Baal Mitra Shamas
Annadanam was done at Thrithwa Ashram on 6.9.11 for Onam. The inmates of this ashram are intellectual disabled.
Maitreya’s Kitchen cooked some yummy onam food – Rice, sambar, aviyal, pappad, jamoon, vada and buttermilk. 40 people relished this good food in Thrithwa Ashram and 15 people at Nagarwara slum.
Soul Searcher volunteer Sudhaji drew lovely kolam pattern so that inmates could decorate it and enjoy themselves.
Venue: Kali Temple, Ramamurthy Nagar
Date: June 5th 2011
No. of people: 100
On June 5th, the session started with kids chanting Baal Mitra Shamas. Post this clothes was distributed amongst the kids followed by Annadanam.
Chanting before Annadanam
Vastradanam
Kids holding the clothes – Vastradanam
Thank you Maitreya for blessing the food we eat.
Hunger in the eyes
Sudhaji … the heart and soul of Maitreya’s kitchen
Volunteers serving
Volunteers serving
Who wants more?
Sweet fed by Sudhaji – truly a Prasadam!
Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee Jun 8, 2011, 04.53pm IST
Spirituality espouses giving up on moh-maya whereas politics is exactly at the other end of the spectrum. How do you justify someone in saffron getting involved with politics?
In the light of the raging controversy over Baba Ramdev’s entry into the political arena, the advisability or otherwise of spiritual leaders donning the mantle of political crusader has become the subject of a hot debate. Yogi Ashwini of Dhyan Foundation, Maitreya of Soul Searchers and Pavan Choudary of Wisdom Village debate on whether spirituality and politics be bed fellows. Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee reports –
Yogi Ashwini, Dhyan Foundation
Science of the spirit or spirituality is a practical and experiential; there is no ambiguity in it. A spiritual practitioner does not leave anything, as yoga does not have any rituals lifestyle or diet…Yog sets you free. On the other hand it is said in your initial years of practice you try and indulge in whatever that you desire, but holding the hand of your guru. It is said that what is not good for you will automatically leave you, your desires would be fulfilled and you shall go beyond your five senses to higher senses; to a much more happier peaceful and satisfying state, a state unperceived by the five basic senses hence cannot be explained to a basic human being with just five active senses.
Anybody who is joining politics wearing saffron obviously is at an initial stage of the practice and is trying to collect power (physical); definitely not the signs of a Yog guru. The role of the media becomes very important here as today the pen is mightier than the sword…if the media calls someone a guru then the masses believe so..the problem is that the media should learn to differentiate between the real and the reel, of course accepting the real and respecting it.
A spiritual leader can do whatever he or she so desires to do and whatever is the need of the hour…but not for his personal gain, only for the society. Wearing saffron is no license nor a block to do anything permissible under the law of the land. Spiritual leaders have never collected wealth for themselves and have never sat on the throne to rule ,they have always corrected what is incorrect and then gone back to their sadhna ,or have given their life in the path of their duty, Christ and the Sikh Gurus are examples of spiritual people. Just any one propagating to be a spiritual Guru and getting endorsement from the media is no criteria to be an evolved soul and last but not the least, spiritual Gurus face death or injury smilingly…they don’t run away from it.
Maitreya, Soul Searchers
Spirituality never really meant giving up moha-maya it only meant living in the world yet transcending the known world. Politics or any form of activity looks upon the world to be something to be held within one’s own hands. Colours of clothes are more related to religious norms and conditions than spiritual evolution of an individual. Politically motivated social causes do not have life, for change it is crucial that we as human beings should change from within.
Spiritual leaders are crusaders for truth, political and religious leaders always have selfish motives for achievement of goals. Spiritual leaders shall never hold the crusade for a petty cause or major cause without first bringing change within the people themselves. When the change within the people is seen then the crusader is known till then he is only a friend on a mission to spread awareness and implementation of change within the individuals. The moment crusader is known eternal leader is born. Religious and political leaders come and go but the crusade loses its energy and acceptance.
Pavan Choudary, Life Coach, WisdomVillage
Misguided spirituality asks you to renounce the world. Enlightened spirituality urges you to reform the world. In true spirituality it is not God but a Man (another human being) who enters your horizon. You stop looking at life selfishly and are concerned about the community’s good. True spirituality gives you the courage to take on the wrong even if they are mightier than you. Spurred by such a constitution if some saffron clad men will enter politics I would welcome the development. They may dress differently, may have rustic mannerisms, but as long as it is the community’s good they have in mind they are welcome to the political arena. This arena will educate them on how to balance their speech and how to make their demands more inclusive. Today most of our politicians come from the world of crime. There is no harm if some come from our shrines.
