Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 a Huge Hit - West Coast LTP Highlights

 

Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 a Huge Hit - West Coast LTP Highlights

#TransformYourLife / June 02, 2023

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Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 has been a superhit from the get go - the topic of the lectures are Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life and The Power of Thoughts respectively. Throughout April and May in a frenzy of activity, Swamiji jetted across cities on the West Coast of the continental United states covering Washington (Seattle, Redmond), California (Bay Area - San Jose, Sunnyvale, Fremont; Southern California - Los Angeles), and Arizona (Tempe, Phoenix). The technocratic Indian diaspora abroad and Hindu temple priests warmly welcomed him with Vedic mantras and ecstatic kirtan. Halls everywhere reverberated with applause for his accomplishments, wisdom and selfless contribution to humanity. In Seattle, he delivered talks at both Microsoft and Amazon headquarters respectively. In Phoenix, Swamiji was conferred the prestigious Ambassador of Peace Award by the Universal Peace Federation, a highly reputable global organization across 160 countries with ties to United Nations.  At every tour stop, several hundred people, who previously watched Swamiji only on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, queued up to meet him in person and get their copies of his bestselling books personally autographed by him. They clamored for his personal attention to get their questions answered.

Several people were inspired to sign up for the West Coast Retreat and learn Bhakti Yog Sadhana under his divine guidance. The highlight of 2023 USA Tour is the cover release of Swamiji's highly anticipated latest book, unveiling the secrets of everlasting happiness under any circumstance - The Art and Science of Happiness published by Penguin India - preorders have officially begun since May 29 as announced at the JKYog West Coast Retreat (the grand culmination of the West Coast Tour) over Memorial Day Weekend.

Attendees are taking advantage of blissful morning walks and Q&A sessions with Swamiji with over 100 people showing up sometimes. Swamiji also conducts blissful morning satsang and meditation sessions for the benefit of new attendees, so they get a glimpse of the transformative path of Bhakti. These morning events provide ample opportunity to interact with a global spiritual leader of Swamiji’s stature in a down to earth, relatable way. 

Morning Walk with Over 100 devotees in Bay Area, Fremont

Read further for blissful city based highlights - The West Coast Tour 2023 has been one of the most well attended since JKYog's inception. 

Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 - Seattle Highlights

In Seattle he lectured to hundreds of professionals at Microsoft and Amazon about his upcoming book, “The Art and Science of Happiness”, leaving them spellbound with his logic, humor, and insights. The Seattle Life Transformation Program from Apr 29-May 5, also saw a record attendance of over 250+ people. Watch glimpses and attendee experiences here

At the Hindu Temple of Bothell Washington

At the Jaya Hanumana Temple

Lecturing to Amazon Professionals

Swami Mukundananda highlighted the fact that stress has become a ubiquitous problem in today’s fast paced world, and leading a purposeful life can help manage it.  He encouraged participants to reflect on their own sense of purpose and to explore ways to live more intentionally in alignment with their values and goals.
The illuminating talk was followed by an interactive question and answer segment. Few Amazonians joined Swamiji for lunch to benefit from his association.

At the Amazon Biosphere

The Amazon Spheres is a unique workspace in downtown Seattle, Washington, USA, designed for Amazon employees to work and collaborate in a natural, park-like environment. It is a set of three large, interconnected glass domes filled with over 40,000 plants from around the world, ranging from tall trees to exotic flowers. Swami Mukundananda visited this unique workspace to experience its calming atmosphere.

Lecturing at Microsoft

Swami Mukundananda visited Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Seattle. The event was attended by around 50 Microsoft employees in person and more than 250 Microsoft employees joined the event virtually.Through various powerful examples, Swamiji explained about the two kinds of pleasures outlined in the Vedic scriptures - Shreya and Preya. Shreya is like poison at first but turns into nectar later. Preya is like nectar in the beginning but later becomes like poison. The same perspective finds parallels in modern psychology’s classification of happiness – hedonia and eudaimonia. Swamiji elaborated upon a powerful technique called positive reframing, which is the art of finding the silver lining in all situations. All the Microsoft employees who attended the event were glued to Swamiji’s talk and found it very enlightening. This was followed by an interactive Q&A where they asked questions about the true purpose of life, how to practice Karm Yog, how to remain happy when there is uncertainty etc. Some employees utilized this opportunity to have lunch with Swamiji post the event and derive benefit from his association. 

