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VISHWA BHANUVISHWA BHANUVISHWA BHANUVISHWA BHANU A Bi-monthly
bulletin of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation
Volume 3 Issue 7 April - May 2015
T hanks to the sustained efforts of our Hon. Prime Minister, the
whole world is to receive the blessings of
Maharishi Patanjali, the psychologist par excellence,
the like of one, the world has never known before nor
would see again. Patanjalis Raja yoga goes to the very
depths of human psychology and urges man to
rediscover himself and manifest the divinity or
perfection inherent in him (sans creed, religion and
culture) through controlling his own body mind and
intellect. Each sutra of Patanjali has the capacity to
transform man through apparently elementary
suggestions, from being a wretched creation into a
wholesome being charged with divine energy.
Swami Vivekananda condensed this science of Raja
yoga in his wonderful observation pregnant with
meanings and suggestions. Each soul is potentially
divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity by
controlling nature, external and internal. Here we
present the suggestions from just one sutra (1,33)
which can transform every aspect of human
relationships. Let us hear it in Swamjis own words:
Friendship, mercy, gladness and indifference,
being thought of in regard of subject, happy,
unhappy, good, and evil respectively, pacify the Chitta
(1,33)
We must have these four sorts of ideas. We must
have friendship for all; we must be merciful towards
those that are in misery; when people are happy, we
ought to be happy; and to the wicked we must be
indifferent. So with all subjects that come before us. If
the subject is a good one, we shall feel friendly
INTHISISSUE
{ { { { Editorial
{{{{ Learning Times
{{{{ Nursery Teachers
Training
{{{{ Atma Vikas Camp - I
{{{{ Atma Vikas Camp - II
{{{{ Regular Ac%vi%es
{{{{ Didis Programmes
Do you think you can teach even a child?
You cannot. The child teaches himself.
Your duty is to aord opportuni%es and
to remove obstacles.
Yoga Goes Universal
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April - May 2015 Volume 3 Issue 7 April - May 2015 -2-
Come April and everyone heaves a sigh of relief, it is the time
for holidays. Schools and related
educational institutions close for long summer holidays. However
at Ananda Dham it is the time
of intense activity. We have the different camps and activities
for children and teachers.
April is also the month of Vishu. Vishu is the transit of Sun
into Meda Raasi and is the day of
the Spring Equinox. The word Vishu is supposedly derived from
the Sanskrit word Vishuvam
which means equal and we all know that the day of equinox has a
day has equal number of hours
of daylight and darkness.
Vishu was celebrated by the inmates of Vedic Vision Foundation
on the 15th of April, with the
traditional Vishukkani. Kkani means that which is seen first,
thus viewing the Vishukkani, a
panoramic arrangement of fruits, vegetables, clothes, gold
coins, flowers and an idol of Krishna or Vishnu is
considered divine and auspicious.
The advent of Vishu brings to bloom the golden shower
tree, or Vishu Konna. Vishu conveys the message of
auspiciousness and prosperity and extending this to all.
Learning Times
towards it; if the subject of thought is one that is miserable,
we must be merciful towards it.
If it is good, we must be glad; if it is evil, we must be
indifferent. These attitudes of the
mind towards the different subjects that come before it will
make the mind peaceful. Most
of our difficulties in our daily lives come from being unable to
hold our minds in this way.
For instance, if a man does evil to us, instantly we want to
react evil, and every reaction of
evil shows that we are not able to hold the Chitta down; it
comes out in waves towards the
object, and we lose our power. Every reaction in the form of
hatred or evil is so much loss
to the mind; and every evil thought or deed of hatred, or any
thought of reaction, if it is
controlled, will be laid in our favour. It is not that we lose
by thus restraining ourselves; we
are gaining infinitely more than we suspect. Each time we
suppress hatred, or a feeling of
anger, it is so much good energy stored up in our favour; that
piece of energy will he
converted into the higher powers.
How elementary yet how difficult yet this can transform human
society!!
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Five day Nursery Teachers' Orientation Camp was conducted
between 16th and 20th April. The non-residential camp would begin
by 9 am and end at 3 pm everyday. Sessions were conducted under the
able guidance of Smt Madhavi Tai from Nashik, Smt Sushma Padhye
from GramMangal, Pune and Smt Bahrati Patil of Navarachana English
Medium School, Nashik.
The sessions and activities were mostly based on Madam Maria
Montessoris philosophy of education and methods of teaching. The
camp participants included 17 teachers from 5
different schools across the state.
