Vicharsetu Nov 12b

Vicharasethu November 2012
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There is a subtle entity beneath the external objects the senses
perceive all around. And that is what truly makes the object
world emerge. When you are able to perceive this subtle
substratum, the surrounding objects will not physically
disappear. With the physical grossness encircling you, mentally
you have to overwhelm and sublimate the influence of the
gross. That will take you to the wonderful realization that the
subtle is verily the source of the gross, and is infinitely vaster
than the gross. That alone will then shine as real, and all
others as appearance.
Swamiji
Contents
Science of Inner Redemption 42
King Bhageerathas Spiritual Quest - II 03
Verses for Introspection 24
Remembering the Lord Here & Now M Gurupriy 12
Days in USA - I M Gurupriy 15
USA Jna Yaja 2012 Devotees (USA) 22
Correspondence
Experiencing the Divine Within 33
News & Notes 35
Na r a y a n a s h r a ma Ta p o v a n a m
Venginissery, P.O. Ammadam, B.O. Paralam, Thrissur, Kerala 680563. Tel. (0487)
2277963/2278302/2278363
email: ashram1@gmail.com; www.SwamiBhoomanandaTirtha.org
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Science of Inner Redemption 42
(Series on Yoga-vsiha, Nirva-prakaraa)
King Bhageerathas Spiritual Quest II
Transformation of King Bhageeratha
King Bhageeratha received the spiritual instructions from his Guru, Sage
Tritala, with utmost earnestness. The effect was truly stunning! Sage Vasiha
explained to prince Sri Rama, the transformation that took place in King
Bhageeratha:
-- +|-- - +
--- - -+|a ++
--||+ ++ --- +
|s-- |---- |-- ++
|+- - -|--- +
-.:- - ++
|+ --t+|--+- +
---- -|- - - ++ ++
- -- --- - -- -- +
- :- + - ++
(6p.75.2-5,7)
A few days passed, and he (Bhageeratha) performed Agnioma (a
protracted ritual) to gain the benefit of complete renunciation.
(As part of the ceremony,) he gave away cows, land, horses, jewels
and the rest, exhausting all his wealth, to the twice-born (dvijas)
and relatives, disregarding their merits or demerits (with an
impersonal note).
Giving away everything he had, King Bhageeratha became a total
destitute in three days, left with only the life-breath in his body.
Bereft of all wealth and possessions, he gifted his extensive kingdom,
like a blade of grass, to his enemy, causing torment to his own
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citizens.
(Then) he lived boldly and confidently in far off villages where he
was neither known by name nor by face.
Imagine how the illustrious king could not escape
feeling a void in his heart, which the throne and
royal opulence could not redress! When spiritual
quest and awakening overtakes the mind, external
world can offer no solace. To such a zealous heart,
nothing but in-depth renunciation and austerity could offer the needed
appeasement and remedy. It is in line with this intense dispassion, that
Sage Tritala instructed the splendid note of renunciation gifting the
kingdom to his enemy and resorting to begging for livelihood.
Ours is a holy land where people for countless generations have revelled in
leading a life of renunciation, preserving the body by seeking alms (bhik).
The renunciate, seeking bhik, is held in the highest esteem. Giving bhik
to a mendicant, piously feeding the ascetic travellers, has the spiritual effect
of redeeming the giver as well as his family of all sins, both past and future!
To be a parivrjaka (an ascetic traveller) implies austerity of such a lofty
order.
Sage Tritala enjoined that ascetic mission on Bhageeratha; and the King
instantly heeded it in full. This is not a solitary event in this land. Our
tradition carries ineffable religious culture and sanction, not to speak of the
spiritual grace and splendour.
From palatial grandeur to voluntary penury
In order to empower and express his resolve ceremonially, Bhageeratha
performed Agnioma, a Vedic sacrifice, to mark his transition from the royal
life to that of a mendicant. The king went on gifting away money, gold,
silver, cows, and other articles until he exhausted all his possessions, making
himself a total destitute. What more? The land he ruled he gifted to his
neighbouring king who was inimical to him. To give the needy and noble is
laudable, but to include even enemies in the list of such recipients calls for
When spiritual quest
and awakening
overtakes the mind,
external world can
offer no solace.
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great impartial and impersonal outlook. Such can be the equanimity, the
Samatva-vision, that one makes no preference between a friend and a foe!
King Bhageeratha excelled in this.
Do not set limits to human mind, its zeal, fervour and excellence! All know
how the young prince Rama himself, the incumbent of Sage Vasihas
instruction, resolved to abandon his coronation and leave the palace, no
sooner than his stepmother, Kaikeyi, asked him to do so. About her
unsparing and harsh demands, he said: Dear step mother, only this much!
Before the sun sets today, Rama will have left Ayodhya. He merely needed
some time to apprise and console his mother and the rest, to get them stand
by him in support.
Can human mind invoke and muster such splendid resolve and readiness?
And when it does, what would be the aftermath and the reward? The
salutary impact it instituted in the minds and hearts of the people permeated
so powerfully in our land that it has ever since remained the warp and
woof of our culture and civilization.
These instances may have an epic note in content and dimension, but the
effects they forged and preserved have shaped the history of our people.
Yes, the character and behaviour of many a man and woman in this land
have excelled to incorporate and display this kind of inner spiritual elegance.
In being able to attain this lofty dimension, lies even today the lasting
fortune of our citizens, especially the earnest and dedicated seekers.
Witnessing what the zealous King did, his subjects felt afflicted and
dislodged at heart. But the call of renunciation was so strong in
Bhageerathas heart that he did not stop to think of anything else.
What delights a human heart is not bodily
comforts and luxuries, but the grace and splendour
of spiritual resignation. This is not an appeal or
compulsion to be ratified by sensory reason or
material logic. The call of dispassion and the urge
it unleashes are so sublime, instantaneous and
wholesome, that a devout heart cannot wait any more. Right and wrong,
What delights a human
heart is not bodily
comforts and luxuries,
but the grace and
splendour of spiritual
resignation.
