Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Chicago on 8th April, after three days of rest in Steubenville. On 8th evening, Guru Puja was performed by the grand children of Sri. Krish Raman, viz., Kumari. Janani, Kum. Vinayak, Kum. Ganapathy and Kum. Bharath. It was stated that the regular Satsangs conducted by Chicago group alone brought Sri Swamiji to Chicago this year. On 9th, Chicago devotees performed Datta Paduka Puja.
On 10th April 2010, Saturday, Shruti Laya Raga Sagara, Music for Meditation was held at Elgin Visual and Performing Arts Center. Before the concert, Sri Swamiji spoke about music and its efficacy in a press conference. Sri Swamiji announced that His book on music is under print and would be released during the upcoming festivities in May 2010.
Shruti Laya Raga Sagara concert was inaugurated by Sri. Raja Krishnamoorthy, a former top official of Illinois state. The concert's main composition "Shruti Laya Raga Sagara" consisted of Ragas 1.Pushpalathika, 2.Gopika Kusumam & 3.Hemavati (Bhajan - Shambho Samba). Sri Swamiji also played Mohana Raga (Eesha Pateesha) and Shambho Mahadeva as dance tune. The concert hall was full and some people had to be seated on stage side wings too. Before the concert started, Mr. Ryan Banks, a volunteer who helped save thousands of people during the recent Haiti earthquake was honoured.
On 11th April Sunday, Sri Chakra Puja, Homa and discourse were held at the Rama Temple in Lemont. Hundreds attended the program. Sri Swamiji visited the shrines in the temple. The chief priest recalled the visit of Sri Swamiji in 1990 and how His Blessings helped the temple to progress well. President of the temple, Sri Bheema Reddy gave welcome speech and thanked Sri Swamiji for gracing the temple and Blessing their programs.
During Sri Chakra Puja, a young violin student played Bhajans. Children of Chicago Bala Datta classes chanted verses. A dance by five young children captivated the audience.
In his short discourse, Sri Swamiji stressed the benefits of eating food while seated and especially while sitting on floor and eating. Sri Swamiji abhorred the practice of standing and eating mindlessly. Sri Swamiji spoke about Sadguru Tattva and said devotees should practice to feel Swamiji in their hearts.
Sri Swamiji met everyone in a queue and Blessed them. Later, the president of the temple, Shri. Bheema Reddy took Sri Swamiji to the Rama temple. The celestial message musicians were singing Rama Bhajans. Sri Swamiji sat there for sometime and joined the singing.
In the evening, Chicago devotee volunteers had an opportunity to be with Sri Swamiji.
On 12th, Sri Swamiji traveled Chicago - Lexington, Kentucky.
The Concert venue - Elgin Visual and Performing Arts Center
Sri Raja Krishnamoorthy speaks after inaugurating the concert
Mr.Ryan Banks who helped save thousands in Haiti Earthquake was honoured
Shruti Laya Raga Sagara
Sri Swamiji and audience
Post Concert good bye
Lemont Sri Rama Temple, Chicago
Sri Chakra Puja
Arati during Sri Chakra Puja
Dance by young children to Bhajan "Krishnam Vishnum"
Sri Swamiji during discourse sat on the floor to stress the importance of sitting on floor and eating
Sri Swamiji visits the Rama Temple and listens to Bhajans sung by Ashrama musicians
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