Suntrack with Arunji

Car Festival at Koniamman Temple 26.02.2012 - Coimbatore

2012-02-01T19:55:00.000+05:30

The Karamadai Kainkaryam

2012-01-07T07:09:00.000+05:30

The Karamadai devotees heard with rapt attention not only the vibrant bhajans but also a brief talk on the subject of kainkaryam to the Divine at three levels - physical, manasika and vachaka. It was followed by the rendition of the ever popular Ranga Ranga and meditation. When the audience was visualising Him in their hearts, the utsav murthis made their appearance alongside the mandap area itself!

ஞானம், த்யானம், கானம் மற்றும் குற்றால ஸ்னானம்

2012-01-04T06:57:00.003+05:30

சமீபத்தில்முது நிலை த்யான பயிற்சிக்காக குற்றாலம் சென்ற போது, அங்கிருந்த வானர (குரங்கு) கூட்டம் எங்களை அன்புடன் வரவேற்றது. நீண்ட இடைவெளிக்குப்பின், நண்பர்களை சந்தித்த ஓர் ஆனந்தம்!

முதல் நாளன்று மெளன சுவாமிகள் மடத்தை சேர்ந்த சித்தேஸ்வரி பீடம் கோயிலில் நடை பெற்ற சத்சங்கம் மிக அற்புதம். விநாயகர் முதல்ஆஞ்சநேயர் வரை சுமார் பத்து சன்னதிகள் இக்கோயிலில் உள்ளன. மேலும் சுவாமிகளின் மஹா சமாதியும் உள்ளது. இந்த கோயிலில் உள்ள விநாயகரின் பெயர் 'நாடி விநாயகர்'. பல ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்இவரது கண்ணில் நீர் வந்ததாகவும்,அப்போது அவரை ஒரு மருத்துவர்பரிசித்து, விநாயகருக்கு நாடி துடித்து ஜுரம்அடிப்பதாக கண்டு பிடித்ததாகவும் உள்ளூர்மக்கள் கூறுகிறார்கள். அந்த விநாயகரை பார்த்தஎனக்கும் நாடி துடித்தது.

மாலையில்நீர் வீழ்ச்சியில் தண்ணீர் வரத்து சுமாராகத்தான்இருந்தது.

வெள்ளிக்கிழமைஅன்று இலஞ்சி குமரன் (முருகன்)கோயிலில் சத்சங்கம். சுவாமிமலையில் முருகன் சந்தன காப்புடன்இருக்கும் போது குமாரனாகவும், விபூதிகாப்புடன் இருக்கும் போது கிழவராகவும் தோற்றம் அளிப்பார். இந்த கோயிலில் முருகன்விபூதி காப்பில் இளம் குமாரனாக காட்சிஅளித்தார். மெய்சிலிர்க்க நடந்த இந்த சத்சங்கநிகழ்ச்சிக்கு பிறகு இரவில் கடும்மழை. ஆனால் மறு நாள்காலை மழை முழுவதுமாக நின்று,நீர்வீழ்ச்சியில் வரத்து அதிகரித்தது. எங்களுக்காகபிரத்யேகமாக மழை பெய்தது போல்ஓர் உற்சாகம்.

மத்யமாவதிராகத்தில் 'சௌபாக்ய லக்ஷ்மி வாரம்மா'என்ற பாடல் மிகவும் அற்புதம். சத்சங்கத்தில் பக்க வாத்யம் வாசித்தகிருஸ்துவ நண்பர்களிடமும் 'சரஸ்வதி கடாக்ஷம்' நன்றாகதெரிந்தது. கலைவாணி, ஜாதி மதம் பார்ப்பதுஇல்லை போலும்.

டிசம்பர்31 இரவு 12 மணிக்கும் மேலாக நடை பெற்றசத்சங்கம் ஒரு திருவிழா போல்அமைந்தது. சங்கரன் கோயிலில் இருந்து வந்த வாழும் கலைநண்பர்கள் / நண்பிகள் பிரம்மாண்டமாக பூக்கோலம் வரைந்தனர். வழக்கமாக அளிக்கும் பக்திப் பாடல்களுடன், கதைகளையும்,நகைச்சுவையையும் அருண்ஜி வழங்கியதில் சிரித்து சிரித்து பலர் வயிறு வலித்துபோனார்கள்.

நீண்ட இடைவேளைக்குப்பின், நிறைய இளைஞர்கள் இந்தத்யான முகாமில் பங்கு பெற்றது ஒருமன நிறைவான விஷயம். மிகவும்கடினமான யோக வசிஷ்டா-வைஅருண்ஜி அவர்கள் மிக எளிமையாககையாண்டதை கண்டு அனைவரும் ஆச்சரியப்பட்டு போனோம். நிகழ்ச்சிக்கான ஏற்பாடுகளைமிக சிறப்பாய் செய்திருந்த திரு அசோகன்ஜியை பலரும் பாராட்டினர்.

சென்னைதிரும்பியவுடன், காசு கொடுத்து கடையில்தண்ணீர் வாங்கிய போது, குற்றாலத்தில்அருந்திய பதநீரும், நுங்கும் நினைவிற்கு வந்தது.

அன்புடன்

இரவிச்சந்திரன்முத்துதீஷதர்

94449 04644

Vaikunda Ekadasi at Karmadai Ranganathar Temple Coimbatore

2011-12-31T22:42:00.000+05:30

We are delighted to advise that Dr.Arun Madhavanji will be leading the Nama samkirtan at the Karamadai Ranganathar Aalayam on the auspicious Vaikunda Ekadasi 6.30pm onwards on 5th January 2012.

Here is an interesting backdrop on this special day.In the Krita Yuga or The Golden age, an asura named Muran was troubling humanity. Everyone went to Lord Shiva, but he directed them to Lord Vishnu and it was on this day that Vishnu’s female energy emerged out of his body and vanquished the asura. Lord Vishnu was pleased and named the female energy as Ekadasi. He blessed her with the power to free the sins of people who take fast on this day. He also declared that people worshipping her would reach Vaikunta, the Gateway to Heaven will be kept open on this day. Worshipping Goddess Mahalakshmi on this day is very auspicious.

All are Welcome

2nd Convocation of International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship

2011-12-01T19:59:00.002+05:30

Sansaar Baghicha Malik da.

2011-12-01T19:53:00.005+05:30

Welcome to Coutrallam for an Advanced Meditation Course

2011-11-10T21:19:00.001+05:30

Bid adieu to 2011 and usher in 2012

The AOL family, Tenkasi welcomes you to a wonderful New year-eve

Treat in a Retreat @ Coutrallam, the Spa of the South!

Coutrallam, hailed as the ‘Spa of the South', is situated at an elevated location on the Western Ghats is famous for its waterfalls. The falls here make it a health resort as the waters run through forests of herbs and contain therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments.

Legends would have it that Lord Shiva sent Saint Agastya to the South to avoid imbalance with the overcrowding ofMount Kailas on his Celestial wedding.Coutrallam temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. ChitraSabha -Hall of Pictures- is dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and puranic stories and events. It is one of the five Sabhas, where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance. Participants will get darshan of ThiruIlanjiKumaranand Chakrateertham . Sthalavruksham of this serene location isMagizhaMaram. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Him.

Course director : Dr. Shri.ArunMadhavan

Additional treat : TheanAmudhamsatsangs and Yoga Vasistha knowledge sessions

COURSE DATES : 29 December 2011 to 1^st January 2012. You can arrive from 5.00pm

onwards on Dec 28^th, 2011.

VENUE : Ramco Hall, Shenkottah Road, Coutrallam.

Course Contribution : Type 1: Rs. 2,750/ (Course Donation Rs.1,500/ plus Rs.1,250/- for

Boarding and Common Lodging.

: Type 2:Rs. 3,750/(Course Donation Rs.1,500/ plus Rs. 2,250/ for Boarding

and Special Lodging

Remittances to : ASOKAN.K

ICICI BANK LTD., TENKASI BRANCH, TAMIL NADU

ACCOUNT No: 6129 0150 9934 – IFSC code: ICIC0006129

Participants are advised to deposit in the above account by cheque only. If Cash is deposited, the Bank levy of Rs.165/ should be added and total deposit has to be made according to the Type of Lodging required.

Please note that this Course is completely residential and restricted to a limited number of participants. Hence only those who have registered before December 15, 2011 will be able to participate in the program.

For more details, please contact:

K.ASOKAN- +919442065425-ka_asokan@yahoo.co.in

C.SUNDARESAN +919443702251-sundar59@airtelmail.in

M.RAVVICHANDRAN- +91944904644-ravvichandran@gmail.com

SARADA SUNDARESAN- +919843247515-sunsar1965@gmail.com

Thaen Amudham Satsang in Jaffna Sri Lanka

2011-10-26T08:53:00.005+05:30

“The ‘Aho’ moments in my life!

2011-10-26T08:44:00.003+05:30

Excerpts from Dr.Arun Madhavanji’s address during the satsang at the Karpagam Auditorium after the Awards ceremony:

“The ‘Aho’ moments in my life!
It is said that the road of life can only reveal itself as it is traveled; each turn in the road reveals a surprise. My life journey has taken many unpredicted and astonishing twists.

There is a common perception that in order to get ahead in life, one shouldn’t give up. An opportunity presented itself very early in life – when only seven years of age and conscious about personal grooming. I was given the opportunity to don the role of the mythical Baladhandayudhapani (aka.Karthikeya) in a theatrical presentation on the Annual Day of the School. My dad who encouraged me to take up the role suggested two options for a realistic portrayal – either wear a wig or shave off the hair completely! Though conscious about what others perceived as very aesthetic locks of hair, I opted for giving up the crown completely to make it authentic. Perhaps the seeds for ‘giving up’ were sown then. Some years later in 1962 when the Chief Minister felicitated me for Academic excellence with five gold medals; I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to return the entire lot for the National Defence Fund keeping in mind the then ongoing efforts to build resources during the Indo-China war.

