TAVASMI DC

1. TAVASMI DC February 3, 2013 How to do Seva, Shaiyaji, Jhapiji, ShreeNathji Charitra Amrut Katha

2. Agenda Mangalacharan, Yamunastak Tavasmi Review Quiz Homework: 84 Vaishnav Varta – Padmanabdas (Questions) Jhapiji Shaiyaji How to Peform Seva: Starting from End of Rajbhog to Utthapan How to Perform Seva: Sandhya Aarti Shree Krishna Charitamrut Katha Discussion: 108 Shri Vrajrajji Mahoday said in the last session that the Thakorji in our homes is the same as that in the havelis and is the same as that which is in Nathdwara. Do you agree? Utsav/Manorath/Mahotsav Utsav Planning Upcoming dates: 3/3, 3/17

3. Manglacharan Chintasanta Nahantaro, Yatpadanm bujrenavah Sveeyanam tanni jacharyan, Prann maani muhur muhah Yadnugrahto jantuh, sarvdukhatigo bhavet tamaham sarvada vande, Shrimad Vallabh nandanam. Agnantimirandhasya, Gnanan Jana shalakayaa Chakshurun milin tan yen, tasmain Shri Guruve namah.  Namami hrudaye sheshe, leelakshriabdhi shayinam Lakshmi shahastra lilabhihi, sevyamanam Kalanidhim Chaturbhischa Chaturbhischa Chaturbhischa Tribhistatha Shadbhirvirajate yosav panchdha Hrudaya mama

4. Mangalacharan 2 • ShriGovardhanNathpaadyugalam, haiymgavinpriyam…nityamShriMathuradhipamsukhakaram, ShriVithhaleshammuda… • ShrimadDwarvatish-Gokulpati, ShriGokulenduvibhum, Shrimanmanthmohanmnatvaram, ShriBalkrushnmbhaje. [1] Let me always worship the bliss-bestowing lotus feet of Shrinathji; NavnitPriyajiwho enjoys butter, Mathuradhishji who is a constant source of joy, and Vitthalnathji. Dwarikadhishji, Gokulnathji & GokulChadramaji are also worthy of worship, as is MadanMohanji who charms even the god of love - Manmathand let me sing the praises of our Natavarlalji & Balkrishnaji • ShrimadVallbhVithhalouGiridharam,GovindrayabhidhamShriBalkrushna-Gokulpati, nathamRaghuanamtathaEvamShriYadunayakam, kilGhanshyamam cha tandrashjankalindimswagurumgirimswiyamprabhuchasmaray [2] Let us bring before our mind's eye the swarup of Mahaprabhuji, Gusaiji, Giridharji, Govindrayji, Balkrishnaji, Gokulnathji, Raghunathji, Ghanshayamji, who are progeny of our Vallabh. ShriYamunaji, ShriGurudev (our spiritual guide), Girirajji, the Thakorji of our Gurdev & our own Tharkorji

5. Yamunastak Namami Yamuna MahamSakalSidhiHai Tum Muda MurariPadpankajSfuradamand, Renootkatam, TatasthaNavKanana, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, SuraaSursuPoojitaha, SmaraPituhShriYambibhrateem KalindGirimastake, PataDamandPoorojjwalaa, Vilas Gamanollasat, PrakatgandShailonnata, Sagoshagantidantura, SamadhiroodhDolottama, MukundRatiVardhinee, JayatiPadmaBandhohoSuta BhuvamBhuvanaPawaneem, AdhigatamaneKashwanaihi, PriyabhirivaSevateam, ShukaMayurHansadibhihi, TarangBhujKankana, Prakatmuktikavaluka, NitambtatSundareem, NamatKrushnaTuryaPriyam AnantGunbhusite, Shiva ViranchiDevastute, GhanaghanNibheSada, DhruvaParasharaaBhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, SakalGopgopiVrute, KrupaJaladhiSanshrite, Mama ManhaSukhamBhavayah

6. Yaya Charan Padmajaa, Muraripoho Priyam Bhavuka, Samaagamanto Bhavet, Sakal Siddhida Sevatam, Taya Sadrushtamiyat, Kamalja Spatnee Vayat, Hari Priya Kalindaya, Mansi Mesada Stheeyatam. Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panatha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryutha Gopikaha. Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatvam Etavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaihi. Stutim Tava Karotikaha, Kamal Ja Sapatni Priye, Harer Yadanu Sevaya, Bhavati Saukhya Mamoxataha, Iyam Tav Kathadhika, Sakal Gopika Sangamsmara, Shramaja Lunibhi, Sakalgatra Jaihi Sangamaha. Tavashtak Midam Muda, Pathati Soorsootesada, Samasta Duritak Shayo, Bhavati Vai Mukunde Ratihi, Taya Sakal Siddhayo, Murari Puscha Santushyati, Swabhav Vijayo Bhavet, Vadati Vallabh Shree Harehe.

