We celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami in a solemn atmosphere. About 40+ devotees attended.
After the Vesper service of Sri Ramakrishna, there were two Talks one by self and another by Swami Purnananda. I narrated the birth incident of Sri Krishna, tracing the parents’ life and how the Supreme God intervened to ameliorate the sufferings of good people on the earth. Swami Purnananda spoke on the teachings of Sri Krishna which is available to us even this day as Bhagavad Gita. We had chorus singing of Shyam Naam Sankirtan of 9 stanzas and Bhaja Govindam. A few more bhajans were also sung.
For a fledgeling centre, just started a year back, we didn’t expect a good number. But then, 40+ was manageable as devotees brought their own naivedya (offerings) and as prasad the same was shared among us.
Earlier, on Sunday 18th August 2019, Sanatana Ireland, a Charity organisation in Dublin conducted a Workshop for Children on Srimad Bhagavad Gita. We two Swamis participated in the Workshop.
The program began with lighting of lamp called ‘Bhadradeepam’. The children then sang a Keertana on Lord Ganesha, followed by singing the Glory of Guru and chanted the full Gita Dhyanam. The important element was the Workshop where Swami Purnananda explained some Vedantic teachings from Gita. Swami Vimokshananda explained the concept of constant remembrance of Lord through a story of famous Sakkubai, a Maharashtra Saint.
The children presented an admirable Dance-drama on the value of Friendship by depicting the story of Krishna-Sudama eternal love. The children participated enthusiastically in the quiz program on ‘Dashavatharam‘.
The organisers arranged the release of a new Balagokulam Syllabus. Both the Swamis released the volume and presented to the syllabus makers. The interesting program came to a close with chanting of Swasti mantras and arati to Lord Krishna followed by distribution of prasad.
Vedanta in Practice 
Aum Namo Narayanaya Maharaj
I trust this finds Maharaj well.
Thank you for sharing the proceedings of Krishna Janmasthami with us.
May I ask, is the Balagokulam a publication of the Ramakrishna Movement and is it produced in Ireland? A brief Google search shows that it is a general Hindu publication.
Respectful Pranam
Rohith Jeebodh
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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||Aum Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Rohit
Thanks for your visit to my Blog!
Yes, the Balagokulam Syllabus is a not a publication of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, Dublin, Ireland. It is brought out by another Charity Organisation called “Sanatana Ireland”. This caters to the multifacet needs of the society including the Children’s upbringing. We appreciate and acknowledge its service by allowing space at our Centre for its Children’s activities like classes where they are taught music, songs, hymns, stories etc about our hoary Hindu Culture. We Swamis of the RV Centre also participate in encouraging children by taking classes for them. They meet twice in a month at our Centre.
Swami Vimokshananda
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OM. Maharaj.
This takes me back to your time in South Africa and your brilliant Gita classes.
We learnt so much from you and I still quote your words.
I was just remembering these moments yesterday, and today I stepped onto your blog.
We certainly miss you and your talks and hope to see you soon.
I am so happy to hear about the new Balagokulam Syllabus, wish it grows from strength to strength.
OM
Jaya Ramjogi
Durban, South Africa
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||Aum Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Jaya Ramjogi
Thanks for your visit to my Blog! As you have been an ardent admirer, I too am nostalgic about my days in SA. How many sincere devotees would attend my classes! I had admired the devotees because they would diarise the dates of the classes and unless there was a genuine cause, would not miss attendance. Any speaker would be inspired by seeing such loyal students! I was not exceptional to that.
Just for your information, lots of my later Talks at Singapore and now in Ireland are still available in their respective websites. In case you have some leisure time, you may enjoy. I know you would say that can never equal the experience when we are in person and in the same class room!
Well, Life is a journey. When we travel that has multiple stops, we see some entering and some departing at different times…
May our Lord Sri Ramakrishna bestow His blessings on all of you!
Swami Vimokshananda
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