World Peace Tour 2008
Sharing the Wisdom of Religious Traditions: Bishop John Bayton – Anglican, Lama Choedak Rinpoche – Buddhist, Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda – Hindu, Sheik Isse Muse – Islam, Rev Francis McNab – Executive Minister Uniting Church
His Holiness Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda is once more travelling the world to spread the message of peace and to inspire people to follow the ethics and moral principles of non-violence, love, the protection of all living creatures, and the tolerance, respect and understanding of all religions, cultures, and nations.
Australia/Perth
March 3rd
His Holiness Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda was welcomed in Australia at the Perth airport by bhaktas from the Sri Swami Madhavananda Ashram. The bhaktas were delighted to see him after two years. H.H. Swamiji spoke about world peace, environmental protection and spiritual awakening. He also inspired everyone to daily consider five things:
- Be aware that I am human
- What makes me human
- What are human qualities
- How do I awaken my human qualities
- What is the mission of life
H.H. Swamiji reminded all that the mission of life is love, protection and service of all creatures, and Atma Gyana – God Realisation. H.H. Swamiji led meditations and gave Satsang in the evenings and early mornings before sunrise on the beach of Hind Mahasagar. H.H. Swamiji said this ocean of Hind Mahasagar is very holy as it is the merging point of the Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati and all holy rivers of India, carrying with it India’s spiritual energy. Swamiji was very happy to greet the ocean, where he was accompanied by a crowd of bhaktas who also bowed to the ocean and sprinkled its holy water on their head. H.H. Swamiji further said, “India’s spiritual and holy vibration is always connected to Australia by this ocean and therefore this ocean is a perpetual link of spiritual energy between the two countries.”
Australia/Adelaide
March 4th
H.H. Swamiji Meets with Premier of South Australia
His Holiness Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda was invited by Premier of South Australia, Mr. Mike Rann to meet with him at Parliament House today. Also present was Monsignor David Cappo, Vicar General of Adelaide’s Catholic Archdiocese and Commissioner for Social Inclusion. The gathering was a warm and pleasant reunion of the three who share a strong mutual dedication in their work for world peace, social inclusion, environmental protection, human rights and sustainable development.
In their last meeting in 2005, H.H. Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, Premier Mike Rann and Monsignor David Cappo together planted the first seedlings in Adelaide’s ‘Sacred Forest’, a forest dedicated by Premier Rann to H.H. Swamiji. Since that time, 6 million more trees have been planted in a bid to turn Adelaide green.
South Australia, a semi-desert region, and the State of Rajasthan, share a common environmental challenge in regard to water and in today’s discussions between H.H. Swamiji and Mr. Mike Rann, the Premier once again offered to provide technical assistance for Swamiji’s desert rainwater harvesting initiative in the Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwarananda Ashram situated in Jadan village, Pali District.
In response to the Premier’s request for Swamiji’s prayers for much needed rain in their state, H.H. Swamiji suggested that Premier Rann conduct a traditional Hindu fire ceremony where authentic Brahmin Priests chant ritual mantras non-stop for 10 days. The Premier said that all options were open as the South Australian State is desperate for good rainfall.
H.H. Swamiji and Premier Rann share another common dedication and that is campaigning for the ban of plastic bags. Wherever H.H. Swamiji travels around the globe he promulgates the message “Say No to Plastic Bags” and echoing those sentiments the South Australian government has just declared that the single use of free plastic bags will be banned in this State at the end of 2008.
Sharing such a strong and common interest in the welfare of the planet and humankind, one can envisage these three leaders - spiritual, political and social - meeting again very soon in the future.
Australia/Gold Coast
Satsang about the Spiritual Lineage
Australia/Brisbane
Australia/Dungog
March 10th – 14th
Kriya Anusthan Yoga Retreat
H.H. Vishwaguruji Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda led a four day intensive Kriya Anusthan Yoga Retreat at Yoga in Daily Life’s native Australian bush property, Sri Devpuruji Ashram. The Ashram is situated on 640 acres in the hills over-looking Dungog village, three hours north of Sydney. The quiet bush location provided the perfect setting for the focused practice of yoga sadhana. This was the first Kriya Anusthan Yoga Retreat that H.H. Vishwaguruji has conducted outside of Europe, and during this four day intensive he guided the 100 retreat participants in specific Kriya meditation, pranayama and asana techniques to purify the mind, chakras and physical body.
