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Special Issue

Month: May 2012

Tithi: Vaishakha Poornima

Year: Sri Khara - 2012

THE GLORY OF VAISHAKHA SUDDHA POORNIMA

A GRAND GATHERING OF MAHATMAS OF THE HIERARCHY AT THE VAISHAK VALLEY ON THE NIGHT OF VAISHAKHA POORNIMA

Published By: SUDDHA SANATANA DHARMA SEVA SAMSTHA, Hyderabad, India.


(This Magazine is for free circulation and not for sale)

E-Mail: sanjaybharatha@yahoo.com Ph.No.: +919866445800 -0-

THE GLORY OF VAISHAKHA SUDDHA POORNIMA

SRI YOGA DEVI IN LAKE KUSUMAKARA

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THE GLORY OF VAISHAKHA SUDDHA POORNIMA


A Compilation This month we celebrate the all auspicious Vaishakha Suddha Poornima on 6th of May, 2012. According to the Suddha Dharma literature as given out by Swami Sri Subramanyananda, this day of current year i.e., the Poornima of Vaishakha month of year 2012, marks the beginning of the 12,113th year of the reconstitution of the great Suddha Dharma Mandalam Hierarchy by Lord Sri Yoga Narayana. It means 12,112 years have lapsed since such time. It is also the day on which Brahma Shakti Sri Yoga Devi was crowned the Supreme Directress of Suddha Dharma Mandalam. These awe inspiring accounts prove doubt the relevance of this celebration paramount importance to all humans planet, irrespective of the differences nationality,etc

By: Sanjay Bharatha


beyond and it's on this of race,

We have seen in the last issue of our magazine, the importance of Vasanta Ritu which comprises of two months of Chaitra and Vaishakha, for accumulation of Spiritual Energy. Now here I guess we will get a little idea as to why and how of it. The Importance of the Vedic month of Vaishakha (April-May) can be gauged from the fact that three of Lord Vishnus incarnations happened in this month Lord Parashurama, Lord Narasimha and Lord Kurma. Vaishakha month is also worshipped by devas and abstracts religion, homas, austerity and deed. The person who takes bath before the sunrise gets freedom from all his sins. Vaishakha being the favourite of Lord Vishnu has become the most superior and auspicious month of the year.

It would be of interest to know that apart from the followers of Suddha Dharma, this auspicious day is well known and celebrated by quite a few groups around the world under different names. I have tried to put together from various sources, a few facts about the month of Vaishakha and the Vaishakha Poornima, for the benefit of those interested in Spiritual Secrets and Esoteric Knowledge in general and about Suddha Dharma inparticular.

I found a few references about this very auspicious Vaishakha Poornima and its importance and accounts of certain secret spiritual celebrations and invocations, in various sources that I had earlier read. Herein under, I reproduce what I found relevant in such books and web material that I came across. At the end is the collection from Suddha Dharma literature.

According to Vedic scriptures, the month of Vaishakha is one of the most auspicious months and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One should worship and perform Pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu or even any of His ten Avatars. Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana describe the glory

and significance of Vaishakha month mentioning that there is no other month like Vaishakha that is considered so auspicious. Maharishi Narada praises the Vaishakha month by saying that Lord Brahma, the Creator, has created this month superior to other 11 months of the Hindu calendar. Vaishakha Month is considered to be the ideal month to perform charity, Yagna, fasting as well as bathing in the river Ganga. Vaisakhi, the first day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakha, is celebrated according to the Hindu solar calendar and celebrations throughout India are observed differently in the various regions - from the North to the South. In Punjab, North India, Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) is not only a harvest festival of the state marking the onset of harvesting of the winter crops, but is also the start of a New year for the Sikhs and Hindus. It is on Vaisakhi day in 1699 that the 10th Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa Panth and Vaisakhi day holds a spiritual significance for the Sikhs of Punjab.

Thus, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this form also on Vaishakha Poornima. The rewards that a person gets from charity, visiting pilgrimages can be attained by just donating water on the day of Vaishakha Poornima. Providing a thirsty person with water on this day is equivalent to performing a Rajasuya Yagna. The person can get freedom for all his sins by taking a bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Narmada etc. The person who takes a bath early in the morning and performs homas, rituals, and fasts to worship Lord Vishnu is immensely blessed.

This day of Vaishakha Poornima is also auspicious to the followers of Lord Buddha as he was born on this day and attained his enlightenment on this day as youth and on this very day he also left his mortal body after teaching his disciples for many number of years. Hence, Lord Buddha's advent and paranirvana (birth and passing away), is also often celebrated the same day or near day, making it a "triple blessing", writes C.W. Leadbeater, the famous clairvoyant and the prominent member the Theosophical Society. Here I reproduce a collection about this topic from his book ' The Masters and the Path'.

