LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES


Click on headings UNDERLINED BELOW







Fr. Bede Griffiths - 117th Birth Anniversary - 17th December 2023


Swami Abhishiktananda - 50th Mahasamadhi Anniversary -7 December 2023

Fr. Bede Griffiths - 117th Birth Anniversary - 17th December 2023

SEE EVENTS PAGE



66th Death Anniversary of Fr. Jules Monchanin 
- 10th October 2023
Fr. Jules Monchanin who took the name of 
Parama Arubi Ananda (the Bliss of the Supreme Spirit)


30TH ANNIVERSARY OF FR BEDE GRIFFITHS MAHASAMADHI 13TH MAY 2023

"We have to bring contemplation - experience of God in the Spirit - down to flesh and blood - as the Word in Jesus  became flesh and blood - and in this lies the hope of salvation for the world."  Bede Griffiths in a letter to MaartenTurkstra   November, 5th 1992.


2023




21st March 2023 is the 73rd birthday Anniversary of Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam

21st March is the anniversary of the Maha Samadhi (death) of Saint Benedict
Blessings and intercessions of Saint Benedict 

Today 21st March 2023 is also the 10th Anniversary of our website.


17th December 2022 -
116th Birth Anniversary of Fr. Bede Griffiths

7th DECEMBER 2022
49TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA

‘We only meet each other when we meet God.’

The Mountain of the Lord: Pilgrimage to Gangotri, Bangalore (CISRS), 1966; reprinted in Madras (CLS), 1967; new and revised edition, Delhi (ISPCK), 1990.p.42.





65TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF FR JULES MONCHANIN
10TH OCTOBER 2022

"The union of two saints who do not know each other is far more real and intimate than the union of one branch with another from the same tree, fed from the same sap;..."  
(taken from Page 113-114 In Quest of the Absolute  The life and works of Jules Monchanin.)


30TH AUGUST 2021

112TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA


‘The essential awakening to being in the depth of the soul does not depend either on knowledge or on discipline of the will. Only God can bring it about. The only way to it is that of love –

love which releases man from the limitations of his ego, and throws him into the arms of God and his brothers;

love which is as strong as death (Song of Sol. 8:6), that death which, in God’s wise design, is the only road to life.’

Saccidananda: A Christian Approach to Advaitic Experience, Delhi (ISPCK), 1974 (revised version of: Sagesse hindoue, mystique chrétienne, Paris, 1965); new edition, 1984; reprinted in 1997. p.200.

 


11TH JULY 2022

Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Benedict of Nursia, Founder of Western Monasticism - 
Message from Fr. Dorathick


13TH MAY 2022

29TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF FR BEDE GRIFFITHS 


HAPPY EASTER 2022



FR DORATHICK

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fr. Jules Monchanin


127TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF
Fr. Jules Monchanin  (Swami Parama Arubi Ananda)
10th April 2022



21st March 2022

72nd Anniversary of Shantivanam Ashram

115th Birth Anniversary of Fr. Bede Griffiths

17th December 2021"
"...I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Who sees me sees the Father.  Its a non-dual relationship - a mystical relationship - Jesus and the Father. And he wants to share that relationship with his disciples..."Fr. Bede Griffiths


SISTER PASCALINE COFF  20.1.1927 - 16.12.2021

Sister Pascaline Coff, OSB, a pioneer of interreligious dialogue 
and a friend of Fr Bede Griffiths passed away on Thursday  December 16, 2021.

Sister Pascaline's time spent at Shantivanam was a life-changing experience that inspired her to pursue interreligious dialogue.




7th DECEMBER 2021
48TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA


64th Death anniversary Fr. Jules Monchanin 

 10 October 2021

Today we remember our founder Fr. Jules Monchanin (Swami Parama Arubi Ananda)

"Pray to the Holy Spirit that I will one day be a monk in a monastery born from the thought, heart, and contemplation of India and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. This is my constant thought and my one essential wish..."  


International Day of Peace - 21 September 2021
30TH AUGUST 2021
111TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA


Below is the URL link to the latest  Bede Griffiths Sangha News 

Message from Fr. Dorathick - Saccidananda Ashram Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4221229547938857&id=10000155559418

13th May 2021 

 28th Mahasamadhi Anniversary of Fr. Bede Griffiths

Message from Fr Dorathick




Below is the URL link to the latest  Bede Griffiths Sangha News Letter to mark the 28th Death Anniversary of Fr Bede

 
https://mailchi.mp/380f6f00b70d/sangha-news-the-28th-anniversary-of-fr-bedes-death             

   

10th April 2021

126TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF
Fr. Jules Monchanin  (Swami Parama Arubi Ananda)
born 10th April 1895


21st March 2021 

 71st Anniversary of Saccidananda ashram, Shantivanam 


47th Death Anniversary of  Swami Abhishiktananda
7th December 2020



63rd Death anniversary Fr. Jules Monchanin 

 (Mahasamadhi - 10 October 1957)

Message from Fr. Dorathick


Monday September 21

International Day of Peace (United Nations) 2020

SEE VIDEO FROM SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM FOR INTERNATION DAY OF PEACE

https://youtu.be/9yUhO0cwkkU


Message from Fr. Dorathick




NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY  -  8TH SEPTEMBER

See SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM'S VIDEO FOR THIS OCCASION - CLICK LINK BELOW




AUGUST 2020

110TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA - 30TH AUGUST

Message from Fr. Dorathick


A TRIBUTE TO SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA
on the occasion of his 110th Birth Anniversary 
Prem  Monk at Ajatananda Ashram

MEMORIES OF FR. BEDE AND SHANTIVANAM



THE 3RD GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND OBLATES OF SHANTIVANAM AT SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM

 POSTPONED TO DECEMBER - 11TH - 18TH DECEMBER 2021


Photo of Fr Bede Griffiths above shared by Roland Ropers


13th May 2020 - 27th Mahasamadhi Anniversary of Fr. Bede Griffiths

Message from Fr. Dorathick


14th May  - Day of Prayer - see notice below

SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM FACEBOOK  https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010373499376&tsid=0.6511327438050019&source=result

BROTHER MARTIN FACEBOOK   https://www.facebook.com/johnmartinsahajananda.kuvarapu

