BHAKTI BHAKTI MARGA SA: BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER VOL

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1 SRI VISHWANANDA NILAYA - Sri Vishwananda Nilaya, the Home of Bhakti Marga South Africa, is being built on lush farmland in Kwa-Dukuza, Kwa-Zulu Natal. It represents an extension of Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda's international mission, the headquarters of which are in Springen, Germany. The ashram which will house both a Temple and Chapel, will be a meeting point of spiritual seekers wishing to enhance their expressions of Love and attain their higher reality. This Sanctuary will be focused on fostering Love, Patience and Unity in South Africans and will attract many Local and International visitors. CONCEPT- The Structure is laid out in the pattern of the sacred sound 'OM', the cosmic sound of creation. The crown jewel, the Temple, is positioned at the Turya point of the geometrical Om and it's conceptualised design is based on the 'flower of life.' The beautiful surrounding landscape and adjacent Dam will be visible from within the Temple due to the extensive use of Glass. It will be meeting point of "like-minded souls, who can exchange ideas and jointly work towards the welfare of the country. The extended project sees the development of a Wellness Centre and the housing of a resident community dedicated to the service of the divine and mankind. SUSTAINABILITY - The Ashram will be built in Phases with the intention of being "off-grid" and will implement various green technologies e.g. solar, wind, harvesting of rain-water and recycling of waste. The architectural theme will reflect the organisations approach to the preservation of Mother Earth, creating a minimal footprint. CONTRIBUTION - The project is designed to serve the greater South African community. As such it requires the input and generosity of the community also. Should you wish to contribute to the project, kindly contact Swami Vishwachakradharananda at vishwachakradharananda@gmail.com 1- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

2 01 - Entrance Feature & Gatehouse 02 - Incremental Parking 03 - Ablution, Agriculture & Material Yard / Storage 04 - Entrance & Feature Promenade 05 - Temple, Chapel, Hall, Offices, Ablutions, Storage 06 - Kitchen & Dining, Services, Recycling Centre, Goshala, Storage, Vegetable Gardens 07 - Wellness Centre, Dance, Art & Music Rooms, Bhakti Shop, Library, Media & Computer Room, Bhajan Cafe, Outdoor Amphitheatre, SportsCourt 08 - Outoor Piazza Satsang Area 09 - En-suite Accommodation (2 storeys), Surya Namaskar / Meditation Garden 10 - Swami's House 11 - Revived Water Course & Dam Establishment 12 - Existing Dam 13 - Fruit Orchards & Flower Gardens 14 - Meditation / Picnic Gardens 15 - Bicycle / Walking Nature Trails 16 - Incremental Housing Development 17 - Indigenous Trees & Planting 18 - Outdoor Shrines 19 - Reservoir 20 - Outdoor Yagna area 21 - Babaji's Cave 22 - Service Entrance - Agriculture Farming Grazing Fields / m 10m 20m 30m 40m N 50m PROPOSED NEW ASHRAM FOR BHAKTI MARGA SA PTN 7 (OF 5) OF LOT 36 A No. 2618,KWADUKUZA, KZN COMPLETE Client Contact Details: Bhakti Marga SA Swami Vishwachakradharananda (Dr Jeevren Reddy) reddyj@mweb.co.za Cell: Contact Details: Merylene Chitharai / merylenec@yahoo.com 2- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

3 20-21/02/ Maha Om Chanting, Ganga Aarthi, Gau Puja & Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda, Newcastle, Paradise Hindu Temple & Shankara Gaushala Reflections by Devigee Rabichand (Sally) Swami Vishwachakradharananda together with twenty five of his devotees began their journey on the 20th February 2016, at 11:30, where a convoy of 5 vehicles travelled on the R74 and R33 Maphumulo Road towards Newcastle. The roads with its bends, curves, potholes and speed bumps took us through the most beautiful, serene, views of mother-nature, through the mountains and valleys, feeding us with fresh and unpolluted air. We stopped at Bambatta for lunch, during which Swamiji explained the Battle of Bambatta. This was the battle between the British and Zulus, over the land. Thereafter the journey continued and we reached the Majuba Lodge in Newcastle at 16:30pm. We unpacked, freshened up and were ready to start with our programme as scheduled. The officials of the Paradise Hindu Temple welcomed and received Swamiji with so much of Love and Royalty. Approximately 70 people were present. Swamiji's presence radiated so much of Love in each and every one. Both the Om Chanting and Satsang were very vibrant. Some shared their experiences. It was very energetic and for some very emotional. Everyone enjoyed and appreciated the Om Chanting so much that they are so eager to open an Om Chanting centre in Newcastle. Swamiji blessed the devotees and after we all were served with a delicious dinner, we departed for the Lodge. On Arrival at the Lodge, Swamiji invited us all to his cabin to have dessert and to enjoy some quality time with him. It was an exquisite night with lots of fun, love and laughter. At midnight Shamilla was given blessings for her birthday and thereafter we all dispersed to our rooms. Our morning started with a delicious breakfast, catered by the Oudit Family of Newcastle. They also surprised us by accepting Swamiji as their Guru, by performing a Guru Puja to his feet. It was a very emotional morning, with lots of love and tears of joy. Thereafter we had a Satsang. We arrived at the Shankara Gaushala and here as well; the officials welcomed and received Swamiji with so much of love and royalty. Approximately 120 people attended the puja. The programme commenced with the Ganga Arthi at the river, officiated by Gurukul Sarverson. Swami Vishwachakradharananda was then officially introduced and welcomed. Swamiji then commenced with the Guru Puja and thereafter a blessing to the entrance of the Gaushala. Swamiji susbsequently officiated the Gau Puja. It was a most beautiful sight, where the cows remained so calm and listened so attentively as if they were waiting for the Puja. The prayer was so powerful that one could feel the vibrations and energy within oneself. 3- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

