Virat and Vasudha's Yes!+ Team

Goodbye Blogger

2010-09-05T15:56:00.000+05:30

Dear All,

We had started this blog on 28th August, 2008 with a Janmashtmi special post. As our dear teachers, Virat & Vasudha scaled new heights with ever growing YES!+ team, this blog also gained popularity and within a year we were on Bawa's blogroll - An honourable achievement!

This monday, i.e. 6th September, 2010 we will be launching our Wordpress blog. And the most amazing fact is, the first post here will be again about Janmashtmi with VnV!!
The VnV team proudly announces the official migration from Blogger to Wordpress!
Until now, our blog was an independant link on the World wide web. Now we will be a part of YES!+ blogs from all across the country.
All the YES!+ blogs now have a common link - http://yesplus.in/
Our Wordpress blog will have the following link - http://yesplus.in/vnv
From tomorrow, this will be our new address. This post shall remain the last post on blogger.

The VnV team sincerely thanks all those who have appreciated and contributed in our efforts to make this blog what it is. Special thanks to the 125 followers who gave us the opportunity to deliver the best write ups and experiences. We seek your unconditional support and blessings in the new endevaour.

With Immense Gratitude,

In Service,
(VnV Team)

My Country My Valentine!

2010-08-23T01:18:00.001+05:30

“The country whose young men are inspired by the glory of the past, the pains of the present and the dreams of the future always moves on the path of progress”.

In the current scenario, Our countrymen are only stuck up with the pains of the present and the dreams of the future. Hardly do we know anything about the glories of the past. To serve the same purpose, Virat bhaiya took up this initiative of presenting the ancient India to redeem our lost pride in our motherland!

Blended with patriotic music, this event was an apt way to celebrate India's 63rd Independance Day!

Virat Bhaiya began with an amazingly true fact that all the knowledge that we posses about the so called HISTORY of our MOTHERLAND is only from our HISTORY TEXTBOOKS. Alarmingly, these books only talk about our Motherland for a period over the last 500 years maximum and not beyond that, though we are the OLDEST CIVILIZATION in the world.

Then he began with a more interesting question – Do you know what the VEDAS are..??

Everybody had their share of knowledge to say about the VEDAS, some stupendous answers that came out were that the VEDAS are boring rituals in Sanskrit with nothing to do about & they are simply unauthentic and not scientific. Well it may amuse many that the VEDAS was not written by anybody in particular it is just a compilation or rather a huge collection of thought of the various Rishi’s and Muni’s of our ancient

India

that we don’t know about.

Then came all the shocking revelations for me, something that has shook me to the core, I was taught all these year’s in school, wasn’t it…??? But was I taught the right thing…???

Let me begin with Pythagoras Theorem… was it actually his theorem for the taking…?? Was he the first person to discover it..?? It was discovered way back in 800 B.C by Bodhayanah, which is mentioned in the Sulba Sutras.

Then the entire list of our Motherland’s accomplishments simply swept the floor below my feet, let me begin to list a few from the never ending list

Zero & Decimal System – Untill this was given to the world they had counting only until 9.. How SAD right…?? Lolls
The Value of Pi upto 31 decimals was known to us and the same is mentioned in the Vedas, it was remembered as an Encryption using KATAPAYADI SANKHYA which is a means to code n decode the encryption.( Like its easy to remember a song than any answers for the exams right…?? Our ancestors knew that as well.
Who discovered Gravity…??? Sir Issac Newton…. What you must be kidding me…!! Check my dear friend, check again because it is mentioned in the Vedas dated about 400 B.C, i.e approximately about 1200 years before Issac Newton was born.
We still consider 9 planets in our astrology, we consider RAHU and KETU also, We consider them all because of the effect that these planets have on the EARTH and hence our LIVES (unlike the West we haven’t discarded or added a planet based on their size (ref to PLUTO)
The story on who discovered INDIA…??? Vasco Da Gama…?? Ladies n Gentlemen you need to know that 1498 was not when we were discovered, common go beyond your history text books.
Ayurveda & Obstetrics was again our knowledge to the world. We did everything and anything that the modern world does today; even the so called Post Mortem techniques are spoken about in the VEDAS.
Zinc was again invented in India, the so called Upward distillation method, which was something that only we Indians knew way before anyone could even think of it.
Architecture, the so called Vaastu Shastra has all been mentioned in the VEDAS.
Mettalurgy – how to make rust free IRON, only we INDIANS knew it back then few thousands of years ago.

Lagta hai na zyada ho gaya…?? Par Yeh sab sahi hai … matlab yehi sab sahi hai BHIDU J

A Few Questions for you all to Ponder on and Test Yourselves and you may leave your answers as your comments on the BLOG

Who discovered India…???
What is our Religion as mentioned in the Bhagavat Gita…???
Why did the Mughals, Europeans. Britishers, Chinese all come to India…???
Which is the Oldest Civilization in the World…???
How did we get the name INDIA…???
What is the relevance of Takshashila University and Nalanda University…???
Who is Chanakya…???
What does Einstein have to say about his discoveries….???
Have you heard of Abhimanyu’s story….??? If Yes, its relevance…??
Why was Tansen or for that matter any singer or performer of that period considered to be so powerful…???
Who are Panini and Renin Martin… dig deep for an impressive answer.??
Why are Mad people called LUNATICS…???
Why do we call the Earth – JAGAT…???
Who is MOON given so much importance…???
Why should we follow LINDA GOODMAN…???
What’s in the phrase “Yeh Sab Moh Maya Hai” with relevance to VEDAS…???

In case you have more trivial questions on India, Ancient India, Indian ythology or anything and everything about India, post em up and we shall answer them for you.

“The Bhagavat Gita is one reference point for all discoveries in the modern history. So this is a must read for every INDIAN on this planet. (Costs anywhere between Rs.15–20, Geeta Press Books)”

Ref – Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Max Mueller, Lin Young, Dr. Oppenheimer and the count goes n names go on for both foreign and Domestic…!!!

For the positives Virat Bhaiya then aptly said, “we have been brutally ruled and exploited for almost like 500 to 700 years, we now need to give ourselves at least about 100 years to get back on our feet, with the bunch of JOKERS (politicians) of today we will need some more time to be added on for us to revive. It’s just been 63 years.”

The uprising has already begun.

All our Rishi’s, Muni’s, Leader’s, Champions…. From the Father of the Nation Gandhi to Sachin Tendulkar to Leander Paes to Ved Vyas, Valmiki, Durvasa, Kautilya n many more, they were all SPIRITUAL….. they all sought and still seek INNER PEACE for OUTER DYNAMISM. Meditation has always been the coolest thing to do, it now is and will always be.

Now I needn’t tell you what next to do right…???

With Loads of conviction and awareness I simply Love to say – “I AM PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN”

This was just my effort and Sankalpa to improve awareness among all my friends about our own MOTHERLAND - INDIA…!!!

A Talk by VIRAT CHIRANIA

Satyam-eva Jayeteh

May the truth alone triumph

- Written entirely by Sharon Padmanabhan, copied shamelessly from his blog ;)
(visit his blog)

The Power of the MIND

2010-08-10T12:22:00.002+05:30

If you think "its" possible, You are Right.
And If you think "it" isn't, Even then you are Right
The Power of the Mind can make anything possible or Impossible.

To most of us the words above are not just words but an experience at some point or the other in life. Isn't it? Just close your eyes for a moment and look back, at some point or the other in life you for sure have surprised yourself by what you achieved.Something that your experience said is impossible for you to achieve...

I will tell you a short story from my own life.
I was in my 7th standard then and was an average student. But I was damn scared of Maths. It was like a torture for me to even open the book and do my homework. I would procrastinate till the last minute to complete my math studies. Till the moment when, if now I didn't put some efforts, another red line would come in the report card.
A terrible thing about the Red line in the report card was it gave your enemies one more chance to mock at you. Which was the worse feeling a teenager can go through.
The one whom I considered my greatest enemy at that time was my cousin brother who had this awefull expertise in making others feel lower than him. We had had several exchanges including some outrageous ones because of which we maintained a healthy distance between each other.

One day I was sitting on the swing and as usual he decided to irritate me with his words.The exchange of words led us to a point where we were ready to bet lives to prove who was superior.
And then the challenge was thrown at me, If you out beat me at Maths in the 8th standard I will consider you more intelligent than me, he said. Without even weighing the possibility of a victory I just accepted the challenge to win the war at that moment.

What!!!! What did I accept, 80% or more in Maths in the 8th standard. My GOD!!!!! To someone whom the sight of this subject could create distress, scoring 80%, was like climbing Mount Everest without warm clothes or skydiving without parachute or reaching moon without a space ship.......
But the challenge was taken and there was no way that I could let HIM Win.It was like mater of life and death for me.
So I started studying.Studying morning, studying noon, studying evening, studying night, I gave myself no choice. I decided I had to do it! My parents were is a state of constant wonder seeing me studying so hard.As the drastic change was completely unexpected by them.
The whole year I studied,like engineers do just before there exams, taking no rest at all. What drove me i think was the firm decision that I had made to reach there.
And the exams came and the paper went good. But I was not sure and was waiting for the results desperately.......
I scored nothing less than 99% in Maths that year:) :) :)
WOW! I could do it. It was the greatest feeling ever for me .Everyone around me was equally surprised and I gained a new respect in the eyes of all. Also I experienced a new confidence in myself that If i decide I can achieve anything.

I am sure we all have had experiences like this in life. But what stops us often in life is our memory. Memory which has this weird habit of sticking to the negative. As, if we let that one excellent experience govern our life, every moment would bring a new possibility for us.

As kids we were gifted. As we had a short memory. We tried to walk and fell,got hurt, cried and yelled. Then forgot..And again walked, and this continued till we learned to walk.

But while growing up we kept accumulating the impressions in our memory,and the memory kept governing our present. With the result the goals that we set for ourselves of reaching the moon,being in the air-force etc looked like a distant reality. And we settled with being an engineer and working for Infosys.

This is where the Art of living course helped me. Practicing the Kriya over the years cleared a lot of clutter in the memory. And new possibilities emerged in me. The MIND said yes and the memory did not obstruct my way any longer.

Today when I saw this video ,the power of the MIND came alive in front of my eyes.

http://video.in.msn.com/watch/video/unbelievable-acrobat-performance/1junqe9xd
(Must watch****)

If you think its possible, You are Right
and If you think it isn't, Even then you are Right
The Power of the Mind can make anything possible or Impossible.

I would like our readers to share some of there inspiring life stories on the blog. It may help the mind to open up to newer possibilities:)

VJ

This video sent by Jainil , inspired me to write this article.

Summer Magic & The Dude of the Month!

2010-07-12T01:51:00.001+05:30

Its The (Summer) Magic of YES!+

It was something definitely beyond the intellect, but not beyond the memory, because it’s going to stay in the consciousness of the participants for the rest of their life. But saying this much will not do justice to the 9 day long affair that over 2000 youth had. If you are a Summer Magic grad, this will be a memorabilia for you. But if you are not, you are going to need a lot of knowledge to come out of regret and to stick to the present moment :P

Bawa’s unrealistic target, Virat Bhaiya’s stupendous conviction and Akhil’s rock-solid ground work – All this together got a strong crowd of over 130 people for Summer Magic from our zone alone!!

19th June – For most of us, this morning was special for more than one reason.

- It was the day for us to leave for the ashram
- It was the last exam for the Engineers :) …
…and for some reason, while writing the exam, most of the engineers had exceptionally more faith in Guruji on this particular day. Let their result tell the rest of the tale…

Train Journey-
4 compartments, packed with Summer Magic participants for over 24 hours with games, music, masti, locomotive kriya and lots of food!! It was 24 hours of nonstop fun! And with YES!+ people around, how can one miss our super rocking satsang. Amidst a lot of chaos and commotion, the minds of so many people were brought to a sudden halt by the meditative songs. The journey was a memorable experience, not only for us, but also for the co-passengers :P

With small glitches here and there, we finally reached ashram on the 20th night.

Monday morning Rudra Pooja by Guruji awaited to greet all of us.
Ashram tour couldn’t have a better start than this!!

22nd June, 6 AM – Morning Sadhna had participants dancing on Zoobie Doobie song followed with Padmasadhna and kriya. BnD had planned a series of surprises for all of us. Through out the day we were kept busy either by some crazy fun filled activity or some equally crazy speaker.

Those visiting ashram for the first time couldn’t resist the enchanting greenery in and around the ashram.

The superhit musical- Anand & Benifer was presented again in front of the entire ashram crowd. This time, it had a few modifications in the roles, but was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

24th June – Another surprise awaited us, The Upgrade -2. With superb creativity, the WAYE office had put up a great puzzle for the 2000 participants. The entire show was spread all across the ashram and we had to run from one corner of the ashram to the other to find a small but crucial clue. Endurance, Acceptance, Intelligence, Reconnaissance ….all of them were tested in one go. It did take away a lot of energy, but not enough to rob away our smiles!!

Advance Course- 25th June - It was a Dinesh Ghodke show from now on. From morning sadhna and creative warm-ups to the deepest experience in meditation, everything was made effortless by his magical presence.

First day had one of the sessions conducted by the legendry Rajrshi Patel, BnD’s teacher. For few of us, her session was beyond comprehension and for others it was a magical experience that left them awestruck.

Silence inside, Silence outside- The energy of 2000 youth clearly dominated the entire ashram but as the silence started, all the energy was contained, nourished and purified for the next 2 days. 2000 minds were shut and every one of them experienced the power of silence. It made us super aware and not only could we notice a minute disturbance outside, but could also address to the small voice inside, that often went unheard.

Like Rajshri had told, shove deeper within yourself and go as much deep as you can while you are in silence. All of us, especially the first timers kept a very good silence.

Guruji’s meet- The silence was cut short because Guruji was going to meet everyone on the 3rd day. Rudra Pooja in the morning increased the longing to meet Him. A day before, Bawa had given instructions on how to behave when Guruji is around. It must be the silence that made 2000 people wait with utmost sincerity and discipline. Guruji met each and every one of us, blessed us with his naughty smile, twinkling eyes and a rose (which he used as a prop).

Opposite values are complementary- The joy of speech was even more delighting when it came after a long silence. After experiencing inner and outer silence for more than 48 hours, each one of us had so much to share and talk about. And we realized that the pleasure of speech can only be experienced by the one who has experienced the pleasure of silence.

Conclusion – The advance course had different take aways for different people. It bestowed the highest knowledge, answered some long pending questions, took away some botherations…but most importantly, it made us visit the most beautiful part on this planet…that which is INside Us!!

The ashram rule – You can bring all your problems to the ashram, but you cannot take them back with you.
The smiles and the glowing faces of the participants was enough to prove that this rule was followed by everyone of us.

2 reasons why gals couldn’t meditate properly throughout the Summer Magic….

Virat Chirania (yes…our very own Virat bhaiya) and Avinash Tikku (A dynamic YES!+ teacher from Delhi)were the stars of Summer Magic who took the responsibility of controlling the huge crowd on many occasions…In the process, they made fans from all across the country. Only regret…before anything else, the gals would first address them as BHAIYA (Damn the AOL protocol) :P

For those who missed it, we can sing this for you…

“Here comes the Sun, Here comes the Sun…
And I say…it’s all right…(there’s always a next time) ;) ”

Dude of the month!

This month’s Dude of the month was undoubtedly Mr. Akhil Patel. Everyone knows his involvement in handling the accounts and registrations of Summer Magic. From following up with everyone for the payment to handling the entire cash, Akhil has truly served us with a smile.

Here is what Virat Bhaiya wants to say about Akhil : -
“Akhil did a marvelous job with Summer Magic coordination! One thing I realized was that throughout the process of coordinating SM, I spoke to him a million times (He was on my speed dial!) - and not once did he say No for anything!! He was 100% in the YES consciousness! And I was really really happy with the way his birthday unfolded!! Our home-grown snooker champ is truly the dude (or should we say Dudette (remember Anand and Benaifer) of the month! :)”

We leave you with the following picture of Akhil as the 'Gay Daku'...Please stay assured that Akhil has come out of his role ;)

Jai Gurudev!

In Service,

Rishabh K.

July Updates !!

2010-07-09T21:18:00.005+05:30

We are Back up and pumping !! The Gang is back from a rejuvenating Summer magic and as the tagline says "Everything is possible" so we are up with few Challenges.

Bhakti. A evening of music and wisdom.

Grab your passes Available for 200 ( students), 500 and 5000.

Contact Mihir 9870884123 Mamta 9867697989.

Yesplus Dsn Happening with Bawa and dinesh From 21Th - 24Th July in Dadar

Contact Prashant : 9773263933 Vibhu : 9773587691

Yesplus courses in two locations

22nd - 24th Kandivali. Timings 5.30 pm - 9.30 pm Contact Jhalak : 9967946335

21st - 25th Borivali SSRVM School Borivali east Contact Mamta 9867697989 Sukeerti : 9987688005

So fasten your seatbelt Lets Gear up for a fun filled July.

