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Year 16 Monthly eMagazine of the International Vedanta Mission Issue 2

 In This Issue

1. Vedanta Section: Atma Bodha - Shloka-21

2. Letter Section: Some Questions

3. Festival Section: The month of Savan

4. Story Section: Samudra Manthan

5. VM Programs: Mission / Ashram Progs

 From Poojya Guruji

Vedanta Sandesh
Spreading Love & Light
Hari om!

Monthly eMagazine of the Vedanta Mission now becomes International Vedanta Mission. Started in 1992
International Vedanta Mission with a Gita Gyana Yagna in Mumbai, Vedanta Mission has come a long way.
Sharing the message of Vedanta and Sanatan Dharma
With the blessings of God and the dedicated work of its various Mahatmas and
devotees is today well-known and also respected all over the world. While
Vedanta Mission had been serving all the aspirants of truth from every part of
Aug 2010 the world with equal love & enthusiasm, yet our expanding work and also the
On the Net since 1995 dedicated work of our disciples in other countries; and now the initiation of a
foriegn student into Sanyas Ashram has neccessitated a more comprehensive
name. As you all know that during my recent visit to Russia I initiated Brni
Divya Chaitanya, of Russian origin, into Sanyas Ashram, and now she has
been named as Swamini Vidyananda Saraswati.
Started by:
Poojya Guruji Sri Swami Atmanandaji Sanyas Ashram is a unique institution specific to our Vedic tradition. The im-
portance of this fourth & final Ashram of human life arises from the require-
ments & nature of Self-Knowledge. While Brahman is not opposed to any-
Editor: thing, and blesses both Knowledge and Ignorance equally, but the ‘Knowledge
Swamini Samatananda of Brahman’ is something different. It is this ‘light of knowledge’ which alone
removes the darkness of ignorance, the basic ‘veil’ and cause of all samsara.
This direct awareness of the truth of our Self as infinite, non-dual Brahman, is
technically called as Akhandakar-Vritti. Akhanda means non-fragmenting, and
Vritti means awareness. We need to directly appreciate ‘that’ which blesses
Published from: both the subject & object alike, which is the common denominator of all as their
Vedanta Ashram very Self, and that which is infinite & non-dual. We need to directly ‘see’ the
E/2948-50, Sudama Nagar fact that all my notions about myself being a limited entity are false. This knowl-
Indore-452 009, India edge calls for negation of ‘all’ our existing self-conclusions, and then instead of
again resorting to imaginations - we be factual. We require a state of mind
which on one hand can drop ‘all’ its worldly identities; and two have a highly
alert & non-projecting mind which is fully awake to the present moment, and is
Web: poised to know that which is self-existing & effulgent, with an open, simple &
alert mind. As any sense of doership amounts to resorting to fragmenting self-
www.vmission.org.in
conclusons, so sanyasis drop all sense of identities, doership, relationships
and responsibilities based on our individualities. Their new name & form sym-
Email: bolizes that alone. They entertain a highly alert and non-projecting mind which
vmission@gmail.com is interested to just ‘awake’ to the truth as revealed by the awakened ones.
Such a sanyasi alone can get self-knowledge, no one else. Incapacity of taking
sanyas just indicates our attachment to things & people outside, and also our
notions about the real source of joys, which alone are resposible for all samsara
& its grief. Anyone daring to take to sanyas is worthy of all respect.
Love & om,

Swami Atmananda
 Atma Bodha - Shloka 21
Vedanta Section
Superimpositions are because of Aviveka
If Atman is different from the body and the sense organs, it is not one without a second. If it
is not different from them it shares the nature of having birth and death going through changes and
the activities of seeing, moving, feeing, thinking etc, like the body, mind and intellect. In these
states how can the Atman be understood as the only one real having no modifications, no activity
and no sense of doership and enjoyership. this doubt is cleared in this sloka as it is explained that
the Atman is basically untouched and pure. All that appears to be there as modifications, activities,
and responses is an imposition of the jivatma on the Real Self due to ignorance.

21
Dehendriya gunankarmani amale satchidatmani
Adhyasyantyaviveken gagane nilatadivat
Dehendriyagunan: the body, the sense organs and the gunas like sattva etc, karmani: the activi-
ties; amale: in the pure; satchidatmani: the Atman of the nature of Real Existence and Pure
consciousness; Adhyasyanti: superimpose; aviveken: owing to non-discrimination; gagane: in
the sky; nilatadivat: like blueness and the like.

