme Truth alone is the the decisive factor.
decisive factor. The process will
be easy and effective with association of the Wise, as in the
case of Rama in the hands of Vasihadeva. Scriptures and
scriptural compositions are also to be sought. Dispassion
is the one quality the seeker must gain in ample measure.

Be a lover of Brahman
lMxMx I{i: xixVi*
inJix i Mi x i:**
l hOxl: p xv l*
x{uxH: |i pi**
Bi: { x%i i ij *
xi Mi i i |Ei**
(6p.128.29,31,38)

Vlmki continued: Just as a small fire taken to another


begets alikeness, and is called by the same name,
becoming one with the other, cannot be identified
specially; just as a lump of salt entering the sea
dissolves to become the sea itself; so too the Knower,
leaving his name and form, becomes the supreme
Reality.

By practising this way, the mind of the practitioner


sets indeed. And when the mind sets, his Soul shines
forth by itself.

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In fire joining fire, and salt dissolving in sea, are there


two independent factors or existences? By pursuing
the truth of the singular presence, the mind will set
for ever; instantly will shine the substratum Soul, with
sovereign lustre. Dispelling all doubts, it will bestow
lasting clarity.

Sage Vlmki summarizes:


J x Eh h: |h *
x n SGi: **
(6p.128.41)

Dear friend, if you do not wish to continue in this


delusive cycle of worldliness, and instead seek inward
peacefulness, renounce all actions and be a lover of
Brahman.

What will a Knower do


uV =S*
iH n Yx r M*
rS x Vi x i**
<nx YiSU Yxx: E Eo *
|k xk Ei S x |**
(6p.128.42, 43)

Bharadvja said: O Teacher, whatever you said in the


way of this knowledge, all that I have understood. My
intelligence has become pure, the world lingers no
more.

Now I wish to know, O lord, what will be the activities


of a Knower like Sri Rama. Will it be pravtti-oriented

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(involving worldly activities) or nivtti-oriented


(withdrawing from world activities), or will it be just
doing whatever comes as duty?

After listening to Vlmki, Bharadvja declares that he does


not rely upon the world any more. He is firmly resting in
knowledge and the Soul, its repository, exclusively.

In the case of Sri Rama, Vasihadeva spoke to him directly.


But Bharadvja only heard the conversation from his
Teacher. Perhaps, the impact of the words was different from
what Rama had in the palace from Vasihadeva. Yet the
outcome was the same for both. It was true spiritual
illumination! It was exposure from a competent teacher to
a qualified seeker.

ES*
itz Ei niiEi I:*
E E xr S x Ei i:**
VOi{x{iJ i lxj n*
kxxn in V Si**
+xx YxMh MMh {jE*
uV |Y Y xSi**
(6p.128.44, 49, 54)

Vlmki said: The seekers of liberation should perform


those actions, not doing which will invite evil. Desire-
motivated and forbidden actions should not be done
at all.

When, after leaving the three states of wakefulness,

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dream and sleep, the seeker enters the blissfulness of


turya, then the soul is liberated.

O my son Bharadvja, great Knower, by this path of


knowledge, which is also the real yoga-path, you will
know everything decisively.

Bharadvja gained an altogether new spiritual insight. He


understood clearly that true spiritual wisdom works on the
intelligence and mind, removing their delusion and fetters
of all kinds. The process renders the inner personality free,
stable, strong and resolute. The quality of performance also
changes substantially.

The Knower is not one given to


still meditative absorption. So the Whatever the Knower
question arises: What kind of does will not be
activities will be harmonious with driven by desires.
his spiritual state, and also
beneficial to the world? He asks the Sage to explain the
matter lucidly.

Sage Vlmki, like Vasihadeva, explains that a realized


Soul will not do anything wrong or forbidden. Also
whatever the Knower does will not be driven by desires;
for, he has nothing further to gain in this world or in the
next. Spiritual knowledge should not be guilty of leading
to any kind of violation or transgression. There should not
be any note of harm or hurt in the Knowers thought, speech
and deeds.

But there is no cause for fear or doubt in the matter. For,


the Knower transcends the three basic states of wakefulness,

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dream and sleep, on which alone human life and activities


are based.

The gross endless world is but an extension of ones own


wakeful state, jgrat. Additionally the internal dream world
and activities are there. The state of sleep, bereft of both is
also experienced. The biological processes of respiration,
digestion and the like do go on unhindered in sleep, though
mind and intelligence are not at work.

The Knower transcends all these states, as they are transient


and illusory. He finds that those experiences are themselves
rooted in their own witness, the substratum turya. Thus
he gets established in it. The three states repeatedly come
and go, but only around the substratum I. The knower
identifies this as his true nature and abides in it; nay, he
becomes that. For such a one, where is the question of doing
anything wrong or forbidden at all? He can only be
harmless and innocent, like a child.

(to be continued)

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Verses for Introspection 64

How to be Fearless
M Gurupriy
x%EiSnSi
{nV{xj xi*
=uMxrnii
ix j xii :**
manyekutacid-bhayam-acyutasya
pdmbujopsanam-atra nityam *
udvigna-buddher-asad-tmabhvd-
vivtman yatra nivartate bh**
rmad-bhgavatam 11.2.33

I consider that for those suffering from the agonies of


the worldly life, arising from the identification of the
Self with the unreal objects (body), constant worship
of the feet of Achyuta, is the way to fearlessness. For
one attaining the identity with the universal Soul, fear
ceases forever.

Points for Introspection


Life in this world is full of anxiety
and fear. Right from the morning, For one attaining the
identity with the
one is gripped by stress, tension
universal Soul, fear
and anxiety regarding various
ceases forever.
matters significant or
insignificant. The mind thus, is
never peaceful. One finds that everything in life is laden
with fear, fear of losing whatever we like and fear of facing

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whatever we dislike.

