Tag: spirituality

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Life, Love and Blessings

17 Promises I Choose to Live By : Then & Now

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Truth be told this is my then followed by my now.

The then was created some 10 years ago:

My personal code of ethics: Statement of Purpose:

This is a personal guide which will serve as a source of inspiration and as a reminder of things I must always be mindful of, especially when I am faced with challenges. It will help me to realise my long-term goals and mirrors my beliefs and my values.

What function is this expected to serve in my life?

This will serve as a daily reminder of what I believe in and a source of encouragement that will help me to become a better well-rounded individual who endeavours to be happy, have peace of mind, and be the best that I can be. I sincerely promise to use the ‘I will’ list below to do that.

Personal Commitments

  1. I will remember, ‘Carpe diem!’ (Seize the day!) and let it be my motto.
  2. I will continue to treat others in the very same manner that I would like to be treated.
  3. I will continue to develop myself professionally.
  4. I will try to inculcate good values and morals in those I interface with (including those under my charge).
  5. I will always be mindful that some things cannot be changed; that is, not everything is within my reach, and I must accept them for what they are… simply, ‘Don’t worry about what you cannot change’ and ‘Qué sera sera!’ (Whatever will be will be).
  6. I will always thank God for my blessings. I have faced many challenges and overcome each of them—such as not being able to hold things, write properly at times, or walk properly. To date, I have 12 O’ Levels, 4 A’ Levels, a BA in English, and my BA in Mass Communication is my second degree. I have a full-time job now. I can look back and say I’m happy with some of the things I did and encourage others to turn their challenges into successes.
  7. I will continue to give credit where credit is due… everyone deserves to be appreciated.
  8. I will continue to move ahead with realistic goals. Thankfully, both my sense of maturity and being realistic have helped me value the relationships I build.
  9. I will continue to remember that everything happens for a reason… it makes it easier to walk around with less emotional baggage and eliminates chances of dumping it on others.
  10. I will continue fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me because shirking responsibilities means denying others their rights.
  11. I will always do my best in all that I do rather than giving up before starting or giving up in the middle of what I am doing because the end will be closer in sight.
  12. I will always look for something positive out of every negative experience, and I will use the ‘scissors of life’ to cut out negativity. Negativity breeds negativity and vice versa.
  13. I will use great care, consideration, and dedication to my values and morals to find amicable solutions to problematic situations and ethical dilemmas by always considering the consequences of my actions as it relates to all my dealings and those affected.
  14. I will focus on improving my health and try to get the required amount of rest because if I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of anyone needing my help.
  15. I will continue to develop my spirituality and be a devotee of God.
  16. I will try to exercise good judgment at all times.
  17. I will review my personal code of ethics periodically and strive to make necessary improvements where possible.

This is my now: Living My Personal Code of Ethics

Life is about the values that guide you through both the highs and the lows. My personal code of ethics isn’t just a list I wrote once; it’s something I try to live by every day.

At the core of everything is a simple mindset: Carpe diem—seize the day. I try to make the most of every opportunity while remembering to treat others the way I would like to be treated. Respect, kindness, and fairness are not optional; they are the foundation of every meaningful interaction.

Growth is also important to me. I continue to develop myself professionally while encouraging and guiding those I interact with, especially those under my care. At the same time, I’ve learned to accept that not everything is within my control. Some things simply are what they are, and finding peace in that—embracing the idea of “what will be, will be”—has helped me tremendously.

Gratitude plays a huge role in my life. Despite the challenges I’ve faced, I remain thankful. Those experiences have shaped me, strengthened me, and allowed me to encourage others to turn their struggles into success. They remind me that resilience is built, not given.

As I move forward, I focus on being realistic, appreciating others, and valuing the relationships I build. I remind myself that everything happens for a reason, which helps me let go of unnecessary emotional weight and avoid passing negativity on to others.

Responsibility is another principle I take seriously. Fulfilling what is entrusted to me matters because failing to do so affects others. That’s why I always strive to give my best, even when it’s difficult, because every step forward brings me closer to the end goal.

I also make a conscious effort to find positivity in every situation. Life will always present challenges, but I believe in cutting out negativity and choosing a mindset that promotes growth and peace.

