As we bid farewell to 2018 and welcome 2019 here is to wishing you a Bright, Blessed and Happy New Year! Here is to hoping that we can celebrate 2019 together and take it one experience at a time and one opportunity at a time!
Those who know me and who follow my work and my writing would know that this year has been a year of interesting sorts! It has been a combination of happiness, sadness, growth, learning, acceptance and an abundance of blessings. Clearly this has not been the reality for me alone but it is also the reality for many the world over. As we move forward let’s continue to take it one day at a time and remember that every time you feel down there is always something positive here to help you through a tough day.
For 2019 I urge you to do the following:
·Take the good with the bad
·Find a positive to every negative
·Always be true to yourself
·Be the best that you can be at all times
·Live life without regrets
·Value every moment
·Count your blessings and be thankful for all that you have
·Never waste an opportunity
I urge you once again to please download SGSPosts for positive and uplifting messages if you have not already done this. It is an app which delivers messages by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji that are based on ‘peace, love, brotherhood and universal co-existence’ across the world.
Happy New Year 2019! Here is to 365 days of meaningful living, growth and positivity! From my entire family to you and your family best wishes for a blessed year ahead!
Yesterday, August 25, 2018 marked the official launch of the ‘Shivaaya Rudraaaya Namaha’ Mantra at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. The ‘Shivaaya Rudraaaya Namaha was given by devotees on the occasion of Guru Purnima 2018 for the peace and protection of Trinidad and Tobago and also for the peace and protection of the world.
Hundreds attended this function at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre to be a part of this historic occasion and also to join in the Mass Chanting of the Mantra. In attendance were several Pundits as well as members of various temples and other individuals who have heeded Sri Swamiji’s call to chant this very important Mantra. This Mantra will form an integral part of the spiritual build up of to the Maha Rudra Yagna which His Holiness Sri Swamiji announced will take place here in Trinidad in 2020.
The programme began with bhajans by the Bhajan group. Chairing the programme was Dr Ravita Singh who in her opening remarks explained the importance of chanting for the Universe. She said, “He (referring to his Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji) once said that if you pray for happiness for yourself but you are in a home where there is unhappiness it is very difficult for you to be happy. Similarly, it is difficult for there to be happiness in a home if there is unrest or unhappiness in a village.” Dr Singh further explained that achieving happiness in a village becomes difficult if there is unrest and unhappiness in a country which in turn cannot be realized if there is not peace in the world. Peace in the world in itself she explained cannot be achieved if the universe is unsettled.
The Invocation Prayer was done by Pundit Mohana Datta who serves as resident Pundit at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre and he was later joined by Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma for the official lighting of the lamp.
In addressing the gathering Sri Ramesh Persad Maharaj, President of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre told devotees that Trinidad devotees were not chosen by accident to begin this Mantra Upadesham and stressed that it is “an important duty” and “an important mission to serve the rest of the country and to serve the world.” He further continued by saying that it is a great responsibility to be able to join with followers of Sanatan Dharma throughout the world in an undertaking such as this.
The Mass Chanting of the Mantra produced a total of over 500,000 chants and this was in addition to the devotees who viewed the event via social media who logged their counts separately. Included in the programme was a PowerPoint presentation informing those attending the event and those viewing the live Facebook feed how to register their chanting count on Yoga Sangeeta.
Following the official launch of the “Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha” Mantra one long standing Datta devotee, Amrita Seyjagat remarked via Instagram, “Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha!!! I felt like Appaji was here physically…such energy and pure happiness…”
This was a reminder of something I mentioned in my post where I described the energy that was created when Uncle Sheetal began the chanting of the Mantra and devotees joined in (Refer to: https://rachaelathomasj.com/2018/08/18/celebrating-appajis-blessings-for-all-datta-devotees.) Sri Swamiji, our Appaji always lets us know He is always with us and undoubtedly, this is another example of His omnipresence.
Akash Vani 106.5 fm carried a live broadcast of the programme but for those who may have missed the official launch please know that there will be a delayed broadcast of this event on 103.1fm on Monday (tomorrow) from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like to view the video from the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre please visit https://www.facebook.com/dyctt/videos/245358352831251/
In closing I urge you to continue to chant and to remain steadfast in your commitment to promote peace in our country, our world and the Universe. More so remain steadfast in your commitment to do your part in helping to protect each. Let us keep uniting for a common good and let us serve as best as we can!
