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CREATING A ROBUST
WELL-BEING FRAMEWORK

October - December 2020

CONTENTS
In this edition…

1. EDITORIAL

– PAGE 04

2. GLOBAL WELLNESS
SUMMIT-2020

– PAGE 05

3. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR SCHOOL VIOLENCE
AND BULLYING?

– PAGE 08

4. WELLBEING FRAMEWORK
FOR A SCHOOL

– PAGE 10

5. CREATING A FRAMEWORK
FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
IN SCHOOLS

– PAGE 14

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6. INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
– A MYTH OR REALITY

– PAGE 18

7. MY SPIRITUAL
BIOGRAPHY

– PAGE 20

8. MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL
WELL-BEING: LIGHT AT THE
END OF THE TUNNEL

– PAGE 24

9. CHOOSE LOVE

– PAGE 30

10. THE HUMAN POTENTIAL

– PAGE 32

11. REINTERPRET THE
WHEEL OF WELLBEING

– PAGE 38

12. DENTAL HEALTH AND
WELLNESS

– PAGE 40

13. MANTRA PRONUNCIATION
METHOD

– PAGE 42

14. WELLNESS AND
GENERATION Z

– PAGE 44

15. OUR JOURNEY WITH
THE BHAKTAMAR STOTRA

– PAGE 48

Page 03

EDITORIAL7. THE ESSENTIALS FOR
EDUCATION
- Value VS Skill based education

De ea r , - Design thinking and Critical thinking

– PAGE 00

Greetings to all the avid readers of EduSparsh.
In our second edition of the magazine, we wish to draw your attention to one of the most
crucial aspects of child development i.e, 'Creating a future for well-being'. Well being
essentially describes the quality of a person's life, and the earlier, the implications of
being healthy are integrated into a child's routine, the sooner it will yield results towards
a robust society. Wellness in schools aims for all students to be healthy, happy,
successful and productive individuals, who will grow up to be active and productive
contributors. Although physical well-being improves body functions and is of paramount
importance the focus of wellness has to be on emotional well-being, involving stress
management and resilience, as also towards, social and societal well-being.

Developing healthy relationships and maintaining them, sharing happiness and such
other parameters, go a long way in realizing one's potential and participating towards a
vibrant community.

The authors who have contributed their thoughts and ideas have given valuable insights
to understand and manage a future of wellness in schools and beyond. I extend
heartfelt thanks to them on behalf of IFE.
Dear readers ,we hope to create inroads to the prospect of holistic education, and
Edusparsh is one of the endeavors in this direction. With the hope and positivity that you
have an engaging and thought provoking experience, we present to you, this edition of
the magazine on ' Creating a future of Wellness '.

Edi al T EDITOR
MANAGING EDITOR
SHANTHI MENON
DR.SURENDRA DASS
CREATIVE HEAD
SUB-EDITOR
RAHUL DIWATE
LEENA NAIR

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VIRTUAL

GLOBAL WELLNESS

SUMMIT 2020

23 -25TH OCTOBER

Organized by GLOBAL WELLNESS FORUM
in association with SIDDHAYATAN and

BHAKTAMAR HEALING & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

DR. SURENDRA DASS

Convenor - Global Wellness Submmit
[Wardha, India]

Page 05

GUEST SP

SHEEBA AKASHDEEP SABIR SMITA JAYAKER DR.MARK LINDHOLM

Actror & Fitness Inuencer [Mumbai, India] Renowned Actor & Chakra Healer [ India] Author, Speaker & Chiropractor [Indiana, USA]

SONAL JAIN JAYASWAL DR. MANJU JAIN AURELIO

Wellness Coach [Nagpur, India] Spiritual Healer [Nagpur, India] Sound Healer [Based in India from France]

GLORIA GOLDBERG KRITILATA RAM LISA BENITZ

Podcaster & Crusader against Depression Founder Director - SSR Disability Service Center Space Specialist & Writer [Canada]
[Florida, USA] [Mauritius]

DR.PREETI BAJAJ TONY CHRISTIE ANTJE PETERSHAGON

Vice-chancellor Galgotias University Motivator Healer & Author [Ireland] Specialist in Sports medicine [Germany]
[Noida, India]

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PEAKERS

DR.PATRICK PORTER HELENA VUKAS TERESA COVERT

Psychologist, Author & Inventor [Carolina, USA] Trainer & Wellness Guide [Sydney, Australia] Light Worker & Healer [USA]

AMY BUFFET ZAINA ATTAR DR.MADHUSUDAN PENNA

Wellness Advocate & Activist [Carolina, USA] Phycologist & Neuro-behavior Coach [Qatar] Dean -IRPC Faculty
KKS University,Ramtek [India]

EVANGELIA VASSILAKOU MICHIKO HAYASHI DR. SARAAH CHIMTHANAWALA

English Coach & Educator [Greece] Global Director - Emoto Peace Project Homeopath & Holistic Healer [Nagpur, India]
[Japan]

GLENDA LEE SANTOS BEATA HOFELMEYER PROF.VIVEK KUMAR

Yoga Teacher [USA] Holistic Practitioner [Netherland] Vice-chancellor Quantum University
[Roorkee, India]

Page 07

Who is responsible for school
violence and bullying?

Let me start with a simple line that bullies are and can’t bear that someone could be better
than them. And knowingly or unknowingly that
made due to the circumstances and not born. person becomes the target of these so called
Most of the time violence is created by them to bullies. These targets are than destroyed or hurt
seek attention. From their point of view they are by giving some form of pain which could be in
doing nothing wrong but trying to right the the form of physical or mental torture. It’s a
wrong which was done to them. It’s their mind game. It mostly starts from a very young
justification. Bullies are nothing new to our age in the most innocent ways like just
culture right from the time of Duryodhana, who grabbing a pencil or a colourful eraser in the
thought he was wronged by the Pandavas & Montessori.
Bhishm Pitamaha decided to justify his stand
which led to the kurukshetra war to the I think the real issues start sprouting up as they
presents kids who could be anybody from the start growing in that mindset. The problem can
quiet Rahul to the absent minded Smita has be curbed to some extent if we try to
taken up violence to hid themselves. understand the cause and the teachers and
parents come together to nip the cause in the
The main cause could be that they feel they are bud itself, for that both hands should meet and
neglected by people around them. The other work together in tandem. There are times when
one could be that they feel they have too much the parents know about the kids’ behaviour but
power to know that they can get away with it as are not ready to accept that their child is a
they have strong support and are never used to mean one. At times, friends try to hide the
hear the word ‘No’. The thing which everyone situation either because they are afraid or are
agrees to is that these bullies are basically part of the same gang. At other times the
attention grabbers. They either need to stand teachers intentionally or unintentionally try to
out or to be heard. cover up the kids pranks thinking he/ she might
grow out of it. The root cause of it could be the
Most of the time they try to do things their way tolerance of those who suffer. Like what the

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British rulers did to India. In all and all it’s more called offices and organizations. The society in
of a power game or a mind game. general needs to play the role of care takers.
We need to be more observant of our kids to
But what I believe is that instead of blaming make them better individuals, spend more time
and punishing, the root cause of that child’s with them to know exactly what they are going
behaviour should be looked into and if possible through to make them better individuals. Bullies
uprooted from the root itself and start feeding come from all strata of society. Be caring and
these bullies with positive nutrients to come out kind. We need to teach our children to be more
of their mindset, which in due time will bring loving, caring and tolerant of others at the
them back to normalcy. This is known as same time make them strong enough to take
counselling. Counselling should be for the bully, stand against what is right or wrong. When a
the victim and also both set of parents. At times child is born, it’s so cute and innocent. How do
it might extend to friends also. Of course I agree we know whether he is going to be Ram or
that in all of these only the victim knows what Ravan. May be that’s why we need to read our
they have gone through and we don’t want scriptures to our children too. We need to bring
another Dr. Jack and Mr. Hyde. The problem is peace and make them understand that they all
more of a psychological than a physical one belong to each other and for the world
and the chain will continue if we do not stop it together. So to sum up it’s the society and the
at some level. If you take up the case of environment which makes an innocent one a
criminals most of the cases go back to their bully. I rest my case here.
childhood bulling.
ANITA CHANDRAN
Don’t hate the child, find the cause. In today’s
world, we do have strict laws in place for those Principal - Vidyadham International
bullies, they know they cannot escape the School, Vapi [Gujarat]
punishment like it happens in most of the
cases, whether its in schools, colleges or the so

Page 09

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Wellbeing Framework
for a School

“High achievement always takes place in the making it sustainable development. A school
will have to design framework for various
framework of high expectations”, said Charles aspects i.e Infrastructure, Technology, Students,
Kettering. Parents, Students Welfare, Teaching Learning
Methods, Assessment/Testing and many more.
National Education Commission ( 1964-66 ) Here the discussion is about Wellbeing
popularly known as Kothari Commission was framework for any school. Wellbeing is directly
the first of its kind to frame guidelines for related to the quality of life led by a person. It
setting up and running efficiently and also means to be healthy, happy, optimistic
effectively any school in our country. The and successful in life. This characteristic can be
commission had detected certain drawbacks acquired by an individual through the teaching
in the then existing system of education and –learning process from a school that has a
had recommended amendments as well as framework for the same. In order that the
implementation of new schemes in the interest learner achieve this, a wellbeing framework of
of the learners of this country. Later on there a school should include cognitive, physical,
was another National Education Policy which social, emotional, spiritual domains in the
made amendments in the Kothari Commission teaching-learning process.
recommendations as well as added new
schemes keeping in mind the limitations and 1. Cognitive Wellbeing : It is related to success
opportunities at that time. Yet again this year a of an individual. This can be attained by
new National Education Policy has been gathering information and attaining
formulated keeping in mind the present knowledge enough to make judgments in one
situation and the situation to be confronted in life. This is possible if the learner is given the
the future. In short from time to time the opportunity to think beyond the textbook. The
framework on which the educational teacher should ask open ended questions,
institutions set up and function has undergone inferential questions, logical answering
change to discard the old methods or norms questions, cause and effect type question and
and to accommodate the new rules and many more. This will motivate the learner to
regulations. This is so because ‘change is the think beyond the boundaries of the textbook
law of nature’. and answer it thus developing his critical
thinking rather than just developing rote
Today there is a Paradigm shift from the age memory. The more the learner will acquire this
old ‘chalk and talk’ to ‘Digital Learning’. Hence a skill, the better it will be for his life. The learner in
new framework needs to be constructed to his life can make judgments that will be near
accommodate the limitations and advantages to accuracy.
of the resources available now and in future

