Hari Om Parents,
We began class with starting prayer and meditation.
We did a recap of previous week's lesson on the Mahavakyas and the
ultimate, personal realization of one's Infinite Nature by walking the
spiritual path. A walk that requires an alert mind , a keen
observation about what material comforts can and cannot bring to us
and a readiness to learn from the Masters, scriptures and other
seekers.
The 4 mahavakyas were laid out in the form of a story,
The prepared student with a purified mind and an attitude of shraddha
and surrender, approaches the teacher and asks for the teachings.
The teacher gives an objective definition of Brahman
Prajnanam Brahma from the Rig veda
The student starts to contemplate on this, he starts to see every
living entity as an expression of Brahman and comes back to the
teacher.
The teacher now teaches, Tat Tvam Asi from the Sama Veda.
He says that Brahman is not far away from you, it is your own self.
The student understands this only intellectually so he contemplates
again and now understands deeply. The teacher now says Ayam Atma
Brahma from the Atharva Veda. The student goes back to meditate and
finally assimilates the teachings and exclaims loudly
Aham Brahma Asmi from the Yajur Veda
Discussed how we can all start now to assimilate the teachings asking
ourselves where is our focus in life?
We discussed personal prayer routines and it was enlightening to know
that some students practiced their Sandhya vandanam which they
considered their prayer. Some participated with the family in
chanting, singing and poojas. Some joined the Vishnu sahasranama class
offered virtually this year by Mission sevaks. Yet others had personal
Ishta Devatas like Ayyappa. Many said they prayed before tests.
It felt wonderful to share our personal and intimate relationship with
God and see the various ways we all relate to divinity.
We started Shiva Manasa Pooja Sthotram - Pooja that needs no materials
at all, but a clear, focussed mind into which the Lord is invoked and
the best of offerings are made mentally. We learnt the first verse of
this prayer – Rathnaih kalpitam asanam…
In the next class we will be learning how to use pooja materials and
offer 16 step pooja to a moorthi at home.Please help your children
organize a plate, a moorthi, flowers/akshatha and a fruit for
neivedya.
Our next class is on April 23
Pranaams
Uma and Nirmala
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