VYO-USA Pushti Preeti 3.3

Transcription

 Pushti
Preeti
Volume3.Issue3.Spring2016
Message f(om Pujya Jeje
Holi Utsav/Dolutsav ki Badhai! Dolutsav is a major festival of Vraj and as our beloved Thakorji is a Vrajvasi, it is a verC
imporEant utsav for all of us in Pushtimarg. This festive occasion is celebrated with g(eat enthusiasm and ferIor
throughout the world by Vaishnavs and Hindus. For Pushtimargiya Vaishnavs, Dolutsav marks the end of 40 days of
VasantMtsav. During this time, our beloved Thakorji plays with colors of Abil, Gulal, Choba and Chandan. In
Pushtimarg this khel or playfMl activitC reminds us that no maRer what obstacles, disappointSents, failures or successes
we exUerience in our daily lives, when we sur(ender and ﬁnd refMge in our beloved Lord Shri Krishna and are showered
by the vibrant colors of His divine love and bhakti, our lives become purUosefMl, meaningZMl and eter[ally blissfMl! Blessings,
— Vrajrajkumarji —
In this
Edition…
VYO-WORLD ACTIVITIES
UPDATES ON SOME
PAST ACTIVITIES FROM
DIFFERENT CENTERS
— PAGE 3-13
MESSAGE &
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM
THE TRUSTEE BOARD /
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
— PAGE 2
PUSHTI ETIQUETTE
RESPECTING
RELIGIOUS TEXTS/
BOOKS — PAGE 19
KIDS CORNER
VYO POEM & VYO YOUTH
DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCE
WITH VOLUNTEERING
— PAGE 22-23
VASANT PANCHMI &
HOLI
THE SIGNIFICANCE IN
PUSHTIMARG
— PAGE 14-15
SIGNIFICANCE OF
DIFFERENT
EKADASHIS — PAGE 19
UPCOMING
PUSHITIMARGIYA
FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
— PAGE 23
© VYO-USA, Inc.
NIDHI
SWAROOPS
OF
PUSHTIMARG
— PAGE 16-17
VYO EVENTS IN THE
COMMUNITY
“LOVE FOR GAU” EVENTS &
‘RARE BEAR’ VOLUNTEERING — PAGE 20-21
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO
ALL VAISHNAVS THAT MAYBE INTERESTED.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? [email protected]
VYO Pushti Preeti NewsletEer
Message from the VYO USA National Trustee Board,
Executive Board, and Center Presidents Jai Shri Krishna BhagIadiya Vaishnavs!
With divine g(ace of Lord Shri Nathji Prabhu and aashiraad bom Pujya Jeje Shri Vrajrajkumarji
MahodayShri, VYO USA is g(owing rapidly with the mission to spread Shuddhadvaita, nondualist bhakti
of Lord Shri Krishna.
Aﬅer celebrating Diwali and Annkut utsavs last year, most centers have celebrated the Holi Khel, Rasiya
and Dolotsav with t(Me gopi bhav and bhakti. Centers are excited and now preparing for one of the most
auspicious occasion in Pustimarg - Shri Mahaprabhuji PragatCotsav.
We, here at VYO USA are exE(emely happy and pleased to wit[ess the t(emendous g(owth of our centers
throughout the count(C. VYO centers are conducting regMlar monthly satsangs, utsav celebrations, VYO
education classes for kids and communitC serIices. By geRing kids involved in all these activities, we are
seeing g(eat prog(ess in kids and adults alike for our heritage of Pusti Bhakti marg that teaches kids how
to live as a proud Hindu in the United States.
VYO USA TrMstees and Executive commiRee have been exE(emely busy to launch new and unique
monthly spiritMal meet called a “Prabhu Padhramni Satsang” with Pujya Jeje Shri’s gMidance and ag[ya.
This concept will be implemented bom April 2016 throughout the count(C. VYO USA is also working
tirelessly to ar(ange Pujya Jeje Shri’s spiritMal tour in USA with Aapshri’s Kathas, VachanamrMt and other
SpiritMal discourse.
With Shri Thakorji’s asim krMpa, VYO is g(owing World -Wide and Pujya Jeje Shri is taking ATI KAST to
bring all scaRered Pusti Jeevs to the lotMs feet of Shri Nathji Prabhu by doing literal “PrMthvi Parikrama”
of the 21st CentMrC. VYO USA feels blessed to be able to become nimmit for such a g(eat karCa of Pujya
Jeje Shri.
“Shri Vallabh Jug Jug Raaj Karo”
Jay Shri Krishna!
Jay Shri Vallabh!