Morning Walk Glimpses

Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 - California Highlights

Bay Area Highlights

From May 6-May 14 he conducted the Life Transformation Program in the heart of the technological world - the Bay Area, speaking first on The Power of Thoughts at the Sunnyvale Temple and Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life at the newly inaugurated Radha Krishna Temple of Bay Area. At San Jose Airport several devotees gathered to greet Swamiji - watch glimpses here. Watch his enthusiastic welcome in Los Angeles, and San Jose.

His books rapidly sold out, and a 350+ strong audience of the creme de la creme of Bay Area professionals, relished his deep knowledge about every topic under the sun from psychology and technology, to spirituality. People clapped enthusiastically during kirtans and listened to him as if glued, wide-eyed with wonder, and spellbound - with many in the audience shedding tears of joy. Watch glimpses and attendee experiences here and here.

Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale

Radha Krishna Temple of Bay Area, San Jose

Swamiji also graciously performed the groundbreaking ceremony or the Bhoomi Poojan of the Radha Krishna Temple of Bay Area Ashram and Kitchen - a highly anticipated event which was celebrated with much pomp and fervor by the RKT Bay Area devotees.

Satsang Glimpses

Bay Area devotees were submerged in the devotional nectar of Swamiji's blissful, heart melting chants during peaceful morning satsangs.

Los Angeles Highlights

He also lectured at two different temples in Los Angeles from May 19-May 25 - the Chatsworth Hindu Temple and the Valley Hindu Temple at Northridge. Both programs were very successful.

Huge Crowds in LA Temples

Attendees Agog with Wonder During Lectures and Kirtans in LA

Morning Walk in Picturesque Southern California

Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023 - Arizona Highlights

Over 150+ devotees of Arizona parched for the bliss of Satsang experienced a shower of the mellow nectar of Bhakti when Swami Mukundananda graced Phoenix. Swamiji emphasized the Vedic principle of aligning our beliefs with accurate understanding and profound wisdom to significantly impact our journey towards living a fulfilling and purposeful life.

One of the remarkable highlights of the tour was that Swami Mukundananda was conferred the prestigious Ambassador For Peace Award by the Universal Peace Federation for serving humanity, promoting unity, and spreading peace. 

UPF Ambassador of Peace Award Ceremony Highlights - Swami Mukundananda USA Tour 2023

UPF Ambassador of Peace Award Ceremony

"The UPF is an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector dedicated to achieving world peace. UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family.
Universal Peace Federation is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. " - https://www.upf.org/who-we-are/ambassadors-for-peace

This award was bestowed after thoroughly reviewing Swamiji's numerous charitable initiatives and commendable humanitarian efforts. 

Swami Mukundananda was welcomed with warm sentiments and utmost respect at the felicitation ceremony of the UPF Ambassador For Peace Awards, in Arizona. He spoke on exercising the Power of Thoughts to manifest our highest potential and addressed effective ways of tackling automatic negative thoughts through Sakshi Bhav or witness consciousness. He also spoke about the various layers of the mind defined in the Vedic scriptures.

Dr. Staffan Berg, Executive Director of Universal Peace Federation, described the aims of this worldwide organization and highlighted the qualifications and functions of an Ambassador for Peace. Subsequently he conferred the Ambassador for Peace Award on Swami Mukundananda who graciously accepted the citation and plaque, and conveyed his respects to the founders and co-founders.

He humbly acknowledged the significance of the award and recognized it as an encouragement to continue spreading peace, harmony, and spiritual wisdom.

The event brought together attendees from various backgrounds, including but not limited to Unity World Wide, Women's Federation for World Peace, Global Women's Peace Network, World Renown Physicians, GadTTRAC, Arizona Interfaith Movement etc

Watch the event highlights here at Unity Church in Phoenix, AZ.

