October 2015 - AHYMSIN

Interview with Swami Ritavan Bharati

Posted on October 26, 2015November 12, 2021 by Divya - Administrator

Swami Ritavan Bharati is Ashram Pramukh and successor of Swami Veda Bharati as per Swami Veda’s will.

Questions for this interview came from Carolyn Hodges. Answers are from Swami Ritavan Bharati.

Part 1 (September 2015 AHYMSIN Newsletter)

Question: Would you talk a little bit about your special relationship with Swami Veda?

First, Silence, the language that says-it-all. Then, tears of gratitude, knowing this saintly being, this bodhi-sattva returned, and I was simply able to be present and attend to his needs, becoming a servant of the servant of Gurudev-seva.

Hearing and recording his talks was a blessing for many lifetimes. The inspiration in the manner and way he lived life, is a model for many more lifetimes. His deep understanding, his undiminishing commitment, his deep experience of meditation are the fragrant petals of hope I will carry for many more lifetimes. Yes, he was (and is): Mother, Father, Guru, Teacher, Friend, Companion, Guide par exultance. He remains the same, and more in his spirited presence, his subtle vision that guides each day of my life. He is closer than breath, and more alive than a heart-beat.

His words resonate in my mind, his love gushes through my heart, his appearance in each flower, leaf around me. His lessons remain to be learned in each challenge, in the resistances, the doubts, the fatigue, the worry arising each day. But when I lie in bed at night, before sleep and upon waking, he pulls me back to his bosom to feed me with grace. How to explain such a relationship is very difficult in words, allow me to go back into silence.

Question: Please share a little of your spiritual journey. How did you meet Swami Rama and Swami Veda? What are some of the milestones over your last almost fifty years in the Himalayan Tradition?

Swami Rama’s life is a reminder for each of us, “…have a burning desire to know, to seek, to experience – the source of life, the meaning of life.” And, throughout Swami Veda’s life, we all have witnessed such a Life-journey take many forms, in many places. In my journey, I was fortunate and blessed to find these two par-excellence life-guides, and return to the relationship of guru-disciple from the previous life. To return to the path of sadhana, spiritual disciplines to know samadhi, to aspire for moksha; and in that freedom as paramahamsa, to live with elegance and love, just as these luminaries of wisdom.

Such journeys cannot be reduced to words; for each is a lived story of loss and gain, weaving a tapestry called “life.” Each stage of dharma, each of the purusharthas (4 ashramas) unfolded with all the attachments and pains, gains and sufferings, all the spectrum of desires – filled and unfulfilled. Yet, a common thread, a riverbed of purpose, recalled in ageless teachings: “This life is one of sadhana with abhyasa (practice), and vairagya (nirvana).”

From that awakening as a re-birth at the age of 20-years: that baptism of light, that solar-flare of initiation, the following decades unfolded as Guru-seva:
The first decade as a brahmacharya: reading, studying, listening, and learning to serve. Much of this decade was spent as an ashramite at The Meditation Center under Dr. Arya’s direct tutorage, as well as frequent trips to Chicago to be with Swami Rama.

The second decade as a grihasta: After our Vedic Wedding by Dr. Arya, we assisted at The Meditation Center, and then departed for Honesdale – the Himalayan Institute. Along with completing the Eastern Studies Program, we worked and participated actively in the ashram community, where our three children, among the other faculty’s children, were known as “Baba’s Kids”.

The third decade as vanaprastha: Returning to Minneapolis to teach and manage The Meditation Center; the children departed for college, and my travels to the two ashrams in India became more frequent.

The forth decade as sanyasin: Returning to the monk’s life at The Meditation Center, devoted fully to teaching and serving the Lineage by guiding students around the globe and spending more time at SRSG in Rishikesh.

And, now the fifth and onward decades of service – seva, the ultimate love of life in the Oneness with All Life, as we all have experienced through our two illustrious models: Gurudev-Swami Rama, and our saintly Beloved-Swami Veda.

As many tears poured forth as did mantras from this dharma-megha, this cloud of yearning. Knowing intimately only these two luminaries of the Tradition, nothing more was needed. They reminded me again and again, becoming a billionaire in this life was easy, just remember God’s name in each of the millions of moments, God’s bank-vault continually opened as a single stream of bountiful awareness. Mantra(s) have been my constant companion. And, now upon entering Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama we are all reminded of those blessed words from Gurudeva to contemplate: “Serve, Love, Remember.”

