CaribbeanHindu.net - Non-Profit Educational Resource Center

VISITS OF PROMINENT HINDU LEADERS TO THE CARIBBEAN & CARIBBEAN DISAPORA

Page contents (Please scroll down):

(1) Vsihwa Hindu Parishad's Dharma Prasar Yaatra - news and pictures.
(2) Param Poojaneeya Sudarshanji's 2001 visit to Jamaica, NY, USA
(3) Mananiya Shri Ashok Singhal's 1998 visit to Richmond Hill, NY, USA
(4) Swami Chinmayananda's 1967 visit to Guyana
(5) Shri Shri Ganapati Satchitananda Swamiji's 2002 visit to Trinidad

 ■ VHP's Dharma Prasar Yaatra Reaches Guyana: August 18, 2001 
The Dharma Prasar Yaatra sponsored by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) visiting numerous countries where Hindus live arrived in Guyana on Sunday, August 18, 2001. In Guyana, the program was coordinated by Pujya Swami Aksharananda. The public program at Guyana's National Park by VHP Guyana was attended by approximately 20,000 people. The Guyana leg of the Yaatra included the Shankarcharya of Bhanupura, Jagadguru Param Pujya Swami Divyananda Teerth Maharaj, Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Swami Brahmadeva Upadhyaya. Among the dignitaries who attended the program were Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Reepu Persaud, Opposition Leader Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Mayor Hamilton Green, Indian HC, Dr. Prakash Joshi.
Pictorial highlights of Guyana's program at the National Park


(Pix on left: Pujya Swami Aksharanandaji, Anjali Pandhya of VHP, acting President Sam Hinds, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya (partly hidden) and acting PM Reepu Persaud)

(Pix in center: Red carpet welcome on a petal lined path. The Shankaracharya of Bhanpur, Param Pujya Jagadguru Divyananda Teerth Maharaj, Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Swami Aksharananda of Guyana)

(Pix on right: A section of the massive crowd) 
On Sunday August 19, the Yaatra arrived in Surinam.

■ AN EVENING WITH SUDARSHANJI

By Churaumanie Bissundyal

My two brothers, Somdat Mahabir and Upadhyayaji, invited me to a Hindu Jaagaranam Satsang at the American Sevashram Ashram auditorium on July 28, 2001, a Satsang sponsored by the Caribbean Shaakhaa of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. These two brothers were overwhelmingly courteous, insuperably humble, with a cordiality that was too much for my adamancy. Therefore, not knowing what this Satsang was about, just to please courtesies, I decided to attend, caring less of the sleep I would lose, since I work at night during the weekends.

I arrived late at the Satsang, almost at the very end when the guest speaker, Param Pujneeya Shri Sudarshanji, was winding up his address. His conclusive points on Hindu unity and empowerment impinged upon me, and I regretted that I couldn't make it earlier to get the entirety of his speech. But, then, Shri Somdat Mahabir announced that Sudarshanji would be speaking at another Satsang on the following day at Divya Dhaam, Woodside, which was two blocks away from where I live. I deliberated that I must attend this one, and that I should be there early. So, from work, tired and sleepy, I hastened to the Satsang amidst throngs of devotees, numbers, I guess, would be in the four figures, friendly and courteous individuals helping arrivants to seats etc.

Shri Sudarshanji began speaking, in polished, elegant English, beautiful British English, rich in metaphor and imageries. Then someone requested that he should switch his discourse from English to Hindi, which he did, obligingly. I thought, at first, that I would be at a disadvantage, since I had not been brushing up my Hindi over the past two decades. But I was struck, excited, elated, stupefied. When Sudarshanji started speaking, he swept me like an avalanching wave towards a sweet destination of the past: his words rang melodiously, with a pure symphony of my boyhood days, days when I used to read under the flare of a kerosene lamp such Hindi classics as the Premsagar, Sukhsagar, Aalaa Udal, Tulsidaas Raamayan, Sarwan Kumar, and Raja Harischandra. He brought back palpable memories to me when my father used to shepherd me to Bhagvat Yajnas, then put me to sit near the elderly men to listen to the Vyasji, ensconced in his singhaasan, reading, singing and discoursing in Hindi. Indeed, Sudarshanji had brought back to me a nostalgic resplendence by the power and beauty of his Hindi, a Hindi that is familiar and dear to me, a Hindi (with traits of Bhojpuri, Avadhi, and Brajbhasha), which was brought by my indentured forebears from India to Guyana, a Hindi which kept them as a powerful Hindu unit during the bad times of colonial cultural contempt and aggression.

The fear I had that I would have been at a disadvantage had now dissipated, and I was following Sudarshanji's discourse, as if someone were speaking to me in my own Creolese vernacular. Truly, and this is no concoction, Sudarshanji spoke like the elderly men of my little village when I was a boy, with the same sweetness, the same tolerance, the same passion, the same good-natured admonishment. For Hindus to survive, he said, they have to maintain their identity, environment and innate pride. The home must be embellished with Hindu paintings, portraits, pictures, and moortis, must be suffused with Hindu music, must be structured with Hindu habits, must be reinforced with Hindu mores and values.

I remember growing up in my village; there were many poor families, each family of more than ten living in mud huts of troolie-thatched roofs, both parents toiling in the rice-fields, the boys planting kitchen gardens and tending cows, the girls assisting their mothers with the cooking and cleaning. These little mud huts, I remember, were filled with pictures of Hindu deities; the parents in the evenings sang bhajans, keertans and dhoonds to their children or sent them to evening Hindi schools to learn Hindi, prayers and Hindi religious songs. On Sundays all of us children went to the mathiyas. Both boys and girls learned to sing chowtaals and Raamayan baanees. Stories from the Ramaayan and Mahabhaarat were read to us, reminding us of obedience towards our parents and elders, teaching us to live as a family unit: parents' regard towards their children, and children's towards their parents. And, with this family cohesiveness, despite the villagers were poor, many of their sons and daughters became successful lawyers, doctors, engineers, politicians, professors, economists etc.

