Newsletter

                                                                                                                        1st October 2002

Priya Bandhu,

Saprema Sri Gurusmaranam !

This issue of the Newsletter brings you details of events at Siddhaloka till end-September 2002. Also, the long-awaited announcement regarding the next Siddha Meditation Intensive is here .

Sri Guru Poornima: 24th July

Sri Guru Poornima holds a very special place in the calendar of events at Siddhaloka, since this is the most auspicious day to worship, serve and re-dedicate oneself to one's Guru. The events at Siddhaloka on this day started with the hoisting of new flags at 5:30 am. Chanting of Sri Guru Gita ('Song of the Guru') was at 6 am, as done every day. About 30 devotees had come from far and near for this special day, and were greatly satisfied on receiving Sri Gurudev's blessings.

From 10 am onwards, a painting competition was organised as part of the 'Environment Awareness Programme' for school-going students of Class 8, 9 and 10. In all, 92 students from 7 schools of nearby villages and towns came to Siddhaloka to participate in the competition. The theme was 'Safeguarding the Environment', and the children enthusiastically put their ideas on paper with powerful messages and beautiful drawings during the allotted  time of two hours. Some illustrated the pollution due to smoke, dust and sound; some highlighted the damage due to depletion of forests; others conveyed the message of planting more trees to keep the environment healthy.  Lunch was served to all the participants and their escorts. The results of the competition were then declared. Separate prizes were awarded for students of each class. The children were very happy to be in the presence of Param Poojya Swamiji and sat on in HIS presence even after the competition concluded. According to the promise of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev, the prize-winning entries have been posted on this website.

Nityananda Punyatithi: 5th August 

Children were very dear to Bhagwan Nityananda. He liked most to be in their company. Every year, the day of his samadhi is observed by conducting a feast for children, or Bal Bhojan. 

This year also, all children studying in primary schools of six nearby villages were invited. Every year, the number of children attending has been steadily increasing. More than 200 children came this year to Siddhaloka with their teachers and were served a sumptuous meal as prasad. Siddhaloka was echoing with the buzz of enthusiasm of this large number of little visitors. Bhajans were sung and arati of Bhagwan Nityananda was carried out while the children were partaking their prasad. Finally, all the children were presented gifts such as pens, pencils etc. by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev, which was a special thrill for the kids, and were then seen off from Siddhaloka.

Independence Day: 15th August

The Independence Day of India is celebrated as Divya Deeksha Din ('Divine Initiation Day') at Siddhaloka, since it was on on this pious day in the year 1947 that Swami Muktananda Paramhansa received Shaktipat Deeksha from Bhagwan Nityananda.

Prayers were held early in the morning and at 4 pm in the evening. A brief programme of meditation was conducted in the morning and also sfter the evening prayers. Many devotees participated in the programme, which was followed by distribution of prasad  by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev.

'Pure Forest' Project

With the aim of preserving the sites of mythological and historical importance in the environs of Siddha Loka, a   programme has been launched  for creating a 'Pure Forest' around Siddha Loka, spread over 100 acres of land. Contributions are welcome from one and all for planting about 50 trees in one-acre blocks of land. These plantations may be in memory of one's ancestors, or to commemorate certain occasions in one's life, such as birthdays or anniversaries. For more details, please contact Siddha Loka by telephone or a letter. 

Contributions and Donations

All readers are requested that if you wish to send any contribution to Siddha Yoga Dham, or any offering for Param Poojya Sri Gurudev, then the same may be sent directly by you to the address given above, through registered post. Kindly do obtain an authorised receipt for your contribution/ donation. Please do not entrust your offering, in any form, to any other individual. 

Siddha Meditation Intensive

This year, there have been some organisational changes in the arrangements for the Siddha Meditation Intensive. This popular and extremely rare programme of awakening of the Kundalini through Shaktipat Deeksha is being organised on the following dates at Siddha Loka: (between 9 am and 1 pm)

22nd December 2002 (Sunday)

15th January 2003 (Sunday)

1st March 2003 (Sunday)

Registration for the programmes has commenced. 

