Pujya Sri Swamiji in Datta RETREAT CENTER
8th April 2009
A winter’s day… Dark clouds hovering heavy over a brittle, cold, snow-covered ground… magically it lifts giving way to a canopy of expansive blue skies, lit by bright, deliciously warm sunshine. Colorful yellow Daffodils, sway in the warm breeze sharing their fragrance with purple and deep rose-colored Chrysanthemums, These stylish Spring flowers are as gorgeous on the ground as the birds filling the air with song.
Today is nature’s perfect metaphor for how Sri Swamiji’s presence lifts the shroud of darkness and shines light for each Soul’s path. Nature gives us sensory clues, showing how Sri Swamiji’s holy essence transforms the cold separation of winter into the warm, inclusive, magnificence of Spring. Devotees feel the blessings of their Holy Satguru who turns up the brightness factor everywhere His energy is focused. The brilliance is especially evident on April 8th 2009 at the oasis of serenity, also known as “Datta Retreat Center”.
Even with such short notice, Sri Swamiji was greeted by an excited group of devotees thrilled to have a few precious moments with their Holy Master. Many families traveled from Canada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio and West Virginia to have even a split second of Sri Swamiji’s darshan.
After visiting the temple, Sri Swamiji blessed the gathering with a Paduka Puja, conducted by Mahesh who is traveling with the Holy Master. Sri Swamiji invited devotees who’d been at the Canada program to share their experiences of the event. Swamiji also encouraged Padma to convey her early experiences, especially relating to Datta Retreat Center before DRC’s evolution into what it is today, (someone had mentioned earlier that this vibrant gathering made it feel just like those early beginnings).
Sri Swamiji blessed the attentive group with a discourse that included the following guidance. (Please note that this rendition relates the essence and understanding received by the writer, no actual dictation was taken, therefore Swamiji, please accept humble apologies for any misunderstandings or omissions.)
The address began with a brief overview of Swamiji’s discourse in Canada. This covered the significance, teachings and meanings of the Rama Navami. Swamiji explained that each character and event is significant, and of great importance to help the individual soul along the road to recognition of unity with ParamAtma.
Swamiji reminded devotees to stay connected to Sri Swamiji’s teachings and music through the many resources that have been provided. “If you feel as if you have no time to listen to the music, you can do so while driving your car or even while you take your bath.” Swamiji mentioned how fortunate we are to have so many avenues to appeal to every type of personality, every tendency. A variety of books available makes Swamiji’s teachings readily accessible for everyone. Swamiji specifically urged devotees to sign up and participate in the group email, JaiguruDatta.com, as well as regularly checking the DattaPeetham.com website for all current activities and information.
Swamiji expressed a concern for those devotees who come to Swamiji to get their problems solved and then wander off to other teachers for their spiritual knowledge. When they go from teacher to teacher, as if shopping for the latest fashion, they lose the benefits available to them. They do not realize that they are cheating themselves by not taking full advantage of all that Swamiji offers. From within, Swamiji incorporates all paths of Yoga, (Karma, Bhakti, Jnana), catering to all temperaments. Swamiji is like a “One stop shop”.
Swamiji is not affected by this behavior, but Swamiji wants people to know that it is a big mistake to only come to Swamiji to solve superficial, worldly problems, without interest in knowledge, growth and the spiritual journey. By studying with different teachers, they are not taking advantage of the profundity of what Swamiji offers. This is a sin and they are the ones who are losing. Swamiji makes everything available for all tendencies, therefore shopping around for other classes and other teachers only creates confusion.
Swamiji concluded the evening by suggesting that it would be nice to have the DRC Hall winter friendly so that DRC could accommodate more people on cold days. He also urged people to support DRC with a small donation every month, such as $50 a month to help keep the center fluid.
A magnificent full moon brought a quiet serenity to the lovely energy of the day. On Thursday April 9th. the wonderful stopover was over and Swamiji winged His way back to New Delhi, India via Chicago.Click here to read the text of Sri Swamiji's discourse on 8th April 2009
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