Navapoojitam Celebrations - Press Release issued from Santhigiri Ashram

Gurucharanam Saranam

PRESS RELEASE

PRANAB MUKHERJEE TO INAUGURATE NAVAPOOJITAM CELEBRATIONS OF SANTHIGIRI ASHRAM

Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 21: Union Finance Minister, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee, will inaugurate on August 23rd, Sunday, the month-long ‘Navapoojitham’ celebrations, marking the 83rd birthday of Navajyothisree Karunakaraguru, the founder of Santhigiri Ashram.

The function, to be held at the A J Hall at Ernakulam, at 6.30 p.m. will be presided over by Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Prof. K V Thomas. The keynote address will be delivered by KPCC President, Sh. Ramesh Chennithala. The release of a book containing ‘1001 Guruvanis’ will also be done on that day. Kochi Corporation Deputy Mayor, Sh. C K Manishankar, CPI district secretary, Mundakkayam Sadasivan, BJP district president, Nedumbaserry Ravi, Santhigiri Ashram Director, Swami Navananma Jnana Thapaswi, actor-director, Sh. Madhupal and Santhigiri N N Communications AGM, Sh. G Jayakumar, will also speak on the occasion.

The main programmes connected with ‘Navapoojitham’ will be held at the Santhigiri branch ashrams at Ernakulam, the birthplace of Guru at Chandiroor, Alappuzha, and at New Delhi besides the main ashram premises at Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram.

A function to formally declare the ‘Navapoojitham’ programmes and to mark the 9th anniversary of the consecration of the ‘parnasala’ at the Ernakulam branch ashram will be held on August 22nd, Saturday. Kerala High Court Justice Haroun Al-Rashid will inaugurate the function at 10 a.m. at the Ernakulam ashram premises. Kochi Mayor, Prof. Mercy Williams, will preside over the function. The programme declaration will be made by Swami Satyaprakasha Jnana Thapaswi, President, Santhigiri Ashram. The keynote address will be delivered by the Ernakulam District Collector, Dr. M Beena. Santhigiri Ashram General Secretary, Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi, Kochi Corporation Councillor, Sh. P J Vinod, Ernakulam Santhigiri Ashram Advisory Board President, Sh. C K Venugopal, Santhigiri Vishwa Samskarika Navothana Kendram (VSNK) president, Sh. D Pradeep Kumar, regional manager, Sh. Subhash Chandra Bose, Santhigiri Mathrumandalam secretary Girija Chandran and Advisory Board secretary R Satheesan will also speak on the occasion.

At 11.30 a.m. on August 23rd, Sunday, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Prof. K V Thomas, will inaugurate a public meeting at Chandiroor Santhigiri Ashram, following a ‘Janmagriham Teerthyathra’ (procession around the Guru’s birthplace) at 8 a.m. Kerala Agriculture Minister, Sh. Mullakara Ratnakaran, will preside over the function. Advocate A. M. Arif, MLA, will felicitate local agricultural families who have been tirelessly working for the development of agriculture in and around Chandiroor. Chandiroor Santhigiri Ashram ‘karyadarshi’, Swami Gurumithran Jnana Thapaswi, Aroor grama panchayat president, Smt. Leela Thanjan, district cooperative bank president, Sh. C V Chandrababu, Janata Dal state committee vice-president, Sh. Varghese George, Aroor grama panchayat member, Sh. P P Sabu, BJP district committee member, Advocate V Padmanabhan and VSNK secretary, Sh. V Ajithkumar, will speak on the occasion.

The Navajpoojitham function at the New Delhi Santhigiri Ashram will be inaugurated by Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker, Dr. Yogananda Shastri, on August 23rd. Delhi Health and Family Welfare Minister, Prof. Kiran Walia, will preside over the function. Dr. Syed Zafar Mehmood, President, Inter-faith Coalition for Peace, and Ms. Annie Raja, general secretary, National Federation of Indian Women, will also participate in the function.

The ‘Navapoojitham’ celebrations at Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram, will commence at 3 a.m. on August 25th, Tuesday. ‘Pushpanjali’ will be held at 5 a.m. followed by prayers and flag hoisting at 6 a.m. ‘Gurupadavandanam’ and floral offerings at the Guru’s feet will take place from 6.30 to 9 a.m. The ‘Navapoojitham’ public meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Prayers and ‘Gurupooja’ will be held at 12 noon and ‘Deepapradakshina’ at 7 p.m. The functions will conclude at 11.30 p.m. with floral offerings and ‘pushpanjali’ at Guru’s feet.

The ‘Navapoojitham’ public meeting will be inaugurated by Kerala Food Minister, Sh. C Divakaran, and presided over by Devaswom Minister Kadanapally Ramachandran. Sh. A Sampat, MP, will release the ‘Navapoojitham Souvenir’ on the occasion. Former MP, Sh. Varkala Radhakrishnan, will deliver the keynote address. Felicitations will be offered by Smt. J Arundhati, Advocate M A Wahid, and Sh. Thomas Chandy, MLAs, Sh. J Alexander, former Karnataka Tourism Minister, Sh. Srinivasalu, IAS, Labour Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh, Sh. G Vamadevan, president Pothencode grama panchayat, Dr Kiran, zonal manager, Santhigiri Ashram, New Delhi, and Dr. P A Hemalatha, secretary, Mathrumandalam. Sh. K Satheesan, secretary, VSNK, will give the vote of thanks.

