ja_mageia

April 28 marks Chitra Pournami, an incredibly auspicious day, dedicated to Chitragupta where devotees pray to him to forgive and absolve their sins.  To mark this day, Swamiji and Amma will conduct pujas throughout the full moon on behalf of those who wish to participate.  The purpose of this ceremony is to seek forgiveness and absolve past sins.  These karmas tie each of us to the cycle of rebirth and suffering.  When one's karmas are absolved they become liberated and free to fulfill their spiritual destiny uninhibited by the weight of the material world.

When a person dies, his soul first goes to Lord Yama, where Chitragupta tallies the deeds and reports to Yama. It is believed that he examines the good and bad performances of the soul.  On this full moon day, special pujas are conducted at temples and people bathe in holy rivers and temple ponds to wash away their sins and misdeeds.

In participating in the ceremony to Chitragupta, we are symbolically representing that ultimately we must answer for all of our actions and judge ourselves.   In this puja, we ask for forgiveness and Grace.  Now, we are in a period where Truth is surfacing. Dharma will ultimately prevail.  However, we must strive to identify what lies ahead of us and not take anything for granted.  Let us be aware of what is happening all around us.  It is time to be alert, do not be deceived by superficial happenings.  We must drive inward to the core, to find Truth.  It is a time to put a stop to recurring karmas or events; it is a time to really begin listening to your heart.

In Ekatvam with all, Love and blessings to you,

Swamiji and Amma