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The Annual 40-Day Spiritual Festival

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Each summer during the 40 days that precede Guru Purnima, sadhakas are invited to participate in the 40-Day Spiritual Festival, to expand and refine one’s sadhana. 

In 2021, the 40-Day Spiritual Festival will being on 15th June and will end on 24th July, which is Guru Purnima.

These 40 days are celebrated wherever you are.

“We are all here for a purpose; it is an on-going spiritual process. We are all here for spiritual liberation and serving that mission. For that purpose we are purifying ourselves of our pride and ego. For these reasons we train ourselves in constant self-observation: to see oneself, to hear oneself to develop this internal dialogue. I have used one criterion for all my thoughts, my words, and my actions: ‘Is this conducive to spiritual liberation.’” – Swami Veda Bharati

It is a time to contemplate (and talk with others about) the many ways you can participate.

In reviewing the guidelines and making your own commitments, please keep in mind your own capacity. Success with a series of smaller goals will lead to greater purification and capacity for next year. Assess your own capacity and do not try to push to complete “on time.” Accommodate for your family responsibilities.

As Swami Ritavan has written, “Celebrating Guru Purnima is a joy beyond words, a deep stillness that echoes a wholeness and holiness. A wholeness that provides the answers to our pursuits, our yearnings and reveals a purpose for life. To live and to love with a heart unconditioned by conflict, and a mind, unified beyond division.”

International Day of Yoga takes place on 21st June and you may want to celebrate this during the Spiritual Festival; Swami Veda’s message for International Day of Yoga can be read at Message for International Yoga Day, June 21 .

Perhaps you would like to attend the Guru Purnima Retreat at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. There will be akhanda-patha (24 hour non-stop recitation) of Guru-Gita, the Song to the Guru. 

You might review what Swami Veda’s suggestions and teachings have been in previous years, including Sadhana in Applied Spirituality and the practice given by Swami Veda on 9th March 2013 for “your next five years and for the rest of your life.” One can continue with the homework that was given.

Swami Ritavan Bharati guided the AHYMSIN Sangha into a new mantra practice for the next 3 years during the 2019 Sangha Gathering, which was held February 25 – March 5, 2019, at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). Please see Three Year Mantra Practice, 2019 to 2022.

During these 40 days, yoga students can choose to intensify their yoga practice and/or make beneficial changes in their lifestyles, in a variety of ways. Here are just a few:

1. Increasing one’s practice of meditation and japa.
2. Expanding some other aspect of one’s daily yoga practice with subtle relaxations or pranayamas.
3. Studying an inspiring book and applying a principle or practice in it.
4. Implementing an element of yoga, such as a particular Yama or Niyama. “These Yamas and Niyamas are the sure means of advancing spiritually. When your mind is clarified, purified, by the constant application and implementation of these principles, you’ll find that your problems will become less and less overwhelming.” – Pandit Usharbudh Arya (who became Swami Veda Bharati)
5. Cultivating positive aspects of mind through such practices as the Four Right Attitudes (brahma-viharas – friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked) or pleasant-mindedness (chitta-prasadana – clarity and purification of mind, making the mind pleasant and clear).
6. Making lifestyle changes so to honor the natural environment – reducing clutter, consuming less, planting trees, simplifying one’s way of living.
7. Making healthier choices in one’s daily schedule in terms of diet and nutrition, sleep and exercise habits and punctuality of meditations.
8. Refining one’s personal relationships with family, friends and co-workers.

Suggestions from Swami Veda for stabilizing the spiritual mindfield include:

Let your selfless service increase, whether by one percent or five percent or whatever.  Increase the time and energy you spend in SELFLESS service of others. That is the first concrete action you can begin with.

Refine your personal practices including:

a) Concentrating more on exhalations. This will help you achieve 2:1 ratio of breathing without physical effort.
b) Review: Read Mind Field: The Playground of Gods at http://ahymsin.org/main/swami-veda-bharati/mind-field.html . And Marks of Spiritual Progress at http://ahymsin.org/main/swami-veda-bharati/marks-of-spiritual-progress.html

Keep your regular meditation time. In addition to that, you may sit at other times in the day.

Do not forget to take 2 minutes, 3 minutes breaks, for breath-awareness many, many times in the day.

Prepare a study and practice plan for yourself.

If there are instabilities in our lives, they exist, Swami Veda said, not because our circumstances are unstable, but because our minds are unstable. Stable minds, he said, are like soft, gentle ripples in the calm lake which can stabilize all external circumstances.