At the close of the Retreat, participants remarked on the vast difference they felt in their physical and mental wellbeing and the joyful experience of spending these four days with HH Vishwaguruji in the bush.
Australia/Sydney
March 15th
Vishwaguruji Maheshwarananda Ji Speaks at Holi Mahotsav Celebrations in Sydney
Sydney’s Indian community commenced its colourful Holi Mahotsav celebrations at Darling Harbour foreshore today. The two day festival organised by Mr. Gambhir Watts, President of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is an annual event that attracts thousands. His Holiness Vishwaguruji Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda and other VIPs, including Mrs. Sujata Singh, Australia’s new Indian High Commissioner, was invited to give a keynote address whereupon Vishwaguruji conveyed the full meaning of the Holi festival and its origin as depicted in the life story of Prahlada.
Vishwaguruji further spoke about the immense contribution India as a nation has given to the entire world, “India is the cradle of culture! India has given endlessly to the whole world!”
Celebrations continue over the weekend, with Sydney’s Indian community sharing its colourful cultural heritage through food stalls, dance performances, music recitals, as well as Yoga demonstrations.
March 16th
His Holiness Vishwaguruji invited to Meet Children at Sydney’s Indo-Aust Bal Barathi Vidyalaya Hindi School (IABBV)
Today H.H. Vishwaguruji was enthusiastically greeted by the children of Sydney’s Indo-Aust Bal Barathi Vidyalaya Hindi School (IABBV). Established in Sydney since 1987 and conducted under the auspices of Mrs. Mala Mehta OAM, this non-profit, volunteer-run entity is wholly dedicated to the teaching of Hindi and the preservation of Indian culture.
To greet H.H.Vishwaguruji the children chanted traditional vedic mantras whereupon His Holiness responded with an inspiring speech about the significance of Indian culture.
“Indian culture is great! India is the cradle of culture! India has only ever given to the world, never taken from it. India’s culture offers eternal ethic and moral values and therefore Indian culture unites society, not divides it.”
“Spiritual values came from India and it is high time for us to protect its divine culture, religion as well as the unity of the family.”
Further Vishwaguruji reminded the children not to mix their language. “If speaking Hindi, or Gujarati or whatever language, do not mix English words in the conversation, speak purely that language – do not make Kicheri with your words.”
Finally H.H.Vishwaguruji informed the children and parents about the Setu Samudram shipping canal project that will result in the destruction of the ancient and historical bridge that was built 25,000 years ago by Lord Rama and his vaanar sena (army) between Sri Lanka and India. How this ancient monument was constructed is told in the holy Puranas and sacred text Sri Ramcharit Manasa. H.H.Vishwaguruji urged all to sign a petition that he will lodge to the Indian Government, to voice protest against the destruction of this world heritage site which ought to be protected not destroyed.
In immense appreciation of his visit to their school, Mrs. Mala Mehta and the children showered H.H.Vishwaguruji with flower garlands, Prasad and shawls and an fervent request that he return again to shower them with his words of wisdom about India’s heritage and ancient culture.
Australia/Melbourne
March 19th
A Conversation - Sharing the Wisdom of Religious Traditions
An unique interfaith event took place between five eminent religious leaders in Melbourne yesterday at St Michael’s Anglican Church. Invited by the Interfaith Centre of Melbourne were H.H. Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda (Hindu), Reverend Bishop John Bayton (Anglican), Sheikh Isse Musse (Islam) and Lama Choedak Rinpoche (Buddhist). The leaders were guided in a ‘conversation’ by the church’s Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Francis McNab to share their perspective on various topics according to their respective faiths.
It was an enlightening and informative evening as the leaders were asked to comment on topics such as the holy scriptures, their perspective on God and creation, the influence of religion on politics, religious fundamentalism, as well as other topical social issues such as the role of women in society.
The audience were privy to witness a dialogue between these five religious leaders that was frank and open yet still respectful of the others’ point of view. It was an example of ‘unity in diversity’ without compromising one’s own belief or faith.
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