Table of Contents
Foreword
Om Anand Om,
Dear Divine Brothers and Sisters of the Universe,
October was a vibrant month for our community, highlighted by the Universal Peace Conference in Palampur. In this edition, Meenal Ma shares her insights on this special gathering, which took place at the Mahavatar Babaji Meditation Center—a venue with profound significance and a spiritual connection to Mahavatar Babaji.
The month began with a highly anticipated Acupressure course in Malaysia, where many came together to explore the fascinating potential of natural healing using only their hands.
As you’ll see in the pictures shared here, October also brought celebratory moments with festivals like Durgapuja and Diwali. Toward the end of the month, the Sunyoga group embarked on an adventurous journey with Sunyogi. Tiyasa reflects on the memorable trek to Manimahesh, which included a challenging week-long road trip filled with exploration and discovery.
Warm regards,
Axel and the Sunyoga Editorial Board
The 24th Universal Peace Conference 2024, 20-22 October
By Meenal Jaisswal
At the outset, I accept my humanness and the limitations of words in capturing the profound experience of these three miraculous days at the 24th Universal Peace Conference in Palampur, Dharamshala. I humbly acknowledge my own language and inadequacies in fully conveying this powerful spiritual phenomenon’s depth. So, please forgive me for my human shortcomings.
Group photo from Universal Peace Conference 2024 in Palampur.
Day 1: Vision and Beginnings
Dream big—so big that it keeps you awake, stirring something profound within. This is precisely what Sunyogi Uma Shankar Ji did. Traversing the length and breadth of India, he carried a vision so large that it called to people far and wide. He promised to devote three days to a Universal Peace Conference each year, vowing to be there without knowing where the resources would come from. The first three years were challenging; he and his brother sold their ancestral land to establish this gathering of unity and peace. Thus, in 1998, the Universal Peace Conference was born out of the spirit of universal brotherhood, unity and harmony—a legacy that continues.
In 2024, nearly 26 years later, how things have blossomed! The revered Yogiraj Amarjyoti Babaji not only offered his sacred Place for the event but also shared his Prem-filled presence (Loving presence), Prasad(blessed food offering), Pavan Homa, and Upasana (Meditation) for all the devotees and attendees.
Morning Sun Meditation at the Ashram in Palampur.
Being part of this event was a deeply moving, spiritual experience, and I shall be eternally grateful to Yogiraj Amarjyoti Babaji, Sunyogi, Axel, Dr Suresh Kumar and the whole team who made it possible. Arriving at ‘Darpan’, the guest house of Amarjyoti Babaji’s Ashram, I felt a resonance with the self and the world around me. This place embodied the five elements in the purest form, radiating an indescribable energy. Meeting Sunyogi Uma Shankar Ji was equally profound; although occupied with numerous responsibilities, he welcomed each of us with a warmth that touched our hearts deeply. His motherly care for every visitor was unforgettable.
During lunch, I was honoured to meet Amarjyoti Babaji in person. His presence could be felt throughout the ashram, yet in that personal moment, it was as if meeting a nurturing parent. With love and devotion, he offered sweet Prasadam, reminding me of my own Ma.
My speech was scheduled for the very first session on Day 1. I felt a tremor of fear. I wasn’t just addressing a crowd of intellectuals—these were enlightened souls, people who know what is written in books and embody wisdom from profound inner experience. The audience was diverse, both online and in person, representing seekers from all over the world. The weight of this responsibility and the significance of the opportunity were immense. I had been preparing for the speech for months but never felt good enough.
On day 1, I missed the homa, the meditation, and the Sunyoga as I was busy rewriting the speech and presentation.
Anyway, as I made my way to the auditorium, I caught a glimpse of my friend, my supporter, my guru, Surya Dev—the Sun. At that moment, I surrendered my worries. I said, “Please, guide me. May I be a channel to serve, to engage with the audience, to inspire their journey toward health and peace?”
