Sri Swamiji at Bhakta Culture Center, Norwalk, California 9th Aug, 2008

You will be questioned by Yama (the God of death) - How many times you visited the Sadguru? How many times you chanted the names of God? How much charitable activity you have done? Everything is registered in his computer. Many people say that they have no time. They believe ‘Work is Worship’. They don’t believe God and Guru. Their statements are only grammatically correct, not realistically. Such people are really losers because they are giving meaningless statements! Statements without purity! Because God is not eating the coconut you offered to him. You are making a sweet or chutney out of it for yourself. God does not smell the fragrance of flowers you offered Him. You are only enjoying it. He has not taken anything you gave? Why are you blaming Him for your actions? If you have built a temple, it is for your merit, not for Him. If you have given away everything in charity, it is for your merit, not for Him. He will assess both, your good and bad actions. While He gives you merit for your good actions, you cannot escape His wrath for your sinful actions. MERIT IS MERIT. SIN IS SIN. The two accounts are separate. You cannot tip God to escape the punishment of the sin. Don’t mix up. However, if you are faithful, He will support you in this endeavor. So, don’t demand or claim. Remain silent and ever worshipful. You must face your Karma. Don’t expect anything. Don’t hate. Don’t hesitate to do service. Don’t quarrel. No friendship is permanent. Nature is our eternal friend. Learn to listen and communicate with the nature. You are never alone in your journey. The nature is with you at all times. Communicate your feelings to flowers, clouds, sky, sun, moon, air and sounds. Align with the nature and be in bliss at all times.

Sri Swamiji at Bhakta Culture Center, Norwalk, California 9th Aug, 2008

“We are going on a holiday for 15 days. We want to pack our things. We say we are busy packing just a few things. Imagine how much packing of MERIT we need for the long journey to Atma Gnana. We are traveling to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. We must carry the merit with us. Satsang is like packing. Our journey to earth is only a transit. Get prepared for the long journey soon. Chanting the names is like balance in the credit card. If your card doesn’t have enough money, you have to work again to earn more. Similarly, Vishnu will see the balance of merit on your life card and decide about your rebirth, back to work again. So, realize this and utilize the body for a spiritual progress to avoid rebirth. Satsang will improve your bank balance."

Sri Swamiji at Bhakta Culture Center, Norwalk, California 9th Aug, 2008

Many people ask the question, “What is my duty? Why this problem for me? I have done so much to God. I have done no mistakes. I was always a good person. Then why am I facing such troubles? What should I do to avoid this?” The answer is, “Your duty is to remain silent. Practice silence. Face the good and bad of life courageously. Don’t ask the question to God. Ask it to yourself. Don’t blame God, Guru or Astrologer. Blame yourself. Look to your inner self. Make the inner journey. There lies the answer to all your questions. You are a complex planet with body, mind, Indriyas (sense organs) and soul (Jeevatma). The body is temporary like the part of a rocket. It withers away and merges with the Pancha Bhootas (five elements). It has to be left over. One day you must give it up. So use this body for seeking Atma Gnana (knowledge of self). Spend 50% of your time to attain Atma Gnana and another 50% for body care and needs. Atma Gnana is a very long journey.”

Sri Swamiji Indian Independence Day Celebrated at Hawaii - 15th August, 2008

"Today, we are celebrating the 62nd Independence Day of India. We are in Hawaii; we are remembering our divine motherland India on this occasion. Today is also the Hawaii state formation day. Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America, on this day. What a great coincidence! Every species, everybody and everything in this universe wants to be in a state of freedom. We are all governed by the laws of Nature; however we have a definite role to play in the society as embodiments of the divine. The concept of freedom is essentially close to the understanding of spiritual wisdom. Scriptures and seers talk about freedom of the Jeevatman. This body is essentially composed of the five elements and is perishable. The true spirit in every being is essentially a reflection of the Paramatman. The concept of freedom therefore is not only relating to the physical level but also the spiritual level. The platform for this body, mind and the spirit is this planet earth. We must therefore protect this planet just like we protect our body. This freedom at all levels can be achieved only by constant practice and renunciation i.e. placing the interest of the nation above personal interest. The Indian Tricolour clearly teaches us this aspect. The saffron color reminds us about the sacrifice given by many great souls to achieve this freedom. The white color reflects peace and tranquility and the green color reflects prosperity. The wheel in the center of the flag represents the DHARMA CHAKRA, the path of righteousness. Let us salute to the tricolor in all humility and gratitude and pledge to ourselves that we shall strive for the sake of our country. No freedom will be useful unless it is based on the tenets of Dharma. One must practice righteous living and make effective use of the freedom that has been blessed on us. Swamiji blesses all the resident Indians, non-resident Indians on this occasion and also all the Hawaiians. This beautiful Hawaiian land attained its statehood, on this day. America is a beautiful nation, a land of celestial beings- Gandharvas. Swamiji is very happy that a concert will take place here on Sunday. Swamiji blesses Kailasha, who put in all efforts to set up this stage for the flag hoisting.