In The Presence

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

On Workingsday this coming week, some of the insights gained from discourse with Pujya Swami-ji will begin. First, though, a little about being in his presence.

It was not unplanned that the trip Down Under was to coincide, at its beginning, with the annual visit of Pujya Swami Swaroopananda to the Sydney Chinmaya Mission Centre. Whilst Guru-ji, Swami Tejomayananda, remains the supreme head of Mission, he no longer wishes to travel the world (he had a triple-bypass on his heart a few years back and although remaining well, the strain of world travel is not to be taken lightly). Thus it was that he handed over the lamp of leadership to Pujya Swami-ji.

Guru-ji now attends to all matters within India and to online tutorials, writing and his own saadhana.

Pujya Swami-ji attends to all matters globally but also carries some of the Indian responsibility.

Both are teachers par excellence who pay attention always to the individuals before them. They exude Love Universal and care for one's wellbeing. It has been over two years since this individual has spent time in the presence of Pujya Swami-ji yet, despite all the thousands he must have met and mingled with in that time, he singled her out and enquired warmly and genuinely as to her condition and status. "Yamini-amma, so delightful to see you! Come walk with me…"

Not of physically tall stature, there is nevertheless an immense presence. When addressing you, he will look you directly in the eye - and you will know he sees more than your surface. It is impossible to hide oneself from such a master. Even as you pace out the flagstones with him, you know you are observed and there is a sense of calm yet exhilaration. No matter how weary one may feel, energy comes. No matter the pain in one's bones, strength is found to overcome it. All these things, and more combine to encourage one to continue to adhere to one's own saadhana, to continue to delve into the scriptures and meditation and to evolve, even the remotest amount, towards such as represented by this presence.

Again, one is reminded of the importance of Satsang; being in the presence of the wise.

Parampara

Hari OM

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

Yamini-amma is having a fruitful time away from AV-central. Enjoying discourses with Pujya Swami Swaroopananda in Sydney was a highlight!

The altar was set beautifully, with images of Sri Tapovanam and Gurudev, showing deference to the parampara (tradition) of teaching. Swami-ji was in fine form relating anecdotes and giving examples of how it is we are the source of our own misery, as per the first 40 shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita. 

Param-Gurudev - the 'Grandfather' Guru

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

It is time to celebrate the 'godfather' of the mission, Gurudev's own Guru, Swami Tapovan Maharaj. It is termed 'Jayanti', which means birthday and this was nominated as the date of this sadhu's birth, the actual date being uncertain. Within Chinmaya Mission, the Gita Jayanti is also celebrated on this date although, strictly speaking, the date for that festival varies. Today, enjoy this short film about Sri Tapovan-ji.

Dedicated Space

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

A little clip placing purpose of a building in which to worship...

Practice

Hari OM

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

There has been talk, in recent posts, of vairaagya. It takes practice (abhyaasa - to drill, to make habit of...) to reach an appropriate level of dispassion that is balanced.

For another point of view on this and to hear from another of the teachers within the mission, CLICK HERE.

Sw. Nikhilananda is head of the Delhi centre and a most inspirational speaker with a common touch. He finds examples we can all identify with. This transcript from a discourse he gave reads a little clumsily, (Indian English), but it is worth pursuing!

Celebration

Hari Om

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

Mastakabhishek of Sri Hanuman; this is a festival held only every three years and celebrates the installation of the large murti on the grounds of Chinmaya Mission Sidhabari, Himachal Pradesh. It is quite the event...

Study On-line

Hari Om

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

Nothing beats being in a study group. All this reading is fine and good when no other option is there… however, Chinmaya International Foundation is now offering study opportunities through the wonderment that is modern technology… Webinars!

This is particularly pertinent throughout the upcoming month of September, for three of the texts we have covered here are going to be broadcast, and in the case of Tattva-bodaH and Aatmabodh, the aachaaryas will be a lady and gentleman who were batchmates of Yamini-amma at Sandeepany.

Anyone can register and the cost is very reasonable; do consider taking on this study as a backup to what you have learned here. Exploring the texts in this different medium and interactively will surely aid your understanding and bring even more clarity!