May the entire global AHYMSIN community remember a favored mantra from our Beloved Swamiji: Saumya-pleasant minded, so that “Every Person may feel Loved.”

“saumya, saumya-tarashesha
saumya-bhyas tvate sundaree
para-paranam parama
tvameva parameshvare”

Question: How will we accomplish the mission of making available the teachings of Himalayan Tradition as taught by Swami Rama for future generations?

Following the example of our Beloved Swamiji – Be the generator of enlightenment for others. Begin with the Sankalpa, “I will seek enlightenment in this very life.” When this is our sole ambition, or the soul’s ambition, others will know your fragrance as the refreshing scent, the flavorful taste, the quenching thirst, the loving embrace, by which young and old-alike will be attracted, drawn to help, to serve, to learn, to model, to receive, to give. This was the way of the dharma-rulers, the virtuous guides, the saintly teachers, the sage-like parents who lived what they taught, exemplified what they expected others to model. Therefore, Swami Veda has said, “Counselor, do not give advice – console; teacher, do not lecture – inspire; parent, do not demand or command – be a model, and live by example.” May we aspire for such generosity of the spirit for the benefit of humanity.

Yours in loving service,

Swami Ritavan Bharati

Part 2 (October 2015 AHYMSIN Newsletter)

Question: As per Swami Veda’s wishes, you are now his successor as the Spiritual Head, or Ashrama Pramukha, of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) and AHYMSIN. What are your duties and responsibilities in this role?

First, our hearts and minds are committed to Swami Rama of the Himalayas, who is honored and remembered as the Guru of our tradition. As a disciple of Swami Rama, early on Gurudeva entrusted me into the care and guidance of Swami Veda for meditation and sadhana. And at this time, Swami Veda’s simple instructions were: “Do not change the teachings of Swami Rama and put all your energy to continue, sustain and enhance the works initiated by Gurudev’s mission and through my service to Gurudev.” “Fulfill the same duties I carried with attention to administrative and financial matters, and limit yourself to matters of spiritual realm, knowledge and teaching.” “Work in consultation with the community of sanyasin(i)s upholding the dignity of the moral and spiritual traditions and be exemplary as a spiritual guide.

Question: For the past many years you have been traveling most of the time, teaching and inspiring students in our Ahymsin centers around the world. Now that you are Ashram Pramukh, do you anticipate spending more time at SRSG? What is your schedule for the upcoming year?

It had been 20 years since my first visit to India in 1974 with Swami Rama for the Kumbha-mela; so with this anticipation, I returned to Rishikesh in 1994 which has become another “home.” This “pravijaya” or the wandering has become 22 years of pilgrimages (and 2 million+ air-miles) journeying to various countries in addition to India, offering guidance in the Himalayan Tradition to various groups and centers. Initially, this travel began as traveling companion for Dr. Arya (Swami Veda), and now with a host of other traveling teachers carrying the message, meaning, and inspiration of the Himalayan sages. Two years ago, Swami Veda said he needed me more in India at SRSG, so I significantly reduced my travel and teachings elsewhere. And, now, with the responsibilities entrusted to me as spiritual guide for AHYMSIN, my hope remains to give personal attention and service to each of the AHYMSIN centers and groups which number more than 135. Soon there will be announcements for regional retreats through which our team of highly trained initiators and teachers will provide inspiration and spiritual guidance.

Question: What are the important mission tasks that need to be addressed in the next year?

Together, we as the AHYMSIN leadership share a long list of tasks, a multitude of hopes for the sangha – for our well-being, and for our spiritual progress. These have been given in the past, many of which we have put into practice as integral routines in daily life. We will continue to emphasize the theme presented in our last Sangha, Sadhana as Applied Spirituality. So again, we will systematize the teachings; and organize ourselves as kalyana-mitras to encourage, support, expand our capacity to provide timely and current resources addressing everyday needs.