Lakshmi Didi acquainted the participants with teachings of Swami
Vivekananda and Mananeeya Eknathji and also included glimpses from
their lives.
A short camp, packed with loads of information, practical
sessions that provided insights to scenarios that would help the
teachers guide and inculcate strong foundations of character,
culture and a purposeful life.
Smt. Shemla K.S., Principal, Dr.Palpu Memorial SNDP YOGAM
College Of Education and Sri T.Balakrishnan, Chairman & School
Manager, presided over the concluding program.
Nursery Teachers Training
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Swachabharatham Camp for children from Class VI to VIII started
on 11th May at Anandha Dham. Apart from personality and all round
development of the child, the camp's focus was on "Cleanliness" and
conserving one of Earth's important natural resource, "Water". The
camp started with an introduction by Sri Sudhakarji.
The camp was formally inaugurated by Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi with
the lighting of the lamp. . Lakshmi Didi spoke to the children
about the importance of swachatha. Swachatha or cleanliness needs
to start from the self and then spread to the surroundings. The
supreme knowledge resides in every individual, however it needs to
be awakened, and only then would it benefit the self and the
surroundings. The supreme knowledge can be compared to the light
from the lantern. When the glass cover of the lantern is covered
with black soot light is not emitted. In the same way the supreme
knowledge within each individual is covered by the soot of
ignorance, greed and desires, desires that manifest as likes and
dislikes, which in turn leads to anger and stress. When these
weaknesses are removed from the individual the supreme knowledge
glows bright and enlightens the self and the surroundings. This
will lead to enlightened individuals and an enlightened nation. She
also stressed on the conservation of natural resources especially
water.
Lecture sessions were good especially the splendid and practical
talk by Dr. Jayalakshmi, an Ayurvedic doctor. Dr. Jayalakshmi
introduced to the children the Indian philosophy of birth and life
of an individual. Birth of an individual is not by chance and luck,
it is the result of the individual's own actions and inactions from
previous lives. This also means that our present actions and
inactions contribute to our future lives. This also means that no
two individuals in this world are same, even if they are twins....
there is always a subtle difference. This is the basis on which
Ayurveda assesses each individual's problems and concerns as unique
and treats them likewise. All diseases originate at the mind level;
when the mind is disturbed it affects the immune system which in
turn affects the body and what we observe as diseases are
manifestations of the disturbed minds, hence diseases have similar
symptoms but the root causes may be different, an area modern
medicine is yet to comprehend. She emphasized on how our so called
traditions and culture play a significant benefitting role in the
wellbeing of the individual and society in all spheres. The current
trends of fast food, food of non-locale origin, dressing styles and
adopted life styles are creating havoc in the society at large. It
is the young children who are greatly affected by these ills and in
times to come they will create a sick and un-healthy society. She
called out to each individual to be a proud "Bharatiya". Our
civilization is eternal and universal, whose beginning is
At m a V i k a s C a m p I Swachabharatham
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untraceable.
Major General P Vivekanandans session on positive thinking too
was enjoyed by the children.The session by Shri Haridas was all
about speaking your mind out. Now how difficult can that be, and
that is what Shri Haridas instilled in each child. Every child of
the group enacted their favourite pastime activity. The children
were taken to view the mural art exhibition on the life Swami
Vivekananda. Kum. Bindhu wove the life of Swami Vivekananda based
on the paintings and each child's imagination took wings, actually
witnessing Swamiji amidst his childhood pranks and curiosities
which lie behind the various events of his life.
Post lunch Shri Nivin J Nalapadan conducted a session on the
basics of theater for the children. The children were immensely
enjoyed this session, which was full of fun filled activity based
on theatrical presentation .Pencil sketching in the first half and
craftwork after lunch were a part of the programme. Sketching
session was conducted by Kum. Vivitha and craftwork focussed on
creating a flower vase using acrylic beads. Shrimathi Sudha Dileep
conducted the session..In today's corporate world it is very common
to hear manager's emphasising on "thinking out of the box" smile
emoticon now that's something that we lost a long time ago from the
time we were kids, after all kids are always kept away from art and
craft! Craft on the other hand improves concentration and
inculcates patience. Art and craft create growth in two dimensions,
unstructured(art) and structured(craft). The result strengthening
academics, essential Life Skill qualities like problem solving,
cognitive benefits, social skills, appreciating others strength's
and at the same time accepting one's own abilities.
On all days of the camp there would be an hour each of vocal
music, Yoga exercises in the first half and interactive games
before the end of the day.
