Pujya Swamiji inaugurates Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Maryland
Pujya Swamiji inaugurates Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Maryland
7-11 July 2023
After visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Dallas, Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji to Fredrick, Maryland on July 6th 2023. He was warmly welcomed at the airport and taken to the new Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center, the brand new Ashrama of Sri Swamiji in Clarksburg, Maryland. Devotees waited at the new Ashrama to devotionally welcome Pujya Gurudeva to the new Guru Nilaya at the Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center (JDYC) ashrama. Hundreds of devotees were eagerly looking forward to the programs in Maryland from 07-09th July 2023.
7th July .2023
Sri Swamiji performed the first ever Sri Chakra Puja at JDYC and blessed devotees with his benedictory message. Later in the evening, the official welcome program commenced at Clarksburg High School where devotees welcomed Sri Swamiji to Maryland with performances by Bala Datta students from both Virginia and Maryland chanting Shlokas, Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance programs, and a short skit on Amrita Mathana by Bala Datta students.
Afterwards, Pujya Sri Swamiji released t-shirts that were designed by the youth volunteers of JDYC and other commemorative items. Sri Swamiji blessed devotees with his benedictory address and said:
7th July .2023
Sri Swamiji performed the first ever Sri Chakra Puja at JDYC and blessed devotees with his benedictory message. Later in the evening, the official welcome program commenced at Clarksburg High School where devotees welcomed Sri Swamiji to Maryland with performances by Bala Datta students from both Virginia and Maryland chanting Shlokas, Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance programs, and a short skit on Amrita Mathana by Bala Datta students.
Afterwards, Pujya Sri Swamiji released t-shirts that were designed by the youth volunteers of JDYC and other commemorative items. Sri Swamiji blessed devotees with his benedictory address and said:
I am happy Baladatta is doing well. The crafts prepared by Baladatta and volunteers are nice. Take one home.
You heard about Jayalakshmi DYC. She was my Guru. She worshipped Datta Parampara and performed Anagha Vrata, which when performed with devotion, grants your wishes. Anagha Vrata is very ancient and is from Kritayuga. When humanity needed a teacher, Datta appeared.
Dattatreya is Sadguru avatAra. Sadguru gives Jnana and Moksha. Datta gave many teachings. He is Deva Guru. Emperors have worshipped Datta. Even animals have followed Datta. Datta gives Jnana and karma and Bhakti yogas. He preached different path in different Yugas. Bhakti Yoga seems to be the easiest in Kaliyuga. Narada Bhakti Sutras are very popular. Purana, RAmayaNa, Bhagavatha are a treasure house of inspirational stories
Learn 12th chapter of Bhagavadgita and understand the meaning of Bhakti. Mind keeps on traveling. Only medicine for a vacillating mind is Bhakti. We have to understand what is Swadharma, what is Swakarma and our daily duties coupled with Daya (empathy) and Karuna (compassion).
If you get knowledge, you will understand your true nature and who you are. Concentrate and find out who you are - the eternal question.
Dattatreya and Krishna have explained Bhakti Yoga in great detail. Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga may be difficult for some. Bhakti Yoga seems an easier path.
Learning Bhagavadgita lessens chanchala or confusion. Bhakti Yoga is an easier path to reach God. One has to follow with dedication, devotion and concentration.
JDYC should propagate Bhakti Yoga.
The various shows we saw today from Baladatta represent Bhakti Yoga.
Support JDYC. Don’t feel uninvited. If you love me, support JDYC.
Why should I come here far away from India? Because you all have some relation with me. HenceI have come. What is that relation? It is a mystery. Difficult situations steel us to face it. You all are members of JDYC.
Many in india have written Will saying they don’t want end of life support and not to waste money, instead support charity projects. Don’t survive in vegetative state. Many Datta devotees in India have specified this in their will. My elderly brother got blood cancer. He refused all costly therapies and asked that the monies be spent on charities. Dr.Aruna, a cancer doctor from Chennai treated him in his last days. He lived happily till end.
