mandirvani - Hindu Mandir Executives` Conference

1
MANDIR VANI
7th Annual
Hindu Mandir Executives
Executives’ Confer
Conference
rence
Sustaining Dharma Through Mandirs
August 17-19, 2012
San Jose, California
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
Thanks the Host Mandirs
HOST:
Fremont Hindu Temple
CO-HOSTS:
 All World Gayatri Parivar
 Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization
 Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan
 Hindu American Foundation
 Hindu Matiya Patidar Samaj, Inc
 Maa Kundalini Sidha Yoga Mission Trust
 Badrika Ashram, San Leandro
 Geeta Society, Pleasanton, CA
 Jain Center of Northern California
 Nityanand Dhyanapeetam Temple, San Jose, CA
 Nityanand Dhyanapeetam Temple, Monte Claire, CA
 Sanatan Mandir, San Bruno, CA
 Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Temple, San Jose, CA
 Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devasthanam, Milpitas, CA
 Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, CA
 Hindu Society of Minnesota, Maple Grove, MN
 Hindu Temple And Cultural Center of South Carolina
 Sri Ganesh Temple, Nashville TN
 Durga Temple of Virginia
(As of Aug. 9,2012)
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for their hospitality in hosting
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference
2012
MANDIR VANI
HMEC Souvenir Issue Number VII (2012)
Vikram Samvat 2069
HINDU MANDIR EXECUTIVES’ CONFERENCE
August 17-19, 2012
San Jose Garden Airport Hotel, San Jose, California
Editorial Board
Dr. Surendra Nath Pandey, Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Sharadanand
Dr. Shive Chaturvedi
Krishna Kirti Das
Chaitnya Hazarey
Ravi Joshi
Dr. Shyam Narayan Shukla
Dr. Umesh Shukla
Amit Mehta, Managing Editor
HMEC
Serving Mandirs of America
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
P.O.Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244
Email: [email protected] Phone: (732) 744-0851
Web: http://www.vhp-america.org
Notes:
1. The views expressed in the articles included in Mandir Vani are those of the authors, and do not necessarily
represent the views of the organizers of HMEC.
2. ‘Hindu’ and ‘Mandir’ in HMEC are used in the broader context and include all religious places and spiritual
organizations of the philosophies that have originated in Bharat. Thus HMEC is for the executives of Sanatana
Dharma Mandirs, Jain Derasars, Buddhists Mandirs, Sikh Gurudwaras and Spiritual Organizations.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
From The Editor’s Desk, Dr. Surendra Nath Pandey. ... ... ...
Program Details. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Message From President, Jyotish Parekh. ... ... ... ... ... ...
Convener’s Message, Dr. Umesh Shukla & Dr. Romesh Japra
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Message - Pujya Swami Dayanand Saraswati ... ... ... ... ...
Message - Bhai Shri Rameshbhai Oza.. ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Message - Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Trinidad & Tobago
Message - Mayor , City of San Jose . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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Spirituality for peace and happiness in life, Shyam Narayan Shukla, Ph.D ... ...
Giving Inspiration, Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana Dasa) ... ... ... ... ... ...
Bharatvarsha (India) That Was Aryavart, Surendra Nath Pandey, Ph. D. ... ... ...
The Future Hindu Temples of North America, Hiro Badlani, M.D. ... ... ... ... ...
Yoga Is Much More Than Physical Excercise, Satya Kalra... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Are Hindus Idol-Worshippers?, Dilip Amin, Ph. D. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Vastu Architecture In The West, Michael Borden ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The Science Of Life Its True Vision And Mission, Nimit Thaker ... ... ... ... ... ...
A Divine Journey To Amarnath ji, Umesh Shukla, Ph. D. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Hindu Deities In Non-Dharmic Depictions, Nilesh Shirodkar ... ... ... ... ... ...
An Interview With Dr. Kusum Vyas, Dr. Surendra Nath Pandey ... ... ... ... ... ...
Hinduism, Ram Malik ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Role Of Mandirs For Motivating , Pandit Bhushan Lal Parasher.. ... ... ... ... ...
HAVAN At Mandir a Project Report, Arvindbhai Patel, Director, HAVAN-VHPA ...
Musings Devotion or Disregard?, Sonia Sharma ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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Returning Home To India, Kalpita Abhyankar ... ... ... ... ...
Role Of Seniors In Upholding Hinduism, Aishwarya Aravind
SPARK - A Special Project Report ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Adi Shankaracharya, Tejas Dave ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Swami Vivekananda , Shivam Dave ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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VHPA Accomplishments ... ... ... ...
VHPA Membership Form .. ... ... ...
VHPA Become Affiliate Member ...
VHPA AFFiliate Membership Form..
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HMEC-2012 List of Registered Organizations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 68
HMEC-2012: Guiding Team ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 70
HMEC Milestones ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 71
VHPA Executive Board. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 72
VHPA - Why Become a Member? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 73
4
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
On behalf of the Mandir Vani Editorial Board, I am delighted to welcome to HMEC
the esteemed delegates who are among the most distinguished group of people
contributing to the protection, sustenance and enhancement of Sanatan Dharma in
North America and around the world. While many religions, such as Mayan, Pagan,
etc. have disappeared, Hinduism has survived in Bharat in spite of centuries of
non-Hindu rulers who fiercely practiced their anti-Hinduism agenda of forced and
coercive conversions. The Hindu Diasporas have also continued to follow Sanatan
Dharma even though they form the small minorities surrounded by the non-Hindu
majority population. It is because their Gurus, parents and spiritual leaders have
been successful in instilling the values of Sanatan Dharma. Hence, they have fully
embraced it, and practice it with sincerity and devotion. Mandirs are able to reenforce their continued dedication to Sanatan Dharma.
In this edition of Mandir Vani, we have included articles that help in the enlightenment
of Hinduism and many problems that we, the Hindu Diasporas face. The authors
have targeted their ideas towards youth, adults, as well as senior citizens covering
a variety of topics form basic understanding of the origin of the term Hinduism to
the concepts, philosophies and the value system that distinguishes Hinduism from
others. At the same time, there are articles covering Hinduism in the modern context,
and how it can help in alleviating many of the problems such as environment and
pollution. Engaging youth in Mandir activities and projects for the enhancement
of the lives of their fellow youth, adults, seniors and the society as whole have also
been addressed in several articles including those from our youth writers.
Dr. Surendra Nath Pandey
Editor-in-chief
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the authors for submitting their articles,
and to the Editorial Board members for reviewing the articles and providing
valuable feedback. We extend special thanks and deep appreciation to all those,
individuals and organizations that have provided generous support to help defray
the publication costs and the convention expenses.
With best regards,
sureNÔ naw pa{fey
Surendra Nath Pandey, Ph. D.
2303 W. Aberson Dr., Albany, GA 31721, U.S.A.
Ph: (229) 883-1687 E-mail: [email protected]
Note
In Mandir Vani and HMEC activities and discussions, we use the term Mandir, Hindu
or Hinduism in very broad sense that includes all religions, places and spiritual
organizations of the philosophies that have their roots in Bharat (Éart, India).
Disclaimer
Views expressed in Mandir Vani are those of authors and do not necessarily represent
the views or policies of the organizers of HMEC. They are meant to generate awareness
about the needs of Hindu society as viewed by the authors.
