To ramya: Q&A WITH SWAMIJI- Be Spiritual - be a giver !

[Guest guest]

ramya wrote:

Sadu Maa your message reminded me of a sweet practice that i think

they follow in many homes in India. Everyday when the mother of the

house does puja, she puts some money away for God. It is Dakshina -

for God who is sustaining and nourishing us in so many ways every

day, and for Gurus who teach us how to talk to God and do puja.In our

house it was a little blue-box -- it was called "God's box" and it had

"God's money" -- periodically, when we go to Temple, we put the money

in the donation box. If we are not able to go and know a neighbour or

friend who is going to the temple on a pilgrimage, we ask them to put

our money in the donation box.Sometimes, we make a sankalpa (like

Sadumaa is doign so beautifully) to give God a certain amount before

a festival (e.g. by Navarathri time) -- and we put aside for that

purpose every day. It is very beautiful and a lot of fun - like

planning a birthday party!!!! We are not helping God and Gurus as

much as God and Gurus help us to remember, play and talk to God - at

least that is my humble feeling.

Dear ramya ~ what a wonderful story, and what a great idea. I have a

little glass "box" with a lid on my counter. All my quarters go into

the "laundry money" drawer, and the rest of my change goes into the

little glass box. So far, when the box is full, I put it in the

appropriate wrappers, take it to the bank, and get the cash. I will

now designate my little glass "box" as my "guru box," and everything

there will be for Maa and Swamiji. Even though, when I send it, I may

add a bit more, still it is exciting to think about having this little

box actually having a purpose. And I love what you said about playing

and talking to God. I can't agree more. Sometimes it is the feeling

of playing with God that helps us keep our consistency in our

practice. Sometimes it is talking with God.

 

There is a store in town ... a "bazaar." It is the only place in town

that you can find anything Indian. I have gotten many lovely stickers

of Krishna, of Durga, of the OM, and I put them on my notebooks that I

keep for various purposes. I am going to have so much fun picking out

a new one for my "God Box." Thank you so much. Jai Maa , Jai Swamiji

~ Linda