One magical evening of knowledge, spirituality and joy with Janeshwari Devi in Galway, Ireland

One magical evening of knowledge, spirituality and joy with Janeshwari Devi in Galway, Ireland - by David.

Janeshwari Devi's (Didiji's) lecture tonight in Galway, Ireland was just magical. Devotees and members of the public from throughout Galway city sat in rapt attention as Janeshwari Devi combined impassioned speech, Sankrit verses, necterean chantings with a dynamic multi-media presentation with her natural humour and compassion to deliver the evening's message: "Who am I? What is mine?" Didiji's lecture was a microcosm of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's amazing Divine series of 108 lectures of the same title in Hindi, "Main Kaun? Mera Kaun?"

The peaceful, softly lit studio at Wholistic House of Healing on Buttermilk Walk was buzzing with knowledge and spiritual vibrations, with the gentle glow of Didiji's saffron robes and flowing speech adding to the ambiance. Many of the attendees expressed an interest in attending Didiji's upcoming lecture series' in Galway. Several bought CDs with beautiful chantings revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, so they could continue with their meditations at home.

In her talk she explained that we are a Divine soul who seeks only perfect happiness. Our mind feels this call for perfect happiness but has always been looking for it in the place where it is impossible to find - in the material world. A new car only brings us happiness until it ceases to be "new". Our true happiness is in God who is "Love" Himself.

At one stage in the lecture, Didiji presented a graphic of two birds sitting on a tree A red bird is perched on a lower branch, absorbed in eating the fruit of that tree, while a blue bird just watched from an upper branch. She then recited a well known verse from Mandukya Upnishad, "Dva suparna sayuja sakhaya samanam vriksham parishasvajate. Tayoranyah pippalam svadvattyanashnam abhicakashiti," which conveys the eternal relation of soul and God. The red bird represents us, the soul, and the blue bird represents God. We are always looking for happiness through enjoying the fruits of this world, while our eternal friend, God, who is always with us, watches on. This was just one of the many scriptural verses sung by Didiji which further clarified our true identity is soul.

Didiji simply explained the anwer to the second question of the evening, "What is mine?" in one word - nothing. We had nothing when we entered this world, and we will also leave with nothing. All we have is our good thoughts and actions, and our spirituality. Every spiritual endeavour is of utmost value, because we carry the effect of this into our next life. Chanting, meditation, developing our relationship with God - this is our true wealth in life.

  (Above: Students of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Education in India)

Didiji then gave an inspiring presentation on the extensive philanthropic activities of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. We got to see inspiring scenes of the selfless dedication and service of the volunteers of Jagadguru Kripalu Charitable Hospitals and the great benefit to the lives of impoverishment villagers who earn the equivalent of just €1.50 per day. Then we got to see the optimistic and smiling faces of the girls of Kripalu Balika Primary School, Kripalu Balika Intermediate College and Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya whose entire educational needs are being provided for by the benevolence of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj at no cost to the girls. When their education is complete, students from these colleges will disperse throughout India as successful, confident and empowered women.

The 1.5 hour session concluded with an insightful question and answer session followed by chanting of "Radhey Govind", and a touching Sanskrit prayer. We look forward to welcoming you to her upcoming talks at Satnam Center, Indigo Healing Center and An Seomra Yoga. See you there!