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morality and its opposites, public esteem and scorn all these are but
indulgences of the worldly mind. For one under spiritual quest, the response
transcends all these.
This is what the story of King Bhageeratha illustrates. Qualities of the mind
and heart are as profound and meaningful today as they were ages ago,
and will be millennia hence.
The King soon reached unknown villages and settlements,
where none could recognize him. How could his heart
court so covetously such stark privation, leaving aside all
the royal pomp and glory? The mind is not matter, while
the body and senses are. What is pleasing to the senses is
of no avail to the mind. The inner mind and heart need subtle spiritual
nourishment and embellishment.
Purificatory effects of parivrajana
s---- +-- t--+- +
-- --- |-----|- ++
--s-|- --- ++|--+-- +
-- - t- ---- ++
--- - t-|--- -- +
-- --- - |---- ++
t- - |- t|-.-| -|- +
-+-.------- ++
(6p.75.8-10,12)
Thus in a short time, all desires being extinct, with extreme
quietitude, he attained restfulness in his own Self.
Rambling in a number of islands on earth, at one time chance
brought him helplessly to his own erstwhile land, occupied now by
the enemy.
Led by the current of time, he went abegging to the citizens and
ministers of what was once his own kingdom.
What is
pleasing to the
senses is of no
avail to the
mind.
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Even when besought by his enemy king: O lord, kindly take back
the kingdom and rule it, he refused the offer like a blade of grass;
he merely wanted a few morsels of food.
Wandering as an ascetic is the highest form of physical sdhan, a strong
limb of spiritual pursuit. It has tremendous effects, visible and invisible
alike. Bhageeratha, in contrast to what he was while sitting on the throne,
found himself altogether light, free and delightful.
Desire and passion, however deep-rooted they were, became extinct, making
the mind shine like the sentient sky, spreading delightful splendour. All
care, caution and concern vapourized. The bodily plight did not hinder
this sovereign transparence, abundance and expansion. While the body
moved on the earth, the inner personality remained restful on its own
exquisite essence. The ease and felicity that reigned were ineffable.
Bhageeratha continued to ramble. In the universe,
which is like an unbounded sphere, every motion,
small or big, is cyclic. Thus, before long in the hands
of Providence, the ascetic king found himself in the
land he lorded over so endearingly once. And he
waited at the gates of his erstwhile citizens and ministers residences for
bhik! Recognizing him and reminded of his merits as well as benevolence,
all of them jointly besought him to accept the throne again, for granting
them the same benevolent rule. But it was of no avail. Accepting but a few
morsels of food for his hungry stomach, he bypassed them, empowered all
the more by the spirit of renunciation.
What an astonishing dimension of an enlightened and dispassionate mind!
The delight that possessions bring is far inferior to what dispossession
bestows.
Magnificence of Guru-iya bond
+|-|-|r- --.- -- +
-. +|-|- -+- |-- ++
The delight that
possessions bring
is far inferior to
what dispossession
bestows.
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------ -||-- +
--- ++|-- t- |-- - ++
s|- |--- |---- - -s-|-- +
---+ ---+ - - - --- ++
(6p.75.13,14,18)
Spending a few days there, he went to another place, while the
people lamented: Oh! What great difficulties to our King
Bhageeratha!
With a placid mind, restful in his own inmost essence, delightful,
revelling in his inner Self, he happened to reach his own Teacher
Tritala.
(Resolving upon the life of denial and withdrawal,) resting in their
own Self, they (the Guru and the iya) moved together from forest
to forest, devoid of pleasure, displeasure or the state in between, but
steeped in supreme blissfulness.
Before long, Bhageeratha reached Sage Tritalas feet. To meet the Guru is the
greatest festivity for a devout seeker. And to live in his beloved company is
ecstatic and enlightening. The sublimity and magnificence of spiritual
wisdom, a mystery eluding even the intelligent, become enchantingly express
in character, behaviour and interaction in the presence of the Teacher. Life
with the Guru will always be a new unfoldment and expansion.
Tritala was greatly pleased with Bhageeratha, in that
the royal disciple had heeded the Teacher s
instruction wholesomely and in all earnestness.
Devotees, in spite of their full surrender to God, do
not ever have a chance to interact with Him. They
know not what their beloved Lord wishes them to
do. The curtain of invisibility veils their object of devotion. But in front of
the Guru, this obstacle disappears. The Guru is there in person to see, hear
and speak to the disciple in all mutual fondness and concern.
That intimacy led Tritala, the Guru, to join Bhageerathas peripatetic life,
Devotees, in spite of
their full surrender
to God, do not ever
have a chance to
interact with their
beloved Lord.
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changing its direction suddenly. Leaving villages and towns, the Teacher
took his disciple to dense forests, where they were greeted by wild trees,
shrubs, bushes, creepers, plants and a variety of animals, birds and other
beings. In the unsullied atmosphere immersed in solitude, the mind effortlessly
rose to rare heights of expansion and jubilation.
The body, enlivened intensely by the inner spiritual radiance, imbibed such
rare characteristics that are reserved only for ascetics and even today remain
the cherished dream of zealous seekers. To live and move closely with the
Guru, coming to know how he lives and interacts, hearing what he says,
gleaning his unspoken thoughts and visions, is the last grace and grandeur
any good seeker can look for!
Loka-sagraha the chosen path of the Wise
- t+- | -+- --- +
--- - + -- |- ++
- -- |-- -|-- +
-|- -- - ---|-- ++
(6p.76.2,3)
(In due course of time), overtaken by anarchy and lawlessness, the
people felt tormented, and went out in search of a King, endowed
with qualities, and a broad mind (to take up the saddle of rule).
They met the poised King Bhageeratha, living on alms. Recognizing
him well, they brought him with honour, gave charge of the army,
and made him sit on the throne.
