Arise ! Awake ! Stop not, till the goal is reached

Badarikashrama Diary

On November 1st, to usher in the month, devotees sang Sri Sundarakhanda Ramayana of Sri Goswami Tulsidas to glorify the great bhakta Hanumanji. Every month, many families gather to-gether singing Sitarama and Hanumanji’s names to joyfully glorify the lord. The following day, Swami Omkaranandaji conducted Sri Satyanarayana Swami Puja and Katha, a simple practice to devel-op Shraddha (faith) and Bhakti (devotion) through heartfelt pray-er, reciting mantras, doing Abisheka (bathing the deity with show-er of milk/water) and listening to the Katha (stories). It was a very uplifting and purifying experience for all in attendance. The following Sunday, Suman and Sargam Shah sang beautiful Kirtan and gave an inspiring talk. Our monthly Ramanama Sankirtan & mediation was held. Swamiji read from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna illustrating sto-ries and glorifying the divine name and explained the inner mean-ings. Swamiji then led the meditation. Those in attendance were presented simple yet profound truths in an inspiring manner by Swamiji. The following week, Swamiji led the Satsang on the question of “How is one able to overcome weakness through practicing spiritual life”. Taking from Swami Vivekananda’s teach-ings, Swamiji explained how one can overcome through the regu-larity of day-to-day life and practice of simple spiritual discipline. Maintaining regular moderate food, regulating our activities in daily life, we should aspire to modify our life to reach higher val-ues and not waste our time and energy. By practicing Dharma (righteousness), loving devotion, with formidable faith and heart-felt prayers we can have a happy, peaceful life and also express positivity. One more piece of advice from Swamiji: Always use simple and heart-touching words when communicating.

Mental Worship of Shiva “A seat made of precious stones, a bath in delightfully cool water, a splendid apparel bedecked with various gems, sandal-paste perfumed with musk, the jasmine and champaka flowers arranged upon Bilva leaves, in-cense as well as light—O Lord, Thou ocean of mercy, do accept these offerings conceived in my mind, to Thee, O Lord of creatures (Pashupati).” “Clarified butter, mil porridge, the five-fold food, a cool-ing drink of milk and curds with plantains, vegetables of innumerable varieties, tasteful water and betel scented with camphor—all these food-offerings placed in gold-en, vessels which are set with the nine precious jewels have I conceived in my mind out of love and devotion; do accept them, O Lord.”

Teachings from “Alter Flowers” Published by the Advaita Ashrama

“God is beyond the realm of speech and mind. He is the ground of speech and mind, and He is the ocean of mercy. How can we pray to Him or praise Him, who is worshipped and praised even by the great gods? In the ocean are drowned the high mountain and the small atom. No difference between them is felt by the ocean. “My beloved, O thou Sweet One, ‘I’ and ‘me’ and ‘mine’ all belong to thee. And if I am conscious of this truth that whatever I have—all belongs to thee forever, then what can I offer thee?”

Life of Yamunacharya “Prayers and Meditations”

Na Me Bhakta Pranashyati My Devotee Never Perishes

Sandesha

Thanksgiving Dinner

of Vedic teachings of the Vedanta is contained and condensed in the Gita. He highlighted the four branches of Yoga (Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana). Gita is the science of religion, uni-versally studied and practiced throughout the world. Jim elo-quently expressed his experiences and insights. On Sunday December 7th, we held our bi-annual Samuhika 108 Sri Satyanarayana Puja and Katha with a full attendance, wall to wall. The invocation was conducted by Rita Sahai and students who sang beautiful Kirtans invoking serenity and up-lift of the soul. Accompanying Ritaji, the young children sang with sweet and melodious voices, an embodiment of purity. Following the Kirtan, Swami Omkaranandaji led the group-Puja invoking the 108 Kalashas and announcing the sponsor’s names. The Mantra Om Namo Narayanaya was repeated by all to invoke God’s presence. Throughout the Puja, explana-tion was given step by step to all those participating. Every-one was enjoying in the vibration of Narayana’s name. After the Puja Swamiji lead the Katha. Swami Vishnumayananda assisted throughout the Puja. Venkatarya Shenoy read the Annual Report of Badarikashrama. The devotees were im-mersed in the beautiful experience of sharing joy with a sim-ple Om Namo Narayanaya, singing and repeating throughout the Puja and Katha. The Puja concluded with Arati and Pra-sad. Prasad was served from long time Ashrama devotees Anil and Jyoti Chaggan from Visalia, CA, as well as the Solanki family from Castro Valley. Many families and volunteers worked very hard to make this program successful and mem-orable. Sri Sarada Devi Jayanti celebration opened up with an ex-quisite performance by Smt. Anupama Chandratreya and stu-dents accompanied by Shripad Torvi on tabla and Aanand Karve on harmonium. Anupama opened up with a melodius bhajan of Holy Mother Sarada Devi. Her Students Rahul Li-maye, Hiten Verma, Rashmi Pathak & Satyen Lele all per-formed wonderful solo pieces. At the conclusion of the out-standing concert Pravrajika Shantiprana, a nun of the Vedanta Society of San Francisco, spoke eloquently on Sri Sarada De-vi’s “Purifying Touch and Vision”. “Whoever came to Holy Mother experienced her Divine Love. Her message was her life. Holy Mother lived her life, and the influence of that life is even now unfolding itself. Her purifying vision was one of universal acceptance of all beings, this means humans as well as the lower animals and insects.” said Prvrajika.

