Hidden Gems from Ramayana (20-22 June 2014)
The Ramayan is not just a religious text meant to be read on festival days but it is the handbook of life. The Ramayan is not just for chanting and keeping in the house but it is meant to bring out the devotee in us and to see life from the right perspective. It contains many hidden gems which were beautifully illustrated by Pujya Swami Abhedanandaji during his 3-day talk at Saligram Hall. The spiritual discourses took place from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm from the 20th to 22nd June 2014.
The crowd of more than 400 people listened attentively as Swamiji elaborated on the character of Shri Bharathji, who had tremendous love for Lord Ram. Swamiji highlighted the characteristics of a saint which is his ability to renounce, who discovers joy in himself , accepts everyone in spite of their faults and has extreme love for God. Swamiji also re-iterated that saints carry the will and wish of the God. Without saint, we can’t see things clearly or move ahead in life. The glory of a saint is much emphasized in our scriptures and Shri Bharathji was an example of such a saint.
Pic 1 – Photo: Yagna Audience
It was explained by Swamiji that this world is not for our enjoyment and entertainment but it is to be served as a representative of Lord. Each person has a specific role to play and by playing our role well as a father, mother, etc , we please the Lord and execute His plan. There is no action which we cannot make it a worship(pooja) for the Lord. Our talking, eating, interacting, can be made as offering to the Lord. Whatever we have , we can make it better, beautiful and give it back to the Lord.
Swamiji also described the characteristics of an egotistic person (ahankari) person. It was mentioned that an ahankari person sees others as small, he thinks that he is better and can’t love others or appreciate their goodness. Swamiji expounded on the divine qualities of Bharathji , who was the acme of humility. His only thought was giving joy to his beloved Lord Ram in all ways at all times.
It was explained by Swamiji that our hearts are meant to love only Lord. The Lord gave us healthy bodies, satsang, air, sun, moon yet we will never be able to thank the Lord enough for all that He has done. Therefore Swamiji advised to never miss our sadhana of doing pooja, jaap, and nourish a relationship with God. When we cry and call the Lord,He will never leave us alone and frustrated but gives us more than what we deserve. The 3-day talks concluded with Swamiji highlighting that if one develops devotion like Bharatji , then his life will become a heaven. There will be a continuation of this topic on the 18th, 19th & 20th July 2014 at the Saligram Hall from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Pic 2 – Photo: Pujya Swami Abhedananda Before Discourse
Residents of Clare Estate, Reservoir Hills and surrounding areas are extremely privileged to have Swami Abhedanandaji and should take full advantage of the opportunity to listen to these motivational spiritual discourses. Therefore do not miss this great chance to listen to the Ramayan and learn more about how to develop devotion to the Lord. Please contact the ashram office on 031 401 7915 or email chinmayamission.durban@gmail.com for further information.
