Labor Day weekend 2019 in Boston MetroWest was made memorable by an uplifting and enlightening lecture series by Swami Ramakrishnananda, resident Acharya at Chinmaya Mission Nagapattinam. The focus of the four day lecture series (Sept 1-4, 2019) was the Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita: Purushottama Yoga (“Yoga of the Supreme Person”). The lectures were organized by Chinmaya Mission Boston (Metrowest Chapter) and held at Congregation B’nai Shalom, in Westborough, MA.

Swamiji explained the main concept of detachment enshrined in Chapter 15 of the Gita. The ultimate purpose of Vedanta is to help one detach from the material world and to identify with the Purushottama (Supreme Person). One who understands the supreme identity surrenders unto Him and engages in His devotional service. Swamiji urged each one of us to hone the figurative axe of non-attachment in our daily life with discernment and discipline in action and employ it to “cut down the tree of attachments”. He explained the qualities a spiritual seeker should espouse are freedom from pride and delusion, be constantly dwelling in the Self and retire all desires.

Swami Ramakrishnananda's knowledge and interpretation of the Gita coupled with his command over historical philosophical scriptures and humorous delivery style made the topics from Chapter 15 easy to comprehend for the attendees. Thanks to Swamiji’s efforts, powerful concepts in the Gita that hold the key to Man’s salvation were brought to life in a simple and practical manner. The Metrowest community is blessed to have had the opportunity of listening to such a spiritual stalwart as Swami Ramakrishnananda. The attendees have started looking forward to Swamiji’s visit next year.

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