News and Activity Report 

  Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad ( June 2009)

News from Sivananda Ashram

Divya Darshan of Lord Sri Jagganath, Sri Subhadraji & Sri Balramji
During Ratha-Yatra at Sivananda Ashram

Chariot Festival (Ratha Yatra) of the Lord Jagannatha at the Ashram ( June 24, 2009 )

 The significance of Chariot Festival as per Vedic scriptures is that anyone who sees Lord Jagannatha or pulls His chariots earns an immense spiritual benefits. By His supreme potency, the Lord agrees to personally enter the form of Deity, just to accept the loving service of His devotees. In this sense the Deity is non-different from the Lord Himself. And once a year Lord Jagannatha comes forth in His entire magnificent splendor to enjoy the Ratha-yatra parade and show Himself to all.

At our ashram, we had a graceful Ratha Yatra on June 24, 2009 . The Idols of Lord Sri Jagannatha, brother Balaramji & sister Subhadraji were adorned splendidly after ceremoniously worshipped by temple priest. Then the idols were  mounted on the silver thrown in decorated chariot and brought out for the procession. It was a joyous occasion for all. Devotees were singing and dancing in the praise of the Lord. Devotees present on the occasion experienced the Divine Presence of the Lord. On this auspicious day “Sri Lakshmi Homam” was performed with 108 recitations of Sri Shuktam at Sri Sri Sri Ashta Lakshmi Bhavan.

Regular Ashram Activities

At Ashram regular Yoga classes in seven batches for beginners and advanced yoga students carried out this month as usual. About four hundred new people enrolled. 

Reiki  Seminar There were two Reiky seminars were held under the leadership of Reiky Master Mrs. Rupa Majmundar. In the month of June for the Reiki Training seminar,  thirty people in Level - I  and  thirty two people in Level  -II thirty participated . In the last eleven years of Reiki Training  at the ashram 2808 persons in Level I  and 1162  in Level II  course benefited, that is total of  4030 participants benefited.

Sivananda Clinic at the Ashram -  Dr. Snehal Amin’s consultation on how to cure diseases by yogic science continues and  number of patients who got benefitted increasing day by day.

 Many devotees participated in regular religious worships at the Ashram namely Guru Paduka Pooja on Thursday, a special evening worship at Sri Ashtalaksmi Bhavan on Friday, Sri Sunderkand Path on Saturday, a special Satsang on Sunday and daily night satsangs. Also Sri Lalita Sahasranam at Sri Ashtalakshmi Bhavan and Sri Satyanarayan pooja on full Moon day were performed.On the holy occasion of Vat Savitri and Somvati Amavasya special Pujas and Abhishekatmak Laghurudras were offered by devotees.

As always, on first Sunday Grain distributed to needy and on 3 rd of the month feeding to poor were done. Nutritious food was provided to children under Narayana seva project run by the Ashram. About 600 Kg grain was distributed to forty underprivileged families. Daily Satsang and pujas are performed regularly in the temples. On the holy occasion of Vat Savitri and Somvati Amavasya special Pujas and Abhishekatmak Laghurudras were offered by devotees.

A meeting of Ashram’s executive samitee was held on the eve of Rev. Swamiji Maharaj’s "Divya Tour 2009" and it was decided that the executive samitee meeting twice/month on second and forth Sunday of every month. In the month of June, Samitee meetings were held on 2nd and 4th Sunday to plan the ashram activities and mission in general. Last  meeting on fourth sunday,   the members of executive samitee came along with their families and after the meeting all took Maha Prasad (Lunch) together in the ashram.

 Divya Tour 2009" of  H.H. Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj

  Divya Tour 2009 - In  Slide Show

May 31, 2009 - July  2 , 2009

London (U.K.): Early morning on May 31Sri Swami Adhyatmananadji Maharaj arrived at Heathrow air port London. After attending and blessing the wedding couple Smt.& Sri Akhil Patel (son of Smt. Hema and Sri Jagdish Patel) at Spanish manor, Sri Swamiji arrived at Bristol. After spending three days at Bristol with Smt. Chandramaniben Taylor and Sri Dharmendraji’s family; Swamiji came to Sutton Surrey and stayed  here for three days.

