10 divinity: january-february 2016
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Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USATRANSCRIPT
January-February 2016 | Issue: 10
Giftsto humans
GivenGod10
According to science,
there are approximately
8.7 million species present
here on Earth. Nevertheless,
that at best is just a simple
approximate. There are
millions of species which
science has not yet even
encountered and there are
millions of species which
science is still unsure about.
However, the one thing
science is completely 100%
sure about is that fact that the
human species is the most
powerful species in the world.
But wait, God told us that from
day one, yet we felt the need
to prove it by science. This is
simply one reason out of the
infinite possibilities proving
God’s superiority. Within this
th10 edition, the Divinity team
would like to celebrate us. By
us, we simply mean the great
aspects God has provided
the human species with…
Editor
Celebrating 10
We all get one chance.
One chance to live a life.
One chance to dream big.
One chance to never settle.
One chance is all you need.
Make your one chance worthy.
We all get one chance.
One chance to live a life.
One chance to dream big.
One chance to never settle.
One chance is all you need.
Make your one chance worthy.
As you shuffle through the pages of
this magazine, your eyes are
constantly darting back and forth
through the pages capturing the vivid
imagery, colors, and shapes. What we
fail to understand is that God has
provided us with the ultimate camera
as the human eye is equivalent to a
576-megapixel camera which in
today’s terms, would cost
approximately $35 million dollars to
physically build. Not only that, He
has provided each human with two
such amazing cameras.
OUR EYES
As we run out of real estate in this world, the
focus is now upon building vertically rather
than expanding horizontally. You see vertical
expansion around you everyday in the form
of tall buildings and rising skyscrapers. But
such vertical expansion is only possible due
to the strengths of steel. However, every
person also begins to vertically expand from
a young age. So the question stands to be,
what does the human body have that is
comparable to steel? The simple answer is
bone of course. But it is not so simple. God
has provided every human with bone which
is comparably pound for pound stronger
than the capacity of steel. So in comparison,
we’re not as strong as steel, we’re stronger.
OUR BONES
As you read along, your brain constantly
stores the information that you receive from
your senses. Of course, most of the things
your senses encounter is not remembered
by the brain. It somehow is able to
distinguish what is important and worth
remembering and what is non-important.
How is that even possible? Does the brain
have its own brain which makes these
interior decisions? As a matter of fact, it
does. An area in the deeper portions of the
brain called the hippocampus consolidates
the important things we encounter for a long
term basis. Not only that, God has given us
humans the ability to hold and store over 1
quadrillion bits of information. We possess
the ultimate super computer within us.
OUR BRAIN
Our 10 fingers give our hands so
much power. Take a moment and
attempt to imagine life without
fingers. First off, you wouldn’t even
be able to hold this magazine
properly. The ability to lift, pull, and
push are all possible due to our
fingers. But what is the significance
behind having 10 fingers. What if God
only gave us 8 fingers and took away
our small pinky fingers. But the
matter of fact is, it is that 3-inch
pinky finger, attached by God on the
ends of your hands, which makes up
50% of your hand strength.
OUR FINGERS
The temperature of this Earth varies greatly.
Those living in New York often experience
extreme freezing temperatures while those
living in Arizona often experience scalding
hot temperatures. Nevertheless, no matter
where we are, our own temperature always
remains constant at 98.6°F (37.0°C). Why
though? Shouldn't it change with the
environmental temperature surrounding us?
If this indeed did occur, humans simply
could not survive. Your consistent body
temperature destroys invading pathogens as
well as allows for your body’s metabolism to
run at a normal and constant level. God has
installed a thermostat within every human
for this crucial reason.
OUR TEMP
What makes you, you? Is it your
personality, your appearance, your
thoughts and ideas, or a combination
of all of them? Obviously we know
that it is much more complicated
than that. What makes you different
from the person standing next to you
is actually already encoded within
the 10 billion miles of DNA strands
structured within your body from the
moment you were born. So now the
proper question to ask would be, who
makes you, you? The answer is
actually quite simple, just one word,
three letters... God.
OUR DNA
On a daily basis, we constantly see
the world changing around us. From
changes in our personal lifestyles to
new global headlines, the world is
constantly and rapidly changing.
Getting rid of the old and moving on
with the new seems to be the drive
and direction in today's world. Our
body actually works in the same
manner. Within the inner system
installed by God, per every second,
your body produces 25 million new
cells and gets rid of those that are
old. In a mere 5 minutes, you will
have produced more cells than there
are people on this Earth.
In today's world, we are always aware of the
fact that we need have a back-up for literally
everything. Whether it be a back-up of your
phone or laptop to backing-up your financial
security by saving up money on a monthly or
yearly basis, we all seem to do it in some
form or another. But there is one thing, for
instance, we never focus upon backing-up
our own body's internal organs. Why not?