Now coming to the importance of Vaishakha Poornima, according to the Vedic scriptures, one gets freedom from all his sins by worshipping and fasting on Vaishakha Poornima. It is said that the person who worships Lord Vishnu on this day gets good rewards and prosperity. According to the Bhavishya Purana, Lord Vishnu took the form of a turtle in one of his 24 incarnations.

He writes, 'As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on this night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.'

'During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples of them... . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on.... As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another.

'This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2500 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness'

'The Wesak day, the name by which Vaisakha Poornima is known in certain spiritual circles, is also special, because Buddha made a specific commitment: To Keep in touch with our world and its beings, every year on that particular day. Buddha is doing a special effort that day. The Buddhas contact is particularly strong and effective on the mental fields of consciousness, although not exclusive to there. The 500 Arhats (Lo-han in Chinese), are present, as well as many other representatives of various mental-streams, other Buddhas and bodhisattvas, gather to increase light input and output.'

Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of dissatisfaction paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realization dawned in him together with all psychic powers.'

Leadbeater also writes 'In connection with this visit of His, and quite apart from its tremendous esoteric significance, an exoteric ceremony is performed on the physical plane at which the Lord actually shows Himself in the presence of a crowd of ordinary pilgrims. Whether He shows Himself to pilgrims I am not certain; they all prostrate themselves at the moment when He appears, but that may be only in imitation of the prostration of the Adepts and Their pupils, who do see the Lord Gautama.

It seems probable that some at least of the pilgrims have seen Him for themselves, for the existence of the ceremony is widely known among the Buddhists of central Asia, and it is spoken of as the appearance of the Shadow or Reflection of the Buddha, the description given of it in such traditional accounts being as a rule fairly accurate.

So far as we can see there appears to be no reason why any person whatever who happens to be in the neighbourhood at the time may not be present at the ceremony; no apparent effort is made to restrict the number of spectators; though it is true that one hears stories of parties of pilgrims who have wandered for years without being able to find the spot.'

'All members of the Great White Brotherhood, except the King Himself and His three disciples, usually attend this ceremony; and there is no reason why any of our earnest Theosophical members should not be present at it in their astral bodies. Those to whom the secret has been confided usually try so to arrange matters as to put their physical bodies to sleep an hour or so before the exact moment of full moon, and to be undisturbed until about an hour after it.'

The place selected is a small plateau surrounded by low hills, which lies on the northern side of the Himalayas, not far from the frontier of Nepal, and perhaps about four hundred miles west of the city of Lhasa. This little plain is roughly oblong in shape, its length being perhaps a mile and a half and its breadth rather less. The ground slopes slightly downwards from south to north, and is mostly bare and stony, though in some places covered with coarse wiry grass and rough scrubby vegetation. A stream runs down part of the west side of the plateau, crosses its north-west corner, and escapes about the middle of the north side through a pine-clothed ravine, eventually reaching a lake which is visible at a distance of some miles. The surrounding country seems wild and uninhabited, and there are no buildings in sight except single ruined sputa with two or three huts beside it, on the slope of one of the hills on the eastern sides of the plain. About the centre of the southern half of the plain lies a huge block of greyish-white stone, veined with some glittering substance-- an altar-like block, perhaps twelve feet in length by six feet wide, and standing about three feet out of the ground.' 'On His materialization in the centre of the circle all the Adepts and Initiates bow gravely towards Him, and another verse is chanted. After this, still intoning verses, the inner rings divide into eight parts, so as to form a cross within the outer circle, the Lord Maitreya still remaining at the centre.

At the next movement of this stately ritual, the cross becomes a triangle, the Lord Maitreya moving forward so as to stand at its apex, and therefore close to the altar-stone. Upon that altar, in the open space left in front of the golden bowl, the Lord Maitreya reverently lays the Rod of Power, while behind Him the circle changes into a rather involved curved figure, so that all are facing the altar.

remain prostrate, while the others sing the three verses which were taught by the Lord Buddha Himself during His earth life to the schoolboy Chatta:'

At the next change the curved figure becomes a reversed triangle, so that we have a representation of the well-known sign of The Theosophical Society, though without its encircling snake. This figure in turn resolves into the five-pointed star, the Lord Maitreya being still at the southern point nearest the altar-stone, and the other great Officials or Chohans at the five pints where the lines intersect. A diagram of the symbolic figures is herewith appended, as some of them are not easy to describe.' 'When this seventh and final stage is reached the chanting ceases, and after a few moments of solemn silence the Lord Maitreya, again taking the Rod of Power into His hands and raising it above His head, utters in a few sonorous words of Pali: All is ready; Master, come!

'The Lord Buddha, the Sage of the Sakyas, is among mankind the best of Teachers. He has done that which was to be done, and has crossed to the other shore (Nirvana). He is filled with strength and energy; Him, the Blessed One I take for my guide.'