On September 20th, Sunday, the concluding day of the ‘Navapoojitham’ celebrations, Guru Mahima, the young women’s organization of Santhigiri Ashram, is organising a youth meet at 10 a.m. This will be inaugurated by union Food Processing Minister, Sh. Subodh Kant Sahay and presided over by Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, Sh. Oommen Chandy. The keynote address will be delivered by Sh. N Peetambara Kurup, MP. Sh. Kadakampally Surendran, secretary, CPM district committee, will release a special edition of ‘Umminithankam', an ashram publication. Felicitations will be offered by Sh. Koliyakode Krishnan Nair, president, State Cooperative Bank, Sh. P K Krishnadas, president, BJP Kerala unit, Advocate B Balachandran, president, Manickal gram panchayat, Dr T S Somanathan, treasurer, VSNK, Sh. V Subhash Chandra Bose, Project Chief, DISA, Santhigiri Ashram, and Brahmacharini Dr. Anu, secretary, Guru Mahima. Sh. T K Unnikrishnaprasad, DGM, Operations, Santhigiri Ashram, will offer the vote of thanks.

The month-long ‘Navapoojitham’ celebrations will conclude with a ‘Poorna Kumbhamela’ procession around the ashram complex, commencing at 4 p.m.

Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi
Organising Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram

Spiritual Experience of Brahmacharini (Dr) Anu

My Life - Gift of Guru
Brahmacharini Anu

My Guru, Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru is the reservoir of love and kindness. And this has given me my life for a second time. And the experience, which I met with, is beyond what modern science is able to explain. My name is Anu Kureethara and ‘Kureethara’ refers to my family which had its own position in our village. My grand father Dr. Sreedharan was well known to each and everyone in our locality. But by the time I was born, the family had lost most of its glory. My father was a Section Officer of ‘CUSAT’ and my mother hails from an equally well known family. But unfortunately, most of the members of my family died at an early age and this included my grandfather, father and uncle. All died around forty years. Now my family consists of my mother, who is working in CUSAT, and my brother. The incidents which occurred when I was 9, compelled me to believe in fate, or what is known as GOD’s wish that is written even before one’s birth. But all my beliefs were proved wrong when GURU-gave back my life or else I would have left this world as per my family’s history.

After completing my tenth standard exams, I continued my studies staying in the Ashram. It was according to my GURU’s wish. I did not understand why GURU told me to stay here, but now, I know that GURU knows everything - what has happened in the past, is going on in the present and what is to happen in the future. And GURU knew that my life-span was short, so kept me near HIM and saved me from death. I consider the moment when I decided to stay in this ashram as the luckiest of all, because it was the turning point in my life.

Once when I was with Guru, Guru asked me - where is the seat (position) of Sishya (disciple)? I had no answer and Guru explained that the place for disciple is always on Guru’s lap. He again asked me where Guru should be? For this also I had no answer and Guru told - The position of Guru should be in the sacred (holy) chamber of disciple’s heart. In later years, I was able to experience the endless love of Guru towards me.

I had not suffered from much serious ailments even though there were severe headaches that would last for only one night. The next day or after sleeping, I would be okay. But the severity of the pain was in high. On one such occasion, I went to Guru and told about this. To this GURU told... “YOU SHOULD COME TO ME WHEN the pain HAPPENS TO BE INTOLERABLE”.

On hearing this I felt like crying, thinking how could I tolerate even more pain than this. Years passed, and there were occasions of severe headache and they were all tolerable. Then on 6th May 1999 - Guru merged with “Adisankalpam” we were all left alone. But Guru did not want us to be alone and gifted us with Guru’s Sishya Poojita Janani Amrutha Jnana Tapaswini. And from that day, I have felt Guru’s presence everywhere.

On October 2nd 2001, around 3 pm, the most dreadful thing happened. For some reason, I had to bend down and it so happened that I had some irritation in my nose - especially the left one. And then a drop of blood came followed by an outflow of blood. I was frightened and within minutes my dress and my towel all were smeared with blood. Every one around me was frightened and they rushed me to Janani.

Janani was calm at first but suddenly rose from the seat and gave me some medicine (homeo). My nose was bleeding severly and when someone told me to raise my face in order to decrease the flow of blood, I felt the blood flow through my throat. Then Sishya Poojita Janani gave some oil, which was applied over my nose. Suddenly, the blood flow decreased to one or two drops. I don’t know what had happened to me, except that I was going away from this world. I felt I had no relation to the outside world.

I was rushed to the nearby hospital first and then to Dr. Radhakrishnan (ENT specialist). By that time all the people in the Ashram prayed for my life on Janani’s advice. When I reached the hospital, the bleeding had stopped, but suddenly I had a vomiting sensation, but only one or two drops of blood came out of my mouth. Later, I came to know that at the same time Sishya Poojita Janani had vomited blood.

The doctor made a detailed check-up but was not able to diagnose anything. I was given a few medicines and was asked to come only if I bled again. This never happened again because Janani gave me some medicine (Balasarvangam). But today I know how I was able to survive that day - only through my GURU’s unlimited kindness. How GURU through Sishya Poojita Janani has given me a second birth. And now I realize - GURU and Janani are one. Guru acts through janani and what Janani speaks out are the Divine Words of Guru”.