- VYO USA TrMstee Board & VYO USA Executive Board
Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
Comments/Qs: [email protected]
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VYO International Update
Bhagvad Smaran to All,
With Shri Thakorji’s krupa and divine aashirwad of Pujya Pad Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri,
VYO International Board was established in Fall 2015 to connect and inspire Vaishnavs worldwide and to
spread selfless Pushti Bhakti and serve “Happiness through Spirituality”. Dedicated Vaishnavs of VYO
International Board are working hard to achieve its goal of spreading VYO’s wings worldwide.
INDIA
Recently thousands of Vaishnavs benefitted from kathas by Pujya Jeje Shri along with grand manoraths of
Thakorji in Surat, Anand, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Rajkot. VYO India has successfully organized
four International Vaishnav Conventions in various cities of Gujarat to spread the awareness of Love for Gau
project to protect the cows and for Prachar of VYO’s signature project Krishna Sanskar World. With Pujya Jeje
Shri’s krupa - VYO India is enjoying various spiritual programs such as spiritual tour of Saurashtra and
Manoraths throughout this year including "Pushti Dham" haveli grand opening in Nandurbar (Maharastra)
USA
VYO USA has been progressing very rapidly with its 21 centers and 2 Havelis VYO Boston and VYO Tampa.
VYO USA has successfully launched “Prabhu Padhramni satsang” concept this year. Recently celebrity writer
Kaajal Oza Vaidya visited many VYO centers in the US for the benefit of Love of Gau Project. VYO Education
courses for Kids age 6 to 16 are running very efficiently to teach the next generation how to live a happy, pious
life with the feeling of Proud Hindu in North America.
AFRICA
VYO KISUMU has successfully established Shri Govardhan Nathji Haveli in fall 2015. Local bhavuk Vaishnavs
are taking aloukik laabh of Shri Thakorji’s darshan and regularly celebrates all Pushti-margiya utsavs at the
Haveli.
UK
VYO UK is successfully established and is organizing Pujya Je Shri’s Kathas in Leicester, Manchester and
London followed by Prayag Tirth Kalash Mahotsav in London in summer 2016.
With Pujya Jeje Shri’s extreme hard work, and blessings VYO International is flourishing and becoming
nimmit to achieve one of VYO’s goals of “KRISHNA SEVA SADA KARYA” Worldwide!
Jai Shri Krishna
!3
VYO activities from different centers around the world
VYO-India
The year 2016 continued with lots of spiritual activities and programs for VYO India. An exceptionally
successful historic event, ‘Run for Cows’, was organized in Vadodara by VYO to promote the vision of ‘Love for
Gau’ and to bring awareness for cows protection.
Shri Nath Charitramrut Kathas were organized at various venues in Gujarat and a lot of Vaishnavs attended to
experience the divinity of the Lords leelas thru enchanting narration by Pujya Jeje Shri. New VYO centers were
established in Jamnagar, Surat, Aanand and Ahmedabad. Along with kathas, International Vaishnav
conventions were effectively organized in various cities to provide a platform for Vaishnavs to come together
and create a network.
VYO India organized an award ceremony earlier this year to recognize hard work and efforts by the members of
VYO India. A lot of youngsters took part in VYO Rajkot organized Yuva Shibir to get inspired by Jeje Shri and
get spiritual yet practical guidance. There is a lot of activity going on in the area of VYO Education as well.
Please visit respective centers Facebook pages for more information.
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VYO-India (cont…)
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VYO-India (cont…)
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VYO-Africa
VYO Kisumu is a tightly-knit vaishnav community that has come together to establish a VYO center and
Haveli. They get together for seva, regular satsangs, and
celebrating the major utsavs. Some picture here provide a
glimpse into the activities at VYO Kisumu. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
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VYO-USA
With the blessings of Shri Thakorji and under the gudance of our beloved, HDH Yuva Vaishnavacharya
Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO USA centres celebrated
various Pushti utsavs and conducted monthly spiritual meet to experience
divinity of Pushti Bhakti and to serve Love and Happiness to one and all!
VYO Boston celebrated Holi utsav with more than 400 people! Utsav
celebration on March 20th started with Dolotsav at noon followed by Rajbhog
Darshan and Holi khel initiated by Mukhyaji by spraying color water and dry
colors on Vallabhi Vaishnavs. Holi khel was followed by mahaprasad. This very
well organized utsav was telecasted by TV Asia on March 29th, at 7:30 PM
under community round up.
Along with eleven utsav manorathis, Vaishnavs donated generously to support
VYO Boston!