My peer group mocked at my choice of doing graduate studies in Loyola College, as in early sixties, students of this Institution were taunted with the phrase the ‘Slaves of Loyola’ by other front- ranking college friends. Today it is a top ranking destination for academics and the very same friends seek admission for their wards here! Equally they were derisive and surprised at my choice of PG studies at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Today IIMA stands tall as one of the Best Business Schools in the world! My choice of the then Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China was found laughable. Apart bearing a name that was mouthful, it was not deemed a hot shot employer, ranking a poor seventh in the ranking of overseas banks operating in India. Towards the time when I opted to go on voluntary retirement, the Bank has already notched up the first position.

It was a ‘aho’ moment when invited me for Tea at the Raj Bhavan following my nomination on Prime Minister’s Special Project for Integrated Rural Development under 20 point program. The decision to forgo a lucrative corporate career to get into voluntary work in mid-forties was a thunderbolt surprise and shocker to bank customers, family and friends. It was an aho moment when Sri Sri gave me a bigger canvas to work on some very useful community initiatives.

The communiqué from Karpagam about conferring the Doctoral honor was another adding to the list of aho moments! ‘Karpagam’ incidentally is the mythical holy tree in heaven. It gives whatever one wants from it. Like the mythical tree itself, the Mother blesses her sincere devotees not only with all they pray for but also shower them with surprises. Today I look up to her seeking greater strength and commitment to serve the humanity better and bigger. A regular Doctor’s focus is more repairing the Body whilst your doctor will continue to focus on Body-Mind-soul.

Karpagam University Coimbatore -Convocation

2011-10-23T19:12:00.005+05:30

Art of Living Udaipur Invites you for a Part II AMC.

2011-10-12T20:26:00.008+05:30

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Shri Arunji Honoured with Doctorate from Karpagam University

2011-10-04T07:21:00.005+05:30

On 3rd October, 2011 at the Convocation held at Karpagam University, Coimbatore,Justice M.Karpaga Vinayagam (third from right), Chairperson, National Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, presenting the degree of Doctor in Science (honoris causa) to Shri.Arun Madhavanji, Banker-turned-Theologian.

Shri.Arun Madhavanji is the Founder trustee and First Chairman of The Art of Living Foundation. He was honoured for his interest in social service, involvement in several community projects, and contributions as a writer.

Karpagam University to confer Doctorate on Shri.Arunji.

2011-09-25T06:25:00.002+05:30

It is with great delight that we share the news of the Doctorate - DSc being awarded to our Shri. Arun Madhavanji by Covai Karpagam University. He will be receiving this honour at the Convocation Ceremony commencing 11am on 3rd October, 2011 at the Karpagam University Campus on Pollachi Main Road, Coimbatore 641021.

Arunji has dedicated this honour to Sri Sri and all of us feel proud that our Senior most Advanced Course Teacher and the First Chairman of VVKI receiving this public honour in his Home State.

There will be a Navratri Special satsang in the evening 5.30 pm onwards at the same venue.

Advanced Meditation Course Part II with Shri.Arunji at Pune

2011-08-26T07:20:00.001+05:30

After the recent rains in Pune and surroundings, the AOL Merkel campus was swathed in green providing a perfect picture post card setting for the amc. Over a dozen of the cows from the in-house Goshala had expansive green belt by the riverside to graze in freedom and nourish themselves.

Those in the Meditation hall were equally engaged in nourishing their body-mind and Soul. With Shravan Purnima intervening the Rivers Bhima-Bhama were in full flow in close proximity to the meditation hall.

The Yog Vaishta sessions and the bhajans in the evening attracted devotees from the City travelling long distances to bask in the Supreme Yoga of Ram Gita.

Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations

2011-08-20T07:17:00.004+05:30

Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations with Divine Celestial Nectar Bhajans by
Shri Arunji

at Sri Kannika Parameswari School Auditorium Udumalpet on Thursday, 1st September 2011 6.00 pm onwards.

All are welcome.

Memorable moments at Sri Villiputtur

2011-08-04T20:21:00.005+05:30

For centuries, the auspicious Thiru Aadipooram festival is attracting devotees in very large numbers.The Andal shrine known as Natchiar Thirumaligai, is an architectural wonder with an intricately designed gopuram. The Vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum depicts scenes from the renowned ‘Thiruppavai' sung by Sri Andal in praise of the Lord.

The movement of the Car chariot, the biggest in Asia, was an awesome sight to behold; not surprising as it was carrying Bhudevi (Mother Earth ) in all Her Majesty and splendour with the galaxy of Gods and demigods present.

Shri.Arunji led a divine satsang on the penultimate night before the legendary Car festival that marked the finale of the festival embellished with memorable moments.

Part II amc at the Triveni Ashram, Pune:11-14th August 2011

2011-07-27T07:16:00.006+05:30

A special Independence Day-eve Part II Advanced course will be held between 11th -14th August at the picturesque Pune ashram in the soothing arms of Mother Nature.

Come and unwind yourself in deep silence and meditation and bask in Gurudev's knowledge and in special sessions on "Lessons of Yoga Vasishta" offered by Shri.Arunji from Bangalore.

Experience true freedom!

Contact: email:vvmvp@inteluxindia.com
Office coordinator, Pune Komal 9765999127.
9765999123 Sukanto Bhuval. Ashram committee In- charge.
9765999125 Jayashree - Registrations.
9765999121 Ashram Care- taker.

An invitation to Thiru Aadi Pooram festival at Sri Villiputtur

2011-07-24T06:23:00.000+05:30

The primary landmark of Sri Villiputtur is the 11-tiered tower structure dedicated to the Lord Vatapatrasayee. The tower rises 192 feet high and is the official symbol of the Government of Tamilnadu. It is said to have been built by Periyaazhvar with a purse of gold that he won in debates held in the palace of Pandya King Vallabhadeva. Due to the divine birth of Sri Andal in this town, it got the honorific of Srivilliputhur eventully to become part of the celebrated 108 Divya Desams.

Thousands of people throng the temple town every year to participate in the fortnight long Thiru Aadi Pooram festival and to witness the annual car festival. The festival marks the adoption of presiding deity, Sri Aandal, by Periyazhwar after he had found her near a Tulsi plant in the nandavanam of Vatapatrasayee Temple.

Shri.Arunji will lead a Divya satsang on Monday, the 1st August 2011 from 7pm onwards with Govindan Pugazh paadum keerthanaigal. The car festival commences 8am following morning.

All are cordially invited

Guru Purnima in the Royal City:

2011-07-19T20:23:00.001+05:30

Over the centuries gone by, the Royal City of Mysore has been under different dynasties like the Ganga Kings, followed by the Cholas, Hosyalas and the Vijayanagar kings,eventually in 1399, to become the capital of the Wodeyars. Today Mysore is a modern city that has still managed to retain its quaint old world charm.

The City witnessed heavy rains the previous night ( 14th July 2011) and a repeat performance from the skies was forecast on the next day as well. It did not deter the public from turning up for the Guru Purnima celebrations at one of the very nice auditoriums located in Manasa Gangotri. The green,sylvan surroundings of the campus was eye catching.

The AOL family presented a well rounded program for Gurupurnima- commencing with a Puja, cultural dance items presented by ArtExcel kids and two hours of soothing Celestial Nectar bhajans. A group of overseas enthusiasts under the guidance of one of our teachers from Bali,Indonesia joined the colourful celebrations. She sang a beautiful bhajan in Balinese and kept the audience in raptures.The Celestial Nectar evening was laced with nice anecdotes from Shri.Arunji to highlight the importance of the event. A deep full moon meditation left the audience refreshed.

Guru Poornima Celebrations lead by Shri ARUNJI at Mysore, 15th July 2011

2011-07-13T07:10:00.000+05:30

The moon shines by reflecting the dazzling light of the sun. On the Full Moon Day it reflects in full splendor the glorious light of the sun. This is the time when we go deeper and purify ourselves through the fire of Service, Sadhana and Satsang; and like the full moon, become holistic and reflect the glorious Light of the Atman.

The Guru is the one who removes the fundamental ignorance, maya that hides the knowledge of truth from us. This is the time when we offer our reverence to him and the lineage of Masters for imparting precious knowledge that puts an end to distress and sheds cool comfort on our minds.

The AOL family Mysore celebrates Guru Poornima this year with a Divya Satsang on Friday, 15th July 2011 at the Senate Bhavan, Manasa Gangotri Campus, Mysore. Shri.Arun Madhavanji will lead the satsang from 6.30 pm onwards.

ALL ARE WELCOME.

Solstice Day and Universal Brotherhood

2011-06-28T07:00:00.001+05:30

To mark the Solstice Day and Universal Brotherhood , all the Masonic Lodges of Bangalore came together to listen to a special address at the Masonic Temple - an ancient heritage landmark in the heart of Bangalore city. Shri.Arunji spoke on the subject ''Is Universal Brotherhood a Utopian dream'.

Arunji at the Masonic Temple, Bangalore.

Sri. K.Jairaj, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka and Most Worshipful Bro.Arun Chinthopant are seen in pictures with him.

Session in progress

Shri.Arunji’s Tribute to Pitaji at the Shradanjali held at the Bangalore Ashram on 9th June 2011

2011-06-10T20:14:00.001+05:30

1924-2011. The hyphen marking the 87 years is indeed significant. It was a life fully lived.As I am standing before you all to pay this tribute, it is being heard even by the flora and fauna of this beautiful campus. We fondly remember that it was Pitaji who began the efforts to green the otherwise dry rocky landscape by planting hundreds of saplings. They are now bearing flowers and fruits and home for bees and birds. This time of the evening they are listening to this in silence.

Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death, they would be asked two questions. Their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, "Did you bring joy?" The second was, "Did you find joy?" There cannot a better tribute to late Pitaji with the answers being a rousing YES to both.

Easily approachable with a disarming smile on his face, Pitaji lived a full life with enthusiasm and a steely resolve to complete his mission. Kishoreda recalls “He demonstrated courage when the legitimately allotted land was being encroached. When we arrived at the undeveloped campus, stones were being hurled at all of us. Pitaji said – ‘fine, but we will carry on with our work! He was unstoppable; but for this courage, we wouldn’t be standing where we are today!”

Chitra Madhavan recalls an unforgettable gesture of Pitaji when he turned up with his vehicle at the City Railstation to fetch us when the entire Bangalore city went without public transport of any kind due to a bandh. We asked him why he took the risk – he just smiled with the words ‘you both are part of me!’

He remained undaunted amidst times of uncertainty and challenges whilst running projects that now find place in the many arms of The Art of Living today. His inspiration to me is captured and etched in the words – “An attempt may be a failure, but there should not be a failure to attempt.”

Our experience with him during AOL’s first Advanced Meditation Course in Bangalore was memorable. This was much before our present ashram was ready. Being a great lover of nature, he took a dozen of us on a journey to many adorable spots in Karnataka. There was not a dull moment as he would keep us enthralled with wisdom- filled anecdotes and legendary tales. An off shoot of all this can be seen in his most popular book –“More light on the less known”.

He always cherished projects that equipped girl-youth with skills and knowledge. He envisioned that in their role as future mothers, they would groom better children of tomorrow with values. Thus began his worthy project VISTA, a women empowerment project. Undeterred by lack of financial and human resources, he traveled far and wide to raise funds and sustain the project.

We remember once when he got back from Europe, he got the kitchen staff in Vista trained in the art of brewing Colombian Coffee. This item was soon to become part of his unforgettable trademark hospitality

His visionary passion was to combine Veda, the reservoir of knowledge and Vignan, the modern science so as to reap the benefits of both. Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth is a standing testimony for this dream. He kept reminding us that the ultimate aim of The Art of Living should be to look with sympathy at those who are less fortunate rather than look with envy at those who are lucky, to go to serve rather than wait to be served. His commitment to Sidha system of medicine was known to all and perhaps this was one area where he wanted to create greater awareness amongst people.

A role model is hard to define, because it can be different for everyone. Often, it is someone you would like to be like when you get older, or someone who does something you find hard to do. Pitaji was someone who performed outstanding volunteer work. He was brave, strong, kind, thoughtful and fun.

Reverential prayer to Devi the Universal Mother.

2011-05-30T20:31:00.004+05:30

These clippings are excerpts from a spiritual function conducted by Shri Arun Madhavanji, wherein, shri.Arunji renders this beautiful song in obeisance to Devi the Univeral Mother. He has this Tamil song with so much of feeling that I wouldn't be surprised if the watcher is moved by it. (Video Courtesy sureshd2011)

Guruji's Birthday Celebration at Coimbatore

2011-05-24T23:02:00.000+05:30

A Celebration is usually to observe an occasion either with festivity or prayerful ceremony 13th May 2011 provided the devotees in Coimbatore with an all-in-one experience whilst celebrating G's birthday . Ceremonies began with a grand Guru puja by all Teachers followed by a pulsating, yet melodious bhajan evening led by Shri.Arunji.

One of the biggest halls in the Textile city was hired for the celebration but it proved inadequate to fit in the large numbers who turned up.They poured in not only from the City but all neighbouring Districts - some even visiting from Mumbai to soak into an evening of Celestial bliss. The event was truly memorable to hundreds of newcomers to AOL who could experience the Celebrations at times dancing and at times in silence and meditation.

Musings from Part II amc at Sanchalan Bhavan: 5-8 May 2011

2011-05-14T07:34:00.001+05:30

This meditation course for me was literally postponed for a little over 3 years.

In as much as is wont – to blame it on the human nature – my professional responsibilities actually kept me away from any AMC centre in India! I was planning for doing the AMC in Bangalore on 13th May and tried to book my tickets; first the web- site malfunctioned half way of booking the tickets and subsequent efforts gave rise to some hiccup or the other.

I always believe in the forces of nature – that being my nature – hence gave up the idea of AMC .It was then that I got a call from Arunji himself stating that he is coming to Hyderabad to take up the course.

I have been missing all Arunji recent courses in Andhra Pradesh which I may term as ‘coveted’ in Thiruvannamalai, Rajmundri, Vizag, Bhadrachalam ,Annavaram. Perhaps, I wondered, was I destined to be treated to this course –‘home’ delivered ?And so it was. My clients - know that I open ‘shop’ at 5 am and work through weekends. I was thinking of how to answer such calls – since this was a crucial time for many a Board Meeting or annual closing of accounts. I have stopped being amazed by Gurudev’s ways . The four days that I was in AMC was not only devoid of any calls there were no messages either. To top it all there was a call on Monday asking if I was ‘free’ to discuss some matter!

The course itself was like a song – literally! Every session conducted by Arunji was with an invocation – musical or vocal and Arunji’s voice itself was a lullaby.

Three days of experience, put it in a truncated capsule, the contents of the course were overflowing with ‘madhuryam. The ppt gave a visual dimension to the course proceedings and many a brain cell turned grey (with knowledge)

Many of acting skills were put forth, many tried in vain to communicate and many slapped their forehead in frustration of being misunderstood. What emerged was loud wholesome laughter and a through auto movement of belly button, rib cage and painful jaws (due to the spontaneous laughs). The highlight of humour was that of a participant signaling for a bottle of water (as she was thirsty) to be interpreted by a pull of the ears by the respondent and an aghast- look that ‘drinking ‘was strictly prohibited during the course!!

My father being in silence wrote on a paper and showed the following message to my wife. “This course has Prasad overflowing with energy” to which I – also being in silence wrote back and showed to all the fellow participants “my whole life is a course (discourse) and this is one more chapter.

It had to be and was so - indeed since I personally felt that

“ aa madhavudu – chainchedu ee arun madhava dwara

kanuka adbhootam tappa vere vakyam ledu “

That Madhav Lord Krishna – Gurudev , did through this Madhav ( ‘arunji ) therefore there cannot be any other word other than ‘ par excellence’ !!)

For the last ten years in AOL my interaction with Arunji was that of a mentor –mentee senior Administrator - colleague- , an inspirational source - but after this he adorned a new avatar in my life as an ‘acharya’ from whom I have learned so much .

Like all AMC and all Acharyas chosen by Gurudev – each AMC helped in ‘fanning the embers of awareness ‘ so important for the participants to make a difference to the society they live in; and Arunji made many a ‘ fan’ in the ‘fanning’ process .!!
- Prasad

A salubrious experience

2011-05-04T07:47:00.002+05:30

Promised as a retreat, the amc at Kodai was indeed a blissful withdrawal for prayer, study and meditation; The salubrious weather of the hill town was a blessing to all participants to go through the sessions tirelessly. Lessons from Yoga Vasishta , walks alongside beautiful lakes and parks were delightful.

Click the photo to have an enlarged view

கோடையில் ஒரு குதூகலம்

'கோடை' யில் ஒரு முதுநிலைப் பயிற்சி முகாம் என்றவுடன், வெயிலைத்தான் குறுப்பிடுகிறார்களோ என நினைத்தேன். பிறகுதான் 'கொடைக்கானல்' என புரிந்தது. சுமார் 100 பேர் பங்கு பெற்ற இந்த முகாமின் சிறப்பம்சம்..........இது நடை பெற்றது தேவாலயத்திற்கு சொந்தமான ஓர் இடத்தில!!

அருண்ஜி, அசோகன்ஜி, அன்பு ஒரு AAA ஆகவும், முகாமிற்கு ஏற்பாடுகளை செய்திருந்த 'RBR' சண்முகம், சுந்தர் மற்றும் இரவிச்சந்திரன் +++ ஆகவும் இணைந்து ஒரு 'AAA+++' நிகழ்ச்சியை அளித்ததாக கூறினார் சென்னையிலிருந்து வந்திருந்த திருமதி மீனாக்ஷி அவர்கள். நீண்ட இடைவெளிக்குப்பின் முற்றிலும் தமிழ் பாடல்கள் (குறிப்பாக முருகன் பாடல்கள்) அடங்கிய சத்சங்கம் வழங்கிய அருண்ஜியை பார்த்த போது எனக்கு திரு. 'பித்துக்குளி' முருகதாஸ் அவர்களின் நினைவுதான் வந்தது. பாடலோடு, பக்தியை வழங்கும் கலை ஒரு சிலரிடம்தான் உள்ளது. அதில் அருண்ஜியும் ஒருவர். சனிக்கிழமையன்று சத்சங் ஆரம்பித்தவுடன் தொடங்கிய மழை, சரியாக 'ராதா ரமண ஹரி ஓம்' பாடும் போது ஓய்ந்தது என்னுள் ஓர் ஆச்சரியத்தை உண்டாக்கியது.

'யோகா வசிஷ்டா' விளக்கவுரைக்கு முன் எப்போதும் இல்லாத அளவிற்கு ஒரு வரவேற்பு. முகாமில் பங்கு பெற்ற பலர் யோகா வசிஷ்ட புஸ்தகம் தமிழில் கிடைக்குமா என விசாரித்தனர். (என்னிடம் உள்ளது; தொடர்பு கொள்ளலாம்). சனிக்கிழமையன்று குறிஞ்சி முருகன் கோயிலுக்கு அனைவரும் விஜயம் செய்தோம்.

