A Final Project 183170

A PROJECT REPORT ON ROLE OF DHARMA GURU IN LIFE A Report Submitted to Ishan Institute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida as a partial fulfilment of full time post graduate diploma in Business management. Under the Guidance of Swami Bhavatmananda Submitted To:

Submitted By:

Dr. D. K. Garg,

AMRITA PRIYA

Chairman,

ENR No. - HRR 5008

IIMT, Gr. Noida

Batch – 17th

Ishan Institute of Management & Technology 1A, Knowledge Park – I, Greater Noida, Dist-G.B.Nagar (U.P.) Website: www.ishanfamily.com E-Mail: [email protected]

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT No research can blossom from single person’s mind without proper guidance, assistance and inspiration from various quarters. My project was given its present shape by assistance of many people whom we are greatly indebted to. I owe deep intellectual debt to the numerous people who through their rich and various contributions have greatly improved our understanding of various concepts of our project. I express my sincere thanks to Sri B. Ananda for his stimulate discussion, constructive and valuable suggestions that helped us in this endeavor. I would like to thank all those people who graciously helped us by sharing their valuable time, experience & knowledge for completion of this project. I take an opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Dr. D.K.Garg (Chairman, IIMT), Dean Sir Prof. M.K.Verma and all the staff of the PGDM department for making available all the facilities in fulfilling the requirements for this reasonable work. Finally, I thank our parents for their moral and financial help.

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CERTIFICATE OF GUIDE

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DECLARATION BY STUDENT The Final project on Role of Dharma Guru in Life under the guidance of Sri B. Ananda is the original work done by me . This is the property of the Institute and use of this report without prior permission of the Institute will be considered illegal and actionable. Date:

Signature: Amrita Priya ENR No: HRR 5008

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter:1 .................................................................................................8-54  Introduction to Dharma & Religion  History of Dharma & Dharma Guru  Beginning of Dharma Guru

Chapter:2..................................................................................................55-69  God’s personal original name Om  Worship of God (everyone do in his own way)  The real dharma guru

Chapter:3 – Shri Shri Ravi Shankar.........................................................70-106       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:4 – Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.........................................107-146       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:5 – Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji........................................147-169      

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Role of Yoga

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Chapter:6 – Acharya Maharajshree Rakesh Prasad Pande.......................170-177      

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion

Chapter:7 – Gopal Krishna Goswami........................................................178-200       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:8 – Hridayananda Das Goswami...............................................201-214       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:9 – Radhanath Swami...............................................................215-238       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:10 – Anandmurti Gurumaa.......................................................239-264      

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion 6

 Role of Yoga

Chapter:11 – Brahmarishi Prem Nirmal.................................................265-276       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:12 – Satsvarupa Das Goswami..................................................277-296       

Introduction Brief history Ashrams Preachings Role for socity welfare Religion Role of Yoga

Chapter:13 .............................................................................................297-318  The goal of human life  Role of Dharma Guru in life  Impact of Dharma Guru in Life Chapter:14.............................................................................................319-322    

Finding Suggestion Bibliography Words of Thanks

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CHAPTER – 1 Introduction to Dharma & Religion What is Dharma? “Dharma” means “protection”. By practising Buddha’s teachings we protect our self from suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life originate in ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practise Dharma. All the problems we experience during daily life originate in ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practise Dharma. Practising Dharma is the supreme method for improving the quality of our human life. The quality of life depends not upon external development or material progress, but upon the inner development of peace and happiness. For example, in the past many Buddhists lived in poor and underdeveloped countries, but they were able to find pure, lasting happiness by practising what Buddha had taught. If we integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life, we will be able to solve all our inner problems and attain a truly peaceful mind. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. If we first establish peace within our minds by training in spiritual paths, outer peace will come naturally; but if we do not, world peace will never be achieved, no matter how many people campaign for it. Dharma is one of the most important themes within Hinduism. One often sees dharma translated as religion, duty, or even righteousness, but in fact, there is no single direct translation for dharma. Religion, duty and righteousness are not wrong; they are simply included within the idea of dharma. The word "dharma" comes from the Sanskrit root dhri, meaning to "uphold" or to "sustain." From this perspective, the best way to think of dharma is to say, "that which upholds or sustains the positive order of things: the nation, the community, the family and ultimately even the universe." At a social level, every individual has a particular dharma according to their place in life. Children have a dharma, parents have a dharma, teachers have a dharma, the police have a dharma and even the head of a nation has a dharma. One of the dharmas of a child, for example, is to obey parents and to study. Parents have a dharma to protect and look after children: to make sure they are educated, fed, housed and trained. It is sometimes written on the sides of police cars: To Serve and to Protect. This is a statement of dharma for police. A head of state has a dharma to protect the country and to provide a secure environment for its citizens. If everyone performs their dharma: children obey parents, parents look after children, citizens uphold the laws of the land, the police enforce the law, a head of state protects the nation, then the family, the community and the nation are "upheld" and there can be prosperity. This is dharma, and it all follows from the idea of dhri, to uphold. The opposite of dharma is "a-dharma." What this means is obvious. If children fail to obey parents, if parents do not train and discipline children, if the police misuse their power and fail to protect, if the head of state fails to act in the interest of the nation, then a 8

dharma exists, and when there is too much a dharma, there will be a break down of the family, society or the nation. The nation, the community, the family and even individuals cannot prosper when too much a dharma reigns. There is a saying, "Protect dharma and dharma will protect you." Individuals have different dharmas at different times in their lives. A child has a certain dharma that we mentioned above, but the same person as an adult has different dharmas to focus upon. And still later in life, there are other dharmas that need to be stressed. When one is married, one should not live according to the dharma of a child. If an adult adopts the dharma of a child this is a dharma. A child cannot follow the dharma of the police. If an ordinary citizen tries to follow the dharma of the head of state it results in a dharma. The ancient Hindu social system was called Varnashrama Dharma and the great epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are built on this system of dharma. In the Ramayana, the hero Rama exhibits the ideal execution of the dharma as a son and king. Sita, his wife, illustrates the dharma of the ideal woman and wife. Hanuman, the divine monkey, exhibits the dharma of a devoted servant in the way he serves Rama. The evil Ravana, the villain, is the very personification of adharma as he kidnaps Sita and tries to usurp Rama's kingdom. In the end adharma destroys Ravana. In the Mahabharata, a great war takes place as dharma and adharma collide in a cosmic struggle over good and evil. In the end, good triumphs over evil. Dharma always rules over adharma. This is the way of the universe. He word dharma is also used in a different way within Hindu philosophy that can also be understood from the root dhri. Every constituent of matter: liquids, metals, gases, fire, and so on have different dharmas. For example, the dharma of water is liquidity and wetness. The dharma of ice is solidity and coldness. The dharma of fire is heat and light. In other words, whatever it is that makes water, water or ice, ice, or fire, fire; what "upholds" the state of being water-ness, ice-ness, or fire-ness, etc., is dharma. These ideas occupies an important part of Hindu philosophy and even though they are subtle, I think the reader can see how even this use of dharma comes from the root dhri Indeed, the idea of dharma is paramount within both Hindu religion and philosophy. Dharma is an Eastern term whose Western equivalents might include morality, ethics, virtue, righteousness and purity. Sadly, most of those are distinctly unfashionable in our modern culture. Yet it is Dharma by which the seeker of truth can evolve to gnosis. In India the deity Sri Vishnu is believed to have taken more than 9 incarnations (avatars) on this earth to defend the righteous (i.e. those living within Dharma) against the demonic forces (adharma). As the warrior-prince Sri Rama (c. 6000 BC), Lord Vishnu, rescued the Goddess Sri Sita from the immoral intentions of Ravana, the 10-headed demon King of Lanka. Ravana was a violent, materialistic and egotistical conqueror who despised the will of heaven. The pure and innocent Rama fought a mighty battle against the demon king and his army of darkness, finally slaying him with a single silver arrow. Rama's army of bears and monkeys, whose weapons were little more than rocks and tree trunks, rejoiced for their beloved Sita had been reclaimed and the Divine Order restored. 9

This legend of Rama, the Ramayana, teaches that a person who defends dharma is destined to vanquish evil and ignorance. Indeed, the entire cosmos comes to their aid as is shown by the allegiance of the bears, monkeys and other aspects of nature. Fundamental to the defence of Dharma is the sanctity of woman, in this case Sita, who is a Goddess; the Divine Feminine incarnate. Ravana's death from a single silver arrow demonstrated the cosmic power of Rama's dharmic purity. Sri Krishna (c. 4000 BC) also incarnated to destroy demons opposed to Dharma. Unlike in the age of Rama, impurity (adharma) was not exclusive to the demonic races alone but had begun to enter into the minds of men. Krishna's life culminated in the Mahabharata war which was a single, momentous battle between two royal families involving the deaths of over 2 million warriors on a battlefield called Kurukshetra (now north of New Delhi). The entire battle pivoted around a divine woman called Draupadi. The Kaurava family (the bad guys) had insulted her chastity in the royal court after cheating the Pandava family (good guys) in a game of dice. By threatening a woman's chastity the Kauravas had sunk to the lowest level of 'adharma'. Thus the egotistical and hate-filled Kauravas threatened the ancient essence of Indian civilisation. Krishna guided the Pandavas to victory on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, often by miraculous intervention, so that Draupadi was avenged and Dharma restored. Unlike Rama, Krishna did not adhere to an external code of Dharma. Rather, he saw to the essence of each situation and acted in such a way as to manifest the greatest divine good. Despite many modern interpretations of Krishna, he was not a womaniser ‹ the ancient (and more authentic) scriptures show that he was completely innocent of lust and greed. Thus Krishna, as the essence of purity, was the master of yogic spirituality, the essence of dharma. Today Kurukshetra is the battlefield of the human mind. The Mahabharata war is the struggle between our sublime aspirations (truth, beauty and awareness) and our gross desires (security, sensation and power). As individuals we merely choose sides. When we choose as the Pandavas, we choose Dharma and its fruit of spiritual evolution. The entire cosmos (Sri Krishna) guides us through the battle of life and we ultimately defend the sanctity of Draupadi, the divine feminine, fountain of truth within us. Choose the Kauravas and we are destined for defeat for we elect to move against the divine order. Dharma itself will destroy us and the ultimate prize of spiritual awareness becomes forfeit. These legends illustrate both the heavenly and earthly importance of Dharma. The Mahabharata is very much older than the famous works of classical Greece (in fact it is longer than Homer's Iliad and Odyssey combined); even its origin is mystical, having been written by the sage Viyasa who perceived the entire story in the state of meditation ‹ thousands of years before it occurred. When Moses brought down the 10 commandments from Mt. Sinai he taught the Israelites that Dharma was the divine law by which they (who loved truth) aspired could free themselves from their Egyptian slave masters (the base desires) and reach the promised land (spiritual liberation).

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Although Mohammed led his followers into a bloody and terrible war to defend the law of Islam (Dharma) from the child-murdering and mysoginistic idolaters, he described that physical war as the 'lesser jihad'.The 'greater Jihad' is the infinitely more difficult war which the seekers fight within themselves for moral purification, death of the ego and victory over desire, attachment and conditioning. Shakespeare's morality plays were all lessons in the cosmic supremacy of Dharma over human folly. Thus Hamlet's vacillation between his princely duty and his frivolous irresolution led to the death of Ophelia (loss of the divine feminine) and his own extinction ‹ the tragedy was that by procrastinating his Dharma he forfeited his destiny to true fulfilment as king (truth). Whereas Henry V, by immediately taking to his Dharma as a fair king, won not only a miraculous, victory (the Battle of Agincourt in which the English were outnumbered 25 to 1) over the arrogant French (human ego) but also the fair French princess (sublime beauty and truth). Christ taught us that forgiveness frees us from our own petty ego (and its qualities such as pride, vengeance, aggression, grudge bearing) so that we can stay on the path of Dharma. Christ's message is encapsulated in statements such as 'He who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery' ‹ in other words an external morality or ethic is insufficient, for true Dharma is purity of heart and mind.

Defining Dharma The definition of Dharma as that which upholds, sustains and uplifts does not define the object that is being upheld, sustained, or uplifted. It does not imply any specific object (living or inanimate) and thus applys to all possible objects. It represents a ‘Principle’ or a ‘Quality of being’ that can be widely used in a variety of contexts to mean a variety of different ideas. In the Mahabharata, Yudhistira asks Bhishma to explain the meaning and scope of Dharma. Bhishma replies: Tadrisho ayam anuprashno yatra dharmaha sudurlabaha Dushkamha pralisankhyatum tatkenatra vysvasyathi Prabhavarthaya bhutanam dharmapravachanam kritam Yasyat prabhavasamyuktaha sa dharma iti nischayaha. It is most difficult to define Dharma. Dharma has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that that which sustains is Dharma. In the Karna Parva, Lord Krishna explains Dharma to Arjuna in the following words: Dharanat dharma mityahu dharmo dhara-yate prajaha Yat syad dharanasamyuktam sa dharma iti nischayaha Dharma sustains the society. Dharma maintains the social order. Dharma ensures well being and progress of humanity. Dharma is surely that which fulfills these objectives. Rishi Jaimini, the author of Purva Mimamsa and Uthara Mimamsa, explains Dharma as: 11

Sa hi nisreyasena pumshamsamyunaktiti pra-tijaneemahe tadabhidhiyate chodanalakshno ariho dharmaha Dharma is that which is indicated by the Vedas as conducive to the highest good. Madhavacharya, in his commentary on Parashara Smriti, explains the meaning of dharma as Dharma is that which sustains and ensures progress and welfare of all in this world and eternal Bliss in the other world. Dharma is promulgated in the form of commands. (positive and negative vidhi and nishedha). Dharma embraces every type of righteous conduct, covering every aspect of life essential for the sustenance and welfare of the individual and society. Further, it includes those rules which guide and enable those who believe in God and heaven to attainmoksha.

Dharma as Cosmic Order The earliest import of the word Dharma, arises from the ancient Vedic idea of Ritam (or Cosmic Order). The entire universe is sustained by a cosmic order, which are physical laws that govern the motion of stars, suns, planets, satellites, asteroids and other physical bodies. For example, the law of gravity sustains life on the earth – since without it everything would fly away, never to come back. Similarly there are other natural laws that are responsible for sustaining and upholding various natural phenomenon. For example, why electrons keep revolving around the nucleus of an atom, why atoms combine in ways to form molecules, why the earth goes around the sun, and why human beings breathe out carbon-dioxide while plants breathe out oxygen. There are thus physical laws, chemical laws, biological laws, even psychological laws that both underlie the behavior and also sustain and maintain various natural phenomena. There are geophysical laws that govern the occurrence of mountains, forests, climates, seas and rivers, and the numerous phenomena we see on this planet. There are climatic laws that govern the seasons: summer follows spring, spring follows winter, and winter follows autumn and so on. The winds blow as though by an internal law – gently in normal times, and as hurricanes and gales, in abnormal times. And even the hurricanes and gales come only during their appointed season. The snows melt in the high mountains during summer, and the rivers flow in full spate, and thus the whole cycle of life is sustained. There are biological laws that govern the birth, growth, sustenance and death of all things living, from the single-celled amoeba to the complex human being. There is a digestive system that digests food, and a respiratory system that transforms oxygen into energy, a nervous system that carries impulses, a brain that initiates thought and co-ordinates movement, and so on. The Laws of Evolution have governed the progressive differentiation of species, and Laws of Destruction have destroyed numerous species in their time. There are laws that govern how the heart works, how the breath works, how hunger works and how 12

food works, how speech works, how the mind works, how emotions work and how imagination works. It could be said that it is the Dharma of the Wind to blow, the Dharma of the Sun to heat up the world, the Dharma of the Ice to freeze and melt, the Dharma of Fire to burn. It is the Dharma of the Plants to give out oxygen, and the Dharma of the Animals to give out carbon dioxide. And behind the delicate workings and inter-relations between the various cosmic phenomena, there is an order, an intelligently engineered and organized system, a set of laws that seem to be at work governing the great forces and powers (Shakti) at play behind these laws. This is Dharma as the cosmic order, that includes many dynamic sub-orders, each represented by powers and forces of great intensity and magnitude, each governed by their own dharma or internal law of being and working – each interacting upon one another, within the boundaries of that law, sustaining, maintaining and upholding all things material and phenomenal in this Universe.

Dharma as a Social Order While recognizing that in its inherent definition, Dharma must include all these natural cosmic laws that pertain to the physical universe, it is when the word is applied to Human life, that it gains additional significance. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna states that Dharma sustains society, maintains social order, and ensures wellbeing and progress of humanity. Every society is prone to internal and external conflict. Individuals are fallible and prone to fall to the ions of greed, desire, jealousy and anger that may lay hold of the mind and give rise to all forms of social disturbance. In order to curb this likelihood, proper education and training must be provided and a sense of orderly living imparted. To live in peace in accordance to Dharma, individuals must learn to gain a free range of expression and experience while at the same time, know not to transgress the freedom and liberty of others. Dharma, in this situation, is the collection of laws that uphold, sustain, and uplift society, social order, and the well-being and progress of humanity. It is the prescriptions and proscriptions that give rise to harmony, workability and stability in any society. Every society has recognized the need for these as seen in religions that have created commandments and injunctions, backed by threats of extraordinary punishments for transgression in the present life and afterlife. Dharma has indeed been given an elevated place in the consciousness, enshrined through numerous stories and puranas, epics and tales in order to make it accessible to all, ranging from the uneducated villager to the powerful king, from the rishi to the merchant, irrespective of their station and role in society. This ensures that Dharma, the law of right living and 13

conduct, is enshrined and ed on from father to son, from mother to daughter - from generation to generation.

Dharma as Ethical behavior Dharma includes the Golden rule “Do unto others as others would do unto you”, and therefore the set of all possible values such as speaking the truth, being kind, speaking pleasant words, being respectful, demonstrating reverence towards the earth and the natural resources etc. Dharma includes all possible values, and not any one specific set of values, defined by any one individual or religious tradition, at a historical point of time. Dharma extends itself into the specific ways of life, our value systems, and attitudes. When an individual conforms to a certain universal matrix of behavioral norms, (s)he contributes in the sustenance, maintenance, and the upliftment of societal order and thus the society itself. On the other hand, if the universal norms are transgressed, then a chain of actions and reactions takes place, which creates disorder. For example, the abused child becomes an ab himself, or the hurt individual hurts another.

Dharma as Duty or Responsibility Dharma can be said to be expressed in the duties and responsibilities of an individual or a community that ensures the harmony and balance in society as a whole, in of its interrelations and its dependencies. So Dharma upholds, sustains and uplifts all the various constituents of this universe, who are woven together in a common interdependent existence. When the parents perform their duties or discharge their responsibilities towards their children, that naturally sustains and uplifts their children. And when children perform their duties towards their parents, their actions sustains and uplifts the parents. When there is a break in the discharge of the responsibilities of a parent towards a child, there is set in motion, a great cycle of disharmony, and society itself becomes unbalanced in some way. Similarly when the citizens perform their duties or discharge their responsibilities (i.e. pay their taxes, don't break laws), this sustains the well-being of the society (and the State), and when the State discharges its responsibilities towards its citizens, that upholds, sustains and uplifts its citizens. When the society discharges its duties and responsibilities towards the Earth and all its inhabitants i.e. plants and animals, then the Earth itself is upheld, sustained and uplifted. When humanity consumes the resources of the Earth indiscriminately, then that can unsettle the balance and harmony in this world and result in disaster.

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Dharma as Service to the Community Ordinary human endeavors involve the pursuit of Artha and Kama – which can be loosely translated as security and pleasure, respectively. People's lives are predominantly given to the commitment of their professional lives, and the various pleasures that the physical world has to offer for experience. They hold on to their jobs for financial security, build and buy houses for security, invest in retirement funds for a secure future, and pursue various pastimes for pleasure. In fact, for most people, life is confined to the pursuit of Artha and Kama. It is when they awaken to a wider possibility – that of subordinating personal interests in favor of ensuring the wellbeing of others – whether those others are within the family, neighborhood, village, city or state, or a specific community or even the country or the world – their lives take on a wider dimension. A commitment to pursue the greater good, clearly sustains, maintains, upholds and uplifts the prevailing social order, especially the community that is the beneficiary. Dharma is therefore inherent to any community service – whether it is the building of a school or running a hospital or an orphanage, or creating a philanthropic foundation or running a shelter for the homeless. Dharmic life, is a life of self-less service, of sacrifice and contribution. It is the lifestyle that has been held in India from time immemorial as an ideal life, a life worth emulating, a life that one aspires towards. Making a difference in society at large, somehow honors and fulfills the human spirit, and brings to life the true possibility and potential of human existence. Every Purana thus extols Dharma. In the Ramayana this idea is personified in Lord Rama – who is widely called Vigrahavaan Dharma – the embodiment of Dharma.

Dharma as Self-Expression Each human being is endowed with specific qualities and gifts. Some are born with a a talent for music or sports, while others have developed a talent for management. Some have a deep well developed intellectual disposition while others are blessed with great energy and entrepreneurship for social activity. Ultimately a human being uplifts himself, sustains and upholds his spirit, when he or she truly fully develops and expresses his or her unique gifts in the service of humanity. Man must grow to his full potential, in conformity with his own inner law of being - his Svadharma. Such self-actualization is consistent with the complete unfoldment of the specific gifts, talents and qualities that one is blessed with and results in the true fulfillment of one’s life’s potential as well as bestows these special gifts and talents to those surrounding such a person. This flowering of a human being is also Dharma - this developing of an inner potential and possibility to its full height and range of expression, this unfolding of human genius consistent with the individual’s own inner law of being and action, and this manifestation in physical reality, the power of the human mind, thought, feeling and action. 15

When society has created the conditions of harmony and stability, the pre-conditions of progress are created. Such a society flowers naturally and easily, and there is an outburst of human creativity – and all manner of creative expression is found to arise. In short periods of time, such societies have brought forth great advances in art, architecture, science and technology, philosophy and thought, literature and drama, and all other fields of human development.

Dharma as a means for Moksha Progress of humanity can be conceived in many different – scientific, social, industrial, technological, arts, economic, political and so on. India’s civilization has always conceived of humanity’s progress in spiritual , and given it a pre-eminent significance. It is in the context of spiritual progress, that the notion of Dharma attains its fullest import. The Rig Veda was realized and composed on the banks of the Saraswati River many millennia ago. It describes the purpose of human life succinctly in the phrase "Atmano mokshartham jagat hitayacha" which means 'the pursuit of moksha while keeping in view the welfare of the world.' From a spiritual context, the ultimate fulfillment of a human life arises in the pursuit and attainment of moksha. A life of Dharma then is a life that keeps in full view the spiritual end of human life and harmonizes one’s everyday life with the progression towards that end. Dharma becomes the means to attain a spiritual end of life. Thus Dharma is that which sustains, upholds, and uplifts the spiritual progress of humanity, both individually and as a collective. Without a complete understanding of the essentially spiritual journey that human beings are on, without a recognition of the nature of the inner reality of the individual, and the relationship with the universe, and without establishing a notion of Bhagwan as the all-pervasive reality of this universe, the word Dharma cannot be fully understood. So the following are the texts needed to understanding Dharma: 1.Sutras (Dharma, Grihya) 2.Smritis 

Metrical codes like Manusmriti

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Itihasa Puranas

There are three sources of knowledge of Dharma: 1.Through scriptures 2.Through elders 16

3.By observing the behavior of noble men in different situations

The concepts involved in understanding Dharma: 1.Varna Dharma 2.Ashrama Dharma 3.Concept of Karma These are overlapping and not exclusive concepts.

Types of Dharma Dharma can be classified into many subsets depending on application area and to whom or what is being discussed. For people, the following are examples of dharma that typically apply for day-to-day life: 

Vyakti dharma - the dharma of an individual

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Parivarika dharma - family dharma (also called kutumba dharma)

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Samaja dharma - societal dharma

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Rashtra dharma - national dharma

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Manava dharma - the dharma of mankind

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Varna dharma - professional dharma

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apad dharma - exceptional/abnormal situational dharma

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Yuga dharma - dharma applicable for an age

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Ashrama dharma - dharma for stage of life

Dharma in Common Usage Mahatma Gandhi brought the phrase "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" into common usage stating (in contradiction to scripture) that non-violence was the topmost Dharma for all and he is often quoted by many people and leaders.

Dharma as a Civilizational Principle 17

Ancient Rishis saw rights and responsibilities as two sides of the same coin and decided to emphasize responsibilities and duty over rights whereas other civilizations emphasized rights. They knew that when responsibilities and duties are fulfilled, people receive their rights. For example, when parents fulfill their duties and responsibilities for their children--their children receive their rights. The same principle applies for a nation and its citizens. Where people live in conformity with their dharma, the individual rights of all others are naturally granted. A culture that emphasizes rights over duties only results in a competitive clamoring where each group and sub-group organizes itself to lobby and fight for its rights. Whereas in Sanatana Dharma, one is taught to live consistently with one's dharma (swadharma), and leave the rest to Ishwara or Bhagwan

Introduction of Dharma Dharma Dharma is the Law that "upholds, s or maintains the regulatory order of the universe", Dharma has the Sanskrit root dhri, which means "that without which nothing can stand"or "that which maintains the stability and harmony of the universe." Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism all have the idea of dharma at their core, where it points to the purification and moral transformation of human beings. Dharma is not the same as Religion. Though differing in some particulars, all concur that the goal of human life is moksha or nirvana, in which the ultimate nature of dharma (as cosmic law) is apprehended experientially. In Buddhist philosophy, dhamma/dharma is also the term for "phenomenon".

Meaning Dharma is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion It means Law or Natural Law.The literal meaning is "that which upholds, s or maintains the regulatory order of the universe". As well as referring to Law in the universal or abstract sense, dharma designates those behaviours considered necessary for the maintenance of the natural order of things. Dharma may encom ideas such as duty,vocation, religion and all behaviour considered appropriate, correct or morally upright. The idea of dharma as duty or propriety derives from an idea found in India's ancient legal and religious texts, that there is a divinely instituted natural order of things , and that justice, social harmony and human happiness require that human beings discern and live in a manner appropriate to the requirements of that order. The guidelines and rules regarding what was considered appropriate behaviours for human beings accumulated in a body of literature called Dharmashastra. In these texts civil law is inextricably linked to religion. The Shastras include instructions on the correct way to perform religious rites and rituals, as well as the way to lead a morally pure life.

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In traditional Hindu society, dharma has historically included such phenomena as Vedic ritual (yajna), ethical conduct, behaviour and duties appropriate to one's caste, and civil and criminal law. Its most common meaning, however, pertained to two principal ideas: that social life should be structured through well-defined and well-regulated classes (varna), and that an individual's life within a class should be organized into defined stages (ashrama). A Hindu's dharma is therefore affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender.

Usage "Dharma" is used in most or all philosophies and religions of Indian origin—sometimes summarized under the umbrella term of Dharmic faith including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is difficult to provide a single concise definition for dharma, as the word has a long and varied history and straddles a complex set of meanings and interpretations. Dharma also refers to the teachings and doctrines of the founders of Buddhism and Jainism, the Buddha and Mahavira. The antonym of dharma is adharma, meaning unnatural or immoral. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism are called Hindu Dharma, BuddhaDharma, Jain-Dharma and Sikh dharma, respectively. In recent years, "dharma" has evolved from an older, Bråhmanical dharma (which required the king's both financially and in protecting the earth), to a newer dharma called nåstika dharma. Nåstika dharma draws upon the principles and disciplines of yoga to encourage equality and harmony among people, which in the end encourages selfless behavior. In modern Indian languages it can refer simply to a person's religion, depending on the context.

Hinduism Development In the Rigveda, the belief (or observation) that a natural justice and harmony pervades the natural world becomes manifest in the concept of rta, which is both 'nature's way' and the order implicit in nature. Thus rta bears a resemblance to the ancient Chinese concept of Tao and the Heraclitan, Stoic or Christian conceptions of the logos. This "power" that lies behind nature and that keeps everything in balance became a natural forerunner to the idea of dharma. The idea of rta laid the cornerstone of dharma's implicit attribution to the "ultimate reality" of the surrounding universe. In classical Vedic Hinduism the following verse from the Rigveda is an example where rta is mentioned: O Indra, lead us on the path of Rta, on the right path over all evils The transition of the rta to the modern idea of dharma occurs in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The Upanishads saw dharma as the universal principle of law, order, harmony, and all in all truth, that sprang first from Brahman. It acts as the regulatory moral principle of the Universe. It is sat (truth), a major tenet of Hinduism. This hearkens back to the 19

conception of the Rigveda that "Ekam Sat," (Truth Is One), and of the idea that Brahman is "Satchitananda" (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss). Dharma is not just law, or harmony, it is pure reality. In the Brihadaranyaka's own words: Verily, that which is Dharma is truth. Therefore they say of a man who speaks truth, "He speaks the Dharma," or of a man who speaks the Dharma, "He speaks the Truth." Verily, both these things are the same. In the Mahabharata, Krishna defines dharma as, "Dhaaranaad dharma ity aahur dharmena vidhrtaah prajaah, Yat syaad dhaarana sanyuktam sa dharma iti nishchayah," i.e., Dharma upholds both this-worldly and other-worldly affairs

Purusartha Through the four ashramas, or stages of life (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vaanprastha, Sanyaasa), a person also seeks to fulfill the four essentials (purusartha) of kama (sensual pleasures), artha(worldly gain), dharma, and moksha (liberation from rebirth). Moksha, although the ultimate goal, is emphasized more in the last two stages of life, while artha and kama are considered primary only during Grihastha. Dharma, however is essential in all four stages. As a purusartha, in of a human goal, dharma can also be considered to be a lens through which humans plan and perform their interactions with the world. Through the dharmic lens, one focuses on doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong, while the kama perspective focuses on doing what is pleasurable to our higher nature (not referring to sex) and avoiding pain, and the artha perspective focuses on doing what is profitable for our higher nature (not referring to material goods or money) and avoiding loss.

Deity Yama the lord of justice, also the god responsible for the dead, is sometimes referred to as Dharma. Mythologically, he is said to have been born from the right breast of Brahma, is married to 13 daughters of Daksha and fathers Shama, Kama and Harahsa. In the epic Mahabharata, he is incarnate as Vidura. Also, Dharma or Yama is invoked by Kunti and she begets her eldest son Yudhisthira from him. Yudhisthira is also known as Dharmaraja, or king of dharma.

Technical literature In technical literature, e.g., in Sanskrit grammar, dharma also means "property" and dharmin means "property-bearer". In a Sanskrit sentence like shabdo 'nityah ḥ, "sound is impermanent", "sound" is the bearer of the property "impermanence". Likewise, in the sentence iha ghatah ḥ, "here, there is a pot", "here" is the bearer of the property "potexistence" – this shows that the categories of property and property-bearer are closer to those of a logical predicate and its subject-term, and not to a grammatical predicate and subject. 20

Buddhism For many Buddhists, the Dharma most often means the body of teachings expounded by the Buddha. The word is also used in Buddhist phenomenology as a term roughly equivalent tophenomenon, a basic unit of existence and/or experience. In East Asia, the translation for dharma is 法 , pronounced fǎ in Mandarin, beop in Korean, hō in Japanese, and pháp in Vietnamese. However, the term dharma can also be transliterated from its original form.

Buddha's teachings For practicing Buddhists, references to "dharma" (dhamma in Pali) particularly as "the Dharma", generally means the teachings of the Buddha, commonly known throughout the East as Buddha-Dharma. The status of Dharma is regarded variably by different Buddhist traditions. Some regard it as an ultimate truth, or as the fount of all things which lies beyond the "three realms" (Sanskrit: tridhatu) and the "wheel of becoming" (Sanskrit: bhavacakra), somewhat like the pagan Greek and Christian logos: this is known as Dharmakaya (Sanskrit). Others, who regard the Buddha as simply an enlightened human being, see the Dharma as the essence of the "84,000 different aspects of the teaching" (Tibetan: chos-sgo brgyadkhri bzhi strong) that the Buddha gave to various types of people, based upon their individual propensities and capabilities. Dharma refers not only to the sayings of the Buddha, but also to the later traditions of interpretation and addition that the various schools of Buddhism have developed to help explain and to expand upon the Buddha's teachings. For others still, they see the Dharma as referring to the "truth," or the ultimate reality of "the way that things really are" (Tib. Cho). The Dharma is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism in which practitioners of Buddhism seek refuge, or that upon which one relies for his or her lasting happiness. The Three Jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, meaning the mind's perfection of enlightenment, the Dharma, meaning the teachings and the methods of the Buddha, and the Sangha, meaning those awakened beings who provide guidance and to followers of the Buddha.

Buddhist phenomenology Other uses include dharma, normally spelled with a small "d" (to differentiate), which refers to a phenomenon or constituent factor of human experience. This was gradually expanded into a classification of constituents of the entire material and mental world. Rejecting the substantial existence of permanent entities which are qualified by possibly changing qualities, Buddhist Abhidharma philosophers enumerated lists of dharmas which varied by school. They came to propound that these "constituent factors" are the only type of entity that truly exists (and only some thinkers gave dharmas this kind of existence). This notion is of particular importance for the analysis of human experience: Rather than assuming that mental states in here in a cognizing subject, or a soulsubstance, Buddhist philosophers largely propose that mental states alone exist as "momentary elements of consciousness" and that a subjective perceiver is assumed. 21

One of the central tenets of Buddhism, is the denial of a separate permanent "I", and is outlined in the three marks of existence. 1. Dukkha – Suffering or unsatisfactoriness (Pali: Dukkha) 2. Anitya – Change/Impermanence (Pali: Anicca) 3. Anatman – Not-Self (Pali: Annatta) At the heart of Buddhism is the understanding of all phenomena as dependently originated. Later, Buddhist philosophers like Nāgārjuna would question whether the dharmas (momentary elements of consciousness) truly have a separate existence of their own. (i.e. Do they exist apart from anything else?) Rejecting any inherent reality to the dharmas, he asked (rhetorically): śūnyes ḥu sarvadharmes ḥu kim anantaṁ kimantavat kim anantam antavac ca nānantaṁ nāntavacca kiṁ kiṁ tad eva kim anyat kiṁ śāśvataṁ kim aśāśvataṁ aśāśvataṁ śāśvataṁ ca kiṁ vā nobhayam apyatah ḥ 'tha sarvopalambhpaśamah ḥ prapañcopaśamah ḥ śivah ḥ na kvacit kasyacit kaścid dharmo buddhena deśitah ḥ| When all dharmas are empty, what is endless? What has an end? What is endless and with an end? What is not endless and not with an end? What is it? What is other? What is permanent? What is impermanent? What is impermanent and permanent? What is neither? Auspicious is the pacification of phenomenal metastasis, the pacification of all apprehending; There is no dharma whatsoever taught by the Buddha to whomever, whenever, wherever. --Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, nirvn ḥānaparīks ḥā,

Righteousness According to S. N. Goenka, a teacher of Viana meditation, the original meaning of dhamma is "dharayati iti dharmaH", or "one that contains, s or upholds" and dharma in the Buddhist scriptures has a variety of meanings, including "phenomenon" and "nature" or "characteristic". Dharma also means "mental contents," and is paired with citta, which means heart-mind. The pairing is paralleled with the combining of shareera (body) and vedana (feelings or sensations which arise within the body but are experienced through the mind) in major sutras such as the Mahasatipatthana sutra. 22

Dharma is also used to refer to the direct teachings of the Buddha, especially the discourses on the fundamental principles (such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path), as opposed to the parables and to the poems.

Ch'an Dharma is employed in Ch'an in a specific context in relation to transmission of authentic doctrine, understanding and bodhi; recognized in Dharma transmission.

Jainism In Jainism, dharma is natural. Acharya Samantabhadra writes, Vatthu sahavo dhammo: "the dharma is the nature of an object". It is the nature of the soul to be free, thus for the soul, the dharma is paralaukika, beyond worldly. However the nature of the body is to seek selfpreservation and be engaged in pleasures. Thus there are two dharmas.

Two Dharmas Acharya Haribhadra (c. 6th–7th centuries) discusses dharma in Dharma-Bindu. He writes (Translation by Y. Malaiya): soayam-anus ḥt ḥhātr ḥ-bhedāt dvi-vidho gr ḥhastha-dharmo yati-dharmaś ca| Because of the difference in practice, dharma is of two kinds, for the householders and for the monks. tatra gr ḥhastha-dharmo api dvi-vidhah ḥ sāmanyato viśes ḥataś ca | Of the householder's dharma, there are two kinds, "ordinary" and "special" tatra sāmanayato gr ḥhastha-dharmah ḥ kula-krama-agatam-anindyamḥ vibhavady-apekshayā nyāto anus ḥt ḥhānamḥ| The ordinary dharma of the householder should be carried out according to tradition, such that it is not objectionable, according to ones abilities such as wealth, in accordance with nyaya (everyone treated fairly and according to laws). Somadeva suri (10th century) the "ordinary" and "special" dharmas laukika ("worldly") and pralaukika ("extra-worldly") respectively: dvau hi dharmau gr ḥhasthān ḥam, laukikah ḥ, pāralaukikah| ḥ lokāśrayo bhavedādyah, parah syād-āgama-āśrayah ḥ || A householder follows both laukika and the paralaukika dharmas at the same time.

Sikhism For Sikhs, the word Dharm means the "path of righteousness". What is the "righteous path"? That is the question that the Sikh scriptures attempt to answer. The main holy scriptures of the Sikhs is called the Guru Granth Sahib. It is considered to be more than a holy book of the Sikhs. The Sikhs treat this Granth (holy book) as a living Guru. The holy text spans 1430 23

pages and contains the actual words spoken by the Sikh Gurus and various other Saints from other religions including Hinduism and Islam. Sikh Dharma is a distinct religion revealed through the teachings of ten Gurus who are accepted by the followers as if they were spiritually the same. The Gurus are considered "the divine light" and they conveyed Gurbani (the word of God) in the form of the Guru Granth Sahib to the world. In this faith, God is described as both Nirgun (transcendent) and Sargun (immanent). Further, God pervades in His creation and is omnipresent, but cannot be incarnate. The principal Sikh belief lays stress on one's actions and deeds rather than religious labels, rituals or outward appearance or signs. Background The primary object of a Sikh's life is to seek union with God and hence, liberation from the cycle of births and deaths (cycle of re-incarnation) which is dictated by a person's thought, deeds and actions in this life. Liberation can be achieved through meditating on God, truthful living and sharing ones wealth in the context of a normal family life and through divine grace. Amrit Pahul – Sikh baptism for both men and women – was instituted in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru. All Sikhs, on taking Amrit, are ened to lead a disciplined life by following a code of ethics leading to a "SaintSoldier" way of life. In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh vested spiritual authority in the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scriptures) as the eternal Guru and hence Sikh Dharma acknowledges the end of human Guruship. At the same time, the temporal authority was vested in the Khalsa Panth (a community of Sikhs who have taken Amrit). Other important aspects of a Sikh's life include Sewa (dedication to the service of God's creation) where the emphasis is often upon manual work, undertaking of goodwill towards other faiths and their followers, to defend for justice and assistance of the oppressed. In contrast to many other faiths, Sikhs believe that when all other means to achieve justice are exhausted, then it is just to wield the sword. Congregational worship includes the following: 1. Paath – Reading of the Holy scriptures 2. Kirtan – Singing of Shabads (hymns). 3. Langar – A communal vegetarian meal also call free kitchen is an important feature of the Sikh way of life, and food is served to everyone at the end of a Sikh service. 4. Ardas – Sikhs conclude their prayers by doing the Ardas and invoking God's blessings on everyone – not just on Sikhs.

Scriptures and dharma The Guru Granth Sahib lays down the foundation of this "righteous path" and various salient points are found. 1. Sikh is bound by Dharma: The followers of this faith are bound by Dharma as advocated in their holy scriptures. The committed Sikh is encouraged to follow 24

this path at all times. The first recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib called the Japji Sahib says the following: "The path of the faithful shall never be blocked. The faithful shall depart with honor and fame. The faithful do not follow empty religious rituals. The faithful people are fully bound to do whatever the Dharma wants them to do. Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord. Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of mind." 2. Deeds are recorded: The persons thoughts and deeds are said to be recorded and the faithful is warned that these will be read out in the presence of the "Lord of Dharma". Two scribes called Chitr and Gupt, the angels of the conscious and the subconscious mind are busy writing ones thought and deeds. On death, the soul of the person he brought before "Lord of Dharma" are these are read out as recorded in this quote: "Day and night are the two nurses, in whose lap all the world is at play. Good deeds and bad deeds – the record is read out in the Presence of the Lord of Dharma. According to their own actions, some are drawn closer, and some are driven farther away." 3. Dharma istered by God: The scriptures further outline how the "Judge of Dharma" isters justice depending on the way that one has conducted life on Earth. The soul is either "cleared" or "subject to God's command" depending on the review of the person history. The holy text says: "The Righteous Judge of Dharma, by the Hukam of God's Command, sits and isters True Justice". and those followers who "chant the name of the Lord" are cleared as outlined thus: "Her is cleared by the Righteous Judge of Dharma, when she chants the Name of the Lord, Har, Har."

What is the true meaning of word 'Dharma'? Quotes such as 'There is no substitute for religion' and 'Religion is like a narcotic pill' which are contradictory create confusion in the mind of the common man. When we talk about Righteousness (Dharma) one thinks about religious orders such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc. Others think that India being a secular state talking about religion is highly objectionable. To eliminate these misconcepts and to realise how there is no alternative to Righteousness as well as to unite all mankind one has to understand the true meaning of Righteousness. Information on Righteousness - its meaning, importance, its various aspects, mysteries, doctrines and types, its difference from culture and morality, its decline and assumption of incarnations, importance of India in the context of Righteousness, etc. is given in this holy book. Since generally people have heard only words like the Vedas, Upanishads, etc. they think that only these texts are spiritual literature. They do not know what a vast treasure house of spiritual literature India has and about its contents. To get acquainted with it this book gives information on the Vedas, their importance, aims, divisions, subdivisions, parts, etc. The study of the Brahman texts and the Upanishads is important as they include several 25

doctrines of Spirituality; hence they have been elaborated upon. An introduction to the Darshans is also made. Scriptures on Righteousness from the Smrutis which describe the righteous code of conduct are discussed with respect to their importance, characteristics, number, their authority, the period when they were written, how they are different from the Shrutis (Vedas), various texts of the Smrutis and their authors, etc. An introduction to the divine mission of Maharshi Vyas and the foremost (Adi) Shankaracharya has also been made to illustrate Their supremacy. To limit the size of the text, information on the four classes (varna) and stages of life (ashrams) has been given in 'Science of Spirituality. After reading this book even if a few people feel that they should become righteous and undertake the practice of Spirituality, then the very purpose of writing this book will be served.

1. Origin and meaning The word Righteousness (Dharma) has been used by various holy texts with various connotations. To be able to comprehend the pervasiveness of this word some of its important derivations and meanings are elucidated below.

In the context of society 1. '`धध धधरयतत' means to bear, to . The word dharma (धरर) has been derived from the 'धरतत ललकधनन तधनरयतत पप णयधतरतभ: इतत वध' means Righteousness (Dharma) is that which sustains the people or that which is adopted by meritorious souls. 2. धधरणधतन धररर इतयधहपधररलर धधरयतत पनरजध: । Meaning : Righteousness is that which nurtures the subjects and in turn the society. 3. धधरणधदररतरतयधहपधरररण तवधध तध: यसरधदधरयतत सवरर तनररललकयर सचरधचररन ।।

पनरजध:

।

Meaning : Since it nurtures (dharana) it acquired the name of Dharma (Righteousness). Subjects are borne through Righteousness. Consequently the entire universe containing the three regions is ed by Righteousness. 4. 'The Indian (Bharatiya) Aryans established the system of the four classes (chaturvarnya), duties in the four stages of life (ashrams), the institution of marriage, system of inheritance, etc. to stabilise society. All this together constitutes Righteousness.' 5. ललकयधतनरधरररतवतह धररसय तनयर: कधत: ।।

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Meaning : The aim of establishing a code of Righteousness is to facilitate social transactions. 6. The basic nature of all living beings is to live collectively because this favours both procuring food and protection. Grass, trees, etc. all take birth and grow in groups; hence the earth is called sanghamitra or sanghi, an assembly of animate and inanimate creation. The earth, rainfall, lightning, etc. all exist in a group. The sun accompanies its solar system (suryakula). The body too is the union of several particles. In short different people form a group and a group consists of several individuals. 'Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya has referred to living in a group as the Great Illusion (Maya). If there is no harmony of the individual with the group then his existence is endangered. The rules framed to enable the group to live collectively are known as the code of Righteousness (Dharma). Although thoughts, respiration, food habits, etc. of each one vary, the framing of rules to sustain an organisation, e.g. not setting the hut on fire to prevent those residing in it from becoming homeless, is known as adhishthan. Adhishthan is a kind of spiritual practice. 'Desire to live in a group is the natural tendency of man. The physical and spiritual needs of man are fulfilled because of this very tendency. Thus a group can influence an individual profoundly and that is precisely why it can be firmly stated that Righteousness is based mainly on social principles.' Righteousness is concerned with the entire society and by observing it society becomes righteous.

In the context of an individual 1. य: सधधयधतन अभयप दय: तन:शनरतयस धरर: । Meaning : That by virtue of which one is uplifted both in the worldly and spiritual aspects of life by means of which man acquires the ultimate spiritual evolution, that is the Final Liberation (Moksha) is known as Righteousness. 3. पनरभवधरधरय भभतधनधर धररपनरवचनर य: सयधतपनरभवसर यपकत: स धरर इतत तनशचय: ।।

कधतरन

।

Meaning : The sole aim with which Righteousness is advocated is to bring about the evolution of living beings. A doctrine preaches that that which is able to bring about evolution is Righteousness. 4. 'The special famous feature of Righteousness quoted by Kanad is यतलभयप दयतन:शनरतयसतसदनतध: स धरर: ।

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Meaning : Righteousness is that by means of which one acquires prosperity and the ultimate upliftment. Benefaction (abhyuday) includes materialistic prosperity, spiritual happiness and the practices to attain them. The state wherein prosperity is more than unhappiness is known as abhyuday. The Final Liberation, the eternal or the supreme goal is termed as the ultimate upliftment (nihishreyas). The state in which one does not aspire to acquire anything or is always content is known as the ultimate evolution. The practices by means of which these two targets are achieved is Righteousness (Dharma). 4. Sage Jaimini describes the features of Righteousness as चलदनधलकणलरलर धरर: । Meaning : The act of realising the meaning of what is beneficial to oneself by preaching, obedience or performing rituals is known as Righteousness. The meaning of the word chodana is inspiration. Inspiration is of two types - verbal emotion and meaningful emotion. Verbal emotion implies to the commanding energy behind the words. Human or divine speech (vani) tells one to perform or not to perform a certain act. This speech is superior to that of an average person. It reassures the vanquishing of obstacles and acquisition of beneficial results and also threatens with punishment if disobeyed. According to the authors of the Mimansa such commanding speech bestowing inspiration is nothing but the Veda itself. This inspiration energy, which is a verbal emotion, exists only in Vedic words. Meaningful emotion refers to the tendency generated from the emotion that by doing a certain act one will be benefitted. One can call dedication a meaningful emotion. This emotion is present in righteous individuals. 5. All religions state that deciding the ideal behaviour is not within the purview of the human intellect but can only be done by a divine supernatural energy. The acquisition of beneficial results and overcoming obstacles in this birth and in the life beyond, itself are blessings. All scriptures proclaim that if one does not acquire benefits in this world through the pursuit of Righteousness then one will certainly acquire them in the subtle world.' 6. 'Righteousness (Dharma) is a crafty means of liberating man from the ignorance (illusion of raja-tama components) in which he is trapped with the help of the same ignorance (sattva component).' - H.H. Kane Maharaj, Narayangaon, Maharashtra 7. 'In the Brahman holy texts the meaning of the word Dharma is the Righteousness according to the stage of life (ashramdharma) as is understood from the quote ''trayo dharmaskandhaha (तनरयल धररसकनधध: ....)" from the Upanishads. It also means

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the duties allotted to or accepted by an individual according to the system of classes and the stages of life (varnashram).' 8. 'Dharma in Aryan society refers to the rights, duties and responsibilities of an individual belonging to a specific class (varna) and in a specific state. In famous quotes such as ''Speak the truth and observe Righteousness (Dharma)" from the Taittiriya Upanishad which preach to a student, this is the very meaning with which the word is used. शनरतयधनसवधरलर तवगप ण: सवधरर तनधनर शनरतय: परधरलर भयधवह: ।।

परधरधरतसवनप तषषतधतन

।

Meaning : One's own code of Righteousness is superior even if it be faulty in comparison to another's code ofRighteousness which may be easier to adopt. It is better to embrace death while observing one's own code of Righteousness because danger lies in the acceptance of another's code of Righteousness. In this well known verse (shloka) too the word Dharma is used with the same meaning. The word Dharma is used with the same connotation in spiritual literature. states that the sages requested Manu to teach them the code of Righteousness of all the classes (varna). In the Yadnyavalkyasmruti Dharma is used with the same meaning.'

In relation to both the society and the individual 1. जगत: तसरततकधरणर पनरधतणनधर सधकधतन अभयप दयतन:शनरतयस हत तपयर: स धरर: । - शनरत शर करधचधयर Meaning : Righteousness is that which accomplishes the three tasks of keeping the social system in an excellent condition, bringing about the worldly progress of every living being and causing progress in the spiritual realm as well. - Shri Shankaracharya 2. 'According to authors of the scriptures the word ''Righteousness" is not simply defined as a sect but it also incorporates the actions that an individual should perform and the restrictions that he has to observe for the sake of his individual progress and that of society of which he is a part and parcel.'

Some lopsided definitions 'अतहर सध पररल धरर:' meaning non-violence is the supreme form of Righteousness , 'आनध शरसयर परल धरर:' meaning that comion itself is ultimate Righteousness ,'आचधर: पररल धरर:'

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meaning good conduct is the supreme Righteousness are some examples of lopsided definitions.

Concept of dharma The concept of dharma can be viewed in different angles from semantic, cultural and religious points of view. It is considered as the pivotal point of Indian civilization since it is not affected by any linguistic, sectarian or regional difference of the country. The term is too difficult to be translated into its real sense. Rig Veda, the first Veda of Hinduism, defines dharma as the natural harmony and justice that pervades the natural world. It is manifested through the “rta” (the implicit order) of nature. The Buddhist view of dharma or “Dhamma” is that it stands for something sublime, peaceful, subtle and trans-rational. It means the teachings of Buddha. Jain literature interprets dharma as virtuous behavior, behavior in accordance with nature, and behavior in of activity, non-activity and cosmic order.

Importance of Dharma Dharma in the contemporary means performing your task and the responsibilities in a way as they come without getting biased. The concept of Dharma is very ancient and is always been a un- answered question from ages. Dharma can be called as the religion in which we take birth and being authorized for the responsibilities and duties which we have to perform are often associated with our Dharma. The concept of Dharma is deeply associated with our Karma (our deeds) including both the good and the bad ones. As per the Vedas it is believed that whatever we do in the form of our karmas results into our fortune determining our Dharma for our next birth.

History of Dharma and Dharma Guru

The word 'Dharma' is derived from the root " dhri" which means to uphold, to maintain, to , to nourish, to sustain. It contains the moral values required for sustaining human existence in its fullness. Self-development through self-restraint is called 'Dharma'. It is physical and at the same time spiritual. We are all inter-dependent and we must see the wellbeing of the whole universe as a whole. Dharma is the path of righteousness and living one's life according to the codes of conduct as described by the Vedas and Upanisads. Dharma means "that which holds" - the people of this world and the whole creation.

Dharma and Religion Every human civilization has a unifying force of unity. This force is understood from the Indian context as 'Dharma' while from the Western context as `Religion'. Both Dharma and Religion assume an important role being the foundation of the wholeness of every 30

civilization. Religion is the direct experience of reality gathered after the a posterior theory of knowledge. Dharma also aims at perfectionism i.e. the realization of the self or the infinite in man. Religion is synonym of Dharma, 'to hold that which is real'. It aims for the inner experience of the reality from within and never from outside, which is the reflection. The goal of religion is to manifest the 'Divinity' from within by controlling nature, both external and internal.

Dharma and Karma Dharma is the essential function or nature of a thing. One can say that the 'dharma' of fire is Heat, the 'dharma' of water is Liquidity, and the 'dharma' of sugar is Sweetness then what is the 'dharma' of living being? The answer is : to render service. We can easily see that every living being is constantly engaged in rendering service to another living being. A living being serves another living in various capacities. By doing so, the living entity enjoys life. The lower animals serve human beings as servants serve their master. One friend serves another friend, the mother serves the son, the wife serves the husband, the husband serves the wife and so on. If we go on searching in this spirit it will be seen that there is no exception in the society of living beings to the activity of service and therefore we can safely conclude that service is the constant companion of the living being and that the rendering of service is the eternal religion (Dharma) of the living being. Sanatana accepts the concept of reincarnation, and what determines the state of an individual in the next existence is karma, which refers to the actions undertaken by the body and the mind. In order to achieve good karma it is important to live life according to `dharma'. This involves doing what is right for the individual, the family, the class or caste and also for the universe itself. Dharma is like a cosmic norm and if one goes against the norm it can result in bad karma. So, dharma affects the future according to the karma accumulated. Therefore one's dharmic path in the next life is the one necessary to bring to fruition all the results of past karma. The term dharma can best be explained as the "law of being" without which things cannot exist, just as the essential factor in human being is life - the atman without which he cannot exist. Therefore the dharma of human being is atman. And hence any good atmic quality is dharmic. Dharma therefore implies duty - a course of conduct. For example, Sanatan Dharma endorses the idea that it is one's dharma to marry, raise a family and provide for that family in whatever way is necessary. Anything that helps human being to reach god is dharma and anything that hinders human being from reaching god is adharma. The essence of dharma lies in possessing a certain ability, power and spiritual strength. Vedic Dharma is always truthful because its basis is the unique combination of spiritual brilliance and physical prowess.

Dharma : Types Sanatana saints have classified all human aspirations under four broad categories: dharma (religion), artha (money), kama (desire) and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The practice of dharma gives an experience of peace, joy, strength and tranquillity within one's self and makes life disciplined. Of these four values the majority of human 31

beings pursue artha and kama, and the more sensitive individuals pursue dharma, while very few are conscious of moksha - the ideal spiritual aspiration. According to the Bhagavat Purana, righteous living or life on a dharmic path has four aspects: austerity (tap), purity (shauch), comion (daya) and truthfulness (satya); and adharmic or unrighteous life has three vices: pride (ahankar), (sangh), and intoxication (madya). Manusmrity, written by the ancient sage Manu, prescribes ten essential rules for the observance of dharma: Patience (dhriti), forgiveness (kshama), piety or self control (dama), non-stealing (asteya), sanctity (shauch), control of senses (indraiya-nigrah), reason (dhi), knowledge or learning (vidya), truthfulness (satya) and absence of anger (akrodha). These ten rules of the sage Manu come under the Samanya (general or universal) Dharma. Manu further writes, "Non-violence, truth, non-coveting, purity of body and mind, control of senses are the essence of dharma". Therefore dharmic laws govern not only the individual but all in society. The purpose of dharma is not only to attain a union of the soul with the supreme reality, it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys and supreme happiness. Rishi Kanda has defined dharma in Vaisesika as "that which confers worldly joys and leads to supreme happiness". Sanatan Dharma is the religion that suggests methods for the attainment of the highest ideal and eternal bliss here and now on earth and not somewhere in heaven. That which brings well-being to man is Dharma. Dharma s this world. The people are upheld by Dharma. That which accrues preservation of beings is Dharma. Dharma leads to eternal happiness and immortality. That which is Dharma is verily the Truth. Therefore, whosoever speaks the truth is said to speak Dharma, and whosoever speaks Dharma is said to speak the truth. One and the same thing becomes both. Dharma includes all external deeds, as well as thoughts and other mental practices which tend to elevate the character of a man. Dharma comes from the Divine and leads you to the Divine. Dharma can be of various kinds: Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law), Samanya Dharma (general duty), Visesha Dharma (special duty), Varnashrama Dharma (duties of Caste and Order), Svadharma (one's own duty), Yuga Dharma (duty of the age or period in history), Kula Dharma (duty of family), Manava Dharma (duty of man), Purusha Dharma (duty of male), Stri Dharma (duty of female), Raja Dharma (duty of king), Praja Dharma (duty of subjects), Pravritti Dharma (duty in worldly life) and Nivritti Dharma (duty in spiritual life).

Beginning of Dharma Guru The Origin of the Buddha Dharma

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Although fully enlightened unborn Dharmakaya, from the viewpoint of ordinary appearances and in order to benefit beings through wisdom and skilful means, Lord Buddha gave rise to the mind of supreme Bodhi, then accumulated vast merits taking rebirths over three great incalculable aeons, eventually displaying the attainment of Enlightenment on the Vajra Seat at Bodhgaya in India. Thereafter, the Buddha turned the wheel of 84,000 Dharma teachings for the sake of sentient beings according to their capacity thus liberating innumerable gods, demigods, nagas, yakshas, humans and non-humans from the clutches of cyclic existence. Moreover, Buddha Kashaypa and the Seven Buddhas of the past, the Sixteen Great Arhats, the Six Ornaments and Two Excellent Ones of the world, and numerous other realized siddhas and panditas helped the Buddha’s precious teachings to rise and shine like the sun in the sublime land of India. Then, from that sublime land, the Dharma spread to and grew in the snowy land of Tibet. According to the White Lotus Sutra, when Buddha, the Great Sage was staying at the bamboo grove, rays of light emitted from the Zoepu on his forehead which went towards the north, at which the Buddha smiled. Then, Nirvirana-vishkambin, one of the eight great Bodhisattvas, requested the Buddha to explain the reasons and conditions for this sign, to which the Buddha replied: Noble Son, the northern land untamed by the Buddhas of the three times: that remote, snowcovered barbarian land filled with demons and rakshasas, will in the future see the sublime Dharma rising and shining like the sun; and even the sentient beings there will be extremely fortunate and established on the path of Enlightenment. The Bodhisattva of comion, Avalokiteśvara will be the patron of that remote land. Thus, the Buddha related that his teachings would spread far into the north in the future. In many other scriptures, both sutra and tantra, there are similar predictions concerning the spread of Dharma in the land of Tibet. As predicted, starting from King Nyatri Tsenpo; the first Yarlung Dynasty king of Tibet to the twenty-eighth successor Lha Thothori Nyantsen who was the emanation of the BodhisattvaSamantabhadra, the monarchs helped in preserving and propagating the sacred Dharma in Tibet. During the reign of his fifth successor, King Songtsen Gampo, the emanation of BodhisattvaAvalokiteśvara; the Tibetan script and grammar were introduced into Tibet. The fifth king following him was the emanation of Bodhisattva Manjushri, the Dharma King Thrisong Deutsen, who with the exalted and pure intention of making the Buddha Dharma 33

spread like the rays of the sun, invited the great abbot Shantarakshita of Zahor, and the great tantric masterPasambhava of Uddiyana, to Tibet. With their help, the King built the renowned Samye Migyur Lhundrup monastery. Then the unsured great panditas, scholars and translators of India and Tibet brought the Buddha Dharma from the noble land of India to the land of snows, Tibet, translating the original Buddhist scriptures. The teaching, learning, meditation, and practice traditions established during that period subsequently became known as the “Ngagyur Nyingma” tradition, or “The Earlier Translation Old School”. The schools which began in the later period which started with the translations of the great translator Lochen Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055) are known as the “Chigyur Sarma” or the “The Later Translation New Schools”. Within the Ngagyur Nyingma are traditions classified as the long lineage of Kama and short lineage of Terma. The Kama tradition is those oral teachings uninterruptedly transmitted from mouth to ear from Buddha Samantabhadra right down to our present root teachers. In order to prevent the doctrine from declining in future, Guru Rinpoche concealed Terma or spiritual treasures, riches and samaya substances in the snow mountains, rocks and lakes of Tibet and Bhutan to be revealed by emanations of his disciples for the benefit of those with fortunate karma living in the decadent, evil times of later centuries. The Terma include the Hundred Treasures to the King's Life, the Five Great Mind Treasures, and the Twenty-Five Great Profound Treasures, as well as uncountable unclassified treasures. These profound treasures were concealed to be taken out at the appropriate time according to prophecy by the destined holder of the teachings or the Tertöns. These Terma teachings and empowerments can truly bring beings to spiritual maturation and liberation and are the near lineage like the warm breath of the Dakini from which the vapour has not yet disappeared. Similarly, as foretold, due to the collective merit of the people, the time was auspicious for the Buddha Dharma to flourish in the medicinal land of Bhutan. Many centuries ago, Bodhisattvas such as Chögyal Drimed Künden lived and demonstrated Bodhisattva activities here, thereby leading numerous beings towards the path of liberation. Moreover, in the 7 th century, the great Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, through his miraculous powers built 108 monasteries and stupas, including Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

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Then, in 746 ce, the Chakhar Gyalpo, Sindhu Raja invited Lopon Pasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who had been residing for a time at the supreme place of Yangleshö in Nepal, to come to Bhutan. On the way, he subjugated many harmful and malevolent spirits and bound them under oath. Then in Bumthang, Guru Rinpoche subjugated Shelging Karpo and left body print on the cliff and also brought forth the sacred water which can still be seen today at Kurje. Thereby, the Chakhar Gyalpo was also completely cured of his afflictions. Moreover, King Sindhu Raja, Tashi Kheuden, the ministers and subjects were given blessings and empowerments, thereby sowing the seeds of liberation. In addition, Guru Rinpoche concealed numerous treasures in the mountains, cliffs, lakes and valleys in Bhutan. Then, after the arrival in Bhutan of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, to whom we owe our deepest gratitude, the dual system of government which brought about great reforms in spiritual and temporal practice was established. Thereby a unique and independent religious culture and social system developed in Bhutan, which is worthy of iration and which the Bhutanese can be truly proud of. Moreover, from amongst the five King Tertöns, Tertön Ugyen Pema Lingpa, Master of the Southern Treasures took birth in the Tang region of Bumthang in Bhutan and discovered numerous treasures – becoming renowned in Bhutan, Tibet and India. Today Pema Lingpa’s lineage is carried on through three lines of body, speech and mind emanations. In particular, the Gangteng Sangngak Chöling Gönpa, popularly known as Gangteng Gönpa and located in the center of the Medicinal Land, is the seat of the Gangteng Tulku who is the body emanation of Pema Lingpa. The rest of this work focuses on the successive incarnations of the Gangteng Tulku, who have taken successive rebirths and travelled far and wide in the country, benefiting numerous sentient beings through their unceasing spiritual activities.

Gautam Buddha

Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His original name was Siddharth (meaning one who has accomplished). He was also called Sakyamuni, i.e. the sage of the tribe of Sakya. He was born in the year 563 B.C. in the village of Lumbini near Kapila Vastu, within the present borders of Nepal. According to legend, an astrologer foretold his father, the king, that young Gautama would give up the throne and luxury and renounce the world the day he would see four things (i) an old man, (ii) a sick man, (iii) a diseased man and (iv) a dead man. Hence, the king confined Gautama in a special palace which was provided with all worldly pleasures. He was married 35

at the age of sixteen to Yasoddhra. At the age of 29 after the birth of his first son, Gautama on the same day saw an old man, a sick man, a diseased man and a dead man. The impact of the dark side of life made him renounce the world that same night and he left his wife and son and became a penniless wanderer. He studied and practised Hindu discipline initially, and later, Jainism. For several years he observed rigorous fasting along with extreme self-mortification. On realising that tormenting his body did not bring him closer to true wisdom, he resumed eating normally and abandoned asceticism. At the age of 35, one evening as he sat beneath a giant fig tree (Bodh tree), he felt that he had found the solution to his problem and felt that he had attained enlightenment. Thus, he came to be known as ?Gautama?, ?The Buddha?, or 'The Enlightened One'. Later, he spent 45 years in preaching the truth that he felt he had discovered. He travelled from city to city bare-footed, clean-headed, with nothing more on his self than his saffron robe, walking stick and begging bowl. He died at the age of 80 in the year 483 BC. Buddhism is divided into two sects viz. Hinayana and Mahayana. I. Buddhist Scriptures: Historical criticism has proved that the original teachings of Buddha can never be known. It seems that Gautama Buddha?s teachings were memorized by his disciples. After Buddha?s death a council was held at Rajagaha so that the words of Buddha could be recited and agreed upon. There were differences of opinion and conflicting memories in the council. Opinion of Kayshapa and Ananda who were prominent disciples of Buddha were given preference. A hundred years later, a second council at Vesali was held. Only after 400 years, after the death of Buddha were his teachings and doctrines written down. Little attention was paid regarding its authenticity, genuineness and purity. Buddhist Scriptures can be divided into Pali and Sanskrit Literature:

A. Pali Literature : The Pali literature was monopolized by the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Tri Pitaka: The most important of all Buddhist scriptures is the TRI-PITAKA which is in Pali text. It is supposed to be the earliest recorded Buddhist literature which was written in the 1st Century B.C. The TRI-PITAKA or Three Baskets of law is composed of 3 books: 1.Vinaya Pitaka: "Rules of Conduct" : This is a book of discipline and mainly deals with rules of the order.

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2. Sutta Pitaka: "Discourses" : It is a collection of sermons and discourses of Gautama Buddha and the incidents in his life. It is the most important Pitaka and consists of five divisions known as Nikayas. Dhammapada is the most famous Pali literature and contains aphorisms and short statements covering the truth. 3. Abhidhamma: "Analysis of Doctrine": This third basket contains meta physical doctrines and is known as Buddhist meta physicals. It is an analytical and logical elaboration of the first two pitakas. It contains analysis and exposition of Buddhist doctrine.

B. Sanskrit Literature: Sanskrit literature was preferred by the Mahayana. Sanskrit literature has not been reduced to a collection or in Cannon like the Pali literature. Thus much of the original Sanskrit literature has been lost. Some were translated into other languages like Chinese and are now being retranslated into Sanskrit. 1. Maha vastu: "Sublime Story": Mahavastu is the most famous work in Sanskrit which has been restored from its Chinese translation. It consists of voluminous collection of legendary stories. 2. Lalitavistara: Lalitavistara is one of the holiest of the Sanskrit literature. It belongs to the first century C.E., 500 years after the death of Buddha. It contains the miracles which the superstition loving people have attributed to Buddha.

II Teachings Of Buddha: A. Noble Truths: The principal teachings of Gautama Buddha can be summarised in what the Buddhists call the "Four Noble Truths": First - There is suffering and misery in life . Second - The cause of this suffering and misery is desire. Third - Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire. Fourth - Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path.

B. The Noble Eight Fold Path: (i) Right Views (ii) Right Thoughts (iii) Right Speech

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(iv) Right Actions (v) Right Livelihood (vi) Right Efforts (vii) Right Mindfulness (viii) Right Meditation

C. Nirvana: Nirvana' literally means "blowing out" or "extinction". According to Buddhism, this is the ultimate goal of life and can be described in various words. It is a cessation of all sorrows, which can be achieved by removing desire by following the Eight Fold Path.

III PHILOSOPHY OF BUDDHISM IS SELF - CONTRADICTORY: As mentioned earlier, the main teachings of Buddhism are summarised in the Four Noble Truths: (i) There is suffering and misery in life. (ii) The cause of suffering and misery is desire. (iii) Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire. (iv) Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path. This Philosophy of Buddhism is self-contradictory or self-defeating because the third truth says "suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire" and the fourth truth says that 'desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold Path'. Now, for any person to follow Buddhism he should first have the desire to follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path. The Third great Noble Truth says that desire should be removed. Once you remove desire, how can we follow the Fourth Noble truth i.e. follow the Eight Fold Path unless we have a desire to follow the Eight Fold Path. In short desire can only be removed by having a desire to follow the Eight Fold Path. If you do not follow the Eight Fold Path, desire cannot be removed. It is self contradicting as well as self-defeating to say that desire will only be removed by continuously having a desire.

IV CONCEPT OF GOD Buddha was silent about the existence or non-existence of God. It may be that since India was drowned in idol worship and anthropomorphism that a sudden step to monotheism would have been drastic and hence Buddha may have chosen to remain silent on the issue of God. He did not deny the existence of God. Buddha was once asked by a disciple whether God exists? He refused to reply. When pressed, he said that if you are suffering from a 38

stomach ache would you concentrate on relieving the pain or studying the prescription of the physician. "It is not my business or yours to find out whether there is God ? our business is to remove the sufferings of the world". Buddhism provided Dhamma or the "impersonal law" in place of God. However this could not satisfy the craving of human beings and the religion of self-help had to be converted into a religion of promise and hope. The Hinayana sect could not hold out any promise of external help to the people. The Mahayana sect taught that Buddha?s watchful and comionate eyes are on all miserable beings, thus making a God out of Buddha. Many scholars consider the evolution of God within Buddhism as an effect of Hinduism. Many Buddhists adopted the local god and thus the religion of "No-God" was transformed into the religion of "Many-Gods" - big and small, strong and weak and male and female. The "Man-God" appears on earth in human form and incarnates from time to time. Buddha was against the caste-system prevalent in the Hindu society.

What religion did Buddha practice before he created Buddhism? Gautam Buddha...his main religion before starting his 'Middle Path'was Jainism.He had taken Diksha-ascetism in the path of 23rd Tithankara(ford maker),Lord Parshwanath.AS described by Buddha himself in Mazzim Nikaya,-"i wandered about naked, licked food from hands which i begged from the house which had not prepared it for me specially,plucked out my hair,fasted without water,i kept a sweeper in my hands and sweeped the place before i sat down"mazzim nikay.The above said conditions of ascetism r found only in Jainism and not in Hinduism.. and it becomes obvious that he followed the path of Lord Parshwanath coz during the time Gautama had not become Buddha and was a simple ascetic, Lord Mahavira (24th tirthankara)was still meditating towards his enlightenment....it was at a later stage that Gautam Buddha felt that enlightenment could even be gained through the Middle-path,as he neither found happiness in both the extreme ends,1 of material enjoyment which leads to sufferings and other of extreme asceticism..In Mazzim-Nikay Buddha even mentions to his deciples The Nirvana of Niggantha nattaputta [Mahavira] at Pava. Edited: Actually, Jainism wasn't Buddha's main religion. That was a religion he took up after leaving the palace, yes, but his he was born and raised a Hindu. Jainism was merely a milestone in his quest for enlightenment, but he did not stay with that. He decided after a short while of practicing Jainism that it was not the correct path, and so he moved on. But the wanted answer to this question is Hinduism.

The History of Buddhism

Soon after Buddha's death or parinirvana, five hundred monks met at the first council at Rajagrha, under the leadership of Kashyapa. Upali recited the monastic code (Vinaya) as he ed it. Ananda, Buddha's cousin, friend, and favorite disciple -- and a man of 39

prodigious memory! -- recited Buddha's lessons (the Sutras). The monks debated details and voted on final versions. These were then committed to memory by other monks, to be translated into the many languages of the Indian plains. It should be noted that Buddhism remained an oral tradition for over 200 years. In the next few centuries, the original unity of Buddhism began to fragment. The most significant split occurred after the second council, held at Vaishali 100 years after the first. After debates between a more liberal group and traditionalists, the liberal group left and labeled themselves the Mahasangha -- "the great sangha." They would eventually evolve into the Mahayana tradition of northern Asia. The traditionalists, now referred to as Sthaviravada or "way of the elders" (or, in Pali, Theravada), developed a complex set of philosophical ideas beyond those elucidated by Buddha. These were collected into the Abhidharma or "higher teachings." But they, too, encouraged disagreements, so that one splinter group after another left the fold. Ultimately, 18 schools developed, each with their own interpretations of various issues, and spread all over India and Southeast Asia. Today, only the school stemming from the Sri Lankan Theravadan survives.

Ashoka One of the most significant events in the history of Buddhism is the chance encounter of the monk Nigrodha and the emperor Ashoka Maurya. Ashoka, succeeding his father after a bloody power struggle in 268 bc, found himself deeply disturbed by the carnage he caused while suppressing a revolt in the land of the Kalingas. Meeting Nigrodha convinced Emperor Ashoka to devote himself to peace. On his orders, thousands of rock pillars were erected, bearing the words of the Buddha, in the brahmi script -- the first written evidence of Buddhism. The third council of monks was held at Pataliputra, the capital of Ashoka's empire. There is a story that tells about a poor young boy who, having nothing to give the Buddha as a gift, collected a handful of dust and innocently presented it. The Buddha smiled and accepted it with the same graciousness he accepted the gifts of wealthy irers. That boy, it is said, was reborn as the Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka sent missionaries all over India and beyond. Some went as far as Egypt, Palestine, and Greece. St. Origen even mentions them as having reached Britain. The Greeks of one of the Alexandrian kingdoms of northern India adopted Buddhism, after their King Menandros (Pali: Milinda) was convinced by a monk named Nagasena -- the conversation immortalized in the Milinda Pañha. A Kushan king of north India named Kanishka was also converted, and a council was held in Kashmir in about 100 ad. Greek Buddhists there recorded the Sutras on copper sheets which, unfortunately, were never recovered. It is interesting to note that there is a saint in Orthodox Christianity named Josaphat, an Indian king whose story is essentially that of the Buddha. Josaphat is thought to be a distortion of the word bodhisattva. 40

Sri Lanka and Theravada Emperor Ashoka sent one of his sons, Mahinda, and one of his daughters, Sanghamitta, a monk and a nun, to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) around the year 240 bc. The king of Sri Lanka, King Devanampiyatissa, welcomed them and was converted. One of the gifts they brought with them was a branch of the bodhi tree, which was successfully transplanted. The descendants of this branch can still be found on the island. The fourth council was held in Sri Lanka, in the Aloka Cave, in the first century bc. During this time as well, and for the first time, the entire set of Sutras were recorded in the Pali language on palm leaves. This became Theravada's Pali Canon, from which so much of our knowledge of Buddhism stems. It is also called the Tripitaka (Pali: Tipitaka), or three baskets: The three sections of the canon are the Vinaya Pitaka (the monastic law), the Sutta Pitaka (words of the Buddha), and the Abhidamma Pitaka (the philosophical commentaries). In a very real sense, Sri Lanka's monks may be credited with saving the Theravada tradition: Although it had spread once from India all over southeast Asia, it had nearly died out due to competition from Hinduism and Islam, as well as war and colonialism. Theravada monks spread their tradition from Sri Lanka to Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos, and from these lands to Europe and the west generally.

The Origin of Hinduism Dharma What is dharma in Hinduism?

God in colors

The term Hinduism is an umbrella word since it does not refer to a unified system of belief encoded in declaration of faith or a creed. Hinduism is a term comprising the plurality of religious phenomena originating and based on the Vedic traditions. While explaining Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text of Hinduism, former President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan says, “Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.” This means that Hinduism is a not mere

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dogma or creed but it is a way of harmonious life. In this context of harmonious life, Hindu dharma means that it is not restricted to Indian boundaries but it is universal. Sanatan Dharma of Hinduism is not restricted exclusively to Hindus or Indians By Sanatan dharma, Hinduism means doing one’s own duties in individual sense and living in harmoniously with others. Globally, it means the universal law by which all human beings are bound together. Although human beings are diverse in various ways, life of all should be motivated by a harmony. It is dharma. In nature, everything is in a certain order. Everything in the universe follows certain laws. The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening because it is its dharma. A teacher cares for his students and prepares them for their better future, to be good citizens to make a good society. It is the dharma of the teacher. Mother Theresa devoted her life for serving the poor. It was her dharma.

Introduction History of Hinduism

India

Hinduism's early history is the subject of much debate for a number of reasons. Firstly, in a strict sense there was no 'Hinduism' before modern times, although the sources of Hindu traditions are very ancient. Secondly, Hinduism is not a single religion but embraces many traditions. Thirdly, Hinduism has no definite starting point. The traditions which flow into Hinduism may go back several thousand years and some practitioners claim that the Hindu revelation is eternal. Although there is an emphasis on personal spirituality, Hinduism's history is closely linked with social and political developments, such as the rise and fall of different kingdoms and empires. The early history of Hinduism is difficult to date and Hindus themselves tend to be more concerned with the substance of a story or text rather than its date. 42

Hindu notions of time Hindus in general believe that time is cyclical, much like the four seasons, and eternal rather than linear and bounded. Texts refer to successive ages (yuga), designated respectively as golden, silver, copper and iron. During the golden age people were pious and adhered todharma (law, duty, truth) but its power diminishes over time until it has to be reinvigorated through divine intervention. With each successive age, good qualities diminish, until we reach the current iron or dark age (kali yuga) marked by cruelty, hypocrisy, materialism and so on. Such ideas challenge the widespread, linear view that humans are inevitably progressing.

Main historical periods Although the early history of Hinduism is difficult to date with certainty, the following list presents a rough chronology. 

Before 2000 BCE: The Indus Valley Civilisation

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1500–500 BCE: The Vedic Period

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500 BCE–500 CE: The Epic, Puranic and Classical Age

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500 CE–1500 CE: Medieval Period

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1500–1757 CE: Pre-Modern Period

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1757–1947 CE: British Period

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1947 CE–the present: Independent India

Significance of Hindu and Hindu dharma (Hinduism) There is a tendency on the part of some scholars to indicate that the word Hindu might have been created from Sindhu (in Sanskrit meaning ocean or river, especially in the west of India) due to lack of certain letters in old (Vedic) Sanskrit. Another misconception is that when certain foreigners (Greeks, Arabs and Persians) first arrived in India, they were unable to pronounce the word Sindhu properly and their mispronunciation of Sindhu led to the creation 43

of Hindu. Thus it is quite common to come across different stories about the origin of the name Hindu. This article discusses why Hindu could not have evolved from Sindhu and looks into other explanations for Hindu and Hindu dharma. It is difficult to imagine that Vedic Sanskrit, due perhaps to a lack of certain letters and sounds in its alphabet, caused Sindhu to change into Hindu. Since the letters (sounds) 's' and 'dh' in Sanskrit have existed right from the outset, there would be no need to replace them, respectively, with 'h' and 'd' thus transforming Sindhu into Hindu. Moreover, because the words Sindhu and Hindu continued to coexist simultaneously even after the supposed transformation, clearly indicates that such change never occurred. Had such a substitution really taken place, the word Sindhu would most likely disappear. Thus it is clear that the word Hindu was not derived from Sindhu due to any deficiency in the Sanskrit alphabets. The idea that the word Hindu was used for the first time by Alexander the Great and his soldiers during their invasion of India seems quite absurd. It is said that the invading Greeks and Macedonians found it difficult to pronounce the word Sindhu, and therefore dropped S at the beginning of Sindhu in favor of H giving rise to Hindu. It is hard to believe that any native speaker of Greek, a language having at least the letter Sigma for 's' sound, would experience any difficulty or uncertainty in pronouncing Sindhu with 's' sound. Moreover, these foreigners must already be familiar in the use of structurally, linguistically and phonetically more complex words (names) in their native Greek than the simple Sindhu. Thus they would have no reason or need to invent the word Hindu, accidentally or otherwise. Similarly Muslims (Arabic or Persian speakers) would not suddenly, upon their arrival in India for the first time, start calling Sindhu River as Hindu River. Being quite familiar with 's' sound (expressed by letters Sad and Sin in their native languages), they would have no problem correctly pronouncing the word Sindhu. Note that whenever a person goes to a different place or a country, his first communications with the locals are generally of verbal nature using words and sounds. These utterances (indicating names, places etc.) are usually imitated or copied while trying not to distort the original words in any manner. Therefore a foreigner (ancient Greek, Arab or Persian), who was quite familiar with 's' sound, would not be confused or encumbered into pronouncing Sindhu as Hindu after arriving in India and hearing it from the locals. Thus it is clear from the above that the word Hindu has been there for a long time (perhaps since the beginning) and was not derived from Sindhu, and its roots lie elsewhere in ancient rituals and yajnas. The Moon (also known as Indu) and its light, for example, long ago used to be considered as the enhancer (or catalyst) of quality (taste and aroma etc.) and quantity of juices in plants -- including those from which Soma-juice was derived. Indu was thus a name given to Soma-juice+ and nectar in addition to being used for the Moon. As several Vedic hymns suggest, Soma-juice (Indu) was also the libation for Vedic rituals, yajnas and worships. It was offered to God, and consumed afterwards by people (worshippers etc.) for health, life, prosperity and progeny. Moreover, its use would imply propitiation for the or Hindu -- a person propitiated by Indu (the Vedic libation). Note, Hindu -- a compound word

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with Sanskrit roots (i.e. H + indu) -- indicates a liaison between H (sounding 'H' as in Hut, and implying auspiciousness or delight) and Indu or indu (meaning Vedic libation). Thus note that indu was a normal soma juice. Offering it (indu or soma juice) as libation to God (during a Vedic yajna or sacrifice) made it auspicious, and its use (drinking / accepting by people) afterwards signified a person as Hindu . someone propitiated by indu (Vedic libation). Similarly, dharma was considered long ago as a person's duty or commitment. Moreover, he would undertake or try to fulfil (properly complete) his obligations preferably in the witness of or as a dedication to a deity (such as indicated also in the Gita: Ch. 18 - V. 66). This association with deity most likely gave rise to the divine aspect in one's dharma. Note also in this regard that religion essentially involves relying on or being in obligation to god and living and acting accordingly. Thus, dharma and religion seem somewhat similar in meaning and function, and may even be used interchangeably. Religion (dharma) based on the Vedas (and involving Vedic rituals, practices, customs and way of life since the very beginning of civilization) has long been identified as the Vedic dharma. Moreover, note that as the knowledge contained in the Vedas has withstood the test of time, it is considered eternal (sanatan): these scriptures are therefore considered as divinely inspired and dharma based on them as the Sanatan dharma (eternal religion). There have also been other names used for this religion. For example, it was once also called Bhagvata dharma after the Vedic god Bhaga or Bhagvan -- the bestower of auspicious blessings and possessing the power of goodness (Ref.: Indian Philosophy, Vol. 2, S. Radhakrishnan, Oxford University Press, 1999, p. 667). Similarly, it is known as Hindu dharma (Hindu religion or Hinduism) because of its association with Hindu (people expiated by Indu -- libation in Vedic rituals and practices). Needless to say, Hindu dharma (dharma associated with Hindu) has its roots in the Vedas and is truly the Vedic dharma. It is clear therefore that Vedic dharma (dharma according to the Vedas), Sanatan dharma (dharma based on the Sanatan or eternal knowledge of the Vedas) and Hindu dharma (dharma representing the Vedic dharmic rituals, practices and expiation etc.) are interchangeable expressions. Finally, it is clear from the above that the word Hindu (not signifying any particular area or region) was in existence for a long time before the foreigners arrived in India. Moreover, even the word Hindustan (meaning the area or land belonging to the Hindu) could have been easily created by the locals (living in the present-day India) or the outsiders by simply adding stan or sthan (area) to the pre-existing local word Hindu. Likewise, the word Hind (or the land of Hindu) was most likely also rooted in the word Hindu -- with u (sounding as 'oo' in tooth) dropped from it.

The Origins of Sikh Dharma Some of the information given below has been adapted from Living Reality by Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur. Sikh Dharma is a vibrant, continually growing spiritual family that includes people from across the globe. Many books have been written on the history of Sikh Dharma. Here, we are 45

grateful to share a brief description of how Sikh Dharma began. For more reading, please see the books listed in the bibliography at the end of this section. The Sikh religion began in India a little over 530 years ago and since then Sikhs from the Punjab region of India, who make up less than 2 percent of the population of India, have migrated throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, numbering about 28 million worldwide. In the early seventies, Yogi Bhajan, who would later be know as Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji began to teach in the United States. Through his inspiration, insight and example many Westerners began adopting the Sikh way of life, attracted by the spiritual practices of Sikh Dharma and its egalitarian teachings that respect all religions. Sikhs do not convert people. Sikh populations everywhere participate enthusiastically in outreach activities and contribute to their surrounding communities. The Sikh teachings encourage people to live their lives in service to others, but not as beggars or in poverty. Instead they believe in creating abundance, peace, and prosperity throughout the earth, to serve humanity, and to build interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well. Part of the primary mission of Sikh Dharma International is to preserve, organize and continue to share the teachings of the Sikh Gurus as described by the late Siri Singh Sahib in his unique style. His way of talking and teaching about the path of the Sikh has, for the first time in history, made the Sikh faith accessible to people from every background, language, and culture of the world. With utmost gratitude to God and Guru, those of us serving the Global Community Sangat through this work at Sikh Dharma International, feel it a special privilege to be a part of this Legacy.Wahe Guru!