'The truth is non-material; it brings freedom from passion, desire and sorrow; it is free from all stain; it is sweet, plain and logical; this truth I take as my guide.' 'Whatever is given to the eight kinds of the Noble Ones, who in pairs form the four grades, who know the truth, verily brings great reward; this Brotherhood of the Noble Ones I take as my guide.'

'Then the people rise and stand gazing at the presence of the Lord while the Brotherhood chants for the benefit of the people noble words of the Mahamangala Sutta, which has been translated thus by Professor Rhys Davids: Then as He again lays down the fiery rod, at the exact moment of the full moon, the Lord Buddha appears as a gigantic figure floating in the air just above the southern hills. The members of the Brotherhood bow with joined hands, and the multitude behind them fall on their faces and

When yearning for good, many devas and men Have held divers things to be blessing; Do thou then inform us, O Master, What is the greatest blessing? Not to serve the foolish, But to serve the wise; To honor those worthy of honor; This is the greatest blessing.

To abhor and cease from sin, To abstain from strong drink, Not to be weary in well-doing; This is the greatest blessing.

To dwell in a pleasant land, To have done good deeds in a former birth, To have a soul filled with right desire; This is the greatest blessing.

Reverence and lowliness, Contentment and gratitude, The hearing of the Law at due seasons; This is the greatest blessing. To be long-suffering and meek, To associate with the tranquil, Religious talk at due seasons; This is the greatest blessing.

Self-restraint and purity, The knowledge of the Four Great Truths, The realization of Nirvana; This is the greatest blessing. Beneath the stroke of lifes changes The soul that stands unshaken, Passionless, unsorrowing, secure; This is the greatest blessing. Invincible on every side Is he who acteth thus; On every side he walks in safety; And his is the greatest blessing.'

Much insight and much education, Self-control and a well-trained mind, Pleasant words that are well spoken; This is the greatest blessing. To support father and mother, To cherish wife and child, To follow a peaceful calling; This is the greatest blessing.

To bestow alms and live righteously, To give help to one' s kindred, To do deeds which cannot be blamed; This is the greatest blessing.

'The figure which floats above the hills is of enormous size, but exactly reproduces the form and features of the body in which the Lord last lived on earth. He appears seated cross-legged, with the hands together, dressed in the yellow robe of the Buddhist monk, but wearing it so as to leave the right arm bare. No description can give an idea of the face-- a face truly God-like, for it combines calmness and power, wisdom and love in an expression containing all that our minds can imagine of the Divine.

'One of the most striking features of this wondrous apparition is the splendid aura which surrounds the figure.

'When the Mahamangala Sutta is finished, the Lord Maitreya takes the golden bowl of water from the altar-stone, and holds it above His head for a few moments, while the multitudes behind, which have also provided themselves with vessels, filled with water, and follow His example. As He replaces it on the altar-stone another verse is chanted: 'He is the Lord, the Saint who is perfect in knowledge, who possesses the eight kinds of knowledge and has accomplished the fifteen holy practices, who has come the good journey which led to the Buddhahood, who knows the three worlds, the unrivalled, the Teacher of gods and men, the Blessed One, the Lord Buddha.' 'As this ends, a smile of ineffable love beams forth from the face of the Lord as He raises His right hand in the attitude of benediction, while a great shower of flowers falls among the people. Again the members of the Brotherhood bow, again the crowd prostrates itself, and the figure slowly fades out of the sky, while the multitude relieves itself in shouts of joy and praise.

We may say that the complexion is clear yellowish-white, and the features clearly cut; that the forehead is broad and noble; the eyes large, luminous and of a deep dark blue; the nose slightly aquiline; the lips red and firmly set; but all this puts before us merely the outer mask and gives but a little grasp of the living whole. The hair is black-- almost blue-black-- and wavy; curiously, it is neither worn long according to Indian custom, nor shaved altogether in the manner of Oriental monks, but is cut off just before it reaches the shoulders, parted in the centre and swept back from the forehead. The story is told that when the Prince Siddhartha left home to seek the truth, he seized his long hair and cut it off close above his head with a sweep of his sword, and that ever afterwards he kept it at the same length.'

The members of the Brotherhood come up to the Lord Maitreya in the order of Their admission, and each sips the water in the golden bowl, and the people also sip theirs, taking the remainder home in their quaint leather bottles as holy water to drive away all evil influences from their houses, or perhaps to cure the sick. Then the vast company breaks up with mutual congratulations, and the people bear away to their far-distant homes an ineffaceable memory of the wonderful ceremony in which they have taken part.'

--- C.W.Leadbeater, in 'the Masters and the Path.'