Page 11

2. Emotional Wellbeing : It refers to one’s self learners should be introduced to yoga and its
analysis which a teacher can teach to his /her importance in our life, encourage the learners
learners. Every individual should inculcate the to take active part in cocurricular activities. The
habit of introspection in the interest of his/her school should allocate some fund in annual
wellbeing. The learners should be given budget to procure sports equipment. The
conducive atmosphere to acquire social and school should also inculcate healthy habits of
emotional skills. The learners should be washing hands before and meals, after coming
indulged in practical tasks and cooperative from wash room etc, for which the school
activities to promote problem solving skills, should spend adequately to procure sanitation
getting along with individuals with different materials.
mind sets, communication skills and various
other such skills. 5. Spiritual Wellbeing : It is a parameter which
connects an individual to his/her culture,
3. Social Wellbeing : This is related to religion, beliefs, values and ethics. A learner
maintaining relations, connecting with people , should be made aware about the same
empathizing people. The learner has to be because they are the roots of an individual. The
taught that maintaining relations is an integral school should include value education as a
part of our life. The learners should be taught to subject in the curriculum for teaching-learning
respect every individual irrespective of cast, as well as testing so that the learner takes the
creed, age, gender, social differences etc. The subject as seriously as the academic subjects.
learners should be given activities which will The learners can be encouraged to have a role
foster pro-social behavior like helping the model for themselves and discuss the
teacher in school, helping peers at home, characteristics of the role model that
interaction with co-learners , decision making impressed them. The school can encourage
and many more. celebration of various days i.e Environment Day,
Earth Day, Heritage Day , Labour Day etc to
4. Physical Wellbeing : This parameter deals know, remember and use the value involved
with one’s health care, nutritive food habits, therein.
daily living habits etc. This can lead to positive
health outcomes. The learners should be If the school successfully incorporates these
encouraged to play during games period and domains in the curriculum, the learners will
recess rather than talking or gossiping, the definitely turn out to be successful in their lives.

The domains mentioned here cover various
aspects under them i.e Teaching and Learning,
Behaviour, Discipline and Character Education,
Learning and Support, Professional Practice,
Effective Leadership, School Planning and many
more. If the framework is designed to establish
wellbeing of a learner, then the finer attributes
of these aspects will also be taken into account.
The school in such case will not leave any stone
unturned to acquire maximum result of the
framework developed by them more so
because the framework was prepared with
high expectations.
Albert Einstein had said, “ New frameworks are
like climbing a mountain – the larger view
encompasses rather than rejects the more
restricted view”. This means that when new
ideas are implemented there is an uphill climb
by the people in the institution, the supporters
of the institution and the onlookers. There is
difficulty at every step and for all. Once these
hindrances are overcome, there is a fantastic
view from the top of the mountain, there is also
joy of having reached the top. The learners will
be inculcated with this idea and in turn they will
grow up to be optimistic individuals. This
optimism will help them in their life to turn out
to be responsible and vigilant citizens of the
country, which is the need of the hour.

AJIT P. THOSAR

Assistant Teacher - St. Joseph E. T. High School,
Bilimora [Navsari, Gujarat]

Page 13

Creating a framework
for health and wellness
in Schools

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What is the necessity for promoting health awareness in Schools? Why is it required?

“A Health Promoting School is a school that is constantly
strengthening its own capacity as a healthy setting for living,

learning and working “World Health Organization 1996”).

In order to ensure that future generations Importance of Life Skills Education: It is,
therefore, very essential to impart and teach
flourish, Schools require to teach children to the students with life skill education in Schools,
learn the art of well-being through their based on the teaching of generic life skills
teaching methodology in learning Life skills including the basic principles and practices
lessons. In today’s School education relating to health, mental wellness, and other
environment, one will find and experience a lot adverse social problems, that may cause a
of problems due to internal affairs within the hindrance in the growth of health and
School and sometimes because of external development of the young minds for the
problems in the surrounding areas, that adds wellness of their personal growth. In life skills
fuel to the fire, and the impact spreads in the education, dynamic teaching and learning
Schools and spoil its environment too. Tackling process is involved. Small children/students are
the problems, hence becomes a priority and encouraged and left to learn from their own
responsibility of the Schools. experiences. They also learn from other people
by observing them. This is therefore a natural
Learning methodology : Through Wellness way of learning life skills.
Educations only, we may have possibilities to
engross children in learning self-regulation Understanding awareness of Health and
skills. Thus, occupying the young minds and Wellness Education: Schools are rapidly
making them learn to understand the life skill increasing in understanding and acceptance
education at school prepares them for life. of early childhood growth for development and
creating a reputation of a positive, inspiring,
What is Life Skill Education: Life skills are the and motivating environment. Instilling life and
basic essential needs, and it is considered to be wellbeing skills in school, will support mental
the first and foremost things to be learned in wellbeing in children and youth now and in the
Schools, from a very tender age to strengthen future. Schools have already started doing the
and stimulate the mental wellness of the preparations of the Framework based on a lot
health, body and mind in young children to of studies and working procedures to be
mature and lead good, happy and meaningful adopted for constructive teaching and
lives. education developed alongside positive
psychology.
Life skills are those skills that enable and make
a person to learn about the richness of life, and Benefits of learning & imparting Life Skill
to know about, “what happiness is all about? ”It Education : The need for the hour, therefore, is
also teaches him/her - how to live life vital and imperative to teach research-based
meaningfully. One can lead a purposeful and life skills in Schools. For instance, happiness
happy life, only when one learns the art of living skills, emotional skills, interaction &
life joyfully, that means when he accomplishes communication skills, strength skills,
and masters the techniques of life skills relationship skills, self-management skills as
learning. well as empathy skills at school. This will not

Page 15

only make them confident to tackle everyday situations thus developing skills such as
life situations but will definitely allow the decision making, assertiveness, self-
children to grow up to be a complete person, awareness, and self-esteem which will enable
both physically / mentally into strong, tough, them to confront social life challenges.
and robust young adults. It is obvious, therefore,
that people having sufficient knowledge of life Secondly, the children may be engaged in
skills will flourish, and will lead a meaningful life small groups and asked to discuss the issues
achieved through mental wellbeing, self- within their group or with a partner and come
awareness, skills for appreciating humanity in out with a solution. They may also be engaged
others as well as working towards wellbeing in to enact short role-plays with the given
one's community. Many authors recommend situations. This will create interest and
that Wellness curriculum design must include awareness amongst the children and
personal experiences, reflective practice, and knowingly or unknowingly they will learn
active self-managed learning approaches in different life skills in their daily activities.
order to legitimize the adoption of Wellness as Finally, the teacher may also assign homework
a personal lifestyle approach. Life skills can be to encourage the children to further discuss
implemented as a module or as individual and practice the skills with their families and
exercises. The teachers and other school staff friend
should familiarize themselves in and even
receive training on teaching and other related 2) Independent Variables : LSE Content :
skills for development, so as to implement the • Skills of knowing and living with others
same in person in classrooms for better • Skills of knowing and living with oneself
understanding by the students. Life skills can • Skills for effective decision making
and should be actively taught to children all
throughout their time in school. Wellbeing 3) “Teachers / Students” Perception of Life Skill
education also supports instruction in other Education :
subjects. This is why it should be included in all • Perceived usefulness for LSE in addressing
education – in the methodology and as an all- peer related behaviors
encompassing lens of positive reinforcement.
4) Dependent Variables :
Framework for health and wellness in Schools : Skills acquired through the Life Skills
1) Requirement by Teachers : for Life Skill curriculum;
Education Approaches : • Decision making
• Critical thinking skills
• Interactive / learning-centered approaches : • Creative thinking skills
The teachers are required to be well versed and • Self- awareness
fully conversant with the knowledge of Life Skill • Self- worth
Education contents and its curriculum. The • Coping with emotions
Teacher must develop the course contents with • Coping with stress
day to day incidents, happenings, and ideas or • Assertiveness
knowledge about a real-life situation in which • Self-esteem
the life skills lessons may be used. This would • Refusal skills
enable them to prepare and gather
appropriate teaching and learning materials Pre-requisite qualities required for Child
on the spot, which would make the learning of Development: The most important pre-
LSE more interesting and motivating to learners. condition for child development Is the social
When the right teaching approaches for LSE are and physical environment. The child’s
employed, learners would participate and development depends a lot, on environmental
develop an interest in learning life skills and will conditions like health, nutrition, water,
comprehend the role of LSE in their life sanitation, housing, labor, and education

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facilities. The first and foremost requirement for
the growth of the child is the family
environment. The parents play a very vital role
in creating a pleasant and stimulating
environment full of positivity spread in and
around the house, which constitutes an
important initial step for the positive growth of
the child to acquire strong mental and health
wellness. Education, therefore, is a pre-requisite
requirement for achieving the wider social,
cultural, and economic goals set for the
country within this national vision.
Suggestions: Schools must ensure to impart
holistic development of the child, by imbibing
innate abilities like moral, social and ethical
values. Also, ensure to recruit and develop, a
highly motivated and competent team of
teaching faculties, which will endeavor to
extend all-out supports to the Society, in
developing a holistic approach to education
and learning; the Schools must also take
benefit of its new enlightening innovations and
knowledge to increase access to and increase
the quality of education.
SRINIVASAN CHANDRAMOHAN

Administrator [HRD] ,Mumbai [Maharashtra]

