Swami Ramswarupanandaji from Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh was invited
to visit Australia as a representative of Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj
and Guru Maharaj Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. Swamiji arrived on 1st July
2000 and was accorded a very warm welcome.
The following is a report on the Divine Life Society of Australia's
activities and Swamiji's visit.
Satsangs were held at the homes of various devotees.
On the 4th July a Satsang was held at Narayanaswamy and Geetamataji's home,
where devotees from India and Sri Lanka had gathered. There was a question
and answer session and Swamiji gave pointed answers to all queries, enunciating
His answers with anecdotes. Swamiji mentioned that their home had been
blessed by GuruMaharaj Swami Chidanandaji and was also named "Saubhagya"
by Him.
Swami Ramaswarupanandaji spoke on the subject of Death, describing the transmigratory process of the individual soul. Swami Damodarananda concurred with Swamiji on the same subject describing the process of death and the goal of life from the Bhakti point of view.
Regular Friday Bhagavad Gita classes were held in
which Swamiji participated.
About 150 devotees had gathered to celebrate the function. Invocatory prayers were chanted and bhajans were sung. Paduka Puja ceremony was conducted by Sri Udit Ramji and Shri ShivPrasad Bhattji. Later, Swamiji gave a discourse on the significance of Guru Purnima, enunciating the Guru principle behind the ceremony. He explained how we should view Guru as a Tatwa (principle) and the efficacy of the Guru mantra. The difference between the Guru's blessings and Guru's grace (Guru Kripa) was explained, detailing the necessity of being a fit receptacle to be able to receive Guru Kripa. The discourse was well received and Swamiji personally distributed Bhoga and Jnana Prasad to all the devotees present. As Guru Purnima offerings many devotees donated to the Leprosy Relief Fund.
Satsangs were held regularly at different venues.
DLS Australia brochure preparation work was done.
At another Satsang, Swamiji spoke about Swami Venkateshanandaji,
His life and devotion to His Master Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.
Weekly Srimad Bhagavad Gita classes have been held regularly on Friday's at Sri Gunvant's home. During this period we came to know about our dear Dr. Mataji (Swami Hridayananda Mataji) and Dr. Devaki Kutty Mataji, both of whom have attained the Holy feet of Sri Gurudev.
On the 12th morning Swamiji visited a very nice place outside Sydney
where we were invited with a free offer to start our own DLS center. We
pray to Sri Gurudev and Lord Almighty for success in this project.
14th August (Monday): We had the privilege of having a morning Satsang with Swamiji on Gita, 12th Chapter, which he expounded in a brilliant way.
15th August (Tuesday): It was a very cold day and Swamiji touched on
the importance of Rakshabhandan. This talk was unique in its own nature.
Prasad was followed by a visit to Ganesh temple at Oaklands. Swamiji explained
the primordial nature of Sri Ganeshji explaining how Ganeshji was worshipped
even at Lord Siva and Parvati's Wedding.
With progressive days, the devotees felt at ease with Swamiji and were
so overwhelmed that they requested that the talk go on beyond the scheduled
time. The gathering flowed along with the tide, roars of laughter following
attuned silence, as Swamiji in his most humorous way unfolded the underlying
messages. The satsang gathered momentum with more people joining the Satsang.
Swamiji's love for animals was evident as was observed during his visit
to Clealand Park despite the cold weather. Visit with Swamiji to the Mount
Lofty, highest point in Adelaide made one feel the Swamiji's attunement
with nature.
Swami Premanandaji Maharaj from Ganeshpur Uttarkashi informed us over
phone about the well being of Gurumaharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj.
As the week progressed so did the audience participation. Our thanks to
all of you who helped and participated in this holy Satsangh by Swamiji
Maharaj. Many thanks to Sri Bhagwat Sharmaji for the clean up of the Temple
yard. Sri Swamiji himself wanted to do so. The response from youth was
very overwhelming and they were moved to see Swamiji live by example. His
simplicity and humility astounded everyone, the youth in particular. With
heavy hearts we had to see Swamiji off to Melbourne on 31st at the airport.
