Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Hridayarpit – Sarvarpit Shibir 2025 With hearts ablaze in anticipation, Hridayarpits and Sarvarpits joyously received their Master for a sublime four-day getaway from March 13 to 16. Themed “Prem ke rang, Atmarasi ke sang”, it was a sacred convergence where grace streamed boundlessly, wisdom kindled inner awakenings, and love embraced every yearning soul. Astounding AgraMarch 13–15 Pujya Gurudevshri arrived in Agra with the Hridayarpit and Sarvarpit group members, stepping into a city where history breathes through its monuments, weaving tales of love, grandeur, and legacy. Agra stands as the proud custodian of one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Taj Mahal – an splendid emblem of love that transcends time. In this land of magnificence, seekers embarked on a deeper pilgrimage; not to merely admire monuments carved in stone, but to adorn the shrine of devotion within. The lovers of the Divine, alongwith their beloved Master, attended ‘Mohabbat The Taj’ show at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre. This captivating theatrical production, a seamless fusion of dance, drama, and music, exquisitely brought to life the immortal love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, unfolding their tale with artistic brilliance. The Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, stands as a magnificent testament to love and unparalleled craftsmanship. Pujya Gurudevshri and the group embarked on a guided exploration of this breathtaking marvel, also witnessing its ethereal beauty bathed in moonlight. Hridayarpits and Sarvarpits also shared special moments with the Master at Fatehpur Sikri. At the Dargah of Hazrat Salim Chishti, the group dissolved in heartfelt bhakti, their hearts and voices resonating with devotion in the sacred space. A deeply inspiring Udghosh on the art of sweetening relationships was bestowed by Pujya Gurudevshri. He guided them with the skills of celebrating life and living to the fullest. The celebrations by the devotees were infused with enthusiasm – spirited dances, heartfelt experiences shared by Hridayarpits Nirav-Namita Gosalia and Sarvarpit Shilpa Gandhi, and captivating skits; including one on Shri Atmarasi Banarasidasji’s transformative journey towards becoming the author of the profound spiritual text Shri Natak Samaysaar. To pay homage to this timeless masterpiece, Pujya Gurudevshri visited Shri Natak Samaysaar Rachnasthal, where seekers beheld the original manuscript alongside its Farsi-Arabi-Pashto translation, written for Shri Atmarasi Banarasidasji’s friend Emperor Shah Jahan. A spirited session of bhakti followed, filling the air with devotion. The Hridayarpit and Sarvarpit group members were further blessed to celebrate Holi in the divine presence of their Master. The morning began with an insightful session by Atmarpit Nemiji, unravelling the traits of a true seeker. The celebration commenced with an idol of Param Krupalu Dev being adorned with a turban and khes, followed by Pujya Gurudevshri’s pujan of His sacred charankamal. Representing all, Atmarpit Nemiji gently applied colour to the Master. Pujya Gurudevshri then stepped into the gathering, personally anointing each devotee with a tilak and colouring them in varied hues. Waves of joy rippled through the atmosphere as seekers danced in ecstasy, embraced by their Master’s love, drenched in divine shades, and immersed in the essence of true celebration. Vibrant VrindavanMarch 16 Vrindavan, a land where devotion lives and breathes, and every corner resonates the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha, has been a sanctuary for devotees for millennia. Pujya Gurudevshri arrived at Vrindavan with Hridayarpits and Sarvarpits; the Master hand-holding them into a world steeped in devotion. During His visit, Pujya Gurudevshri graced Prem Mandir, a magnificent landmark built in 2012. This architectural marvel, adorned with intricate carvings and life-sized depictions of Lord Krishna’s leelas, stands as a beacon of devotion, drawing countless seekers from across the world. The Master was lovingly offered a khes and a book at the temple. The sacred journey continued with a serene boat ride on the Yamuna river, where, under the vast expanse of the Vrindavan sky, the Master and devotees chanted the holy name of the Lord. With each ripple in the holy waters, it felt as if the very soul of Vrindavan rejoiced, carrying their prayers forth in its timeless flow. Mesmerising MathuraMarch 16 Mathura, the sacred land where Lord Krishna took birth, is revered as the heart of Braj. Pujya Gurudevshri and the group visited Shri Jambuswami Nirvan Sthal, where He was warmly welcomed by the temple trustees with a khes and mala. Ascending to the main mandir, Pujya Gurudevshri offered reverence at the lotus feet of Shri Ajitnath Bhagwan. In this spiritually-charged atmosphere, the group immersed themselves in soulful bhakti. As the yatra drew to a close, Pujya Gurudevshri addressed the seekers one final time, bestowing His blessings upon them – to journey beyond the external, discover the boundless inner realms, and find eternal refuge within. Dearest Gurudev, Through Agra’s wonders, Mathura’s light, Vrindavan’s love so pure and bright. In sacred lands, Your grace did flow, A journey deep, where spirits glow. Sings so Yamuna’s waves, and bhakti songs, To You, dear Master, we belong. In every step, in every view, Our hearts are forever drenched in love for You. Indebted to You forever, Your Hridayarpits and Sarvarpits
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Face Your Enemy Face your enemy with the tool of detached observation and see the challenger leave. A sure-cure practice for a calm, content and competent mind Step 1What Takes up Your Energy It can be very easy to discover what your chief attribute is: Just watch your mind for some days – and see what takes up most of your energy, your time and daydreams. You could keep a journal and note things down. Is it jealousy? Desire for money? Ego? Anxiety for the future? That is your number one enemy. Different people will uncover different things; hatred, anger or even repressed sexuality – anything. Discovering what it is, is almost half the battle won. And only you can find out, for yourself. Step 2Don’t React when Enemy Attacks Now, be completely aware of this. When the enemy attacks, don’t respond. Remain calm and collected. Watch it as if something is passing on the screen. If you stay detached, all of a sudden a huge energy will be liberated that was controlled by your enemy. You will feel charged, revitalised: your whole being suddenly turns anew. Step 3Look Out for Other Enemies Repeat the above steps. Start looking for enemy number two and three. The day you don’t have any enemy within – you have the grace, strength and splendour that blossoms in a thousand flowers. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Sharnarpit Shibir 2025 The Sharnarpit Group Shibir, celebrated between March 9 and 12, was a sacred confluence of wisdom, grace, and boundless love. Every moment overflowed with joy and gratitude due to the Master’s divine presence. Gallant GwaliorMarch 9 Gwalior is a city where history breathes, music flows, and culture thrives. Crowned by its formidable fort, this land has witnessed the presence of saints, poets, and warriors alike. While in Gwalior Pujya Gurudevshri visited the fort with the Sharnarpit Group members. The fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of Tirthankar Bhagwans, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bear witness to its reputation of being one of the most invincible forts of India. After spending informal moments with the Master, the group sat through an informative and interesting light and sound show that brought to life the fort’s ancient glory. The evening culminated with a soulful bhakti with Pujya Gurudevshri. While in Gwalior, the Master also visited the Tomb of Tansen – a legendary musician and one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar’s court. The next morning the entourage visited the pious Shri Sonagiri Tirth with Pujya Gurudevshri. Sonagiri, meaning ‘Golden Mountain’, is a significant Jain pilgrimage site in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its numerous temples, including those dedicated to Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan. It is also considered a sacred place which has witnessed the Lord’s holy assembly – the Samavasaran 17 times and from where five-and-a-half crore Jain ascetics attained liberation. With the beloved Master in their midst, the Sharnarpit Group immersed in a pulsating bhakti. The Master then visited Kundkund Nagar in Sonagiri and consecrated a chitrapat of Param Krupalu Dev and a copy of Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut in the newly constructed Swadhyay Hall. The Trustees lovingly felicitated Pujya Gurudevshri and the audience was blessed with a message by the Master. Joyous Jhansi March 10 Jhansi, a land where valour is immortalised, stands as a beacon of fearlessness. It is etched with the indomitable spirit of Rani Lakshmibai, who rode into battle not just with a sword, but with unwavering determination that defied an empire. In the devout presence of Pujya Gurudevshri, Jhansi bore witness to a different kind of revolution; one waged not on battlefields, but within. Here, seekers stood as warriors of the soul, confronting inner limitations, striving for self-purification, and surrendering unto the Divine. Amidst the towering grandeur of the Jhansi Fort, history intertwined with the present in moments of informal joy. Laughter danced through the ancient ramparts as the Master’s grace transformed interactions into cherished memories. As night fell, the fort was bathed in a luminous glow and the light and sound show breathed life into its glorious past. Through vibrant narration and striking illumination, the saga of courage and sacrifice unfolded before the audience’s eyes, making them feel as if history occurred just yesterday. Ornate OrchhaMarch 11–12 In the final leg of the Sharnarpit Shibir, Pujya Gurudevshri arrived in the historic town of Orchha. Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha draws visitors from around the world due to its blend of cultural heritage and natural splendour. The Shibir reached its crescendo as Pujya Gurudevshri bestowed upon the group a transformative discourse – one that would deepen connections and redefine relationships. The discourse was a revolution in thought, a blueprint for harmonious living, and a wake-up call to infuse every bond with the sweetness of selflessness and love. With the Orchha Fort as the backdrop, the Master spent joyous, informal moments with the group. Devotion found expression through the rhythm of dance dedications and the air was filled with gratitude. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening celebrations unfolded – a stirring confluence of powerful performances and heartfelt experiences. The Sharnarpit Group put together an immersive skit on Rani Lakshmibai, bringing history to life with a portrayal of her courage and unyielding spirit. Moments of emotional sharing followed as Sharnarpits Bhavesh-Kavita Shah and Sharnarpits Dharmesh-Jigna Mehta opened their hearts, reflecting on their spiritual journey with the beloved Master. Their words touched each soul present, leaving everyone inspired to walk their own path of surrender with greater conviction. The Sharnarpit Shibir concluded with joyous Holi celebrations. The morning began with a session by Atmarpit Nemiji, illuminating virtues that a devotee must develop, setting the tone for a day of devotion and festivity. As Pujya Gurudevshri arrived, hearts swelled with devotion. The sacred festivities commenced with the pujan of Param Krupalu Dev’s charankamal, as Pujya Gurudevshri gently adorned them with vibrant Holi colours. The air resonated with soul-stirring bhajans, and as colours flew from the Master’s hands, seekers found themselves immersed not just in hues but in His grace and compassion. It was a phenomenal experience – a Holi where the soul, once touched, remained forever coloured in love, faith, and surrendership! Dear Gurudev, With hearts brimming with gratitude, we bow at Your lotus feet. Through every step in Gwalior, Jhansi, and Orchha, You filled our souls with love divine. You coloured our being in devotion, leaving an imprint that time cannot fade. May we forever walk in Your light, serve with surrender, and remain drenched in the hues of Your love and purity. In Your eternal refuge, Your Sharnarpits Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Dubai Dharmayatra 2025 As Pujya Gurudevshri graced Dubai, the very air pulsated with devotion, igniting an ardent longing for inner awakening. His gracious hosts, Hardik-Niki Shah, extended a heartfelt welcome to the Master. Across two illuminating discourses, Pujya Gurudevshri revealed that even a single moment spent in spiritual pursuit is more valuable than the wealth of the greatest sovereign. Yet, having attained this rare human birth, adorned with opportunities for liberation, if one fails to remain mindful of the eternal, birthless state, then such an existence is wasted beyond measure. With boundless compassion, He declared that those who have triumphed over negligence have, in truth, conquered the supreme state. The The Master’s words drew esteemed individuals from various walks of life, each eager to drink from the fountain of His timeless wisdom. The guests included Ambassador of India to the UAE, Mr. Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan; His Excellency, Ambassador of Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Yacub Hassan Mohammed and many more. Pujya Gurudevshri delighted several devotees with sacred padhramanis. In a sanctified pratishtha ceremony, a sacred covenant was woven – an eternal bond between seekers and the Supreme. With hearts overflowing with devotion, Jitendra-Devanshi Odhrani, Sundeep-Sushma Shishodia, Mehul-Pooja Trivedi, Urmika Mani and Priten K. Jhaveri received the Lord in their homes. Devotees from across the Middle East gathered for a soul-stirring retreat with their beloved Master. Welcoming Pujya Gurudevshri with jubilant dance and heartfelt expressions of love, they created an atmosphere charged with spiritual connection. The retreat unfolded like a celestial symphony, each moment steeped in wisdom and grace. Pujya Gurudevshri’s enthralling Sadguru Udghosh illuminated minds. Interactive games infused the gathering with laughter as well as provided participants with important life lessons. The group also participated in a rejuvenating Yoga session in the devout presence of Pujya Gurudevshri. The retreat culminated in an outpouring of devotion where seekers expressed their love through captivating skits, mesmerising dances, soul-stirring musicals – each a radiant tribute to the Master’s transformative grace. Adding to the spirit of celebration, the group also commemorated a cherished milestone – 20 glorious years of the Dubai Raj Parivar – honouring a journey of unwavering faith, unity, and spiritual evolution. A momentous highlight of the Dharmayatra was a visit to the Navkar Cultural Centre, a novel initiative by the Jain Sangh UAE, poised to become a beacon of spiritual and cultural enrichment. Still taking shape, this edifice will house a magnificent Mandir alongside a dedicated hall for spiritual gatherings. Pujya Gurudevshri was welcomed with deep reverence, adorned with a tilak as a mark of respect. The Jain Sangh UAE presented the architectural vision of the centre to the Master. Pujya Gurudevshri blessed then with an inspiring discourse, filling the space with His illuminating presence and wisdom. The atmosphere resonated with the melodies of soulful bhakti, lifting the spirits of those present. With tremendous love and grace, Pujya Gurudevshri connected to longing souls in Dubai; filling them with warmth, hope, and a renewed commitment to their spiritual path. Every word, glance, and blessing of His left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were blessed to be in His presence, reminding them that true fulfillment lies not in fleeting joys, but in the eternal embrace of the Divine. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Yoga Tailored For All – Asanas for Housewives The science of Yoga offers asanas and techniques that can be practiced at different times during the day by people from different walks of life. Let us acquaint ourselves with a few such asanas and techniques that can be practiced in our daily routine Housewives play an important role in proper functioning of a family. Their role may require spending most of the time at home, either in the kitchen or doing household tasks. Spending hours at a stretch in a particular position or being constantly on feet results in physical strain, stiff muscles and mental fatigue. It may get strenuous at times. Yogasanas provide an easy way to freshen housewives from the tedious tasks on hand. Try out these asanas to build stamina, feel energised and uplift your mood. What Kapotasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘kapota’ which means ‘pigeon’ and ‘asana’ which means ‘pose’. It is usually known as the ‘Pigeon Pose’. We will perform a variation of this asana with the use of a chair or sofa. How to do it Stand 3 to 4 feet away from a chair. Grab both the sides of the chair with your hands. Grip tight. Inhale and lift your right leg forming a ‘V’ between your calf and thigh while placing the thigh on the chair. Let the left foot stay firmly grounded on the floor. Exhale and adjust wherever required. Hold this position for 8 breaths. To release, inhale and exhale bringing the right leg back. Repeat the pose on the other side. Which Benefits Strengthens knees and legs. Opens up inner thighs. Improves posture. Relieves tension in the body. Calms the mind. What Gomukhasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘go’ which means ‘cow’, ‘mukh’ – ‘face’ and ‘asana’ – ‘pose’. We will be performing a variation of this ‘Cow Face Pose’. How to do it Stand in Tadasana. Grab a rolling pin (velan) or scarf (dupatta). Inhale, gently fold your left arm and place it behind your back. Exhale, take your right arm over your right shoulder, and stretch it as much as you can until it reaches your left hand. Make use of the rolling pin or scarf to bring both hands closer to each other. Keep the trunk erect and expand your chest. Hold this pose for 6 to 8 breaths or for as long as you are comfortable. Breathe slowly and deeply. Concentrate on your breathing. Exhale and carefully release the arms. Repeat the pose on the other side. Which Benefits Improves posture. Stretches upper arms and armpits. Increases shoulder flexibility. Relieves shoulder pain. Strengthens spine and abdominal muscles. Helps decompress lower spine. What Purvottanasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘purva’ which means ‘East’, ‘uttana’ – ‘intense stretch’ and ‘asana’ – ‘pose’. We will be performing a variation of this posture using the fridge. How to do it Place your back and legs against the fridge. Spread the arms out across the width of the fridge. Inhale and bring the arms behind, grabbing the sides of the fridge. Exhale and lean forward keeping the feet close to the fridge, feeling an intense stretch in the shoulders and the back. Inhale and bring the body back against the fridge. Exhale to release the arms. Repeat this movement 5 to 7 times. Which Benefits Relieves shoulder stiffness. Expands and releases back. Strengthens the arms. Improves posture. Take small breaks amidst daily chores to practice these yogasanas, which will release the excess tension built up due to extensive use of hands and legs. Not only will this help you work more efficiently, but will also make you feel revitalised and motivated to keep going throughout the day! Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Life Lessons from Dabbawallas The Dabbawallas deliver food to over 2,00,000 people daily in Mumbai. Through a symbol based system they have achieved nearly 100% customer satisfaction since 1890. Here is a overview of the treasure trove of life management lessons we can pick up from them. A tiffin box carries within it a complete meal. With the motto of “taking care of the health of our customers by providing home cooked food prepared by their loved ones” and “100% customer satisfaction with no errors,” as their goal, the dabbawallas are essentially delivery people – but exist in a professional class all of their own. Recognised by Forbes magazine for achieving Six Sigma quality certification in their business structure, commended by Prince Charles, lauded by world-class business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson (owner of the Virgin Group of companies), their leaders are often guest speakers at MBA institutes and universities. So, what is it about the dabbawallas that is so important for us to learn? Everything. Define a Higher Purpose The dabbawallas were founded in the late 19th century by Mahadev Bache, because the workforce of Mumbai was in dire need of proper means of having lunch. These workers would leave their homes early and no canteens and few restaurants made proper nourishment a difficulty. With so many diverse people moving into the area, a home cooked meal would suffice to meet their unique needs. Enter, the innovative delivery people who did not offer to cook a hundred varieties of food, but to provide them exactly what they needed; the warmth of a home cooked meal. In our daily lives, our actions are based upon impulse, moods or duties. Instead of pursuing a steady goal, our wavering mind decides which direction to pursue or which fire to put out. In the professional world, many