1
PROGRAM DETAILS
Seventh Annual
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference
August 17-18, 2012 San Jose, CA
Program Overview
FRIDAY 8/17/2012
12:00 PM : Lunch
Room: Mediterranean Center
Session 1: 1:00 PM - 2:35 PM : Inaugural Session
1.1
Invocation Through Vedic Mantras
1.2
Deep Prajjwalan
1.3
Ekatmata Mantra, Bhavgeet
1.4
Welcome by Host Temple
1.5
Opening Remarks
1.6
The Role of Dharma in Understanding Ishvara
1.7
Video Message from Gurudev
1.8
“Visiting a Hindu Temple,” - Kuwai Monastery
1.9
Program Agenda Overview
Q&A
Session 2: 2:45 PM - 4:10 PM New Paradigms and Initiatives
2.1
Overview of Educational Programs Across Temples
2.2
Hindu Education Program for Temples - HATS & HYMN
2.3
Samskars Book: Punsavan to Namkaran
Sustaining Temples, sustaining Ahimsa; promoting Humane Dairy
2.4
Consumption
2.5
A New Paradigm - Veda, Consciousness, the Ramayana and the Self
Q&A
4:10 PM Relaxation
Session 3: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM HMEC Update and Report on Selected
Projects
3.1
Report on first Hindu Mandir Priest Conference 2012
3.2
Status Report on Hindu Clinical Chaplaincy Initiative
3.3
Status Report on Hindu Prayer Book for Hospitals
3.4
Hindu Women’s Network Report
3.5
Vanaprasthi Vision - HAVAN Network
3.6
Bal Vihar Net. - Progress Report and Plan
Q&A
6:00 PM Dinner
Session 4: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Engaging Hindu Community in North
America
4.1
Sustaining Dharma Through Mandir
4.2
Spreading Hinduism Through Mainstream Service Organizations
4.3
NextGen- Connecting with Lost Generation
4.4
Sanatan Hindu Temple (LA) Impressions
4.5
Seva Diwas - Successes of Blood Drive through Temples
4.6
India Circle of Caring
Q&A
9:00 PM End
2
Sant Gupta
Host - Local Priests
Ravi Kunduru, HJT, SVT
Led by CHY & Youth
Romesh Japra
Jyotish Parekh
Swamini Svatmavidyananda
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sadasivanantha Palaniswami
Sant Gupta
Nadadhur Vardhan & Govind Pasumarthi
Swami Nikhilananda
Shashikant Sane
Deepak Kotwal
Fred Stella
Michael Busch
Umesh Shukla
Pt. Ram Hardowar
Samir Kalra
Sanjay Mehta
Aesha Mehta
Vimal Patel
Bhakti Mehta
Dr. N. Srinivasa
Pujya Swami Chidananda Muni Ji
Nainan Desai
Mihir Meghani
Natver Patel
Rahul Jindal
Girish Mehta
PROGRAM DETAILS
SATURDAY 8/18/2012
Sadhana: 6:00 AM Yoga, Meditation, Devotional Singing
Governor’s A: Meditation
Satya Karla Ji
Governor’s B: Yoga/Meditation
Nityananda Group
Governor’s C: Bhajans - Devotional Singing
Divya Jyothi
Governor’s D: Yoga
Mahendra Ji
7:00 AM Breakfast
Session 5: 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM Room: Mediterranean Center
Evolution of Hindu Temples
Prerana Katti
5.1
Ekatmata Mantra & Bhavgeet
CHY, Youth
5.2
My Journey Through North American Mandirs
Swami Mukundananda
5.3
Framework for Temple Content Architecture
Sri Nandanandana Das
5.4
Networking Hindu Organizations in Bharat and Abroad
Nachiketa Tiwari
Q&A
Session 6: 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Room: Mediterranean Center
Mandir - A Hall of Learning & Dissemination
Aditya Kashyap
6.1
Redefining the Modern Temple Curriculum
Swami Vidyadhishananda
6.2
Technology at Work in Mandirs
Murali Bhattar
6.3
School Library Project / Atman Press
Robert Arnett & Hiranya Gowda
6.4
Connecting Sanskrit, Sanskriti & Dharma: Role of the Hindu Mandirs
Varun Khanna
6.5
Overview of Parallel Sessions
Samir Asthana
Q&A
9:50 AM Relaxation
Parallel Tracks (7A, 7B, 7C, &D and 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D)
Session 7A: 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Room: Monte Carlo
Mandir: Religious Activities
Satya G.S
7A.1 The Significance of Hindu Temple Architecture
Lakshmishwar Jha
7A.2 Significance of Ritual & Festivals - A Case study
Ma Nithya Sivananda
7A.3 Basics that Strengthen Human Character
Sri Nithya Muktananda
7A.4 Adventure & Learning: Pilgrimage to Kailash
Lina Patel
Q&A
Session 7B: 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Room: Mediterranean Center
Education I - Resources
Kumud Sane
7B.1
Role of Hindu Education to build a brighter future for our children
Rita Biagioli
7B.2
7B.3
Veda - Vedic Education and Devotional Academy Model
Resources for Hindu Education in Temples
Jagadeesh Babu
Raj Iragavarapu
7B.4
Practice of Spirituality in Temples
Satya Kalra
Q&A
Session 7C: 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Room: Governor’s B
Igniting the Flame Within: Redefining the Hindu-American Youth Identity - I
7C.1 Introducing the session
Session 7D: 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Room: Castillian
Jenn Kistama
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Temple Volunteerism Through Inner Development
Ram Mallik & Harish Dhruv
7D.1
Promoting Positive Thinking in Temple Communities
Kusum Bahen
7D.2
7D.3
Motivating Others Through Self Development & Compassion
The Role of Priest & Society in Anthyeshti Samskar
Prabha Duneja
7D.4
Transformation Through Families: Gayatri Parivar Model
Dharmendra Sharma
Nimit Thaker
Q&A
3
PROGRAM DETAILS
SATURDAY 8/18/2012
Session 8A: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Room: Monte Carlo
Services Offering to Our Hindu Community
8A.1 Engaging our seniors as volunteer for the temple
8A.2 Socio-economic help for needy
8A.3 Service without any expectations
8A.4 Abstaining from Genetically Modified Food in Mandirs
Q&A
Session 8B: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
Education II - Best Practices
8B.1 Jiva Daya (Compassion for Animals): Process at Jain Center
8B.2 Importance of Teaching Samskritam in Mandirs
8B.3 Teaching Samskritam made easy: Ten Year Experience
8B.4 VEDA - The Inner-net Browser
Q&A
Session 8C: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Room: Governor’s B
Igniting the Flame Within:
Redefining the Hindu-American Youth Identity - II
Continuation of the previous session
Session 8D: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Room: Castillian
Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) Workshop
8D.1 Hindu Perspective for Vanaprasthis
8D.2 Health and Financial Issues- Sanskruti Parivar Centers
8D.3 How to Organize Havan
8D.4 Government Benefits for Vanprasthis
8D.5 Vanaprasthi Programs and Activities at Freemont Temple
Q&A
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch
Kaushik Joshi
Rajendra Patel
Bala Ganesaratnam
Sundar Natarajan
Udit Shah
Dr. Shashi Sane
Nitin Shah
BVK Sastry
Govinda Yelagalawadi
Sekhar Boddupalli
Jenn Kistama
Arvind Patel
Shyam Narayan Shukla
Yogesh Naik
Sheela Kene
Kamlesh Amin & Nagin Patel
Leela Mathur
Parallel Workshops - Break Out Sessions (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D)
Session 9A: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
Temple Operation, Management & Administration
9A.1 Guidelines for Effective Board Meetings
9A.2 Characteristics of High Impact Temple Boards
9A.3 Operation of Hindu Temples in Trinidad
9A.4 Making Dharma Relevant to Hindu Youth
9A.5 Hindu deities in non-dharmic depictions: denigration?
Q&A
Session 9B: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Room: Monte Carlo
Sustaining and Strengthening Dharma: Case Studies
9B.1 Successful Model of HOTA – A New Zealand Story
9B.2 HMEC-NCI Chaplaincy Program
9B.3 Sustaining Dharma in America Through Seva in Bharat
9B.4 Uniting Hindu Community Through Mandirs
9B.5 Learnings from Sidhayog Ashram
Q&A
Session 9C: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Room: Governor’s B
Creative Hour
Session 9D: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Room: Castillian
Temple Seva & Outreach to Surrounding Communities
9D.1 5 Principle of Effective Advocacy
9D.2 How the Hindu community must support resettling Bhutanese refugees
4
Govinda Rao
Nirupama Raghavan
Sudesh Kumar
Swami Brahma Deo
Ravi Jaishankar
Nilesh Shirodkar
Surendra Pandey
Mamta Bhika
Debashish Banerji
Swami Mangalananda
Keshav Patel
Swami Radhikananda Saraswati
Aparna Pasumarthi & Ujjwala Son
Deepak Shrivastava
Rishi Bhutada
Sadhna Gupta
PROGRAM DETAILS
SATURDAY 8/18/2012
9D.3
9D.4
9D.5
9D.5
Seva Outreach Sangh - SOS
SAC/EKAL
Books on India in Temples/School/Public Libraries
Books on India in Temples/School/Public Libraries
Q&A
2:45 PM Afternoon Tea and Snacks
Session 10: 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
Mandir as an Instrument of Peace and Harmony
10.1 Religious Education -- Necessity or Option for Hindu Children
10.2 “Hindu Mandirs Code of Conduct-II” How to avoid getting into trouble.
10.3 Spiritualizing Temple Leadership
10.4 Report on HMEC participation in WAVES (July 2012)
10.5 World Harmony Through Interfaith Dialog
10.6 Persistence Can Move Mountains - Braj Seva Story
Q&A
Session 11: 4:50 PM - 5:45 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
Best Practices from the Interfaith Spectrum: How Can Temples
Improve Outreach and Advocacy
11.1 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
11.2 Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Community Relations Council
11.3 Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, San Jose
11.4 B.A.P.S. Hindu Mandir in Milpitas, CA
Q&A
Session 12: 5:50 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
HMEC 12 Closure Session
12.1 Sanatan Dharma Scholarship through Mandirs. (nation wide plan)
12.2 Action Items and Resolutions
12.2 Blessings and Parting Thoughts
Announcements & Thanks
6:45 PM End
7:45 PM Dinner Buffet
Evening Program: 8:30 PM Room: Mediterranean Center
Cultural Program & Invited Speakers
Swami Dayananda Saraswati - Video Message
Third Eye on Vedic Temple Tradition
Sanatan Dharma Scholarship Winners
World Hindu Congress 2014 Overview
Cultural
Vote of Thanks
Sarika Persaud
Vinod Jhunjhunwala/Sheela Kene
Smita Turakhia
Smita Turakhia
Naga Rajan
Swami Prasannatmananda
Sharma Tadepalli
Senthilnathaswami
Aditi Banerjee
Swami Parmeshananda
Animesh Sinha
Sunil Shukla
Lila Bringhurst
Diane Fisher
Rev. Sundari Jensen
B.A.P.S. Representative
Kumar Dave
Tejas Dave
Sanjay Mehta
Swami Adhyatmananda ji
Rajesh Verma
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Ji
Swami Vidyadhishananda Ji
Youth Committee Member
Nachiketa Tiwari
Host Temples
Romesh Japra & Keshab Chopra
10:30 PM End
SUNDAY 8/19/2012
Sadhana:7:00AM Yoga, Meditation, Devotional Singing
Governor’s A: Meditation
Governor’s B: Yoga
Governor’s C: Bajans - Devotional Singing
Nityananda Group
Mahendra Ji
Nikhilanand ji
8:00 AM Breakfast
Bus Pickup: 9:30AM HINDU MELA FREMONT
5
MESSAGE FROM VHPA PRESIDENT
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
President’s address: 37 Kimberly Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107
Tel.: 860-521-2173 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vhp-america.org
Jyotish Parekh
President, VHP-A
It is with great pleasure, I welcome you to the 7th Hindu Mandir Executives’
Conference (HMEC). Over past seven years we have built up a strong network
of Mandirs in North America. During this stage a strong foundation has
been laid and there are incredible opportunities available to build on this
foundation. A very successful blood donation drive, undertaken last year
to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11World Trade Center tragedy,
is an excellent example of what can be achieved because of this network.
