Malaysia Sadhana Shibiram 2025

“How Spirituality enhances Performancial Excellence” (April 19-20)
– 2-day interactive workshop in Signature Hotel.

How Spirituality enhances Performancial Excellence

2-day Workshop (19 and 20 April)

Thirty-one participants – a mix of young entrepreneurs, professionals and retirees attended this vibrant workshop held in Signature Hotel hall. During the first morning session, Nutan Swamiji had an in-depth discussion about what the real meaning of the word “spirituality” is and what is meant by “performancial excellence”. The afternoon session was an energetic group discussion on the participants’ renewed understanding of spirituality, relating their own experiences in facing challenges. This was followed by a presentation of the discussions and a lively Q & A session.

The second day continued with further clarifications by Nutan Swamiji on how each interaction can become an opportunity for our own growth towards fulfilment. The succeeding Q & A session brought forth various questions on professional challenges which were astutely answered by Swamiji. Feedback from participants indicated that they had undergone a profound shift in their perspective about an enriching and successful life. They also specified that they have grasped how spirituality can be used as an integral instrument towards achieving excellence in any field of life.

Morning classes were engaging and interactive.

Enlightened Living

Residential Retreat based on Bhagavad Gita (24 – 27 April)

Nineteen participants attended the 4-day Residential Retreat. For the first time, participants were hosted in the recently inaugurated Atithi Niketan, adjacent to SIRD. Mornings started with thirty minutes of silent sitting session followed by morning prayers. For the silent sitting, Nutan Swamiji had asked us not to look for anything but to sit effortlessly, using the mantra “Let Go”.

After breakfast, was the morning interactive session with Nutan Swamiji. In the beginning, Swamiji explained in detail the difference between religious practices and spiritual sadhana. Religious practices are generally based on the belief in the concept of some external God, whereas spirituality starts with looking inward to discover God or the ultimate Truth within oneself. Swamiji emphasized that since God has to be experienced within, the whole sadhana in spirituality rests on purifying our own mind to make it “Godly”.

Guided Meditation on concluding day of the Retreat (April 27).

The morning sessions continued with Sri Aravindanji’s shloka recitation class, enjoyed by everyone. SIRD hall reverberated with melodious chorus of the enthusiastic participants.

Afternoons were spent on personal introspection based on what we learnt in the morning class, followed by group discussion. The next session was the sublime reading and inspired discussion on portions selected by Sadhika Miru.

Why We Need Bhagavad Gita (25 – 27 April)

The 3-day interactive series on Bhagavad Gita, open to all seekers, was also the evening session for Retreat participants. On the first day, Nutan Swamiji clarified the complementary role of non-interactional sadhana (like meditation, contemplation, etc.) and interactional sadhana (cultivating yoga attitude and introspection during any interaction).

The second day started with Swamiji reiterating the wholesome purification that results from interactional sadhana. While meditational sadhana is limited in time, interactional sadhana extends spiritual pursuit to every moment of our wakeful hours. The goal is to live as a seeker of Truth, always aware of one’s own true Identity. Whatever is the goal of meditation, the seeker must live in the awareness of that goal in and through every action and interaction.

Nutan Swamiji pointed out that the fundamental hindrance to living in this awareness comes from rāga-dvesha – we cling to what we like and we are intolerant about what we do not like. Subsequently, Swamiji gave a thorough explanation of verses 3.42 and 43 of Bhagavad Gita showing how to get rid of the rāga-dvesha clutches.

On day 3, Swamiji’s clear and powerful message was to cultivate an expansive, non-possessive and simple mindset while interacting with the world. This is done by constant practice of introspection until the intelligence gets refined and subtle so that the supreme Truth of our true identity dawns in it. Viveka keeps us focused within and gives rise to vairagya reducing the outward pull and distraction caused by the world.

The three incredible days of this discourse series took everyone step-by-step to realize the importance of doing sadhana every moment of the day, to recognize the deterrents to achieving this goal and to know about the practical methods to overcome them.

“Self-effort – Relevance of Four Purusharthas Today” –
Enlightening full-day programme for Young Adults (May 01).

Self-effort – and the Four Purusharthas

Youth Programme (May 01)

The one-day workshop organized by SIRD youth was attended by twenty-four keen participants, most of them being young professionals. Swamiji started the session by explaining that the word purushartha means whatever is to be gained by our self-effort (paurusha).

He explained how the four purusharthas – namely dharma, artha, kāma and moksha – are interlinked, and also, how they are related to the four phases of life (ashramas) – Brahmacharya, Gārhasthya, Vānaprastha and Sannyasa. Swamiji emphasized that Dharma (the fundamental law of sustenance) learnt in Brahmacharya must remain the ground for earning artha (prosperity) and fulfilling the righteous desires (kāma). Once the righteous desires are fulfilled, one is supposed to take to renunciation to walk the path towards freedom. Although we are born slaves to the world, our scriptures want us to become liberated before the body falls.

