Thanksgiving 2007 gift from Pujya Swamiji - Amazing Bonsai Expo Begins

[Guest guest]

Jaya Guru Datta ALL

 

Please see an article that appeared in Star of Mysore on Pujya Swamiji's

Bonsai Expo. Looking forward to Dattapeetham web update soon...

 

http://starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news & item=14940

<http://starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news & item=14940>

 

Sri Guru Datta

 

 

 

AMAZING BONSAI EXPO BEGINS

 

 

 

 

Over 500 delegates converge at Ganapati Ashram

 

Mysore, Nov. 24 (RK & KCU)- The three-day All India Bonsai Convention and

Exhibition opened this morning in the premises of Ganapati

Sachchidananda Ashram here.

 

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji inaugurated the convention by

lighting the traditional lamp, after the customary vedic chants and

universal prayer.

 

Twelve dignitaries were felicitated on the occasion by presenting the

traditional Mysore Peta, sandalwood garland and by tying the sacred

thread around their wrist. The dignitaries, who were honoured are Solita

Tafur, Chairman, World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF); Daizo

Iwasaki, Vice-Chairman, ICSU Chairman, Bonsai Club International (BCI);

Chase Rosade, Director, Xin Chang Bao, Consultant; Guy Guidry, Min Suan

Lo and Budi Sulistyo, Bonsai artists, Nikunj Parekh and Jyoti Parekh,

Ponnuswamy and Meera Datta, Post-Master General, Karnataka Circle.

 

Bonsai is age-old

 

Speaking on the occasion, the Swamiji said that the concept of Bonsai

was age-old dating back to the evolution of man. It was like the

backbone of vertebrates with reference to plants. The Bonsai concept was

mentioned in the epics Ramayana, Maha-bharata and Bhagawatha.

Unfortunately, the concept of modernisation has resulted in continuous

deforestation posing a threat to environment. The people should open

their eyes and mind before plants really go extinct, advised the

Swamiji.

 

Destructions galore

 

Referring to the destructive mind going active everywhere, the Swamiji

felt that the technology should be used for constructive purposes and

save the humanity and vegetation.

 

The way the destruction of environment is going on, a day is not far off

when children should be taken only to an exhibition to show the types of

plants through exhibits, observed the Swamiji.

 

Speaking on the occasion after releasing the commemorative souvenir

Bonsai, Solita Tafur said that she had no words to explain the peace and

holiness present in the ambience of the Ashram. The convention provides

an opportunity to share thoughts, she opined.

 

Daizo Iwasaki, who was conferred the title Sasya Bandhu, released the

calendar to mark the occasion. A commemorative special cover was

released by Meera Datta.

 

Over 500 delegates including 15 from abroad are attending the workshop.

The admission to the Bonsai Expo is free for public .

 

Exhibition timings

 

Nov. 24 and Nov. 25: From 9 am to 8 pm. Nov. 26: From 9 am to 1 pm.

 

Bonsai is a rare human endeavour that has held me in awe and

introspection over the years. In the miniature plant lives a grand life

which represents cosmic creation, the play of celestial paradoxes, near

yet far, more yet less, known yet unknown, small yet big.

 

— Swamiji