SHARING BY ROLAND ROPERS - PLEASE SEE UNDER OBLATE PAGES -  SHARED ARTICLES AND REFLECTIONS 3



15th April 2020

Dear Friends,
as we are all in lock down with fear and worries! here our monks singing gives you all hope, strength and prayers with Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit prayer. It has been used for many centuries to invoke greater states of compassion and peace . The Beautiful Meaning of Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.
Fr. Dorathick


MARCH 2020

21ST MARCH - 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM - SHANTIVANAM

Latest Message from Fr. Dorathick



Sister Valsa and her dancers in her new dance hall

NOVEMBER 2019


Message from Fr. Dorathick November 2019


11.11.2019

Dear friends, I am happy to share this day when we had the blessing of my hermitage built in Jyothivanam. Pinto from Shantivanam oversaw construction. Bro Dorathick prior of Shantivanam blessed the Hermitage and Fr. Pinto cut the ribbon. Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, my patron saint. The Hermitage will bear his name. I am very grateful to my friends in France, Germany, Holland and Italy who generously contributed to the Hermitage. May the Lord bless them all.
Brother John Martin


Video of the construction of the hermitage:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kThXNe2rKCQ&feature=youtu.be



REPORT FROM FATHER SEBASTIAN ON SISTER VALSA AND HER DANCERS


We the Oblates of Shantivanam have been privileged to witness at the conclusion of our meetings at Shantivanam high quality Bharatnatyam dance performances by a group of children directed and trained by Sr. Valsa who too is an Oblate of Shantivanam. In view of the dance hall that has come into being recently at the house of Sr. Valsa, through the intervention and financial assistance offered by Andreas Reimers from Germany, one of the Oblates, it may be useful for all of us to learn what has gone behind the project.

                  

The Dance Hall emerged out of necessity for space to teach dance to the children of Pollachy in Tamil Nadu. The dance practices that had been going on for years amidst enormous inconvenience in the rented houses where Sr. Valsa stayed, became impossible to continue for lack of space in the house that she took on lease for the time being. Seeing the prospect of a possible end to her service to the children, she looked for someone to help in turning the terrace of her house into a hall by roofing it with galvanized tin sheets. Quite naturally she turned to the Oblate family for help through Fr. Sebastian of Tiruvannamalai. Before long Andreas Reimers from Germany offered to bear the entire expense minus the small contribution given by a friend from Italy as part of a sponsorship she was giving to one of the dance children. The fund transfer had to be arranged according to the rule governing foreign money. Shantivanam was considered the best as the ashram has the required facility and Fr. Dorothick, the Prior, was kind enough to help. Transfer of cash through the bank took a couple of weeks. Finally when it came, the weather condition at Pollachy was most unfavourable for any construction activity outdoors. Hence Sr. Valsa made the arrangements for materials and experienced men from Kerala in the meantime. When there was some let up in the weather, the men set about the work  of  roofing. By 10th October 2019 it was nearly completed. Only some minor details remained to be seen for the children to dance in the hall comfortably. It may be noted that by the time the work got started the price of iron shot up and Sr.Valsa had to take a loan to meet the balance payment. Fortunately a benefactor of hers from Switzerland offered to clear it immediately. So to the joy of Sr. Valsa and the dance children, the hall was ready at their disposal. There is sufficient space in it for as many as 30 children to dance together.

                            

Bharatnatyam as is well known to all, is a classical dance that almost every Tamil girl wants to master. But it calls for much financial investment which most poor families cannot afford. Sr. Valsa was aware of this situation when she joined Kalai Kaveri College of dance and Fine Arts, Trichy at the suggestion of Fr. Bede  Griffiths who had noticed her talent in dance and music. Providentially Valsa had a friend from Switzerland who offered to sponsor her training in dance. She secured her diploma in Bharatnatyam at her Arengettam in 1997. Soon after that she joined different schools to teach dance to students while residing at houses on rent in the company of Mrs. Louisa, a senior woman who had been widowed early in marriage. The schools gave her a meagre salary which was always below Rs.10, 000 a month. At her spare time in the evenings and on weekends she taught dance to children at home charging minimum amount according to each one's capacity. Sr. Valsa says that she taught in at least 25 schools till date and changed houses several times. It was only recently that she was able to take a house which is expected to be in her possession in a few years while remaining on lease for the time being.


It was always a struggle for maintenance for Sr. Valsa because of the low remuneration she received for her dance classes in the private schools she taught. The convent schools used to ask her to teach dance to all the classes which told heavily on her health too. But it enabled her to make good selections from a large number of students and present programs on various occasions. The quality of Sr. Valsa's dance was recognized both in Coimbatore and Pollachy and she was invited to different places in Tamil Nadu and outside for dance performances. She made a troupe of her own, selecting talented young children from nearby and gave programs at different venues including central jail. It is no exaggeration to say that Sr. Valsa's dance story has ever been a success story. She has taken her dance troupe even as far as Malaysia on invitation. She admits that she has trained more than 3000 students in schools and about 300 through private teaching.


Now that she has a spacious dance hall to herself and no money will have to be spent on house rent, she will now be in a position to expand her dance tuition to more students at home. She may then be able to avoid being a regular dance teacher in schools demanding maximum effort from her at abysmally low remuneration.

Photos below of dancers Sr Valsa and completed dance hall

OCTOBER 2019

LATEST MESSAGE FROM FR DORATHICK 

for Diwali and for the Mahasamadhi of Fr. Jules Monchanin - 10 October 1957



NOTICE
KEEP THIS DATE

11TH - 18TH DECEMBER 2020
FOR THE 3RD GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND OBLATES OF SHANTIVANAM AT SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM SHANTIVANAM.

THEME OF GATHERING-

RESTING IN THE HEART OF CREATION
.



 SHARING - SEE OBLATE PAGES - SHARED ARTICLES AND REFLECTIONS 3        


September 2019

restoration of vimana in Temple

You all are familiar with our temple in Shantivanam.  Especially the most important part in the temple - the inner sanctuary and above the Temple vimana where all the biblical symbols and statues are seen done by Fr. Bede.  After 30 years it has been damaged and now we have to do some restoration on the Vimana and we have to paint to keep the Temple sanctuary and Vimana safe as our original founders wished. For the restoration and paint the Vimana it will cost around 60000 rupees - that is around 775.92 euros Donations for the restoration are welcome. ( See photos below)

God bless you

With love and prayers

Fr. Dorathick


Please note the wonderful new website for Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam
               
https://www.shantivanamashram.com/ 

             

OBLATE PAGES - SHARED ARTICLES AND REFLECTIONS 3


ARTICLE SHARED BY JUDY SIQUEIRA

The Spirituality of Shakespeare


SHARING BY ROLAND ROPERS

Benedictine monk & mystic HENRI Le SAUX (1910 - 1973) and the memorable letter from RAIMON PANIKKAR to his close friend



         

NOTICE
KEEP THIS DATE


11TH - 18TH DECEMBER 2020


FOR THE 3RD GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND OBLATES OF SHANTIVANAM AT SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM

 SHANTIVANAM.