சுமார் 27 ஏக்கர் நிலப்பரப்பில் இருந்த, முகாம் நடை பெற்ற இடத்தில், பல காட்டெருமைகளை காண முடிந்தது. சிகப்பு நிறத்தை கண்டால் எருமை துரத்தும் என உள்ளூர் மக்கள் எங்களை எச்சரித்தனர். ஆனால், அவை 'பூனை' போல் எங்களை கண்டதும் வழி விட்டது என்னுள் சிரிப்பை வரவழைத்தது.

அரை மனதுடன் புறப்பட தயாரான எங்களை, CSI - யின் இயக்குனர் திரு. பால் அவர்கள் வழி அனுப்பி வைத்தார். எம்மதமும் போதிப்பது 'அன்பு' என்ற மந்திரத்தைத்தான் என குறுப்பிட்ட திரு பால் அவர்கள், தேவாலயத்துக்கு அடிக்கடி வரும் படி அன்பு வேண்டுகோள் விடுத்தார்.

குளிரிடமிருந்து விடை பெற்று சென்னை வந்த எங்களைவெயிலும், வேர்வையும் வரவேற்றது. 'வாழ்க்கையில் எதுவும் நிரந்தரம் இல்லை' என அருண்ஜி பல முறை கூறியது நினைவிற்கு வந்தது. வெயில் மட்டும் நிரந்தரமா என்ன? அனுபவித்துதான் பார்ப்போமே என எனக்குள் நானே கூறிக்கொண்டு வீடு சேர்ந்தேன். என்னை வரவேற்ற என் சகோதரி கேட்டாள், 'அடுத்த AMC எங்கே என்று?'.

அன்புடன்,

இரவிச்சந்திரன் முத்து தீஷதர்

94449 04644

Thean Amudham Satsang with Shri. Arunji. Othakalmandapam, Coimbatore

2011-04-10T11:48:00.005+05:30

Thean Amudham Satsang with Shri. Arunji.

2011-04-03T20:25:00.000+05:30

Thean Amudham Satsang with Shri. Arunji at Eswaran Temple Othakalmandapam, Pollachi Road, Coimbatore

Date.Saturday 09.04.2011
Time : 6.00 P.M.

All are welcome .

Advanced Meditation Course Part II with Shri.Arunji

2011-04-03T20:12:00.000+05:30

Click on the Image to get a bigger view.

Interaction with the Youth

2011-04-03T11:41:00.002+05:30

19th march saw a Subh Vidha to well over thousand graduates from Engineering and Humanities entering their working careers. Shri.Arunji was the Chief Guest at a special event where he addressed them on "Challenges ahead"

Shri Arunji at the TEDx Tirupur

2011-04-03T11:26:00.006+05:30

Shri.Arunji was amongst the distinguished group of invited Speakers at the recently concluded TEDx event on 27th March 2011. He addressed the audience on the subject of “Big Questions of the Next Generation”. Created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “Ideas worth spreading,” the program has been designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue.

Madhura Sudha - Arunji's first Telugu album

2011-03-01T07:34:00.000+05:30

Feedback on Madhura Sudha - Arunji's first Telugu album

1. Sharanam Sharanam Ganadipa: Preparatory song.

2. Bhaja Govinda: Melodious. Khon Kehte hein verses in Hindi and in Telugu are
thought provoking.

3. Guruni Kannula: The song gives us a slow dancing mood. Verses are as Guru Vandhanam/praise of Guru.

4. Murali Manohara: Simple and relaxing verses.

5.Godavari: . Fast tempo and melodious. Reminds us of 'Manapparai Madukatti' tune

6. Yelelo Eyelesa: Group song and very relaxing.

7. Hari Bhajanam: Bhajan in in fast tune, brings alertness.

8. Sadhulara: Gives a messsage that God is everywhere.

Overall it is a well brought out CD. It is inviting us to listen again and
again.

Our congratulations to the Singers and their team.
Smt. Revathi & Sri. T.S. Bhaskaran ( GM, Indian Bank, AP Circle )

Read Article on Shri. Arunji published in Business World.

2011-01-18T20:04:00.002+05:30

Click the Image to view the article.

Click here to Read more from Business World

Enchanting treat at Gobi retreat

2010-12-28T19:44:00.002+05:30

I was one of the luckiest ones who got an opportunity to partake in the recently concluded AMC at Gobi. It was a total rejuvenation process. At the end of it all, participants felt that they are fully fit and ready to face the world with a holistic approach. Sukshma vyayam made us physically fit by making us to stretch all the vital muscles and activating energy centers. Sessions which initially looked tough but got easier later on. It made everyone to get totally involved in all the other activities during the whole day. The various meditation processes took me to the most meaningful journey of my life, the journey within, to the depths of silence, to transcend; in short, the experience was like a rebirth.

The evenings were filled with Celestial Nectar where Shri. Arunji rendered some classy, enchanting bhajans with his sweet voice and transformed the participants into honeybees. This AMC turned out to be very special because he sang bhajans from his yet to be released Celestial Nectar volt 6. All the bhajans were soul captivating and took the participants to levels of ecstasy. Bhaja Govinda, Ambalatharasae and sharanam sharanam Ganapathiyae, in my opinion, will be all time hits. The participants were spell- bound. To top it all the special satsang held at the Pachaimalai Bala Murugan temple atop a green hill turned out to be a bonus treat, where Shri. Arunji's evergreen bhajan – Kannanum kandhanum took the entire gathering to highest levels of meditation. Lord Muruga was no exception, as he sent his golden peacock when Shri. Arunji was singing the melodious Kandha Kandha as a prelude to a spell binding meditation.

Another absorbing part of this AMC was the knowledge sessions. Shri. Arunji gave us the insides of Yog Vashishta through PowerPoint modules spread over three nights. Edifying stories to support the important points that are essential for our day to day life will be remembered by each and every one for a long long time. The easy manner in which he explained the conversation between Sage Vasishta and Lord Rama was remarkable. Everyone could understand the toughest subject with clarity. The 3D aspects of Yog Vasishta was well illustrated with a story, will change the way we look at the world completely. “Don’t resign to your fate; self effort is the key to one’s success”, will be my tharaka mantram from now on. I sincerely thank Shri. Arunji, for such a wonderful time, during which he fine-tuned every one's physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and the spiritual dimensions.

Finally there are no words to describe the hospitality shown by the hosts, led by the dynamic AOL faculty – Sri. Balu and his good lady Smt.Mythily Balu. Our kudos to Sri.Sundaraeson who was a silent guiding force for all the arrangements, the ever smiling teacher Smt.Sarada , the agile and enthusiastic Sri.Asokan who came all the way from Tenkasi and took us through the yoga sessions and all other volunteer members who contributed their support for this enchanting retreat.

- Aravindan R

உள்ளத்தை தொலைத்தேன் 'கோபி' யில்

கோபிசெட்டிபாளையம் என்ற ஊரை சுருக்கமாக கோபி என்று அழைப்பது என்னுள் கிருஷ்ணரைதான் நினைவூட்டியது. கிருஷ்ணரையே கவர்ந்த 'கோபி' (யர்) எங்களை கவராமல் விடுமா என்ன?

நூற்றுக்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் கலந்து கொண்ட அருண்ஜியின் முதுநிலை த்யான முகாமின் முத்தான விஷயம் அதில் பங்கு பெற்ற இளைஞர் கூட்டம். நீண்ட இடைவெளிக்குபிறகு நிறைய இளநெஞ்சங்களை சந்தித்தது சமுதாயத்தின் மேல் உள்ள நம்பிக்கையை அதிகரித்தது. இதில் நான் ஆச்சரியப்பட்டு போன நிகழ்ச்சி, 'யோக வசிஷ்டா' போன்ற அதிக கவர்ச்சி இல்லாத உரையாடல்களை வைத்து அருண்ஜி இளைஞர்களை கவர்ந்தததுதான். வழக்கமான அளிக்கும் தயானங்களை தவிர ஏழு சக்ராக்களை ஏழு ராகங்களுடன் இணைத்து அளித்த த்யானம் ஒரு புதிய அனுபவம். இந்த தியானம் முடிந்து கண்களை திறக்க மனமே வரவில்லை.

என்னால் வெள்ளியன்று பச்சை மலை முருகன் கோயிலில் நடை பெற்ற சத்சங்கத்தில் பங்கு பெற இயலவில்லை. பல புதிய தமிழ் பாடல்களுடன், தங்கத்தேர் இழுக்கும் நிகழ்ச்சில் தாங்கள் நெகிழ்ந்து போனதாக பலர் என்னிடம் தெரிவித்தனர்.

கடைசி நாளன்று வனத்துறை அதிகாரிகளுடன் இணைந்து அருண்ஜி முன்னிலையில் பல மரக்கன்றுகள் நடப்பட்டது ஒரு வரவேற்க தக்க ஏற்பாடு. இதைத்தவிர, முகாமில் பங்கு பெற்ற அனைவருக்கும் மரக்கன்றுகள் வழங்கப்பட்டன.

முகாமிற்கான ஏற்பாடுகளை செய்திருந்த திரு பாலு அண்ணா தம்பதியர் எல்லோர் மனதையும் தங்கள் அன்பினால் கொள்ளை அடைத்தனர். எலக்ட்ரிசியன் முதல் டிரைவர் வரை அனைவரையும் மேடையில் கௌரவித்த இத்தம்பதியரின் செயல் நம் வாழ்வில் எத்தனையோ ஆயிரம் பேரின் உதவி நமக்கு தேவை என்பதை உணர்த்துவதாக அமைந்தது.

