Manju Malkani's study class at Colaba paid a lovely tribute to Pujya Gurudev in his birthday week. Organized on May 6, the class had full representation with 17 participants. The group had distributed various activities such that every member took part in the proceedings. Following the daily prayer and a recitation of Guru Stotram, few class members first chanted the 108 names of Swami Chinmayananda. Post the chanting, some class members shared their understanding of Gurudev's names. Ten names were then elaborated upon wherein each member explained how Gurudev was a living embodiment of the particular name - this was done by sharing his life's accomplishments, his qualities as a disciple of Tapovan Maharaj and subsequently his emergence into a Master of Vedanta who inspired millions.
The class saw two video clips that showed the candid and practical nature of Gurudev's responses to the most philosophical and some not so philosophical questions. The class was particularly lucky to view a member's mother, Smt. Usha Vij, one of Gurudev's oldest disciples, tribute to Gurudev made in 2014. The video showed her sharing some heart-warming and inspiring stories that set her on the path to becoming a lifetime Chinmaya Mission member. It was a fitting conclusion to a morning dedicated to the memory of Gurudev and his qualities that keep us coming back for more of his teachings.