God heals. That belief is important. Such belief comes from Bhakti Yoga. Indubala aunty has come here. It is unimaginable. They are treating her situation normally. Sheree aunty also followed this. I went to Hawaii to see her. I generally don’t mention names. But I am part of their family and I have liberty to announce their names.
Tomorrow we have Sri Chakra puja in the morning and Bhajans in the evening. Both are in same venue here.
Come in queue and take Darshana of Datta Padukas.
Devotees then had the opportunity to have Maha Darshana of Pujya Sri Swamiji.
8th July.2023
In the morning, Pujya Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja at Clarksburg High School. Smt.Lalitha Rampalli offered sangeeta seva during Sri Chakra Puja. JDYC Bala Datta students and Matrumandali groups presented a few Bhajans during the Puja as well.
Sri Ram Lanka shared his experiences with Sri Swamiji. Following that, DYC Chairman Ramana Laird and board member Kali Ray presented a garland to Pujya Sri Swamiji. Sri Ramana fondly shared his experience of recording the first Nama Sankeertana album with Sri Swamiji during the first visit of Pujya Gurudeva to USA in 1976. This was followed by a beautiful benedictory message by Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji’s message:
8th July.2023
In the morning, Pujya Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja at Clarksburg High School. Smt.Lalitha Rampalli offered sangeeta seva during Sri Chakra Puja. JDYC Bala Datta students and Matrumandali groups presented a few Bhajans during the Puja as well.
Sri Ram Lanka shared his experiences with Sri Swamiji. Following that, DYC Chairman Ramana Laird and board member Kali Ray presented a garland to Pujya Sri Swamiji. Sri Ramana fondly shared his experience of recording the first Nama Sankeertana album with Sri Swamiji during the first visit of Pujya Gurudeva to USA in 1976. This was followed by a beautiful benedictory message by Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji’s message:
Many people think Ashrama means old age home. But ashrama is an ancient term for monastery.
Veda Pathashala started 40 years ago
Veda exams are being held annually for 29 years. Hundreds of veda scholars are trained in ashrama veda school. They have graduated and hold esteem in society.
Students who learnt in ashrama veda school have started veda schools on their own and running successfully. Many students have also qualified masters graduates in English language.
Veda Rakshana is important. Veda Upasana is sacred.
Those who excelled in Bhagavad Gita have scored scholarships in good collages.
Veda student has to join around 8 years of age and study for a decade. Swamiji also constructed temples in scheduled caste colonies. Many in their community consider Swamiji as their Guru. They are special to me. They maintain Sattvic life before entering temple.
It was my wish that Bhagavad Gita spreads well and people benefit from Bhagavad Gita.
Just now I have asked sister of Sheshulata to teach Saundarya Lahari to devotees here. Various caste people come to Swamiji. Once you come to Swamiji connection, Samskara begins.
Ashrama is a place for Shrama removal (stress remover). Coming to Swamiji is a stress buster. You feel at ease and comforted. Like a ferocious dog relaxing when the owner returns home. Whether your answer gets answered or not, your mind gets relaxed. Many Bhagavad Gita parents have removed TV from home to concentrate on Gita learning.
If all members of family memorize Bhagavad Gita, they are called Bhagavad Gita family and Swamiji plans to take them to Kurukshetra.
Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi received the title Vachaspati recently.
When he was a kid in Machilipatnam, he had fever and came to Mysuru to learn Bhajans in Mysuru Ashrama. I carried him to Mysore in my van. Instead of music he studied Veda in Mysuru ashrama. He published many books. TTD University gave the title Vachaspati to Vamshi. I felt very happy. He gladly participates in all programs.
Put some efforts in learning sacred Shlokas and Bhagavad Gita. At least join as fluent readers. Make good use of eyes, ears and mouth. Listen good, hear good and talk good and see good. Great men have revered Bhagavad Gita. Learn meaning too.
