Mr. Vasant Purke State Education Minister for schools and Mr. Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, the education minister have done a complete hatchet job for over 16 lakh SSC students in Maharashtra. For the last three years the Ministers have been fooling around with the admission process and have been made to eat crow every time by the Courts. Being an Education Minister, one would think that he would be the first to learn his lessons. But politicians I suppose are in a different class where “learning lessons” is not taught! This year too, the High Court has thrown out of the window as unconstitutional the Education Ministry’s best 5 subject percentage notification. All SSC schools were informed much before the exams about the best 5 rule, as a result lakhs of students have concentrated on only five subjects so as to get a high percentage. The SSC results proved this – almost 14000 students getting more than 90%, more than 40000 students getting between 80-90%, as a result of which the ICSE students numbering about 8300 having a best of 7 average would have had hardly any chance of securing admission in a decent college of their choice.
Last year after objections from parents the so called percentile system was stopped after intervention of the High Court, this year too, the same has transpired. The “Educated” ministers are probably trying to play vote bank politics and are trying to gain cheap publicity with their antics, which would be ob better display in a circus – where children’s careers are not at stake! Guess what! It is the Congress government which has been consistently embarrassing the High Command by their foolish last minute policy changes. Once bitten, twice shy – that is what one would think, but with our guys, it is once bitten try again and get slapped again and again – displaying true Gandhian philosophy of non-violence to the Courts.
With just less than 8300 ICSE student in Maharashtra, the State Government has tried to woo the Maharashtrian families where more than 16 lakh students appeared. What happens to these students now? The State Government has issued mark sheets based on best 5 subjects. Are they going to withdraw all mark sheets or are they going to issue fresh mark sheets to all the students based on the High Court decision? If that happens what happens to the psyche of those students have already been put on a pedestal by the media? What happens to those students whose marks in the remaining subjects brings their average down to 80-90 levels from high 90 levels? Instead of helping relieve the stress of students and their parents we have these buffoons increasing stress levels all round. Whom are you trying to upstage 8000 odd students from ICSE?
What is the solution to this mindless behavior? Will it not be easier to build more colleges, increase the seats so that education, becomes a right for every child wanting to learn? Is not the Governments duty to provide affordable education for all? We have technical/medical education institutions being owned by politicians of all hues – where money takes the front seat in the form of capitation and annual fees as opposed to facilities for students and quality teachers for providing quality education!
High time we sent our Ministers to school so that they can distinguish between what is right and wrong – preferably to a Gurukul where they get their mental foundations laid by a spiritual Guru!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Life is too cheap in India – Bhopal gas tragedy proves it!
I was in my final year of studies for CA when the Bhopal gas tragedy occurred in December 1984. I distinctly remember articles warning of an impending tragedy as the company cocked an arrogant snoot at the Government and its officials. If you recollect in those days the Indian economy was not doing too well and we depended a lot on the benevolence of the US. We as a political class have always been used to doing “haanji” to our rulers – earlier the British as colonialists and subsequently to all the economic power houses who have wanted to milk India dry.
We, unfortunately have always had extremely callous Governments which approach the people only during elections. With a teeming population with very little health care for the masses, a tragedy like Bhopal in any other country would have had the Government come down like a ton of bricks on the management of the entity, but our country behaved as gracious hosts and escorted the culprits out of the country. Just look at what Mr. Obama has done to BP – made them shell out US$ 2 billion for polluting the environment off the US coast!
In India it is only people who were affected – just over half a million, poor people whose voice no one wants to hear – the Government of the day negotiated a settlement of Rs. 713 crores in 1989 which meant that on an average each victim received Rs. 12410 only! Did I not mention life in India was CHEAP!! More than 20000 dead, 573000 affected people, offspring of those affected being born with permanent disability. Whose fault? Who pays? Its easier to get a huge corporation to pay for affecting the environment, as flora and fauna have more monetary value than poor old Indians you see! This is what this circus which has been happening since the court verdict has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt!
