Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

Monthly eMagazine of the International Vedanta Mission Year 17

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Issue 3

In This Issue

1.

Vedanta Section:

Atma Bodha - Shloka-34

2.

Letter Section:

Relationships

3.

Festival Related:

Navratri Parva

4.

Story Section:

Lagends of Navratra

5.

VM Programs:

Mission / Ashram Progs

From Poojya Guruji

Vedanta Sandesh Spreading Love & Light

Monthly eMagazine of the International Vedanta Mission Sharing the message of Vedanta and Sanatan Dharma

Sept 2011 On the Net since 1995

Started by:

Poojya Guruji Sri Swami Atmanandaji

Editor:

Swamini Samatananda

Published from:

Vedanta Ashram E/2948-50, Sudama Nagar Indore-452 009, India

Web:

www.vmission.org.in Email:

vmission@gmail.com

Hari om!

Religion is one thing & spirituality is another. Both these represent different set of goals, means & also the people who strive for them. Religion implies following a set of values & convictions which is seen as a divine dispensation. Religious followers believe in the existence of a divine order created by God & we see a blessed role for us in that dispensation. Religion is more based on belief & most often it aims at submission to the divine will & tuning up with a divinely established delicate order & balance. The basic structure of all religions is in the belief of God, the supreme power & intelligence which creates, sustains & destroys the world. One who is the Master of the whole creation and thereby have a set of do's & dont's, which basically facilitates us to transcend our sense of individuality & thus perceive the whole world very holistically. While there are many common things in all religions yet it will be wrong to say that all religions are basically same. Such statements do injustice to the unique thought and contribution of every religion. Some religions they teach us tolerance, while some are very intolerant of others. Therefore they resort to conversion & even violence. It is indeed a fact that some of the greatest wars have been fought in the name of religion, which have killed millions & billions of people. While it may be politically convenient to say that all religions are basically same yet philosophically it is a baseless proposition & such things can be said only at the cost of ignoring the very uniqueness of every religion. At the level of religion there will always be the possibility of the fragmentation of the society & the inevitable subsequent conflicts amongst each other.

The solution of such problems is neither in resorting to living a life devoid of all religious traditions nor forcing others into belief of one religion. We can neutralize all problems of religious confrontation by becoming aware of a more sublime role of religions. That goal and objective is spirituality. The main objective of a religious life is to help us graduate into spirituality. In spirituality the priority is to awaken to the truth of our self and the world. Here we delve deep into the various aspects of life and realize the truth of everything. There is no following of any do's & dont's, no rituals and no looking beyond. It is all awakening to the truth here and now, which is one without a second, infinite, un-fragmented & all pervasive. This goal of spirituality can become a true integrator of different religions which are different from each other in so many ways. In a country like India where there are so many intra-religious traditions as well as other religions, the integrating & unifying factor can only be this spirituality. In fact this had been the secret of keeping together our multi-cultural society. Even today when we see the divisionary and fragmentary forces at work in the country and also the world at large, we realize that it is high time that the unifying goal of spirituality should be brought to the forefront so that not only every religious person awakens to the timeless truth but the society too gets a unifying factor in spite of its intrinsic differences and uniqueness.

Love & om,

Swami Atmananda

Atma Bodha - Shloka 34 Vedanta Section

Contemplation by Negation In the previous sloka the Acharya expounded the discrimination between the Seer and the Seen. In that it was explained that all which can be seperately seen by the Seer as an object is not my Real Self and is therefore negated as Anatma. Hence the physical body, the indriyas, the pranas and the mind were all negated as the Anatma. This process of discrimination between the Drishta and the Drishya (the Seer & the Seen) is of great significance in the process of Self Realisation which ultimately culminates in knowng the Self as pure existence where even the Seer is dropped as a relative identity. The discrimination between seer & seen is a process in and through Manan and the realisation of the attributeless pure Self is a natural state of pure existence glided into by nididhyasan or cotemplation.

