About
This Blog contains some of the observations or comments or essays of Swami Vimokshananda who is presently the President of Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa in Durban. Off and on some important news items of the Centre also would be included.
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navashri said
Pranams Swamijee
What a wonderful way to learn and share ideas about Spirituality.
This whole world is our own Holy Mother says, so the devotees of the world will benefit from this wonderful blog, what a wonderful way to carry out Mother’s Teachings. Congragulations!
Sanjai Partab said
Pranams Swamijee
Always looking forward to visit your informative blog. It motivates and inspires us all the time.It is indeed beneficial to the whole family.
Nirmala Balkaran said
Most Revered Swamiji Maharaj
I offer my pranams and prostrations. Swamiji Maharaj’s blog is a thoroughly modern approach to making Swamiji accessible to us all, and we are thankful. By embracing this type of technology, the limitations of time and space are transcended. Now it is almost effortless to strengthen our bonds with Swamiji and the great mission of Sri Ramakrishna. Such is Swamiji Maharaj’s compassion for us!
Sankri said
Vanakam Swamji,
Noticed that you have visited my blog. Thank you, I am feeling blessed already. I am stil very new to blogging and am still learning…Swamiji’s blog is simply wonderful and I’ll be a frequent visitor here, to learn. Thank you
RANJAN BASU said
Revd.Maharaj,
At the outset please accept my Prostrated Pronam.The Blog is quite interesting and informative and attracts rapt engrossed attention till the end.
I always cherish your sweet hospitaluty during my 3 days stay at Durban Ashrama last year and My prayers to THAKUR to make me blessed in visiting Ashrama in time to come.
Trust this has already found you,Swami Saradananda ji and other devotees in good health and spirit out of THAKUR’s grace.
Pronam,once again,
Kind regards,
Ranjan
Sucheta said
Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam
Pronaam Maharaaj,
I enjoy at every corner of this blog, only one urge is there: if it is possible to add some of your speeches (I miss them all) like the speech you gave during Navaratri, even through a link to YouTube, it would be a great help.
Pronaam
Sucheta, Italy
Mohan said
Revered Maharaj,
I came across one site called http://www.4shared.com, which offers uploads of video/audio/photos up to 10/15 GB for free, and for Premium versions the storage is 100 GB for an year,
Please go through the site once, if you like it and is fine, let me know.
Currently the Premium version costs $78 which I can transfer to your online a/c.
Also please check http://www.zshare.net/ too.
with hearty pranam,
Mohan
Hyderabad, India.
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Mohan
I am indeed overwhelmed at your offer to pay the cost of Premium version. Many thanks! I went through the site. I understand after reading the site that if any uploaded file is NOT downloaded by anyone at least once in 30 days that particular file will be deleted. Well, thats something I don’t want. I have innumerable Audio Talks of mine which need to be stored online but without any such restriction. I would be happy if you can find out one such and let me know.
With love and prayers
Swami Vimokshannada
Mohan said
Revered Maharaj,
Glad to hear from you.
I came across http://www.mediafire.com/ site which offers a better free service with a restriction that the uploaded file size should be 200MB and a user must log in at-least once every 60 days OR “any” of the uploaded file is downloaded once in 30 days by any user (almost all of the sites has such restriction). If I found any site with out restrictions I will post a reply.
For premium a/c’s, if it is not renewed in-time, it will be degraded to free a/c and only 200MB size files are downloadable.
Please have a check at the site once, many details are available under FAQs.
with hearty pranam,
Mohan
Hyderabad, India.
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Mohan
I am indeed moved by your concern to help me out.
Yes, I went through the link that you supplied. I felt that at last I have found such a site that would be suitable initially for my purpose. I have signed for the FREE account for the time being. And have uploaded one of my Talks delivered in 2008 at Sri Sarada Devi Ashram situated in Asherville. Total there were 10 Talks in that year at that Ashram, each not less than one hour and it will take about half GB to upload the .wav files. Slowly I shall do it.
Let me see how the whole thing works. Upgrading can be done at any time.
Once again my hearty thanks to you.
May Master be ever gracious to you!
Swami Vimokshananda
Mohan said
Revered Maharaj,
Thank you very much for the blessings.
I am glad that the website will serve the purpose.
It is really good if it works fine.
Also let me know, if there is a need for an upgrade of a/c.
with hearty prananm,
Mohan
Hyderabad, India.
Vaibhav said
Swamiji,
Just read through your conversation above with Sucheta. In case you have not heard about it, one site which can be used is http://www.esnips.com where you can upload upto 5GB data (in any form) with free account, and others can either listen to the tracks or download them. Just thought of sharing this in case it is useful.
Hari Om!
~Vaibhav.
vimokshananda said
Thanks Vaibhav for your helping attitude.
Another reader Saison also indeed referred to esnips.
So I joined as a free member and uploaded one Ram dhun which unfortunately was not even opening in many browsers.
Hence recently I am experimenting with SoundCloud, which so far seems to be working well.
Chirag Patel said
Namaste Swamiji.