A court which took twenty five years to arrive at a judicial verdict, which itself speaks volumes for the latent interest shown by various Governments to this burning issue! People in the opposition are now crying foul! What did they do when they were in power? Why is it always the people who suffer? Those in Government line their pockets during their years in power so that they go to the next elections with begging bowls in hand!
How many people have actually received compensation? The figures tell a sorry tale of corruption and money disappearing down bureaucratic and political black holes! Sad that we cannot respect our own fellow human beings! Sadder still that we end up appearing as buffoons to the rest of the world as the end game, in what is the world’s worst gas tragedy is played out!
God bless the victims and hope sanity prevails and justice is done and seen to be done – at least as far as compensation is delivered fairly and equitably to those affected by the tragedy. There is no point in going after a witch hunt – it would be better to apply a soothing balm to those affected so that feelings of revenge and remorse are removed.
We, unfortunately have always had extremely callous Governments which approach the people only during elections. With a teeming population with very little health care for the masses, a tragedy like Bhopal in any other country would have had the Government come down like a ton of bricks on the management of the entity, but our country behaved as gracious hosts and escorted the culprits out of the country. Just look at what Mr. Obama has done to BP – made them shell out US$ 2 billion for polluting the environment off the US coast!
In India it is only people who were affected – just over half a million, poor people whose voice no one wants to hear – the Government of the day negotiated a settlement of Rs. 713 crores in 1989 which meant that on an average each victim received Rs. 12410 only! Did I not mention life in India was CHEAP!! More than 20000 dead, 573000 affected people, offspring of those affected being born with permanent disability. Whose fault? Who pays? Its easier to get a huge corporation to pay for affecting the environment, as flora and fauna have more monetary value than poor old Indians you see! This is what this circus which has been happening since the court verdict has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt!
A court which took twenty five years to arrive at a judicial verdict, which itself speaks volumes for the latent interest shown by various Governments to this burning issue! People in the opposition are now crying foul! What did they do when they were in power? Why is it always the people who suffer? Those in Government line their pockets during their years in power so that they go to the next elections with begging bowls in hand!
How many people have actually received compensation? The figures tell a sorry tale of corruption and money disappearing down bureaucratic and political black holes! Sad that we cannot respect our own fellow human beings! Sadder still that we end up appearing as buffoons to the rest of the world as the end game, in what is the world’s worst gas tragedy is played out!
God bless the victims and hope sanity prevails and justice is done and seen to be done – at least as far as compensation is delivered fairly and equitably to those affected by the tragedy. There is no point in going after a witch hunt – it would be better to apply a soothing balm to those affected so that feelings of revenge and remorse are removed.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sevadhari Shibir at Dandi – May 21 to 23, 2010 – A sadhaks memories
Jai Baba Swami
At 6.45am on May 21 five of us left by road for Dandi for attending the sevadhari shibir. From my centers CIFE as well as Ambuja-Andheri, I was the only person attending this shibir, hence I was to travel alone by car. A couple of weeks before leaving for Dandi I had requested my ex-Acharya to check with his contacts at other centers whether sadhaks/sadhikas who were to attend Dandi shibir but had not got their travel arrangements in place could travel with me. Through his efforts, Shri Prem Paras called to say that his wife and he would join me on the trip. I requested him to see if two more sadhaks could join so that we had a full load and could travel in collectivity. We got two more ‘samarpit sadhikas’ from Juhu Center and I was happy that we got a full car load – as it is more beneficial travelling together in positive collectivity, sharing experiences along the way. The previous day I had asked my office to give me five writing pads and five pens to carry to Dandi. It so happened that my instinct proved right, as three of my companions had forgotten to bring the pads and pens – my carrying the pads and pens for everybody made everyone happy, including me. We had a lot of fun and shared interesting experiences – all my companions were far more experienced and had done far more Gurukarya than myself and I benefitted immensely by just listening to their experiences.