The Shabad Guru The human birth is a very special chance to merge into the Divine Light that dwells within oneself and The Ten Sikh Gurus all of creation. To have that experience, the human mind needs to be trained. It needs a teacher. Throughout human history, many masters have come to the earth to help humanity. But the masters, themselves, were never the power. There is a power in the Universe greater than any human being, then any living master. It is called the Guru, or the Universal Teacher. That Universal Teacher exists in every time and space - always present to help guide us home. The Shabad Guru is the Universal Teacher manifest through Word or Sound. Through the Shabad Guru, we learn to hear the Sound of Wisdom that can help us navigate the challenges in our lives. And eventually that can lead us to being healthy, happy, peaceful, and connected to the Divine Loving Spirit contained in and prevailing among all. Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji shared that the Shabad Guru will be the Guru in the Age of Aquarius. Any person - no matter what his or her background or religion - will be able to connect with the Shabad - the Sacred Sound Current - as a way to expand the consciousness and illuminate the mind. From the late 15th century to the beginning of the 18th century, ten successive Masters consciously channeled and acknowledged the power of the Shabad Guru. These Masters, who would come to be known as the ten Sikh Gurus, lived, travelled and taught in what is now India and Pakistan. Their lives spanned a period of 239 years. They revolutionized the spiritual, social, economic and political life of their time. 46

All ten of the Sikh Gurus clearly stated that they were human beings. They were simply blessed with the capacity to hear, channel and share the Sound of that Universal Teacher for others to hear. "Sikh" means "Seeker of Truth." During the time of the Sikh Gurus, the community of believers was diverse, multi-cultural and interreligious. It was only later that the term "Sikh" began to refer to a specific group of people. At its origin, Sikh Dharma meant "the spiritual practice of one who is looking for truth." 500 years ago, these ten Sikh Gurus taught the equality of men and women. They taught that no group of human beings was higher than any other group. And they claimed that the common brotherhood and sisterhood of the human race was the highest reality. Their teachings empowered people to break the caste system, to overcome social habits that harmed women, to become economically self-sufficient, and to create a tolerant society based on the common humanity of all people. Books have been written about these amazing masters. Here are their names, and a few words about each one.

The Ten Physical Sikh Masters are: 

Guru Nanak (1469-1539)

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Guru Angad (1504-1552)

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Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)

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Guru Ram Das (1534-1581)

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Guru Arjan (1563-1606)

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Guru Hargobind (1595-1644)

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Guru Har Rai (1630-1661)

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Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664)

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Guru Teg Bahadur (1621-1675)

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Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)

First Sikh of Sikh Dharma

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First Master of Sikh Dharma Guru Nanak 1469-1539 By Ek Ong Kaar Kaur

Guru Nanak Dev was born November 10, 1469 in Talwandi, which is now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan. His father's name was Mehta Kalyan Chand, but was known as Kalu Mehta. His mother's name was Tripta Devi and he had one elder sister, Bibi Nanaki. His wife's name was Mata Sulakhni Ji. He had two sons. His elder son was Sri Chand and his second son was Lakhmi Chand. Born into a Hindu family, Guru Nanak rejected the notion of divisions between people based on religion. He taught the Oneness of the Creator and the fundamental brotherhood and sisterhood of all. He stated that the experience of the Divine dwelled within every person, so there was no difference between people based on caste, creed, gender or nationality. His simple but profound philosophy rested on recognizing the fundamental Divinity of all people. When lived in an awareness of the Divine Light within all, human life could become a profound experience of love, truth, patience, peace and contentment.

Rai Bular Bhatti, a wealthy land owner, and Nanak’s sister, Bibi Nanaki, were the first people who recognized divine qualities in Nanak. They encouraged and ed him to study and travel. Guru Nanak achieved his state of enlightenment, or realization, sometime around the age of 30. After disappearing into a river and meditating in the water for three days, Guru Nanak emerged having had a powerful vision of the nature of reality, Divinity and human existence. He recorded that vision in a song - known as Japji Sahib - the Song of the Soul. With Japji 48

Sahib, humanity has a rare picture of what a Master experienced at the moment of his enlightenment described in his own words.

Islam Dharma- The History of Muslim Dharma There are three prominent religions on earth Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. We will now discuss about of one of these and that is Islam also called Muslim religion. It is perhaps one of the oldest religions of earth. Let us start with the history of Muslim religion first. The Islam dharma started in Arabia. It is said that it was in the seventh century under Prophet Muhammad that this religion first found recognition. Muhammad united all the tribes of Arabia when he was ruling this part of the world. Prophet Muhammad was born in Arabia. He was also called rasul Allah or the messenger of god. He was born in 570 C.E in Mecca and died in Medina in 632 C.E. His father died even before he was born. His mother died when he was six years old. He became an orphan and was sent to his paternal grandfather who sent him to stay with a nomadic tribe. When he grew up a little big he would his uncle Abu Talib and go on trading expeditions to Syria. In one of these trips he met Khadija. She was a widow and was impressed so much by his honesty that she gave him the rights to manage her caravan business. She later asked Muhammad for marriage. He agreed. They were married for twenty four years and had seven children. They had four daughters who lived till adulthood but three boys that were born to them all died in infancy. They were happily married. When Muhammad was around forty years old he saw a terrible vision one night. This night is called the night of power. This was the night when he became the messenger of god and started preaching the teachings of god to all the people of Mecca. His initial teachings were on how god is one. He taught that if people are greedy in this life they will have to go to hell and face horrible punishments. His teachings slowly accumulated a lot of followers from all the segments of the society. Prophet Muhammad performed many miracles during his life time. He would be called for many events and speeches. He built mosques in various parts of Mecca and Medina. After his first wife Khadija died he married many times. In his last days he fell sick and died in the house of his youngest wife Aisha. There is very little documented proof of his life. The Quran has a good deal of information about his life and teachings. The meaning of Islam means surrender and submission. It means that the people who follow this religion must surrender to the god or the Allah. Allah is all mighty or god the supreme. The followers of Islam are called Muslim. The two branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia. There are Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. The Sunni Muslims accepts the authority of the prophet’s companions. Shia Muslims on the other hand belive, that the prophet’s family is most important in the Islam religion. The five pillars of Islam are faith, ritual prayer, the zakat (charity), fasting and the hajj (this is a pilgrimage to Mecca). All Muslims must follow these five things in order to reach god. They must have complete faith in god. They must regularly pray to the god at least once a day. All Muslims must involve in charity and give a good proportion of what they earn to the poor and the needy. Mecca is the most holy place on earth for the Muslims. Each Muslim must once in their life time visit the Mecca. Whether rich or poor, king or beggar, anyone who is born as a Muslim

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must go to Mecca. It must be kept in mind that both the Shia and Sunni Muslims belive in the five pillars of Islam. Apart from Mecca the two more places of religious importance for the Muslims are Jerusalem and Medina. The place of worship for Muslims is the mosque. It is place where they go to offer prayer to the god or Allah. They also study their religious scriptures in the mosque. The Muslim religion slowly spread from Arabia to the other countries. It has major followers in Asia, Europe and even in America. The Quran is the holy book of Islam. It gives a good detailed note of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings. It shows how humble and simple he was as a person. He was the messenger that god sent. He preached that on judgement day we all will have to face god. Prophet Muhammad was respected for his simplicity and his teachings. He is still respected a lot among the Muslims and in Islam. The Quran is read by the Muslims in the mosques. The Muslim priests know the Quran by heart. Even the common Muslims attend classes to understand the Quran better. The Quran is the most important source of knowledge as per Islam. The Quran says that god is the creator all the things. He has all the power and he is very merciful. He is the master of all the things and from time to time he sends prophets to earth so that they can teach the human beings the lessons of god. On the judgement day the god will end the earth and that will be the day when all the human beings will be judged by the gods. All people on earth do good and bad deeds. If your good deeds are more than bad ones you will be sent to paradise. If it is the other way round you will be sent to hell. Iblis was the one who provoked Adam to eat the forbidden apple. When Adam did so he and Eve were told to leave heaven and go to Earth and face all the pains. God also said that the day Earth will end everything will burn and Iblis will also burn in this fire. He said that till the day Earth ends Iblis will keep playing his tricks on man and make them do wrong deeds. However, the ones who are completely committed to god will not be influenced by Iblis. The Quran states that god is one and there is no other form or division of god. The Quran also mentions about Gabriel a divine messenger of the gods. He is an angel. He was the one who taught Adam all the alphabets and how to cultivate and survive after he was told to go away from paradise by the gods. This is more or less a brief idea of Islam dharma and the history of Muslim dharma. I hope this will help you understand this religion better.

Kristian Dharma Christianity Traditional Christian claims about Jesus’ divinity rest on the virgin birth, resurrection, and the miracles he performed during his lifetime, These claims have varying levels of verifiability.

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Nobody but Jesus’ mother, Mary, could have known if he were really the product of a virgin birth. Regarding the resurrection, former president of the Catholic Biblical Association Raymond E. Brown its that “the New Testament does not make claim that anyone saw the resurrection,” and therefore “the reality of the bodily resurrection hinges on the missing body or the empty tomb and, above all, on the validity of the experiences of those who claimed they saw Jesus risen.” According to Christian tradition, eleven (of the twelve) disciples and Mary Magdalene saw Jesus alive after his crucifixion, and “the apostles” saw Jesus ascend into the heavens at the conclusion of his earthly mission. Christianity’s credibility derives mostly from its descriptions of the miracles Jesus performed. For instance, “the disciples” saw Jesus walk on the Sea of Galilee. The text fails to mention who the disciples were, or how many of them were present, but, given the plural reference, there must have been at least two or as many as all twelve. Also, three disciples (Peter, James, and John) witnessed Elijah and Moses materialize, confer with Jesus, and then disappear again, One might argue that Christianity has an even more solid basis. Many times “a crowd” saw Jesus “heal” the disabled, blind, and insane. (See, for example, Mark 2: 12; 8:24-5; and 5: 15.) Christian sources also describe how Jesus fed “as many as 5,000 men” with only five loaves of bread. Church histories of the Mormons (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) report that their founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., had a vision in 1820. Two personages, whom he later identified as G-d the Father and Jesus, appeared and revealed to him that all existing churches were counterfeit. In 1823, Smith was visited again, this time by the angel “Moroni,” who informed him of the existence of “golden plates” containing an inscription in “Reformed Egyptian” about the ancient inhabitants of North America. In 1827, the angel reappeared to reveal the plates’ exact location. Smith immediately set to work translating them, and that translation became the Book of Mormon. Later. Smith and an acquaintance, Oliver Cowdery, had a t vision of John the Baptist, who conferred upon them “a restored Aaronic Priesthood.” In another vision, Peter, James, and John gave Smith and Cowdery “the higher priesthood of the Apostles.” Smith continued to have regular revelations, which he related to his followers and published in another book—The Doctrines and Covenants. “I AM” (or the “Saint Germain Foundation”) was founded by Guy Ballard in 1930. Hiking alone near Mt. Shasta in California, Ballard claims to have been approached by the reincarnation of the Comte de Saint Germain, an eighteenth-century French occultist. and appointed to spread a new, true religion. Ballard published the of his initial interchanges with Saint Germain (Unveiled Mysteries) in 1934, and over the next four 51

years he wrote half a dozen more books describing Saint Germain’s more than 3,000 discourses and decrees. Thousands attended Ballard’s seminars in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles until his death in 1939, His followers continue to teach about Ballard’s revelations, and in 1990 there were more than 300 “I AM” centers in more than twenty-five countries The Unification Church, popularly known as “the Moonies,” also began with one man’s revelation. On Easter morning, 1936, Jesus came to sixteen-year old Sun Myung Moon and told him to proclaim himself the new Messiah. In 1980 the Church reported over 120 centers worldwide. Eckankar also started with John Paul Twitchell’s revelations and “astral” (out-of-body) travel. Before his death in 1971, Twitchell claimed to be the 971st ECK Master and a spiritual descendent of “an unbroken chain of Vaiargi Masters.” In 1988 Twitchell’s Church reported 127 U.S. centers and 284 worldwide. The beginnings of Christian Science, Theosophy, Children of G-d, and Elan Vital are virtually identical. In fact, brief histories of almost all new religious groups sound the same: one or two people have a revelation and persuade others to follow. In all of these cases, the religion’s credibility rests on the credibility of its one or two founders.

Jainism Dharma What is Jainism? The word Jain is derived from the Sanskrit word (ftu) Jin, meaning a Victor, and implies a conqueror of one’s baser-self, or One Who has attained a victory over attachments and aversions. A true Jain is, thus, a follower of Him, who is above bias, a true friend of all and the foe of none. In the days gone by the saintly adherents of this religion were variously known as Yatis, Vratyas, Arhatas, Nirgranthas and Shramanas, while the Greeks and other foreigners called them Gymnosophists or the nude philosophers. Jainism is a science and not a code of arbitrary and capricious commandments. It is the only non-allegorical religion, which insists upon and displays a thorough understanding of the problems of life and soul. It was founded by Omniscient Teachers, a distinction to which no other religion can lay claim.Jainism is the only man made religion that reduces everything to the iron-laws of nature and agrees with modern science. It is perfectly true when the Jains say that religion originated with man and that the first Deified man of every cycle of time is the founder of Religion. Whenever a Tirthankara arises He re-establishes the Scientific truth considering the nature of life and these truths are collectively termed religion. 52

Origin antiquity and short history of jainism Origin: Jainism, as belived by its followers, was not originated by any particular individual in the same sense as Christ and Mohammed orinated Christnity and Mohammedanism, and Budha was the author of Budhism. Had any individual Mahavira or His predecessors Parshwa or, even Rsabha started this religion, it would have been known as Mhavira Dharma, or Rsabha Dharma. The religion is instead name Jain Dharma. In the pats there were infinite twenty four Thirthankaras and in future also infinite twenty four Tirthankaras will appear. In the present cycle of time, the religion preached by Tirthankara, Rsabha, who is also known as Adinath. The prevalent view that Jaininsm was organized by Mahavira, or even His predecessors Parshwa, in erroneous. Religion,it should be known, “ way of life” which is not invented, it is rediscovered and this was what precisely the tirthankaras did. They explained the laws of Nature that governed the universe, man his conduct.

Guidlines Of Jainism What Is The Jain Dharma Or Jainism? Before we understand the meaning of the Jain dharma, it is absolutely necessary that we should have a thorough knowledge of the word, dharma or religion because for thousands of years, innumerable wrong notions about dharma hace been nourished and held by people. Dharma or religion is neither a cult nor a creed; nor it is a reserved ystem of any community. Dharma is not entirely related either to an individual or to a society; nor is it confined to any area. Dharma is the essential nature of an individual or an object. Shramana Bhagawan Mahavir has explained the meaning of dharma clearly thus:"Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo" Dharma is nothing but the real nature of an object. Just as the nature of fire is to burn and the nature of water is to produce a cooling effect, in the same manner, the essential nature of the soul is to seek self-realization and spiritual elevation. If we examine the matter thus, we find that dharma acquires different definitions in different contexts but here is a simplpe and clear meaning of it; "Dharma is the name that can be given to all the elaborate codes of conduct and ideologies that enable life to attain nobility and spiritual exaltation". Dharma can be the only means to understand and realize the true meaning of life. Dharma in its real sense is that which leads the soul on the path of felicity, peace and spiritual bliss; and impels it to be active and progressive. The great Jieshwaras have defined dharma thus:Arhat dharma - the dharma of Ariantas or the destroyers of the inner enemies namely Karmas.

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Anekanta darshan - the ideology that is comprehensive and is not limited to a single point of view. Vitaraga marg - the dharma that has been expounded by the Paramatma who is devoid of all attachments and hatred. Thus, Jainism is known by various names.

History of Janism Jainism is an independent and most ancient religion of India. Jainsim is an eternal religion. Jainism is revealed in every cyclic period of the universe, and this constitutes the pre-historic time of Jainism. And there is a recorded history of Jainism since about 3000-3500 BC. The discovery of the Indus Civilization seem to have thrown a new light on the antiquity of Jainism. The evidence suggests that Jainism was known among the people of the Indus Valley around 3000-3500 B.C. Some nude figures, considered to be of Lord Rishabha, on the seals have been discovered at Mohenjodaro and Harrappa. There is an article that suggests the representation of the seventh Tirthankara SuParsvanath. The people of the Indus Valley not only practiced Yoga but worshipped the images of Yogis. There are figures in Kayotsarga posture of standing are peculiarly Jain. In addition, the sacred signs of swastika are found engraved on a number of seals. Furthermore, there are some motifs on the seals found in Mohen-jo-Daro and it is suggested that these motifs are identical with those found in the ancient Jain art of Mathura. This presence of Jain tradition in the earliest period of Indian history is ed by many scholars. It strongly suggests that Jainism existed in pre-Aryan time.

Janism in Vedic Period In the Rig -veda there are clear references to Rishabhdev, the 1st Tirthankar, and to Aristanemi, the 22nd Tirthankar. The Yajur-veda also mentions the names of three Tirthankars, viz. Rishabhdev, Ajitanath and Aristanemi. Further, the Atharva-veda specifically mentions the sect of Vratya means the observer of vratas or vows as distinguished from the Hindus at those times. Similarly in the Atharva-veda the term Maha vratya occurs and it is supposed that this term refers to Rishabhdev, who could be considered as the great leader of the Vratyas.

Jainism in Buddha Period Lord Mahavir was the senior contemporary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. In Buddhist books Lord Mahavir is always described as nigantha Nataputta (Nirgrantha Jnatrputra), i.e., the naked ascetic of the Jnätr clan. Further, in the Buddhist literature Jainism is referred to as an ancient religion. There are ample references in Buddhist books to the Jain naked ascetics, to the worship of Arhats in Jain chaityas or temples and to the chaturyäma dharma (i.e. fourfold religion) of 23rd Tirthankar Parsvanath. Moreover, the Buddhist literature refers to the Jain tradition of Tirthankars and specifically mentions the names of Jain Tirthankars like Rishabhdev, Paprabh, Chandraprabh, Puspdant, Vimalnath, Dharmanath and Neminath. The Buddhist book Manorathapurani, mentions the names of many lay men and women as followers of the Parsvanath tradition and among them is the name of Vappa, the uncle of Gautama Buddha. In fact it is mentioned in the Buddhist literature that Gautama Buddha himself practiced penance according to the Jain way before he propounded his new religion. 54

Lord Mahavira Lord Mahavira is often credited with the advent of Jainism in India. However, Jainism existed even before Lord Mahavira was born. He is supposed to be the twenty-fourth (last) Tirthankara according to the Jain philosophy. A Tirthankara is an enlightened soul who is born as a human being and attains perfection through intense meditation. For a Jain, Lord Mahavira is no less than God and his philosophy is like the Bible. Born as Vardhamana Mahavir, he later came to be known as Bhagvan Mahaveer. Read the short biography of Lord Mahavira to know the intriguing life history of Bhagvan Mahaveer. Lord Mahavira was born in the royal family of Bihar in 599 B.C. His father's name was King Siddhartha and mother's name was Queen Trishala. Known by the name of Vardhamana, the young boy was a very bright and courageous lad who showed extraordinary skills at a very young age. He once saved his friends from a poisonous snake and had the courage to defy an angel in the disguise of a monster. Though he had all the luxuries of life at his command, he led a very simple life. He left all his worldly possessions after his parents expired and became a monk. He gave up all pleasures and left his family for the purpose of attaining enlightenment. For twelve years, he deeply meditated in order to overcome his desires and cravings. He succeeded in going without food for days together, avoided clothes and never harmed another living creature even if it was an insect. Once while meditating, he was bitten by a deadly snake. Still he did not develop any kind of hatred for the snake and kept meditating. After twelve years, he attained divine knowledge and self-realization. His perception about everything was crystal clear and he paved the way for spiritual pursuit for future monks. The attainment of this spiritual knowledge was known as keval-jnana . Once he realized this knowledge, he traveled to the remotest places in India preaching whatever he had learnt. All through his wandering, he was barefoot and refrained from eating too often. His simple living and high morals attracted believers from all walks of life, which included kings, paupers, priests and untouchables. His teachings were based on the concept of self-realization for ultimate attainment of Moksha. He taught people how to gain freedom from misery, pain and the cycle of birth and death. Lord Mahavira was known to be omniscient, which means he knew everything about past & future.

Life Lord Mahavira was born at Kundalagrama (Vaishali district) situated close to Besadha Patti, 27 miles from Patna in modern day Bihar, India. His birthday is celebrated as Mahavira Jayanthi every year. He was more popularly known as "Vardhaman". It is due to the fact that, after Mahavira was born, his family prospered and got loads of wealth. People are of the belief that, when Mahavir Swami was born, he was bathed by Lord Indra with celestial milk. Being the son of King Siddartha, he lived his life like a prince. However, when he turned 30, 55

he left his family and turned into an ascetic. He had around 400,000 followers. At the age of 72, this great personality departed for heaven.

Awakening and enlightenment After having left behind the pleasures of worldly life, he went into the state of deep silence for a period of about twelve and half years. During this period, he learnt to control his feelings and desires. For quite a long time, he went without food. His search for truth and the real virtues of life made people call him Mahavira. Mahavira is a Sanskrit word, which is used to refer to a great hero.

Mahavira Philosophy The philosophies of Lord Mahavira are based on the sole purpose of improving the quality of life. The basic idea is to attain spiritual excellence by maintaining ethical behavior and following proper code of conduct. Mahavira philosophy primarily consists of metaphysics and ethics. The metaphysics comprise of three main principles, namely, Anekantavada, Syadvada and Karma. The five ethical principles underlying the philosophy of Lord Mahavira are Satya, Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, Asteya, and Aparigraha.

Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed to celebrate the birthday of the great Lord Mahavira, who was born at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar in 599 BC. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Mahavir Jayanti festival falls during the period between March and April. As a part of Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations, the Jain temples are beautifully adorned with flags.

Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed to celebrate the birthday of the great Lord Mahavira, who was born at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar in 599 BC. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Mahavir Jayanti festival falls during the period between March and April. As a part of Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations, the Jain temples are beautifully adorned with flags. The day begins with the performance of ceremonial bath, in which people bath the idol of Lord Mahavira. This ceremonial bath is more popularly known as 'abhishek'. The idol of Lord Mahavira is then placed in a cradle and taken for procession. The worshippers congregate in the temple and offer rice, milk, fruits and water to Lord Mahavir. At various places, lectures are conducted to impart the teachings of Mahavir Swami. The basic idea is to make people understand the real virtues of life. On this day, people spend time 56

meditating and praying to the Lord. People give donations to save the cows from getting slaughtered. People come from different parts of the country and throng the ancient temples located at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on the Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti.

Chapter:2

The God Personal Original Name:AUM God is one so his personal and original name should be one. According to the vedic literature and other “A” rsha Granthas (authoritative literature) God’s most loveable and personal name is said to be “AUM” which is pronounced as “AUM” That question that is frequently asked by many people: “What is the original or personal name of God and why should one believe that”? Here one thing is to be borne in mind and that is anything, which has many, attributesactions-nature may be called by many names, though it has only one personal name. In the same way God has many names, according to his attributes, actions and characteristics but his personal or original and most famous name is said to be one, which is “OM”. The word “OM” is formed by three letters i.e. A+U+M and letters A and U when combined, its pronunciation becomes “O” hence A+U+M is pronunciation “OM” Which represents Yajna, Yoga and Dharma. AUM creates, AUM sustains, AUM dissolves, the whole universe, AUM is God’s the most appropriate Name, sung in prose and verse. Letters ‘A’ , ‘U’, and ‘M’ constitute the Akshara, AUM the Imperishable, All that was, all that is and all that will be is AUM the only Adorable. ‘A’ signifies the ruler of Universe, Sovereign and the Omniscient Being. Self-Lustrous, Radiant of all Galaxies and the Omnipresent being. ‘U’ is upholder of all planets and stars, life provider-the omnipotent being, while ‘m’ is for all true knowledge, universal bliss and everlasting being. Also ‘A’ denotes Brahama the creator and ‘U’ for Vishnu-the preserver, and ‘M’ for Maheshthe dissolver, thus AUM signifies the all controller. While pronouncing AUM at first ‘A’ opens vocal organ indicating creation, The ‘U’ sustains the word that is preserver and ‘M’ closinglips is dissolution. Vedas the scriptures of true knowledge, describe AUM and its attributes, AUM is formless, the personification of existence, intelligence and bliss. AUM is Almighty, Just, Benevolent, 57

Unborn, Infinite and Endless, Unchangeable, Incomparable, Undecaying, Fearless, and Beginningless. When the soul gets human body by its virtues and God’s Graces. It’s gifted with intellect to find right path to run life’s race. His set goals are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha’s achievement, Recitation of AUM concentrating on its attributes leads to fulfilment. “AUM” is the highest name of God; it is composed of three letters AUM (as described earlier). This is one name comprises many other names of God. Thus briefly – “A” stand for Viraat, Agni and Vishwa, etc. “U” stands for Hiranyagarbha, Vaayu and Tejas, etc. , and “M” stands for I’shwara, Aaditya and Prajna,etc. It is clearly explained in the Vedas and other true shastras, that wherever they treat of God, all these names stand for him. The Vedic and other holy texts are in of this view, here are a few quotations from the holy Vedas and the Upanishads in of the statement that “AUM” (OM) is highest name of God. The Vedic Eloquent says: “OM Krato Smara” means Oh! Energetic man, (Assiduous man) always the name of God that is “OM”. “OM Kham Brahma” means “OM” is the great GOD who is Omnipresent (Like ether). “Tasya Vaachakah Pranavah” means God’s personal name is “AUM”. The Chhandogya Upanishad: Mantra I say that “He alone, whose name is AUM, who is Immortal, is worthy of our adoration and none other.” The Mandukya Upanishad, says: - All the Vedas and the shastras declare “OM” as the primary and natural name of God . All other are his secondary names. The Kathopanishada: says that “He, whom all the Vedas declare worthy of homage, whom all devotion and righteous actions lead to, and for whose realisation, the life of brahmacharya (Chastity) is lead, is called “AUM.” The Vedic and other holy texts are in of this view, that the primary and personal name of God is “AUM”, which is pronounced as “OM”.

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It is said in the Kathopanishad, t,hat “He, Whom all the Vedas declare worthy of homage, to whom all devotion and righteous actions lead, and for whose realisation, the life of chastity i.e. Brahmacharya leads, is called OM.” There have to be innumerous name of God according to his attributed-actions or characteristics as Omkar, Ishwara, Paramatma, Bhagwan, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, Ganpati, ganesh, Indra, Mitra, Varun, Agni, and so on. All these are attributed name of God. “In other words, these names signify God in prayers, meditations, communications, or where such adjectives as Omnipresent, Omniscient, Holy, Eternal and creator of the Universe qualify them. Whilst, where the things under discussion are mentioned as creator, protected or sustained, disintegrated or where such qualifying words as finite, visible are used, they cannot be taken to signify God, because He is neither subject to such changes as evolution or destruction, nor is he finite or visible”. In Vedas alone there are many names of God according to subject and contents! But, from time to time, place to place, nation to nation and from their own beliefs and faiths, the Bhaktas (worshippers), Sufis, Saints, Gurus and other religious people who had experienced God’s bliss in their own ways, have added many attributed and imaginary names for him. According to their circumstances, place, time and beliefs etc., God is pronounced as: God , Hoy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Lord, Allah, Khuda, Khoda, Khudaaya, Rabba, Sai, Naath, Satnaam, Omkara, Vaheguru, Maalik, Parvardigaar, Maulaa etc. But really speaking by listening or chanting the “OM” one enjoys and experiences innerpeace or Anand. God is one hence his loveable, adorable and peace-giving name according to all A’rsha Granthas and religious books is nothing but “MO.” “OM” is a cosmic sound, Universal music, which exists in the universe forever. The yogi or enlightened souls experience this cosmic vibration in transcendental state of Samaadhi. To hear this incredible universal sound of music, in other words to experience the incredible bliss of God, one (truly dedicated person called a Bhakta) has to meditate with clean and pure mind, which cannot be explained in words.

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Worship of God

Musk forms in the navel of the deer. Being fascinated with its smell, the deer run hither and thither. They do not know where the fragrance comes from. Likewise God resides in the human body, but man does not know it. Therefore, he searches everywhere for bliss, not knowing that it is already in him. Everyone worships God in his own way. “God is one” and according to the Vedas we (soul) are his eternal children, so there must be one procedure of his worship or prayer. Isn’t it? we are human beings, the best species in the world because we are provided intellect to think and do whatever is right and to follow the path of perfection. God has given us his eternal knowledge and commandments i.e ‘the code of conduct’ in the holy Vedas. Still we don’t receive his knowledge and follow his commandment/orders. who is to suffer then? “Indra vo Vishvataspari Havaamahe Janebhyah, Asmaakamastu Kewalah” In this vedic mantra God declares and teaches to all human being: “Do not worship any other deities except me alone, because without me there exists no second God.” Hindus go to the Mandir, Muslim go to Masjid (Mosque), Christians go to Churches and Sikhs go to Gurudwaras, then where is code of conduct and equality? Some of us worship God near rivers and some go to worship him on the top of a mountain, some in caves and some in the jungles. Some people worship God by keeping some artistically canvassed and/or imaginary pictures of what they call ‘God’s picture’, in front of them. Some people pray to him by keeping some attractive idol, in human form or any other form, made of clay or stone /marble/all type of metal etc. This is only show business. This shows that their elders (mother, father, gurus, teachers’ etc.) taught them different methods, which have resulted in differences among them. It is said in the Basavarna: Vachan 820, “the rich build temples to shiva, What shall, a poor man, do? O my lord! My legs are the pillars, My torso, the shine, and my head, the glden pinnacle! Things standing shall fall, but the moving ever shall stay.” There are many modes of worship of God as there are religions and religious sects. God has created men and now men create God in their own way. This is an insult to God and his teachings. Who is responsible? Who is to be blamed? Our ancestors, our parents, you or me or the man - made religions which we follow? Really speaking no one is responsible or to be blamed. Of course! We ourselves are responsible for all these un religious things because we do not study and follow the correct part shown in hour divine literature. Now a days so called ‘guru’ (commonly believe to be spirituals teachers) are the most popular in the field of religions, but sorry to say that no such guru shows/teaches the correct path of worshipping 60

real God. These gurus believe in 33,00,00,000 (thirty three millions) deities or gods and do emphasize to believe in pictures of these imaginary Gods. Everyone, even a small illiterate child knows and believes that almighty Omniscient God cannot take any form, shape or picture as he is formless and Omnipresent. It’s a pity and a shameful act for these gurus who preach and make people believe and make them more ignorant when they preach that God can incarnate himself. An artist makes insensate imaginary idols/statues from mud and stones for artistic showpiece purpose and people by them, garland them, clothe them, glorify them and lastly worship these idols/statues as God. Even these so-called gurus inspire these people to do so. Its advisable for these so-called gurus to stop all these selfish acts and go back to their own gurus and/or study correct teachings of worshipping the Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent God. As mentioned earlier, God is formless and can never be seen with fleshy eyes hence there is no picture of God. Everyone knows that hunger, thirst, pain, pleasure, love etc are just feelings and no one can shoot their photographs or draw their pictures on paper. All these things are to be felt by the heart and mind by internal and external senses and experienced by the self, but cannot be described in words. Human soul very well knows that God is Formless, Just, Omnipresent, Omniscient and omnipotent, so why waste time to keep all these dead-inert-stony idols, photos and pictures of imaginary humans, etc. in place of the Supreme God. That is main reason that one cannot meditate properly and experiences difficulty whilst concentrating on the form of God. God is self existence, intelligence and bliss personified. He is devoid of any form, Omnipotent, Just, Merciful, Benevolent, Eternal, Infinite, Unchangeable, Beginningless, Incomparable, of all, Lord of all, Omnipresent, Omniscient i.e. Controller of all from within, Undecaying, Imperishable, Fearless, Eternal, Holy and Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer of the universe. He is one without a second. To him alone worship is always due. “Na Tasya Pratima - Asti Yasya Naama Mahadyashah” This is an important Vedic Mantra which clears many doubts, blind-faiths, blind–beliefs and misunderstandings from ignorant man’s flickering mind and clarifies that there is no photo, picture or idol of The God who is the greatest of world. He is infinite. Until and unless ignorance like-dirt is not removed from the mirror of the mind, his visualization is not possible. God is not a thing to be seen with fleshy eyes neither he is the thing to be experienced with any senses, because he is formless by his nature and can be experienced only by the soul with a pure and clean mind. In other words God is visualized in the heart of a Yogi. Kathopanishada says: that “Among all bodies, God is devoid of body (and is formless)” Kathopanishada says: “The supreme soul (God) in not obtained by eloquent speeches, nor by intellect or brain power (or arguments), nor by much listening (of sermons or holy Holy Scriptures). But only he whom this supreme soul chooses, obtains (knows or realises) him, and for him he illumines his real form.” 61

Kathopanishada says: “The supreme secret soul existing in all things and beings is not illuminated or seen by the physical eyes, but can be seen only by the seers of subtle and keen intellect.” Consciousness is experienced by conscious entity, hence God bliss is to be experienced and enjoyed only by the soul. What is experienced in meditation by the soul with communion of God is called “the visualisation of God”. That experience or God’s bliss cannot be described in words in any language. Rigveda says “The learned persons have his enlightenment in soul. He cannot be described , as the taste of a fruit cannot be narrated in words.” The gross substances are the subjects of senses, but in these too ether which is so minute that it is not visualised by these senses, because they are the subjects of subjective-mind. In essence both God and soul are conscious entities and in nature both are pure, formless, immortal and virtuous. The relation between God and soul is pervading pervaded. Rigveda: says “The formless supreme spirit that pervades the universe can have no material representation, likeness or image.” “It is clear therefore that idol-worship is interdicted in the Vedas and the shastras. Without divine knowledge the attainment of God’s bliss is not possible. Whatever benefits accrue to a man proceed from association with the learned, study of their biographies and perusal of their books (and not from the worship of their statuses). If you merely look at the image of a person and know nothing about his qualities, you are not inspired with affectionate reverence for him. It is the knowledge of his good qualities alone which inspire that feeling. Evil practices like idol worship are responsible for the existence of millions of idle, lazy, indolent and beggarly priests in India, who are mainly answerable for this widespread ignorance, fraud and mendacity in the country.” The great souls are called Godly persons, or lord, viz. Sri Ramchandra Maharaja, Sri Krishna Maharaja, Lord Buddha, etc., the great sages like Mahar’shi Dayananda, Vyasa, Patanjali, Kanand, Kapila and Gemini etc. Are also called gods or lords, but no one accepts them as God. Whoever with pure soul, pure heart can be called as living Gods such as saints, sages, spiritual masters, true yogis, great kings’ etc. Mostly people misunderstand the difference between “Ishwar and Bhagwan”. Only God is called as “Ishwara”. Rishi Parashurama, a great Vedic Authority, has defined the term Bhagwan as: “Aishvaryasya Samagrasya Dharmasya Yashasah, Jyaana Vairaagyoshchaiva Shashnam Bhaga Iteerarnaa.” Means “bhagwan is the one who possess completely the six following opulences or qualities such as - 1: Full wealth, 2: Dharma, 3: Fame, 4: Beauty, 5: Knowledge, and 6: Renunciation. All these attributes are called ‘Bhagas’ and Bhagwan means the possessor of all the six attributes. Among ordinary persons it is, perhaps possible for a few to possess one, or at the 62

most two or three, of these qualities to a large extent, but only some can possess all six of them.” Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram and Yogeshwara Shri Krishna both were exceptional personalities who possessed all the above said qualities hence they are called as “Bhagwan” or Lord. Lord Krishna says in the Geeta:“Bhooni Me Vyateetaani Janmaani Tava Chaarjuna, Taanyaham Veda Sarvaani Na Twam Vetya Parantapa.” Which mean “Many births of mine have ed as well as yours, O Arjuna! I know them all but you know them not, O Parantapa (scorcher of foes), I know them by virtue of Yoga.” By this quotation it is clear and proved that great lord, as Krishna was a human being, who also was in the circle of birth and death. If God is believed to take birth or apart of God that is to be believed incarnated then he (God) becomes like a human being and has to experience pain and pleasure as we do. But God is eternal, Undivided, Unperisheable, Unborn, Undecaying, and unchangeable. He is one and only one who is the Creator, Sustainer and Dissolver of the universe. If granted God is to be infinitesimal entity, then creation of universe is impossible. No lord or godly person can possess God’s attribute-nature and characteristics. God is Formless: 1. Conscious elements do not possess any form or colour or place, hence they cannot be seen. God being conscious can only be realised or experienced by the soul who is also conscious. “Na Tasya Pratima-Asti” i.e. “There is no picture of God.” “Akaaya” means, “God is devoid of any form.” 2. Being the subtlest element, God cannot be seen. 3. God is all-pervading (sarva-vyapaka) like ether, hence how can he be seen? He is omnipresent. “Ya Yastasthau Bhuvanaanyamartyah” 4. God is the creator of the universe. His creation springs out from within (sarvaantaryami). To collect atoms, to unite them and to create the universe is the work of Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent God, who is formless hence invisible. “Eko Daadhaara Bhuvanaani Vishwaa” 5. The attribute of ether is word which is not be seen likewise God’s natural attribute is “Bliss” that is not to be seen, but can be experienced by the soul. Hence blissful God is formless and invisible. 6. The substance that is either very close or very far cannot be seen with fleshy eyes. “Vishnoho Karmaani Pashyata” “Yasmin Vishwani Bhuvnani Tasthuhu” 63

7. Fleshy eyes can see only gross substances, but God being Conscious entity, cannot be seen with these fleshy eyes. God is “Sat-Chit-Anand Swaroop” i.e. he is selfexistence, consciousness and blissfulness personified. 8. All things that are seen with fleshy eyes are born/created hence perishable. God is unborn, eternal hence imperishable, hence invisible. 9. The thinks which has form occupies space (place) i.e. it is finite, but God is infinite (Ananta), all pervading, does not occupy space so he is invisible and formless. “Om Kham Brahama” “Purnat Purnamuduchyati Parishichyate” 10. God is un divisible, unchangeable and complete, God is totally devoid of any shape or form and free from all types of bondage and deformations, including deformations caused by birth, death therefore his attribute is unchangeable. Hence he is invisible and immovable. “Akaayamavranam” God is immovable, but whole universe is movable with his inspiration. “Tadejati Tannejati” “Anaadyanantam Mahatah Parama Dhruvam” Means that God is immovable. The thing, which is all-pervading is immovable. 11. In the Vedic philosophy God is also known as “ParmamVyaoma” means he is allpervading and envelopes even ether i.e. the ether is also within his limit. “Twamasya Paare Rajaso Vyomanah” Means that God is greater than ether and he is all pervading in all directions? He is endless hence complete and unchangeable, formless and invisible. 12. If fleshy eyes are damaged or if there is no proper light outside, nothing is visible. Likewise, if our inner instrument of vision (the Mind) is dirty or if there is no proper light of wisdom (knowledge), God is not visible. God is visible (experienced by the soul) when the dirt of ignorance is removed from the mind, when the mind becomes pure and clean. 13. He is unborn and end-less, hence God is invisible. The most important thing that should be borne in mind is that prayer does not require any religious place. All that is needed is clarity of mind, purity of intention and deep heartfelt sincerity. The whole universe is God’s creation and whole earth is a religious place because God is Omnipresent and pervades everywhere . One more thing, which many people ask frequently, is that “Should we meditate or pray when we are ill”. The answer is one and that is yes! Why not to pray? It is the body that is ill, not the soul. Meditation is an essential food for the soul. Everyone has full right to meditate on God in any condition. In sickness or while travelling, one can pray to God or his name. Of course! You are allowed even in lying down position to worship God. “Man considers the action but God weighs the intention. The Vedic theory accepts that God is our Mother, Father, Brother, Guru, friend, etc. In this world also we come across all relations such as mother, father, brother/sister, guru, friend, and judge etc. In other words God has given such a nice opportunity to understand these relationships. As we respect and obey our mother and father etc., in the same way we should 64

respect and obey God and treat him as our mother and father and then observe the reaction. As we talk with our friends freely so why not talk with our real friend (God). We should not fear from God and hide anything from him because only he is our well wisher. mind one thing that all worldly relationships are temporary except God whose relationship as mother, father, friends etc, is permanent. He is always with us. He knows everything then why should we hide anything from him? God is the biggest judge. Worldly judge can make mistakes in his judgements but our God father judge is omniscient (all knowing) hence be cautious before doing anything wrong. He does not forget or forgive our sins. He has to punish the guilty and reward the obedient ones and no one can escape from his judgement. One must have noticed that when we do something wrong and at that very moment, feeling of fear, doubt, shame and distrust rises in the self consciousness and when we do something really good, then surely we experience feelings of fearlessness, courage and satisfaction within ourselves. These feeling are prompted not from the human soul, but by the divine spirit (from God). We all humans have limited knowledge hence we are imperfect by nature, so we make mistakes and because of desires we do sins, but God always stops us from doing anything wrong and inspires us in good deeds. Fear, doubt, shamefulness and distrust are the signals and/or warnings from God for not to do the wrongful things and satisfaction or felicity, un-doubtfulness and fearlessness or courage are the blessings from all knowing Omnipresent God who inspire us to do the good things. Of course God is man’s real friend and all worldly friends are selfish, because man is born with selfishness by nature. It is said that when we pray to God after doing all possible efforts and with pure mind, God responds to our prayer. Some people say that God is our heavenly father and stays in heaven and other people say that God resides on third/fifth/seventh sky etc. If God is one and Omnipresent, Omniscient, then he cannot stay in one place. In other words he resides everywhere. “Ishaa Vaasyamidam Sarvam” means God resides in this whole universe. One of the other hand we (soul) being an infinitesimal entity resided in one place, where as God is all pervading. Now an important question can arise here: ‘Then how and where can we meet God or visualise him?’ the Vedas give the answer. Worship of God is not so hard as we think, on the contrary, it is the easiest things to realised and visualised him. We (the soul) reside in the body (in heart) and God resides everywhere means he already resides in our hearts within our souls. Now if we do have self spiritual power and full faith in God and of course have the correct knowledge about the trinity, it becomes very easy to meet the omnipresent God and experience his presence and bliss within us. Each and every breath we take is because of him. He is always awake and protects us whilst we are asleep at night. He is our guide, the greatest Guru. It is our Dharma (duty) to observe his attributes, characteristics and natures and acquire the same as many as we can and behave accordingly in our life. Then see the results. You will feel eternal pleasure or bliss of God and that cannot be expressed in words. You will be a different person, an enlightened person and feel real freedom. True knowledge, true action and true worship lead to the renunciation of all worldly desires that make the man perfects and opens the way to God which is the real destination of man and goal of human life. Only after this stage when man 65

leaves this world, enjoys emancipation for a period of 31,10,40,000000000 years without any pain and experiences only real happiness i.e. bliss of God. It is a fact that truth, comion, love, honesty, brotherhood evolution etc. Are the things restricted to literature and intellectual pursuits. But the gap between ideology and practice must be reduced to become aware of the ultimate reality of human existence. Spirituality is different and difficult from religion. In religion there are certain rules to follow, but in spirituality one is connected to the natural self. Spirituality is nothing but the actualisation of the self that is the soul. Conceptualisation has to be channelized into practice then only one gains and achieves the result. Gaining knowledge is an essential thing and fruits of that knowledge are reaped when the doer applies that knowledge into action, and that is spirituality. Spirituality is not something to be created or discovered. It simply exists. Spirituality is the natural inner power, which can be realised by being truthful. To be connected is to be on a permanent high. A divine life on earth need not be an exclusive thing. The divine is already there within us. Evolution is always towards light. The true nature of divinity exists in love, knowledge, power and bliss. And true spirituality is its natural manifestation. This is truth. This is the method of actualisation of Gyana, Karma and Upasana to get results. The best way to worship God is to perform all our duties according to the Vedic Dharma. Service to humanity is the best service to God. All actions should be performed in conformity with Dharma, that is, after due consideration of right and wrong.

The real dharma guru

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about the ten qualities of a guru—there are ten outer qualities according to lower tantra and ten inner qualities according to highest tantra. You can find these in the Guru Puja and in lamrim commentaries (Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, Lam-rim Chen-mo, etc.). It is very good if you read these and study this well. Also, you can find it in the commentary on50 Verses of Guru Devotion. There are qualities that the guru should have and qualities that the disciple should have. The minimum qualities the guru should have are having the lineage of the initiation (that he is giving) and living according to samaya vows and tantric vows, and that the deities have not prohibited him from offering the initiation by giving signs, for example. You can read and study the section in the Guru Puja that covers the qualities of the guru (before the section which begins “you are my Guru, you are my Yidam …..” First it mentions the ten qualities of a Mahayana Guru: 1. Discipline as a result of his mastery of the training in the higher discipline of moral self-control; 2. Mental quiescence from his training in higher concentration; 3. Pacification of all delusions and obstacles from his training in higher wisdom; 4. More knowledge than his disciple in the subject to be taught; 5. Enthusiastic perseverance and joy in teaching; 6. A treasury of scriptural knowledge; 7. Insight into and understanding of emptiness; 8. Skill in presenting the teachings; 9. Great comion; and 10. No reluctance to teach and work for his disciples regardless of their level of intelligence. Even if one doesn’t have all the ten qualities but has five, six, or seven qualities, the main quality is having more knowledge than the disciple and having great comion. A tantric master must have even more good qualities. Most important is that he be an extremely stable person, with his body, speech, and mind totally under control. He should be someone in whose presence everyone feels calm, peaceful, and relaxed and even the mere sight of him brings great pleasure to the mind. And his comion must be unsurable. There are two sets of ten fields in which the vajra guru must be a complete master. The ten inner ones are essential for teaching the yoga and maha-anuttara yoga classes of tantra, which stress the importance of purifying mainly internal mental activities. These are expertise in:

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1. Visualizing wheels of protection and eliminating obstacles; 2. Preparing and consecrating protection knots and amulets to be worn around the neck; 3. Conferring the vase and secret initiations, planting the seeds for attaining a buddha’s form bodies; 4. Conferring the wisdom and word initiations, planting the seeds for attaining a buddha’s wisdom bodies; 5. Separating the enemies of Dharma from their own protectors; 6. Making the offerings, such as of sculptured tormas; 7. Reciting mantras, both verbally and mentally, that is, visualizing them revolving around his heart; 8. Performing wrathful ritual procedures for forcefully catching the attention of the meditational deities and protectors; 9.Consecrating images and statues; and 10. Making mandala offerings, performing the meditational practices (sadhana) and taking self initiations. The ten external qualities are required for teaching the kriya and charya classes of tantra, which stress the importance of purifying mainly external activities in connection with internal mental processes. These are expertise in: 1. Drawing, constructing and visualizing the mandala abodes of the meditational deities; 2. Maintaining the different states of single-minded concentration; 3. Executing the hand gestures (mudras); 4. Performing the ritual dances; 5. Sitting in the full meditation position; 6. Reciting what is appropriate to these two classes of tantra; 7. Making fire offerings; 8. Making the various other offerings; 9. Performing the rituals of a) Pacification of disputes, famine, and disease,

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b) Increase of life span, knowledge, and wealth, c) Power to influence others and d) Wrathful elimination of demonic forces and interferences; and 10. Invoking meditational deities and dissolving them back into their appropriate places. Lama Tsongkhapa explained that in degenerated times it is difficult to find lamas having all these qualities mentioned above, so if the lama does not have all those qualities then having two, five, or even eight is sufficient. As I mentioned before, the minimum qualities the guru should have is having the lineage of the initiation (that he is giving), living according to samaya vows and tantric vows, and that the deities have not prohibited him from offering the initiation by, for example, giving signs, etc. Since you have received highest tantra initiation from Denma Locho Rinpoche, this means he is your guru. Any time that you take a teaching with the recognition that you are the disciple and the teacher is the guru, then even if the teacher only says a few words, a verse of teachings, or one mantra recitation, that person is your guru from then on and there is no change. After one makes that Dharma connection of guru and disciple, then if you give up it is the heaviest negative karma, the greatest obstacle to your spiritual growth. It brings heavy obstacles and one has to experience, especially at the time of death, eons of suffering in the lower realms and hell realms. According to the texts, the teachings of the Buddha, the lam-rim, one is supposed to think only of the qualities of the guru and only praise them. The heaviest negative karma is if anger and heresy arise, and you criticize him or her. It is said in many tantric teachings—the Kalachakra and Guhyasamaja—that even if one has accumulated the five uninterrupted negative karmas, one can still achieve the sublime vehicle in this life, in particular the maha-anuttara path. This path has the most skills to grant enlightenment in a brief lifetime of these degenerate times. But if you criticize the guru from the heart, even if you practice the sublime vehicle, you will not achieve this. In the Lama Tsongkhapa lam-rim it is clearly mentioned that even the thought that the virtuous friend is ordinary becomes a cause to lose realizations, which means that it also becomes an obstacle to developing the mind on the path. The most important thing is to analyze as much as possible before making Dharma . When the recognition of guru and disciple is present, since the Dharma is established, then from that time there is no change. One has to have a new relationship with the guru, it is another world, looking at that person with a new and pure mind. It is said by Pabongka Dechen Nyingpo, the great enlightened being, the Heruka, that if one is able to stop all thoughts of mistakes and look only at the qualities of the guru, looking at the guru only as Buddha, then one can achieve enlightenment in this life. With the realization 69

of seeing all buddhas as the guru and all gurus as the Buddha, one can get enlightened. This is mentioned in all four Tibetan Mahayana sects, in both sutra and tantra. Making mistakes, the arising of heresy, anger, criticism, and giving up the virtuous friend become the cause to not find a guru in future lives. It is said in the Essence of Nectar that one cannot ever hear the sound of the holy Dharma, not to mention find a virtuous friend, and one becomes without a virtuous friend in all one’s lifetimes. If one's own mistakes seem to appear in the guru’s actions, in one's hallucinatory mind, one must realize that this is one's own mistake and abandon it like poison. One must abandon the thought that there is a mistake in the actions of the virtuous friend. With this mindfulness, one looks at that person as Buddha, as one who has eliminated all mistakes and has all the perfect qualities. If the guru asks you to do something, and you don't have the capacity to do it at that time, your mind hasn't reached that level, so with this pure thought, with this mindfulness, one respectfully explains to the guru how one is incapable of doing this, and in this way tries to get his or her permission not to do it. This is what is said in the Fifty Verses of the Guru and the Vinaya. If the guru says to do something that is not Dharma, one can ask also permission not to do it. It doesn’t say in the text to have negative thoughts or to criticize or sue him. This is how you deal with that kind of problem without it becoming an obstacle to developing one's own mind on the path. Of course, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama mentions all the time, if it is a special guru and disciple relationship, then you do every single thing the guru says, like Tilopa and Naropa, and Marpa and Milarepa, and so forth. I hope this answers your question. You should study the tantric commentaries from qualified lamas such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and, in the future, if you pray, you will also be able to receive direct tantric teachings.

Sri Dharma Mittra expounds on: The Importance of a Guru in Yoga Tradition The wise men of ancient times evolved and perfected over the centuries, a system of selfdevelopment known as Yoga, a Sanskrit word meaning union or ing together. This unifying objective is achieved thru the self-development of ones own unique individual potential for self-realization. Since time immemorial, the science of Yoga has always been transferred from the lips of the Guru to the spiritual aspirant or disciple. The Guru illumines the spiritual path by casting his internal light towards the aspirant, so that he can begin to see with the inner eye. This is due to the awakening of spiritual energy. Spiritual knowledge can only be imparted psychically. Spiritual knowledge is a matter of Guru-Parampara. It is transmitted from Guru to disciple. The role of Guru is of the highest importance, as is the sincerity, humility, and loyalty of the student. His grace enables the disciple to perceive the latent spiritual power within, and shows the doorway to the Super-consciousness. But it is tdisciple who must step through it. The Guru is God incarnate and turns the key in the door to liberaTo see the Guru is to see God. In the Guru, you hthe ideal of liberated perfection and the human example from which to mould your life. The Guru will remove all doubts and 70

ignorance and transform the vicious past impressions (samskaras). Worship your Guru and bow to Him or Her with reverence. already with. I came not speaking a word of English, and found that it was not needed to understand the Guru. I was blessed with the opportunity to serve the Guru, and was assigattend to all his needs. I had to shave his head, wash and iron his clothes, prepare his food, and provide for his daily needs. I soon realized that I was indeed very lucky to be so close to the Guru. By being near him, and absorbing his positive psychic influences, I learned many thinone would not know otherwise. your lower nature and all obstacles and difficulties. But you must follow the Gurus guidance implicitly. The Guru forces you to look at your behavior, and a true Guru is never concerned with what people think of them. The Guru takes on the task of guiding the soul from identification with the material world, the senses and sense objects to improve your despiritual world of Divine consciousness. he tion. ave I came to New York City to study with Swami Kailashananda, a holy man that my brother was ned to gs The student who is under the guidance of Guru is safe from all. Guru is your fortress against stiny the Dharma Mittra Yoga New York Center.

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Shri Shri Ravi Shankar

Introduction Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and global humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a violencefree, stress-free global family has inspired millions of people to broaden their share of responsibility and serve society. Sri Sri has devised practical tools and techniques that help individuals achieve calmness of mind and clarity of thought. Such a state of mind empowers individuals not only to achieve their goals, but it also instills a sense of service and greater connectedness with humanity. In 1981, Sri Sri established the Art of Living Foundation, an educational organization with a presence in more than 150 countries. The Foundation's self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a humanitarian organization, which advances… Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and global humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a violence-free, stress-free global family has inspired millions of people to broaden their share of responsibility and serve society. Sri Sri has devised practical tools and techniques that help individuals achieve calmness of mind and clarity of thought. Such a state of mind empowers individuals not only to achieve their goals, but it also instills a sense of service and greater connectedness with humanity. In 1981, Sri Sri established the Art of Living Foundation, an educational organization with a presence in more than 150 countries. The Foundation's self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a humanitarian organization, which advances human values such as comion, caring and commitment in political, economic and social spheres. IAHV and the Art of Living Foundation collaborate on humanitarian initiatives, which include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, environmental conservation, prisoner rehabilitation, youth leadership, women's empowerment, campaigns against female foeticide and child labor, and ing education for all.

Biography

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His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His vision of violence-free and stress-free society through the awakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world. Born on 13th May, 1956 in Tamil Nadu, Sri Sri was often found deep in meditation even in his childhood. At the age of four, he astonished his teachers by reciting the Bhagavad-Gita, the ancient Sanskrit scripture. He became a scholar of Vedic literature and received an advanced degree in modern science by the age of 17 from St. Joseph’s College, University of Bangalore. He established the Art of Living foundation in 1981. One of Sri Sri’s most unique offering to the world is Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that facilitates physical, social and emotional well-being. A multi-faceted social activist, Sri Sri’s initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and spiritual rehabilitation, education for all and campaigns against female foeticide and child labour. He is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world. His expertise in bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Cameron, Kashmir and Bihar is widely acknowledged. In 1981, Sri Sri established the Art of Living, an educational and humanitarian, nongovernmental organisation that works in special consultative status with Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Present in 140 countries, it formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations. In 1997, the Sri Sri founded International Association of Human Values (IAHV) to foster human values and lead sustainable development projects. Sri Sri has reached out to 300 million worldwide through personal interactions, public events and teachings, Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives. He has brought to the masses ancient practices which were traditionally kept elusive and has designed self development techniques which can be easily integrated into daily life to calm the mind and instill confidence and enthusiasm. These techniques have helped thousands overcome depression and violent suicidal tendencies. Numerous honours have been bestowed on Sri Sri, including the order of the Pole Star (The highest state honour in Mongolia), the Peter the Great award from the Russian Federation, the Sant Shree Dhaneshwara World Peace Prize (India) and the Global Humanitarian Award (USA) . Sri Sri has also been conferred with six honorary doctorates from Universities in India and abroad. Sri Sri has addressed several international forums including the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit (2000), the World Economic Forum (2001, 2003) and several parliaments across the globe. His universal and simple message is that love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and distress.

Life He was a child with precocious mind. At the age of four, he could very well recite the verses of Bhagavad Gita. Even as a young child, he could meditate deeply. At the age of 17, he 73

obtained the Advanced degree in Modern Physics. Later, he received the Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University in Karnataka, India In the year 1982, Shri Shri Ravishankar went into ten days of silence and turned into an enlightened master. Thereafter, he started serving the society by making them learn the art of living life. For the excellent work performed by him, he received a number of awards. To name a few, we have 2005 Global Humanitarian Award, Guru Mahatmya award, Phoenix Award and many more .

Ravishankar Philosophy According to Sri Sri Ravishankar philosophy, God lies within every heart. He says that, each one of us has God lying inside. He is of the opinion that God is an integral part of our lives and we cannot go away from him. God is omnipresent and he can see everything that you are indulging in.

Art of Living Foundation Art of living and Ravishankar are two names that go hand in hand with each other. Ravishankar is a great spiritual leader, who is well known for preaching the art of living. Infact, he is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation that has it's headquarter in Bangalore. Today, it has branches in almost all the major cities of the world.

Sudarshan Kriya Sudarshan Kriya is the main component of the art of living course taught by Sri Sri Ravishankar. It is basically the technique of breathing, which consists of various cycles of breath, as in long, medium and short. It involves several Asanas and exercises.

Birth & Childhood: Born on May 13, 1956 in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ravi developed an inclination and an amazing acumen for the study of the ancient Vedic scriptures.

Education: By the age of 17, he obtained an advanced degree in Modern Physics, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.

Training Under Guru Mahesh Yogi: At an early age his father, R S V Ratnam delegated him to the care of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a renowned spiritual master. After attaining his degree in science, Ravi ed

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Maharishi's entourage, taught the Vedic pundits at Maharishi's charities, and soon became the Maharishi’s favourite disciple.

Enlightenment & Vision: In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar went into ten days of silence and emerged as an enlightened master. It is believed that during this time he cognized the famous Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique. In order to spread the kriya and other related knowledge, Sri Sri subsequently set up the Art of Living (AOL) Organization in 1982.

The Art of Living: Today the Art of Living Foundation is the world’s largest volunteer based Non-Governmental Organization, active in over 140 countries. Its service projects, programs on yoga, meditation and stress elimination have benefited over 20 million people representing all walks of life, religions, cultures and traditions with its 5Hs program in the areas of Health, Homes, Hygiene, Human Values and Harmony in Diversity.

International Association for Human Values: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) in 1997, which undertakes development projects in thousands of villages, bringing self-reliance to millions of people from Afghanistan to Bosnia, Iraq to New York.

Distinctions: Sri Sri is the recipient of numerous honors including the “2005 Global Humanitarian Award” by the state of Illinois, “Guru Mahatmya” award by Government of Maharashtra, India, the title of “Yoga Shiromani” by President of India, the Phoenix Award from the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, only to name a few… He was a guest speaker at the Millennium World Peace Summit during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Sri Sri is also a member of the Council of the Divinity School at Yale University.

His Message: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels extensively across the globe to inspire youth to work together for a better society. As he says, “Religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin.” Sri Sri believes that all religions and traditions have a common value system, and these shared values have to reach every corner of the world in order to make it a better place for all.

Early Years & Education  Ravi Shankar was born to Smt. Visalakshmi Ratnam and R.S. Venkat Ratnam in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India. A child prodigy, he was able to recite verses from the Bhagwad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit text and also started practicing meditation with his parents by the age of four.

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 He began studying Vedic literature with Sudhakar Chaturvedi and simultaneously attended the school at MES in Bangalore. In 1973, at the age of 17, he graduated with degrees in both Physics and Vedic Literature.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: A politician indeed, no saint I have stayed away from this blog for so long, but today’s happenings have made me so so angry that I had to respond. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is the founder of the ‘Art of Living’ professes to be a modern day humanitarian and spiritual leader. But the real face of the ambitious man behind the white garb and saintly halo emerges during the election time. They say you cannot have a better brand ambassador than God. And so, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is enlisting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev, Morari Bapu and Asaram Bapu to create an alliance marrying political, religious and environmental causes. All over the country, small meetings are being held where his chosen ones are carrying a message from ‘guruji’. And while the professionals and the moderates are being lured with stories of Swiss bank s and conversions, what enrages me is the covert nature of the campaign. A man who claims to “teach love, practical wisdom, and service”, who claims to “promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring other paths” is now telling people to‘vote for change‘. This because “Hinduism is going to the dogs and we need more people with enthusiasm”. Now now his volunteers go around the country evoking images of Malegaon, telling us how Muslims and Christians are diverting ‘Hindu funds’ for their terror attacks and all sorts of other divisive speeches. So this is the real story of spreading harmony? Ravi Shankar… the Sris are off your name. The halo has disappeared. If this man has guts, let him come into the election fray and openly say that he is campaigning for the Hindutva cause. Why these hidden agendas under the garb of religion? Either stay in religion, or get into politics. And yes, we have enough of such unholy alliances. Uncover the real faces of these Godmen and saints! India has much better sense than to get swayed by those who evoke images of terror and play on our fears to merely get a few votes more.

Brief history The Beginning Born in 1956 in Southern India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was a gifted child. By the age of four, he was able to recite parts of the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit scripture and was often found in meditation. His first teacher Sudhakar Chaturvedi, had a long cooperation with Mahatma Gandhi. He holds degrees in both Vedic literature and physics. 76

Founding The Art of Living and The International Association of Human Values Sri Sri entered a ten-day period of silence in Shimoga located in the Indian state of Karnataka. TheSudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique, was born. With time, the Sudarshan Kriya became the centerpiece of the Art of Living courses. Sri Sri founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Appealing not only to a specific population, these practices have proven effective globally and at all levels of society. In 1997, he also founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) to coordinate sustainable development projects, nurture human values and coordinate conflict resolution in association with The Art of Living. In India, Africa and South America, the two sister organizations’ volunteers are spearheading sustainable growth in rural communities, and have already reached out to over 40,212 villages.

Inspiring Service and Globalizing Wisdom A noted humanitarian leader, Sri Sri’s programs have provided assistance to people from a wide range of backgrounds – victims of natural disasters, survivors of terror attacks and war, children from marginalized populations and communities in conflict, among others. The strength of his message has inspired a wave of service based on spirituality through a huge body of volunteers, who are driving these projects forward in critical areas around the globe. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled the traditions of yoga and meditation and offered them in a form that is relevant to the 21st century. Beyond reviving ancient wisdom, Sri Sri has created new techniques for personal and social transformation. These include the Sudarshan Kriya® which has helped millions of people to find relief from stress and discover inner reservoirs of energy and peace in daily life. In a mere 31 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in 152 countries.

A Figure of Peace As an ambassador of peace, Sri Sri plays a key role in conflict resolution and spreads his vision of non-violence at public forums and gatherings worldwide. Regarded as a neutral figure with a sole agenda of peace, he represents hope to people in conflict. He has received particular credit for bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Kashmir and Bihar. He was appointed the Chairman of Reception Committee for the 500th anniversary celebrations of the Coronation of Krishnadevaraya (by Government of 77

Karnataka, India). Sri Sri is also a member of the Amarnath Shrine Board (appointed by Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India). Through his initiatives and addresses, Sri Sri has consistently emphasized the need for reinforcing human values and recognizing humanity as our highest identity. Fostering interfaith harmony and calling for multi-cultural education as the remedy for fanaticism are significant parts of his efforts to achieve sustainable peace on our planet. His work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, going beyond the barriers of race, nationality and religion with the message of a “One-World Family”; that inner and outer peace are possible; and that a stress-free, violence-free society can be created through service and the reawakening of human values.

Birth & Childhood: Born on May 13, 1956 in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ravi developed an inclination and an amazing acumen for the study of the ancient Vedic scriptures.

Education: By the age of 17, he obtained an advanced degree in Modern Physics, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.

Training Under Guru Mahesh Yogi: At an early age his father, R S V Ratnam delegated him to the care of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a renowned spiritual master. After attaining his degree in science, Ravi ed Maharishi's entourage, taught the Vedic pundits at Maharishi's charities, and soon became the Maharishi’s favourite disciple.

Enlightenment & Vision: In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar went into ten days of silence and emerged as an enlightened master. It is believed that during this time he cognized the famous Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique. In order to spread the kriya and other related knowledge, Sri Sri subsequently set up the Art of Living (AOL) Organization in 1982.

The Art of Living: Today the Art of Living Foundation is the world’s largest volunteer based Non-Governmental Organization, active in over 140 countries. Its service projects, programs on yoga, meditation and stress elimination have benefited over 20 million people representing all walks of life,

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religions, cultures and traditions with its 5Hs program in the areas of Health, Homes, Hygiene, Human Values and Harmony in Diversity.

International Association for Human Values: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) in 1997, which undertakes development projects in thousands of villages, bringing self-reliance to millions of people from Afghanistan to Bosnia, Iraq to New York.

Distinctions: Sri Sri is the recipient of numerous honors including the “2005 Global Humanitarian Award” by the state of Illinois, “Guru Mahatmya” award by Government of Maharashtra, India, the title of “Yoga Shiromani” by President of India, the Phoenix Award from the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, only to name a few… He was a guest speaker at the Millennium World Peace Summit during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Sri Sri is also a member of the Council of the Divinity School at Yale University.

His Message: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels extensively across the globe to inspire youth to work together for a better society. As he says, “Religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin.” Sri Sri believes that all religions and traditions have a common value system, and these shared values have to reach every corner of the world in order to make it a better place for all.

Early Years & Education  Ravi Shankar was born to Smt. Visalakshmi Ratnam and R.S. Venkat Ratnam in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India. A child prodigy, he was able to recite verses from the Bhagwad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit text and also started practicing meditation with his parents by the age of four.  He began studying Vedic literature with Sudhakar Chaturvedi and simultaneously attended the school at MES in Bangalore. In 1973, at the age of 17, he graduated with degrees in both Physics and Vedic Literature.

Rise To Fame  After graduation, he travelled with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi under whose tutelage he started giving sermons on Vedic science in Ayurveda centers. During this period, he became the Maharishi’s close friend and confidante. 79

 Through the 1980s, he travelled around the world and preached spirituality wherever he set foot. He established the Art of Living Foundation in 1982 and in 1983 he held the first Art of Living course in Europe, Switzerland. In 1986 he travelled to California for an Art of Living workshop and soon became extremely popular with the masses in America.  Towards the end of the 80s, he introduced a series of effective breathing exercises called the ‘Sudarshan-Kriya’. It is said that the inspiration to come up with a new breathing technique, came to him while he was meditating on the banks of the Bhadra River in Shimoga, Karnataka.  In 1997, he founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a humanitarian organization that aims to bring sustainable development to rural areas and revive human values and morals.

Teachings & Philosophies Major Works  Sri Ravi Shankar has reached out to millions of people worldwide through a powerful and unique breathing technique called ‘Sudarshan Kriya’, a continuous breathing rhythm that harmonizes the body and mind and helps individuals find inner peace. The core of all Art of Living courses, the ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ breathing technique were reviewed by a number of medical institutes and has been accredited for improving one’s immunity and enhancing brain function.  ‘Celebrating Silence’, a book by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is regarded as one of his most influential publications to date. It is a collection of the weekly discourses in chronological order from the years 1995–2000. The book sold over 1.4 lakh copies in the first two weeks and still enjoys great popularity.

Awards & Achievements  He was conferred the title of ‘Yoga Shiromani’ by the President of India in 1986.  He was awarded the ‘Guru Mahatmya Award’ by the Government of Maharashtra in 1997.  He was presented the illustrious, ‘Global Humanitarian Award’ in Illinois, USA in 2005.  He was honored with the ‘Leadership Award for Extraordinary Promotion of World Peace and Harmony’ by Amity University, New Delhi in 2007.  In 2009, he was listed as the 5th most powerful person in India by the Forbes Magazine.

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 In 2010, he was presented the ‘Atmajyoti Award’ for his humanitarian efforts in New Delhi.  He was honored with Paraguay’s highest civilian award, the ‘National Order of Merito de Comuneros’ on September 13, 2012.  Today, the Art of Living Foundation is present in over 152 countries, with over a million followers. There are a number of other institutes and ashrams, such as, ‘Ved Vignan Mahavidyapeeth’, ‘Sri Sri Ayurveda’, and ‘The Sri Sri School for Performing Arts and Fine Arts’ and ‘Sri Sri Pre-University College’ which carry forward his legacy

Trivia  This spiritual leader’s ‘Art of Living’ course is a part of the training program for NASA Astronauts.

Ashrams About Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram

Bangalore, India

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, once a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (renowned spiritual guide of the Beatles), is the subcontinent's hottest New Age guru. Many consider The Art of Living, his secular philosophy of enjoying life. His main Ashram lies on 24 hectares (60 acres) of lush green hillside in south Bangalore, where every evening thousands of the city's wellheeled gather for the evening lecture and satsang. Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram Bangalore The 81

well articulated Swamiji encourages his disciples to enjoy the present without guilt while also encouraging them to contribute towards humanitarian and environmental concerns. His followers are from India's growing urban elite, but also hugely popular on foreign shores

Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram (Art of Living), Kanakapura Road, Bangalore Breathe away your all your anxieties and worries Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, once a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (renowned spiritual guide of the Beatles), is the subcontinent's hottest New Age guru. Many consider "The Art of Living," his secular philosophy of enjoying life. His main Ashram lies on 24 hectares (60 acres) of lush green hillside in south Bangalore (Bengaluru), where every evening thousands of the city's well-heeled gather for the evening lecture and satsang (devotional singing). The well articulated Swamiji encourages his disciples to enjoy the present without guilt while also encouraging them to contribute towards humanitarian and environmental concerns. His followers are from India's growing urban elite, but also hugely popular on foreign shores (San Franciscans have a real penchant for his teachings). Even his fiercest detractors it the value of Sudarshan Kriya, an ancient breathing technique taught when you attend the "Art of Living" course. The 30-minute-a-day practice is said to encourage the flow of oxygen to the whole body, ostensibly discouraging the storage of toxins and thus helping release anxiety, frustration, depression, and anger, leaving you with a genuine sense of calm and well-being. As we drive south of Bangalore twenty-one kilometers on Kanakapura Road, we will find amidst the rolling green hills a home vibrant with wisdom. Here at our India ashram, people gather from all over the world to spend time with the Master and to deepen their spiritual experience. Entering its gates, one feels the presence of the Divine. An inexplicable calm and serenity infuses one's mind. This is the school that teaches the alphabets of living. Here stresses drop away, broken hearts are mended, and healing happens. People come for many reasons. Villagers quench their thirst from the wells while others drink from the fountain of Knowledge. There are those who need solace and comfort and those who long to see the Master. The intelligentsia also visit, their minds full of clever questions. Yet in the Master's presence they often find their questions answered before being asked. Reporters and journalists become speechless as interviewer turns interviewee. 82

The ashram is also a place of fun, mischief and games -- all "master-minded" from the Master's kutir. Each evening there is singing, dancing and celebration. Something unique here is that at various times, day or night, laughter can be heard from every corner of the ashram. In India, the Art of Living is gaining popularity in the corporate sector. Executives report dramatic transformations from stressful work and lifestyles to higher levels of efficiency without stress. Among workers, a sense of belonging to the company is inspired that results in higher productivity and harmony on the job. Improvements in health have reduced absenteeism and the drain on corporate resources. Through simple practices and principles, the Art of Living addresses complex problems with solutions that work from the core level of company life -- the individual. Large India corporations that have already prospered through Art of Living programs include: BEL, Berger Paints, Buildworth India Ltd., BHEL, Chartered Bank, Cochin Refineries, Dhanalakshmi Bank, Eastern Spinning, Effluent and Water Treatment, Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd., Ganges Jute Mill, Garden Cafe, GIS Industries, Guest Keen Williams, Hindustan Motors, ICI, Indian Aluminum, Indian Oil, Jayshree Textiles, Kesoram, Rajda Sales, Shaw Wallace, Tinplate Company Ltd., TRF, Tribeni Tissues, Usha Martin, Wipro. Beloved Guruji: This ashram is, for me, more than a "five stars" hotel. It offers Beauty all around me: sunrise, sunset, beautiful flowers, colorful butterflies, peaceful gardens, and silence to take time to enjoy these things. It is a place for observing without judgment, a place for breathing, for laughing, for singing. It's a place for becoming aware that I belong to the Universe. I learn here that there is no difference between us. In spite of our nationalities, languages or religions, we are all part of the same universe and we belong to the same God. Here I'm finding guests who are hosts and who are doing the best they can to share love with each other. This place is full of our presence, your joy and your love. It is easier here to let it be, let things happen as they come. Laughter can be heard from every corner of the ashram. The wisdom of the Art of Living comes from a long and ancient tradition of Vedic Masters. Sumeru is a unique structure that greets visitors from atop the highest hill at the ashram. With the dome of the evening sky, it is a breathtaking amphitheater for talks from the Master under the moonlight.

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“Within a span of 10 years, SSRVM Trust has established more than 100 educational institutions starting from Pre- Primary to P.G. Studies in diverse fields viz… Management, Journalism, Ayurveda medicine etc.”

Primary and High Schools (Vidya Mandirs) Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, as the name itself suggests, is designed to be a temple of learning where knowledge is revered; SSRVM schools provide world-class holistic education that is aimed at all- round development of the students’ personalities by facilitating Cognitive, Physical, Emotional, Social and Spiritual growth. SSRVM schools enable the students to broaden their vision and deepen their roots by appreciating the cultural heritage of their own country and honour those of other Nations The aim is to provide the children of 21st century with modern tools as well as the moral & spiritual strength needed to face the challenges of the modern world and thus evolve into model citizens. Here, learning is an individual process for each student and information is imparted at the realm of experience. While enhancing human values of love, friendliness, comion, caring and sharing, regular curriculum is offered in such a joyful and stress- free manner that the child actually looks forward to going to school.

Pre Primary Schools (Bal Mandir) Sri Sri Ravishankar Bal Mandir (SSRBM) schools were started to provide value based education in a stress-free and child friendly environment to the children. It has been proved through research that major share of the overall development of human brain is contributed by their early childhood education. Keeping this in view, SSRBM aims to create the right environment for tiny tots in the age group of 2 years to 6 years to learn and blossom into a wonderful human being. SSRBM lays a solid foundation for their future growth by shaping their personality in the right direction. Here learning is fun for children and children actually look forward to going to the school as they feel it is a home away from home. Our teachers are provided with special training with specific focus on early education. SSRBM combines the best of modern and traditional teaching techniques to nurture the right combination of knowledge based on Concept, Information, Attitude, Imagination and Freedom that caters to their overall growth.

Sri Sri On Education Only an education that can nourish inbuilt virtues can impart true intelligence.Today, it is the concern of every parent that their children should grow up to be well educated human beings with certain values in their lives and that they should be happy. But somewhere along the line, the link to happiness appears to be getting severed. We are losing the goal of happiness. A well-educated person is one who is friendly and comionate, who can be a ‘nobody’ with everybody. Creative methods of teaching will help children build their personalities. Creative sports and ancient techniques such as meditation, yoga and pranayam should be part of a child’s learning process. “The need of the day is a broad-minded education accompanied by a warm heart”. Everybody who has a stake in education must ponder on holistic, healthy education system that will retain the virtues and values which we are all naturally endowed with. Education must attend to all facets of human life. The key is to harness the ancient and be innovative with the modern. 84

Their Vision

Establish Sri Sri Academy as a temple of learning where knowledge is

o revered.

Provide world-class holistic education that aims to bring about all-round development of the students’ personalities by facilitating Cognitive, Physical, Emotional, Social and Spiritual growth. o Help the students Broaden Their Vision And Deepen Their Roots by enabling them to appreciate the cultural heritage of their own country and honour those of other Nations. o Enhance human values of love, friendliness, comion, caring, and sharing, while offering the regular curriculum in a cheerful, stress-free environment. o Equip the children with modern tools and the moral and spiritual strength needed to face the challenges of the modern world. o

Their Aim

    

Make students academically competent by evolving creative methods that will kindle their curiosity and inspire them to become life-long learners. Provide a child-friendly atmosphere that will empower every child to overcome his/her inhibitions and limitations. Provide a solid foundation and ensure that concepts are so well understood that they can be applied intelligently to other situations. Develop imagination with emphasis on art, craft, music and creative writing. Inculcate a deep-rooted respect for the environment and of their responsibility to preserve it. 85

 

Create social awareness and a sense of belongingness, by encouraging them to assume leadership and contribute towards uplifting local and world communities. Help students maximise their potential through self-development programmes from the internationally acclaimed Art of Living that includes yoga, breathing, exercises and meditation.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir, Pune Sri Sri on Education

nization is to impart joyful, child friendly and value based education. This ingenious institution blend of our rich, varied heritage with latest modern technology equipping our childern to match

you to give this lifetime gift to your child. Only an education that nourishes inherent virtues can impart true intelligence. Today, it is the concern of all parents that their children should grow up to be happy, well-educated human beings with core values. Somewhere along the line, however, the link to true happiness appears to be getting severed; we are losing the goal of happiness. How that goal can be regained is revealed in His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar's words: "Basic human values need to be encouraged in the classroom. A child is born with these values and a teacher needs to uncover them. What are these human values? Comion, cooperation, friendliness, smiles, laughter, lightness, wanting to help, a sense of belonging and caring for each other. The need of the day is a broad-minded education accompanied by a warm heart.” A well-educated person is thus one who is friendly, comionate, and able to be a 'nobody' with everybody. The creative methods of teaching as envisioned by our Founder will help children to more fully develop their personalities. Everybody who has a stake in education must ponder the need for a holistic, healthy educational system that will enhance the values and virtues with which each of us is naturally endowed. Put simply, education must address all aspects of human life. Since a healthy body best s a sound mind and spirit, creative sports and such ancient practises as meditation, yoga and pranayam should be part of a child's learning process. The key is to harness the ancient values and be innovative with the modern. This is what we at Sri Sri Academy commit towards achieving for our students.

Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Bangalore East Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM), Bangalore East is located at Kachamaranahalli off Sarjapur Ring Road on a 5 acre campus surrounded by green fields. 86

Our aim is to provide stress-free education that enables the children to blosson to their fullest potential. We have classes from pre-primary to class 7.

About SSRVM Trust Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM) Trust is the educational wing of the Art of Living. It was founded by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the year 1999 as a Charitable Spiritual and Educational Public Institution to impart value education in a strees-free and child friendly environment. Within a short span of five years, SSRVM has established 64 institutions in 16 States across the country. This network comprises of 88 schools and 5 institutions for higher education. To add to this network of institutions, the target is to establish atleast one school in every district of India.

Preachings Sri Sri Ravishankar Philosophy According to Sri Sri Ravishankar philosophy, God lies within every heart. He says that, each one of us has God lying inside. He is of the opinion that God is an integral part of our lives and we cannot go away from him. God is omnipresent and he can see everything that you are indulging in. Read on to know more about the philosophies of Shri Shri Ravishankar.

Teachings of Ravi Shankar Religion Ravi Shankar preaches that every religion has three features associated with it, namely customs, symbols and values. He is of the opinion that values are the same in all the religions. However, it is basically the customs and symbols that differ and make one religion different from the other. He attributes the entire credit to this distinction for increasing the level of intolerance and fundamentalism in this world.

Love Ravishankar is of the opinion that love is like a liquid, which cannot be broken or destroyed. He believes that love has the capability to melt hearts and dissolve anything and everything that is added in it. It has the power to dissolve both, the good as well as bad things. He teaches people to love all, irrespective of their caste, creed, race or sex.

Other teachings He says that, it is human tendency to judge others. However, he preaches people not to become too rigid, when it comes to forming opinions and viewpoint about different aspects of life.

Important Preaching of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji The Goal of Education

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“The goal of education is to increase awareness not information. …Watching our innerresponses, knowing that they are there, increases our self-awareness.” He juxtaposed the words – ‘hosh’ awareness, and ‘josh’ excitement; to say that hosh, awareness was essential for creating something, while josh without hosh was a destructive force.

Success in life? “A successful person is one, whose smile nobody can take away. A face bubbling with joy!” “The second sign of success is, to be friendly.” Whenever guruji interact with students he asked them to make a new friend everyday. “To begin with, change places in class to get an opportunity to sit with a different child everyday, so that eventually, everybody could be everybody else’s friend. This is the way to begin being friendly to the whole world. Sab Hamaare Hai.” “Khub shararat karni chahiye, aur mast rahna chahiye Bachcho, khub hanso, khub hasao; Mat fanso, mat fansao.”

Model Teachers (Faculty, Lecturer) “You

should know that your life is very valuable. You are putting the foundation stone of the building. We play several roles, that of mother, father, teacher, friend, etc. We can play our roles in life in two ways. You could do as a Karmayogi, or you could do it as an Akarmyogi.” “Did you know that your comfort is a direct result of the commitment of the people around you?The Karmayogis.” “When an Akarmyogi doctor sees you, he will charge you, and then discharge you. He does not really care for your well- being. He is only concerned with money. A Karmayogi doctor gives you a thorough check-up, and is concerned that you become healthy.” “An Akarmayoi teacher is one who doesn’t care whether the students study or not. As long he gets his salary, he feels that he has done his duty by the students. This is an Akarmayogi teacher.” “A Karmayogi teacher is deeply interested in his students. He thinks day and night on how to give his best effort to the children. He wants the children to learn and grow.” After hearing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji each of the faculty memebers,students were full of new spirits & joy. SRGI will try its best to ensure that his teachings should be carried forward so that we all can live in stress-free & peaceful world.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's teachings on your phone New Delhi: NDTV today announced an exclusive partnership with The Art of Living Foundation spearheaded by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, India's prominent spiritual leader. NDTV will have the exclusive right to use Sri Sri's teachings, sermons and meditation across all mobile platforms including video and live chats. Speaking on this occasion, Suparna Singh, Deputy CEO and Managing Editor, NDTV Convergence said, "We look forward to sharing Sri Sri's messages - video and audio - through a dedicated The Art of Living application and other digital platforms. Sri Sri's activism against corruption is leading to even higher interest among Indians across the world in his beliefs and opinions." 88

The dedicated voice portal can be accessed by Airtel s on 507858 and will soon be live across other operators as well. There will also be monthly Live Chats with H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for Airtel s.

Also See The new guidelines introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India are encouraging operators to look for credible and genuine content in the VAS space. NDTV over the next few months will bring the experience and innovation it is known for to a host of new products for mobile and other platforms. One of the trustees of Sri Sri Publications Trust, Mr. Prasana Prabhu said, "Today's world is stifled with stress and violence. It's our aim to bring knowledge to the people that would help them get rid of all negativities and make spirituality a part of their lives. With NDTV Convergence we have got a credible and reputed nationwide platform to reach out to masses at large." About NDTV Convergence Ltd. NDTV Convergence, the digital arm of the NDTV Group, is responsible for the new media initiatives of the group across the internet and mobile platforms. NDTV mobile offerings include the market leading news and cricket applications, WAP portal - m.ndtv.com, and it is the leading mobile content partner for telecom operators in India, and has partnered with leading handset manufacturers for content offerings. The NDTV digital portfolio also includes leading web properties, including, but not limited to,

NDTV To Launch Teachings Of Sri Sri Ravishankar On Digital Platform NDTV has entered into a partnership with the Art Of Livingto broadcast the teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on its mobile and internet platforms. It will own the exclusive rights to use Sri Sri Ravishankar’s teachings, sermons and mediation sessions across all mobile platforms. According to NDTV, the content will be broadcasted in audio, video and live chat which will be made available through a dedicated Art Of Living application. The company is also looking to launch new products on their mobile and other digital platforms in addition to this. NDTV has tied up with Airtel to introduce the service, wherein Airtel s can dial the short code 507858 to access the voice portal. In addition to this, there will also be a monthly voice chat for Airtel s. The company intends to tie up with other telcos as well. The exact pricing of the service has not been disclised. At the time of writing this post, the official Art Of Living applications haven’t been launched. We tried searching for the app on iTunes, but managed to only find podcasts. As of now, there are non-official apps available in the Android market and the iTunes app store which offers quotes and sayings of Sri Sri Ravishankar.

