Learn and unlearn from the past: Become free
- By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Every year, we begin the New Year wishing others happiness and prosperity. What is the sign of prosperity? The sign of prosperity is freedom, a smile and the willingness to share with people around you, without fear. The sign of prosperity is the trust and confidence that you will get whatever is needed in life. Welcome the year 2009 with a smile from within. As we flip the calendar, we need to keep flipping our mind as well. Often, our diaries are full with memories. See that you don't fill your future dates with past events. Learn and unlearn from the past, and move on.You want to be free from greed, hatred, jealousy and all such imperfections. If the mind is holding all these negative qualities, it cannot be happy or peaceful – you cannot enjoy your life. So the first step is to see that negative emotions are due to the past and not let the past affect your experience of life now. Forgive the past. If you cannot forgive the past, then your future will be miserable. This new year make up with someone with whom you are not on good terms. Commit yourself to dropping the past and starting a fresh life. When the new year arrives wish everyone with a sankalpa (intention) for peace and prosperity for all the people on the planet. With the economic meltdown, looming terrorism, with floods & famine around, do more selfless service. Realise that our foremost priority is to check violence in the world, to free the world from domestic and societal violence. Make a resolution to do more good to society, help the people who are in need and bring solace to those who are suffering. Take responsibility for the nation. The spiritual dimension of life brings a great sense of belongingness, responsibility, compassion and caring for the whole world, for the whole humanity. The spiritual dimension in the truest form smashes the narrow boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality and gives one a broader awareness of life present everywhere. This year, let your devotion flower. Give it a chance to work. We should experience the divine's presence, the divine's light around us. You should have a desire in your mind to experience this. Has such a desire ever risen in you - that you want the highest peace? The whole world is running by this divine light. When you sing or pray there should be total involvement. If the mind is preoccupied elsewhere then that is no prayer at all. You are like a free bird. You are fully open. Feel that you are flying like a bird. Learn to fly. This is something which you have to experience within yourself. There is nothing else. If you consider yourself as bonded, you will remain bound here. Be free. When will you experience freedom? Become free right now. Sit down and become content. Spend some time in meditation & satsang so that your inner self becomes strong enough to deal with the challenges. When the mind relaxes, the intellect becomes sharp. When the mind is loaded with small things such as ambition, feverishness and desire, then the intellect loses its keenness. And when the intellect and observation are not sharp, life does not express itself fully, ideas dont flow and abilities diminish day by day. With this understanding, step out of your little mind and that step will solve many problems in your life. Be natural. Be with love. Involve yourself in service. Celebrate your life .............CELEBRATE NEW YEAR - 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year Message from Guruji
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Who wins
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said: 'My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority,
lies,false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.'
The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'
The old Cherokee simply replied: 'The one you feed.'
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Guruji Blesses Bahrain
Guruji Blesses Bahrain!!
- BhramaraDear all,
JaiGuruDev!
Bahrain was blissed out with Guruji's overflowing blessings!!
November 18th 2008 will be an unforgettable day for AOL, Bahrain !!
None of us had the least inkling of what was to unfurl on the 18th of Nov 2008...
In the afternoon (Nov 18th), our chapter co-ordinator was informed of Him transitting Bahrain on the way to Delhi from Cyprus...His flight would land at 6-30pm and His return flight at 11pm was all that was known .. also that He expressed the wish to 'come out' of the airport!!
What went on for the next couple of hours was true sanghachatwam ...telephone lines ringing some with both the ears busy answering mobiles and landlines..the Indian Embassy was approached, doors were knocked ..influential people approached.. to organise His visit pass/visa, the Hotel where He could stay and meet all His eager devotees. SMS after Sms...updating ...several ladies were onto cooking their special dishes for Him.. several minds working ..with One cause..to get Guruji to where He was most wanted..devotees hearts!!!
And that's exactly what happened ..Inspite of speculation till the last moment..nothing could stop Him..He just made things happen...the hall was booked at a Five star hotel..Crowne Plaza.. thanks to the manager at Crowne
Plaza and thanks to the Indian Embassy and our dear Ambassador ..His visit pass was arranged... .and others sent off SMS es to all the devotees. about the surprise visit .... most of whom gathered to be with the Master who transformed them . Soon after He landed He was driven to the Crowne Plaza by the Ambassador ,where devotees longing to meet Him had gathered..
After freshning up..He met with top representatives from the press/Radio ....and later eating a little of what each and every 'motherly' lady had cooked, He went onto be with His dear devotees.. Meeting every single one of the multi national & multi religious group of devotees ..walking through the packed hall..His never fading
smile..oblivious of the previous hectic itinerary..Capturin g every ones hearts and minds...
'Chitta Chor!'
..He then got all the little ones. onto the dias and played along with them in His lovable child-like way..looking at one and throwing the chocolates on the opposite side ! He said we should all be like a child.....He was literally surrounded by kids of all ages ..on all sides..He then answered some questions...
Will I ever find peace ..?
SriSri: Are you not peaceful Now!
When I get up in the morning should I consider it as my first day/last day on this Earth?
SriSri:With a twinkle, He said '''the choice is yours!!'
How do I find peace?
SriSri: (Giving the analogy of driving a car.).He said while driving we look in the rear view, side mirrors and in the front and do this almost simultaneously. . But our leg is always on the accelerator. .and finally when the fuel in the car is over ..it stops.. Our life /mind are as if on the accelerator throughout.. we don't stop even though we pass home/shops.. Learning to apply brakes is the skill..and that is meditation.. to be able to go deep within..into silence..that is peace!!
When will I be enlightened? Will I be after 10 days of silence?
Sri Sri: You do not need 10 days..you can be enlightened even after 2 days !!
Time and again He mentioned that while He was supposed to go to Muscat ..in the near future ..He found Himself in Bahrain..'He said " I wanted to give you a surprise..but you have surprised me!! In such a short span of a few hours..you could arrange all this and get so many people together!!'
He makes us feel as if we have done it all..but all of us know who is behind all this...afterall its His grace .love and blessings..we are just one of those gopas putting up our little staff..!!!
This is when He said ..all one has to do is take a sankalpa..a wish ..an intention ..and let it off into the universe...things will manifest... ''Courier all your worries and botherations to me and be peaceful'
He then went onto lead a guided meditation ..with all the kids trooping out with a couple of 'kid sitters'..what was 25 minutes seemed like only 5 minutes to some of the teenagers who were fortunate to be a part of this
momentous occasion.. Sweet melody followed..with singing of a few bhajans..culminatin g with
'Allah Hu..Allah Hu.. We wished time would freeze..as we did not want Guruji to go...unanimously
all of us wished Him to stay longer...nay forever!!!.. this is possible in the frame of timelessness. .but getting back to ground reality..it was time for Him to leave...to be able to catch His next flight..(someone rightly
said that He lives on planes!!!)
In all this excitement.. He made sure Fred, the sweet German ashramite /videographer who accompanied Him ,was looked after, fed and cared for..only shows how He cares/is centred/and is love personified. ...a big
WOW!!
Continuing to bless and hug people on the way..He finally got into the car waiting outside to be driven a little into the city before finally getting to the airport..
It was like a dream come true...nay most are us are really marvelling at how things took shape..and are totally zapped ..in wonder and amazement! He left us all feeling deeply satisfied, hearts full & brimming , blissed out
totally.
In retrospect.. several devotees had premonitions of His visit..some had dreams, some had intentions, some just prayed..Gratitude flows to our dear Guruji for making this happen, & all the members of AOL, Bahrain for just
being there as a family..
Well all that can be said is that the 'Ways of the Divine are mysterious' and like Guruji says ..'You never know when what will happen..keep your houses clean..I may visit them anytime..!!! '
So, dear ones..'Just make a wish ..and leave it into the Universe..!! '
Love,
Bhramara.
Guruji's Satsang session at Montreal Advanced Course
Someone gave Guruji a gift wrapped in golden wrapping paper which lead to Guruji saying -
In the ancient scriptures, the Upanishads there is a prayer which goes 'Oh God, please unveil the golden package (and reveal the truth)'. Two things prevent you from knowing the truth - sorrow (In case of sorrow, you are not interested in knowing the truth) or charms and illusions of the world that keep you away from the Truth. It is neither craving for it nor being averse to it - simple recognition of the truth.
Most people are enchanted by the golden wrapping paper - they don't open it and thus remain unaware of the truth within. Then Guruji went about opening the gift and then said "The truth when revealed is not anything serious but it is fun!!!" and guess what was the gift a picture book of Lucy !!! (from the comedy series - I Love Lucy)
What is Gayatri Mantra?
It is composed of 24 syllables and reciting it postively affects each of the 24 vertebrae in the back. More importantly, it means - bring noble thoughts from all directions (?). Its actually an expansion of the sound Om.
What is the meaning of Om?