The plight of the subjects in the kingdom had become so bad that it resulted
in total anarchy. Plunder and pillage rampant, cruelty escalated, people got
stifled on every front. Many joined in searching frantically for a suitable
person, to hold the reins of Administration.
And lo, they spotted their King Bhageeratha, in ragged clothes and unkempt
body, nonetheless with matchless radiance and benign grace. The spirit of
fraternity still reigned in his countenance. Falling at his feet, they presented
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their distress, beseeching him to come back and take the saddle of rule.
His benign heart responded, as by then, he had
already gained the reward of asceticism. Freed from
all quest and affectation, he clearly felt assured of his
inner poise and fullness. Obliging their earnestness,
he went back and sat on the throne as an enlightened
ruler.
- - --|- -- +
--:-----|-: - ++
- ---- -- - |-- +
t--+++ |-|-|- ++
(6p.76.5,10)
People then shouted: Here is Bhageeratha, our lord; may he be
victorious forever. The noise thereof reached the farthest mountains,
and echoed in hollow caves.
He continued to discharge the duties of royalty without the least
dismay or disquiet. He was quite calm and serene in his mind,
reserved in his speech, and devoid of passions, envy and selfishness.
To rule the kingdom is verily to ensure the prosperity as well as felicity of
the people. For this, the ruler must be able to dissolve his individual ego
and imbibe the much-needed expanse and elevation, which alone will
empower him to feel for the people and world at large.
Contrary to the popular notion that spiritual
wisdom and its bounties are reserved for the
ascetics, who eschew worldly life altogether, Sage
Vasiha presents King Bhageeratha, who, after a
life of intense austerities and wandering, still
agrees to take up the mantle of public
administration. Spiritual enlightenment equips one to take up any task and
pursue it well. Public Administration is no exception. Generally, spiritual
stalwarts do not get involved in secular missions, restricting themselves to
Freed from all quest
and affectation, he
clearly felt assured
of his inner poise
and fullness.
Spiritual enlightenment
equips one to take up
any task and pursue it
well. Public
Administration is no
exception.
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knowledge-pursuit and dissemination. Nonetheless, no pursuit or
involvement is debarred to them.
We have rare instances in which illustrious ascetic luminaries have taken
up worldly pursuits, finding the society in dire need of powerful, righteous
and enlightened leadership. Vidyraya, Madhusdana Sarasvati,
akarchrya held such distinctions. However, the genesis of this lies far
earlier, as Vasiha narrates, in King Bhageeratha, whose epic example had
been the beacon for one and all.
(to be continued)
* * *
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Verses for Introspection 24
Remembering the Lord Here & Now
M Gurupriy
+ -+-+-z+--~---
- |- --- +
tt- ++-|--
+--| - +-- ++
ka tvadya-padapakaja-pajarnte
adyaiva me viatu mnasa-rjahasa: ,
pra-praya-samaye kapha-vta-pittai:
kahvarodhana-vidhau smaraa kutaste .
Mukundaml 33
O Ka! May my swan-like mind enter the cage of Your lotus feet,
today itself. Because, at the time of death, when the throat gets choked
with phlegm, wind and bile, how can one remember You!
Points for Introspection
Life in this world is like an ocean. As in the ocean, huge fearful waves arise
continuously, so do in our life in the world. Continuously we are hit by big
or small waves of difficulties, torments and troubles. We are always afraid
of getting drowned or being swept by the waves.
While we are surrounded by the waves of tension, anxiety, and fear, we find
that relief and peace is had only when we rely on God, feel His presence in
our heart, and try to surrender all our troubles at His feet, with the faith
that He alone can remove all our sorrows and difficulties.
Although we experience this relief at various moments, we are not able to
sustain these feelings. As soon as the problems are over and happiness
reigns, we forget God. We do not make God a part of our daily life. We
think of Him and pray to Him only when in trouble. Had we grown a habit
of remembering Him always lovingly, we would have no problem in facing
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the fierce waves of worldly tribulations. Alas, we are ignorant of this Truth.
Many think and believe that pursuit of God-remembrance can be taken up
only when one is old and has completed all responsibilities. Most of the
people say: Where is the time to think of God when we are young and
active? We are extremely busy throughout the day in performing our daily
activities and carrying out our responsibilities. There is no time to spend in
remembrance of God or pursue spirituality. Surely, when we grow old and
become free from our responsibilities, we will have abundant time to think
about God.
Alas! That auspicious time, although contemplated upon, never comes. When
one grows old, the body gets troubled by various diseases. As a result,
whole focus of ones mind goes to the suffering of the body. How can the
suffering mind, overtaken by the aches and pains of the body, remember
God?
Also, since the mind has not been trained to be still
at the Lords feet, it roams about here and there
even in old age, running behind objects of sensory
pleasures or thoughts of past and future. An
untrained mind, which knows only to run behind
worldly objects, cannot focus on God in old age, however much it may try
to do so.
However, very few people think deeply and understand this Truth. A few
rare souls alone understand using their viveka, that to get peace, contentment,
and joy, one must remember God always, feeling His presence in the heart.
In this loka, the devotee cries out: O Krishna, my supreme Lord, I find my
mind to be very restless. Like a swan flying to great distances and heights,
my mind too wanders off from Your Feet to distant objects, places and events,
pulling me into unhappiness and sorrow.
O Lord, just as a swan is able to drink the milk separating the water from
it, so also may my mind be able to discriminate the real from the unreal, the
eternal from the ephemeral. May my mind be able to understand that all the
An untrained mind,
which knows only to
run behind worldly
objects, cannot focus
on God.
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worldly allurements behind which it runs after relentlessly, are unreal and
transitory; that Thy holy feet alone are eternal and imperishable. So, my
Lord, I pray to Thee: Let my swan-like mind be imprisoned in the cage of
Thy holy feet so that it cannot fly away anymore, but is compelled to be at
Your feet and think about You.
