Radhe Radhe!
Here is a link to the (mp3 format) complete sunday satsang that was conducted at home.
http://www.mediafire.com/?emzymd5kmyt
The satsang started with the chanting of the Mahamantra followed by bhajans. Aravind ji then give a discourse on Jnaneshwar Maharaj, about his parents, birth, siblings, his most popular work - the Jnaneshwari's Gita, his abhangs and his followers. At the end we sang an abhang by Jnaneshwar Maharaj and the closed the satsang with the chanting of Mahamantra and distributions of oranges as prasad.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Mass prayer event at Orlando – August 29th 2009
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Then Narayanan ji gave a wonderful discourse of the importance of Sadhu Sangha. He started by narrating the story from Srimad Bhagavatham of young boy Dhruva and highlighted how the sangha of a Guru is most required in our quest for God.
Narayan ji then narrated the story of Ajamila, one of the favorite stories of Guru ji. Ajamila, although being a great sinner called out to his 10th son Narayana during his last breath and hence Sri Hari sent his Dhivya Suris to bring the soul of Ajamila to Vaikunta. He explained the conversation between the Yama Dhuthas and the Dhivya Suris. Also took us to Yama loka to hear the conversation between the Yama Dhuthas and Yama Dharma Raja. Some of these conversations were very interesting and kept ringing back in our ears. Like how the Yama Dhuthas on reaching Yama loka ask Yama Dharma Raja if there was anybody superior to him or is it only Yama Dharma Raja who is superior. To which Yama Dharma Raja does not answer and questions them on why they have returned without the soul of Ajamila a sinner. The Yama Dhutas then tell him that Ajamila screamed and hence they could not bring his soul. Now Yama Dharma Raja laughs and says who does not scream while they are being brought to Yama loka, you Dhutas must have been used to such screaming by now and should have still brought Ajamila here. But the Yama Dhutas say that this particular scream was very different and they’ve not heard this before and as his screamed there were 4 Dhivya Suris who arrived to take his soul. So Yama Dharma Raja curiously asked what did Ajamila scream? And the Yama Dhutas replied that he screamed “Narayana”. Immediately Yama Dharma Raja rose from his aasana with hands raised over his head and then said, now I’ll answer your first question. Then he goes about to say how he is not independent and how Sriman Narayana is the most supreme being. Then the conversation between the Yama Dhutas and Yama Dharma Raja continues as they ask that as per out rules any sinner should be brought here to Yama Loka and put to sufferings and how can this be overridden by chanting the nama of the supreme being at the last breath? To this Yama Dharma Raja beautifully explains that above all these Dharma’s and Shastras we have a Dharma called the Bhagavatha Dharma which was known only to 12 people and now he explains this Dharma in the Srimad Bhagavatham.
Talking about sorrows, Narayan ji also narrated the story of how in the initial days Vivekananda requested Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to ask Kali matha to give him more money as he was was bogged down with several debts after his fathers death. To this Sri Ramakrishna replies that he cannot ask favors but he would bless Vivekananda such that he can request Kali matha directly and said that the same night Vivekananda can go to the temple and Kali math would give him darshan and then he can request for whatever he wanted. So that night Vivekananda decides what all he should ask Kali matha and went to the temple. But on seeing Kali matha he simply asked for “Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya”. Upon returning the next day Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa asks if Kali fulfilled his wishes? And Vivekananda replied that he forgot to ask for his wishes. The Sri Ramakrishna says that he will grant him one more opportunity. So the second night Vivekananda goes but the same thing happens. And the same conversation follows between Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. Now he is granted a 3rd opportunity and the same thing happens. Finally on the fourth day Sri Ramakrishna says he cannot grant him any more chances to meet Kali. To this Vivekananda replies that he does not require any more darshans of Kali as on the 3rd night’s darshan, though he remembered all his wishes, he still asked for “Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya” because in front of these his problems and sorrows seemed trivial. This shows how the Guru’s sangha guides us and gives us the clarity to choose the highest and the best even when we are in deep sorrow.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
By the grace of Lord Sri Hari and our beloved Sathguru Maharaj, we gathered for a mass prayer at Visconti Maitland, Orlando on a Saturday evening (29th August 2009). Our sincere gratitude to Nirmal ji and Aparna ji, Rupali ji, Sambi ji and Vinotha ji for their selfless service in taking care of the minutest requirements, starting from booking a hall to arranging for food.
