Vedanta Sandesh - Aug 2019

Monthly eMagazine of the International Vedanta Mission

Vedanta Sandesh Aug 2019

Year - 25

Issue 2

Cover Page

The cover pages of the Aug 2019 issue of Vedanta Sandesh is the beautiful avian creation of God - the cute & colorful Indian Pitta. This photo was clicked in the Katkut forests on the outskirts of Indore in June 2019.

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The Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) is a small, stubby and shy bird inhabiting the scrubby and dense evergreen forest. It is locally called Navranga, meaning - the nine or multi-colored one. It has buff-colored front (lower) parts, dark green upperparts, with a bright cobalt blue patch on the wing coverts; the lower belly and vent are bright scarlet red, and the short stubby tail is dark blue. Its legs are slightly longish & thin, yet strong; the stout bill is black; there is a thick black eye stripe, a buff-colored crown stripe, and black coronal stripes. Indeed it looks like God's cute & lively shade-card.

Sighting Indian Pitta requires stealth approach because it prefers dense undergrowth where it hops around foraging for insects in the leaf litter.

Also seen on tree branches perched in a dignified way with its chest boldly out, and flies around from one tree branch to another, yet gives ample time to click. It is more often heard than seen and has a distinctive two-note loud whistle. The call is heard mostly at dawn or dusk time leading to its common name of 'Six-O-Clock' bird.

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CONTENTS

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Vedanta Sandesh Aug 2019 1.

Shloka 5

2.

Message of P. Guruji

7-8

3.

Sadhana Panchakam

9-13

4.

Letter 14-15

5.

Gita Reflections 16-22

6.

The Art of Man Making

7.

Jivanmukta 28-30

8.

Story Section 31-33

9.

Mission / Ashram News

23-27

34-70

10.

Forthcoming Progs 71

11.

Internat News 72-73

12.

Links 74 3

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Monthly eMagazine of the International Vedanta Mission Aug 2019 : Year 25 / Issue 2

Published by

International Vedanta Mission Vedanta Ashram, E/2948, Sudama Nagar, Indore-452009 (M.P.) India http://www.vmission.org.in / vmission@gmail.com

Editor:

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Swamini Samatananda Saraswati

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thoUeqDrLrq rf}}ku~ iwwoksZsikf/kxq.kkaLR;tsr~A lfPpnkuUn:iRokr~ Hkosn~HkzzejdhVor~~AA

A liberated one, endowed with Self-knowledge, gives up the traits of his previously explained equipments (upadhis) and because of his nature of Sat-chit-ananda, he verily becomes Brahman, just like a wasp (which drastically transforms itself from a worm).

Atma Bodha - 49

Message from Poojya Guruji

Truthfulness is very Powerful

In the Shaankar Bhashya on the mantra Satyameva Jayati (Munda-

kopanishad) Bhagwan Bhashyakara Bhagwatpada Sri Sankaracharya says that

lR;L; cyor~ lk/kuRoe~

meaning, the quality of

Satya is a very powerful quality. In fact all the so called good qualities are very powerful and have transformative capacities in them, but the quality of Satya, stands right on top of them all.

Satya simply means the quality of transparency, living as per one’s

understanding, and not putting up a face which may falsely impress someone around. Truthfulness means being truthful to what we are and what we know. No situation or provocation is justified for presenting a fact which we know is not factual. Many a times in life there are situations where we can falsely present a fact just to ward off any possible inconvenience or

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get some benefit. This happens in our relationships, business or even light day-to-day interactions with our friends & relatives.

There are broadly two kinds of benefits which we accrue. One is

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worldly, and the other is subjective. Avoiding pestering by a doubtful wife or husband, getting some tax benefit, showing off oneself as very knowledgable person, well-connected or financially well-off etc. are classic examples and situations wherein we effortlesssly & innocently speak untruth. We do get some benefits out of such false presentation of facts - these are worldly benefits. The other is subjective benefit. When a person speaks untruth, then something happens in our minds. We create a split in our minds. One part of our mind knows a fact in one way and the other part, for whatever reason, presents it in a different way. This split may help get us some temporary benefit outside, but thereafter something terrible happens, that part of our mind which knows the truth, is progressively made subservient, and thus sidelined. That which we falsely present outside is made more powerful. The consequence of this is that slowly whatever we know, we cannot live that. All our wisdom becomes useless, and we thereafter live a life of dependence on things outside.