We had the overwhelming participation of 79 Mandirs and 2,500 units of
blood were donated – very impressive figures for the collective effort of the
network. And yet in terms of opportunities, this is just a tip of the iceberg.
So collectively let us brain storm the enormous opportunities available and
develop short- as well as long- term plans.
For nourishing the tree of Hindu Dharma in this adopted land (karma
bhumi), we have collectively felt a need to focus strongly on the needs of
2nd generation Hindus. Last year I reported to you about the formation of
Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY). In a short span of one year that group has
made great progress. Many youths from across USA have joined the group
and they have undertaken many programs. I urge all the Mandir executives
to encourage the youths from their areas to participate in the programs
and projects of CHY.
The Hindu Samskār book committee had published the Hindu Antyesthi
Samskār (final rites) and Vivāh Samskār books during earlier conferences.
Both the publications have fulfilled an important need for the large Hindu
Diaspora around the world outside Bharat. And both the publications have
received accolades. This year the committee is unveiling the “Hospital Prayer
Book”. That will provide another critical need for the Hindu community.
This year California has shown us real team spirit. Along with the Fremont
Hindu Temple as the host, HMEC 2012 is graciously co-hosted by 16 Mandirs.
This shows a sign of great unity amongst the Mandirs with an eagerness to
serve the community in a noble way. We sincerely thank all of them for
being wonderful hosts and demonstrating a way to unite for a divine cause.
Jyotish Parekh, President
VHP of America.
6
CONVENER’S MESSAGE
Respected HMEC delegates,
Saadar Namaskar!
Welcome to the 7th HMEC that is being held for the first time in San Jose, California.
We are pleased to inform you that this HMEC is being co-hosted by 16 mandirs, a new
record in the history of HMEC. This entire HMEC has been planned and organized by
volunteers from VHPA and host and co-host temples and it has taken nearly 9 months
of dedicated efforts.
Often people ask us, why people volunteer their time to organize the HMEC and do
not even seek recognition. We do this selfless work because we feel it is our Dharma
to do meaningful activities to sustain future generation of Hindus and Hindu temples
that have been built with great efforts and financial investment by the community.
Such a monumental task of bringing together mandirs to collectively discuss issues
cannot be done by any organization alone. Therefore, HMEC has become a role
model for VHPA working together with many different organizations. By providing
spiritual, cultural, and social nourishment to the community, these Hindu institutions
can become the heart of the community. It is our duty not only as Hindus but as good
citizens of the community to serve the community via these institutions. That is how
American society will recognize the values Hindus live by and our future generations
will not only be proud of us but also follow the leadership. Therefore, we request
the delegates to spread the message to their constituents so that mandirs perform
not only Hindu festival celebrations and poojas in mandirs but also work together to
serve the community at large. With sustained efforts, we can bring the principle of
Vasudhaiv kutumbkam to reality and experience “ Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” (i.e.
you protect Dharma- Dharma will protect you).
Besides the conference activities, HMEC has taken on several projects over the last
several years. In line with previous years, this year HMEC has prepared a prayer book
that is focused to help the Hindus who are experiencing an illness.
Dr. Umesh Shukla
HMEC Chairman
Dr. Romesh Japra
Convener
We hope that you will find your stay comfortable and the conference will be meaningful
and productive and you will become an ambassador for the HMEC at your institution.
We know we are not perfect. Therefore, please forgive us in the event you had any
inconveniences.
The Hindu Mandirs and Spiritual Institutions are our real legacy to the community
at large. Let us be united and continue the journey of HMEC so that it becomes a
worldwide movement. A strong network of Hindu Mandirs will help us not only
sustain our society but will bring much needed support from the larger multi-faith
community.
Dhanyavad
Sincerely Yours
Umesh Shukla
Romesh Japra
Dr. Umesh Shukla
HMEC Chairman
Dr. Romesh Japra
Convener
7
MESSAGE
I am very happy to know that the annual conference of the Hindu Mandir Executives
is imminent, and I am sure it will be well-attended.
This get-together is bound to create better bonds and good networking among the
people connected to the Hindu Mandirs in America. Perhaps these Mandirs together
can plan and execute a project in India as a North American Hindu Mandirs' project.
It can be a specialty hospital, or a prestigious educational institution, or even a few
model villages.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
8
MESSAGE
9
MESSAGE
10
MESSAGE
11
SPIRITUALITY FOR PEACE AND HAPPINESS IN LIFE
Shyam Narayan Shukla, Ph.D
A
ccording to the Hindu Dharma
our present birth is the result
of our prarabdha sanskara or
karmas of our past lives. Now
that we are here we should make the
best use of our present life to make it
meaningful, happy and peaceful. We
should also try to achieve perfection in this
life so that we are in the path of Moksha,
that is, liberation from the cycle of births
and deaths by merging into Brahman, the
Supreme Being. Thousands of years ago
the Hindu Rishis came to the conclusion
that every human being should have four
objectives in this life, namely, Dharma,
Artha, Kama and Moksha to make his or
her life meaningful and happy. These
are also called the four Purusharthas or
objectives of life.
About the author: Dr.
Shukla is a retired professional
engineer and scholar. He has
authored several articles and
books on Hinduism and Vedic
scriptures. He is a Governing
Council member of Vishwa
Hindu Parishad (World Hindu
The term Dharma is loosely translated as
Council) of America.
E-mail: [email protected]) ‘religion’ in English, but it does not reflect
its true and deep meaning. Dharma is
derived from the Sanskrit root verb Dhri,
which means to support or to hold. Thus
Dharma is a set of ethical rules which holds
a person, a family, a society or a nation in
good balance. For example, the Dharma
of a human being is that he should have
love, compassion, truthfulness and
justice for all beings. Only such qualities
can lead a person to divinity. Artha, the
second purushartha means wealth. Hindu
Dharma encourages a person to earn
wealth to have a happy life. However,
the wealth should be earned ethically,
by observing all the rules of the Dharma
and without hurting a fellow being. The
third purushartha is Kama, which means
desire - actually good desire. Dharma
encourages a person to fulfill his good
desires in his lifetime. He may wish to be
a mayor of his city, governor of his state,
a professor, a doctor, a scientist, etc., but
in that process he should keep in mind
again that he has to observe the laws of
12
Dharma. He should also keep in mind that
his ultimate purushartha (or paramartha)
is Moksha. If one deviates from Dharma in
achieving Artha and Kama, one will never
achieve Moksha.
The Karmakanda of the Vedas define
Moksha as ‘living in the heaven’ for an
indefinite period and that it could be
achieved by performing yajnas (sacrifices).
The Vedic Rishis, who like scientists
devoted their lives in search of Truth,
determined that it was not possible to
achieve heaven for an indefinite period by
means of a limited entity yajna. They said
that one would be able to spend time in
the heaven only in proportion of the good
karmas done on this earth, after which
one falls back to this earth with a new
birth. The Upanishads, the Jnanakanda
of the Vedas, define Moksha as realizing
Atman (being one with Atman), the
divine element within oneself. They also
found out that when one meditates on
the formless Atman for a certain length
of time every day, one eventually realizes
Atman and that the Atman and Brahman,
the Supreme Being, are one and the same.
In the process of this discovery the Rishis
realized that even if one does not achieve
Moksha in this life, meditation gives
some other radical benefits. Usually our
mind constantly thinks about our so
many problems of the everyday life. It
thinks even when we are sleeping. The
thinking during sleep produces dreams.
This results in mental fatigue and tension.
Therefore, they recommended for us the
practice of japa (repeated chanting of the
Lord’s names), bhajana (devotional songs
in the praise of the Lord) and dhyana
(concentration on the Lord). During these
processes our thinking is channeled
towards our favorite deity. When we
are meditating or chanting bhajan or
performing japa, our mind calms down, gets rid of all the
worries for some time and in this state we are closest to
the Almighty. Eventually our attitude towards life changes
drastically and we are able to deal with problems of the life
more easily. By Ishvara-pranidhan (surrendering to God)
we observe a change in our attitude, in that whatever
is happening to us is done by Him, the Almighty who is
our well-wisher and protector. It gives us a tremendous
mental strength.
It is recommended by the Hindu scriptures that one should
start one’s spiritual practices under the guidance of a well
renowned guru. A guru should be a person of an ideal
character, have great self-control and deep knowledge
of the scriptures. He should be adept in meditation and
worship of Ishvara.