It was Friday the 28th of August, Narayanan ji of Boston arrived with the Padhukas of Guru ji.
On Saturday evening at 6:30 pm with the blessings of Madhuri Saki sametha Sri Premika Varadan and Guru ji, all devotees from different satsangs came to Visconti, Maitland for the mass prayer event. We started with Sukanya ji singing kirthans of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna followed by a couple of bhajans and then we had Nama Sankeerthan for 15 minutes.
Then Narayanan ji gave a wonderful discourse of the importance of Sadhu Sangha. He started by narrating the story from Srimad Bhagavatham of young boy Dhruva and highlighted how the sangha of a Guru is most required in our quest for God.The stories went in a chain linking different incidents in the life of Mahans and stories in 
Srimad Bhagavatham that stresses on the importance of shravana and Bhagavan nama smarana. He cited several Alwar Pasurams such as “Apothaiku epothey soli Vaithen” and “Eetchuvai perithum venden arangama nagarul aanen” and “Kulam tharun selvan tharum… Narayana enum namam”. He also explained the conversation between Suka Muni and Praikshit Maharaj on the existence of Naraka. When Parikshit questions Suka Muni, if the Lord was compassion personified why does he want a soul to suffer in Naraka? Could he not forgive or give him another chance or provide a path for Prayachitha or atonement for the sins the soul might have committed? To this Suka Muni says how a soul is suffering the likes of Naraka right here, don’t we see people quarrelling and at times hurting each other with weapons? When we fry sweets and savories for festivals like Sri Jayanthi or Gokulastami sometimes a fly was fall into the hot oil and burn itself which is similar to the kumbi bhakam in naraka that a soul may undergo for some of his wrong deeds on earth. And regarding atonements he says if only God provided atonements to all the sins that people will first learn of the atonement and then commit the sin assuming that he can alleviate the sin if he performs the right atonement.
Srimad Bhagavatham that stresses on the importance of shravana and Bhagavan nama smarana. He cited several Alwar Pasurams such as “Apothaiku epothey soli Vaithen” and “Eetchuvai perithum venden arangama nagarul aanen” and “Kulam tharun selvan tharum… Narayana enum namam”. He also explained the conversation between Suka Muni and Praikshit Maharaj on the existence of Naraka. When Parikshit questions Suka Muni, if the Lord was compassion personified why does he want a soul to suffer in Naraka? Could he not forgive or give him another chance or provide a path for Prayachitha or atonement for the sins the soul might have committed? To this Suka Muni says how a soul is suffering the likes of Naraka right here, don’t we see people quarrelling and at times hurting each other with weapons? When we fry sweets and savories for festivals like Sri Jayanthi or Gokulastami sometimes a fly was fall into the hot oil and burn itself which is similar to the kumbi bhakam in naraka that a soul may undergo for some of his wrong deeds on earth. And regarding atonements he says if only God provided atonements to all the sins that people will first learn of the atonement and then commit the sin assuming that he can alleviate the sin if he performs the right atonement.