Sishya Poojita Janani had done sankalpam for me and had diverted my disease. And it was as a result of this that Janani had vomited blood when actually I had to. I consider this as the greatest example of Guru-Sishya relation. Guru takes care of every one, every child, even when his/her parents are left helpless. GURU can do much more than blood relations can.

Spiritual Experience of Janani Divya Jnana Tapaswini

Guru - Boundless Store house of love and grace
Janani Divya Jnana Tapaswini

I consider the day on which I got the darshan of my Guru for the first time as the most blessed and auspicious day in my life. It was in 1990 and I was studying in standard III. A disciple of Guru told my father about Guru and asked him to go to meet Guru. Accordingly, we had gone to the Ashram. Fortunately when we reached, it was time for Guru-darshan. Guru was not well at that time. He gave darshan in a recumbent state. The sight of Guru and the ambience endeared me to the Ashram. A unique sense of comfort and freshness dawned within me. Guru asked mother if she was having any problem. She answered in the negative.

When we came out, Guru asked Amrutha Janani to find out from mother if she had any ailment. Now mother opened up and told that during monsoon season she could not raise one hand. It was a chronic problem and all attempted treatments were of no avail. When Guru was told about this, he beckoned mother and talked about the issue. He then gave a pack of bhasma (vibhuthi) and asked it to be applied on the affected hand with prayers. “It’ll be cured” Guru assured mother. Mother was less enthusiastic about this suggestion and left it at that. But when the pain exacerbated she applied the bhasma and prayed. After sometime, she felt that the pain subsided and then it was gone forever! We developed great love, affection and reverence towards Guru. We started visiting the ashram once or twice a year.

Guru visited our house on 20th May 1994. This was during the pilgrimage to Kuthuparamba. He stayed at our house for more than three days. But during those days, I could not go near Guru and had to be away in a relative’s house. However, whatever ‘prasadam’ Guru would give others, he made it a point to keep my share thereof. When I returned (after the monthly periods), mother handed over these things to me. I could discern Guru’s love and care for me and felt that I must be having a bond of relationship with this Acharya.

Guru had instructed my parents to take me to meet Guru when he reached Kozhikode en-route the pilgrimage. We did accordingly and listened to Guru’s discourses on various topics. But, I was poor in listening. Although I would be looking at Guru, my attention used to drift to other things and people around. Many a time, Guru had caught me wandering around by saying “Look here and listen to me”. When we left, Guru gave me sweets and other prasadam. We were also told to let Guru know about any developments in the house and to accompany Guru’s entourage back to the Ashram. We joined Guru at Ernakulam. When we stayed at the Ashram there, two girls were introduced to me as kids with the power of darshan (spiritual vision). I wondered what the darshan was about.

Within a month of our return home, I experienced ‘darshan’. It was at 6.30 pm on 25th June. I was a student of class VII. It was like this: I was habitually not good at praying. When we - my sisters and myself - sat together for prayers, I used to take it lightly and engage in mischief. Not because I did not respect and love Guru. I was simply like that. On the day of the experience, when we sat for lunch, I didn’t have proper appetite. When mother compelled, unwillingly I took some non-vegetarian food. After sometime everything was vomited. There was no illness and I felt okay. In the evening, when we sat for the regular prayers, I felt pleasant. At the end of the prayers, we were on our feet chanting Guru Gita. At that time, I was transported to some other plane of consciousness. In that state, figures and scenes appeared and vanished in front of my closed eyes as if in a movie. I could see clearly those standing on either side and the lamp and pedestal in front. After a few moments, I involuntarily took steps and bowed before the lamp and fell unconscious.

Internally at that time I was seeing a black cat, frightful as it was, staring with its luminous eyes at me. I cried aloud. Mother and sisters were simply watching me taking steps and bowing in front of the lamp, thinking that, as usual, I was being playful. Hearing my cry, father came down from the upper floor and those around me were also upset. I lay unconscious for about five minutes. Kumbatheertha (holy medicated water of Kumbamela) was sprayed on me and vibhuthi was applied on the body. I was sweating all over, was stiff and could not tell anything.
Father contacted Ashram and told Amrutha Janani about the matter. Janani informed Guru and was asked to advise us that what was seen was good and that Guru would speak to me over telephone. I was nervous about talking to Guru over phone. Two minutes later Guru was on the phone, asking me what I had seen. I explained everything. Guru told: This is the beginning of darshan for you. The cat was a tricky sanyasi who was stealthily trying to bag everything from Guru. Your darshan is good and this is beginning of spiritual advancement. I was told that I would be seeing such things again and again. And I did. The following day, while praying, I could see not only the black cat but various other things as well. When Guru was informed about this, we were told that continuing at home would not be okay for me and that I was to be brought to the Ashram for proper interpretation of my darshan. We were also instructed not to take any food en-route to the Ashram. Upon reaching Ashram, I was given a detailed account of the various aspects of the darshan and was enabled to experience the subtle aspects. I got spiritual vision, which unfolded the reasons for Guru’s incarnation; the grace of Guru thanks to which I was with him for several incarnations; how the devis, devas, rishis, prophets and other great souls have been prostrating before and worshipping Guru etc. Needless to say, all these are the most treasured experiences of mine.

Guru could actualize great and noble tasks, unattained by the innumerable prophets and great souls who descended on the earth so far, through his arduous penances and ‘tyaga’ (sacrifice). The said prophets and great souls revered Guru and told me thus: “Dear, take to this path and tread it with all attention, unerringly. We were not fortunate to have a Guru like yours. Till last breath, hold this firm to your heart”. I had the darshan of my maternal grandfather as well who said: “Baby, hold this precious spiritual line rapturously, as it is perforce needed for our salvation. It can happen only through this Guru”.

