Pujya Sri Swamiji in Japan - Concert & Discourse 2016
Pujya Sri Swamiji in Japan - April & May 2016
Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji visited Japan for two weeks from 25th April to 8th May 2016.
Sri Swamiji was invited to give “music for meditation & healing concert” in Suginami music hall in Tokyo on 4th May & discourse on 5th May at Tower Hall Funabori. “Sri Swamiji invitation committee” had organized the visit to Pujya Swamiji.
On 27th April, Pujya Swamiji travelled in Shinkansen bullet train to “Cherry Blossom Festival” in Hirasaki town, northern Japan. Thousands of cherry trees had blossomed showcasing their millions of white beautiful cherry blossoms. Pujya Swamiji deeply admired and enjoyed this gift of nature. Sri Swamiji returned to Tokyo in the evening.
On 3rd May, Sri Swamiji gave interviews to several media personnel.
At 5 PM on 4th May Pujya Swamiji’s first ever music for meditation and healing was organized at Suginami Kaikoudu hall in Tokyo. The 1000 seat hall was full and more than 200 persons who could not be accommodated inside watched the concert on TV in foyer of the hall. Dr.Ayoma, Ayurveda practitioner in Japan introduced Sri Swamiji and the music to the Japanese audience. Dressed in traditional Kimono dress, Smt.Yoko Kanno presented a flower bouquet to Pujya Swamiji and welcomed. Devotees of Sri Swamiji from Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Trinidad, England, Malaysia, India, Qutar & USA were also in the audience.
Pujya Swamiji’s melodious Raga play and healing melodies swept the auditorium. Sri Swamiji played
Rushyaketu Priya Raga - Pranav Swarupam
Chakravaka Raga - Gauri Taye
Raga Sagara comprising of three Ragas - Chandika, Mohana & Hamsanandi.
Madhuvarshini Raga - Rain drops
Sama Raga - Raga Ragini Mangala.
Celestial Message troupe musicians, Sri.Jaitra Varanasi on violin, Sri.Mani on support keyboard, Sri.Shankar Ramesh on Mridangam & Sri.Mahesh on Tabala accompanied Pujya Swamiji.
After the concert, Sri Swamiji and musicians were feted. Sri Swamiji gave flowers from the bouquet to some seated in the front row.
On 5th May, Sri Swamiji gave a discourse at Tower hall Funabori, Tokyo. Sri Swamiji spoke on respect to country, tradition & elders. A short Q&A ensued. Before the discourse, Smt.Yoko played Shiveti Shoureeti on piano.
The stage was elegantly decorated with two large photos of Ganapathy with Mount Fuji & Hanuman - both drawn by a local artist.
Audience had the opportunity to come to Sri Swamiji & offer respects. Raksha was given to all.
Sri Swamiji and devotees visited Tokyo tower and witnessed sunset from the top of the tower.
On 6th May, Sri Swamiji visited Omiya Bonsai Village outside Tokyo. This village is known for celebrated Bonsai gardens. Sri Swamiji visited Bonsai museum and two gardens of famed bonsai artists - Mr. Takahiro Katoh & acclaimed Bonsai master - Mr. Masahiko Kimora. They personally received Sri Swamiji and showed their amazing Bonsai creations. Mr.Nikunj Parekh & Smt.Jyoti Parekh from Mumbai accompanied Sri Swamiji & devotees.
On 7th May evening, Sri Swamiji visited the famed Meiji Shinto shrine in Tokyo. A special prayer ceremony was held for Sri Swamiji inside the shrine at 5 PM. Sri Swamiji wrote prayers on a wooden tablet and placed it in front of a Japanese crypress tree.
Sri Swamiji also visited science museum and several beautiful gardens in Tokyo. Shinjuku Yoyen national garden, Rikugien and gardens inside emperor palace.
Pujya Swamiji travelled Tokyo Haneda - Singapore on the morning of 8th May 2016
