Smt. Shruti Somani's class ( Breach Candy group) on Saturday 2nd May 2020, was a special class as we had to choose a name of Gurudev and then share our insights after doing study, with our class members. . This was in celebration of Pujya Gurudev's Jayanti (8th May).
We held our discussion with Smt. Seema Kejriwal speaking ‘ Om Shri Gurave Namaha', Smt.Nandita Patodia on “Om Utsaah vardhakaya namaha’, Shri. Vipul Dalal on the name ‘Om Sacchidanandaya namaha’, Smt. Sheetal Mehta on ‘Om Gunatitaya Namaha’ , Smt.Bhairavi Khanna on ‘ Om Kaivalya svarupaya namaha' , Smt. Suchita Damani on ‘Om Anandaya namaha', Smt. Sujata Khemka on ‘Om Vinaya shilaya namaha’, Smt.Mala Agarwal on ‘Om Jitendriyaaya namaha’, Smt.Monica Nagpal on ‘ Om Shruti Pargaaya Namaha’ and Smt.Anuja Mariwala sent hers on ‘Om Prasannatmane namaha’ .
These names and hence qualities are inter related and also necessary on the journey to Realisation and Pujya Gurudev had them all!
Some key points learnt about Pujya Gurudev:
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He didn’t keep the knowledge to himself but decided to spread it to the common man also. As our Guru, He has been inspiring millions by not only spreading the wisdom and knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, but also by being the very embodiment of innumerable qualities.
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Pujya Gurudev started his quest to find Truth as a journalist, a common man, His story of this journey is inspiring. We, as His devotees, can and must!
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For 40 years, He brought the wisdom the scriptures in simple language, throughout the world, without any discrimination, full of love and dedication. Even health problems did not deter Pujya Gurudev.
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He is beyond all attributes, sattva, rajas and tamas. The moods of the mind had no hold over Him.
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He loved unconditionally, lived joyously.
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To Him it was all Narayana’s work, dedicated to Narayana!
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Pujya Gurudev taught qualities such as humility by living them.
There were 2 short clips from Talks by Pujya Gurudev.
The topics were well explained, in simple words and so effective.
For example, what questions one shouldn’t ask a Guru, was explained by Pujya Gurudev with His inimitable sense of humour and clarity! A Guru should be asked for guidance for path to happiness.
The second clip was a clear message from Pujya Gurudev that only when WE are open to the idea of receiving knowledge from a Guru, will the Guru find us, like a bee finds an open flower.
The session concluded with the chanting of the Ashtottara namavalli.
We all had a connect with these names and hope to put into practice at least some, in our sadhana. The discussion had an impact on all of us and gave us a closer picture of Pujya Gurudev as we shared our views and various anecdotes.