4 Swamiji also explained the significance of performing and participating in the Gau Puja. In the Cow resides the Gods, Goddesses and the Trinity. Therefore worshipping, protecting and serving the Cow is considered auspicious, as one who does so receives their Blessings causing ones sins and curses to be washed away. The Cow also provides us with an unlimited quantity of milk, its urine has medicinal benefits, whilst its dung is sacred and is used for cleansing and purification during Yagna. All were served with a delicious lunch, sweetmeats, cold drinks and dessert. All devotees then participated in the Om Chanting. It was very powerful with lots of vibrations. Some shared their experiences and overall everyone appreciated the exposure and experiences. We departed Newcastle at 04:00 pm and arrived in Stanger at 07:30 pm. Once again Swamiji invited us to have supper with him. After supper we all left for our homes. It was a very fruitful weekend, where we, the spiritual family, worked together as a team in ensuring the success of the events. The overwhelming excitement of the Newcastle community, their humility, simplicity, love and joy shown for being in the presence of Swamiji, made us realize how fortunate we are. By us just being in Swamiji's presence the entire weekend and being able to serve him, is the greatest blessing one could receive. We are truly Blessed. 28/02/ BM JHB participates in Shivaratri Yatra Lenasia South, JHB Reflections by a JHB Devotee The Yoni and Linga symbols of the biological act by which all living creatures are created by nature...there can be no higher and purer symbols depicting the Universal Parents capacity to reproduce life. In celebration of the eternal three eyed Lord of Destruction, Bhakti Marga Johannesburg joined several other spiritual families in a 8 kilometre Yatra. At the break of dawn, on a crisp Lenasia morning, hundreds of devotees thronged to the starting point, adorned in their respective spiritual attire, eager to get their floats depicting Shree Iswara, ready for the Yatra. As we set about our various duties, a yagna was performed to bless the occasion and that added to the already magical mood as the purifying smoke accompanied by the mesmeric Sanskrit verses were uttered by various spiritual heads. Shree Maruthi was also celebrated as the puja ended with the Hanuman Chalisa. Every word was a symphony. 4- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

5 At last, over the sweet sound of many conches, and bhajans, the yatra began. The sheer magnificence of the procession lent an ethereal opulence to everything. Weeks of hard work and creative design were at last ready for its transcendental journey. Sheer profundity in its magnificence. The procession visited many of the temples in the area, and the devotees were treated with refreshments at every mandir, as we paused for a moment, for the presiding pundits to bless the various floats. Fruits and various prasadam were given to the amazed public along the way. Devotees sang the name of the Lord and danced in joy in the streets! A sight to see and an experience to be had! Four and a half hours later we approached the final mandir. As we gazed upon the radiant face of our guruji high up on his chariot, we felt like our hearts would explode. Love personified radiated his love upon us and we knew in our hearts, that every step we took, he took with us. A truly unparalleled, profound experience...if only we could do this every waking moment... THE SCIENCE OF TRANSFORMATION JUST LOVE LIFE Atma Kriya Yoga Testimonial by Krishnie My story is a simple one. Towards the end of August I went on a yoga retreat. Thankfully the energy was so incredible and with the discourses held and meditation sessions I felt an amazing energy surge many times over during this retreat. One of the topics that came up was the release of Awake, the movie of Autobiography of a Yogi. I was so intrigued by the conversation I got a hold of the book and began reading it. I immediately fell in love with the energy that the book presented to the reader. Its essence touched me and I got engrossed into its pages. However in the midst of the book I felt a burning desire to learn Kriya Yoga. One Wednesday in October the 28th to be exact, I felt this ache in my tummy. I could not stop myself literally from sourcing a Kriya course. I made a call to a friend in KZN who said she had heard of a group called the Bhakti Marga. She got the contact info and I called Pam the next day Thursday. To my astonishment Pam informed me there was a Kriya workshop that weekend. For some reason every plan I had simply escaped my mind and I committed immediately to the workshop. Pam had told me there was 3 spaces and because I could not drive I asked my friends to join me. Guess what it was 3 of us. During the workshop I had made a conscious decision that I will practise Kriya daily without fail. Since the 1st of November this is what I have been doing. I have a routine of chanting and then doing the trinity meditation, main Kriya and the alternate nostril breath works. I do this morning and evening without fail. If I am short for time I do fewer breaths. But overall I have ensured my daily practise. At night in bed I do my chakra closing. I am so much calmer now then previously. I have realized my entire family is calmer. The energy in my home is much more peaceful. We deal with each other with kindness now and although we do have our moments when one or the other are short on their fuse overall it's a more peaceful environment to be in. I have gone through my daughters exams with absolute ease. My daughter has responded to my requests with eagerness. I also have found doing the chakra closing at night has ensured I sleep soundly till the alarm goes off. Stress is something I don't feel too much of now. I do have moments when I think gosh and then I return immediately to the breath. I have also managed to hone in on each chakra point and feel the energy in each centre. It's absolutely amazing. I have done meditation for many years now and I knew after my yoga retreat in August I had to find a more deeper meditation practise. In my mind this is the Kriya practise I am currently engaged in. I do believe in my heart that there will be more experiences I will encounter. I am looking forward to the Aum Chanting sessions as this felt incredible during the workshop. I want to thank Pam for including me in the workshop at the end of October. If it were not for Bhakti Marga I would have not deepened my meditation and felt such bliss. 5- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