The crux of all adhyatmic wisdom is that we all can be complete

in ourselves by ourselves, but resorting to untruth continuously makes us dependent on things outside, and also keeps on making us weaker & incapacitated. Resorting to truth not only helps present ourself as a very reliable person, whose word is enough, but brings peace in our minds.

The best part is that thereafter we live as per our convictions, which is the single most important quality to get true benefit of our wisdom. Resorting to truthfulness turns the table, and cleanes the mind of various consequences of untruths which we were resorting to till now. Indeed it is a very powerful quality.

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Sarve bhadrani pashyantu. Om Tat Sat.

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Sadhana Panchakam

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-:1:-

Swamini Samatananda 9

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Sadhana Panchakam S

adhana Panchakam reveals the ladder of

spiritual journey and awakening into the state of atmani eva at-

mana tushtaha which means being fulfilled by the Self and within the Self. Awakening into the truth of ourselves is Self-realization.

It is the ultimate goal of human life. This journey is basically two-fold - one, of first becoming a ‘yoga-yukta’, and then culminating into Brahma-Vidya. Bhagwan Sankaracharya broadly divides this entire journey into 40 steps. From where to begin, and then what is next - this entire revelation is made in this small yet profound text. He says focus fully on one sadhana and then take the next step. So we will now go on to understand all these 40 rungs of ladder. We now start with the first sadhana in this beautiful, simple yet a complete package of spiritual growth.

osnks fuR;e/kh;rke~

May one study the Vedas everyday. Vedas is an eternal body

of knowledge which was given in the begining of the creation by Parmatma himself. They are mantras revealing the eternal truth of all existence be it inert or living. Vedas means that knowledge which gives us a divine vision towards the Self and the world outside.

We all are on a journey of life seeking something, but unfortunately we all have a vague idea of what we are truly seeking and V edanta Sandes h

at the same time we are also ambiguous of the means to attain a

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Sadhana Panchakam goal in life. We all are living like a heard of sheep who are blindly following each other. We discern a goal inspired by what we see around in our family and social environment. The irony is neither of us knows where we are heading too. We just have a hazy idea that I want joy, I want satisfaction and I will get this by acquiring money, a car, a house, a family, some fame, some status, all so because we have seen someone else follow this path. We need to ask ourself what am I seeking? What is the goal of my life? By recognizing the goal we recognize our Purushartha. It is only when we are aware of our Purushartha our goal in life, can we also recognize the means to attain the goal. With some introspection We come to realize that we all are fundamentally looking for blissful contentment. But unfortunately the means to attaining that which is eternal is temporary and inert by itself. This is where the Vedas, the Upanishads become a guiding lighthouse.

The Vedas introduce us to our goal in life which is awakening into a state of fulfillment, a state of completeness by our own self and within our own self. The Vedas introduce ourself to our own self.

Not only that they reveal the ultimate goal of self realization but they also show us the path, give us the guidance as to how we can reach that goal of self knowledge. Not knowing the truth of the Self and leading a life based on imaginary notions about the Self has been the cause of all human suffering from time immemorial.

The Vedas give us a divine vision of the Self which transcends the limitations of time and space, which is the life principle of all V edanta Sandes h

existence and which is blissful in nature.

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Sadhana Panchakam The objective world which we see through our sense organs shows duality. What ever we see through our sense organs is always dual. And if this is the means of our vision then we see duality everywhere and also see ourself as limited. Our world becomes small. Me, my family, my society and my country. This is the consequence of seeing only through sense organs. Our space becomes limited and we even see God as limited because we see him also as per our sense organs. The Upanishads are saying ‘Isha vasyam idam sarvam’. There is only one water which is manifesting as different waves. To understand the secrets of all existence, one must go through the vedas. The journey of realizing the truth of one’s Self is what the Vedas call our Purusharthas. It is through the four purusharthas one comes to see the facts about the world and its experiences by practising righteousness and then enquiring into the truth through knowledge culminating in moksha. The Vedic darshan reveals every one is my atma. Not only all beings are an expression of my Self alone but I am one with Ishvara too.

