GURU SMARAN SAPTAH May 5th 2021

GURU SMARAN SAPTAH

May 5th 2021

Sevika : Aditi Agarwalla

Marine drive class , Wednesday

Participants : 15 ( including sevika )

Highlights :

The class started with invocation & chanting of Guru Stotram by all different members of the class .

It was followed by discussing Gurudev’s diary “ My Trek through Uttarakhand “

Summary of the discussion was written by Sneh Todi .

This was followed by a sharing of some members , Sarita Shroff & Prabha Patodia, how Gurudev’s vision through Chinmaya mission have inspired them in their lives. Deep gratitude flows through their hearts.

A poem was recited by Vidya Bharatiya & Ranjana Somani

A memorable picture of a member’s daughter on Gurudev’s lap was shared by Ragini Rai .

We ended the session on a devotional high with Pujya Gurudev’s Arti & the pledge was read out to reinforce the vision of the mission .

Altar & Aarti done by Shobha Somani.

The summary of the journey of our trek through Uttarakhand with Gurudev

Written by Sneh Todi :

Going on a pilgrimage is a spiritual sadhana. When Gurudev in his early thirties started on his trek to Uttarakhand ,he wanted to experience it fully and totally.

: If the goal is fixed you are ready to face any difficulties in life. However steep the climb and dangerous the descent Gurudev travelled miles and miles each day. When his chappals broke he walked barefoot on sharp granite and marble with blood oozing out from his soles and feet full of thorns. Bearing the intense pain he moved forward.

: Gurudev teaches us how to face difficulties in life with a smile. Throughout his journey he kept his humour intact.

: He was still young. Spirituality does not depend on age. He experienced the beauty of nature to its fullest. He became one with prakriti, Gods purest creation. After traveling for 15-20 miles he could sit in peace and do meditation and jap in silence.

: During his journey he did not forget to write letters to his family and friends teaching us that even on the spiritual journey u should not forget your duty.

: From Gurudev we learn about the importance of Satsang. When he met the three sanyasis in their respective kutirs he was deeply influenced by them. He was able to experience the magic of spirituality. For subtle knowledge you don't need any words.

Tapovan Maharaj told him to have a continuous and unbroken Brahma vichar. The Lord should always be in your thoughts day and night . If that is so you will not have any agitations and you will drop your attachment with the BMI.

: He teaches us that you should always remember Him, that prayer alone can give you courage. When he had high fever he was constantly saying Shiva---Shiva in his sleep. Faith and Shraddha will always protect you. A true bhakta prays only for tivra bhakti for the Lord.

: Gurudev shows us the path to self-realization. As if he is incorporating the Shiksha of Krishna in his own life. In the Geeta, Krishna tells Arjun to transcend the 3 gunas . Gurudev has very little of Tamas and Rajas and he is well established in the Sattva. He tries to b free of the pair of opposites. He follows Krishna's preaching of titiksha. He was able to bear the physical pain and also the heat and cold of adverse weather which he had to face in his travels.

: From Gurudev we learn the importance of silence. While traveling through the forest he realized that the thicker the forest the deeper was the silence! When you are alone to experience the beauty of His creation u will understand that silence is the substratum on which the slightest sounds become audible. This is when you forget your ego and surrender totally and fully to the highest. The combination of nature in its supremacy and breath-taking silence will take you deep inside your own Self and you will experience a continuous flow of Ananda. This state of bliss could only be achieved only after years of meditation. This was the experience of the essence of Sat Chid Anand in its entirety!

I felt I have been on an exhilarating yatra , “a lovely exhilarating experience“ taking in the beauty of Mother Nature through Gurudev’s eyes and words-glistening snow peaked mountains, pine trees /deodars, the flowery splendours, the beautiful rivers gushing, breathing in fresh Himalayan air, meditating in these surreal environment! Felt HIS grace. (is it sheer coincidence that it’s the summer of 2021 and dates and days are same as 1948!)

“Fanatic and faith mad“, with dedication & perseverance can face the challenges of Life .” Through Pleasures & pain.

My take home -

“drink the real pure gangajal ,not this river water. Visit your inner gomukha. The pahadi to lead you is in you . Develop Shradha and Prem . There is no God beyond and besides you. His Kripa is really your own efforts”.

Thank you for this enlightening spiritual journey.