6 10/04/ Om Chanting leader's Workshop at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple Reflections by Santosh Maharaj The moment people start to chant together in the OM Chanting circle, automatically their own vibration is being transformed into OM. Whoever is inside the circle is showered with this energy and that's what changes the vibration of the body. Even the cells which are dead start vibrating. So, wherever you go your aura vibrates the cosmic sound of OM. - Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda An individual with absolutely no knowledge of Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, his mission on earth, or OM Chanting, upon reading the above quote maybe a little apprehensive or even sceptical about participating in an OM Chanting circle for the very first time. How many of us now regular OM Chanters can honestly say that we didn't at one point in time feel the same? I know I did! It was only after my first experience OM Chanting that I could fully appreciate this gift that we have all been blessed with. I think it was most probably at that stage that the lot of us that attended the OM Chanting workshop in KZN recently had said to ourselves, How wonderful would it be if there were more people out there in the world that could be given the same opportunity to experience OM Chanting in all its glory!, and with that sentiment took on the responsibility of becoming an OM Chanting leader. I must admit, initially paging through the workshop manual, that the technical detail of information did feel a little intimidating, and it wasn't too long until that that old feeling of apprehension began creeping in, but once the course had gotten under way, it didn't take too long at all until that had disappeared. The workshop had been structured in such a way as to while being guided by the coordinator, still allow all involved to learn from one another's interpretations of the course content. Apart from now affording all the participants a clearer understanding of OM, the origin, the way it is also intertwined in all the different religions of the world, etc., as well as a basic understanding of sound and its potential to exhibit either positive or negative effects not only on the human body but also on inanimate objects as well, the workshop also gave each of us an opportunity to socialize and interact with peers united by the common purpose of helping spread OM Chanting, and in doing so draw from this combined pool of knowledge and experience in terms of running a successful OM Chanting centre. Thanks to the workshop, we all now have a clearer understanding of OM and all that it encompasses allowing us all the opportunity to now be a lot more efficient in terms of both the role and responsibility that each of us had undertaken on as an OM Chanting leader. Jai Gurudev! 13/06/2016 Seva Project: JHB at Khauhelo Primary School and KZN at Bongifundo School near Zinkwazi Reflections by Sugan Pillay Jai Guru Dev! I woke up to a strange but wonderful feeling that I was a part of something special. We were all going to spend the day in service to our beloved Guruji. As we gathered at the temple just before 9am we all dressed up warm to embrace the cold weather with a warm feeling. We then were pleasantly surprised to find a dog that seemed to be injured with a broken limb. We got him into the car and took him to the SPCA. As soon as we decided to help the animal I remembered that this was an opportunity to expand our Seva by having the opportunity to feed the animals as well as part of Narayana Seva. Swami Vishwaparanthapananda made us aware of Narayana seva which includes service to birds, fish, ants, man, and dogs. So our plans changed immediately. 6- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

7 Whilst some of us attended to the animal; Sylvia and I went to the shop to purchase food to feed the animals. When we arrived at the SPCA the timing was perfect to be able the have the opportunity to participate in the morning feeding. We split into 2 teams and enjoyed every moment feeding our four legged friends. Once we were done we left to the school to continue the seva. The other members of our love team gathered there as well. The festivities at this point were heating up. The teachers helped to set up the hall with decor and messages all over walls. Happy birthday Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda was written on the board with paper decorations. We all gathered in the hall in anticipation of what was going to unfold. We started with the kids all receiving a beanie each with the words Just Love ". Then we sang the national anthem. The principal addressed the learners and love team with a warm welcome then we got started with song and dance. The room resonated with Om Swami Om and the learners expressed their love through song. We all were so emotional hearing them. After the festivities we went to the garden to do some planting, to start the veg garden and ended the programme with giving each learner a hot meal. Thanks to all that made the effort to make this a special day and to Guruji for entrusting us to be His instruments of love! 02-03/07/2016 Retreat with Swami Vishwachakradharananda in KwaDukuza Reflections by Skanda Devi Dasi (Vorshini Govender) We were blessed to be in the company of Swami Vishwachakradharananda. This retreat was a bit different compared to the other retreats we attended, in that there was no long distance travelling [like driving to the Berg] but being at Shanta Narasimha Temple was very much special. The retreat started on Saturday evening [2nd July] with a question & answer session and continued into the night with each of us discussing a challenge we faced in the past six months. We realized that perhaps our challenge was small compared to others. Everyone got to understand each other better and reflect on how we treated each other in the past few months and ways to improve going forward. TRUST was of utmost importance amongst us as some challenges were very personal and emotional. 7- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