The purpose of our Sangha, our Global AHYMSIN family is to create a stable mind-field. Through stability within each mind, a spiritual community is created as a collective and stable mind-field, like the gentle ripples on a calm lake. Swami Veda himself mentioned that he had prolonged his life to further guide his students to take them to this next step: Personal lives become stabilized; mind-fields become stabilized and this becomes Sangha. We must carry it forward with greater zeal. To permeate with love all that we do will assure the continuity of AHYMSIN for many years-to-come, and this mission must be shared through our Youth Leaders. We also invite all our students to Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. SRSG is a center of learning and sadhana. The purpose of the ashram is to create a stable mind-field.

Question: What is your long term vision for SRSG?

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) is an oasis of peace and beauty. Those who make the pilgrimage to Sadhaka Grama find a peaceful-mind-haven to temporarily withdraw from worldly responsibilities. Here in their sadhaka-cottages they spend time in silence and contemplation, prayer and meditation along with other sadhana practices of the Tradition. Most have reported to us when they leave, that such an experience has brought a refocusing of their life’s ambitions. They feel rejuvenated in each and every layer of their personality. They recognize that the practices awakened an inner calling to rebuild mind from the foundation of being, and thereby their actions flowed now from a more pure, internal place of contentment. Many have shared that they left SRSG with a resolve to live a life of service, and return to their responsibilities with new mind-grooves, new mental habits and renewed determination. Life is short, an eye-blink; one must practice, tread the path, and move forward. Then the last breath will be sweet, a fragrance of contentment for a life well-lived. This is the blessing of Swami Veda in establishing Sadhaka Grama; this is the message of the sages of our ancient heritage. Our Gurudev, Swami Rama, reminds us: “You are the architect of your destiny. Death and birth are merely two events of life. You have forgotten your essential nature, and that is the cause of your suffering. When you become aware of this, you are liberated.”

Question: Is there anything else you would like to share with our international Ahymsin family?

In 2013, at our Sangha event, Swami Veda initiated all of us into the mahavakya, the contemplation: OM KHAM BRAMA; contemplations cannot be defined, but this could be described as: Within that empty space known as creation, this illusion remains – empty. Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasungate, Bodhi, Swaha.

And with that offering made into the fire of knowledge, into the havan kundha of the heart, these two illustrious beings have blessed me with silence. With the completion of three years of ardha-mouna vow, my life has been blessed to continue with the fulfillment of the vow undertaken by our Beloved Swamiji. So in 2018, we will again gather as a sangha, and with a purnahuti, bring the 5-year mauna vow to a fruitful conclusion. Your support, your encouragement comes in the form of your own meaningful silence. May you embrace this ultimate svadhyaya as taught, guided, and practiced by Swami Veda throughout his life. Take the vow-the commitment of a half-day a week, a full day a month, a silence retreat each year, or a 40-day silence at your spiritual home in Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). May our Gurudeva Bless you, May our Beloved Swamiji bless you, May all the Saints, Sages, Boddhi-sattvas of all Traditions and Lineages Bless you. OM Sham –

Yours in loving service,

Swami Ritavan Bharati

Editor’s Note:

In Swami Veda’s Intention for AHYMSIN, Swami Ritavan Bharati mentioned that it is teamwork that is needed now – more collaboration, coordination and communication. Key to our AHYMSIN-management through Shi Hong and others, is the necessity of performing our duties as service (seva) for the betterment of society. It is important to work towards upliftment of humanity, relieving suffering, and fulfilling the mission of Gurudeva Swami Rama and Swami Veda; and in this way, engage in our duties our sadhana.
To read Sadhana as Applied Spirituality by Swami Veda Bharati: http://ahymsin.org/main/swami-veda-bharati/sadhana-in-applied-spirituality.html
To read the practice given by Swami Veda Bharati in 2013: http://ahymsin.org/main/practice/practice-for-the-next-five-years-and-the-rest-of-your-life.html

Interview with Dr. Mohan Swami

Posted on October 26, 2015June 29, 2023 by ahymsin

Dr. Mohan Swami, a disciple of Swami Rama, is the President of both the Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International (AHYMSIN) and Dhyana Mandiram Trust (DMT). He was appointed to these positions by Swami Veda Bharati.

Questions for this interview came from Carolyn Hodges. Answers are from Dr. Mohan Swami. Note: When Dr. Mohan Swami uses the term “Gurudeva” or “Gurudev” he is referring to Swami Rama. This interview appeared in the September 2015 edition of the AHYMSIN Newsletter.

