Newsletter December 02, 2009

Past Events

1) The birth anniversary of Swami Premananda - Thurs. Nov. 26
-was observed in the morning with a chant and in the evening with a song, a biography reading and Prasad.
2) Classical Vocal Performance - Sun. Nov. 29
From 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Classical Indian Ragas ('Morning Melodies') were performed by famed vocalist Dattatreya Velankar, trained under Harikatha artiste Sant Bhadragiri Achyutadasji and later Pt. Vinayak Torvi. Accompanied by Ravi Torvi on Harmonium and Akshay Navaladi on Tabla, about forty-seven music lovers attended.

Synopsis of last week's classes

Friday, Nov. 27 - Bhagavad Gita
Re-capitulation: Before embarking on the study of the 5th chapter proper, a summery of last 4 chapters was discussed.
Like Arjuna on the battlefield, we face a great dilemma when we identify with the body and are pulled to and fro by conflicting desires. Lord Krishna's teaches that we must differentiate between the body and the in-dweller of the body. The body is subject to destruction and change, but the Self is not. Our goal in life is to realize the true Self.
We can understand this ideal intellectually but have difficulty in practicing it. The practice of yoga prescribed by Sri Krishna is the roadmap for realizing this truth in our lives. If we practice yoga, we will see the effects in our life. We must love others but must do so without attachment. In fact, as our attachment is reduced our capacity to love becomes greater.
At the end of Chapter 4, Arjuna is still confused about whether or not he should fight the battle against his kinsmen. He is inclined not to fight but Sri Krishna is encouraging him to stand up and fight without attachment.

Sunday, Nov. 29 - The Case of Mistaken Identity - Swami Yogatmananda
Identity is 'that-ness' of a thing that remains unchanged and makes that thing recognizable irrespective of all other changes. Although finger prints, signature, photo Id, DNA tests etc. are used to identify a person, they are not foolproof systems because they are based on physical characteristics which keep on changing with time. Mind cannot be our true identity because thoughts/emotions change. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna (who has mistaken the identity) that "you and I have gone through many bodies (prior to this birth); you don't remember them because you identified with them.." All contradictions, sufferings in life stem from this ignorance - identification with body and mind.
Vedanta tells us that our real nature is pure consciousness and that is our true identity. Swami Vivekananda echoing the Upanisads calls us as 'children of immortal bliss'. The One, immortal, ever-perfect Being is manifesting through all different appearances - from the blade of grass to the highest divinity. In Practical Vedanta, Swami Vivekananda says: "...We are in reality that Infinite Being, and our personalities represent so many channels through which this Infinite Reality is manifesting Itself; and the whole mass of changes which we call evolution is brought about by the soul trying to manifest more and more of its infinite energy. ... Infinite power and existence and blessedness are ours, and we have not to acquire them; they are our own, and we have only to manifest them."

Tuesday, Dec. 01 - The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (Chapter 39)

We learned that Sri Ramakrishna's sadhana-s or spiritual practices were for demonstration, since he was already perfect. They were performed to show us the way to reach the highest. The Master spoke of the power of concentration. The Gita refers to the mind of a Yogi as like non-flickering flame of candle in a breezeless place. The mind of an ordinary person is flickering constantly (like a flame in the wind) due to its restless nature. But it can be brought under control and made to concentrate on anything, through proper practice. Indeed, concentration is a very hard skill to accomplish, but one which must be cultivated if one is to progress properly. Sri Ramakrishna also mentioned being so one pointed in concentration that a person wasn't aware of a wedding procession passing by or hearing a question from an individual asking directions. It will take much practice and perseverance to cultivate the power of concentration. The mind may bring up many excuses to avoid the discipline. This is the time to be firm and strong and realize we need this power under our conscious control.

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