Pujya Swamiji's message in DRC on 25th July

[Guest guest]

Datta Retreat Center PA

 

July 27 2008

 

The Datta Retreat woods vibrated with an excited Datta Starvam chant

as Sri Swamiji's vehicle pulled up to the front path to the Guru

Nilyam at Datta Retreat Center.

 

Prior to Sri Swamiji's arrival His energy flowed quietly, joyfully

and harmoniously through Datta Devotees who worked good-naturedly

together making last minute preparations for the arrival of their

beloved Sat Guru. Each person cheerfully fulfilling their role,

absorbed in silent devotion. In the background birds sang filling the

woods as if in celebration of this happy occasion. Butterflies danced

like airborne ballerinas on colorful wings from one vibrant flower to

another. It seemed that nature too was aware of Sri Swamiji's pending

auspicious arrival.

 

Devotees from Chicago, India, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey,

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Canada

celebrated with Bhajans until Sri Swamiji took His seat after

visiting the holy rocks and Datta temple. One devotee had decorated a

large umbrella for Swamiji, and Swamiji was greeted with the

traditional Purna Kumbha and Arthi. Padma presented Sri Swamiji the

welcoming Garland on behalf of DRC.

 

Ramana John Laired warmly welcomed Sri Swamiji, announcing the

exciting news that on Sunday Sri Swamiji will personally teach a

meditation class. This thrilled the group sending an electric current

of eager energy at having such an extraordinary opportunity available

to them. This indeed is a rare and most valuable opportunity for

those present.

 

Sri Swamiji asked devotees to share their personal experiences. Both

westerners and Indian devotees gladly and emotionally shared their

stories. In fact the sharing might have continued all night, if Sri

Swamiji had not called it to a halt.

 

Sri Swamiji then gave a discourse from Hindu mythology, from the

Bhagavatam. This is how the message was understood by one in the

audience. Please forgive any inaccuracies or differences in

perspective and understanding.

 

Once there was a king, Parikshita, who had only seven days to live. A

sage went to the king to give the king knowledge about Vishnu to help

the king with his transition from the physical plane. The king told

the sage that before he received the Vishnu teachings he wanted to

hear about the experiences of the Vishnu devotees.

 

In the discourse Sri Swamiji explained that similar to the story

about the king, it is good for devotees to share and hear experiences

of Swamiji devotees. That's why there are books of devotee stories.

These stories and experiences, no matters how small, large or

miraculous, they are only appetizers; like an aperitif before a meal

to enhance the flavor of the meal. Experiences are all wonderful but

they are only an introduction to knowledge; they are an opening, a

pathway that leads to knowledge. The experiences are not the meal,

not the knowledge. But these experiences help build awareness and a

connection through which the knowledge is eventually received. Once

the knowledge is received the experiences will have done there work

and no longer needed.

 

Swamiji invited everyone to enjoy fellowship, build friendships,

savor the food and to avoid petty talk and negative discussions.

 

After Sri Swamiji returned to the Guru Nilayam, Datta Devotees

benefitted from a wonderful feast cooked by a host of talented

devotee cooks. Everyone went home with hearts, minds and stomachs

deliciously satisfied.