Om is the most beautiful sound in creation also referred to as the primordial sound. It is composed of Aa, Oo and Mm. When one goes on top of the mountain and listens to the sound of the wind, one can hear the faint 'Ommmmm'. When one carefully listens to the sound of the waves in the ocean, one can hear the rumbling 'Ommmm' in the distance. Also, reciting Om is akin to doing the 3-stage pranaayaams. The Aa part works on the stomach regions, Oo part works on the chest and Mm works on the upper regions.
What does Swastika denote?
It is a symbol and they are the people who make something out of the symbol. For eg, the 'Do Not Enter' symbol is only recognized in USA and Europe. It is not known in India and hence it has no significance. The Swastika represents the 4 time zones, also represents the 4 stages in life - in 100 years, first 25 years is for studying (studenthood), next 25 years is the life of a householder, next 25 years is the time to do service for society, last 25 years is the time for being a recluse - completely detached from everything. There are several such 4s like the 4 Vedas etc. The ancient symbol of Swatika was in the clockwise direction and signified the cyclical nature of time. Hitler changed it make it go in the other direction and preverted the meaning.
Order and Chaos
Sometimes you have to elbow your way and sing during Satsang. Some chaos is required. In India, I tell people that some order is required!
How to deal with arrogant and ignorant people?
Arrogant people are also ignorant. Arrogant people need to be challenged. If you want to tell them about the course, don't go like a mouse and explain. You can throw a challenge to them 'Maybe in 10 years, you'll be able to do the course. Now you're not mature enough!'
I smile at everyone. Some smile back, some don't. When they don't, I feel a contraction within.
Why do you expect them to smile back at you? One who cannot smile is a worm. You may be a worm in the gutter or a worm on a silver plate but a worm you are. Whereas a person who smiles, be he in the slums or in the palace, is a diamond. A diamond is precious no matter where it lies. Mullah Nasruddin's story - Mullah all injured and lying in the hospital - friend asks 'how're you?' - response - 'Only when I smile does it hurt' - friend 'How can you smile when you are in such a state?' - Mullah 'If I can't smile now, I have never smiled!'
Power of contentment
There is truly nothing as powerful as contentment. It gives you such royalty. In any case, there is only so much rain that you can catch. Can you imagine, running all around in the rain trying to catch it? In any case, you can only catch as much rain as the surface area of your head. You cannot catch any more.
Longing
Longing is the sign of love. So don't shorten the longing!
Vacation
People go on vacation to beautiful places and they come back tired and tanned. But the actual beauty is in your eyes, not the place. All people who live in Europe want to travel to Spain - they dream of going there. But the people in Spain - they want to go to the Alps! The people who live in the Alps - they don't find them so beautiful! Take the case of the dog who chews on the bone. It feels that the juice flowing in its mouth comes from the bone but actually, it is the blood in its own mouth that it mistakes for juice from the bone. This is mentioned in Ashtavakra. Everyone should listen to the Ashtavakra series.
Lust
Whenever I see a woman, I have a lot of lustful thoughts. Even in sacred places, even in your presence.
It'll go off. It may happen when you don't have a lot of work. It might also be because of some impresssions or samskaras you might have gathered in childhood or in your past births. For eg. in a burning house situation, would you run out of the fire or gaze at a woman's body? Fear and Greed also have good use. You can use them intelligently for getting over bad habits. E.g. if you smoke or drink , you can tell your self if I smoke or drink I will lose a million dollars. Similarly fear is important. If there was no fear then people would do anything they liked, they would have driven on whichever side of the road. It is required to maintain some orderliness.
How to pray? I was raised in a non-religious environment.
Meditation is the best form of prayer. In meditation you surrender, you say let thy will be done.You may light a candle, chant Om Namah Shivaay.
How come you're so cute?
Purely by accident! Not deliberate or pre-planned.
What is more important - career or family?
When you watch TV, what is more imporant - the scenes or the sound? Both! One supports the other. Similarly, when one has no family, what is use of a career? Career is for supporting one's family. To support oneself, a career is not required. Likewise, when one has no career, how can one support one's family?
Why do some religions advocate vegetarianism and others don't?
(All this is based on what some people said and didn't say... ) Religious authorities have been doing this since centuries. Playing on people's minds to retain power and superiority. For eg. some clerics in India have declared a fatwa on life insurance. They say that it's against Islam. This is wrong. Why should they ban life insurance? In olden times there was nothing like insurance, so how could some ancient code of conduct (Shariat) have banned something like that?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Passive and Aggressive
In a discourse on Bhagavad Gita, Guruji says :
"There are two types of people in this world – Passive and Aggressive. Passive are those who don’t do anything and don’t get involved in any thing. Aggressive – they do anything (legal, illegal, right, wrong) to achieve whatever they want. Sooner or later, both find their hands empty - both feel failure. The Gita says: 'Dynamism with Calmness'. That serenity, which is proactive, is what is needed; It is what would be the right solution to any problem."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Gurudev as guest editor at TOI
He’s counselled statesmen and celebrities, tycoons and the down-and-out, spiritual seekers and sinners, cops and convicts, and various other shades of humanity. He’s journeyed far and wide—on both the physical and metaphysical planes. He’s been conferred numerous awards, and nominated for the Nobel peace prize. And he’s discoursed, joked and sung his way through many a satsang. But there’s one thing even Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar hadn’t done until yesterday—edited a newspaper.
“I feel like a boy on his first day in university,’’ He confessed.
If so, he’d done his homework. Well before the big day, the Smiling Sage had thrown himself into the project with his trademark exuberance, discussing ideas and suggesting reports. If you thought he’d only be interested in non-material, other-worldly subjects, think again. Sure, he wanted pieces on spirituality in politics and business. But he also sought—and got—an analysis of the executive-judiciary faceoff, a comparison of how India and China are faring, and a critique of the politics of caste in India. You can find all these articles—and many more on the pages mentioned alongside.
Racing against tight deadlines (for once, we truly wished time was mere maya), we finally got everything in readiness. Minutes later, the Guest Editor glided in, showering smiles and one-liners (sample: asked to explain why he had so many followers, he quipped, “That’s easy. I walk really fast.’’) Then it was time for some serious work.
We began by asking him if he read the paper regularly. “Oh yes,’’ he said promptly. “And when I’m out of the country, I follow the news on the internet. I make sure I keep abreast of current events.’’ Some words of praise for TOI followed. “I like the fact that instead of trying to educate the young, TOI seeks to educate the old about what the young are thinking and doing. And I really liked the survey that appeared in a recent Sunday Times edition on faith in India.’’
‘WAR: Worst Act of Reason’
Guru Gyaan: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar On The Art Of Living, Role Of Media, Growing Global Tension And Lots More
He likes to read the newspaper everyday, but does spiritual guru and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have any favourite pages or columns?
“I flip through most of the pages, except sports, which doesn’t interest me much. Of course I read Speaking Tree and Sacred Space on the TOI edit page, but I also like to read science stories. I have a degree in science, you know, though I can’t claim to know much about science.’’
How did his interest in science square with his spiritual pursuits, we asked. “Where’s the contradiction?” he retorted. “Both science and eastern spirituality begin with the same premise: experience it first, then believe it. That’s why there’s never been a clash between science and spirituality in the Orient.”
Modern Art
How does He feel when he’s criticised by the media?
“The media’s job is to criticise, and it must do its job. But the criticism should be constructive. Criticism has value when you’re thinking big and positive, not when you’re thinking narrow and divisive. I don’t agree with biased journalism, which attacks specific communities or groups.”
“Actually, I think the media has two roles,” he went on. “One is to present the facts as they are. And the other is to provide a ray of hope, present a vision for the future.”
We moved on to the movement he founded, which has now grown into a global spiritual empire. Who coined the term ‘The Art of Living’, we asked. “A group of us were sitting together and someone said our principles turned living into an art. So I said, fine, call it The Art of Living. The name had a nice, secular, allinclusive feel to it. It’s really a modern name for a traditional philosophy. Remember, 25 years ago, most Indians tended to see Vedanta and Yoga as outdated relics; there was little respect for them. It’s nice to see things coming full circle now.”
So how does he react to charges of being a well-marketed Guru? “It’s like commentary after the match is over,” he shrugged. “People can study the movement’s success and turn it into a marketing model now, but no model was originally designed to make it a success. Frankly, no one was more surprised than I was that it became so successful. Truly, I want nothing except to share my joy. Maybe that’s why so many things are happening.”
What about people who misuse the foundation’s name for commercial benefit? “I can’t police the world. But I do request anyone who’s thinking of joining a centre to log on to our website and make sure that it’s actually affiliated to us.”
How does he react to arguments that religion is becoming an increasingly divisive force and creating tension in the world? “I think western philosophy has been really clogged up by the concept of good and evil,” he responded. “If someone doesn’t think like you, he becomes evil. Indian philosophy has never been so black and white — notice we have no concept of Satan. And we say that when even Ravana died, his soul merged into Rama’s, because after all, we’re all part of the same cosmic unit. But the world is getting increasingly polarised. I gave a speech at the European Parliament saying all religions have the same goal and a lot of MPs were furious. They asked how I could equate their religion with one that they claimed gave rise to suicide bombers.”
“The tragedy is that people from all parts of the world can do so much harm while being convinced they’re upholding the cause of good,” he went on. “I call war the Worst Act of Reason. After all, everyone comes up with a rational justification for war. Saddam said he had good reason to invade Kuwait, George W Bush insisted he was justified in attacking Iraq. But what good finally came of it all?’’
Choices & Blessings
The conversation turned to the day’s big stories. Where does He stand on the great Afzal debate?
“Personally, I oppose capital punishment. I believe every criminal should be given the opportunity to reform. But I can understand the sentiments of the families of those who died defending Parliament. Letting off Afzal could demoralise them, apart from hundreds of security personnel. I would suggest life imprisonment for Afzal.”
Does he know tennis ace Leander Paes? “I’ve met him a few times.” Does he have any advice for Leander following the much-publicised spat with doubles partner Mahesh Bhupati at the Asian Games in Doha? “I don’t give advice unless asked. The world is full of orphan advice — advice not taken because it wasn’t asked for. Of course, a lot of times people also ask me for advice so that they can later blame me if things later go wrong. At times like that, there’s a phrase I really like to use, “The choice is yours, the blessing is mine!’
Happily, he didn’t use that phrase even once during the news meeting. Stories were pored over, details sought in some cases, and slots decisively indicated.
And then it was time for a graceful exit. Clearly, the Guru of good times hasn’t just discovered and perfected the art of living, he’s also mastered the art of leaving — people happy, that is.
Friday, December 12, 2008
What to offer in Puja ?
What is the proper offering to God?
It is said, Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam
(a leaf, flower, fruit and water).
What are these?
Your body is the leaf, your heart is the flower,
your mind is the fruit, and your tears of bliss are the water.
Instead of attaching undue importance to this ephemeral body, emphasize the atmic principle.
Also surrender the body unto God. How?
By acts of worship and other sacred deeds.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Q & A around Guru Poornima
Q. How to deal with anger?
A. Anger is ok. I have a technique for you. Whenever you get angry,
sing.
If you get angry on your husband/wife, scold them by singing. Opera singing is even better. See if you can do it. (He sings a couple of lines... .You stupid, what did you do to me. and everyone breaks into laughter) If possible take a guitar and sing with it. It must be very interesting. Some people will become musician like this.
Anger comes when you go out of certain rhythm. And, music is bringing that rhythm back. Antidote for anger is music, exercise, karate, martial arts..
You know martial arts have to be done without anger. In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjun, .Arjun, fight but not with anger or hatred.. Now, anger does not take permission before coming. Don.t regret anger.
It.s ok to be angry with children. If you don.t get angry at them, they become so weak in the world. They cannot take criticism. They become weak.
You should know the limitation though. You know how much salt should be put in the food. How cold or warm, your finger will tell you. As parents, don.t feel guilty for scolding your children. Thinking that way you become stressed and are preparing yourself to get more upset or
angry.
Q. With your hectic schedule, don.t you get sick/tired?
A. Not so far.
Q. As the saying goes, .charity begins at home.. How can we do sevaoutside when we are needed at home?
A. You are talking about your spouse? You need to balance. If you say
I'll do all my home work before I do seva then that will never happen.
Because so many things keep coming for home and it will not stop. You cannot neglect your home also. But at home it.s called duty not seva. Outside it is seva.
Q. Whenever I feel like doing seva, I start finding excuses. Bless me
that I can do some seva.
A. Just keep doing seva, blessings are already there. Good things in life you should not delay. Just do it. Whenever you get a chance to do spiritual practice, seva, generosity, don.t miss it. Those are the real catchy moments of your life.
Q. Guruji, do you have some clue for severe allergy in Bay Area?
A. Yoga, proper food, more Vitamin C and drink plenty of water in the morning. How many of you have habit of drinking tea or coffee in themorning? (many raised their hands). First thing in the morning drink 1litre of water. Lukewarm water is better, but not ice-cold water.
(Someone asked, .Before brushing your teeth or after.). I would say after brushing your teeth. Even otherwise is ok.
Q. So what if I become rich, so what if I become successful, so what..So what .. So what..
A. So what if I don.t answer this question? For whatever has happenedyou can say so what. But for things in future if you say, so what if Iate anything, so what if I get sick... it doesn.t work like that. .Sowhat., is used to go inwards, not when you are active. When you want to
rest, when going to bed, you can use .so what.. You don.t want to go tobed with your coat, shirt and tie. Just like this mind is clinging onto some events, so we drop it using .so what.. It.s a technique. Itbrings freedom. But you can't apply 'so what' in activity.
Q. I feel like I.m losing control of my life.
A. When were you in control of your life? If you ever thought you
were in control of your life, then I.m sorry, for your ignorance. What is
that you are going to lose? Do you have any control over your thoughts?
They come like a stream.
After Pranayam and Meditation you have become aware of this. Now that you know what.s happening then you started questioning. So now you are getting control, you are becoming aware of your thoughts. When we conducted courses in prison, prisoners told, oh I can watch my thoughts. They regret had they done this before they wouldn.t be there in prison.
Don.t worry you are not losing control. These are the moments when you realize nothing is in your hands. Pray. Prayer will make your desire strong. It will fructify.
Q. [Something about possibility of observing joy & sadness, envy &
praise, etc. at the same time.]
A. Emotions are not very clear. Sometimes you are happy with something and unhappy for something else. Sometimes when you change a place, you are happy about moving to the new place but sad for leaving the old place. I've seen even between father and son or husband and wife, conflicting emotions of envy and praise. It's a flow of energy. Energy moves.
There's no demarcation.
Q. Can [Is] there be contrast in life?
A. Yes, life is full of contrast.
Q. [Something about NOW or present moment]
A. In NOW you know
everything. It.s vast. It.s ticking. When in NOW you know the future also.
Q. [Something about depression]
A. You know 20% of Europe is in depression and it is estimated that in next 10 years 48% of Europe will be depressed.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Finding life's direction
published Friday August 12 2005 15:23 IST
A river needs two bunks to flow. The difference between flood and a flowing river is water flows regulated in a direction in a river. During floods the water is muddled and has no direction. Similarly, the energy in our life needs some direction to flow. If you don't give direction, it is all confusion.
Today most of the people are in confusion because there is no direction in life. When you are happy, there is so much of life energy in you; but when this life energy doesn't know where to go, how to go, it gets stuck. When it stagnates, it rots! Just like how the water has to keep flowing, in the same way, life has to keep moving.
For life energy to move in a direction, commitment is essential. Life runs with commitment. If you observe every small thing or big thing in life, it goes with certain commitment. A student takes admission in a school or college with a commitment. You go to a doctor with a commitment saying that you are going to take the medication or listen to whatever the doctor says, right? The banks work on commitment. Government works on commitment.
Needless to say, a family runs on commitment: mother is committed to the child, child is committed to the parents, husband is committed to wife, and wife is committed to husband.
Whether it is love or business or friendship or at work or any area of life you take, there is commitment, isn't it?
What would really irritate you is non-commitment. If you just observe, you expect some commitment from someone and when they don't do it, you get upset. Or when someone doesn't keep up his or her commitment, you get upset. Commitment is essential in life. You cannot stand someone who does not commit, but see how much commitment have you taken in your life? Of course our commitment is proportional to what we have, our power, our capacity or capability. If you are committed to taking care of your family, that much capacity or power you gain. If your commitment is for the community, you will get that much energy, joy, that much power.
In life, what you always want is more joy, more power, more energy, isn't it? You want more, anything you are given, you want more, more money, more fame, more beauty, more joy, more pleasure this 'wanting something more' bugs in your mind and that you do not look to your capabilities. More will be given to you only if you utilise properly what you already have! This is a law in nature. Why should the nature give you more when you are stuck with your little mind? This tendency of wanting more is there in you; you only have to give a twist to it. Instead of 'what more I can have', just turn it around and start asking yourself 'what more I can do?' . Then you will see that there is joy. Nature of joy is to give because you are the source of joy! The more responsibility you take on, the more energy/power will come on to you.
Greater the commitment you take, greater the energy/power you gain to fulfil that commitment. Greater the commitment, easier things are. Smaller the commitment, suffocating it is for you. Smaller commitments suffocate you because you have more capacity, but you are stuck in a small hole! When you have ten things to do and even if one thing goes wrong, you can keep doing the ten things, that thing that has gone wrong will set right itself! But if you have only one thing to do and that goes wrong, then you are stuck with it. Usually we think we should have resource and then we will commit. Greater the commitment you take, greater the resources will come to you automatically. You don't have to sit and worry how you will get resources. When you have the intention to do something, resources simply flow when it is needed and how much it is needed.
