BrahmaBodhi 2022, Volume I

Journey travel passion grow Learn BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Choose to BELIEVE! Life! A journey full of miracles & magic. As a child Well!! that brings me back to where i began... I loved my fairy tale books and the magical world rediscovering Magic and miracles. in it. Fantasy world was for real till I grew up. I unknowingly started my first steps on what I I am Sohini Bagchi. This is my journey of how I believe is my soul purpose 8 years back. It was rediscovered miracles and magic in my life, not the month of December and Bangalore city in fairy tales but for real. So let's get to know a weather use to make you shiver especially at little about me. night. My then househelp kept taking leaves often to a point where one day i got slightly Professionally I am a country head of a irritated and asked her how can she and her department of a well known retail company. I family keep getting fever. Her answer changed get my bread and butter from this and my much my life. She looked at me and said “Didi, odhne needed financial independence. something my ke liye kambal tak nahi hai. Hum zameen pe sote parents are very proud of. I don't love my job, I hai. Bahut thand lagti hai”. (“Didi, we don't have love the people I work with. Each one teaches blankets to cover ourselves, we all sleep on the me something new. Personally I have been floor. we feel very cold”.) blessed with an amazing family and few friends who are my backbone. My 3 dogs, 2 birds are my My heart hurt hearing what she said and I heartbeat, life currently is revolving around immediately got her blankets to keep her and them. My passion is my NGO. her family warm. Encompass (care, compassion, humanity). I went to bed that night and I tucked myself in the comfort of my blanket but sleep was not in People often ask me How do I get time for my sight. what filled up my mind was her sentence NGO? Why do I risk my life so much for and the fact that how many people out there are strangers? From being a flood relief worker to shivering in this cold. I have to do something i being a covid care frontline worker ..why do i go thought and The next thought to battle it was out there when there are chances of no return? but what can you do? look at your pocket. Journey 52 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

I got up. Logged into Facebook. Didn't have too many friends on it but that was my medium to reach a bigger audience. I penned down my experience and asked if like minded people would come ahead to donate and help distribute blankets to the homeless. I let out a silent prayer! hoping that at least 20 to 30 blankets should come my way. The magic unfurled.... 150 blankets and Every initiative we take on we get immense volunteers lined up in matter of few hours. The support. People come together so seamlessly night of distribution when we few volunteers and help by giving their hard earned money to went out in the dead silence of night and ensure we can help. Every time I put up a post covered those frail shivering bodies with a good on FB I let out a silent prayer and I see the magic warm blanket made my heart warm. unfurl. I called our sponsors God's Angels. Those smiles were magic, that warm feeling in It is all about belief. I believe that the universe is my heart was magic. From then on I got ready to give what you want. You only need to addicted. Addicted to seeing those smiling faces. ask from a pure space and heart! I believe in I started helping an old age home of 50 goodness which was there in my fairy tale abandoned senior citizens and mentally books. I believe that once you discover your soul challenged people. Friends got together on this purpose your life is nothing short of a journey of journey and we started spreading our wings. miracles. Today Encompass is active in 4 cities. Has volunteers across Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and I have been asked to write an article for you to Bangalore with global sponsors. read. That is magic too for me. something in the universe worked for me to get this space in a We do distribution of free nutritional meals to book to express my thoughts to you. Right? slums in 4 cities, meals for old age homes, surgeries and medical care for the people at the Oh ya! before I go... you want to know my soul homes. Festival distribution on the streets purpose? where we celebrate Eid with underprivileged muslims, Diwali by distributing new clothes and It is to keep humanity alive. To keep the belief in food to random strangers on the street who we goodness alive. tend to forget need the festivity light too. Christmas for kids where we approach schools The life within you and around you is all magical, for the underprivileged and fulfill their wishlist. you just need to open up. Animal rescue and rehabilitation for street animal accident cases. Founder of Encompass NGO shruti_bagchi National Disaster relief work by giving relief material to the affected families during floods. Sohini We have been on ground volunteers throughout Covid 19. Distributed groceries, food and also Bagchi worked in a covid center serving covid infected patients. Journey 53 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Summer of 1882 The quote by Rumi “What you seek is seeking performances and participation in competitions you” is so profound and complex. It has been too. written and acknowledged that we humans are in this forever state of manifestation, to be what I lived the next eight years of my life as though I we desire and yes, I have experienced this to be was in a cocoon. I saw very little outside of true. It has taken me close to four decades to school, Sitar and Bharatanatyam. I did enjoy comprehend the depth of this saying by Jalāl what I did however when I sit back and think ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī the 13th century about it now the reality is I did it all just to keep Persian poet. the peace in the house. I don’t think I have admitted this in the past but it’s the reality. A It was in 1982-83, at the age of 8 years, my dear large part of my drive was, to not upset my parents introduced me to this magnificent father. I started playing Sitar because my father world of Sitar and Bharatnatyam. It was more so wanted me to and not because I hail from some my father’s desire to see me play the Sitar. My musically accomplished ancestry. My father, a Sitar guru Shri. G.V Shreeramulu a very mechanical engineer ran the house with an iron colourful Hyderabadi who was entrusted with fist. As loving as he was, he certainly this upheaval task of teaching me Sitar. How he commanded respect from everyone and dealt with me as somewhat grumpy 8-year-old, insubordination was never tolerated. He would teaching me the nuances of Hindustani classical sit in the room next door whilst I practiced my music would have been a feat on its own. So, the Sitar with my tabla master and throughout my journey began where I spent many years taking session, I knew he was listening to every note lessons from Gurus in Sitar and Bhartnatyam. being played. Little did I know at the time just Furthermore, I also took Sitar and dance exams how critical a role Sitar would play in the later offered by Akhil Bharitya Gandharva part of my life. That it would be my solace, my Mahavidyalaya Mandal and I kept up with my saving grace, something to call my own. Journey 54 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

