Posted in Guru Purnima 2018, Uncategorized

Celebrating Guru Purnima 2018 in the Divine Presence of Sri Swamiji (our Appaji, our Sadguru) & sharing His Message!

Jaya Guru Datta!

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.
37855343_1988643881165922_970841021837475840_nMore 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!

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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 Newspaperappajis message.jpg

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.

 

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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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXkFl5UeQts

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

·         Download the free Kindle App for iOS devices, Android devices and Mac or PC,  purchase Appaji’s books that are available in Kindle Edition or get samples of them and add them to a Wishlist so that you can purchase them when you can afford them (Re: https://rachaelathomasj.com/2018/07/17/celebrating-the-availability-of-appajis-books-for-all-datta-devotees-via-kindle-apps)

·         Give food and clothing to the less fortunate

·         Practise Sattvic living

·         Support Shuka Vana

·         Meditate

·         Use food, music and positive lifestyle changes to uplift yourself

·         Learn Bhagavad Gita and Guru Gita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWTbAEPrQhw

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! 

 

 

Posted in Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2018!

Today is Hanuman Jayanti! Screenshot_2017-04-04-11-38-02

Happy Hanuman Jayanti! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Jai Veer Hanuman!

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As journalist Seeta Persad so rightly said, Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago surely have eagerly been awaiting the arrival of Hanuman Jayanti. (See article http://newsday.co.tt/2018/03/30/hindus-mark-hanuman-jayanti-tomorrow/)

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Lord Hanuman means so much to so many and this is evident not just here in Trinidad but also in the way many the world over regard Him and give praises to Him. For starters He teaches us strength and patience, He teaches us about courage and humility and He offers us protection but He does so much more!  The list can go on and on and will never stray from the essence that Lord Hanuman is our Blessing and He holds special significance for the thousands and more so the millions that pray to Him.

Here in Trinidad we have the 85 ft Hanuman Murti which was consecrated in 2003 but this is not just any Hanuman Murti. In addition to being the tallest Hanuman Murti in the Western World, this is a Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti. In looking at the history of this Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti I found this video that I am sure can provide meaningful insight to many devotees.  It will in many respects help in shedding light on what the Newsday journalist was referring to. On this note I invite you to please have a look at it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcgT5S_1360

Moving on we can agree that indeed it is a divine blessing to hear the name of Lord Hanuman being glorified and indeed a blessing to be able to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. Today thousands visited the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Dattatreya Yoga Center in Carapichaima. The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa  was scheduled to begin at 6am this morning and it concluded after 7pm this evening. It was followed by Abhishekam, Puja and Homa. 

Rightfully so there is a lot that we can learn from Lord Hanuman and a simple means of accepting these lessons comes from understanding what the Hanuman Chalisa is telling us.  While the visit to the site http://aumamen.com/stotra/hanuman-chalisa can provide some ready assistance with this the link to Hanuman Chalisa for Parayana below will also provide you with peace, comfort and an abundance of postive energy.  

Many present at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Center today can attest to the fact that hundreds were able to offer their prayers to Lord Hanuman, sing Chalisa, perform Abhishekam, participate in Puja and Homa and also perform Aarti at the feet of Lord Hanuman.  Today’s Hanuman Jayanti celebrations came after 5 nights of Ramayan Discourses delivered during the past week. The week’s sessions began with Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma on Monday and continued with Pundit Hardeo Persad on Tuesday, Pundit Jewan Maharaj on Wednesday, Swami Prakashananda on Thursday. It concluded with Pundit Bimal Maharaj on Friday. 

In compiling this post finding bhajans being sung by His Holiness seemed most appropriate as His voice and His presence do more than words can ever fully express. Thankfully this morning I was able to hear and see His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Livestream (Click on Yoga Sangeetaand this evening we were able to be at the feet of Lord Hanuman.

I love all of Appaji’s bhajans and this is one of the first I heard. It is followed by some other bhajans that are filled with meaning and positive energy.  Here is my invitation to you to enjoy each of the Bhajans below and immerse yourself in Appaji’s offering! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHeYqD53gyY

As Hanuman Jayanti 2018 draws to an end continue putting into practice the many lessons Lord Hanuman has shared with us. As Appaji reminds us daily, “Be Good, Do Good”. 

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!

Posted in Ram Navami

Celebrating Ram Navami 2018!

Today  Sunday 25th March 2018 we joined with Hindus the world over in celebrating Sri Ram Navami! We were immensely blessed to be showered with the blessings and grace of His Holiness whose messages reach his followers in real time as He delivers His messages and reminds us of the abundance of love He has for us.

20180325_092022On this Holy occasion Shiva and I were as fortunate as we always are to be at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima which is home to the largest Lord Hanuman Murti in the Western Hemisphere- the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Mantra.

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Here is some info for those who may not know Lord Rama’s story:

http://www.navratriday.com/ram-navami.html

Here too is a beautiful rendition from Sooryagayathri whose soulful singing continues to capture many hearts.