On the way we listened to Times Now’s adhyatmic music collection and enjoyed the gentle rhythms emanating from the music system. We reached Dandi at about 12.15pm and registered ourselves for the Karyakarta Shibir. Once inside the Ashram, I felt at peace with myself within the protective aura of Parampujya Gurudev and Pujya Guruma. The ladies went to their quarters, Prem and I went to the gents tent on the Ashram grounds. We selected our mattresses for the three day camp and put our bags and Prem’s guitar. Prem who is a music composer and has sung in quite a few Samarpan programs, had carried his guitar on the trip. We were requested to proceed for the mahaprasad lunch and then report to the shibir hall at 2.00pm sharp. We had our Prasad, after which we went to the meditation hall which has P.P. Gurudevs’ Moorti which will leave for Ajmer at the end of May. While taking the darshan, the energy flow made my eyes close and after paying obeisance I sat down for meditation for about half an hour along with Prem.
We entered the shibir hall at 1.45pm to be well in time for the start and took our place amongst the rest of the participants. I closed my eyes and listened to the “dhun” being played over the music system as the hall gradually filled up with participants. There was a small buzz and the air was ripe with expectancy, I felt at peace with myself in an atmosphere of complete tranquility. The video screen displayed a quote from P.P. Gurudev in Hindi which basically said “A good volunteer / swayamsevak is one who does not complain about anyone; and about whom no one else complains”. Shri Anuragbhai, the eldest son of P.P. Gurudev welcomed the participants by stating that all those present were those blessed fortunate persons who had the opportunity to do Gurukarya. He mentioned that Gurukarya is teamwork and if everybody worked as a team then the karya becomes effortless with the blessing of P.P. Gurudev. He also mentioned that those who do the karya should do so as if they are doing service or prayer in a temple without having any expectations. He then quoted the definition of a good karyakarta given by P.P. Gurudev telling us that we should strive to be those who do karya without generating complaints or complaining about anyone.
If one understands P.P. Gurudevs definition in entirety then the concept of “who is a good karyakarta” becomes very clear. This small definition has a great deal of depth in it. This would include the following:
• A person who attends the center regularly for meditation,
• A person who helps the Acharya and other sadhaks voluntarily,
• A person whose whole attention is at P.P. Gurudev’s lotus feet,
• A person who voluntarily shares the Samarpan family philosophy and meditation technique with all those who show interest,
• A person who has self discipline and always behaves and acts within the rules and guidelines issued by P.P. Gurudev through the authorized persons,like Trustees, Pramukh Acharyas, Acharyas, Sanchalaks,
• A person who is sensitive to the needs of others and behaves accordingly,
• A person who does karya selflessly without any expectations other than spiritual progress,
• A person who strives to live in the present moment without thinking about the past and contemplating about the future,
• A person who does karya with entire devotion and attention on the Gurukarya rather than attention on other sadhaks,
• A person who does karya without generating any ego about “I” doing the karya, and one who accepts that he is only a medium doing the work of a far greater power and energy source.
• A person who does not give anyone else cause for complaints, nor complains about others,
• A person who thinks, talks and acts in a positive manner,
The 2pm session was taken by the Managing Trustee Shri Umesh Paiji, explaining to the participants the functioning of the Trust and its various committees and the manner in which the Trust hierarchy works. This was essential for the participants to understand the flow of information and the effort which goes into organizing any major Trust activity. He also shared his experience on how he progressed from “sadhak” to “Managing Trustee”.
Thereafter we had a narration of Gurukatha by Shri Mohit Kacha – this was a daily feature and was very well received by all participants. Even though he spoke in Gujrati – his narrative style and spiritual knowledge left us spell bound waiting eagerly for his next session. After a video presentation of the 2007 Chaitanya Mahotsav, day one ended at 9.30 pm with everyone retiring for the day.
Under the moonlight, with a very strong and cool sea breeze we retired for the day. I promptly fell asleep and woke up the next day at 3.30am. Taking care not to waste water, I managed my morning ablutions and bath in a bucket of water as we were told that water is more expensive than milk. Both Prem and I went for morning meditation facing the rising sun. The meditation session was from 5 am to 6 am, after which both of us went and lay down in the cool morning breeze on the lawn waiting for the sun to rise. At 6.45 am we went for Murti Darshan and sat for meditation for another 15-20 minutes absorbing the divine energy flowing from the Murtis.