Narayan ji then narrated the story of Ajamila, one of the favorite stories of Guru ji. Ajamila, although being a great sinner called out to his 10th son Narayana during his last breath and hence Sri Hari sent his Dhivya Suris to bring the soul of Ajamila to Vaikunta. He explained the conversation between the Yama Dhuthas and the Dhivya Suris. Also took us to Yama loka to hear the conversation between the Yama Dhuthas and Yama Dharma Raja. Some of these conversations were very interesting and kept ringing back in our ears. Like how the Yama Dhuthas on reaching Yama loka ask Yama Dharma Raja if there was anybody superior to him or is it only Yama Dharma Raja who is superior. To which Yama Dharma Raja does not answer and questions them on why they have returned without the soul of Ajamila a sinner. The Yama Dhutas then tell him that Ajamila screamed and hence they could not bring his soul. Now Yama Dharma Raja laughs and says who does not scream while they are being brought to Yama loka, you Dhutas must have been used to such screaming by now and should have still brought Ajamila here. But the Yama Dhutas say that this particular scream was very different and they’ve not heard this before and as his screamed there were 4 Dhivya Suris who arrived to take his soul. So Yama Dharma Raja curiously asked what did Ajamila scream? And the Yama Dhutas replied that he screamed “Narayana”. Immediately Yama Dharma Raja rose from his aasana with hands raised over his head and then said, now I’ll answer your first question. Then he goes about to say how he is not independent and how Sriman Narayana is the most supreme being. Then the conversation between the Yama Dhutas and Yama Dharma Raja continues as they ask that as per out rules any sinner should be brought here to Yama Loka and put to sufferings and how can this be overridden by chanting the nama of the supreme being at the last breath? To this Yama Dharma Raja beautifully explains that above all these Dharma’s and Shastras we have a Dharma called the Bhagavatha Dharma which was known only to 12 people and now he explains this Dharma in the Srimad Bhagavatham.So as per Bhagavatha Dharma, the moment a soul recites the Bhagavan Nama at its last breath it belongs to Lord Sri Hari and he will take the soul onto his fold forgiving all his misdoings in the past. So if reciting the Bhagavan Nama at the last breath is sufficient why then do we require to chant his names now and go to satsangs? Here Narayan ji explained how we may know about everything except 2 things in life that is When we would die and how we would die. So we never know whether during that last moment of our death we would have the conscious to call out to the lord. Hence we require this satsang starting as early and continuously through our lives because it is this satsang that will carry us safely in this kali yuga. There will be sorrows and joys to devotees who attend a satsang but they will be considered as mere blessings of the Lord and the sorrows will seem trivial as we would gain clarity on approaching every deed.
Talking about sorrows, Narayan ji also narrated the story of how in the initial days Vivekananda requested Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to ask Kali matha to give him more money as he was was bogged down with several debts after his fathers death. To this Sri Ramakrishna replies that he cannot ask favors but he would bless Vivekananda such that he can request Kali matha directly and said that the same night Vivekananda can go to the temple and Kali math would give him darshan and then he can request for whatever he wanted. So that night Vivekananda decides what all he should ask Kali matha and went to the temple. But on seeing Kali matha he simply asked for “Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya”. Upon returning the next day Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa asks if Kali fulfilled his wishes? And Vivekananda replied that he forgot to ask for his wishes. The Sri Ramakrishna says that he will grant him one more opportunity. So the second night Vivekananda goes but the same thing happens. And the same conversation follows between Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. Now he is granted a 3rd opportunity and the same thing happens. Finally on the fourth day Sri Ramakrishna says he cannot grant him any more chances to meet Kali. To this Vivekananda replies that he does not require any more darshans of Kali as on the 3rd night’s darshan, though he remembered all his wishes, he still asked for “Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya” because in front of these his problems and sorrows seemed trivial. This shows how the Guru’s sangha guides us and gives us the clarity to choose the highest and the best even when we are in deep sorrow.Later Narayan ji sang Jananeshwar Maharaj’s Abhang “Kala vela Nama ucharitha nahi” Where he sins how by “he” 
merely chanting the names of the Lord can witness all his forefathers attaining vaikunta. The satsang was concluded with the chanting of Nama for another 5 minutes. Finally Narayan ji thanked every devotee for joining us that evening and sharing the glories of the lord. As a satsang is not a satsang unless we have more and more devotees blessing each other by narrating the glories so that others can do shravana and singing the names of the lord and performing smarana. At the end all the devotees offered flowers to Madhuri Saki Sametha Sri Premika Varadan and beloved Guru ji followed by distribution of fruits and prasad.
merely chanting the names of the Lord can witness all his forefathers attaining vaikunta. The satsang was concluded with the chanting of Nama for another 5 minutes. Finally Narayan ji thanked every devotee for joining us that evening and sharing the glories of the lord. As a satsang is not a satsang unless we have more and more devotees blessing each other by narrating the glories so that others can do shravana and singing the names of the lord and performing smarana. At the end all the devotees offered flowers to Madhuri Saki Sametha Sri Premika Varadan and beloved Guru ji followed by distribution of fruits and prasad. Saturday, August 15, 2009
Yet another Janmastami Satsang 2009 !!!