Sunday, May 17, was the day of immense activity, being the
concluding day. At 3 p.m was the concluding programme. Parents
meeting was kept followed by a short and sweet cultural programme
by the children. Mananeeya Didi and Dr Jayalakshmi blessed the
children.
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SWACHABHARATHAM
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Namami Gange was the main theme for childrens camp for the
classes III to V. Parents were eagerly waiting their wards to get
admitted in the camp right from 8 am though the camp was supposed
to start at 9 am on 19th May. 30 children enrolled themselves. Many
repeaters brought their friends and previous camp children
encouraged their sisters and brothers to join the camp.
Surprisingly couple of elder campers accompanied their sisters to
the camp and signed the application form as if they had motivated
them. With usual interaction with all the children and knowing
their names etc. the camp was inaugurated by Man. Lakshmi Didi
accompanied by the youngest participants by lighting the lamp. Didi
gave a brief introduction of the camp theme Namami Gange. The camp
ran for six days and concluded on 24th May. Parents of all the
children were present to watch the programme of their wards on the
stage during the concluding function. Smt Jyothi Unniraman, well
wisher of Kendra was the Chief Guest. Children narrated their camp
experience. Parents too spoke appreciating the positive effect of
such camps on their children. Apart from patriotic group
songs,skits,a yoga demonstration was put up by the camp
children.There was distribution of prizes for the best camper, best
group,best in music and craft.The Chief Guest spoke on the
importance of faith in oneself which can be inculcated in the
children who attend such camps.The programme concluded with Shanthi
Mantra.
At m a V i k a s C a m p I I Namami Gange
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REGULAR ACT IV IT IES
Satsanga Prabhashana Parampara
An in depth study of Bhagavad Gita, based on
the commentary by Abhinavagupta. This commentary has 15
additional verses than the one by Shankara Acharya and is based on
Kashmir Shaiva Philosophy. The Acharayan is Sri. Girish Kumar L.
and will be held on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month.
The session commenced on 30th May 2015.
Yoga
Yoga Satra was conducted during the months
of April and May. Yoga Varga was attended by
10 ladies and 5 gents.
Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra Puja
Both rituals were conducted in April and May
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SATYAMEVA JAYATE By Dr Lakshmi Kumari
We are indeed fortunate to have chosen as our national emblem
the
Ashoka Cakra with the unparalleled motto Satyameva Jayate
inscribed
beneath it. For most of us it remains just an emblem which
conveys nothing
of any significance pertaining to our individual or national
life. It shouldnt be
so. In it is hidden values which can transform our entire
national scene. But
who cares? If not the leaders at least the intellectuals
must.
From where came the conviction and faith by which such solid
assurance
is given in the sovereign republic of India to its people? Do
the politicians of
today, who are the self styled custodians of our nation, its
interests and its
people, realize what it means and promises, that truth and
justice are closely
interlinked with human dignity, human aspirations and peace and
happiness
in the society.
Which other country has made such a profound proclamation of
far
reaching consequences, made it part of the very conscience of
its people,
interlinked it with each and every aspect of their life? Not
only that, almost
every century if not oftener, found its verification and
endearment by master
brains who kept up its freshness, validity and meaningfulness.
In this so
called modern times when every ancient value system stands
devalued in the
human minds nobody has yet found the courage to challenge truth
itself.
Mankind is still surviving and progressing because of the
invincibility of the
Truth, a fact which man does not seem inclined to accept or
appreciate.
Even in recent times there lived amidst us people who made
adherence
to truth their very lifes mission as Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Ramana
and Gandhiji
to mention a few and the great moral power they wielded over
mankind is
part of our recorded history. They were far far removed from the
materialistic
wealth and power that todays leaders of our
Sovereign Republic fight to acquire and
accumulate at the cost of the nation and her
people.
We all know what in the scientific jargon truth or
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reality means. What we fail to understand is the nature of that
Truth which
lies beyond all these relative truths and in the light of which
alone
everything else acquires reality. It was towards this Truth that
the Indian
genius had turned its attention from time immemorial, discovered
it and
realized it not only on their own Inner self but as the eternal
invincible
omniscient, omnipotent Truth and proclaimed it to the world in
the above
significant words. It is this Truth that reveals itself through
all forms, all forces
and all phenomena. Victory is for that Truth alone.
What is that Truth?