At 7.30am Shri Bihag Lalaji explained in very a lucid and detailed manner how to organize a Samarpan program in the best possible manner. He made the presentation very simple, interactive and interesting making each and every participant understand the steps involved in organizing a event – whether it is a Shibir at the center level or a mega event like a Mahashibir or the Chaitanya Mahotsav. He asked the participants the meaning of the greeting “Jai Baba Swami”, wherein one of the participants explained that while saying “Jai Baba Swami” one sees P.P. Gurudev in the sadhak, and hence the greeting is offered with the same degree of love and respect as one would while greeting P.P. Gurudev himself. He explained that while doing karya one should have both “skill” and “will” so that the karya is done efficiently and smoothly. He made the participants greet each other in a very happy frame of mind by saying “Jai Baba Swami” which generated a great feeling of goodwill with a lot of positive energy. Towards the end of the program he made us meditate for five minutes all the while softly telling us that our aura was spreading in the neighborhood, then the Ashram, then Navsari, state of Gujarat, entire India, the world and then out into the Universe – his soft exhortation made one actually feel light and gave the sensation of floating away into the universe. It was beautifully done and I felt a great sense of inner peace enveloping me.
Mrs Nimishaben Lalaji then gave a session on “Practical Hints for Gurukarya” explaining that all Gurukarya is with the blessings of Swamiji and is performed best in collectivity. If you have an issue with anybody means that the issue lies actually with you. One needs to be balanced for performing Gurukarya and ones attention has to be on P.P. Gurudev’s lotus feet all the time. Always one has to remember that one has to be at peace, have courage and be responsible for the Gurukarya we have volunteered for.
The afternoon session was taken by Shri Hemant Ramaniji who explained the importance of the group and that the group formed with the blessings of P.P. Gurudev is our strength. He then went on to explain in a very informal and entertaining manner the kind of mistakes which are made while filling forms and also that one’s sentiments are not good while doing karya. Shrimati Sharmila Patil then very nicely explained the importance of discipline and the manner in which a sadhak is expected to behave and dress. This was followed by a question and answer session, wherein doubts of participants were very nicely addressed.
After mahaprasad dinner on the second day, I went and sat on the bench facing the sea with my eyes closed. The beautiful smell of the sea and the soothing sound of the waves in the cool breeze made me thoughtless and gave a great sense of peace, comfort, security and well being, the moonlight added to the charm of a very beautiful day.
On Sunday, May 23 I woke up thoroughly refreshed at 3.30am for the morning rituals. After finishing my bath, I woke up Prem and waited for him to join me for the morning meditation. After he returned, we both went for morning meditation in a very tranquil and peaceful environment, absorbing the energy inherent at the Ashram. We then went for Murti darshan, where Prem was joined by his wife, as it was his birthday. I quietly wished him the best in life on his birthday. After Murti darshan we went to the hall and sat down in quiet contemplation and in great anticipation as P.P. Gurudev was going to take the first session for answering questions. At 8.00 am sharp P.P. Gurudev entered the hall and after the Guru Vandana we waited for the pearls of wisdom to emanate from P.P. Gurudev. P.P. Gurudev explained to us that the fastest way for spiritual progress is through selfless Gurukarya, as Gurukarya helps you forget the past by controlling the Chandra nadi and regular meditation helps in controlling the future by taking care of the Surya nadi. He explained that Gurukarya should be done keeping in mind that you are only the medium and all the karya happens through Gurudev and his divine blessings. Gurukarya should be done for gaining internal peace and with no other motive in mind. Keeping one’s entire attention on the Guru while doing karya is called Gurukarya. P.P. Gurudev answered all questions and also informed the sadhaks present that he had spent the first ten years in doing Gurukarya and now the responsibility of doing Gurukarya was handed over to the sadhaks, the next ten years He would be spending in strengthening the foundations of the Samarpan administration. He stated very firmly that he would like discipline amongst His followers, and does not mind the family reducing by 50% as long as he has sadhaks who are disciplined and follow the tenets and guidelines laid down by P.P. Gurudev and His authorized representatives.