Gripped by fear and anxiety, one suffers from lack of


strength, clarity, hope and confidence. However much one
may be wealthy or prosperous, beautiful and strong,
scholarly and reputed, he can never escape fear and anxiety
in life. As a result, even if one has everything favourable in
life, he still is tormented and afflicted.

Wherefrom is fear generated? And how to remove fear and


anxiety from our lives? By practising what, will we be able
to attain the abode of fearlessness?

This loka says that for those who are suffering from
afflictions in life arising from anxiety and fear, the only sure
way to attain fearlessness lies in worshipping always the
holy lotus feet of Achyuta (meaning permanent, another
name of Sri Hari).

Man mistakenly identifies the real, eternal, imperishable


Soul with the perishable, unreal body. The Soul is always
changeless and never suffers or enjoys. But, unfortunately
by virtue of wrong identification, we undergo suffering
when our body, mind, etc. suffer. As a result, we are gripped
by fear.

This loka says that fear is from all that is changeful, unreal
and perishable. To have fearlessness, we must hold on to
Achyuta, the imperishable, the changeless, and not to the
perishables. We must whole-heartedly worship His holy
lotus feet, the abode of fearlessness.

Fear arises when there is something different from oneself.

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If there is nothing other than oneself, Fear arises when


wherefrom will fear arise? When a there is something
devotee worships the holy lotus feet different from
of Achyuta, he, finally identifies oneself.
himself with the one universal Soul
the changeless, motionless, eternal, imperishable and real.
Identifying oneself with the i (vivtm, the universal
Soul) one experiences the universal Oneness. In the
absence of a second, the seeker becomes fearless for ever.

This loka from Bhaagavatam announces with great


authority that for man to attain fearlessness, he must
worship always and one-pointedly the holy lotus feet of
Sri Hari, the all-pervading unchanging Lord.

When we chant this loka repeatedly, mentally severing our


clinging to the unreal and perishable objects, and taking
refuge at His lotus feet instead, we feel absolutely secure
in the Divine lap, protected by the Divine embrace. The
mind gets completely absorbed in Him.

Whenever one undergoes fear or anxiety on any account,


chanting this loka will help.

Word Meaning

x (manye) = I consider; +EiSn- (akutacid-


bhayam) = having no fear from any quarter, fearlessness;
+Si (acyutasya) = of Achyuta; {nV{x
(pdmbuja-upsanam) = worship of the lotus feet; +j
(atra) = here, in this world; xi (nityam) = always;
=uMxr& (udvigna-buddhe) = whose intelligence is

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agitated; +i-+i-i (asat-tma-bhvt) =


identification with the non-Self; ix (vivtman) =
by the identity with the universal Soul; j (yatra) =
where; xii (nivartate) = ceases; : (bh) = fear.
+x:
+j xi +Si {nV{x +EiSn- x* +nii =uMxr:
ix j : xii*
atra nitya acyutasya pdmbujopsana akutacid-bhaya
manye. asat-tma-bhvt udvigna-buddhe vivtman yatra
bh nivartate.

[Audio file of this verse chanted by M Gurupriy is available at:
http://narayanashramatapovanam.org/verses-for-introspection/824-
shloka-44]

As God is omniscient, there is no necessity of


praying for anything from Him at all. Instead, purify
the mind, and try to understand Him rightly. Regard
Him as omnipotent and leave everything to His will.
The reason for praying is due to fear and weakness
of the mind. Praying and reminding God is sheer
ignorance about His omniscience. Accepting God
as all-knowing and all-powerful, leave all desires,
and outlive the habit of praying for anything in
particular.
Swamiji

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Reforming Age-old Practices - 3


Continued from August 2016 issue

Based on the Malayalam article from the magazine


Hindu Viva; May-June 2016.

[Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha Maharaj is a highly adored


and respectable sannysin, ever engaged in the welfare of
the society. His approach to the societal issues with spiritual
background, rational analysis, compassion to the people
concerned, makes his contribution very relevant. - Editor,
Hindu Viva]

Question: Using elephants for temple festivals and for


ritualistic display of fire-works is a controversial issue here
in Kerala. Some of the Hindu traditionalists decry these
practices and proclaim that they are unnecessary. What is
Swamijis stand on this issue, being the patron of some
temples?

Swamiji: Our Trust Hind Navotthana Pratishtan has seven


temples under its management. When any practice is found
to be dangerous or against the laws of the country, it should
be stopped forthwith. This is just like immediately chasing
away the thief, who has entered the house. No other
consideration need be there.

We may have used crackers and such other fire-works in


the past; we may have ceremonially paraded elephants as
part of temple festivities. If it is found that these are cruel,
dangerous and not in accordance with our eternal dharma-
stras, they should be stopped. Why should there be any
problem or difficulty in implementing this finding?

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This is like getting rid of the ingested poison from the body.
Matters reach the court only when there is opposition and
stubbornness from certain quarters within us. When we are
capable of resolving our own problems why should we
approach the courts of law?

One fundamental question is: Why was the elephant made


a part of temple rituals and worship? The elephant is
inherently a wild animal. Its habitat is the cool ambience of
mountainous regions. Elephants are not domestic animals.

Look at the harsh steps used for domesticating them. First


the elephant is trapped into a deep pit and then compelled
to yield by systematic torture and punishment. The ears and
just outside the outer eye corner are pierced with sharp
metal hook and pulled strongly, to convey the orders
trainers give. The poor animal has no choice but to surrender
and obey. Experts of animal husbandry opine that even dogs
should not be treated cruelly in the name of training.

Even from the point of religious purity, will not the


droppings and urine of the elephants pollute the temple
precincts? How can the elephants excreta be considered an
exception, when the temple priests declare pollution even
if a mongrel happens to merely enter the temple?

The mahout commands the elephant using a baton with a


steel ring fixed at one end. The helpless animal bows down
and lifts its front leg to allow the person holding the idol
to mount. Now just see the contradiction! What we find is
that the cloth spread on the head of the elephant, on which
the replica idol of the Lord is placed during ceremonial
procession, is unwashed for years! The priest sits on the

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nape of the elephant holding the idol. He actually places


the idol on the stale linen, on which one sits holding the
umbrella and another holding venchamaram (a ceremonial
whisk, chamera, made of yak tail hair). Normally any such
physical proximity of others is pollution to the priests. How
can this alone be considered pure and holy?

