Raj Saubhag Dubai celebrates 15 years of unbroken chain of swadhyays

With great enthusiasm, Dubai group planned their online celebration of 15 years of uninterrupted swadhyay. A special 12-minute film – ‘Aho Vachanamrut’ was produced for the occasion, and each mumukshu selected a sentence from the Vachanamrut, which they recited live in the presence of Brahmnishths Vikrambhai and Minalben.  Pujya Bhaishree blessed and encouraged the group with a special swadhyay and ashirvachan.

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On Friday 26th June, Brahmnishth Vikrambhai inaugurated the programme with the manglacharan and a bhajan, sharing with the mumukshus how Pujya Bhaishree is present in every happy, not-so-happy moments of our lives, how all of us see the world through His eyes, are alive with His breath, and will cross this ocean of birth and death with His grace.

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Following which was Pujya Bhaishree's param satsang on “Sarvangi Vikas”. Pujya Bhaishree emphasised that along with swadhyays; mumukshus must strive to bring change in their temperament and nature. There must be a reduction in raag-dvesh, anger, deceit, ego and greed.  Mere accumulation of knowledge, without accompanying changes in one’s nature, will not result in spiritual progress, he said. Highlighting another point, Pujya Bhaishree said that ‘while pursuing the spiritual path, there will be many obstacles on the way’.  A mumukshu should not cower under challenges and face them fearlessly and with equanimity, moving ahead undaunted.  

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After the film show, and Vachanamrut Vachans, Brahmnishth Minalben sent her good wishes to every member of the group, while recounting and applauding their journey so far.  Encouraging each mumukshu to continue forging selfless bonds with one another while not forgetting one’s duty, Minalben blessed everyone with the words, ‘may you progress so fast, that you all have fewest births’.

The programme ended with samuh arti and mangal divo.  The youngest mumukshus of the group welcomed and thanked Pujya Bhaishree, Vikrambhai and Minalben for gracing the occasion.

A special mention here of yuva mumukshu – Veer Doshi – who wrote an impromptu poem, after listening to Pujya Bhaishree’s swadhyay and recited it in the presence of Vikrambhai and Minalben spontaneously, without any pre-preparation. (We have posted this amazing piece of poetry at the end of the article)

Recounting the 15-year journey, a mumukshu said: “When Pujya Bhaishree landed in Dubai in 2005, a small but faithful group of mumukshus received Him at the airport with overflowing bhakti-bhaav.  In 2005, there were not too many mumukshus who were initiated on the path, but with successive dharma yatras, more and more people were drawn to the path due to the simplicity and divinity of Pujya Bhaishree’s words and persona.

Starting with a group of 3, today there are approximately 60 mumukshus-jignashus closely connected with Raj Saubhag Dubai.  During Pujya Bhaishree’s first visit itself (Pujya Bhaishree had come to Dubai for a dharma-yatra before 2005 - but we are chronicling events from 2005), 6 mumukshus gratefully accepted arpanta.”

“As Pujya Bhaishree was leaving to go back to India in 2005, mumukshus requested for agna to start regular swadhyay.   Pujya Bhaishree willingly consented, while orienting the sadhaks, “Remember always to never break the chronology of swadhyay.  Even if there are 2 people present (in situations when people are travelling or unwell), do not cancel even a single swadhyay.” These visionary words set the tone for the coming years, with mumukshus firm in their resolve to never miss a single swadhyay and in 15 years, Dubai group feels proud that never was a single swadhyay cancelled!!” 

Pujya Bhaishree also put Brahmnishth Minalben in charge of the Dubai group.  For more than fourteen years now, mumukshus are sending their monthly agna-reports to Minalben.  All the reports are meticulously reviewed and filed by her, and every mumukshu is given individual and complete marg-darshan.  Everyone in the group feels Minalben is only a phone call away and she immediately (after consulting with Pujya Bhaishree) offers guidance, counseling, direction, advice and assistance.  All Dubai mumukshus are as grateful for having Brahmnishth Minalben in their lives, as they are for having the sanctuary of Pujya Bhaishree and Brahmnishth Vikrambhai.

“After about 2 years of unbroken of swadhyay (every Friday, when mumukshus read the Vachanamrut), mumukshus requested for agna for a second swadhyay mid-week.  Graciously consenting, Pujya Bhaishree gave agna for collective reading of Adhyatma Rajchandra.  Though mumukshus found the language extremely ornate, with divine grace they were able to benefit immensely from this insightful, literary treasure.  Swadhyay of Adhyatma Rajchandra continued unbroken for 10 years on every Sunday evening.”

“Pujya Bhaishree’s successive dharma yatras to Dubai led to more and more people accepting the path with gratitude in their hearts.   After another 2 years, mumukshus once again requested Pujya Bhaishree for yet one more mid-week swadhyay (every Wednesday evening) – and in this way for about 10 years – 3 swadhyays are held every week in Dubai.”

