Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre – Celebrating Existence

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2019!

Posted on April 19, 2019April 22, 2019 by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

Sita Ram! Happy Hanuman Jayanti 2019! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha!

sri bala swamiji — Photo Credit: Shivani Ramoutar

Today Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago join with Hindus around the world to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti! Trinidad is Hanuman Land as Lord Hanuman stands tall at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima at 85 feet tall- the tallest Hanuman murti outside of India.

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This Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti (so named because of His presence at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre) stands tall and majestic, greeting His Guru Lord Surya as each day starts, welcomes devotees who come from around the world to see Him, He listens to them and their prayers and offers comfort, courage and solutions.

Lord Hanuman

IMG_20190419_192746 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

IMG_20190419_194404 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

IMG_20190419_192825 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

IMG_20190419_194026 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

IMG_20190419_193951 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

IMG_20190419_193659 — Photo Credit: Shiva Jeremiah

Like other Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, for Hanuman Jayanti 2019 devotees join in the signature colour red to make offerings of roat, dried coconut, paan leaves, flowers and host of other fruits and sweets that are offered to the revered God-dutiful servant of Lord Rama- the epitome of humility, discipline, strength and courage whose greatness we learn of in the pages of the Holy Ramayana. More so we learn of His patience, His selfless service, His commitment to duty and to helping others.

Throughout the island today Hanuman puja is being conducted today in homes, temples and various Ashramas, Hanuman Chalisa is being chanted and the name of Lord Hanuman is being glorified. At the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre today Hanuman Jayanti is being marked with all day chanting of Hanuman Chalisa by various Pundits and groups together with all day offerings by devotees visiting the Ashrama and will culminate with Hanuman Puja and Lord Satyanarayan Vrat Katha.

While Hindus are celebrating Hanuman Jayanti, Christians are celebrating Good Friday and today being Friday, Muslims had Jumaah today. It is what we in Trinidad and Tobago can describe as a true reflection of our diversity as a people.

Many can recall that Ram Navami was celebrated last Saturday. On this said Saturday-April 13- devotees of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham and founder of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre held the Hanuman Day of Prayer. This was held with the blessings of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and in the Divine Presence of Junior Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Pujya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, our Beloved Sri Bala Swamiji.

Sri Swamiji’s visit many can agree was one where 4 days were well spent with priceless opportunities and beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. The 4 days were filled with a lot of activity all of which were fully meaningful and spiritually uplifting- daily Sri Chakra Puja, other daily Pujas, Homa, Abhishekam, bhajans, kirtan and discourse from Sundar Kand.

Sri Swamiji’s visit set the tone for Hanuman Jayanti and revealed several parallels between Him and Lord Hanuman- humility, devotion, purity of heart, thought and action and selfless service.

In closing keep chanting, keep praying, keep celebrating the good around you! More so as His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji always asks, “Be Good, Do Good”.

If you haven’t downloaded the app yet either visit the Google Play Store or the Apple Store and download your SGSPosts today! Let that be your gift to yourself and make it a gift you give to someone else by way of introducing them to it.

Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Uncategorized

Celebrating the official launch of Appaji’s Mantra-Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha

Posted on August 26, 2018January 16, 2023 by rachaelathomasj

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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.

Bhajan Group

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.

DYC Launch 1

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/

To record your chanting count visit https://www.yogasangeeta.org/signin.html?returnURL=/practicelog.html. If you do not have an account select “Sign Up” to create your account. Verify the account and then log “Sign In” to record your count.

YogaSangeeta login

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!

Should you need to contact me please leave a comment here or email me at signaturewritingstyles@gmail.com

Guru Purnima 2018, Uncategorized

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

Posted on July 27, 2018July 28, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

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_n 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!

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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 20^th

· Appaji inaugurated the Hanuman Shrine at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram and He inaugurated Annapoorna Mandiram on Tuesday 24^th July. He also performed Sri Chakra Puja.

· Appaji also blessed the devotees at the Datta Shiva Ram Mandir in Princes Town

· On Tuesday 24^th 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 26^th 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.

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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!

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

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!

Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Appaji’s Birthday: Happy Birthday Sri Swamiji!

Posted on May 27, 2018June 20, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

Collage_Fotor HappyBirthday Appaji!

On May 26, 2018 thousands around the world gathered at various Datta Centres to celebrate the 76^th Birthday of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.

At Mysuru Ashram it was a week of activities and various ceremonies that were broadcasted to audiences the world over by Yoga Sangeeta, filled with priceless memories that we could all treasure. On May 26th His Holiness received His 9th Guinness World Record. This was for the unveiling of the world’s largest stamp (57.9 inches * 77 inches) which depicted the Vishwam Museum of Avadhoota Datta Peetham.

33612521_10155623752288450_60292768081117184_n — Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

Here in Trinidad there were birthday celebrations for Appaji at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima, the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal and the Pranavananda Ashram located at Temple Street, Beaucarro Village, Carapichaima.

Having a Sadguru like Appaji is a true blessing. As I have said time and time again Appaji has done so much for us and He continues to do so day after day! I mean, can we really measure the number of blessings He has showered on us?

It is in every sense an infinite number of blessings that show His love for us all and His love for all humanity.

Appaji has given us:

1. Datta Centres and Ashrams around the world

2. Healing music and Kriya Yoga. He is Nada Brahma.

3. SGS Posts and on a daily basis He has urged us to, “Be Good, Do Good.”

4. So many apps we could download to our mobile phones and uplift ourselves spiritually

5. Countless opportunities to do Seva

He has:

6. Embraced us all and He sees no class, no colour, no creed and no race

7. Lived the life that He talks about through His messages. He is the epitome of Goodness, Purity, Truth, Knowledge and Bliss. Not once does He tell us to do something that He will not do.

8. Blessed us infinitely with messages. Appaji’s messages are always there for us and they are always ours for the taking!

9. Committed Himself to so many causes around the world.

10. Composed so many bhajans and He has shared them with us in so many ways

11. Shared so many discourses with us and travelled to Centres and Ashrams around the world to take care of us!

Appaji gives so much to us and this is what we need to do:

1. Receive His messages

2. Put His messages into practice

3. Adopt them as a way of life

4. Be Good and Do Good

Now is this too much? No it certainly is not!

On the occasion of Appaji’s 76^th Birthday I take this opportunity to celebrate our Sadguru by way of sharing these bhajans that have been composed by His Holiness with you.

Appaji thank you for all that You have done for us! We are forever grateful for the abundance of blessings You shower on us and continue to shower on us day after day! Please know that all Datta devotees in Trinidad are eagerly awaiting Your presence and to having You here for Guru Purnima!

Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2018!

Posted on March 31, 2018April 1, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

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:

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 Sangeeta) and 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!

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!

Ram Navami

Celebrating Ram Navami 2018!

Posted on March 25, 2018March 31, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

Today Sunday 25^th 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_092022 On 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:

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!)

Uncategorized

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2016!

Posted on April 22, 2016April 24, 2016 by rachaelathomasj

Jai Veer Hanuman! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

Hanuman Jayanti is one occasion that I like many other devotees the world over look forward to!

This was how the day began:

Hanuman Jayanti Greetings from Appaji- His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda

This year I was able to be present at places I hold quite dearly and I was able to celebrate it with those who are extremely dear to me at firstly- the Coromandel Shiv Mandir in Coromandel Village Cedros, and later in the day at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre at Orangefield Road in Carapichaima!

I was able to spend time with my family-immediate family, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family and our Datta family- a true blessing you will surely agree!

It was not only a day of singing praises to Lord Hanuman but it was a day of Hanuman Chalisa Chanting! All in all it was a blissful day and a day filled with devotion!

The day was filled with being there while pujas were being conducted, bhajans were being sung and the highlight of the day was spending it with people who I value! During puja at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir there was rain at one point and it was welcomed in the midst of the dry spell and soaring temperatures we have been experiencing in Trinidad and Tobag0.

When we arrived at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre puja was in progress. Being at the feet of Lord Hanuman was a blessing and I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. The view of the moon was very inviting and capturing the pictures you see below together with the view of the stars were the final touches to an already perfect day!

Here are some pictures I took while I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir on Hanuman Jayanti:

csmhj10 — Puja to Lord Hanuman was in progress! My Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas) is the one in red kneeling at the Bedi!

csmhj8 — Offerings were being made to the Shiva Lingam

csmhj6 — The bedi-the flowers, sacred leaves, the tulsi tree, the fig tree, the kalsa, the lota-a beautiful sight!

csmhj1 — The murtis on the stage-Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj3 — The singhasan -Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj11 — Lord Ganesh, Hanuman Baba and Lord Shiva

I am grateful that both events did not occur at the same time as in the morning I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and in the evening I was at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre to witness puja at the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti.

While those were the morning pictures these were the evening pictures: