Self DevelopmentIn the context of spirituality

and a practical approach

Mid-Term ReviewSponsored by Uka Tarsadia University, Maliba Campus

Inaugural Session Facilitated by Faculty Version Varadarajan Kannan

Class 10 – February 16 2013

Brief Review

Understanding the meaning and context of this course

In-depth overview of Values, Yoga, Religion and Meditation

Last two weeks on Meditation techniques and systems Why so many systems?

This week

Tips for self managementNation BuildingPresentations

2 on This Course2 on Meditation

How to choose a system of meditation

Group Meditation

Self ManagementTips

Time Management

✔ IMPORTANT NOT IMPORTANT

URGENT IMMEDIATEDELEGATE

SYSTEMATIZEAUTOMATE

NOT URGENTPRIORITIZEPLANNING

STREAMLINEEXCEPTION

DUMP IT

RAPID Decision MakingR – ResearchA- AnalyseP – PriortizeI – IntrospectD- Decide

8 Secrets to Success

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html

– Refer to supporting video folder to download the video to your local hard drive and link

8 Secrets to SuccessBy Richard St. John

Passion

Work

Focus

PersistIdea

s

Good

Push

Serve

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

1. Be Pro-activeThis is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

2. Begin with an end in mind

Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards

what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on

relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more

productive and successful.

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

3. Put first things firstCovey calls this the habit of personal

management. This is about organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says

that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3 is the second, or physical creation.

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

4. Think win winCovey calls this the habit of interpersonal

leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that

there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of

win-or-lose.

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

5. Seek first to understand and then be understood

One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and

it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential

for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.

Listen – Pay Attention and not seek attention

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

6. Synergise

Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see

the good and potential in the other person's contribution.

7 Habits by Stephen Covey

7. Sharpen the saw

This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the

other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets

the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional,

which all need feeding and developing.

Integrated Development

Individual

Family

SocietyCity

Nation

From center to circumference

Nation Building

How can we assess India after 65 years of Independence?

How many think India is Great?

How many think India can be better?

Taking stock of IndiaThe Good

India is known for its hospitality that it allowed invaders to loot as if they were “athithis”Has a great institution of family, some democracy and traditionsIndia is young – the engine for hope and changeWe, Indians have a great reputation once we go abroad to US or Europe or AustraliaOne of fastest growing affluent ethnic minorities in the US and the UKGrowing international influence and curiosity about India

What ails India?The bad & The ugly

Casteism and prejudice – Not uncommon in the worldExtent of Corruption (Political and Bureaucratic)Reservation System / Caste system – Brain drainGender Inequality – Brain Drain

Therefore, Mediocrity and Ineptitude Deterioration in morality / Aping the west

Alcoholism and Promiscuity (more so in big cities) Lack of civic sense and Generally passive people and not passionate enough for achieving excellence

Questions to Ponder over

What is nation building?What is our role in it?How can we begin in a small way?

And YES, It definitely, finally, starts with you, here and now

Nation and the Self

Remember the story of the father, son and the puzzle

When we change, the world around us changes in some way

Where are we? Is there a link between religious beliefs and the state of the

nation? Abrahamic (Occidental) Belief Structure – Developed Countries Oriental (Hinduism, Zen, Jainism, Buddhism) Belief Structure –

Developing or underdeveloped Aboriginals – Tribal, Sub-saharan – Un-integrated humanity

The idea of fate and fatalism and its impact on work ethic? Inherent conflict in human nature of survival and growing

desires versus idea of fate and resignation Is India suffering from these conflicts in value systems,

belief systems and human nature!!! So, What is the answer?

Your Presentations

Presentation on the Course thus far by Kirti Patel Divya Gadaria

Presentation of their experience of meditation done thus far Shyama Mehta Nikunj Tahilramani

Answers to a few Key ?s(Feb 9th 2013)1.How many of you are religious? 76%2.How many of you are spiritual? 69%3.How many of you think there is no God or higher power? 9%4.How many of you believe there is a God of the Religions? 42%5.How may of you believe there is a higher power, can not be explained by any one? 83%6.How many of you believe there is a dynamic relationship with our Creator and the creation? 82%7.How many of you think meditation is a means to become spiritual? 62%

The resultMost of you believe there is a God or a

higher power which can not be explained easily

Most believe there is a relationship between Creator (God) and its creation (So, us, Humans)

More than 60% of you said Meditation is a means to become spiritual

So, How to choose a system of Meditation?

“When a student is ready, a teacher appears?” Are you ready? Yes, if you have

A life of wonder and inquiry An introspective nature Some understanding of spirituality The Willingness to practice

How to recognize the Teacher & recognize a suitable system for me? By Experience of the feeling created due to the self transformation When unwell go to the nearest doctor or call the only Doctor in the

village. If doctor recommends or if you don’t feel better seek another Try sincerely for 3 – 6 months and based on experience go further

What system do I practice? & Why

Procedure for StartingSahaj Marg

Sign up – Write your name, Group number, phone and email ID and turn in the sheet of paper to US

You will have three meditations called “introductory sittings” from a trainer called “prefect”

We will coordinate through your group coordinators

We will teach various aspects of the theoryand practice behind Sahaj Marg over the coming weeks

Group Meditation

If time permits

Next week

More on Sahaj Marg System of Meditation

30+ minutes of Group Meditation Done in two groups (will be re-seated in two

groups) Those that started Natural Path (Sahaj Marg

System) Others We could compare notes later!