The winds were favourable for a while and life 55 just seemed to keep sailing on until one evening in March (1992). It was a hot summer’s evening and I had my head buried in my books studying for my upcoming Grade 11 exams. I heard a shrill shout from the room next door and I ran out breathless and confused to see what had happened. I saw my father on the bed with his hands clenched to his chest. The look on my mum’s face was sheer panic and she yelled for me to get help. I ran out frantically in to the street, to my neighbours asking for help. The next few hours were chaos. Dad, had suffered a heart attack. He did not survive it. He was 52 and I was 16. Life was not the same again. It’s difficult to explain that feeling of dread and despair that overcame me. There was no bread earner and there was no time for mother to recover from this shock. With little to no choice she was forced to the forefront of managing the house, finances and a 16-year-old. I wanted to help mum financially! That was my new-found goal. I felt helpless, but my desire was unflinched. I young and naïve at the time and I resolved within myself that it would be quicker for me to make an income if I gave up on the idea of becoming a Doctor and rather shifted my focus to Accounting and Business. Convinced as I was, I enrolled into a Chartered Accounting Foundation Course. The learning curve was so steep and overwhelming that I decided to stop Sitar and dance. The reality was, my Sitar master was more concerned about my decision to stop music than I was. The noble soul that he was, he did everything to convince me otherwise and why wouldn’t he have. I know he saw potential in me. I had only just qualified in the All Indian Radio audition and I had started giving live performances on the radio. I would get compensated for my performances but not enough to even refuel my fuel-guzzling Ambassador car. The world of Sitar and dance was behind me by now. Word on the street was that the finance exams were one of the toughest and only a handful of students saw themselves make it through to the top. What was unfortunate was that I was seen by many close peers and friends as a young 16-year-old who did not have the capability or the intellect to make it very far in life. It felt Journey BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

demoralising and hurtful at first but this in my learning Shri Indrajit ji took me under his negativity was a blessing in many ways. A nudge tutelage in 2013 – we are the modern day from the Divine. My life for the next six years “skype” guru-shishya concept. was riding my motorbike to and from college, studying endless hours, many litres of coffee To be the featured artist for Asia at the and exams, but no music or dance. I passed my Commonwealth Games 2018 and to play finance exams with flying colours! alongside the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for the ‘Parade of Nations’ on April 4, 2018 is a All the negativity from my surroundings had testimony, all our dreams can come true, if we fanned a spark within the core of my being have the courage to pursue them. My eyes which fuelled my desire to prove the world swelled with tears when I heard them say Asia wrong. As controversial as the subject matter is and the athletes walked out into the glittering and at the risk of opening the Pandora’s Box, stadium, who would have ever imagined that shy growing up in India as a girl without a fatherly girl back in Hyderabad would one day be sitting figure and a widowed mother in the house with her Sitar representing her home land India invited several difficulties. The world was not in her new adopted home - Australia. kind to a 16-year-old trying to find her identity. Growing up in a strong patriarchal society of To perform the Sitar on many stages in Australia Hyderabad was not easy for me. I was pushed and opportunity to work with many talented around in a man’s world. I did not like it. What artists has allowed me to grow as a musician and made it even more arduous was my defiant human-being. Music is the universal language of nature to fight against the norm of society. mankind and to be able to speak this language Maybe a trait I inherited from my father. through Sitar and Dance here in Australia is an However, in the midst of all this I still remember honour and privilege I am forever grateful to my my mum being fearless and strong. A mother’s Gurus past and present and elders for their love is a mother’s love. That very love of hers is continued blessings and guidance. what saw me through to the woman I am today. Music as they say is strongest form of Fast forward a few years later, I got married and magic…..My music and dance is inspired by my my in-laws gifted me a Sitar to help revive my kids and is an ode of respect to my mother for music. The desire to play Sitar was not there in her efforts, faith and love in me. It completes me me. Perhaps unpleasant memories of the past as person and life seems to go on effortlessly still haunted me .. when I have music with me! It was not till my daughter Sanchia at 7 years Sitar Exponent asked me “Amma what are you doing with your training in music” That was a very simple sudha_manianofficial question but so meaningful and thought provoking, I picked up the Sitar that night and played Raag Yaman Kalyan and I have not looked back since. I can say I am living a dream, I am supported by my lovely family, my mother, friends and my guru Shri Indrajit Banerjee. Recognising the gap Sudha Manian 56

POWER HOUSE When asked on how he remains fit – OF TALENT “Consistency is the key to staying fit”. A lot of people look for quick fixes but I don’t believe in You must have caught a glimpse of this good it. You have to make the right choices constantly looker and his infectious smile on television for each day and stay active whether it is going to various commercials like ICICI, Vitoba with the gym, going for walks or simply choosing a Manoj Bajpai, Adlab Imagica and many more. sport you love. Make fitness your lifestyle and Often a head turner when he walks on the you will feel good inside out. I do a mix of street. He has even walked the ramp of Bombay strength training and cardio to stay lean as my Times Fashion Week for well known designer profession demands. Before a photo shoot I try Rohit Verma and many more. Rising slowly and to eat less carbohydrates and focus on lean steadily he has managed to carve a name for protein, drinking loads of water and getting a himself in the industry. good night sleep. Endorsing various fitness brands and sporting a One advice I would give my readers is not to give 6 pack you will often see his posts on his up or do short cuts, long term results take time. Instagram handle related to fitness. Hailing from Our generation needs to know the importance Delhi, he is already creating ripples in the of eating the right nutrients and choosing an industry with his good looks and acting skills. active lifestyle. Travelling is also a stress buster With several projects in the pipeline Kavi is and he loves the mountains whether it’s trekking waiting for the right opportunity to hit the or simply catching sunset from the highest peak. screen and wow the audience with his charm. Kavi also plans to get on the business side of “I have come to Mumbai with a dream and I will things and open his own gym or resort. make it happen”. Waiting for the right opportunity in bollywood he is highly inspired We cannot wait to watch him by Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and late actor debut on the silver Siddharth Shukla and wants to leave his mark screen soon. with some great films. He wants to be versatile from comedy to action and dancing. Kavi Journey Vashisth BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad Actor kavivashisth 57

HumanAmerican Born I am a proud American by birth, but before that, and even breathe a good healthy amount of air. I am a human, who was deeply saddened to see people losing their lives because of few We have clearly extorted nature so much that we ambitious people, who have always been ready can not do anything except waiting to die, to risk everyone's life. helplessly, at any moment & we can not even measure the damage, which already has been This vision of people dying and suffering done, and it is still going on. It made me feel like helplessly was beyond imagination. the attack of 9/11, in my country, by those people, who think that the world should accept their Epidemic was not a mistake that humans did personal ideology and not democracy. unintentionally, But it was a well-thought-out ambition, which humans did with nature over I was stuck in India, while everyone was in chaos. and over again. I could not fly back. Even Multi- millionaires understood one thing that life is uncertain and It was difficult even for those, who were they can not buy even one more second to live. struggling daily bread and butter, and also for India has always been a Vishwaguru to the world, those, who sat at a very high and safe position, and it has always held the best place in my heart. in one of the biggest production houses of this Under the leadership, which India possesses, we globe. all learnt that, I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my It's a page from the personal diary of Lauren destination. India again taught the world, We Ayden Kaur - One of the Youngest Female must be willing to let go of the life we planned so Entrepreneur, & Creative Head of The Walt as to have the life that is waiting for us. Disney, Florida, U.S.A. who was thinking while flying in private jet plane that, at this time, I am Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the flying in the sky, but when I will land at airport, courage to continue that counts. This was a did humans have left enough room to survive Journey 58 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

message sent to me by one of the celebrated girl get equal treatment, and medical aids. I was from India, known as STAR GIRL SUMAN RANA, never so happy to see my money, time and who had postponed all the film shoots of efforts are saving people's lives, who were Pandemic. Suman Rana is one of those young totally strangers to me. That happiness which I girl's, who has inspired not just me, but earned was more than I could ever ask for. A everyone around her. She was a doctor, who RIGHT religion plays a very important role in the successfully played her roles of life, and left the making of character and I do not think I would job, to pursue her dreams. I still remember when have felt such peace and calmness in a I was seeing her in one of the Interviews on TV, pandemic, if Suman rana wouldn't have where she quoted “If I cannot do great things, I introduced me to enlightenment. can do small things in a great way”. I immediately felt like calling her and she immediately asked I simply learned one thing from her, and this me to not go to any hotel, but to be her guest pandemic, that Light tomorrow with today. In and stay as long as i want. I was so surprised to three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned see her such warm welcome & again i felt, yes, about life: it goes on. You are the sum total of this only can happen in India, where people say, everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, Guest is God. smelled, been told, forgot it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of I spent almost a year with her, where she not that, I try to make sure that my experiences are just inspired me but enlightened me very much positive. And I am surprised that after such about India, and It's culture. I could remember enlightenment, I became a vegan, and I started my grandparents' aura because my father was a loving everyone equally, even animals. And today Punjabi, where my mother was an american. She I am happy to be a Vegetarian, and just a Human, actually asked me to read Ramayan & not even an American. India made feel the real Mahabharat, and I must mention that it was a home & I would like to spend my end days of life, turning point for me and my life. I did realize in India, where i can invest my more time in true that Hinduism is not a religion, it's the best learning and practising the right religion, right guide to live, it is a teacher who can lead you to cause and surrounded with right kind of people, real life. I practiced meditation, and of course, & leaving this earth someday with a thought, if I we did a lot of those things, which I never cannot do great things, I can do small things in a thought I could. Suman Rana & I were busy great way. helping others, giving them the opportunity to 11TH OF SEPTEMBER Creative Director thelaurenista Lauren Ayden Kaur Journey 59 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

The Many Faces of Bollywood of Goa Bhumicka Singh Meet the Actress, Influencer, Fitness From ‘Bollywood Nights’ to Instagram Influencer Enthusiast, and the Bollywood Queen of Goa! With travel bans and movement restrictions, Bhumicka found an opportunity to concentrate on her social media Bhumicka Singh made a dream debut in profiles as a content creator, brand ambassador and Bollywood with Dharmesh Darshan’s Aap influencer. She shot into the limelight when she won the Ki Khatir (2006) alongside Priyanka 2020 Bharat Global Icon USA title for the best travel blog Chopra and Akshaye Khanna. Bhumicka on Instagram. Thanks to the hard work and dedication was able to make a mark as Nikki in Aap Ki put behind her presence online, exponential growth in Khatir where she got an opportunity to her fan-following has taken her social media fame and work with some of Bollywood’s biggest influencer status to a new level. movie stars including Anupam Kher, Ameesha Patel, Dino Morea, Suniel Shetty, Bhumicka’s Instagram page has not only attracted and Lillete Dubey, to name a few, and followers with the fabulous content that she has been share screen space with her favourite creating but also top brand, which have flocked to her to artistes. promote their products and services – from Monster Energy, Radisson Blu resorts to the Gallops Mumbai Now known as the Bollywood Queen of restaurant, Hotel Lake End, The Purple Martini, Aayatana Goa, thanks to her famous sundowner Coorg and many more… shows ‘Bollywood Nights,’ which has been curating and hosting for a few years. That’s Bhumicka’s own brand of live shows that almost changed the face of night life of Goa as the weekly event attracted footfalls in thousands. ‘Bollywood Nights’ was rated as one of the best live shows in Goa until last year when the entertainment scene across the world suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown. Journey 60 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