The following slokas are contemplative slokas of nididhyasan. Various words which are pointers to reveal the Atma are used for contemplation on the Atma. When a student of Vedanta contemplates on these pointers in the seat of meditation it culminates in bringing about the realisation that I am Brahman.

34 Nirguno nishkriyo nityo nirvikalpo niranjanah Nirvikaro nirakaro nityamuktosmi nirmalah Nirguno: attributeless; nishkriyo: action-less; nityo: eternal; nirvikalpo: without any desire & thought; niranjanah: without any impurity; Nirvikaro: without any change; nirakaro: without form; nityamuktosmi: ever liberated; nirmalah: ever pure.

I am without attributes and actions; Eternal (Nitya) without any desire and thought (Nirvikalpa), without any dirt (Niranjana), without any change (Nirvikara), without form (Nirakara), ever-liberated (Nitya Mukta) ever-pure (Nirmala).

Nirguno Nishkriyo Nityo Here the Scripture is giving a number of lakshanas(pointers) to discover the real nature of the Self. In meditaton one should contemplate on all these lakshanas, and come to discover the Real nature of the Self.

Nirguno: I am free from the three attributes of Maya, the Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. All that we see as a creation, from all inert matter to living beings is a creation of Maya alone. Maya is explained as that which is not; yet appears to be; is called Maya (Ya ma sa maya). Ishwara with his power of Maya cre ates the world.This Maya has three gunas (attributes). The Sattva Rajas & Tamas. The first pointer Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

in this sloka reveals that I am free from these three attributes. Although the world is a play of Maya but from the standpoint of truth the existence of Maya is like a dream existence which has no reality. It exists like the imagination of a snake on a rope.

Hence the play of Maya can also be seen only at the level of its own creation viz the world of objects , the body, mind and the itellect. Maya cannot touch the Real substratum of all existence i.e. the Self.

Thus the scriptures reveal that I am ‘Nirguna’ free of the attributes of Maya.

Nishkriyo: I am action-less. Being attibuteless I am therefore action-less because all actions take place only at the level of the three gunas. Gunas are re-

flected in the manifested adjuncts of the body, mind & intellect. Hence all actions take place at the level of the BMI alone. In the previous slokas it has been explained that it is due to ignorance that the activities of the BMI are superimposed on the Atman and the Atman is not the doer.

In the whole process Atman is the energizing factor but an effortless one just as iron fillings dance in the very presence of the magnet, without the magnet having any sense of doership in attracting the iron fillings and enlivening them.

Nityah: Eternal. I am eternal. I do not have any limitations of time and space ane therefore I am beginingless & endless. Since the atman is nityah hence it is the one who is there to witness all the changes but it itself does not undergo any change.

All our identities, our experiences are relative and come and go in time. But if one were to contemplate and see for the self that if all the identities are dropped ‘I still exist.’ In deep sleep state identification with the gross and subtle body is dropped yet I do exist and therefore I can wake up in the morning and say ‘I slept well.’

Nirvikalpo Niranjanah: Nirvikalpo: I have no parts or divisions. All khanda (divisions) belong to the gross & the subtle bodies.

I have no thoughts, doubts or resolves at the level of the mind & the intellect.

Niranjanah: I am unsullied, free of any kind of impurity of ignorance and its consequencial vasanas.

Ignorance alone is the cause of all our sufferings and bondage. Ignorance of the Self gives birth to desires and desires lead to a chain of constant seeking and vasanas. But ignorance too is at the level of the mind and can be removed with its opponent i.e. knowledge. Atman is neither touched by ignorance nor is it influenced by knowedge. Atman is that light which illumines ignorance and knowledge both. The nature of ignorance is that no one knows when the darkness of ignorance creeped in but ignorance can be removed for sure. Its begining is not known but it surely can be brought to an end, by lighting the torch of knowledge. This is possible only because basi-

cally I am niranjanah, untouched by ignorance.

NIrvikaro Nirakaro: Nirvikaro: I am free from the modifications of the Sareera like, Asthi, (exisitence) Jayathe(birth), Vardhathe(growth), viparinamathe, (maturity), vipaksheeyathe(decay) and vinashyate(death).

