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Bi-monthly bulletin of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation

From the Editors desk

World civilization is standing

at crossroads. Man has lost his ability and willpower to discriminate between good and bad. As a result he is enhancing his tendency to drag down the good and trample it under his feet. The latest expression of this is the way the media are trying to dishonor and discredit Pujya Amritananda Mayi Devi. One thing which, we all should understand is that this challenge is not for Amma, but for her devotees who love, adore and worship her for the Universal expression of motherliness she embodies. Matru devo bhava, Vasudhaiva ku-

tumbakam, Universal motherhood, etc. are ideals enshrined in the sanatana dharma which forms the basis of Hinduism wherein lies the strength and glory of Mother India. First and foremost Ammas manifestation of Universal Motherhood is what enchants everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, and nationality. For most people bilogical mother is just a machine fit only to produce children. They have not tasted the deep meaning of Matrudevo Bhava which is a maha-

vakya holding within a great potential for the survival of mankind. Motherhood is the golden thread which connects us with the primeval mother, the principal cause of the universe. Identifying oneself with such an exalted cause is not easily grasped by most of us. Those who are unable to absorb this motherhood feel lost in the torrents of that purifying universal love and are afraid of loosing all their false values. Second point is, Amma gave to temples a new meaning, dimension and practical relevance turning man away from foolish pursuits of rituals and making them concentrate on the Power residing within.

Inside this issue:

WELCOMING OF VIVEKANANDA RATHAM ANNUAL DAY OF SANDIPANI SISUVIHAR NARAYANEEYAM SAPTAHAM GANAPATHI PRATISTHA DIVAS REGULAR ACTIVITIES

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Ammas temples have no commercial aura about them. The deity is very much inside oneself as well as in the temple outside. Through a variety of rituals and pujas the power of the deity is brought within the reach of human mind which brings lot of succour and consolation to the individual. Thirdly, religion got a new meaning and practical relevance when the rituals took the form of tyaga and seva and service of people became the central core of Maths activity. Elsewhere we find service of people leading to their exploitation and religious conversions, often leading to annihilation of the local culture.

All these are capable of generating a lot of jealousy at individual and even at national and international levels, which can find expression only in one way, creating suspicion and hatred among devotees leading to the downfall of the movement. It is upto Ammas devotees to see that we do not fall into their trap and cherish the real values of Motherhood. Let us remember Swami Vivekanandas words that Jealousy is one of the characteristics of Indian people which prevent them from expanding into higher reaches. Let us keep ourselves safe from the octopus grip of jealousy. It is our duty to help the Math in everyway we can to come out from the shadow to Light.

Those who are unable to absorb this motherhood feel lost in the torrents of that purifying universal love and are afraid of loosing all their false values.

Adversities and difficulties are sent by the Divine power to manifest our faculties and capabilities which have been granted to us. We must channelized them for the proper cause only and never for a wrong cause. Ma. Rknathji Ranade

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SWAMIJIS RATHAM ENTERS KERALA

19TH February, Wednesday, Ratham carrying Swamiji entered Kerala at Palaghat after the parikrama of the entire Tamilnadu. Two schools and

Chinmaya College students got the opportunity to receive the ratha in their institution premises and to listen to the lectures on Swamiji delivered by the Ramakrishna Mision Swamiji Swami Veerabhadranandaji and Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi. The fourth programme was at a temple premises of Palaghat. Many eminent guests apart from Didi and Ramakrishna Mission Swamis

were present for the programme. In every place the reception was grand and people especially the students listened to all the speeches with rapt attention.

