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Mahant Parva - Day 5

Karma Part 2

During Bal Din 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj showed us how we can build jodan with him (and make him raji) through our actions using the acronym H.A.N.D.S.! Today, let’s look at the last 3 letters - N is for Niyamit sabha, D is for Dharma-niyam and S is for Samp.

Niyamit sabha, Dharma-niyam and Samp

Group 1: (6-9yrs) - Life lessons from Yogiji Maharaj!

1. When Yogiji Maharaj was a young child he was very clever in his studies. He always stood first in every class and won many prizes. Sometimes lazy students would sit next to Jinabhai (Yogiji Maharaj’s childhood name), hoping to copy his answers. Some bullies would threaten Jinabhai, “When you have solved all the questions you had better tell us the answers.” Whenever the teacher set any problem, Jinabhai would solve it immediately, and then turn his slate (kind of like a whiteboard) upside down. Those around him who had not listened in their previous lessons, would ask him, “What is the answer?” But Jinabhai would remain silent. One day some of the boys threatened him, “Jina, show us your slate, otherwise we will beat you up.” But Jinabhai fearlessly replied and explained, “You work it out! If my answer is wrong, then your answer will also be wrong.” Whenever other students managed to copy his work, Jinabhai did not like it. He would tell them off, “It is wrong to copy. By copying you are cheating Bhagwan.”In this way, Jinabhai always insisted that everyone should learn by working hard and should not cheat.

Discussion Points:

1. What was Jinabhai's (Yogiji Maharaj’s) position in his class?
2. What did the lazy students want to do when they sat next to Jinabhai?
3. How did Jinabhai respond when his classmates threatened to beat him up if he didn’t show his answers?
4. What did Jinabhai do after solving the questions on his slate?
5. Why did Jinabhai tell his classmates that copying was wrong?

Group 2: (10-13 yrs) - Niyams!

1. What are Niyams? 
   
   A niyam is like a special promise we make to ourselves, Shriji Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. They are like when we make a new year's resolution.  Niyams are a bit different to resolutions because we take them to earn rajipo from the Satpurush. Pleasing Maharaj, Swami and Mahant Swami maharaj or gaining their ‘Rajipo’, is the best motive for all activities in life. When we make niyams, we have to try really hard to keep them and not break them. By staying strong in our niyams, no matter where we are, we make the Bapa happy.
   
   At times, our gurus may give us agnas, which are instructions to follow specific niyams. These niyams act as guidelines given by our gurus to protect us from negative influences and prevent us from engaging in harmful actions that could lead us into bad company. The niyams in our lives ensure that we experience the true happiness found in satsang. By following these niyams, we protect ourselves from harmful influences and experience true happiness and rajipo of the Satpurush. They are guidelines that our Gurus have shared with us, so that we can stay away from trouble.
   
   Gunatitanand Swami further emphasises the importance of keeping committed to our niyams in Swamini Vato 6/4, “These codes (niyams) are very important. The day there is a lapse in observance of dharma, nothing will remain stable. Therefore, the codes must be observed with utmost care. Swami talked much on this.” It is crucial for us to sincerely try our best to follow the niyams given by Swamishri, as they are designed to protect us and keep our lives safe during difficult times and challenging situations.

Discussion Points:

1. How are niyams different from new year's resolutions ?
2. What is the main purpose of making niyams?
3. Why are niyams considered important according to Gunatitanand Swami?
4. What do niyams protect us from?
5. What happens if there is a lapse in the observance of dharma, according to Swamini Vato 6/4?
6. How do our gurus help us follow niyams?

Activity - Samp Family Workshop:

Materials Needed:

1. Cardboard boxes
2. Scissors or utility knife (for adults only!)
3. Glue, tape, or hot glue gun
4. Markers, paints, stickers
5. Ruler and pencil

Instructions:

1. Discuss and decide on the type of cardboard house you want to build. Create a rough sketch or plan.
2. Flatten cardboard boxes. Cut and prepare the cardboard for assembly (adults should do the cutting).
3. Some of you can cut and assemble, others can decorate. Construct the base, walls, and roof of the house using glue and tape.
4. Use markers, paints, and stickers to decorate the house. Add windows, doors, and other fun details!
5. At the end reflect on the project as a family.If there were any problems bring them up and share them with everyone else. What can you do to make it run smoother next time.