Sep 21-22: Evening Bhajans & Public Program with Swami Ramakrishnananda

Satsang with Swamiji was a Potent Reminder of Amma and Her Mission

After twelve years, Amma's Toronto Satsang was blessed with a three-day visit by Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, one of Amma's senior monastic disciples. Swamiji's time in Toronto began with an evening of bhajans and meditation on Thursday, September 21 at 7:30 PM. Despite it being a weeknight, about sixty devotees attended, with five coming from Quebec and one coming from British Columbia. When the latter was asked why she had travelled four thousand kilometres to see Swami Ramakrishnananda, she replied that she felt that his visit was like Amma coming to Toronto.

Swamiji began the evening with the chanting of Amma's 108 names followed by a puja, offering camphor and incense to Amma. The bhajans then began: Swamiji lead the devotees in singing Jai Jai Sadguru Maharani, Kumbhodara Varadha, Bala Krishna Kalaya Sakhi, Darshanam Ambike Mohanam, Gopi Vallabha Gopala Krishna, Bhaja Mangraam, Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho, and finally, De Darshan Ma Devi Ma. Soothed and energized by the spiritual singing, Swamiji lead the devotees through a fifteen minute guided meditation. The group then chanted Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, as a prayer for World Peace. The satsang concluded with Arati to Amma, and Swamiji's distribution of prasad to all. A delicious dinner was served, and those present were treated to listening to Swamiji tell stories of Amma until late in the evening.

On the following evening, Friday, September 23 at 7:00 PM, Swami Ramakrishnananda, together with Br. Ramananand, held a Public Program at the Golden Cultural Event Centre in Scarborough, ON. Over one hundred people attended the event, which was completely free and open to all. Swamiji was welcomed and garlanded by devotees upon his arrival. Indeed, it felt as if Amma Herself had entered the hall. Swamiji then proceeded to the beautifully decorated stage, to lead everyone in the opening prayers.

Swami Ramakrishnananda began a discourse focused on the Sadguru's power to transform us. Swamiji noted that all agree that the world urgently needs to change. Sadly, while everyone feels that others must change, no one is willing to change themselves. This is because changing our inner nature - cultivating positive qualities and eliminating negative ones - is the most difficult change to make. Most of us need the presence of a Sadguru (True Master) in our lives to catalyze this transformation. Swamiji said Amma has come precisely to help those who are struggling, and who are incapable of changing themselves on their own.

Amma has touched the lives of millions of people, and inspired real transformation in so many. He highlighted the example of impoverished earthquake victims in Gujarat who received aid from Amma's NGO, Embracing the World. When they heard that Amma's ashram was impacted by the tsunami, they borrowed money from their landlords to travel to Amritapuri, and help with the reconstruction efforts. Similarly, Indian students who had received scholarships via Amma's charities, and subsequently landed well-paying jobs, returned to Amma with their first pay cheques. When Amma asked why they were donating their earnings, they replied that they wanted this money used to fund more scholarships to help other underprivileged students. Swamiji noted that while so many receive help from charities, when does one hear of charity recipients returning to give help back? This change of perspective from 'what can I get' to 'what can I give' marks a transformation in those touched by Amma. Slowly and silently, Amma is transforming the world by accepting each person who comes to Her as they are, showing them unconditional love, and by doing whatever She can to help them.

Following this inspiring discourse, Swamiji began the bhajans with Jivitamenum, followed by Varuvay Varuvay Ganapatiye, and Vrindavan Kunjavihari. Ramanandji then lead the singing of Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama, and We are All Beads. Swamiji continued the bhajans with Siva Siva Hara Hara. He concluded with Ananda Janani, sweeping the hearts of the devotees away in a flood of bliss. Swamiji then lead everyone in the closing prayers and Arati to Amma. As pairs of devotees took turns waving the sacred flame before Amma, all marvelled at how She continually showers us with Joy and Grace.

After the program, everyone waited their turn to receive prasad from Swamiji and exchange a few words with him, before partaking in the sumptuous dinner provided. Despite the prestige that comes with being the senior disciple of a world-renowned spiritual lead humanitarian, Swami Ramakrishnanada remains utterly humble and easily approachable to all. His humour, insight, and simplicity left an indelible impression on all those present. Truly, to be in satsang with Swamiji was to be in satsang with Amma.

Click here to view photos from the Public Program