LET US WORK HARD MY BRETHREN, THIS IS NO TIME FOR SLEEP. ON OUR WORK DEPENDS THE COMING OF THE INDIA OF THE FUTURE.
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

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ANNUAL DAY OF SANDEEPANI SISHUVIHAR

February is the month when we seek the blessings of Sri Ramakrishna on our Sishuvihar children by coinciding their annual day with Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi. On 1st March Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi was celebrated as usual, with the annual day celebration of Sishuvihar. One notable thing was the wholehearted participation of our Samskarvarga children in the festivities through dance, skits, speech and so on. That gave an opportunity for them also to express their talents. Sri P.S.S.Kaimal who was the sub editor of our Vishwa Bhanu (Malayalambimonthly) magazine, was honoured on the occasion. He was recently awarded the Sangeeta SahityaAcedemys Gurudakshina Award. Didi was the chief guest. Adding grace to the occasion was our senior engineer wellwisher of Kendra, Sri R.M.Pavitran who also blessed the children on the occasion. Adding more rhythmic charm to the occasion, the local Thiruvadira group presented an attractive Thiruvadirakali. Four of our UKG children who were to leave us this year were honoured with certificates, shawls, books and above all lighted lamps,emphasising their role in the society as torch bearers of Swamijis message.A new addition to the entertainment was the kitchen dance presented by the mothers of our Sishuvihar children. As usual, prizes were distributed to all the winners of competitions that were held earlier.

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Use all things around you in the best possible way but for a higher purpose only

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NARAYANEEYAM SAPTAHAM
Commemorating Didis seventy eighth year, this year it was decided to have a Narayaneeyam Saptaham rather than the usual Bhagavata Saptaham.

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Sri Kesavan Namboodiri of the Naraneeya Ashramam, Pundanur,Palakad, was ap-

proached and he readily agreed to conduct.Saptaham started on the evening of 5th March, by Sri Kesavan Namboodiri and his team.It continued for seven days. Concluding ceremony was on 12th March. More than 200 people attented everyday. Anandadham was filled with joyous songs and dances in the praise of Lord Guruvayur, especially on Krishna Janma divasam and Rukmini Swamvara day. In the evenings cultural programmes like classical and traditional dances, songs and instrumental music was arranged. Local artists from in and around Kodungallur performed.

GANAPATHI PRATISHTHA DIVASAM 9TH March was the Pratishtha Divasam of our Viveka Ganapathi temple. Early morning Ganapathi Homam and Sri Cakra Puja was conducted by the disciples of Shakti Upasak Dr.Karumatra Vijayan. This was followed by abhisekham and arati of the idol of Ganapathi. In the evening the temple was lighted with lamps and special puja was performed.

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REGULAR ACTIVITIES
YOGA SATRA Yoga Satra for men and women continued on monthly basis. In the month of February there were 15 gents for the morning satra and four ladies for the forenoon class. No new satra was conducted in the month of March, except for a week long class for the Marine construction labourers working in the Azhikode beach area YOGA VARGA For the Yoga Varga average of ten men were present in the early morning class.During weekends they had their Varga on the sea beach. Four to five ladies attended the uaual Yoga Varga each day during the forenoon session. KIDS YOGA Ten to twelve children attended weekly Saturday morning classes. SAMSKARVARGA Twelve to fifteen children attended the weekly Samskarvarga on all Sundays in Anandadham . Fifteen children attended Samskar varga class at Vinayakapuram twice a month on Sundays. KALARI-The Kalari training course conducted by Sri N.Raghugurukan is running smoothly . 15 students have registered for the class three days a week i.e. on every Monday to Wednesday. SWADHYAYA VARGA- Every first Sunday of the month we are having Bhagavat Geeta class taken by Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi. On 2nd February and March we had the class. About 10 people attended. POURNAMI PUJA-Usual monthly Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra Puja was held on 14th February and 15th March on full moon days.

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DIDIS PROGRAMMES DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY-MARCH 2014

1st FEBRUARY 8th FEBRUARY 9th FEBRUARY 11th FEBRUARY

Seminar On Indian CultureAsmabi College Yoga Teachers Meet,Anandadham Geetha Study Class, Anandadham Sanskrit College, PuranattakaraTCR.Inauguration of Students Welfare Programme

12th FEBRUARY 19th FEBRUARY 26th FEBRUARY 27th FEBRUARY

Cheroor-Surya Prabha Ashram. Programme at Palakkad at 3 places Vivek Rathayatra Reception. Chief Guest at Bharat Vidya Mandir Valapad ,Annual Day Programme at Sukritam-Edavilangu Miss Katherine Heyer, Didid friend from Switzerland visited Anandadham and stayed for three days.

