LET ME BE A STAR My niece once asked me, rather innocently, “What do stars do?” At that moment, there were a range of thoughts running through my mind. How do you explain how a star is born to a 3 year old? So I cleverly distracted her with a cupcake – it worked, she forgot all about stars after that. About 2 months ago, the State Youth team started the STAR Program at SMK Sri Permata. STAR (Student Training in Attitude and Responsibility) is a remarkable program which aims to equip students with the necessary skills, values and motivation in everything they do, right from SPM, to university and beyond that. The STAR program has been done continuously for a few years now. This time round, we have 6-8 facilitators, most of whom are first timers. The STAR team has weekly sessions on
the first school period every Friday. Each session is a fun one, with games, discussions, and a debrief that follows. The students leave having a whole new perspective on the topic of the day, which covers a range of things, such as Perception, Goal Setting, Positive Attitude and others. Most importantly, the sessions are done in such a way, that we impart values and Love along with them. Last weekend, the STAR team had a half day camp with the students in SMK Sri Permata. The day started off well, with each of the facilitators handling one session. The aim of the camp was to set the momentum for SPM going, and therefore emphasise the importance of goal setting and positive attitude. It was a fun session for all, with full participation from the students. After each activity, we prompted the students to reflect on the inner
significance of what they had just learnt. Among the objectives of this camp were to help them understand letting go of their pasts, focusing on short term and long term goals, understanding will power, and having self confidence and a positive attitude at all times.
I replied her, very confidently, “ Well darling, that’s simple. They SHINE.”
Needless to say, with Swami’s grace, the camp was a success – the goals and objectives were met. The students went home confident, charged and ready to face the battle of SPM with full force. It was amazing to watch the transformation that happened in just half a day with the children – they left with determination and faith in themselves. That was what we had aspired to achieve. After the session, I sat and wondered, what exactly were Swami’s plans for these children? Why are we doing all this, for children we don’t even know, some who were completely uninterested in the sessions when we first started, and some who looked like they were literally forced to be here? What was our role in this plan of His? They are the real STARS. They were beacons of light, who just needed some reminders of their abilities and self confidence – just a little nudge in the right direction. Once they find that within themselves, our job here is done. And I could see that happening, slowly but surely. So today, when my niece asked me again, “What do stars do?”
Darshana is a budding environmentalist and the assistant youth coordinator of Bangsar Centre.
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Transformation - SSBC Bangsar,No 24. Jalan Abdullah.Off Jalan Bangsar.KL
BUILDING NEW BRIDGES As we welcome another New Year, here is a short allegorical story which has the power to brighten not just this day, but all the moments to come to create for us a great year ahead. Once upon a time, two brothers, Mart and Pete, who lived on adjoining farms fell out with each other. In all the years of trust and understanding before the rift, they shared each other‟s burdens, sought advice from one another, and lived in harmony and peace. It was the first serious rift in 20 years of farming as neighbours and good friends. They used to share machinery, trading labour and goods as needed without any hesitation. It began with a small misunderstanding which grew into an enmity, and finally, exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of uncomfortable silence. There were now seemingly unbreakable barriers between the two brothers. 20 years is a long time to cement any relationship and yet there seemed to be a reason for differences of opinion so much so that it resulted in a severance of ties. Days turned into months, and it was never the same again. Mutual anger and mistrust were thick in the air, and no effort was made by either of them to make amends. One morning there was a knock on Mart's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said, "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother, who felt he could use this man to get back at his brother without too much trouble to himself. “Sweet revenge” is what he mumbled to himself. "I do have a job for you. Do you see the creek at that farm? That belongs to my neighbour, who is my brother Pete. Last week there was a meadow between us. He took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. Do you see that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an 8-foot fence, so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The bitterness was quite plain in his voice, but the carpenter simply smiled and calmly said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger, and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." Mart had to go to town, so, he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and was off for the day. The skilful woodsman worked hard all day long - measuring, sawing and nailing. It was sunset when Mart returned, and saw that the job had been completed.
