Report by Sri. H.V. Prasad

Baton Rouge
The five-day visit to Baton Rouge, from 27th June to 2nd July was eventful. Pujya Sri Swamiji conducted "Journey to Self", a basic Vedanta course in Telugu language for three days. More than 150 participants enjoyed the simple and enlightening method of Sri Swamiji's speeches on the basics of Vedanta. The course was from 30th June to 2nd July with two sessions of three hours a day.

This visit of Sri Swamiji was the first after the Indianisation of the temple had been completed. So, an air of curiosity and expectation pervaded as Sri Swamiji first arrived in the temple. Sri Swamiji was pleased with the works done and appreciated the efforts of the Datta Yoga Center members.

On the date of arrival, 27th June 2000, Dr. Prakash Rao, in his welcome speech spoke at length on the significance of the name of Sri Swamiji.

Jai Guru Datta Sri Guru Datta. On behalf of Datta Yoga Center USA, it is my distinct honor and rare opportunity to introduce His Holiness Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, Peethadhipati of Avadhuta Datta Peetham of Mysore to all of you who are assembled here.

No matter how much we say, what we say and how we say about Sri Swamiji it is going to be inadequate, incomplete and insufficient. How can we describe brightness, illumination, brilliance, aura, sun and that radiant personality of Sri Swamiji? In fact the more you want to understand, the less you will understand; the longer you know Him, the less you know Him. His doings, His deeds, His wonders, His miracles and His lilas are varied, numerous and beyond comprehension. Eventually you reach a point where you will give up questioning, doubting, reasoning and understanding the mysteries of Sri Swamiji. Only then your mind will be at peace. And only then you will enjoy that radiant personality with admiration, astonishment, amazement and awe.

With that in mind, let me begin by saying that Sri Swamiji started the Datta Peetham some 35 years ago; built about 30 Datta temples all over the world; established nearly 60 Gnana Bodha Sabhas; constructed one of the largest Nada Mantapam in Asia; performed Kumbhabhishekam to Sri Venkateswara Temple in June 1999; established Jayalakshmi Mata Nitya Annadaana Trust which provides free food three times a day, every day - in fact it feeds nearly 20,000 people on certain occasions; performs Sri Chakra Puja every day; conducts Maha Ganapathi Homa every Sunday; composed more than 3000 songs; conducts Healing and Meditation concerts world over; sings highly devotional songs with His divine voice; established Vedic, Vedanta, Sanskrit and high schools; conducts Kriya Yoga camps; provides free medical attention through Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Dental and Mobile clinics; publishes Bhaktimala monthly newsletter in five different languages; published more than 40 books; released more than 40 cassettes; produced 15 CDs; made more than 20 videos; engages in a number of charitable activities; traveled to foreign countries more than 80 times; and the list goes on. As you can see that I tried to quantify His accomplishments. These accomplishments are only a small portion of Divine personality. We will try to transcend these accomplishments and concentrate more on His cosmic, universal personality.

If we have to describe Sri Swamiji in one sentence, the following Sloka from Isa Upanishad is the most appropriate one: It is He who pervades all - He who is bright and bodiless, without scars or sinews, pure and uncontaminated; who is the Seer, Omniscient, transcendent, and uncreated; who has duly allotted to the eternal world creators their respective duties. (Verse 8) in this Sloka is referred to Paramatama who is none other than Sri Swamiji. He is not just Swamiji. He is Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji. Every word in His name is loaded with hidden divine meaning. It is not a mere accident that Sri Swamiji assumed that long name. In fact Sri Swamiji's Ashtoattara Shatanaamaavali starts with Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachchidanandaaya Namaha. Let me share my concept and the meaning of this name as I introduce Sri Swamiji.

