03 divinity september-october 2014
DESCRIPTION
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USATRANSCRIPT
September-October 2014 Issue: 03
Diwali FestivalsKeyur Patel
There is a sequence to festivities during Diwali. Dhan-Trayodashi is
followed by Kali Choudas followed by Chopda Pujan and Diwali which is
followed by Nutan Varsh. Merchants close their accounts on the day of
Chopda Pujan and start afresh on Nutan Varsh.thShreeji Maharaj in the 38 Vachnamrutam of Gadhada Pratham
Prakaran mentions that a devotee should keep a track of his mind each
year, meaning that we should maintain a statement of sorts regarding
our Vasna every year. Shreeji Maharaj mentions that a devotee should
then examine his mind, “In the first year, my mind was filled with so
much malign desires and the next year it was so much thus keeping a
tally of Vasna and measuring the reduction in Vasna.”
Thieves rob people when they are not home or when they are
careless and will not dare to rob if they are under surveillance. On the
other hand, decent people would not enter the home if the owners
are not home. There is a true philosophy based on that. Our vices
attack us when we are careless or thoughtless. Whereas if we keep
them under surveillance i.e. an eye on them, various thoughts that
lead to unethical actions on our part will not allow the vices to
become active. In addition to that, when we encourage decent
thoughts in our mind, we will see more of those bear fruit.
We should start noting down our vicious thoughts (thoughts
that take us away from Maharaj) and also good thoughts (those
that take us closer to Maharaj) of Bhakti, Upasna, Seva, and the like.
The days of Diwali give us the correct occasion to do this. On
the day of Diwali or Chopda Pujan, we have the opportunity to
close old books meaning closing on our old records of vices and on
the Nutan Varsh, we should reconcile our progress and start with
new blank record in the attempts to progress our life.
Note: If anyone needs an accounting book for spiritual purposes,
please send an email to [email protected] and we will send you a “Namu”
book designed by Santos for the next year.
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L ¡hp¡ ApN°l fpMhp¡?
Something that represents or suggests something else is a
symbol. Symbols often take the form of words, visual images, or
gestures that are used to convey ideas, spirituality, nationality,
beliefs, truth, non-violence etc... And for that, human cultures use
symbols. It also ensures that the culture is passed onto future
generations. Symbolic relationships are learned rather than
biologically inherited as each culture has its own symbols.
The Aum is for Hinduism, the cross for Christianity, and a Star and
Crescent for Islam. Alongside, every country has its own symbol. The
Lion Capital of Ashoka is for India, the bald eagle for the USA etc…
The Tilak Chandlo is the symbol of our Sampraday.
Origin: In the village of Panchala, Shreeji Maharaj had applied
Tilak Chandlo on the forehead of Sadguru Shri Gunatitanand Swami
and then He stated that this was the symbol of our Sampraday,
therefore, each and every follower of our Sampraday should wear it
upon their forehead every day firmly.
Glory: The Tilak is the symbol of the pious feet of Supreme
Godhead Swaminarayan, by applying it on the forehead, we are being
protected by Him. Chandlo is symbol of Brahman (devotee). To apply
the Chandlo in center of the Tilak means to be in shelter of God. One
who is in shelter of God becomes free from fear of Kal (death),
Karmas, Maya (illusion), and even Yumdut. Also, we can be saved
from bad habits of drinking, smoking etc…
Firmness: We should not be hesitant in doing the Tilak Chandlo.
Many worldly people make tattoos on their arms and back which is
worthless. Doing the Tilak Chandlo on our forehead is highly
beneficial in our life. Many devotees and Saints had suffered a lot in
our Sampraday for wearing the Tilak Chandlo, but even then, they did
not show any weaknesses. At Gurukul Dallas, 15 kids are wearing the
Tilak Chandlo regularly on their foreheads even while in school.
