Report by Sri. H.V. Prasad

Trinidad & Tobago
Sri Swamiji arrived in Trinidad on 5th night at 11.40 PM. He was warmly welcomed at the Port-of-Spains's Piarco International airport amongst others by Sri Ganese Ramdial, President of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago and Sri Chandresh, Minister of public works. Sri Swamiji arrived in Datta Yoga Center in Carapichaima in central part of the island nation at 1 AM. Sri Swamiji was enthusiastically and reverentially received by hundreds of devotees. After Sri Swamiji had Darshan of Lord Dattatreya and Anagha Devi in the temple, Sri Swamiji ascended the throne and announced that Darshan of a Sadguru in the early hours of Sunday was very beneficial. Nada Sangama, A steel band orchestra welcomed Sri Swamiji by playing the Gam Gam Ganapathi Bhajan. They presented to Sri Swamiji a steel pan. Sri Swamiji wished that the steel pan troupe should Mysore and give a performance during the 60th birthday celebration of Sri Swamiji in the year 2002.

Puja and Homa took place on 6th and 7th. Sri Swamiji discussed several Ashrama related matters. Sri Swamiji also announced that the proposed Venkateswara Temple would start after the 60th Birthday celebrations of Sri Swamiji in the year 2002.

On 7th August, the Shravana Ashtami day, Nara Hari Teertha Aradhana, was performed to pay respects to Swami Narahari Teertha, father of Poojya Sri Swamiji. It took place at 6 PM in Datta Yoga Center. Hundreds of people had gathered to witness the ceremonies connected. Special Abhishekams to Lord Shiva and other rituals took place amidst vigorous chanting and prayers in a very reverential background and in the setting of a great photograph of Nara Hari Teertha which was amply decorated. Sri Swamiji explained the significance of his link with his father, the attitude he had for his father as a teacher. He also reminisced several occasions in his boyhood and youth where his father became instrumental in giving proper directions to Sri Swamiji's life. Sri Swamiji narrated various incidents referring to Nara Hari Teertha and his Sadhana, his acceptance of asceticism and so on. The event ended with Swamiji's distributing "Rave Unde", as Prasadam (This was the favorite of Nara Hari Teertha) to all the devotees. On the whole it was an ecstatic and elevated atmosphere in Datta Yoga Center.

A press meet was held in Datta Yoga Center, where representatives of Trinidad media including Daily Express, The Guardian and Mid Day news etc., participated. Sri Swamiji answered many questions, which were posed to Him. They included the prediction to the state of affairs in this year and coming years pertaining to the general elections, Sri Swamiji's personal view in the present political situation, the natural catastrophe that was in store. Sri Swamiji answered that nature took care of all such matters in a meticulous way and there was no need for anxiety at all. Sri Swamiji looked beyond the aspects of Good and bad and he has already blessed this great country, Trinidad and Tobago for the past many years. When asked why many saints of India do not leave India while Sri Swamiji travels extensively, He said that it was purely a personal view and that all saints always wished for the welfare of people even while being away, whereas Sri Swamiji wanted to be accessible to all people even in Trinidad and Tobago by personally coming down each year amidst his busy schedule elsewhere. Sri Swamiji explained the method of musical healing, that he used music as a medium and Ragas as inspiration to elevate His psychic energy levels so that He would communicate with the diseased persons in the audience and help heal them. Sri Swamiji also said that he respected all religions and had a unique definition of Dharma as the fundamental force that drives man to seek peace and joy in this world. These are crucial times when Trinidadians should involve in much more spiritual seeking beyond punditry, rituals, ceremonies and so on. He blessed that all Trinidadians should live in Harmony thereby ensuring good social progress and better life. Sri Swamiji said that one of the reasons for his attraction to Trinidad was that he lived here in His past birth in this country which magnetically brings him to this part of island.

