Hari Om! Parents,
We started with opening prayers, followed by chanting of Bhagavad
Geeta Chapter 2 verses 55- 59.
In the meditation section, we practiced forgiveness meditation by
bringing into our mind anyone we feel wronged by, but whom we must
forgive to feel free and light. It could even be our own self that we
need to show compassion for mistakes committed.
After a brief review, we explored the 3 gunas in Prakriti- Satva,
Rajas, Tamas. Satva- the quality of peace, reflection, creativity.
Rajas- that of leadership, action, organizing. Tamas- that of inertia,
laziness, following directions to carry out work. Within an
individual, through the day and through the years, there is ebb and
flow of all 3 gunas. Likewise, within any society, there are
individuals who are predominantly one guna and thus arises the varna
dharma- much misunderstood in the west as an unfair social construct
that treats humans unequally.
All societies have and need people who are thinkers, planners,
teachers- who invest their time and effort in learning and passing
that down to others. Such individuals are Brahmanas.
All societies have and need people who will organize teams, lead them
to execute given plans. People of valor who can take on the task of
protecting society. Such individuals are Kshatriyas.
All societies have and need people who know where and how to procure
resources, how to create wealth for all to benefit from. A great plan
and planner need resources for success. Individuals who create wealth
are Vaishyas.
All societies have and need people who will show up and do the actual
work, using the plan and resources.Such individuals are called Sudras.
An efficient system based on guna and karma has come to be understood
now only as based on birth and yes, wherever people are treated
unjustly, it behooves one to stand up and speak for them.
The class took an interesting survey to discern what guna is dominant
within each of us. Based on questions about preferences for food,
entertainment, friends etc. We can see our own gunas clearly. This can
help us to refine ourselves.
Our next class is on January 28th.
Pranams
Uma and Nirmala