International Maha Shivaratri Satsang with Swamiji in Vep, 2014
OM Namah Shivaya
OM Sri Deveshwar Mahadev ki Jay
A thousand yoga brothers and sisters from all over Europe came together in Vep, Hungary, to celebrate Shivaratri Satsang and be blessed by the darshan of their revered master Swamiji.
During Abhishekha to the Shiva Lingam, the Maha Mrityu Jaya Mantra was recited continuously.
MM Swami Vivekpuri ji spoke about the meaning of Shivaratri and that it is our greatest blessing to be in the presence of Gurudev on this auspicious day. The Shiva Lingam is a the symbol of the whole universe. It is also said that our head is a Shiva Lingam and inside is the abode of Shiva - He is the origin of our intellect, our wisdom, our consciousness.
On Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared to Srimati Chandan Deviji, Mahaprabhuji's mother, and gave her His divine blessing; nine months later Sri Mahaprabhuji incarnated from his mother’s womb, on the holy night of Diwali.
Excerpts from Swamiji's satsang:
"All around the world in every ashram and temple the divine night of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated. In this night Swayambhu Shiva bestows his blessing to all his bhaktas. He is the first one, the creator of the universe. He is Mahadeva, the Lord of the Lords."
"Shiva and Shakti, light and darkness, merges into Oneness and turn into pure light - that is Maha Shivaratri."
"Some festivals are cultural and some are for spiritual development. Both are very important. We should maintain and support our culture. It gives us a feeling of being at home, of our way of life. Culture is a system through which people are surviving. There are spiritual festivals or celebrations for the culture of your soul. Your soul has the longing to re-connect to your original self. Soul is not atma. Soul reincarnates; it is coming and going according to your karmas. Whatever you do and possess will remain here like a dust and the jivatma will rise to other lokas. Then what you had during your life – money, position – has no value any more. It is Maya and your attachment that holds you back and blocks your development. Atma is sustainable. Jivatma is moveable. Body is changeable. Atma is not born and will not die. It is pure, spotless, everlasting; without any pain or suffering."
"There is only one Maha Mantra, the Maha Mrityu Jay Mantra. The Maha Mrityu Jaya Mantra is very powerful. It protects you. Repeat it every morning at least 5 times while doing Abhishekh to the universal form of Shiva Lingam."
"Mahapralaya, the destruction of the universe, comes from Shiva, Mahadev. After Mahapralaya there is only Shunyakash, void space. Then Swayambhu Shivjyoti reawakens and manifests again, and Creation will take place again. What it His manifestation? We all, all that exists: oceans, trees, air, rivers, mountains…"
"Swayambhu is within you. You are the manifestation of Shiva. Everyone, all creatures are His manifestation. But don't go to the market and shout, I am Shambu. Then you will be locked in the psychiatric clinic. When you realise that you are Shambu, you need not introduce yourself, you need not say. The sun does not need to introduce himself, everyone knows."
"When you are self-realised you need not change your clothes nor your life. Just be there whenever someone needs help."
"While keeping to one thing you can achieve everything. While jumping here and there and try many things, you will lose everything that you have achieved."