Sri: First let us look at the three Sris. The word Sri is referred to as the refuge of those without refuge fulfilling the role of a Father, the Lord. This living Datta, true to His nature, wanders around the world, either in a subtle form or in a gross (bodily) form, to direct, guard, protect and help His devotees and the deserving ones. His care is immeasurable. No body can escape from His watchful eyes. He is always there for those who seek His protection with unflinching faith and absolute, total devotion. If you surrender completely and take refuge at His feet, He will protect you the way Lord Krishna protected Draupati.
The second word Sri is referred to as a feminine quality, Goddess Sri. Here the word Sri denotes every thing that exhibits splendor, beauty, affection, auspiciousness, prosperity, and royal dignity. Like a mother He showers His countless blessings, unconditional love, comforting words, gentle affection, sweetest smile, watchful and glistening eyes, tender touch, boundless compassion and endless mysteries. You are never alone any more. Like a mother He is always keeps thinking about you and looks after you. He knows when you are hungry and He knows when you need help.

Third meaning of Sri in Sri Swamiji's name indicates that He is the essence and embodiment of all Vedas. Sri consists of four Sanskrit letters - sa, ra, ee, ee. These four letters represent four Vedas - Rig Veda, Atharvana Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda. He can recall the Vedas instantly, recite the slokas spontaneously and explain them thoroughly at the level of his devotees. He has that sublime, splendid and superb quality to come down to the level of understanding of His devotees.

What does it all mean? Sri Swamiji can lift you, direct you, protect you as a father from the cycle of birth and rebirth if you approach him with unfailing, abundant faith; show you the way as a mother to enjoy the beauty, bounty, benevolence, abundance, auspiciousness and spirituality of your life; and teach you the essence of Vedas as Para Brahma as He directs, guides, molds, chisels and shapes your life to make you embark on the way to jnana and eventual vairagya.

Three Sris represent three letters in AUM, the most sacred word in Hindu philosophy representing Akara, Ukara and Makara which in turn symbolize the trinity of Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar; and trikaala: the past, the present and the future. From the sound of AUM, vak (Speech) has emanated. This sound is believed to have given birth to Vedas from Brahma in his meditation. Without going through Gurukula training, and formal ritualistic education, Sri Swamiji is able to explain the Puranas, Itihasas, Tantras, Vedas and Vedanta. How is it possible? Sri Swamiji has absorbed the sound of AUM. It resides in His heart from which he can recognize, remember, recollect and recall any portions of the scriptures. He is Brahma Himself. Since the AUM sound is firmly established in His heart, Nada gushes out in the form of divine Music. Hence He is called Nada Brahma.

Ganapathi: The fourth word in Sri Swamiji's name is Ganapathi - Lord of Ganas. He is Vigneswara - the Lord of Obstacles. Sri Swamiji can help His devotees surmount those obstacles. Even the celestial forces would not come in His way. True to His name Sri Swamiji is Lord Ganapathi without the visible elephant trunk, large ears, tusks, four hands, mouse and big belly. Sri Swamiji without those big ears, He can listen, comprehend and reflect upon the devotees problems. Without the trunk, Sri Swamiji can lift the heavy burden of problems that overwhelm His devotees just like an elephant which lifts and pulls heavy weights with his trunk. Sri Swamiji can absorb and digest the problems of His devotees the way the Ganapathi's big mouth satisfies the biggest appetite. Sri Swamiji can fill His stomach with both good and bad, auspicious and inauspicious life experiences of the devotees, the way the Ganapathi's big belly can fill up with puffed rice. Sri Swamiji can wander around the world piercing the problems of the devotees just like the mouse biting and nibbling the grains. Just like the Elephant headed God pushes his way through the densest and thorny forests, Sri Swamiji can clear the tangled web of devotees problems.

The fifth word Sachchidananda in Sri Swamiji's name is bubbling, brimming, gushing and loaded with religious, spiritual, philosophical meaning. In fact the whole Vedanta is embedded and ingrained in Sat, Chit and Ananda.

