Diwali was celebrated with Samuhik Lakshmi Puja, under the guidance of Swamini Nishkalanandaji (Chinmaya Mission Kalyan) followed by satsang on Mindset for Wealth by Swami Swatmanandaji. The event, held on Dhanteras at Patel’s residence in Juhu, was attended by more than fifty people.
The celebrations began with an invocation prayer, followed by puja. Devotees had brought their own saamagri, including idols and coins. Swaminiji conducted the puja, guiding through the process of lamp-lighting, mantra-chanting, offerings, abhishek etc. The devotees followed her instructions step by step and learnt the process of performing the puja. 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi were chanted and at the end, lamps were lit and aarti was performed.
After the puja, Swamiji explained the attitude we must cultivate towards wealth. The first thought should be of abundance and gratitude. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude attracts more positivity and wealth; also makes us humble. The second was about ‘Thinking Big’. Pujya Gurudev said, “Higher the goal, greater the inspiration.” Swamiji said we must keep our goals so high that we may not be able to reach there, but continue to strive. He spoke about Teamwork and explained the acronym TEAM that stood for Together Everyone Achieves More. For teamwork to be successful, there should be empathy, compassion, kindness and love.
Next, Swamiji explained how the fruit of any work should be shared with all connected with it first; before we begin enjoying the fruit ourselves. Further, we must never compromise on any work and the manner in which we work. Corruption while working should never be an option. The key to success of any endeavour is righteous effort. Contentment in life is important; it is the spark of joy. Swamiji explained to us that if we look at Lakshmiji as our Mother, we will never compromise or use her for the wrong purpose.
We must learn to conserve time, saving every second, as also every penny generated. As important it is to earn and generate wealth, so also it is to use wealth in the right way; else it will bind us. The more we give and share, the more we get, not just materially but also in terms of contentment and happiness – the true joy of giving. These were the pearls of wisdom shared by Swamiji and the talk held special significance, for we learnt the importance of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the attitude towards wealth generation and above all, the highest values we must have with regard to wealth which we worship as Mother herself. Everyone had dinner prasad. It was a wonderful event that incorporated Bhakti in the form of Puja and knowledge through Swamiji’s insightful talk.