One important tenet of spirituality is that being a silent witness to an injustice being committed is as bad as committing that injustice. So if a spiritual leader gets agitated by the injustice around him and exhorts his followers to crusade against this injustice I think he is still doing his dharma as long as his demands, actions, methods don’t hurt innocent people, don’t divide the society, and don’t come in the way of its progress. For example today I am fully with Baba Ramdev when he says that black money stashed abroad should be brought back or the Lok Pal bill be passed. But I am not at all with him when he crusades for Hindi or vernacular languages at the expense of English as I feel that could accentuate linguistic fissures in our society, interfere with social mobility of the lower classes and would make it difficult for us to keep pace with the latest advances in the fields of science and technology.
Date: 26 Jan 2011
Venue: Navajeeva Nilaya – Leprosy Cured Center, Marathahalli and Kali temple, Ramamurthy Nagar
Navajeeve Nilaya, Bangalore
Divya Chetana at Ramamurthy Nagar
Kali Temple, Ramamurthy Nagar
Each one of us look for development and liberation at body, mind and soul levels. Yet when the mind travels on the path
of knowing the self the expansion is held within in the cocoon of attachment.
Each one that walks on the path is actually trying to do a balancing act by seeking liberation from desires, attachment and ego on one hand while on the other, we fear letting them go.
It is this attachment that never allows one to decide what is right and what is wrong. Friends, family, colleagues, society and conditions all together hold the person back leading to the creation of the cycle of birth and death.
Desires, attachment and ego wield power over his seeking and his own self is in a cocooned state of dormancy. Fear envelops the self and all the negative qualities strengthen our ego making us feel more and more part of the negative aspect of life. These negativities hold the self and its essence in a state where every single event makes an imprint on the self making it take the reflection of the same.
If the imprints are removed we shall move beyond attachment and this in itself shall be the first step towards knowing the self in its purest manner. In this state of being, the self is able to work, delve and become happy and contented. The process of releasing the state of imprints is important and we shall work towards the goal.
For this process we shall be utilizing experience as the base for letting go off the attachment. All the knowledge we have achieved is through the expression of objects of excitement, pleasure, happiness, sadness, worry and tension in terms of good and bad. This expression is held by the ego and when the expression of Good and Bad in itself is removed then biasness is also removed leading the ego powerless to express.
Watch every moment of time when the thought for expression rises.
Hold the breath for a minute, look at the object in a different angle without any prejudice and biasness.
You will find that by the time you release the breath,the mind develops pure knowledge at that point of time where prints are not created within the mind for ‘I’ of ego has been transcended. With this movement the fear of losing is also lost forever, allowing one to surrender to the inner most consciousness allowing the merger with the universal self to happen.
Regular practice of watching the thought process and utilizing the energy sustained allows one to become non-attached to the ever changing phenomenon of thoughts and creating a firmness within when walking on the path of righteousness and oneness of the self expanding and merging with the universal phenomenon.
Namaskar
Today’s world is in a turmoil caused by hunger, misery and sorrow, which have become part of everyday human life. Each moment of survival is a traumatic experience for many and in such a scenario, a beacon of light and hope for the humanity brings solace and peace within us. The beacon for us is the Dharmakshetra – The Land of Righteousness – which stands for unity in diversity and strives to transcend barriers and limitations of everyday life by following Ancient Spiritual Disciplines. Slowly and steadily, we have been successful in bringing the ancient sciences to those seeking spiritual path, in an authentic way. Since the day we were shown this divine place in Keezhveeraanam (situated in the beautiful remote suburb that is 128 km from Chennai and 240 km from Bengaluru), many have sensed the good grace of the Divine force of Isā and experience miracles. This has allowed people to know and realise the purity and sanctity of the divine place.
Daily prayers and chanting continues to happen around the world yet those who have come here with open heart and soul have felt that Isā is more than ready to find a more permanent home here!
Post rigorous work schedule of raising the ground level to support the foundation of the structure, we are progressing steadily in construction.
Come to the Land of Righteousness and you may find that the following work has been completed.
We are also passionate about preserving the natural environment and habitat of this beautiful area and as part of our My Tree, My World campaign we have planted more than 150 saplings of a variety of herbs, flowers, fruit and medicinally useful trees.
But any humanitarian work of this kind can be continued only with the help of the community. It is at this point that we appeal to you all for your help and present you a divine opportunity to participate in the construction of this holy center and continue to serve humanity, sharing the way of Righteousness as shown the Divine Revelation for this Time and Space.
