There was Akhanda chanting of the Sri Ram Mantra for the entire day concluding at 4pm. After the morning session, branches participated in the chanting, taking 1 hour slots. The chanting created great spiritual and peaceful vibrations. This day also marked the Birth Anniversary of one of India's greatest modern saints, Papa Swami Ramdas. Papa was a votary of Ram-Nam and a great inspiration to Pujya Swamiji. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev and Papa were one.
In the evening, Ganga Arati was followed by Satsang. In a reading, the Master wrote about the true import of Sannyas, "Many have not understood what true renunciation is. Renunciation of physical objects is no renunciation at all. True renunciation lies in the abnegation of the mind. It consists in renouncing all desires and egoism, and not merely renouncing the world. Real renunciation consists in the renunciation of egoism. If you can renounce the ego, you have renounced everything else in the world. If the subtle ego is given up, then identification with the body automatically dies."
In an audio recording, Pujya Swamiji explained the various aspects of the Yoga of Divine Grace. "So the purpose of Divine Grace is to give you that experience —to take you towards Him. When Divine Grace is leading you, everything goes on fairly safely. You cannot practise this Yoga of Divine Grace until you have faith and until you have a great deal of strength and courage. There is very little questioning. In my own case, from the very beginning of my association with Gurudev, there was an acceptance in totality. I could not remember any period in my life when there was any flickering of faith in the Master." The Guru will behave in an unconventional manner but there should be acceptance of the Guru's words and behaviour in totality. This will take many years. The important thing is to accept the Guru as God. It does not mean there is no self-effort. Grace and effort go together, said Pujya Swamiji.
As this auspicious event took place during the Ramayana Week, our rishikumaris sang the Ramayana Slokas to the musical accompaniment from the rishikumars. It was melodious and soothing and added to the inspiration of the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the video screening which captured the following incidents in the life of Pujya Swamiji:
• Receiving Darshan from Pramukh Swami, (the Head of the Swami Narayan Movement) in 1991.
• Taking visitors on a tour of SICC. Pujya Swamiji discusses the Service Activities of the Society while walking around the precincts of the Ashram.
• All Souls' Day: Ganga Arati and singing of Bhajans & Kirtans while walking around the building.
• Parts of the Farewell Message of 1956 delivered by our Divine Master, after he initiated Pujya Swamiji into the Holy Order of Sannyas on 10 April 1956.