கொட்டும் பனியில் திரு அசோகன்ஜி-யின் யோகா வகுப்பிற்கு அனைவரும் காலை 5.45 மணிக்கு வந்தது கண் கொள்ளா காட்சி. கடைசி நாளன்று யாராவது ஜலதோஷதுடன் தென்படுகிறார்களா என பார்த்தேன். யாரையும் காணும்.

முகாம் முடிந்தவுடன், திருமணமான பெண் தனது புகுந்த வீட்டிற்கு செல்வதை போல் அரை மனதுடன் அனைவரும் கோபியில் இருந்து புறப்பட்டனர்.

உள்ளத்தை 'கோபி' - யில் தொலைத்து விட்டு நான் மட்டும் சென்னை சென்ட்ரல் வந்து சேர்ந்தேன். அங்குள்ள ஹோட்டல் சரவணா பவனை கடந்த போது 'கோபி' யில் சாப்பிட்ட கம்பு சாதமும், திராட்சை ரசமும் நினைவிற்கு வந்தது. மீண்டும் 'கோபி' க்கு முது நிலை பயிற்சிக்கு செல்லும் நாளை எதிர் பார்த்து வீடு வந்து சேர்ந்தேன்.

அன்புடன்
இரவிச்சந்திரன் முத்துதீஷதர்
94449 04644

Shri Arun Madhavan on the Third Dimension in Educating Children

2010-12-18T09:05:00.001+05:30

Vellore Mahasatsang with Poojya Gurudev

2010-12-13T19:44:00.001+05:30

Saturday 11 th December saw thousands gathering at the playgrounds of a prominent School in the heart of Vellore to understand the mystery of the play of life. It was aptly named and promised as a Confluence of Love; a promise that was more than fully delivered.

As is his wont, Shri.Arunji, who led the satsang gave the evening a punctual start. A stream of vibrant new bhajans from his new album A Musical Yatra ( about to be released) followed for more than an hour. The audience was transported to a vibrant state and the arrival of Pujya Gurudev added much to their delight.

After a brief Q&A and meditation, Gurudev requested that the bjajans should continue. He briskly walked across to wing where the Theanamudham singers were seated and handed a beautiful flower crown in a gesture of His appreciation. As Vellore began to resonate to the vibrant rendition of 'Pallandu', the rain God couldn't remain quiet either. The downpour witnessed shortly thereafter,in an otherwise clear moonlit sky, was indeed a rapturous response from Mother Nature!

Third Dimension of Educating children - Shri. Arunji at the Poorna Prajna Education Centre..

2010-12-10T13:10:00.003+05:30

On 7th December 2010, Shri.Arunji was the Chief Guest at the 27th Annual Day Celebrations of Poorna Prajna,a well regarded Educational Institution which turns out outstanding pupils year after year in academic,sports and cultural disciplines. His address on the Third Dimension of Educating children was very well received by the audience especially the faculty of the School. the School is administered by the Udipi Admar Mutt. His Holiness Viswapriya Thirtha Swami honoured Smt and Shri. Arunji during the event.

Young managers urged to be vibrant and rise to the occasion

2010-11-30T19:50:00.001+05:30

Mr R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, handing over the monthly magazine `Business Mandate' of the Madras Management Association to Mr Arun Madhavan, Banker-turned-Theologian, at the inaugural session of the 9th MMA All-India Management Students Convention 2010, in Chennai on Monday. Mr K. S. Ramesh (extreme left), Chairman, Convention Committee, Mr N.K. Ranganath, President, MMA and Gp Capt R. Vijayakumar (extreme right), Executive Director, MMA, are also seen. - Picture by Bijoy Ghosh (Photo Courtesy Business Line)

Shri Arun Madhavan, banker turned theologian was one of the speakers at the 9th Madras Management Association (MMA) All India Management Students' Convention on the theme ‘The challenge of change,'. While delivering his address to the young managers he emphasized the need to balance the quality of life with adequate attention to health and optimal work-life balance. Read more

Blissful memories of Tiruchendur Kanda sashti satsang 2010.

2010-11-18T17:44:00.004+05:30

Each year the devotees who turned up for the Thean Amudham Sashti Special carried with them some unique memory making their connect with the diversity more deeper.

The satsang group arrived this year to the welcome sounds of two majestic peacocks and the robust kaavadi drummers. As the bhajans flowed with the chant "valli kanavan perai Vazhipokkan sonnalum' more and more of peacocks trooped in atop the roof and fringes of the sannidanam building to stay the full two hours. When Shri.Arunji began the rendition of Bhaja Govinda, it was interesting to watch the arrival of parrots on this occasion.

The roar of the Bay of Bengal, the soft yet radiant setting sun, gentle climate all added to the exuberant flow of bhajans that brought tears to the bhaktas observing sashti austerities.

Navarathri Special from Shri. Arunji.

2010-10-12T20:38:00.000+05:30

For all those who are enjoying Shri.Arunji's opening number " Yadum oore Yaavarum Keleer " in the daily Vazhumkalai telecasts of in Star Vijay: Indications are that Sri Sankara TV will telecast more Thean Amudham bhajans between 10.30am and 11 am on 16th October. It will be followed by another schedule on Sunday, 17th October 2010 11.30 pm onwards. A happy prelude to his much awaited Thean Amudham Vol.6 and a brand new album in Telugu,both slated for release in a few weeks' time.

AWESOME ANNAVARAM

2010-09-28T19:54:00.000+05:30

Awesome indeed was the experience of every single participant who reflected upon the uniqueness of location, content and delivery of course schedule and hospitality. The temple of Shri Satya-Narayana Swamy on the Ratnagiri Hill on the banks of river Pampa was idyllic, especially at dusk when the decorative lights come on. It didn’t take long for the participants to get warmed up. The mellifluous theme music for the Annavaram meet at the opening session was indeed soothing and continued to echo in our hearts right through the days of silence and beyond. The East Godavari team had ensured that no stone was left unturned to make their hospitality endearing to the devotees that included representations from all Southern States, Orissa, Gulf -

Qatar

and even

Japan

The special module on ‘Lessons from Yoga Vasishta” and the enchanting Celestial Nectar bhajans from Shri.Arunji and Smt.Geetha provided a consummate treat that will not be forgotten in years to come. At a public satsang on Saturday 25th Sept, Arunji narrated a short story on Godavari and shared the good fortune of visiting such celebrated shrines in one’s life.

Kudos to Ashok, Sundar and Ravvi for all their ground work to make it an unforgettable experience. Memories of Annavaram cannot fade easily as they are as sweet as their incomparable Amrutpani bananas.

Interestingly when we reached atop the hill and glanced at the cell phone screen, the location read – Hansavaram - what a connection Sirji!

Here are a some wonderful sharings from the participants

'Arunji’s Amc @ Annavaram' - "Rated “AAA”!

This is my first AMC and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Relished every aspect – the course, Arunji’s way of conveying the required message in a simple and effective manner and the great locale of religious and scenic Annavaram. No wonder why every one is taking up this course time and again. Thanks a lot to Ashokji and everyone who is involved in organizing the course in a fabulous manner. The satsangs were awesome and simply held every one of us spellbound and melting our hearts."

-M.Karthikeyan , Chennai.

"I came from Qatar to attend the course. Till now I have done three amcs. I thoroughly enjoyed the AMC at Annavaram. Arunji's singing, teaching on Sampradaya have been very nice and memorable. I thank Guruji for giving the opportunity to attend this course."

- Shyamala, Doha.

"जय गुरुदेव| श्रद्धेय गुरूजी आप के सानिध्य में अन्नावरम में विताया हुआ समय स्वर्ग लोक में स्वप्न जैसा ही अब लग रहा है| आप के चरणों में मेरे कोटि - कोटि वंदन| जय गुरुदेव| "

-Awadhesh Nagaich, Vizag

Shri Arunji at Eachanari Temple - Ganesh Chathurthi

2010-09-13T20:30:00.010+05:30

In a session that lasted 150 minutes, the audience was soaked in mellifluous bhajans in celebration of the auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi on 11th Sept 2010. The location was the very popular shrine of Echanari that witnessed a spectrum of enthusiastic devotees who were jostling for every inch of space but remained undivided in silence. The evening culminated with the glorious Thanga ratha Seva - Golden chariot darshan of the presiding deity.

AWESOME ANNAVARAM, A.P

2010-09-03T21:11:00.003+05:30

The temple of Shri Veera Venkata Satya-Narayana Swamy is located on the Ratnagiri Hill in Annavaram Village in East Godavari District on the banks of the Pampa River in Andhra Pradesh. This holy place is considered second only to Tirupati in the State.

Puranas would have it that the presiding deity of the place blesses the devotees with Anina Varam (wanted boon) hence, Annavaram. Lord Satyanarayana had manifested himself on the Ratnagiri hills in an unique form combining the Trimurthis - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

With the blessings of Poojya Gurudev, an Advanced Meditation Course in English is scheduled at Annavaram between 23rd Sep and 26th Sep’2010. Shri. Arun Madhavanji has agreed to lead this special program that includes his well known sessions on ‘Lessons from Yoga Vasisht” and his enchanting Celestial Nectar bhajans at the satsangs.

We welcome you on this journey to both a sacred pilgrimage centre and also to yet another amazing destination – Your inner consciousness.

Please contact Ashok Kumar Vankineni - Hyd -095736 73099 / 9030099588
Sundaresan - 094437 02251+91- for details. Only few seats left.

AOL PART 2 COURSE WITH SRI ARUNJI AT GOPALPUR-ON-SEA

2010-09-02T22:48:00.002+05:30

An unforgettable AMC at an unusual locale. Imagine being comfortably seated under a shamiana specially erected 20 meters away from the sea with the roaring waves of Bay of Bengal lapping the shore continually. The cyclonic weather took a break on these four days.