31/8/2000 - Smt Devi Krishna and this humble Sevak received Swamiji
at the airport. Sri Neelakantan and Mrs. Meera Mataji who are well known
for their hospitality to visiting monks from India hosted Swamiji. Mother
Meera was standing at the gate to welcome Sri Swamiji Maharaj, though it
was very cloudy and cold. Sri Hanumanth Patil's family, Sri Radhakrishna
Sharmaji, Canberra and Sri Raghavanji's family held a satsang on the same
day in their Home. Sri Sharmaji brought the holy Paduka of Sri Gurumaharaj.
A small puja was offered. Sri Swamiji explained the concept of universality
in his simple and exquisite manner-giving example of how one can uplift
oneself into everything spiritual.
Public lectures were organized at Hall of the Carnegie Primary School.
1/9/2000 - Swamiji addressed a gathering of more than 75 people on 'How to spiritualize daily activities'. The attendees were moved by the simplicity and humility of Swamiji. The divine message of the illustrious masters Swami Sivananda and Swami Chidananda were delivered to the people in his own exquisite manner.
2/9/2000 - In the morning Swamiji gave an introduction to Patanjali
Yoga Sutras and then proceeded on to explain a selected few Sutras. This
was held in Sri Neelakantan's home. After the satsang Smt Chitra Ramanadhan
Mataji suggested the idea of Melbourne center for Divine Life Society and
one of the purposes of Swamiji's visit was thus served.
Swamiji had a small midday Satsangh at Sri Chokalingamji's
home where he beautifully explained the story of Queen Madalasa while blessing
a newborn before Prasad.
Sri Swamiji Maharaj explained the meaning of Maha
Mruthyunjaya Mantra on Saturday evening after we had our weekly chanting.
Even though Swamiji had requested devotees from near by Sri Neelakantanji's
home to come for the chanting, devotees came from far off places, despite
the fact there was also an evening lecture. This is the beauty of spiritual
magnet. Jai Gurudev!
In the same evening public lecture Sri Swamiji in
his usual manner emphasized the importance of Nama Japa.
3/9/2000 - Swamiji's continuing morning lecture on selected few Yoga
Sutras of Sage Patanjali was well attended by a good number of devotees.
The earnest seekers of Melbourne were refusing to go even after time was
over. The simplicity, humility and guru bhakthi simply astounded the Melbourne
aspirants who were taken by storm.
Swamiji was invited for midday Satsangh at Sri Hanumanth
Patilji's place who got a few of his friends together and Swamiji in his
usual style made the people to look into themselves the real meaning of
'Darshan' and also spoke on Maha Mruthyunjaya mantra at the request of
Sri Patilji.
The evening lecture addressed on 'How to make others
happy'. Swamiji while delivering his lecture in a humorous way also brought
out the impact of making others happy.
4/9/2000 - A visit to Sri Satyananda Yoga Ashram was organized and Sri Surendra, Sri Prabodh Malhotra, Smt Meera Neelakantan Mataji and this humble Sevak accompanied Swamiji. Swamiji was thrilled at the place and asked Sri Swami Gautam Ananda Saraswatiji Maharaj, the resident Swamiji there about the possibility of a camp during Christmas holidays. Swamiji was thrilled at the beautiful location of the place.
5/3/2000 - Dr. Nagendraji of Vivekananda Kendra was in Melbourne and
we had invited Sri Nagendraji to join Swamiji for Midday Prasad. Both of
them have known each other for many years. Thus we had the blessings of
eeing both together. Swamiji visited Dr. (Smt) Minu Ganapathy (popularly
called as Mataji by the Melbournians) who was convalescing at the Epworth
hospital. Mataji was instrumental for Chinmaya mission in Melbourne; she
had the good fortune of having the Holy darshan of Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj, who taught her Maha Mahamritunja Mantra. She was also a classmate
and good friend of Dr. Devaki Kutty Mataji of Rishikesh.
There was an evening Satsang at Sri Raghavanji's
place. Swamiji gave a forceful message about 'being and doing' and difference
between them. After Prasad again the people refused to disperse and another
small satsang started off. Finally with a heavy heart they had to separate.