Keeping in mind this Vedic vision, in this first step of the 40 rungs of ladder of Sadhana Panchakam, here the Acharya is first emphasising and glorigying simply the chanting of the Vedas.

All the Vedas are in sanskrit. Sanskrit is a divine language unmatched by any other in the world. Its precision is appreciated and recognized by the world. It is not only a medium of commu-

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nication amongst human beings but scientists all over have con-

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Sadhana Panchakam cluded that sanskrit is the most accurate language for computers.

One who can chant sanskrit mantras properly, reveals his or her clarity of speech, their focus and faith towards the Vedas. We can start by chanting only one shanti mantra from the Vedas. Take this as a goal to learn to chant a vedic mantra. Chanting the vedic mantras sow the seeds of curiosity of wanting to to know the vedas. Sooner or later one will surely feel inspired to understand the meaning of the Vedic mantras too. Chanting is the first sopan.

In fact, in the beginning one should not even worry about the meaning. Its first important to develop faith towards the vedic manatras and bring about clarity of speech. In this manner once we learn to chant we will also feel inspired to know the meaning and be prepared too.

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So, Vedo Nityam Adheeyataam - Study Vedas Daily.

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Mail from Poojya Guruji Handling Household Fights Hari om !

Someone has asked as to give some mantra to them to end the endless household bikerings & fighting.

As the saying goes - It takes two to Tango. Obviously this scenario of household infightings reveals that both the partners are people of strong opinions and their convictions are so strong that the effort is not only to live as per them, but even make others live as per their values & convictions. The consequence of this alone is infightings. No one likes to create a hell in their own dream home, but still that alone is the consequence.

Obviously everyone needs to like as per their convictions & values, yet if at all there is arrongance that you alone are right, and the other is a fool, then only we will sincerely strive to somehow impress others and assure that the other fellow lives as per that understanding alone. Now imagine if both the partners are of such a V edanta Sandes h

state of mind. Both consider the other a fool and themselves alone as wise, Infightings is a result of such a state of mind.

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The better option is to listen to the opinion of others with an open mind, and then share reasons of your convictions & values rather than try to impose your opinion. Such an attitude of imposition is disrespectful & arrogant. Rather be a good listener too. Hear the other person out, and share the reasons of convictions. Whosoever doesnt have good reasons will shortly realize the truth and peacefully & happily change. That’s the way to go.

It is not enough to speak just the truth, but also speak it in such a way which is pleasant and beneficial to others. Try speaking in as little words as possible. The sutra given by shastras for this is: Satyam Vada, Priyam Vada, Hitam Vada and Mitam Vada, meaning Speak the truth, speak it in a way which is respectful & nice, speak it for the benefit of others, and finally speak it in as less words as possible - short, crisp & clear. Try, we all can & should be able to do this. Think. Thereafter there shall definitely be Shanti Parva in your home.

Lots of love & om,

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Gita Reflections

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;= ;ksxs’oj% Ñ".kks

;= ikFkksZ /kuq/kZj%A r= Jhfot;ks Hkwfr%

/kqzok uhfreZfreZeAA (Gita 18/78) 16

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Guru-Upasadana (;=

;ksxs'oj%---)

Swamini Samatananda

Wherever there is Shree Krishna, the Lord of all Yoga, and wherever there is Arjun, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be unending opulence, victory, prosperity, and righteousness. Of this, I am certain.

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(Gita : Ch-18 / Sh-78) 17

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Gita Reflections

S

angati: The divine song of the Lord ‘Srimad

Bhagwad Geeta’ concludes with a clear and deep pronouncement by Sanjay. This statement reveals to us that wherever there is Shree Krishna, the Lord of all Yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will certainly be all kinds of wealth be it material or spiritual, victory, prosperity, and righteousness.