SEE DETAILS

N.B.: In these programmes of Shaktipat through Divine Touch, only fifteen participants each will be accepted.

Rest is Sri Guru Kripa.

In the service of Sri Gurudev,
Surekha

Newsletter

Letter No. 2/2002                                                                                             24 Jun 2002

Priya Bandhu,

Saprema Sri Gurusmaranam !

JANUARY 2002 

After the successful Siddha Meditation Intensive in December last year, the next function at Siddhaloka was on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on 14th January. This was the 10th anniversary of establishment of Siddhaloka at its present location.

FEBRUARY 2002 
In the month of the February, Param Poojya Sri Gurudev proceeded for a brief stay at Kanhangad in Kerala state, which is the place of origin of Avadhuta Nityananda. The three-day trip included visits to the Nityananda Ashram and Guruvanam there. It was a rare experience for those accompanying Param Poojya Sri Gurudev to be able to benefit from the continuous Satsang with HIM in the spiritually charged atmosphere of the place. All the inmates of the ashram there were overjoyed at the arrival of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev. It was a sight to see the excitement and energy of the old and retired employees of the Ashram on the occasion.

MARCH 2002 
On the 12th of March, Maha Shiva Ratri was observed. Shiva Mahimna Stotra and bhajans were chanted till midnight. Thereafter, Param Poojya Sri Gurudev conducted the Satsang with a delightful combination of Keertan (chanting) and Pravachan (discourse). To encourage the youngsters present, a debate was conducted between two teams of students. Those who were desirous of continuing with the Jagaran (keeping awake) the entire night were accompanied by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev and the Satsang continued throughout the night.

A few days before Sri Maha Shiva Ratri, an interview of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev was conducted by a correspondent from the 'Times of India'. After publication of this article, titled Ashrams are not Picnic Spots in the newspaper, the number of visitors to Siddhaloka shot up quite a bit. Among these visitors were many who had wandered from place to place in search of spiritual solace, while for others, it was the first such experience. All kinds of needy people have been visiting the Ashram, many of whom were not at peace even after being surrounded by material wealth. Everyone received solace at the Ashram and went away satisfied. In the course of conversations with visitors on various occasions, Param Poojya Sri Gurudev gave many messages, some of which are as follows:

"There is only one means to obtain peace in this world, and that is: a mind free of expectations. Near and dear ones are good companions in good times, but they become distant in difficult times, and that hurts the mind. Hence, you should have only one expectation: that you should not be born again in this world."

"When one spontaneously goes into meditation: That is Self-Realization" 

"When a disciple, endowed with discrimination and austerity in habits, approaches a Sadguru (True Master) with a sincere quest and after having shunned his ego, then there is no delay in achieving the Ultimate."

APRIL 2002 
Param Poojya Sri Gurudev was invited for a phone-in programme on the Kannada 'Udaya News Channel' on television. To encourage the organisers, Param Poojya Sri Gurudev heeded their request and reached the studio in spite of inconvenience. Many viewers and participants clarified their ideas on the mysterious subject of 'Reincarnation' during this golden opportunity of their interaction with Param Poojya Sri Gurudev during the programme. Some of them were not satisfied by this limited interaction and also visited Siddhaloka to satisfy their queries on the subject.

MAY 2002 
On 26th of May this year was the 94th Birth anniversary of Swami Muktananda Paramhansa. It also happened to be the 25th anniversary of the Sanyas Deeksha (formal inititaion into renunciation) of our beloved Param Poojya Swami Chetananada Saraswati. On this pious occasion, functions spanning three days were organised. On 24th May, a 'Sudarshan Homa' was conducted. Special programmes of singing devotional chants were organised on 25th and 26th May. Since 23rd May onwards, Siddhaloka was immersed in the colours of celebration and the colour of rain also got added to the festivities. Some members of the Siddha Brotherhood stayed over at the Ashram along with their families, and others by themselves. There were a large number of visitors to the Siddhaloka on all three days.