The participants could go deep into meditation effortlessly in an ozone-rich ambiance. The Yog Vasisht sessions during satsangs enthralled them. Strangely when the YV sessions were on, a host of animals and birds present in the area would keep silence as well.

Shri.Arunji traveled to the temple town of Puri Jagannath for a special satsang much to the delight of devotees.

A feedback from one of the participants.

This AMC was really very enjoyable for all of us .We didn’t know when the four days passed but till now you are in every heart and always be. those unforgettable moments out in the sea, knowledge sessions, melodious satsangs; We must pay my gratitude to you for you took pain to travel such a long distance to bless us with your knowledge.

The astonishing part was you could know about the talents and abilities of the participants very nicely. It shows how deeply you are connected to Guruji. and with grace you were able to alter the climate also. We read the book SAMPRADAYA. It has really captured treasures of our culture and heritage. And we really loved it. Every teacher must have one copy of it. With deepest regards from the core of our hearts. Jyoti.R.

Shri.Arunji at Srivilliputtur Temple and Sri Parasakthi College for women

2010-08-15T11:52:00.012+05:30

8th august 2010. the scorching heat that has almost parched all the wells in the town of Srivilliputtur didn’t deter the Celestial Nectar team from giving their much awaited annual offering of divine melodies to Sri Andal. The eager listeners who turn up in thousands year after year were drenched in the new bhajans prepared for the festival. The revered Resident Pontiff of the Temple town and the respected Chief Priest honoured Shri Arunji and the co-singers.Cloud bursts ensured that the weather got cooled down as well.

Following day the Shri.Arunji was the Chief Guest at the Sri Parasakthi College for Women located in the scenic Coutrallam town. His presentation was enthusiastically received by the youthful audience and the faculty alike.

ADVANCED MEDITATION (AOL PART-II) COURSE WITH SRI ARUNJI AT GOPALPUR-ON-SEA

2010-08-04T23:20:00.002+05:30

A PART -II Advanced Meditation Course with Shri Arunji is being organised at Gopalpur-on-sea, Orissa. Course Dates from 26th to 29th August, 2010.

Come let’s soak into Gurudev’s Knowledge, Lessons from Yoga Vasishta and satsangs filled with Celestial Nectar bhajans.

About Goplapur-on-sea: The seven-kilometer long beach that lies along the Bay of Bengal is breathtakingly beautiful and is amongst the most pristine and unpolluted beaches. The scintillating sunrise and the sunset add to the beauty of the experience.

Gopalpur is 14km from Berhampur, a promonent south Odisha city famous for silk products and eatery joints. All the express trains on the Howrah Chennai route stop here. The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar (180km).

For registration and more details Call : 9040200582 (Orissa) or 9994394505 (TN)

SWEET MEMORIES: AMC AT KANYAKUMARI 2006

2010-08-02T23:05:00.004+05:30

(Art Of Living Nagarcoil organised an AOL Part 2 course from 13th -16th Aug 2006 at Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari with Sri Arunji as Course Director. Here is an excerpt from an article about the course from the archives of Sri Durga Prasad)

So here I was, boarding the Island Express at Coimbatore in the wee hours on 12th August. I had booked ticket in this particular train to have a feel of picturesque Kerala – a state I was yet to visit - throughout the day; and I was not disappointed. As the train meandered through the monsoon drenched green blanket of ‘God’s own Country’, the wandering mind came back to the moment to capture glimpses of beautiful landscapes throughout the journey. It was a perfect prelude to the beautiful inner journey that was to take place in subsequent days to bring back the wandering mind to the moment and capture glimpses of the inner Self. Full Report

Guru Poornima -2010 at Bhavani

2010-07-29T22:42:00.005+05:30

Bhavani: The legend:

Kubera was gifted with an aircraft in recognition of his devotion to Lord Shiva. While visiting all the Shiva temples, he was struck by a scene on the banks of River Cauvery where deers, tigers, cows, elephants, snakes and rats were drinking water without any sign of enmity. It was a place inhabited by holy men, gandharvas and such good people. Kubera heard a voice from the sky saying that the Vedas came to the Earth on this place and hinted at the presence of a Shivalinga beneath a tree, advised him to worship the Lord and reap the benefits.Bhavani Temple temple is ancient, the presiding deities being

Sangameshwarar and His consort Vedanayaki. As the name Sangam implies there is a confluence of three rivers viz: Cauvery, Bhavani and Amrutha. Hence the shrine is likened to be the Triveni or Dakshin Prayag; interestingly river Amrutha is invisible here as is the Saraswati River in Prayag. Lord Vishnu and His consort are worshipped here as Koodal Azhagar and Soundaravalli thaayar.

It is said that during the East India Company regime, the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, William Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped Goddess Vedanayaki. One night the Goddess directed him in his dream to vacate his bungalow immediately. The moment he vacated, the entire bungalow collapsed. In reverence to this spiritual experience, he presented an ivory cradle which is still in the temple with his signature.

Guru Purnima -2010

Guru Purnima celebrations hosted by Bhavani- Komorapalayam devotees on 25th July 2010, began with special Pujas at the Shankar Mutt followed by three hours of enchanting Thean Amudham bhajans. The Satsang was led by Shri.Arunji. He took cognizance of a large number of youth in the audience and delivered a social message on ‘Safe Water and Sanitation’ asking them to take responsibility for their rivers. This was much appreciated by the School principals present. The new bhajans composed for the evening were enchanting and as always the audience longed for more of the Celestial Nectar!

Here is a comment received from a well wisher who took part in the Satsang:

Dear Arunji,

Namaskar,It is our great pleasure and punniam we have enjoyed your thenamutha sathsangh at Bhavani. Till this day our mind has not come out from your songs. your social message has published by us in all the schools in around Bhavani & Komarapalayam. We pray to god to give more strength and long life to you and your family to continue this service to the society. JGD

‘Present generation gains wealth but loses health'

2010-07-07T07:45:00.001+05:30

COIMBATORE: The present generation is stressed out in its pursuit of wealth.

In the process, it loses health, Chairman of Art of Living Arun Madhavan said here on Sunday.

In his acceptance speech after receiving the Dynamic Indian of the Millennium Award from K.G. Foundation, he said “the generation in a hurry” was looking for instant relief from all problems.

Stress

It was to be noted that even doctors and paramedics were nowadays being increasingly exposed to stressful working environment.

As for the healthcare delivery system, the cost of hardware, software and manpower to run healthcare units had risen exponentially, beyond the reach of common man.

Mr. Madhavan spoke on the relevance of time-tested techniques to keep the mind clear and calm.

These included simple breathing techniques, singing and phonetic vibrations through chanting of mantras.

In order to commemorate the Doctors' Day Celebrations and also in order to recognise doctors for their distinguished contribution to healthcare, the K.G. Foundation honoured 71 of them from various parts of the State with the “Doctor of Excellence” award. Read More from the Hindu

''Dynamic Indian of the millenium" award conferred on Shri.Arunji

2010-07-05T20:10:00.007+05:30

Coimbatore, Jul 4 (PTI) City-based K G Foundation today conferred the 'Dynamic Indian of the Millennium' award on Arun Madhavan, a former member of Prime Minister's special committee for model village development programme under the 20-point programme. The award, carrying a citation, was given for his 'distinguished achievements and contribution to society over the years', the foundation chairman G Bhakthavatsalam, said at a function got up as part of the celebrations of World Doctors' Day, here. Besides being conferred a global recognition for his 'project gateway' for promoting India as an investment destination, Arun had delivered a speech at the United Nationas, Geneva, on 'A New dimension to healthcare,' in 1996, he said. The first recipient of this award was the former president, A P J Abdul Kalam, a decade ago.

Read More from CNN IBN

Message from Guruji

Office of H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
dateTue, Jul 6, 2010 at 3:51 PM
subject :Message from Guruji

Dear Arunji,

Jai Guru Dev!

Guruji sends you His love and blessings on being conferred the Dynamic Indian of the Millennium Award by the K G Foundation.

Congratulations to you from all of us!

Message from Shri.K.K. Ganesji International Faculty of Art of Living Foundation.

Jai Gurudev Arunji

Congrats. A fitting recognition for your untiring work in our organisation for over two decades.

Love

K K GANESJI

Guruji's Birthday Celebrations with Shri. Arunji in Dubai

2010-05-18T07:57:00.003+05:30

Inspired by Lighthouse aolcbe web team we had a strong sankalpa of bringing the knowledge treasure through Shri Arunji into Dubai this year for our Guruji’s birthday celebrations on 13th May. We believed that it would uplift the positive energy of everyone in the midst of today’s challenges. The sankalpa did manifest as a dream come true. HIS grace flowing and the 100% team work by all the volunteers involved.

The trigger was the news in Suntrack with Shri. Arunji in your website about Koniamman kovil program in Feb 2010, where Shri. Arunji conducted raga based meditation and a beautiful isai sorpozivu.The rest is history and a fabulous mind blowing experience to each and every soul who attended his knowledge session.

Lessons from Yoga Vasishta on 12th May and “CELESTIAL NECTAR”- Special satsang topped with brief video clippings of his book “SAMPRADAYA – A Tribute to Tradition”. It was a great heavenly moment for each and every one.

Do view the picasa album of our beloved Guruji’s birthday celebrations with Shri Arunji and the Chief Guest Shri Vasu Shroffji, Chairman and Trustee of Temples at Dubai, U.A.E.