In doing what you can do, there is nothing much about it, there is no growth. Stretching a little beyond your capacity will increase your capacity. If you can take care of your town or your society, there is nothing great about doing that because it is within your capacity or capability. But if you stretch it and little more and take commitment to take care of the whole state, then you gain that much more power. As much as you take on the responsibility on your self, that much your capacity increases, your capability increases, your talents increase, your joy increases and that much you become one with the divine force. In whatever capacity you do something for the society, for the environment, for the creation, that much you progress further both materially and spiritually (value wise). The heart opens up with a feeling that you are part of everyone.
The technique to get depressed is to sit and think only about you! If you just sit and
think, 'what about me, what will happen to me?' you will thoroughly get depressed. The way to expand from individual to universal consciousness is to share others sorrow and joy. As you grow, your consciousness should also grow. When you expand in Knowledge with time, then depression is not possible. Your inner most source is joy. The way to overcome personal misery is to share universal misery!
The way to expand personal joy is to share universal joy. Instead of thinking 'what about me?' What can I gain from this world?' Think what can I do for the world?' When everyone comes from the point of contributing to society, you have a Divine society. We have to educate and culture our individual consciousness in order to expand in time with the Knowledge from 'what about me?' to 'what can I contribute?'
A commitment can only be felt when it oversteps convenience. That which is convenient, you do not call commitment. If you just go on your convenience, your commitment falls apart causing more inconvenience! If you keep dropping your commitment because it is inconvenient, can you be comfortable? Often, what is convenient does not bring comfort, but gives an illusion of comfort. Whatever you are committed to brings you strength. If you are committed to your family then your family supports you, if you are committed to your society, you enjoy the support of society. If you are committed to God, God gives you strength. If you are committed to Truth, Truth brings you strength.
Often one is not aware of this idea and that is why one is hesitant to commit to a greater cause. Also there is a fear that commitment would weaken one or take away one's freedom. To the wise, their commitment is their comfort.
Whenever their commitment is shaken, their comfort is also shaken. To the lazy, commitment is torture though it is the best remedy! Your commitment to a cause is bound to bring you comfort in the long run.
Are there any commitments that can be given up? Yes, commitments made with shortsightedness can be given up because when you are committed without a vision, you feel stifled when your vision expands. When your commitment brings misery to many in the long run, it can be given up. Just like you run out of fuel in the car and you have to refill it again and again, in the same way your dedication and commitment runs out in the course of time and it needs constant renewal! Commitment in life grows toward a higher cause. The higher the commitment, greater is the good for all.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Recipe of Blue berry muffins
Recipe of Saag soup
Recipe of Sautéed green vegetables in Pesto
Recipe of Cumin Couscous with vegetables
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Bliss in Bali
25/11/08, BaliQ.
By Head Priest: Om Swasti Rastu. I need not only the tourism of culture butalso the tourism of spirituality. You are the Maharaja.
Guruji: Yesterday, I was describing that ‘Swasti’ means both “health &happiness” together. It’s very nice to be here in Bali with you. Last yearin the Vishnu Yagna, thousands of people gathered together. This time due tothe rainy season it had to be in a closed hall or there would have been so manymore people. Bali has maintained ancient tradition. Yoga- Ashtanga Yoga. 8limbs of Yoga. 3 days is too short a time. We will learn a little bit whateverwe can. Yam , niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana & Samadhi. So the 5Yamas what are they- they are Ahimsa or non-violence, Satya- truth, Asteya-non-stealing, Brahmacharya- celibacy & then Aparigraha- non-accumulation. 5Niyamas – Shaucha- cleanliness, Santosha- happiness, Tapas- forbearance ofpleasant & unpleasant, Swadhyaya- self- study & Ishvara Pranidhana- surrender. Here in Bali, already have lot of spiritual richness, very richculture. Asana is something that integrates the whole system. Pranayama,Meditation. You know we seldom think about our life. We think about our house,money relationships but we don’t think who am I? What do I need to be happy?What do we need to do now? Reflect on our life. Okay. Remember what is yourage? How old are you? 38 years. How much longer will you live on the planet?Say another 50 years, 85 years. How do you want to spend that? What do youwant? The very question kindles spiritual dimension. Afterwards, how would youlike to be remembered? As an aggressive person who troubled everyone or someonewho did a lot of good? What do I need to be happy? When will I be happy? 10years later or right now? This is what you need to think. Not postponing beinghappy to some future date. Right now, right now. When we get ourselves rid ofstress by meditation. We don’t make any effort. You simply sit comfortably, Iwill do it for you. Those having backache sit on a chair.Q. Whenever I hear chants, I feel like crying.G: It’s good. Devotion comes up. Heart chakra opens.Very good. There’s asaying by Kabira, “ ……………. Bin roye kit paaye perm piya ki reet”Tears will bring you close to the divine, so it is okay.G: Everyday do 15-20 mins of Yoga, 15-020 mins of breathing & 15-20 mins ofmeditation. 40 mins – 1 hour everyday you keep it for yourself.
Q: Something about too many thoughts during meditation.G: Some irrelevant thoughts may come. Some good or bad thoughts. If you try tochase them they bother you. When they come, allow them to come. Then you willsee in a few minutes they disappear.Q: Whenever I meditate, I feel some vibration.
G: That’s good. Vibration or sensation is normal. Don’t pay too muchattention to it. Experiences change.
Q: Missed the question
G: Either you cling to the scriptures or allow the divine to take you around.Knowledge & devotion. Millions of years ago, people knew the psychology ofanimals & what they do. It’s not that Stone Age man was dull & didn’t knowmuch. It appears they knew much more.
Q: I am scared to make any long- term plans.
G: You know greed stops you. Just go ahead.
Q: How do I stop myself from getting angry?
G: Why should you not get angry? Get angry. So what? Your this “I should’ntget angry, I don’t want to get angry’ ……….. Anger is because you loveperfection. Create a little room for imperfection. In your house, don’t youhave a dust-bin? In your mind also, keep a garbage can. Little acceptance aboutimperfection can bring patience. Inspite of that ………
Q: Guruji, do you know each of us here & also those who are not here?
G: Why you want to know all my secrets? Yes, I know some & I don’t know some.
Q: I feel everything around me is telling me something. Is it Maya?
G: Don’t see too much meaning. Maya means that which can be measured. Theentire Universe is Maya. Light, sound, smell, taste, earth, water, fire, air-the whole world can be measure. So the whole world is Maya. Measure also is notthe same. What weighs on earth is different on the moon & at the poles. Whatcan’t be measured? Truth, love, consciousness. Beauty can’t be measured-part of sat, chit, ananda. World is Maya, owner of the world is Mayavi. Don’tget stuck in Maya. Think something bigger. All human values are beyond Maya.26/11/08
Q: Thank you, Maharaja. I feel better after meditation. I feel like crying,feel energy, very strong. Thanks for your blessing.
G: You are doing good. Don’t worry. You should become a teacher.
G: Om namah shivaya. 5 letters, very powerful. 5 elements- earth, water, fireair, & ether. Om indicates life force. That gives so much energy, protection tothe spirit. From thousands of years people have been using it. Food also plays an important role. Should not eat too much friedfood. Drink more water. First thing in the morning drink half a litre- 500 ml.to 1 litre, upto 11/2 litres of water on an empty stomach. Either warm or cold.It will keep you healthy, prevent diabetes, kidney problem, improvecirculation. Water has a lot of benefit. You must all drink. Morning bed tea- no good. No bed tea. First thing- water. It canhave some lemon & ginger. After half an hour of water then you can drink yourtea. Secondly, according to Ayurveda, hold your hand like a cup. Don’t ask methere is no upper limit! Your stomach can hold this much. Okay? Now avoid friedfood, deep fried foods- no good. Once a month is okay. Not everyday. See howmuch fried food you use everyday- no good. & vegetarian food is best. Todayworld over people are saying we should turn to vegetarianism. That can keep youvery healthy & strong.
Q: Why not to have garlic & onion?
G: Garlic & onion make you little dull. Creates tamogun. For meditators it’snot very good. For gastric problem- garlic, for heart problem- onion. But as aregular diet, take everyday I would not advise. It makes consciousness dull.
Q: I have very high frequency in my head. Is this phenomena good for me?
G: Ya, it’s good. Don’t overdo it. Always do under guidance. Otherwisethere will be a short circuit. You will lose touch with reality. Don’t do iton your own.
G: How this universe is filled with Prana, life energy. If you area goodmeditator, nothing can make you unhappy. Even if you are unhappy, itimmediately gets removed.
Q: On migraine problem.
G: Alternate nostril pranayama will help in migraine. Plenty of water &meditation. So many people have gotten over it.
G: If your stomach is clear, everything is better. Triphala cleanses yoursystem. 3 tablets with warm water or milk at night for 1-2 months. Your systembecomes very clean.