To see what is on offer, CLICK HERE.

Expectation of the Student

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

Sandeepany Sadhanalaya is the ashram school which began Gurudev's great mission to ensure as many people as were capable could learn Advaita Vedanta to its fullest, in the shortest amount of time and to a level where they, in turn, were qualified to take that learning out into the wider world. Even if one never became a teacher at the end, one could not help but be deeply affected and find that life is better lived when vedanta is applied. There are a few, naturally, who don't "get it", but that's okay too. The day that the entire world is filled with people who see and experience the same thing, will be the day the world has served its purpose and will be absorbed back into the Great Unity. Until then, we must find it within ourselves to agree to disagree, (though, of course, there a those who disagree to a point that battles and wars arise - 'tis the way of things).

Last week, on Ganesh Chathurti, the seventeenth batch of students were inaugurated at Sandeepany, Mumbai. They were reminded about the Sanskrit perception about the seeker from a video clip of Gurudev. Here, for your own edification, are the words of the Master.

Swami Ishwarananda Speaks

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

On the Chinmaya Mission channel, there are a number of interviews with various members of the mission who tell of their own experiences with their Guru, Swami Chinmayananda. This one is particularly easy to listen to (sound is sometimes a bit variable - headphones recommended); Swami Ishwarananda is the senior resident aachaarya of Chinmaya Mission in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. and one of the directors of Chinmaya Mission West. He is a dynamic speaker, regularly sought after by several companies, universities and inter-faith consortia to deliver talks to their employees, students and congregations. Modern satsang!

Further Gems

Hari OM

Freedays continue sharing views from YAM's trip to CM Mumbai.

Another gem of the new setup called Pradeep, was the 'walkway to realisation'. The Mahaavaakyas having now been explained in a nutshell to you, there was also a physical representation on a boardwalk incline.

© Yamini MacLean

There are quotes and prompts for contemplation to help us understand what is involved in this process.

As stated, it is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a full-immersion experience.

There are warnings also, of the many hurdles and pitfalls along the way. No matter how adept one may become, there is danger right until that goal is at last attained. It can be quite easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of self-work which must be undertaken.

The aim is to purify oneself right down to the seed of each thought. A daily struggle!

The walkway also gave encouragement and hope.

© Yamini MacLean - beware the ego pit!

© Yamini MacLean

© Yamini MacLean

At the top of the boardwalk, one turns around and can see more clearly. There is no clutter to one's vision, no distracting pattern or colour.
There is clarity.

This part of Pradeep also gave much joy.

The tie-in  to the teachings under way also added to this. 'Stuff' was getting stirred up. There was reminder of one's purpose, which may have gotten a bit crusted-over in the past three years.

There was also a sense of an ending and beginning. Exactly what that's about remains to be discovered!!!

Some Gems

Hari Om

Random Freeday here!

Some of the change at the ashram of Sandeepany was the setting up a an interactive display centre for visitors to explore, within a museum/gallery-like environment...but in the open air... the entire history of Gurudev and the mission. There some gems amongst the clutter. (Yes, one felt it to be a bit too much in a small area - but that is purely a personal opinion.)

The key point to get across is the Sanskrit philosophy of Advaita Vedanta... the Knowledge system which culminates in the understanding of 'all is one and One is All'. It even incorporates its own vision of what is currently referred to as the Big Bang theory, only it was envisioned and deducted through reasoning and observation by the Rsis of millennia past.

We like to think that WE are the BEST generation, the THINKING generation and so on. However, only by delving properly into these ancient teachings does one come to understand that there is truly no original thought and that the thinking patterns and standards of the human race are no greater now than they were six thousand and more years ago. All that is happening is that we are developing the external equipments which can measure and annotate everything which can be seen, or even 'not seen', yet still be of the material existence. These are beginning to prove what the Rsis postulated.

