When I look back at myself over the last seven or more years and introspect what has helped me grow - one thing is quite clear -- knowledge sessions from SriSri and working on service projects.
In this blog, I'd like to focus on the knowledge sessions and share my experience for myself and many of the participants I have been associated with. The spiritual practices such as Sudarshan Kriya and meditation, bring up the prana in the system and puts the mind so much at restful awareness. To really make these effects last throughout the day, I've seen that these knowledge sessions are absolutely essential. What I've found time and again is that Guruji (SriSri) has an amazing ability to translate the most complex verses and spiritual truths in very simple day to day dealings. The stories he provides, the analogies that he provides are original and absolutely delightful and memorable. It is so striking that I tend to ruminate on what he said for days if not some times for weeks.
Also amazing is that I tend to run into situations where I find the situations or dilemmas close to what he describes in the knowledge sessions. Constantly pondering about these has helped me to become more centered and learn to deal with day to day life with ease and exuberance.
One of the knowledge series that SriSri expounds on at amazing depth and breadth is "Ashtavakra Gita". It is considered by many to be the supreme spiritual discourse - one that happened between King Janaka (called a Raja Rishi or the King of Saints) and Ashtavakra, an enlightened master. In chapter after chapter, Ashtavakra explains many aspects of consciousness and helps Janaka come to terms with his spiritual quest. Guruji (SriSri) takes each verse and explains the underlying meaning in amazingly simple terms in ways that is so relevant to the society today.
Every time, I listen to and repeat Ashtavakra Gita, newer and newer aspects unfold for me and I never get tired of listening to discourse. To me, this is the most wonderful aspect of knowledge discourses -- while I get tired of seeing the same movie or listening to the same song over and over again, with knowledge discourses, a newer dimension seems to open up and it never ceases to amaze me. That is what made me come to the conclusion that this is the truth - because it is forever new and wonderful every time.
I have also noticed that many of the participants grow so quickly and get transformed after listening to the knowledge tapes. There is some thing in it for every one and every one comes back saying how that week's knowledge was just what they were looking for !
Here are some experience sharing from some of the course participants :
1) Listening to Guruji's explanation of Ashtavakra Geetha has been key to the evolution of my being. One thing that has stayed with me is the awareness that 'Everything is changing'. This has helped me tremendously to change my behavior towards my family and friends. If a person says hurtful things , I am able to stay calm and not react and surprisingly the relationship with that person still continues and no negative feelings or thoughts occupy my mind. This is a huge shift from the person I was a couple of years back. This ability to 'move on' quickly from unpleasant words and events gives me the freedom to enjoy each and every moment of my life.
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1)Another, is the knowledge how food effects our body and our senses. Moderate food and sleep/activity are important. I am able to put a lot of thought into what my family eats and how they rest so that they can function at their best.
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1)A third revelation by listening to the Ashtavakra has been the redefinition of what 'Ego' means to me. I used to think that if a person was loud, arrogant and pushy he/she was being egoistic. I was surprised to learn that 'putting yourself down' and being falsely modest and humble is just another form of ego. This revelation has made me so free, since I catch myself trying to put myself down through words or thoughts and I am able to stop doing it. This has helped me to live everyday feeling special and unique. I am able to go through my daily activities putting all my focus and attention to do the best. I no longer compare myself with other or put myself down to please others.
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1)Last but not least , living these learnings have been very beneficial to me in my interactions with my kids and the little kids in the elementary school that I teach.
=== Vidhya
2) Ashtavakra Gita Part 1
I've done this series twice and would not hesitate to do it again. Guruji shares this ancient knowledge beautifully and in a way that allows you to immediately incorporate it into your life. The group setting lets you connect and share with others on the same path.
Asktavakra Gita Part 2
I love our Sunday morning sessions and look forward to them. There always something new to learn. Listening and sharing knowledge is a wonderful way to start the week.
=== Marianne
3) I have had the good fortune of watching and learning from the first two series in the Ashtavakra Gita Knowledge DVDs by SriSri. It has been an eye-opening transformative experience for me and I definitely recommend it for others. SriSri explains in simple, lay-man's language the finer nuances of the teachings of the great sage Ashtavakra. It has helped me become better at dealing with my emotions, relationships and conflicts in personal and work life. It has helped me to not be at the mercy of the outer world, its people and their behaviors and instead look inward for that constant, inexhaustible source of joy, solace and comfort within each of us. I feel fortunate and grateful to have had this opportunity. === Suresh R
4) I was in a used bookstore recently and picked up a translation of the Ashtavakra Gita. It's a poem, several pages, kind of obscure...and the difference between reading the words and hearing Guruji speak about what they mean is, well, the difference between reading the word "apple" and tasting a fresh warm fruit you've just picked from the tree. == Beth
May 24, 2010
The Art of Parenting
Know Your Child (KYC) is a beautiful course offered to parents of young children, offering tips to raise children in a positive, healthy way.
Parenting, in my opinion is the hardest of all jobs. Unlike machines, human beings don’t come into this world with a manual. Each of us is so unique and so the guidance that is given must be unique too. So, it is purely by trial and error that we figure out what works and what do not work with our children. However, if we understand the nature of our of mind and emotions at different age levels, then it becomes easier to conduct our trial and error within the specific domain.
After so many years of parenting, it is natural to feel that we know all about parenting and that these classes are just repeating the same things that we have experienced. I am a mother of 2 teenagers. However, when I attended the seminar last year for the first time, I was taken aback to see how many things I have done wrong and how I could have improved my communication with my children. It was a new start for me with my family.
For example, I was shocked to know how many times a normal child hears NO in a day (which sheds light on why they rebel or talk back), why some children have lot of fears, what positive parenting means. Dan Siegel, a neuroscientist, in his book “Parenting from the Inside Out” says, “The way we communicate with our children has a profound impact on how they develop”. It is so true. Our communication helps shape their thinking and consequently their future. The workshop gave me a new perspective into the art of parenting and a great insight into the way I communicate not only with my children but with people around me.
Teaching is a skill that always brings a lot of refinement and it is so true for me with KYC as well. Every time I teach this workshop, I become aware of my own shortfalls and I am constantly refining my communication skills. Since this workshop, though I still have some arguments, I must say many of my arguments with my family members have dropped. My children feel much closer to me.
I want to invite every parent to take the time to attend this at least once. This two hours is really worth it.
Here are some more testimonials from the workshop (name / last name has been withheld to protect participant privacy).
The class was really good, an eye-opener for a parent of 16 yr old and a 12 yr old. I thought I knew it all - but I was mistaken. I had labeled by daughter's creativity as wastage of paper, tape and time. My son's bike rides, social networking were avoidance of studies to me. In inheritance, I have given them my fears. I wish I could undo the harm done. Now, at the very least can prevent future damage and perhaps enhance growth. Change will happen.
Please let us know if there are any refresher classes. I definitely recommend this class to parents of all age groups.
This workshop gives a beautiful understanding about the most common problems we face while raising children and workable solutions which you can start applying right away.
KYC is a workshop every parent wanting to have a deeper understanding about their child's behavior and the dynamics of a parent child relationship must take .
I came away knowing more about my child and my parenting style and what I was doing right and what I could start changing right away.
-- Suchitra, Cupertino
"KYC gave me a glimpse into the working of the childs' mind. It also gave me some practical tips that I use to build a more caring/nurturing relationship with my kids. I would definitely recommend 'Know Your Child' workshop for all parents,teachers and other caretakers." – Vidhya, San Jose
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