Page 17

Inclusive Education
– A Myth or Reality

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I support inclusive education and firmly believe On the other hand, all students learn the most
important lessons of adaptation, sharing and
that it’s transition from a myth to reality lies in caring, by being together. Such children will
the hands of a responsible educator and a certainly grow up into more accepting and
conducive school atmosphere. Inclusive empowered adults. The process of inclusive
education is one of the fundamental steps to education must first and foremost include
promote an inclusive and tolerant society. It is improving the awareness on right to education
the born right of a child to receive quality for all children, at local, regional, national and
education irrespective of his/her abilities or global level. The role of a school also is very
disabilities. The National Policy on Education important here. The classroom design and
(1986) and Program of Action (1992) stress the infrastructure must support inclusive
need for integrating children with special needs education. Regular counselling sessions with
with other groups, so as to prepare them for parents will help to infuse the much needed
normal growth and enable them to face life confidence and support to make inclusive
with courage and confidence. Each child education successful. Customised strategies
dreams of achievement; big or small. As to suit different learning needs and styles need
responsible adults we must provide the right to be devised and upgraded from time to time.
environment for them to bloom equally. Specialized teaching aids and assessment
Inclusive education brings together the very modules will go a long way in stabilizing the
abled, averagely abled as well as less abled process. Attitude of the teacher plays a vital
children to a common platform and unless we role in embracing inclusive education.
judge them differently, they will understand and Academic and emotional training of teachers
take care of each other wonderfully. Of course, in the desired direction will ensure that no child
it requires compassionate hearts and vigilant is detrimentally affected. Having said that, mild
eyes to structure the curriculum around the and moderate deviations can be effortlessly
children so that each child benefits equally. schooled together, and we can raise a
The achievement level however will have to be productive society effectively.
defined judiciously and with empathy so that a
special child also feels valued.

" A school system emphasizing Education
For All should ensure right of all children to
a meaningful education based on individual

needs and abilities"
-Ture Johnson.

SHANTHI MENON

Principal - Sandipani School and Junior College,
Nagpur [Maharashtra]

PPaaggee0189

My spiritual
Biography

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I do play with colours, paint on canvas the cancer patients, was having self-diagnosis,
being an observer, I became a teacher and
feelings of life surrounding each one of us, the started teaching, “where asanas meet
beauty of cultures, in the nature through the medicine“.
diversity of needs, resources, traditions, cultures
and beliefs. Through this article, let me try to I continued to travel in India, meeting people
express my spiritual journey by giving words to who became my teachers. Staying in a Gorkha
those paintings in India. family in Darjeeling I learned about the family
structure, deep belief in life, the gratitude they
I don’t consider myself spiritual, but I have towards life, happiness on their faces and
experienced some tiny, little moments whether this is real spirituality for me. I love Indian food
these can be called spiritual, I am not sure. and have no other habits with least meat
consumption. Eating simple food made me feel
It all started in my early childhood (I was 8 or 9 closer to Mother Earth and prana in food is a
years of age), when I had the darshan of Lord very interesting topic.
Ganesha for the first time and ever since “HE”
has been a part of myself, my life and is always I love Delhi, Lodi Park a lovely place to sit and
with me. I am from a traditional conservative sketch a little bit, and experiencing meditative
German family, with parents who survived both experimentation with water colours. Being
the world wars. Hindu religion or Indian raised by the countryside I enjoyed wherever I
philosophy was far away and I had the chance go with a trusted driver who does not speak
to get some insights into spiritual life through much English. Travelling and meeting people “I
the Hare Krishna Sanyasins. I was asked by my saw their happiness and their unconditional
parents never to get into touch with them, as love”. These are the moments when I knew
they were supposed to be very dangerous. what “I am NOW” with real life exposure - was
the most spiritual experience for me.
Nevertheless, I visited their centre, puja halls,
experienced chanting, attended meditation We (with my driver) always spent a great
classes and I was awed by their simple way of amount of our time in with spiritual activities, I
living life. I got my first Bhagavad-Gita in the loved chanting Gayatri Mantra and he said“ I
year 1976 from them and I was impressed by never heard it in this way but it sounds very
Arjun. I am not sure if I really understood the nice“. In the year 2019, in Rajasthan, when we
deep sense of the Mahabharata, but what I reached our lovely hotel, I told him that I want
understood was to do what I am born for. to have dinner with him that night and it was
Against all odds through my high school and my birthday. With big smile on his face, he
graduation entered rehabilitative medicine reached me with the beautiful handmade
practising meditation and yoga and in Hare Ganesha as a birthday present. To share and
Krishna centre, immersing myself into the to give, even if you have not much is the
spiritual thoughts. greatest lesson I learned in India. Being
humble, being grateful and giving back to
The working life was really tough on me while I society was his nature.
was focussing on being successful. When I
reached up the carrier ladder I got less happy, Since I was a little girl I loved cows, always went
less joyful and I had only very few moments to touch them. Once I had a guide, a cow
when my mind was silent. I quit my well paid approached me and he said don’t touch the
job and started working as a freelance doctor cow as it is holy - I obeyed. Some minutes later
and in a company. All these years I travelled to we were sitting on the steps of a building and
beaches, mountains, jungle, Alaska and the cow was resting down next to my feet. It
Yosmite Park performing Pranayama, looked into my eyes and we talked in silence. I
meditation, asanas - the life also got better. I touched it and it was a very special moment.
became a psycho oncologist supporting breast

Page 21

My hosts in Udaipur are used to see me feeding The monkeys were still around me, sat on a
rotis in the morning to three cows near home stone bench, monkeys would touch my hand,
stay. I greet them in the morning and then they my hair, even touched my face, but to my
come to get their rotis. I enjoy the short chat surprise they were gentle and I started to relax.
with them and for me they represent the The temple monk smiled and informed me that,
Divinity and I can feel it”. Lord Hanuman asked them to do that“. The
temple gave me shelter for some time before I
I had conversations with babas (sadhus/ left.
Sanyasis) without speaking a single word and
they always left a message, an instruction or an I had no divine experiences. No miracles
inspiration. Many times I listened to old Hindi crossed my way. I am still a down to earth
songs which taught me: “when words fail music person being connected to Mother Nature. I am
speaks“. I made a Hindu friend who guided me not enlightened or wise; I had these short, very
and still guides me, who travelled with me, special moments which gave me moments of
brought me to places where you can sit and being one with the Universe. Getting my
feel the divine in your heart, who showed me thoughts to stop and have me stay in the NOW,
who I am. When he, a Brahmin (not by caste realizing there is only NOW. I have deep
but by Varna), told me you are more Hindu friendships with people I spent lots of time with,
than I am, I knew I am on the right path. who opened their heart and showed me, that
we are all family, no matter who you are, how
On a Tuesday I was on my way to a Lord you look or what your religion is.
Hanuman temple in Delhi. On a very small side I call myself a Hindu born as a Christian. I call
road when all of the sudden many monkeys ran myself as a woman who has now 40 years of
right up to me, I was shivering and freezing, Yoga experience and Yoga is the philosophy of
surrounded by large groups of monkeys and her life.
many passers-by shouted:” Madam, be careful,
try to get out of their group“but I could not get I thank Dr Surendra Das for inspiring me to pen
out and somehow reached the entrance of the my spiritual experiences in India
temple.
ANTJE PETERSHAGON

Yoga Instructor, Passau [Germany]

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Page 23

Mental and Emotional
Well-BEiNG:
LIGHT at the END of the
TUNNEL

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“Everybody is a GENiUS. But, if you judge a fish and confidence that the greatest hope and
light can be found in minds and hearts of Dr
by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole John Demartini and Demartini Method
life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein Facilitators.
Keep that in the back of your mind as you read So, reach out to those!
forward. Some other areas where light and hope can be
found are: Heart Mind Education and Training,
For the sake of a GENiUS, we must first explore Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Soul
and see where we are at (as a collective Coaching and holistic healing modalities such
consciousness). If you find some grammar as: meditation, mindfulness, tai chi, qigong,
mistakes, I hope that you will not judge, criticise dance and art.
or ridicule me for that. But, instead love and Consider the above as a great ‘starting point’
appreciate me for who I am behind that. By the and “guidance and direction”.
way, feel free to laugh as much as you can.
Laughter is a real GOLD and Best MEDICINE for Some other areas where light and hope can be
MIND, HeART and SOUL. found are: Heart Mind Education and Training,
Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Soul
What really concerns me the most is a raising Coaching and holistic healing modalities such
number of people that suffer from; stress, as: meditation, mindfulness, tai chi, qigong,
depression, anxiety and mental illnesses. In dance and art.
simple terms that number is, sky rocketing.
Same applies to the sales and consumption of Consider the above as a great ‘starting point’
different types and forms of ‘suppressants’. The and “guidance and direction”.
most common ones used where I live
(Australia) are: pharmaceuticals, alcohol and I have done a great deal of research and work
drugs. in the areas of mental and emotional health
and wellbeing. One tiny part of that relates to
Guess what? my studies for the degree, Bachelor of
Use of suppressant and anti-depressants can Counselling-Coaching with Australian College
be risky and dangerous. It has the potential to of Applied Psychology (ACAP-Sydney).
lead to many, negative outcomes – short and Another part of my research relates to my life
long term. Whether you believe it or not, those purpose and vision which include; work within
outcomes extend to serious mental conditions the mainstream and the delivery of education,
which include: bipolar and schizophrenia. From training and skills through community support
the perspective of my studies, research and centres, educational bodies and businesses in
work, bipolar and schizophrenia and Liverpool and Western Sydney.
metaphorically speaking are, “roads and
tunnels filled with lots of pain, past unresolved A long journey of integrative studies, research
issues and darkness”. and work provided me with many deep
Is there a hope or light at the end of a tunnel? insights, mostly relevant to ‘gaps and loops’
Of course! within the system (incl. educational, medical
and political).
As part of my professional development, I have
been on a seven year long journey with one of All I can say is that as a society (Australia), we
the greatest experts in human behaviour, are about to hit the ‘rock bottom’.
potential and leadership, Dr John Demartini. Shame, shame and shame!
That journey is complemented with integrative
studies, training and professional role of the Now, pay close attention to that word.
Demartini Method Facilitator at multiple events/ A Swiss Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst and
seminars, The Breakthrough Experience. From someone that I refer to as a GENiUS, Carl Jung
that perspective, I can say with certainty

