Sri Swamiji
Avadhoota Datta Peethadhipati Jagadguru Parama Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji was born at Mekedatu in southern India on May 26, 1942. A Muslim saint had predicted to Sri Swamiji’s parents (Sri Narasimha Sastry and Sri Jaya Lakshmi Mata) that their child would have supreme wisdom and knowledge and was destined to uplift mankind.
Sri Swamiji’s actual birth occurred on a rock in the Kaveri river. Sri Swamiji’s mother Jayalakshmi Mata was in deep meditation and the child was born covered with holy ash. The child was named Satyanarayana. Sri Swamiji’s mother, whom His Holiness calls his first Guru, initiated Him into spiritual life before her passing away in 1951. The Child, Satyanarayana completed his education like other children, but found that school had nothing to offer to Him. Sri Swamiji was endowed at birth with great knowledge and power. Even as a child, Sri Swamiji organized satsangs and taught bhajans to Sri Swamiji’s friends.
Sri Swamiji had been serving fellow humans, helping them with their problems since Sri Swamiji’s childhood. Through miraculous powers, Sri Swamiji was able to understand their situations, knew their past, present, and future and helped them to overcome difficulties. Some of them became Sri Swamiji’s first disciples who were soon to be followed by more. Sri Swamiji sang bhajans and kirtans for them and started giving yoga classes in small village huts or on river banks, while wandering the countryside as a monk. Sri Swamiji acquired a large following, which demanded all of his time and attention.
In 1966 Sri Swamiji moved to the present site of the Mysore Ashram on Ooty road, which in the early days was only a straw hut in a field. It was there, at Mysore, that Sri Swamiji became Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. Since then Sri Swamiji has been helping people in his unique way. People come to His Holiness for help with their worldly affairs, or to get healed of physical afflictions, or for guidance in their spiritual practice. Many come to hear Sri Swamiji’s beautiful and powerful songs, which draw the heart and mind to God or to celebrate the special festivals in the ancient and eternal vedic traditions.
Transformation of the mind is the greatest miracle, Sri Swamiji says. Innumerable devotees from all walks of life ranging from a peasant or a daily wage labourer to Heads of States and Government follow His Holiness and look forward to Sri Swamiji’s spiritual guidance for peace. Pujya Swamiji has inspired and encouraged thousands of devotees to start various socially beneficial activities such as educational institutions, relief to poor and Annadanam across the Globe. It is a matter of pride that such relief centers are functioning in Trinidad, Venezuela, Peru, Europe and of course in India.
Sri Swamiji is a great composer of Bhajans/songs. Sri Swamiji has written more than 2000 songs in Samskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi in praise of various deities. Sri Swamiji is endowed with a gifted voice. Sri Swamiji’s bhajan session enthralls a layman and a scholar alike. Sri Swamiji’s collection of poems, Sachchidananda Neeti Mala, Chutuku Sahitya, Vedanta Geetalu in Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu have been a beacon of light for seekers. They illustrate the essence of life in a very simple and lucid language. More than fifty albums containing speeches and Bhajans of Sri Swamiji have been published so far.
Dharma Prachaara (Self Consciousness)
Dharma is the eternal principle, which differentiates humans from other creatures and Dharma alone upholds the peaceful coexistence of various beings in the creation of God. Though many pantheons (different from each other) prevail universally, the principle remains the same. Lord Dattatreya, (Incarnation of the Trinity viz. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), has preached the essence of Universal Brotherhood - in the following simple sentences.” Do all such deeds to others, which you expect from others.” “Try to identify divinity in every being”. “Observe any object or creature, try to emulate the good in them or shun the evil aspects evident; you can always add value to your life”.
Espousing this great philosophy of our Sanatana Dharma, as preached by the first teacher of the universe - Lord Dattatreya, His Holiness Sri Swamiji has relentlessly toured the length and breadth of India, establishing various Ashramas (Branches of YogaSangeeta Sevas also called as Gnana Bodha Sabhas) in many states. Each Ashrama consists of a temple for Lord Dattatreya, Annapoorna Mandira (Free Feeding Hall), Community Hall for bhajans, prayers, meditation; a charitable clinic and important public utility activities. Till date, Pujya Swamiji has consecrated more than 80 branches in India including 16 Ashramas dedicated to the 16 incarnations of Lord Dattatreya; Datta Kasi; Datta Rameshwaram; 9 Kshetras dedicated to Navanathas; Sripadavallabha Anagha Datta Kshetram in Pithapuram (AP) dedicated to Sripadavallabha Swamy, the first incarnation of Datta in Kaliyuga and Sri Narasimha Saraswati Guru Paduka Kshetram dedicated to Swamy Narasimha Saraswati in Ganagapura (KA). Sri Swamiji’s mission has required him to undertake 83 foreign trips to many countries. In due course of time, His Holiness has established 15 centers abroad in UK, USA, Malaysia, Europe, Trinidad, Canada and Australia.
