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Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Willesden

220/222 Willesden Lane London

NW2 5RG UK

Tel: +44 20 8459 4506

www.shreeswaminarayan.org.ukEmail: info@shreeswaminarayan.org.uk

Charity number: 266260

- Willesden Temple

Contents2.

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Academy Update

Gujarati School

Health in Focus

London Bikeride

Summer Camp

Past Times

Puzzle

Recipe

Lifes Set Backs

Jagan Info

Full production of the SSTW Newsletter

developed by the youth Academy to better

educate our community of the greatness our

Swaminarayan Sampraday has to offer

Printed by Saloria printers

SSTW NEWSLETTER

As far as the UK Satsang calendar is to have presence of saints from Bhuj during

concerned; July – September can get just the camp. The open day showed above all else,

a “tad” busy. The patotsav of our mandir that regardless of age, size, capability – the

was celebrated with its usual pomp 100 meter sprint will always be the main draw

grandeur due to the herculean efforts of for the crowd. (See official DVD for further

all involved. And in case you've been inspiration). Once again, the camp could not

living in a nuclear bunker for the past few have been the success it was without the help

months, a certain ring based sporting and support of all involved – and that includes

event took place over the summer. the showers, the blow heater, the BBQs and

London was treated to a grand spectacle, the Pizza ovens.

one we will probably not see again. The

patriotism, passion and togetherness that As far as Friday Yuvak Mandal is concerned – it

exuded from Londoners and rest of the is very much business as usual. With the big 25

UK was visible for all to see; the courage coming up next year, much of the focus has

and attitude from the athletes inspired been on getting everyone - young, old, even

many to take to the fields and open air to older – all on board and making them feel part

participate in all kinds of sporting of the utsav. Many youths and elders have

activity……..that is until FIFA 13 came out grown up here and developed an almost

recently. symbiotic relationship with the mandir and

those around them. It is extremely fitting that

Inevitably, the Olympics served as an apt they are part of the legacy of this mandir; in

theme for this year's Camp; which had the same way you, your friends and family can

particular focus on the core pillars of our be too.

Sampraday; Dev, Shastra, Acharya, Sat-

Purush and Mandir. We were also blessed

There are some medicines available out there which may not be suitable for us vegetarians…

There are a number of popular brands which contain meat extracts, alcohol and other non-

vegetarian ingredients, hence making them unsuitable for us. A few of the brands such as

Nurofen, Night Nurse, Covonia are unsuitable. Nurofen liquid capsules consist of gelatine,

and they also use Shellac (Resin derived from beetles) as part of the sugar coating for their

tablets. Night Nurse and Covonia cough syrups contain alcohol. Most capsules made by a lot

of manufacturers also contain gelatine.

However, there are alternatives available. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist and inform

them of your dietary requirements… Also read the leaflets enclosed in medicine boxes to

ensure ingredients are suitable for us to consume as Swaminarayan Devotees.

If you have found any suitable alternative, email us on info@shreeswaminarayan.org.uk

3NOVEMBER 2012 - DIWALI

We pride ourselves in maintaining excellence and high standard. For another year running, the SSTW Gujarati School has achieved a 100% record with all of its students achieving results between A-C grade.

Well done to all students who attained this excellent result and hope you continue the use of our great mother language.

The SSTW Gujarati school works hard to deliver a high teaching standard and have invested heavily to provide the perfect environment for students to learn with a purpose built school on the top floor. This service is provided for free to the community.

If your interested in sending your child, teaching, or would require learning material then please contact our school by email:

gujaratischool@shreeswaminarayan.org.uk

NOTICE: All those above that achieved GCSE Gujarati from Willesden Mandir Gujarati School are requested to attend a reward ceremony in January to celebrate your achievement. You will be informed of date closer to the time.