VYO Detroit hosted a beautiful Holi Utsav at the residence of param
bhagvadiya Sarju bhai and Shreya ben. More than 150 Vaishnavs gathered for
this celebration and enjoyed the beautiful darshan of Shri Thakorji with melodious Holi Rasia sung and
presented by beloved Mukhyaji Shri Jeetu bhai of The Hindu Temple.
Click here to
view more
pics from
VYO Detriot’s
Holi
celebration
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VYO-USA (cont..)
VYO Freehold celebrated Annakut Mahotsav with more than 100 people in Dec 2015. The utsav was kicked
off with Pujya Jeje Shri's vachanamrut followed by recitals and dance by VYOE Freehold kids and kirtans and
raas garba by adults. The centre also celebrated rasiya and Holi khel with Shri Thakorji.
VYOE Freehold takes pride in educating kids in Pushtimarg. The kids have learnt about Guru, Ramayan etc.
and are now progressing towards learning the basics of Pushtimarg starting out with beloved Shri Yamunaji.
The centre is preparing to complete first VYOE year and awaits Pujya Jeje Shri's divine presence in summer.
VYO Raleigh celebrated Vasant Panchami with Holi rasiya while learning the significance of Vasant
Panchami and Somvati Amavashya. VYOE Raleigh also participated in the celebration by performing skit,
kirtans and pooja of Goddess Saraswati. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
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VYO-USA (cont..)
VYO Richmond continues with spiritual meets every
second Saturday with the recitals of Shodash granths
and spiritual discourses on variety of topics. The centre
organized Shri Gusainji utsav. Large number of
Vaishnavs participated in the utsav. It was great divine
experience for all the Vaishnavs. As usual all the
volunteers did great work in organizing the event and
making it successful. VYO Richmond is spreading the
message of Pujya Jeje Shri "Serving Happiness through
Spirituality”. Richmond VYOE also continues to educate
kids who are showing much interest in VYOE learning.
VYO San Diego continued it’s spiritual meets at the Innovations Academy as it has been for the past year and
celebrated Shri Gusainji Pragatyotsav /Jalebi Utsav on January 17, 2016, Vasant Panchami and Damodardas
Harsaani Patotsav on February 21, 2016,
and most recently, Holi on March 13, 2016
as part of monthly spiritual meets.
In addition, with the mission of
maintaining culture and spirituality
amongst Vaishnavs, VYO San Diego
proudly hosted talk show by Mrs. Kajjal
Oza-Vaidya on Saturday, April 9th to
benefit “Love for Gau” project. Mrs.
Vaidya is an author, journalist, artist,
columnist and professor who is the most
prolific brand in Gujarati literature. She
serves as a role model for women and children and transforms the social consciousness of every listener. With a
full-house audience of over 300 people, Mrs. Oza-Vaidya spoke passionately about relationships in shuddh
Gujarati keeping the audience very attentive to her views!
VYO San Diego is also in full swing to prepare for several upcoming events. Ram Navami, Yamunaji Utsav and
Mahaprabhuji Vadhai will be celebrated during April Satsang on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Preparations have
begun for Mahaprabhuji Pragatyotsav, to be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016. VYO San Diego is planning the
program that includes kirtans, bhajans, a skit/dance and a surprise for our Vaishnavs!
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VYOE San Diego classes are in full swing. The center has 8 kids in 6-9 age group and 8 kids in 9-12 age group.
The classes are held every Sunday from 11-12. In addition to material prepared by the VYO Education team,
kids have been learning about freedom fighters, Prahlad and learning a new stanza of Shri Yamunashtak every
week.
VYO Tampa “Vrindavan Dham” continues to flourish and blossom, having completed over 2 years of being a
fully operational centre. Tampa community members flock in numbers small and large to experience the bliss
of our utsavs, which are well-planned and conducted
with much enthusiasm by a group of dedicated
Vaishnavs.
A disciplined agenda is followed at every spiritual
meet of nitya paaṭ recitation (35 mins), granth
vanchan (30 mins), DVD (20 mins), kirtan (a
minimum of 3 Utsav-based kirtan) followed by dholpad, aarti and aashray nu pad. VYO Tampa celebrated
Gokulnathji ‘s Pragatyotsav on December 20th 2015
and started 2016 with celebration of Shri Gusainji’s
Pragatyotsav also known as “JALEBI UTSAV” in
Pushtimarg.
Bhagvadiya Vaishnavs at VYO Tampa also celebrated
Uttarayan or Bhogi Utsav (day before Uttarayan) on
January 17th . Bhog of laddu made of sugar/jaggery
and sesame seeds and meetho and tikho khichdo was
offered to Shriji.
