BALAGOKULAM (HSS) AZ TIMES - February 2016 by Wishesh Magazine

VOLUME 2 l ISSUE 1

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 7

H I N D U

S WAYA M S E VA K

S A N G H

Balagokulam AZ Times H I N D U D H A R M A F O R K I D S, T E AC H E R S & PA R E N T S

SURYA NAMASKAR Sun Salutation

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

NAMAMI GANGE INTEGRATED GANGA CONSERVATION MISSION

THE RIVER, ITS POLLUTION AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO CLEAN IT ‘Namami Gange’, or National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is a $3.0 Billion ambitious coordinated river cleaning program launched by Government of India in 2014. NMCG projects focus on creation of sewage treatment plants and related infrastructure for stopping pollution caused by domestic/industrial sewage, and pious refuse.

Sewa with IDF-OI is soliciting philanthropic funds from Overseas Indians to fund ‘Namami Gange.’

Sewa International P.O. Box 820867 Houston, TX 77282-0867 Phone: (708) USA-SEWA EMAIL: NG@SEWAUSA.ORG WWW.SEWAUSA.ORG/PROJECTS/NG

India Development Foundation of Oversees Indians

LET US CLEAN UP GANGA

DONATE NOW!

Donations will be 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt

www.sewausa.org/Donate

wishesh digital

Disclaimer

12 16

Balagokulam AZ Times and/or HSS do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented in this publication. The information provided in Balagokulam AZ Times Magazine is for educational or entertainment purposes only.

Contents F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 7

Surya Namaskar SSV CAMP mAKAR SANKRANTI

Haldi Kum Kum REPORTERS person of the month HINDUISM Q & A story health tips

Balagokulam AZ Times news letter is community information purposes (non-commercial purpose) only for Balagokulam people in Phoenix, AZ and not intended for any other purpose nor for any other location. Content appearing in this News Letter if taken from other sources ( credits to source are given), respective content owners own the intellectual property rights to the material and Phoenix AZ Times cannot certify the accuracy of the material published from 3rd party sources including any on sourced/ linked publications/site.

06 12 14 16 18 23 24 26 27

Anyone using the information in Balagokulam AZ Times , whether medical, legal, business or other, does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify Balagokulam AZ Times and HSS, and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use. No Implied Endorsement : Balagokulam AZ Times news letter does not endorse or recommend any article on this site or any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to Balagokulam AZ Times belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Balatgokulam AZ Time and/or HSS, its staff or HSS related entities.

Events

HSS & Balagokulam’s Surya Namaskar (On January 14th to 29th 2017) HSS has organized the “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity” Yogathon from January 14th to January 29th 2017. As part of this 2-week event HSS has received Proclamation from various State Governors and city Mayors across U.S. In Arizona HSS had received proclamation from the Arizona Governor, City of Phoenix and City of Tempe. On January 29th, HSS Arizona had concluded the event at Daley Park in Tempe by doing 108 Surya Namaskars (sun salutation). Around 80 plus people around the valley joined together for the great cause. All the kids received participation certificate for doing 108 Surya Namaskars (sun salutation).

Eve

SSV Camp (On December 31, 2016) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA organized Sangh Shiksha Varg (SSV) for Karykartas of Pacific Southwest Sambhag. 55 Shiksharthi, 20 Shikshaks, 20 Prabandhaks and 28 kids participated in 8 Days Camp Julian, California between beautiful mountains & Snow. On Dec31,2016 - Jan1 2017 9 adults and 1 Kid had attended the 7 day Training camp (Sangh Shiksha Varg) in San Diego (Julian), CA .HSS-USA conducts 5 Sangh Shiksha Vargs a year in the Sambhag level. Each Varg has a Swayamsevak, Sevika and a Bala Varg (effective every year due to the increasing number young parents participation) run in parallel. The varg is packed with activities in a fun filled environment. WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

s Events Makar Sankrati (On January, 2017) Makar Samkranti is special for the BalaGokulam (Sangh) too. It is considered as one of the six utsavs that Bala-Gokulam focuses on. The Bala-Gokulam focusses on this utsav because it promotes brotherhood amongst all individuals which is the need of the time. It is the day of introspection and making resolves for the entire year.