Sadly, in the rush for all this empirical evidence, we have cut away and even abolished any notion of the subtlest of existences. For those with no other way, it is referred to as 'God'. Vedanta does not call it so - but allows for all the possibilities that everyone needs as they fight their way up the intellectual ladder to finally reach the understanding of OM, Brahma and the emergence of 'it all'. ...please do not mistake this for condescension, it is simple statement of how things are and these things are written - and they are far from 'new age'!

© Yamini MacLean

There are many great statements in the teachings, but there are four key ones - the Mahaavaakyas. These are the cornerstones of the advaitic scholar and also the way-markers for one's inner and intellectual progress. They are not mere words, they are to be experienced, through study, deep and meaningful contemplation, meditation.

One of the gems at the new Pradeep centre is a small set of 'temples' through which one can move, lingering and meditating as one does so, upon each of these Supreme Statements.

प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म / prajnaanam brahma; 
Consciousness Alone IS.

Through logic and experimentation of all their theories of the material world and the human critter, the Rsis determined, finally, that there is one unifying force/energy/presence upon which all that we perceive is at play... just as we, at our base, animal level, have a concept that "I am", so there is a single and stable "I AM" which is aware of All. It is of the nature of consciousness, subjective in nature and thus will ever elude all attempts to seek it materially.

Everything which manifests as 'existence' is but a reflection of that Universal Consciousness principle. IT is the background energy, the substratum, upon which all this sits and acts and is the power behind all the process of change.

Consciousness (Brahma) ever was, ever is and ever shall be.

At some point Consciousness became Self Aware and Existence (materially) manifested. The sound which arose at that point was OM. It is the background music of the universe.

This will continue in the March Freedays. Next week is Maha Shivraatri...

Blessings Given and Received

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

This being Christmas Eve, let there be good cheer among you all.

This night has been chosen to symbolise and mark the arrival of an incarnation of God in form of his 'Son', Yeshu. In the Hindu tradition, saints and sages are perceived also as incarnations of Godhead. In strict Vedantic terms, we are all that exactly - God manifest in living form, but we have forgotten this in our little ego needs and greeds. Thus the saints and sages are required to keep us reminded, to correct and guide us, to nurture the Divine within us so that it does not get extinguished entirely.

Neither are saints and sages a thing of history. If we are blessed, we will come into the presence of such in this life and this century itself. Each time will produce its spiritual giants. Please share today, a recognition of one such saint held close to the heart of this Aatmaavrajanam.

Giving Thanks

Hari Om

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

Vaak puja is to offer service through the voice alone. There is currently a ripple of such within Chinmaya Mission being prepared for Guru-ji. Centres and aachaaryas from around the globe are involved in getting 30second film snippets from their congregations and these will be collated for presentation in January. The following is an example. Swamini Aaraadhanaananda (1st speaker) and Dheepna-ben (3rd speaker) are close friends of this Aatmaavrajanam and it is a delight to see them!

This is an opportunity also to wish all United States readers a warm and peaceful THANKSGIVING!

Completion

Hari OM

Sounds-day is for listening/viewing a variety of devotional items from and for all ages and traditions.

Something a little different today; the 'sounds' are of the diiksha ceremony of the latest batch of students from Sandeepany. This is only an hour in length and whilst the students themselves may not be of particular interest to you, what is lovely to listen to are the speeches given by the different leaders of the ceremony. Much is learned about the workings of CM but also, particularly from Brahmananda-ji, about how to face life. Chanting of the 108 names of Gurudev is a mantra japa. This 'graduation' took place three weeks ago.

Om Shri Sat Guru Maharaajaki Jai!

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

Today is Gurudev's mahaasamaadhi araadhana day. Anniversary of his passing from the body. CCMT has produced this short video. It demonstrates washing of the Guru's feet in gratitude and devotion; but it also shows Gurudev at his letter writing. He literally wrote thousands. It was known that he slept little more than two hours a night and most of the dark hours were when he got his correspondence done. Any of his devotees who made a request for guidance would receive one of his typically brief and to-the-point writings. Actually, the example given here is longer than most! Gurudev was a fellow who could say what needed to be said in minimum words.

