Impressions from a few disciples on the holy occasion of Sri Guru Purnima.
According to the "Gita", explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, I would like to quote his explanations to the 3 main approaches to realization.
1. Dhyana Yoga (meditation)
2. Sankhya Yoga (the path of discriminative wisdom)
3. Karma Yoga (path of right actions)
I was encouraged by GuruMaa to study the Gita. Here, I found the essence of its teachings, applicable to the occasion of Guru Purnima. Yoganandaji has said "listening to the Guru is an art that will take the disciple to the Supreme Goal”.
GuruMaa, has worshipped Her Gurudev each day with deep reverence. I believe, that it is due to his grace that She is still living, to set an example to us all about the importance of working diligently, towards self-realisation, while offering the fruits of our actions to our Creator.
We must work hard to weed our inner garden of weeds and stones, so that it will eventually blossom and leave its fragrance for the world to enjoy.
The spiritual playground at Lohgarh is the endeavor and vision of Ma, which will be the fragrant blue-print for the world". Ma Tujhe Salaam, Ma Tujhe Pranam. May we your children, follow in the foot-prints you are leaving behind.......
TejasMitra writes from Chennai:
Gurupurnima – a day any faithful disciple eagerly waits for to seek blessings from his/her Guru so that his/her life is enriched in all aspects. It is as if a person has got blessings from God directly, as divinity is reflected in the happiness he/she emulates on this day. We, the disciples of GuruMaa are even more fortunate for various reasons each one of us is aware of.
At Lonavala, on July 15th this year, GuruMaa allowed devotees to perform Guru Puja at her Ashram. Deekshits from various parts of the world assembled to seek Her blessings and have a tryst with divinity….yet again!!
As is the ritual every year, the function was held at Hotel Chandralok, Lonavala. The function was well attended, given its popularity. Various performances on stage were applauded for the sheer Bhakti exhibited – truly on this day I feel the performances automatically are beyond benchmarks set. Right from Sri Ganesh Vandana by Panditji, an exhilarating dance performance by Tania Mehta, Bhajans by disciples and devotees; and performances by Jitu Jain and Abhinav Jain, which reminded us of the omnipresent Late Shri Rajendra Jain, GuruMaa’s first disciple, each of the performances was greatly appreciated by the audience.
Impressions were shared by many devotees and their radiant faces proved the benefits they have received through their faith in GuruMaa and Baba. Guru Puja and Guru Aarti was preceded by yet another ceremony of GuruMaa providing Diksha to the following devotees:
1. Indira Khandelwal became AksharPriya
2. Pushpa Khandelwal became PushparniPriya
3. Sumer Purohit became JyotiMitra
4. Gulab Purohit became JyotiPriya.
5. Mrs. Gawde became ShantiPriya
and Ilina was given the name of ShivalikaPriya.
“Prasad” was served to all devotees to make it one ‘complete’ day – something we feel we are devoid of everyday!! We sincerely pray to Baba for GuruMaa’s speedy recovery, and also to shower His blessings on Her and Her disciples.
GuruMitraji writes from New York:
We sincerely miss GuruMaa every day of our lives, and especially when I visit the Mandir. Without GuruMaa, the radiance and sparkle in the Mandir is a bit less. But, I know that She is guiding us silently from Lonavala. On Guru Purnima this year, GuruMaa’s absence was felt more than usual. GuruMitra, SanghPriya, AnnapurnaPriya, PragyaMitra and many more devotees and disciples assembled on 14th evening, and we had to make good with worshipping GuruMaa’s picture. We were blessed, though, with the presence of Mamaji, Sangeet Martandya, Pandit Jasraji along with his disciples, Triptiji and Rattan Mohan Sharmaji.
Pandit Jasrajji gave a rousing performance with his disciples. The congregation was dazzled by the performances, and were really lucky to have them at the Mandir. GuruPuja and Guru Aarti followed, and a call was made to GuruMaa. GuruMaa blessed everyone in NY, and was Herself surrounded by disciples and devotees at the Lonavala Ashram.
NayanMitra writes from London:
My annual Guru Purnima pilgrimage is one of the most energizing journeys for me. A quick long weekend trip is possible from London. I consider myself really blessed that I could do this journey year after year. On this day, I can express my gratitude to GuruMaa, and also gain more energy and more knowledge as we move forward in our journey.
I reached the Ashram early in the morning. GuruMaa, despite Her ill-health, had made Fruit Salad for me besides a lavish breakfast, lunch and Dinner after the program. We were fortunate enough to perform Guru Puja and Guru Aarti in the morning. We planned the evening program, and off went to the venue to ensure that all arrangements were in order.
Another important benefit is to connect with my Guru Brothers and Sisters from all around the world. Also present were AkshatMitra, TejasMitra, AyushMitra, YogMitra, KapishMitra, DarshanPriya, YogPriya, AahutiPriya, KapishPriya. The phone calls were non-stop from all over the world from Shishyas who could not make it in person.
After all the Shishyas and disciples had spoken about how GuruMaa had positively impacted their lives, I had nothing more to add. However, I pointed out that, even in illness, GuruMaa inspires. She is the most courageous person I have met in my life, and every time I get despaired, I just think of GuruMaa and Her fight, and persistence and tenacity to fulfill Her mission. I humbly ask Gurumaa to bless us so that we can fulfill Her mission, and spread Her teachings, now penned in 4 books, with Sri Hanumat Puran to come next.
Jai Sri Hanuman! Maa Tujhe Salaam! Maa Tujhe Pranam!! q