In dealing with others, I aim to act with care, integrity, and fairness. Ethical decisions aren’t always easy, but considering the impact of my actions helps me navigate even the most difficult situations.

Equally important is taking care of myself. I’ve learned that I cannot pour into others if I am running on empty. Rest, health, and balance are not luxuries—they are necessities.

My spirituality continues to guide me, grounding me in faith and helping me stay aligned with my values. Alongside this, I strive to exercise good judgment in all that I do.

Finally, I remind myself that growth is ongoing. I revisit my values, reflect on my actions, and make adjustments where needed. Becoming better is a continuous process, not a final destination.

Posted in Being Prayerful, Family Moments, Festivals and Celebrations, Love and Blessings, Spiritual Reflections, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Sri Swamiji's Teachings

Guided by Light: A Deepavali Blessed by Sri Swamiji

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Deepavali is and has always been a very special occasion for us — a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate light in all its forms. But this Deepavali 2025 was different. Like other days filled with blessings, this for us brought an abundance of blessings, quiet joy, and those sacred, unexpected moments that only divine grace can arrange.

We knew from the start it would be a simple celebration this year. With both our schedules and Shiva coming home from work on Deepavali morning, the plan was to make the most of our day. Our kids filled the day with warm excitement. After their Deepavali program at school last Thursday, they had been counting down the days, and their enthusiasm was evident in their joy.

Their excitement wasn’t the loud, restless kind — it was that special kind of energy that fills every corner of the home. They were bubbling with happiness, talking about lights.

Lunch was simple — not the full traditional spread this time, but what we felt like having. For me, it turned out to be a gluten-free, slightly odd fusion of flavors, but it felt just right for the day. The food, the laughter, the calm — everything flowed naturally. The afternoon stayed quiet too, with the kids happily drawing and coloring, their little creations adding color to the calm rhythm of the day.

As the sun began to set, we offered our prayers and lit some deyas, watching their soft glow spread through our home. The warm light felt symbolic — a reminder that Deepavali is about is about the quiet strength of light overcoming darkness, both around and within us.

Later that evening, Shiva and I decided to take the kids for a drive to see the Deepavali lights. It was meant to be a short outing, just to let them enjoy the sparkle of the night. But, as it often happens when the Divine guides your steps, we were led somewhere far more meaningful and we were where we were meant to be.

Our drive ended at Sri Datta Yoga Center, Carapichaima, by Lord Hanuman, in time for the evening aarti and everything that followed. The moment we arrived, everything felt perfectly aligned.

In my heart, I know that Sri Swamiji Himself had guided us there — turning an ordinary family drive into an extraordinary spiritual experience. He knew I miss home and He gave me the place I always refer to as home, by the feet of Lord Hanuman. The atmosphere was serene, sacred, and filled with a light that went far beyond the flicker of lamps. It was the light of Sri Swamiji’s blessings, of peace and inner renewal. Meeting Datta family at DYC is always a blessing and meeting Sadhna there was exactly that. The kids were immediately drawn to the sight of her lighting deyas so you could imagine their excitement when they got the opportunity to help. We were able to witness the initial lights, witness evening Aarti and then join in helping with the lighting of deyas around Lord Hanuman. When Punditji (Pundit Durga Prasad Sharma) finished Aarti he joined and Shiva and the kids too, while I helped with sorting the deyas. A visitor who stopped by also did the same. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the final result was an amalgamation of lights.

Watching the deyas shimmer was in every sense a humble, heartfelt Deepavali offering, filled with love, gratitude, and faith. The temple glowed with divine radiance, the air filled with the soft hum of devotion and the light of deyas. If Sadhna was not there lighting deyas, we would not have known the aarti was pending. If Sadhna was not there lighting deyas we may not have stayed for as long as we did.

Standing there, surrounded by divine energy, I realized how perfectly the day had unfolded. We began with simplicity — no big plans, no extravagance — and ended in sanctity. What started as just wanting to show the kids the lights had turned into a night of divine connection and deep inner peace.