After another session of engrossing Guru Katha by Shri Mohit Kaccha we left for Mahaprasad. After Mahaprasad, we came to our tent for packing our bags. One of the sadhaks requested Prem to play something on his guitar and for the next 15 minutes we listened to and accompanied Prem in two bhajans which he sang in praise of P.P. Gurudev. This session had brought almost all those present in the tent to come and sit/stand around our bedding. One of Prem’s friends then announced it was his birthday, and the love and affection then showered on Prem by all the sadhaks was amazing. We then sang “Happy Birthday Prem” which moved him greatly and he mentioned “yeh sab Swamiji ki leela hai”.
A concluding session was taken by Shrimati Sharmila Patil, Shri Hemant Ramani and Ms. Ujwalaji and advise was given to all those present on various do’s and don’ts. During the session one of the sadhaks mentioned it was Prem’s birthday and Shri Ramaniji asked him to sing one of his bhajans for all those present – he sang with tremendous passion and devotion moving me to tears. His bhajan, enjoyed with eyes closed generated good vibrations, cooling the body internally from head to toe. After some more discussions the session ended with Shanti Paath and we were all told to surrender our registration badges and collect the synopsis of the three day session at the exit.
As usual I left the Ashram with difficulty, carrying with me the inner peace and tranquility gained during the stay. We all left together with fond memories and a great learning experience.
At 6.45am on May 21 five of us left by road for Dandi for attending the sevadhari shibir. From my centers CIFE as well as Ambuja-Andheri, I was the only person attending this shibir, hence I was to travel alone by car. A couple of weeks before leaving for Dandi I had requested my ex-Acharya to check with his contacts at other centers whether sadhaks/sadhikas who were to attend Dandi shibir but had not got their travel arrangements in place could travel with me. Through his efforts, Shri Prem Paras called to say that his wife and he would join me on the trip. I requested him to see if two more sadhaks could join so that we had a full load and could travel in collectivity. We got two more ‘samarpit sadhikas’ from Juhu Center and I was happy that we got a full car load – as it is more beneficial travelling together in positive collectivity, sharing experiences along the way. The previous day I had asked my office to give me five writing pads and five pens to carry to Dandi. It so happened that my instinct proved right, as three of my companions had forgotten to bring the pads and pens – my carrying the pads and pens for everybody made everyone happy, including me. We had a lot of fun and shared interesting experiences – all my companions were far more experienced and had done far more Gurukarya than myself and I benefitted immensely by just listening to their experiences.
On the way we listened to Times Now’s adhyatmic music collection and enjoyed the gentle rhythms emanating from the music system. We reached Dandi at about 12.15pm and registered ourselves for the Karyakarta Shibir. Once inside the Ashram, I felt at peace with myself within the protective aura of Parampujya Gurudev and Pujya Guruma. The ladies went to their quarters, Prem and I went to the gents tent on the Ashram grounds. We selected our mattresses for the three day camp and put our bags and Prem’s guitar. Prem who is a music composer and has sung in quite a few Samarpan programs, had carried his guitar on the trip. We were requested to proceed for the mahaprasad lunch and then report to the shibir hall at 2.00pm sharp. We had our Prasad, after which we went to the meditation hall which has P.P. Gurudevs’ Moorti which will leave for Ajmer at the end of May. While taking the darshan, the energy flow made my eyes close and after paying obeisance I sat down for meditation for about half an hour along with Prem.
We entered the shibir hall at 1.45pm to be well in time for the start and took our place amongst the rest of the participants. I closed my eyes and listened to the “dhun” being played over the music system as the hall gradually filled up with participants. There was a small buzz and the air was ripe with expectancy, I felt at peace with myself in an atmosphere of complete tranquility. The video screen displayed a quote from P.P. Gurudev in Hindi which basically said “A good volunteer / swayamsevak is one who does not complain about anyone; and about whom no one else complains”. Shri Anuragbhai, the eldest son of P.P. Gurudev welcomed the participants by stating that all those present were those blessed fortunate persons who had the opportunity to do Gurukarya. He mentioned that Gurukarya is teamwork and if everybody worked as a team then the karya becomes effortless with the blessing of P.P. Gurudev. He also mentioned that those who do the karya should do so as if they are doing service or prayer in a temple without having any expectations. He then quoted the definition of a good karyakarta given by P.P. Gurudev telling us that we should strive to be those who do karya without generating complaints or complaining about anyone.