If you are looking for spiritual progress, mental peace, satisfaction in life, and balanced mind, you need to experience that Sat, that Chit, and that Ananda - the infinite existence, the infinite knowledge and the infinite bliss. Sri Swamiji is the embodiment and torch bearer of Sachchidananda. In fact, true to His name, Sachchidananda He can remove the darkness, lit the lamp in your heart and enlighten your Atma. He can activate your hidden treasure that is stored in your Atma, He can help your finite personality transcend it's finite quality and establish union with Brahman.

Without Sachchidananda's support, all our materialistic accomplishments and achievements can be counted as a number of zeros. Zeros have no value. By kindling that light in your heart and leading you to the path of Sachchidananda, Sri Swamiji can help you add that ONE, that Supreme One behind all these zeros making all the achievements meaningful. We can certainly experience the happiness, joy and bliss in this life only if our material accomplishments are couched as petals in the Kuvalaya flower of Sachchidananda.

Swamiji: The last name in Sri Swamiji's name is Swamiji. It means Lord - Owner. It also means the one who controls anger. Sri Swamiji is the owner or master of Himself who has complete control over panchendriyas and panchabhutas. No wonder even Fire God would not harm Him on Mahshivaratri time. In fact Agni, Fire God will be waiting every year to shoot the flames high with joy, happiness and delight to witness Sri Swamiji perform Agni Puja, so that it can touch Him with reverence, hug Him with respect and dance around Him merrily. Even the Celestial Deities could not wait to form a Sudarshana Chakra (circle) around Sun during broad day light to witness their own fellow Celestial Deity, Sri Swamiji, perform Pujas and Homas, as has been seen on June 23, 1999 and June 14, 2000. In fact this year, the Sudarshana chakra got wider as more Celestial Deities came to witness the first ever Brahmotsava ceremony at Avadhuta Datta Peetham.

Just like Sun who does not discriminate in emitting it's rays, Sri Swamiji does not discriminate in showering that inexhaustible ocean of compassion on His devotees. If you open all the doors to your heart, if you shut all the doors to your preconceived notions, if you approach Him with open mind, if you come to Him with faith and fear, if you reach Him with feelings of sincerity and surrender, if you want to cross the ocean of Samsara, He can crack open the hard shell of the coconut of your Atma and peel open the thorny Jackfruit of your mind to experience the sweetness of your life. He can lit the lamp in your heart, ignite the spark in the concept of renunciation, drive away the ignorance, pour ambrosia into your heart, sharpen your receptive mind, enlighten your Budhi (intellect) only if you clean the vessel of your heart thoroughly leaving no residues of impurities.

Whenever you have difficulties, assault them by chanting Sri Swamiji's name on a regular basis; the difficulties will hang their heads. Whenever your mind is restless, attack it by chanting Sri Swamiji's Gayatri mantra on a regular basis; happiness is experienced. Whenever you experience lack of concentration, strike it by reciting Sadguru Sthava on a regular basis; mind will be focused. Whenever your monkey mind wanders, pull it back by singing Sri Swamiji's compositions on a regular basis; mind will be contained like a parrot in a cage. Whenever you want your deserving desires fulfilled, calm them down by performing Guru Paduka Puja on a regular basis; desires are granted. Whenever sufferings surmount you, smite them by reading Datta Darshanam book on a regular basis; sufferings get suffocated. Whenever you face obstacles, torment them by reading Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda (biography) on a regular basis, obstacles will bend their heads in shame Whenever you want to grow spiritually, make the utmost effort by concentrating on the image of Sri Swamiji in the Ajneya Chakra; seeds of spirituality will sprout joyously. Whenever you are angry or agitated, afflict it by chanting Datta Sthava on a regular basis; agitation will be annihilated. Whenever you have doubts about the powers of Sri Swamiji, challenge them by reading Wonders of a Holy Master; doubts will be crushed. Whenever you are concerned about the general welfare of your family, perform Anaghashtami Vratam on Ashtami day with purity of mind on a regular basis; good things will happen in your family. Whenever you have health problems, attack them by listening to Healing and Meditation music on a regular basis, health problems will be reduced or cured.