Dharmakshetra is shouldering a noble task of spreading the way of Righteousness for the benefit of all. But it is almost impossible to fulfill the dream without your magnanimous support and sensitivity.
Here is a clarion appeal for your liberal contribution and to stand by us in this noble endeavor of an ideal cause.
With this vision we are hoping to raise funds to complete the construction to ensure that it stands the test of time. We hope you can help us to help more people acquire good health and peace of mind through this project, to build an ancient-new divine place of worship with simple carvings and a universal appeal.
On behalf of the Soul Searchers I conclude this personal Appeal for Donation from you, your family and relatives while invoking Divine’s blessings to all.
Come be a part of history so that a live example of righteousness is built where others can learn and be their original divine selves.
Yours faithfully
On behalf of Soul Searchers
Regd Off: 427 Dhruva Apartments,
Plot No. 4, I.P. Extension, Delhi-110092
Website : www.soulsearchers.co.in
Email: info@soulsearchers.co.in, soulsearchercenter@gmail.com
Contact:
Delhi: 9818439185,
Bangalore: 9880008265
Keezhveeraanam: 9597947187
Chennai: 9884241139
Donations above Rs. 25000 will need to furnish PAN card details.
Note: All Donations above Rs.1000 are Exempt under 80 (G) of Income Tax Act 1961
Donations can only be received by us through Indian Currency, with Bank Address of India towards “Soul Searchers” payable at New Delhi. If donation is being made specifically for a material kindly mention it in the form.
- Maitreya
Posted on 19 Dec 2010
Baal Mitra Shamas
Soul Searchers celebrates its 5th anniversary of being registered as a Trust! We had wonderful celebrations! Read the whole report of fun-filled activities across all various chapters!
Click on the first image to begin slide show
Delhi Soul Searchers chapter distributed blanket and biscuits to inmates in Kasturbha Kust Ashram
Maitreya distributing blanket and biscuit
Sumathy aunty distributing blanket and biscuit
Arshad ji distributing blanket and biscuit
Shantha aunty distributing blanket and biscuit
Kasturbha Kust Ashram inmates with Maitreya
Deepthi ji distributing blanket and biscuit
Niranjan ji distributing blanket and biscuit
Kala ji helping to unload
Ammananda distributing blanket
Jiten ji distributing blanket
Bangalore Soul Searchers Chapter celebrated with Divya Chetana Kids at Ramamoorthy Nagar – The session starts with songs followed by a drawing competition
The kids scamper and find seat on graves for the drawing competition
little helper elves radha ji and susrita ji
drawing in progress
junior kiddies busy drawing
biggest baby in the group
play time
bottles distribution
we all have bottles!!!
prize distribution!
time for meditation
After all the activities, annadanam took place
Susrita ji serving
Radha ji serving
The trio in a row
Keezhveeranam Soul Searchers chapter planted saplings and Akshara kids had lots of fun. This was followed by annadanam
Atma ji with kids
ananth ji with the kids
Ramesh ji planting with kids
Annadanam on the divine land
i have baal mitra shamas with me!!!
fun and dance
singing !
Chennai Soul Searchers chapter had a wonderful evening with Baal Mitra Shamas chanting, prayers and lighting of candles
Close up of altar
Close up of poo kolam
Lighting of the candle by all members signifying the Divine Oneness in all!
Baal Mitra Shamas chanting and prayers
Celebrations Report
Delhi Chapter
Winters have set in thick and intense in Delhi. So our campaign to share warmth in the form of quilts and blankets to those who are poor and needy was the highlight. All of us volunteers gathered at the Kasturba Kusht Ashram in Dilshad Garden and the blessings and grace flowed.
Each one of us – Ms. Shanta Kumari ji – Chairperson, Mrs. Karthika Rajagopalan ji- Trustee, Ms. Sumathy K. Amma ji – Trustee, Mrs. Latha Murali ji- Trustee, Kalajayananda ji, Niranjananda ji, Arshad ji, Deepti ji, Padam Kumar ji, Nitin ji, Prerna ji, mother of Prerana ji prayed while giving each resident of the Kusht Ashram along with biscuit packets. All this would not have been possible without the blessings and presence of Maitreya and Shamas Baal. The most beautiful part was when all those present there during the distribution witnessed a parrot sitting on top of the building and crowing at the precise moments as if in appreciation. The parrot, later Maitreya told us, was none other than Shamas Baal – the Lord Himself, who came to bless the event and to be with people, HIS children.