At the end of the super successful Life Transformation Program, several hundred devotees across the Western United States, converged at the JKYog West Coast Retreat 2023 - Stay tuned for exciting retreat updates!

Follow Swami Mukundananda and JKYog on our website jkyog.org, Facebook and Instagram, to become immersed in the experience of the USA 2023 Tour through blissful video highlights, photos and blogs wherever you are!

Bookmark these sites for LTP Updates

JKYog Activities Facebook Page

Swami Mukundananda Instagram Page

Swami Mukundananda Facebook Page

JKYog Blog Page

Visit this webpage to stay updated on Swamiji's tour stops and to register for a free LTP near you - grab your chance to meet Swamiji at "Meet And Greet" events and get his personally autographed bestselling books!

Blissful West Coast Retreat in 2023 - 500 Soak in Divine Bliss

 

Blissful West Coast Retreat in 2023 - 500 Soak in Divine Bliss

Program Updates / June 05, 2023

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Biggest Ever West Coast Retreat 2023 - 500 Global Attendees Soak in Divine Bliss

A record 500 people worldwide relished the showers of grace and bliss at the JKYog West Coast Retreat 2023. The corridors and halls of the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Fresno, CA, were packed with over 250 JKYog Retreat attendees, who flew in from various parts of the USA to attend the first in person retreat of the year in the divine presence of Swami Mukundananda. Over 300 online attendees from various parts of the world also joined. People had tears in their eyes as they described their first time experience of meeting and interacting with Swamiji - they could not get enough of his playfulness, and humble, loving guidance.

Lectures on Chapter 8 Bhagavad Gita - Akshar Brahma Yog

Several devotees found their inner questions answered by way of Swamiji’s insightful and deeply touching lectures on Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita - Akshar Brahma Yog, dealing with death, the path of light and darkness, the Vedic concept of time, cycles of creation and many basic existential topics.

Nectarine Kirtans

The atmosphere was charged heavily with devotional jubilance through nectarine kirtans, and was indescribable in words. Devotees experienced various inner emotions of humility, surrender, service, gratitude, love for God and relished the pastimes of God as described in Jagadguruttam Shri Kripaluji Maharaj's kirtans. 

 

Time stopped in the divine company of Swamiji as people experienced inexplicable spiritual emotions, watching him dance with complete abandon in transcendental joy during the ecstatic Haribol on the second day and cheering him on.  

Attendees ran around the room, dancing in circles and performing Bhangra to the thundering sounds of a Punjabi Dhol, deftly manipulated in spurts to generate Gujarati Dandiya sounds. The expert cadence of drum beats and the devotion of the singers, amplified the devotional jubilance in the room.

Watch glimpses here 

Divine Ram Navami Celebrations with Swami Mukundananda

Ram Navami celebrations transported devotees to Ayodhya during the Treta Yug. Beseeching the Lord to appear in their midst they danced with the deepest emotions of devotion. King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya lovingly brought in Baby Ram as the Ayodhyavasis danced to the ecstatic beats of the dhol, and clashing of cymbals. Chants of Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai, Jai Siya Ram, Jai Hanuman reverberated across the huge hall. Swamiji lovingly placed Lord Ram in a beautifully decorated cradle with His bow, and cut the birthday cake. Devotees performed Aarti along with Swamiji and candy was distributed. Children and adults leapt up to grab candy from Swamiji.
The celebration ended with a powerful glorification of Lord Mahadev, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Ram. Devotees swung Baby Ram with great affection and enjoyed cake.

It was an exhilarating and exuberant experience for all, especially hundreds of first time attendees who had never witnessed such a mesmerizing divine celebration in the presence of a saint. Watch blissful glimpses here. 

Exhilarating Parikrama, and Intimate Mehfil 

Attendees relished Swamiji’s jubilant dancing and mesmerizing exuberance during the Parikrama. 

Many devotees presented Bhajans and popular songs expressing their devotional sentiments for God and Guru during the intimate Mehfil with Swamiji in a casual setting. A little girl said,"Swamiji, you are like a star"; and then proceeded to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for him in the most adorable manner!

