HISTORY
The Beginning
Around 25 years ago, a small group of families began meeting monthly to recite the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Ashtottara. As these gatherings gained popularity, more families joined, experiencing divine bliss and cultural transformation. The meetings became weekly, making it difficult for any single family to host the events.
The Evolution
In 2019, during one of these gatherings, the organizers discussed how to make the meetings more sustainable. They proposed establishing the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brundavana in Chicagoland, creating the Rayara Matha. This Matha would serve communities across the Midwest, promoting religious, cultural, and spiritual values through the teachings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and Madhva philosophy.
The Establishment
To realize this vision, the Sri GuruRayara Seva Samithi of Illinois was registered as a non-profit religious organization. Since 2018, it has been organizing community events, festivals, and cultural programs under the motto of "inclusiveness for all." Today, the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brundavana-Midwest, located in Elgin, IL, operates daily, welcoming devotees and continuing its mission of spreading spiritual well-being and cultural enrichment.
PHILOSOPHY
Sri Rayaru undertook the systematic exploration of ideas and issues, a deliberate pursuit of fundamental truths, and a quest to comprehensively understand the world. His study encompassed the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, and he delved into principles governing conduct and beyond.
His life exemplified moral and ethical conduct, serving as a role model for his followers in leading a righteous life.
Dvaita Vedanta: Sri Raghavendra Swamy was a strong advocate of Dvaita Vedanta, which is a dualistic interpretation of the Vedas and Upanishads. According to Dvaita, the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Being (Vishnu or Narayana) are fundamentally different. The jiva remains eternally distinct from the Supreme, and liberation (moksha) is achieved through God's grace.
BHAKTI
(Devotion)
He emphasized the importance of bhakti, or devotion to God, as the primary means of attaining liberation. True devotion involves complete surrender to God's will and unwavering faith in His divine presence.
ROLE OF GURU
(Gurubhyoh Namaha)
Sri Raghavendra Swamy highlighted the significance of the guru (spiritual teacher) in guiding disciples on the path of righteousness and spiritual growth. The guru is seen as an intermediary between the disciple and God, imparting essential knowledge and wisdom for spiritual progress.
RIGHTEOUS LIVING
(Dharma)
Adherence to dharma, or righteous living, is a cornerstone of his teachings. This includes performing one's duties with sincerity, practicing honesty, and leading a life of moral integrity. He believed that living a dharmic life would please the Supreme Being and lead to spiritual advancement.