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 International Festival on Yoga, culture and Spirituality Begins in DSVV
DSVV, Haridwar (U.K.)
Day 1
Six days International Festival on Yoga, Culture & Spirituality began in Dev Sanskriti University with the lightening of the lamp by His Holiness Swami Dayanand Sarswati, the World renowned saint and Vedanta Scholar of South India.
Other eminent scholars present on the occasion were Swami Param Tejasviji the representative of Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, the Patron Founder of Art of Living Foundation. Dr. S.P. Mishra, Vice chancellor of DSVV, DR. O.P. Mishra, Dean academics and many other saints were present on the occasion. Foreign Delegates from Korea, Germany, Russia, America, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, South Africa, Ghana, Myanmar, Armenia, Argentina etc were felicitating this Festival. Thousands of students of DSVV, devotees of Gayatri Parivar were enhancing the beauty to the Festival. Dr. Pranav Pandya Chancellor DSVV & Head All world Gayati Parivar, Pioneer of Scientific Spirituality was presiding over the Function.
Speaking on the occasion Dayanand Sarasvati said, “ Bharat needs different types of movements like – Gayatri Parivar, whose dedicated workers can be seen even in the remote areas.” Central theme of his sermon was – You are your Culture. Your way of living reflect your culture. Everything in the world is the manifestation of Ishwara Himself. God is not to be believed but felt, which dwells in oneself and all. The best way of greeting others is Namaste. The Power of Indian Culture lies in its ability to transcend and conclude all, which makes life meaningful.
Presiding over the inaugural session of festival Dr. Pranav Pandya defined Yoga as a way of life. It is not confined to Postures, Pranayama and Cleansing Process. Its essence lies in Equilibrium, Excellence and selfless service. Culture he defined as sowing the seeds of good qualities and uprooting the bad habits. It’s the growth of our personality. Gist of Culture is spirituality. It’s the refinement of inner self in the proximity of God.
Disclosing the secret of Kumbha snan he said, taking a dip into the Ganges of Knowledge, without polluting Holy Ganges is the Kumbha snan in real sense of the term.
Param Tejasviji , reading out the message of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “ The forgotten Vidya of Gayatri mantra, the core of Indian Culture and Spirituality has been revived by the Herculean efforts of Pt. Sri Ram Sharma Acharya and Dr. Pranav Pandya. Practice of Yoga and Pranayama is incomplete without the power of Mantra. All these together paves the way for the Holistic Spiritual Upliftment of a person. Our Goal is the same – Beautiful India, Beautiful World, Let us put our hands together.”
A Yoga festival souvenir was also launched on this occasion. The Festival will be celebrated over next six days upto 13th of March.
Day 2
HH Swami Chidananda Muniji, Mahayogi Pilot Babaji & HH Swami Vishnu Devanand GiriJi Maharaj were the revered attraction on the 2nd day of International Yoga Fest.
Swami Chidanandaji showered his blessings with the central message of Indian culture, to respect all and love all. Whole world is our family. Enchanted by the beautiful surrounding of DSVV, he said the message of DSVV is – clean, green and serene life. For Peace of mind, one doesn’t need to go Himalayas. It can be found anywhere; the only thing needed is Spiritual connection.
His ardent disciple Sadhavi Bhagwati shared her experiences of Journey from Hollywood to Holy wood i.e. Western materialism to Indian Culture and Spirituality. She said, If we want outer and inner prosperity spirituality is the only way. It cannot be found from books, conferences or materialistic possessions. It comes from sense of spirituality, a Deep connection to Divine. Otherwise in the name of Progress and prosperity we are running in the wrong direction. Quoting Gandhiji, she said, what is the use of running so fast, when we are in the wrong direction. Western life at the peak of prosperity is full of misery and suffering from inside. Top 10 medicines prescribed in USA are related to life style disorders. The very meaning of life, its peace and happiness is under threat there. Without a sense of direction, we are going backward, we’ve lost the race. There is a need to pause and reflect. Joy of abundance, true prosperity lies inside. The only thing needed is spiritual connection. Spirituality may not solve all your problems instantly but amid the ups and downs and Challenges of life, it enables one set afloat, anchored and stand the waves.
