USA Jnana Yajna 2025

Planning and Preparation

December 6th, 2024 – The initial Zoom meeting was held to commence the monumental planning process for the much-anticipated visit of our revered Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma Gurupriyaji.

January 17th, 2025 – The “Save the Date” flyer for the USA Jñāna Yajña 2025 was finalized for distribution. The emails were disseminated to all contacts during the first week of March. In parallel, a weekly planning meeting was instituted, featuring a structured agendum and participation from designated Ashram members, to oversee and coordinate various aspects of the event.

With planning efforts in full momentum, every logistic detail was carefully addressed. By the end of March, finalized schedules were in place for the daily Satsangs, the Youth Workshop, the “Art of Being Human” talk and the ever-popular Bhagavad Gita Retreat. Dates for Satsangs in Bay Area and Ohio, to be conducted by Nutan Swamiji, were also confirmed. Additionally, it was officially announced that Poojya Swamiji and Ma would be in Southern California from May 24th to June 18th, while Nutan Swamiji would be in the United States from June 3rd to July 1st.

This marked the official call for out-of-town devotees to begin booking their travel and accommodation arrangements. Volunteers from the Bay Area, Ohio, Virginia, Dallas, Atlanta, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and various parts of India including Kerala, Delhi and Mumbai, all joyfully gathered in Tustin for the blessed opportunity of performing seva in Gurusannidhi.

Finally on the blessed day of May 23, Poojya Swamiji, Ma and the group started from the Ashram for the airport. Many of us were blessed to watch Poojya Swamiji and Ma blessing us from the aircraft and sharing their eagerness to be with all of us in Irvine.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and joy as Southern California, particularly the blessed city of Irvine, prepared to welcome the divine trio: Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha, Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha and Ma Gurupriya. Devotees eagerly counted down the days, cherishing the thought of beholding them once more after a long year of separation.

Pre-yajña Planning and Logistics also got into full swing:

a. Accommodations and hospitality for Sannyasins

Preparations were well under way to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for our revered Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma Gurupriyaji. The Marriott Residence Inn was confirmed as their place of stay, same as last year, with detailed arrangements made for accommodation, kitchen and dining and a conducive working environment.

Every effort was taken to provide an optimal setting that would support their spiritual dissemination work, comfort and rest throughout the Yajña duration. A dedicated support team was set up, along with a fully equipped kitchen stocked with necessary utensils, groceries and fresh produce to prepare simple, wholesome and nourishing meals.

b. Hosting the support team and Ashramites

Simultaneously, comprehensive boarding and dining arrangements were made for the Ashramites and the support team accompanying Sannyasins. Provisions included daily meals lovingly prepared by local devotees (Annapoornis), ensuring that all visiting volunteers and staff from out of town were cared for.

c. Venue and Amenities for Spiritual Programs

Arrangements were finalized for the conference hall and related amenities to host the daily Satsangs and the Bhagavad Gita retreat. These spaces were prepared to provide a serene and conducive environment for deep spiritual engagement and reflection.

Daily Bhojan during the Jñāna Yajña was prepared and
served in turns by a large group of volunteers who are
referred to as ‘Annapoornis’

Festival of Knowledge Begins

May 24. The long-awaited day had finally arrived. With hearts full of gratitude and joy, we welcomed Poojya Swamiji and Ma. As they stepped out of the car, their faces shone with radiant love and compassion, enveloping all of us in the warmth of their divine presence.

Following a truly splendid welcome session on May 24th, Satsangs were scheduled to commence from May 27th, to continue through June 16th. These sessions were held at the adjacent hotel, The Marriott Fairfield Inn, which offered a more spacious and suitable hall to accommodate the larger number of devotees anticipated this year. News of Poojya Swamiji’s divine presence, profound wisdom and boundless grace had spread far and wide, drawing many eager seekers from various states to attend.

