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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] 

Today is Boxing Day so also take some time to think of the amazing presents and gifts that our Guru has given us in our lives! What can we learn from these gifts and presents? 

Prasang Reading (3 mins):

Following Swamishri's cataract surgery, Pravinbhai Patel of Staten Island arrived with a new pair of spectacles for Swamishri. "Present them to Thakorji first to sanctify them, then bring them here," instructed Swamishri. The attendant sadhu soon returned with the sanctified glasses, but Swamishri hesitated. He asked for Thakorji. Only after Harikrishna Maharaj's murti was placed before him did Swamishri slip on his new glasses. It was his wish that the first image he see with his new glasses would be his dear Lord! It was as if he were saying that he had been gifted with new sight by Maharaj, and with his new eyes, he wished to have His darshan first. After Maharaj's darshan, Swamishri's eyes turned first to the sadhus, then to the devotees.

Discussion Points:

1. Why do you think Swamishri wanted the glasses to be sanctified before he wore them?
2. What do you think it means to see something special with “new eyes”?
3. How would you feel if the first thing you saw after a big change was something very important to you?
4. Why do you think Swamishri wanted the first image he saw to be his Lord?
5. What does this story teach us about being grateful for the things we have?
6. Have you ever felt like something in your life was a gift or blessing? How did you show your appreciation?
7. How can focusing on something positive or meaningful help us in our daily lives?
8. Why do you think Swamishri looked at the sadhus and devotees after seeing the murti?
9. What can this story teach us about what we value most in life?
10. If you could choose the first thing you’d want to see after getting new glasses or a big change in your life, what would it be and why?

Family Activity - "First Sight of Gratitude" Game

Objective:

To help participants understand the value of gratitude, prioritising meaningful things, and appreciating the blessings in their lives.

Materials Needed:

• A blindfold or a simple scarf (optional, but adds fun).
• Paper and pen (optional, if participants want to write something).

Setup and Rules:

1. Family Circle:
2. Gather the family in a circle. One person will take a turn being blindfolded (or closing their eyes tightly).
3. Meaningful Object:
4. Each family member secretly selects an object or image in the room that is meaningful to them (it could be a family photo, a favorite book, or a religious symbol).
5. Guiding the "First Sight":

• The blindfolded participant is gently guided by the family to the chosen object.
• The family can give hints or descriptions of why the object is meaningful while the blindfolded person tries to guess what it might be.

1. Reveal the Object:
2. Once the participant removes the blindfold, they "see" the object for the first time, just like Swamishri. They then explain why this object might be special or meaningful, reflecting on gratitude or appreciation.
3. Take Turns:
4. Each family member takes a turn as the blindfolded person, choosing a meaningful object to "see" first and sharing their thoughts.