From Fashion & Beauty to Health & Fitness From Blog on Fitness to Book on Wellness Bhumicka has always been a fitness freak – Over the past decade Bhumicka has been dabbling deep into the world of health and actively blogging on fitness. Her blog has wellness, food and nutrition, yoga and aerobics. featured celebrities such as actor SonuSood, Behind her hour-glass figure, which she loves to cricketer Suresh Raina, choreographer Terrance flaunt especially in her casual shoots, brand Lewis among others. So, what’s next? endorsements and holiday pictures, is the dedication of a passionate fitness enthusiast. “The pandemic has taught every one of us again, how important your fitness is to your overall Talking about her fitness mantra and how she health and wellbeing. I would like to spread my managed to stay fit despite her busy schedule, mantra of fitness to the masses – that’s one of Bhumicka says, “I believe in staying active. I’m a my goals for the coming year. I want to write a firm believer of strength training. I never skip book on fitness and share the wealth of gym and during the lockdown a lot of high knowledge I have been able to acquire from the intensity-training was the key to my staying fit. celebrities I’ve worked with, coupled with my Eating right is also crucial as the body needs own fitness regime, daily workout, and best vital nutrients to continue to build and rebuild practices in health and nutrition.” itself. Drinking lots of water, staying away from junk food, no smoking and drinking is Indeed, her book can not only help many fitness paramount for me as a person.” enthusiasts but more importantly, so many people dealing with obesity and other lifestyle disorders, who can embrace Bhumicka’s fitness mantra and be fit, happy and healthy. Actor, Fashion Influencer bhumicka Bhumicka Singh Journey 61 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

GDHYAARMNA BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

PAUSE A split second pause in the midst of action was Pauses play a crucial and guiding role in one’s the secret of Bruce Lee’s success. He said, “Many life. They may, on the surface, seem to be a martial artists attack with the force of a storm waste of time because you see no immediate without observing the effects of their attack on results. But in the long run you realize the their opponents. When I attack I always try to benefits of daily reflection. Thoreau’s solitary pause, stop the action, to study my opponent reflections on the shore of Waldon Pond, and his reactions before going into action again. Massachusetts, unveiled many hazy and hidden I include pause and silence along with activity, truths of life. He built a small home with his own thus allowing myself time to sense my own hands and lived in it for two years. The purpose internal processes as well as my opponent’s.” of his retreat was to investigate whether he could live life on the basic necessities, namely, The Japanese have moon-viewing parties at food, shelter, clothing and fuel. He writes after which no conversation is allowed. They merely his experiment, “...most of the luxuries and many sit in the elegant surroundings, watch the moon of the so-called comforts of life, are not only rise, and nurture their appreciative abilities. indispensable, but are positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.” In the United States many top managers spend a quiet hour in introspection each day, free from We all need to adopt pauses in everyday life to appointments or phone calls. This has resulted reassess our groundings in domestic and in increased production and fewer problems. spiritual matters. Without proper introspection one can never gauge one’s successes or failures. In our hectic schedules we never plan for empty slots for doing nothing. This concept of doing A distinguished explorer spent a couple of years nothing is also an activity and exercise. For with the natives of the Upper Amazon. He once example the pause in a piece of music or in a embarked upon a further exploration of the beat is not a lack of music, it is an integral part of Amazon jungle. He was very eager to chart new the composition. Meaningful pauses enable one terrains and thus urged the natives carrying the to take stock of oneself. They also allow room supplies to hurry. For the first two days they for appreciating people and the good things complied with the explorer’s commands. They they do. 63 Dharma Gyan BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

took the minimum rest, getting up immediately “Our ears can detect and listen to even a distant each time the explorer told them to. But on the noise. In fact all our sense organs gallop third day the exhausted natives took an outward toward their objects. unscheduled rest. The explorer got irritated and ordered them to start walking. The chief “But some wise men with eyes averted, i.e., explained they were spent and couldn’t move senses turned away from sensual objects, further until their souls had caught up with their desirous of immortality, see the atma within” bodies. (2.1.1). In our over-indulgent schedules of work and entertainment we forget our spiritual identity. This state of introspection is the pause we have We become tired of life and need a pause to been referring to. Like Bruce Lee, who evaluated reclaim our lost soul. the impact of his every attack, we need to Each day, Schopenhauer, the German analyse the effect and worth of our daily actions. philosopher, retreated to a nearby garden and The man who sharpens knives or tools always pondered about his true identity. He would stops to see whether the instrument has been begin by asking himself, “Who am I?” One sharpened enough. Similarly, daily pauses evening the gardener came to lock the gates and enable us to see whether we are straying or saw Schopenhauer. He shouted to him, “Who overdoing anything in life. are you? It’s time to leave.” Schopenhauer replied, “I am trying to find out who I really am.” Gunatitanand Swami draws our attention to the importance of introspection and evaluation in Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains how trivial we our lives. He says, “The European takes the become due to our extroverted tendencies. He shelter of his bungalow to ponder and unburden says, “The soul that resides in one’s body has an himself of his problems and frustrations. inclination of seeing things without. It perceives Similarly, we must spare time for introspection beauty and ugliness, youth, old age and many from our routine work” (Swamini Vato 2.182). other physical aspects of life but it never sees its own self. Such a person is the most ignorant An incident from the lives of Mulji and Krishnaji among the ignorant.” (devotees of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) echo the In the Katha Upanishad the Lord of Death in a importance of pausing before taking a major dialogue with Nachiketa says, “God created the decision. Mulji and Krishnaji had a burning senses with outgoing tendencies; therefore man desire to join the monastic order of Bhagwan beholds the external universe and not the Swaminarayan. But a firm refusal from their internal self (atma)... parents hampered their dream from materializing. After several years of striving they Dharma Gyan left home for Gadhada, where the Lord resided. BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad They requested Bhagwan Swaminarayan to initiate them into the monastic order. Bhagwan Swaminarayan cautioned them, “The monastic life is a bed of thorns. You’ll have to bear the burning heat and biting cold, the brunt of insults and persecutions from sadhus (outside the fold). Are you both ready to swallow all this? Go and ask this to yourself.” 64