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
By the grace of Lord Sri Hari and our beloved Satguru Maharaj, we had yet another wonderful satsang. 7 familes and around 5 bachelors joined us at the residence of Sri Madhanagopal. The satsang started with Nama Sankeertan of Hare Rama Mahamantra, followed by an assortment of several enchanting bhajans.
Bhajans on Sri Krishna, his leela, Sriman Narayana, Sri Rama and the ever adorable Panduranga were sung.
Anand ji was leading the bhajans in his own inimitable style.
After a very intense session of Bhajans, Aravind ji proceeded to give a similar discourse on Srimad Bhagavatham as yesterday. (posted the details of the discourse on yesterdays post 13th August 2009)
The only difference being the discourse was in pleasing tamil as all the families and bachelors comprising of about 20 people who came to the satsang were tamilians.
We had a similar parayanam of the birth of Lord sri Krishna and also the parayanam of the divinely melodious "Venu Geetam".
The satsang concluded with Nama Sankeertan and distribution of very sumptuos prasadam. Everyone throughly enjoyed the satsang and the bhajans. We could all feel the enriching vibes in that large living room .
We had a similar parayanam of the birth of Lord sri Krishna and also the parayanam of the divinely melodious "Venu Geetam".
The satsang concluded with Nama Sankeertan and distribution of very sumptuos prasadam. Everyone throughly enjoyed the satsang and the bhajans. We could all feel the enriching vibes in that large living room .
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Janmastami Satsang 2009 !!!
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare HareHare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
By the grace of Sri Hari and our beloved Sathguru Maharaj, we had a wonderful satsang here at home to celebrate the birth of Gokul :)
5 families joined us at home for an evening of bhajans and parayana.
The satsang started with nama sankeertan of the Hare Rama Maha Mantra, followed by several bhajans on Sri Krishna, his leela's, his antics, his beauty and his grace.
Aravind ji, gave a discourse emphasizing on the need for nama sankeertan in this kali yuga and mentioned that there is yet another easier path to attain the Lord, that is the path of Katha Sharavanam. By merely listening to the stories of the Lord one can reach that supreme.
One great example to this path is King Parikshit. During the advent of Kali yuga, King Parikshit was overcome by kali's prowess due to exhaustion and thirst. He committed an unethical action as he did not receive any response from the Shamika Maharishi in his ashram which he happened to cross while tracing his way back to his kingdom after a grueling hunting expedition. He had requested water from the sage who was in deep meditation and did not notice the king. King Parikshit in haste threw a dead snake around the neck of the sage and left. The sage’s son Sringi who returned to the ashram later noticed the snake, was infuriated and cursed that whoever had committed this heinous act will die by bite of the celestial snake Thakshaka in 7 days.
This Sringi informed his father once he arose from meditation. Shamika Maharishi was most displeased and sent this sad message to king Parikshit as he felt it’s his right to know that is death is nearing. King Parikshit on hearing this news was overwhelmed to realize that in this world of uncertainties, he is sure of at least one thing that he die only the 7th day and never before. So he made his son ascend the throne and take care of the kingdom while he could retire to the banks of the holy Ganges and contemplate on the supreme.
As he went to the Ganges, Sri Suka the divine son of Sri Veda Vyasa came and enquired king Parikshit. On hearing about his curse, Sri Suka decided to recite the Srimad Bhagavatham in 7days to king Parikshit. Several other sages congregated to listen to the Srimad Bhagavatha from the divine Sage Suka.
Srimad Bhagavatham is comprised of 12 cantos with 18000 slokas.
