sstw newsletter - ramnavmi
DESCRIPTION
SSTW Newsletter - Issue 51TRANSCRIPT
2
Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Willesden
220/222 Willesden Lane London
NW2 5RG UK
Tel: +44 20 8459 4506
www.shreeswaminarayan.org.ukEmail: [email protected]
Charity number: 266260
- Willesden Temple
Contents2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
12.
Shibir
IT courses
Academy update
SFL report
Interview with
Comic
Heath in focus
Past times
Hinduism and Hellenism
Recipe
Full production of the SSTW Newsletter
developed by the youth Academy to better
educate our community of the greatness our
Swaminarayan Sampraday has to offer
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SSTW NEWSLETTER
Shibir 2012
On Your Marks...
Get set...
Go...!!!
n a day to day basis it is important to Various activities are organised by the youth at gain knowledge and acquire skills, as SSTW and they are always looking for Othis will help develop a person's life, be something new to keep us entertained and be
it in education, career path, sports or in religion. close to God. Coming to the point, like every Knowledge gained and the skills acquired will other year there is a Shibir organised during always follow wherever one goes and can be Easter.incorporated into our lives. The knowledge gained in Mandir from the The aim of our theme for this year's Shibir is to Scriptures, Saints and Devotees can be put to realise our own potential and how we can we practise into our lives. Coming together as one can make a difference. Many out there think unit, builds strengths individually. You not only that you need to be religious to take part in gain knowledge about religion at Mandir but Mandir. This is not the case because remember also get the opportunity to build on you you have to be humane before anything else interpersonal skills. Every individual has and this also includes before being 'religious'.something to offer in terms of exchanging knowledge and skills. Some of these skills help This year's Shibir topics will be based on how us in finding good jobs, give us positive fortunate we really are and the realisation to recognition in society, exploit the hidden talent this, we are so entangled within Maya and some within us and most important of all, help us to of us have no realisation of how fortunate we lead a good life and teach us how to be a human. are. Maybe it is because we have not been
made aware of this mere fact. Following on our In the past, there were no fun based activities luck, we will see how Satsang has developed when it came to Mandir. Mandir solely revolved over the years and how we can continue to it. around listening to Katha and doing Seva. We Our Future is in Our Hands... are fortunate that the world of technology and our thinking has broadened, and we are now Above is just an overview of the aim of this able to do fun based Satsang related activities year's Shibir, it will be portrayed and illustrated that enhance our Satsang, getting us closer to via interactive presentations and activities. Also the Almighty Lord Swaminarayan. We are other activities such as games & quizzes, sports blessed and should feel privileged to be born in and more will take place. So, want to hear more the Swaminarayan Sampraday, but do we about: realise how lucky we are?
On your marks… Get set… Go…!!! Then come join us for a fun filled Easter Shibir.
th6-7 April
Pick up a form in Mandir or check our
website out for more details.
3APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI
Basic IT CourseDue to high demand SSTW will be running a Basic IT Course. The course is aimed towards adults of any age that have no experience of using a computer. The course will give users the basic knowledge of how to use a computer. The topics we cover in the course are:
· Switching the computer on/off· Using Windows 7· Transferring files· Using Microsoft Word· Navigating the Internet· Using Gmail to send/receive emails· Using Facebook
The course lasts for approximately 8 weeks and is held Every Sunday at 4:30pm in Gujarati School. To register your interest please contact Gujarati School or fill out an application form available from the Mandir Office.
Undecided about what to do next after Academy has proven to be the perfect platform University, confused about which A-Levels or to showcase your talents.GCSE's to pick? Don't panic we are here to help Today's climate is very tough and competitive you. It is important to remember that you are not where many students even with degrees are
finding it difficult to obtain a workplace. The alone, there are many who don't have any idea common phrase which stands out in this day of on what direction to take. However, there's age is, “It's not what you know it's who you always a helping hand. Given the number of know”. This expression refers to the importance professionals we have attending every Friday, of networking which can open a wide range of there is an opportunity to seek guidance and help doors for your career path.when it comes to making those key decisions in Moreover, we aim to highlight the essential life
academia and career. stskills required to make you shine in the 21 century. Employers and Universities strongly
Satsang development will always be our central emphasise their selections upon time-
objective, however SSTW Academy is also multi-management and communication skills. So come
faceted in that it also aims to promote and help and join us on Friday's to start your character
develop other skills. Whether it's learning how building process and gain an insight on the
to play Tabla or Dhol, enhancing your football different paths you can take to build your future.
techniques, building confidence in public speaking or utilising your Photoshop skills; SSTW
Turn over to read more...
