In the month of October, the GA sessions had a very important message – how can we be kind and protective of our natural resources and take care of this beautiful planet, our dear Mother Earth. During the BV sessions around Navaratri, we learnt about the nine forms of Mother Durga. We paid special reverence to her as Prakriti – Mother Nature comprising of Earth, water, mountains, rivers, forests and even as Annapurna, the form of Durga Devi who sustains and nourishes us with food.
It was very interesting how the theme for the November was revealed. Maddy played a visual game “Spot the difference” with the audience in the Nov 7th GA. He was seated in front of the camera wearing a certain colored glasses and vest along with certain background. He would go off the camera and come back after few seconds. The audience had to observe and type in what changes do they see in his appearance and the background. There were several rounds of this game played where certain items like twin elephants, lotus drawn on a white board, bow (Dhanush) and mace (Gada), the doll holding a wallet showed up in each of the round. When asked to identify who do these items represent, the super smart BV kids came up with the right answer very swiftly – Goddess Lakshmi. The theme of November is Goddess Lakshmi.
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Lakshmii-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||
To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Good Fortune,
Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.
Mother Lakshmi is the goddess who provides us the wealth. Wealth she provides is not just the money but also in the form of virtues. Raju ji posed everyone a remarkable question – If you are stuck in a small boat in a fierce storm in the middle of the ocean all by yourself, what would come to your rescue – a pot of gold coins or the virtues like courage, confidence, and fearlessness. Money is important to survive but is not always the only good fortune we need. In a situation as described above, a healthy body to endure the physical hardship, a creative mind that comes up with ways to escape and survive, a sharp intellect equipped with the knowledge about the boat, weather etc along with certain materials like may be compass, raincoat, cellphone is the wealth that will come to rescue and help one surpass the obstacle.
Mother Lakshmi represents these virtues as the “Ashta Lakshmi” –Eight forms of Devi Lakshmi each one representing one of the virtues like Courage, Fearlessness, Strength, Knowledge, Grace, Confidence, and Material wealth.The coming sessions would each talk about these eight forms and their significance.
One most central message Raju ji has been conveying from beginning of this year’s BV is that these Devis – neither Durga mata or Lakshmi mata need us, we need them for our existence and for our success in ultimately achieving the goal of our human life.
In Nov 14th GA , there was a presentation on all the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi and what each of the form represents. The following are the eight forms and the representation of each of that form-
| Adi Lakshmi | Sustenance of the Universe |
| Dhanya Lakshmi | Wealth of Agricultural Nourishment & health |
| Dhairya Lakshmi | Wealth of Courage & Patience |
| Gaja Lakshmi | Wealth of Animal & Royalty |
| Santana Lakshmi | Wealth of Family & Friends |
| Vijaya Lakshmi | Wealth of Victory |
| Vidya Lakshmi | Wealth of knowledge of all kinds |
| Dhana Lakshmi | Wealth of Natural Resources, Will power, Virtues and Character |
The game that followed was a quiz on the learning just imparted and it was conducted by Praveen Krishnamurthy. Every slide had progressive clues to identify a form of the Goddess Lakshmi. Eg: 1st clue – Justin Bieber: Turn to you , 2nd clue : 2nd Sunday of May 3rd clue : Unconditional Love. Well, I am sure you guessed it right – Santana Lakshmi. The game was a huge hit. The audience were engaged completely. The children would be able to identify the form of the Goddess and tell what it represents for a long time since not only the clues were very relatable, but also the way Praveen pointed to the important features in each of the Devi’s form like Vidya Lakshmi is depicted wearing a white saree and Vedas in hand while Vijaya Lakshmi is shown wearing red saree and with 8 hands. I do hope we play the same game next year too as the learning from it was tremendous.
The Nov 21st GA started with a beautiful rendition of the Rama Bhajan by Lakshmi Vashisht ji- “Rama Rama Rama Rama, Rama Nama Tarakam”. Continuing the theme of Mother Lakshmi, we see mother manifesting herself as Nature, Maya and Shakti (Energy). As Nature she provides for us our nourishment, as Maya she aids in the life to go on and as Shakti, she enthuses us with energy. To reiterate again, the Prakriti, Maya or Shakti do not need us, we need them. To keep reminding us of this fact, the ancient scholars have brilliantly conceived these forms, names, and various rituals. Every form, name and ritual are to prompt us to the higher knowledge that we are dependent on them for our sustenance.
A video was played that had a riddle for all to decipher as to which form of Lakshmi will we be talking about. It was Vidya Lakshmi. By Vidya, do we mean what we read and study alone? Of course, not! Vidya means the skills we acquire and the talents we develop too. The more knowledgeable, skilled and talented one is, the humbler one becomes. The humility makes one feel positive about oneself and thus leads to worthiness. The wealth follows the self-worthy and confident and yes, wealth is not just the material wealth here. Since there is no chasing the wealth and there is contentment, we would do good deeds that make us feel happy and joyful. In summary, when we are bestowed with Vidya, we are actually truly equipped with knowledge that leads us to be happiness and joy. In summary, the path to Joy can be traced as Vidya- Knowledge or Skills -> Humbleness -> Self Confidence -> Worthiness -> Wealth (all encompassing) -> Doing Good deeds – > Joy
Later, Vidya ji played a “Mudra game” with all of us. A Mudra is a hand gesture. She showed three mudras – two of which, we see Devi Lakshmi holds and the third mudra is used when we meditate. The firsthand gesture was ‘Abhaya mudra’ (No Fear Mudra) – the right hand held up as if asking to stop. It means fear not while Mother Lakshmi assures to provide the courage and fearlessness to face and overcome the challenges.
The second mudra is ‘Varada Mudra’ (Giving Mudra) – the left hand stretched out and fingers all pointing down as if giving out something. Mother Lakshmi gives us everything we need and deserve without any expectations from us. When we see this mudra, we do our part by giving and sharing all that mother has bestowed upon us.
The third Mudra is ‘Jnana Mudra’(Knowledge Mudra) – bringing the thumb and the pointed finger together to form a circle and spreading out the three fingers. This mudra is used when sitting for meditation to improve concentration and focus which are very essential to meditate.
When Vidya ji says the name of the mudra either the Sanskrit name or the English name, we had to show the mudra. She made it so interesting by changing the pace in which calls out the mudras. It was like we were dancing with our hands trying to go from one hand gesture to another in varying speeds. I was totally fun. All the little children would never forget this session on Vidya Lakshmi as the hand gestures would remind them immediately of her.
On Nov 28th we had our thanksgiving break. All of Chinmaya Balavihar families are forever thankful to be part of this extended family and always believe in “Giving more than what We take”.
Om Tat Sat