Sage Suka recited the slokas in each canto. The first canto is how Kunti extols Bhagavan Sri Krishna and how Beeshmacharya extols Sri Krishna. The second Canto provides insights on the creation of the universe. The third Canto is about the avatar of Lord as Kapila who preached his own mother on liberation. Fourth Canto explains the way to lead life with Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
The fifth Canto is the story of Jadabaratha. The sixth and middle canto in Srimad Bhagavatham is the story of Ajamila which shows the Lords compassion. The seventh Canto is about the great bhagavatha Sri Prahalad. The eighth Canto is on the elephant Gajendra moksham and also the avatharams of the Lord as Vamana. The ninth Canto is the story of Lord Rama. Finally in the 10th Canto Sri Suka recites just 10 slokas on Lord Sri Krishna. Now king Parikshit is so disappointed. He has been listening to the Bhagavatham for the fast 5 days eagerly waiting to hear about his maternal grandfather and the supreme personality Sri Krishna. Until this moment Sage Suka addressed king Parikshit as ‘Rajanu’ but now seeing his earnest longing to listen more on Lord Sri Krishna he starts to address him as ‘Raja Rishi’. Meaning that he has developed a liking to the stories of the divine and hence he a Raja or a king among Rishis.
Now he explains in detail the birth and leela of Lord Sri Krishna. When Bhooma devi in the form of a Cow came to Lord Bhrama to save her from the burden from all the evil forces causing atrocities on earth, Lord Bhrama and all the devas along with Bhooma devi go to Lord Hari to protect them. So the Lord decided or made sankalpa to take birth as Sri Krishna in yadhu kula.
Thus in the avatar as Sri Krishna, the Lord descended with his entire prowess. The Supreme truth which the Vedas could not understand, the supreme truth that is in the heart of hearts, thoughts of all thoughts, who resides in the smallest atom to the largest star, the unborn is now born!!!
Thus the Bhagavatha parayana was performed, reading about the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. We also listened to the parayanam of the divine Venu Geetham. Everyone joined in reciting the most beautiful sloka ‘Barhapedam’
Our satsang closed with nama sankeertham and distribution of prasad
Happy Birthday Gokul!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Janmastami 2009 !!!
Janmastami falls on 13th midnight of August this year.
Recollecting the days back at home, when little feet like symbols are made from the entrance of the house to the pooja room resembling kutti krishna's feet :) These symbols are made from rice flour. As you follow the little feet you'll enter a pooja room filled with pleasant fragrance of agarbathi which is overridden by the appetizing fragrance of cheedai's, thattai's and muruku's
This year I intend to relive those days from my aan in chennai here in an altamonte apartment. To setup the stage for the Janmastami celebrations, stock up on Rice flour, jaggery, copara (dried coconut), urad dal, channa dal, besan flour, potu kadalai maavu, aval, coconut, cumin seeds, red chilly powder, sesame seeds, cardamom, oil, ghee and butter.
Recollecting the days back at home, when little feet like symbols are made from the entrance of the house to the pooja room resembling kutti krishna's feet :) These symbols are made from rice flour. As you follow the little feet you'll enter a pooja room filled with pleasant fragrance of agarbathi which is overridden by the appetizing fragrance of cheedai's, thattai's and muruku's
This year I intend to relive those days from my aan in chennai here in an altamonte apartment. To setup the stage for the Janmastami celebrations, stock up on Rice flour, jaggery, copara (dried coconut), urad dal, channa dal, besan flour, potu kadalai maavu, aval, coconut, cumin seeds, red chilly powder, sesame seeds, cardamom, oil, ghee and butter.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Chronicles of wellbeing - Part 1
Concentrate on protein intake :)
We require at least 50 gm of protein per day. Here’s a list of protein counter in several Indian recipes.
1. A cup of Indian dal - 15 gm
2. A cup of sprouted dal - 20 gm
3. A cup of nuts - 20 gm
4. A cup of milk - 9 gm
5. A cup of yogurt/curd - 9 gm
6. A slice of wheat bread - 5 gm
7. A slice of cheese - 4 gm
8. A bowl of veggie soup - 5 gm
9. 2 Roti's (with soyflour) - 5 gm
10. 2 Adai's - 8 gm
11. A cup of paneer - 25 gm
We require at least 50 gm of protein per day. Here’s a list of protein counter in several Indian recipes.