An account given by Alice A Bailey about this auspicious occasion of Vaishakha Poornima and the related celebration that takes place in the secret reassesses of Himalayas is well worth reproducing here and is as under: She Writes ' It is said that Wesak is that time at the Full Moon of May in which the Christ gathers the entire Spiritual Hierarchy together in meditation to invoke the forces of Shambhalla. The Buddha, representing those forces, appears and blesses humanity.' 'The ceremony of Wesak is held in the actual Wesak Valley in the Himalayas at the time of the full moon of May (which is actually the full moon of Scorpio). A vast crowd assembles in the valley, in front of the great rock table at the end of the valley.' Alice A. Bailey describes this event in The Unfinished Autobiography. 'It is said that the Christ (Maharishi Maitreya) and the Buddha conduct the ceremony of Wesak from a rock table at the end of the valley' described by Bailey as "...an immense rock, rising out of the floor of the valley like a great table."

The Buddha is the expression of the Wisdom of God, the embodiment of light and the indicator of divine purpose. Wesak - the Sun in Taurus Full Moon, is the most powerful Full Moon of the year. The Sun's transit through Taurus exalts the Moon and Taurus is ruled by Venus, the spiritual ruler of Earth. Venus is identified with Mary, the World Mother. May, the month of Taurus, is the month of Mary. Venus appears in the west as the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl who brought enlightenment to the Mayans; in the east she is Maya, mother of the Buddha. Locally the Full Moon has strong effect in the hour following Sunset when the Moon is rising and at local Midnight when the Moon is directly overhead. Mystics say that on Vaishakha Poornima the Buddha returns now to help regenerate the Earth.

Alice A Bailey writes: This second of the three major spiritual planetary festivals is The Wesak Festival or the Vaishakha Poornima, The Buddha's Blessing, and is celebrated in the eastern hemisphere at the Taurus full moon. (The first, in April, is the Festival of the Christ and the third, in June, is the Festival of Humanity.) Wesak is the festival of The Buddha, divine intermediary between the highest spiritual center, Shamballa, and the Hierarchy.

According to metaphysical tradition, the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and left Earthly incarnation under the Full Moon of Taurus. And the Buddha returns at this time each year to bring new light to the world. Spiritual leaders gather in Wesak Valley, a mythic place high in the Himalayas. Here initiates led by the Christ (Lord Maitreya) arrange themselves into a great pentagram (the Venusian emblem of world soul) while the Buddha hovers over those gathered radiating light. This cosmic alignment occurs during the eight minutes centred on the moment of the Wesak full moon. Significance of Wesak: The annual cycle of the Spiritual Festivals offers opportunity for people of all faiths to cooperate. Together, the three full moon festivals of Aries, Taurus and Gemini form a united spiritual approach by humanity to divinity.

The Buddha embodies the Principle of Light, and because of this illumination humanity was able to recognize the Christ, embodiment of the still greater Principle of Love. Each year at the time of Wesak, two great streams of energy - one focused through the Buddha and the other through the Christ - are fused and blended, and it is the task of world servers to precipitate this combined energy into the waiting world.

The Wesak Festival has been traditionally associated in eastern civilization with the Buddha, divine intermediary between the highest spiritual centre on the planet, Shamballa, and the Hierarchy. The Buddha is the expression of the Wisdom of God, the embodiment of Light and the indicator of divine purpose, cooperating at this festival with his brother the Christ (Lord Maitreya), who represents the Hierarchy.

The Wesak Festival is indeed a great spiritual event, with a powerful effect upon humanity. Groups of aspirants can at this time become channels for the higher energies released through the medium of the two focal points - the Buddha, who represents the over lighting essence of subjective realities, and the Christ (Lord Maitreya), representative of aspiring humanity. This is symbolized in religious rituals where the priest acts as the focal point; here, however, the priesthood in this great ceremony of contact is not a separate entity. All can be priests, the single qualification being the capacity to align oneself and been rapport with the soul, and thus be able to cooperate with other souls. Wesak is a time of unusual inflow of life and of spiritual stimulation, serving to vitalize the aspiration of all humanity. At the time of the Festival, through the united effort of the Christ (Lord Maitreya) and the Buddha working in closest cooperation, there is opened a channel of

communication between humanity and deity through which an approach can be made to Those Who guide our planet, so that aspirants and disciples can contact energies not otherwise easily available.

In mutual service to humanity, the Buddha and the Christ bring about a linking that blends East and West, uniting the world's major religions in a shared holy day in which religious distinctions disappear. In the beautiful water ceremony of communion is portrayed the symbol of the new age which is upon us, the Aquarian Age, the age of the Water Carrier.

The Christ then - on behalf of the Hierarchy becomes the "receiving Agent" of this potent energy and the groups of Masters Who work with the human and sub-human kingdoms(in response to His demand) become the "directing Agents" for the sevenfold expression of this force.

