Swami Brahmananda Jayanti

Yesterday it was the very Wednesday, 28th of Jan which has become the holy day as it was the very day when Swami Brahmananda has born in this earth. He used to be known as Raja Maharaja or Maharaj. While going to the Mylapore Math (the Universal Temple) I took a garland for Thakur as it was my long time wish, only I was waiting for a good time. After few times in meditation I went to attend the lecture of Swami Gautamananda which has always been a special occasion to me. He started the discourse with his usual sweet voice. Here is some extracts what he told today in the occasion of Raja Maharaja’s Birthday. “…on 21st January, Tuesday night 12o’clock he was born. Both his parents were so much devoted to god that from the childhood itself he got that attitude. His name was Rakhalchandra Ghosh…..Both Narendranath (later Swami Vivekananda) and Rakhal studied in the same school. Rakhal had a great affection for music and he was a good singer too. He used to be very good in all kind of sports. The friendship and affection between Narendra and Rakhal which continued from their school days lasted till the end of their monastic life. Thakur used to call his as “Brajer Rakhal”, the name considered for the Lord Krishna. As Swami Premananda considered as the incarnation of Sri Radha, the same way Swami Brahmananda considered as the incarnation of Lord Krishna. The meaning of Rakhal is the cowboy... So Sri Ramakrishna used to call him as “Brajer Rakhal” the ultimate Krishna himself. While Sri Ramakrishna practicing different modes of religion he prayed Mother Kali to send a spiritual aspirant with whom he can discuss and share all his feelings. Then once while he was meditating in that state he saw that Goddess Kali has placed a lovely child on his lap and told that this is his child and the very person with whom he can discuss all his spiritual feelings. Then all of sudden Sri Ramakrishna got a shock, because he is a Monk, has left all the bondage of the material life then how could he become the father of this sweet child. Then Mother assured him by telling that this will be his spiritual child. The child was none other than Swami Brahmananda. So Swami Bramhananda was Sri Ramakrishna’s spiritual child, his “Manas Putra”. That is why Swami Ramakrishnananda wanted to bring Swami Brahmananda to the south. He used to tell that south is unfortunate for having seen Thakur (Sri Ramakrishna), so his Spiritual Child Swami Brahmananda should come to the South India. And he also brought him (Brahmanandaji) to the south. The foundation stone in the old shrine has been laid by Swami Brahmananda. Before the first meeting with Rakhalchandra Sri Ramakrishna already knew that he (Rakhal) is coming. At the first sight itself Thakur became so much happy and enquired with his usual sweet voice that why Rakhal delayed so much to come to see him (Thakur). Rakhal felt as if he has come to his mother (Actually he has lost his mother at a very young age itself. Then his father married again and he brought up by his step mother). Thakur also felt that his own child has come to see him. The love and affection of Thakur made him realize his very own mother within Thakur. He made pranam to Thakur by touching the feet by his head and then kept his head in Thakur’s lap as a child showing his affection towards his mother. While leaving Thakur said “Come again” with his touching care. After that day Rakhal became so affectionate to Thakur that he started coming Dakshineshwar (where Thakur lived) to meet Thakur, sometimes even without his father’s permission. His father was so much offensive towards his visit to Thakur. But with his great intelligence Thakur made Rakhal’s father agreed to send Rakhal to him. Once Thakur asked Rakhal to make a Betel leaf for him but instantly Rakhal refused that by saying that he doesn’t know how to make a betel leaf. Nearby Latu Maharaj was present. He felt so bad and also angry by Rakhal (Raja Maharaj)’s behavior that he told him what is there to make a betel leaf, and moreover Thakur is asking you to that then you must not refuse that. Then Thakur was smiling, asked Latu Maharaj not to scold Rakhal and told that just like that I asked Rakhal to make a betel leaf, I was not serious. If I would have serious about that work that Rakhal would have no power to refuse that because that would be the order of The Supreme Lord. Once Rakhal had some conflict with Thakur and told that he is going away from Thakur. But surprisingly as soon as he nearer to the front gate not was not able to make a single move and being unable to move he sat there itself. From the window Thakur has seen this and asked someone to call Rakhal. While he entered in the room he asked see to have told you already no that from this place you will never be allowed to go out. Thakur had tied all his disciples with an unseen bondage of Love that no one could even think of coming out of that. One time both Narendra and Rakhal had come to Dakshineshwar. Rakhal went to the Kali temple and bowed before the Goddess. By seeing this Narendra asked him “u are going to temple and praying to the image which is not correct. As a member of Brahmo Samaj we have been said that not to believe in all those images. The Supreme Lord is the one who is Formless, the Brahma… but forgetting that you are showing your gratitude the image. This is not the right thing you are doing.” Hearing this Sri Ramakrishna told to Narendra, “don’t make him stop to go to the Kali Temple. Yes, what you are telling is right. The almighty, the Brahma is Formless. But you should know that he exists with Form too. And also he is beyond Form and Formless. Like the water of river, sea etc. become vapor then cloud and at last Rain in the form of water comes again to the earth. So it is the same water alone, the difference exists only in its form”.