IT NH E T RS T A T E OO F S P E C T I O N IS THE PAUSE A pause was offered to the two devotees. The The quiet hour adopted by top managers, the Lord wanted them to find out whether they moon watching party (for appreciating), the were really equipped for the rigours of ascetic pauses we have in music, the retreat of Thoreau life. Mulji and Krishnaji examined their minds (for truth), the search for the self by and returned radiant and victorious. They Schopenhauer, the moment of final decision for returned with a determined resolve to embrace Mulji and Krishnaji and the two brothers who the ascetic path. The Lord initiated them both; decided to refrain from starting a business – all appointing one of them as the head of the these illustrate the importance of pause or daily Ahmedabad mandir and assigning the other to reflection in our lives. stay at the Junagadh mandir. baps Govindram & Mayaram Bhatt were brothers and devoted disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. They, too, realized the importance of reflection. Once, they decided to set up a small shop in Mangrol – their home town. They started discussing how they could start and what things they could sell. The subject dragged on throughout the whole night. When the cock heralded the break of dawn the two of them paused and looked at each other in surprise. A single thought crossed both their minds. Mayaram suggested they shelve the idea of starting a shop. Govindram agreed instantly. The reason was simple. Both inferred, at the end of their uncompleted marathon discussion, that if the initial planning stage took them the entire night then they wouldn’t have any time to spare for prayers and worship once the shop was booming! Both brothers made no compromises in sacrificing their prospective material gains. Gunatitanand Swami says, “We should always think about why we have come (into this Satsang) and what we are doing.” Only through daily reflection do we get a clear picture of our purpose and actions. Sadhu Vivekjivandas (BAPS) Dharma Gyan 65 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

H E A LT H MANTRA BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Annam Brahma Food is God ��ाप्रणं �� ह�व�प�ा�ौ ��णा �तम् | ���ै तेन ग��ं ��कमपसमा�वना ||24|| brahmārpanam brahma havir brahmāgnau brahmanā hutam brahmaiva tena gantavyam brahma-karma-samādhinā Bhagavad Gita, IV-24, XV-14 Translation: brahma–spiritual in nature; Brahman. So that activity is all Brahman’s arpanam–contribution; havih–butter; agnau–in activity for Brahman. These two stanzas are the fire of consummation; brahmana–by the normally spoken every day when we take food; spirit soul; hutam–offered; eva– certainly; we are supposed to read them with tena–by him; gantavyam–to be reached; understanding and then eat. karma–activities; samadhina–by complete absorption. According to the Yogic / Satvic diet, more important than WHAT we eat is HOW we eat. Meaning: The act of offering is God, the oblation This chant reminds us that the acts of growing, is God. By God it is offered into the Fire of God. preparing, offering, and consuming food are God is That which is to be attained by him. who spiritual in nature. The fire of the Sun and performs action pertaining to God. Becoming energy of the Earth and the fire (Agni) of the life-fire in the bodies of living beings, consumption are sacred. Honouring this divinity mingling with the subtle breaths, I digest the with gratitude and mindfulness is said to four kinds of food. transform food from mere sustenance to Prasad (a gracious gift) and fuel our Dharmic activities The whole food is seen as Brahman because the so that our Self and all of our activities may be Brahman himself has transformed into food so fully absorbed in Brahman. that he feeds the beings who are no other than Brahman – just like we grow vegetables and we “The beautiful thing about yoga practice is it eat them! The Brahman creates food and he helps us to connect to our bodies.” nourishes the beings with the food. Brahman is food. The food is no different from Brahman and I’ve often heard yoga teachers talk about yoga you are not different from Brahman. The fire in being all about learning to get your mind and you is also Brahman. The Brahman is offered to body in balance, about finding inner peace and Brahman via the Brahman. And all is Brahman. stability. If you follow that logic, it seems that eating mindfully should actually be a huge “Brahmarpanam” means, I offer to the Brahman. component of yoga. In my initial days, even “Brahma Havir” means that which we offer is though I had a regular yoga practice, I often also Brahman. “Brahmata” means you are also found myself grabbing takeout, eating quickly Health Mantra 67 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

on-the-go, or chowing down at my desk while 68 multitasking and sending emails. And while I looked forward to my practice, I did not think enough about what I was actually putting into my body before and after my practice. After about 7 years I have understood that we must practice listening to our bodies before and after yoga class to determine when and what to eat. Our body holds all of the wisdom to help us eat intuitively, we just have to create the space to listen. To help you kick start a new plan to eat more mindfully before and after you practice, I am sharing my take on when and what to eat. Here’s what we should all know about how to eat for an ideal yoga practice. What to eat before yoga class? Before you practice, you want to aim for snacks and fruits that are easy to digest and that will help you stay loose while you practice. Bananas are rich in potassium that interacts with sodium levels in the body to maintain proper levels of hydration. They also help prevent cramps and bloating. Pears are another good option as they are non-acidic and have a lot of fiber, which provides satiation with feeling bloated. Apples are recommended because they also contain fiber, are low in sugar and provide proper hydration. Raisins are recommended because they have natural sugar that can energize you for the workout. They are also portable and can be eaten anywhere. A small serving of oatmeal, such as, ½ a cup is a great pre-yoga meal, it is easy to digest, provides lasting energy and will not make you sick while doing the asanas. Another miracle food that has so many wonderful nutritional characteristics are almonds. They are a great pre-yoga snack that will keep the blood sugars level and keep you satisfied without being too full or getting bloated. Choose plain, unsalted raw varieties to get vitamin E, potassium and magnesium, all of which help with hydration during yoga. Avocados are nature’s miracle food, and they contain the ideal combination of nutrients to ingest before yoga. They have 60% more magnesium and potassium than bananas, and are loaded with good fats that lower cholesterol and feed muscle. They are satisfied without being overfilled and will not interfere Health Mantra BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

