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12 - 18 January 2019
Ghar Sabha is proof that all problems can be solved: Pujya Mahant Swami
Head of Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Mumbai for his vicharan. January 2 was Akshar Purushottam Day. On that day, a question answer session was hosted with scholar on Swaminarayan languages Bhadresh Swami. He informed that it was with the blessings of Guruhari Pujya Pramukh Swami and Pujya Mahant Swami that he could complete his commentary. Gharsabha Din was celebrated on January 3. Families get together and conduct a sabha on this day. In his aashirvachan, Mahant Swamiji said, “Ghar Sabha strengthens the belief that all problems can be solved.” Brahma Killol Din was celebrated on January 4. Children, youth and elders played musical chairs and other games. Pujya Mahant Swami during his Mumbai vicharan, met several celebrities and blessed them. On January 4, Chinese Consulate General Tang Guocai had called upon Mahant Swamiji. Goucai invited Mahant Swamiji to China.
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Sneh Joshi
The new year heralds a new beginning for a historic site in Hertfordshire, as the former Falconer Hall in Bushey reopens as the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) London Spiritual Centre. The refurbished centre opens its doors to an array of spiritual and community service activities, establishing ancient Indian traditions in this quiet Hertfordshire town. From spiritual discourses, yoga, meditation, and inter-faith sessions, the centre will also serve as a place of worship, spiritual practice, and charitable activities for its members, breathing new life into the historic site. To mark the opening of the centre, the first day of 2019 was greeted with a spectacular celebration in the form of a traditional Indian procession. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai; spiritual visionary and guiding light of SRMD, arrived on a majestic 16ft tall mechanical elephant, heralding the start of the celebrations. In her opening speech The Worshipful Mayor of Herstmere, Cllr Brenda Batten welcomed SRMD UK to Bushey, remarking on the contribution of the Jain community to the British way of life. This sentiment was echoed by Lord Dolar Popat who was delighted to join the celebrations despite having just arrived from India. Lord Jitesh Gadhia, and Sri Ramana Devi of Shiva Trust also graced the occasion. Lord Popat also referred to the universal values of non-violence, peace and tolerance that underpin the Jain religion emphasising their importance in today’s world. These values also greatly influenced India’s iconic leader, Mahatma Gandhi through his spiritual
Special guests present at the procession were The Worshipful Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Brenda Batten, Lord Dolar Popat, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai and Lord Jitesh Gadhia
mentor Shrimad Rajchandra. This great Jain saint and philosopher is the inspiration and guiding light of SRMD and his life and luminary works continue to provide spiritual growth to thousands of seekers around the world. The Procession commenced with a ceremonial flag-off, as classic British carriages and cars carrying deities, devotees and Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai flowed out of Bushey Academy School, followed by over 1,800 participants. Celebrants danced in joyous rapture to the sound of traditional drums and devotional chants. Local residents and spectators could not help but be intoxicated by the joyous energy that engulfed the once-quiet streets of Bushey, even offering rose petals to deities in the passing carriages. They were all joining in the celebrations, dancing and chanting with attendees from as far afield as Australia, Kenya, Dubai, India and Ireland. Live TV coverage of the event allowed viewers from remote villages in India to those in Hawaii to be a part of the joyous event. The procession culminated in a powerful religious ceremony that stirred the
heart and soul of each person present as the SRMD London Spiritual Centre was sanctified as a Jain place of worship. This grand procession was the pinnacle of a fourday event in London which included a special residential retreat where participants from all over the world enjoyed five illuminating discourses by Pujya Gurudevshri, bringing in the new year with the sounds of ancient Japanese drumming, mystical Sufi poetry readings and cultural performances by participants. Over the last decade, SRMD UK has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serve and bring joy to all living beings through the global ten-fold programme, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC). SRLC has led and executed diverse local community projects including tree plantation drives, organ and blood donation drives, blanket distribution to the homeless, food and clothing donations, elderly care and prisoner welfare, and emergency relief aid. Fund raising activities have raised thousands of pounds for many worthy causes, including Sense International and St Francis Peace Hospice in Hemel
The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality
ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Relationships look great as Mars
helps to enhance your personal magnetism and puts you in a gregarious mood. There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self. The fiery planet Mars is the
TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 moving force in regard to
amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend greatly favours anything geared towards financial stability. It would be unwise to take any
GEMINI May 22 - June 22 risks, particularly in regard to
joint interests and investments. So be extra careful if you need to deal with complex legal matters and necessary red tape. If love has left you feeling rather dejected or cynical, it looks as though soon events will pull you out of this mood of despondency.
You have the dynamic planet Mars in your solar 10th house. This planet indicates a desire to push forward, to assert yourself mentally and physically. This also means that you want to improve your work prospects. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level - tread carefully
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22
1,800-strong procession revels on the streets of London on New Year's Day
It is essential that you adopt a very open attitude now for this is a time of lucky opportunity and a chance to greatly enrich your life. New windows on the world are about to open and this is bound to have a maturing effect on you from now into the future. There is a rather secretive aura surrounding new romance, which could turn into something very special.
LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23
Four planets illuminate your fifth house. After a period of “nesting”, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. You are feeling inspired creatively and romantically and you express your loving feelings quite openly now. At this time, you instinctively know how to place yourself in the best light in order to make a good impression on others.
LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23
The outlook remains optimistic as developments bring you a sense of real achievement. Relationships look great as Venus and Mars help to enhance your personal magnetism and put you in a gregarious mood. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on love and creativity, make the most of this phase.
Your communications are allabuzz with planetary energies firing you up. Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage. There's nothing wrong with achieving your personal goals, it's time to carve your own path in life.
SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22
Hempstead. This year to highlight SRMD UK’s commitment to the pledge of reducing plastic use as an environmental initiative of the SRMD Love and Care programme, all cups, plates, tissues and cutlery used in the serving of meals at the London Spiritual Centre from 1st January 2019 will be made from environmentally friendly materials. The London Spiritual Centre will facilitate daily practice of prayer and devotional hymns, spiritual discourses, group meetings for members of varied age groups, value-based education for children and young adults, meditation retreats and self-development workshops, community service projects under SRLC, celebrating Jain festivals and other auspicious occasions, hosting multi-faith events, open days to introduce the principles of Jainism, and classes on yoga, wellness, and healthy cooking amongst others. The London Spiritual Centre will stand testament to India’s spiritual wealth and share its benefit with all members of the community in London, providing a beacon of love and peace for all who enter this reinvigorated community space.
020 8518 5500
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21
With Mars being the prime mover in the romantic sphere, it is likely that new developments will be swift and passionate. Your experience in love is likely to be dramatic but also deeply satisfying emotionally. Whether you are seeking relaxation or want something more challenging, all tastes will be catered for this week.
CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20
Four planets embrace your sign and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behaviour, and selfexpression. Personal freedom is especially important to you right now. Improved productivity marks the beginning of the week, but your efforts may slacken later. Take care that introspection doesn't cause you to withdraw from others.
AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19
Four planets travel through your twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. There is likely to be a powerful incentive to tie up loose ends.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Four planets put a spotlight on your solar eleventh house. As Mercury is one of them, you will benefit from networking in this period and you might find some great ideas through others now. Working in a team will also benefit you. You are more attracted to that which is progressive or unconventional during this cycle.