4 SSTW NEWSLETTER
youthacademyupdateOur Youth Academy is an interactive Recently, we've had Maharaj's Other presentations we've covered
session held every Friday evening Apprentice Season 3 judged by Bhuj are Cake Wars, where teams had to
from 7.00pm – 9.00pm, starting with S a n t o s a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l design cakes from what they had
an hour of sports followed by an hour photographers. The activity was a learnt, video presentations created
of Satsang. As an Academy, we have follow up from our past seasons of by the youth, treasure hunts, quizzes
published articles in the previous Maharaj's Apprentice. Our theme and many more.
editions of The Newsletter on what was “A Picture Tells a Thousand
we have done and carried out in our Words” and our activity was to take a Our recent off site visits have been
Friday sessions, also building our single still image of what Our very successful. We have had Laser
foundations stronger enabling us to Sampraday is and pitch it to the Quest for the girls and the lads
become closer to Maharaj. Previous judges with the reasoning behind it. favourite 2 hours of Football at Goals
activities we have carried out are Once the task was set the groups in Alperton. The girls trip to Laser
Kirtans got Talent, Treasure hunts, were thriving to go, everyone was Quest was fantastic, all the girls had
D e b a t e t o p i c s , I n t e r a c t i v e thinking what exactly can we capture an awesome time and had such a
presentations, Apprentice tasks and to portray this and how can it be laugh, looking around during the
many more. effective. quest all you could see was the unity
between the two individual teams;
We aim to engage the youth through orange and green, they both meant
different types of media and business! The boy's recent trip to
presentations. The power of Goals was a success, starting off the
multimedia has had some excellent Deadline day was near, the evening football with over 80 guys singing our
use where teams have created and was approaching and pitches were weekly Friday Prathna - Naman Hu
p r o d u c e d f u n , i n t e r a c t i v e being finalised. During the evening Karu. The whistle was blown and the
presentations mixed with practical each group presented their image games began. Overall all the boys had
activities. Attending Academy not and pitch to our judges and audience. fun in their element, football!
only helps one to gain knowledge in All groups had amazing concepts and
Satsang but also to gain general images which got everyone thinking Come down and join us communication skills and adapting about what an amazing Sampraday every Friday 7.00pm - their personal skills and attributes in we are actually in. After all the 9.30pmpresenting and team work, also pictures were shown and pitched it
taking on leadership skills as they go was that time... You're Fired or Your
along. Hired.
We aim to engage the youth through different types of media and presentations
5
SFLReportrom watching it on Sky Sports, importance of respect, fair play, I have learnt the importance of team playing it on the PS3, or taking discipline and team work. Saturday work and how playing and training Fpart themselves in the local afternoons were more than just together has helped our relations to
park, Footbal l is very much kicking a ball around for a couple of develop stronger. something close to the hearts of hours. Additionally, in this age of many of our SSTW Academy boys and increasing levels of obesity and What have been the highlights?is a common ground for all regardless decreasing number participating Travelling on our away matches to of age, the team they support or sports; we felt as a Mandir and a our other UK temples.ability on the pitch. About 18 Youth Academy; i t was our months ago, SSTW decided it'll be responsibility to promote the What is your personal goal for next very beneficial to utilise this shared message of healthy living and active season?passion, and provide the facilities lifestyles amongst what is according Scoring from the half-way line. and resources that will allow these to many a Facebook/YouTube/Call of guys to enjoy the sport they follow Duty generation. with such ardour. It provided a n o t h e r fa c et o f W i l l e s d e n Since its inception, we feel SFL has Bhavik Kerai - Head Coach "I'm really Academy's burgeoning development come a long way in not only utilising impressed with the way the lads have and ensured youngsters could attach and honing the technical and played. They have shown great themselves to the Mandir through a physical skills of these boys, but commitment and their technical different medium. It was always strengthening the bond between abilities have improved immensely. imperative that Satsang and Football them and ensuring the foundations Above all they're playing together as would co-exist and not be mutually of Willesden Academy remained a unit; we definitely have a promising exclusive. Whatever was learnt on a strong. We have also encouraged future ahead of us.” Friday should be translated onto most of all to enjoy playing the game; pitch on the Saturday; and vice versa. to enjoy being around fellow Whether it's going the Mandir in the Bhakto's. morning for Darshan, or reciting Prathna prior to kick off – Bhagwan As with any new project, there is We are very delighted with our Shree Hari is always central to always a steep learning curve, youngsters who have managed to everything we do. potholes and oversights. There is link their strong enthusiasm for
always room for improvement. football with Satsang and their However by speaking to those that Temple. make up SFL, it is clear that our development will continue and we will continue to reap the benefits with persistence and hard work.