I have a question which I haven’t asked anyone yet. Thakur believed in all different paths. He devoted his life for MAA in SAAKAARA form as well as NIRAAKAARA. He asked for devotion and DHYAANA from all. He also did not want anybody calling him GURU or BHAGWAAN.
Why then Ramakrushna mission worships Thakur as God? Isn’t that different practice from what Thakur himself taught us all?
Pranam,
Chirag Patel, USA
http://rutmandal.info
Chirag Patel said
Thank you very much Swamiji for strengthening my belief. Actually, I have Gujarati version of “SHRI RAMAKRUSHNA KATHAAMRUT” by SHRI M.
Per that, THAKUR spoke of not being GURU to any. But, I believed always that he is the GOD and the GURU. Maybe his words were in different context?
I will surely go thru’ the links.
Pranam,
Chirag Patel, USA
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Chirag
I am happy that you are reading Gujarati translation of Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita. Sri Thakur used to say that right understanding is always provided by God who resides within every one. Yes, please go thru’ the links at your convenience.
May Sri Thakur’s grace be on you all !
Swami Vimokshananda
Nirmala Balkaran said
Most Revered Swamiji Maharaj
“Om namo Naaraayanaaya!”
While reading some of Swami Vivekanada’s works, the following excerpt caught my attention. There it was hidden among the spiritual jewels bequeathed to us by Swamiji.
This completely shattered my illusions about charity and left me in a daze. I recall reading and re-reading it. Particularly interesting is the reversal of roles between the so-called “giver” and the so-called “receiver”. How often we believe we are doing others a service when engaging in some form of charity when truly, it is about our being allowed to be charitable. It makes one realize that one is blessed to give and that one ought to give with an attitude of humility – not superiority.
Hari Om Tat Sat.
Nirmala Balkaran
Ladysmith, SA
Satwik Joglekar said
Revered Swamiji Maharaj,
I am Satwik from Bangalore. Being a devotee of the Holy Trinity, I consider it to be my great fortune to have visited your Blog and I am indebted to my co-devotee, friend and sister Avithaaji for guiding me to this wonderful site.
I have been undergoing a tough time for last few months and with Mother’s grace I have learnt to take it up all in its own stride. Having “laid off” from work, I was making every possible effort to find a decent job or even freelancing consulting assignments, but Mother thinks otherwise. With Her blessings and her wish I was fortunate enough to spend the “idle” time in spreading Mother’s nector words.
Tomorrow I am going to attend another interview for the position of Principal of an engineering college in Punjab and if Mother wills and I get this opportunity, my goal is to bring in the changes in the educational system (may be in a small way!) inspired by Swamiji’s vision and guidance.
Once Swami Atmeshanandaji (who was earlier at Ulsoor Ashram, Bangalore and now I think he is at Sydney) wrote to me quoting Swami Brahmanandaji‘s words “Be like a leaf fallen from the tree… accept the place wherever the wind takes you” and I really find true solace contemplating on these words. Mother knows the Best and Mother does the Best!!!
Seeking your blessings and wishes,
Yours in the Holy Trinity,
Satwik
Bangalore, India
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Satwik
Thank you for visiting this blog!
Holy Mother said “One who makes a habit or prayer will easily overcome all difficulties and remain calm and unruffled in the midst of the trials of life”. The strength and self confidence that you possess is remarkable indeed, and this can only be achieved by your constant prayer to “Ma”. It is also heartening to note that you are facing life’s challenges with a positive attitude. I feel very happy indeed that you try to spread nectarine teachings of Mother! That is a great blessing in itself.
Hope you do get the job. Besides the earning part of it, your keen desire to mould the educational system on the basis of Swamiji’s vision is deeply appreciated. Let Swamijee’s teachings be the solid rock for you to stand on…on your onward journey to realise the truth!
May Holy Mother Sarada continue to guide, protect and bless you and your family!
Swami Vimokshananda
Satwik Joglekar said
Aadarniya Maharaj,
Saadar Pranaam,
Your blessings and Mother’s Grace have prevailed on me :)
Today I start the journey to Punjab to take up this new challange. Being Mother’s son, I am confident that She will continue to guide me and be with me always.
I am not sure when I will get the internet connection after reaching there on sunday.
With best regards and shatakoti pranaam,
Satwik Joglekar
SV said
Dear Satwik
You are already a blessed child of Holy Mother!
Mother has silently weaved a “silver thread” in your life! As one door closes another one opens, and I am sure this new beginning, on the eve of the ensuing spring, will bring hope and renewal in your life, and with that wonderful rewards. May your devotion to Ma be increased by leaps and bounds! God speed and God bless!
Swami Vimokshananda
Mandusha said
Aum namo Narayaanaya Maharaj
Thank you very much for inviting devotees to interact on the website. Such an interactive communication medium encourages devotees to share their thoughts and experiences.
I would like to express my heartfelt thank you to Maharaj on the discourse delivered on the Birth Anniversary Celebration of Paramahamsa Sri Ramakrisha. The discourse, was very inspiring. I felt our beloved Master’s presence in the Hall.
It reminded me of my late granny’s teaching that Mother Saraswathie takes Her seat on the purest pedestal. I would like to salute my granny for that lesson. May Mother Saraswathie bless Maharaj to inspire devotees through this interactive blog.
