The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year where nature is in full bloom. On Wednesday, June 20th, the Birla Center will be holding its monthly meditation at its healing center in Chénéville. Come and celebrate Mother Earth.

Vishnu is one of the gods of the Hindu trinity whose role is to preserve and protect the universe. The Summer Solstice is a very important time to invoke Vishnu to help and preserve Mother Earth. This New Moon in Gemini will also be a good time to meditate in order to remain peaceful and reflective, especially with our loved ones at this time.

We are holding a monthly meditation here at our center, provided to help support yours, as well as our continued spiritual growth. The progress you are likely to make during this upcoming year, ushered in part through the group meditation, will improve if you maintain your focus and dedication to meditate consistently throughout the coming months. Consequently, as we are living in tumultuous times, this would be a great time to initiate a spiritual meditation practice – if you haven’t done so already.

Mark this date in your calendar. These monthly meditations can become, a special, and memorable occasions to share some time with like-minded individuals, and to recharge your spiritual batteries, helping you instill greater peace of mind in the midst of a hectic life. You can return home, better equipped to face daily challenges in a more serene manner.

If you cannot take part in person at our center in Chénéville, you can still join us in meditation from the comfort of your home. Though not ideal, in terms of the benefits gained from participating in a group meditation, synchronizing your home meditation with that of ours here at the center provides a fellowship whereby we are all together on a similar spiritual quest.

Please note that our group meditations are free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

Next Meditations at the Birla Center

Sunday, July 22  - Sun in Leo
Friday, August 31 - Blue (full) Moon
Monday, September 29 - Harvest (full) Moon
Saturday, October 29 - Full Moon
Wednesday, November 28 - Full moon and lunar eclipse
Friday, December 21 - Winter solstice and Christmas meditation

The Birla Center will be holding its next monthly meditation on Saturday, May 5th at its retreat center in Chénéville. Come and celebrate the full Moon in Libra. It is a very auspicious time to embark upon cultivating healing powers, intuition, and, above all, integration of body, mind and soul. Referred to as Guru Poornima in the Indian panchang (ephemeris), traditionally, this full moon provides the opportunity to connect with your teachers, gurus and “guardian angels” in order to seek their blessings. In turn, the students offer them their love, devotion and commitment, as a sign of loyalty, in the form of gifts to God to attract all-round prosperity. The practice of meditating on the full Moon brings fulfillment in all respects of our life.

We are holding a monthly meditation here at our center, provided to help support yours, as well as our continued spiritual growth. The progress you are likely to make during this upcoming year, ushered in part through the group meditation, will improve if you maintain your focus and dedication to meditate consistently throughout the coming months. Consequently, as we are living in tumultuous times, this would be a great time to initiate a spiritual meditation practice – if you haven’t done so already.

Mark this date in your calendar. These monthly meditations can become, a special, and memorable occasions to share some time with like-minded individuals, and to recharge your spiritual batteries, helping you instill greater peace of mind in the midst of a hectic life. You can return home, better equipped to face daily challenges in a more serene manner.

If you cannot take part in person at our center in Chénéville, you can still join us in meditation from the comfort of your home. Though not ideal, in terms of the benefits gained from participating in a group meditation, synchronizing your home meditation with that of ours here at the center provides a fellowship whereby we are all together on a similar spiritual quest.

Please note that our group meditations are free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

Next Meditations at the Birla Center

Wednesday, June 20 - Summer’s Solstice
Sunday, July 22  -  Sun in Leo
Friday, August 31 -  Blue (full) Moon
Saturday, September 29 -  Harvest (full) Moon
Monday, October 29  - Full Moon
Wednesday, November 28 - Full moon and lunar eclipse
Friday, December 21 - Winter solstice and Christmas meditation

The Birla Center will be holding its next monthly meditation on Friday, April 6th at its retreat center in Chénéville. Come and celebrate the full Moon in Virgo. It is a very auspicious time to embark upon cultivating healing powers, intuition, and, above all, integration of body, mind and soul. Referred to as Guru Poornima in the Indian panchang (ephemeris), traditionally, this full moon provides the opportunity to connect with your teachers, gurus and “guardian angels” in order to seek their blessings. In turn, the students offer them their love, devotion and commitment, as a sign of loyalty, in the form of gifts to God to attract all-round prosperity. The practice of meditating on the full Moon brings fulfillment in all respects of our life.

We are holding a monthly meditation here at our center, provided to help support yours, as well as our continued spiritual growth. The progress you are likely to make during this upcoming year, ushered in part through the group meditation, will improve if you maintain your focus and dedication to meditate consistently throughout the coming months. Consequently, as we are living in tumultuous times, this would be a great time to initiate a spiritual meditation practice – if you haven’t done so already.

Mark this date in your calendar. These monthly meditations can become, a special, and memorable occasions to share some time with like-minded individuals, and to recharge your spiritual batteries, helping you instill greater peace of mind in the midst of a hectic life. You can return home, better equipped to face daily challenges in a more serene manner.