And what is done after the procession? The priest simply


carries the idol back into the sanctum sanctorum! Is this not
a grave defilement?

Krishnas pronouncement sarva-bhta-hite rat


commitment to the welfare of all beings (Bhagavadgt 5.25;
12.4) is completely flouted in the very temple where the
Lord is worshipped. Ahis is the most important Dharma.
Krishna says: amnitvam adambhitva ahis kntir-
rjavam (Bhagavadgt 13.7). Krishna also asserts: na
hinasti tman tmnam tato yti parm gatim the
supreme Lord is present everywhere; understanding this,
one attains the supreme state through ahimsa
(Bhagavadgeet 13.28). Any kind of hurt constitutes his,
and killing is its acme. Dharma itself is based on ahis.
Isnt it obvious that the elephant is subjected to severe
cruelty from beginning to end?

The ceremonial processions with the holy idol atop the


elephants, are an open consent for such cruelty, his. One
can imagine the amount of distress caused to the most
loving Lord by such rituals involving animals!

Then the question is why was the elephant ever inducted


into temple rituals? What was the need? It can be only due
to the arrogance and pride of human beings and their

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eagerness to display these. And others simply followed


them, thoughtlessly.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) does not


permit harsh treatment to animals. One of the devaswom
Presidents once mentioned that some mahouts even indulge
in burning the hind feet of elephants by igniting chemical
powder collected from match-sticks. Let us stop this cruelty
without losing a second! That is the call of our Dharma and
Devotion to the Lord. That is what the Lord Himself wants!
There cannot be any difference of opinion in this matter.

One may ask: How did these things survive all along till
now? Simply because a mistake survived for many years
does not mean it should be allowed to continue. The fault
is ours that we did not think about it. Why not do
something at least now? Sometimes, even some important
aspects do not surface in our mind; let us agree that this is
human insufficiency.

Question: For quite some time now, our media channels,


writers, scientists and intellectuals claim that they find
intolerance and fascism spread everywhere. As one who
frequently travels within the country and abroad as well,
what is Swamijis opinion about this matter?

Swamiji: On the 1st of December 2015, we conducted in


New Delhi Parliament day to protest against the frequent
disruption and stalling of proceedings by Parliamentarians.
On that occasion I had also spoken on this matter: Let us
not utter a word about intolerance here! To deal with such
matters, do not we have the Indian Penal Code as well as
the Criminal Procedure Code? What for are these there?

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These two laws are meant for taking action against people
who indulge in unlawful intolerance, or incite public
through speech on these lines. Wherever improper
intolerance is exhibited, authorities should rush in, and
initiate criminal prosecution against the defaulters. Any
intolerance can be contained in this way. Intolerance of any
kind is not permissible; not only in Politics, but also in all
areas of life. We have freedom of expression, but that cannot
be at the expense of others freedom.

More serious is the fact that our Parliament has become a


centre of the drama of intolerance. Members of Parliament
are free to speak, argue and vote in the Parliament. But
what do they do instead? They indulge in all kinds of
criminal exhibition, and their speech is full of intolerance!
Are not many of them spreading the spirit of criminal
violence all over the Nation? Yet these very people lecture
on intolerance! Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies
have not been able to stem this till now. Our respectable
Nation is becoming an object of ridicule in the eyes of the
world.

In this age of democratic governance, what everyone should


understand is that in democracy there is no place for assault
or use of force. This fundamental principle should
necessarily be accepted by all. Let them withdraw all kinds
of isms, and be prepared to live and work with tolerance
and spirit of mutuality. Other than expressing ideas orally
or in writing or through demonstration there should be
no use of violence. Bhrat should be peaceful. Force may
be used only for the purpose of self-defence; never
otherwise. Terrorism and similar ideologies should be

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neither allowed nor supported. Let us take recourse to


quick action under existing laws and find redress.

After a long trial, Afzal Guru was sentenced to death by


the Supreme Court for his role in the Parliament attack. His
mercy petition was rejected by the President. Finally he was
hanged to death. Now, demonstration against his hanging,
holding memorial meetings, trying to make him a hero, a
martyr is it not serious intolerance? Is it not contempt of
court, deserving severe punishment?

Such movements are very grave assaults on the Nation. By


whatever name we may call these, whatever be the basis of
their commencement, there can be no two opinions that such
acts deserve to be nipped in the bud. Democratic
governance and the courts of law are for ensuring the
integrity and security of the Nation. Even if the said
movements are in the precincts of educational University,
they cannot transgress national loyalty.

Those who try to glorify anti-National sentiments, who else


but the Police and the Intelligence wing can act against
them? It is the home department that is vested with the
power and right to seek out the criminals and crimes,
wherever they may take place and control them. The proper
method of democratic governance is to let the police do
their duty.

Question: Communal forces have become very active and


are fast gaining ground in Kerala. Due to excessive influence
and pressure tactics of the minority categories, the
majority communities are also on the path of forming
unions and lobbying for political influence. How does

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Swamiji evaluate these developments?

Swamiji: This question is indeed very regrettable!


Democracy implies rule of the majority. How can the
minority rule the majority? When the majority fails to get
its due, it surely indicates that there is something wrong
with the majoritys actions, expressions and exhortations.
That should be discovered and treated.

We subscribe to democracy. But it is sad that the majority


gets defeated in this very process! Explain to the majority
party that unless they look after the majority, they do not
deserve to rule! What can be inappropriate in that? The
question is whether the majority should get its due place
and status. There is only one answer for it: Resolve all the
differences of opinion and ideologies through proper
dialogue. The notes of Dharma must necessarily be followed
by all.

