TRIBUTES FOR A SWAMI

Compiled by Lalita Arya

This month I would like to feature some tributes that were submitted by children and teenagers whose lives have been touched and enhanced by Swami Veda. Swami Veda’s works are not limited to adults, and it will be seen from these writings that his teachings have enchanted both young and old.
These submissions are taken from the “Tributes for a Swami” yet unpublished book that was given as a gift to Swami Veda on his sixty years of teaching yoga and meditation in February 2007 at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Rishikesh.



Ganga Water and Roses by Kai Blilie

Swamiji does mantras, and that is really special. He blessed me with Ganga water and roses when I was a baby. Now I’m four and a half. Will he please bless me again with Ganga water. I draw pictures for him and walked with him on a path to the playground. Can we go to his house now, please?

Kai goes to a Montessori school and lives with his parents in Minnesota, USA. He gives part of his allowance to the poor children of the KHEL Project.

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Thoughts on Swami Veda by Anjuli Naraine

I had been hearing the name Swamiji and seeing his photographs around our home for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of him was when he visited our home when I was about seven years. I received initiation when I was nine. Swamiji always involves everyone with everything he is doing and in this way he is actually teaching all the time. I found that he is very interested in every single topic and deeply interested in the lives of his disciples. He showers silent affection and I always get the feeling as though he is protecting me.
It is always amazing to me that Swamiji travels all over the world with his heavy baggage in spite of all the trials at the airports. He does this very cheerfully and in a calm and serene state of mind. I enjoy being with him whether he is swimming with the dolphins, looking for creatures on the floor of the ocean, working on the computer, composing poetry, giving jokes, speaking to a large crowd, or meditating. Swamiji truly lives in our hearts and I wish him continued health and happiness.

Anjuli is 17 years old and lives with her parents in Florida, USA

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The Many Faces of Swami Nana by Dharani Persaud

Peace is a dove and he is its lustrous wings.
Bliss is a thousand petaled-lotus and he is its fragrance.
Compassion is a knight and he is its white steed.
Love is the way and he is the signpost.
Life is a maze and he is the guide.

Dharani is 12 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.

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To Be a Swami by Shivani Arya

When I went to Swami Nana’s ashram I actually felt peace. We did not see him when we were there but we saw the people. My feelings to Swamiji are very strong. I respect him in all ways. I cannot believe how he gave up everything to be a Swami.

Shivani is 9 years old and lives with her parents in California, USA

A Superior Intellect by Krishan Arya

I have yet to meet a person of more superior intellect or generosity. Although my correspondence with him was not numerous, I clearly remember that each time I heard he was coming to visit I was overjoyed. His humility astounded me. In addition he seems to be the type of person who has his priorities set and who knows where he is headed. To conclude he impresses me with his ability to evince what I consider a nearly perfect human being.

Krishan is 17 years old and lives with his parents in California, USA.

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A Great Man by Anirudha Bhatt

I have known Swami Veda from my childhood and I had the blessings to receive the sacred Gayatri Mantra from him. I consider him to be a great person, as he guides me what to do now as a student and what to do later in life. He has told me the good things about yoga. I was lucky to read some of his books as Uncle Aaron had them with him. I pray for his guidance to continue and I hope to be able to serve him as I grow older.

Anidrudha is 13 years old and lives with his parents in Dehradun, India.

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Priya Dai Tuttle traveled recently with her Mom all the way from Minneapolis to Chicago to receive her initiation from Swami Veda. She was very excited to be blessed in this way and to be finally able to share some sacred thing that her Mom and her brother Tarik already had.

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Dev Kumar, is 10 years old and visited the ashram with his twin five year old friends Kartavya and Pavni Sharma. Dev enjoyed walking in the gardens, where he said he was impressed with the signs that said, “Let the flowers Bloom”. He said Swamiji gave him chocolates.
Pavni who was visiting for the first time wondered who was the person in strange orange robes, but was very happy when Swamiji hugged and blessed them all.
These children live in Dehradun, India.




Swami Nana you are the Greatest - Shalini P
Shalini is 16 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.

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Children are God’s gifts to the world. When they are given the appropriate sanskaaras (life experiences) early in childhood, the foundation is laid for future responsible adults, who adopt the world from their parents. It is the duty of parents to expose their children to those invaluable influences gained in the company of great souls, and protect them from harmful ones that will tarnish or warp their personalities.
This does not mean that kids should not be exposed to the ills of the world. They will see these eventually, but the training received in early childhood should prepare them to sift the “good” from the “bad”. It is said that parents deserve the children they get and vice versa. Traditionally it is believed that the children (souls) chose their parents in the hope that those parents will aid whatever karma they need to work out in this life time, while adding positive new ones.
Children, whether biological or adopted, do not happen into our lives by accident. Even the relationships of brothers and sisters are not accidental. We need to understand that there is more to life than just being born and living. Awakening the “buddhi” the Purpose we are born to fulfill is also very important.
Love, guidance and the blessings of parents help to achieve this goal. The efforts of children take them on the path of fruition, success and happiness. Both these paths are needed to make life meaningful.
Children who develop beautiful minds are like fragrant flowers that leave a trail of their essences long after they have flown the nest of parental protection.


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