VYO Tampa started spring with festival of colors that
is the longest utsav of 40 days in our krupa marg. Vasant utsav which is the first quarter of these 40 days was
celebrated with enthusiasm of more than 100 people.
VYOE Tampa also continues to have regular biweekly VYO-Education classes for kids.
VYO USA centers are very blessed with Shri Thakorji’s krupa and Pujya Jeje Shri’s Aashirwad to experience
and serve “Love and Happiness through Spirituality”!
Jai Shri Krishna and Jai Shri Vallabh! Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
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Getting Involved with VYO-USA Activities
Would you like to participate in VYO activities, below is the contact information for local chapters of VYO-USA.
For VYO Centers worldwide, please visit our website at http://vyoworld.org/centers/.
VYO Atlanta - GA
[email protected]
VYO Boston - MA
[email protected], [email protected]
VYO Bradenton - FL
[email protected]
VYO Charlotte - NC
[email protected]
VYO Cherry hill - NJ
[email protected] VYO Columbus - OH
[email protected]
VYO Dallas -TX
[email protected]
VYO Daytona - FL
[email protected]
VYO Detroit - MI
[email protected]
VYO Edison - NJ
[email protected] VYO Florence - SC
[email protected]
VYO Freehold - NJ
[email protected]
VYO New Haven - CT
[email protected]
VYO New York - NY
[email protected], [email protected]
VYO Parsippany - NJ
[email protected] VYO Raleigh - NC
[email protected]
VYO Richmond -VA
[email protected]
VYO San Diego - CA
[email protected]
VYO Savannah - GA
[email protected]
VYO Scranton - PA
[email protected]
VYO Tampa - FL
[email protected]
!1 2
Staying Connected with VYO…
VYO Website – www.vyoworld.org
Facebook – Vallabh Youth Organization
Twitter - @VYOInternation and @Vrajrakumarji1
Subscribe to receive Emails - http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBE-TO-EMAILS Subscribe to YouTube channel - http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBE-TO-YOUTUBE
Access online shop - http://vyoworld.org/shop/
For latest events - http://vyoworld.org/events/
VYO Mobile app
Download the VYO app so you can: - set daily Darshan schedule - watch latest videos - stay connected to JeJe Shri - receive information about VYO activities and much more Download - iOS - https://appsto.re/us/0PTlab.i
Android - http://bit.ly/vyo_app
Krishna World Run Mobile game
Download Krishna World Run mobile game that introduces young children to Lord Krishna and his leelas
through the amusement of the game. Download - iOS - https://appsto.re/us/6G2R_.i
Android - http://bit.ly/vyo_krishna_world_run Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
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Vasant Panchmi and Holi Vasant Panchmi is celebrated on the 5th day of bright fortnight of the month
Maha (Maha Sud 5). As such, the Vasant rutu (spring season) starts in the
month of Vaishakh, but on this day of Maha sud 5, Kamdev was reborn as
Pradyumna – the child of Shri Takorji and Shri Rukmaniji. Since growth of
Kamdev was not possible without Vasant rutu, his birth was celebrated by
Shri Swaminiji by placing newly arrived branches of trees in front of Shri
Thakorji. This tradition continues till date. On this day, a copper vessel is
covered with an orange cloth and placed infront of Shri Thakorji. Small
branches of different trees are placed in it with flowers. This is the Aagman
(beginning) of Vasant.
During the days of Vasant, Shri Thakorji’s charnarvind (feet) are covered
with a cloth. The reason for this is to help bhakts create ‘Saakhya bhav’ (the
bhav of friendship). When bhakts come to play Holi, if they see Shri
Thakorji’s charnarvind, they develop ‘Daasya Bhav’ and they do naman to
Shri Thakorji. To aovid this situation, Shri Thakorji’s feet are covered so
bhakts can develop Saakhya bhav to freely play with Shri Thakorji.
40 Days of Celebration
Did you know?
Shri Gokulnathji - The
protector of Kanthi & Tilak
Contributed by VYO Tampa
Shri Gokulnathji was the fourth
son of Shri Gusainji, born in the
year 1551 A.D. At the height of
his reign, Emperor Jahangir
passed an order whereby any
Vaishnav or person wearing a
kanthi or tilak would be
executed. This order created
tremors in Pushtimarg because
kanthi-tilak were indispensable
in Pushtimarg. Shri Gokulnathji
The tranistion period for a season is 40 days including the Vasant rutu.
• First ten days: Vasant Kehl – The main ras is Shant. So only slight khel is
done to the yugal swaroop.
• Next ten days: Dhammar Khel – During these days, group of holi players
gather and go to different houses of Vraj to play colors.
• Next ten days: Faag Khel – During these days, all Gwal balaks in groups
dance and sing in the streets of Vraj.
