2

Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Willesden

220/222 Willesden Lane London

NW2 5RG UK

Tel: +44 20 8459 4506

www.shreeswaminarayan.org.ukEmail: info@shreeswaminarayan.org.uk

Charity number: 266260

- Willesden Temple

Contents2.

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12.

Shibir

IT courses

Academy update

SFL report

Interview with

Comic

Heath in focus

Past times

Hinduism and Hellenism

Recipe

Full production of the SSTW Newsletter

developed by the youth Academy to better

educate our community of the greatness our

Swaminarayan Sampraday has to offer

Printed by Saloria Printers

SSTW NEWSLETTER

Shibir 2012

On Your Marks...

Get set...

Go...!!!

n a day to day basis it is important to Various activities are organised by the youth at gain knowledge and acquire skills, as SSTW and they are always looking for Othis will help develop a person's life, be something new to keep us entertained and be

it in education, career path, sports or in religion. close to God. Coming to the point, like every Knowledge gained and the skills acquired will other year there is a Shibir organised during always follow wherever one goes and can be Easter.incorporated into our lives. The knowledge gained in Mandir from the The aim of our theme for this year's Shibir is to Scriptures, Saints and Devotees can be put to realise our own potential and how we can we practise into our lives. Coming together as one can make a difference. Many out there think unit, builds strengths individually. You not only that you need to be religious to take part in gain knowledge about religion at Mandir but Mandir. This is not the case because remember also get the opportunity to build on you you have to be humane before anything else interpersonal skills. Every individual has and this also includes before being 'religious'.something to offer in terms of exchanging knowledge and skills. Some of these skills help This year's Shibir topics will be based on how us in finding good jobs, give us positive fortunate we really are and the realisation to recognition in society, exploit the hidden talent this, we are so entangled within Maya and some within us and most important of all, help us to of us have no realisation of how fortunate we lead a good life and teach us how to be a human. are. Maybe it is because we have not been

made aware of this mere fact. Following on our In the past, there were no fun based activities luck, we will see how Satsang has developed when it came to Mandir. Mandir solely revolved over the years and how we can continue to it. around listening to Katha and doing Seva. We Our Future is in Our Hands... are fortunate that the world of technology and our thinking has broadened, and we are now Above is just an overview of the aim of this able to do fun based Satsang related activities year's Shibir, it will be portrayed and illustrated that enhance our Satsang, getting us closer to via interactive presentations and activities. Also the Almighty Lord Swaminarayan. We are other activities such as games & quizzes, sports blessed and should feel privileged to be born in and more will take place. So, want to hear more the Swaminarayan Sampraday, but do we about: realise how lucky we are?

On your marks… Get set… Go…!!! Then come join us for a fun filled Easter Shibir.

th6-7 April

Pick up a form in Mandir or check our

website out for more details.

3APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI

Basic IT CourseDue to high demand SSTW will be running a Basic IT Course. The course is aimed towards adults of any age that have no experience of using a computer. The course will give users the basic knowledge of how to use a computer. The topics we cover in the course are:

· Switching the computer on/off· Using Windows 7· Transferring files· Using Microsoft Word· Navigating the Internet· Using Gmail to send/receive emails· Using Facebook

The course lasts for approximately 8 weeks and is held Every Sunday at 4:30pm in Gujarati School. To register your interest please contact Gujarati School or fill out an application form available from the Mandir Office.

Undecided about what to do next after Academy has proven to be the perfect platform University, confused about which A-Levels or to showcase your talents.GCSE's to pick? Don't panic we are here to help Today's climate is very tough and competitive you. It is important to remember that you are not where many students even with degrees are

finding it difficult to obtain a workplace. The alone, there are many who don't have any idea common phrase which stands out in this day of on what direction to take. However, there's age is, “It's not what you know it's who you always a helping hand. Given the number of know”. This expression refers to the importance professionals we have attending every Friday, of networking which can open a wide range of there is an opportunity to seek guidance and help doors for your career path.when it comes to making those key decisions in Moreover, we aim to highlight the essential life

academia and career. stskills required to make you shine in the 21 century. Employers and Universities strongly

Satsang development will always be our central emphasise their selections upon time-

objective, however SSTW Academy is also multi-management and communication skills. So come

faceted in that it also aims to promote and help and join us on Friday's to start your character

develop other skills. Whether it's learning how building process and gain an insight on the

to play Tabla or Dhol, enhancing your football different paths you can take to build your future.

techniques, building confidence in public speaking or utilising your Photoshop skills; SSTW

Turn over to read more...