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tells Lahore about his 'Art of Living' LAHORE: With the two sub-continent neighbours, Pakistan and India, suffering from varying degrees of the War on Terror, and close to 65 years of enmity for the other, “yoga and meditation” were proposed by renowned Indian yoga master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as a path to peace, during his talk in Lahore on Monday. Head of the famous Art of Living Foundation, Shankar crossed over from Wagah border into Pakistan on Monday to start a three day tour. During his time in Pakistan, he is expected to inaugurate Art of Living Centres on March 13 and 14. “With greater linkages between the people, India and Pakistan can both come closer and work towards a peaceful co-existence,” Shankar said as he stepped into Pakistan. Speaking on the stress-concentrated societies of the modern world, Shankar opined that people would not resort to violent activities had they been facilitated in relieving stress, adding that “everyone wants to live in peace and that is exactly what we are working towards.” Last having visited Pakistan in 2004, this is Shankar’s second “peace mission”. Following the peace narrative of his visit, which suffered time delays throughout the Lahore leg, Shankar delivered a lecture at the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) where he interacted with students and faculty on how meditation could help resolve issues both in personal and global contexts. A packed FCCU Sinclair Hall gave Shankar a warm welcome. Commending the youth for their ‘positive energy’ and ‘vibrance’ Shankar, also known as Guru Ji by the avowed practitioners of meditation, explained that his concept of ‘Art of Living’ revolves around the idea of keeping enthusiasm alive in one’s self. “I am glad to see your enthusiasm. You can do wonders in life with this energy. Do not lose this enthusiasm,” Shankar said as he took the stage. “We repair broken hearts and souls,” he said while introducing his meditative approach to the audience. “When people are in harmony with themselves, they are in harmony with the world,” said Shankar while explaining the phenomenon of terrorism prevailing all over the world. Shankar revealed that much of today’s problems across the world relates to people’s tendency of not accepting diversity, I dislike the word tolerance”, he said adding “it sounds like we have to accept one another forcefully.” Inviting students to practice meditation, Shankar said that usually stress causes young people to indulge in drug abuse and or addiction to free themselves of “negative emotions” which, he said, eventually ruined lives. “It is the state of being ‘high’ which they crave,” adding that mediation could help such students be rid of the ‘drug menace’. Tracing the roots of the traditional herbal medication, Ayurved, and yoga to Taxila in Pakistan, Shankar lamented that these practices had been abandoned in the land of their origin.

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Chairman of the Art of Living Foundation Pakistan, Naeem Zamindar said that with the organisation had centres in more than a hundred countries, and millions of people across the globe were benefiting from meditation. “He is a person who has blossomed lives,” shared Zamindar while speaking about his experience with Shankar. “We have already spent a lot on destructing one another, it is time we spent some energies in trying to heal people on both sides of the border,” said Shahid Naseem while speaking withThe Express Tribune at the Forman Christian College University. Naseem, executive committee member at the Yoga Pakistan, dismissed questions pertaining to religious rationality being challenged through such platforms, “all religions promote spiritual healing especially one which is scientifically proven,” he added. Shankar will be visiting Islamabad and Karachi in the coming days where he is expected to inaugurate the Art of Living centres on March 13 and March 14. Earlier, as he left India for Pakistan, Shankar told reporters that he firmly believed that meditation and yoga will help eradicate terrorism and people-to-people between estranged neighbours India and Pakistan. According to The Times of India, he said that terrorism is like an illness. “Yoga and meditation will help lessen the violence. We have spent a lot on conflicts, on escalating conflicts and on destruction of life and environment. Now we have to work towards making peace,” he said. This is Shankar’s second visit to Pakistan, which he first visited in July 2004.

Thousands of Argentines turn up to hear Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Tens of thousands of people in this Argentinian city came out to listen to Thousands of Argentinians turn up to hear Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian preacher. It was amazing to see them come out in thousands despite the fact that weather was extremely cold Cordoba (Argentina), (IANS) Over 16,000 people braved a chilly and rainy Wednesday in this South American nation to listen to Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the benefits of his teachings and breathing exercises to lead a stress-free life. “We live in times of uncertainty with economic slowdown, political instability and stress taking a toll of us. We need to find a way out to free from this (stress) and cope with the pressure of competition to lead a peaceful life,” the Art of Living (AoL) founder said at Siglo 21 University in this provincial city, about 700 km north-west of Buenos Aires. Hours before Ravi Shankar flew into the picturesque city, located in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquia river, people from all walks of life, especially students, flocked to the campus in raincoats and pullovers to know about his value-based education with techniques that would help them to overcome stress.

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“I want to give the best of the East to the West and vice-versa. The world has shrunk into a village, thanks to globalisation. We need to integrate wisdom as well. It is up to you to decide what you what you need in life beyond material existence,” Ravi Shankar said in his address in the open area that had a carnival-like atmosphere. Demystifying Indian philosophy and its rich spiritual and cultural heritage, the guru told the gathering that there was life beyond material existence and everyone had right live happily discharging one’s duties and responsibilities. “Though in the beginning it was difficult for people here to understand the system due to some prejudice, they are able to accept it now as they are seeing its benefits like peace and happiness. As more people experience the system, there is more openness to embrace it,” Ravi Shankar said in his 30-minute lecture, which was simultaneously translated into Spanish by one of his followers. Visiting the pre-dominantly Catholic country’s second largest city for the first time, the founder lauded AoL teachers for having trained about 10,000 people during the last five years and inspiring many more as a role model to follow them. “More and more people will get attracted to the system irrespective of religion, creed and nationality when they see the big change in your life, which is free from stress, violence, hatred, prejudice and discrimination,” Ravi Shankar asserted. The hour-long programme concluded with a guided meditation and musical programme that had devotional songs in Hindi and Spanish. The large audience also heard in rapt attention when hundreds of AoL followers rendered the Indian national anthem “Jana Gana Mana…” in unison through voice and musical instruments. To mark the occasion, the university honoured Ravi Shankar with a doctorate degree that was presented by Cordoba governor Jose Manuel de la Sota in the presence of its rector, faculty and hundreds of students. The 17-year-old largest private university in Argentina has about 30,000 students across the country and pioneered virtual education system through internet. Headquartered in India’s tech hub Bangalore, the three-decades-old non-profit AoL works for the cause of humanity and offers yoga courses for stress management and welfare measures for the common good of people across the globe. Spread across 151 countries the world over, it works for world peace with a universal society free from stress and violence.

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Sri Sri said “Being In Knowledge Is Real Worship” (Over a thousand village deities gathered from all over Karnataka at the newly built Guru Paduka Vanam at the Art of Living International Campus at Bangalore on 12th May. The oval shaped amphitheater with a water body at the center completely full of decorated deities was an ethereal sight to behold, especially when all thousand of them were offered arati at the same time. The entire atmosphere was festive and full of celebration with sounds of drums, cymbals, conches and ringing bells. Explaining about the significance of the event, below is the transcript of Sri Sri’s address) Two types of shaktis (energies) are protecting the world. One is the Daivi Shakti (Energy of the Devas) and the other is the Asuri Shakti (Energy of the Asuras). The conflict between the positive forces and the negative forces always goes on. When the positive forces win, there is contentment, comfort and happiness in the world. When the negative forces win, there are problems and violence. Finally, it is always the positive forces that win, but negative forces keep surfacing from time to time. Today different Grama Devatas (local village deities) from 1008 villages have arrived here. Some of the village chiefs were saying that their Gram Devatas have not moved out of their village for more than 60 to 65 years. This is the first time they have come out of the village, over here. So people from different villages have brought their revered Gram Devata. Our ancestors had invoked a Grama Devata in every village.When do you call an idol as a Devata? When a Siddha (a spiritually perfected or realized person), by the chanting of mantras invokes the Divine Prana (life-force) into the idol, then the idol becomes a Devata. There are Devatas (Divine forces) that protect each place or region (Kshetra), hence they are called Kshetra Paala. All people have deep respect and faith in the Devata, and worship it for their wellbeing. There is a word in Sanskrit, ‘Nilimpa-parishad’ (meaning a council of the Gods). Just like we have the parliament and the state assemblies, in the same way even the Gods have their own Parishad(council). So this council of Devatas (demi-gods) are assembled here today to take part in the celebrations. We have brought the Devatas from all the places. The elders have said, ‘Sthana pradhanam na tu bala pradhanam’. God is in the pillars of the temple too, but we worship the Divine only in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It is not enough if there is strength, a position is also required. We give the Devatas a position. Only if the Grama Devatas are satisfied, things can progress. If Grama Devatas have to be satisfied, there has to be unity amongst the people. Everyone has to be well and there should be prosperity. If there is sadness and hatred in the minds of the people, then the Grama Devatas feel a lot of pain. To make the Grama Devatas happy, a celebration should be organized. Everyone in the village should get together, forget the past and thank God for all that has been given to them.

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We celebrate this day by setting aside all differences of caste, creed and religion, and remind ourselves that we are all governed by one Divinity which looks after us. This is the significance of Grama Devata in every village. When a person believes that he is surrendered to the Divine, he performs all his duties with the loyalty and gratitude of a servant, and not as an owner (meaning without ego or a sense of doer-ship). There are two types of people in the society: one type is those who think, ‘I am nothing but a servant of the Divine’. The other type are those who think, ‘I am everything’. If there is any problem in any village or city, it is only due to ego. Ego ruins any good work. So, in order to soften this ego, it becomes necessary to place all faith in the deity. Here, by ego I mean Dur-ahamkaar (the bad and misleading ego). The Grama Devatas are established so that there is no arrogance or no Asuri Pravriti (demonic tendencies) among the people. When the people respect and worship the deity with full faith, they speak the truth and also follow a path of righteousness. Do you know, earlier when there were no courts of law, people would present themselves in front of the Grama Devata? Whatever disputes people had among themselves would be resolved in the presence of the deity. So the Grama Devatasacted like a judge to resolve disputes, pardon crimes, and to ensure that everybody in the region abides by the law. The affairs of the region would be run through the Devata.Today also whenever anybody takes an oath before taking office, he does so in the name of God only. When a person becomes a minister, he takes an oath in the name of God before being sworn into office. This is done to and accept the presence of the Divine in everything. So, the Grama Devatas were established to remind and help people experience the presence of the Divine. This did not mean that God was confined to an idol. It was only to remind people of the presence of the Divine in all that they did and wanted to achieve. So today, we have this good opportunity, where the deities from so many villages have assembled here for the celebrations. When all the Devatas get together, it is a Yagya. A big Yagya has happened here today. All the Devatas have come here and blessed you. Daivi Shaktis (positive forces) are in every atom. Awakening such shaktis through meditation, satsang and pooja (worship) is Yagya.So we have been doing Gnana (knowledge) yagya, Dhyana (meditation) yagya, Japa (chanting) yagya and Kee rtana(singing the glory of God) yagya.This culture is only in India and needs to be preserved and developed. Do not let it wither away. We have to ensure that the Grama Devata celebration happens in every village. Always God, be useful to others and be happy.‘Daivadheenam Jagat sarvam’, the world is governed by God.‘Mantradheenam tu Daivatam’, Devatas are governed by Mantras. Those who have perfected the mantras become equal to the Devatas. That is why chanting and meditation have been given a lot of importance. By practicing mantras and offering prayers to Devatas, one gets comforts and wealth. Whatever we have obtained, we must share it with others. This is the essence of Dharma, i.e., worship the Daivi Shakti, and pray that society is free from Asuri Shakti.In other countries, they say, ‘We will go and fight the negative forces’. In India, we say, ‘We will remove the Asuri Shakti (negative forces) using 94

Daivi Shakti (positive forces)’. We need to ensure that the positive forces are strong. And how is that done? Through worship, celebration and Yagya. Enjoying the celebrations today, is one thing. But you should also realize that all the Devatas (here, referring to different forms of one Divinity) reside within you. It is said that 33 crore Devatas reside in every cell of our body.When we are peaceful and contented with ourselves, when the mind is pleasant, that is Naivaidya (offering of food to the Divine). When the mind is filled with the light of knowledge, then that is the worship of the Divine. When you feel love for everybody, then this is Pushpanjali (offering of flowers) to the Divine. So what is the Pushpanjali to the Devatas? It is the blossoming of love towards everyone. What is Aarti (the act of rotating a lamp before the deity)? It is when the lamp of knowledge lights up in your heart; when the awareness dawns in you that, ‘I am not the body, I am pure Consciousness. I am neither born nor will I die. I am eternal. I am Sanatan(eternal and unchanging)’. Being in this knowledge is the real Aarti of the Divine. So, in this way you, should worship all the 33 crore deities present within you by doing such a pooja within yourself. This is the higher knowledge that we must know.

On Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s views about government-run schools Jaipur, 21st March, 2012: We are shocked and strongly condemn the statement made by the Global Corporate Brand “Art of Living” businessman, Ravi Shankar in Jaipur on 20th March, 2012, wherein he states that “Government schools are breeding grounds of violence and Naxalism ….that is why Government run schools and colleges must be handed over to private bodies….and that ‘Adarsh schools’ must reach all areas”. We would like to demand evidence from Ravi Shankar that Government schools, in which 16 crore children of the age group 6 to 14 years are studying are breeding grounds for violence and Naxalism. An army of Indian engineers, doctors, nurses, computer professionals, government servants army and police personnel and factory workers come from government schools. It would appear that this human resource that is the backbone of this country is wholly ‘Naxalite’ in the eyes of this completely irrational guru. The truth is that Ravi Shankar, being the brand Guru of the Global corporates, would like education to be the milking cow of this sector, so that there is colossal growth in their profits. We consider the statement · Anti-constitutional as it goes against Article 21-A where the Government is bound to provide free and compulsory education to children of the age group 6 to 14 years. Since the Parliament of India has ed this Fundamental Right, the implication is that Ravi Shankar considers the Parliament to be promoting violence and Naxalism, by charging the government with the responsibility of providing education to every child of the country. · And also talks of reproducing the ideology of hate as presented by Golwakar and Sarvarkar which schools like Adarsh Vidya Mandir teach, since he said that Adarsh schools should be set up evreywhere in the name of bhartiya sanskriti. It should be known that this statement was made from the platform of the silver jubilee celebrations of Adarsh Vidya Society which runs more than 1000 Adarsh Vidya mandir schools in Rajasthan. jubilee celebrations of Adarsh Vidya Society which runs more than 1000 Adarsh Vidya mandir schools in Rajasthan.

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Role For Socity Welfare Jubilee Celebrations Of Adarsh Vidya Society Which Runs More Than 1000 Adarsh Vidya Mandir Schools In Rajasthan. Bangaluru, January 28, 2013: At the biggest online gathering, The Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar gave a call for volunteering for a better society, “Let us give one hour of our day for a social cause to make the world a better place. If we can get rid of the stress and anxiety then the dream of a one world family is not far away.” It was an eclectic congregation of civil society , artists, sportsmen, journalists, policy makers from across all continents including countries like Oman, Taiwan, Paraguay, Zimbabwe, Slovenia, USA, Italy, , Sweden, Argentina, Israel, India and Pakistan coming together to participate in this first-of-its-kind historic event on 'What we can do for a violence-free, stress-free society'. In response to questions on corruption from Paraguay and other South American countries, Sri Sri strongly felt that we need to make apolitical pressure groups to check corruption at various levels in society. He also emphasized, "If governments spent one per cent of the defence budget for peace initiatives and social welfare, this world will be a better place." Throwing light on the mechanics of violence, Sri Sri said, “Violence has three components alcohol/drugs, stress and lack of understanding. If we can get rid of these three, we can be happy.” A wide range of questions poured in from Bastar to Bulgaria on topics as diverse as conflict resolution to corruption to addictions and to stress. Two good friends, an Arab and Jewish girl from Israel, were keen to know how the two communities could live peacefully together. Grammy award winner from Jamaica, Shaggy sang an inspirational song on love and announced that he would take music and meditation to the prisons of Jamaica. At a time when every corner of the world has been deeply affected by violence in one form or the other, be it school shoot-outs, national agitations, religious conflicts, crimes against women, the event held significant value as people got together to deliberate on solutions to address this situation. Sri Sri became the first spiritual leader to address a wide-global audience through the Google+ social media. The Hangout garnered unprecedented viewership especially among the youth. The event also went down in history as the biggest online meditation ever conducted. Intriguing questions were asked by spiritual thinker Deepak Chopra, Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani among others. Other people who participated were Bothaina Kamel, first woman Egyptian Presidential candidate; Arnab Goswami, TV Anchor; Dr. Myron Scholes, Nobel Laureate in Economics; 96

Deylan Slachev, Youth Icon, Bulgaria; Jo Leinen, Member of European Parliament, ; among others. Moving ahead on his call for a violence-free and stress-free society, Sri Sri will launch the Volunteer For A Better India movement on Feb 3, 2013, at The Ram Lila Maidan in Delhi.

Sri Sri Launches Volunteer For A Better Nepal Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurated Volunteers for a Prosperous Nepal on Wednesday by lighting a traditional oil lamp amidst a grand ceremony organized in the capital. Addressing the gathering of some 15,000 people at the Police Academy ground of Maharajgunj, Sri Sri urged everyone to work for the development, peace and prosperity and for the welfare of the country. Peace and prosperity go together, he said adding that Nepal is undergoing critical period of transition in its history. Only peace brings prosperity he said and pointed out the need for transformation of the nation. "The three USPs for Nepal are: “Lord Buddha was born in Nepal . The tallest mountain in the world is in Nepal and it has the oldest Sanathan Dharma. “ He also launched the website of VPN in the same function. This was the first time that VPN was introduced in Nepal. Some 200 youth from different ethnic and social backgrounds of 35 districts are now participating in its seven-day training. In the evening, Sri Sri interacted with journalists. A large number of journalists including former chairmen of the Federation of the Nepali Journalists Harihar Birahi, Suresh Acharya and Bishnu Nisthuri were present in the press meet. Meanwhile, UN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also met Sri Sri in the evening.

Sri Sri Brings Dignity To Social Activism Sunday the 3rd of February 2013 will be long cherished in the history of social activism for several reasons. The world witnessed a new order in social activism on that day. Peaceful and musical yet strident and meaningful. The occasion was the launch of the Volunteer for a better India (VBI) movement at the Ramlila grounds by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar renowned spiritual leader and Founder of the Art of Living. It was a sea of humanity present there. I thought perhaps the Kumbh Mela of social activism was playing at the Ramlila grounds in the capital. Over one lakh people from all walks of life. Disciplined yet celebrative. Drenched in peace yet firm in their resolve. Committed to honestly look at several issues facing the nation without blaming, shaming or naming anyone. 97

People were spilling onto the nearby roads, sitting atop vehicles and far into the horizon waiting to listen to Sri Sri talk. At regular intervals cheerful and celebrative music was in the air. Inspiring to the mind and meditative for the soul. For a change there were no theatrics or high drama that we normally see at such events. There were no screaming sirens of peace howling into the mike. Nor were there any sarcastic or veiled speeches aimed at any Man, Madam or Minister. And the best of all, there were absolutely no relay fasts or single-man fasts to impress the nation that anyways finally ends with that million dollar climax scene of sipping juice under the hundred-odd flashing bulbs and cameras of an ever – hungry media ! There was clearly no attempt at bringing the nation or the capital to a screeching halt. Nor did we find any tearjerkers to give ideas to our Hindi teleserial script-writers! Welcome to the new order of social activism. With that touch of soulful music. Only a man of peace and genuine concern like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar could have brought such grace and dignity at the Volunteer for a better India (VBI) launch to make a telling point on several burning issues that both the government and people of India are embroiled in today. Complete with music, determination and total inclusiveness which is a hallmark and virtue of Sri Sri and his Art of Living Foundation, the program saw religious leaders, social activists and welfare workers sit alongside with the mighty United Nations officials. All ready to even give their right hand to volunteer for a better India. As the phalanx of dignitaries rose to make their pledges and workable ideas known to the people gathered there and as well as to people watching the live webcast in over 50 countries. Just as how all of Sri Sri`s charitable works and programs include people without discrimination towards anyone, the Volunteer for a better India (VFABI) launch was also the perfect all-inclusive affair. Westerners from the Americas and Europe, the under-privileged, farmers and rural citizens from every Indian State, youth in thousands and even many Chinese were spotted amongst the audience. Probably even some spies in the crowd may have simply fallen in love with the peace and harmony running throughout the program and not to forget Sri Sri`s charm and peaceful presence ! India needs and longs for such a leadership and direction. Moreover, it is such noble initiatives that make a powerful impact and inspire people to really put shoulder to the wheel and get working. The huge inspired crowds at the event clearly show that this movement has not begun simply on a ing fad, emotional plank or a prayer. This movement has begun as a force-multiplier in the Indian landscape with the collective genuine intention of more than a million people. Come February 24th and the Bhavan`s College Grounds in Mumbai I hear is all set to see a wave of for the VBI. Well I am going to possibly have yet another story to tell about how amazingly Sri Sri Ravi Shankar proves that ideas, issues and life`s challenges can be handled and expressed with dignity, peace. And great music!

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Religion

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Born

Ravishankar 13 May 1956 (age 57) Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India

Nationality

Indian

Philosophy

Advaita Vedanta

Literary works

Celebrating Silence, An Intimate Guide to Sincere Seeker, God Loves Fun, Ashtavarka Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras etc.

Quotation

My Vision is a violence free, stress free world.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Religion is one of the biggest divisive forces in the world 'It is the distress and mistrust in people which causes them to take religion as an excuse to express their frustration and display aggressive, violent behaviour,' says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. A nation's most powerful weapon is the will of the common man. It is this will, says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, buttressed by action, that will draw an agenda for a better India. In this interview with Rediff.com's Savera R Someshwar, the founder of the Art of Living foundation shares his dreams for a rejuvenated India. If you were asked to draw up an agenda for a New India, what would your agenda be?  Justice for farmers.  An easy working atmosphere for industrialists. Creating a more tolerant and cooperative society among all religious leaders.  Clean politics; people with character and humility should be in politics. 99

Role of Yoga Sri Sri Yoga is a discipline, both gentle and powerful, that integrates elements from the different paths of yoga, especially Hatha yoga, uniting the body, mind and breath in awareness. Here the wisdom and techniques of yoga are brought to you in a joyful and thorough manner, and covers a vast range from breathing techniques to various body postures (asanas) to knowledge and guided meditations. Sri Sri Yoga goes beyond the physical body and helps you sharpen your sensitivity towards more subtle levels of existence, leading to a full blossoming of the human potential.

Sri Sri Yoga Level 1 This 10-hours workshop provides an experience of all aspects of yoga, including: 

Combination of gentle and vigorous postures as well as dynamic exercises

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Powerful breathing techniques

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Application of yogic Knowledge

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Simple tools for relaxation

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Guided meditations

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Yogic perspective on attaining a balanced diet

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Introduction to Ayurveda, the science of life

A personal yoga plan is charted for everyone and they are introduced to ayurveda where they learn about yogic diet. Through this course, the bountiful fruits of yoga can be experienced quickly.

Pre-requisites: None Course format: You can experience Sri Sri Yoga Level 1 in your neighbourhood or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in one of The Art of Living Centers. 

In your neighbourhood, Sri Sri Yoga Level 1 Course is offered as a five days workshop, either consecutive or weekly, for two hours each day.

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Residential Sri Sri Yoga Level 1: Report on Friday by 4 PM and depart on Sunday from 1 PM onwards.

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Non-residential Sri Sri Yoga Level 1: Five sessions are spread over two weekends (Sat-Sun-Fri-Sat-Sun) for two hours each day.

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Sri Sri Yoga Level 2 As yoga enthusiasts many of us are on the lookout for a yoga course that can help us explore the depths of yoga - from philosophy to practice. Sri Sri Yoga Level 1 introduces us to the techniques of asana, pranayam and meditation; while Sri Sri Yoga Level 2 gives us an opportunity to go deeper into the realm of yoga and understand what it means to live like a yogi!

Dive deep in Yoga Advanced yoga does not have to necessarily mean difficult yoga. Here we thoroughly explore yoga postures, ancient yogic knowledge, breathing and meditation in a gentle yet profound, celebrative and joyful retreat setting.

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Correct your postures for better symmetry and alignment

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Physical and emotional cleansing through Shankh Prakshalan and Neti

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Understand yoga scriptures better

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Learn new pranayamas (breathing techniques) such as Chandrabhedi, Suryabhedi, Sheetali

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Experience SSaHC* : Subtle strengthening and Healing Contractions

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Experience silence in activity and activity in silence

*SSaHC: A new, gentle and meditative muscle contraction exercise program for strengthening and toning muscles, restoring the balance and harmony at physical and pranic levels, decreasing chronic pains, and above all for giving you a meditative experience of yourself.

Prerequisites: Yogis who have completed Sri Sri Yoga Level 1 and the Part-1 or YES! + Course can apply.

Course format: Four day residential course Guided Meditation People have different concepts about meditation. According to many, meditation is concentrating on something. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, meditation is de-concentration. Meditation is accepting this moment – living every moment totally. However, the result of meditation is improved concentration. One can go deeper into one’s self and have rest with full awareness through a guided meditation. Meditation becomes completely effortless when it is done with the guidance of a master.

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Very often we identify ourselves with the body. A guided meditation takes us from the body level to the level of the spirit and thus makes our spiritual journey beautiful and faster. Constant practice of a guided meditation transforms not only the practitioner’s life, but also changes the entire environment around the practitioner. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder, The Art of Living, has gifted this world a variety of guided meditations and meditation courses. Each of the Art of Living courses – Part-I, Part-II, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, Sri Sri Yoga and DSN offer guided meditations and teach the practitioner how to meditate. Some of the meditations guided by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar are listed below:          

Sun Meditation Full Moon Meditation Panchkosha Meditation Aura Meditation Hari Om Meditation Blossom in Smile Meditation Om Meditation Contentment Meditation Ram Meditation Hara Meditation

The above listed meditations are available at Art of Living Divine shop. "In deep meditation, you are the time and everything is happening in you. Events are happening in you like the clouds come and go in the sky. When you are ahead of time, it is dragging and boring. When the time is ahead of you, then you are surprised and shocked. You cannot digest the events. When you are with the time, you are wise and at peace." - His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Art of Living With a vision of individual social stewardship in society, The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian NGO, present in 152 countries and reaching an estimated 300 million people worldwide. Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, the organization works in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. The Art of Living formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations through various social service and spiritual initiatives. At the core of these unique programs is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful revitalizing breathing technique, gifted to the world by Sri Sri. This technique, taught in Art of Living programs, has benefited people of all traditions, religions and walks of life, including slums, schools, universities, churches, governments, businesses, prisons and war zones.

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Today, The Art of Living is considered to be one of the largest volunteer networks globally, cutting across all age groups and socio-economic status. Soon after its formation, Sri Sri initiated a number of humanitarian projects, which continue today under the auspices of The Art of Living Foundation and its sister organizations. The Art of Living is propelling the spread and awareness of crucial human issues and values that are of critical importance today through personal interactions, workshops, public events, teachings and humanitarian initiatives. Multifarious and diverse in its body of work, The Art of Living is spearheading numerous social initiatives including conflict resolution, disaster management and trauma relief, rural development, education, women’s empowerment, prisoner rehabilitation program, bio dynamic farming, among others. In the early 90s, The Art of Living began conducting its prison programs to rehabilitate prison inmates. So far the lives of more than 3,50,000 prison inmates have been transformed through the ‘Prison Smart’ programs. In India itself, 120,000 prisoners have undergone this program with 48,000 convicts from Tihar Jail (Asia's largest prison) alone. Special courses have also been conducted for the prison staff to cope with the stress owing to the nature of their job. Free Art of Living courses were offered for trauma elimination after the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City, relief programs in Kosovo for the warravaged population and UN personnel and in occupied Iraq. The Art of Living programs have also been successful in the reform and rehabilitation of Naxals, militants from Assam and many other regions of conflict and natural disaster. The Art of Living has its international headquarters in Bangalore which is the focal point of many of its service projects such as rural development and education, organic farming initiatives, scientific research and humanitarian relief projects. Here, people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultural traditions come together in knowledge, celebration and service to society.

Financial wealth Sri Sri Ravishankar is a renowned spiritual leader, known worldwide. He is the founder of the very famous Art of Living foundation that has an estimated 300 million followers in 151 countries who donate millions to this foundation. He was born in Tamil Nadu and took up Vedic studies when he was just six years old and by the age of 17, he had completed studies in Vedic literature and science according to indiatoday.in Sri Sri Ravishankar is a renowned spiritual leader, known worldwide. He is the founder of the very famous Art of Living foundation that has an estimated 300 million followers in 151 103

countries who donate millions to this foundation. He was born in Tamil Nadu and took up Vedic studies when he was just six years old and by the age of 17, he had completed studies in Vedic literature and science according to indiatoday.in Main Source of Income: Art of Living Centre (Bangalore), Sri Sri Shankar Vidya Mandir Trust, PU College (Bangalore), Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies (Bangalore), Sri Sri University, Art of Living Health & Educational Trust (US), etc. It is estimated that, he has built an empire with that has total turnover of approximately Rs 1,000 crore that includes his Art of Living (AOL) institutes, pharmacy and health centres, and a hill 40 km from Bangalore on lease from the Karnataka government for 99 years.

Followers Mithun Chakraborty's godman character in OMG worries Sri Sri Ravishankar

Apparently Mithun Chakraborty's character in OMG is based on Sri Sri Ravishankar Mithun Chakraborty is all set to play a godman in Akshay Kumar and Ashwini Yardi's home production, Oh My God. Apparently his character is based on Sri Sri Ravishankar. And the production house is getting messages from followers all over, questioning Mithun's character in the film.

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A source from the production house says, "Sri Sri Ravishankar's followers are a little worried over the portrayal of their guru in the film. They are keen to know if he has been presented in the right light in the film. Although everything about the character has been kept under wraps and the makers are refraining from giving out any information on his characters, people who have seen the rushes of the film claim that not only is Mithun's look but his mannerisms too are like Sri Sri Ravishankar. In fact, the character of Poonam Jhawar is also said to be inspired from Radhe Maa." Currently the production house is asking the followers to wait till the film releases and then judge.

Comments

 Asking for explanations stirs up all the garbage. They justify, you say something, then they feel guilty or justify more. In either case, it is of no use to you. Sometimes, it's alright to go and say, "I'm sorry." But don't chew on it more than it is needed. Going with a love, accepting space - "What can I do for you?" That is enough.  Whomsoever we fall in love with, we are really falling in love with our Self.  My dream is to see the whole world unite as one family. Shall we all commit to create a wave of happiness and smile on all the faces?  To do any work, you need some planning. But how do you know what you have planned is the best? Something better may come up. Keep your mind free. At the same time, be focused. Both can be done together.  Love is incomplete and it will have to remain incomplete. If something is complete, that means its boundaries have been marked; its limitations are known. For love to be infinite, it has to be incomplete.  Usually people think, ‘I don’t have, so I have to achieve’, but seldom are they able to do it. If you think, you don’t have it then only lack grows. That ‘lack’ consciousness should go and you should feel the abundance. If you want to be a businessman, put the seed, ‘I am a businessman’, and then work. Effort should be put, but only effort will not work. Before effort, there should be the seed of the goal as well. The secret of success is in the understanding that the goal is already present in the seeker. 105

 Always accept that you don't know what you can do. Ignorance of your capability can expand you. When you know what you can do, you can do things. When you don't know what you can do, you can do things even better!  Almost all relationships break down due to too much talking and explaining about oneself. "I am this way. Don't mistake me. Don't misunderstand me." If you had kept your mouth shut, everything would've worked out much better. I'm not telling you to shut off all communication. I'm just telling you not to explain things of the past, brood over them or ask for explanations.  May 13 (Mai Tera) in Hindi means "I'm yours." So many of you who wished me in words and thought, I would like to reiterate that I am yours, now and forever.  The very joy of giving love is so much that it does not matter who is at the receiving end. When this space comes into your being, then you will go on giving love to everybody and everything - not only human beings but to animals, to trees, to distant stars. Love can be transferred to the farthest star by just your loving look, to a tree just by your touch. It can be conveyed in absolute silence, without a single word.  When you acquire self-knowledge, then you feel that your birth and your actions are both Divine. This understanding comes to you. Not a single bad word comes out from your mouth. There is no hate or ill feelings in your heart towards anyone. It just cannot happen because everyone feels part of you; like your very own. This is the pinnacle of Love.  ust like we have a Parliament, the subtle beings also have a Parliament. This Parliament of the Gods has assembled here today. An idol becomes a deity when a realized person invokes life in it through mantras. Every village has a deity that is worshipped. Leaving aside all differences of caste and creed, we are all under one Divinity. The purpose of this event is to remind us of this. [A thousand village deities or gram devatas assembled at the Bangalore Ashram today]  Quantum physics says "Everything is Nothing". Spiritual knowledge says "Nothing is Everything" and meditation is an appointment with nothing. If you hold onto everything, then you get nothing. If you are well-versed with nothing, then you get everything!  An old Sanskrit verse says, ‘The real worship of God is to create happiness in the hearts of people’. This is timeless wisdom. We don’t even know who wrote it. They didn’t even put their signature, but they gave these gems for life.  Why are you insecure? What is it that you want? If you keep your mind clean, I promise you will not suffer. You will get more than you need. Your mind, your being is so powerful. 106

 Q: Guruji, what do you think is the greatest fortune in human life? Sri Sri: The greatest fortune in human life is to be able to say, "I want nothing. I'm here for you."  In life, irritations do come to you. ‘Oh, that person is no good’; ‘I cannot be with these people, they insult me’, these sort of the little things come in the mind and bother you. How do you handle this irritation? Suppose you are doing some important work and a fly comes and sits on you, would you be bothered too much about the fly? No, you would just shoo it away lightly. Know that is what all these things are.These little irritations help to bring acceptance inside you.  Even when someone commits a mistake, he or she is not the culprit; the stress inside is causing them to make that mistake. Once we get rid of the stress inside us, there is no culprit; there is no one to be forgiven. Then we begin to realize that the whole thing is just a game in which there are no winners or losers. It’s just a play!  It is essential to develop opposite aspects of our mind for balanced growth. Through our daily spiritual practice, constant service and knowledge, both our 'rough and tough' mind as well as 'soft and sweet' mind progresses. Our ability to shift between these mindsets develops. Before you know it, your mind will be a mirror of love and knowledge that you are.  Beauty is a subjective phenomenon. Beauty is unveiling the innermost that you are. Beauty is getting rid of all the extra weight around you. Beauty is your very nature. Beauty doesn’t come by wearing makeup. When innocence dawns from within, it shows on the face; then you become beautiful. When you are energetic, where there is freshness, where there is aliveness, beauty manifests.  When you want to teach anybody a lesson, it never happens because you are acting out of anger. Only with true comion can you teach people a real lesson. Then they listen because it touches their heart. Have this attitude, "Come what may, I will not get hurt. If someone is nasty, I will learn to be comionate."  The trying time brings the best out of you. The rewarding time gives the best of the world to you. Life is a combination of both.  There are two kinds of joy: one of receiving and the other of giving. In our childhood we experienced the joy of receiving. If you give anything to children they are always ready to take it. But as we grow older, we experience the joy in giving, which is a mature joy. When we keep looking to receive all our lives, we remain dissatisfied and a kind of misery pervades. For wealth to come, the mind should be content. The more satisfied we are, the more we progress. 107

 People have such resistance for obligations. They do not realize that they are always under obligations, whether giving or taking. Dull people think that one is obliged only when one takes. The wise know that even when one is giving one is under obligations, as the person has accepted what one gives. And if you do not give or take, you are still under obligations for for they are freeing you from visible obligations. That is to say, you are obliged to all those who do not make you obliged.  People become our enemies even when we have not done any wrong to them. Similarly, we do not do any special favors for some people, yet they become our close friends. All these happenings run by some law that we don’t know. We just can’t say when someone’s feelings towards us will change and whether they will be in our favor or not. That is why we should place absolute faith on our Self, on God, and not on friendship and enmity. This does not mean you distance yourself from your friends, or that you stop making new friends. Friendliness and love should be in our very nature. Interact with everyone around and at the same time be centered from within.  The more one lacks control, the more one tries to control others, but once, one has total control over one's self, one does not want to control anything or anybody.  When we were born we were dependent. When we grow old we will be dependent. In these few years in between, we think we are independent. That is an illusion. Even at that time we are dependent on so many people for so many things. Some people are emotionally dependent, some people are intellectually dependent, and some people are physically dependent. While the spirit is independent the body is always dependent. Instead of focusing on the relative and changing aspect of life which is always dependent, put a little more focus on that aspect inside you which is independent, which is eternal. You will find that life is becoming more powerful and more fulfilling.  Sri Sri is on a four day visit to Japan and today met with the Prime Minister, Mr Shinzo Abe. Mr. Abe appreciated the work of the Art of Living in the country. Sri Sri also met several Japanese and Indian dignitaries at the welcome reception hosted by Indian Ambassador, Mr. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa.  Usually what happens is when your ion for something goes down, you feel bad, as if you lack something, and wonder what to do. Just relax. See, ion should also have a little bit of contentment. Sometimes, when contentment comes, ion does go down. Contentment should also have a strain of ion, otherwise it can slip into lethargy and complacency. So to prevent contentment from slipping into inertia, you need a little ion. And for ion to not become too feverish and make you restless all the time, you need contentment. This will give you the right balance.

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 Fights can only happen among equals. When you fight with someone, you make that person equal. But in reality there is no one at par with you. When you keep people either above or below you, then there is no fight. When people are above you, you respect them. When they are below you, you love them and feel comionate. Either submission or comion can take you out of a fight in no time. This is one way to look when you are tired of fighting. But when you are well rested, just fight and have fun.  Everyone who gets angry has some justification for their anger. They think that they are correct. Anger is good, but only to wake you up. After that, it needs to be given a direction of creativity, otherwise the same anger can burn you. It is good to have a stove at home, to have fire in the house, but the house should not be on fire. Become soft from inside. This is the skill. Getting rid of people and things is not the answer, but dealing with them with skill is the answer.  When you love something, it becomes alive. With love, the whole creation becomes personal. For children, everything is personal. Children make each toy come alive. Even a tree has a face, even the sun laughs, and even a stone attracts reverence when it becomes personal. In love, you raise even objects to life. If there is no love, even people become objects.  There are some who justify their actions all the time, and some who find fault with themselves all the time. Both will create a sort of imbalance. Take a middle path, where you can look into your actions to see how you can improve and at the same time, look forward. See what you want to do, move forward and drop the past. Don't go on doing a post-mortem of the past all the time.  You can come home happily and say with a smile, "Everything that I did today flopped!" You should have the guts to say "I am much more than events or circumstances. Everything comes and goes, but I continue in all situations."  If somebody is negative, or they are against you, you become angry at them. You think that they have freedom. I feel the other way around. I feel so much comion, for they have gotten caught up in the whirlpool of their own mind. They don’t know what they are doing and it is very evident from their action. You can only be comionate towards such people.  If you ask for Self knowledge, everything will come. Ask for unconditional love in life, everything will come. Ask for freedom, liberation, everything else will come. These are only one thing but in three flavors. You can choose according to your taste. If you are a man of intellect, you will choose knowledge. If you are a man of heart, you will choose love. If you are in between, you will want freedom. 109

Chapter:4 Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Introduction

Amma Means Mother in Many Languages Mata Amritanandamayi is known throughout the world as Amma, or Mother, for her selfless love and comion toward all beings. Her entire life has been dedicated to alleviating the pain of the poor, and those suffering physically and emotionally. Throughout her life, Amma has embraced and comforted more than 32 million people. Amma inspires, uplifts, and transforms through her physical embrace, her spiritual wisdom and through her global charities, known as Embracing the World.® When asked where she gets the energy to help so many people, she answers: "Where there is true love, anything is effortless." While Amma is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost spiritual leaders, Amma says that her religion is love. She has never asked anyone to change their religion but only to contemplate the essential principles of their own faith and to try to live accordingly.

About Mātā Amr ḥtānandamayī Devī 110

Mātā Amr ḥtānandamayī Devī (born as Sudhamani Idamannel on September 27, 1953), primarily known simply as Amma ["Mother"], is a Hindu spiritual leader and guru, who is revered as a saint by her followers. She is widely respected for her humanitarian activities. She has been referred to as "The Hugging Saint".

Biography Amritanandamayi is an Indian Swamini from Parayakadavu (now partially known as Amritapuri), Alappad Panchayat, Kollam District, Kerala in 1953 in the state of Kerala. Born to a family of fishermen, she was the third child of Sugunanandan and Damayanti. Her education ended at the age of nine, when she began to take care of her younger siblings and the family domestic work full-time. As part of her chores, Amritanandamayi gathered food scraps from neighbors for her family’s cows and goats, through which she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. She would bring these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was not wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amritanandamayi also began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. It was not permissible for a 14-year-old girl to touch others, especially men. But despite the reaction of her parents, Amritanandamayi continued. Regarding her embracing of others, Amritanandamayi commented, “I don’t see if it is a man or a woman. I don’t see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering.” Despite numerous attempts by her parents to arrange her marriage, Amritanandamayi rejected their efforts. In 1981, after various seekers had begun residing at her parents' property in Parayakadavu in the hopes of becoming Amritanandamayi's disciples, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, a worldwide foundation, was founded. Amritanandamayi serves as chairperson of the Math. Today the Mata Amritanandmayi Math is engaged in many spiritual and charitable activities. In 1987, at the request of devotees, Amritanandamayi began to conduct programs in countries throughout the world. She has done so annually ever since. Countries Amritanandamayi has held programs in include Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, Finland, , ,Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.

Darshan Darshan means “to see” in Sanskrit. In the Hindu ritual tradition, it refers to seeing the sacred. This typically corresponds to seeing the sacred in the image of a deity while at temple. It is believed that, in beholding the image of a deity, onlookers absorb through their eyes the powers of that deity. Darshan hence is believed to have the capacity to bring good fortune, well-being, and grace to those who participate in the act. of Amritanandamayi's following use the term specifically in reference to receiving a hug from Amritanandamayi. Amritanandamayi has been giving darshan in this manner since her late teenage years. As to how this began, Amritanandamayi says, "People used to come and tell [me] their troubles. They would cry and I would wipe their tears. When they fell weeping into my lap, I used to hug them. Then the next person too wanted it... And so the habit picked up." Amritanandamayi's organization, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, claims Amritanandamayi has embraced more than 32 million people throughout the world for over 30 years. When 111

asked, in 2002, to what extent she thought her embraces helped the ills of the world, Amritanandamayi replied, "I don’t say I can do it 100 percent. Attempting to change the world [completely] is like trying to straighten the curly tail of a dog. But society takes birth from people. So by affecting individuals, you can make changes in the society and, through it, in the world. You cannot change it, but you can make changes. The fight in individual minds is responsible for the wars. So if you can touch people, you can touch the world." Amritanandamayi's darshan is the centerpiece of her life, as she has received people nearly every day since the late 1970s. With the size of the crowds coming to seek Amritanandamayi's blessings increasing, there are times when she gives darshan continuously for more than 20 hours. In a conversation recorded in the 2004 book From Amma's Heart, Amritanandamayi says: "As long as these hands can move a little bit and reach out to those who come to her, and as long as there is a little strength and energy to place her hands on a crying person’s shoulder and caress and wipe their tears, Amma will continue giving darshan. To lovingly caress people, console and wipe their tears, until the end of this mortal frame is Amma's wish."

Demographics The demography of Doha is unusual in that the majority of residents are expatriates, with Qatari nationals forming a minority. The largest portion of expatriates in Qatar are from South Asian countries, mainly Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, with large amounts of expatriates also coming from the Levant Arab countries, North Africa, and East Asia. Doha is also home to expatriates from , the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, , South Africa, and Australia as well as many other countries from all over the world.In the past, expatriates in Qatar were not allowed to own land; however, now people who are not Qatari citizens can buy land in several areas of Doha, including the West Bay Lagoon, the Qatar Pearl and the new Lusail City. Ownership by foreigners in Qatar entitles them to a renewable residency permit, which allows them to live and work in Qatar.

Teachings In the book The Timeless Path, Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, one of Amritanandamayi's senior disciples, writes: "The [spiritual] path inculcated by Amma is the same as the one presented in the Vedas and recapitulated in subsequent traditional scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita." Amritanandamayi herself says, “Karma [action], jñana [knowledge] and bhakti [devotion] are all essential. If the two wings of a bird are devotion and action, knowledge is its tail. Only with the help of all three can the bird soar into the heights.” She accepts the various spiritual practices and prayers of all religions as but various systems for the single goal of purifying the mind. Along these lines, she stresses the importance of meditation, performing actions as karma yoga, selfless service, and cultivating divine qualities such comion, patience, forgiveness, self-control, etc. Amritanandamayi says that these practices refine the mind, making it fit for assimilating the ultimate truth: that one is not the limited body and mind but the eternal blissful consciousness that serves as the non-dual substratum of the universe. This understanding itself Amritanandamayi refers to as jivanmukti [liberation while alive]. Amritanandamayi says, "Jivanmukti is not something to be attained after death, nor is it to be experienced or bestowed upon you in another world. It is a state of perfect awareness and equanimity, which can be experienced here and now in this 112

world, while living in the body. Having come to experience the highest truth of oneness with the Self, such blessed souls do not have to be born again. They merge with the infinite."

Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique Integrated Amrita Meditation technique - simply called as IAM is developed by Mata amritanandamayi and is taught all over the world. Large number of people was benefited by the above technique. There are many versions of IAM – a) Corporate version(organizational version) b) children version c) Longer version. All the versions are taught free of cost all over the world. Corporate version is taught to people working in corporate,educational organizations&government offices. It is also taught to military and police forces in India. Corporate version is the smallest version and it can be practiced daily within a span of 20-25 minutes.Small children under the age of eight are taught with children version with easy mediation techniques to suit them. A huge pool of trainers is created and they teach the IAM all over the world based on request. Longer version is taught for people who practices mediation regularly and it takes more time to practice than corporate version.

Research on IAM IAM has basically two components: 1) stretching exercises with focused breathing to suit the individual 2) visualization. IAM releases the tension, improves concentration and finally leads to relaxation and expansive mind.It physically helps in good sleep, good digestion, no depression and reduces many other health risks due to stress(cortisol and adrenaline level increase). It is proved in the research that IAM reduces the stresses (decrease in the cortisol level) within one or two practices.Regular practices and attending refresher courses reduces the cortisol level and adrenaline values to the significant extent,statistically. It also proved in research that after practicing the IAM for three or four times, the response from the practicing group to various life issues found to be positive.

Amrita Yoga Amrita yoga is holistic yoga program based on all four paths (Bhakti, Jana, Karma & Raja yoga) of spirituality. AMRITA Yoga was developed under the guidance of mataji and based on her spiritual teachings. The speciality of AMRITA yoga is synchronization of sacred mantras with breathing. There are two structures in AMRITA yoga a) intensive programs and b)Two weeks programs. Intensive 4 day programs are currently offered under three categories namely Foundation, Level One and Level Two. Two week programs are Immersion programs which is an attempt to journey ancient science and art of yoga to meet the needs of the modern life.

Charity Amritanandamayi's world-wide charitable mission includes a program to house the homeless, 113

build orphanages, and provide relief-and-rehabilitation in the aftermath of disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, free medical care, pensions for widows and disabled people, aid environmental-protection groups, renovate and urbanize slums, build care facilities for the elderly, and offer free food and clothing for the poor.These projects are overseen by various organizations, including the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (India), the Mata Amritanandamayi Center (USA), Amritanandamayi-Europe, Amritanandamayi-Japan, Amritanandamayi-Kenya, Amritanandamayi-Australia, etc. All the organizations collectively are known as Embracing the World. When asked about how her charitable mission's development in 2004, Amritanandamayi said, "As for the activities, there was no planning. Everything happened spontaneously. One thing led to another on seeing the plight of the poor and the distressed. As Amma meets each and every person, she sees their problems face to face and tries to do something to alleviate their suffering. Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu is one of the important mantras of Sanatana Dharma, which means, 'May all the beings in all the worlds be happy and peaceful.' The spirit of this mantra was put into action." The majority of work is done by volunteers as a form of spiritual practice. "It is Amma's wish that all of her children should dedicate their lives to spreading love and peace throughout the world. Real love and devotion for God is to have comion for the poor and the suffering," Amritanandamayi says. "My children, feed those who are hungry, help the poor, console the sorrowful, comfort the suffering, be charitable to all.”

Bhajans Amritanandamayi is well known for her devotional singing. There are more than 200 recordings of her singing bhajans in more than 20 languages. She has also composed dozens of bhajans and set them to traditional ragas. Regarding devotional singing as a spiritual practice, Amritanandamayi says, "If the bhajan is sung with one-pointedness, it is beneficial for the singer, the listeners, and Nature as well. Later when the listeners reflect on the songs, they will try to live in accordance with the lessons enunciated therein." Amritanandamayi says that in today's world, it is often difficult for people to get one-pointed concentration in meditation, but this concentration can be attained much easier through devotional singing.

Books and publications Amritanandamayi's disciples have transcribed her conversations with devotees and spiritual seekers to create approximately a dozen books of her teachings known as "Awaken Children". The addresses she has delivered at various international forums have also been published in book form. Senior disciples including Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, Swami Turiyamritananda Puri, Swami Paramatmananda and Swamini Krishnamrita Prana have also written books about their experiences with Amritanandamayi and their understanding of Amritanandamayi's teachings. Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, the Vice-Chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, has written a biography about Amritanandamayi. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math also publishes Matruvani, a monthly spiritual magazine, as well as Immortal Bliss, a quarterly. Beginning in April 2011, a bi-weekly message from Amritanandamayi has appeared in the Lifestyle section of the Express Buzz Sunday supplement of the New Indian Express newspaper.

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Controversies There are many controversies about Amritanandamayi.

Fraudulence and suspicious deaths Sreeni Pattathanam, the Kerala-based head of the Indian Rationalist Association, wrote Matha Amritanandamayi: Sacred Stories and Realities, a controversial critique first published in 1985. The author claims that all the miracles of Amritanandamayi are bogus and that there have been many suspicious deaths in and around her ashram that need police investigation. The book contains references to court records, newspaper reports and quotations from literary figures, including statements from devotees, residents of the Math, relatives of Amritanandamayi and an interview with Amritanandamayi herself. The book was published again in 2002.On August 9, 2002, Deshabhimani, a Malayalam daily newspaper owned by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), published a similar , demanding investigation into the same deaths Pattathanam found suspicious. On September 24, 2002, Deshabhimani officially apologized for the report, publishing an article titled "Report that Suspicious Deaths at Amritanandamayi Math Are Growing Was Incorrect." The article stated: "We now state with conviction that there was nothing suspicious about deaths that happened in the Math. Some of the deaths mentioned in the article did not even take place at the Math." The article goes on to describe how relatives of the deceased had personally ed Deshabhimani in order to correct the misinformation conveyed in the article. In several cases, the deaths were of elderly people, and the editors explained how the relatives had ed Deshabhimani and explained how they were the bedsides of the people who supposedly had died suspiciously during the time of their ing. In 2004, the Kerala State Government sanctioned criminal prosecution of Patthathanam, the owner of the publishing company and the printer of the book on grounds that religious sentiments had been offended. The order followed directions from the Kerala High Court to the Home Department for considering an application by T.K. Ajan, a resident of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math. Political parties protested the move against Pattathanam.

Source of foreign aid In June 2007, Shantanu Guha Ray wrote on Tehelka weekly that Amritanandamayi Math had an annual turnover of INR 400 crores. In June 2007, novelist Paul Zacharia wrote on Tehelka that Amritanandamayi goes scotfree from scrutinies on money with foreign strings. In May 2008, the president of Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, U. Kalanathan urged the state government to conduct an enquiry into Amritanandamayi's assets. He said the sources of the her income and its utilisation should be investigated. In June 2008, writer Sukumar Azhikode demanded the state government to probe the source of foreign aid received by her organisation. He said Amritanandamayi was being used as an instrument by vested interests around her. He accused that her sources of income are suspicious.

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Attacks on Amritanandamayi 2005 :In August 2005, Amritanandamayi was attacked by a man named Pavithran. He was sitting with other followers praying and singing in front of Amritanandamayi. He then rushed to Amritanandamayi with a knife, but was overpowered by a group of disciples. Amritanandamayi's discipleAmritaswarupananda Puri said Pavithran was of "unstable mind." Amritanandamayi, who forgave Pavithran, said, "All those who are born will die one day. I am going ahead keeping this reality in mind. I will carry on. I will continue to give darshan to the devotees coming here to meet me." After the incident which took place at 6:45 pm, she continued to meet with followers until 5 am the next morning. 2012 :On 1 August 2012, a 25-year-old Bihari law student, Satnam Singh Mann, attempted to barge onto the podium of Amritanandamayi at her ashram in Kollam. According to police, he was screaming and reciting words in Arabic at the time. He attacked security guards and then was overpowered by devotees, who handed him over to the police. After appearance before a magistrate on August 2, Mann was kept in custody at a Kollam sub-jail, where he exhibited more violent behavior. The police transferred him to a district hospital in Kollam, and then, on August 3, he was transferred to the Mental Health Centre at Peroorkada. On August 4, he was found unconscious in his cell and was taken to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, where he was pronounced dead. Mann's death was considered "mysterious." Kerala BJP president, V. Muraleedharan, demanded a CBI probe, stating that Mann's death prevented him from being questioned regarding the motivation for his attacks and that his death may have been a cover-up for a religiously-motivated or terrorist attack. Sources from Mann's family stated that he was brought to the hospital from the jail in a severely tortured condition, with more than 30 injury marks on his body. Social activist Agnivesh observed that Mann should have been treated with comion by the ashram. He said there was not anything seriously objectionable in Mann's past and he had not insulted or abused anyone. He said the ashram must have said something to the police because of which they overdid things. Crime Branch Inspector General B. Sandhya was given the responsibility to probe the murder. She visited the Mata Amritanandamayi ashram and recorded statements from devotees. She also met Amirtanandamayi.The Crime Branch report, submitted in court, revealed that Mann was beaten by a warden, an attendant and four other patients for fighting with a cell mate at the mental hospital. The report says they Mann was struck with a thick cable wire and lock and his head was bashed against a wall. It says there were 77 bruise marks on his body, mainly on his head and neck. The warden and the attendant were arrested in connection with the murder. Doctors had confirmed serious injury marks on Mann's body before taking him into custody. However when addressing the press after Mann's death, Mann's relative Vimal Kishore said that when he had visited Mann in the Karunagappally jail he had seen no injuries on his cousin. Mann's father, Harendra Kumar Singh, announced to the press, "It looks like a clear case of murder in judicial custody." He also added that Mann never showed any mental problems in school. A well known commentator on politics and economics Mr.S.Gurumurthy raised few questions on convergent views of press media and pointed out that there may be some vested interest behind satnam's custodial death & to use the issue against Ashram and Mataji.. Justice Krishna Iyer also ed Mr.gurumurthy's view by pointing out that this incident has to be taken as a wake up call to the state government to avoid any further fouling of Hindu sentiments.He also pointed out that this 116

issue is not the problem for Mataji or her institution but for whole state.

Positions  Founder & Chairperson, Mata Amritanandamayi Math  Founder, Embracing the World  Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University  Founder, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS Hospital)  Parliament of the World's Religions, International Advisory Committee Member

Awards and honours  1993, 'President of the Hindu Faith' (Parliament of the World's Religions)  1993, Hindu Renaissance Award (Hinduism Today)  1998, Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award (Chicago)  2002, Karma Yogi of the Year (Yoga Journal)  2002, Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence (UN, Geneva)  2005, Mahavir Mahatma Award (London)  2005, Centenary Legendary Award of the International Rotarians (Cochin)  2006, James Parks Morton Interfaith Award (New York)  2006, The Philosopher Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize (Pune)  2007, Le Prix Cinéma Vérité (Cinéma Vérité, Paris)  2010, The State University of New York awarded Amma an honorary doctorate in humane letters on May 25, 2010 at its Buffalo campus.

Addresses at international forums  1993, 'May Your Hearts Blossom,' the Parliament of the World's Religions 100th Anniversary (Chicago)

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 1995, 'Unity Is Peace,' Interfaith Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations (New York)  2000, 'Living in Harmony,' Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious & Spiritual Leaders (UN, New York)  2002, 'Awakening of Universal Motherhood,' the Global Peace Initiative of Women, (UN, Geneva)  2004, 'May Peace & Happiness Prevail,' Parliament of World's Religions (Barcelona)  2006, 'Understanding & Collaboration Between Religions,' James Parks Morton Interfaith Awards (New York)  2007, 'Comion: The Only Way to Peace' (Cinéma Vérité Festival, Paris)  2008, 'The Infinite Potential of Women,' keynote address of the Global Peace Initiative of Women (Jaipur),  2009, 'Cultivating Strength & Vitality,' inauguration of Vivekananda International Foundation (New Delhi)

Documentaries  1999 River of Love: A Documentary Drama on the Life of Ammachi  2000 Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends – "Indian Gurus" (BBC-TV)  2005 Darshan: The Embrace – directed by Jan Kounen  2007 In God's Name – directed by Jules Clément Naudet and Thomas Gédéon Naudet

Video from international conferences  2002 The Gandhi-King Award 2002 United Nations : "The future of this planet depends on the women"  2004 Barcelona 2004 Parliament of World's Religion "May peace and happiness prevail"  2006 James Parks Morton Interfaith 2006 "Understanding and Collaboration Between Religions"

Amma’s Vision & Mission Seeing nothing as apart from my own Self, A single unity, and merging in the Divine Mother,

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I renounced all sense of enjoyment. Mother told me to ask the people To fulfill their human birth. Therefore, I proclaim to the whole world The sublime truth that She uttered, ‘Oh man, merge in your Self!’ Amma’s mystical poem Ananda Veethi describes Her transcendental experience of attaining union with the Divine (listen). “Seeing nothing as apart from my own Self “— this was Amma’s vision, that everything in creation was part of Her own Self. At that time the Divine Mother also imparted to Her a mission— to ask the people to fulfill their human birth through the message “Oh man, merge in your Self!” This message lies at the heart of all of Amma’s institutions and charitable activities. Amma’s children manage Her projects with the faith that they will be transformed through their service to the world, gradually transcending their personal likes and dislikes and becoming more comionate and selfless; more closely identified with the Universal Self, the Atman. Amma has never sought to convert anyone; Hers is not a sectarian mission. But Amma has always stressed that along with a new home, a pension, an operation or a meal, the beneficiaries of Her charitable projects receive a comionate smile and a kind word from those who serve them. In this way those who give, those who receive, and those who look on—all are transformed by the selfless love and sense of universal kinship, blossoming in an experience of essential unity amid apparent diversity—the oneness in the Self.

Amma has a Desire Everyone in the world should be able to sleep without fear, at least for one night. Everyone should be able to eat to his fill, at least for one day. There should be at least one day when hospitals see no one itted due to violence. By doing selfless service for at least one day, everyone should help the poor and needy. It is Amma’s prayer that at least this small dream be realised.

Darshan: Meeting Amma Amma’s darshan is, as far as we can tell, unique in the history of the world. Darshan means “to see” and traditionally, a Master is seen but not touched. And in India, women do not touch men in public. But Amma’s darshan emerged as a loving mother’s embrace, beginning when She was only a teenager and held and comforted the lonely and suffering in Her village, and extending up to the present day. Amma makes herself available to anyone wishing to receive her blessing. There is never any charge, and no one is turned away. Hour after hour, day after day, year after year — for over thirty years now, She has been embracing all who come to Her. Man or woman, sick or healthy, rich or poor, regardless of religious faith, caste, young or old: even the very elderly, even Her own parents, regard Her as their very own Mother. Amma now travels across India and to over a dozen countries throughout the world. Everywhere She goes, She gives darshan to all who come to Her. 119

Amma’s hugs and kisses should not be considered ordinary. When Amma embraces or kisses someone, it is a process of purification and inner healing. Amma is transmitting a part of Her pure, vital energy into Her children. It also allows them to experience true, unconditional Love. When Amma holds someone it can help to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within them, which will eventually take them to the ultimate goal of Self-realization. — Amma In India Amma has been known to individually embrace over 20,000 people in one day, sitting sometimes for over 22 hours. Over the past thirty five years, She has embraced over 26 million times!

Brief History She was Sudhamani

Amma was born in a poor fishing village in Kerala, Southern India, in 1953. Her father sold fish to make a living. Her mother relates that the child wasn’t born crying as babies usually are, but with a beaming smile on Her face. She was given the name Sudhamani (Ambrosial Jewel). Even as a small child, it was clear that She was unique. At six months She could walk and talk, and by the age of three She was constantly singing. By the age of five She was composing beautiful, extraordinarily profound hymns to Her beloved Krishna. Sudhamani charmed and delighted everyone around Her. But as She grew, Her divine moods, including frequent meditative states, singing, and ecstatic dancing beside the seashore, began to annoy Her family. At the early age of five Sudhamani was already subjected to severe scoldings. When Sudhamani was nine, Her mother became ill. Although Sudhamani was the brightest girl in Her class, She had to leave school and take care of Her entire family. It was a grueling task, with seven brothers and sisters to feed and clothe, and animals to tend. She virtually became the family servant, working from before dawn till midnight. Amma had no feelings of strangeness when She came into this world. Everything was so utterly familiar to Her, and when one knows everything about the world one can only smile. When one beholds the entire universe as a play of Consciousness, what else can one do but smile? —Amma 120

As part of Her work She had to collect food for the family cows. She would roam the local villages, gathering grass and visiting neighbourhood homes to ask for vegetable peels and leftover rice gruel for the cows. At times like these, She saw many things that troubled Her. She saw how some people were starving, while others had more than enough. She saw that many people were sick and suffering from intense pain, unable to afford a single painkiller. And She noticed that many of the elderly were neglected and treated harshly by their own families. Her empathy was such that the pain of others was unbearable to Her. Though just a child, She began to contemplate the question of suffering. She asked Herself, why do people suffer? What is the underlying cause of suffering? And so powerfully did She feel the presence of God within Her that She wanted to reach out and comfort and uplift those who were less fortunate than She.

In many ways, it was then that Amma’s mission began. She would share Her food with the starving, and She would bathe and clothe the elderly who had no one to look after them. She was punished when She gave away the family’s food and belongings to the poor, but Sudhamani would not stop Her acts of kindness. She took refuge in the solitude of the night, spending hours meditating and fervently praying to Lord Krishna. During the day She carried his photo in Her blouse pocket and constantly sang His names. During Her early teens, Sudhamani was sent to the houses of relatives where She labored for long hours, taking care of their households as well. Throughout all her duties She was incessantly singing and chanting Krishna’s name, and imagined that all the work she did was for him. Sweeping the yard, she imagined that he could arrive at any moment. As she prepared food she imagined that Krishna would appear as a guest at the table. In this way she never resented her duties, nor the abuse her family gave her, but only prayed to be given more of the Lord’s work.

Early Years Amma was born into a simple family of Kerala fisher-folk in 1953. Even as a small girl, she drew attention with the many hours she spent in deep meditation on the seashore. She also composed devotional songs and could often be seen singing to the divine with heartfelt emotion. Despite her tender age, her compositions revealed remarkable depth and wisdom. Amma’s parents could not understand her. Amma explains, “In India, women are expected to remain in the background. It is said that ‘Even the walls should not hear them.’ My family could not understand my way of reaching out to people; they had no idea of the spiritual principles.”

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Amma’s mother became ill when Amma was nine, and Amma was withdrawn from school in order to help with household tasks and the care of her seven siblings. As she gathered food scraps from neighbors for her family’s cows, she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. Amma brought these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was by no means wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amma also began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. Responding to her affectionate care, they began to call her Amma (Mother). In turn, she naturally referred to them as her children.

Ashrams Amritapuri Ashrama Please do not indiayogi.com for ashram bookings. You need to the ashram directly. We only provide information on the ashrams. As one enters Mata Amritanandamayi Devi's Amritapuri Ashram, one is treated to devotional songs and Amma's, as Mata is fondly called, spiritual discourses. In her steadfast social service of two decades, Amma has counselled and consoled millions of people from across the globe. She has wiped their tears, taking on herself the burden of their sorrows. With that personal touch, empathy, tenderness and deep concern, she bares each one's soul. Her spiritual appeal, guilelessness and charisma - which all come to her so naturally - work as an elixir for the unhappy and the content alike. No wonder an increasing number of devotees visit the ashram headquarters in Kollam District, Kerala, and its many branches and service centres all over India. Of late, Amritapuri has become an international pilgrim centre. With foreigners, who come to Amma's ashram seeking peace of mind, sit the poor for their meals. Also, every year hundreds of deserving students enroll at various educational institutions of the ashram with scholarships. However, the main attraction of the ashram is Amma's simple yet lively talks replete with vivid illustrations of her own incomparable life.

The ashram The once tiny ashram has now evolved into a sanctum sanctorum where thousands of devotees pour in each day for Amma's darshan, with many others seeking permanent refuge to engage in sadhana and selfless service under Amma's direct guidance. Amma, who travels to more than 20 countries every year, has more than succeeded in spreading the message of 122

love and spirituality. She has led thousands of spiritual yajnas since 1987. And in 1993, at the Parliament of World's Religions held in Chicago, she was elected as one of the presidents of the assembly of global religions. The same year, Hinduism Today, an international journal on Indian culture, conferred the 'Hindu Renaissance Award' on her.Two years later, in 1995, Amma was invited to speak at the Interfaith Celebrations in New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. And she was again one of the attendees and speakers at this year's meet of global religions in Chicago.

Amma's darshan Over the years, Amma's darshan has become more an more unique. As the embodiment of Supreme Motherhood, she welcomes every person who comes to her. She lends a patient ear to their problems, advises, guides and comforts those who are grief-stricken. Amma's darshan normally begins at 10.00 am on Sundays and Thursdays, and at noon on other weekdays, barring Mondays and Tuesdays. For, Monday is Amma's day to attend to the istrative affairs of the ashram and its institutions, and also to spiritually guide the residents. Every Tuesday, Amma spends her time meditating with the ashram residents to keep ablaze their spirit and intent. On Sundays and Thursdays, however, Amma sits for satsangs and leads bhajans at 5.00 in the evening, after which she receives the devotees in Devi Bhava Darshan. About the Bhava Darshan and its importance, Amma says: "All the deities of the Hindu pantheon representing the several aspects of the Supreme Being exist within us. One who is established in the world - Krishna Bhava - is the manifestation of the Eternal Feminine, the Creator, the active principle of the Impersonal Absolute. However, one shouldn't forget that all names and forms are mere mental projections. So why decorate an elephant? And why should a lawyer wear a black coat or a police officer a uniform and a cap? All these are merely external aids meant to create an impression. Similarly, Amma dons the garb of Krishna and Devi to strengthen the devotional attitude of her devotees coming for darshan. During Bhava Darshan, Amma will remove two or three layers (veils, so to say) for her devotees to catch a glimpse of theSupreme. Amma's intention is to help people reach the Truth. "The atman or the Self in Me is also in you. If you can realise the 'Indivisible Principle' shining in you, you will become 'That'," she says.

Amma's tour schedule Apart from these weekday darshans, Amma also visits various places in India frequently and travels abroad from mid-May to August, and from November to mid-December. Her tour schedule is regularly published in Matruvani, the Ashram's spiritual monthly. The planner is available at all the centres.

Daily events at the Ashram And whether Amma is travelling or not, each day at the ashram begins at 5.00 a.m. with Vedic chants, the chanting of Amma's Ashtotataram (108 names of Amma), followed by Lalita Sahasranamam (the 1000 names of the Divine Mother). The Sahasranamam is chanted throughout the day, and the devotees are welcome to participate. The Ganapathi Homa is also 123

performed every morning. Devotees are free to participate in other pujas and homas (fire rituals) to ward off their sufferings. Also part of the daily schedule is meditation in the mornings (8.00 am to 9:30 am) and evenings (5.00 pm to 6.30 pm). Spiritual discourses and scriptural classes by monastic are also held regularly. At 6.30 pm, the ashram community gathers for an hour and a half of devotional singing, which is often led by Amma. On Thursdays and Sundays (Devi Bhava Darshan days) bhajan begins at 5.00 pm and goes on till wee hours of next morning.

Rules to stay in the Ashram Such daily hectic activity at the ashram requires proper maintenance of the premises. For the purpose, the residents and visiting devotees cook and clean the place and also take care of the publishing work. Those staying at the ashram are encouraged to put in at least two hours of seva everyday.

Accomodation in the Ashram Modest accommodation in the form of rooms and dormitories is provided at the ashram for visitors. Those who come in large groups are requested to inform the ashram authorities in advance about their visit. At Amritapuri, simple vegetarian meals are served three times a day, with the canteen opening on Sundays and Thursdays. There is also a café and a separate canteen for foreigners. A bookstall displaying various ashram publications, an Ayurvedic products counter, a general store and a cloakroom serve the visiting devotees.

Amenities in the Ashram A charitable hospital, a public telephone booth, an extension counter of Dhanalakshmi Bank and the Amritapuri Post Office can also be found on the ashram premises. Visiting devotees and guests are requested to observe the traditional rules of ashram life - celibacy, modest dress code and soft speech. No drugs, alcoholic drinks, smoking or non-vegetarian food is allowed in the ashram premises. Video and audio recording is also strictly prohibited

Getting to the Ashram The closest major cities with airports are Kochi (120 km north of Amritapuri) and Thiruvananthapuram (120 km south). If you are coming from the north by bus or a train, get off at Kayamkulam (12 km north of the ashram), or Oachira (7 km north) and proceed to Vallickavu by a local bus. From Vallickavu, a 10-minute walk brings you to the boat jetty 124

where a ferry service is available to take you across the backwaters to Amritapuri. The ashram runs a free ferry service for the devotees. Visitors coming from the south can get down at Karunagapally (10-km south) and take a bus to Vallickavu or Parayakadavu, the coastal village behind the ashram. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available from Kayamkulam. Oachira and KarunagapallyParayakadavu route, directly connects to the ashram. As all trains do not halt at Kayamkulam, one can also disembark at Kollam junction (36-km south) and take a bus to Karunagapally from there.

The History of Amritapuri In the beginning the ashram was simply Amma’s family’s house. The handful of brahmacharis slept on the sand under the stars. Amma had a small hut built next to the parents’ house, which doubled as a kitchen, in which she slept with the earliest female disciples. Darshan took place in the family cows’ cowshed that Amma’s father had allowed to be converted into a small temple. This first temple still exists today; it is known as the Kalari or the Krishna temple and is now used for the conducting pujas.

Amma's house, Vedanta Vidyalaya, Kalari and the house Amma was born. Pic taken before the Kali temple was built Gradually, huts were added near the parents’ house for the brahmacharis and a proper, yet humble, room was constructed for Amma. This simple room is still where Amma stays today. As the number of devotees coming for Amma’s darshan grew bigger and bigger, it became necessary to construct a large darshan hall. It was then that the beautiful Kali Temple was erected. It was the first big cement structure to be built and took five years to finish – from 1988 to 1992 – as the financial means of the ashram were still very modest at the time. The Kali idol in the temple, was crafted in Calcutta as per Amma’s instructions. Mother Kali is the destroyer of the ego. From 2000 onwards, even that temple became too small for the nights with large crowds, and an enormous hall was erected behind the temple. It is today the largest such hall in Southern India, with 30,000 sq. feet and no pillars to block the view. This is where Amma sings bhajans every night and holds darshan regularly now. Indeed, except for the early Kalari which remains intact, the Amritapuri of today bears little physical resemblance to the one of the early days… 125

Today, Amritapuri is a city with towering buildings of flats for householders and visitors, hostels for students who study at the ashram college across the river, big dinning halls, many offices and departments, a hospital…. But no matter its size, it is still very much all filled with Amma presence, who’s hand is in each decision. It is still very particular to see that it is run according to the ancient traditions of the holy land of India. All the ashram work is attended to by the residents and visitors themselves. And Amritapuri is looked upon by Amma’s many devotees as their spiritual home and as a fertile field where noble spiritual qualities can be abundantly cultivated, and the fruit of God-realization reaped.

Amritapuri, The Birthplace Of Amma

Built up on the very property where Amma was born, Amritapuri is now the headquarters of Amma’s worldwide mission and the spiritual home for Amma’s monastic disciples and hundreds of householder devotees. All the residents have dedicated their lives for realising God and serving the world. Everyday, Amma’s children from across India and abroad flock here to have Amma’s darshan. She sees each and every one, listens to their worries, consoles, encourages, provides new direction to their lives. Amritapuri is the living example of the ancient Indian ideal “the whole world is one family” (vasudhaiva kutumbakam). Here you will find people from all parts of the world — speaking different languages and having different customs and religions — all living under one roof. In their quest for the meaning of life, each has forgotten their differences and become a child of Amma. Children, this ashram exists for the world; it belongs to you, to all the people who come here.” –Amma When people come to Amritapuri Ashram for the first time, they are almost always surprised —a remote fishing village on a small island cradled between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea has become the centre of a silent spiritual revolution..

Life at Amritapuri 126

Nowhere on earth is life lived as fully as it is in Amritapuri. Every nook and corner of the ashram sparkles with dynamism. From the stillness of the morning hours when the ashram is rapt in meditation to the vibrancy of the night when the air is filled with Amma’s ecstatic bhajans, Amritapuri is always wonderfully abuzz. In the glow of yagna fires where the pujaris perform Vedic rituals, in the silence of the library where young monks study Bharat’s sacred scriptures, in the sweat falling from the backs of those maintaining the ashram through seva and karma yoga, and of course in the lap of Amma, who is forever sharing Her boundless love in the darshan hall—Amritapuri is truly, as its name indicates, the City (Puri) of Immortal Nectar (Amrita). The inspiration for the activity is and always has been Amma. Thousands come to the ashram everyday for Her darshan. Some are seeking spiritual guidance, others want to unburden their sorrows, and many want to simply spend a few moments in Her arms. Amma sees each and every person, no matter how long it takes, giving each person exactly what they need. In many ways, the ashram is a university where people of all walks of life have come to study the science of life. When Amma is not giving darshan, She is leading the ashramites in meditation, instructing them in their spiritual practices and edifying them with Her immortal wisdom. There are classes in yoga, Sanskrit, Vedanta and meditation. At Amritapuri, the ashramites and the devotees form a big family under Amma, and together they celebrate many religious festivals — Krishna’s Birthday, Onam, Christmas, Vishu, Guru Purnima, Shivaratri, Navaratri, Divali — but in truth each day at Amritapuri is a festival. This is reflected in all who come here — the sense of peace, joy and fullness that radiates from their faces.

Preachings Spiritual Teachings of Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Amma’s teachings began with her birth itself. She entered this world in silence, a divine gesture worthy of our contemplation. This has always been Amma’s way. Throughout, Amma’s life has been her teaching. If we watch Amma, we will see the embodiment of all the divine qualities she is constantly encouraging us to cultivate. If you want to understand devotion, watch the tears as they roll down her cheeks during bhajans. If you want to learn about serving the world selflessly, sit by her side one evening as she embraces 12,000 people. If you have questions about sadhana, envision her years on the seashore when she sat motionless, completely estranged from the world. And whatever Amma does, it is meditation, whether sitting in silence, speaking to thousands or sweeping the ashram courtyard. Amma teaches renunciation, but only in the midst of a lifetime of refusing to consider her own comfort. Amma teaches Advaita, but not without her every breath bearing testament to her inability to see any man, woman or child as different from her own Self.

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Indeed, actions speak louder than words. Yet the Truth as heard from Amma’s lips has deafening impact. Whether delivered to crowds of thousands or in the intimate setting of the ashram, Amma’s satsang is always unforgettable. Amma is eternally established in Truth, which is beyond words, beyond thoughts. Perhaps this is what she was trying to impart to us through her birth. Yet when she wants to convey that silence, it assumes the form of a thought. A collection of these thoughts is presented here, so that one day we too may realize that silence. Indeed, actions speak louder than words. Yet the Truth as heard from Amma’s lips has deafening impact. Whether delivered to crowds of thousands or in the intimate setting of the ashram, Amma’s satsang is always unforgettable. Amma is eternally established in Truth, which is beyond words, beyond thoughts. Perhaps this is what she was trying to impart to us through her birth. Yet when she wants to convey that silence, it assumes the form of a thought. A collection of these thoughts is presented here, so that one day we too may realize that silence.

Spiritual Teachings New Year Celebration at Amritapuri 1 Jan 2013, Amritapuri The New Year’s Eve programs in Amritapuri began cultural performances . The first was a traditional Indian dance, followed by a woman singing a French interpretation of Amma’s Tamil bhajan ‘Anbumiku chinthaikalal maalai thoduthen’ accompanied by a guitarist. There was another traditional Indian dance after which came a breathtaking fire dance. Children of Ayudh International closed the performances with a wonderfully choreographed dance. Children of all ages danced gracefully across the stage to the tune ‘We are the World.’ A number of colorful balloons were released in the hall. Shrieks of joy could be heard as children of all ages tossed the balloons into the air. Amma lead everyone in chanting Lokah Samastha Sukinau Bhavantu, imagining flowers of peace showering down on children playing everywhere. Firecrackers could be heard in the distance as villagers rang in the New Year.

After chanting, Amma gave her New Year message and it was translated into English. “Every experience is like a guru; it is said that life is like a maha-guru. First, life gives us many tests. We learn many lessons from these tests. We can draw inspiration from last year’s experiences. We can learn from our mistakes, correct them and move forward.” “Today, the only reason children study is so that they can get a good job. They have no real desire to learn and grow as human beings. Children are repeatedly told study, study, study. Along with this, they also need to be instilled with values. If values are not instilled at a young age, this world will become populated exclusively by asuras; there will be neither human beings nor devas. Children today lack the role models that the previous generation had.”

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“The birth of the New Year is an occasion for us to reflect upon the age of time. It is at this moment that we become aware of the value of time. The truth is: Death has been incessantly following us since our birth. Before Death conquers us, there are some important things we need to complete. What is the reason for this journey of life? What is our goal? Are we moving along on the right path? Or have we lost our path? It is time for us to reflect and take some firm decisions.” “The greatest journey begins with the smallest step. Let each one of us welcome the New Year by making small changes in our life. If we are all able to do that, then will be able to usher in a new age of love, comion and selflessness. Let us surrender our prayers to the Paramatman, and as one mind, move together towards the same goal” Amma reminded all. Following Amma’s Message, Amma had everyone play patty-cake to ‘Bandalo Bandalo’. Dao Dao Dao came next . Surrounded by children still clutching balloons, Amma then sang one of traditional Kerala tunes. The air was filled with ecstatic joy and bliss. But in addition to Amma clapping her hands and waiving them in the air, Amma held the microphone close to her mouth, and, cupping her hands, started to beat box. The minutes stretched into eternity as everyone was dancing and clapping along. Thousands of arms raised up in the air as Amma then shouted out ‘Mata Rani Ki…..Jai’ over and over again to end the evening’s celebrations. After Amma left the hall, Prasad was ed out. What a wonderful way to start the New Year! May each of our coming days be filled with such bliss and joy!

Transform this world into heaven Amma arrived at the stage at Amrita University Campus, flanked by gracefully dancing students from Amrita University dressed in traditional Mohiniyattam finery, to the accompaniment of Panchavadyam. The Sri Guru Pada Puja ceremony was conducted by Amma’s senior disciples and led by Swami Amritaswarupananda Addressing the huge gathering Amma said “Amma doesn’t see this as a day of celebration. This should be a day when the gaps between human hearts close a little. This should be a day when one person is able to remove the sorrows of another, a day when the hands of one person stretch out to help another. We shouldn’t reserve this attitude just for today; it should extend and come to pervade our entire life. Amma’s happiness is in seeing my children’s lives becoming the carriers of this message.” “We live in an age wherein despite immense scientific and technological advancements, we are witnessing the disintegration of many other important aspects of our lives. Therefore our focus today should neither be on dependence nor non-dependence, but on interdependence. This is because humans, animals, plants, the earth, the sky, the atmosphere, the sun, the moon and all the planets are all interdependent.” “Man is a part of nature. We have come from nature. The human body is comprised of the five natural elements. Forever forbearing and forgiving us, the earth remains as our constant . The sun gives us light. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is poisonous to us, and release oxygen. Rivers and lakes give us fresh water to quench our thirst. Air provides us with our life-breath. In spite of all this, man, who has evolved from the five elements, fails to acknowledge their importance.

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“Just having a respectful approach to everything can bring about a huge transformation in our society and in the world. To rise triumphantly in life, we should begin from the bottom. To build a tall tower that stretches to the sky, we should start by building a solid foundation down in the earth. It is humility that makes us rise high. It is respect that gives one real power. “We should live our life in a manner that is helpful to both ourselves as well as to others. God has given lightening just a few moments of existence. So too a rainbow. Some flowers blossom just for a single day. The full moon lasts only till sunrise. A butterfly lives for only a few days. However during their short existence, they give so much beauty and happiness to the world. Amma prays that we learn from their example and try to use our lives to make this world an even more beautiful place. Let us color our lips with words of truth. Let us trace our eyes with the anjana (‘kajal’ or traditional eyeliner) of comion. Let us adorn our hands with the henna of good deeds. Let us bless our minds with the sweetness of humility. Let us fill our hearts with the light of love for God and all of God’s creation. Like this, may we transform this world into heaven” Amma concluded. Afterwards a series of charitable programs were launched by different dignitaries.

To win the competition of Life remain within the boundaries of Dharma As always the Onam festivities began early in the morning in Amritapuri. The Pookkalam, Nirapara, Nila Vilakku, as well as hanging cluster bunches of bananas decorated the verandah in front of Amma’s room. At 9:30 am Amma was led into the large hall by Panchavadyam musicians from her orphanage in Paripally. Amma gave her Onam message to the packed hall of devotees who had come from all over India and the world to celebrate the occasion. In her Onam message Amma said “Just as sweetness cannot be separated from honey, just as the beauty cannot be separated from the rainbow, Onam cannot be separated from a Malayali’s heart. What is the message of Onam? This is an occasion to think about that as well. Are we getting closer to the values and principles for which Onam stands? Or is it that, with every Onam, we are drifting further and further away from them? Each one of us should introspect and ask ourselves these questions. Onam is not merely nostalgia for a prosperous era. Onam’s message is that of ‘Nara’ rising to become ‘Narayana’—of human beings ri to become one with God. Onam is a declaration of the truth that one who surrenders everything attains everything. In Onam, we find the message of sacrifice. We find the message of rising from selfishness to selflessness. We find the message of rising from ego to humility. Onam is a call to bring back the times when truth, dharma, love, equality, charity and comion prevailed. During Onam there are many pookkalam competitions. Each team will make a decoration using flowers of different colors. Each color represents a different goal in life—gaining wealth, enjoying pleasure, etc. But in order for the design to be beautiful and win the competition, the flowers must be kept within the boundaries of the circle. The boundary 130

represents dharma. In order to win the competition of life, all of our goals and pleasures need to remain within the boundarites of dharma. Then life will be beautiful and full of happiness” Amma reminded everyone. Then Amma led everyone in the hall to a very lively rendition of Bara Gopala Bala. After that, Amma stood up from her peetham and asked everyone else to stand as well and forget themselves in the moment. Then Amma led everyone in singing and dancing to ‘Radhe Govinda Gopi Gopala’. Amma gave darshan while pot after pot of rice, sambar, avil curry, papadam, and payasam was positioned near the stage. Once all was in place, Amma began to distribute the traditional Ona-Sadhya to one and all. Amma personally served each and every one of the many thousands of people who had … even the biggest ashram resident at the end; once Amma had served all the visitors and residents she came down from the stage and playfully served Lakshmi the ashram elephant her share of Ona-Sadhya. After the evening bhajans, all gathered again in the hall to enjoy various cultural performances that had been prepared for the occasion. Amma and all the devotees took in the variety of dances, dramas and musical performances, performed by the university students and ashram residents alike. Adding flavour to the celebration, there was a tug-of-war – first between Lakshmi and the ashram residents, then between the boys and girls. Even though the game tug-of-war is a traditional part of the Onam festivities, it was the first time that this was introduced at the ashram. Just after midnight, once the performances and games had come to an end, Amma sang a joyous rendition of ‘Bandhalo’. As a final touch, Amma surprised everyone by distributing ice cream to everyone in the hall. It was a fitting end to the occasion—symbolic of the sweetness pervading the entire day and the Onam festival as a whole, and a reminder that it is the universal values we all share that lend sweetness and beauty to life.