• Last ten days: Hori Khel – During this time, two groups are formed –
Gwal balaks and Gopi jans. They play with colors and tries to snach items
from each other.
Dol Mahotsav:
After playing the Holi on the 40th day, Shri Thakorji is tired and goes to sleep
early. This leaves his bhaktas sadden since they didn’t have a chance to play
with Shri Thakorji. So on the 41st day, Shri Yashodaji prepared a ‘dol’ and
played with Thakorji along with other bhaktas in Nandalay. That is why a day
after Holi, Dol utsav is celebrated.
Bhavas of Colors
The color powders are not just the physical colors but each one represent Shri
Swamiji’s bhavs.
approached the Emperor to have
this order cancelled and he even
went all the way to Kashmir to
hold talks with the Emperor who
had gone there on a holiday. Shri
Gokulnathji had given his wholehearted efforts for protecting the
kanthi-tilak. After many days,
Emperor Jahangir saw logic and
cancelled the order. For this
epic effort Shri Gokulnathji is
known as the 'protector of
kanthi-tilak' in Pushtimarg even
today.
• Gulal (Red color): Shri Lalitaji
• Abir (White color): Shri Chandravaliji
• Chandan (Yellow color): Shri Swaminiji
• Chova (Black/dark color): Shri Yamunaji Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
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Kirtan for Basant Ruthu
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Nidhi Swaroops of Pushtimarg As promised in our previous newsletter, we will
outline the relevant details of some of the current
Nidhi Swaroops of Pushtimarg: Lord Shrinathji (Shri GovardhanNathji)
Current Residence: Nathdwara, Rajasthan
Patotsav: Falgun Krishna 7
Place of Appearance: Shri Girirajji
Swaroop Bhavna: Nikunj Nayak
First Seva Performed by: Ramdasji
Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri
Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji
Most of the readers will
know the story of Lord
ShriNathji as we have
elaborated the story in one
of our previous editions of
Pushti Preeti. However,
here is a brief introduction:
Lord Shrinathji’s full form
emerged in various phases
from the Giriraj Hills of
Vraj. In 1408, Lord
Shrinathji’s left hand
appeared and was worshipped by the local villagers.
Coinciding with the birth of Jagadguru Shrimad
Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji the Lord’s divine face
appeared. Several years later, in 1492, while
Vallabhacharyaji was on his tour of India, Lord
Shrinathji appeared to him in a dream and expressed
his desire to emerge from the caverns of Giriraj Hills
as the Lord was eagerly awaiting to meet him. Shri
Mahaprabhuji immediately left for Goverdhan area,
and climbed up the hill to meet the Lord. Initially a
temple was built on top of Govardhan Hill for Lord
ShriNathji.
Today Lord ShriNathji resides in the temple at
Nathdwara. The swaroop of Lord Shrinathji is
approximately 4 feet in height and is black in color.
The Lord’s divine Left hand is raised, inviting his
devotees to come to him. His right hand rests on His
waist in a fist to seize the wavering mind of the
devotee. And his downward gaze draws his devotees
to surrender unto him unconditionally for they will
experience His divine Grace and Bliss!
Shri Navnit Priyaji (Lalan)
Patotsav: Poush Krishna 6
Place of Appearance: River Yamuna
Swaroop Bhavna: Bal Lila
First Seva Performed by: Gajjan Dhavan
Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Gusainji
Prabhucharan
Shri Navnit Priyaji also
affectionately known as
“Lalan” is the toddler
form of Lord Shri
Krishna crawling on the
floor with a ball of
freshly churned butter
(Makhan) in his right
hand. Hence the name
“Navnit Priyaji” – the
One who loves fresh
butter. Shri Gusainji
Prabhucharan states
that Navnit Priyaji is the
toddler form of Lord Shri Krishna who resides with
his mother Yashoda and plays under her watchful
eyes. Shri Navnit Priyaji was first discovered by a
kshatriya woman in the River Yamuna near Mahavan
and presented to Shrimad Mahaprabhuji. Both Shri
Mahaprabhuji and Shri Gusainji initially performed
His Seva in Gokul. Later Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan
continued performing Seva until his death. Once he
entered into eternal lila, Shri Girdharji, Shri Gusainji
Prabhucharan’s eldest son inherited the Sevya
Swaroop. Shri Girdharji later entrusted Shri Navnit
Priyaji to his second son Shri Damodarji. Today, Shri
Navnit Priyaji resides in Nathdwara, next to Lord
Shrinathji’s temple.