Jai Gurudev

Ps : Check Guruji's message Instructions from Guruji

The Relevance of Geetha in my life…chapter-6, part 2.

2010-05-27T13:23:00.022+05:30

Today is Buddha Poornima. Guruji said on this very day Buddha was born, he attained enlightenment and took Samadhi.It being such an auspicious day I thought its nice to ponder our minds over knowledge.(God knows, it may be our turn:))
Infact every single moment of life is an opportunity to learn and express that which we have learned, isn't it...

Para 3

Sanskrit :

English Book translation-To the contemplative soul who desires to attain Karmayoga, selfless action is said to be the means;for the same man when he is established in Yoga, absence of all 'Sankalpas' is said to be the way to blessedness

Para 4

Sanskrit :

English Book translation-When a man ceases to have any attachment for the objects of senses and for actions, and has renounced all ' Sankalpas', he is said to have attained Yoga.

Guruji says-For the one for whom the journey on the spiritual path has just begun ,effort is the way. For example- If I have to take a train ,I have to go to the station,buy a ticket, and sit in the right seat. This much action is needed.But once on the seat you need to relax. knowing that the train will take you there. But generally people either do nothing or they dont relax. Like people who do rosary day and night. After the stepping stone you need to let go. Effort is required to do Pranayam and then effortlessly meditation happens. Love and Happiness is given as a gift to you.Its a gift for the merits you have earned.Merits are earned through good gestures. Charity has been a part of our tradition.

We are fortunate to be provided with so many opportunities to serve in the art of living. And its our experience that the meditation becomes so much deeper when seva is done isn't it:)

Para 5,

Sanskrit :

English Book translation-One should lift oneself by one's own efforts and should not degrade oneself; for one's own self is one's friend,and one's own self is one's enemy.

para6

Sanskrit :

English Book translation- One's own self is the friend of the soul by whom the lower self (consisting mind ,senses and body)has been conquered;even so the very self of him, who has not conquered his lower self, behaves antagonistically like an enemy.

Para7

Sanskrit :

English Book translation- The supreme Spirit is rooted in the knowledge of the self- controlled man whose mind is perfectly serene in the midst of pairs of opposites,such as cold and heat, joy and sorrow,and honour and ignominy.

Guruji says-Whether your mind acts as a friend or an enemy ,it reflects how your life is moving.Work on your own mind so that it becomes your friend ,unwavering. If mind is bombarded with multiple impressions it becomes your enemy.Depression is one such case.
On the poornima days(full moon), I have observed that the mind can be more restless than other days.Have you observed this too? And instead of blaming myself or others for the conflicting situation that may arise,I am being able to witness the play,knowing that its the moons effect on the mind and no ones fault.Now the mind does not go on a blaming trip,either blaming myself or others .
Guruji has given us the three fold path 'Seva', 'Sadhana' ,'Satsang' to be able to befriend the mind.Reminds me of the title of the movie "Taming the dragon" Even a dragon can be tamed with effort this is only our mind:)

Guruji says- Around 50% of the population is said to be depressed in the world.This is alarming . We are simply moving outwards.Its the mind which perceives through the senses.Inward journey is Yoga outward is Bhoga. Unless inward journey is taken you cannot even enjoy the outer. Nothing appeals to you. When union with inner being happens, mind becomes your friend, otherwise it can be your greatest enemy. "Save the mind at any cost" is the message of Bhagvad Geetha. If the water is still reflection can be seen. In that mind the universal mind reflects. And because you are anchored within, 'the opposite do not touch you'.

Wow! That's quite a statement Opposite do not touch you.One is centered no matter how good or bad the situation may be.And that possibility is within each one of us. Like Guruji says, only the husk has to be removed from the paddy,the rice is already there. My question to Guruji will be how much more husk is there to be removed :) ???

Guruji with Art excel kids at Arosa. YES!! that is Shashwat in the center ,the youngest art excel student in his class:)

How does he manage to look soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Good in every headgear???

Our dear teachers BnD

Quiz time!!
The 1st picture of the moon at the top of this post. Where has that picture been taken from? The 1st answer with most details will win a surprise gift!!

VJ

The Relevance of Geetha in my life…chapter-6

2010-05-18T10:41:00.012+05:30

8th May 2010, I found myself surrounded by yet another crowd gathered in Arosa, a town which is best suited to represent heaven. In the midst of snow covered mountains, was the meditation hall called Krishna hall (by AOL people), where the modern day Krishna sat, one more time to explain the 6th Chapter of Bhagvad Geetha

Guruji began to explain…..
Geetha means a song. Krishna sung the Geetha to Arjuna .
WOW!! Imagine being in the middle of a battle ground, the biggest war ever witnessed by mankind at that time, surrounded by weapons, on both sides warriors of highest rank gathered ready to shed blood for their cause and here, our dear Krishna right in the middle singing away to Glory.

Only one who has mastered the five senses, the intellect, the memory & the ego, who rests only in the self, for the one for whom all is a play is capable of such ease, such poise, such strength of mind.

When I look at Guruji all those qualities come alive. The ease with which he carries himself through one action to another, weather its an address to highly intellectual group , or a bunch of religious fanatics , or a group of devotees for whom only love & no reason exists. He is completely rested & so aware. WOW!! This is to aspire for.
He continues to explain as babies we were free, but as we grew we were surrounded by conflicts. Conflicts between choices, And sometimes these choices can be very Very VERY confusing (like being in Mahabharata yudh) that is where having an enlightened master, who demonstrates the highest possibility of human consciousness through his actions, can help by showing the right path.

Chapter-6 Dhyana-yoga
Sanskrit:

English Book Translation: One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic: not he who lights no fire and performs no work.

Krishna says – One who acts without expecting fruit of action is a Yogi. Guruji tells exactly how you do this, There are two attitudes while performing any action. 1. Performing an action expecting joy out of it. 2. Doing an action as an expression of joy.

I have observed this many times myself. It’s a very thin line but makes a lot of difference to the quality of mind. As in the 1st case the mind may become feverish, restless, sometimes greedy as a result the speech or the action may become pervert & leave you empty handed.

Yogi is one who’s actions are an expression of joy.

He explained, you do care about the result “Thats why you are performing” but you are not dependent on the result to give you joy.

An action is fruitful in both cases, An action giving adverse result can help you in improving or enhancing some skills in you. And if result is of your choice it gives you satisfaction.
Double edged sword.
“WOW did you ever think of it this way,I didn’t !”. Meaning if we perform our duty its only win win ☺.
Para – 2 Sanskrit: English Book Translation: Arjuna, you must know that what they call sannyasa is no other than yoga; for none becomes a Yogi, who has not abandoned his "Sankalpas" (thoughts of the world)

Sankalpas keep coming to our mind, that is natural. But holding on to it does not let us rest. Before sleeping you anyways drop all sankalpas, So that you can rest. Golden principal of meditation – which is wakeful rest 1. I want nothing 2. I do nothing 3. I am nothing This is mental renunciation, Running away from the world does not make one a Yogi. The actions become effective when you are centered.

“What a Management Principal, no B- school can deliver this point as effectively, and why not ,after all it is straight out of horses mouth, oh no! God’s mouth….:) ”

Will leave you with some pictures now, for more on Bhagvad Geetha keep blogging as more is awaited soon…

VJ

Photographs courtesy-Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
Typing- Sanket Tibdewal

2 Dudes, 1 Dudett and a wild birthday party!!!

2010-05-14T23:31:00.011+05:30

VnV is a happening zone! Meet some of our most happening people….
Folks – Please welcome our ‘DUDES’ and ‘DUDETT’ of the month! Put your hands together for Prashant, Vibhu and Purvi!! (Yayy!! Clap Clap – Cheer Cheer)! 

Prashant (aka Joshi from Dindoshi)(in white) and Vibhu (aka Khabri or Rishi Vibhudhar ji)(in purple) are the DUDES of the month because of their superb job at organizing yet another DSN in Goregaon!! Out of the 7 DSNs that have happened in Mumbai over the last 2 years, 5 have been in Goregaon – thanks to our DSN SWAT Team – Vibhu and Prashant!! This includes the most challenging SKYPE DSN!! 

It is amazing how these two are always up and enthusiastic about DSN! Never have they shy’d away from this huge responsibility! Organizing a YES!+ DSN is not a joke – you should ask these two what goes on behind the scenes! For the participants – the DSN begins the day the course starts, but for the organizers, it begins a month in advance and finishes a few days after the course ends! Even during exams you get to sleep more than when you are on the DSN team!

Of course it is possible because of the superb support they get from the entire VnV team – but none the less, they are the OTCs!! 
Special mention this time of Sunil – who impressed me thoroughly with his diligence! It was awesome how he was there every morning and effortlessly took on so many seva tasks with a smile! Mark of a great volunteer! 

And now give it up for the lady – our DUDETT of the month – PURVI!!!! (Yayyy!! Clap Clap – Cheer Cheer)!

Purvi is the DUDETT of the month because of the superb job of organizing GURUJI’s Birthday bash (read Satsang) at her magnificent bunglow and taking such good care of us (and not charging Akhil for breaking the showpiece)! Also, for the fact that although she is new to the team, she has demonstrated the zeal of an old-timer and has managed to get more than 5 registrations for our YES!+ courses!!!

Purvi – you will go a long way! (You may begin by going to the Bangalore Ashram ;)

And finally – what a time we had last night!
Guruji ko bhi Germany mein itna maza nahi aaya hoga jitna hamein yahan aaya!! (Who says I am jealous of Vasudha for being in Germany with HIM!!)

Divya's beautiful rendition of the Guru Paduka Strotram

We had more than 200 (Yeah u read it right)!!! people present, and each one of them was so obviously in bliss! The VnV Satsang Team did a super fabulous job last night!! Kudos to all the singers and musicians – Sid, Jainil, Karan, Shivangi, Dippak, Akhil, Divya, Raghav, Kuldeep and Virat!! So many people came and told me they had an amazing time!! We then celebrated Sagar’s bday with ice-cream, and later went to Juhu beach for GOLA at 1am!!

Guruji - in the form of many little angels, cutting the cake!!

Here’s to another smashing SSS Year (Seva, Sadhna, Satsang) and to many more DUDES and DUDETTS!!!! Vasu should be back soon – and I am eagerly waiting for the Guru stories and the snaps! 

Jai Gurudev!
Virat

Sanatana Dharma

2010-04-29T12:40:00.011+05:30

Guruji Often Says “Deepen your roots and broaden your vision”

A reminder of this knowledge for me was yesterday when Chaaya Anna(Swami Suryapaadji) stated that its not enough to only be proud of what you have, but it is also essential that we have enough knowledge about it.

From my very childhood I felt proud to be an Indian, as in inheritance came the glorifying history of more than 5000 years of the most ancient civilization. I feel proud that I am born on that land which welcomed and embraced every visitor without discriminating against him or her in anyway. The country where love and tolerance have proven to be its strength . Our land which survived the most brutal attacks by its enemies, who had no idea about the strength of its people and had to return empty handed.

The mental strength of our people can be contributed mainly to our ancient scriptures that are our true wealth as they contain knowledge about the entire creation. But this wealth for me was like inheriting a Box of gold without having any access to it. As this knowledge for me was a deep secret and I had little clue how to reach it.

Lifetimes or more will be needed for crossing this large ocean of knowledge. And so ,a guide ,a satguru is needed who has mastered these great epics and can direct us to the relevant knowledge required to live a meaningful life.

Guruji has decoded and gifted us a small part of this in form of the weekly knowledge sheets ,which for me is a manual to live a happy life.

Swamiji also said that we should not depend on information provided by outsiders to learn about our own roots. It’s like asking ones grandparents names from the neighbors .As this information could be corrupted for selfish purpose or born out of ignorance.

He said we should resort to only Vedas, Puranas and Itihaas (Mahabharata and Ramayan) for the right information.

He explained Sanatana Dharma , (Sanatana meaning eternal , Dharma is that which upholds life, Adharma is that which degenerates life) is not claimed to be given by any single prophet. It is the compilation of that knowledge which was present in the universe and was received by several Rishis in their meditation in form of mantras, which collectively form the Vedas. “Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Sama Veda and Yajur Veda”.

One unique thing about Sanatana Dharma is that it does not discriminate between humans with different faiths but says every human is capable to attain enlightenment or the highest. It also allows the student to experiment first and then to believe.

We in the Art of Living are blessed to be given the experience first through the Sudarshan Kriya , so believing becomes effortless. Isn’t it...

As humans we are bestowed with several choices.Choices which can often be confusing. Its like being stuck in a maze and constantly looking for the right direction. We are fortunate that the map of the maze with directions and signposts have come to us in form of our scriptures.

I feel its right time now that we pay attention to learn more about our roots as Gurudev is here to guide us.

Krishna told Arjuna in Geetha ,Chapter-4 ,verse-7

Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata

Abhutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham

"Whenever and wherever a decline of righteousness and a predominance of unrighteousness prevails ; At that time I manifest Myself personally, o descendant of Bharata."

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” One world family is the vision our Gurudev has giving us. To reestablish peace and love in the society.

Every month we will have an article dedicated to the secrets of Indian history. And I invite all our readers to participate in this article. Please research and email(vasuaol@gmail.com) facts that are worth knowing by all, also you can challenge any misinterpretations that we may be following, like that about Aryan Invasion.

Lets together unveil the glory of our past and deepen our roots so that no storm can uproot us and we become like a shade giving tree for others.

Sangh Gachhatwam (lets move together)

Dude n Dudette of the Month!

2010-04-09T01:05:00.011+05:30

Team; here is starting a new practice! Every month, we will have a ‘Dude of the Month’, and a ‘Dudette of the Month’! These are people who have done something really cool in the month, either in the AOL world or their personal/professional lives!

This month, The ‘Dude of the Month’ is RAGHAV and the ‘Dudette of the Month’ is Aditi!!! (yayyyy!! Cheers!! Claps!!!)

DUDE OF THE MONTH: RAGHAV AGARWAL:

We all know how cool our Bhaiya from UP (Khatauli to be precise) is! He has been with us for almost 2 years now, and it has been amazing to see him transform to his current avatar!

Raghav is the Dude of the Month, because for the 18th March course, he got the highest number of registrations from our zone!! (yayyyy!! Cheers!! Claps!!!). And, he did this while excelling at his work place also! For those of you who don’t know, Raghav works for one of India’s best software/IT companies called Directi, and amongst his peers, holds the record for the highest paid employee in Directi for his category! And although our hero has informed his manager that he wants to work for the best Boss in the world (Guruji of course), he keeps getting promotions at his office also! In fact he was recently offered a “Project Lead” role, something which is only offered to very experienced people, and is a Big Deal!

The reason for his success both in YES!+ and his professional life is a secret we all know very well – but seldom apply. It’s the ultimate trident – the Seva, Sadhna, Satsang formula!! And of course one thing I really like about him – a quality so so rare to be found in our team – Punctuality!  There are many other amazing qualities he has, but I will leave it for you to know him more and discover them!

I am sure he will go a long way in his life, and will do all of us proud! We will wait for the day he starts teaching this knowledge and reaches out to millions with this wisdom!!

JAI HO!

DUDETTE OF THE MONTH: ADITI RAWAT:

Have you observed a quiet shy girl who slips in and out of kriya and satsang every Thursday and Sunday?! You won’t find her talking much or socializing, but in the silence of her presence, is a loud sound of success!

Aditi Rawat is the Dudette of the Month because, out of hundreds of TFI (Teach for India) teachers throughout the country, she has been selected to represent TFI in New York, and has won herself a fully sponsored trip to New York for this prestigious conference!! (yayyyy!! Cheers!! Claps!!!).

For all of us comes a day, when we have to decide what we are going to make of our lives! What after graduation? Aditi had many options after her degree from St.Xaviers. Like her friends she could have picked up lucrative options like going abroad to study, or a glamorous corporate job! But she chose to spread the light of education in some of the darkest homes in our city! She chose to teach the under-privileged toddlers so that one day they can get rid of this label ‘under-privileged’!

I think we are really privileged to have people like Aditi in our city!

At her school, she also organized a free ‘Bal Chetna Shibir’ [The Art Of Living kids course taught free for poorer sections of the society] for all the students of her class, and is committed to bringing more people to Guruji’s knowledge in her own unique way!!

We wish her all the best at the conference in New York! Go Shine NYC~!
JAI HO!

Love n Jai Gurudev,
Virat n Vasudha
PS: People, you need to share with us anything cool which you did, so that you may become the next ‘Dude’ and ‘Dudette’ of the month!  You can also nominate others!

Project Hope- Concluding Post:)

2010-03-31T08:15:00.000+05:30

Some memorable moments...