I used to frequent the Ashram at monthly intervals, with a view to get my darshans interpreted. During such visits, we used to stay for about a fortnight at the Ashram. When this practice started affecting my studies, as per Guru’s direction, I joined Santhigiri Vidyabhavan and stayed at the Ashram for proper interpretation of my spiritual experiences. This was on 5th June, 1996, and I was in standard IX. While studying in IXth and Xth standards, there were moments when I desired to return home. Obviously, my mind was not stable in the new path during such periods. While in Xth standard, I had told Guru that I envisioned the life of a sanyasini. He responded, brushing aside such ideas, asking me to concentrate on the studies. But Guru had told my mother that he would tell about my future course after two years. When I was studying for Plus Two, Guru left his body and merged in Adisankalpa. As destined, after 72 days Guru gave me sanyasa-initiation and the new name in the sanyasa-robe.

Beyond description is the greatness of our Guru who is now above us as Navaoli! Unfathomable is Guru’s love and affection for his disciples! Guru’s divine light is all pervading in this Universe. His greatness, as experienced by me, is the ultimate truth beyond anybody’s comprehension. The cardinal mistake which occurred aeons ago was corrected by Guru with his unparalleled spiritual power. This was unimaginable for all the acharyas of yore.

Guru has merged in Adisankalpa. But the same love, affection and care I’m experiencing now also through Guru’s Sishya Poojita Amrutha Jnana Tapaswini. And the whole of Santhigiri lineage would vouch for the fact that Guru is always with us. Welfare of the world through his disciples is Guru’s mission. And that’s the Will of God.

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference Souvenir)

The Role of Spirituality in Health

Dr. Bahuleyan

The place focality in the science of Ayurveda is unique. They are inseparable because the bond between them is very firm. This divine form of Science has penetrated deep in to the spiritual and material aspects of life.

If we want to bring forth the spiritual aspects of this science of life, we have to explore the personal experiences. I have a lot of personal experiences with Guru. Santhigiri came to the field of health under the guidance of Guru to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and the needy. The people who came to the ashram could get tranquility and peace of mind at the very sight of Guru. I was much graced to witness innumerable exciting moments during my association with Guru. A lot of people came to Guru after undergoing treatment for many serious diseases but without any recovery. I can recollect many instances where such people got relief and cure by adhering to Guru’s words. In such cases, doctors will only be instruments.

Here, I would like to narrate an instance from my personal experience. A person, who had fallen from a big tree, was brought to the ashram. He had many fractures, injured muscles and dislocations. Guru asked me to treat him even though I was very inexperienced at that time. Only because of Guru’s grace he got quick relief and could walk and go home. That instance aroused much satisfaction and happiness in me. Once a twelve-year-old boy was brought to the ashram who had lost his eyesight, as the reaction of a medicine given for curing fever. According to the doctor treating him, there was no chance of regaining the eye sight since the optic nerves had been damaged. The entire family was in a terrible plight. At that time, late Mr. K.P.Vaidyar, Karuvatta and myself were in charge of the Santhigiri Hospital. Guru asked me to give all the necessary treatment for the boy and I started the treatment on the usual prescribed way. In addition to that, we gave the medicines prescribed by Guru after Sankalpam. The boy recovered very soon and was advised to continue the treatment for a certain period every year for a length of time. That boy regained full eye sight and has completed more than two decades and now heads a Panchakarma Centre at Malappuram. Thus Guru’s grace and kind words give motivation and strength to every deed. Guru fulfilled His mission through me, I felt . The boy and his parents were very happy . They brought some gifts but I refused to accept these. But when they brought these home, I was forced to accept them. I submitted the gifts to Guru. At that time, Guru looked at every one and commented ‘what use of money for a Swami, I am the one who treated him’. Later on, I realized that Guru quoted this as a reminder of an experience which Sree Narayana Guru had from his Vaidya disciple at Aruvipuram.

When hundreds of experiences come to my mind in a row, I cannot forget my bitter personal experiences that affected my family. My wife, Mrs. Lalitha Bahuleyan, was a victim of the dreadful cancer during 1984-85. Even after giving various treatments, there was no sign of recovery. I was in a very pathetic situation. But I never told Guru about it. Once Guru asked me why I was worried. Guru knows everything but a disciple has to tell his grievances to Guru and beg for Guru’s mercy. That awareness is lacking in us and that itself is the grief of Guru. When I told Guru about my wife’s ailment, he instructed Janani to find out the details through vision. The ailment was of a defect in the jiva and there was no treatment for it. The entire family has to pray, and only through that, the defects in the jiva can be rectified, that is what Janani had seen in the vision. We strictly followed the advice of Guru and were deeply involved in prayers, sankalpa and offering of flowers on every Monday and Friday. Janani had also seen in the vision that no secondaries were formed. After a period of time, Guru told us to remove the tumour through surgery and take medicines afterwards to prevent it from recurring. Doctors in the R.C.C. commented that I was doing research with my wife’s tumor. It was because of their ignorance about jiva and soul that they commented like this. After surgery, my wife is enjoying good health.