ents Haldi Kum Kum (On January 21, 2017) Haldi Kumkum Ceremony Organized by HSS Arizona in Indo-American Foundation of Arizona Ekta Mandir & Community Center on January 21st, 2016 occasion of Makar Sankranti. Around 53 ladies participated in traditional attire and had cultural games & fun activities followed by potluck lunch. Haldi Kumkum ceremony, is a social gathering in India in which married women exchange haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion powder) but it also serves a great purpose of binding community through such beautiful, auspicious and very meaningful ritual.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Events

Surya Namaskar SUN SALUTATION

HSS has organized the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yoga for Health, Health for Humanityâ&#x20AC;? Yogathon from January 14th to January 29th 2017. On January 29th, HSS Arizona had concluded the event at Daley Park in Tempe by doing 108 Surya Namaskars (sun salutation). Around 80 plus people around the valley joined together for the great cause. All the kids received participation certificate for doing 108 Surya Namaskars (sun salutation). WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

As part of this 2-week event HSS has received Proclamation from various State Governors and city Mayors across U.S. In Arizona HSS had received proclamation from the Arizona Governor, City of Phoenix and City of Tempe. Since its inception, participants from 40 states actively took part via various Yoga Centers, community organizations, schools and colleges regardless of individual faiths

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

and beliefs, have participated and collectively performed over 4 million Surya Namaskars. Community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy life style.

Events : SURYA NAMASKAR

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Events : SURYA NAMSKAR

SURYA NAMSKAR By HSS

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Events : SSV CAMP

SSV CAMP By HSS

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA organized Sangh Shiksha Varg (SSV) for Karykartas of Pacific Southwest Sambhag. 55 Shiksharthi, 20 Shikshaks, 20 Prabandhaks and 28 kids participated in 8 Days Camp Julian, California between beautiful mountains & Snow. On Dec31,2016 - Jan1 2017 9 adults and 1 Kid had attended the 7 day Training camp (Sangh Shiksha Varg) in San Diego (Julian), CA .HSS-USA conducts 5 Sangh Shiksha Vargs a year in the Sambhag level. Each Varg has a Swayamsevak, Sevika and a Bala Varg (effective every year due to the increasing number young parents participation) run in parallel. The varg is packed with activities in a fun filled environment. Activities are conducted group wise and include physical (yogasana, games, martial arts, pyramids, samata, danda, etc), intellectual (boudhiks, stories, presentations, etc), ghosh (flute, drums, bugle), cultural night, etc. Each activity is designed to instill pride and confidence, learn more about Hindu Dharma, and develop leadership qualities.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Events : MAKAR SANKRANTI

Makar Samkranti is special for the Bala-Gokulam (Sangh) too. It is considered as one of the six utsavs that Bala-Gokulam focuses on. The Bala-Gokulam focusses on this utsav because it promotes brotherhood amongst all individuals which is the need of the time. It is the day of introspection and making resolves for the entire year.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Events : HALDI KUM KUM

HALDI KUM KUM By HSS

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Haldi Kumkum Ceremony Organized by HSS Arizona in Indo-American Foundation of Arizona Ekta Mandir & Community Center on January 21st, 2016 occasion of Makar Sankranti. Around 53 ladies participated in traditional attire and had cultural games & fun activities followed by potluck lunch. Haldi Kumkum ceremony, is a social gathering in India in which married women exchange haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion powder) but it also serves a great purpose of binding community through such beautiful, auspicious and very meaningful ritual.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Reporters

Hindu Sanghatan Through Weather Change - Ramya

(Once a Sevika, always a Sevika)

It was my very first SSV and I was all geared up and excited about it (of course, with a heavy heart after much contemplation and crying about leaving my son and husband behind for the holidays)! I had imagined so many ways of making an entrance into the camp, but the pure and glittering snow all around outdid them all! People were just arriving from various places, and were standing awestruck by the snow, shy to start talking with people they had never met. The day was moving very slowly and so was the night, since we were all in apprehension and suspense of what was going to come to us when it dawned. We were all up and about before the sun and our day started with a Chintan Sutra: “Go slow, but not low”, which was very appropriate, considering that things were going a bit slow because of