are just waiting for the day to end while begrudgingly completing tasks. We rarely have goals more elaborate than ‘to make more money’ or simply to finish what we started. Without a greater goal our activities can have, at best, temporary results. But, if we take a seemingly ordinary activity and attach a greater purpose to it then it becomes the rocket fuel that can boost our lives into a superior plane of existence. The dabbawallas take goal setting to a new level; their focus is not just on food delivery, but primarily on maintaining the happiness and health of their customer. They ascertain this to a level, which most delivery people may not have thought of in their entire careers. And that is one of the biggest secrets to their level of customer satisfaction. Their recipients are able to tell, through the dedication and consistency of the service, that they do their job with pride and love. Culture of Success Do the clothes make the man? To a certain degree the answer is a resounding yes. We wear heavy coats in the winter, loose and comfortable clothes in the summer. But beyond that, even activities such as cooking require the donning of an apron, etc. The external preparations do not just assist in physical activity, they play a greater role to suit us up mentally, as well. The dabbawallas are required to wear a Gandhi cap and refrain from drinking alcohol during work hours. Not only that, absenteeism is also frowned upon and fined, if the reasons are not justified. If a rule is broken, the worker may be fined upwards of ₹1000. All workers earn around ₹5000 to 6000 a month, so such a hefty fine is a surefire guarantee to prevent any wayward indulgences. By setting a code of ethics and culture of work, we’re aligning our conduct with right over wrong. If there were no penalties for laziness, ignorance and mood swings, then we would not have an incentive to behave properly. Initially culture setting can take a long time, but once we firm ourselves up, it helps in creating good habits. Start with What You Know So, we have a goal, our work culture and now we get to the “how” of the equation. One of the leaders of the dabbawallas, Gangaram Talekar said, “error is horror,” and having that type of an attitude has led them to achieve a shocking error rate of only 1 in 16 million transactions. Perfection is not a goal, it is their daily achievement. Using a variety of symbols, colours and numbers on top of their aluminium tiffin boxes, it takes 3 to 4 people to transport a lunchbox from the customer’s home to their office. This would be possible for modern day e-commerce sites using easy to manage barcode systems, computerised databases and online communication tools. But about 50% of the dabbawallas are illiterate and so their entire system is dependent upon non-verbal cues. By train, foot and bicycles, they reach their destination. In the case of an emergency where a worker is absent or has fallen sick, there are always five replacements ready to complete the job. Many times we complain about the lack of resources in our inability to complete work. The clear lesson from the supply chain management perspective is that you use what you have to get you to your goal. And through interdependency and teamwork, it is always possible to come out on top. The dabbawallas are a classic example of the “start with what you know” principle. A systemic way to accomplish work is by utilising each person’s strengths and ensuring that there is a culture of mutual support. Purpose, teamwork, discipline and common culture unite the dabbawallas and make them excel like no other. We too can utilise the same principles and techniques to ascend to greater efficiency and a more satisfying life. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji Visits the Ashram Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur had the honour of hosting Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji, current head of Hari Prabodham Parivar. During His visit, Swamiji embarked on a tour of the Ashram and also graced Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Shrimad Rajchandra Jivmaitridham with His presence. On this auspicious occasion, Pujya Gurudevshri and Swamiji addressed the gathering, filling the hearts of seekers with devotion. A meeting between two saints is truly a sight to behold, as compassion and harmony shine through every gesture of the great ones. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Bapaji – My Support System Sarvarpit Shreyance Shah, a member of the Steering Committee of the Mission and a part of the Sadguru Prerna Core Team inks how Pujya Gurudevshri’s ceaseless compassion and constant support have paved the path of his spiritual journey. That morning in 1985, 39 years ago, is as clear in memory as if it was yesterday. I was seeing Bapaji after many years. I was around 11 years old then and I had last seen Him in Hampi in 1980, 5 years before that day, where I had gone with my parents. There was an orphanage on the ground floor of our school and He had come there to meet someone. I approached Him thinking He might not recognise me, but I still went ahead and bowed to Him. To my surprise He said, “You are Rameshbhai’s son!” This was my first face-to-face meeting with Him. Connecting the dots today, I am sure He wasn’t there to meet someone; He was there to reconnect from where we left in the past. Through almost my entire teen years, I had been fortunate to be around Him a lot! Those are my most memorable days yet. We used to talk a lot – the topic would range from what I did during the day to current affairs. The topic wasn’t important at all. The important part was spending time with Him. It would really seem like time had stopped and I was in a different world. Since I would spend most of my time with Him, my friend circle from school and college was very small. As I see it today, His main intention of keeping me with Him, was to keep me away from the vices of college life. My whole world was revolving around Him. And, it was such a great feeling. Days passed and I enjoyed every minute of it. There wasn’t a single day when I hadn’t met Him, not a single day when I hadn’t spoken with Him over the phone. Rising in Devotion In 1989, He had to go to Antwerp for His father’s heart surgery. He was going for almost a month and a half and He had promised that He would write a letter from there. Days were passing and I was waiting for His letter. He wrote a letter on 6th April, 1989. In the last paragraph, He wrote a small quote, which meant a lot to me: Pray without ceasing, God hears what you say; From the moment you rise, to the close of the day, Don’t think for a moment, that He turns a deaf ear Trust and have faith and you’ll never know fear. He ended the letter with the words “your constant companion” followed by French words, “Je t’aime”, which means I love you. One Sunday during the mid-nineties, we had gone for an outing. I had told Him during the day that I had brought my treasure with me to show Him. All my memories with Him, His letters, His handwritten chits, wrappers of chocolates received as His Prasad and so many other things. There was a box full of all these things. On our way back, He asked me to stop the car and give Him the treasure box. He took the box and acted as if He had thrown all its contents in a stream nearby. I was virtually in tears as I had tremendous attachment for those things. After some time, He returned everything back to me and told me that it was a test of my devotion. He wanted to know, whether I accepted His every wish or not. It taught me two lessons – His ajna is much more important than His prasadi and to not cling on to the past, but stay in the present. Holding me Through Joys and Sorrows An extremely joyous moment of my life came in January 2001, my daughter Rhea’s birth. At 11.48 p.m. in the night, Bapaji visited the hospital and we got the news of Rhea’s birth. Bapaji took her in His arms and touched her forehead. He said that she was the first baby He had touched at zero hours. We all can see how blessed she is! The year 2004 brought two news at opposite ends of the spectrum. First, I heard the good news that Bapaji wanted me to become the Sarvarpit Group Leader. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn various skills and apply all that Bapaji had taught me all these years. I was very happy on hearing this. At around the same time; my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was something totally out of the blue. I was completely broken when I heard this. We met Bapaji and He became the pillar of strength for all of us. At one point, I even thought that I should ask Bapaji to make someone else the leader, since I would be busy with mom’s treatment, doctors, hospitals, etc. and so wouldn’t be able to give justice to this seva. However, He asserted that I become the leader. I couldn’t understand why. But it gave me the indication that there was another dimension to this. It slowly dawned upon me that with this responsibility He kept me busy and the negative thoughts stayed out of my mind. If He had not made me the leader, I would have passed through a very low phase. It would have been a disaster. On the night of Diwali, 13th November, 2004, everyone was celebrating Diwali in Dharampur and at 2.30 a.m., mom breathed her last amidst constant japa. I called Bapaji and told Him how it had happened. From that moment, He took care that we got over this grief. In doing this, He made me realise, how much He cares for me and each one of us. Shaping me Through Seva It is Bapaji’s hallmark that He polishes every facet of our existence. He worked on me by grooming me for seva, inculcating the importance of perfection and yet teaching me to be detached and free from pride. I realised that the important thing was not to get the work done, but the attitude with which the work was done. During the construction of Yajnasthal at the Ashram, we would make weekly visits to Dharampur to supervise the progress of the construction. At the fag-end of the construction, when barely two weeks were left for the deadline, we decided to stay back in Dharampur, so we could expedite the pending work and ensure that we were ready by the deadline. During this time, Rhea had to be hospitalised and I spoke to my wife Amee over the phone and asked if she needed me. But my family told me to take care of the construction seva and they will take care of Rhea in Mumbai, so we decided that I would stay back in Dharampur. When Bapaji heard about this, He visited Rhea regularly at the hospital and ensured that she didn’t miss her father and made her feel fine. What better example of YogakshemamVahamyaham – He ensures the safety and well-being of His devotees. As a Steering Committee member, I have seen how He nurtures the seed of spirituality through seva. Our usual Steering Committee meetings are scheduled in such a way that the committee meets for two hours to deliberate on the various points on agenda, followed by half an hour of meeting with Him, when the committee apprises Him about the various points discussed and subsequently He gives guidance on the points. But before taking up the points, He starts with a few minutes of satsang. In this manner, He ensures that not just the head, but the heart is also used while taking decisions. We have also experienced that He comes up with a point that we may have thought as being not so important and not deliberated enough or something which we may have completely overlooked. It is the Master’s way of guiding us subtly but surely. All these years, Bapaji has taught me so many things, how to think, how to talk, how to get things done and much more. To sum it all up, He taught me how to live life. It’s up to me now to live it in the way He wants me to. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Compassionate Action through Karuna Abhiyan Karuna Abhiyan is an initiative by the Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing and treating animals and birds injured during festivals like Uttarayan, where kite-flying often leads to injuries. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has mobilised veterinary professionals and volunteers across the state to provide timely medical assistance to affected animals and birds. Under the Karuna Abhiyan 2025, Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Dharampur, extended its compassionate wings to care for injured birds. From January 10 to 20, dedicated teams of doctors and assistants worked tirelessly from various locations to provide life-saving treatment to various species, including pigeons, owls, and flamingos. This noble endeavour embodied the true spirit of empathy. The initiative served as a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, offering hope and care where it is needed most. Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Sharnarpit Shibir 2025 The Sharnarpit Group Shibir, celebrated between March 9 and 12, was a sacred confluence of wisdom, grace, and boundless love. Every moment overflowed with joy and gratitude due to the Master’s divine presence. Gallant GwaliorMarch 9 Gwalior is a city where history breathes, music flows, and culture thrives. Crowned by its formidable fort, this land has witnessed the presence of saints, poets, and warriors alike. While in Gwalior Pujya Gurudevshri visited the fort with the Sharnarpit Group members. The fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of Tirthankar Bhagwans, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bear witness to its reputation of being one of the most invincible forts of India. After spending informal moments with the Master, the group sat through an informative and interesting light and sound show that brought to life the fort’s ancient glory. The evening culminated with a soulful bhakti with Pujya Gurudevshri. While in Gwalior, the Master also visited the Tomb of Tansen – a legendary musician and one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar’s court. The next morning the entourage visited the pious Shri Sonagiri Tirth with Pujya Gurudevshri. Sonagiri, meaning ‘Golden Mountain’, is a significant Jain pilgrimage site in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its numerous temples, including those dedicated to Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan. It is also considered a sacred place which has witnessed the Lord’s holy assembly – the Samavasaran 17 times and from where five-and-a-half crore Jain ascetics attained liberation. With the beloved Master in their midst, the Sharnarpit Group immersed in a pulsating bhakti. The Master then visited Kundkund Nagar in Sonagiri and consecrated a chitrapat of Param Krupalu Dev and a copy of Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut in the newly constructed Swadhyay Hall. The Trustees lovingly felicitated Pujya Gurudevshri and the audience was blessed with a message by the Master. Joyous Jhansi March 10 Jhansi, a land where valour is immortalised, stands as a beacon of fearlessness. It is etched with the indomitable spirit of Rani Lakshmibai, who rode into battle not just with a sword, but with unwavering determination that defied an empire. In the devout presence of Pujya Gurudevshri, Jhansi bore witness to a different kind of revolution; one waged not on battlefields, but within. Here, seekers stood as warriors of the soul, confronting inner limitations, striving for self-purification, and surrendering unto the Divine. Amidst the towering grandeur of the Jhansi Fort, history intertwined with the present in moments of informal joy. Laughter danced through the ancient ramparts as the Master’s grace transformed interactions into cherished memories. As night fell, the fort was bathed in a luminous glow and the light and sound show breathed life into its glorious past. Through vibrant narration and striking illumination, the saga of courage and sacrifice unfolded before the audience’s eyes, making them feel as if history occurred just yesterday. Ornate OrchhaMarch 11–12 In the final leg of the Sharnarpit Shibir, Pujya Gurudevshri arrived in the historic town of Orchha. Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha draws visitors from around the world due to its blend of cultural heritage and natural splendour. The Shibir reached its crescendo as Pujya Gurudevshri bestowed upon the group a transformative discourse – one that would deepen connections and redefine relationships. The discourse was a revolution in thought, a blueprint for harmonious living, and a wake-up call to infuse every bond with the sweetness of selflessness and love. With the Orchha Fort as the backdrop, the Master spent joyous, informal moments with the group. Devotion found expression through the rhythm of dance dedications and the air was filled with gratitude. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening celebrations unfolded – a stirring confluence of powerful performances and heartfelt experiences. The Sharnarpit Group put together an immersive skit on Rani Lakshmibai, bringing history to life with a portrayal of her courage and unyielding spirit. Moments of emotional sharing followed as Sharnarpits Bhavesh-Kavita Shah and Sharnarpits Dharmesh-Jigna Mehta opened their hearts, reflecting on their spiritual journey with the beloved Master. Their words touched each soul present, leaving everyone inspired to walk their own path of surrender with greater conviction. The Sharnarpit Shibir concluded with joyous Holi celebrations. The morning began with a session by Atmarpit Nemiji, illuminating virtues that a devotee must develop, setting the tone for a day of devotion and festivity. As Pujya Gurudevshri arrived, hearts swelled with devotion. The sacred festivities commenced with the pujan of Param Krupalu Dev’s charankamal, as Pujya Gurudevshri gently adorned them with vibrant Holi colours. The air resonated with soul-stirring bhajans, and as colours flew from the Master’s hands, seekers found themselves immersed not just in hues but in His grace and compassion. It was a phenomenal experience – a Holi where the soul, once touched, remained forever coloured in love, faith, and surrendership! Dear Gurudev, With hearts brimming with gratitude, we bow at Your lotus feet. Through every step in Gwalior, Jhansi, and Orchha, You filled our souls with love divine. You coloured our being in devotion, leaving an imprint that time cannot fade. May we forever walk in Your light, serve with surrender, and remain drenched in the hues of Your love and purity. In Your eternal refuge, Your Sharnarpits
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Dubai Dharmayatra 2025 As Pujya Gurudevshri graced Dubai, the very air pulsated with devotion, igniting an ardent longing for inner awakening. His gracious hosts, Hardik-Niki Shah, extended a heartfelt welcome to the Master. Across two illuminating discourses, Pujya Gurudevshri revealed that even a single moment spent in spiritual pursuit is more valuable than the wealth of the greatest sovereign. Yet, having attained this rare human birth, adorned with opportunities for liberation, if one fails to remain mindful of the eternal, birthless state, then such an existence is wasted beyond measure. With boundless compassion, He declared that those who have triumphed over negligence have, in truth, conquered the supreme state. The The Master’s words drew esteemed individuals from various walks of life, each eager to drink from the fountain of His timeless wisdom. The guests included Ambassador of India to the UAE, Mr. Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan; His Excellency, Ambassador of Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Yacub Hassan Mohammed and many more. Pujya Gurudevshri delighted several devotees with sacred padhramanis. In a sanctified pratishtha ceremony, a sacred covenant was woven – an eternal bond between seekers and the Supreme. With hearts overflowing with devotion, Jitendra-Devanshi Odhrani, Sundeep-Sushma Shishodia, Mehul-Pooja Trivedi, Urmika Mani and Priten K. Jhaveri received the Lord in their homes. Devotees from across the Middle East gathered for a soul-stirring retreat with their beloved Master. Welcoming Pujya Gurudevshri with jubilant dance and heartfelt expressions of love, they created an atmosphere charged with spiritual connection. The retreat unfolded like a celestial symphony, each moment steeped in wisdom and grace. Pujya Gurudevshri’s enthralling Sadguru Udghosh illuminated minds. Interactive games infused the gathering with laughter as well as provided participants with important life lessons. The group also participated in a rejuvenating Yoga session in the devout presence of Pujya Gurudevshri. The retreat culminated in an outpouring of devotion where seekers expressed their love through captivating skits, mesmerising dances, soul-stirring musicals – each a radiant tribute to the Master’s transformative grace. Adding to the spirit of celebration, the group also commemorated a cherished milestone – 20 glorious years of the Dubai Raj Parivar – honouring a journey of unwavering faith, unity, and spiritual evolution. A momentous highlight of the Dharmayatra was a visit to the Navkar Cultural Centre, a novel initiative by the Jain Sangh UAE, poised to become a beacon of spiritual and cultural enrichment. Still taking shape, this edifice will house a magnificent Mandir alongside a dedicated hall for spiritual gatherings. Pujya Gurudevshri was welcomed with deep reverence, adorned with a tilak as a mark of respect. The Jain Sangh UAE presented the architectural vision of the centre to the Master. Pujya Gurudevshri blessed then with an inspiring discourse, filling the space with His illuminating presence and wisdom. The atmosphere resonated with the melodies of soulful bhakti, lifting the spirits of those present. With tremendous love and grace, Pujya Gurudevshri connected to longing souls in Dubai; filling them with warmth, hope, and a renewed commitment to their spiritual path. Every word, glance, and blessing of His left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were blessed to be in His presence, reminding them that true fulfillment lies not in fleeting joys, but in the eternal embrace of the Divine.