6/3/2000 - Swamiji visited Chinmaya Dham in Melbourne while on his way
to Canberra. Brahmachari Deepakji who showed Swamiji around the beautiful
Ashram received Swamiji.
It was decided that a DLS center would start functioning
at Smt Chitra Mataji's residence which is 1/278, Balcombe Road BeauMaris
3194, Melbourne and would start with Sri Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj's Jayanti celebrations (8/9/1887) on 9/9/2000 at 7 pm. Smt Chitra
Mataji would be the main coordinator for the center.The feasibility of
arranging a retreat with Swamiji is being worked out. The tentative dates
are 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st of December 2000.
The following is an account of Swamiji's visit to various places as described by Swamiji Himself.
"The month of September is very holy for us not only because this month is our Gurus' Birthdays but also our spiritual birthday. Thanks for spending this day with a prayer to the Lord Almighty for our Guru Maharaj. I am very very sorry to inform you that He was not in the pink of His health during these months of rest there. Thanks to you all for prayers. Please keep praying; it is good also for our spiritual progress. Please keep praying for his good health during these coming Indian winter months. To day He has left Ganeshpur at 8.00 AM by road for Holy Sivananda Ashram.
"He will be spending time in rest in Holy Pattamadai, Sri Ananda Ashram, Chidananda Hermitage (private and personal) Shanti Ashram (Mission of Peace).
"On the 6th September we had a very nice visit to the Chinmaya Dham on our way.
"Br. Deepakji gave a nice reception and tour of the whole ashram. After driving whole after noon and evening we reached the holy abode of Sri Radha Krishna Sharmaji. His Holiness Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj blessed this home last year when he came to inaugurate the Hindu temple. In India every place an Avatar or a saint has visited or passed by has become a center for pilgrimages. So wherever our Master has stayed and or even passed by we should regard this a holy pilgrim place. They have written on a big marble plaque all details of His Holiness's visit on the Ashram wall of DLS branch in Bhanjanagar, Orissa. We should all do the same thing, relating when He come into our life and our experiences with Him.
"A very nice Birthday program was performed on the 8th and the 9th in the very nice and big hall of the Hindu temple, Canberra. Sri Sharmaji and I left his holy home after mid-night by car after the program was over in the Canberra Hindu temple. We arrived in Sydney in the Brahma Muhurta of the 10th."
On the 10th we had very nice celebrations of Sri Gurudev's birthday in a very befitting manner in big hall. Brni. Sujata Chaitanya Mataji, Mrs.Gayatri Uditram Mataji and Ms. Renuka Singh Mataji spoke very well on the subject: "Swami Sivananda: His life and teachings".
The subject of "The importance of the Guru" was stressed. The difference between Guru's blessings and Guru Kripa was explained. Besides Guru Kripa the importance of Atma Kripa was also mentioned as essential.
The same evening Swamiji left for Brisbane, from Sydney airport. The
airport was full of Olympic participants arriving and going to other cites.
His flight was full as Brazilian participants were going to Brisbane.
There are many Hindu organisations here. One of them is GAYATRI MANDIR
managed by Hindus from Fiji. We had nice Satsang in the temple on the 15th
and 16th of September. On the 17th we had home Satsang at residence of
Sri Prakash Chandraji and Srimati Sivkumari Mataji.
The works and teaching of Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has spread through out the world; some years ago, it was mentioned by His Holiness Sri Swami Sahajanandaji Maharaj of the Divine Life Society of South Africa that the teaching of Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has reached every Hindu home in the country through the books written by Gurudev; now, it could be said that the teachings of Gurudev has reached almost ever part of the world through the tireless work of his devotees, through the inspiring message of his books, through the access of the website.
In January 1998, two families, having left South Africa to settle in New Zealand, decided to have Friday evening Home Satsang, as they were accustomed to having in their former country. We continued with this weekly practice and more families joined in to sing the names of the Lord until we decided that our homes were too small for Satsang. We, then, decided to have weekly Friday Satsang in a local community hall. Our Joy of Satsang prompted us to begin a monthly Sunday Sadhana Morning programme; this continued, but little we realise that, soon, the highlight of our activity would be to host a Swamiji from the Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. This is the way Gurudev's miracles work.
