Newsletter October 14, 2009

Past Events

Swami to Cherry Hill, NJ - Saturday, October 10
Swami delivered a lecture to Cherry Hill area devotees on: 'Controlling the mind according to Bhagavad Gita' He returned to Providence on Sunday.

Indian classical music (vocal) - Sunday, October 11
Kumkum Sanyal, accomplished Hindustani vocal musician, performed at the Vedanta Society of Providence from 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM on Sunday, October 11, immediately after the Sunday Service lecture, to about one hundred twenty-five devotees/music-lovers. Accompanying her on tabla was Nitin Mitta, and on harmonium was Ravi Torvi. Click here to see the photos.

Swami to Toronto Canada - October 12
On Monday, Oct. 12th, Swami Yogatmananda participated in a two and half-hour memorial service at the Vedanta Society of Toronto, Canada for Rev. Swami Sarvagatananda (senior Swami who passed away in May '09) with Swami Tyagananda of Boston Vedanta, Swami Kripamayananda and about one hundred twenty-five devotees. Swami returned to Providence on Tuesday, October 13.

Synopsis of last week's classes

Friday, Oct. 09 - Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, verses: 28-33)

The process of spiritual evolution is accompanied by a corresponding paradigm-change. As we evolve through the principle of sacrifice (Yajna), our vista is broadened and the decisions and actions, which were based on the previous narrow vision, change too. It is like one does in climbing a mountain. Every step taken is the work offered as price for evolution; it also means giving up your previous position. The sacrifices involving materials, austerities, karma-yoga, studying scriptures, and practicing the discrimination between right & wrong - will all be means of spiritual evolution, ultimately culminating in the awareness of Brahman appearing in all different forms. When work is done with the Yajna-spirit, then they no longer bind one; rather such a worker ultimately reaches the Eternal Brahman.. For those who do not imbibe the spirit of Yajna, even the worldly success is illusive; what to speak of the spiritual.

Sunday, Oct. 11- "Be a Devotee, Don't Be a Fool" - Swami Yogatmananda
Sri Sankaracharya mentions in Vivekachudamani that the most important means for practicing religion is devotion. Devotion does not mean shunning the use of reason and accepting everything that is being told. Faculty of reason and faculty of faith - both are equally important, one should not negate another. Teachings of religion must be tested with proper reasoning. Religion should be practiced with a scientific approach and in modern times Sri Ramakrishna presented this in a harmonious way. A devotee should be cautious and watchful not only during his/her spiritual practice but also in daily life while dealing with other people and should exercise reason to avoid being cheated. "Be a devotee; don't be a fool" - Sri Ramakrishna once warned a spiritual seeker (later Swami Yogananda) who was cheated by a shopkeeper.
As an outcome of intense devotion, one goes beyond reason. A state below reason is always in conflict with reason, but a state beyond reason harmoniously integrates with reason. In Rajayoga, Swami Vivekananda has emphasized the role of reason for the proper practice of religion. Similar are the teachings of Lord Buddha, Sankara and other great religious teachers. Narada's 'Aphorisms on Devotion' speaks of practice of discrimination (between the real and unreal) as a means of devotion. Srimad Bhagavatam symbolically presents devotion as the mother of two sons - knowledge and renunciation; the mother will not be happy unless we strengthen these two sons. To practice devotion, one has to be wise.

Tuesday, Oct. 13- The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (Chapter 38)

The most important special characteristic of Sri Ramakrishna is renunciation, the giving up of what is unreal. In fact, when something is seen as unreal, one loses all attraction and attachment for it. The renunciation then is spontaneous. But we can practice renunciation of the fleeting names & forms conscientiously to get gradually established in God, who alone is Real. Sri Ramakrishna states that it's hard to recognize an incarnation of God unless the mind is free from lust and greed. We are so limited and see things with blinders on, not peering beyond our immediate concerns. But when pain comes, it forces one to be introspective and think of renunciation. Through discrimination, try to discern what is fleeting and what is not. The wise person will seek out the unchanging, Absolute, for it is there where true happiness dwells.
There were a few interesting questions from the audience. They were discussed at length by the Swami.

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