Owing to non-discrimination , the ignorant superimpose on the immaculate Atman,

which is Real Existence and Pure Consciousness, the qualities and activities of the body
and sense organs, just as they attribute the blue color and the like to the sky.

Dehendriya gunankarmani: of life and energy. Another important reality of

As human beings we have been blessed
by an extremely unique body which comprises
of the physical body, the organs of action, the
sense organs and the mind and intellect. These
instruments are blessed by the light of the su-
preme consciousness which enlivens every
thing. All these faculties are unique by them-
selves and perform equally unique functions.
They all have certain qualities and aptitudes
which enable us to experience the world in the
most beautiful manner. Even if one of the facul-
ties is handicapped man is deprived of the joy
of experiences to that extent. But at the same
time one should not miss out on the fact that all
these instruments of our personality are gifted
with life by a Divine entity who is the main source
Vedanta Sandesh - July 2010
these bodies is that not only do they function
with a borrowed life energy but by nature they
are limited at the levels of object, time and space.
Their functions and attributes have limitations,
they are constantly changing, their experiences
are limited in nature and within a span of time
they are no more. The existence of the objec-
tive world is like mirage water, it appears to be
there but does not have any real existence.
Hence it seems to attract the thirsty one, who
considers it to be real and is constantly running
behind it which is actually nothing but an illu-
sion totally inacpable of satiating one’s thirst.
This is quite in opposition to the nature of the
true Self-The Atman, which has no limitations of
time and space. It is eternal, not undergoing any
changes. Here the Master says that due to ig-
norance one superimposes the limited nature
of the attributes and functions of these faculties
on the Atman which is basically pure and bliss-
ful. Our identification with these levels of per-
sonality as the Self results in the Self appearing
to be limited or the doer and enjoyer.If the physi-
cal body is ill we say ‘I’ am ill. If the mind is happy
we say I am happy, if the intellect is ignorant we
say I am ignorant. When the sense organs per-
form we say I am the doer. Hence this identifi-
cation makes the Self appear as going through
these various modifications of physical appear-
ances, of happiness and sorrow etc. All these
are superimposed on the Atman, that which is
basically free of any modifications and is im-
maculate and blissful. The The Acharya thus
goes on to say-
Amale Satchidatmani:
The nature of the Real Self is pure, eter-
nal, consciousness and bliss. The body of the
jivatma may be impure, the mind of a person
may be polluted by various self-centric and ego-
istic thoughts and desires, but such is the glory
of the Atman that no matter how maligned the
mind may be, how ever much individualistic an
ignorant one may be yet the Atman which is the
substratum of our personality, is totally un-
touched and untainted. Infact the word ‘pure’ is
also used with referance to the impurities that
we can see at the level of the body, mind and
intellect, actually the Self is neither pure nor im-
pure it is the glorious one that even sustains and
brings to light the so called pure and impure of
the objective world. The Atman is of the nature
of ‘Sat’ that which is eternal, unbound by the
limitations of the past , present and future.
This Self is never born, nor does It die. It did not spring from any-
thing, nor did anything spring from It. This Ancient One is unborn,
eternal, everlasting. It is not slain even though the body is slain. -
Kathopanishad
Adhyasyanti aviveken: This sublime nature of
the Atman is superimposed by the limited at-
tributes and activities of the body, mind and in-
tellect, by the ignorant ones. The body and the
organs of sense are unreal and fleeting like mi-
rage in the desert. In the activities of those un-
real objects the unwise exult in the feeling ‘I am
the Doer, I am the enjoyer, not only giving un-
due importance to the Body, but also imposing
this sense of deorship and enjoyership on the
‘I’. Hence it as though appears to be limited in
nature, the performer and enjoyer of varous ac-
tions. The Acharya explains the superimposi-
tion with a very nice example.
Gagane Neelatadivat:
Just as people attribute blue, red and
white on the sky even though the sky by itself
has no color, but ignorant people who are not
aware of this fact, that, the sky is colorless and
also people who are not aware as to why the
sky appears to be blue make such false imposi-
tions. If one were to scientificaly analyse the blue
color of the sky, then one would come to know
how the sky even though being colorles appears
to be blue. As light moves through the atmo-
sphere, most of the longer wavelengths pass
straight through. Little of the red, orange and
yellow light is affected by the air. However, much
of the shorter wavelength light is absorbed by
the gas molecules. The absorbed blue light is
then radiated in different directions. It gets scat-
tered all around the sky. Whichever direction you
look, some of this scattered blue light reaches
you. Since you see the blue light from every-
where overhead, the sky looks blue.
Similarly the Atman is basically pure and
free of any modifications, attributes and sense
of doersip and enjoyership.
Page # 5
 Just Do Not Conclude So early
One truck driver was doing his usual load delivery at a mental hospital,
by parking his vehicle beside an open drain. He discovered a flat tyre when
he was about to return from the mental hospital. He jacked up the truck
and removed the flat tyre to fix the spare tyre. When he was about to fix the
spare tyre, he accidentally dropped all the 4 bolts in the open drain. As he
cannot fish the bolts in the open drain, he started to panic as to what should
be done?
Just then, one patient happened to walk past him and asked the
driver as to why he was looking troubled. The driver thought to himself,
since there is nothing much he can do or this mental joker can. Just to
keep the bugging away, the truck driver informed the whole episode to the
mental patient and gave a helpless look.
The patient just laughed at the truck driver and said “ you just cannot
even fix such a simple problem? No wonder you are destined to remain a
truck driver for life”.
The truck driver was astonished to hear such a compliment from a
mental guy.” Here is what you can do “ said the mental guy “Take one bolt
from each of the remaining 3 tyres/wheels and fix it on to this tyre . Then
drive down to the nearest workshop and replace the missing ones. Is’nt it
simple my friend “.
The truck driver was so impressed with this quick fix answer and
asked the patient “how come you are so smart and intelligent and you are
here at the mental hospital?”
The patient replied...” hello friend! I stay here because I am crazy but not
stupid”.
Just do not conclude that you know everything and do not judge
people by mere looks/attire stature or academic background.