Some delegates from New Zealand were blessed by Gurudev to be fortunate enough to attend the Divine Life Society Millennium Conference in Mumbai in December 1999 and January 2000. At a short meeting between Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj and delegates from New Zealand and Australia at the Conference, a request was made to Swamiji to visit DLS Branches and groups in the region. It was a pleasant surprise for us in Auckland in March 2000 to learn that Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj would be spending many months undertaking DLS work in Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the region.
The Divine Life Centre of New Zealand was allocated 2 weeks with Swamiji
by the organisers in Sydney, and Swamiji was invited by the Divine Life
Centre of New Zealand to stay from 22nd September to 8th October 2000.
On Saturday 23 September 2000, Swamiji visited the Bharatiya Mandir,
where he offered prayers to the many deities in this beautiful temple;
next, Swamiji offered worship at the Radha-Krishna Mandir.
The very first programme with Swamiji was held on 24 September, the 84th anniversary of the birth of His Holiness Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj; Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj presented inspiring stories of life and teachings of His Holiness Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj.
Every evening Home Satsangs were held in the homes of devotees attracting many devotees.
Swamiji's discourses proved to be very popular with the devotees: discourses included topics from Navaratri and related aspects, Mahalaya (Pitri Pakshya), to practical living skills with the Bhagavat Gita as a spiritual guide. Swamiji delighted the devotees with his lively discussions, punctuated with vivid examples from daily living and from Indian folklore, and his skillful use of questions and answers; he asking the questions, devotees attempting the answers, and Swamiji finally providing the clarity. He has put much effort at addressing issues that face the youth, and a special "Discourse to the Youth" was presented at the Morning Satsang.
Devotees were delighted and inspired by stories about Divine Life Society
and Rishikesh in general, and about Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj,
His Holiness Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj, His Holiness Sri Swami Krishnanandaji
Maharaj and others in particular. Swamiji will be long remembered for his
interesting and inspiring discourses.
Swamiji's presence with us for 2 weeks has given the devotees much in the way of spiritual strength and direction; he has given much guidance on how the group should continue its work in the future, he has set up a childrens' programme to be conducted by one of our young devotees, and he has set up a Study programme for adults.
We are indeed grateful to Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, and to His Holiness Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj and others for making this visit possible, as we are indeed grateful to Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj for having agreed to come to New Zealand. We hope that Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj would be available for more visits to New Zealand as we are in need of his spiritual guidance and blessing in our work. In the meantime, Gurudev's work will continue here in Auckland.
Gurudev's blessing on all children, youth and old, of the Sivananda family.
Hari Om.
Sri Rajesh Sethji and Smt. Gita Sethji Mataji hosted Swamiji from 6th Nov to 14th Nov 2000. He wanted Swamiji to come and stay in his home while his parents were there in Sydney. Sri Dilbaugh Rai Sethji as a young man came in contact with Parama Pujya Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj in the 1950s. His contact as a spiritual sadhak with the Holy master was a very good foundation. In his normal life he came in contact with so many originations and Gurus. In 1970 he came back again to The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram. He is very grateful to Swamiji for the help extended, for his innitation (Mantra Diksha) by His Holiness Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. He has been coming to Holy Sivananda Ashram for annual Sadhana week regularly.
Swamiji and the Sethi family used to go for morning walks together.
Sri Rajeshji and Smt. Geeta Mataji are very blessed to have very nice three
children, Ms. Swatiji 12, Ms. Shrutiji And Sri Sidharthaji. Their school
is in front of the home. One day Swamiji was invited to participate in
the annual school orientation program. Sri Sidharthaji was taking part
in the function. It was very nice. Swamiji was reminded of His previous
year's wandering life in Europe. He had visited many schools there where
He found it very nice to meet young pure souls. Swamiji had many home Satsangs
as well.
On the 11th even we had evening family Satsang at Home of Sri Vasudev Badethalav & Smt. Nagaveni Mataji, Pendle Hill. The subject was 'The difference between Guru's blessing and Guru's grace'.