Finally, if you want to understand Sri Swamiji, Who He is, What He is, what He does, How He does, why He does the He does, forget it. You can't understand Him. We can't understand Him. No body can understand Him. So, don't even attempt to understand Him? Don't ever attempt to understand Him? He is above and beyond our perception, imagination, understanding, reasoning, logic, science and comprehension. Just AFollow the Master. Total surrender will give you immense joy you have never experienced before.

I believe this to be Satyam satyam na samasyaha (there in no doubt, this is truth, this is truth). Lord Shiva concluded with this phrase after describing the role, the significance, the necessity and the glory of Guru to His beloved Wife Parvati in Guru Gita (verse 151).
Hence, my I humble request to all those who gathered here is to practice what is stated in Katha Upanishad: Arise! Awake! And realize the Truth following the great Teacher. That great teacher, rather that great Silent Teacher, is none other than Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji. At this time may I request His Holiness to say few words to these assembled devotees and friends. Jai Guru Datta.

On Sunday the 2nd July, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja and then cut a cake to symbolize the 58th Birthday celebrations in USA. Then Sri Swamiji materialized Vibhooti from a flower garland given on that occasion and asked all chronically ill patients to consume a small portion of the materialized Vibhooti. Then Sri Swamiji arrived in the Datta Temple and performed the Abhishekam of Dattatreya and Anagha Devi, Ganapati and Shiva. Sri Swamiji Blessed those present on that occasion. In the evening of 2nd, Satsang was conducted in the Jayalakshmi Hall.
Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Saginaw on 3rd July after a long journey from Baton Rouge. In Baton rouge, devotees gave a tearful farewell as their Sadguru Deva completed the eighth visit to that lovely city.

Saginaw
Arriving in Saginaw, a small town in Michigan State, Sri Swamiji participated in Lalitha Sahasranama Programme in the house of Smt Nalini and Bapuji. The Programme commenced at 8 PM and Sri Radha Krishna led the Programme of mass chanting of Lalitha Sahasranama and Devi Kumkuma Puja. Sri Swamiji too was seen chanting the Stotram.

Sri Swamiji visited Detroit on 5th July 2000. There was Pada Puja in the house of Sri Mahaddur, son of the former manager of Ashrama, Sri Dodda Urs, who was a close disciple of Sri Swamiji. Arriving at the Bharateeya temple at 6.30 PM, Sri Swamiji was warmly received by the temple members. Sri Swamiji gave Arati to the idols in the sanctum sanctorum. Then he proceeded to the main hall where Lalitha Sahasra Namam Parayanam was being conducted. After giving Arati to the Sahasra Nama Programme, Sri Swamiji came to the Bhajan dais and gave a powerful speech. (due to space constraint, we are not giving the speech here. We will publish it in the forthcoming issue. Ed)

Chicago
Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Chicago on July 6th morning from Saginaw. Many devotees received Sri Swamiji in the Airport. Sri Swamiji camped in the house of Sri. Krish Raman. In the evening, Sri Swamiji played music.

On 7th Morning, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in Manav Seva Mandir, a hall in the suburbs of Chicago. Sri Swamiji unveiled a portrait of Jayalakshmi Mata (Pujya Sri Swamiji's Divine mother). Sri Swamiji also released a souvenir commemorating the visit of Sri Swamiji to Chicago.

In the evening a grand Music for Meditation and Healing concert was held in the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall. The grand and opulent hall was the perfect venue for the peace and inspiring music that flowed from Sri Swamiji that evening. Sri Swamiji played Kalyani Raga's Jai Jai Ganapati Mangalakari. The treatment of Raga Alapana was very different and appealing. The main Raga of the concert was Ahir Bhairav (Bhajan Gowri Taye). Over a thousand people attended the concert and were deeply moved by the music that flowed from the stage. The arrangements and organization were very professional.

On Saturday and Sunday, Sri Swamiji conducted Sri Chakra Puja, discourses on the Niti Mala (A modern day Bhagavadgita written by Sri Swamiji) and Bhajan Sessions. They were held in Manav Seva Mandir.

