Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Chaitanya Archana – May 22, 2018 – Mysore
Compiled by Archana Penukonda
Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sri Padavallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
We have been having good celebrations on the occasion of Vajrotsava (Diamond Jubilee of Pujya Swamiji) conclusion, the 20th anniversary of Nada Mantapa and the 19th Brahmotsavas of Datta Venkateshwara temple. We have this opportunity – of good company, doing good deeds, association with Sadguru and good thoughts – for seven days. People come to the event for as many days as possible since it may not be possible for them to attend all seven days. People attend according to their destiny.
Today is a very auspicious day. Those who arrived two nights ago witnessed the start of the Brahmotsavas. Those who arrived last night are witnessing the Chaitanya Archana. Dattapeetham is recognizing people excelling in various fields through Chaitanya Archana. Chaitanya is the live presence of God, of Mother goddess, of that divine energy. Chaitanya Archana is the way of worshiping the God in them. All beings need Chaitanya (consciousness) to move/live. Those excelling in Vedic studies get recognized with the Shastra Nidhi award. Nada Nidhi award is given to music stalwarts who worship music. Those who serve the society with devotion are recognized with Jayalakshmi Puraskar. Vishwa Bandhu award is also given to those who serve the society. This award is given to those who see everyone as the same. Kamal Jain from Nepal built a big temple to serve the society. We are recognizing him too. We also give the Asthana Vidwan award to those associated with the Ashram, who present their music as a divine service to the Ashram. The purpose of Chaitanya Archana is to recognize those who excel in their respective fields.
This is happening at the conclusion of 75th year. It is rare to see so many stalwarts on one stage. It’s a beautiful sight to behold. Participate in all the upcoming programs. It is not enough to attend the programs in a hurry for a day or two. You must see Swamiji when He’s relaxed like this, not when He’s very busy.
Everyone must be closely related to the ashram. It may be called an Ashram, but it is your home. You have a home in Mysore. When you have celebrations at home, think of Mysore Ashram. When you buy new clothes for family members on auspicious occasions, buy something for Swamiji as well. You can wear those clothes yourself, no problem, but you must develop affection for Swamiji as a family member. When you think of Swamiji as your family member, you will be protected. When you eat food, think about Swamiji. Imagine He is eating with you. Think about what He may be doing and whether He ate his meals yet. Talk to Swamiji through His photo and invite Him to eat with you. I like that. That is the relationship you must develop with the Guru. This Chaitanya Archana is to develop that relationship. If not, I can just give them a certificate and a few rupees and send them off.
This Chaitanya Archana is not a formal program in some random Ashram. It is our family program. I was telling Kamal Jain that this is not just a formality to honor guests who are visiting the Ashram. This is our home and you are all our relatives. Do not think you are done once you are honored. The honors are not just a formality. It is a sin to think of it that way. You must develop a close relationship with Swamiji. It is not about the certificate. The certificate that you are receiving now will adorn a shelf and will be forgotten in some time. We must think of Swamiji as our family member. I tell the music stalwarts that get honored – wherever you are, think of Swamiji when you are singing.
Think about where Swamiji may be and what He is doing. Mrs. Padma Murthy always thinks of Swamiji. She is a Nada Nidhi awardee. She thinks of Swamiji every day. When she buys something for her children, she thinks of Swamiji. When she cooks something, she remembers Swamiji thinking Swamiji would’ve liked the dish, but isn’t there to eat it. Think of Swamiji as a family member. Many people think like that. “Where is Swamiji? Is He in Mysore? Is He traveling in the US?” “I am eating this sweet. Swamiji likes this a lot”. That way think of Swamiji every day.
Every time you are chanting, imagine Swamiji is listening. He is surely listening wherever you are. You must think of Swamiji like that. That is the way I like. There are so many trusts, committees and organizations. All of them honor reputed people these days. They however do it for their own recognition. There are countless such committees that come up and disappear. But our Ashram is not like that. Remember, this is our family celebration. This is Lord Datta’s family celebration.
Regardless of who Swamiji honors, think of yourself as being honored. We’ve completed 50 years of the Ashram, this is the 51st year. We have been doing Chaitanya Archana all along. It is not a small committee where three people come together to honor people. This is a divine event. This is Lord Datta Himself bestowing blessings. This program will always take place in the Ashram. Even if Swamiji gives a flower or a vastram/clothes, or even a stone with his hand, it is a big honor. That is enough.
I do not need recognition for Chaitanya Archana. This is Lord Datta’s gift to you (Datta Prasad). I honored you from deep within my heart. There may be a committee and a Trust per government regulations, but it is up to Swamiji.