If one understands P.P. Gurudevs definition in entirety then the concept of “who is a good karyakarta” becomes very clear. This small definition has a great deal of depth in it. This would include the following:
• A person who attends the center regularly for meditation,
• A person who helps the Acharya and other sadhaks voluntarily,
• A person whose whole attention is at P.P. Gurudev’s lotus feet,
• A person who voluntarily shares the Samarpan family philosophy and meditation technique with all those who show interest,
• A person who has self discipline and always behaves and acts within the rules and guidelines issued by P.P. Gurudev through the authorized persons,like Trustees, Pramukh Acharyas, Acharyas, Sanchalaks,
• A person who is sensitive to the needs of others and behaves accordingly,
• A person who does karya selflessly without any expectations other than spiritual progress,
• A person who strives to live in the present moment without thinking about the past and contemplating about the future,
• A person who does karya with entire devotion and attention on the Gurukarya rather than attention on other sadhaks,
• A person who does karya without generating any ego about “I” doing the karya, and one who accepts that he is only a medium doing the work of a far greater power and energy source.
• A person who does not give anyone else cause for complaints, nor complains about others,
• A person who thinks, talks and acts in a positive manner,
The 2pm session was taken by the Managing Trustee Shri Umesh Paiji, explaining to the participants the functioning of the Trust and its various committees and the manner in which the Trust hierarchy works. This was essential for the participants to understand the flow of information and the effort which goes into organizing any major Trust activity. He also shared his experience on how he progressed from “sadhak” to “Managing Trustee”.
Thereafter we had a narration of Gurukatha by Shri Mohit Kacha – this was a daily feature and was very well received by all participants. Even though he spoke in Gujrati – his narrative style and spiritual knowledge left us spell bound waiting eagerly for his next session. After a video presentation of the 2007 Chaitanya Mahotsav, day one ended at 9.30 pm with everyone retiring for the day.
Under the moonlight, with a very strong and cool sea breeze we retired for the day. I promptly fell asleep and woke up the next day at 3.30am. Taking care not to waste water, I managed my morning ablutions and bath in a bucket of water as we were told that water is more expensive than milk. Both Prem and I went for morning meditation facing the rising sun. The meditation session was from 5 am to 6 am, after which both of us went and lay down in the cool morning breeze on the lawn waiting for the sun to rise. At 6.45 am we went for Murti Darshan and sat for meditation for another 15-20 minutes absorbing the divine energy flowing from the Murtis.
At 7.30am Shri Bihag Lalaji explained in very a lucid and detailed manner how to organize a Samarpan program in the best possible manner. He made the presentation very simple, interactive and interesting making each and every participant understand the steps involved in organizing a event – whether it is a Shibir at the center level or a mega event like a Mahashibir or the Chaitanya Mahotsav. He asked the participants the meaning of the greeting “Jai Baba Swami”, wherein one of the participants explained that while saying “Jai Baba Swami” one sees P.P. Gurudev in the sadhak, and hence the greeting is offered with the same degree of love and respect as one would while greeting P.P. Gurudev himself. He explained that while doing karya one should have both “skill” and “will” so that the karya is done efficiently and smoothly. He made the participants greet each other in a very happy frame of mind by saying “Jai Baba Swami” which generated a great feeling of goodwill with a lot of positive energy. Towards the end of the program he made us meditate for five minutes all the while softly telling us that our aura was spreading in the neighborhood, then the Ashram, then Navsari, state of Gujarat, entire India, the world and then out into the Universe – his soft exhortation made one actually feel light and gave the sensation of floating away into the universe. It was beautifully done and I felt a great sense of inner peace enveloping me.
