The Thanksgiving Week, 2019 at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission was celebrated from February-18th to Feb-24th. It was rung in amidst the ‘Shiv Mahima’, a first ever play on Dada JP Vaswani, ‘Bal Mela’ at Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul, Manjri, ‘Senior Citizens Meet’, ‘The Return Gift’ – a play by kids of Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul, & guided meditation sessions by Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and recorded talks by the two Masters- Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J. P. Vaswani.
Day one, 18th February, kirtans marked Shiv Mahima (Glory of Shiva). Rev. Dada spoke on the greatness of Shiva and his third eye. He further emphasized that the purpose of the human birth was opening this third eye and attaining the Lord.
On day two, 19thFebruary, was held the Tranquil Tuesdays with ecstatic kirtans by Ajit Naik & Mohit Anand followed by guided meditation by Rev. Dada on the attitude of gratitude.
Day three, 20th February highlight was the upadesh of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. In his flute-like voice, he said that whatever God does, is best and sweet to us. Everything that happens, is a prasad from the Lord himself.
Day 4, 21st February, a recorded upadesh of Rev. Dada on the value of acceptance was played. He narrated a beautiful story from the time of the Titanic. There lived a man in Scotland, with his wife and 9 children. They worked hard and tirelessly for 21 years to achieve their dream to visit America. After years of savings, he managed to buy tickets of the Titanic- a ship that would never sink. But a day before the sailing, his son contracted a contagious disease and the whole family had to be quarantined. The man cursed God and disowned his son for he lost the opportunity to travel to America. But soon enough, the day when he heard of the Titanic sinking, he thanked his stars and God for He knew better. Reiterating, Rev. Dada sent home a message, “In everything, I accept.” This day, also saw the presence of renowned singer, Kaajal Chandiramani, who in her melodious vocals transformed the atmosphere in the satsang hall. On the same day, Moment of Calm newsletter was released at the hands of Ms. Ritu Chabbria.
Day 5, 22nd February, was yet again a meditation session accompanied by the mahamantra kirtan.
On Day 6, 23rdFebruary, was organised a ‘Senior Citizen Meet’. A take-away bag containing chips, cakes and many more treats was distributed among the senior citizens.
On the occasion, Mrs. R. A. Vaswani, Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission addressed all the attendees. She thanked all present for gracing the occasion and said that the atmosphere was fragrant and alive owing to their presence. She also mentioned how coming to the Mission is comparable to a pilgrimage for a place where a saint resides is truly a house of God. This was followed by an upadesh of Rev. Dada wherein he spoke of the ‘power of imagination’. He said, “Whatever may be the situation is one’s life, whatever sufferings one might be undergoing, it would all be nullified only if one were to imagine oneself as being at the Lotus feet of the Lord and the way to it was the chanting of the Name Divine.” He also emphasized the need of a guru in one’s life and how he can redeem us of our sins and vices and take us onto the other shore where the Lord resides. Next was a play with a mix of musical on divine learnings from the life of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. Several stories that marked spiritual evolution in the life of dear Dada was portrayed by talented actors. The Senior Citizen’s Meet concluded with an address by Didi Krishna Kumari, Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission. “Today, after watching this play, I am sure that all of us have experienced the presence of Beloved Dada in our midst. We all wished that this play go on forever as is our desire to be by his side forever. His life is an ethereal picture gallery from which we had the opportunity to see a few today.”
“I have been attending since the past 20 years. The experience, each time, feels heavenly. The atmosphere here is pure and divine. Although Dada has left his body, it is no different, he is here, his spirit is here, and the vibrations are stronger than ever,” said Pushpa Golani.
“It is a place where I get peace of mind. Today when I look at the portrait of Beloved Dada, it feels similar to how he would be seated in our midst. There is no difference,” said Menghraj Bhatia.
Day 7, 24thFebruary, was the Youth Event. On this day a recorded interaction of Rev. Dada with children was played. The topic was, ‘The key to heaven’. Dada said, “The key to heaven is to become a child. Continue to be children, even if you grow in age, you grow in wisdom, continue to keep your childlike spirit alive. Childlike qualities of purity, innocence, guilelessness, spontaneity and sweetness, let these five things accompany you throughout your life.” This was followed by a play, ‘The Return Gift- A Super Play’ by Team Gurukul. The children gave a captivating performance where at a Super Hero Party, Dada wins hands down with no cape or costume for his costume is that of love, kindness and gratitude.
The blessed week of thanksgiving also saw seva and service activities throughout the week. On the 18th, 19th, 20th and 22nd distribution of hygiene kits- towels, soaps, washing soaps, coconut oil and more- to nearly 180 students adopted for education by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. On the 21st, a Bal Mela for the students of Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul, Manjri was organised. Treats were served to the little ones of the school which included masala dosa, pav bhaji, cake &ice-creams and kurkure. Gifts that were given away included footballs, dolls, cricket bat and ball combo, tennis racket and ball combo, hockey sticks and ball combo, table-tennis rackets and ball combo. On 24th, as a token of appreciation and heartfelt gratitude, the support staff- maids and peons, of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, for their untiring efforts, were in for a surprise at the Dada Mela. This joyous occasion was organised at the sacred grounds of the Mission. Kirtan session, group games, mehendi counters were major attractions of the afternoon. Sumptuous meal comprising of bhel, dosa, veg biryani, samosa and Sindhi delicacy "chola pav" were served to all, along with ice cream as dessert. Participants of the games were given gifts and children of the maids and peons were given gift hampers comprising of towel, napkin, stationery pouch, game sets, chocolates and dolls for the little girls.
Throughout the week, havans, chanting in the Sacred Kutiya and seva was performed daily.
Medical sevas were conducted at the Sadhu Vaswani Medical Institutions. Shanti Clinic served a total of 636 patients offering a range of services at 50% concession. Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital and M. N. Budhrani Cancer Institute offered free consultations and 50% concessions on in-house investigations and surgeries in ‘General Ward’. Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital and M. N. Budhrani Cancer Institute conducted free consultations worth Rs. 7,24,630/- for 3,705 patients and investigation at 50 % totaling to a concession of Rs. 7,86,089/- for 3,957 patients. Fabiani & Budhrani Heart offered free cardiac consultation for 295 patients, 60 Free ECGs, Stress Test 47, Color Doppler 180, Pathology 109, Angiography 33, Angioplasty 12 & Bypass Surgery 4, worth Rs. 9,56,180.
All in all, the Thanksgiving Week, 2019, was truly a remarkable week in terms of service, gratitude and love.
