by Dwija Ramesh

Review:

• Vinayana: Discipline in our senses and mind

Discourse:

Who is the most well known personality from Ramayana?

I mean……..Lord Rama!

Well actually – think about Shree Hanuman Ji! He’s so relatable and awe-inspiring!

As a Karma Yogi

Sumanji told us an amazing recap of the time in Ramayana where Lord Rama told Hanumanji that he was the only one who could go to Lanka and find Princess Sita.

• Hanumanji reminds us that if we put the best in, the best will come out – the more you get absorbed in the results of your action, the best will not come out. 
• This humility that Hanumanji has by just never associating himself with his name and instead with the Lord’s names.
• Practice: Eat what you don’t like the most and let go of what you like the most

He’s Also a Bhakti Yogi

When Hanumanji leaves to go to Lanka, the only thing on his tongue is Lord Rama’s name. He reminds himself of this purpose before any task. When he sees Princess Sita distressed, he starts talking about Lord Rama, the one she feels is most dear to him. Then, he goes around the island and sees an altar with Lord Rama’s name. He meets Vibhishana and what do they do? They obviously talk about Lord Rama! 

After the entire war, Lord Rama is giving all the sevaks and sevikas jewels and palaces. But because of how much Lord Rama loved Hanumanji, he gave him the most precious pearl necklace. But he crushes each one of the jewels because he can’t find his purpose, Lord Rama, in it(symbolically). Anything that does not help him remember his purpose is of no use to Hanumanji. 

• Bhakti Yogis always have their mind harnessed and always remember their purpose.
• Practice: Every morning, write down your daily purpose

Jnana Yoga

Lord Rama asks Hanumanji what he is to him. However he identifies, he does not see any difference between them – that is how close Lord Rama is to him. 

• Internalize what we know – otherwise it becalmed a burden
• Practice: Gather Knowledge – Mentorship program!

Activity:

For 2 minutes, write the word Aum as many times as you can. But every time your mind wanders, switch colors.

Why did we do this? — To pay more attention to our mind! When you pay attention to your mind, you lead it.

RAW

Last week’s RAW was: Sleep on the ground with nothing but a pillow, blanket, and sheet.

We think we need a bunch of comforts, but our body really doesn’t. Only our mind does. Prepare yourself to be outside of your comfort zone!

This week’s RAW is: When you are engaged in any task, don’t look at any time-keeping devices!