Vedanta Sandesh - July 2010

 Letter of the Some Questions
Month

Hari Om Mark,

Nice to hear from you after a long time. Yes, with the blessings of God I am
fine. Thanks.

> How does Brahman in mayic prakriti function via sattva, rajas and tamas?
The basic
>
objective of Avataras 1. Whatever the guna maybe, Brahman blesses 'all' by blessing them with
is to help us their very existence, manifestation of life, and lovability.
appreciate and live
'Dharma' properly. By > What would be such paths as the monist, the dualistic and the qualified
> monist in the Hindu tradition?
following Dharma, not
>
only the present is 2. Different interpretations of vedantic texts get reflected in terms of
made beautiful, but different priorities in our sadhana. The broad differences of these is in
the future too terms of priority for Gyana, Upasana or Karma. Followers of Advaita aim just

becomes free of all for Knowledge because ignorance alone is discerned to be 'the' problem.

consequences of
> Lastly Maharaj, would like to ask you about Avataras and how such would be
adharma - at all > operating in our society and the different types of such? Do they have an
levels. > ability to change the future of our immediate era and if so can you please
- Poojya Guruji > explain?
>
3. The basic objective of Avataras is to help us appreciate and live
'Dharma' properly. By following Dharma, not only the present is made
beautiful, but the future too becomes free of all consequences of adharma -
at all levels. Future is a matter of concern only for those whose 'present'
is not worthy of satisfaction, Avataras help us make the best of our
present.

Love & om

Swami Atmananda

Page # 9
 The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from
Chaitra, and is not only considered as the most auspicious month of Chaturmas but is
known as the holiest month of the year. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course
of the month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan. This
month is spread out with a number of religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the
days of this month are auspicious.
Savan - the Month of

Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of this month,
known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra
hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees offer
bilva patras and flowers on the siva lingum and fast till sunset. People have special
anushthans of japa and puja-abhishek during the whole auspicious month.The nandadeep
Shivopasana

(24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples. In many temples on every monday of the
Shravan month the shiva lingum and the temple of Lord Shiva are grandly and beautifully
decorated. These decorations are known as Jhnakis which have a special theme each
week depicting the leelas of Lord Shiva and his personality, Bhasma is also popularly used
in such decorations.

Not only human beings but nature also offers its oblation to Lord Shiva during this
pious month. It is said that Indra Devata (The Rain God) by showering soft rains consistently
during the entire month also does abhisheka of Lord Shiva.