To have a Guru instruct one thus can seem harsh at times, if we are stuck in our ego and invested in hearing the answer we want rather the answer we need. The Guru's job is not to make the student feel good, neither is it to make the student feel bad, but is to make the student sit and up and think for his or herself, setting them off on a quest!

All that is required is that you start on the path, then the way will become clear.

Jai Shri Gurudev!

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

Tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of Gurudev's birth. You will not be surprised, therefore, to find here an homage to our venerable founder and revered Guru!

Swami Sings

Hari OM

Sounds-day is for listening/viewing a variety of devotional items from and for all ages and traditions.

Yesterday you heard Swami Siddhananda-ji's memories of Gurudev - today enjoy his leading of a session of bhajans. Swami-ji has also recorded for CM publications and his discs can be obtained from the centres and online.

Swami Siddhananda CM West - Gurudev Memories

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

There was a video which was scheduled earlier and then had been held back by CM - but is has reappeared, thankfully! Sound has been much improved - indeed it is very strong, so perhaps a suggestion would be to begin with your volume turned a little lower - especially if wearing earphones. You have been warned &*> It does vary a little, as in the middle there is a shift to 'outside broadcast'… standing before the Jagadeeshwara Temple doors on the ashram.

Swami Siddhananda is currently in charge of the Chinmaya Publications West, based in Tristate, Philadelphia, USA. He is one of CM's most senior acharyas, who studied directly under Swami Chinmayananda. He is also a versatile artist, good at singing, drawing and painting. In this interview, he shares many interesting details about his interactions with Pujya Gurudev.

Shining Light

Hari Om

'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…

Number four of the Gurudev clips. This is a wonderful, clear message from the Gita, delightfully illustrated by Gurudev, regarding our tendency to run our lives according to what we like - and what we don't…

ANNOUNCEMENT!! Here is another delight… the recent movie about Gurudev's journey from freedom fighter and atheistic journalist to a man of highest spiritual living is finally being released on DVD; YAM had the blessing of seeing a screening of the film on a visit home to Sydney at the end of 2015 - it holds a special place in heart not only for the story it portrays, but for the very direct involvement; the younger actor playing the part of Gurudev is a 'batchmate' from studies at Sandeepany. This movie is in English, other subtitles are available. It is possible to pre-order a copy of the DVD using this form linked…. Or it can be obtained from your nearest CM centre.

Of Yellow And Orange

Hari OM

Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.

...sadly, there had been prepared here a video of an interview which was most insightful as to Gurudev and his ways - but it has, just before publishing here,  been moved to 'private' on CM channel - it may yet reappear (it may simply be an editing thing).  The interviews are conducted by one 'nun' of the mission who is mentioned in the paragraph which I have left below...

Perhaps, to 'pad' the space left by this removal, it may be worth mentioning that the yellow clothes are worn by Brahmacharins; monks and nuns who are still considered to be students and who serve the mission in various ways; majority in ashrams and devotional centres around India and many overseas countries. At a time their seniors consider it appropriate, they may be given sanyaas deeksha and are permitted to wear the orange clothes, indicating they are well-established in their personal saadhana as well as devoted service to mission. Those who are dedicated to saadhana but who may not yet have committed to full mission work (such as Yamini-amma) wear white clothes when engaging in saadhana and teaching work, but are permitted to wear 'street clothes' for other activity. To put this into context if readers are familiar with church 'ranks'; the white is akin to lay-preacher, the yellow to general priesthood or pastor-ship, and the orange is bishop and higher.... rankings within the orange are not generally made other than by deference for length of time served and/or the type of service being rendered. 

Brni. Praarthana, who has conducted this series of interviews, was given Sanyaas Deeksha at Mahashivraatri this month and is now Swamini Samarpitananda. In that same group, one other Indian-based lady was promoted; but especially pleasing to YAM is that all of the Australian brahmacharins also received the orange! He who was Gopal-ji of Sydney, and YAM's first teacher in Vedanta, is now Swami Shrikarananda (far right of this picture). Additionally, a batchmate of hers, who had remained in white till this time, is seen here taking yellow, kneeling at front left; our Rahul-bhai is now Br. Makarand. A joyous occasion!