Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swamini Sampannanda

Pujya Swamini Sampannananda of Malleswaram centre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada from 8^th to 14^th October, 2017 at Sri Vijneshwara Temple, BTM. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri C A Satyanarayana, president of the temple.

Pujya Swamini Sampannananda introduced the text as one revealing our true nature as explained by the Lord Himself who is the embodiment of our true Self. She reminded that our real nature and that of the Lord is the same. All desires are propelled due to mixture of the three Gunas – Satwa, Rajas and Tamas. It is the Avarana and Vikshepa power of Maya through ignorance that leads to the misapprehension of reality. True knowledge is possible only through total surrender to the Lord, Guru and Scriptures. But those who seek happiness from the external world are trapped by the power of Maya and are sucked in the wheel of karma. Once this concept is understood it becomes easy to comprehend the essence of the Self where there is no room for duality with all differences between Jiva, Jagat and Ishwara disappearing.

The Yajna was well attended.

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Brn Vasumana Chaitanya

Pujya Brn Vasumana Chaitanya of Shivamogga centre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in English from 22^nd to 28^th Oct, 2017 at Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar taking the Traits of a Sthitaprajna from Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 2. The Yajna was inaugurated by Dr. Vikram, Senior Vice President, Samsung Research Division.

Pujya Vasumanji explained that a Sthitaprajna or Jeevanmukta is a person who has through right knowledge, wisdom and practice attained liberation during his lifetime itself with a clear understanding that there is no bondage and the delusion of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ is false with only the Self-remaining. They are able to relinquish all ripples of desire and are not perturbed by the dualities in life. Man’s downfall commences with brooding on objects of senses that develop attachment and desire. An enlightened Master can see the world as it is with a vigilant mind ever alert never getting disturbed and attracted as the desirer in Him has been completely destroyed through self-analysis. He ever remains peaceful rooted in Brahman spreading joy and peace in society.

The Yajna was well attended.

 Gita Jayanti Celebrations

The month-long Gita Jayanti celebration was set to motion by Pujya Swamini Samatananda of Sripaadakshetra centre through a Satsang – “Glory of Guru” in Kannada on Sunday, 29^th October, 2017 at Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Tyagarajanagar.

Pujya Samatanandaji gave a detailed synopsis of the Guru Parampara commencing with Lord Shiva who as Lord Dakshinamurthy imparted the profound knowledge to the sages depicting the great Truth that peace of mind has to be attained by looking inwards and not running after the impermanent worldly objects. Only when we transcend the body, mind and intellect through sadhanas like puja, bhajan, japa, dhyana, tapas, etc., ignorance is destroyed with dropping of all attachments and delusion paving way for a clear understanding that ‘I’ am not the body but the all-pervading everlasting “Jyoti” illumining the entire universe.

Pujya Samatamma highlighted the life led by several saints like Samartha Ramdas, Shirdi Sai Baba, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Chinmayananda and others who tried to transform the devotees through their very lives which serve as a source of inspiration to entire humanity.

The Satsang was very well attended.

KARTIKA MASA SATSANG by Pujya Swami Brahmananda

Pujya Swami Brahmananda conducted the annual Kartika Masa Satsang in Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar on Sunday, 22^nd October, 2017 highlighting the significance of Dusserah and Kartika Masa. Explaining the significance of worshipping Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, Pujya Swamiji explained that Durga destroys our Tamas, Lakshmi our Rajas and Saraswati helps in understanding that even Satwa needs to be transcended to realise the true knowledge. It is only a mature mind that can look upon the external world of names and forms with equanimity with the firm understanding that real happiness does not lie in them but is experienced by our own calm mind. When we pray with a serene mind the Lord blesses and we derive courage to work towards achieving our goals. The Lord never hesitates to bestow what we sincerely seek as His nature is only to give in abundance. It is up to us to seek positive qualities and peace of mind which is the only way to purge all wicked tendencies.

The Satsang was well attended with devotees from all parts of Bengaluru participating. Rudrabhisheka, special Kartika Masa Alankara and Bhajans by Devi Group preceded Pujya Swamiji’s Satsang.

Chinmaya Mission Atlanta hosted the 5 th annual Divya Sakthi retreat at the Chinmaya Niketan in Norcross, GA, October 6-8, 2017. With 80 Devis from all over the United States; GA, VA, NC, SC, FL, CT, PA, IL, IN, and from Ontario, Canada as well, it was a true national camp and provided an opportunity for the Devis to get in touch with their divinity and time to invest in themselves. Following up on the previous year’s theme of “Finding your Courage”, Vilasiniji and Vivekji channelled the Devis to
“Finding Your Calling” in both the divine and worldly ways.