One of our most enlightening event of the year was Thanksgiving Dinner and concert, celebrated on November 27th. Smt. Shubhangi Sakhalkar’s students Rahul Jyoshi and Devangi Vivrekar performed soul-stirring bhajans from great saints of India accompanied by Sripad Torvi on Tabla and Vivek Datar on Harmonium. Rahul, still in 10th grade, and Devangi, a sophomore at Standford University, repre-sented the depth of Indian music. They have embraced the tradition of practicing classical music of India along with its values of discipline, sincerity and respect, amidst the hustle-bustle of American culture. Following the per-formance was a grand vegetarian feast. The meal offered a variety of dishes from Samosas, pasta and soup to sweet potato pies and jalebi, etc. Under the outdoor canopy was a fire radiating warmth to the devotees. There were many first-time patrons/devotees, of all cultural heritages, in-cluding Indians, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and a variety of other cultures, all sharing in the spirit of Thanksgiving. That following Sunday Gita Jayanti was held. Swami Vishnumayananda recited from the Gita. Swamiji lead the Kirtan. Jim Gilman, a direct disciple of H. H. Swami Chin-mayananda, talked on the Gita’s Teachings. The essence

Samuhika 108 Sri Satyanarayana Puja

Christmas Concert—Srikanth and Priyanka Chary

Christmas Dinner

We closed the year with our Christmas dinner and concert program. With 175 guests the hall was packed to listen to the heart warming and soul touching veena concert by Srikanth Chary. His daughter Priyanka Chary accompanied on veena. At the age of 16 she impressed all by her talent and ability to flow so gracefully with every note of her father’s. Karthik Gopalara-thnam on Mridangam was excellent. Following the concert was a delicious meal provided by many loving devotees. Samo-sas, Pulao, Paneer, Jalebi, Gulabjamun, Asian noodles, soup, bread and apple pie were just some of the many dishes offered. Many sat under the canopy warming next the fire en-joying food and company with loved ones.

Events at Madihalli, Karnataka, India

November began with Kannada Rajotsava. This day honors the language of Kannada spoken by millions, both in India and those settled abroad. It also honors the state of Karnataka , its history and culture. The day began with flag hoisting. The chil-dren were in fancy dress and did a number of dramas in Kanna-da. Individual students also spoke on the state of Karnataka and its language and heritage. Several teachers addressed the students and some parents who attended. In the middle of the month Children's Day was observed. This day was begun due to the initiative of the country's first Prime Minister Sri Ja-waharlal Nehru. Many sports competitions were held.

December month was spent preparing for the Swami Viveka-nanda Essay Contest, to be in January, 2015. The school’s Union Day (also referred to as the Annual Day) will be held on January 18, 2015. Teachers and students spent much time rehearsing for this event. Christmas Day was spent worshipping Sri Sarada Devi with readings from her teachings. The story of the birth of Jesus was also read. A small Nativity scene was also on display on the grounds outside of the mandir. Srimat Swami Omkaranandaji Maharaj returned to Madihalli ashrama on December 30th and was greeted by many devotees.

A large part of November and early December was spent in-stalling Survelliance Cameras (CC cameras) for auditing class-rooms and the surrounding campus areas. New guidelines had been sent from the Education Commissioner's Office in Bangalore regarding Children's Safety. Committees were also formed includ-

ing Children's Safety Committee and School Management Com-mittee. Bus safety guidelines were also put into place as well as other instructions for the building premises. “I have found that life persists in the midst of destruction and therefore there must be a hight law than that of de-struction. Only under that law would a well-oriented society be intelligible and life worth living.”

-Mahatma Gandhi.

Sri Saradadevi Jayanthi Celebration

Karnataka Rajyotsava Day Celebration

Swamiji with teachers of Vidyashala

Prathiba Karikrama- Children’s Program

BALASAMSKARA KENDRA

Classes for children are held every Sunday at 10:30

am. Bay Area parents who want to actively partici-

pate in the cultural and spiritual education of their

children conceived of the school. The curriculum

includes Hindi classes, Sanskrit Mantras, and expla-

nations of puja, rituals, symbolism of Gods and God-

desses and Indian festivals. Story telling familiarizes

our children with our ancient culture and epics. Chil-

dren find it a lot of fun and look forward to every

session. We encourage all of you to bring your chil-

dren from the ages of 5-15 to our school. Please call

the ashrama staff for more information or Anita Ba-

jaj at 510-553-1123. The school is free and everyone

is welcome.

Our India center is located in Madihalli about 75

miles west of Bangaluru. It is set among rolling hills,

surrounded by fruit orchards and a variety tropical

vegetation. Over the last 30 years the ashrama has

flourished and now covers a lush 60 acres with abun-

dant facilities for the comfort of residents and

guests. The ashrama serves the surrounding commu-

nity with a school as well as health and humanitarian

needs. Swamiji has been spending time expanding

the activities. We just completed a 6 crore (US $1

million) project of the Vidyashala (school). 36 plus

rooms are complete. All this has been made possible

by our devotees and well wishers. We thank all of

you who have participated financially and who gave

encouragement and support. We have 650 students

studying from LKG to 6th grade. Our vidyashala is

giving the best service in Turuvekere TQ. We sincere-

ly hope you will take the opportunity to visit our ash-

rama during your next visit. Swamiji and Swami Man-

galananda will be in India & welcome you.

Badarikashrama

Madihalli P.O.

Turuvekere Tq., Tumkur Dt., Karnataka 572227

Madihalli office : 08139287571

Mobile : 9741246418-Swami Omkarananda

Mobile: 9481204844– Swami Mangalananda

www.badarikashrama.org

BADARIKASHRAMA

15602 Maubert Avenue

San Leandro, CA 94578

Tel: (510) 278 2444 email: badarik@pacbell.net

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

San Leandro, CA

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DATED MATERIAL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

JAN, 2015

Thu 1st 10:30 am Sri Ganesh Homa & Music

Sat 3rd TO Sun. 4th

9:00 am TO 11:00 am

Sri Akhanda Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas: Recitation by Ashrama devotees.

Sun. 11th 11:00 am Sri Satyanarayana Puja and Kirtan

Wed 14th 11:00 am Makara Sankranti (Sri Rudra Abisheka)

Sun. 18th 10:30 am Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Celebration Talk: Swami Vedanandaji Music: Latha Sriram & Students

Sun 25th 11:00 am Sri Saraswathi Puja (Organized by Sima Chakravorty)

FEB, 2015

Sun 1st 11:00 am Sri Satyanarayana Puja & Kirtan

Sat. 7th 2:30 pm Sri Sundarakanda Ramayana of Gowswami Tulsidas

Sun. 8th 10:00 am Karnataka Hari Dasa Day Celebration

Sun. 15th 11:00 am Sri Ramanama Sankirtana & Meditation. Reading & narration: Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Sargam Shah

Mon 16th 6:00 pm TO

12:00 am

Mahasivratri Puja (6-8pm). Music Concert: Suman & Sargam Shah; Rita Sahai; Ram Sexena. 12 Midnight: Puja and Aarti

Sun 22nd 11:00 am Bhagavad Gita Talk & Kirtan: Suman Shah

MAR, 2015

Sun 1st 2:30 pm Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi celebration. Talk: Swami Tattwamayanandaji. Music: Anupama Chan-dratreya and Students

Sat 7th 2:30 pm Sri Sundarkanda Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas

Sun 8th 11:00 am Sri Satyanarayana Puja & Kirtan

Sun 15th 11:00 am Sri Ramanama Sankirtana & Meditation led by Suman & Sargam Shah

Sun 22nd 11:00 am Sri Rudra Homa and Kirtan [Mrityunjaya Homa]

Sat 28th &

Sun 29th

10:00 am TO

5:00 pm

Sri Ramanavami Celebration [ Music: Bay Area Mu-sic Schools ]

APR, 2015

Sat 4th 2:30 pm

5:30 pm

Sri Sundarkanda Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas

Satyanarayana puja and Katha (Full Moon) Conducted

By Swami Omkarananda