Q: If everything in your life is as per Karma what is the role of Grace?
G:Grace reduces true effect of bad Karma & raise the effect of good Karma.Parents went to an astrologer. He told them their son will be a great leader.Many cars will move around him. The son become a traffic policeman! So the lawis fulfilled, but good Karma remained very little. Atleast he got a job, he wasnot unemployed. If there is a Karma that a stone is hit your head, it didn’thit, but took your cap or turban away. That which came to the head, came to theturban. Still the law gets fulfilled.
Q: Does the memory store more of negative? I don’t remember what I study forexams but remember the insults I get.
G: It isn’t only the mind. That is why you should meditate. It gives you adifferent orientation.
Q: How to become Arjuna?
G: Arjuna means seeker of Knowledge. The fact that you are asking, you havealready become one.
Q: I have no desire. My only desire is to go on a world tour with you. Is itpossible & if yes in this lifetime?
G: Yes, yes. You can carry my asana & black bag.
Q: Can you please talk about patience.
G: Yes, later, Can you hold on for few minutes?
Q: Somebody has been crying during meditation. That has been bothering me thewhole day. There is so much worry in the world. Why doesn’t everybody joinArt of Living?
G: You have to do something about it. I have to do everything? You tell yourfriends. Bring them to the course. Don’t explain them too much.
Q: Is there such a thing as soul mates?
G: Well, I have no idea. One thing I know, you should first meet your soul. Ifyou haven’t met your soul, I don’t think you will even recognize your soulmate.
Q: Can thoughts be classified as positive & negative?
G: You don’t need to classify. Even if you classify, it doesn’t matter.
Q: Please bless me & my husband so that we are compatible. We have been marriedsince ’96….So as not to anger him, I still haven’t understood.
G: One secret for women. Always pump the ego of your husband. The whole maycall your husband dull & stupid, but you should say you are too intelligent.Just the fact that you don’t use your brain doesn’t mean you don’t haveit. Give compliments. Men should never step on the emotions of women. She maycomplain about your mother. You should never complain about her mother orbrother otherwise she will change her loyalty. She will start defending them.Always encourage a woman. Never say you brother or mother is like this….
Q: Dear Guruji, how to explain a teenager why they shouldn’t drink alcohol ortaste once to know.
G: teenage is a very impressionable age. If one gets addicted to something,it’s very difficult to get rid of it. It’s good to have a sense ofaversion. Certain aversions help you like a shield; especially teenage & early20’s. After you’re 30 it’s a different story. Create that sense ofaversion towards violence, towards killing, torturing animals, tobacco &alcohol. No need for everyone to taste tobacco or experience drugs. Certainexperiences can damage the nervous system.
Q: Aankhen kyon fadakti hain? Kya inse bhavishya mein honi wali kuchh buri…..Why do the eyes flicker? Does this indicate some future ill happening?
G: Prana ke sanchar se alag-alag anubhuti hoti hain. Dhyana, Om Namah Shivayase in sab par asar padta hain.
Q: What is the best way to personally interact with you? Whenever I try to comeclose to you, people stop me. I , too love to hear your answers.
G: Tomorrow, I’m going to be meeting you all in small groups.
Q: Which is better chanting or yoga?
G: Yoga gives you depth. Without that cleansing, just chanting is superficial.It’s like asking while watching T.V. should I first see or first hear?
Q: Why do you name your program Art of Living? Why not Art & Science of Living?
G: I didn’t give that name. It all just spontaneously happened. Someonesaid…. & someone came up with the symbol of the 2 swans & sun. Doesn’tmatter. As long as you appreciate it becomes an art. As long as you understandit is science.
Q: Guruji, for the first time I have seen my mind chattering& I am reallyfed-up. Seeing all this, I got a headache. It is so irritating. Can I ever bepeaceful? I just want to be blank.
G: If a particular thought is there, let it be there. Mind is like fire.Anything you put in fire, it just dissolves, purifies.
Q: I swear & curse a lot. Please talk about the power of words.
G: Often you are not sensitive to others. So we behave in ways & are very rude.Sometimes you hurt someone. The more you go in silence & meditation, yourealize the power of words. & how you can use it only in the positive sense. Itjust becomes your nature. Bad words simply can’t come out. At the most I havesaid stupid. I have never said a bad word to anybody, It would not come. Noteven in school & college days. As you move on the path of Knowledge, theysimply disappear from the vocabulary.
Q: Do you exist in more than one place at a time?
G: Yes.
Q: I am not able to find happiness in anything. Everything seems so pointless.I feel low.
G: Feel you are here for me. I have a lot of work to do on this planet beforewe all depart. Think that in your mind. Help me out.
Q: Keep me on this path forever. Last month I had a problem….
G: Once you come, there is no return from here. There is only 1-way traffic.
Q: What should I do if a friend of mine keeps stealing my friends from me. Shedoes this to every friend I get.
G: Steal your friend! Oh! Very serious. Tell your friend don’t steal myfriend but you can steal my mind.
Q: What do you look for in your followers? Does wearing white bring us closerto you?
G: I expect a smile in anyone who ahs done Art of Living. Confidence that neverwhithers away. Smile that never wanes. You don’t have to wear white clothes.You can wear coloured clothes or I would have ordered uniforms for everybody.It looks colourful.
Q: Hi dear Guruji!
G: Hi!
Q: Please can you speak about old people’s soul before they die they losetheir memory. My Nana is 96. He forgets that he had a lovely wedding to go to.Could that happen to very aware spiritual people? What is it like for thesesouls after they pass?
G: one of our teacher’s grandmother met with her own daughter & asked herwhere do you live? She gave her address. She said Oh! I also live in the sameaddress. She mentioned her father’s name. Grandmother said, Oh! My husbandhas the same name. Dementia. Selective memory. But who are you she is asking.I’ve not seen you before. The daughter went, Hey Ram! Doesn’t matter.Nature has made you like that. It’s just part of nature.27/11/08
Q: What is Self?
G: Self is not an object. Self is space, it is energy.
Q: If everything is God, what is your opinion about yesterday’s bomb blast.
G: These are man-made calamities. God is all goodness. When a person moves awayform God, then all this happens. Everybody has something to do. If miraclescould stop violence, it would have. The Mahabharata war would have stopped, butit didn’t.
Q: Guruji, what is the purpose of life?
G: To realize the highest truth. To know who you really are. When we all die, 2questions will come in front of us. How much love you have given in the world &how much Knowledge you have taken.
Q: How to get rid of bad thoughts?
G: Proper food & pranayama.
Q: Guruji, is it okay to have more than one spiritual teacher?
G: Respect everybody but walk on one path.
: Do you sense any special vibrations on this island than different parts ofthe world?
G: Bali has very good spiritual vibration, no doubt.
Q: Why are there so many religions? Does it mean that the newest is the best?
G: There are many religions, but one truth. Why don’t you ask me why thereare so many types of vegetables & flowers? Don’t think that the latestreligion is the best. Oldest is as good as new. In fact, in Vedic HinduSanatan, it’s a way of life. They accept all. What happened thousands ofyears ago, people heard & what they heard became Vedas. So, 1,000 Rishis,whatever they heard & compiled all became Vedas. Vedas have all the latestKnowlegde in it. You know, the Rishi who came to Bali, was Markandeya Rishi. AllBalinese are descendants of Markandeya Rishi. There is a beautiful story aboutMarkandeya. His parents prayed to God to get a son for them- a good , bright,brilliant son, they got a dream that God asks them what type of son you want?Very bright, intelligent, but his like will be only 16 years. Or you want abad, ruthless, disobedient son whose life will be 100 years- you choose.Parents, even though 16 years lifetime said we want a good son. So the parentswere worried. He was such a brilliant boy. On the 16th birthday, they werenervous. The boy prayed to Lord Shiva. When he was about to be taken away bythe God of Death, Shiva came & said, “No, you will live longer.” So,devotion, prayer could change laws of Karma. So this is when theMahamrityunjaya mantra was chanted by Markandeya which is very famous eventoday. There are lots of stories with Markandeya. There is a whole Purana. So,after several years in India, he came out to Indonesia & settled in Bali.That’s the story. More than 10,000 years ago. He was even before Sri Rama whowas 7,000 years ago. Sri Krishna was 5,000 years ago. Markandeya also wrote the“Durga Saptasati” In India, Chandi, Durga chanting is all written byMarkandeya.
Monday, December 1, 2008
India Asks Sri Sri Answers : On Economic Slowdown
CNN IBN has organized a question answer session with Sri Sri to answer common man's questions during the economic recession times. As usual Guruji answers in a simple yet firm manner with a smile. Here is the first of four clips. You can get the other three from the site. Enjoy viewing!
http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/78517/watch-now-india-asks-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-answers.html
Recipe for Mixed vegetable soup
Yummy Oatmeal
Recipe for Herbed Millet Potato Kichari
Recipe for Mixed green salad with steamed green beans & tahini dill dressing
Recipe for Kapha Pacifying carrot soup (raw)
Part II recipes
Overview
General Guidelines & Tips
1. Be in a calm state of mind when cooking. Have the intention that whatever you cook, and course participants eat, goes toward their spiritual development.
