Name of Event: Shishuvihar
Sevika Training Workshop
Date: 24th Feb., 2015, 9th March
2015 Venue: Chinmaya Sagar-
Mumbai, Chinmaya Mission-
Delhi Conducted by: Roma
Sanghavi and Radhika Jesrani
Attended by: 20 persons, 15
persons
The aim of the Shishuvihar program is to introduce infants(0-2 years) and toddlers (2-4years), along with their mothers/guardians to cultural and spiritual education. Children learn through age-appropriate songs,stories, games, arts and crafts. Itis unique as it involves not onlythe children, but the mothersand extended family as well.Five people expressed an interestto start classes in Mumbai, with a new class already started at Kurla(E), and further three people expressed interest to start a class in Delhi.
To enroll for these classes or for the Shishuviharsevika program,please contact Roma Sanghavi at 9820297889 or Radhika Jesrani
at 9920032225
Name of event: Ghar Ghar Mein Geeta
Date: March 17th 2015 Venue:
Mrs. Hiroo Mirpuri’s residence
Host: Mrs. Hiroo Mirpuri
Attendance: Approx 40 people
Occasion: To celebrate the 80thled birthday of Smt Hiroo Mirpuri,Smt. Geeta Kothari’s mother.
The Ghar Ghar Mein Geetaprogram started with bhajans,led by Dr. Abha Shroff.This was followed by a Satsangby Dr. Sujata Kelkar.
She spokeabout the importance of spiritualevolution and the need to discover our Self, especially sincewe have all been blessed with ahuman birth. She gave severa lexamples from the Geeta tosupport this.
This was followed by somespecial words by Smt.Geeta Kothari about her mother.The highlight of the Satsang wasthe Chinmaya Arti performed byfour generations of the family!The evening ended with the partaking of prasad.
Geeta Kothari
Name of Event: Explanation of the mantra, Om Purnamadah
Speaker: Swami Swatmananda
Venue: Panchsheel Dates: 25th to 27th March Report by: ShrutiSomani
Morning talks on the meaning behind this Shanti Mantra were held as part of the annual Yagna.
Swamiji explained the meaning behind the mantra 'OM Purnamadah' as follow:
.it originates from the Shukla Yajurveda and encapsulates the entire theory of Vedanta in a few words.
.It is based on the foundation that we all experience incompleteness or 'Anpurnataa'(as apposed to 'Purnataa') as we identify with the small 'i' which makes us feel finite.
. Swamiji explained the concept of infiniteness of the Creator and creation against the backdrop of the theories of creation, as also the 5 aspectsof every objects in creation.
• He discussed the 3 ‘levels’ of Reality, and the role of viveka and vairagya in helping us acquire the correct vision.
• He also discussed the differentways in which the man in bondage, the seeker and the Master view the world and Truth.
• He explained why, despite intellectualstudy, we are unableto correct our view and the sadhanas required to counterthat.
• How to integrate our thoughtsand emotions, the importance of love for the Higher, the importanceof Shravana,Manan and Nidhidhyaasana were emphasised.
Name of Event: Rama Navmi Celebrations
Date: 28th March 2015 Venue:Bajaj Hall, Nariman Point Time:2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
Attendance:approx 100 people
Study group members prepared the Aranyakanda where theattendees played fun activities like Housie and Crossword based on this Kanda. Sevika Manjuji Malkani’s classes and Shailzaji Jhunjhunwala prepared the games. Alka Sadarangani sang soulful bhajans.
A Dvd of Pujya Gurudev’s talk on the Ramayan was shown which explained the deeper import of the epic.
During the Q & A Swami Swatmanandaji explained:
• Ram avatar depicts a MaryadaPurushottam who, despite agitations, does not compromise on Dharma.
• Ones’ Satvaguna helps one rise above the Rajo&Tamoguna
• Satsang, Seva& Self-control are the LakshmanRekha which when crossed by Sita (the ego) will hurl us into the world of desires (Lanka).
• Surpanakha symbolizes tamas,Sita-rajas and Shabri-sattva,ie. Surrender, Patience & Faith. We have the choice to be like any of these.
• Panchvati represents shraddhain five things: Scripture,Guru, Sadhana, the Lord & yourself. The event concluded with pooja and aarti of Lord Rama.
Event :Skit on Ramayan
By: Grade 2 Balvihar Children,Kalbadevi
Report by: Vidisha Khetwani
Children from the Balvihar at Kalbadevi conducted a puppet show on the building of the bridge across the ocean from the Ramayana.Parents of the Balvihar children displayed team work, unity, and cheerfulness thus showing true yagna spirit,as they worked alongwith the Sevikas to ensure the event was a success.
The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all,especially the children wholearnt about the Ramayana in a fun-filled way.
Event: GGMG
Date: 7th March 2015 Acharya:Swami Swatmananda
Topic: Pursuit of Happiness,based on Chp-13-18 of the Bhagawad Geeta
Host: Smt. Nanda Khemani
Attended by: approx. 40 people,including many non-mission members.
Report by: Shruti Somani
Happiness is sought through every action and Geeta shows us the way to this.
Summary:
1. Chapter 13: As the root cause of sorrow is our false identification with ourequipment,the Lord, shows us how to discriminate between the seer and seen (kshetragyaand kshetra) and understand that I am not the equipment,but bliss is my True nature.
2. Chapter 14: To apply the above viveka, one needs a sattvic mind. Everything in creation is goverend by sattva, rajas and tamas- the 3 gunas. Culitivatingsattvaguna is imperative to attain everlasting bliss.
3. Chapter 15: The analogy of the inverted peepal tree symbolysing samsara to which we are bound, was explained. The axe required to cut this tree is detachment.Attachment causes sorrow.Detachment reduces dependency and paves the way for happiness.
4. Chapter 16: We need to follow certain values to cut our attachments and become selfless. Separating right from wrong gives us clarity, hence detachment which leads to happiness.
5. Chapter 17. Doing Yagna,Daana and Tapas make our lives better and happier.
6. Chp 18 :‘sarvadharmaanparityajya… ma shuchah’: doership and self importance causes stress and
unhappiness. The solution is to surrender doership to the Lord through devotion.Pujya Gurudev’s video explained the spiritual values of Krishna and the dynamism of Arjuna necessary in each one of us. After the Arti, Swamiji blessed hosts on their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary.
Event: Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti
Date: 4th April 2015 Event Organisedby : Mrs. Sumitra Patel Venue : Chinmaya Sagar
Time : 8.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Report By: Varsha Dalal
Shri Hanuman Puja wasperformed at 8.00 am followed by Ashtottar Shat Archana and chanting of Shree Hanuman Chalisa 108 times
by approximately 200 devotees throughout the day.
Lunch and breakfast prasad was offered to those present.