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JKYog e-Magazine, Issue No. 63
November, 2014
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This month 'Sumiran' is picking up 'Dedicating your creative hobbies to God'
as the topic of the month. In this issue we will also be
presenting an insight into what Shree Krishna tell's Arjun about
transforming every single activity into divine service. Readers
will also find Bal-Mukund Contributions, Current News and Bhog Recipe.
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मन हरि में तन जगत में, कर्मयोग तेहि जान |
तन हरि में मन जगत में, यह महान अज्ञान ||
mana hari meṅ tana jagata meṅ, karmyoga tehi jān
tana hari meṅ mana jagata meṅ, yaha mahān ajñān
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj says, "True karm yog
is when your mind is absorbed in Shree Krishna's love and you are doing
your duties with your body. But, if one's mind is attached in the
world and physically he is doing devotional formalities, then he is the
most ignorant person."
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Working for the pleasure of God
Hobbies
are things we do passionately in our free time for fun. People of
all ages have their favorite hobbies that they like to invest their
time in because it gives them happiness, relaxation and an opportunity
to learn. Considering how much we enjoy engaging in our hobbies,
is there a way we can make them a part of our spiritual growth?
Shree Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita said:
"Whatever
you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer as oblation to the sacred
fire, whatever you bestow as a gift, and whatever austerities you
perform, O son of Kunti, do them as an offering to me." (Bhagavad Gita 9.27)
This
implies that whatever activity we perform, we should mentally offer it
to God. Now, whenever we perform any activity there are 2 aspects
to it: 1) The external activity we do., 2) Our internal attitude towards
it. We could perform the same mundane activity with different
consciousness and that makes all the difference. If an activity is
performed by a worldly minded person to increase his own comfort,
wealth or fame, he gets bound by both good and bad karmic reactions. His
karmic reactions result in his continuity in the cycle of life and
death. Whereas, if a spiritually minded person performs the same
activity for the pleasure of his beloved Lord, he renounces selfishness.
Thus he is freed from the fretters of good and bad results.
A
person who dedicates all his actions in the service to God becomes
united in consciousness with God. Such a yogi becomes liberated in
consciousness even in this body. And, upon leaving his mortal frame,
receives a divine body and eternal service in the divine abode of God.
Thus
by simply changing our internal attitude toward everything we do, we
can reap great spiritual benefits. By transforming our internal
attitude, we can transform even the mundane activities of material life
into divine service of God. Therefore, let's take a step towards
this transformation by dedicating all our hobbies to God. Earlier
we engaged in our hobbies because it made us happy; now let us do them
so that we can make the Lord happy.
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Whatever
social duties one may be engaged in, whatever vegetarian food one may
be eating, whatever non-alcoholic beverages one may be drinking,
whatever Vedic rites one may perform, whatever vows and austerities one
may observe, should all be offered mentally to the Supreme Lord. Source : Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God, Commentary by Swami Mukundananda
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Dedicating your creative hobbies to God
Let's
take a look at 5 most popular hobbies that you can dedicate to
God. This list is certainly not exhaustive.
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1. Cooking
Cooking
is not only a women's hobby but is getting increasingly popular among
men these days. Whether you like to cook your favorite dishes or
experiment with different cuisines, you can offer it all to God.
Next time you cook, do it with the consciousness- "The
food I am preparing is for my beloved Lord, If he accepts my offering, I
would be blessed to eat the remnants of his food."
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2. Painting
Historically
in India the art of painting has been essentially religious in
purpose. The themes of most paintings were Hindu Gods and
Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. Some examples of
Indian art genres are - Mysore paintings, Madhubani paintings,
Pattachitra, etc. Now regardless of what type of paintings you like to
make, you could also dedicate them to God. If you like to put
down the beauty of the world on a canvas, what can be more charming
than the beauty of the Lord?
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3. Music
Traditionally
in India music is known to include all three forms of arts i.e. vocal
music, instrumental music and dance. In fact the origin of music
is dedicated to Lord Brahma and Goddess Swaraswati. So even
before you think of dedicating any of your musical hobbies to God you
can rejoice that it enjoys a deeply spiritual status in Indian
tradition. However, modern day music compositions are rarely dedicated
to God. But if you want to reap spiritual benefits from your hobby -
sing the glories of God and dance in spiritual ecstasy.
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4. Reading
Book
reading is undoubtedly one of the most popular hobbies. Today there is
absolutely no dearth of reading material and anyone who is an avid
reader will find abundant choices to pursue this hobby. However,
what is to be kept in mind is the kind of books one reads.
Because what you read directly impacts your mind and in turn influences
your personality. If you read inspirational and spiritual books
for enhancing your spiritual growth and love for God, it will certainly
be pleasing to God.
