Necessity of A Spiritual Master

TEXT 2.7

karpanya-dosopahata-svabhavah

prcchami tvam dharma-sammudha-cetah

yac chreyah syan niscitam bruhi tan me

shishyas te ’ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam

Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

   

In this verse, Arjuna is accepting Krishna as his Spiritual Master. In the last few verses, Arjuna and Krishna discussed Arjuna’s dilemma like friends. Because of this friendly relationship, Arjuna is unable to understand what Krishna is trying to teach Arjuna. However, now that Arjuna has accepted Krishna as his Spiritual Master, the whole Bhagavad Gita is taking a new perspective.

Arjuna accepting Krishna as his Spiritual Master can be used to teach many people. This teaches others to find a Spiritual Master. Accepting a guru as your Spiritual Master will not only teach you more about Krishna Consciousness, but will also strengthen your connection with Krishna. Ones acceptance of a Spiritual Master is very important in order to reach Krishna at the end of your life.

   

This verse has really motivated me. Before reading this verse, I always thought that I was not going to get a Spiritual Master because I thought it was too much work and it was unnecessary. However, reading this verse really changed my feeling towards choosing a Spiritual Master. I know feel that it is EXTREMELY necessary to find a Spiritual Master. I now understand why finding a Spiritual Master is necessary in order to continue in my spiritual life. Arjuna’s acceptance of Krishna as his Spiritual Master is not only a turning point in the Bhagavad Gita, but also in MY life.

Reflections written by Toshan Vyasyaraju

Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits!

We had a great time at our first cooking lab this past weekend! Students worked together in teams to make the dough, roll the biscuits, offer them to the Lord, and of course the best part...honor them as prasadam!

See the full album of pictures at our Facebook page here.

Soul Debate!

This week we had an enthralling debate with our "special guests" on the existence of the soul. Students were both passionate and articulate as they conveyed their arguments, and even convinced our guests to rethink their positions on the existence of the soul. Check out the footage below!

Existential Crisis!

This week we dynamically ventured into the second chapter of the Gita.  The students faced the horror of (almost) having to throw sharp darts at pictures of their most loved ones.  They stepped into Arjuna's shoes and experienced some of the real-life emotions that Arjuna might have actually felt on the battlefield of Kuruksetra.  

I was enthralled by our class discussion and students courage to share their experience as they faced the prospect of throwing darts at pictures of their loved ones. Students experienced a variety of emotions, fear, anxiety, confusion, shock and disbelief being just a few. We then dove into modern day cinema to examine Spiderman’s existential crisis as he struggled to balance his personal vs. superhero personas. Class concluded with a personal values inventory, in hopes that if we all reflect on our own values, and hold them close to our heart, we will be able to face an existential crisis, no matter when it comes our way.

Students ended the day by sharing a take away realization. Some shared they learned about the precarious nature of existential crisis.  Others mentioned the importance of holding onto personal values. I was very impressed and inspired by the engagement and profundity demonstrated by our class.

Even though I have been given the service of facilitating Sunday School, I also learned something important that day and reflected on the importance of depending on Krishna. That day, we chanted the following verse in class:

"Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness.  In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me.  Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You.  Please instruct me."  - Bhagavad Gita 2.7

At some point Krishna is going to test us.  He wants to see what we will do when we find ourselves under pressure to make choices about who we are and what we live for.  Sometimes He will make it easy for us to choose Him, and other times He might make it very difficult.  In those difficult moments, we will be forced to let go of who we thought we were in order to become who Krishna wants us to be.  In life, when we are really faced with fear, anxiety, confusion, shock and disbelief, I pray that we can all choose Krishna and put our faith in Him to guide us through.

I would like to thank our Sunday school class for sharing their personal, thoughtful insights and bringing enthusiasm and energy to class! Can’t wait for next week!

(Reflections written by Gopi Kumari devi dasi)

Sunday School Room Miracle!

                                         Before                              After

                                          Before                             After

                                           Closet Before            Closet After

                                                              Entry way-New Room

This past week, I participated in service project to redecorate our Sunday School space. Last Sunday, my heart dropped at looking at the garbage full closet. How were we going to do this? Sunday School started in exactly one week. Would this transformation actually happen? Shoving my thoughts aside, I rolled up my sleeves, and joined the other volunteers. I guess all we could do is try.

Throughout the week, magically, the room began to take shape, thanks to the selfless service of two of our community members. I stood back and marveled how slowly but surely, the closet became empty, and the walls became refreshed with new paint. By the time Sunday rolled around, the room transformed into a beautiful new oasis for all of our Grades 6-8 students.

Krishna boldly declares in the Gita: 

But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form — to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.
 
As I stood in our new space, my heart filled with gratitude and joy. I could feel the hand of Lord Krishna in our efforts. While we possessed no knowledge or plan as to how this project would take shape, somehow or the other Krishna reciprocated with us just as He promised in the Gita. He sent us the volunteers, the will power, and the patience to make the impossible possible. I need to remember God's promise more often.