Here is this week's update.
Class began with opening prayers -3 OMs and followed by SahanAvavatu.
(The remaining part of the arrows in detail) The following are Niyama Values
1.Saucha (cleanliness) Everyday we have the ritual of brushing our teeth and showering, etc to keep our bodies clean. Prayer is an everyday ritual for cleaning and tidying our mind. Mind too requires everyday cleansing
2.Santosa (Contentment) Contentment leads to a feeling of gratitude. Prayer should be an offering of our gratitude to the Lord. Such prayer, like the study of our scriptures, is the only way to purify the mind that gives utmost contentment and happiness.
3.Tapas (discipline, austerity or burning enthusiasm) For the mind to be aligned with the body. In other words, to keep the mind in control. Meditation leads to a calming nature and slows down our actions, deeds and words. The slowing process allows more focusing and a full control on what we do/say.
4.Swadhyaya (Study of the self and of the texts) Group prayers and satsanga brings in immense power which can be felt with continuous practice of the same.
5. Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to a higher being or contemplation of a higher power) Gurudev was once asked if Prayer was like begging God. Gurudev responded that if Prayer was asking for things from God then it is definitely equal to begging. Prayer, in his words, is a means to invoke the divinity within us. Iswara bhakti and Guru Bhakti have no second opinion.
Always remember what we have got and be thankful and don't think about what we have missed/don't have. A wise person is never bothered about what he has not got. Only then we can carry on the peacefulness within.
Armor- (Kavacha bedha Vipra Guru pooja) This is an important part of the Dharma chariot. The respect for the scholarly and wise people and worshipping our Guru, becomes the kavacha- the Armor, which is a powerful body protection that nothing could penetrate through. This is that kavacha that guards you, will stay there and protect.
In the battlefield, the armor protects the warrior from arrows/weapons shot at them. Similarly, in the Dharma Chariot, our armor is our devotion to our Guru. Guru plays a very important role in our lives. Guru is the one that removes the darkness of our ignorance and enlightens us with knowledge. What happens when we respect wise people?
*When we respect and admire our gurus and wise people, we would like to possess their good qualities. Respect for all these scholars, will expand and multiply.
Gurudev's dynamism is looked on in awe and all His followers would want to possess it. Respecting and Admiring wise people and our bhakti towards Guru forms a kavacha for our benefit and protection. A sadak who has this kavacha, will grow.
Our Guru helps break the shackles of our own likes and dislikes that bind by imparting the knowledge of the values given in our scriptures and thus enabling us the freedom we desire always. We are eternally grateful to our great Gurus like Adi Sankara, our Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda and our Pujya Swamiji and all the great saints and sages.
(Whiteboard discussion by our children)
This brings us to the end of the next unit in our syllabus, Vibhishana Gita. The last chapter remaining is a recap.
Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions.
Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
