MONASTIC VISIT
9th – 13th April 2009
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In April this year, Brother Satyananda and Brahmachari David travelled from their homes at the new SRF Glendale temple and the Phoenix Temple respectively, to be with devotees at Sydney Centre for an inspiring and devotional weekend of public lectures, student classes, meditations and satsangas.
Easter Weekend
Held over the Easter long weekend, at the Masonic Centre in the heart of Sydney, the timing of the event was perfect and allowed devotees a chance to relax and fully participate in all events.
The activities commenced on the Thursday night, with an inspiring talk by Brahmachari David on being happy under all circumstances whilst Brother Satyananda gave a talk at the Adyar Bookstore, and culminated in a picnic at the Botanic Gardens on Easter Monday when hearts were by then overflowing with a sense of spiritual fellowship.
The first public lecture fell on Good Friday, and Brother Satyananda focused on the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus, explaining the deep karmic significance and metaphysical laws behind the miracle. Earlier in the day, Bramachari David had led the traditional Good Friday meditation at Sydney Centre. Both events were well attended, with over 260 at the evening lecture.
Other Groups & Youth Picnic
A Sydney Centre monastic tour always attracts devotees from far and wide. We had good representation from the Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and Newcastle meditation groups, as well as members from other areas in Australia and New Zealand. Special attention was also given to new members at our registration desk, drawn to the teachings for the first time.
Brother Satyananda has a special interest in the youth of today, and a picnic for young adults was organized for the Saturday in Hyde Park. Brother spoke of the benefits of making a personal vow when trying to overcome any particular habit and acknowledged the unique challenges faced by those living the spiritual life as a young adult.
Kriya Ceremony & Closing Events
The highlight for many was the Kriya Ceremony on the Saturday night. Brother Satyananda’s intimate and personal style magnified the sacredness of the ceremony for many devotees. As always, with many Sydney Centre devotees attending who had served together for years, and with their hearts bursting with love and joy when new initiates entered, the atmosphere was deeply personal and drew us closer together. “It can always be deeper” as Yogananda says of our meditations, but we have found this can also be applied to our love and regard for our fellow devotees. The closing events of an Easter Sunday meditation and service, followed by a Satsanga and the film “Glimpses of a Life Divine”, saw over 200 devotees attending, and a rush on the book sales. “The Yoga of Jesus” being the most popular item requested, along with the latest new DVDs.
In the Satsanga Brother Satyananda expressed compassion especially for those struck by a life-long illness, and encouraged anyone affected in this way to spiritualise their experience of battling the illness by accepting it as a ‘special project’ they had been given, and to have faith that it would lead them closer to God.
As well as the official events, both Monastics were tireless in talking to the devotees individually, in providing counselling sessions and in giving of their experience of Master’s teachings without reserve.
International Ayurvedic Conference 3rd – 6th April
The week before the official program commenced, Brother Satyananda was a speaker at the Second International Ayurvedic Conference in Sydney, an event bringing together experts on yoga and ayurvedic medicine. In one of his talks at the conference, Brother emphasized the significance of Prana in the body, and the importance of sending this Prana to those in need of healing, when praying for others. He ended the talk with a demonstration of Yogananda’s healing technique. There was also a workshop on the Monday about the discipline required in maintaining a spiritual routine. During a spare few hours, Brother also found time to drop into Sydney Centre to lead the Sunday service. The focus of the service was love, and in living this experience and making it a part of our lives.
Saying Goodbye at Circular Quay
The picnic on Easter Monday was well attended, with families, children, parents and friends enjoying the stunning views of Sydney Harbour (although the weather was cloudy and umbrellas were in back pockets, including Brother Satyananda’s — a practical monk).
We all gathered together under a huge fig tree, to offer gifts and thanks to both Brother Satyananda and Brahmachari David for all they had given us. Whilst we were gathered together, Brother Satyananda shared with us one last story in relation to his name — how Sri Daya Mata had helped him to understand that one can recognise truth only when there is also love present.
Brahmachari David also related a last personal story, which was a powerful illustration of how the Guru is ever present, and can reach us in any number of ways, and that we must not place limits on the Guru’s ability to do so.
Throughout their visit Brother Satyananda and Brahmachari David gave tirelessly of their experience in living the teachings of our blessed Guru, and of their compassion and love. We are sure that all devotees who attended would have returned home feeling strengthened and inspired to continue on with their journey towards the Divine Goal.