At Surrey, Swamiji visited number of ailing devotees and also conducted satsang at the holy abode of many devotees. Satsang at Samanvay Parivar in the presence of Mahamandleshwar Sri Swami Satyamitranandaji Maharaj was a special treat for devotees and that was a culmination of one week stay at London, UK

New Jersey ( June 7, 2009 - June 14, 2009)

"I was pleased to be able to welcome Swami Adhyatmanandaji to Toms River once again and thank him for inspiring the participants of Yoga," said Mayor Kelaher of the two-session seminar that drew out 100 able-bodied attendees. "All of the participants were so impressed not only by the Swami's charming personality but his worldwide reputation."

"The Swami has planted more than 10 million trees worldwide and his acts are a wonderful example of how just one person with an open heart and mind can make a huge difference in this world," - Dr. Nick Mehta .<<  Complete coverage - Toms River Times (NJ)  >>

These are the feeling expressed by  H. E Mayor Kelaher of Toms River New Jersey. Dr. Nikunj Mehta was the instrumental in organizing this program.  

 On June 7, 2009  Rev. Sri Swamiji Maharaj arrived at Newark airport and was  received by Smt. Tejal and Sri Amit Shah and Sri Suresh Patel (Yogacharya of Kerney Temple of NJ) From the airport Sri Swamiji Maharaj was driven to the meeting of  board members of Vishva Hindu Parishad of America. After  two hours long meeting about running of Hindu University of Orlando, Florida, Sri Swamiji addressed a large gathering of VHPA regarding, “How we can protect Hinduism and its implication in forthcoming generation”. there after Swamiji was received by Sri Mohit Thawani & spent a night with Thawani family, next morning Swamiji arrived at Toms River county at the Mansion of Smt. Hema and Respected Dr. Nikunj Mehta.

 Toms River (New Jersey)   June 8, 2009 – June 14, 2009 On   June 8^th, 9^th, 10^th & 12^th Sri Swamiji visited senior citizens nursing homes at Whitning , Perth Ambay, Hazlet and Soplain field respectively. Most of them were physically and mentally challenged elderly patients. Mrs. Ripa Thakker coordinated the program.  Smt. Rama and Dr. Mukund Thakker were the Director of this service keen for these Indian habitant. Sri Swamiji spent almost three hours with  each group and amused them by singing songs, made them laugh, conducted satsang and inspired them for positive thinking as well as repeat and sing “Hari Naam” (name of the God). Each one of them, those who were able to hold rosary in their hand, to all of them“ Japamala” was presented by Sri Swamiji Maharaj. Their condition was very pathetic and the care they receive at this centers is simply praise worthy. Sri Swamiji practically broke down during the prayer for their wellbeing.

Sri Swamiji visited two children hospitals on June 11, 2009   for the short and long ailments in most technologically advanced  center. Sri Swamiji planted trees in all these medical institutions. From June 9, 2009  to June 12, 2009  morning Yoga  sessions ( 7.00am -8.00 am) were conducted at Pleasant Plain Fire Hall, Toms River NJ.  In the evenings, Sri Swamiji conducted Yoga workshops at various Yoga studios, organized by Mrs. Sharon (Direcor of Kula Kamal Yoga) and  Respected Yogi Bonny as well and Respected Dr. Nick Mehta. Visit to Sivananda Yoga Studio was simply great and Sri Swamiji felt it as if He was at His home away from Home(Ashram).

On evening of June 12, 2009 a special satsang was organized by Smt. Ulka and Sri Raju  Joshi at their home. On Saturday, June 13, 2009  from 9.00 am -11.00am and from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm, a Yoga seminar was conducted at community medical center  at Toms River County. Respected Mayor of the county H.E. Kelahar inaugurated the seminar by lighting the lamp. Tree plantation was done in the Medical centers premises by Sri Swamiji  together with Mr. Mayor and others.

On midday of June 13, 2009 , a potluck program was organized on sunny day and in green lawns as well as enchanting meadows of Dr. Mehta’s holy abode. Same night a memorable devotional musical evening also was organized at his house.

Thanks to Smt. Hema and Dr. Nikunj Mehta and their sons Ronak, Aron and yogini Sudha (Sharon), yogi Bonny for organizing these wonderful events at Toms River County of New Jersey.