Yogiraj Amarjyoti Maharaj, Sunyogi Umasankar and Shakti Durga give price to Dr Sujit Surroch
The conference began with a beautiful ceremony inaugurated by Amaryoti Babaji, Maa Shakti Durga, our beloved Swami Uma Shankar Ji, Dr Kaushal Sharma, Saint Niranjan Verma, and others. I noticed Amarjyoti Babaji’s keen awareness during the traditional lamp lighting. He saw the copper lamp was misaligned and delicately adjusted it with his immense strength, even lengthening each wick with his fingers. These silent lessons remind us that wisdom is in observation and openness to the teachings around us.
After inspiring words about Mahavatar Babaji’s legacy, we offered our respects, and Sunyogi Uma Shankar Ji showered flower petals upon each of us—a touching reminder that he saw the divine within every attendee, a true celebration of unity.
Dr Lakshmi Ma.
The sessions that followed were rich in wisdom and insight. The first session started with Dr Lakshmi, who shared her knowledge from the book The Mitochondria Manifesto, linking it to ancient practices like Sunyoga, encapsulating timeless teachings that our ancestors have cherished. Her presentation reaffirmed how deeply intertwined nature and health are, themes I touched upon in my session on the EASES® model.
Me (Meenal) sitting next to Dr Nirjan JI and Silvia Straub.
When it was my turn, the fear had dissolved into a profound sense of purpose. I shared how our health and inner peace can be a foundation for world peace. To my relief, the audience was engaged. I noticed the small gestures of kindness—the convener carefully removed the plastic from a rose before presenting it to me, echoing my shared message about how our small choices matter.
Mahavatar Babaji Meditation Center.
For lunch, I continued with my fruit-based dietary choices, though navigating a vegan, whole food, plant-based, gluten-free diet in a group setting posed a few challenges. I must add the caterers from Delhi did an excellent job, serving delicious food to everyone without onion, garlic, and chillies, even if it didn’t align with my preferences. In places where this understanding of vegan and gluten-free is limited, like during our Sunyoga advanced program, 16 people chose a Satvik fruit diet, immersing themselves in spiritual practices of Sunyoga and natural foods—it was a joy to be part of this community.
Axel Johansson
Following this, we had a thought-provoking session on global warming and corrective strategies. The dialogue shifted my perspective on the importance of environmental stewardship in spiritual circles. Another enlightening panel explored the influence of media and art in nurturing a peaceful mind. Special mention goes to Axel Johnson, who emphasised the potential of social media as a positive force for peace and harmony. He spoke about the influence of large corporations, especially in pharmaceuticals, and discussed how these industries often prioritise profits over wellness. He encouraged us to reconnect with our “natural intellect” and to create art that stems from authenticity, envisioning a world where art becomes a medium for peace.
Guruji beautifully expanded on this by emphasising that art and media should be rooted in unconditional love and cosmic consciousness. He said media should serve as a bridge of connection, using the language of love to spark meaningful change. In the special session, he shared in detail about the “E = mc” equation, explaining that when individual consciousness merges with universal consciousness, it unlocks boundless energy and creativity. He said this is the true purpose of self-realisation: communicating authentically with the universe.
Professor Sujit shared his research on integrating spirituality into youth education, advocating for a balance between academics and spiritual wisdom.
Professor Sujit Surroch
Dr Kamal Taori, the author of 60 books, travelled from Chennai to join us and contributed a powerful reflection on youth. “Who is youth?” he asked. It’s not just age; rather, it’s the one who questions, learns, seeks adventure, and is unafraid of challenges. At 78, he exemplified a youthful mindset, showing us that age is indeed just a number.
The first day of the conference concluded with Sunyogi Uma Shankar Ji’s powerful message: “It takes an impossible dream to create real change.” His dream of a peaceful world, embodied through the Universal Peace Conference, is a testament to this vision.
“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” – Rabindranath Tagore.
Sunyogi Uma Shankar Ji dreamed an impossible dream, yet here we stood, witnesses to that vision made real. May we all dream so deeply and courageously that we, too, can transform this world in peace, unity, and love.
Day 2: Reflections and Realizations
The second day was deeply enriching and profoundly moving. We walked to the ashram at 5:30 AM under the moonlight and starlight. It began with a powerful Homa, followed by meditation in Samarpan Hall and insights from Sunyogi, grounding us in harmony, peace, and consciousness.
