Venkat Raman
“Nature’s beauty is enhanced by the ‘inner beauty’ of New Zealanders, making this a ‘Country of God,’ a visiting Saint has said.
Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, Pontiff of the Shri Puthige Mutt, Udupi in the South Indian State of Karnataka, said that although he is on his maiden visit to this country, “New Zealand vibrates with piety and spirit of goodwill and understanding.”
Peaceful and harmonious
“I notice that people of all religions and beliefs live and work with peace and harmony. I have heard and noted that people of varied ethnicities attend events and religious ceremonies and participate in them with fervour. People of Indian origin are an asset to New Zealand. Apart from other unifying factors like Cricket, Indians have earned the respect of all New Zealanders through their hard work,” he said.
He was speaking to Labour MP (Mt Roskill) and Ethnic Communities Under-Secretary Michael Wood at the residence of Sathyakumar Katte, a devotee of Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji on Friday, June 15, 2018, where a number of devotees had assembled to pay obeisance to him.
“This is a land that displays ‘New Zeal,’ with his high level of tolerance and friendship. I am told that your Prime Minister is expecting her first baby and I pray and wish her a safe delivery. I also hope that she will visit India and expand our good relations,” he said.
Labour MP blessed
He presented to Mr Wood a unique framed picture of Mother Earth, seated on a Lotus Flower, floating on water, holding in eight hands, symbols of various religions, the ‘Chakra of Shakthi,’ the Sun shining above – all of which signified the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kuttumbakam,’ meaning ‘The World is One Family.’
Later, speaking to Indian Newslink, he said that having visited 25 countries across the Continents, he was gratified to find that people of India were conscientiously speaking the traditional values of India, its culture, fine arts and social values.
Duty to Youth
“It is our duty to engage our young people in activities that promote the goodness of human beings, inculcating in them the same moral, educational and cultural values that we have imbibed, so that their country of domicile benefits, bringing at the same time pride and joy to their mother country, that is India,” Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji said.
He said that the modern world is characterised by speed, haste and ‘everything and everyone’ expecting instant results because of the advancement of science and technology.
Deliverance of Karma
“Certain things cannot happen instantly. Take for instance, ‘Karma.’ Although Karma is a result of cause and effect, the result is not instantaneous. Karma is like a ‘deposit made in a bank.’ It has to mature to yield its interest. Just like a seed needs time to grow, give its fruits, Karma takes time to yield. People are often impatient to realise the fruits of their work,” he said.
Since his arrival ten days ago, Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji has been visiting dozens of homes of his devotees throughout Auckland, at each of which he was received with piety, respect and special poojas. His devotees say that the ‘Power of His Presence’ is felt for long.
Temple Ceremony
More than 800 people including Members of Parliament, leaders of other religions and various ethnicities were present at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan Temple in Onehunga, Auckland, to participate and witness ‘Saamoohika Sansthana Pooja,’ a collective offering to the Deities of Rukmini Sathyabhama Sametha Shri Vithala.
Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji has brought with him Deities that were worshipped in the 13th Century AD by Madhwacharya, also known as Purana Prajna and Ananda Teertha, a Hindu Philosopher and Chief Proponent of the Dvaita School of Vedanta.
Among the highlights of the event was a music concert by Balachandra Bhat, Director, Source Link Agencies Limited, an Auckland based company and a long-time devotee of Swamiji.
On Sunday, June 17, 2018, RAMS Foundation Trustee and Indian Newslink Religious Correspondent Ragavan Rengachariar honoured the Swamiji with the ‘Vishwa Vithala Sarathy’ Award and Certificate at the residence of Umesh
Photo Caption:
- Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji honours Labour MP Michael Wood at the residence of Sathyakumar Katte on Friday, June 15, 2018
- Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji with the Katte Family
- RAMS Foundation Trustee Ragavan Rengachariar honours Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji with the title, of ‘Vishwa Vithala Sarathy’ at the Residence of Umesh on Sunday, June 17, 2018
- Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji speaks about New Zealand and its people (For Web Only)
(Pictures Supplied)
