Swami Abhedananda’s Visit & Gyan Yagna in Singapore – August 2014
The devotees of Singapore were extremely blessed to have the divine presence of Swami Abhedananda from 7 to 18 August, when Swamiji filled everyone’s hearts with immense devotion and uplifted us to soaring heights of Vedantic bliss. During Swamiji’s stay, Chinmaya Seva Centre Singapore had organized a series of programs, thus treating the local devotees and people of Singapore with spiritual ecstasy. Swamiji’s arrival was marked by Vishnu Sahasranam Archana and puja at the ashram, followed by morning Yagna on Advaita Makaranda titled “From Illlusion to Illumination” and subsequently a 5-day evening Geeta Gyan Yagna on Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 14 titled “Secret of Self-Transformation” at RELC Auditorium. During both the yagnas, Swamiji enthralled the listeners with the depth of his wisdom and thought provoking discourses.
With Swamiji being at the ashram during his course of stay, the ashram was abuzz with devotees and activities. People thronged the ashram after the morning classes, and used the opportunity to clarify their doubts on the subtle topics of Vedanta. Swamiji enlightened everyone through these informal question and answer sessions which were filled with immense clarity and depth of knowledge. There were formal sessions organized for ladies of Devi Group, for Balvihar Sevikas, teenagers and Junior CHYKs, as well as a big gathering of all Sevaks/ Sevikas and members of the various Study Groups. In all the sessions, Swamiji inspired the audience to commit themselves to a higher purpose in life. Swamiji said that the only purpose of life should be to make God happy with us. The ultimate objective of human life should be to progress towards the higher, such the Jeeva becomes closer to the Paramatma, and ultimately becomes one with Him. In whatever we do, we must always remember this purpose of life. We must use the people, situations and objects around us as “pooja samagri” (offerings) towards pleasing the Lord & Guru alone.
On 10 August – the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan, Swamiji was invited by the Hindu Centre and the Hindu Endowments Board of Singapore – a government affiliated body, who organized a program to integrate all Hindu organizations and foster the spirit of brotherhood among these organizations. Swamiji addressed a huge audience at the PGP Hall on the principle of Universality as explained in the scriptures. On this occasion, Swamiji represented Chinmaya Mission and graced the stage with several other eminent personalities like Mr.B K Modi – Chairman of the Spice Group of Industries.
The culmination of Swami Abhedanandaji’s visit to Singapore was marked by the auspicious celebration of Janmashtami on 17 August, when the ashram was fully decked in the charming presence of Lord Krishna and Radha. Swamiji’s enamouring satsang on Srimad Bhagavatam captivated everyone’s hearts as he portrayed Lord Krishna’s mystic leelas that filled everyone’s eyes with tears of devotional bliss. Midnight aarti was performed and everyone danced with joy to welcome the Lord’s birth in our hearts.
In the course of his stay, Swamiji sprinkled everyone in Singapore with unforgettable moments of love, joy and devotion. His presence brought everyone close to each other and gave an opportunity to meet every day and serve Pujya Gurudev’s Vision in a truly Yagna spirit. The effortless sewa and beaming faces of all volunteers was a sign of true fulfilment that such an event can bring about.