Moorcroft School Volunteer Day 2015

On the 28^th of November, we volunteered at Moorcroft School. We had a lovely day and we all enjoyed helping out as shown by the number of people who turned up to offer their help and by the contributions in food for the 69 children we helped serve food to (with a few of our members baking cupcakes and bringing in handmade sandwiches for the children).

The event started out with us bringing some plates, cups and various portions of food to the school and setting up an eating area with everything laid out nicely; this was appreciated by the staff at the school who were also aiding in the event.This occasion was designed to allow the children to have some Christmas fun out of home (with Christmas approaching) and this was achieved by Santa showing up - which the children were overjoyed about- and the festive Christmas music we chose to play in the background (along with the festive attire of some of our number). The various areas of the event we aided in were the raffle drawings, the catering and a nearby food stall for the adults which we think really brought everybody together.

Youth members interacting with the children

Parents and children enjoying the day

We were all very delighted to have been a part of this successful day and we hope to be able to help out next year!

Swami's Birthday Celebrations!

                                                           Om Sharavanabhava! 

During October two members of the youth wing were fortunate enough to attend Swami’s Birthday Celebrations and Navaratri Celebrations in Swami’s Ashram in Sreekrishnapuram, India.

The week leading up to Swami’s birthday celebrations was full of charitable activities conducted by Swami himself. Many programmes were held where basic necessities were distributed to those in need. The necessities included food bags containing rice and grains, clothes, all things we often take for granted.

Below you can see Swami visiting underprivileged families where more often than not at least one family member was incredibly ill. In every house Swami visited, the care and concern he showed each person was admirable. 

Food bags ready to be distributed 

Swami visiting the ill

On Swami’s official birthday, the 11^th of October, the Ashram was full of people. Over 10 000 devotees attended the event including devotees from countries across the globe such as UK, Swiss, Canada and Germany. The programme lasted the whole day with speeches from representatives of Swami’s centres in various countries updating everyone on charitable activities, an auspicious pada pooja was also conducted for Swami and Swami gave an inspiring satsang and ensured every single person present received his Dharshan. 

Pads pooja being conducted for Swami. 

On the 12^th of October Navaratri programmes began in Sreekrishnapuram. Navaratri is a time where the Divine Mother is worshipped in her various forms: Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Everyday poojas were conducted in the morning and evening worshipping the Divine Mother also known as Shakthi, strength and praying for world peace.

Our experience 

We were incredibly lucky to have spent 13 days with Swami in Sreekrishnapuram. The entire time we were there, we felt like we were in another world. We forgot about work, school; there was nothing on our mind. There was always a serene, positive and relaxed atmosphere that we have not been able to experience anywhere else. Also spending time with Swami was enjoyable as always. Every single person in the Ashram was so welcoming and loving, we felt as if we were part of a big family.

All in all it was such was a beautiful spiritual experience, and hopefully we can visit again soon!

The view from the accommodation

The Murugan temple and Shiridi Baba temple

November Meeting 2015

Our November meeting was brightened by the arrival of many new members, expanding the diversity of our Youth Wing more so than ever before, as Swami’s vision reaches out to young members so they can also infuse society with positive contributions.

Today’s focus was debating on spiritual topics, where the Youth Wing was split into 4 groups and within the groups, the members separated for and against the notion. The topic that instigated the most discussion was the idea of Karma, and whether it exists or not.

Karma means action, work or deed; it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering. Essentially, many people see karma as what goes around comes around, if you “do good” to someone, that positive quality will be reciprocated back in the future.

While some members did believe in the concept of Karma, others did not. We debated that many people use the excuse of karma to take revenge on individuals, rather than letting nature take its course. Moreover they questioned why many people are suffering in third world countries, even though they did not commit any bad deeds.

The aim of the debate was to get the members involved and to voice their opinions, which would help new members interact and take part in out group discussions, so they can be more confident and make friends with the other members.