Poojya Swamiji’s Ashtavakra Samhita Classes

To the immense joy of all present, Poojya Swamiji chose to deliver discourses from May 28th to June 5th on Ashtavakra Samhita. This classical Advaita Vedanta Text discusses the core principles of non-dual knowledge. It teaches that the Self is pure, infinite consciousness, and that liberation (moksha) is attained instantly through Self-knowledge, transcending rituals and gradual practice. The text emphasizes detachment, inner stillness and direct realization of one’s true nature.

At the glorious age of 93, Poojya Swamiji is a radiant embodiment of spiritual grace. His mere presence evokes in each heart a deep sense of peace, devotion and serenity. For the true seekers in the audience, he seemed to draw each of them day after day with an invisible thread of unconditional love, guiding them gently, and sometimes forcefully towards inner awakening. Poojya Swamiji’s monumental command of the English language, combined with his ocean-like knowledge of our Vedic Upanishads and other

sacred texts, is truly boundless. He possesses a rare ability to convey even the most esoteric concepts and profound verses with remarkable clarity and simplicity, making them accessible and meaningful even to those of us who are just beginning our spiritual journey.

This time, compared to the previous occasions, I observed in Poojya Swamiji an even greater passion and determined focus on instilling in each of us Viveka, the ability to discern between the eternal and the temporary, and Vairāgya, a state of inner freedom from clinging to outcomes and expectations. He emphasized the paramount importance of cultivating Samatva Bhāva, an attitude of acceptance and equanimity towards both Sukha (pleasure) and Duhkha(pain).

Ma’s Sessions

From May 27th through June 4th, Ma Gurupriyaji graciously opened each evening session with her deeply inspiring talks on the theme “Life in Guru-sannidhi,” which translates to “Life in the Presence of Sadguru.” Ma immediately captivated us with her melodious voice, profound scriptural wisdom and deep spiritual insight. However, what truly touched our hearts was her genuine love for each of us and her steadfast commitment to helping us understand how to integrate spirituality into our daily lives.

She shared vivid and often humorous anecdotes from her own spiritual journey, first under the guidance of Baba Gangadhara Paramahamsa and later under Poojya Swamiji.These heartfelt stories were always accompanied by deep, contemplative reflections.

Ma even shared excerpts from her personal diary, offering us an intimate glimpse into her inner world, her questions, doubts and moments of clarity. She consistently reminded us to strive for the state of Nitya-yuktaḥ, ever connected to the Divine and Nitya-tṛptaḥ, eternally content. With gentle conviction, she challenged us to rise to the ideal of becoming Viśva-jananīs, the universal mothers, nurturing and caring for all beings, transcending boundaries of name, form and religion. With great tenderness and skill, Ma stirred our hearts and lovingly encouraged us just as a true spiritual mother would, to embrace the austere yet luminous path of spirituality, rooted in devotion and surrender to the Sadguru.

Satsangs with Nutan Swamiji

While Ma and Poojya Swamiji were deeply engaged in their talks and interactions with the devotees, there was a growing sense of anticipation among us all for the arrival of Swami Nirviseshananda Tirthaji, affectionately known as Nutan Swamiji. June 3rd finally arrived, the day we had all been eagerly awaiting, as we joyfully prepared to welcome Nutan Swamiji, forming the divine trinity.

Nutan Swamiji began his discourses on June 5, primarily focusing on interactive Q&A sessions centred on spiritual sādhana. The sessions sparked meaningful and thought-provoking dialogue among the devotees of all ages at various stages of their spiritual pursuit. A wide range of questions were put forth, pertaining to spiritual sadhana: How to make the shift from religious practice to spirituality and also regarding variety of interactional challenges. Nutan Swamiji offered profound insights throughout with his vast knowledge and deep command of the scriptures. He speaks with a clarity that immediately resonates with everyone present. His style is precise, concise and grounded in truth, using relatable, real-life examples that leave no room for ambiguity.

Engaging Youth

The next portion of the Jñāna Yajña was the Youth Retreat scheduled for the weekend (June 6th and 7th) for those between 18-40 years. The purpose of the programme was to create a supportive, inspiring environment, where young minds can explore deeper questions of life, values and self-awareness, away from the distractions of daily routines.