JUNE 2002 
Param Poojya Sri Gurudev visited the village of Muduganapalli in Tamil Nadu state on 13th June, where HE was given a rousing welcome. Led by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev's close friend, Shri V. Govind Reddy and his wife, Smt. Jyoti Amma, thousands of villagers assembled at the main entrance of the village to receive Param Poojya Sri Gurudev and took HIM in procession to the venue of the function accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras, musical instruments, royal canopies, and the like. The function was for the mass marriage of a number of couples of the village. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev concluded the 'Maha Rudra Yagna' organised there and HIS 'Pada-pooja' was carried out. Thereafter, HE blessed the newly weds and spent time with the numerous devotees.

INVITATION FOR SRI GURU POORNIMA
The pious day of Sri Guru Poornima falls on 24th July this year. On this occasion, a painting competition will be organised at Siddhaloka for school-going students of Class 8, 9 and 10. Students will come to Siddhaloka and display their talents in painting on the theme of 'Safeguarding the Environment'. Declaration of results and distribution of prizes will be done just after the competition.

 The events at Siddhaloka on the occasion of Sri Guru Poornima will be as follows:
5:30 am - Flag Hoisting
6:00 am - Sri Guru Gita chanting
10:00 am- Painting Competition
12:00 noon- Declaration of results; Prize distribution; Prasad distribution
All are welcome with family and friends.

Rest is Sri Guru Kripa.

In the service of Sri Gurudev,
Surekha

Newsletter

                                                                                                                        15 May 2002

Priya Bandhu,

Saprema Sri Gurusmaranam !

    On the occasion of the 94th Birth Anniversary of  Swami Muktananda Paramahansa and the 25th anniversary of the Sanyas Deeksha of Param Poojya Swami Chetanananda Saraswati, various functions are being organised, from 6:00 am on 24th May (Friday) till 2:00 pm on 26th May (Sunday), at Siddha Loka.

    The programme will commence with a Sudarshana Homa for the purification of the polluted atmosphere of the world, created by evil forces.

    The three-day function will include Bhajans, Keertans (devotional hymns) and interactive talks with Param Poojya Swami Chetanananda Saraswati, the founder and spiritual head of Siddha Yoga Dham, Bangalore. The programme will conclude with distribution of Prasad (Bhandara) to one and all.

    Genuine seekers of Truth and believers of the Siddha Path will be blessed by Shaktipat by the Siddha Master on this special occasion.

    All Siddha students are invited to avail this golden opportunity to serve the Sadguru through Tana (Body), Mana (Mind) and Dhana (Material wealth).

In the service of Sri Gurudev,

Nidhi

(On behalf of the Board of Trustees)

An article by Ms. Sangeeta Cavale, Sr. City Correspondent, Bangalore Times, The Times of India, that was published in Bangalore Times (supplement of The Times of India) on 12^th March 2002.

Ashrams are not picnic spots

Swami Chetanananda Saraswati, a direct disciple of Bhagwan Nityananda claims to be the only Siddha Yoga Master who is capable of giving what is known as Shaktipat to disciples. Kundalini is the dormant spiritual energy resting at the base of the spine.  By awakening the Kundalini through a powerful initiation called Shaktipat, one is able to tap one’s full inner strength.

The Swamiji who lives in a remote hilly area off Magadi road met Nityananda when he was five years old and went through many spiritual experiences. He traveled to the Himalayas and lived on the banks of the Narmada river. In 1973 he got sanyas diksha from Baba Muktananda.

This spiritual master is a rarity. He does not clamor for followers, fame, money or power.  His brutal frankness is refreshing and quite often, startling.  He calls a spade a spade.  He lambasts ‘duplicate’ gurus but points out that if the seeker is not genuine, he will automatically find a conman for a guru.  A genuine seeker will surely find a genuine guru.  He quotes a well known line, Yad bhavam, tad bhavati.

He finds the whole idea of spiritual and religious leaders dabbling in politics and raising funds for constructing hospitals quite abominable.  Instead they should help with basic needs of the poor like food, clothing and shelter.  “Ashrams should not become picnic spots and it is groupism that spoils the atmosphere of a spiritual retreat."

The guru set up the Siddha Yoga Dham, a registered charitable trust and carefully handpicks members himself.  Members are expected to donate 5 per cent of their salary to the trust every month.  His ashram dosen’t have any walls or security guards.

This is his message to spiritual seekers, “Don’t read books on the subject as this can cause confusion. The illiterate are better than philosophers.

“No one at Siddha Loka (the ashram he set up) is a teacher or a preacher. It’s direct relationship between the guru and disciple.

“Meditation is the very nature of the self.  We are with God but it is the guru who makes us aware of this profound truth,” he says.

You can contact the Siddha Yoga Dham on 7748016 / 7748251.  The website is www.siddha-loka.org.

Newsletter

Letter No. 1/2002                                                                                             05 Jan 2002

Priya Bandhu,

Saprema Sri Gurusmaranam !

Param Poojya Swami Chetanananda Saraswati remained busy in the activities at Siddhaloka in the months of July and August, 2001.

On October 25, Ayudh Pooja was celebrated in the traditional manner. After offering Pooja to all tools, instruments, machines and equipment, Prasad was distributed to all present.

On 1st November, the 19th Punyatithi of Swami Muktananda Paramahansa was observed. On this occasion Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naam chanting was done and Arati offered. Sharat Chandra Darshan: watching the full moon in boiling milk at midnight was done. Afterwards kheer  was prepared with the same milk and distributed as Prasad. It is said that such a Prasad proves to be a remedy for many physical and mental illnesses/ailments.

On November 14th came another important event: Dhanalakshmi Pooja and Deepavali celebration. Pooja  was performed in the evening, clay lamps and candles were lit up, and Siddha Loka premises wore a new festive look. After this, Param Poojya Gurudev along with some devotees and children went atop an adjoining hill. There, crackers were burst, 'rockets' fired and 'sparkling fountains' lit. This spectacle of light and sound was enjoyed by many people residing in the nearby eight to ten villages.

On November 24th, an Introductory Discourse on Siddha Yoga by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev was arranged at the conference hall of the State Youth Centre, Bangalore. As banners, posters and newspaper insertions had been arranged in advance, a large number of people attended this discourse, which was preparatory to the Siddha Meditation Intensive.

All the specified fifty seats for the Siddha Meditation Intensive were filled up much before the closing date of 8th Dec 2001. Further requests of a large number of people had to be politely turned down. This is a sure indication of the dire necessity of following Siddha Yoga and of the grace and blessings of a Siddha Guru, in these difficult times.

 Here at Siddha Loka, preparations were on in full swing as the Siddha Meditation Intensive drew near. New additions of conveniences and beautification of the premises were attended to.

On 23rd December 2001, the day of the Siddha Mediattion Intensive, the participants started arriving well before 9 a.m. A chartered bus from from Bangalore brought most of the participants while some came by their own vehicles. They got passes issued and had their breakfast before proceeding to the Meditation Hall.

The Siddha Meditation Intensive was conducted by Param poojya Sri Gurudev in three sessions separated by brief intervals. In the first session, Siddha Yoga was explained and necassary instructions were given. In the second session, Shaktipat Deeksha was given by HIS Divine Touch. At the end was the Question-Answer session. The participants put questions regarding their experiences during and after Shatktipat and on related subjects. These were answered by Param Poojya Sri Gurudev. 

This time the participants were from ages ranging from 11 to 70 years. They came from different walks of life: doctors, engineers, executives, businessmen, industrialists, educationists, judges, students and both ladies and gentlemen. This cream of society was from all the four states of South India: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Everyone was seen very happy and satisfied at the end of teh programme.

After the programme in the Meditation Hall, the participants went for a visit around the Siddha Loka premises and adjoining historical spots.

Param Poojya Sri Gurudev gracefully saw off the participants as they departed from Siddha Loka.

On 30th December 2001, a special Siddha Yoga Satsang was arranged at Siddha Loka on the occasion of Datta Jayanti. Chanting of prayers, Datta Naam Sankeertan were conducted and Arati  offered, in the holy presence of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev. Darshan  and  Prasad followed.

Siddha Yoga Calendar: Following are the important events of Siddha Yoga for the year 2002: