The Heart of Yoga With Shree Swamiji

The Spiritual Heart of Yoga

At Barsana Dham, under the Divine guidence of H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, (Shree Swami Ji) we learn about the spiritual heart of yoga.

The spiritual heart of yoga is the recognition that we are not only physical beings. We have a Divine energy within us. Yog helps us to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. It gives us clarity of thought and peace of mind. The spiritual essence of yog helps us to experience fulfillment because our inner self is longing for perfect happiness. At Barsana Dham we learn what that happiness is and how to find it.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, Shree Swamiji, says that the Sanskrit word bhakti comes from a root word which means to serve. The word yog comes from a root word that means to join. So, through bhakti yog we develop our feelings of love and relationship with God. Bhakti is the heart of all true yoga because the word yoga itself means union of the heart and mind with God. Barsana Dham hosts workshops and retreats on hatha yog and yogic breathing processes for enhancing physical well being. But on a more important and deeper level, it teach about the nature of the soul, cosmic energy (maya) and God.

Bhakti is the heart of all spiritual practices and all true religions. Shree Swamiji says that Opening of the heart and the loving aspect of devotion is the essence of true spirituality.

It’s very valuable to understand that the Bliss of God, God’s love, can be experienced by anyone. Learning how to become receptive to experience that love is something very special. Barsana Dham, through its retreats, intend to guide a person to experience for themselves what already exists within their own heart. Because the chants that are sung at Barsana Dham are imbued with Divine love and Graced by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj they are very special. That Divine love can be experienced by anyone who is open to receive it.

Barsana Dham retreats and satsang programs help us to develop our positive potential and to gain a deeper and enriched understanding and experience of God’s love. In English, the word God is not clearly defined, but in Sanskrit there are many, many words for the single Supreme Divinity, which has uncountable Divine powers and Divine aspects. Specifically, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati teaches about the supreme power of God – the power of Divine love, and how to experience that love in our lives. This philosophy explains how to live a spiritual life so that our practice is not just an intellectual study or physical experience.

When we trace the yog practices that we see prevalent in the Western world back to their original source, we find they were part of a greater system that was spiritual. The lectures of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati reconsile and explain how all the true teachings of the original masters of various practices and religions from India are part of one greater whole.

Barsana Dham, by holding satsang programs and retreats on yoga, is a multifaceted, precious spiritual resource. The Workshops, intensives and retreats are regularly held at the ashram. The Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple established at Barsana Dham is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. Inside the temple meditation hall a natural depiction of the sky and a decorated shrine provide a serene atmosphere for meditation. Large glass windows look out over the lotus pond fountains and 200 acres of beautiful Texas hill country on which Barsana Dham is established.

(Used with permission from Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Barsana Dham. © 2002-2009. All rights reserved.)

Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin

The Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin

Barsana Dham – the Beautiful US Ashram of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

Author: Joe Cline

Most expect that to be able to see a true Hindu temple you would have to travel to . . . well . . . India, or at least a country in which Hinduism is a more dominant religion. But that’s not necessarily true. Throughout the years, as immigration has become more common, Hindu temples have been erected wherever believers have settled, including in America, including in Texas.

The Barsana Dham is located just south of Austin in the hill country. It was built in 1990 and today is the main U.S. center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a holy man in Hinduism born in 1922 in Mangarh village. It is said that all who saw his sweet smile and serene look loved Jagadguru Kripaul Parishat from the start. His virtues and intelligence were lauded from a young age, particularly when, at age 14, he traveled to Indore to study Sanskrit literature and mastered every topic he chose to tackle. At age 16, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat finished school and took up his Divine nature. He spent the rest of his life, which continues on today, teaching the people of India and all who would listen about his beliefs and ideals as a divine and devout Hindu man.

In 1990, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat gave his blessing for the creation of Barsana Dham. It was designed on a 200-acre property to be a representation of the holy land of Braj, where Shree Radha Rani and Shree Krishn appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Those who visit it are meant to take from the Temple and its surroundings a sense of serenity and calm that often cannot be found in the outside world. It is also hoped that visitors will walk away having learned of the knowledge of the Vedas, the Gita and the Bhagwatam, as well as the process of divine love consciousness, the energy Hindus believe unites one man’s soul with the Supreme God.

Every year, all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated at Barsana Dham in the traditional style. For example, in September, Radha Ashtmi is celebrated. This is a day commemorating when Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani descended into Barsana. The celebration begins with chanting of the leelas and virtues of the goddess, followed by more chanting and praying and a prepared lunch. It is a day in which many in the United States come to celebrate, just as all of the other Hindu festivals are from Mela Fair to Maha Shivrati to Jhulan Leela.

Truly, Barsana Dham is not a place to be missed when you are in Austin, regardless of whether you are there for religious or simply tourist purposes. But do be aware that the visiting hours are compact; general visiting is only permitted between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., daily. At those times, all may visit the holy places, view the temple architecture and take in the beautiful culture living within the site. At other times of the day, holy services are taking place and it is requested that general visitors not roam the grounds.

About the Author:

About the Author:

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas REALTOR. Other articles written by the author related to Austin REMAX Realtor Blog and Austin Real Estate Agent can be found on the net.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin

Barsana Dham

Barsana Dham Evacuee Guests

Visitors to Barsana Dham, speaking about their time there.

IKE Carumba! Millions Flee. Barsana Dham Austin Provides shelter…

Full Article: Barsana Dham Temple Shelters Hurricane Ike Evacuees: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/09/prweb1329894.htm

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 13, 2008 – More than 150 people from Houston and the coastal area evacuated to the Barsana Dham temple located in northwest Hays County.

