Work for Swami Shantamrita's Perth program started in earnest on the weekend prior to his arrival. A small army of volunteers helped to prepare the venue which was at Jey and Shanthy's home in South Lake. There was much cleaning, cooking and preparing equipment and flowers for
the Bhagavati Seva Puja. Everyone took to their tasks with enthusiasm, relishing the opportunity to serve. When Swami arrived on Tuesday 5th in the late evening, most of the venue work was done, but now the puja preparations began in earnest. The mood of excitement and expectation
intensified on Wednesday 6th and everyone worked hard to make sure everything was ready and that there were no hiccups that would affect the smooth running of the puja.
 Finally, everyone arrived and the ceremony began. Everyone listened intently as Swamiji carefully explained the purpose of the puja, and what the lamps and icons represented. Then Swamiji began. Everyone listened with rapt attention and soon the mood became charged with with Divine energy. The ritual was supported by the chanting of mantras and bajans, and everyone became immersed in the spiritually charged mood.
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Too soon, the puja was over and everyone gathered to receive prasad from Swamiji and then join in a meal. Many took the opportunity to introduce themselves to Swamiji and savour his wisdom and wit and it was with high spirits that that people began leaving for home.
The next evening, Swamiji hosted a satsang and treated the attendants to a lesson in spiritual wisdom. Those who asked questions were richly rewarded with Swamiji's gems of wisdom. We were like eager students learning from a master. Topics discussed included right action and
dharma, the importance of raising children to have spiritual understanding from an early age, and the issues related to the use of sanscrit for mantras in cultures other than Indian. Too soon, it was time for Swamiji to leave for the airport and he left us with hearts full of love, heads a little wiser and an eagerness for his next visit. His last message was of welcome and an invitation to catch up with him at Amma's programs on the east coast.
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