Dr. Mohan Swami: Thank you for the opportunity to answer the questions for the newsletter. I shall endeavour to do my best.

Question: Would you share with the Ahymsin family a little bit about yourself and also how you came to this tradition?

I have been a seeker from a very early age. Initially I used to read books on the various religions. It led on to reading books on spiritualism and biographies of so many saints, sages and philosophers. Not being satisfied with the answers to my thousands of questions, I became very frustrated and read even more books.

Only in 1990, I was blessed with a copy of Living with the Himalayan Masters. I read the book for the second time the same night and packed my bags to go to Rishikesh to meet the Master. I arrived at Sadhana Mandir at about 2am ,was initiated by Gurudev Swami Rama a few hours later and began the journey abound with joy and love in this Tradition. It has been the journey of my life.

Question: Do you have any Swami Rama or Swami Veda stories you could tell us?

I have hundreds of stories, and there seems to be no end to them. I was introduced to Swami Veda Bharati a few weeks after I was taken in by Gurudev. We have remained very close Gurubhais ever since. Swamiji was such a loving soul. His smile and cheerfulness was the bait that one gets caught in the net so easily. I still remember when Gurudev and Swamiji interacted. It was such a sight to see the Guru and disciple in satsang.

Question: You are a well-respected medical doctor, a successful businessman, the Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, a philanthropist and humanitarian, the President of Ahymsin and now President of the Dhyana Mandiram Trust as well, just to list some of your accomplishments. Could you tell us a little bit about these elements within your life?

I remember Gurudev chiding me the very first moment he saw me: “Ahh! You ran away from your practice to come here?”

I was surprised that this Guru knew about me. ‘Yes, I have come to renounce.’

“That you shall not for now “, he said. “I have other things for you to do.”

He agreed that I give up medical practice to go into business “for we need to build the hospital and the colleges”. Man decides, but God and Guru dispose. I gave up my practice, ventured into business, and it’s about 20 years now. Gurudev appointed me as a member of the Presidential Board of HIHT along with three others who manage the Trust; Swamiji appointed me to AHYMSIN and DMT. There is so much to be done. It is all about teamwork and the support of all the disciples. Of course, the infinite Grace of God and Guru is paramount.

I met Swamiji a few months before His Mahasamadhi and knew instantly that he was not the same. There was a certain seriousness about the meeting. After the meeting, I walked out very unsure about so many things

Question: You are President of both AHYMSIN since 2007 and now DMT? Could you help us understand what each of these organizations are? What are your roles and responsibilities in each position? How do the two organizations relate to each other?

You can say that I am a reluctant President. I tried convincing Swamiji when he first broached on the subject of leading Ahymsin. I pleaded that time was not in my favour as I had the businesses to manage which preoccupied my schedules. He gave me the reasons for this appointment. The same with DMT when he spoke of this several years ago, but it was as though his command was final.

I was extremely lucky that he appointed Brother Dave Hume to be Founding Vice President of Ahymsin from 2007. He carried the burden of the Presidentship for the full term. And now With Brother Shi Hong, Ahymsin is being managed even without my full presence. Of course, I feel guilty constantly, but Swamiji had plans.

Swamiji had views that Ahymsin will be the link between all the organisations that he helped create globally. Ahymsin was to spread the message and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters according to Swami Rama. Swamiji forged this link through all his disciples worldwide. His excitement of this creation knew no bounds. It took immense effort and he toiled for this to be a success. He did this out of love for his Gurudev. The great scholar in him was put aside to become a master organiser. He planned meticulously till the day Ahymsin was launched.

DMT was formed inevitably to be the Trust of SRSG and his other efforts including Ahymsin. Swami Ritavan Bharati being appointed as his spiritual successor was another important milestone for the continuity of both Ahymsin and SRSG. His appointment to DMT last month was a natural course and becomes pivotal to the foundations of all our organisations.

When Swamiji first discussed Ahymsin, he mentioned one very important statement. “Our Gurudev has placed you with a responsibility in HIHT as a Presidential Board Member. I need you to ensure that Ahymsin and HIHT work cohesively and as one. In years to come, the disciples must all know that there is only one Guru. That is Swami Rama. I need not be remembered. My work is for the Guru. That is important.”