So at the time of the Wesak Festival, expansions of consciousness are made possible that are not possible at other times. Those of goodwill are stimulated spiritually to take initiation, in order to penetrate more deeply and consciously into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. These reveal more about the wonder of our divinity, and about the Plan to which humanity is conforming. Each year, the Wesak marks the beginning of a cycle for the New Group of World Servers that comprise three-year cycles of crisis, tension, and emergence. At the Wesak Festival we may honor the Buddha, as well as ourselves, as dedicated transmitters of the energy that can be contacted at the full moon in Taurus. Each year as we experience the Wesak more consciously, it's important to hold the space for the inflow and distribution of energies, through safeguarding. During the Wesak Festival the Buddha becomes the "absorbing Agent" of Will. He uses the magnetic power of Love-Wisdom to attract this force to Himself and hold it steady, prior to redirecting it.

The greater the number of people who meditate at this time, the stronger the magnetic field of the group heart and its invocative, indrawing power. It's up to each of us to attune with ever greater clarity to the note being sounded - to quiet the mind and transmute individual desires that only cause confusion and chaos, into desire for the greatest good of all.

The focused interplay of many minds working together in meditation produces a unity of thought powerful enough to reach the Great Lives watching over and guiding our planet. And the combined aspiration, consecration, devotion and intelligence of the group carries everyone to greater heights than could be attained alone. We know where we are aligned ... with the Source of all that is. That Source provides uniquely and cooperates with All who are tuned to Its Note of Life.

Approaching the time of the full moon of Taurus, pilgrims from the surrounding districts begin to gather. The holy men and the lamas find their way into the valley and fill the southern and the middle parts, leaving the northeastern end relatively free. There, so the legend runs, gathers a group of those great Beings Who are the Custodians on Earth of God's Plan for our planet and for humanity.

The Legend of The Wesak According to tradition, at the time of the full moon in Taurus, the Buddha comes to the Wesak Valley of the Himalayas to bring the powerful spiritual energy of Shamballa to the assembled masters, initiates and disciples of the Hierarchy, for the assimilation and eventual distribution of this Shamballa force throughout the world.

This group of knowers of divinity is the main participants in The Wesak Festival. They arrange themselves in the northeastern end of the valley, in concentric circles, and prepare for a great act of service.

The Wesak Valley, lying at a rather high altitude in the foothills of the Himalayan-Tibet ranges. It is surrounded by high mountains on all sides except towards the northeast, where there is a narrow opening in the mountain ranges. The valley is bottle-shaped in contour, with the neck of the bottle to the northeast, and it widens very considerably towards the south. Up towards the northern end, close to the neck of the bottle, there a huge flat rock. There are no trees or shrubs in the valley, which is covered with a kind of coarse grass.

In front of the rock, looking towards the northeast, stand Those Beings Who are called by their disciples The Three Great Lords. These are The Christ, Who stands in the center; the Lord of living forms, The Manu, Who stands at His right; and The Lord of Civilization, who stands to His left. These three face the rock upon which rests a great crystal bowl, full of water.

Behind the grouped Masters, adepts, initiates and senior workers under God's Plan are to be found the world disciples and aspirants in their various grades and groups (either "in the body" or "out of the body"), who at this time constitute the New Group of World Servers. Those present in their physical bodies have found their way there by ordinary means. Others are present in their spiritual bodies, and in the dream state. The "dream," which they later relate, has been uniformly registered by people throughout the world, and bears the testimony to the recollection of an inner spiritual happening.

crowd raise their eyes towards the sky in the direction of the narrow part of the valley.

Just a few minutes before the exact time of the full moon, in the far distance, a tiny speck can be seen in the sky. It comes nearer and nearer, and grows in clarity and definiteness of outline, until the form of The Buddha can be seen, seated in the cross-legged Buddha position, clad in his saffroncolour robe, bathed in light and colour, and with his hand extended in blessing. As the hour of the full moon approaches, stillness settles down upon the crowd, and all look towards the northeast. Certain ritualistic movements take place, in which the grouped Masters and Their disciples of all ranks take up symbolic positions, and form on the floor of the valley such significant symbols as the five-pointed star, with The Christ standing at the highest point; of a triangle, with The Christ at the apex; or a cross, and other well known formations, all of which have a deep and potent meaning. This is all done to the sound of certain chanted words and esoteric phrases, called mantrams.

The expectancy in the waiting, on looking crowd becomes very great, and the tension is real and increasing. Through the entire body of people there seems to be felt a stimulation or potent vibration which has the effect of awakening the souls of those present, fusing and blending the group into one united whole, and lifting all into a great act of spiritual demand, readiness, and expectancy. It is the climax of the world's aspiration focused in this waiting group. These three words - demand, readiness and expectancy best describe the atmosphere surrounding those present in this secret valley. The chanting and the rhythmic weaving grows stronger, and all the participants and the watching

When The Buddha arrives at a point exactly over the great rock, hovering there in the air over the heads of The Three Great Lords, a great mantram, used only once a year, at The Festival, is intoned by The Christ, and the entire group of people in the valley fall upon their faces.