8 Sunday [3rd July] started with an early Japa Walk in the neighbourhood. It was cold and windy and it was wonderful to see everyone participate & walk in silence, most of the time. The fit and healthy devotees completed the walk in an hour. At midday we started the Likhitha Japa, this is writing down the name of a deity for a certain number of times until the fixed number is reached. We had to write one thousand and eight times and at first everyone was surprised and some, like myself, thought Swami Vishwachakradharananda was joking but actually he wasn't. And so we began, some sitting on chairs, on the floor, in their cars, around the pool, on the sofa, some standing, basically anywhere in the ashram as long as we were comfortable. Amazingly, we all were silent during this time. Approximately three hours later, unbeknown to us, was the cut off time. Not everyone completed writing 1008 times but in total we wrote the divine name times. The afternoon was spent at the new ashram site in Darnall where Swamiji conducted a Yagna. It was extremely cold but absolutely wonderful being at the serene site, some keeping warm standing close to the Hawan Kundh and others walking around the lake. The evening concluded at Shanta Narasimha Temple with us receiving blessings from Swamiji. An awesome weekend filled with love, laughter & happiness. Thank you Swami for your time and all that you do for us. Jai Gurudev! 9-10/07/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Mirelle (Srishti) in Hyde Park, JHB and with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 10/07/2016 New Om Chanting Circle at Stonebridge Mariamman Temple, Phoenix (42 attended) "When one starts on the spiritual journey, one has to first strengthen oneself before going to help others. You have to first remove your own negativity, change it, and then, when you are strong enough, you go and help other people. Otherwise you will get drowned in their negativity." Paramahansa Sri Swami Vishwananda 8- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

9 13-21/07/2016 Retreat to Shree Peetha Nilaya Germany for Just Love festival, Seva, Country Darshan and Guru Purnima Reflections by By Devigee Rabichand (Sally) To be able to share Divine Love amongst each other through music, in the presence of our Satguru Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, the Swami's/Swamini's and devotees from all around the world, was absolutely awesome and the most beautiful and life changing spiritual experience. I participated in the Guru Pooja, and Pooja's at the Lakshmi Narayan temple were I received Blessings from Mother Lakshmi; at the Radha Krishna temple were blessings from the Lord himself, Satguru Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda and at the Mother Kali Temple I observed abishekam and received blessings from Mother Kali. I also participated in the Maha Yagna on Guru Purnima. I practiced Atma Kriya daily at Babaji's Cave and received the Blessings of Mahavatar Babaji. I felt the presence of Babaji, Guruji, and the Divine Mother within me. It is the most beautiful experience of Divine Love that words cannot describe. I also attended Om Chanting with other devotees from different parts of the world. As my Seva I was placed at the Kitchen. I experienced the most incredible interaction with other devotees including devotees from Johannesburg. Their humility, simplicity, and love for each other was truly amazing. Satguru Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda lovingly gave us Prasad and daily we received Maha Prasad served with each meal. Thank you to Guruji and Swamiji for affording me this experience, and for the Eternal Love and Bliss. Reflections by Pyarie Four months ago a buzz was started in the Shanta Narashima Temple. Devotees were given the opportunity to travel to SPN in Germany to be a part of the Just love festival which coincides with Guru Purnima, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. A day on which the Guru is revered. An added bonus also came along with this trip; South Africans travelling will be given special darshan. Ever since the announcement of the travel the question on every lips were Are you going to Germany?' Eventually the date and time of departure arrived and 24 fortunate devotees took off on a wonderful and most magical 6 days journey to SPN, the abode of the divine Mother and father. Our arrival at SPN gave us the opportunity to serve our Satguru as each one of us were assigned a task. What could be better than that, it gave me the opportunity to mingle with sevadals (the people who serve Satguru at SPN) and also with people from all over the world. At SPN there is no difference, everybody is United by love, love that emanates from our Satguru Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda. It is so contagious that one can never miss it, you become one with it and thus the most apt title for a festival "JUST LOVE FESTIVAL". 9- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