But, today in America, despite many parents are wealthy and lavished with opportunities, their children are made recalcitrant, impudent and vocationally misdirected, children who have broken away from a moral course and have fallen prey to drugs, violence and sometimes prostitution.

Attending the Jaagaranam Satsang, many pleasant memories came back to me. A bahenji with her two charming little daughters were in the lead of a choir, singing a touching song with enthralling lyrics: there was no accompaniment of musical instruments, no noise, no distraction. There was only the pure beauty of voice and words. This, I remember, was the way our Vyaasjis on the singhhaasan used to conduct their lectures long ago, where Vedic and Puraanic texts were explained with great scholarship, and thousands attended, both young and old, the atmosphere was education and learning. Today, there is a new trend. Our preachers pay less attention to the exposition of the Vedas and Puraanas and spend the bulk of their time singing filmi tunes on the singhaasan with terrible noise from musical instruments. Sometimes one does not know the difference between a yajna and a concert, between a preacher and a Bollywood film star. The excuse for transforming the singhaasan into a disco ambience is that it is attractive to the young people, and that reading without music and noise would drive the young people away from Hindu Dharma.

This is not true. Long ago, when the Vyasjis used to read without music and noise, thousands used to attend, both young and old. I can remember Swami Purnanandji. His Bhagavat yajnas attracted thousands. And, at these yajnas, geet and sangeet were given their dignified places: there were talented taan singers singing their taans appropriate to every adhyaay the Vyassji read.

The Vyasjis concentrated on their work, which is to expound our Scriptures, the songsters on theirs. Today, many our yajnas look like Bollywood pop films, the Vyasjis reminding me of those wonderful days of Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Rajesh Khanna, and even Salaman Khan and Sharukh.

This was the message I drew from Sudarshanji's discourse and the setting of the Jaagaranam Satsangh: to preserve our values, to save our children through the instrument of family cohesiveness. And Sudarshanji's discourse could not have been better put over. It was like an oasis in a desert. And we do need it today, desperately, if we are to survive as a healthy Hindu community, to nourish our faith and fortitude. In decades I haven't heard such a wonderful lecture. Therefore, I advise my brothers, Shri Somdat and Upadhyaya, to have this lecture printed out in a booklet form and have it distributed among our Hindu population.

In conclusion, I have no regrets losing my sleep; this lecture was not only a lush orchard of memory, but also an aesthetic and blissful awakening for me.

■ HEAD OF VHP VISITS RICHMOND HILL
 Shri Ashok Singhalji given big welcome by Caribbean Hindus

By Patanjali Rambrich

On a calm and tranquil Sunday afternoon (August 23, 1998), history was made between the Caribbean Hindu Community and the Hindus community from the motherland, Bharat. Hindus from all walks of life and as far away as the Bronx converged at Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, the heart of the Caribbean Hindu Community, to greet and listen to Shri Ashok Singhalji, head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. It was a meeting that will remain in the memory of all those who were fortunate to be there for a very long time to come.

The program took place at the beautiful Shri Laxshmi Narayan Mandir, a local temple. About 150 Hindus filled the temple to get a glimpse of the brave and heroic Ma. Ashok Singhalji. Lord Rama and Hanumanji are extremely close to the hearts of Caribbean Hindus, most of whose ancestors could be traced to UttarPradesh and Bihar. All those who attended were anointed with "chandan" on their foreheads by students from the Durga Shaka.

The program started precisely at 3:00 PM with Shri Somdat Mahabir arranging the audience to sit in lines. It was a marvelous site to see people never accustomed to sit with such discipline in a Mandir did it with such grace and patience. Pandita Indranie Ramprashad, a Swyamsevika from Trinidad, then chanted mantras from the Vedas. For the next hour, members from various Hindu Organizations led in congregational singing of bhajans that were accompanied by the sweet music of the Harmonium, Dholak, and Dhantaal.

Ma. Ashok Singhalji car arrived as planned and was welcomed by Shri Somdat Mahabir, Shri Radharaman Upadhyaya, Shri Patanjali Rambrich and others who had been waiting outside the temple. As Shri Somdatji led Ashokji into the temple, the command "Uthistha" was given and all stood up as a mark of respect to the great Hindu leader. Ashokji offered prayers to the "murthis" and then took his seat. The command "Upaavisha" was given and everyone sat down. Other distinguished Hindu leaders accompanying Ashokji were Shri Mahesh Dave, Esq. (HSS, Sanghcaalak of NY), Prof. Shanker Tattvawadi (Senior RSS leader), Dr. Mahesh Mehta (former President, VHP-A), Vimal Sodhani (VHP-A, PA Dharma Samsad Coordinator), Dr. Mukund Moody (Former President of OFBJP), Dr. P.L. Chaturvedi (Vice-Chancellor of the Maharishi Swami Dayananda University), Rakshapal Sood (HSS, Sahkaryavaha of the USA).

The Bhagwa Dwaj was then raised. Students from the Durga Shakha, the first and only Shakha in New York with an almost exclusive Caribbean participation, gave brief quotations from Swami Vivekananda, Shri Arvindo, and Swami Dayananda at periodic intervals. The HSS Sanghcaalak, Maheshji spoke very briefly and discuss the importance of Sangh work. Smt. Lalita Mahabir sang "Hindu bhoomi kee hama santaan", that the entire audience proceed to join in congregational chanting.

Shri Somdat Mahabir then gave a brief introduction of Shri Ashokji.

Ashokji Singhal’s speech was a masterpiece filled with energy and one could sense his great joy. He told us that he wanted to meet us a long time ago and was very happy that it finally materialized. He said that "the same blood in your veins, Caribbean Hindus, are in my veins". He was very proud that the Caribbean Hindus have kept up their Dharma and lamented that our dear language, Hindi, has been lost in Guyana and Trinidad. However, he told the audience that in Suriname the Hindi language is alive and well. He recalled his 1996 visit to Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname and his recent visit, August 1998, to these same countries. He spoke about how happy he felt about the expansion of Sangh work there. He made special mention of Swami Aksharanandaji and Ravi Devji of Guyana who have ensured that Sangh is rooted in the nation. Today there are 7 Shakhas in Guyana including daily Shakhas. Shakha is also going on in Trinidad where Shri Raviji Maharaj has started that work.