Viswa Manava Dharma
Most important feature of Sri Swamiji’s mission is to preach and make people realize the oneness in them. Thus Sri Swamiji always emphasizes the sentence – Practicing Humanity (Maanavataa) should be our motto. Accordingly, Sri Swamiji’s message has been widely appreciated in many communities of both eastern and western hemispheres. Therefore, nationality, creed, sect, caste and religion never meant a barrier for Sri Swamiji, across the globe. All community leaders, including High priests of Roman Catholic order, Granthis of various Gurudwaras, Imams, Jain Monks, Scholars and Intellectuals have welcomed His Holiness to their respective places, where Sri Swamiji’s discourses, sessions of Music for Meditation and Healing, Yoga classes and other beneficial activities have been conducted in countries such as Holland, Romania, England, USA etc…
Sri Swamiji’s generosity too has transcended all limitations of language, faith or region. Sri Swamiji is equally at ease while raising donations for the renovation of a cathedral in Romania, or for free feeding hurricane ravaged localities in US, or to rebuild ancient temples, or to provide stipend to impoverished students among Moslem brethren or to organize Orphanages in Peru and Trinidad. Sarva Dharma Samanvaya seminars and prayers by various communities in YogaSangeeta Sevas - are regular features of Sri Swamiji’s activities.
What Is Nada Chikitsa?
(curing Ailments Through Music)
Music is a force that unites Humanity the world over. Music has for centuries been known to have a pleasing appeal to both humans and animals. Music is a harmonizing factor in today's world which is full of conflicts and tensions. Transgressing man-made frontiers, Music sends the message of harmony, peace and brotherhood. Musical Ragas (Tunes) are said to help treatment of patients with afflictions of physical and mental nature, in certain conditions.
Parama Poojya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore, India, Himself a great Musician and a composer, has been conducting Spiritual Music Concerts for meditation and Healing (Nada Chikitsa) in India and many other countries in Europe, America and Caribbean Islands. Listening to His Healing and Meditation music in person, or to his many recordings, is the melodical medicine prescribed by Sri Swamiji for all ailments and conditions ranging from Coma to Cancer and migraine to mental depression.
Music Therapy
"The music therapy is combined with Ayurveda, Psychology, Gemenotherapy and Astrology" says Sri Swamiji. He further adds " I only effect a rapport between man and God, the supreme reality, with help coming from man himself in good measure. I attune man to God through belief and music. Once that results, body-consciousness vanishes gradually, and with that, affliction ceases to be experienced and ceases to exist. That is healing through Music and Meditation.
"There is no complication about it, once you are in tune with the 'modus operandi'. "Listen with your heart and not with your intellect" He insists, not without reason, for He is no purist composer or musician. Sri Swamiji's therapy lays stress on Ekagratha or concentration on the part of the Healer-Musician and listener. "Listening, " He says "is a special technique requiring Indriya nigraha or sense control." Cerebral sounds are aroused and long concentration on a Raga (tune) creates a healing effect on the listener. He Himself plays an synthesizer which produces the sounds of many instruments. He has opted for the synthesizer to reduce the number of accompanists in His concert troupe. The resounding synthesizer sets pace and the other instruments keep company, a melodious fusion sends the air.
"My way of rendering Music and Treatment of Ragas in general is not outside the frame of orthodox tradition. Music is considered as fourth "Upaveda", namely - Gandharva Veda, in addition to Dhanurveda, Ayurveda and Artha Shastra. I use devotional music as a means of spiritual energy transmission. Some Higher Force takes care of my process, once I decide to heal through Music. "Wara Shudhdhi" (Pure notes) is held in great veneration and is considered as standard of musical truth. Melody is the result of Swara Shudhdhi. There is clarity and pure energy is such a melody.
The principle underlying the concept of Musical Therapy is -"Physical health results from a healthy MIND. "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" (health lives in mind) is a well known dictum. It is common sense that an illness that tarts from within is graver and acute than what is contracted externally. If the mind can be kept tranquil and happy, being in the pink of physical health is a foregone conclusion. Music of the right type helps in achieving relaxation by soothing the nerves and through that, peace and stillness of mind. There are strong indications and even concepts in Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Sidha systems treatment that the mind of the patient be treated for physical ailments."
"At the present time, everybody likes music. One can meditate through music. We know so many stories about music. The 'puranas' say: The music even stimulates the flowers to give scent and also animals to give milk, and through music our diseases vanish. The melodious music, anyway all music is music, no problem, both the melodious tunes and soft melodies are especially effective; because each note corresponds to one nerve. Nowadays, so many people talk about healing music. Of course, automatically the sounds heal, but one must know how to operate, how to heal, which notes, which 'ragas' to choose and at what time to play them. So many people do not know. Some 'ragas', some tunes will hurt our heart and our mental state. Why? Because the tunes correspond to our nerves.
