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On the sacred occasion of the birthday of Sage Dattatreya , a program of Satsang and chanting was organized on 26th December. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev in HIS discourse explained the significance of the day accentuating Guru Dattatreya as the root of Siddha Lineage. He is considered the Adi (primal) Guru, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who redeemed the sufferings of the masses. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev also emphasized on the importance of remembering God constantly and never to forget the Divine light dwelling within. The day long program attended by the devotees in large number concluded with chanting and the distribution of Prasad.

Param Poojya Swamiji left for Mumbai on 28th November to attend the wedding of HIS disciple Priya Bhave, Chief producer of Sony T.V. The newly-wed couple as well as the large gathering had the benefit of HIS gracious presence and received HIS blessings. The next day HE flew back to Bangalore and devotees at the airport had HIS Darshan in large number.

The festival of lights Deepavali was celebrated on 12th November. Devotees attended the Dhanalaxmi Pooja held in the evening in large numbers. Children of the nearby villages enjoyed the sweet prasad prepared in JANANANDA PRASADA MANDIRA and took great delight in bursting the crackers. The entire Ashram wore a festive look adorned with clay lamps in the evening.

Ayudh Pooja , a traditional festival in which Pooja is offered to all weapons, machines, tools, appliances etc. was celebrated on 22^nd October. All these objects were cleaned and Vibhooti, Kumum, haldi were applied with the offering of flowers. A pumpkin was prepared as platter for performing Camphor Arati to them. The function concluded with the distribution of Prasad to the village children.

On 23^rd October Param Poojya Sri Gurudev proceeded for a Spiritual Tour to Kanhangad and Guruvanam the place where Bhagwan Nityananda first appeared. Though it was a short trip of only four days, it created everlasting memories for the devotees who went along with Param Poojya Swamiji. Darshan at Sri Nityananda Ashram and Guruvanam, Satsang with Param Poojya Sri Gurudev during the morning walks are the events one will always cherish.

On 28^th October Sri Muktananda Punyatithi was observed. On this occasion of 22^nd Mahasamadhi Day of Muktananda Paramahamsa Sri Vishnu Sahsranam was chanted in the gracious presence of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev and Arati was performed at 11 P.M., the time Baba Muktananda took Mahasamadhi. The traditional ritual of watching the full moon on Sharath Poornima in boiling milk was also preformed. This custom is said to calm one’s mind and dispel unsteadiness as moon symbolizes instability and witnessing it in the purity of milk signifies elimination of all doubts.

Sri K. VAMAN SHETTY an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Nityananda merged with the Almighty on 25th October 2004. Mr. Shetty had worked with Param Poojya Swamiji for ‘Navabharat’ a popular Kannada daily of South Canara in the early 1960s. He was a regular visitor to Sri Nityananda Ashram in Kanhangad. Sri Vaman Shetty had also arranged Param Poojya Sri Gurudev’s ‘Chaturmas’ in 1980 and managed the State level Siddha Yoga Seminar in Mangalore . Siddha Brotherhood pays its tribute to the senior member of the fold.

On 2^nd October Mr. Craig Larman from Canada and Ms. Albertina from Brazil visited Siddhaloka and had a reflective meeting with Param Poojya Sri Gurudev on Spirituality. They wished for an interview of HIM as Mr. Larman intends to write a book on Living Saints. Below are the excerpts from the interview:

A: External World is false, so you can never find truth in this false world. Only by Guru’s Grace when you accept unreal as unreal then you can find the truth within you.

A: I experienced the Truth at the age of Five and saw the whole Universe pervading with the same divine light and realized that the entire cosmos is nothing more than the play of this Consciousness. Later when I studied Kashmir Shaivism I came across the first Shiva Sutra that says “Self Is Consciousness” (Chaitanyam Atman) which substantiated my experience.

A: Yes, I am with this feeling 24 hrs. Once you are merged with the Universal Consciousness you have no separate entity. Wherever I went, in different countries, I advised people to meditate at 3 A.M., so in the entire world when my devotees meditate at 3 in the morning I have to be aware of them throughout the 24 hrs.

A: The most significant quality of a saint lies in having an Equal Vision. A realized being sees his own Self permeating everything. So he cannot discriminate between high and low, rich or poor. He never rejects or refuses anyone. When you are prefect there is nothing imperfect.