“The founder of the temple, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, tells us that one of the main principles of our Hindu faith is service,” said Prabhakari Devi, Vice President of Barsana Dham.

While the evacuees are predominantly of Indian descent and the Hindu faith, Barsana Dham is opening its doors to anyone seeking shelter during the hurricane evacuation.

Barsana Dham members are volunteering their time to provide meals specific to the Indian culture, hosting games, yoga classes, and other activities and holding traditional Hindu services.

Subesh Mehta of Pearland, Texas is one of the evacuees finding safe shelter at Barsana Dham.

Founded in 1990 by H. D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, the Barsana Dham Temple and ashram complex serves as a national center of the Hindu faith in the United States and is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. With more than 1,200 members, Barsana Dham is active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of hospital operations oversees.

Full article and coverage of Barsana Dham’s Hurrican Ike Relief Initiative:
www.prweb.com/releases/2008/09/prweb1329894.htm

Over a MILLION people are without shelter. What are we going to do about it? Simple….IMPROV SHOW!!!! hey, laughter’s the best medicine, right?

www.thetruehistoryandthereligionofindia.org/th_links.htm

(Read about Barsana Dham’s Bihar Relief Fund)

Last evening I had the great delight to attend an inspiring and unique evening performance of an Improv show hosted by K.I.T.E., Kids Interactive Theatre Ensemble on the lovely grounds of Highland Hall Waldorf school in Northridge, CA. The reason I feel compelled to write about this evening is because of unique attributes that as a theatre lover I have never experienced before. This group of talented child actors were joined by a group of adult professionals, but the uniqueness didn’t stop there. It was less than a week prior to the performance that company founders Mark and Hara Lewis decided to mount the production.

Why? As members of JKP Barsana Dham in Austin Texas, they felt a passionate call to respond to the urgent plea issued from their foundation for contributions to the Bihar India flood disaster. Barsana Dham not only supports disaster victims in India but is currently housing close to 200 guests during hurricane Ike. It would seem that their founder, Swami Prakashanand Sarawati has a motto, “Turn no one away!” The Lewis’ wanted to find a way to raise funds to contribute to the JKP Foundation, dedicated to helping disaster victims. With three kids of their own to raise, their hearts were bigger than their pocket books so the family put on their thinking caps and came up with the idea of an impromptu Improv show! In less than one week, they gathered adult and child actors from across the city to come together and donate their time to rehearse and perform the show as a fundraising event for the disaster victims. They worked round the clock for 5 days straight, organizing, promoting and rehearsing. It was this clever invitation that I got via email that made it irresistible for me to attend. It said in part, “Over a MILLION people are without shelter. What are we going to do about it? Simple….IMPROV SHOW!!!! hey, laughter’s the best medicine, right?

When we arrived at the outdoor amphitheater we were met with a striking and artistic display of powerful photographs, beautifully crafted by their talented 12 year old, Rose Lewis. The teasing patter of Hara Lewis who acted as MC for the evening drew us into her world of magical fun while subtly and simultaneously raising our consciousness about the altruistic cause behind the scene. The kids in the KITE company seemed to range in age from about 9 – 15 years and worked together with joyful camaraderie, wonderful imaginations and an uncanny lack of self-consciousness. This was followed in Act II with a company of 5 adult professional improv performers that left us with some memorable chuckles. The great finale was when the kids and adults came together and in the final scene poked fun at the school system itself. Both Rose and Grace Lewis performed in the troop while 7 year old Judah, the youngest, helped out with the raffle. Not only was the show great medicine for my own heart because of my now more educated compassion for the victims in India, the impending hurricane Ike and the unexpected train crash in LA, but I felt by attending that I was actually able to do something myself, to make a contribution where it mattered. If I had to describe the evening in one word I would have to say, “Spiritual.”

Thank you Lewis family and thank you Swami Prakashanand Sarawati and JKP Barsana Dham Foundation for reaching all the way to LA to inspire us with an opportunity give back some of our own good fortune.

www.jkp.org

Barsana Dham’s Bihar Relief Campaign for Flood Victims

http://www.barsanadham.org/2008-Bihar_Relief_Campaign.html

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Janeshwari Devi
JKP, Barsana Dham
400 Barsana Rd.
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 288-7180

Bihar Relief Campaign Undertaken by Barsana Dham, the US Ashram of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati
September 5, 2008, Austin, TX – JKP Foundation at Barsana Dham, Austin, TX has begun the “Bihar Relief Campaign” to further the relief efforts in India of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj recently presented BJP President, Rajnath Singh with a check for Rs 2 crore ($448,000) to help those affected by the severe flooding that is devastating the northeastern Indian state of Bihar. Barsana Dham has an immediate fundraising goal of $150,000.

The urgent need for aid of all types continues to grow as many of the relief camps are already strained to the limit with more and more people streaming in by the hour. Though difficult to predict at this stage, the number could grow to 20 million in the days and weeks ahead as the full extent of the disaster is assessed by relief organizations.

The need for monetary aid represents a humanitarian opportunity to help for those who enjoy the abundance of modern life in America. Now is the time for each one of us to extend our support to those in Bihar who need it the most.

JKP, Barsana Dham, a non-profit, religious, educational and charitable organization established in Austin, TX by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, regularly undertakes philanthropic causes for the benefit of the disadvantaged in India. Visit the website to contribute to this cause:
www.BarsanaDham.org .

For information on how you can expand this effort call Barsana Dham at (512) 288-7180 x307. Donations are fully tax deductible. 100% of funds collected will be sent to India to assist the people of Bihar.

More info: www.thetruehistoryandthereligionofindia.org/th_links.htm