Report of  H. H. Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj’s
 Spiritual Tour to the West (USA, UK , EUROPE & Canada)
Diamond Jubilee Year 2004- 2005
 

Report of Concluding of Spiritual Tour ( November 3, 2004 - Dec 3, 2004)   

Spreading the message of Holy Master Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and to live by it, is the constant preoccupation of Sri. Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj. His Life and each breath have been dedicated to spread the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Vedanta through simple and practical teachings of Gurudev Sri. Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and Gurumaharaj  Sri.Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. Wherever he went, he talked about the simple message of Sri. Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj- “Serve, Love, Meditate & Realize” and guidelines of daily Sadhana through Gurudev’s “Twenty Spiritual Instructions”. Devotees welcomed him here in the west for his simplicity, sincerity and love for teaching Yoga way of life. 

At Atlanta ( Nov 3, 2004 - Nov 8, 2004 )
 Report by Sri. Ravi Ponangi. 
Swami Adhyatmanandaji’s Yoga classes reverberated in Atlanta:  Free Yoga classes conducted by Swami Adhyatmananda from Nov 4 – Nov 8 attracted many and the way Swami taught yoga to participants still reverberating in the minds of all participants. Young, old and children from all walks of  life participated in these yoga classes enthusiastically. People from diverse nations and cultures attended these classes in big numbers as the Atlanta based news daily; Atlanta Constitution journal had published a story on yoga with Swamiji’s bio just before Swami’s arrival in Atlanta. Hence yoga has caught up in a big way with the people of Atlanta. Dr. Prakash Desai, facilitator of Swamiji’s yoga classes said to India Tribune, as a result of publication in Atlanta Constitution, there were five to six missing calls while answering a call from one yoga enthusiastic.Experienced a very hard time to attend phone calls received from people who wanted to attend these yoga classes, Dr. Desai added, there was overwhelming response, he said. Each day, morning and evening couple of hundreds that include house holders, office goers, doctors, lawyers and business men throng to the five day free yoga classes conducted by Swami Adhyatmananda set up at two locations one at India Cultural and Religious center, Smyrna in the morning and another at Global Mall on Jimmy Carter in the evenings. Participants had immersed themselves in learning and practice of yoga.

Sri. Sai Sailendra inaugurated five-day free yoga classes by lighting a traditional lamp at Global Mall on Thursday, Nov 4 Swami Adhyatmananda while addressing the participants said that yoga is not a religious thing. Even while explaining the benefits of chanting OM, Swamiji said that chanting of OM would benefit to calm and energize the mind. In this, no religion is involved. No doubt it has come from ancient Rishis of India. Swamiji said that it is only through Yoga that one can attain mental and physical balance. Swami Adhyatmanandaji’s yoga classes included flexibility exercises, yogic postures, breathing exercises, relaxation methods, Surya namaskar postures, practice of meditation, Pranayama etc. Candle light meditation by all participants was the high light on the concluding day. Many participants told India Tribune that Swamiji’s teaching of Yoga is filled with many useful tips and enjoyed the way he took yoga classes with anecdotes. It’s a wonderful experience and we are fortunate to get this opportunity, they said.

With Buddhist Monks

Swami Adhyatmananda visited Shree Shakti Mandir at Lake City and given a spiritual discourse. Swamiji has also visited Hindu Temple of Atlanta at Riverdale and addressed 200 strong children and exhorted them to cultivate virtues and eradicate vices. Swamiji sang Swami Sivananda’s famous song “Ramakrishna Govinda, Don’t smoke Govinda, It will spoil Govinda, Krishna Rama Govinda” in chorus with children. The song attracted the attention of both parents and children attended the meeting. Swamiji has also visited the local Sri Swaminarayan mandir where he was received with honor. Swamiji has addressed about 600 devotees of Swaminarayan samstha and spoke at length about Swaminarayan movement and the importance of living to ideals of Pramukh Swamiji maharaj. He also briefed his association with Sastryji Maharaj, Pramukh Swamiji and others. Swami Adhyatmananda has also met visiting Buddhist monks in Atlanta.  