THEME OF GATHERING-


RESTING IN THE HEART OF CREATION.


                           

30th August 2019

109th birth anniversary of Swami Abhishiktananda

** "... God is only known and possessed when the self has been finally left behind. The only way to this abandonment of self is the way of love, and for that very reason love is the supreme commandment and the summing up of the whole Gospel."

Swami Abhishiktananda          


                    ** Taken from: Saccidananda: A Christian Approach to Advaitic Experience, Delhi (ISPCK), 1974 (revised version of: Sagesse hindoue, mystique chrétienne, Paris, 1965); new edition, 1984; reprinted in 1997 p. 7.


For Br. Martin's current programme click on http://www.frerejohn.com/rencontres


Anniversary of Fr Bede Griffiths - Mahasamadhi - 13th May 1993

Message from Fr. Dorathick


HAPPY EASTER

drawing by our brother Daniel Devananda r.i.p.


"...On this day Jesus calls us to be his messengers of peace. We pray that this peace will remain in our hearts always to make us his messengers in the world of today. The celebration of Easter is a call for us to change – and perhaps change radically – as Jesus’ own disciples changed. I wish you all to celebrate this day with peace, love and bliss. Have a blessed and holy Easter."

With Love

Fr. Dorathick


APRIL 2019

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF FR. JULES MONCHANIN Born10th April 1895

Message from Fr Dorathick for the Birth Anniversary of Fr. Jules Monchanin


MARCH 2019


69th Anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram - 21st March
Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam was started on 21st March 1950
Oblates of Shantivanam website officially started 21st March 2013

MESSAGE FROM FR. DORATHICK FOR THE 69TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM SHANTIVANAM 21ST MARCH 2019



DECEMBER 2018



NOVEMBER 2018


GATHERING OF OBLATES AND FRIENDS OF SHANTIVANAM - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Message from Michael Giddings:-
"those who are intending to come to Ramana Ashram after our Oblate meeting please bring with them 2 passport photos.  They are needed by the ashram as part of their registration for non Indian visitors."   
       

DIWALI OR DEEPAVALI: A FESTIVAL OF HOPE by Br. Martin


Deepawali( festival of lights) was celebrated on the 7th of this month.


"God is the Light of Lights, the Supreme Illuminator. 
Deepavali is the time of reverence to that Light which illumines the path of the seeker." 
Ananda Kutir Ashrama

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY BROTHER MARTIN


Roland Ropers shares photo of 2 great scientists and sages: HANS-PETER DÜRR (1929 - 2014) and RAIMON PANIKKAR (1918 - 2010) and article by RAIMON PANIKKAR - 100th birthday 3rd November 2018


OBLATE PAGES - General Sharing updated


OCTOBER 2018


SEPTEMBER 2018

Click on headings UNDERLINED


PLEASE SEE NEW PHOTOS OF FR. BEDE GRIFFITHS SHARED BY ROLAND ROPERS

PLEASE READ MESSAGES FOR SISTER PASCALINE COFF


WORLD PEACE DAY INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE

Friday, September 21, 2018
06:00pm
Saccidananda Ashram, Shantivanam

Dear Friends……… Let us come together to celebrate the common call of our faith traditions to work and pray for peace in our global family. World peace day gives us an opportunity to come together in celebration of our oneness with God and one another, and our world. Through prayer, we foster peace and wholeness in our community and in our individual lives and in the whole Universe.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti



BROTHER MARTIN ANSWERS QUESTIONS PAGE 2

The question was: what is the difference between prayer and meditation?


Two-Day Retreat will be led by Brother John Sahajananda IN Prinknash Abbey

29th - 30th september 2018



AUGUST 2018

click on headings

MESSAGE FROM FR. DORATHICK ON THE 108TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA 30TH AUGUST 2018


BROTHER MARTIN ANSWERS QUESTIONS PAGE 2


JULY 2018

click on headings

MESSAGES FROM FR DORATHICK RAJAN (Prior of Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam from 9th April 2018)

New article by Br. Martin:

How to bring peace among religions? by Br Martin 

11th July is the Feast of Saint Benedict which was formerly celebrated on March 21 (anniversary of Shantivanam 21st March 1950) 


JUNE 2018

19th June Feast of SAINT ROMUALD (founder of the Camaldolese Order)

BROTHER MARTIN'S CURRENT PROGRAMME - CLICK HERE



Message from Br. Martin on the 123rd Anniversary of Fr Jules Monchanin's birth 

10th April


"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone. But when it dies it gives a mighty harvest. Jules Monchanin is this grain of wheat whose death bore fruit. A seed does not see its fruits. It has to die. Jules Monchanin did not see his fruits but he died with the hope that the fruits come. The community of Shantivanam, the oblates, the friends and sannyasis all bear witness to the sacrifice of Monchanin. May this spirit of Jules Monchanin continuously guide our spiritual path."


FR JULES MONCHANIN'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 10TH APRIL

Jules Monchanin born 10th April 1895


"Abbe Monchanin was a saintly man whose life provides an example to us of the spiritual virtue of waiting in faith for God’s will to unfold. May he pray for us."

Bro. John Martin Sahajananda 




2ND GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND OBLATES OF SHANTIVANAM

at Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam 

3RD - 8TH DECEMBER 2018

"Deepening our Relationship"  

"Deepening Our Relationship with Shantivanam And Ashram Friends"

FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE





HAPPY EASTER
Blessings of Peace Love and Joy to you and family


"...The one, eternal Truth, which cannot be uttered, which cannot be known, is 'symbolized' in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. At this point in history the veil is pierced, the Mystery shines through. At the resurrection of Jesus, human nature was taken up into the divine, time was taken up into eternity. Yet these are only phrases we use to express the inexpressible. It is not by word or thought but by meditation on the Mystery that we can pierce the veil..."
Bede Griffiths (Return to the Centre)



MARCH 2018

click below

Message from Br. Martin


21st MARCH

- We celebrate 5 years of our website and the 68th anniversary of the ashram.