7. Tavasmi Quiz What was Gusainji’s real name? Why are the major deities of Pushti Marg (and Hinduism) dark in color? What do the colors of Red, Yellow, and Blue represent? What is Anavsar? What are the 8 darshans of the day in order of their occurrence? Which darshan is not viewed by Vaishnavs and are done behind closed doors? Why did Shrinathji go to Nathdwara? Why was Nathdwara chosen as the site? Which other swaroop also resides at Nathdwara?

8. Homework: 84 Vaishnav Varta - Padmanabdas • Padmanabdas was Brahmin from Kanoj, who made a living by doing Katha at his house. • He received Brahmasambandh when Mahaprabhuji was in Kanoj.   • One day, Acharya Shri recited a shlok to him, which, in essence means, “One should not make money by selling the Lord’s name. Lord’s name should only be taken to gain His love.”  • So at that point he decided that he would not make a living by reciting Katha.  He said he would make a living by going to the richest guy in the town and ask Him for his support. • The person was honored to have such a distinguished Brahmin in his home • When Padmanabdas asks, What he should do? Mahaprabhuji told him that He should do Seva. Padamanbdasji said, “He had studied various scriptures (Bhagvat, Puran, etc.) and so it would be hard for him to believe in the Thakorji swaroop of God.” • So he asked Mahaprabhuji to demonstrate the greatness of the Swaroop.  So Mahaprabhuji invited him to Vraj to visit him.

9. Padmanabdas: Summary & Question contd • One day while near they were sitting on the banks of the Yamuna river, the river spread apart. An enormous swaroop of the Lord come out!  • It was tall as 7 palms trees.  Seeing the Swaroop, Vallabhacharya said, “Please reduce this form to a size more suitable for seva in this Yug.”  • Padmanabdas understood the importance of the swaroop and did seva of the Swaroop. • After a while Padmanabdas felt that the job was where he was living in a lap of luxury at the Rich guy's house and that the same time begging for a living. • So he left the luxurious house and make a living selling wood, etc.  He provided for the basic needs of his family. • Questions • 1) What was the name of the swaroop? Which son of Gusainji received this Swaroop that resides in Kota, Rajasthan?   • 2) Febuary 14th, 2013 is Maha Sud Chauth according to the Indian calendar –which is Harsaniji Utsav. What swaroop did Damodardas Harsaniji do seva of?

10. Jhapiji • The jhapijiis used to carry shriji from one place to another, the whole sewa-kram can also be done in a jhapijiwhen we go out. • Important characteristics of a good Jhapiji: • Neither too small nor too large for our swaroop • It must be made of wood or cane (NO plastic or metal) • Has ventilation at the sides and top • Silk on the the inside if material is hard • Silk or Kantan rather cotton because it is more pure • Latch or lace that doesn’t open on its own while in travel • Pack the jhapiji in a silk cloth • A gadiji (seat) is placed inside the jhapiji. This gadiji must also be soft and covered with white cotton cloth. Pillows like the ones which are used daily on shriji'sshaiyyaji (bed) must be placed on the gadiji. • Within the Jhapiji, place the banto and a container containing jal that doesn’t spill

11. Jhapiji • The jhapijiis used to carry Shrijifrom one place to another, the whole sewa-kram can also be done in a jhapijiwhen we go out. • Important characteristics of a good Jhapiji: • Neither too small nor too large for our swaroop • It must be made of wood or cane (NO plastic or metal) • Has ventilation at the sides and top • Silk on the inside if material is hard • Silk or Kantan rather cotton because it is more pure • Latch or lace that doesn’t open on its own while in travel • Pack the jhapiji in a silk cloth • A gadiji (seat) is placed inside the jhapiji. This gadiji must also be soft and covered with white cotton cloth. Pillows like the ones which are used daily on shriji'sshaiyyaji (bed) must be placed on the gadiji. • Within the Jhapiji, place the banto and a container containing jal that doesn’t spill

12. Shaiyaji • Shaiyyaji is the word used for ShriThakorji's bed. • Also, the gadiji and takiyaji(pillows) on the shaiyya must always have covers of soft malmalcloth. • The takiyas on the shaiyya must be flat so that the they don't interfere with shriji's comfort. • The chaadaron shaiyyaji also changes according to the change in season, white thin in summer and rajai(blanket filled w/cotton) in winter. • We must bear in mind that even if it is very hot we must always cover Shriji fully (not halfway to waist).

13. Shaiyaji contd • Shaiyyaji of Chitraji must contain 3 pillows, one big rectangular flat one for mastak (head) and two on the sides. Some Vaishanv keep one big rectangular takiya at the feet of shrij (optional) • Shaiyyaji of Laalan must contain 4 pillows, one big rectangular flat one for mastak (head) and three round flat ones, one to keep between the left and right hast (hand)-supporting the right hast, the second one between the left and right charan (feet) to support the right charan and the third one to fill the gap that is left between the first two takiyajis. • Vaishanvs doing seva of Laalan must keep in mind that while putting the swaroop of laalan to sleep, the right hast must always be above and the left one below and one must never do shayan of laalan with the mukhaarvind (face) facing upwards.

