Ananda Kanan Summer Conference took place from June 29 – July 5, 2015. The conference was attended by 15 Acaryas and 35 Margiis. During the conference there were a total of eight (8) Akhanda Kiirtana and two sadhana shivir, as well as other spiritual programs. The classes and workshops were well attended and included a philosophical debate lead by Didi Ananda Tapomaya; Dr. Ravi Batra introduced his new book End Unemployment Now via Skype conference and answered questions on economy and shared his experiences with Baba. Dada Dharmavedananda and Dada Gunamuktananda lead classes on the theme of the conference, Sadhana. There were two katha kiirtana programs, one in the DC hall (Baba’s house) and the second one on the patio in front of the kitchen around a small bonfire. The second evening program had presentations from the Margiis and Acaryas that are running service projects in the Sector. And finally on 4th of July we joined the parade in Willow Springs along with other villagers. The weather was very good and always nice to connect to the local population of the MU. Overall this conference was very successful and enjoyable and everyone left with the zeal to establish their units and render greater service to humanity.
New York Sectorial Office Move. The house in Corona was sold on May 15, 2015 and all our things moved to a storage facility. The contract for purchase of the new house in Flushing was signed on July 8, 2015 and moving our SO things into the new house completed on July 10.
The new Sectorial Office is located in a wonderful place and the pracar possibilities are wide open. The site yogainnewyork.com has been refurbished and now feature among all a calendar of meditation and yoga classes, starting on September 1, 2015. Riding the wave of good energy generated by the new setting, a new website dedicated to Dharma Pracar in USA is ready to be prepared and visible at pracar.anandamarga.us. Dada Diiptimanananda has been accepted as yoga teacher at the Queens College Gym and posters are already attracting phone calls. We hope to attract many students to our classes both at the College and SO.
Dharma Cakras are regular at the Sectorial Office and Margiis are visiting both during the Dharma Cakra time and also during the week when their work schedule is most suitable. In the night two small food distributions has been done benefitting the homeless people in Queens and Manhattan. It is a token of kindness, which is appreciated by those who are living in pitiful conditions due to the expanding economic crisis in USA.
Ananda Marga Gurukula Conference (AMGK Conference) took place at Ananda Girisuta Master Unit and Prama Wellness Centre in Asheville, North Carolina from July 12 – 16, 2015. This was a global conference celebrating the 25th Anniversary of AMGK. The conference was attended by around 70 Acaryas and Margiis from all over the world. Educational projects from all around the world were presented. There were various workshops, discussion meetings on education, etc. It was impressive to see how much has been achieved in our educational projects around the world and the conference was a good forum to encourage further research and development in AM education.
More information can be found at: http://gurukul.edu/gurukula-global-conference/
Ananda Marga Canada Summer Seminar took place near Ananda Kanak Master unit in Quebec (near Ottawa) and was attended by 14 Margiis and 5 Acaryas.
Arrival was on afternoon of Friday July 30. Saturday August 1 was the main seminar day with three seminar classes. Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta gave class on “The Human Body is a Biological Machine”, Ac. Dayashiilananda Avt. On the topic “Mysticism and Spirituality” and Ac. Vimaleshananda Avt. On the topic “The Future of Human Civilization.” The seminar topics were interesting and stimulated lively classes and discussion. Finally there was organizational discussion mainly focusing on the upcoming BP elections in beginning for year 2016, pracar in Ottawa and Toronto and the upcoming Prabhata Samgiita celebration that will take place on September 13 at a cultural center in Mississauga, ON. After dinner there was a very nice Katha Kiirtana where the Margiis and Acaryas shared their experiences with Baba. The seminar concluded on Sunday August 2 with Akhanda Kiirtana and closing ceremony. Eight Margiis stayed for another night at the Ananda Kanak MU and enjoyed the peaceful environment of the MU and had Dharma Cakra in the evening. The seminar classes and other programs were enjoyed by all the participants and created a positive movement to make upcoming social and spiritual events successful.
Crimson Dawn Newsletter: News have until now been published on the website crimsondawn.net and in the monthly electronic newsletter (now reaching over 830 people.) The site crimsondawn.net has replaced the site crimsondawn.info, which is now referenced as an archive for Crimson Dawn news. The new website is ‘mobile friendly’ and offers dedicated menus and contents to the Spanish speaking Margiis and people in general. A specific entry of CD features all the Ananda Vaniis, which have been given from 2001 till today in English and Spanish. Target is to complete them compiling the remaining Ananda Vaniis from 1991 till 2001. A book format may become available thereafter.
Ananda Maya MU Fundraiser: Guatemala Margiis have appealed for help to save Ananda Maya Master Unit in Guatemala. Part of the land is in dispute due to squatters occupying the land. Sectorial Office was able to respond to their requests and a fund raising campaign has been launched in order to guarantee the continuity of the Ananda Maya project. Ananda Maya Master Unit received the name from Baba and it was designated as Sectorial Master Unit. The fund raising target is USD 2750 to cover the legal expenses related to the dislodgment of intruders who are threatening to take the permanent possession of the property.
Los Angeles AMURT Food Distribution
A new shed has been built for the feeding project, a new refrigerator also purchased, following the change of vehicle 2 years ago, all stores are stocked up with provisions and supplies for a month.
The amount of food distributed record this month at 17.000 pounds of federal food, plus another 16.000 for seniors, all together 33.000 to low income and seniors.
Good News from Ananda Marga Mexico
1.- During Baba’s birthday there was held 12 hours Akhanda Kiirtan with 22 attendants including Ac. Vimalananda Avt. and Ac. Ragatmananda Avt.
2.- From May to June: Eight weeks yoga, philosophy and meditation course by Ac. Vimalananda Avt., Sister Madhulika and brother Yogendra at Escuela de Nutricion (Nutrition School) Universidad del Estado de Morelos, (University of Morelos State)
3.-Yoga Summer Camp for children from July 13 to August 7, six boys and girls attended the camp organized by Sister Karuna and Sister Madhulika at Cuernavaca Jagrti.
Regular activities:
1.- Yoga (asanas) class, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. given by Sister Madhulika.
2.- Meditation and Philosophy class Monday and Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. given by Brother Yogendra
3.- First Saturday every month 3 hours Akhanda Kiirtan /Sadhana Shivir (alternate) at Cuernavaca jagrti.