From Monday 9th to Monday 16th there followed a pattern of class at 0730 with Swaroopananda-ji and then a study group at 1030 for one hour, then Guruji classes at 4:30pm - 5.30pm and again 7pm till 8pm.
Emm and I were assigned to the study group of Brni. Deepa Chaitanya, a most delightful and clear-thinking teacher who regularly serves at the Secunderabad centre in Andhra Pradesh. We benefitted greatly from her clarifications and summaries of Guruji's talks - particularly in the first five days, when the offerings were very high indeed. Both gurus actually began high, but gradually each of their teachings came to a point where all could latch on again, plus the union between one and the other became very clear. Mukhya Swamiji's morning lessons were on the Narada Bhakti Sutra - an often visited text but one which needs constant revising, for there is much of practical use in it. Bhakti is the path of devotion. Jnaana (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutra and such) is the path of Knowledge. There are those who would argue the two are opposed. Gurudev always called them the two wings of the spiritual bird, and one without the other was crippling. Guruji and Swamiji furthered and deepened our understanding of this fact... so subtly and suitably did they do this, actually, that it was not until about two or three days before close that everyone started going, "oooh... ahhhh... got it!!!" The light in folks faces then was something to behold.
It took some time though, because the early days challenged us. Even those of us who had been through the rigours of the gurukula. Guruji threw in a couple of 'checks and balances' on us and turned a couple of things around. Not in a way that destroyed or spoiled the knowledge, but in a way to ensure that we all had our intellects working as they ought. If we weren't questioning, then why were we there?! To discover, then, that the slight shift of thinking only added further and detracted nothing to our existing knowledge was exquisite.
Around this fitted regular days; 4am rising bell, ablutions, saadhana (morning prayers etc), 8:30 breakfast; 12:30 lunch and for those who needed more food, dinner served at 8pm. Chai was on hand morning and afternoon. As this was a public camp, many participants being local residents, there was also lots of promotional material with texts on sale and logo gifts. What institution doesn't have that these days? In between, there were auto trips to the shops and restaurant and a fair bit of contemplation.
On Monday 16th, things changed pattern...
© Yamini MacLean - YAM, Brni Deepa, "Gurudev" and Emm. |
It took some time though, because the early days challenged us. Even those of us who had been through the rigours of the gurukula. Guruji threw in a couple of 'checks and balances' on us and turned a couple of things around. Not in a way that destroyed or spoiled the knowledge, but in a way to ensure that we all had our intellects working as they ought. If we weren't questioning, then why were we there?! To discover, then, that the slight shift of thinking only added further and detracted nothing to our existing knowledge was exquisite.
Around this fitted regular days; 4am rising bell, ablutions, saadhana (morning prayers etc), 8:30 breakfast; 12:30 lunch and for those who needed more food, dinner served at 8pm. Chai was on hand morning and afternoon. As this was a public camp, many participants being local residents, there was also lots of promotional material with texts on sale and logo gifts. What institution doesn't have that these days? In between, there were auto trips to the shops and restaurant and a fair bit of contemplation.
On Monday 16th, things changed pattern...
Wow YaYa the 9-16th with 4 am rising and very rigorous lessons. Bravo to you for your endurance. I love the photo.
ReplyDeletehugs HiC
OMD YAM AUNTY... you look BEAUTIFUL to us.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY VALENTINE's DAY to you.
LOVE, Frankie Ernie and our Peeps.
Happy Valentines Auntie Yam.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
Beautiful! Both wings of the bird, like faith and works. Ahhhh, janice xx
ReplyDelete4am sounds hard... but I would love to visit such an event once...
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day Aunty Yam
ReplyDelete(oh and 4am rising???? only happens for emergency potty time around here!)
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
I admire you just for the getting up that early.
ReplyDeleteTwo wings. A very apt metaphore I think. After all, birds do need both wings to fly and you will always need both sides of the story to make a rounded story.
4am rising bell? Our mom would never have been able to do that! Did most people not need more food at 8pm? Mom is getting hungry and tired just looking at the schedule! Ah, but perhaps discipline is part of the lesson!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Hari Om
Delete...that's it!!! Self-discipline is a key part of any advancement, be it career, simple self-development, or high spiritual purpose!
A surprising number of folk ate a third meal in the day. However, it was too much for me... that and the fact it was far too late for comfortable digestion! Yxx
You live an amazing life! I'm so glad you share with it!
ReplyDelete