Singaspeaks – Roar 8

SINGA SPEAKS ROAR 8 | SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 28 MAY 2016 A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE

Two Great Jayantis celebrated Sri Shankara Jayanti (birth tithi of Sri Adi Shankara) was celebrated at Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore on the evening of May 11, 2016.

Devotees gathered in the temple at about 6.30 pm to participate in the celebration.

The programme started with the hymns and bhajans on Shankara for half an hour; this spanned across his works like Bhaja Govindam, Guru Paduka Stotram etc. to name a few.

This was followed by Sri Ramakrishna Arati. concluding with a description of Shankaracharya’s tireless preaching of Advaita doctrine of Vedanta throughout the length and breadth of India.

Swami Satyalokananda, after the discourse by Swami Pavitratmananda, sang a few bhajans on Adi Shankara. The devotees joined in a chorus.

The celebration came to a close with Shankara Arati and distribution of cooked prasad to all the assembled devotees.

The flower decoration of the picture of Sri Adi Shankara was indeed serene looking while the white light focussed on the frame intensified the holy ambience on that evening. ||Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Shiva Shankara||

Swami Pavitratmananda gave a discourse, after the Arati, on the unique life of Sri Shankara and his teachings. He gave a snap shot of the great Acharya’s life starting from childhood, Sannyasa, major life incidents, his literary works, the founding of 4 Maths, and

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PERIODIC NEWSLETTER

SATURDAY, 28 MAY 2016

Dashavatara Stotram etc. This was followed by Sri Ramakrishna Arati.

Sri Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Purnima day) was celebrated on May 21, 2016 at the Temple hall.

Devotees gathered in the temple at about 6.00 pm to participate in the celebration. The programme started with the bhajans on Lord Buddha for half an hour; this spanned across a few kirtans on Lord Maha Vishnu like

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After the Arati, Swami Vimokshananda delivered a discourse on the inspiring life and teachings of Bhagavan Buddha. He explained how the heart of Buddha was as vast as the sky and his love was as deep as the ocean. Lord Buddha’s teachings are simple, down to earth, absolutely practical and not mired in any high philosophic discussions. The Four Noble Truths are applicable to every individual and to get Nirvana – release from the cycle of birth and death – Lord Buddha advocated the eightfold path. Swami Satyalokananda, thereafter sang a few bhajans on Buddha, joined in chorus by the devotees. After Buddha Arati, distribution of cooked prasad to all the assembled devotees was done.

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org

PERIODIC NEWSLETTER

SATURDAY, 28 MAY 2016

Nostalgic Indian Traditional Games T h e Vi v e k a n a n d Seva Sangh (VSS) of Singapore was a proud host of the Indian Traditional G a m e s Fe s t i v a l (ITGF) for the 7th consecutive year in Singapore. VSS usually celebrates ITGF event on the occasion of Indian New Year.

(Old martial art from Tamil Nadu) were the star attractions for this event.

Sri Ram Madhav was the Chief Guest.

This year, ITGF was held on Sunday, 1st May 2016 at the Global Indian International School (GIIS) playgrounds. 1,600+ people attended and enjoyed the ITGF event. A huge and charming Rangoli depicting the VSS with its shakhas (wings) was displayed in the middle of the ground attracting the attention of the visitors and participants.

Different I n d i a n organisations performed Indian dances on stage. Lezim and Silambam

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Swami Vimokshananda accompanied by Swami Pavitratmananda were warmly received by the officials of the VSS. The VSS Volunteers took them around the entire playgrounds showing different games that were being played at the different spots. Swami Jitamanasananda with his team of Volunteers from the Ramakrishna Mission held a Book Stall at the allotted site.

The ITG Fe s t i v a l i s undoubtedly a memorable and remarkable event much cherished by the sports loving Indian enthusiasts of Singapore.

PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798

singapore@rkmm.org