Then after the Mahasamadhi of Sri Ramakrishna Rakhal has taken sanyas and named as Swami Brahmananda (Raja Maharaj). The name Raja has kept by Sri Ramakrishna himself. Once in a gathering of disciples Thakur was telling that Rakhal has the combined intelligence of the entire raja, maharajas in a country. With such intelligence he (Rakhal) can even rule a country. From that time onwards he used to be called as “Raja maharaj” or “Maharaj”. . Both Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda were so much affectionate to each other that it has shown in their life also. Once Swamiji was so much angry in some matter and told some harsh word to Brahmanandaji. Brahmanandaji felt so bad that he went to his room, closed all the doors and windows and started weeping like a child. After a few while Swamiji realized his mistake and went running to Brahmanandaji’s room. He asked pardon for his misbehavior and told “I should leave this math (Belur Math) and go to Himalayas for Spiritual practice. You were so much dear to our Thakur that never in his life, he never hurt you even with a flower. And there I have behaved in such a wrong way”. Saying all this Swamiji too started crying like a small child. Then Brahmanandaji told Swamiji “what is there if you have scolded me. You are so much caring for this Math. Only for the welfare of this math you did such. You should not be ashamed for what you have done”. But these words too couldn’t stop Swamiji from crying. After that Brahmanandaji consoled Swamiji in various ways and brought him normal. This incident shows the tremendous love between them. There is another incident. When Swamiji has returned from United States after winning the Parliament of Religion, Swamiji Brahmananda has come to receive Swamiji. By seeing Brahmanandaji, Swamiji became so much happy that he prostrated before him. While asking the reason behind this Swamiji told, “Guru Bat Guru Putreshu” i.e. the son of guru is same like a guru. As Swami Brahmananda was Sri Ramakriahna’s Spiritual son so saluting him is same as saluting the Guru, The Master himself. Then in return Brahmanandaji also saluted Swamiji. While asking the reason he replied, “Jeshtho Bhrata Shamo Pitah” i.e. the elder brother is same as like the father. As Swamiji is elder to him and also he was considering Swamiji as his elder brother, so showing respect to his is like showing respect to his own father which is otherwise Thakur himself. This very incident also shows the brotherly affection between each other. Swami Brahmananda went to Brindavan after his sanyas. Once while he and Swami Turiyananda traveling around Brindavan they had a thought. It used to be said that in Brindavan no one would be without food, Sri Radha is taking care of all. So both Brahmanandaji and Turiyanandaji decided that the particular day they will not go out for food, they will not go for Bhiksha. If really the saying is true then Sri Radha will take care of them. With this thought they closed the door and started meditating. Whole morning has passed, afternoon has passed even the night also has passed. But none of them had even the thought to feed themselves. Then on the next day very early in the morning someone has knocked the door. While they opened the door by their surprise they saw that so many buckets of food items have kept in front of the house. This shows the tremendous power of Bramhanandaji. Brahmanandaji has visited south around three times. Once in his south visit while he came to the Madras Math( the old Shrine) by looking at the shrine he told to the monks and other peoples that this shrine has become too old, so you people built a new shrine for Thakur. But that time the income was so poor that hardly two times food could be arranged, then from where they’ll collect such a big amount to build a new shrine! But Brahmanandaji was so strong at his will that he ordered that within eight month the work of the New Temple should be completed. That was the month of August. Then next year by April he visited Madras again and saw the work had fully done. He then said to the other people, “I knew that it would not be possible for you people to bring up such a great work by constructing a new temple. So I requested Thakur that you yourself have to make a new place for you. That is how the new temple has built”. Another time when he was traveling across various parts of India while going through a jungle he has faced a tiger. The tiger has hardly few feet away from him. All the people who were also coming across the same path started running but Brahmanandaji stood still. He remained as it is and instead of frightening he looked directly into the eyes of the tiger. The tiger came few steps towards him then returned and went back to the deep jungle. All the incidents showing the infinite power within him….He was the first president of Belur Math. … He was also very affectionate to the childrens. When from the math they thought to build up an orphanage for children then Brahmanandaji told that it should be made like a Palace. While asked the reason he replied, “Why not? They are the sons of Sri Ramakrishna, they are the Prince of the King, so they should be brought up in a Palace only like a Prince.” And it really has made like a Palace. As Swami Brahmananda has born in a day of Ekadasi so this very day considered as ekadasi…” There are few more things which I couldn’t remember right at this moment. But as a whole my day has gone great by Thakurs blessing. He was wearing the bright yellows cloth as was shinning inside the temple as like the Sun. His smiling face was so caring, loving and assuring too. I am really so happy by seeing the face of Thakur. Even I felt as like I came to my mother every time I see the Glorious face of Thakur. Jai Ramakrishna… Jai Ma… Jai Swamiji

Life is Good