It was the perfect evening for us with Sri Swamiji (Sri Datta Nada Prabhu) turning our quiet family day into a spiritual journey. As Punditji (Pundit Durga Prasad Sharma) pointed out lighting 365 lamps in the presence of Lord Hanuman on Deepawali is an immense blessing and we were fortunate to be a part of this. As the Facebook post states, “Each flame representing every day of the 365 days of this year symbolizes power, purity, and the cosmic alignment that connects our home with the divine power of wealth, positivity, and protection.”

Screenshot from Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre Trinidad and Tobago’s Facebook page where the significance of the lighting of the 365 deeyas is explained.

Deepavali 2025 reminded me that blessings can come quietly, wrapped in peace, family, and divine timing. Sri Swamiji always guides and everything unfolded as a present beautifully unwrapped. With Him, everything is extra special because it is guided by His Holy Hands.

 May this Deepavali and every day ahead be filled with peace, joy, and the boundless grace of Sri Swamiji. 🪔

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Sri Swamiji’s Guinness World Records and the Living Forest of Peace

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, this post is dedicated to His Holiness and celebrating Him. He is our dearest Pujya Appaji. I have never had a reason to doubt Appaji and very often I refer to Him as the Divine Master and sometimes too, the Bearded Master who is filled with compassion.

As many know, the spiritual legacy of His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, founder of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, is filled not only with divine teachings and healing music, but also with miraculous achievements that continue to inspire the world. Pujya Appaji can be described in so many ways. He is His Holiness, Appaji, Tataji, Aripo Muni Raja, Nada Brahma and so much more. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, dedication, He is purity, He is peace and tranquility, He is sincerity in its purest form, He is wisdom at its fullest and day in day out, every waking second, moment after moment, He continues to make a global impact—and many of these threads have been officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

Today’s was the most recent. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1667rzsLez/ What was it for?

A Living Miracle: 10,836 Rare Bonsai Trees

Today, June 14th, 2025 the Guinness World Records awarded a new title to His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and Avadhoota Datta Peetham for housing 10,836 of the world’s rarest bonsai trees in one single location. This sacred forest of miniatures—each a living soul—forms the largest bonsai collection in the world. These trees are not just a botanical marvel but also a symbol of patience, care, and spiritual discipline.

Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Yagnam: A Prayer for the Planet

What sets this divine garden apart is not just the trees, but the sacred rituals that breathe life into them. Pujya Appaji performed the Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Yagnam, a powerful Vedic ceremony dedicated to Mother Nature and the guardian deity of forests, Vanadurga Devi. This ancient yagna was conducted in the very presence of these rare bonsais—a spiritual act to invoke healing, harmony, and balance for all living beings and the natural world.

This Guinness World Record Pujya Appaji said, “Thank You team Bonsai. Today’s Bonsai Guinness Record is not just my effort; it is the effort of many in the background.” https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16WyYR4W6h/

So what are Pujya Appaji’s other record-breaking feats of devotion and harmony?

Pujya Appaji’s mission of global peace and spiritual healing has led to numerous Guinness World Records, including:

  • Most people chanting (Hanuman Chalisa) Led 128,918 participants in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh
  • Largest music therapy lesson- Conducted a therapy session with 1,814 participants at the Sydney Opera House on 6 April 2015
  • Longest chanting marathon (team)- A relay of continuous chanting for 24 hr 10 min 8 sec at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, Texas on 31 July 2015
  • Largest breathing (pranayama) lesson- Hosted at India Community Center, Milpitas, California, USA on 10 July 2016.
  • Largest online video album of people chanting- Compiled 40,976 individual chanting videos; announced in Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago on 31 July 2016.
  • Largest display of bonsai trees-Showcased 2,649 bonsai trees at the International Bonsai Convention in Mysore Ashram on 21 December 2016.
  • Most bird species in an aviary. His Shuka Vana aviary housed 486 bird species on 6 May 2017.
  • Largest Hindu Smriti (scriptural text)
    A monumental Bhagavad Gita Smriti measuring 2.24 m × 1.56 m, completed on 26 May 2017.
  • World’s largest special postal stamp
    Made by Avadhoota Datta Peetham, 2.87 m², on 26 May 2018
  • Largest online video album of birthday wishes/greetings- Compiled 7,651 birthday-message videos on 10 June 2022 to celebrate Pujya Appaji’s 80th birthday.
  • Largest online video album of people walking; Included 6,389 walking-video submissions tied to the “Vishwashanti Padā Yātrā” virtual walkathon on 10 June 2022.
  • Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital- 1,329 participants recited the Srimad Bhagavad Gita together at Allen Event Center, Texas on 13 August 2022.
  • Largest special stamp (Nada Mantapa image)-Measuring 13.104 m², created at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru on 13 December 2024.
  • Longest chanting marathon (team)- A new record of 33 hr 33 min 33 sec of continuous Hanuman Chalisa team chanting, held 12–13 December 2024 at Nada Mantapa