Nirakaro: I am not bound by names and forms. Since I have no form I am not limited by time, space and object. In fact because i have no form I can take any form. Just like water has no form hence it can take up any form.

Nityamuktosmi Nirmalah: Nityamuktosmi: I am ever liberated. Bondage does not have a real existence. It is a play of the mind when ignorance veils the mind from seeing the true nature of the self. If bondage was real then liberation would never be possible. But I am liberated here and now, which makes the existence of bondage too as imaginary. Through the disciplined study of the scriptures one can awaken into his natural state of liberation here and now.

Nirmalah: I am nirmalah i.e. I am free of any impurities in the mind born out of ignorance. Although we see a no of Impurities in our minds, these impurities are not the basic nature of the Self, they are conditional in nature, they exist due to some relative conditionings that bring about such impurities like personal likes and dislikes, self-centredness, anger, etc. Impurities are negative impressions on the mind.

Even though such impurities are experienced these impurities are due to some factors and limitations of the mind, & of the environment etc. But basically I am pure and uncontaminated. Hence there is a possibility of awakening in the pure nature of the self.

The impurities of the mind are eradicated by purification of the mind through selfless service, devotion and satsang.

In this manner by contemplation on these pointers one should negate all that which is the NonSelf and awaken into the Real nature of the Self thereby being liberated of all sense of limitation and duality and culminate in the vision of one non-dual existence.

Greetings to all on the pious occassions of Ganesh Parva Celebrations, Pitr Paksha & Navratras.

Page # 5

The Carpenter Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-byside, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major differenceand finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I ‘m looking for a few days’ work,” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?””Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor.

In fact, it’s my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place orhis face anymore.”The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day — measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.It was a bridge .. A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all!

And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched..”You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.”The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other’s hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.”No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.”I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have many more bridges to build.”

Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

Letter of the Month

Relationships Dear P...., Hari om !

Knowledge is all about being aware of the truth of what is, while Yoga and Bhakti aim to G o o d change the mind for relationships the better, so are technically they fall not about getting in the category of the best & pure, karma, working to but making the change something.

For knowledge even best of what you a sankalpa to get.

That is the change anything is secret. an impediment, because thenGuruji our - Poojya priorities change from knowing what is to working for what should be.

- Poojya Guruji

I have gone through your mail and can see the problems you are facing.

I wish & pray that all your problem get resolved soon and you have a good family life. However, you need to realize that good relationships are not about getting the best & pure, but making the best of what you get. That is the secret. Not knowing this you got disturbed and angry on seeing the past of your husband about which he frankly confided with you. This was a big mistake. You should have seen that confession as a sign of his love & confidence in you, anyways, he is what he is, and I see obvious aspirations in him for relationships and sensuality, and really speaking that is nothing abnormal. That is one of roles of both wife & husband, to take care of this natural desire in each other.

Lets be frank, you were obsessed with some of your dreams, freedom, & identity etc, and all this left a vacuum in him and also a dissatisfaction in you. All this could have been handled easily with just a shift in perceptions, mutual love & right understanding, and most important some tyaga too, but that was not to be, both of you have your own areas of shortcomings, and so the drift inevitably continued. No relationship can be successful without any sacrifices, and if individual satisfaction rules the roost, then success of relationship always takes the back seat. That is what is happening even today. Both of you have your own individual worlds, wanting each other only when you are free from the world of your dreams, and no one is really ready for sacrificing anything for the other. No one is trying to understand the other, but just want the other to understand them. So the million dollar question is whether you both really want to enjoy the joys of relationship, if yes, then both need to ask, Am I ready for some sacrifices. If both of you are ready, then even today you can do it – otherwise there will be an inevitable struggle between what you want and what others give.

Blessings & Best Wishes Swamiji

Page # 7

Navratri, as the name suggests, means nine nights. It is one of the important Hindu festivals. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the deity of Power. The festival is celebrated twice a year. As per the Gregorian calendar, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in MarchApril, while Sharadeya Navratri is celebrated in October-November. Both the celebrations concentrate on the worship of Goddess Shakti. Each day of the nine-day festival are dedicated to the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga, which unfolds the religious importance of the occasion.