Virat Says-

It was amazing to see so many people commit to one cause! Was amazing to see the new volunteers who picked up the baton and ran with it! So many talents were exhibited, so many barriers were broken, so many barriers were discovered (and shall be broken in the april 8th course ;), so much fun and chaos, so many buttons got pushed - oh what a joyride!

I must say I am very proud of all of you! It not by chance that Bawa complimented our team that day on the stage!
And ya....how can i forget - i had a blast in the play! Suddenly it is cool to be south indian ;)

Love n Light,

At times when everything seems to be going wrong,nothing is working... the body is experiencing excruciating pain, Mind is confused,intellect is doubting "am I going the right way" "will this work" "am I capable enough" that there is a need of guide. One who reassures by sayings" Yes Yes you are going the right way" or "We have just about reached", "Lets do it another way and see", "YOU CANNOT SWITCH OFF" and who carries you all the way to your goal.One who runs with you shoulder to shoulder ,expressing I AM THERE with you.

Yes Bau you have been all that and more. The best mentor in this world. And if I have to relive the past 10 years in the art of living it would ONLY Be you and no one else.Life has not been devoid of storms, but you have been there like an anchor which kept the sail moving steady towards its goal.
I fought and fought and fought ,and i was injured ,wounded and was convinced that I should give up. And that is when your words acted like balm and gave me hope. If it wasn't for you and Dinesh da's confidence and strong support it would not have been possible. That's why Guruji sent you here:)
Today I feel peaceful and rested,and the rest is much deeper than I ever felt before. There is silence in the mind and a sense of gratefulness.So many Smiling faces and filled hearts at the course, what more can one ask for.
Your ability to make the impossible possible is unbelievable. How you make things happen and the confidence you communicate to others when you share them, makes a dream manifest so easily. None of us could have imagined the amazing musical that took shape in such a short time.

Dinesh da you constantly remind me of how a student should be.Completely surrendered and always in a YES when Bau asks for something.

We are so fortunate that we have the BEST,NO NO , BESTEST TEACHERS in this world.
Guruji we couldn't have asked for more.

In service
VJ

There are many more experiences of volunteers (Dhir, Keshav, Hitesh, Neha Khotari etc) which if listed here will require many more posts. In short, this was one of the most memorable course for VNV team:)

PS: Bau's Comment :

good good good!!

everyone did super stuff ... and we had a brilliant course ... here's to many many more :)
And i have got an idea for another play ... but first we will run Anand and benaifer a few more times ... what say? :)
Jai Gurudeva!
love
bawa (n dinesh)

"Project Hope"- 22nd March YES!+(Part 2)

2010-03-25T14:49:00.017+05:30

Many unique experiences happened. One was that of new participants who had just registered for the course and immediately started volunteering, even before taking the course.They worked neck to neck with our senior volunteers and there enthusiasm was energizing to all who were working hard.

Here is an experience

Sainath says-

Life was going through huge fat problems and I was unable to deal with them with ease and grace.I was worried about things not going my way and was desperate to find a fix to all my problems. My friend Dipti introduced me to the YES+ course and I was given an intro-talk by Neha Khandelwal. I was stunned with her energy, the enthusiasm and her vision towards life. I was overwhelmed after hearing the talk, the immediate taught that came to my mind was,” Why didn’t I do this 2 years back”?

I also felt the need to reach out to other people, as you know Mumbai in the recent times saw a series of suicides committed by youth who fail to manage Stress and Problems in Life.

I felt inspired and started sharing info about YES!+ with many of my friends. And I became the part of Yes+ family, I started volunteering and promoting the course. Things started changing gradually I became more n more happy, started making friends, helping people. My problems became more and more dilute and the not working things started working in my life. I became confident, cool, relaxed and the changes were admired by my friends and family.

Than arrived the day of the course, I was very much excited and was full of energy and was waiting for things to begin, as I had waited for this day of the course for more than 3weeks. After the end of 1^st day I was speechless, I never ever felt so happy in my life, I never felt so confident and stress free.

This is just the first day and only 1% of my feelings I could put down. Please join our YES+ family do the course and experience yourself!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sainath. We are proud to have you in our team.

Jainil says

I gave proper 2 hours to sadhna which truly proved to be the strength in all these days where i was almost running all around everytime, i also saw more opportunities to grow as we had a talk at our system or a home intro talk, each n every day.

Handling the parents (their night time deadline problems) was earlier taken as a problem by me, but this time i felt so much responsible for some works that i said 'dekha jayega yaar" and contin

ued the work which guruji somehow sorted! ;-)

The unique of them all was the experience i had last 15 days being the play as THE PIRATE OF ARABIAN..lol

Bawa, i have always loved his attitude of work and fun going hand in hand, and the making of the play was no different.

I hated going to Chembur for rehearsals everyday, but it was his presence that made me do it all..I couldn't help that stupid grin on my face everyday when i met him. His enthusiasm inspired all of us to give our best..It was amazing that whenever anyone of us would forget a dialogue, he would prompt it, he had the whole script on the tip of his tongue!! He is my Hero and he is certainly "The King Of Good Times".We had a blast once we reached for rehearsals everytime.These are one of the memorable days!! I will remember them for really long time.

If ever you get any chance to work with him for anything...dont miss it!!!!

Mihir says

This course has made me do all of this by default

SADHNA

SEVA

SATSANG

SMILE

SILENCE &

SWADHAYA

it has put me through comfortable and uncomfortable situations and yet not shake my faith in any thing.. The best part was to get really crazy applications for the course ... I had a 2 people coming from Rajkot to do the course... Wrong number Application was so damm good. I started observing things with a microscope and yes the best part was to start and give talks !!! :D :D yaaay its so much fun !! and also listening to talks is sooo damm cool ... apart this working with all new people was so nice i was so much motivated by the dedication and commitment. The best part of all is i enjoyed it and that is what really matters !!! . Apart this i would love to include alll those who have worked for this course and thank them ... and for those who feel left out ?? 8th april is waiting !!

Its the Magic of yesplus !!

I am Happified are youu ???

NEHA KHANDELWAL

After this course i have become stronger individual in terms of handling my as well as other emotions.Learned to be a good leader and also attached my happiness,luv,care with my group volunteers whom i was leading.Just being with them ,in their love i used to experience the Goody God in me,used to make me much better,confindent individual .My soft skills like communcication,event cordinating,public speaking were polished amazingly.Felt expanded like a King and very sensitive like a .U knw there was a day actually many days,when i used be out from 6in da morning and was suffering from fever but after giving great talks......not only i use to experience healing but get all the energy to go home shut my door and actually dance alone in da happiness.Thanks to Vasu Di ,Virat Bhaiya and Mamta who r actually behind me being me 2dayMy Gratitude to Guruji has reached the sky.GRACE OF MY MASTER ROCK !!!!!

Its not all captured yet!! Keep reading for more....

VJ

Project Hope "22nd March YES!+"

2010-03-22T23:59:00.014+05:30

Ironically most often it is only asked from a participant after a YES!+ course,his/her experience and not to those organizing it.Though for a participant learning happens only 4-5 days when he was on the course but for a volunteer it starts from the day the course is announced.This time it was almost 50 days for us:)

Wow! What an experience....Guruji says life moves from one perfection to the other. Milk is perfect by itself, so is curd and so is butter. All is born out of the same Fullness. So here are some experiences of our journey from one level of fullness to another..

Akhil says

My faith and devotion has increased leaps and bounds and from once or twice a week :) to almost every moment, every day i feel grateful to be on this path...
After an intensive seva day, when i close my eyes and sit in silence with myself.Oh my God! :) i think there is no other better feeling.(& thats when i experienced a strong seva - sadhana connection) :) So many questions get answered when u are in that state...
Every evening on the course i had goose bumps and it felt so special and i thought, yes, we have certainly reached to a different level than before. I have certainly seen growth in myself and others and its such a strong and beautiful feeling.I don't think anything could have been more pleasurable 4 me than being a part of organizing this beautiful course and sitting on it and experiencing it throughout...wow! :)
Also, i want to bow down again :) to my YES!+ teachers: Virat bhya and Vasu di who are always there for us and responsible for our growth in so many ways... "agar aap na hote toh pata nahi kaun kya hota!" :)

Prashant says-

The formula of Smaller talks bigger courses clicked for me. Also how much ever hard work u put in, its going to pay off sooner or later. The most imp thing is doing my sadhana 2hrs daily it became much

easier for me doing any work.

Thanks vasu di for inculcating this habit in me.

Jhalak says-

After my DSN, it is for the first time that i learnt what is working in courage zone. The best part for me is i began giving college introtalks while organizing this course, I never imagined I had this potential. I learnt how to fix

up challenging situations specially with important people like was in case of Dalmia college.I also realized how serious this suicide issue is when i personally met a guy who had attempted killing himself 5 times , yes 5 times he actually told me what all he did each time.I felt sad but also blessed that yes i have a solution to offer the YES!+. I imagine everyone being happy like aol people and world would be such a beautiful place to live in.

Raghav says-

I really loved working for this course and really cherish the time spent on field with all the people in the team. Specially new volunteers and people from the last course they are simply fabulous,and are really inspiring. The most amazing thing i like about working for such courses is the experiential learning which happens and this course was full of that. I would share a few of them precisely.
* Bawa once shared if you are doing seva and you compromise on sadhna bitterness comes. I experienced that :). I was juggling between the job and seva and wen it came to sadhna, lot of times i said myself "i will do it later" (though i never skipped it :)). And because of this couple of times when things did not go right it lead to anger and bitterness. And when i corrected this towards the end, the result would matter less, i was much more relaxed and natural.
* Another thing i observed was how the love for people changes.Whenever i would see people doing amazing work i would feel wow that person is so nice and immediately when the same person screws up i would not feel the same for that same person. This was happening and after one of the meditation i happened to read guruji's knowledge sheet which said - Often we love ppl for their qualities and this kind of love keeps shifting but if we love them because of kinship, simply because they belong to us, then we truly are in love.

* Dinesh bhaiyya often says in advance courses "meditation is relaxing in the self" and you can do that when you are in love with the self.Now when ever we give priority to other things over sadhana that clearly shows that our love for those things is more than the self and obviously when we sit to meditate those things only will cover the mind like clouds. Mind goes only there, where our love lies :).
* I really enjoyed being there on all the sessions with bawa and dinesh on and off the course. I really find it difficult to put it into words how much i love listening to both of them. The experience is so wonderful just listening to them can lead us to meditation.

* How can i forget our musical drama :). love you virat bhaiyya you are superb :). Vibhu's part was mind blowing. Hitesh was the best pirate :) and the live music toh i don't have words :)
I look forward for our next venture "8 April YES!+" :)

One post cannot capture all the experiences so keep reading...for more.. more and MORE :)

My Father- My Hero

2010-03-11T22:25:00.007+05:30

Its a very special day for me today as we celebrate the 61st Birthday of Papa. He is an integral part of me and I take this opportunity to share this beautiful day with all our dear readers.

Few qualities that come close to describing him are, Strength, Sincerity, Righteousness, Intelligence, Kindness, Generosity, Wisdom, Extremely loving, Caring and Spiritual.

He was the first to introduce the spirit of inquiry in me. As a teenager I often found myself discussing subject like purpose of life, human evolution, history, politics etc with him. For any answer that I needed I knew he would have it. His decisions were always right as they were a based on logic and reasoning.
He encouraged us to make our own decisions based on logic and his words conveyed “If something goes wrong I AM THERE” This gave me immense confidence and trust in myself while growing up.

I have two elder brothers and they often said ,He has a soft corner for you (as he supported me in many decisions even when my bro's thought I was wrong) and I never wished to correct them.
Today when I asked Shashank bhaiya (my elder brother) to send a message for him he said “He loves you more than us. Go ahead and put this” ☺

He is a self made man and most of our childhood he was busy supporting our family (It was a big joint family set up then). And he succeeded is giving all of us probably more than he ever enjoyed materially as a youngster. He provided us more than we could have ever imagined.

He says, to earn credibility takes a lifetime and to loose it only one wrong deed. His true wealth is, the respect and faith that he has earned for himself . I want to follow his footsteps and be as honest and truthful as him all my life.

One of his favorite philosophies is that I find very interesting, "at work one should play the role of Krishna, skillful and diplomatic, but at home one should be Rama , sacrificing and giving".

I feel jealous of his Grandchildren as they are getting so much more time and attention from him than we did at there age .
Ritvik and Prisha say “ He is the best grandfather in the world , Very intelligent and creative. We love him very much. I like to do craft activities with him.”
Shashwat says “Nanu you are the best”

To whatever I have learned today I contribute to my Hero, A person who has always lived by his values and never compromised righteousness over small term gains. Without the lessons you taught me Papa, Life would be meaningless. And if I ever have to be born again, I would want you as my father
Here is my first poem, I wrote when I was in my 8th standard, ofcourse! dedicated to him.

He is the only man in my life,
Who since my childhood has been on my side.

He caught my finger and taught me to walk and when I fell ,
I could see his heart cried.

I pray to God to make me like him,
Soft-Gentle-Patient-Wise

I want him to be my father again,
If ever I get a second life,

The mere thought of parting from him,
Brings tears in my eyes.

Ruchi Bhabhi says,
Never came across a gentleman like him. Has always thought others. Always gives the correct advice. He is the best dad.

Rishi says.
It is purely coincidental that I was asked this question from one of my customer that to name one thing that my father has taught me and I was not able to answer, as I told him that I cannot just say one thing that he has taught me because it has been an evolution of his teachings what I am. It is an art to teach contradictory things and finally imbibe intelligence of putting the contradictions of life together and make a purposeful human being if I am one for the family society and the country therefore my true feeling is that he is larger than life individual for me just like a Hero of movie who is capable of performing the impossible.
“ wish you a very happy birthday “
Proud to be your son

Happy Happy Birthday Papa
WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH….

(From left mummy,papa,Rishi bhaiya,Shreyas,Shashwat,Ritvik,Tanay,Aarti bhabhi,Ruchi bhabhi,Prisha)

Regards,
VJ

Art of Living- The ultimate Spiritual Service provider

2010-02-18T14:02:00.007+05:30

The Invisible-visible Connection

Technology used- Sudarshan Kriya

Target customer base- The most confused mammals on planet earth who have been gifted with the ability to breathe in different patterns

Key Network strength- Dedicated satellites (Swamis and Rishis)

Basic plan -

Coverage area- International Roaming (upgradation possible)

Connectivity- Moderate (upgradation possible)

Rentals- Connectivity for a life time only @ Rs.2500.00

Free services-

1) Weekly free refills of long Sudarshan kriya for a life time

2) Top ups- Satsangs and Knowledge sheets

Terms and conditions

1) Daily recharge required - Kriya everyday

2) For stronger signals- Seva and Satsangs

Advanced plan-

Coverage area- Universal access (All Planets)

Connectivity- High (upgradation possible)

SMS- Instant intuitive connection with other instruments

Terms and conditions

1) Recharge- Twice a year for unlimited access

2) For 24*7 signals- 2 hours Sadhana, daily Seva,Weekly satsangs

For instrument upgradation

1) DSN- Increases Battery life

2) Patanjali Yoga Sutras- Makes instrument weather proof

3) Bhakti Sutra-Rings melodies of romance

4) Ashtavakra Geeta- Extra antenna

Rewards for patrons-

1) TTC-Transmission Tower channels

2) Free will-Access to the universal Browser (Source of thoughts)

3) Grace downloads 24*7

New Offer- For 1,00,008 new friends apply for a basic plan (18th march YES+ in Mumbai). Special discounts available.Conditions apply :)

In Service

Your ideas and comments will help in better services:)

WHEN HE IS AROUND YOU...

2010-02-10T23:13:00.005+05:30

What an unpredictable day!!!!

It all started with usual proceedings

the Same route, Same office, Same colleagues, Same desktop, Same boss and the Same WORK….

That’s when I heard ,Delhi-Gurgaon is gearing up to welcome “The Master “ as he had plans to visit the Capital.

I also heard, a night before he inspired thousands of people in Bhubaneshwar(capital of Orissa) to create a violence free society as this region is badly hit by the anti social activities of Maoists.

He was reaching Delhi airport at 5 pm and It was already 3.00 Pm, when I found myself caught in a state of confusion, to go to receive him or not???

It was 3.10 pm & I gave it a second thought. By 3.17 pm I had already made the arrangements to leave the office early to meet HIM. My roomy (Ish) and myself, reached the airport just in time.

We decided to follow him on the bike.(More popularly in Art of living this is called Guru chasing)I had often heard interesting stories of Guru chasing but personally never got an opportunity to do so.

So here we were , following him….

I was admiring HIM more than HER…

HER over here means “The Epitome Of Luxury On Wheels – BMW” in which he was traveling. :)

With the Master waving at you at regular intervals of time, It felt like the most Fulfilling ride ever.