Shashtri Mukundswarupdasji Swami
Tilak Chandlo
Footprints
This incident is from the time of Gunatitanand Swami. Once
Acharya Maharaj visited the Junagadh temple. Full scale preparations
were underway. It was a great privilege to welcome and interact with
Acharya Maharaj. Saints and devotees looked forward to this event
with great zeal.
During all the festivities, Gunatitanand Swami asked Mava Bhagat
if he could go to Sankhadvadar’s Vidi (the grass prairie of
Sankhadvadar) to take care of the grass prairie and cut the grass for
the cow herds of the Mandir. Now, if Mava Bhagat went to such a
remote place, he’d miss the darshan of Acharya Maharaj as well as all
the celebrations that were going to take place. But Mava bhagat
responded without any hesitation and instantly claimed, “Swami I will
certainly go to fulfill your wish.” There was no second thought. Such
was his nishkam seva to please Shreeji Maharaj and Swami.
Similarly, another Saint named Sadguru Shri Bhagvandasji Swami
was sent to Hati Na Maliya by Gunatitanand Swami to take care ofan
ambavadiyu (a cluster of mango trees). One day, in the middle of night,
Brahmaji came to the darshan of Bhagvandasji Swami. He asked
Bhagvandasji Swami if he could accompany him to Junagadh for the
Darshan of Radha-Raman Dev and Sadguru Shri Gunatitanand Swami.
The reason he wanted Bhagvandasji Swami to go with him was that
Brahmaji could not go by himself, as he was not allowed to. Brahmaji,
the creator of this universe needed help from a Saint who managed a
few mango trees! What a contrast! Bhagvandasji Swami achieve such
greatness by just doing simple seva.
The seed of greatness lies within the intention of what we do as
well as for whom we do it for. It really is of no great importance what
kind of seva we do. All sevas are equal. What differentiates it is the
purity of our intention. Purity of intention means realizing that seva is
done is solely for pleasing Shreeji Maharaj and His devotees.
Sohilbhai Virani
The life is a book and teaches us a great deal. He who learns from it
gets wiser by age and not just older.
A few days back, during the journey, we learnt a sad but precious
lesson. Pujya Kothari Swami left us to be in better place with Maharaj. His
life, his deeds, his service, and his mannerisms can only act as ideals for us
now. It is amazing how such a gentle, humble, and caring Sadhu achieved
such heights within his life span. Every person who has met him knows him
to be always smiling and always looking for avenues to help people.
Sparkly eyes, a smiling face, and the Shikshapatri in his hands at all
times are some of the visualizations you would associate with Pujya
Kothari Swami. Imagine a 10 to 13 year old boy being in the service of
Shreeji Maharaj and the Sampraday for the next 80 years of his life
without any personal hidden motives. This thought itself is awe inspiring.
May Shreeji Maharaj give us the strength to walk his walk.
Service Personified
This year, the Sant Mandal of Pujya GuruMaharaj Shri Devkrushndasji Swami,
Pujya Purani Shri Devprasaddasji Swami, and other Santos visited various cities in
the US as a part of Satsang Vicharan. Devotees from Boston, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Washington D.C., Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, Georgia, Dallas,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Boise, and Toronto were treated with Satsang discourses.
The Santos' discourses and lives recharged and kindled spiritual fire in many
devotees' hearts to attain Maharaj. On 20 July 2014, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul
New Jersey hosted the Guru Purnima Utsav in the presence of Guruvarya Shri
Devkrushnadasji Swami. Over 300 devotees gathered to take part in this
auspicious occasion.
Satsangyatra 2014: USA & Canada
North AmericaNorth AmericaNorth America
NEWS
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA successfully concluded the final day of its
three-day summer camp on 19 July 2014. Over 55 boys and girls participated in the
three-day events striving themselves to “Be Ideal!”
For three days from morning Puja to evening dinner, these kids learned the
various ways in which an ideal sevak of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan behaves
and lives. From small habits to overall behavioral styles, their teachers taught them
how to live a life filled with morals and value.