Nutan Swamiji’s introductory words were followed by presentations from members of SIRD’s youth satsang group guided by Dr Swarna. They focused on the relevance of the four purusharthas in different aspects of their daily lives. Each presentation gave clearer insights into the challenges faced by young adults, specifying the importance of the knowledge of purusharthas in overcoming their challenges. While the youngsters described their daily challenges honestly, Nutan Swamiji listened to them intently, providing valuable guidance every time.

The afternoon session was group discussion on how to use their newly gained perspective to overcome challenges they may face while navigating their daily life. The scenarios prepared by SIRD youth were stimulating as well as pertinent to the current variegated modern world. The discussion was followed by presentation from each group. While each group gave very interesting answers, other participants expressed candidly. This triggered vibrant discussions on how to employ spiritual vision to effectively overcome challenges in life. Swamiji witnessed the presentations and discussions, providing his own valuable insights.

Overall, the participants were truly happy that they gained significant new perspectives from the thought-provoking and relevant workshop. Additionally, some of the new participants expressed interest in joining the SIRD youth satsang in future.

Energizing the body and mind - evening walks at the nearby park.

Expressing gratitude to ‘Kalvi Maiyam’ Teachers (3 May)

In conjunction with Nutan Swamiji’s visit, a special programme was conducted in appreciation of the sincere and dedicated service of all “Kalvi Maiyam” volunteer teachers. Kalvi Maiyam, SIRD’s latest societal initiative, has been running for 7 months now. (Report on page 38). In his inspiring address to the thirty-three teachers who attended the event, Nutan Swamiji reminded that education is the most important aspect of civilization. He particularly spoke about the values and characteral qualities lovingly imparted in Gurukula system of education in India. Teachers had a very special position and responsibility in making the society value-oriented.

Teachers also shared their fond experiences in guiding small children patiently through Kalvi Maiyam. They expressed gratitude to have been given the opportunity to serve through this initiative. Each of the teachers was given a special gift and prasada by Swamiji. Then, all present were served food in SIRD Annakshetra.

Interactive Satsangs (21, 22, 30 April & 02 May 2025)

Four interactive satsangs held during this Sadhana Shibiram answered many questions from newcomers and devotees. Each evening, Swamiji would begin by gathering all the questions for the session. Then, he would beautifully answer every questioner in an interconnected and comprehensive manner. Each session brought many valuable insights not only to the questioner but also to everyone present.

The answer to some of the questions in the last two interactive satsangs made a deep imprint in the minds of SIRD members. Nutan Swamiji emphasized the value of austerity and renunciation without which spirituality loses all its brilliance and transformative power. Quoting Upanishads, Swamiji thundered that true courage and inner strength come only from austerity and renunciation.

Explaining verses 15,16 & 17 from Chapter 17 of Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji explained the three-fold austerity to win over rāga-dvesha and become the master of our lower tendencies. Also, he explained verse 67 of chapter 18, where Krishna warns that his instruction is not to be imparted to those who lack the requisite austerity and devotion. Swamiji urged SIRD devotees to keep the SIRD Centre charged by their own austerity and sacrifice.

Nutan Swamiji continued to unequivocally stress that a true seeker can never become complacent. Instead, a seeker will continue to rid his mind of grossness and indulgence in order to progress on the spiritual path. Swamiji’s closing satsang struck a deep chord in the heart of SIRD devotees. It is now imperative for each of us to do the requisite introspection and understand where we are becoming complacent; also, to be sincere and attentive to accept our lapses.

Concluding Satsang (4 May)

18 blessed days spent with Nutan Swamiji passed by very quickly. Before leaving for the airport, Swamiji read out the introduction written by Poojya Swamiji to ‘Gurupāda-samarpanam’, containing ten shlokas on the Guru, composed by Poojya Swamiji himself especially for the Poornashram inauguration. The profound sublimity during the reading was felt by each devotee. Poojya Swamiji’s message of devotion to Guru reverberated in everyone’s heart.

During this Shibiram, we felt an even closer bond with Nutan Swamiji, particularly from his thought-provoking reproach for SIRD members during both formal and informal satsangs. Swamiji’s repeated assertion for us devotees to come out of our comfort zones and walk the path of austerity and renunciation will continue to resonate in our mind. As Swamiji waved from the departing car, though we were smiling, tears filled our eyes. We understood that we will be true to the sparks of wisdom received, only if we live the wisdom bestowed to us. Jai Guru!