Our first session focused on the values of harmony, ahimsa, and mindful food choices. This topic holds my heart, as I am passionately committed to ahimsa, especially in our food choices. Living as a non-vegetarian for two decades, then turning vegetarian, living as a vegan, gluten-free, practising air and water fasting, and even embracing raw foods for extended periods, has revealed how essential it is to discern what we consume. It is a journey of conscious decisions and understanding that staying away from the hidden ‘mafias’ of processed and packaged foods and cruelty of organised dairy farms—chocolates, chips, sodas, and stimulants like tea and coffee—is essential for inner peace and a peaceful world.
Olivier Lizler, Nicolas Xuam Vinter, and Shakti Durga were greeting us online.
The second session surprised me. Initially, I wondered if a discussion on AI and robotics fit into a peace conference, but as I listened, I realised its importance. Bhavna Gesota shared a fascinating presentation on the cutting-edge developments in AI, including technologies that even allow robots to sense smells. Dr. Jim followed, exploring the ethical and business implications of AI. It was unexpectedly enlightening, underscoring the need for connection in a tech-driven world.
Dr Kiran and Francois Gerland online on Zoom while live with Prashant Bhatt and Silvia Straub.
“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” – Bhagavad Gita.
After lunch, we gathered for an impactful session on preserving biodiversity and nurturing ecosystems for a harmonious humanity. Dr. Kamal Taoriji’s insights were genuinely inspiring, reflecting deep wisdom and a sincere commitment to this cause.
Smita Chatterjee.
Later, the role of Naari and Yuva Shakti—women and youth power—was discussed, highlighting how living with high values and being role models can shape a peaceful society for generations to come. In the session on Narishakti, Smita Ma spoke about how mothers can impart spiritual insights to their children and referenced the historical significance of August 9th, a date he described as a “black mark” for the nation, stressing the need for balanced education to prevent such events. Others emphasised on the values and responsibility young women and mothers have in terms of morality.
Sunyogi and Shakti Durga.
The closing sessions were profoundly soul-stirring. Mahashakti Durga led us through a meditative journey, and I personally experienced the expansion of the Anahata (Heart) Chakra. Swami Vedananda Saraswati Babaji spoke of love, reminding us of the love we are and how offering it freely brings peace to the world. His words came from the heart, touching everyone present. I feel deeply blessed to be in the presence of such spiritual guides.
Day 3: Culmination and Blessings
On Day 3, an atmosphere of magic enveloped us as we began with Silvia Straub’s experiential session, which encouraged self-reflection on “Who we are.” This introspection led us into the rest of the day’s discussions on diet, spirituality, and mental health, addressing addictions, including those to social media and devices.
Then came one of the best sessions, mother of all sessions. Each one of us in the auditorium got the opportunity to get blessings from Sunyogi Umashankar ji, Yogiraj Amarjyoti Babaji, and Ma Durga Shakti ji. I am at a loss of words to share the experience. Amarjyoti Babaji blessed us with his presence, words, laughter, and gentle humour, showing us love and grace. His blessings and those from Sun Yogi Uma Shankar and Ma Shakti Durga were bestowed upon us through an idol of Mahavatar Babaji and sacred books. I felt the boundless kindness of the gurus, like an endless Ganga quenching all those who come to her.
Professor Dhruv Kumar
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
With tears of joy and deep gratitude, we transitioned to the next session on sustainable ecological agriculture led by Dr Niranjan Verma. He illuminated the connection between science, agriculture, and our collective well-being, touching on the role of cows and their profound impact on the land and human health.
In a powerful session on The Psychology of War and Peace, a renowned expert delved into the universal quest for peace. This was followed by Professor Dhruv Kumar’s myth-busting, practical insights, immense experience with different modalities, and spiritual organisation, closing the conference on a resonant note of unity and empowerment.
Each session over these three days was a call to dream big, have courage, stay in a community of like-minded people, cultivate peace within, and embody harmony with nature, each other, and the universe.