Let my mind enter the cage of your abode right today. I do not want to
wait till old age, to be surrendered at Your feet. I want to be Yours right
now. For I know, in old age the troubles of my body will become too
prominent troubles due to phlegm, arthritis and bile. So much so, that my
whole mind will be focused on my body and its various ailments. I will not
be able to remember You at all. My voice will have no strength to call You.
So, O Lord, make my mind a prisoner at Your lotus feet right now, so that it
cannot fly away anywhere and remains at Your holy feet eternally.
What a beautiful loka! While chanting this loka, a great conviction arises
in the mind, that Lords holy feet is the supreme abode; a yearning grows in
the mind to be surrendered to the Lord right now, without delay.
Word Meaning
Eh (ka) = O Lord Krishna; in (tvadya) = your; {n-{REV-{\Vxi
(pada-pakaja-pajarnte) = in the cage of Your lotus feet; +t (adya) =
today; B (eva) = itself; (me) = my; i (viatu) = may enter; xV:
(mnasa-rjahasa:) = the swan-like mind; |h-|h (pra-praya-
samaye) = when the life forces are about to leave the body; Ei{k:
(kapha-vta-pittai:) = by phlegm, wind and bile; E h` v x v
(kahvarodhana-vidhau ) = in the condition of throat being choked; h
(smaraa) = remembrance; Ei: (kuta:) = how; i (te) = your.
-
() Eh! xV: in {n{REV{\Vxi +t B i * |h|h
Ei{k: Eh`vxv i h Ei: *
(Hey) Ka! me mnasa-rjahasa: tvadya padapakaja-pajarnte adya
eva viatu, pra-praya-samaye kapha-vta-pittai: kahvarodhana-
vidhau te smaraa kuta:.

15
Days in USA - I
(E-mails sent from USA during the CIRD-NA Jna Yaja)
M Gurupriy
20 September 2012 (Thursday)
There is a small table and chair kept near my window. The idea is that I
should be able to see the scenery outside while working at the table. Just in
front of the window, there is a big tree whose branches are stretching up
towards the sky as if to greet the Creator. The sunrays are falling on my bed
through the leaves of this tree while the leaves themselves are shining in
the morning sun. Through the window I can see the clean and wide road,
which runs through the neighbourhood. The road is dotted with cottage-
type cute houses on both sides some single-storied and some double-
storied. Every house has beautifully trimmed lawns laced with flowerbeds.
There are a few shady trees in every house. On the whole, each compound
looks like scenes from fairy tales.
I was told that the tree outside my window is an oak tree. There is one
more oak tree in the garden. In between the two oaks is a maple tree. The
atmosphere now is announcing the advent of the fall where except for the
evergreens, the leaves change colour green to yellow to red, bright red,
orange, maroon, etc.. The change of colour has just started. At the peak of
the fall, there is a riot of colours all around. Last year, since we had come
one month later, we were able to see the fall at its peak.
This area is known as McLean. As you all may know, we are staying with
Pankaj and Anu this year. They have packed away all their things to their
friends houses. The kitchen has been completely vacated. For the time being,
this house has become the ashram. All volunteers are coming and going
freely. There are a few new volunteers also. Food has been arranged for
everybody.
With love, M
16
23 September 2012 (Sunday)
The Experiential Vedanta programme started on 21st. After the first session
in the morning, we started getting ready for our journey to New York City.
The rest of the sessions on 21
st
, and all but the last session next day were
conducted by Nutan Swamiji. We were to take the 4:00pm Amtrak train
from the Union station, Washington DC. Pankaj and Mala went in a taxi
about 10 minutes ahead of us. Bharat drove us (Poojya Swamiji, myself,
Namrata) in his car. Bharat somehow took a wrong route. The result was:
Pankaj and Mala reached the station in 15 minutes, and we took 70 minutes.
You can imagine our condition! Even at 3.30pm we were quite sure that we
would miss the train. And we did! We reached the station at 4:00pm.
Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and M with devotees in Virginia, USA
17
All along Pankaj was in touch with us. On reaching, we found that he had
already fixed a porter with a trolley. The Amtrak trains between DC and
NYC are there every hour. We entered the station and Pankaj dashed towards
the booking counter to book for the next train. But, tickets for the 5:00pm
and 6:00pm trains were all sold out, and we got tickets only for the 7:00pm
train. What to do now? We could not have gone back home and come again.
Poojya Swamiji chose to spend the time in the station itself. We were worried
thinking how tired Poojya Swamiji would become. We would reach New
York only by 9.45pm. That too in a completely new place!
We decided to sit near a food-joint in the station and occupied one of their
tables. They wont allow us to sit unless we ordered something. So two
glasses of iced-tea were ordered.
The station is really a grand one having a royal look. But, there was a
terrible sound in the station. On observation it was clear that nobody was
shouting in particular. With the huge volume of people going in and out,
the sound of rolling suitcases and people talking to each other produced a
deafening noise. How to spend three hours there? Very soon Poojya Swamiji
suggested that we could drive around through the streets of Washington DC
and see the places of importance. Pankaj and Namrata stayed back with
luggage. Poojya Swamiji, Mala, and myself went for the so-called joyride.
Not to take any chance, Bharat was told by everybody to be back by 6:00pm
sharp.
We went past many places of importance the Senate House, Washington
monument, National archives, etc. We saw the White House from a distance;
there was no chance of driving close to it. There were lots of tourists. Mostly
they were walking. But some were travelling in the open roof top buses,
sitting on the upper deck of the bus with no roof above.
Poojya Swamiji and myself have seen the Washington DC area earlier also.
But, for Mala it was the first time. This is her maiden visit to US. As we
were driving around, we happened to see cycle-rickshaw in the capital of
US! You can imagine our amusement. Never expected such a sight. Also,
saw pot-holes, broken roads, and unattended old buildings too!
