Hear Swami Swaroopananda from April 22 to 26 in Auckland
Venkat Raman
One of the most respected scholars and effective communicators will be in Auckland later this month to present a series of Lectures on ‘Gayatri Mantra,’ about which little is known to many people.
Chances are that, like most other Hindu prayers and customs, ‘Gayatri Mantra’ would be repackaged as mental or physical therapy and ‘sold’ to us as research findings and new product development of the West.
Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, will be in Auckland to deliver a series of Lectures on ‘Gayatri Mantra,’ which we are certain would be as enlightening as it would indeed be entertaining.
Known for his inimitable style of narration with humour, his forthcoming Lectures would help attendees to gain meaningful insights into the all-pervading ‘Gayatri Mantra.’
About Gayatri Mantra
Sage Vishwamitra, who was ordained as a ‘Brahmarishi,’ is believed to be the author of the ‘Gayatri Mantra,’ which is mentioned in the Rig Veda, which is at least 5000 years old.
It is also mentioned in the Upanishads as an important ritual and in the Bhagavad Gita as a ‘Poem of the Divine.’
Mantras or Vedic hymns are generally of Tamil and Sanskrit origin, the two ancient languages of India that are considered pure, original and timeless.
Found in ancient Hindu scriptures, these Mantras enable devotees to achieve concentration of mind, body and soul and invoke spirituality in their inner self.
Unique forms
Chinmaya Mission Auckland President Ram Lingam said that Mantras are unique forms of sound vibration and when pronounced correctly and with full knowledge, they can have profound effects on the human mind.
“The Gayatri Mantra is highly revered, and its meaning is both subtle and complex. It is well known that chanting and understanding it makes one’s rational intellect more brilliant. Invoking and contemplating on this great Mantra, the seeker experiences Oneness whereupon its deeper secrets are revealed,” he said.
About Swami Swaroopananda
A direct disciple of Chinmaya Mission Founder, the late Swami Chinmayananda, Swaroopananda oversees and guides the activities and projects of the Mission worldwide. For more than 30 years, he has brought the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and given it a meaningful place in human lives.
His profound insights in personal, spiritual and corporate life, coupled with his humane, down-to earth approach, makes him an irresistible force to all listeners.
Swami Swaroopananda is well-known for his lucid explanations of this subtle knowledge and carries with him the fragrance of its authenticity.
Such Masters of Vedanta who are willing and able to unveil this subtle understanding to all ages are rare indeed.
The Youth Connection
It is heartening to note that an increasing number of young men and women are evincing interest in the activities of Chinmaya Mission New Zealand. As well as participating in the programmes of the Mission, they also undertake voluntary work, they are keen to learn the teaching of Swami Chinmayananda and help spread them to other members of the community. They also connect well with spiritual leaders like Swami Swaroopananda.
The Lecture Series
Mr Lingam said that the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ is very potent and philosophically it is extremely profound, practical and incredibly powerful.
“However, this Mantra and its true import is often left unknown to most who recite it. To unlock the hidden gems of wisdom and experience, Auckland is fortunate to have a sublime teacher like Swami Swaroopananda in our midst,” he said.
This Reporter has had occasions to listen to and discuss with Swami Swaroopananda issues that challenge people today.
His profound insights into modern, personal and corporate life, coupled with his humane and down-to-earth approach makes him a unique Spiritual Leader and mentor.
He constantly guides and inspires leaders across India and around the world.
He has lectured at Harvard University, London Business School and at companies such as Ford, Credit Suisse, Apollo Tyres and MAX New York Life, to name a few.
| What: The Secrets of Gayatri Mantra (English)
Who: Swami Swaroopananda Organiser: Chinmaya Mission New Zealand When: April 22 to 26 from 730 pm to 9 pm Where: Green Bay High School Performing Arts Centre Entry: Free for all Contact: www.chinmaya.org.nz/secrets-of-gayatri-mantra
|
Guided Meditation
Swami Swaroopananda will also conduct guided meditation from April 23 to April 26 from 6 am to 7 am at Chinmaya Mission, 63 McKenzie Road, Mangere Bridge. To register, please email: secretary@chinmaya.org.nz; Registration Fee: $100 per person for adults and $50 for students covering all sessions