Mrs Nimishaben Lalaji then gave a session on “Practical Hints for Gurukarya” explaining that all Gurukarya is with the blessings of Swamiji and is performed best in collectivity. If you have an issue with anybody means that the issue lies actually with you. One needs to be balanced for performing Gurukarya and ones attention has to be on P.P. Gurudev’s lotus feet all the time. Always one has to remember that one has to be at peace, have courage and be responsible for the Gurukarya we have volunteered for.
The afternoon session was taken by Shri Hemant Ramaniji who explained the importance of the group and that the group formed with the blessings of P.P. Gurudev is our strength. He then went on to explain in a very informal and entertaining manner the kind of mistakes which are made while filling forms and also that one’s sentiments are not good while doing karya. Shrimati Sharmila Patil then very nicely explained the importance of discipline and the manner in which a sadhak is expected to behave and dress. This was followed by a question and answer session, wherein doubts of participants were very nicely addressed.
After mahaprasad dinner on the second day, I went and sat on the bench facing the sea with my eyes closed. The beautiful smell of the sea and the soothing sound of the waves in the cool breeze made me thoughtless and gave a great sense of peace, comfort, security and well being, the moonlight added to the charm of a very beautiful day.
On Sunday, May 23 I woke up thoroughly refreshed at 3.30am for the morning rituals. After finishing my bath, I woke up Prem and waited for him to join me for the morning meditation. After he returned, we both went for morning meditation in a very tranquil and peaceful environment, absorbing the energy inherent at the Ashram. We then went for Murti darshan, where Prem was joined by his wife, as it was his birthday. I quietly wished him the best in life on his birthday. After Murti darshan we went to the hall and sat down in quiet contemplation and in great anticipation as P.P. Gurudev was going to take the first session for answering questions. At 8.00 am sharp P.P. Gurudev entered the hall and after the Guru Vandana we waited for the pearls of wisdom to emanate from P.P. Gurudev. P.P. Gurudev explained to us that the fastest way for spiritual progress is through selfless Gurukarya, as Gurukarya helps you forget the past by controlling the Chandra nadi and regular meditation helps in controlling the future by taking care of the Surya nadi. He explained that Gurukarya should be done keeping in mind that you are only the medium and all the karya happens through Gurudev and his divine blessings. Gurukarya should be done for gaining internal peace and with no other motive in mind. Keeping one’s entire attention on the Guru while doing karya is called Gurukarya. P.P. Gurudev answered all questions and also informed the sadhaks present that he had spent the first ten years in doing Gurukarya and now the responsibility of doing Gurukarya was handed over to the sadhaks, the next ten years He would be spending in strengthening the foundations of the Samarpan administration. He stated very firmly that he would like discipline amongst His followers, and does not mind the family reducing by 50% as long as he has sadhaks who are disciplined and follow the tenets and guidelines laid down by P.P. Gurudev and His authorized representatives.
After another session of engrossing Guru Katha by Shri Mohit Kaccha we left for Mahaprasad. After Mahaprasad, we came to our tent for packing our bags. One of the sadhaks requested Prem to play something on his guitar and for the next 15 minutes we listened to and accompanied Prem in two bhajans which he sang in praise of P.P. Gurudev. This session had brought almost all those present in the tent to come and sit/stand around our bedding. One of Prem’s friends then announced it was his birthday, and the love and affection then showered on Prem by all the sadhaks was amazing. We then sang “Happy Birthday Prem” which moved him greatly and he mentioned “yeh sab Swamiji ki leela hai”.
A concluding session was taken by Shrimati Sharmila Patil, Shri Hemant Ramani and Ms. Ujwalaji and advise was given to all those present on various do’s and don’ts. During the session one of the sadhaks mentioned it was Prem’s birthday and Shri Ramaniji asked him to sing one of his bhajans for all those present – he sang with tremendous passion and devotion moving me to tears. His bhajan, enjoyed with eyes closed generated good vibrations, cooling the body internally from head to toe. After some more discussions the session ended with Shanti Paath and we were all told to surrender our registration badges and collect the synopsis of the three day session at the exit.
As usual I left the Ashram with difficulty, carrying with me the inner peace and tranquility gained during the stay. We all left together with fond memories and a great learning experience.
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