On Sunday the 9th July, Sri Swamiji visited Liberty Ville area in the out skirts of Chicago. There the Indian Cultural Association, which holds 10 acres of land, intends to build a temple complex with Lord Dattatreya as the main deity. The key members, Shri Raju, Dr. Vyas and Sri Angadi took Sri Swamiji to that land where a Maha Ganapati Homa was performed and Sri Swamiji Blessed their divine venture and advised them on key issues.

Later Sri Chakra Puja and Ganapati Homa were performed in Manav Seva Mandir where hundreds of devotees participated. Sri Swamiji in the message spoke about the deities which He worships daily.

In the evening Sri Swamiji gave a scintillating Bhajan renditions and gave brief explanation in Hindi. It was an all Hindi session.

Datta Retreat Center
Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Pittsburgh Airport on July 9th afternoon and arrived at Datta Retreat Center three hours later and stepped in its precincts at 8 PM. It was raining and a small group of devotees were waiting for Sri Swamiji_s arrival and a Go Puja (Cow Puja) was done . A devotee from Mary land had brought her Cow for Sri Swamiji_s use in the coming days. Ramana Laird gave a short welcome speech.

Sri Swamiji in the discourse mentioned His happiness to be back in DRC and said that some devotees are always in reverie and keep on remembering how good the old days were. One should adapt to the changing circumstances and keep up with it or get perished, Sri Swamiji cautioned . Many wish to Keep Sri Swamiji as a private property and not share with others. Can one keep Sun in a pocket? Questioned Sri Swamiji. It will burn and destroy you. So increase your joy seeing the expansion of the mission. Sri Swamiji proceeded to the temple and Arati was performed to the Datta and Anagha deities. Then Sri Swamiji felt the rocks for a while. There are three healing rocks in the center, which Sri Swamiji termed as Brahma rock, Vishnu rock and Shiva Rock. The Temple is an octagonal wooded stricture with a Glass sprout. Datta and Anagha idols have been installed on the Shiva Rock. Vishnu rock is half outside and half inside the temple. The Brahma rock is fully outside the temple.
Sri Swamiji then proceeded to the newly built Guru Nilayam and inaugurated it by cutting of a ribbon. Sri Swamiji was shown around the new Guru Nilayam. Rick, Padma, Satish, Girija, Ramana, Meera, Nancy Kalyani and others who put in their physical services in the construction were Blessed by Sri Swamiji. A pond adjoins the Guru Nilayam and a fresh water spring feeds the pond. Rocks have been laid around the pond and the dense forest, which envelops the area compliments to the beautiful, serene and peaceful atmosphere.

On 11th Tuesday, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja at 10 AM. In the evening was Bhajan session.

On 12th Wednesday, the 12th anniversary of the Datta Retreat Center was celebrated and Vastu Homam was performed for the New Guru Nilayam. Sri Swamiji performed Abhishekam to the Datta and Anagha deities and the rocks. Later devotees themselves performed Abhishekam to the deities. Sri Swamiji went ahead and sat on the Vishnu rock protruding outside the temple. Devotees gathered around and Sri Swamiji gave away Prasadam to various Sevakarthas and called for three new musicians who were there and gave special Prasadam to them. Sri Swamiji invited one of them, Chuck Moses a guitar player to come and play for the evening Bhajans. In the evening Bhajans were held in the prayer hall and Sri Swamiji sang several old Bhajans and the atmosphere was very nice.

13th July being Thursday, many devotees performed Pada Puja. Sri Swamiji then visited the new parking lot (parking area for cars). In the evening, a meeting of the members of Datta Retreat Center was held and Sri Swamiji gave them guidance for the upcoming programmes and events. After a scintillating Bhajan session and an amazing fire works display, the programmes in Datta Retreat Center concluded.
Sri Swamiji left for New Jersey on 14th Morning.

New Jersey
Sri Swamiji arrived in New Jersey on 14th afternoon. Two important events marked this visit.

