Table of Contents:

* Dharma and Your Destiny
* Classes & Events:
-------- Kriya Yoga Satsang: A Meditation Circle - June 20
* Book Review:  Still Here by Ram Das
 *On the 'net:  Local resources

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Dharma and Your Destiny

Dharma can be translated from the Sanskrit as "that which sustains and upholds" meaning the essential Law on which the entire universe is based.  But Dharma can also be translated as "duty," that which you must do to sustain your personal universe.  We all have basic responsibilities to ourselves, our families, our work and our community. It's important to reflect on your life and understand your Dharma. 

If you are a mother, your dharma is to take care of your children (and
the yogi says "wisely and with skillful means").   If you are the
financial support of your family, then your dharma is to work to the best of your ability and become proficient in saving and budgeting decisions.  If you are a student, your responsibility is to study and learn (and then pass along what you have learned).

Dharma is also the answer to the question, "What am I supposed to be doing with my life?"  Sometimes we ponder whether we have a certain destiny.  The answers come out of reflecting on our essential nature. The resolution to these queries is unique to each individual.

And yet, there is also something called the greater Dharma.  Along with our jobs, families, and communities, we also have a responsibility to attune to the highest life principle.  As my guru, Goswami Kriyananda, tells his disciples, "Seek out your own illumination with great diligence!" 

Your greatest Dharma is to become enlightened.  If you believe that your true essence is Spirit, then your "job" is to become more and more aware of that Spirit.  The yogis chant the mantras "Aham Brahmasmi" ("I am the Creative Principle") or "So Ham" ("I am That"), affirming their Divine nature. 

Your enlightenment does not just benefit you.  Your enlightenment raises up all of humanity, all sentient beings.  And from Self-Realization, you bring back wisdom, love and peace into your everyday life.

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"Before enlightenment -- chop wood and carry water; 
After enlightenment -- chop wood and carry water.
~~~Zen proverb

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If a man is called to be a streetsweeper,
He should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted
Or Beethoven played music
Or Shakespeare wrote poetry.
He should sweep streets so well
That all the hosts of heaven and earth
Will pause to say
Here lived a great streetsweeper
Who did his job well.

~~~ Martin Luther King

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To read more in depth on the word "Dharma" scroll down this page of this Sanskrit Lexicon: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/books/dws/lexicon/d.html

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Book Review - Still Here by Ram Das

Even though I'm still not entirely thrilled with the whole aging process, I really enjoyed reflecting on it with fellow pathwalker Ram Das.  Subtitled "Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying," Ram Das speaks to all of us who need to include the changes in our bodies and the passing of our friends in our spiritual process.  The practices in this book include mindfulness, service to others, contemplation, and just plain having a sense of humor.  As always, Ram Das takes us through his own life experiences -- from his beginning encounters with altered states of consciousness to meeting his guru to his stroke and work to recover.  He uses these examples in the most gentle and friendly way to show us the greater meaning in all stages of our lives.

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Kriya Yoga Satsang: A Meditation Circle with Marcia Sacks, Swami K. Adinadananda

Satsang is the Sanskrit word for fellowship, a gathering of like-minded souls.  These evening gatherings will include chanting, silent meditation, and a talk on  spiritual living and our inner journey.  The next Satsang is June 20 (3rd Thursday of the month) at 7:30 p.m.  (Love offering requested).  1595 Fairfield Lane, Hoffman Estates, IL

Please call 847-882-3315 or email marcia@marciasacks.com if you will be attending.

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To have Marcia speak at your group, club or convention on "Astrology for Success," "Relax and Rebalance with Meditation," or "Inner Work for Self-Healing" call 847-882-3315 or email marcia@marciasacks.com
 

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On the 'net:  Local Resources

Bruce Symonds of Lincolnshire Yoga is offering a Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica this October: http://lincolnshireyoga.bizland.com/lincolnshireyoga/id39.html

My friend Evamarie Pilapuf, who teaches yoga in Barrington, Illinois, has a wonderful new video -- Yoga in Nature for those of us who like to do yoga at home.  She has a very friendly and relaxing instructional style and I enjoyed the wooded and lake scenery behind her.  More info on Evamarie and her videotape series at her website http://treeoffitness.com/

Ann Waring of Yoga Seva in Crystal Lake, Illinois has created a Hatha Yoga Class audio CD.  Oriented to beginners, the insert includes pictures of postures. Email Nikann7@aol.com for more info. 
 

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Marcia Sacks, Professional Astrological Services
Natal and karmic horoscope analysis, relationship compatibility, and
twelve-month forecasts by appointment:
(847) 882-3315
astrology@marciasacks.com 
http://www.marciasacks.com/astrology.htm
Astrology Update Newsletter: http://www.marciasacks.com/newsletter/astrologyupdate.htm

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