Love, light, comion, fragrance and beauty fill your heart The dawn of 2011 was celebrated in grandeur with Amma here at Amritapuri. In addition to Indian devotees, more than 1500 visitors from abroad had flown in to be with Amma for the new year. The evening hall was packed and every corner had people from various regions and languages. One family had even driven all the way across Europe and middle-east to reach Amritapuri by road. Immediately after evening bhajans, the hall was rearranged with Amma’s seat in the center. At 10, cultural programs commenced the celebrations. It was raining heavily outside.

Ganesha Vandana, a Bharat Natyam dance was the first of the performances. Student groups of Amrita University presented a skit on “Amala Bharatam”- Amma’s recent India clean-up initiative. A rap song, themed “Lokah Samasthah Sukino Bhavantu” was performed by Ayudh UK. The next dance was by Gauri, a tiny tot who enthralled the audience with her exquisite Bharata Natyam dance. After the performance, Amma took her on her lap and asked a few questions; the shy Gauri flashed a smile that lighted up everyone watching the scene. The last 131

two performances included a symphony of English songs followed by a dance themed on Hanuman Chalisa. It was 11:52pm and Amma started her satsang, “Rather than giving a message, Amma would like to pray for World peace and happiness”. Amma wished her children to always remain happy. “May love, light, comion, fragrance and beauty fill your heart in this new year”, Amma concluded. She sang the bhajan “Kushiyon ki bahar”, a song that talks of continued happiness in life, ending with the phrase “Om Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu – May all beings be happy”. As Amma chanted “Lokah Samastha”, the whole hall repeated it. As the chants continued, tears swelled in Amma’s eyes. Amma then asked all her children to forget everything and sing with joy and with a mood of celebration. As it finished, she raised her hands and hailed “Mata Rani ki” and whole hall resounded with a loud “Jai”. Amma’s raised hands were met with everyone raising theirs and the wave of open palms prayed for world peace and happiness.

Know yourself is the message of spirituality “Whenever celebrations and holy days take place, Amma gives a message. However, in reality, these messages are not different; they are all one. Their essence is one. Although religions are many, spirituality has only one message. It is just that this message is presented in different ways. “If you want to put it in phrase, this message is “Know yourself.” This is the supreme message. This message is not only relevant on the spiritual path. Regardless of our chosen field of action, if we want to attain results, we should first know our own sakti—our own power. We should know both our strengths and our weaknesses. This is one level of “knowing one’s self.” However to understand one’s self merely at the level of the mind is not the peak of self knowledge. For this, we need to go deeper. Because in knowing ourselves at the level of the mind, we neither come to perceive all of our strengths and weaknesses, nor are we able to completely transcend them. On the other hand, the message given to us by the scriptures is: “You are neither weak nor incapable. You are the source of unlimited power.” This is the supreme reality. Understanding this truth is the goal of life. This is the one message that the rishis and gurus have been giving to humankind in various ways according to the time in which they lived.

MAM Ready To Start Cleaning Efforts Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) announced that, as part of its environmental cleaning efforts, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM) is ready to start work immediately on constructing toilets and installing trash cans in government schools and along roads. Government schools that lack sufficient toilet facilities can apply to the MAM right away. However, along with the application, there should be official documentation from the government indicating that it has no objection. In order to build urinals along roads, there needs to be official government sanction. The MAM is also considering steps that need to be taken in order to immediately install trash cans every two kilometres along roads. The MAM will also lead the efforts to mount 132

awareness campaigns on keeping our highways and other roads clean and litter-free. Devotees, other individuals or organizations who are keen to participate in the cleaning efforts should the MAM, and a representative from the MAM will get in touch with them. Amma also said that expert committees will be formed to study how best we can clean the highways from Trivandrum to Kasargode, and keep public places clean. “Our lack of cleanliness should never again become a cause for international embarrassment. We should consider the task of keeping our homes, environment and public places clean a sacred duty. Just as we eat and sleep, keeping our environment clean should become part of our daily lives. If we do not bathe every day, perspiration and dirt will make the body malodorous. Just as we bathe daily in order to keep our bodies clean, and just as we use perfumes, we should ensure that we maintain the cleanliness of our roads and public places, which are parts of our country’s body. All of us should take a vow to do this. If the people, government and other organizations work together, our sacred endeavour will certainly bear fruit,” said Amma. Amma also said that similar efforts will be launched in Tamil Nadu before long.

Globalization fails to connect our hearts and minds Delivering her 57th Birthday Address, Amma spoke about how despite the connectivity created via globalization, the world is still suffering. “Where have we gone wrong?” Amma asked those assembled. “By connecting the external aspects, the entire world is being reduced to a small village. However we’ve failed to pay enough attention to uniting the inner aspects, to connecting all of our hearts and minds.” Amma also spoke on the importance of cultivating respect for Mother Nature, the perils of alcohol and drug abuse, the need for abidance in dharma, the role of meditation and many other topics. At the conclusion of her address, Amma spoke about India’s problem with pollution and litter. She said, “India is an atomic power. India is scientifically and economically advancing. Many reports say India is poised to be the third largest power in the world by 2025. But in of cleanliness, we still are in diapers.” Amma then announced that MAM is ready to take responsibility for construction of toilets in government schools and public areas. Amma said that with the of the state governments , MAM would start this project in Kerala and then move on to other states throughout the country. Amma said she wanted devotees to form committees to take responsibility for cleaning their locality, approximately one committee for every two kilometres. “A chain of such committees could really bring about a massive transformation,” she said. “These committees should ensure their localities have trashcans in various places as well as signs telling people not to throw trash on the roadside or to spit. The waste should be collected regularly and properly disposed of.” Amma also said she would like to provide one million reusable handkerchiefs to school children, requesting them to use these for spitting. She said that in this way many diseases could be prevented from spreading.” All with thunderous applause welcomed Amma’s speech.

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Make your heart a Vrindavan Sri Krishna Jayanti is the day when the consciousness that pervades the universe incarnated as Lord Krishna, the embodiment of beauty that had the power to attract all beings in creation. Perhaps Sri Krishna’s personality is the greatest that humankind has ever seen. His life and teachings were significant back then, are significant now and will remain so forever. Regardless of time or place, Sri Krishna’s life and teachings will always set an example for everyone, regardless of who they are or their culture. Even after a thousand years, nothing can take away from the glory and importance of Sri Krishna. In every sense of the word, Sri Krishna is a vishva-vidyalayam—an international university, as it were… a universal abode of knowledge. Sri Krishna shows us the way to completely accept the world, our allotted role in life and the various situations that arise. That is the reason why everyone takes so much inspiration from his life. Moksha—eternal liberation from sorrow—is not something attained after death in some other world. It is something to be understood and experienced while living here in this world. Sri Krishna taught this principle through the example of his life. Discontentment is the real poverty; contentment the real prosperity. This is one of the important teachings Lord Krishna taught to humankind. From the moment of his birth, till the time he ascended to heaven, his life saw one trial after another. However this had no effect on his happiness or contentment in anyway. The ever-smiling face of Sri Krishna was the indicator of his inner experience of perfect contentment. An ordinary actor confines his performance to a small stage. But for Sri Krishna, the entire world was a stage. The various characters he played, with their various costumes, kept changing, but Sri Krishna excelled nonetheless, abiding firm in the awareness that “None of these roles are my true nature. I am the supreme consciousness.” In this way, he made his own life, as well as the lives of those around him, a celebration.

God is always awake within us “God is always awake within us, but we are sound asleep,” Amma said. “As a result, we are unable to experience his presence.” It was almost 2:00 in the morning—half way through the traditional night-long vigil and fast of Sivaratri. Amma then told everyone assembled that holidays like Sivaratri are opportunities to try to emerge from this state through a night of austerity. Amma then went on to explain that ‘remaining awake’ in fact did not only mean keeping the eyes open. “It means to maintain awareness of our actions, words and thoughts,” she said. “When this awareness dawns, ignorance disappears. Darkness is not something we can remove, but when we bring in light, it automatically disappears. In the same way, when awareness dawns, the darkness of ignorance fades away.” Amma also sang a number of Shiva bhajans to help enliven and inspire her children— including “Manobudhyahamkara chithani naham,” “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Bolo Nath Hare.”

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“Food and sleep are very important,” Amma said. “No one will sacrifice them just like that. Only when our love for God transcends our love for food and sleep will we stop consider fasting and maintaining vigil as suffering. … When love for God awakens in our heart, we find all worldly thoughts fading away. Festivals like Sivaratri are opportunities to awaken this love within us.” Amma ended her talk by saying, “It is Amma’s prayer that her children have the attitude of sacrifice and surrender not only on Sivaratri but throughout their lives. May your thoughts, words and actions arise from love.”

Love is the Centre-Point of Life: Amma Amma began her 55th Birthday Address by saying that the point of religious and cultural festivals was to help human beings gain peace of mind. Amma lamented that in general this wasn’t happening. The culprit Amma said was man’s obsessive focus on money. “While meditating on money and luxuries, we forget to live,” Amma said. “We forget the very love that lends life to life.” Amma went on to say that life is an opportunity provided by God for humans to grow and expand. “That which brings order, purity and meaning to life is man’s thoughts and actions,” Amma said. “Unfortunately, the only meaning we attribute to life today is as an opportunity to make money. In order to achieve this end, the human intellect is ready to accept any means. No wonder values are deteriorating!” Amma then explained how spirituality is not opposed to earning money or fulfilling desires, but that one should always maintain a balanced outlook. “Wealth and the ‘human-ness’ are two sides of a scale. We need to make sure that they remain balanced,” Amma said. “That is the reason why our saints and seers stressed that the pursuit of artha and kama—money and pleasure—should never come at the expense of dharma.” Speaking about deterioration of values in society, Amma said that a change was very much needed. However she said that the needed change was primarily internal—changing our negativities into positive qualities. “If we are not ready to change, Nature, or God, will take up the task,” Amma said. “God will never allow wickedness to overgrow and suffocate virtue. The need of the hour is to cultivate a society of good-hearted individuals.” With regards to education, Amma said that we need to take up efforts to instil values in our children at a young age. “In the name of competition, children should not develop feelings of hatred and revenge,” Amma said. “We need to teach them to love one another. We should fill the syllabuses of our colleges and schools with lessons about love and comion. This will help put an end to the exploitation of the sorrows and miseries of the downtrodden. War and violent clashes will lessen and we will be able to realize the dream of world peace—at least to some extent. When mutual love grows, Nature also will become peaceful.” Amma said that true happiness can only come through understanding our own mind. “As long as we are determined to remain in the prisons created by our own mental weaknesses, 135

nothing can save us,” Amma said. “If we don’t have the permission and blessing of our own mind, regardless of what we possess we won’t be happy.” Amma explained that attaining happiness was, in truth, not such a difficult task. All it takes, she said, is love. “Love is the bindu—the centre-point of life,” Amma said. “We should perform all our actions, remaining focused in this centre-point. Only then will we be able to both experience love for ourselves and share it with others. Today we’ve managed to transform life into something about everything but love. It is for this reason that human beings everywhere are disappearing and in their place human-machines are taking birth. Somehow we’ve managed to turn love—the one thing that is in fact the closest to us—into the most distant.” Amma ended her satsang by sharing the heart-touching story of a family who’d recently come for her darshan. The husband had been rendered crippled by a stroke. The wife was trying to everyone by working as a house maid. They were hopelessly in debt. “Children, , this is just one example,” Amma said. “There are millions of people suffering like this in the world. On one hand, so many people in this world live ostentatious lives, drinking, partying and throwing away their wealth. Many perform cruel actions and think only of themselves. At the same time, there are so many who can’t obtain even a single meal a day. While we scurry around trying to fulfil all our desires and experience peace and happiness, do we think about these unfortunate people for even a moment? My children, you should think about them. You should be ready to do something for them.”

Start working to realise your dreams “We are entering the New Year with hearts filled with hope,” Amma said one hour into 2007. “Let us sincerely pray that this year—unlike in the past—we don’t have to witness any more wars, innocent people being killed due to terrorism or natural disasters. Collective prayers can make some difference.” People from all around the world were visiting Amritapuri Ashram for the holidays, and as such Amma’s darshan had gone from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes before the New Year. After Amma embraced the last person at 11:30, she began watching cultural performances put on by devotees and ashram residents. At midnight itself, Amma led everyone in the chanting of Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu . In her talk, Amma reflected on how, on the eve of a New Year, it is everyone’s habit to pray to God to fulfill their dreams. “It is good to cherish some dreams in regards to the future,” Amma told her children. “But we also need put in our own efforts in order to fulfill those dreams.” Amma also spoke about how the New Year is a good time to take stock of our life and see if we are making progress or if we have strayed from our goal. Amma said. In fact, sometimes we have no clue as to where we are headed in life. “The worst poverty one can face in this world is a poverty of love,” Amma said. “In a society where selfishness is on the rise, human beings have forgotten the language of sharing. This is the most horrible curse.” Amma then asked everyone who was in the habit of smoking 136

cigarettes, regularly buying expensive clothes and other such luxurious items to consider cutting back and donating the money they would save to help the poor. Making the point that it is only due to mankind’s greed that people are forced to starve in the world, Amma told an anecdote. It was about God making a New Year’s resolution to put an end to world hunger. The story ended with God failing, because no one was willing to distribute the abundance of food he had created. “When a New Year approaches, we always reflect on the year gone past—both the good events and the bad ones,” Amma said. “As spiritual aspirants, we also need to introspect: What were our achievements? Where did we falter? We should not be egoistic about our achievements. We should draw inspiration from them. We should recognize our errors and then resolve to move ahead with more awareness.” Amma concluded her talk by requesting her devotees to spend at least some time every day helping others. “It could be speaking kind, consoling words to those who are sad or attentively listening to someone’s problems,” Amma said. “It could be protecting Mother Nature or providing any other form of help. In this way, through good thoughts and through good actions, we should create positive vibrations in the world. Surely the darkness of selfishness and hatred will disappear. May my children become a lamp filling the world with the light of peace and love.” Amma then sang three bhajans, beginning with “Hari Bol” and “Giridhari Gopala.” Her final bhajan was in English. The song—”Everyone in the World”—was very fitting for a night associated with dreams for the future, as it presented Amma’s dream. Everyone in the world should sleep without fear,at least for one night, sleep without fear. Everyone in the world should eat to their fill,at least for one day, eat to their fill. There should be one day when there is no violence,no one is injured, no one is harmed. All people young and old should serve the poorand needy, at least for one day, serve selflessly. This is my dream. This is my prayer. Love is the answer, love is the way. Love is the answer, love is the way.

Role For Socity Welfare

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Snapshot of Various Humanitarian Activities of Mata Amritanandamayi Math Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM) is a ed Public Charitable Trust dedicated to serving humanity without distinction of nationality, caste, race or religion. The Math's international headquarters, located at Amritapuri, (Kollam), Kerala, India, provides a global presence through its numerous philanthropic activities and institutions, which reflect Amma's message of love and comion.

UN Recognition for Mata Amritanandamayi Math The United Nations (UN) announced the distinguished award of Special UN Consultative Status to Mata Amritanandamayi Math with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN. After a thorough review of Mata Amritanandamayi Math's work and results for the past 15 years, including Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Amrita University, and all other major efforts, the United Nations' 19 member nation committee within the ECOSOC Committee, voted unanimously to grant Special Consultative Status. The major ECOSOC body of 50 member nations affirmed this decision on July 21, 2005. The Math is among 30 Indian NGOs to receive formal UN affiliation in India.

Humanitarian Activities Project to Combat Farmer Suicide In recent years, suicide has been spreading in epidemic proportions among Indian farmers suffering from debt and crop failure. In 2007, the ashram launched two programs aimed at fighting the problem: Vidyamritam and Amrita SREE. These projects focus on states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where high famer-suicide rates prevail.

Amrita SREE The ashram is providing free vocational training to 3,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHG) consisting of women from impoverished agricultural families. After completing the training, the women are also given start-up capital to begin small home-based businesses. It is envisaged to expand the program to 30,000 groups.

Vidyamritam The ashram is providing full scholarships to approximately 40,000 children (ages 10 to 15) of farmers living below the poverty line. The children receive a stipend until they finish their education, subject to their performance in their studies. Motivational sessions and competitions in various literary, painting and pencil-sketching activities are also regularly held for these children. This scheme will be extended to cover 100,000 students.

Disaster Relief Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Flood Relief (2009): Several teams of volunteers, doctors and nurses are working in the region with Rs. 50 crores earmarked in October, 2009 for relief activity by the Math. Bihar Flood Relief (2008): Rs. 2 crores was earmarked for flood relief by the ashram. Several teams of doctors, nurses and volunteers did extensive relief activity. Kashmir Earthquake (Oct 2005): Victims received food and other aid, including hundreds of blankets. MAM has also pledged to rebuild three villages.

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Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Aug/Sept 2005):Amma donated one million dollars in aid and assistance to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in USA. Devotees, who were trained medical experts, traveled to Louisiana to help, and food, clothing, school supplies and other items were collected from all over the country and distributed to evacuees. Devotees reached out to evacuees by helping them find new homes and jobs or by writing letters of comfort to victims. Others used the Internet to locate and reconnect friends and family who had been separated. Floods in Mumbai (July 2005):The Ashram sent a medical team to Mumbai which spent three weeks visiting slum areas, distributing medicines and treating over 32,000 victims for infectious diseases. The Ashram also served food at the relief camps. School Fire, Tamil Nadu (July 2004): Volunteers were sent to the hospital to help console the victims and their families and to provide assistance where needed. Gujarat Earthquake (January 2001): A 12-person medical team from AIMS Super Specialty Hospital was immediately dispatched with volunteers. The Ashram rebuilt three villages, Modsar, Mokhana and Dagara, by constructing 1200 earthquake-proof houses, medical clinics, water tanks, schools, community halls, temples and mosques. The grateful Gujrat State Government and villagers renamed the villages as Amrita Nagar (Modsar), Amritamayi Nagar (Dagara) and Amritapur (Mokhana) in honor of Amma. Latur Earthquake (1992): The Ashram provided financial to victims.

Tsunami Relief Projects Mata Amritanandamayi Math has implemented the largest Tsunami rehabilitation project in the country with over 200 crores earmarked for relief activity. The Math has constructed more than 6200 houses in the Tsunami-affected areas in India and Sri Lanka. In addition to building houses, in many locations, entire villages have been reconstructed. These villages are selfreliant with community centers (anganwadi), schools, primary health centers, markets, roads, water supply and lighting. More than 5000 houses have been completed and have been handed over to Tsunami victims. The Math is the first NGO in India to complete Tsunamirelief houses according to government specifications and hand over to the Tsunami-affected population in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Math is also providing means for livelihood. Free vocational training has been given to 2500 young people in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. According to their educational qualifications, they receive training to become teachers, nurses, paramedical assistants, security officers, drivers, masonry workers, carpenters and mechanics with a job assured on completing the training. The Math has provided free tailoring courses and sewing machines to 300 tsunamiaffected village women in Alappad Panchayat (Kollam District, Kerala). A program known as Matru Gramam (Mother's Village) was developed and implemented, where the Math helped villagers living in Alappad Panchayat to form independent cooperatives and self-help groups in areas such as tailoring, sandal-making, soap-manufacturing and other trades. The Math has also repaired and built over 700 fishing boats in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Over 550 marine outboard engines and nets have also been provided. The villagers have been trained to use satellite technology to target the best fishing locations and transmit information.

Amrita Kuteeram - Free Housing Scheme In 1996, the Math launched Amrita Kuteeram, a housing project to construct 25,000 houses for the poor. Within a five-year period, the houses were constructed and handed over to 139

homeless people and slum dwellers. In 2003, the project was upgraded to massive proportions and a second phase of this project to build 100,000 houses was launched. More than 35,000 houses have been built across the length and breadth of the country from Kanyakumari in the south to Ghaziabad in the north, Durgapur in the east and Bhuj in the western part of the country. Amrita Kuteeram houses have been built in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and other states.

Some Amrita Kuteeram locations include: * Ambalamughal, Cochin - on land allotted by GCDA, Cochin under the Slum Rehabilitation Program * Durgapur, West Bengal - scheme ed by Assansol Durgapur Development Authority * Guddimalkapur & Film Nagar, Hyderabad - Slum Rehabilitation Project * Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh * Mulki Village, Mangalore * Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu * Pimpri, Pune - t venture with Pimpri - Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. (Ajanta Nagar Slum Rehabilitation Project) * Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh * Kadappah - Andhra Pradesh * Satyamangalam, Tamil Nadu * Kovalam (Chennai), Tamil Nadu Amrita Nidhi - Monthly Pension Scheme for Destitute Women In 1998, Amma launched a pension scheme for the benefit of 50,000 destitute women. The pension is distributed by the Math through its branch centers in various parts of the country. The money helps poverty-stricken women, many of whom are widows, to purchase necessities such as food, medicine and school books for their children.

Amrita Niketan (Orphanage) Located at Parippalli, Kollam, Kerala, this institution is dedicated to caring for 500 children from the most disadvantaged sections of society. These children, mainly from tribal areas, receive an excellent education at Amma's Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, Paripalli.

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Amrita Anbu Illam is the Math's care home for the elderly, established at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu in a beautiful countryside location. The residents come from troubled families or have no one to look after them. In this peaceful and loving ambience, they are made to feel at home while having their emotional and physical needs met.

Mass Wedding Ceremony for the Poor Beginning with the mass wedding arranged for 158 poor couples during Amrita Varsham 50, (Golden Jubilee celebration of Amma's birthday) in 2003, this project has continued to help couples who cannot afford a proper wedding. The Math provides everything for the wedding including clothes, gold for the bride and the traditional feast for the relatives. Since 2003, over 700 marriages have been conducted for impoverished couples including Tsunami victims.

Amrita Keerthi Award This award was established in 2001 to recognize and commemorate outstanding contributions to Indian Culture, Vedic Tradition and Sanathana Dharma. The award constitutes a cash prize of more than one lakh rupees, a Panchaloha statuette designed by a renowned artist and a commemorative citation. Past Awardees include Prathibha Ray, Oriya writer; Acharya Narendra Bhushan, Vedic Scholar; P. Parameshwaran, director, Bharateeya Vichara Kendram; Prof. Harihara Sastri, previously Acharya of Brahmavidyapeetham, Sivagiri; Dr. Shankar Abhayankar, founder, Aditya Pratishtan, Pune; Mahakavi Akkittam Achutan Namboothiri, Celebrated Poet of Kerala and P Narayana Kurup, renowned poet and literary critic.

AYUDH (Amrita Yuva Dharma Dhara) The Math's initiative for youth, AYUDH, organizes satsangs and social service activities, including yoga, meditation and self-discipline. AYUDH also participate in cleaning public premises and render assistance to various welfare programs.

Green Friends Established for the preservation and protection of the environment, Green Friends instills love and reverence for Mother Nature by arranging and conducting nature study camps, afforestation and tree plantation on a mass scale. Also, Amma has declared the time span from June 5, 2009 to June 5, 2010 as Green Year.

Free Meal Scheme for 50,000 Under-Privileged The Math feeds over 50,000 poor and under-privileged people every month through its branch ashrams.

Mother's Kitchen Amma's devotees in the USA run Mother's Kitchen in 39 cities, providing over 40,000 meals for the homeless each year.

Amrita Aranya Jeevanam An Indigenous People's Project, for comprehensive upliftment of adivasis/tribals, provides vocational training and means for livelihood in addition to providing educational and health facilities.

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Inspired by Amma, more than 1000 lawyers throughout India have pledged to give free counseling to the poor.

Vocational Training Institute of People's Education (sponsored by Government of India) is a job training program offering nearly 100 different courses. There are units at Sivakasi and Kalpetta.

Healthcare * Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi, Kerala A 1450-bed, super-specialty hospital, provides international quality medical care at affordable/subsidized rates. Recognized as one of the outstanding hospitals in Asia, with many firsts to its credit in facilities and patient care, AIMS offers free and partially subsidized services to the poor and needy. The institute also houses the medical campus of Amrita University. AIMS' extensive infrastructure comprises 60 departments, 22 modern operating theatres, 210 well-equipped intensive-care beds, a reference diagnostic clinical laboratory, including an advanced molecular biology and cytogenetics lab, a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging center, as well as medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy colleges and research facilities. Patient care is enhanced by a fully computerized and networked hospital information system and a fully digitized radiology department. A full range of primary and specialty care medical services provides cross-specialty consultation, which assures outstanding treatment for each patient. The hospital was inaugurated by former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on May 17, 1998. AIMS s a daily average of 1500 outpatients and 800 inpatients. Annual patient turnover exceeds 450,000 outpatients and nearly 40,000 inpatients. There are more than 650 medical faculty and 4500 staff . (Website: www.aimshospital.org) * Amrita Kripa Charitable Satellite Hospitals, Kollam, Mysore, Pampa and Kalpetta * Amrita Kripasagar Hospital, Mumbai - Free care and spiritual solace for terminal cancer patients. * Amrita Ayurvedic Clinic, Kollam, Kerala * Amrita AIDS Care Center, Thiruvananthuparam, Kerala * Medical Camps - Free medical camps conducted at ashram centers throughout India.

Educational * Amrita Vidyalayam Schools - More than 50 schools across the country * MAM Industrial Training Center for youth, Kollam, Kerala * Amrita Speech and Hearing Improvement School (ASHIS) for children, Thrissur, Kerala * Amrita School for Visual Media Studies,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala *Extension Centre for artisan development in woodcarving and handicrafts,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Spiritual * Ashram headquarters at Amritapuri, Kollam with 23 Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM) Centers in India (Website of the Math:www.amritapuri.org) * MAM Centers in 27 countries. * IAM Technique (Integrated Amrita Meditation technique) - Taught free of charge nationally and internationally. * Amrita Kutumbams - A focused group of householders, having the desire to bring up their children in a value-oriented life, practice and incorporate Amma's teachings in their lives. * Books, cassettes, CDs, scriptural commentaries in 40 Indian and international languages, available at ashrams/centers worldwide. 142

* "Matruvani", a monthly magazine published in many Indian languages as well as seven foreign; now one of the largest spiritual magazines in of circulation throughout the world. * "Immortal Bliss", a quarterly magazine, published in English. * 20 Brahmasthanam Temples throughout India and in Mauritius.

59th Birthday Of Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Celebrated, Embracing The World Announces $4.7 Million Worth Of Charitable Initiatives 1) 200 Free Heart Surgeries & 50 Free Kidney Transplants At Amrita Hospital: The surgeries will be available to poor people from across the country. Since Amrita Hospital's inauguration in 1998, EMBRACING THE WORLD has provided millions worth of charitable care to 278,000 poor people hailing from various States in India. 2) 500 Free Houses For The Homeless In Kerala: Amrita Kuteeram began in 1998. Since then, EMBRACING THE WORLD has constructed more than 45,000 houses for the poor which includes more than 6,200 houses for the 2004 Tsunami victims. EMBRACING THE WORLD has built houses in more than 75 locations in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Andaman-Nicobar Island and Tamil Nadu. 3) Financial Aid To Families Who Lost Someone Or Had Someone Seriously Injured By Explosions In Kannur & Sivakasi: EMBRACING THE WORLD will provide$1,868 to families who lost someone in either the LPG-tanker explosion in Kannur, Kerala or the fireworks-factory explosion at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. 4) Extending The Amrita Nidhi Pension Program: EMBRACING THE WORLD will extend the reach of its all-India Amrita Nidhi program, with an additional 3,000 recipients, increasing the total from 55,000 to 58,000 beneficiaries. This program provides lifetime pensions to widows and mentally and physically challenged individuals since its inception in 1998. 5) Extending The Reach Of The Vidyamritam Scholarship Program: EMBRACING THE WORLD will also extend the reach of its Vidyamritam scholarships-for-the-poor program to cover an additional 3,000 students, taking its total of beneficiaries from 37,000 to 40,000 across the country. The intention of this initiative started in 2007 in response to the farmer suicide epidemic was to help lay a stronger economic foundation for impoverished agricultural families. Many of the beneficiaries are children who have lost one or both parents to suicide.

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Religion Mātā Amr ṛtānandamayī Devī

Born

Sudhamani Idamannel 27 September 1953 (age 59) Parayakadavu, Alappad Panchayat,Kollam District, Kerala, India

Quotati "There is one truth that shines through all of creation. Rivers and mountains, plants and on animals, the sun, the moon and the stars, you and I— all are expressions of this one Reality."

Role of Yoga Amrita Yoga AMRITA YOGA is holistic yoga program based on all four paths (Bhakti, Jana, Karma & Raja yoga) of spirituality. AMRITA Yoga was developed under the guidance of mataji and based on her spiritual teachings. The speciality of AMRITA yoga is synchronization of sacred mantras with breathing. There are two structures in AMRITA yoga a) intensive programs and b)Two weeks programs. Intensive 4 day programs are currently offered under three categories namely Foundation, Level One and Level Two. Two week programs are Immersion programs which is an attempt to journey ancient science and art of yoga to meet the needs of the modern life.

Amrita Yoga Amrita Yoga is the broad new yoga program from the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, offering classes and retreats in hatha yoga. Amma’s spiritual teachings provide the foundation for Amrita Yoga. Amrita Yoga is a system of hatha yoga that can be integrated into the other daily spiritual practices that Amma teaches or as a practice unto itself to enrich our experience of the present moment.

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Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, aka Amma frequently speaks about the importance of practicing hatha yoga every day. Amrita Yoga provides the highest standard of technical training in hatha yoga with a skillful attention to physical alignment, mindful breathing and the use of mantras. At present, two regular courses are being offered throughout the year – Two-Week Immersion Programs and 4-day Intensive Courses. During each course, the students will stay at Amritapuri. All courses include two daily asana classes (3.5 hrs per day) and yoga philosophy lectures from Amma’s disciples. Students are also fully integrated into the daily ashram activities — archana, meditation, bhajans and seva. Plus, during the Two-Week Immersion Program, students receive the IAM training course (Integrated Amrita Meditation).

Amrita Yoga is the broad yoga program, offering classes and retreats in hatha yoga. Amma’s spiritual teachings provide the foundation for Amrita Yoga. Amrita Yoga is a system of hatha yoga that can be integrated into the other daily spiritual practices that Amma teaches or as a practice unto itself to enrich our experience of the present moment. Amma frequently speaks about the importance of practicing hatha yoga every day. Amrita Yoga provides the highest standard of technical training in hatha yoga with a skillful attention to physical alignment, mindful breathing and the use of mantras. Regular courses are being offered throughout the year. All courses include two daily asana classes (3.5 hrs per day) and yoga philosophy lectures from Amma’s disciples. Students are also fully integrated into the daily ashram activities — archana, meditation, bhajans and seva. During the Two-Week Immersion Program, students also receive the IAM training course.

IAM meditation lowers stress hormones IAM—Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique lowers stress hormones, according to a study recently published in the 2011 volume of the international journal Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (eCAM), published by the Hindawi Publishing Corporation. The five-year study, titled “The Effect of Meditation on Psycho-Physiological Variables,” examines the effect of IAM Technique on various psychological, physiological and biochemical parameters. According to the study, practitioners of IAM Technique experience a reduction in stresshormone adrenaline within 48 hours of beginning the practice. This reduction was shown to sustain in IAM Technique practitioners throughout the eight-month monitoring period ed for by the study. The study also showed a decline in stress-hormone cortisol following eight months of practice. Other physiological results documented by the study include a significant decrease in the heart and respiratory rate of practitioners, as well as significant increase in IgA levels, which are associated with immunological benefits. Through the study’s psychological-evaluation component, a major change was also recorded in the attitude of practitioners towards ‘stressful events.’ This study was conducted by Ms. Vandana Balakrishnan (research scholar), under the guidance of Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the 145

Department of Endocrinology; Prof. L. Saraswathy (HOD); and Prof. G.K. Suseeladevi of the Department of Physiology, at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Cochin. Prof. K.R. Sundaram, HOD, Department of Biostatistics at AIMS, provided the statistical . The results of the study have given rise to further research, including a study on the effect of IAM Technique on relieving stress amongst cancer patients undergoing treatment, as well as the impact of the technique in relieving hypertension. IAM Technique is taught free of charge throughout the world by representatives of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), the non-governmental organization of renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma). It comprises a combination of yogic postures, breathing practices and mental-concentration exercises. MAM has been teaching the technique to the public since 2003. In 2008, at the request of the Indian government, MAM began teaching IAM Technique on a widespread scale to India’s military and paramilitary soldiers. The technique is also being taught in schools and colleges throughout India, as well as to employees of businesses corporations, including Infosys, BSNL and IIM.

Financial Wealth Main Source of Income: Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham colleges, Amrita Institute of Medical Science (Kochi), Amrita Schools, TV channel. Amrita Schools are located across Kerala where students are charged the same fee as topnotch private schools. Adding to it are the contributions from her millions of Indian and foreign devotees. Even by modest estimates, the Amritanandamayi Trust, which presides over, is said to have assets worth over Rs 1,500 crore. Today, her ashram at her native Vallikavu, a small island off Kollam, is a posh five-story building.

Followers The Hindu spiritual leader and teacher, who is revered as a saint by her followers, Amritanandamayi spontaneously embraces people to comfort them in their sorrow and therefore is also referred to as "The Hugging Saint." She has hugged close to 30 million people to date, she is widely respected for her humanitarian activities and is probably by far the richest god woman in the country.

Comments What others say about Amma Read the words of religious & spiritual leaders, politicians, bussinessmen, cultural authorities, scientists and journalists.

Spiritual & Religious Leaders  In front of Amma, I always feel like a child and she is the Mother of the world. —H. H. Swami Prakashananda, the president of the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Sangha Sivagiri Math, Varkkala, Kerala 24 September 2007 146

 Amma is a gift of God. God is love. Wherever there is love, God is there. What is real love? We come to understand it through Amma’s different seva activities. God has blessed Amma with the ability to understand human need and render appropriate help accordingly. As a result many other people are also inspired to in the humanitarian efforts. All praise to God who has given us this blessing in the form of Amma. May Amma be a blessing to many more people. —Philipose Mar Chrysostum Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar Senior Metropolitan Tiruvalla, Kerala, 7 March 2009  Amma is a blessing given by the Lord to his world. I thought that for me at the age of 90, everything was over. But meeting you has given me new experiences and a look into the future. And I am very happy. —Philipose Mar

Chrysostum Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar Senior Metropolitan Amritapuri, 29 August 2008  By her emphasis on selfless service and charity, Amma will, I believe, hugely influence the future world. —Brother Wayne Teasdale Parliament of the World’s Religions Trustee, author of A Monk in the World

Scientists, Thinkers, Writers & Aritsts  Amma has embraced 26 million people. But she has done this as an action not only of giving, but as an action of example. I welcome this saint, this angel, this person of active goodness. —Sharon Stone World renowned actress, Paris, 12 October 2007  I’ve never met anyone like Amma—someone who has such a great impact on people’s lives for the good and for humanity. I am hard-pressed to think of someone who is doing more for mankind and the environment. —Jim Lauderdale Grammy Award-winning Country and Bluegrass artist 30 June 2008 — Addison, Texas, USA 

Amma has been a leader in expanding educational opportunity in India, particularly through the establishment of Amrita University, which in its first 15 years has become one of the most distinguished private universities in India. —Dr. Stephen Dunnett. PhD

Professor and provost for international education State University of New York, Buffalo. May 2010

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 Her energy is just incredible. I picked up youthful, bright, exciting energy. She is endlessly just giving, giving, giving. I think a lot of people need to feel her energy because it will make a difference in their life. —Doug E Fresh Hip-hop American legend New York, July 2009  Amma presents the kind of leadership we need for our planet to survive. This is the most heroic person I’ve probably ever met. Because she is sitting there hugging people. This is the most heroic thing that any of us could do now. Because shooting each other is not heroic. The most heroic is caring, and she does that. —Alice Walker Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

What Businessmen Say About Amma  I’m going to take this concept of love and comion to the next level at HP [Hewlett-Packard]. This is an excellent model of how you really make a productive enterprise. I think we can apply that in a special way. —Sri. Vyomesh Joshi Executive Vice President of Imaging & Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard after visiting Amma’s AIMS Hospital Kochi, Kerala, 25 September 2003  Amma is the greatest entrepreneur of us all. She is so full of ideas and unique visions that she makes research easy. The Amrita faculties are inspiring, and I want to see what I can do to the educational qualities. And for Amma’s communal work: it is so impressive I just want to partake! —Dr. Kiran Mazumdar CEO of Biocon, India’s leading biotechnology research company 25 August 2006, Amritapuri  Amma has done more work than many governments have ever done for their people… her contribution is enormous. —Prof. Muhammad Yunus 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Founder, Grameen Bank inaugurating International Conference on Technology Enhanced Education at Amrita University, Amritapuri on 3rd January 2012.

Amma in Media When Amma first manifested her mission of Love in the mid ’70s, it was not d in the press, and no one wrote a story about it afterwards for the daily news. Still, hundreds came that day, and thousands kept coming. As Amma says, “Amma needs no propaganda. Does the

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ever-radiant Truth need any propaganda? Those who have purity of heart and thirst for God will seek Amma and reach Her.” That is how it was, and this is how it still is today. Before the papers were championing Amma as “The Hugging Saint,” Her devotees and disciples were coming from all over Kerala, India, Europe, Australia and America-it was their thirst for God that brought them to Amma’s tiny fishing village, not a write-up in a paper. Now after 30 years, the press has taken notice. Wherever Amma goes, they seem to follow. And in doing their research, the reporters find a vast spiritual and humanitarian mission that has existed for decades. Amma embraces the journalists and answers their questions in the same way She does any of Her other children. Rooted in Her experience of Oneness, Amma’s words are earthy, profound and imbued with a mother’s love. In reading or watching these reports, one often gets the feeling that the interviewer has gotten more than they bargained for; they went to Amma in search of a story – and found Love.

Social & Cultural Leaders  Amma, you are an inspiration to a lot of people, and if we all took one page of your book of life, we can be better people, and being better people, we can have a better world. —Di Kerr Elder from Australia’s Wunrundjeri Aborigini Tribe: Melbourne, Australia,6 April 2008  We come to celebrate and acknowledge a personification of love. Amma, your selfless desires, your selfless actions are your greatest testament and commitment to man. —Dr. P.L.O Lumumba Renowned advocate and Human Rights defender (Kenya) 14 April 09  I had the blessed privilege and honour to meet Amma and receive darshan during Her U.S. Tour. It was a moment of transcendence, for I was able to grasp for the first time the essence of true fulfilment and agape [unconditional] love. What I cherish about Amma is that she not only talks the talk and is the embodiment of unconditional love, but She expresses that love in action. She walks the talk. Mahatma Gandhi urged us to ‘be the change we wish to see in the world.’ Amma is the change she wants to see in our world. She is a profound living example for all of us. —Ms. Yolanda King, Daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change during Amritavarsham50 Kochi, Kerala, 25 September, 2003

World Leaders & Politicians  The embrace is something that she does physically and spiritually, but all the kind of help she has offered to people around the planet is an embrace of its own sort. Her embrace is about love, but it is also about taking that love and sharing it in a practical manner. -Michael Feinstein 149

Mayor of Santa Monica, California 18 June 2009  It has been indeed a great privilege for my wife and myself to have had the darshan of Amma. I am sure that our lives will be enhanced. Her presence will help us in following her teachings and her example. Amma’s vision is to do everything that is possible to alleviate suffering. -Anerud Jugnauth Mauritius President 9 April 2009  I count myself fortunate enough to be one among many millions of Ma’s devotees. Your benevolence and magnanimity is universal, which transcends all geographical and man-made barriers, serving entire humanity with all-embracing comion. Hence, may I, most respectfully, request your divine intervention and merciful blessings to cleanse my motherland of this horrendous scourge of violence, thereby ushering an era of everlasting peace and prosperity. -Mahinda Rajapaksa The President of Sri Lanka 23 December 2008, officially hand-delivered letter to Amma  What a great privilege and a great honour to in welcoming such an incredible force of good in a world that is troubled to Michigan. We look to our leaders like Amma to find courage and introspection and we thank her for her great leadership and for being here. -Andy Meisner US Congressman for Michigan, USA 4 Dec 2008

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CHAPTER:5 BRAHMRISHI SHREE KUMAR SWAMIJI INTRODUCTION Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji

His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji is an internationally acclaimed spiritual power of this century. His message of interfaith harmony is simple, precise and focused on interfaith harmony is simple, precise and focused on acquired the ancient secrets and has delivered them in simple practicable form; and their affects can be examined by the modern science. “Gurudev” as His Holiness is popularly called by his followers, has extensively travelled the globe with a mission to instill the virtues of equality and brotherhood in the people belonging to different religions. Through his Conventions in several countries in Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and Middle East, he has spread the message of equality, brotherhood and human welfare His Conventions draw people from all walks of life amongst people belonging to different religions. including intellectuals,political leaders,film personalities, bureaucrats, medical practitioners and scientists.

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Gurudev makes people aware of the power of Cosmic Grace at his Conventions and conveys the attained cosmic wisdom. He has decoded the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets or Beej Mantras from the scriptures of all religions and is offering them to all, as these scientific secrets take one beyond all sorrows and sufferings. More than 500 million people around the world are practicing these Ancient Traditional Science Secrets regularly and have been benefitted by them. Gurudev has been conferred with various Awards and Honors internationally. He has been honored by Government of India, State of Alberta in Canada, State of New York and State of New Jersey in USA, to name a few. He has served as an Advisor to the Ministries of Industry, Labor, Health and Family Planning, Government of India.

Mission Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham has become a ray of hope to millions - bringing health, wealth and happiness to people. Incurable diseases have been cured by the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. Those who had lost all hope in life have regained their hope to live. The principle of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets is based on the eternal splendor of the Indian tradition. Hence, the whole world has started looking towards India with a renewed respect. Various sectors of science have also accepted the effectiveness of the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. The vision and inspiration behind the institute is Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji. Started as one man's mission, today the institute is spreading globally. The little seed that he sowed has transformed into a huge banyan tree; a tree that has become the last resort to millions. Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has dedicated his whole life to nurture the institute Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham.

Description Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji was born on 22 January, 1954 in an ordinary farmer family in Karanpur, Rajasthan. His spiritual quest started in early teens and by the time He entered his adulthood he was seriously studying and practicing various spiritual streams. Soon he acquired deep knowledge in Ayurveda which proved to be a historical step in the field of medicine.

General Information Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is one of the largest spiritual institutes in the world today. Functioning on the principles of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets - a dimension unexplored so far - the core mission of this institute is the human welfare at a global level.

Brief Description Of Swami Ji's Capabilities Swami ji has got the very grace of God to tell just everything by looking at a person, or his photograph and that Swami ji can tell about just everything about the disease and all the other problems that one is suffering from. It is all in such an ease that Swami ji watches one's past, present or future as a live event or a movie. Swami ji says this is the science of God that which has blessed the very being of Swami Ji. Swami ji himself starts feeling the pain of that very person and knows about his problems and then very easily tells about them. PERSONAL VIEW - He have seen many saints and haven't seen many, but seeing the very 152

mysterious saint as him is such a rare thing that can ever happen to me in my whole lifetime. The sweet innocent heart is way too beautiful and thy a blessed one !

HISTORY Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Kumar Swami Ji was born on 22 January, 1954 in an ordinary farmer family in Karanpur, Rajasthan. His spiritual quest started in early teens and by the time He entered his adulthood he was seriously studying and practicing various spiritual streams. Soon he acquired deep knowledge in Ayurveda which proved to be a historical step in the field of medicine. Soon afterwards, he was counted among the best physicians of the world. During his practice he has been the personal physician to many presidents, prime ministers, chief ministers, ambassadors of many countries. He has given a new direction to the medical science by combining it with the science of cosmic. Param Pujya Mahamandleshwar Brahmrishi Kumar Swami Ji is an important spiritual power of this century. This power had started being visible in Him since he was twelve years of age. Even in that young age he wanted to rise above the complexities of life and his life took the direction of a spiritual search. He went to many places, many masters and mystics, and went through various spiritual techniques. During his search he spent time with many masters such as J. Krishnamurti, Osho, Nirankari Baba, Vimla Thakaar, Maa Anandmayi, Shri Omkarnath Thakur, Yogi Swami Ram, Lahari Baba, Harihar baba, Devaria Baba, Shivpuri Baba, Swami Sahajanand, Taat Baba, Vishwatma Baba, Pathikji Maharaj, Punja Baba....Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji says that he has acquired the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets after a long and arduous spiritual journey.

Since the beginning of the nineties, His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has travelled around India and the world to convey his message. Initially, the scientists and spiritual thinkers were not ready to look at spirituality from a scientific angle. However, Gurudev’s path of presenting a scientific form of spirituality helped eradicate several speculations. Today, more and more people from the science fraternity are eagerly embracing and accepting the tools of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets.

His Journey During his spiritual journey Guruji has been with J. Krishna Murthy, Osho, Vimala Thakarji, Maa Anandmayee Shri Onkar Nath Thakur, Taat vale Baba Deveriya Baba, Shivpuri Baba, Nirankari Baba, Swami Sahajanand, Vishvatma, Baba, Pathik ji Maharaj, Punja Baba etc. He believes whatever he has got is only the blessing of God.

Brief Decreption Of His Capabilties

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He has got such a special knowledge from God’s grace that either by looking at a person, or his photo he can tell everything about the disease and all the other problem so easily like he has been watching his past, present or future as a movie. He says this is the science of God that other meditation and pujya God gives him his blessing so that when he looks at the photo of a person then he can tell about that person so well as if he is telling about him self. He himself starts feeling the pain of that person and knows about his problems and then very easily tells about them

The Spiritual Journey of His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji was born on 22 January, 1954 in a farming family in Karanpur, Rajasthan, India. His spiritual quest started in early teens and carried through his adulthood when he studied and practiced various spiritual streams. At the young age of twelve years, he wanted to rise above the complexities of life as a result his life took the direction of spiritual search. In his quest for search for wisdom he became associated with many spiritual saints in India such as J. Krishnamurti, Osho, Nirankari Baba, Vimla Thakaar, Maa Anandmayi, Shree Omkarnath Thakur, Yogi Swami Ram, Lahari Baba, Harihar Baba, Devaria Baba, Shivpuri Baba, Swami Sahajanand, Taat Baba, Vishwatma Baba, Pathik Ji Maharaj and Kunja Baba. He acquired deep knowledge in Ayurveda, an ancient science of medicine. Later, he was regarded as one of the best Ayurveda physicians in the world. Gurudev has been the personal physician to many Presidents, Prime Ministers, State Chief Ministers and Ambassadors of many countries. He has given a new direction to the modern medical science by combining the knowledge with Ancient Traditional Science. In Gurudev’s words “He has acquired the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets after a long and arduous spiritual journey”.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets, according to Gurudev, consist of short and simple “Names of God” in a word. These simple words are combined to create Beej Mantras. Practicing the divine Beej Mantras for a short time every day, frees one from sorrows and problems of mind, body and finance. Gurudev has simplified the practicing of Beej Mantras. He provides the Beej Mantras for free, at the conventions organized in various parts of the world. More than 500 million people around the world are practicing these Beej Mantras regularly and have been benefited by them.

Essence of All Religions in an Easy and Scientific Format Ancient Traditional Science Secrets have been derived from the ancient scriptures of all the religions and have been molded into a scientific format; practicing them for a short period, 154

twice a day brings immense positive results in one’s life. One need not follow a specific religious doctrine or philosophy to practice the scientific tools of eternal wisdom.

Science Meets Spirituality Since the beginning of the nineties, His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has travelled around India and the world to convey his message. Initially, the scientists and spiritual thinkers were not ready to look at spirituality from a scientific angle. However, Gurudev’s path of presenting a scientific form of spirituality helped eradicate several speculations. Today, more and more people from the science fraternity are eagerly embracing and accepting the tools of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets.

Scientific Tests of the Spiritual Powers of His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji A multi-step clinical test was conducted on His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji at a research lab in Bangalore, India which is run by Govt. of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology. In the first step, Gurudev’s physical examination was conducted when he was in a deep meditative state. The medical doctors were astonished to find that while the monitoring instruments indicated normal heartbeat and brain activity; no pulse was detectable. After prolonged analysis the scientists and doctors accepted that his physical body has reached a state which is unexplained by current modern medical science. In the second step, Gurudev was asked to visually look at other patients at the facility and provide their medical diagnosis without knowing their prior medical history. The patients were brought to him one by one. He would look at the patient for a few seconds and diagnose their medical issues in detail. The doctors were surprised as his diagnosis was absolutely accurate in each case. An European woman was also examined by Gurudev as part of this exercise. After looking at her, Gurudev told her that she was suffering from a very serious disease which she had not disclosed to the doctors. Although startled, the woman was not ready to accept his statement. Gurudev looked at her with comion and told her that she had AIDS. Astonished at the revelation, she fell at Gurudev’s feet and accepted that the diagnosis was correct and she had deliberately not disclosed the information to any of the medical doctors at the facility. There are numerous such examples which illustrate Gurudev’s spiritual powers to diagnose and heal a patient by looking at them.

Live TV Show on BBC and Complete Diagnosis by Looking at a Picture or Listening to the Voice His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji’s endless powers were witnessed by the senior editors and journalists at the London headquarters of BBC. The audience was stunned to see him diagnose people’s ailments on the phone during a live TV show. The show stirred a 155

deep interest among medical scientists and they wanted to know about the dimension of science that Gurudev uses to diagnose ailments. TV Asia and MA International have also invited Him for the live shows. Dr. Shah, the director of TV Asia also interviewed him. The print and electronic media of the world is eager to know the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. Gurudev is followed by journalists wherever he goes during his world tours.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets: Cosmic Solution to Physical, Mental & Financial Problems Gurudev has become a guiding light to the medical world, although his cosmic persona is beyond the reach of science. People are recovering from physical and mental ailments. There are thousands who had reached to the brink of suicide because of depression and hypertension and are now living a happy life with the help of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. The neurologists and psychiatrists are surprised at the speedy recovery from psychological disorders with the help of such a simple method in patients who had no hope left for any cure. At the Ancient Traditional Science Secret Conventions many such people share their experiences. The experiences mentioned about the problems etc. relate to the individual concerned. We do not claim having cured anyone. It is all grace of God. Through the recitation of Ancient Traditional science Secrets we easily find solutions to help solve our physical, mental & Financial problems. The Amazing experiences observed are through the grace, which is contained in the Holy Bible, the Vedas, Sri Gurugranth Sahibji, Qoran-e-Pak, the Dhammapada and the Jinvani.

Medical Bureau for Research on Ancient Traditional Science Secrets His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has proposed the formation of a medical research center for study of the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets scientifically. He wants that the results and effects of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets should be scientifically examined so that science can also utilize them to cure the incurable diseases. In doing so, Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham has formed a medical bureau. The international research team consists of the prominent medical scientists and doctors. The Medical Bureau is headed by the former Health Minister of Punjab and a prominent physician, Dr. Baldevraj Chawla M.D. Dr. Chawla is the Director of the Medical Bureau. Under His guidance a team of doctors has collected case studies, evidences and is preparing a report on the effects of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. This report will be made public and presented to the world. The Governments of many states in India have welcomed the formation of the Medical Bureau. In a recent Ancient Traditional Science Secrets convention held in Amritsar, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Prakash Singh Badal applauded the medical bureau’s formation and offered land and other help for the formation and assistance for the same. A well-known international cricketer and current Member of Parliament in India has donated ten million Rupees to the bureau.

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham 156

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is one of the largest spiritual organization in the world today, functioning on the principles of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets – a dimension unexplored so far. The core mission of the organization is the human welfare at a global level. Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham has become a ray of hope to millions – bringing health, wealth and happiness to them. Incurable diseases have been cured by the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. Those who had lost all hope in life have regained their hope to live. The principles of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets are based on the eternal splendor of the Indian tradition. Hence, the whole world has started looking towards India with a renewed respect and interest. Various sectors of science have also accepted the effectiveness of the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji is the inspiration behind establishing Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham. Started as one man’s mission, today the organization is spreading globally. The little seed that Gurudev sowed has transformed into a huge banyan tree; a tree that has become the last resort to millions. Gurudev has dedicated his whole life to nurture the organization Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets Conventions in India So far, more than 500 Ancient Traditional Science Secret Conventions have been organized at a very large scale in various states of India such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and New Delhi. The number of devotees gathered in these conventions to receive the Beej Mantras range from thousands to millions. The conventions are often attended by the Governors, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, bureaucrats and technocrats of various states. Intellectuals, artists and medical professionals are among the people from other walks of life who attend the conventions along with thousands of people from all over the world. These conventions are widely covered by the print media. Live broadcast is also done for the devotees and the general masses those who are unable to attend the convention.

Worldwide Ancient Traditional Science Secrets Conventions His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji, in his tireless efforts of human welfare and world peace, has traveled across the globe. Among the ever increasing huge numbers of participants in his conventions, the number of medical scientists is increasing significantly as he has shown them a scientific angle of spirituality. Thus, the scientists and medical experts have started believing in the power of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. During his travels, Gurudev meets the government officials, elected representatives of various countries along with the experts of the science fraternity to bridge the gap between the spiritual and scientific understanding.

Human Welfare Activities by Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham

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Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham organizes various human welfare activities such as Blood Donation Camps, Free medical check-up camps, Free Charitable Dispensaries, Free distribution of Medicines, Free Distribution of sewing machines etc. Gurudev has been honored and felicitated by the governments of many countries for his most valuable contributions to human welfare.

Various National / International Honors & Felicitations The immense efforts of His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji in the direction of human well-being and bringing spirituality closer to science for wider results have been appreciated at the government level internationally.

Former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam Ajad Honering Swami JI Gurudev has been a recipient of various Honors & Awards in India. Some of the honors he has received are: 

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award



Aruna Asaf Ali Award

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Bhagwan Shree Dhanwantri Award



Former President of India, Late Giani Zail Singh felicitated him at Rashtrapati Bhawan in the presence of prominent intelligentsia and experts from the medical fraternity for his work of spiritual poetry, Maykhana.



Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam felicitated him for his work for human welfare.

Other notable honors conferred on Gurudev outside of India: 

His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji, on his visit to The State of Alberta in Canada in July 2010, was invited by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Canada 158

where he was welcomed and honored by Shri N. Bhardwaj, Chairman of Economic Cell on behalf of Canada Government by presenting a Certificate of Welcome. 

In the same month, the Senate and General Assembly, State of New Jersey, America ed a Resolution unanimously stating His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji as highly esteemed spiritual sage.

A New History Written in United States of America on May 2, 2011 His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji Honored by New York State Senate May 2, 2011 became a golden milestone in the Indian History. It was the day when a new chapter was added to the history in the land of United States of America. For the first time in the history of India, an Indian Saint His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji, was invited and was honored in the New York State Senate. It is the vast magnitude of his worldwide work for the human welfare that inspired the New York State Senate to felicitate Him by ing a resolution in His honor. His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji also addressed the Senate.

April 29, 2011 Declared as Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji Day in New York On April 29, His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji was felicitated with 9 citations in the assembly hall of Nassau County, New York. Many senators, senior judges of the Supreme Court of United States, the Mayor of the County, and state officials were present at the occasion. New York Assemblyman Tom McKevitt ed Senator Jack Martins in presenting a Senate Proclamation declaring April 29 as ‘Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day’ in the State of New York, a rare honor conferred only upon highly distinguished and eminent individuals who have contributed something exceptional to the society.

ASHRAMS Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is one of the largest spiritual institutes in the world today. Functionin

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham has become a ray of hope to millions - bringing health, wealth and h Kumar Swami Ji. Started as one man's mission, today the institute is spreading globally. The little seed that he

Samagams In India There are more than 500 Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams have been organised so far In 159

India at a very large scale. Over 250 Samagams were formal and almost the same number of Samagams was informational.

Gathering In The Samagams The number of devotees who gather to receive the grace of God through Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagam range in millions.

The State Of India Where Samagams Were Held So far the Samagams have been held in the various States of India i.e. Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh besides Capital of India i.e. New Delhi.

Dignitaries Present In The Samagams The Ambassadors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, of Parliament, Governors, various Dignitaries from different States, Doctors, Scientists, Intellectuals etc. (just to mention a few) also come to receive the grace of God in these Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams.

Human Welfare Activites Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham also organizes various human welfare activities such as Blood Donation Camps, Free medical check-up camps, Free Charitable Dispensaries, Free distribution of Medicines, Free Distribution of sewing machines etc.

Awards And Felicitations In India Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has been honored with many prestigious awards such as:  Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award.  Aruna Asaf Ali Award.  Bhagwan Shree Dhanwantri Award, to name a few.  Former President of India, Late Giani Jail Singh had felicitated him in Rashtrapati Bhawan for his work of spiritual poetry, Maykhana.  Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abul Kalam had also felicitated him for his work for human welfare.  The former President of India, Giani Jail Singh felicitated him at Rashtrapati Bhawan in the presence of prominent intelligentsia and medical doctors. 

He has also been appointed as an Advisor to the Industry, Labor, Health and Family Planning Ministries of the Government of India.

Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams In Abroad The institute organizes large scale conventions called Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams all over the world to provide the powerful Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science to eliminate human sorrows and sufferings.Param Pujya Mahamandleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji is born for the welfare of whole humanity. He belongs not only to India but the whole world. Carrying his mission of human welfare he has traveled to foreign countries for conducting Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagans.The countries where these Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams were organized include - America, England, Canada, , Italy, Switzerland, 160

Austria, Hungary, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Port of Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand & Kenya time and again. He makes people aware of the power of cosmic grace during his travels. Among the participants in his conventions, the number of medical scientists is increasing significantly.The gathering of devotees is huge and is increasing day by day with each convention in foreign countries.

Sadgurudev's Spiritual Powers Scientifically Tested A clinical test was conducted on Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji in a research lab in Bangalore to test his spiritual powers. The doctors were amazed when they found that in a deep meditative state his heartbeat and brain were absolutely normal but there was no pulse. Even the very sensitive instruments could not detect any pulse. After a long test the scientists accepted that he has reached a state which is beyond the comprehension of science. The research center where the test was conducted is operating under the Indian government's Ministry of Science and Technology. After the test he was brought to a hall where many people with physical ailments were waiting. The patients were brought to him one by one. He would look at the patient for a few seconds and diagnose his disease in detail. The doctors were surprised that His diagnosis was absolutely accurate and he had not even looked at the patient's records which were in the possession of doctors. A European woman was also there to be examined. After looking at her Swamiji told her that she was suffering from a very serious disease which she had not disclosed to the doctors. The woman was not ready to accept this. Swamiji looked at her with comion and told her that she had AIDS. She fell at Swamiji's feet and said that he was right. The doctors looked on in surprise.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets: Recovery From Cancer And Other Incurable Diseases Not just AIDS but many cancer patients have also recovered from the fatal disease. All such cases are regularly being published in Prabhu Kripa magazine along with the medical reports to prove the authenticity of these Secrets.TV channels around the world are telecasting the experiences shared by the people who have recovered from cancer, coma, jaundice, migraine, paralysis, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, infertility, and many other diseases by practicing 10-15 minute Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. The medical researchers and practitioners around the world are surprised with these cases. Medical science has been silently witnessing but is now coming to with the power of these Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has become a guiding light to the medical world, although his cosmic persona is beyond the reach of science. People are being recovered not only from the physical but also mental ailments. There are thousands who had reached to the brink of suicide because of depression and hypertension but are now living a wholesome life with the help of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. The neurologists and psychiatrists are surprised at the speedy recovery from psychological disorders with the help of such a simple method. Patients who had no hope left for any cure are completely healthy. In the Prabhu Kripa conventions many such people share their experiences.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets Are The Essence Of All Religions 161

What are Ancient Tradition Science Secrets, and can everyone practice it easily? In answer to these frequently asked questions Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swamiji always says that it is the essence of all religious scriptures which he is sharing with everyone, no matter what faith one belongs to. The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets are in resonance with all the scriptures such as the Gita, Shree Guru Granth Sahib, Holy Bible, and Holy Quraan. Swamiji says that if one has faith in Hinduism, he would be given the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets from the Gita. People of Muslim faith will be given these secrets from holy Quraan. Similarly, people of Sikh or Christian faith will be given the Secrets from Shree Guru Granth Sahib and the Holy Bible respectively.

Emphasis On The Equality Of All Faiths The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets being provided by Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swamiji have helped countless people to overcome their financial problems and they are prospering. The businesses in doldrums have got a new life. The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets have helped people to get good jobs, promotions, success in their professional field, and achieve their goals. People have also excelled in the academic field. There are thousands of students who have stated that they topped their schools or universities by practicing Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. The cosmic energy invoked by Ancient Traditional Science Secrets helps us overcome our physical, mental, and financial problems. This energy also removes all negative influences from our life. The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets also make us fearless and capable to face all challenges.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets: A Dimension Of Grace Beyond Tough Conditions And Arduous Techniques The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets do not draw any national, geographical, religious, racial, or economical condition. It is beyond tough conditions and arduous austerities. Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swamji says that it is injustice to humanity to attach any conditions to the process of liberation from sufferings. One who is in sufferings is already going through a hard time, the arduous technique will add to his sufferings further. Many astrologers and saints advise long and difficult path to come out of sufferings including financial commitments. One gets tired of such methods and finally starts running away from religion. Not only in India but all over the world, people spend large sums of money, time and energy in pursuit of solutions to their problems but all in vain. The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets are short and simple. One can do it anywhere for a short period of 10-15 minutes. No difficult purifying and meditative techniques are required for these Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. Swamiji offers these Secrets to millions of people for free. They can be received in any of the conventions happening all over the world. More than 270 million people around the world are practicing these Ancient Traditional Science Secrets regularly.

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Medical Bureau For Scientific Research On Ancient Traditional Science Secrets Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has also proposed the formation of a medical research center for study of the Ancient Traditional Science Secrets scientifically. He is of the view that the results and effects of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets should be scientifically examined so that science can also use it. To fulfill this dream, Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham has formed a medical bureau. The international research team consists of the prominent medical scientists and doctors. The team has collected evidences, studied the cases and is preparing a report on the effects of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. Very soon the report will be presented to the world. The former Health Minister of Punjab and the prominent physician, Dr. Baldevraj Chawla has been appointed as the director of the medical bureau. The governments of many states in India have welcomed the formation of the medical bureau. In a recent Ancient Traditional Science Secrets convention held in Amritsar, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Parkash Singh Badal applauded the medical bureau's formation and offered land and other help to the bureau. The well-known cricketer and Member of Parliament donated ten million Rupees to the bureau.

Science Surrenders To Spirituality When in the nineties, Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji started traveling around the world science was not sure how to deal with spirituality. Everybody became interested as he started revealing the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. That was the decade when many scientists and medical professors were debating about the role of spirituality and were expressing their opinions. Few expressed favorable opinions. The famous cardiologist, Dr. Herbert Benson had to say that faith also works effectively as a cure to high blood pressure, tension, and infertility. The clinical psychologist of Bowling Green State University said that doctors should take spirituality seriously. Looking at the facts the famous physician and author, Larry Dolce wrote in his book The Power of prayer and the Practice of Medicine that, "There is scientific evidence that prayer does work." Scientists started listening to Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji as more and more scientific opinions started forming in favor of spirituality. On the other hand in India, the religion itself was a victim of many misconceptions. The religion could not find a scientific platform as it had limited itself to myths, mythologies, and discourses. Science did not bother about religion because for the scientists it remained a bunch of rituals that had no of facts and logic. What to say of scientists, the spiritual thinkers of India had not accepted the scientific dimension of the Indian scriptures. Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji paved a new path by presenting a scientific form of spirituality.

PREACHINGS 163

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kumaranand Sarswati Ji (Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji) Niranjani Akhara felicitated Sadgurudev with the seat of “Mahamandaleshwar” Niranjani Akhara located at the pious unstained land of Ganges, Haridwar, adorned Param Pujya Gurudev as Mahamandaleshwar during an auspicious ceremony Niranjani Peethadeeshwar Swami Punyanand GiriJi Maharaj felicitated gurudev with Vedic chants and putting on his forehead the first vermilion and presenting a shawl. Afterwards other saints in “Pattabhishek ceremony” presented shawls to Gurudev after Pattabhishek ceremony Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shree Kumar SwamiJi’s name has been changed to “Shotriya Brahmanishtha Parivrajakacharya 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kumaranand Saraswatiji Maharaj. After the Pattabhishek ceremony Shobha Yatra took place form Niranjani Akhara to “Har Ki Paidi” Haridwar. Gurudev while offering the chanting of Vedic mantras to Ganga sprinkled milk into it and prayed with others for unity and harmony. For a moment there was ubiquitous silence in “Har Ki Paidi” there were only sound of perennially flowing Ganga millions of saints and devotes were witness to that memorable moment. Afterwards in the proximity of mother Ganga Param Pujya Gurudev while describing ma Ganga as life donor renewed cosmic sound secrets. Whereby the energies produced form its recital and sound evaporate all over. As respected Gurudev has told us due to the consideration for name I felt that my former name war ‘Kumar SwamiJi’ Kumar means a child without any perception or residence. He wanders laughs and cried. He is his own master. He who had no joy and wobbled in ignorance, emotions and umpteen forms was given joy be them. He was blessed in the lap of goddess Saraswati and added that my thousand reverences at the feet of highly respected Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Nirajani Akhara Peethadishwar who all of a sudden took this distracted child into the shade of goddess Saraswati.

India’s Most Influential Spiritual Leader - His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji Honoured At The Uk Houses Of Parliament The Houses of Parliament in UK, played host to one of India's greatest spiritual leaders, as His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji, was honoured by politicians, campaigners and his peers today. The private reception, which included over 180 invited dignitaries, was hosted by the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Labour MP for East Ham and organised by Sanjay Jagatia and Muna Chauhan on behalf of the Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham UK .Special guests who all paid tribute to His Holiness with personal messages of welcome included: Barry Gardiner MP; Steven Pound MP; Gareth Thomas MP; Bob Blackman MP, Alok Sharma MP; Lord Bilimoria; Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich; Virendra Sharma MP; Navin Shah from the London Assembley, Cllr Ajay Muru, Cllr, Ram Lakha, Cllr Harjinder Semhi, Cllr Grewal to name a few. His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has dedicated his whole life to freeing the world of suffering and misery and his vision for society is continually being delivered by his Trust – Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham', one of the world's largest spiritual 164

organisations. His efforts in improving human welfare for people of all faiths and religions have inspired millions.

His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji is a well rehearsed scholar in Ayurveda, India's five thousand year old system of medicines. He has demonstrated his moral leadership and outstanding record of service to the global community by delivering large scale conventions in India, Canada, America, UK and throughout Europe, which are attended by tens of thousands and watched by millions across the globe. His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has more than 500 million followers across the World. During the reception, His Holiness was presented with citations and Awards from various organisations for the Humanitarian work that he is doing, including: The highly acclaimed "Ambassador of Peace Award" by the Universal Peace Federation. The award is presented to individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices which promote universal moral values, strong family life, inter-religious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United Nations and the establishment of a culture of peace.

"The Mahaveer Award" by The Young Indian Vegetarians Society in recognition of His Holiness' vegetarian lifestyle and comion towards all living beings "The Humanitarian Award" to both Gurudevji and Gurumaa by the Asian Welfare Association, which is presented to one individual each year for their outstanding contribution to social welfare and being a role model to others. His Holiness also received citations from a number of MPs including Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Rt Hon Virendra Sharma MP and Rt Hon Stephen Pound MP as well as a host of Councillors, Community organisations and faith groups, reflecting His Holiness's immense respect of all faiths and cultures. On receiving his awards and citations His Holiness said: "This honour is not just for me, but for the whole world and the ancient tradition of the East. More than that, this honour is for all the faithful believers of all the World religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zorastrianism. This historical honour is not for a single person but for all the Nations and their various cultures. This honour in fact is an honour for the entire humanity. This felicitation has once more brought the greatness and humility of Great Britain before the whole World. His Holiness also paid respects to Her Majesty the Queen, The Prime Minister David Cameron, Ministers, Politicitions and the Citizens of the United Kingdom and acknowleged the vast contribution that UK brings t othe way of life for people across the World.

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The event also marked the official launch of the Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham UK's Annual Day to be known as -"Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Day". The day was officially launched by Stephen Timms MP dedicated in honour of the interfaith, charity and volunteering work that His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji embodies. On this day each year, all followers in the UK will perform selfless voluntary acts of kindness and public service and do something positive that makes a meaningful difference to someone else's quality of life, happiness and prosperity, by sacrificing their time without any gain or reward. They will be encouraged to engage in various volunteering projects to help out in charitable organisations, schools, old people's homes, hospitals, hospices and in particular consider giving blood or ing the organ donor . Commenting on the event and his meeting with His Holiness, Stephen Timms MP commented: "Faith organisations across the country are making a positive contribution in communities across the UK, and I welcome the opportunity this event presents to bring them together. I am glad to have been able to help to sponsor it. It has been a pleasure to meet with His Holiness and learn more about the valuable impact of his humanitarian work."

Beejmantras The Divine Mantra provided by His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji

A seed when sown grows into a fruitful tree, like that Beej Mantra is a origin of shakti (Cosmic Energy). There are Various Beej Mantras which are an important part of Mantras and each Beej mantra has its own power and when mixed with mantras adds extra power to the traits of that mantra. Cosmic Sound Secrets (Beej-Mantras) are NOT provided over the phone or by email and are not broadcast on television, website etc. Beej Mantras are seed mantra. Each diety has a specific beej mantra. One could pick a beej mantra and repeat it in the mind as often as possible. In a way mental/conscious repetition will morph into unconscious repetition. Mind can be trained to focus. Divine Beej-Mantras (also called Cosmic Sound Secrets or Prabhu Kripa Naam Paath) can only be obtained in any Prabhu-Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagam & are provided free of cost. These samagams are being organised regularly all over the world. Any body interested in obtaining Cosmic Sound Secrets should attend any one of these samagams.TV channels around the world are telecasting the experiences shared by the people who have recovered from cancer, coma, jaundice, migraine, paralysis, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, infertility, and many other diseases by practicing 10-15 minute Ancient Traditional Science Secrets. The 166

medical researchers and practitioners around the world are surprised with these cases. Medical science has been silently witnessing but is now coming to with the power of these Ancient Traditional Science Secrets.

Experiences Of The People Benefited By The Beej Mantras Provided By Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Ji: Schedule of all the samagams is provided on the

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham website

(www.cosmicgrace.org)

or

from

Prabhu

Kripa

Magazine.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets have been derived from the ancient scriptures of all the religions and have been molded into a scientific format; practicing them for a short period, twice a day brings immense positive results in one’s life. One need not follow a specific religious doctrine or philosophy to practice the scientific tools of eternal wisdom. People who had lost all hope in life have regained their hope to live. The principle of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets is based on the eternal splendor of the Indian tradition. Hence, the whole world has started looking towards India with a renewed respect. Various sectors of science have also accepted the effectiveness of the Secrets of Ancient Traditional Science. The vision and inspiration behind the institute is Param Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji. Millions of people from all walks of life attend the Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams, in which the divine Ancient Traditional secrets of Science or Beej Mantras are given to all, free of cost. “Beej Mantras” are “names of God”, extracted from not only our ancient literature of Vedas, Upanishads but also Bible, Quran-e-Pak, Adi Granth Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Jinvani, Dhammpada etc.

Kumar Swami Belittles Guru Granth Sahib, Geeta, Quran, Bible, Dhammapada, Jinvaani Self-styled Indian ‘godman’ Kumar Swami, by resorting to one more gimmick has belittled and tried to undermine the sanctity and supremacy of none other than the Living Guru of Sikhs Shri Guru Granth Sahib and other sacred books of different religions. He has claimed that he has a three minute mantra which is multi-crore times more effective than the spiritual effect of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, Geeta, Quran-e-pak, Dhammapada, Bible and Jinvaani. Yes Punjab has gone through the content of ments inserted in some popular vernacular newspapers and seeing the seriousness of the issue we have decided to pre-pone the launching of this Website and confront the Baba as he has committed blasphemy which cannot be overlooked. We didn’t know that Yes Punjab will have to open its with an Editorial on an issue like this but we take it as a responsibility entrusted to us by our Living Guru, Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. 167

Punjab Editorial H S Bawa, He claims to have cure for all the ailments. He claims to be a ‘one stop shop’ for all the solutions of all the sorrows under the sun. He promises to bless you with health, wealth and success. He claims to be the sole-selling ‘godman’ of the GOD Himself. He claims to have political bigwigs and other saintly and worldly personalities as his followers. He flies and travels like a corporate biggie and issues ments which become a source of envy not only for other babas and saints but also some of the noted corporate houses. Only he knows the exact amount of his ment blitzkrieg and the only confusion for people like us is that whether it is in millions or it is in billions. Yes, you have got it right. He is what they call, ‘Mahamandleshwar Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji’. Full page insertions in national and regional newspapers have become his identity now. He knows how to sell and is simply master of his technique of selling ‘godly’ blessings at a price. His full page Ads in newspapers claim that Senators of America have acknowledged his ‘powers’. His ments carry pictures and messages of some of India’s much known spiritual and political personalities. It is not known whether he has taken permission for this from these personalities or he does not simply need anybody’s permission.

Kumar Swami Belittles Guru Granth Sahib, Geeta, Quran, Bible, Dhammapada, Jinvaani Politicians felicitating Kumar Swami’s ‘works’ include none other than one of the most senior leaders of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and the former deputy prime minister of India Lal Krishan Advani. Others whose faces and messages adorn Kumar Swami’s ments include a) Parkash Singh Badal, chief minister of Punjab, b) Sheila Dikshit, chief minister of Delhi, c) Bhupinder Singh Hooda, chief minister of Haryana, d) Prem Kumar Dhumal, chief minister of Himachal, e) B.C. Khanduri, chief minister of Uttrakhand and Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan. In these ments Kumar Swami claims to have more than 50 crore followers all over the world. Insiders reveal that everything he does is meticulously planned by a team. Wherever he goes, he has politicians as guests and a photo opportunity is created so that Kumar Swami gets photographed with the personality which is later used to impress people. Various organizations issue Certificates and confer Awards on Kumar Swami and the team uses these as tools to get ‘due’ mileage in the media. Sources tell that during the ‘Prabhu Kripa Dukh Niwaran Samagam’ entry to ‘satsang’ is ‘free’ but those who wish to take ‘beej mantra’ to ward of their sorrows and ailments have to shell money. Nothing in this world comes free, you know. The minimum we are told is Rs. 250 but if you want something special, exclusive etc. etc. then there are different categories for which you can be charged Rs. 2500, 5000, 11000, 21000, 31000, 51000 and more for special sessions with the ‘godman’. The rule of demand and supply holds true here also. If there is a ‘samagam’ for two days but the ‘demand’ continues and the devotees continue to 168

pour in, Kumar Swami, if not already engaged or occupied, prefers to stay for the third day and ‘bless’ those who are ready to shell out the ‘prescription fee’. Now, you can not object to all this. Nobody really objects because in India there are a variety of Babas doing a variety of gimmicks just to outshine each other. There is a logic that no one is forcing you to come to Kumar Swami, the Baba does not force you to shell out money or compel you to have higher version of his ‘darshan’ or the ‘blessings’. Even we don’t have any objection as far as all mentioned above goes but mind it, this Swami is crossing limits. Yeah, we hold firmly to our view that the religio-corporate success seems to have gone to his head and he is trying to be GOD instead of a ‘godman’. People like us are in the habit of tolerating this type of ‘godmen’ because we have been born and brought up in India where everything like this is a é. Now see, what this baba has done. He has issued an ment which has appeared in some of the widely circulated vernacular papers published here. The ads which appeared on 3rd and 4th of March in different newspapers introduce a new gimmick of Kumar Swami. He now claims that he will be issuing S for a ‘dukh niwaran mantra’ or ‘path’. He has termed it as ‘Dukh Niwaran ke Adhbut Nishkeelan path’. In this ad he claims that a ‘mantra’ which was kept secret by Rishis, Munis in Vedas-Shastras and for acquiring which one had to do hard religious chores now can be obtained easily while sitting at home. He goes on to claim that till now one could get it once in a month but now this ‘Nishkeelan mantra’ will be made available on daily basis. The claim is that this mantra which would be made available soon is multi-crore times effective. The Swami is soliciting registrations for getting s, definitely for a consideration, which is not mentioned there in the ment.

ROLE FOR SOCITY WELFARE Human Welfare Activities by Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham organizes various human welfare activities such as Blood Donation Camps, Free medical check-up camps, Free Charitable Dispensaries, Free distribution of Medicines, Free Distribution of sewing machines etc. Gurudev has been honored and felicitated by the governments of many countries for his most valuable contributions to human welfare. Param Poojya Brahmarshi Shri Kumar Swami Ji is an astonishing spiritual power of this century. He is among the few rare great men in this KaliYug who have been sent by the Param Pita Paramatma himself to work for public welfare. To attain this power, Param Poojya Brahmarshi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has for long practiced Dhyana Saadhana in the caves of the Himalayas which is still continuing. He himself maintains that whatever he has achieved is the Mahaprasad of Prabhu Kripa. By the mercy of God, he also possesses the extremely special divine knowledge that he can tell about all problems and diseases of any man just by meeting him or by seeing his picture as if someone is looking at the past, present and future 169

in the form of a film. He says that this is the science of God. After doing dhyan, poojaarchana, God grants him the blessing by which he becomes one with any persons whose picture he sees. He can feel their pains and sorrows, can understand their problems and relates them in an easy and simple manner. Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham (BSLND) is a charitable Organization in India, USA, Canada and UK and has recently opened a place for its first USA dham (Center) at 5716 Dun Horse Lane, Derwood, Maryland, 20855. In Canada at 3A Edvac Drive, Unit 11, Brampton, Ontario. In UK at Little Paddocks Windsor Road, Water Oaklay, Barkshire, SL45UJ. In India there are number of centers in different states like Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, etc. The mission of BSLND is to help mankind live a better and stress-free life by connecting them with GOD.

BSLND has already attained lot of fame and respect in the heart of millions of people around the world. Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is an exceptional spiritual institution of the world. This is based on the fact that a divine science is manifested in all the activities arranged by this institute through which the real character of public welfare is revealed . Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji gives astonishing and extremely effective divine grace to the sorrows and other problems of millions of people in Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams. So far there have been numerous Samagams arranged at various places in India and abroad such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Banglore, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Shimla, Ambala, Gurgaon, Dalhousie, Surat, Patiala, Chandigarh, Faridabad, Ahmdabad, Kashipur, Karnal, Mandi Gobindgarh, Bilaspur, Ujjain, Haridwar, Saharanpur, Dehradun, Kathmandu, London, Birmingham, Slough, Lester, Wolverhampton, Washington DC, Chicago, New York, Maryland, San Francisco, Toronto, Calgary, Port of Spain, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Vienna, and different cities of Holand, Italy and Kenya.

In these Samagams Param Pujya Guru Dev ji delivers cosmic grace for physical, mental, financial, family and psychological problems of people by giving them solution based on all religions of the world. This divine cosmic grace is based on divine paath from the holy books of different religions of the world. According to Brahamrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji, that these secret and divine mantras are hidden in the holy books of all religions. These are present in other religions as well but the most important thing about these secret Mantras is that they are hidden in the holy books in several pieces and it is impossible to find them through ordinary eyes.Param Pujya Shree Kumar Swami ji has become one of the great leaders of the world by giving the divine secrets to 270 million people in different countries of the world. The scientists, philosophers, meditators and saints of the world are surprised to know the effect of these divine secrets. 170

Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji believes that life of the people will not be peaceful just by religious talks. In the present day, science is based on truth and evidence. Modern day saints only preach about faith, devotion, trust and sacrifices. Unless they get evidence based solutions there will not be the welfare of the people. Arjun could not understand the words of Lord Krishna as long as he only preached him. But when Lord Krishna showed him his gigantic real form only then he could understand him. Evidence based massage of Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji is that there will not be love and devotion for God unless one is free from all the physical, mental and financial problems. He says “how can a person or someone in his/her family will pray to God if they are suffering from diseases or have any mental problem or debt”? Param Pujya Brahamrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji has been uncovering such divine secrets, which have changed the life of millions of people. Numerous people having shortage of money, loss in business, difficulty in studies, suffering from pain, diseases, problems and celestial faults have got new life after getting these secrets.

When modern science and equipments could not cure people suffering from deadly diseases then those people were not only fully cured from these diseases by divine secrets but those who were about to commit suicide were also fully benefitted.

During his spiritual journey Guruji has been with well known masters like J. Krishna Murthy, Osho, Vimala Thakar, Maa Anandmayee Shri Omkar Nath Thakur, Taat vale Baba, Deveriya Baba, Shivpuri Baba, Nirankari Baba, Swami Sahajanand, Vishvatma Baba, Pathik ji Maharaj, Punja Baba etc. He believes whatever he has got is only with the blessings of God. He has got such a special knowledge from God’s grace that either by looking at a person, or his photo or listening to ones voice, he can tell everything about the diseases and all other problems so easily like he has been watching his past, present or future as a movie. He says this is the science of God which he attained by meditation of number of years and blessings of God. When he looks at the photo of a person then he can tell about that person so well as if he is telling about him self. He himself starts feeling the pain/problem of that person and knows about his problems and then very easily gives solution to them.

Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji was born on Jan .22, 1954 at Shree Karanpur in Rajasthan in a religious farmer family. It is because of God’s unique grace that only at the age of 12 he studied the holy books of all the religions and during this time the holy book 'Mayakhana' was written by him which uncovers extremely hidden spiritual secrets and soofi thinking. Param Pujya Brahmrishi Shree Kumar swami ji has unparallel knowledge of the secrets of Ayurveda. At one time he was respected as the best Doctor of the world. He has 171

been personal Doctor of Presidents, Prime ministers, several central ministers and Ambassadors of different countries and chief minister of several states of India.

By the blessings of Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami ji premedical check up camps, blood donation and eye care camps have been arranged in different samagams. Besides this food, blankets and clothes are also distributed among poor people.

There is a new dimension in the Guru ji’s public welfare activity in different places of world in the form of Prabhu Kripa Maha Shakti Peeth. In this series Mahashakati Peeths have been started in kurukshetra and Haridwar. Theses Pyramid shaped Temples based on Vaastu Art will be unique in the world. People will be able to feel effects of divine science personally in these Mahashakti Peeths. Divine energy will be floating in these Temples and use of Vedic culture will be visible here. Every person coming here will undergo medical check up by team of Doctors and will stay here for few days. He will be checked again by the Doctors when leaving the Mahashakti Peeth. He him self will be amazed to see the unprecedented improvement in his health and mental position.

ROLE OF YOGA Mukti Yoga Mission's Volunteer Program For those who want to dedicate themselves entirely to the spiritual path, we offer a full-time dedication program. Karma yoga, or “selfless service,” is an integral part of this program.

What is the duration of the program? Each aspirant can the volunteer program for the period of time that he or she considers appropriate. There are those who for a week, others for a month or a year, and there are those who decide to spend the rest of their lives in the mission.

What is karma yoga? Karma yoga, or “selfless service”, is one of the main paths of yoga. When we offer service to others, our hearts get purified and our negative qualities such as selfishness, hatred, jealousy, pride, and others, start to vanish. Karma yoga magically annihilates the false sense of separation. Hence, it stimulates the development of qualities such as humility, love, acceptance, comion, tolerance, and mercy. When perceiving the unity behind the diversity, the perspective of life changes, until the knowledge of the Self is revealed.

Yogic Life The ashram is an ideal environment to practice the path of yoga. With the guidance of the spiritual master, surrounded by souls with similar aspirations, you can delve into all aspects 172

of yoga practice, open the heart, develop new skills, and be inspired by the hills, forests and streams, as well as the variety of programs offered by the ashram.