1. A cup of Indian dal - 15 gm
2. A cup of sprouted dal - 20 gm
3. A cup of nuts - 20 gm
4. A cup of milk - 9 gm
5. A cup of yogurt/curd - 9 gm
6. A slice of wheat bread - 5 gm7. A slice of cheese - 4 gm
8. A bowl of veggie soup - 5 gm
9. 2 Roti's (with soyflour) - 5 gm
10. 2 Adai's - 8 gm
11. A cup of paneer - 25 gm
Note: A Cup measures 236 - 240 ml.And a Bowl measures to 2 cups that is about 470 ml
Mineral intake is second to protein. And Calcium is the most important mineral required.
1 cup of Yogurt - 415 mg
1 cup of Milk - 321 mg
1 cup of Cheddar cheese - 200 mg
1/2 cup of Paneer - 115mg
At most times we'll require to take additional calcium tablets or chewable to obtain the daily value of 1000 mgs :(
Iron is another important mineral and the daily recommended intake is 18 mgs.
Sadly i know of only a few foods that contain a non-negligible quantity of Iron.
A cup of Quinoa - 6.2 mg
A cup of Rajma dal - 5.2 mg
5 Drierd Peaches - 5.3 mgsA cup of Quinoa - 6.2 mg
A cup of Rajma dal - 5.2 mg
Please note it would greatly help me and others who may read this blog if anybody can share your comments or suggestions or corrections on these health tips provided above.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Nama Anubhava
The Oranges
We have satsangs at home on every Sunday and on one Sunday the 11th of January 2009 we were invited by a colleague (I’ll call him Mr.G) to conduct a satsang at his house at 7:00 pm. The community where he resides is just 3 miles away. This is what happened on that Sunday, as usual we started our first satsang session at our home at 4:30 pm. Until 4:45 nobody arrived and finally one member showed up with his daughter. So we continued the satsang and talks with him and his daughter until 5.15 pm. And the end we gave them oranges as Prasad.
After they left, we were getting ready for the second satsang at 6:00 pm and also the satsang at Mr.G's house.
A new member was expected to join our 6:00 pm satsang. At 5 mins to 6:00 she called us from a public telephone system asking for the routes as she was lost. My husband asked her to wait at the shopping complex from where she was calling and suggested that he would come and pick her up as it was only a 5 minute drive from our house. Now as I was chanting the Hare Rama maha mantra and waiting for this one member and my husband to arrive soon, the phone rang. That was strange, we generally mute all the Land line phones and mobile phones once the satsang starts, but since it was getting delayed today we had forgotten about it. It did not strike me that it could be the satsang member or my husband from the shopping complex trying to find each other or something. But anyways it was neither of them, but another satsang member who usually turns up for the 4:30 pm satsang sessions.
Mr.A as i want to call him going forward, requested that he and his family would like to join our 6:00 pm satsang. I was overjoyed and informed him to come in as soon as possible as it was already 6:00 pm. In another 2 mins or so, my husband and Ms.C (the member who was waiting at the shopping complex) arrived while i was chanting. She was an American lady and had never been to our satsangs before, so my husband tried to explain in brief about our satsang and requested her to chant the maha mantra along with us.
As we all were chanting, Mr.A arrived with his family. We settled soon and continued with the chanting, kitans and my husband gave a talk on why we chant, the purpose of your lives and benefits of a satsang gathering. By the time we completed our last round of chanting and discussions it was 6.50 pm. Yes we will be delayed for our third satsang session at Mr.G's house. So i immediately distributed the orange Prasad to all the members. So as soon as the members left, (of course Ms.C was stating back as we were had to drop her back at the shopping complex as her car was still parked there) my husband called Mr.G and informed him that we'll be late and would arrive before
7.15 pm. So as we were gathering the kirtan materials and some satsang materials like newsletters. As we were leaving the house i grabbed the oranges basket and off we went to drop off Ms.C and rush to Mr.G's house for the satsang.