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Yoga Tailored For All – Asanas for Housewives The science of Yoga offers asanas and techniques that can be practiced at different times during the day by people from different walks of life. Let us acquaint ourselves with a few such asanas and techniques that can be practiced in our daily routine Housewives play an important role in proper functioning of a family. Their role may require spending most of the time at home, either in the kitchen or doing household tasks. Spending hours at a stretch in a particular position or being constantly on feet results in physical strain, stiff muscles and mental fatigue. It may get strenuous at times. Yogasanas provide an easy way to freshen housewives from the tedious tasks on hand. Try out these asanas to build stamina, feel energised and uplift your mood. What Kapotasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘kapota’ which means ‘pigeon’ and ‘asana’ which means ‘pose’. It is usually known as the ‘Pigeon Pose’. We will perform a variation of this asana with the use of a chair or sofa. How to do it Stand 3 to 4 feet away from a chair. Grab both the sides of the chair with your hands. Grip tight. Inhale and lift your right leg forming a ‘V’ between your calf and thigh while placing the thigh on the chair. Let the left foot stay firmly grounded on the floor. Exhale and adjust wherever required. Hold this position for 8 breaths. To release, inhale and exhale bringing the right leg back. Repeat the pose on the other side. Which Benefits Strengthens knees and legs. Opens up inner thighs. Improves posture. Relieves tension in the body. Calms the mind. What Gomukhasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘go’ which means ‘cow’, ‘mukh’ – ‘face’ and ‘asana’ – ‘pose’. We will be performing a variation of this ‘Cow Face Pose’. How to do it Stand in Tadasana. Grab a rolling pin (velan) or scarf (dupatta). Inhale, gently fold your left arm and place it behind your back. Exhale, take your right arm over your right shoulder, and stretch it as much as you can until it reaches your left hand. Make use of the rolling pin or scarf to bring both hands closer to each other. Keep the trunk erect and expand your chest. Hold this pose for 6 to 8 breaths or for as long as you are comfortable. Breathe slowly and deeply. Concentrate on your breathing. Exhale and carefully release the arms. Repeat the pose on the other side. Which Benefits Improves posture. Stretches upper arms and armpits. Increases shoulder flexibility. Relieves shoulder pain. Strengthens spine and abdominal muscles. Helps decompress lower spine. What Purvottanasana (Variation) Why this Name The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘purva’ which means ‘East’, ‘uttana’ – ‘intense stretch’ and ‘asana’ – ‘pose’. We will be performing a variation of this posture using the fridge. How to do it Place your back and legs against the fridge. Spread the arms out across the width of the fridge. Inhale and bring the arms behind, grabbing the sides of the fridge. Exhale and lean forward keeping the feet close to the fridge, feeling an intense stretch in the shoulders and the back. Inhale and bring the body back against the fridge. Exhale to release the arms. Repeat this movement 5 to 7 times. Which Benefits Relieves shoulder stiffness. Expands and releases back. Strengthens the arms. Improves posture. Take small breaks amidst daily chores to practice these yogasanas, which will release the excess tension built up due to extensive use of hands and legs. Not only will this help you work more efficiently, but will also make you feel revitalised and motivated to keep going throughout the day! Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Life Lessons from Dabbawallas The Dabbawallas deliver food to over 2,00,000 people daily in Mumbai. Through a symbol based system they have achieved nearly 100% customer satisfaction since 1890. Here is a overview of the treasure trove of life management lessons we can pick up from them. A tiffin box carries within it a complete meal. With the motto of “taking care of the health of our customers by providing home cooked food prepared by their loved ones” and “100% customer satisfaction with no errors,” as their goal, the dabbawallas are essentially delivery people – but exist in a professional class all of their own. Recognised by Forbes magazine for achieving Six Sigma quality certification in their business structure, commended by Prince Charles, lauded by world-class business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson (owner of the Virgin Group of companies), their leaders are often guest speakers at MBA institutes and universities. So, what is it about the dabbawallas that is so important for us to learn? Everything. Define a Higher Purpose The dabbawallas were founded in the late 19th century by Mahadev Bache, because the workforce of Mumbai was in dire need of proper means of having lunch. These workers would leave their homes early and no canteens and few restaurants made proper nourishment a difficulty. With so many diverse people moving into the area, a home cooked meal would suffice to meet their unique needs. Enter, the innovative delivery people who did not offer to cook a hundred varieties of food, but to provide them exactly what they needed; the warmth of a home cooked meal. In our daily lives, our actions are based upon impulse, moods or duties. Instead of pursuing a steady goal, our wavering mind decides which direction to pursue or which fire to put out. In the professional world, many are just waiting for the day to end while begrudgingly completing tasks. We rarely have goals more elaborate than ‘to make more money’ or simply to finish what we started. Without a greater goal our activities can have, at best, temporary results. But, if we take a seemingly ordinary activity and attach a greater purpose to it then it becomes the rocket fuel that can boost our lives into a superior plane of existence. The dabbawallas take goal setting to a new level; their focus is not just on food delivery, but primarily on maintaining the happiness and health of their customer. They ascertain this to a level, which most delivery people may not have thought of in their entire careers. And that is one of the biggest secrets to their level of customer satisfaction. Their recipients are able to tell, through the dedication and consistency of the service, that they do their job with pride and love. Culture of Success Do the clothes make the man? To a certain degree the answer is a resounding yes. We wear heavy coats in the winter, loose and comfortable clothes in the summer. But beyond that, even activities such as cooking require the donning of an apron, etc. The external preparations do not just assist in physical activity, they play a greater role to suit us up mentally, as well. The dabbawallas are required to wear a Gandhi cap and refrain from drinking alcohol during work hours. Not only that, absenteeism is also frowned upon and fined, if the reasons are not justified. If a rule is broken, the worker may be fined upwards of ₹1000. All workers earn around ₹5000 to 6000 a month, so such a hefty fine is a surefire guarantee to prevent any wayward indulgences. By setting a code of ethics and culture of work, we’re aligning our conduct with right over wrong. If there were no penalties for laziness, ignorance and mood swings, then we would not have an incentive to behave properly. Initially culture setting can take a long time, but once we firm ourselves up, it helps in creating good habits. Start with What You Know So, we have a goal, our work culture and now we get to the “how” of the equation. One of the leaders of the dabbawallas, Gangaram Talekar said, “error is horror,” and having that type of an attitude has led them to achieve a shocking error rate of only 1 in 16 million transactions. Perfection is not a goal, it is their daily achievement. Using a variety of symbols, colours and numbers on top of their aluminium tiffin boxes, it takes 3 to 4 people to transport a lunchbox from the customer’s home to their office. This would be possible for modern day e-commerce sites using easy to manage barcode systems, computerised databases and online communication tools. But about 50% of the dabbawallas are illiterate and so their entire system is dependent upon non-verbal cues. By train, foot and bicycles, they reach their destination. In the case of an emergency where a worker is absent or has fallen sick, there are always five replacements ready to complete the job. Many times we complain about the lack of resources in our inability to complete work. The clear lesson from the supply chain management perspective is that you use what you have to get you to your goal. And through interdependency and teamwork, it is always possible to come out on top. The dabbawallas are a classic example of the “start with what you know” principle. A systemic way to accomplish work is by utilising each person’s strengths and ensuring that there is a culture of mutual support. Purpose, teamwork, discipline and common culture unite the dabbawallas and make them excel like no other. We too can utilise the same principles and techniques to ascend to greater efficiency and a more satisfying life. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji Visits the Ashram Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur had the honour of hosting Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji, current head of Hari Prabodham Parivar. During His visit, Swamiji embarked on a tour of the Ashram and also graced Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Shrimad Rajchandra Jivmaitridham with His presence. On this auspicious occasion, Pujya Gurudevshri and Swamiji addressed the gathering, filling the hearts of seekers with devotion. A meeting between two saints is truly a sight to behold, as compassion and harmony shine through every gesture of the great ones. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Bapaji – My Support System Sarvarpit Shreyance Shah, a member of the Steering Committee of the Mission and a part of the Sadguru Prerna Core Team inks how Pujya Gurudevshri’s ceaseless compassion and constant support have paved the path of his spiritual journey. That morning in 1985, 39 years ago, is as clear in memory as if it was yesterday. I was seeing Bapaji after many years. I was around 11 years old then and I had last seen Him in Hampi in 1980, 5 years before that day, where I had gone with my parents. There was an orphanage on the ground floor of our school and He had come there to meet someone. I approached Him thinking He might not recognise me, but I still went ahead and bowed to Him. To my surprise He said, “You are Rameshbhai’s son!” This was my first face-to-face meeting with Him. Connecting the dots today, I am sure He wasn’t there to meet someone; He was there to reconnect from where we left in the past. Through almost my entire teen years, I had been fortunate to be around Him a lot! Those are my most memorable days yet. We used to talk a lot – the topic would range from what I did during the day to current affairs. The topic wasn’t important at all. The important part was spending time with Him. It would really seem like time had stopped and I was in a different world. Since I would spend most of my time with Him, my friend circle from school and college was very small. As I see it today, His main intention of keeping me with Him, was to keep me away from the vices of college life. My whole world was revolving around Him. And, it was such a great feeling. Days passed and I enjoyed every minute of it. There wasn’t a single day when I hadn’t met Him, not a single day when I hadn’t spoken with Him over the phone. Rising in Devotion In 1989, He had to go to Antwerp for His father’s heart surgery. He was going for almost a month and a half and He had promised that He would write a letter from there. Days were passing and I was waiting for His letter. He wrote a letter on 6th April, 1989. In the last paragraph, He wrote a small quote, which meant a lot to me: Pray without ceasing, God hears what you say; From the moment you rise, to the close of the day, Don’t think for a moment, that He turns a deaf ear Trust and have faith and you’ll never know fear. He ended the letter with the words “your constant companion” followed by French words, “Je t’aime”, which means I love you. One Sunday during the mid-nineties, we had gone for an outing. I had told Him during the day that I had brought my treasure with me to show Him. All my memories with Him, His letters, His handwritten chits, wrappers of chocolates received as His Prasad and so many other things. There was a box full of all these things. On our way back, He asked me to stop the car and give Him the treasure box. He took the box and acted as if He had thrown all its contents in a stream nearby. I was virtually in tears as I had tremendous attachment for those things. After some time, He returned everything back to me and told me that it was a test of my devotion. He wanted to know, whether I accepted His every wish or not. It taught me two lessons – His ajna is much more important than His prasadi and to not cling on to the past, but stay in the present. Holding me Through Joys and Sorrows An extremely joyous moment of my life came in January 2001, my daughter Rhea’s birth. At 11.48 p.m. in the night, Bapaji visited the hospital and we got the news of Rhea’s birth. Bapaji took her in His arms and touched her forehead. He said that she was the first baby He had touched at zero hours. We all can see how blessed she is! The year 2004 brought two news at opposite ends of the spectrum. First, I heard the good news that Bapaji wanted me to become the Sarvarpit Group Leader. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn various skills and apply all that Bapaji had taught me all these years. I was very happy on hearing this. At around the same time; my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was something totally out of the blue. I was completely broken when I heard this. We met Bapaji and He became the pillar of strength for all of us. At one point, I even thought that I should ask Bapaji to make someone else the leader, since I would be busy with mom’s treatment, doctors, hospitals, etc. and so wouldn’t be able to give justice to this seva. However, He asserted that I become the leader. I couldn’t understand why. But it gave me the indication that there was another dimension to this. It slowly dawned upon me that with this responsibility He kept me busy and the negative thoughts stayed out of my mind. If He had not made me the leader, I would have passed through a very low phase. It would have been a disaster. On the night of Diwali, 13th November, 2004, everyone was celebrating Diwali in Dharampur and at 2.30 a.m., mom breathed her last amidst constant japa. I called Bapaji and told Him how it had happened. From that moment, He took care that we got over this grief. In doing this, He made me realise, how much He cares for me and each one of us. Shaping me Through Seva It is Bapaji’s hallmark that He polishes every facet of our existence. He worked on me by grooming me for seva, inculcating the importance of perfection and yet teaching me to be detached and free from pride. I realised that the important thing was not to get the work done, but the attitude with which the work was done. During the construction of Yajnasthal at the Ashram, we would make weekly visits to Dharampur to supervise the progress of the construction. At the fag-end of the construction, when barely two weeks were left for the deadline, we decided to stay back in Dharampur, so we could expedite the pending work and ensure that we were ready by the deadline. During this time, Rhea had to be hospitalised and I spoke to my wife Amee over the phone and asked if she needed me. But my family told me to take care of the construction seva and they will take care of Rhea in Mumbai, so we decided that I would stay back in Dharampur. When Bapaji heard about this, He visited Rhea regularly at the hospital and ensured that she didn’t miss her father and made her feel fine. What better example of YogakshemamVahamyaham – He ensures the safety and well-being of His devotees. As a Steering Committee member, I have seen how He nurtures the seed of spirituality through seva. Our usual Steering Committee meetings are scheduled in such a way that the committee meets for two hours to deliberate on the various points on agenda, followed by half an hour of meeting with Him, when the committee apprises Him about the various points discussed and subsequently He gives guidance on the points. But before taking up the points, He starts with a few minutes of satsang. In this manner, He ensures that not just the head, but the heart is also used while taking decisions. We have also experienced that He comes up with a point that we may have thought as being not so important and not deliberated enough or something which we may have completely overlooked. It is the Master’s way of guiding us subtly but surely. All these years, Bapaji has taught me so many things, how to think, how to talk, how to get things done and much more. To sum it all up, He taught me how to live life. It’s up to me now to live it in the way He wants me to. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Compassionate Action through Karuna Abhiyan Karuna Abhiyan is an initiative by the Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing and treating animals and birds injured during festivals like Uttarayan, where kite-flying often leads to injuries. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has mobilised veterinary professionals and volunteers across the state to provide timely medical assistance to affected animals and birds. Under the Karuna Abhiyan 2025, Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Dharampur, extended its compassionate wings to care for injured birds. From January 10 to 20, dedicated teams of doctors and assistants worked tirelessly from various locations to provide life-saving treatment to various species, including pigeons, owls, and flamingos. This noble endeavour embodied the true spirit of empathy. The initiative served as a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, offering hope and care where it is needed most. Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Life Lessons from Dabbawallas The Dabbawallas deliver food to over 2,00,000 people daily in Mumbai. Through a symbol based system they have achieved nearly 100% customer satisfaction since 1890. Here is a overview of the treasure trove of life management lessons we can pick up from them. A tiffin box carries within it a complete meal. With the motto of “taking care of the health of our customers by providing home cooked food prepared by their loved ones” and “100% customer satisfaction with no errors,” as their goal, the dabbawallas are essentially delivery people – but exist in a professional class all of their own. Recognised by Forbes magazine for achieving Six Sigma quality certification in their business structure, commended by Prince Charles, lauded by world-class business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson (owner of the Virgin Group of companies), their leaders are often guest speakers at MBA institutes and universities. So, what is it about the dabbawallas that is so important for us to learn? Everything. Define a Higher Purpose The dabbawallas were founded in the late 19th century by Mahadev Bache, because the workforce of Mumbai was in dire need of proper means of having lunch. These workers would leave their homes early and no canteens and few restaurants made proper nourishment a difficulty. With so many diverse people moving into the area, a home cooked meal would suffice to meet their unique needs. Enter, the innovative delivery people who did not offer to cook a hundred varieties of food, but to provide them exactly what they needed; the warmth of a home cooked meal. In our daily lives, our actions are based upon impulse, moods or duties. Instead of pursuing a steady goal, our wavering mind decides which direction to pursue or which fire to put out. In the professional world, many are just waiting for the day to end while begrudgingly completing tasks. We rarely have goals more elaborate than ‘to make more money’ or simply to finish what we started. Without a greater goal our activities can have, at best, temporary results. But, if we take a seemingly ordinary activity and attach a greater purpose to it then it becomes the rocket fuel that can boost our lives into a superior plane of existence. The dabbawallas take goal setting to a new level; their focus is not just on food delivery, but primarily on maintaining the happiness and health of their customer. They ascertain this to a level, which most delivery people may not have thought of in their entire careers. And that is one of the biggest secrets to their level of customer satisfaction. Their recipients are able to tell, through the dedication and consistency of the service, that they do their job with pride and love. Culture of Success Do the clothes make the man? To a certain degree the answer is a resounding yes. We wear heavy coats in the winter, loose and comfortable clothes in the summer. But beyond that, even activities such as cooking require the donning of an apron, etc. The