Om Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Sadguru Bhyo Namaha!
Today July 27, 2018 marks the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima! It is indeed a blessed occasion for all Datta Devotees in Trinidad as we have been quite fortunate to be blessed with the Divine Presence of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. More so we have been blessed with the presence of Datta devotees from around the world (Australia, USA, India, Canada to name a few) who have come to Trinidad to celebrate Guru Purnima and Trinidadians living abroad who have returned home especially for this event and to be in Sadguru’s presence!
During these past ten (10) days Appaji has done so much and we can all agree that no other can do it like His Holiness does. Allow me to share some of the many blessings we have received:
·Appaji blessed us with the Datta Ganga Raga Sagara Music for Meditation and Healing Concert at SAPA on July 20th
·Appaji inaugurated the Hanuman Shrine at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram and He inaugurated Annapoorna Mandiram on Tuesday 24th July. He also performed Sri Chakra Puja.
·Appaji also blessed the devotees at the Datta Shiva Ram Mandir in Princes Town
·On Tuesday 24th July Appaji visited the Lakshminarayana Pranava Temple in Beaucarro Village Carapichaima and inaugurated the canteen facilities of the schools run by the Temple Appaji
·Appaji performed Guru Mantra Upadesha for hundreds of devotees on the morning of 26th July
·Appaji announced plans for Maha Rudra Yagna and for the sacred Guru Purnima Festival His Holiness gave the Mantra ‘Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha’ to be chanted as many times as possible in the spiritual build up for this event to be held in 2020
·Appaji blessed us all immensely in an abundance of ways
·Appaji urged us to embrace all that we have and to understand who we are- to understand ourselves
·Appaji recognised the contribution of two (2) pundits who have contributed immensely to Sanatan Dharma in Trinidad and Tobago
Appaji shared a full page message for Guru Purnima in today’s Express Newspaper
With Appaji there is continuous growth, there is deeper meaning and there is greater fulfilment. Like the well which channels water and channels energy to sustain life, so does Sadguru! He gives us the opportunity to experience the elixir of life as received and gives us the opportunity to know oneself.
In closing this evening’s programme there was a cake cutting ceremony for Appaji which featured a well that provides water like the Ganges and cakes in the form of Appaji’s Padukas.
Like the well which flows to provide water to many we are reminded of Sadguru, our Appaji who provides an immense outpouring of love, extends His reach at all times to all humanity and does so with purity, without fear, without favour and without discrimination. All is within His reach and none can do what He does or profess to do so! He protects humanity and looks after all devotees. From His life and His actions we can attest to His omnipotence and His omniscience. Like water, He is the giver of Life! He is the Sustainer of Life and the Preserver of Life! He is Sadguru and He is the Avadhoota!
We can all attest to the fact that time and time again many ask how we can thank Appaji?
Here are some ways in which you can do so:
·Practise Sadhana
·Understand who you are
·Accept that we are one family
·Keep your focus and serve
·Embrace Appaji’s Daily Messages
·Download Free Apps from SGS Posts, Path, Nadi Shuddi Yoga, Hanuman Chalisa for Parayana, Bhakti Mala English and Livestream and invest in Apps for Purchase like Bhajan Mala, SGS Bhagavad Gita, Divine Darshan, Kavacha Manjari and Vishnu Sahasranamam from Google Playstore for Android Devices and Apple Store for iOS devices
·Develop Your Spirituality
·Ensure that you utilize the services of the bookstores in the Ashrams by purchasing Appaji’s books and cds. This was mentioned in this evening’s discourse. Read Appaji’s books, absorb the information in them and put them to daily use. As Appaji says, “Be good, Do Good”. Listen to the music on the cds, learn the bhajans, sing them and glorify the name of God
·Use food, music and positive lifestyle changes to uplift yourself
·Learn Bhagavad Gita and Guru Gita
Appaji, we are happy that You are our Sadguru! We are eternally thankful for all that You have done for us and for all that You continue to do for us! Humble Pranams to Your Lotus Feet!
Happy Guru Purnima Appaji!
Thank you for Blessing us always!
Thank you for Blessing Trinidad devotees and for blessing devotees the world over! We love you Appaji! On behalf of all devotees in Trinidad I can surely say that we look forward to having You with us again soon!