Gurukul Summer Camp 2014: New Jersey
Maulik Vekaria Rishi Virani Shreyas Sakaria Dev Kakani Jignesh Mangarolia Yash Babaria
Mukundswarup Swami Shantipriy Swami Ghanshyambhai Vaghasia Rahulbhai Vaghasia Nirajbhai Babaria
Jaljilani Ekadashi Utsav: Dallas & New Jersey
Jaljilani Ekadashi Utsav was celebrated by performing Thakorji's Abhishek at
Swaminarayan Gurukul USA, Dallas and New Jersey on 06 September 2014 within
the Gurukul River and a swimming pool respectively by Santos and devotees. Kids
and devotees had fun and devotion filled celebration with the Santos and Thakorji.
Satsang Poshak Shibir: Dallasth stA Satsang Poshak Shibir was held at Gurukul USA, Dallas on 20 and 21
September 2014. On both days, Sadguru Shri Devprasaddasji Swami, through Dhyan
and Vachnamrut Vivechan sessions nourished devotees' spiritual cravings. Pujya Shri
Ghanshyamjivandasji Swami performed Katha Varta on life of Santos and devotees.
The Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav
of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj at
Sh ree Swamina rayan Gu ruku l
Chicago was celebrated with great
devotion and splendor. Shri Hariyag was
performed on 30 August 2014 at the end of which Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri
RadhaKrushna Dev, and Shri LakshmiNarayan Dev were taken to devotees' homes
for Dhanya-Adhivas. The next morning, the Pratishtha Mahotsav was performed
which was a sight to behold for life. An Annakut for Ghanshyam Maharaj and the
Devs was prepared by devotees reflecting their joy. A Samuh MahaPuja of Shreeji
Maharaj was performed a day after the Pratishtha. All the Hariyag rituals as well as
the Pratishtha of Ghanshyam Maharaj were performed at the hands of Pujya
GuruMaharaj Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami with Pujya Purani Shri Devprasaddasji
Swami and Pujari Shri Ghanshyamjivandasji Swami performing the Pratishtha of
Shri RadhaKrushna Dev and Shri LakshmiNarayan Dev. The rituals were facilitated
by Shri Kishor Maharaj, a learned and devout Brahmin Pandit.
CHICAGO
st The 1 Patotsav of Ghanshyam Maharaj and deities at Gurukul USA, New
Jersey was held with splendor from 26 September 2014 through 28 September
2014 in the presence of Pujyapad Guru Maharaj and Pujya Devprasaddasji Swami.
On the occasion, a three day Shree HariCharitra Parayan was conducted by Pujya
Amrutjivandasji Swami. Each day, Pujya Devprasaddasji Swami conducted
Vachanamrut Vivechan for an hour followed by Pujya Guru Maharaj's blessings.
ShreeHariyag was concluded on 27 Sep. with great devotion. The following
day, Thakorji's Abhishek was performed followed by a Samuh MahaPuja and a
Maha Annakut. The same day, during the afternoon Sabha, the Bal Sanskar youths
sang kirtans, recited “Swami ni Vato,” and gave speeches followed by the sponsors
and monthly donation members received blessings from Pujya Guru Maharaj.
st1 Patotsav: New Jersey
Rajan Bhanderi Anand Kakani Hersh Vora Neel Gajera Smit Rakholia
Anand Vaghasia Sahil Rakholia Sahaj Vaghasia Het Vekaria Om Paghdal
Sant Shibir: Rajkot (09 to 11 July)
NEWSWorld WideWorld WideWorld Wide
Guru Purnima Mahotsav: Rajkot (12 July)
nd52 Brahmasatra: Rajkot (15 to 20 August)
ndThe Sant Shibir, GuruPurnima Mahotsav, and the 52 Brahmasatra were all organized in
Rajkot. These events propelled Santos and devotees alike on the spiritual path.
Satsang Sabha: Santo Domingo
Pujya Shastriji Maharaj had visited Santo Domingo in 1986 and initiated over
200 Spanish speaking families as devotees of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Since that
moment, they have been following a Satsangi life as per our Satsang traditions.