WEBSITE UPDATES:
Please have a look at our website - Oblate Pages for updates on:-
GENERAL SHARING
SHARED PHOTOS
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND SHARING



JANUARY 2018

Brother Martin's Birthday celebrations at Shantivanam photos

 - see under Oblate Pages - Photos share

DECEMBER 2017


BLESS SCHOOL BY JILL HEMMINGS - SHARED ARTICLES


CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BR MARTIN AND COMMUNITY OF SHANTIVANAM click here


FR BEDE GRIFFITHS' 111TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON 17TH DECEMBER 2017 - Br Martin's message


MESSAGE FOR THE 44TH MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA (FR. HENRI LE SAUX) 7TH DECEMBER 2017 click here




NOVEMBER 2017


We now have a Facebook Page kindly created by Iris Eisenlohr.
Please have a look at https://www.facebook.com/friendsofshantivanam/

Below is the Brazilian page created by Marcos Mohan  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/257999317557316/


CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTO OF THE TOMB OF SR. MARIE LOUISE 


In India Children's Day is celebrated on 14 November, on the birthday anniversary of the first Prime Minister of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Father Pinto has sent some photos of celebrations at the Day Center Creche which is supported by Shantivanam.

Fr Pinto seen in photo below:-

30TH AUGUST 2017

SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA - 107TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY


Message from Br. Martin click here



JULY 2017

Brother Martin was in Spain on the 11th July Feast of Saint Benedict. He wrote:-

  "
I am now in Avila, Spain,  the place of St. Teresa ofAvila. I shall leave to Germany,  Ulm, on 14th.  From there I shall leave to India on 20th. July.
With best wishes and prayers"


SEE GOD IN ALL

“In the salutation of all guests, whether arriving or departing, let all humility be shown. Let the head be bowed or the whole body prostrated on the ground in adoration of Christ, who indeed is received in their persons.”

TAKEN FROM THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT



19th June Feast of SAINT ROMUALD (founder of the Camaldolese Order)

February 7th, is the historical feast day of St. Romuald which is now celebrated on June 19th the day he died in 1027.

“Realize above all that you are in God’s presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor. Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.”

St. Romuald





EASTER BLESSINGS

FROM THE UNREAL LEAD ME TO THE REAL

FROM DARKNESS LEAD ME TO LIGHT

FROM DEATH LEAD ME TO IMMORTALITY.


APRIL 2017

Message from Brother Martin for the Birth Anniversary of Fr. Jules Monchanin

MESSAGE FROM BR. MARTIN - Thoughts for Lent


JANUARY - MARCH 2017 -WEBSITE UPDATES


21st March is the Anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam was started on 21st March 1950 

Oblates of Shantivanam website officially started 21st March 2013 on the Anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam



Please click on link from Bede Griffiths Sangha's facebook for the eulogy given by Sr Neethi at Sr. Marie Louise's requiem mass in the temple of Shantivanam. She is buried just by the temple. https://www.facebook.com/bedegriffithssangha

WE ARE SADDENED TO HEAR THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF SR MARIE LOUISE OF ANANDA ASHRAM TODAY - SUNDAY 12TH MARCH 2017 - MAY SHE REST IN PEACE


BROTHER MARTIN'S ITINERARY 2017


EXTRACTS FROM FALLING IN LOVE WITH INDIA - LETTERS FROM FR BEDE GRIFFITHS

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND LIFE IN THE WORLD BY BR MARTIN

WHAT IS SIN by BROTHER MARTIN




Message from Brother Martin  30th October 2016 

Today is Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of light. There are many interpretations given to this festival, 
the predominant one is killing of the demon, Narakasura, that rules hell. 
People celebrate this event by placing lamps in lines in their houses. 

Deepavali means lamps in line. People burst crackers to celebrate this festival.

People celebrate this as the victory of Light over darkness, ignorance or evil. 
For Christians it is the victory of Life over Death. It is the victory of Christ the light 
over the forces of darkness and ignorance. 

Let us join with our Hindu brothers and sisters to celebrate this universal festival. 

May the light of truth dispel our ignorance which is the cause of divisions and violence 
in the world and bring unity and peace in the world.
          

SEPTEMBER 2016

Please click and read pdf. letter below about the latest project Br. Martin has
put forward.

Letter for Houses med.pdf Letter for Houses med.pdf
Size : 1645.067 Kb
Type : pdf

Birthday Anniversary of Swami Abhishiktananda - 30th August

We thank God for the gift of

Swami Abhishiktananda

born on the 30th August, 1910

"May the same Light shining in his eyes, enlighten our mind and heart."


LECTURE ON LEWIS-GRIFFITHS

BY RON DART

this autumn at the annual Inklings Institute Canada (IIC) conference at Trinity Western University

Contact - Ron Dart

rdart@shaw.ca 


_______________


PREACHED RETREAT: RON DART


Topic: C.S. Lewis and Bede Griffiths: Soul Friends:

When: April 21-23 2017

Where: New Camaldoli Monastery, Big Sur California

This retreat will explore the ever deepening

friendship between C.S. Lewis and Bede Griffiths

and Griffiths' ongoing defense of Lewis after his

death in 1963. We will, in the process, examine

the nature of spiritual friendships using Lewis

and Griffiths as markings on such a journey.


_______________


GOOD NEWS

13h July 2016


Shantivanam will have what is called a PV-HYBRID system for electircity generation and delivery. This hybrid is PV generated power along with  grid power.


PV is the acronym for photovoltaics. These are cells which take the light of the sun and convert that into DC power. A number of such cells held together in a ‘frame’ is called an array. Shantivanam will have 2 such power system of 4 & 2 KW. There is a high quality Inverter that converts DC into AC power. It also delivers STABLE power and will sense and prioritise the source of power FIRST from the solar source ie the SUN (and strenth of rays called solar insolation). Only if there is ‘no sun’ /insufficient will it source from grid power.


The systems’ providers (Omega Solar) will also install 1 day’s back-up power storage in a bank of batteries.


I think it will take them a week or so to install.