10 The 24 of us how lucky we are to have been a part of this festival. Daily live music was rendered. People from all over the world performed the best of renditions, from hip hop to sentimental praises of the Lord, our dearest Satguru. Until dawn people swayed to the most sweet sounds of satsangs sung in different languages. The spiritual path can never be boring. The days programme did not give one much time to sleep. Daily pooja s, concerts talks etc filled up the days programme. The best part of the entire trip was when Satguru who is all merciful and loving gave us the opportunity to spend the evening with him in the mandhir and as usual rendered the most melodious bhajans. As promised our personal darshan was given to us. He made us feel as though we were his favourite. Yes we are, why not. We love you Satguru the coolest Guru who can rock a spiritual concert until dawn and a coolest Guru one can have in this lifetime. Thank you for a wonderful 6 days at SPN. Reflections by Meshree Rajkumar I would never have guessed that I would find myself in Europe on a Tuesday morning singing and clapping to Hallelujah with nearly 1000 people from across the globe in a glamorously decorated tent, on a farm in Europe. Then again I also never imagined myself learning how to fry over 7 kilograms of paneer in a make shift kitchen, from a European white male chef, who had only three fingers and who accepted my over-brown fried paneer with a smile saying it was, Perfect. Whether it was sharing a room with a devotee from Poland who couldn't speak a word of English or whether it was devouring pistachio ice-cream and Chai with a sister from Ukraine, LOVE was the common dialect from everyone at the Just Love Festival and Guru Purnima. We all have heard so much about Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda and the vigor of his love, but in my 8 days at SPN I learned that this very LOVE of his, extends unknowingly in everyone. It is this very LOVE that makes everything perfect even if your mind says otherwise. I have heard about it many times but the 8 days showed me that everyone has the sixth sense of LOVE and all we have to do is JUST LOVE and forget about everything else. Jai Gurudev. Reflections by DC Naidoo - Before my visit to Germany, I was filled with anxiety and consternation. Over and above the severe illness which I had to endure, I came back very confused. My feeling towards Guruji cannot be described. He has elicited certain feelings within me that are unique and those feelings only surface when I hear his voice. Our moment came when Guruji sent one of the Swamis to call us and had a discussion with us. My experience is with mixed feelings but awesome. 10- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

11 Reflections by Krishna Jagarnath This was my second trip to SPN, but my first experience being at the Just Love festival. We had a great opportunity to be involved in alot of different seva opportunities, and the amazing thing for me was that although most of us were up and working until early hours of the morning, and only getting to sleep at about 2am daily, and although our bodies ached a little, we still were full of energy! The love, unity, and calmness of the devotees there was clearly visible. Everyone there really made us feel at home and part of our international family. The food was delicious and the kirtans was awesome. The reflections from the devotees also made us reflect and be grateful for the rare opportunity of even being in the presence of Sri Swami Vishwananda, of having the opportunity to offer flowers and water onto his lotus feet. I definitely look forward to visiting as much as I am able to and to have this rare opportunity to serve. Reflections by Rangadevi Dasi (Siveshnee) Being able to be a part of and to experience the Just Love Festival was such a privilege. It was colourful and vibrant and it was beautiful to see so many people who share the Love of Our Gurus, Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda and Sri Mahavatar Babaji. The performances were unique and outstanding, I just loved every minute of it. There were also stalls with clothing and jewellery for sale, Gurujis personal photos, a Chai Tea Stall and a Food Stall. We were able to experience what it is like to serve people and everyone that was involved in the preparations executed their tasks with so much love and devotion, so much so that you could taste it in the food. An unforgettable experience indeed, if you have not been to this year's Just Love Festival, you will have to wait for the next year's Just Love Festival to experience all of this and more. Reflections by Nirmala Naidoo - Jai Gurudev, the Just Love Festival was magical and an electrifying experience. Highly recommend that those that have not been to Springen, definitely plan for it in Guruji's love permeated the entire Ashram across so many nationalities and language barriers, all there serving in the name LOVE. The highlight was Guru Purnima Guruji looked so celestial on Garuda in the beautifully decorated venue, the harmonious singing and dancing and most of all having the opportunity to do Guru Pooja on His Lotus feet. Thank you Guruji 11- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

12 Reflections by Kriyananda My experience is the unconditional Love shown by all devotees irrespective from where you came and the golden opportunity given to us to serve our Satguru Paramhamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda. It was a fulfilling experience, especially being in the presence of our Spiritual Master, Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, including Swami's or Swamini's and interacting with all devotees. I will do it again at every opportunity given. Reflections by Poovie It was an enlightening experience with so many wow moments to think back on. Whether meeting, serving or seeing thousands from all parts of the world from Russia to Brazil, each communicating in their own language but showing off nothing but their love and devotion was just so awesome. My most amazing experience was when Guruji stopped on his path through the crowd to talk to me. It might have been for just for a moment but is unforgettable. It was an out of this world experience in its entirety for instance where in this world would one get to experience 108 bhajans sung in a day by devotees from 20 different countries having their turn to honour and sing in dedication to our Guruji in a language and version of their choice. The Just Love Festival was truly a great and deep experience of joy, sharing and friendship. It brought me to a deeper realisation of how close He is...every moment. - Sanjivani This truly was a most humbling, mind blowing,soul enriching and loving experience one could ever have! - Aunty Jasu 12- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