A group of spiritually-oriented people, thus stabilized, can become part of a larger, stabilized mind-field called a sangha. We are all part of a global network of spirituality in the Tradition, and we can continue to harmonize the mind-field of our community, through our own self-transformation, so that its mission work will be successful.

“We all dream,” Swami Veda has said, “of the possibility of living in a peaceful world. This aspiration can be realized only if we first provide to our very soul, the self, atman, a peaceful home in the mind inside which it lives. That is the essence of our spiritual journey; that is yoga; that is meditation; that is peace in the family, which, then, extends to becoming world peace. We need to keep a diligent vigil, to keep this mind pure and peaceful and clean, to make it progress towards becoming the environment suitable for an enlightened soul. There needs to be sense of continuous progress in us so the world may progress towards peace.”

Lokas samastas sukhino bhavantu
“May the whole world attain peace and harmony.”

“May we weave the fabric of spirituality in our lives, and within our spiritual family – AHYMSIN” – Swami Ritavan Bharati

Stabilizing the Spiritual Mindfield

Additional Spiritual Festival Guidelines

Prayash-chitta and Chitta Prasadana: through Self-Examination & Meditation

Self-Examination, Sadhana Practice, Meditation & Mantra Japa

• Maintain mindfulness and an attitude of self-examination throughout the day. Observe thoughts and emotions asking oneself, “What transgressions did I commit?”
• Where there was fearful or aggressive thoughts/words/actions ask, “What was it in me that evoked that response and reaction?”
• “What right thing that should have done have I omitted?” – replacing such negativity with kindness and compassion. (Refer to Swami Veda’s Yoga Sutra commentary of I:33 on Chitta prasadana.)
• Do Nadi Shodhana (channel purification) 3 times a day.
• Do one to three malas of your personal mantra japa daily.
• For any thought critical of anyone, do 11 recitations of Gayatri.
• At juncture points in your day (or about every 2 hours), sit for 2 minutes, observing the flow of breath in the nostrils and repeating your personal mantra.
• Recite the Gurur Brahma Prayer and the morning and evening prayers.
• Surrender samskaras & random thoughts to the inner Guru.
• Resolve to enter into non-self-centered meditation.
• Om Tat Sat Brahmarpanam Astu – dedicate prayers to the enlightenment and happiness of others.
• Your last formal thought at night should be the Gurur Brahma prayer and entry into meditative mode as you fall asleep. Your sleep will become a meditation. Awaken with a Yoga Nidra practice or simply breath awareness in bed before rising.
• Participate in Full Moon Meditations. “The full moon meditations are an opportunity for us to come together in connecting with the universal mind-field bringing unity, harmony, peace and love. Go into your silence; exhale-release, inhale-accept, forgive & fulfil, with purified heart and mind receive the blessings of the Lineage.” – Swami Ritavan Bharati

Hatha Yoga

• A practice of hatha yoga to purify the body, breath and mind. Consider undertaking a practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) during these 40 days. Please refer to the section in Swami Veda’s Philosophy of Hatha Yoga in which he writes about asana as worship. Do Joints & Glands Exercises. Use whatever asana practice you undertake as a way to strengthen your link with the lineage through whom all blessings flow.

Meals

• If possible do not eat alone. Take a small portion of food and give it to a companion or co-worker. If it is embarrassing and not socially acceptable, then surrender the first portion to the Great Prana of the Universe.
• Recite Grace.
• Eat 5 mouthfuls less than enough to fill the stomach at each meal.
• Eat no solid food after 9:00 p.m. A glass of liquid may be taken at night. Special health and medical situations are exempt. Total fasting is not suggested.
• Try to avoid eating meat or fish during the month although you may serve it to your family.

To further deepen your practice

• Consider taking a vow of one month’s celibacy, but only with the happy consent of your spouse.
• Keep a personal journal on subtle violence in personal life, e.g. an unjustified sharp tone of speech, or in using objects obtained by violence and disregard for the rights of other living beings.
• Dedicate 10 percent of your month’s income plus one dollar to a charity of your choice, in addition to your usual commitments. Through this ancient Western and Eastern tradition of tithing, one learns the way of giving sacrifice joyfully.
• Look for ways to reduce your possessions, acquisitions and energy consumption at least 10%.
• Conquer anger, laziness and selfish thoughts.
• Vow to give special love to your family and reach out to others, beyond your blocks and fears.
• Experiment with a practice of silence (see Swami Veda’s booklet Silence for more about silence). This could be through observing your speech in daily life to see if you are using more words than necessary, speaking louder than necessary and if your tone and voice evokes a positive response in the listener. You could undertake to practice a half day of silence or a longer period. “Silence should not merely be an absence of speech. If it is merely an abstinence from speech it can even be emotionally and spiritually damaging. Unless one has filled oneself within there is no silence. Fill yourself with meditation. Fill yourself with contemplation. Fill yourself with your mantra…” – Swami Veda Bharati
• Take a one or two-day, or longer, personal retreat.