Well because God has already taken care of
that for us. With every breath you intake, you
inhale oxygen for your body to use. However,
your body only uses 20% of the oxygen
which you inhale per breath. The other 80%
is stored within the blood as a reserve,
enough to sustain life for 5 minutes during a
time of crisis.
OUR BREATH
OUR CELLS
Fuel and fire. The combination of
these two leads to results like no
other. Without these two aspects,
today's luxurious lifestyles would still
be a dream. But most importantly,
there is actually an internal fire that
God Himself has installed within
each and every one of us. It is this
fire which fuels our bodies “engine”
and allows us to operate each and
every day. This fire is in the form of
hydrochloric acid within our
stomachs and it is powerful enough
to digest through several types of
metal. Such is the internal blaze God
has installed within us.
We know that metallic objects are
attracted by a magnetic force. What if I
told you that your body contains enough
iron to make a 3-inch nail? But, if we get a
life-sized magnet and put it in front of
you, your body will actually slightly repel
away from the magnet, not move towards
it. How is this even possible? Iron in the
body is mostly located within
hemoglobin molecules circulating in the
blood plasma. As a result, these
hemoglobin molecules are diamagnetic,
simply meaning that they will repel from
an externally applied magnetic force.
Such is the power of God, the ability to
flip the findings and theories of science.
OUR BLOOD
OUR STOMACH
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, was collectively celebrated by all of Shree
Swaminarayan Gurukul USA's centers during the midst of November. Throughout
the various centers, kids showcased their skills, the youth set an ideal for Seva, while the
Mahila Mandal's devotion was showcased within the various delicacies and dishes they
prepared for Shreeji Maharaj. Additionally, Chopdapujan, Lakshmipujan, and Annakut
Utsav marked the festivities of the new year. Lastly, Pujya Santos prayed to Shreeji Maharaj,
that with this upcoming new year, may peace be upon us and our families.
Diwali Utsav
North AmericaNorth AmericaNorth America
NEWS
In the presence of the devotional Annakut Darshan in Gurukul Chicago, Santos and
Haribhaktos sang festive Kirtans, highlighting the glories of Shreeji Maharaj. Vinit Patel
and Gopal Radadiya then spoke about the importance and glory of the Diwali festival.
OC GH AIC
November
14/15
The Annakut in Gurukul Dallas consisted of several delicacies prepared by the Mahila
Mandal with great devotion and affection for Shreeji Maharaj. Lakshmipujan and
Chopdapujan were performed on the day of Diwali in presence of Santos and devotees.
Planned and organized by the
Mah i la Mandal , an Annakut
Darshan also took place within
Gurukul Phoenix. Devotees from
various regions of the United
S t a t e s a r r i v e d t o p e r f o r m
Lakshmipujan and Chopdapujan.
D SA ALL
P XIH NOE
Within Gurukul New Jersey, a greatly decorated Annakut Darshan was presented before
Shreeji Maharaj. In the evening, a group Aarti was performed in order to celebrate Diwali.
In the presence of Pujya Santos, who had just returned from India after a two
month Satsang Vicharan, on 01 November 2015, Haribhaktos celebrated the
Shardotsav event with Kirtan-Bhakti and Raas followed by Mahaprasad of Dhudh Pauva.
Shri Bhaveshbhai Gajera sponsored the celebration in order to honor his birthday.
SP UA MRA
November
Shardotsav Celebration: Paramus, NJ01
Modeled after the positive feedback of the devotees across the United States, the
second Sahajanandi Sabha was successfully conducted throughout all of the
Gurukul’s centers across North America. Furthermore, the important sessions of the Sabha
were conducted by Pujya Shrutiprakashdasji Swami and Pujya Suvratvallabhdasji Swami.
The major topics covered within this second Sabha were "Burning Desire" and "Nitya Puja."
Pujya Shrutiprakashdasji Swami talked about the differences between a mere desire and a
burning desire and how having such a burning desire to be Ekantik leads us to being an
Ekantik devotee. He also explained the importance of having a role model. "If Shreeji
Maharaj could accept milk from Jivuba, then why not from me?" Pujya Suvratvallabhdasji
Swami, in his session on Nitya Puja, conveyed the need of regularity in doing the Puja. He
also clarified on the need of following a consistent procedure while doing the Puja.
nd2 Sahajanandi Sabha
Bi monthly Satsang Sabha
and Annakut Utsav were held in
To r o n t o , C a n a d a o n 2 1
November 2015 within Shri
Rishirajbhai Gagalani's home.
Over 50 devotees were present in
order to celebrate this auspicious
occasion. At the conclusion of
t h e S a t s a n g S a b h a , P u j y a
Mukundswarupdasji Swami and
Pujya Dharmacharandasji Swami
blessed these young devotees.