He had a conference to attend, directly after landing, at Nehru Museum which is near India Gate. It was WOSY’s(World Organisation Of Students and Youth) 25^th year and they had invited him as a speaker. Youth from all over the world had gathered to attend it. Guruji gave a brilliant talk on how every religion has similar principles and are parallel. He emphasized, youth must take active roles in politics and lead it with Spiritual values, so that the World is a better place to live in.

My learning of the day started when we left from the conference to reach the place where he was staying for the night. This event was an eye opener for me, though many of you might have experienced this before.

I was literally seeing the love people flow for Guruji, specially how explicitly they express it. I was observing how one can loose his complete awareness when he is around. Youth would just not leave him alone, including myself, :P.

There were other youth who were following him in their cars and they got out to meet him at every traffic signal, including the small halts due to traffic on the road. Because of this other cars lined up and honked and honked and honked and created Noise Pollution. Such craziness I had never seen before…:P

Soon we reached the destination where a mob was waiting to greet him. People surrounded him right from the exit of the car to the entry of the house. Even after he disappeared from the sight, the satvik hangover remained.
Devotees kept chatting amongst themselves and stayed there to have one more glimpse of the master. And their prayers were answered as he gave Darshan again. He also sent Prasad for those who were waiting outside for him (my mouth still waters when I remember the “Garam Garam Gajar Ka Halwa” that was served to us)

While all these events happened…I did observe him…He was just so very calm, as if nothing on this planet could bother him. And at the same time he was so very caring also.

In the physical presence of Guruji, I have learnt a lot today…

While people were meeting and greeting him in an Indian style, I was being constantly hit by the words of Dinesh Da and Bawa, which they said during the Winter Break 09. “It is never the PUSH, but the PULL that works with the Master. The Love of yours has the power to PULL HIM towards you. Therefore we need to be in control of ourselves and not misbehave when he arrives.”

Its been a little while that I am associated with the A.O.L. foundation and its my observation that whenever I have seen the photographs or heard stories of Guruji visiting the West & meeting all Devotees, the Devotees are really really Disciplined.

The words DISCIPLE and DISCIPLINE are synonymous. Disciple is the one who practices Discipline every moment. Being in discipline would surely ensure that our Master is not tortured, physically. Not only when the Master is around, but when practiced in all walks of life, he/she will be differentiated from the rest of the world.

The famous Pareto’s Principle of 80-20 applies here also. It is always 20% of the crowd who create 80% of the chaos.
My question to you is, during the chaos what should the rest of 80% do ?

As Rashmin puts it, IT IS the responsibility of 80% to bring back the peace and control to those 20%. Technically & practically, it is really very simple to do it.

Once we start coinciding these two words DISCIPLE and DISCIPLINE, then I think the whole experience of meeting Guruji would, altogether, be at a different level.

Don’t you think so….?

Jai GuruDev!!!

Missing You All…

Kuldeep

P.S- I am totally charged up to work for the mega project of “Meri Dilli, Meri Yamuna” which would include 100000 people (over here also, :P).

2010-01-27T12:47:00.008+05:30

Q: How important is prana (life force energy)? One, of course, is it gives life. How does one improve one’s prana?

Guruji: Prana is present in everything. In fact, we are floating in air, in prana, an ocean of prana. When the unit of expression varies, it makes a difference. Stones have got one unit of prana. Water has got two units of prana. Fire has got three units of prana. Air has got four units of prana. Plants have got five units of prana. Animals have got six units of prana. Human beings are capable of holding from seven to 16 units of prana. The expression of prana is the whole universe. When prana is lower than one, that’s when you feel depressed. When prana goes further low then you feel suicidal. When prana is normal, you feel normal. When prana is higher, you feel enthusiastic. When prana is very high, you feel energetic and blissful. That is why when people are depressed, low just giving counseling doesn’t work, what needs to be done is to raise the level of prana. When prana is high there is joy, vibrancy, understanding. When prana is low, then the mind starts complaining, depression, lethargy, suicidal tendencies arise. All is play and display of prana.

Q: There are so many attractions and distractions but still youth are so bored?

Guruji: Youth are bored and it’s their fortune. If the

y were satisfied, then growth would have stopped. When they are bored, then the quest comes in them. They are not satisfied with the things available around. And this is the stage when they can take a step to look within, a leap in their inner journey, a step towards spirituality. And interest in higher growth gets kindled, when you are bored with things around. When you find the source of joy within, then obviously everything around is also reflecting the same source of joy, then you find interest in everything. Continuous bombardment of senses by stimuli can cause inertia. Inertia is boredom, is a form of boredom. Again, when prana level goes up, you move from inertia to enthusiasm.

Q: Why does the Divine answer and reward some while the prayers of others go unanswered?

Guruji: Well, I don’t know why some prayers get answered and some are not. I have no idea. Perhaps it is good for you. Perhaps you may change your mind about what you want. People go for shopping - this often happens at least in India - go for shopping and ask shopkeeper, ‘Can I come later and exchange it if I don’t like it?’

They go home and don’t like it and get it exchanged the next day. The most unreliable thing you have is your own mind because you don’t know what it likes and when it doesn’t like that. That is why bringing mind to its source is so important. Its centeredness is the most important thing in spiritual evolution. Understanding what is transient and what is permanent, what brings you permanent joy and what causes temporary convenience and long term misery, what causes temporary discomfort and permanent joy and what causes long term discomfort? That is what is called viveka, discrimination, wisdom – knowing this from that.

Guruji says"That is why when people are depressed, low just giving counseling doesn’t work, what needs to be done is to raise the level of prana. "

In our last YES+ course 22nd-25th Jan there was a 18 year old student who had contemplated suicide. From her face no one could ever say that what was going on inside her.After the Yes+ course she blossomed like a flower and was filled with energy and enthusiasm,all ready to share her happiness with the whole world.The techniques taught in the YES+ course helps in raising the prana level of a student,helping him over come his stresses and pains.

Kunal Mehta a Yes+ graduate shares his poem.

Before YES!+

अपने इरादों में उलझ जाता हु मैं
बहुत से रास्ते देख, डग मगा जाता हु मैं

चंचल मनं को संभाल नहीं पाता हु मैं
हवा के झोकों को तूफ़ान समझ, डर जाता हु मैं

वक़्त की कीमत भूल जाता हु मैं
उससे व्यर्थ कर पछताता हु मैं

सपने है मोती की तरह मेरे
उन्हें माला नहीं बना पाता हु मैं.

After YES!+

रास्ते की चट्टानों को तोड़ के दिखा,
मुश्किल के पहाड़ पर चढ़ कर दिखा

कदम उठा जहाँ मंजिल है तेरी,
अँधेरे में दिया बनकर तू दिखा

टेढ़े रास्ते दिखाने वाले बहुत मिलेंगे,
उन रास्तों पे सीधा चल कर तू दिखा!

Jai Gurudev! :)

The Five interesting Stages of Volunteering

2010-01-26T20:42:00.003+05:30

The Five interesting Stages of Volunteering.

In the past 10 years of my life in the Art of living organization I have observed that the Life of an Art of living volunteer mostly goes through a few stages described below.

1st Stage is what I call as the ENTHUSIASM (or New born Baby ) stage- This person has just experienced Kriya and completed the course ,he feels elevated and High to go and share his experience with everyone. He feels like new born baby, ready to transform the world with his knowledge. His AOL teachers are like God for him and the volunteer’s are like angels. He wants to be like them.

2nd Stage is the LEARNING stage- He shortly realizes that there is more to learn than he thinks because his/hers enthusiasm is not being taken very enthusiastically by people of his world. So he becomes a perfect student. Ready to listen and do what his mentors want to teach.

3rd Stage is called the GRACE stage- This is the Best stage, when the volunteer experiences Guru’s Grace flow through him. He is in a constant state of wonder about how nice he feels while doing seva . When people actually listen to him with open ears ,and words which he has no clue of come out of his mouth. He feels on cloud nine when he sees a person he registered sitting on a course and thanks him for it.This feeling keeps growing as others start complimenting him and look up to him like a hero.

There are 2 kinds of people in the Art of living

1st are Those who have gone through the 3rd stage

2nd are Those who haven’t

For the 2nd kinds I have an advice, You are missing the most elevating experience of life. So quickly join the 1st category.

4th Stage is called the SVS (Senior Volunteer syndrome)stage- At this stage suddenly the “New Star” starts hallucinating. He in his own mind has imagined a position for himself and thinks himself superior now .He /she feels like a King or a lion/Lioness. You will generally hear such sentences from a SVS patient

‘ You know, when I give intro talks everyone listens”

“It’s a small talk ask a new volunteer to give it, I just give BIG talks”

”When I sing in satsangs people go so deep”

“In my last talk every single person registered, my talks are the best”

“You know, Bawa and Dinesh know me by my name”

“You know Guruji personally told me to sit on a TTC”

“For me a TTC is just a formality, I am ready to teach”

etc etc.

They have an air of authority around them and whenever they find a Bakra they grab their change to exhibit there seniority.

This stage can last Really Really long in one’s career in the Art of Living.

I think at this stage Master is having fun watching the show as he lets it continue for as long as he wants, until the 5th stage comes.

5th and the final stage is the Great Fall – One day you open your eyes to find that now you are in Ethiopia (A place where your existence means nothing more than a dust particle). No one knows you or your qualities here. And the harder you try the further you move from your goal of creating an identity in this place. This is the Great fall. Until you realize fully that you are only an instrument in the hands of the Master and he is the director of the whole show he keeps cooking you.

Our Master makes sure that we do not get stuck in any false identities and only aim for the highest and keeps giving us such experiences.

He is himself the epitome of humility and that’s for us to learn from. He even feels the thirst of a plant ,so very sensitive he is. His message of love is moving this world and as his messengers the 1st and foremost for us is to learn to be humble , polite , sensitive and loving to all.

If we have these qualities and none other, we are eligible to represent him but if the above are missing I think we missed the boat.

I shared the above with the volunteers in our weekly satsang .Both Siddharth and Virat suggested that I share with you. Hope you like it. Please comment☺

Vasudha.

Bad Antogast (31st Dec'09-1st Jan'10)

2010-01-08T22:07:00.011+05:30

As promised some snapshots exclusively from SJ's(Sids) personal album just for you, straight from the German Ashram.

Even nature seemed to be celebrating the divine's presence

German Ashram -A home away from home.

The coolest Hero on the planet:)

Dont miss the cap.Super cool is'nt he?

And the celebrations continue....

A very Happy New Year to all our readers:)

In service

Gyaan~Ganga!

2009-12-21T19:44:00.004+05:30

It’s beautiful to note that for many of our volunteers these days, the sun rises with Guruji’s melodious voice echoing through their drawing rooms, and illuminating the darkest corners of their minds, while the sun rays are satisfied with removing darkness from the corners of the house! We have Narad Bhakti Sutras at Shivangi’s house, Ashtavakra at Neha and Jainil’s, and Yoga Sutras at mine!

Knowledge – to me is like a cold dip in the holy Ganges! Every time I hear Him talk, on the secrets of this creation, I feel so grateful to be on this path! Sometimes there are goose-bumps, and sometimes a smile. Many times a loud laughter when He cracks one of his unique jokes in a south Indian accent! What better than the Master himself explaining how his own creation works! So patiently, so affectionately and with so much love!

It is said, “Rishinaam yatha chittanaam vaacham arthanu dhavate “ meaning, “When a Rishi speaks, experience runs along with his words”! This is the reason why it so powerful to hear/watch these knowledge sutras from Guruji’s! Its not the words, it who says it! Some things we hear Guruji talk about in these tapes are same as what our elders have told us a million times before, but when Guruji says it, the ‘AAHA’ happens! Bole to -- Chamakta hain!

We have been watching Patanjali Yoga Sutras at my house, which is my Favorite set of knowledge tapes!

Maharishi Patanjali

Here are some nuggets of wisdom from PYS:

Today Guruji spoke about Tapas:
What is Tapas? Willing accepting an uncomfortable situation, for some long term gain, is tapas! Yes, 5th Sem. Engineering Mathematics qualifies as Tapas! And there are 3 types of tapas:
1. Tapas of the Body: This means maintaining the physical hygiene of the body, and having a say over the senses! So you decide “I will not eat today” and that’s it, you don’t eat. Fasting is a part of this.

2. Tapas of Speech: This means watching what you speak. When you talk, what is happening to the listener? Are you creating disturbance in his mind, or are you creating peace and silence? The purpose of words is to create silence! And now that you are on this path, your words carry a lot of power! So if you curse someone, it actually might come true!

Speak truth – but pleasant truth. There is a way to say the truth! Some people have a habit of saying the truth in a very harsh way! Like, you can call a blind man “Oh Blind Man” – it’s the truth, but it might hurt him. Alternatively, you can call him “Oh Pragya-Chakshu” – which means the one who sees with his consciousness – whose eyes are his consciousness!! Now you only tell me – which is better??

3. Tapas of the Mind:
There are 4 things here:
• Maintaining a pleasant state of mind – its quite a tapas!
• Being calm and composed – Often when we are pleasant and happy, we get very excited and loose our center and become insensitive! But maintaining calm composed centered and yet a pleasant state of mind is a tapas.
• Silence – Keeping the mind silent, not distracted with the noise all over the place – is a tapas.
• Taking the mind inwards – Generally the mind is outward, with all the activity – and bringing it back to the self, inwards, skillfully – is a tapas!
Guruji also explained that tapas does not mean torturing the body! All these people who walk on fire, and sleep on nails, and stand on one foot etc have misunderstood Tapas! Saves me – I was planning to renounce everything and stand on one leg right outside VM starting Jan 1st ;) !!

The beauty about this knowledge is that it comes handy just when you need it. I am sure this would have been your experience too. Please be in a habit of listening to knowledge, and discussing it. Next time you are sitting with other volunteers, instead of discussing mundane bits, and gossiping etc, do take up some sutra and discuss it!

You have no idea how fortunate you are to hear these words at this age!!
Please leave comments with your own ‘Knowledge Nuggets’ from whatever you remember of any of the knowledge you have heard on the path!!

Jai Gurudev!
Virat

JOKes and RiDdLes!! :D

2009-12-14T21:00:00.007+05:30

1. A policeman asks his son- Itne kam marks kaise aaye??
Aajse tera khelna, T.V dekhna sab bandh!

Son- papa ye lo 50Rs... Baat ko yahi pe khatam karo!!

2. Quote for Life:

Come like a Racer!
.
.
Sit like a Yogi!!
.
.
Go like a Kingg!!!
.
.
.
.
Actually this was written on a Toilet Door!! ;-)

3. Quote of the day:

" The financial situation at the moment is so bad that
WOMEN are now marrying for LOVE!!"

4.Height of disappointment!!!!

A woman after a long search on google finding out that
.
.
.
.
.
.
Philips 21 inch is actually a T.V!!!

5.The Ultimate Killer:::

Before Wedding =

He: I waited so long for this.

She: Do u want me to leave?

He: No. Never!

She: Do u love me?

He: Ya I did, i'm doing & i'll do

She: Did u ever cheat me?

He: I'd rather die than do it!

She: Will u kiss me?

He: Surely, thats my pleasure.

She: Will u hurt me?

He: No way! I'm not that kind of a person!

She: Can i trust u?

He: Yes.

She: Oh Darling!

To know After Wedding =

Read from Bottom to Top!

:D :D

Some Riddles Now:

1. What is it?
The maker doesn't want it; the buyer doesn't use it; and the user doesn't see it.

2. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

3. Think you're good at English?
Which is correct to say, "The yolk of the egg are white" or "The yolk of the egg is white"?

4. Captain Frank and some of the boys were exchanging old war stories. Art Bragg offered one about how his grandfather led a battalion against a German division during World War I. Through brilliant maneuvers, he defeated them and captured valuable territory. After the battle he was presented with a sword bearing the inscription "To Captain Bragg for Bravery, Daring and Leadership. World War I. From the Men of Battalion "Captain Frank looked at Art and said, "You really don't expect anyone to believe that yarn, do you?" What's wrong with the story?

;-) Jgd
Jainil

The Princess's Birthday!

2009-12-07T17:56:00.012+05:30

Vasudha Jhunjhunwala is a special person. And she deserves to be treated so!

My house was buzzing with activity since 5pm on the 2nd of December. Her birthday was 5 days away, but we didn’t have the time. She was leaving on the 4th and so we decided to celebrate her birthday on the 2nd.

It’s not an easy task to plan a surprise party for a YES!+ teacher. The benchmarks around the world for such birthday parties are very high! If you ask around, you will hear amazing stories on what royal treatments YES!+ teachers get on their birthdays! So we needed to make sure we keep the tradition up!
So here was the plan – WE WILL COOK FOR HER!!

Whoever said too many cooks spoil the broth – was not doing sadhana regularly! The many cooks with their many ingredients and vessels poured into my house, and the aromas and the laughter arose, and the celebrations had started. One of the only birthday parties where the party started many hours before the birthday girl showed up! Vegetable cutting, peeling, music, jokes, Guru Stories all mixed together to create the perfect setting for an AOL bash!

