Activities at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Pallakad:
– Nirmala Haridasan, Principal,CV Tattamangalam,
The children of upper and lower KG actively took part i Gita Chanting competition.
Children from all classes took part in the Onam celebrations.
It was very interesting and encouraging to note the tiny tots participation in these activities.
Online link :http://www.speakingtree.in/blog/life-is-share-and-care
The Gita, declares that a person who repeatedly takes from the totality, but never contributes to it, is a thief. Here, Sri Krishna has used a very powerful word.
A Thief
The commonly understood meaning of ‘thief’ is one who breaks into your house and steals things. However, there are different types of thieves (chor). One is the person who is paid for eight hours, but works for only four. He is a kam chor. He does not work fully, but takes a full pay! Another type is one who evades tax – kar chor. There are also those who steal the ideas and designs of others. All of them are categorized as thieves.
In the spiritual sense, we take everything from the Lord and forget Him. We refuse to give Him any acclaim and take credit for everything. In modern terms, it relates to the disturbance of the entire ecosystem. Plants, animals and birds can all live without us. Actually, they will be very happy if we are not there! But humans cannot live without them; in innumerable ways we are totally dependent on them. Yet, we continue to exploit and destroy them. We call ourselves smart and intelligent but in reality, we are dumb. This according to the Bhagavad-gita is ‘stealing’.
Yagna Shista
On the other hand, those who understand the injunctions of the scriptures and live accordingly are liberated from bondage. The Lord points out that good people who enjoy or partake the remnants of yagna are liberated from their sins; but others who do things only for their own selfish ends, their own benefit, pleasure and power are ‘eating sin’.
Sri Krishna uses the potent words ‘yagna shista.’ The meaning of yagna shista is to be understood from different standpoints. At the individual level, it involves performing one’s own duties dedicated to the Higher and subsequently sharing the fruits for the good of society. Let us take the simple example of the owner of a lucrative company. After deducting the costs and overheads, he shares the profits with his employees. He will be called a yagna shista. Earlier, proprietors took all the proceeds for themselves; the concept of sharing did not exist. It is now recognized that the wealth of the company should be shared with the workers, shareholders and so on. In addition, the town or city where the factory is located should also benefit. Known as Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, this has become a law and a percentage has to be used for the welfare of society.
There is a thought-provoking incident from Guru Nanak Dev’s life. One day, on his travels, a poor man offered him some dry, unappetizing bread. Guru Nanak accepted it joyfully. He was eating it with relish. Just then a prosperous man arrived on the scene and offered him an array of delicious food. However, Nanak Dev did not accept this. The rich man was upset and offended and asked the Guru why his bread had been rejected. Nanakji showed him the difference: when he squeezed the bread offered by the poor man, milk poured out; but when the rich man’s bread was pressed, blood came out of it. The wealthy man had earned money by abusing and exploiting many people.
Remember, when we ignore the advice of the Creator, it shows disrespect to Him who has given us everything. For instance, in a household, the will of the elders becomes compulsory for others to fulfil. If we disobey their bidding, it shows disregard to them. Similarly, in organizations such as the Chinmaya Mission, the Guru’s words are sacrosanct. Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s words are commands for his followers. His wish was our command.
By presenting different perspectives, Sri Krishna has convincingly pointed out that there is no running away from one’s duties. One has individual duties towards oneself to gain purity of mind, but one should also not forget one’s duty towards the peace, prosperity and happiness of everyone around.Today, not only in our country, but all over the world, this altruistic and caring spirit is getting lost.
NURTURE NATURE AND BE BLESSED IN RETURN
SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA
Working together in a spirit of cooperation and dedication, without attachment, to achieve a desirable goal has been defined as working in the yagna spirit. This leads to all round prosperity. But in order that our efforts bear fruit it isnecessary that we live in harmony with the laws of Nature.The progressmade in science and technology is the result of understanding the forces of Nature and following Her laws. Space, air, fire, water and earth, the five great elements, are Nature’sbuilding blocks,to which theother forces are connected.
Swami Chinmayananda explained that the productive potential in these five elements manifests only when they are worshipped. Worship does not mean lighting a lamp or performing rituals. For example, the worship of water means not polluting it. When we nurture the soil, the fertility which is its productive potential, manifests to bless us with a good harvest. Our ancients followed a practise of planting trees before they cut one down. However, today we indiscriminately cut trees,without any regard for the consequences.We are polluting and exploiting our naturalresources without replenishing them.
Nature also bears the gifts of electric energy, heat energy, wind energy, and solar energy from which many benefits can be derived. Everything in Nature gives of itself, but we should know how to receive and also give in return. The important thing tounderstand is thatwhen we cherish andpropitiate the forces of Nature, they will in turn bless us. If we only keep on taking without giving in return,if we exploit without replenishing,it can only lead to destruction.
