a small thing facilitates a big thing

[Guest guest]

a while ago, swamiji mentioned how much he planned for his first

lengthy sankalpas in india. he indicated the planning itself was

significant. this made a dent.

 

here we go, we have a week ahead of us this month. tonight i am

taking a moment to look at the schedule.

 

first and foremost, i need to coordinate with family. i have a sign-

off so to speak, but there are incidentally some events going on

simultaneously i can't avoid.

 

under purpose the online chandi retreat document says, one of

them is to possibly jump-start a sadhana after the retreat. that

sounds like me; since we moved i have not had the regular practice i

had built up over the last 6 months or more.

 

every night at 6 we will meet online it says. very cool, that is 8

pm texas time. i hope it can work for y'all. at the mandir it will

be 6 pm.

 

august 23 is a welcome session at 6 mandir time. and we end at 7 pm

aug 27. that is a week, a monday to a friday.

 

they mention important texts, beginner shiva or durga puja and

Chandi Path. there is also mention of some videos -- i have the

books, not the videos [meeting a modern saint, and, the meaning and

method of worship.] i think there is time to get them. there are

also 2 audio titles mentioned, I believe I might have them.

 

i am looking at the daily routine. it starts at 4:00 am. by 8:00 am

there has been meditation, yoga, puja, recitation, etc.

 

i am wishing to ask soon "maa, what is meditation to you?" or more

exactly, "what meditation do you wish devotees to do?" ...

perhaps it is described in a book, or swamiji, or someone else can

say.

 

time is allowed for both seva and rest. very nice. also, malas of

japa during lunch time.

 

walking or other exercise is also included ... good!

 

7-10:30 pm is all sadhana, spiritual video, and includes dinner and

attending to items of the temple. 'lights out' time is nice and

early, i do believe if i follow this i will get some nice rest and

be very refreshed after!

 

it says, participants will be sent an e-mail re: details for

recitation, etc. there is mention of on-going japa as well as

silence, reduced speech. take care of bills first. real good idea.

 

there are some wonderful suggestions for seva; you might like to

read them.

 

food -- it talks a little about vegetarian diet, not a fast.

 

this is very nice, i suggest y'all read it, and get a jump-start on

the jump-start! I am interested in sharing any preparation

challenges; I know I will have them myself.

 

steve