Question: Swamiji conducts classes and gives talks based


on Bhagavadgeet and reemad Bhgavatam, travelling all
over the world. In these days when selfishness and value
degradation are rising everywhere, how does Swamiji view
the interest of people in spirituality?

Swamiji: Spirituality is to be understood, imbibed and


followed by each one in his or her life. Arjuna lost his
confidence completely when he went to Kurukshetra
battlefield. He was assailed by confusion, delusion,
possessiveness and fear. To remove these Krishna spoke to
him for about two and half hours! After listening to Krishna,
Arjuna lifted his Gva Bow and fought successfully. This
is the benefit of spirituality.

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27

What does it mean? Spirituality enables man to overcome


his mental weakness and delusion, gain clarity and do what
needs to be done. Is this not a desirable quality for all
people?

It is interesting to note that those who thirst for spiritual


knowledge in the present time far exceed those of the earlier
days. During the days of di akarchrya, about 1250
years ago, very few knew about Bhagavadgeet, Upanishads
and Brahmastras. For thousands of years, Vyasadevas
Mahabharata with the illustrious Bhagavadgeet, and many
other scriptures were almost unknown, about to become
extinct! akara brought these to light. Even then, only a
few scholars understood the greatness of his achievement!

In contrast, look at the present scenario! Bhagavadgeet is


discussed the world over in public through jna-yajas.
My talk Mukti-sudhakaram in Malayalam, televised in
Asianet Channel, is completely on Advaita. I was told that
it has become a popular house-hold program. Many have
reported that they have developed an addiction to it! Just
imagine the place and relevance of spirituality in modern
society!

People who come to the Ashram tell me: Swamiji, your


talk has given us clarity of thought, and poise of mind. We
have understood how to go ahead in life, and how to be
free from desires and affectations. This Mukti-sudhakaram
has been a boon to us! Such are the types of response we
get from the viewers of the telecast. It means that people
recognize the relevance of spirituality in life. And they
desire and demand spiritual knowledge much more than

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28

ever before.

On the Disha Channel, I as well as my disciples, Swami


Nirviseshananda Tirtha and M Gurupriy give talks in
English. Both the programs have many listeners. So, it is
clear that spirituality is a need of the society.

As long as human mind and intelligence function in the


body, spirituality will shine with eternal relevance.
Recognizing this, spirituality should be inculcated right
from childhood. Let us teach our children from school level.
This is our call! This is what we need to do.

Moreover, as part of our Constitutional obligations [51A(f)],


each citizen is duty bound to value and preserve the rich
heritage of our composite culture. If the citizens as well
as the Nation take appropriate action, there will be greater
patriotism and commitment to values. That is when
spirituality will harmonize the entire country. Internal
conflicts will end, and Bhrat will once again shine in its
inherent glory.
(to be continued)

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29

Guruprim & Retreat 2016

An Uplifting Experience

Hema Ravikumar

Guruprim was celebrated on July 19th amidst an


atmosphere of sanctity, solemnity and joyful anticipation.
Over 500 devotees from all over Kerala, India and abroad
arrived to receive blessings from their beloved Master. The
morning of July 19 dawned bright with promise, ushering
in mostly cool, clear sky with a pleasant sprinkling of
monsoon drizzle. Armed with the ubiquitous umbrella in
hand, an orderly queue of people began snaking around
the path leading to Vijna Bhavan where several devotees
and disciples including Retreat participants were seen
making last minute audio, video, seating arrangements and
tweaking the tasteful floral decorations to perfection.

Many devotees were already patiently seated with eyes


transfixed on the double doors leading into the hall, keenly
looking to spot the first appearance of Poojya Swamiji. As
Swamiji made his appearance accompanied by melodious
chanting of Svgatam Guro, araa-prada Guro, the
atmosphere was fully charged with energetic vibrations.
Assembled devotees at the Ashram were joined by
hundreds of fellow devotees and disciples across the globe,
watching the event on webcast (Livestream).

Before pda-pj, Nutan Swamiji chanted the Guru-


parampar lokas and spoke about the significance of Guru-
parampar. Our lineage belongs to the Tirtha tradition of
akarchrya. The spiritual current has passed down

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30

through a succession of realized Souls: A Himalayan Saint


in Haridwar mystically imparted it to Swami Gangadhara
Tirtha of Puri, from whom it came to Swami Narayana Tirtha
of Jnna-sdhana Math (East Bengal), to Sri Kshiteesh
Chandra Dev, who bestowed it to Baba Gangadhara
Paramahamsa, our Poojya Swamijis Gurudev.

As M & Nutan Swamiji recited the 108 nmval in praise


of our beloved Gurudev, Smt. Maya and Sri Rajesh Nair
offered flower petals at his feet. The onlookers offered
mental flowers from their hearts at his holy lotus feet.

After the pda-pj and rati, Poojya Swamiji addressed the


audience first in Malayalam and then in English. He said
that Guruprim is the most sacred day in the year as it
is the day we honour the Guru, who imparts the highest
spiritual knowledge (Brahmavidy) to the seekers.
Guruprim is a day on which we must reaffirm our
commitment as sdhakas to continue with single-minded
focus to pursue the spiritual path of self-awakening with
the Gurus benevolent guidance and grace.

Referring to his vision to make the Bhagavadgeet accessible


to the mainstream world, especially to world leaders as a
historical document and political, administrative manual,
Swamiji spoke about his plan to host a Global Geet event
in Delhi that would be the inaugural session to launch the
initiative to present the Geet as an inspirational reference
guide specifically on the art of waging a dhaarmic war at
the spiritual level, against the global evil forces in action.

Reminding the assembly of the daunting work that lay


ahead to bring this universal vision to fruition, Swamiji

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31

exhorted everyone to join him in fulfilling this task in


whatever capacity they could contribute. At the end of the
discourse, visitors proceeded to partake of the elaborately
prepared bhakti-bhojan at the Annakshetra after receiving
prasda from Swamijis hand, and offering pranms at
Swamijis, Ms and Nutan Swamijis feet.

