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Report of Activities 2009
Distributions
 The
distributions that began on the first day of Sat Chandi Mahayajna, 28th
November 2008, continued daily for over two months until 7th February 2009!
Due to the generous contribution received from devotees, Sivananda Math
was able to distribute Prasad to more families than ever before. In 2009,
bhet was offered to over eighty villages of six panchayats.
Items distributed included blankets, warm clothes, buckets, rajais, new
clothes, grains and cooking utensils. Throughout January, villagers from
surrounding panchayats were called for distribution, many families walked
up to fifty kilometres to receive the blessings of Devi and guru in the
form of much-needed basic necessities. Thousands of local school children
from Rikhia Middle School, Tarabad Primary School and the local high school
also received stationery, blankets and new clothes.
Poorna's Birthday: 10th January
A very special celebration in honour of Poornananda, Sri Swami Satyananda
 Saraswati's
much-loved Alsatian, was conducted in Rikhiapeeth to celebrate his birth
which occurred on the 10th of January, 2002. Guests and residents were
invited to a special picnic dinner which featured all of Poorna's favourite
items, including chocolate cake!
Poornananda has lived his entire life with Sri Swamiji. Each day and
every day, he was privileged to be in the presence of his beloved master.
From the moment he first opened his eyes, he was blessed with the darshan
of Sri Swamiji, who was first his friend, then his guru. His only home
has been Rikhiapeeth where he performs many duties selflessly, with devotion
and awareness.
Poornananda was initiated into mantra by Swami Niranjanananda in 2004.
For many lifetimes Poornananda has been a close disciple of Sri Swami
Satyananda Saraswati. He was born previously as Bholenath and loyally
served Sri Swamiji during the long and difficult sadhana of Panchagni.
Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati had given Poornananda the sadhana to attend
all the chanting, evening satsangs and anushthanas that are conducted
by the kanyas at Rikhiapeeth. As many of you have seen, he regularly attends
Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, havans and kirtans. He especially loves the Gita
and even observes Ekadashi Vrat. Poorna has many fans too who send him
lots of toys, coats, food and fancy items! What a destiny he has!
Makar Sankranti
 Makar
Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the tropic of Capricorn and
the first day of Uttarayana. To aspirants all over the world this day has
a special significance. Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati had said, "The
message of the sun is the message of light, the message of unity, of impartiality,
of true selflessness, of the perfection of the elements of karma yoga. If
you imbibe these virtues of the sun, what doubt is there that you will shine
with equal divine lustre!"
Makar Sankranti was celebrated in Rikhiapeeth on the 14th of January
and just like the sun, Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati radiated warmth
and light, and blessed all present with satsang and darshan. Darshan was
followed by the distribution of Prasad to hundreds of villagers in Tapowan.
This was followed by bhoj for the kanyas and batuks and the senior citizens
of Rikhia panchayat who receive a monthly stipend from Sivananda Math.
The old-age pensioners departed with their arms full of practical household
items and assorted seasonal vegetables.
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