Vivekji undertook the discussion of the simple subhashitas in the “I Love You” book by Pujya Gurudev, and gave a succinct one-word summary and prescribed a sadhana for each of the 12 subhashitas. He then urged the Devis to take the vairagya to truly “own” any one of those sadhanas to discover their calling. Vilasiniji led the meditation sessions and group discussion activities. The soothing meditative Dhun was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Vivekji organized the challenging group sports activities. Morning activities on both Saturday and Sunday started with Surya Namaskar yoga session followed by the meditation sessions by Vilasiniji.

The Devis also had an opportunity to display their creativity in the painting of the tile coasters led by Geethaji. With a live garbha music, the Devis also had a chance to bond, laugh, and dance on Saturday night. Food and transportation arrangements were ably taken care of by the Devas under the guidance of Raghuji.

About the powerful Lord Hanuman at Sidhbari, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself has said, “Here, Hanuman is the deity of strength and health… under the multi-starred sky, open to the embrace of his beloved father, the High-winds.”

Every five years since the installation by Pujya Gurudev happened on 10th October, 1982, Lord Hanuman has been showered with the collective love and prayers of the Chinmaya family at the Mastakabhishek programme, an important event on the calendar of Chinmaya Tapovan Trust (Sidhbari) and indeed the entire Chinmaya Mission.

This year was no different. A grand scale camp, with more than 500 seekers in attendance, highlighting Lord Hanuman and His inspiration and altar of dedication, Lord Shri Ram, was organized from 2nd to 7th October, 2017. The campers were delighted to be in the immensely sacred and beautiful ashram and gurukul that was so dear to Gurudev, indeed his abode, his resting place. Devotees from around the world gathered together to listen to the beautiful talks delivered by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda (on Sundarkand from Valmiki Ramayana), global head Pujya Swami Swaroopananda (on Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakam), and Swami Subodhananda (on Shri Ram Charitra). The perfect lead up to the momentous occasion all had been waiting for.

Preparatory kalash pujas and havans took place on 8th and 9th October, with yajamans, kalash donors, campers, Sandeepany students and ashram residents coming together to invoke the grace and blessings of the Lord of boundless strength and devotion. The entire ashram resounded with the powerful Vedic chants of Subbarama Sastrigal and his team from Delhi, who so beautifully conducted all the rituals. Bhajans and keertans by Guruji and other Swamins, Brahmacharins and devotees also filled the air with love and joy. A particularly memorable highlight was the open air Anjaneya Sahasranama Archana at sunset, with hundreds of people participating together, against the stupendous backdrop of the Dauladhar range of mountains in the Himalayas.

On 10th October, a dynamic team of volunteers guided devotees up a specially created ramp, all the way to behind and above Lord Hanuman’s head (mastak), to perform the Abhishek of holy waters with their very own hands. All the while, the chanting of “Om Shri Ram Dootaya Namaha” happened non-stop. That close proximity in such a spiritually charged atmosphere had an energizing and empowering effect on one and all. Once all kalashs had been poured out, Sastrigalji and his team climbed to the feet of Lord Hanuman for the final steps of the puja and aarti. A devoted crowd stood overwhelmed and awestruck as endless petals were showered on the Lord, colour after colour, and then clothes were offered followed by a long pearl necklace and flower garlands. It was simply breathtaking.

Thus concluded, with great success and enthusiasm, the 8th Hanuman Mastakabhishek programme at Sidhbari. Gratitude to all yajamans, sponsors, volunteers and indeed all attendees, for the tremendous support and for being part of such a wonderful event. Gratitude to the great visionaries and inspiration behind it all – Pujya Gurudev, Pujya Guruji and Pujya Swami Swaroopananda. Ultimate gratitude to Sankat Mochan Pavansut Hanuman, for allowing us to pour out our love unto Him.

Please click the links below to find more pictures.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4HLHsqoaZMBs6Bv33

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NKBHkSb1PFlbJqTd2

 Jai Hanuman! Jai Shri Rama!

Walkathon and Felicitation of Super Senior Citizens at Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair.

On the occasion of International Elders’ Day a walkathon was organized by Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair from Raj Niwas parking area to the Mission centre. Director General of Police Smt. Nuzhut Hassan flagged off the walkathon. Speaking on this occasion Smt. Hassan appreciated the participation of Senior Citizens and wished
them a healthy life.

Shri Hari Haran won the first prize while Shri Prashish Kumar and Shri P. V.
Krishnan won the second and third prize respectively. Swami Shuddhananda Saraswati of CM Port Blair welcomed the gathering.