These are all rooted in the Swamiji’s vision of “Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu” – May all beings everywhere be happy and peaceful.

Pujya Appaji’s messages are messages beyond records. These world records are not mere numbers. They represent a global spiritual movement led by a realized Master who walks gently on Earth while guiding millions toward inner peace. From sacred chants that echo healing to ancient trees that whisper wisdom, Pujya Appaji’s works are a reminder that divine miracles happen not only in the heavens but also on Earth, when one lives in service to all life. Pujya Appaji’s remarkable achievements span spiritual, ecological, musical, and community domains—reflecting his holistic vision of service, harmony, and global unity.

Let us bow in gratitude and wonder at the divine mission of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, whose legacy continues to grow—like the sacred bonsais—quietly powerful, deeply rooted, and eternally inspiring. Sri Guru Datta.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating a Living Light: His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and change, there are rare souls who radiate unwavering peace and divine purpose. His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is one such living light—a beacon of love, wisdom, and healing whose presence has touched countless lives across the globe. This year, Pujya Sri Appaji celebrates 83 years. He is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge, and Bliss.

Son of Sri Narahari Teertha Swami and Jayalakshmi Maata, Pujya Appaji was born in 1942 in Andhra Pradesh, India, at the sacred confluence of three rivers – the Arkavati River, the Kaveri River and the Guptagaamini River. Pujya Appaji has dedicated His life to uplifting humanity through the ancient yet timeless path of Dharma, Bhakti, and Seva. A spiritual master, yogi, musician, and compassionate healer, His Holiness is the revered founder of Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, a vibrant spiritual and cultural center that offers spiritual guidance, Vedic knowledge, and charitable services to all, regardless of religion or background.

In creating a greeting I was looking for a particular photo of Pujya Appaji (one I had not used before) and I kid you not when I say that a lot of photos with Pujya Appaji show His Holiness either with a microphone in front of Him, or Him doing pooja or something of the sort and it made me smile. Why? It was this thought in my mind, ‘Rachael, your Appaji is always doing something. He is selfless and it is always for the good of mankind.’ 83 years is a milestone and 83 also has other significance for me, and will there are so many things I can share that would show why I don’t question His Holiness, I will say this. My understanding of who Pujya Appaji is began long before I physically met Him. It began with a fascination with His name and saying it over and over because in addition to being was very young at the time, I liked the way His name sounds.

I have experienced His Grace and His compassion in so many ways. I always feel His presence, His energy and His Love. This is why I always say, “Thank you Appaji for all that You do and continue to do. Please accept my humble Prostations at Your Lotus Feet.”

The Power of Divine Music

One of Pujya Appaji’s most extraordinary gifts is His healing music. Through His soul-stirring Raga Sagara concerts, He brings together music and meditation, soothing the mind and awakening the soul. His Holiness has even been recognized by Guinness World Records for His musical achievements, yet His humble mission remains the same—to heal, inspire, and reconnect humanity with the Divine through sound.

Pujya Appaji is both timeless and relevant. While rooted in the deep wisdom of the ancient rishis, He speaks to the modern seeker with clarity and compassion. Whether through discourses, bhajans, or silent blessings, He opens the door for each soul to walk its own unique path toward peace and self-realization.

He teaches not only through words, but through His actions—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, protecting nature, and uplifting the downtrodden. His global humanitarian work reflects a deep understanding that true spirituality is lived through service, love, and unity.

To be in Pujya Appaji presence—even through a video, bhajan, or written word—is to feel a rare silence, a rare joy. Devotees describe a sense of calm, direction, and a reminder that no matter how dark life seems, there is always divine light waiting within.