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

the snow, but it was not enough to deter us from teaching, learning or reaching our targets. Day 2 started with “Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshithaha” and we had a very apt Boudhik for this “Introduction to Hindu Dharma”. We learnt that each of us had to find his / her own Dharma or duty in this world. We were still sticking to talking to people from our own places or Vibhaag. For Day 3, we moved on to “Sewa paramo dharmaha”. By now, food serving and cleaning was to be taken in turns by each Gana on each day. This simple act made us realize that we could find Sewa even in our daily activities. By Day 4, we were starting to show signs of tiredness, but the day’s Chintan Sutra “Apne par vishwas, apno par vishwas, apne karyapaddhathi par vishwas” kept us going. Day 5’s “Har karya ke liye ek karyakarta, har karyakarta ke liye ek karya” taught us how our learning did not stop there, but was only our beginning of our journey towards

our karyapaddhathi. And by now, we were all quite out of our comfort zones and moving around with our Gana, not only during our sessions, but also during our break times, lunch and dinner. The thought of the upcoming exams and Pradarshan kept us even more closer and united! The constantly changing weather could have been an analogy in many ways: Shaareerik - hard and cold like the snow, but strengthening us; Food & Ghosh - the life-givers like rain, to our body and mind; Boudhik - the sunlight and energy (like the sun) enlightening our souls! It also made us realize that though we were all diverse in nature (like the weather), we were all gathered there at the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, towards one ultimate goal: Hindusanghtan and Vishwadharma!

asked what the SSV camp had meant to me. Somehow, all the superlative words that I wanted to say got stuck in my mind. So I came with the one that I had in my heart: “A month ago, if anyone had asked me if I could leave my son for a week so that I could be stretched in every possible way and freeze in snow, I’d have simply said NO. But, here I am, after seven days of what could only be called ‘superhuman power’ or ‘abnormality’, standing near the doors of our main hall, with a heavy heart, now, because I did not want to leave!

Dhanyavad

Last, but definitely not the least, none of this would have been possible without the Shikshaks and Vyavastha teams. They themselves were learning lessons to us in the way they worked together, tirelessly around the clock and with compassion for all, emphasizing the need of these qualities in a Swayamsevak. The Shikshaks also showed immense strength and optimism throughout (Ajayyamathmasamarthyam) and the Vyavastha team and Bala Shikshaks stood for their endless sacrifices, patience and sewa bhaav (thyaaga sewa vrathasyayam)! P.S. On the last day of the camp, someone

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Kid Reporters

My SSV Experience I was really excited about my first trip to SSV. Thinking about all the new people I was going to meet. I thought it was going to be like an army camp, but I was proven wrong.

After breakfast, we would practice Guru Ashtakam, and Ekatmata Stotra. We also did many interesting art and crafts, two examples are snowflakes, and greeting cards. We also had plenty of free time to play in the snow. We also worked on projects about Indian things. The project my team and I did was about Indian scriptures.

Even though there was a lot of snow, I never felt uncomfortable. The camp was very comfortable and the food was amazing, it felt like I was right at home. SSV was very nice experience, I learned many new things including the Vamshi a type of flute as my Gosh, and Thand.

Then we would eat lunch, which was very delicious, of course. We would practice the Vamshi and Thand after lunch. When we were done practicing Vamshi and Thand we would play a variety of fun games. When the games were finished, we would eat some snacks and would get some free time.

My daily routine as a baala went something like this, I would wake up in the morning around 6:45, and take a bath and would go to the baala room, to do some surya namaskars and yoga, and then I would head on to breakfast. The food, like I said before was amazing. There was everything you can imagine, bagels, poha, lemon rice, peanut butter, jelly, toast, etc.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

At around 8 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock we would eat a royal dinner and go watch a movie. The movies we watched were Disney animations, and some small mini movies about the Hindu culture. Around 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock our shikshaks would stop the movie and tell us to go to bed. The last two days were the samarop days. The second to last day was like a festival,

there were Sanskrit plays, to dances. Everybody was having a great time. The baalas did the Guru Ashtakam, and the shishus did a song. We also cut a new year cake. The last day was formal we all did pratyakishik with yogchap and thand. This was a very memorable experience for me as a baala, and I enjoyed this trip to SSV. If you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure about going to SSV,

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

trust me, everything is well taken care of at the camp. I had a huge stomach ache on the third day and they gave me ajwain water and medicine and I was fine.