14. Seva up until now • During Anavsar Shriji goes to the forest with his cows and takes a nap in a sheltered spot. • In preperations for Anavsar (after Rajbhog) we had put out the Khand and Sujani. • Khand is a wooden stair-like structure and is covered with a cloth. On it two gadis of velvet are kept and khilona are put on top of gadi • Sujani is a carpet-like cloth that is spread below of the khand. On it the gend-chowgan are kept. • After a few hours, He goes back to Nandalay. (Utthapan) • On his way back he stops by some Gopi’s house and does some light snack. This is done by Bhog darshan. • After meeting the gopi and fulfilling their wishes, Thakorji moves towards Nandalay where Yashodaji is eagerly waiting for his son's arrival. On seeing him coming Yashodaji rejoices and rushes to greet him at the doorstep. Yashodaji does his Aarti to do away with any evil influences. She takes Him inside, takes away all his ornaments, refreshes him and serves dinner for him. (Sandhya Aarti)

15. Sandhya Aarti • Now offer malaji (flower garland) and vetra (cowherd's stick) to shriji. • Do darshan for a moment (bhavna of Sandhya-Arti darshan) • Then take away the venu (shriji's flute) and vetra and keep them in the shringar box. • Now one-by-one take away the other khilonas. • After doing all this take away the shringar that were put on shriji earlier/in the morning, put them in the shringar box. • Refill the jhariji . Remember Jhariji is always placed at left side (your right) of Thakorji • Offer the Sandhya bhog - dinner (Many people also keep milk as Sandhya bhog). • Before offering any bhog, kaani of Shree Mahaprabhuji, Nand, Yashodaji, entire Vallabhkul, and all Vrajbhaktas is given to Thakorji: “Shri Mahaprabhuji ni kaani thi, Shri Gusai Paramdayal ni Kani thi, Choriyasi Baso Bavan Vaishnav ni Kani thi aap Sayan bhog, jhariji ane aap ne biju je yogya lage te aap aarogi lesho”. • Leave the seva room.

16. Shree Krishan Charitra Amrut Katha Notes • Why is thakorjishyam? - Krishna is a mixture of the following colors: prem (lal), anandv (kesari), virah (blue) that which always increases is prem. • The Thakorjithat is at your house is the same at Nathdwara. • Two paath you can sing in front of Thakorji: Krushnashray and Madhurashtakam. Do not do other paaths • During darshan don't close your eyes.  Experience thakorji. • Start the darshan of Thakorji by looking at his Feet. • Do darshan of Shreenathji's feet and say Shree KrishanSharnamMamah 3 times. • Do darshan of his face and say Shree VallabhSharnam x 3 times. • Puranmal (a Vaishnav) - made Thakorji's first mandir at GovardhanParvat. He ran out of money and went to make some more and then finished the project. • SaduPande was given ring by Mahaprabhuji to buy a cow. • Ramdas was the first Mukhiyaji of Shreenathji'smandir

17. Utsav/Manorath/Mahotsav • A simple definition of Utsav is a celebration or a festival. • Pushti Marg is full of Utsav. There is practically an utsav every week. Like Holi, Diwali, a Goswami Balak’s birthday, the day Krishna bhagwan took cow grazing for the first time (Gopastami) • Manorath is a celebration arranged when a vaishnav has a devine desire to serve and please Thakorji. • It can be a simple event held in your own residence, or a large event open to all Vaishnavs. It can be to celebrate say a family occasion, birth, marriage etc, or purely because you have the urge to please Thakorji, with one of his favorite Leela. • A Mahotsav is an utsav celebrated on a much bigger scale, to involve large numbers of Vaishnavs. • In a Mahotsav, the appearance day of any Goswami Balaks, Vivah or any auspicious occasion are also incorporated. • Like last year’s Mahaprabhuji Prakatya Utsav we celebrated. • This year’s Mahaprabhuji Prakatya Utsav

18. Discussion Items • Tavasmi Holi – April 7th • Need to get rang (what/which/where) • Short story/program on Holi History • Food/Potluck • Tavasmi Weekend at Vraj – Aug/Sep? • Tavasmi Picnic & Utrayan – June 2013 Next Meetings: March 3rd: Jigar and Charmi's house March 17: Neha and Gaurang

19. Discussion Items contd • Vallabhacharya Prakatya Utsav – May 2013 • Partnering with PMVS and VS • May 5th (Sunday) • Program Ideas • Skits for adults and kids • Theme? Samagrah Sharanagati:  Total Surrender Srimad Vallabhacharya gave the mantra “Shri Krishna Sharnam Mamah” reminding us to always think of the Loving Invitation of Lord Krishna:“Surrender Unto Me” • Interactive programs • Games/Fair type programs • Slideshow