On the 12th evening we had evening Satsang at Sri Murli Bhojwaniji and
Smt. Laju Bhojwani Mataji. Smt. Chandrawanti Mataji wanted to hear the
12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita and question and answer. Sri Madhur Bhojwaniji
and Smt. Rekha Bhojwaniji are from Hong Kong are disciples of Parama Pujya
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. They are the younger brother and sister-in-law
of Sri Madhuji. Swamiji will be staying with them when He goes to Hong
Kong from the 7th of Feb.2001.
On the 14th November 2000, as planned previously, Swamiji was supposed to go to visit the Buddhist temple in Wollongong. Br. Sujata Chaitanyaji came to Sri Rajeshji's home in the morning with Smt. Gananm Mataji and other two of her Vedanta students. It was a very rainy day but they went up to Bulli look-out. As the fog was very thick they went to Helensburg Venkateshwara temple and had a midday Prasad and back to SAUBHAGYAM the sweet home of Sri Narayana Swamy and Smt. Geetha Mataji. We are grateful to Smt. Suchie Vijayakumar for all her arrangements for this trip.
On the 20th Evening Mrs. Suchie Mataji and her dear husband Sri Vijayakumarji with her mother-in-law took Swamiji to Mrs. Geetha and Sri Narayana Swamy's home to have Satsang and prepare food for all. We had a nice Satsang the subject was Vaiswanara Vidya. How feeding Sadhus, Mahatmas and others is also a sacrifice. In the night Swamiji was taken to Mr. Sushilji and Smt. Ranju Chaddha Mataji's home for a small Satsang and night rest. She is the sister of Sri Rajesh Sethiji. Her father and mother also have come her to be with Swamiji.
On the 21st morning we had nice home Satsang. One of her friends Mrs. Mahajan is in the hospital. We visited her and spend some time in prayer. In the evening Swamiji visited Sri Mukheshji and his family. We had nice evening Satsang at Mrs. Ranju's home.
On 22nd November we had an evening Satsang at Sri Ramanji and Mrs. Lakshmi Mataji's home. Their son is a heart specialist. He was on the news that evening and was on the TV health program. She was very happy for having the Pradosha Puja in her home with Brni. Sujata Chaitanyaji and others.
On the 23rd Swamiji visited Smt. Anjuji and Sri Sanjaya Kalraji for
midday Satsang and Prasad. In the evening Sri Narayana Swamy was kind enough
to bring Him to Parramatta bus stand to go to Canberra. Sri Mahesh was
a timely help as it started to rain.
5th Dec - They had a very nice homely Satsang in the evening where there
were nearly 40 devotees were there. The subject was how to spiritualize
our daily activity according to Bhagavad-Gita. All Devotees were given
Dinner Prasad so lovingly prepared by Smt. Sivakumari Mataji. Both of them
are devotees and disciple of Sivananda Ashram. They were very happy that
Swamiji could stay with them as last time He could not due to reasons unavoidable.
They have at home satellite TV. One could view all India channels. Swamiji
enjoyed the Satsang of His Holiness Sri Swami Satyamitanandaji Maharaj
of Haridwar, Bharat Mata Mandir.
Swamiji's Program was as follows:
| Brisbane | 4th Dec. to 19th Dec 2000 | |
| Sydney | 20th Dec. to 26th Dec. 2000 | (including Christmas retreat) |
| Melbourne | 27th Dec. to 4th Jan. 2001 | (including New Year's retreat) |
| Adelaide | 4th Jan. to 31st Jan. 2001 | |
| Sydney | 1st Feb. to 7th Feb. 2001 | With Sri Vidya Prakash ji Maharaj and family, President of DLS Sydney for farewell Satsang |
| Departure for Hong Kong from Sydney | 7th February 2001 |
Swami Ramaswarupanandaji says, "His Holiness Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj is our spiritual guiding light. Let us feel His Divine Presence in our spiritual heart in the beginning of this New Year 2001. He is physically resting at Holy Pattamadai, the birthplace of Sri Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.
Please visit http://www.dlsmd.org/dlsconfmain.htm
for His letter for us for the next International DLS Conference to be held
at Cuttack. Cuttack is the place where this body was born and Cuttack DLS
branch where this soul came in contact with the Holy mission of the Holy
Master in 1969.
Thursday, 21st December. Early morning they all left for the Jenolan
Caves. They had a very nice time marvelling the beauty of God's creation
of Maya. In the evening Swamiji continued His discussion in the Satsang
Yoga Vashishta class from the Supreme Yoga book.
26th December 2000 - After the retreat Swamiji left Sydney for Melbourne. At the Melbourne airport Sri Shankar ji was there to receive Swamiji and they went to the home of Sri Neelakantanji and Smt. Meera Mataji.
27th December 2000 Swamiji went to the Sri Satyananda Yoga Ashram, Rocklyn, near Daylesford. Swami Atma Muktananda Mataji and Sri Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj was there to receive Swamiji with flowing love. Mataji was very kind to give Swamiji all warm bedding and a very nice room. After the dinner Prasad the retreat program started.
31st Dec. Being the last day of the year there was a midnight Satsang to welcome the New Year 2001. Swamiji had a very nice discussion on the subject "TIME" and to utilise this illusive time for our spiritual growth.
1st January 2001. From 4.00 PM to 6.00PM a New Years first Satsang was held.
2nd January 2001 Smt. Devi Krishna Mataji took Swamiji to the Toshiba computers for getting some extra RAM (Random Access Memory) for His computer as it take so much work for it. Swamiji says, "It has been asking for RAM. How can we manage without RAM to do so much work in this world of Maya?"
3rd January 2001. Swamiji had a home visit to Sri Hanumant Patil home as both his parents have come. He has been blessed with a newborn baby son. They named him Sri Ramakrishna. After midday Prasad Swamiji went to Philip Island. Stopped on the way Maru Craft Center, Fauna Park- It was a lot of fun to feeding the Kangaroos, wallabies and other birds and animals. It was very hot day for them. They drove nearly 210 KM to see this little Penguins coming back to their home from the ocean in groups. There were 1000s of people to see this Penguin parade. Swamiji says, "It was my lifetime experience to see the come back home to take care of the little ones. God is great and his world of Maya. We came back to Smt. Devi Krishna Mataji's home at midnight only to have little Prasad and to be blessed by the blessing of Bhagavan Sri Sri Satya Sai. Her home is full of Vibhuti and holy Kumkum and turmeric power for different photos of the deities. Smt. Meera Mataji and me we reached home at 1.30 AM. "
4th January 2001: Swamiji arrived at Adelaide airport to be received by Smt. Manorama Mataji and her whole family, Smt. Shiwani Mataji and her family and Sri Pradipta and his family. We had a little prayers and Prasad at the airport. Welcome at the "CHIDANANDA SHANTI NIWAS" 24 WOOFORDE, MAGILL. The sweet home of Sri Motilalji and Smt. Manorama Somerji. Dinner Prasad, a little discussion about the future program in Adelaide and rest.
5th January 2001. Swamiji moved to Dr. Adriana Alexandru Poehlmann's home. Swamiji writes, "Last time when I was in Adelaide her mother Mrs. Valeria, she will be 85 years March 2001 was ready with breakfast for me when I visited her for a second but I was not free. I have come back to her home specially to make her happy. She has been waiting for me and she has made a very nice and comfortable room for me just in front of her room so that she can take care of me. Dr. Karl Poehlmann was very kind to drive us around as Dr. Adriana has hurt her right leg. In the evening we had a very nice sun set Darshan in front the home of Mr. Romeo Marian and Dr. Monica Marian. They have a little girl Ms. Oana Marian and a baby boy Mr. Adrian Marian. We spend the evening with the family and had our dinner Prasad with them."
7th January 2001. In Sri Ganeshji temple Swamiji had first monthly Satsang. The temple had been renovated by this time. Sri Karuna Mataji had told her friends from Buderim (Badrim), so there were many Australians in the Satsang. The subject for the Satsang was how to fix our ultimate goal so that we can adjust and accommodate and be prepared for life's' pilgrimage smoothly. They had midday Prasad in the temple and left for the beautiful U.P Farm of Mrs. Ursula Mataji and her husband Mr. Geoffrey Pridham. Meadows, Adelaide, South Australia.
In Sydney we had a farewell Satsanga for Swami Ramaswarupanandaji and
the following is an account of the Satsanga.