Ashokji emphasized the need for Shakha work. He challenged the Caribbean Hindus to create more Shakhas. This is the only tested method that will produce Hindus who are capable of carving a strong and vibrant Hindu society. By attending Shakha, Hindus develop a bond of love and friendship to collectively work for the betterment of society. He quickly reminded us that the Prime Minister of Bharat, Atal Behary Vajpayee, attended Shakha and has remained a Swayamsevak as of today. After the expansion of Shakha in the community, Ashokji said that Vishwa Hindu Parishad work could be started. His vision for the community was very concrete. He told the audience that Bharat is the "Matre Bhoomi", motherland of all Hindus, and they must make sure that she is strong. Only a strong Bharat would bring respect to Hindus worldwide.

What was amazing was Ashokji concrete understanding of the problems Hindus and Indians are facing in the Caribbean. He discussed issues facing the Hindu community in Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, South Africa, etc. He said Hindus will continue to be oppressed if they remain disunited. Ashokji discussed how disunity, treachery and deceit were the main reasons why Bharat was enslaved for one thousand years. Hindus at that time were fighting among themselves and foreigners were able to manipulate and defeat them easily. He called for Hindu unity and asked the intellectuals to respond to the needs of their respective countries. He touched on the recent riots in Guyana and urged young men to join the army and police force. He urged Hindus to assert themselves and take their rightful place in society. The Hindu presence and Hindu strength must be reflected in all facets of life.

Time was too short as he had to be hurried to JFK airport for his next destination. Ashokji left after prarthana and the Bhagwa dhwaj was lowered and "artie" was completed. After "bhojan mantra", all were asked to partake of bhojan in the basement. During "bhojan" many people openly expressed joy at Shri Ashok Singhalji visit to the community.

Indeed Aug. 23, 1998 will remain in the annals of history for Hindus. The bond between the Hindus from the Caribbean and Hindus from Bharat Mata was once again strengthened. Vishwa Dharma Ki Jai.

(Note: Shri Ashok Singhalji’s visit was arranged by Poojya Swami Aksharanandaji. All programs were undertaken by Durga Shakha, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Richmond Hill, NY.)

■ Swami Chinmayananda’s 1967 Visit to Guyana: Pandit-Brahmanism Debacle

 Pujya Swami Chinmayanandaji, born in 1916, a renowned Hindu monk who authored more than 40 books on Vedanta visited Guyana in 1967, from July 28 to August 15. Swami Chinmayanandaji played an important role in the establishment of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in 1964. Guyanese Hindus, according to all reports, were very happy at the visit of such an important Hindu Saint. They approached the learned Swami with a number of burning issues including brahmanism which was propagated by a number of local Pandits (Purohits). The Pandits did not like the message of the Swami on brahmanism, and they approached the then Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham to expel Swami Chinmayananda from Guyana.

[As a footnote, Poojya Swami Chinmayanandaji was selected by the Hindu Host Committee to be the President of the Hindu Religion, representing Hinduism worldwide at the meeting of Parliament of World Religions in Chicago (during August 28 - September 4, 1993), an honor bestowed on the great Swami Vivekananda a century ago. The Parliament selected 14 eminent religious leaders from around the world to form a council to guide the world into the next century.

At World Vision 2000, a conference of religious leaders sponsored by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) during August 6-8, 1993, Swami Chinmayananda was to be honored for his lifetime of selfless service to humanity and his tremendous achievements in Hinduism. Unfortunately, however, on August 3, 1993, Swami Chinmayananda died -- attaining Mahasamadhi.]

We did this research, for a number of reasons. First, we are simply interested in such a great personality. Second, we felt that this information would be useful to Guyanese Hindus. Third, we feel that this research would provide valuable historical information for Hindus around the world.

The person who invited and hosted Swami Chinmayananda in Guyana was Sri Rajendra, a devotee who had earlier met the Swami in Jamaica during his first world-tour. En-route to Guyana, Swami Chinmayananda spent one night in Trinidad. Swamiji was accompanied to Guyana by Miss Jaya Iver of Bombay. She was the then Vice-Principal of Tagore College in Trinidad. At the airport, the President of the Guyana Maha Sabha and others were present to welcome Swami Chinmayananda. He was immediately taken to the home of Sri Rajendra. Soon afterwards a press conference was arranged, after which Swamiji was taken to the Triumph Village Hindu Temple (then controlled by the Maha Sabha) where he addressed the people assembled there.

Swami Chinmayananda as part of his mission to Guyana, called on His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Rose, and had a long discussion with him. A program was also arranged at City Hall, under the President-ship of the Lord Mayor, Mr. Hamilton. The hall was filled to capacity. Many women were dressed in saris and men in white kurtas. Swami Chinmayananda’s presentation was entitled, "The Dynamism of Togetherness." The message was so powerful that the acting Lord Mayor said, "I have never heard such a great talk in my life, so appropriate, so beautifully put. I wish the entire nation had heard Swamiji this evening." There were plans to broadcast the tape-recorded speech nationwide. In addition, the Guyana Broadcasting Company aired a few recorded programs and live interviews on a "Devotional Program" which was regularly aired at 5:30 AM daily.

On August 3, 1967, Swami Chinmayananda visited Berbice. Sri Rampersaud, the President of the local Maha Saba, and a prosperous oil dealer, was in charge of the Berbice arrangement. (Berbice is a county of predominantly Indians; the vast majority are Hindus). That same evening a public meeting in the City Hall at New Amsterdam, under the President-ship of the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Wilson was convened. That particular meeting demonstrated Guyanese disregard for punctuality. Swami Chinmayananda arrived at 7 PM, the announced time for the meeting. None else had come. At 7:15 Mr. Wilson arrived. By 7:30 PM people started to arrive in numbers. At 7:40 PM, one of the Pandits of the community scrambled on to the platform to take a seat reserved for him. By them Sawmi Chinmayananda had started his discourse. As if to send a message, Swamiji looked at the Pandit and his wrist-watch twice – deliberately! At the end of the presentation the audience broke into a thunderous applause.