when doing yoga poses. Dark chocolate works to Remember that proper nutrition is like medicine keep blood sugars stable and it also helps to that you take every day and so it is the most increase blood flow to the brain, which allows important factor in keeping good health and you to better concentrate and focus throughout thus maximizing your life. Eating moderate the yoga workout. This is important as the proportions of fresh whole natural foods is the “mindfulness” aspect of yoga plays a significant key to an effective yoga diet. Choose organic role. Dark chocolate also has phenylethylamine fruits, vegetables and meat products. Eat a lot of and caffeine, both of which increase alertness raw vegetables and whole grains. Eat for without creating nervousness or the jitters such nutrition, not to satisfy emotions or for as seen with coffee. pleasure. Eat fruit, vegetables and nuts every single day. Eliminate junk food, processed foods Give yourself time to digest before you practice. and sugar. Avoid spicy food. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fresh water, green tea and 100% As a general rule of thumb, allow yourself one to pure vegetable juices. One of the best ways to one-and-a-half hours to digest after a light get pure nutrition into your body is through snack and two to three hours to digest after a juicing. light meal before your yoga class. But the most important thing here is to experiment and listen Optimal health comes from the inside out, and if to your body to determine the timing that you will be performing demanding workouts, works best for you. such as yoga you need to properly fuel your body before, after and in between sessions. What to eat after yoga class? Above all always remember, “Annam Brahma” (Food is God). Having a balanced, satisfying meal or snack with Penned by Arunima Dutta some carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will help Founder, The Yoga Studio re-fuel your mind and body. Globally Certified Yoga Teacher & Former Mrs. India World Choose carbs plus protein. After yoga, especially if it’s a vigorous flow, you’ll want to refuel with a Entrepreneur meal or snack that has a 3-to-1 ratio of Founder, The Yoga Studio carbohydrates to protein, which can help repair muscle tissues and restore energy levels. My arunima.dutta.96 favourite post-yoga nuts, and granola, a quinoa bowl with veggies or a protein shake. Arunima In order to stay healthy and maintain healthy Dutta weight management, which is one of the reasons millions are doing yoga, it is important to eat in moderation. Health Mantra 69 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

CONSCIOUS LIVING We all know that conscious living entails taking Conscious living and skincare are also alike as charge of your life. It means that one should they are both affected by what you consume. think and make decisions rather than take Consuming negativity will affect the greater mindless ones, as individual actions eventually consciousness negatively and bad habits or affect the collective consciousness. unhealthy lifestyle choices will harm your skin, hair and overall appearance. Another principle Speaking of conscious living in dermatology or of conscious living is interconnectedness. cosmetology is about creating a routine for Self-development plays a role in this living, but yourself. Take the time to research what eventually, you begin to look at other people and products will help you or what treatments will things as one. The same applies in skincare, as if benefit your skin and overall well-being. Once you follow only one part of a routine, you won’t you figure that out, stick to it and make it a see results. You need to understand that habit. Eventually, everything will fall into place, everything you do is connected to benefit your and you will begin to see results. skin as a whole. Lastly, you need to focus on YOU. You must figure out what works best for Even in skincare and well-being, it’s essential to you. Don’t take anything at face value. Put in the feel good inside for that to translate into your work and learn yourself. Listen to others, but outward appearance. This philosophy is don’t follow advice blindly. Become aware and prevalent in conscious living as well. Hence, one do some soul searching to find your must become aware of what their mind and true self and accept it. You will body convey to one. Practising activities like fulfill your life mentally, yoga, meditation and picking up hobbies that physically, intellectually satisfy your inner health will also help you and spiritually. become a more radiant version of yourself. Dr. Deepika I believe energy is what a person’s life revolves around. Therefore, you should try focusing your Shetty energy on activities that will positively affect your life. Feed your soul with good vibes! Dermatologist & Interact with constructive ideologies and block Cosmetologist out the negative. You will find that you appreciate yourself more than you ever have. drdeepikashetty1 Health Mantra 70 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

Ideal Skincare Routine For A Clear & Glowing Face! When it comes to skincare routine the content Types of skin, generally there are 3 but again it available in this niche is broad and limitless. depends on each individual’s skin type which Having beautiful skin isn’t any magic. It is an may possess depending on genes, temporary effort of taking the right care, to get glowing and health-related conditions, or living style. healthy skin all over the body. Oily, Dry, Combination (oily+dry), Normal and Do you take care every single day? If you pay Sensitive skin. attention to certain skincare tips along with a skincare routine, it will help you achieve Exfoliating, this step is a magic step that beautiful skin forever! Find what you want removes the dry and dead cells off the skin. It is exactly on this vast platform and gain granular in a structure that removes the surface information on what suits your skin type. debris, dark spots and makes the skin look fresher and softer. Exfoliating helps to sink the Do not turn your stress into uninvited moisturizer. It is good to use twice a week for inflammation. An ideal skincare routine is just softer and clean skin. not a routine to wash skin but leads to clean and healthy skin. Here are the basic steps of the Exfoliating skin and the entire body can help in skincare routine! stimulating the lymphatic system that also helps in blood circulation. Cleaning is the basic step as basic as we clean vegetables before we use them. It cleans the Some products help in stimulating the collagen dirt, dust, microbes, makeup, and excess oil that that helps in making skin better with texture, our face has from being exposed to the anti-aging, and makes the skin tighter. environment. Make sure you use a cleanser that is mild and gentle for the skin you possess. You Toning, this again helps the left residue on the need to use a cleanser that suits the skin type. skin clean up and brings the pH level back. Using This step will disrupt the skin to get into its pH toners regularly will help correct the uneven balance that is required and make your skin look skin, brighten the dull skin, correct the dark clean and fresh. spots, discoloration, and brighten the skin eventually. This locks moisture to the skin, Health Mantra 71 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