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When I came to know that this was Malas first visit to USA, I thought over
and over again how selflessly she has taken up this task of service to Poojya
Swamiji. She never shows any wish for sight-seeing. She has come a few
days before us and will return on the same day of our departure. She doesnt
seem to be having any other aim than to cook for Poojya Swamiji, Nutan
Swamiji and myself, apart from helping us in almost everything.
We went back to the station by about 6.30pm. Our porter friend had arranged
for a buggy car, which would carry all of us as well as our luggage. This
was very thoughtful of him as we could do away with the wheelchair
now. This man turned out to be very helpful and friendly. He took the buggy
car near to the train to a point, that we were the first to board. We chose
nice seats (There is no advance seat booking. One can sit anywhere one
likes to.) It is a very fast train and well maintained. The train journey was
very comfortable. Poojya Swamiji took his dinner in the train itself. We had
carried his food.
Poojya Swamiji and M with devotees in California, USA
19
Dr. Kumar was supposed to meet us in the Penn Station, New York City. He
was supposed to buy vegetarian food for all of us. Although Pankaj tried to
contact him over mobile, it was not successful. So, what happened?
With love, M
24 September 2012 (Monday)
While in the Ashram we had decided to take the 4:00pm Amtrak, so that we
would reach NYC by 6.45pm. That would give us enough time to settle
down in the new place, was our thought. Now, having missed that train
everything would get delayed. Anyway, nothing could be done about it. We
were a bit worried that Dr. Kumar could not be contacted, and were
wondering what he would do not finding us in the station!
Our train started sharp at 7pm. Two rows of double seats on either side of
the aisle. Poojya Swamiji and Pankaj sat together, Mala and myself sat next
to each other, and Namrata sat alone and had all the time to herself to take
a good rest. Mala and myself also fell asleep after some time, only to wake
up to serve food to Poojya Swamiji. Pankaj and Poojya Swamiji kept talking
to each other. Soon after the train started, Pankaj got a call from Dr. Kumar.
He was obviously quite anxious not finding us at the station at 6:45pm. He
was upset with Pankaj for not informing him in time. Actually, Pankaj could
not contact him over mobile and had left messages at his home number.
Nobody was there at his home, it seems. All kinds of confusion!
Pankaj heard Dr. Kumar patiently without defending himself. Poojya Swamiji
who was a witness to the phone conversation praised Pankaj for being able
to handle such situations with poise and unaffectedness. Dr. Kumar called
again, this time in his own self, lovingly trying to plan out our late arrival in
NYC. It seems, he, with his younger son Heath (a young lawyer) had earlier
come to the NY Penn station and discussed the modality of receiving Poojya
Swamiji at NYC. This was the first time ever that he had this great opportunity
of taking care of Poojya Swamiji (and party). You know how he loves Poojya
Swamiji and the Ashram! You can understand his disappointment as well as
frustration when he did not find Poojya Swamiji, M and others! It seems
20
both of them went up and down the platform several times to locate us. But,
we were nowhere to be found!
The train entered NYC Penn station at 9.45pm sharp. We got down and got
busy getting a porter with a trolley. There was no buggy car in sight, nor
could we get hold of a wheel chair. The platform was quite long. How will
I walk such a long distance, was the question! Poojya Swamiji told me to
walk slowly and not to try keeping pace with others in the group. So, I
started walking. Had to use the escalator at various places. A very busy
station indeed!
Now the problem was, how to find Dr. Kumar? He had asked Pankaj to
give him a ring on his mobile once we reached the station and alighted
from the train. While we were busy following the porter, Pankaj suddenly
turned back and said smilingly that Dr. Kumars phone was giving the
message, I have no clue where my mobile is. As soon as I locate it, I will
give you a ring. So we were left with no other option than to stand at a
place and wait for his call. We were lucky! Within seconds we saw him
going past us hurriedly with an anxious look on his face. He had not seen
us and had we not seen him, we would definitely have missed each other.
Oh! The smile on his face! He simply fell prostrate at his Bhagavns holy
feet. Now he became our guide and started leading us to the car where
Heath was waiting. On the way he was describing how he felt when he did
not see us. Again the next moment, he would describe very lovingly what
all food he had bought for us. His being around was such a relief!
We started driving towards Manhattan, the heart of NYC, where we were to
stay in the Marriott hotel arranged by the organizers of Global Indian
Business Meet (GIBM). Dr. Kumar also had booked a room there so that he
would be near us and be of help. On our way, Dr. Kumar and Heath gave
commentaries on how Manhattan is always busy and full of people, even
throughout the night!
Suddenly the car stopped in front of the Marriott hotel, right on Manhattan
21
It is easy to grow love and intimacy for one whom we can see,
whose qualities we know. But how to be fond of that One whom
we cannot see or know? To cultivate love for God, we must
constantly listen to His glory, read and contemplate on His
qualities and characteristics, and revel in them. Only then the
fondness for the Invisible will dawn and become deep, strong
and stable.
Swamiji
busy street and in Time Square. If Pankaj and Dr. Kumar were not there, we
would have simply got lost. The hotel is very high and our rooms were on
the 36th floor. We settled down and all of us took food so lovingly brought
by Dr. Kumar.
(to be continued)
* * *
22
USA Jna Yaja 2012
Virginia
Anuradha Bhatia
Preparations and planning for the USA Jna Yaja 2012 in Sept-Oct.
commenced about 3 months earlier. A sense of understanding and the
recognition of the benefits of Poojya Swamijis teachings in daily life propelled
CIRD-NA volunteers to share the news of Jna Yaja with their friends
and family to ensure maximum participation. They promulgated the news
of the various programmes through flyers at prime locations like temples,
libraries, community centers, and colleges; and by sending emails, through
word of mouth and so forth.