 Diwali Celebration & Yoga Camp at Chicago ( Nov 8, 2004 - Nov15, 2004)

Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago hosted Rev. Swamiji’s seven days Yoga Camp in the morning 6.00am to 7.30 am. It was attended by a large number of yoga enthusiasts including yoga teachers of all nationality. This time Swamiji not only took preliminary flexibility exercises for the beginners but also taught advanced Yogasana postures, Pranayama including Sivananda Pranayama, Yoganidra,  and Meditation techniques in detail at the request of others who are well advanced in the yoga field. The program was extremely well received and  very much appreciated by all participants. In the evening Swamiji’s discourses were organized at various organizations namely, Hari Om Mandir, Sri. Gayatri Parivar, Sri. Arbindo Kendra, Swadhyay parivar and Indian American Cultural center. As always, welcome satsang was held at Spiritual Life Foundation, Oak Brook. Swamiji spoke on various subjects stressing the importance of a life of moderation and daily Sadhana.

 Diwali Rangoli (with dry colorful powder) by Sri.Swami Adhyatmanandji Maharaj

It was a special Diwali time and all were in festive mood. An artist in Swamiji created a beautiful rangoli. That was a special treat for us. On Saturday, the very first day of a new year (Indian calendar), Swamiji took part in a Grand Annkoot darshan and Aarati at Sri. Swaminarayana Mandir (BAP’S). Swamiji’s one week stay here was completely filled and hectic with home visits, home satangs, visit to ailing and sick devotees etc. The day began at 5.00am till 11.00 pm on most of the days. It's a challenge for the host to keep up with his energy level. Swamiji was invited to preside over two day long Yoga –Philosophy conference organized at Northeastern University in Chicago and gave the keynote address. It was attended by a group of faculty members of the university, including the dean and the head of the department of Philosophy.

Yoga at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC)

  With Yoga Students at Northeastern University, Chicago 

Last day satsang was a special feast for devotees of having an hour long soul stirring Kirtan by Swamiji. Chicago being anchor and hub of his visits to the United States and Canada since 1995, people of this city have great love and regards for Swamiji and He does not need formal invitation for Chicago. Widely read  “India Tribune” newspaper carried an article about Pujya Swamiji and his mission of spreading the message of Holy Master Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.  

Visit to Charlotte, North Carolina ( Nov 15, 2004 -Nov 17, 2004)

 On Nov 15, 2004 upon his arrival Smt. Bhavani sarkar,  Sri.Shantanu Sarkar and Sri Pareshbhai Patel welcomed Swamiji Maharaj with flowers and garland at the airport. Evening satsang and Padpuja were performed by Bengali Samaj at Smt. Bhavani and Santanu Sarkar’s home. On Nov 16, 2004 a grand Satyanarayan pooja, archana, satsang and Bhandara were organized at Sri. Paresh Patel’s home. Swami Sivanandaji’s literature, jnana prasad, was distributed to the large gathering. During the two-days stay here, Swamiji was invited at many devotees homes and businesses for his grace and blessings. On early morning of Nov 17, 2004, Rev. Swamiji departed for Los Angeles for a week long program.  

Los Angeles ( Nov 17, 2004 -Nov 25, 2004 )

A week long Yoga Camp and series of discourses were organized at famous Sanatan Mandir of Norwalk, Cerritos. Because of the vast publicity by leading Indian news papers such as India Post, India Journal, News Asia etc, a large number of yoga enthusiasts attended the morning and evening yoga classes. All were benefited by Rev. Swamiji’s wisdom pouring out in simple sharing with love and sincerity. Hindi discourses on the subject of “Stress management through Self Management” captivated the crowd for all seven days. Rev. Swamiji was invited for home visits, home satsnags as well as business houses as usual. Special satsangs were also organized at Radha Raman Temple and Senior Citizen Center

Thanks and congratulation to Smt. Kalpana & Dr. Sri. Vinod Rana, Smt. Sachi & Dr. Hemendra Rana, Dr. Rajendra Rana, Dr. Smt. Surekha Vashi and Sri. Bhikubhai Patel, President of Sanatan Mandir for organizing the programs at Los Angeles.

Last stop at Chicago ( Nov 25, 2004 )

Making snow balls in season's first snow fall at Chicago

After a day’s break at Chicago, a last stop of this trip in USA,  Sri. Swamiji departed for UK on Nov 26, 2004. As always, at Chicago Swamiji received warm welcome, even nature joined by spreading white carpet welcome in the form of first snow fall of the season on Nov 25, “Thanks Giving Day”. 

Holy "Tulsi Plant" was brought by Swamiji from Los Angeles and planted by him at the last minute before going to airport and fulfilled a silent wish of mother of the house. Many thanks for that. 

London, UK ( Nov 27, 2004 – Nov 29, 2004 )

On Nov 27, 2004 Sri. Swamiji was welcomed by devotees of Anoopam Mission, “AMUK” at Heathrow airport. On Nov 27 & Nov 28 i.e. Saturday and Sunday satsangs, house visits were organized at number of places namely at Anoopam Mission, Sri. Jalaram Temple on the occasion of  205^th Jalaram Jayanti and famous Sri. Swami Narayana (BAP’s) temple. Large numbers of devotees hailed Rev. Sri. Swamiji and listened to his discourse at Sri. Swami Narayan Mandir. Swamiji’s unity in diversity and equal reverence for all saints, sages, cast, creed and people of all walks received a great admiration.

Famous house journal of  London, Gujarat Samachar hosted Rev. Swamiji’s discourse and question - answer session at Gujarat Samachar Bhavan. Sri. C. B. Patel, owner of the weekly welcomed Swamiji and thanked him for his graceful presence.

Visit to Bristol & Lester ( Nov 30, 2004 - Dec 2, 2004 ) 

After spending three days at Bristol (UK) and stop by visit to Lester Rev. Swamiji departed for Ahmedabad, India. At Bristol he stayed with late Sri. Pranjivan Tailor’s family. Entire family was graced and blessed initially by late Sr. Swami Vyankateshanandaji Maharaj and later on by the Most Worshipful and Rev. Sri. Gurudev Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj.  

For organizing this entire tour to USA, UK, Canada  and Amsterdam of Rev. Swami Sri. Adhyatmannadaji Maharaj, Sri Sivananda Ashram Ahmedabad and Sri. Divya Jivan Sanskrutik Sangh is highly thankful to all the organizers and  devotees of Sri. Swamiji at all the centers. May God bless them all.  

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.   

Report of Continuing of  Spiritual Tour ( October 1, 2004 - October 31, 2004 ) 

Yoga Camp at Coplay, Pennsylvania ( Sept 26, 2004 – Oct 2, 2004 )   

It was continuation of Yoga camp at Anoopam Mission up to Oct 2, 2004. In the evening Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji’s discourses based on Sri. Lord Swami Narayana’s life and teaching and from Swami Gunatitanandaji’s teaching were of great attraction to the devotees. On Oct 2, 2004 birthday anniversary of Pujya Bapuji, Mahatma Gandhiji,  plantation of trees was done by Sri Jashbhai and Pujya Swamiji at Lion gate of Anoopam Mission campus. At conclusion of a week long yoga retreat a farewell satsnag was held in the evening. After Swamiji’s discourse, devotional music, and cultural program was organized and it was followed by dinner. Large number of devotees participated in the evening festivity. On morning of Sunday, Oct 3 Swamiji was given sand off after prayer by devotees of Anoopam Mission.  

Tree Plantation by Sri. Jashbhai Saheb and Pujya Swamiji at Anoopam Mission , Coplay 

At Montgomery and Hartsfield , Pennsylvania ( Oct 3, 2004 – Oct 4, 2004 )   

From Coplay, Rev. Swamiji went to Bhartiya Temple at Montgomery. A satsang was arranged here and was followed by lunch. In the afternoon Swamiji addressed to the devotees and Balvihar children at the residence of Smt. Jankiben & Sri. Jayant Patel. Evening satsang and dinner was organized at Padmaben’s residence at Hartsfield. Sri. Swamiji visited number of family and sick people in the vicinity area up to late night. On Oct 4, 2004 morning Swamiji flew to German Town, Tennessee .

At Memphis, Tennessee ( Oct 4, 2004 – Oct 7, 2004 )

At Memphis, Smt. Kusumben and her family received Rev. Swamiji. Kusumben graduated from Yoga Teachers training course from Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad. Smt. Mitaben and Dr. Pravin Patel arranged a home satsang on his arrival at Memphis. Next day morning, Swamiji had five hours long drive to Laurel Mississippi, where Smt. Rupalben & Dr. Rajesh Patel organized a public satsang at town hall which was followed by dinner. On Oct 6, 2004 evening satsnag was organized in the hall by Mrs. Mystry and Mr. Minesh Patel at German Town .  