Leading a spiritual life is the key to happiness and peace in
this life and a sure pathway to Moksha.
HINDU AMERICAN
FOUNDATION
Promoting understanding, tolerance, and pluralism.
HAF is an advocacy organization that
interacts with and educates leaders in
public policy, academia, media, and
the public at large about Hinduism and
global issues concerning Hindus
HAFSITE.ORG t (202) 223-8222
910 Seventeenth St. NW, Suite 1180
Washington, D.C. 20006
13
GIVING INSPIRATION:
THE PRIMARY MISSION OF THE VEDIC TEMPLE
Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana Dasa)
I
About the author: Stephen
Knapp (Sri Nandanandana
dasa) is the author of over
20 books on Vedic culture,
the founder of The World
Relief Network, President of
The Vedic Friend Association,
Chairman of the Board at the
Detroit Hare Krishna Temple,
and has been involved in
various aspects of temple
management for forty years.
He is also a direct disciple
of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada. More
information about him and
his books can be found at
www.stephenknapp.info.
www.stephen-knapp.com
E-mail: [email protected]
t is not often recognized, but the primary
mission of the temple, over and above
everything else, is to inspire others to
take a serious look into the real purpose
and practice of the Vedic spiritual path
and to participate in the tradition. Many
think the main purpose of the temple
is to provide a place where people can
simply go to do their prayers, pujas and
observe the holy days. Of course, that is
part of it or it would not be a Vedic temple,
but without invoking the inspiration to
do that, especially in the youth, then in
another 2 or 3 generations many of our
sparkling new temples will turn into mere
warehouses, or at best museum pieces.
Some of the most difficult assets the temple
has to attain are funds and manpower, or
the help to continue its programs. If it can
invoke the inspiration, then the funds and
voluntary service will follow so that it can
continue with its programs, whether they
be pujas, holy day festivals, educating the
youth, and so on. Therefore, it is imperative
that temples and the managers and priests
must arrange things in a way so that
everyone becomes increasingly inspired
to participate in temple activities and the
Vedic tradition itself.
In this way, the temple and the way it
conducts itself should help in the transition
of people from being mere observers, to
appreciators, to participants, up to taking
responsibilities to help the temple in
service to the deities and other temple
members, or the general community. If the
temple can do this, then it and everyone
associated with it will secure a bright
future, not only for the temple, but for the
whole Vedic community, for the Dharmic
tradition, and for humanity as a whole.
So first, let us look at the basic points of
inspiration the temple must provide, and
14
see how a person can progress from one
point to the next.
1. To first recognize the benefits of the Vedic
tradition. When you visit a temple, the
benefits are not always apparent. Naturally,
you may see the beautiful grounds around
a lovely temple building. Or you may get
darshan of the gorgeously decorated
deities, which should be inspiring in itself.
You may also see the intricate rituals and
hear the prayers or chanting and realize
you should attend the temple more often.
But without understanding the benefits,
it may only take a cricket match or ball
game on television to distract you away
from attending the temple. So it should
go deeper than that. People need to be
able to comprehend the activities and
rituals, at least on a basic level, and then
perceive the benefits and blessings we get
from such activities, and why it is good to
participate. This leads to the next point.
2. To understand the tradition more
deeply. We have seen that if the priests or
pujaris explain the rituals while they are
performing them, or if there is a class in the
temple on the meaning of the rituals and
the philosophy, or if books are available,
or if there are temple study groups to
join, we can begin to see and understand
the deeper purpose of what goes on
at the temple, and why we should be a
part of it. Another thing that has always
been helpful is if there are prayer books
that contain the words of the mantras or
bhajans that are used in the temple. But
these should be in the original Sanskrit or
Hindi with Roman transliteration, and with
English interpretations. Then people can
follow along or understand it with more
appreciation, especially the youth who
may not know the traditional languages.
In this way, as people begin to perceive the
benefits and purpose of the temple and
the meaning of the activities that go
on there, people will be encouraged
to increase their appreciation for
what the temple has to offer, and to
support it.
3. The next step is to participate. It
is one thing to be an observer with
appreciation, but it is another thing
to be a participant. When a person
decides to participate, no longer is he
or she merely watching what others
are doing, but he begins to be a part
of the pujas, and prayer or chanting
sessions, bhajans, or he even begins
to help organize festivals on holy
days, or with cleaning the temple, and
so on. This opens the door for one
to receive the higher taste of seva or
service, not only to the temple, but for
the deity in the temple. This is how a
person begins to get to the next point.
4. Getting the higher taste of spiritual
happiness and fulfillment by being
engaged in spiritual activities. This is
the reciprocation between oneself
and the Divine. This is when temple
management should be able to guide
a person in the proper services that
guests and progressing devotees
can do. This is when one enters the
stage of being convinced by direct
experience and perception, however
simple it may be at first. Combined
with Vedic spiritual knowledge, along
with sadhana or practice, and
with the performance of seva,
no other process can deliver
one to deeper and deeper
levels of that higher taste
more effectively than this.
5. The temple can also inspire
people to recognize it as the
preserver and protector of sacred
spiritual knowledge, and the center
for educating people, who humbly
approach it. The temple can be
viewed as the center for the secret
knowledge that can hardly be found
anywhere else.
6. Understanding your true, eternal
spiritual identity and connection with
the spiritual strata. This only has to be
reawakened by being guided in the
Vedic formula and process, a part of
which is observing the activities in
the temple which helps make things
easier. Why is this secret knowledge?
As it is described by Lord Krishna in the
Bhagavad-Gita, “This knowledge is the
king of education, the most secret of
all secrets. It is the purest knowledge,
and because it gives direct perception
of the self by realization, it is the
perfection of religion. It is everlasting,
and it is joyfully performed.” (B.G. 9.2).
This means that it is a natural process
of purifying or spiritualizing our
consciousness so that we can actually
perceive that which is spiritual. It
is not a mere dogma that must be
followed without understanding
or without question, but that we
advance according to our own
development until we eventually
reach direct perception of the self.
There are few processes that can do
that. Nonetheless, just by following
the path we can attain the supreme
spiritual peace, which is something
that is not easy to find. As Lord Krishna
also explains in the Bhagavad-Gita,
“In this world, there is nothing so
sublime and pure as transcendental
knowledge. Such knowledge is the
mature fruit of all mysticism. And one
who has achieved this enjoys the self
within himself in due course of time.
A faithful man who is absorbed in
transcendental knowledge and who
subdues his senses quickly attains the
supreme spiritual peace.” (B.G. 4.3839).
Now tell me, where else can you
find this kind of advice? This is the
significance of this sort of information
from the Vedic culture, which
everyone should understand. This
brings us to point number seven.
When a person fully understands
all that we have described so far,
and especially when one begins to
experience the higher taste of such
spiritual practice, then he or she will
also want to help in the operation of
the temple in some way. This will not
only be for his own continued progress
and spiritual development, but he will
be inspired from within to work for
the development of all others in order
to give them the same opportunity
to experience this deep Vedic
culture. There is also no faster
way to develop spiritual
merit than to assist or help
make arrangements for the
spiritual progress of others.
This process can secure a long
future for both the temple
and the Vedic tradition.
15
BHARATVARSHA (INDIA) THAT WAS ARYAVART
Surendra Nath Pandey, Ph. D.
I
n order to understand the origin of
terms Hinduism and India, one must
look into the history of ancient India.
This article briefly accounts for those
events in India’s past that are relevant to
explaining the origin of these terms.
About the author: Dr.
Pandey is a retired university
professor and administrator.
He is the Chief Editor of
Mandir Vani and editor/
contributor to other Hindu/
Indian publications. He is a
member of the Governing
Council of Vishwa Hindu
Parishad (World Hindu
Council) of America.
Thousands of years ago India was known
as Āryāvart (AayaRvtR) meaning abode
(vart) of the Aryās. The boundary of
Āryāvarta may have extended in the
north to Himālaya mountain range and
to the Vindhya Mountain range in the
south as per several references, such as
The Manu Smriti (Chapter 2 -22/24) which
describes Āryāvart as “the region located
between the eastern sea to the western
sea and the tract between the Himālaya
and the Vindhya mountain ranges.”
AasmuÔaÄu vE pUvRdasmuÔ½ piímat!,
tyaerevaNtr< igyaeRrayaRvtR ivÊbuRxaR>.
äsamudrättu vai pürvadäsamudracca
paçcimät |
tayoreväntaraà giryoräryävarta
vidurburdhäù ||
However, in the two most popular
epics, Rāmāyan and Mahābhārat,
many locations are mentioned that
can be found all over India extending
to as far as the current Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Arabian Sea, Aruna Mountain,
Bangladesh and Burma (Myanmar) to the
southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
The most populated areas, however,
were the plains of rivers Sindhu (Indus),
now dried up Saraswati, Gangā (Ganges),
Yamunā, and their tributaries.
Later the land (Āryāvarta) was named
Bhāratvarsh (Éartv;R), after the noble
king Bharat (Ért). This name existed for
thousands of years from pre-Mahābhārat
to the beginning of foreign invasion of
India as discussed later.
16
Bhāratvarsh refers to the whole of modern
India and many other countries which did
not exist then as separate nations. Bharat
was one of the few emperors to rule all
of former India or Bhāratvarsh, which
was much bigger than the modern India.