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Shri Mathuradheeshji Prabhu (Shri
Mathureshji)
Current Residence: Kota, Rajasthan
Patotsav: Falgun Shukla 7
Place of Appearance: Karnaval, River Yamuna
Swaroop Bhavna: Gocharan Lila
First Seva Performed by: Padmanabhdasji
Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Girdharji
Shri Mathuradeeshji
Prabhu also known as
Shri Mathureshji and
Mathuranathji initially
appeared to Shrimad
Vallabhacharyaji
Mahaprabhuji and his
disciple Shri
Padmanabhdasji in a
very large form. He
later transformed
himself into a smaller
swaroop to be able to
sit on Shrimad
Mahaprabhuji’s lap. Initially, his seva was performed
by Padmanabhdasji and later was returned to Shri
Mahaprabhuji. Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan
entrusted Him to his first son Shri Girdharji who
presented it to his third son Shri Gopinathji.
Shri Mathuradheeshji Prabhu is the young boy
swaroop of Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Gusainji
Prabhucharan explains the swaroop bhav as thus:
One day Lord Mathureshji went out with His friends
to the Gopi’s homes to steal the freshly churned
butter. When he entered Shri Swaminiji’s home he
was caught red handed by Shri Swaminiji herself who
vowed to bring Him to his parents, Yashoda Maa and
Nandbaba and complain to them.
At that moment, to save himself , a pair of extra arms
appeared on Lord Mathureshji’s form. He pleaded
with Shri Swaminji, “I am under your control. I
always keep you with me. I hold this conch in my
right lower hand because it reminds me of Your
neck. In my right upper arm, I hold a lotus, because
Your face is as beautiful as the lotus flower. In my
left upper hand I hold a mace, because it is like the
form of Your breasts. My left lower arm holds the
chakra discus which resembles the bells on Your belt.
I worship the bangles on your wrist and therefore
wear them on my own wrist. Now please release me!”
And she did! This is the Swaroop bhav of Lord
Mathuradheeshji.
Shri Vitthalnathji
Patotsav: Vaishakh Krishna 7
Place of Appearance: Kashi
Swaroop Bhavana: Cheer Haran Lila
First Seva Performed by: Shrimad Mahaprabhuji
Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Govindraiji
Shri Vitthalnathji
was discovered by an
ascetic in the River
Ganges and
presented to
Shrimad
Mahaprabhuji on the
day that Shri
Gusainji
Prabhucharan was
born. Hence,
Shrimad
Mahaprabhuji
named both the
swaroop and His
second son, “Shri
Vitthalnathji.” Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan eventually
entrusted Shri Vitthalnathji to his second son Shri
Govindraiji.
Initially Shri Vitthalnathji was brought to Kota,
Rajasthan in 1581 and later in 1662 moved to
Khimnor, Rajasthan and eventually to his current
abode in Nathdwara, after Lord ShriNathji’s Haveli
was established.
Shri Vithalnathji is a small dark gold swaroop with
His hands resting on his hips. He is accompanied by
Swaminiji on His left side.
The Swaroop Bhav is the Cheer Haran Lila, which
depicts the divine play when Shri Krishna climbed up
the Kadamba tree after stealing the clothes of Gopis
while they were bathing in the River Yamuna. The
golden form of Shri Vitthalnathji is because the Lord
became so engrossed in the bhava of Shri Swaminiji
that He turned her color of gold. Also, if he had
appeared in his dark color, he would not have been
able to steal the Gopis clothes. Eventually, the Lord
returned the clothes to the Gopis who emerged from
the water divinely transformed. (The remainder to be continued in the next edition of Pushti Preeti Newsletter!....) Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016
!1 7
Pushti Etiquette
In the book “Pushti Protocol” written by HDH Goswami 108 Shri Chandragopalji Maharajshri there are
specific rules in Pushtimarg that need to be adhered to regarding religious texts/books as follows:
1. Do not allow your feet to touch any religious texts/books.
2. Do not position yourself in a way that your feet are extended towards religious texts.
3. Do not place religious texts in areas that are not clean or where other items such as leftover food
are kept or unclean vessels.
4. A religious text should not be thrown or flung. It should be handled respectfully and placed gently
in its appropriate place using your hands.
5. Do not handle or touch religious texts with unclean hands.
6. Do not touch or read religious texts while eating, wearing shoes, in the bathroom or during
menstrual cycles and during mourning period (Sutak).
7. Religious texts should be considered as forms of God and should be kept in a pious place.
8. Religious texts should be far more valued than any amount of wealth one possesses and therefore
they must be taken care of with this understanding!
