ENSUING PROGRAMMES

We wish to inform our devotees about the programmes to be held at the Mission premises over the next three weeks.

1. Whole day Bhakta Sammelan on Sunday, the 12th September, 2010.

2. Discourse on Prashna Upanishad in Hindi every day evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. from     13th to 17th September, 2010 (Monday to Friday)

3. Discourse on basic tenets of Vedanta and practical hints on different meditation         techniques by Pujya Swami Pragyaranya on Sunday, the 19th of September, 2010 from     5:00   to 7:00 p.m. Pujya Swamiji has been guiding spiritual aspirants on these topics for     more than 15 years. He is deeply respected for his contemplative nature.

4. Japa Yajna on 25th September, 2010 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Nama Japa or        repetition of Lord’s name is considered a very important ingredient of Sadhana. Hence,     devotees are requested to register their name at our office for participating in Japa Yajna.     They must enroll at least for any one-hour slot during the period 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 

Devotees are requested to attend all the above programmes in large numbers and benefit spiritually.
 

Spiritual  Journey  to  South  Africa

Many of you are aware that the undersigned visited South Africa for about two weeks in the second half of July, 2010. It was an unforgettable spiritual journey the highlights of which we wish to share with our devotees.

Outside our country I have never seen such large gatherings of dedicated, committed and sincere devotees of Sri Sri Thakur, who is frequently referred as the Master by them. The male and female devotees strictly observe a dress code (white). There is a main centre at Durban and there are 15 sub-centres in various parts of South Africa besides several Satsang groups. There were 17 programmes during the two weeks all of which were well attended. For example, on Guru Purnima there was a gathering of about 600 devotees at the Durban centre. On Tuesday, the 27th the programme for senior citizens at the Phoenix sub-centre attracted 500 elderly people. Absolute silence was maintained during all the programmes and not once the sound of mobile phone was heard during any of the programmes at the branch centres. 95% of the devotees took their seats at least 15 minutes before the programme. At each centre there were at least 20-25 youngsters who are school and college students. At every place all the devotees sing Bhajans in chorus. The devotees participate very actively in most of the activities of the centres.

We have a lot to learn from them. In particular, we feel deeply concerned about the thin attendance at our Sarada Children Forum and Vivekananda Youth Forum. We fervently appeal to our devotees to send their children to Sarada Children Forum and inspire the youths to attend the Vivekananda Youth Forum. It is extremely necessary that the younger generations should be brought into the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda fold for all-round development of personality, for character-building and man-making. We also feel that our devotees should sing in chorus the Arati songs as well as some of the Bhajans which we hope to start singing in the shrine, at least on Sundays.
 

Bhakta Sammelan

We are happy to inform our devotees that the next Bhakta Sammelan will be held on Sunday the 12th of September, 2010 on the theme ‘Sadhana’. Revered Swami Atmaghananandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Chennai and Revered Swami Raghavendranandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Indore will be the main speakers. The former will also render bhajans in the afternoon. The devotees who are desirous of participating in the Bhakta Sammelan may enroll their names as delegates through our Book Sales Showroom.