4 SSTW NEWSLETTER

youthacademyupdateOur Youth Academy is an interactive Recently, we've had Maharaj's Other presentations we've covered

session held every Friday evening Apprentice Season 3 judged by Bhuj are Cake Wars, where teams had to

from 7.00pm – 9.00pm, starting with S a n t o s a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l design cakes from what they had

an hour of sports followed by an hour photographers. The activity was a learnt, video presentations created

of Satsang. As an Academy, we have follow up from our past seasons of by the youth, treasure hunts, quizzes

published articles in the previous Maharaj's Apprentice. Our theme and many more.

editions of The Newsletter on what was “A Picture Tells a Thousand

we have done and carried out in our Words” and our activity was to take a Our recent off site visits have been

Friday sessions, also building our single still image of what Our very successful. We have had Laser

foundations stronger enabling us to Sampraday is and pitch it to the Quest for the girls and the lads

become closer to Maharaj. Previous judges with the reasoning behind it. favourite 2 hours of Football at Goals

activities we have carried out are Once the task was set the groups in Alperton. The girls trip to Laser

Kirtans got Talent, Treasure hunts, were thriving to go, everyone was Quest was fantastic, all the girls had

D e b a t e t o p i c s , I n t e r a c t i v e thinking what exactly can we capture an awesome time and had such a

presentations, Apprentice tasks and to portray this and how can it be laugh, looking around during the

many more. effective. quest all you could see was the unity

between the two individual teams;

We aim to engage the youth through orange and green, they both meant

different types of media and business! The boy's recent trip to

presentations. The power of Goals was a success, starting off the

multimedia has had some excellent Deadline day was near, the evening football with over 80 guys singing our

use where teams have created and was approaching and pitches were weekly Friday Prathna - Naman Hu

p r o d u c e d f u n , i n t e r a c t i v e being finalised. During the evening Karu. The whistle was blown and the

presentations mixed with practical each group presented their image games began. Overall all the boys had

activities. Attending Academy not and pitch to our judges and audience. fun in their element, football!

only helps one to gain knowledge in All groups had amazing concepts and

Satsang but also to gain general images which got everyone thinking Come down and join us communication skills and adapting about what an amazing Sampraday every Friday 7.00pm - their personal skills and attributes in we are actually in. After all the 9.30pmpresenting and team work, also pictures were shown and pitched it

taking on leadership skills as they go was that time... You're Fired or Your

along. Hired.

We aim to engage the youth through different types of media and presentations

5

SFLReportrom watching it on Sky Sports, importance of respect, fair play, I have learnt the importance of team playing it on the PS3, or taking discipline and team work. Saturday work and how playing and training Fpart themselves in the local afternoons were more than just together has helped our relations to

park, Footbal l is very much kicking a ball around for a couple of develop stronger. something close to the hearts of hours. Additionally, in this age of many of our SSTW Academy boys and increasing levels of obesity and What have been the highlights?is a common ground for all regardless decreasing number participating Travelling on our away matches to of age, the team they support or sports; we felt as a Mandir and a our other UK temples.ability on the pitch. About 18 Youth Academy; i t was our months ago, SSTW decided it'll be responsibility to promote the What is your personal goal for next very beneficial to utilise this shared message of healthy living and active season?passion, and provide the facilities lifestyles amongst what is according Scoring from the half-way line. and resources that will allow these to many a Facebook/YouTube/Call of guys to enjoy the sport they follow Duty generation. with such ardour. It provided a n o t h e r fa c et o f W i l l e s d e n Since its inception, we feel SFL has Bhavik Kerai - Head Coach "I'm really Academy's burgeoning development come a long way in not only utilising impressed with the way the lads have and ensured youngsters could attach and honing the technical and played. They have shown great themselves to the Mandir through a physical skills of these boys, but commitment and their technical different medium. It was always strengthening the bond between abilities have improved immensely. imperative that Satsang and Football them and ensuring the foundations Above all they're playing together as would co-exist and not be mutually of Willesden Academy remained a unit; we definitely have a promising exclusive. Whatever was learnt on a strong. We have also encouraged future ahead of us.” Friday should be translated onto most of all to enjoy playing the game; pitch on the Saturday; and vice versa. to enjoy being around fellow Whether it's going the Mandir in the Bhakto's. morning for Darshan, or reciting Prathna prior to kick off – Bhagwan As with any new project, there is We are very delighted with our Shree Hari is always central to always a steep learning curve, youngsters who have managed to everything we do. potholes and oversights. There is link their strong enthusiasm for

always room for improvement. football with Satsang and their However by speaking to those that Temple. make up SFL, it is clear that our development will continue and we will continue to reap the benefits with persistence and hard work.