From detailed training sessions, and What have you personally gained drills focused on improving skills, to from it?talks and discussions about the
Coach assessment
M a n d i r co m m i tte e m e m b e r assessment
Above all they're playing together as a unit; we d e f i n i t e l y h a v e a promising future ahead of us
Anil Patel – Midfielder
APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI
6 SSTW NEWSLETTER
Interview with
Teachers1) What is your role in the Bal Mandal? 7) What kind of activities do you do to keep the children
interested?
2) When did Bal Mandal start?
3) How many children do you have attending Bal
Mandal?
4) How many teachers work with these children?
5) What do you enjoy most about your role?
6) What are the main aims of the Bal Mandal?
8) What do you hope for in the future?
“We like to teach the kids about Ghanshyam
Maharaj and His Charitas. We teach the basics of “We do many different activities to keep the children
how to do Pooja, and the importance of Murti's interested, some of these include:
and Kirtans. We teach as much as we can about • Aartiour culture and our Sampraday” • Thaal
• Prayers
• Kirtans“About 6 years ago” • Ghanshyam Bal Charitra (story telling).
We work through planned time-table which include:
• Questions & answers“Currently we have 50 children and there are still • Explanations of why and how we do thingslots joining throughout the year” • Puzzles
• Colouring
• Quizzes“We have 5 classes with two teachers in each. We We play games which the children are familiar with also have one spare teacher who floats around so such as “Ghanshyam says” / ”Kalidutt says” (Duck that is 11 in total” Duck Goose) and Musical Chairs.
We also set weekly homework so parents know and take part in what children are learning in Bal Kendra.
“We enjoy singing, playing games, telling stories We celebrate festivals as they come. In the past we and learning new things with the children. have had a movie night watching Krishna cartoons Everything is based around Ghanshyam Maharaj celebrating Janmashtmi. We have also learnt about and our Satsang” Bhakta, Prahlad & Holika. This lead into a grand Holi
celebration.”
“We aim to teach the children about Ghanshyam
Maharaj, His Leelas and the purpose behind His “We hope to have more kids to join and encourage incarnation. We teach the importance of parents to be committed by regularly bringing their following our Satsang by way of good behaviour kids to Bal Kendra. The children are our next and respecting all. We teach to do Bhakti by generation and we would like to give them the means of Pooja, Praying, Aarti, Darshan, Kirtans, opportunity to learn about our beautiful culture and Jap-Mala, etc to get closer to God and go to our peace giving religion”Akshardham. We teach the importance of daily
reading & follow the rules of the Shikshapatri. We
help children recognise the of Murti's of Bhagwan
and explain why we should observe Ekadashi,
Ramnavmi, Janmashtmi etc.”