Page 25

has said: “Shame is a SOUL eating emotion.” population that suffer and/or experience stress
Majority of people hold onto it. Why? Perhaps, directly linked with life area, Relationship, is as
they are too afraid of being; ridiculed, judged, follows (life area / percentage):
criticized, humiliated and even, rejected.
Dr David R Hawkins has done a great deal of • Family issues: 45%
research and work, mostly relevant to levels of • Relationship issues: 31%
human consciousness or, awareness. It • Friendship issue: 25%.
includes: emotions, beliefs and world view. On
the scale from zero (0) to one thousand (1,000), In between one can find health and wellbeing
where anything above seven hundred (700) (personal or familial), finances, work and
relates to: SELF, INNER BEING and studies. As an indication, personal finances
ENLIGHTENMENT, shame measures at only serve as stress contributor number one. 49% of
twenty (20) – the lowest. Australian population fit into that box. When
issues relevant to COVID-19 subside, guess
What does really mean to hold onto or what will happen... Stress, depression, recession
suppress feelings such as shame and guilt? As and, so on... Those that have gone through for
mentioned at the beginning, it means travelling example, war have already been through it.
down the pathways (roads) and/or being stuck For those that wish to get deeper into that,
in the tunnel filled with lots of pain, past reference and direct link to research and article
unresolved issues and darkness. It also means are as follow:
being “disconnected from one’s own SOUL.” Not
many people know that the SOUL is the only • Australian Psychological Society (2015), Stress
source of LOVE, LIGHT and LIFE. Those words can & Wellbeing: How Australians are Coping with
lead to reflection and create many ‘soul deep Life
questions’. A great one for those that are
married and/or in intimate relationship states: • https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia
“Do I really love the person I am with or do I /ae32e645-a4f0-4f7c-b3ce-
THINK that I am in love?” Ponder upon that! dfd83237c281/stress-wellbeing-survey.pdf

From my understanding, greatest barriers to Please note that one can get caught in
True and Unconditional LOVE (SOUL LOVE) are: statistics and research. I have learned that
low self esteem, insecurities, dependency, from my personal experience. It is wiser to
attachment, expectations, manipulation, focus on innovative ideas and solutions to
control and ‘inflicted values’. That information is problems which is the approach that I use
useful to know. Who can benefit from it the today.
most? Individuals that find themselves
experiencing and/or suffering from stress, The most fascinating thing that I came across
depression, anxiety and mental illnesses when it comes to stress, relates to
relevant to a broad life area (domain): management and/or coping strategies.
Relationships. Are you ready to hear that?
The most effective strategies that people use to
So, let’s talk about stress, baby... Let’s talk manage and/or cope with stress are: watching
about you and me... television, playing video games, eating and
gambling.
Research done by Australian Psychological
Society in the year, 2015 provides us with many Wow, wow and wow...
deep insights that focus on core causes of
stress. And, it is well known that stress is one of Now, think about consequences and impact of
the greatest contributors to mental illnesses. those actions – short and long term?
On average, percentage of Australian From that perspective, it appears that people
have given up and just wait time to pass by.

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From my perspective, that is not what life is era of EPIGENETIC!
about!
Wake UP humanity!
One thing that fascinates people the most As a bottom line, Carl Jung has said: “In all the
about me is that I do not show sign and CHAOS there is a COSMOS, in all disORDER a
symptoms of: stress, depression, anxiety and SECRET ORDER.” When I work with people, I take
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). And, them through different sets of tools,
after being exposed and experiencing so many methodologies and powerful questions that
challenges and crisis on my life journey. They help them get to that stage.
include: war, early marriage, divorce and sole So, there is a potential!
parenting. So, there is a hope!
Rather than to repeat and elaborate upon what
Many people see ‘suppressants’ as quick and other people have said (which I have done
easy fix. I am disheartened and disappointed during my academic studies), I encourage you
with the fact that doctors and psychologists to open your mind and heart so that you can
here in Australia prescribe anti-depressants so absorb more knowledge and wisdom. To help
easily. Abraham Maslow (GENiUS) has said a people get there faster, I will provide you with
profound quote worth ‘pondering upon’: “If the few book recommendations and my “Gems of
only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to WisdOM”.
see every problem as a nail.”
I often ‘ponder upon’ questions such as: “When
Sigmund Freud has said that: “Unexpressed will humanity (collective consciousness)
emotions will never die. They are buried alive AWAKEN to their true and core nature – LOVE
and will come forth later in uglier ways.” Now, and LIGHT of the SOUL? How long does it take to
guess what? I ‘crossed the path’ of many AWAKEN people to their Innate and ALMIGHTY
people have cancer, tumour and lymphoma. GENiUS!”
Whether you believe it or not, in each one of
them, I have found some things in common. Yes, you read that right – an ALMIGHTY GENiUS!
One of those things is that they all of them hold Xenocrates has said: “Each man’s SOUL is his
onto one three ‘body and soul eating feelings’: GENiUS.” and, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has
SHAME, GUILT and FEAR. said “Love, love, love, that is the SOUL of GENiUS.”
So, without SOUL and LOVE, one cannot be
Please note... Psychologists, Psychoanalysts emotionally and mentally healthy. Without
and Counsellors most commonly use the word, SOUL and LOVE, one cannot fulfil his or hers
Emotions. In reality, placing feelings and PURPOSE and POTENTIAL which extends to the
emotions box can be dangerous! mind of a GENiUS, like: Nikola Tesla, Albert
Einstein, Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, Steve
Anyway, the more I work with people, the more I Jobs, Dr John Demartini and myself.
get to realise compensation or fee that people
pay for suppressing and/or holding onto things So, whether you would love to have the best
such as; fear, shame and guilt are: cancer and mental and emotional health or, AWAKEN to
tumour. your ‘ALMIGHTY GENiUS’, you must first learn
how to make the distinction between FEELINGS
In simple terms, what we suppress in one way and EMOTIONS.
will express itself in some other way. Could it be
possible that our upbringing and future To follow up on those, please read my other
generations will pay the toll? Why do we have article: Mental and Emotional Well-BEiNG:
an increase in number of children that get born Feelings and Emotions.
with disabilities and things such: allergies,
eczema and anaphylaxis? Well, we live in the

Page 27

In a nutshell or, summary, it is impossible to Sometimes in life, we must get out of our own
reach perfect health and wellbeing without way – habitual and ‘robotic’ patterns... It is all
education and meditation. The first ‘stretches’ the result of the MIND and the way it got wired
the MIND and the second (meditation), (entangled) due to repetitive ‘thinking
‘stretches’ the HeART and SOUL. processes’ and actions. The easiest and fastest
way to break those patterns can be found in
In general, Health and Well-BEiNG (or wellness) meditation.
must integrate holistic approaches and ‘dig
deeper’ into all life domains (areas). As an Many people stay away from meditation due to
indication, these are the BASIC ones: mental, their ‘limiting beliefs’ and ‘imbalanced
emotional, existential, vocational, vocational, perception’. But, question that one might ask
financial, social and physical. Please note that himself/herself states: “How can one be ‘sane’
the basic life domains areas focus on persona with so many challenges that occur on a global
(self / inner being) and exclude areas that scale (external environment)?”
might be outside of that scope. For example:
environmental and political. Well... Go within... Meditate!!! Osho has said: “My
So, let’s do a little activity! meditation is simple. It does not require any
complex practices. It is simple. It is singing. It is
ACTIVITY: Strategic Life Planning and dancing. It is sitting silently.”
Empowerment
On a piece of paper, write down all those areas. Anyway, a rapid increase in number of people
For each area ask yourself a question: “How that suffer from; stress, depression, anxiety and
happy, satisfied, fulfilled and/or EMPOWERED mental illnesses raise many questions. They
am I in this life area?” Please note that also serve as the greatest evidence that
happiness does not come from the outside! To traditional approaches to mental and
answer the question I suggest use of Likert emotional health and wellbeing are not
Scale (0 to 10). Don’t know? Well, use Google or sufficient or in simple terms, they just do not
ask a friend. That scale is worth GOLD work. And as discussed earlier, suppression is a
Now that you have completed an activity, “NO GO ZONE”.
extract three (3) of your ‘weakest’ life domains
(areas). Write list of activities that you can do to In Australia, holistic approaches that include
empower those areas. Aim for ten (10) and if mindfulness and meditation became part of
you need help, ask a friend. Extract activities the mainstream. And, I am grateful for that.
that capture your HeART the most and
integrate those in your daily/weekly schedules. So, let’s all meditate!!!
What the heck do I need that?
Please Note: meditation might not be
Well, it is time to ‘shift’ and CREATE your LIFE a appropriate for people that use any type or
MASTERPIECE. form of, ‘mind altering substances’. For those
Week areas of life, like a domino effect, affect that fit into that box, I suggest to consult with
all other life areas. medical professionals.

As an indication, two greatest and fastest tools As for the end, I am leaving you with a few book
for mental and emotional health, wellbeing and recommendations and ‘GEMS of
empowerment are: Education and Meditation. WisdOM’ (quotes). Please note that my ‘GEMS of
And, as most of us have discovered already – WisdOM’ integrate SOUL Deep Messages. It
thinking, talking and complaining about things would be worth to remember them and ‘ponder
consume lots of time and energy. Most upon’.
commonly, they lead nowhere.

