Gurudev Press Kit

GURUDEV ON 2014 GURU POORNIMA FAST FACTS WHAT: World Spiritual Forum invites you to The International Guru Poornima 2014 celebration with “Gurudev” Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami WHEN: July 12, 3-8 PM, 8 PM blessing by Gurudev to everyone, Dinner (Prasad) after your blessing WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 1 Center St., Newark, NJ 07172 WHY: To express reverence towards your Guru, mentor, deities and those who have made a difference in your life – and experience immense spiritual bliss.

HOW/CONTACT: Sign up for this complimentary event by going to www.GuruPoornima2014.com or directly to http://register.gurupoornima2014.com, or call, Rakesh Bhargara, 516-484-0018, email gp2014@sribrahmrishi.com. YOUTUBE VIDEO : http://youtu.be/Nk3L-Jvte0g MORE DETAILS: Get the blessings of Satguru Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami “Gurudev” on 2014 Guru Poornima. The event will be followed by Gurudev’s personal blessing to everyone present. His immense spiritual power can guide you throughout your life. This will be followed by Prasad (dinner).

This is the first time Guru Poornima is being held outside of India on an international platform.

WHAT IS GURU POORNIMA: Guru Poornima falls on the day of full moon, in the month of Ashadh (June–July) of the Shaka Samvat, Indian national calendar and Hindu calendar. Gurudev offers his blessing on this day because this is when Gurudev’s divine power is at its peak.

TRANSPORTATION: For those not wanting to drive, a free bus service is available from Long Island, Queens and Cherry Hill and Edison, NJ. For more information email: transportation@sribrahmrishi.com.

HOTEL: Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102, www.rthotel.com, for hotel inquiries: hotel@sribrahmrishi.com.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Everyone is welcome for the 2014 Guru Poornima celebration dedicated to Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swamiji “Gurudev.” If you are a spiritual person, come to cherish an unforgettable evening of spiritual bliss. If you are seeking a guru, this may be your golden opportunity to unite with your Satguru and get his blessings. Or simply come to pay your respect and gratitude.

COST: There is no charge but we ask that if you sign up but then find you can’t make it you cancel your reservation as space is limited. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. You will be issued a complimentary pass at the entrance – please arrive no later than 2:30 to receive your pass.

ABOUT GURUDEV: One of the few living Satgurus in the world who has attained the pinnacle of spirituality. He has invoked all Chakra’s of his Kundalini and achieved allc Siddhis. His grace is uplifting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. He has traveled to over 170 countries to teach people how to live a moral and spiritual life.

The International Guru Poornima 2014 Celebration July 12, 2014 from 3 PM – 10 PM Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami

“Gurudev” Bhajans (singing) Gurudev’s arrival Welcome speech by the International President Lamp Lighting Ceremony Pād-Poojan Ganesh Vandanā (dance) Bhakti Dance - O’ Palan Hāre Hanumān Chālisā Dance Presentation Bhajans (holy songs) Taal Chakra Dance Presentation Bhajans (holy songs) Guru Stuti Dance Presentation Vote of Thanks by the International Coordinator Āshirvachan (Discourse) by Gurudev Personal blessings by Gurudev to everyone Guru Prasād (Dinner) after receiving your blessing

INTERNATIONAL GURU POORNIMA ATTRACTS THOUSANDS TO MEET A TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHER “Gurudev” will give personal blessings to everyone present These days we often hear of a marketing guru, a media guru, and so on. But in this case the “guru” is Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami, a true spiritual teacher lovingly known as “Gurudev.”

On July 12, people from all walks of life will have the opportunity to be personally blessed by him at The International Guru Poornima 2014 celebration. This event will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ, from 3:00 to 10:00 PM. Guru Poornima is the day for the devotional worship of the Guru. It falls on the day of the full moon in June or July. Gurudev offers his blessing on this day because this is when his divine powers are at their peak.

Full of compassion and love combined with humility and simplicity, “Gurudev” is one of the most revered accomplished saints and a highly evolved spiritual master imbued with tremendous power.

Gurudev’s spiritual journey began in his infancy. Yogiraj Devraha Baba, one of the most esteemed saints of recent times, saved Gurudev from a terminal illness and then predicted that he would achieve the pinnacle of spirituality. Yogiraj further forecast that he would use that divine energy to heal and serve humanity.

Yogiraj’s predictions have come true. Gurudev has invoked all Chakras (energy points) of his Kundalini (spiritual energy) and has acquired all Siddhis (supernatural powers). Gurudev is using this enormous divine energy acquired through 42 years of vigorous meditation to help those in distress and to uplift the lives of millions of people around the globe. He has traveled to over 170 countries teaching people the art of living a morally uplifting and spiritually fulfilling life.

