Act, Action and Award
Rohini Wig
Faridabad
(November 2018)
Hari Aum!
It was a special day today! On23rd November 2018, at SISS, devotees gathered to perform Maha Abhishekam attheIshwara Darshan Temple. Prana Pratishtha of Sree Ishwara Temple was done on this auspicious day of Kartik Purnima. Beginning with morning Aarti, a self-elevating message by Gurudev was read out and explained by Guru Maa. With this momentum, members spread out to perform their respective duties with quietitude and inner peace. At its scheduled time, the Homam began with the chanting of the Stotras and the Mantras. It was once again inspiring to note that all activities moved on timely as was planned. We welcomed Maa with Purnakumbh, and after the Aarti and offering our prostrations at the altar of Guru Parampara, all were seated in Sadguru Sharanam. There was the release of the much-awaited book “The Enigmatic Aum” written by Guru Maa. This was followed by Maha Abhishekam at the Temple.
Devotees plan their visit much in advance to be a part of the ceremony which was followed by a two-dayretreat at the Ashram. We did the same (myself and my daughter Shreya). We were fortunate like some other devoteestoarrive two days prior tothe event.This gave us an opportunity to spend some valuable time with Guru Maa. Like always, each moment spent with Maa left us with something to ponder upon.I sometimes wonder that our questions never seem to end, and Maa always imparts the flow of wisdom with an expression of boundless love and patience towards us.
Our day would start early with complete planning of our schedule and duties.I would like to mention here that Shri Manishji, is not only most appropriately the pillar of SISS, but is also the source of all meticulously planned activities, and is an inspiration for all of us. He is a devoted and a dedicated task master where nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to right learning and performance of the activities. I take this opportunity to humbly thank Manishji for making our weaknesses transparent with a hidden learning in his guidance, helping us in turn them into our strength.
“Act, Action and Award” …the topic for the retreat,was based upon the Principles of Act which defines the three-fold impulses of action; three-fold basis for action.It also dealt with the necessary qualities that a doer should work upon. As our action depends on predominance of our tendencies,so to bring perfection in action one has to assess the required practices which will be beneficial to overcome the six disturbances of mind (Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Mad, Matsar). It is our attitude behind an action which is important and will determine the award. Therewas an in-depth explanation given by Maa with examples from Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta chapter 18, verses 18,49,53,54,57.Thereafter, there were group discussions held, which I am sure were very helpful to all of us. There was Sree Guru Pada Puja in the evening followed by Gurudev’s Aarti. We all sang in tune with Maa, the enchanting Stotras with deep reverence and gratitude.
I feel that for the proper guidance to right practice, with a purpose of Sadhna towards the purification of mind; which is not easily achieved,we need tocome again and again to this Holy place of worship and an Institute of learning, at SISS, at the Holy Feet of Guru Maa.