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Bonding with the Lord of My Heart

                  Sivaratri is different from any other festival, because
                  one is encouraged to go inwards, whereas in other
                  festivals there is an outward movement in terms of
                  activities and socializing. Swami Sharadananda has
                  pointed out the methods of observing Sivaratri to
                  gain the maximum benefit out of it as a spiritual
                  seeker. Even activities like puja, havan and visit to a
                  temple are geared to the inward movement, a
                  withdrawal into the Self for the auspicious vision of
                  the Supreme.
                     Chinmaya Mission offers us many retreat centres
                  with the right ambience and facilities for a secluded
                  stay for spiritual sadhana. Many of us can benefit by
                  setting aside time for a periodic retreat, a special time
                  to be with oneself, in the same way as we set aside
                  time for a holiday with the family. It can be a time
                  when I am exclusively communicating with my
                  unseen partner in life, the Lord of my heart. It can be
                  a time when I watch the Sun rise, smile at Him and
                  talk to Him, for the Sun and the Moon are the eyes
                  of the Lord. It is a time for bonding with Him. Just
                  like any other relationship, we need to spend time
                  with each other to strengthen the bonding.
                     Once we taste the joy of this divine communica-
                  tion, we can do this at home also, undisturbed by the
                  myriad activities, setting aside some quiet time for
                  oneself. The easiest method is to get up a little earlier,
                  before the demands of daily activities set in. With
                  practice, we can remain in upavasa – in the company
                  of the Lord, in the realm of our thoughts, wherever
                  we are.



        Tapovan Prasad                 7                    February  2018
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