In the evening, Pujya Sri Swamiji led a blissful and scintillating Bhajan session while lovingly explaining the profound meaning and significance behind each bhajan. During the bhajan session, Pujya Sri Swamiji graciously allowed all those who had been named by Him as Datta to have their pictures taken. The highlight of the Bhajan session was, “Acyuta Ananta”, which was the first bhajan He sang in the United States in 1976.
July 9,2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji inaugurated the Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Maryland, marking a significant milestone. Pujya Swamiji was led in a procession from Gurunilaya to the prayer hall named as Datta Kuteera. The procession was led with Nadaswara, Bhajan singing children and Datta Stava chanting devotees.
Pujya Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in the newly inaugurated center while young adults of JDYC sang bhajans. Sri Almatti Swamiji of JSS spiritual Mission offered respects to Sri Swamiji and received Datta Peetham honors. This was followed by Pujya Sri Swamiji’s benedictory message. Then, Pujya Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti to the Chandi Homa. Devotees then had the opportunity to have darshan of Sri Swamiji.
Annadana was served on all days to all devotees. As soon as Sri Swamiji returned to Gurunilaya, heavy winds swept and rains started. It was a mega pour. It looked as if Varuna Deva waited for the programs to conclude to commence his downpour.
10th July 2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji visited Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with several devotees. He saw exhibits about ocean life, Fossils, Gem Stones, and primates etc.
In the evening, Pujya Sri Swamiji led a blissful and scintillating Bhajan session while lovingly explaining the profound meaning and significance behind each bhajan. During the bhajan session, Pujya Sri Swamiji graciously allowed all those who had been named by Him as Datta to have their pictures taken. The highlight of the Bhajan session was, “Acyuta Ananta”, which was the first bhajan He sang in the United States in 1976.
July 9,2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji inaugurated the Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Maryland, marking a significant milestone. Pujya Swamiji was led in a procession from Gurunilaya to the prayer hall named as Datta Kuteera. The procession was led with Nadaswara, Bhajan singing children and Datta Stava chanting devotees.
Pujya Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in the newly inaugurated center while young adults of JDYC sang bhajans. Sri Almatti Swamiji of JSS spiritual Mission offered respects to Sri Swamiji and received Datta Peetham honors. This was followed by Pujya Sri Swamiji’s benedictory message. Then, Pujya Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti to the Chandi Homa. Devotees then had the opportunity to have darshan of Sri Swamiji.
Annadana was served on all days to all devotees. As soon as Sri Swamiji returned to Gurunilaya, heavy winds swept and rains started. It was a mega pour. It looked as if Varuna Deva waited for the programs to conclude to commence his downpour.
10th July 2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji visited Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with several devotees. He saw exhibits about ocean life, Fossils, Gem Stones, and primates etc.
11th July 2023
In the evening Pujya Sri Swamiji met members of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center and other devotees and announced that Sri Swamiji will send Murtis (idols) of Devi Panchayatana viz Raja Rajeswari Devi with Bala Tripura Sundari, Shiva, Venkateswara, Ganapathy & Subrahmanya. Hanuman will be the Kshetrapalaka. Sri Swamiji named the red barn as Datta Kuteera, the Homa barn as Jayalakshmi Kuteera.
Sri Mani led the devotees to melodiously sing “Sri Datta Laali” Bhajan. While walking back to Gurunilaya, Pujya Swamiji stopped and watched the planet mercury – Budha Graha, shining brightly in the horizon.
In the evening Pujya Sri Swamiji met members of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center and other devotees and announced that Sri Swamiji will send Murtis (idols) of Devi Panchayatana viz Raja Rajeswari Devi with Bala Tripura Sundari, Shiva, Venkateswara, Ganapathy & Subrahmanya. Hanuman will be the Kshetrapalaka. Sri Swamiji named the red barn as Datta Kuteera, the Homa barn as Jayalakshmi Kuteera.
Sri Mani led the devotees to melodiously sing “Sri Datta Laali” Bhajan. While walking back to Gurunilaya, Pujya Swamiji stopped and watched the planet mercury – Budha Graha, shining brightly in the horizon.