Arrangements for the annually held special event had begun


several weeks earlier with Ashram inmates and committed
volunteers working studiously under the guidance of
Swamiji, M and Nutan Swamiji, meticulously planning all
the logistics with precision and attention to detail. Strategies
and processes were seamlessly put into place in order to
ensure that the event went successfully without a hitch, as
it did.

A beautiful aspect of Guruprim and Retreat is the


feeling of togetherness and mutuality amongst the devotees
we have all come to the Ashram with a common aspiration
and devotion. The entire programme is possible only
because of this common mindset. The feeling of solidarity
is also felt with Ashram staff and workers, who join
devotees for meals in Annakshetra each day. What a pleasant
sight to watch women assistants arrive together, dressed in
fresh colourful saris, to sit alongside devotees for the meal.

The contribution of Ashram workers was recognized at the


Workers Day function held on Jul 13, a few days before
the Guruprim. Employees, contractors and helpers
associated with the Ashram, past and present, were invited:
the old carpenter, tailor, auto and taxi drivers, electrician,
coconut pluckers, masons, Gas-stove repairer, Gas supplier,

September 2016
32

Ashrams staff and assistants being introduced


to Gurupoorim Participants

September 2016
33

aluminium and steel fabricators, and so on. Before


distributing new dress to all, Poojya Swamiji spoke a little
about each person, about their contribution as well as their
special personality traits. Everyone was served a traditional
Kerala meal on plantain leaf in the Annakshetra. It was
perhaps the only time in the year that devotees are able to
serve all the workers.

A one-week Retreat in Guru-sannidhi was scheduled from


the 20th to 26th of July. As a first time visitor and Retreat
participant from California, I was excited and grateful to
have made it to Narayanashrama Tapovanam finally after
seeing it in pictures and videos for the past few years. Even
though I had the opportunity to meet and listen to Poojya
Swamiji several times during his annual US visits, to be in
Guru-sannidhi during Guruprim in Kerala was a
heartfelt desire of mine and I felt blessed to be here.

I was amazed at everything about the Guruprim Retreat


from start to finish right from day one. The moment I arrived
I was greeted warmly by the Ashram inmates and my
roommate enthusiastically guided me to the room we both
would share over the next several days. Gowri Mmi as I
came to call her was a truly thoughtful, caring, affectionate
person who quickly became my new-found awesome
adopted aunt. Happy connections with all the other
participants were quickly established and we soon bonded
together like a family, enhancing the learning experience
across the board.

The schedule for the Retreat followed the same disciplined


pattern daily. Tea/Coffee was served at the Annakshetra as

September 2016
34

early as 5.30 am for those who were so inclined. Morning


prayers were held at Samdhi Mandir at 6 am. They
included morning prayers from Nitya-samarpaam as well
as the chanting of Bhagavadgeet (Chapter 15) and Viu-
sahasranma on alternate days. I confess I only made it on
some days and did not make it every single morning but
since my room was located right next to Samdhi Mandir,
listening to the chanting, and the final rati bell surrounded
by the chirping of birds was an absolutely divine and
beautiful beginning to the day.

This session was followed by Pupa-samarpaam and


Prabhta-rami at 7.15 at Vijna Bhavan. Only those who
have had first-hand experience of this sacred morning
communion in the presence of Swamiji as he receives the
flower offering and speaks in a meditative frame of mind
with his eyes closed, each syllable rich with compassionate,
crystal-clear instructional knowledge, can understand how
incredibly powerful this is.

Participants dispersed for breakfast from 8.00 9.00 am,


followed by some free time for group bhajan singing or
reading in the library. Then it was time for Morning
discourses on the Upanishadic nti Mantras by Nutan
Swamiji from 10 11 am. The daily sessions with Nutan
Swamiji were thought-provoking, powerfully enlightening
as well as hilariously witty. Very often peals of laughter
could be heard echoing in the hallway as Swamiji tickled
the participants collective funny-bone with his unique brand
of humour interwoven with deep wisdom. Undoubtedly,
going forward, all the participants would be able to chant
the nti Mantras with the hidden meanings and insights

September 2016
35

provided by Nutan Swamiji.

During the Introspection Sessions between 11:15 and 11:45


am, Nutan Swamijis introspection sheets required everyone
to reflect honestly, use references and add another layer to
the process of self-improvement.

Bhojana-pavitrkaraam with Swamiji blessing and


sanctifying the cooked food preceded the Bhakti Bhojanam
at Annakshetra. The group was divided into two to be
accommodated comfortably in the dining hall, with
volunteers taking over and taking turns to coordinate and
serve food daily for all meal times. Seva, some rest time,
and a little tea break occupied the afternoon hours followed
by the cherished evening sessions Sdhan in Guru-
sannidhi by M Gurupriy from 5:15 to 6:00 pm, which
consisted of fond anecdotal reminiscences from her diaries.

Ms gentle, kind presence, her open, disarmingly honest


sharing of her amazing self-unfoldment journey under the
guidance of Swamiji over many years, including her
personal obstacles, such as cultural acclimatization and
logistical difficulties during the early Ashram years, were
not only revelatory but greatly inspiring. In just a few
minutes of the session beginning, M would have the
participants smiling from ear to ear, being deeply touched
by her endearing stories told with characteristic charm and
wisdom. She truly is the Divine Mother in every sense of
the word! It was indeed very moving to see her push aside
and brave her ongoing health concerns and physical
discomforts to spend time with us all.

The group met at Samdhi Mandir again at 6.15 p.m. for

September 2016
36

Participants of the Gurupoorim Retreat

September 2016
37

evening prayer for half an hour and proceeded to Vijna


Bhavan for the evening discourse on Bhagavadgeet by
Poojya Swamiji from 7.00 to 8.00 pm. These evening lectures
were powerfully transformative for the participants, moving
as they did from factual statistics, history and science, to
philosophy and transcendent spirituality, in the way that
only Swamiji can with absolute clarity and conviction.