The Siddha Meditation Intensive was held on 15.8.2004, Sunday. The participants were from far-off countries like West Indies and nearby from Bangalore Rural District and the city. The day was very auspicious as Bhagwan Nityananda used to impart Shaktipat Initiation on this day. It came to be known as Divya Deeksha Din (Divine Initiation Day) in Siddha Yoga. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev explained the day’s significance and told the participants that they all were fortunate to be initiated today. When all were leaving Siddhaloka at 2 P.M. the bliss they had experienced could be seen on each and everybody’s face. The question slips in the last session of the intensive were also filled with the blissful experiences of Darshan of Bhagwan Nityananda.

Gabriele Weixelbraun from Canada writes to Param Poojya Sri Gurudev “ Bhagwan Nityananda entered my meditation and told me that choose the peaceful one as your Guru. I knew it was you – Gurudev. Since this subtle contact with your presence, the qualities of peace and silence have entered my life. My meditations are deeper now. Please accept me as your devotee. Kindle my tiny flame, turn it into a blazing fire and guide me.”

A new dining hall and kitchen facility has been constructed to meet the requirements of feeding the increasing number of devotees visiting Siddhaloka. The dining hall has been named ‘Janananda’ (literally, ‘Human Happiness’), after Sadguru Janananda Swami. Swami Janananda was the senior-most disciple of Bhagwan Nityananda and was the head of the Nityananda Ashram at Kanhangad, Kerala for several decades.

Swami Janananda met Bhagwan Nityananda at Kanhangad when Bhagwan was digging the famous caves at that place out of a huge rock with his bare hands. This meeting was the turning point in Swamiji’s spiritual life. He joined his master in the task of digging the caves, making full use of his great strength. Having gauged Swamiji’s latent capacity of spiritual illumination, Bhagwan directed him to go to the Himalayas on a pilgrimage to attain further spiritual heights. Swamiji faced nature’s tests and tribulations and covered the most desolate heights of the Himalayas, including the thick ice and snowy regions of Kailas, Manasarovar, Badrinath, Kedarnath and other holy places, walking barefoot and guided by the divine grace of Bhagwan Nityananda. Swami Janananda then returned to his guru at Ganeshpuri in 1955, where Bhagwan Nityananda fondly embraced him. This miraculously restored

Swamiji’s travel-worn and frozen body to its normal health instantaneously. It was then that Bhagwan ordained him and named him as ‘Janananda’ and directed him to take charge of the Kanhangad Ashram and to settle there permanently. This command was faithfully obeyed by Swamiji and he built Kanhangad into a beautiful township, where earlier there were only dense forests. A huge temple dedicated to Bhagwan Nityananda was built. Swamiji’s tireless efforts, hard work and personal supervision ensured the development of the place and free accommodation and food to all devotees irrespective of any distinctions. The daily Bala Bhojan (feeding of children) continues till this day in the Ashram. The Shri Nityananda Polytechnic College at Kanhangad was also established by Swamiji. After spending more than four decades of fruitful years of his sacred life dedicated to his guru’s service and the benefit of mankind, he left his earthly body in 1982.

Swami Janananda was a most hospitable soul with an open and welcoming nature. He would insist that every devotee visiting the Ashram would first be fed heartily. In memory of his loving nature, reflected in the importance to feeding one and all, the newly constructed dining facility at Siddhaloka has been aptly named ‘Janananda’.

On the auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Poornima falling on 2nd July 2004 (Friday), a programme of 'Shram Daan' i.e. 'Voluntary Service' was arranged under the theme of "A Sacred Forest to aspire life and Rejuvenation of wastelands for the upliftment of rural populace" at Siddhaloka from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. About 55 devotees participated in the programme. The Shram Daan has been continued as a regular activity every Sunday, with 40 to 50 devotees reaching Siddhaloka every weekend for the same. Over the last three weeks, construction of check dams and cleaning of ancient wells has been in progress under the personal leadership of Param Poojya Swamiji, whose presence makes even the toughest target achievable.

On 8th July 2004, a function was organised in the Primary School of the adjoining village of Varadenahalli, in which exercise books were distributed to all students. The arrangements were by Shri Lakshmipathi, a social worker of the region and Param Poojya Swamiji was invited as the Chief Guest. Village Panchayat members and the school faculty were also present.

The annual event of Bal Bhojan (Feeding of children) was conducted at Siddhaloka on the 43rd Punyatithi of Bhagwan Nityananda on 14th July 2004. 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.

Priya Bandhu,
                            Saprema Sri Gurusmarnam !

Param Poojya Sri Gurudev once explained the meaning of the word 'Deeksha' as - "Dheeyate Shiva Sanyujyam, Kshayate Paaparashinam". One such "Shaktipat Deeksha" granting the Shivasanyujyam to the seeker was arranged on the occasion of Sri Mahashivaratri on 18th February 2004. In this programme devotees from France, Rajasthan and different parts of Karnataka participated.