After a long time I am really feeling great. From the past few days there are so many wonderful things which are happening in my life. I am so much thankful to the great almighty for being so kind to me. Thank you “Thakur”. You are really great!! Let’s start with the beautiful and brilliant paining exhibition which has held for full 15 days in the Vivekanandar Illam (Vivekananda House) which is situated just opposite to the marina beach. I was so much touched by seeing the enthusiasm and the innovative ideas of almost all the competitors. The competitors were both school and college students. And how professionally they drawn the pictures with such a perfection!! It seems like a professional painter has drawn those paintings. Some painting has drawn only by pencil and with so much perfection that for a while you may feel the actual presence of Swamiji (Swami Vivekananda). The prize winning pictures were truly great. Only by using pencil a guy brought the 3D effect in his paining which got the first prize( in the picture Swamiji looks so much real that u feel like he is looking into your eyes).the second picture where Mother Kanyakumari is blessing Swamiji who is sitting on a rock in kanyakumarika. Even here the whole painting made up by pencil alone and brought up the realistic effect, everything… the ornaments of the Goddess… the Ashirwad she is giving to Swamiji, I mean the ray coming from her hand too was so much perfect like its coming lighter too darker… the clothes of Swamiji is somewhat clumsy.. All these were so much perfect. The third prize winning picture was an oil painting of Swamiji which resembles the picture of Swamiji taken at San Francisco. So many has asked whether that is a painting or a real one (photograph). The boy who has drawn this picture brought some lighting effect in his painting. It seems like Swamiji is standing and light is focusing in his right side and on the left side the shades are coming. It was really too good. The other pictures too are equally good. Each and every picture tells a story. It feels great to see those creative minds. There were also some special paintings. Most of them are drawn by physically challenged person. A person having no hands (drawn with his leg alone), a girl being deaf and dumb, a small school children having no hands( drawn by his mouth alone) brought up with such a wonderful painting that even for us it would be difficult, who are blessed with all physical abilities. They should be our inspiration. Though they are physically disabled the have come up with all their will-power and by remembering Swamiji’s sayings, “Strength is life, Weakness is death”… “All the power is within you. You can do anything and everything”. There was a paining which was made totally by grains, a picture made only and only by writing the name Swami Vivekananda in Tamil ( everything.. the face, the eyes, the eyeball, the sun..), a painting of Swamiji decorated with woolen thread and also a painting which has fully made up with peacock feather. All the paintings were with so much creative idea. A special picture has drawn by a Student of Kumbakonam Dist. by taking his own blood (20 mg) from his hand. There was also a boy from Kanchipuram Dist. who alone has drawn 16 portraits of Swamiji. All those were really inspiring. The exhibition has ended up by 26th of Jan. Truly I had a great experience.

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Today is the holy occasion of Swamiji Vivekananda’s Birthday. We had a great day. Morning we went to Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore( Universal temple) around 4.45 am and then by 5'o clock attended the Mangal Aarati followed by Bhajans by Swami Abhiramananda. It was so nice. And the best part is Our Dear Thakur (Sri Ramakrishna) was wearing the special red color (which is my favorite) cloth in which he always looks the best. I was so happy that I can’t describe in words. Actually I always want him to be in that red color cloth. It was truly awesome. Sri Sri Ma too was looking great. And the B'day baby, our dear "Swamiji" was as graceful as always in his ocher cloth. The flower decoration was wonderful. Behind Thakur's image (Thakurer murti) seven flower bouquet hanging in the wall back Thakur in such a way like 3 in the right side 3 in the left side and in the middle just above Thakur's image a big bouquet, these has done with the idea of saptarshi mandal, where the 7 Rishi's has been replaced by 7 bouquets and in the middle the big bouquet is Swamiji.
The whole idea was too good. And after bhajan there was parikrama of the temple for 3 times with bhajans by Swami Gautamananda and other monks (where devotees also followed them) which was also very nice. At first we all sang "Ramakrishna sharanam", then " Jaya jaya janani" and then one song for Swamiji which ends with Vivekananda jayahey (actually i dont know the start of the song that is why…). After that they gave pongal Prasad to all the devotees. Then didi and I returned to t.nagar.
After some while didi went to T.Nagar Ramakrishna Ashram and then to Sri Sarada math. I have gone to t.nagar ashram. There also the flower decoration was so beautiful. I had Prasad there itself. Evening we have gone to Universal temple again and attended the aarati. Then it was the discourse about Swamiji by Swami Abhiramananda (in Tamil) and then by Swami Gautamananda (in English). Gautamanandaji's lecture was so good, so simple and also thought provoking.
After that we returned home.
We had a very good and pleasant day by Thakur's grace. His smiling face was so nice that no one would feel low or depressed. Everyone have to be happy and full of eternal joy after the view of Sri Sri Thakur.
Thakurer kapale chandaner phontata jaljal korchilo. Thakurer anandamay mukh dekhe amaro shotti shotti knub anondo hocchilo. Thakur shabaike erakam anandey rakun ei shubho dine thakurer kache prarthana kori.
Jai Sri Ramakrishna