Dear brothers and sisters,
Again this year, the Sahaj brother and sisters attending the International
Shri Krishna Puja in Los Angeles are extremely fortunate to have the auspicious
opportunity to enjoy the sweet expression of Shri Vishnumaya with one another
in celebrating Raksha Bandhan during the stay of our Beloved Mother in America.
Raksha
Bandhan is an ancient and holy ceremony celebrating the pure relationship between
a brother and sister. The sister performs aarti to her brother and
makes various offerings signifying her promise to look after his well-being.
The heart of the offerings is the rakhi thread that she ties around his left
wrist (this is one of the locations of the left vishuddhi chakra within us).
This sacred thread imbibes within it the pure love and responsibility each
accepts for the other and to the society as a whole.
The brother’s acceptance
of the rakhi and offering of a small gift to his sister, demonstrates his brotherly
pledge to protect and respect his sister. In celebrating the tradition of Raksha
Bandhan during Shri Krishna Puja, we nourish our true desire to collectively
manifest and restore this holy relationship of purity, dedication, sacrifice
and commitment throughout the lands of Shri Krishna and throughout the world.
Let us honor the pure brother/sister relationship, forged by Shri Krishna and
his sister Shri Vishnumaya, during the auspicious occasion of our Divine Mother’s
Presence in the land of Shri Krishna.
This year we would like to invite all
of the brothers and sisters attending Shri Krishna Puja in Los Angeles to
gather for this joyful ceremony. The exact
time of the ceremony will be announced at the time of registration. To ensure
the success of this auspicious occasion we request each and every yogini
to donate a minimum of 16 rakhis for the thalis that will be prepared in advance.
Last year, we did not have sufficient rakhis for the over 250 thalis that
were
needed. The rakhis can be placed in the Raksha Bandhan box that will be located
at the registration tables. Yoginis not able to attend are welcome to donate
rakhis to be offered. Any yogini who would like to help with the arrangements
for this occasion please email werall1@zoominternet.net.
Respectfully,
Tracy Tischuk
To gain a deeper understanding of Raksha Bandhan, Her Holiness Shri Mataji
Nirmala Devi has given us a beautiful explanation in a talk (1990 Raksha Bandhan
Puja; August 4, 1990; Cerritos, CA. USA) that can be obtained from the Video
or Audio Tape Centers.
A website that offers additional information and stories
about the history and significance of Raksha Bandhan: http://www.hindunet.com/festivals/raksha_bandhan/ | 