The granths that mumukshus have been referring during swadhyay are Vachanamrutji, Adhyatma Rajchandra (completed twice) now Vairagya Shatak (every Sunday evening), Mokshmala, Prerak Prasango (both completed) now Shikshamrut swadhyay (every Wednesday evening).

“During Pujya Bhaishree’s 2017 dharma yatra, young mumukshus from the group requested for starting of a Yuva swadhyay.  On receiving His agna, the youth group enthusiastically started once-monthly swadhyay for one year and then increased their swadhyays to once every fortnight.”

With every Dubai Dharma Yatra, more and more people have come under the shelter of our Enlightened Master and with His guidance are walking on the moksh marg, trying to reach their goal of Samkit and Atma Gnan.


Brahmnisht Vikrambhai's poem for Dubai mumukshus

જે કરે સત્તનો સંગ, તેને ચઢતો જાય સત્યનો સાશ્વત રંગ
અંતે સમભાવમાં સ્થિર થઈ, તે રહે અલિપ્ત અને અસંગ

સદ્દગુરૂની જ્ઞાનજ્યોતિથી પ્રદીપ્ત થાય આપણો આત્મદીપ
અપૂર્વ રુચિએ જો પાળીએ આજ્ઞાઓ તો નિશ્ચય મોક્ષ છે સમીપ

તમારા અંતરમાં રહેલી તત્વરૂચીને ભાવથી કરું છું હું વંદન
આત્માનો ચોક્કસ થશે નિશ્ચય, અને થાય કર્મનું  નિકંદન

બહુ ઝાઝાની જરૂર નથી એક બે વચનો પણ છે કાફી
જો ચિંતન થાય ગાઢું તો સર્વ દેહભાવ જાઈ નાસી

ભલે ન રહે સ્મૃતિમાં યાદ કે ભલે ઓછું સમજાય
અનિવાર્ય છે ઉપયોગની એકાગ્રતા, તો જ  સમાધિભાવ સચવાય.

પરમાર્થ માર્ગે ચાલતા તમે છો એકબીજાના કલ્યાણ મિત્ર.
ભાઈશ્રીના નિર્મળ પ્રેમમાં બંધાયેલા તમે થઈ રહ્યા છો પવિત્ર.

જો છે સમ્યગદર્શન જીવનનો એક માત્ર લક્ષ
તો થશે પુરૃષાર્થ પ્રબળ, રહેશે આત્મા નિત્ય પ્રત્યક્ષ.

 

 

Brahmnisht Minalben's poem


Dubai the incredible and wonderful city of gold
has mumukshus who are talented manifolds

They may have distinct work strata and are of different ages
but their hearts are carved only with words of the sages

Their devotion is overwhelming and their unity is commendable
Their faith in the trinity and instructions of Pujya Bhaishree are forever stable

Their performances for Pujya Bhaishree are always unique and full of innovation
They pray together, they party together and their lives are indeed a celebration

They in their own way regularly do humanitarian works
Immaculately abiding by Gyaan, Bhakti and Nishkaam Karma Yog frameworks.

Their fortunate kids of varied aptitudes are a real treasure
They have inherited this great legacy and their lives are full of pleasure.

May Pujya Bhaishree always shower HIS choicest blessings on all of you
May you all reach the pinnacle of spirituality and have lifetimes only a few.

Veer Doshi's poem

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Dubai Celebrates Param Pujya Bhaishree's Amrutotsav

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The community in Dubai, UAE, came together to celebrate Param Pujya Bhaishree’s Amrutotsav with the Tejovalay play on Friday 5th October 2018, hosted in the Indian Consulate and with the esteemed presence of Consul General Vipulbhai and many leaders of the Jain and Indian community.

The Tejovalay play was met with rapturous applause, emotional tears and an inner awakening in many of the audience. For a seeker of truth, happiness and spiritual enlightenment, the practical questions being asked and explored in the play really connected within.

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Yug Purush shows sponsored by mumukshus in Sudan and Nairobi

Raj Saubhag Ashram mumukshus Ashokbhai Parekh (Sudan show) and Manjuben Navin Raja (Nairobi) sponsored 3 shows of the Yug Purush play in Sudan (2) and Nairobi (1).

Two shows were hosted in the newly renovated Friendship Hall, Sudan.  The first show was hosted on 29th September 2017 in Gujarati. Over 650 people watched the impact of Shrimad Rajchandra on Mahatma Gandhi.  The head of Omdurman Community, Dr. Anil Mithani, Purushottam Samal (Attaché Commercial & Property, Embassy of India) were among the chief guests. 

The second show in Sudan, in English, was attended by 550 guests at the same venue.  Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Culture - Sudan, Mr. Al Tayeb Badawi; Mr. Amrit Lugun (Ambassador, Embassy of India Khartoum), Hassan Abdel Gadir Hilal (Minister of Environment) and members of the Coptic Church and Missionaries of Charity, along with the head of African Development Bank, Dr. Abdul Kamara. 