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Recommended Readings (BOOKS)
• Abraham Maslow: Toward a Psychology of

BEiNG
• Anthony Robbins: Awaken the Giant Within
• Bruce Lipton: The Biology of Beliefs.
My GEMS of WisdOM (Quotes)
“Obstacles and Barriers on your LiFE Journey
serve as your GREATEST SOURCES of: STRENGHT,
COURAGE and WisdOM.” – Please reflect upon
your obstacles, barriers, challenges and
struggles and, extract your ‘Gems of Strength,
Courage and Wisdom’. And, share those!
“Every HuMAN BEiNG is born with a GENE of a
GENiUS. Your GENiUS becomes ALIVE when you
Follow your HeART and Do what you LOVE.”
“Education will give you KNOWLEDGE and Finite
MIND. MEDITATION will give you WISDOM and
Infinite MIND – the MIND of a GENiUS.”
HELENA VUKAS

Wellbeing Coach, Sydney [Australia]

Page 29

Choose Love

Love, Love, Love… Many events have occurred on her surface
loving, happy, sad, and tragic and yet she
Are you choosing to come from the space of rejuvenates each and every time.
love? The worlds landscape changes, forests may
What is the energy you are choosing to invite burn and new growth begins.
into your home? Our mountains and shorelines begin to erode,
contributing to the land, water and all species.
Are you watching the news? The Earth may fracture and still she transforms
How much time are you spending following, and adjusts to the ever evolving breathing
and getting emotional about what is going on planet and species that live on her surface.
in the world? She has shown us time and again that there is
Do you give yourself a time limit on watching, birth, death and then new growth.
and then move on with your day?
What is the energy of the news? We are ALL GUESTS on Mother Earth and she
How much of that energy is held within your teaches us so much about change.
home? Change is sometimes uncomfortable, and may
be difficult, but through this she often shares
Our home of Mother Earth, is this incredibly with us a rainbow of colour.
supportive space that holds ALL energies, Everywhere we look she embraces colour, all
ALL species, ALL genders, ALL colours from the shades, every pigment imaginable that all
space of LOVE.

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artisans use in their masterpieces, comes from What judgements, and old beliefs are you
the Earth. releasing that don’t serve the life you wish to
live?
Babies are born with this pure energy and look What conversations, friends, colleagues,
to their mothers for LOVE and nurturing. strangers, will you invite into your home?
They have no judgement of colour, age, gender, What energy is the basis for your family, friends
body shapes, they are ONLY LOVE. and you that contributes to a LOVING, kind,
gen-erative and thriving home?
When we dress our babies, we choose what
colours to dress them in. Imagine if everyone put on blindfolds, you
When you go to your closet look at what would have to follow the energy of the
colours you love to dress your body in. person next to you, not based on colour, but by
When decorating our homes we choose what their energy.
colours to decorate our spaces in. This is the time to STOP and LISTEN to your inner
When choosing our cars we choose what dialogue and CHOOSE to change.
colours we would like to drive. Our CHILDREN are watching and listening as are
When planting our gardens we choose what our SPACES.
colours we would like to design with.
When cooking we choose what colourful Our homes are a reflection of EVERYTHING that
ingredients we play with. you have brought into your life.
Spaces have memories, and hold ALL your
Colour is full of emotion and memories, from energies.
what we were TAUGHT by our parents, Which energy are you choosing to infuse into
our school and society. your HOME today?
NOW is the time for self reflection and how we
choose to interact with each other. When we choose LOVE, GRATITUDE and
It’s as if the EARTH has pushed the pause button KINDNESS for our homes, than it becomes an
for us ALL to see what is right in front of us. energet-ic ball of energy, attracting
EVERYTHING we have ever desired.
When you are in your home you get to choose
what energies you invite into your space.
What colours are in your space?

Are you willing to change the world one space at a
time? Let’s begin with YOUR space today!

LISA BENITZ

CoachSpeaker, Radio Host and Writer,
Alberta[Canada]

Page 31

The Human Potential

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Human beings are the most exalted aspect of covering can be removed, and the pure
consciousness can attain its original unlimited
this infinite creation. It is the human being who state. He can then realize the mysteries of all
has the intelligence, the capacity and the creation. Human consciousness is the only
consciousness to elevate him from the state of consciousness that has the capacity to
animalistic existence of merely eating, sleeping, bloom from the budding stage to the fully
procreating and defending to unravel the bloomed stage.
mysteries that life and the creation present
before him. For millennia, humanity has Human potential can be achieved by removing
persevered and succeeded in augmenting the opaque coverings of the pure
understanding of his environment and beyond. consciousness. The process starts with the
However, the ultimate mysteries of creation still arousal of the unlimited spiritual energy lying
elude him. dormant at the base of the spine of every
human being known in Sanskrit language as
India’s millennia-old science showed that ‘Kundalini’. It is a concentrated field of
ultimate knowledge can be realized through intelligent, cosmic invisible energy. This energy,
one’s own self. In the depths of all humanity lies which can be aroused through spiritual
the potential that can transform him/her from penance, rises through the spinal channel
an ordinary human being to an extraordinary (Sushumna) towards the crown of the head
human being, from a seeker to a realized being. going through energy plexuses known as
‘Chakras’ at various points of the spinal
A human being is composed of five sheaths or channel.
coverings – the food sheath, the energy or the
vital force sheath, the mental awareness There are six chakras beginning at the middle
sheath, the knowledge or wisdom sheath and of the perineum (Muladhar Chakra), in the
the bliss sheath. His existence is also expressed region of the genitals (Svadhishthana Chakra),
in 25 essences - the changeless, eternal the stomach region (Manipura Chakra), the
witness or the individual spirit; the uncreated, heart region (Anahata Chakra), the throat
unmanifested primordial nature; intelligence; region (Vishuddha Chakra), the place between
the ego, self-consciousness; the mind; the five the eyebrows on the forehead (Ajna Chakra).
sense-organs for hearing, feeling by touch, The final region beyond the chakras is on the
seeing, tasting, smelling; the five motor-organs crown of the head known as the Sahashrara.
for speaking, grasping, moving, excreting, There are other chakras that some people also
sexual activities; the five subtle elements of refer to namely Golata, Lalata and Lalana
sound, touch, color, flavor and odor; and the which are located behind the eyebrows above
five gross elements which are ether, air, fire, the palate.
water and earth.
But the essential fact is that Kundalini power is
From the unmanifested primordial nature all of immense proportions. Its generation creates
objective experiences arise. They consist of high/subtle frequencies of energy that enable
three qualities of light, darkness and activity. glimpses into the subtle spiritual world; it helps
They are experienced as pleasure, insentience consciousness to bloom from the budding
and pain respectively. stage toward the fully bloomed state; develops
qualities like concentration, awareness, self-
However, the most important aspect of human discipline and equanimity and a matured,
existence is consciousness. The subtle holistic view of life and its every aspect.
individual awareness energy, called pure
consciousness, becomes limited and individual, Some other qualities too develop in the person
away from the infinite cosmic consciousness, doing spiritual penance - fearlessness, self-
through a dense layer of opaque control, simplicity, non-cruelty, truthfulness,

Page 33

absence of anger, peace of mind, compassion, spark of light, which is the ‘Light of God’ or the
without greed, being gentle, modest, firm- ‘Bindu of Omkar.’
minded intelligence, forgiving nature, fortitude,
cleanliness, without envy, without egoistic pride, Fixing his concentration on the light, he would
among others. move on to the next plexus Swadhistana
Chakra, which lies at the level of the genital
Yet again, some other effects of spiritual organs two inches above the Mooladhara
penance and Kundalini awakening are Chakra. Passing that Chakra, he would see the
amplification of intuition, development of red turning into green circular rings and various
higher IQ, greater sensitivity, occasional other things but all in a haze. On further
psychic abilities, slower aging, superhuman concentration and practice, he would rise up to
strength, creativity, charisma, leadership, luck, Manipura Chakra or the navel wheel. Passing
sense of calm, increased wisdom, and the Manipura Chakra he would see the green
experience of spirituality. rings becoming translucent and slowly taking
the form of white clouds. Various other lights
But the most important effect of spiritual and holy symbols also appear at this stage.
practices and realization on an individual is
that he experiences the oneness among all After much penance, the sadhaka is able to rise
Creation, among people and all living and non- from the Manipura Chakra to the Anahata
living things. He feels for them as he would feel Chakra or the heart wheel. It is the transition
for himself. He radiates love, compassion, and from the bondage of the material world to the
goodwill to everyone. Since bliss is one of the rise towards the spiritual world. The person
characteristics of the supreme cosmic would be sucked into a giant black hole, which
consciousness and pure consciousness, he can be terrifying, but with devotion and faith in
gets an overflowing experience of infinite bliss. the Lord and following the ever-increasing
spark of light, he would reach, with a start, a
Kundalini awakening begins with serene sky of blue where he would float like a
concentration. It is just like holding a paper bird in the sky. Visions would become clearer to
under a magnifying glass and focusing the him and he would start getting a taste of the
sun’s rays on the paper, whereby the paper divinity that is innate in him.
starts to burn. Similarly, if we practice deep
concentration focusing in between our Moving further on, the Kundalini rises to the
eyebrows along with some kriyas, then the Vishuddi Chakra, or the laryngeal wheel. Here
Kundalini gets aroused. Thereafter, it starts to the sadhaka experiences the overflowing bliss
go up the Sushumna channel like mercury of divinity. He becomes less inclined to be
rising up the pressure monitor. attached to worldly objects and relationships.
However, because his ego still persists, he is
This energy allows us to generate those away from perfection. The earlier blue color
vibrations that are impossible to attain by becomes dark blue and visions of various
normal physical means. The energy flows states of evolution, gods and goddesses,
through the six centers or plexuses to reach the various expansions of the Supreme Lord who
crown plexus on top of the brain. run the universes in their subtle forms, visions of
the past, present and future that is imprinted
The first stage or the Mooladhara Chakra, on the creation’s subtle expanse, mysteries of
situated at the base of the spine, is the first creation among many other things reveal
plexus to be passed. As the Kundalini passes themselves to the sadhaka (the devotee).
the Chakra the person experiences tremors Waves of golden divine light sweep the vision
and sees red color forming in circular rings regularly and divine mantras emanate from
expanding and contracting. In most within at this stage. This is a state that no
circumstances, he should be able to see a scientist can ever fathom or comprehend with