According to the Ayurveda philosophy, diseases are the result of Karmadosha. These cannot be cured by medicine alone. Those doshas can be removed through prayers and these should be done under the guidance of a fully realized Guru. By the grace of the ultimate Brahmam, through Guru, the disease was completely cured. My wife wrote an article about her experience under the title ‘Guru - God for us’ in the 65th Gurujayanthi publication of the year 1991.

One day in Nov. 1998, I had a heart problem at one O’ clock in the night. I could not breathe. When I came out and started vomiting, the sound awoke my family and they were frightened. I prayed strongly to Guru and I felt his presence. I got some relief and did not have much problem later. I was taken to Sree Chitra Medical Centre and all the tests were done. They identified three blocks in the heart and told us that an urgent bypass surgery is required. If not, there is possibility of heart attacks. I reached ashram and informed Guru. After listening to me Guru asked me to postpone the operation and to take some medicine which was identified through vision by Janani. I started that medicine and still continue it.

In the present context, I do remember the words of Guru. He once told us that He was an Ayurveda Acharya and we devotees were the disciples in one of the previous births. Let these words be accomplished always. Let the renaissance of Ayurveda occur through the research at Santhigiri.

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference Souvenir)

NAVAPOOJITHAM 2009

Gurucharanam Saranam

Santhigiri Ashram

83rd 'Janmadina Poojitha Samarpanam' Celebrations of
NAVAJYOTHI SREE KARUNAKARA GURU

'NAVAPOOJITHAM'

25th August, 2009, (9th Chingam 1185), Tuesday
'Navapoojitham' Celebrations
22nd August to 20th September, 2009

“The realization of God's entrustment
Passed through all Godly planes.
The Will of Brahmam that exists
as the sublime virtue of Yugadharmam"


Central Office: Santhigiri P.O, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 589
Ph: 91-471-2419313, 2419056, 6611111, Fax: 2410508
E-mail: Santhigirisis@gmail.com
web: www.santhigiriashram.org

Athmabandho
Sadara Pranam,
The 83rd 'Janmadina Poojitha Samarpanam' of NAVAJYOTHI SREE KARUNAKARA GURU, the founder Guru of Santhigiri Ashram, is being celebrated on 24th-25th August, 2009, (8th-9th Chingam 1185). The blessed occasion demands our single-minded devotion, dedication and attention as well as our concerted efforts. While striving to render the event memorable we also need to keep in mind the natural elegance and simplicity unique to Guru.

The 'Janmadina Poojitha Samarpanam' and its spiritual significance will, in the days to come, acquire the astounding brilliance ordained by the Supreme Will of the Almighty. Not only this occasion, but also the place where it is celebrated, will be cherished by the entire world.
The birth of Guru, at Chandiroor in Cherthala taluk of Alappuzha district, 83 years ago, marks a new beginning for the liberation and transformation of human kind. Guru's life is the legacy of the entire world. May this truth be revealed by the grace of the Almighty Brahmam, to one and all. May it be so now and in the times to come!

“Everything that concerns me should be made known to all and whatever needs to be done, it should be done with the participation of all”, Guru had said. Also, the revealed Will of the Brahmam indicates the participation of the people of the world on this auspicious occasion. Accordingly, this intent is made known in the name of Guru, and you along with your family are invited to take part in the sacred celebrations.

With prayers,

Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi
General Secretary
Santhigiri Ashram



PROGRAMMES

22nd August, 2009, (6th Chingam 1185), Saturday
Santhigiri Ashram, Ernakulam Branch

3 a.m.
Prayer

6 a.m.
Aaradhana
Flag Hoisting

10 a.m.
'Navapoojitham' Inaugural Meeting and Anniversary of the Consecration of Ernakulam
Santhigiri Branch Ashram Parnasala

12 p.m.
Gurupooja

5 p.m.
Deepapradakshinam

23rd August, 2009, (7th Chingam 1185), Sunday
Janmagriham
Santhigiri Ashram,Chandiroor Branch, Alappuzha
5 a.m.
Prayer

6 a.m.
Aradhana
Flag Hoisting

10 a.m.
'Navapoojitham' Meeting

12 p.m.
Gurupooja

24th August, 2009, (8th Chingam 1185), Monday
Santhigiri Ashram, New Delhi Branch

10 a.m.
Meeting

Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram
4 p.m.
Cultural Meeting



25th August, 2009, (9th Chingam 1185), Tuesday
3 a.m.
Prayer
5 a.m.
Pushpanjali
6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Aradhana, Flag Hoisting
Pushpasamarpanam, Gurupadavandanam
10 a.m.
'Navapoojitham' Meeting
12 noon
Aradhana, Gurupooja
7 p. m
Deepapradakshinam
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cultural Programmes
11.30 p.m.
Pushpanjali
20th September, 2009, (1185 Kanni 4), Sunday
Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram
'Poorna Kumbhamela'
4 p.m., Poorna Kumbhamela Procession around the Ashram complex. (With this the month-long 'Navapoojitham' celebrations will come to a conclusion).
GURUVANI
Gurudharma is infinite and immortal. Guru is the harbinger of vision. The difference between the Deva (deities) and the Guru is very big.