external preparations do not just assist in physical activity, they play a greater role to suit us up mentally, as well. The dabbawallas are required to wear a Gandhi cap and refrain from drinking alcohol during work hours. Not only that, absenteeism is also frowned upon and fined, if the reasons are not justified. If a rule is broken, the worker may be fined upwards of ₹1000. All workers earn around ₹5000 to 6000 a month, so such a hefty fine is a surefire guarantee to prevent any wayward indulgences. By setting a code of ethics and culture of work, we’re aligning our conduct with right over wrong. If there were no penalties for laziness, ignorance and mood swings, then we would not have an incentive to behave properly. Initially culture setting can take a long time, but once we firm ourselves up, it helps in creating good habits. Start with What You Know So, we have a goal, our work culture and now we get to the “how” of the equation. One of the leaders of the dabbawallas, Gangaram Talekar said, “error is horror,” and having that type of an attitude has led them to achieve a shocking error rate of only 1 in 16 million transactions. Perfection is not a goal, it is their daily achievement. Using a variety of symbols, colours and numbers on top of their aluminium tiffin boxes, it takes 3 to 4 people to transport a lunchbox from the customer’s home to their office. This would be possible for modern day e-commerce sites using easy to manage barcode systems, computerised databases and online communication tools. But about 50% of the dabbawallas are illiterate and so their entire system is dependent upon non-verbal cues. By train, foot and bicycles, they reach their destination. In the case of an emergency where a worker is absent or has fallen sick, there are always five replacements ready to complete the job. Many times we complain about the lack of resources in our inability to complete work. The clear lesson from the supply chain management perspective is that you use what you have to get you to your goal. And through interdependency and teamwork, it is always possible to come out on top. The dabbawallas are a classic example of the “start with what you know” principle. A systemic way to accomplish work is by utilising each person’s strengths and ensuring that there is a culture of mutual support. Purpose, teamwork, discipline and common culture unite the dabbawallas and make them excel like no other. We too can utilise the same principles and techniques to ascend to greater efficiency and a more satisfying life. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji Visits the Ashram Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur had the honour of hosting Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji, current head of Hari Prabodham Parivar. During His visit, Swamiji embarked on a tour of the Ashram and also graced Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Shrimad Rajchandra Jivmaitridham with His presence. On this auspicious occasion, Pujya Gurudevshri and Swamiji addressed the gathering, filling the hearts of seekers with devotion. A meeting between two saints is truly a sight to behold, as compassion and harmony shine through every gesture of the great ones. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Bapaji – My Support System Sarvarpit Shreyance Shah, a member of the Steering Committee of the Mission and a part of the Sadguru Prerna Core Team inks how Pujya Gurudevshri’s ceaseless compassion and constant support have paved the path of his spiritual journey. That morning in 1985, 39 years ago, is as clear in memory as if it was yesterday. I was seeing Bapaji after many years. I was around 11 years old then and I had last seen Him in Hampi in 1980, 5 years before that day, where I had gone with my parents. There was an orphanage on the ground floor of our school and He had come there to meet someone. I approached Him thinking He might not recognise me, but I still went ahead and bowed to Him. To my surprise He said, “You are Rameshbhai’s son!” This was my first face-to-face meeting with Him. Connecting the dots today, I am sure He wasn’t there to meet someone; He was there to reconnect from where we left in the past. Through almost my entire teen years, I had been fortunate to be around Him a lot! Those are my most memorable days yet. We used to talk a lot – the topic would range from what I did during the day to current affairs. The topic wasn’t important at all. The important part was spending time with Him. It would really seem like time had stopped and I was in a different world. Since I would spend most of my time with Him, my friend circle from school and college was very small. As I see it today, His main intention of keeping me with Him, was to keep me away from the vices of college life. My whole world was revolving around Him. And, it was such a great feeling. Days passed and I enjoyed every minute of it. There wasn’t a single day when I hadn’t met Him, not a single day when I hadn’t spoken with Him over the phone. Rising in Devotion In 1989, He had to go to Antwerp for His father’s heart surgery. He was going for almost a month and a half and He had promised that He would write a letter from there. Days were passing and I was waiting for His letter. He wrote a letter on 6th April, 1989. In the last paragraph, He wrote a small quote, which meant a lot to me: Pray without ceasing, God hears what you say; From the moment you rise, to the close of the day, Don’t think for a moment, that He turns a deaf ear Trust and have faith and you’ll never know fear. He ended the letter with the words “your constant companion” followed by French words, “Je t’aime”, which means I love you. One Sunday during the mid-nineties, we had gone for an outing. I had told Him during the day that I had brought my treasure with me to show Him. All my memories with Him, His letters, His handwritten chits, wrappers of chocolates received as His Prasad and so many other things. There was a box full of all these things. On our way back, He asked me to stop the car and give Him the treasure box. He took the box and acted as if He had thrown all its contents in a stream nearby. I was virtually in tears as I had tremendous attachment for those things. After some time, He returned everything back to me and told me that it was a test of my devotion. He wanted to know, whether I accepted His every wish or not. It taught me two lessons – His ajna is much more important than His prasadi and to not cling on to the past, but stay in the present. Holding me Through Joys and Sorrows An extremely joyous moment of my life came in January 2001, my daughter Rhea’s birth. At 11.48 p.m. in the night, Bapaji visited the hospital and we got the news of Rhea’s birth. Bapaji took her in His arms and touched her forehead. He said that she was the first baby He had touched at zero hours. We all can see how blessed she is! The year 2004 brought two news at opposite ends of the spectrum. First, I heard the good news that Bapaji wanted me to become the Sarvarpit Group Leader. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn various skills and apply all that Bapaji had taught me all these years. I was very happy on hearing this. At around the same time; my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was something totally out of the blue. I was completely broken when I heard this. We met Bapaji and He became the pillar of strength for all of us. At one point, I even thought that I should ask Bapaji to make someone else the leader, since I would be busy with mom’s treatment, doctors, hospitals, etc. and so wouldn’t be able to give justice to this seva. However, He asserted that I become the leader. I couldn’t understand why. But it gave me the indication that there was another dimension to this. It slowly dawned upon me that with this responsibility He kept me busy and the negative thoughts stayed out of my mind. If He had not made me the leader, I would have passed through a very low phase. It would have been a disaster. On the night of Diwali, 13th November, 2004, everyone was celebrating Diwali in Dharampur and at 2.30 a.m., mom breathed her last amidst constant japa. I called Bapaji and told Him how it had happened. From that moment, He took care that we got over this grief. In doing this, He made me realise, how much He cares for me and each one of us. Shaping me Through Seva It is Bapaji’s hallmark that He polishes every facet of our existence. He worked on me by grooming me for seva, inculcating the importance of perfection and yet teaching me to be detached and free from pride. I realised that the important thing was not to get the work done, but the attitude with which the work was done. During the construction of Yajnasthal at the Ashram, we would make weekly visits to Dharampur to supervise the progress of the construction. At the fag-end of the construction, when barely two weeks were left for the deadline, we decided to stay back in Dharampur, so we could expedite the pending work and ensure that we were ready by the deadline. During this time, Rhea had to be hospitalised and I spoke to my wife Amee over the phone and asked if she needed me. But my family told me to take care of the construction seva and they will take care of Rhea in Mumbai, so we decided that I would stay back in Dharampur. When Bapaji heard about this, He visited Rhea regularly at the hospital and ensured that she didn’t miss her father and made her feel fine. What better example of YogakshemamVahamyaham – He ensures the safety and well-being of His devotees. As a Steering Committee member, I have seen how He nurtures the seed of spirituality through seva. Our usual Steering Committee meetings are scheduled in such a way that the committee meets for two hours to deliberate on the various points on agenda, followed by half an hour of meeting with Him, when the committee apprises Him about the various points discussed and subsequently He gives guidance on the points. But before taking up the points, He starts with a few minutes of satsang. In this manner, He ensures that not just the head, but the heart is also used while taking decisions. We have also experienced that He comes up with a point that we may have thought as being not so important and not deliberated enough or something which we may have completely overlooked. It is the Master’s way of guiding us subtly but surely. All these years, Bapaji has taught me so many things, how to think, how to talk, how to get things done and much more. To sum it all up, He taught me how to live life. It’s up to me now to live it in the way He wants me to. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Compassionate Action through Karuna Abhiyan Karuna Abhiyan is an initiative by the Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing and treating animals and birds injured during festivals like Uttarayan, where kite-flying often leads to injuries. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has mobilised veterinary professionals and volunteers across the state to provide timely medical assistance to affected animals and birds. Under the Karuna Abhiyan 2025, Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Dharampur, extended its compassionate wings to care for injured birds. From January 10 to 20, dedicated teams of doctors and assistants worked tirelessly from various locations to provide life-saving treatment to various species, including pigeons, owls, and flamingos. This noble endeavour embodied the true spirit of empathy. The initiative served as a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, offering hope and care where it is needed most. Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji Visits the Ashram Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur had the honour of hosting Pragat Guruhari Prabodhjivan Swamiji, current head of Hari Prabodham Parivar. During His visit, Swamiji embarked on a tour of the Ashram and also graced Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Shrimad Rajchandra Jivmaitridham with His presence. On this auspicious occasion, Pujya Gurudevshri and Swamiji addressed the gathering, filling the hearts of seekers with devotion. A meeting between two saints is truly a sight to behold, as compassion and harmony shine through every gesture of the great ones.