Navratri Parva

Significance of Navratri The First Three Days of Navratri The first three days of Navratri are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga. This is the period, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga. Kumari, which signifies the girl child, is worshipped on the first day of the festival. Parvati, who is the embodiment of a young woman, is worshipped on the second day.

The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolize the commitment to acquire triumph over all the evil tendencies. Hence, on the third day of Navratri, Goddess Kali is worshipped, who represents the woman who has reached the stage of maturity.

Fourth to Sixth Days of Navratri When a person acquires triumph over evil tendencies of ego, anger, lust and other animal instincts, he/she experiences a void. This void is filled with spiritual wealth. For the purpose, the person approaches Goddess Lakshmi, to acquire all the materialistic, spiritual wealth and prosperity. This is the reason why the fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi - the goddess of prosperity and peace.

Although the individual has acquired victory over evil tendencies and wealth, he is still deprived of true knowledge. Knowledge is required to live the life of a humane, even though he/she is prospered with power and wealth. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. All the books and other literature materials are gathered in one place and a 'diya' (earthen lamp) is lit in front of the deity, to invoke the goddess and seek her blessings. Till the time the books are kept at the puja room, the students would not study.

Seventh and Eighth Day of Navratri The seventh day is dedicated to worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge.

Prayers are offered with an aim to seek spiritual knowledge. A 'yagna' is performed on the eight day. This comprises of a sacrifice honoring goddess Durga as well as bids her farewell. The sacrifice or offering is made out of clarified butter (ghee), rice pudding known as kheer and sesame seeds.

Ninth Day of Navratri The ninth day is the final day of Navratri celebrations. It is also known as 'Mahanavami'. On the day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls, who have not yet reached the stage of puberty. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of goddess Durga. The feet of girls are washed to welcome the goddess and show respect to her. The girls are offered a set of new clothes as a gift from the devotees at the end of the puja.

She is also worshipped under nine different names for the nine days in Navratri. Every day, she assumes a new character, a new look and a new duty. She is worshipped as Shailputri, VedantaSandesh Sandesh- -Sept April2011 2009 Vedanta

Page # 10

Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri. For the initial six the Pooja celebrations are limited to home. The celebrations acquire a festive form since the seventh day when the festivities of Navratri surround the atmosphere.

Customs & Rituals of Navratri n

The main ritual of Navratri, celebrated on September-October, consists of placing images of Goddess Durga, in homes and temples. The devotees offer fruits and flowers to the Goddess.

They also sing bhajans in her honor.

n

The first three days of Navratri are devoted exclusively to the worship of Goddess Durga, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga, namely Kumari, Parvati and Kali.

n

There is also a custom of planting barley seeds in a small bed of mud on the first day of puja. The shoots, when grown, are given to the attendees, as a blessing from Goddess, after the puja ceremony.

n

These fourth, fifth and sixth days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth & Prosperity. Goddess Saraswati is also prayed to, on the fifth day, which is known as Lalita Panchami.

n

The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while the Goddess of Art and Knowledge is worshipped on the eight day and a yagna is also performed.

n

The ninth day is the final day of Navratri celebrations, which is also known as 'Mahanavami'.

On this day, Kanya puja is performed, where nine young, who have not yet reached the stage of puberty, are worshipped. Each of these nine girls symbolizes one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The feet of the girls are washed, to welcome the goddess and show respect to her.

Thereafter, the girls are offered food and a set of new clothes, as a gift from the devotees.

n

The nine-day Navratra celebrations, which fall in September-October, come to an end with the immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga in water.

n

Dandiya and Garba are the featured dances performed on the evenings of Navratri, mainly in Gujarat. Garba is performed before the 'aarti', as devotional performance in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after it, as a part of the celebrations.

n

In case of September-October Navratri celebrations, the tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra. On this day, devotees perform 'Saraswati Puja', for blessings of knowledge and mental peace. On the day, the burning of the dummy of demon king Ravana also takes place

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu shakti rupena samsthita Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu vidya rupena samsthita Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah

Page # 9

When I whine...

Today, upon a Bus, I saw a Girl with Golden HairI Looked at her and Sighed and Wished I was as Fair. When suddenly She Rose to Leave,I Saw her hobble down the Aisle. She had One Leg and used a CrutchBut as She passed, she passed a Smile. Oh, God, Forgive Me when I Whine I have 2 Legs, the World is Mine.

I Stopped to Buy some CandyThe Lad who sold it had such Charm I Talked with Him a while, He seemed so very GladIf I were Late, it’d do no Harm. And as I Left, He said to Me,”I Thank you, you’ve been so Kind. It’s Nice to Talk with Folks like You.You see,” he said, “I’m Blind. Oh, God, Forgive Me when I Whine. I have 2 Eyes, the World is Mine.

Later while Walking down the Street,I Saw a Child with Eyes of blue He Stood and Watched the others PlayHe did not Know What to do. I Stopped a Moment and then I said,”Why don’t You Join the others, Dear?” He Looked ahead without a Word.And then I Knew, he couldn’t Hear.

With Feet to take Me where I’d Go.With Eyes to See the sunset’s Glow.With Ears to Hear what I would Know. Oh, God, Forgive Me when I Whine.I’ve been Blessed indeed,The World is Mine. Oh, God, Forgive Me when I Whine. I have 2 Ears, the World is Mine

Money can’t buy you happiness.

But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.

Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

Stories by Sages

on p u e Onc me ... a ti

Legends Of Navaratri Festival Victory Over Mahishasura According to a very popular legend, Mahishasura, the mighty demon worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained invincible power. Soon, he started killing the innocent lives on earth and set out to win the seven lokas. He acquired the swarglok.

Nobody could save the living creatures from his tyranny. Even the three mighty gods of the Hindu Trinity - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva - were unable to defeat him. Therefore, all the gods, including the Hindu Trinity, united their supreme powers and created a divine being called Ma Shakti or Durga, the Warrior Goddess.

With all the accumulated power and the weapons given by the gods, Goddess Durga set her trail to defeat Mahishasura. To accomplish the task, she entered a war with him, which extended for nine days. After fighting hard with him for nine days, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura on the tenth day. Consequently, she lifted the tyranny of the demon off the innocent lives on earth and restored the swarglok to the devatas (Gods). Therefore, Navratri is celebrated to commemorate her victory over the demon, which symbolizes the victory of the good over the evil.

The nine nights of Navratri symbolize the nine nights of the war between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.

Legend of Sati According to a story in the Hindu mythology, King Daksha of Himalayas was blessed with a beautiful and virtuous daughter, named Uma. She wished to marry Lord Shiva. In order to tie the wedding knot with the god, Uma worshipped him and pleased him. Consequently, Lord Shiva married Uma. One fine day, Uma, now the consort of Lord Shiva, wished to take part in a Yagna conducted by her father.

Since her father was not in good terms with him, Lord Shiva refused her to witness the Yagna.

When she turned up at the Yagna, her father - King Daksha - insulted Lord Shiva. Unable to withstand the insult, the angry Uma decided to end her life by jumping into the agni kund. Soon after doing this, she was united with the eternity.

Therefore, Uma came to be known as Sati. Sati was reborn again. In the second birth, Sati married Lord Shiva and the divine couple lived happily, thereafter. It is believed that Sati comes to stay with her parents for nine days, every year. This is celebrated as Navratri.

Other Legends A story says that in the ancient times, the Kshatriyas abstained from taking part in any warlike activities during the monsoon season. Once the season was over, they made a fresh start with their war activities. Therefore, before their commence their new activities, they would worship different avatars of Ma Durga, the Goddess of Warriors, for nine whole days, which is now celebrated as Navratri.

