Dear Families, 

     All of us in San Diego Temple’s Sunday School Program hope that you and your family are healthy and attuned to God and the Gurus’ love and protection during these times of uncertainty.  We are so fortunate to have our Guru’s teachings to turn to for guidance and inspiration. Our goal in these monthly communiques is to provide you with engaging stories, meditations, affirmations, and activities that you may share with your child(ren). As with our Sunday School classes, we hope that they inspire children of all ages to love God, live happy balanced lives, and develop a personal relationship with God through regular meditation.

     This July communique focuses on Mahavatar Babaji. On July 25th of each year, we celebrate Mahavatar Babaji Commemoration Day. It was on this day in 1920, 100 years ago, that Babaji appeared before Paramahansa Yogananda at his Garpar Road home in Kolkata, and told him: “You are the one I have chosen to spread the message of Kriya Yoga in the West.” 

     Our former president, Sri Daya Mata, recounted her experience with Mahavatar Babaji when she visited India:  Mahavatar Babaji said to her: "...'My child, know this: it is not necessary for devotees to come to this spot (Babaji’s cave) to find me.  Whoever goes within with deep devotion, calling and believing in me, will find my response.'  This was his message to you all. ...Then I said, 'Babaji, my Lord, ...What is your nature?'  As I said it, oh, I felt as though my heart was going to burst with love, such love--a thousand million loves rolled into one!  He is all love; his whole nature is prem (divine love)."  Only Love, p. 192 

     We have included a Babaji-related Story from the Autobiography of a Yogi that describes when Babaji called Lahiri Mahasaya to give the world Kriya Yoga. We invite you to read this story to your child. It includes photographs, and questions for you to ask your child as the story unfolds. The story concludes with a prayer, chanting, a short meditation, and guidance for having a devotional ceremony honoring Babaji.  Here is the link: http://sandiegotemple.org/wp-content/uploads/July-Story-Final-Draft-7-03-20.pdf.
 

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     We have also included Affirmations for you to practice with your child that remind us that God and Babaji’s goodness and protective power are always shining within and around us.  These affirmations help your child draw closer to and feel the blessings of God and Babaji and help to cultivate the awareness that God and Babaji are watching over us for eternity. The affirmations can be repeated multiple times, progressing from loud to whispering to mental repetition, for about 1-2 minutes.  

• Divine Babaji: With my little arms I want to hug Thee. Come! I can wait no longer. Come! 
• Thou art always within us and around us, filling us with love, peace, joy and wisdom. 
• Thy light of goodness and protective power are ever shining on me. 

     We wish you a beautiful and enjoyable July and that you and your family continue to be safe and healthy, striving to be attuned with God and Gurus through study and regular meditation.

In divine friendship,

Sunday School Program
San Diego Temple