By the time we finished, we were ready to feed a small army! For the first time after I left the US, I cooked – and to my relief – the pasta turned out to be decent!

Here was the menu:
Dish 1: Starters: Vegetable Cutlets (Shweta); Muthiyas (My Mom); Corn Salad( Neha Kothari)

Dish 2: Pizza (Sanjay Khandelwal); Pasta (Virat Chirania); Multigrain bread (Hyper-city;)

Dish 3: Neer Dosa (Smita)

Dish 4: Paneer Makhanwala (Shivangi); Rajma (Raghav); Tandoori Roti (Ruchi – that’s not a person but our default fast-food joint)

Dish 5: Jeera Rice; Tadka Dal (Neha Khandelwal)

Dish 6: Biryani (Mamta)

Dish 7: Custard (Aditi Rawat)

And in between all the dishes, the Princess received many gifts too! After each dish, the tables were cleared, and a gift was presented, and then the next dish appeared!

The Starters

Pizza and Pasta

And the gifts kept pouring in...

And there was LIVE MUSIC playing her favorite bollywood oldies.....

More food: Roti, Paneer Sabzi and Rajma (Raghav taking the credit for something which his mom actually cooked ;)

With Mamta - the head chef of the evening, and the Biryani-Maker!

More Gifts.....

And a special guest - HARSHAL PULEKAR!!
Harshal travelled all the way from Ghatkopar - and sang for us! After feeding him so much, we sat him down and we all sang some really nice and old hindi numbers late into the night!

My life (Our life) is more colorful because of YOU!!

WE LOVE YOU VASU!!

Jai Gurudev!

From DG's Diary

2009-12-01T15:20:00.010+05:30

Finally, a new beginning!

The last month heralded the beginning of my 10th year in the art of living. It was around this time that I become aware of HIS grace in my life-not that it didn't exist before. That's when I stood up for awareness-awareness of all the good things in life and how to enhance it and awareness of all the not so good things in life and how to vanquish them. The Art of Living arrived. It came, saw and conquered me 100% -didn't even leave an atom to myself, to call it my very own. It became everybody's. But it was a fair exchange, because the whole world became mine too. What has the art of living really done to me?! It had taken my life

AOL brought a new love in my life, which reminds me of an ancient tale… Once upon a long long time, in a place far far away, there was a Charming prince called Val: Valiant, strong, mighty, loyal and faithful, devoted. And Tine was a tiny little simple flower girl who loved to laugh and was innocent and playful and had a perennial naughty twinkle of mischief in her sparkling eyes. Destiny free willed itself to let these two meet and cupid did his part of the game and a budding romance flowered which only grew with time. They were complete each by themselves and yet when together, they created magic and complemented each other perfectly. Being strong and sensitive, being tender and loving and yet being firm, being mighty and being humble. To make a long story short, they are living happily ever after. The world celebrates their romance as the Val 'n Tine's Day.

Guruji says the mechanics of love start with an infatuation. Many a times when we look back we think of a person and feel, "my god, how was I ever attracted to THIS person". Well, you can blame it on the angels. And what is at work in this process of infatuation is more than the history of the person or their geography. It’s more than mathematics (calculating how much he earns or adding up his gifts). It is more than simple plain chemistry; it is, let’s call it metaphysics that's at work. More than the matter, it's the spirit that matters most. And that infatuation leads to Loooooooonging and that leads to love and that love when matures becomes Devotion. How many of us can really say 'I am devoted to my beloved'. If your beloved is the divine then it’s so natural to say so. It’s easy in a divine romance. Love sets things in motion (nowadays lots in eMotion). Gurudev says love is not an emotion; it is your very existence. It's the love that makes the world go around - at an inclination of 23 and a half. It's the love of the earth that makes us grounded. We are made by love, we are made of love and we are made for love! Everything is love anyway. Our hate is love turned sour, jealousy if love turned bitter, our fears are love standing upside down, greed is love gone overboard, over attachment is love gone sticky, lust is love gone gross (lust is just 2% love and love has 2% lust).

But I still wonder who came first, longing or love. Love makes you long your loved one or is it the longing that leads to love of the longed one. Speilberg solved the age old mystery of who came first, the chicken or the egg. It was the chicken of course (because the Chicken could Run J). Or some say it was the chicken because God couldn't have laid eggs. Anyway, Guruji says we all have an in-built deep-rooted longing for a love that's so big, so infinite, so beautiful, so blissful, so divine, so like the Guru.. So longing (Radha) comes first and then comes Love (Krishna). Hence Radha is older than Krishna. So it goes Radhe Govind, Radhe Govind, Radhe Govind; the longing leads to love which leads to more longing which leads to more love until you BECOME the beloved. There remains no difference. Devotee becomes God. Till a time comes as that, my highest identity remains that I am part of the divine, a part of Him. Which part? I would like to be His heart. Your choice?!

Dinesh Ghodke

Art of Living International Teacher

Director, YESPLUS.org

(C) Art of Living Foundation

A YES!+ Marathon

2009-11-23T18:56:00.033+05:30

Last 3 weeks have been a roller coaster ride for us (and our goregaon YES!+ team).

Bawa and Dinesh were in town for 21 days!!! And we had a blast! Lots of work and lots of masti!!

Here is what we did in those 21 days:

4 YES!+ courses - reaching out to a total of about 700 students! (This includes the 1st ever 3 day YES!+ course - called the YES!+ Foundation course)

Fruit salad competetion at GSC)

The highlight was the finale (last day celebrations)at the upcoming Vasind Ashram

1 DSN for 55 students (we did some amazing innovative stuff on this DSN)

(On the left ,Bau consoling the poor dog who was traumatized by the enthusiasm of the seva warriors.On the right,Dinesh da sharing his musical skills)

2 Sahaj courses for about 60 students

Other programs like Financial Literacy and Mathemagic for about 150 students. A brilliant talk at IIT Powai for 400+ students!

And of course, our very first, YES!+ TRM - now called the 'YES!+ Huddle', at a unbelievably beautiful beach in Maharashtra where we spent crazy time playing in the sea and chalked out our game plan for the next 1 year!! 140 teachers and volunteers from all over India attended!

Of course we spent hours learning how to play board games with bau, and we are now good at this superb game called 'Ticket to Ride', and ate some magestic food that Bau cooked!

It was truly learning and fun going hand in hand!

We are missing them and all the action!

Love

Cheers

VNV

YES!+ Huddle, experience no.2

2009-11-19T15:08:00.003+05:30

Siddharth shukla –Yes + faculty

The 2 day trip to Murud for me was the first TRM experience. It was a gathering of the finest teachers and volunteers from across the country. There was exchange of ideas and thoughts, some of them simple but absolutely brilliant.

The masti sessions (mostly about half day long) were spend on the beautiful clean beach , with Bau and Dinesh bhaiya (those who cud not make it ,pls don’t feel jealous ;) ).

And specially being on dinesh bhaiya’s team when the task at hand is to harass our beloved Virat was a trueeeeeeee delight!!! J J .

To keep the masti experience short let me tell you we played games like Frisbee, football on the beach, volleyball and random games involving throwing and catching the ball.

On the first day it was sunny and hot, but on the second day it turned cloudy the weather was so very beautiful. There were grey clouds covering the sky while we had fun in the sea, to add to this we had a flock hundred seagulls flying in the pattern of a tornado , breath taking view . Intermittently we joined in our bliss by a group of fishes (size of a thumb) who jumped out of the sea water to go back into it again as if rejoicing in our bliss. Infact Dinesh bhaiya caught one in mid air (which was released later safe and sound) to show us, they were the color of green emeralds.

Oh and how can I forget that champions rather all India champions for “stand on one foot and push” game (if that’s what it is called!) was Virat (mens category ) and Vasudha (women category). Their prize was a game with Dinesh bhaiya which I am sure they enjoyed even more than the spectators who were watching in rapt attention.

The knowledge sessions were rather short but simply superb, so profound yet so filled with humor, I felt like two divine beings have come down just to address us (Bau and bhaiya looked divinity personified).

A lot of things were discussed but a few things which I would like to share from those sessions:

Bau said “Whenever a mistake happens by say a volunteer, and the teacher points it out to him/her , the volunteer should not feel that oh “I am being called stupid” , but should understand that his wrong action is being criticized and not him. Similarly while pointing out a mistake the teacher should say “what a stupid thing to do” rather than “You are stupid you did this”

Something beautiful that Dinesh bhaiya shared.

Once some one asked Guruji “Ram did all that he could to uphold truth but people around him like his wife Sita ma and his father king Dashrath suffered so much, similarly after Krishna the entire yadav clan was perished ,Guruji what will happen this time ? ”

Guruji said” Is baar hum sab ko mast karne aayen hain ,saab acha hi hoga”.

Dinesh bhaiya said something that really stayed with me, he said talking about Guruji

“Divinty has come and will keep coming in small bits but it is only this time that divinity has come in such full bloom (purna padma; which is only said to be in case of Narayana ,the lord himself) .And whenever divinity comes in such full bloom it comes with a bigger plan and is accompanied by various angels and divine beings, we all and all our volunteers are a part of this plan. You are here with Guruji only by his grace and nothing else , all that you have to do is feel grateful.”

This got my throat choked and eyes a little moist, going through the same even now.

My dear ones I hope to see you all on the next Huddle (that’s what the YES!+ TRM is called!)J J

Loads of Luv ,

Jai gurudev

Siddharth Shukla

YES!+ Huddle, experience no.1

2009-11-18T15:30:00.004+05:30

I have no words really how thrilled i was to be a part of this Huddle even not being a teacher...I have a lot of things to share about this huddle but to sum it up, i'll like 2 mention one thing about Bau which really touched me..

Bau told me in vasu di's kitchen once that i shud come in the huddle which was a week away then..on being asked if i cud manage the expense of trip i said yes i had some savings for winter break but right now this is the big thing for me so i'll pay here and wait for guruji to set some other setting for my winter break fund..the topic got changed then..

Now after everything was going cool bau announced in a session there in murud that student volunteers who have money crunch right now can collect back the refund (1000 bucks that were collected with that rip expense extra for reserve and were supposed to b given back if not used) and others can donate it for youth ashram.

When i went to collect my refund , anjana didi and manisha didi who were giving the refund back told me that bau asked if Jainil wants give him full refund of his trip back..my not paying could be managed by WAYE surplus funds and i shud not feel ashamed for that..I was taken by sheer surprise, even as I only took the official refubd back, I was soo happy.

I was sooo touched by these words as i never expected Bau to remember our small conversation 10 days back in a super action packed week in progress that too me being just a volunteer among almost 100 teachers present there...I wasnt even expecting that he wud remember my name....This only showed how Bau soo much like Guruji makes every1 of us feel special in his own ways.

I also got acquianted with Bau's funda of "Work really hard and Party even harder" throughout those 3 days looking at how much excited he was when he taught almost everyone to laze and float in seawater after our lunch.

A lot of other things like Dinesh da's exercise on day 2 morning literally almost paralyzed all of us for coming couple of days.
Our lodge where we (me vibhu prashant n raghav) were staying, was almost a km away from our Headquarter Golden Swan resort (where BnD and senior YES!+ teachers were staying) so we had walk it up and down almost 3-4 times a day either through beach or by road..Me and Raghav got overambitious on 2nd morning and decided to jog/sprint from our room to the HQ were Dinesh Da had his morning exercise session on the beach..I pushed to my best to reach there..I was so proud of myself...Little did I know that movie was yet to start..The exercise session excruciated my thighs and calves completely with pain...Dinesh da had begun that 1 hour session straight with a km long running on the beach!!!!! But it was all worth it for the meditation on the beach that followed..

Bau's sessions were as usual very interesting, imspiring and ambitious.

Also felt that more and more of us should attend upcoming Huddles as its really gives us a great motivation and exposure through lot of reall heroes with you in the trip with their amazing stories and experiences!!

I owe a lot to Vasu di, Virat Bhaiya, Bau, Dinesh Da (and Guruji of course) for giving me this experience.
Jai Gurudev.
Jainil.

First ever Youth Ashram

2009-11-07T21:17:00.006+05:30

The 72nd mile stone from Mumbai at Vasind is where we have the 1st ever Art Of Living Youth ashram coming alive.

It was the concluding day of the mega Yes+ courses happening across mumbai on 1st of November when more than 300 students came together to celebrate at Vasind.

Meditation happened effortlessly and as Bau says we all checked out!:)

The Ashram is going to be a center where Fun weds Knowledge and the youth get a chance to have clean fun.

Proposed is a badminton court(I mention it first for selfish interests) :) , a basket ball court,a swimming pool,a football field, a meditation hall for seating 400 students,a recording studio,Class rooms,a dancing room and lots more...
Its your chance to become a part of this movement and contribute to making of the first ever youth Ashram.

If you are from India, please make a cheque(s) or DD(s) out to WAYE. On the back write “for the Youth Ashram”. You could even send post dated cheques.

Post them to

WAYE

c/o Art of Living International Ashram,

21st Km, Kanakpura Road,

Udaypura

Bangalore 560082

INDIA

We will send you 80G certificate which will give you some tax rebate.

Pretty soon, we should be having a link that will allow Indians to donate using a credit or a debit card, we are working in it But please don’t wait for it… Knowing how banks function here, it could take a lot of time.

We should have a website up about the Ashram in the near future, and everyone will be updated about whats happening there...

To know more check out Bau's blog (http://bawandinesh.name)

Jai Gurudev

Paradoxes

2009-11-02T11:25:00.016+05:30

Some moments are magical in the way they allow opposites to co-exist. This is one such moment.Right now- I am very emotional, yet calm and peaceful.

In this moment, now, there is a lot of happiness and a deep pain. There is fun and masti, and also disappointment. There is gratefulness, especially to God, and there is an anger, a complaint. There is nostalgia, a lot of it, but also a little hope. There is this terrible sorrow one feels on losing something really precious, yet there is a sense of extreme joy at the realisation of that something precious having been there all this while, having been mine, and that it will never be truly lost. There is a deep sense of attachment and a strong growing urge of detachment. There is loneliness, a dark, desperate feeling of being lost and useless, and there is a bright smiling light on the other hand, something that reassures me with a loving presence that I'm not all alone, not all unwanted.

Recently, Bawa gave a superb talk at the -to be youth ashram in Vashind.I found my answers to several questions which were running in my mind for the last few weeks and which were driving me insane. He spoke about lots of things but the "sperm story" was my take away from this fantabulous session. He said that how can you ever think that you are a loser? Your very existence proves that you have perhaps won one of the toughtest battle on this planet.Think of it this way- There are more than 300 million sperm cells but only one lucky sperm finds its way to the egg. And you are that lucky one!There were 300 million more fighting for that position but YOU --YES YOU made it!! Now this is more competitive than CAT/GMAT/ any other RAT RACE you can possibly think of! *give a pat on your back* I was thinking that how can someone find so much optimism in anything and everything? I mean cmon!- a SPERM!! Instantly dimag ki batti jali --

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.

In the end, life is not a war that you have to win. Its not always about looking for challenges and overcoming them. Life is DEFINITELY not about how well you have planned it. But its more like an "unplanned journey" and how you explore those magical moments in all the chaos! Life is just this moment, this one-fist-joy, one-fist-sorrow, this flickering hope, this affectionate pain, this paradox. They say sometimes winning is the only thing. I would like to disagree...it never ever is everything. And thank God for that.

Quoting Buddha (from ashthavakra gita), “it’s a game of losing.”
I maybe a loser ( not really, atleast i have won tht war of 300.whoopieee! ) but I have what really matters and what I really need, at the end of it all. It feels great. I feel blessed to be on this spriritual path, have a Guru and be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thanku Guruji :)
JAI GURU DEVA!

An Agony amidst Heaven - II

2009-10-27T14:21:00.008+05:30

Continued from An Agony amidst Heaven

It was pitch dark and Yang Fula with total blackout, looked like a war prone city. At this moment, I recalled the incident from the legend of Krishna. When Krishna was asked to open his mouth to check whether he really ate soil, Yashoda was astonished to see the entire universe in it. My case was similar. The only difference was that my universe only showed a Black Hole!!

The doctors were in the middle of this super marvelous surgery and I wondered what worse could happen if a torch was not arranged soon. Fortunately, a torch was brought and the surgery commenced once again. Like I said earlier, the tooth required some other means so that it could be extracted. Instead of plucking it out, the tooth now had to be cut from the bone. This was the time for the introduction of the most “sensational” equipment of its time – A mechanical bone cutting instrument that was operated by paddles!!

This is the closest comparison that I could make to briefly describe the operation of that machine. Yes, a sewing machine that had quite similar operating principle. It required the hand and the legs to be in perfect sync to properly cut the bone. No wonder, an army personnel was handling it.