Dear Maharaj, the talk was truly enlightening.
Thank you, Maharaj for gloryfying our beloved Master.
Mandusha
Durban, SA
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Mandusha
Thanks for your visit to this blog and welcome!
I am happy that you could make it to the 174th birth anniversary of Master here. When, standing in front of mike, I surveyed the hall, I found it was jam-packed with people of all hues. The eagerness in their faces was palpable. I too felt the presence of the Master; perhaps thats the reason that the Talk became a hit. Its all His Will and I bow down to Him in love and reverence.
May Master guide us in every way!
Swami Vimokshananda
agadkar mohan said
Revered Maharaj,
Namaste!
This blog is very nice as it would be useful and available to anyone at anytime.
Maharajji, I would like to know, Is there any one living in these days who has seen God and would talk with God just like Thakur did?
I am completely a changed person after coming in contact with Thakur through The Gospel of Sri Ramakrisha and the reading of Kathamritha by M. Previously I used to live the life without knowing that the purpose of human life is to see God, I have not even a slightest idea from the depths of my thoughts that a person need to see God and it is possible for ordinary men too.
Now I feel that I am no longer this body, at the same time I know I am something which I don’t know and some one from within is actually doing the rhythms of breathing in and out.
I feel great joy and adventurous when I try to explore myself.
with deep reverence at the lotus feet of Thakur, Ma and Swamiji.
Mohan
Hyderabad, India
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Mohan
Welcome to this blog and thanks for your deeply felt and sincere comment!
Yes, the world is never without a person who sees and talks to God. Such godly persons do not advertise themselves. Because of their existence, the clouds give rains. I remember an incident that occurred in Ranchi. One of our devotees, a Sardarji was close to Meher Baba, a mystic yogi who told him in Mumbai that in Ranchi there was a paramahamsa. But how to find out him? The Sardarji came back to Ranchi and was searching for him for a few months. He couldn’t see any one. One day, while he was taking tea at a roadside stall, one poorly clad young man came near him and told him that he had no money and would the Sardarji be pleased to offer him a cup of tea? The Sardarji of course agreed, moved by humanitarian consideration, and ordered for it. The mad-looking man sipped his tea slowly and once over, he just rose and started leaving. Turning to Sardarji, he said, “could you understand that about this (showing his body) only Meher Baba told you!” Sardarji was nonplussed as the mad-looking man just mingled in the crowd and was lost. Such saints are like unseen dew falling in an unseen hour on the buds and make them bloom once the sun rises.
I am happy that the Gospel is inspiring for you and you ‘feel great joy and adventurous when I try to explore myself’. To a query ‘When shall I be free?’ Master replied, ‘when I shall cease to be!’ Either this ‘I’ has to be expanded to infinity or renounced absolutely and verily the process is known as sadhana.
May the blessings of Thakur, Ma and Swamiji be with you is my prayer!
Swami Vimokshananda
kumar bhanu said
Dear Divine Master,
Pranam,
Here I am, Kumar from Bangalore. From yesterday onwards here we are celebrating Holy Mother Sarada Devi BIRTH anniversary..and yesterday we had wonderful spiritual speech from Swami Nirbhayanandaji. It was so nice that I was feeling presence of Trio divine Masters.
From your blog, I am indeed getting lot of knowledge. I have some question, dear Divine Master! I would like to ask you. I am blessed reading your blog.
Thank you! Hari Om!
Kumar Bhanu
Bangaluru, India
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Kumar
Welcome to this blog! This is the first time that you have sent us your comment. Thank you for the same!
I am happy that by attending Holy Mother’s Birth Anniversary celebration in Bangaluru, you have been benefitted. Yes, when you attend such functions you must keep your eyes and ears open. See, how wonderful thoughts can be picked up in the Swami’s speech!
You should not hesitate to ask your doubt. You are always welcome to write to me in this email id : vimoksha@gmail.com
Happy reading of the blog! God bless!
Swami Vimokshananda
Pritam Anand said
Jai Sri Ramkrishna dev..!
Parampujya sannyasi maharaj ko saadar pranaam aur charan sparsh,
Sri Maharaj! I have recently come into contact with this web address…
I am pleased to know that now I may contact and converse with a monk of Sri Ramakrishna Order frequently.
I am initiated by sriyut Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj one and half years before at Delhi..
I will feel sanctified if you converse with me.
Please shower your grace a little to this unworthy son…
Pritam Anand
Saharsa, Bihar, India
SV said
||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Pritam
Swaagatam to this blog, Pritam!
Happy to know that you are an initiated devotee of Sri Sri Thakur.
Your Revered Gurudev maharaj had visited our place twice in recent years. There are many devotees here too initiated by him.
Yes, You are free to write to me whenever you feel to do so.
May the blessings of Holy Trio be ever there on you is my prayer!
Swami Vimokshananda
Ashika Gokool said
Dear Swamiji,
Just per chance I stumbled across your Blog….and found the simple style of writing very appealing.
Thank you for inspiring us ….God Bless!
Ashika Gokool
Durban, SA