His Holiness Sri Swamiji was invited by the Prime Minister of Trinidad of Tobago, Mr. and Mrs. Basdeo Panday and Sri Swamiji responded to their call by visiting them at 11.30 AM. The Prime Minister received Sri Swamiji with traditional Purna Kumbham and Diya lamp, duly honoring Sri Swamiji for this exclusive visit, which was a rare one. Sri Swamiji had a 50 minutes discussion with the Prime Minister on several spiritual matters, social issues and also the future of Governments to be elected in Trinidad. The Prime Minister analysed the situation pragmatically by listing out his commitments and achievements to this country in the past five years such as free secondary education for all the children in the country, modernization of Piarco Airport, pure piped drinking water to all in Trinidad and many of the social development projects and giving ascent to education, in industrial growth, the economy has improved to a great extent. The leadership in the future government will definitely take Trinidad and Tobago to great progress. He wanted Sri Swamiji's Blessings for these progressive plans. He also reminisced his visit to India and the ample Blessings he received from Sri Swamiji in Mysore Datta Peetham and how he has spiritedly worked because of the Blessings. Sri Swamiji apprised him of the latest developments in Datta Peetham, Mysore including the 60 ft high Dharma Dhwaja and Swamiji's interest in Trinidad and Tobago, His links with the Aripo river which Sri Swamiji calls as the Ganges of Trinidad and Tobago. Sri Swamiji spent a few minutes in privacy with the Prime Minister in his prayer room. The Prime Minister remarked joyously that for the first time a great Hindu saint of Sri Swamiji's stature had visited the Prime Minister's residence. The Prime Minister applauded the good work done by the Datta Yoga Center of Trinidad and Tobago.

That evening Sri Swamiji flew to Tobago, the beautiful island in the West Indies. Sri Swamiji stayed at Tropikist, the hotel complex of devotee Ramsaran. In the welcome speech, he mentioned about Sri Swamiji's previous visit in 1995 and how the expansion had taken place due to the Blessings of Sri Swamiji.
The next morning (9th Aug) Sri Swamiji visited Nylon Pool and was accompanied by about 90 devotees. Sri Swamiji had Samudra Snaana(sea bath) in the Atlantic Ocean there.

On 10th morning at 6 AM, Sri Swamiji left for Aripo river. Sri Swamiji had bath in the river and meditated. He then stood on the stone Padukas consecrated there and allowed devotees to perform Pada Puja. That evening, there was Satsang in the Ashrama there in which Sri Swamiji gave a wonderful discourse.
On the 11th, after Sri Chakra Puja and Homa, the members of the Ashrama requested Sri Swamiji to visit Trinidad in 2002 to coincide with the 60th year Birthday celebrations of Sri Swamiji to which Sri Swamiji agreed. As that year would be the 12th year of Datta temple consecration in Trinidad Ashrama, Sri Swamiji proposed to redo the temple building and construct new towers and walls in South Indian architecture style. It was joyously received as a Blessings of Sri Swamiji. Later Sri Swamiji asked all chronically sick persons to come forward. About 50 persons came and were made to sit near the Homa Kunda. Then Sri Swamiji, holding the long crystal wand, went to each person and asked him or her to tightly hold the other end of the wand. To some, Sri Swamiji massaged the chest and to others, He merely touched their forehead. It took about one hour to completely go through all the persons.

In the evening Sri Swamiji visited Princes Town and Blessed the Datta temple and its members there. More than 500 people had packed in to the small temple and Sri Swamiji expressed happiness to be with them. Sri Swamiji performed Arati to the Dattatreya and Anaghadevi idols and then conducted Satsang. The question answer session that ensued was lively and the questions the local people asked showed the depth of the knowledge of the Hinduism they possessed.

On 12th and 13th, programmes were held in the Ashrama premises. Thousands of people participated in the programme. Three radio stations carried the Satsang sessions live. On 12th morning, Navagraha and Maha Vishnu Homa were performed to help those having health and career problems.

In the evening, Music for Meditation and Healing concert was held. The High Commissioner of India in Trinidad H.E. Prof. Lal lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate the concert. In his brief opening remarks, the high commissioner mentioned that he had Darshan of Sri Swamiji last year in August and it was his first meeting then as he had assumed the office only a few days before. Sri Swamiji played several healing tunes. The Alapana and rendition of Raga Putrika (Jagadeesha Guru Datta) and Palaya Mamiha showed the depth of the Ragas and Sri Swamiji's innovative style of playing brought freshness and newness in them. Sri Swamiji used the Steel plan instrument in Roland synthesizer while playing the dancing tune and the massive crowd went ruptures to hear their beloved tune in the instrument native to their country. It was indeed wonderful. After the concert, Sri Swamiji praised Shankar Ramesh, the Mridangam player for his excellent Tani Avarthanam as Sri Swamiji went amidst the crowed to heal and help the sick and needy. Sri Swamiji mentioned that a powerful and professional Tani Avarthanam (rhythm solo) propels Sri Swamiji to go about the healing process. Later Sri Swamiji unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 24th year of Pujya Sri Swamiji's first visit to Trinidad on 12th August 1976 (Today is 12th August 2000).

