Speech of HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – August 14, 2024 – Mysore
On this auspicious evening, on the occasion of the Ramayana Yaga, if we are present here in this Satsanga, it is Lord Datta’s Sankalpa. Sri Vachanaananda Swamiji, Sri Shadakshara Swamiji and Sri Malikarjuna Swamiji are here with us this evening.
By the grace of Pujya Appaji, Shatashloki Ramayana parayana has been done 130 Crore times. Hanuman Chalisa parayana has been done countless times. In Trinidad, devotees have offered Ahoratra parayana – where the chanting is done through the night.
This year, during this 21st Chaturmasya, we decided to organize the Ramayana Yaga. Today’s parayana went on till 4PM. Just as I was wondering how we were going to have the discourse this evening, Datta Swami has come in the form of these three Swamijis to bless us with Satsanga.
While we perform Annadana and so many other charities, the greatest dāna of all is Gnyana dāna.
Siśṭānadhyena: when Yatis visit, the Veda Pathashala declares a holiday for the students. This does not mean the students go off to play like they do on normal Anādhyena days like Amavasya, Pournami and Pratipat (the first day of the lunar fortnight). Siśṭānadhyena is declared so that the students may learn from the Mahatmas who are visiting the ashrama. Today is Siśṭānadhyena for Brahmanda Purana.
Everyday practice some simple Datta Kriya Yoga exercises – especially neck exercises. Everyone spends so much time looking down their cellphones, that the neck muscles become weak. I do not understand why people neglect their health! Why do the majority ignore Yoga?
Even as children, when the mother would make Pongal, the children pick out the peppercorn and the curry leaf and set them aside. These are so beneficial for health. Instead, the child asks for more cashews. I do not understand why everyone leaves out what is so important.
Even if you are exercising and working out at a gym, include some yoga, pranayama and dhyana as well. Balance in everything is important.
Let us all chant Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama 108 times.
Jaya Guru Datta