Discourse & Satsangs

Krishna with Poojya Swamiji

Krishna Janmashtami (Sep 6)

Tiny “Krishna-footsteps” were drawn with rice flour on the floor at SIRD’s porch, into the Satsang Hall up to Poojya Swamiji’s chair, then to the altar where richly-decorated swing and Krishna-idols were kept. Swamiji and Ma commenced the impromptu programme by leading everyone to perform parikrama of the decorated lamp at SIRD’s porch, before proceeding back into the hall for Swamiji’s message.

Swamiji narrated stories from Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, highlighting that Krishna’s life carried both emotional appeal and intellectual excellence. Ma too spoke on Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, reciting shlokas on Krishna’s birth to the accompaniment of conch, bell and gong, and regaling all present, describing the antics of little Krishna.

After the talks, everyone was given a lighted diya to perform ārati to Poojya Swamiji, then place at the Krishna-altar. Devotional dancing by devotees very naturally took place, made even more joyful with Poojya Swamiji and Ma’s participation.

2-day Public Discourse based on Bhagavad Gita

Pāda Pooja (Sep 7)

Following a wonderful Bhajan session, Pāda Pooja was performed by Smt Gunavaty and Smt Shamini. After the anointing of feet with chandan and kumkum, they offered flower petals at Swamiji’s feet to the chanting of 108 nāmāvalī by Ma.

In his benedictory address, Poojya Swamiji explained that the body subsists by Nature’s laws; so there is no role for ego and possessiveness. We must understand that God alone IS. We must feed the mind and intelligence with good thoughts, and must feel that we completely belong to God.

 “Realize Your Inner Potential for Success” (Sep 8-9)

2-day Public Discourse based on Bhagavad Gita at Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple.

This was the only programme held outside SIRD premises. Poojya Swamiji’s discourse was focused on what success means, and what steps are to be taken towards success. Swamiji said that the real success is internal; the mind needs to be enlightened so that even an apparent failure in the objective world turns out to be an enrichment for the mind. Mind is the sole focus of all interactions, reminded Swamiji. It has infinite dimensions – sky is the limit.

Swamiji covered key shlokas from Bhagavad Gita to give us the formula for living successfully and joyfully. The whole life is a continuous series of perceptions by the 5 senses. But at the mind level, they become only two – happiness and unhappiness. The wise man has an even outlook towards both and remains unaffected. In being so, he becomes the master of the world, and not its slave as most people are.

“Joy of Being Natural” (Sep 12-14)

3-day discourse based on Ashtavakra Samhita

Poojya Swamiji discussed the dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, emphasizing the relevance and utility of this text. In answering Janaka’s questions, Ashtavakra exposes sentience as the singular Subject that transcends the objective world. This inner presence is our Real Identity, unchanging and imperishable; and not the limited, changeful body we generally identify with. This ignorance can be overcome only by Knowledge, the pursuit of which is our sadhana.

Swamiji’s presentation of this text taught us that when we remain anchored to this inner Self, then nothing of the outside world will affect us. We continue to live and move about in the world, freely and naturally doing whatever comes to be done with ease and joy.

Children's program "Swamiji and I"

“How to Attain a Calm and Stable Mind” (Sep19-21)

3-day discourse by Ma, based on Bhagavad Gita

Ma’s discourse series at SIRD gave seekers a clear map towards mental peace and stability. We must look into our own mind and see what it is that makes us anxious and not at ease. We have to understand where saṅga (delusional clinging) lies; saṅga prevents the mind from becoming pure.

Ma emphasized that every activity is Lord’s alone, even the capability to act is His. When we remain anchored to the Self, we can accept every outcome and enjoy the entire journey of life. This sama-bhāva towards all results, grants us lasting peace and poise.

Children’s programme: “Swamiji and I” (Sep 16)

Burst of energy and enthusiasm was felt in SIRD as more than 60 young children and teenagers from 4 children’s homes joined students of SIRD’s Cultural Heritage Class for this special programme. Most of the children from the homes had previously participated in, and benefited from, SIRD’s Inner Resources Development projects, ‘I Can’ and ‘3+3 MTP’.

First the children were divided into 7 groups for two games which taught them about teamwork and communication – separating a heap of mixed lentils into cups according to the type of lentil, and picking up an orange using only one chopstick per child.

Later when Swamiji addressed the children and asked which is more important, body or mind, Ma particularly noticed that all of them answered with full force “Miiiiiiiiind”!!

The impressionable young minds were awakened by Swamiji to their Godliness. The children were assured that when they make efforts, have belief and reliance on God, and live with an adventurous spirit, God will always help them.

Vedanta workshop for youth

 “Accepting and Transcending Conflicts” (Sep 17)

Vedanta Workshop for Youth

The one-day workshop drew participation of almost 30 young seekers. Many were newcomers and most were between the ages of 20-35.

The event started with an interesting ice-breaker – “Train of thoughts”, where participants had to say the first thing that came to their mind upon hearing the word ‘conflict’.

Poojya Swamiji spoke to them about what life really is, and how conflict is part and parcel of it. Swamiji used the example of Rama and Sita to illustrate how the human mind can overcome any adversity and need not be shaken by any kind of conflict.