In closing I leave this invitation to provide further information with you for the download of apps and to get more information on what was shared in this post. Please leave a comment here or email me at signaturewritingstyles@gmail.com . Do not let the negatives of life pull you down! Always strive to be the best you can be!
Today like every other day is a blessed day! We can all agree that we are infinitely blessed! All that His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our Sadguru, our Appaji does for us and for all humanity is immeasurable and He is Avadhoota! He is Nada Brahma and is always there for us! He is Sachchidananda (the manifestation of Truth, Knowledge and Bliss). Today holds greater significance as it is the day when Appaji arrives in Trinidad and it is a day many of us have been looking forward to!
The focus of this post is somewhat different as it shows us another blessing Appaji has given to us! On this occasion I am very happy to be able to share the gift of reading with all Datta devotees the world over as you will be quite pleased to know some of Appaji’s books are available in Kindle Editions so you can purchase Appaji’s books and download them via Kindle Apps. Together, let us celebrate the gift of reading for all Datta devotees via Kindle Apps!
Finding Appaji’s books on Amazon in Kindle Edition is a priceless discovery and certainly a treasure and a blessing! I could not wait to share this with you! I was absolutely excited and delighted when I found four (4) of Appaji’s books on Amazon Kindle. I found them yesterday and wanted to ensure that I could share them with you today.
The good news is each of these books can be downloaded to a kindle device or kindle app and you can purchase them. Here are the links you can use to embrace Appaji’s books:
The following pieces of information are very important to take note of as they will certainly help.
1.Each book can be given as a gift so that you can spread Appaji’s teachings and messages with others.
2.You can download a sample of each book if you do not have funds at this time to purchase them.
3.You can add each book to a Wish List so that you can find them easily when you can purchase them.
As mentioned in my previous post you do not need a Kindle to read a book that is available in Kindle Edition. Of course having one may be a source of comfort to you but there are several free ways in which you can download Free Apps to read your Kindle Books.
Allow me to clarify one thing: Many people misunderstand what a Kindle is!
What is a Kindle?
A Kindle is a small hand held electronic device for reading books which has been developed by online retailer Amazon. (Source: https://www.digitalunite.com>guides)
As mentioned having a Kindle is not the only way to download a book in Kindle edition. What you can do is download the free Kindle App
Further to this you can download the App to more than one device (for example, a mobile phone and a laptop or a laptop and a desktop)
What’s more is that if you live in Trinidad and Tobago when you purchase a Kindle book you don’t incur any charges for online shopping.
I am happy that I could share this good news with you and I invite you to share it with others! In closing I leave you with Appaji’s itinerary for His visit to Trinidad!
We are indeed blessed to have Appaji here for Guru Purnima and can all agree that we all have a lot to look forward to!
His name, His messages, His teachings, His music, His divinity and His purity are known by Devotees the world over! He is praised by many and when devotees praise His name it is with prayerful supplication, humility and an abundance of love.
His presence warms the heart of many and from Him bliss and purity radiate. He is not just Swamiji but He is Sadguru, He is Nada Brahma, He is Maha Avatar, He is Appaji and He is Lord Dattatreya- the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
This post is dedicated to the celebration of Appaji’s 75th Birthday! Appaji- His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji! Happy 75th Birthday Appaji!
Photo Credit: Datta Peetham
Some may say that I have missed it but Appaji’s birthday continues to be celebrated around the world in the various places He visits. This post has been in the making for some time now and it is finally published. My question is, ‘What do you give a Sadguru who has given so much? ‘
Appaji Humble Pranams to Your Lotus Feet! You have done so much for us that the words Thank You seem inadequate. What we can do is to listen to Your Divine Messages, say Thank You, practice what You share with us, heed Your instructions, lead better lives and become better people. As You say in SGS Posts, “Be good, Do Good”.
Appaji has given us so much and He has not only given so much but day after day He keeps blessing us with His messages and His Divine Darshan. What we need to be disciplined as we read, as we listen, as we put into practice what we read and listen and try each day to be our best versions of ourselves.
Those who read Appaji’s autobiography will know Appaji’s life, His struggles, His uniqueness and they will understand why He is Avadhoota. Those who follow His journey will also understand it and those of you who are Datta devotees will understand how blessed we are.