A brief summary of Swamiji's enlightening talk is given below.
Swamiji commenced His message by noting that a farewell incorporated welfare (farewell read backwards using the word as two parts) and was an auspicious occasion in which we all have to be happy and not sorry, since our ultimate goal is to be happy in all conditions.
Our main goal is to fight the battle of life and be victorious and that is how an aspiring Yogi should act. There has to be unity in diversity and we all have to convert our stumbling blocks into stepping-stones for success. As the day was very warm Swamiji in his inimitable style mentioned about the heat and the discomfort being faced by the devotees gathered. Swamiji stressed on the relativeness of all things when he immediately compared that discomfort, to the sufferings of the people in Gujarat who just a few days ago faced an enormous calamity and tragedy of a massive earthquake that killed many and left thousands homeless and maimed.
When faced with these pairs of opposites like heat/cold, likes/dislikes, etc in the daily ups and downs of life we have to encounter them with equanimity. Our attitude, as Swamiji pointed out, should be: 'Even this will pass away'.
Swamiji asserted that the main goal should be clear and fixed. If that is the case, then there is no chance for any pairs of opposites to trouble us. The senses send the messages to the mind and the mind only recognises them. The force behind work, Swamiji explained, is the mind and not the body, since in extreme conditions we all find that our body does whatever is directed by the mind. Swamiji said that if we make up our minds and tune it accordingly we could achieve all our goals.
Swamiji specifically mentioned our being drunk with our egos. Just like with anaesthesia, we will have to desensitise our mind from our body. We have to practise Pratyahara in that, we will have to make our senses higher than the objects. Swamiji mentioned about Buddha's story in which a person was ridiculing and insulting the Buddha. His devotees were upset and wanted to set right the situation by dealing harshly with the person insulting Buddha. But Buddha calmly mentioned that since He was not taking the insults form the person, the insults remained with the person.
It has been reiterated that we have to endeavour and find the operator of all this phenomenon and who is giving instructions to the intellect (buddhi), since the buddhi is the one that tells the mind and the mind tells the senses.
Swamiji spoke on the natural tendency of all things to fall down easily
but pointed out how going up required effort. We expend a lot of energy
everyday in activities that flows away. We have to channel our energies
and upgrade ourselves instead of upgrading our white goods at home, Swamiji
subtly pointed out. Swamiji concluded His message by thanking God and GuruBhagawan
for the Satsanga and dedicated the Satsanga to the afflicted people of
Gujarat and prayed for the peace of all the departed souls.
"Twenty four years ago on 24 Sept 1976, I had the good fortune of attending the Shashtyabdha Purthi celebrations of Param Pujya Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj in Sivananda ashram, Rishikesh. Many Mahamandaleshwars, revered Swamiji's of various ashrams in and around Rishikesh and learned people from other parts of India and abroad participated in the various programs associated with the week's celebrations. Among them there was a very special personality. She was none other than Anandamayee Maa. She was such a purified soul that our Guru Maharaj Chidanandaji revered her as His spiritual mother.
"During my stay in Rishikesh, one young Brahmachari helped me around the ashram. If I remember correctly, he too introduced me to the secretary, to Pujya Chidanandaji Maharaj, so that I could have the darshan of Swamiji Maharaj before my leaving for Delhi. Before leaving the ashram, I bought a few photos, specially one with Pujya Ananadamayee Maa and Pujya Chidanandaji Maharaj. I kept the photos very carefully while in Malaysia and brought them to Sydney. One day during our Satsanga I showed the photos to some devotees. That was the time when we were trying to invite a Swamiji from Rishikesh.
"When Sri Vijay Gokarn saw the photos, he pointed out to the picture of one brahmachari in white garments and said, 'This is Swami Ramaswarupananda who is coming here from Rishikesh'. I looked at the photo intently. Vijay shouted, 'Uncle, this is Swami Ramaswarupananda'. In one photo he was standing next to me and in another he was with Mata Anandamayee Maa. My memories went back to twenty years in a flash and realised that this is the young man who helped me in Rishikesh. I was so thrilled to know that I will be seeing a long lost friend.