Vishnu Purān (2.3.1) includes an account
of the extent of Bhāratvarsh,
%Är< yTsmuÔSy ihmaÔeíEv di][<,
v;¡ tdœ Éart< nam ÉartI yÇ sNtit>.
uttaraM yatsamudrasya
himaadreshchaiva daxiNaM |
varShaM tad bhaarataM naama bhaaratI
yatra santatiH ||
“The region (varsha) that lies north
of the ocean and south of the snowy
mountains is called Bhārat; there dwell
the descendants of Bharat.”
The religion of the inhabitants of Āryāvart
(AayaRvtR) was known as Sanātan Dharma,
(snatn xmR), an eternal religion which had
no founder meaning it always existed.
To the west of Bhāratvarsh, the region
referred to as the Middle East, a man
named Jesus Christ was born about 2,000
years ago who proclaimed himself as
the son of God. His followers started a
religion Christianity in his name hence,
they became known as Christians. About
five centuries later, another man, named
Muhammad was born in the same
region. He claimed to have received
word from God whom he called Allah,
and declared himself the last prophet of
Allah. Thus a new religion, Islam was born
--the followers of Islam became known
as Muslims. It’s noteworthy that both
Jesus Christ and Muhammad shared the
common ancestor –Abraham, hence
these are known as Abrahamic religions.
As the Christians and Muslims tried
to expand their religious influence all
over the word, they fought several wars
over religious and territorial control
mostly confined to the Europe and
Eurasia initially.
The first victim of Muslim invasion
toward the east was the portion of
India which is now in Afghanistan/
Pakistan. It is believed that when
Muslims from the north and west
traveled toward Bhāratvarsh, the
first river they reached was Sindhu
(Indus) River. They started identifying
inhabitants around and across the
Sindhu River as Hindus. After several
wars, the Muslim invaders succeeded
in establishing a firm rule over
Bhāratvarsh, and gave it the name
Hindustan, abode of Hindus. Thus the
religions of people of Hindustan were
identified as either Hinduism, of the
natives practicing Sanātan Dharma,
or Islam, of the invaders and forcibly
converted Hindus. A few centuries
later, the Christians from Portugal,
France, Holland and England started
coming to India through naval routes
primarily as traders. As their influence
expanded they captured some part of
India forcibly and started conversion
to Christianity. The British became
most influential and powerful. They
eventually defeated the Muslim ruler
in 1757; making Hindustan a colony
of the British Empire, and India
became its official name. Perhaps, the
name India emanated from the word
Hindi, the most common language of
Indians during British entry into India
or a deformation of the word Hindu.
In 1857, the first fight against the
Colonial rule was started by the
Hindus serving in the British (Indian)
army. Even though the original
“rebels” were hanged by the British,
they had planted enough seeds
that would produce many freedom
fighters over the years to come.
After 90 years of struggle, the British
granted independence to India in
1947. The new Indian government
adopted two official names for this
newly independent nation: Republic
of India in English and Éart g[raJy
(Bhārat Ganrājya) in Hindi, in short
India and Bhārat. Unfortunately,
before granting independence, the
British carved out two sections from
India to create a new nation Pakistan
(East and West). Later the East broke
independent from the West and
emerged as an independent nation
of Banglādesh.
The above is a very brief history of
India or Bhārat which is relevant and
necessary to understand the term
Hinduism, the current name for the
Sanātan Dharma practiced by the
Hindus in Bhārat (India) for thousands
of years, and by the Hindu Diasporas
all over the world.
Pronunciation Note: Ā or ā as in Car
or Father, A or a as in Legal or Collar.
17
THE FUTURE HINDU TEMPLES OF NORTH AMERICA
Hiro Badlani, M.D.
H
indu temples in the US majority of them built in
the last few decades - are
undergoing changes to meet
and accommodate the changing needs
of the society and the devotees. A few
suggestions are submitted here for
general consideration and discussion.
About the author: Dr Hiro
Badlani is the author of
Hinduism: Path of the Ancient
Wisdom
www.hinduismpath.com. He
is a retired physician and lives
at Los Angeles and can be contacted at [email protected]
Editor’s note: HMEC has published several books and manuals on performing various
Hindu rituals with appropriate
explanation. For complete list
of HMEC and VHPA publications, please visit the web page
at: www.myHMEC.org or
www.vhp-america.org
18
not well versed in Indian languages,
often feel lost when the announcements
are made in Indian languages. Ignoring
the basic needs of the youth and children
may feel alienated and avoid attending
the temple altogether. Sometimes the
language issue is unnecessarily made a
sentimental topic. Children especially are
pushed to learn the vernacular languages
t"DDPVOU,FFQJOH)JOEVUFNQMFTPGUFO by emotional pressure. We may look
are found to be rather lax about account at the problem by long foresight and
keeping; in the long run this may become be more practical. It is hard to imagine
a big liability in many different ways.
that Hindu children, after one hundred
years from now, will understand many
t (FOFSBM )ZHJFOF PG UIF 5FNQMF .BOZ vernacular Indian languages despite all
of the Hindu temples need to pay our efforts!
attention to the general upkeep and
hygiene. Special attention is needed t #BMWJIBST .BOZ )JOEV UFNQMFT OPX
for maintaining proper care of the rest conduct Bal-vihars for children. This
rooms, which are often neglected.
imparts basic knowledge of Hindu
religion and culture to the children.
t 4JUUJOH "SSBOHFNFOUT )JOEV UFNQMFT The classes may especially concentrate
now have generally mixed arrangements on coaching sadachar (good conduct);
for sitting on chairs and on the floor. The they may be taught how they should
floor seating may be better organized behave with elders respectfully, with
to reduce over-crowding. On special members of their family at home, and
occasions, often devotees sit even in the with others outside, instead of focusing
gangway. In the USA it is a rule to write only on complicated things like chanting
the maximum number of occupants shlokas and mantras. Sadachar has been
allowed in any room. This rule should be the golden tradition of Hindu culture; it
properly enforced to avoid fire hazard and needs to be preserved.
other problems. Some Buddhist temples
arrange individual seating arrangements t 3JUVBMT .BOZ QFPQMF BSF JO GBWPS
on the floor also; this method may be of discouraging what is termed as
adopted in future.
‘empty rituals’, that is, rituals without
understanding the meaning and not
t -BOHVBHF 5FNQMF BDUJWJUJFT BSF making use of the same in practical life.
generally conducted at present in mixed The rituals may be performed in more
languages. English and Hindi or other simplified manner: The ritual steps are
vernacular languages are used in a mixed made available to the devotees on
manner. Hindu temples may seriously printed pamphlets. The Sanskrit shlokas
consider the use of English more and are printed both in original Sanskrit and
more so that all devotees may understand Roman scripts. Meaning of the shlokas
the proceedings. Hindu temples are often is usually also printed in English. As the
visited by mixed crowds of different Indian priest chants the shlokas, he explains the
languages. Youth and children, who are meaning of each line. The importance
of the shlokas in everyday life is
emphasized by the priest, thus making
the ritual of practical importance.
are vulnerable to make mistakes.
Recent sex scandals of the Catholic
churches may make us more vigilant
that similar problems do not occur in
t)BWBO5IJTXPSTIJQDFSFNPOZTFFNT Hindu temples. Unfortunately some
to be getting more popular in the USA. cases have already happened in the
However, there is a need to modify it USA as well as in other countries
so that there is minimal smoke and including India. Remaining in a denial
fire as per the laws. Installation of an mode is not a correct solution. The
exhaust fan above the havan kund penalties are high, both for the person
may alleviate the smoke problem who commits the sexual offences and
and protect, especially those suffer for the institutes and temples where
from heart or lung problems. Often these offenses take place, especially
there is a lot of wastage of milk (e.g. when minors are involved.
Shiv-ratri festival), ghee, and other
precious materials in ritualistic There is already a chronic shortage
ceremonies. Symbolic mini-offerings of Hindu priests in the USA. As such
may be substituted instead, and other there is a need for lay persons who can
useful articles may be collected in the offer a helping hand as priests. A short
form of canned foods etc. to be later manual, which contains procedures
distributed to some nearby homeless for different ceremonies with mantras
or poor centers.
written in Sanskrit with English
translation, may be prepared under
t 4PDJBM 4FSWJDF )JOEV UFNQMFT NBZ the auspices of the HMEC so that
gear to take projects like Support more persons could use the manual.
Groups in different categories like A brief course also may be offered
youth, adults, women in distress, to house-holders, who may conduct
seniors, sick persons etc. The temples these ceremonies when necessary, on
may also be involved in charitable voluntary basis.
Donations,
projects both for deserving local however, should be given only to the
Hindu community as well as for other temple, rather than to the individual
communities in the neighborhood. volunteers, whenever such voluntary
This may create enormous goodwill. services are offered.