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limited material equipments and mental states. Supreme Personality of Godhead created to
carry on the functions of creation.
After the Vishuddi Chakra the spark of light,
now like the rising sun, explodes into brilliant In this world of spirituality, there is no distinction
light that pales a thousand suns as Kundalini of race, religion, sex or any other material
reaches the Ajna Chakra or the frontal wheel divisive forces. It is all light, colors, holy
located in between the eyebrows. This is a symbolism, ‘OM’ and other holy sounds and
place of extreme bliss, divine love and peace. It mantras and visions of subtle existences of
is a state where there is constant effulgence of expansions of the Lord and of human beings
the Lord. Many saints and prophets could be beyond death, of creation at an infancy and
seen all immersed in the fathomless, infinite creation at its best. The mysteries and cycles of
ocean of bliss, divine love and peace. The creation get revealed slowly but surely. The
sacred primordial sound ‘OM’ emanates from human consciousness expands to fill the entire
the sadhaka and he loses the external sense of creation ultimately.
his body and even his mind. The body becomes
light and certain sadhakas also start floating in The saints have said in all the scriptures that
the air in meditation. This should be an the human being is the best creation of the
automatic process and not an induced one Lord. It is a vehicle with which ultimate
and is just one of many states of penance. He is perfection can be attained. Even the demi-
also able to see the past, present and future gods cannot attain that stage as they are
clearly as the whole creation is already created assigned certain duties for which they are
by the Lord. Qualities like intuition, bliss, peace, limited in their levels of realization.
equanimity, love, wisdom and detachment
envelops his entire being. The spark of light or the Bindu of ‘OM’ that
brings the sadhaka to the final stage of entry
Going beyond the Ajna Chakra is the ultimate into the spiritual world has the living form of
stage of Sahasrara or the Crown Chakra with a Lord Krishna in it. It is Lord Krishna who comes
thousand petals where the individual soul to take us from the bondage of the material
becomes one with the Universal Soul or the creation to the spiritual world. He is depicted as
Paramatma or the Lord. This is an dark blue in color as He fully expresses Himself
incomprehensible state, which is beyond bliss in the region of dark blue color before
and peace. This is the doorway to the actual Sahasrara to take us to the spiritual world. He is
spiritual world – a world of Divine Love, and Bliss the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is
that can be comprehended by divine souls beyond all creation and is the Cause of all
only. This is Vaikuntha – where there is no Causes. He is the God whom everyone prays
vibration. Before Vaikuntha, the sadhaka can knowingly or unknowingly. He is the un-
get the revelation of the Vishwarupa Darshan manifest and the manifest. It is a part of what
or the vision of the Universal Self of the Lord, the Lord Chaitanya said, “Achinta Bhedabhed
vision that the Supreme Lord Krishna revealed Tattwa” or the “Unthinkable Singularity-Duality
to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Before reaching Philosophy.” The Supreme Lord sends His
Sahasrara, sadhakas also get the vision of the expansions as incarnations to bring back
Mother Goddess, siddhas and other divine Dharma or the divine order in creation when it
personalities. loses its balance. There are descriptions in the
Vedas about the various incarnations that the
Our Indian tradition did not invent idols for world would be blessed with. There are ten
worship. The sages had revelations of divine main incarnations and twenty-four secondary
gods and goddesses, all in human form but at incarnations. It also states about the Supreme
very elevated subtle stages of existence. They Lord Krishna’s advent from whom all other
are powerful existences and expansions of the incarnations emanate.
Supreme Personality of Godhead created to

Page 35

Some of the other realizations will be the becomes infinite and so he can visualize or
process of creation. Creation from the subtle experience any point of creation even going
form to the material level takes 51 quantum back to its beginning or into the future. What
vibrations. These 51 vibrations form the 51 science and technology can never delve into,
alphabets of the Sanskrit language. It is the he can realize or visualize everything through
mother of all languages and is the divine self-realization.
language that has come from the subtle-most
stages of creation to its material form. When Spiritual penance elevates his consciousness
the creation manifested itself into the material higher than that of the pull of the material
form, it was represented by the word ‘OM’. It desires and so before or after passing on, he
manifested itself from the subtle-most level to can go to the higher worlds of subtle existence
the material level as the ‘Word of God’, which is where elevated spirit souls reside with higher
God. It is because of the divine origin of Sanskrit beings and other elevated spirits in many
language that today it has been accepted by spiritual planets.
some scientific groups as the most scientific
language in the world. Furthermore, it is a very The spirits inhabit the spiritual world with their
potential language with each syllable having senses, mind, the vital life-sustaining force,
tremendous potential energy. If rendered impressions, desires and tendencies. They
properly, it can give results like nothing else. reside in a subtle astral body. In the spiritual
world there is no division of race, nationality,
Another realization can be of the symbolism of religion, color, caste or sex.
the material creation which is represented in
the image of Mother Kali. The figure of Shiva Spiritually elevated people can communicate
represents the inert state from which all through ‘Para’ or that which is beyond all
creation arose. Mother Kali has a necklace objects, of any sort, motionless, eternally
having 50 heads strung together. These equipoised, so subtle that it is commonly
represent the 50 quantum vibrations and the perceptible only to those who are highly
51st one in her hand represents the creation of evolved. He can also communicate through
the material world. She is dark colored as she is ‘Pashyanti’, which is single-minded speech,
beyond all comprehension and is unclothed as perceptible but not particularized. It is the
she cannot be limited by anything. Her tongue vehicle for the power of desire. The other forms
that sticks out is because of the yogic mudra or are ‘Madhyama’ which is mental speech,
movement that happens to sadhakas naturally verbalized but unspoken, the internal
when they reach a very highly elevated stage monologue and dialogue; it expresses the
(it can go in the throat or stick out). power of knowledge and wisdom and finally,
‘Vaikhari’, the most-gross form of speech which
The scriptures speak of the spiritual world as 90 is what we use every time we speak.
percent of the creation. In fact, the Vedas,
Upanishads and other Vedic literature are Besides the fact that the purpose of human life
metaphorical expressions of the mysteries of is re-attaining perfection, spiritual penance
creation as revealed to the sages, which is and Kundalini arousal enables a person to
which they are eternal. The subtle world achieve extraordinary heights in the material
described in Vedic literature pervades the world –whatever he does or thinks becomes
whole creation and beyond. Through spiritual seeped in wisdom. His presence becomes an
penance, a sadhaka can visualize and inspiration for others through his elevated
experience this world. Wisdom oozes from vibrations that influence everyone around him.
within him that gives him understanding of the
creation and its manifold mysteries. At the In our earthly world, religions have come about
extreme end of the process, he progresses as a result of the experiences and realizations
toward omniscience. His consciousness of prophets and sages of the spiritual world.

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They are ways by which each one has
formulated the path for their followers to reach
this spiritual world – the world of various levels
of perfection and full of bliss. It is unfortunate
that religion is tearing people apart and
dismembering the social fabric of humanity
when it should be a source of mutual love,
respect, cooperation and peace.
It is my hope that humankind would abandon
hatred, conflicts and disharmony in the name
of race, color, religion, sex or any other artificial
vivisection that is tearing civilization apart
because we are children of the one Source and
we need to reach the spiritual perfection and
bliss through spiritual penance and radiate
love, compassion, cooperation, harmony and
peace.
Our potential is unlimited and we have the key
to the mysteries of the creation. It is our choice
to open it.
SHOMIK CHAUDHURI

Marketing Consultant , New York, U.S.A

Page 37

Reinterpret the
Wheel of Wellbeing

These are unprecedented times as a sense of present moment intentionally and without any
judgment.
anxiety, fear and insecurity looms large
because all we took for granted is decimated in Happiness quotient in children is of utmost
the past few months. However learning and importance as it is the driving force for their
teaching is about inter-personal interface and agility, participation, communication,
connect. Distance learning in these times has collaboration and connection with the world
only shown that it takes a lot of effort and outside them. We and our children need to feel
honesty to build and maintain the community connected to our community, connected to the
of parents, their children and the school place in the world. However, well being is not a
especially as children are reinterpreting their competition. It is important to make children
connect with the world around them in a novel understand the multitude of strengths without
way. ranking and rewards.

Mahatma Gandhi talked about character We all have an innate need and desire to
building as one of the most crucial pillars of his belong. The need for belongingness is being felt
Nai Talim educational philosophy. Character the most by children in these times of physical
building is completely dependent on the and social distancing that has impacted us all.
emotional and mental well being of the child, Social and Emotional well being of the
parental guidance, supervision, and the life individuals is the edifice upon which rests the
skills that the child has absorbed from the eco entire health of the social structure of the
system of the home, school and society at nation.
large.
We need to keep in mind, to have an insight Speaking from experience in my interaction
into the mind of our children: their emotional, with children for over two decades, the basic
mental, physical wellness has a direct corollary need of every individual is to feel valued while
with the mental and physical well being of their we cannot relegate other facets like, to lead a
parents. comfortable life, and enjoy a healthy diet, safe
environment where they can feel secure and
It is important to stay connected for children. loved by their family and friends. These are
When I say this, I do not only mean the outer fundamental requirements for a child to grow
world, like friends, parents, relatives, school, into a wholesome human being. Friends,
teachers, and classmates but most importantly happiness, dreams and love are things of value
with oneself. Self – awareness is the first step to which cost us nothing.
achieving happiness. Being aware of our
strengths and weaknesses can help us feel less Resilience on the other hand means the ability
threatened. We can build on the opportunities to develop capabilities to overcome difficulties
and challenges which stare us in the face. independently. Children cannot become
Feeling valued is a universal need for each one resilient if we continuously push them towards
of us and more so for our children. it. In order to develop the ability we need to
The children need to feel connected to their build their capacity to understand the situation
learning and to the things that they do, feeling so that they become independent in taking the
confident in who they are becoming. right decision. They need to feel connected to
Mindfulness practices can help them overcome their family, connected to their teacher, to their
anxiety and fear as we teach them to be in the