While much can be spoken and written about this peace conference, words cannot truly capture the depth of this spiritual journey. I eagerly look forward to the next conference and invite others to join—in person or online. Let us be part of this, share it, and support it, for it is a unique opportunity to embody and experience the vision of Sunyogi: a world of universal brotherhood, unity and peace.
The small remaining group said farewell.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – The world is one family. – Mahabharata
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
(more info and videos will be uploaded to our webpage: https://sunyoga.org/UPC2024/)
Three-Day Acupressure Course in Malaysia
A unique opportunity unfolded in Malaysia as Sunyogi Umasankar led a three-day acupressure course that introduced participants to the powerful world of acupressure. The workshop, designed to introduce acupressure, drew attendees eager to learn the theory behind this ancient art and the practical aspects of locating pressure points and applying techniques for health improvement.
Sunyogi Umasankar seamlessly integrated Sunyoga practices into the acupressure course. Participants started each day with morning Sunyoga sessions, where they learned to connect with cosmic energy for inner balance and healing. This practice provided a foundation for healing energy flows within the body, which plays a crucial role in healing.
The course then dove into the core acupressure concepts, offering a hands-on learning experience. Attendees learned the theory behind reflexology, meridian, and correspondence points and how they relate to overall health. They also had the unique chance to observe Swamiji diagnose and treat patients through acupressure techniques. His demonstration revealed this natural healing method’s simplicity yet profound effectiveness, allowing participants to witness first-hand how precise pressure application could alleviate various health issues.
The great organizer, Celine is doing a closing speech for the course.
Sunyogi emphasised that while the three-day workshop introduced acupressure, mastery requires dedication and regular practice. “To truly understand and heal through acupressure, one needs at least six months of continuous practice,” he explained. However, the course offered a solid foundation, equipping participants with enough knowledge to begin their journey into self-healing.
Many left the workshop feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to incorporate these practices into their daily lives to improve their health and learn to treat others.
Trekking Manimahesh with Sunyogi Umasankar
by Tiyasa Sardar
On 23rd October, we began our journey from Barmour to Manimahesh Kailash. We reached Hadsar by car from Barmour, and our trekking group consisted of 12 members. Some of us collected sticks for trekking, while others did not. The route was problematic, especially for the senior citizens in our group, who felt very tired while trekking. I found navigating through the jungle and the rocky paths challenging as it was the first trek in my life.
After some time, we arrived at a small shelter and met a Babaji (a holy man). He offered us some “energy tea,” and we encountered various types of dogs there. One of them decided to join us, and we named it “Sheru.” Sheru became an essential companion for our trekking trip, often guiding us when we struggled to find the right path.
There was sometimes no clear road, and we had to jump over rocks and climb steep boulders along the river. Our group became divided at one point as we took different routes and could not contact each other due to a lack of phone network coverage. Eventually, our small group came across Swamiji, who was also separated from the leading group. We regrouped just before reaching Dhanchoo.
After a long day of walking, we arrived at Dhanchoo at 4:30 PM. Swamiji mentioned he had seen a donkey skeleton, which a wild animal had partially eaten. Additionally, some group members spotted a cheetah near a small tent hotel where trekkers typically rest. We decided to stay at Dhanchoo for the night to avoid any danger. It was a small tent hotel with another trekking group also staying there. The experience was fantastic, and we were treated to a beautiful clear night sky filled with stars. One group member remarked that she hadn’t seen such a sky since she was a schoolgirl, at least 30 years ago. In today’s world of pollution, finding such natural beauty is rare.
After a restful night, some members returned to Dhanchoo, while others continued climbing to Manimahesh Kailash (4080 meters over the sea). The next day, at 4:00 AM, seven of us began our ascent with another group, emphasising the importance of climbing in numbers due to the presence of ferocious animals along the path. Not long after we started, one member felt very ill and began to vomit. Despite our efforts to help him, we were forced to leave him behind and continue.