The dialogue between Bhagwan Sri Krishna and Arjuna comes in a scenario where on one side we have a despondent, disenthused, shattered and confused Arjuna and on the other side we have Yogeshwara, the Lord of all Yoga, Bhagwan Sri Krishna who is an embodiment of Yoga and knowledge, playing the role of his Sarathi (Charioteer). The dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna began on the background of Arjuna’s moha and its consequence shoka. This shatters Arjuna to the extent of surrendering his famous bow and arrow-the Gandiva in utter helplessness and confusion as to whether He should fight the war or compassionately give away everything to his highly egoistic, self-centric, merciless brother Duryodhana and his kin. The desire to give up fighting the war amidst various justifications as to why Arjuna and all the Pandavas should avoid such a hedious action Arjuna finally surrenders at the Feet of V edanta Sandes h

Sri Krishna gracefully accepting his ignorance and indecisiveness. This point of the scene in chapter two marks the turn-

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Gita Reflections ing point in Arjuna’s life where now we have Arjuna not as a warrior Arjuna but a disciple, a student Arjuna who gracefully accepts his ignorance and expresses his desire for enquiry and understanding what is his Dharma. With the surrender of Arjuna as a disciple we then also come to see Bhagwan Sri Krishna adorning the role of a Guru, a Teacher.

The scenario of Arjuna and Bhagwan Sri Krishna as a student and teacher in the entire discussion of the Bhagwad Geeta gives us some serious food for thought regarding an ideal student and an ideal Teacher. Knowledge in any field is always a blessing from a teacher. Be it in the form of our first teachers our parents, our school teachers, teachers of arts or any kind of higher knowledge. If worldly knowledge is not possible without a Guru, it is impossible to acquire knowledge of Dharma (Righteousness) and Self knowledge without an authentic Guru. Worldly knowledge too requires faith and surrender towards the teacher to get the best of knowledge but still worldly knowledge accomodates a good amount of liberty in the sharing of knowledge, the realtionship can be purely one sided without interfering in the personal domain of either of them.

But when it comes to a relationship of a Guru and Shishya as per our Vedic traditions, this bond shines out most uniquely surpassing all other relationships in the world. There is a beautiful and very popular shloka from ‘Guru Stotram’ which

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says - Twameva mata cha pita twameva, twameva bandhushcha

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Gita Reflections sakhaa twameva. Twameva vidya dravinam tvameva, twameva sarvam mum deva deva This sloka trying to see the beauty of our special worldly relations in the relationship of a teacher and student actually puts its hands up implying that no relation in the world can surmount this beautiful and divine relationship of a Guru and Shishya. This relationship encompasses all relationships in the world and yet it is much more.

The bond between a spiritual teacher and his disciple is a relationship. It is not a sermon given from someone standing on a pedestial. It is a relationship which is nurtured and grown to the extent of subtle connection of two hearts. Sharing knowledge is a highly specialized communication between the teacher and the taught. It marks total surrender and faith on the side of the student where as a teacher too is like an architect who moulds the physical and mental personality of the student to live a life of purity, a life of righteousness thereby also preparing him for the highest of all knowledge that is knowledge of the Self. All these qualities of this beautiful relationship can be looked up to in Bhagwan Sri Krishna and Arjuna.

We can see the firmness of Acharya Krishna rejecting all the justifications given by Arjuna in the first chapter and shaking

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him to the point of realizing his ignorance and wrong notions.

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Gita Reflections Even though Arjuna’s question pertained to understanding his duty i.e. his dharma in this particular situation Bhagwan Sri Krishna is seen as Shrotriya Rishi of the Upanishads who reveals the ultimate nature of the Self as the limitless, self effulgent, eternal and blissful Self and then compassionately guiding him on the path of Dharma, exactly from where he stands. The Revered Master of Vedic Philosophy not only paints the picture of a Jivanmukta but the entire song of the Lord is a manuscript of the Art of Karma Yoga teaching us to perform actions in the most integrated and dynamic way and yet making every action an expression of pure devotion which paves the path of the ultimate knowledge of the Self taught in the Upanishads.

We can see the compassion of a loving Guru who very patiently listens to the sometimes fundamental and sometimes highly subtle questions of his student in Arjuna. His compassion goes to the extent of showing him the glorious cosmic form of Ishvara spilling out all the beans that Bhagwan Krishna is none other than Ishvara himself.

On the other hand Arjuna too represents an inspiring role model of being a good student. Begining his journey from a despondent and shattered Yodha he goes on to surrender at the Feet of his Guru in Bhagwan Sri Krishna. He reveals to us an inspiring combination of a humble, transparent, sensitive, devotional, thoughtful and enquiring student desirous to learn

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one’s Dharma in life.

