As far as possible I will try to recollect the most fulfilling and blessed experience called ‘ Shri Ganapati Pule Seminar 2003’ though it is a difficult to give the right feel of the wonderful time we had this time on all the days and are still enjoying the effects of it.
The first day (23rd Dec) we had morning meditation at 6.15 am where Mother’s Tape (a Puja Talk) was played. After this was silent meditation followed by ‘Shri Nirmala Devi Namo Namah’ three times. This practice is a departure from the format of the earlier years where someone used to ‘lead’ the meditation. This was the pattern on all days for early morning meditation.
Our Divine Beloved Shri Mataji arrived on the 23rd evening and at 10 pm we could hear the sound of crackers from MTDC heralding the joyous ‘avahan’ of The Parameshwari. We were, a few days later, privileged to watch a video recording of this event.
On the 24th (apart from the early morning meditation) we had a ‘meditation’ workshop at 11.30 am. Here the emphasis was on how taking Mother’s name with Bhakti and complete recognition that Mother is verily God Almighty, the Parabrahma, the Adishakti can immediately make us feel the tremendous blessings cleansing us, make us feel lighter and enble us to enjoy thoughtless awareness. We were repeatedly exhorted to (silently) express our love, gratitude and humblest salutations to the Almighty Guru Who has blessed us with ‘Sakar” presence at Shri Ganapati Pule. They also played excerpts from Mother’s speeches that were relevant to enabling us to recognize our Mother and Her role in enabling us to go into meditation.
A couple of bhajans expressing this theme/mood were also sung as an offering on behalf of the collective. It was repeatedly mentioned that meditation does not take place because of any specific individual speaking on the microphone or because of any ‘techniques’ but by the blessings of our Mother alone and intensity of our direct individual relationship with our Almighty-Guru. These meditaions were wonderful and many were surprised how amazingly effective this approach was. It was heartening to see how well attended all the meditation sessions were. I suspect it had a direct bearing on the fact that were overjoyed to have our Mother bless us with Her Presence on every evening from the 24th to the 29th.
The 24th afternoon saw a presentation by Vanadevi Health Clinic (functional since June 2003 at Pune) on ‘Traction therapy’ as a cure for many ailments. From what I understood they advocate use of cotton belts (for correcting posture) and what appeared like ‘asanas’(yogic excercises). They reported a very good response and that most of their patients were non-sahajayogis.
The evening program on the 24th started with a video recording of Mother’s talk. At 7.30 (approx) we were delighted to have our first ‘darshan’ of the Devi. Sir CP, Sadhana Didi and Rommel Saheb also graced the occasion. There was a vocal recital of classical bhajans by a vocalist from Bidar (Karnataka) who sang in Hindi, Kannada and Marathi. This was followed by a Hindustani classical vocal recital by Ghulam Mustafa Khan (who has performed before Mother more than once before). He is an old singer who sings bhajans with great devotion and has a melodious voice. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan recently. The program ended early (also on other evenings) at around 11.00 pm.
On the 25th we had once again meditaion at 11 am and was even more enjoyable with the pandal being packed. Puja was announced for 7.00 pm. This time most yogis had assembled at 6.45 pm itself as we were reminded quite forcefully and convincingly (by Mr Nalgirkar) about the purpose of our pilgrimage to G. Pule and that we should make full use of the presence of the Divine by at least coming to all the programs on time. The Puja talk was in three languages – English , Hindi and Marathi. As far as I can remember, the message was (it was a short talk) :
Since olden times Saints and holy people were troubled – Christ had to face problems and go through the torture of Crucifixion. But He being a Divine being did not feel any pain. Even in our case there will be problems in life. But as Sahaja Yogis we do not have to suffer nor be crucified so long as we lead a spiritual life.
Giving of gifts took place without the representatives of different countries going on stage and did not take much time.
26th – 28th – What stood out was the cultural program by the children of Dharamshala school. It was simply outstanding (and by any standard). They kept us enthralled for three hours with their creativity which would be the envy of any other school. We also had doctors of Vashi hospital give a talk about the hospital and how they go about giving relief to patients. They admitted that more than anything it is Mother’s Grace which works out everything. Other artists who presented their talent : Nirmal sangeet Sarita; Bharati Bandhu (from Chattisgarh) sang a kind of quwwali; Praveen Gavankar (classical bhajans from Goa); Quwwali by Warsi brothers from Hyderabad.
On the 29th about 52 marriages took place. While talking to the Brides Mother expressed full confidence that these marriages would prove to be very beautiful and successful (and the talk was short). It was announced as Mother was Sakshat there to shower blessings, the (havan) fire would not be actually lit and that chanting the ‘Agnidevata’ mantra would suffice. The atmosphere was heavenly and everything was so beautiful and peaceful.
Jai Shri Mataji
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