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Bapaji – My Support System Sarvarpit Shreyance Shah, a member of the Steering Committee of the Mission and a part of the Sadguru Prerna Core Team inks how Pujya Gurudevshri’s ceaseless compassion and constant support have paved the path of his spiritual journey. That morning in 1985, 39 years ago, is as clear in memory as if it was yesterday. I was seeing Bapaji after many years. I was around 11 years old then and I had last seen Him in Hampi in 1980, 5 years before that day, where I had gone with my parents. There was an orphanage on the ground floor of our school and He had come there to meet someone. I approached Him thinking He might not recognise me, but I still went ahead and bowed to Him. To my surprise He said, “You are Rameshbhai’s son!” This was my first face-to-face meeting with Him. Connecting the dots today, I am sure He wasn’t there to meet someone; He was there to reconnect from where we left in the past. Through almost my entire teen years, I had been fortunate to be around Him a lot! Those are my most memorable days yet. We used to talk a lot – the topic would range from what I did during the day to current affairs. The topic wasn’t important at all. The important part was spending time with Him. It would really seem like time had stopped and I was in a different world. Since I would spend most of my time with Him, my friend circle from school and college was very small. As I see it today, His main intention of keeping me with Him, was to keep me away from the vices of college life. My whole world was revolving around Him. And, it was such a great feeling. Days passed and I enjoyed every minute of it. There wasn’t a single day when I hadn’t met Him, not a single day when I hadn’t spoken with Him over the phone. Rising in Devotion In 1989, He had to go to Antwerp for His father’s heart surgery. He was going for almost a month and a half and He had promised that He would write a letter from there. Days were passing and I was waiting for His letter. He wrote a letter on 6th April, 1989. In the last paragraph, He wrote a small quote, which meant a lot to me: Pray without ceasing, God hears what you say; From the moment you rise, to the close of the day, Don’t think for a moment, that He turns a deaf ear Trust and have faith and you’ll never know fear. He ended the letter with the words “your constant companion” followed by French words, “Je t’aime”, which means I love you. One Sunday during the mid-nineties, we had gone for an outing. I had told Him during the day that I had brought my treasure with me to show Him. All my memories with Him, His letters, His handwritten chits, wrappers of chocolates received as His Prasad and so many other things. There was a box full of all these things. On our way back, He asked me to stop the car and give Him the treasure box. He took the box and acted as if He had thrown all its contents in a stream nearby. I was virtually in tears as I had tremendous attachment for those things. After some time, He returned everything back to me and told me that it was a test of my devotion. He wanted to know, whether I accepted His every wish or not. It taught me two lessons – His ajna is much more important than His prasadi and to not cling on to the past, but stay in the present. Holding me Through Joys and Sorrows An extremely joyous moment of my life came in January 2001, my daughter Rhea’s birth. At 11.48 p.m. in the night, Bapaji visited the hospital and we got the news of Rhea’s birth. Bapaji took her in His arms and touched her forehead. He said that she was the first baby He had touched at zero hours. We all can see how blessed she is! The year 2004 brought two news at opposite ends of the spectrum. First, I heard the good news that Bapaji wanted me to become the Sarvarpit Group Leader. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn various skills and apply all that Bapaji had taught me all these years. I was very happy on hearing this. At around the same time; my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was something totally out of the blue. I was completely broken when I heard this. We met Bapaji and He became the pillar of strength for all of us. At one point, I even thought that I should ask Bapaji to make someone else the leader, since I would be busy with mom’s treatment, doctors, hospitals, etc. and so wouldn’t be able to give justice to this seva. However, He asserted that I become the leader. I couldn’t understand why. But it gave me the indication that there was another dimension to this. It slowly dawned upon me that with this responsibility He kept me busy and the negative thoughts stayed out of my mind. If He had not made me the leader, I would have passed through a very low phase. It would have been a disaster. On the night of Diwali, 13th November, 2004, everyone was celebrating Diwali in Dharampur and at 2.30 a.m., mom breathed her last amidst constant japa. I called Bapaji and told Him how it had happened. From that moment, He took care that we got over this grief. In doing this, He made me realise, how much He cares for me and each one of us. Shaping me Through Seva It is Bapaji’s hallmark that He polishes every facet of our existence. He worked on me by grooming me for seva, inculcating the importance of perfection and yet teaching me to be detached and free from pride. I realised that the important thing was not to get the work done, but the attitude with which the work was done. During the construction of Yajnasthal at the Ashram, we would make weekly visits to Dharampur to supervise the progress of the construction. At the fag-end of the construction, when barely two weeks were left for the deadline, we decided to stay back in Dharampur, so we could expedite the pending work and ensure that we were ready by the deadline. During this time, Rhea had to be hospitalised and I spoke to my wife Amee over the phone and asked if she needed me. But my family told me to take care of the construction seva and they will take care of Rhea in Mumbai, so we decided that I would stay back in Dharampur. When Bapaji heard about this, He visited Rhea regularly at the hospital and ensured that she didn’t miss her father and made her feel fine. What better example of YogakshemamVahamyaham – He ensures the safety and well-being of His devotees. As a Steering Committee member, I have seen how He nurtures the seed of spirituality through seva. Our usual Steering Committee meetings are scheduled in such a way that the committee meets for two hours to deliberate on the various points on agenda, followed by half an hour of meeting with Him, when the committee apprises Him about the various points discussed and subsequently He gives guidance on the points. But before taking up the points, He starts with a few minutes of satsang. In this manner, He ensures that not just the head, but the heart is also used while taking decisions. We have also experienced that He comes up with a point that we may have thought as being not so important and not deliberated enough or something which we may have completely overlooked. It is the Master’s way of guiding us subtly but surely. All these years, Bapaji has taught me so many things, how to think, how to talk, how to get things done and much more. To sum it all up, He taught me how to live life. It’s up to me now to live it in the way He wants me to. Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Compassionate Action through Karuna Abhiyan Karuna Abhiyan is an initiative by the Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing and treating animals and birds injured during festivals like Uttarayan, where kite-flying often leads to injuries. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has mobilised veterinary professionals and volunteers across the state to provide timely medical assistance to affected animals and birds. Under the Karuna Abhiyan 2025, Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Dharampur, extended its compassionate wings to care for injured birds. From January 10 to 20, dedicated teams of doctors and assistants worked tirelessly from various locations to provide life-saving treatment to various species, including pigeons, owls, and flamingos. This noble endeavour embodied the true spirit of empathy. The initiative served as a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, offering hope and care where it is needed most. Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Home Archives for 2025 Page 19 Compassionate Action through Karuna Abhiyan Karuna Abhiyan is an initiative by the Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing and treating animals and birds injured during festivals like Uttarayan, where kite-flying often leads to injuries. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has mobilised veterinary professionals and volunteers across the state to provide timely medical assistance to affected animals and birds. Under the Karuna Abhiyan 2025, Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, in collaboration with the Forest Department of Dharampur, extended its compassionate wings to care for injured birds. From January 10 to 20, dedicated teams of doctors and assistants worked tirelessly from various locations to provide life-saving treatment to various species, including pigeons, owls, and flamingos. This noble endeavour embodied the true spirit of empathy. The initiative served as a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, offering hope and care where it is needed most.