"Swamiji, you came into our midst seven months ago. We had a lot of Satsang's and you made a lot of good impressions in our minds, specially the youths. How can we give a farewell to all those impressions created by you. As far as I am concerned, I gained the importance of repeating the Gayatri Mantra daily without fail from Swamiji. I used to repeat Gayatri Mantra and read all about Gayatri, but did not make it a point to chant daily without fail. Now I do!
"Swamiji, your special interest in computers and your computer graphic presentations after satsangs gave me greater interest in having a computer.
"I am very much impressed by the way Swamiji discussed various aspects of the religion with the participants and made them interact. Sri Swami Venkateshanandaji's Yoga Vashishta was with me for some time but I took a serious study of it only after Swamiji's classes.
"Swamiji, I enjoy very much when you laugh unreservedly after giving
out some jokes. Some members may think that Swamiji's should be serious,
but I beg to differ from it. I submit my personal appreciation to all what
Swamiji has done to create awareness among our members in this country
and I wish Swamiji success in all your work unfinished in Orissa. Our prayers
are with you." Hari Om Tat Sat.
During his discourses on Yoga Vasishtha, Swamiji mentioned about the four gatekeepers at the entrance to Moksha (Liberation). They are Self-Control, Self-Enquiry, Contentment and Satsang. The first three are indeed very very difficult to negotiate. An ordinary person can only approach through the fourth gate, which is Satsang. If any one wants to enter Moksha they now know a friendly gatekeeper in Swami RamaSwarupanandaji. This kind gatekeeper will not only lead us to Moksha (if we faithfully follow him) but also introduce us to the other three. We will always be grateful to Swamiji for coming down-under to us.
Swamiji's unique style of holding the Satsang is full of vitality. In Satsang with him everyone is alert, vigilant and thinking. Swamiji asks questions. The Satsang becomes an Upanishad class. It is NOT a one-way traffic where one is talking and hopefully others are listening. It feels like we are Arjuna and Swamiji is Krishna clarifying doubts and at the same time taking us as high as we want to go with him.
Swamiji's teachings are based on the Vedanta but his discourses are
full of tips for even beginners. In this way everyone feels that spirituality
is in his/her reach. That makes us want to practice it. As an example he
tells how easily an ordinary activity like gardening in my own backyard
can make it a karmayoga. Every time I will work in my garden, Swami RamaSwarupAnanda
from within my heart will remind me that I am doing KarmaYoga. In Swamiji's
form the divine Rishikesh and it's holy Masters have indeed come down to
Sydney.
He mentioned that this was sparked by Swamiji's example and teachings of spontaenity in our day to day living. He mentioned that he had known Swamiji since 1993 and Swamiji's love, affection and guidance had definitely helped a lot of people on the spiritual path. It was pointed out that Swamiji lives from moment to moment in awareness and we all have to live up to that ideal.
He also mentioned that all of Swamiji's pravachans have been enlightening especially the talks on Yoga Vashishta that has really helped and uplifted him on the spiritual path. Swamiji's humility is so touching and we have to all strive towards that goal.
He concluded by saying that he hoped that Swamiji will remain in our hearts, but immediately corrected himself by saying (as per Swamiji's teachings) that he was sure that Swamiji will remain in our hearts and guide us through Guru Maharaj on our spiritual journey towards the goal supreme.
Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj's Australia visit has definitely benefited a large number of aspirants already on the spiritual path and exposed the uninitiated into the basics of the life supreme. The Bhagavad Gita lectures, Patanjali Yoga Sutra(s) pravachans, Yoga Vashishta lectures and the numerous other Satsangs that we have been privileged to attend, have definitely given most of the aspirants a tremendous boost on the spiritual path. Swamiji's help and guidance throughout His stay was noteworthy in its selflessness and expansiveness and His visit was a spiritual treat for all aspirants being packed with Satsangs interspersed liberally with His inimitable similes and related anecdotes.
We are all very grateful and thank Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and GuruMaharaj Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj for giving us this opportunity to live in Swami Ramaswarupanandaji Maharaj's spiritual company.
With Regards, Prem and Om
At the Holy feet of Gurudev