Systematically quoting select secular verses from the


Geet, Swamiji hammered home the point about the
universality of the Geets message, emphasizing that it was
not a Hindu religious text as many people mistakenly
assume. Swamijis daily expositions traversed from
promises and assurances made by Krishna to Arjuna, based
on Arjunas willingness to engage with devotion and
surrender as Krishnas disciple, to the necessity of Arjuna
fulfilling his Kshatriya dharma and engaging in righteous
war according to his expected role as mission commander.
The parallels for waging war and winning in the battlefield
of life were unmistakably imprinted in the minds of us all.

Drawing a further contemporary comparison of the


Kurukshetra war to the situation in the world today, Swamiji
likened the great evil of Duryodhana to the mind and
actions of terrorists who cannot be reasoned with and who
are hell bent on wreaking havoc and destruction on innocent
people. He outlined and reiterated his vision for the Global
dissemination of Bhagavadgeet to heads of state, so that
they can benefit from its message and take swift, decisive
action against such rampant atrocities to stamp them out
and stop them once and for all.

September 2016
38

Bhakti Bhojanam at the conclusion of the ravaa sessions


led to a relaxing evening winding down with some manana
and resolutions for nididhysana. Many continued engaging
in seva, and then we finally sank into a deep, contented
sleep at the end of a satisfying day lulled by the sacred
sounds and space of the Ashram environment.

The final day of the retreat on July 26th felt like a festival
celebration as Swamiji along with M and Nutan Swamiji,
alongside retreat participants and volunteers, spearheaded
the drive for the Anna Vastra Dna Satram distributing
clothes, a bag of rice and special pyasam to over 7000
people. It was an enormous inspiration to watch Swamiji
lead the packing and distribution efforts with indefatigable
energy putting those of us who are half his age to shame.
Such is the boundless energy of evolved souls who are
beyond body identification! I was amazed to see village
people of all faiths, including Burkha-clad Muslims and
cross-pendant-wearing Christians, come through the lines,
joyously receive the prasda and exit with a smile. The
distribution proceeded with the tune of bhajans. There is
no division in humanity, love and charity.

The evening ended with the adorable vision of Swamiji


surrounded by ecstatic disciples, dancing with nma-
sankrtanam.

The monsoon rains felt like a metaphor for the minds of


those present at the Retreat it was truly fascinating to watch
the mind be clear, sunny, happy, bright one moment, and
be filled with scary, creepy insect like thoughts in another;
feel light, free, breezy, pure at one time, and hot, sticky and

September 2016
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During the concluding session of the Retreat

September 2016
40

clingy filled with murky, muddy, slush at another.

Becoming still and becoming aware of the tendencies of the


mind is the number one sdhan on the spiritual journey,
according to Poojya Swamiji. No matter how seasoned and
evolved one may assume one is, unless sattva-gua
completely, effortlessly, spontaneously predominates as in
the case of Saints, we must be ever watchful to monitor and
address the lower pull of negative thinking patterns.

The Retreat ended with some of the participants being


called upon to share their experiences with the group.
Gratitude and bliss felt for the precious knowledge received
from Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and M, for the
flawless organization by the Ashram inmates and staff, and
for the superb inter-group camaraderie were the primary
themes that surfaced. Being in Guru-sannidhi at
Guruprim 2016 was an unforgettable experience in more
ways than I can ever articulate.

Prams and salutations to Swamiji, M and Nutan Swamiji.

In His Service, a deeply grateful first time Guruprim


participant.

Jai Guru!

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41

Genesis of Temple Worship

God has never asked anyone to erect any temple


for Him. In fact, the word God is itself a concept
of man, formed to fulfil his own specific purpose
and goal.
No pursuit is taken up except for the sake of those
who pursue. Every act is, first and last, meant to
enrich and benefit the actor. Action is no other than
an expression of the actor.
We erect a Temple and maintain it so that those who
feel like worshipping in a place, which they cannot
maintain or erect themselves in their own residence,
may make use of it. They can go to the temple,
unload their heart and mind, and get relief. They
can tell the Deity all their woes and wants, and feel
the hope and assurance they look for.
As long as they are not able to outlive this need,
let them continue to visit the Temple, and make use
of the occasion and facilities. That is how, even
today, we find some religious centres thriving,
attracting countless devotees, for whom the practice
has become almost indispensable.
Swamiji

September 2016
42

Helping them to Grow


[Ms correspondence with children]

1. The Most Delightful Adventure


11 May 2016
Dear M:

How are you? When my Grandma came to Australia last


year, I asked her: How can I improve my behaviour,
attitude and personality? She had asked me to write to
you for help and suggestions. I am mostly trying to work
on my behaviour and self-esteem, and ways I can try to
control my patience. Another bad habit is that I get angry
really quickly, especially with my relatives, though not so
much at school.

I am hoping you can help me in this situation and give me


the right directions to work on my behaviour and attitude
towards everyone.
Yours sincerely, S.
* * *
8 June 2016
Dear and blessed Little S:

Hari Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru. I still consider you to be a small


child. You must have lost hope of receiving a reply from
me. Ever since I received your email I thought of writing
almost everyday. Somehow, it did not happen so far. I kept
on thinking that you must have become a bit disappointed.
True?

That, at this age you have introspected about your


behaviour, attitude and personality, and would like to

September 2016
43

improve, is itself a great quality. To understand ones mind


and behaviour, to be able to pinpoint and admit the defects
in oneself, is possible only by the grace of God. Feel blessed
and grateful to God about that.

Always keep a beautiful picture of yourself in your mind.


Full of all good qualities, like love, sympathy, sacrifice,
patience, tolerance, perseverance, endurance, hope,
confidence, fearlessness, truthfulness, straightforwardness,
transparence, non-laziness, calmness, peace, joy and so on
... Although this is your ideal, in your day-to-day life you
will find that you are falling from this ideal quite often.
Even though you do not want to be angry or irritated, you
may get irritated at the slightest reason; you may become
intolerant and impatient quickly; you may shout at people
even if you never intended to; you may become lazy and
procrastinating in spite of hating to be so.