The problems with the Pandits started in Berbice! A press conference was arranged there for Swami Chinmayananda. A reporter asked: "We have recently passed a law that Brahmins alone can be Pandits, what do you think of it?" Swamiji replied, "I don't know anything about it as I have just reached here. I have not seen the enactment. If what you say be true, then what is it? Is it a definition of the Brahmin, or a definition of a Pandit? If it is a definition of a Brahmin - the fallacy would be that all Brahmins, merely because they are brahmins, are Pandits. If it is a definition of a Pandit, then all Pandits will become brahmins. Either way it will be very untenable in law courts if ever anyone were to invoke this law".

The next day a newspaper carried a report under the heading, "Brahmin law is untenable says Swami." This newspaper article and a few others about the said brahmin issue upset many of the so-called "Brahmin" Pandits of Guyana. The Pandits' Council and its President, Pt. Sharma, complained to the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham that the statement of the Swami "is an interference with the internal laws of our land; it is a breach of privilege by a foreigner to meddle in our domestic affairs, and we are putting on record our protest and do call upon the government to exercise its inherent right to have this individual expelled from our country as an undesirable person".

The newspaper reported that Prime Minister Forbes Burnham issued a press statement. The Prime Minister stated: "It has been brought to my attention by the Guyana Pandits' Council that visiting Indian philosopher and lecturer, Swami Chinmayananda, has abused Guyanese hospitality by making qualitative statement on the country's legislation." The papers added that the "Prime Minister's statement followed a letter sent him by the Pandits's Council which is headed by N.P. Sharma." Another splash-news item in one of the local newspaper said it all: "Neither the statement from the Prime Minister's Office nor the letter released from the Pandits' Council by the Ministry of Information mentioned exactly what was said by the Swami."

[As a footnote, Mr. Forbes Burnham of Guyana became a notorious dictator who ruled the country for 28 years during which he banned many food items that were part of the Hindu dietary regimen. During this period of Burnham dictatorship, the Guyana Pandits' Council claimed false support from the Hindus of Guyana in their support of the dictatorship government. Caribbean Hindus must ask these fundamental questions: Why did the Pandits behave as they did? ]

It must also be known that not all the Pandits of Guyana supported the "brahmin legislation". However, to our knowledge, no Pandit is on record opposing such immoral actions. Indeed, in the Caribbean for Pandits do not generally speak up on issues facing the Hindu community. However, this has been slowly changing as the system is now much more open with more educated priests.

While in Berbice, Swami Chinmayananda visited Springland (Corriverton). He was also taken to a "Ramayan Yaj" there. Swamiji was addressed as their honored spiritual guest. He congratulated the Hindus for maintaining Hinduism. Swami Chinmayananda also gave talks at the Reliance Temple and at Rosignol in Berbice.

On August 7, 1967, Swami Chinmayananda left Berbice for Georgetown. It was a national holiday - the first Monday of August, a day set aside to celebrate the Queen's birthday, Commonwealth Day, and Emancipation Day. Swamiji was able to accept the Governor General's invitation to attend a reception at Guyana House where he met many businessmen and officials - all of them laughing at the meaningless discourtesy in the press (relating to the Brahmin Legislation). Earlier that same day, Swami Chinmayananda was entertained by the Indian High Commissioner and his wife. Guyana's Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Martin Carter and his wife was present at that function. Mr. Carter was most apologetic to Swamiji for the press reports. On that occasion the Swami set the entire crowd of guests roaring with laughter through his wit and wisdom.

Swami Chinmayananda also gave a number of talks at the Krishna Temple at Kitty, the temple at Peter's Hall, and the Mahatma Gandhi Youth Organization in Georgetown.

On August 8, 1967, Swami Chinmayananda was invited by the Governor General, Sir David Rose, for the inauguration of the Second Session of the first Parliament of Guyana which he attended.

On August 9, 1967, Swami Chinmayananda started a three-day lecture series on Hinduism at De Willem Village on the West Coast of Demerara. He also gave a lecture at Good Fortune on the West Coast of Demerara.

On August 10, 1967, Prime Minister Burnham met with Swami Chinmayananda at the Prime Minister's Office. The interview planned for 10 minutes, lasted for 55 minutes instead. Two other Cabinet Ministers, and a deputation scheduled to see the Prime Minister, were requested to wait outside during the lengthy meeting. Swamiji and the Prime Minister discussed a number of issues including Swamiji’s impression of Guyana; Pandit Sharma of the Pandits' Council and his treacherous attitude towards the nation; spiritual truths; the opinion of Swamiji upon the "Brahmin-Pandit-Issue". Swami Chinmayananda presented the Prime Minister with a copy of his book, Bhaja Govindam and the Kenopanishad Discourses. The Prime Minister then accompanied Swami Chinmayananda to the door where Swamiji departed.

On the August 15, 1967, Swami Chinmayananda met with Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the then Leader of Guyana's opposition at Freedom House - his Party's headquarter. Swamiji was very impressed with Dr. Jagan. This is what Swami Chinmayananda said of Dr. Jagan: "This young, intelligent, utterly dedicated and most sincere visionary is a confident and convinced dreamer whose eyes are ever on the heights. Had he a pair of wings he would have flown restlessly all his life upwards beyond the clouds on the other side of the horizon." Swami Chinmayananda and Dr. Cheddi Jagan met for 55 minutes. On this same day, Swami Chinmayanda met with the President and the committee members of the Maha Sabha. They offered Swamiji a "purse" which was collected from the humble devotees from all the centers in the three counties of Guyana. At 2:30 PM Swami Chinmayanandaji started travelling to the Atkinson Airport (now renamed Cheddi Jagan International Airport in memory of Dr. Jagan) where he flew off to Trinidad.