The swing or Jhoola or Dola or Hindola also have a special significance in the
month of Shravan. Various deities are placed on ornamentally decorated swings. The
swinging movement to and fro symbolizes a state of ecstasy and happiness that takes one
away from the mundane world. Placing a deity on a swing is an act of veneration.

Legend of Shravan Maas

The legend speaking of the glory of the month of Shravan says that when the
churning of the ocean - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen
different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons,
except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence
the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva. To reduce the strong
effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter
started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to lessen the effect of poison. This happened
in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this
month.

Things to do during Shravan month

• A person is greatly blessed by doing Japa of Om Namah Shivaya during this month.
• Make offerings of Bilva leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and
VedantaSandesh
Vedanta Sandesh- -July
April2010
2009 Page # 10
sugar) on Shiva Ling.
• Reciting Shiv Stotras and bhajans. Reading the glories of Lord Shiva as in the scriptures
like Shiva Purana. Attending satsang or discourses by Mahatmas at temples and ashrams.
• Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
• Fasting also has a great significance durin this month especially on mondays.

Festivals in Shravan Month

Shravan has a special importance as it ushers in a host of auspicious days and
festivals like: Naga-Panchami, Kalkyavatara, Putradaikadashi, Hindola or Swinging, Narali
Purnima, Shravani Purnima, Pavitraropana, Raksha Bandhan, Vara Lakshmi Vrata, Rishi
Panchami, Govatsa and Bahula, Sitala Saptami, Janmashtami, Ajaikadasi, Pithori and Pola.

SONG OF RADHA

I carried my curds to the Mathura fair…

How softly the heifers were lowing…
I wanted to cry, “Who will buy
The curds that is white as the clouds in the sky
When the breezes of Shravan are blowing?”
But my heart was so full of your beauty, Beloved,
They laughed as I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!

How softly the river was flowing!

I carried the pots to the Mathura tide…
How gaily the rowers were rowing!
My comrades called, “Ho! Let us dance, let us sing
And wear saffron garments to welcome the spring.
And pluck the new buds that are blowing.”
But my heart was so full of your music, Beloved,
They mocked when I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!

How gaily the river was flowing!

I carried my gifts to the Mathura shrine…
How brightly the torches were glowing!
I folded my hands at the altars to pray
“O shining ones guard us by night and by day”-
And loudly the conch shells were blowing.
But my heart was so lost in your worship, Beloved,
They were wroth when I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!

Page # 11
 Money, Credentials, Love…?

The people who make a difference…

-Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

-Name the last five recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
-Name the last five winners of the Miss World contest.
-Name ten people who have won an Olympic Gold Medal.
-Name the last five Academy Award winners for best actor and
actress.

How did you do?

Who cares – the point is that none of us remember this stuff. These
people are the best in their fields and yet the applause dies, awards
sit on the shelf and achievements are forgotten.

Here's another set of questions. See how you do with these:

-Name two friends who have helped you through a tough time.
-Name five people who have taught you something meaningful.
-Name a teacher or mentor who made a difference in your life.
-Think of a few people who always make you feel appreciated.
-Name a couple of people whose stories have inspired you.
-Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Was this a little easier to complete?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones
with the most money, the greatest credentials, or the biggest
awards. They are the ones who genuinely care and remain in
your heart and memory always.

Vedanta Sandesh - July 2010

 Stories from
Shiv Purana Samudra Manthan
Once Indra, the King of Devatas, while riding on an elephant, came across
po n a sage named Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the