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Gita Reflections Bhagwan Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the BhagwadGeeta showcase a perfect picture of a Guru and Shishya which is an inspiration for all who are desirous to taste the nectar of knowledge.

Therefore this statement of Sanjay in the concluding verse of the divine song of the Lord declares that if at any time there is a communion of the Supreme Lord Bhagwan Sri Krishna and his devotee Partha then undoubtedly, there will be wealth of all kind, material and spiritual, wealth of righteousness, victory, and prosperity.

As we celebrate Janmashtami this year let us pray to Bhagwan Sri Krishna that may we too be blessed by this beautiful rela-

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tionship.

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The Art Of Man Making

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Picture of The Goal

P.P. Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji 23

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The Art of Man Making

T

he means in themselves have no charm of

their own save the glow of beauty imparted to them by the goal. If the goal is great, the means appear heroic, respectable, noble, brilliant, even divine. But Arjuna, the warrior, the man of the world, is not satisfied. The question, ‘What then will I gain?’ bothers him. If Vasanas erupt, as desires and wishes in the intellect, as passions and thoughts in the mind, and as actions at the body level, then when all Vasanas have ended, there can only be a life without desires, wishes, without passions and thoughts, and naturally, therefore, without any actions. To consider such a life would be dreary dream of total inactivity, a dumb state of thoughtfulness-at its best, perhaps an unending sleep! This is not acceptable to any dynamic man of action, and the Pandava Prince knew that such an inert existence could never be the goal glorified in the scriptures. There must be some covetable, brilliant existence, higher than what we are now living, but what it is eludes the mind of Arjuna.

So he asks, pertinently, five direct questions to Krishna: *O Keshava, what is the nature of the Man of Perfection? What is his inner poise? How does He sit, speak and walk? Krishna divines the student’s inner demand and elaborately answers all these

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questions.

The following eighteen verses comprise one of the most sub-

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The Art of Man Making lime poems of the world wherein Vyasa paints a word-picture of the Man-of-Perfection. The questions inspire Krishna to answer at length, pointing out the intellectual values of life, the emotional reactions to happenings and the physical responses of the Man of Perfection, a man in whom all Vasanas have ended. Here we have a brilliant picture of him who has come to dwell in pure, Infinite Consciousness, and yet lives in our midst as one of us playing his role as a Godman upon earth.

This adds up to a picture of a totally dedicated, utterly selfless man, who while living his own inner experience of a vaster and fuller understanding, beams his love and purity upon the world around him. Above all temptations, in himself, far away from the din and roa of lust, ever kind and benevolent, with divine mercy and consideration, he lives amidst the sense-objects of the world-peaceful, serene, unaffected-free from passions and agitations.

The student in Arjuna asks, (1) What is the nature of the Man of Perfection? (Kaa Bhaasha) (2) What is his inner life of tranquility and peace? (Samadhi) (3) How does he speak? (Kim Prabhaashet) (4) How does he sit amidst the natural temptations of sense-objects? (Kim aaseeta) (5) How does he move about in the world of objects unaffected V edanta Sandes h

by all the jostling around him? (Vrajeta kim)

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The Art of Man Making An exhaustive picture of the Man of Perfection such as given in the Geeta is not found anywhere in the scriptures of the world even in our own Upanishads.

Painting can give us a sense of movement, but it has not the four-dimensional solidity that sculptures can give. But sculpture, alas, depicts only one arrested moment of action-not the flowing play of activity. Vyasa wanted both the movement of painting and the strength and solidity of sculpture for his depiction of the Man of Perfection. As a true artist, he had to discover a new medium for his extra ordinary theme.

And he found it in what we may call word-painting. It has the fluidity of painting and the four sided solidity of sculpture. But alas! it has its own weaknesses. When colour is applied to the canvas on the casel, the onlooker sees the colours as they are.

Here words are used to paint upon the canvas of the listeners’ minds. Words have different suggestions to different people. In short, the canvas(the mind) is ever agitated, and so scatters the picture painted! So, too, each reader would perceive differently the same word-painting!

