The Shortcut
Omm Namo Bhagavate
18 June 2025
Envelope of birthday card hand-painted for Swamiji by 13-year-old Aditi,
daughter of Satyachetana Life Members Ajaya and Purnasmita
“One who has no sense of physical existence, you all were celebrating his birthday. It was very, very odd for me.” Swamiji explained this as part of the reason for designating 18 June as the annual celebration of Ashram Foundation Day, instead of a celebration of his birthday.
The following was recorded at Satyachetana Ashram after Guru Puja on the morning of 18 June, with preparations for Ashram Foundation Day fully underway in the background.
Other quotations from this talk that were considered as titles for this post: “If you can just keep this in mind” and “Please don’t get identified with who you are.” Just sharing these for inspiration.