Sri Swamiji Maharaj visited number of devotees' houses honoring their kind invitation for Satsang and Bhiksha. Attending Mrs. & Mr. Robert (newly weds Jewish couple) wedding at sea-shore of Toms River was a memorable evening of  a week long stay.

Chicago (June 14, 2009 – June 19, 2009 )

"The Learned Swamiji, who is renowned in practicing & teaching Yoga and Meditation says :  Yoga is eternal life in the soul or spirit. It transmutes a man into divinity. It brings a message of hope to the forlorn, joy to the depressed, strength to the weak and knowledge to the ignorant. Yoga way of Life brings happiness of sound mind in sound body. Yogic living implies discriminative living. Yoga is equanimity, equipoise or equilibrium. It is the secret master-key to open the realms of eternal bliss and deep abiding peace" << India Tribune , Chicago >>

 On June 14, 2009  Mother Smt. Minal & Sri Bharat Naik received  Pujya Swamiji Maharaj in all reverence at the airport and then given traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham at home, a "Divya Dham", as per Sri  Swamiji Maharaj. In fact, they feel that very presence of  Pujya Swamiji turns this abode into "Divya Dham". It was a full house with all three Children and grandmother to receive Pujya Swamiji Maharaj. It was joy indeed  for  Naik family  to celebrate a special moments with  Pujya Swamiji and receive His Blessings. Respected Dr. Dilip Parikh paid his visit and received Swamiji’s blessings too. After lunch bhiksha,  Swamiji attended welcome satsang organized at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC). Pujya Swamiji was received here by the priest with Poorna kumbham and greeted by President Sri Bhima Reddy Garu and Smt. Rohini Udupa, Smt Prasanna and the group of devotees. In welcome meeting at Sri Samaraathi Auditorium of the HTGC, Sri Swamiji gave introductory speech about the yoga sessions & other programs to follow for the next five days.

Morning Yoga sessions (6.00am - 8.00am) from Monday June 15, 2009  to June 19 , 2009  were conducted by Rev. Swamiji Maharaj at Sri Samaraathi Auditorium of HTGC and were attended by a large number of yoga enthusiasts of all nationality including a few yoga instructors. This time,  Swamiji  taught  preliminary flexibility exercises for the beginners, advanced & Main stream Yogasana postures, Pranayama including Sivananda Pranayama, Yoganidra in details. The program was extremely well received and very much appreciated by all. People were amazed that how beautifully Master Yogacharya  Swamiji covered so much in such a short period.  It was a blessings for all. It was great.   

Sri Swamiji Maharaj enlightened the devotees on the subject of ‘Vaishnavjan’ and ‘Bhakti Yoga’ at Sri Arbindo center and Sri Jalaram Mandir between 4.00pm and 8.00pm respectively on June 14, 2009 . Evening satsang were organized from Monday, June 15, 2009 to Thursday, June 18, 2009 by Sri Gayatri Pariwar, Dr. Durga & Dr. Ramesh Kanaru of Indiana and Smt. Hema Gajiwala of Downer’s Grove. Sri Swamiji visited number of devotee’ home upon their invitations and blessed them. On Thursday, June 18, 2009  three hours Yoga workshop was conducted by Sri Swamiji at Northeastern Illinois University, organized by Dr. Anita Amberdar. On the last day honoring the sincere request of the host of Sri Ajay Yajnikji Sri. Swamiji had satsang & kirtan with them.

Essence of  Pujya Swamiji’s talk on various subjects  brought one theme, of Yoga way of living ; living in harmony, peace, mutual love & reverence with one and all.  "Daily Spiritual Sadhana" is  the  key to Blessedness. "Adjust, Adapt & Accommodate"  bring Peace and Joy - expressed out of  every  action of Sri Swamiji Maharaj. In the midst of very hectic five days schedule, Swamiji maintained His daily Sadhana, Meditation & Prayers. That was inspiring to observe and learn from.

Pujya Swamiji expressed thanks to President of HTGC & all the devotees who were involved in organizing this wonderful & memorable week of Divya Tour 2009 at Chicago. God Bless them all.         

Coralville ( Iowa) June 19, 2009 - June 20, 2009  Honoring sincere invitation of Sri. Dushyant Saravaiya, Sri Swami Adyatmanandaji Maharaj arrived here late afternoon on June 19, 2009 and had homely satsang at Best Western  Cantebury Inn from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm which was followed by dinner. This satsang was jointly organized by Divya Jivan Sanskrutik Sang, Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Chinmaya Mission, Sri Amrutananda  Mission and Vishwa Hindu Parishad America.

