| You
are aware of two most important aspects of Chinmaya Mission,
namely, one’s own spiritual growth and positive contribution
to society. Keeping this in view, in a recently held meeting
of senior Swamis, it has been decided that Pujya Gurudev’s
Jayanti (Birthday) – 8th May and His Aradhana (Mahasamadhi
Day) – 3rd August will be observed by all of the Chinmaya
Family as Seva Day and Sadhana Day respectively.
The
Purpose
In
our tradition, we observe vows (vratas) on days such as Shivaratri,
Janmashtami etc. Similarly, the Seva Day and Sadhana Day should
be observed collectively or individually, with commitment
and intensity. The sanctity of these days should be nurtured
by abstinence from smoking, drinking, consuming non-vegetarian
food, partying etc. The birth of a mahatma is the beginning
of his divine work. So it is appropriate that Gurudev’s
Jayanti is celebrated as Seva Day. The Mahasamadhi Day should
be one of introspection, meditation and other spiritual practices
that keep us in communion with the Reality of the Master.
The Method
On
Seva Day, while the special programmes like Guru Paduka pooja,
satsang etc will continue at the Centre as usual, the highlight
of the day will be some form of seva such as conducting medical
camps, visiting hospitals, orphanages, old age homes, schools
for the physically or mentally challenged and the like, with
contributions in cash and/or kind for the inmates, poor feeding,
blood donation or any other social welfare activity.
On
Sadhana Day, one may spend the day in introspection, meditation,
japa, spiritual reading and in remembrance of Pujya Gurudev.
This will be done collectively at the Centre as usual but
may also be done individually in one’s home.
In
camps being conducted at that time, the camp delegates may
plan the day as follows:
5:30
am - 6:00 am : Meditation on Pujya Gurudev and His influence
on your life.
7:00
am - 8:00 am : Swadhyaya – reading of Gurudev’s
books or commentaries.
10:30
am - 11:30 am : Introspection - collectively or individually
on whether and to what extent we are living Gurudev’s
ideals.
Egs.
One may focus on questions based on the CM Pledge, Code of
Conduct etc and answer these questions to oneself with complete
honesty. For a sample, you may refer to Sri.Hamir Visanji’s
guide to instrospection published in the April issue of Tapovan
Prasad.
12:00
noon – 12.30 pm : Guru Paduka Pooja with a few minutes
of chanting/japa of ‘Sri Chinmaya Sat Gurave Namah'.
6.30
pm – 8:00 pm : Satsang – talks/sessions that help
us to remember Gurudev.
9:00
pm – 10:00 pm : Cultural programmes based on Gurudev’s
life and teaching.
Through
such sincere efforts, Pujya Gurudev who is ever installed
in our hearts will become more and more radiant within and
all around. May His grace flow through us to the world around
us. Through such an attitude of seva and swadhyaya, may we
come to realize that He and we are one.
With Prem and Om,
Swami
Tejomayananda
Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
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