It was encouraging to see some devotees, who have come in the fold only
recently, serve Poojya Swamijis mission by taking up more and more
Poojya Swamiji at the Global Indian Business Meet, New York (Sep 22)
23
responsibilities with dedication to make the Jna Yaja possible and
eventually successful.
Newer outreach efforts were undertaken by devotees and disciples to ensure
that a greater number of people have the rare opportunity to listen to Poojya
Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji, and M, and thereby live a more meaningful and
fulfilling life. The momentum was intensified through regular Satsangs, and
Skype Satsangs with Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and M during the monthly
Viu Sahasranma japam sessions held rotationally at the homes of different
devotees.
CIRD volunteers displayed fervour in their service, heartily taking up
innumerable tasks like purchasing groceries, transporting and arranging
furniture, arranging the satsang hall for lectures, arranging the bhakti-bhoj
for volunteers and invitees, winding up, and so forth.
Poojya Swamiji along with Nutan Swamiji and M
at the Experiential Vedanta Programme (Sep 21-23)
24
They were joined by Mala and Swati, who specially travelled from Delhi to
serve their Guru. Tirelessly working throughout the day, leaving no stone
unturned in carrying out the daily chores, both of them left an indelible
mark on our hearts and minds, setting an example of selfless service and
sacrifice.
The first programme of the Jna Yaja, Experiential Vedanta The Way
to Transform Life, saw a number of seekers from different parts of USA
specially travel to Virginia, taking leave from their office and home
responsibilities. The three days of unique and enlightening sessions were
conducted by Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and M. While Swamiji, accompanied
by M, traveled to New York after the inaugural session on 21st Sept, Nutan
Swamiji continued the Experiential Vedanta sessions in Virginia.
On 22nd, Poojya Swamiji addressed the Global Indian Business Meet at the
Marriot, New York City, returning immediately to Virginia to rejoin the
Nutan Swamiji speaking on Bhagavadgeet (Sep 27-30)
25
ongoing 3-day Experiential Vedanta programme.
Next week, when Poojya Swamiji went to California accompanied by M,
we got an opportunity to serve and interact with Nutan Swamiji. His subtle
sense of humor and cheerfulness, even in ill-health, was something we all
loved. Marked with brilliance and scientific orientation, his lectures on
Bhagavadgeet A Revolutionary Message for Transforming Life were
well received, with many seekers expressing a feeling of gaining greater
clarity on the fundamental concepts in spiritual sdhan.
After Poojya Swamiji and M returned from California, M delivered lectures
on Divinizing Daily Life, the content of which went straight to peoples
heart. This became evident as tears trickled down the eyes of both men and
women!
Poojya Swamijis series on Quietitude of the Mind, based on Yogavsiha
Rmyaa was the concluding programme of the Jna Yaja. As always,
Poojya Swamijis talks were charged with inspiration and enlightenment.
Devotees & their children regularly conducted bhajans
26
Some shed tears, as Swamiji expounded the eternal truths with cogent
arguments to bring home the message that reliance on the Supreme alone
can provide solace and everlasting joy to human beings. This joy evades us
as we scramble through lifes challenges, striving for desires, thereby getting
entangled in our own preferences and prejudices.
Three weeks passed and the Jna Yaja came to an end. After seeing off
Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and M at the airport, we came back to the
empty house. The house, which for three weeks was so vibrant with Poojya
Swamijis divine presence, and with his devotees loving participation and
service, now resonated with sublime memories that we will cherish all our
life!
The sadness filled us with a sense of deep longing for the next Jna Yaja
on one hand, while on the other, made us think how we need to grow in
our sdhan so that the physical distance between our Guru and us makes
us think of him all the more. After some thinking, the answer emerged as if
Smt. Shanti and Sri Natarajan performing pda-pooj (Sep 27)
27
from the pain itself: instead of getting dejected by sadness, we must get
uplifted by it to state wherein we go beyond sadness, dropping the
preferences and prejudices, and accepting both alike.
First Viu Sahasranma Mah Yaja in Virginia (Oct 06)
Lata Ganesh
When Poojya Swamiji visited the US in October 2011, he had asked our
small group comprising a dozen volunteers in CIRD-NA to take up the
practice of chanting Viu Sahasranma during our regular weekly Satsang,
and to conduct a larger group Viu Sahasranma Japa once a month to
spread awareness. Swamiji also told us that if we complete 51 such Japas,
he will himself come and conduct the Viu Sahasranma Mah Yaja in
the US.
The group took up the weekly practice with great enthusiasm and sublimity.
The first monthly event of Viu Sahasranma Japa was conducted in
December 2011. As we progressed with the weekly and monthly chanting,
Swamijis Grace flowed and participation increased. We were also fortunate
to have Swamiji, M and Nutan Swamiji to speak to the group via Skype
from Thrissur and on one occasion from Delhi, during Swamijis travel.
In April/May of this year, it was confirmed that Poojya Swamiji would visit
the US in September-October, and that we should go ahead with preparation
for the Mah Yaja. We were delighted, at the same time nervous thinking
of the enormity of the task. This event would be the first of its kind a
unique spiritual event -- and we were conscious of the logistic constraints
at all levels, starting with participant registration. But our group, with great
devotion and surrender to Swamiji, marched ahead.
The first step taken was to order 51 brass lamps from Kerala. One of our
group members, Raghuji, made all the arrangements and the lamps were on
their way from Trivandrum to New York. Next to be considered was the
location for the event. The officials of Durga temple in Virginia readily agreed
for conducting the Mah Yaja at their basement hall. With these two
essential requirements met, we went ahead preparing for the event. Regular
28
Skype sessions were held to seek guidance from Poojya Swamiji, M and
Nutan Swamiji. Namrataji was our anchor and she clarified all our questions.
Ashwinijis detailed notes on how the Yaja used to be conducted in Delhi
paved way for preparing the outline for our event.
