A picture is worth a thousand words indeed! So, who would not want to see the pictures speaking silently?
Diwali in Durban was as fascinating as freshly laden fragrance. Its joyful feelings of care and share wafted in the air everywhere. In all the functions that I attended, hamper distribution to poor families was the main item besides bursting fire-works, social gathering and of course sumptuous meals! The hard work that devotees offered in the form of seva to Master hardly escaped my notice.
Here below are some of the photos that can speak thousand words silently…Click the photo for a larger view!
Vedanta in Practice 
Om Namo Narayanaya
Revered Swamiji Maharaj,
Indeed, the true spirit of Diwali is really created and is more meaningful, when we see a smile on another face – those that kindly accept what they have received due to their disadvantaged backgrounds. Truly, Swami Viekananada’s teachings of service is immensely being practiced through the Ramakrishna Centre of SA. We are indeed so grateful that we have this opportunity and medium to serve and see the Divine in the people around us who require food, love and care.
The pictures above indeed speak a thousand words. May we continue to love and serve according to the dictum of Swami Vivekananda on service and worship. All glory to the Holy Trinity!
My Humble Prostrations at Your Lotus Feet.
Anusha
Durban, India
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Anusha
Its indeed a moving experience to move amidst the poverty stricken people who were well taken care of by our devotees in every branch. I was amazed at the items that were supplied in the hampers. And how well-to-do devotees came forward in sponsoring different items! And many gave their time and energy. And whole operation of hampers distribution was done without any massive advertisement and with utmost humility.
May our Lord bless all of them – the givers and the given!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Om Namo Narayanaya!
Maharaj,
There are no words to describe the beauty in those photos of our Master.
All I can say is Jai Sri Durga, Jai Sri Durga ,Jai Sri Durga.
Vishal and Natasha
Newcastle, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Vishal and Natasha
Om! Hope you all had a wonderful Diwali, and lit each others’ hearts with love and light.
Yes! the pictures of Master is “Indescribable”! Master truly comes “Alive” in these pictures. Do you know who took these pictures? Vijaynanda Mohanlal. I never knew our Dy Dean of Hindu Studies is an ace photographer too!
“Om Asato maa sad gamaya, tamaso maa jyothir gamaya, mrityor maaamritam gamaya”.
May our Master lead us from darkness to light!
Swami Vimokshananda
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I’ve had issues with that as well.. I even wrote a blog entry to help people in that situation as well.. Hope that helps! http://tinyurl.com/yzql8a4
Sherryn Daniel
Director of Com. for the Maryland Fed. of College Dems, PR
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Sherryn
I saw your website. I liked your view that My golden rule is when someone gives anything (help, finance, gratitude, time, etc.) to me, I give equally back and I always say thank you. Remember that people don’t always have to be nice to you but, when they are, be gracious. I may add here one of the wonderful teaching of Swami Vivekananda: It is entirely wrong to think that we have done or can do good to the world or to think that we have helped such and such people. Why should we expect anything in return for what we do? Be grateful to the man you help; think of him as God. Is it not a great privilege to be allowed to worship God by helping our fellow-men? In helping the world we really help ourselves.
May God bless you!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Revered Maharaj
Pranam
The pictures are indeed wonderful but so
are the words you write! It is always a delight to read them.
Well, I don’t have many photos of the image of Mother Kali, worshipped in New Delhi ashram because I simply didn’t have the courage to get up and take photos disturbing the enraptured devotees and monks. But I shall put up what I have :)
It is true Revered Maharaj, I have been contemplating on the symbology of Mother’s form, and I hardly understand it. I would like to request you to please enlighten us on it whenever you have the time and will for it. I would be grateful.
And unfortunately I do not understand Bengali very much, only a little… so I am also not very familiar with the songs.. There are two that I love however “Maa aache” and “Elo tor dushta chele” but do not know the author.
Warm regards,
Pranam!
Skendha
New Delhi, India
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Revered Swamiji,
This blog is very nice. I came to know about this blog because of my friend Avitha. I like Thakur, Sarada maa, Swamiji very much. I am very happy to write you. Please bless me that i may have pure devotion at the lotus feet of God.
My humble prostrations!
Vaishnavi
???, India
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om namo narayanaya maharaj
Diwali is indeed a wonderful occassion in our Hindu life. We have been blessed that the festivity and spirituality has always been celebrated in Durban- at homes, schools and communities. For me Diwali is very exciting and i always love Diwali….mainly because i feel proud to be a Hindu and it helps me to feel the vibration of our Lord Raam… and lastly it helps me to refocus on the Sanaatan Dharma we should follow, as depicted by Sri Raam.
Jai Sri Raam!
Niriksha
Durban, SA
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