2nd session of the day was blessed with the words of wisdom from Mahayogi Pilot Baba. He called life a journey and Yoga makes this journey adventurous in the real sense, which is in fact a journey to the inner Soul. We reach there by transcending our body and mind limits. All can realize it through the Super science of Yoga and get to the oceanic peace and love at the end. No master can give you Enlightenment, you have to get it yourself. With all reverence to Pt. Sri Ram Sharma Acharya, he appreciated his efforts for the revival of Rishi Culture and the ongoing efforts through DSVV under the enlightened leadership of Chancellor Dr. Pranav Pandya. He called all students to be the embodiment of Divine Being and blessed all to explore the Truth and advance in the direction of Divinity.
HH Swami Vishnu Devanand Giriji Maharaj with dozens of his Russian followers also addressed the gathering. In his words , science is invading the field of spirituality. It is experimenting with occult – out of body experience to cosmic phenomenon. But it has its limitations, which can be overcome through Spiritual science only - the thousand year old legacy of Seers and sages of India. The essence of which is Aymatma Brahm - Self identity with the Cosmic Self. Swamiji has got the glimpse of this reality through intense Yogic Practice. To spread the fragrance of Indian spirituality is now the Mission of Russian Swamiji. He has resolved to build 108 Temples of SaptaRishis in Russia and one Gayatri Mandir. He wished to work together and hopes all the barriers of Language, religion and geographic boundaries to dissolve such that this earth becomes like heaven and human life beautiful.
Presiding over the function, Dr. Pranav Pandya said, it is Indian culture, Yoga and Spirituality which help us discover ourself and develop our divinity within. He said Acharya Sri dreamed of Divinity within man and heaven on the Earth, which is possible by adopting Yoga, Culture and Spirituality. It is on the basis of this legacy of our seers that India would once again become the Master of the World.
Besides these conceptual sessions, experiential sessions on Mantra Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Naturopathy and Accupressure were held in the afternoon. Cultural Program was the attraction of the evening session.
Day 3
Basics of Spirituality and Spiritual Therapy
The way to cure the incurable?
How to be Spiritual?
Spirituality and Spiritual Therapy were the central theme of 3rd day at International Yoga Fest, Dev Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar.
In the 1st session age old secrets of Spiritual Therapy were revealed by Chancellor of DSVV Dr. Pranav Pandya , the Propagator of scientific Spirituality. He defined Spiritual Therapy as Therapy of the Soul. According to him – Spiritual Therapy takes 5 dimensions of life into consideration for holistic treatment – Behaviour, Thoughts, Sanskaras, Prarabdha and Past life actions. For the intervention at deepest level a Spiritual Master (Guru) is needed, who infuses a part of his Tapas energy.
At personal level Meditation plays key role. It cleanses the sub conscious mind and transforms it into Super conscious state, which is still an enigma to the Modern Psychology. Along with Mantra, Chandrayan Tapa, Swadhyaya and Astronomy are integral part of it. In fact, Power of positive energy is the essence of spiritual Therapy which can cure incurable afflictions. Being involved in Charitable cause can do wonder.
Highlighting the Evolution of Spiritual Therapy, Dr. Pandya said, Sage Atharvana 5000 years ago was its 1st Proponent. In this Athervanic tradition Acharya Sri was a Potent Spiritual therapist of this age. Numerous inflicted persons were relieved from their incurable diseases by his spiritual touch.
At the end of the session, 20 minutes Savita Dhyan-dharna meditation was a self invigorating experience to the participants.
In the 2nd conceptual session, His Holiness Swami Dayanand Saraswati showered his blessings with the Vedantic insight over the basic steps to be spiritual. In Swamiji’s words - Beginning of spirituality is addressing self without accusing other person, circumstance or god. It’s the need to be objective. It is also not blaming Self. Spirituality is only when one can grow. It demands deep introspective thinking. Caring for others along with our body, mind and soul is the next small baby step in the direction of Spirituality. It cannot be violence in any form, which is a mental roga (disease).