Yet in these 18 verses, with 15 superb strokes, Vyasa accomplishes the picture of the Man of Perfection. These include digressions to satisfy possible doubts that might arise in the V edanta Sandes h

mindof the listner, and thus to provide data for the student’s

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The Art of Man Making easy comprehension. In the end, the picture stands out firm and clear, bathed in the captivating light of our own understanding -not as a motionless statue, but as a streak of lightening , flashing through life, lighting up the path with an unearthly glow of joy and peace.

Such a one is not, thereafter a useless member of society, not a mere dead weight upon the community, not one more mouth to be fed by the world. He is an active and dynamic man of goodness, living every moment in inspired joy, meeting all challenges with a smile, accepting life and death equally, unaffected by the world of turmoil around, unattached to anything, free and ever liberated from the weakness of the flesh. He reigns-indeed he reigns as a siveriegn-wielding his power with infnite love

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and wisdom.

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Jivanmukta Wandering In Himalayas

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Trilokeenath

Excerpts from the Travel Memoirs of Param Poojya 28 Swami Tapovanji Maharaj

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Jivanmukta A

ll the sadhus, except two, now set out in the

direction of Kashmir which could be reached from there in ten or twelve days As for me, I decided to return to Kullu in the company of the other two sadhus We followed the same path which we had pursued on our journey to Thrilokeenath On our way back we passed a day at Jaturaa, fourteen miles from Trilokee During these journeys we supported ourselves on sattu, flour, milk and butter-milk, which we obtained at wayside villages From Jatuma a path leads to the holy spot, Manmahesam. Manmahesam is situated in the Champa State It is encircled by chains of snow-covered mountains and is hardly accessible to common people. It is far from all human habitation. The Iravathi, a tributary of the Sindhu, has her source near it Though we had heard of the holy temple, we made no attempt to visit it for more reasons than one. For one thing, pilgrims from Jatuma have to cross a high pass called “ Kapti Pass ” to reach Manmahesam For another, the season was not suitable for making the attempt , snow still lay deep for five or six miles along the route Besides, we failed to secure the services of a reliable guide. Leaving our direct route, we struck out along the bank of the Chandra and travelled five miles or more, simply for diversion, reaching a large village called Kelang. As there were certain British officials camping there, we passed a day with them as their guests.

On that day there was heavy rainfall, followed by snowfall. HowevV edanta Sandes h

er, we did not perish in the bitter cold, as by God’s grace, we had been received as guests by the officials. From the village, capital of

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Jivanmukta the province called Lavel, a road leads up to Tibet and Turkistan.

At Kelang on the tops of the mountain peaks we could see the beautiful hermitages of the lamas. Shivering with cold, but delighted with the sights around us, we proceeded on the very next day from Kelang (12,000 ft. above sea-level) and travelled across the mountains which were dazzling with fresh, bright snow.

Rainfall started again and it became unbearably cold. To set our feet on the icy ground became almost impossible. True indeed is the Sastric view that even for those who have attained monistic knowledge, advaita is possible only in feeling and not action. Heat and cold, pleasure and pain, milk and poison, fire and water are all Brahman, one can feel them all as self, but even for the staunchest advaiti it is impossible to treat them as one and the same for practical purposes. Even the true knowers cannot lie on the bare cold ground during a snowfall, as they do in the gentle warmth of the Sun ; they cannot swallow poison as they drink milk ; they cannot plunge into fire as they do into water, even though they are convinced, beyond all doubt, that they are all Brahman. Worldly existence is on the physical plane. The body is the same in the case of the Knower and in the case of the Ignorant. So there is not much of a difference between them physically. On the attainment of True Knowledge, one develops powers like physical and mental control and endurance but even then one can not alter the innate nature of snow and fire, wind and rain. It being so, there is no reason why people should wonder if we, common mortals, V edanta Sandes h

suffered severely on account of the attack of cold, etc.

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STORY Section 31

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Omkareshwar S

ituated on the banks of River Narma-

da on the Mandhata Island formed in the shape of OM in Sanskrit, Omkareshwar is another famed Jyotir Lingas.

As per Hindu legend, Vindya, the deity controlling the Vindyachal mountain range was worshipping Shiva to propitiate himself from the sins committed. He created a sacred geometrical diagram and a Lingam made of sand and clay. Shiva was pleased with the worship and believed to have appeared in two forms, namely Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. Since the mud mound appeared in the form of Om, the island came to be known as Omkareswar. There is a shrine for Parvati and fivefaced Ganapati in the temple.

The Legend was that Narada provoked the powerful Vindhya Mountain as the latter boasted of his height and might; Vindhya was no doubt high but was not comparable to that of Meru Mountain, Narada said. Vindhya Raja felt jealous and resorted to concentrated Tapasya to Maha Deva who granted Vindhya’s request to establish a Shiva Linga on the banks of Narmada River. Puffed by Shiva’s presence there, Vindhya grew taller V edanta Sandes h

and taller to compete with Sumeru. This disturbed Surya’s rou-

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Omkareshwar tine circumambulation of the Universe as he had to return half way as one half of the Universe remained dark. Devi Bhagavati asked Sage Agastya from Varanasi to visit Vindhya Raja who out of veneration for the Muni bent down. Agastya asked Vindhaya to be in that position till he returned and the Muni had yet to return from Dakishna Bharat eversince!

Adi Shankara’s Cave – Omkareshwar is said to be the place where Sri Adi Sankara met his Guru Govindapada in a cave.

This cave can be found even today just below the Shiva temple

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where an image of Adi Shankara has been installed

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Mission & Ashram News

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Bringing Love & Light in the lives of all with the Knowledge of Self

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Camp - Indore

By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

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VivekChudamani - Sloka 1 (Jantunaam)

13th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Camp - Indore

By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

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Vivekchoodamani - Sloka 2 (Jantunaam)

13th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Camp - Indore

By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

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Vivekchoodamani - Sloka 2 (Jantunaam)

13th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Camp - Indore

By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

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Vivekchoodamani - Sloka 2 (Jantunaam)

13th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Camp - Indore

By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

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Vivekchoodamani - Sloka 2 (Jantunaam)

13th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Puja - Indore

Puja of all the Acharyas of our Sampradaya

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By Poojya Guruji

16th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Celebration - Indore

Then was the Pada-Puja of Poojya Guruji

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by Suresh Rohra & Bhagat Singh Bhati

16th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Celebraton - Indore

Pada-Puja of Poojya Guruji

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It was House-Full with Devotees

from Near & Far

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Celebration - Indore

Eack devotee got a chance to pay their respect

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to their respected & beloved Gurudev

16th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Celebration - Indore

Then there was a short discourse

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By Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji

16th July 2019

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Ashram News Guru Poornima Celebration - Indore

Bhandara for All

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Made by Devotees - for Devotees

16th July 2019

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Celebration - Mumbai

Puja / Bhajans / Pravachan at Mumbai

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By Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji

20th July 2019

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Celebration - Mumbai

Hotel Executive Enclave - Basement Hall

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Very good participation by devotees

All arrangements were lovingly done

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Celebration - Mumbai

Paduka-Puja - by Jagdeesh & Sheela Raikwar

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Lovely arrangements - by Sh Suresh Rohraji

20th July 2019

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Celebration - Mumbai

P. Swaminiji spoke on ‘Tvameva Mata’ shloka

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Finally there were refreshments for all

20th July 2019

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Puja-2 @ Mumbai

Paduka-Puja - by Satish & Suman Sharma

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at their residence - in Dahisar

21st July 2019

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MIssion News Guru Poornima Puja-2 @ Mumbai

Puja guided by P. Swamini Samatanandaji

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Finally blessings to all - by P. Swaminiji

21st July 2019

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Ashram News Hanuman Chalisa Satsang: July 2019

vUrdky j/kqojiqj tkbZ----

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guqeku pkyhlk & pkSikbZ u- 34

28th July 2019

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Ashram News Hanuman Chalisa Satsang: July 2019

vUrdky j/kqojiqj tkbZ----

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guqeku pkyhlk & pkSikbZ u- 34

28th July 2019

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Ashram News Hanuman Chalisa Satsang: July 2019

vUrdky j/kqojiqj tkbZ----

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guqeku pkyhlk & pkSikbZ u- 34

28th July 2019

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Ashram News Cultural Program - by Children

Balvihar Children presented a Drama

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Story of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

At Sankaracharya Sabhagruh on 15th July

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Ashram News Cultural Program - by Children

Balvihar Children presented a Drama

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Story of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

At Sankaracharya Sabhagruh on 15th July

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Ashram News Cultural Program - by Children