I hope this has the clarity of a good sunshine day!


love

Aruna


11TH JULY 2016

FEAST DAY OF ST. BENEDICT (Founder and Father of Western Monasticism)



ABOUT NEW FILM ON SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA PLEASE CLICK BELOW

http://www.bedegriffiths.com/2016/07/11/dawn-of-the-abyss/

HAVE A LOOK AT THE NEWLY UPGRADED BEDE GRIFFITHS TRUST'S WEBSITE NOW CALLED "THE GOLDEN STRING"
http://www.bedegriffiths.com/


JUNE 2016 UPDATES


MESSAGE FROM BR. MARTIN ON THE FEAST OF ST. ROMUALD


TO LISTEN TO

BROTHER MARTIN'S TALKS - U.S.A. 2016

PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW-

http://www.offeringsfromtheheart.com/new-album/

----------------------



SHARED ARTICLES - a booklet on C.S. Lewis and Bede Griffiths by Ron Dart



----------------------


ARJAY BOB HARVEY CONTINUES SHARING HIS EXPERIENCES WITH THE REFUGEES - http://bobharvey5.blogspot.co.uk/

----------------------

HAVE A LOOK AT THE NEWLY UPGRADED BEDE GRIFFITHS TRUST'S WEBSITE http://www.bedegriffiths.com/   NOW CALLED "THE GOLDEN STRING"


----------------------


 

Feast of Saccidananda - Feast of the Holy Trinity
     

"The Holy Trinity, where there is love there is God"
Pope Francis



"Jesus Christ in our Christian understanding is one in whom this capacity for God was totally fulfilled ("in him dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily") and the image of God was realized in its perfection.

Each of us as we grow in grace can come to share more and more in the gift of the Holy spirit and so grow in the likeness of Christ so that we share in his Sonship and are able to know God as our Father. "God has sent the Spirit of his Son in our hearts crying Abba, Father". (Galatians 4.6) In this way we come to share, as you say, in the inner life of the Trinity." 

extract from a letter from Fr. Bede Griffiths


 

13TH MAY 2016 - 23RD MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY OF FR BEDE GRIFFITHS

 

Fr. Bede writing on interreligious dialogue insisted:
       Dialogue, when properly understood, is not a compromise with error but a process of enrichment by which each religion, and the two parties grow together in the common search for truth.  Each religion has to hold the fundamental truth in its own tradition and at the same time allow that tradition to grow, as it is exposed to other aspects of that truth.  Thus we begin to realize that truth is one, but that it has many faces, and each religion is, as it were, a face of the one Truth, which manifests itself under different signs and symbols in the different historical traditions (7)

taken from a book review of Judson Trapnell's  BEDE GRIFFITHS: A LIFE IN DIALOGUE.     
        
  
Blessings on you and Bro. Martin and all the monks and Oblates of Shantivanam celebrating with deep and joyous gratitude
                                                      Fr. Bede's  Mahasamadhi on May 13th 2016  

One+Heart,  sr.pascaline


 10th April

Birth Anniversary of 

Fr. Jules Monchanin
(born10th April 1895)


He would give his last rupees to the poor
 and would then have to beg for a few annas from the parish priest

Fr. Monchanin gave his all for Shantivanam.



 


2ND GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND OBLATES OF SHANTIVANAM

3RD - 8TH DECEMBER 2018

For those who would like to visit Tiruvannamalai - the holy hill of Arunachala, Sri Ramanasramam etc.

a tour will take place before the Gathering organized by Michael Giddings (details will be available at a later date)


MARCH 2016 UPDATES


TRIBUTES - REMEMBERING FRIENDS OF SHANTIVANAM - Fr. Bruno Barnhart  osb Cam. (l931-20l5) click here

SR MARIE LOUISE INTERVIEWED BY JILL HEMMINGS click here

Subheading under heading BR MARTIN please click on title link below:-

Entering places of worship outside of our own religion? by Brother Martin

SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM SHANTIVANAM IS ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010373499376&fref=ts

BROTHER MARTIN IS ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/johnmartinsahajananda.kuvarapu

Anniversary of Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam 21st March 1950 - 2016

Anniversary of Oblates of Shantivanam website - officially started 21st March 2013 on the Anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam



FEBRUARY 2016 UPDATES

ASHRAMS: HINDU AND CHRISTIAN by Sr.Pascaline Coff

OBLATE PAGES - New entries under GENERAL SHARING


JANUARY 2016 UPDATES

OBLATE PAGES

click on NEW SUBHEADINGS

INSPIRATION OF THE FOUNDERS - FR SEBASTIAN

subheadings below need login and password

GATHERING AT SHANTIVANAM DEC 2015 - REVIEW

GATHERING AT SHANTIVANAM DEC 2015 - FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS

GATHERING AT SHANTIVANAM DEC 2015 - PHOTOS

GENERAL SHARING - new entries


DECEMBER 2015 NEWS AND UPDATES

UNDER HEADINGS:

OBLATE PAGES - General Sharing - some messages for our Gathering

NEWS - MORE QUOTES FROM SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA FROM SETU - see under heading FOUNDERS


REMEMBERING SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA
ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MAHASAMADHI 7TH DECEMBER 2015


"... God is only known and possessed when the self has been finally left behind.
            The only way to this abandonment of self is the way of love,
and for that very reason love is the supreme commandment
and the summing up of the whole Gospel."

Swami Abhishiktananda

(Taken from: Saccidananda: A Christian Approach to Advaitic Experience,
Delhi (ISPCK), 1974 (revised version of:
Sagesse hindoue, mystique chrétienne, Paris, 1965);
new edition, 1984; reprinted in 1997, p. 7)




REMEMBERING FR BEDE GRIFFITHS
ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH 17TH DECEMBER 2015

Each religion has to hold to its own tradition,
yet to allow that tradition to grow as it opens itself to other aspects of truth.
So we realize that truth is one, but that it has many faces and each religion is an aspect of that face.
The one truth is perceived to be manifesting itself under different signs and symbols."
Fr. Bede Griffiths

(Taken from:"The Universal Christ, Daily Readings with Bede Griffiths Page 18,






 NOVEMBER 2015 NEWS AND UPDATES

‘Can we prove God? Some of the saints, like Thomas Aquinas, tried to prove God.’- EXTRACT FROM BROTHER MARTIN'S FOUR O’CLOCK TALKS - SEE UNDER HEADING BR MARTIN OR CLICK HERE

OBLATE PAGES - General Sharing - new entries



 OCTOBER 2015 NEWS AND UPDATES


 Fr. Cyprian Consiglio on Fr Bede Griffiths' Centenary Celebrations at Shantivanam click here