3rd step is the feeling of being connected to the whole. The whole or cannot be without me. This spiritual conviction is the mother of all virtues and values in life. It gives a cause and a meaning to life. In the absence of it we are in the state of alienation - the root cause of all Ashanti (restlessness) in our life. Our culture epitomizes this concept of Wholeness through its Vedic Mantras.
Afternoon experiential session was conducted by Renowned Pranic Healer Dr. G Swarnmala. Participants also went through Yagna therapy, mirror therapy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma , Naturopathy, Accupressure and Mantra Chikitsa.
Day 4
Samatva (Equanimity): the essence of yoga
Yoga : The Greatest Psychiatry of the world
The first session of the day was blessed with the words of Wisdom from HH Swami Satyamitranandagiri. Sharing his rare moments with Acharya Sri to the audience, he appreciated the efforts of DSVV under the dynamic Leadership of Chancellor Dr. Pranav Pandya. Calling this confluence a Triveni sangam, he applauded the fortunes of all participants taking a Holi dip in the triveni of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality.
Striking at the Crowdmongers in the name of Spirituality at Kumbha, he said the essence of Indian Culture lies not in Pradarshan but in Darshan. Quoting Ramakrishna Parmahansa he said bees will come automatically, once the flower blooms. So let us slowly try to kindle inner flame. And Yoga is the science of doing so. It gradually leads to the blooming of Lotus of Life.
Confining God only to the worshiping places, he called as imprisonment of God. There is a need to see God in oneself, in all and everywhere.
Essence of Yoga he mentioned as Samatv (equanimity). Rama is worshipped as Lord because of this Samtav. The physical dimension of Yoga is not enough for this, we have to go beyond. It is the Spiritual dimension, which is the crest jewel of Humanity. With this possession lives of Ramakrishna, Tuka Ram, Shankra are blessing unto the mankind. Greatness of Indian Culture lies due to this vision of life. We should take ups and downs of life with equanimity. Take pleasures and sufferings of life as blessings of lord.
In the second session Swami Vidyananda, President of International Yoga alliance describing Shantikunj as powerful energy field, said Yoga as being connected to higher consciousness. He called upon the need of Transformational Yoga, which Integrates Physical, Vital, Mental and Psychic dimensions of Self and lead towards the holistic development of Personality. Aspiration he described as the very step in this direction.
Swami Manglatirtham, Director, Nutan Sanjeevani Sansthan, Deogarh enlightened on the Theme – Yoga as Psychiatry. He called Yoga as one of the Greatest Psychiatry of the World. Describing the Hardware and Software of Body-mind mechanism and their functioning, he said every minute 48,000 electric impulses are reaching mind. Hence the need of sleep, when this inflow breaks. Contaminated inputs pollutes the mind. Negative impulses of lust, anger, greed, hatred etc. agitates neuro endocrine system, which further disturbs Harmones and it percolates to genetic level. No wonder, 80 % diseases are generated in the mind and manifested in the body. For holistic cure, treatment of mind is the needed.
A 20 min package of Pratyahara, Yoga nidra and meditation can do wonder. It leads to alpha synchronization, which is a state of alert, concentrated and relaxed mind. Through meditation the most hyperactive Beeta state can be modified into relaxed alpha state. This alteration of consciousness through conscious effort makes Yoga as the most powerfull tool, which can eradicate disease at the very root from where it germinates. Of course, one has to adopt Yogic Life Style. Then only it acts as a Quickest, shortest and the surest therapy without any side effect.
Participants went through experiential sessions of Pranic Healing, Yagna therapy, mirror therapy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma , Naturopathy, Accupressure and Mantra Chikitsa in the afternoon.
Deep Yagna at the spiritually charged premise of Pragyeshwara Mahakal Temple was an enlightening experience of the evening session.
Day 5
Yoga lifts a person form Animal to Divine being : Baba Ramdev
There is no alternate to Purusharth : Acharya Balkrishna
Mere rememberance of Saints can sow the seed of Yoga : Swami Awadheshananda Giri
5th day was a holy confluence of renowened Yogic and Spiritual personalities like – Yoga Guru Baba Ram Dev, Swami Awdheshanandagiri and Acharya BalaKrishna.