Doing a good deed is the proper way
to deal with any negative feelings, thus t :PVUI *OWPMWFNFOU 5IFSF JT B
creating a positive good relationship need to involve the youth in the
with other communities. Hindus have temple activities. Often they shy
always believed in the philosophy of away, especially when they are not
world as one divine family vasudhaiva encouraged. Their participation is
kutumbakam.
essential; they are our leaders of
tomorrow. In many Hindu temples,
t1SJFTU4XBNJ5IFSFJTBOFFEUPLFFQ very aged senior persons hold the
an eye on the general behavior of the important posts, almost indefinitely.
priest/swami in Hindu temples. They Certain executive committee posts
too are human beings and, therefore, may be earmarked for the youth, and
they may be given a free hand to fulfill
their responsibility; we may trust
them, and stand by them through
thick and thin. The final responsibility
lies with the seniors. The suggestions
put forward by the young may be
taken with utmost seriousness and
implemented as far as possible; this
is the only way the youth will involve
themselves.
t "SSBOHFNFOU PG 3FNPWFE 4IPFT
Arrangement of removed shoes in
Hindu temples has been often an eye
sore. It is highly advisable to designate
an appropriate area in the temple for
taking off/on and storing the shoes. A
few chairs should be available for the
devotees so that they may remove or
put on their shoes comfortably while
sitting. Also, hand washing facility
should be nearby. After removing the
shoes, one should not have to walk on
cold, wet, rough or uneven surface. It
may not be known to many temple
organizers that the diabetic patients
are forbidden to walk bare foot even
in home lest they may hurt their
feet and then run into some serious
complications.
t 4IBSJOH PG "VUIPSJUZ BOE
Responsibility: Hindu temple is
essentially a religious place. In a
religious place of temple, it is rather
unbecoming to resort to quarrels and
arguments; we may always handle
the temple matters gently by sharing
all the authority and responsibility.
Some organizational arrangement
often invites politics. The senior office
bearers who have spiritual attitude
may defuse the confrontations and
arguments effectively.
(Continued on page 23)
19
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21
YOGA IS MUCH MORE THAN PHYSICAL EXCERCISE
Satya Kalra
Yoga is Equanimity/Serenity of the mind
(smTv< yaeg %Cyte) – Bhagavad Gita
“Yoga is a combination of both physical
and spiritual exercises, entails mastery over
the body, mind and emotional self, and
transcendence of selfish desire.” - Sheetal
Shah
(http://blog.beliefnet.com/omsweetom/2012/01/
how-poor-analysis-can-wreck-your-yoga.html)
About the author: Mrs.
Satya Kalra, a former CEO
from Biotech Industry and
founder of Path to Anandam,
is an international speaker,
self-transformational coach,
meditation expert and spiritual
healer, popularly known for
Blissful Living. Her personal
mission is to live in love, peace,
and
Anandam—leading,
practicing, and propagating
blissful living and helping
others become more selfdependent and self-reliant. She
is the author of many spiritual
articles and several books –
including Path to Anandam.
E-mail:
[email protected]
Ph: 925-984-6246
T
he goal of yoga is not just
physical well being but also to
attain ultimate union with the
Supreme Being, and everlasting
peace and bliss/Anandam.
Yoga has become very popular in the
world in the last decade. More than
20 million people in the USA alone
practice yoga. The term yoga in the West
is primarily associated with stretches
and postures or asanas; however, yoga
is much more than physical exercise/
asanas.
Today, the word “yoga” is being used
interchangeably with “asana.” The asanas
are wonderful and crucial to keep the
body flexible, healthy and strong. But
they form only one branch of yoga, the
Hathayoga. Patanjali’s Yogasutra is a
very good treatise on Rajayoga (Yoga
of Meditation) through ashtanga yoga
(eight limbs of yoga), whereas the
teachings of Bhagavan Sri Krishna in the
Bhagavad-Gita deal with all branches of
yoga, namely, Jnanayoga, Karmayoga,
Dhyanayoga and Bhaktiyoga.
The word “Yoga”, originated in ancient
India, is derived from the Sanskrit root
verb yuj which means “to unite.” True
Yoga means the union of the individual
(conscious mind) with the ultimate reality
22
(Supreme consciousness). It also means
oneness/alignment of the body, mind,
and soul that result in eternal happiness
and peace-Anandam “Sat-Chit-Ananda.”
The practice of yoga is an art and science
that creates union of body, mind and
spirit. It is an art of right living that consists
of different movements, breathing
exercises,
relaxation
techniques,
meditation and other spiritual practices
for self-purification, self-transformation
and Self-Realization. As Sri Krishna
Pattabhi Jois has put it: Yoga is 99%
practice and 1% theory. (Yoga Mala)
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (Raja Yoga)
has eight steps; therefore it is called
Astanga Yoga (Eight Limbs/Steps). It
emphasizes control of mind, practicing
transcendental meditation, self-inquiry
and surrender to the Divine. It is stepby-step complete instructional manual
of scientific methods for attaining the
True Yoga and is symmetrically arranged
following the eight steps/limbs.
The eight steps to Raja Yoga are:
1. Yama: consisting of five qualities,
namely, non-violence, truthfulness,
non-stealing,
continence and noncovetousness.
2. Niyama: this too consists of five
qualities,
which
are
cleanliness,
contentment, austerity, study of
scriptures, and worship of God.
3. Asana: this is the body posture as well
as the seat one uses for meditation.
4. Pranayama: practice of regular
inhalation, exhalation and retention of
breath.
5. Pratyahara: control of the senses so
as to turn them inward to the object of
meditation (one’s favorite deity) from
their objects of attraction.
6. Dharana: the first step toward meditation; fixing the
mind to the object of concentration.
7. Dhyana: through the practice of Dharana, when one
is able to hold the mind for 144 seconds on the object of
meditation at the first stage.
8. Samadhi: the meditation lasting for more than
30 minutes turns into Samadhi when the object of
meditation alone shines
In Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, asana is limb number
three. Asanas help to improve overall physical health
and wellbeing, flexibility in the body, balance, strength,
self-awareness, flow of energy and water, digestion,
relaxation, and expands the consciousness. However,
the foundation of yoga is the yamas and niyamas–the
way we live our lives, or our “yoga off the mat” (our
action, behavior, thoughts and self-discipline. Beyond
asana there is so much more which ultimately leads us
to Samadhi, which may lead us to true union with the
divine, the ultimate Yoga—Liberation/Moksha.
The eight steps are equally important because they
pave a logical pathway which leads to the attainment of
physical, ethical, emotional, and spiritual health and also
the purpose of life, Eternal Love, Peace and Anandam –
Ultimate Union with Self, “Self-Realization.”
The goal of yoga is not only for physical fitness but to attain
oneness of body, mind and soul. It helps one to actualize
good health, calmness of mind, EQUANIMITY, everlasting
peace, bliss/Anandam and self-enlightenment. Yoga
helps bring about the ultimate union of the individual
consciousness (soul) with the Supreme Consciousness
(Sat Chit Ananda) by Self-Realization and liberation
(Moksha) from worldly suffering,
The benefits of Yoga are unlimited. We can experience
them immediately and in long-term at a physical level and
also in every aspect of our lives. We experience positive
changes in our lives that include improved health, greater
self-awareness, mental clarity and self-confidence. Yoga
is the means to connect us within. This connection raises
our consciousness, changes our attitude, transforms our
personality, redirects our way of thinking, and reframes
our speaking and eating habits. These enriched energies
within make us feel healthier, happier and in peace. Our
heart is filled with love and compassion (Joy/Anandam/
Bliss). Our connectedness to nature, family, community
and the world is imbued with our new found/renewed
bliss. We enjoy our life to the fullest and share it openly
with others.
Note: The article is written based upon recently release
book “Yoga Beyond Asana… the Complete Guide for
Blissful Life” by Satya Kalra.
http://www.pathtoanandam.org/yoga-beyond-asana.php.
The Future Hindu Temples of North America
(Continued from page 19)
t*OUFSSBDJBM.BSSJBHFT#ZSFDFOUFTUJNBUFBTNBOZBTPOF
third of marriages in the USA Hindu community are likely
to be inter-racial or inter-religious. This ratio may increase
even further in the future. It is, therefore, important to
gear our temples to welcome the non-Hindu spouses by
exhibiting positive and accommodating attitude. Making
proper arrangements to make them comfortable in
sitting and conducting (or explaining) the proceedings in
English will help.
There are now over 800 Hindu temples in the USA and
Canada—some of them very grand and full of spiritual
vibrations. For Hindus, visiting temples, especially in the
later period of life, is considered very auspicious and
essential for moksha or salvation.
There is a big potential, if some good travel companies
would involve themselves for the benefit of the
community.
t 5JSUIBZBUSB 64" &BSMJFS .BOEJS 7BOJ4FQU *
had submitted a proposal to organize Tirtha-yatra USA.
23
Message
24
ARE HINDUS IDOL-WORSHIPPERS?
Dilip Amin, Ph. D.
T
he American Heritage and
other dictionaries define the
word “Idol” with terms like
“An image used as an object of
worship, A false god, A person of thing
that is blindly or excessively adored”,
etc. The term “Idol” in Abrahamic
traditions came in response to, and
in counteraction to the Polytheistic
traditions of the ancient Greeks,
and it is understood to mean that
the Greeks were worshiping the
“false gods”. However, Hindus don’t
have the term “Idol” as used by nonHindus; they use the word “Murti”
(also spelled as Murthi, Murty, Moorti,
Moorty) which carries an entirely
different meaning. So, in essence the
term “idol worship” used for MurtiPuja is very derogatory and insulting
to Hindu World-view.
The range of meanings and purpose
associated with Murti-Puja within the
Hindu traditions are broad and deep.
Basically, the Murti-Puja is a Deity
Worship, where the Deity is within
the material-image in His or Her
unmanifested (avyakta) form, and
can be symbolic as well, especially for
those who are the beginners in this
Murti-Puja-Yoga tradition.
