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Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 8, Verse 5)
Antakaale cha mameva smaranmuktva kalevaram
yaha prayaati sa mabhdaavan yati nastyatra sanshaya
And whosoever, at the time of death, thinking of Me alone, leaves the body and goes forth, he attains My being; there is no doubt in this.
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Looking Inward: HSC/YJA's Weekly Spiritual Spotlight ॐ
What is the Gayatri Mantra?
The Gayatri Mantra is a powerful 24-syllabled hymn that is chanted to invoke light and Divine inspiration in the minds and intellects of those who worship. It is perhaps the single most important Mantra in the Vedas- and its sound vibrations contain deep, mystical power that instantly purifies, heals, and illuminates our surroundings when chanted. Gayatri is the Mother of all Vedas- the Effulgent Goddess that personifies this particular hymn. However literally, the word 'Gayatri' can be broken up as, 'Gayate iti trayati,' that which protects when sung. The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the Universal Light- which can be physically taken to be the Sun, but metaphorically is understood to be the Light and Wisdom that emanates from the Cosmic Self. According to the Vedas, Sage Vishwamitra gave this hymn to the world after he
obtained it from Brahman through deep penance and austerity. Thus, the Gayatri Mantra must be chanted with faith and deep sincerity in order to fully experience its powers. When meditating upon Gayatri, one can begin by placing his/her awareness on the form of Gayatri and on the meaning of the Mantra. However, by immersing one's Self in the sounds and vibrations of the syllables as the Mantra is repeated again and again, one can lose external awareness and go deep into the beautiful healing and illuminating energies of Gayatri.
Aum Bhur Bhuvah Suvah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dheeyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
We contemplate the glory of that Light which illuminates the three worlds: gross, subtle, and causal. That Light is the vivifying power, love, radiant illumination, and divine grace of universal intelligence. We pray for the divine Light to illumine our minds and intellects.
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Service Opportunity with PiBV!
Penn International Business Volunteers (PIBV) organizes short summer trips for Penn students to provide business consulting to NGOs in developing countries, enhancing the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth and long-term development. This is a unique opportunity for students of all schools, years, and majors to create social impact and gain professional experience in consulting! This year our trips include Sri Lanka, Jordan, Chile, Mexico, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Johannesburg. Please note that the application deadline has been extended to Sunday, March 9th at 11:59 PM.
Visit www.pibv.org for more information and to apply, and feel free to email pibv.app...@gmail.com with any questions.
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Hindu Jain Awareness Week is on its way!
Mark your calendars for this year's annual Hindu Jain Awareness Week! This year's HJAW will feature all of your favorite events like Puja, Garbhangra, and Holi! HJAW 2014 is the week of March 31st to April 6th!
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Join HSC/YJA Board for our Sunday Puja
Join us for HSC/YJA Puja if you have time for some refreshing prayer and meditation.
"Puja last week was calming and refreshing and a welcome break in a busy week. I really enjoyed the opportunity to reflect and refocus myself within a relaxed spiritual setting among my peers, the value of which I hadn't appreciated until I attended puja for the first time."
-M. Marar, Penn Senior
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Weekly Sunday Pujas
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
LOCATION: Graduate Student Center Basement between 36th and 37th and Locust
Each week, HSC/YJA organizes a traditional puja service for the UPenn community through the generosity of the OMkar foundation. This hour-long ceremony includes the performance of a Ganesh puja, the recitation of shanti mantras, meditation, bhajans and aarthi. Come join us for this great way to reflect, relax and recharge during the Spring semester.
Spring 2014 Semester dates:
March 23
March 30
April 6: Hanuman Jayanti Puja
April 13
April 20
April 27
May 4
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Interested in Joining HSC/YJA?
HSC is always looking for new members to help us plan our events! The first step to being part of the team is to join Committee. As a member of Committee, you will be invited to help out when you are interewsted, get to plan discussions, and be part of the family during social events and activities. Express your interest and join here.
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Interested in Advertising with HSC/YJA?
HSC/YJA's Thursday newsletter reaches over 500 constituents each week! If interested in advertising with us, please send an email to richsch...@gmail.com by Tuesday at midnight.
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Contact information
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @PennHSCYJA
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As always, feel free to contact us at hsc...@gmail.com. To unsubscribe, please email hsc...@gmail.com.
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