SingaSpeaks – Roar 51

SingaSpeaks A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE

ROAR 51 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 11 MARCH 2017

The Descent of God to Distribute Jnana, Bhakti and Prashanti The 182nd Birth Day of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna was celebrated in all solemnity beginning with Mangalarati, chanting of Sri Narayanopanishad, Sri Ramakrishna Suprabhatam and other hymns on Sri Ramakrishna.

Being the Janmatithi day, on 28 February, a special puja was performed followed by a homa for the welfare of all beings in the Universe. Bhajans were led by Swami Satyalokananda. Earlier Swami Jitamanasananda did the readings from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 51

PAGE TWO

SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 2017

Some more snaps…

In the evening, after the Sandhya-Arati, Swami Vimokshananda addressed the devotees in the Temple Hall about “The Descent of God”, explaining how He chose to distribute “Knowledge, Devotion and Peace” as His monastic disciple Swami Abhedanandaji sang in his beautiful hymn “Hridaya Kamala Madhya…”. He also explained the concept of “Ishta Devata” and how within less than 200 years, Sri Ramakrishna has become a Chosen Ideal with millions of devotees all over the world.

The devotees were given breakfast, lunch and supper prasad suitably. A Book Stall was put up at Temple Hall Level 1, where literature on Ramakrishna-SaradaVivekananda and Vedanta books were displayed and sold.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 51

PAGE THREE

SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 2017

Second Workshop on Nursery Transition The 2nd Workshop on "Nursery Transition" was held on 21 January 2017. The series of 2 transition workshops is designed to better equip the parents and their children for the move to Sarada.

The Principal, Ms. Pushpa and VicePrincipals Ms. Alice Winata and Mrs. Uma clarified Sarada KG School’s philosophy and approach. Parents played games to connect with each other and build bonds. In a Q & A session, parents cleared their doubts and apprehensions.

The first transition workshop was conducted on 22 October 2016.

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER ROAR 51

PAGE FOUR

SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 2017

Swami Shantatmananda in Singapore

Swami Shantatmananda, the Head of the Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi stopped by at Singapore on his way back from Manila on 4 March 2017. He was in Manila to attend an International Conference on World Peace.

As part of our ‘Special Lecture Series’ under cultural events, Swami Shantatmananda delivered his lecture “Dynamics of Spritual Aspiration” on Sunday, 5 March at Sarada Hall from 5 30 PM. He began his lecture with a quote from “Viveka Chudamani” of Adi Shankara that three things namely human birth, desire for liberation and the company of Holy men are indeed difficult to obtain.

He narrated from real life examples of how this life is

179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784

so ephemeral and even then the human mind pins its hopes on it. He advised to disconnect from the ‘things’ and turn the mind towards what is eternal.

The meeting was ably conducted by Sri Prakash Kamanat. Swami Vimokshananda welcomed the visiting monk and the audience and introduced the speaker.

In the morning, the Swami went round the Botanic Gardens where Swami Vivekananda had visited in June 1893. He tried his strength against the ever auto-revolving stone that circles itself through the motion of waters by stopping it. And lo! he had his success! He enjoyed the Swan Lake too that had two white Swans.

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org