This Invocation sets up a great vibration or thought current which is of such potency that it reaches up from the group of aspirants, disciples and initiates who employ it, to the Being we know as God. It marks the supreme moment of intensive spiritual effort throughout the entire year, and the spiritual vitalization of humanity and the spiritual effects last throughout the succeeding months.

The effect of this great Invocation is universal or cosmic, and serves to link us up with that cosmic centre of spiritual force from which all created beings have come. The blessing is poured forth, and The Christ, as the representative of humanity, receives it in trust, for distribution.

Thus, so the legend runs, The Buddha returns once a year to bless the world, transmitting renewed spiritual life, through The Christ. Slowly then The Buddha recedes into the distance, until again only a faint speck can be seen in the sky, and this eventually disappears. The whole ceremonial blessing, from the time of the first appearance in the distance until the moment The Buddha fades out of view, takes just eight minutes.

When The Buddha has again disappeared, the crowd rise to their feet; the water in the bowl is distributed in tiny portions to the Masters, initiates and disciples, and they then go their way to their place of service. The crowd, who has all brought their little cups and vessels of water, drink of them and share with others. In this beautiful "water ceremony of communion" is portrayed the symbol of the new age which is upon us, the Aquarian Age, the age of the Water Carrier.

The Buddha's annual sacrifice for humanity (for He comes back only at great cost) is over, and He returns again to that high place where He works and waits. Year after year He comes back in blessing; year after year, He and His great brother, The Christ, work in the closest cooperation for the spiritual benefit of humanity.

In this ceremony is perpetuated for us the story of the universality of God's love, the need for our individual purification, and the opportunity to share with each other that which belongs to all. The water, which has been magnetized by the presence of The Buddha and of The Christ, carries certain properties and virtues of a healing and helpful nature.

In these two great Sons of God have been focused two aspects of divine life, and They act together as Custodians of the highest type of spiritual force to which our humanity can respond. Through The Buddha, the wisdom of God is poured forth. Through The Christ, the love of God is manifested in humanity, and it is this wisdom and love which pour forth upon humanity each Wesak full moon.

The day of the Festival is to be known as the "day of safeguarding" whilst the two succeeding days are called the "days of distribution." These words mean something different to the Hierarchy of Masters than they do to us and it is fruitless (as well as forbidden) to elucidate them in their deepest meaning. They mean, however, five days of a most intensive effort in service, leading to the renunciation of all which could hinder our usefulness as channels of spiritual force. It means that after due preparation, dedication and upward striving for the first two days, on the day of the Festival itself we simply regard ourselves as the

recipients of, or the custodians of, as much of that inflowing spiritual force as we can possibly hold. As channels, we must be prepared to forget ourselves in the service of touching, containing and holding force for the rest of humanity. We must regard the Festival itself as a day of silence (I refer to an inner peace and silent solemnity that can be preserved unbroken though the individual may be serving through speech and spoken interest), a day of service carried forward entirely on esoteric levels, and of complete selfforgetfulness in the remembrance of humanity and its need. During that period, two thoughts only will hold our constant attention-the need of humanity and the necessity of providing a group channel whereby the spiritual forces can be poured through the body of humanity under the expert guidance of the chosen members of the Hierarchy.

On the two succeeding days, the focus of our attention will be steadily turned away from us but also from the inner subjective planes to the outer world, and our efforts will be to pass on, or to pass through, that measure of spiritual energy that may have been contacted. Our work then in this particular and peculiar field of cooperation will then be ended.

This effort of the Hierarchy is a five days' effort, preceded by a most intensive period of preparation. The work of getting ready for the opportunity starts for the Hierarchy exactly at the hour when "the sun began to move northward." But they tire not as do human beings and it is not possible for the human aspirant to keep up so long a period of preparation, no matter how deep his devotion. When the Great Lord was on Earth, He told His disciples that successful spiritual effort of a healing nature went not forth except by prayer and fasting. Will you ponder on these words? This is a group effort towards a vast group healing and by prayer (sanctified desire, illumined thought and intense aspirational longing) and by the discipline of the physical body for a short period and for a definite objective, the work can be done.

For two days prior to the full moon, we will hold the attitude of dedication and service and seek to assume that attitude of receptivity to that which our soul will impart which will make us of use to the Hierarchy. The Hierarchy works through groups of souls and the potency of this group work is to be tested out. These groups in their turn contact and feed the waiting dedicated attentive personalities. On the day of the full moon, we attempt to hold ourselves steadily in the light. We will not formulate to ourselves what will happen nor will we look for results or for tangible effects.

