Ashram, Ashram and Ashram for Arjun

We (myself, my wife and the three boys) are doing a pilgrimage trip to India this summer - starting on the 19th of July (right after the Chinmayandha Camp for the boys) . IAD to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Mumbai, spend a few days in Mumbai/suburbs - Chinmaya HQ center, ancient Siva temples, etc. Followed by a 2 day trip to Shridhi Sai Madhir (while we see Nasik and other ancient temples). On the 29th we fly from Mumbai to the new B'lore airport and drive up to Parthi (80km) and stay at Parthi with Baba for a few days. Return to B'lore to be in Gurudev's presence (the weekend of 08/1st). Leave for chennai sunday night. Do a trip to Kanchi, Tenangur, Ramana Maharishi Ashram, etc., during the week and then return on the 7th night from Chennai to Franfurt to IAD. Majority of our stays will be in Ashrams.. I will take notes and a lot of pictures!! I have a feeling this trip will be the most memorable one in my life. Yesterday all of us had HUGS from Amma, an experience that every living soul should have..

Guru's Grace on Gurupurnima

Thanks to eStasang, we could join the Guru purnima with live web TV from Chicago yesterday and on Monday. Gurudev explained the reasons why we celebrate Gurupurinima ( and the aspect of Siva as Guru), followed up by a 20 minute guided meditation, followed up with bhajans (including Ajo Ananthaya and other favourite songs as well as newly composed songs).. I was saddened by the fact that I will not be able to make the trip to chicago, and later was delighted to note that their was live webcast. We have a planned pilgrimage tour in India starting July 20th (mumbai, shirdhi, nasik, puttaparthi, bagalore ashram, chennai, kanchi, tenangur and thiruvanamalai-- mostly ancient Siva temples)., for about 3 weeks. With Gurudev's grace we will be in his presence at the Banaglore Ashram the weekend of Aug 1st.

Celebrate in Chicago with Sri Sri and a list of Courses

An amazing July 4th weekend for families that can make it to Chicago, this year. I still remember last year's july 4th at Edison, NJ. There is a course for everyone in a family. I have several friends in Chicago who are part of this program.

Bring Strength, Stability and Smile - into your LIFE

Excellent program wed, thu and fri evenings and Saturday all day next week!! Dont miss it.

Happy BirthDay Beloved Gurudev -Bad Antogast Ashram

Jai Gurudev!! Happy Birthday!! Looking forward to the July 4th weekend.

Living in the Lap of Luxury

If there is one book that has meant to me the most in my life, it is Gurudev's book "Celebrating Silence". I will purchase as many copies I can and gift them as Birthday gifts to family and friends this year. Here is one important quote from this book:

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Contentment still eludes so many people living in the lap of luxury. This spiritual teacher offers the following counsel: "Though the river is vast, a little sip quenches your thirst. Though the earth has so much food, just a small bite satisfies your hunger. All that you need are tiny bits. Accept a tiny bit of everything in life — that will bring you fulfillment." Contentment comes from the freedom that grows out of being satisfied with tiny blessings. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is especially cogent in his suggestions on how to deal with jealousy and handle rudeness. Handling the incivility of others is good training: "The next time someone is rude to you, make sure you do not get upset. Just return a broad smile. If you can digest rudeness, nothing whatsoever can shake you."

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Jai Guru Dev

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Sudharshan Kriya

Its been more than 3 years since I started Sudharshan Kriya. I typically start the day with Bastrika, followed by Sudharshan Kriya, followed by Pranayama and then meditation for a few minutes. The practical benefits that I see are;

• relief from cold and cough
• improved respiratory system (hence no wheezing, bronchitis, etc)
• improved sitting posture (all day)
• no head aches (stress related)
• overall improved energy (all day)

More importantly, the subtle benefits are;

• ease with which I can meditate (transcending to thoughtlessness)
  
• achieving the disconnect required from Body, Mind and Intellect (for meditation)
• balancing of the bodies systemic chakras
• improved immunity system (via respiratory system and removal toxins)
• focused efforts (mind does not sway here and there- always focused on practical things to do)
• calm and peace under different trying circumstances
• improved overall productivity (in the right direction)
  
• improved relationships with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness
  
• nothing is impossible attitude (always feeling connected)

Recently Gurudev answered the following way to the most important question for mankind over time ;

Q. When will all national boundaries dissolve?

A: When everyone starts to do the Sudarshan Kriya. (audience laughs and claps)

(there will be a time when this planet exists as one world and one family with no boundaries - due to the foundation work laid by Sudharshan Kriya and One day all of us will be practicing Sudharshan Kriya -similar to how we brush our teeth today !! I only wish that this day comes sooner than later -- JGD).