Word is Truth Truth is Guru Guru is God

Spiritual Experience of Reshmi Jaimon

Gurucharanam Saranam

Guru Gave New Light to My Life
Resmi Jaimon, Ernakulam

My first visit to Santhigiri Ashram was with my parents on 12th March 2002. This was after my father did a work for the Ashram, unaware of the importance of what he did. We realized several persons in the Ashram knew the work he had done for Guru. My father is running an anodizing plant which processes aluminum extrusions and products like aluminum vessels, to make it last for decades. My father did this process for Guru’s vessels. Till we had the rare fortune to do such a work, we hadn’t even heard of Santhigiri Ashram or Nava Jyothi Sri Karunakara Guru.

Swami Nava Nanma Jnana Tapaswi talked to us for three hours on that day at a stretch. He also informed us we can meet Sishyapoojitha Janani. Throughout our visit, I was sensing a kind of radiance in the atmosphere which I had never sensed anywhere before.

Swami Nava Nanma Jnana Tapaswi explained to us that food in the Ashram is served as Guru’s prasadam (consecrated food). We had lunch and further waited to meet Sishyapoojitha Janani. It was evening when we finally met Her Holiness and she asked me and my mother to come again. It was probably curiosity about what she wanted to convey to us that led us again to the Ashram after two days. Since then we have gone through a range of experiences and a turning point in my life came with my marriage.

Born to parents who had an intercaste marriage in late 1970’s, my brother and myself were taught that factors like region, religion, caste, educational background, career or wealth did not matter much when it comes to selecting a partner. My parents also did not support astrological predictions and hence they hadn’t got a horoscope prepared for me and for my brother.

Later, I came to know, astrological predictions do not always work for various reasons. For example, if the time of birth marked is not accurate, the calculation would go wrong. Lack of insight on the part of the astrologer is another factor. Only a Guru who can see our past, present and future can look into the incarnations we have had so far over the Ages and find a suitable person whose soul will match that of another person. And once such a match is made, it is up to the married couple to abide by Guru’s words and lead their life in accordance with Guru’s wish. Then only one can overcome the obstacles in life and evolve spiritually, as well as form a foundation for a better generation.

In January 2003, my parents told me that they were going to find a groom for me. I told my mother, we had to get Sishyapoojitha Janani’s permission and I would marry only the person my Guru selects for me. But my mother was reluctant to approach Her Holiness without finding at least one proposal. Those days, we did not have any idea about Guru’s concept of marriage. I was left with no choice, while my parents were trying to find a suitable match, after which they would seek Guru’s word and approval. We searched in online matrimonial sites and received several biodatas from which two were finally chosen.

My parents went to meet Sishyapoojitha Janani. Before they could say anything, Janani told them that they should not to go ahead with either of the proposals. My mother then told Sishyapoojitha Janani, one of them looks promising. Again, the reply was negative –even if we were to go ahead with the proposal, it will get cancelled at the last moment. Sishyapoojitha Janani further said that a devotee will bring a good proposal and my marriage will take place after I am 25 when my health is better. (Since my birth I have had a range of health problems which substantially decreased after I started praying and taking Guru’s medicines.) That was the end of my parent’s search for a groom for their daughter.

A couple of months later, to my surprise, Sishyapoojitha Janani asked me if my father was looking for a groom for me. I said no. Then, she called for my parents and asked them to look for a groom. She said that we should find a person who has deep bhakti, education and a job. I got the impression that we were going to find a matriculate daily wage worker. It was enough for me, I thought. I never dreamt of marrying a qualified individual or one with a higher occupation. But, since Sishyapoojitha Janani asked me to pray for a person with deep bhakti, I started praying exactly as I was asked to.

My father didn’t know whom to approach, though Sishyapoojitha Janani said, ‘Maaman, you know a lot of people here. Tell someone.’ Even before we had the chance to pass this message to anyone, Sishyapoojitha Janani again asked us to wait for sometime before proceeding. The same scene was repeated a couple of times. In January 2004, Sishyapoojitha Janani asked my father to consult someone he knows.

As we were coming out, in front of Sahakaranamandiram, the first person we met was Sri Janardhana Menon. Since, my father knew him even before we started coming to the Ashram, my father felt free to talk to him about this matter. Sri Menon asked if we had any demands. My father told him whatever Guru had told us. A week later, Sri Janardhana Menon, who was then in the Ashram branch in Ernakulam met my father again. ‘There are two suitable individuals,’ Sri Menon said, ‘You could consider them.’ He gave details of both and pointed out that one was more qualified. We said, ‘We are to go only by Guru’s words.’ After hearing our reply he talked, giving preference to the less qualified one. A week passed. This time, Sri Menon told us the name of the person.

On 24th February, 2004, two days after the anniversary of Sishyapoojitha’s Avasthapoorthikaranam, we got a message that we should reach the Ashram. On that day I had a glimpse of the proposed person from a distance. I was least concerned about how he looked like, as I had decided to go by Guru’s words. However, the case was slightly different on the other side. Having an unmarried elder brother and a younger sister of marriageable age, the proposal was a shock for my husband. He had never thought of his marriage at that time.

Late one evening, Sishyapoojitha Janani talked to my parents and me separately. Janani told my parents that the boy’s as well as his parents’ response were awaited. Two minutes later, Janani called me near and told me, ‘I am finalizing this relationship’.