getting radiant and glowy skin. › Use a serum that contains ingredients Vitamin A, C, and E that helps break collagen. Moisturizing, Dehydrated skin is parched and broken. It needs hydration, there are fewer lipid › Use homemade face masks regularly that can cells produced by dry skin known as lipid dry nourish and enrich your skin. skin (lack of lipids). Moisturizing helps lubricate the skin and hydrate sufficiently. Again one › Keep a healthy diet. needs to check with the skin type and use skin products you do not want your skin to look too › To keep your blood circulation level stable, dry or too oily. having a channelized workout of the body is essential. Tips for skincare that can help you have › Keep regular touch with breathing exercises, beautiful skin forever. that can help To start with a skincare routine, you need to › Balance your stress level to let it not affect determine the type of skin before you start your skin directly and look dull and pale. taking care of it. Analyze and do the skincare routine and follow certain tips to get glowing and › Remove makeup before you go to bed. healthy skin. › Have a proper 8-hour sleep to keep your skin › Wash face twice a day with warm water. fresh and healthy. › Use a toner, scrubber, and moisturizer that › Help revive your skin by nourishing it with suits your skin and work lifestyle, morning enough water. and before bed. › Change pillow covers and bedsheets every › Protect your skin from harmful UV rays from week. the sun by using sunscreen Blemishes, Pimples, Wrinkles! 5 Best Home Remedies To Clear Skin! How is your skin feeling? Is it awkward to have imperfections on the skin! Do you think not to go out? Or do you run behind the make-up box to apply a full coverage foundation? I understand it is tossing your confi- dence along this process to face it and tend to hide it every single time you got to face anyone when you are invited! Imperfection can be a big worry emotionally! What you can do is take care of the skin right away from the food you eat to how to live and how you take care of it. Blemishes are skin discoloration, marks, or spots on the skin. These blemishes can develop pimples and they look oily. Blemishes are caused by hormonal changes, smoking, genetics, excess oil, stress, anxiety are a few conditions to keep an eye on. Here are the types of blemishes - acne, ingrown, sun exposure, rashes, birthmarks, melasma, age spots. And if not looked keen into can cause a lot of serious problems such as bacterial infection, damage skin perma- nently. Pimples are known as zits or spots. Excess of oil or dead skin cells getting trapped in pores can cause a pimple, sebaceous glands to get infected. Oil glands, if they are infected or clogged the skin gets red 72

lesions along with puss-filled or gets swollen. name is Syzygium cumini - paste the seed and apply it on the pimple, let it dry and Various reasons why pimples occur are during wash it out with warm water. puberty, hormonal changes, pregnancy, unhealthy diet, hair follicles getting clogged, › Apply millet flour on the face, fine paste it stress, genetics, hot humid weather. along with water, apply thick paste on the area. Allow it to dry. Wash it with warm Types of pimples are whiteheads, blackheads, water. It helps the face to glow. cysts, nodules, papules, pustules. › Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of basil leaf Wrinkles are generally understood as folds or juice, 1 teaspoon of mint juice, and a little extra layers added which makes the skin look turmeric paste in water. Apply it to the old. Wrinkles at old age are natural but not affected area and rest it till it dries. Wash it before old age. Nobody would like it. out with warmth. Various surprising reasons cause wrinkles, it › If you have wrinkles on your face, to get rid of depends on the type of skin you hold - if it is wrinkles on your face thinner, less elasticity in the skin or too dry skin can cause wrinkles. Even if the person is in a › Grate apples, add a teaspoon of raw milk frowned state all the time then wrinkles can be and apply this paste to your face. developed. › Apply a mixture of saffron and almond paste For effective results, one can try these home in raw milk on the face. remedies to see the glow and clear the spots but it is obvious that it takes ample time and regular › Grate ginger juice and apply it to your face use can bring a longer effect. while sleeping at night. In the morning, wash your face and rub coconut oil. › To have a clean face and shiny face, soak 1 This remedy reduces wrinkles teaspoon of Triphala powder in water for 10 and brightens the skin. minutes and apply the mixture to the face. Writer, Dancer, › For softer skin, here is a great remedy - Nutritionist squeeze 2 teaspoons of milk or malai and mix lemon juice and apply it to the face and neck. nishigandhakanurkar › If there are pimples and dark circles and dark Nishigandha spots under the eyes, Kanurkar › Apply raw papaya on the face, let it rest on for 10 minutes. › Paste nutmeg, apply the paste around the eyes to reduce the dark circles. › Mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice, 1 teaspoon of cucumber juice, 1 teaspoon of cabbage juice, 1 teaspoon of curd, and 1 teaspoon of lentils, fine paste all the mixture and apply it on your face. After 15-20 minutes of application wash your face with cold water. › Those who have a lot of pimples on their face. › Grate cabbage, add nutmeg paste and mix both the ingredients, make a fine paste, apply a thick paste on the face. › Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area that will help reduce pimples › Use Mary Gold Gel (Calendula) to massage the face for pimples. › Applying Jamun (java plum) seed scientific Health Mantra 73 BrahmaBodhi, Cultural Magazine for Conscious Living by Brahmnaad