Further Observances

On Guru Purnima day you may decide to undertake further observances of self-purification for next year.

Questions on Spiritual Practice

Questions on Spiritual Practice can be sent to the AHYMSIN Adhyatma Samiti, or Spiritual Committee, at http://ahymsin.org/main/adhyatma-samiti-spiritual-committee.html

Science of Breath Seminar, 30th October – 5th November 2016

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Science of Breath Seminar
30th October – 5th November 2016
at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh, India
with Marilou Hermens,
Senior Teachers and SRSG Teaching Staff

Subtleties of breath practices

“An intensive practice of Pranayama’s 3 times a day! It is a true gift to yourself…Complete breath, kapalabati (different levels for beginners and advanced), bhastrika (different levels for beginners and advanced), bhramari (different levels and beginners or advanced), ujjayi, nadi shodhanam (different types). This seminar can be done while remaining in silence to deepen your personal inner journey. Beginners and advanced practitioners are all welcome and will be guided according to their level.”

– Marilou Hermens

Open to all

Cost: Cost of SRSG hospitality plus goodwill offering for instruction

Marilou Hermens is a faculty member of HYT-TTP (Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program), teaches at the teacher training retreats at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, and serves as a mentor; she also has a center in the Netherlands (http://www.yogameditatie.nl/).

Contact: AHYMSIN Office

Diwali Greetings 2015

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On this Diwali – Annual Festival of Illumination & Beauty – (A New Year Celebration):
We are reminded in our Upanishads, and teachings of the Tradition:

Jyotir, Jyotir, Jyotir, (Light, Light, Light)
Idam Madu, Idam Madu, Idam Madu (This is honey, So beautiful, so sweet, so sweet, so sweet)

Also, we are reminded in a Blessing of our Beloved Swamiji:

“May you see this light and taste the sweetness of this light.
Wherever you walk, walk as a luminous being leave no darkness, reduce doubts, let-go of fears, be free.”

At this time of spiritual renewal, may we collectively resolve to reflect & contemplate our personal spiritual growth. May these self-inquiries bring the fruits of clarity, forgiveness, faith, and strength, and may your meditations prosper.

Throughout this coming year, our collective and heart-felt prayer for you, that we recite each day in the ashram:

“OM;
asato ma sad gamaya, (Lead me from untruth to Truth);
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, (Lead me from darkness to Light);
mrtyor ma amrtam gamaya, (Lead me from the bondage of death & ignorance to Immortality & Freedom).”

With the Light of Guru, the remover of all obstacles,
With the Love of Guru, the source of compassion,

Blessings of the Tradition,

Swami Ritavan Bharati

Interview with Swami Ritavan Bharati

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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:

Swami Veda’s Intention for AHYMSIN

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Swami Ritavan Bharati offered appreciation for the guidance and support he has received from his kalyana-mitra, Dr. Mohan Swami, President of AHYMSIN and DMT.

Please, do not miss, in the September 2015 newsletter, the interview with Dr. Mohan Swami. Everyone is encouraged to closely read, contemplate, and subscribe to this vision expressed by our President, Dr. Mohan Swami.

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.

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) should be a centre of learning and sadhana to create a stable mind-field. Through stability within each mind, a spiritual community creates a stable mind-field, like the gentle ripples on a calm lake. Swami Veda himself mentioned that he had prolonged his life to allow further guidance of his students and disciples 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 with our Youth Leaders.

We must remember that there is only one Guru-force; and Swami Rama is the Gurudeva of our tradition. Swami Veda mentioned that even if his works are not remembered, the works of his Gurudeva should be. His aspiration was “may I be able to serve”; and now, i take this as my personal aspiration, and with such faith, serve through my new role.’

We continue with the teacher training program. The teachings and practices offered by Swami Veda will be translated into many languages and serve the international mission of AHYMSIN. More literary and audio resources of Swami Veda will be available soon.