At Tampa, Florida ( Oct 7, 2004- Oct 13, 2004 ) 

 From Oct 7, 2004 - Oct 13, 2004 Rev. Swamiji’s Yoga camp and evening discourses in the subject of “ In Search of the Soul” were organized at Bharatiya Temple of Tampa, Florida. Dr. Gaurangi Patel and Dr. Ramappa took great interest in organizing the program. Smt. Rashmi & Sri Ram Jakhotia hosted Swamiji.  Also Rev. Swamiji graced many devotees home as well as went to Tampa General Hospital and consoled number of sick patients.

 Yoga Camp at Winnipeg , Canada ( Oct 14, 2004 – Oct 23, 2004)  

On invitation, of Sri. Suren Mehta, during Holy Navratri, Swamiji went to Winnipeg ,Manitoba. As such, Swamiji was planned to go to Haiti but because of cyclone and natural calamities trip to Haiti was canceled.

At Winnipeg, with cooperation of Hindu Senior Citizen Center a week long yoga camp was organized. The Yoga session was held in the morning as well as in the evening on request of people. At night Swamiji gave heart touching discourses upon “Stress management through Yoga”. A large number seekers avail the benefit of Swamiji’s teaching. Rev. Swamiji was invited to visit cardiovascular research institute at Winnipeg . Dr. Naransan Lagga, a surgeon and a research scholar welcomed him there. Also Swamiji visited number of businesses and devotee’s home here.

Yoga Camp at Senior Citizen Center, Winnipeg 

Smt. Chndrakalaben and Sri. Suren Mehta, a host of Swamiji at Winnipeg, learned Yoga from Swamiji in India 1982-1985 and they have been practicing since.  

Houston and Corpus Christi , Texas ( Oct 23, 2004 – Nov 3, 2004 )  

Swamiji was received by Sri. Kanu Patel and Vimu Patel in Houston. Next day in the morning Sri Narendra and Sri Bhanu Patel drove him to Corpus Christi. From Oct 24 - Oct 28 morning yoga session and evening discourses on the subject of “Teaching of Gita” were organized at Corpus Christi. On full moon day of Sri Sharad Purnima, group Satyanarayana Pooja was performed by devotees. In his return back to Houston, public discourses were organized on the subject of “Gita in Daily life”, “Power of Mantra” and  “Yoga of Synthesis of Swami Sivananda”. Smt Priya Shashtri, Smt. Vimuben & Sri. Kanubhai Patel organized the program at Houston. From Houston Swamiji went to Atlanta. Plantation of trees was done at various places.      

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Report of beginning of Spiritual Tour (Aug 30, 2004  - Sept 30, 2004 )  

On Aug 29, 2004 Bhajan sandhya was arranged and devotees gathered at Sivanada Ashram to wish their beloved Swamiji Maharaj on the eve of his departure for spiritual tour to the West. Smt. Aartiben Munshi, Shri.Saumilbhai Munshi and Shri Shyamalbhai Munshi were the singer artists. At the conclusion of the program 12.oo am traditional Vedic puja at the temple was performed just before Swamiji proceeded to the airport. Also Swamiji Maharaj paid his respect to Paduka of Guru Maharaj by keeping them on His head and took blessings of Pujya Dada Swami (Srimad Shankarananandaji) Maharaj, Pujya Swami Guru Sewananadaji, Pujya Swami Bhakti Priyanandaji Mataji, Revered Dadoo (Dr.Jagannath Moudgil Sahib). Many devotees joined him to the airport to wish him safe journey.  

Amsterdam , Netherlands ( Aug 30, 2004- Sept 3, 2004 )

Rev. Swamiji was received at Frankfurt ( Germany ) by Yogiraj Shri Kries Mannie Sing along with his son and friends. They drove him to Hag ( Amsterdam ). Public Satsang and discourses were organized at Hag during his stay there. Also Radio talks of Swamiji were recorded on the subjects of Hindu religious festivals.  

Arrival at Chicago ( Sept 4, 2004 – Sept 6, 2004 )  

On Sept 4, 2004 Pujya Swamiji was welcomed by Naik family at their home in Vedic traditional manner. At night, welcome Satsang-Kirtan  and continuation of Rev. Swamiji’s Diamond Jubilee celebration was held which was followed by dinner.  On Sept 5, 2004  Pujya Swamiji was invited to a function organized by Anoopam Mission in the morning from 9.00 am to12.oo pm. Pujya Sri and Revered Shri Jashbhai Sahebji of Anoopam Mission and Shri Pujya Swami Hari Prasadji Maharaj of Hari Dham were all present at the occasion.

 Welcome & Diamond Jubilee Celebration at Chicago( Sept 4, 2004 ) 

In the afternoon Rev. Sri Vedalankarji of Arya Samaj organized a satsang at Arya Samaj Center of Chicago. In the evening Swamiji addressed to a large assembly of devotees at newly inaugurated grand Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of BAPS institute.  

Bloomington, Indiana ( Sept 6, 2004 - Sept 9, 2004 )  

On Sept 6, 2004 Rev. Swamiji arrived at Bloomington , Indiana. Morning Yoga session and evening satsang were organized by Smt. Arunaben and Shri. Dineshbhai Patel. Plantation of tree was done by Swamiji at their home also. Special Satsang and Satya Narayan Katha on the occasion of Janmashtami and 117th Birthday Anniversary of Holy master Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj were also organized.  

Detroit , Michigan ( Sept 9, 2004 _ Sept 14, 2004 )  

On Sept 9, 2004  Rev. Swamiji arrived at Detroit. Here Shri. Anil Lal and Smt. Meera Lal happily welcomed Swamiji in their newly built home. Daily morning Yogasana classes and evening discourses in the multipurpose hall of Indian temple of Hindu Religion were held. Also at the temple large number of devotees participated in Shree Vishnu Sahastranama Yajna in which recitation of Shree Vishnu Sahasranama 108  times for the peace of the departed souls of those who lost their lives three years back in the crash of World Trade Center. It was concluded after twenty eight hours. Swamiji was present at the concluding ceremony and spoke on Glory of Vishnu Sahastranama. Rev. Swamiji was invited by devotees at their homes. Tree plantation was also done at few devotees home.  

Toronto , Canada ( Sept 14, 2004 - Sept 21, 2004 )  

Daily morning Yoga classes were organized at two main temple namely Sanatan Dharma temple ( 6.00 am - 7.00am ) and Shree Laxmi Narayan temple ( 8.00am- 9.00am ) during a week stay in Toronto. Evening discourses were held at Shree Vaishnao Devi Temple  and Swamiji spoke on Glory of “Hanuman Chalisa". Satsangs were also organized in other institutions namely Shree Vishnu Mandir and Shree Ganesh Mandir. Swamiji Maharaj was invited for Bhiksha at many devotees’ homes.

Programs at  Toronto  was organized by hard work of Shri. Kamlesh Daveji, Shri.Kunjvihari Daveji, Shri. Bharatbhai Tailor and Ms. Manjari Bhatt. Swamiji and Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad will remain heartily indebted to Shri. Kamlesh Dave and his family, a main organizer and a host. Media coverage was given to Swamiji’s program in leading Indian newspapers.  

Toledo , Ohio ( Sept 21, 2004 – Sept 25, 2004)    

At Hindu Temple of Toledo organized Swamiji’s program. Acharya Shri Anant Dixitji welcomed Pujya Swamiji & Premavadootji the disciple of Shri Rangavdootji Maharaj, a Siddha Purusha of Nareshwer, Gujarat. Morning Yoga classes and evening discourses were well attended by people of Toledo.  Smt.Binduben & Dr.Arvindbhai Mistry & Shri Rajesh Laungani & Dr. Binaben Laugani hosted Swamiji.   

New Jersey ( Sept 25, 2004- Sept 26, 2004 )  

Dr. Jyotiben Joshi and Shri Dineshbhai Joshi received Pujya Swamiji at their home. A public discourse at freehold ( New Jersey ) was organized by Smt. Jyotiben Joshi.  

Coplay, Pennsylvania ( Sept 26, 2004 – Oct 3, 2004 )  

On Sept 26, 2004 Rev. Swamiji arrived at Shree Swaminarayan Temple of Anoopam Mission at Coplay, Pennsylvania.  Here Swamiji Maharaj was given warm welcome by H. H. Sri Jashbhai Sahebji, a Spiritual Head of Anoopam Mission, Mogri (Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Anand). A week long Yogasana Classes in the morning and Gita Pravachan in the evening were organized here. Rev. Shri Shantibhai the personal Guru Bandhu of Sri Sahebji was present also. Devotees from other parts of USA also participated in the program.

Pujya Swamiji & Pujya Jeshbhai Sahebji
At Yogasana Camp, Coplay (Pennsylvania)

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