The first was the Music for Meditation and Healing concert in the Edward Nash Theater on 15th July 2000 at 6 PM. The hall was full with about 1100 people. The concert commenced with a welcome speech by Sri Satyam Upadrashta. Sri C. Upendra Mayor of Dayton area lit the inaugural lamp and Sri Murthy of Lexington, Kentucky offered the Vastram to Sri Swamiji.

The main healing Raga was Keeravani. Sri Swamiji moved among the audience touching selected people. The Tani Avarthanam (Rhythm solo) was going on the stage. Sri Ramesh on Mridangam, Sri Subash Chandran on Ghatam and Sri Venkat on Kanjira participated in the Tani Avarthanam.

On Sunday the 16th July, Guru Purnima was celebrated at Durga Temple in Dayton, New Jersey. Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja at 10 AM. Smt. Shashi Nanda Kumar, sister of the illustrious Carnatic Singer Sri Rajkumar Bharati sang Bhajans and compositions in Carnatic classical style. Maha Ganapati Homam was performed. To mark the occasion of Guru Purnima, Pada Puja was performed to Sri Swamiji. Later Sri Swamiji gave the Guru Purnima Speech. (on account of constraint of space, we are not able to include the speech in this issue. It will be published in the forthcoming issues)

Sri Swamiji visited the Durga temple construction site and was taken around by the President of the temple and the priest Sri Joshi ji. Sri Swamiji touched and Blessed the idols which were still in the package.

Then Sri Swamiji materialised Vibhooti from a flower garland. He said that it was for sick and distressed persons. Thereafter each person came and offered Pranams to Sri Swamiji. Before leaving Sri Swamiji visited the temporary altar of the temple and Arati was performed. Sri Swamiji then proceeded to the group of Bhajan singers and joined them. Sri Swamiji led them to sing one Bhajan on each deity that will be consecrated when the temple is completed. This impromptu gesture of Sri Swamiji was very moving.

In the evening Satsang was held at the senior citizens hall in Dayton.
On 17th evening Sri Swamiji visited Trimurthy Bhavan in Queens area of New York. Sri Swamiji was received with the Tassa Drumming of Trinidad. The President of the temple Mr. Dhanpaul Naraine welcomed Sri Swamiji and in his speech profusely thanked Sri Swamiji for visiting their temple over the invitations of other temples. Sri Swamiji conducted Bhajan session and spoke. Then Sri Swamiji materialised Vibhuti from the flower garland given by Sri Dhanpal earlier. He also materialised a Gowri Shankar Rudraksha for the temple priest Pandit Chunelall Naraine. The audience had a flavor of Caribbean nationals from Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam etc. Sri Swamiji concluded the visit at 8 PM.
On 18th July Sri Swamiji left New Jersey for Malibu in California at 5.45 PM.

Malibu
Sri Swamiji arrived in Los Angeles airport at 9 PM and was enthusiastically received by Kali Ray of Tri Yoga and other devotees. Sri Swamiji was taken to the Jayalakshmi Ashrama in Malibu.

On 20th evening Sri Chakra Puja and Satsang were held in Smothers theatre in Pepperdine University. Mr. Thomas Hasse, the Mayor of Malibu welcomed Sri Swamiji by issuing a proclamation. He came to the function and lit the inaugural lamp symbolically inaugurating the activities in Malibu. He gave the welcome speech and presented to Sri Swamiji a proclamation.

The mostly American crowd was mesmerized by the powers of Bhajans and Speech of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji materialized Vibhooti on two occasions and specially announced that it was meant for the very sick and terminally ill.