As the sounds of Radhey Govind chants and drum beats filled the air at the Japanese Garden in Fresno, devotees danced and ran with Swamiji, in the blissful park environs. Swamiji showed his sprightly and nimble side, jumping on top of various rocks, dancing vigorously and racing devotees. People experienced inexplicable spiritual joy in the divine company of Swamiji and forgot their cares.

Even a peacock showed up gracefully spreading its gorgeous blue and green plumage and dancing! Later there was a Mehfil - where attendees expressed their devotional sentiments for God and Guru through various bhajans and songs. Swamiji laughed and joked with attendees displaying lovable antics.

The Parikrama was one of the most cherished memories of the retreat for attendees. It felt as if they had been pulled into a different world far away from this planet.

Uplifting Yoga and Meditation Sessions

Morning Yoga sessions were highly beneficial for retreat attendees who received a full body reset with the JKYog Radhey Krishna style of Yoga and Pranayama (incorporating chanting of the holy name in the various poses and breathing exercises for divine benefits). 

Those who were lucky enough to participate in the deeply relaxing subtle body relaxation guided by Swamiji experienced transcendental bliss during the morning Yoga sessions - Swamiji described blissful pastimes of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. People felt as if they had become a part of the Maharaas Leela of Shri Radha Krishna by the grace of God and Guru.

Laughter yoga had all the participants raising their hands in merriment!

Bal Mukund and Youth Club

Children and youth were highly engaged in the Bal Mukund and Youth Club character building programs, while parents relished the Sadhana program leaving aside all their worries in the hands of the divine.

May 29 Global Launch of Latest Book - The Art and Science of Happiness

Swamiji’s latest book was also launched on May 29th officially - pre-orders for The Art and Science of Happiness opened globally. People promptly pulled out their phones and placed their orders to receive a digitally signed copy, and a special discount.

The West Coast 2023 Retreat with Swami Mukundananda, was one of the best JKYog weekend retreats in a decade. If you want to experience an ever more highly amplified version of this retreat, make sure to attend the weeklong Family Camp from July 3-10 at JKYog US Headquarters, the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas - Spend Guru Purnima in the divine company of Swamiji, experience the transcendental bliss of Ratha Yatra, and lectures on the Bhakti Shatak. It is the best spiritual vacation for the whole family. Register here

Eastern USA Relishes Swami Mukundananda Lectures

 

Eastern USA Relishes Swami Mukundananda Lectures

#TransformYourLife / July 02, 2023

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Swami Mukundananda lectures and life transformation programs have been making a significant impact in the Eastern United States. Through his engaging lectures, meditation sessions, kirtan (devotional singing), Swamiji has been inspiring hundreds of individuals to embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth.

During his East Coast USA tour, Swami Mukundananda visited various states including Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Participants from these regions have shared their transformative experiences after attending his programs.

Swami Mukundananda's wisdom and teachings have touched the lives of many, bringing them joy and helping them discover their true potential. As a motivational speaker, he provides practical tools and techniques for individuals to overcome challenges and lead a more fulfilling life.

Hundreds of people welcomed his lecture programs enthusiastically. At each location, Swamiji also unveiled his latest book – The Art and Science of Happiness, published by Penguin India.

We present some highlights from his East Coast travels.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - Connecticut

The event attended by over 150+ participants contained enlightening discourses, soul-stirring kirtans, and an interactive Q&A session. Participants also got the opportunity to participate in morning walk and breakfast satsangs with Swamiji, where he led a special guided meditation.

The morning walk provided a unique chance to connect with Swamiji on a personal level, as devotees had the opportunity to seek guidance and wisdom on various aspects of life. Swamiji's compassionate responses and enlightening teachings left an impression on all who attended.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - Virginia

The program in Virginia was an enormous success, with an incredible turnout of 250+ attendees! The event, held at SV Lotus Temple, brought together spiritual seekers from all occupations, eager to experience Swamiji's transformative teachings.