If you cannot take part in person at our center in Chénéville, you can still join us in meditation from the comfort of your home. Though not ideal, in terms of the benefits gained from participating in a group meditation, synchronizing your home meditation with that of ours here at the center provides a fellowship whereby we are all together on a similar spiritual quest.

Please note that our group meditations are free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

Next Meditations at the Birla Center
Sunday, May 20:New Moon in Taurus and Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, June 20: Summer’s Solstice

Maha Shivaratri, generally referred to as Shivaratri, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a night of worship to pay homage to Lord Shiva, the force behind all transformation and growth. Shivaratri means Great Night of Shiva and is an extremely auspicious time to meditate, pray, and recite mantra to invoke Shiva’s presence in our hearts.

Legend

Several legends surround the origin of the Shivaratri. One of them recounts the story of a hunter who was looking tirelessly for a prey in order to feed his family but to no avail. In the evening, he climbed up a tree to spend the night. He started plucking its leaves and throwing them on the ground, hoping to attract an animal. A doe came but pleaded to the hunter to let her live so she could see her family one more time after which she promised to return. The hunter agreed to let her go. The doe returned, this time with a male deer who asked the hunter that he be killed instead. The hunter took pity on them and, despite his hunger, spared their lives. Unknown to the hunter there was a Shiva Lingam - a representation of Lord Shiva used for worship in Indian temples - under the branch he was sitting on. The hunter had unwittingly worshipped that lingam by sprinkling water and throwing leaves on it. When he had pardoned the deer family even in dire hunger, he had pleased Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom.

This festival  takes place every year beginning on the night before the new moon of the 11th or 12th month of the Hindu calendar*. More specifically, celebrations occur on the 13th night and follow through into the morning of the 14th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha).
This year, at our center, the Shivaratri will be held on February 20th.

Celebrations during the Shivaratri consist mostly of mantra recitation. A fire ceremony is traditionally performed as an integral part of the celebrations. During the proceedings, individuals in groups of 3 are invited to be seated in front of the hoven, a ceremonial fireplace, whereby ahutis, offerings of sacred herbs, are put into the fire. This activity not only symbolizes the burning of karma but, according to Vedic texts, eliminates negative traits in our temperament, character and behavior.

As the ahutis are being offered, the entire assembly simultaneously chants specific mantras, chosen for the occasion. During Shivaratri, we will focus on the Maha Mrityunjaya, one of the mantras of Lord Shiva. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra helps release our consciousness from the restraints of any limiting patterns of thought and behaviour. It sets the stage for greater freedom of self-expression. Specifically, this mantra is recited when we need strength to meet a challenge, attain a goal or overcome any blockages that may be interfering with our well-being. A phonetic transliteration will be given to help you pronounce the mantra correctly.

At least one mala, the equivalent of 108 recitations of a mantra, is completed for each mantra that is being recited. Using a rudraksha mala* during the Shiva mantra recitation can bring even more potent results. Rudraksha beads, from the rudraksha tree have a mahogany-like color; they are said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva.

*Malas are available at the Birla Center

Part of the Shivaratri celebrations also includes ahutis, offerings made by pouring milk over a Shiva Lingam as the Shiva mantra is being recited.

The Shivaratri celebration will be held between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Additional Information

The tradition of reciting mantra, while offering sacred herbs into fire, is an especially powerful ritual to burn old karma and invoke the favor of Lord Shiva for the year to come. The custom is to clasp the right forearm with the left hand while holding a pinch of the sacred herbs with the fingertips of the right hand.  As you end each repetition of the mantra, for instance Aum Namah Shivaya Swaha, sprinkle your offering of herbs gently into the fire upon saying the last word Swaha.

At the end of the celebration, a tilak, a red paste - also made of sacred herbs - will be placed at the point between your eyebrows, indicating the 3rd eye. This symbolic gesture is meant to ignite spiritual awareness. In addition, a moli, a bracelet made of string that is dyed red, will be tied around your right wrist as a symbol of commitment to remain joyful and contented in body, mind, and soul throughout the year. In closing, Kheer, a sweet Indian dessert, will be served to everyone.

Celebrants are advised to bring their meditation cushions or blankets to sit comfortably on the floor. Chairs, however, will be available for those who prefer to sit off the ground.  Everyone is invited to bring a devotional offering of a fruit and a flower during this auspicious occasion.

Please note that this activity is free. To reserve your place and/or your accommodations, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

* The months of the year are based on the lunisolar calendar governing the spiritual life of Hindus; an extra month is inserted once every three years.