A famous story in the Puranas regales the time, when the Creator invited all the divine forces (devatas)and demonic forces(asuras)to a glorious feast.He thenrequested them to enjoy the sumptuous spread. However there was one condition, they could not bend their arms at the elbow while eating. This made the asuras very angry as they found that without bending at the elbow it was not possible to feed oneself. The devatas on the other hand had a good idea. They sat across one another and with their arms stretched straight, one fed the other. In this way everybody was satisfied. Bending the elbow and putting food into one’sown mouth is symbolic of self-centeredness. I am only thinking of myself. But when I feed someone else it is symbolic of selflessness. Iam thinking of another person and not worried about what will happen to me.When each one feeds the other, all are taken care of.
Some may find this cumbersome and believe that self-service is the best. In this the risk is that the mighty and powerful may takea disproprotinately large portion, leaving nothing for the weaker sections of society. This is what is happening in the world. The rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer.
Bhagawanadvocates prosperity for all, as the real way of living in this world.So karma yoga is not an individualisticphilosophy. It is for the totality- prosperity for all.
The Yatra’s objective has been fulfilled with the message and teachings of Swami Chinmayananda to this Himalayan State of Sikkim and has touched and inspired people from all walks of life
Online link :http://www.speakingtree.in/
Working together in a spirit of cooperation and dedication, without attachment, to achieve a desirable goal has been defined as working in the yagna spirit. This leads to all round prosperity. But in order that our efforts bear fruit it is necessary that we live in harmony with the laws of Nature.The progress made in science and technology is the result of understanding the forces of Nature and following Her laws. Space, air, fire, water and earth, the five great elements, are Nature’s building blocks, to which the other forces are connected.
Swami Chinmayananda explained that the productive potential in these five elements manifests only when they are worshipped. Worship does not mean lighting a lamp or performing rituals. For example, the worship of water means not polluting it. When we nurture the soil, the fertility which is its productive potential, manifests to bless us with a good harvest. Our ancients followed a practise of planting trees before they cut one down. However, today we indiscriminately cut trees, without any regard for the consequences. We are polluting and exploiting our natural resources without replenishing them.
Nature also bears the gifts of electric energy, heat energy, wind energy, and solar energy from which many benefits can be derived. Everything in Nature gives of itself, but we should know how to receive and also give in return. The important thing to understand is that when we cherish and propitiate the forces of Nature, they will in turn bless us. If we only keep on taking without giving in return, if we exploit without replenishing, it can only lead to destruction.
A famous story in the Puranas regales the time, when the Creator invited all the divine forces (devatas) and demonic forces (asuras) to a glorious feast. He then requested them to enjoy the sumptuous spread. However there was one condition, they could not bend their arms at the elbow while eating. This made the asuras very angry as they found that without bending at the elbow it was not possible to feed oneself. The devatas on the other hand had a good idea. They sat across one another and with their arms stretched straight, one fed the other. In this way everybody was satisfied. Bending the elbow and putting food into one’s own mouth is symbolic of self-centeredness. I am only thinking of myself. But when I feed someone else it is symbolic of selflessness. I am thinking of another person and not worried about what will happen to me. When each one feeds the other, all are taken care of.
Some may find this cumbersome and believe that self-service is the best. In this the risk is that the mighty and powerful may take a disproprotinately large portion, leaving nothing for the weaker sections of society. This is what is happening in the world. The rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer.
Bhagawan advocates prosperity for all, as the real way of living in this world. So karma yoga is not an individualistic philosophy. It is for the totality — prosperity for all.
Pujya Guruji’s talks on Narada Bhakti Sutra for 16th batch Vedanta Course students will continue to be streamed live until 19 September 2015 (inclusive). The links below accesses separate sessions and the timings remain unchanged, that is 4:30-5:30pm IST and 7-8pm IST.
Session 13 – Narada Bhakti Sutra – Talks by Swami Tejomayananda –http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V5scvkp4Kc
Session 14 – Narada Bhakti Sutra – Talks by Swami Tejomayananda –http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvY9rghm2Is
Session 15 – Narada Bhakti Sutra – Talks by Swami Tejomayananda –http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT1dY4wvUZs
Session 16 – Narada Bhakti Sutra – Talks by Swami Tejomayananda –http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ_byFTN6sQ
Chinmaya Mission West Gita Chanting Competition – Birth Centenary Celebrations 2015
Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanada’s vision is to encourage Balavihar children to memorize Bhagavad Geeta verses with the hope that later as adults they will be inspired to understand and live Geeta. This vision was rejuvenated with the second international Geeta chanting competition – Chant Geeta Enchant Krishna. Chinmaya Mission Chicago was honored to host the Geeta chanting competition finals of Chinmaya Mission West, USA with Swami Sharanananda as the national coordinator. The competition was held at the Badri Center on September 5 & 6, 2015. 165 children came from twenty-four centers from all across the USA to participate. The auspicious event happened to be held on Shri Krishna Janmashtami and the installation day of Shri Radha Krishna prabhavali at the Yamunotri center of Chinmaya Mission Chicago. Pujya Gurudev’s eternal guidance and presence was experienced at this event.
The finalists from local and regional competitions, the cream of Chinmaya Mission Balavihar, assembled for this historical event that was presided by Swami Ishwarananda of Los Angeles. The children were divided into four age groups. They competed within their group one at a time. There was a team of 18 judges from different centers. For two days the ashram was charged with positive energy of enthusiastic parents, participants, judges and local sevaks – altogether over 550 people. Meticulous planning provided an environment for new and renewed friendships among children and families.