2. Everyday before cooking, please make sure you've had a bath, do puja THEN start cooking. Guruji's photo in kitchen is optional.
3. Personal hygiene – All cooks must have long hair tied back, nails cut. Women in their menstruation should not enter kitchen at all. (Use your discretion. If you are and there is no other option then just pray to gurudev).
4. Before prepping food, Course participants must have their nails cut and hands washed. Be conscious of touching hair, face etc. If you do please wash your hands again. If any injury, cuts etc. please do not touch food. You can do some other seva.
5. Have fruit, hot tea, Drinking water, Nuts and/or dates available at all times.
Before breakfast, set up almond milk, regular milk, honey etc. No bread or any heavy carbohydrates to be served.
6. Keep lunches light, as participants need to do meditation.
7. All meals are vegetarian. Also NO onions, NO garlic, NO eggplant, NO mushroom, No Soy sauce (Instead use Braggs amino)
8. Quantity Measurements. I usually measure for about 4 people, then multiply accordingly. For example if the menu calls for salad, salad dressing, Rice and Dal. So if you have to cook for 30 people, Rice: 1 cup for 4 people.
9. Find out if anyone is allergic to any foods or spices. Be careful in using these in the cooking. I usually do a certain process and take some food out for people before adding the spices etc that people are allergic to.
10. For VEGANS, please avoid all dairy in the food.
11. Cooks may taste the food. Take some quantity in a spoon, step outside the kitchen, taste. Throw the spoon in the dishwasher. No double dipping with the same spoon. Taste only if you feel you are not sure. Course participants are encouraged not to taste food while prepping. No singing also. (saliva)
12. All produce must be organic. No canned stuff. No leftovers to be served. All leftovers to be thrown or given away to non-participants. (Use wisdom)
13. Be creative. Go with the flow.
14. Pray before each meal.
"Saha Na Vavatu, Saha Nao Bhunaktu, Saha Veeryam Kara Va Vahai Tejasvi Na Vadhi Ta Mastu Ma Vidvishavahai. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti"
16. Right now in Seattle it is probably kapha time(cold and wet both) of the year, so a kapha pacifying menu is good. Incorporate more bitter, pungent and astringent tastes in your diet. Buy what's seasonal from organic farmers market and you cannot go wrong.
17. Use warming foods in your diet. Use less of dairy, nuts, seeds, sweets and heavy foods.
18. More lighter grains like quinoa, millet, couscous etc.
19. Winter spices are mustard, cumin, dry ginger, fresh ginger, cumin, peppercorn, black pepper, cloves. Use parsley and lemon juice generously. Use bitter greens, carrots, broccoli, celery, radishes, peppers, spinach and arugula.
20. Use salads: mixed greens, spinach, arugula, carrots, celery, bell pepper with herb dressings. Simple dressings using olive oil, lemon juice, seasonal herbs, salt and pepper
21. Use herbal teas with ginger, cinnamon and licorice good for this time of the year with cough/colds.
22. Should only use raw honey but since it's very expensive its better to go with maple syrup (grade A) or organic blue agave.
23. For 10 people probably use 8-10 cups of water and 2 cups of mung
Recipe Name: Cucumber Raita (Non dairy)
Type: Side
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Unit Cucumber (finely chopped) - 10
Lemon juice
Cilantro
Peanut powder 3Cups
Salt Curry leaves 1Cup
Cumin seeds
Ghee
Hing
Mustard seeds
Urad dal
Method
Chop cucumber, coriander finely. Toss all together. Don't cut this way ahead.
Lunch
Recipe Name: Italian Salad - Grape juice poppy dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Sweet Grapes (to make 4 cups of juice)
Olive oil (Formula is 1 1/2 -2 cups of oil for 1 cup of juice) 8Cup
Lime juice 1Cup
Poppy seeds 1Cup
Salt to taste 6TBS
Pepper 2TSP
Rosemary 4TBS
Water4 Cup
Romaine Heads 35
Radicchio 5
Method
Make fresh grape juice if possible. Wash and blend the grapes and strain the skin. Mix all the above ingredients and whisk it away in blender.
The above dressing goes well with Italian Salad green mix.
Recipe Name: Cumin Couscous with vegetables
Type: Salad
Ingredients (Done)
Serves 40
Whole grain Couscous (yellow one if not available)
1 box ~ .75 Cups 10Boxes (164g)Water (as per direction) Cumin Peas1.25LBS Carrots6Medium Winter squash like acorn3 or 4Medium Parsley Dried coconut powder Salt Pepper Olive oil (as per direction)…though a little less is good else the taste is overpowering
Method
Add oil to pan. Once heated add cumin (don't sauté as much as we do for Indian cuisine) Add vegetables. Saute it. Don't overcook it. Put water (boiling) over the vegetables and add salt. Immediately pour couscous and stir to make sure it is mixed properly. Put the lid, turn off the gas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Don't open the pot even if you are tempted to. Fluff up the couscous. Garnish it with coconut powder, parsley.
Dinner
Recipe Name: Tomato, black olive, chick pea stew
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Extra virgin olive oil10TBSWater CupsWhole peeled tomatoes15CupsChickpeas (Usually the measure is 5 pounds for 30 people)6.5CupsCured black olives – pitted2.5CupsCrumbled dried or minced oregano5TBSSea salt Black pepper White grapes juice or water1.5 CupsHing Ginger Lime juice to taste
Method
Soak chick peas overnight and pressure cook it with salt.
Using Dutch oven or other enameled cast-iron pot, heat over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is fragrant, reduce heat to medium-low and add water. Once its hot add tomatoes, chickpeas, capers, olives, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook 15 minutes more, or until heated through. Set aside, covered, until ready to serve.
Add lemon if required to give it slightly tangy taste
Recipe Name: Italian Salad with orange dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients:
Served 40
Italian Salad Mix greens5PacketsRomaine heads (1 head per person) 30 Radicchio 5 Diced cucumber4 Yellow bell peppers3 Shredded or cubed carrots5 Garnish with raisins Salad dressing Orange juice4CupsOrange zest8TBSMaple syrup Olive oil6Cups
1 cup of juice needs 1 ½ cup of olive oil and two table spoons of zest
Method
Dice bell peppers, cucumber and shred or cube carrots. Mix it with Italian salad mix greens and sprinkle raisins on top
Swish juice, zest, syrup and oil in blender.
Recipe Name: Delicata Squash stuffed with Quinoa
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Quinoa6.5 CupWater12.5 Cup (read instructions)
Salt2 TSPGround coriander2.25 TSPTurmeric1 TSPChopped cilantro2.25 CupDried currants2.25 CupPine nuts toasted and chopped1.5 CupRed Bell peppers 5 ½ Grated orange or lemon zest3 TBSSalt and freshly milled pepper Olive oil 8 1/2 TBSAsafetida Ground cumin 2.25 TBSGround cinnamon 2.25 TSPGround ginger 2.25 TSPDelicata squash 20 Pomegranate seeds 3
Method
Halve the delicate squash and scoop out seeds. Bake; face down, in 350 oven for 45 minutes. Serve filled with Quinoa Pilaf.
Rinse
the quinoa several times in a bowl of cold water to remove the saponin, draining it each time in a fine sieve. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan, add salt and quinoa. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the spiral of the germ is visible, 12 to 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, warm the oil in a small skillet. Add the asafetida, spices, and several grinds of pepper, and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt. Toss it with the onion mixture, drained quinoa, cilantro, currants, pine nuts, and citrus zest.
We garnished with a little chopped cilantro and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.
Day 3 – 21st November
Breakfast:
Recipe Name: 8 Grain gluten-free Cereal with dried fruit and nuts
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
8-grain wheat free cereal10CupWater (1:3 according to Deborah's menu)30 Cup (read instructions)
Gold raisins 1.5 Cups Pistachio nutmeats1.75 Cups Raw or roasted unsalted cashews 1.5 Cups Chopped apricots 1.5 Cups Cantaloupe 6 Grapes 2 LBS Blueberries 2Costco box Bananas 10 Raisins 3 Cups (Soak overnight) Almond Milk Rice milk Regular Milk
Bring water to a boil, stir in dry fruits and nuts, cook for 5 minutes, then add dry cereal, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. When all cereal is blended in and smooth, add remaining ingredients. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring continuously.
Serve with almond milk and maple syrup. Make fresh fruit available too.
Cut cantaloupe and mix cantaloupe, grapes and blueberries together. Mix a little bit of mint into it.
Cut banana into 3 pieces and serve.
