Datta Retreat Centre - July 30, 2002

Those who have helped the Datta Retreat Center till now are permanent members of the center. Their contribution has made Sri Swamiji happy. There is still much more to be done and everyone should try to help. We waste money many times. We even cannot count how much we waste. It is my responsibility to remind you to be charitable and socially conscious. Since a temple is here, we have to help here. Many are regularly sending funds and are helping to keep this place in the present condition. I am happy about that. But more needs to be done. Swamiji saw many mice in the Guru Nilaya. It needs proper protection. I have told Padma to keep two cats to keep in the house to ward off the mice community. Septic Tank, Kitchen, Expansion of kitchen are necessary in the next stage of development. Sri Swamiji will then feel more comfortable to spend more days here. These three are necessary. They will ensure Sri Swamiji’s coming more often. This place is a great place and the retreat center is a real Shanti center. It is your duty to support. Many people have benefited from the healing powers of this center and it is their social obligation to support so that many more can support. I am very afraid and shy about asking in this manner. But it is my duty to inform you. The details of all this project and its costs will be announced later. You can help as much as you can. Any help is welcome. Many people’s wide chase for more money in stock markets have put them in to chased people. They are chased by fear and uncertainty. Helping center is helping Swamiji. Because we need Swamiji in our lives, we have to help such projects. Center is like your physical body. We have to keep it up well so that the spiritual growth can be kept safe. If your body is weak and decaying what learning can you get ? Proper environment for learning is important. Many times sacrifices help. Some one has to do the work. It is my wish that all come together and help. No one is a paid person here. All do service out of devotion and love for Swamiji. Ramana, Joshua, Padma, Kalyani.. they are behind and have sacrificed. They have taken care of the center. Our part has been limited. We come, park the car, look for a place to sit and worship and participate in the programs and then pay for Puja, take Prasad, eat and they hurriedly go away. Isn't’t this shameful? Taking care of your needs alone. We must inquire as to what the center needs. This is a place of protection. We have to inquire and help with Tanu, Mana and Dhana. Give physical help like cleaning, gardening or money. You can select the way of helping. Body service like volunteer works. This place is not a K-Mart. Coming, buying a service and going back. That is not good. We are indebted to the center for the peace of mind that we have got. Swamiji has been helping you a lot. You must give and serve. Lora has no money still she wants to help. She loves Swamiji. I don’t want to mention names.
If these projects take place, Swamiji may come back next year and give Vedanta classes. What does future hold? Don’t think about future. It is all His Leela. One side he gives earthquakes, volcanoes, earth slides, draught etc. Don’t think about tomorrow even. Think about today only. Don’t worry about everything. Forget all the feelings from yesterday. Forget all the past things. Each minute in our life is precious, don’t waste any time thinking about past things. You are here today with Swamiji, this is a miracle, a chance for you. Some people always think about the future. Why do you take this strain?

When we are born, we don’t have any clothes, credit cards, possessions; and when we die, again we go empty handed. All the jewels that you own will go to you children, and they will quarrel. But you go empty handed, just like you came. In between there is a beautiful drama, with so many things, so many feelings, confusions. One day the drama ends and the directors calls you out, after 50, 80 or 90 years. But until then we are in a drama, searching for fame, name, wealth. Sometimes we are happy, then again we are unhappy, upset, angry. What is this drama? Few minutes you are happy and enjoying, then something happens and suddenly you become depressed and you want to die. But don’t worry, death will come anyway, that is certain. So don’t think about death, think about how to live, how to get understanding, how to get happiness.

Tomorrow is a very auspicious day, the 12th anniversary of the Datta temple in DYC is celebrated here. According to the Indian philosophy every 12 years one circle is completed. So always after 12 years something will change in our life, a new circle is starting. So tomorrow we have to celebrate this event here with a special program.

Jaya Guru Datta.