As we ascended, we reached the first “Chatti” (rest stop) called Bandarban. We noticed the oxygen level decreasing with each step, which was a significant challenge. It was freezing, and we struggled to get sunlight on the mountain slopes. Many of us began to feel unwell, and we found it challenging to drink more water as it increased our nausea. The path became tricky and risky, and after just 3-4 kilometres, several group members could not take another step. We had gotten separated from the rest of the other group as they moved ahead.
At one of the most challenging climbs of the trek, we all could feel some pain.
Due to oxygen problems and the cold, we faced frostbite. After a short rest and a little food, we continued our ascent. Breathing became increasingly complex, and some of us felt overwhelmed by the challenge of climbing without a clear path. We had to scale hills and descend to find our way back up. Despite our struggles, Swamiji told us that Manimahesh Kailash was nearby, but due to our breathing issues, some of us wanted to stay and rest.
With encouragement from other members and Swamiji, we took a short break. While resting, our weakest member began to pet and lift Sheru, who had stayed with us. Swamiji remarked that anyone who could lift a full-grown dog had the strength to continue. This gave us the confidence to press on, and we resumed our climb.
After a considerable time, we finally saw that our destination was not far ahead. To our surprise, this sight energised us all. Our weakest member even found renewed strength and began climbing with vigour. Around 1:30 PM, we reached Manimahesh Kailash, marking a profound experience for all of us. The natural beauty of Manimahesh Kailash was breathtaking.
Sunyogi Umasankar was taking a refreshing bath at Manimahesh Lake.
Manimahesh Kailash consists of five parts, with our destination being the second. We performed a puja (prayer) at the temple of Manimahesh Kailash and Swamiji, and some group members bathed in the lake. Afterwards, we engaged in Sun Meditation at this divine place.
We noticed something remarkable: whenever garbage enters Manimhesh Lake, flocks of birds there quickly pick it up in their beaks and carry it away. We spent at least an hour there, and after that, we began our descent. Surprisingly, while it took us a minimum of an hour to cover just 100 meters uphill, we managed to cover almost 4 kilometres downhill in only half an hour.
It was risky to descend the mountain slopes, so we decided to take an alternate route. However, we struggled to find the path and accidentally stumbled upon Gourikund, which we hadn’t visited while climbing. This turned out to be a delightful experience. After visiting Gourikund, we finally found a way to descend.
Although we were descending quickly, the journey was quite treacherous. The path was stony, and there were spots where we could easily slip. We had to navigate a very narrow pathway with great caution. While walking back, Sheru suddenly started barking loudly. Swamiji suggested there might be a wild animal nearby that Sheru had spotted. This fear spurred us to walk at an unbelievable speed. We reached Dhanchoo again around 5 PM, and due to our fears of wild animals, we decided to stay at Dhanchoo for the night.
The following day, we set out again from Dhanchoo. The path down from Dhanchoo was more challenging; it was dense with jungle, and the experience of descending was quite frightening. As we continued, we unexpectedly came across the dismembered carcass of a donkey. Swamiji remarked that it was recent, indicating that a bear might have attacked the donkey just a few hours earlier.
Regardless, we pressed on, and around 9 AM, we were back and visited the place of Babaji, where we enjoyed some tea. There, we met two men. Babaji introduced us to the worshiper of Manimahesh Kailash. After spending some time there, we returned to Hadsar by around 11 AM, where our journey had started. Sheru stayed with us the entire way. One of our team members was there to greet us at Hadsar. We then began our car ride back to Barmour.
Me resting and enjoy the scenery.
See slideshow of over 70 photos from the Trek
Roadtrip Lachipur – Palampur – Manimahesh and back
By Tiyasa Sardar
In preparation for the 24th Universal Peace Conference of 2024, we embarked on our journey from Lachipur Ashram on the morning of October 18th. Our group consisted of twelve passengers, including members of the board of trustees of Lachipur Ashram and others. We arrived in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, on the evening of October 20th, where the conference took place.
Ashram team with Jatinder’s (a serious Sunyoga practitioner and teacher) family to the right
The 24th Universal Peace Conference was successfully held over three days. It focused on various topics aimed at finding solutions to multiple societal problems. The event included discussions on these topics and featured various cultural programs. After the conference concluded, we began our journey to Mani Mahesh Kailash with the entire team from Lachipur Ashram and Suryayogi Sri Sri Umashankarji Maharaj.