Significance of Ekadashi
• Paap-Mochni Ekadashi: Free from paap (sins) is the meaning of this ekadashi. When a bhakt
regularly offers Pushti seva, he recognizes the paap (bad karma) he has done. Pushti bhakti and
seva helps him realize his paaps and gives strength to confess.
• Kamada Ekadashi: During the last part of the 15th century A.D. a learned Telugu Brahmin
named "Yagna Narayan Bhatt" had performed 32 SomYagnas during his life span. His son
Gangadhara Bhatt had performed 28 SomYagnas. His son Ganapati Bhatt had performed 30
SomYagnas. His son Vallabh Bhatt could perform only 5 SomYagnas. Finally, his son Sri Lakshman
Bhat (Father of Shri Mahaprabhuji) completed 5 SomYagnas and thus promised 100 SomYagnas
were completed. When Lakshman Bhattji completed 5th Yagna ( i.e.100th Yagna for his family)
Shri Mandanmohanji appeared from the Yagna, and gave a boon to Lakshman Bhattji that he would
appear as his son. It happened on Kamada ekadashi signifying the importance of this ekadashi is to
grant spiritual desitres.
• Varuthini Ekadashi (Shri Mahaprabhuji Pragatyotsav): Varuthini means blessings
(vardaan). This day Pushti souls obtained vardaan to attain Shri Thakorji’s leela and Shri
Mahaprabhuji was born to bless Pushti bhakts. Five karmendriyas, five gnyanendriyas and one
mind forms eleven senses in our body. To use all these senses in the divine service of Lord Shri
Krishna was the main aim of appearance of Shri Mahaprabhuji on Varuthini ekadashi.
• Mohini Ekadashi: On this day vraj balas became mohini (lover) of Shri Thakorji, after seeing
marvelous beauty of Shri Prabhu adorned in high quality malmal clothes and flower garlands. Also
on this day, during Samudramanthan, Shri Thakorji appeared in Mohini Swaroop.
• Apara Ekadashi: “A (અ)”means demon (આ#રી) and “para (પરા)” means prabhu himself (દ)વી). To
show the clear difference between આ#રી and દ)વી, Prabhu himself created both these srushtis
(creations or nature). Bhakti (devotion) is the characteristic of દ)વી srushti and maya (illusion) is the
characteristic of આ#રી srushti. Prabhu admires the true bhakti that is completely beautiful. Thus on
this ekadashi, pushti bhakt should take out demon from within and try to attain true bhakti.
• Nirjala (Bhim) Ekadashi: Nirjala means fasting without water. Shri Krishna explained the
meaning and benefits of ekadashi and asked Pandavs to do ekadashi vrat. However, Bhim couldn’t
fast so he asked for a different way of achieving benefits of all ekadashies. So Shri Krishna told
Bhim to keep fast on this one ekadashi without food and jal (water). Bhim kept fast on this ekadashi
without water. Hence this ekadashi is called Nirjala or Bhim ekadashi. It is believed that by fasting
without food and water on this day, the person gets benefits of all 24 ekadashies.
!1 8
VYO Events in the Community
“Love for Gau” - An awareness for cow protection in INDIA
As we know our beloved HDH Yuva Vaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Varjrajkumarji Mahodayshri
has taken an initiative for Cow Protection throughout the India through“Love for Gau” project. Sheetal Parikh,
Administrative Director and Chief Coordinator of this project has put in tremendous efforts to bring sincere
awareness of cow protection across the globe. VYO USA also participated in this very good cause of cow
protection by hosting talk shows by Ms. Kaajal Oza Vaidya at various VYO centers as part of fund raising efforts
to support ‘Love for Gau”. With the support of VYO USA executive committee and true dedication of
bhagvadiya vaishnavs of VYO Centers, this fund raising campaign has been very successful, not only to spread
awareness of cow protection but also to showcase fine activities of Vallabh Youth Organization (VYO) that
thrives to serve “Love and Happiness through spirituality.”
!1 9
VYO Events in the Community
Rare Bear – A Community service project by VYO San Diego
With the mission of believing in the youth and allowing them to gain positive vision towards life, firm faith in
whatever task they persist, and to serve them happiness, the VYO and VYOE San Diego families came together
with the non-profit organization, Rare Sciences, Inc. for a volunteer event on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016. As Level
4 student, Ashna Patel introduced the event in the VYO March Satsang, “VYO stands for Vallabh Youth
Organization, and we are focusing on the youth. One of VYO’s main aspects is to uplift youngsters and for
them to have firm faith in life. There are some kids that have rare diseases who are losing faith in life.
Therefore, in this volunteering activity, the Rare Bear Project, VYO-SD and VYO-E-SD will help bring back
these little kids’ faith while doctors find cures for these diseases. This reminds the children that they have
something to look forward to and there are people outside their life that care about them as well.”
