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Stuti: [(Shrimad Sadgun Shālinam…), Jaynād (1 min)]

Dhun: [Bhaj Man Swāminārāyan  - Anirdesh Kirtan Muktavali (3 mins)]

Gun Grahan: [Write down 3 qualities of people you have met, seen, or heard about this week, and share these with your family.]

 

Prasang Reading (3 mins):

ALL-DOERSHIP OF GOD AND GURU

Dr Mangal Patel, chairman of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, came for Swamishri’s darshan and blessings. On learning about the sheer expanse of services performed by Swamishri, he asked in amazement, “How do you manage to peacefully run more than 500 mandirs and the Satsang Fellowship that has spread in India and abroad?”

Swamishri humbly replied, “I am not running anything. It is my guru and God who are running everything. I do not believe that I am doing something. God is the doer of everything. But when one believes that one is doing everything and it does not work out properly, one becomes depressed. One should make all the efforts, then the fruits of one’s actions depend upon God. And supposing one does not get success, one should then firmly believe that it is for one’s own benefit.

“Our guruji has taught us that if you fill a pot with water and place it on your head, you will feel its burden. But when you dive in the water, despite the pressure of ‘tons’ of water on your head, you do not feel the weight. So I am not doing anything. It is God and the guru who are doing everything.

“There is no end to pain and misery due to ego and possessiveness. So I constantly believe that God and the guru are the all-doers. That is how the entire Sanstha is run.”

4 July 2003, Ahmedabad

 

Discussion Points:

Group 1: (6-9yrs)

1. Why do you think Swamishri says that God and the guru are doing everything instead of himself?
2. How do you feel when someone helps you with a big task?
3. What do you think Swamishri meant when he compared carrying water in a pot to diving into water?
4. Why do you think people sometimes feel sad when things don’t work out the way they want?
5. What can we learn from believing that someone else is helping us with our work?
6. Have you ever tried really hard at something but it didn’t go as planned? How did you feel?
7. What do you think it means to trust that everything happens for a good reason?
8. Why do you think Swamishri says it’s important not to let ego and possessiveness control us?
9. Can you think of a time when you felt happy because you shared your work or feelings with someone?
10. How do you think believing in God or a teacher can help someone stay peaceful?

Group 2: (10-13yrs)

1. Why do you think Swamishri believes that God and the guru are in control of everything?
2. How do you interpret the comparison between carrying water in a pot and diving into water?
3. What might happen if someone believes they are the only one responsible for everything?
4. Why do you think Swamishri feels it’s important to let go of ego and possessiveness?
5. How can trusting in something bigger than yourself, like God or a mentor, help during difficult times?
6. Have you ever faced a situation where you tried your best but didn’t succeed? How did you handle it?
7. Do you agree with the idea that not getting what you want could be for your benefit? Why or why not?
8. How does teamwork or sharing responsibilities help in solving big challenges?
9. What role do you think faith or belief plays in staying calm under pressure?
10. Why do you think some people feel less stressed when they believe they are not alone in their efforts?

Activity: The "Invisible Helper" Challenge

Objective:

To help participants understand the value of trusting others and letting go of ego by experiencing the power of unseen support.

Materials Needed:

• A lightweight object to balance (like a small book, cushion, or empty bowl).
• Blindfolds (optional).

Setup and Rules:

1. Form Groups:
2. Divide the participants into pairs or small groups.
3. Explain the Challenge:
4. One person in the group will be the "Doer," and the others will be the "Helpers." The "Doer" must balance the object on their head while walking a short distance (a few meters).
5. The Twist:

• The "Helpers" are not allowed to physically touch the "Doer" but must guide them verbally.
• If the "Doer" loses balance, they are encouraged to rely on the Helpers' instructions to try again.

1. Reflection Time:
2. After everyone has had a turn, gather the group and ask reflective questions like:

• How did the "Doer" feel when trying to balance the object alone?
• Did the "Helpers’" guidance make the task easier?
• How does this relate to the story about Swamishri trusting God and the guru?
• What can we learn about teamwork, trust, and letting go of control?

Purpose of the Activity:

This activity demonstrates that success is often a collective effort, not just individual. It also reinforces the idea that trusting others (or a higher power) can lighten the mental "burden" of challenges, much like Swamishri's belief in the all-doership of God and the guru.