Swamiji's captivating discourses left the audience spellbound, as he shared practical wisdom on personal growth, mind management, and the pursuit of lasting happiness. Participants were inspired to overcome challenges and lead purposeful lives.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - North Carolina

The huge Indian diaspora in North Carolina showed up in droves for the LTP - over three hundred eager souls gathered with anticipation, immersing themselves in Swamiji's enlightening discourses and kirtans with rapt attention. Swamiji's presence exuded warmth and compassion, as he effortlessly connected with the audience, answering their questions, and guiding them on the path of self-realization.

The honorable Mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina – Mr. T.J. Cawley, launched Swamiji’s latest book – The Art and Science of Happiness to joyful cheering from the audience. Later he even joined Swamiji on morning walks and played cricket with him!

Devotees of North Carolina relished several blissful, unforgettable, moments with Swamiji, in the surroundings of nature, clarifying their doubts, and playing games!

 

They participated in deeply touching morning satsangs, and shared meals with Swamiji.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - Pennsylvania

Swamiji’s LTP Program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania drew over 350+ people who relished his discourses and kirtans. Several people made a beeline to get their books signed by him and to interact with him personally. Audience members began dancing enthusiastically during the Haribol chants!

Invited Lecture at Merck Pharmaceuticals

Swamiji delivered an enlivening talk June 20, 2023, on "The Art and Science of Happiness" at Merck Inc. in greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was given a warm welcome with approximately 150 Merck participants attending in-person and virtually.

Swamiji said that happiness is a feeling of pleasure or joy that we all strive for. However, it can be elusive. He pointed out that happiness is not something that we can find outside of ourselves. True happiness comes from within.

He then talked about the difference between hedonic and eudemonic happiness. Hedonic happiness is the kind of happiness that we get from short-term pleasures, such as eating delicious food, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. Eudemonic happiness is the kind of happiness that comes from living a meaningful life, aligned with our values and goals. Hedonic happiness is fleeting. Eudemonic happiness, on the other hand, is long lasting. Swamiji highlighted some of the things that we can do to increase eudemonic happiness - to find our purpose in life, we need to live our lives in accordance with our values. We also need to practice gratitude, and find ways to connect with others. He discussed negativity bias, where the mind tends to focus on what we lack instead of the abundant blessings we have. He gave several tools to overcome this tendency, such as practicing gratitude and choosing to see goodness. He suggested  “positive reframing” of negative situations to help us find the unseen benefit.

The talk concluded with the need to go inwards to find true, everlasting happiness. This happiness is unaffected by external circumstances and is a consequence of being the best we can be, doing the best we can do, and thereby feeling the best we can feel. Swamiji concluded by stating that our intrinsic desire to be happy can be fulfilled only by uniting our individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness.

The Merck employees appreciated Swamiji's insights on how to live a happy and fulfilling life. The session ended with an interactive question-and-answer segment.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - New York

The LTP events in Bronx and Queens drew large audiences who enjoyed Swamiji’s beautiful kirtan renditions and discourses. People were filled with positivity, inspiration, and a deep yearning to connect with Swamiji. Swamiji also launched his new book, much to the excitement of onlookers.

Swami Mukundananda Lectures - New Jersey

The Life Transformation Program at Beth-El was a resounding success with three hundred enthusiastic participants in attendance. New Jersey devotees had a memorable week with Swamiji complete with blissful morning walks, insightful personal interactions, and touching satsangs.

Whether it is through his enlightening discourses or the practice of meditation and bhakti yoga, Swami Mukundananda's programs offer valuable insights for personal development. Participants often leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of themselves.

The popularity of Swami Mukundananda's life transformation programs in the Eastern United States highlights the growing interest in holistic approaches to self-improvement. His teachings resonate with individuals seeking inner peace, happiness, and spiritual growth in today's fast-paced world.

Upcoming stops on the East Coast Tour include:

Lanham, Maryland – July 15-16

Tampa, Florida – Jul 17-21

Maple Grove, Minnesota – July 22-25

Swamiji will then proceed to Texas, for the Life Transformation Program in Dallas from July 29-Aug 4; and in Houston from Aug 5-Aug 18.

Follow Swami Mukundananda and JKYog on our website jkyog.org, Facebook and Instagram, to become immersed in the experience of the USA 2023 Tour through blissful video highlights, photos, and blogs wherever you are!

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