IVY Swadhyay - Navdha Bhakti

‘Bhakti’ is the foundation of all spirituality. Devotion is both the means and the end.

It is of the nature of Supreme and profound love towards God and worshipping HIS majestic virtues. It is this divine love that will drive all our other relationships and remain integral in our behavior.

Bhakti is traditionally of 2 kinds – 1) Dravya/Phal & 2) Bhav/Saadhan. Additionally, there are 9 ways in which one can lovingly connect with God. These ways are solely founded on Faith.

The 9 faith-based ways of Devotion are Hearing about the Lord (Shravan), Chanting His name and glory (Kirtana), Remembering Him (Smaran), Serving his Lotus Feet (Pada Sevan), Worshipping Him as per the scriptures (Archan), Prostrating before Him (Vandan), Being His servant (Dasatva), Befriending Him (Sakhya) and offering oneself to Him (Atma Nivedan). The astonishing truth of Navdha Bhakti is – one doesn’t need to cultivate all 9 kinds. Being immersed in even one form of bhakti is a powerful tool to speed our progress on the path of Moksh (liberation)

SHRAVAN BHAKTI

Listening to God/Guru’s divine name, His form, His actions, His mysteries His glory and contemplating on each of these aspects.

Attraction to beautiful things is an innate quality of human nature. This liking leads to the desire to acquire and own beautiful objects. However, as followers of the divine path, we need to learn how to put this human quality to valuable use. If we cultivate a habit that can see only the good qualities in other human beings, we shall soon develop a divine vision that can capture the miraculous virtues of an Enlightened Master. Such a quality will culminate in creating a foundation where we are irresistibly drawn to the Guru’s virtues and his vast ocean of knowledge and we start the process of imbibing his qualities.

In order to be qualified to be able to understand the deeper mysteries of his virtues, one must develop 3 qualities

• Patience to repeatedly hear incidences of his life, his glory, his manifestations
• Concentration and being focused on such qualities
• Complete faith in his words of wisdom

Once the disciple is able to merge his thoughts with those of his Master, it will be easy for him to retract from unnecessary material and worldly indulgences.

‘Atmasiddhi’ is the closest example of Sharavana Bhakti for us. It is lyrical, musical, and full of profound meaning. In this treatise, the disciple expresses his faith in Guru’s words but requests answers to certain doubts and questions that he has. It is not necessary to hear thousands of words or long discourses, but even one lesson from the Guru can help a disciple have better grasp of the fundamental truths.

Brahmnisht Vikrambhai sang a soulful bhajan that resonated through the room:

‘ગુરુ  ને  મનકા મેંલ મિટા કર , દિલ  મેં પ્રેમ  કા રંગ  ચઢાકર , જીવન  મેરા  રંગ  દિયા, તન  મેરા  રંગ  દિયા …..

રંગા જો  મેં તો હર માન્યતા ચલી  ગયી  મેરી, શ્રવણ સે  મનન  સે  દુનિયા  હી બદલ  ગયી ….’

Mother’s Day

Since the next day was Mother’s Day, young mumukshus read out beautiful Mother’s Day messages and tied the “Raksha Potli” to their mothers’ wrist, with a pledge to appreciate and show gratitude to their mother, to make her smile and look after her for lifetime and applaud her hard work and sacrifices.

Brahmnisht Minalben, who unfortunately could not be present for the Ivy Swadhyay, sent her blessings and a heart-warming message for her mother, which was read out.

This swadhaya taught the young mumukshus to appreciate all the selfless hard work being done for them –be it by their parents or their Guru.

Param Pujya Bhaishri inaugurates C U Shah sanatorium in Deolali

To the melodious notes of the shehnai, amidst flowers and garlands, dawned the beautiful morning of 14th December 2014, which was the inauguration day of C U Shah Sanatorium, Deolali.

In the presence of dignitaries like President Gunwantbhai Shah, Vice President Pravinbhai, trustees Chandrakantbhai Deliwala, Pankajbhai Sanghvi, Ashokbhai Turakhia, Atulbhai Shah, Narendrabhai Sanghvi, Pujya Bhaishree said the Mangal Prayer, while chief donor (Late) Shri  C U Shah’s daughter Minalben Shah said the Navkar Mantra and welcomed the invited guests and dignitaries.

The swadhyay hall, Upashray, dining hall, reception, indoor sports room, yoga room, library, computer room, and three floors of residential dormitories were inaugurated.

Addressing the assembled guests Param Pujya Bhaishri while expressing deep satisfaction at the inauguration of hallowed halls said that the most important component in our lives is love and good will towards one and all. The simplicity of his message and his gentle demeanor enhanced the sanctity of the place.

Pujya Namra Muni too graced the occasion.  He said: “Every one of us needs to renounce selfishness and strive to serve others.  Even a small morsel falling from the mouth of an elephant is a princely meal for an ant, likewise when the rich are able to part with some of their wealth, it can be extremely beneficial to the poor.  I appeal to everyone here to donate more money towards education.”

In her speech, Minaben remembered her late father, while adding that since this sanatorium is blessed by pious souls like Param Pujya Bhaishri and Namra Muni Maharaj Saheb, people who will come and stay here should maintain the sanctity of this place.

Snapshots:

• Rs 1 crore and 6 lakhs donation was given by C U Shah Charitable trust for the sanatorium.  Present at the occasion were family members of the Late C U Shah – his daughter Minalben and son-in-law Rohitbhai Shah
• Head of Swetambar Murtipujak Sangh, Shri Chinubhai Shah and chairman of Jain Jagruti Central Board, Shri Rameshbhai Morbiya were also present at the inauguration ceremony of C U Shah Sanatorium, Deolali.