Thanks to information technology, we used our skills with photography
and with email communication and Skype sessions, to get all the clarification
and modifications needed for the preparation. All our efforts in organizing
- flowers for the archan, the decoration of the hall and the stage, the search
for a suitable Krishna idol, finding the right Vedi (pedestal) for placing the
lamps, seating arrangement for the participants, audio/visual for the event,
bhakti bhoj started falling in place seamlessly.
Our Swamiji along with M and Nutan Swamiji came to visit the Durga
Temple on Monday (September 24), and they were happy with the hall
facilities. They gave us a few more directions with regard to placement of
lamps and other arrangements.
On October 5, a group of volunteers started working to set up the hall in
Poojya Swamijis discourses on Realize the Self Here & Now at the
Gayatri Consciousness Centre, Anaheim (29, 30 Sep)
29
preparing the Yaja-l and stage, getting the flowers ready for archan,
and the lamps decorated. Leepakshi, Swamijis devotee for many years, took
on the challenging task of designing and decorating the stage and the hall,
and transformed it elegantly. Swamiji, M and Nutan Swamiji visited the
venue and walked around and talked to the volunteers the previous evening
(October 5).
On October 6, the Viu Sahasranma Mah Yaja participants started
arriving around 8:30 am. A number of archan participants had never
chanted Viu Sahasranma before. All the fifty-one lamps were occupied
for archan. We had about 135 archan participants and about 75 as
audience. Powerful and melodious chanting of the mantras by Poojya
Swamiji, M and Nutan Swamiji brought divinity to the Yaja. No words
can describe the feeling of fulfillment felt by the participants. As promised
to us by our dear Swamiji, the Yaja-l was indeed transformed into
Vaikunha for three hours.
Satsang with Poojya Swamiji (Sep 29, 30)
30
At the end of the Yaja, a large number of participants took prasda and
blessings from Poojya Swamiji and expressed their joy and satisfaction in
getting such a unique opportunity. Bhakti-bhoj was served with love and
care by our team of volunteers led by Santhi.
Our small CIRD-NA group members were overwhelmed and humbled by
this experience. A deep sense of faith and surrender to Swamiji made this
magnificent outcome possible.
Irvine, California
S Murthy
Poojya Swamijis program, although starting with a few individuals, soon
turned out to be a full-scale, multi-day festival for many. Yes, like swarming
bees waiting for the honey-laden flower to blossom, many spiritually parched
souls of this dry land eagerly awaited their beloved Swamijis arrival.
Ms discourses on Growth & Enrichment of Devotion (Sep 29,30)
31
They were not disappointed. While even the prior preparations offered ample
opportunities for interactional sdhan, all satsangs with Swamiji and M
were soaked in Brahma-vidy, sometimes running late into the wee hours,
showing the exalted state and yet, the endearing, caring nature of the
Sage and his disciples.
What they heard on Making mind a treasure, Avakra Sahit and
other topics were very potent and valuable for all, including many teenagers.
They loved how Swamiji led them directly into the mind and introspection
of Truth. Ms talks on devotional topics were appealing to many and moved
them to tears listening to her own personal journey and also, on another
occasion, about how strenuous Swamijis loka-sagraha schedule usually is
but how cheerfully he handles it. Devotees were totally at ease in Q&A
Satsangs as they were able to ask questions without any inhibitions. Swamiji
took all questions and questioners seriously and his answers, with
enthusiasm and wit, addressed both.
Earlier, Swamijis frequent reminders that all tasks and interactions be
approached without any constrictions of the mind, helped the hosts to plan
and execute several tasks ahead. They could plan well, identifying and
booking auditoriums, informing about the proposed visit to all individuals
and organizations, who had expressed interest last year to assist, and so
on. Initial doubts and concerns got ironed out quickly, open items got
resolved very well and also ahead of time, as though directed carefully by
some unseen force. Gurus grace led the hosts all the way, in their meticulous
planning and attention to details. Needed purchases for home and for
programs were done months in advance, alterations/re-arrangements at home
completed well in time, ensuring comfortable accommodation for Swamiji
and M.
Many volunteers signed up by themselves for assistance in prasda
preparation/packing, hall and parking arrangements, sound system and
audio/video recording setup, flower collection and garland making, book/
CD counters, and transporting out-of-town devotees to and from the
auditorium. Smt. Padma Kutty trained her students to sing melodious
32
devotional bhajans creating a sublime atmosphere before every Satsang
session.
Before the California trip concluded, devotees fondly insisted that they drive
Swamiji and M around for sight-seeing. Both enjoyed the brief trip to
Disneyland, the famed theme park, and the drive along sunny beaches of
California.
Incessantly reminded of the sublime Truth from the first Guru-archan
session to the last talk on four varas, pururthas and ramas, ghastha-
devotees here have heartily started their sdhan with regular satsangs,
awaiting next visit by Swamiji.
Jai Guru!
33
Correspondence
Experiencing the Divine Within
28 January 2009
Beloved Swamiji:
Swamiji, thank you for responding to my earlier letter with such prompt
and deep concern. I feel truly humbled that in spite of your many important
engagements both at the Ashram and in the larger community, graciously
you find time to write to a distant and casual devotee with such tireless
attention. I marvel at your energy, and feel blessed to receive advice from
you so personally. For me, receiving your letters is such a treat and blessing.
I treasure your words as advice from God Himself
In my heart I am longing to experience the Divine first-hand. This desire
has grown deep and I have become quite impatient to experience It. I was
dissatisfied that God was still an intellectual concept despite my dedicated
faith in Him for years now. I wanted to feel Him, Know Him and be Him or
HER! I know my faith in the Divine is genuine and yet I wanted to go
beyond faith and mere belief
I prostrate at your divine lotus feet with deep love and gratitude for all that
you have been to me. May the Divine keep you close to me always and I
continue to seek your blessings. My love to you, Nutan Swamiji and M.