As part of the first phase of distribution, 250 thick quilts were given to the residents. The recipients’ faces said it all… the experience cannot be measured in words… the happiness and joy warmed up the cold weather. The 3 1/2 kg natural white cotton filled quilts will see them through the tough season.
All the efforts of the divine souls who went out of their way to help us distribute and all those who donated generously made us forget that we were covered in cotton dust because it is their efforts which spread happiness everywhere.
Bangalore Chapter
Bangalore chapter celebrated with the Divya Chetana kids at Kali temple, Ramamurthy Nagar. We started with singing songs and then moved onto drawing competition. We realized that there was no even ground for them to keep the paper and draw. But that did not stop the kids, they quickly scampered and got a broom out, dusted the graves and took their seats. Evolved little souls with no fear or conditions… Even during the competition, some naughty ones were jumping and playing around the graves.
After drawing competition finished, the children chanted the Mahamantra Baal Mitra Shamas and then we distributed prizes for the winners. The kids were overjoyed when we gave them each a sipper bottle. The smaller kiddies got pencils. And let’s not forget the yummy homemade chocolates that Maitreya sent specially for the kids… every kids was asking “aunty, more chocolates”.
Before we knew, it was time to serve delicious food that came from Maitreya’s Kitchen which Devatman Sudhaji lovingly made. The meal had tasty tomato rice, yummy curd rice and chips.
Keezhveeranam Chapter
Akshara Prakalpa children planted saplings under Soul Searchers initiative ‘My Tree My World’ at Dharmakshetra as part of our Foundation Day celebrations. Though the morning dawned with the baby Sun peeping out bright from behind the clouds, soon the sky became overcast and stayed like that the entire day and we had silvery light filtering in throughout.
With the sky white and grey, the earth dark brown and green grass, the altar of Baal, Mitra and Shamas sitting on gold and red asan with yellow and white flowers decorating them, children dressed in colorful clothes… it was one riot of colours splashing everywhere.
Children came in by the designated time and settled down to chant Baal Mitra Shamas Mahamantra, performed Observing the Breath exercise and recited ‘Kuvva kuvva’ poem with action. We then followed it up with dance performances of the kids to the tune of popular Tamil film songs.
But the highlight of the day was children planting saplings while chanting the Mahamantra Baal Mitra Shamas… We planted saplings of rose, medicinal plants, herbs, mangroves and other flowering bushes nearing about 100 of them.
Once all the activities finished, we had delicious Bisibelebath and Thairsaadam for lunch given to about 150 people followed by lovely homemade chocolates blessed and sent with love by Shanta Aunty, Ammananda and our beloved Maitreya.
Chennai Chapter
The Foundation Day celebration was Divine and Blissful and it was attended by 32 members. There was a natural feeling of comfort and happiness in all who had come.
We started with Ganesha Vandanam, Salutation to the Guru followed by the Supreme Prayer rendered beautifully by Lalithambikananda ji.) This was followed by chanting the Mahamantra Baal Mitra Shamas.
A heartfelt prayer for peace to the world, good health to one and all and harmony in the lives of the people around us was highlight of the evening. The blessed day culminated in lighting of the candles by all members signifying the Divine Oneness in all! Prasadam was distributed to all members.
Blessed are we to be a part of this significant day! There was a Divine aura that filled the altar and the room when the candles were lit. It was so festive and beautiful!
Thank you Maitreya for your Divine Grace and for the wonderful celebrations we had everywhere!
We thank our sweet lords and beloved Maitreya for a wonderful event.
Posted on: 6 Dec, 2010
500 people were served Idli’s and Sambhar was distributed at Kasturba Gandhi Kust (Leprosy) Ashram , Tahirpur, Delhi. In the evening 500 people were served Dal, Pulao, Mix dry Vegetable, Payasam(Sweet), and Papad. The winter in Delhi has set in and gets very cold in the evening, so people brought vessels to take their food back home. Devatman Karthika Rajagopalan ji, Devatman Deepti ji & Devatman Niranjan ji volunteered in the evening.
Hot idli served by Ammananda
Deepthi ji
Maitreya serving with love
Evening Supper: Dal, Pulao, Mix dry Vegetable, Payasam(Sweet), Papad
Maitreya & Niranjan ji
Waiting to be served
On 27th Nov 2010, we had a fun interactive session at Indiranagar center.
Acharya Sri Chaitnaya ji held a session on Breath, The Secret of Life. Sri ji took them through the belly breathing and how this divine energy can control all aspects of life.
We also did meditations to balance prana. The participants eagerly asked questions and requested to hold more such classes.
Altar
Belly Breathing
Prana Balancing