n ce u .. garland, placing it on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant, irritated by the
O e . smell of the garland, threw it to the ground. This enraged the sage as the gar-
m
a ti
land was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada. Durvasa
Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.
In the battles that followed this incident, Devas were defeated and Asuras (de-
mons) led by king Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from
god Vishnu who advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas
formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of im-
mortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishnu told Devas that he
would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.
The churning of the Ocean of Milk was an elaborate process. Mount
Mandaranchal was used as the dasher (churning tool), and Vasuki, the king of
serpents, became the churning rope. The gods held the tail of the snake, while
the demons (Asuras) held its head, and they pulled on it alternately causing the
mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. However, once the moun-
tain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. Vishnu in his second incarnation,
in the form of a turtle Kurma, came to their rescue and supported the mountain
on his back.
During the Samudra Mathan by the gods and demons, a pot of poison,
Halahala, also came out of the ocean. This terrified the gods and demons be-
cause the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the
advice of Vishnu, gods approached Shiva for help and protection. Out of com-
passion for living beings, Shiva swallowed the poison and held it in his throat. It
was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva's neck to blue. For this reason,
he is also called Neelakantha (the black-necked one,
Finally, Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician, emerged with a pot con-
taining amrita, the heavenly nectar of immortality. Fierce fighting ensued be-
tween devas and asuras for the nectar. To protect the nectar from asuras, devas
hid the pot of nectar at four places on the earth - Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar,
Ujjain and Nasik. At each of these places, a drop of the nectar spilled from the
pot and it is believed that these places acquired mystical power. A Kumbh Mela
is celebrated at the four places every twelve years for this reason.
However, the Asuras eventually got hold of the nectar and started cel-
ebrating. Frightened, devas (demigods) appealed to Vishnu, who then took the
form of Mohini. As a beautiful and enchanting damsel, Mohini distracted the
asuras, took the amrita, and distributed it among the Devas, who drank it. One
asura, Rahu, disguised himself as a deva and drank some nectar. Due to their
luminous nature, the sun god Surya and the moon god Chandra noticed the
switching of sides. They informed Mohini. But before the nectar could pass his
throat, Mohini cut off his head with her divine discus, the Sudarshana Chakra.
The head, due to its contact with the amrita, remained immortal. To gain re-
venge on the sun and moon for exposing this, the immortal head occasionally
swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses. Then, the sun or moon passes
through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.
The story ends with the rejuvenated Devas defeating the asuras.
Vedanta Sandesh - April 2009 Page
Page##13
13
 July’10 VM / VA Programs
Sanyas Deeksha of Brni Divya, Russia:
Brni. Divya Chaitanya was initiated into Sanyas Ashram by Poojya
Guruji on 5th July 2010 at Devichy Gorki, 20 Kms outside the town of Balakova
on the banks of River Volga. She is now Swamini Vidyananda Saraswati.
The entire ritual and initiation ceremony was conducted by Poojya
Vedanta Mission / Ashram Programs

Guruji himself. The cermonies began a day ealier on 4th July evening. First
there was the Mundan, and then snana by various dravyas. Then followed
the Prayaschitta Karmas, Yagnopavita, and the Viraja Homa. Next day early
morning at 4.30 AM just when the twilight started, everyone went on the
banks of Volga, and then Brni Divya went in the river, and left her old clothes
and was given the new name & robes by Poojya Guruji. The final step is
called Praisha Vidhi, where a person finally gives up everything to tread the
path of Sanyas.

International Advaita Congress, Moscow:

Poojya Guruji was invited at the 3rd International Advaita Congress
held in Moscow from 14th to 17th July. On 15th was the birthday of Pilot
Baba, and Poojya Guruji was also requested to speak a few words on the
occasion. Swamini Vidyanandaji translated his talk into Russian. He also
met the newly appointed Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishnudevanandaji
who is the main person behind this mega event.
On 15th a special 2 hours Talk by Poojya Guruji was organized in one
of the main halls of Meridian, the venue of Congress. The topic was Advaita
is Freedom. Swamini Vidyanandaji translated the talk, sentence by sen-
tence. Ending of the imaginary divide between the seeker & the sought
amounts to awakening to Advaita and that alone is Moksha. The talk was
very well received by various people.

Om Meditation at Advaita Congress, Moscow:

On 16th July Poojya Guruji took another two hour session on Om
based Meditation.
Meditation in Vedanta is not to become quiet & thoughtless, but to
awake to the timeless truth by realizing it to be our real Self. He revealed
how Om is used at all the levels of Meditation, both for preparatory steps
and the final contemplation. Long chant of Om incorporates all the benefits
of Pranayama, then Om is seen as Sabda Brahman and Sopadhika Upasana
is done to bring about a blessed & Sattvika mind. Thereafter the three matras
of Om which stand for our three awasthas help us to do viveka and thus
realize our real self. As the manifsted sound subsides the entire gamut of
superimpositions also get negated and one is awake to that which is perma-
nent. The matras and also the amatra together constitute the complete pic-
ture of the truth of Self.
Vedanta Sandesh - July 2010
 July’10 VM / VA Programs
Site-Seeing in Moscow:
Swamini Vidyanandaji organized various site-seeing trips around
Moscow for Poojya Guruji. Sammy and Andy Kotwani brothers provided all
the necessary help and logistics.
The group went to Gorky Park, Boat Ride on Moscow River, Kremlin,
Vedanta Mission / Ashram Programs

Red Square, St Basils Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, War Memorial, Mos-

cow University, some City Malls with Ice-Skating Rinks etc. The impression
of the city of Moscow is overall very good. It is clean, beautiful, with nice
gardens & flower beds. It has prosperity, modern ameneties and facilities,
and the people are warm, open and overall hospitable. In the picture here
Poojya Guruji is seen with look-alike of Stalin and Lenin.