Yang Fula was so remote that I wondered that the Bhutan government ever spent a penny on its development. And when we talk about development, the bare necessities are primary concern. A healthy dental life was considered as luxury rather than necessity. So spending on modernization of dental equipment (of Yang Fula) would have found place only in their 150^th Five year plan (if they ever had such thing in Bhutan). Nevertheless, this was all that they had and I was assured that its success rate was quite high*. (The reason for this asterisk sign is that they did not mention any thing about its success rate in total darkness!!). It had been 33 years since man landed on moon and I was at a place where bone was still being cut through a mechanical process. This was the time when my love for this place had turned bitter.

A hand right in front of my mouth holding the torch, another one inside it, equipped with a tool and the third one to spray saline water on the tooth to facilitate the cutting. It appeared that some kind of treasure hunt was on inside my mouth. It made me more impatient and this time I felt like peeping inside my own mouth. I could not hold my same stern facial expression any more as my eyes looked more tired this time. Every surgery has one integral part in it which every patient dreads and that’s blood. The pain had increased drastically and the surgery had now left me bleeding. At this time I suddenly slipped into a semiconscious state (syncope). For a while, I could see nothing and was totally blacked out. It was a state of worry for the doctors, especially my husband. With innumerous surgeries, it was almost a routine for him. Only this time it was the most difficult one for him as the patient was none other than me. As I was falling unconscious, I could no longer hold the jaws tight and my mouth started closing. I barely recall that my name was being called again and again to make me stay awake. Finally when nothing worked, water was sprinkled on my face. This is all I remember thereafter the surgery.

The 3 and a half hour surgery (or the suffering) finally ended and the doctors breathed their most awaited sigh of relief. Unfortunately this was not same for me. The surgery had left me with the most excruciating pain in my life. Nothing worked for me, even the thought that I was a “brave” army wife. At times I even wanted that the nerves connecting my gums and the brain may rupture so that the pain in it would be released. I could only sit helplessly and let the painful moments pass away hoping that at some instant I’ll be relieved from it. Those were the moments that now fell short of words and unlike Sudarshan Kriya, its not something that you would want to experience it to know it.

Although the legendry surgery was over and I was on medication, there were some more bad karmas that were yet to be encashed. After five days of surgery, the tooth had developed an infection which could only be treated in a hospital under proper observation. Around 30 kms from Yang Fula, there was a civil hospital where I had to be hospitalized for few days. Here I was administered a few more antibiotics to cure the infection. By this time, I had lost all the hopes for something good to happen. And to my surprise, the infection was duly cured and I recovered within a month. While I was being treated in the hospital my two little kids were nurtured by my husband. The dentist from the army now had an additional responsibility of taking care of his kids, entirely. Like the sweetest dad, he would prepare food, do the dishes and make them ready for the school. This was the softer side of him that I got to see…at a cost of and an extravagant pain!

Nevertheless, this pain did not let me forget the beauty of Bhutan which still remains the best memory of my life. Amidst this chaotic life of Mumbai, I wish I could just runaway in the same meadows and wilderness and again relive those pleasant times.

Lt. Col. Suresh Isawe and Mrs. Jyoti Isawe

Isawe family with Rohan and Shivangi.

This story came out while Vasudha was being treated here and was crying for pain. I was a little happy to see her as it reminded me of this great ordeal ;) I thought this will acquaint her with the 4 letter word ‘PAIN’ which she thought she was the only one to experience!!

- As narrated to Vasudi by Mrs. Jyoti Isawe (Shivangi’s mom, the patient!) and complied using the inputs from both of them.

PS: Few of the analogies and experiences are fictional but bare a lot of resemblance to the actual story. I hope you enjoyed. Do post a comment!!

An Agony amidst Heaven - I

2009-10-24T16:07:00.001+05:30

It was the summer of 1993 when we were far away from the chaos of the world. We were amidst the most beautiful place on this planet where the mountains were covered with greenery and patches of land were often grazed by the cattle. Untouched by civilization, unfazed by the people and unconquered by the humans. The beauty of this place was so enchanting that if God were to come on earth, it would only be this place where he would stay. The place was fondly called as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”; today we know it as “Bhutan”.

The only reason I was here was my husband who was posted as a Major of the Indian Army. The place that served as the Indian Army base was known as “Yang Fula”. This was the adobe of my small little family and (as I always believed) of that of God as well. Although the tanks on routine patrols and the mass drill of the soldiers were a customary sight, the sounds of birds chirping on tree tops and the leaves swaying by the wind would often leave us mesmerized. The market was far away from our house and like a nomad, I had to travel, in fact walk a few kilometers to buy the bare necessities. Nonetheless, I enjoyed few of the best days of my life at this place.

(Our sweet home in Yang Fula)

All this while, I was more than happy to be at this place. Although deprived from the advancement of technology, it never took away my comfort. The fact that this place was untouched by science and its preachers made this none less than heaven. Added to those sweet, pleasant and cherished memories, is an experience that I still strive to forget. An incident that made me realize the importance of a developed state, that made me curse my very existence in this underdeveloped country.
It was one of those moments when the ordeal was so much that I thought I could give away everything; even my life if that could pacify the pain. The pain developed in one of my tooth was dutifully amplified by my husband – a dentist to whom first I had surrendered my life and then my tooth!!

My husband had earned a lot of fame and recognition in the rural native as he was the only serving dentist for the locality. At a place where the staple diet of people consisted of dried beetle nut (“Duma”) and dried yak’s milk (“Chhurbi”), almost every person had stained and spoiled teeth. The locals were grateful to him as he had been their only pain reliever. Little did I know that the pain reliever of the neighborhood would be the cause of my agony?

Indian Army was his practice area and my mouth was his battleground. It started with negotiations with the tooth by administering a few antibiotics. The medication failed to do any good and finally the battle lines had to be drawn. The mission was elimination of tooth from my own territory. In spite of his expertise in dentistry, I was extremely skeptic about the surgery. With much reluctance, I got myself mentally ready to be operated on. The operation required a recce of the tooth and its orientation in the bone which was possible only through an X-ray. At a place that was yet to see its first full fledged hospital, getting a proper X-ray was an intricate task. Nevertheless, my husband managed a primitive X-ray done for my tooth.

With all the information that the X-ray could provide, my husband started the operation with two of his assistants. I lay on a reasonably comfortable chair (unlike the modern one) with mouth wide open and in total acceptance of the situation. I was administered anesthesia for a “painless” removal of the tooth. All the usual procedures were at its place and everything looked quite okay at the commencement of the operation. After a while, I noticed the change in body language of all the three. I could smell something fishy, as if something was not happening in the way it should have. He would glance at the X-ray for once and in the other moment, in my mouth. This continued for sometime, as if he was ensuring whether the X-ray was that of a proper tooth. Until then, I had only heard stories of people being victim of faulty X-ray scan which would lead to the removal of a healthy tooth rather than an unwanted one. It was always followed by a burst of laughter and empathy on the sorry state of the patient. Only this time, I was the sorry figure and someone else would have had the last laugh. I was praying relentlessly that this should not be the case. It was a very comical situation where a storm of thoughts and questions rose in my mind, my mouth was too open to ask anything. Only expressions that I could give, was a frowning forehead, a raised eyebrow and the eyes popping out with the eyeballs moving from one end to other, staring (rather scaring) the three of them. It was like a “Helloo!! Whats going on??” kind of look. Thankfully, the X-ray was proper. But the tooth was adamantly stuck in the bone. The X-ray was a primitive one which showed only the lateral view of the tooth and its actual orientation in the bone was still a mystery. What else can you expect from an “untouched”, “unfazed” raw beauty of a remote location in Bhutan? This was the time when my love for this place suddenly turned sour.

The tooth was now at an intermediate stage. It was not completely out and it seemed that the tooth would remain stuck half way if something else was not tried. Just when something else was about to be tried, mother nature had its fury casted further more on me and the power went off!

What happened next?? I bet you cannot guess. Wait for the next post and expect the unexpected!!

Me and my 1/4th wisdom...

2009-10-20T19:59:00.002+05:30

It was one of those moments of my life when I was remembering all the knowledge points taught in an art of living course more than ever before. Hoping something shall help me somehow….

I was stuck in a comfortable reclining chair “accepting the situation as it was” while the colonel was at his Routine War. Only this time the war ground was inside my mouth,the weapons were his tools and injections and the enemy was my innocent wisdom tooth. As he struggled to take away one fourth of my wisdom (You see to pour more in the cup it has to be emptied first, especially when its over flowing☺ like in my case) which was determined not to leave me at any cost ( of course because of its unbounded love for me) .I was chanting in my heart “opposite values are complimentary” (Waiting for the opposite to manifest soooooon). Every second felt like a decade and nothing seemed to be working. Though I was deep breathing, the breath was not doing its job of relaxing the body or the mind!

Oh! I realized now, I have again underestimated this surgery, just like I did when I went through labor pains . Only these 2 times in my life I actually doubted that I was brave, but now it was too late. Even though I wanted I could not RUN AWAY from that chair.

So I surrendered. Guruji’s pic stared into my eyes with his usual smile. For the 1st time I felt irritated with his smile .I am in excruciating pain and You are smiling ? You better intervene and take away this pain I ordered to him.
This moment I felt another prick in my mouth and a tingling sensation as if a thousand ants were crawling on my cheek. The colonel gave a final blow to its enemy and finally the wisdom left me.
After the dressing, usual instructions followed. But one instruction was not usual and interesting. Eat lots of ice creams tonight. Wow! Now I can eat ice creamS and not feel guilty. Guilty because, I am off white sugar.

The ice creams also lost there charms and I returned to the doc after 2 days complaining of pain .He with a lot of sympathy tells me "oh generally the patients recover the very next day and come back smiling ,unlike you".
These words did not help me at all and the same feeling came back to me ! The same feeling I got, when I came out of the examination hall thinking it was over wow! Just until my class topper came out and offered to discuss the answers. Oh no! I realized so many mistakes , she cant be wrong and I am surely not right. There was a hollow choking feeling. Have you ever gone through this feeling?

Present moment is inevitable, as I was just about accepting this fact , the colonel’s wife who was silently observing everything says “ Oh I am so happy to see you like this”. What!!! did I hear that right , I stared at her in shock. She continued, “This reminds me of my misery of wisdom tooth extraction” What misery ,I was definitely interested in hearing as I was waiting for some relief.

I could hardly breathe or blink while hearing her story. Oh my God! No ways! What! Couldn’t be!! Etc etc was my reaction to her story. I could feel exactly what she may have gone though and a sense of relief was dawning over me. I was feeling grateful for my state and happy to be 25 years ahead in time where I got much superior treatment than her.

Her story will be the next post. You cant miss it. Its really really really interesting.:)

In the meanwhile I have dropped the idea of any tooth removals for now until the old memories fade away completely. But I keep up my faith I am really Brave☺ isn’t it???

Happy Diwali !!!

2009-10-16T23:57:00.006+05:30

Diwali the festival of lights !!! Ahaa !! What an amazing day .. lights, sweets, celebration.

The celebration is not confined to yourself or only your family spread the amazing smile to the whole world . Many souls to be awakened and many more benchmarks to be set . May this coming year add up onto spirituality, health and wealth. On this amazing eve of Diwali lets hear from Guruji himself about the Festival of Lights !! and its significance !!!

Cheers To one and all !!!

Jai Gurudeva !!!

Quiz Time!! A Logic Problem!

2009-10-05T23:49:00.004+05:30

QUIZ TIME!!

A LOGIC PROBLEM:

Warning: The process of solving this problem might lead to extreme frustration!
Assurance: The problem is solvable :)

1.There are 5 houses in 5 different colours. In each house lives a person with a different nationality.

2.The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet.

3.No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar or dink the same beverage.

THE QUESTION IS “WHO OWNS THE FISH?”

Facts:

The Brit lives in the red house.
The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
The Dane drinks tea.
The green house in on the left of the white house.
The green house’s owner drinks coffee.
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
The man living in the centre house drinks milk.
The Norwegian lives in the first house.
The man who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps the horse lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
The man owner who smokes Bluemasters drinks beer.
The German smokes Prince.
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
The man who smokes Blends has a neighbour who drinks water.

Einstein wrote this riddle. He said 98% of the world could not solve it.
But it can be done. I took 15 minutes to solve this and that's not great performance. I am sure you can do it in less time (will depend on whether you have done your sadhna today :)

Best of Luck,

Hurry back with your answers.
An exciting prize awaits you!

Jai Gurudev
Virat

PS: Needless to say, from YES!+ volunteers, I expect some honesty! So please solve this yourself!!!! If somehow you have solved this before and know the answer, please be a sport and let some other deserving candidate win! :)

Himmat Karne Waalo Ki Haar Nahi Hoti ~!

2009-10-03T00:59:00.003+05:30

Sharing something which has always inspired me in my life! A beautiful poem written by Harivanshrai Bacchan.

HIMMAT KARNE WALO KI HAAR NAHI HOTI ~

Himmat karne waalon ki haar nahi hoti,
Lehron se darkar nauka paar nahi hoti|

Nanhi cheeti jab daana lekar chalti hain,
Chadti deewaron par sau baar phisalti hain,
Man ka vishwas ragon mein sahas bharta hain,
Chadkar girna, Girkar chadna, na akharta hain

Aakhir uski mehnat bekar nahi hoti,
Koshish karne waalon ki haar nahi hoti||

Dubkiyan sindhu mein gotakhor lagata hain,
Ja-Ja kar khaali haath hee laut aata hain,
Milte na sahaj hee moti paani mein,
Behta doona utsah issi hairani mein,

Muthi uski khaali har baar nahi hoti,
Himmat karne waalo ki haar nahi hoti||

Asafalta ek chunauti hain, sweekar karo,
Kya kami reh gayi, dekho aur sudhar karo,
Jab tak na safal ho, neend chain ko tyago tum,
Sangharsho ka maidan chod, mat bhaago tum,

Kuch kiye bina hi jai-jai kaar nahi hoti,
Himmat karne waalo ki haar nahi hoti||

Jai Gurudev
Virat

Happy Birthday Bau:)

2009-09-21T23:40:00.003+05:30

Dinesh da is writing an article on the blog for Bau for his birthday, and he asked us all to send some of our experiences. So I got inspired to write this post. Dinesh da being my teacher I love following his footsteps:)
What should I write about Bau or should I say what not to write. As some rightly say Bawa is a phenomenon, when you meet him you can only feel awed and wonder!

Let me narrate you a recent incident... I was at the ashram last weekend for the TRM (teachers refresher meet).All through the TRM I was desperately waiting for the moment to meet Guruji. I was damn upset about something going on in my mind and I wanted Guruji to answer my questions. Questions to which I knew only Guruji has answers for. So I was waiting, waiting and waiting for the moment to arrive. And finally Guruji called the YES+ teachers to meet him personally. There were many people and I was waiting for my moment with him when I could ask him my question. Just after a few minutes of the meeting he dismissed it and asked us all to go. I experienced a storm of emotions as I was feeling dejected and angry. I was so upset that I could not hold myself and tears rolled through my eyes. I walked away from the crowd to hide my emotions from others. But guess who noticed, it was Bau. You really don’t want to be noticed by Bau, specially in such moments. This is what followed next…..

He caught me by my hand and with a silly grin and a naughty tone he asks me, “What happened, why are you crying”. Two seconds later “Tell na What happened,tell na”... The expression on his face was surely not of concern, to me it looked more like that of delight:) “Tell na” he continued asking me. Tears were still rolling from my eyes. He notices and says, “If you are looking for attention then Cry properly na”:) :) :) I could not hold my laughter at that ☺ I finally confided my feeling to him and at the end of it I thought Bau will now come up with a PRECIOUS ADVICE for me. This is the VALUABLE advice he gave me.
“PLAY MORE BOARD GAMES,JUST PLAY MORE BOARD GAMES”:)
WHAT!!! What has board games to do with this I thought…

But that’s the way he is, so very practical. You can be anything but serious around him. He makes living a play.

Yes!And that’s also been my journey with him, last 8 years, filled with fun and life. He has mastered the skill of simplifying the most difficult and complicated subjects that relate to life into something so simple.
Let me give you an example
So, a Yes+ participant asks very seriously, What is the difference between Happyness and Peace? Bau answers: Happiness is the feeling that you get when you see the toilet door open when you REALLYYYY wanna go, and what follows immediately after that is peace of Mind:)

Could you have ever thought of it like this, genius isn’t he?

Though so very playful he is the most sensitive person I have ever met. He is extremely intuitive and has several siddhis. I remember we were at the Gourmet shop in inorbit mall. And I could barely stand because I was having a severe headache. Bau understood this . He asked ,do you like olives(he had one in the hand) 'an olive was the last thing on my mind' and I said, no not at all. He puts the olive in my mouth. And immediately the headache disappeared:) That’s not it from that day onwards I started liking Olives so much that I eat away all from Shashwat's and Siddharth's pizza slices also:)

I feel so very grateful to have had a mentor and a guide like him in my life. One who broke all concepts in mind and made life like a play. It’s just Ok to be yourself around him. No facade or formality is required. You can just be so natural around him:)

I have been so lucky to have received so much affection and love from Bau.
He is a friend, a mentor and an inspiration to me.
Love you sooooooo much Bau. YOU ARE SIMPLY THE VERY BEST:)

A VERY VERY VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. May you live a long healty life.