Apopular legend associated with the celebration of Navratri is the story of Lord Rama, who wanted to rescue his wife Sita, from the demon king- Ravana. To freed her from the clutches of the demon king, Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in her nine different forms, for nine days, so that he gets all the strength and power to kill Ravana. All the nine days became Navratri and hence, celebrated every year. On the tenth day, Rama killed Ravana and that day is called Vijayadashmi or Dussehra.

Vedanta Sandesh - April 2009

Page Page##13 11

Aug’11 VM / VA Programs Gita Gyana Yagna, Wellingborough:

Vedanta Mission / Ashram Programs

Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji visited the UK for about three weeks from 22nd of July to 10th Aug. During this time she had a tight schedule conducting a Gita Gyana Yagna, Shiv Pujas, Satsangs in various cities and various home visits.

The Gita Gyana Yagna was organized at the Wellingborough Hindu Temple from 23rd July evening and continued till the 30th. The discourse series which was in English, was on the 2nd Chapter of Gita, the Sankhaya Yoga. This is a long yet a very important chapter of Bhagwad Gita which deals from the state of the grief stricken Arjuna to the description of the one who revels in the state of Stitha Pragnya.

This being the month of Savan as a conclusion Poojya Swaminiji conducted a Samashti Shiv Puja at the Temple.

Satsangs at Loughborough & Bradford: After the Gyana Yagna, Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji visited Reading, Loughborough and Bradford for one day Satsangs over there.

The temple at Reading is still under renovation, which has been going on from last few years, and is likely to complete later this year. Yet the Mandir authorities welcomed Poojya Swaminiji and organized her satsang.

When the renovation is over there may be longer discourse series over there.

On 7th Aug a satsang as organized at the Gita Bhavan, Loughborough, and then later in the evening at Laxminarayan Temple at Bradford. Both were very nicely recieved. During the last few days of her stay in UK Poojya Swaminiji conducted Pujas and satsangs in the homes of various devotees apart from visiting Oxford for a day.

Birthday Celebrations of Sw Amitanandaji, Indore: On 8th Aug was the Birthday of Poojya Swamini Amitanandaji. 7th being a Sunday it was decided to have a get-together a day earlier and have a Birthday Eve celebration instead. As such we had a well-attended celebration on 7th evening. The Balvihar children and various other devotees came over in the afternoon and tastefully decorated the place and after the evening Aarti we had a bhajan & bhojan program. The evening started with prayers and then everyone chanted Hanuman Chalisa. Later there was a game in which where ever the ball stopped that person had to present some item. So there were interesting presentations, including that of some nice sher (urdu couplets), bhajans, jokes etc.

Later the cake was cut and everyone felicitated Poojya Swaminiji. On 8th morning she also conducted a Rudrabhisheka of Bhagwan Gangeshwar Mahadev and took blessings of Poojya Guruji.

Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

Aug’11 VM / VA Programs

Vedanta Mission / Ashram Programs

Poojya Guruji’s visit to Mumbai: Poojya Guruji was invited to Mumbai for a day by Sh Tushar Gandhi for a talk during a family program on the 14th of Aug. The occasion was a get together to celebrate the 80th & 75th birthdays of his parents. Tushar and his sister planned to call even their childhood friends & acquaintances, So it was a big gathering which was organized at the Juhu Millinium Club in Mumbai.

To make the celebration pious they invited Poojya Guruji for blessings and a short talk, which was highly appreciated by all, young & old. It was great for Poojya Guruji to see that the older generation had associations with his Poojya Gurudev too. After the one hour talk, there was a sumptous & lovely dinner.

Next day on 15th Aug, the VM Members got together for breakfast at the office of Mohan Lalaji and met Poojya Guruji.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Indore: This year Sri Krishna Janmashtami was on the 22nd of Aug. As every year, the occasion was celebrated at Vedanta Ashram in a nice way.

Beautiful Jhanki of Bhagwan Krishna was made in the Satsang Hall, the idol in the backdrop and a small swing in the forefront.

In the celebrations, first there was the first session of Gita chanting in the morning. Later in the evening there was a session of Akhand Japa of the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagawate Vasudevaya’. From 9.00 PM till 12 in the night there were continuous programs of bhajans, chantings, jokes and even few dances by Balvihar children. The chanting included few more chapters of Gita Chapters, Vishnu Sahasranama and finally the Purusha Suktam.