Click for photos of the event

Balaji.S.
Satsang Coordinator

Experiences of the Krishna Moments at Brindavan:

2010-04-11T15:11:00.001+05:30

On the concluding day, a very senior teacher of AOL had the final word when she said " Nothing was exaggerated; whatever was promised in the invitation for the Yatra and the AMC have been fully delivered". She indeed reflected the sentiments of every participant who attended this unique retreat, the first of its kind at Brindavan. The Brajbhumi based AOL teacher was ecstatic that she could be part of the hospitality arrangements where people from across many states of India could participate.

As we write these initial notes with photo images, our minds are still rooted in the divine Krishna Moments that each one of us experienced. The premier presentation of "Lessons from Yog Vasishta" by Shri.Arunji was the highlight that will remain etched in our minds and hearts - such profound knowledge, so easily brought across in the audio visual medium.

Ms.Neera Tiwari from Udaipur writes:

You are such an inspiration-no wonder people did so many Part-2 with you.Its amazing how each one of us experienced the Supreme Knowledge so simply. Your whole group is amazing.

I am into Aol for last 10 years, enjoyed and gained so much from every Course and Teacher but this is something beyond words.We feel the nostalgia of Vrindavan which is something out of this world.And how I m getting calls and sms from so many AMC participants daily,all full of love and Gratitude. We definitely wish to give the same experience to Rajasthanis too.

You have proved that the HIGHEST IS THE SIMPLEST.Thanks to our beloved Gurudev for creating such beautiful KRISHNA MOMENTS at Vrindavan."

I am very grateful to our beloved Gurudev for blessing us to have wonderful experience in Brindavan.

When I returned home from AMC-Brindavan, I saw these wordings in a monthly magazine,( I am treating this book as my wise companion) " CERTAIN SPACES FILL PEOPLE WITH VIBARATIONS, CERTAIN PEOPLE FILL SPACES WITH VIBARATIONS" -

On seeing this, I am connected to the memorable and divine experience we had in Brindavan, Mathura and Barsana. As that wordings goes, - our beloved Arunji's very presence fills our places with Divine vibrations.
The most memorable was one we had in Barsna and satsang in Radha Rani Temple.

We are fortunate enough to have crisp of Yoga Vasita, in simplest form by Shri.Arunji, which is truly a commnedable effort. Thank you Arunji. I take this opportunity to thank Chitraji for all her motherly care and Ashokan Ji; Mr Ravvi - who is instrumental in all my memorable experiences in AOL.

Regards
Balasubramanian
Chennai

"ராதையின் நெஞ்சம், எனக்கும் சொந்தம்"

ராதே ராதே

பொதுவாக ஜெய் குருதேவ் எனத் தொடங்கும் எனது "அனுபவ கட்டுரைகள்", ராதே ராதே என ஆரம்பிப்பது சமீபத்தில் நிறைவடைந்த அருண் ஜி அவர்களுடான பிருந்தாவன் முதுநிலை த்யான முகாமின் தாக்கம். கிருஷ்ணர் பிறந்த பூமியையும், ராதை பிறந்த 'பர்சானா' என்ற ஒரு கிராமத்தையும் அருண் ஜி அவர்களின் விளக்கங்களுடன் கண்டு களித்ததும், அங்கு நடை பெற்ற சத்சங் - இல் பங்கு பெற்றதும் வாழ்நாள் முழுவதும் மனதில் நிற்கக்கூடியவை. இதை வர்ணிக்க வார்த்தைகள் இல்லை. ராதை-இன் கோயிலில் சத்சங் முடிந்து திரும்பிய் போது வழியில் இருந்த சிறு சிறு பெட்டிக்கடை வியாபாரிகள் அருண் ஜி அவர்களிடம் "மீண்டும் எப்போது இங்கு வந்து பாடுவீர்கள்?" என அன்புடன் விசாரித்தனர். (அருண் ஜி சிரிப்பையே பதிலாக தந்தார் என்பது வேறு விஷயம்)

பிருந்தாவன் - இல் அருண் ஜி முதல் நாள் பாடிய "சோட்டி சோட்டி" என தொடங்ம் ஹிந்தி பாடலுக்கு அரங்கமே எழுந்து நடனமாடியது. தொடர்ந்து வந்த, 'சங்கராபரணம்' ராகத்தில் அமைந்த Qawwali பஜன் இன்னும் என் காதில் ஒலிக்கிறது. தென் இந்தியாவில் கவ்வாலி பஜன் மிக அபூர்வம். வட இந்தியாவில் கவ்வாலி -இல் "அச்ஹுதம் கேசவம்" பாடியது அதை விட அபூர்வம்.

கிருஷ்ணர் பிறந்து, விளையாடிய மண்ணில் நாமும் விழுந்து புரண்டு விளையாடலாம் என நினைத்து சென்ற எங்களின் மேல் பிருந்தாவன் மண் விழுந்து புரண்டு விளையாடியது; ஒரே ஆட்டோவில் 19 பேர் பயணித்தது; மிகுந்த ஏழ்மையில் இருந்தும் தாராளமாய் சிரித்த சிறுவர்களின் முகம்; அனைத்து கோயில்களிலும் இடை விடாது நடைபெற்ற 'ராதே கிருஷ்ணா' பஜன்; 'பர்சானா' செல்லும் வழியில் ஒரு வெள்ளை குதிரையை பார்த்து அருண் ஜி 'நீ ராதே தானே?' என்ற கேட்ட போது ஆம் என்று ஆடிய குதிரையின் தலை;..................... அனுபவங்களை சொல்லிக்கொண்டே போகலாம்.

இந்த முகாமின் போது, 'சுவாமி சுதந்த்ரானந்தா' ஆற்றிய உரை..............ஹிந்திதெரியாத நான் மற்றவர்களோடு சேர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்; கை தட்டினேன். உண்மையில் ஒன்றும் புரியவில்லை. நான் சென்னை திரும்பிய போது அவரது உரையின் தமிழாக்கம் அறிந்தேன். அவரது உரை ஒரு போனஸ் என்பதில் சந்தேகமில்லை.

வழக்கமாக அருண் ஜி ராமரை பற்றி பேசினாலே வானரங்கள் அரங்கத்தில் நுழையும். இதை நான் தொடர்ந்து கவனித்து வருகிறேன். பிருந்தாவன் - இல் "யோக வசிஷ்டா" விளக்கவுரை! கேட்கவா வேண்டும்? ஆனால் வானரங்கள் உள்ளே வர வழியே இல்லாமல் ஓர் ஏற்பாடு. என்ன நடந்தது? "யோக வசிஷ்டா" - முடிந்தவுடன் வானரத்திற்கு பதிலாக வருணரே வந்தார். சுமார் 100 நிமிடம் கன மழை நம்மை வாழ்த்தி சென்றது.

பல்வேறு விதமான ஞானமும், அறிவுரைகளும், அனுபவங்களும் கிடைத்த ஓர் இனிய பயணம் இது. பிருந்தாவன் இல் இருந்து கிளம்பும் முன் எங்களது சமையல் வேலைகளை கவனித்த வட இந்தியரிடம் சென்று நான், 'நீங்கள் இங்கு வந்ததில் என்ன கற்று கொண்டீர்கள்?' என வினவினேன். 'வெண் பொங்கல், அவல் உப்புமா, தயிர் சாதம்' என்றார். மேலும், 'உங்கள் ஆசிரியர் அருண் ஜி; எங்கள் ஆசிரியர் சித்ரா- அம்மா' என குறும்பாக சிரித்தார்.

ராதே ராதே

அன்புடன்

இரவிச்சந்திரன் முத்து தீஷதர்

94449 04644

Shri. Arunji at Sree Devi Kumari Womens College - Kanyakumari

2010-03-07T18:02:00.004+05:30

Shri. Arunji addressed the students and staff of Sree Devi Kumari Women's College

Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari, on 6th March, 2010.

Shri.Arunji's " Thean Amudham Isai Sorpohzhivu" at Koniamman temple Coimbatore

2010-03-02T23:08:00.004+05:30

" Thean Amudham Isai Sorpohzhivu" at Koniamman temple Coimbatore

2010-02-27T22:40:00.005+05:30

Please click on the image to have a larger view.

Isaisorpozhivu by Shri.Arunji at the Sankara

2010-01-29T22:51:00.005+05:30

The newly built Dr.Mahalingam Auditorium of Sankara was witness to an Isaisorpozhivu by Shri.Arunji. eminent members of medical fraternity from across the country, para medics and people engaged in community Service assembled here to listen to him speak on the subject "Inainda sirugugal - Birds of the same feather". The talk was followed by new hits from Thean Amudham. The reverberations of Vande mataram sung by everyone together still resonate in our ears.

Brindavan where devotion is in full bloom

2010-01-13T22:35:00.011+05:30

News Alert

With the blessings of Poojya Gurudev, we present an AMC at Brindavan during 1-4, April 2010. Special features will be:

§ knowledge from Yoga Vasishta each day by Shri.Arunji,

§ Satsangs with him - Govinda Nama sankirtan

§ Special Q&A session with Swami Swatantrananda at his Ashram

§ Sookshmavyayam sessions each day to enrich the overall experience.

The twin cities of Mathura and Brindavan are situated on the banks of Yamuna River. Mathura the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra. Brajbhoomi divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul and Mahavan and the western side with Brindavan, Govardhan, and Nandgaon.

The Yatra will embrace the “Braj Bhoomi”, the place which Sri Krishna chose to be born and spent his child-hood with enchanting leelas, which the Brajwasis (including the animals, plants) who were present then were blessed with. When we visit this sacred place, we get to visualize where the leelas took place and enjoy the glories of Lord Sri Krishna as proclaimed by our Azhvars. At Braj Bhoomi, it is an age old practice to have parikrama (Pradikshanam). Parikramas are done for the whole Braj Bhoomi as well as individual areas. Keeping in mind the time factor and age of participants, Parikramas are planned at select areas like Nandgaon, Vrindavan and Govardhan.

