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The Path to Happiness and God
Spiritual Picnic - 01 May 2003
Click on any photograph to access the online photo-feature on the picnic. After reaching the
Yahoo! Web page, click on "slideshow" for automatic browsing through the photo-album.
Sauntering around singing kirtans
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Lush greenery heightened piety
Q&A at the spiritual picnic
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Swamiji dissecting Scriptures
Toward the Ocean of Love
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Kirtans by the oceanside
 
Salients points of the Q&A session between the Swamiji and devotees. The session was part of the one-day Spiritual Picnic organized on 01 May 2003, a public holiday in Singapore.
 
It was "picnic" in the true sense of the word. Enthusiastic groups came together and got away to a peaceful, fun place, to make new friends, make merry and generally have a memorable time.
 
But there was a difference. The picnic began at 8 am with an exhilirating bus-ride from the Sivan temple near Paya Lebar MRT station. The Swamiji led the devotees -- men, women and children of all age-groups and belonging to different religions, faiths and countries -- in singing soulful kirtans.
 
Coursing through the spanking clean eastern environs of Singapore, the picnic party reached the venue at Pasir Ris in half-hour. The picturesque beachside chalet is nestled in serene, lush greenery set against the gushing sea waters.
At a distance, various kinds of vessels floated away peacefully in either direction, enhancing the beauty of the scene. The Swamiji helped the devotees to coast on the power of Mother Nature's beauty one more inch toward Divine Love.
 
Walkabouts on the chalet's velvety lawns ensued, with the Swamiji leading the dynamic kirtan-singing devotees. Heightening the near-bliss state was the serene ambience, punctuated by the chirpings of cheery birds, the gentle rustling of the swaying leaves and branches, the mood-elevating sounds of the lapping seawaves, the sweet fragrance of the flora, the foliage... a wide variety of flowers. Eco-friendly spirituality, phew!
 
The picnic was marked by more kirtans, quiz contest, devotional singing competition, Q&A session, spiritual lunch. An air of informality and the Swamiji's free mingling with the devotees ensured that everyone had a really good time until 3:30 pm. 
 
The love for the Lord was renewed.
 
Click here for photos of the picnic. After reaching the page, click "Slide Show" for an automatic browse-through. You can set the speed of album movement. Alternatively, click any thumbnail for original-sized photo.
Devotees sing, dance in devotion
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The Nature was in its element
Nilambar laharay!
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The blue color of Lord Sri Krishna!
Pithambar paharay!
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A riot of colors exploded at the chalet
 
Happiness, unhappiness; astrology; destiny; formless God; spiritual science in education institutions; when a batsman hits a six...

Lord Krishna is Satchitanand. So where does unhappiness come from in this world?

 

Judaism and Christianity believe in Satan. Good comes from God, evil from Satan. Hinduism believes that the farther you go from God, deeper is the darkness.

 

Some people believe in astrology. Is it a wise thing to do?


Astrology has roots in Vedic knowledge but it is not definitive. At best, it's only indicative. Maybe 40% of astrological predictions are true. Rest is your effort. Visiting astrologers is not good. Don't try to know your destiny. Try to make your destiny.

 

Some people believe in destiny. Is there such a thing like pre-destined life?

 

Destiny is something like a pack of cards. It's fixed. The number of cards, colors, categories these are fixed. How you play your cards depends on your ability. Sufficient work can change your destiny.

 

Could you elaborate on the concepts of God with form and formless God?

 

God is formless as well as with form. It becomes easier to envision him if you realize he has form. With form, it's easier to focus on God.

 

Should our educational institutions include spiritual science in their curriculum?

 

There is no harm in doing so. Spiritual science is necessary. Without a driver, what use is car? In the name of secularism, do not cut out spiritualism.

 

When we offer prayers for God-realisation, when we take the bhakti marg, how will we know that our bhakti is bearing fruit, how will we know that we are heading in the right direction?

 

As we go towards God, we experience bliss within. You won't need external proof to realize this. For example, a batsman who has hit a sweetly-timed shot, will be confident the ball will sail over the fence for a six the moment he hits it; he doesn't have to wait for the umpire's signal or the crowd's cheering to confirm that it is indeed a six. He will know the moment his bat connects with the ball. Likewise, one knows as soon as one gets detached from worldly things that one is attached to God. Then love for God increases. To see God, you need divine vision or divya drishti. Renunciate desires and attachment to worldly things, surrender to Him totally, then you can manage your anger and realize God.

 

Can spirituality help India to overcome failures at the last hurdle, and win in sporting events?

 

India is the seat of spirituality. Some even believe Jesus learnt many things in India (around Kashmir region). Different civilizations have different strengths. Some are exceedingly good at sports. Some are good at science. Some are good at spiritual science.

 

Radhey Radhey!

 

Click here for the salient points of the satsangs from 09 May to 13 May.

 

Click here for the salient points of the satsangs from 14 May to 17 May.

 

Click here to contact the organizers of the discourses, or to learn more about the Swamiji, or to offer feedback on this Internet site.

 

 

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