What is it that should be accomplished at each momentous full moon in May? I shall state the objective sequentially and in the order of their importance, and with as much clarity and brevity as this abstruse subject permits. 1. The releasing of certain energies which can potently affect humanity, and which will, if released, stimulate the spirit of love, of brotherhood and of goodwill on the earth. These energies are as definite and as real as those energies with which science occupies itself and calls the "cosmic rays." I am speaking of real energies and not of emotionally desired abstractions.

They may be regarded by others as the guiding heads of the planetary Hierarchy, Who stand behind our planetary evolution, and Who seldom take an active part in the world activity, leaving it to the Masters of the Wisdom except in the time of an emergency such as this. By whatever name we call Them, They stand ready to aid if the call comes forth with sufficient strength and power from the aspirants and disciples at the time of the May full moon and the June full moon. 4. The evocation from the inner side of a strenuous and one-pointed activity on the part of the Hierarchy of Masters, those illumined Minds to Whom has been confided the work of world direction. A responsiveness is desired and can be effective between the following three groups: 1. The waiting and (at this time) anxious Hierarchy-anxious because even They cannot tell how humanity will react and whether men will be wise enough to avail themselves of the proffered opportunity.

2. The fusion of all the people of goodwill in the world into an integrated responsive whole. 3. The invocation and the response of certain great Beings, Whose work can and will be possible if the first of the objectives is achieved through the accomplishment of the second objective. Ponder on this synthesis of the three objectives. By what name these Living Forces are called is entirely immaterial.

They can be regarded as the Vice-Regents of God, Who can and will cooperate with the Spirit of Life and of Love upon our planet, the One in Whom we live and move and have our being. They may be regarded by certain thinkers as the Archangels of the Most High, Whose work has been made possible through the activity of Christ and His body of disciples, the true and living Church.

They stand, organized under the direction of the Christ, the Master of all the Masters, and the Teacher alike of angels and of men. He has been constituted the direct intermediary between the earth and the Buddha, Who is, in His turn, consecrated intermediary between the entire waiting Hierarchy and the attentive Forces.

May I now make an inquiry? Of what importance is this full moon of May to you personally? Does it seem to you of sufficient importance to warrant your utmost effort? Do you really believe that on that day there can truly come a release of spiritual energy of sufficient potency to change world affairs, provided that humanity plays its part? Do you really believe, and can you stand practically to that belief, that the Buddha on that date, in cooperation with the Christ, and with the Hierarchy of Illumined Minds, plus the proffered aid of some of the Thrones, Principalities and Powers of Light, Who are the higher correspondence of the powers of darkness, stand waiting to carry out God's Plans, when given the right and the permission of men? Your major job at this time is not to wrestle with the powers of evil and the forces of darkness, but to awaken an interest in and mobilize the forces of light in the world today. Resist not evil, but so organize and mobilize the good, and so strengthen the hands of the workers on the side of righteousness and love that evil will find less opportunity.

2. The New Group of World Servers, composed at this time of all those sensitive and consecrated servers of the race whose objective is world peace, who aim at the establishing of goodwill on earth as the basis for future living and world expansion.

Originally, this group was composed of a handful of accepted disciples and consecrated aspirants. Its ranks have been opened to all those people of goodwill who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the helping of humanity, and who see no separating bar of any kind, but feel alike to the men of all races, nationalities and religions.

3. The masses of men and women who have responded to the ideas which have been set forth, and who react favourably to the objective of international understanding, economic interdependence and religious unity. When these three groups of thinkers and servers are brought en rapport with each other, and when the three groups can be aligned, even momentarily, much can be accomplished; the gates of the new life can be opened, and the inflow of the new spiritual forces can take place. Such is the Group objective and idea.

(Article on Wesak, by Alice A. Bailey)

How to Celebrate the Vaishakha Poornima?

During the Wesak Festival there is an unusual inflow of Life and spiritual stimulation, which serves to vitalize the aspiration of all humanity. Occurring at the full moon in the sign of Taurus, this Festival is the annual high-water mark of spiritual blessing for the world. At this time the Forces of Enlightenment are available as a channel for communication between Humanity and Deity, which is opened.

The Origin of Vaishakha Suddha Poornima celebration according to Suddha Dharma literature:

On this day 12,112 years ago the Divine Hierarchy known as Suddha Dharma Mandalam, which executes the Lords will in the whole of the Cosmos was reconstituted by its spiritual Head, Lord Sri Yoga Narayana also known as Sri Maha Vishnu.