Bal Kendra
“Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we
speak”EPICTETUS (Article on the art of Listening)
Remember this article from our previous Issues? For a recap on some of our great Newsletter articles check out our website
7
Feeling of peace, bliss, focused, energised... Good start to the day don’t you think?For a guide on how to do pooja see http://www.bhujmandir.org/pages/daily-pooja
APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI
8 SSTW NEWSLETTER
IN FOCUS: TUMERIC
urmeric a key ingredient in Health Benefits of Adding Turmeric remodelling of damaged skin. any Indian dish and has Turmeric paste is also believed to This diverse spice has numerous Tsignificant history in the improve the skin tone and tan.health benefits; it is a potent
Swaminarayan Sampraday. Many natural anti-inflammatory that divine and memorable Utsav's, works as well as any anti-
Furthermore, Turmeric is also a Leela's and feasts have been inf lammatory medic ine but natural pain reliever, with a performed using this spice. without any of the side effects. It is soothing and calm effect on
Turmeric originates from the root very useful in the treatment of individuals and has long been used
of the Curcuma Longa plant which psoriasis and other inflammatory in Ayurveda as a treatment for
has a tough brown skin and a deep skin conditions. Also its anti-depression. Also by adding
orange flesh. This herb has a very inflammatory properties, allows it turmeric to your food, it aids in fat
interesting taste and aroma. Its to be a natural alternative metabolism and helps in weight
flavour is peppery, warm and bitter treatment for arthrit is and management, as it is a natural liver
while its fragrance is mild yet rheumatoid arthritis.detoxifier.
slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, to which it is related. When
Moreover, it is a natural antiseptic not used fresh, the rhizomes are References:and antibacterial agent, useful in boiled for several hours and then
http://www.whfoods.comdisinfecting cuts and burns. It dried in hot ovens, after which they speeds up the wound healing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmericare ground into a deep orange-process and ass ists in the http://www.healthdiaries.comyellow powder commonly used as a
spice.
Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian Ayurveda m e d i c a t i o n . Tu r m e r i c w a s traditionally called "Indian Saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange colour and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Its therapeutic qualities, has recently been highlighted in a research report which has caused its popularity to rise, with the leading commercial producers of turmeric being India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica.
“Haidar” in Gujarati, “Haldi” in Hindi.
9
hreeji Maharaj preformed He sat on a seat in the courtyard and Ref: Chaar Dhaam ni Yatra.
many Leela's in this village. looked towards the rooms of the SThere are many Chatri's house. There, in one of the rooms,
where Maharaj had dinner at He saw wooden and iron idols This Leela teaches us that if we are
devotee's homes. On one occasion decorated with Sindoor. After to be Staunch Devotees of
Maharaj went to Natha Sutaar's seeing them, Maharaj asked, "What Swaminarayan Bhagwan, we do not
house. He prepared 1.8 kg's of fresh is the need for Me to be here, if need to follow Tantric Gods and use
chillies and added them to the there are so many Gods here Tantric Magic, Incantations, Spells,
Kadhi (A Yoghurt Curry), which was already? So for this reason, We will Mantras or involve ourselves in any
made for Him and He started His not be eating here, We will go back type of Sorcery. We do not need to
meal. Natha's Mother served Him to Our residence." Hearing this involve ourselves in false beliefs and
however much He wanted and Dahiba's husband Lavji said "Oh believe in the spirits. All solutions to
Maharaj continued eating. After Maharaj, why are You going?" life's problems are solved by our
eating, He prepared Himself to Maharaj replied “I do not agree in Swaminarayan Bhagwan and His
leave and got to the outskirts of the false beliefs, either keep Me or keep Teachings. Using this wisdom and
village, Sutarbai also went to the the other idols". Then Lavji said, understanding, we can overcome
outskirts with Him and said, "Oh "Oh Maharaj, whatever You say will the greatest suffering, thus do not
Maharaj, you were going to stay, so happen". need to waste time and energy
how come You are leaving so soon?” Maharaj then said to him that, " The elsewhere.
Maharaj replied, "Because you did tuft of hair you have at the back of
not fully feed Me all the Kadhi, I your head (Choti) needs to be
decided not to stay, but if you feed removed, you must remove all
Me all the Kadhi, I shall stay." Tantric/ Black Magic, incantations,
Sutarbai said, "I realised that there Spells Mantras, dramas and sorcery,
are too many chillies in the Kadhi and all other false beliefs, don't do
and thought that Maharaj will find it any of that, and don't shake your
too hot, thus, I filled half of it and head violently under the influence
placed the rest in the cupboard." of evil spirits anymore. From today,
Shreeji Maharaj said that He would your artificial tantric magic and
come back only if He got to eat the Mantras will no longer be effective,
rest of it. Sutarbai agreed and and these Idols need to be placed in
Maharaj went back to their home the waters."
and ate the rest of the Kadhi and The Brahmin Lavji tied a bundle with
s t a y e d t h e r e . T h e r e a r e the idols inside and placed them in
Charnavind's placed on this spot the nearby lake. He then returned
where you can do Darshan. home and fed Maharaj. Maharaj ate
Similarly, Maharaj went to many and then returned to His residence.
devotee's homes in Mankuva for The Brahmin also ate and went to
dinner with His Parshad's and He see Maharaj, a barber was called
stayed in the village for 15 days. there and Lavji's hair was removed.