 Human Desires and the Search for God - EXTRACT FROM BROTHER MARTIN'S FOUR O’CLOCK TALKS CLICK HERE

 Remembering
Fr. Jules Monchanin
Mahasamadhi Anniversary 10th October 1957


He planted a seed which has grown into a forest of peace

Shantivanam


"...I never saw him angry. If he had been an ordinary man, there would have been a word called ‘angry’, but Monchanin was always praying. How could he get angry [when he was praying all the time]?  Even while walking, Monchanin used to pray: when he walked from his hut to the chapel, he would pray the rosary... " 

The Memories of Mr. Vishvasam – Cook and Friend to the Hermits (see Tributes to Fr. Jules Monchanin)


                


 

SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA

Photo courtesy: O. Baumer - Abhishiktananda Centre for Interreligious Dialogue
taken in October 1973, just 2 months before Swamiji’s mahasamadhi


REMEMBERING

A BEAUTIFUL SOUL

ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH 30TH AUGUST 1910

"That which is at the centre of the space in my heart,
it is the very same which is in the sun,

which is in the earth,
in the heart of every man,
at the heart of every being."

A verse in the Chandogya Upanishad which meant much to Swami Abhishiktananda

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


MESSAGE FROM BR. MARTIN FOR DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF FR. BEDE GRIFFITHS


Date:     Tue, 12 May 2015 20:24:03 +0530
From:     John Martin Sahajananda <brothermartin111@outlook.com>


Dear Friends, 

Tomorrow we remember the death anniversary of our beloved Guruji Fr.Bede. It was 22 years ago that he left his mortal body but he lives in the ashram and with us through his spirit and continuously inspires.
We are all very grateful to his response to the call of God, to his sacrifice, to his dedication for the truth, for building bridges and being a peace maker.
Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God'. Fr.Bede and our founders, Jules Monchanin and Henri Le Saux for they worked hard to break down the walls of division and bring peace and unity in the world.
They inspired many people on their spiritual path and gave clear guidance to their lives.
We thank God for the gift of their lives.
What we are today is because of their sacrifice.
May they all continue to protect us and inspire us.

Br.Martin and the Community of Shantivanam



A wonderful drawing of Fr Bede Griffiths by Daniel Pittman (Devananda) (see below)

posted here especially for the 13th May - Anniversary of Fr. Bede's Mahasamadhi.

photo © Daniel Pittman


 

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF FR. JULES MONCHANIN

Today 10th April we celebrate the birth anniversary of Jules Monchanin, the co-founder of Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam. Born10th April, 1895 in France in the village of Fleurie near Lyons.

"...Our Advaita and the praise of the Trinity are our only aim,' wrote Monchanin, and with these words he put his finger on the precise point where the meeting in depth between Indian and the Christian faith has to take place..." Fr. Bede Griffiths (Preface to In Quest of the Absolute)

"I ask you all for your prayers, Christians, Moslems, Hindus alike, you who adore 'Him Who is,' the One whom we cannot name, for He is beyond all thought, but whom, through His Grace, love may reach." Fr. Jules Monchanin's words shortly before his death.

 

Easter Blessings


May our journey through Lent lead us

"From the unreal to the real,
From darkness to light,
From death to immortality.
Om peace peace peace
 ."

HAPPY EASTER

 

21st March is the 65th birthday of Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam
and the 2nd anniversary of the website of  oblates of Shantivanam.



"...'Our Advaita and the praise of the Trinity are our only aim,' wrote Monchanin, and with these words he put his finger on the precise point where the meeting in depth between Indian and the Christian faith has to take place.
   The Hindu experience of the Atman, the ground alike of being and of consciousness as 'one without a second', and the Christian experience of God as a Trinity of Persons, are complementary truths. Within the depths of the One there is revealed a communion of knowledge and love, which does not destroy but perfects the unity of the One Being. But to discover this point of unity in the two traditions we have to ascend, as Monchanin observed, to the source of both traditions, to the point at which they originally burst forth and took shape, before they had hardened into systems..."

excerpt taken from the Preface by Bede Griffiths to In Quest of the Absolute - The Life and Works of Jules Monchanin.

 

GATHERING AT SHANTIVANAM

SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM - ASHRAM OF THE HOLY TRINITY

14TH -17TH DECEMBER 2015

Arrive on 13th and leave on morning of 18th

 Those wishing to extend their stay may make arrangements to do so.

Oblates, sannyasis and all friends are most welcome

No charge for the gathering but donations accepted

Usual Donations for accommodation.

PROGRAMME

Opening and welcome to Gathering by Br Martin

The first 2 days while following the rhythm of the day at Shantivanam, will include

2 sessions in the morning and 2 in the afternoon of sharing:

Sharing stories of personal spiritual journeys, what we are doing now etc.

3rd day Talk by Brother Martin - The vision of Shantivanam and role and purpose of Oblates.

4th day Special celebration for Fr. Bede's birth Anniversary and closing of gathering.

BOOKINGS: e-mail Tina at shantivanamoblates@gmail.com

GENERAL INFORMATION: e-mail Michael at mjgiddings2002@yahoo.co.uk

Bookings open until end of November

Early booking would be much appreciated

but last minute bookings will be accepted if rooms are available. 

Please contact Michael for advice and information regarding travelling to Shantivanam and any special concerns about transport, accommodation, dietary needs etc. and for a tour of nearby spiritual sights/temples before/after the event.

For further information please visit http://oblatesofshantivanam.yolasite.com/ (click on CONTACT)

FEBRUARY 2015 UPDATES

Dear Friends

Greetings of peace and joy from Br.Martin, from Shantivanam. I hope you are fine, hale and healthy.  The community of Shantivanam ashram  comes to you with a request. The present need of the ashram necessitated us to initiate a project called ‘Friends of Shantivanam’.  We are trying to gather some friends who commit to support the mission of the ashram spiritually and economically. Please click here for full message. The ashram community will be grateful for your support.

With best wishes and prayers

Br.Martin and the Community of Shantivanam.

Saccidananda Ashram,

Shantivanam 

MESSAGE FROM FR. GEORGE NELLIYANIL - Fr. Bede, man of Prayer and Communion (see subheading under NEWS or click below)

Fr. George Nelliyanil was prior of Shantivanam from 1997 to 2014. From October 2014 he was appointed Prior and Rector of the Monastery of S. Gregorio Magno Italy.

 

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BROTHER MARTIN FOR 2015


Dear Oblates and friends,
I wish you all a happy new year 2015. Let us thank the Infinite for the year 2014. Let us accept all the positive and the negative aspects of the past year. Let us also forgive those who have caused difficulties to us and also ask forgiveness if we have done any harm to others. Let us pray to the almighty for a world where there will be peace, equality, freedom and respect for the human dignity.
br.martin

 

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BROTHER MARTIN FOR 2014

The meaning of Christmas: See subheading under heading NEWS

NEW - A PARABLE ON THE VIRGIN MOTHERS OF GOD - SEE UNDER HEADING BR.MARTIN OR CLICK BELOW:



MESSAGE FROM BR. MARTIN ON THE 108TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF 

FR. BEDE GRIFFITHS - 17TH DECEMBER 2014


Dear Friends,
Today we commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of our beloved guruji and teacher Fr.Bede Griffiths. He was one of the three pillars of Shantivanam. 
Jesus Christ said 'Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God. 
St.Paul said, 'Christ came to proclaim peace. He himself is our peace. How did he do that? By breaking down the walls of division and creating one humanity out of two. Thus he brought peace
The vocation of the founders of Shantivanam is to be peace makers. To  break down the barriers of divisions and create one God, one creation and one humanity.
Fr.Bede wrote his  book 'the Marriage of East and West'. He worked very hard to build bridges among all the great world religions. Fr.Bede was a peace maker and thus he was a child of God. May his life inspire us to pursue the path peace makers and thus become  the children of God.

Br.Martin, shantivanam.



REMEMBERING FR BEDE GRIFFITHS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH
17TH DECEMBER 1906

 

"...The divine mystery is there present in the depths of every human being. And when we let go of all the limited forms of images and concepts we discover we are one in that transcendent mystery. And that’s where we're really being led today and unless we do we're going to destroy one another and destroy this planet..."  Bede Griffiths 

DECEMBER 2014 NEWS AND UPDATES

Message from Br. Martin on the 41st Death Annivesary of Swami Abhishiktananda - 7th December 2014 - see under News subheading "Messages from Br. Martin"


BR. Martin -  Isa Upanishad: an interpretative translation - see under heading Br. Martin



NOVEMBER 2014 NEWS AND UPDATES


 BROTHER MARTIN'S PROGRAMME FOR EUROPE"


"I have just finished my program in France and I go tomorrow 25th to Luxemburg.
On 30th. I go to Germany.
On 3rd.December I go to Holland.
On 9th. I go back to India from Brussels..."

Br.martin


 

 - MESSAGE FROM BROTHER MARTIN ON THE OCCASION OF THE 57TH MAHASAMADHI

(DEATH ANNIVERSARY) OF ABBE JULES MONCHANIN 10TH OCTOBER 2014 -


Dear Oblates and friends,
Peace and joy from Shantivanam, from Brother Martin.
October 10 is the 57th mahasamadhi (death anniversary) of Abbe Jules Monchanin. This year also marks the 75th year since Abbe Monchanin arrived in India (1939). To mark the occasion, I wish to share with you some reflections from Ma Atmajyoti-Ananda, which were originally presented as a talk at Shanitvanam in 2007, on the occasion of the 50th mahasamadhi of Abbe Monchanin, and which focuses on the year 1939.

“Abbe Monchanin finally departed for India on 5 May 1939, at the age of 44, after seven years of waiting…We begin, now, to see an appreciation of all happening according to the will of God. Regarding the long wait before departing for India, he wrote: ‘When I look back, it is impossible to regret leaving after such a long delay. I think it was exactly at the moment it had to be’ (Quest of the Absolute, p.24). Furthermore, in May, on the sea journey to India, Abbe Monchanin wrote in a letter to his mother: ‘It [the journey to India] had to be. The call was irresistible. With God all has to be risked without counting the cost. It is for India that I want to love beyond myself’ (Quest of the Absolute, p.26).”

Abbe Monchanin was a saintly man whose life provides an example to us of the spiritual virtue of waiting in faith for God’s will to unfold. May he pray for us.

Bro. John Martin Sahajananda 

On this occasion on the mahasamadhi of Abbe Monchanin, the book "Reflections on the Hermits of Saccidananda" has been made available as an eBook for free download or to read online at www.ctlock.org  This book is a compilation of articles by Ma Atmajyoti-Ananda ("ctlock") of Aranya Kutir Ashram, Rishikesh.

SEPTEMBER 2014 NEWS AND UPDATES

News from Shantivanam:-

Fr.George has gone to Italy on a sabbatical and possible responsibility in Italy.

Br. Martin has been appointed by the Prior General as the prior administrator of the ashram for three years. He took charge on 9th.September.

BROTHER MARTIN - Article by Brother Martin - The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven




AUGUST 2014 NEWS AND UPDATES

GATHERING AT SHANTIVANAM DECEMBER 2015: A reminder for those who wish to join the gathering of friends and oblates of Shantivanam in December 2015 at Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam to send an e-mail to shativanamoblates@gmail.com so that we can start to organise the programme with your input.



Dear Friends,
Tomorrow we commemorate the 104th birth anniversary of Swami Abhishikthanada. We thank God for the gift of his life to our ashram, to the Catholic Church, to Christianity and to the whole world. He had the courage to trod the untrodden path and to open a new vision to the Church, to Christianity and to the world. It was not an easy path. It required tremendous courage and sacrifice. His soul had to go through the pangs of a woman in travail and also the pangs of a child that is going to be born. He endured the process and gave birth to a new vision. He was a pioneer of Hindu-Christian Meeting point. We are still very far from the vision he inaugurated. It seems that his voice is like the voice of John the Baptist,crying in the wilderness. Neither the Church nor Christianity has taken his vision seriously. It still remains at the individual level. Only the individuals that go into the desert listen his voice and try to walk on the path he walked. We wish and pray that the Church and Christianity open their minds and hearts to hear his prophetic voice and contribute for a genuine inter-religious dialogue and work for unity and peace in the world. May the soul of Swami Abhishikthananda bless us from above and help us to be caught by the fire of his vision.
John Martin Sahajananda,
Saccidananda Ashram,
Shantivanam

29.8.2014 

MAY 2014 UPDATES 

NEWS - UPDATE ON ADRIAN RANCE'S BOOK - BEDE ON LOVE - Read excerpts taken from the book and report by Adrian Rance  under NEWS Subheading.

On Friendship- The Letters of Bede Griffiths to Richard Rumbold 1943-1961  edited by Adrian Rance  (read review under heading BOOKS) Adrian has included a photo of Richard Rumbold in Second World War RAF uniform.

BROTHER MARTIN - on Baptismal Promises

OBLATE PAGES - General Sharing - Sr. Pascaline shares her first experience and impression of Fr. Bede

NEWS - MESSAGE FROM FR GEORGE FOR THE 21ST MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY OF FR. BEDE GRIFFITHS

Dear oblates and friends,

 Today, 13th May we are celebrating the 21st Mahasamadhi  of our beloved Guruji. Fr. Bede. On this occasion I am glad to share with you one of his messages which touched me very much. That is “Go Beyond”, Fr. Bede was a charismatic and prophetic figure which we could find in his gentle face and eyes filled with compassion. His kavi colored cloth and simple life touched the heart of everyone who met him and he radiated to them the message ‘Go Beyond’.  (Please see under NEWS - MESSAGES FROM FR. GEORGE for the complete message.)

ADDITIONS TO OBLATE PAGES - GENERAL SHARING

 13TH MAY 2014 - 21ST MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY OF FR BEDE GRIFFITHS

..."But in that stillness, in that silence, the Word is hidden, the Word in which everything exists eternally in the plenitude of being. And in that Word the Spirit is present, the Spirit which is in all creation and in the heart of every man, and in our own inmost being. And that Spirit is Love, a love which penetrates every atom in the universe, which fills every living thing, which moves the heart of every man, which gathers all into unity. In that Spirit we are all one in the Word, each one unique in himself, reflecting the light of the Word, and in that Word we are one with the Father, the Source of all. 'That they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us.' This is our destiny, to be one with God in a unity which transcends all distinctions, and yet in which each individual being is found in his integral wholeness. 

Extract from "Return to the Centre" by Bede Griffiths


UPDATES APRIL 2014

EASTER MESSAGE FROM FR. GEORGE - see under NEWS 

EASTER-THE VICTORY OF UNITY OVER DIVISIONS by Brother MartinThe feast of Easter has many messages to communicate to us:  - See under Brother Martin


NEW WEBSITE FOR SACCIDANANDA ASHRAM: http://saccidanandaashram.com/

 APRIL 2014 - UPDATE

Today 10th April we are celebrating the birthday of Jules Monchanin, the co-founder of Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam. On this occasion I would like to share with you some of his thoughts about this above mentioned foundation, Saccidananda Ashram....." MESSAGE FROM FR. GEORGE - SEE SUBHEADING UNDER NEWS


JANUARY 2014

Update - (see) Br. Martin

The Hindu-Christian Meeting Point - The similarities between The Vedic Vision and theVision of Christ - John Martin Sahajananda

Brother Martin has offered alternative Introductory Prayers, based on the Psalms, which can be recited privately, for friends and oblates who cannot follow the usual introductory prayers.

Brother Martin has also composed a prayer inspired by the Lord’s Prayer.


 

DECEMBER 2013

"The great people will not die because they live in the heart of the people. Mandela is a man of great soul. We remember him and the people of South Africa in our prayers."

Fr. George Nelliyanil, Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam, India

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Dear Friends and oblates of Shantivanam,

Christmas is a celebration of joy.  We celebrate Christmas by exchanging gifts, decorating the houses, making a crib at home and putting Christmas stars, visiting friends, attending the Holy mass, sharing Christmas cakes, decorating the Christmas tree etc.  The reason for this joy is Emmanuel: God with us. Christmas tells us that we are not alone. The Creator is with us and within us. This is the reason for which we celebrate Christmas with joy.  The shepherds were the people who were privileged to experience first the nearness of the Lord.

Christmas  is a love story only lovers will understand it. Thus, Augustine,” Give me a person who loves; he will understand what I am saying. Give me someone who does not love;  he or she will not understand what we are saying.” The nearness of God cannot be understood with our cleverness. To understand and experience the nearness of God one has to attune one’s life with the life of Jesus.

In Jesus God comes closer to us as He can and He becomes one of us. He came to us as tender compassion and to bring light to those who live in the darkness.  Wherever we experience His presence we experience Peace and Love even in the midst of chaos of the world.

God has no plan to leave us alone. This is the message of the parable of the Prodigal son and the Lost Sheep. In Jesus God’s unconditional love is manifested to the whole humanity.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this advent and Christmas season help you to become more like Jesus and burn like a candle which gives light to the world of darkness and pain with love and goodness.

Fr. George Nelliyanil

Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam, India

 

5th to 7th December 2013 - Celebration at Shantivanam of 40th Anniversary of Swami Abhishiktananda's - Mahasamadhi -7 December 1973 and of 20th Anniversary of Fr. Bede Griffiths' - Mahasamadhi - 13th May 1993

 

BR. MARTIN - New:-

A Credo for Today’s Christians by Brother Martin

God Celebrates Christmas  by Brother Martin

10TH OCTOBER  - MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY OF FR.JULES MONCHANIN -

we welcome more tributes

 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA

30TH AUGUST

 

Bulletins of the Abhishiktananda Society are reproduced here http://www.dimmid.org/ under heading Abhishiktananda

 THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FR BEDE GRIFFITHS' MAHASAMADHI - 13TH MAY 2013


 MESSAGE FROM FR. GEORGE NELLIYANIL, PRIOR OF SHANTIVANAM

Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam was started on 21st March 1950 by Jules Monchanin and Henry Le Saux therefore on 21st March we are celebrating the 63rd birthday of our ashram.On this occasion I am pleased to announce that we have opened the website for oblates of Shantivanam to be in communication with each other and with our community. I am sure that this website will help us to deepen our spiritual pursuit and promote the communication between Shantivanam and oblates.

 

NOTICE

THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE FOUNDERS OF SHANTIVANAM - FR. JULES MONCHANIN, SWAMI ABHISHIKTANANDA AND FR. BEDE GRIFFITHS ARE INVITED TO SEND TRIBUTES TO THEM WHICH I WILL INCLUDE UNDER SPECIAL HEADINGS.

Please send to shantivanamoblates@gmail.com

 

BROTHER MARTIN HAS SHARED ANOTHER ARTICLE

(see under Br.Martin)

 

Brother Martin's new book published in French - Un Nouveau Chant de la Création -
A New Song of Creation in english is
now available and shown under BOOKS etc.

 

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