1st MARCH 2nd MARCH 5th 12th MARCH 22nd MARCH 23rd MARCH 30thMARCH

Annual Day of Sishuvihar. Geetha Study Class,Anandadham . Narayaneeyam Saptaham Protest Programma for Mata Amritanandamayi, Police Maydan NSS Unit inauguration of Spiritual class. Programme at two places in Kozhikode at Ramakrishna Math and at MATHA.

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Swami Tapasyanandaji Maharaj A Poornakumbha of Knowledge

Dr M. Lakshmi Kumari Swadhaya pravachne matto Taponishto nigudosi Syad anandamayo bhavo Punah punah smaramiste Mitha bashee sabhajayee Paramapoota chittavan Nandanandana varnane Reejya samsara sagaram

This simple sloka was written in adoration of Swami Tapasyanandaji Maharaj by late Pravrajika Shyama Prana Mataji of Sarada Math, Dakshineswar. It was passed on to me when Mataji heard that I had taken deeksha from Revered Swamiji. Simple though the expressions are, they speak volumes of the personality of Revered Swamiji. Specially noteworthy was his great devotion to Lord Krishna out of which came his classic commentary on Srimad Bhagavata. Equally important are his commentaries on Adhyatma Ramayana, Narayaneeyam, Soundarya Lahari and others. What stands out in all these is his indepth knowledge, practical approach and scientific explanations. Only a Poornakumbha of knowledge and erudition could have achieved such spiritual literary excellence. About his childhood and other personal

matters he was very reluctant to speak. His meeting with Rev. Tulasi Maharaj in his childhood was a turning point as it led to strengthening his devotion to Sri Ramakrishna. As a student of SSLC he started reading the complete works of Swami Vivekananda as also the Journal Prabuddha Bharata. He lost his father early in life, but his mother was a great devotee of Sri Ramakrishna and was a guidepost in his spiritual wanderings. It is said that Swamijis Mother had prayed to Mahapurush Maharaj that one of her sons should become a monk of Ramakrishna Order! His visit to Chennai, meeting with Rev. Swami Brahmanandaji Maharaj and Mahapurush Maharaj were all part of the flow of his life that guided him to the final decision to join the Math as a Brahmachari. He was a saint par excellence whose life was totally centered on Truth and at the

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same time dedicated to sharing it with the needy and the yearning. He was not a great orator, but his words had the power to go straight to the minds of liseteners and leave their marks there. From 1942 to 71 he was the President of Ramakrishna Math, Trivandrum. Under his guidance, care and concern for the patients, the small health centre at the Math expanded into a grand hospital of repute which is a landmark in Thiruvanantapuram today. It was during his Thiruvananthapuram days, that he made his name Tapasyananda truly meaningful. Extremely difficult and strenuous were the days when he struggled almost single handedly to build up the hospital. Indeed it was the culmination of a great tapas. I was a worshipper of Swami Vivekananda from my childhood and others didnt enter into my orbit at all, including Sri Ramakrishna. It was my surrender to Swami Vivekananda that caught the attention of Late Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade, way back in 1975, which was later instrumental in my leaving the sanctity and security of a governement job and moving towards the unknown destiny that awaited me at Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakurmari. During my first visit to South Africa in 1987 I was the guest at the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Durban. It was there that I watched and discovered with wonderment the unfoldment of Swami Shivapadanandajis (President of the Centre) love and adoration for Sri Ramakrishna and how it worked wonders among the large number of devotees, predominantly of Indian origin. For them Sri Ramakrishna was the Saviour, Lord and Master of their homes. Every home had a shrine for Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Shivapadanandaji Maharaj had initiated all of them, including children and installed in their minds the Great Master Sri Ramakrishna. So when I was staying with Swamiji, he could immediately recognise the vacant throne in my shrine and he went on insisting that I must take initiation from a great Swami and place Sri Ramakrishna as the Lord and Master in my heart. Slowly and steadily listening to the innumerable stories, anecdotes and miracles Sri Ramakrishna had worked among the devotees, my heart very naturally opened up to receive the Master at the earliest. But who was to be my guru? The only Swami of Ramakrishna order with whom I was very close was Rev. Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj. Naturally I thought of him as the right person to give me deeksha, little knowing that the appointment of ones Guru takes place at a secretariat unknown to us, far far away some-

