Category: AshramDiary
life at the Amritapuri ashram
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Values of a Brahmachari
‘Values of a Brahmachari’ The other day, there was a question in the class to Swami Kaivalyananda; ‘what are the values of a brahmachari?’ Swami gave a beautiful answer. He said that we are already studying the values of a brahmachari, because the 12th chapter gives the qualities of a devotee; freedom from anger and attachment, friendliness, compassion, etc. All these are the values of a brahmachari. Then Swami described the old times where brahmacharya is described in the scriptures. In certain scriptures, like ‘Manu Smriti,’ it gives all of the rules and customs that a brahmachari must follow. First…
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Wondeful Mother!
Amma’s unbound Compassion has taken the shape of IAM Technique for Paramilitary Forces of India. On the other hand, the soldiers (Jawans) from these forces are also receving this gift of Love from Amma with an open heart. It is a great feeling to see the soldiers of our country, who are otherwise so rough and tough, totally melted down with Amma’s Love. Actually, it is a misconception that soldiers are rough and tough – that may be true but just externally. Internally our soldiers are very kind, considerate and soft-hearted. How can one doubt it, when it is quite…
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We miss you
IAM at CISF HMT Srinagar and PGCI WagooraOn 30th June 2007 we headed towards Srinagar again. It was dark outside, raining and weather was cold. In around 2½ hours we reached HMT, Srinagar. The IAM sessions were scheduled from 1st July 2007 to 3rd July 2007, for both HMT (Hindustan Machine Tools), Srinagar as well as PGCI (Power Grid Corporation of India), Wagoora. On the first day we had a combined class of Jawans from both of these places at HMT, Srinagar. The number of Jawans was comparatively lesser than before. Totally we had around 50 Jawans on first day.…
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IAM at CISF HEP Uri
On 26th of June 2007, we started from BSF SHQ Kupwara to a temporary stop at Baramula BSF station. From there, we were picked up by CISF officials. It took us about 2½ hours to reach the Hydro Electric Project Station at Uri (in Kashmir). The scenic beauty on the way was enchanting, but looking at it one would always be reminded of the supreme sacrificed that our Jawans are making, every day, to keep the valley in a peaceful condition. As we started getting nearer Uri, one could feel the altitude. We had more than 130 Jawans from both…
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Switching Roles
Alert, ever moving eyes waiting to spot danger, breath short and rapid, body poised and ready to destroy the enemy – Indrawn eyes, slow gentle breaths, body relaxed. The former state during duty and the latter during meditation. The CISF jawans from Mumbai Airport who were undergoing IAM Tech training showed amazing versatility in switching roles. It was an inspiring sight to see them immersed in meditation. In fact many of them took to it like ducks to water. Brahmacharis Avyayamritaji, (Dr.) Sundar and myself conducted the sessions with able assistance from Mumbai AYUDH members Abhilash and Vivek. Around 90…
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My Dear Devotee
Today, Swami Kaivalyanandaji discussed the final part of the 12th chapter of the Gita, ‘Bhakti Yoga.’ Here is one shloka; ‘Tulyanindastutir mauni, santushta yena kena cit,Aniketa sthiramatir, bhaktiman me priyo narah.’ 12.19 Here, the Lord gives more characteristics of a devotee, or ‘bhakta.’ He says, ‘he is equal in praise and blame, silent, happy with anything that comes, with no home, and firm intellect, that devotee is dear to Me.’ Here, the Lord says the devotee is equal in praise and blame. When it says that one is ‘equal’ in these two, it means that externally, one can never avoid…
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Characteristics of a devotee
Today Swami continued discussing the 12th chapter, Bhakti Yoga. Here is one shloka; ‘Anapeksha sucir daksha, udasino gatavyathah,Sarvarambha parityagi, yo mad bhaktah sa me priyah.’ The Lord gives the characteristics, or ‘lakshanas,’ or a devotee. It says, ‘free from supports, pure, skillful in action, non-partial, and free from anxiety, that devotee that renounces all desire-based actions is dear to Me.’ Here, the Lord uses the word ‘anapeksha.’ Our devotion is usually not like this; it depends on many external supports. For example, a person goes to the temple, is full of devotion before the image, but as soon as he…
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