It was after a few days, Sishyapoojitha Janani got the response from my husband’s side. He had also decided to abide by the will of Guru. In spite of knowing about my health problems he readily agreed and we got married in the month of August 2004. I cannot forget how my Guru showed me my husband and gave us both a life. Furthermore, I am glad to have a husband who takes care of me and bears with my health problems. He is the person I prayed for because he has deep bhakti, education and a job. Give a thought to this: ‘why should we bother about region, religion, caste, physical looks, financial status, qualification, and career and even of how much dowry one can get in the name of marriage?’ These are of least importance. Only Guru knows what is good for us. Let us leave it all in the hands of Guru to decide the best life for us. The best will follow. Let us silently and obediently with a happy smile and mind listen to what Guru asks us to do.

courtesy: Navapoojitam Souvenir 2009, Santhigiri Ashram

Well Known Neurologist on Health and Spirituality

Santhigiri And Modern Medicine
Dr. Shyam Prasad MD, DM*

People from all walks of life visit Santhigiri Ashram to know about the doctrine of Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru the founder of Santhigiri Ashram. They also want to get relief from the difficulties of their life. Guru tries to correct the misunderstandings among people that miracles are not the fulfilment of Divine attainment. Guru re-established Sanathana Dharma according to Yugadharma and initiated the creation of a new world order.

All science and doctrines which would not try to change according to Yugadharma’s will not exist for long. This new ideology explains not only the importance and drawbacks of modern medicine but also ruined prosperity & stability of human life. The authenticity of this new method which is patented by Santhigiri is dedicated to the world through Guru. Years back Guru started to establish Medical practice and it is being conducted carefully. Santhigiri got permission to start the first Siddha College in Kerala. Ayurveda Medical College of Santhigiri is also formulating new methods in Medical practice.

I remember the occasion when I first reached the abode of Guru. Guru asked me “Is human body a machine with jeevan’ (soul) or does it have ‘jeevan’ in it” as he knew about me as a doctor. This question made me to think a lot. I never had thought about such a matter. But I could not convince Guru that human body is only a biological machine and there is no such thing as this kind of ‘Jeevan’ in it. I felt that my thoughts are directed to a particular area. The ‘I’ in myself predominated in my thoughts.

I remember the interpretation of ‘life’ in the book ‘paralokavum punarjanmavum’ (eternal world & rebirth) written by Acharya Narendra Bhooshan. In that book he explains the meaning & importance of ‘I’. Daily more or less hundred times we use this word. What is this ‘I’ which we always use. Is it our body or any part of it? Who is this socalled ‘I’. All of us, ourselves see it through mirror. We appreciate our beauty. The attractive image which we see through mirror is not ‘I’. Such kind of thinking is wrong. If body is the ‘I’ then what is life? Why fear of death? Why we wish to live? What is the purpose of life and death. All men rich & poor, literate & illiterate, scientists & philosophers have to accepte the truth. Do innocent, dishonest, wicked all men face the same end?

Does ‘I’ mean a visible body with mind? If ‘I’ means not body, then what am I? Anything which is in the body? What is the relation between it and the body? Did it exist before body? Then what is its figure like? What is the ultimate aim of the body? Does ‘I’ end with the body?. If not in which form will ‘life’ exist? Is ‘I’ the life or soul (Jeevatma)?

Now I recollect the story of Nachikethas in ‘Kadopanishath’. Nachikethas asked Yamadeva while he was in search of the secret of Jeeva. “Somebody says after death man remains. I need a solution for this problem. Clarify what is eternal? Advise me about Divine knowledge. “A Guru who got spiritual attainment only can give advise on such matters.” That was Yama deva’s reply.

My thoughts reached a dead end. I told Guru “I believe in the existence of life in human body though I did not learn it from Medical books”. With smile Guru said “If you think so what will you do for that Jeevan”. I have never heard such a question in my life. The man who is working for 24 hours is only for his physical & material aim. Learning, wealth and loving each other, praying God are all for material gains. What will man do to “life” when he doesnot know about Jeevan? We do not know that the aim of human life is for purification of ‘Jeevan’ (soul). Those who knew it never tried to do it. I kept silent without answering Guru’s question. Guru continues his question. “You know that all parts of human body can be attacked by any disease. Can you then clarify the disease which affects ‘Jeevan’? How can you diagnose it? Who can cure it?” I remember the occasions when I could not diagnose some diseases precisely. I became aware of the limitations of modern medicine.

I had to face so many situations where I failed to suggest a proper treatment. So we treat only for the sake of treatment. Different names of disease went through my mind. How can Medical Science diagnose the disease which affects Jeevan? In the Medical world we can diagnose only diseases at the body with the help of scaning machine. I wish of we got a machine which can scan the disease affecing Jeevan.

I stood before Guru helplessly. Guru said “Jeevan has somany merits which are good & bad. Good is known as ‘virtue’ (punya) and bad ‘vice’ (papa). Human life is a balanced total of these good and bad parts. This is called as fate.

I felt that I am learning the earlier part of Medical Science. “I tried to analyse the meaning of Guru’s valuable words. Virtue oriented life has luck, healthy body, prosperity and a life with papa has bad luck weak body with somany diseases and their lives become tragic. If so, different kinds of diseases will arise. I failed to think about how to diagnose and treat certain diseases.

The divine words of Guru again come to my mind. “Different types of diseases may arise in human body. The reasons are these.

1. Common disease
2. The disease which results because of misworship
3. The disease relating to ‘Jeevan’.

I felt that, I was sitting in a post graduate class in Medical Science. The classification of diseases based on spiritual factors was something new to me. I was totally perplexed to hear ....... and tried to learn about diseases, related to Jeevan which is due to distorated Aradhana (worship). What is the ‘Aradhana Dosham’ (defect of worship). Is praying God a good deed? How is it wrong? Worshipping anything believing it God is not good. I learned from Guru that worshipping any spirit beleiving it as God is foolishness. That is not the proper way to God.