As planned we arrived at 7:15 pm and my husband explained the flow of the satsang and we all chanted and sang kirtans and he gave the same talk on purpose and benefits of nama sankirtan. It was a really intense satsang of 40 mins. Everyone was so immersed in nama sankirtans and very interactive during the discussion on why we all should gather like this once a week. We were so happy that there was at least 1 representative from each of the 5 Indian families that reside in that community. As the satsang concluded, I as usually picked up my basket to distribute the Prasad. Suddenly a thought struck me, "Did I check if I have enough fruits for everybody in this satsang?" I did not want any member to go back home without Prasad. I was chanting the maha mantra and started distributing the Prasad, to my delight (as no one including my husband was aware of what was going on in my mind) there were 8 members for the satsang and exactly 8 oranges in my basket.
I would not overlook this as mere coincidence...
We have satsangs at home on every Sunday and on one Sunday the 11th of January 2009 we were invited by a colleague (I’ll call him Mr.G) to conduct a satsang at his house at 7:00 pm. The community where he resides is just 3 miles away. This is what happened on that Sunday, as usual we started our first satsang session at our home at 4:30 pm. Until 4:45 nobody arrived and finally one member showed up with his daughter. So we continued the satsang and talks with him and his daughter until 5.15 pm. And the end we gave them oranges as Prasad.
After they left, we were getting ready for the second satsang at 6:00 pm and also the satsang at Mr.G's house.
A new member was expected to join our 6:00 pm satsang. At 5 mins to 6:00 she called us from a public telephone system asking for the routes as she was lost. My husband asked her to wait at the shopping complex from where she was calling and suggested that he would come and pick her up as it was only a 5 minute drive from our house. Now as I was chanting the Hare Rama maha mantra and waiting for this one member and my husband to arrive soon, the phone rang. That was strange, we generally mute all the Land line phones and mobile phones once the satsang starts, but since it was getting delayed today we had forgotten about it. It did not strike me that it could be the satsang member or my husband from the shopping complex trying to find each other or something. But anyways it was neither of them, but another satsang member who usually turns up for the 4:30 pm satsang sessions.
Mr.A as i want to call him going forward, requested that he and his family would like to join our 6:00 pm satsang. I was overjoyed and informed him to come in as soon as possible as it was already 6:00 pm. In another 2 mins or so, my husband and Ms.C (the member who was waiting at the shopping complex) arrived while i was chanting. She was an American lady and had never been to our satsangs before, so my husband tried to explain in brief about our satsang and requested her to chant the maha mantra along with us.
As we all were chanting, Mr.A arrived with his family. We settled soon and continued with the chanting, kitans and my husband gave a talk on why we chant, the purpose of your lives and benefits of a satsang gathering. By the time we completed our last round of chanting and discussions it was 6.50 pm. Yes we will be delayed for our third satsang session at Mr.G's house. So i immediately distributed the orange Prasad to all the members. So as soon as the members left, (of course Ms.C was stating back as we were had to drop her back at the shopping complex as her car was still parked there) my husband called Mr.G and informed him that we'll be late and would arrive before
7.15 pm. So as we were gathering the kirtan materials and some satsang materials like newsletters. As we were leaving the house i grabbed the oranges basket and off we went to drop off Ms.C and rush to Mr.G's house for the satsang.
As planned we arrived at 7:15 pm and my husband explained the flow of the satsang and we all chanted and sang kirtans and he gave the same talk on purpose and benefits of nama sankirtan. It was a really intense satsang of 40 mins. Everyone was so immersed in nama sankirtans and very interactive during the discussion on why we all should gather like this once a week. We were so happy that there was at least 1 representative from each of the 5 Indian families that reside in that community. As the satsang concluded, I as usually picked up my basket to distribute the Prasad. Suddenly a thought struck me, "Did I check if I have enough fruits for everybody in this satsang?" I did not want any member to go back home without Prasad. I was chanting the maha mantra and started distributing the Prasad, to my delight (as no one including my husband was aware of what was going on in my mind) there were 8 members for the satsang and exactly 8 oranges in my basket.
I would not overlook this as mere coincidence...
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