SingaSpeaks – Roar 35

SingaSpeaks A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE

ROAR 35 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 19 NOVEMBER 2016

Deepavali Devotionals – Bhajan Sandhya The Festive season of Durga Puja and Kali Puja concluded here with the Deepavali Devotionals called ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ performed by Pt. Shantanu Bhattacharyya on Wednesday 2nd November 2016 at Sarada Hall. His chosen songs included those songs sung by Swami Vivekananda in the presence of his Master Sri Ramakrishna. Guru Mihir Kundu and Guru Susanta Chowdhury accomapanied the singer on Tabla and Harmonium respectively. Smt Soundarya Iyer, a member of the Ramakrishna Mission Advisory Committee who conducted the program appreciated the semi-classical style music with devotional fervour.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 35

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SATURDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2016

“Lest we forget”

Boys’ Home New Office Inaugurated On Deepavali day, the Boys' Home New Office was inaugurated by Swami Vimokshananda.

Swami Jitamanasananda cut the ribbon at the Tutor s' Entrance door. Earlier the two monks led

by Swami Pavitratmananda chanted Vedic shanti mantras. A candle was lighted and a mini-arati was performed inside the office. Supervisors Jayabalan, Chandra-mohan and other staff members attended.

Silent Prayer by Religious Leaders The Second Sunday of November is observed as Remembrance Day in Singapore. It was organised on 13th November by the British High Commissioner and SAF Veterans League at Kranji War Cemetry. The asssembled war veterans & their families, school children, diplomats and others paid homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice so that the generations that followed could live in peace. A special Silent Prayer was done by 10 religious leaders at the Memorial wall.

Siglap community IAEC (Indian Activity Executive Committee) visited our Mission on 13th November.

This is one of their activities to familiarize themselves with various religions in Singapore.

Swami Satyalokananda took them around and explained the salient features of our Centre.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 35

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SATURDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2016

HOG Deepavali Charity for Boys’ Home The Singapore Harley Owners Group organised HOG Deepavali Charity Ride for the Children of the Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ Home on 5 November, 2016.

The members of the HOG conducted a few games after presenting to the boys some prepared gifts. They also explained in detail to the boys how to use the gifted items. For example, one of the gifts was Tent item. They showed in practice how to build it from dismantling the small pack, assembling various parts and to closing the tent finally. The HOG presented donations collected from riders to the Boys Home which was received gratefully by Swami Vimokshananda.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 35 News from Abroad

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SATURDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2016

Sri Jagaddhatri Puja at Ranchi TBS derived from the supreme power who as protecting mother holds the entire creation and therefore called Jagaddhatri. Anybody who worships Jagaddhatri becomes absolutely egoless and a true servant of the world which is nothing but a manifestation of the Brahman.

Sri Jagaddhatri Puja was observed at Ranchi TB Sanatorium on 9th November.

These pictures are placed here with the courtesy of Swami Stavapriyananda of Belur Math.

The Bearer of this Universe As per ancient Pauranik lore of the Hindu scriptures, soon after the victory over Mahishasur the Devatas became highly egoistic. They thought because of lending to Durga their instruments the mighty asuras were vanquished. To make them understand that the primordial power is alone behind every action, then the Brahman appeared before the Devatas in the form of effulgent Yaksha.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

Bewildered by its presence one by one the Devatas approached Yaksha. First the god of wind Vayu. The Yaksha asked him what he could do. The Vayu replied that he could throw away huge trees, tumble high mountains. The Yaksha then placed a small grass and asked him to move it.

The Vayu utilised all his powers but lo! he could not even displace it. So also the god of fire Agni, could not even burn it.

Likewise one by one the Devatas failed.

And it dawned on them that their Here, in this Cottage lived late Swami powers are in reality not their own but Shantanandaji, a close disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi for 13 years in observing absolute tapasya and made the place holy. The spiritually vibrant Cottage was renovated in 2008 with the kind financial assistance of the present Most Revered President Maharaj.

Sadhus who love solitude and would like to spend whatever time they could afford, would come and stay here.

Surrounded by a mini-jungle of saal trees, the chirping birds, the rustling of leaves, the charming Cottage continues to be a drawing point for the quiet spiritual seekers.

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org