So, what do you do? Surely, you do not want the


undesirable traits of your mind to remain within you and
bother you. Also, you do want to strengthen the desirable
traits in you so that you can blossom like a pure, fragrant
flower radiating peace and joy around. Dear S, think about
these desirable qualities on and off, and be fond of them
with full mind and heart. Feel the presence of those qualities
in you. Keeping your eyes closed, enjoy the bliss such
qualities radiate in you. Poojya Swamiji says, when you
sincerely love a quality, the quality becomes yours.

Similarly, when you truly dislike a bad trait of yours, it


will leave you if you are constantly attentive. Do not
indulge in it. Before acting or reacting, give a moment to
think whether what you are doing is desirable or

September 2016
44

undesirable, whether it is good for you or bad.

If you have hurt anybody by your behaviour, feel sorry. Go


to the person whom you have hurt, confess lovingly and
ask for forgiveness. Resolve that somehow you have to win
over your wrong traits. Never feel depressed over any
failure to change some of the traits; instead, remain always
inspired in your effort. Take it as an interesting adventure
in life where you are always on guard at the gate of your
inner kingdom, which you are trying to decorate with
beautiful fragrant flowers, plucking away the ones that are
poisonous.

Frequently ask your parents and brother at home, and the


friends and teachers at school, to comment on your
behaviour. Do not get angry by their comments. Do not try
to defend or justify yourself. Think well. If what they say
is true, try to work on that. Be grateful to them,
understanding that they have done something good for you
by pointing out your defect. If their comment is not true,
then ignore it and forget about it. Do not dislike the person
who has pointed out your defect.

It becomes very helpful, if in a notebook you list out the


good qualities you like to be adorned with. At the end of
the day, go through each of them, examine yourself and see
how you have fared throughout the day in your thoughts,
words and deeds. May be you can award yourself some
marks against each quality. That will guide you towards
perfection.

Similarly, you can make a list of undesirable traits and


assess these every day. Such efforts will generate enthusiasm

September 2016
45

and clarity in going ahead with the project of purifying your


mind. Dear little S, only in a pure mind rest eternal
happiness and peace.

Will you make such efforts? I am very eager to know. I want


to know about you more: about your mind, thoughts, likes
and dislikes; your hobbies and friends; all these and more.

I will wait for your reply.

With love and fondness, M


P.S : I have taken time to write. Because of my recent illness,
I am not able to focus on any job at a stretch. I have written
in intervals. However, I am getting better slowly. Please
convey my love to your parents and brother.
* * *
2. Picturing the Mind
27 May 2016
Respected M,

Please accept my pranms. I had heard that you are not


doing well. I hope you have recovered now. As you know
my parents had taken me and my brother on a trip to Kenya.
You had instructed me to write an essay on my experiences
there. I have tried my best and put together an account of
my trip there. I have also enclosed some pictures that we
had captured during this memorable trip.

I am very nervous to write this as this is the first time I am


writing to you. So, please forgive me if I have made any
mistakes in it. Kindly convey my pranms to Poojya Swamiji
and Nutan Swamiji also.
Yours sincerely, A.
* * *

September 2016
46

30 May 2016
Dear and blessed A,

Hari Om Tat Sat. Jai Guru. Three days back I received your
loving email; yes, your first email to me. I was very excited
and was impatient to open it. I knew for sure that it was
the description about your trip to Nairobi.

You have written it so well, dear A, that whoever reads it


will also experience a tour of Nairobi. Thank you so
much for sending so many amazing pictures of animals. I
was remembering my childhood days in the fifties when
we used to visit the Calcutta zoo during our summer
vacation in Delhi. There was no zoo in Delhi at that time.
Oh! How exciting it was! The Giraffes, Zebras,
Hippopotamus, Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Monkeys,
Guerillas, Dolphins, and so on! How exciting was the ride
on the huge elephants, with the animal walking in the most
royal style!

You must have felt great watching the animals close to you
in their most natural surroundings! How beautiful they must
have looked in the midst of Nature! Whenever we look at
the beauty of creation animals, plants, rivers, oceans,
mountains and sky the mind goes back to their source
the Creator, the supreme Lord. He is the One in everything,
permeated everywhere. He creates so many varieties in this
world, brings in so many colours and designs. The mind
just gets overwhelmed thinking about Him, His greatness.
Spontaneously, the mind gets filled with a humility and
blessedness to be belonging to this supreme Creator.

Dear A, just as you have painted in words the external

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47

sceneries, make a habit of looking into your mind and


thoughts and picture them with words in a diary. In the
mind there are so many traits and tendencies, just like
animals beautiful or ferocious. How do you look at them?
How do you deal with them?

There are traits like love, sympathy, sacrifice, patience,


tolerance etc. as there are anger, irritation, jealousy, hatred
and intolerance. How do you drive away the traits that are
undesirable and even dangerous? And how to grow the
ones which are lovable, which will take you to deeper and
deeper levels of purity, helping yourself to blossom like a
beautiful pure, fragrant flower. Will you attempt looking
into your mind truly and honestly, and then write down
how you are dealing with your mind in order to fill it with
the beauty of fearlessness, strength and confidence?

Will like to hear from you again.

With love and blessings, M

* * *

September 2016
48

When Pain is in the Mind,

Panacea also is in the Mind


Disturbing impacts you receive from the world are
through the objects - persons, places and events -
of the world. Instead of getting overpowered by
these impacts during your interaction, try to
overwhelm them.
This is to be done by the mind. Even though
external world seems to be the cause of the pain,
mental impacts themselves are generated in the
mind itself. They also subsist and terminate in the
mind.
You have to assimilate, not the objects that cause
the impact, but your own responses to the situation.
Be alert to this distinction. Simply and gently ask
the mind to absorb and overwhelm its own products.
Mind has the potential and power to do so.
Suppose you take a large quantity of water, and
pour it from a big height into a lake. The impact
with the waves, the foam and effervescences caused
will be terrible. But does it cause anything to the
water in the lake? Does not water remain as water
before, during and after the pouring? Water acting
upon water what can it cause to the water?
Nothing!