Organized by young devotees of CIRD-NA, it was a wellthought out and structured programme comprising morning yoga and silent sitting, breakout sessions with Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma, discourses by each of them in their own unique manner. Group discussions among participants involved each small group viewing selected short videos, discussing about the videos and presenting their understanding of the message, showing how they would apply the message in their own lives.

Key objectives of the Youth Retreat:

a. Inner Clarity & Self-Discovery: Help youth to reflect on who they are, beyond labels and expectations, nurturing introspection and emotional maturity.

b. Connection with Timeless Wisdom: Introduce them to spiritual teachings (like those from Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads or other texts) in a way that is relatable and practical.

c. Building Resilience & Balance: Equip them with tools such as mindfulness, meditation and self-inquiry to handle stress, confusion and life’s challenges with poise.

d. Value-based Living: Instil virtues like compassion, honesty, self-discipline, humility, enquiry and service – essential for meaningful and ethical life.

e. Creating Spiritual Friendships: Foster community feeling and shared purpose, allowing young seekers to grow together in a positive, uplifting atmosphere.

f. Bridging Tradition and Modern Life: Make them experience how ancient wisdom can be integrated into their life – their studies, careers and relationships – without conflict.

Outings with Saints

This magical Jñāna Yajña would not have been complete without visits to the stunning beaches of Southern California. On different days, excited and energized Ashramites and out-of-town devotees accompanied the divine trifecta

to the serene and picturesque beaches in the region, appreciating the magnificent expanse of the Pacific Ocean. One sunny evening 30 of us went in six cars on the short but enjoyable ferry ride to Balboa Island, spending time together at the windy pier. On the way back we stopped by Corona del Mar to see the sunset.

Ma’s love for flowers is well known, and despite the packed schedule that the three were following, a delightful visit to the renowned Sherman Library & Gardens and Roger’s Gardens was joyfully woven in, bringing moments of beauty, peace and refreshment to all.

Brahmavidya Deeksha

While the CIRD-NA worker bees were frantically prepping for the upcoming Bhagavad Gita Retreat, there were also serious seekers including myself who were yearning for Deeksha (a sacred initiation or spiritual transmission from Guru to the disciple) from Poojya Swamiji. Poojya Swamiji who loves his devotees unconditionally, did everything in his power to make this a reality for those who could not travel to the Ashram for receiving this auspicious gift. Deeksha is not a ritual, but a vibrant transmission of divine knowledge and grace, intended to guide the disciple toward

Self-realization under the watchful care of the Guru. It marks the beginning of a seeker’s practical spiritual journey under his Guru’s guidance.

Sitting with initiated disciples after
a sublime and powerful group meditation session
held at the home of Shanti and Natarajan (10 June).

Learning to Be Human

Before we began exploring the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, an evening was dedicated to a special discourse on the theme by all three Sannyasins: “The Art of Being Human.” In a spiritual context, the Art of Being Human refers to:

a.Living with Awareness (Jñāna): To be truly human is to know oneself beyond body, mind and intellect. Through self-inquiry, we come to recognize the Ātman—the changeless, witnessing presence behind all thoughts and actions.

b.Loving Without Selfishness or Expectation: True humans express themselves through unconditional love and selfless compassion.

c.Living with Samatva Bhāva (equanimity) and Vairāgya (dropping delusional clinging), we learn to act with clarity and calm, rather than reacting impulsively from emotionalism or ego.

d.Grounded in Divinity: The art of being human is, in essence, the art of being grounded in the divine, while remaining fully engaged in this earthly existence. It is a sacred journey from instinct to insight, from ego to the supreme and from selfishness to surrender.

Poojya Swamiji blessed and addressed devotees and
committee members of Sivakameshwari Temple
in Costa Mesa, California (10 June).

Programme at Sivakameshwari Temple (June 10)

Poojya Swamiji was invited to bless and address the temple committee members. This rare and blessed visit was made possible through the heartfelt invitation of Samaveda Pandit Shri Samavedula Chandrasekhar Sharmaji, who expressed deep reverence and gratitude for the seers’ visit.