About Brahmnaad History The creator of “Brahmnaad Cultural Society”, Rupak Mehta, a parliament of creative education was founded in 2011, whose mission is to promote awareness in the field of Indian Classical Arts, and other allied disciplines. The Institute of Arts is the foremost learning hub for performing / visual arts, creative skill development and vocational courses. A vital centre of training and performance, the institute takes pride in pioneering professional approaches and teaching methodologies in training and imparting lessons to students of different age groups. Since its establishment, Brahmnaad Cultural Society has been visited by stalwart musicians and dancers. It provides a holistic education in the file of classical arts. Brahmnaad focuses on Classical dance forms, Carnatic / Hindustani vocal and instrumental music & the visual arts. The Founder & Director, Rupak Mehta continues to be a performer and a teacher of this tradition. They and their staff consider themselves as a link in a living chain, and commit themselves to preserving and sharing the purity and beauty of the arts in any respected form. Vision Mission Giving the forum to the artists of all the levels Achieving more with personal training sessions (Senior-Junior) to promote and rebuild the are goal based and curated as per the student. If structure of Indian Classical Art forms. With you are a regular student or an outsider and wish promoting their talent, keeping the high value of to learn upon a specific topic then availing the the art forms and pursuing a career. Creating Personal Training Sessions will surely boost your dynamic courses, we create goal-oriented skill. courses that guide our students of various age To have regular batches of classes round the groups to achieve their targets as well as clock we at Brahmnaad are presently tutoring fulfilment of their dream subject. young talents in MUMBAI, AHMEDABAD, and MANALI at our own studio. To organize events To teach the young talent and promote with relating to Fine-Arts with special emphasis on special emphasis on BHARATNATYAM, TABLA, Dance, Music & Instrumental. Inviting Artists ACTING, and SINGING to create an awareness of from various fields of art to interact with students unity in diversity of all Indian Fine-Arts. Giving and others. Conduct annual exams biased on the the forum to the artists of all the levels practical and theory aspects. (Senior-Junior) to promote and rebuild the structure of Indian Classical Art forms with 74 promoting their talent, keeping the high value of the art forms and pursuing a career.

About BrahmaBodhi Brahmnaad has been continuously adding and Partnership improving educational facilities in the field of Classical Arts and allied disciplines. Join us in building and nurturing a conscious community. Brahmnaad has launched a stellar magazine Sponsorship Benefits named BrahmaBodhi, A cultural magazine for Branding conscious living. Invest in your brand equity position The Magazine has received tons of appreciation for an exponential growth in building from the Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India, other state heads and dignitaries. your visibility and credibility while supporting the community. BrahmaBodhi Magazine elevates the readers to the horizon of knowledge. It is the celestial fuel to Talent Attraction the mind, body and spirit. A magazine which speaks about untouched subjects and takes every Captivate young and talented artists, reader through a deeper journey of ultimate trendsetters, influencers, luminaries, knowledge. and dignitaries from diverse BrahmaBodhi Magazine has a special backgrounds and industries. characteristic approach. It would mainly focus on legendary works, life sketches, special events, Thought Leadership health, food, travel, fitness, textile, fashion, literature, fine-arts, performing arts, traditions, Demonstrate your company's architecture, shilpa shashtra, ancient culture & leadership, innovation and social scriptures, dharma (religion), our rich and diverse heritage of India and the world. responsibility in front of the brightest minds in the world All over the world anthropology has a vital role to play, especially when it comes to India, which is through our global reach. the monarch of culture. Nowhere in the world culture connects to the supreme divinity, Contact us at irrespective of caste & creed. “Vasudhaiva +91-9619769747 Kutumbakam” preaches us – “The world is your [email protected] family”. www.brahmnaad.in @brahmabodhi Sanatana Dharma is the only way of life which gives infinite freedom. Every human being has a right to choose their own idiom to worship irrespective of their dharma and practice the spirituality from “Form to Formless” (Aakar to Niraakar). Today the alien influences have overpowered the culture of India, resulting in the grave situation polluting the divine heritage and our culture. “Saunskara”, is the need to nurture the younger generation with our ancient heritage. It is our responsibility to promote and propagate the culture, which we are proud of and pass on the ultimate knowledge. 75

Want to get your article published in BrahmaBodhi magazine? BrahmaBodhi, a stellar magazine newly launched by Brahmnaad Cultural Society that elevates the readers to the horizon of knowledge. It is the celestial fuel to the mind, body and spirit. A magazine which speaks about untouched subjects and takes every reader through a deeper journey of ultimate knowledge. BrahmaBodhi magazine shares valuable articles by legendary luminaries giving inestimable insights to every reader in building healthy, conscious and cultural values of life. It has a special characteristic approach. It mainly focuses on legendary works, life sketches, special events, health, food, travel, fitness, textile, fashion, literature, fine-arts, performing arts, traditions, architecture, shilpa shashtra, ancient culture and scriptures, dharma (religion), our rich and diverse heritage of India and the world. With highest admiration we invite you to share your unique knowledge which sustains the interest of any generation gaining deeper understanding of the topic through work / article / event cover-ups / reports / tribute / cultural bulletin / experiences which we could showcase globally in our magazine. It will be our honor and pleasure to welcome you in our forthcoming issue. Requirements: 800 words article in Arial Pictures related to the Four personal photos Font and Word File only topic in high resolution in high resolution All above to be emailed at [email protected] Let your contribution be an additional branch to the tree of ultimate knowledge, BrahmaBodhi. Contact us at +91-9619769747 [email protected] www.brahmnaad.in @brahmabodhi



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