From detailed training sessions, and What have you personally gained drills focused on improving skills, to from it?talks and discussions about the

Coach assessment

M a n d i r co m m i tte e m e m b e r assessment

Above all they're playing together as a unit; we d e f i n i t e l y h a v e a promising future ahead of us

Anil Patel – Midfielder

APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI

6 SSTW NEWSLETTER

Interview with

Teachers1) What is your role in the Bal Mandal? 7) What kind of activities do you do to keep the children

interested?

2) When did Bal Mandal start?

3) How many children do you have attending Bal

Mandal?

4) How many teachers work with these children?

5) What do you enjoy most about your role?

6) What are the main aims of the Bal Mandal?

8) What do you hope for in the future?

“We like to teach the kids about Ghanshyam

Maharaj and His Charitas. We teach the basics of “We do many different activities to keep the children

how to do Pooja, and the importance of Murti's interested, some of these include:

and Kirtans. We teach as much as we can about • Aartiour culture and our Sampraday” • Thaal

• Prayers

• Kirtans“About 6 years ago” • Ghanshyam Bal Charitra (story telling).

We work through planned time-table which include:

• Questions & answers“Currently we have 50 children and there are still • Explanations of why and how we do thingslots joining throughout the year” • Puzzles

• Colouring

• Quizzes“We have 5 classes with two teachers in each. We We play games which the children are familiar with also have one spare teacher who floats around so such as “Ghanshyam says” / ”Kalidutt says” (Duck that is 11 in total” Duck Goose) and Musical Chairs.

We also set weekly homework so parents know and take part in what children are learning in Bal Kendra.

“We enjoy singing, playing games, telling stories We celebrate festivals as they come. In the past we and learning new things with the children. have had a movie night watching Krishna cartoons Everything is based around Ghanshyam Maharaj celebrating Janmashtmi. We have also learnt about and our Satsang” Bhakta, Prahlad & Holika. This lead into a grand Holi

celebration.”

“We aim to teach the children about Ghanshyam

Maharaj, His Leelas and the purpose behind His “We hope to have more kids to join and encourage incarnation. We teach the importance of parents to be committed by regularly bringing their following our Satsang by way of good behaviour kids to Bal Kendra. The children are our next and respecting all. We teach to do Bhakti by generation and we would like to give them the means of Pooja, Praying, Aarti, Darshan, Kirtans, opportunity to learn about our beautiful culture and Jap-Mala, etc to get closer to God and go to our peace giving religion”Akshardham. We teach the importance of daily

reading & follow the rules of the Shikshapatri. We

help children recognise the of Murti's of Bhagwan

and explain why we should observe Ekadashi,

Ramnavmi, Janmashtmi etc.”

Bal Kendra

“Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we

speak”EPICTETUS (Article on the art of Listening)

Remember this article from our previous Issues? For a recap on some of our great Newsletter articles check out our website

7

Feeling of peace, bliss, focused, energised... Good start to the day don’t you think?For a guide on how to do pooja see http://www.bhujmandir.org/pages/daily-pooja

APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI

8 SSTW NEWSLETTER

IN FOCUS: TUMERIC

urmeric a key ingredient in Health Benefits of Adding Turmeric remodelling of damaged skin. any Indian dish and has Turmeric paste is also believed to This diverse spice has numerous Tsignificant history in the improve the skin tone and tan.health benefits; it is a potent

Swaminarayan Sampraday. Many natural anti-inflammatory that divine and memorable Utsav's, works as well as any anti-

Furthermore, Turmeric is also a Leela's and feasts have been inf lammatory medic ine but natural pain reliever, with a performed using this spice. without any of the side effects. It is soothing and calm effect on

Turmeric originates from the root very useful in the treatment of individuals and has long been used

of the Curcuma Longa plant which psoriasis and other inflammatory in Ayurveda as a treatment for

has a tough brown skin and a deep skin conditions. Also its anti-depression. Also by adding

orange flesh. This herb has a very inflammatory properties, allows it turmeric to your food, it aids in fat

interesting taste and aroma. Its to be a natural alternative metabolism and helps in weight

flavour is peppery, warm and bitter treatment for arthrit is and management, as it is a natural liver

while its fragrance is mild yet rheumatoid arthritis.detoxifier.

slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, to which it is related. When

Moreover, it is a natural antiseptic not used fresh, the rhizomes are References:and antibacterial agent, useful in boiled for several hours and then

http://www.whfoods.comdisinfecting cuts and burns. It dried in hot ovens, after which they speeds up the wound healing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmericare ground into a deep orange-process and ass ists in the http://www.healthdiaries.comyellow powder commonly used as a

spice.

Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian Ayurveda m e d i c a t i o n . Tu r m e r i c w a s traditionally called "Indian Saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange colour and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Its therapeutic qualities, has recently been highlighted in a research report which has caused its popularity to rise, with the leading commercial producers of turmeric being India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica.

“Haidar” in Gujarati, “Haldi” in Hindi.

9

hreeji Maharaj preformed He sat on a seat in the courtyard and Ref: Chaar Dhaam ni Yatra.

many Leela's in this village. looked towards the rooms of the SThere are many Chatri's house. There, in one of the rooms,

where Maharaj had dinner at He saw wooden and iron idols This Leela teaches us that if we are

devotee's homes. On one occasion decorated with Sindoor. After to be Staunch Devotees of

Maharaj went to Natha Sutaar's seeing them, Maharaj asked, "What Swaminarayan Bhagwan, we do not

house. He prepared 1.8 kg's of fresh is the need for Me to be here, if need to follow Tantric Gods and use

chillies and added them to the there are so many Gods here Tantric Magic, Incantations, Spells,

Kadhi (A Yoghurt Curry), which was already? So for this reason, We will Mantras or involve ourselves in any

made for Him and He started His not be eating here, We will go back type of Sorcery. We do not need to

meal. Natha's Mother served Him to Our residence." Hearing this involve ourselves in false beliefs and

however much He wanted and Dahiba's husband Lavji said "Oh believe in the spirits. All solutions to

Maharaj continued eating. After Maharaj, why are You going?" life's problems are solved by our

eating, He prepared Himself to Maharaj replied “I do not agree in Swaminarayan Bhagwan and His

leave and got to the outskirts of the false beliefs, either keep Me or keep Teachings. Using this wisdom and

village, Sutarbai also went to the the other idols". Then Lavji said, understanding, we can overcome

outskirts with Him and said, "Oh "Oh Maharaj, whatever You say will the greatest suffering, thus do not

Maharaj, you were going to stay, so happen". need to waste time and energy

how come You are leaving so soon?” Maharaj then said to him that, " The elsewhere.

Maharaj replied, "Because you did tuft of hair you have at the back of

not fully feed Me all the Kadhi, I your head (Choti) needs to be

decided not to stay, but if you feed removed, you must remove all

Me all the Kadhi, I shall stay." Tantric/ Black Magic, incantations,

Sutarbai said, "I realised that there Spells Mantras, dramas and sorcery,

are too many chillies in the Kadhi and all other false beliefs, don't do

and thought that Maharaj will find it any of that, and don't shake your

too hot, thus, I filled half of it and head violently under the influence

placed the rest in the cupboard." of evil spirits anymore. From today,

Shreeji Maharaj said that He would your artificial tantric magic and

come back only if He got to eat the Mantras will no longer be effective,

rest of it. Sutarbai agreed and and these Idols need to be placed in

Maharaj went back to their home the waters."

and ate the rest of the Kadhi and The Brahmin Lavji tied a bundle with

s t a y e d t h e r e . T h e r e a r e the idols inside and placed them in

Charnavind's placed on this spot the nearby lake. He then returned

where you can do Darshan. home and fed Maharaj. Maharaj ate

Similarly, Maharaj went to many and then returned to His residence.

devotee's homes in Mankuva for The Brahmin also ate and went to

dinner with His Parshad's and He see Maharaj, a barber was called

stayed in the village for 15 days. there and Lavji's hair was removed.

On another day, a Brahmin invited After bathing, he was initiated and

Shreeji Maharaj to his house for became a staunch devotee of

dinner, so Maharaj graced his home. Shreeji Maharaj.

Moral of the Leela

APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI

Mankuva

10 SSTW NEWSLETTER

HinduismTwo of the most vibrant, advanced and good and evil are linked through a courage, and wisdom. In the same

complex traditions are that of the blood-line of some sort. While the manner Goddess Athena a l so

Hindus and ancient Greeks. Their Devas and the Asuras were fathered by personifies these similar attributes of

religions were correspondingly called Kashyap, the Gods and the Titans are intelligence. Both Goddesses are often

Hinduism and Hellenism. These two related through Cronus. In return, depicted as a beautiful woman dressed

cultures existed in different parts of the there is a constant struggle between in pure white, and are also associated

World and were separated by great good and evil in both spectrums. with a bird as their companion..