Chaturmas Program at Footi Kothi, Indore:

This year Agrasen Dham Trust of Footi Kothi, have organized a four
month long discourse series during the four months of Chaturmas. The
program was inaugurated on Guru Poornima Day by Poojya Guruji.
From 26th July. Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji started a week long
Gyana Yagna there. She took Bhaja Govindam for the talk. The talks were
received very well, inspite of some occasional inclement weather. Poojya
Guruji had earlier introduced the subject by revealing the importance of the
viveka of Sadhya & Sadhana. He told how the great Acharya was overcome
with compassion when he saww on old man in the last phaseso of his life
and who was studying Sankrit Grammar. He reveals the various Moha which
distract a person and motivates them to keep an eye on God alone. Bhaja
Govindam, Bhaja Govindam.

Sunderkand Chanting at Ashram, Indore:

On 1st Aug an Akhand Patha of Sunderkand was organized at Vedanta
Ashram by Sh Gulabchadra Vyasa and Party. The devotees assembeled at
the Ashram by 4.00 PM and shortly started the devoted chanting.
The chanting of this group is full of devotion, and they chant the
chaupai’s in different tunes. The group is selfless, and is a very respected
one in the city. They keep offering their services at least twice a year at the
Vedanta Ashram. This is because Sh GC Vyasa is a disciple of Poojya Guruji.
Sundarkand is very auspicious to chant, because it has description of two
great devotees - Hanumanji and Vibhishan. One can revel in devotion in &
through the challenges of life, while the other revels in devotion inspite of the
various odds in very uncordial circumstances.

Check out the detailed Photo Albums of the various functions on

VM News Blog at : http://vmissionews.blogspot.com/
Page # 15
 Quotes

"Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"An optimist laughs to forget, a pessimist forgets to laugh."

-Unknown

You laugh at me because I am different, but I laugh at you because you

are all the same" Unknown

"A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes
from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows,
and bubbles all around" -Carolyn Birmingham

"Laughter is the closest distance between two people." -Victor Borge

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
Irish Proverb

"Earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should
DANCE. -Anonymous

"The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laugh-
ter" -Mark Twain

Vedanta Sandesh - July 2010

 Forthcoming Programs

Chaturmas Discourses at Footi Kothi, Indore:

This year Chaturmas Discourses are being conducted by Vedanta Ashram Mahatmas
at Agrasen Dham (Footi Kothi). Poojya Guruji inaugurated the discourse series on Guru
Poornima day, and thereafter Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji conducted a Gyana Yagna.
Now Poojya Swamini Amitanandaji is conducting discourse series on Shiv Mahimna.

Poojya Guruji’s Trip to UK:

Poojya Guruji and Poojya Swamini Samatanandaji will leave for a month long trip to
UK on 27th Aug. First they will bless Kunal Thakrar on his marraige on 28th AUg, and then will
have satsang at Reading, Bradford, Leeds and Loughborough. There will be various home
visits and satsangs in the houses of various devotees too.

Gita Gyana Yagna at Hindu Temple, Welingborough:

Poojya Guruji will conduct a Gita Gyana Yagna at Hindu Temple Wellingborough from
11th to 18th Sept. The discurses will be on Gita Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga). While these dscourses
will be in Hindi, another session will be in the morning, where he will conduct classes in English
for the english speaking crowd and youngsters.

Gita Gyana Yagna, Lucknow:

Poojya Swami Amitanandaji will conduct a week-long discourse series at Hari om
Mandir, at Lal Bag in Lucknow from 24th to 30th Sept.
The texts of the morning and evening discourses will be announced soon.

Discourses at Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bradford:

Poojya Guruji and Swamini Samataanandaji will visit the Northern Distt of UK in the
last week of their stay there. He is likely to conduct discourses at Laxmi Narayan Temple,
Bradford, Leeds, Middleborough and Newcastle.

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 Hari om !

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