With love and Regards

Vasudha.

2009-09-17T15:30:00.004+05:30

I received an email and I was inspired. I take the priviledge of sharing this with you all. Please do read.

dearest friends,

I completed 3 months today! ( as a teacher ofcourse :)

3 months, i have been teaching in my classroom, working tirelessly to achieve my Big Goal.3 months, i have realised that i have 4 different learning levels in my class and my Big Goals will need to change. 3 months, i have invested in my students to believe they "can" and more importantly that they "want". i have invested their parents in believing that their kids will one day achieve their dreams.3 months,i have spent hours in the community, understanding why pradeep never does his homework, why saahil will not stop being violent in class, why pooja still doesnt know how to read.

3 months, i have transformed my dull and dreary classroom to reflect the greens, purples and oranges i see in my kids everyday. 3 months i have walked through the lanes of sanjay nagar and pathanwadi which is a different world altogether.3 months, i have persevered to teach 45 kids and still cared enough to learn all their names and what they want to be when they grow up.3 months, i have differentiated every thought, every instruction, every assessment to ensure that every child is pushed to his or her potential.

3 months, i exchanged ideas, and learnt from the other TFI Fellows, my programme manager, training mananger and some amazing corps from Teach for america and teach first to continously improve myself as a teacher. 3 months, i have battled with sore throats, lost my voice but still continued to chant Read Baby Read with my kids everyday. 3 months, i have survived food poisoning and threats of Swine Flu and have still progressed student achievement without even being in the classroom. 3 months and i have influenced the other teachers in my school to stop using sticks but manage with marbles and traffic lights instead.

3 months, i have questioned and critiqued systems but have also reflected on why i am here and not in a corporate office. 3 months, i grow to learn new things about myself everyday. 3 months, i am the change i see in my kids today.

3 months. i embark on a challenge.

Two years. and i help the other 86 fellows to build a national movement.

as i reflect on my responsibility , i plead you to shoulder some of it. JOY OF GIVING week is being celebrated all over the country from 27th sept- 2nd oct.. plz be a part of it and share the joy with my bacchus :D Any teaching aid or material you think will be of use for my class room, pass it on to me. At teachforindia, we believe nothing is a waste.From matchsticks,icecream sticks,rags,marbles,junked laptops and projectors etc we make use of anything and everything to teach math and other subjects. Send it over and trust me i will account for everything in my classroom. Old notebooks/ story books are welcome as well. some of my kids come in with no money to feed themselves during breaks. u can donate parle- g biscuits. Anything which lies unutilised in your home will be a boon for my kids. Please junk them away to me.

Lastly, if you cant find the time to search for any of the above and if you have decided to gift me for my 22th birthday(or for all the birthdays you missed gifting) please turn in any of the story books or stationary (charts, colours, glue, scissors, blue tack) If you are busy to find the nearest crosswords or oxford, though i hate to think so; . you can just call in on 9819761907 anytime to tell me you love my kids and care for them. we will figure it out, how you can help them!Or Just pass the message to your close ones,friends and acquaintances.I will be happy to share any information about teachforindia and the kind of work we do.

Finally, i plead to the little thought in your head and little voice in your heart which always wants to make a difference in this country. I dont have any illusions of being god's gift to this country.But i know for sure that i'm in the last mile of this country and if you wish see the change you want to see,here is the easiest connection.I'm here at your service 24* 7. plzz foward it to all in your mailing list.

thankyou.

P.S -- watch a short film on what we all are exactly doing.

tfi short film- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAujZ4PoFFM

mtv interview of 2 fellows --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oa_6Bwlvu0

Indira Aditi Rawat

Teach For India Fellow.

class teacher- 2B

Divine Child High School

sanjay nagar,

malad east,

mumbai

"One day ALL children will attain an excellent education"

I know Aditi ever since she completed her YES+ course. She is intelligent, hardworking, focused, bright and extremely inspiring. She is actively participated in all our seva activities and is regular with sadhana and satsang. She is a role model for the youth today. She represents what our youth is capable of ,only if it decides to contribute.Truly remarkable Aditi:)

The entire YES+ team is there with you to help you in anyway you may need.

Jai Gurudev

First Ever SKYPE DSN!!

2009-09-08T23:51:00.023+05:30

A walk from Vishwamitra to Ganga Kutir with Bawa can be very interesting...for many different reasons. Many different things can come up - laughter, wisdom and sometimes SHOCK! So casually Bau mentioned 'We will do the Bombay DSN on Skype'! When I found my words a few seconds later, I tried to come with all possible "logic" to convince him otherwiese - an excercise in vain.

But when I realized there was no way of changing Bau's mind on this, I decided "Now that we are going to do it, lets do it 100% and have fun with it". After all, Bombay has been the YES!+ Trendsetter city and lets keep up with the image. What followed next was lots of phone calls and sms's to our 'unconditionally enthusiastic YES!+ teachers and volunteers', and preparations for the first ever DSN on Skype began.

Remember how Dinesh Bhaiya says, "Turn a bug into a feature". Thats exactly what we did. The USP of this course became Skype - and we told people that here was a chance for them to be a part of a revolution - to be creating History. How cool would it sound when they would boast to their friends saying, "You know the first ever DSN on Skype - I WAS ON IT"!! :)

The course began with 50 lucky souls in Goregaon. I reached Bombay on the morning of the course, and when I went to the hall, it was not a pretty sight. There were technical glitches - cords missing, compatibility issues, sound problems, wireless connectivity etc. We worked hard, prayed harder and somehow got it up and running. The first session was crucial - and fortunately pretty smooth. The second Bawa's and Dinesh Da's smiling faces flashed on the projector screen, smiles and claps echoed and remained till the end of the course.

There on it was a smooth ride. Of course we had our share of lost connections, and 'Can you please repeat that', and the camera getting stuck making Bau's face look very funny, but we never missed the essence of it. The participants took turns to grab the front row seats to be visible on the camera, and there was no dearth of Bawa's wittisms, and Dinesh Da's serene presence was virtually as effective as the 'in-flesh' version :)

As Vasudha put it, "With a very heavy heart we admit that the course was a big success"! It was a double edged sword - We have achieved remarkable success but at the same time, we run the risk of more such courses and less physical time with our dear duo!

I must compliment the Seva Warrors who made this possible. Some fantabulous cooking by Nivedita and team (The Dhanshak was so yummy that we did not get a chance to miss Bau even for that)! And Kudos to Prashant, Vibhu and the Goregaon YES!+ team for their superb work! They even raised money to get the entire food expenses sponsored!

Dhanshak getting virtually blessed by Bau! :)

It was a great learning experience for me too.
I now know what Guruji means when he says, "Reality is only restricted by your imagination"!!

Btw - Bau told Guruji about this course and He was thrilled!! :)

Satsang with Harshal :)

Love,
Virat

2009-09-08T09:21:00.005+05:30

Its time to announce results of Quiz no.1

Arnav and Shashwat are dressed as

Dronacharya

Ekalavya

A student's distinction lies in his devout pursuit of knowledge, and not merely in his heritage. This manifests in a splendid manner in Ekalavya's life. He worshipped an idol of his 'Guru', learnt his lessons in archery in the Master's absence, and mastered the art. When his master desired the thumb of Ekalavya's right hand as a fee, which might cripple him, Ekalavya smilingly sacrificed it. A boy who had grown up in the forest thus developed into a great personality - a fine example for others to emulate.

And the winner is PANDA (Mamta pandya)

Congratulations!!!!

You won a dinner at the Grand Hyatt with Vasudha and Virat :)

VJ.

(If you looked carefully there is an extra thumb in Shashwats hand.That was the clue)

2009-08-30T17:18:00.002+05:30

FEW REALIZATIONS…..

Its been more than 8 months that I haven’t shared any of my thoughts, and now I feel is the time to pen down A new realization, that dawned a few days back…

Every year Our Country celebrates innumerable festivals and it’s so very true that the people celebrate them with the right spirit. For Ganesh Utsav (celebration of arrival of Ganpati, a Demi-God) people start their preparations almost a month in advance and some.The enthusiasm, the joy, the love to invite a God at their home is so pure, it just cant be expressed in words ( same as Sudarshan Kriya ☺ ). I remember, I was getting down at Dadar station for some work, the day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi (commencement of the Festival) and I saw almost 20thousand people buying all the stuff,they needed for decoration.I could hardly walk between this mammoth crowd .Not only at homes but in every "Gully" and "Nukkad"you will find a huge Ganpati Idol with speakers at the peak of their noise. But in spite of all the noise, crowd, rains (in Mumbai, optional☺) general public makes it a point to visit them at least once. Any guesses why do they visit these pandals ??

What do you think?

Of-course for blessings. But I think ,definitely there is more than that..
Whenever a person watches a huge idol, or for that matter any God’s idol, his mind becomes thoughtless for a very short period of time. For a fraction of second we become free from all our botheration of the past and worries of the future. Just silence prevails which is very soothing. The same soothing feeling that I get when I do my Sadhana :)

We very often experience this when we visit any temple across the globe . In that state of nothingness we realize that actually God is nowhere outside but inside our own self.
We feel so grateful for those precious moments that we keep going to the temples and invite Gods and Goddess at our places. The Decoration and fragrances are an added bonus and they captivate all our senses and arrests our mind inwards, that is why the eyes get closed too! These few moments of silence makes us happy and we feel more energetic after visiting the place of worship.And hence we look forward for such brilliant festivals…

I feel extremely grateful that I learnt the Sudarshan Kriya through the Yes!+ course, as now I don’t have to wait for any festival, just the So Hum. And I am done.I now realize the importance of my sadhana that I am blessed with. It can be very frustrating for a person to wait for such events to have a glimpse of his or her own self.I am really thankful to Guruji for whatever he’s done for me .And thus I feel a responsiblity for all those who have not taken an Art Of Living Course to reach this precious gift to one and all.

I have heard from Virat Bhaiya "there are 2 kinds of ppl who exists on this planet,1st those who have done an AOL course, 2nd; those who will do an AOL course…”
So u know what is to be done… ☺

Jai Gurudev

Regards & Love
Deep

Guruji speaks on the Elephant God: Ganesha

2009-08-30T13:53:00.010+05:30

The Origin Of Lord Ganesha

We are all aware of the story of Ganesha's birth. Ganesha was born out of the collection of dirt from Parvati's body. Parvati is the high energy of a celebration or festival, and there is always some aspect of negativity in this high energy. This is symbolised by the dirt. When this body of dirt encountered the 'Shiva element', the 'Advait Tatva', its head, that is the Ego fell apart and was replaced by the head of an elephant. Lord Shiva himself blessed Ganesha that he would be worshipped and his blessings sought at the start of any auspicious occasion.

Unraveling Ganesha

Shiva and Parvati(this is where the word 'power' comes from; Parvati represents power) had been celebrating with great enthusiasm and Parvati had become dirty- signifying that celebration can easily become rajasic or feverish and take you away from your centre. So she removed all the dirt(symbolic of ignorance) from her body and created a boy-doll from this. She gave the doll life and asked him to keep guard at the door while she bathed. When Shiva(representing Supreme innocence, peace and knowledge) returned to Kailasha, the boy could not recognise him and so obstructed his passage, preventing him from entering. This signifies that ignorance(dirt) does not recognise wisdom or innocence. However, truth can eliminate ignorance. And so Shiva chopped off the boy's head- the head of ignorance and entered but when Parvati realised what had happened, she explained to Shiva that the boy was their son and Shiva had to save him. So he instructed his helpers to go and find someone with his head pointing to the north, someone in tune with the natural flow of energy and to bring back his head. They searched far and wide and were only able to find an elephant in such a state. So they brought back the head of the elephant and fitted it to the the body of the boy. This became Ganesha!

Now Ganesha is always depicted with a big belly, it represents GENEROSITY & TOTAL ACCEPTANCE. The enormous belly has a snake tied around it which stands for ACCEPTANCE with AWARENESS. Also we surrender all our dreams of woe and distress to Ganesha in the form of the 'Durva' grass. The story goes that one day Ganesha drank so much milk that his belly burst, so he grabbed a cobra and tied it around his stomach. This signifies that acceptance of people and situations(big belly) without deep awareness is of no great value(akin to accepting people when we are sleeping, which is easy!) However, when there is awareness- the cobra is symbolic of great alertness- then there is true acceptance and love. Ganesha's upraised hand( in 'abhaya' mudra, depicting protection) means "Fear not- I am with you" and his lowered hand, palm facing outwards(in 'varada' mudra, symbolic of giving boons) means unending giving as well as an invitation to bow down. Bowing down signifies merging with earth again, recognising the truth that we will return to the earth. In the womb, our position is one where our heads are bowed, our body is in a circle. Even at birth we come into the world head down. It is our nature to bow down. Ganesha also has a single tusk that implies single-pointedness. One also sees very often, the pasteurisation of the moon laughing at Ganesha as he tries to do the 'Saastanga Danda Pranaam' to his parents. Here the moon signifies the mind- the mind laughs at wisdom. Ganesha is mostly seen sitting on a lotus. Now an elephant being supported on a lotus is a kind of odd! This signifies that he is very sensitive. We are often struck by the question as to 'why does a big Ganesha sit on a small mouse?' This is because the mouse is LOGIC & KNOWLEDGE OF SELF and over it sits the symbol of SUPREME KNOWLEDGE. Ganesha is always seen riding on a mouse. This is the most unexpected mode of travel- an elephant on a mouse!

However, the significance runs deeper, the mouse keeps nibbling away at the ropes that bind it. The mouse who gradually nibbles through things is like a mantra which can cut through sheets and sheets of ignorance and carry even an elephant. There can be nothing but absolute darkness and all that is required is a single tiny ray of light that can illuminate us, free us from our ignorance. Not much is required at all- just this tiny persistent awareness. Even the implements that Ganesha wields, are symbolic. He carries in his hands, the 'Ankusha'(the goad or stick that is used to prod an elephant awake, this signifies 'awakening') and the 'Paasa' (the noose which signifies control). Now with awakening a lot of energy is released, which without proper guidance can go haywire.

"If you meditate on Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant you will get the qualities of an elephant. You will overcome all obstacles."

2009-08-29T12:51:00.003+05:30

This is what a participant from our last yes+(17th to 23rd August) course said when asked about her experience of the course.

The Art of Living

Cheer
Sheer bliss
Glee and exuberance
Happiness
Truly the art of living
Overcoming obstacles -
By the grace of the guru of joy,
I here stand
As a renewed person
Having learned to give in my 100%
To live life to the fullest
To accept things as they come and yet be gracious

To live without inhibitions
To look at my fears in the eye
To keep learning and nurturing my self
This is what I call the art of living
Moments come and go
Be it happy or sad
To deal with them
The way they are meant to be dealt with
This is art of living

To live in a commune
To relish life
To enjoy being oneself
Art of living...

Reflecting back on my YES + course
This is how I look at it:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you are trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and debts are high,
And you have to smile but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learn, and many fellows turn about
When he might have won, had he stuck it out
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and flattering man;
Often the struggles have given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup
And he learned too late when the right came down;
How close he was to the golden crown;
Success; its failures turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubts –
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems far
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t
QUIT.
This Yes+
That has ignited the flame of being a new me
A me having a different perception towards things
This is the Yes+ which is the key solution
Through thick n thin,
No matter what,
Don’t Quit coz,
“Opposite Factors are complimentary”!

JAI GURUDEV

Aditi

2009-08-29T12:36:00.004+05:30

It's Quiz Time!

(Quiz no.1)

Cute isn't it!

These two kids are dressed for a fancy dress competition. They are representing a student teacher pair from the epic Mahabharata.

Identify the characters these two kids are portraying?
Send your entries and if your guess is right you get a surprise gift.(something really special)
Last date for sending entries is till 5th September.

VJ

Janmashatmi Celebrations 2009

2009-08-25T09:09:00.004+05:30

Its said , when in love even objects come to life...

Our special guest of the evening, "Laddu Gopalji" :)

Taking bath with milk,honey,curd,sugar and Ghee
(Wow! What natural cleaners ,scrub ,soap and conditioners)

Special Jhoola gifted and decorated by Sachin

Which clothes?which earings?which necklace? which crown ?It was really difficult to choose!

We prayed and meditated to invoke him.