Swami Ritavan Bharati outlined a future plan base on the theme – “spirited presence, subtler vision”, referring to the fact that Swami Veda’s presence and vision remains the guiding light for all of us and for the AHYMSIN management.

Swami Ritavan Bharati reminded us of the 2013 Sangha in which Swami Veda encouraged the Sangha to keep their regular daily meditations, and to apply his teachings regarding “Sadhana in Applied Spirituality,” and listed the practices to follow for the next 5 years. These and many other guidelines for sadhana will be periodically offered to sangha members for their spiritual upliftment by the samiti – the initiators and spiritual guides.

Editor’s Note:

The September 2015 AHYMSIN newsletter can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/index.html

The interview with Dr. Mohan Swami can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/04.html

An interview with Swami Ritavan Bharati can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/03.html

Sadhana in Applied Spirituality by Swami Veda Bharati can be read at this link http://ahymsin.org/main/swami-veda-bharati/sadhana-in-applied-spirituality.html

Practice for the Next Five Years and the Rest of Your Life by Swami Veda Bharati can be read at this link http://ahymsin.org/main/practice/practice-for-the-next-five-years-and-the-rest-of-your-life.html

For more about sangha and mind-field, you may enjoy reading Swami Veda Bharati’s remarks at http://ahymsin.org/main/ityuka-2010-conference/gathering-of-the-sangha-1-12-february-2010.html

 

Guru Purnima Message (July 5, 1990)

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July 5, 1990

I pray to the Divinity within you.

This day of Guru Purnima is a great day which is considered to be a spiritual day to celebrate the reverence to the noble heritage of the spiritual knowledge. This day makes the aspirant aware that the light of knowledge is eternally flowing, and overflowing internally and externally both. This day reminds us not to be caught by snares of the charms and temptations of the world, but to discharge one’s own duties selflessly, lovingly and skillfully. And do not forget that the aim and purpose of life is to attain enlightenment. It is a great day for the spiritual seekers, and it is enjoyed traditionally by all aspirants who follow the tradition of spirituality. That which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru. Deva means bright beings. The bright beings that emanate knowledge and love with mind, action and speech with spontaneity is a light divine.

This day we all celebrate in honor of our spiritual teacher with great joy. May the Lord of Heavens bless us on this day so that we remain aware of our spiritual goal till the last breath of our life. This day reminds us that we have to attain our goal here and now.

God bless you all.

Peace, Peace, Peace

Guru Purnima 2015 for AHYMSIN Sangha

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Akandamanadala akaram,
Vyaptam yenachara acharam,
Tatpadam darshitam yena,
Tasmai shree gurave namah.

‘That brilliant solar orb which permeates all entities and beings of the universe and this
person, to Him Who by His Grace has brought that solar orb into my vision, my homage.’To That Gurudeva:

“Narayanam namaskritya,
naram chaiva narottamam
devim Sarasvatim vyasam
tato jayam udirayet.”

“Bowing to Deva Narayan, as well as to Nara (the ideal human),
to Devi Saraswati, to Sage Vyasa, we commence the glorification of the Guru.”

‘The offering is to Guru,
Guru is the offering,
The offering is made into the fire (tapas) that is Guru,
The offering is made by Guru,
Through samadhi all actions are transformed by Guru.’

(popular meal prayer from Bh.Gita 4:24, adapted)

Swami Rama would say in his talks, “Sacrifice means giving all the best that one has.” It is as if the sadhaka consciously becomes the “gu-ru”, the en-lighted personality, and transcends ego-based motivation and desire; thereby no longer bound by the effects of the fruits of action. Such a transformation changes the course of one’s personality and life. Such a life exemplies the greatest virtues, living with purpose, living for others with compassion and kindness.

“What can I do in gratitude to my Guru but give you love in this form.”
— Usharbudh Arya, GuruPurnima – 1990.

Now, the form has changed. What remains in our minds and hearts is ‘smrti’.

When sentimental memories are transformed into sankalpa – resolves, mind carries the teaching presence as life-lessons – intentions for purposeful living. In this coming year, practice this adaptive recitation of the above prayer so that it takes on a new meaning.

Let all your actions become the sacrificial offering consuming your ambitions to become Guru’s “light-of-love”. Resolve that your memories will become intentions that transform your life. Re-read Sadhana as Applied Spirituality, and let the words of Swami Veda again come alive in your heart.