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classroom, to their classmates, so that if The skills we teach them today will help them
something goes wrong they can always rely on develop adaptability quotient which is the
us for help and guidance. ability to change or be changed to adapt to the
Parents can be without doubt the most trusted changed circumstances. Never before had we
counselors for their children. Encouraging the felt the imperative need to adapt, modify and
child to ask questions brings in greater rethink on all that was presumed by us. The
participation and leads them to opening up pandemic has been an educator for human
with their thoughts. It is important that they race and we must internalize the learning from
know that we see them. While it is equally these times in the hope to build a better
important for us to listen to them while tomorrow for our children.
engaging in affirmations and forms of
empowering their mind. You may discuss with DR RICHA PRAKASH
them about their sleep patterns, eating
balanced meals and physical exercise. This will Principal, Allenhouse Public School, Panki, Kanpur
help you guide them to regulate sleep patterns,
maintain a balanced and healthy diet and the
benefits of physical exercise like aerobics, yoga,
practicing mindfulness etc.
Help the children create a list of tasks they want
to achieve every day and maintain boundaries
by designating a specific time for studies and
recreation like listening to music, watching a
movie or reading a book; using this time
meaningfully to engage in activities that were
not possible to indulge in earlier.
We must try to promote and share stories of
strength and commitment with our children in
times of distress. Avoid discussing the
pandemic unless there is a light at the end of
the tunnel. This will help generate positive
energy in our children whose prime counselors
are the parents at home, who are their first,
connect to the world.
Teaching children the importance of building
strength, stamina and flexibility is crucial as it is
not with intellect we win battles but with
alacrity and adaptability. We need to prepare
children to face challenges and not shirk from
responsibilities. Developing in the children a
sense of ownership helps them to take
responsibility for their actions. Allow them to
make mistakes which do not harm them or
others physically or verbally.
Should we prepare them for the exam which
lies few months ahead of them or should we
prepare them for life, so that they sail across
difficult times with ease. This is a pertinent
question which each one of us need to ask be it
a parent, educator or school management?

Page 39

Dental Health and Wellness

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The study and practice of Dentistry are ever On December 12, 2018 a dental group from
Chattagram Medical College Dental Unit went
changing with new concepts, technology and to Jorargonj Boddho High School, Miroshorai,
information emerging every day. Maintaining Chattagram - Where they did research about
our oral hygiene is very important for our health 14 to 16 years old students. In open eye sight
and wellness. Oral hygiene is not only for the about 50% students developed caries because
health of our mouth, teeth and gums, but also of soft drinks, chocolates, about 30% students
for our overall health wellness. developed caries due to improper brushing
and wrong brushing techniques, about 20%
The Father of modern medicine “Hippocrates” - students developed caries because of their
discussed the function and eruption of the poor oral hygiene. So most of the students
teeth and the etiology of periodontal diseases developed caries, gum diseases like gingivitis
and he also suggested pulling teeth as a cure due to use of soft drinks, chocolate, and
for arthritis. More than 2000 years later, the improper brushing.
researchers correlated poor dental health to a
host of chronic diseases and conditions Gum disease is characterised by bleeding,
including Rheumatoid arthritis, Heart disease inflamed and receding gums, deepening
for example Infective endocarditis which is pockets around the tooth and tooth loosening,
related to dental causes, Diabetes, Childhood then gum disease convert into periodontal
Obesity, certain types of cancer like squamous disease. So Prevention is better than cure.
cell carcinoma, brain degeneration, Respiratory
disease, cardiorespiratory disease, So we should maintain-
cardiovascular disease and create problems ➤ Brush our teeth regularly, at least twice daily,
during pregnancy (pregnancy tumor like
pyogenic granuloma). using Fluoride toothpaste.
➤ Floss your teeth every day.
Dentistry and medicine are directly or indirectly ➤ Rinse with approved mouthwash.
linked to one another. If a person cannot eat ➤ Avoid the use of Tobacco.
because of his /her poor oral hygiene or poor ➤ Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet and
denture or any problems his/her oral cavity,
then he/she will have developed anemia, limiting snacks.
malnutrition, vitamin deficiency which are ➤ Have regular dental cleaning and checkups.
directly involved of our health and created
complications like ulceration, gum bleeding,
gingival enlargement. So we have to take good
care of our oral cavity.

Beautiful teeth make a healthy smile of our busy life,
so we maintain our oral hygiene. We always
remember, "Health is wealth ".

MONESHA DATTA

Chittagong [Bangladesh]

Page 41

Mantra pronunciation method

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All of us remember God whenever we face any There is also a process of chanting mantras,
which is very important to understand and
problem or face any challenge in our life. We know the meaning. In all religions, mantras are
know that when there is nothing in the hands of often in Sanskrit script, sometimes we get to
a human, he kneels before all the situations see mantras in Prakrit language (The Prakrits
and challenges and starts praying to God. are a group of vernacular Middle Indo-Aryan
languages used in India from around the 3rd
The science of mantra is very ancient and was century BCE to the 8th century CE) as well.
once widely practiced in all parts of the world. There are rarely few experts who can read
Reference to mantra is found in the oldest Prakrit language. Before chanting mantras, we
Vedic scriptures, which are claimed to be more must have knowledge of Sanskrit language/
than 5,000 years old. Literally, the word mantra language in which they are written.
means ‘revealed sound’. According to the
ancient texts, mantra means a sound or a Mantras should be chanted correctly before
combination or sequences of sounds which reciting them. We get its result only by correct
develop spontaneously. pronunciation. If you do not pronounce the
mantras correctly, there is no meaning,
In order to remember God, human beings have meaning is lost.
memorised many types of mantras according
to their religion. But we do not know how to First of all, learn the correct pronunciation of the
pronounce these mantras, which we believe mantra from a learned person and practice it
are very energetic and due to this ignorance again and again. If the pronunciation is correct
we do not get the full results of the mantras. then positive effect of mantras is seen. Only
Many times in any language meaning may when the pronunciation is correct can we use
change with the wrong pronunciation. the mantra properly.

There is a method of every action done in life, if Mantras are composed of Beejaksharas and
the work is done in the right way, then the the Beejaksharas (Meaning – basic/ original
person doing that divine work will get success. important words) are very energetic, if their
One such practice is - It is very important to pronunciation is not correct and the condition
always be in a pure state of pure clothes to is not even pure, then they have a negative
recite mantras – like silk which is normally used effect on our body.
in most religious rituals.
DR. SUJATA JAIN ADITYA

Spiritual Counselor

Page 43

Wellness and
Generation Z

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It was the year 1986, and I, a student of grade monologues and giggles which puzzled us. She
missed a few papers and we were told that she
8th. My school was a residential English is ill. She joined a few weeks later and things
medium in a remote village and the idea of a went back to normal other than the fact that I
guidance counselor was an alien concept. The overtook her in the race for the first rank.
teacher-student relationship was the kind After two years, on the first day of our Grade X
bordering on more fear than connect. My best Board Examination, she had an aggravated
friend was the top rank holder of my class. Few episode in the examination hall and was
days before the first terminal exam, she started unable to appear for the examinations. Her
parents belonged to a religious sect who does
not believe in medical treatment and my friend
never could get back on her feet completely.

32 years later, when I go back to that incident, I
ask myself, what would have happened if we
had a wellness counselor. Would there have
been a timely intervention? Would we have
shared our fears more openly and would things
have been different?

Our children who belong to Generation Z are
the part of the loneliest generation, according
to research. Between studies, achievement
mania, social media, and the world around
them, it’s easy to see why Gen Z faces chronic
stress. A detailed survey conducted by the
Varkey Foundation and shared by World
Economic Forum tells us what makes our
students anxious. 46 percent said money made
them anxious, while 32 percent said they faced
the pressure of doing well academically.
However, coming third on the list was violence
in the country, which was on par with family-
related issues. India, along with China and
Indonesia said that access to basic resources
such as food and clean water also made them
anxious.

Even though these are the general causes of
anxiety in Generation Z which were revealed
through a survey, most schools have guidance
counselors who hand holds students
individually and helps them to ease the stress
related to academics. There are challenges
which schools need to address other than the
obvious, like Smartphone addiction whose
excessive usage has been necessitated by the
ongoing pandemic induced crisis.

Page 45

Smartphone addiction is a major concern that of mobile phones when they are around
alarms parents and teachers alike. While children.
schools adopt technology and projects shift to
digital format, even primary students spent 2. Assuming responsibility
time in the digital world for research and Cyber responsibility is being accountable for
engage in discussions with friends on social one’s online habits. Students need to
media like Whatsapp. understand that their right to own a device also

It is a necessary evil that can be tamed and implies a lot of responsibility especially when it
kept on a leash. comes to research and plagiarism.

Schools can play a major role in the same by For example, students should know about
adopting measures to ensure a healthy digital copyright and how to give credit for someone
lifestyle by the below steps. else’s work. They need to recognize reliable
sources of information and using them
1. Parental Guidance appropriately. It is also crucial to form the habit
As students learn by example, teachers know of tracking how much time they spend online
how important it is for them to have a balanced and what they spend it on.
tech routine at home. Educators can share a
guide for parents on setting boundaries and Encourage students to track how many hours
ways to engage children sans their mobile of screen time they accumulate during a week.
phones. Most of the time, children turn to their Then, challenge students to spend less time on
mobile devices when they find nothing else to their devices or take a one week break from
engage their interest at home. their most-used app.

Parents should draw boundaries by setting Teachers can have follow- up discussions with
aside specific time for device usage. Post students on how the break impacted them and
homework research and completion a definite how easy or difficult the same was.
time can be given for social networking or
games. Encouraging children to play outdoor 3. Digital Etiquettes
games or in the pursuit of a hobby can help Good behaviour should extend to the virtual
dissuade them from hooking their attention to world as well. It is an essential aspect of digital
mobile phones. etiquette. For example, if you have created an
online forum or online classroom for discussing
Parents should also involve children in mindful class topics, and students start leaving off-
talk while having meals. One should remember topic comments, they should be corrected.
that children learn by observing and mimicking
and hence it is imperative to curtail the usage Etiquettes also include maintaining sensitivity

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and being respectful towards the opinions Schools can adopt healthy eating challenges in
expressed by others. Rebuttals and comments the classroom like a
should not be hurtful and harsh. Often students ‘Clean Plate Challenge “or “Rainbow Plate
use social media to bully, hiding behind false “challenge which would encourage students to
identity. Hence digital sensitivity should be a include different coloured vegetables and fruits
part of etiquette training. in their meals and also to avoid food wastage.