Complete commitment This program of complete dedication is full-time throughout its duration and is based on the ancient system of gurukula. With the exception of the practice of hatha yoga, meditation, prayer, and study, most of the day is dedicated to karma yoga. The organization's volunteers work without earning money, or obtaining any kind of selfish material benefit. Karma yoga is a means for internal purification and spiritual development.

Who can participate? Anyone who is willing to serve and wants to conduct a yogic life is welcome to volunteer for the Vimukti Yoga Mission's Volunteer Program. The program is open to all levels, including beginners on the path of yoga. The majority of full-time volunteers are of our congregation, students, devotees, followers, and karma yogis (volunteers).

How much does the program cost? The program is free of charge for those who choose full-time dedication.

Ancient Traditional Science Secrets -The Spiritual Journey of His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji where The Science Meets The Spirituality Ancient Traditional Science Secrets The Ancient Traditional Science Secrets, according to Gurudev, consist of short and simple “Names of God” in a word. These simple words are combined to create Beej Mantras. Practicing the divine Beej Mantras for a short time every day, frees one from sorrows and problems of mind, body and finance. Gurudev has simplified the practicing of Beej Mantras. He provides the Beej Mantras for free, at the conventions organized in various parts of the world. More than 500 million people around the world are practicing these Beej Mantras regularly and have been benefitted by them.

Science - Spirituality His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has travelled around India and the world to convey his message. Initially, the scientists and spiritual thinkers were not ready to look at spirituality from a scientific angle. However, Gurudev’s path of presenting a scientific form of spirituality helped eradicate several speculations. Today, more and more people from the science fraternity are eagerly embracing and accepting the tools of Ancient Traditional Science Secrets.

Derived from All Religions in a Scientific Format Ancient Traditional Science Secrets have been derived from the ancient scriptures of all the religions and have been molded into a scientific format; practicing them for a short period, twice a day brings immense positive results in one’s life. One need not follow a specific religious doctrine or philosophy to practice the scientific tools of eternal wisdom. Millions of people from all walks of life attend the Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagams, in which the divine Ancient Traditional secrets of Science or Beej Mantras are given to all, 173

free of cost. “Beej Mantras” are “names of God”, extracted from not only our ancient literature of Vedas, Upanishads but also Bible, Quran-e-Pak, Adi Granth Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Jinvani, Dhammpada etc. We all are truly blessed as we have been granted with the “Divine Blessings” of SadgurudevJi.

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CHAPTER:6 ACHARYA MAHARAJSHREE RAKESH PRASAD PANDE

INTRODUCTION Sanatan Dharma Dhurandar Acharya Maharaj Shree 1008 Rakeshprasadji Maharaj (July 1966 - Present) is the current Acharya of the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi of Swaminarayan Sampraday (31 January 2003–present) and the 9th Spiritual Successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the South Diocese (Vadtal, LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi) of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

He was appointed by the order of the Gujarat High Court, which removed his predesser, Ajendraprasad and appointed him in his place. Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has dispute over this and has filed a review petition in theGujarat High Court, a case which is currently pending before the court. Followers say he has interests in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature on religion, and that he has established temples and consecrated idols in them. He also is said to have given Diksha to more than 100 saints as per the wish ofSwaminarayan who mentioned this in the Desh Vibhag Lekh. Koshalendraprasad Pande is the current Acharya of theNarNarayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday and is the 7th successor of Swaminarayan in the North Diocese .

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Importance of Acharyas Swaminarayan felt that as he had established the temples and the Swaminarayan Sampraday, he wanted to keep his sadhus free from the affairs dealing with wealth, power etc. He therefore decided that he would create leaders for each and every sadhu and householder, who would then subsequently be responsible for the Swaminarayan Sampraday. This led to the decision of appointing his nephews as Acharyas. The Acharyas of the Sampraday are more than mere istrative heads, they are the spiritual leaders and the guru to their followers. Since the acharya is supposed to refrain from with the opposite sex (other than close relations), his wife is the guru for female satsangis. She too is to refrain from with the opposite sex (other than close relations). The acharya wears a red turban, which is a symbol of his authority along with a golden staff and umbrella. The Acharyas are responsible for:  

Initiate followers into the sampraday with a Samanya Diksha by giving the gurumantra Initiate monks-sadhus by giving them the Maha-Bhagwadi Diksha



Perform murti-pratishtha, install deities in the temples

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Authenticate scriptures of the Sampraday

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Act as the Guru and leader of the entire Sampraday

HISTORY Koshalendraprasad Pande was born on 18 October 1971 in Ahmedabad, India. He is the eldest son of Tejendraprasad Pande, the 6th acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Per tradition in Brahmin households, Pande received his Yajñopavītam, or sacred thread, during the bicentennial celebrations of Swaminarayan in 1981 at Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir. He studied at St. Xavier School and St. Xavier College in Ahmedabad. He was anointed as acharya on 15 October 2004. (23 July 1966 – present) is the current Acharyaof the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi of Swaminarayan Sampraday (31 January 2003–present) and the 9th Spiritual Successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the South Diocese (Vadtal,LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi) of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. He was appointed by the order of the Gujarat High Court, which removed his predesser,Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj and appointed him in his place. Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has disputed this and has filed a review petition in the Gujarat High Court, a case which is currently pending before the court. Followers say he takes an interest in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature on religion, and that he has established temples and consecrated idols in them. He also is said to have givenDiksha to 176

more than 100 saints as per the wish of Swaminarayan who mentioned this in the Desh Vibhag Lekh.

ASHRAMS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad is the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a Hindu sect. It is located in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, India. It was built on the instructions of Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect. As per the will of Swaminarayan, the istration of the Swaminarayan Sampraday is divided into two Gadis (seats) - NarNarayan Dev Gadiand LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi. This temple is the headquarters of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi. Green and yellow sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, their bodies fitted in opulent dress, cover the structure of this nineteenth-century temple. With its architecture based on Burma teak wood, every coloured arch and bracket is a bright different shade, something that stands out in most Swaminarayan temples. According to Anjali Desai, author of India Guide Gujarat, the temple resembles a fairytale with all its colours and opulent carvings that profusely embellish every wooden bracket, column and arch. The temple attracts a million people on the day afterDiwali. The temple has a multistory guesthouse that is air conditioned and has a fully equipped medical clinic within its compound. The land for construction of this first shrine of Swaminarayan Sampraday, was gifted by the British Imperial Government in India to Swaminarayan. The task of constructing this temple was entrusted personally by Swaminarayan to Ananandanand Swami (a paramhansa of the sect). The installation ceremony of themurti (images) in the temple was celebrated in the presence about 50,000 of pilgrims representing many parts of India.

History The land for construction of this first shrine of Swaminarayan Sampraday, was gifted by the British Imperial Government in India to Swaminarayan. The task of constructing this temple was entrusted personally by Swaminarayan to Ananandanand Swami (a paramhansa of the sect). The installation ceremony of themurti (images) in the temple was celebrated in the presence about 50,000 of pilgrims representing many parts of India.

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A British officer, Sir Dunlop was so impressed with activities of Swaminarayan and his followers, that on behalf of the government he gifted 5,000 acres (20 km2) of land in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad to build this temple. When the temple was completed, the officer was so impressed by the temple that he commanded a 101 gun salute to the temple.[6] When the British government wanted to build a railway station in Kalupur, the temple returned part of the land, where Kalupur Railway Station stands today. The government compensated the temple by granting it 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land in the Narayannagar village. Although the temple had very good relations with the British government, part of the wooden carvings in the temple depict the 1857 uprising, which is often referred to as India's first war of Independence.

Central Gateway The central gateway of the temple is artistic. It blends local, regional and British styles of architecture and sculpture. Marathi and Rajasthani folk cultures and costumes are evident on the gateway sculptors. The columns are engraved with vertical lining in Corinthian order. The top of the projected pavilions are ruminants of Mughal architecture. Statues of the women wearing frilled blouses and petticoats, carrying their kids on their waist depict the Gujarati women.

Nar Narayan Temple This is the heart of the temple complex. The temple was constructed as per scriptural norms with intricate carving in pure Burma-teak and constructed with sculptural art by depicting deities' episodes, auspicious symbols and religious icons representing axiomatic religion and Indian culture. The temple is believed to be a valuable cultural heritage in the socio-religious history of Gujarat and India. The images in this temple are of Narnarayan Dev in the centre, Radhakrishna Dev on the right, Dharmadev, BhaktiMata and Harikrishna on the left of the central hall. The images were made in Dungarpur and stone came from quarries in Himmatnagar and Dhrangadhra. The temple is also known for the attractive dresses that drape the deities. Dresses for the central Narnarayan as well as RadhaKrishna images are changed seven times a day and are never repeated.

Akshar Bhavan Besides the gods in the main temple, an idol in the form of a child, Ghanshyam Maharaj in white marble has been installed on the ground floor. Personal items of Swaminarayan have been displayed for viewing by the visitors on the ground as well as first floor. The southern side of this building is known as Shree Tejendra Bhuvan and houses visiting pilgrims.

Rang Mahol An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been installed in a place called the Rang Mahol in the temple where Swaminarayan stayed during his visits to Ahmedabad. A wood carved life-size 178

idol of Swaminarayan in standing sambhang position, was installed here fifty years after the construction of the temple. It is one of the finest specimens of wooden art sculpting in Gujarat.

Temple for women (West) The Haveli (Mansion) to the west of the temple used to be the official residence of Acharya of the Narnarayan Dev Gadi. Now, the ground floor of the front side, houses the offices and the inner portion accommodates the residency of the Samkhya Yogi women (ladies who have taken celibacy vows and devoted their life to the temple). In the inner temple, the Gadiwalla (the Acharya Maharajshri's wife & spiritual leader of the women in the Swaminarayan Sampraday) holds religious assemblies solely for the benefit of the women. An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been installed in this temple and is served by the Sankhya Yogi women devotees. This mansion is decorated with chandeliers, suspended lamps and large mirrors as it was supposed to be the residence of the Acharya. The brackets of the pillars in the portico as well as arches have been adorned with carvings in geometrical designs and a variety of flower and creeper motifs.

Haveli (North) This three-storey mansion was constructed by Acharya Maharjshree Keshavprasadji Maharaj in 1871. The mansion itself rests on octagonal and square wooden pillars on which Ardh-murt relief sculpture of flowers and creepers is engraved. Angles of wooden pillars, carved in free hand design and the shapely Bharnai, which balconies rest on. The Sabha mandap, an extensive Central Hall, has been constructed on sixty pillars. There are giant size madal-shilp sculptures on twelve high pillars in the front row on which rest the portico of the first floor, capture our attention with its great artistic appeal. These sculptors include a flying Hanuman lifting the Devgiri mountain in his palm; a pot bellied Ghanesha wearing a scarlet turban in the South Indian style, miniature sculptures of several soldiers armed and dressed in Marathi turbans and costumes and herds of monkeys have been created on the religious tradition in the wooden sculptors. Interestingly, some sculptors depict the 1857 uprising, with the Rani of Jhansi and other heroes narrated in carvings of these pillars. There are a total of 12 such pillars, which depict scenes such as a Maratha warrior fighting under the Rani of Jhansi in guise of Durga the Hindu goddess, Indian leader Tatya Tope in the guise of Narsimha, the lion headed form of Vishnu and that of parrots which tell the mood of the times. Sculptures of lions and elephants, birds like peacocks and parrots and perfectly engraved leaves and flowers decorate the s. The beams, ceilings, and lower sections are adorned with engravings, artistic sculptures and free-hand designs. In this mansion, Acharya sits on 179

the wooden seat once used by Swaminarayan in the Congregation Hall. A new residence of the saints, Vrajendraprasad Mahal and a dining hall for the devotees are also situated in this mansion.

Haveli (East) This mansion is two storeyed. Sculptures of animal heads, flowers and creepers are carved on the wooden pillars of the portico on the ground floor. Items relating to NarNarayan Dev on the ground floor. The first and second floors house a Sanskrit and music school as well as residence for saints. The backyard hosts the residence for brahmchari (celibate) students. A well where Swaminarayan used to bathe under a dome is also part of the backyard.

Secular area and Heritage Walk Kalupur area in Ahmedabad where the temple is located in a Muslim dominated area. Communal harmony was shown during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake when the Muslim neighbours cooked food and gave it to the temple authorities, who accepted it as they needed it to distribute to earthquake victims. A Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad city was started on on the 19 November, 1997 by the local municipal corporation in association with the Foundation for Conservation and Research of Urban Traditional Architecture (CRUTA). The walk starts from this temple in the Kalupur area of the city and ends at the Jama Masjid, after touring 18 sites. The one and a half kilometer long walk takes three hours to complete. In 1999, the temple held an exhibition of photographs relating to the culture and architecture of the city as part of the Heritage Week celebrations. In 2003, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, chose to lead this walk along with his cabinet colleagues to spread the message of peace.

PREACHING General Philosophical Outlook The Swaminarayan Sampradaya is a Bhakti (Devotional) Sampradaya which advocates God within the disciplines of Dharma. Lord Swaminarayan has propagated a philosophy where He says that God is Supreme, has a divine form, is the all doer and always present on earth. He simply states that jivas (souls) never merge or dissolve into God and neither are they part of God but always subservient to God. The Jiva, through absolute surrender and attachment toward the Guru, attains the realized state and becomes eligible to offer pure worship to God. Main scriptures followed are: 

Vachanamrut

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

Shikshapatri

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Janmangal Namavali



Swamini Vato

SOCITY WELFARE Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Spiritual Succession The Acharyas of the Sampraday are more than mere istrative heads, they are the spiritual leaders and the Guru through whom the path to moksha (liberation) is opened according to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Bhagwan Swaminarayan adopted Ayodhyaprasadji from his elder brother Rampratapji and adopted Raghuvirji from his younger brother Ichcharamji and placed them as the Acharayas (Spiritual Leaders) of his sect. (Shikshapatri Slokh 3) He accepted the two as his own sons and handed the Northern- NarNarayan Dev Desh (diocese) to Ayodhyaprasadji and the Southern- LakshmiNarayan Dev Desh to Raghuvirji in Vadtal on VS 1882 (1826 AD) Kartik Sud Prabodhini Ekadashi (ironically on the same day he was given the Acharya-pad by Ramanand Swami). The NarNarayan Desh is based in Amdavad and LakshmiNarayan Desh in Vadtal. Though known as NarNarayan Dev and Lakshminarayan Dev Gadi, both are the Swaminarayan Gadis as they are the only authentic gadis established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself. The Acharyas are householders and their respective wives (Gadiwala) stand as the females’ Guru. The Gadi is ed on to the most capable of the sons from their family. 1. Initiate followers into the sampraday with a Samanya Diksha by giving the gurumantra 2. Initiate monks-sadhus by giving them the Maha-Bhagwadi Diksha 3. Perform murti-pratishtha, install deities in the temples 4. Authenticate scriptures of the Sampraday

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5. Act as the Guru and leader of the entire sampraday These responsibilities have been prescribed in the Shikshapatri, Satsangijeevan and Desh Vibhag no Lekh, and according to these shastras no other individual other than the Dharmavanshi Acharyas are permitted to carry out the above duties. In the scripture Purushottam Prakash (Nishkulanand Kavya), the writer Nishkulanand Swami describes the instance when Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Dharmavanshi Acharyas. Swaminarayan felt that as he had established the temples and the Swaminarayan Sampraday, he wanted to keep his sadhus free from the affairs dealing with wealth, power etc. He therefore decided that he would create leaders for each and every sadhu and householder, who would then subsequently be responsible for the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The establishment of the Dharmavanshi Acharyas was therefore immensely important for both istrative and spiritual purposes. The constitution of the sampraday is laid out in Desh Vibhag no Lekh which describes in detail the functions of the Acharyas. “. . . it is my command to all sadhus, bhamcharis and all satsangies, that for the purpose of your kalyaan (emancipation) you must obey and follow the two Acharyas of Dharmavansh, and obey their commands by thought, action and speech. If this is compromised and whoever turns elsewhere (rejecting the Acharyas) will find that they will never find sukh (happiness) in this world or the worlds beyond and will experience immense distress . . ” (Desh Vibhag no Lekh) Furthermore, in one of the most authoritative scriptures the Vachamanamrut, Bhagwan Swaminarayan states one of the prerequisites for attaining Akshardham. “…The devotee who is aashrit of Dharmakul (i. e. he who has received initiation from Dharmavanshi Acharya and remains loyal to the Acharya) gets a divine Bhram-state body by God's wish…” (Vachanamrut, Gadhada Pratham Chapter 1) So it is seen as imperative to be a humble loyal follower of the Dharmavanshi Acharya once receiving the diksha (guru mantra) in order to be qualified to achieve a bhram form.

Even Gunatitanand Swami, one of the main sadhus of Bhagwan Swaminarayan states “He who insults the temples, Acharyas, sadhus and satsangies will find his roots being destroyed and will inevitably fall from the satsang. ” (Swami ni Vato Prakran 5, Vat 104) 182

RELIGION Acharya Maharajshree Rakeshprasad Pande

Acharya Maharajshree Rakeshprasad Pande Born

July 23, 1966

Titles/honours 9th Acharya, Laxminarayan Dev Gadi Philosophy

Swaminarayan Sampraday(Sanatana Dharma)

CHAPTER:7 GOPAL KRISHNA GOSWAMI INTRODUCTION

His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaj appeared on the auspicious day of Ekadasi, on August 14, 1944 in New Delhi, India.After graduating from the Delhi University, His Holiness studied Business Management at the University of Paris in Sorbonne and later obtained his 183

Master's degree in Business istration from the McGill University of Montreal. His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaj's life changed dramatically after he met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on June 1, 1968. In two weeks he knew that he would accept Srila Prabhupada as his spiritual master. After taking a formal initiation from Prabhupada on May 22, 1969, he got fully involved serving him. Srila Prabhupada sent him to India after he had served him as his personal secretary in 1975. His Holiness was appointed the Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) of ISKCON, India, where he utilized his talents for promoting Srila Prabhupada's books all over the world. In 1982, His Holiness took sannayasa, the vedic order of renunciation. His Holiness is now GBC of over 30 temples around the world with disciples in Russia, America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. His Holiness is actively involved in many of ISKCON's current projects. On the auspicious day of Ram Navami in 1998, His Holiness successfully opened the multicrore temple in New Delhi, India, known as the GLORY OF INDIA which includes a multimedia visual display, a Vedic cultural museum and an open air theater. This was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After visiting the ISKCON temple in Montreal, Canada in September of 1967, Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj yearned to meet a Vaishnava guru and got the opportunity to meet Srila Prabhupada there in 1968. The combination of his family background and his search for spiritual life led him to Srila Prabhupada and he accepted initiation from him in early 1969. Gopal Krishna Goswami played a leading role in inspiring and completing several large ISKCON temples, such as the Glory of India temple in New Delhi in 1998 (inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and the Radha Bankebihari temple in Nairobi. Currently he is the GBC of over thirty temples around the world and serves as an initiating spiritual master, with disciples in Russia, America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

HISTORY His Holiness Gopala Krishna Goswami appeared on 14th August, 1944 in New Delhi, India. The day was the eleventh day of the waning moon, the auspicious day of Lord Hari - Annada Ekadashi. After graduating from the University of Delhi, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami studied Business Management at the Sorbonne University of Paris (on a scholarship from the French Government). Later, he also obtained a Masters Degree in Business istration from the McGill University at Montreal. H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami's life changed dramatically after he met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1968. His Holiness was living in Toronto at that 184

time. Having received an invitation from the President of the Montreal temple, he arrived there on 30th May, 1968. When H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami came to the temple, the President HG Mahapurusa Dasa, announced that Srila Prabhupada would be arriving the next day (1st June). After the kirtana, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami asked Mahapurusa Dasa if there was any service he could do. Mahapurusa Dasa immediately sent H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami to clean Srila Prabhupada's room. "I was fortunate enough to receive this as my first assignment in devotional service," says H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami. He cleaned the doors, shelves and windows of Srila Prabhupada's apartment. In this way, his service attitude for Srila Prabhupada was manifest right from the beginning - even before he actually met Srila Prabhuapada! He first met Srila Prabhupada in the evening of 1st June, 1968. Within the first two weeks of meeting him, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami knew that he would accept him as his spiritual master later. Around December 1967, six months before he met Srila Prabhupada, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami had a strong desire to surrender to the Supreme Lord. He had started visiting many Hindu temples, Gurudwaras and Churches hoping to find out about God. Every Sunday he would seek out a different Church, Temple or Gurudwara, and would spend the whole day there. In H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami’s own words: "When I first met Srila Prabhupada, the motivation to surrender to God was already there in me, and two weeks after meeting him, I knew that Lord Krishna wanted me to surrender to Srila Prabhupada". Srila Prabhupada was always sympathetic and extra-merciful to Indians, but of all the Indians who came to listen to him, young Gopala Krishna was very special. While all the other Indians would offer obeisances and sit for a few minutes, he was the only Indian who would come regularly and sit right till the lecture ended. During the three month period that Srila Prabhupada stayed and lectured in Montreal, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami says, "Of course, I did not at any time know the importance of hearing , but my only small qualification was that I was very respectful to Srila Prabhupada from the first day I saw him, and I would stay for his lectures till the end, and leave only after he had left the temple". Around that time H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami was working for Pepsi-Cola, handling their Marketing Research. Srila Prabhupada started taking great personal interest in him, and would talk to him almost everyday. Since then, both of them started a regular correspondence, with Srila Prabhupada writing as many as three long letters every month. Thus began, a very intimate guru-shishya relationship. On 27th May 1969, Srila Prabhupada wrote to say, "As your name is already Gopala Krishna, there is no need for changing it. You will now be known as Gopala Krishna Dasa. His Holiness was only 25 years old then! 185

Later on H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami moved into the temple and engaged himself fully in the service of Srila Prabhupada. For many years he acted as his Personal Secretary. In 1975, Srila Prabhupada sent H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami to India. He had made H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami the Governing Body Commissioner for the entire India from 1975 to 1976. Srila Prabhupada specifically instructed H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami to print and expand book-distribution in India. "He was already anxious that book-printing in India should expand," says H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami; "during my first two years he would press me again and again to print more and more books." Srila Prabhupada was especially pleased when H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami presented him copies of the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam in Hindi. Srila Prabhupada encouraged H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami to utilise his talents for selling his books as widely as possible. "Now you can utilize your knowledge of marketing for Krishna's service, idam hi pumas tapasya srntasya va, svistasya suktasya ca buddhi dattayo. This is the perfection of education." Around this time, H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami was also made G.B.C. for Russia. Later he made several trips to Communist Soviet Union and risking grave danger, preached and distributed books over there. After the fall of the Communist Regime, and the freedom granted to religious expression, he has helped establish many centers in the erstwhile Soviet Union. In 1981, His Holiness took to the sannyasa order and a year later, in March 1982, on the auspicious day of Gaura-Purnima, became a "diksha guru" (an initiating spiritual master). H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami is also the Chairman and Trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, which is the largest publisher and distributor of Vedic literature all over the world. He is also the Governing Body Commissioner for Western and Northern India, Kenya, parts of America, and many parts of the erstwhile Soviet Union. H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami has been and is at present ,actively involved in many of ISKCON's current projects, including the multi-crore 'Glory of India.' Project in New Delhi. This includes a multi-media visual display, a Vedic Cultural Museum, the Sri Sri RadhaParthasarathi temple, and an open air theatre. In Bombay past services include, a Centennial Committee that was formed to launch campaigns to create funds to celebrate Srila Prabhupada's Centennial. These included the building of Srila Prabhupada's Memorial Hospital Project, a Nationwide Communications Project, Hare Krishna Television Project, and many more are being discussed and improvised. His Holiness has also procured land in Kurukshetra and Vrindavana for expanding preaching programmes. Currently this has manifested in Heaven On Earth, another magnificent Project , this time at Hare Krishna Land, Juhu. The Vedic Educational and Cultural Complex at the Heaven on Earth is a must-visit place, where the Robot Show presents religious knowledge by using electronic power. There are also excellent facilities at the new revamped Guest House and the unparalleled Prasadam served at Govindas here.Congregational participation is being 186

encouraged in all spheres here and in other Zones. In the erstwhile Soviet Union, His Divine Grace has had phenomenal success in serving Srila Prabhupada! Across Delhi and the other Zones, buildings have been acquired, book distribution is growing rapidly, Food for Life programmes have been introduced and are thriving, weekly seminars are being conducted, restaurants are being developed, regular preaching programmes are being conducted in schools and colleges and people are becoming favourable to the movement. Other projects include youth cultivation programmes, house programmes in every corner of the world, and overseeing of the translation, printing and distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books.Youth and Householders in the Congregation are thriving in numbers and throbbing with enthusiasm in serving Lord Chaitanya's Mission under Srila Prabhupada's Instructions.Thus Lord Krishna's mercy is being distributed everywhere! "H.H. Gopala Krishna Goswami’s spirited enthusiasm makes even a sceptic pause and contemplate on his words" said one atheistic visitor. His aims are so clear! Many are overwhelmed by his selfless and comionate intellect, as they strive towards becoming virtuous people. Even the subtlest concepts are explained with such irable ease and patience. Srila Prabhupada always ired his qualities of head and heart, and he once remarked: "Gopala is a very nice boy and he must be encouraged". Even hard core atheists are attracted to his graceful simplicity. Every encounter, every gesture and every answer brings out the inner conviction he has, in the mission he has embraced.Srila Gopala Krishna Goswami Maharaja ki Jaya.

Meeting with His Spiritual Preceptor - His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanata Swami, Srila Prabhupada Having received an intimation from His grace Mahapurusa das, the than President, ISKCON, Montreal that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acaraya, ISKCON shall be arriving in Montreal on June 1, 1968, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja arrived there on 30th May. After the kirtana, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja enquired if he could render some service, and he was immediately sent to clean Srila Prabhupada's apartment. "I was fortunate to receive this as my first assignment in devotional service", Maharaja said. He cleaned the doors, shelves and windows of Srila Prabhupada's apartment. In this way, Gopal Krishna’s service attitude for Srila Prabhupada was manifested even before he actually met him. H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja first met Srila Prabhupada in the evening of June 1st, 1968. Within the first two weeks of meeting Srila Prabhupada, he decided that he would accept him as his spiritual master. In the words of H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, "When I first met Srila Prabhupada, the motivation to surrender to God was already there in me, and two weeks after meeting him, I knew that Lord Krishna wanted me to surrender to Srila Prabhupada". In fact, around December 1967, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja had started visiting many Hindu temples, gurudwaras and churches, in his search for the Absolute Truth or God. Every Sunday, he would seek out a different church, temple or gurudwara, and would spend the whole day there. 187

Establishment of Guru-Shisya sambandha Srila Prabhupada was always sympathetic and extra-merciful to Indians, but of all the Indians who came to hear him, young Gopal Krishna was very special. While all the other Indians would offer obeisances and sit for a few minutes, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was the only Indian who would come regularly and sit right till the end of the lecture. During the three month period that Srila Prabhupada stayed and lectured in Montreal, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja spoke, "Of course, I did not know the importance of hearing at that time, but my only small qualification was that I was very respectful to Srila Prabhupada from the first day I saw him, and I would stay for his lectures till the end, and leave only after he had left the temple". Around that time, he was working for Pepsi-Cola, doing Marketing Research. Srila Prabhupada started taking great personal interest in him, and would talk to him almost every day. Since then, both of them started a regular correspondence, with Srila Prabhupada writing as many as three long letters every month. Thus, a very intimate guru-shisya relationship had already begun to establish. On May 27th, 1969, Srila Prabhupada wrote to say, "As your name is already Gopal Krishna, there is no need for changing it. You will now be known as Gopal Krishna das." H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was only 25 years old then! Later on, H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja moved into the temple and engaged himself fully in the service of Srila Prabhupada. For many years, he acted as Srila Prabhupada’s personal secretary. In 1975, Srila Prabhupada sent H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami to India. Srila Prabhupada made him the General Body Commissioner (GBC) of entire India from 1975 to 1976. Srila Prabhupada specifically instructed him to print and expand book-distribution in India. Also, Srila Prabhupada entrusted H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja to oversee various important projects, such as Vrindavana, Hyderabad, Mayapur and Mumbai, recognizing his dedicated service and mood of sincere surrender. "Srila Prabhupada was anxious that book-printing in India should expand", says H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja. "During my first two years, he would press me again and again to print more and more books." H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja said, "that Srila Prabhupada was especially pleased when he presented him copies of the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam in Hindi". Srila Prabhupada encouraged him to utilize his talents for selling his books as widely as possible. "Now you can utilize your knowledge of marketing for Krishna's service, idam hi pumas tapasya srntasya va, svistasya suktasya ca buddhi dattayo. This is the perfection of education." In 1976, Srila Prabhupada appointed H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja as G.B.C. for Russia. He made several trips to Soviet Union, a communist state (now called the Commonwealth of Independent States) and risking grave dangers, he preached and 188

distributed books over there. On the instruction of Srila Prabhupada, he took part in the International Book Fair, waging a virtual war against maya. Srila Prabhupada’s instructions being his life and soul, empowered his vision, and amazing feats began to manifest. After the fall of the communist regime in Soviet Union, and the freedom granted to religious expression, he helped to establish many centers in the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Acceptance of Sannyasa Order In 1981, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja took the sannyasa order. A year later, in March 1982, on the auspicious day of Gaura-Purnima, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja became a ‘diksha’ guru (an initiating spiritual master).

Spiritual Messenger of Lord Caitanya H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja being an empowered representative of Lord Sri Caitanya, is engaged tirelessly in distributing Lord Gauranga’s mercy, and is one of the important spiritual preceptor who is fully devoted to fulfilling Lord Gauranga’s prophecy that "My name will be chanted in every village and town of the world". Distributing the holy name to conditioned souls, preaching in unfavorable environment and risky places, perfect management of the Society, and demonstrating exemplary behavior in practicing devotional service is unchecked! H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja is taking on a lot of responsibility personally, of delivering conditioned souls world-wide. At present, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja is the G.B.C. for Mumbai, Northern India (that includes New Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavana, Chandigarh), Mayapur, Kenya, Canada, some states of America, and many parts of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Also, he is the Chairman and Trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of Vedic literatures. H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja is engaged in inspiring and completing many of the largest ISKCON temples after the departure of Srila Prabhupada in 1977. Some of the important temple projects which have been completed under his untiring and dedicated efforts and directions include Sri Sri Radha Bankebihari temple in Nairobi in November 1994, Sri Sri Radha-Parthasarathi temple in New Delhi in April 1998 (also known as "Glory of India" project), 'Heaven on Earth' project in Mumbai in December 2003, Sri Jagannatha temple in Ludhiana on Balaram Jayanti, 2004, Sri Sri Radha-Govinda temple in Faridabad in 2007, Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama temple in (Punjabi Bagh) the western part of New Delhi in September 2007 and Sri Jagannatha temple in Ghaziabad in February 2008. The "Glory of India" project in New Delhi, inaugurated by Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India, provides a multi-media visual display, a vedic cultural museum and an open air theater. Also, the 'Heaven on Earth' project in Mumbai is housed with modern 189

facilities for imparting the essence of vedic scriptures to spiritual seekers, a mass feeding hall, a library with a reading room, a vedic samskara hall, besides a spiritually nourishing Govinda’s restaurant. Besides, the bhumi pujana for Sri Sri Radha-Madana-Mohana temple in Khargar (Navi Mumbai), and Sri Sri Radha-Kunjabihari in Pune have also been accomplished. On June 1st 2008, bhumi pujan and ground-breaking ceremony has taken place for the proposed ISKCON center, Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath and Ashta Sakhis temple in Ludhiana. The total land area for the proposed temple is 4.5 acre. The Chief Minister of the State unveiled the curtain at the plaque and broke ground in front of the wall with a gold-handled plow. H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja also broke ground with another gold handled plow, to mark the beginning of construction. The Chief Minister lauded ISKCON's mission of systematically propagating spiritual knowledge among various sections of society, and its Food for life and midday meal programs to feed the poor with sanctified and nutritious food. The project would be called the 'Glory of Punjab', and would include a multi-media visual display, a vedic cultural museum, and an open air theatre. Additional land has also been procured in Kurukshetra and Vrindavana for expanding preaching programs. Besides attracting thousands of national and international tourists and devotees, these temples are playing a leading role in spreading the divine message of Srimad Bhagavad-gita As It Is, spoken by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna about 5000 years back, as also other vedic literatures. These temples are playing a leading role in college preaching, corporate preaching, as well as preaching in institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), engineering colleges and many other management institutes, inspiring students, philosophers, academicians, politicians, intellectuals and even hard-core atheists. Some of these temples have stood first in the world in distribution of vedic literatures. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada's instruction given to his disciples in 1974 that, "no one within ten miles radius of the temple should go hungry. I want you to immediately begin serving food", ISKCON centers distribute sumptuous Krishna prasadam on daily basis, as also on festivals. Besides, many ISKCON centers such as Mumbai and Delhi, are actively taken up to Mid-day Meal Program of the Government as a medium to distribute Krishna prasadam. ISKCON, Delhi Mid-day Meal program is at the moment serving a staggering 1,75,000 meals everyday, feeding hungry children of Delhi, Noida, Faridabad and Kurukshetra. Very soon, the ading areas and cities would be covered under the scheme. United Nations - World Food Program has appreciated this noble program and has agreed to provide technical assistance. The Government of India also acknowledges these noble efforts and the State Governments all around want to expand this project to other cities of their respective States. All these spiritual activities are just a glimpse of H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja’s deep commitment and surrender to Srila Prabhupada, his untiring, dedicated efforts, his selfless comionate nature and inner conviction to spread the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu globally. Congregational participation is being encouraged in all spheres, and various goals are being established. In the C.I.S., His Holiness has had phenomenal success! Buildings have been acquired, book distribution is growing rapidly, Food for Life programs have been introduced, weekly seminars are being conducted, restaurants are being developed, regular preaching

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programs are being conducted in schools and colleges, and people are becoming favorable to the movement. Thus Lord Krishna's mercy is being distributed everywhere! Other projects include youth cultivation programs, house programs in every corner of the world, and overseeing the translation, printing, publishing and distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books. Under his expert supervision, His Holiness has taken the distribution of books to the highest limits in the history of ISKCON! Maharaja goes to different temples, before the Marathon, to inspire everyone to distribute books. H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja spirited enthusiasm makes even a skeptic pause and contemplate on his words. His aims are so clear! Many are overwhelmed by his selfless and comionate intellect, as they strive towards becoming virtuous people. Even the subtlest concepts are explained with such irable ease and patience. Srila Prabhupada always ired his qualities of head and heart, and he once remarked, "Gopal is a very nice boy and he must be encouraged". Even hard core atheists are attracted to his graceful simplicity. Every encounter, every gesture and every answer brings out the inner conviction he has, in the mission he has embraced.

ASHRAMS New Gokula Dham is a well established ISKCON community. Devotees have been in the area, preaching since the early 70's. There are 10 acres of land here for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan. We receive about 400 guests at the Sunday Feast. H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami comes every year to visit. We host the biggest Janmastami in North America (8,000 to 10,000 guests). We have a weekly Harinama Sankirtan party go out and have a well established evening program as well as a morning program.

Clandestine Green Light for Goshala Development Vrindavan, India (Sun) — Abhiram Dasa and Panca Gauda Dasa, Property Developers of ISKCON Vrndavan, have been given the green light by their co-conspirator Gopal Krsna Goswami for their development plans for ISKCON Vrndavan and Abhiram Dasa is at this moment seeking to hire architects for this large scale multi development project. He is most definitely not seeking refuge in the Holy Name, but he is dreaming of big big plans for the development of ISKCON Vrndavan. This means that the claims made by Abhiram Dasa that he is not involved or aware of any development plans for the Goshala are nothing but a lie. If he is lying about this, what else is he lying about? The Krsna Balaram Mandir here in Vrndavan is an international project and the home/Samadhi of His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada first and foremost. The integrity and chastity to Srila Prabhupada must be of prime importance to any GBC or Temple Management. The fact that Gopal Krsna Goswami (Who is now in total managerial control of ISKCON Vrndavan), Panca Gauda Dasa and Abhiram Dasa have clandestinely plotted together to

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develop this Temple without the knowledge or consent of the International Devotional Community should cast doubt regarding their motives and intention. The worldwide devotional community have a right for full disclosure of their plans for Srila Prabhupada's property and Temple. The fact that this has been done in secrecy and shrouded in misdirection and deceit, means that not only that they do not care for anyone's opinion except their own, it also infers that they know they would never have their plans approved by the general devotees. Such great changes that will be made should not be in the sole hands of a small group of individuals. Their plans encom: 1. The building of an "MVT" style Apartment Complex on the Cows land for rich ISKCON devotees, life and themselves. *Abhiram is infamous for allocating for himself 3 apartments in the MVT Vrndavan project – a Penthouse apartment, a 2Brm apartment and a 1Brm apartment. *Both Abhiram Dasa and the Temple denied any knowledge of any plans to develop the Goshala land and stated that their ideas were to merely plant trees and create japa walkways. However, their plans for this development are still going on regardless of the senior devotees who had firsthand knowledge that all the Goshala Land was purchased specifically for the cows.

PrabhupadaVision.com – Krsna's Cows *This is also regardless of the spiritual relationship that Lord Krsna had with His cows in Sri Vrndavan Dham. One must that Sri Vrndavan Dham is only small part of the greater Braja area and each area has specific pastimes associated with Krsna's lila there. Our ISKCON Temple is situated in Sri Vrndavan Dham and so to move the cows to another area is nothing but a total disregard for the transcendental nature of Krsna's lila there. 2. The DEMOLITION of Srila Prabhupada's Gurukula Building and the building of a multi story apartment / museum / restaurant complex. *This building is Srila Prabhupada's pride and joy intended for transcendental education purposes for both children and adults. Its maintenance has been irresponsibly neglected by successive Gurukula authorities and now lies in disrepair. It does need extensive renovation but it is a beautiful building with great potential to meet the requirements of Srila Prabhupada. 3. The purchasing of land to relocate the Goshala Cows to land which will find the cows miles away from Vrndavan Dham. *Given the inflated prices of land in the Vrndavan area this makes sense, but it should not be done at the expense of Krsna's cows in Vrndavan dham. Gopal Krsna Maharaja's lack of spiritual vision regarding the sacredness of Sri Vrndavan dham and the relationship and pastimes of the cows and Krsna is evident in this ruthless and thoughtless plan. 192

4. The financing and relocation of the now privatised business of the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School. *This school has long since departed from being a representation of Vedic Vaisnava education as instructed by Srila Prabhupada and is now a karmi secular educative school and therefore should not be allowed to have access to ISKCON funds / donors / resources / staff and accreditation. *Gopal Krsna Maharaja has already secured a donor who will help fund the Gurufool relocation so they are well on the way with ripping off ISKCON with the full consent of the GBC to use ISKCON's resources and funding system to their rebellious cause. 5. Sale of the land known as ‘Sarif Land" owned by the BBT *To ‘kick off' the funding for this ambitious property development is the sale of what is known as Sarif Land which is a prime piece of real estate that is worth millions of dollars US. Part of the proceeds from the sale will fund the above Gurukula relocation and part will fund the other projects. *This land was purchased by the BBT, however, due to the fact that Gopal Krsna Maharaja who is a BBT Trustee, is one of the main pushers/ers behind the Dynamic Duo ISKCON Vrndavan Property Developers, Abhiram Dasa and Panca Gauda Dasa, the BBT is allowing this transfer to go ahead… *One must that this property per square yards is worth many times that of the Goshala Land, being situated on the main road. *If the sale of this land goes ahead it is best that the sale price is checked against the local rate of property as it has been rumoured that the price quoted by the Temple for this sale is far less than the land is actual worth. The reason behind such a deal would infer foul play. It is a shame that Srila Prabhupada's Home and one of the most profitable Temples in ISKCON has succumbed to materialistic men and their money making plans that go against our Vaisnava siddhanta and the purpose in which Srila Prabhupada has handed over the management of his movement. There is no doubt that ISKCON Vrndavan needs to be developed but any development must be done with full disclosure and with the blessing of the devotees and most importantly it must be in compliance with Srila Prabhupada's wishes. The last point is that should we, as a worldwide devotional community, allow devotees whose background is property development in the business sector to dictate and oversee Srila Prabhupada's most precious spiritual gift to our worldwide devotional community? Yours in the service of the Cows and Srila Prabhupada. Krsnacandra dasa Post Script – The latest development is that the Gurukula has put a claim into the GBC that they want the cows land (ISKCON Goshala) instead of getting some other land and having 193

their secular school that pays lip service to Srila Prabhupada built far away from the money draw card of Sri Vrndavan. Then the BBT does not want to give the land to the Temple for sale… There is certainly trouble in the paradise of the ISKCON property developers! The point these greedy people are missing is that the Goshala land is for Krsna's cows and not their greedy plans. The Gurukula building is for Vedic education and not karmi secular education.

PREACHINGS philosophy Understanding Devotional Service Again and again we hear the importance of pure devotional service. But the question is how do we get to the point where you understand that devotional service is the ultimate activity where one should engage in? This is also explained. The wonderful thing about our scriptures is that everything is explained in great detail. We do not have to speculate, we do not have to interpret. We just have to accept the process with faith. I once I was talking to Srila Prabhupada and I said we should set up a research institute. So Srila Prabhupada did not like the use of word “research” in our name. He said that there is no need to do any research. All the research has already been done by Vyasadeva. All we have to do is just to accept it. There is no need to do any research. Similarly we do not have to research how to execute pure devotional service. We do not have to research into the process of how to get to the stage where we would have developed pure love of God. It’s already been explained in the shastras and by the great sages. So to explain how in the initial stages there must be a desire shraddha. There must be this desire. There must be this desire that there must be something beyond this material life. There must be some God. There must be something beyond this life of sense gratification. You must have that desire. Once this desire is there then the Supreme Lord who resides in everyone’s heart as Paramatama, who is the witness to all our desires, He is the seer and the ultimate sanctioning authority. Nothing can happen unless the ultimate sanctioning authority approves it. You may desire to take over the whole world or buy a Mercedes car but unless it is approved by the ultimate authority you are not going to realize that. So when the Supreme Lord sees that here is a candidate who desires to understand Him, then the Supreme Lord creates a situation where you meet a Sadhu. This is known as Sadhusanga. Krishna explains in the Bhagvad-Gita,

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I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas. I am the cause of remembrance and I am the cause of forgetfulness. The ultimate sanctioning is realized from Krishna. So when the desire is there or when we manifest the desire to engage in the service to the Lord and the desire is genuine, then Krishna brings you in touch with spiritual people, brings you in touch with pure devotee, brings you in touch with the representative of the pure devotee. He will bring you in touch with a devotee who will just transmit to you the message of pure devotee

The Vancouver Show Hosts Hare Krsna Guru On Vancouver's most popular talk show, an interview with the leader of the Hare Krsna movement in Canada. Announcer: When the Krsna movement first appeared on the scene, many critics dismissed it and predicted that it would never last. Well, it has lasted. And with us tonight is the man in charge of the Krsna movement in Canada, Srila Gopala Krsna Goswami. Here is Laurier Lapierre now with Srila Gopala Krsna. Laurier Lapierre: Good evening, sir, and welcome to our program. What is it that you do? Gopala Krsna Goswami: I travel around the world preaching the message of Bhagavadgita. I encourage people to take advantage of the human form of life and achieve liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death in this world. This is what the Krsna consciousness movement is trying to do propagate the ageless philosophy of the Vedas, which describe how human life should be led. Mr. Lapierre: How relevant is that to us, who live in the age of the atom and instant communication? Gopala Krsna Goswami: The teachings of the Bhagavad-gita are for everyone it doesn't matter in what age one may live. In any age there are two types of knowledge one can obtain: knowledge of relative truth and knowledge of the Absolute Truth. The Absolute Truth is true eternally in the past, present, and future. The Bhagavad-gita gives knowledge of the Absolute Truth, so it is as relevant today as it was five thousand years ago, when Krsna spoke it. The basic philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita is that when the body dies the soul doesn't die. Whether one is living in a primitive age or in the modern age, one's body is bound to die. But the soul lives eternally. Mr. Lapierre: Does it take on another form eventually?

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Gopala Krsna Goswami: It does. According to the Vedic scriptures, there are 8,400,000 different kinds of bodies. Mr. Lapierre: How did you find that out? Gopala Krsna Goswami: Well, there's a lot in the scriptures that neither you nor the scientists will ever be able to discover. Mr. Lapierre: You have to take it on faith? Gopala Krsna Goswami: You have to have faith, but you can also test it out. For example, about twelve years ago Dr. Wilfred Bigelow, a world-famous heart surgeon at the Toronto General Hospital, stated in an interview published in the Montreal Gazette that after seeing people die for thirty-two years he was definitely convinced there was a soul. In his correspondence with His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder and spiritual master of the Hare Krsna movement. Dr. Bigelow acknowledged that what the Vedas are teaching is far superior to what modern science will ever discover. Mr. Lapierre: And the end result of having a soul is what? Gopala Krsna Goswami: Well, the real point is that we should utilize our human life correctly. The soul is our real identity. Just as you have a suit and tros that are covering your body, you have a body that is covering your real self, the soul. The purpose of getting this human body is to act according to religious principles so that we can get out of repeated birth and death in material existence and return to the eternal kingdom of God, where we all belong. Mr. Lapierre: What made you come to the movemen? Gopala Krsna Goswami: I was in Montreal, doing my studies at McGill, and I was questioning the real purpose of human life. I had been searching for about two years, meeting spiritual leaders of various faiths, until I finally met Srila Prabhupada. That was in June of 1968. I asked him what the human form of life is -meant for. His answers were so satisfactory and so convincing that I eventually decided to adopt this way of life. Mr. Lapierre: One problem your movement has is that you are lumped together as just another cult a brainwashing one. Gopala Krsna Goswami: Actually, we have a problem only with those who don't take the time to study the Krsna consciousness movement. In fact, if you would take the time I could show you statements by leading Indologists around the world, including Dr. A.L. Basham [the world's foremost Indologist], who have studied the Krsna consciousness movement and concluded that it authentically represents the Vedic culture. Mr. Lapierre: So there is no "cult" involved? There is no brainwashing involved? Gopala Krsna Goswami: No. Mr. Lapierre: Another problem is that you walk down the street, take forlorn, sad souls, disappointed with life young, impressionable and drag them back to your temple, and after that they become Krsnas. 196

Gopala Krsna Goswami: Can you tell me that you are not disappointed with life? Mr. Lapierre: Every day. Especially after the hangover I have. But I am not about to go out and put on your robes. I will stop drinking before that. Gopala Krsna Goswami: But let us face reality. The reality is that everyone is disappointed with life, and the reason you turn to alcohol as a means of shelter is that you are also disappointed. But some are honest enough to it it, and (excuse my frankness) some are hypocrites who do not want to it they are disappointed. Those who don't have the courage to face up to reality take shelter of alcohol, drugs, loose women, gambling, and other illicit activities. Mr. Lapierre: We have been told by so many people, most of whom are crackpots, that they have the answer to life's disappointments. I must have interviewed several people in the past two to three months who say they have the answer to life. Consequently, one wonders. Aren't you just another one of them? Aren't you just another crackpot who says he has an easy way out of life's dilemma? Gopala Krsna Goswami: As I said, if you take the time to study our philosophy, you can draw your own conclusion. If you want to buy a suit, you take the time to go to two or three shops to make sure you are getting the best price. Or if you want a job, you'll take the time to go for a few interviews to find out which job would be the best for your character. Similarly, if you take the time to study the Hare Krsna movement, you'll conclude that it is a genuine movement offering information based on the most scientific knowledge, the knowledge presented in the Vedic scriptures. Mr. Lapierre: One last point: How do you reconcile all of this with the technology of modern life? Gopala Krsna Goswami: In Krsna consciousness we use all facilities in the service of the Lord. For example, you have this wonderful TV studio. We also have our own TV studios, but we make programs that show people how to be God conscious. So the modern amenities are there, but we are using them all in the service of the Lord. Anyone can serve Krsna. Krsna doesn't say that you have to withdraw and move into the temple and shave your hair off, giving up your family. Remain where you are, but perfect your life by stopping sinful activities and making God the center of your life. Mr. Lapierre: Thank you. Thank you for your gentleness and for the gentleness of your people. Thank you very much.

ROLE FOR SOCITY WELFARE The Highest Welfare Activity From the Srimad Bhagwatam we understand that the highest welfare activity for the human society is to come to the platform of devotional service. Very often people tell us that why are you spending so much money in building all the big big temples. Especially when they see these big temples they say that why so much money is being spend, there is so much poverty, 197

remove the poverty. So the answer is that the pure devotional service is the highest welfare activity because through this medium we learn to establish our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord and thus become permanently free from the birth and death. So just giving somebody philanthropic help or some material help is not the the real solution. It may give some temporary benefit. But unless we learn the importance of coming to the platform of pure Devotional service everything is simply a waste of time. Therefore, Srimad Bhagwatam very strongly emphasizes the importance of pure devotional service and that is why Srimad Bhagwatam is accepted as the ripened fruit of all Vedic Knowledge. The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self. Srimad Bhagwatam says very clearly that the self can only be satisfied if we take to the process of pure devotional service. Otherwise the self cannot be satisfied. The same point is illustrated in Caitanya Caritamrita where it is said “Because a devotee of Lord Krishna is desireless, he is peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, Gyanis desire liberation, and Yogis desire material opulence; therefore, they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful. It says that the devotees of the Lord are nishkama, they are not engaged in this endeavor with this motive; hence, they are peaceful. Whereas the others the bhuktis, the muktis, siddhis, those who want to be engaged in the fruitive work, those who want liberation, those who want to achieve the mystic perfections— they are all lusty, they are all motivated. Hence, they are all sakali ashanta, they are not peaceful. So if you take to the process of pure devotional service this is the highest welfare activity that one can engage in.

God is Inconceivable In Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna gives suggestions on how we should think of Him. One of the things Krishna tells is to think of Him as one who is inconceivable, which means that He is capable of doing things that one can’t imagine with one’s material senses. Just like if you tell scholars of today’s world that God appeared with four hands, ornamented, decorated with silk cloth and jewels and then at the request of His parents He converted Himself into an ordinary two- armed child. They will say it is mythology or it is humanly impossible? Many years ago, we had a court case in Los Angles where the opposite party brought to the court a picture of Lord Narsimha Deva and said, “My Lord, this is the god they worship, half man and half lion. Is it possible that God can be ever half man and half lion?” Naturally, the president of the jury said no to this concept. So the point is that people in general have very limited concept of God but in Vedic concept, we have far more details and comprehensive information about God than any other concept. It is described in Vedas how God is inconceivable and how He can appear in any form. When we read about Krishna we see how He executed His wonderful transcendental pastimes and because He is God, He can appear as bear or tortoise or half lion or fish, etc Gopal Khanna, aka Gopal Krishna Goswami is a BBTi trustee for India and an elected ISKCON Guru and GBC (Governing Body Commissioner). He was appointed Guru by 11 successor Gurus. Gopal Khanna has been accused of Child Abuse within the ISKCON Society during 1970’s and 1980’s. To escape the justice of the court Gopal Khanna along with other ISKCON Gurus filed bankruptcy, and with the help of their lawyers got away with an out of court settlement. Gopal Khanna has between 5000 to 10,000 disciples. They donate (Guru-dakshina) to their 198

Guru at least once a year during Mr. Khanna’s birth day. He is getting in average of $2.5 to $5 million per year. “Child abuse has come to represent a fundamental betrayal of trust, not only for abused children and their parents but also for the hip more generally.” - from Child Abuse in the Hare Krishna Movement:1971-1986 by E. Burke Rochford, Jr. with Jennifer Heinlein Before Gopal Khanna (dob 8.14.1944) ed ISKCON Society in Toronto in May of 1967 he worked as a marketing research analyst for Pepsi Cola and Bristol-Myers. In 1970, he married Ekayani Devi Dasi. Ekayani gave birth to a son in 1973. Eight years later, in 1981, he divorced her and took the sannyasa order or the monastic lifestyle within the ISKCON Society while officially leaving aside his wife and child. He become an ISKCON ‘Guru’ at the age of 36, and is considered to be as good as God or God's Representative on earth by his ISKCON followers. His abandoned wife, Ekayani devi dasi, has the following to say about Gopla Khanna aka Gopal Krishna Goswami in her email to ISKCON women's ministry on Nov 15th 1999: According to Gopal Khanna there was only ‘some’ problem in ‘America’. The darker side of Gopal Khanna’s life is his 30+ years of involvement in covering up for the worst child abuse and crimes that have happened within ISKCON. He is a very close associate of Kirtanananda Swami. Kirtanananda Swami is the kind of a person fully capable of causing Mumbai's Terrorist Attacks. Kirtanananda Swami has many followers in Pakistan who are still die-hard followers, are still worshiping him as good as God, and are willing to do anything for him. Just as a little precaution, the Indian Government would do its citizens justice if they could keep close tabs on Kirtanananda Swami and his old friends. The facts of history are that the western people have on many occasions implemented the policy of ‘Divide And Rule’ over many countries, including India. Considering the amount of disciples, money, resources and influences that these foreign Gurus have amassed, to rule out their ability to create terrorizing acts is not far fetched; it has already been proven that they can do it to their own children and poeple. Gopal Khanna is an ISKCON GBC Guru in-charge of Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh Zone for the past 30+ years. Convicted child abs worked under him in positions of teachers and authorities within ISKCON gurukulas (boarding schools).

Children Of Iskcon Defendants: Defendant GOPAL KHANNA (Krishna name, “Gopal Krishna Goswami”) resides at 1626 Pie IX Blvd., Montreal, Quebec, H1V2C5. Mr. Khanna was a member of the GBC from 1975 to 1999. 1. At all times material herein from 1971 through 1996, Defendant ISKCON, through the GBC, operated and supervised the gurukulas across the United States and in India. The 199

teachers and supervisors at the boarding schools and gurukulas acted upon the delegated authority of ISKCON as its agents. The gurukula teachers and supervisors came to know the Plaintiffs and gained access to them because of their status as leaders of ISKCON indoctrination. The gurukula teachers and supervisors engaged in the described wrongful conduct while in the course and scope of their duties with ISKCON and its d entities. Therefore, ISKCON is liable for the wrongful conduct of its gurukula teachers and supervisors.” -Turley Child Abuse Case of 2000

The Highest Welfare Activity From the Srimad Bhagwatam we understand that the highest welfare activity for the human society is to come to the platform of devotional service. Very often people tell us that why are you spending so much money in building all the big big temples. Especially when they see these big temples they say that why so much money is being spend, there is so much poverty, remove the poverty. So the answer is that the pure devotional service is the highest welfare activity because through this medium we learn to establish our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord and thus become permanently free from the birth and death. So just giving somebody philanthropic help or some material help is not the the real solution. It may give some temporary benefit. But unless we learn the importance of coming to the platform of pure Devotional service everything is simply a waste of time. Therefore, Srimad Bhagwatam very strongly emphasizes the importance of pure devotional service and that is why Srimad Bhagwatam is accepted as the ripened fruit of all Vedic Knowledge. The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self. Srimad Bhagwatam says very clearly that the self can only be satisfied if we take to the process of pure devotional service. Otherwise the self cannot be satisfied. The same point is illustrated in Caitanya Caritamrita where it is said “Because a devotee of Lord Krishna is desireless, he is peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, Gyanis desire liberation, and Yogis desire material opulence; therefore, they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful. It says that the devotees of the Lord are nishkama, they are not engaged in this endeavor with this motive; hence, they are peaceful. Whereas the others the bhuktis, the muktis, siddhis, those who want to be engaged in the fruitive work, those who want liberation, those who want to achieve the mystic perfections— they are all lusty, they are all motivated. Hence, they are all sakali ashanta, they are not peaceful. So if you take to the process of pure devotional service this is the highest welfare activity that one can engage in.

Russian Holiday Event In ISKCON Vrindavan On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, devotees at ISKCON Juhu distributed more than 1,08,000 plates of hot meals to visitors at the temple and the underprivileged in Mumbai on 14 and 15 January 2013.

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A team of 100 volunteers and ISKCON devotees prepared and cooked the prasada (sanctified vegetarian food) while another 200 devotees and congregation coordinated the prasada distribution at various locations in Mumbai. More than 70 vans were dispatched from the temple since early morning to reach their designated location before noon to facilitate families to have hot lunch meals. Several of the temple management including Gopal Krishna Goswami, GBC & Trustee; Devakinandan Das, Zonal Secretary and Braja Hari Das, Temple President visited some of the locations to distribute the prasada. The hot meal, which was served on environment friendly leaf plates, consisted of rice, dal, subji, pickle and halava. A team of devotees distributed hot meals at the temple throughout the day to every visitor who came to the temple for darshan of Their Lordships. Besides the temple, some of the places where the prasada meals were distributed are near National Park (Borivali, E), Aarey Colony (Goregoan W), APMC Market (Vashi), Bhawans College (Andheri W), Mithibai College (Vile Parle W), Thane Mental Hospital (Thane), Laxmi Narayan Temple (Santazruz E) and at certain locations in Dahisar, Ghatkopar, Chembur, Khar, Kandivali, Andheri, and Dadar. Makar Sankranti signify the entry of Sun in the Northern Hemisphere(makara-rasi). Vedic scriptures recommend giving charity on this day -- and of all form of charity, anna-dan or charity of food is most auspicious. A month prior to Makar Sankranti, several ISKCON Life Patrons, well-wishers and congregation devotees donated in cash and kind towards the Anna dan and made it possible for thousands of unprivileged citizens of Mumbai to have a hot sanctified meal.

RELIGION

Gopala Krishna Goswami

Religi Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Hinduism on Other Gopal Krishna Khanna name( s) Personal

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Born

August 14, 1944 New Delhi, British Raj Religious career

Initiat Diksa–1969, Sannyasa–1981 ion Post

ISKCON Guru, Sannyasi, Member of theGoverning Body Commission

Websi http://www.gopalkrishna.comhttp://www.gop te alkrishnagoswami.comhttp://www.gkgoffice. com/

ROLE OF YOGA Meaning Of Real Yoga Srimad-Bhagvatam says that the goal of all Vedic knowledge is to understand Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just like Krishna explains in the Bhagvad-gita by all the Vedas I am to be known because I am the compiler of the Vedas.engage in many different sacrifices but actually the goal of all sacrifices should be to please Vasudeva. Then Vasudeva Para Yoga, one of Krishna’s names is Yogesvara. Yogesvara means the master of all mystic Yogas. There are different types of siddhis which people can acquire. People today do yoga. But yoga today is a very fancy word. It’s a fancy word because people’s understanding of yoga is some type of exercise as a result of which your body will be strong and you can have more sense enjoyment. But the real meaning of yoga is to link oneself with the Supreme; to connect with the Supreme Lord. Vasudeva Para Yoga—so goal of Yoga should also be to meditate on the Supreme Lord. Therefore, in the concluding verse of the Chapter six in Bhagavad-gita Krishna says yoginam api sarvesham. Who is the perfect Yogi? Who is always meditating upon Me. Somehow or the other we must come to the point that we are always meditating on Krishna, Krishna instructions, Krishna's desires, and Krishna's personality. Just like in the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu Srila Rupa Goswami explains all these rules and regulations that are there in the scriptures, they are meant to bring us to the point where we always Krishna and never forget Krishna.

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Controlling The Mind The mind, intelligence, and senses are the sitting places of the enemy known as lust. In other words, in mind, intelligent, and senses, lust is exerting its influence. Krsna says curb this enemy, how do you curb this enemy? You curb this enemy with what? With the weapon of knowledge. And how do you get knowledge? By reading the Bhagavatam. It is very important that the mind does not contemplate the joys of material life rather it contemplates and meditates on the spiritual subject matters. If the mind contemplates and meditates on sense enjoyment then there is a good chance that it will also be instigated to act in that mentality. And if we act in that mentality the spiritual life gets ruined. Therefore, it is very much important that we control the mind from the beginning. That is why in the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita Krsna discusses this topic and again in the eighth chapter he discusses in great length. In the sixth chapter Krsna says make friends with the mind and don’t let mind be your enemy. So when is the mind considered to be a friend? For a materialist, friendship of the mind means sense enjoyment; for a spiritualist, friendship means when the mind is acting, thinking, feeling the importance of instructions of the sastras and guru. Then the mind is your friend and when the mind is thinking of the opposite vikarmic activities that are detrimental to the spiritual advancement in that case the mind is your enemy. Krsna says for one who has controlled the mind the Supersoul is really pleased and for such a person happiness and distress, victory and defeat, honor and dishonor are all the same. So for a spiritualist we need to engage our mind and there are various ways how we can control the mind. We were discussing the other day about meditating on the glories of the holy name; we were discussing the other day Krsna’s pastimes, meditating on the Krsna’s instructions in the Bhagavad-gita, meditating on Krsna’s desire just like Prahlada Maharaja. Prahlada Maharaja was always thinking of Krsna’s desire; Krsna’s desire is to claim the conditioned souls back to Godhead. So this visnu smaranam is very important for a spiritualist. In the Bhagavad-gita sixth chapter, Krsna points out the importance of controlling the mind but there Arjuna also declares certain characteristics of the mind “cancalam hi manah krsna”. Arjuna explains that the mind is restless. Is that right? Is that true for us also? Our mind is restless. The mind is turbulent. More difficult to control than the hurricane, it is more difficult to control than the wind. It is very obstinate. You have heard that this is wrong, this is right but you still keep doing what is wrong. It is very obstinate. So what do you do? It is very restless, it is turbulent, it is obstinate, more difficult to control than the wind, and this statement is given by none else but Arjuna 5,000 years ago. Today we expect our mind to be in a much worse condition but Krsna does say that by practicing the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga, you can control the mind. So just like Krsna says, “daivi hy esa guna-mayi 203

mama maya duratyaya.” To overcome this illusory energy of mine is very difficult. So someone may say Krsna says it is difficult then what hope do we have? Why should we even attempt to control the mind and senses? Krsna says that illusory energy is very powerful. He says like that, so should we just give up? But what does he say in the next line? In the next line he says, “mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te.” If you surrender to me then even though it is difficult you will overcome. Why Krsna says, “man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru.” Because Krsna knows that even though the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate but if you adopt proper means then you will be able to think of the Lord, worship the Lord, and pay homage to Him. So this mind will be great. It is not that the undesirable thoughts would not come but we should not flirt with them. When the thoughts come, reject them right away; not that you flirt with them. Flirt means beginning to contemplate. Whatever you contemplate seriously, like in the case of Ajamila, then there is a good chance that you will get attracted to it. So if you cannot control the mind it is compared to sitting on an unbridled horse because sitting on the horse if you do not have control then at anytime you can be thrown off the horse. Rupa Goswami says that initially there is a desire that I wish to succeed on the spiritual path and if the desire is there then the Lord sends you the appropriate association; that is sadhusanga and when you have the appropriate association you get the right knowledge. Then you take advantage of the process of bhajana-kriya. Bhajana-kriya includes the process of sadhana-bhakti, chanting of rounds, etc. When you follow this system of bhajanakriya then what happens? What is the next stage? Anartha-nivritti. When your mind is not engaged positively, it is engaged negatively and negatively means being impressed by the anarthas. So this lust, greed, anger, and envy these are all anarthas and they have a powerful influence. Rupa Goswami explains that by the process of bhajana-kriya, these anarthas can be eliminated. And it is called anartha-nivritti. Nivritti means destroy and anarthas means that which is unnecessary, undesirable. So anarthas are not very necessary. Just like sometimes you go to your doctor and your doctor says you don’t eat meat! How can you live without meat? How can you live without that? But we can see practically that we lead a very happy life without meats and eggs. So some people say, “How can you live without lust, anger, and greed? How is this possible?” It is possible only by the power possible only by the power of devotional service. So bhajana-kriya is the key for spiritual advancement. If we are engaged in these activities then these anarthas can be eliminated and mind can be controlled.

Meditation Watering the root of the tree Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thedemigods are subordinate to the Supreme God. Just like by watering the root of the tree, all the branches get nourished, 204

similarly, by worshiping Krsna, the demi-gods are also satisfied. Therefore, the vedas conclude that one should focus on the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krsna who is the source of real pleasure and happiness. The disciple associates with the spiritual master by following his instructions. So always chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra.Think of Krsna and serve Krsna and this will take you back to Godhead.

Stay high forever When you are flying in a plane, when the plane is taking off, as the plane gets higher and higher, the buildings appear smaller and smaller. When you are landing, as the plane is approaching the land, the building which from a distance appeared small, appears bigger and bigger. That is exactly what happens when you take to spiritual life. When you take to spiritual life, and as you are advancing in devotional service, when your enthusiasm is high, material activities appear smaller and smaller. As long as you are flying high, as you are engaged in active devotional service,material activities appear totally insignificant. But then again when you descend to material consciousness that is when again you are beginning to flirt with Maya which is exactly like the plane that is landing. Once again, those material activities of which you lost sight, like the plane which is flying at the height of 32,000 ft., you can not even see anything on earth, but then as it begins to descend, everything begins to be visible. Similarly, as we flirt with Maya then those activities of which we had lost sight at one time, once again they come to our appearance and they appear bigger and bigger. “We have to stay high forever” as Prabhupada used to state. We can stay high forever if you are fixed in devotional service, if you are ready to perform austerities, and these austerities will enable us to capture Kåñëa who is adhokshaja (a name for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is beyond material sense perception,who is not perceivable by impure material senses).

Meditation We can associate with Krishna through His vibrational presence: Some people complain that when they pray to God they do not feel His presence. We should know that this is due to our incapacities, not God's. There are two conceptions of presence— the physical conception and the vibrational conception. The physical conception is temporary, whereas the vibrational conception is eternal. When we enjoy or relish the vibration of Krishna's teachings in Bhagavad-geeta, or when we chant Hare Krishna, we should know that by those vibrations He is immediately present. He is absolute, and because of this His vibration is just as important as His physical presence. When we feel separation from Krishna or the spiritual master, we should just try to their words of instructions, and we will no longer feel that separation. Such association with Krishna and the spiritual master should be association by vibration, not physical presence. That is real association. We put so much stress on seeing, but when Krishna was present on this earth, so many people saw Him and did not realize that He is God; so what is the advantage of seeing? By seeing Krishna, we will not understand Him, but by listening carefully to His teachings, we can come to the platform of understanding. We can touch Krishna immediately by sound vibration; therefore we should give more stress to the sound vibration of Krishna and of the spiritual master— then we'll feel happy and won't feel separation. 205

CHAPTER:8 HRIDAYANANDA DAS GOSWAMI INTRODUCTION Hridayananda, born 1948 November 5, as Howard J. Resnick, received his rubber stamp guru certificate in Iskcons homosexual re-coronation ceremony and crowned himself Acaryadeva. He personally picked that name for himself in the days of the Zonal-Acarya nonsense with

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the misconception that the was one of the "acarya successors" of Srila Prabhupada. He forced his godbrothers to worship him in a simultanious guru-puja, declaring Prabhupada for dead. He was living in Miami Beach, in a converted hotel that the temple had purchased. While living there, he developed an attachment to a woman. He pursued a very unhealthy relationship with her – enough so that it certainly constituted a falldown – and serious enough so that the GBC had to step in and put a stop to. Hridayananda did give the relationship up in due course, but not until he was essentially threatened by the GBC. Of course, the GBC did not announce that this was going on, but many devotees in leadership positions at the time knew many of the details. Likewise, we certainly can't assume that Hridayananda is not 'falling down' right now, just because the GBC aren't telling us that's the case. Hridayananda wrote in the Eleventh Canto of his bogus "Srimad Bhagavatam" that the two worst pedophile Iskcon gurus and child molesters [Bhavananda and Kirtanananda] are his examples of acaryas to worship as new "successor-gurus", thus perverting Iskcon and Srila Prabhupadas pure philosophy. Srila Prabhupad appointed Pradyumna Prabhu to finish translating Cantos 10, 11 and 12 of Srimad Bhagavatam but Hridayananda has stolen this service from Pradyumna and helped to kick him out of Iskcon. Hridayananda's unscrupulous usurpation of Pradyumna's sacred service marked only the start of his 28 year treachery GBC-teamwork trend of perverting Srila Prabhupada's books. Hridayananda is a nonsense guru, false acarya and bogus Sannyasi, attracted to luxurious lifestyle and the tatas (tits) of women. He lives like a playboy in Beverly Hills in expansive houses with swimming-pools, cars and servants. He is a cheater, liar and thief, he has destroyed many disciples' lives.

HISTORY His Holiness Hridayananda dasa Goswami (Howard J. Resnick, Ph.D.) is one of the most senior and respected spiritual leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As the first westerner to translate the sacred Bhagavata Purana from Sanskrit to English together with authorized commentaries, as the first senior ISKCON leader to complete a doctorate in Vaishnava studies and to openly promote higher education in ISKCON, as the pioneer of Krishna consciousness in Latin America, as the first senior leader to publicly endorse a campaign to provide greater opportunity for women in ISKCON, and in many other activities, Hridayananda das Goswami has been on the cutting edge of the Hare Krishna movement. “Acharyadeva,” as he is known to his students, took birth on November 5, 1948, in Los Angeles, California and lived there until January 1967, when he went to study at the University of California, Berkeley, participating there in the social and political revolution of the time. In early 1969, he attended a lecture given by Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the Krishna Consciousness Movement. Impressed by the deep wisdom and saintliness of his future guru, Acharyadeva frequented the Los Angeles ISKCON temple in the summer of 207

1969, ed the Berkeley branch of ISKCON in September of that year, and soon took up full-time service. On February 8, 1970, Srila Prabhupada personally initiated him as a disciple in Los Angeles. Since his earliest days in ISKCON, Acharyadeva distinguished himself by his devotion to his teacher’s mission and his eloquence and erudition in presenting his guru’s teachings. After serving in ISKCON Boston, where he married Ananga-manjari dd, and after leading, with her, ISKCON’s temples in Gainesville, Florida, and Houston, Texas, Acharyadeva accepted the renounced order of life, sannyasa, in 1972, and spent two years living in a van as he traveled throughout North America, lecturing in dozens of universities. During this time, he founded the Library Party and successfully distributed Srila Prabhupada's books to colleges and libraries throughout the U.S. In March, 1974, during the first international Gaura-Purnima festival in Sridham Mayapur, Srila Prabhupada called Acharyadeva to his room and requested him to ISKCON’s highest governing body, the GBC, and take charge of ISKCON’s activities in Latin America. In the following three years in Latin America, Acharyadeva established over twenty centers that attracted thousands of Latinos to the Krishna consciousness movement. He also personally supervised the translation, publication, and distribution of millions of Srila Prabhupada's books in Spanish and Portuguese. In his trips throughout Latin America, he met many social, religious, and governmental leaders, conversing with them in fluent Portuguese and Spanish. Acharyadeva has also supervised ISKCON activities in the Southeast United States, Italy, and Greece, in addition to lecturing around the world with great success. Indeed people in over a hundred countries, including many other spiritual leaders, listen to and study his recorded lectures and writings. Srila Prabhupada made many statements that confirm his explicit, consistent view that his disciples and subsequent followers would eventually initiate their own disciples into the disciplic succession, including a conversation with of the GBC in May 1977. Shortly before leaving this world in November of 1977, Srila Prabhupada asked Acharyadeva and ten other prominent disciples, to initiate on his behalf. After his departure, under the auspices of the GBC, these eleven and eventually dozens of other disciples of Srila Prabhupada, in accordance with his expressed desire, began accepting their own disciples. Thus, they became what Srila Prabhupada described as "regular gurus." Three years later, ISKCON’s leaders, recognizing his profound devotion and erudition, authorized Acharyadeva to complete Srila Prabhupada's most important service: translation and commentary of the Srimad Bhagavatam, the central scripture of the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement. In 1988, with the invaluable help of Gopiparanadhana Prabhu and Dravida Prabhu, Acharyadeva completed this monumental task. In 1996, Acharyadeva received his Ph.D. in Sanskrit & Indian Studies from Harvard University and began teaching at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has also served as a visiting scholar at UCLA, taught at the University of Florida, and lectured at hundreds of universities around the world. Harvard Press, University of California Press, and Columbia University Press have all published his articles.

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Eager to reach a much wider audience, he has just completed his first major novel, and is already busy at work on a creative trilogy, based on the central story of the Mahabharata. Hridayananda dasa Goswami, as well as ten other prominent disciples, to accept the role of spiritual masters and initiate disciples to give continuity to the disciplic succession starting with the Supreme Lord, Krishna. The biggest challenge in his career as spiritual leader, however, came when the leaders of ISKCON, recognizing his profound devocional erudition, entrusted him to complete de Srila Prabhupada's monumental translation and commentary of the Srimad Bhagavatam, the most important classic of Vedic literature. For thousands of years in India, great spiritual masters presented commentaries on the Bhagavatam to explain its urgent message to the people of their times. H.H. Hridayananda dasa Goswami is the first westerner is trusted with this laborious task, and his success in communicating the essence of India's spiritual heritage to modern readers has already been noticed by scholars and religious leaders in the whole world. In 1996 H.H. Hridayananda dasa Goswami received his Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from the University of Harvard. His present project is the translation and adaptation of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He is also currently finishing his first novel, a modern-day, exciting drama meant to captivate the general public while transmitting Krishna conscious philosophy and values.

ASHRAMS Women’s Retreat in Pandavas Paradise Over the weekend of April 9-12 we held our first women’s retreat at Pandavas Paradise. The event was inspired by the visit of Jaya Gauri Prabhu (ACBSP) to Brasilia, her home town. Here is an English translation of a report on the retreat, written by Bn. Claudia, one of the participants: The Women’s Retreat in Pandavas Paradise brought together a great group of good-spirited and dynamic women who were all very enthusiastic to hear what Jaya Gauri Prabhu had to say. Jaya Gauri Prabhu (pictured above), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, shared with the group her profound knowledge of Vedic Culture and bhakti-yoga and her experiences as a woman in the Hare Krishna Movement. She also gave hatha-yoga classes. Jaya Gauri enchanted all the participants with her sweet and inspiring presence. In her association we experienced unforgettable moments, as much for the more advanced devotees as for the beginners…. pure nectar!

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Besides the wonderful lectures and yoga classes, the ladies enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings, moments of peace and well-being, bathing in the waterfall, days of sun and nights full of stars. The energy required to participate in all this came from the delicious organic vegetarian meals prepared by our dear Carana Renu Prabhu. The feminine energy reigned in Paradise! We had wonderful days that only left us wanting

The Devi Ashram: Openings for an ashram leader and ashram residents

The Devi Ashram is a new International Vaishnavi Training and Retreat Centre in Brazil that will offer ladies of all ages an opportunity to come and learn or teach all aspects of a Krishna conscious lifestyle, or just relax and read/study Srila Prabhupada’s books in a good devotional atmosphere. The resident students at the ashram will receive training in the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and learn to cook, give classes, worship deities, preach, play our traditional instruments, lead kirtans, even grow their own vegetables, and more. Those who come for reading retreats will be free to participate in all student activities or simply relax and study Prabhupada’s books. All the ladies at the Devi Ashram will also be able to take advantage of our nature trails, fresh water pools and waterfalls. We are an ISKCON project located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Pandavas Paradise (Paraíso dos Pândavas) at Chapada dos Veadeiros, a famous eco-tourism and spiritual-tourism destination about two hours from Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. The temperatures are warm all year round, the air is clean, and the water at our natural pools and waterfalls is crystal clear. We have various nature trails for taking walks in the most biodiverse savanna on the planet, and many types of fruits and vegetables are growing in our organic garden.

Ashram leader wanted We are looking for a female ashram leader to begin in December 2009 or January 2010. This is a temporary position for 6 months only. The main duties of the ashram leader will be to:      

oversee the daily activities of the other ashram , students and guests provide some spiritual guidance to those under her care give classes on Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam teach some basic practical aspects of Krishna conscious life ensure that all the ashram are following the rules of the ashram participate and assist in our regular spiritual retreats

The ideal candidate will be initiated, have some ashram experience, be well-read in Srila Prabhupada’s books, and be able to work with ladies of all ages from all backgrounds and at 210

all levels of experience in Krishna consciousness. Being able to speak either Spanish or Portuguese as well as English is very important for this role. In return for her service, the ashram leader will receive healthy prasada, comfortable single room accommodation and basic maintenance during her stay with us. We will also pay in full for her round trip to Brasilia provided she stays for a whole six months. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to perform some pioneering preaching service in a unique and exciting new project.

Openings for ashram residents and students We are also open for applications from potential ashram residents and students for stays of up to 6 months beginning January 2010 or later. The main qualifications for acceptance are  

a serious commitment to the process of Krishna consciousness a desire to serve Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON

The main duties of ashram residents and students are to:    

participate in the ashram’s training activities and temple programs follow the rules of the ashram and the ashram leader participate and assist in retreats at Pandavas Paradise study Prabhupada’s books independently for at least 1.5 hours every day

Ashram residents will be expected to pay a minimal monthly fee in return for the training, accommodation and prasada that they receive. Some yoga classes will also be provided. We are able to cater to individual requirements in of study, service, diet, sleeping arrangements etc. – your stay with us will be highly personalized.

PREACHINGS Feelings & Philosophy by Hridayananda Dasa Goswami Reactions to the Terrorist Attacks Does the philosophy of Krsna consciousness demand only indifference to the tragic events of this world? When terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon stunned the people of America, many devotees of Krsna grieved along with their fellow Americans. Was that a proper response for persons trained in the philosophy of Krsna consciousness? In the days following the attacks, many devotees pondered that question and similar ones, and not everyone reached the same conclusions. Here we present some thoughts by three of the Krsna consciousness movement. 211

Enlightened Comion [Originally written as a letter to disciples soon after the events.] Surely by now you have all heard about the recent terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Since we aspire to be servants of the Lord, it is important that we not take a casual or dismissive attitude toward these events and say, for example, "It's just a fight among the materialists" or "People are just suffering their karma." Were this to be the full extent of our response to these events, I think we would be deficient in our devotion to God. Why do I think this way? Lord Krsna states in the Bhagavad-gita (6.32) that a devotee should feel universal empathy. Srila Prabhupada translates this verse as follows: "He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!" This verse, among other meanings, recommends a kind of universal empathy. In his purport Srila Prabhupada stresses the point of empathy: "One who is Krsna conscious is a perfect yogi; he is aware of everyone's happiness and distress by dint of his own personal experience. In other words, a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually the friend of everyone."

Devotional Empathy We find another explicit, powerful call for devotional empathy in the Bhagavatam : "If one is unhappy to see the distress of other living beings and happy to see their hap-piness, his religious principles are appreciated as imperishable by exalted persons who are considered pious and benevolent." This is how we can apply such empathy in the case of the recent terrorist attacks: First, we can imagine what it would have felt like for us to have been on one of the four planes that were hijacked and destroyed, or in one of the three attacked buildings. There is ample information available so that we can be quite specific and explicit in imagining the experience. Second, we will probably have to honestly it that we would feel significant discomfort, pain, or anxiety in such a situation. If we are capable of deep empathy, if we are able, as Srila Prabhupada states, to understand the experiences of others by comparing them to our own experiences, and we are "factually the friend of everyone," then we experience true Vaisnava comion. In other words, we should not be more detached from the suffering of others than we are from our own suffering. We should not arrogantly dismiss the anguish of others, as if we are 212

beyond anguish. A devotee who is truly transcendental to material suffer-ing, and who would not have suffered at all in one of those four airplanes, or in one of those three buildings, would be a most exalted pure devotee and as such would feel great comion for the fallen conditioned souls. Those who are not comionate, and who dismiss as trivial or unimportant such great suffering, are not actually demonstrating advanced detachment in Krsna consciousness, but rather they are demonstrating a disturbing lack of common empathy, and are in fact embarrassing our movement by their neophyte response.

Identifying Evil ISKCON devotees oppose animal slaughter. How can we not oppose human slaughter? If one says, "It's their karma," then we reply that the same is true for cows and other animals that are slaughtered. If one says, "This is just a political fight among materialists," I would reply that in the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna clearly distinguishes between acts in the different modes of nature, and He specifically describes certain acts as not only materialistic, but as evil and demonic. It is surely evil and demonic to murder thousands of innocent persons. Let us that in Vedic culture we are required to treat people according to their innocence and guilt in this life. God will take care of their past karma. We are not allowed in Vedic culture to abuse people, harm or kill them, and then say, "It must have been their karma." Vedic culture is not moral anarchy in the name of karma. We should be above mundane morality, not below it. During the Bangladesh War in the early 1970s, Srila Prabhupada strongly condemned the Muslim atrocities against the Hindus, and indeed against other Muslims, in Bangladesh. Of course, in every country on earth there are tragedies, and the devotees will benefit themselves personally, and greatly enhance their preaching, if they are able to achieve a real state of deep empathy, not in the cause of materialism or the bodily concept of life, but as a symptom of a budding self-realization that leads one to feel liberated comion for all suffering beings.

A Spiritual Challenge by Srila Hridayananda Dasa Goswami Piety at the Pig Roast Morality the American Way In the fastidious, righteous America of the past, it was exhilarating and fashionable to intellectually break down the hangups that made people feel guilty about immoral acts. In today's degraded, drifting society, teachers and professors are scrambling back to the old provincial concept that education should teach a person to be good, moral, and selfcontrolled. "The scientific method is a marvelous means of inquiry," says Steven Muller, president of Johns Hopkins University, "but it really doesn't provide a value system. The biggest failing in higher education today is that we fall short in exposing students to values."

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Charles Muscatine, a professor of English at UC Berkeley, who calls today's education "a marvelous convenience for a mediocre society," says that education does have a purpose: to cultivate "informed decision-making that recognizes there is a moral and ethical component to life." Students "should be taught philosophy, moral philosophy, and theology," says psychiatrist Robert Coles, who teaches at Harvard and Duke. "They ought to be asked to think about moral issues, especially about what use is going to be made of knowledge, and why a kind of moral reflection that I think has been supplanted by a more technological education. Replacing moral philosophy with psychology has been a disaster, an absolute disaster!" Well and good. A refreshing and unexpected display of American intellectual piety. But there are problems blocking a return to moral education. For one thing, who's to decide the obvious question "What is moral?" and the perhaps more difficult question "What is immoral?" We fear the violence of an immoral society, yet autocratic measures to insure morality are something we perhaps fear more. We don't want America to collapse like hedonistic Rome, yet we certainly do not want to follow the example of highly "moral" countries like Iran. How do we insure morality and at the same time avoid losing our freedom? Consider the moral predicament caused by what would seem the most obvious moral precept. The Bible says, "Thou shalt not kill." Yet this simple moral maxim seems impossible for most Americans to accept, or even understand even those clamoring for a return to morality. The Bible tells us not to kill. But Americans certainly do love to kill. Americans are avid hunters, fishers, and meat-eaters, although we tend to ignore or even deny that this is killing. For example, the September 27 edition of Time reports this breathtaking display of spiritual dullheadedness: "'My father's favorite quote was from the Bible,' Democratic Senatorial Candidate Mark Dayton, 35, told voters at a Minnesota pig roast." Quoting the Bible at a pig roast, after all, is good American fun. There's certainly nothing immoral about killing a pig. Consider Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown (recently involved in a controversy over his Florida banking transactions). Governor Brown made a vast personal fortune by popularizing Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken. In other words, as a businessman he arranged to kill millions and billions of chickens. He also started the Lums Restaurant Corporation, a fast-food cow-killing chain. When asked about his money, he said, "It was made through the American process." He added, "There is nothing improper or illegal. I have nothing to hide. Anything I've made I've made honestly and I spent honestly."