Ma’s talk focused on why we get troubled by conflicts. It is traits such as possessiveness that result in non-acceptance of situations. Ma shared that acceptance and equanimity are imperative in coursing through any of life’s challenges.

Following Swamiji’s talk, participants were again asked to say the first thing that came to mind upon hearing the word ‘conflict’. This ‘Train of Thought’ exercise was repeated once more after Ma’s talk as well, to see the effect of the sessions on participants’ minds.

During group discussion, participants explored actual conflicts in their lives and how to apply what they have learnt.

Before concluding, Poojya Swamiji fielded a variety of questions including why the world is not perfect. Swamiji’s answer was that the world IS perfect. Perfection and imperfection are also dvandvas which are to be transcended. Swamiji’s parting advice of wisdom for transcending conflicts was to be a witness, simply witnessing whatever comes and never being touched by any of it.

Morning Satsangs and Touching Reminiscences

Vibrant interactive satsangs were held with Swamiji in the mornings. Swamiji cleared doubts on a variety of issues such as what is the mind, nature of the world, and the right way to bring up a child. Much of the discussion also centred around God and devotion.

Ma’s ‘Reminiscences’ were enlightening, enjoyable and often poignant. Ma shared her experiences over the past 25 years of visiting Malaysia, from the early days when they were hosted in Dr Damodaran’s house, to the rented premises before SIRD procured its own building. Ma introduced a few old-time devotees who are still with SIRD, some still very actively involved and others less so due to age and health. The sessions were made more interesting and meaningful by the photos that were projected. Many of the more recently associated devotees had never seen these pioneers; knew nothing about them. In that way, the sessions were not only informative but necessary.

Distribution of grocery kits to the needy

SIRD Malaysia’s Societal Welfare Initiative

A simple and natural conversation between Ma and one of the domestic workers culminated in a new direction for SIRD’s activities. Poojya Swamiji launched SIRD’s societal welfare initiative by making some token contribution to get the fund started. In his talks, Swamiji repeatedly hammered home the need for seekers to break free from selfishness and live for the society. To become “sarvabhūta-hite-ratāḥ”.

Discussions and preparations took place at rapid pace and the first project – providing grocery kits to 30 struggling families living in low-cost flats right within the neighbourhood – was conducted on Sep 22.

Ma writes about the event:

 “Recipients were given a good dinner containing a lot of variety including sweets. They then assembled in the Satsang Hall. After a brief introduction of Ashram, Swamiji addressed the recipients. I did ārati to them. After chanting of Paropakāra shlokas, distribution of the grocery kits began to the chanting of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’.

Altogether, each recipient-family received items of more than 20 kg of weight in 3 bundles. Their faces were happy, devotional. Some of them became emotional when receiving. They enjoyed their dinner too. The overall ambience was very joyful, very sublime.

A few recipients were brought in cars by SIRD volunteers and dropped back. After the distribution ended, Poojya Swamiji stood up and danced beating his sticks. Everyone circled around him including Namrata and I.

SIRD has never seen such a programme. Everybody was full of pure joy. Lots of devotees including youngsters volunteered in packing, setting up, feeding, distribution, helping to carry each recipient’s 3 big bundles up to vehicles, and also reaching some of them home.

It is a beginning…”

In the Company of the Guru

Poojya Swamiji and Ma held several meetings with devotees, core SIRD members, management committee members etc, about the running of the society and its future direction. Many devotees came for personal meetings with Swamiji and Ma. Families, youngsters, some going through life crises, some doing fine and simply wanting to sit at the feet of their Guru.

It was particularly touching to meet Uncle Ramachandran (97 years) and Datin Leela Menon (95 years), both of whom have a long association with Poojya Swamiji and the Centre. Everyday devotees would bring flowers and we would have Pushpa-samarpanam, followed by Swamiji’s Prabhāta-raśmiḥ, as in the Ashram.

A few times, together with Swamiji and Ma and a few devotees, Bharat Govindani and I were taken around in cars for a bit of sight-seeing. We were shown Putrajaya (the administrative capital), KL city centre and many other places. But the crux of this trip for me was seeing a Knower in action – continuously thinking and living for the welfare of the society – sarvabhūta-hite rataḥ!

Jai Gurudev.

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SIRD Malaysia’s Initiative – to Bring Self-Knowledge to Youngsters

Under Poojya Swamiji’s guidance, we at SIRD have come to appreciate the immense potential within ourselves and others. Poojya Swamiji’s entire life mission has been dedicated to making us realize that man’s perennial search for happiness and contentment lies in understanding and cultivating a healthy, vibrant and expansive mind. Having understood this message, and experienced the immense relief and freedom it brings, naturally did we feel a strong yearning to impart Swamiji’s teaching to others, particularly youngsters in their formative years. Read full article++

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The First Dāna-satram in SIRD Malaysia

Call to Action

Poojya Swamiji on 13th September made a clarion call to SIRD members to embark on some social welfare initiatives, in addition to the ongoing mind and intelligence-related societal work being done.

Swamiji said there should be some societal welfare assistance related to upkeep of body, as well as education, for underprivileged members of society in Malaysia. He said, “Any society’s prosperity is built on the joint efforts and contributions of its members. Its mental and moral welfare rests always on the austerity and dedication of those few, whose thoughts and inspiration permeate the rest.” Read full article++