You might be asking why we need a guru. If you want to learn mathematics or any academic subject, you go to school and learn from the teachers of those disciplines. Similarly, to pursue spirituality, you will progress faster if you learn with a spiritual teacher.

There is no charge for this event, courtesy of the World Spiritual Awareness Forum, and a complimentary dinner (Guru Prasad) will also be provided. Everyone is welcome, but registration is required by going to www.GuruPoornima2014.com or calling Rakesh Bhargava, 516-484-0018.

For more information and for a clarification of some of the terminology feel free to go to this link: Gurudev Press Kit. *Note: This release was sent out on the wire.

GURU GREATER THAN GOD? Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a Satguru In New York metropolitan area Kabir was a level-headed saint-poet, almost an iconoclast, who cut through much mumbo-jumbo surrounding religion and spirituality. So one listens intently when he proclaims, “Guru Gobind dono khare, kake lagon paye, Balihari guru aapne jin Gobind diyo milaye” (Both God and Guru are standing in front of me, who should I prostate to? I choose the Guru, of course, because I owe everything to one who was instrumental in my meeting God.) Guru Gita (part of Skanda Purana) goes one further, and equates guru with God. “Gurur Brahma gurur Vishnu gurur Devo Maheshwarah, Guru sakshat par Brahman tasmai shri guruvai namnah.” (Guru is the creator Brahma, Guru is the preserver Vishnu, as well as s the destroyer Siva.

Guru is verily the Supreme Spirit — I offer my salutations to this Guru.)

These days we often hear of a marketing guru, a media guru, and so on. But here we are talking about guru as in spiritual teacher. Etymologically, the syllable ‘gu’ (ग)ु means shadows, and the syllable ‘ru’ (रु), one who disperses them. So the guru has the power and the wherewithal to disperse the darkness of ignorance and bring us into the light of knowledge of the True Self.

In simple terms, a guru is an enlightened master who helps us to tune in to the voice of God within our hearts and silences the voices of lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion and madness, which had been drowning the voice of the Lord all this while. He helps us to see the Lord within the hearts of humans and other beings. The guru does not tell us what to do but clears the dust on the mirror of our hearts so the reflection of the Lord can shine through us.

Why do we need a guru? If you want to learn mathematics or any academic subject, you go to school and learn from the teachers of those disciplines. If you want to learn music, you go to a music teacher.

Similarly, to pursue spirituality, you will progress faster if you learn from a spiritual teacher.

The Indian system, wisely enough, has even earmarked a Day of the Guru in the calendar: Guru Poornima, which falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August). It falls on 12th July this year as per the English calendar. Guru Poornima is the day to feel grateful for the great

Guru Greater Than God continued

knowledge you have received from your Master. Gratitude and humility together blossom a genuine prayer inside you!

You may be wondering – can one find a Satguru in America of all places! Well, people living in the New York metropolitan area and those who can travel here are fortunate to be able to celebrate Guru Poornima 2014 in the divine presence of an enlightened master and perfect Satguru, Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami.

Gurudev is one of the few living Satgurus who have invoked all chakras of their Kundalini. His devotees, who call him Gurudev, point out that on Guru Poornima day his divine power is at its peak. That day he gives his blessing in the form of shaktipat personally to each and every one present. Such a precious blessing given on Guru Poornima goes a long way for those receiving it to bring long lasting peace and happiness in their lives.

Hear Diane, a devotee of Gurudev, relates her own shaktipat experience: “After meeting Gurudev I was touched by him and my meditation the next morning was different. I worked through some old unrest and fears during meditation. Guruji is a powerful figure for good in the world.”

Adds Apra Bhandari of Los Angeles, “Just being in his presence makes me feel like I can get through any obstacle that comes my way. He guides us towards a more balanced and aware lifestyle. His aura has the power to make everything around us happy and positive.”

For those who have not yet come in contact with Sri Guruvanand Swami, he has made his life’s mission to help and guide us all, irrespective of caste, creed or religious belief, along the path he has treaded. A disciple of revered Yogiraj Devraha Baba, who lived to the age of 250 if not more, Sri Guruvanand Swami attained his spiritual powers after 45 years of rigorous sadhana.

A renowned scholar of Hinduism, Jainism and Indian philosophy, Guruji also has a deep understanding of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism. So, he is able to explain and relate the spiritual process to the tradition a devotee belongs to.

Interesting in cherishing some spiritual bliss? Guru Poornima 2014 with Sri Guruvanand Swami will be celebrated at the magnificent New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, July 12 (3 PM to 8 PM) followed by Gurudev’s personal blessings and Prasad (dinner).

The event has been made free, courtesy of World Spiritual Awareness Forum, but registration is required. To register, visit www.GuruPoornima2014.com, or call, Bharti Doshi (516) 282-4353, Suman Kumar (201) 562-2788, or Rakesh Bhargava (516) 484-0018.