On 22nd evening at 7.30 PM, Music for Meditation and Healing concert was held in the Smothers theater in Pepperdine university. Mr. Geoffrey, a renowned molecular biologist of Australia lit the inaugural lamp. As the main Ragas of the evening, Sri Swamiji played the Ragam Udaya Ravi Chandrika and Gaana Murti (Bhajan - Paalaya Govinda) and the main healing Raga was Hamsa Nandi (Bhajan - Paalaya Maamiha) and during the Tani Avarthanam, Sri Swamiji moved among the audience. Sri Swamiji after going around, almost reaching the stage came down again and asked a particular person to be traced and when he was brought before Sri Swamiji, he was asked to sit down and Sri Swamiji spoke to him and placed crystal on several places of his body. After the concert was over, Sri Swamiji sat near the edge of the stage and received people who wanted to offer flowers. Many of them said that they felt very positive after listening to the music.

On Sunday the 23rd July, Ganapati Homa was performed in the Jayalakshmi Ashrama. Sri Chakra Puja was held in the theater. After the Puja, Sri Swamiji conducted a question answer session with Radha Krishna and Prasad and held a lively discussion on the various facets of Puja, rituals, the Hindu practice of worshipping three headed beings called Gods, animals, rivers, trees, stones etc. (The transcript will be placed shortly. Please visit again). Then Swamiji wanted those who had already visited Mysore Ashrama once to come first in the queue to receive the Puja Prasad.
On 24th Monday, the day of departure from Malibu, Sri Swamiji visited the Balaji temple in Malibu and was received with temple honors by the priests. Sri Swamiji went to the Balaji Shrine and performed Arati to the Lord and sang the Bhajan Srinivasa Govinda. Devotees also joined in chorus and the impromptu singing had a magical effect on the crowd. Sri Swamiji sang for about 15 minutes. Thereafter Sri Swamiji visited the other shrines of Padmavati, Ganapati, Subramanya and Shiva. In the evening was Satsang in the same venue. Sri Swamiji gave two wonderful speeches on 20th and 21st. One of the speeches even had a question and answer session. (These speeches will be published in the forthcoming issues)

Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived for a short visit to San Jose in California. San Jose is the heart of the fabled silicon valley of the world. Most of the information technology companies are based here. On 25th evening Pada Puja was performed to Pujya Swamiji by Sri Mike Raghavan and Dr. Sharada Raghavan, who were blessed to host Sri Swamiji and Parivaram. After the Pada Puja, Sri Swamiji announced and permitted the west coast group (devotees based in west coast area) to lead the Anna Danam Programme for the Jayalakshmi Mata Nitya Annadana Trust in Mysore. Sri Swamiji spoke on the importance of Annadanam and the way of Annadanam in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji said that it was one of the most important instruction from Jayalakshmi Mata (Sri Swamiji's mother) when Sri Swamiji was a child. To fulfill her command the Annadanam was being performed since the day Mysore Ashrama started in 1966. Three times a day food is served to all inmates and visitors irrespective of caste, creed, color, sex or age. Scriptures glorify the merits, Annadanam act brings and it was an important activity in Sri Swamiji's life. Sri Swamiji was against the sales of food in Ashrama, as it would lose its sacredness and reverence with which a devotee consumes food. Sri Swamiji exhorted all present to actively support the Programme

On Sunday, 30 July, Sri Chakra Puja and Ganapati Homa were held in Fremont. More than 300 persons attended and were blessed by Sri Swamiji. Many of them were devotee's children, who worked as computer engineers in the Silicon Valley. They all were so glad to see their Swamiji and the happiness was on their face. After Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji spoke and in a humorous way questioned the complexity of Hindus worshipping stones, trees, rivers, Gods with three heads and six arms, the multitude rituals and fire worship etc. Then Sri Swamiji answered them in detail. This session was so illuminating that, many, later expressed their gratitude to Sri Swamiji for re-imposing their faith. Foreigners thanked Sri Swamiji for clearing many of their doubts. After Purnahuti, Sri Swamiji blessed all devotees. Before leaving the hall, Sri Swamiji picked up few fruits and sent them flying to different devotees across the hall. Later Sri Swamiji went across the other hall where Annadanam was being performed to all those who attended the function.