Also soak raisins overnight
Lunch:
Recipe Name: Upma
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
Coarse grain Semolina9.5CupsGhee2CupMustard seeds4TBSSplit Urad dal10TBSCumin seeds5TBSChanna dal 6.5TBSCashew .75CupGreen beans3CupsPeas3Cups Carrots5 Cups Spinach leaves4BunchWater19CupsSalt TBS Lemon juice Curry leaves 1.5CupsGinger 4 Fresh coconut 1PKT
Method:
In a little bit of ghee Stir-fry the semolina in a large, heavy frying pan over moderate heat for 6-8 minutes or until the grains darken a few shades. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Heat the ghee
or oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately high heat. Sauté the black mustard seeds in the hot oil until they crackle. Add the channa dal, curry leaves, urad dal, ginger
and cumin seeds and saute them until they darken; add the chilies and, stirring, add all of the vegetables. Saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate and continue to cook for another 4 or 5 minutes or until the vegetables are limp and partly cooked.
Carefully add the hot water and bring to the boil. Add spinach and then add the semolina, stirring continuously. Add the salt; reduce the heat to very low, and half-cover with a lid, stirring often until the upma
becomes a light, fluffy pudding (about 10 minutes). If the upma
appears too dry, add a little warm water.
Remove the upma
from the heat, stir in the cashew nuts, coconut and fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with a sprinkle of lemon juice.
Recipe Name: White bean, greens and tomato Gratin
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Calculated for 15 people
Leafy bunch green Chard 6.5LBSKale Beet greens Olive oil7.5TBSGinger White beans7.5CupsTomatoes (Peeled, seeded and chopped)7 Vegetable broth2CupsDried thyme2TSPSalt2TSPCottage cheese Topping Fresh bread crumbs3CupsOlive oil3TBSSalt
Method
To make bread crumbs, whirl two or three slices of day-old French bread in a food processor or blender to fine crumbs.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch round or 10-inch oval gratin or baking dish. Remove tough stems from greens and rinse well. Stack greens and cut into thin strips.
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ginger and stir 30 seconds. Add greens and cook until tender, tossing often, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, thyme and salt and mix well. Spoon into prepared gratin dish, spreading evenly.
Topping: In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over top of greens mixture. Bake until hot, about 40 minutes.
Recipe Name: Sautéed green vegetables in Pesto
Type: Main
Ingredients
Serves 40
Broccoli 14 Lbs Green beans 5 Lbs Zucchini 9 Lbs Olive oil to Saute Basil 101Cups Pine nuts 5½Cups Olive Oil 7.5¾Cups Cashew 11/8 cupCupLemon juice2.5¼Cups Ginger 1 1 cmInch salt 1 Tsp Pepper 2 tbsp
Method
Sauté Green beans (cut into 1" lengths) with broccoli florets and zucchini. Cut zucchini into ¼" slices, sauté briefly in olive oil, then add broccoli and green beans to pan, sauté until all vegetables have changed color. Then add a little water and put lid on pan to steam vegetables until done. When vegetables are tender, remove lid, let remaining water boil off and toss vegetables with pesto.
Pesto: Mix all the ingredients and blend.
Dinner
Recipe Name: Kale & potato
Type: Salad
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Fingerling or small new potatoes6LBSCelery (replaced Onion)1BunchOlive oil17TBSGinger (replaced garlic) Chile pepper such as jalapeno (seeded and finely chopped)4SmallKale (torn into small pieces)4.5 LBS Lemon (replaced balsamic vinegar) 17 TBS Fresh Oregano 8 TBS Salt Ground pepper
Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In medium bowl, toss potatoes and celery with 8 TBS olive oil. Spread potato-celery mixture on baking sheet and roast until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes into bite-size pieces.
In large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger and chile pepper and cook, stirring often, 30 seconds. Add kale, potatoes and celery. Cover and cook until kale is wilted, 2 to 5 minutes. Add lemon, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly and serve.
Recipe Name: Coconut Quinoa Khichari
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Beans20 CupsQuinoa 5 Cup Baby spinach leaves20 CupsCumin seeds10 TSPTurmeric10 TSPDry ginger 10 TSPFresh ginger 10 InchPeppercorns Ghee 20 TBSWater CupsSalt and black pepper to taste Parsley to garnish Coconut to garnish
Method
Heat ghee in a large saucepan. When hot add the turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry ginger and peppercorns to it. When cumin seeds brown and mustard seeds pop add fresh ginger sauté for few mins.
Add all veggies except spinach and stir fry for 5-10 min or until vegetables are tender.
Add quinoa and water to it. Simmer for 15 min more or until quinoa cooked
Add cumin powder, salt and pepper to taste and lemon juice. Add spinach leaves. Take off the flame.
Garnish with parsley and coconut and serve hot.
Recipe Name: Masoor and Spinach soup
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Masoor 10 Cup Spinach 25 bunches lemon juice 8 TBSP ginger shredded 9 inches cumin powder 2/3 Cup coriander powder 1 Cup Salt TBS Pepper Red chilli powder Water 30 Cup
Recipe Name: Apple crisp
Type: Dessert
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Apples, sliced thin (20 count)1020CupsSuccanat2 ½5CupsWhole wheat pastry flour2 ½5CupsRolled oats.751.5CupGhee.751.5CupRaisins 1.53CupBaking powder, aluminum free 1.53TSPCinnamon 3 1/310TSPLemon juice .751.5CupWhole milk
Method
Spread the sliced apples in a 9X 12 inch pan. Add lemon juice and mix.
Sprinkle raisins and a cup of brown sugar on top
Add the cinnamon spice
Combine the butter, half cup of cane sugar, whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats and baking powder together. Cream with fingers till crumbly and semi sticking together. Use milk if needed.
Sprinkle this mixture on top of apple cane sugar mixture
Bake in a preheated oven at 375 for 40-45 minutes
Cut into serving slices and serve hot
Day 4 – 22nd November
Breakfast:
Recipe Name: Blue berry muffins
Type:
Ingredients:
Makes about 60
Butter ¼CupUnsweetened applesauce 2 ½CupSalt2 ½TSPBlue Agave 5 Cups Whole wheat flour 10 Cups Vanilla5TSPMilk2 ½CupBlueberries10CupsBaking powder5TBSWalnuts2.5Cups Gluten free Cereal 15Cups Almonds 2
Cups (soaked overnight)Raisins 3Cups (soaked overnight)Pumpkin seeds1.5 Cups (Soaked overnight) Bananas Pear20 Persimmons 15 Almond Milk 2 Regular Milk 2½ gallonRice milk 1 Butter
Method:
Preheat oven to 350Degree F
Line muffin cups with paper liners or spray with non stick spray ---- Instead of spray take olive oil in a bowl and with paper /napkin spread it on the muffins cups.
Mix all ingredients together until moistened
Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Each should be filled ¾ full.
Bake 35 minutes or until the tops are firm.
Cool on a wire rack.
Lunch:
Recipe Name: Saag soup
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40 people
Spinach11.5LBSGround coriander.25CupLarge red potatoes11 Water51CupsGhee ( A little more than ½)¾CupGinger (A little more than ½ cup)¾CupSalt (to taste)2Cups
Method:
Pressure cook the potatoes until tender. Cool, peel and keep it aside.
In a pan bring water to a boil. Add spinach to the boiling water and switch off the heat immediately.
Cover with a lid for 20 minutes. Strain the spinach. Allow it to cool.
Blend together the potatoes and spinach until smooth. Add water if required.
Take a pot and add ghee to it. When the ghee is heated add ginger and coriander and sauté.
To this add the blended mixture and salt to taste. Add water to get desired consistency.
Serve hot.
Recipe Name: Almond butter dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Italian salad mix Romaine 25 Radicchio 5 Cucumber10 Red Bell pepper5 Dressing Almond butter12TBSOlive oil3CupsLemon juice3/2CupBlue Agave9TSP Lots of black pepper Sesame seeds6TSPDry Oregano6TSP
Method
Mix all the dressing ingredients.
Adjust dry oregano as required.
Recipe Name: Pesto zucchini and squash pasta
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Medium size zucchini 40 Medium size yellow squash 40 Pesto Sauce Pine nuts 5 Cups Ginger 10 Inch Cilantro 5 Cups Fresh Basil5CupsLemon juice20TBS Bragg Liquid amino30TBS Coarsely chopped tomatoes20Cups Very Finely Chopped Red bell peppers for garnish2CupsVery finely Chopped yellow bell peppers for garnish 2 CupsVery finely Broccoli 1 CupFinely chopped Roasted walnuts2 Cups
Method
Shave zucchini and squash into ribbons (like fettuccini pasta) using vegetable peeler.
Purée pine nuts, ginger, cilantro, basil, lemon juice, liquid aminos and pinch of salt in food processor until smooth. Add tomatoes, and pulse until blended.
