NEW YORK (TIP): “In a sign of growing number of devotees of Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami, an estimated 2,000 people packed the Colden Auditorium in Queens College, Flushing on Oct 4 for the Divya Darshan and Blessings event with the charismatic guru from India” says a press release sent by Beena Kothari to The Indian Panorama, October 8, 2015.

“They sat spellbound throughout the two-hour long discourse and interaction with Gurudev, as he is known by millions of his followers the world over. As his discourse was preceded by a scintillating dance performance (including enactment of Hanuman Chalisa in Kathak style) by students of Guru Rachna Sarang, the gracious guru started by emphasizing the need for NRI parents to inculcate good values in their children.

“Easily India’s best spiritual-religious ambassador to the West since Swami Vivekananda (whose turban style he has adopted), Sri Guruvanand drove home the point of the greatness of India, the only land where God has incarnated time and again. Still better, this land has given a body of wisdom “how we can be like God ourselves”, he elaborated.

“Not confining himself to enunciating India’s spiritual riches, Gurudev made it a point during his discourse to give tips for making our  everyday lives happier and peaceful. For example, “The best way to feel good about yourself is to appreciate others. If you celebrate success of others, success will come to you too.” He also, of course, teaches various mantras and techniques as aids to achieve health, wealth and harmony. During the program rudraksha beads blessed specially by him, were passed on to all attendees.

“Gurudev is considered one of the most revered saints living today whose blessings have uplifted the lives of numerous people. A disciple of the legendary Yogiraj Devraha Baba, he is a perfected master (Satguru) who is also a renowned scholar of Hinduism and Jainism with a deep understanding of other religions. His core teaching is that we should lead morally uplifting and spiritually fulfilling life, leading to overcoming karmic debts while fulfilling worldly duties.

“The program last Sunday was emceed by Rakesh Bhargava and began with a brief meditation session conducted by Prabha Bhandari, leaders of the World Spiritual Awareness Forum – NY-NJ, which organized and supported the event. The entire program was live webcast by DesiFuzion.com, which reported that over a million people watched it online the world over.

Last July, the World Spiritual Awareness Forum had organized a bigger event, Guru Poornima, with Gurudev at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).”