It is also important to inform students to be Our upgraded NEP has acknowledged the
vigilant while posting on social media as it connection between wellness and education
leaves a digital footprint. They should be aware and has suggested interventions to ensure the
that inappropriate content, even after deleting holistic development of students. This includes
can be retrieved and can have a lifelong
negative impact. 1) Arts and Sports Integration in curriculum

4. Online Safety 2) Expansion of Mid-Day Meal program
Needless to say, online safety is a major
concern for everyone. Ideally, younger children 3) Inclusion of training in health, including
would be supervised by an adult at all times. preventive health, mental health, good
However, preteens and teens are sometimes nutrition, personal and public hygiene, disaster
not aware of the risks or what constitutes response and first-aid, and detrimental effects
unsafe behaviour. This includes browsing of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as part of
malicious sites that can install malware, falling the school curriculum.
for online scams and frauds, giving out
personal information, and not being aware of 4) Regular health check-ups in schools,
how their data is tracked. especially for 100% immunization, and health
monitoring through health cards.
It is essential to have workshops and
discussions on digital safety, where the 5) Reducing the weight of school bags and
following can be discussed. textbooks.

Someone is asking you for your home address” While the availability of a guidance counselor is
or “A stranger tries to befriend you on social mandatory in schools, any teacher can be an
media.” Let students brainstorm on what they adult whom a child would trust with his deepest
would do in each case and even write down the fears. Wellness is like a wheel with physical,
best solutions social, emotional, intellectual, environmental,
and financial wellness as its spokes. A teacher
When should you tell a parent/teacher? would be the first one to observe when the
smooth movement of that wheel disrupts. Only
When is it appropriate to share photos? by focusing on each component of wellness
that we can help students reach their full
Why is it unsafe to do “check-ins” from places potential and ensure that they succeed in life.
the students visit?
LEENA ANTONY
Other than Smartphone addiction, unhealthy
eating habits are a major cause of concern Educator
among Generation Z. While the younger ones
tend to be obese due to the consumption of
junk food, teens especially girls, battle with the
social demand to be the proud owners of an
anorexic figure right out of a fashion magazine.

Page 47

Our Journey With
the Bhaktamar Stotra

From Medical Emergency Through Lockdown

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If someone told us one year ago that we would horrible disease. But because of lockdowns and
quarantines, hosting online seminars (or
be conducting Bhaktamar Stotra related webinars) became a very common practice. So
webinars and interacting with experts in the much so that we created a Zoom account and
field of drugless therapy from all around the eventually upgraded it when we quickly
world, we would never have believed you. We, realized the free tier would not be enough for
being my husband, family and I, have always us.
been religious but not to that level. However, an
unfortunate medical emergency, which Thus began our 8-day Foundation Level-1
occured in 2019, greatly affected us and re- Bhaktamar Stotra Series wherein each session
shaped our views of life, religion, and was 180 minutes and covered the significance
spirituality. of the 48 Stotras. We invited scholars, healers,
and those with first-hand experience to talk,
Up to that point, we knew of the Bhaktamar teach, and make people generally aware of
Stotra but we did not know how to pronounce it the usefulness of the Bhaktamar Stotra.
and neither did we know what any of the However, towards the end of the 8th-day,
shlokas meant. Then, a chance encounter with attendees showed interest in continuing the
Drs. Pradeep and Priyya Jain, while trying to learning process and repeatedly requested us
contact Dr. Manju Jain, started us on this to continue the program as they were
journey. Shortly after we were able to be benefiting in numerous positive ways. For
connected with Dr. Manju Jain herself, and that example, one young participant was having
changed our lives completely. suicidal thoughts for some time. However, after
listening to the first 8 classes, he told us for the
From that point on, we became immersed in first-time in a long-time, he did not have any
the Bhaktamar Stotra and started chanting thoughts of committing suicide.
daily. Along with that, we started a daily prayer
program which drew in people, including some People wanted more and we continued offering
non-Jains, who were looking for healing and daily 180 minutes of Session for the Foundation
wellness while dealing with a similar situation Level-1 Bhaktamar Stotra Series and ended with
as us. The non-Jains in particular were very the 23 sessions on May 20th!!
impressed with our devotion and success and
tried to emulate it by chanting and even giving To this day, it still amazes us how we joined this
up non-vegetarian foods. pious campaign. Ultimately we thank God and
the Universe for putting us on this path and
As things were starting to get back to normal connecting us with these amazing people. In
after a tumultuous 2019, COVID-19 started addition to the 3 mentioned above, the
affecting people all over the world. Somehow, following people participated in this series: Dr.
through the grace of God, we were tasked with Amreesh Jain, Mr. Jigar H. Mehtalia, Dr. Archana
hosting a JITO event over Zoom and we’re not Jain, Mr. Manoj Jain, Mr. Anand Jain, Dr. Jeevan
sure how it happened, but something clicked Lal Jain, Dr. Anish Jain, Dr. Anita Agarkar, Ms.
there between us and Dr. Manju Jain. She Arohi Agarkar, Ms. Rageshree Agarkar, Dr. Rita
eventually came up with an idea: an 8-day Mahajan, Mr. Jaiwin Jain, Om Shanti (Tej Pal Ji),
global Bhaktamar Stotra event that would Ms. Neha Modasiya, Mr. Zubin Vevaina, Dr.
teach everyone the power and significance of Aparna Kale Jain, Dr. Charu Jain, Ms. Priyanka
these 48 magical Stotras. Although we had no Jain, Ms. Shika Jain, Ms. Sameeksha Jain, and
idea of what we were doing or the scope of the many others.
request, we agreed to host these workshops.
Following the success of this initial endeavor,
We can’t say that we benefited from COVID-19 we wanted to keep the knowledge and learning
as that would tarnish the memory of those that process continuing. After some more thinking,
have lost their lives or family members to this

Page 49

we came up with an educational series geared people did a lot of tapasya (penance) during
towards kids and youths across North America this time.
and Bharat. Starting May 16th, with Mr.
Siddharth Jain, we started the Kids and Youth Like we said before, this path that our lives have
Bhaktamar Stotra Learning series. This taken in respect to the Bhaktamar Stotra is
program, taught by Ms. Aashi Jain, and Dr. remarkable and wholly unexpected. We feel
Nilam Shah, was designed to reach a young that at times we are on a boat and some
audience and start them on the significance of cosmic energy from the universe is just pushing
the Bhaktamar Stotra and learn the us along from task to task. We feel blessed to
pronunciation, meaning, and related stories of be given this unique responsibility and
each Stotra. We are now 26 sessions in and the recognize the trust put into us by so many
work the kids and youth are doing is amazing. learned healers, especially Dr. Manju Jain. Our
Many have taken the lessons to heart and are goal is to continue doing everything we can to
writing the shlokas in Sanskrit and English, spread the message of Shri Acharya
drawing the shlokas, reciting them from Manatunga Ji and the vast power of the
memory, and even performing water Bhaktamar Stotra worldwide and be a tool to
experiments. Their dedication and desire to help people.
learn is truly humbling.
Adinath Bhagwan Ji Ki Jai! Mantunga Suri
We quickly followed this class with a similar Maharaj Ji Ki Jai! Bhaktamar Stotra Ji Ki Jai!
class geared towards Adults: Global Bhaktamar Jain Dharam Ki Jai!
Stotra Learning Series. This is Foundation
Level-2 and its goal was to educate adults on What is Bhaktamar Stotra?
the theory and practical aspects of the Bhaktamar Stotra is a famous Jain Sanskrit
Bhaktamar Stotra. This immersive curriculum prayer. It was composed by Acharya
covered all 48 shlokas, their pronunciation, Manatunga (seventh century CE). The name
meaning, riddhis, mantras, and related stories. Bhaktamara comes from a combination of two
Adults from all over the world participated in Sanskrit names, "Bhakta" (Devotee) and
the class that was led by Dr. Anita Agarkar, Ms. "Amar" (Immortal).
Neha Modasiya and Dr. Charu Jain. We started
this series on May 23 and hosted 24 sessions The prayer praises Bhagwan Rishabhanatha
that ended on August 8. The next day we held a (a.k.a. Bhagwan Adinath), the first Tirthankara
Vidhan in celebration of completing this of Jainism in this time cycle. There are forty-
amazingly successful program. eight Stotras (shlokas/verses/stanzas) in total.
Every Stotra (prayer) has four parts and every
Our Daily Chanting Session also grew during part has 14 letters. The last Stotra gives the
this time. What started as a WhatsApp session name of the author Acharya Manatunga Ji.
among 3 families, soon grew into a Zoom Bhaktamar Stotras have been recited, and
session with 10, then 20, then 40, and currently sung as a stavan (hymn), somewhat
over 70 participants, through word-of-mouth interchangeably.
and an announcement from Dr. Manju Jain in
one of the webinars. We hosted a Bhaktamar It is said that King Bhoj had chained and
Stotra Vidhan post completion of the 21-days of imprisoned the Acharya out of curiosity to
Daily Chanting Session, a first for many of our witness some miracle. He was kept in a dark
attendees. This gave each attendee an cell. It was possible to come out of the cell only
exposure to the practical training and chanting after crossing 48 doors. Each door was chained
of Vidhan that included symbols, shlokas, and locked. He was told by the King, if he had
riddhis, mantras, arghs, and ended with a jai- enough faith in Lord Adinath then he should use
mala. This particular 21-day session attracted his power of faith to come out of it. The Acharya
over 150 people daily and many of those remained in meditation for three days and on

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