Autumn leaves
The tree outside my house
overnight it turned from green to yellow
teaching us an important lesson
to be ready and prepared for a change.
The fall is here to welcome the winter
when silent work gets done under cover
to manifest in fresh green spring
to be followed by riot of summer’s colour!
Let us learn from nature to let go the useless
hibernate from externals and seek within
to find the real precious treasure
that’s secretly embedded deep in!
Armaity Bhabha
(Photograph: underwoodjones.farmnet.com.au)
Jesus Christ
“I forgive.” This is the greatest weapon Christ has given us. You just say, “I forgive, I forgive,” and you can overcome your ego. This is the mantra for this chakra…. You’ll find your Agnya chakra will open out and you’ll find your ego will go away.
Forgiveness is one of the biggest weapons human beings have got. But they are so stupid. If I tell them to forgive – now what is there not to forgive? – they’ll say, “It’s very difficult to forgive.”
I say, “What is so difficult? What are you doing? Are you doing something when you say, ‘I am forgiving’? Do you do something? Nothing.”
On the contrary, when you do not forgive, then what is happening is the person whom you do not forgive is actually torturing you, while you are not torturing that person.
Shri Mataji, 1983
Feeling tired, stressed or out of balance? Meditation may help!
You are welcome to attend our next Melbourne One-day Meditation Workshop, to be held on Sunday 8th November, 2009.
This free workshop is suitable for both regulars and beginners. The meditation is very easy; no prior knowledge is needed. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn and experience the peace and joy that true meditation can offer.
Workshop topics include:
• Introduction to meditation – for newcomers
• In-depth sessions – for new and previous attendees
• Collective meditations – learn how to achieve mental silence
• Affirmations and mantras to assist meditation
• Scientific research into meditation
• Easy techniques to help reduce stress
• Balancing and clearing chakrasand the subtle system
• Tips on how to meditate at home
• Video talk by Shri Mataji, the founder of Sahaja Yoga
• Live music for meditation (subject to musician availability)
When: Sunday, 8th November, 2009. 11.00am to 2.00pm (Arrive 10.30am for a cup of tea)
Where: Sahaja Yoga Meditation Centre, 229 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, Melbourne
Workshop cost: No charge! Workshops are provided by volunteers, as a non-profit community service.
Catering: Lunch provided, morning tea and workshop materials are provided.
Seating arrangements provided: Chairs, pillows and carpeted floor.
Bookings: For planning and catering purposes, please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or telephone Hugh on 0439 990 603 if you would like to attend.
We hope you’ll be able to attend this informative and enjoyable day.
Best wishes,
The Sahaja Yoga Collective of Melbourne
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, was celebrated recently around the world. Although a Hindu tradition originating in India, it is interesting to see the many connections between Diwali and other religious thought. For example, while Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ, His real birthday coincides with Diwali. Also, Shri Mahalakshmi who is worshipped during Diwali celebrations has a close connection with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Obama celebrates Diwali
It is interesting that President Obama celebrated Diwali in person in the White House by lighting a ceremonial lamp to the accompaniment of mantras seeking world peace. In so doing, he became the first American President to celebrate Diwali in this way.
For more information about Diwali, including Shri Mataji’s comments on the meaning of Diwali, and a video of President Obama’s Diwali message, you can visit the Canadian Sahaja Yoga website here.
Please enjoy the experience!