13 Reflections by Jeevarani Odayan This was my first trip to Germany. I enjoyed meeting people from so many different countries. Everyone I met was so friendly and it made me realize that we have so much in common. Seeing everyone dressed in saries and kurthas was so beautiful. I really felt like I was on another planet. Even doing seva and serving everyone mango lassi was so enjoyable. Watching Guruji dancing and singing was such a joy. I enjoyed the moment when Guruji called us to speak with him, Guruji was even joking with us. This is truly an unforgettable moment. Poovie and I receiving darshan together was a huge blessing. Although I was not present on Guru Purnima night, I couldn't believe that Guruji wanted me to speak. I was so disappointed but I don't think I could receive a bigger blessing; definitely look forward to attending the next Just love festival. Reflections by Santosh Maharaj Jai Gurudev! I arrived at SPN enthused about the days ahead, trying as hard as possible to maintain that I am an "empty vessel" ready to absorb and be spiritually uplifted by Guruji s grace and teachings at BM International headquarters. I'd been trying hard not to think about the upcoming trip so as not to create any expectations, but unknowingly and subconsciously I must have had built up an expectation that at some point there I was going to have some sort of spiritual experience of gargantuan proportions. You see, I was a little disappointed at this not being the case at the time, but after analysing my experiences at the ashram, as well as my meetings and interactions with all the people I'd met there from around the world united by one common goal and purpose, a statement I'd heard Guruji make over a year ago sprang to mind. He'd said I don't teach the way a normal teacher will teach you. I teach you through life, through experience, through challenges."...this for me was an AHA momment and I'd realised that the invaluable lessons taught to me were mind blowing. All he asks for is our unconditional love and devotion, and to do this we first have to have complete faith and trust in him. Its true that we are all incapable of realising the full extent that which Guruji intervenes in each of our life's on a daily basis, but the only way that we may even come remotely near showing some form of appreciation is by service to him. These lessons just keep coming even days after arriving home and having experienced the worst damage by heavy floods. With my other half and emotional support system away on work. These incidents served as yet another reminder that I have to have complete trust and faith in him and that ultimately everything else would be taken care off. 13- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

14 Reflections by Merylene Chitharai My intention and anticipation for this second trip to Shree Peetha Nilaya was to just have fun and enjoy the moments for what they were. I wanted to dance and sing for the Divine with other bhaktas and be drunk on Divine Love. It turned out to be just that at the Just Love Festival. I always used to whine to the Highest Love (God) that spiritual music was not fun enough. Most devotional music especially in SA didn't have tribal, rap, pop, DJ, or rock or roll tunes. So I just loved this festival, because it had all of that & more. We have the coolest Satguru who parties with us till late hours of the morning to devotional DJ electro music. This festival also had such a hippie vibe, everywhere in groups devotees singing devotional songs; I just loved it. Words do no justice. Being apart of the seva, making new friends, catching up with old ones and making more memories with current devotees all added to this fun and experiencing of what unity and love is about. Sure there were some mentally challenging days, getting really sick and pushing the body beyond its limits but it was all good; trying to always remember life is yin and yang. There were a lot of lessons and reminders about this spiritual path; during satsang with guruji, and listening to discourses by the swamis. As it's very easy to become Darth Vader; to get tricked by the mind & doings of this world and forget these teachings. One has to keep being aware of the mind, reflect alot & do alot of work on oneself to keep purifying one s thoughts, intentions & actions. Country Darshan & Gurupurnima were added highlights and blessings. It was beautiful listening to devotees from various countries sing 108 bhajans; with a mixture of eastern & western music. My favourite moment was listening to bhaktas sing Imagine, a John Lennon song & Guruji was enjoying it with us; such a moment. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda looked like Maha Vishnu had descended from Vaikunta on Garuda that day; mesmerizing and magnificent in every way. Everytime I ran into him, his stern yet loving gaze was like he knows it all looking into my soul. I just stood there each time like a statue, speechless and in awe, flabbergasted; that moment was quite funny. I'm still discovering what this guru-disciple relationship is about so there are a lot of mixed feelings; it's a rollercoaster ride. The only thing I do know on this human journey is that I am sincerely grateful for such experiences. 14- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