On another day, a Brahmin invited After bathing, he was initiated and
Shreeji Maharaj to his house for became a staunch devotee of
dinner, so Maharaj graced his home. Shreeji Maharaj.
Moral of the Leela
APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI
Mankuva
10 SSTW NEWSLETTER
HinduismTwo of the most vibrant, advanced and good and evil are linked through a courage, and wisdom. In the same
complex traditions are that of the blood-line of some sort. While the manner Goddess Athena a l so
Hindus and ancient Greeks. Their Devas and the Asuras were fathered by personifies these similar attributes of
religions were correspondingly called Kashyap, the Gods and the Titans are intelligence. Both Goddesses are often
Hinduism and Hellenism. These two related through Cronus. In return, depicted as a beautiful woman dressed
cultures existed in different parts of the there is a constant struggle between in pure white, and are also associated
World and were separated by great good and evil in both spectrums. with a bird as their companion..
distances, and yet there are some Throughout the time we can see the
amazing similarities between their Devas and Gods tricking their opposites Kartikeya Dev is the Lord of War and
fables and deities. This article is aimed during instances when they require the Victory and his Greek counterpart is
at highlighting a few of them. Titan's or the Asura's help. Lord Ares, they are both portrayed as
strong, harnessed in bronze, golden
The Hindu deities of Svarga referred to Indra Dev is the King of the Devas helmeted and carrying their prized
as Devas represents good, while their residing atop of Mount Meru just as weapon, the spear.
opposites are the Asuras. (Bearing in Lord Zeus is his counterpart in the
mind this does not include the Greek faith residing on top of Mount Surya Dev and the Greek God Apollo
triumvirate Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu Olympus. They are both responsible for are the Sun deities symbolising light
or any of His incarnations who are controlling the sky and thunder; and the truth. They both drive through
considered superior.) In the same way, similarly they share the same weapon the Heaven in a triumphal chariot
the Greeks have the Gods of Mount the Vajra also known as a thunderbolt. harnessed by seven horses. They also
Olympus and the Titans as their chief preside over Sunday or Ravivaar as
tormentors. The interesting fact in both Saraswati Devi is the Goddess of seen in Hindu terminology.
these traditions is that the forces of knowledge, embodying perfection,
AND
Are you sure its vegetarian?Check our website under the media section for a full list of suitable products
11
Kama Dev is the God of love; he is Amrit or Ambrosia, it's often depicted
represented as a young, handsome as nectar conferr ing age less
winged man with green skin who immortality upon whoever consumes
wields a bow and arrows. In the same it.
way the Greek God of love, Eros is also
depicted in the very same manner.
Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural
female beings and their Greek
counterparts are the Nymphs. They
are both portrayed as youthful and
elegant, and superb in the art of
dancing. They Apsaras are often
wives of the Gandharvas, the court
musicians of Indra. They dance to the
music in the palaces in the Heavens, Reference
whereas the Nymphs are typically
associated with a particular location
or landform such as springs and rivers.
However, they both have the charm to
entertain and seduce deities and men.
Both Devas and the Olympians share
the same celestial drink known as
H i n d u G o d s a n d G o d d e s s e s .
Mylapore: Sri Ramakrishna Math,
19871997
THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY, Exploring
Mythology & the Greek Gods in
Classical Literature & Art.
Vachanamrut ClassLife is a long journey that is best lived in continuing to develop oneself and learn to be better human beings and souls. Come to our in depth sessions understanding our rich vedic culture and teachings in the sacred texts of the Vachanamrut.
EVERY WEDNESDAY8 - 9 P M A T T H E TEMPLE PRAYER HALL. FREE.
Hellenism“Yoga is the practice of
quieting the mind”PATANJALI
Join the weekly Yoga sessions on Mondays (Ladies) and Wednesdays (Gents) between 8-9pm. Held upstairs in wedding hall.
APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI