Event: Devi & Study Group members visit to Sandeepany Ashram, Powai
Date: 6th March 2016
Number of attendees: 50 people
The visit was an eye opener for many members. They took away a sense of how well organized and professionally run is the Mission. The tour's highlight was the Sewa bhava at the Ashram which was experienced everywhere in all departments from the stockroom to the CEO's office!. The tireless efforts of all the back end work from Archives to IT and Publications makes it so seamless when we receive our books, fliers and attend yagnas, the appreciation of all those who are in the background was seen and felt by all today. Efficiently and proficiently the work gets done with Gurudev Grace.
We started our morning by Swami Bodhatmanandaji's talk and a Welcome by Manisha Khemlani and ended with a delicious lunch at the Annakshetra!
Swamiji shed light on what is the Purpose of our Lives and how to Dwell on the teaching of the Scriptures through Meditation. Vedanta's promise is total freedom... No Disturbance of the Mind. This GAP that we feel post Shravanam and Mananam is the lack of results of Vedanta in my life will be bridged through Meditation ( Nidhidyasan)
Simple Steps for Meditation:
1. Attend more classes, repeated listening. Scriptures say," If I am That, then who is this person who plays various roles of mother, daughter, employee, wife, sister?"
2. Meditative Chants help understand the meaning of our true nature,Sat Chit Anand. Example:Nirvana Satkam
3. Discuss the teaching with others. Practice by writing, reading, mutual discussions and proof reading. If our mind is in the Shastra, it stays fresh in our Mind and we build strength in the knowledge, I am That Mukta Purush, ready to fight any battle; old age and death!
4. Formal Meditation, it's not about the glamour of the external environment.
It's about being Alert and thought Substitution. Sitting down in a calm peaceful position, which works for you, doesn't inconvenience anyone else and your duties as a householder and their routines. Most importantly Bringing the teaching free from doubts and begin to practice " I am Atma" Thought Substitution!
5. Alert Living! Not to repeat my mistakes which is the cause of my suffering and the people around me.