Accompanied by Nutan Swamiji, Ma and devotees, Swamiji spoke to all present about the timeless roles of temples and Ashrams as twin pillars that uphold dharmic values, moral fabric, and spiritual inquiry in society. Swamiji also explained the sacred science behind idol worship, further highlighted the unique contribution of ashrams – a living Mahatma who can respond to provide clarity and guide aspirants on their inner journey – and inspire the people given to religious practices to get promoted to Knowledge pursuit as presented in the Upanishads.

Bhagavad Gita Retreat (June 11-15)*

The centrepiece of this Jñāna Yajña had finally arrived and the four-and-a-half-day experience was nothing short of magic. Each session was thoughtfully curated and seamlessly orchestrated by the dedicated members of CIRD-NA, supported by an endless stream of selfless volunteers. Every detail fell into place with grace, ensuring that the needs of all attendees were met with remarkable organization, warmth and hospitality.

The Retreat embodied all the elements that make the CIRD-NA Bhagavad Gita retreats truly unique. Each day began with silent sitting, allowing the mind to quieten and become receptive and to absorb, reflect and learn what is heard. This was followed by a deeply engaging and thought-provoking discourse on the “Three Guna Model for Inner Integration”, delivered by Nutan Swamiji. In these sessions, Swamiji explained the nature of the three gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, how they bind us to the bodymind personality, and how to transcend the bondages created by the gunas, to remain firmly anchored to the Self.

The Retreat continued each morning with Prabhāta-raśmih—the deeply soul-stirring message from Poojya Swamiji, setting a serene and contemplative tone for the day. This was followed by Ma Gurupriyaji’s discourse on “Living the Bhagavad Gita Every Moment.” Her message centred on the transformative power of introspection, meditational sādhana, and experiential sādhana as essential pillars for integrating spiritual wisdom into our daily lives. With gentle clarity, Ma reminded us that the teachings of the Gita are not meant to be confined to study, but to be lived in every thought, word and action.

After an energizing and uplifting session of shloka chanting led by Aravindan, the gathering seamlessly flowed into its most profound moment – Poojya Swamiji’s discourse on “Experiential Bhagavad Gita”. With unwavering clarity and depth, Swamiji delved into the heart of Samatva Buddhi Yoga (the Yoga of Equal Vision), emphasizing that true spiritual transformation lies not merely in intellectual understanding, but in living the Gita through unwavering inner equanimity amidst life’s dualities.

Fulfilment and Gratitude

As the Jñāna Yajña gently draws to a close and our revered Sannyasins take leave of Irvine, a quiet stillness settles in, a tender blend of gratitude, fulfilment and deep introspection. There is a profound sense of inner fullness, as though every teaching, every moment of silence and every word from the Teachers has soaked into the core of our being. The mind feels clearer, the heart more open and the soul lighter, touched by something eternal and sacred. And yet, alongside that fullness, arises a deeper truth – that this is not the end; this is only the beginning!

In the room where Poojya Swamiji was staying, so many spontaneous satsangs took place, both with seekers who had specifically requested appointments, as well as devotees who were just there performing various forms of seva. Swamiji discussed and allayed doubts on many issues, spontaneously speaking deep spiritual truths. The days spent in the divine company of the Sadguru, immersed in satsangs, shlokas, silence and self-inquiry, were not a conclusion, but a sacred preparation, a gentle stirring of the soul. What we carry forward is far more than memories or discourse notes. We carry the seeds of inner transformation, waiting to be nurtured through personal sādhana.

Now begins the real journey for each of us seekers – the quiet, inward path of living the wisdom, facing ourselves with courage, and walking steadily with devotion, sincerity and surrender.

With volunteers from various parts of the USA
as well as India, Malaysia and Canada
in the lecture hall at Fairfield Inn.

The Jñāna Yajña concludes, but the true retreat begins,from ego to the serene Essence, from noise to the sublime Silence, from seeking to simply Being.Jai Guru.

Abiding in pure Consciousness is true silence.– Swamiji