SINGA SPEAKS ROAR 18 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 13 AUGUST 2016 A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE
150th Birth Anniversary of Sister Nivedita A Solemn Function of Two days The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore observed a solemn two-day function on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister Nivedita on 8 and 9 August 2016. The first day was a programme of Bhajan Sandhya and the second day was a Spiritual Retreat. Swami Sarvagananda, the Head of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram at Narendrapur near Kolkata presented a musical homage to Sister Nivedita called ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ on 8 August. His mellifluous singing moved the hearts of the assembled devotees and friends at the PGP Hall in Sri Perumal Temple. He was ably accompanied by Sri Ritwik Ghoshal on tabla and by Sri Raga on flute. On this occasion, the Guest of Honour was Her Excellency Smt Paramita Tripathi, the Dy High Commissioner of India to Singapore. In her brief speech, she traced the all-round influence of Sister Nivedita among scientists, artists, poets, and men of literature. Prof Dr Kamal Bose gave a fitting Vote of Thanks. Sri N Srinivasan conducted the programme as Master of Ceremonies well. Earlier Swami Vimokshananda welcomed the audience. A book stall was also arranged at the Hall. 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
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Second Spiritual Retreat of the Year
Swami Sarvagananda and Swami Supriyananda join A Taste of Temple Session It all began on the second day i.e. 9 August at 6 am when devotees started assembling in the Temple hall. The shrine was kept open for the darshan. When Swami Pavitratmananda rang the temple bell for mangal arati at 6.15 am, the aspirants were already seated. Led by Swami Satyalokananda there was chorus chanting of 5 Vedic Peace mantras and singing of Sri Ramakrishna Suprabhatam. Then Swami Supriyananda, President of the Kuala Lumpur Ramakrishna Mission led the chanting of Gita Chapter 12 and bhajans that melted the minds of devotees into deep silence. Swami Jitamanasananda thereafter read selected passages from the inspiring Life of Sister Nivedita showing the wonderful love of Holy Mother towards Nivedita. The President, Swami Vimokshananda urged the devotees to be absorbed in the auspicious Ashram atmosphere and observe strict silence throughout the Retreat. He requested unless it was warranted, no one should indulge in talking. It was a sight to behold the monks of Singapore and Malaysia centres leading the devotees in silent Japa Yagna walking from the temple down the garage road circumambulating the holy Bodhi tree and proceeding straight to the Sarada Hall within the campus. The breakfast was served at the Sarada Hall. In his welcome address, Swami Vimokshananda quoted Swamiji’s averment that
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One of the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna to householders is to seek solitude now and then so that the mind can be focussed on the spiritual ideal. Ramakrishna Mission has been conducting Retreats for the benefit of devotees since long. In that sequel, the present Retreat took place on Singapore National Day – 9 August 2016. A Report.
music is the highest art and to those who understand, it is the highest worship. He also introduced the visiting guest Swami Sarvagananda who is an accomplished vocal artiste. Swami Sarvagananda unlike the previous evening, took an informal way of singing so that the devotees also could join him in singing the bhajans. Sri Ritwik Ghoshal accompanied him well in Tabla like the previous evening. What do we Learn from Sister Nivedita? After the engrossing bhajans, the first in the series of discourses, was opened by Swami Satyalokananda. The valuable slideshow presentation was indeed instructive. The Swami highlighted the sterling qualities of Nivedita and the lessons that we can draw by studying her life and writings. What Nivedita learnt from Swamiji? After a short tea-break, Swami Pavitratmananda read certain passages from the writings of Nivedita that spoke about her Guru – Vivekananda. The Head of Kuala
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Lumpur centre Swami Supriyananda took up the subject of what Nivedita learnt from Swami Vivekananda. He said that the secrets propounded by Swamiji during his London days, of how one should conduct one’s life by means of Work attracted her to the prophet Vivekananda. What is ‘Secret of Karma Yoga’? Swami Sarvagananda thereafter presented his exposition on the Secret of Karma Yoga. He quoted from various Vedantic sources and also the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. ‘Knowing you are not the doer, do your duties as if you are the doer’ was the thrust of Sri Thakur’s teaching with regard to the performance of one’s duties. Why was Margaret named Nivedita? The name Nivedita was given to Margaret by Swamiji. In his final address, Swami Vimokshanandaji explained the purport of the name Nivedita – the Dedicated. Selfsacrifice is the basis of any dedication and Nivedita exemplified in her life as a symbol of Self-sacrifice. She was the first to design the Indian Flag where she incorporated Vajra as a symbol of Self-sacrifice. He recommended the devotees to go through the two books – ‘Cradle Tales of Hinduism’ and ‘Master as I saw Him’ both written by Nivedita. A lively Question-Answer session ensued. With devotees' pranam and lunch prasad served, the Spiritual Retreat concluded.
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