Graduation Awards Ceremony

4 SSTW NEWSLETTER

Cinnamon is a commonly used spice obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum trees that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. While native only to the island of Sri Lanka, cinnamon is grown all over South East Asia. Although available throughout the year, the aromatic, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect spice to use during the winter months. Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. The bark of the cinnamon tree is of a golden-yellow colour, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder.Added health benefits of cinnamon that may make you want to include it in your diet are:-Lower Cholesterol - Studies have sugar, making it especially Anti-Bacterial - When added to shown that just a ½ teaspoon of beneficial for people with Type 2 food, it inhibits bacterial growth and cinnamon per day can lower LDL diabetes. food spoilage, making it a natural (Low-Dens i ty L ipopro te in ) Anti-Clotting - It has an anti- food preservative.cholesterol. clotting effect on the blood. High in Nutrients - It is a great Blood Sugar Regulation - Several Arthritis Relief – Studies have source of manganese, fibre, iron, studies suggest that cinnamon may shown significant relief in arthritis and calcium.have a regulatory effect on blood pain.

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Leukaemia, Lymphoma and On the 16th September this year, 40 Donations can still be made at Myeloma are 3 forms of blood boys and 10 girls from our Youth cancer. Leukaemia and Lymphoma Academy participated in a sponsored It's still not too late to donate!Research is the only UK charity solely charity bike ride in the centre of

dedicated to research into blood London as team 'SSTWillesden.' The

cancers, including Leukaemia, boys rode 26 miles each and the girls

rode 13 miles each. Bhuj Santo's also Lymphoma and Myeloma. Their life-

came to give the boys moral support. saving research is focused on finding Huge congratulations to all the riders the cause, improving diagnosis and and the support team that took part treatments, and running ground-in this great event. A grand total of breaking clinical trials for all blood £4,102.05 has been raised so far. cancer patients.

www.justgiving.com/sstwillesden

NOVEMBER 2012 - DIWALI

6 SSTW NEWSLETTER

Summers over, school started and and presenting. This gives an marquee, due to our brilliant

the most talked about event in opportunity for them to interact maintence team who work during

London is over... Till the next with the Campers and teach them in the day as well as throughout the

time...Camp 2012 and what an a way in which is best suited. night to ensure this. With the 'home

event it was! With Camp being packed with fun made' hot water system on site to

With London being the sincere activities and sports, from football, the lit up fields, they always have

hosting city for the 2012 Olympics beat the ball, cricket and bench ball something new up their sleeve and

Our Camp was associated with the being played our spirits were always make camp more homely for us all.

five interlocking rings. The rings sky high. Alongside this we had our On our Open Day this year, the

represent the unity of the world's annual treasure hunt and knockout, turnout, the weather and the

five continents; in relation to this we where the individual members of atmosphere was buzzing. Starting

associated these rings to Our five each team combine all their skills from kids, to elders all competing in

significant entities. Throughout the together to compete against the 100m sprints, hurdles and not

seven days we elaborated on these other teams to become those gold forgetting the oldest sport in history,

entities and their importance in Our medallists. kabdi. Being fortunate to be graced

Swaminarayan Sampradaay. We From all of this we need motivation, with Santos and special guest

took it in turn to learn about the and what's a better motivator than appearances from one of Brent's

fundamentals Maharaj resides in; food..? More food! As well as the torch bearers Jai Padhiar.

Murti, Mandir, Shaastras, Acharaya minimum three meals and in With this camp continuing in our

and Santos. These five prestigious between snacks every year there's streak of accomplishment and

elements are the bed rock and the at least one new dish, this year we success we would like to say a huge

solid foundations of Our Satsang. were introduced to yummy thank you to all the volunteers, the

During Camp we had presentations enchiladas. This was a great hit, but kitchen staff and maintenance team

and activities based on these five we wouldn't expect anything less as well as all you campers, who

topics. With the use of modern from our awesome kitchen staff, without this could not be achieved.

technology entwined whilst who work so hard all day to keep So we hope to see you next year

presenting, we aim to enhance our our stomach satisfied. too.

camper's knowledge, confidence As the days drew to an end, we all

and beliefs within themselves, with got into our sleeping bags all

the youth part taking in developing snuggled up in our warm, cosy

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MORE PICS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE - WILLESDENTEMPLE

NOVEMBER 2012 - DIWALI

8 SSTW NEWSLETTER

Once, Lord Swaminarayan was in

Gadhada. Devotees from Gadhada

bought cooking ingredients and a meal

was prepared. All the Santos,

HariBhaktos and Lord Swaminarayan

had had their meals, when a beggar boy

appeared, asking for food. He said, “I

am very hungry, please give me some

food.”