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If it's the "honest American way" to slaughter billions of innocent animals, including the cow, which provides us milk like our mother, then how are we to agree on a standard of morality? And why maintain sophisticated institutions like Harvard, or indeed the U.S. Congress, if our morality can't go beyond the level of insects and animals? Animals defend their own kind. And if we simply defend our own kind, if we limit our morality to not hurting other human beings, then we are acting on the level of animals. True morality means respect for the holiness of all life, and indeed of all that exists, since everything emanates from the Supreme Holy, the Supreme Lord. Without a thorough understanding of the science of God, morality is a farce, whether it's istered by so-called religious leaders like those in Iran or by the pious agnostics we find in American universities. We must have a solid understanding of God, as explained by Krsna consciousness. Krsna consciousness teaches that all life is a sign of the eternal soul. God is the Supreme Soul, the supreme life, and all that lives is part of God. If we can't even follow the simple injunction "Thou shalt not kill" if we instead prefer big educational and political discussions over chicken and steak dinners, pig roasts, and barbecues then we are far too ridiculous, as a nation, to survive.

ROLE FOR SOCITY WELFARE Q&A with Srila Hridayananda das Goswami on ISKCON and Welfare Work Question: Do you think that the increased food distribution to poor children and the opening of hospitals by ISKCON (in India) compromises ISKCON’s purpose as established by Srila Prabhupada, or diminishes its purity of distributing pure spirituality?

Answer by Srila Hridayananda das Goswami: I agree that ISKCON should not become, or be perceived as having become, a mundane welfare society. It would be hard to make the case, for example, that Chowpatty is predominantly ‘mundane’, given the extraordinary attention to sadhana-bhakti there, and the powerful preaching programs at colleges etc.

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In the US and West Europe there are far fewer ‘welfare’ programs, and of course the movement is largely irrelevant and forgotten. Prabhupada spoke of varnashrama and even wanted to dedicate his last visit to the US, which health did not permit, to varnashrama. Mundane society is a headless body, but ISKCON is a disembodied head. One may imagine that without widespread prasadam distribution, hospitals etc ,we will become a major spiritual force in society simply by preaching philosophy and chanting etc, but we may not. Ever. In the West, an extraordinary historical ‘window’ opened and ISKCON grew. That window is now largely closed and we make devotees at a tiny rate compared to then. Other windows may be opening but we have yet to clearly identify them. In India, the stunning novelty of western Vaishnavas powered the initial expansion of ISKCON, and now ISKCON India is flying under its own steam. To imagine that we can be a large, powerful movement in India and entirely reject programs such as food distribution and hospitals is, in my view, unrealistic. Such a view, I believe, ignores real history. Of course we may go too far. But we must be careful not to go to either extreme.

Responses to Q&A with Srila Hridayananda das Goswami on ISKCON and Welfare Work If Srila Hridayananda das Goswami is correct in his assertion that “in the U.S. and West Europe the movement is largely irrelevant and forgotten,” then increased food distribution to poor children and the opening of hospitals by ISKCON is the least of its problems. In fact, it may be just the thing that makes ISKCON ed and relevant. To hear the statement that Prabhupada’s movement in America and Western Europe is “largely irrelevant and forgotten” is deeply disturbing and must be the central focus of the GBC and every temple.

Q&A with Srila Hridayananda das Goswami on Protecting Women

Questions: What does it mean when the Vedas state that men should protect women?

Answer by Srila Hridayananda das Goswami: Prabhupada and Shastras do teach the protection of women. Krishna also says in the Gita: yad yad acarati sresthas… “people follow the leader’s example.” Thus a man who sets the right Krishna conscious example will be able to guide and inspire a woman. Men must also realize that to protect does not mean to subjugate, humiliate or dominate. It means to protect. Shastra gives many examples of husbands who protected their wives by occasionally accepting that in a particular case, the wife had a better understanding of a situation. Examples: 216

1. The brahmana wives fed Krishna’s friends, when their husbands refused and forbade them to do so. 2. The wives of Kaliya surrendered to Krishna before their husband. 3. The great Pandu gave up his determination that Kunti have more sons with demigods and accepted her argument. Power corrupts and in this age, we have seen many instances not only of women becoming corrupted by seizing power, but of the same happening to men. In the name of Vedic culture, we have seen too many cases of domestic violence and other forms of marital abuse. Vedic culture is sophisticated, nuanced and subtle. Ignoring those subtle, deep qualities, we are at times left with crude male chauvinism or mundane feminism, rather than true Vedic culture.

Q&A with Hridayananda das Goswami on Veils and Female Chastity Questions: Is the use of a veil by women a standard Vedic practice confirmed by scriptures? We see the word “samvita” and it’s translated as veiled, is this correct? What is the standard of chastity in the Vedas for women?

Answer by Hridayananda das Goswami: “Samvita” does not rule out a veil, but it certainly doesn’t rule it in. The literal meaning, “well covered/dressed” is relative. We know for example that in many conservative parts of India, during various periods, chaste, respectable women did not cover the top part of their body, not to speak of their heads and faces. We see this clearly in exterior temple sculpture where even goddesses, presumably the most respectable ladies, are very scantily dressed. I have seen this myself, in certain rural parts of India. As a general point, we see throughout history that the “indecent” part of the anatomy shifts over time. For example, during some periods in Europe, a lady’s neck, or arms, was considered more erotic than her bust, which perhaps was seen as maternal. Certainly there is a long history of respectable women covering themselves, so as not to be seen by unworthy, lower classes, but this tradition is not universal either in time or geography. Thus, although we know that sometimes Greek ladies covered parts of their head or face, most Greek statues show those ladies bare-headed, along with the normal bareheaded goddesses. My conclusion: chastity is an eternal principle. How chaste women dress varies according to time and place. We do know that Draupadi and other chaste women of Krishna-lila were “well covered”.

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We also have stories of Indra and Candra [demigods of Sun and Moon respectively] seducing the wives of others. It seems that only sometimes there is punishment for this behavior. We also have the cases of heavenly ‘society girls’, as Prabhupada called them, Apsaras, who serve Indra by seducing ambitious yogis and reducing their shakti. Of course there were also the famous prostitutes of Dvaraka. Apart from that, there are also cultural variations between city and village culture. When Krishna entered a big city like Indraprastha or Hastinapura, the women would go to the roof and worship Him as He ed on the road. In Vrindaban, there is no mention of this. Rather we find much more informal village culture. Of course in big cities, Krishna’s entrance was accompanied by heavily armed troops, huge animals such as elephants and war horses, loud, pushing crowds etc. Thus the women wisely went to the roofs. Direct evidence for the difference in city and village culture comes from the greatest devotees, the Gopis, who say, “Now that Krishna has gone to the city and become sophisticated, he will no longer care for village girls.” In the Mahabharata, we also find clear differences between different regions. There are frequent references to the unusual customs of the Uttara Kurus, Northern Kurus, referring to those living in the Himalayan foothills, and in the mountains themselves. Similarly, there are different marriage customs in different regions. For example, when Bhishma goes to the Northwest to secure Madri as a second wife for Pandu, Madri’s brother Salya tells him that, “in our kingdom, we don’t give dowries with our women. The groom must give a dowry.” Bhishma, without opposition, gives a dowry on behalf of Pandu. Similarly, in dress and other cultural details, there is variation, not only geographic, but also in different ages. For example, the Bhagavatam states in the 4th canto that Prthu Maharaja introduced urban planning, which did not exist before him. Also, in the Mahabharata, great sages like Shukra and Shvetaketu declare new “dharmas”, such as monogamy and brahminical abstinence from liquor, based on unpleasant consequences of those activities. And of course non-sanatana dharma varies in various yugas. Conclusion: great Acaryas emphasize Sanatana dharma, which is Bhagavata dharma.

RELIGION

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Hridayananda Dasa Goswami Religion

Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Hinduism

Othername(s)

Dr. Howard J. Resnick Personal

Born

November 5, 1948 (age 64)[1][2] Los Angeles, California Religious career

Initiation

Post

Website

Diksa–1970, Sannyasa–1972 ISKCON Guru, Sannyasi, Member of the Governing Body Commission(19742010) Official Website Academia Website

ROLE OF YOGA The Yoga Sutras The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali In the fall of 2004, a group of yoga-practitioners in San Luis Obispo, California, hosted a series of lectures on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra delivered by Dr. Howard J. Resnick (Srila Hridayananda Das Goswami Acharyadeva). The course was based on his own translations from the original Sanskrit text to English, explaining the meaning of each in a straightforward, practical, and easily assimilated manner. One would be hard pressed to find anyone more qualified than Dr. Resnick to present the teachings of the Yoga Sutra. Dr. Resnick holds a PhD in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University. He has decades of experience in translating and commenting on other important Sanskrit texts. Especially significant in this regard is his work in completing the final two cantos of translation and commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, orSrimad 219

Bhagavatam, a voluminous work of eighteen thousand Sanskrit stanzas that was started by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Work on the Srimad Bhagavatam was entrusted to Dr Resnick by followers of Sri Srimad A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada recognizing his erudite scholarship in the knowledge of Sanskrit language, profound understanding of the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, and his dedication to the work and mission of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s devotional commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam is the most appreciated and applauded work of this kind, and is regarded by religionists and academics all over the world as the most authentic commentary of this important Religious Classic published in the English language. In addition to his work in writing and publishing, as a dedicated follower of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami, Dr. Resnick has traveled all around the world for nearly forty years, offering spiritual guidance and, by his authentic practice of bhakti-yoga, providing a rolemodel for thousands of spiritual practitioners. Possessing a deep grasp and practical experience of the concepts and practices presented by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra, his presentation is remarkably clear and simple, demystifying the text and uncovering its relevance to all those interested in becoming better persons.

Hatha Yoga at Hriday's B&B Hridayananda das Goswami's New Age yoga center, which occupies one of three buildings on the ISKCON Atlanta Campus. When Hridayananda das Gosvami was the GBC for ISKCON Atlanta, he reportedly spent more than US $100,000 of his own money to refurbish one of the three buildings at ISKCON Atlanta. It is now very nice. But what did he turn it into? A center for New Age touchy feelly bogus yoga: the Self Discovery Center. Among the various yoga instructors only one, reportedly, is an initiated devotee – the center's Director, Anandini devi dasi, a disciple of Niranjana Svami. The rest are non-devotees. Devotees are not allowed to live in the yoga center, although they allow Indian students to rent rooms there, and they have now turned it into a Bed & Breakfast. A few years ago, when hurricane Katrina destroyed the New Talavana farm, the devotees were forced to flee to Atlanta for shelter. When they arrived they were turned away, and had to rent hotel rooms, even though this yoga center was empty. Apparently Hridayananda's brother or some other relative might be coming, and they didn't want to clutter it up for him. Needless to say, the devotees were furious at this. The photo above shows the yoga center, and to the right is the building the Deities are in. While a lot of money was spent to refurbish the yoga center building, the other two buildings were not renovated – including the building where Srila Prabhupada actually stayed when he 220

was in Atlanta. That building is a wreck, practically like a condemned house. Fortunately it is against the law to tear down these historical buildings, so at least it's still standing… no thanks to Hridayananda. When you visit the website for the Self Discovery Center, halfway down the page you'll find "Looking for some spiritual renewal?" – an ad for a Bhakti Yoga Retreat held on September 17th to 19th, in New York. Headlining the show was ISKCON's own Sacinandana Swami, who was ed by Karnamrita devi, Divya Alter and Rasanatha das; Gaura Vani, who is providing the "mangala kirtan" is ed by a 2nd generation devotee who calls himself simply as Kirtan. What we are seeing here are devotees who, by the direct mercy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, got some knowledge about Bhakti Yoga, and are now out on the 'yoga circuit', pitching their talents for money. We do not find a single mention of Srila Prabhupada anywhere on the Bhakti Retreat website homepage write-up of the presenters or retreat overview. Even the Swami doesn't mention Srila Prabhupada's name. What a shameful state of affairs. It has apparently become unfashionable to mention one's association with the pure devotee, what to speak of his ISKCON mission. Never mind that Hridayananda's yoga center website is advertising the New York Bhakti Retreat. One is left wondering where the ISKCON leaders are in all this? Who has given permission for Hridayananda to take over a building on the ISKCON Atlanta campus? Did he buy it? Lease it? Take it for free? What compensation did Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON get in this commercial real estate venture? And where are the GBC and their head of Sannyasa Ministry, HH Prahladananda Swami? Is anyone at all overseeing the activities of Hridayananda, who continues on shamelessly posing as an ISKCON-approved sannyasi? Oh, that's right… Prahladananda Swami has also become a sold-out Hatha Yoga practitioner. He is no doubt very pleased to see hatha commerce in full-swing at ISKCON Atlanta.

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CHAPTER:9 RADHANATH SWAMI

INTRODUCTION About Radhanath Swami Radhanath Swami was born in Chicago in 1950. In his teenage years, the longing for knowledge about God lead Radhanath Swami as young Richard Slavin on a journey throughout Europe and the Middle East, during which he undertook a careful study of the scriptures of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This journey ultimately led him to India, where he lived for several years, and met Srila Prabhupada, Founder of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Hare Krishna movement in the west. By choosing A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1896-1977), a spiritual activist, as his guru, Radhanath Swami cast his fate to the wind, cut his matted locks, and entered back into the society. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Radhanath Swami is one of today’s most beloved and respected spiritual teachers. A Bhakti Yoga practitioner for 40 years, he is a guide, community builder, philanthropist, and acclaimed author. He has been featured as a guest speaker in universities such as Harvard, Princeton and Stanford, and in corporations such as Apple, HSBC, and Microsoft. He has also addressed the House of Commons in 2011 and met with President Obama to discuss inter-faith dialogue in 2012. His major efforts in India have resulted in the large community and Temple in Chowpatty, Mumbai, and ISKCON Belgaum temple. Other programs of sharing Krishna consciousness are currently faring successfully in Kolhapur, Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Nigdi and other 222

centers in the Maharastra state of India. His book "The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami" has been appreciated by various famous people of the world. Recently, He has lectured at many top universities in the world, including the Harvard University, Cambridge University, University of Massachusetts, etc.

HISTORY Radhanath Swami was born in Chicago, USA. In his teenage years, he embarked on a journey of discovery of the world and religion that ultimately led him to India where he met Srila Prabhupada in 1971 and embraced his teachings. Initially serving in India, Radhanath Swami returned to the USA where he served at a West Virginia farming community and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada (1973). In 1979, he left his pujari service and caring for cows at the farming community to pioneer educational programs in colleges and universities in the United States. Radhanath Swami took the vows of sannyasa in 1986 and returned to India. In 1970, at the age of only nineteen, Radhanath Swami left his home in America seeking adventure and spiritual knowledge. After trekking across Europe for months, he reached his long hoped for destination: India. After living there for many years as a sadhu or wandering monk, he returned to America in order to share the sacred knowledge and wisdom he had learned from the many holy men and women he had met there. It was an extraordinary choice, given what he had survived to get there: a journey filled with bizarre characters, mystical experiences, and dangerous adventures. The story is recounted in his recently published memoir The Journey Home(San Rafael, CA: Mandala Publishing, 2009). Reviewers have called Radhanath’s saga “at once an engaging yarn, a love story, and the evocation of a transcendent paradise in all its savagery, solitude, and splendor.” Radhanath Swami emerged from his years of travel wanting to explain for others the beauty and rewards of a life devoted to God, and therein lay a dilemma. His many followers and friends describe him as completely selfless and consequently unwilling to take credit for his work and restless when a spotlight is focused on him. By choosing A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1896-1977), a spiritual activist, as his guru (after declining offers of initiation from several tyagis or renunciants in the Himalayas), Radhanath Swami cast his fate to the wind, cut his matted locks, and entered back into the society. More than a symbolic gesture, these were first steps toward an active, engaged form of devotion. This contemporary strain of the Bhakti or devotional yoga tradition maintains that people who become aware of their spiritual identity share an imperative to reduce suffering in the world—a truth slowly revealed to him in the years prior to his formal initiation by other famous spiritual teachers he had met including the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa of Calcutta,

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Ananda Mayi Ma, Swami Satcidananda, and many more who make their appearances in The Journey Home. In spite of his constant global travels over many years, Radhanath Swami established his spiritual headquarters at Radha Gopinath Temple in Chowpatty, Mumbai. For the past twenty years he has guided the community development and has initiated a number of acclaimed social action programs including Midday Meals, which feeds more than 200,000 plates of nutritious vegetarian food to indigent children daily; missionary hospitals and eye camps; eco-friendly farms, schools and ashrams; and a number of emergency relief programs throughout India. “He sees life as a continuous blessing of God’s grace,” one follower says, “and yet he never loses his humanness. His accessibility leaves people feeling that, with a little sincere effort, they too will find the path to inner peace and God realization.”

ASHRAMS January 1987 – Present (26 years 6 months) Radhanath Swami established his spiritual headquarters at Radha Gopinath Ashram in Chowpatty, Mumbai. For the past 20 years he has guided the community development & has initiated a number of acclaimed social action programs including Midday Meal, which feeds more than 260,000 plates of nutritious vegetarian food to indigent children daily; missionary hospitals and eye camps; eco-friendly farms, schools and ashrams; and a number of emergency relief programs throughout India Radhanath Swami serves as a spiritual guide for the community of the Radha Gopinath Ashram in Mumbai. Radhanath Swami has been the main source of Inspiration behind starting the Journey of Self Discovery course at Sri Sri Radhagopinath Temple, Chowpatty Mumbai. Radhanath Swami is a Vaishnava sanyassin (a monk in a Krishna-bhakti lineage) and teacher of the devotional path of Bhakti-yoga. He is author of The Journey Home, a memoir of his search for spiritual truth. His teachings draw from the sacred texts of India such as The Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Ramayana, and aim to reveal the practical application of the sacred traditions, while focusing on the shared essence which unites apparently disparate religious or spiritual paths.

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Born Richard Slavin, on December 7, 1950, in his teens he came to confront a deep sense of alienation from suburban Chicago life and the civil injustices of mid-century America. At the age of nineteen, while on a summer trip to Europe, his internal struggles culminated in a commitment to search for God wherever it might lead him. Meditating on the Isle of Crete, he felt a supernatural calling and the next morning set off alone to find spiritual India. The Journey Home documents his odyssey as a penniless hitch-hiker though Greece, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and finally India. There he lived as a wandering ascetic, first amongst the forest dwelling Himalayan yogis and later amongst a wide variety of gurus and spiritual practitioners throughout India and Nepal. Ultimately, he was led to the holy town of Vrindavan, where he found his path amongst the Bhakti-yogis. In Vrindavan he found the teacher he was searching for in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and representative of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, (the Krishna-bhakti tradition stemming from the 16th century mystic avatar Sri Chaitanya). In choosing Bhaktivedanta Swami, as his guru, Radhanath Swami felt compelled to shear his matted locks and reenter Western society with a mission to share the sacred wisdom he had received. This return exemplifies the form of devotional yoga which is at the heart of Radhanath Swami’s teachings, a spiritual practice expressed as tangible action meant to bring about personal fulfillment and benefit the world. At the the age of 31 he took the monastic vows of a Vaishnava sanyassin and became known as Radhanath Swami. Today Radhanath Swami travels regularly throughout India, Europe and North America, sharing the teachings of Bhakti-yoga. He resides much of the year at the Radha Gopinath Ashram in Chowpatty, Mumbai. For the past twenty-five years he has guided the community’s development and has directed a number of acclaimed social action projects including Midday Meals, which daily serves more than 260,000 plates of sanctified vegetarian food to the children of the slums of Mumbai. He has also worked to establish missionary hospitals and eye camps, eco-friendly farms, schools and ashrams, an orphanage, and a number of emergency relief programs throughout India.

PREACHINGS Radhanatha Swami's "Preaching Strategies" Jul 06, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — Over the last year, the Sun has received many emails, letters and phone calls complaining about Radhanath Swami's so-called "preaching 225

strategies". Likewise, we have received many complaints from the Swami's ers about the negative press he has gotten in the Sun. Mixed in with the latter group has been a steady stream of email threats from one quadrant of his ers – the 'web seva' crowd – who promise to hack our website, force us offline, destroy our page statistics, tamper with our traffic, etc., etc. In addition to this, we have had several reports from devotees who tell us they have personally heard Radhanath Swami discuss his desires to 'take us down'. In one conversation, he suggested that there must be a way to defame us, and wondered about how one might do so? While we have not been in Radhanath Swami's personal presence for a very long time, since the early days of visiting New Vrindaban, he has come to our neck of the woods on several occasions. Last summer he was hosted at the Saranagati/Bhumi Farms Fall Festival here in British Columbia, where he did a book g and promo tour for his autobiography. He was here again this Spring at ISKCON Seattle, on tour as the 'sacred dancing duo' of Radhanath and Indradyumna Swamis. Like Radhanath, Indradyumna Swami has also been known to make threatening statements about the bodily harm he'd like to inflict upon a certain Sun editor. Indradyumna has also been making news again for his questionable activities, which appear to have him on the trajectory of a complete falldown. We are always interested to follow Radhanath's activities locally. He has a number of disciples here who are his staunch defenders. No matter how strong the evidence that he has fallen far away from the path laid down by Srila Prabhupada, these ers never fail to see only his glories. Their dedication is strong, regardless of the fact that they get little or no personal association with their spiritual master. One devi dasi, who had taken first initiation from Radhanath at the time, told us a few years ago that it doesn't matter whether she gets her guru's personal association or not – he is so advanced, so potent, that he is aware of everything that happens in her life, at all times. On the Swami's recent visit to Seattle, the same mataji was asked if she'd enjoyed getting the personal association of her guru maharaja. Her answer was something to the effect that, "The best way for me to serve my guru maharaja is to not bug him." In other words, she didn't get any association to speak of, and didn't feel it appropriate to seek any out. Instead of training and personal relationship, what most his disciples are actually getting from Radhanath is one of the worst examples of ISKCON leadership that exists on the planet today. Spiritual leadership that is so bad, it rivals even that given by Radhanath's mentor, Kirtanananda Swami. In fact, if one closely studies his activities, they will see that Radhanath's modus operandi resembles Kirtanananda's more with each ing day. Radhanath is now busy divesting himself of the obvious Vaisnava symbols like tilak and sikha, and we can only wonder if one day soon, he'll don a quasi-Christian hooded robe like

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Kirtanananda's… or perhaps it will be something a little more Buddhist. Either way, the trend is certainly going in the opposite direction from Srila Prabhupada's standards, cent percent. Lest the reader should think we exaggerate, following is correspondence from Radhanath Swami's camp. The 'Michigan Team' are working on event planning for an 'do' in Detroit, at which the Swami will dovetail "preaching" with book-flogging (his own book, of course, not Srila Prabhupada's books).

Clarifying Radhanath Swami's Preaching Strategies Sep 12, 2012 — CANADA (SUN) — The following documents were produced by devotees in HH Radhanath Swami's camp. The articles (unedited) are in response to general criticisms and specifically, the comments of HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami. This document addresses the accusation against Radhanath Swami by certain quarters that his preaching strategies are contrary to Srila Prabhupada's instructions – especially his presentation of Mayavadi leaders in his autobiography, The Journey Home and his establishing the Bhaktivedanta Hospital.

The Journey Home The accusation is that in his autobiography Radhanath Swami talks appreciatively about several Mayavadi spiritual teachers, despite Srila Prabhupada's having spoken against them.

Preaching according to time and place: Gaudiya precedents Radhanath Swami is actually following an authentic and honourable tradition of many of our past acharyas, who have set examples of preaching sensitively and intelligently according to desha-kalapatra, time-place-circumstances. This desh-kala dynamic in practicing and sharing at Krishna consciousness is a well-known Vedic principle and is substantiated twice in the Srimad Bhagavatam itself The history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is filled with examples of our acharyas presenting the siddhanta dynamically according to time-place-circumstances: downplaying certain aspects, while highlighting certain others as is required for attracting people to Krishna's lotus feet. They have adjusted aspects of our philosophy for the dual purposes of: 

Precluding rejection due to the prevailing intellectual ethos of their times and



Gaining acceptability and respectability for the essential core of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Here is a brief list of the prominent dynamic adaptations done by some of our eminent acharyas: 227

1. Jiva Goswami, to address the moral sensibilities of the intellectuals of his times who considered the parakiya bhava immoral, showed, in his Durgama Sangamani commentary on the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu and his Dig Darshini commentary on the Brahma Samhita, how the parakiya was actually svakiya: how the gopis were never married to anyone else and how they were eventually married to Krishna. Parakiya rasa is hardly a peripheral aspect of our siddhanta, but an authority no less than our siddhanta-acharya shows that even such a core principle can be temporarily and circumstantially downplayed if that is what is required to get people to appreciate and accept our philosophy. 2. Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakura in his Gita commentary, Sarartha Varshini, while substantiating his explanation of several Gita verses, quotes Madhusudan Saraswati, despite the fact that he was a well-known proponent of Advaita Vedanta, or, more precisely, because he was such a well-known proponent. By reading the full Sarartha Varshini, one would never come to know that there was anything wrong with Madhusudan Saraswati's philosophical orientation. So Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakura's precedent shows that that a Vaishnava doesn't have to necessarily criticize Mayavadis in every forum. 3. Baladeva Vidyabhushan, in order to show the Ramanandis how Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a bona fide paramapa, shows in his Govinda-bhashya a far greater connection between Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Madhvacharya's Dvaitavada than is normally presented, while downplaying the not-insignificant differences. Baladeva Vidyabhushan's later writings like his Gita Bhushan show very little of the Madhva connection, thus illustrating that certain philosophical differences can be downplayed for particular preaching purposes. 4. Bhaktivinoda Thakura, to address the intellectual hostility of his times to unscientificseeming cosmological and chronological statements in the Bhagavatam, downplays those parts of the Bhagavatam in his Krishna-Samhita (and even Datta Kaustubha, to some extent) so as to get his readers to the heart of the Bhagvatam: pure love between the Lord and his devotees. 5. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, to tap the respect that pious Indians had for brahmanas and sannyasis, utilized brahmana-diksha and sannyasa-diksha, though his own father Bhaktivinoda Thakur had written against the suitability of sannyasa ashram and had publically burned his own sacred thread. 6. Srila Prabhupada, to channelize the energies of his lady disciples for spreading Krishna consciousness, gave them brahmana-diksha and even allowed them to worship Deities outside India, although this was considered anathema by conservative Hindus and had not been done even by his own spiritual master.

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Of course, there can be multiple nuances in what exactly these acharyas did and multiple interpretations of why they did it, but the undisputable fact is that they did do something that was unconventional or non-standard from orthodox Gaudiya standards in order to present Gaudiya Vaishnavism according to desha-kala-patra and thus attract people to its core.

Post-modernism: The Contemporary Intellectual Ethos Radhanath Swami, in his Journey Home, carries on this tradition of preaching according to desha-kala-patra. The intellectual ethos of the times we reside in has been called postmodernism. In modern times (which are now considered outdated in the West), people had faith in reason and science, which they considered as reliable means to certain knowledge. In pre-modern times, people had faith in revelation and scripture, but that faith was damaged and destroyed by science which apparently showed certain mistakes in biblical scriptures. However, science's reign on human intellect didn't last long; the influential works of historians of science like Thomas Kuhn have shown how science is not objective and how scientific theories are formulated, popularized and accepted based on the prevailing cultural and intellectual biases. Consequently, people in today's post-modern times have faith neither in science nor in scripture as a reliable source of knowledge; in fact, they view with deep suspicion any source of knowledge that claims to be absolute. As post-modern people consider all claims to authority to be false, they are deeply averse to those spiritual teachers who criticize other teachers and other paths. They base their lives solely on experience, and so consider as authentic those teachers who speak based not on dogma but on experience. The enduring popularity of "Autobiography of a Yogi" is a testimony to this attraction to experiential spirituality. Many Mayavadis have popularized their philosophy by presenting it according to post-modern sensibilities, but practically no one had done the same for Gaudiya Vaishnavism. In fact, the post-modern attraction to experiential spirituality opens a great opportunity for us to share Krishna consciousness, because bhakti-yoga is experiential through-and-through; it gives direct perception of the self by realization (pratyakshavagamam, Bhagavad-gita ). Acknowledging this experiential potency of bhakti, Sanatana Goswami enthrones experience as the highest of all pramanas (ways of acquiring knowledge). Recognizing this hitherto untapped opportunity to share Krishna consciousness, Radhanath Swami took the initiative by penning down his own life's story in The Journey Home. He has skilfully and sensitively got around the post-modernist phobia to value judgments and exclusivist ideologies by not criticizing Mayavadis and has thus got thousands of postmodern people to appreciate the bhakti core of Krishna consciousness.

A question of essence: are we Mayavadi-criticizers or Krishna-lovers? The Journey Home has received overwhelmingly positive responses from all over the world, but some quarters within ISKCON have alleged that in this book Radhanath Swami, by never criticizing Mayavadis, has deviated from Srila Prabhupada, who would often criticize Mayavadis. Let's consider this allegation systematically: 229

1. Firstly, Radhanath Swami has not appreciated or even quoted the Mayavadi philosophy of the Mayavadi teachers whom he met. He has only quoted appreciatively their teaching about basic morality and spirituality, which are all compatible with the principles of Krishna consciousness. Radhanath Swami has unambiguously documented as the climax of his book the fact that he committed himself, not to any of the Mayavadis, but to Srila Prabhupada. And this ultimate choice of commitment will be a subtle, yet sufficient and significant direction-pointer for those of his post-modern readers who are themselves on a spiritual quest. The notion that "even quoting the name of Mayavadis without criticizing them is wrong" is deeply questionable; it would make Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakura an offender for having quoted Madhusudan Saraswati without criticizing him. 2. The idea that "one's faithfulness to Srila Prabhupada has to be judged by whether one criticizes those whom Prabhupada criticized" is itself questionable. Prabhupada regularly called scientists "fools and rascals", but he instructed and trained Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Maharaj to be polite and courteous with scientists during his interactions with them. The litmus test of a Prabhupada-follower is not whether he criticizes those whom Prabhupada criticized, but whether he can get people to love the Lord whom Prabhupada wanted the world to love. After all, Prabhupada was first and foremost a Krishna-lover, not a Mayavadi-criticizer. And he preached primarily to inspire people to become Krishna-lovers – not just Mayavadi-criticizers. Radhanath Swami has, by his example and words and guidance, already inspired hundreds of devotees – his disciple and many other devotees too – all over the world on the path to becoming Krishna-lovers. Through his autobiographical of how he himself became a Krishna-lover, he has thrown open the doorway to Krishna-bhakti to thousands, and, possibly, millions. By his dextrously avoiding criticism of Mayavadis, he has created appreciation for Srila Prabhupada among many spiritually inclined circles who had been alienated by what they saw to be ISKCON devotees' exclusivist fanaticism. And many people who would otherwise have never even considered taking up the process of Krishna consciousness have, by reading The Journey Home gone beyond appreciation to application: they have started practicing Krishna consciousness. 3. Some people may argue that "a Krishna-lover has to show his love by being a Mayavadi-criticizer, because the greatest Krishna-lover, Srila Prabhupada. always criticized Mayavadis." However, the claim that "Srila Prabhupada always criticized Mayavadis" is debatable. Prabhupada himself chose preaching strategies intelligently according to what worked as per time-place-circumstances. During his talks with Allen Ginsberg, Srila Prabhupada directly criticized Swami Vivekanand when Ginsberg referred to him appreciatively. Ginsberg was shocked and thereafter could never commit himself to Prabhupada, though he did appreciate and assist him from a distance. Significantly, when Srila Prabhupada later met George Harrison and Harrison mentioned Swami Vivekanand, Paramhamsa Yogananda and Maharshi Mahesh Yogi appreciatively, Srila Prabhupada didn't speak anything directly to 230

criticize them. And the result is there for the whole world to see: Srila Prabhupada succeeded in getting George Harrison to appreciate the core of Krishna consciousness, inspired him to write songs glorifying Krishna and thus, in one sense, spread the holy names to every town and village of the world; Harrison's songs like "My Sweet Lord" went all over the world and attracted thousands to Krishna's lotus feet. Thus, Srila Prabhupada himself used multiple preaching strategies at different times. So, rather than judging a Prabhupada-follower's faithfulness by checking whether he is sticking to a particular preaching strategy, what one needs to see is whether the preaching strategy chosen by that follower is within the circumference of the strategies that are compatible with Prabhupada's instructions – and, most importantly, with Prabhupada's purpose. The foregoing analysis shows that Radhanath Swami's preaching strategies are well within the perimeter of Prabhupda's instructions and that he has successfully served Prabhupada's purpose by bringing thousands of souls to Krishna's lotus feet.

The Bhaktivedanta Hospital It is well-known among ISKCON devotees that Srila Prabhupada criticized Mayavadis for opening hospitals, by which they ended up doing material welfare work instead of spiritual welfare work. But what exactly was the focus of his criticism? Was it material welfare work per se? Is material welfare work intrinsically against the principles of Krishna consciousness? Unlikely. After all, the Srimad Bhagavatam glorifies the kings Shibi and Rantideva who sacrificed everything for the material welfare of their citizens – even subhuman citizens, at that. Moreover, Bhaktivinoda Thakura endorses material welfare work as an integral part of devotional culture. He writes in his Tattva-sutra: "Those who think that devotion to God and kindness to the jivas [souls] are mutually different from each other, and perform accordingly in their life, such persons will not be able to follow the devotional culture. Their performances are only a semblance of devotion. Therefore, all the types of beneficence to others -- like kindness, friendliness, forgiveness, charity, respect, etc., are included in bhakti. Among these, according to the triple catagories of the recipients. viz., high, medium and low, the actions of respect, friendliness and kindness are the very form of love and the characteristic portion of bhakti: Charity of medicines, clothes, food, water, etc., shelter during adversities, teaching of academic and spiritual educations, etc., are the activities included in the devotional culture." --Tattva Viveka-Tattva Sutra-Amnaya Sutra- A Comprehensive Exposition of the Spiritual Reality by Bhaktivinoda Thakur [Tattva Sutra portion (sutra 35)]. Sree Gaudiya Math, Madras. Those who have studied modern Indian history will know the contextual origin of Srila Prabhupada's critique of social service. Many well-known Mayavadi teachers, in order to galvanize the Hindu masses to remedy the poverty that pervaded India, tried to portray social service as a substitute to devotional service – and a superior substitute at that. Thus they coined appealing but misleading slogans like Daridra Narayana seva (Service to the poverty231

stricken Narayana) or Manava seva hi madhava seva hai (Service to man is itself service to God). These slogans threatened the very foundations of Vedic culture, for they engendered the dangerous misconception that devotional service was unnecessary; all that the world needed was social service. Sensing this great danger, our acharyas, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and Srila Prabhupada, responded strongly in two ways. At a philosophical level, they thoroughly refuted the non-scriptural, even anti-scriptural, equation of mundane social service with transcendental devotional service. At a practical level, they took great care to ensure that the spiritual organizations they had started did not get distracted into mundane welfare work.

Yukta-Vairagya: Why should medical science stay ayukta? Radhanath Swami, as a present-day successor of these acharyas is very much aware of this danger. That's why when he started his community development project in Mumbai, he first and foremost focussed on establishing a vibrant spiritual culture centred on the core activities of hearing, chanting and Deity Worship. Over the years as the devotional culture took deep roots, he decided to expand its branches further by an innovative application of the philosophical principle of yukta-vairagya The principles of yukta-vairagya and phalgu-vairagya are explained by Rupa Goswami in his Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu: "When one is not attached to anything but at the same time accepts anything in relation to Krishna, one is rightly situated above possessiveness. On the other hand, one who rejects everything without knowledge of its relationship to Krishna is not as complete in his renunciation." Srila Prabhupada envisioned the application of this principle in the realm of science and technology: the same science that had caused many to lose faith in God could be used to prove God's existence; the same technology that had allured many into newer and newer ways of forgetting God could be used to help people Krishna in state-of-the-art ways. Radhanath Swami envisioned a further application of yukta-vairagya in the realm of humanitarian comion: the same medical science that treats people's bodies also opens opportunities to treat their souls. When patients in distress and need are treated with competence and care by devotee-doctors in a devotionally surcharged atmosphere, they become inspired to adopt the spiritual culture that has secretly acted on their hearts during the period when the medicine was acting on their bodies. It is undeniably true that any application of yukta-vairagya is fraught with danger; one may get too entangled in the material part and neglect the spiritual part. That could possibly happen even at Bhaktivedanta Hospital, but there is no evidence that it is happening. In fact, there is abundant evidence that the opposite is happening. Far from the devotee-doctors losing their devotional purpose and perspective, non-devotee patients are becoming surcharged with Krishna consciousness. Every year, hundreds of patients get devotionally charmed by the soothing spiritual atmosphere of the hospital and the loving concern of the devotee-doctors. They come to the hospital to treat their body; they go back with treatment 232

for both their body and their soul. All the important Vaishnava festivals are celebrated at the hospital with great devotional fervour, and the devotional energy during these festivals is as palpable in the hospital as in the best ISKCON temples. Initially, many ISKCON leaders had expressed concern and even apprehension when Radhanath Swami had embarked on the hospital project. But when they saw for themselves how it was so devotional in its core and how it was so pregnant in its potential to attract people to Krishna, they have subsequently changed their opinions completely and have become often vocal ers and even proponents of the project. Similarly, whatever other humanitarian projects that Radhanath Swami has inspired – be they the Mid-day Meal or the Barsana eye camp, he has repeatedly and pointedly driven home the devotional purpose and essence of these projects. The leaders of these projects have no illusions about what they are doing: they don't identify themselves as social workers trying to make this world a better place; they see themselves as devotees dovetailing their worldly professions in Krishna's service in such a way that they can create at least ajnata-sukriti (unknowing spiritual credits) among people who would otherwise never have come in with Krishna.

Dilution and populism? Ultimately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Or in Vedic parlance: phalena parichayate (a tree is known by its fruit). The Radha-Gopinath temple community that Radhanath Swami has developed has become one of the greatest success stories of ISKCON in the post-Prabhupada era. Despite being a project that was born after the departure of Srila Prabhupada, its outreach has sured that of many older projects. Every Sunday, more than a thousand devotees come to the temple for a program of pure Krishna consciousness: hearing, chanting, dancing, darshan and prasad. This Sunday feast program turnout is more than that of any other ISKCON temple in the whole world. Every year Radhanath Swami leads spiritually energizing yatras, where thousands of people get the opportunity to practice all the five potent forms of devotional service mentioned in the Bhakti-rasamrita-sindu: hearing Bhagavatam, chanting the holy names, worshiping the Deities, associating with devotees and visiting holy places. Have Radhanath Swami's preaching strategies diluted this core devotional program? Not at all. It was his foresight that led to the establishment of this program in the first place. And with the same foresight he has come up with bold preaching strategies that have only strengthened this core devotional program; rather than devotees leaving core devotional activities to get involved in humanitarian work, many people are allured by the humanitarian work to the devotional culture and then they realize that spreading this devotional culture is the greatest humanitarian work. In doing these adjustments, is Radananth Swami being populist: watering down standards to gain popularity? Radhanath Swami himself practices the core principles of Krishna 233

consciousness – strong sadhana – strictly, and he inspires and instructs his disciples to do the same, as is evident from the vibrant morning programs in all the temples inspired by him. He ensures that his aspiring disciples develop an above-average commitment to these core practices by making them wait for a long time to receive initiation – often much longer than his critics. In his outreach Radhanath Swami is undoubtedly extending his arms far to reach many people whom ISKCON has never reached before. However, in doing so, he is not stooping down to their standards; rather he is raising them – slowly but steadily – to the high standards that Prabhupada taught. In the past, those acharyas who have understood and carried forward the spirit of our paramapara have gone on to make history, whereas those who have stuck to the letter and criticized those who were carrying on the spirit have been reduced to a mere footnote in even Gaudiya history. A sad example of this is Bimala Prasad Thakura (with all due respects to him), who, despite being personally initiated by Bhaktivinoda Thakura, couldn't appreciate Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura's adjustments like the re-institution of the sannyasa ashram and the adoption of the Bhagavata parampara. Similarly, the critics of Radhanath Swami's Journey Home , even if they are well-intentioned, are ill-informed both in of the dynamics of how our past acharyas have preached and also in of the requirements for cutting-edge preaching in the contemporary intellectual landscape. Simply put, such critics have chosen to be on the wrong side of history. If we don't want to get caught on that wrong side of history, it is advisable to neglect them and carry on with our own practice and preaching of Krishna consciousness. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, without minding the criticism, went on to spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism all over the world, and thus ensured that all of us received Krishna consciousness. Just as we today feel grateful to Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura for his foresight and courage in devising the necessary preaching strategies, future generations will be grateful to Radhanath Swami for his foresight and courage in doing whatever was necessary to bring Krishna into their lives. and, by so doing, they were successful in attracting people to the core of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and to on that core over the generations so that we too are able to receive and relish it today. Radhanath Swami maintains the devotional focus of his community of devotees by keeing the Deities and the hearing and chanestablishing an empowering devotional culture at the RadhaGopinath temple. Every week, more than a thousand people come to the temple for the sunday program.

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His Holiness Radhanath Swami The positive influence of His Holiness Radhanath Swami on the team of Bhaktivedanta Hospital and the team of doctors who have contributed to the Barsana Eyecamp has been immense. Radhanath Swami has given the team a sense of purpose in serving the medically deprived people at a very affordable cost. Through his search for the ultimate benefit for the society and his practice he explains to us the importance and purpose of life. Carrying forward the same sense of purpose and inspiration given by Radhanath Swami , the whole hospice movement began to help and reach out all those who are dying mostly in pain, agony, frustration, worry and fear. Hospice is specialized care of dying patient as well as family and loved ones.

Charity and spirituality, Radhanath Swami uncovers the connection… Question to Radhanath Swami:I have always come across a comparison between charities based philanthropic organizations and religious organizations. How can I both? Radhanath Swami: Giving prasadam (sanctified food) in charity is a pure spiritual activity. Distributing prasadam is appreciated by all philanthropically minded people and it is also very dear to the heart of supreme Lord Sri Krishna. When we are distributing prasadam for the material and spiritual uplifting of all living beings, God appreciates a lot. Therefore prasadam distribution is a very significant, important, essential and spiritual charity. At the same time, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Lord Krishna’s incarnation who appeared 500 years ago in West Bengal) gave us the message, “there is no greater charity than distributing the holy name of Krishna”. In shastras the principle spiritual activity for today’s age is mentioned as the chanting of the holy name. Ultimately, only by chanting of the holy name one can be elevated to perfection in today’s age. Therefore, the greatest charity that we can offer to people according to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is to guide them to gradually understand the importance and necessities of sincerely chanting the holy name of Krishna . Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu begged to us to live for the welfare of others which can be done only by distributing and chanting of the holy names of Krishna.

Radhanath Swami Helped Murder Sulochana Dasa Radhanath Swami, author of the popular spiritual book “The Journey Home”, is considered by many to be a saintly person and a religious leader. At first glance, he does indeed appear to fit the profile of a typical “saint”. But if we take a closer look at his past history and associates, we find quite a different picture. It is also interesting how Radhanath Swami left out the “dark parts” of his past history from his recently published autobiography “The Journey Home”. In the 1980s and early 90s, Radhanath Swami was second in command, the “right hand man” of, to a homosexual pedophile criminal named Kirtanananda Swami at New Vrindavan in West Virginia. It is widely known that Kirtanananda Swami was a homosexual pedophile and was molesting many young boys during this time. And yet, why did Radhanath Swami him, if he was a homosexual pedophile? Also during this time, there were many murders and other crimes committed at New Vrindavan. 235

The most well known of the crimes that Radhanath Swami is associated with was the murder of Sulochana dasa (Steve Bryant). Sulochana dasa was a very strong critic of Kirtanananda Swami, and was attacking him publicly through different media campaigns for his criminal activities and molesting of children. Coincidentally, two days after publishing a book titled “The Guru Business” (http://www.harekrsna.org/pada/guru_biz.htm), a book that exposed Kirtanananda Swami and other ISKCON "gurus", Sulochana dasa was brutally murdered by one of Kirtanananda’s close associates named Tirtha dasa (Thomas Drescher) on May 22, 1986. Radhanath Swami claims that he had “no knowledge” about this murder, but that is rather difficult to believe, since he was literally Kirtanananda Swami’s closest associate and junior manager, living everyday with Kirtanananda at New Vrindavan. Later on, in the early 90s, Kirtanananda Swami and Tirtha dasa were indicted for murder and other criminal activities in a federal court of law in America, and were sentenced to prison. The following is a collection of quotes from different devotees that prove that Radhanath Swami helped murder Sulochana dasa in 1986. Please forward this to as many people as possible. 1. Kuladri, New Vrindaban's chief manager, was certainly aware of the other devotees who assisted and inspired Tirtha in his mission. Kuladri indirectly implicated Radhanath when he said: "I know Tapahpunja, along with other swamis, were saying that the community had to do whatever is necessary to protect the Swami [Kirtanananda]." At this time there were only three swamis at New Vrindaban: Kirtanananda, Tapahpunja and Radhanath. (Kuladri dasa, cited by Halasz & Halasz, court reporters, "United States of America, Plaintiff, v. CR 90-87 Keith Gordon Ham, Terry Sheldon, Steven Fitzpatrick, New Vrindaban Community, Inc., Govardhan, Inc., Cathedral of Healing, Inc., Defendants, Before: Honorable Robert R. Merhige, Jr., United States District Judge and a Jury," Day III (March 13, 1991), Martinsburg, West Virginia, 475.) 2. Kuladri claimed that Radhanath was one of the key actors in this sordid drama: "Radhanath, Hayagriva and Tapahpunja were pushing like crazy for this [murder] to happen." (Kuladri, cited by Dharmatma, from Trial transcript, cited by Halasz & Halasz, court reporters, "United States of America, Plaintiff, v. CR 90-87 Keith Gordon Ham, Terry Sheldon, Steven Fitzpatrick, New Vrindaban Community, Inc., Govardhan, Inc., Cathedral of Healing, Inc., Defendants, Before: Honorable Robert R. Merhige, Jr., United States District Judge and a Jury," Day IV (March 14, 1991), Martinsburg, West Virginia, 832-837, 941.) 3. Dharmatma claimed that Radhanath was involved to some degree: "he [Radhanath] was involved to some degree or had knowledge of Sulochan's murder. I know this for a fact." (Dharmatma dasa, letter to Hansadutta (August 26, 1994).) 4. Janmashtami dasa, who traveled with and assisted Tirtha while conducting surveillance on Sulochana in California, explained how he was recruited to assist in the elimination of Sulochana: "In January of 1986, on my return to New Vrindaban [after the Christmas marathon], I was ordered by Radhanath . . . not by Kirtanananda Swami, to terminate Sulochana. This happened with Tapahpunja Swami and Tirtha in November and December of 236

1985. I was on traveling sankirtan until Christmas and didn't get back to the farm until New Year’s. Immediately on our arrival at New Vrindaban, Radhanath sought me out and made arrangements for us to meet in his van, where he went through a prepared speech that he had delivered to Tirtha, Tapahpunja Swami and Kuladri many times before. Later talks with Tirtha confirmed this." (Janmashtami dasa, "New Vrindaban History, for the Record", The Sampradaya Sun (December 22, 2006). 5. Radhanath flattered Janmashtami: "You are one of those rare few that Krishna has endowed with the Kshatriya spirit and the courage enough to do what has to be done." (Radhanath Swami, cited by Janmashtami dasa, "Chapter Seven: Knowledge of the Absolute is not Absolute Knowledge," accessed from http://www.harekrsna.org/pada/ks/nv/7.htm (November 4, 2008).) 6. Janmashtami ed in more detail: Radhanath was saying to those he was giving marching orders to: "Sulochana poses a life threat to both Kuladri and to Kirtanananda Swami. He has written that in his diary, and for that reason alone, this guy must be transmigrated to his next body." Radhanath was clear in his meaning beyond any shadow of a doubt. "Now that Srila Prabhupada has left us, the entire fate of this movement—OUR movement, Lord Chaitanya’s movement—rests in Kirtanananda Swami's hands, and according to our nature, it is up to us to do whatever we can to help the movement in that regard." . . . Radhanath had made his pitch to at least a half a dozen sets of sympathetic ears before someone raised these Gita related questions: "How have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the progressive values of life." "The words existent and non-existent refer only to spirit and matter. Why worry?" "How can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, unborn, eternal, and immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?" Tough questions, but from a submissive audience. Radhanath was undaunted. He quoted Krishna in his response to a potentially explosive volley of inquiry: "Everything has its proper utility, and a man situated in complete knowledge knows how and where to apply a thing, so there is no possibility of sinful reaction. Also, considering your specific duty as a kshatriya..." That settled it. The order was there from your bona-fide spiritual authority and it was based on scripture, directly from Krishna. Either you followed those instructions or you were going to hell! (Janmashtami dasa, "Chapter 2: from http://liberatedyogi.tripod.com.)

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7. Janmashtami's story was collaborated by two eyewitnesses. Bhaktipada's chauffeur confirmed: "I was privy to much behind-the-scenes action, and I was there when Radhanath told Janmashtami to ‘destroy the demon.'" (Priyavenu dasa, conversation with the author (September 14, 2003).) 8. A teenage gurukula boy who served under Janmashtami also claimed he overheard Radhanath order Janmashtami to "destroy the demon." (Harivrata dasa, conversation with the author (January 9, 2007).) 9. When Ramachandra dasa, a New Vrindaban sankirtan picker, asked Radhanath Swami: "Do you know who killed Sulochana?" Radhanath replied: "I don't know, but whoever it was, he was doing devotional service to Krishna." (Ramachandra dasa, from a conversation with the author on April 10, 2007.) 10. Dharmatma continued his recollection of the day of the murder and ed how Kuladri named three instigators who "were pushing like crazy for this to happen." "Later on after the morning functions, I had a discussion with Kuladri. He was quite disturbed. He mentioned . . . how it shouldn't have been done like that. And that how Radhanath, Hayagriva and Tapahpunja were pushing like crazy for this to happen, and how he had told them not to do it." (Dharmatma, from Trial transcript, cited by Halasz & Halasz, court reporters, "United States of America, Plaintiff, v. CR 90-87 Keith Gordon Ham, Terry Sheldon, Steven Fitzpatrick, New Vrindaban Community, Inc., Govardhan, Inc., Cathedral of Healing, Inc., Defendants, Before: Honorable Robert R. Merhige, Jr., United States District Judge and a Jury," Day IV (March 14, 1991), Martinsburg, West Virginia, 832-837, 941.) 11. Janmashtami collaborated: "Kuladri was VERY, VERY frightened by the time it was coming to ‘reaction time' because he knew that he and Radhanath were in very deep doodoo." (Janmashtami, e-mail letter to the author (August 1, 2008).) 12. Although Tirtha successfully flew from California to Ohio, he was still in dire straits, New Vrindaban hadn't paid him what they promised, and he needed money to purchase plane tickets to get out of the country—fast. Dharmatma described how Bhaktipada and Radhanath came to him to pick up the escape money at the sankirtan house: "The next day Bhaktipada, along with Radhanath, drove up in my driveway in Bhaktipada's vehicle and tooted the horn for me to come outside. When I came to the car we engaged in some small talk, I don't what. And then Bhaktipada asked me if I had six thousand dollars cash in the house. And I said, "I don't know. I will see if you want." He told me to go in and see if I had six thousand dollars. I went in the house and went into my safe and . . . I counted out six thousand dollars and brought it out to him, and handed it in through the window. I don't if I gave it to 238

Radhanath and he ed it to Bhaktipada, or I gave it directly to Bhaktipada. The mood was a little bit strained, and I said, "What is this? So they [Tirtha and Tapahpunja] can get out of the country?" And Bhaktipada and Radhanath smiled and nodded their heads: "Yes." And then they said, "Hey, we've got to go," and they left. (Dharmatma, from Trial transcript, cited by Halasz & Halasz, court reporters, "United States of America, Plaintiff, v. CR 90-87 Keith Gordon Ham, Terry Sheldon, Steven Fitzpatrick, New Vrindaban Community, Inc., Govardhan, Inc., Cathedral of Healing, Inc., Defendants, Before: Honorable Robert R. Merhige, Jr., United States District Judge and a Jury," Day IV (March 14, 1991), Martinsburg, West Virginia, 832-837, 941.)

Who is Radhanath Swami Radhanath Swami is a Vaishnava sanyassin (a monk in a Krishna-bhakti lineage) and teacher of the devotional path of Bhakti-yoga. He is author of The Journey Home, a memoir of his search for spiritual truth. His teachings draw from the sacred texts of India such as The Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Ramayana, and aim to reveal the practical application of the sacred traditions, while focusing on the shared essence which unites apparently disparate religious or spiritual paths. Born Richard Slavin, on December 7, 1950, in his teens he came to confront a deep sense of alienation from suburban Chicago life and the civil injustices of mid-century America. At the age of nineteen, while on a summer trip to Europe, his internal struggles culminated in a commitment to search for God wherever it might lead him. Meditating on the Isle of Crete, he felt a supernatural calling and the next morning set off alone to find spiritual India. The Journey Home documents his odyssey as a penniless hitch-hiker though Greece, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and finally India. There he lived as a wandering ascetic, first amongst the forest dwelling Himalayan yogis and later amongst a wide variety of gurus and spiritual practitioners throughout India and Nepal. Ultimately, he was led to the holy town of Vrindavan, where he found his path amongst the Bhakti-yogis. In Vrindavan he found the teacher he was searching for in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and representative of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, (the Krishna-bhakti tradition stemming from the 16th century mystic avatar Sri Chaitanya). In choosing Bhaktivedanta Swami, as his guru, Radhanath Swami felt compelled to shear his matted locks and reenter Western society with a mission to share the sacred wisdom he had received. This return exemplifies the form of devotional yoga which is at the heart of Radhanath Swami’s teachings, a spiritual practice expressed as tangible action meant to bring about personal fulfillment and benefit the world. At the the age of 31 he took the monastic vows of a Vaishnava sanyassin and became known as Radhanath Swami. Today Radhanath Swami travels regularly throughout India, Europe and North America, sharing the teachings of Bhakti-yoga. He resides much of the year at the Radha Gopinath Ashram in Chowpatty, Mumbai. For the past twenty-five years he has guided the community’s development and has directed a number of acclaimed social action projects 239

including Midday Meals, which daily serves more than 260,000 plates of sanctified vegetarian food to the children of the slums of Mumbai. He has also worked to establish missionary hospitals and eye camps, eco-friendly farms, schools and ashrams, an orphanage, and a number of emergency relief programs throughout India.

RELIGION Radhanath Swami

Religion Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Hinduism Otherna Richard Slavin me(s) Personal Born

December 7, 1950 (age 62) Chicago, Illinois, United States Religious career

Initiatio Diksa–1973, Sannyasa–1982 n Post

GBC–1994, Initiating guru–1994

Website

http://www.radhanathswami.com,http://w ww.radhanathswami.us

ROLE OF YOGA Yoga Relate Event Radhanath Swami Speaks at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

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The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is today one of the most respected centers for training and retreat in the United States. Since its inception in 1983, countless people have come for short retreats, courses in yoga and ayurveda, and periods of seva and ashram living. At the end of August, 2011, Radhanath Swami was invited to speak at the center for the first time. His two day lecture series was entitled ‘Bhakti Immersion: Ramayana’, and explored the ancient epic through storytelling and kirtan. There could not have been a more dramatic backdrop to the weekend, as Hurricane Irene whirled into the East coast. Coastal flooding swept through New York City and further up the coast, Vermont and Maine were hit even harder. The thirty attendees who made it safely to the center were in for a special treat – Radhanath Swami often lectures on the Ramayana before thousands of people at a time. Here, everyone was able to share in an intimate retelling, sheltered from the storm. He also spoke on the power of the hurricane of the mind. Flights were cancelled due to the weather, so Radhanath Swami and some attendees stayed on an extra day at Kripalu, getting a chance to spend time with bhakti scholar, Shyamdas and tour the picturesque grounds of the Shadowbrook estate.

Radhanath Swami at Core Power Yoga studio On July 13, 2011, Radhanath Swami gave a talk on his book The Journey Home at the Core Power Yoga Studio in Los Angeles run by yoga instructor, Kumudini. Core Power leads lifestyle and teacher training programs, yoga retreats and conferences, and has students numbering in the thousands. The mellisonant devotional chanting led by Radhanath Swami and the famous kirtan singer C.C. White captivated the 120 people in attendance. Radhanath Swami began his talk by discussing his motivation for writing his memoir, proceeded to share some stories that transformed him, from his book “The Journey Home’. “Home is where we find our family, love, comfort and shelter and that home is actually in our hearts where we actually connect with our Supreme divine mother and father”, he said. “Then we recognize every living being as our brother and sister beyond superficial differences of sex, race, nationality, religion. Wherever there is life there is sacred spark of God and when we recognise the spark within our-self we appreciate and love that spark in every living being and in that state of consciousness that is within us is our true home- a home that is forever. Every living being is looking for that home.” The Swami recollected instances in his own life as a counter-cultural teenager, in the 1960s, who set out on a spiritual quest with his dear friend Gary. He then narrated a touching experience at a tea stall in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where a 16-year old blind boy, in material poverty, was happily playing a wired instrument singing God’s name in love and devotion. It was a sight full of contradictions. It then became clear to Radhanath Swami that a person’s happiness is not estimated by material possessions but by the inner satisfaction in connecting with the divine. Radhanath Swami then spoke about the comion and selflessness of an old man, Ghanashyam Baba of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna. In the company of Ghanashyam

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Baba, Radhanath Swami discovered that humility is the most positive state of mind. Humility empowers us to see the beauty of God’s grace in others. It is an essential foundational quality. Despite meeting many yogis and sadus who performed many supernatural feats, the humility, comion and love of his spiritual master A.C Bhaktivedantaswami Prabhupada churned his heart and he decided to dedicate his life to help his spiritual master in his comion. Radhanath Swami concluded the talk by stating that the most powerful way to awaken the love of God within our hearts is by chanting the holy names of God. Bhakti is harmonizing our body mind with our spiritual aspirations so that we could reach the ocean of God’s grace, which is the ultimate journey home”.

Inauguration Of Stanton Street Yoga On Sunday, April 22, Radhanath Swami was asked to speak at the inauguration of Stanton Street Yoga, a new yoga studio and Ayurvedic health retreat on New York’s Lower East Side. Stanton Street Yoga is a cooperative effort, owned and run by followers of Srila Prabhupada, headed by Badaryana and Rukmini Wienberg. Around one hundred guests squeezed into the beautiful new studio to attend the opening yajna ceremony, kirtan, talk and vegetarian meal. Below are some excepts from Swami’s talk. “In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavada-Gita, which is one of the primary yoga scriptures, Krishna explains the process of meditation, asanas, and pranayama in a very essential form. He concludes by saying yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantar-atmana / sraddhavan bhajate yo mam sa me yuktatamo matah. That of all different yogis, the one who abides in me with deep realized faith, who is constantly immersed in ing me within, and whose every thought, word and deed is an offering of transcendental loving service to me – that person is most intimately united with me in yoga and is the highest of all.” “Yoga is meant for transformation of our consciousness – transformation of our values and our aspirations in life. In the school of yoga every different type of practice is meant to bring us to subtler, finer and higher states to achieve that. So when we connect to that spiritual essence, then we become an instrument – a conduit of that grace, that energy. Spiritual practice, whether it bepuja, worship, ritual, studying scriptures, chanting the beautiful mantras of God, is actually a very very deep process to tune into the spiritual energy that is within us and all around us. Just like if you have one of these satellite televisions in your home and you just press one button and in your in New York City, in Times Square for some news report.Then you can press another button and you are in Bagdad for another news report. Another button takes you to Brazil to see a soccer game and another button brings you to Yankee Stadium. Press another button and you are in New Delhi where thousands of people doing a hunger strike. You can keep on going pressing buttons. We are accessing a certain frequency and when we access that frequency it is revealed to us because we are tuning in. So within this creation everyone is like a little antennae emitting frequencies – greed, envy, arrogance, selfish ions, anger, vengeance, hate – every time a person speaks and thinks like that or acts like that we are putting that energy into the atmosphere and it is all accumulating. If we tune into greed we are getting that greed and its going to fill our hearts, and it will affect how we speak, think and act.” “Yoga, especially this mantra meditation, is meant to tune into the divine grace of God, Krishna, that is within us – within everyone and all around us. Its there now. It always has 242

been. Why are we not in ecstasy and happy? Why are we not loving everyone as our brothers and sisters? Its because we are not tuned into that energy – we are tuned into so many other energies. Everywhere we go people are trying to tune us into something else and we are being affected by their energies. So it is very important that we take some time everyday to tune in and that means making priorities in our life. When something is important we make a priority and the natural tendency then is that we don’t have time – “After all, I have family, I have studies, business, so many pressure, when can I have time”. Somehow or other we find time to eat food and sleep. We have to do that in order to function in a proper way. If we actually want to live from this ananda place, this spiritual place within our hearts, we also have to give time to tune in to that transcendental energy. And that is the essence of yoga, tuning in to be transformed and then to speak, act, and think as conduits of God’s grace.” “I see they have opened this center to harmonize their occupations, careers and families with sharing the fruits of love they have received from their guru Srila Prabhupada with the world and I’m very thankful to them for that. Such a beautiful center. And to open it by having yagna, kirtan, prasada, and talks – the idea is that they are beginning the center in the spirit of seva, unselfish pure service to the world. I pray for all success in every way. Thank you very much.”

International Yoga conference at Rishikesh Be with nature, learn from nature, and change your nature.” said H. H. Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji while welcoming guests to the International Yoga Conference at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India. From March 1st thru 7th Radhanath Swami, along with forty yoga gurus, shared the teachings of yoga with hundreds of yogis from around the globe. Prominent teachers at the conference included H.H. Sri Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji, H.H. Swami Ramdevji, H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and H.H. Swami Veda Bharatiji. The International Yoga Festival, which started in 1999 with a just a handful of people studying under one or two yoga gurus, has grown into one of the most renowned yoga festivals in the world. Parmarth Niketan Ashram, situated at the banks of holy Ganges River, in the lap of the lush Himalayas is Rishikesh’s largest ashram. Radhanath Swami shared yoga teachings through stories of his life as a young yogi and wanderer of the Hymilayan foothills, elaborating on stories from his memoir The Journey Home. Speaking on the yoga as the integration of the mind, body and soul, he narrated a humorous story of how he was first given the clothes of a sadhu from a stranger on the banks of the Ganges River. One day, while he was engaged in meditation, a saintly man with long white hair and beard walked up to him from the forest, said, “You don’t know who I am, but I know who you are. I have been watching your determination. Now take off your clothes and offer them in the current of Mother Ganga.” Swami gave up his jeans and T-shirt, throwing them into the Ganges, but was hesitant to give up his underpants. “Now I was standing in my under-pants, and he said, “Offer you under-pants also.” In this way the saintly man requested him give up his old clothes and offered him the robes and loin cloth of a sadhu as a replacement. Radhanath Swami, giving a purport said, “Our body is like the set of clothes. When we identify with this for so long, we think we are really this body and we become 243

attached. Under-pants are like the subtle body that is under the gross body, that’s why we are even more attached to it.” Radhanath Swami shared stories of his experiences in other holy places in India like Kashi and Prayaag where he met many mystic yogis who could create ashes by chanting mantra, stop their heartbeat for half an hour or even stop their breath. Taking a clue from this story, Swami beseeched the audience to appreciate so many miracles present around us. He gave the examples of a tiny seed which can give rise to a gigantic Banyan Tree, a monsoon cloud which can flood the entire city with water, and how from the combination of semen and the ovum a fully developed body grows. “Life is nothing but one miracle after another. If we understand the miracle of the mind, body and intelligence, and understand where the force of consciousness is coming from that animates them, then our lives can be transformed. The final lesson which Radhanath Swami shared drew from from the Bhagvad Gita. “The real yoga is to harmonise the body, mind, and intelligence with the true nature of the self – the soul. Our true nature is to look for pleasure. Unless we find that pleasure within our own hearts, we cannot find it anywhere else in this world. Things cannot bring pleasure to the soul or the heart. They can give some flickering pleasure to the mind and senses, and only when we experience something higher we will find the true pleasure. To love and be loved is the most fundamental need for every living being and it’s the only true pleasure that can satisfy us. According to all the great scriptures of the world, the origin of that love is the love between the pure spirit self (atma) and the supreme Lord (Ishvara). Each one of us can experience this love if we connect to the Lord through seva (service). Bhakti Yoga is to receive the love of the Lord by chanting, hearing and meditating on God’s names, and to express that love through seva.”

Return To Yogamaya After only a year of being open, Yogamaya yoga studio in New York’s hip Chelsea district has gained a huge following of both serious yoga students and kirtan lovers. Owners Bryn Chrisman, Stacey Brass and Glen Riis have created a unique space that fuses serious Hathayoga with an equally generous dose of Bhakti-yoga, combined within a fresh context. Though the space is set up as a yoga studio, with skylights and open spaces, the feeling is that of an old temple. Antique carved doors and screens decorate the space, and framed vintage prints of Radha and Krishna hang on every wall. Kirtan is held at least once a week there, with special events scheduled every month. The evening of July 26th was no different, as Radhanath Swami returned after eight months. Nearly 200 people crowded the space, braving the intense humidity to cram in ‘India style’. Yogamaya events attract a diverse cross section of New Yorkers, and everyone was represented in the group that night. He opened by singing a beautiful bhajan and then began to speak on the meaning of the word ‘Yogamaya’ – describing it as the energy of the Divine that helps us to see everything in connection with him. It is this, he said, that brings us the deep sense of fulfillment that we are always longing for, and that ‘Spiritual happiness has the depth of an ocean that has no bottom and no shores.’ He described how just as the same electricity can be used either to heat or cool, we can align ourselves with this energy to varying degrees according to our choice. He then spoke on the power of this deep love for God – telling two stories from the Bhagavatam. First, that of Dhruva Maharaja, the five year old boy that earned an audience 244

with Lord Vishnu after practicing intense yogic discipline, and that of Hanuman, whose determination to selflessly serve his Lord Rama awarded him the deepest satisfaction. He described how in both cases, they experienced severe obstacles, but demonstrated that real determination is ‘when we set our ideal with such a foundation, that whatever impediments come, they only help us to go deeper into that love…but if we seek an opportunity to be discouraged, that’s what we will find.’ Radhanath Swami closed by saying, ‘simply by taking shelter of the divine sound of God’s names, one can experience that love that raises us beyond the need to be hypocritical’. Naturally the evening wasn’t complete without one last wonderful kirtan that had everyone up and dancing, despite the oppressive heat.

Boston Yoga and Chant Festival On June 19, 2011, Radhanath Swami spoke at the annual Boston Yoga and Chant Festival. For this weekend-long event, the Royal Plaza Trade Center—a large yet unglamorous convention center adjacent to a Best Western hotel in the MetroWest suburbs of Massachusetts—was at once transformed into a Mecca of spiritual seekers, spiritual teachers, yogis & yoginis, vegans & vegetarians, devotional musicians from the mantra scene, artists, dancers, new age healers, and everyday people in search of something higher. In front of a big, beautiful backdrop of blazing orange and yellow colors that blended seamlessly with the saffron robes of a monk, Radhanath Swami told several stories before an eager and responsive crowd. The audience was swept away from the Massachusetts suburbs to a frantic scene in Vrndavana, India, where a pack of wild, voracious monkeys surrounded a newborn calf. As the calf shook in terror and cried out for its mother, tears streamed from its eyes. The mother, hearing the cry of her calf, ran to scene, fearlessly fought off the monkeys, and finally fed her calf to provide comfort. Analogous to the calf’s crying out in desperation for its mother, we too must sincerely call out and chant the names of God. Protection, fearlessness, comfort, and love will surely follow. The audience was then transported to the holy place of Prayaga—where the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers come together in a magnificent confluence. Radhanath Swami described how his well-intentioned swim across the river turned into the struggle of his life as he was forcefully pulled into the quicksand of the riverbank. After a long and terrifying struggle, he escaped the quicksand, only to face death again as he lost the strength to swim against the raging currents. He began to drown. A fisherman in a boat waved his hand in a sweeping motion, but simply ed him by. As he surrendered to the river and plunged under water, the Hare Krsna Mantra miraculously awakened in his heart. On the verge of death, he instantly realized what the fisherman had tried to tell him. Using his final drop of strength, instead of swimming against the current, he rode the Yamuna’s current and eventually swam to safety. Radhanath Swami then led the audience on a pilgrimage to a precious temple in Vrndavana—a simple closet where Ghanashyam—a devoted servant and devotee of Krsna— worshiped and served his beloved Radha Krsna deities every day of his life. As a young college-aged man many years ago, Radhanath Swami was led to Ghanashyam’s beloved temple. Ghanashyam was so happy to meet him: “You are Krsna’s friend!” he said. “Krsna has sent you here, and I am your servant.” Since he saw everyone as a dear friend of God, for such a visitor to his simple closet temple, Ghanashyam wanted to give up everything—the 3 small 245

rotis (round flatbread) on which he sustained himself each day, and even his blanket during the cold winter months. The story of Ghanashyam teaches us that we must too must see every living being as not just as a part of God, but a friend of God—and that we should love and serve each other in that same spirit of pure devotion and love. Concluding his talk, Radhanath Swami taught the audience what is unarguably the most important yoga asana of all—Saranagati Asana—the asana of surrender. As he chanted the names of the Lord, the audience performed this asana, and chanted and danced with full enthusiasm. With the dependency of a newborn calf on its mother, like the sincere call for help by someone drowning in a river, and with the pure love and devotion of Ghanashyam, we should chant the names of the Lord: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Yoga means Unity 1.What is the meaning of yoga? Yoga means unity. What is the meaning of religion? Religion comes from the Greek word religio, which means to bind back, to be in harmony, to be in unity. Every living being has a body, has a mind, and has consciousness. Consciousness is the energy emanating from the soul or the atma. So to harmonize the body, the mind, and the soul is the art of yoga. If we don’t have unity within ourselves 2. The practice of Bhakti-yoga requires watering the seed of devotion within our heart. It also means to be very careful to pull out the weeds that are growing along side. Topics of the mundane subject matters of this world are very nourishing waters to the weeds that are always eager to choke the plant of Bhakti. People tend to be fond of listening to rumors or hearing gossip. They also like to speak gossip. It is said that among all of the senses, the tongue is the most difficult to control. 3. .Yoga is often misunderstood as merely breath control, asanas or exercises; for some it is about practising some rules and regulations based on morality and for others it is cultivation of scriputral knowledge. But the real purpose of Yoga is to fix our mind on the Supreme. According to Bhagavad-gita, yoga can not be practiced unless we practice mind control. An uncontrolled mind restricts the soul from reaching its natural blissful state, which a practioner is trying to acheive through yoga. Our mind works like a television set. A television... 4. On Sunday, April 22, Radhanath Swami was asked to speak at the inauguration of Stanton Street Yoga, a new yoga studio and Ayurvedic health retreat on New York’s Lower East Side. Stanton Street Yoga is a cooperative effort, owned and run by followers of Srila Prabhupada, headed by Badaryana and Rukmini Wienberg. Around one hundred guests squeezed into the beautiful new studio to attend the opening yajna ceremony, kirtan, talk and vegetarian meal. Below are some excepts from Swami’s talk. “In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavada-Gita, which is one...

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“Be with nature, learn from nature, and change your nature.” said H. H. Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji while welcoming guests to the International Yoga Conference at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India. From March 1st thru 7th Radhanath Swami, along with forty yoga gurus, shared the teachings of yoga with hundreds of yogis from around the globe. Prominent teachers at the conference included H.H. Sri Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji, H.H. Swami Ramdevji, H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and H.H. Swami Veda Bharatiji. The International Yoga Festival, which started in 1999 with a just...

How to Improve Mantra Meditation? Radhanath Swami Provides Tips Question to Radhanath Swami: How to improve the quality of our mantra meditation? Radhanath Swami: By our sincerity and simplicity, by trying to improve the attitude of service in our life, by trying to live more and more according to moral, ethical and pure principles , by guarding against offences, and by sincerely and attentively making the effort to take shelter of the holy names. If we are simply sincere, Lord Krishna will give us all help. If we are just sincere to live with integrity, Krishna will give us all help, and that’s for sure.

CHAPTER:10 ANANDMURTI GURUMAA

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INTRODUCTION Anandmurti Gurumaa (devnagari: आनर द रभततर गप र रधम ), also known as Gurumaa, is a new age spiritual guide. She is respected by followers of many faiths including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Sufism[citation needed]. Her message transcends gender, religious, political, geographic and material boundaries. [1] Anandmurti means “an embodiment of Divine Bliss” and Gurumaa means “Master Mother” [2] in Hindi. Gurumaa teaches the disciplines of meditation, yoga, present moment awareness and self realisation, [3] using meditation techniques from yoga, zen, tantra, sufism, Buddhism [4] and devised methods.[5] Gurumaa's core teachings include meditation, self realisation, evolving consciousness and non-duality. MAnandmurti Gurumaa also known as Gurumaa born on 8th April 1966 in Amritsar, India, is a new age spiritual guide. She is respected by followers of many faiths including Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Sufism.Her message transcends gender, 248

religious, political, geographic and material boundaries.Anandmurti means “an embodiment of Divine Bliss” and Gurumaa means “Master Mother” in Hindi. Gurumaa teaches the disciplines of meditation, yoga, present moment awareness and self realisation,using meditation techniques from yoga, zen, tantra, sufism, sikhism, buddhism and devised methods.Gurumaa's core teachings include meditation, self realisation, evolving consciousness and non-duality.

Teachings * In Gurumaa's own words, If her teachings are to be summarized in one thing, it would be awareness. * Gurumaa also emphasizes the need for all seekers to free themselves from the outer garb of religion,asserting that we don't experience fulfilment because of our expectations. Enlightenment can only happen if one surrenders completely to the existence. relationship with God is rooted in expectations, which stops us from experiencing fulfilment. In the same manner, enlightenment will be denied to us as long as we long for it. It is only when we surrender the desire, that we will attain to it.

Gurumaa Ashram Gurumaa ashram is situated in Gannaur, district Sonepat, Haryana, India , 60km from Delhi on National Highway 1. Gurumaa conducts meditation camps in this ashram every year.

Shakti Shakti is a mission started by Anandmurti Gurumaa to empower female children in India and stop female foeticide. Shakti s the education of the girls from poor and needy families until 12th standard. Shakti gives financial for education without any color/caste/creed discrimination. It was started informally in 2000. In the 2006-2007 academic year, around 175 girls were given full tuition fees for their studies. CEAP (Computer Education Awareness Program) is a new program started under the Shakti umbrella.In this project, volunteers from Gurumaa Ashram went to 20+ government girls' schools in Sonepat district and gave them first hand experience of computers and motivated them to learn computers and to be self dependent.

Works Gurumaa has translated the Sufi love poems of the Turkish Sufi dervish Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi into the Hindi language, for the first time in India.These poems were published in the 249

book Prem ka chalakta jaam. Gurumaa has also sung few of Rumi's poems, translated to Hindi, on her album Rumi - Love at its zenith.

HISTORY Life Sketch of Gurumaa: A Divine Journey From time immemorial, turmoils have shaken the earth. When such turmoils happen, mother earth summons such celestial bodies like sages, hermits, ascetics, mystics or enlightened souls in human form to guide humankind out of disasters. Anandmurti Gurumaa is one such celestial being who stands out amongst the galaxy of spiritual leaders. Anandmurti Gurumaa is not only a convent educated arts graduate in the worldly sense, but Master of Life and Beyond. She has been a mentor, counselor and a guide to people around her right from her schooldays. As she says, ‘A rose is born a rose, and need not do anything to be a rose.‘ As a child, her home was always being visited by spiritually evolved people. When at the early age of fifteen, she went for a pilgrimage and was surrounded by irers and seekers, it was not a surprise for the family. She traveled through her teens and by the age of twenty four settled down in Rishikesh in a hermitage. But destiny wanted her to spread her wings far and wide so that she could reach out to the maximum number of troubled souls. Soon she was seen on television, which made her available to millions of viewers worldwide. She established her Ashram in Gannaur, Dist. Sonepat, Haryana where various residential retreats and workshops are being held throughout the year. The ashram is a place full of positive energy, tranquil and calm, full of natural beauty, which enables the seekers to evolve naturally under Gurumaa’s guidance. Now she is based in Gannaur, Harayana where she is available to her disciples year around where various residential workshops are organized. Her ashram is a beautiful place with beauty and empty spaces to rejoice and evolve spiritually.

Persona par excellence Anandmurti Gurumaa showed extraordinary signs of a mystic in the making early in life. From the very beginning she was being blessed by mystics and sages right at her home. From the tender age of nine, Gurumaa would put such questions before her school teachers and others that they would be surprised by her sharp intellect and deep insights into spirituality. Those around her felt it remarkable that a child of her age could ask such profound questions. From an early age, Gurumaa showed a special affinity towards the seers. She would listen to their talks and ask them various questions. They would happily answer all her queries as they knew she was not just curious but had a genuine desire for knowledge. Gurumaa also started writing poetry at an early age. These poetic expressions came from the depth of her heart. They are her innocent offerings to the divine where the divine is seen as the beloved and sometimes as a friend. Gurumaa had also begun in her own way to deliver satsang even while she was a schoolgirl. After school, she would rush to deliver her satsangs. People were drawn to her and made every endeavour to be a part of that Amrit Varsha.

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An embodiment of love, grace, comion, and empowered with the wisdom of the times, forward thinking and dynamic in her approach and outlook, Anandmurti Gurumaa stands as a constant source of inspiration for all. She is a source of light to those looking for an answer, peace, wisdom, and unconditional love. Defying definitions, pragmatic, realistic, of liberal views, she is open-minded like sky and intense like space. Anandmurti Gurumaa had a wonderful childhood – when other children were learning nursery rhymes, she was listening to the philosophy of Vedanta. While other children dreamt of dolls and cars, she was learning the art of awakening. She was always seen meditating or sitting in silence. She travelled in different parts of India, finally settling in Rishikesh – a holy city on the banks of the Ganges. While in Rishikesh, she went into silence and wanted to remain in this state forever. However, the world needed her presence to show light to the mankind groping in dark; seekers were flocking from everywhere seeking guidance. Out of her comion for humanity she came out of silence and began to show the way. At a very early age, life groomed her to be a master and a guide to seekers. Soon the fragrance of her spirituality spread and people from all over started coming to her seeking knowledge and guidance. She started travelling to address conferences, meet people and to give them guidance. Later she started her meditation retreats which gave her a working ground. Thousands of people would come to unlearn the worldly ways; to rise above dogmas and doctrines of religion. She simplified meditation for the masses and made it of such ease that no one ever felt that this path was for a chosen few only. As fish to water, so did poetry come naturally to her. Anandmurti Gurumaa has written hundreds ofpoems. She has also set them to music and sung them in her mellifluous voice. Anandmurti Gurumaa teaches the essential precepts that we must understand and internalize, if we are to progress on the path of spiritual understanding. A pragmatic approach of her teachings empowers the seeker with the wisdom to live with absolution. With her characteristic humility, Anandmurti Gurumaa says, “I have nothing new to offer in of words; but much to offer in of the essence of truth.” Redefining spirituality: Anandmurti Gurumaa says, “The Spiritual path is a warrior’s path where you have to wage a war against your own darkness, your own ignorance – not to fight with your own mind but to understand it so as to transgress it. It is like the seed that is always there but flowers only in the right climate, rich soil and with the loving nurturing of a gardener.” Gurumaa says she does not belong to any one tradition, religion, path or label. She considers herself a citizen of world and is not limited by narrow considerations. She is a free-spirited, transendentalist and is carving out a path-less path for seekers. She says that no guru can grant you enlightenment; no master can awaken your kundalini; one has to toil hard oneself in the presence of the master- but without making the effort seem a strain. Seek, but with patience; meditate, but without any goal; sharpen your awareness so that you rise above the ‘me-mine-I’ syndrome of identification with the self.

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Today Anandmurti Gurumaa resides in a beautiful ashram in Gannaur, Haryana, India. Ever welcoming to seekers; ever inviting to all; a hard task master who will not appease your ego, Gurumaa says, “People do not need a living guru; they need a look-alike guru, a toy. As one has to surrender totally to the guru, people, who love their selves so much, find it difficult to do so. Therefore most prefer to stay away!” Anandmurti Gurumaa is a living master who is so ordinary in her extraordinariness! She is a challenge to the intellect, a pleasing sight to the eyes, humorous, and a lively new age Buddha.

ASHRAMS A Living Buddhafield When a Buddha walks on this earth, he leaves behind a charged and hallowed ground. Earth takes in the vibrations of the master and keeps it safe for a very long period. Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha attained enlightenment is worshipped as living Buddha, not just for being a testimony to Buddha’s enlightenment but also for sharing the same space, and for having drunk the energy released at the time of final achievement. Sanghmitra, the daughter of emperor Ashoka, took a branch of this tree to Sri Lanka when she headed towards this beautiful island to disseminate the message of the Buddha. She planted this branch there as a symbol of the Buddha and for many years this tree was revered by neo Buddhists as Buddha himself. In early years of Buddhist religion in China, instead of the statues of Buddha bodhi tree statues were made and monks meditated in front of them. Slowly, the human image of the Buddha was adopted. Bodh Gaya is the place where the Buddha got enlightened in Bihar, India. It is the biggest pilgrimage place for the Buddhists. If a tree or a place can be considered to be the holiest just because enlightenment happened there, imagine a place where the master lives. This is the beauty, charisma of Rishi ChaitanyaAshram, an abode of the master who is alive. Set against the backdrop of lush green fields, wide variety of flora and fauna, beautifully carved stone idols and awe inspiring water body, ‘Sarovar’, Rishi Chaitanya Ashram offers a perfect ambience to move towards self understanding and discovering a way to lead a stress free life. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is not just the name of a place where people meditate; it is much more than that! It is the place where a master is present and is guiding seekers towards enlightenment. It functions like an oasis in a world that is lost, hungry, blinded by storms of lust, greed, ego – all get respite and relief once they arrive in the ashram. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is a living Buddhafield where a great evolution is taking place, where personalities are being carved out, polished, and groomed from being crude to finer, from unconscious to conscious; where one learns to be gracious, love full and aware. The Master is the magnetic pull that attracts seekers to come, and this love call is so strong that no one can miss it; but only truly fortunate ones can hear this call. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is one of the places where this magic is unfolding. Tens of thousands of people sit and meditate together under Gurumaa’s guidance, and thousands work diligently to uplift them. 252

The Ashram has all modern facilities of lodging, cafeteria, organic hygienic food, beautiful manicured gardens, and trails to walk; wide open spaces, clear sky, synchronized songs of birds, mesmerizing early mornings where a person wakes up to the beautiful melodies of Indian classical music. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is a true heaven on earth. Every glade of grass in the ashram seems to emanate vibrancy, color and warmth – an invitation to provide succor for parched souls. It is truly a place which is must for every individual who

Accommodation Facilities Available Stay at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is an experience in itself. Visitors are offered simply styled accommodations, which are equipped with the modern facilities. Double rooms are in Bodhisatwa building and single rooms are in buildings named after the holy rivers in India: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Triveni. In addition to the rooms, shared accommodation is available in dormitories: Sant Gyaneshwar Awaas, Nanak Dhaam, and Vishwanath Dhaam. Reservation for rooms can be made over phone or via e-mail, 15 days prior to reaching the Ashram. One can call at the helpline numbers: 0130-2216500, 09896263821 or e-mail room booking request at [email protected]. Rooms for stay at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram are well equipped with the necessary modern facilities. The sole purpose is to fulfill the basic requirements of the seekers coming from all over the world, to enable them to endeavor for their spiritual evolution devoid of any worries.