Its said , when in love even objects come to life, And this was the Lord himself :)

The little gopal came live to be with us on this day:)

BHAKTI (Devotional Love) Contains FOUR LETTERS: bha, ka, ta and i. Bha means fulfillment and nourishment; ka is a means of knowing; ta means redeeming, saving, salvation; i(ee) is energy, shakti.
Bhakti nourishes you. Bhakti is the right Knowledge,the means of knowing. When bhakti is there,doubts don't come. Bhakti saves you. Bhakti gives you the most energy.
Sri Sri
(Knowledge sheet no.62)

And all the Gopis and the Gopas danced to the tunes of 'jhoola jhoole nandlala' ,'Krishna Govinda' ,'Bolo Narayana' and more, intoxicated in divine love.

Jai Gurudev
VJ
(This ones on your request Rishab)

Happy Birthday!!

2009-08-24T12:26:00.001+05:30

This Janmashtmi, the VnV blog completed its glorious 1 year. The link below is the first post that marked the advent of this blog. It was Vasudi's vision and Z5 team effort that gave birth to this blog. We are the proud owner/authors of this blog which in past few months has posted contents that caught even Bawa's attention. Truly an endeavour thats worth applauding.

Thanks to Mihir for this wonderful makeover from a predefined template (with which I had started) to a new dashing look for our blog.
And also to all the authors, readers and followers who have contributed in the rich content of this blog.
And more importantly Virat and Vasudha, I dont have to give reasons to thank them :)

The post for Janmashtmi'09 is pending which Vasudi is expected to post along with the pics of intoxicated people dancing all across Jhunjhunwala residence.

Follow this link to go down the memory lane and find out how did we celebrate our Janmanshtmi last year.
http://vnvyesplusteam.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html

PS: As comments, you can briefly share your experiences on this wonderful journey.

GURU-HIS IMPORTANCE IN OUR LIVES

2009-08-19T12:57:00.005+05:30

Blessed are the ones who have a Guru in their lives(like us,though it is a different thing we know that He is GOD).It is so because when we complain and crib about the path that we are walking on called "LIFE",when we squeak about those tiny little botherations and complain Him you are never there with me in my misery.It is then when He asks you to look back on the sands of time and points out to one pair of footstep and says those are my footsteps and i have lifted you up in my arms so that your turmoils be less...It is then when we get "enlightened" that he is there with us 24*7

""गुरुर ब्रह्म गुरुर विष्णु गुरुर देवो महेश्वर

गुरुर साक्षात् परम ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः ""

A beautiful shloka meaning a Guru has the sublime blend of this three energies due to which the universe exists today.Brahma-the creator,Vishnu-the moderator,Maheshwara-the transformer.A Guru is a person who has a unique blend of the extremes.He is that epitome of knowledge but at the same time humor..the best blend of wisdom and chivalry..

""अखान्दमंदालाकाराम, व्याप्तं एन चराचरम

तत्पदं दर्शितं एन तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः ""

A Guru is omnipresent..he is present everywhere.he is present in us mortals and the immortals.He is there in time and timelessness..His prescence is felt in the soul and even outside..he is not present only in this world bt also in the other worlds..As Dinesh Bhaiya says become aware of the invisible divine "GURUSHAKTI"The entire World lies in the GURU'S feet...

The word Guru begins with a "G" and ends with a "U".I feel that is so because He is someone who "G"ives everything He can to "U".He does this because "U" "R" the ones who matter to Him.I feel this is why "GURU" it is spelt the way it is.The relationship between a mother and her child is the purest.It is so because there are no expectations in it.Similarly, and i feel even better it is with a Disciple and His Master, His Guru.The disciple seeks from His Master without any expectation.When he arrives to Him he stops seeking but now the things start blossoming as it is rightly said.His qualities ,his abilities blossom.He grows as a human.He matures.He understands.Such an indispensible part is played by the GURU in our lives...

And of course a hearty bow to our sweetest teachers Virat Bhaiya and Vasudha Di who have always been there with us and helped us grow on this path.They too are our Gurus....A sweet little guru story in the next post...till then be grateful for walking on this beautiful path and remember

"BLESSED ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE A GURU IN THEIR LIVES......."

Adventure with Guruji on side.......

2009-08-12T19:36:00.002+05:30

On the trekking trip to trikona from college ( Mithibai College) what I experienced was thoroughly Guru Grace.Now, I have guru story to tell you all.

While climbing to the peak of this mountain I was saved from falling from the top in to valley. Not Once,Not Twice....But, Fourth odd times by Just Niche.What I felt was Just a miracle that was working on me by our guruji.every time I was saved.I felt there is this divine power surrounding me and holding me tight every time when I have been close to death.My unableness to breathe at the top the discomfortness that I experienced was all eased out within some fraction of moments that is when I felt Guruji so close to me.

This was just the first mountain & there was 1 more to be conquered & It was all because of guruji grace that without any difficulty I was able to complete my trekking.

This experience just strengthens my view with the guru in your heart.Nothing can go wrong with me.

love
janvi

A poem by Shrishti......

2009-08-10T12:26:00.020+05:30

A poem by Shrishti.

The YES!+ World...

If you dream of cucumber @ night

A new romance will blossom soon in your life!

From time 2 time u’ll see

Life jus changes in2 something u neva imagined it 2 b

Whatever u dreamt of, slowly unfolds

Fruits of glory and wisdom downpour .

You are noticed even when invisible

Loved even when u have a debacle,

A magnetic field surrounds you

Which pulls people n positivity 2 u .

When was the last time you got mad @some1

You research within n now find no one!

You fly high wit words of wisdom

Swim through thoughts n bore-dum

Its like cozying up in lush green grass,

with Waterfalls , no wound no scars!

You smile :) at the ants n pigeons

Talk to all n clear their line of tensions.

You get to feel the sense of being free

Just like the chirping sparrow on the tree.

One just let goes all negative emotions

Holds off all temptations.

You learn to welcome all traditions

Be happy n find bliss in negotiations.

Its such an innocent course then y do we fuss?

I PITY PEOPLE WHO IGNORE YES!+ .

(Presented by VJ)

Ps:Guruji's photo from Canadian ashram curtsy Upasana Saijpal

The Satvik High - II

2009-08-07T13:06:00.011+05:30

Well Well.......... still that mesmerizing breath taking scene of the scenic water falls is imprinted in my memory. The chilling water of the falls, Satsang in the rain and the meditation on a hill top, were simply amazing !!!! Here are some of the pictures !!!

(This post is called Satvik high for more than one reason)

Here's What Satvik (our volunteer) has to share about the picnic .
" The Picnic was awesome. It was a heavenly experience .The Aol way of picnic was different,it did not drain me or exhaust me like other parties and i came back feeling as fresh and high as i did in the morning when we started "

Mihir
(Edited by VJ)

2009-08-04T18:27:00.003+05:30

Here is an experience worth reading, it is truly inspiring.

My name is Vikas Sheth. I joined The WONDERFUL Art Of Living (AOL) due to the compulsion of my little wonderful sister Vishva Sheth.

I had always thought that way to a happy life is by putting all my efforts into earning MONEY. When I used to hear people say “I’m out with my family”, I used to think he just ‘wasted’ an entire day because he did not earn MONEY! As you can easily

figure out my pathetic life! All I thought was MONEY! So, I rarely had no time to make friends. I rarely went to get–togethers, outings or with my family. Then, I met Shyam. He was the enlightment! He works as an analyst in well known bank (which is serious work!) and yet he is not drained out or sad and I bet his family is happy! The question then arose, WHAT DID HE DO THAT I DID NOT DO?

After meeting him, I enrolled into the YES+ program. There, I thought that I will be taught the way to earn more MONEY! (Silly me!!). Virat and Vasudha headed the course. They were the FIRST TRUE FRIENDS I EVER HAD! I went through many ‘silly processes’ which at the end had completely transformed me! After the course, I got the answer of the above question! IT’S NOT THE MONEY! ITS ME! If I’m HAPPY, everyone else is HAPPY! When they were HAPPY, I could perform better at work! IT ALL STARTS WITH ME!

There at the course, Virat also said that I must enjoy my work. If I don’t, there is something seriously wrong with the job. He told us the good side about doing your own thing. At first, it did not make much sense! HOW IS ONE SUPPOSED TO ENJOY WORK? The next day when I went to work, this time, I tried to enjoy it but, I simply could not! At the end of the day, I seriously started feeling that something is wrong with my job and that I’m supposed to be somewhere else! But where? I got an offer from the U.A.E. at the same post with 4 times my current pay! But, it would be the same old thing which I would not like to do. I always enjoyed designing steel structures (especially Scaffolding Systems). Then I thought of Guruji, asking him what should I do? The very next day, my friend called me proposing me his business venture. At first, I did not pay any heed but the moment he said the phrase “Design of Scaffolding Systems”, I accepted the offer! I’m today one of the five partners of RAAJ Scaffolding Services, our new company!

Happiness at last! Today, I ENJOY at my work place, I own a company and I design SCAFFOLDING SYSTEMS which I always enjoyed and I earn good profits! Wow! My family is also happy! On Sundays, I’m fresh! We all have a nice time and I actually have AN OUTING WITH MY FAMILY!

This like a dream come true! Thanks to My wonderful sister Vishva, my Good friend Shyam and Vasudha Didi and my best Friend Virat! I’ve also decided to help AOL in building the Youth Center in Bangalore by designing and providing Scaffolding Systems.

Vikas Sheth

What better gift to give anyone than a Art Of Living workshop, I really WONDER!!

The Satvik High - I

2009-07-31T19:54:00.020+05:30

They were dancing on crazy tunes which sounded more like a noise to me.

(I had struggled to pull myself out from the bed that morning, as I had an infected throat and fever at night . I was finding all excuses not to go, but something was pulling me .......
I wrapped myself completely with a woolen scarf, jacket and socks. It looked as if I am dressed for Simla. NC came to pick me and as soon as I reached the bus all of them roared out wow !!! They looked so happy that I made it . It was this force of love and bonding which was pulling me).

I was shocked at the way they all were screaming in the bus. One voice which stood louder than others was .... Any guesses ????

The voice of super cool "Vatika".....

I and Virat were literally waiting for them to get a little exhausted before we joined them.

Within few minutes of being with them I already was feeling better. The woolen scarf was gone now. Even Crocin couldn't have worked so effectively .
In the due course of our journey we were passing by some exceptionally beautiful scenery. Felt as if the earth had covered itself with a green blanket. Where ever I look it was Green....Green.......Green........

Nature to me never looked so ALIVE, I felt as though every particle was celebrating with joy. The rain water had filled new life in the plants, trees and flowers and they looked so very FRESH .

We were on the same route of the last year's picnic . And we were hoping to find the same stop for breakfast. The chances were dim, yet we were determined to find the place. Many times we reminded the driver to stop at different places as every one was extremely hungry. But there was no response from him as if he was hard of hearing. We were loosing patience now, and he decided to stop over at the next place that comes by.

And we stopped.YES! It was the same place we were looking for. Wow!! both Virat and I exclaimed.

For next few moments this is what happened

We played throw ball, football , cricket,donkey etc ..etc...

We were ready to move towards our final destination now, the Bhivpuri Water falls..

We crossed our fingers as we didn't want to go to the same Karjat water fall we went last year (as Mamta describes it rightly "waterfall with 4 inches of water.") Of course Virat disagrees as he had decided the place last time.

The road to the fall looked similar and the approach also. We were confused till the end.

Is it the same one ???

Is it??

Looks like.......

No,may be not, this was not there before !!

FINALLY...

This was what we saw !!!!!

More about the falls and other adventure later !!!!

VJ
(photographs curtsy- Mihir)

So much done, yet so much to do!

2009-07-31T12:37:00.001+05:30

Yesterday I called up a few ex participants of Part-1 and briefed them about Rishiji's course. One of my friend in the cubicle asked, "Kis cheez ki marketing kar raha hai bhai??". And I replied, "Logon ko line pe lane ki!!"

Meanwhile a thought ran across my mind. "What a call centre type job where we have to sell our AOL courses to people". Just after that, a realization dawned. "Does this job really matters? Afterall everything has already been planned and decided by guruji. We are mere instruments whose contribution is just a drop in the ocean. It is like doing something that has already been done. We are being given the credit of lifting the Govardhan with all the strength that we have but in true sense, its only the little finger of the divine which is at work. We are doing nothing. In fact, the opportunity of working for his vision is only given to the privileged ones. Like the people under the Govardhan were the blessed souls who had the opportunity to be there."

Later that night, we had to call around 50 people in Pune to push them for Rishiji's course. Himanshu bhaiya then said, "How does it matter whether you do a phone call or whether I take a course. Ultimately by some or the other means, we are working for the divine."
After we dispersed for the day, there was a huge sense of gratification in me. It had made me feel so complete and I was filled with contentment. As I walked towards the bus bay, I strongly felt, "What did I do, just worked for guruji and it has made me feel exalted. Is this not what I want to do for the rest of my life?"
Not that there was a doubt before, neither is this feeling of contentment something new for me, but it made me feel the difference in the quality of work that I was doing while in Infy.
When someone asked Himanshu bhaiya, why is he resigning from infy, he said "Theres no time for this work now".
I look forward to say this to my colleagues next year.

I went home with a compliment added in my account. This was said by one of the volunteers with whom I was speaking for Rishiji's course, "You have a wonderful voice!!"
Long time since I was praised for something remotely associated with AOL :)

Finally, whenever you do something for Guruji just think...

So much done, yet so much to do!

Down the memory lanes........17th july yes!+

2009-07-22T16:22:00.012+05:30

A walk through the memory lane....
We had an amazing yes!+ with 120 participants on board on 17th June. Tonnes of fun and the participants had a wonderful time, So did we.....

Here's a nice experience which is worth sharing amongst many of them.

The girls name is Khyati lets hear her experience

JAI GURUDEV

I am Khyati Trivedi.I had several fainting episodes and no doctor could figure out the problem except for the fact that my iron levels were low. I used to get no clue that i am going to faint before i collapsed. I visited doctors continuously for 15 days, most of the times 2 doctors a day. I saw everyone from physician to psychiatrist to neurologist to cardiologist and was experimented with every possible test on planet earth. However they concluded that it was only hormonal changes coupled with low iron levels. I was so weak that i could not even bend for more than 2 minutes, and i frequently experienced spinning and darkness. I had become very negative about everything and my motivation levels were badly disturbed. YES!+ happened to me at the same time. My cousin recommended the course to me and Shyam connected me to the new world. The course begun and on the very 1st day I could not even do 3 suryanamaskars alright. I started spinning and had to sit down while all others continued. The Kriya was an experience in itself. From the second i could do all the suryanamaskars. The hints given by Mr. Virat and Vasudha mam helped me in bringing joy and positivity back to life. However, the highlight of the course was on the last day.

I finished the short Kriya and I heard a voice,"YOU ARE FINE NOW". That day in the satsang i danced for about an hour with no problems. Thereafter i have had no spinning or darkness or any other program. To conclude I will say,' WHAT DOCTORS COULD NOT DO FOR ME, THIS COURSE HAS DONE FOR ME'.

Cheers

khyati

Creative bits from Yajur(course participant)

The first time I saw my teachers,
I saw that they made heads turn,
That’s cuz they entered from the backdoor,
That’s what they did all the time thereafter,
They kept opening doors for us,

Doors that were right in front of us,
But we were too scared to knock on them.
Their names, Vasudha and Virat.
Their style spicy like aloo chaat,

But they also gave us the taste of “Kadva Aachar”,
When again and again they made us do surya namaskar,
Virat bhaiya knows your problems inside out,
Vasudha di will help you meet the “Shashwat” within you,

Without doubt I seek their blessings and also of guruji,
Samjo ek nayi life aab se ho gayi shuruji.

---Yajur

Few Updates !!

2009-07-20T10:03:00.003+05:30

Announcing the next YES!+ Adv course at Bangalore Ashram:

Date: Thur, July 30Th to Sun, August 2nd, 2009
Arrival: Wed 29th July,
Departure: Monday 3rd August, after 10am

Course Contribution structure: Rs 3000/- till (including) 28Th July, Rs 4000/- on 29Th & 30Th July.

Contact your YES!+ Teachers or Organisers for further registrations.

People in Mumbai Call up Kuldeep : 9819152713 , Mihir: 9870884123

Ashram Coordinator for the course will be Rajeev (9243095814, courses@yesplus.org)

We had an amazing session with bau !! All yes!+ graduates and volunteers were on cloud 9 !!

Yes!+ Excursion is Scheduled for 25th any and everyone can join in !! stay connected to get more info !!

Yes!+ is going on....... and its amazing !! wait for the picz . Today is the last day, I am already missing it.

Jai Gurudev !!!

Something really good to read

2009-07-18T15:52:00.002+05:30

http://whisperfromtheinfinity.blogspot.com/2009/05/finally-new-beginning.html

and

http://whisperfromtheinfinity.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Divine%20dive%20before%20suicide

You ll love the second one!

2009-07-16T23:07:00.003+05:30

Some more nice pics of the farewell.

Sukirti is looking like a Greek Goddess :)
They are our Sweethearts!
VJ