A Siddha Yoga Satsang was arranged on March 7th at the residence of Air Vice Marshal K.S. Chaturvedi . The subject of satsang was - 'Search for God'. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev reminded the assembled seekers and devotees that God is ever active within our own selves; we need not try to find HIM outside. The bhajan of Saint Kabir 'Moko kahan tu dhoonde bande........' rendered in melodious voice supported the theme.

Some of the sayings of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev during Satsang with visitors are mentioned here:

Q. What is the difference between Devotion & Worship ?
A. Devotion is internal whereas worship is its external expression. Those who cannot offer mental worship, keeping devotion inside, take the first step of external worship etc. Mental worship is best.

Q. Where does Devotion come from?
A. Devotion arises from within oneself. It has three sources - Sanskar (accumulated mental tendencies from past lives) , Sankat (Misery) and Satsang (the company of revered saints). Some people have devotion from childhood by virtue of their past lives: such Devotion is stable. Some people are inclined to Devotion when misery befalls them. Being helpless before the adverse situations, they call for the grace of God. A wise man will remain devoted even after his bad times are over. Many times Devotion arises in the hearts of men as a result of the wise sayings of saintly persons and by being in their company. Study of religious texts also induces Devotion. There are chances of this Devotion disappearing when satsang ceases, so satsang should be continued till Devotion becomes firmly established in one's heart.

For participating in the 'Siddha Yoga Summer Camp' fifty five persons reached Siddhaloka on 1st May 2004. This year the camp was planned meticulously. Temporary accommodations of four big tents resembling rooms were put up two days earlier at Siddhaloka. The camp presented a blend of all age groups, from 5 to 64 years of age. The youngsters enjoyed trekking, playing cricket, kabbadi etc. whilst ladies played khoko, chaincut, musical chair, etc. In the 'Yogasana' programme at 5 A.M. conducted under the guidance of Param Poojya Swamiji, all participated very enthusiastically. Besides the physical activities, the participants enjoyed the satsang and practiced reciting bhajans in the holy presence and company of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev. During satsang HE enlightened the gathering on various interesting subjects of day to day life and spiritual practices. Some of the points HE mentioned distinctively were :

"Direct relationship with the Siddha Guru is essential in Siddha Yoga. If a question is put up through different channels, it gets distorted on the way and therefore the answer will also be inconsistent."

"How to surrender to a Guru ? How to serve one who possesses everything ? Just as a mother serves the child, so the Guru should be served with all the love for our own satisfaction."

"There are three types of meditation :-
Atma Dhyan, Siddha Dhyan and Eeshwar Dhyan.

    1. Atma Dhyan: It is like seeing one's image in the mirror: What has one done in the whole day, what mistakes or wrongs committed and so on. Such a contemplation of the self is Atma Dhyan.

    2. Siddha Dhyan: Dualities like sorrow or pleasure, honour or dishonour, good or bad, true or false, etc. exist in pairs of opposites and disturb the mind. Then how should one meditate or concentrate ? The answer is: 'Veetaraga purusham va chittam': Concentrate on the great saints like Bhagwan Nityananda - this is Siddha Dhyan.

    3. Eeshwar Dhyan: This creation of God bestows blessings upon us in the form of the earth, water, fire, air and space, the five elements which create and support life. Remembering God with gratitude for showering HIS grace is Eeshwar Dhyan"

Param Poojya Sri Gurudev led the participants to sit in Atma Dhyan , Siddha Dhyan and Eeshwar Dhyan for a while, making them experience immense peace and bliss. Swami Muktananda's 96th Birth Anniversary was celebrated on 4th May 2004. Special Arati was performed with Darshan and distribution of Prasad, marking the conclusion of the Summer Camp.

Sri Guru Poornima
On the auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Poornima falling on 2nd July 2004 (Friday), a programme of 'Shram Daan' i.e. 'Voluntary Service' has been arranged under the theme of "A Sacred Forest to aspire life and Rejuvenation of wastelands for the upliftment of rural populace" at Siddhaloka from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Devotees interested in participating are requested to inform Siddhaloka in advance.

The next 'Shaktipat Deeksha' Programme will take place on 15th August 2004 - the Divya Deeksha Day. Registration for this has already commenced. Persons interested in the Siddha Meditation Intensive are requested to contact Siddha Yoga Dham office immediately.