On Sunday, 13th, Sri Swamiji conducted Durga Homa. While Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja, the devotees chanted Hanuman Chalisa in a melodious and captivating tune. As the Chalisa is very popular, almost everyone knew it by heart and chanted along. Giving a brief discourse, Sri Swamiji exhorted people not to attach too much importance to Black magic and the like as Sri Swamiji shunned these hyped up art. Sri Swamiji stressed the importance of attaching non importance to future prediction and asked people to keep away from being carried away by worrying or wondering about future and asked them not to waste money, time or energy for these. "Why worry for something that is anyway going to happen" said, Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji visited and blessed the Annapurna Mandir, canteen, Book shop and the free dispensary run in Ashrama. Later Sri Swamiji gave audience to Mr. Patrick Manning, Hon'ble Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and the present leader of opposition and blessed him.
On 14th evening, Sri Chakra Puja and Maha Ganapati Homa were performed. After that at 7 PM, Sri Swamiji gave a discourse on the Vedas and spoke about the antiquity of the Vedas, its divisions and the need to popularise and propagate them. Sri Swamiji shunned the idea that Vedas were for Brahmins only and said God's fruits are for all and that God does not discriminate amongst his own creations. Any body who has the interest and aspiration can learn and profess the Vedas, said Sri Swamiji. The pundits from Datta Peetham, Sri Radha Krishna, Prasad, Jaitra, Ramesh and Srikant then chanted the beginning Mantras of the four Vedas. Then they chanted Ganapathy Atharva Sheersha, Rudra Prashna, Chamaka Prashnam and the passage "Shishya Anushasanam" of Taittareeya Upanishad. Then Sri Swamiji chanted the Parak Mantras and Sangeeta Seva was conducted by the Pundits by chanting the popular Devi composition "Akhilandeswari Rakshamaam" of the legendary composer Sri. Muttu Swami Deekshitar. This composition is one of the most beloved to Sri Swamiji. This special programme on Vedas concluded at 9 PM. The audience numbering over 2000 appreciated this special feature on Vedas and thanked Sri Swamiji for blessing their countrymen with such special programme. The programme was carried live on two radio stations.

15th August being full moon day (Purnami), the devotees in Trinidad conducted it as Guru Purnima. Pt. Viswanath gave a soulful rendition of Hindustani classical music during Sri Chakra Puja. To mark the Guru Purnima day, Tulabharam with coins was performed and Sri Swamiji sat on one side of the scale as devotees came in a line and poured coins on the other scale. After the Tulabharam, Sri Swamiji spoke on the Tulabharam performed to Lord Krishna and how a small Tulasi leaf with devotion and love from Radha tilted the scale which till then challenged the ego of Rukmini and others. Later Sri Swamiji gave away 54 Padukas to chosen devotees.
Afterwards, the 53rd independence day of India was marked by unfurling of the flag of India and Trinidad by Sri Swamiji. The respective national anthems were sung to the melodious accompaniment of Steel Pans by the newly formed Nada Sangama Steel band. Sri Swamiji expressed happiness with the relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago and desired much more to happen.
In the evening, devotees tearfully thanked Sri Swamiji for visiting the country for 14th time since Sri Swamiji started to travel outside India in 1976.

Canada
Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Toronto, Canada on 16th August and was warmly and devotionally received by the devotees. That evening, a small welcome reception was held in the Datta Yoga Center in Brampton. Sri Swamiji Blessed everybody there and Radha Krishna gave a brief speech outlining the tour of Sri Swamiji so far.
Sri Swamiji in his message spoke on the fine distinction between Karma and Kartavya (fate and duty).

On 17th morning Sri Chakra Puja was conducted in the Enbridge Consumers Gas Convention hall. Sri Swamiji spoke about Sri Chakra Puja - the worship, the method and Dharma. This message of Sri Swamiji was carried live on the "Hot Pepper" a popular radio station which broadcasts in AM. Its signals reach even American shores.

Sri Swamiji released a compact disc containing Bhajans sung by Radha Krishna in Baton Rouge, USA, last year. Then Sri Swamiji released a commemorative souvenir containing valuable articles on Sri Swamiji, Hinduism, Music therapy and Guru Tattva. Sri Swamiji admired the souvenir book and blessed the efforts of George Baldeo, Fyzul Mohammed, Toy Mohammed and Betty Ram Naraine who had worked for the souvenir book.

That evening Satsang was held in the same hall and Sri Swamiji gave an insightful discourse.

On 18th Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja and it was followed by a Question and answer session between Sri Swamiji and Radha Krishna. Sri Swamiji posed several awkward questions like why a Sadguru is needed, what does he give, why does he test? Does it mean Sri Swamiji does not care you? Why Swamiji bashes ego? Has Swamiji ego? Why Swamiji performs miracles etc. etc., Sri Radha Krishna gave befitting and convincing and illuminating replies.

The Satsang in the evening was wonderful and the devotees enjoyed the various Bhajans sung by Sri Swamiji.

On 19th morning Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in great detail and the Ashrama priests performed the chanting from four Vedas, Shastra, Purana and Sangeeta Sri Swamiji instructed to sing the composition "Akhilandeswari Rakshamaam" in Raga Dvijavanti. Many devotees thanked Sri Swamiji for the detailed worship. Nalini Talasila of Saginaw, USA who was present remarked that it reminded her of the detailed Navaratri Devi worship Sri Swamiji conducts.

In the evening, Music for Meditation and Healing was held in Mississauga Living Arts Centre. The imposing concert hall in three tiers was full of anxious people. Sri Gayadath Supersad, president of Datta Yoga Center gave the welcome speech and Sri Bhandari, Consul General of Indian High Commission in Toronto lit the inaugural lamp and in his address profusely thanked Sri Swamiji for visiting Canada and blessing the audience with the healing Music. He traced the development of music and its relation to Yoga as mentioned in the scriptures and quoted several authoritative texts. He also conveyed his admiration for Datta Yoga Center to have the concert organized in such a beautiful hall that even the Indian High Commission had not been able to get.

Mr. Jay Ramsaran, presented the garland to Sri Swamiji and offered a Vastram.
Sri Swamiji played the music for over 2 hours and the main healing composition was in Raga Sarasaangi with the popular Bhajan "Saptashva Rudham". Sri Swamiji went around the audience while Shankar Ramesh excelled on the Mridangam solo yet again. Bred in the pedigree of Sri Karaikudi Mani, the legendary and India's foremost Mridangam player, Ramesh's style and technique was captivating and made Sri Swamiji to sit in the audience and enjoyed the Mridangam solo.

On Sunday the 20th, Sri Chakra Puja and Maha Ganapati Homa were performed at the same venue. A famous Ganapati organization of Toronto chanted Ganapati Atharva Sheersha from Atharva Veda. The detailed Sri Chakra Puja ended with Dance Seva by Parvathy of Machilipatnam, now settled in USA. She danced to the tune of Sri Swamiji's composition, the Bhajan "Chandi Chandasura Damani".

Then Sri Swamiji gave away the Prasadm to the audience and offered the Purnahuti of Ganapati Homa. Later Sri Swamiji selected the new committee of Datta Yoga Center. Sri Swamiji blessed the new committee members.

Over 600 people attended the Sunday morning programme. Most of them were seeing Sri Swamiji for the first time.

In the evening, a boat cruise on lake Ontario was arranged and Sri Swamiji went on it with about 100 devotees. Enchanting Bhajan session by the Satsang group of Canada, whose participants for the day were Sheetal on Accordion, Sharma on synthesizer, Michel Ramnarine on Tabla and Radhanna from Mysore on vocals. Sri Swamiji later came and sang the Hanuman Bhajan "Vande Santam Hanumantam". Sri Swamiji later blessed Sri Venkatramayya of Florida, USA, by giving away the jacket Sri Swamiji was wearing. The boat named Oriole drifted along the waters of Ontario and gave the audience a spectacular view of the skyline of Toronto downtown and the sun set on the placid waters of the lake.

On 21st August, Monday, Sri Swamiji visited the houses of several devotees and left for London at 6 PM.

London
Sri Swamiji was warmly and devotionally received by many devotees at the Hethrow airport. On 23rd, Wednesday, Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated in the Euro Datta Centre in Garett lane, South London. Sri Swamiji performed an elaborate Krishna Puja for over one and half hour. Then Sri Swamiji gave Butter as Prasadam to all the devotees.Prior to Puja, Sri Swamiji inaugurated the Book Shop and a small apartment for Sri Swamiji in the centre. On Thursday, 23rd, Sri Swamiji gave very illuminating facts in a Question - Answer session in the evening, at Euro Datta Centre.
Ganapati Festival

The much awaited Ganapati Festival was celebrated in London at the Hindu Samaj on Sunday the 3rd September 2000. Sri Swamiji performed Ganapati Puja and Devotees who numbered about 300 were led to chant the Ganapati Ashtottara (108 names of Lord Ganesha). The Ganapati Sukta and Ganapati Atharva Sheersha were chanted. Sri Swamiji released the German version of the book "God Word", titled as "Wege Zu Gott". Sri Swamiji blessed the translator Ms. Kalpana of Germany with a garland.
Sri Swamiji then sang Bhajans on Ganapati and Blessed the Hindu Samaj. Maha Ganapati Homam was performed. Sri Swamiji blessed many with small Ganapati idols.

(to be continued)