*Note: This press release was published in a variety of Indian papers.

ABOUT PUJYA GURUDEV SRI GURUVANAND JI SWAMI (GURUDEV) Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami (lovingly known as “Gurudev”), a highly evolved Spiritual Master imbued with tremendous power, is a unique Divine Gift to humanity in the modern age of spiritual turmoil and tussle. Full of compassion and love combined with humility and simplicity, he is one of the most revered accomplished saints in the current era.

Gurudev’s spiritual journey began in his infancy under miraculous circumstances. Yogiraj Devraha Baba, one of the most esteemed saints of recent times, brought Gurudev to his ashram to save his life from a terminal illness. Devraha Baba predicted that Gurudev would achieve the pinnacle of spirituality, and he woul use that divine energy to heal and serve humanity.

Yogiraj’s predictions have come true. Gurudev has invoked all Chakras of his Kundalini and with 42 years of rigorous Sadhana he has acquired all Siddhis. A few recent sages are believed to have reached this ultimate stage of spirituality.

Gurudev is using the enormous divine energy that he has acquired to help those in distress and to uplift the lives of millions of people around the globe. He has traveled to over 170 countries to teach people the art of living a morally uplifting and spiritually fulfilling life. He has the unique capacity to impart a deep spiritual message in the language of the common masses that they can understand and translate in their everyday life so that they can overcome their Karmic debts while they fulfill their worldly duties.

Gurudev’s knowledge of all the great Vedas, Epics, Bhagavad Gita, other religious Shastras, and Astrology is immense. He is also a renowned scholar of Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Gurudev has participated in several international religious conferences, including the “All Religion World Conference,” where he has been honored with “The Best Personality” gold medal numerous times. The Jyotish council of Germany has awarded Gurudev “Jyotish Marmagya” (The Greatest Jyotishagya.)

It is remarkable that a spiritual saint of his caliber has also achieved impressive academic distinctions.

Gurudev holds numerous degrees including M. Tech. from IIT, Kharagpur (equivalent to MIT and Harvard in USA); PhD in Astrology; and Masters in Sanskrit, Vedas, and Jyotish. He has been Honorary Principal and professor at various academic institutions including Banaras Hindu University.

With his background in Science, Guru Ji looks for ways to bring the science & the scientific mentality and spiritualism & the spiritual mentality together in creative dialogue. With his life transformative spiritual message, he inspires, empowers and keeps us informed and engaged as we move forward with our spiritual quest.

WHAT IS GURU POORNIMA Guru Poornima is the day for the devotional worship of the Guru. Guru Poornima falls on the day of full moon, in the month of Ashadh (June–July) of the Shaka Samvat, Indian national calendar and Hindu calendar.

The word guru is derived from two words, 'Gu' and 'Ru.' The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore, Guru is the one who dispels the darkness of our ignorance. A spiritual aspirant, no matter how brilliant, can never attain the most divine knowledge by his own endeavor. Only through the grace and guidance of Satguru (God-realized Guru) can one reach the highest state of wisdom and bliss. There are only a few living Satgurus in the world today!

Gurudev is one of them.

On the day of Guru Poornima, Gurudev’s divine power is at its peak. That day Gurudev gives his blessing personally to each and every devotee present, and the blessings given on that day go a long way for everyone present and their families to bring long lasting peace and happiness in their lives.

Only very fortunate people get this kind of opportunity for spiritual bliss. We are looking forward to greeting you at the 2014 Guru Poornima to be celebrated in the metro New York area.

2:30 PM

Saturday – July 12th, 2014 SCHEDULE Check in and take seats for the Guru New Jersey Performing Arts Center Poornima Program – NJPAC Lobby

3:00 PM

Program Starts

New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Auditorium

8:00 PM

Pujya Gurudev Blesses every person Individual Blessings starts

New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Near Stage

8:00 PM

Dinner

New Jersey Performing Arts Center – NJPAC Lobby

11:00 PM

Program Concludes

GURUDEV MONTHLY MESSAGE - MAY

Pujya Gurudev talks about life as a game of two breaths. The first thing a baby does upon entering this world is inhale, and the last thing a person does before leaving this world is exhale. Life, therefore, IS A GAME OF TWO BREATHS. A person normally breathes an average of 21,638 times in a day. Gurudev relates this to human relationships. He says that if you remain angry for a day, you would waste every breath taken in that day. However, by simply accepting, acknowledging this, you can cherish and enjoy every breath taken during the day. Since the number of breaths in life is finite, each breath is precious and we should learn to live with love and happiness in life and thus enjoy and nurture every breath.

TERMINOLOGY GURU: Gu: darkness or ignorance; Ru: remover of that darkness or ignorance. A Guru is an embodiment of God. A true Guru is someone who has realized his inner-self and acquired the power to assist others in self-realization. To attain one’s divinity one must have such a master or Guru. The relationship between a Guru and his disciple is of the highest expression of friendship.