If at all possible, we suggest being in meditation at the exact time of the full moon. If you are unable to do this, choose a time within 12 hours before or after to align with these energies and be part of this global meditation. You may want to arrange for a physical group ritual that will be enhanced and empowered by those spiritual beings around the world participating in the Wesak Festival. Invite participants to cleanse and purify prior to the ritual through a Ritual Herbal Bath, Purification Meditation, and / or a walk in nature. Sanctify the ritual space: singing, using incense, and playing reflective or uplifting recorded / live music. Set the stage for connecting with the Group Soul with a dedicated altar. Hallow the space and time with a group prayer, invocation, sacred sounds and / or singing a song.

Though this august Body was existing even prior to Kali Yuga as the birth place of the Dharmas to be followed in each Yuga, its reconstitution anew, was with a view to inculcate a dharma that is most suitable to the nature and calling of the people in this Yuga. For', Divine Narayana in Badari, thinks not in terms of this or that race or people but humanity as a whole. And He gave out, while inaugurating this Dharma Mandala that the Sanatana Dharma understood as Suddha Dharma is the most beneficent for the people of Kali Yuga.

To start such important and far-reaching Dharma, He said Vaishaka Suddha Pournima is the holiest of days. The members are requested to observe this day with fitting fervor, earnestness and reverence. For, the observance of auspicious days has far reaching value spiritually as well as materially. This is also being the day on which Sri Yoga Devi, Lords Divine Consort, also known as Sri Maha Lakshmi, was anointed as the Supreme Directress of this Mandalam. A detailed account of the same is given in the Sanatana Dharma Deepika or Anusthana Chandrika, one of the very important scriptures and text books of the Suddha Dharma.

The members are strongly advised to engage themselves in performing "anushtanam meditation and other spiritual exercises) at the time of the rising of the moon and the need for such action can in no way be minimized in view of the critical period through which the world is passing through at the moment. It is the joint prayer that would restore the equilibrium that is now unfortunately upset, due to the preponderance of egoism and selfishness, the greatest enemies to human welfare and happiness. After her anointment the Great and Mighty Hierarchs of Suddha Dharma Mandalam sang her praises by chanting a very powerful invocation of Her glory. It is said that the Hierarchs of the Mandalam meet on Vaishakha Poornima of every year at their secret abode in the Himalayas, north of Badrinath temple, and invoke the blessings of the Devi by reciting this Stotra and offering their worship to Her. And thereafter they shower their blessings upon whole of Humanity so that immense benefits accrue to it.

The Great ones of the Mandalam assemble and invoke Bhagawati Sree Yoga Devi on this day every year.

The Great Ones of the Mandalam assemble in Badaree Vana once in a year under the guidance of Bhagavan Sri Narayana to formulate plans for the ensuing year. Speaking of this great day Bhagavan Sri Narayana has said "The full moon falls on this day in the month of Vaishaka, a holy and auspicious day for all Beings: and any resolve or plan formed to-day will confer untold benefit on humanity."

The below is the free translation of the verses that are to be recited while worshipping the Lord Narayana today to invoke his blessings upon us all. These convey the intent of todays worship.

Verse No. 1 : In Visala region of Badari, the Mahatmas who are ever intent on the welfare of the world shed their blessings on the world on the fullmoon day in the month of vaisahka. Verse No. 2 : Further, Lord Narayana having so willed, as amsa or fragment of Him, has incarnated in this world as the high souled Yogi. Verse No. 3 : Mitra Deva, in the Daivi Prakriti Vesture conferred by Reenkhana (one of the thirty two siddhas), for the purpose of protecting the world and also rendering fruitful karmas. May this Incarnation of protector of the Suddha Dharma be prosperous. Verse No. 4 : Victory to the Supreme Goddess Yoga Devi, the World Mother, Shakti of Brahman, may her worshippers prosper for a full hundred years. Verse No. 5 : May the righteous Protector of the world as well as the people inhabiting, following the path of righteousness, never deviating from path of Justice and attain Supreme Happiness.

Verse No. 6 : May the Highest , Pure and Supreme friendliness and many abiding ever between the ruler and the ruled become universal. Verse No. 7 : May we all henceforth be free from feeling of class hatred. May we attain to unbroken contentment. May we be free from all selfish desires and may our minds be ever filled with kindly and beneficent thoughts. Verse No. 8 : He, who possessed of Perfect understanding with a mind of Perfect equability, being devoted to the Devi, of wondrous power and who knows or recognises, the Supreme Brahman as Undivided Bliss and Truth in its essence, enters all, Immortal am I and un-aged. May the worlds increase in bliss.
Suddham Saranam Gacchami Suddha Dharmam Saranam Gacchami Suddha Dharma Mandalam Saranam Gacchami The above article is the direct reproduction from the writing of various writers and from earlier magazines of Suddha Dharma published by Sri Janardhana. I have only tried to knit together such information to the best of my ability. Hope this will prove to be of some worth to the readers.

Om Namo Narayana

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