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Reports

Bhajan Sadhana

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Report of Bhajan Sandhya held on 07.06.2015 at Chinmaya Prerana

Chinmaya Mission Navi Mumbai in association with Panvel Cultural Association organized a melodious bhajan program as a part of Gurudev’s Birth Centenary Celebration. This unique program conceptualized and organized by a music veteran Shri Suresh Rao, a teaching faculty in Chinmaya Fine Arts classes took the audience down memory lane. All the Bhajans and songs rendered were chosen from the songs sung at Chyk Soul Song nites during the 1970’s in presence of Pujya Gurudev. The performers were young enthusiastic students from all over Navi Mumbai  The whole program had the blessing

of Smt. Sushila Acharya.  The bhajan sandhya organized at Chinmaya Prerana, Kharghar was well attended by about 100 people who were spell bound by the performance.  An unforgettable evening indeed.

 

 

 

SPIRITUAL CAMP AT C.I.F, ADI SHANKARA NILAYAM, KERALA.

“If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” Such thoughts entered our minds as we stepped into the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharyaji for a 6-day Spiritual Sadhana Camp (17th to 22nd May, 2015) at Chinmaya International Foundation, Kerala. Organised by Chinmaya Mission, Navi Mumbai, about 50 campers got an opportunity to hear and reflect upon the teachings of the great Master in an ashram pulsating with His presence. Lush greenery, ancient heritage structures, temples, ponds, tree lined paths ideal for walks and talks and warm Kerala hospitality; little wonder that we were transported to the Gurukul systems of yore.

Mornings began with Meditation on the verses of Nirvana Shatakam. Br. Ved Chaitanyaji, our camp Acharya explained that all 3 obstructions

 

clouding our vision of the Pure Self (Mala, Vikshepa and Avarana) could be removed by meditation on Nirvana Shatakam. With each session, we were made to understand how we were neither the subtle nor the gross nor the causal body, along with all their expressions. We were given a glimpse of how Realised Masters ended dualities and revelled in the Supreme; Chidanandarupah shivoham shivoham.

If Nirvana Shatakam nudged us to open our eyes, Bhaja Govindam made us wide awake.Vedji in his captivating style explained the deeper import of Shankaracharyaji’s words.

 What we learnt:

  • The futility of our quest for Kamini, Kanchana and Kirti.
  • The uncertainty and instability of life ought to lead us to intelligent enquiry.
  • Climbing the ladder of progress through the steps of Satsanga, Nissangatva, Nirmohatva and Nischalatattva, we can aspire for Jivanmukti. 
  • The 4 recommendations of geyam (gaana), dhyeyam (dhyana), neyam (satsang) and deyam (daana) would help us to overcome our Shadripu (6 enemies).
  • Being now able to see all as one, we could realise the world to be unreal and develop true Vairagya.
  • From here it is “Nandati, Nandati, Nandati eva”
  • Finally, Bhaja Govindam (Worship, Serve and Seek the Lord) is the path we all have to take and serving Guru would indeed lead us to our destination.

We were also lucky to have sessions on Shishyaanushaasanam by Sw. Sharadanandaji. Being students on this path, his words on what is actually meant by speaking the truth and following Dharma enlightened us. We were instructed to never miss Swadhyaya, Deva and Pitru kaarya. Guru Dakshina and Daana both had specific injunctions on the way they had to be offered. In the absence of the Guru, the role models we should follow were also described. It was a complete set of instructions on the Art of Living!

Our cup of joy overflowed when evening satsangs were taken by various Acharyas – Sw. Atmeshanandaji, Swn. Atmikanandaji and Sw. Advayanandaji.

During the camp, we also went around the ancestral maternal house of Shankaracharyaji, attended daily aarati in the room where He was born, lit 1008 lamps around the Ayappa temple (chottu vellakku) and did Paduka Pooja in Pujya Gurudev’s Shrine.

For some, there was the added joy of visiting Padmanabha Temple, Attukal Bhagawathy Temple, Suchindram, Kanyakumari Temple, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kalady and the famous backwaters of Kerala. This yatra was all the more special because the pilgrims had our Acharya, Br. Vedji for company. He explained the stories and the glories of each site and made the places come alive. This camp was yet another example of Gurudev’s infinite blessings on all of us!!

SESSION ON DYNAMIC PARENTING- THE GEETA WAY, BY BR. VED.CHAITANYAJI

On 25th April, 2015, a talk was organised in Yash Paradise Housing Society Community Hall, Airoli for all parents in the locality. About 70 people attended the talk which was a very interactive, lively and inspiring experience. Common situations like-- My child doesn’t listen/doesn’t talk and show respect/is too casual/ too demanding/ always on TV or Tablet, etc,

were elucidated by the parents present. Vedji addressed all these doubts in his endearing yet crisp manner. He put it simply: The moment we say “They’re not mine, they’re God’s children”, our worries will decrease. Some other pointers he provided were:

 Be the change you want to see in your children. They learn more by seeing than hearing!

 Responsible parents strike a balance between love and strictness.

 Learn to say No

 Allow teachers to do their job without overprotecting your child.

 Teach what you want to teach in the way they want to learn. Don’t fulfil your dreams through them

 Let them strive for their own things..Don’t do their Homework/Projects. Let them realise the consequences of their actions/inaction.

 Accept their abilities (even if limited) as their Prarabdha. Have faith in your Samskaar.

The session was warmly appreciated by all the parents who showed enthusiasm in participating in more Chinmaya Mission activities in the future.