Rest is Sri Guru Kripa
In the service of Sri Gurudev

Surekha

The traditional festival of Ayudh Pooja was celebrated at Siddhaloka on 4.10.03. All the machines, tools, weapons, instruments and sacred books were offered Pooja in the holy presence of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev. After the Prasad distribution HE spared some time for satsang with the visitors.

On the next day, 5.10.03, Param Poojya Swamiji left for a scheduled tour of Kerala, along with thirteen devotees. During this Pilgrimage various places where Bhagwan Nityananda lived and rendered service to the humanity were shown. A reverential visit was paid to Guruvanam, where Bhagwan Nityananda first appeared and where now Papa-Nashini-Ganga flows perennially. It is a beautiful place with natural surroundings and sacred vibrations. Everyone took bath in the flowing sacred river.

Some of the words of Param Poojya Swamiji are narrated here, which HE spoke during this visit.

“We should always keep a watch on our mind. It is essential to have a clean mind. It is futile to make an attempt to bring changes for improvement in others.”

“Whenever we observe some shortcomings in others, take it that it is the reflection of our own shortcomings and wrong understanding. God has created this universe and finding faults in it will amount to laying the blame on God Himself.”

“Those actions of man which he thinks are not observed, seen or are beyond the knowledge of anybody are the ones that become a heavy burden on him.”

“Fearlessness is the key to liberation. Realize the inner power, overcome all fears and liberate yourself. A regular check on mind is essential to attain the state of fearlessness.”

On 10.10.03, Muktananda Punyatithi was celebrated. Param Poojya Sri Gurudev led the Vishnusahsranam chanting and Arati was offered sharp at 11 P.M. (the time Baba Muktananda took Mahasamadhi 21 years ago on Ashwayuja Shuddha Poornima).

Dhanalaxmi Pooja was performed on 25.10.03 evening. After the Prasad fire crackers were lighted. Deepavali was arranged on 3 days 24^th, 25^th & 26^th. The distinguished guest on this Deepavali was the Pontiff of Pejawar Mutt His Holiness Swami Vishwesh Tirtha. All the ashramites welcomed this great saint. Param Poojya Swamiji led Him to the Dhyan Mandir. On Darshan of Bhagwan Nityananda and Paramhamsa Muktananda, Swamiji remembered them respectfully. He went round the historical monuments around Siddhaloka and spent some tome with the ashramites. Thereafter, He left for Bangalore.

As the month of October came towards its end, preparations commenced for the forth coming series of Siddha Meditation Intensives planned for 16^th November, 14^th December & 15^th January. In these three intensives persons from 13 to 73 years of age belonging to different professions, students, ladies & gents participated very enthusiastically.

In the first session Param Poojya Swamiji explained about meditation, the necessity of remaining indrawn and other related points. HE asked them to sit in a comfortable posture, with a free mind, leaving aside any apprehensions or qualms.

After Shaktipat Deeksha, participants narrated their experiences, like Darshan of Bhagwan Nityananda and Swami Muktananda, vision of blue pearl and lights of different colours, feeling of lightness in the body & mind, sensations of current flowing in the nerves, stillness of mind etc. Questions pertaining to the awakening of Kundalini, its significance in life were raised. While answering the query on controlling one’s ego Param Poojya Sri Gurudev explained that surrender and little sacrifice will work. How can one expect that everything should go as per the wishes of the individual? After an interesting round of question-answer session Arati was offered on the conclusion of the programme.

Sri Adheesh Telang from Jakarta in Indonesia received the Shaktipat-Deeksha by the Divine Thought of Param Poojya Sri Gurudev, in the Intensive on 16^th November(it was Deeksha by telepathy). Later he intimated that he is feeling a change in his attitude and awareness of his own thinking power. He felt much more at peace and thanking Param Poojya Swamiji, offered his profound pranams.

In between the two intensives, Param Poojya Sri Gurudev attended one program at Mumbai. HE had said to a young lady of a devotee family,“ I am giving you this coconut, break it on your wedding day, I shall come on that day.” On 3.12.03 that auspicious day arrived. Param Poojya Swamiji went to Mumbai and fulfilled HIS promise.

At a distance of about 18 kms from here, Canara Bank, Tavarakere branch celebrated their silver jubilee on 18.12.03. Param Poojya Swamiji was invited as the Chief Guest. In HIS address on this occasion HE advised that those who avail the facility of loans are indeed using the savings done by others and therefore it becomes their prime duty to repay it promptly on time and become free of this debt.

On the occasion of Paramhamsa Muktananda Jayanti,

a Siddha Yoga Summer Camp has been organized

from 1.5.2004, Saturday to 4.5.2004, Tuesday.

Families can participate. For details contact Siddha Yoga Dham office.