From 9th May to 19th May 2017, the students of the 3rd Residential Vedanta Course of Trinidad & Tobago were graced with the presence of Swami Bodhātmānandaji, Resident Ācharya of Sandeepany Sadhanālaya of Powaii, Mumbai. The sacred text Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Sāra Sangrahaḥ was taken by Pūjya Swamiji. The text described in exquisite detail Sri Rama’s enquiry into the highest truths, supported by Vairagya and Samatvam, presented as the model to be used to live in this world, interact with others and complete responsibilities while staying on the path to Mokṣa. The text presented ideas in a new and novel fashion, allowing the students to expand and deepen their own enquiry.
The days flew past, immersed in study and serenity guided by the clarity, precision and patience of Swamiji’s discourses and delivery. Through his lectures, Swamiji logically analyzed and uncovered the sublime depths of Vedantic philosophy sprinkled throughout this conversation between Sage Vasiṣṭha and Śrī Rāma. In particular, Swamiji’s analysis of the jnāña bhūmika (ladder of spiritual growth) provided a unique and practical viewpoint on sādhana (spiritual practice). Moreover, Swamiji proficiently dissected the text’s multifold explanations of bondage, the relationship between seer and the seen world, allowing students to effectively understand the subtleties hidden in the shlokas. His vast body of knowledge wove throughout the text, connecting and assimilating ideas presented throughout texts the students have and are yet to study (e.g. Tattva Bodha, Ātma Bodha, Vivekachudāmani, Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā, to name a few).
During the visit, Swamiji also gave a one-night discourse to the public on the Spiritual Significance of the Rāmāyaṇa. Many members of Chinmaya Mission Trinidad & Tobago were enthralled by the sweeping landscape of Rāmayaṇa, a beloved text bathed in a new light. The significance of the major characters, major events and even subtle nuances of dialogue between Bhagavān Śri Rāma and Hanumānji were beautifully expounded. The text which is a favorite text of CMTT Resident Āchārya Swami Prakāshānandaji was a perfect choice, as the fertile ground of Bhakti prepared by Swamiji was nourished by the words of Swami Bodhātmānandaji.
CM Trinidad & Tobago was deeply moved by the presence of Swami Bodhātmānandaji. Because of Swamiji’s vast knowledge and profound exposition on śāstra, the class gained a renewed inspiration in studies that will surely carry throughout the remainder of the course. While life’s duties and activities go on, constantly we keep in mind the temporary nature of things and strive diligently for the Ultimate Goal.
Thank you for Your Love and Widom Swamiji. Koti Pranāms at Your Lotus Feet!
Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad & Tobago