The Ashram Mahatmas also gave short discourses. At dot 12 all the lights were closed and then opened amidst celebrations & Aarti.

Tattva Bodha Camp-2, Indore: Right after the Janmashtami celebrations the second Camp of Tattva Bodha studies was organized. Basically a group from Lucknow joined the Camp. This group was also very sincere & dedicated.

A usual day of the Camp started with a Dhyana session at 6 AM, and then after a tea break, the first session of Tattva Bodha was there. This text gives an overview of Vedanta, without any dialectics. It has definitions also of the simplest words, so it becomes an ideal starting point for any beginner.

Later after the Aarti and breakfast, there was the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama and Sanskrit by Poojya Swamini Amitanandaji. The 2nd session of Tattva Bodha was after tea in the evening, and after dinner there were lovely bhajans, which was managed by all the Ashram Mahatmas, in turn. Overall it is a very satissfactory experience for all.

Check out the detailed Photo Albums of the various functions on VM News Blog at : http://vmissionews.blogspot.com/ Page # 13

Rain is a four letter word Whenever it rains, I feel so free Free as a bird, rain is my life Washing away my troubles Quenching my sun baked soul While others rush for cover I stroll among the empty streets The rain dancing upon my lips Looking up at the gray clouds I open my mouth to catch the rain Laughing at the silliness of it Whenever I am sad The rain hides my tears, And soothes me with The fresh clean air The soft pitter-patter on my window Lulls me to sleep as it sings its lullaby I let out a sigh As I wave goodbye To the departing clouds The sun shining through Until next time rain For now I bid thee Adieu

Brian Tang

Vedanta Sandesh - Sept 2011

Forthcoming Programs

Tattva Bodha Camp, Indore: Right now the Second Tattva Bodha Camp is going on nicely in full throttle. The Camp is scheduled to complete on the 3rd of Sept. This camp has been designed for devotees who wish to take up systematic study of Vedanta. Tattva Bodha is the first text which a student of Vedanta should study, because it gives definitions & an overview.

Gita Gyana Yagna, Lucknow: A Gita Gyana Yagna will be organized at Hari om Mandire, Lalbag, Lucknow from 19th to 26th Sept by Poojya Swamini Amitanandaji. The subject matter will be Gita Chapter 13th and the Satyam Gyanam Anantam section of Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya.

Discourses at Vedanta Ashram, Indore: Poojya Guruji Swami Atmanandaji will continue his discourses on the sixth & last section of Kathopanishad from 6th Sept. Poojya Swamini Amitanandaji will start her discourses on the 1st Valli of the 2nd Chapter of Kathopanishad for the Elder Citizen Group at the Ashram. From 18th Sept, Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji will take Gita Chapter 14 for the same group for a week.

Gita Jayanti Celebrations, Indore: This year the Gita Jayanti is on the 6th of Dec. Every year there are mega celebrations of Gita Jayanti at Indore, in which the Mahatmas of Vedanta Ashram too participate actively.

There will be talks at Agrasen Dham, Gita Bhavan and also program at Vedanta Ashram.

Gita Gyana Yagna, Mumbai: Poojya Guruji visits Mumbai twice every year for conducting a Gyana Yagna. This year also he plans to visit Mumbai from 16th to 22nd Dec. The subject matter of the discourse series will be Gita Chapter 5, and the 1st Valli of the 2nd Chapter of Kathopanishad (Starting with Paranchikhani mantra). The inauguration will be on the evening of 16th Dec and the conclusion on 22nd evening.

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Hari om !

Web Site of the International Vedanta Mission: http://www.vmission.org.in/

International Vedanta Mission News Blog: http://vmissionews.blogspot.com/

Checkout the new ‘Gita Section’ of VMission Web Site at: http://www.vmission.org.in/vedanta/shastras/gita/index.htm

This is a Net Publication of the International Vedanta Mission

Om Tat Sat