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.
1)
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.
1)
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.
1)
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