Balvihar Children presented a Drama

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Story of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

At Sankaracharya Sabhagruh on 15th July

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Ashram News Cultural Program - by Children

Balvihar Children presented a Drama

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Story of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

At Sankaracharya Sabhagruh on 15th July

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Ashram News Cultural Program - by Children

Balvihar Children presented a Drama

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Story of Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

At Sankaracharya Sabhagruh on 15th July

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Ashram News Jokes Program - by Manoharlal

Be Happy & Smile - You are Ananda

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Laugh and get rid of all Tensions

Everyone looks their very best - in joy

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Ashram News Jokes Program - by Manoharlal

Be Happy & Smile - You are Ananda

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Laugh and get rid of all Tensions

Everyone looks their very best - in joy

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Ashram News Saavan Mahotsav @ Ashram

As the pious month of Saavan began

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Shivji was brought in garden

Then there was Bhajan & Bhojan

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Ashram News Saavan Mahotsav @ Ashram

Sureshji & Bhagatji donned Rajasthani Pagri

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and served all Mahatmas lovingly

Deeksha Soni presented a dance on a Bhajan

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Ashram News Visit - to Nakhrali Dhani

It is a Rajasthani Village Resort

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Presnts Village Culture beautifully

Visited on 18th July 2019

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Ashram News Visit - to Nakhrali Dhani

Bagghi Ride / Bhajans / Dances

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Rope-Walking / Monkey-plays / Magic-Show

Dances with 5 Pots on Head

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Ashram News Visit - to Nakhrali Dhani

Fire-emitting dances

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Finally - a lavish & rich Dinner

Served with great love & respect

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Ashram News Installation of Hydroponic System

This is a Soil-less Gardening System

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Nutrients are supplied by water

Requires very less water & management

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Ashram News Installation of Hydroponic System

Installed by WE Hydroponics, Indore

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Hopefully within a month crop will be ready

Ashramites will have fresh & organic Vegges

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Ashram News Visit to Kalash Food Factory

Of - Sunil & Sangeeta Agarwal

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There was puja in their new premises

Poojya Guruji blessed the owners

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Ashram News Saavan Somvar Shringar

Bhagwan Gangeshwar Mahadev

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Decorated as Bhagwan Amarnath

29th July 2019

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Forthcoming VM Programs 19th-23rd Aug 2019 VEDANTA CAMP @ Ashram, Indore Upadesha Saar / Sthita Pragnya / Meditation / Bhajans etc P. Guruji / All Swamiji’s 24th Aug 2019 JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS @ Ashram Conclusion of Camp / Sri Krishna Janma Celebs P. Guruji /All Mahatmas & Devotees 25th Aug 2019 HANUMAN CHALISA SATSANG @ Indore from 6.30 PM @ Vedanta Ashram P. Guruji Swami Atmanandaji 26th Aug - 1st Sept 2019

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GITA GYANA YAGNA @ Jalgaon Gita Chap 13 / Mundakopanishad 1-1 P. Swamini Poornanandaji

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Internet News Talks on (by P. Guruji) : Gita Chapter - 1 (Mumbai) Gita Complete Gita Chapter - 6 Mandukya Ch - 2 (Mumbai) Sadhana Panchakam Dakshinamurty Stotram Vivek Chudamani sloka 1 Hanuman Chalisa - 68 Photo Albums Hanuman Chalisa: July E Zines Vedanta Sandesh - July Vedanta Piyush - July

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Camp Form Janmashtami Vedanta Camp Form

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Internet News PDF Publication Commentary in Hindi on : Tattvabodha Sadhana Panchakam Vibhishan Geeta Shiv Mahimna Stotrm PDF Publication Commentary in Hindi on : Vishnu Sahasra Naam - Vyakhya VSN - 1 (1-100) VSN - 2 (101-200) VSN - 3 (201-300) VSN - 4 (301-400) VSN - 5 (401-500) VSN - 6 (501-600)

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VSN - 7 (601-700) Bird Photo Album Avian Vibhootis

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Visit us online : International Vedanta Mission

Check out earlier issues of : Vedanta Sandesh

Visit the IVM Blog at : Vedanta Mission Blog

Published by: International Vedanta Mission

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Editor: Swamini Samatananda Saraswati

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