On Saturday  June 20, 2009 Sri Swamiji Maharaj conducted  morning yoga workshop at Respected Dr. Asha and Dr. Sudershanji's house from 7.00am to 8.00am. After breakfast and prayer, Sri. Swamiji left for Windsor, Canada.

Windsor (Canada ) June 20, 2009 - June 21, 2009 Smt. Nivedita and Sri Jayesh Bhatt a devote couple organized a grand function, two hours free workshop at College Ave community center which was attended by a large number of Canadian and Indian. Sri Swamiji spoke at length on the practical subject of "Stress Management and Relaxation Technique" and conducted guided meditation on June 20, 2009 from 5.00 pm to 7. 00pm

On Sunday morning,  Sri Swamiji gave a soul elevating satsang & Kirtan and discourse upon comparative study of Karma, Bhakti, and Gynan yoga. Early morning before satsang, Sri Swamiji visited houses of devotees also upon their request. Thanks to Smt Nivedita and Sri Jayesh Bhatt and all the members of his divine family for organizing these two wonderful and memorable satsangs at Windsor. 

Toledo ( Ohio) June 21,2009 - June 25, 2009  Sri Swamiji Maharaj arrived at Smt. Binduben and Respected Dr. Arvind Kumar Mistri’s home on Sunday 21, 2009 afternoon around 3:30pm. Sri Swamiji Maharaj was warly received by devoted family. They are the host of Pujya Swamiji ever since Pujya Swamiji's first visit to Toledo. They are ever ready to receive Sri Swamiji Maharaj. From 4:30pm to 5:30pm Sri Swamiji addressed and instructed a group of children on the theme of ‘Building Character’ and from 5:45pm to 6:45pm a regular discourse at Hindu temple on the subject of  "Science and Religion"

From Monday June 22, 2009  to Thursday  June 25, 2009  Yogasan, Pranayam and Meditation classes were conducted at the grand auditorium hall of Hindu Temple from 6:30 am to 7:30am. Evening satsang were conducted by Sri Swamiji Maharaj on the subject of Karma, Bhakati, Raj Yoga, Gayan and Siddha Yoga as well as Stress Management from 6.00pm to 7:30pm.

Thanks to Sri Annant Dikshit, Respected Acharya of the Temple, Smt. Binduben Mystri and Sri Rajesh Laungani for coordinating Sri. Swamiji’s program. Thanks to Respected president Mrs. Rupan  Vij to take interest and attending all activities of the temple.

Toronto ( Canada) June 25, 2009 July 3, 2009  - On  June 25, 2009 Sri Swamiji Maharaj arrived from Toledo, USA to University of Toronto at 5.00 pm and conducted  seminar on  the ‘Student’s Success in Life’ for the university students. Sri Swamiji emphasized the power of Yoga in physical and mental well being, the role of yoga and meditation in Stress Management. After question and answer session and short meditation the program was concluded with prayer  for  world peace. 

From June 26, 2009 to July 2, 2009  every day morning and evening Yoga classes were conducted at the famous Sri Vishnu Mandir’s Central Hall. Sri Swamiji Maharaj delivered series of discourses on the subject of Meditation in depth and conducted Meditation sessions daily..

During his stay a special program was organized by Sri Abhinav Sharma at Chinmaya Mission. ATN television interviewed Swamiji about students abroad and their problems and its solution.

Sri Swamiji Maharaj graced number of devotees' homes for Bhiksha and Satsang upon their sincere invitation.Thanks to most respected Sri Balkrishna Lodhia, Sri Humesh Kapitan, Sri Kamlesh Dave, Sri Mayur Upadhaya and  Smt. Anjali and Sri Naresh Shah family for inviting and hosting Swamiji Maharaj. Thanks to Respected Dr. Dubeji of Sri Vishnu Mandir for his Kind support to organize Yoga and Meditation week in temple premises.

On July 3rd Sri Swamiji is schedule to leave for New Jersey (USA) for a week of Yoga/Spiritual Retreat at Kerney Mandir.

Om Shanti!

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