Thank You. Mrityunjay Paudel (Shivaji Shaka )

Reporters

My SSV Experience - Shivram Paudel (Shivaji Shaka ) Namaste! My name is Shivram Paudel and I live in Scottsdale AZ and attend Shivaji Shakha regularly.

It was my good fortune that I got to attend 2016 SSV camp at Julian CA from 12/25/2016 to 1/1/2017. I was a Prathmik Shiksharthi (First Year student). SSV involved 7 days of Sharirik activities and Baudhik sessions and workshops. The schedule was created in a manner to ensure all round development of a person. Attending 7 days of SSV made me richer in terms of physical stamina, moral values, discipline and commitment. The camp taught us to be a good student by ensuring that all students develop below characteristics:

KakaChesta (Attentiveness)

BakoDhyanam (Focus)

SwanNidra (Riddance from lethargy)

GrihaTyagi (Treat community as family)

AlphaHari (appropriate eating habit)

Even though all students put in lot of brains and hard work in developing the above traits but the outcome could not have been accomplished without our shikshaks (Gurus or Teachers). Shikshaks were driven by vision and passion and knew how to impart training using the methodology followed by our rishis in gurukuls. Their humility and love for all also taught us to be humble and egoless and respect others and instilled positive confidence in us. Thereby making the verse “Vidya dadati vinayam” very true. Out teachers’ passion and dedication also taught us the importance of passing the learned values and techniques to others. SSV provided a platform for our personality development (Vyakti Nirman) so that as a swayamsevak we have no shortcomings and can provide selfless services to the community when needed. Since this was my first year and as we know “swadhyay maa pramad” the learning never stops and hence I look forward to attending SSV again. Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that all that we are and we have is for our land, Mother India, and our community. “Anen kriten bhagavati bhoomi devta priyetaam, na maama”.

Dhanyavaad WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Person of the month Satyaputra, and Pandya. He was successful in destroying the Nanda dynasty, which ruled most of northern India, at the young age of 20. Along with his chief advisor and Brahmin scholar, Chanakya, he seized the Macedonian territories and conquered the eastern territories of Alexander’s general Seleucus to add them to his empire. His empire stretched across Kashmir in the north to Deccan Plateau in the south and Afghanistan and Balochistan in the west to Bengal and Assam in the east. Nevertheless, he voluntarily left his throne and accepted Jainism, moving southwards to Karnataka.

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of the Mauryan Empire (340 BC - 298 BC)

Chandragupta Maurya, who founded the Maurya Empire, was one of the most important rulers in the history of India. He is credited for unifying small independent states to form a large single kingdom for the first time under one administration, leaving aside Kalinga and the Tamil regions of Chera, Chola,

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

His grandson, Ashoka, followed his footsteps in completing the pending conquest of Kalinga and Tamil kingdom in 260 BC. While Ashoka was a highly cruel and fierce initially, Chandragupta, on the other hand, was far less bloodthirsty. He married Seleucus’ daughter, which further enhanced his friendly relations with the Hellenistic kingdoms apart from improving India’s trade with the western world. By conquering most of the Indian subcontinent, he went on to establish one of the largest empires in Indian history, extending from Central Asia in the west to Burma in the east and Himalayas in the north to Deccan Plateau in the south. Source: http://www.thefamouspeople.com

Q&A

Hinduism Volume 12

Hinduism is the oldest religion of this world. During the period when people in other areas were hunting down animals, the great Hindu sages, holy men and Kings were leading their people in virtuous life by chanting the vedas, carrying out great yagas (yagna) and medical research in Sittha, Ayurveda and also in astronomy.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

Why does Hinduism have so many Gods? C ontrary to prevailing misconceptions, Hindus all worship a one Supreme Being, though by different names. This is because the peoples of India with different languages and cultures have understood the one God in their own distinct way. Through history there arose four principal Hindu denominations—Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism. For Saivites, God is Siva. For Shaktas, Goddess Shakti is supreme. For Vaishnavites, Lord Vishnu is God. For Smartas—who see all Deities as reflections of the One God—the choice of Deity is left to the devotee. This liberal Smarta perspective is well known, but it is not the prevailing Hindu view. Due to this diversity, Hindus are profoundly tolerant of other religions, respecting the fact that each has its own pathway to the one God. One of the unique understandings in Hinduism is that God is not far away, living in a remote heaven, but is inside each and every soul, in the heart and consciousness, waiting to be discovered. This knowing that God is always with us gives us hope and courage. Knowing the One Great God in this intimate and experiential way is the goal of Hindu spirituality. Elaboration: Hinduism is both monotheistic and henotheistic. Hindus were never polytheistic, in the sense that there are many equal Gods. Henotheism (literally “one God”) better defines the Hindu view. It means the worship of one God without denying the existence of other Gods. We Hindus believe in the one all-pervasive God who energizes the entire universe. We can see Him in the life shining out of the eyes of humans and all creatures. This view of God as existing in and giving life to all things is called panentheism. WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

