January 2021 Newsletter

JJ Shri Message

Who and What is a GURU?

Guru (Devanagari गुरु) is a Sanskrit term for “teacher” or “master”, especially in Indian religions. The Hindu guru-shishya tradition is the oral tradition or religious doctrine or experiential wisdom transmitted from teacher to student. In the United States, the word guru is a marketing term used by ad agencies and the meaning of “Guru” has been used to cover anyone who acquires followers. A Guru has the power and wisdom to dissolve our spiritual ignorance, he inspires devotion, and his presence purifies all. He makes us understand the rules given by our scriptures’ and plays an important role in one’s life as he leads one to live a dutiful life.

GURU IN HINDUISM

The importance of finding a guru who can impart transcendental knowledge (vidyā) is emphasized in Hinduism. One of the main Hindu texts, the Bhagavad Gita, is a dialogue between God in the form of Krishna and his friend Arjuna, a Kshatriya prince who accepts Krishna as his guru on the battlefield, prior to a large battle. Not only does this dialogue outline many of the ideals of Hinduism, but their relationship is considered an ideal one of Guru-Shishya. In the Gita, Krishna speaks to Arjuna of the importance of finding a guru:

“tad viddhi pranipatena

pariprasnena sevaya

upadeksyanti te jnanam

jnaninas tattva-darsinah”

“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” – Bhagavad Gita C4 S34 the disciple of a guru is called a śiṣya or chela. Often a guru lives in an ashram or in a gurukul (the guru’s household), together with his disciples. The lineage of a guru, spread by disciples who carry on the guru’s message, is known as the guru parampara, or disciple’s succession. The role of the guru continues in the original sense of the word in such Hindu traditions as the Vedānta, yoga, tantra and bhakti schools. Indeed, it is now a standard part of Hinduism that a guru is one’s spiritual guide on earth. In some more mystical traditions, it is believed that the guru could awaken dormant spiritual knowledge within the pupil. The act of doing this is known as shaktipat. In Hinduism, the guru is considered a respected person with saintly qualities who enlightens the mind of his or her disciple, an educator from whom one receives the initiatory mantra, and one who instructs in rituals and religious ceremonies.

ATTRIBUTES OF A GURU

Gurus of several Hindu denominations are often referred to as Satgurus. In the Upanishads, five signs of a Satguru (true guru) are mentioned. In the presence of a Satguru :

1. Knowledge flourishes (Gyana Raksha)

2. Sorrow diminishes (Dukha kshaya)

3. Joy wells up without any reason (Sukha aavirbhava)

4. Abundance dawns (Samriddhi)

5. All talents manifest (Sarva samvardhan)

Seva Shringar Shibir Part-7: Dec. 13, 2020

With the blessing of JJ Shri, another seva Shringar Shibir was conducted by Mayurbhai from Nairobi and the Shibir was on Vastra Shringar. Shibir was very well attended over 300 participants.

Mayurbhai explained how and what material is used for Thakorji vastra based on the season e.g., sheetkal(winter) or Ushnakal (Summer). For any season vastra Shringar, Thakorji tatsukh is most important during seva. In sheetkal, many layers of vastra, like Fatvi, Fargul, Gadal, Chira vastra(for Lalan) and Suthan (Thada Swaroop). Vastra should be of exact measurement for Thakorji or Lalan.

Mastak Shringar is always done first then Attma Sukh(Slightly padded with cotton), Chira Vastra & Fatvi (Like “V” Shape Jacket). Important to remember, color of Fatvi & Chira vastra contrast color (e.g., Yellow & Purple, Red & Green, etc.)

Fargul (GADAL)-Padded with cotton (Different Swaroop has different gadal).

For Jariji Vastra- Thick red malmal (cotton)

Chakdar Vastra: During Sheetkal, Satin material and during utsav like Diwali, Zari na Vastra.

Next Shibir will be held on Sunday, January 17th at 11:30AM, so do join on Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87230675981 Passcode: 17

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

The Vaishnav Sangh of USA website is live as of Dec 6th, 2020.

On the website all the registeration forms are avialbale to sign up for the different classes being offered such as:

Starting Feb 1st, Yog Classes (First come first serve with max of 50 vaishnav), Kirtan Class (First come first serve with max of 100 vishnav) and Kishor classes for age 8-12 years.

Please, sign early and reserve your spot to get enrolled in the respective classes and registeration is open, so sign up soon.

Vaishnav Sangh of USA would also like to take this opportunity to thank for starting Twitter and Instagram page.

Please follow on Twitter & Instagram @vaishnavsanghus

We still need volunteer for different areas of Vaishnav Sangh of USA as a tema we are currently looking for

1. Graphic Design Artist

2. Teachers

3. Newsletter team

4. Marketing Team

5. Video Editing

Gokulnathji Vadhai Gungaan

With the blessings and in the prescene of Vaishvanacharya Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri, Gokulnathji Vadhai Gungaan manorath was celbrated on Dec 19th, 2020 with Kirtankar Raseshbhai and Madhviben Shah, was truly a memorable experience for all the participant attended the event, VSUSA would like to thank sponsorer for the manorath, Meeta & Bhupendra Shah (Tampa, FL), Devyani & Niranjan Patel (Fairfax, VA) and Paramita & Rakesh Shah (Mumbai, India). For recording of the Vachnamrut please YouTube channel for Vaishnav Sangh of USA.