An Inn to go within Rishi Chaitanya Ashram personifies a serene place away from the city. It is a retreat from the hustle bustle of daily mundane life and gives you an opportunity to be calm, peaceful, and discover your inner bliss. We are so engrossed in our material pursuits that we even forget to live this life beautifully. In the rush for earning livelihood and luxuries, we forego the serenity of our mind and continue doing so until comes the saturation point of breakdown. And then we begin the quest for a place where we could relax, rejuvenate, and experience the ever flowing blissfulness of life. The mystical surroundings of the Ashram offer an exquisite ambience where you can learn the art of living life as a celebration, and explore the deeper aspects of life itself. Ashram – as beautifully explained by Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa – ‘Ashram is amalgamation of two words of Hindi language- Aa means Come and Shram means ‘labor’ which means come to placed to leave all labor of body and mind. The term ‘labor’ is not associated with its usual interpretation of putting ones efforts in physical sense. It is rather an effort to be in communion with the Divine. And the uniqueness of the concept lies in negating the existing standards of attaining divinity through mere following the rituals. On the contrary, the methodology propounded by Gurumaa states not to be a mere believer in the dogmas and orthodoxy established by the societal agencies; it is to understand the meaning of the ‘truth’ which is omnipresent and to be in synonymy with the divine. 253

It is the presence of a Guru that makes the place divine. Because it’s the guidance of a Guru that helps an individual discover the pulsating happiness in every moment. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is one such place, brimming with the presence of a living enlightened master. Surrounded by serene natural environment leading to a hub of an immense positive energy, it is a panacea for the modern world. It is a cosmic field of energy; energy that acts as a catalyst for self emancipation. It is a place for spiritual retreat where one can live life of inner discipline and experience gushing energies and awaken to a new style of life – life of awareful joyousness. The serenity of the Ashram provides a unique ambience that helps foster the seed of creativity, which lies dormant within all of us. One also gets a rare opportunity to learn and practice various meditationtechniques, which are tools to gain wisdom.

Food For Body, Mind & Soul Personalities are being carved, polished, and groomed from crude, blinded, unconscious to gracious, aware and enlightened ones at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram. The Ashram nourishes all the aspects and layers of one’s being. The balanced and enriched environment of ashram provides delicious, healthy and digestible food for your Body, Mind & Soul.

Food for Soul The flow of unconditional love showered by the beloved master is an indispensable food for soul. It weaves a beautiful milieu for the flower of meditationto bloom within. Every day, there are two meditation sessions: one in the morning and another in the evening, as the fuel for soul is as much essential as the fuel for body and mind. The divine presence of Gurumaa during these meditation sessions helps one to explore the great depths and heights of inner journey. Heart warming smiles venting out of repressed emotions, tears of joy and inexplicable joy oozing from within nourshes heart. Group meditations, solitary silence retreats,kirtan, silent contemplation, are some of the many activities offered here for the soul.

Food for Mind Meticulous inquiry to know oneself is an ideal foundation to embark on the journey to truth. But on this voyage, mind plays numerous tricks to deviate seeker from exploring to the deepest core. As Gurumaa says so simply and lucidly: “God is simple, Life is simple, why complicate it”? The illuminating words of wisdom by Gurumaa unravel the mysteries of inner world in a very simplified way. In essence, her words her are myth-shattering and enlightening, showing a path from darkness to light. Her teachings offer great insights into the right way of living life joyfully, celebrating every moment. Be it in Ashram or any other place where Gurumaa conducts meditation camp or the online interactive platform of Live Chat every month, Gurumaa benevolently quells seeker’s quest, helping the seeker move from known to unknown. Many times, her talks are recorded in audio video formats to make it accessible to the seekers around the world, so that everyone can benefit from it and satiate the individual quest. It is like an ocean, the more you delve into, the more you discover the realities of life.

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Every day, the recorded discourses of Gurumaa are played in Patanjali. Luminous with the presence of the master, Patanjali offers a tranquil ambience to contemplate, meditate and experience the sutras of meditation elucidated by Gurumaa in her talks. You can also find a vast collection of audio-video discourses and books of Gurumaa in Mandala, the sacred shopping store of Ashram. The ‘circle with a centre’ pattern that forms the fundamental theme of the whole creation is reflected in ‘Mandalaa’. It is built around the centre to offer a divine treasure of exclusive discourses of Anandmurti Gurumaa, Books written by Anandmurti Gurumaa, Robes (Cholas), and Aasanas. The reservoir of audio-video collection includes pre-recorded discourses of Gurumaa bestowed at various places, powerful meditation techniques designed and developed by Gurumaa for the modern day pacer who has to face various upheavals in day-to-day life, and soul-stirring bhajans in the mellifluous voice of Gurumaa to bridge the gap between seeker and the divine.

Food for Body There is a beautiful divine kitchen in Rishi Chaitanya Ashram called Annapurna, where nutritious food constituting a well balanced diet is prepared and served with love and devotion; hygiene is given utmost importance. Here you experience the health benefits of vegetarian diet and its positive effects on your mind. Ashram also has a contemporary Bismillah café, which is designed to provide a vibrant divine ambience for munching snacks, sipping tea/coffee/cold drink – with an accent of sophistication, imbued with awareness. It offers a special selection of affordably priced menu to serve the wide variety of choices. Both healthy food and regular exercise are essential to keep your body fit. Every morning there’s a regular yoga session where basic yoga techniques are taught and practiced. Breathing in pollution free air of Ashram helps to evade various diseases and stay healthy. This lays the foundation for a healthy mind.

The Fabulous Flora Well maintained beautiful lawns, numerous trees and floral plants, twittering birds, and magnificent water bodies, all are dancing with joy at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram. The spectacular landscape gardens, vivid plants and flowers are fragrant with pure love. There is an omniscient grace of the master that flows through this majestic flora. The walking trails are framed with an array of colorful flowers, and a gentle wakeful walk through these trails will make you realize that you too are a flower; a unique flower which has its own beauty & fragrance. Get involved with them for a while, feel their presence, see the color of its petals, and the sweet fragrance will enter your being; it will make you feel free like a bird. You just need to be open and receptive in the vibrant atmosphere of the Ashram to come in touch with the source of love and wisdom inside yourself. Sambhudh Sabhagar and Patanjali are the two meditationhalls of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram. These are the sacred gathering places for seekers to chant, meditate and engage in satsang. Daily meditation sessions and meditation camps/shivir happen here only. When so many people meditate together in the presence of the beloved master, there is an upsurge of vibes showering eternal joy on one and all. The vibrations of these holy halls are perfect catalyst for intense transformations. They have been specially designed and well equipped to provide a 255

relaxing and conducive atmosphere with soothing music and guided meditations playing in the backdrop. Here you enjoy the peace and tranquil ambience within and without, as it is only in the deepest silence one can imbibe the aura of the master and be in communion. It’s more to be experienced than to be talked about.

PREACHINGS Gurumaa to Women Women – Power house of energy As enshrined in our holy epics and scriptures the ‘Woman’ – an embodiment of affection, benevolence and comion has been, since ages, extolled as an angel. Woman is an embodiment of love, grace and comion. She has been illuminating the ‘life’ in all its manifestations, as a sister, daughter, wife, mother and spiritually enlightened visionary. A complete human being gifted with traits of perfect understanding, balanced approach to life, witty and beautiful, possessing artistic attributes; the essence of womanhood is difficult to define. She creates, nurtures, s, loves and is a power house of energy, despite some mysterious denials to her contribution.

Women Deserves much more Right from the beginning a girl is denied the right to live and to be educated. She is discriminated against when young, taken out of school to help the mother with household chores and sometimes even to be a nanny to her younger siblings. Girls are not welcomed at the time of birth. They are considered a responsibility and parents choose the easy way out – they kill the girl in the mother’s womb! For a few thousand rupees, a life is aborted. Baby girls do not have a voice of their own; how can they protest? Who will listen to their silent screams? A girl is killed in the womb by a doctor; I call it murder and not abortion. What is her fault? Why is she denied the basic human right to life? A male child is never denied that right! Why? Today the ratio of girls to boys has dropped so much that in some parts of north India, girls are brought from other states and sold to men as brides. Sometimes a girl is shared by two brothers and in some cases even by father and son! It is shocking, deplorable, condemnable and inhuman. We have to stop these inhuman atrocities being forced upon girls. In the Indian t-family system, it is the elders or the husband who decide whether or not to have a girl child. Sometimes the daughter-in-law is threatened into having an abortion – she does not have a choice. The wife who is financially dependent on her husband has to oblige – what else can she do? This is why I say that women should be educated and must have economic independence. They should not be pressurized into doing something they do not want to. A woman is not weak – she has been conditioned to believe that she is weak. A girl grows up to be a companion to man; a good friend; a doting mother; a loving wife; a wonderful girlfriend. She is a giver; she is tolerant; she is perseverant. Allow her to blossom 256

to her full capacity. Girls are wonderful! – can a man think of making a life without a woman? She defines man’s life, fulfils and nurtures him. A woman can play multiple roles with élan. Can’t men at least her and respect her? Please think about how you can repay a mother’s debt – the debt of love. Every woman is Shakti – a divine being – love and respect her. If a woman remains ignorant and blind, can a society progress in its totality fully? If in any society, the woman remains ignorant, illiterate and deprived of her rights, can that society or country flourish? Our country will not prosper as long as women are not given their rightful place. The day the women of this country awaken and empower themselves with knowledge, this country will touch the heights of prosperity.

Gurumaa’s initiatives for the upliftment of women As a realized person does not live up in clouds, Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa, living amidst the realities of life observed and analyzed the dilemma of woman grudgingly given a secondary status in the contemporary society and thus establishing the supremacy of male chauvinism. To provide solace of faith, succor and the volcanic courage to women, Anandmurti Gurumaa spearheaded to set up ‘Shakti’ in 1999, which has now blossomed as a project of multidimensional excellence; besides empowering the girls through education. Shakti has emerged as a wakeup call to combat the heinous practices of female foeticide, infanticide, dowry menace and the brutalities afflicted on the girl child who is regarded as a harbinger of curse by many foolish and preposterous people and patriarchs of society. With her mystic vision, wisdom, rationality and cosmic intellectualism, Anandmurti Gurumaa stands as a constant source of inspiration for one and all. She is working zealously towards the upliftment of women, especially in a country like India where gender bias and male chauvinism is a centuries old tradition. Devoid of any fear and with great enthusiasm, Anandmurti Gurumaa through her divine utterances and Shakti revolution has been waging a war against the perpetual exploitation of woman, the ill treatment meted out to widows, forced female infanticide, the dowry system and the prevalent discriminatory treatment of the girl child in our society. Gurumaa motivates women to fortify their energy, power, and to respect themselves as women. In order to not confine her teachings to mere words, Gurumaa, in her true crusader spirit, has launched the project ‘Shakti – An initiative to empower the girl child’. Shakti means feminine energy and it is present in every cell of our body, in every atom of this cosmos. Man or woman- these differences are at the level of body; in reality we are spirit. Awakening this energy is the goal of every spiritual aspirant. No one can function without this power. India celebrates and worships this shakti as a goddess – Durga. Every girl, woman is an embodiment of Durga and so is a man. We are the power – we all are shakti – Let’s recognize this and celebrate our presence.

Gurumaa to Youth Energetic, vibrant, lively, effervescent i.e. youth and the dynamism of Meditation makes them more creative, peaceful, intelligent, confident and ready for life. The youth meditation retreats conducted by Anandmurti Gurumaa stands as a loud and clear testimony to this. 257

Anandmurti Gurumaa is a contemporary master loved by youngsters for her modern thoughts and dynamic guidance.

Youth Meditation Retreat • Every year, five-day meditation camp for Youth is conducted by Anandmurti Gurumaa in the evolving climate of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, Gannaur. • Youngsters in the age group of 12 to 24 yrs from different corners of the world attend this meditation camp. • It is a vibrant occasion of meditation, celebration, creativity and an exquisite expression of inherent talents.

Why Meditation Camp for Youth? • Today, youngsters undergo a significant amount of inevitable stress and anxiety during their growing years. And on top of it they are not equipped to deal with such circumstances. • Youth Meditation camp not only equips them with the tool of meditation but also inculcates in them good habits to live a healthy, happy, creative and conscious lifestyle. • In this camp, they are introduced to various mediation methods, like Yoga Nidra to improve their willpower and confidence, Tratak to sharpen memory and improve concentration, Urja to release the accumulated stress. Under the dynamic guidance of Anandmurti Gurumaa, multitudes of activities are organized during this five-day youth camp. Open wide sky, chirping of birds, and the smiling sun wake up every one for the Aarti followed by refreshing session of yoga. Sambudh Sabhagar is the meditation hall where all participants gather to learn meditation from Gurumaa. In these sessions they get a chance to experience meditation through dancing, chanting and more. The youngsters also get an opportunity to ask their questions from Gurumaa. Various creative expressions workshop are also organized in the retreat to unleash the creative energies of the participants. The workshops include creative writing, painting, dancing, singing and deg. Many more activities are organized in the retreat to empower these tiny flowers like self-defence techniques, group discussions, aerobics, career counseling, dance sessions, stress reduction, mindfulness meditation.

Truth And God Truth and God are synonyms i.e. when I say God it means Truth, and when I say Truth it means God. God is not the name of an entity which is away from us living somewhere in the sky in some far remote place in the cosmos. For the seers who understood the Truth- God is Truth.

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Truth and God are synonyms; when I say God it means Truth, when I say Truth it means God. God exists in every core of an atom. This means that this whole universe is a manifestation of that very God, that very existence. Thus, each and every thing as well as the forms which we are seeing is the form of the divinity. The seers of this land loved and worshipped each and every form as God. The vision of God is not limited. It is limitless; it is beyond the boundaries of human mind. The sun has billions of rays, which kick off the darkness wherever they fall. From one sun there are billions and trillions of rays shooting out. Every ray is part and parcel of that very sun, and not different from the sun. Similarly, each and every form of this universe is the ray of that very Divine, of the God, of the Truth. So these enlightened masters loved every plant, every tree, every man, and every woman with the same gusto and with the same love. But as it happens, people around these great masters could not understand the depth of their insight, but still they lovingly picked up the rituals of worshipping plant, trees and even a human being. As every human being is divine, every human being can be called God. You too are God; all of us are God. The seers and sages saw within themselves the divinity and the same light present everywhere. They were not thinking about God, they were not just philosophizing, they could feel and they could experience. Thus, they worshipped and loved living God. Even a glade of grass is God. So, sometimes it baffles me when we say that there are three hundred thirty million Gods believed by Hindus. But I would say the number is very less. It is more than this number. Because the numbers should be as many as there are human beings on this earth. This spark of divinity, if it gets ignited in the person, then such a person can love everyone, worship all. Hindu civilization grew around the thought that God isn’t far away from us, but in us, within us as well as beyond us. Sun, moon, stars, air, water, from the galaxies to a glade of grass, you, me, and all of us are because of God. A God who is apart from us can be a fabrication of mind. This mind thinks about God because of God. So, we need to go deeper into the inner recesses of the mind to know the eternal source of this mind. Fire is present everywhere, in all things; because fire is the basic element. Ether, fire, earth, water, and air are the basic ingredients with which this whole world is formed. Fire is everywhere. But you cannot see fire with the naked eye. The fire is right here in this chair on which I am sitting, fire is in this body but the light of this fire will be seen only if we help the fire to come out. Fire too became a sign of God in various religions. When Moses went up the Mount Sinai, it is said that a bush burnt up the holy fire and God talked to him. It is symbolic; fire is being used as a metaphor. Moses was a meditator and the one who is perpetually in silence, observing mind; a day comes when the explosion happens and the unseen is seen. The hidden takes its appearance. Fire is worshipped by Hindus and Zoroastrians. There are candles lit in churches, lamps in the Buddhist and Jain temples. In one way or the other, fire happens to be in almost all religious places. Fire is a symbol of life, beauty. Fire has been used to explain the omniscience of God by rishis of Upanishad. Fire is right here, there, everywhere but we have to do something to see its glow. God is within us but we have to explore our heart to know the inner light and those who are able to do so are called Enlightened – one who has seen the inner light.

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When a rishi worships the Ganga, it might seem very pagan for a stranger to Hindu civilization. It’s just a river, why worship it? It’s just a cow, an animal, why worship it? It’s just a tulsi, a herbal plant, why worship it? But they are not worshipping the tree or the plant or the river or the cow, they are worshipping the Divinity which is there. Why did Ganga get a higher status than other rivers? Because since ages, the entire length of Ganga, from its source at Gangotri to the Bay of Bengal where it merges with the ocean, has been used by individuals to meditate, to explore the inner realms of consciousness. These individuals have been spreading their vibrations and aura in this region. Energy never dies; all energies which got released for thousands of years, has purified and sanctified every speck of sand along the Ganga. Thus the water of Ganga is naturally magnetized, it has great healing properties. And anything that heals should be given due respect. When the sages offered salutation to the Ganga, it was not a salutation to mere a river, it was a salutation given to the qualities of its water and the Divinity which they could foresee. But it doesn’t mean that the crowds of people who are standing today by the Ganga have this insight. For them it is just a ritual, a tradition. Just by being born in a Hindu family you do not get higher knowledge. Knowledge doesn’t get transferred from one person to another, what to say about generations. As it happens, enlightened masters are understood by disciples and worshipped by masses. But the people are unable to understand the density of the master’s knowledge. According to their level, they pick up few things, and then they turn it into rituals, which is very harmless. Offering flowers to a statue or a Holy River – what harm can it bring? But when rituals become defining elements of religion, then it becomes the biggest hurdle. One can mindlessly follow rituals and live life of stupidity and ignorance. It is easy to be ritualistic but difficult to be a truly religious person. People just follow the traditions and from these very rituals, religions are recognized. Every religion has its own set of rituals which gives different identity to it. But truly speaking, the real religion has to be the religion of Truth. If Hindus have forgotten the real Hindu essence, the same has happened to all other religions. How many Christians have really understood the gospel? What Gospel says, how many Christians understand its essence? People have picked up a few sermons; they have just picked up the ritual of going to the church. Jews have synagogues, Muslims have mosques and like any other habit they treat going to their respective worship places in the same manner. Again, the Christians have their own set of rituals which they follow very religiously. Similarly, Hindus have their own set of rituals which they follow sincerely. Somehow, in this they miss the real essence, the real core. To know the reality, the desire to know has to be there in the heart of these people. But it is missing. Believing seems very convenient, seeking is arduous. So, people opt to be a believer and not a seeker. As lot of sincere introspection is required, exploration and experimentation is crucial to understand. But generally people are lazy, really lazy. So they are happy by just following the rituals. Those who do so miss the whole purpose of religion – they have missed the message. That is the reason, in India, a great emphasis has been made on the fact that one should have a Master, a Guru through whom you get the understanding, you get the wisdom and you don’t act like a fool by just following the rituals and missing the real essence.Rituals are like an empty can of juice. There is no juice left in it and if you keep on licking the can, nothing will come out of it. People are happy with the empty cans of religion. These are the people who 260

have missed the joy of religion. This is very pathetic. They could have been enriched with the real knowledge. And yet they are happy with just an empty set of rituals. They could have been really religious, but they are happy just to follow the belief system of any particular set of religion. So, it does not matter what religion you believe, what matters is the religiousness. Not the dogma, not the books, not the scriptures, what matters is your attitude to life.

Gurumaa on Shakti Interactive Talk Session with Gurumaa in Vivekananda College of Girls O Girls! What do you feel when you are addressed as ‘Devi’? When this question was asked to an assembly of girls gathered to listen to Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa, in the auditorium of Vivekananda Collegefor girls, there was a mixed response with a few not knowing what to say. So to make them think, Gurumaa said, “When you are asked a question, you should have the courage to answer or else you will become vulnerable to injustice.” Inspired by this, many spoke up. Thus began the talk… Well, you should never feel good about being called a devi, because then you are not considered even a human being. Your right to be a human being is taken away from you in the name of devi. Just think!What are the expectations from a devi: You should be a giver; you should sacrifice; you should not speak even when faced with injustice, and everything else that can be termed as exploitation. Such is the upbringing of every girl in India! She is conditioned to see herself as weaker than men and to succumb to this male-dominated society. So don’t feel happy to be called a devi; ask for your human rights and avail of them. I wish to ask you all: Why do you come to college? What is your purpose? Does it only give you the freedom to step out of the four-walls of your house, or are you interested in learning and educating yourself? I congratulate all those who are sincere in their studies, but I also know that there are many who come to college to have a good-time and gossip about their favorite topics like fashion, romance etc. Life is more than fashion and romance. Don’t just be beautiful, but also be intellectually evolved. And do not under-estimate the importance of education in life, especially for girls. I travel around the world and get to meet several women. I have heard stories of women who are facing adversities in their life just because they are not educated, and hence they end up being dependent on men who then take undue advantage of them. In India it is a normal practice to marry off a girl at the very young age of 20-25yrs. And it is also seen that girls just drop their education mid-way, as soon as they get married; marriage is seen as the only purpose of educating girls! But what is the guarantee that your husband will always be there with you? What if he dies before you? Have you ever thought what will happen to you then? And do you have any idea of the life of a widow? The treatment meted out to widows in India is very biased. They are considered a curse and are not even allowed to socialize; a widow ends up being a victim of society. It is society which has laid down the ‘do’s and don’ts’ for girls during menstruation. Even today in twenty-first century India, many conservativegurus and pundits propagate such idiosyncrasies as a woman being impure during her periods. The height of superstition in India is that women are told not to touch pickles during their periods as the pickle will spoil! 261

A woman is not allowed to enter temples, to worship god, to touch or eat pickle – the list is endless. To break through this myth, I asked two lady scientists to conduct a research on menstruating women. They not only made six hundred menstruating women from different parts of the country touch pickles for three months, but also made them prepare pickles. The pickles were sealed and kept under observation. Not a single jar of pickle went bad! Menstruation is a sign of a girl’s fertility; if the girl doesn’t menstruate, then she will never become a mother. This is the system Nature has given to a woman. How can a system given by Nature be impure? Due to her periods, she is able to become a mother and can give birth to a child and bring a new life into the world. I don’t want you to become victims; I want you all to evolve and secureyourselves physically, mentally and financially. You should learn martial arts to develop the physical ability to protect yourself. Why do you need to depend on any male to save you from any difficult circumstance? Empower yourself and equip yourself such that you become your own protector. You should learnmeditation to explore your inherent potential and to be in a state of peace and calm. Empower…Educate…Evolve! When a boy is educated, an individual is educated; when a girl is educated, the whole generation is educated as she will further educate the children and girls in her family. Yet girls are given discriminatory treatment by their own parents! Meditation is one of the most important tools in learning. Students often complain about forgetting their studies and not being able to retain for long what they have learnt. The major reason for this is that your mind isn’t integrated. It has too many thoughts regarding several issues in your life. When you study, you not only study but think about so many other things at the same time. To sharpen your memory, you should learn the techniques of Tratak and Yog Nidra.Tratak is an ancient technique which helps to improve concentration and integratesthe mind. Yog Nidra is also an ancient technique devised and used by our sages, to activate the dormant areas of the human body and mind. Albert Einstein, the famous scientist is supposed to have used just 8% of his brain’s capacity! This indicates the extent of the capabilities of the human brain. Both the techniques are power-tools to unleash your potential to its optimum. Swami Vivekananda is often cited for his remarkable intelligence and memory. In one instance, when the loan of a book from a scientist’s library was refused to him, he asked for permission to read it there and then. This instance is amazing in that he not only read the complete book in just three hours, but also understood and shared his understanding with the scientist! The secret of his prodigious memory is Yog Nidra. In Yog Nidra, one is required to move consciousness to different parts of the body, followed by a reverse counting of breaths and then to resolve – resolve is very important as whatever you resolve at that time in Yog Nidra will definitely become a reality. So always make a creative and constructive resolve to make your life beautiful. Regular practice of this technique can awaken the power of intuition and many other dormant capabilities. A woman is a creator; she is blessed with the ability to give birth. No man can ever match this ability because he doesn’t have a womb to give birth. In an attempt to become creators, men strive to paint, climb mountains and engage in other such activities. It is sad that the creator of life is killed and not given a chance to be born. I am talking about female foeticide and infanticide. The sharp decline in the number of girls per thousand boys indicates that many people resort to such cruel practices. You should be thankful to your parents for they didn’t kill you in the womb, and for giving you an opportunity to 262

acquire knowledge. If you come across any woman who is going in for a sex determination test with the intention of resorting to foeticide, just make her aware of the cruelty of her act, and save the life of the child to be.

ROLE FOR SOCITY WELFARE Special Diwali Gift for Shakti Girls This diwali has become more special for shakti girls. 16 girls (2012 batch) from shakti gurgaon centre, being run under the auspicious guidance of revered master Anandmurti Gurumaa, have been gifted sewing machines as diwali gift. Thus, the girls can now not only apply the knowledge gained practically, but also earn a decent living at their respective homes setting yet another example of the uniqueness of the mission i.e. educating and empowering to achieve self dependence. Recently, Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa gave a highly thought provoking, inspirational talk to the girls at a college in Nasik. The gist is as follows: Traditionally in India, a woman has been addressed as a Devi, a goddess. On the face of it this may come across as a very noble gesture. However, actually this belies an underlying expectation of lifelong sacrifices for others. This selfish motive is disguised with a sugar coating of alleged reverence and results in a never-ending exploitation of women. Right from the childhood, it is inculcated into a girl that her greatness lies in living for others – be it the husband, in-laws, and children. She is brainwashed into believing that a woman’s dignity lies in conforming to societal norms, customs and traditions. This is the goal of her life. There is no place whatsoever for her dreams, her aspirations, and her fulfillment. It is hardly surprising then to see girls who have no particular ambition, pursuits or zest for life. Quite a few end up entering college to just get away from their homes, to enjoy their temporary freedom but have no objective in life other than getting married. Indeed, often education is viewed only as a means to ‘landing’ a sought after groom! And tragically, even if the girl pursues a professional career, often after her marriage, her in-laws will ask her to give up her job so that she can look after the family. Marriage cannot be the sole objective of any girl’s life. Marriage itself brings in a truckload of responsibilities and yet more expectations. The daughter in-law is expected to abide by the rules and regulations of her ‘new’ home. More often than not, she is soon expected to produce an heir, a grandson and heaven forbid if she fails to do so! It is not that all in-laws are tormentors. However, in essence, before marriage a girl is dependent on her father/brother and this dependency is transferred to her husband/in-laws after her marriage. Her freedom and liberty are always at stake. The irony is that the girl is always led to believe that her husband’s home is her ‘real’ home – no wonder, even from God, her objective of fulfillment is getting a good husband! Unfortunately this urge to move in to ‘her own home’ is further intensified sometimes when the girl sees her own mother being maltreated (be it by the father or paternal grandmother 263

etc). She simply wants to escape this unhappy environment, little realizing that she may be jumping from the hot pan right on to the fire. It is not that all girls lack a will, a motivation to better their lives by education. Nevertheless, I have seen strong-willed, educated, confident girls turning into meek lambs after marriage – desirous of only making their marriage work at any cost and suffering all exploitations, as they cannot deal with the possibility of getting ‘tarnished’ by the husband leaving them or divorcing them. Moreover, their parents have spent so much money on the lavish wedding (and the hefty dowry!) and may even be in debt because of all this extravagant spending. This adds further emotional pressure on the girls to keep enduring all quietly. Parents are ready to go to any lengths to get their daughters married, often incurring loans and debts, so that they can fulfill the demands of dowry – an evil yet rampant affliction of the society. Paradoxically, they never give a thought to the possibility of any untoward event happening in her marital home – like what if the husband turns out to be a drug addict, an alcoholic, a womanizer or suffer from a fatal disease like AIDS? What would be their strategy then? There is a custom of matching astrological charts of the prospective bride and groom. However, I think it is imperative to ‘match’ medical records, especially in this era of sexual promiscuity and perversion. Women are increasingly being viewed as objects of sexual gratification. The graphic portrayals on television, easy access to Internet and pornography is aiding this further. How then can anyone know that the prospective groom is a virgin, does not have any sexually transmissible disease? We never give a thought to this. But I want you to think on these lines, as these are serious issues and concern your whole life. It is a fact of today’s society that all the seemingly innocuous acts of girls ‘dating’ boys, going to the cinema, coffee shops; most of these apparently platonic encounters end up being an extended foreplay to sex. How would a girl know that the boy is a ‘safe’ boy? This is the reality and we cannot ignore it. It is best discussed in the open rather than brushing it under the carpet and pretending these issues do not exist. Because of the age, because of the hormonal changes, it is natural for a girl to experience sexual urges and they should not feel guilty about that. However, they have to take a level headed decision as to what will be the right time and right way to explore these urges. Romanticism is fine, but it has to be balanced by a composed, rational thinking. Friendship between the opposite sexes is absolutely fine, nothing wrong there. However, a girl should have a sharp sense of judgment; the boy should not end up taking advantage of her. Girls are emotionally more sensitive than boys; this is a well-known fact. Hence, they find it difficult to get over a broken relationship. This hampers their concentration on their education and also leaves a deleterious impact on their future life as well. This brings me to the paramount question: why are you studying? Just to get a license of eligibility to get married? What after marriage? I am not disparaging a housewife – in fact, it is a very challenging job, especially the role of a mother is a very onerous one. However, it is a ‘thankless job’ and moreover without any salary!

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It is said that behind every successful man there is a woman – it was the strong willed Jija Bai who was responsible for the great heights achieved by her son, Shivaji. A woman, a mother is the strongest institution in its own right. A mother is the first teacher any child encounters and she has the foremost influence in one’s nurturing and conditioning, affecting the overall personality. Becoming a mother is indeed a very responsible role for anyone to play. However, before a woman decides to do so – she should first herself become a strong, selfreliant, resilient individual and education is the key in achieving this. Here it is important to understand that education is not just about procuring degrees – even if it is from prestigious institutions like the IITs and IIMs. It is not the degree, which is going to impart you with the qualities of fortitude, tenacity and self-belief. It is common to read in the newspapers about young people committing suicide – be it for poor marks, broken relationships or even an acerbic remark. So, it is important to cultivate mental strength and resilience. Girls need to examine themselves and see where they stand on this front. How prepared are they to cope with life’s adversities? How will they deal with failures, with lack of fulfillment of desires, the prevalent cut-throat competitiveness – can they stay calm and think level headedly? Girls need to become strong willed, independent individuals; this refers to both, financial and emotional independence. They also need to bear in mind that acquisition of a mere degree is not enough. It certainly helps, but is not sufficient on its own. Those who don’t have an aptitude for higher education or professional careers – should undergo some kind of a vocational training so that they can earn a livelihood. One needs to have the feet firmly planted to the ground – be prepared for all the misfortunes, mishaps and hardships that one may encounter in one’s life. I am not saying be a pessimist but life is not a bed of roses and the sooner one accepts this, the better prepared they will be for all that comes their way. Women have to be strong because the patriarchal society has already labeled women as a weaker section of the society. So a woman has to prove her worth every time in all walks of life. The society just waits for a woman to slip up before jumping to rip her reputation to pieces. I once met a director of a private bank. This woman narrated her earlier harrowing days in the bank when she had no say at all, as her male colleagues would belittle her by saying that the only reason she got the post was because the position was reserved for a woman. They continued putting her down, notwithstanding her qualifications and experience! She decided to put an end to this persistent humiliation and fought for her rights and succeeded, eventually becoming the director of the bank. Society ridicules a woman in many ways. So, either she is deemed a fool or revered as a Devi, nothing in between! However, it is every woman’s fundamental right to live a dignified life, be treated as a human being and work towards the fulfillment of her aspirations. Nobody should allow anyone to take this away from her. It should be a girl’s choice when to get married. Nobody should get married unless they want to and are well prepared for it. And look at the way marriages are being arranged today. The only compatibility people seem to be interested in sorting is – wealth, prestige, physical appearance, social standing, and 265

ability to give an enormous dowry! Horoscopes may be matched but no one bothers to check the compatibility on issues of personality, temperament, values, beliefs, and spiritual inclination… In my opinion, a husband should be related to not as the lord but instead, as the dearest friend. The one with whom one can share anything and everything. For this though, first, women need to become wise and mature in their outlook to life. Be well versed with the social, political, economical, ecological environment of current times. Be a voracious reader, as books are the best tools not only to widen one’s knowledge base but also give creative upliftment (for e.g. reading poetry). One should also be well versed with practical know how – sorting out minor electrical glitches in the home, changing tyres of a car, ing, banking, etc. How will anyone gain self-confidence if they are dependent on others even for trivial things? Another aftermath of the prevalent male bigotry and chauvinism is the assumption that women are only good at doing household chores, i.e cooking and cleaning – how absurd is this! To dispel these unfounded statements, it is all the more important that girls learn practical skills needed in every aspect of daily life, learn and become adept in new skills. I have met women who find themselves in a helpless situation after the demise of their husbands – as they never ever learnt the basic, practical skills to live an independent life. Girls should not only be concerned with their physical appearance, after all no one needs to tell a woman on how to beautify her! However, it is more important to enhance and beautify one’s mental and intellectual abilities. The more knowledge one seeks, the more knowledge is gained, the more beautiful one becomes. Mahatma Gandhi was not a very handsome man. But he had a beautiful mind and hence was ired by one and all. All girls, all women should make it a priority to ‘beautify’ their brain, their mind. Reading gives the wings to soar high above the skies. They should cultivate some creative hobbies, like dancing. Dance is the best stress buster, best way to diffuse stress, anger. Dream and take efforts to fulfill those dreams. But this will not happen by simply praying to God. Girls, you will have to work diligently towards this goal, only then will they get divine blessings. Some people complain that despite working hard they don’t get success, then they blame God. However, it is not God but one’s previous karmas, which result in failure. Your karma is always going to be with you. No one can negate the karma theory just because some Hindu sage or seer has expounded it. It is a law of life. So, sometimes our own karma becomes an obstructive wall and we don’t get what we are looking for. But never be disheartened, always be grateful that one is alive and as long as one is alive, one can create more opportunities for oneself. So, why be disheartened? Never get discouraged by failures. One needs to remain optimistic, remain balanced, as there will be many more golden opportunities, which will enrich you. As the adage goes – when one door is closed, there are many others that open. If you remain positive and calm, you will see other doors that have opened up for you; otherwise the negativity and depression will prevent you from seeing the other opportunities that have sprung up.

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So never ever be disheartened for anything. Never ever cry just because you did not get what you wanted. The only time tears should roll down one’s eyes is when one is ecstatic, delirious in love or as an expression of gratitude. It is always mind over matter – hence girls, believe in positive thinking and affirmations. Positive thinking combined with appropriate action brings in good karma. I hope I have instilled zeal, a joie de vivre as the French would say, a zest for living life to its fullest, with dignity and freedom. May this be the first day of the rest of your lives.

Shakti Girls Meet with Gurumaa, 2012 It is said that nothing compares to a human being helping another human being. And standing tall as a live example, mission shakti for the past 12 years ceaselessly continues to empower the needy girls with education. Being run under the able guidance of revered master Anandmurti Gurumaa, the mission has so far educated thousands of girls with education not only up to 12th standard but also with higher education where ever required. In order to generate and awareness, the mission continues to conduct events and programs from time to time. On such event happened on 28th of November, 2012 but this one was unique for this time skakti girls themselves were invited to Rishi Chaitanya Ashram and got the rare chance to meet Gurumaa. Girls from Delhi, Panipat, Ambala, and as far as Kurukshetra turned up with their guardians to avail this rare opportunity of meeting Gurumaa. The session began with down pouring of comion and love as Gurumaa decided not to sit on the stage but amongst the girls to listen to their sweet poems, ambitions and day today problems. The joy and happiness of girls had no bounds for everyone could feel that God today had decided to spend a day with them. In fact, girls as small as 8 years old opened their hearts and candidly talked to Gurumaa about their ambitions in life. On seeing this enthusiasm, Gurumaa enlightened the girls not only about the different avenues of education and related job prospects, but also that it is not enough to just the 12th standard but to aim for self dependence. With this, Gurumaa welcomed those girls who have ed the 12th standard to one of her institutes in Kaithal that teaches professional courses like tailoring, beautician etc. In the end, Gurumaa taught Gayatri Mantra to the girls and asked them all to practice it daily as it will ensue concentration and improve intellect. Gurumaa also presented the girls the book shakti, that will continue to remind them that they are not weak but personification of Durga. The session ended with girls watching a presentation, a music video on shakti, and a group photo leaving all with memories simply difficult to forget. 267

Rishi Chaitanya ashram is a growing institution and is still in the process of development. Various programs are being laid down keeping in mind convenience of the people interested in seeking higher wisdom. Rishi Chaitanya Trust is particularly emphasizing on the development of ashram in all its spheres, so that any individual connected to ashram can get all the required facilities and the person residing in the ashram can continue his/her sadhna in a constructive way. Right now ashram has the capacity to accommodate upto 475 people. Ashram aims at increasing its accommodation area so that more and more people can stay in ashram and no one is refused ittance to the camps (shivirs) for lack of space and every one can be part of Gurumaa’s meditation and discourses session. We will appreciate your generous contribution for this holy cause. Anandmurti Gurumaa has also launched a program called "Shakti", which aims at providing scholarship to girls in India irrespective of their religion and caste. The mission of this program is to promote a sound education system where girls are not discriminated against boys.

Sharing is loving Rishi Chaitanya ashram is a growing institution and is still in the process of development. Various programs are being laid down keeping in mind convenience of the people interested in seeking higher wisdom. Rishi Chaitanya Trust is particularly emphasizing on the development of ashram in all its spheres, so that any individual connected to ashram can get all the required facilities and the person residing in the ashram can continue his/her sadhna in a constructive way. Right now ashram has the capacity to accommodate upto 475 people. Ashram aims at increasing its accommodation area so that more and more people can stay in ashram and no one is refused ittance to the camps (shivirs) for lack of space and every one can be part of Gurumaa’s meditation and discourses session. We will appreciate your generous contribution for this holy cause. Anandmurti Gurumaa has also launched a program called "Shakti", which aims at providing scholarship to girls in India irrespective of their religion and caste. The mission of this program is to promote a sound education system where girls are not discriminated against boys.

Peace love and Meditation Rishi Chaitanya Trust has been founded by Anandmurti Gurumaa to propagate her divine message to the whole world. To organize workshops, seminars, discourses, camps and use all possible media to disseminate her message of peace, love and meditation. Rishi Chaitanya Trust is very much active in promotion of all Indian arts be it music, dance, painting, literature etc. The Trust looks after all the activities of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram. It welcomes you to come forward and hands with them and the noble mission of prosperous development of Ashram and Shakti, so as to spread the message of love and comion. 268

RELIGION

Anandmurti Gurumaa

Born

8 April 1966 (age 46) Amritsar, Punjab, India

Nationality Indian Field

Spirituality

Movement Shakti - an NGO to educate girls and empower women

ROLE OF YOGA Meditation Techniques Choosing a Meditation Technique Every individual is different from another. So, the master is like a scientist who invents new methods for the particular need of the subject. There cannot be just one method sufficient for all human beings. To flush out repressions and pressures of the mind such methods are required which bring catharsis. Until all the emotional baggage is unloaded and the fog cleared from the mind it will be difficult to move into meditation. Mantra based meditations are best suited for amateurs. As the meditator progresses there are subtle methods like Viana, Nishkriya and Shwason ka Vigyaan. For children Tratak and Ram Ras are beautiful devices. It is only the master who can decide which method will be good for which person. One should avoid doing a potpourri of various methods. Each method needs time to grow on us, minimum three months are required for one method to be constantly practiced. There are different schools of meditation,after knowing deeply each one philosophy and wisdom then only one can really understand which method is suitable for them.

Viana Meditation One of the foremost contributions to the spiritual world comes from Buddha, and this is Viana. This technique was rediscovered by the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and 269

was taught by him as a remedy for universal ills. The technique basically teaches us how to see things as they really are by being mindful about our breath. Viana Meditation is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between the mind and the body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body. Through this practice, the life of the mind is conditioned. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of the mind and body that dissolves the mental impurities, resulting in a balanced mind, full of love and comion. The scientific laws that operate one’s thoughts, feelings and judgements and sensations become clear. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees himself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness, non-delusion and self-control. Viana is also called Anapansati Yoga, i.e. the science of watching the breath. You need patience and tolerance to do this. If you can, then start this with at least a ten-day retreat, observing non-violence, eating moderately, sleeping moderately and observing your breath. As it is not a yogic exercise, so you are not required to hold your breath or change the rhythm of your breathing. You just sit in silence and observe your breath. Soon, the inner secrets will come out. From the breath, you will move to your feelings, your sensations, your bhavanas and slowly you will peel the layers or your mind. Then a moment will come when you as an observer and what is observed will dissolve. It is a powerful method and the right technique for today’s man who is impatient. But you should live in a Buddhafield to practice this technique where the right conditions are available.

Chanting Meditation Chanting (jap) is the incessant repetition of a syllable or a specific set of words known as mantra in Sanskrit. Each word is built on tones and has its own sound vibration. In chanting, the repetition of words is not the objective, though most of the religious people think it is. When a word is spoken, sung or whispered, it affects the listener. Sound is a form of energy. Try this: Place your index and middle finger on your neck. Say “ah” as loud as you can. Then say it softly. What you will feel through your fingers is the movement inside your throat. Your vocal chords vibrate when you make a sound. As they vibrate, they make the sound. In Chanting Meditation, we use a word or a set of words which at first are chanted aloud and then gently as we move deeper and deeper into silence and allow the mantra to resonate on its own. But the purpose of chanting is not to become a living tape, but to move from words to silence, to wordlessness. This progress from words to silence results in calmness and peace that make us transcend the time zone. Chanting is also used to for invocation of deities in Tantra, and in the path of devotion. For the Vedanta student, chanting is done to progress from mind to no-mind. Anandmurti Gurumaa has given various methods of chanting which are available in prerecorded tapes and CDs. They guide the students into the nuances of chanting.

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Dance Meditation “Of all the species living on earth, only human beings can dance, and that too in rhythm and ed by music. Dancing is like opening of a flower bud.” We have forgotten the natural dance; but every blade of grass is dancing, trees are swaying with the wind and the child moving his legs and arms in his cot is dancing – rejoicing on his attaining freedom from his mother’s womb! Dance as a spiritual practice has always been used by the mystics. In India, dance evolved happened From Lord Shiva Himself. His along with His consort laid down the science of dancing. From poses (mudras) to taal (rhythm), various compositions were made by this dynamic duo. We have this great legacy of temple dance to dance of devotees who simply follow the beat of their hearts and just move about because energies are moving in them. A child-like innocence is required to explore this method of meditation. Dance can be vulgar and cheap but it can also be divine. So, it is not which kind of dance you do, but how you do it. Anandmurti Gurumaa has given a beautiful method of dance. Well, man has become so methodical that even for dance, a method is required which can open up the knots, relax the person totally and allow him to melt into the dance. And then a stage comes when there is no dancer – only the dance!

Walking Meditation We have been walking and walking ever since we took the first stumbling step, holding the finger of our parents. There are different ways of walking like walking fast to catch the bus, walking in a jiffy, in anger while thumping the floor, walking tip-toed and walking gently with our loved ones. But there is yet another way of walking and this is called Walking Meditation in which you are in a state of meditativeness. With this technique, a simple earthly walk can be changed into an extraordinary divine play. This is an art in itself. Walking Meditation involves watching step after step, being aware of the movement of the body. Walking Meditation involves watching step after step, being aware of the movement of the body as the arms move back and forth, jiggle in the thighs and buns, the gentleness and the grace of the human body. Being witness to this flow, this magical dance of the body movement leads to an openness that comes from within. The master has taught us this fascinating way of walking and unlearning the unconscious way we walk. This technique brings forth the beauty of wakefulness in the movement that we would always be doing, that is, walking. Isn’t it surprising that we walk and yet do not know how to? So learn this technique of real walking.

Pause Meditation Meditation is not contemplation. It is also not concentration. It is a state of being, a state of awareness. Awareness is tricky.People think that they know what it is, yet it is obscure. We 271

are actually not living fully aware. The body movements, sensory perceptions, thinking…all activities are happening and yet we can be absolutely unaware of it. Human beings are like robots. A robot performs according to a programme but is dead inside. There is no life inside. So, you are absolutely unaware of what is inside of you and you function normally. For Pause Meditation, sit in zazen meditation first. In this way, one can focus better, train the mind in a better way. When we sit in a quiet corner, with eyes closed and resolve to meditate, then we have created the right ambience for meditation. And taking small pauses while we are working gives us the chance to break the monotony, break the robotic patterns which we have cultivated for so long. Say, you are walking, writing, cooking, dancing, attending to office work or helping the child in his school project or study. Suddenly, take a break. Stop. Take a pause. If possible, exhale deeply and hold the breathing activity for as long as you are comfortable. Look inwards, see, feel your body, observe your breath, look at your mind. Be a witness to all this that is happening. Then return to what you were doing. These pauses will go a long way in raising your level of awareness. , you must do it with zeal and enthusiasm. , these pauses are pregnant with possibilities and will take you closer to enlightenment.

Sparsh Meditation – Right Way of Touch We believe and we know that God is here, right here, right now, in you, in all of us. This very body is a divine temple. Revere it, worship it, love it. It is the shrine of God. Scriptures and holy men have always talked about dissolving any I-ness, and My-ness with the body. We are told that our body is a bag of filth and that we are not body –so we hate it. This is wrong. This is not the way to treat our body. Our body is not ours. It is a vehicle given to us by God. So, how can we hate it? We should not have a relationship of repulsion or attachment with our body, but a relationship of love. This beautiful tantric meditation teaches us this. Learn to detach from the body with love. See it in a different light. Once you are able to see it as a Temple of God, the holiest of holy, our mind desists from using our body for carnal pleasures. This body is a divine vehicle to bring love, peace and wisdom to this world. Enjoy being in the body. It is a blessing, a grace. Once we realize this, we will develop great love and respect for others, even for birds and animals. Be a truly loving, non-violent and meditative person.

FOLLOWERS This is a group for anyone who is interested in Anandmurti Gurumaa and her teachings and meditation techniques. I started this group to be able to get a group ofGurumaas followers to meet on a weekly basis and share our experiences, discuss Gurumaa's teachings and meditate together using her guided CDs. Website is www.gurumaa.com. 272

CHAPTER:11 BRAHMARISHI PREM NIRMAL

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INTRODUCTION Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal more fondly known as "Guruji" is a living enlightened master and founder of the TASC, Tao Anand Spiritual Center, which aims at holistic development of individuals as well as society. He is a Holistic Counselor Corporate Trainer, Kriya Yogi, Scientific Mystic, Enlightenment Educationist, scholar of Kashmir Shaivism, an exponent in 32 Vidyas, 10 Maha Vidyas and the various scriptures. He has done extensive research in the areas of stress management, ntuition development, aura reading and meditation therapy. He is also founder of SVT (Shiv Vyapti Trust) which is involved in various humanitarian activities.

Guruji Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal About Founder Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal is a living Enlightened Master - a kriya yogi, a spiritual scientist, a comionate Guru. He is a Guru who on one hand is so very approachable, so comionate, down to earth, so like us, and on the other hand is one with profound knowledge, one in deep silence, a mystic, a yogi, an enlightened Master….. so very COMPLETE. Guruji was born in small village of Bayath, Gujarat, with minimal resources. He has lived his early life in pure and natural environment. From childhood he was so much full of prana, that he could see

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aura with naked eyes from the very beginning. He pursued his Electrical and Power Electronics Engineering from V.J.T.I., Mumbai University and did his Post Graduate studies in Cybernetics. His business of manufacturing SMPS and invertors, coupled with his main forte of Research and Development, enabled him to give more than 100 import substitutions to the government. His first brush with the divinity was in the presence of Jiddu Krishnamurthy. Thereafter, he was Youth President of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra for two years. He was also lucky enough to be in the presence of Bhagwaan Osho before Bhagwaan left his body. He still recollects his sessions with Ranjit Maharaj in his small room. Eventually he met Dada Gawand, at Yeoor Hills, Thane. Under Dadaji's guidance and love, the bud became the flower. From businessman to a limitless comionate Guru, the shift was as obvious as it seems, and is a living example of his philosophy of having a fine blend of material and spiritual life, very much in lines with the 'Middle Path' of Buddha. On the same lines, Guruji coined the concept of 'Enlightened Billionaire', which is a person who is spiritually and materially at the peak. Otherwise, one is directionless without the other. He is a crusader of Householder's Spirituality. Along with Guruma, he is an epitome of an ideal Grahasthi Yogi. Guruji has developed the Technology of Total Transformation, which includes his 21- point teachings with the same reason in mind. From the very beginning he had a profound ion for scientific spirituality, a true scientist by heart. Scientific spirituality clears the doubts from the mind of the seeker, and the seeker walks the path with clarity and confidence. Influenced by Vihangam Marg of Ranjit Maharaj, Guruji says and proves that there are faster ways to evolution of the soul. The very reason for his confidence in declaring that Enlightenment can be Guaranteed!!! Endowed with a variety of talents, a trained trainer par excellence, he is founder director of TASC, TAO Anand Spiritual Center at Thane and has been conducting workshops on the attitudinal and skills training for the material as well as spiritual success in life. He is also the founder member of ‘Enlightenment Education Society’ which was founded in the year 2005 in Thane – India. It is a voluntary organization and anybody can this group without any differentiation of cast, creed, religion, gender and age. It’s simple yet profound philosophy is based on “Unconditional Love” – “Light of Awareness” and life transforming enlightenment education and practice of meditation. “Unconditional forgiveness and Unconditional love for all” is the motto. All the of Enlightenment Education Society share the common bond of “Unconditional Love” and serve humanity. meet at various places once in a week to share group meditation energy and grow in Awareness and Understanding. Everyone here gets help to evolve in Awareness and Understanding through Meditation and other spiritual practices based on 21 Point Teachings of its founder Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal Guruji says "Awareness is the key", various meditational experiences, siddhi's are distractions on the way. Even only witnessing is not enough!! Witnessing along with awareness and understanding leads to Enlightenment. It does not require ages!!! Right understanding and 275

right technology along with Nirmal kriya and Nirmal Dhyan will do the magic in this very lifetime!!!! Here is a Master in whose presence it feels as if all the questions are answered. Prosperity, Abundance consciousness oozes out from his every single action. He is a picture of calmness, yet unpredictable, playful and with a deep sense of humor. He is a Master who has had the privilege to learn from many Masters, and who believes in making Masters!!! He is truly as Master of Tenth Card!!

HISTORY Life Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal was born to Smt. Bhagirathi and Sri Devji Nirmal who stayed at Bayath, a small village in Mandvi taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat, India. He was named "Prem-ji". His early schooling was completed in Kutch, Gujarat, before moving to Mumbai (former 'Bombay'). He completed his matriculation from Elphinston Technical High School, Mumbai and Higher secondary education from Amulakh Amichand Bhimji Vividhlakshi Vidhyalay. He, thereafter, pursued his Electrical and Power Electronics Engineering from V.J.T.I., Mumbai University and did his Post Graduate studies in Cybernetics through the Baroda Productivity Council. After working for about 2 years with Applied Electronic Limited (Aplab) company in Thane, Maharashtra, and one more year in Hybrid Electronics, Mumbai, he started his own business of manufacturing SMPS and invertors, Nirmal Power Systems. After successfully running the business for 22 years, he closed his business at the age of 47. Since then, he is completely involved in spreading Kriya yoga.He is founder director of TASC, TAO Anand Spiritual Center at Thane and has been conducting workshops on various topics like “Art and Science of Holistic Living”, Power of Super Conscious Mind, Enlightened Billionaire, secrets of enlightenment, Scientific Spirituality, Swar Yoga,Swar YogaThe Almighty Breath Shree Vidya, Astral Travel, Aura reading with naked eyes and Chakra workshop, Ascension and Akashik recordshttp://www.yourspiritualrevolution.org/resultisuue.php?h=prem nirmal etc. He has wide experience in Personal Counseling, Consultancy and Training and has deep insights in human behavior and body-mind healing. In the year 1996 Nirmal Kriya i.e. process of enlightenment was revealed unto him by Sri Mahavatar Babaji while he was at his residence. Guruji thereafter is teaching Nirmal Kriya to all the aspiring seekers. He shares the secrets of enlightenment through nature camps, programs at TAO Center in Thane, Maharashtra and at his Pyramid Ashram at kalyan. He was the visiting faculty for Stress Management at various reputed organizations such as Welingkar Institute of Management and IIT- Mumbai."Experiences". Pssmovement.org. 27 276

August 1994. Retrieved 3 August 2011. He is emled with the Life Positive Holistic Practitioners board.http://www.lifepositive.com/practitioner/Prem_Nirmal.asp Prem Nirmal was conferred with the title of Brahmarshi on 23 June 2009 by Brahmarshi Subhash Patri at TAO, Thane. Guruji has also travelled to countries like Singapore, Kenya, U.A.E. and Oman to spread his message.

ASHRAMS “ ..Now it is the pious duty of all of us to help this organization, not only with money but also in bringing it up. in your heart what I had said. This is my vision, you people could fulfill it and relieve me of my heartache! ” -H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Bhoomi Puja

His Home The Vishwa Nirmala Prem Ashram founded in 2003 by H.H Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is a Non-Government Charitable Organization (NGO) dedicated for rehabilitating the weakest sections of the society, namely destitute women and orphan children, with the main focus on the girl child. This NGO embraces everyone without the distinction of caste, religion, region, race or colour. All are welcome.

His Children Fifty-four girls ranging from the age to 5 yrs to 17 yrs currently enjoying the facilities provided by the ashram and the number is growing rapidly. Under exceptional circumstances we also provide shelter to children whose single parent is incapable of providing a good environment due to unfortunate circumstances such as being physically challenged, illness

His Women For destitute women the ashram provides facilities and training in various skill-sets to ensure a sustained employment, thus helping to have a dignified and independent future. Some of our women are also mothers with children. Boys of them we take below the age of four years only. Our Vision: “ ..have pure motherly love for every human, every animal, for nature and the whole mother earth. Develop inner balance and peace..be collective, tolerant and respectful to everyone. ” Our vision through the ashram is to provide a joyful, secure and a loving life to women and children who have been neglected by the society. We are confident that equipped with this love, these family will blossom into beautiful flowers and spread the message of comion. The home has an environment which will give courage to the to take up the challenges of the society and help to live a dignified independent life, which is being enjoyed by Sahaja yogis all around the world. We see this as yet another way of spreading the 277

message of H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi of having pure motherly adoration for Mother Earth. Thus our aim is to provide ultimate inner balance, peace, tolerance and respect for each other.

About Vishwa Nirmal Prem Ashram – NGO Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi conceived the idea of building this NGO after encountering a group of destitute women during one of her innumerable travels round India. She was enormously moved by their plight and was determined to give such women and their children a decent life. It was this dream which took the form of Nirmal Prem Ashram in 2003. As the number of needy, abandoned women and girls in India is gigantic and it is the most helpless section of the society. In Her motherly love and tremendous comion Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi wanted to uplift such women and girls by giving them shelter, thus helping them integrate into the society. Our home is run with the help of well-educated and competent staff dedicated to the cause of the NGO and Sahaja Yoga. Our NGO is ed by volunteers from India and from various other countries. The residents practice meditation regularly to achieve inner balance. It is our continuous effort to show them the way to a happy and bright future. The Executive Director, Mrs. Gisela Matzer (Oma) is like their grandmother, and showers them with her motherly love which Shri Mataji preaches. Our General Manager, Mrs Gurdarshan (Nani) has many years of experience as a school principal, and is also a very beloved granny. And our Manager Mr. Rajkumar Singh also looks over the s and maintenance of the house We are a huge and happy family. Our ' aunties ' who are like big sisters help the girls in their daily routine, studies and also play with the younger family . Even though H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is not present in person Her divine vibrations and love is very much felt all round the ashram.

About our Chairperson, H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi: H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born on March 21 st, 1923 in Chindwara, Madhya Pradesh, in central India. Her parents played a key role in India ' s freedom movement during the British rule. As a child, Shri Mataji lived along with her parents in the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. He recognized her wisdom and appreciated her immensely. He frequently sought her advice on spiritual matters. H.H. Shri Mataji started Sahaja Yoga in 1970s and has kept a busy schedule, traveling around the world to teach the techniques of Sahaja Yoga meditation. She has demonstrated her capacity to trigger the awakening of the spiritual power in human beings (Kundalini) at an "en masse" level. Amazingly, without any financial from any person, Shri Mataji neither charges for Her lectures nor for Her ability to give Self Realisation, nor does one have to become a member of this organisation. Shri Mataji has been recognized worldwide by several prestigious institutions for her selfless work and for the powerful results of her spiritual 278

teachings. In 1994, the Mayor of Brazil's capital welcomed Shri Mataji at the airport, presenting her with the key to the city, and sponsored all of her programs. In 1995, the Indian Government granted Shri Mataji a one hour primetime television series, broadcast nationally. During the same year, Shri Mataji was an official guest of the Chinese government and was invited to speak at the International Women's Conference in Beijing. Also in 1995, she was awarded by the Romanian Ecological University an Honorary Doctorate in Cognitive and Para psychological Sciences.

The Building The building, spread over 10.120 square meter., of greenery in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi herself has designed this enchanting building. A refreshing water fountain at the entrance of the ashram welcomes one and all. This leads to spacious, cool and shady verandas. The courtyard inside the building is teeming with life as it harbors 1 goldfish ponds and a large birdcage, thus one is never far away from the melodies of nature. The garden surrounding the ashram is home for many trees, bushes and flowers. Thus one feels completely in tune with Mother Nature throughout the year. The building itself consists of four big halls which are used as dormitories and are amply furnished with cupboards, beds, tables and chairs. It is also well-equipped with a fully functional kitchen. Ading the kitchen is the dining hall where the ashram get to socialise whilst enjoying the delicious food, cooked by the ashram with love and devotion. A doctor's room, two guest rooms, an office and a room for the director also form the ground floor of the home. The first floor is occupied by a huge meditation hall and a small room for Shri Mataji. Apart from this, there are two rooms for ladies accomdation, a manager office room, a press room, a training hall with sewing machines, a small beauty parlour and a library which is open to all the living in the ashram.

PREACHINGS Teachings Prem Nirmal, along with his wife Bharati Nirmal, promote Householder's Spirituality. Prem Nirmal's wife Bharati says, that being a householder is the fastest way to transcend desires, grow in all dimensions and move towards a fulfilling life. Perm Nirmal encourages honest enquiry and has perfect methodology through which he guides his friends and disciples on the spiritual path. He has a scientific approach towards spirituality. Various third eye experiences / Astral body experiences / Cosmic body experiences (Body expansions etc.), even though indicative of some progress on the path, are just the ing phase of meditation. Meditation needs to be supplemented with intense 'Swadhyaya' the 'selfstudy' to develop the intense and clear "UNDERSTAND ING" of how the mind functions and governs the behavioral patterns. He also advocates the concept of 'Enlightened Billionaire', 279

i.e. a “Jivan Mukta” who is living this material world as a householder yet detached from inside, thus balancing material and spiritual sides of life to grow in wisdom and lead a balanced life in holistic way. 'Nirmal Kriya' which was revealed unto him, is a practical way of accomplishing this.

Matrimonial Harmony Sutras by Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal Ji 1. Never take your spouse for granted. 2. Open new chapters of progress in your life only with positive frame of mind. 3. Arrange your life to get quality time together. 4. Establish s before communicating to your spouse. 5. Explore the areas of concern together instead of arriving at any decision before hand. 6. Don't ask difficult questions when your spouse is driving.

7. Ask questions lovingly. Don't expect your spouse to know every thing. No body is a "Mind Reader". 8. Do not criticize or condemn the things and beings closer to your spouse's heart. 9. With open mind and loving heart decide what is urgent and what is important. Set your short term and long term goals harmoniously and start working for it in honest manner. 10. Once in a while exchange Green Paper, Red paper and White paper to strengthen the relationship further. (Green Paper: Let your spouse know what you like. Red Paper: Let your spouse know what you don't like. White Paper: What both can enjoy together, the common factors. Those who do not like to write can always discuss it together in the same sequence) 11. Once in a while, exchange your roles wherever possible. This helps to understand your spouse better. 12. Trust, Love and Respect are the fundamentals on which the relationship stands. Always take care of these elements in relationship. 13. Understand your own "Patterns" of behavior. Also understand your spouse's patterns of behavior. Help each other to become aware of these patterns to improve and grow. 280

14. Look into your childhood conditionings. Spare some time together to understand the upbringing. Don't be governed by negative childhood emotions, which no more exist in present situation. 15. Look into your parental and social conditionings. Let it not dictate your present situation as every couple and every situation is unique in it self. 16. If negativity erupts regularly on certain points, take note of it and discuss those issues on top priority. Commit to each other the help that is necessary to improve and grow. 17. Spare some time to enjoy those old romantic things together. See a movie, go to a beach resort, walk in woods or enjoy the "Couple tour" once in a while. 18. Give each other enough space to be an individual. 19. Follow the spiritual practices meant for Grihasthis (and not for Sadhus) if you want harmony in your matrimonial relationship. 20. Help each other to evolve spiritually. Love is the ultimate solution.

ROLE OF SOCITY WELFARE Enlightenment Educational Socity Brahmrishi Premnirmal ji About EES World The prime purpose of human body is to experience the ultimate flowering of “Human Consciousness” through the process of Enlightenment. To facilitate this process “Enlightenment Education Society” (EES) was founded in the year 2005 at Thane - India. It is a voluntary organization and anybody can this group without any differentiation of cast, creed, religion, gender and age. It’s simple yet profound philosophy is based on “Unconditional Love” – “Light of Awareness” and life transforming enlightenment education and practice of meditation. “Unconditional forgiveness and Unconditional love for all” is our motto. Four pillars of Enlightenment Education Society Philosophy: (1) Seva (Service Attitude): Serve all living beings with Unconditional Love! (2) Shikshan (Enlightenment Education): Spread “Holistic Education” to all. Share wisdom 281

with all. Teach meditation to all .(3) Sadhana (Spiritual awakening practices): Meditate daily. Grow in awareness and understanding through meditation and right application of scriptural knowledge. Help everyone grow spiritually through Meditation and awakening practices. (4) Sangathan (Coming together - Unification): Help everyone connect in divinity. Earth is one. Truth is one. We are one. All the of Enlightenment Education Society share the common bond of “Unconditional Love” and serve humanity. meet at various places once in a week to share group meditation energy and grow in Awareness and Understanding. Everyone here gets help to evolve in Awareness and Understanding through Meditation and other spiritual practices based on 21 Point Teachings of its founder Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal, who is Holistic Counselor, Human Trainer, Kriya Yogi, Scientific Mystic, and Enlightenment Educationist.

RELIGION

Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal

Born

19 July 1960 (age 52) Kutch, Gujarat, India

Nationality

Indian

Spouse(s)

Bharati Nirmal

Children

Kalyani Website www.premnirmal.com

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ROLE OF YOGA "Swara Yog" Article By Brahmarshi Prem Nirmal Ji Swara Yoga is an ancient science of nasal breathing that correlates the breath with sun, moon and five elements. The practice of Shiva Swarodaya allows us to synchronize our breath with the universal rhythm. This alignment removes undue efforts, stress and strain from our daily activities. Swara Yoga practice helps us to change unwanted physical, mental or emotional states at will, create favourable conditions for one’s life by changing the internal environment thus improving one’s attitude towards life through increased awareness.

Before we get focused on Health, Wealth & Happiness, let us have some basic understanding of three Swaras or Nadies through Swara Yoga.

If you observe your breath, you will notice that at a given time, any one nostril is more dominant and the other one relatively congested. This keeps changing every one to two hours and during the transition period, both nostrils may be equally dominant for few seconds. The right nostril dominance is associated with pingala nadi or surya nadi. The pingala, which is the masculine or solar principle, is associated with the left hemisphere of the brain that controls the right side of the body. The left nostril dominance is associated with the Ida nadi or chandra nadi, the feminine or lunar principle, associated with the right hemisphere of the brain and controlling the left side of the body. Just by observing the direct effect of solar and lunar currents of breath on human behavior, swara yogis were able to ascertain the activities best suited during the left nostril dominance and activities best suited during the right nostril dominance. The nose can be seen as the main switch of cerebral hemispheres. It can stimulate electromagnetic activity on one side of the body and it can switch the hemispheric activity on and off at will. The third nadi is “shushumna”, where the left and the right are perfectly balanced. It represents “Shiva” (pure consciousness) in the state of “so-hum”. Whenever the nostrils switch, both are open for seven to eight breaths. That is the time when the shushumna breath flows. No worldly activities are recommended in Shiva swara. One must meditate. Intuitive knowledge is received best during this state.

In the original manuscript of Shiva Swarodaya there are 395 sutras, many of them deal with Health, Wealth & Happiness.

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Health: One can easily maintain good health with the knowledge of Swara Yoga. Here are few tips to help you.

*If you want to alter an unwanted physical, emotional or mental state, just breathe through the more congested nostril. This prevents worsening of the symptoms and promotes rapid recovery. Swara yoga advises changing of the active nostril at the first sign of any physical, emotional or mental disturbance . *To cure the common cold, breathe through the right nostril 21 times by blocking the left nostril. Also sleeping on the left side gives considerable relief; as it activates the right nostril.

*In case of acidity and fever, activating the left nostril helps. You can block the right nostril and breathe through the left nostril 21 times. Also sleeping on the right side helps to reduce fever. *Swara medicines can be prepared with the knowledge of swara yoga. Swara medicines work at the vibrational level and can help the patients without any side effects.

Sutra no. 391 of Shiva Swarodaya says about the health and medicines that, he who has first hand knowledge and awareness of three nadies and five elements, to him even the million times more powerful rasayana itself would not be able to equate.

Wealth: Normally it is understood that one can earn good amount of wealth based on one’s Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Strategy. But Swara knowledge goes much deeper than these normal understanding. According to Swara Yoga, to assure success in world, one must enter the cosmic rhythm and stay tuned to it… and you get success with effortless ease! But how does one align with the cosmic rhythm? Here is the simple way to do it. Get up each day at least half an hour before the sunrise. Find out the dominating nostril. Kiss the corresponding hand. With the same hand, touch or rub face, neck, chest, thighs and feet. Then while stepping out of the bed, the foot that corresponds to the operating nostril should be placed onto the ground first. Then one can proceed for the morning activities. This simple practice helps you align the subtle flow of energy that ensures success in everything that happens for that day.

Swara yoga also helps to influence people… 284

Whenever it is desirable to influence the other person, if one’s right nostril is operating, the person to be influenced should be positioned onto the right, below or behind. In case of left operating nostril, onto left, above or in the front.

Sutra no. 214 of Shiva Swarodaya says that the knowledge of swara is a secret wealth. There is no other wealth higher than that as because of the knowledge of swara, one can approach anything and indeed could get the fruit, without an effort!

Sutra no. 53 of Shiva Swarodaya is about giving Dana (Charity). It says, if a wise man performs an act of charity at the time of inhalation through left nostril, it bestows upon him a crore ( ten millions) fold auspicious fruits in this very lifetime!

Sutra no. 389 of Shiva Swarodaya is about health & wealth. It says that the person who is well versed with the knowledge and awareness of Swara Yoga, the Goddess Lakshami is at his feet and to him there would be happiness all over the body!

Happiness: Normally it is understood that happiness is a state of mind… but Swara Yoga delves much deeper. It says… happiness is the natural by product of the enlightened consciousness! In fact, ultimately the very aim of Swara Yoga is to get enlightened. Sutra no. 27 of Shiva Swarodaya says that the knowledge of Swarodaya is the best among all the things, the best science and is like the flame of lamp, and is ultimately for the enlightenment of the receptacle in the form of the body. The phrase used is Atma-ghataprakasarthe… indicating self-illumination, self-realization or the knowledge of the self in Indian sense. Swara yoga is a practical science that can help us to get attuned to cosmic rhythms to get Health, Wealth & Happiness. Make the best use of it!

Nirmal Kriya Nirmal Kriya i.e. process of enlightenment is a process through which all the five bodies, i.e. Physical, etheric, emotional, mental and causal are cleansed. Nirmal Kriya automatically leads to a stateless state i.e. no-mind state or meditation. Nirmal Kriya helps reduce mental stress, relieve depression and anxiety, improves immunity and cures various diseases and disorders. However, Prem Nirmal says that Nirmal Kriya's purpose is much beyond these physical improvements. It is a process of enlightenment. Once you practice Kriya which 285

prepares the background, it naturally throws you in a space of non-thinking, called meditation. It creates the high levels of Prana in your body-brain system that makes it easier for you to be aware of your breath and your thoughts simultaneously. You can easily get the knack of meditation when you do Kriya.Simply remain silent after doing Kriya, and keep your attention on your natural breathing process. Simultaneously keep witnessing your thoughts. You will experience very low levels of thought traffic, as in high Prana state thoughts cannot linger for long. Even if the No-thought state remains just for few seconds, you will experience the surge of energy and vitality, bringing back the positive qualities of Zest, love and joy!

CHAPTER:12 SATSVARUPA DAS GOSWAMI

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INTRODUCTION Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami (born Stephen Guarino on December 6, 1939) is a senior disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), better known in the West as the Hare Krishna movement. Serving as a writer, poet, and artist, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami is the author of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's authorized biography, Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta. After Prabhupada's death, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami was one of the eleven disciples selected to become an initiating guru in ISKCON. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, is one of the first few westerners ordained by Prabhupada in September 1966. He has been since established as a prolific Vaishnava writer and poet. While traveling, lecturing on Krishna consciousness, and instructing disciples worldwide, he published over hundred books including poems, memoirs, essays, novels, and studies based on the Vaishnava scriptures. In his later years he created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and sculptures that attempt to capture and express his perspective on the culture of Krishna consciousness.

HISTORY Early Years He was born Stephen Guarino, the elder of two children, to Roman Catholic parents in Staten Island, New York. He was educated initially in apublic high school nearby and then enrolled in the Brooklyn College, where he underwent an intellectual revolution putting in question his Catholic values. In the college he read Nietzsche and Dostoevsky and associated with students and professors who were religious skeptics.

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In January 1962 he ed the Navy, where he served for two years on board of U.S.S. Saratoga, a super-carrier. In his introduction to With Śrīla Prabhupāda in the Early Days, 1966-1969 he writes: "A few months after the death of President Kennedy, I was honorably discharged, and without visiting my parents on Staten Island, I went directly to the Lower East Side. By then, the Lower East Side was, in my mind and in the minds of my friends, the most mystical place in the world." "I certainly didn’t think some guru was suddenly going to appear and save me. I was too cynical. Yet I was regularly reading versions of the Bhagavadgita and the Upanishads. Ironically, one week before the gift shop at 26 Second Avenue changed into Srila Prabhupada’s temple, I was standing in that very doorway with a Bhagavad-gita in my back pocket, waiting to meet a friend. Somehow we had chosen 26 Second Avenue as a meeting place. At that time, I had no idea what was about to happen." In July 1966 he met and accepted a spiritual instruction from A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami who ed ISKCON a month later. Prabhupada soon began asg him typing tasks which Satsvarupa understood "to be yoga". On September 23, 1966 he was ordained and shortly became one of the leading figures of the new Gaudiya Vaishnava movement. After Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death he was one of eleven disciples selected to become an initiating guru in ISKCON. Prof. Larry Shinn in his overview of the contemporary state of the Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's movement confirms this while relating his first meeting with Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: In a typical initiation ceremony as a guru of International Society for Krishna Consciousness he would begin with purification using achamana (holy water) and concludes with a sermon on the importance of chanting of the holy names in the life of a new initiate.

Other Services Within ISKCON Satsvarupa dasa Goswami was a pioneer in the early days of the movement, and is the senior most member of the movement at present. He was appointed as a guru by his perceptor.Satvarupa was also one of the original appointed as (GBC) Governing Body Commission created by Prabhupada in 1970 to gradually take on the responsibility of the spiritual management duties in ISKCON. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami was selected a trusty in the will of A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for the management of ISKCON.

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Brief History in ISKON Early days Since ISKCON incorporation in July 1966 at 26 Second Avenue Satsvarupa dasa was engaged as A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's personal typist and ISKCON secretary for the first year. He was one of few devotees who were maintaining outside jobs to the ISKCON temple at the beginning. Later he was managing ISKCON Boston and ISKCON Press, that grew to be later be ed as Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Upon assuming duties of a GBC (Governing Body Commissioner) in 1970, Satsvarupa was asked by Prabhupada to accept order ofsannyasa in 1972. He accepted sannyasa along with other GBC , all of whom were originally married man, such as Tamal Krishna Goswami and Hridayananda dasa Goswami. At the time A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada awarded him and other followers the title Goswami with the single line instruction: Preach, preach, preach! He is sometimes listed among active promoters of ahimsa among other eastern religious teachers.

History about Satsvarupa das Goswami Is Satsvarupa wacky in his brain (insane) ? (a) wacky siddhanta, for example ing Kirtananda as "a pure devotee." (b) Taking heavy duty drugs for his "guru headaches" (at least since since the 1980s). (c) He has always been making "wacky art" for perhaps 20 years. (d) He is also writing "wacky articles" like: "Prayers to Spiderman shoes." His book "A Life Of Prayer" is so wacked, that some other GBC did not want their own devotees to read it. (e) He is "nowhere to be found" while problems like molesting are going on, and he tosses out letters complaining about such events without even replying as "not my problem."

History of Srila Satsvarupa das Gosvami [PADA: First: a little history. Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami (SDG) is an important founder father of (and some say "the brains" behind) the post 1977 "eleven gurus" of ISKCON. According to one of the eleven gurus (named Hansadutta) in December of 1977 Satsvarupa was the "mastermind" behind the GBC's plot to state that "the eleven" had been "appointed by Prabhupada as his guru successors" (never mind that Prabhupada had always said: there is no such thing as appointed gurus) and that "ISKCON needs to consult with Sridhara Maharaja of the Gaudiya Matha" (again, Prabhupada had always warned against consulting Sridhara Maharaja). 289

Shortly thereafter, when SDG's "Krishna's pure devotees" and "sum totals of the demigods" began to "fail and fall down," he then came forward to "save" his false gurus by writing "position papers" (which were actually co-written by Sridhara Maharaja/ Gaura Govinda Maharaja) to "prove" that pure devotees of God, or His successor gurus, are actually -- akin to -- fallen conditioned souls -- of the worst order. Satsvarupa's first major paper on this topic in 1980 was entitled "The Mahajanas Have Difficulties" -- wherein Satsvarupa links (a) the greatest Krishna devotees to (b) failure and fall down -- as his means of "explaining" how Krishna's pure devotee "gurus" (i.e. people like Jesus) are prone to: alcoholism, drug addictions, illicit sex, child molesting, homosexuality, embezzling, if not engaging in criminal actions (such as conspiracy to commit murders) and so on. In other words, according to Satsvarupa "pure devotee gurus" and/or "people on a par level with Jesus" are -- less advanced -- than the ordinary layman on the street. Nor are SDG's "gurus" able to follow sometimes even the most basic spiritual practices expected to be followed by -- the brand new , neophytes (bhaktas)? Of course, SDG's "gurus" often have constant chronic migraines since "always thinking of God" is a purely painful experience without a shred of happiness or "bliss." SDG wrote in his BTG magazine "the more I chant (God's name) the drier it gets." Hence, since purely meditating on God (samadhi) is so dry and indeed painful, "gurus" need to take hundreds of "pain relief" pills (like Percondan) weekly. The residents of heaven are in such constant chronic pain, they need to get high/ loaded/ stoned on drugs to function. This is the GBC/ SDG idea -- which they are still preaching by the way. Drugs like percondan are "higher" than heaven. Cult leaders like Jim Jones also preach a version of this idea, and they also have "psychology counselors" who give them prescriptions for these drugs, so they have a "legal" drug pusher. And as a result of Satsvarupa's policy, that Jesus is really a criminal and/or drug addict, on a regular basis since 1977, his eleven "gurus" and/or their one hundred and fifty added-on "voted in gurus" are (quite often!) exposed in odious behaviors, drug addictions, illicit sex, criminality and so on, which is all fine and dandy since this is: part and parcel of "pure devotional service to God" (as is the case in other similar bogus "pure saint" cults like the Gaudiya Matha's, Jim Jones, David Koresh and so on). That Satsvarupa is himself now being exposed in some of these activities is therefore not a surprise to anyone, since he is the original author of the whole idea that "gurus" are prone to such odious actions. In sum, SDG's idea is that the average layman on the street has vastly higher spiritual standards than God's purest Jesus-like saintly devotees, gurus, successors or representatives. Satsvarupa not only says that his gurus are "pure devotees" but that they are "like Jesus." In sum, according to Satsvarupa "people like Jesus" in actual fact -- are -- (or they are prone to be): drunkards and drug addicts; who are chasing men, women and/or children for illicit sex; and who may also have machine guns in the trunk of their Mercedes, and so on. Needless to say, his guru lineage (sometimes called: the enforced cult ritualistic worship of homosexual pedophiles) has lead to the mass molesting of children, criminality in general, murders of dissenters, and so on, ad infinitum. For example one ex-gurukuli student from SDG's schools recently said to us that "prison camps in Iraq are a picnic when compared to what we endured in these (SDG's) schools." As a matter of interest, boys are sometimes raped in Iraqi prisons by the guards just like boys are raped under SDG's loving care. And in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, when some of us tried to alert Satsvarupa to some of these problems, like the medical neglect, starving, beating, and molesting of his school's children (many of them only five years old) in various "guru's" schools, SDG militantly and vociferously countered us and responded by saying we are "poison pens" -- for 290

our objecting to his strident anti-children and pro-molesting policies. SDG was in fact trying to foment violence against us for our trying to protect the children, which worked. SDG created an evil violent cult mood where our associate Sulochana was assassinated due to SDG's vitriolic rhetoric. For example, SDG had been saying that Kirtanananda is "like Jesus" -- at the SAME EXACT time when Kirtanananda was using a gold tipped cane, while dressed in flamboyant silk robes, a flowing cape, a golden crown, and he was being carried on a palanquin all over the place and (!) he was covered, actually smothered, with the hands of fifty little boys while he sat on his "guru" seat while SDG cried tears of joy for the molester pooja. In short, homosexual pedophiles are "Jesus like saints" for Satsvasrupa. Protesters are "poison pens." Worship of the actual (Jesus or) Prabhupada is "poison" for SDG since his real plan is: the enforced cult ritualistic worship of his homosexual pedophile pals, who have their hands down little boy's pants. This is bona fide and wunderbar -- for SDG. SDG has all along, and he STILL does, his worship of pedophiles as "Jesus" lineage. And he STILL orchestrates having those of us who disagree: shunned, tossed out, if not beaten (and assassinated) with his "poison offender" rhetoric. In other words, anyone who wants to worship Jesus -- shall be tossed to the lions. That is his same party's policy -- since time immemorial. Satsvarupa has therefore been viewed as the false guru's "behind the scenes" brains, imperious puppet master, writer, philosophical leader, and/or advisor. And the regime he created has been compared by his victims, to the "Pol Pot, Stalin, Hitler, Idi Amin project -of ISKCON's false gurus." "There is going to be a utopia, but first: we have to exploit the women (as cash cow money collectors); disregard, ignore, if not starve and mass molest the children; kick out the cow protectors -- so Satsvarupa's Gita Nagari cows will die horribly by freezing to death etc.; and in general ban, beat and kill many or most of the citizens." This is how such fascist - dictatorial - regimes usually "manage," since time immemorial. And that is certainly how Satsvarupa's regime has "managed" events for ISKCON. As Prabhupada says, a leader can be known as either divine or demoniac by the condition or treatment of his citizens. And thus in Satsvarupa's regime, the citizens have been suffering horribly since his "management" has been cleary -- not very divine. Satsvarupa is famous for tossing out "letters of complaints" from the citizens where they tried to alert him to the molesting, the beatings, the murders, the cow torture, ad infinitum, but for another Pol Pot -- Stalin, there is no voice for the citizens. At least President Bush says -- he never saw -- the reports of abuse, whereas SDG got the reports, but then he burned them up as trash and "poison pens." The citizens have to suffer and die for "the greater good" of upholding the elite (communist/ fascist) leaders and their opulent lifestyles. And following directly in the foot steps of Pol Pot, Satsvarupa's policy was to first purge ISKCON of its brahmana/ intellectual/ gentle devotees, which then snowballed and became a MUCH more violent purge policy when the SDG regime "replaced" the good and gentle souls with their gangs of hired goondas, drug addicts, drug salesmen, homosexuals, child rapers, sexual predators, women beaters, criminals, thugs, hit men, murderers and so on. For example, officer Joe Sanchez merely parked his police cruiser outside the Berkeley temple and he then made 73 felony arrests in less than one year. He was just sitting by the front door and arresting thieves and crooks left, right and center, since the temples were "filling up with criminals." By the way, police are still quite often called to the Los Angeles temple for various crises, where we overheard them saying to one another, "This is the most dysfunctional block in the whole freakin' city."