Swami Ritavan Bharati
at the lotus feet of Gurudeva
SRSG – Rishikesh

Editor’s Note:

Sadhana as Applied Spirituality can be read at https://ahymsin.org/sadhana-in-applied-spirituality/

About the Meditation Research Institute [M.R.I]

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The Meditation Research Institute at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama was created in 2005 to bring together the ancient wisdom of the Himalayan tradition and contemporary science. It aims to present the former in a way that is appealing and comprehensible to all people today.

Presently M.R.I. is progressing under the guidance and leadership of H.H. Swami Veda and Dr. Mohan Swami’s valuable advice and support.

Our Team:

H.H. Swami Veda Bharati
Dr. Dixit, Dr. Prabhu, Mr. Pravin [Research Scholar]
Valuable Advisors: Dr. Shirley Telles, Dr. Arnaud and other eminent doctors and scholars from our AHYMSIN family.
We also get the inputs from various other eminent scholars working in the same field internationally.

Until 2012 our main focus was on:

Community Services like:

  1. Biofeedback Testing and Training
  2. Research
  3. Educations

But now we concentrate on research.

What are Bio-Feedback and Our Research Area:

Biofeedback amplifies the tiny signals produced by the body and brain. By analysing these signals with help of the techniques of modern science, it is possible to correlate the meditation or yoga practice with associated neurophysiologic changes in a body.

Science is a systematic and logical approach to discovering how things in the universe work. Science aims for measurable results through testing and analysis. Science is based on fact, not on opinion or preferences. The process of science is designed to challenge ideas through research. It is not meant to prove theories, but rule out alternative explanations until a likely conclusion is reached.

Yoga is a science that deals with body, breath, mind, soul, ultimately the universe itself. It is both practical and theoretical. Yoga science does not tell us what to do and what not to do, but teaches us how to be. Yoga science is a science of life that helps us to know the known and unknown parts of life. It helps us to explore the tremendous potential with us and how to use it positively.

We have at present Seven Research projects:

  1. Testing and analysing H.H. Swami Veda for every three months: Since from 10th March 2013
    We have already written an article on it in the July Newsletter. Also on the 3rd of December in ‘Kalyana Mitra’ we had a presentation on it. Preparation for a research paper on it is in process.
  2. 10th March 2013 Sangha Gathering data analysis of EEG is completed, O2/CO2 analysis still requires refining as the machine itself had some hardware and software interfacing error at that time. Heart Rate Variability data is with Patanjali Yoga Peeth and as per present understanding between M.R.I and Patañjali Yoga Peeth H.R.V. data will be published by Patañjali Yoga Peeth.
  3. Cultivating Meditative Voice: During ‘Kalyana Mitra ‘ meeting it has been decided that it can be technically analysed for quality and signal parameters only when the recordings will be with M.R.I. Meeting was attended by the group members associated with this project along with Dr. Prabhu and Pravin from M.R.I.
  4. Regular Data Recording on Bio-semi 64 channel, only for those subject recommended by Swami Veda, Swami Ma Radha, Swami Prashant is going on along with analysis. Mostly it is related to 10, 30, 40 days silence meditation.
  5. Bibliographic analysis for current research is also underway.
  6. Comparative study of various meditation techniques is also underway, but it depends on availability of Subject / volunteer from other traditions.
  7. Effects of Meditation using Himalayan Tradition on Neurophysiologic changes are also being researched.

Available Instrumentation and Testing:

  1. Bio-Semi 256 Channel EEG recording and analysing system supported by EEGLAB and MATLAB software. Presently, we use on 64 + 8 Channels only.
  2. 8 Channel simultaneous data recorder for Bio-Feedback with built in software.
  3. iWorks -TA multichannel system for major non-invasion type neurophysiologic measurements.
  4. Neuro-trac instrument for E.M.G.
  5. Blood pressure, Blood Sugar detector, Hand held E.C.G. Recorder.
  6. Myo-Trac – for E.M.G.

Our Achievements:

  1. Four papers have been published in international journals.
  2. One Ph.D. from France.
  3. Recently, Mr. Pravin got the registration for Ph.D and is working on Silence and its Neurophysiologic changes.
  4. M.R.I is actively involved in imparting residence teacher training and guests.

Other observations:

Silence meditation does show positive remarkable changes in brain wave, heart rate variability, skin conductance, breathing, blood pressure, body temperature. Recent researches at Harvard School of Medicine shows meditation also have significant changes in gene expressions.