November
21Annakut Utsav: Toronto, Canada
NovemberDecember
Nov. 15,22,28Dec. 12,18,27
Closing of Gurukul USA: Phoenix, AZ
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA, with blessings of Guruvarya Mahant Shri
Devkrushnadasji Swami and Sadguru Shri Devprasaddasji Swami, is proud to announce the
recent acquisition of a new facility for the home of our Phoenix, AZ center on the pious day
of Vachnamrut Jayanti.
This new center is centrally located within the heart of the city and boasts an immense
30,000 ft² of space. With the blessings of Guru Maharaj, we look forward to adding another
successful branch to our institution.
The Divinity team proudly recognizes Shastri Shri Mukundswarupdasji Swami, Parshad
Shri Manubhagat, Shri Dhirubhai Babaria, Dr. Shri Chaturbhai Babaria, and Shri Jigneshbhai
Domadia as this accomplishment would not have been possible without their efforts.
New Address: 1150 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120
December
15
The monthly Satsang Sabha was held within Shri Mansukhbhai Savalia's residence
on 31 October 2015 in the presence of Shastri Shri Mukundswarupdasji Swami,
Pujya Suvratvallabhdasji Swami, and Pujya Mantraswarupdasji Swami.
Suhrad Satsang Sabha: Parsippany, NJ
On 13 December 2015, a Suhrad Satsang
Sabha was held within Shri Sandeepbhai
Pa te l 's new re s i dence . He re , Pu j ya
Vrundavanviharidasji Swami and Pujya
Harinivasdasji Swami blessed Sandeepbhai's
new home by performing a Mahapuja as well
as conducting Thakorji's Thaal. At the
conclusion of the Satsang Sabha, over 20
devotees collectively took part in performing
the Aarti of Shreeji Maharaj.
Dallas, TX
Shri Mahendrabhai R. Patel
Shri Sanjaybhai Malani
Shri Ketanbhai Malani
Shri Gordhanbhai Babaria
Shri Dineshbhai Chodavadia
Shri Jaysukhbhai Babaria
Shri Rajnibhai Gondaliya
Shri Kishorbhai Asodaria
Shri Bharatbhai Gajera
Shri Maheshbhai M. Babaria
Shri Vinubhai Patel
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA
September-October 2015 Satsang Sponsors
Shri Amrutbhai Nadapara
Shri Kiranbhai Mangarolia
Shri Vipulbhai Bodar
Shri Pravinbhai Thakkar
Shri Ajaybhai Sheladia
Shri Keyurbhai Patel
Shri Dilipbhai Suhagiya
Shri Jagdishbhai Sutaria
Paramus, NJ
Shri Bhaveshbhai Gajera
Shri Dhirubhai Paghdal
Shri Pratapbhai Jobanputra
Shri Jasmatbhai Sutaria
Shri Rakeshbhai Acharya
Shri Kishorbhai Vora
Shri Bhaveshbhai Virani
Shri Tusharbhai Savalia
Chicago, IL
Shri Popatbhai Radadia
Shri Vinubhai Patel
Ek Haribhakta
October
31
December
13 Suhrad Satsang Sabha: Bartlett, IL
th11 Chardham Yatra Train: IndiaOctober
November
31-20
World WideWorld WideWorld Wide
NEWS
th7 Satsang Sadhna Shibir: Rishikesh, IndiaIn the divine presence of Guruvarya Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami, Sadguru Shri
Devprasaddasji Swami, and Pujya Ghanshyamjivandasji Swami, a five day
Satsang Sadhna Shibir was organized in Rishikesh during the Diwali celebration.
thThe 11 Chardham Yatra Train took devotees on a pilgrimage lasting from 31
October 2015 through 20 November 2015. Santos and Haribhaktos visited the
holy places which Shreeji Maharaj had visited Himself. After having Darshan of Pandharpur,
Tirupati Balaji, Srirangam, Rameshwar, Kanchipuram, and Jagannath Puri, the devotees
started their journey towards north India. There, they had the Darshan of Kashi, Varanasi,
and Ayodhya, and ultimately celebrated Diwali in Chhapaiya, the birth place of Maharaj.
November
15-21
Upcoming Events
Magh Snan - dpOõ_p_23 January - 22 February 2016
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Shikshapatri Jayanti - rinp`Óu S>e„su kd¥ep¡13 - 14 February 2016
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Paramus: Sunday, 14 February 2016
Time: 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Pranam Parva - âZpd `h®15 January - 25 February 2016
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PARAMUS, NJ
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(480) 888-8743
CHICAGO, IL
(847) 780-1123
LOS ANGELES, CA
(714) 779-8166
DALLAS, TX
(972) 423-1755
www.rajkotgurukul.org
Editor: Sanyam SheladiaEditorial Assistant: Keyur PatelContributors: Sohil Virani, Ankur Bhuva
Design & Graphics: Gurukul Arts
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