It is different from pantheism, which is the belief that God is the natural universe and nothing more. It is also different from strict theism which says God is only above the world, apart and transcendent. Panentheism is an all-encompassing concept. It says that God is both in the world and beyond it, both immanent and transcendent. That is the highest Hindu view. Hindus also believe in many Gods who perform various functions, like executives in a large corporation. These should not be confused with the Supreme God. These Divinities are highly advanced beings who have specific duties and powers—not unlike the heavenly spirits, overlords or archangels revered in other faiths. Each denomination worships the Supreme God and its own pantheon of divine beings. What is sometimes confusing to non-Hindus is that Hindus of various sects may call the one God by many different names, according to their denomination or regional tradition. Truth for the Hindu has many names, but that does not make for many truths. Hinduism gives us the freedom to approach God in our own way, encouraging a multiplicity of paths, not asking for conformity to just one. There is much confusion about this subject, even among Hindus. Learn the right terms and the subtle differences in them, and you can explain the profound ways Hindus look at Divinity. Others will be delighted with the richness of the Indian concepts of God. You may wish to mention that some Hindus believe only in the formless Absolute Reality as God; others believe in God as personal Lord and Creator. This freedom makes the understanding of God in Hinduism, the oldest living religion, the richest in all of Earth’s existing faiths. 25

Story

Two Servants

This story is from the time when One day, Tilak Maharaj woke Tilak Maharaj and Dadabhai up early and saw Dadabhai Navroji used to live in England. sweeping the floor. They both used to live together in a rented house. Dadabhai enjoyed doing various chores. He used to wake up early in the morning and clean the house, fill the water containers, polish the shoes and then he would take a shower and continue with his daily duties. Everything would be neat and clean by the time Tilak Maharaj woke up. Tilak Maharaj thought Dadabhai must have hired a servant to come do all the work early in the morning.

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

“Hey! Why are you sweeping? Didn’t the servant come in today?” asked Tilak Maharaj. Dadabhai replied, “Which servant? We never had one to begin with.” Tilak Maharaj was shocked and asked, “Who does all the work in the morning?” Dadabhai started to laugh and raised both of his hands in the air. He then said, “These are the two servants! Where else would you find timely

and efficient servants? These servants do not ask for money and do not take holidays. God has given such an awesome gift so why would we need servants?” Tilak Maharaj felt inspired by Dadabhai’s words and actions. He straight away made a decision to do all of his chores himself and to not depend on others to do any of his work.

Source : kids.baps.org

Health Tips

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH

STRONG AND HEALTHY Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeth are forever. Otherwise, only if you had not been showing enough care to them, through the course of your life. It is not for nothing that the act of chewing gives such importance, both in the literal, as well as the figurative sense.

REGULAR VISITS TO THE DENTIST Regularly visiting the dentist is a must for the up keeping of your oral health. There may be formation of plaque in some discreet corner which, if left untreated, may turn into a severe case of decay.

Read on ahead and get to know about these ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy. You might just want to thank the internet, at a point in your life perhaps, when you may not need it any more. When you would still have some teeth to flaunt.

GRINDING AND CLENCHING Our reasons for doing it may be in plenty, but there is no legitimate justification that we may give to our teeth for grinding and clenching them.

TIPS FOR STRONG AND HEALTHY TEETH NOURISHMENT All the nourishment that we humans consume is through the mouth. What we are eating, effects our dental health, in ways we could not even imagine. FLOSS Flossing in the incorrect fashion, is much like trying to mow a football field with a pair of kitchen scissors. Flossing amounts to as much as 40% of your of total WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017 oral care.