The sponsor of the show Ashokbhai Parekh is very humble and was extremely reticent about his name being mentioned.  He says its all “Guru Kripa”. 

Another mumukshu, Manjuben Navin Raja and her family sponsored Yug Purush in Nairobi at Oshwal Center.  More than 500 people watched the play.

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Foodgrain distribution to the needy in Sudan

Raj Saubhag Ashram mumukshu, Ashokbhai Parekh sponsored and organized foodgrain distribution drive to the needy in Sudan, in cooperation with volunteers from Arham Group (mumukshus of Pujya Namra Muni) and a local Sudanese NGO.  His wife, Parulben also wholeheartedly supported and participated in the distribution drive.

A total of 2,700 cartons were distributed in various regions in the suburbs of capital city Khartoum and Omdurman. Beneficiaries consisted of previously identified needy families, who expressed gratitude and gave heartfelt blessings on receiving their precious gifts.  Among the benefactors were 50 blind people.

Wheat, flour, lentils, dal, rice, sugar, chickpeas, dates, fruit drink powder and sunflower oil were distributed to individual families in their homes by volunteers who cheerfully worked long hours in the extremely hot climate.

The governor of Omdurman City and President of Omdurman Indian Community were present to witness this humanitarian activity, which was covered by the local news channels, radio stations and newspapers.

Ashokbhai Parekh said: “This activity was carried out under the grace of our Guru, Pujya Bhaishree.  His inspiration and his krupa inspired us to serve our fellow beings.”

We rise by lifting others - Seva activity by Raj Saubhag Dubai Mumukshus

On a warm morning of 12th May, 43 enthusiastic volunteers gathered in Sajja labour camp in Sharjah to distribute to 450 + 50 (total beneficiaries 500) labourers - rice, sugar, dal, dry fruits, dates, biscuits, t-shirts and caps.  This was part of the seva activity undertaken bymumukshus on a regular basis.  Surging ahead the labourers gratefully received their share, smiling widely on receiving the precious gifts. 

A total of 1500 kilos of foodgrains, 225 kilos of dates, 50 kilos of nuts and dried fruits were repackaged into individual bags and distributed.  The task of repackaging took 3 days, and volunteers participated in the entire process wholeheartedly and selflessly, fully aware that the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.


We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone

Ben Prabhu visits Dubai

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Ben Prabhu visits Dubai

January 2017

Ben Prabhu, the spiritual head of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Delhi visited Dubai for the first time, with her followers.  She graced the home of Birenbhai Jasani and gave a discourse to Raj Saubhag Ashram mumukshus in Dubai.

She elaborated on Letter number 40 from the Vachnamrut, specifically explaining the 4 qualities that a mumukshu must possess as mentioned by Shrimadji.

  • વિશાલ બુદ્ધિ 
  • સરળતા (straighforward)
  • મધ્યસ્થતા (equanimity)
  • જિતેંદ્રિયતા (unshackle from slavery of the senses)
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Giving perspective Ben Prabhu said:  before reacting, we should activate our buddhi with the question - will my reaction and action bring in new karmas? Pause and reflect before reacting.  This is વિશાલ બુદ્ધિ.

સરળતા means lack of duplicity. When there is no difference between speech and conduct, it brings in the quality of straightforwardness. This precious human birth should not be wasted in being deceitful.  These two qualities are for internal transformation.  While maintaining your equanimity towards people who are unappreciative of your help and support is મધ્યસ્થતા .  And trying to overcome our slavery to our senses is જિતેંદ્રિયતા by recognising the omniscience and power of our Atma. These are the qualities that are required to be inculcated by every mumukshu desirous to attaining નિજ શુદ્ધતા  or moksh, as Shrimadji said in Atma Siddhi : 'મોક્ષ કહ્યો નિજ શુદ્ધતા'.

Ben Prabhu was also given an overview of the humanitarian activities undertaken by Raj Saubhag Ashram, Sayla and expressed satisfaction when informed that Sayla Ashram mumukshus have been organizing 3 swadhyays every week in Dubai.

Dubai Seva Activity

Dubai seva activity

December 2016

When one admires beautiful buildings, one scarcely gives even a passing thought to the sweat, toil, tears and sheer hard work put in by labourers who have given their all in constructing these imposing structures.

Mumukshus of Raj Saubhag Dubai group organized a Seva activity at 2 labour camps in Mankhool and Al Jadaf area by giving away goody bags – filled with essentials like rice, dal, sugar, tea, biscuits, almonds and t-shirts – trying in their own small way to bring a smile on their tired faces.

Queueing up excitedly the labourers were happy to receive their gift, cheerfully exclaiming, "Hey, there are almonds in my bag!",  and " I got dal as well".

Mumukshus too departed resolving to do more for these poor people and hoping they were able to restore faith in human values in the hearts of these labourers.