SingaSpeaks – Roar 38

SingaSpeaks A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE

ROAR 38 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 10 DECEMBER 2016 (From Sri Sarada Devi’s last words, spoken before passing away on July 20, 1920)

Ma Sarada in Mumbai Centre

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

I tell you one thing my child — if you want peace, do not find fault with others. Rather, see your own faults. Learn to make the world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own.

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 38

PAGE TWO

SATURDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2016

A World of Women for World Peace Swami Jitamanasananda was invited by Hwazan World Education Foundation, Taiwan to represent the Hindu Faith of the Inter Religious Organisation, Singapore. The theme was “Embacing Humanity beyond Boundaries”. From Singapore other IRO leaders also attended. The US Congresswoman and Founder of “A World of Women for World Peace” Eddie Bernice Johnson and HWEF Director Judy Chen Hsieh were the Special Guests.

The program started with opening speeches by the Special Guests followed by a Universal Prayer and candle Lighting Ceremony. Post lunch three women participants spoke on “Role of Women in Peacebuilding”. Thereafter the Interfaith Panel discussions took place with 7 participants from Singapore and Australia who gave their valuable addresses. Swami Jitamanasananda representing Hinduism read a Paper on “Towards Greater Interfaith Engagement and Undertsanding”. In his Paper, he explained the concept of harmony in the light of ancient Vedic precepts and outlined the methods for keeping peace in the community. He reiterated Swami Vivekananda’s call given at the Chicago Parliament of Religions that not mere tolerance but acceptance must be practised.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 38

PAGE THREE

SATURDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2016

Satyalokananda in Kuala Lumpur Swami Satyalokananda was invited by Ramakrishna Mission, Malaysia to give two talks at Kuala Lumpur. His firsta talk was co-arranged by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India to Malaysia and Ramakrishna Mission Malaysia on 26 Nov. 2016. The Swami was welcomed by H.E. Mr T.S. Tirmurti, High Commissioner. Swami Supriyananda, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Malaysia, introduced the Swami to the audience. The Swami spoke on "Swami Vivekananda and Practical Vedanta" stressing the relevance of Swamiji's message to the modern day and keep the idea high. About 70 people attended the talk.

On 27 Nov. 2016 after the evening arati Swami Satyalokananda first had a bhajan session with devotees, then spoke on "the Great Master and the Holy Mother" in which he narrated how Sri Ramakrishna attracts devotees and stressed the importance of taking the name of God and also explained how our Holy Mother is the Yogeswari. About 70 devotees joined this satsanga.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 38

PAGE FOUR

SATURDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2016

News from Abroad Jaipur hosts a Memorial Lecture and Spiritual Retreat R.D.Devaraj Memorial lecture was held at Vivekananda Cultural Hall of the Ramakrishna Mission, Jaipur on 26 November and a Spiritual Retreat on 27 November on the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister Nivedita. The programme began with a Vedic Chanting by Swami Ekanishthananda and Br. Turiyachaitanya followed by lighting the lamp by guest speakers and Secretary Maharaj of Jaipur.

The Speakers included Sri Ajit Kumar Rai, founder director of Vivekananda Institute of Personality Development and Vivekananda Army, Swami Nikhileshwaranandaji. Total 250 audience got benefit out of which maximum were youth. At the end Swami Devaprabhanandaji thanked everyone.

Malaysia Devotees’ 3rd Annual Convention We welcome all devotees to the 3rd Annual Devotees’ Convention of the Ramakrishna Mission, Malaysia. This year, the 2 Day Spiritual Retreat like Programme will be held at Kluang, Johor, a half hour drive away from the Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint.

Swami Yogirajananda, a mellifluous bhajan singer from Salem Ramakrishna Mission is a Special Guest while besides Swami Supriyananda from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Swamis Vimokshananda, Jitamansananda and Pavitratmananda are also participating. ogrammes will be held in Tamil.

110 years old the First Hindu Temple in the Western World Renovated “The first Hindu temple in the whole Western world . . . dedicated to the cause of humanity” — proclaimed Swami Trigunatitananda, in the interest of interfaith harmony, at the temple’s dedication on 7 January 1906, in San Francisco, USA. Three months later the temple miraculously survived the San Francisco earthquake and fire of April 1906. It was the first permanent home of the Vedanta Society, which was founded in 1900 by Swami Vivekananda and was led successively by two other direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.

Now, one hundred and ten years later, this beautiful, historic building was extensively upgraded, renovated and repaired, from foundation to rooftop.

The temple was re-dedicated in a special program on Sunday, 30 October, at the New Temple of the Vedanta Society (2323 Vallejo Street, San Francisco). On Saturday (29 October) night at 7 pm Kali Puja was celebrated through worship, homa (fire

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

ceremony), chanting from the Chandi, and devotional music.

On Sunday (30 October) at 1 pm there was a special audiovisual presentation on “The First Hindu Temple in the Whole Western World.” Afterwards Swamis and Pravrajikas from various centers in North America gave talks. The new look of the renovated Temple in above picture.

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org