| |
Path to Immortality
A quarterly Publication of
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, New Jersey Chapter, USA
Nachiketa, the true seeker of truth
We saw how young Nachiketa refused all those temporary material objects
that were offered to him by Yama, the God of death with no hesitation.
That vast piece of land, those enormous wealth, that everlasting
youthful life and those heavenly young women who were skillful in
dancing and singing, easy life, rich food and other comforts that were
offered to Nachiketa, did not attracted him.
 He
emphasized in knowing the truth from Yama and he wanted to know the
everlasting knowledge of how to reach God. Young Nachiketa was
determined to attain complete freedom from material thirst, he wanted to
reach at the Sree-Charan-Kamal of Sri Hari.
Indeed Yama was happy to have a student like him. Everybody wants an
easy and comfortable life. Many people practice religion which is based
on material desires. Naturally, Yama imparted the highest lessons of
Brahma-Vidya to his best disciple. While discussing about Brahma-Vidya
Yama said:-
“Parameswar Sri Bhagavan created our five senses in such a way that they
always look outwards. Therefore one looks outwards and not within
oneself. Some wise men, however, seeking life eternal, with their eyes
looking inwards, realize the self.”
“The small minded go after outward pleasure. They walk into the snare of
widespread death. The wise, however recognizing life eternal do not seek
the stable among things which are unstable here.” (Katha-Upa. Chap.
11/1/1 &2)
Our true nature is purity and our true identity is that we are
inseparable self of that Biswatman or the very soul of this universe.
But unfortunately, our organ of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and
organ of touching all look outside, of which we will never discover
truly who we are. Peace lies in self contentment and we can experience
divine joy when we look into our inner self. In this world, all seekers
of truth knows it and for that reason they practice vigorous meditation
and dive deep into their self.
The outside world is tempting, unstable and perishing. Running after
unstable objects is like self denial and inviting more tension, anxiety
and destruction. Yama, the God of death knew it very well and that is
why he was eager to impart the highest lessons of God to this most
brilliant student. Yama told Nachiketa, no one can attain Brahma-Vidya
by analyzing over it, by argument or by his intellect. To attain Brahma-Vidya
one need vigorous practice of meditation and continuous efforts to
realize the inner-self. I am sure by our honest and soulful prayers, by
our unuttered cry, quiet inner appeal and love mix with tears of our
eyes, one day we will be able to see God at the alter of our heart.
Surely we will be able to see His divine appearance.
Ashram organized soup kitchen
The B. S. S. New Jersey chapter initiated a new
step in its activities. In India, Bharat Sevashram Sangha is
widely known for its service to humanity, in which they serve the poor
and the needy ones. Being instructed by our senior Swamijees in Kolkata,
we explored the possibility how we can extend our service to the needy
local American people also. Apart from our many classes on Indian
culture and heritage and religious activities, we started the soup
kitchen last year. We are now feeding over 100 seniors and poor people
once or twice a year. We hope to continue this good work throughout the
year. Thanks goes out to our devotees and volunteers who help in this
noble cause.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha participated at a soup
kitchen in November 2008 at St. Peters church
Swami Amarnathanandaji with the pastor of St.
Peters church in Spotswood, NJ reciting a
Prayer before serving dinner at the Annual soup kitchen
New Jersey Ashram celebrated
Saradiya Durga puja in a grand way
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, New Jersey chapter celebrated its fifth annual
Durga Puja in a grand way. Over 4000 people attended this year puja.
Devotees enjoyed the spiritually enriched environment of the Ashram and
most of them spent the entire day attending puja at the Ashram. We
followed the Bengali Panjika and performed Duga Puja in a very
traditional way. Puja was performed in the morning & evening, chandi
path by our revered Swamijees, veer arati, cultural presentation by our
Ashram children, Hindu dharma siksha samskriti sammelan and maha bhog
was very much loved and appreciated by the devotees. We celebrated
vijoya sanmilan, Revered Swami Amarnathanandaji Maharaj, the senior monk
of the Ashram distributed sweets and conveyed the blessings of Acharya
Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj, the founder of this unique organization to
all.
Devotees attending 5th annual Durga Puja at
B. S. S. New Jersey
HORIZON (Vedanta Nanda)
KEEP DIGGING IN MY OWN SOUL ABOUT TO KNOW
WHO THIS PERCEPTUAL EVEN THIS VISIBLE ME
ONCE AS I FELT ONE BIG SPACE HAVE IN MY MIND
WHERE BILLION SUNS SHINNING UPON RED-BLOOD
IMAGINATION KNOWS HOW TO FLY WITH WINGS
INSTEAD OF TALK TO THE MOON I’LL DRINK LIGHT
WHY TIGER WILL NOT CHASE AGAINST THUNDER
DURING SPRING I’LL OPEN MY HEARTS WINDOW
SMELL OF VARIETY FLOWERS KEEP SPRINKLING
WHILE I LIKE TO TAKE SHOWER IN NATURE JUICE
ON THE SKY GOD DOES MAKE RAINBOW SKETCH
CLOSE TO SEA-SHORE I’M UNDER A BANIAN TREE
WILFUL SKY KISSING AT HORIZENTAL LOCATION
TREMBLIN’ TURMOILIN’ ALL IN AWAFULL CURRENT
OVER THERE I’M BEING SYNONEMOUS WITH MINE
Update on the new temple and
community center project
It is almost five years now since we embarked on this ambitious project
at our New Jersey Ashram to build a 12,500 sq. ft. temple and community
center with 65 car parking. On February 2007 our temple site plan was
approved by the zoning board of the South Brunswick Township. Since then
we have come a long way. After many steps and with the pre-review
approval of the construction document, the final construction documents
are pending for approval in the township. We are expecting all final
approvals by April 2009. We anticipate to start the construction by May
2009. We have consulted several construction companies to get an
estimate of the cost of construction and we are also negotiating with
several banks for possible loan.
FRONT VIEW OF OUR FUTURE TEMPLE AND
COMMUNITY CENTER
Appeal
Please send your tax deductible
donations to ‘Bharat Sevashram Sangha’ or pledge to the above cause.
This organization is a non-profit tax exempt entity under IRS section
501(c) (3). For more information please call the Ashram at 732-422-8880
and our Swamiji will be happy to answer all your questions regarding
this project.
As you may know Bharat Sevashram Sangha, New Jersey Chapter is
registered as a recipient with United Way or Corporate level donation,
listed below are some of the names we are registered with.
United Way of New York City
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, code#: 42174
United Way of Bergen County and many other Counties in New Jersey
New Jersey State charitable Campaign and other community giving campaign
which you may be contributing towards.
Kindly consider Bharat Sevashram Sangha, New Jersey chapter as one of
the organization you will like your donations forward to. As you may
know your company might match whatever you are contributing. Your kind
donations will help us to continue our social welfare activities.
Path to immorality is edited and published by:
Swami Amarnathananda
Bharat Sevashram Sangha
of North America Inc., (New Jersey)
3490 Route 27
Kendal Park, NJ 08824
Tel. #: 732-422-8880
email: bssnj@hotmail.com / website: bssnj.org
|