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49

Minds reactions and responses acting on the mind,


is like water being poured into water. Mind remains
as the mind before, during and after the event.
Nothing has happened to the mind! This is the Truth.
But the force and influence of the event overpower
you into a sort of delusion. The mind alone causes
a response to the impact. What is to be assimilated
is the minds own reaction.
When you understand this, your attitude and
responses towards impacts will undergo a radical
transformation. This knowledge is the formula or
the tool which will help you grow inner resilience,
power to overwhelm vicissitudes of life.
Swamiji

September 2016
50

News & Notes


Forthcoming programmes

USA Jna Yaja (Sep 04 to 26): Poojya Swamiji along


with M will leave for USA on Sep 04 and return to Ashram
by Sep 28. Brni. Namrata Swaroop will accompany them. They
will be based in Orange County (Southern California) from Sep
04 to Sep 13; and in Washington DC Metro Area from Sep 14
to 26. (Program details were published last month).

42nd Annual Delhi Jna Yaja: (Oct 26 Nov 15)


Poojya Swamiji and M will reach Delhi on Oct 26.

CIRD-Delhi Programme:
Date Time Program
Oct 28 6.00 pm Guru-archan & benedictory message
from Poojya Swamiji
Oct 29 6.30 pm Satsang with Poojya Swamiji
Oct 31 - 10.30 - Poojya Swamijis classes on
Nov 03 11.30 am Vivekacmai
Oct 31 - 6.30 - 7.30 Ms classes (in Hindi)
Nov 03 pm
Nov 05 - 7:00 - 8:15 Poojya Swamijis 5-Day Discourse
Nov 09 pm Series at Siri Fort Auditorium - 2
Nov 11 Prakash Mehrotra Memorial Lecture by
5:30 pm
Poojya Swamiji at Teen Murti House
Nov 13 4 pm Anna-Vastra Dna Satram [AVDS]
Nov 15 Departure to Jamshedpur

All programmes are in CIRD unless otherwise specified above.

September 2016
51

Contact: Sanjay Chakravarty 9811203815; Prem Arora


9810026906; Ashwani Kumar 9810180427; YB Prasad
9560347334; Swati Dagur 9811321130.

52nd Annual Jamshedpur Jna Yaja: (Nov 15 Dec


18) Poojya Swamiji and M will reach Jamshedpur on Nov 15
and leave by Nov 30. Nutan Swamiji will arrive on Nov 25
and leave by Dec 18.

Date Time Program


Nov 17 7.00 pm Guru-archan & benedictory message
from Poojya Swamiji
11 am -
Nov 18 Satsang with Poojya Swamiji
12 noon
Nov 19 & 10.30 - Ms classes - Sdhan in Gurusannidhi
21 - 23 11.30 am (Hindi)
Nov 20 - 7.00 - Discourses based on Bhagavadgeet
Nov 23 8.00 pm (English) - Poojya Swamiji
Nov 24 AVDS in Hata Tribal Village
Nov 25 & 7.00 - Satsang with Swamiji
Nov 29 8.00 pm
Nov 27 Viu-sahasranma Srvajanika Yaja
Dec 03 - 7.00 - Discourses on nti Mantra
Dec 07 8.00 pm by Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha
Dec 09 - 7.00 - Discourses on Bhagavadgeet
Dec 15 8.00 pm by Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha

*There will be no discourse on Dec 12.

September 2016
52

September 2016
53

While in CIRD Jamshedpur, Swami Nirviseshananda Tirthaji will


conduct a 2-week residential retreat on Enlightened Living from
Dec 03 to 16 for registered participants (age group 25-50),
selected from the applicants. Filled application form (available
on request by e-mail), must reach the Ashram by Oct 30, 2016.

Poojya Swamiji and M will start back for the Ashram on Nov 30.
They will arrive in the Ashram by Dec 05. Nutan Swamiji will
return to the Ashram by Dec 20.

Contact in Jamshedpur: CIRD JSR (0657) 223-1090; Dr. NK


Das 9234510650; Smt. Neera Nandwani 9835120218; Sri
Subrata Chakraborty 9386802961; Smt. Indu Pandey
9234605079.

Events Report

Guruprim and Retreat in the Ashram: The sacred


Guruprim was celebrated in the Ashram on July 19 in a festive
mood. Smt. Maya and Sri Rajesh (from Bangalore) performed
the pda-pooj on behalf of all devotees.

Guruprima was also celebrated at CIRD-Delhi, CIRD-


Jamshedpur, SIRD-Malaysia, CIRD-NA (USA), Mumbai,
Kolkata and Pune. Detailed report appears on page 21.

Anna-Vastra-Dna Satram (Jul 26): About 7000 families


received 3 kg of rice, a sari or bedsheet, and sweet prasdam
each in the Daana Satra held at the Ashram on Jul 26, the last
day of the annual Retreat. Mtji ivapriyji from Vyasa
Tapovanam, Brahmarshi Devapalan from Sanatana
Dharmashrama Padur, and Swami Nigamananda Tirthapada from
Omkarashramam (Desamangalam) also participated in distributing
the dna items.

September 2016
54

Anna Vastra Dna Satram


in the Ashram (Jul 26)

Poojya Swamiji along with boys from the village,


during AVDS preparations

September 2016
55

Jna-yaja in Malaysia: (Aug 10 - 24). Poojya Swamiji


along with M Gurupriyji was in Malaysia conducting annual
Jna-yaja. Program details will be published next month.

Aug 15: Independence Day was observed in the Ashram in a


solemn manner. Nutan Swamiji hoisted the National Flag with
the fervent singing of the National anthem and Vande Mataram
by the Ashram residents and staff.

September 2016

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