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5. Writing
Writing
is a hobby of self-expression. It gives language to thoughts,
ideas and feelings that brew in the mind. In the spiritual
journey this hobby can be a constant companion. Even for a
beginner (both as a spiritual aspirant and a writer), it is a great
idea to maintain a spiritual journal. Whatever inspiring thoughts you
come across or feel from within note them down. Revisit your
writings in every few days and you will literally be able to read the
lessons of your spiritual growth. Or if you are already an
accomplished writer, you can just write to glorify the Lord.
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News & Updates
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Jagadguruttam Mahaprayan Divas at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh
Jagadguruttam
Mahaprayan Divas was held at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh on 4th November,
2014. Thousands of devotees from all over India and around the globe
gathered for this special occasion. On that day, a Shraadh Pooja was
performed at 8 am and a Brahm Bhoj was organized at 4 pm. A free
distribution program of utility & food items and a monetary gift was
also held for around 1200 poor villagers.
Pind Daan and Tarpan at Gaya Later,
the Pind Daan and Tarpan ceremony for Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
and Amma were performed at Gaya on 6th November, 2014. See pictures
Grand feast and gift distribution for Sadhus and Widows of Vrindavan and Barsana
In loving memory of
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, a Vishishtha Atithi Bhoj (feast for
mahants) was organized on 11 Nov, 2014 in Prem Mandir premise at
Vrindavan. The guests were welcomed by washing their feet and were
offered garland before the feast. Later they were also offered send-off
gifts.
The
next day, 7000 sadhus of Vrindavan were invited for the grand
feast. They were also offered gifts and dakshina. On 14 Nov,
a feast for 4000 widows was organized. They were also offered
money and gifts. See pictures
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Swamiji
visited various centers of Odisha in his short tour of 4 days. He
covered Jajpur, Kendrapada, Chasakhand and Cuttack. Devotees were
blessed to have darshan and satsang with Swamiji.
Monthly satsang was also held at Jagadguru Kripalu University, Banara, Cuttack on Nov 23.
See pictures
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by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
The
human body, which is the means of practicing devotion, is
temporary. In other words, it may be snatched away at any time.
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A
baby is born. It is a healthy baby. It cries and then
becomes quiet. What happened to that child? He died. Another one
survives one day and then dies. A young man writes his I.A.S.
exams. He meets with an accident on the way home and dies. A couple is
getting married. The young man and woman are circling around the
fire for the seventh and the last time. The bridegroom feels
faint, he falls down. He dies. How strange this is! Death
does not look at what is going on in life; it comes at whatever
time. And it does not care whether one is a king or a beggar. It
does not discriminate between a scholar and an illiterate man. It
visits both the beautiful and the ugly. There is no concession for
anyone. Everyone's time is fixed. The exact amount of seconds you
have been granted in the human body are already fixed. Death is
certain. But, we tend to forget this. We say, "Oh, I am only
ten years old; I am only 25 years old; I am only fifty." This is
how we think. We never think that we may or may not live to see the next
moment. What if this body is snatched away from us? And after
death you will attain the result according to the thoughts in your mind
in the final moments of your life This
is why both the points must be kept in mind simultaneously and very
carefully. God must be remembered at all times, but you must not
procrastinate. You must not wait for even the next moment to remember
God. If we constantly reflect upon the transitory nature of human
life, we will cease to be careless. We will always be
careful. After all, you are always careful to keep your clothes
on; you do not take them off and throw them away. You are careful
at all times. You are driving on the road. While driving you are
always mindful of the traffic in front of you, behind you and on your
side. You are careful all the time, otherwise you will meet with
an accident and die. Similarly, we must be very careful in life at
all times. In other words, we must keep death in mind at all
times. Who knows when Death may come! Everyone is powerless before
death. No yogi, no ascetic, no meditator, no God-realized saint
can avoid it. Everyone has to leave at the right time. Jagadguru
Shankaracharya left his body at the age of 32. He passed away at
such a young age. Though a great Saint, yet he could not conquer death.
Saints do not interfere with God's rules. They leave their body when
they are me ant to leave. King Dashrath, who had Lord Ram as his
son, died, but Lord Ram did not save him. The Almighty Lord
Ram did not save his own father. Abhimanyu died. The Kauravas killed him
by trickery. He was the son of Arjun, one of the greatest Saints; he
was the nephew of God Shree Krishna. Moreover, Ved Vyas ji, a descension
of God, had performed his marriage to Uttara. Three divine
personalities could not save Abhimanyu and his wife Uttara became widow
at the age of sixteen.
Thus, no one has any control over death. Death is very powerful.
For this reason we must be cautious at all times. Think: What if I die
the next moment? What will happen then? Be prepared; be ever
prepared. Always remain in the remembrance of God so that you may
think of him in the final moments of life and reach his divine abode
after death. |
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Bhakti Shatak
Explained by Swami Mukundananda
Bhakti Śhatak
is one of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's principle writings, with
hundred golden couplets of inspiring quotes, advice, and
guidance for sincere devotees seeking to firmly establish
themselves on the path of bhakti.
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Continuing with the explanation of the verse:
saba sādhan sampanna kahañ, poochhata saba saṅsār
sādhanahīna prapanna kahañ, poochhata nandakumār
You will receive God's grace when you perceive yourself to be sadhan heen. Sadhan heen
means to feel from within your heart, "I have no support other than
your grace." It is not an external state; otherwise we can say
that a poor man is sadhan heen because the poor do not have
material benefits like others. He may be poor, but he may still
take the support of his own personal things. When we talk about
taking support, it is the internal support. Somebody may be very
poor and yet think, "The 500 dollars I have is my protection for my old
age. Somebody may be a millionaire and thinks, "My faith is in
none of these. My faith is in the grace of God." So the
millionaire is in the state of sadhan heen. Internally,
where is your faith? What do you think is your protection in this
world with danger at every step?
Let us look at an example
from the Mahabharat. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas was being
insulted openly in court by being stripped of her clothes by
Duhshasan. Initially, Draupadi had faith that her mighty husbands
would save her. When they did not respond to her entreaties, she
turned to the elders in the assembly Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Vidur,
Bheeshma, etc., who were authorities on religious principles. When
she saw no help coming from them either, she tried to protect herself
and clenched her sari between her teeth. Shree Krishna still did
not come to her help. When Duhshyasan pulled her sari with a jerk,
she lost hold of it, and was totally helpless. Now, she
surrendered herself completely to Shree Krishna She realized my ashray
is God only. In other words, she came to a state of doing
nothing. It was only when she ceased to expect protection from
other sources, that she was protected by God.
The day we become sadhan heen
like Draupadi, that kind of surrender and the complete faith in the
grace of God, that very day, divine grace will intervene. How will
we attain God? By his grace. Our assets are to be used to
attract his grace. But our efforts are never sufficient to
purchase his grace, "I have done this much of sadhana, O God! Bestow your grace upon me."
Understand
this with an example: As long as a bird has a piece of food in
its beak, it is noisily pursued by other birds and does not get a
moment's peace. The moment the bird lets go off the piece of food,
it attains peace immediately because the other birds now leave it
alone. However, even if one lets go of everything and surrenders
to God, it cannot be the price for his grace. This is because what
God gives is divine, unlimited and perfect. What we let go off is
material, limited and defective. Besides, of what use are material
things to God?
So our faith should be in God's grace and thus
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj says in this verse, "The world runs
after those who possess the support of material opulence. However,
Shree Krishna loves those who have no other support and are completely
surrendered to him."
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JKYog Presents
Bal-Mukund
Personality Development Classes for Children
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Highlights:
· Character Building Values
· Yoga & Meditations
· Bhajans, Shlokas & Prayers
· Inspiring Stories
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Showcase:
Bal-Mukund
welcomes all contributions of creative works from
children in different areas including poetry, moral
stories, art work, etc.
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Bal-Mukund Center Activities
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Value of the month and Deepavali crafts
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Integrity
in word, thought and deed is the focus of our Bal-Mukunds this month!
They are encouraged to always remember to keep this beautiful value as
an integral part of their everyday lives. They are being entertained
with stories that stress on the importance of Integrity, class
discussions in which they share their experiences related to this value
and they are also doing age-specific worksheets that further instill the
importance of this in their young minds. Our National
coordinators are working dedicatedly to ensure that all the beautiful
KRIPALU values are are introduced to our Bal-Mukunds in an organized and
effective way!
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Deepavali
crafts also created much cheer amongst the Bal-Mukunds. CO, NC and CT
classrooms were buzzing with craft activities as the children worked
happily to create cheerful and relevant Deepavali
art works that they can both display and use! As
they are introduced to a craft their eyes light up
with excitement and the joy they demonstrate as
they proudly carry their completed master pieces
out the door, is priceless to observe. Be
part of the process and experience their
bliss as you glance through some pictures that
captured their efforts at work! See pictures
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Diwali Craft by NC Center
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Diwali Craft by CO Center
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Integrity by CT Center
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Almond and Cashew cookies - Vegan and Gluten free
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Ingredients:
1.5 cups of almond meal
1.5 cups of cashew powder
5-6 strands of saffron
2 tsp of cardamom powder
1 cup of sugar
Almond milk (approx. 1/4 cup)
Method:
Mix the above ingredients into tight dough and roll out to 2-5 mm
thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and bake at 350 degrees for 10
mins on a silpad.
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Contact us
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The Editor JKYog: XVII/3305, 1st Floor, Ranjit Nagar (Near PUSA), New Delhi - 110008, India
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7405 Stoney Point Dr, Plano, TX 75025, USA
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