Every participant was a true winner but the final rankings are:
Group A- Age Group 4 – 6 years
1. Trisha Shankar (Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities)
2. Neha Pandya (Chinmaya Mission San Jose)
3. Rasshessh Thakkar (Chinmaya Mission Ann Arbor)
Group B- (Age Group 7 – 9 years
1. Aditi Chaubal (Chinmaya Mission Houston)
2. Srinidhi Nagarajan (Chinmaya Mission San Jose)
3. Satvika Ramanathan (Chinmaya Mission Ann Arbor)
Group C – (Age Group 10 – 12 years)
Group D – Age Group 13 – 15 years)
Prizes awarded to each group rankings were – 3rd prize $250, 2nd $500, and the 1st prize $1,000 and a trip to India to participate in the international Gita chanting finals.
At the conclusion of the event, the super charged moment was when the entire congregation of over 500 people together chanted the entire chapter XV! Before the inauguration of the competition as the families arrived Swami Ishwaranda, the presiding acharya, expounded the message of the lines – मम एव अंश: जीव लोके – mama eva aṁśaḥ jīva loke. He said that Purushottam yoga, chapter XV held a very dear place in Pujya Gurudev’s heart. We are fortunate to be associated with a Master who is called the foot soldier of Geeta, who dedicated his life sharing the message of Krishna. September 5, the start of the competition, also marked the international teachers day to honor the message of the teacher of the world – कृष्णम् वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् kṛṣṇam vande jagadgurum.
As part of Chinmaya Birth Centenary program, Chinmaya Mission Nagpur celebrated Akhanda Sundar Kand path at the residence of Smt. Aparna Kabra under the guidance of Brni. Snehal ji, on 18th August 2015
Online link : http://www.speakingtree.in/blog/perfection-in-attitude
Action is a very peculiar thing. It tends to bind the doer. We have all experienced that when we start doing some karma (action), we think we will do just a little and stop there. For example, a person who is unemployed only wants a job but once he has a job, he desires more money. He takes on another job but even then he is not content. Now he wants even more wealth. It goes on and on… till he is totally entangled in a mesh of his own making with no way of breaking out of it. Or take the case of a person who starts off wanting to run a nursery school and ends up running a university! A man gets bound by his own karma. This bondage results from not knowing what actions to do and the attitude with which they should be done.Karmas that are not dedicated to God are the ones that bind. Therefore karmas should be performed wholeheartedly without any attachment to the action or result of action. If an action has to be performed, do it; if it has to be given up, renounce it. The attitude should be one of dedication. In karma yoga there is no place for laziness, for prohibited actions or for self-centred activity. In order to qualify as karma yoga first one has to do one’s enjoined duty and it should be done with an attitude of dedication to God. Worship the Lord through your karma.
Why should our actions be dedicated to God? Suppose you get a job in a company .Why did the company give you the job? Because of your proficiency or ability for the job. Who gave you that proficiency? Think. You may answer that it is because I am very intelligent, but who gave you that intelligence? We thank the person who gave us a wristwatch, but do we ever thank the one who gave us that wrist? Do we ever think of the one who gave us the gift of life? That source from where we have got all this is called God. We are so grateful to one who gives us a job. What about expressing our gratitude towards the One who has gifted us all our abilities and capabilities, our very life itself?
No particular karma is called karma yoga. Each one must find out what his/her duties are.They vary from person to person depending upon their stage or position in life. The duties of a student differ from that of a teacher, the duties of a householder will be very different from the duties of a sannyasi. There may be differences in duties but there can be in oneness in attitude. When we do our duty as an offering to God, then the karma becomes karma yoga.
So I must do my duty, do it efficiently and dedicate it to God as one would when performing a yagna. In any yagna we make an offering to the devata, so also the karma we do is made as an offering to God. When actions are performed in such a worshipful manner, the results are accepted as prasad from the Lord. There is no attachment to the result. Such an attitude is called perfection in attitude.
Experience shows that when we like the actions we are doing or like the person for whom they are being done, then such karma is never a botheration . A hobby never becomes tiring or boring. Suppose you are asked to sweep a room, you will not be enthusiastic about doing this task and will try to pass it on to someone else at the earliest opportunity! But if you were told to do it for someone whom you respect or revere, then that same job of sweeping becomes a joy. So in karma yoga when you have the attitude that you are doing it for God then there is great joy. Performing actions in this way makes it a yagna. Some people do not understand the concept of God, so for their understanding it is said that when a group of people take up a project which is for the benefit of the community and each one works for the common cause in a selfless spirit, such a cooperative endeavour is called a yagna. Performing actions for the good of all, with dedication but without attachment is said to be working in the yagna spirit. So the best attitude to adopt while performing actions is not to have any attachment to the action or the result. When actions are performed with this attitude, the mind becomes purer and purer. It becomes capable of grasping the subtle Truth spoken of in the scriptures and becomes fit for meditation on the nature of God.