Satsang with Swami Bodhatmanandaji

The satsang with Swami Bodhatmananda (on June 11 th at the Chinmaya Centre of World Understanding, Delhi) described in the social media posts as ‘rare opportunity’ was indeed a special evening. He had his audience on high alert the moment he declared the subject, ‘Liberation’.

Good speakers first tell their listeners what they will tell them, then tell them and round up with the core take away. Swamiji divided his talk into five sections:

1. Artha – the meaning of liberation

2. Sadhan – the means of liberation

3. Prakara – different types of liberation

4. Swarupa – the nature of liberation

5. Shastra sangati – scriptural validation of liberation

What is this liberation that we seek? Very succinctly Swamiji said, that we want liberation from sorrow and complete liberation is possible only if we eliminate the notion of duality. Immortality can be gained only by right Knowledge. To get this wisdom we require sadhana, which leads to purity of mind. This brings to us the Guru, which in turn leads us to the study of Vedanta. Through viveka we are liberated when we live the Mahavakya – aham brahmasmi – and know that we are what we seek. Swamiji quoted liberally from the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-gita to authenticate the subject matter.

Left with much to think about, the listeners were in awe of the logical thought development and the ease with which Swamiji expounded the highest Truth and covered so much in such a short time. It was a privilege to listen to this exposition on ‘Mukti’ from the very acharya who taught the students of the 16 th Residential Two-Year Vedanta Course and who will be teaching the students of the forthcoming 17 th Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalya, Mumbai. This evening was a delightful preview of what awaits them.

From 9th May to 19th May 2017, the students of the 3rd Residential Vedanta Course of Trinidad & Tobago were graced with the presence of Swami Bodhātmānandaji, Resident Ācharya of Sandeepany Sadhanālaya of Powaii, Mumbai. The sacred text Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Sāra Sangrahaḥ was taken by Pūjya Swamiji. The text described in exquisite detail Sri Rama’s enquiry into the highest truths, supported by Vairagya and Samatvam, presented as the model to be used to live in this world, interact with others and complete responsibilities while staying on the path to Mokṣa. The text presented ideas in a new and novel fashion, allowing the students to expand and deepen their own enquiry.

The days flew past, immersed in study and serenity guided by the clarity, precision and patience of Swamiji’s discourses and delivery. Through his lectures, Swamiji logically analyzed and uncovered the sublime depths of Vedantic philosophy sprinkled throughout this conversation between Sage Vasiṣṭha and Śrī Rāma.  In particular, Swamiji’s analysis of the jnāña bhūmika (ladder of spiritual growth) provided a unique and practical viewpoint on sādhana (spiritual practice). Moreover, Swamiji proficiently dissected the text’s multifold explanations of bondage, the relationship between seer and the seen world, allowing students to effectively understand the subtleties hidden in the shlokas. His vast body of knowledge wove throughout the text, connecting and assimilating ideas presented throughout texts the students have and are yet to study (e.g. Tattva Bodha, Ātma Bodha, Vivekachudāmani, Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā, to name a few).

During the visit, Swamiji also gave a one-night discourse to the public on the Spiritual Significance of the Rāmāyaṇa. Many members of Chinmaya Mission Trinidad & Tobago were enthralled by the sweeping landscape of Rāmayaṇa, a beloved text bathed in a new light. The significance of the major characters, major events and even subtle nuances of dialogue between Bhagavān Śri Rāma and Hanumānji were beautifully expounded. The text which is a favorite text of CMTT Resident Āchārya Swami Prakāshānandaji was a perfect choice, as the fertile ground of Bhakti prepared by Swamiji was nourished by the words of Swami Bodhātmānandaji.

CM Trinidad & Tobago was deeply moved by the presence of Swami Bodhātmānandaji. Because of Swamiji’s vast knowledge and profound exposition on śāstra, the class gained a renewed inspiration in studies that will surely carry throughout the remainder of the course. While life’s duties and activities go on, constantly we keep in mind the temporary nature of things and strive diligently for the Ultimate Goal.

Thank you for Your Love and Widom Swamiji. Koti Pranāms at Your Lotus Feet!

Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad & Tobago