Christian missionaries frequently
state that Hindus are polytheist, idolworshippers and pray to “other gods.”
While “idol” has one definition that
is fairly accurate—an image or other
material object representing a deity to
which religious worship is addressed.
If one looks closely, Christians also
have material objects that are sacred
to them, namely the “Cross” that they
wear as necklace, display everywhere
they can, and use it in their religious
ceremonies. The image of Jesus
Christ nailed on the cross is displayed
every where in churches and other
holy places as is the statue of Mother
Mary with baby Jesus. Essentially,
these are sacred objects used for
worship, hence by definition they
are idols. Muslims pray facing Kaaba
(Black Cube). Are these not idols?
Perhaps, Christians and Muslims
believe those material objects are
sacred object, but not “idols” because
there is an implicit understating that
they represent their holy figures
while Hindus’ Murtis are “idols”
representing nothing.
not the names, forms or labels.
Except
for
yogis
(spiritually
enlightened persons) who have
mastered full control over their
faculty, common people have
wavering mind, and hence they need
a focus point to pray to their God.
The murtis provide that focus point
in Hindu temples where they are
installed with religious rituals and
recitation of shlokas from their holy
scriptures. Thus people visit the Hindu
temple to have “darshan” of their
deities represented by those murtis,
while non-Hindus call this practice as
“idolatry” and brand Hindus as idolworshippers, which is baseless, very
derogatory and insulting to Hindus
--the term is used by those who are
totally ignorant of Hinduism.
The answer, therefore, is that Hindus
worship Murtis, not the idols as
defined and understood by nonHindus.
Every Hindus has complete liberty
to pray to the God in any and every
way that works for him or her. Hindus
respect life, nature and celestial
objects. They show their reverence for
Mount Kailash, River Ganga (Ganges),
the Mother Earth, Sun, and many
plants and animals because they are
sacred to Hindus. It is the feeling of
reverence for creation that counts,
Swami Vivekananda
had
no
reservation associating with the
word idol. He has stated, “If such (his
guru) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa are
produced by idol-worship, what will
you have - - the reformer’s creed or
any number of idols? Yes idolatry is
condemned! Why? Nobody knows.
Because some hundreds of years ago
some man of Jewish blood happened
to condemn it? That is, he happened
to condemn everybody else’s idols
except his own.”
About the author: Dilip Amin, Ph.
D. is a scientist, former president
of Plymouth Balvihar (www.
PlymouthBalvihar.org), a co-author
of a book on Hindu Vivaha Ceremony
(www.Hindu-Wedding.org) and a
founder of
www.InterfaithShaadi.org.
25
VASTU ARCHITECTURE IN THE WEST
Michael Borden
Photo: The author with
Dr. Sthapati
About the author: Michael
Borden has post-graduate
degrees
in
Architecture
and Mayonic Science and
Technology. He has designed
and built Vastu structures for
the past 15 years worldwide.
Presently, he divides his time
between the USA Midwest
and New Zealand working on
Vastu projects.
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (641) 472-2157
Vastuved International
Website:
www.vastu-design.com
“The structure of the Vastu inspired building
vibrates with cosmic energy and the bodily
instrument resonates with this vibration.
To create and offer the house of supreme
bliss, and to enable us to experience that
supreme bliss here in this mundane house
itself – these are the prime motives of Vastu
Science.” Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, The
Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda
I
n 1998 and 1999 I traveled to Madras,
India, to study the principles of Vastu
Science as applied to Architecture. In
the mid-1990’s, I had begun a search
for information about Vastu Architecture.
I found that there were many ancient and
modern volumes dedicated to the subject.
When I surveyed the books I found them
quite confusing. I realized that I needed to
find a teacher. I was fortunate to find Dr. V.
Ganapati Sthapati of Chennai.
Ganapati Sthapati
Ganapati Sthapati was born in 1927
into a family whose ancestors built
the great temple at Tanjore in the 10th
century. He learned his craft from his
father,
Vaidyanatha
Sthapati,
a
renowned
traditional
temple
architect and sculptor.
Vaidyanatha
Sthapati
was commissioned by Sri
Ramana of Tiruvannamalai
to design and build the
Matrubhuteswara Temple,
the Mother’s Shrine, at the
ashram.
Starting out as a sculptor¹s
apprentice, he grew to
become a master sculptor
and a temple designer. He
spent 27 years as head of
the Government College of
Architecture and Sculpture
in Mahabalipuram, Tamil
Nadu, a college founded
by his father at the
26
request of the Tamil Nadu government.
He is responsible for India¹s significant
resurgence in the ancient art of stone
carving.
I first met Sthapati in Kansas City. Our
interview lasted about one hour. He said
that architecture was frozen music and
that a building could be an expression
of pleasant and powerful harmonies.
He spoke of the possibility of a building
being a coherence generator, attuning
the occupants to the laws of the universe
and increasing health, wealth and spiritual
well being.
He said that a building was a living
organism, like the human nervous system,
and could be designed in "harmonic
resonance" with the basic underlying
energy structure of the universe. But
more than his words, his presence, his
confidence, his enthusiasm and love of his
art, told me that he was a man who lived
his Truth.
There are many factors at work in the
Photo: V. Ganapati Sthapati
Courtyard of a Vastu residence, Tamil Nadu
or land sloping down to the east,
northeast, north or northwest is
considered to be beneficial with
the opposite having negative
effects for the occupants of the
structure. Orientation of the
structure with respect to the
cardinal points of the compass is
important. Correct orientation
harmonizes the energy of the
structure and occupants with that
of the earth and celestial bodies.
creation of a building aligned with
principles of Vastu Science. I began
studies with Ganapati Sthapati
hoping that he would act as and
interpreter and filter of the knowledge
for me and this he did. I came away
from my studies with a balanced and
applicable body of knowledge.
Basic Principles
“In the heart cave of the body there is
inner space and in that inner-space there
is the vibrant thread of consciousness.
It is this thread of consciousness that
functions as the string of the sarira-vina
(bodily instrument).” Dr. V. Ganapati
Sthapati
The design regime for the Vastu
architect follows specific parameters:
1. Orientation
and
siting
considerations,
2. Building layout with regard to
a grid called "Vastu Purusha
Mandala",
3. Dimensioning with regard to
4.
5.
6.
7.
the client¹s birth time and use of
prescribed units of measure,
Exterior door locations,
Brahmastan,
Room placement,
Building volume and height.
The Brahmasthan
A significant element in a Vastu
residence is
the Brahmasthan
or central courtyard. In a grid of 9 x
9 it is the center nine units. It is the
energy heart of the house. It is the
lung of the house. This part of the
house should always be left open and
free of obstructing elements (pillars
or walls) and mechanical services. It
is traditional, where climate permits,
to leave the Brahmasthan open to
the sky so that the energetic space
surrounding the Earth is attracted
into the house.
The selection of a building site is
a very important factor in Vastu
Architecture. The general slope of
the site is very important. Level land
Sthapati says, "This establishes a
kind of geometric congruency or
harmony with the earthly grid. If
the structure’s grid is in harmony
with the Earth’s grid, then the
built space and the Earth respond
harmoniously energetically. If
there is any distortion, deviation
or deflection in the grid lines of
the proposed building grid and
that of the Earth’s grid, then the built
space is said to be in disharmony with
the Earth¹s energy grid system."
The Brahmasthan provides the
occupants of the house with beneficial
spiritual energy. Room location in the
building is an important factor in
Vaastu architecture. The location of a
particular room defined by function
is determined by respecting the
particular element, earth, air, fire,
water or space, that rules that area of
the building.
All these principles (and more) give
the architect a design protocol for
creating buildings that live and
vibrate harmoniously with universal
energies. I am convinced that this
information is worth study and
application by anyone interested in
understanding the significance and
full potential of sheltering the human
nervous system.
27
THE SCIENCE OF LIFE ITS TRUE VISION AND MISSION
Nimit Thaker
T
About the author: Nimit
Thaker is a volunteer of All
World Gayatri Pariwar, San
Francisco Bay Area. E-mail:
[email protected] Websites:
www.awgp.org, www.awgp.us
Email: [email protected]
he 5th grade science textbooks
say that the Sun is the source of
energy on Earth. The Sun’s energy
is captured by plants to create
food for all life forms. Due to the Sun’s
energy we have air, water and a habitable
planet, Earth, and we experience wind and
various seasons. In essence, we breathe,
drink, eat, wear and live in objects which
are charged, shaped and made of, the Sun’s
energy. It will not be an overstatement
to say that, we are entirely made of the
Sun’s energy. This crystal clear fact was
known to the Rishies (Spiritual Scientists/
Researches),Yogis, and forefathers of
humanity, since the Vedic times. They
invented a mantra for harvesting the Sun’s
energy. They named it the Gayatri Mantra.
A mantra is a fact based vision statement
and realization tool for mind to learn and
adapt. The word Gayatri in Sanskrit means,
life protector, preserver and uplifter. The
Mantra in Sanskrit goes as below,
Slogans Man Makes His Own
Destiny!!
If We Change, World will
change, if we transform,
World Will transform!!
21st Century, Bright Future!!
Be Inspired by the Creator,
Be Illuminated by True
Wisdom,
Be Integrated in creating
Bright Future,
Heaven on Earth!!