In the evening Sri Swamiji spoke to the west coast group and appreciated their enthusiasm in Annadanam project and Blessed them to continue. Sri Swamiji spoke about the selfless and devoted service of the staff of Mysore Ashrama kitchen and said that it was the only department which could never stop but nobody remembers them and thank them enough.

On 31st July, Pujya Sri Swamiji traveled from San Jose to Bisbee in Arizona. Bisbee is a border town where USA and Mexico meet. That day in the evening a welcome function was held in the San Jose lodge. Sri Swamiji was reverentially welcomed by Smita Patel, Harsha Dave, Nita Dave, Smt. and Sri.J.D.Patel. After this, Sri. Radha Krishna gave a thunderous introduction speech on Sri Swamiji and Datta Peetham, Sri Swamiji suddenly asked Smita Patel to give a speech, giving reasons for following Swamiji. Her emotional yet lucid speech outlined how Sri Swamiji was the guiding force and spirit behind her actions and how Sri Swamiji had saved her from many a incidents. Sri Swamiji was given a "welcome to Bisbee" cap. The mostly American crowd was enthralled to hear the English speech of Swamiji.

On 2nd August, Sri Swamiji crossed the border and visited Naco town in Mexico. Sri Swamiji visited an orphanage and Blessed the children and made a donation for the orphanage run my Christian missionaries from Tuscan, Arizona. Sri Swamiji then went around the town of Naco. A group of three Mexicans were following Sri Swamiji wherever he went. Then when Sri Swamiji entered a shop, one of the three from the group, a lady, came to Sri Swamiji and asked if he was looking for something. Sri Swamiji replied that he was looking for a Mexican souvenir. The Lady bowed and requested Swamiji to come with her and took to a shop about a block further and showed another shop. Sri Swamiji took a crescent moon made from terra-cotta. The lady, apparently loving the aura of Sri Swamiji requested that Sri Swamiji visit her house and receive coffee. Sri Swamiji smiled and said that it was not the time and conveyed Blessings to her and her children. It was amazing to see how far Sri Swamiji goes to rekindle the relation of lost souls.

Sri Swamiji crossed the border and returned to USA. Staying with the family of Smita Patel, Harsha Dave and Nita Dave, Sri Swamiji spent two quiet days of silence and solitude in the fiery yet beautiful nature of Arizona / Mexican mountains. Sri Swamiji visited Queen Mine, a defunct copper mine, Tomp stone, a wild west town and Krachner Caverns. The last one is a wonderful cave with millions of stalactites and stalagmites which are millions of years old. One such natural pillar called Kubla Khan is 53 feet high. It was amazing to see that in an arid and dry desert like Arizona such a huge wet cave was secretively held by mother earth. These cave formations have endless beauty of amazing sizes and shapes of stalactites, stalagmites, soda strays and crystals. Situated in the depths of Mexican mountain chain, the caves gives us a peep in to the hidden treasures of mother earth.

On 3rd August, Sri Swamiji traveled from Bisbee, Arizona to Los Angeles and Blessed the house of Ashok and Kusum Patel and Left for Trinidad on Saturday the 5th August at 9.30 AM.

Thus the USA segment of Sri Swamiji's world tour concluded. Sri Swamiji had visited Hawaii (Kailasa Nilaya), Baton Rouge (Vedanta discourses and 3rd anniversary of Datta Temple), Saginaw (Tapovan temple), Detroit (Bharatiya Temple), Chicago (Healing music concert at the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall), Datta Retreat Center near Pittsburgh (12th anniversary of the Retreat center and inauguration of Guru Nilaya), New Jersey (Guru Purnima), New York (Trimurti Bhavan), Malibu (Healing concert in Pepperdine University), San Jose, Bisbee, Mexico and Los Angeles.

This was the 24th year since Sri Swamiji first visited USA in 1976. Thousands and thousands of devotees, new seekers came in contact with Sri Swamiji and found their Sadguru, Healer, Master, Teacher, Friend, Guide, Father, Mother, and to many their own reflections.

Jaya Guru Datta