He reminds us that God is not distant, but near. That our breath, our heartbeats, our very existence is sacred. And that by living with truth, humility, and devotion, we can transform our lives and uplift others.

As we celebrate the life and mission of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, let us take a moment to reflect on the grace He brings into this world. May we honor His teachings not just in word, but in practice—by being kind, by being present, and by walking the path of love.

Sri Guru Datta!

Posted in Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Pujya Appaji!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

In this post I am celebrating His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our dearest Pujya Appaji! Appaji is like no other and those who know His Holiness can surely agree that He has never been! Appaji, over and over again, I place my most humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

Not one day in my life have I ever questioned Appaji or His greatness and Appaji knows I never would. My journey with Appaji began years ago as a little girl seeing His name and trying to say it and practicing it syllable by syllable without knowing Sachchidanda means ‘truth, consciousness and bliss”. To see Pujya Appaji’s smiling face is always a comfort.  To hear His voice, read His messages, go through the different platforms He exposes us to daily is only just a fraction of the many blessings we receive on a daily basis!

From the very first day I saw Pujya Appaji, His priceless smile and His eyes said it all! Every day of our lives with Pujya Appaji has been a blessing and no number of words can adequately say Thank You to His Holiness for all He has done for us and continues to do for us! As I am writing this, I am listening to Appaji’s bhajans, and His voice is my comfort.

Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

When I posted on Facebook a few days ago it felt like I was looking on at a dream and as these past two weeks have unfolded Appaji and Lord Hanuman showed that together They have provided protection and guidance consistently as always.

 Indeed, I had a career opportunity that I was working towards for over the last eight years. When it came it felt surreal. I had forgotten about it for a bit because of how long I had applied but I was honored to be selected. I spoke to Shiva and let him know I needed the kids and him with me as I couldn’t be away from them for over a month and leave them alone so he knew what my thoughts were and though I followed the instructions I was given, I spoke mentally to Appaji saying, “Whatever You decide I will follow!” The reality was that I just needed to make an effort to show interest and I did, but nothing else was in my hands and with good reason! This job would have placed my entire family in jeopardy because as I said, I would have been on an island waiting with Shiva and our little ones for Hurricane Beryl to hit. Seeing the damage it wreaked on so many people in so many countries, knowing how many people it affected, I know what we were spared from.

My reality is this:

  1. Pujya Appaji and Lord Hanumanta have saved me several times and I will always be eternally grateful for this.
  2. Pujya Appaji has taught me the value of silence on so many levels.
  3. Pujya Appaji has taught me why I need to focus.
  4. Pujya Appaji has given me many avenues to be good and do good.

Like me, many of you can attest to the fact that:

5. Pujya Appaji blesses us each day abundantly and no number of words can adequately say Thank You because we owe Pujya Appaji a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

6. Pujya Appaji has found so many avenues to interact with us on a daily basis that He reminds us He is always with us. We have Pujya Appaji’s social media platforms, SGS Posts and all other apps, YouTube, the Ashramas and Datta Yoga Centers globally, Kriya Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Kavachas, daily live sessions, Dattavani speeches and Bhajans just to name a few.

7. Pujya Appaji has established several Bala Datta Centers to ensure that our children are taken care of.

8. Pujya Appaji has authorized the publishing of so many books available in print and as e-books on sites like Amazon.

9. Pujya Appaji has given us Ragas and provided us with Healing Music.

10. Pujya Appaji has and continues to tell us and show us day after day, how to take better care of ourselves.

11. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping us take better care of ourselves.

12. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to serving mankind.

13. Pujya Appaji has and continues to teach us how to take better care of our environment, and by extension, this world we live in.

14. Pujya Appaji’s actions have always been selfless.

15. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping people the world over!

16. Pujya Appaji always urges us to live together.

17. Pujya Appaji does not discriminate.

18. Pujya Appaji is the purest representation of Divinity, Selflessness and all that is good.

19. Pujya Appaji leads by example.

20. Pujya Appaji’s commitment, dedication and love have been unwavering.

21. Pujya Appaji loves us all and that love speaks volumes.

Appaji, we pray for Your Health and will continue to do so! We thank You immensely for all You have done for us and continue to do for us, every second of every day! We love You Appaji!