Pointers on the present situations impacting us and how as Sadhaks should we deal and respond on the personal (BMI, Vyasti) level as well as the Social level and
How to face situations with "I am not in them, they are in Me" or “everything is purnam- attitude of purnamadah, purnamidam".
Attendees: 68 members from 3 classes of Sevika Sheela ji and 1 each of Shailza ji and Anjali ji.
Reported by: Paulomi Dhawan
Swami Swatmananda ji was welcomed with the Purnakumbha, Sannyasukta mantras, invocation and Gurustotram.
How does a spiritual seeker respond differently to the pandemic? Accept the situation exists, don't go in denial mode. Recognise there are 3 choices-sattvic/proactive, rajasic/reactive and tamasic/inactive. Follow the sattvic response on the physical level, emotional and intellectual level.
B: Follow COVID protocols, exercise, serve/help the underprivileged, practice sense control at the physical level. Detach.
M: Equanimity, tolerance, love, care, compassion, vairagya. Anchor in Bhagwan, increase your devotion. Strengthen Bhakti as the only true relationship is with GOD.
I: The pandemic is a wakeup call.
Learn new things, be constructive, push yourself out of comfort zone, be alert ,accept the new normal. ADAPT to CHANGE.
Swamiji also explained the concepts of "They are in me, I am not in them" is the relationless relationship. The substratum is real and the superimposition is illusory. eg the rope is only appearing as a snake. Thoughts come and go - so thoughts are in me, I am not in them. Apply to any situation, desires, emotions eq "this anger is in me, I am not in it as I am consciousness." So, clarity of who I am and vairagya/dispassion are key.
Everything is Purnam, everything is One-the vision of oneness. Rather than seeing many in one, see ONE in many. Spiritually, there is infinite potential in every human being, tap it. Focus on the positive. I/consciousness (Purnam) is infinite bliss.
The interesting session ended with concluding remarks, and a vote of thanks, the Chinmaya Aarti along with the closing prayers, Mission pledge.