The devotees didn't say anything, but

Lord Swaminarayan asked them to give

the boy some food if there was anything

left. The devotees remained silent and

looked at each other. Lord of a householder to give food to anyone After hearing Maharaj words, the Swaminarayan said to them, “Why are without considering religion, relation, suspicion on the devotees minds you all quiet? Why is no one friend or foe, a countryman or a disappeared and they fed the beggars responding?” The devotees replied, foreigner. The hungry should be fed. boy with a good amount of food.“Maharaj, how can we give him food? Giving of food is greater than the giving The moral of this Leela is to put aside He is a fish eater.” of gold and the knowledge of God is any differences and always be charitable

even more superior to food giving. But and compassionate towards the poor to Maharaj replied saying, “Oh is that true?

that comes to a later stage after giving the best of our abilities.Is it not also true, that he is very

food.”hungry? My dear devotees, it is a duty

Whenever Maharaj came to Kutch, He begin to meditate. On one side our The devotees were worried, so Maharaj

always visited and stayed at Bhuj. There Laadhibai will sit in meditation and on said, “Wake up Laadhibai.” The devotees

were many followers of Maharaj in Bhuj. the other side, you meditate. I will test also tried their best to wake her up.

Laadhibai was one of them. She had how genuine you both are by placing They shouted in her ears, but she did

become a widow at a very early age. She hot charcoals in your hands to find out not wake up. Then Maharaj finally

always meditated upon God, day and whose trance is real.” managed to awaken her. When she

night. As soon as she saw Maharaj, she Saying this, Maharaj looked at Laadhibai came to her senses, Maharaj asked her,

had become a staunch follower of and immediately she went into “Do you feel any pain? What has

Maharaj. Maharaj visited her many Samadhi. Maharaj took a piece of happened on your wrist?”

times and dined at her house. Once burning charcoal from the fire place She looked down at her wrist and said,

Maharaj was staying at a devotee's with a tong and placed it on Laadhibai's “What's this? I can't feel any pain.”

house and warming Himself up near a wrist. Laadhibai did not even move. But “Do you feel any pain now?” Maharaj

hot-plate. Some other devotees were the boastful bawa just ran away seeing asked her after a moment.

also present. Laadhibai was also there. this. Maharaj shouted, “Oh, why are you “Yes Maharaj, I can feel a little bit now,”

All of a sudden, a bawa with matted hair running away? Now it's your turn to sit she replied. Maharaj smiled and advised

came and began to use indecent in Samadhi. You have already one of the devotees to get some

language, “I am an enlightened one and experienced it.” But the bawa ran away. ointment and a bandage. Maharaj

have been in Samadhi (trance like state) Maharaj laughed but the devotees were Himself applied the ointment on her

and in Samadhi, I talk to God face to worrying about Laadhibai. wrist. Laadhibai went home feeling very

face.” Her wrists were slightly burnt and there joyful as Maharaj had treated her

Maharaj smiled and said, “Alright then, was a small scar from the hot charcoal. Himself.

Laadhibai

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How good is your Gujarati? Why not have a try on the puzzle below which is a Sudoku using Gujarati numbers.

Text4u ServiceTo keep up to date with upcoming events and festivals, Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden offers a free text service which will provide you with information sent directly to your mobile phone. This information includes

calendar events and events/festivals taking place in our Mandir.

To register, log on to www.shreeswaminarayan.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2012 - DIWALI

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Ingredients200ml Milk8g Dried Yeast1tsp Caster Sugar250g Strong White Bread Flour250g Plain White Flour2tsp Salt2tsbsp Sunflower Oil1tsp Bicarbonate of Soda550ml Warm Water

Method1. Boil milk until piping hot, and let cool.