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No wonder ISKCON deteriorated as it has done. Of course SDG's regime de facto murdered many other innocent devotees by indirect means. For example, some of the poor citizens were so devastated that they were banned from the temples, and were viciously uprooted from their service to Krishna, that they became drug addicts -- and then they died from the drugs. Or they committed suicide by other means or indirectly. For example, one dear lady in Berkeley told us that SDG's guru project had made her "lose her will to live." And sure enough, shortly thereafter she died horribly from "terminal cancer." And we know this directly since we were at her bed side just before she ed away. SDG has so much blood on his pearly white gloves, from these thousands of innocent devotees, women, children, and cows, who were all stomped hideously under his regime's jack boots, so much so that he could never wash off this blood in thousands of baths. Now, lets look at the recent position paper letter from Satsvarupa's leaders ...] * SDG: This is a response authorized by His Holiness Satsvarupa das Goswami from leaders and senior disciples in his community. He has assigned us to communicate with the public in response to a letter that was posted by electronic mail to many senior and other devotees in ISKCON and that appears to have originated from someone named Hari, who may be located in the UK, dated April 26, 2004. [PADA: This is all very nice, except that Satsvarupa Das Goswami and his GBC have already kicked out almost ALL of Prabhupada's original or "senior devotees" from ISKCON since 1977. The temples are mostly "ghost towns," especially when compared to the thriving and bustling atmosphere that once was there prior to SDG's enforced child molester worship project. Therefore, exactly where and when is Satsvarupa going to "give a public response" -to the first question -- posed by most of Prabhupada's original or "senior devotees" in the first place, in 1977, "Where and when did Srila Prabhupada appoint your team of eleven GBC as: Krishna's guru successors"? And when is Satsvarupa going to tell us, "Who authorized your SDG party to kick out thousands of Prabhupada's senior devotees en masse for their 'crime' of asking questions about you and your 'eleven guru's' false 'guru appointment' -- as well as -your 'guru's' illicit sex, alcohol, drugs, embezzling et al. 'problems'"? In other words, when is Satsavarupa going to actually "communicate" with the thousands of "senior devotees" that he and his party has ALREADY kicked out of ISKCON, ... left, right and center? And his party not only kicked devotees out, they banned, beat, and killed these "senior" devotees as well? Who authorized Satsvarupa's party to oppress, harass, beat and kill most of the ORIGINAL "senior devotees" -- all in order to their program that "illicit sex, drugs etc. is what occurs in Krishna's guru successors and God's conjugal love assistants of the gopis"? Now, Satsvarupa has created his own artificial so-called "senior devotees," people who think that while "gurus" are "serving Krishna by assisting the gopis" they also need: psychotropic drugs, psychotherapy, East Los Angeles black rap music, beautiful female massage therapists, naked female 'counselors,' condoms, guns, Swiss bank s, psychics, tantric magicians, ghost busters, hit men, goonda squads, and so on and so forth: ad infinitum?] * SDG: We would like to unequivocally state that we take seriously any allegations, inquiries, or declarations regarding Satsvarupa dasa Goswamis past or present personal life, conduct, spiritual standards, and devotional practices. As his Communication Management Office, we accept the responsibility of responding, after consulting with him, to questions and concerns on his behalf. We will respond directly to designated authorities in ISKCON, such as the

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GBC and its approved ministries. We will also respond on a case-by-case basis to individuals writing in an unofficial capacity to discuss their devotional lives. [PADA: What! Satsvarupa has received thousands of letters from devotees all over the world complaining about serious problems such as: devotee abuse, child abuse, women abuse, cow abuse, ad infinitum, and he has never given a fig about any of that. Indeed, he has reportedly tossed these letters into the TRASH. He has never shown any concern for "the devotional lives of the devotees," and the problems they were, and are, having under his bogus guru's regime? So we are glad that Satsvarupa's office of "Communication Management" is taking responsibility for all the mayhem that he -- AND THEY -- are causing by their backing of the GBC's "enforced cult ritualistic worship of homosexual pedophiles" bogus guru project, and hiding in the hills of Ireland while they vociferously pound out their strident "Zeig Heil" music so that people do not forget to worship their molester guru lineage and its main writer/ founder father, SDG ...] * SDG: We are in receipt of information from both Satsvarupa Maharajas doctor and counselor that clarifies his current health condition and recovery process. [PADA: What? Prabhupada says that the guru "takes dictation from Krishna directly." Whereas Satsvarupa disagrees and says, "No, the guru takes dictation from some karmi psychology counsellors -- while the guru is intoxicated (stoned) on psychotropic drugs"? How is it that Krishna's dictation has to be ignored and superseded -- by the "higher" advice of some karmi psychology expert, and that potent psychotropic chemicals and drugs are needed to understand God's instructions -- to boot? This is an insult to God? God is such a fool, He cannot properly "advise the guru"? So the guru has to get "real advice" from a psychology counselor (who is eating beefsteaks), and he needs potent drugs to understand that advice? Why is Satsvarupa always consulting with psychics, astrologers, counselors, doctors, ad infinitum, but he never consults with his "senior devotee peers" -- like us? That is because we, his peers, all know that his whole idea that "gurus" and Krishna's successors are: alcoholics, drug addicts, molesters, homosexuals, and criminals -- is wrong. After all, if "Krishna's successor" is an alcoholic, drug addict and criminal: that means God is also a drug addict and criminal? That is the basis of Satsvarupa's idea, "God's successors are odious, foul, nasty, criminals, because God is also of the same quality." Scriptures say that "Guru and God are of the same quality" (shaksat hari tvena) and so SDG says yes, that means God is also a molester -- crook. So, you could say, he is an atheist, as many suggest? Apart from Satsvarupa, and his advisory pals like the GBC, Jayadvaita, Sridhara and Narayana Maharajas et al. no one else would DARE state that God's successors, and God's "Jesus like pure devotee successor gurus" and "sons of God" are in fact: illicit sex fiends, child molesters, drug addicts and criminals? Of course, as Prabhupada says, the demons think that God is merely another demon -- like them.] * SDG: This information will be provided within professional limits and with regard for Satsvarupa Maharajas right to privacy. [PADA: Prabhupada says that gurus have no private life, rather their lives must be transparent, open, beyond suspicion and reproach. Cult leaders of course always tend to hide out in remote places like Guyana or Irish villages, so that their real lives cannot be seen.] * SDG: Furthermore, information regarding his devotional standards and practices will be provided to approved authorities. 293

[PADA: Well yes, the other GBC, the same people who say that homosexual pedophiles are Krishna's successors, are Satsvarupa's exclusive "authorities." Satsvarupa always says this, those who are linking pedophile homosexuals to "Jesus-like" pure devotees are his "authorities" and no one else is.] * SDG: This office feels that the allegations in the letter from Hari are distorted and lack context. We encourage the recipients of the mass mailing to bear in mind that the reported events are conveyed by an anonymous source and as such remain unsubstantiated and anonymous allegations. Instead, we submit that for a period of time while Satsvarupa Maharaja was living in Ireland and undergoing his most serious health crisis, an unacceptable bond developed between him and his counselor at the time. [PADA: That means that the devotee Hari: is right? The "unacceptable bond" is probably sexlife, which is the same "unacceptable bond" that the other bogus Satsvarupa/ GBC "gurus" develop with their counselors, massage therapists and so on?] * SDG: Unfortunately, this is not an unusual occurrence and is known as transference and counter-transference. [PADA: Unfortunately, SDG does not consult guru, sadhu and shastra.] * SDG: When both client and counselor realized the detour, they discontinued counseling and permanently closed their relationship. It is regrettable that the counseling work underway was thus interrupted work that was beneficial to Satsvarupa Maharaja but it was obvious to both of them that closing the relationship was an appropriate and mature decision. [PADA: That means Satsvarupa was inappropriately "in love" with his counselor? And he was having illicit sex with his counselor like his guru pals have had sex with their "counselors"? Or what? And why isn't Satsvarupa instead "counseling" Prabhupada's books, or his devotees WHO ARE NOT taking drugs, like us? Why is he always taking drugs while all the rest of us need -- ZERO drugs? Why is he wasting ISKCON's money on counselors, psychics, drugs -- and then -- there is "no money" for the child welfare office?] * SDG: This office disagrees with the statement that the GBC chairman, Praghosa Prabhu, and the sannyasa minister, His Holiness Prahladananda Swami, failed to investigate the allegations. [PADA: Why does God's living spokesman on earth need "a sannyasa minister" to make sure he is not poking men, women and children?] * SDG: Rather, both the chairman and the minister made appropriate inquiries to all of the individuals named in Haris letter and, after reaching their conclusion, took action. They istered prescriptive modifications and recommendations on ISKCONs behalf and for Satsvarupa Maharajas benefit, which Satsvarupa Maharaja has accepted, including that he not initiate disciples for the foreseeable future. [PADA: This is proof then, that their is genuine weight to Hari's letter, there is a major problem going on with SDG?]

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* SDG: We believe that the ramifications of the mass mailing could be spiritually damaging to both ISKCON and to Satsvarupa Maharaja's substantial recovery. [PADA: What? SDG has been "on the road to recovery" from drugs since the early 1980s? He is not "recovering," he is a chronic drug addict.] * SDG: It is our prayer that devotees who know or who are close to Hari reach out to and reason with him or her. In keeping with the teachings and life example of Satsvarupa das Goswami, it is our duty as Vaisnavas to offer comion and spiritual guidance to a devotee in distress. [PADA: But as soon as we ask SDG to help with children being molested in his schools, he vociferously tries to check us by saying we are "poison pens" and he stomps his jack boots upon us and the children and forces them into starving, beating, molesting and death from medical neglect -- concentration camps. Meanwhile, we are at risk of being killed for "dissenting" from SDG's child molester worship cult? Right after Sulochana was killed in 1986, we were then chased down the street by three big SDG/ Kirtanananda goons who had aluminum baseball bats, and if it were not for the police intervention, we probably would have been beaten to death. The police also said we were "next" on their hit list. That is the direct result of SDG's "preaching" -- he gets people molested, beaten, and killed.] * SDG: Please send correspondence to any one of us at [email protected]. If you would prefer to any of these representatives directly, please send us a request and we will supply information. Kaisori dasi Kirtan Ras das Aghari das Narayana Kavaca das Chandramukhi dasi Haridas das Nandapatni dasi [PADA: To sum then "SDG loves Prabhupada" -- so he militantly insists "Homosexual pedophiles are Prabhupada's 'pure devotee' 'guru successors,' and anyone who disagrees must be banned, beat, chased with aluminum baseball bats (like PADA editor was) and/or assassinated." "SDG loves Krishna" and so he says, "Gurus who are in their pure, eternal, intimate conjugal loving exchange with God, as His gopi assistants -- are having illicit sex with men, women and children." Where is our barf bag? SDG loves children and so "Every single child in his school was molested" -- according to one of his former teachers (Linda Voith). "SDG loves cows" -- so he -- kicks out the people caring for the cows, so the cows will die -- by slow torture. "SDG loves the devotees" so he has them banned, beaten, and shot. "SDG spreads love" and so his victims are: shunned, banned, harassed, ridiculed, threatened with violence, falsely accused, railroaded, ram-rodded, and beaten to a pulp when they are five years old and they complain about being molested (by SDG's best pal and coBoston saintly child beater Dhanurdara). "SDG is preaching" and that is why hundreds of millions of people ALL OVER THE PLANET are turned off from Krishna, due to his horrendous publicity spawned by SDG's violent and vile pet pedophile guru project. Satsvarupa says he is in favor of a "Governing Body," yet he sides with Narayana Maharaja who says there is "no such thing" as a Governing Body." That is so -- they can have their 295

independent maverick gurus, and use this to cover up their widespread criminal activity, including molesting children, without any ability. "The buck stops -- at your kid's behind" as one parent sardonically told PADA. No responsibility, no ability, just: give us your SDG's guru daksine please, so we can keep SDG loaded on dope and let all of the kids get molested and so on. To sum then, he hates the worship of Jesus as "poison pen," and he loves the worship of his pet pedophile molester pals. Then he wonders, why he has constant chronic headaches every day for the past 25 years? Because! Krishna is banging SDG over the head every day with a shovel, sending him a message, that he is ... deviating? And then SDG says "the more I chant, the drier it gets" (SDG's BTG article). Well, no wonder, since you are chanting "homosexual worship" 24 hours a day and that is -- about as dry as it gets? "The more I force children to worship pedophiles, the more headaches I get, the more dry I am, the more drugs I need, the more psychologists I need," ... no kidding ace! Have ya ever considered to quit peddling your pedophile guru lineage as a "cure" for you and for ISKCON? No wonder also since SDG's mentor "Narayan Maharaja" of Mathura says the same thing, everyone else is "poison" for not agreeing that deviants are "Jesus like saints" and "sum totals of the demigods." Yet, now that SDG's penile situation apparently does not work, because it seems that poppy plant derived drugs have numbed him in that region of his body, this is a real crisis for the GBC. So, we hope that the GBC's "Ministry Of Penile Dis-function For Gurus" (MOP-DIS-FERG department) is called up by 911 emergency, and at once they send in their fire brigade and ambulance to fix this GBC crisis. We hope, in other words, that the GBC has on hand another beautiful female massage therapist, like the honey - bunny that Harikesha had, and that this will help them out of their current crisis in a flash, since Viagra cannot be taken along with poppy plant derivatives. Maybe this will get his holey-ness excited. Yet, like most malicious maverick cult leaders and fascist despots, SDG is "A poet and an artist" just like Hansadutta used to make his hokey rock music albums, Harikesha used to make his weird psycho-music, and lately, some famous serial killers have had their "art and poetry" for sale on E-Bay. SDG is the archetypical cult leader, he establishes abusive, exploitative and violent policies, then he "hides out" and avoids peer and public scrutiny ... so that the banning, beating, molesting and murdering can go on without any counterpoint. And last but not least, SDG is always holding hands in great love -- with the people who were whispering "the poison is going down" in Prabhupada's room (according to four independent audio labs). These are the people he loves, and so, he will go to the same destination as them. Thanks pd]

ASHRAMS The Authenticity Of Spiritual Places by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami Pilgrimages can enhance our devotion to the Lord, provided we go to authorized holy places, and in the proper mood. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Krsna Himself in the role of His own devotee was present on earth five hundred years ago, He sometimes traveled to holy places, or tirthas. Not only did 296

He tour South India, but He traveled to Vrndavana, Lord Krsna's eternal abode on earth. When Lord Caitanya was about to leave for Vrndavana, King Prataparudra ordered his servants and soldiers to accompany the Lord, to make His path easier and especially to erect monuments at each place the Lord stopped. It is said that anyone who visits places where Lord Caitanya stopped even briefly will receive great benefit from such tirthas. Wherever the Lord went, tremendous crowds of pious people followed Him to get a glimpse of Him and receive His blessings. He was always merciful to the people, but sometimes He would escape without their knowledge and go on to the next place. Raghava Pandita, seeing the great crowds following the Lord, took the Lord away to his house. The Lord stayed at Raghava Pandita's place for one day. The next morning He went to Kumarahatta.

Srila Prabhupada writes: From Kumarahatta, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Kancanapalli (also known as Kancadapada), where Sivananda Sena lived. After staying two days at Sivananda's house, the Lord went to the house of Vasudeva Datta. From there He went to the western side of Navadvipa, to the village called Vidyanagara. From Vidyanagara He went to Kuliya-grama and stayed at Madhava Dasa's house. He stayed there one week and excused the offenses of Devananda and others. Due to Kaviraja Gosvami's mentioning the name of Santipuracarya, some people think that Kuliya is a village near Kancadapada. Due to this mistaken idea, they invented another place known as New Kuliyara Pata. Actually such a place does not exist. Leaving the house of Vasudeva Datta, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to the house of Advaita Acarya. From there He went to the western side of Navadvipa, to Vidyanagara, and stayed at the house of Vidyavacaspati. These s are given in the Caitanyabhagavata, Caitanya-mangala, Caitanya-candrodaya-nataka, and Caitanya-carita-kavya. Srila Kaviraja Gosvami has not vividly described this entire tour; therefore, on the basis of Caitanya-caritamrta, some unscrupulous people have invented a place called Kuliyara Pata near Kancadapada. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya 16.205, Purport) From this information we can understand that some so-called holy places are not authentic. What, then, constitutes an actual holy place? Before Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the West, we knew very little of holy places. We knew that a church or synagogue was meant to be a holy place, and we may have had a conception that the heart was meant to be a holy place, the seat of God. We may have even known of what is called the Holy Land in the Middle East. But we certainly knew nothing of the holy places in India, or of the details that made a place holy in the first place. Often it is difficult to ascertain the exact location of a tirtha. It is too easy, especially with the influx of comparatively naive Western pilgrims to India, for people to create a holy place to bring in money. Vaisnavas and others, however, usually contest the authenticity of such places.

Qualifications Of A Holy Place

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The main qualification for a place to become holy is that the Lord or His pure devotee appeared or had pastimes there. For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, followers of Lord Caitanya, Vrndavana and Mayapur are the main tirthas. In the present age, Kali-yuga, holy places tend to become covered by the material energy, so it is sometimes difficult to understand the mood of such places. Even when a holy place is established as authentic, the question still must be raised as to our own eligibility to understand its mood. A holy place must be approached with the proper spiritual attitude and humility if we are to gain anything by visiting it. Nowadays, devotees in the Hare Krsna movement are more concerned with the question of how to define holy places because they are living in places established by Srila Prabhupada, not only in India but in the West. Are ISKCON temples holy places? Most of the land now owned by ISKCON was once owned by persons with no intention of its becoming a tirtha. We usually cannot claim that the site of a temple has historical integrity as a tirtha. Its claim to holy place status must be based on something else.

Several things constitute a tirtha: 1. Devotees must have performed (or be performing) spiritual activities in the place, and the tirtha must be visited by sadhus, saintly persons. In fact, the Vedic scriptures state that a person who visits even the historically bona fide places of pilgrimage only to take bath is no better than a cow or an ass. Visiting a tirtha means associating with the saintly persons in attendance. Canakya Pandita warns that we should avoid a place devoid of saintly persons. And a place bereft of talk of Krsna, or God, and service to Him cannot claim holy place status. 2. By visiting a tirtha we should feel enlivened in our Krsna consciousness; the tirtha should carry that potency. 3. The chanting of the holy names must be present as a prominent feature of the tirtha. Concurrent with that should be deity worship. Srila Prabhupada told us that as he established the various deities around the world, he worried that his disciples would begin to feel the worship as a "burden in the neck." But if the deity worship is going on uninterrupted and the devotees in the area are taking shelter of the deity, then that place is holy. 4. Prabhupada defined a holy place as wherever the Srimad-Bhagavatam was being honored. That might be in a large temple or under a tree, and it may be in India or elsewhere, but wherever there is respectful and repeated reading of the Bhagavatam, that place becomes holy.

Obstacles To Pilgrimage Devotees sometimes wonder if there are ever any reasons not to visit a particular holy place. Of course, travel is always inconvenient. One inconvenience may be political. Holy places may suddenly be subject to political division, which can make them difficult or even impossible to visit. What was once part of India later became part of East Pakistan, then Bangla-desh. If there is political dispute between the two countries, we may not be able to 298

cross borders in the name of spiritual pilgrimage. Political divisions can also cause a holy place to become lost. Just as the Ganges sometimes shifts her course, so tracts of land upon which the Lord performed pastimes can become lost to our sight. Perhaps generations from now, the Lord or His pure devotees will again uncover them and pilgrims will be able to visit them for purification. Another inconvenience may be our own inability to travel. Another may be our sense of personal disqualification to enter the mood of a tirtha. Lord Caitanya's devotees never visited the temples on Govardhana Hill, and it's questionable whether Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati ever bathed in Radha-kunda. Many of Lord Caitanya's Navadvipa followers never went to Vrndavana. Visiting a tirtha requires qualification. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura indicates this in his Navadvipa-bhava-taranga. After mentioning Isodyana, which he calls "the Lord's garden," he writes that if anyone visits this place in Navadvipa, he will find only thorns. Still, those with qualified vision will be able to see the Lord's garden through his descriptions of it. No holy place can actually be "seen" without qualified vision. While holy places maintain an actual physical integrity, they also maintain an integrity in the descriptions found in devotional literature. During Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's time, a conflict ended in Indians killing a British officer and the British lining up their cannons and destroying a temple. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati noted that although the British thought they had smashed Krsna, they had done nothing more than destroy a temple. If a tirtha disappears from our vision because of politics or time, we can it and see it by submissively reading the scriptures. A tirtha is revealed by the mercy of a pure devotee and is seen through the ears. The scriptures also tell us that we are not required to travel the world visiting holy places. There is always the tendency for pilgrimage to turn into wanderlust, which results only in a superficial sightseeing. Although some devotees can sustain a feeling of Krsna conscious intensity when on pilgrimage, others are better able to meditate on Krsna and His tirthas while serving in the place assigned to them by their spiritual master. We have limited energy in this lifetime; visiting tirthas can become an entire service in itself if it is done frequently. Often, our spiritual master has assigned us a service other than pilgrimage, and we make more advancement by following his order than by going to tirthas. Narottama Dasa Thakura has assured us that we can visit all the holy places simply by visiting Vrndavana or Mayapur. He also says that in Kali-yuga, pilgrimage is as much a source of bewilderment as of enlightenment. The real service to a holy place is to meditate upon the event that took place there, and it is just as potent to compose ourselves in our own place, meditate on the significance of the particular place, and to then allow the mood of that place to imbue our service with new life. Every holy place has an internal reality. We are not always qualified to see it, especially if we remain outsiders to the mood. That is not only true of places like Vrndavana and Mayapur, 299

but in ISKCON temples too. If we wish to really take advantage of the spiritual and historical authenticity of a particular place, we must learn to see with eyes of devotion. When Arjuna and his brothers were being taught archery, only Arjuna was able to see nothing but the eye of the target bird. Only he was successful at hitting the target. Similarly, we must learn to see to the heart of a place and not focus only on the externals, the apparent faults or shortcomings according to our estimations. We must see the saintly people living there and see a little of their purpose in serving their holy place. If we wish to find the spiritual essence of any holy place, we must learn to appreciate both the service and the mood with which it is offered there. Without that vision, we will always remain outsiders, even in the most spiritually authentic place. - See more at: http://holydham.com/the-authenticity-of-spiritual-places-by-satsvarupa-dasagoswami/#sthash.wRFMO5OI.dpuf

PREACHINGS Preaching and traveling Main preaching activities by the means of traveling sankirtana parties were centered in United States. BBT (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust) Library Party headed by him in mid-1970s was active in establishing distribution network mainly to the Universities of the United States, with some of the team such as Bhakti Tirtha Swami and Suhotra Dasa traveling as far as Eastern Europe. In 1974, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami was requested by Prabhupada to him as traveling GBC servant, replacing previous servant Srutakirti Dasa and travelled as a menial servant around the globe.

ROLE FOR SOCITY WELFARE While laboring as a social welfare worker in New York City's Lower East Side, Steve (soon to be initiated as Satsvarupa dasa) met his teacher, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (later known as Srila Prabhupada), a modern day saint from India. Srila Prabhupada was giving classes in a humble storefront on 2nd Avenue that he ed by every day on his way home from work. Entering that storefront changed his life forever. Srila Prabhupada taught essential truths from the Vedas—ancient books of knowledge. He captured the attention and hearts of his audience through recitation of the scripture, mystical histories of saints and sages, colorful stories, sweet chanting and musical expertise, and loving devotion to God. He brought from India a few sets of books translated into English and

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immediately engaged his new friends in producing more. Satsvarupa dasa became Srila Prabhupada's typist and began churning out manuscripts for publication of new translations with Bhaktivedanta commentaries. Satsvarupa dasa became a storyteller in his own right. He used his notes and access to unpublished manuscripts to write essays for the other students, friends, and newcomers. He was among the first young Americans to assist Srila Prabhupada with his mission in the West and, as Srila Prabhupada's intimate disciple, he served as personal secretary. While traveling, lecturing on Krishna consciousness, and instructing disciples worldwide, he has published many books including poems, memoirs, essays, novels, and studies based on the Vaisnava scriptures. In recent years, his devotional life has evolved to include the creation of numerous paintings, drawings, and sculptures that lovingly capture and express the artist's absorption in the culture of

SATSVARUPA DASA GOSWAMI AGREEMENT FOR CONTINUING SERVICE IN ISKCON The following points formulated by a committee of ISKCON devotees who were delegated by the GBC Executive Committee to liaise with Satsvarupa Maharaja regarding his service in ISKCON. The following conclusions have been approved by the GBC EC. * SDG will continue as a sannyasi in a low key profile and will assume the status of “retired” diskha guru. This means SDG will no longer give initiation nor present himself as an initiating guru. The GBC would like to encourage SDG to participate in Srila Prabhupada’s movement according to his capacity, but he will do so humbly, giving classes and traveling, but not accepting high-profile service. Disciples may refer questions to the monitor committee (see below). * SDG has agreed to have his future publications peer reviewed prior to publication or posting. * A monitoring committee will be formed to monitor SDG’s progress and compliance with the GBCEC approved recommendations. This committee will serve for one year and at that 301

time provide a report to the GBC. Malati dasi, Ravindra Swarupa Prabhu and Giriraja Swami have agreed to serve on the committee (others may be added). The info for the monitor committee is: [email protected]. This committee will monitor his progress in accordance with these recommendations. This will include: a) Regular with a committee member with a follow-up written report to the others. b) Open door policy for godbrothers who want to visit SDG’s ashram in Delaware. c) Report on pastoral activities including following the regulative principles, chanting, traveling to preach, receiving guests, programs, writing letters and books for disciples, visiting the Holy Dhamas, etc. Closure: This case concerning SDG’s relationship with Pranada is closed and not subject to reinterpretation or reopening as long as the monitor committee report indicates compliance with these measures.

RELIGION His Holiness Satsvarūpa dāsa Goswāmī

Religion

Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism Personal

Born

December 6, 1939 (age 73) New York Senior posting

Based in

USA

Title

Goswami

Period in office

1972 – current

Predecessor

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Religious career

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Initiation

Diksa–1966, Sannyasa–1972

Post

ISKCON Guru, Sannyasi

Website

www.sdgonline.org

ROLE OF YOGA Kardama Muni, A First-Class Yogi by Satsvarupa Dasa Adhikari First let me offer my humble obeisances to my spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the pure servant of God and thus the knower of the scripture. All transcendental knowledge contained in this essay emanates from his teachings, which are exactly in line with the disciplic succession going back to Lord Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead and original source of this narration of Kardama Muni. The disciple of Srila Prabhupada has simply to present the teachings of the spiritual master intact; then there will be good benefit for the reader seeking self-realization and spiritual happiness. In the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krsna teaches the mystic yoga process complete with sitting postures and the method of meditation under strict regulations. At the conclusion of the chapter, in the last verse, the Lord describes the topmost yogi: "He who, full of faith, offers everything to Me and worships Me, is the most united with Me in yoga." Nowadays the yoga system, as taught authoritatively in Bhagavad-gita and the Patanjaliyoga-sutra, is not being followed. Instead, false teachers are allowing their students to engage in all kinds of material sense gratification whiled collecting a fee from them and inducing them to think in their meditation that they are one with God. Such students of false cheaters cannot actually be making spiritual progress in yoga.

Ultimate Yoga The Vedic literature contains histories, however, of many great yogis who were accomplished in full mystic perfection. But even these yogic perfections, such as to be able to influence anyone; to be able to attain whatever one desires from any place in the universe, to fly in space, etc., are all material perfections, and they are ultimately exhausted. Yoga ultimately means to find Krsna, the Supreme Lord, in His localized aspect seated in the heart and to engage in eternal loving union with Him through devotional service. Yogis who are distracted from this path by material perfections have to return to the earth after death and again take another material birth and engage in devotional service before reaching the perfection of liberation, completely spiritual devotional service. The following narration is an incident from the life of a great devotee yogi, Kardama Muni, who was not only a yogi but a perfect yogi, a devotee of the Lord. The narration of his activities appears in the Third Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, the most mature and spotless scripture of the entire Vedic literature. Kardama lived long, long ago, in the Satya-yuga, just after the dawn of the creation of the universe.

His Meditation On The Lord

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At that time, Lord Brahma, the original creator empowered by Krsna, was ordering His sons to marry and beget children so that the universe might be populated with worthy offspring. Commanded by Lord Brahma, Kardama practiced meditative penances on the bank of the Sarasvati River for a period of 10,000 years. It is understood that the yoga system, in order to be rightly practiced, must be performed by persons who possess a very long duration of life; otherwise, there is no possibility of attaining real perfection. There is no point in attempting the preliminary practices of yoga, such as the different postures of sitting, unless one is able to practice until perfection. Kardama Muni was not one of the so-called yogis of the present age of Kali (age of quarrel and bluffing) who sit for a paltry fifteen minutes a day in yoga postures and claim spiritual advancement. It may be noted here that in the age in which Kardama lived, yoga meditation was the process recommended by the Vedic literature, whereas today the Vedic literature clearly states that there is no alternative to the chanting of the holy name: harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam/ kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha (Brhan-Naradiya Purana). Why did Kardama practice meditation? It is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam: "During that period of penance the sage Kardama devotedly waited upon the Personality of Godhead." In other words, he practiced mystic yoga for 10,000 years just to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam. Therefore He is the first-class yogi. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada writes in his commentary to the Third Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam: "One has to surrender unto the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, Krsna, in order to achieve real success. To attain perfection of the yoga practice or meditation, one must act in devotional service, namely hearing, chanting, ing, etc. Certainly ing is also meditation, but upon whom must one meditate? The Supreme Personality of Godhead. He must not only be ed, but one must hear about the activities of the Lord, and chant His glories." After engaging himself in different types of devotional service, Kardama Muni attained the perfection of meditation, which is attained only by those who are surrendered souls. Srila Prabhupada writes: "Where there is no mention of the Personality of Godhead, then where is there yoga and surrender? And where there is no meditation upon the Personality of Godhead, then where is there any question of yoga practice?"

The King And The Yogi "Seeing that the monarch had come to his hermitage and bowing before him, the sage greeted him with benediction and received him with due honor." The yogi then addressed the King with words of praise because he understood that unless a pious king is ruling, the wicked elements in society can overthrow the whole aim of the society, which is to help the citizens go back home, back to Godhead. He addressed the King as the protecting energy of Sri Hari (Krsna). After offering obeisances, the yogi then asked the King why he had come with a glad heart and how he, the yogi, could meet his wishes. The royal order formerly gave all protection to the brahmanas so that they could advance the society in of spiritual culture, and the brahmanas would give their valuable instructions to the royal order so that every citizen could become elevated to spiritual perfection. Svayambhuva said that he was most fortunate to be able to touch his head to the dust from the feet of the sage, and he thanked him for his words of instruction. "We are seeking a worthy match for our daughter in of age, character and good qualities." The father, Svayambhuva Manu, confided to Kardama that "the moment she heard from the sage Narada of your noble character, learning, beautiful appearance, youth and other virtues, she fixed her 304

mind on you." So although Devahuti had not seen Kardama Muni, she had fixed her heart upon him after hearing of him from Narada, and on the basis of that hearing she had decided to marry him. Svayambhuva offered his daughter with all reverence as a worthy match for taking charge of household duties. By household duties he did not mean sense gratification but mutual execution of Krsna consciousness, which is called, in Sanskrit, grhastha. There are two words in Sanskrit to describe married life. One, grhamedhi, means to accept a wife for sense gratification and to make one's apartment a center for executing the same propensities as the animals, whereas the other, grhastha, means to gain a helper in Krsna consciousness. Devahuti was eligible to offer such help, for she was equal in age, character and quality to the sage.

Japa as Meditation by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya had been a famous logician and teacher of the impersonal path, and his conversion to Vaisnavism is chronicled in several chapters of the Caitanyacaritamrta. It is said of Sarvabhauma after his conversion, "He did not know anything but the service of the Lord, and he always chanted the holy name of Sri Krsna Caitanya … . Indeed, chanting the holy names became his meditation." Meditation is the seventh stage in the eightfold mystic yoga system by which one gradually learns to sit still, control the breath, withdraw the senses from the world, fix the mind on one point, and eventually attain full concentration on the object of meditation. Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya attained that stage by concentrating on the Lord's holy names. In Western countries, "meditation" has become a buzzword. In the 1960s the only meditation that people discussed was "Transcendental Meditation," by which one could purchase a mantra and meditate on it twice a day. Now many other forms of meditation and "mindfulness" are popular both in Christian and non-Christian traditions. People meditate for a short time each day to relieve stress and augment health. Srila Prabhupada said that serious yoga practice aimed at a spiritual goal is far too difficult in this age of distraction. Real meditation is full time. For those who chant the holy names, hearing japa (private chanting on beads) described as "meditation" may sound distasteful when considered alongside the other processes practiced these days, butjapa is meditation, and to achieve the result we must do it with attention. Meditation involves controlling the mind, and that's difficult, as anyone who has tried to chant realizes quickly. Therefore, we sometimes wonder whether it is necessary or helpful to study meditation techniques and bring them into our own practice. Srila Prabhupada didn't think so. Whenever devotees asked him how to concentrate on the holy name, he responded simply: "Just hear." "But what about my mind?" "Just hear." Prabhupada knew that by chanting we would learn how to chant; the holy name itself would teach us. The Bhagavad-gita assigns the path: "From wherever the mind wanders due

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to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self." Therefore, in the name of disinterest in other forms of meditation, we shouldn't abandon the practices common to all forms. We should begin our daily japa by calming the mind. We should chant our rounds (of beads) in a sacred space and control the breath by the chanting. We should fix the mind on the syllables of the holy name. We should maintain good posture. In the early days at 26 Second Avenue in New York City, we would sit slouched over as Srila Prabhupada gave his morning class. Once he stopped his lecture and asked us to sit straight. Although bhakti-yoga does not involve sitting postures and breathing exercises, he said, it is still yoga. With the aid of these basic components of meditation, we can learn to become prayerful in our approach to the holy name. Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was able to chant with no other thought than the name and Lord Caitanya's mercy. Our biggest obstacles to chanting are indifference to the holy name and distraction. Bhaktivinoda Thakura addresses these points in his Harinama Cintamani, suggesting that we chant in the company of devotees focused on the holy name. By learning to emulate their mood, we will learn to concentrate. He also suggests we chant in a secluded place. By accepting the discipline of a vow to chant, we will be forced to fix our attention. Gradually we will move from an hour spent chanting to two hours to four hours, and eventually we will chant constantly. And enthusiasm is vital. Bhaktivinoda Thakura states: "Those who chant distractedly are always eager to somehow complete the fixed number of holy names and be done with it. It is important to concentrate on the quality of the chanting and not on trying to artificially increase the number of holy names." He adds that we should utter and hear the name distinctly. It is only by the Lord's mercy that distraction can be overcome. "Therefore it is essential to fervently beg for the Lord's grace with great humility. This is the living entity's only means of salvation." Ultimately, our success in chanting will come from Krsna's mercy, but while awaiting that mercy, we can continue to chant with enthusiasm and concentration and, as far as we are able, make the holy name the central focus of our lives. Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami travels extensively to speak and write about Krsna consciousness. He is the author of many books, including a six-volume biography of Srila Prabhupada.

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CHAPTER:13 THE GOAL OF HUMAN LIFE The goal of human life is to attain complete happiness or emancipation, which is possible only when one realises the self and visualises God. God is not a worldly thing that can be seen with our fleshy eyes but he is experienced by the soul with pure mind. Of course! God is within us and we are within God, yet we are searching him outside us. We search him in Mandirs, in Masjids, in Gurudwaras and in churches. This search is not complete, it continues and we search him on mountains, on the banks of rivers and in jingles, but god is not visualised. Why? Of the innumerable number of species is said to be the most developed. Nature has conferred upon this exquisite species of hers the most productive brain. It is the only one which can at times turn inward, go back into its own depth and search out wonderful things. Our Vedic scriptures and/or A’rsha shastras go a step further and mark out human birth is to be a most precious and are achievement. This is because the human body is the only medium through which one can attain salvation-realisation of the real nature of the self – the ultimate aim of human life. In the real nature of our self, we (soul) are divine and immortal. We are not a body, the body is the machine or instrument through which we work. It is made of the gross elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air and ether) and therefore is bound to perish. (It is an eternal law of nature that anything that is made is to perish in the end). But with the destruction of our body, we are not going to lose our identity for we are not the body. We are souls, the atma, which are numerous. The Atma is eternal, immortal, pure, divine, and even free. Never was the Atma born and hence never shall it die. “The Atma” says the Lord Krishna in the Geeta, “Never is born nor dies. It is not that it comes to exist and thereafter loses its existence. Neither is it that loses its existence and comes to exist again. The atma is birth-less, eternal and ancient. It does not perish even on the destruction of the body”. Realise this immortal nature of ours, all fear of death ceases and thus in turn ceases all our miseries, sorrows and woes. We no more keep ourselves busy in the futile efforts to make our existence last long, for immortal we are in our real nature. We come to know that we existed in the past, we exist, as it is self-evident, at present, we shall exist in the future. In other worlds we exist eternally. This is the aim of human life – to become free from the clutches of worldly pleasures and pains and attain emancipation. Then and only then does this human life become perfect. To transcend the body, the senses, the mind, ego and all other things of this mortal universe is the 307

goal of human life and it is only achievable while remaining in this human body. No other body however grand it might be, is fit to achieve this state. We, the soul, are the masters of our own senses, thoughts and desires. Then they carry out our orders and not we theirs. Success and failure, joy and sorrow and all such extremes become alike for us. They loss their capacity to affect one who has transcended the mortal elements. Seeing the same atma or self in everything we are not more frightened by anything, for where is any “other” to frighten us? “The realised one having attained the sameness, sees the atma in everything and everything in the atma”. It is the phenomenon of nature to draw us to her side and make us react to diverse happenings. And as we do so, we become restless. We lose the balance of our mind. But in order to enjoy perfect peace we must have equanimity, which is only possible, if we remain totally undisturbed by the phenomenon around us. But this calls for total control on our nature. It is only the master and not the slave who can exercise control. And to be the master of our nature we must transcend it. To know the phenomenal world we have to transcend the phenomenal world. Having transcended the world of manifoldness, one gains perfect control over oneself. And he who has controlled himself, has controlled the whole universe, for “whatever is in microcosm is in the macrocosm”. Having achieved this, being the master of his own destiny one enjoys things as they come, being perfectly unperturbed by them and thus enjoys perfect peace and happiness. Being in this body he become immortal, not as the body but as the atma. He enjoys tranquillity and ecstasy even whilst living in this body. “One who has controlled his mind, who is free from attachment and envy, enjoying things by his controlled senses, enjoys eternal Bliss”. Happiness is said to be the most important things in this world by which one can be examined of his/her success. Human species is the most precious one hence to waste time in worldly desire is useless. The ultimate goal of human being is to realise himself where there is existence of God too. This is possible only in human species.

To summarize, the goal of human life is to execute devotional service which the brähmaëas are advising King Vena in this verse. And this devotional service can be performed if one understands that devotional service means serving Vasudeva, and devotional service can be practised very nicely if one takes to the process of Vaidhi-bhakti and executes it very rigidly. And whenever one executes Vaidhi-bhakti very rigidly, with great attention—-if you have a valuable diamond, you do not fool around with it, you make sure that the diamond cannot be stolen.—Similarly, the process of Vaidhi-bhakti is like a diamond. You should relish this diamond, not grudge over it. This diamond is so valuable. Therefore the devotee relishes the process of Vaidhi-bhakti. And if we can relish the process of Vaidhi-bhakti, we will be able to develop spontaneous love of God—-that is Rägänuga-bhakti. If this process of Vaidhibhakti is not executed sincerely, this will result in part-time love for Kåñëa, and the rest of the time 308

love for material senses. We do not want to be part-time devotees of Kåñëa. If you do not want to be part-time devotees of Kåñëa, take to the process of Vaidhi-bhakti and develop love of God.

ROLE OF DHARMA GURU IN LIFE Guru is not a physical form. Guru is energy, the medium through which jnana or knowledge flows to the shishya or disciple. If you take the shishya to be an ice-cold stone and jnana to be boiling hot water, then the guru pours this hot water onto the cold stone gradually, drop by drop, lest the stone cracks with the heat. Guru takes full responsibility of the shishya, monitors him every second. Guru literally carries the shishya on the journey of evolution. He is not someone who does sweet talk or makes arbit-rary promises to gain your ...A guru needs nothing from you; it is you who needs him. He is a mirror that will show you your true self and helps you elevate yourself, provided you want to rise. The first sign of a guru is vairagya or detachment. As soon as you come in the proximity of your guru, you experience the same vairagya within - an indication that you are in the right place. Rudryamala, describing the qualities of a guru, mentions that he has no drawbacks, is free of vices, with impeccable character, following dharma and spiritual practices and devoted to his guru. A guru is still in the yamas and niyamas of Sage Patanjali. Anyone who follows the yamas of satya, asteya and aparigraha will never charge fees to teach yoga. Anyone who follows the yama of brahmacharya would exude the glow that comes with the vrat. A guru exudes what he talks. He possesses phenomenal energy, radiance and attraction associated with yoga. A shishya experiences this glow and attraction in the guru's company and feels good. Just like a surya sadhak exudes the brilliance of sun, similarly a shishya radiates the glow and attraction of his guru. As you focus on the guru, gradually you start acquiring his qualities and after some time your form starts resembling that of your guru. So you need to be sure of what you follow, because you eventually become what you follow. Rudryamala says, for anyone to be a guru, he must be of noble character, preferably born in a respectable family, of auspicious appearance, endowed with intellect, calmness of mind, and all good qualities, have a good and moral conduct, be pious and chaste and have control over the senses, be proficient in mantras and ever-engaged in japa and devoted to the worship of ishta devata. A mother is considered as the best guru for a son or daughter since there exists a pre-established connection between the two. Initiation by mother of a child is said to give eightfold results than what is ordinary. The topic of Sanatan Kriya deals with the concept of guru and maintains that when a being finds a guru, there are certain indications for it. The first is that there occur certain changes in your body; it starts looking the way you always desired. Secondly, any imbalance or disease 309

in the body disappears. You cease to fall ill. The third indicator is that you start experiencing energies that run Creation. One must not rush into making a guru; you have to be absolutely sure. Because once you call somebody your guru, you must walk the path shown by him with full faith and devotion. Anything less, any doubt or change of path thereafter amounts to dis-respect of the energy of guru. The journey, which begins when you meet your guru, requires continuous and dedicated practice which when followed as niyama culminates into yoga.

Gurus - Walking The Gurus Path The guru is an integral part of spiritual life; his are the footprints that we follow in our search for god, truth, reality. the relationship we form with our guru is unlike any other relationship we experience in our lives. for it spans emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of our being and is often related with powerful experiences of growth and transformation What is the guru’s role in spiritual life? He is guide, mentor, example, mirror, motivator. The fertiliser that ensures the seed will grow, the hand that tends to the tiny sapling, rooting out weeds, watering and nourishing. The guru is the gardener of our inner life—our thoughts and emotions, mind and self, form the soil that he tills. Moreover, the spiritual path has often been likened to the razor’s edge—it is treacherous, full of pitfalls and there are parts of it that are badly lit and others that are in darkness. What’s worse, we may fall into a hole and not even know it. For instance, we read in the scriptures, Aham Brahmasmi, I am Brahman, and immediately begin feeling like the king of the world, lord of the universe. At this point, we need somebody to whack us with the reality that the Aham of the phrase is not I as in Swati, but the vast interconnected consciousness of which I too am a part.

The path-pointer The guru is the finger that points to the moon. This is such an apt and telling metaphor. The moon is there for all to see, it is not a needle hidden in a haystack. Our true nature is everpresent, it is real and clear and luminous. Why then do we need a finger to point it out? Because our eyes, cockeyed and clouded over, may be fixed on the rubbish the world has just projectiled into our yard. Because our hearts, tired and burdened, cannot unite with the moon even if our eyes look at it. And because our mind is so busy with our day’s noise that it cannot comprehend the moon that is simply there, undemanding, undeclaring, unresponsive. Locked within so much pain and noise and wanting, we lose focus. The moon might as well not be there at all, as far as we are concerned. This is the state of avidya, ignorance, and the guru is the catalyst who works with the student in clearing the myopia, perfecting the angle, quietening the noise until the moon appears bright and clear to us in the darkened sky, there to be seen and experienced.

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Some traditions believe that the enlightenment experience can be ‘given’ by a guru’s grace. This is all too often taken literally as the guru mysteriously injecting the disciple with understanding. What it actually seems to suggest is that the guru points, and the disciple sees, as the second line of Kabir’s famous couplet illustrates: Guru Gobind dou khade, kaake lagoon paaye / Balihari guru aap ne, Gobind diyo dikhaye. (Guru and God stand together, to whom should I bow first? Undoubtedly the guru, for it is he who has shown me God). The guru catalyses the awakening, which still happens within the disciple. It cannot be an extraneously engineered event, no matter how powerful or accomplished the guru. A crucial need on the path is for an enabler and motivator. We might have decided to walk the path, even found our bearings on it, when the subconscious might begin to throw up longrepressed issues and emotions. We are frightened, we don’t know what to do. We feel as if we have failed in our quest, and that there has been no change in us at all. Things have actually gotten worse, we feel, and perhaps it is best to let this stuff be. We do not have the soles for the path, we think, and become dejected and frustrated. At this point, the companionship of a guru or a spiritual colleague might prove invaluable in pulling us out of the morass we have worked ourselves in and show us the way beyond the bend. The guru ultimately presents an example of our own potential, of the realisation we can achieve if wework hard and persevere. In having experienced the path before us, the guru is able to present us a realistic picture of what it takes to walk the way, and how best we can direct our energies. About this role of the guru in the Sufi tradition, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee says in Travelling the Path of Love: “The Sufi path has as its goal the state of union with God. For each traveller the journey to this goal is unique; it is the journey ‘of the alone to the Alone’. Yet there are also stages which all seekers through, trials, processes of purification and transformation. It is these stages that the Sufi masters, or sheikhs, have attempted to describe. As guides they have mapped out the path of the heart and the mystical states that are experienced along the way…. With the ion and depth of feeling that belong to lovers they outline the stages of this journey and give advice to other travellers…. They share their glimpses of the essential oneness of all life and, with simplicity, directness, and humour, describe the paradoxical nature of this mystical journey.”

In Traditions Though we are using the word ‘guru’ which is Sanskrit, wisdom traditions around the world have honoured and acknowledged the centrality of the teacher in spiritual life. In ancient India, the guruwas giver of knowledge, dispeller of darkness, source of wisdom. Teachers imparting secular knowledge and spiritual insights were accorded equal respect, and the method of instruction for both was rigorous training in the guru-shishya parampara (teacherstudent tradition). The role was accorded added importance because of the initial prevalence of the shruti-smriti (spoken and memorised) way of learning, where you had to have a master to teach you, there were no books or written material.

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The lively atmosphere of spiritual enquiry that seems to have existed in ancient India along with an inclusiveness that embraced all kinds of interpretations of truth, God and reality led many aspirants to strike out on their own. The sramanas, as these individual seekers were called then, were at the cutting edge of the spiritual world. They were the bravehearts who looked for truth beyond codified belief systems, and dared challenge the Vedic-Brahmanical status quo. Revolutionaries at heart, they subverted ossified religious and social notions in each age, and called for a direct experience of reality. In different times, against different systems, the sramanas have worked and innovated, part of the spiritual underground that bubbled up in the mainstream when their teachings became widely known and followed, and otherwise remained hidden and vanished into the ground. When they ed on to others what they had discovered, traditions and systems formed. The genesis of what became Buddhism lay in the journey and discovery of one individual— Gautama the Buddha. While alive, he walked through north and east India, sharing his insights and refusing to be known as anything but a teacher and challenger of doctrines. Another old Indian tradition, that of the Jains, sources itself in a long lineage of 23 teachers called tirthankaras, builders of bridges to the supreme truth. Each tirthankara was a jina, conqueror of the self, and had enumerated ways and practices through which others could follow in his footsteps. In recent times, the Sikh faith has arisen from the collective wisdom of a lineage of gurus. Individual teachers also seeded the other two major world religions—Christianity and Islam. Jesus and Mohammed began teaching from their personal experience of the Divine, and were soon elevated to suprahuman status. Jesus as son of God and Mohammed as a divinely sent prophet came to be seen as conveyors of God’s word. Actually the convention of teacher as prophet is a very old one, and the Old Testament particularly records the appearance of prophets from time to time to broadcast Divine truth to humanity. If we step even further back into human history, to primeval society, we find an almost magical status accorded to the teacher as one who was privy to the mysteries of nature and the universe. Credited with superhuman powers like the ability to control natural phenomena, teachers were worshipped as interpreters of the natural world to their community, much like shamans of aboriginal cultures. I think this is because human beings have always held knowledge as sacred and power giving. We have striven to know our outer and inner world since the dawn of time, and have tended to view those who do seem to know in awe and reverence. In some societies, this natural accordance of respect came to be exploited by certain classes of people, like Brahmins in India, who proclaimed themselves custodians of knowledge and refused to share it with the entire community. Social power came to be divided according to access to this knowledge, and the least empowered socially were also educationally and spiritually dispossessed. This was recognised by sramana gurus through the ages, and from the Buddha and Mahavir to Kabir and Nanak, part of their teaching effort was to shatter walls of exclusivity in which knowledge was imprisoned, and make the secret of existence and reality available at streetcorners and chai shops. 312

The Avatar Phenomenon Along with the subaltern sramana gurus who existed on the margins of society and religion and taught the commonfolk, India has also had a grand tradition of prophet-gurus reminiscent of Judaism,Islam and Christianity. It is expressed somewhat differently though, as the avatar phenomenon, where the avatar is a human incarnation of divinity rather than a messenger of God. The most famous exposition of this phenomenon is in the ten avatars of Vishnu, which include human beings, animals and semi-human creatures, most of whom have a messianic saviour responsibility. The active gururole actually goes to one avatar—Krishna—credited with imparting the Sankhya Yoga route out of worldly suffering to his cousin Arjuna in the midst of a stormy battlefield. The Krishna-Arjuna model of progressive self-inquiry, where the latter’s ignorance is systematically demolished by the former through argument and logic, is considered till today to be one of the most effective expressions of the guru-disciple relationship. At least in Krishna’s case, we can say that he could have been an actual person, and that the battlefield dialogue indicates a self-realised person who was probably deified around the time when his teaching was being recorded as the Bhagavad Gita, centuries after the event actually happened. With the Indian penchant for deification, several gurus have been declared avatars since then, like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was revered as an avatar of Krishna in 15th century Bengal. In recent times, more gurus seem to have been proclaimed ‘avatar of the age’ than ever before. Says ‘guru-watcher’ M. Alan Kazlev: “It seems a common tendency among modern-day gurus to claim to be the avatar or the world-teacher (jagadguru, sadguru) of this age. How much of this is due the genuine (whether deluded or valid) belief and/or experience of the guru in his/her own divinity, and how much of it is simply a ‘teaching device’, or even something that it is part of the whole tradition of being a guru, is not easy to determine. It seems that all these factors merge together. But I also feel that many gurus genuinely believe their claim to avatarhood. Who knows, maybe some of them actually are avatars!” To debate whether they actually are avatars or not is beyond the scope of this article. What is important is to examine the effect proclamations of avatarhood have on gurus’ roles as teachers. Obviously, the claiming of a personal divinity by the guru for himself or herself skews the balance in the guru-disciple relationship. I mean, how can you question what God asks you to do, even if it is something that may damage you? The difference is when the guru proclaims a personal divinity for himself and holds out the same possibility for the disciple. Says Kazlev: “When a sycophantic disciple said to Sathya Sai Baba, ‘You are God!’ he turned around and said, ‘Yes, but so are you!’ We all have that divine nature within us. Another time he said to a devotee, ‘The only difference between me and you is that I know that I am God but you don’t know that you are God.’

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“Likewise, even though Da (Adi Da Samaraj) claims to be the avatar of this age, as one follower pointed out to me in an email, ‘It is not that he is God and you and I are not, it is that when the egoic mind is transcended it can be ‘seen’ that what is true of His realisation, is just as true for you and I as well.’ It is the paradox of reconciling the theistic avatar doctrine (I am God, you are not) with the egalitarian monistic realisation (I am God, but so are you. You just have to realise it).”

Dual vs non-dual This doctrinal divergence in some measure also s for the varying perceptions of the guru one comes across. Dualistic and theistic traditions like bhakti view the guru as an agent of the Divine, who will pull us out of our misery and bring us closer to the lotus feet of the Beloved. To accomplish this, the guru demands complete self-surrender, unflinching loyalty and unquestioning obedience. In non-dualistic traditions like Advaita and Buddhism, the guru is guide and teacher whose job it is to awaken the true guru that lies within. Rajiv Mehrotra makes this comparison in his introduction to The Mind of the Guru: “In…philosophies that derive from ideas of nonduality (Advaita), the striving is to awaken insight from within oneself, through one’s own efforts, rather than in relationship to an external idea or intervention…. The guru teaches and demonstrates the path. He does not ordinarily transmit some supernatural energy that catalyses dramatic and enduring transformation…. (In) theistic traditions, (the guru is) indicative of someone who has direct communication with God, who is completely intoxicated with the godhead and because of this is perceived as able to perform miracles and is to intervene, changing the course and direction of people’s lives.” Yet all streams of knowledge flow into one sea, and though their language might be different, all traditions speak of one truth. It might be easy to classify the bhakti guru as an ‘external’ person simply because the path is of love and devotion to embodied divinity, and to label the advaitin guru as ‘internal’ because their philosophy does not allow for any dualism, not even one of guru and disciple. On close inspection, reality is not so cut and dried. The bhakti guru’s supreme qualification is that he has merged into the vast ocean of Godconsciousness, lost his sense of limited self completely, and so can help others come to the same state. This light of knowing shines through in the words of eighth century poet Rabiaal-Adawiyya: “The one who explains, lies. / How can you describe / the true form of Something / In whose presence you are blotted out? / And in whose being you still exist?” Living in constant awareness of this “true form” is what the bhakti guru enables his student to do. Says an article in Back to Godhead, a magazine of the ISKCON movement, about their guru’s role: “Srila Prabhupada taught businessmen to do business for Krishna, artists to paint 314

and sculpt for Krishna, and scientists to use their brain power and know-how for Krishna. He taught mothers to raise Krishna-conscious children, actors to perform dramas depicting the pastimes of Krishna, and anyone and everyone to chant Hare Krishna and eat prasada, food offered to Krishna.” Krishna might be personified as the cowherd of Gokul at one level, but for the supreme bhakta, which is what the guru is, Krishna is all-pervasive consciousness in whose being all exists, as Rabia points out. Isn’t this the Brahman of the advaitin, and in a yet more refined understanding, the shunyata of the Buddhist? That which is nothing and everything at the same time, for only nothing can be everything and everywhere? Terminology varies, but the realisations feel part of the same garland, with the one thread of truth running through all flowers thus gathered together. Personifying impersonal Truth as an embodied presence is a tool gurus of all traditions, dual and non-dual, have used to help students focus attention and also cultivate positive feelings of love and seva that are important behavioural aspects of the path. In Vajrayana Buddhism, for example, deities are visualised to activate one’s feelings of comion and kindness. And gurus of non-dualistic traditions demand love and submission from disciples as much as those of dualistic traditions. Tibetan Buddhist guru Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche explains why: “Devotion is integral to being a Vajrayana practitioner…. It is crucial in Vajrayana to understand that the object of refuge—the guru—is the embodiment of all the buddhas as well as of the dharma, the sangha, and the devas, dakinis and dharmapalas. Basically, all objects of refuge are embodied in the guru…. If you think your guru is the Buddha himself—that is, you don’t imagine it but actually see him as the Buddha in person—then definitely you will receive the Buddha’s blessings. And…if you realise that it is actually your own buddhanature that is manifest in the form of the Buddha or the guru, you will receive the blessing of seeing everything as the Buddha, everything as the guru.”

Finding our guru The relationship we form with our guru is unlike any other relationship we experience in our lives. It spans emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of our being and is often related with powerful experiences of growth and transformation. In the Tibetan tradition, the root guru, who first initiates one, is looked upon as a mother. This shows how much we rely on the guru, and also the tremendous responsibility the guru takes on when he births us into the spiritual life. And just as a mother becomes a mother because of her baby, a guru becomes one in relation to the student. “Someone becomes a guru only in relation to a disciple. There is no special authority to qualify someone as a spiritual teacher. You are a teacher because you have students,” says the Dalai Lama. The guru-student relationship is thus one of mutuality, where two individuals become bound together by a pact whereby one teaches and shares and the other learns and grows. Due to the 315

intimatenature of this relationship, it is as important for the guru to find an apt pupil, as it is for the seeker to find an apt guru. They must fit well into one another and be able to operate with synchronicity. AsRamana Maharshi says: “He is the proper guru to whom your mind is attuned.” For the guru, the apt pupil is one who has a burning desire to learn, and who will practise sincerely and diligently. Advaitin guru Nisargadatta Maharaj says of the student: “The stronger your desire (for freedom), the easier comes the help. The greatest guru is helpless as long as the disciple is not eager to learn. Eagerness and earnestness are all-important. Confidence will come with experience. Be devoted to your goal—and devotion to him who can guide you. If your desire and confidence are strong, they will operate and take you to your goal, for you will not cause delay by hesitation or compromise.” Humility is stressed upon greatly too, as we see in the many Zen stories where only that student who had proved himself sufficiently humble by bearing all kinds of hardships was allowed to even enter the monastery. For most seekers, the process of finding the ‘right’ guru is arduous and understandably so. We lay bare the deepest core of our self to our guru, and we need to know that this person will take good care of us and be of benefit for us. There are several ways to determine this. Insight meditationteacher Jack Kornfield, who has himself studied with several Hindu and Buddhist gurus during his long spiritual journey, advises us to begin with the basics: “In seeking a teacher, we should inquire directly about how they teach. How do they view the path of practice, and what is the goal? What form does their practice take? How do they guide students? Will we be able to spend time with this teacher? Will we actually get their direct assistance? What kind of does the teacher give to students through the arduous parts of the spiritual journey? What is the sense of the communityaround the teacher? Then we need to look at what is asked of us. Does what is asked feel healthy and appropriate? What commitments are necessary? What kind of relationship is expected? How much time is required? What does it cost?” Of course, the first pre-requisite is that the guru himself should have tasted the water that he wishes for us to drink. He or she must be a self-realised individual who perhaps began the journey from a similar place of ignorance as us, and who has through effort and practice come to rest in an undifferentiated reality of being. We must be able to nose our own way through the woods with the lingering after-whiff of our guru’s presence as guide. Theravadin monk and abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in the US, Thanissaro Bhikkhu says: “A teacher should have experienced the deathless. In dharma, you have to be a good player before you can be a good coach. You have to know where you’re headed and how you got there.” The experience of studying and being with such a teacher can be profound. Zen master Suzuki Roshi’s student Trudy Dixon says about her teacher: “Because he is just himself, he is a mirror for his students. When we are with him, we feel our own strengths and shortcomings without any sense of praise or criticism from him. In his presence we see our original face, and the extraordinariness we see is only our own true nature.”

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This is Trudy’s experience after she had spent time with Suzuki Roshi. What about those of us who are beginners? How do we recognise the guru? We can go by these simple rules Ramana Maharshilays out for the beginner: “If you ask, how to decide who is the Guru and what is his swarupa (true nature), he should be endowed with tranquillity, patience, forgiveness and other virtues capable of attracting others even with the bare eye, like the magnetic stone, and with a feeling of equality towards all.”

Entering the river Our relationship with the guru is a kind of spiritual apprenticeship in which we learn as much from the guru’s personal conduct and actions as from his discourses and teachings, especially if we have the chance to live in close proximity of the guru. The big issue at the onset is of trust—how do I entrust myself to another person? This concern can be addressed by being able to check out our guru to evaluate for ourselves the claims made by him and on his behalf, before we commit ourselves. The Dalai Lama says: “From the student’s point of view it is important not to be hasty in choosing someone as your spiritual teacher. To begin with, you should simply regard your teacher as a spiritual friend and closely observe his or her behaviour, attitudes and ways of teaching, until you are confident of his or her integrity.” Then the trust we feel in our guru will be based on belief, rather something that we are told to do or expected to feel. Once we have entered the relationship, our guru will expect complete surrender of all arms we have in our arsenal to defend our limited notions of self, our delusions, our conduct—our ego. Demolishing this sense of self that we have so carefully nurtured all our lives is the first task of the guru, since we can begin learning anew only when we have unlearned past learning. This of course does not refer to things like the alphabet or life skills, but conditioning, self-scripts, and all the other stuff our sense of ‘I’ is built with and based upon. This surrender is often the most difficult thing we have ever had to do. Our guru may have to employ various measures to coax, cajole, or even scare us out of our conditioned mind. Whatever the means employed, they must be fragranced with the guru’s unconditional acceptance of us, and his disinterested yet comionate effort to help us grow. And all the true guru wants in return from us is ionate involvement in and unshakeable commitment to our own growth.

Ways Of Teaching There are as many and varied processes of teaching and transference of knowledge as there are gurus and students. Most gurus tend to teach from their own experience—they lead the student along the same stream following which they themselves entered the vast ocean of 317

understanding. Ideally, the guru must be able to vary the method according to the ability and sensitivity of the student. For instance if a student is burdened with emotional trauma, gentle counselling and direction to help him resolve these might be more helpful than, say, throwing him into intense meditation which might worsen his condition by digging up repressed issues. In a story from the Buddha’s life, he is explaining the various levels at which students under his care are being instructed. “Students who have an interest in inquiry are gathered there with my wisest disciple Sariputra,” he points out, “and those who are inspired by the practice of monastic discipline are there with Upali, foremost master of the monk’s life. Those drawn by psychic development are there with the great psychic Mogallana, and still others who are naturally drawn to concentration and samadhi are over there with Mahakassapa.” In being sensitive to the students’ needs, the guru is able to help the student move in the direction that is best suited for him at that point. The most common way for gurus to teach is through discourses and prescribing personal practices to individual disciples. Jnana is often combined with karma and bhakti to meet disciples’ need for intellectual stimulation along with adoration and guidelines for action. Some gurus might rely more on one aspect than the other. J. Krishnamurti, for instance, would ask those who came to him to arrive at truth on their own through logical questioning —a modern example of the old path of the Buddha where contents of self and consciousness were examined analytically and their inherent emptiness contemplated upon to arrive at the true nature of ourselves and reality. As the analyst, the guru takes on the role of therapist, encouraging the student to dive deeper into his mind to understand his true self. Gurus that occur within a lineage will often teach according to their tradition. Lineages are the ‘brand names’ of the spiritual world, pointers that tell the seeker what to expect. They are valuable as containers of wisdom and preservers of old knowledge, which still need dynamic gurus to keep them alive and relevant to the times they find themselves in. The Navnath Sampradaya (tradition of the nine Nath yogis) is an old spiritual lineage with historical roots in ninth century Nepal. Its powerful teachings gradually made their way to west India where its last two gurus, Siddharameshwar Maharaj (1875-1936) and Nisargadatta Maharaj (18971981), lived and taught. The latter was exemplary in his teaching life, and though placing greater emphasis on personal effort than lineage, said of his tradition: “It (Navnath Parampara) is like a river—it flows into the ocean of reality and whoever enters it is carried along.” When a starstruck disciple wanted to know if he could be initiated a ‘Navnath’, Maharaj was scathing in his response: “Please your word-addicted mind! The name will not change you…. The Navnath Sampradaya is only a tradition, a way of teaching and practice. It does not denote a level of consciousness.” Initiation by a guru is indeed an area of mystery for many of us, so one can understand the starstruck disciple’s curiosity. Gurus reputed to be siddhas (possessor of psychic powers or siddhis) particularly work this kind of initiation, also called shaktipat, wherein the master is said to transfer his energy into the disciple, opening his energy channels, causing spontaneous 318

experiences of ecstasy and visions. The disciple feels overwhelmed, as did Lama Ole Nydahl after his first meeting with the 16th Karmapa, believed to be a great siddha: “We stood in front of the Karmapa and he put his hands on our heads. We looked up, and suddenly he became greater than the whole sky, incredibly vast, golden and luminous… The power of the Karmapa has entered our lives.”

Gurus who transform their disciples through energy transmissions believe that the latter’s energy fields undergo rapid transformation under their influence. This, they maintain, is a quick way of effecting radical shifts in consciousness. The trick is not to get stuck in the seductive world of energy experiences, but to move beyond these too, onwards towards our true goal. This is one trap the gurumust warn us of and if necessary, extricate us from. In this regard, the story of Sufi master Irina Tweedie is interesting. She studied for several years with her Kanpur-based pir, Guru Bhai Sahib, who said of his teaching method: “We do not teach, we quicken. I am stronger than you so your currents adjust themselves to mine. This is a simple law of nature… If you let flow an electric current through two wires, side by side…the stronger will affect the weaker. It will increase its potency. It is so simple.” Guru Bhai Sahib was himself a householder, who lived a simple life and hardly gave any ‘teachings’ as it were. He expected his students to learn by being with him, observing him, and being ‘quickened’ by him. Teachers like Guru Bhai Sahib are the silent revolutionaries who are not ‘known’ beyond their small group of students, as they prefer to impart a holistic understanding of life rather than specific teachings. They just are, living lives that are outwardly unremarkable in mofussil towns, often with spouses and children, running shops and selling beedies (like Nisargadatta Maharaj did) for a livelihood. Such gurus are unknown and unsung, difficult for most urban seekers to find. But for those who do have the opportunity to learn from them, they are compelling examples of realisation in action, and the transcendence that is accessible right here, right now for followers of the path.

Snares And Snags As in any field of human endeavour, the institution of the guru has also been misused for selfpromotion, power and money. The veneration and unconditional surrender that is integral to therelationship opens up the possibility of exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. At some point or another, we have all heard of xyz guru using his position to milk his followers for money or for sexual abuse. That there exist charlatans in the garb of gurus is a reality that seekers cannot ignore. Following the steps outlined earlier under the subhead ‘Finding our guru’ might help us gather more information about the guru before we enter into a relationship. Here are common ‘red flags’ that we can train ourselves to recognise: 319

• Megalomania—Teachers who are given over to constant and blatant self-aggrandisement and who excuse their questionable conduct as great teaching events are to be avoided. They are mostly intolerant of genuine questions upon their teachings, and will denounce critics vehemently. • Power games—At times the guru may be genuine but has allowed the development of a hierarchy around him that gets its power from favours and proximity allowed by the guru. This results in cliquishness and political antics that poison the atmosphere of the community and any useful teaching that the guru may have to contribute is thus lost. If the guru himself abuses the power that his relationship with his disciples gives him for sexual, monetary or social gratification, he is definitely avoidable. • Materialistic aspirations—A teacher who seems ensnared by the desire to amass personal wealth has not managed to transcend anything. This does not mean all teachers who have ashrams or wealth are suspect; rather, it is the attitude they display to their possessions that matters. Those who do the King Janak and are in wealth as they are in squalor are true yogis. Those, however, who seem hungry for money and who goad their disciples to finance everincreasing material desires are definitely bad news. While the above-mentioned are the most common and easy-to-recognise signs that something is wrong with a guru or his organisation, there are other snags that might be insidious and less obvious. The demand for mental and spiritual servility, for instance, where no questioning is tolerated of the guru’s words, or the encouragement of spiritual materialism by the guru when he indulges in the ‘appearance’ of spirituality rather than concentrating on its practice. In these circumstances, the most precious tool we have is our viveka, power of discrimination. We all have an innate sense of balance that is quite apart from the ego-self. It is the impartial judging that will let us know when the water, and the guru, tastes bad. As Khandro Rinpoche told me in an interview last year: “I always tell monks and nuns that they mustn’t shave off their intelligence with their hair! If you’re not examining what you’re taught, that does more harm than good. You listen to something, think about it and examine carefully, and if you find something worthwhile, then you meditate on it. Otherwise you become a sheep in a flock being herded by a shepherd.” Alert to the possible dangers that may exist out there and having activating our viveka, we need to understand that it is not feasible to be unduly distracted from our task of learning by anticipation of exploitation or by becoming paranoid about it. It is also unwise to expect the teacher to be perfect in every way, so that when we come across any flaw which the teacher might have as a human being, we are not heartbroken. This happened in the case of J. Krishnamurti, when news of his long-termrelationship with an associate, which leaked out after his death, shattered the image many followers had of him and consequently left them feeling cheated.

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Deepak Chopra responds to the danger of this image-creation by students. “If you create an image of me, please know that the image will never conform to reality, because it never does,” he says. “Sooner or later your image of me will be defied and you will feel rage towards me. I’m telling you now to take responsibility for your images, and if they are defied, don’t be angry with me. Be angry with yourself! Take responsibility!” Accepting teachers as human will help us allow them at least some flaws of the human condition and free us of the burden of perfection we have placed on them. Employing honest questioning andcomion in our approach to our teacher’s flaws will help us take a more positive view of the situation. Another way of dealing with this complex relationship is what Jack Kornfield calls “taking what’s good”. He recounts once spending time with a teacher whose conduct inspired doubts in his mind. “It took weeks of inner struggle before it dawned on me that he was a great meditation teacher but otherwise a poor role model,” re Kornfield. “I realised that I could take what was beneficial and not buy the whole package. I didn’t have to imitate this man.” Taking what’s good from each teacher also brings us to the necessity of changing gurus. The path is dynamic, as are we, and we might outgrow a teacher after a period of time. When we feel a teacher has nothing new to offer, we must be able to cut the cord that ties us to him and move on to someone who will be able to guide us better in the next phase of our journey. As Nisargadatta Maharaj says: “Why not change? Gurus are like milestones. It is natural to move on from one to another. Each tells you the direction and the distance, while the sadguru, the eternal guru, is the road itself. Once you realise that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy.”

Our Inner Guru Most gurus hold their real job to be the awakening of the inner self of the disciple, which then acts as a constant companion and guide, dropping like an anchor within and steadying and balancing us in our true being. Our guru can only show the path, ultimately, we have to walk upon it ourselves, feel and taste it and explore it for ourselves. Our experience can be created solely by our own effort, and only that which we have experienced can be truly ours. The inner guru is our true self, and teaches us of itself once we have uncovered its wisdom. Ramana Maharshi, who was awakened with guidance from his inner guru, says: “The jnana guru of everyone is only the Supreme Self that is always revealing its own truth in every heart through the existence-consciousness ‘I am, I am’. The granting of beingconsciousness by him is initiation into jnana. The grace of the Guru is only this Selfawareness that is one’s own true nature. It is the being-consciousness by which he is unceasingly revealing his existence…. Since you are yourself the reality that is shining in the heart as being-consciousness, abide always as a sthita prajna (one who is established in wisdom) having thus realised your own true nature.” 321

This is the space where guru and self are thought to unite, where there exists an unbroken unity of being and our individual consciousness has leached out from its confined space to merge with all that is, including our human guru. Evolving and expanding, we break through barriers holding us down, keeping us back. For some, this means becoming one with the guru, for others, it is the integration of the guru with all life. For once we have experienced the oneness, all of life has the potential to act as our guru. Attuned to the core of life, which pulsates in us as it does in all creation, even commonplace experiences become profound and rich with meaning. Falling leaves outside our window teach us of death and impermanence; a cranky child the need for patience. The acme of our spiritual apprenticeship is in, quite deliciously, our becoming a universal student, where our apprenticeship spreads out to embrace the entire playing field of life, instead of being limited to one person.

10 Commandments For Success In Life Here are ten points gleaned from the writings of Sri Swami Sivananda, which can lead any individual towards success in their chosen path in life. These guidelines have the power to benefit you - physically, mentally and spiritually. 1. Have a simple and unassuming manner of life. 2. Live not to eat, but eat to live. 3. Bear no envy. Commit no slander. Speak no falsehood. Practise no deceit. Harbor no malice. You will be ever joyful, happy and peaceful. 4. Righteousness is the rule of life. Lead a virtuous life. Strictly adhere to Dharma. Human life is not human without virtues. Study the lives of saints and draw inspiration from them. 5. Cultivate a melting heart, the giving hand, the kindly speech, the life of service, equal vision, and impartial attitude. Your life will, indeed, be blessed. 6. Lead a regulated life. Take hold of each day as if it were the last day, and utilize every second in prayer, meditation and service. Let your life become a continuous sacrifice to God. 7. Live in the present. Forget the past. Give up hopes of the future. 8. Understand well the meaning of life, and then start the quest. 9. Life is thy greatest gift. Utilize every second profitably. 10. Success often comes to those who dare and act. It seldom comes to the timid.

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IMPACT OF DHARMA GURU IN LIFE The Quantum Technology And Impact Of The Shabad Guru Another approach to understand the impact of the Shabad Guru is to follow the functional changes in brain metabolism and the neuro-endocrine system. We wondered if we could see some trace of such an effect using brain imaging technology. Many years ago, we set up a pilot study at the University of Arizona using a P.E.T. scan - Positron Emission Tomography. We used an isotope of glucose to see changes in metabolism in different areas of the brain. We took a baseline scan after a period of activity - walking and normal internal dialogue. A second scan was taken in the same subject after a period of walking while using a basic Shabad Pattern, i.e., 2 repetitions of the Panj Shabad followed by one repetition of the Guru Mantra Shabad: Sa Ta Na Ma, Sa Ta Na Ma, Wha Hay Gu Ru. The researchers expected little change with such a subtle variation in activity. The results showed a powerful shift in the function of the left hemisphere to the right frontal and parietal regions. The metabolic shift suggests a strong mood enhancement, countering any depression. The metabolic drop in some regions of the left hemisphere corresponds to a lessening of inner critical voices. The areas of the right frontal cortex suggest alertness and hypervigilence, which creates a readiness to respond to unusual stimuli and to creative thoughts. Some other areas seemed affected, like the anterior cingulated gyrus, but it will take further research to map the changes completely. This was a small initial study to sample what we could notice using this instrumentation. What is important about this study is that it is the first study to show a significant brain shift from the use of the Shabad Guru. The brain can be shifted in specific patterns by the use of Jappa (meditative, conscious repetition) with the Shabad Guru. It opens the way to begin the exploration of the tongue, sound, shabad, neuro-chemical, brain connection. These technological approaches and brain connections open the way to teaching a broad audience about the benefits and use of the Shabad Guru. For some, devotion is the natural approach. For others it is the immediate difference it makes in their lives. The explanations need to be practical and accessible, so the Shabad Guru can be known as a quantum technology anyone can use. For a more extensive explanation of some basic links between the brain, its structures and the use of sound, see Appendix III of this paper. (Not yet on-line.) Understanding the technological process of the Shabad Guru in this way invites its use to alleviate many modern-day maladies. In fact, we have investigated for over 25 years the application of this technology in many social programs to end addiction, and a range of psychological problems from anxiety, to depression, to sexual disturbances. In every area we created change, alleviated symptoms and changed lifestyles. Just as the Gurus created social change and provided food and education to change people's lives, the Shabad Guruapproached as a quantum technological process can be used to alleviate many personal and social ills. Affirmations and positive statements are helpful and good to use. Mantras are effective and gradually create changes. But the Shabad Guru as captured in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib is unique. The patterns are a perfect weave of rhythm, sound, tone, focus and meaning. They act 323

as informational DNA for the spirit. There is nothing as effective and universal as those patterns.

The Quantum Technology and Impact of the Shabad Guru The human body is analogous to a musical instrument. It is constructed with72 strings. Each string or "sur" acts like a meridian - it is a flow of the energy of life called prana. The inflow of cosmic energy into the body cascades through the crown of the head, the "tenth gate," like a waterfall and collects in seven pools or special vortices. Those pools are called chakras or energy centers. The 72 strings are controlled by three central strings or channels. These are called the ida and pingala - the left and right channels to either side of the spine, and the shushmana - the central channel up the middle of the spine. The upper centers vibrate with the release of each independent thought. The thoughts of the mind are released at a rate as high as a thousand per blink of an eye. These vibrations or patterns of thought "pluck" those strings. The strings vibrate into 72,000 channels. Their vibration creates the shape and function of the physical body, the emotional body and the mental body. Just as you stroke a string on an instrument and it forms a shape in the air. If you can vibrate a pattern in the central channel it will induce a synchronous pattern throughout all the rest of the strings. To vibrate a Shabad in the central channel you must become still, bring your full attention to the sound pattern and let go of your attachments by devotion or surrender. To vibrate perfectly it requires a combination of Shakti and Bhakti. Shakti is the power of precision and discipline in the repetition. It is the pure energy which enforces all implementation without human tiredness. Bhakti is the feeling of surrender and devotion; it is the devoted dedication which provides the energy to complete everything. It is form and flow, sun and moon, rhythm and tone in perfect blend. That opens the intuitive knowledge of the central channel -Gian. The thousand thoughts released by the mind can distract you. They can pull you away from the Shabad. But the rhythmic Naad of the Shabad Guru engages and synchronizes the flow of thoughts. The pulse of the atoms of sound produce a pattern of energy that structures the space of the mind to link with the Shabad. This produces an active stillness, a shuniya, a zeropoint in consciousness. In that stillness you are like an instrument perfectly played in an orchestra. Your instrument merges into the larger tune. Another map for the mechanism and impact of the Shabad Guru traces the reflexes between tongue and brain. The body is perfectly designed to use the Naad or rhythm of the Shabad Guru. There is a connection between the movement of the tongue in the mouth and the chemistry and neuro-transmitters in the brain. One end of this connection is an array of 84 reflex points on the upper palate of the roof of the mouth. The palate has two parts: hard and soft. The hard palate is located directly behind the teeth; the soft palate is located on the roof of the mouth. 64 points (32 pairs) are located along a "U" on the hard palate near the base of each tooth. 20 more points are in a ‘U" on the roof of the mouth. The exact location varies in each person to conform to the unique shapes of the mouth.

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The movement of each part of the tongue stimulates these meridian points. The points are like a keyboard input to a computer. The computer is located in the hypothalamus area of the brain. It receives the impulses from the repetition of the patterns of sound in the Shabad. This is translated into instructions that regulate chemical messengers that go to all vital areas of the brain and body. The hypothalamus lies just below the thalamus in the midline of the brain. It is connected by blood vessels to the pituitary gland - the master gland of the body. The hypothalamus is known to regulate vital functions like hunger, drinking, body temperature and sleep. It also triggers the regulation of moods, emotional behavior and sexuality. The special patterns of the Shabad Guru stimulate the hypothalamus to change the chemistry of the brain. This adjusts the functions of the endocrine system and the metabolism to create a neutral balanced mind, and to strengthen the immune function. Many sophisticated states can be stabilized in the mind using the Shabad Guru. It can conquer depression, enhance intelligence and intuition, and open the power of comion.

The Quantum Technology and Impact of the Shabad Guru Another approach to understand the impact of the Shabad Guru is to follow the functional changes in brain metabolism and the neuro-endocrine system. We wondered if we could see some trace of such an effect using brain imaging technology. Many years ago, we set up a pilot study at the University of Arizona using a P.E.T. scan - Positron Emission Tomography. We used an isotope of glucose to see changes in metabolism in different areas of the brain. We took a baseline scan after a period of activity - walking and normal internal dialogue. A second scan was taken in the same subject after a period of walking while using a basic Shabad Pattern, i.e., 2 repetitions of the Panj Shabad followed by one repetition of the Guru Mantra Shabad: Sa Ta Na Ma, Sa Ta Na Ma, Wha Hay Gu Ru. The researchers expected little change with such a subtle variation in activity. The results showed a powerful shift in the function of the left hemisphere to the right frontal and parietal regions. The metabolic shift suggests a strong mood enhancement, countering any depression. The metabolic drop in some regions of the left hemisphere corresponds to a lessening of inner critical voices. The areas of the right frontal cortex suggest alertness and hypervigilence, which creates a readiness to respond to unusual stimuli and to creative thoughts. Some other areas seemed affected, like the anterior cingulated gyrus, but it will take further research to map the changes completely. This was a small initial study to sample what we could notice using this instrumentation. What is important about this study is that it is the first study to show a significant brain shift from the use of the Shabad Guru. The brain can be shifted in specific patterns by the use of Jappa (meditative, conscious repetition) with the Shabad Guru. It opens the way to begin the exploration of the tongue, sound, shabad, neuro-chemical, brain connection. These technological approaches and brain connections open the way to teaching a broad audience about the benefits and use of the Shabad Guru. For some, devotion is the natural approach. For others it is the immediate difference it makes in their lives. The explanations need to be practical and accessible, so the Shabad Guru can be known as a quantum technology anyone can use. 325

For a more extensive explanation of some basic links between the brain, its structures and the use of sound, see Appendix III of this paper. (Not yet on-line.) Understanding the technological process of the Shabad Guru in this way invites its use to alleviate many modern-day maladies. In fact, we have investigated for over 25 years the application of this technology in many social programs to end addiction, and a range of psychological problems from anxiety, to depression, to sexual disturbances. In every area we created change, alleviated symptoms and changed lifestyles. Just as the Gurus created social change and provided food and education to change people's lives, the Shabad Guruapproached as a quantum technological process can be used to alleviate many personal and social ills. Affirmations and positive statements are helpful and good to use. Mantras are effective and gradually create changes. But the Shabad Guru as captured in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib is unique. The patterns are a perfect weave of rhythm, sound, tone, focus and meaning. They act as informational DNA for the spirit. There is nothing as effective and universal as those patterns.

The Impact Of A Guru In Your LIfe..An Experience. The Truth about Sanathana Dharma is:"You learn the most difficult subject on earth,about 'Aathma' Only from your Guru..provided your Guru is a Qualified Acharya" This is a profound statement not by me, but by Adi Sankaracharya Himself! My experiences in my life have taught me many lessons and many miracles have happened and I still search for an answer 'how these things have happened?" (pls try to read the article below to know about these miracles) I only take solace that it is because of my Total Faith in my Guru, Kanchi Paramacharyal,whose Jayanthi,which is being celeberated by many Faithfuls from New Jersey to Nasik!

From one of my Souvenirs Published in NIgeria on His Jayanthi Day in 1985! To know about His Greatness I wd like to quote a few instances from learned scholars of our time: Year : 1978 I went all the way near Cuddapah,where He was camping near a river and when He was in a jovial mood,suddenly a few cars came rushing and along with Keshub Mahendra of 326

Mahendras,came Nani Palkhiwala. Palkhiwala:"I came to pay my respects to You " Paramacharya:"There must be a reason behind it!"smilingly Nani:"yes.Morarjibhai has asked me to take the Ambassadorship in USA and I thought I shd seek Your blessings before I take that assignment" Paramacharya:"This is probably your First assignment'inside the Govt'"smilingly(indirectly meaning Palkhiwala was always opposed to the earlier GOvts. Palkiwala:"Yes.Thats why" He blessed Palkiwala and crowd started gathering within a few minutes... I have seen Dala Lama coming to see Him in Kanchipuram and when Paramacharya asked Dalai Lama "But for your efforts Budhism wd have also disappeared from our society" Dalai Lama:"I dont know what I have done" Paramacharyal:"The Greatness of our culture is the Living Examples of People like you,People must try to be attracted towards the culture by the shear Magnetic power of the People who preach,beacuse they listen only to those who also do Practise what they Preach" One of the True Disciples cum devotees of Paramacharya is Balu Mama,as seen in the above picture.. whenever I go to Kanchipuram,even today,he re my Days with Paramacharya.. In one such incident I Him going into Meditation suddenly,and there were lot many people singing prayer songs,one Shiva Baktha from Thiruvannamalai started rendering "Avvayar Ahaval"... But Nothing disturbed this Great Sage..He went into Meditation and I cdn't wait for more than 1 hr and still He was in a different World.. Thats the Greatness of Acharyas..

I was attending 'Brhama Sutra Bashyam' programme by Swami Dayananda Saraswathi in Rishikesh in 2001!During these lectures I was sitting by the side of an elderly gentleman ,Krishnamurthy from Hyderabad. One day he saw in my book the above Picture of Paramacharya and asked me:"Do you have experience with Him..?" "Yes.Many.."I narrated a few. He replied.."shall I tell you about mine?" He said in 1978(probably Paramacharyal was 85 yrs old!) "I heard He was visiting Secunderabad..That was my First experience and hence I went to see Him.They said He has just started walking towards a village nearby.We all went to the roadside.It was End May and the temp was around 41*!We started looking for HIm and located Him and His disiples on the Road towards Hyderabad..My God!We tried our best to catch up with Him..but He was walking so fast that it was impossible for us to catch HIm at all.Atlast I had to give up chasing HIm and I resorted to taking a car and went and had His 327

Darshan in Hyderabad..at that age I have never seen any one walking in that Heat so fast ..It is Divine power.Incidentally I was only 48yrs old!" he smiled.. He said he is a practising IT Consultant and from that time onwards something attracted him and his family towards Him for ever!

Experience of DR.Raja Ramanna.. In his writing Dr.Raja Ramanna has this to reveal: "In my later days,I started taking lots of interest in Advaithic Philosophy and in one of my visits to Madras,I wanted my colleagues in Madras to seek an appointment with Kanchi Paramacharya,as I have heard so much about HIm and I wanted to have a special Darshan with Him... As soon as I landed in Madras I asked my colleague'Have you fixed an appointment with Kanchi Paramacharyal?" He was silent. I asked him again. He said'none seeks or gets prior appointments with Kanchi Acharya.We only have to take a chance and avoid those days He observes Mounam!' Then I realised 'my folly' and I decided to go all the way.. when I visited Him in Kanchipuram,He was in a very Jovial mood.. He asked amidst various things about Einsten and what my opinion is about the changes in Atomic theory (Advaitham is indirectly reflected in indivisiblity of an Atom!) Then suddenly He asked me about a particular book(I forget the name here) and what I feel about it.I was totally taken aback as it is the very book I was reading at that time on my journey..The discussions went on from Viveka Choodamani...to Brahma Sutram to indivisiblity of an Atom and I came out with such memory that I felt very very happy indeed" Infact Dr.Raja Raman's has quoted Viveka Choodamani extensively which I have published in my souvenir in Nigeria in 1985! Kanchi Paramacharya has been a Great Experience in my personal life and from my experiences,which has been published in the Sathabthi Souvenir(link is given below)one can conclude that I was a Raw,totally unacceptable,Egoistic,adamant Executive,with full of 'Thimir'(arrogance) when I first visited Him! Then what happened to me!

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Chapter:14 FINDING

The following findings are made on the basis of data analysis from the previous Chapter.  Role of dharma gurus is most important in our life. Because it decrease our stress, frustration etc. They solve our problem and sussest the people what should we do or not.  They have many ashram and Dham which is socity welfare or people welfare. They help people specially poor people or helpless people.  Preaching is a important for people because after preaching people know what is right or worng and they feel relax after hearing philosphy of Gurus.  Yoga, meditation,art of living is most important for our health. Gurus learn how to do this in beter way.Firstly they know what is our problem then they learn how to do yoga to solve this problem.

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SUGGESTION    

Gurs should increase social welfare activities and enhance their effort. They should enhance charity activity. They Should Develop their Ashram or Dhams or spiritual institute They should increase or enhance preaching activity not only India but all over world.

They sould develope their religion, value or norms.  Yoga is most important for people so Gurus should develope this area not only Yoga but meditation and art of living.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Websites  www.Google.com  www.wikipedia Books  Back to the Vedas

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WORDS OF THANKS

I am thankful to my parents who me and finance this project without then I would not be able to complete my project. I would like to say hearty thanks to our chairman D.K. Garg as because he has given me the opportunity to do the summer training project which was very knowledgeable and beneficial. Also I would like to thanks all of them, who in some or the other way help me to accomplish this project.

The research study can’t be completed without their guidance, assistance

inspiration, and co-operation. A large number of individuals have contributed directly or indirectly in this project I am thankful to all of them for their help and encouragement. By doing this project I have learned so many things about the organization culture and environment. After that I would thanks to those who have helped me directly or indirectly in the successful completion of the project. I am thankful to my parents who me and finance this project without then I would not be able to complete my project. At last but not the least I am also thankful to the management of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, my guide Sri B. Ananda for his guidance was a miles stone in completion of my project. As a result I could accomplish my project successfully.

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