With love always, K
* * *
7 February 2009
Dear and blessed K:
Hari Om Tat Sat. Your email of 28th January is before me. I read it again.
Spirituality truly proceeds from the heart to the intelligence. But for those
who lack the necessary heartiness, it has to first involve the intellect and
then only touch the heart and mind. For, where are goodness, warmth,
simplicity and earnestness, which really adorn the heart? These are so rare.
So some people tend to be intellectuals, looking for reason and rationality.
34
Hence all this jugglery. It cannot be avoided as long as people think intellect
is the pride and prestige of the human in all fields of excellence.
But in reality, it is the heart that unfolds and bestows
the experience. Let the yearning be there. I often say:
I dont want you to be pure, but I want you to be
yearning to be pure. I dont want you to be a seeker,
but surely you should wish to be one. It is this
earnestness, resignation and identity with it that determine the outcome.
Mostly people lack these.
So, tap your own heart. Sit, feel and generate all the fondness needed. If
and when the day comes and you need an unfolding process, let me know.
Whether you get it or not, you have my blessings as ever.
Our body is a biological aggregate. But it spins and moves with psychological
pulsations. All kinds of thrill and joy emerge from within the body, not from
outside. Objects are seen to arouse experience, but in reality experience by
itself is subjective, not objective at all. Childhood, boyhood, adolescence,
youth and the like are outcomes the potential of the Subject alone brings to
the body.
Any joy is first and last emotional. Emotions belong to the mind. Divine joy
is nothing but a natural, original emotion, resting on the mind. Other
emotions are related to the objects of the world. Can they ever equal the
divine? But this delusion is widespread, even hereditary.
By virtues, more importantly by the fondness and grace of the Sadguru
alone this enlightenment will take place, leading the seeker to delve within
and get at the source. The process is one of unfoldment, spiritual fondness
and resignation.
We are proceeding to Kolkata and Jamshedpur on 10th, to be back on 4th
March.
My love and rvd. M and Nutan Swamiji also send you loving good
wishes.
Antartm, Swamiji
I often say: I dont
want you to be
pure, but I want
you to be yearning
to be pure.
35
SIRD-Malaysia shifts to its new premise: Society for Inner Resources
Development (SIRD)-Malaysia has moved to its new premise at 23, Jalan 11/12,
Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya. The new telephone number is +603-79322023.
On 29th September, many devotees joined in transportation of the items. The
Sunday satsang of 30th Sept was held in Sri Jeyabalasingams home. Following
the guidelines given by Poojya Swamiji, the consecration ceremony at the new
premise was conducted for three days from 4th to 6th October. Guru-pdapooj
was performed on 4th morning with the chanting of 108 nmval of Poojya
Swamiji. This was followed by 108 times recital of Viu Sahasranma by a
group of devotees over 3 days till 6th Oct. With the successful completion of
the consecration ceremony, the first Sunday satsang in the new premise was held
on 7th October. Forty-nine devotees attended the satsang.
Jna-Yaja in USA: Poojya Swamiji along with Nutan Swamiji and M
returned from USA as scheduled, on Oct 12. Ms emails from USA, and detailed
report by devotees on US programme appear in pages 13 to 23.
Jna-Yaja in Chennai: Poojya Swamiji left for Chennai on Oct 24. He
will return to the Ashram on Oct 31.
38th Annual Delhi Jna Yaja: Poojya Swamiji along with M and Nutan
Swamiji will be leaving for Delhi on Nov 14. They will return to the Ashram by
the 1st week of December. Programme details are given in page 28.
Contacts: CIRD: 0120-2698563; Sri Prem Arora: 98100 26906; Sri Y. B. Prasad:
98684 71277, 95603 47334; Sow. Swati Dagur: 98113 21130; Br. Prasanna
Swaroopa: 98180 77380; Sri Sanjay Chakravarty: 98112 03815; Smt. Deepti
Mehrotra: 98108 24642.
News & Notes
36
11th reemad Bhgavata Tattva Sameeksh Satram will be held from
December 23, 2012, to January 1, 2013 in Paralikad Naimishrayam, in the
sacred precincts of Tacchanatthukavu Devi Temple. Narayanashrama Tapovanam
and Hind Navotthana Pratishtan will jointly conduct the event.
More than 30 distinguished exponents, sannysins and scholars, will expose the
listeners to the invaluable inner treasure. Thousands of people are expected to
assemble every day. The arrangements include anna-dna for all, accommodation
for outstation seekers and scholars, the spacious pandal, sound, light, first-aid,
medical help, water disposal, etc.
This great jna-mahotsava (knowledge-festivity), meant to ensure the prosperity
and well-being (kema-magala) of one and all, is intended to instil spirituo-
socio-ethical values and messages, the great Text discusses and presents, making
the society strong and cohesive. Our scriptural texts like reemad Bhgavatam
have the sole object of revealing and inculcating eternal values, which ensure
long-term auspicious growth of the individual, family and society. Hence, events
like reemad Bhgavata Tattva Sameeksh Satram, aiming at disseminating these
eternal values, are always a recurring need of the society.
Processions (ytr) for bringing the (i) ri Krishna idol (ii) Dharma-dhvaja and
(iii) reemad Bhgavata Grantha, will form part of the event. As in the previous
year, there will be a collective Mtyujaya Homam on Dec 23. Also, essay
writing, reemad Bhgavata hymns recital, and elocution competitions are being
arranged for different age groups, to imbue a lasting effect in the society.
Viu-sahasranma Srvajanika Mahyaja, will be on the concluding day
(January 01, 2013), when over 1000 people will perform archan and havana,
with the specific sakalpa of bringing prosperity, unity, inner strength and welfare
for one and all.
37
Oct 24: On the day of Vijaya-daami, Poojya Swamiji initiated many children
into literacy (Vidyrambham) in the traditional manner at Sri Dakshinamoorthy
Temple, Vyasagiri, Wadakkanchery.
* * *

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