Ramakrishna Mission, Rajamahendravaram conducted Devotees Convention on 11 February 2018 in connection with the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Sister Nivedita.
The Programme commenced with lighting of the lamp by Swami Sashikantananda, Swami Kapalisananda, Swami Aksharatmananda, Swami Sukritananda, Swami Anupamananda, Swami Raghunayakananda on the dais followed by prayer & Vedic Chanting.
Swami Kapalisananda extended a hearty welcome to all the devotees present. He also proposed to have such three day conventions annually inviting all devotees from all over Andhra.
Swami Sashikantananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Vijayawada spoke on ‘Satsanga Mahima’. If man gives a name to God it would be “Satyam”. All actions that lead us towards God may all be called ‘Satsang’. Holy company gives direction and motivates one to lead a path of devotion. Performing all acts as a service to God are all examples of “Satsang”. Quoting many examples the glory of satsang was explained.
Swami Aksharatmananada, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Chengalpattu. spoke on Values and Limitations of Learning in Life. Man is a “life long learner said Sri Ramakrishna. An uneducated man is compared to an animal by Bhartruhari. Education is that wealth which increases while giving away and gets forgotten only when not shared.
Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu, Rushipeetham narrated in a very eloquent way Sri Ramakrishna Pramahamsa Leelamritam. Sri Ramakrishna Pramahamsa is described by Swami Vivekananda as Avatara Varishtha as Swamiji alone could completely understand the Avatara Tatwa of SriRamakrishna. Describing the spiritual practices of Sri Ramakrishna, he said that if all the paths of Sanatana Dharma and all religions of the world. were heaped to together that would represent Sri Ramakrishna. He practiced and proved that God is One. He admired Sister Nivedita for her understanding of Mother Kali. In his perspective he saw Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Sarada Devi as representing Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti.
Swami Anupamananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Tirupati spoke on ‘Bhaktavastsala Sri Ramakrishna’. How showered his blessings, love and companion on his sanyasa and householder devotees lives. Latu Maharaj and Girish Chandra Ghosh to name a few.
Srimat Sukritananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Kadapa spoke on Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi an ideal for women. While Sri Ramakrishna picked and chose his devotees, Holy Mother accepted all who came to her. Hold steadfast to Mother’s feet and you will have peace and happiness always.
Swami Raghunayakananda, Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad spoke on ‘Bhaktuni Chirunama’ God protects all his devotees and a true devotees does not expect anything in return.
Dr. P. Syamasundara Murthy narrated interesting stories and conveyed many ideas regarding God – devotee relationship.
