SHRAVANA SADHANA BG Ch 12

By the grace of God and Pujya Gurudev, Shravana Sadhana on Srimad Bhagawad Geeta has started at Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai by Br. Ved Chaitanyaji from March 2016. The twelfth chapter was taken from 13 th to 15 th March 2017. The sessions were interesting witnessing audience of more than 100 people every day! It also saw growing young audience. The twelfth chapter named ‘Bhakti-Yoga’ is one of the most famous chapters, as it explains the Devotion. It is also the smallest chapter of the Geeta. Saguna & Nirguna Bhakti is beautifully explained in this chapter. The all-compassionate Lord also gives the steps to follow to reach the acme of devotion! The chapter concludes with famous eight verses (Amrutashtakam) explaining the nature & qualities of the Realized Devotee, which also act as the sadhana-s for seekers. The thirteenth & fourteenth chapters will be conducted from 29 th March to 4 th April 2017 in the auspicious time of Chaitra Navaratri.

Geetathon in Nerul-Seawoods

by Br. Ved Chaitanya ji For the Nerul and Seawoods devotees of Navi Mumbai the last six months was a time of spiritual knowledge at the doorstep. The shower of the nectarine verses of Geeta for a period of 6 months from October 2016 to March 2017 enchanted the devotees and encouraged them to seek more.

Ensuring complete participation, our Brahmachari Ved Chaitanya ji conducted talks on the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita in the 18 houses of various devotees. The talks were held every month on Thursday evenings and around 20 to 25 devotees regularly attended the talks.

The talks were commenced by a small invocation followed by lucid explanation of the chapters by Vedji. Giving a complete gist of all the chapters, he ensured that every devotee could get a bird’s eye-view of the entire subject, thus increasing the thirst of the devotees to learn and know more about the various concepts.

In a period of one and half hours, Vedji beautifully brought out the essence of each chapter stressing the importance of the three yogas (Karma , Bhakti, Jnana). Interspersed throughout the talks, he ensured that the devotees chant the important shlokas from the chapters and also took the complete chanting of Chapters 12 & 15. Giving examples from our day to day lives he captivated the devotees and also ensured that devotees could relate the verses of the holy text with their lives.

The talks were concluded by the Geeta Aarti and distribution of the Holy Geeta to every host family. Emphasizing that this was not the end, devotees chanted the first shloka of Geeta on the concluding day thus marking the beginning of personal study of Geeta for every devotee.

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Madurai organised a one day youth camp titled “IPL- Improve and Prove to Lead” on 26 th March, 2017. Around 90 students (both boys and girls) from various colleges in and around Madurai, participated in this camp. Br. Vignesh Chaitanya, Coimbatore, handled a session on ”PowerPlay-6 Balls 6 Powers” i.e. Planning, Preparing, Performing, Practising, Perseverance, Prayer and Prasad.He stressed on important skills to be developed by students, in order to be a good leader. The students actively participated in this session and were inspired. Sri.Cholavandan Srinivasan, Founder, Altair HR Management Services, Madurai, spoke on the topic “Vetrikku Pasithiru”. Several case studies were handled in this interactive session. Brni.Vedavathi Chaitanya, from Sivakasi spoke on how one should come out of their Ignorance, Pessimism and Laziness (IPL) in order to Lead, which was well received by the campers. The students enjoyed the interactive activities and games conducted by CHYKS.

        Swami Sivayogananda, Madurai, presented the valedictory address and motivated the participants. The students requested Chinmaya Mission, to organise more such camps, in the coming months to refresh themselves.

Earlier, Sri.K.N.Betraaj, GM-HR, TVS Srichakra Ltd, Madurai inaugurated the camp.RMA Jewellers and TVS Srichakra Ltd, Madurai were the main sponsors for this camp. This event was covered in popular News Dailies. Smt.Arthi Ramachandran was the camp coordinator and CHYKS members also participated and extended their service.

President’s Day Weekend 2017 approximately 75 young adults, ages 17 to 45, had the amazing opportunity to attend a camp with Vivekji that discussed all the essentials of self empowerment.

In a society that constantly keeps us on our toes and in constant flux without time for one’s own self reflection, this camp used the text “Chankya Neethi”, a gem from Indian history, that forces one to take a moment to digest their life and the purpose behind it. Instead of constantly chasing success, without clear direction or purpose, it allowed for students to understand the importance of clarity behind every action. Some of the key slokas and their secrets were divulged to the youth during Vivekji’s discourse, where he translated this brilliant methodology into applicable notes that can be used on a day-to- day basis. From freedom walks to growth forecasts, smiling at yourself in the mirror to speaking to god, and cost/benefit analysis of complaining to pausing in life to determine the functionality of something in one’s life; the sadhanas shared by Vivekji were practical for all ages at all stages in life. Because all lectures were open to all ages, even those not registered for camp were able to benefit from the knowledge shared through this Neethi shashtra.

Outside these amazing tidbits and pointers, there were opportunities to explore our inner creativity with open mic night, clay art, and crayon melting canvas art. There were workshops that forced sadhakas to explore the importance of non-verbal communication, appreciate the beauty of the same experience from different view points, and conceptualize and prioritize the significant people, objects, and aspirations all students have in life. While the cleanse for the mind and soul were much needed, the body was catered to as well with rich, delicious food prepped by wonderful volunteers and sports that included everyone. Overall this experience cannot be captivated in words, but must be experienced.