I remember the advice of Sreekrishna to Arjuna that if we worship devil we attain Devi-Devas if we worship Devi-Devas reaches the same we attain them, the worship of evil spirit Guru ‘pithru’ leads to ‘pithur’ & worship of leads us Guru. I remember many patients of which especially five patients - three women & two men. All of them were following the path of worship evil spirits through which they performed certain miracles to the public. They had achieved wealth and fame and finally became miserable. Three of them got paralysis, one man became in sane & other got giddiness. They achieved fame through worshipping false Gods and thus gained for them faith of the public. At certain stages in the prosperous life the grace of their life vanished and they became sick. The false God (Upasana Moorthy) aspired the virtues of their devotees. The evil spirits encourages their devotees and acquire their virtue of Jeevan and then made them sick. I felt pity for the ignorant devotees of evil spirit.

On another occasion when I was in Guru’s presence a family came to see Guru with their 16 year old girl. She was very weak. She always makes a strange sound like bolech. Because of the strange disease she could eat or drink anything properly for the last three months. Her family treated her in different hospitals like Medical College, Trivandrum & Mental Hospital. As she did not get any relief from the treatments they reached here as directed by somebody. Guru asked me about her disease. I replied that it may be because of some mental problem. But they had already treated her for mental disorders but had no good result. I know nothing more to say.

Again Guru asked me to know about their way of worship. They were people from below poverty line and belonged to S/C. They were worshipping an evil spirit in an Amman Koil near their house. This disease is because of the influence of their deity. I understood that if they followed and believed in Guru’s words the evil spirit will be destroyed & thus the girl might get relief. If they do not follow this way the disease will repeat.Human body is formed according to Jeevakarma for thousands of years. The lack of virtue in Jeeva exists as different types of disease. Sages who are Njani’s say about the reason for diseases as “poorva Janmakritham papam, Vyadhiroopena Jayathe”. Disease which is the result of ‘Janmanthar karma’ is called ‘karma vyadhi’.

The knowledge which we learnt from science is not enough to diagnose or treat all diseases. In most cases diagnosis is not apt. Only a temporary relief is got from the medicines. In some cases medicines have no effect. Asthma, Diabetes, B.P., Cancer are such heriditary diseases. If modern science cannot cure diseases properly what then will be a solution. Each and every person has a halo according to their own ‘Jeevan’s merit & demerit. There was a time when sages of India treated diseases according to the colour of this halo. They had asked the plants themselves about their medicinal value. They got a strange light like knowledge of medicine which is bestowed with God’s Grace. The sage imparted this knowledge to people through disciples. This sage culture has been lost since hundreds of years back. If the disease due to the defect of Jeevan or karmadosha we have to do punyakarma. What is the way for that? A Guru to whom Brahmam has given the power to protect all life can only do this correction appropriately.

Achieve ‘punya’ (virtue) according to ‘kaladharma. That is Gurumargam’. Through that punyam (fortune) one may get at Santhigiri’s theory of Health (Arogyadharma Sidhantham) which is dedicated to the world for this purpose. It is a kind of theory which keeps all science with Guru’s Vision. This is rather a life style than Medical practice.If we accept the way to avoid ‘karmadosham’ we can follow the scientific way of treatment for this karmavyadhi. But in most cases one kind of treatment is not enough. Different types of treatment should be practised at different times.

Let me point out an experience of one of my relatives. It was in 1990. She got breast cancer. Papilaridikt carcinoma which can spread through blood. She went to Guru after diagnosing the disease through Biopsy. Guru said it was due to lack of ‘punya’ in ‘Jeevan’ (years back when asked about the delay of her marriage then also Guru said this. Besides this Guru intimated them that some problems may arise later. But at that time they did not take it seriously.) Guru directed them to pray for God’s Grace and start Allopathy treatment. Operation was conducted. Doctor of R.C.C. concluded that the germs did not spread in other parts of the body. So no more treatment was needed. Knowing this Guru said ‘the disease has spread to other parts and it will come soon. Siddha medicine should be taken in order to prevent this.

As directed by Guru they started taking Siddha medicine with prayer staying at Santhigiri Hospital. Then for sometime Homeo Medicine & finally Ayurveda for a long time. On some occasions Guru gave her Bhasmam & theertham only with special Sankalpam. Guru advised her to pray continually with the sankalpam’ of ‘Appa Guruve’ always. About ten years later she was suffering from back pain & leg pain. They went to R.C.C. and did all tests including bone scan. The report was that she has no disease. Guru said she had disease but it will not apper now. Again started taking Siddha medicine.

Two months later when they repeated the bone scan it was clear that bone cancer had affected her. Guru told them to start treatment in R.C.C. Still they are taking medicine from R.C.C. Besides that ‘Bhasmam’ & ‘theertham’ from Guru and some Ayurveda Medicine. With the Grace of Guru she still lives in good health. She goes for office work and does household work properly. She is coming to Ashram & doing some ‘karma’ there when ever she gets time. I am eagerly wishing that modern Medical Science should be changed according to Guru’s ideology for the well being of the world. Praying always for it.

*The author is a well known Neurologist and Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram Advisory Board)

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference on Health, Peace and Spirituality Souvenir)