Observations during Swami Chinmayananda's 1967 Visit to Guyana:

One writer observed at the Triumph Village Temple: "...The altar, the havan-kund, the photos of our revered dieties, the mispronounced but sincerely chanted hymns, were all a loving treat to the ears and hearts, though any scholar would run from the terrible meanings the Pandits brought out in their unconscious but fervent chanting".

At the Ramayana Yaj in Berbice, one writer observed: "...The Pandit, crowned with a turban, doned in a flashy white nylon kurta and real dhoti, resplendent with malas, sits on his seat (Simhasan) over pictures of Gods and Goddesses..."

Further Reading on Swami Chinmayananda’s Visit to Guyana:

(1) Mirror Newspaper, Tuesday, August 1, 1967 - Brahmin Law is Untenable says Swami.
(2) Guyana Graphic Newspaper, Friday, August 4, 1967 - PM Again Warns Against Outside Meddling - A big row brewing over Swami.
(3) Guyana Graphic Newspaper, Saturday, August 5, 1967 - The Swami Explains.
(4) Mirror Newspaper, Tuesday, August 8, 1967 - The Swami and the Brahmin Question by Edgar Moonsammy.
(5) Mirror Newspaper, Tuesday, August 8, 1967 - The Swami and the Brahmin Question (Front Page Editorial).
(6) Tapovan Prasad (monthly publication of the Chinmaya Mission), September 1, 1967.

(Note: Thanks to the Chinmaya Mission, Madras, India, for providing valuable documentation of Swami Chinmayananda’s visit to Guyana.)

 

■ Visit of Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji to Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima, Trinidad, April 25-29, 2002

 Thursday 25th April 2002

His Holiness arrived at 8:45 pm at the Ashram amidst joyous chanting and singing from the devotees present.  He was welcomed officially by the Chief Trustee of the Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima, Sri Ramesh Persad Maharaj, and Swami Manasa Datta. 

Sri H.V. Prasad spoke on the significance of His Holiness’ visit at this particular time.  He said, “Sri Swamiji left Mysore, India on Monday 22 April, passing through Delhi, London and Bridgetown to be here today.  This visit has been long overdue. …. Sri Swamiji told hi, ‘Let them collect funds and then workers will come.  Until that time, I will go.  Almost six months passed, then workers came. Why Sri Swamiji postponed His visit?  Because He wished to make His 60th Foreign tour on His 60th Birthday to Trinidad.  Sri Swamiji may not look tired, but He is.  Tomorrow will be Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.  Let us beseech Sri Swamiji to bless us with His brief message.”

 Sri Swamiji speaks: “Sri Ganeshaya namah, Sri Saraswatiyai namah, Sripadavallabha Narasimha Saraswati, Sri Guru Dattatreya namah."

What a miracle day tomorrow.  Hanuman Jayanti and full moon day.  Will show Datta’s wish.  Powerful connection between Hanuman and Datta.  In the Narasimha Avatar, Lord Vishnu took form and killed demon. After that, Lord Narasimha got hurt with the poison in his fingers and he ran to the forest, dancing.  At the same time, Lakshmi came and danced with Lord Vishnu, but his fingers hurt and became painful because he killed the demon in the stomach and the poisonous blood entered his fingers.  Lakshmi treated his fingers, while singing and dancing with Lord Vishnu, but he was still suffering and suddenly she looked at a tree and gave the juice of the leaves to his fingers and the poison disappeared.  Lord Vishnu became very happy and said, “I will always be sitting with you in the next avatar, giving jnana.  You are a knowledge tree and remover of obstacles and giving blessings to people.  People who touch you get happiness and all sickness vanish”.  Such a boon he gave.  This tree is the Audumbara tree.  Lord Datta is always in that tree.  It is a very precious and sacred tree, a medicinal tree.

There is a connection with the Audumbara tree and Hanumanta.  The same Hanumanta took form.  A child, he saw Surya (Sun God) and the child Hanumanta, thinking it looked like a fruit, ran to catch and eat the fruit.  Lord Indra got angry and took his special weapon and hit the child in the face.  The child fell down, crying.  At the same time, his mother, Anjanadevi took the leaves from the Audumbara tree and placed them on his face, and the pain vanished.  Hanumanta became happy.  He then said to Lord Datta, “I am always with you.  I am always your servant.  Go take rest and I will protect your devotees.”

In Sri Swmiji’s birth, Mother Jayalakshmi going to Vaikuntha, and father chanting Hanuman mantra …..I dreamed of such a temple in Trinidad ten years back.  Ramesh Persad wanted a beautiful Murti and temple.  I said “No. Not possible”.  Today, the dream has come true.  When I entered the Ashrama, it was like South Indian temple.  Use this good opportunity.  This is a big yagna.  Not easy to build a temple.  The maintenance of the sanctity of the temple is very important.  Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to such a complex. Rama gave a boon to Lord Hanuman to protect all small islands.  The ancient sastras also say that small islands have Hanuman as their protector.  This Hanumanta murti will be the first historical murti in such small islands with Lord Datta.  He gives jnana, health and wealth, protecting our body, the Caribbean countries and the whole world.  I am very happy.

Friday 26 April 2002, Morning

This was Hanuman Jayanti day and the birthday of the incarnation of Viswambharavadhoota Datta.  Sri Swamiji, on seeing the devotion of those present chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, decided to release the Hanuman Chalisa sung by Him on that very morning.  Dr. Renuka Deonarine undertook the production of copies of the audio-cassettes and they were officially presented to Sri Swamiji and released then.  An auction of a cassette held in Sri Swamiji’s hands went to Sri Coosal of Trinidad for a grand sum of U.S. $ 500.00

 Friday 26 April 2002 Evening Satsang

Sri Swamiji speaks: “Sri Ganeshaya namah,  Sri Saraswatiyai namah, Sripadavallabha Narasimha Saraswati, Sri Guru Dattatreya namah".

