Conquer Your Mind to Embrace Growth: Bhakti Diwas 2023

Bhakti Diwas (Jan 1) is a wonderful time to evaluate our progress and set actionable goals for the upcoming year. However it is only when we manage the mind that we can make meaningful progress on our spiritual goals. To control difficult mental negativities we have to be patient and tolerant of our own weaknesses, while striving to contemplate on the right knowledge and uplift ourselves. It is important to remain motivated through this journey.

Managing the Mind: Patanjali Yog Sutra Lectures by Swami Mukundananda

Devotees worldwide have gathered for the Annual Winter Sadhana Retreat at JKYog India Headquarters and Ashram, JKU Banara, Cuttack from Dec 25-31. Swami Mukundananda has been lecturing on the Patanjali Yog Sutras - 196 aphorisms written by Maharshi Patanjali to discipline the mind in order to practice spiritual sadhana and attain God. We present a few key takeaways from his ongoing lecture series:

• Self discipline or "anushasan" is the bedrock of spiritual advancement.
• Controlling and purifying the mind is what constitutes the science of "Yog". Upon complete purification the seeker become situated in divine union or "Yog".
• The mind overflows with waves of various disturbing emotions. It is the responsibility of the seeker to consider themselves not as the body, but as the soul and dissociate from the mental negativities.
• Mental states can be altered with the right knowledge. Such knowledge is acquired through the scriptures and the Guru.

Devotees have been relishing the blissful kirtans, absorbed in Roopdhyan meditation. The daily Yoga and Pranayama sessions provide much needed inner peace and healing. The divine atmosphere of the ashram has elevated the consciousness of those fortunate to attend this retreat. Attendees are also enjoying various cultural programs and QnA sessions with Swamiji.

You can join the ongoing retreat ONLINE: shivir.jkyog.in

Swami Mukundananda in Conversation with Dr. Bibek Debroy

Dr Bibek Debroy Bibek Debroy , Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India conversed with Swami Mukundananda on Swamiji's latest book Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life published by Rupa Publications India . Dr. Debroy enquired about viewing financial abundance from a spiritual perspective. Swamiji clarified that money by itself is neither good or bad, but its utilization makes all the difference.??Speaking about discomfort, Swamiji said that enduring discomfort ensures purification and inner growth which helps us to master various skillsets for a higher purpose. He also spoke at length about free will and Karma and the role they play in the search of a true Guru. Watch the full conversation:

Start 2023 on a Devotional Note: Bhakti Diwas Celebrations at RKT Dallas Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas ; Special Narad Bhakti Darshan Course

New Year Eve Celebration: Welcome New Year with special Kirtan and celebrations from 10:00 PM CST (9:30 AM IST) onwards (till midnight).

New Year – Bhakti Diwas Special Satsang: Schedule: Jan 1st , 2023 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST (10 PM – 12:00 AM IST)

Sign up: https://www.radhakrishnatemple.net/weekly-satsang

Cultivate Selfless Devotion for God and Guru - Special Narad Bhakti Darshan Online Course from Jan 8, 2023

Sage Narad, the Manas Putra or mental child of Brahma, wrote the Narad Bhakti Darshan, consisting of 84 aphorisms on Bhakti Yog, as a guide for the souls of Kaliyuga to easily understand and practice selfless devotion. Delve into this deeply touching scripture and learn the art of loving Shree Radha Krishna for their pleasure as the Gopis of Vrindavan did.

Starting from Jan 8th: Schedule: Every Thursday 8:00?- 9:00 PM CST (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM IST)

Sign up: jkyog.org/online-classes

Save the Dates: Key Events with Swami Mukundananda in 2023

Register at radhakrishnatemple.net

Let us know your feedback about this newsletter - leave a comment with any specific content you would like to see more of! We are here 24x7 to facilitate your growth journey in 2023 with a supportive community and multiple resources. We are rooting for you!

Wish you a glorious Bhakti Diwas filled with growth! Finally…. Watch this inspiring video from Swami Mukundananda to conquer your mind and befriend discomfort in 2023!

Thanks for supporting Swami Mukundananda's mission, JKYog and all our community initiatives in 2022!

In Service,

JKYog Team