15 Guru Purnima Guru Purnima A Promise to Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda on Gurupurnima: For the satisfaction of their own tongue, human beings are supporting the brutality towards animals. It s really miserable to see. If you want peace, firstly we have to change the mind, right? And to change the mind is not an easy thing, but we can make it easy by controlling the senses. Like Bhagavan Krishna says in the Gita, if you want to control the mind, you start by controlling the senses. So start putting sattvic food inside of yourself and encourage people to become vegetarian. Like that, this change will be reflected upon the mind. What you put inside of you, it also reacts very deeply on the mind. So, much of the brutality in this world is also due to what we consume. Whereas, people who are vegetarian don t have such aggressiveness inside of them. They are more serene and calm. Here you can see clearly how one can change the state of mind, and how one can change the way one thinks, for a better world, for a world with peace and love. Therefore, whoever is not vegetarian yet, please become a vegetarian. I hope I don t need to come after you and poke you. Well, Mother Nature will do that work for me. It s better if you do it by yourself, because if She does it, She has Her own ways. Maya Devi is very powerful. All of you know about that, eh? So don t let Her come after you. Due to this promise you have just made to me, change! You will see that all goodness will come to you. The blessing of Mother Nature will flow to you and, together with that, the Grace and blessing of Giridhariji, because He is the great protector of animals. Many times, the Lord has taken the form of an animal, isn t it? Tonight we have seen Devi Rani, Bhavani and Shen presenting a dance performance about the manifestations of Maha Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, and Narasimha. They were all animals. Your body is a temple where the Lord Himself resides with all His splendour and all His love. So let s remind everybody of this sacredness and keep the body healthy. So that s the one thing I ask you. That s it. Nothing else. Read more on the blog: Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

16 BHAKTI MARGA SA CELEBRATED & PARTICIPATED IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS/PRAYERS If you ve attended a Maha Om Chanting and have done an Atma Kriya course, please do tell your friends and family about it. Word of mouth will help more people connect with their Atma. For further information about Bhakti Marga SA and forthcoming courses or events please visit: or bhaktimargakzn@gmail.com 01/01/ New Year's Eve celebrations with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 09/01/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Group Kriya 12/01/ Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Naraynsamy Temple, Newlands West 16/01/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Hatha Yoga 18 & 21/01/ Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda & Swami Vishwadhaanamjayananda at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 19/01/ Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda & Swami Vishwadhaanamjayananda in Malvern 21/01/ Satsang with Swami Vishwadhaanamjayananda Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple, JHB /01/ Seva Program at Khauhelo Primary School & Maha Abhishekum and Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda & Swami Vishwadhaanamjayananda in JHB 24/01/ Maha Om Chanting at Living Yoga Studio, JHB with Swami Vishwachakradharananda 24/01/ Fullmoon Om Chanting at Shunyata Sanctuary 25/01/ Discourse with Swami Vishwadhaanamjayananda in Hout Bay, Cape Town 26/01/2016-2nd Year Anniversary Celebrations with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Sri Maha Kripalu Gayatri Devi Temple 27-31/01/ Swami Vishwachakradharananda's trip to Dubai 30/01/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Study Circle Chapter 1 Bhagavad Gita 30/01/ Screening of Awake Movie at SS Aulyaum Hall, PE 31/01/ Launch of weekly Japa Walk in Durban at Suncoast Casino 06/02/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Laughter Yoga with Sharon Chetty 06/02/ Fayre JHB Edenvale 09/02/ Satsang & Discourse with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Hare Krishna Ashram, Darnall 12-14/02/ Spiritual Retreat with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Champagnes Sports Resort, Drakensberg 20/02/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Hatha Yoga 22/02/ Fullmoon Om Chanting at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple, Stanger and Mounthaven Primary School, Verulam and Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple, JHB 20-21/02/ Maha Om Chanting, Ganga Aarthi, Gau Puja & Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda, Newcastle, Paradise Hindu Temple & Shankara Gaushala 25/02/ Swami HH Bhakti Narasimha visits Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 26 & 27/02/ Screening of Awake Movie at The Association of Creative Thought, PE 27/02/ Wellness Program at Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Mantra Chanting 27/02/ Atma Kriya Yoga Course with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Makaranga Garden Lodge 27/02/ BM JHB participates in 108 Durga Chalisa Recitals at the Sri Durga Mandir in Lenasia, JHB 28/02/ BM JHB participates in Shivaratri Yatra Lenasia South, JHB 05-06/03/ Atma Kriya Yoga with Swami Vishwachakradharananda in Seapoint, Cape Town 05/03/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Study Circle Chapters from the Bhagavad Gita 06/03/ Atma kriya Teacher's Training in Germany; 3 new teachers from South Africa 07/03/ Maha Shivaratri Celebrations at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple and Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple 10-13/03/ Swami Vishwachakradharananda's trip to Singapore inclusive of Maha Om Chanting & Satsang at Costa Del Sol, Bayshore & Atma Kriya Yoga at One Heart, Tembeling 12/03/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Group Atma Kriya Practice 12/03/ Seva Program in Nelsville, Nelspruit and Reasoma Protea North High School in Soweto 13/03/ Satsang with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda, JHB 19-20/03/ Swami Vishwachakradharananda visits JHB inclusive of Maha Om Chanting at Mainframe & Atma Kriya Yoga at Bryanston 22/03/ Full moon Om Chanting at Westville North Library, KZN /03/ Holika Sahan celebrations 26/03/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Dance Classes 26-27/03/ Atma Kriya Yoga with Mirelle (Shristi) at Hyde Park, JHB 29/03/ New Om Chanting Circle at Edenvale 02/04/ Fayre JHB at Edenvale 02/04/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Meditation 03/04/ Mudra 2 Workshop at Makaranga Garden Lodge with Swami Vishwachakradharananda 04/04/ Maha Om Chanting at Mountview Civic Centre, Verulam with Swami Vishwachakradharananda 08-14/04/ Ramayan Week 09/04/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Ramayan Recital 10/04/ Om Chanting leader's Workshop at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 16- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )

17 BHAKTI MARGA SA CELEBRATED & PARTICIPATED IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS/PRAYERS If you ve attended a Maha Om Chanting and have done an Atma Kriya course, please do tell your friends and family about it. Word of mouth will help more people connect with their Atma. For further information about Bhakti Marga SA and forthcoming courses or events please visit: or bhaktimargakzn@gmail.com 15/04/ Ram Navami Celebrations at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple and at Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple 16/04/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Legal Matters 17/04/ Atma Kriya Yoga at Makaranga Garden Lodge with Swami Vishwachakradharananda 22/04/2016 Hanuman Jayanthi Celebrations at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple and Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple /04/ Full moon Om Chanting with Jothi Anbu Mayam in Phoenix and Victoria Country Club, PMB /04/ Maha Full moon Om Chanting in Mainframe, JHB and Mirrors Workshop with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda /04/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Hatha Yoga 27/04/ Mirrors Workshop JHB with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda 30/04/ Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Laughter Yoga 30/04/ /05/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Mirelle (Srishti), JHB 04/05/2016 Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Umhlatuzana Comm. Hall, Chatsworth 06/05/2016 Street Kirtan JHB & Mother's Day Dinner 07/05/2016 Mother's Day Dinner & celebrations with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 10/05/2016 Satsang & Discourse with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Vishnu Temple, Phoenix 14/05/2016 Street Kirtan, KwaDukuza at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 14/05/2016 Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda at Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple,JHB 17/05/2016 Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Isipingo Hindi Sabha 20/05/2016 Narasimha Chathurdasi celebrations KZN - Kalash, Abhishekum, Yagna and Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple, JHB - Maha Abhishekum & Satsang at Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple 22/05/2016 Fullmoon Om Chanting, at Gillitts in KZN; at Shiva Vishnu Temple in Nelspruit; at Centurion in JHB & at SS Auluyam Temple, Malabar in PE 28-29/05/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Rangadevi Dasi at Serendib Yoga Studio Nelspruit 28/05/2016 Om Chanting at Siddhi Sanctuary, Muldersdrift 28/05/2016 Maha Narasimha Yagna with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 04/06/2016 Seva Project KwaDukuza Food for life 04/06/2016 Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Memory Training and Having a Vision 05/06/2016 Bhakti Marga devotees participated in Festival of Chariots, Darnall 07/06/2016 Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Sri Ayappa Seva Sungam, Queensburgh 09/06/2016 Dinner & Satsang at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple with Swami Vishwachakradharananda, Dr. Sripada Bhakti-Vedanta Dandi Maharaja & Sripada Bhakti-Vedanta Visnu-Daivata Maharaja 11-12/06/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda & Mirelle (Srishti) Hydepark, JHB 11/06/2016 Wellness Program at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple: Temple Renovations 13/06/2016 Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda's Appearance Day Celebrations KZN: Guru Puja with Maha Paduka Abhishekum and Satsang with Swami Vishwachakradharananda, JHB: Guru Puja with Maha Paduka Abhishekum, Yagna and Satsang with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda; PE: Guru Puja and Satsang at Walmer Heights; Nelspruit: Guru Puja and Satsang at Shiva Vishnu Temple, Nelspruit 13/06/2016 Seva Project: JHB at Khauhelo Primary School and KZN at Bongifundo School near Zinkwazi 19/06/2016 International Yoga day & Father's day with Swami Vishwachakradharananda (Peace Walk at Suncoast Beach Promenade & Maha Om Chanting, Japa connect & picnic at Moses Mabhida People's Park) 19/06/2016 Japa Connect nationwide Chanting OM NAMO NARAYANAYA for peace /06/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Hari Tilaka Das,CPT 25/06/2016 Organizational meeting at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple 26/06/ Maha Om Chanting with Swami Vishwaparanthapananda &308 people at JHB Bot. Garden 26/06/2016 Seva Project at Betties Haven's Children's Home in Nelsville, Nelspruit 27/06/2016 Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple Anniversary celebrations 02-03/07/2016 Retreat with Swami Vishwachakradharananda in KwaDukuza 9-10/07/2016 Atma Kriya Yoga with Swami Vishwachakradharananda at Shri Maha Shanta Narasimha Temple and with Mirelle (Srishti) in Hyde Park, JHB 10/07/2016 New Om Chanting Circle at Stonebridge Mariamman Temple, Phoenix 13-21/07/2016 Retreat to Shree Peetha Nilaya Germany for Just Love festival, Seva, Country Darshan and Guru Purnima 16/07/2016 Fullmoon Om Chanting Westville 19/07/2016 GuruPurnima Celebrations at Shri Maha Jwala Narasimha Temple, JHB 30/07/2016 : Wellness program, Educational movie on Lord Krishna 17- Bhakti Marga SA Bi-annual Newsletter Vol (NPO )