Always happy to find past messages from His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidanda Swamiji, I was delighted to find these YouTube videos shared by Hanuman Hoffman who is a very dear Datta devotee and he is also one who is loved by us all. Appaji’s presence and His guidance, grace and teachings are invaluable, priceless and nothing short of an abundance of innumerable blessings. Please have a look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OgIWhAHICc

 

The first video as you would realise is a mantra to Lord Rama that is delivered to us by His Holiness and the second is an important sloka, it is the first sloka from the Sundara Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana and it is a Maha Mantra. 

From us to you, Happy Ram Navami! Keep chanting, keep praying, keep doing selfless service! Let Lord Rama’s story and His messages inspire you and remind you of how fortunate we are! 

As His Holiness says to us, “Be good, Do good!” (SGSPosts- Download it today if you haven’t! Also please share it with others!) 

 

 

Posted in Happy New Year 2018, Uncategorized

Celebrating Life: Happy New Year 2018!

Happy New Year CEHappy New Year to everyone!

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!

cropped-celebrate-your-existence    each day is a blessing

Celebrating Existence Post

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:

  1. https://bnc.lt/sgsposts
  2. https://itunes.apple.com/tt/app/sgs-posts/id1097382754?mt=8 (For iPhone users)
  3. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.sgsragasagara.sgs_posts  (For Android users)

In closing please enjoy these musical treats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Exq3HcGzc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBXPFnuCh-Q

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.

https://livestream.com/YogaSangeeta3/dec2017/videos/167806092

Once again everyone Happy New Year 2018! Lots of love from me to each of you now and always!

 

 

Posted in World Kindness Day

Celebrating World Kindness Day 2017!

Happy World Kindness Day 2017

Happy World Kindness Day 2017 everyone!

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

Always remember that being kind is something we should all be inspired to be! A part of treating others as you would like to be treated means improving your quality of life. This will result in a happier and a more fulfilled you!  In an effort to offer you further motivation I have opted to include this link that leads you to 25 quotes on kindness: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/25-quotes-about-kindness-that-will-inspire-you-to-make-a-difference-and-be-happy.html

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.”

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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!

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating the Power of Silence!

imagesI5DQML35Let’s celebrate the Power of Silence or as I choose to call it, The Lost Art of Shhhh! Silence according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is the “complete absence of sound”. But what is the power of silence? It is the ability to search within and find that inner peace that none can disturb. This is not impossible but like everything else it takes practice.  I am happy to share these images with you:

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“Silence the Mind by Simply Watching the Breath”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
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“Mirror reflects body. Meditation reveals Soul.”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
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“Experience the Soul”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Have a look at this video:

This is an excerpt from a speech by HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on the evening of September 4, 2014 at Meinberg, Germany. Here is the link to the rest of the speech by His Holiness:  http://dattavani.org/pravachana-malika/datta-vaakya/datta-vaakya-2014/september-2014/sep-4-2014/

Silence quotes according to HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
“1) In silence there are no quarrels.
2) Silence lies beyond the realm of judgment.
3) Silence is peace.
4) True silence occurs when the mind is still.
5) In silence there are no questions.
6) Creativity begins with silence.
7) The source of innovation is silence.
8) When the leaves stop rustling, the trees enjoy silence.
9) It is in silence that a fruit ripen to sweetness.
10) A flower gathers its colors in absolute silence.
11) True friends communicate best in silence.
12) Listening to pure silence is bliss.
13) To a screaming mind, silence is unbearable.
14) Silence teaches many things.
15) Silence can be peaceful, uncomfortable or ominous.
16) When thoughts are unclear, silence clears them.
17) A spell of silence brings clarity to situations.
18) Beautiful snowflakes fall so silently.
19) When silence is comfortable, there is peace in the air.
20) Compassion can be shown in perfect silence.
21) The silence of stubbornness is not pleasing.
22) When the mind is silent, the soul gets refreshed.
23) In deep sleep there is silence.
24) Silence speaks more eloquently than words.
25) There is music in silence.
26) Restless minds are frightened by silence.
27) Silence weaves lovely, soothing patterns.
28) Total silence turns the mind off.
29) In silence not even a leaf moves.
30) Words sometimes hinder communication.
31) The mighty and glorious Sun rises in deep silence.
32) The moon beams gently descend in silence.
33) The stars twinkle in absolute silence.
34) Silence empowers.
35) Words create a storm. Silence makes it calm.
36) Silence is sacred.
37) No communication. No conflict.
38) Beyond the realm of judgment lies silence.
39) In peace there is silence.
40) When the mind is still, it is true silence.
41) A questioning mind is not silent.
42) Silence inspires innovation.”

Here we are provided with a lot of great advice! They are priceless words and precious messages. Do not let these messages fall on deaf ears! What do we need to do? We need to Listen, we need to put these words into practice, we need to focus on being more silent. I

In closing please have a look at some of these other quotes which you might find helpful: