Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden. Newsletter.www.shree swaminarayan.org.uk ISSUE 55 Ramnavmi’14 WAY OF LIFE... Easter Shibir. Topic’s based upon the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ - AHAAR, VIHAAR, AACHAR and Vichaar Benefits Of YOGa. ”Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” Gandhi welcome Temple help less Fortunate in Holborn hree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden continuously strives to help and support the wider community and this is shown by our profound history of successful and impactful charitable events, Ssome of which include: •A charity walk from Kenton to Willesden for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in 2013, which raised over £25,000 •A bike ride in support of Awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research in 2012, which raised over £4,000. •A sponsored silence which gathered over £8,000 for the Bhuj Earthquake in 2001 •And many more... However, this doesn’t stop here... we will always continue to try and provide our voluntary seva whenever and wherever help is required. “My disciples shall render lifelong services to their parents, guru and ailing persons according to their abilities. (Shikshapatri- Shlokh 139)” As part of the Temple’s charitable arm, the youth of the Temple embarked on a project to hold a series of 3 soup kitchens, donating clothes and food to the less fortunate as part of a humanitarian project. This was carried out on the 3rd, 10th and 17th of February and each week over 35 volunteers, ranging from committee seniors, youth and the wider temple community, took part in various efforts such as cooking, packaging and distributing. The food was prepared at the temple kitchen before being transported to Holborn where a range of stalls were set up. With the help of donors such as Tesco, Bhavna Sweet Mart, Lee Baron Commercial Property Agents, Euroken, Kenford, Carphone Warehouse and Falguni Cakes; we distributed more than 1200 items of winter clothing, 900 hot food packages and 450 goodie bags containing - water, biscuits, soft drinks, cake, chocolate, fruit and sandwiches. We would like to say thanks to all the volunteers that took part in this project as well as the organisation team, which consisted of a group of youth ranging from the age of 17-22. Lastly, a big thank you to Govindbhai from Amazing Tiles who provided his invaluable support, expertise and experience allowing us to successfully carry out this project. It doesn’t stop here... The temple also has many interesting charitable projects planned for the future so please keep a listen out for our next project and do not hesitate to join in and do your part in helping the wider community. Want to see more? http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/shree_swaminarayan_temple_willesden_helps_the_homeless_in_ holborn_1_3341738 http://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/article/NRG-UK-donation-homeless-4531518-PHO.html?seq=1 9 Types Of bhakti. The first Prakraan of Satsangi Jeevan, Adhyaay 36 states the nine types of bhakti. Bhakti means devotion and the nine types of bhakti are ways to express love and devotion to Bhagwan. 4 5 he word Dhun refers generally to the tune in Indian classical music and may be based on a folk song or Treligious tune. We also refer to Dhun as the chanting of Bhagwan’s name. From the above types of bhakti, Dhun can fall into Kirtanam and Smaranam. By remembering Bhagwan constantly and singing His name, one can put Him above all materialistic things. Constant chanting keeps one’s mind clean and focused. Chanting Bhagwan’s name also keeps inner enemies such as lust, anger, greed, jealousy etc. in control. In Vachanamrut Loya 6, “Shreeji Maharaj asked again, “While performing dhyaan upon Bhagwan, countless different waves of vicious thoughts arises in the mind, just as large waves arise in the ocean. When such thoughts do arise, how can they be suppressed?” Shreeji Maharaj answered His own question: “When such vicious thoughts arise, a person should stop the dhyaan, and should clap and chant ‘Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan’ loudly, without shame. He should pray to Bhagwan, ‘O Lord! You are a friend of the humble! You are an ocean of mercy!’ Also, he should remember a great sadhu of Bhagwan, like Muktanand Swami, and pray to him too. As a result of this, all disturbing thoughts will be eradicated, and peace will prevail. Apart from this, there is no other method to eradicate such thoughts.” 9 Types of bhakti Every year at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden, we hold a twelve hour Dhun from 7am to 7pm. It is Shravanam. listening to katha, kirtans, leelas etc. held on the first Sunday in May each year. It is a great opportunity to do bhajan bhakti and chant the name of Bhagwan. This twelve hour Dhun has been happening since May 1975 and has been an annual event in Kirtanam. singing kirtans, prarthna and the praises of Bhagwan. our temple’s activities. Even coming for one hour will definitely leave you feeling more spiritually awake and stronger. Smaranam. meditating and remembering Bhagwan. Don’t miss out, come join us only at SSTW! Archanam. serving Bhagwan by offering food, flowers etc. Vandanam. prostrating in front of Bhagwan. Daasyam. being in the service of Bhagwan and dedicating all actions to Him. SUNDAY 4th May Saankhyam. developing a friendship with Bhagwan. 7am to 7pm dhun Paadsevanam. serving Bhagwan’s Charnavind. Atmanivedanam. dedicating mind, body and soul to Bhagwan. 6 7 Ghanshyam Bal Kendra (BK) Classes held every Saturday from 5-7pm for the children ages 4-7 in the Wedding Hall - Feel free to visit or come and enrol your child 8 9 Birth of Ghanshyam Ghanshyam It was Samvat 1837, the 9th day (Navmi) of bright half (Sud) in month of Chaitra. In the village of Bal Kendra Chhappaiya, the birds sang, the Brahmins recited Vedic mantras all day and at 10.10pm, a divine child was born at the home of Dharmadev & Bhaktimata. The Devtas showered flowers from the sky. There was peace and happiness everywhere. All around the new newly born child there was a bright light and the child gave divine Darshan to His parents in form of Krishna, dressed in fine golden clothes, flute in hand and peacock feather adorning His head. For children attending BK the half an hour allocated to story time is a firm favourite. The very eager ones even compete to sit in the front row so that they can be as close He said, “According to the curse given by Durvasa Muni, I have taken birth as your son to decrease the burden of sin on earth.” Saying this, the Lord became a child again and started playing in His as possible to the narrator. Paranyu (cradle). Dharmadev presented cows, gold and food to the Brahmins and poor people. Mythological, Hindu festival related and Ghanshyam Bal Charitra stories are The people of Chhappaiya gathered outside Dharmadev’s house to get a glimpse of the baby and narrated or sometimes acted out in a simple way to aid learning about our celebrated by drumming, singing and dancing. Here is the song you can learn and sing too: Sampraday, culture and convey good values and morals. Below is one of many stories told. Dharma Gher Ananda Bhayo……..Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Chappaiya Meh Lalo Bhayo….…….Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Bhakta Ke Bhagwan Bhayo ….……Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) Hati Ghoda Palki ………..……..……..Jay Bolo Ghanshyam Ki (x2) 10 11 EASTER SHIBIR FOR THE YOUTH BY THE YOUTH LEARNING ABOUT OUR RELIGION. WAY OF LIFE. This year’s Shibir is based upon the ‘Way of Life’. Hosted by our profound Bhuj Santo’s on the subject which impacts our daily affairs of Ahaar, Vihaar, Aachar and Vichaar, with first hand advice and interactive activities which can be adapted to our day to day lives. 12 13 WAY OF LIFE. EASTER Shibir We’ve all heard the old adage ‘you are what you eat’, We have planned off site activities, which will bring but have we ever stopped to think about the exact out your competitive streak. It all depends on truth behind this? Do we ever consider how it’s been you, your team and how far you would go for that prepared, who prepared it, what actually is in there winning title. Have you got what it takes to find the and what was being thought about when it was treasure, or to score to score that victorious goal or being prepared? We all have up to 100 trillion cells are you better suited to show off your culinary skills. in our bodies in which each cell needs a constant and efficient supply of nutrients in order to function So from Friday to Sunday the days will start off at optimally. With food being an important factor that 2pm with these activities followed by a break. After affects these cells as well every aspect of our being, recharging our batteries we will be ready for the from thinking capacity, sleeping habits, health, evening presentations by Bhuj Santo’s from 8pm mood, energy levels and food cravings. onwards. Ahaar... What we eat; are we eating the right amount For the younger’s their epic adventure will beginning and right types of food? at 11am and they will then join in with the rest of the activities. After having a delicious dinner they will be Vihaar... How our food is processed, how can we ready to head home after evening Sabha at 7pm. make Satvik food (pure). On Monday we have an exciting trip in store but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled. For further Aachar... Our attitude, our habits and our own information visit our website at SSTW.org.uk or our conduct.