The first day of the year 2011 began with a spiritual journey for Swami Rajeshji, who decided to visit Rikhia Ashram and Munger, the seat of Bihar Yoga School of Yoga where he stepped out after his post graduation with high grades in 1998;acquiring the Master's Degree in Yogic Science.
Rikhia Panchayat, in the remote areas of Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand district became the focus of Paramhamsa Satyananda and since then it emerged with vitality and prosperity, while once it was in a deprived and desolate state.
Swami Rajeshji along with Rajeev Dubey of Mahindra and Mahindra and myself stepped on Rikhia, a small town in Jharkhand on January 1, 2011,The Land of Swami Satyananda's TAPAS[austerities].
This land is full of spiritual vibrations where, Swami Satyananda spent last twenty years of his life, working for the economic, social and spiritual welfare of the people of Rikhia and spending most of his time in seclusion pursuing his own SADHANA.
Rikhia and the Ashram inmates are a witness to Swami Satyananda's Panchagni Sadhana, which he practiced by bearing the heat of five fires. He sat in the middle, surrounded by heat of fire lit from all four directions and the fifth one was the Sun overhead; a very rigorous penance to wash off his Karmas.
For six months, from January 14th to July 16th he faced the heat for five years and burnt the five internal fires of kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), mada (arrogance) and moha (delusion).
Did the Darshan of PANCHAGNI STHAL
Next to it is the MAHASAMADHI STHAL of Shri SWAMIJI, the incessant Mahamrityunjaya Jaap ringing in the air, the serene atmosphere, the purity and peacefulness of the vibrations around, constantly reminding all of Swamiji's promiscuous presence.
Met Swami Satsangandha the Peethadhis of Rikhiapeeth, who cited many instances from her life with Swami Satyananda and gifted Swamiji's books as Prasad to all three of us.
Enjoyed the The Vishnu Sahastrapath, Mantra chanting, the Havan and programme performed by the Kanyas and Batuks.
Left for Munger in the morning in Mahindra’s Scorpio arranged by Rajeevji.
The drive along the banks of Ganga was exhilarating as we gasped at the wide expanse of water, experiencing the gentle cool breeze.
Going through the interior Bihar, we met and spoke to the simple local people, the broad shouldered sturdy frame. Enjoyed the masala tea made with cow's milk on the way to Munger and relished the Dal fry, roti and ethnic fresh vegetables at a local restaurant in Munger.
Swamiji was thrilled to see the gates of the Bihar School of Yoga after twelve years, a yoga institute dedicated to acquiring wisdom and where he studied for two years 1996- 1998.
All of us thanked our stars when we came face to face with our Guru Swami Niranjananand.
We were also lucky enough to listen to two of his satsang series ;one in Hindi, the other in English. Here also we were bestowed with gifts and warm hospitality. We enjoyed to live in the disciplined Ashram atmosphere, observing their rules like we were students again and enjoyed the simple and nutritious food.
One day stay at Rikhia , a medium for connecting with people through service, love and sharing.
Another day stay at Munger a seat for knowledge of yoga.
These were the two memorable days, the spiritual experience of which, will always remain fresh in the mind and a dip into their memories will rejuvenate our body cells and the neurons of our head.
There cannot be a better way to begin the new year with!!
HARI OM!