Women's empowerment: Story writing workshop

Women’s empowerment through story-writing workshop

Raj Saubhag Ashram along with Gujarati Sahitya Parishad hosted a story-writing workshop for female writers at the ashram premises between 20th-22nd June, 2014.

The mentors for the 3-day workshop were critic and writer Shri Ramesh R. Dave, ex-collector-Ahmedabad and writer Shri Kirit Dudhar; and professor and head of Hindi department, Uma Arts & Nathiba commerce Mahila College, Gandhinagar and Sahitya Akademy award winner Dr. Bindu Bhatt, with Parul Desai and Pragna Patel of ‘Annie Saraiya Lekhika Protsahan Nidhi’, both of whom took on the task of chief coordinators. The event was conducted by Raj Saubhag Ashram’s Prem Ni Parab (PNP) Educational Project.

Opening Session

Addressing distinguished literary luminaries like president of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, Dhirubhai Parikh, secretary of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, Dr. Prafulbhai Raval, Nitin Vagdama, PNP Project Director Shri Chandrakant Vyas and renowned writers from various parts of Gujarat State, Pujya Bhaishree observed: “Though Raj Saubhag Ashram is primarily a spiritual organization, it has the motto ‘service to humanity’ at its core. Pujya Bapuji would often say that we are indebted to the society we live in; and only when we work for the welfare of the weaker sections, can we repay this debt. Imbibing his values, mumukshus would liberally donate to improve education and health, natural disaster relief aid, disabled support and community welfare.

“Generosity can only be cultivated when care-givers are compassionate and sensitive to the need of others. And it is this very compassion that is fundamental to our spiritual growth,” Pujya Bhaishree emphasized.

About 5 years ago, Sahitya Satra (Literature Session) was hosted in Raj Saubhag Ashram premises, and this established a connection with Gujarati Sahitya Parishad (Gujarat Literature Conference).

Pujya Bhaishree explained, “Some people may wonder why does a spiritual institute like Raj Saubhag Ashram support literary activities. There are two reasons for this –

• Progress of a nation or a society is hugely dependent on education, knowledge and literature.
• Spirituality, arts and skills have sensitivity and empathy in its roots. Good literature can be helpful to reach the pinnacle of spirituality.

It is due to literature that Kumarpal Desai, the renowned writer from Gujarat, started studying literary works of the great saint Shrimad Rajchandra. Deeply influenced by his profound words, Kumarpalbhai is now spreading Shrimadji’s message to people worldwide. My own experiences too, corroborate this fact. I am a voracious reader since childhood. While emotional literature sometimes drew tears to my eyes, real life-inspiring stories would motivate me. Such is the strength of literature; good literature leads or inspires change, while ethical and moral stories cultivate good values within the readers. Discrimination between right and wrong can be understood better through the medium of stories.

Jainism advocates four ways of imparting spiritual wisdom:

• Dravyanuyog
• Charnanuyog
• Karnanuyog
• Dharma Kathanuyog.

Holy texts relating heroic deeds of followers are included in Kathanuyog. In the fast-paced modern times, people engaged in worldly affairs may not be too interested if detachment, living a simple and pious life etc., is preached to them. However, when valuable lessons, virtues, profound spiritual truths are effectively conveyed through spiritual stories, they tend to engage the listeners, remaining in their memories long after they have heard them.

Pujya Bhaishree added, “It is a matter of immense pride for Raj Saubhag Ashram to host this workshop, especially because it is for women. Raj Saubhag Ashram has always been active in the field of education and betterment of women’s lives. In order to empower women, we have started the first ever Girls High School and Girls College in Sayla village itself. Here, admission is given either free of cost or at very minimal fees for those who can genuinely afford it.”

Director of Prem Ni Parab project, Chandrakant Vyas said, “Technology has advanced so much that it is now easy to reach any corner of the globe using an airplane or rocket. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach the hearts of people. It is here that literature comes in. Literature makes it easy to connect with people and influence their minds and hearts. The main aim of literature is to spread peace and ignite fraternal feelings among people. My message to all the writers here is, see God in every living being. Sahitya is derived from the word ‘sahit’ – which means to improve human bonds and write literature that is beneficial to all.”

Chief guest Dr. Praful Raval observed, “Prem Ni Parab is an excellent initiative in education. Raj Saubhag Ashram is the only institute in the whole of Gujarat that has successfully conducted such a massive education enhancement project through Prem Ni Parab. Only a pious institute like Raj Saubhag Ashram can have such a non-discriminatory and fair-minded approach.”

Workshop

During the three days, participants were coached on writing styles, encouraged to read more and develop their own distinct style, and follow their passion with confidence and enthusiasm.

Feedback from the participants

Participants were unanimous in their opinion that the workshop was hugely beneficial. They applauded the commitment of the counselors.

One of them said, “The best thing I liked about this shibir is its time management. The experts were with us throughout the shibir and time was utilized very judiciously. Not a single moment was wasted. The session started early in the morning and extended until late evening (with mini-breaks between). The experts were constantly guiding us, they checked and re-checked our written work and gave us objective feedback.”

Another writer was very emotional while sharing her experience. With tear-filled eyes she expressed gratitude towards the experts for kindly guiding them and appreciation for the love and warmth she received from other participants.

They also specifically mentioned how much the quiet and divine atmosphere of Raj Saubhag Ashram helped them focus better. Being women, they hardly ever got a chance to spend three days away in such a peaceful environment single-mindedly focusing on their writing skills.