On 3rd September 2021, Sw. Swatmananda addressed the combined classes of Smt. Manju Malkani, Smt. Vinita Asrani and Smt. Anjali Dalal on “Mantra for Happiness”. It was attended by 55 class.
The session began with welcoming Swamiji with the Poorna Kumbha beautifully chanted by Jaya Somani followed by the Invocation prayers by Alka Sadarangani. Tarana Khubchandani as the MC took over an invited Swamiji to commence his talk.
Swamiji explained what a mantra is – that upon reflecting which we overcome our negativities and which helps us to transcend the mind. Further Swamiji explained what it means to be happy – to be able to accept the good and the bad that come to us in life by chance or by effort, is happiness. We tend to confuse Param Ananda which is Bliss with pleasure or temporary happiness. Happiness is both the goal and the means. It is the quietening of the mind which will lead one to Permanent Happiness.
To elaborate the point further, Swamiji gave the below acronym based on the Bhagavad Geeta, for happiness:
H - Holistic growth where the BMI is integrated.
A – Acceptance – shift from why to how.
P – Positive Outlook – the more positive my outlook the happier I shall be.
P - Performance of duty for duty – don’t be dependent on results and the results of the
Results.
I – Inspiring Ideal – have an inspiring goal which keeps you motivated and it should be based
On my swadharma.
N – Negating negativities – negate them by substituting them for the opposite. Do not
Justify them
E – Exercise mindfulness – As Gurudev said, bring you mind where your hands are.
S – Swadharma – Do what you love. You work should be based on your temperament –
Gunas. Swamiji played a video of a Rap song on the importance and value of being in
Our Swadharma.
S – Surrender the Ego. This will lead to the Ultimate Happiness.
Swamiji concluded the talk with Gurudev’s equation of happiness:
Number of Desires Fulfilled
Number of Desires Entertained
Bringing the denominator to 0 will result in Happiness being Infinite.
Swamiji gave an inspiring talk for us Sadhakas, motivating and urging us to work towards Permanent Happiness.
The session conlcluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sunita Mishra, the Pledge by Bela Kacheria, announcements by Tarana Khubchandani and the closing prayers by Kanchan Parekh.
