Sri Premananda Centres Swami Premananda created Centres and Groups worldwide so that everyone can benefit from his teachings. “I would like to show everybody the correct path in life. Let spirituality and bhakti (devotion) spread, let everybody have peace of mind, let righteousness flourish and let all the people who are around us have a good life. Let the people have contact with each other through Sri Premananda Centres, Groups and Youth Groups.” In the Centres and Groups everyone has the opportunity to gather together, to practise spiritual activities, organize service projects, listen to Swami Premananda’s words and exchange ideas. You can get information about the social, spiritual and other activities of the Ashram. You are very welcome to join in the activities of the Sri Premananda Centres and Groups.
ABISHEKAM: This is the ritual washing of a statue followed by dressing and decoration. Every stage and details of the ceremony is symbolic of the stages in spirituality and the inner, divine life. Swami Premananda has said that to be present at these rituals brings relief from physical pain and mental problems. Abishekam also brings about an increase in spiritual awareness and helps to develop concentration and meditation. "I am teaching many spiritual activities to you all. One of them is Abishekam. Performing and attending these rituals brings much benefit to you. Divine Shakti (energy) enters you. Through these rituals you will experience a peaceful life and inner contentment. You can feel this beneficial energy." BHAJANS: devotional songs about the qualities of the Divine. Before Abishekam we always sing seven bhajans: for Ganesha, the Guru, Shiva, Amman (Divine Mother), Lord Muruga, Rama and Krishna. You can listen and sing along with some bhajans on the Audio page. LINGAM: Linga means symbol of sign. It represents Shiva, the great God of the universe. The Lingam we perform Abishekam for in the Sri Premananda Centres, is a stone with the form of an egg and has been manifested through Swami Premananda's mouth in the night of Mahashivaratri. After the Abishekam the people receive a lingam blessing whereby the lingam is placed on the forehead for some seconds. More information about Lingams can be found on the Mahashivaratri page. MANTRA: sacred formula or prayer. In the spiritual tradition of the path of devotion (bhakti marga), on of the most important disciplines is chanting of the divine name. MEDITATION: short meditation are organised at the end of the program. In some centres special meditation evenings are organised. "You must attain great peace in life through meditation. Through peace you will reach Atma Shanti (the highest peace that is our true nature). Mental worries, anger, jealousy and ego can be reduced and a higher spiritual state can be reached through meditation. I teach meditation not only to those who want enlightenment. I teach meditation to all so that they will first know peace. Then they will enjoy a good and fulfilled life and permanent happiness through meditation." POOJA: worship of a form of the Divine by performing a small ritual. SATSANG: means literally "being together in truth". It also means being together with a spiritual master and listen to his teachings, or satsang refers to the speech itself. During satsang we read a satsang of Swami Premananda and talk about our own experience and ideas related to the subject. "Through my satsangs I give you divine knowledge. At the same time I want you to reach permanent happiness. Through this happiness you will not become tense or fearful and negative energy will not touch you. I will take care that only good energy is around you. SERVICE ACTIVITIES: such as distributing food to homeless people, visiting of elderly or lonely people, participating at flee markets to rise funds for charity,... "Do good service to others in any way you can but do not expect any rewards or personal satisfaction. If you perform your service without wanting anything for yourself that is selfless service. Do your service joyfully. Do as much as you can with effort and sincerity. Do your duty and keep your mind free and happy." STATUES: Swami has given statues of Hindu gods to the Sri Premananda Centres, such as Ganesha, Amman (Divine Mother), Krishna, Muruga. Worshipping God in one of His forms, helps to realise the divine inside of you. "Meditate on the form which you like the most. It is good to place it in your heart - but try to keep it there! I will guide you to discover the form that is most suitable for you and which will help you to reach your spiritual goals. I will show you how to worship and meditate on your chosen form." SWAMI PREMANANDA For the programs of this month, see PROGRAMS To contact the Sri Premananda Centre in your country, see ADDRESS LIST |
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