Participants may choose to arrive by air at New Delhi or by rail at Agra. Once we know this information from you, we will make arrangements for you to travel by road to visit famed tourist spots like Taj Mahal and also Temples in and around Mathura on 31^st March 2010, before reaching Brindavan. We have identified good facilities at Brindavan to make the stay comfortable on all fronts. You may choose to schedule your departure for the afternoon of 4^th April, 2010.

As there is a ceiling on enrolment, please advise your participation to the following email ids.

Sri.Sundar +91-9443702251 E-Mail ID -sundar59@airtelmail.in,

Sri.Ravvichandran +91- 9444904644 E-Mail ID - ravvichandran@gmail.com

ஆனந்தமும், அமைதியும்

2010-01-10T06:54:00.001+05:30

ஜெய் குருதேவ்.

திரு. அருண்-ஜி அவர்களுடன் நடை பெற்ற முதுநிலை த்யான முகாம் குர்றாலம் நகரில் இனிதே நிறைவடைந்தது. 31.12.2009 இல் 'ஓம் கண நாதா' என்ற விநாயகர் பாடலுடன் தொடங்கிய சத்சங் 3.1.2010 சனி கிழமையன்று 'வெற்றிலையில மாலை கட்டுங்க' என்ற ஆஞ்சநேயர் பாடலுடன் முடிவடைந்தது. நீண்ட இடை வெளிக்கு பிறகு பெரும்பாலான தமிழ் பாடல்கள் கொண்ட சத்சங், மனதை நிரப்பி ஓர் இனிய அனுபவம் தந்தது. மேலும், வாழ்க்கையை பற்றிய ஒரு கிராமிய பாடலை பல முறை மீண்டும் மீண்டும் பாட சொல்லி அனைவரும் ரசித்தனர்.

குருஜியின் படத்தினை சுற்றி பூக்களால் புதிய வருட கொண்டாட்டத்திற்காக செய்யப்பட்ட அலங்காரத்தினை வர்ணிக்க வார்த்தைகள் இல்லை. சுமார் 170 க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் பங்கு பெற்ற புத்தாண்டு நிகழ்ச்சியில், அனைவரும் கையில் தீபம் ஏந்தி வாழ்த்துக்களை பரிமாறிக்கொண்டனர். அறியாமை எனும் இருளை ஞானம் எனும் ஒளியினால் அகற்ற இந்த தீப நிகழ்ச்சி ஓர் ஏற்பாடு. நான்கு நாட்களும் ஞான அருவியில் அனைவரும் குளித்ததை நன்றாக உணர முடிந்தது.

"நாராயண" என்ற சொல்லில் இருந்து "ரா" என்ற எழுத்தையும், "நமசிவாய" என்ற சொல்லில் இருந்து "மா" என்ற எழுத்தையும் எடுத்து "ராம" என்ற நாமம் ஏற்பட்டதாக அருண் ஜி கூறிய போது ஒரு சில குரங்குகள், பூனையை போல சப்தம் இல்லாமல், அரங்கினுள் நுழைந்தன. இதை பார்த்த ஒரு சிலர் இன்ப அதிர்ச்சியில் ஆழ்ந்தனர்.

நிகழ்சிக்காக அசோகன் ஜி செய்திருந்த ஏற்பாடுகள் பிரமாதம். நான் சென்னை திரும்பிய போது என்னுடன் ரயிலில் பயணித்த பீகாரை சேர்ந்த, தமிழ் தெரியாத நண்பர் திரு. பாண்டே, தான் பங்கு பெற்ற பத்தாவது AMC இது எனவும், மற்ற ஒன்பது AMC யிலும் கிடைக்காத ஒரு புதிய அனுபவம் தனக்கு தற்போது கிடைத்ததாகவும் தெரிவித்தார். தமிழே தெரியாத இந்த நண்பர் " விஷமக்கார கண்ணன்" பாடலை ஹம் செய்து வந்தார். முதல் நாள் முதல், தூக்கத்திலும் இந்த பாடல் காதில் ஒலிப்பதாக கூறிய அவர் "விஷமக்காரன்" என்றால் என்ன? என்று வினவினார். "Naughty" என்று பதிலளித்து naughty-யாக சிரித்தேன் நான்.

அன்புடன்

இரவிச்சந்திரன் முத்துதீஷதர்

94449 04644

பிற்குறிப்பு: AMC யுடன் ஒப்பிடும் போது, அந்த ஊர் அருவியை பற்றி எழுத ஏனோ மனம் இடம் தரவில்லை

Artistic welcome to 2010

2010-01-07T22:10:00.005+05:30

How talented our devotees are. Not so long ago, when Shri.Arunji was performing at Melkote in Karnataka, we witnessed a very talented artist giving expression through his brush to the hymns being sung.

On 31st December 2009 we saw a team of women artists giving expression to the spirit of Thean Amudham bhajans with flowers. The stunning Pookkalam which resulted at the end of their 90 minutes of dedicated work was the cynosure of all eyes. Pookalam is an intricate and colorful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. 'Poov' represents a flower and ‘kalam’ refers to the colorful sketches on the ground. Several kilos of flowers, dedication, creativity, and technique go into this team effort to make an eye catching design. Although it is a back breaking job, such expression of beauty indeed paves the way for a joyful team work, a feeling of togetherness. Kudos to Mr and Mrs.Suresh Kumar for their colourful New Year eve gesture.

The ceremony gave a joyful start to the AMC at Coutrallam. The venue gave a wonderful vista of the Agastya Hills and witnessed a record turn out of participants some of whom had their kids attending a simultaneously held Special Art Excel. They were truly grateful for the opportunity provided by the Tenkasi Centre. The kids enacted a spontaneous skit with the knowledge gained from Teachers Sharada and Gomathi much to the delight of everyone.

PIED PIPER IN TOWN.

2009-12-15T07:00:00.005+05:30

After the formation of the new Revenue District of the state, the AOL Satsangees at Tiruppur celebrated their 100th weekly satsang on 12th December,2009 at Shri Kanchi Kamatchiamman koil in Sheriff colony. The Serene temple complex was a witness to three hours of Ghan,Dhyan and Gyan. Shri. Arunji,our special invitee led the Satsang. He presented some lilting new bhajans which the audience relished with fervour that has now become the hallmark of THEN AMUDHAM - CELESTIAL NECTAR evenings. Echoing PUJYA SRI SRI GURUDEV'S concern on environment, Shri.Arunji paid rich tributes to some visionary public work undertaken by the local NGO groups like VALAM who are striving to improve the environment. A Special foot tapping bhajan on the five elements of nature took everyone by sweet surprise. None can stop wondering about Shri.Arunji's effort in churning out melodious bhajans in every satsang.In brief, Shri.Arunji performed the PIED PIPER ACT once again with utmost perfection.

R.ARAVINDAN

The mind engrossed in its own nature forgets the Eternal Spirit and must return again to this world, never attaining spiritual felicity.

2009-11-22T21:04:00.003+05:30

(Here is a review of "The Yoga Vasishta" - Narrative rendition in ten audio CDs by Shri.Arun Madhavanji assisted by Kum.Atika Dandia.)

Yoga Vasishta is the pioneering Vedantic wisdom on the nature of existence and reality and veritably the forerunner of the Bhagavad Gita in its convergence of the paths of jnana and karma. This precious knowledge was imparted to Prince Rama at a moment of confusion and crisis when the young prince was beginning to feel a surge of vairagya at a tender age. While extolling the vairagya state, Vasishta initiates Rama into the deeper aspects of existence especially the nature of the mind. He makes a metaphorical comparison of peace, discrimination, contentment and company of sages, to the four sentinels guarding the gate of moksha. Vasishta advises Rama that the world of phenomena is nothing but a jugglery of the Mind. It can be discerned only through self-introspection.

The mind engrossed in its own nature forgets the Eternal Spirit and must return again to this world, never attaining spiritual felicity. As a sadhak, one needs to cultivate the aforementioned four traits to prevent the mind from getting distracted

In one of his many anecdotes, Sage Vasishta narrates how Sukracharya in meditation got distracted by a celestial nymph, and slipped into a reverie that led him to attachments, a series of births, till he was rescued from the twilight state and shown his true nature as the meditating Sukra. Through an elaborate understanding of the mind as the seat of illusion, Sage Vasishta exhorts Rama to adopt the path of karma, dissuading him from renunciation.

Equally, an honest man dwells amongst thieves only so long as he does not know them as such. No sooner does he come to know them than he is sure to shun their company and flee from the spot. So too the mind dwells amongst unreal dualities as long as it is ignorant of the transcendent One. But when it becomes aware of True Unity, it is sure to be united with it.

Some of the most profound moments are when we listen to these words of Vasishta:

“O Rama, maya is such that it brings delight through its own destruction; its nature is inscrutable; it ceases to exist even while it is being observed.

Just as a tree consisting of fruits, leaves, creepers, flowers, branches, twigs and roots, exists in the seed of the tree, even so this manifest world exists in Brahman.

Just as the dream becomes unreal in the waking state and the waking state in the dream, so also death becomes unreal in birth and birth in death.

It is little surprise that this pioneering wisdom has already inspired series of Holywood blockbusters in the past decade. For years now we have been keen to grasp teachings but could not progress beyond a few pages of the book. Now we have the ten CD audio pack from the VVKI Publications offering the listener a whole new experience that is soothing and meditative even as higher spiritual knowledge is narrated. We have commenced weekend sessions for each CD to help more satsangees deliberate on the knowledge.

Lata Pani