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It was pleasing to see more than 700 devotees assemble in Ganga Rani and the adjacent halls to be a part of this auspicious Satsang. In the welcome address, we were reminded of the noble spiritual qualities of Pujya Swamiji. "He talks little. You have never seen him talking. He thinks much and does much. Such a great spiritual Yogi is he. He is a man of invention. His devotion to teacher is unique. He has a pure heart. He has the spirit of renunciation. Just see his noble qualities: devotion, discipline, Shanti and humility." This is the tribute that our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda paid to Pujya Swamiji on 10 April 1956.

What is the fitting gift that we can offer to Pujya Swamiji on this auspicious Birth Anniversary? Our Programme Director answered as follows: "We read an extract from a speech Pujya Swamiji gave on 3 August 1989, 'Gurudev just asked me to tell you, everyday, when you get up feel that everything belongs to God. You've got to repeat it in a parrot-like fashion. Say, 'My children belong to God. My body belongs to God. My property belongs to God. Everything belongs to God.' If any tragedy strikes you, then you will find yourself repeating this formula. The moment you repeat the formula, then you are going to get relief. This is the easy Sadhana that Gurudev has given us.' This should be our gift to Pujya Swamiji."

The Master's message was taken from the Book, Priceless Jewels which contains letters written by the Divine Master to Pujya Swamiji. In one of the letters dated 4 October 1951, the Master wrote, "A man who serves humanity sincerely and with a true heart and an attitude of perfect self-surrender unto His Lotus Feet can overcome all obstacles. The whole world will bend before him. He will receive appreciation from all sides. You are one such. May His Grace be with you!"

In an audio message, Pujya Swamiji said that Guru will lead us to God but in order to attain God-realisation we have to pay the full price. Through faith, devotion, surrender and obedience to the Guru, we will grow spiritually. The bliss of God is so stupendous, so stunning that we will not be able to contain it unless we strengthen ourselves. It is like an elephant entering a grass hut. It will shatter you. Therefore, we will have to work hard so that we can contain this power when it descends. If we want to make progress, we must not limit the Guru to a picture. We must expand our vision. The whole world is a form of the Guru.

Path of Divine Grace, Volume 5, which contains inspiring discourses by Pujya Swamiji was released on this day as a fitting offering at the feet of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda on this auspicious Birth Anniversary. The Publisher's Note, contains the following tribute to Pujya Swamiji, "Pujya Swamiji was an exemplary disciple of the Divine Master. His entire life, actions and words were filled with the spirit of Guru Bhakti—Pujya Swamiji never glorified himself. A unique thread interwoven throughout this publication is the manifestation of the inscrutable hand of the Divine Master, as well as Pujya Swamiji's absolute obedience and total surrender to the Master".

The melodious chanting of the Ramayan Slokas as well as a beautifully executed dance to the Bhajan, Thumaka Chalata concluded a day well spent.