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where at the cosmic realm. So it was with my case too. When I broached the subject to Rev. Swami Ranaganathanandaji Maharaj, he was very happy but expressed his inability to initiate me as only Vice Presidents are permited to give initiation. Swamiji didnt want me to postpone my decision and kindly suggested the name of Rev. Swami Tapasyanandaji Maharaj adding that he has lot of affection for me. According to him Swami Tapasyanandaji was the right person to guide me towards Sri Ramakrishna. I thought it over in my mind and said to myself that in it lies a message for me, that more tapas is needed from my side. It was on Jan 28, 1989 that I was initiated by Rev. Swami Tapasyanandaji Maharaj at Chennai, Ramakrishna Math. Ususally the disciples have a sense of fear for their Gurus, but I didnt feel anything like that and felt very close to him. Everytime I went to Swamiji, I would insist on his putting his hands on my head and blessing me which he did happily, smiling. He used to address me as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which for me hid many shades of meaning within. In a flash it would bring to my mind the hard and dedicated work that had gone into its making. It would remind me that I am only an instrument in the Lords hands as Man. Ekanathji who was ordained to create this poetry in stone in the mid sea. It also pointed to the need of polishing myself, a rough sharp edged stone into a fine smooth blazing one. It used to bring tears to my eyes when I detected Swamijis message and blessings in this address. When Vivekananda Kendra decided to create an exhibition as part of the comemoration of the centeneary of Swami Vivekanandas parivrajaka life we invited Swamiji for the foundation laying ceremony. It was on 2nd September 1989 that Swamiji laid the foundation for the Wandering Monk exhibition. It has also now become a landmark at the lands end of India. On 1st Septemeber we the life workers had a satsangh session with Revered Swamiji. Speaking on Swami Vivekananda Swamiji described him as the vibhuti of Sri Ramakrishna. He added that Swami Vivekananda was like the epic Mahabharata from where everyone can get what they want. To know the truth of these words one has only to go

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through the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. When the seventh edition of the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda was published, Swamiji as Vice President received one set of books for himself. He kept It with him for months and later when I went to meet him at Chennai Math, he carefully took them out and gave to me with the inscription, scribbled in his own hands May the teaching of Swamiji establish you in spritiual strength. (2.9.1989) He felt confident that I would make good use of it. Over the last one year I, indeed, made good use of the volumes that would have pleased Swamiji very much. One attempt was compilation of 366 thoughts of Swami Vivekananda for daily reading in Malayalm at the request of DC publications, Kottayam. Following this exercise, I have now compiled another set of Swamijis incomparable thoughts under the name Incredible India, Love India as Swamiji Loved Her which has just now been published by Vivekananda Kenda Vedic Vision Foundation. I am sure Swamiji would have been very happy seeing it, I can feel the flow of his blessings. My last visit to him was at Vijaya hospital during his last illness. He pointedly asked me about the preparations going on for the proposed Bharata Parikrama and of course showered his blessings for the success of the parikrama. It is very difficult to evaluate the role of ones Guru in modelling ones life. So it is with me, more so because my contacts with my Guru were very few and far between. Firstly I was at kanyakumari as the Head of Vivekananda Kendra, and Swamiji was at Chennai heading the Ramakrishn Math. Only when passing through Chennai could I call on him occassionally and seek his blessings, which he poured on me in abundance invisibly helping me in my spiritual expansion and ascent. Not even a single day have I missed the japa of the mantra Swamiji conferred on me and naturally it is preceded by pranams to my deeksha Guru who ever remains the guiding star in ones spiritual evolution. This has given me the strength to admit always that my humble life is but an expansion of the idea Apara mahima Guru Mahima

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VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VEDIC VISION FOUNDATION

ANANDADHAM, SRINGAPURAM, KODUNGALLUR,
PIN 680664. KERALA Ph. No : 0480-2803349, 2805780, 2812780

Email ID : vkvvf@vkendra.org