Haribhaktos from USA, Dhirajbhai Patolia, Ghanshyambhai Vaghasia, and
Kalpeshbhai Bodar with their families had attended Satsang Sabha in Shree
Swaminarayan Gurukul Santo Domingo 10 August 2014.
During the Satsang Sabha, Sahaj Vaghasia sung a kirtan, Dhirajbhai Patolia
recited the Janmangal while Ghanshyambhai Vaghasia explained Vachnamrutam
in Spanish-English. Yogeshbhagat and Sureshbhagat sang the Swaminarayan
Dhun, as well as Arati-Stuti with their Latin American rhythm while Ghanashyam
Bhagat prepared Prasadam. The US devotees were greatly pleased by visualizing
Satsang within the Latin American devotees.
Satsang Vicharan: East Africa
Honoring Pujya Guru Maharaj's wish and that of the devotees, Pujya
Keshavpriydasji Swami and Sant Mandal did Satsang Vicharan within the East African
cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala amongst several cities.
Sadguru Purani Shri Dharmavallabhdasji Swami was present at the
inauguration of Shri Dhirubhai Kotadia's factory in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Upcoming Events10
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Rishi Virani Shreyas Sakaria Shivam Patel
Dallas Dallas New Jersey
Darsh Savalia
New Jersey
Diwali or Deepawali is a festival of lights. It is the time of the year to celebrate,
look back and evaluate the deeds of the past year. It is a time to rejoice and
rejuvenate for the new year to come. It is also a festival to go from darkness to light.
Shreeji Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut Utsavs in many places and
has conducted several Vachnamrutams on the day of Diwali mentioning that,
"Lust, wealth, and taste can lead to Matsar, and one who does not do those three
can get Matsar out of ego."
Let us reflect upon our past year and resolve to better ourselves for the new year
by joining the Diwali celebration at US based Gurukuls. We are looking forward to
seeing you, your friends, and your family on these auspicious days to cherish the
moments of joy and festivity.
Diwali and Annkut Utsav
Diwali and Annkut Utsav Celebration
Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix : Saturday, 25 October 2014
Paramus, New Jersey : Sunday, 26 October 2014
Time : 04:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
All Centers : Thursday, 23 October 2014
Time : 07:30 p.m. to 09:00 p.m.
Lakshmi Pujan:
Bal Sanskar Sabha v Gujarati Class v Music Class
Swaminarayan Gurukul USA
Paramus, NJ
(201) 882-5815 [email protected]
Phoenix, AZ
(480) 888-8743 [email protected]
Chicago, IL
(847) 780-1123 [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA
(714) 779-8166 [email protected]
Dallas, TX
(972) 423-1755 [email protected]
www.rajkotgurukul.org
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA conducts weekly Bal Sanskar Sabha for
youths. The classes are conducted for different age groups from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30
p.m. every Saturday or Sunday depending upon the location.
®
Editor: Sanyam Sheladia
Editorial Assistant: Keyur Patel
Contributors: Sohil Virani, Ankur Bhuva
Design/Graphics: Gurukul Arts
Divinity magazine is currently being published by Swaminarayan Gurukul USA bi monthly. For any comments or sugges�ons as well as subscrip�on informa�on, please email us at with your name, phone [email protected], and mailing address.
Publisher: Swaminarayan Gurukul USAAddress: 621 Park Vista Road Plano, TX 75094Phone: (972) 423-1755Email: [email protected]
BAL SANSKAR SHIBIR 2014BAL SANSKAR SHIBIR 2014BAL SANSKAR SHIBIR 2014th th25 to 27 December 2014
DALLAS, TX
Let the upcoming Winter
Break be one of engaging
kids in spirituality at
Swaminarayan Gurukul USA.
INTENT HUMILITY BLESSINGS FUN
Plan the break accordingly!!!Plan the break accordingly!!!Plan the break accordingly!!!