Day 3 – 14 January 2025
The morning session on Day 2 of the Sankranti Shibir began with the chanting of the Guru Stuti. Sri M guided the sadhakas on the right way to chant the Gayatri Mantra, emphasizing that it should be recited silently being a Rig Vedic mantra. A meditation session led by Sri M followed after offering aarti at the Sri Guru Babaji shrine. In a wholesome start to the day, the sadhakas participated in an invigorating yoga session of Sukshma Vyayama, Sthoola Vyayama, simple asanas, and pranayamas.
The auspiciousness of Makar Sankranti was honored by sadhakas and the expert chanters as they chanted the Aditya Hridayam Stotram from the newly-released mantra book. The chanters explained that this stotram holds special significance for spiritual seekers, helping them deepen their practice. Aditya Hridayam was imparted by Sage Agastya to Lord Rama at a critical juncture in his battle with Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of light and dharma over darkness and adharma. This powerful stotram also reflects the spiritual importance of Uttarayana, the sun’s northward journey beginning with Makar Sankranti. This transition brings longer days, believed to enhance clarity, energy, and spiritual progress, making it an ideal period for deep meditation and inner growth.
During the morning satsang, Sri M explained the significance of the Shanti mantra Saha Nāvavatu. Saha signifies “you and I” – a shared journey, invoking mutual protection for both physical and mental well-being. He emphasized the importance of warding off negative thoughts that can distract us from meditation. The mantra also calls for nourishment, both through knowledge of the truth to sustain the mind and through wholesome food to strengthen the body, as both are essential for sadhana.
Sri M further explained that the vitality of the mind must increase to stay focused on spiritual practices, and we should refrain from wasting energy on distractions. He said, “May the spiritual fire within us grow, and may we not fight or harbor differences with each other.”
Reflecting on Guru Nanak’s teaching, he added, “It’s better to taste the sugar than to be the sugar.” This highlights the experience of divine bliss rather than mere identification with it.
Drawing from the Mandukya Upanishad, Sri M elaborated on the sacred syllable “Om”:
- “A” represents the waking state (Jagrat), symbolizing awareness and continuity in the physical world. Quoting Adi Shankaracharya, he said, “We are sleeping in the world of ignorance, thinking it is reality.”
- “U” signifies the dream state (Tejasa), a self-illumined consciousness that feels real but lacks continuity.
- “Am” refers to deep sleep (Sushupti), where distinctions dissolve, and all beings—guru, disciple, and others—are perceived as one.
- “M” represents Turiya, the state of pure consciousness, bliss (Ananda), and completeness (Purnata). In this state, the mind becomes like a mirror, reflecting all without attachment.
To register for the Yoga Retreats or simply experience the profound energy of the MahaKumbh, please write to connect@bharatyogavidyakendra.in.
To explore the details of our events, visit https://mahakumbh2025.satsang.foundation/.