PURNIMA/POORNIMA: in Hindi, Nepali and Bengali, the day of the full moon GURU POORNIMA: The day when Guruvanand Ji Swami’s divine energy and Shakti (spiritual power) are at their peak and Gurudev gives his blessing personally to each and every one present. The positive vibrations generated will uplift your soul. This will be one of the most memorable spiritual experiences of your life. Guru Poornima is a day to express reverence for our Guru. It is also celebrated in honor of the great sage Vyasa, who is seen as one of the greatest Gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of the sacred Guru-shishya relationship.

BHAKTI: In Hinduism and Buddhism, "Bhakti" (also spelled Bhakthi;Tamil:பக்தி Sanskrit: भिक्त) is a technical term meaning "portion, share", from the root bhaj- "to partake in, to receive one's share.” It refers to religious devotion in the form of active involvement of a devotee in worship of the divine.

Within monotheistic Hinduism, it is the love felt by the worshipper towards the personal God. CHAKRAS: In Hindu and tantric/yogic traditions and other belief systems chakras are energy points or knots in the subtle body. They are located at the physical counterparts of the major plexuses of arteries, veins and nerves. Chakras are part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy channels, DARSHAN: Seeing, witnessing, experiential learning.

GURUDEV or GURUJI: What the devotees or followers of Brahmrishi Shri Guruvariand Swami call him.

JYOTISH: astrology KUNDALINI: An indwelling spiritual energy that can be awakened in order to purify the subtle system and ultimately to bestow the state of Yoga, or Divine Union, upon the “seeker' of truth.” The Yoga Upanishads describe Kundalini as lying "coiled" at the base of the spine, represented as either a goddess or sleeping serpent waiting to be awakened.

PĀD-POOJAN (Worshipping Guru’s feet): The uninitiated may wonder why the feet of the holy ones are so reverently worshipped in the Hindu faith. According to tradition, the totality of the Guru, who has realized the ultimate truth, is contained within his feet. Touch a Guru’s feet and we touch the spiritual master. A disciple can experience immense spiritual bliss from performing Pād-Poojan.

PHILOSOPHY (from Greek): philo: love; sophos: knowledge.

POOJA: Prayer PRASAD: Dinner

YOUTH SPIRITUAL AWARENESS FORUM WHY: The purpose of this event is to get to know the Guru Bakht from across the world and join together for one purpose.

WHEN: July 12, 10 AM to 12 PM SCHEDULE: • 10-10:30 AM - Registration and networking • 10:30-11:00 AM - Ice Breakers and Games • 11:00-11:30 AM - Introduction to the Youth Forum by Reetu Gupta & Meditation led by Priya Shankla Gulecha and the Youth Group from Tirupati Ashram.

• 11:30-12:00 PM closing networking concludes before the start of Guru Poornima functions.

CONTACT: Reetu Gupta, President of Youth Sprititual Awareness Forum Canada, for more information: Reetugup@gmail.com

Terminology continued PUJYA: One who is worthy of being worshipped.

SADHANA: A means of accomplishing something.

SATGURU: God-realized Guru SHAKTI: "Power" or "empowerment," is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe in Hinduism. Shakti is the concept, or personification, of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as “The Great Divine Mother” in Hinduism. On the earthly plane, shakti most actively manifests through female embodiment and creativity/fertility, though it is also present in males in its potential, unmanifest form.

SIDDHIS: are spiritual, magical, paranormal, or supernatural powers acquired through sadhana (spiritual practices), such as meditation and yoga. People who have attained this state are formally known as siddhas.

SMRITI: What is remembered.

UDDIYANA BANDHA: Upward energy lock, it moves the energy up from the earth, water and fire centers into the heart or air chakra.

WORDS OF WISDOM “God works with you, NOT for you.”

“Man is not designed to be tired.”

“Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.”

“Faith is I know I will get what I want. Faith is not that I will get when I want.”

“A little faith will take you to heaven. Full faith will bring heaven to you.”

“There is no way to get happiness. Happiness is the way to get everything” “It is not a question of how powerful our God is, but a question of how powerful our faith is.”

“Know faith , no fear. No faith , know fear.”

“The three phases of a person’s life: Learning; Learning and Earning; Learning, Earning and returning.”

“Don’t wait to do right and then make a decision. Make a decision and then make it right.”

“Patience with family is love. Patience with others is respect. Patience with the customer is business.

Patience with self is confidence. Patience with God is faith.”

“Since the number of breaths in life is finite, each breath is precious and we should learn to live with love and happiness in life and thus enjoy and nurture every breath.”

This Press Kit was created by PRESS LINK Diana De Rosa 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735 dderosa1@optonline.net 516-848-4867