There was some anxiety from both sides, i.e. HIHT and Ahymsin, that why is a Guru Brother being made the President and not Swamiji’s disciple?

Swamiji, in fact, was hopeful that someday, sooner than later, all of Gurudev’s missions in India, USA and all other countries work as one unit. He relentlessly pursued this goal till the end.

His final will and testament reflects truly why this done – Swami Veda Bharati lived for and served his Master Swami Rama , a true disciple to the core.

Question: What are the crucial tasks that need to be addressed now and in this first year after Swami Veda left his body?

Gurudev had a vision. Swamiji had a vision. All of us need to fulfil this whether we were Guru brother or Guru sister or their disciples. For me Swamiji embodied the same message that Gurudev carried to the world. There was no difference. They said it differently yet it was the same meaning. Swamiji added the extra scholarly sanskritised version. Gurudev described it in more simple terms.

I have been working tirelessly for the Lineage since I met Gurudev for the very first time. I believe they had been guiding me again ever since I was born this life time. That is how the Tradition works.

There is much to be done by all of us. But we must know only two points.

Firstly, we need to understand why we came into this Tradition. Why we were accepted into this Tradition. What is our role in this world vis-à-vis the Bharati Tradition.

Secondly, how we are going to help fulfil Swamiji’s vision for Ahymsin.

On the part of the leadership of these organisations, we ought to guide the members and reassure them that though Swamiji has cast his mortal remains, his philosophy is larger than life. The teachings tell us that we should not cling to the physical body of the Master for they are with us all the time.

We have to continue the work entrusted to us by Swamiji. There is no other way. Each one of us needs to ensure that the mission continues uninterrupted. Swamiji had a special interest in the TTP. I believe Swami Ritavan Bharati has similar ideals and love.

The leadership must provide to the disciples what Swamiji gave them with love.

When the Sangha convenes next year, this will be biggest test for the leadership to prove that Swamiji’s mission will continue with the same flow as our very breath.

Question: Would you share your vision for what Ahymsin and SRSG will look like in 10 years? Long term?

This is going to be a very bold answer to a bold question.

My vision is similar to what I saw through the eyes of Swamiji. He wished to see a bigger broader Ahymsin worldwide that carried Gurudev’s and His message.

The books that they published carry so much information. The texts that they translated will be used by many scholars the world over. Swamiji’s wishes to continue some of these works must be done by the leadership.

I am perfectly sure that He would be there in 10 years and more to see that his work is being carried forward with more vigour and zeal. His happiness must become our happiness.

He permeated love and through this love the work that he established will continue for centuries. Long after you and me are gone.

SRSG must become a centre of learning and sadhana for those come to imbibe the teachings of the Tradition. It must bloom to spread the fragrance that Gurudev and Swamiji sowed.

Question: How do we ensure the practices and teachings of meditation in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition as taught by Swami Rama will be available for future generations?

This is why Swamiji initiated the TTP. Through these cohorts of teachers the teachings should be kept alive. SRSG should become the centre to teach and send out thousands of these teachers worldwide who are well versed and well prepared to spread the Teachings. Along with Sadhana Mandir, both these centres should become premier centres of basic as well as advanced teaching programmes. Our tradition is quite unique in more than many ways. The leadership of both centres should plan to conduct courses and seva in cooperation for the betterment of society.

We cannot work in isolation. To become great centres we need to work with the current needs of the existing generation and the future generations.

Question: Could you tell us a little bit about the book you have written and when it will be available? Its title?

I commenced writing the yet untitled book in 2001. It is my experiences with Gurudev. Before I met him physically and beyond. For some good reason I stopped work as I was not ready to publish. I have recommenced work and am currently updating the facts to current.

It ought to be completed and ready for publication and release by November 13th, 2016 only with Gurudev’s Grace.

Question: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Ahymsin international family?

I have written too much. I am normally shy and quiet. And love silence!

My parting statement is that Gurudev and Swamiji are there with you always. You are blessed to be part of the Tradition that was the life of Swami Veda Bharati, Gurudev Swami Rama and before them Our Ancient Lineage and Now…