July 2-5: -- Vraj, Pennsylvania

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (Muniji) and Pujya Sant Shri Rameshbhai Oza (Bhaiji) graced the land of Vraj, Pennsylvania with their holy presences. There was a 5 day Shibir (camp) organized by Vraj Temple and Shri Hasu Shah in which Pujya Bhaiji and Pujya Swamiji gave pravachan (lectures), blessings, darshan and question-answer sessions. On July 5, Guru Purnima, there was a special, holy Guru Purnima celebration. 

Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Bhaiji give their darshan and inspiring words in the Tapovan at Vraj

July 5: -- Rishikesh, India: 

Although Pujya Swamiji was in America, Guru Purnima was celebrated with great joy, piety and gaiety at Parmarth Niketan. First, there was a special puja in honor of the founding fathers of Parmarth Niketan, including His Holiness Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, His Holiness Pujya Swami Bhaganandji Maharaj, and His Holiness Pujya Swami Dharmanandji Maharaj. This was followed by a six-day continuous recitation of Ram Charit Manas Patha, under the guidance of Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Swami Asanganandji Maharaj. The celebrations culminated with divine bhajan sandhya on the 6th night. 

Six days after Guru Purnima also marks the 36th Anniversary of the Nirvana (Maha samadhi) day of Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. 

The acharyas and rishikumars from the gurukul performed the puja and other rituals. 

July 8: -- New Jersey: 

July: -- Rishikesh, India: 

Yoga Teacher's Training Camp was held in which nearly 50 student teachers came to the holy banks of Mother Ganga and the lap of the sacred Himalayas to learn the ancient science of teaching yoga. There was training in the 8 limbs of yoga (ashtanga yoga) including the detailed study of asanas, pranayama, kriyas, and dhyan. 

July 9: -- Princeton, New Jersey: 

Pujya Swamiji gave a special lecture program for the Princeton students who had come to Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh in March (see March update for details). 

July 15-16: - Louisville, Kentucky

 Pujya Swamiji gave a beautiful lecture on the Power of Mantra at the Hindu Temple of Kentucky. 


July 21-August 5 - London

Pujya Swamiji was in London for two weeks, gracing everything ranging from people's homes, to weddings, to Kathas, to youth programs, with His presence and blessings.  

	From July 26-August 4 was the special Hindu Youth Festival organized by the youth of the UK. During the day, Pujya Bhaiji delivered katha and in the evenings there were special cultural, educational and spiritual programs for the youth. Pujya Swamiji gave pravachan during the katha, as well as gave a special lecture for the youth on the importance of the 16 Sanskaras.
Pujya Swamiji places sacred tilak on Pujya Bhaiji on the opening day of the Bhagwat Katha

On August 1, there was a special release of Pujya Swamiji's new book, Grace in the Home: Wisdom for All Ages. The book was printed by Garavi Gujarat Publications, the same wonderful devoted people who printed Pujya Swamiji's famous book, Drops of Nectar. For more information about obtaining a copy of either of theses books, or for more information about His various publications, 
Click here 

August 5-6: - Columbia, South Carolina
Pujya Swamiji spent 2 days in Columbia at the Academic Headquarters of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism. The project is progressing rapidly and excellently. 

August 11: - Pittsburgh

Back "home" at the Hindu-Jain temple of which Pujya Swamiji is the founder, inspiration and Spiritual Head, He gave a special Janmashtami pravachan and graced the beautiful ceremony with His presence. 

Pujya Swamiji delivers beautiful pravachan on Janmasthami	Pujya Swamiji performs aarti to the "newborn" (yet always born) Bhagwan Krishna at midnight with Smt. Krishna Sharma and Smt. Sarita Singh.

August 12: - Toronto:  
At the home of divine soul Smt. Nalini Lall, there was a beautiful Janmasthami program. "Usually people go to temple to celebrate Janmasthami," Pujya Swamiji said. "Yet, here they have made their home a temple." In His inspiring and moving lecture, He spoke about how God will come to us if we are pure and devoted. "No packaging, no frills are necessary," He said. He used examples of the glamorous Shurpanakha (Ravana's sister)  who - despite her beauty and packaging - was rejected by the Lord, and divine Shabri, who - with no makeup, no glamour - was so pure that God Himself came to her house. He assured us that we must simply purify our hearts and dedicate our lives and then Bhagwan Krishna will take birth in our hearts.

August 12: - Rishikesh, India:  
Janmasthami was celebrated with traditional joy at Pujya Swamiji's ashram, Parmarth Niketan, although He was physically present in Canada. Honorable Justice Shri Ashok Desai, the Chief  Justice of Uttranchal was the Chief Guest. In addition to a special dance-drama of "Meera Madhura," there was also a planting of sacred Rudraksh trees on the ashram premises.  

August 13: - Kitchener, Ontario:  
At the home of divine soul Shri Chandra Singh, there was a beautiful Pravachan and Bhajan program in which Pujya Swamiji enthralled the audience with both His divine song as well as with His enlightening talk.

August 14: - Detroit:  
At the home of Smt. Madhvi and Shri Viresh Doshi, Pujya Swamiji gave a beautiful question-answer session in which He gave divine answers to the numerous questions raised by adults, youth, Indians and non-Indians. Several people in the audience commented on Pujya Swamiji's remarkable ability to "give answers which speak to every single individual person sitting in the audience, regardless of age, religion or cultural background."

Upcoming Events

August 16-27::  Dharma Yatra across the Caribbean and USA. Pujya Swamiji will travel with His Holiness Sri Shankaracharyaji Divyanand Teerth Maharaj and other Dharma Gurus, spreading the message of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam and bringing the inspiration and wisdom of India to thousands of people. 

August 18-31::  Hatha Yoga training camp at Parmarth Niketan. Write to Parmarth@aol.com to reserve your place

September 7-17: Dharma Yatra across Europe and Russia. Pujya Swamiji will travel with His Holiness Sri Shankaracharyaji Divyanand Teerth Maharaj and other Dharma Gurus, spreading the message of Vasudaiv Kutumbakam and bringing the inspiration and wisdom of India to thousands of people. 

September 15-October 15: Purushottam Mas - A month full of special, divine activities. Pandit Shri Madan Mohan Shastriji will be delivering a month-long Bhagwat Katha At Parmarth Niketan. Write to Parmarth@aol.com to reserve your place.