The first conceptual session was blessed with the blissful presence of Yoga Rishi Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrihna. Dynamic presence of Baba Ramdev of course charged the atmosphere.
Defining the Objective of Yoga, YogaGuru said, it is gradual awakening and manifestation of Divinity. Yoga uplifts human being from the lowest animal level to the highest super human level.
At middle level he is human being, still attached to worldly pleasures. Possessed with the virtues of compassion, love, kindness etc. he is rises to the higher level of Devatv. At the highest level he is the Superman, the Divine being.
Baba Ramdev said, both Patanjali and Gayatri Parivar are life two bodies and one soul, having the same goal - Revival and establishment of Divine culture all over the globe. We have also to raise the way of living of the 40 crore people of the country, still living in hunger and poverty and work for Akhand Bharata .
Audience were bewitched by the child like playfulness and down to earth style of Babaji.
Presiding over the sessions Chancellor Dr. Pranav Pandya said the joint efforts of two Universities on the North and South corners of the Haridwar will make it a Spiritual city in the real sense.
Calling Yoga and Ayurveda the Sciences of ancient sages Acharya Balkrishna said, both are inseparable at deeper level. Today most vital problem is inner vacuum and sufferings, which Yoga and Ayurveda can fill and cure. It is Ayurveda which help to restore our vital energy.
Asserted Balakrishna, History is in making. It’s a rare fortune to be a participants in this movement. United Divine powers are combating the Asurik powers and are about to be defeated.
He also revealed the medicinal secrets of day to day life herbs like – turmeric, Tulsi, Peepal etc and demystified the myths linked to them.
Giving his message to the participants he said there is no alternate to the Hard work (Purusharth). Added with Yoga, Satvikta and Purity, no power can stop one because Divine Shakti works with him.
The second conceptual session was blessed by the Holy presence of HH Swami Abdhesandgiri, the Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara.
Appreciating the Innovative experiments of Acharya Sri and Gayatri parivar for social upliftment, he called Shantikunj a Unique Laboratory of Spirituality, where Man making process is going on.
Giving masterly tips on Yoga, Swamiji said, it should be done continuously with reverence and patience. It should manifest through the thinking, behavior and character of the person. If done properly Yoga can transform life. It relieves afflictions, brings fragrance to life and lead person towards Perfection.
He said without adopting Yama, Niyama Yoga is not possible. Just remembering (Sumran of) a Holy person can sow seeds of Yoga in a very busy life. It gradually connects the practitioner to One Self, the Reality and the Divine.
He called present era, the era of immediate gratification. One wants everything whether he deserves or not. Yoga today has merely become a means of bodily beautification. When Sensationalism is the guiding force of media, like News, Yoga is also in danger of being converted into a product. There is fear of Yoga getting lost in this cyclone of Bazarikaran. Amid such darkness, Yug Nirman Andolan is working as a torch bearer of humanl values, social concern and higher ideals.
Swamiji stressed, what is difficult is, how to start? If the beginning is right with a noble cause, then the results are bound to come. For Yoga to do bear fruit, two things are needed – A long-lasting practice and Consistency of effort. Practice not manifested in life is mere rituals and cannot transform the Person. He said, It is due to good beginning with noble cause and consistency that DSVV has emerged as a unique educational institution. This beautiful campus some 7 years ago was only a barren land as I saw while laying its foundation stone.
Despite being from a Monastic tradition Swamiji said he feels himself an integral part of Gayatry Parivaar
Participants also went through Yagna therapy, mirror therapy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma , Naturopathy, Accupressure and Mantra Chikitsa in the afternoon experiential session.
All participants enjoyed the Cultural evening. Mrs. Saji Umalatova from Russia, the President of Party for Peace and Unity with Chancellor Dr. Pranav Pandya were also present.
Day 6
Medbenev keen to have a Dev Sanskriti University in Russia
Love - the Master key to all problems : Swami Chidananda Muni
Next International Festival to be held in November 2010 : Dr. Pranav Pandya
Today was the concluding day of the 6 day International festival of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality at DSVV.