2. Mix the yeast with the milk and sugar and leave for 5-10mins (until frothy).

3. Sift all the flour into a bowl and add salt.

4. In the middle of the flour pour in the yeast mixture, oil and 400ml of the warm water. Beat the mix until it makes a smooth elastic batter.

5. Leave the mix covered with a cloth for 1½ - 2 hours until the batter is covered with a layer of bubbles.

6. Add the bicarbonate of soda with the remaining warm water and mix until dissolved, add to batter, stir and leave for 25mins.

7. Over a medium heat put the frying pan and place the four metal ring moulds into the pan. Pour the batter into the rings three quarters and let cook until bubbles form on the top layer.

8. Turn over the moulds and push crumpets down on the pan and let cook for 5mins until golden.

Serve warm with butter spread

EquipmentSaucepanMeasuring Spoons & JugMedium & Large Sized BowlSiftWhiskWooden SpoonFrying Pan

4 Metal Ring Moulds (8cm) – Greased

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It's a great feeling when you start out on the life, the Rescuer of our soul, is able to turn

right path. There is a comfort when things them around for our good when we confess

are starting to go well. It seems easy, like our mistakes and set ourselves to learn to do

floating with the tide down the river, the it God's way.

wind at your back.

There is a well know story of a thief who was

But then there is a setback. planning to break into the king's vault. On

the day of his robbery he took rest at the

It's easy to stick to the plan when everything steps of a temple as he waited for his

is going well. When you're hitting your marks partners in crime. At that time a Brahmin

and it seems that all the lights before you scholar was reciting the divine tales of the

turn magically green, your attitude is nothing Lord. As he began to listen his fellow

but positive. It becomes a little less easy partners arrived. Quickly getting up the he

when something slams on the brakes for felt a sudden rush of pain as a thorn pierced

you. Doubt and frustration start to creep in. the sole of his foot. He fell down in a heap,

The questions start up in your head. Now is and was forced to pull out of the robbery.

when the wheels can fall off. The rest of the thieves went on without him

but to their demise they were all caught and

Relax. Take a deep breath. Remember God is hanged. The king's men came after the thief

with you. Many of our setbacks are beyond and as they went to capture him, the

our control. They can originate from the Brahmin scholar intercepted and vouched for

system of this world, or from the failure of his innocence. The thief was freed and he

others to do their part. However, do we ever suddenly realised that just by hearing few

ask ourselves whether they could be setups? sacred words, God Almighty saved him. A

It's time we open our eyes and understand death sentence was reduced to a thorn pick.

that these series of events may have taken

place for a greater good which we cannot

see at this time. Nevertheless, when the

setbacks are revealed as setups and

complete their purposes in our lives, we see

that God has done more than we can

possibly think of or imagine. There is always

a silver lining.

Some of our setbacks may well be the results

of our own actions. Even so, the Lord, the

great Redeemer, the Restorer of the paths of

So remember: ?The greatest setback provides the

greatest set up for God to work through.

?There are always lessons to learn in setbacks that set us up for a better life.

?Setbacks are opportunities to see God in action. Some successes can only come through the set up of setbacks.

NOVEMBER 2012 - DIWALI

THANKS FOR READING. DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE YOUR NEWSLETTER

We want to make this a celebration to

remember! A celebration for all where you have

the opportunity to be a part of this great

occasion. Please see details on the right if you

want to be involved, would look great on your

CV and not forgeting your spiritual CV too!

Exciting things have been planned. Prashadam

will be served three times a day during the 9 day

celebration. The Temple's Bal Kendra are

organising how best to look after kids that

attend, so parents can enjoy listening to the

katha. The celebration will be graced by H.H.

Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, H.H. Gadiwala,

Mahant Swami and Swamis from Bhuj and

Ahmedabad.

To be kept informed about the forthcoming celebrations visit our dedicated website patotsav.shreeswaminarayan.org.uk or join us on Facebook and Twitter (WillesdenTemple)