This volunteering activity brought together approximately 70 Vaishnavs of all ages: kids, parents and
grandparents. Together, we stuffed 150 bear skins and were able to sew together 75 bears. Kids from eight
years old to uncles sat and were sewing, a sight very rarely seen. Vaishnavs were also able to come together in
support of this organization and raised money in support of finding cures for these Immuno-Deficient children.
!2 0
Kids Corner
VYO Vignette
By
Deesha Parekh from VYOE Raleigh VYO is Vallabh Youth Organization.
But, it is more
It has impact
I have explored
I have learned
I have learned a new way of life
A better way of life
I have learned leadership, religion, awareness, friendship, importance
I have learned to teach and express
VYO has taught me
It has taught me to look deeper and to appreciate the little things
It has taught me what and why
VYO is the core of understanding
It is where to learn every aspect and have all questions answered
Where to go look for comfort
where to find the most valuable teachings
VYO is Vallabh Youth Organization
But, it is more
!2 1
Kids Corner
Kids experience with VYO centers and VYO Education
In reference to the Rare Bear volunteering event:
“We stuffed and sewed more than 100 bears for the sad, sick kids in hospitals with unknown sicknesses. We
wanted the kids in these hospitals to be joyful and happy that they received colorful and fluffy teddy bears
made by kind, thoughtful people. I am so lucky that I don’t need to spend months in hospitals because I am
sick. I loved this event and everything that it does.” – Ruhi, age group 6-9
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“We made teddy bears for children with rare diseases. We stuffed and sewed over 100 bears.” – Nishi, age
group 10-13
“We had this event because we wanted to help those kids who have been diagnosed with rare diseases. This
was an amazing experience and I had a lot of fun. In addition to stuffing bear skins that were made by different
people in different states and countries, I learned how to sew. But before that, we had to clean the floor and the
area we were working in because we didn’t want the bears to get germs on them, because the kids that receive
them don’t have a good immune system. Once all the bears are finished, VYO-E Level 4 will be going to a local
hospital to hand out these bears.” – Vishwa, age group 10-13
“We volunteered our time for all the children in the hospital that have rare diseases. This was important to me
because the kids are sad, and I want them to be happy. I worked with others my age, my parents’ age, and my
grandparents’ age. I learned many things from this experience. First, I learnt that these kids’ bodies are unable
to fight off diseases, so we had to Clorox the area so the bears would be germ-free, and we had to wash our
hands. Second, I learned how to stuff a bear. It was kind of like Build-a-bear, but we did it ourselves. It was
fun to see other uncles and aunties also stuffing bears. Then, I learned how to sew, which I didn’t know how to
do before. It was fun and made me happy to think that I was doing this for a good cause. And soon, I will be
able to bring happiness to these kids by going to one of the hospitals to hand deliver the bears we made.”
Maahi, age group 10-13
!2 2
Upcoming Pushtimargiya Festivals and Holidays
Festival
English Month
Gujarati Month/Tithi
ChaitraNavratriprarambh
GudiPadvo
Gangouri
April8,2016
ChaitraSud1
April10,2016
ChaitraSud3
ShriYadunathaji,Shri
Gusainji’s6thson,utsav(1615)
ShriYamunajiUtsav
April12,2016
ChaitraSud6
April12,2016
ChaitraSud6
ShriRamnavamiVrat
April15,2016
ChaitraSud9
ShriMahaprabhujiPragtay
Mahotsav
AkshayTruKa/ChandanYatra
May3,2016
ChaitraVad11
May9,2016
VaishakhSud3
ShriNrusinhJayan;
May20,2016
VaishakhSud14
GangaDashmi
June14,2016
JethSud10
JyeshtabhishekSnnanYatra
June20,2016
JethSud15
Upcoming Ekadashis
Date
Gujarati Month/Tithi
Ekadashi Vrat
April04,2016
Fagan-Vad11
Paap-MochaniEkadashi
April17,2016
Chaitra-Sud11
KaamadaaEkadashi
May03,2016
Chaitra-Vad11
May17,2016
Vaishakh-Sud11
VaruthiniEkadashi(Shri
MahaprabhujiPragtayutsav)
MohiniEkadashi
June01,2016
Vaishakh-Vad11
AparaEkadashi
June16,2016
Jeth-Sud11
Nirjala(Bhim)Ekadashi
Upcoming US Holidays
Date
Holiday
Mother’sday
May8,2016
Memorialday
May30,2016
Father’sday
June19,2016
!2 3

VYO-USA Pushti Preeti 3.3

Transcription

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