 Repeat everybody: "Anjaneyam matipatalananam, Kanchanadri kamaniya vigraham, Parijata  taramoola nivasinam, Bhavayami Pavamana nandanam"

Special tree, the Parijata tree. The tree came out of Vaikuntha come to Earth.  Anjaneya likes the Parijata tree very much.  Very special flowers.  And also the serpents (naga) also very much like that tree.  It is like a jasmine.  And Nada he likes also Medicated tree.  Hanuman live always near that tree.

 Matipatalanam – one can chant to meditate on Hanumanta.  Mati means intellect, jnana
Kanchanadri means his address.  Beautiful hills in Kanchana.
 Kamaniya vigraha means very beautiful idol.  Very beautiful his roopa, his incarnation.
Pavamana nandana is   like Lord Siva and Lord Vayu.  So in this year of Citrabhanu, Citrabhanu means Fire God, and also Surya, Sun God.  So Swamiji also took form in Citrabhanu year.  The Hanumanta is very near to Agni and Vayu.  One can chant always Hanumanta.  We always have breath problem.  This pranayama not practiced correctly.  So many people do not practice the correct position, so they get illness, sickness, depression, so many obstacles.  So you can breath properly and do yoga.  One can chant Hanumanta.  Correct breath will give you good health.  So today I want to give some good mantra  Anjaneya mantra.  108 names.  Very beautiful inner meaning.  Tells the complete Hanuman history and complete Ramayana.  Only 108 names will give a lot information.  So repeat with me.

Anjaneyaya namah
Anjaneya means knowledge, full knowledge.  Also his mother’s name Anjanadevi and name of hill.
Mahaviraya namah
Mahavira means very strong, valorous.
Hanumateya namah
Hanumate means good mind, intellect
Marutatmajaya namah
Marutatmaja means air, vayu, atma means brahma.  Anjaneya himself like a brahma 

Tattva jnana pradayakaya namah - In the Ramayana, it means perfect in grammar.  Lord Hanuman is the great grammatician.

 Sitadevi mudrapradanaya namah - In Ramayana, Rama and Sita got separated by evil Ravana and Hanumanta brings to haer a mudra, aring or a symbol.  He brings rama’s ring to Sita.  Sita is like a buddhi, Rama is like Atma.  Manabuddhi.  He brings together atma and buddhi.  So one can meditate to get mana.  So mixed with mana, then one is a yogi and one is always happy.  That is a yoga.  So one can chant Rama and Hanumanta, they get a good meditation.

Ashokavanikakshetra namah - Ashokavana – the garden.  One can sit and chant, no sorrows, weeping.  Ashoka always gives happiness.  As Sita sits in Ashokavana, rakshasas get jnana.  They are very happy in the next janam.  So many serve Sita, they become angels.  Ashoka means no sorrows, problems.  So you can chant always Ashoka.  So many people always depression, disappointment.  I think this will avoid this, so chant ashoka. 

Sarvamayavibhanjanaya namah - So many confusions in our life, obstacles and different kinds of egos.  To remove, one can chant Hannumanta.

Sarvabhandavimochanaya namah - Bhanda means so many problems, so many affections.  We have always people to people affection which cause sorrow and unhappiness.  We are thinking about family happiness.  The result is that happiness leads to sorrows.  So don’t expect happiness.  Do your duty that’s all.  So one can chant Hanumanta and all kinds of obstacles  will be removed.

 Rakshovidhvansakarakaya namah
Two meanings, one is demons and one is self.  To remove the self, ahankara and the other is our demon qualities, always eating and sleeping, talking lies, jealous, making confusions.  Hanumanta will remove these qualities.

 Paravidhyapariharaya namah - Paravidhya means we are going to our native place, Brahma place.  We came here only playing.  This is not our permanent place, this earth.  Our house is there, family.  Our original house is Brahma house, not this house. We came only in our foolish ambitions – so came a very long journey, again and again births.  We came only temporary here.  We took form and were begging for yourself and He put us on this earth.  We are passing so many karmas and passing so many relatives.  We are taking births in so many countries.  Our  name is so many names.  So many children, so many brothers, sisters, relatives.  We don’t know how we came here.  So we want to go back to our Brahma place.  That’s why we are searching.  Somebody is giving guidance, somebody gives good ticket.  And somebody gives others good happiness.  So do good sadhana.  Thinking always worldly affairs and crying always, “This house is mine, wife is mine, children are mind”.  Always ‘my, my’.  So many times we chanting.  If anything happens, little bit, then you are disappointed.  Again happiness, again sorrow.  Again you are feeling bad.  Only two seconds.  Few minutes of happiness, few minutes we are crying.  So we are searching to medicine, books, mantra, temple, guru, lots of confusion always.  We want to go back to our Brahma place.  So one can chant Hanumanta and he will guide us to the original place.  He will take us there.

Parashoryavinashaya namah - Bad thoughts.  Kill bad thoughts.  You are also thinking ‘I am also Brahma, I am also capable.  I am also human being, I am the leader, I am the president, I am the organizer, I am the committee member.  So you are telling yourself, ahankara, the ego.  You are illusion.  I am everything, that is illusion.  You are nothing.  You are not member, you are not husband, you are not president.  You are not anything.  Nothing, nothing, nothing.  So, that makes confusion, ahankara, ego.  We are developing that ego in ourselves.  I am like this.  I took doctorate.  So like this always ego.  This ego you are developing for your karma.  One can chant Hanumanta, and that kind of confusion, the bad thoughts, ego also bad thought, I am, I am.  If somebody feels hurt, then you get ego.  Then you are upset always.  So practice humbleness like a servant.  I am nothing.  I am like a beautiful tool.  So please use me for good purpose.  So chant  always like that.  No. But you are thinking always like this, ‘I am this president, I am this trustee member, you understand’.  So you must cut out that.  It’s not good. If we go on with this mentality, then we are developing our demonic qualities.  So one can chant Hanumanta, then definitely these kinds of human habits, definitely cut out.