Future Plan:

  1. Concentrating on speeding up the projects listed in the seven projects.
  2. To publish the papers based on our analysis in international journals and in seminars/conferences.
  3. Establishing co-operation with like-minded organizations for mutual benefit.
  4. Designing our own protocols and experiments with our instruments.
  5. Special test on Swami Veda as per his direction.
  6. Encouraging more volunteers to take part in ongoing silence meditation project.
  7. Correlating the cellular level changes with our findings of non invasion type.

Conclusion:

Body without breath has no value, and if we have a body and breath but if there is no thinking, then that human being is also of no use. And if there is a human being who thinks, who breathes and whose body functions, that is also meaningless if he/she does not direct all his energies, mind, action and speech according to the purpose of life. Your breath is like a barometer that registers both your mental conditions and physical conditions.

“Whether yoga is studied as a method for preventing or treating disease, as a way of coping with difficult-to-treat or chronic illnesses, or as a way of altering the energy state of the body, it’s important to remember that yoga is a way of living and not an isolated technique.” – from How Yoga Come to Rescue by Elaine Lipson with contributions by Alison Ashton

“While many doctors and patients demand proof that yoga really can help certain medical conditions, they risk overlooking yoga’s far-reaching benefits. Yoga is a way to get to the source of ourselves. The challenge is not to see yoga as a treatment for disease, but as an opportunity to see something deeper in the self.” – Dr. Elliott S. Dacher

M.R.I. Team

 

 

Celebrations at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama

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Dear Sadhaka,

Here are some of the forthcoming celebrations to be held at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. Please invite other sadhakas also.
31st March to 8th April, Navaratra, Devi-Puja with akhanda recitation of Lalita-sahasra-nama (Thousand Names of Divine Mother).
4th July to 12th July (Guru-purnima celebrations) with akhanda recitation of Guru-Gita at both Ashrams.

These events are charged with special spiritual energy and a very special time to renew your silence and sadhana. Do make your booking early to come with family and friends.

Whatever kind donations you can send to AHYMSIN to cover the sizable expenses of these celebrations will add to your punya-karma. With our most sincere appreciation.

In service of Gurudeva

Swami Veda Bharati

प्रियवर साधक-साधिका,

स्वामी राम साधक ग्राम में निम्न लिखित पर्व मनाये जायेगे :

३१ मार्च से ८ एप्रिल , नवरात्र, देवी-पूजा तथा ललिता-सहस्र-नाम का अखण्ड पाठ

४ जुलाई से १२ जुलाई गुरु-पूर्णिमा के अवसर पर गुरु-गीता का अखण्ड पाठ दोनों आश्रमों में ।

ऐसे पर्वों तथा अखण्ड जाप के अवसर आध्यात्मिक शक्ति से भरे होते है । यह आप के मौन और साधना को पुनर्जीवित करने का विशेष अवसर है ।

इन समारोहों में विशेष व्यय करना पडता है । आप सहायता स्वरूप जो भी दान ahymsin के नाम भेजेंगे, आप को पुण्यलाभ होगा तथा हमारी कृतार्थता स्वीकार करें ।

कृपया अपने परिवार तथा अन्य साधक-साधिकाओं को भी सूचित करे. तथा अपने कमरे अभी से सुरक्षित करा लें ।

श्री-गुरुदेव-सेवायां

स्वामी वेद भारती

 

AHYMSIN Family “Sahaj Sewa”

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March 21st, 2013

Priya Sarv Shri (Dear All),

As Swami Veda was moving towards his vow of silence, he asked everyone to use Sadhana in Applied Spirituality as a basis for spiritual practice in the next five years and continuing years afterwards.

During the Sangha gathering at SRSG, Swamiji also requested all the family members to participate in a workshop and come up with a proposal on how best we could serve one another, serve Swamiji and the Guru lineage, and strengthen the Sangha.

Accordingly, a workshop was held on 5th March wherein a brief presentation was made outlining the key areas Swamiji would like all of us to focus on. These key areas became the basis of creating groups. At the end of the workshop each group came up with a set of action items that would help fulfill the mission of the Sangha.

Please find the presentation “AHYMSIN Family – ‘Sahaj Sewa’” that captures the guidelines for the next five years, a summary of activities as an outcome of the workshop and the members of newly elected AHYMSIN Executive Committee 2013 at this link:http://ahymsin.org/docs2/Reports/AHYMSIN_Family_Sahaj_Sewa.pdf

Please feel free to reach out to any member of the newly elected Executive Committee. We solicit your active participation in the AHYMSIN sangha.

In service,
Sadhana Mishra
AHYMSIN General Secretary