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 Swamiji¹s arrival and a Go Puja (Cow Puja) was done . A devotee from Mary land had brought her Cow for Sri Swamiji¹s 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.

Ramana Laird gives welcome speech in
the prayer hall. Nancy Kalyani, Padma
and Bindu are seated in front of him.

Sri Swamiji offers Purnahuti of Vastu and Maha Ganapati Homas

Guru Nilayam in Datta Retreat Center

The rocky pond in front of Sri Swamiji's house.

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