SMOKING Smoking reduces the blood flow to the mouth, thus increasing the chances of contracting oral cancer, and periodontal disease. Tobacco, moreover leaves a yellow stain, and gives a bad breath. CHEWING GUM Chewing onto a gum, that does not contain sugars, and is mildly alkaline in nature, helps in maintaining the pH levels in the mouth. Source : www.healthspectra.com 27

INDIAN YOGA Yoga Pose of the Month

Yoga Poses for a

Heavy Stomach All of us tend to overindulge from time to time when it comes to satisfying the all consuming beast within us, which we may often refer to as the appetite. Keeping the above statement in mind, we bring to you a concise list of yoga postures that would let you a feel less heavy even after a sumptuous meal. Hit the mat some time after your lunch, and break a leg with these yoga poses for the heavy stomach. Yoga in general aids digestion. Yet the list below has that factor, when it is about getting your bowels moving. This is all about yoga poses after lunch.

Yoga Poses after Lunch

1. Balasana:-Also known as the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pose.

To perform this position, one needs to kneel on the mat, and sit back on the heels, as you go over your legs, touching the mat with your forehead, as your hands reach out in front of you. Enfolding the body, is known to massage the organs, and hence stimulate digestion. The pose is said to bring about a calming effect on the systems, bringing about sleep.

2. Supta Virasana This is also called the hero pose, and is done by kneeling on the may, with ankles wide apart as you gently perch on

your hips. The knees should be kept together, in order to avoid pains in the joints. Once you are comfortable, you need to lean back, until the back of your head touches the ground, or as far back as you may go, preferably with the hands in an overhead position. The posture is known to rejuvenate tired legs, and prevents bloating, due to the stretching action it has on the torso. Leaning back creates space in the frontal section of the body, thus catalyzing digestion.

3. Padangusthasana

Also known as the standing forward fold. This posture is performed by standing somewhat square, and folding the body forward from the hips. The knees may bend a little bit, in order to keep the spine straight. The final position of the asana is achieved, when the big toes are held with two fingers. Beginners may choose to touch the shins or the calves. The forward fold strengthens the digestive system, by taking pressure off the organs through a gentle inversion, thus aiding the circulation of blood. The fresh circulating blood brings abut digestion.

4. Trikonasana This posture is also known as the triangle pose. The legs need to be as far apart, up to at least a meter, for performing this posture. Point one of your feet towards the lateral direction from your body. With the same hand try to touch the ground, even as you twist your torso with the above arm raised vertically above your body. The positions need to be held for as many breaths, as you may. This posture is great for warming up all your muscles. The heat thus created, stimulates the digestive system, thus bringing about prompt digestion.

5. Parvritta visvavajrasana Called the double diamond twist, this posture needs to be performed by laying down on the mat, as you bring your right knee up to the chest, more across towards the left side, drawing and counting breaths in this position. The knee needs to be held down by the arm on the same side, while the one on the other side needs to be stretched out in the opposite direction. Hold the position, even as you draw and count your breaths. A pressure is built up in the abdominal region, which when released, brings about a rush of fresh blood in the region.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

hssphx@gmail.com

Balagokulam Every Child has the spark of divinity within... Balagokulam is a forum for children to discover and manifest that divinity. Balagokulam will enable children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots, learn Indian values in an enjoyable manner and make good friends.

• To facilitate children to appreciate, learn and practice Hindu way of life. • Instill pride and confidence in Indian children about their identity. • Character building and leadership skills among children. • Develop social awareness and connectivity in the society. • Stronger bonding among Indian children. • Awareness of our rich cultural heritage and traditions.

GAMES

STORIES

ARTS

CRAFTS

YOGA

BHAJANS

SHLOKAS

Vivekananda Shakha at Ekta Mandir 2804 W Maryland Ave Phoenix AZ 85017 (602) 790-9205 Kesari Shakha at 5955 W Ray Rd Suite #16 Chandler AZ 85226 (913) 484-1869

WISHESH DIGITAL | FEBRUARY 2017

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Jijamata Shakha at Deer Valley Village Apartment 3010 W Yorkshire Dr Phoenix AZ 85027 (937) 877-2242

Shivaji Shakha at Villa Salerno Apartments 17030 N 49th St Scottsdale AZ 85254 (602) 427-8863

Shakti Shakha at

Ram Krishna Shaka at San Valientine Apartment 2220 W Mission Ln Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 715-1001

16880 N 73rd Ave Peoria AZ 85382 (623) 330-0721