12th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji made a unannounced visit to the large barn and watched the many bird families that had made the barn their home. Sri Swamiji went around the land of the JDYC which had been cleaned for this visit.
Sri Swamiji sat under the walnut tree with a handful of devotees and stressed that asking for photo with Sri Swamiji and family members is not a good idea. Sri Swamiji named the large barn as Sripura Kuteera.
Thus concluded Pujya Swamiji’s visit to Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC. Sri Swamiji travelled from Frederick airport to Houston in the afternoon
Bird eye view of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Clarksburg, Maryland. This new Ashrama of Sri Swamiji was inaugurated on 9th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji performs Sri Chakra Puja in Clarksburg high school, Maryland in the morning of 8th July 2023
Devotees watch Sri Chakra Puja in Clarksburgh high school in Maryland on 8th July 2023
Bala Datta students sing Bhajans during Sri Chakra Puja in Clarksburgh high school in Maryland on 8th July 2023
JDYC Bhajan group sing Bhajans during Sri Chakra Puja in Clarksburgh high school in Maryland on 8th July 2023
John Ramana Laird, Chairman, Datta Yoga Center, USA and the first US devotee since 1974 speaks about Pujya Swamiji's first LP recording in New York in 1976.
Pujya Swamiji speaks in Clarksburgh high school in Maryland on 8th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji blesses Dr.Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi for receiving Vachaspati title from SV Vedic university, Tirupati - Maryland 8 July 2023
Bala Datta students with Pujya Sri Swamiji, Maryland 8th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji's Bhajans in Clarksburgh high school in Maryland on 8th July 2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji in the new Guru Nilaya at the new Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center Ashrama in Maryland - 9th July 2023
To inaugurate JYDC, Pujya Sri Swamiji was led in procession with Nada Swara, children singing Bhajans & devotees singing Datta Stava - JDYC, Clarksburg, MD - 9.7.23
Pujya Swamiji unveils the inauguration plaque of His new Ashrama in Maryland - Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Clarksburg, MD on 9th July 2023
Sri Chakra Puja by Sri Swamiji on inauguration day of JDYC in Datta Kuteera - 9 July 2023
Devotees watch Sri Chakra Puja on inauguration day of JDYC in Datta Kuteera - 9 July 2023
Pujya Swamiji performs Sri Chakra Puja on inauguration of JDYC on 9 July 2023
Sri.Almatti Swamiji of JSS Spiritual Mission, Maryland offers Prasadam from the JSS Matha to celebrate the inauguration of JDYC at Clarksburg, Maryland on 9 th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji blesses Smt.Shubha and Sri.Prabhu, neighbors of JDYC Ashrama in Maryland on Inauguration Day - 9th July 2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji's benedictory message on inauguration of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Maryland, USA on 9th July 2023
Pujya Sri Swamiji inaugurates Jayalakshmi Kuteera. Chandi Homa was performed on inauguration day at Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center, Clarksburg, Maryland - 9 July 2023
Pujya Swamiji offers Purnahuti of Chandi Homa in Jayalakshmi Kuteera at JDYC inauguration on 9th July 2023
Volunteers of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center with Pujya Swamiji on the inauguration of JDYC on 9th July 2023
Volunteers of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center with Pujya Swamiji on the inauguration of JDYC on 9th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji was offered a Gajamala to thank Pujya Swamiji for inaugurating Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Clarksburg, Maryland USA on 9th July 2023
Bird eye view of Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center in Clarksburg, Maryland. This new Ashrama of Sri Swamiji was inaugurated on 9th July 2023
Pujya Swamiji walked around the Jayalalshmi Datta Yoga Center, Clarksburg Maryland on 12th July 2023 and gave guidance on development of the Ashrama
Pujya Swamij sits under walnut tree with devotees and blessed the name Sripura Mandira to the proposed Devi Panchayatana temple in JDYC, Maryland - 12 July 2023