 Paramantranirakatreya namah - So many people their own mind developing their own ambitions and qualities and experiences.  No. I experience.  This is the truth.  He say always.  He is wrong always but he wants to convince others to follow his truth.  This is not good. Their own ideas, following different truths.  Don’t pressure people, don’t get irritated.  Don’t give other people your confusions.  So Hanumanta will definitely cut out these wrong ideas.

 Paramantra prabodhakaya namah
Only one mantra.  Rama mantra.  ‘Raa’ is opening your mouth and all sins come out.  Hmm and close moths and sins do not enter.  So you must chant Raa, open your mouth and all evils come out of your mouth and then close Hmmm.  Only chant Rama mantra.  This Rama mantra is everything.  So no other mantras.  So many mantras, so many many deities.  Of course, if Guru gives any mantras, no problems.  But you don’t believe all the mantras. Not good.  Only one mantra, Rama mantra.l  So many ideas, wrong foolish ideas will be cut when you chant this mantra.

Sarvgagrahavinashini namah - So one can go to astrologer and give date of birth and he tells our star is not good.  What to do?  And we get aftaid.  And then we got to another astrologer, so when we pay more money, he gives good reading.  So we get completely foolish.  We also go to someone to read our hands and pay our money.  What to do?  So many grahas in our astrology.  So one can chant Hanumanta and Rama and the grahas will be removed.

 Bhimasena Sahayakatreya namah - There is a very beautiful story in Mahabharata.  Bhima fights with Hanumanta.  Bhima was looking for a flower that Draupadi asked for.   They do not know who is Hanumanta.  They quarrelled and Hanumanta won.  He than showed his viratroopa, his full avatara, to Bhima.  This is a very beautiful story.  Some other time I will give explanation.

 Sarvadukhaharaya namah - So many sorrows, so many bad feelings in human beings.  So many categories of disappointments.  All sorrows will be ruled out completely when you chant Hanumanta.

 Sarvalokacharinaya namah - He is everywhere, inside and outside, Atman and Paramatman, He is everywhere, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.  One can sit and chant Datta, Hanumanta and he will appear in your heart.

 Manojnaya namah - In your heart, breath and feelings, Hanumanta is always there.  Because of Vayu, Air God.

 Parijatamoolastaya namah - I already told you about Parijata, which is a special tree.  He always lives in that special tree.

 Sarvamantraswaroopaya namah - All mantra are all in one Hanumanta.

 Sarvatantraroopiniya namah  - All yantras and all  kinds of ritual and all kinds of karmas in Hanumanta

 Sarvayantraatmikaya namah - All kinds of drawings, circles, architectural drawings are in Hanumanta

 Kapishwaraya namah - Hanumanta is Lord Shiva

 Mahakayaya namah - He is very strong like our 80 ft Anjaneya.  Very strong murti.

 Sarvarogaharaya namah - Remover of all afflictions and illness of the body.

 Prabhavaya namah - The great ruler of the mind.  Prabha means light.  And also Lord Vishnu, Lord Datta, Lord Sun.

 Balasiddhikaraya namah - Is a very strong.  Bala means potency.  Whoever chants Hanumanta gets energy.

 Sarvavidha samapatpradaya namah - All kinds of knowledge he has and will give if you beg.  Whatever kind of knowledge you want, he will give.

 Kapisenanayakaya namah - In Ramayana, Kapisena is the leader of the Vanaras.

 Bhavishetenarayanaya namah - One who can foresee the future.  He is an astrologer.

Kumarabrahmacarine namah - He always like a child.  Like Brahma.

 Ratnakundaladipteemate namah  - He was born with ear-rings, which carry divine nectar in them.  They shine and radiate in the Sun.

 Gandharvavidya tattvajnanaya namah  - Gandharva means sangeeta.  He very much likes nada, bhajans.  One can chant Rama, Rama, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.  If you chant any kind of nama, he likes very much.  He sits in the prayer hall always in subtle body, watching and also singing.  Where Rma bhajans are being sung, he is attending always.  He can take any form.  We don’t know.  Who is he? You?

 Mahabalaparakramaya namah - Very strong, beautiful body of Hanumanta.

 Tomorrow, I will continue with these very beautiful namas.  I will select only very important namas.  Because, that’s a mantra.  These namas are all mantras.  Tomorrow Swamiji will show DVD on the Dharma Dhwja in Mysore Ashrama, a Pillar erected to represent all religions.

 Saturday 27 April, AM Programme

Sri Swamiji speaks:

The Hanuman temple and idol are coming very beautiful.  It is a miracle.  Everyone is participating with devotion and service.  Support this event.  There is not such an idol in the Caribbean or in the U.S.  Only three places in India have such an idol of Hanumanta.  Two places were inaugurated by Swamiji and the third place is waiting for Swamiji.  One is 30 feet tall, another is 60 feet tall and another 108 feet tall.

 Why Hanumanta?  He took form in Brahmananda rupa.  Sookshma and Sthoola, like a Brahma.  In Hanuman Purana, he served Datta as he wants a Guru.  He is always a servant to Rama.  Chant Hanuman’s name 108 times and sing the Chalisa with devotion.  He gives blessings especially in this Citrabhanu year.  Shani is king this year.  There will be six months of problems, from now to November/December.  This is not good.  There will be confusion in the whole world, not only in India and Trinidad.  There will be misunderstandings.  Health will not be good, mind also.  There will be lots of up and down.  In the share market also.  All business people will suffer until October.  There will be a little release in November-December.  Now is OK.  The whether is not good this year.  Too much heat.  The ice is also melting.  The sun God id heated up.  The planets are changing.  Five planets are visible in the sky.  At sunset, you can see them.  It is very auspicious to look at the five planets.  It is necessary to look at the sky during these four months.  Three are far apart and two are very near.

 Do service and chant Hanumanta.  Lord Siva and Shani will get very happy.  And then our life will be happy.  Attend all satsangs and bhajan sessions.  Face your karma.  Must practice the Bhagavatgita, Ramayan, Guru Gita, Bhagavatam.  Sri Swamiji did a very nice Gita 15 years ago.  Easy to follow.  Guru Gita is a complete Vedenta.  Don’t miss.  Concentrate.  Practice tambura sounds.  It will give strength to your mind and nervous system and to help you complete what you undertake.  Omkara is an easy method.  Listen to soothing music.  80% of Sri Swamiji’s music is soothing.  It massages the nervous system.  Then we become stronger to face problems.  You get strong mind.