Upcoming meditations at the Birla Vedic Center

Thursday, March 8: Full Moon and International Women’s day
Friday, April 6: Full Moon
Sunday, May 20: New Moon in Taurus and Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, June 20: Summer’s Solstice

On Saturday, January 21st, the Birla Center will be holding its New Year meditation. This auspicious event can be seen as a steppingstone, helping set a “spiritual tone” for the upcoming year as we venture into 2012. Please refer to last month’s newsletter for more information on this event.

These monthly meditations can become, a special and memorable occasions to share some time with like-minded individuals, and to recharge your spiritual batteries, helping you instill greater peace of mind in the midst of a hectic life. You can return home, better equipped to face daily challenges in a more serene manner.

Please note that our group meditations are free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

Next Meditations at the Birla Center
Next month we will celebrate Shivaratri, also known as Maha Shivaratri, one of the most important festivals in India. It is a night of worship to pay homage to Lord Shiva, the force behind all transformation and growth. Shivaratri means Great Night of Shiva and is an extremely auspicious time to meditate, pray, and recite mantra to invoke Shiva’s presence in our hearts.  

Mark the following dates in your calendar:

Monday, February 20: Shivaratri
Thursday, March 8: Full Moon and International Women’s day
Friday, April 6: Full Moon
Sunday, May 20: New Moon in Taurus and Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, June 20: Summer’s Solstice

On Saturday, January 21st, the Birla Center will be holding its New Year meditation. This auspicious event can be seen as a steppingstone, helping set a “spiritual tone” for the upcoming year as we venture into 2012.

We are holding a monthly meditation here at our center, provided to help support yours, as well as our continued spiritual growth. The progress you are likely to make during this upcoming year, ushered in part through the group meditation, will improve if you maintain your focus and dedication to meditate consistently throughout the coming months. Consequently, as we are living in tumultuous times, this would be a great time to initiate a spiritual meditation practice – if you haven’t done so already.

Mark this date in your calendar. These monthly meditations can become, a special, and memorable occasions to share some time with like-minded individuals, and to recharge your spiritual batteries, helping you instill greater peace of mind in the midst of a hectic life. You can return home, better equipped to face daily challenges in a more serene manner.

If you cannot take part in person at our center in Chénéville, you can still join us in meditation from the comfort of your home. Though not ideal, in terms of the benefits gained from participating in a group meditation, synchronizing your home meditation with that of ours here at the center, provides a fellowship whereby we are all together on a similar spiritual quest. Please note that our group meditations are free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

Meditation at the Birla Center

As you may not have as yet experienced one of our events, a fire ceremony is traditionally performed as an integral part of the ceremony.

During the proceedings, individuals in groups of 3 are invited to be seated in front of the hoven, a ceremonial fireplace, whereby ahutis, offerings of sacred herbs, are put into the fire. This activity not only symbolizes the burning of karma but, according to Vedic texts, eliminates portions of it.

As the ahutis are being offered, specific mantras, chosen for the occasion, are chanted simultaneously by the entire assembly. Typically, one mala, the equivalent of 108 recitations, is completed for each mantra that is being recited. For example, the Gayatri mantra will be recited for peace of heart; the Maha Mritunjaya mantra for health; and the Ganesha mantra in order to remove obstacles in our path. Consider that, according to ancient scriptures, each of these time-honored, potent mantras have been used successfully for centuries. A phonetic transliteration will be given to help you pronounce each of these mantras correctly.

We suggest that you bring your own meditation pillow, shawl and mala beads. As the meditation will be held between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, it would be best to find a comfortable “corner” by 5:15 pm.

At the end of the celebration, a tilak will be placed at the point between your eyebrows, indicating the 3rd eye. This symbolic gesture is meant to ignite spiritual awareness. In addition, a moli, a bracelet made of string that is dyed red, will be tied on to your right wrist as a symbol of commitment to remain joyful and contented in body, mind, and soul throughout the year. In closing, Kheer, a sweet Indian dessert, will be served to everyone.

This month, the Birla Center will be holding its monthly meditation on Friday, November 25th at its retreat center in Chénéville during the Solar Eclipse. Eclipses are particularly auspicious and powerful times to embark upon cultivating healing powers and intuition. In addition, it will be a new moon in Scorpio. As there will be a rather challenging combination of planets with the intense Moon in Scorpio, it will be a good time to meditate in order to remain peaceful and reflective behavior, especially with our loved ones during this intense weekend.

The progress we are likely to make in our spiritual efforts, ushered in part through the initiation of a group meditation, will improve if we maintain our focus and dedication to meditating not just from time to time, but consistently. To this end, and to help support your continuing practice, we are holding a monthly meditation at our retreat center in Cheneville. Consequently, as we are living in tumultuous times, this would be a great time to initiate a spiritual meditation practice – if you haven’t already done so.

If you are unable to come in person to our center, you can still join us in meditation from the comfort of your home. In this way, you can help spreading healing vibrations through the power of group meditation in order to promote world peace and betterment of life for everyone.

Please note that this activity is free. To reserve your place and/or your room, call us toll free 866.428.3799.