February 7th/8th 2011
Vasanta Panchami

Blessed Self and Adorable Soul,

On the auspicious occasion of invoking the goddess of learning, music and arts, the beatific Saraswati, I wish you a new momentum in your arduous studies, meditation exercises and artistic expressions. This occasion is celebrated on the fifth day of the Sanskrit month of māgha according to the Vedic soli-lunar calendar.

This significant day for meditation is also a day for reflection, beholding our baby Swamahiman. The Nonprofit completed five full calendar years on New Year’s Eve just over a month ago. Emulating the graceful legacy of Saraswati, Swamahiman is disseminating precious teachings on meditation, peace chants, fine arts and musicology from the authentic Sanskrit tradition. Together we have succeeded in preserving the source and are on the verge of putting together high quality educational publications based on the Sanskrit originals. This calls for repose and resolve to continue nurturing our five-year-old baby Swamahiman who is striving to take on an independent personality embellished every moment by your service and love.

This preservation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge is related to binding the spirit and putting the spirit out there. Herein the service we embrace is more about the quality of grace rather than the counting of numbers. We obviously rejoice in the fellowships at esteemed venues, many of which were attended by elected officials, dignitaries, distinguished members of society along with devotees from all walks of life. Special events combining exquisite music, classical dance, sublime recitation and peace chants in Sanskrit with teachings on meditation and wellness were a big draw for seekers. In addition, reputed institutions and universities have been inviting Swamahiman to their own forums.

In just five years, Swamahiman has acquired rare Sanskrit manuscripts of ancient philosophies, collected rare meditative arts and undertaken several Vedic fire ceremonies for world peace, as part of its offering to the community. Publications on spiritual philosophy and recordings of peace chants are now coming to the forefront as Swamahiman is able to proclaim its independent personality and articulate its sweet voice accentuated by divine glimpses of mystic wonder.

To this effect, we are creating special projects which will enable us to publish comprehensive chanting archives of Sanskrit hymns covering all four principal Veda and surviving branches of sublime recitation. While building upon its own strength by teaching wellness, wellbeing and meditation practices, Swamahiman is beginning to live up to its promise and is even supporting several genuine humanitarian organizations.

I take this opportunity to share with you the Swamahiman fellowship program of 2011 including the upcoming Wellness Workshop on May 14 & 15 illuminating Ayurvedic nuances of nadi, agni and soma covered along with the yoga-vinyasa posture sequences.

Your kindness and charity to your very own fledgling Nonprofit and your enthusiastic participation will give much-needed support for Swamahiman to offer authentic teachings through unique fellowships.

With my abounding holy blessings,

Swami Vidyadhishananda