 Too much thinking is not good.  Stop it.  Too much dreams, illusions.  Such illusions are not good.  Swamiji’s darshan is truth.  Not this play, your illusion.  Many people say that Swamiji said not to attend satsang.  No.  Believe in Swamiji’s darshan.  Say thanks.  Don’t analyse dreams.  It is not healthy.  This is a big dream, sitting in swamiji’s presence, having His darshan. Lord Siva and Mother Goddess are Truth.  Don’t analyse.  You will get problems.  Don’t mix dreams and reality.  Some people get illusion and talk nonsense.  That’s not good.  I do not want such losers.  Say thanks for the drama, Swamiji.  What to do with your life?  I will give you advice.  Use me.  Talk to me.  Bother me.  Quarrel with me.  Your illusion is not good.  I will give good answers and good guidance.

 So we are not dreaming in this Ashrama.  This year is very bad for the world.  That’s why we are constructing a Hanuman murti like this.  First one in this part of the world.  I am very proud of the Trinidad Gnana Bodha Sabha.  Builders are very humble.  Subramanian has built many temples in India.  He says to Swamiji that he has no problems, do not worry, everything is OK.  Such a man we have got.  I am very happy.  Trinidad Gnana Bodha Sabha sending money.  I am very happy with the Trustees.  I am helping their families.  We need your service to get 500 bags of cement.  So who will give?

 (Many devotees attending pledged to give the quota bags of cement required)

 Saturday 27 April 2002 PM Satsang

Sri Swamiji introduces the DVD on the Dharma Dhwaja constructed in the Mysore Ashrama.

 This Dharma Dhwaja concept took three years.  A unique concept.  A very rare idea.  It involved two-three companies.  The water, light, sounds and recordings.  There were a lot of problems, but finally it was made like heaven.  Within 40 minutes, you understand what is the meaning of Dharma.  What is the science, what is the nada.  It will give a lot of information.  Everyone visiting Mysore Ashrama sees a unique show like a museum show and the people get very happy.  And finally we decided to make a DVD, done by Mani Shankar, a film director.  A good devotee of Swamiji, who wanted to serve Swamiji.  Then I give him this job to shoot this Dharma Dhwaja.  Finally two-three times it spoiled and he gave a lot of money into the project and it also tested Swamiji.  So finally we produced Dharma Dhwaja.  So now it is showing through computer.  So concentrate.

 Saturday 28 April 2002 - Shani Homa

Today is a very special homa for Shani.  We are preparing a very powerful vibration from this planet.  He is travelling always.  Sometimes for seven years, couple of days or six months, some people feel the effects.  Every year Shani give some good and bad to some people.  Don’t ask why?  It is normal.  Why like this?  Is there a connection between the planets and your buddhi?  Such questions people ask.  Because some people took birth during this vibration.  Can calculate example, if the Sun God is at 45 degree C, we get mad with the heat and vibration.  If it is at 10 degrees, we get irritated.  So too in the rainy season, in drought.  Such vibrations are acting on us always.  Parents, children get irritated, people in office get irritated.  There is a chain of influence.

 Shani, Rahu, Ketu are the names of some planets.  Some people do not know about pujas.  Then how do they survive?  Some people are taking suggestions.  Why are we doing what we are doing?  There are bad vibrations and obstacles in life.  Some people do nt know how to control this.  We know.  We are doing good work, spending time with Satguru, doing pujas, singing bhajans.  We are laughing, learning and earning good energy at the same time.  This is satsanga, good friendship.  We are taking strength to mind.  We get courage and have some way to get good answer.

 Astrologers believe this is a kind of circus.  All dharmas believe so.  An invisible hand is working on the mind.  There different kinds of worship.  This is not Hindu Dharma, it is universal dharma.  The inner meaning of Dharma is Atma, God, knowledge.  Why is it that all people like the Upanishada?  Actually Vedanta is not Hinduism.  It is like a Brahma, humanism.  Practice knowledge.  We want restriction and discipline that is why we are choosing Muslim, Christianity.  Our goal or happiness is the same.  We are just choosing different subjects.  There are hundreds of different Upanishds.  No difference in Upanishads.  All say ‘Attain Brahma’.  Think about yourself.  Attain first yourself.  Preach to yourself.  Understand yourself.  Don’t get too much illusions.  Calm yourself and get your answer in your heart.  That is Brahma.

 The Upanishads give different stories or tastes.  In a meal, there are different sweets, but there is one stomach.  If you mix all dishes, you cannot eat that food.  So you eat sweets separate, buttermilk separate.  Can’t mix all and eat, you will vomit.  Like that the Upanishads.  Each has its own taste but some go to the stomach finally, and that is what has us living and breathing.  So attend  Brahmana.  All are necessary  pujas, etc.  Go step by step.  Eat little by little.  Air is protecting and air is coming out.  Go slowly and understand the Upanishads .  Mind is like a Mahabharata.  So many steelpans, each with different pitch.  When they are mixed, they produce a beautiful time.  I am talking.  The sense organs are hearing and listening.  You are using all sense organs.  So many methods.

 Brahman is only one.  Bible, Koran, Mahabharata, their inner meaning is only one.  So we are believing astrology.  Simply follow Guru, say mantra, sing bhajans, do work, puja.  That is simple Guru or Master Upanishad.  He gets happy.  He knows.  We believe and follow out of love.  Don’t ask questions.  Simply follow what Swamiji says for the sake of your life.

 Go to the Internet and get the meaning of the new Yugadi bhajan for this year of Citrabhanu.

 Relax, Satguru is always with you, protecting you.  Swamiji knows.  He helps your family.  All crying, happiness, good and bad experiences are Swamiji’s leela.  Give your sickness, problems, money and I will burn it in Agni.