Following the start of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Mysore, His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji continued His journey of selfless service to mankind, His service to Dharma and to the world.
His Holiness was awarded Three World records on His 75th Birthday. These three records added to the previous five Guinness World. They were for:
1. The World’s Largest Hindu Smruti, Bhagavad Gita book in 18 languages was achieved by Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. Measuring 7 feet by 5 feet this, the World’s Largest Bhagavad Gita book weighs over 800 kilos.
2. The most bird species in an aviary (Shuka Vana) having 468 species.
3. The largest display of bonsai trees (Kishkhinda Moolika Bonsai Garden) which consists of 2649 trees.
The previous five awards were given to His Holiness at the places listed:
1.Most people chanting (31 January 2015)-Hanuman Chalisa Chanting in Tenali, Andra Pradesh, India
2.Largest Music Therapy Session (6 April 2015)- Sydney Opera House in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Session lasted 2 ½ hours.
3.Longest Marathon Chanting (Team) of 24 hours, 10 minutes and 8 seconds- (1 August 2015)-–Hanuman Chalisa Chanting, Frisco, Texas.
4.Largest Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) Lesson- (July 10, 2016)- India Community Center, Milpitas, Bay Area, USA
5.Largest Online Video Album with over 40,000 people from 30+ different countries dedicating a prayer chant for the universal brotherhood (July31, 2016)- Dattatreya Yoga Center 85 ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti, Carapichaima, Trinidad.
Following the ceremonies and festivities in Mysore His Holiness travelled to Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India then to Kenya, Frankfurt and London outside India for important tasks. Those who know His Holiness can attest to the fact that His travels are never for leisure but always to help mankind and His followers the world over. His return to India saw the continuation of such work as is always undertaken by Him (His Holiness) and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (Sri Bala Swamiji). It included the Nakshatra Ishti 2017 ceremonies, the Ati Rudra Yagya, the National Conference on the Shaastras, Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations and Dattatreya Jayanti Celebrations.
The year’s itinerary culminated with a Nada Geeta Raga Sagara Music for Meditation and Healing concert in Taipei, Taiwan on December 31.
Less than 2 months into 2018 His Holiness has continued to share priceless moments and priceless learning opportunities and opportunities to be eternally treasured with the world. Here are some events in 2018 which you surely would not have missed:
·Sankranti Festival in Vijayawada Ashram (His Holiness and Sri Bala Swamiji)
·Rapta Saptami Festival
·Hanuman Chalisa Parayana Maha Yagna in Vizag
·Music for Meditation and Healing at Ukku Auditorium Vizag Steel plant, Vishakhapatnam
To date Appaji has given us Kriya Yoga, Healing Music, daily Sri Chakra Puja, an abundance of bhajans, daily messages and discourses which have crossed the thousands together with 16 Mobile Apps which I have listed below:
·SGS Posts
·Hanuman Chalisa for Pranayama
·SGS Birds-Shukavana
·Bhajan Mala
·Guru Gita
·SGS MMS
·Vishnu Sahasranamam
·Lalita Sahasranama
·Bhagavad Gita-With Audio and Transliterations in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada
·Kavacha Manjari
·Shatashloki Ramayana
·SGS Quotes Mobile
·SGS Hindu Hanuman Chalisa
·SGS Telugu Hanuman Chalisa
·SGS Panchangam
·SGS Kannada Hanuman Chalisa
To access these apps visit either the Apple Store or Google Play Store (depending on your phone type- Apple/Android) search the App and download it.
It is my sincere belief that this video will help many further understand the great work His Holiness is doing and foster a greater appreciation and deeper sense of gratitude for both His Holiness and for Avadhoota Datta Peetham.
In closing I urge all readers to keep following Appaji’s teachings and to keep practicing what His Holiness teaches us. Listen to the messages in His discourses and messages shared through His apps. Practice Kriya Yoga, practice Satwick eating and practice all else that Appaji shares with us and asks us to do!
Appaji, Thank You for all that You have done for us and all that You continue to do for us!
As we bid farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018 I wish you a Bright, Blessed and Happy New Year! I hope we can celebrate 2018 together and take it by celebration after celebration!
By no means do I want to make this a long post but I want it to be a true celebration of good things to come for all of us and a celebration of all that we have overcome in 2017! Let’s promise to take it one day at a time and remember that everytime you feel down this is one place you can visit to find something that may cheer you up or inspire you to continue!