Toss squash ribbons with pesto. Season to taste with pepper.
Chop roasted walnuts, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and broccoli into very thin and fine pieces
Dinner
Recipe Name: Squash Soup
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 45
Butternut pumpkin (17)11.25LBSGinger chopped3.75TBSPMustard seeds1.25TBSPCumin Seeds2.5TSPFresh Coriander2.5TBSPNutmeg 1.25 TSP Turmeric 1.25 TSP Salt 1.25 TSP Lemon Juice 1.25 TBSP Lime juice
Lime and lemon can be replaced by a cup of apple juice2.5 TBSP Rice milk 1 Gallon Water1 Gallon Parsley for garnish3Cups
Method
1. Bake squash until very well done. Scrape pulp. (Should = 10-11 cups)
2. Sauté ginger for a minute in ghee and then blend to puree. Sauté black mustard seeds until they pop and then add other spices and sauté a few minutes. Add squash and sauté.
3. Add apple juice or citrus juices and then milk and water to get soup consistency
Wash and peel the butternut pumpkin. Cut into quarters and pressure cook with enough water until tender. Approximately 3 whistles on medium heat. Cool and blend into a smooth paste.
Take a pot and add ghee. When the ghee is heated add mustard seeds. When they pop add cumin seeds .when they turn brown add turmeric, coriander powder and fresh ginger. Saute for few mintues. To this add the blended pumpkin. Add nutmeg, salt.
Add citrus juices and then milk and water to get the consistency. Cook for few mintues.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Name: Couscous with dry fruits
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Instant couscous6BoxesRaisins 3 Cups Olive Oil 13 TB Ginger 6 TSP Cayenne 1.5 TSP Zucchini 6 Large Chickpeas 8.5 Cups Green beans 6 Cups Freshly ground pepper Salt Chopped pitted dates 6 Cups Cashews 4 Cups Parsley (minced) 3 Cups Mint leaves for garnish Serve Pita chips
Method
An adaptation of the Moroccan classic dish, this Americanized version melds sweet with savory and just a tinge of heat. Part of its charm lies with its handsome presentation, which shows off its many textures and colors. Feel free to make your own adaptations using golden raisins instead of black ones, and summer squash, fava beans or trimmed green beans for the zucchini and chickpeas. This meal-in-one calls for accompaniments of toasted pita triangles and a spicy hot or chilled tea, plus something exotic for dessert, such as a wedge of baklava or a dish of rose-scented Persian ice cream.
Directions
Using a large saucepan, cook grains with raisins according to package directions and with no added fat.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet over medium heat and when hot, add ginger and sauté. Add cayenne, paprika and zucchini and sauté 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and green peas, and season to taste.
Stir vegetable mixture into cooked couscous. Spoon into large serving dish, making well in center. Fill well with dates and cashews, and garnish dish with parsley and mint leaves. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Recipe Name: Oven roasted vegetables with lemon herb
Type: Side
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Zucchini10 Yellow squash10 Carrots10 Sweet Potato10 Olive Oil1.5CupBasil leaves1.25CupLemon juice5TBSPRosemary5SprigOregano5SprigAsparagus (can add)
Method
Cut zucchini, squash, sweet potato into thinly sliced rings.
Cut carrots into 1" pieces
Chop rosemary and oregano very finely
In a bowl whisk olive oil, lemon juice and chopped herbs
Add vegetables to it. Season with salt and pepper
Spread the vegetables on a baking pan
Preheat the over to 350 degrees and bake for 35-45 min till crisp and tender.
Recipe Name: Winter punch
Type: Side
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Cranberries20QTSWater20QTSMaply syrup5CupCinnamon sticks20 Whole cloves5TSPLemon cut into thin slices 5 Orange juice 1 Nutmeg Dash
Method
This winter punch will warm you up and is packed full of vitamin C from wholesome cranberries.
Cook the cranberries in water untill the skins pop. Strain through a sieve or blend in a blender.
Add maple syrup, cinnamon and cloves and boil 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add lemon slices and orange juice.
Reheat and serve hot, sprinkled with nutmeg.
Very easy to put together and it will be perfect for the course :)
Day 5 – 23rd November
Breakfast:
Recipe Name: 8 Grain gluten-free Cereal with dried fruit and nuts
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
8-grain wheat free cereal10 CupWater (1:3 according to Deborah's menu)30 Cup (read instructions)
Gold raisins 1.5 Cups Pistachio nutmeats 1.75 Cups Raw or roasted unsalted cashews1.5 Cups Chopped apricots 1.5 Cups Apples12 Bananas 15 Almond milk Rice milk Regular milk
Method:
Bring water to a boil, stir in dry fruits and nuts, cook for 5 minutes, then add dry cereal, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. When all cereal is blended in and smooth, add remaining ingredients. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring continuously.
Serve with almond milk and maple syrup. Make fresh fruit available too.
Cut cantaloupe and mix cantaloupe, grapes and blueberries together. Cut banana into 3 pieces and serve.
Also soak almonds overnight
Lunch:
Recipe Name: Lentil and Barley soup with vegetables
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
Organic Red Lentils6CupsOrganic pearled barley3.5CupOrganic carrots3.5CupLemon juice2LemonBaby spinach leaves6CupCumin seeds4TSPTurmeric4TSPGinger 4Inch Ghee 6TBS Water 35Cups Salt and black pepper to taste Cilantro 3 Cups
Method:
Wash and rinse red lentils and pearled barley 2-3 times .Pressure cook with enough water. Blend it so that it is smooth and not very grainy.
In a thick bottom pot add ghee. When hot add mustard seeds, when they pop add cumin seeds. When they brown add turmeric, peppercorns and dry ginger. Sauté for few seconds and then add fresh ginger. Saute for few minutes. Add little water and cook carrots in it.
Once the carrots are slightly cooked then add cooked dal and barley. To this add cumin powder, pepper powder and salt.
Allow it to boil adding enough water to get the soup consistency. Add spinach and lemon juice. Take the pot off the heat.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Recipe Name: Hummus wrap
Type: Main
Ingredients
Serves 40
Cooked chickpeas20Cup Tahini (Sesame paste)7.5TBS Fresh lemon juice7.5TBS Olive oil 2.5TBS Vegetable oil5TBS Ginger2.5TSP Cumin powder.625TSP Salt.3TSP Tomato10 Cucumber 15 Alpha Alpha or sunflower seed sprouts Whole grain tortilla 40 Chopped lettuce 6HeadsCilantro 4CupsTooth picks
Method
This is a vegan
• Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor (or do the 'chunky' version by mashing them with a potato masher or fork) and mix until smooth.
• Spread the hummus on the wrap and put chopped cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts and cilantro. Probably need tooth picks or something like that to keep it in place.
Recipe Name: Spinach Quinoa salad with cherries and almonds
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Sliced almonds3.3CupsQuinoa 10CupsSpinach leaves (not baby)13CupsFresh cherries or raisins 13CupsCucumber 10 Chickpeas (100 oz) ~ 7cups4lbsCelery 3.5CupsYogurt 1.5CupOlive oil 20TBSLemon juice 13TBSGinger 5InchAvocado 4
Method
Preheat oven to 350F. Spread almonds on baking sheet, and toast 7 to 10 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, or until golden brown. Cool.
As per instruction to cook Quinoa take enough water and bring it to boil over medium-high heat. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and cool, covered, in pot.
Lay 5 or 6 spinach leaves flat on top of one another on cutting board. Roll tightly into cylinder, then slice into slivers. Repeat with remaining spinach.
Toss together quinoa, almonds, spinach, cherries, cucumber, chickpeas and red onion in large serving bowl. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in small bowl. Pour over salad, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, then serve
Recipe Name: Chocolate chip cookie
Type: Dessert
Ingredients
Serves 40
Organic carrots15LBSBrown sugar (Succanat) Ghee1CupWhole milk Cardamom powder3TBSFinely chopped nuts Almonds Cashews Pistachios
Method
Wash, peel and grate the carrots.
Take a pan, add ghee to it. When heated add grated carrots to it and sauté.
Add whole milk to it till the carrots are soaked. Allow it cook on medium heat till it becomes tender stirring continuously. Once cooked, add sugar and allow it to cook till all the liquid is absorbed.
To this add cardamom powder and stir.
Place it in a serving bowl and garnish with chopped nuts.
Recipe Name: Bliss balls
Type: Dessert
Ingredients
Should make about 70
Unsweetened Shredded coconut powder3Cups 365 brand organic creamy almond butter 2 Cups Mejdool dates 15 Organic Thompson raisins 12 TBSP 365 Organic wildflower honey 4 TSP Organic walnuts 2 Cups Organic unsweetened coconut powder for rolling balls Walnut powder Almond powder
Method
Hand mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Divide into bite sized balls, Roll ball in organic un-sweetened shredded coconut
Roll it in walnut powder or almond powder or coconut powder