Seeing all round them matter in a flux, our ancient seers and
sages who
were in fact super scientist, looking for a permanent hold
support and
substratum slowly turned their vision inward and through
systematic
negation off all that was transient and impermanent ultimately
reached at
the citadel of the Truth within their own Self. With the
discovery of this a new
vision was opened to them by which they found the entire
universe filled
with supported and nourished by this one Truth. The
wholesomeness of the
entire creation and the indescribably subtle ways in which its
parts are held
together and linked together also became revealed to them
simultaneously.
It must be this Grand Vision of the Whole that brought out the
unparalleled
proclamation Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma, Isavasyamidam sarvam,
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and so on. Truth was revealed to them not
only
as the One but also as the One in many. After that there was no
more
confusion in their minds and the world around them appeared not
as a chaos
but as a cosmos. All that was to be done was to make this truth
living in
all aspects and activities of human life.
How to achieve that? Nature - her rhythm, harmony and
the spirit of yagna hidden therein gave the answer. The
One way to be in tune with Truth was to live in tune with
natural laws.Peace and harmony and fulfillment became
part of such a life style. To have was of less importance
than to be. The entire fabric of Indian life was the
resultant of this grand thinking and discovery and
consequent application of this knowledge in day to day
life.
Rs. 200/-
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Whenever this truth of Oneness is upheld and preserved there
would be virtue and truth. Noble qualities naturally led to this
oneness love and understand cementing this togetherness of the
parts. Through sacrifice and service are created the ties for the
interlinking of the parts. Realization of this truth alone can
release man free from bondage and misery whether it be in love,
work, knowledge or prayer.
Sooner than later the whole world will have to recognize and
accept this Truth. All tendencies, interests and actions which
fragment the Whole through actions which are self oriented and self
motivated have not only no permanent value but they destroy harmony
and peace and take the individual community and society to decay
and destruction. On the contrary positive virtuous thoughts, words
and deeds, though apparently not showing any immediate result would
slowly but surely wind their way to peace and harmony both within
and without. It is this magnificent conviction, running deep in our
national veins that has made us to choose the emblem and the motto
proclaiming the invincibility of the Truth.
The character of our people and the ethos of our nation should
be rebuilt upon this conviction. This is the one and only
scientific truth on which can be based all our inter-human
relations, knowledge and philosophy. That it is possible to do so
has been so convincingly established by so many of our great
teachers.
The modern science has fortunately come to our aid and proved
this as a physically verifiable fact. Each and every speck of
matter in this universe is only a part of the Whole,
interconnected, and interrelated in a mysteriously subtle way to
everything else. Not even on atom can move without taking the
entire universe with it as Swami Vivekananda puts it. Knowledge of
even a little bit of this Truth can save man from untold miseries,
Krishna reiterates in the Gita.
Actualization of this truth in our national life alone can hold
us together as a Nation. Without it the emblem we have and the
motto written there are of no value whatsoever How to do it? Let
the lives of our great Masters be our guide which show the movement
from complexity to simplicity, from darkness to light from many to
One. So be our life journey too.
Today shattered as we are as a nation, lets use, this unfailing
remedy, this smoothening balm of truth alone triumphs and rebuild
our lives round that Truth. Through this alone can India play her
crucial and vital role in the comity of nations as the harbinger of
a New World Order.
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DIDIS PROGRAMME
9th Talk at Palpu College residential camp of B.Ed
students.
12th Talk at Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Kodungallur
16th to 20th Nursery Teachers' Orientation Camp
22nd to 24th Interview for Eknathjis Documentary
25th Seminar - Women and Prasthanatraya
Dr. Suvarna Nalapat Trust
26th Valoor Koottala Sree Dharmasastha Kshethram
April
2nd NSS Students Camp
6th to 8th Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations, Ernaku-
lam. Talk by Didi on 7th May.
8th Vedic Conference, Ernakulam
10th Talk at Youth Club, Pori Bazar
11th to 17th Atma Vikas Camp I - Swachabharatham
19th to 24th Atma Vikas Camp II - Namami Gange
May
She is my sister! - Swami Chinmayananda
Didi addressed the Birth Centenary Celebrations of Swami
Chinmayananda. Didi considers Swami as an avatar of Swami
Vive-kananda, and recollected many inspirational moments with the
Gurudev - Chinmaya Amrutham. She also talked about nimitta-matram,
a notion from Bhagavad Gita, wherein Lord Krishna in-forms Arjuna
that he is merely an instrument of the Lord. In the same way when
one feels like leaving every-thing and running away, seclude
yourself in a quite room, chant this and remind yourself that you
are nimitta-matram.