All in all this blog comprises of 81 posts. What is my challenge to you for 2018? Find as many posts on my page that can inspire either you or someone you know. Then share them and make someone’s day better! Whether it is one line or one link if it can make a positive difference please share it.
I urge you once again to please download SGSPosts for positive and uplifting messages if you have not already done this. It is an app which delivers messages by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji that are based on ‘peace, love, brotherhood and universal co-existence’ across the world. You can download it using any of these links:
Allow me also to share what ended 2017 for me on a high note. Below is the link to His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s Healing and Meditation Concert in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday (Dec 31, 2017). Sri Swamiji’s concert was a Nada Gita Raga Sagara and it was viewed by many Datta devotees the world over. Please remember it is a Healing and Meditation Concert so do not open this link if you are driving, going to drive, operating machinery or about to operate machinery.
What does kindness mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines kindness as “the quality or state of being gentle and considerate.”
My take on kindness is this: Kindness is free. It starts with one and can be spread to millions. I believe that kindness is a way of life and it is something we should always practice. It costs nothing but offer major benefits. Won’t you say?
Here is some information shared by CaCao TV . In this video the history of World Kindness Day is explained. There are 5 fast facts on World Kindness Day that I am certain can help in understanding how important this day is and why it is important. If you cannot click the video below please click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xStyjUQNrHs
Now, here are some interesting perspectives on kindness! They are all valid and each speaker offers a unique experience! The question it asks is: Are you kind? So are you? In answering yourself please be honest but I am sure that you are reading this because kindness is something you can identify with. Again I have included the link for those who are in need of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazzrkh2X9o
As we move on I am happy to let you know that I opted to choose the video below because I love the way kindness has been depicted in it. Like the other videos I am sure there is something we can all identify with. This video is very engaging and it helps us understand how kindness helps us as well as others. As with the other videos here is the link in case you need it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju3ygNPFH98
In closing I urge you to always be kind! This message shared by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says it all. It provides a profound message on how to life. As His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says in one of His SGSPosts today, “Be simple, generous, kind and truthful.”
Please don’t let all these precious messages fall on deaf ears! As I always say it’s yours for the taking! Happy World Kindness Day 2017!
You may have heard of it and then again you may not have! If you have not my duty is to inform you of it.
Did you hear of the mass chanting of Hanuman Chalisa for world peace in Tenali, Andra Pradhesh, India? On January 31, 2015 Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore, India was presented with a Record Certificate for setting a new world record in the category of mass chanting for the most people chanting from a single location.
Have a look at this video:
or
This Ad was courtesy Sree Raman
As a Press release available on YogaSangeeta so aptly states, “At a time of constant turmoil, mass killings, and natural disasters happening in different parts of the world, His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, pontiff of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham of Mysore, India led a mass chanting session on January 31st, 2015 in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh in India for the benefit of world peace. This mammoth effort, aimed at benefiting all beings and the atmosphere, has been aptly recognized by the “Guinness World Records”.
We wish we could have been there for this major event but we are thankful for an opportunity to serve. Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda has asked that everyone sings Hanuman Chalisa a minimum of 40 times. Chant Hanuman Chalisa yourself, share it with your loved ones and spread the word that chanting Hanuman Chalisa is very important. It is for your own benefit.
Sri Hanumanji- Om Namo Hanumate Namaha!
As Sri Swamiji explained in this press release, “Hanuman Chalisa is a very ancient prayer dating back over 500 years. This particular prayer is especially chosen for chanting since the collective sound vibrations will create positive impact thereby promoting universal brotherhood, and aiding in the well-being of the entire universe.” In recent times, scientific research has also revealed that sound waves formed while chanting are converted into electro-magnetic waves and potentially provide enormous positive impact on beings and atmosphere.”
Datta devotees would be fully aware of this instruction for mass chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. Should it be the first time you are hearing of this please feel free to contact me via this post so that I can give you further details.
To see for yourself how this newest addition to the Guinness World Record was received look at the links above and below.
Here is how it was received by several news agencies:
The good news is each of these books can be downloaded to a kindle device or kindle app and you can purchase them. Here are the links you can use to embrace Appaji’s books:
Happy New Year to everyone!
Celebrating Existence 