Swami Chidananda Muni was the Chief Guest. Along with Minister of Tourism and Culture Shree Madan Kaushik and Mrs. Saji Umalatova from Russia were special guests.
Welcome address was given by VC Dr. SP Mishra. Festival Report was presented by Festival convener Mamta Bhatnagar.
450 delegates from over 20 countries participated in this week long Festival.
Feedback from the participants – Extraordinory experience, came to know about the deeper aspect of Yoga, culture and Spirituality. All realized the Healing touch of the spiritually charged ambience of DSVV. Through cultural programs witnessed yoga in Action. Fragrance of love and cooperation.
Tourism Minister Shree Madan Kaushik – Describing UK to be a tourism State, thanked DSVV for promoting the Culture and Spirituality of UK to the world and assured to add this Festival in the tourist calendar of UK Tourism.
Saji Umalatova, Member of the Supreme council of Russia – felt very proud of being the part of the Festival. Gave cordial thanks for the steps taken by the University for the purification of the Ganges and Nature. UK and India are fortunate to have such a University. President Medbenev, a big lover of Indian Culture would like to see such University in Russia. Hoped such Programme to play vital role in the close Indo-Russia Cultural and spiritual ties. Wished Spread of Indian culture in the World and visit the next festival in November.
HH Swami Chidananda Muni – There is no copyright to the knowledge of ancient sages. Need of the hour is this vision of Indian culture, which loves the whole humanity breaking all the barriers and boundaries of caste, creed and nation. Love is not the key but the Master key to unlock all the locks of complexes, differences and disputes. Tragedy is that we use this key to close the doors.
Essence of the Festival, he said is to Change your nature. To keep in touch with the energy and inspiration received here, he gave some masterly tips. Check your volume, values, Honesty-Integrity, sensual organs like ears, eyes, speech etc. Lastly check your thoughts and actions. Let not new file of your new action open. This is yoga, culture and spirituality. Possessed with this you are your master.
He said, Uttrakhand is going to be the Spiritual capital of not only India but the whole world. Describing DSVV as Power house of Spirituality and culture, he suggested to charge and change with this power.
In the Presidential Address, Dr. Pranav Pandya expressed the vote of thanks to all. Concluding the essence of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality he said, Yoga is the destroyer of sorrow and is cure for all ills. He said Spirituality is often misunderstood merely fo rituals and religion, but in fact Spirituality is the soul of Religion. Defining culture he said, inculcating virtues or cultivating good habit is culture and when these virtues begin manifesting through your life, this is What is called Spirituality.
Dr. Pranav Pandya declared next International Festival to be held in November 2010.
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Views of some Participants -
Meena Frestroba (Russia) -
India is a land of deities and Rishis. I was dreaming to visit this holy land. During this festival, what impressed me most was Indian Philosophy, the wonderful performances of students and the galaxy of great saints. She wondered, why the students are so bright here. Good teacher was her answer. They have got the opportunity to study in this University and gets constant inspiration from Acharya Shri.
She called Hindi to be the language of all and India going to become JagadGuru. Your hearts are open for everybody and all the nations, who come here in search of enlightenment.
Brahmcharni Gopni (Columbia) –
The great joy I had here is the wonderful festival of Culture and Satsanga celebrated with full joy of heart, soul and inner inspiration. The pure knowledge of soul kept flowing here in this festival and the whole world is hungry for such knowledge. Thanks to Acharya Sri, Param Vandneeya Mataji and Gayatri Mata. DSVV is spreading the fragrance of Vidya Knowledge. When the Fundamentalism is killing the spirit of Humanity, Spiritual aspect of Indian culture is a blessing to mankind.
Mr. Deepak (Jamshedpur) –
This spiritually charged University is totally different from the other Universities. During six day my weight increased from 51 to 55 kg, due to the love and cooperation I got here. The knowledge we gained here in six days would have needed at least six months outside. Summarizing the views of all the youth participants he said, Cultural Programmes were so entertaining and elevating. We would prefer to watch them over the Bollywood Programmes if telecast on TV channels.
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