distances, and yet there are some Throughout the time we can see the

amazing similarities between their Devas and Gods tricking their opposites Kartikeya Dev is the Lord of War and

fables and deities. This article is aimed during instances when they require the Victory and his Greek counterpart is

at highlighting a few of them. Titan's or the Asura's help. Lord Ares, they are both portrayed as

strong, harnessed in bronze, golden

The Hindu deities of Svarga referred to Indra Dev is the King of the Devas helmeted and carrying their prized

as Devas represents good, while their residing atop of Mount Meru just as weapon, the spear.

opposites are the Asuras. (Bearing in Lord Zeus is his counterpart in the

mind this does not include the Greek faith residing on top of Mount Surya Dev and the Greek God Apollo

triumvirate Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu Olympus. They are both responsible for are the Sun deities symbolising light

or any of His incarnations who are controlling the sky and thunder; and the truth. They both drive through

considered superior.) In the same way, similarly they share the same weapon the Heaven in a triumphal chariot

the Greeks have the Gods of Mount the Vajra also known as a thunderbolt. harnessed by seven horses. They also

Olympus and the Titans as their chief preside over Sunday or Ravivaar as

tormentors. The interesting fact in both Saraswati Devi is the Goddess of seen in Hindu terminology.

these traditions is that the forces of knowledge, embodying perfection,

AND

Are you sure its vegetarian?Check our website under the media section for a full list of suitable products

11

Kama Dev is the God of love; he is Amrit or Ambrosia, it's often depicted

represented as a young, handsome as nectar conferr ing age less

winged man with green skin who immortality upon whoever consumes

wields a bow and arrows. In the same it.

way the Greek God of love, Eros is also

depicted in the very same manner.

Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural

female beings and their Greek

counterparts are the Nymphs. They

are both portrayed as youthful and

elegant, and superb in the art of

dancing. They Apsaras are often

wives of the Gandharvas, the court

musicians of Indra. They dance to the

music in the palaces in the Heavens, Reference

whereas the Nymphs are typically

associated with a particular location

or landform such as springs and rivers.

However, they both have the charm to

entertain and seduce deities and men.

Both Devas and the Olympians share

the same celestial drink known as

H i n d u G o d s a n d G o d d e s s e s .

Mylapore: Sri Ramakrishna Math,

19871997

THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY, Exploring

Mythology & the Greek Gods in

Classical Literature & Art.

Vachanamrut ClassLife is a long journey that is best lived in continuing to develop oneself and learn to be better human beings and souls. Come to our in depth sessions understanding our rich vedic culture and teachings in the sacred texts of the Vachanamrut.

EVERY WEDNESDAY8 - 9 P M A T T H E TEMPLE PRAYER HALL. FREE.

Hellenism“Yoga is the practice of

quieting the mind”PATANJALI

Join the weekly Yoga sessions on Mondays (Ladies) and Wednesdays (Gents) between 8-9pm. Held upstairs in wedding hall.

APRIL 2012 - HARI JAYANTI

THANKS FOR READING. DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE YOUR NEWSLETTER

Ingredients250g Vegetable Fat (Cooken Brand)14 Tablespoons Milk Powder 10 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder250g Icing Sugar (Tate 'n' Lyle is recommended)1 Pinch of Salt

Note: Please ensure that the Vegetable Fat you use is

Vegetarian as non-vegetarian ones also exist. Also,

some icing Sugars contain egg/traces of egg, so please

check before you buy!

Vegetable fat – Brand Cooken available from Morrisons

which is stored with the butter

Method1. Melt the vegetable fat and filter with a clean cotton cloth.2. Mix all the dry ingredients together.3. Add the vegetable fat to the dry ingredients, (it will look runny).4. Take baking tray, and place baking paper on-top before pouring in the ture.5. Let it set in the fridge or freezer. Freezer will give you a harder outcome.6. Offer to Maharaj and experience the bliss by letting them melt in your mouth.

mix

Note: You can also use the paste to cover your biscuits, make rice crispy cakes or even decorate your cakes.To ensure ease of breaking nice cubes, after it has set, you can run a knife through it to make the required cube sizes before placing in fridge.Alternatively, you can use chocolate moulds to make a variety of shapes and sizes

ChocolateHOW TO MAKE: HOMEMADE

Chocolate with Red/Blue Berries White Chocolate with Hazelnutand Almonds

Additional possible flavourings:

Hazel Nuts, Raisins, White Chocolate (instead of

the above 10 spoons of cocoa use milk powder),

Almonds, even fruit like raspberries, blueberries,

etc, just add them to the dry mixture.