A Bhakta Sammelan (Devotees’ Convention) was organized at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Morabadi, Ranchi. The main theme of the program was “Surrender and Effort” (Sharanagati evam Purusharth).
The program began with worship, aarti (ritual of light), Vedic chanting, and meditation led by the monks of the Ashram.
The main speaker at the conference was Swami Shantatmananda Ji Maharaj. He is the founder and secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Institute of Values, Gurugram. He has helped in character building and in helping children express their abilities through the Awakened Citizen Program, reaching over 1 million students in more than 6000 CBSE affiliated schools at the secondary level.
He explained that Purushartha refers to the four objectives of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Effort is necessary for Purushartha, which is called ‘Purushkar’. The ultimate goal of every Hindu is Moksha. For those who wish to proceed slowly, the path involves earning, accumulating wealth, and fulfilling desires. This path is called the path of engagement (Pravritti Marg). Householders have the right to fulfill their desires and enjoy pleasures. However, they should strive to earn wealth while adhering to Dharma, as this achievement will be sustainable. Hindu Dharma does not advocate for remaining poor, as is commonly believed. It encourages householders to make full efforts to earn wealth. The effort to achieve anything is called Purushkar. But it should be remembered that at the end of all efforts, the result entirely depends on the “fifth” factor, i.e., “divine grace”. Therefore, surrender (Sharanagati) is also necessary.
Both Latu and Narendra came to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. But Latu came with surrender, and Narendra with the spirit of effort. However, later, Latu Maharaj (Swami Adbhutananda) also practiced effort, and Narendra (Swami Vivekananda) attained the state of surrender. Hence, both surrender and effort are essential.
On the topic of “Surrender and Effort”, Swami Bhaveshananda Ji Maharaj, Secretary of the Ashram, spoke from the Vedanta perspective, Swami Antarananda Ji spoke in the context of Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Ishkamanananda Ji gave a discourse in the light of the scriptures.
Ashram devotee Mrs. Susmita Dutt gave her speech in reference to Sri Maa Sarada Devi. Swami Prabhunamananda Ji, Swami Ishwarananda Ji, and Mr. Shyamal Roy Ji presented melodious bhajans (devotional songs). Mr. Dilip Banerjee and Mr. Renushankar Mishra Ji provided accompaniment on the tabla.
The Ashram’s centenary celebrations are to be inaugurated in 2027. Prashant Dev Ji spoke about the new temple construction.
About three hundred devotees from the city and distant villages attended this program with enthusiasm and devotion. Mr. S.N. Jha conducted the proceedings on stage. Members of the Ashram and Divyayan contributed to making the program successful.