After the trek to Mani Mahesh, we continued our journey to Lachipur Ashram. We visited the Taj Mahal, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and Maithon Dam—charming places that added to our experience. We arrived back at Lachipur Ashram on October 30th around 10:00 PM. The journey from October 18th to 30th was a delightful experience for all of us, full of knowledge and adventure. We were blessed by Yogiraj Sri Sri Amaryoti Babaji and the blessings of Shakti Durga Maa, making the trip a truly blissful experience for the entire team at Lachipur Ashram.
Swapan Interview Part 4 (of 4)
Kali Ma herself came to my house
One day, my mother was cutting vegetables when a snake came from behind. But it did not bite—it just sat there. Another day, we were late in doing our religious rituals. We were supposed to do them earlier, but my parents had come late from the market. When they got back, my mom immediately noticed a snake sitting nearby. But again, it did not bite.
In Bengali, we say “sopno”, which means dream. Kali Ma came to my mother in a dream. She told my mother, “I want to come to your house. Build a place for me to stay. Build whatever you can, small or big. I want to stay with you.” My mother immediately told my father. She explained to him that she always saw the snake around when cutting vegetables, washing clothes, or even hanging the clothes upstairs. She kept seeing the snake, so she told her husband to make the small temple quickly.
We didn’t have much money back then, but my father hired a worker to make a small mud temple. Our house was also mud then—it was all we could afford. We didn’t have a Kali statue, but again, Kali came to my mother and said, “Place the idol in the small temple.” So we built an idol and put it inside.
My father never saw her, and my mother hasn’t seen her again since then, but our lives have improved dramatically since that incident. For example, when we pray, my mind is immediately at peace. Whenever we face problems, we pray to Kali Ma. We have noticed that we get the solutions immediately.
Whenever I have problems, I pray, “Hail Respected Mother. I have a problem. Please give a solution. I believe in you.” I pray this as I light an incense stick and the problems are solved later. This is why I have so much peace and happiness, and my mother has as well.
I am grateful to have a mother who brought Kali Ma into our house. However, even my mother herself is a goddess. In town, I know Swamiji and Babaji, and I talk to Babaji like my father, and Swamiji speaks to me as if I were his son. Whenever I need advice, I go to him. He never gets angry and is like a second father to me. I feel very blessed to have him in my life. Babaji taught me that God is here. If you are pure, God is with you. He is in you. And he will come to you. You don’t have to seek God because He will come to you Himself. My advice to you is to be pure and calm your mind. Thank you.
Meeting Kali
I always take my car when I go out at night since Swamiji takes the Ashram’s car. I usually go out at night because I can get more passengers. One time, early in the morning, at 4:25 am, I was going to Kharagpur by car. I was a little sleepy at that time. I decided to go to the Kali Ma temple in the nearby city of Khirpai. While driving there, I was driving my car while half asleep. Suddenly, I saw a lady in a white dress walking down the street. I immediately stopped my car. When I was wide awake, I thought I saw Kali Ma. At first, I thought it was a ghost. She wore a red and white dress and had red dye on her feet. I didn’t say anything. She approached my car window and asked, “Do you want something?” I didn’t reply and just stared at her. She asked again, “Need anything?” and then disappeared suddenly. Later, after I returned home, I told my mother about this incident.
She told me that Kali Ma came to me and was prepared to give me something but that I was good not to ask anything. I also told Swamiji, who said it was perfect, but I didn’t have to tell anyone. However, because Axel asked, I am willing to share this story. Thank you for listening. Namaskar!
Read the first part here and the second part or the third part here.
Calendar
8-10 November 2024 – Sunyoga Basic Course (Level 1-3) (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh)
3-5 January 2025 (FULL) – Sunyoga Basic Course (Level 1-3) (Vadodara, Gujarat)
9-11 January 2025 – Sunyoga Basic Course (Level 1-3) (Vadodara, Gujarat)
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