The knowledge about this is called 'Raga Ragini Vidya' or 'Siddhi Vidya'. I think you heard about the 'siddihis' of Indian saints. Many people only know about miracles. But miracles are only a part of the 'siddhis'. They are a kind of 'siddhi'. Christ also performed miracles, Shankaracharya also performed miracles, many others also performed miracles. They are one part of 'siddhi'. There are eight kind of 'siddhis'. Who has achieved the eight 'siddhis' is called a 'siddha purusa'. These 'siddhis' are required in order to heal through music. The music is without miracles, it gets tuned to our nervous system. The child is crying, if you keep on giving him sounds, the child automatically goes to sleep. There are particular tunes, particular 'ragas', also particular instruments. You know about flute, about violin, about tabla, there are so many instruments, like guitar, saxophone, each instrument has some qualities. When you join the instruments which nowadays is called orchestra, again you get a particular quality. You can compare each instrument with a doctor; some doctors are specialized for the nervous system, some for the stomach, some for the heart. A general doctor is called a physician. Like this, each instrument is specialized for different nervous systems.
What Is The Healing Now?
People will ask. One has to know about these qualities and one has to observe certain rules and regulations. Nowadays the science is developing very fast. All the instruments are combined in one synthesizer, it is an electronic instrument. This instrument is only a medium for Swamiji to reach another sphere. When Swamiji plays music people will be sitting calmly and concentrate on the sound. Then Swamiji gets easily access to their mind, you understand? Easily Swamiji's mental vibrations can reach people's mind and he can examine people's mind. I cannot explain how I do it, I can only explain the notes (plays some notes), but I cannot explain that 'siddhi' by which Swamiji gets access to your mind. Who will give that 'shakti'? I don't know. How can he use it for people: I don't know, simply I am using. If I cannot use it I am in pain, so I must use it, I must give it to some people. So, through people's concentration Swamiji finds the way to heal. Many people think that the music heals. Of course music helps, but it does not heal. The music supports Swamiji's 'siddhi'. The music helps Swamiji to enter your mind and tune it. If your sit for ten minutes your thoughts go astray. If Swamiji plays beautiful tunes, you will listen to them, you get mentally stable and strengthened. Then your are also looking to Swamiji, your sense organs are concentrated on one thing. At that time Swamiji gets access to your mind, your nervous system. He will examine: Oh, that person has some illness, this nervous system is disturbed, oh, this person wants some spiritual experience, this person wants some money, oh, yes, this person wants a job, this person wants health, oh, and this person wants a child, this person wants to get married. Like this Swamiji is examining. Of course, also without music Swamiji is examining, but the music helps Swamiji. Then Swamiji decides: ok, this person gets healing, or this person is unfit. Sometimes he is only witnessing, because he has no orders from Lord Datta, Lord Christ, Lord Buddha, they do not permit, Mother Goddess does not permit. Swamiji is only witnessing like a good friend, but he cannot help, because of your 'karma', because you must face your 'karma'."
His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji is the Pontiff of YogaSangeeta Sevas at Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama in Mysore, India.
Sri Swamiji is the greatest spiritual leaders of the present day, is an asset to India and the world at large. Revival of culture, reformation of society and establishing peace, happiness and universal brotherhood among mankind and transforming into godly men is His mission.
As a part of his mission Sri Swamiji started the Avadhootha YogaSangeeta Sevas nearly 45 years ago; built 77 Datta temples all over the world.
Discourse is the most ancient and efficient way of imparting knowledge to anyone, who has devotion and dedication. At YogaSangeeta Sevas, a devotee is blessed with many chances to participate in many activities to earn merit. But the best of them would always be the attention towards each word that Sadguru utters and digest them for benefit of not only individual but the universe on a whole. Each of the discourse is not only for the moment, but also, when ever recollected, gives a meaning and message on how to act at that instance of time.
Datta devotees are used to jot the speeches of their Holinesses Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and Sri Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji to finest of all the points being told and share them with peers.
A speech is an inspiration ! It is a medicine in despair ! it triggers the enlightenment from within ! So come and explore what is new today to learn !!
"Flowers are myriad - but Puja is one, Cows are many - but milk is the same
Languages are different - but the thought is one, Sounds are many - but the Rhythm is the same
Sadhanas are different - yet Mukti is one, Vedas are many - but Moksha is one
Namaroopas are different - yet God is the same, Lights are myriad - yet Jyoti is the same
Gurus appear many - yet He is only one."