Christmas Eve Long Meditation- 23rd December 2017
Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra, Bengaluru conducted a 12-hour long meditation on 23rd December 2017, Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm – on the occasion of Christmas Eve.
The 12-hour meditation was infused with the teachings on “Forgiveness” the central theme of the day. Here are the details:
Session 1: 7 am to 10.15 am
Leader: Smt Sanghamitra Ji
Reading: Inspiration from the life of Jesus
The first session started at 7:00 am, devotees walked in with quiet resolution to soak in the day’s divine proceedings. They formed neat lines and practiced their Energization exercises, followed by Arati, opening prayer, invocation, and chants.
During the reading, devotees sat in rapt attention, at times nodding with understanding about the life of the Yogi. This session ended with an hour-long meditation, and the tea was served afterward.
Session 2: 10.30 am to 1 pm
Leader: Smt Janaki Ji
Reading: Forgiving others
The second session began with a cosmic chant and proceeded with reading the pearls of wisdom by Daya Mata on forgiving others. Soon after it, the devotees gleefully sang “In his time” evoking the spirit of Christ. This was followed by a light lunch consisting of apple, banana, badam milk, and poha.
Session 3: 1.30 pm to 4 pm
Leader: Sri Vihari Ji
Reading: Forgiving ourselves
The third session began with a short reading on forgiving ourselves and seeking Divine mother, followed by a soulful chant. Devotees meditated for an hour, after which the leader facilitated the chanting of Aum at the chakras as is recommended for long meditations. The session went on up to 4:15 pm and ended with a tea break for 15 mins.
Session 4: 4.15 pm to 7 pm
Leader: Sri Ramakrishna Rao Ji
Reading: Message from the President
This session began with energization exercises. Followed by the chants and an hour-long meditation. Day-long service ended with praying for others, healing prayer and closing prayer, followed by prasad distribution.
The session ended with gleaming faces of devotees, recharged with long meditation and new found understanding on Forgiveness.
Excerpt from the writings of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda on Forgiveness:
"Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." I prayed deeply to understand this uncompromising counsel. "Lord," I protested, "is it possible?" When the Divine Voice finally responded, It brought a humbling flood of light: "How many times, O Man, do I forgive each of you daily?"
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