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Transformation - SSBC Bangsar,No 24. Jalan Abdullah.Off Jalan Bangsar.KL
Mart‟s eyes opened wide, and his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge. A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbour, his younger brother Pete, was coming towards him across the bridge, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done," Pete said warmly to his brother. The two brothers met in the middle of the bridge, with tears in their eyes, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said Mart. "I'd love to stay on," the warm hearted carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build...." Bhagavan Baba often tells us:
“When you are confronted with problems and difficulties you should not get upset, and become victims of depression which is a sign of weakness. In such a situation, you should bring tolerance and an attitude of forgiveness into play and should not get agitated giving rise to anger, hatred and revengeful attitude. You are embodiments of strength and not weakness. Therefore, in times of despair, fill yourself with the feeling of forbearance and be ready to forgive and forget. This quality of Kshama (forgiveness) is the greatest power of a human being.” Bhagavan wants us to lead a life of peace, forgiving those who have hurt us, and in turn, not hurting others. It is the Lord who is ever waiting to play the role of the „carpenter‟ in our lives, building bridges where there was and is mistrust and anger. This new year let us allow ourselves to feel the joy of forgiveness, and share it with others too. Just like our ever compassionate Lord who forgives us for our failings, whether we realise it or not, let us not dwell on events that pull us down. Let us trust the Divine Carpenter, and eventually become a skilful Divine Workman ourselves!
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Transformation - SSBC Bangsar,No 24. Jalan Abdullah.Off Jalan Bangsar.KL
Bhagavad Gita class is held at Bangsar Centre every Saturday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Admission is FREE! For more information, contact Mr.Rajoo @ 0162208250
I n c o n j u n c t i o n wi t h S wa m i s 8 5 t h b i r t h d a y, council has made pledge to chant a number of G a ya t h r i m a n t r a s . The centre has now taken the initiative to c o n d u c t G a y a t h r i c h a n t i n g e ve r y T h u r s d a y a t 8 p m . T h e s e s s i o n wi l l t a k e a n h o u r , wh e r e t h e G a ya t h r i m a n t r a i s c h a n t e d 1 0 8 t i m e s . T h e chants of each individual goes into the pool of G a ya t h r i c h a n t s f o r S wa m i â€&#x; s 8 5 t h b i r t h d a y. D o b r i n g a l o n g yo u r f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l i e s a n d t a k e p a r t i n t h i s b e a u t i f u l s e s s i o n wh i c h i s h e l d e v e r y T h u r s d a y.
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Transformation - SSBC Bangsar,No 24. Jalan Abdullah.Off Jalan Bangsar.KL
Weekly Bhajans Bhajans are conducted at the centre every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Blind Home Visit This is done every Wednesday at 2.30pm where devotees go to a blind home located in Brickfields and help out in any administrative work etc. Seva @Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, Kuala Kubu Bahru Every Sunday, devotees from the centre go to a home in Kuala Kubu Bahru to perform Seva which includes helping to bathe and clean occupants of the home, provide food, clean the vicinity etc. The van leaves the centre at 12.30pm each Sunday. You can bring your car and follow along if you are unsure of the location. Bal Vikas Classes Bal-Vikas classes are conducted in the centre free of charge every Saturdays from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to take part in the classes. Teen Youth Sessions Teen Youth are young youths from the age of 15-18. Sessions and activities are generally conducted at the centre on Sundays starting 3.30pm. Those born between 1991 and 1994 are encouraged to participate. For more info, kindly contact Kuna 012-396 3106 or Roshini 017-6988 659 Bhagavad Gita Classes Bhagavad Gita classes are conducted in the centre free of charge every Saturday at 4.00pm. The class is conducted by Bro.Ashok from the Geetha Ashram in PJ Veda Chanting Classes Veda Chanting Classes are conducted at Bangsar Centre every Saturday at 8.30am. The classes started in the 2nd week of February so it is still not too late for you to join! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE ACTIVITIES, KINDLY CONTACT BRO.RAJU (012-2567403) OR BRO.RAVI (012-3990489)
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Transformation - SSBC Bangsar,No 24. Jalan Abdullah.Off Jalan Bangsar.KL
If you talk while taking food, the digestive system will be spoiled. Once the digestive system is spoiled, several diseases will confront you. Before partaking your food, pray to God silently keeping your eyes closed. Take your food in silence in a calm environment. Do not howl, talk and chit chat while taking food. Do not cry or laugh too. Do not entertain worry before or while taking food. These are some of the precautions to be taken to lead a happy life.