PRAYAGRAJ: Spirituality knows no boundaries. Despite Russia and Ukraine being embroiled in a bloody war for more than 1,000 days, Swami Vishnudevananda Giriji Maharaj from Ukraine, and Ananda Lila Mata from Russia have been giving sermons on love, peace and compassion from the same platform at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
They have been conducting daily sessions at Pilot Baba’s camp in Sector 18 where devotees from various parts of the world gather to listen to their teachings. More than 70 people from Ukraine and Russia are living together at the camp, and 100 more are expected to arrive.
Their sermons often include traditional prayers and discussions about applying spirituality in daily life. And both share personal experiences from their countries while emphasising the universal nature of spiritual truth.
Giriji Maharaj, formerly Valeriy, is from Kharkiv city in northeast Ukraine and now the Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. He told TOI, “My message for world peace is expressed in two words: “Loka Sangraham” (universal good) and “Arru Paddai” (universal enlightenment).
We must remember the mantra ‘lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu’, which seeks the good and happiness of all living beings. Humanity lacks ‘sattva energy’. When sattva energy spreads through meditation in a society, nation and on earth, the world be- gins to change for the better. And the stage is set for the arrival of Satya Yuga, the Golden Age.”
Ananda Mata, formerly Olga, is from Nizhny Novgorod in western Russia. “This is my fifth visit to Kumbh Me- la. The first time I came here was at the invitation of Mahamandaleshwar Pilot Babaji. In 2010, I accepted the status of Mahamandaleshwar.
Since then I have come to almost every Kumbh Mela,” she said.
“Kumbh Mela is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the very heart of the sadhu culture and spread the message of peace. Many saints come to the Kumbh Mela to be a part of this festival of blessings.
It is also a way for thousands of people to purify their karma and their consciousness. I come here to meet my students from all over the world, to show them the culture of Sa- natan Dharma, to convey the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism, yoga, and meditation,” Ananda Mata added.
“When people from Russia and Ukraine sit together in harmony it sets an example of how spiritual pursuit can unite people beyond national identities,” she said.
Both Giriji Maharaj and Ananda Mata conduct special prayers for world peace and healing of nations affected by war. Their message has special resonance given the conflict their countries have been engaged in, which has caused huge loss of lives on both sides and widespread destruction in Ukraine.