Aum Bhur Buvah Swah Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah
Prachodayat.
Meaning: We may imbibe and withhold
the supreme, all-pervading, life-creating
brilliance of the Savita – the soul of the
Sun; in healing pain and sorrows, in
bringing happiness, in liberating from
shortsightedness or sinfulness and, in
creating all-around benevolence - one
that is embodiment of Sat (the true
knowledge) and Chit (the ultimate in
strength of life), Anand (the eternal bliss
and joy). And may that lead us on the
righteous path, the path towards bright
future and heaven on earth.
This mantra highlights the ultimate
science of life, i.e., all living forms are
withholder of the Sun’s energy. Each life
form has a different capacity to withhold.
The higher life forms have more capacity
for it. Higher Sun energy means more life
energy, deeper wisdom and blissfulness.
28
The word formation of this mantra is such
that its chanting creates inflow of Sun’s
vital energy causing positive changes in
the person.
Each word of Gayatri mantra has its own
unique wisdom. Let’s take example of the
word “Nah”, which means “us”, signifying
the all inclusive oneness of the universe.
The universe is a union, made of other
unions. Union of various energy particles
create an atom, union of atoms form a
molecule, and union of various molecules
create a cell which is the basic unit of life.
All life forms function through symbiosis
of multiple cells and other simpler life
forms. For example, a human body is
made of trillions of cells and ten of trillions
of bacteria. Two or more human beings
make up a family, multiple families make
a society, multiple societies make the
human world and multiple life forms make
the living world. The significance of the
Earth is only when all its elements work
together, making a complete eco-system.
The magnificence of a body is when all its
body parts are healthy while working in
perfect harmony. Happiness of a family
is, when each of its members excels while
creating a close knit loving family. The
glory of humanity is, when each one of us
excels while living in true harmony and
peace. The sole purpose of spirituality and
religion is to realize the eminent truth of
“us” and work towards true togetherness.
All incarnations/ messiahs/spiritual
gurus have equivocally worked for the
welfare of this “us”. It is the secret of all
their spiritual strength. The word God
also means integration of Generation,
Operation, and Destruction. Similarly
“AUM” in Sanskrit, is also an integration
of “AA”- means creation (the function of
Brahma), “UU”- means sustenance (the
function of Vishnu) and “MM”-means
destruction (the function of Shiva). Have
you ever wondered why we feel unhappy
and down when we have fear, anxiety,
jealousy, anger towards others!! And why
we feel happy and charged when we
have love, respect and trust inside
us!! This is another clue for us to
understand as to what is in our best
interest, what we have been made
for and what is the rightful to work
toward.
This mantra is the core vision and
mission of humanity. It gave birth to
other core tenets like,
“Atma Vat Sarva Bhuteshu” - Have
the sense of oneness of Atman with
everything and every life form around
us, we all are various forms of the
same supreme, the omnipresent Sun
energy.
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” – May
we all enjoys our lives living together.
“Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” - The
Earth as one united happy family.
“Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya” - May
we turn towards the light/Sun rather
than the abyss of empty dark sky.
“Asato Ma Sad Gamaya” - May we
turn towards the ultimate truth and
away from all illusions.
“Mrutyorma Amrutam Gamaya”
- May we turn towards the immortal
soul
energy/joy/enthusiasm/
courage/zeal/creativity rather than
the
mortality/death/destruction/
depression/darkness.
Gayatri mantra is also called the
“Guru” mantra, Guru means one
that dispels darkness/ignorance or
it means best among all. Our entire
history is full of anecdotes related
to this mantra. Lord Krishna during
the peak of his incarnation phase, in
his ultimate book of wisdom “Gita”,
describes Gayatri as the ever flowing
eternal music of his mind, the source
of his positive energy, song of his soul,
his philosophy, his vision and mission.
Gayatri is his true identity. He says, “I
AM GAYATRI”. The Srimad Bhagwat
(the life story of Lord Krishna) notes
that, even during the epic war of
Mahabharat, as part of daily Trikal
Sandhya (the 3 times prayers), Lord
Krishna used to meditate using
the Gayatri Mantra. Lord Ram, was
from the solar dynasty. His Guru,
Sage Vishwamitra, was inventor of
the Gayatri Mantra. He taught Lord
Ram all its secrets. Lord Hanuman
was also an embodiment of the
Sun’s energy, and all his miraculous
skills were due to his meditation on
the Sun using the Gayatri Mantra.
Lord Buddha was quite direct in this
regard. He focused on the supreme
light and its science. His words were,
“Appa Deepo Bhava”(you become
the source of light), “Buddham
Sharanam
Gachchami”
(work
towards refinement of your intellect
and wisdom), “Dhammam Sharanam
Gachchami” (walk towards your duties
for self, family and society), “Sangham
Sharanam Gachchami” (work towards
unity and harmony).
That is why since the Vedic time, each
child at an early age, is initiated into
the supreme knowledge of the Vedas
through this mantra. And as part of
that, is required to recite the Gayatri
mantra while meditating upon the
Sun, at the dawn, the noon and the
dusk.
To signify the importance of Gayatri
and its relation to the vital Sun energy,
our ancestors have left a few clues for
us. For any picture of a deity, Guru or a
form of God, there is depiction of halo/
aura around the head, symbolizing
abundance of the vital Sun energy.
For the Hindu deities, there is also
depiction of the sacred thread over
their shoulders, as a symbol of the
Gayatri. We light a lamp/candle in
front of a deity, to signify the presence
of the all pervading vital Sun energy.
Meditation is commonly done on
the light using a source like a lamp
or the Sun. We apply round Tilak
using red/orange/yellow substance
on our forehead, matching with
beautiful colors of the Sun. First day
of the week is marked as Sunday.
Sun-salutations are known to be the
best yogic exercises. Our soul/spirit is
depicted as a pure white light. Receipt
of a divine blessing was depicted as a
form of light.
The beauty of the Gayatri mantra is
that, it does not use any names, but
focuses on the universal qualities
of the Creator or the God. It can be
used to pray to any saint, guru or
deity of your choice. An atheist can
also use this mantra for its science
and benefits. Gayatri mantra, as a
statement is very factual. As a thought
to ponder upon, mediate, and as a
mantra to recite, it is quite energizing.
As a prayer to feel in your heart, it is
very soothing, peaceful and blissful.
It is the ultimate science of life, and
a vision and mission statement of
creating a healthy human being,
happy, productive society and a
heavenly world.
In nutshell, the Gayatri mantra is all
about betterment of life (you may
call the LIFE-Mantra). Every religion/
sect in the world takes pride in the
miraculous life of its God/Guru while
suggesting everyone to become the
follower. The Gayatri mantra tells how
we can lead such a life on our own. It is
all about freedom, self empowerment
and spiritual equality. It is formula for
excellence in life. Like a plant seed,
every soul is complete in itself. Using
the science and wisdom of the Gayatri,
each one of us can realize and attain
our complete potential. Gayatri is for
all; start practicing it today to create
bright future for yourself and, heaven
in your family & your world!
29
A DIVINE JOURNEY TO AMARNATH JI
IN THE GLORIOUS LAND OF HINDUS
Umesh Shukla, Ph. D.
A
mong all different religions,
only Hindus believe that
the entire creation is a
manifestation of divinity.
However, our material engagements
prevent us from experiencing this
divinity in day to day lives. Tirth yatras
(pilgrimages), like Amarnath Ji yatra,
located at 13,000 feet above the sea
level in Himalayas in Jammu and
Kashmir, allow one to experience the
divinity, spirituality and understand how
surrender and sacrifice are necessary to
sense the divine in your own heart. It is
in the Amarnath Ji’s cave that Lord Shiva
explained the secret of life and eternity
to his divine consort, Parvati. We were
fortunate to successfully complete this
unique memorable journey of our lifetime in June 2012.
Pilgrims visit this holy site during the
35-45-day period around the festival
of Shravan Mela in late June to early
August to be in union with divinity
and eternal happiness.
This year
(2012), the pilgrimage to Amarnath Ji
is open for only 37 days from June 25Aug 2. The pilgrimage is managed by
Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board which
is chaired by the governor of Jammu
and Kashmir. In 2011 approximately
700,000 pilgrims visited the shrine. The
terrain is very tough with low oxygen
at this high altitude, snow covered
mountains and frequently changing
weather. Unfortunately, 107 pilgrims
lost their lives in 2011 primarily due to
cardiac arrest.
There are 2 routes to reach Amaranth
Ji- the 45-km long Pahalgm route and
14-km long Baltal route. Helicopter
service to Panchtarni is available from
both routes but it is very difficult to get
the tickets via the internet, and one has
to pay extra to get these tickets from
agents. Shri Amaranath ji’s cave is 6 km
from Panchtarni and can be reached
either by trekking, horse or palki. There
are tents with minimal facilities at
defined locations for yatris to rest or
stay overnight. Medical help is primarily
available in camps managed by the
Army. Security arrangements and
overall control of the pilgrimage is done
by the Central Reserve Police (CRP). The
never ending volume of pilgrims alone
makes it very challenging for the CRP
to manage the yatra safely. Bhandaras
(langars) set up at different locations
provide free food to the pilgrims.
The preparation for our yatra started
almost 6 months in advance with most
important item being the helicopter
ticket. If one does not wish to travel
by helicopter then a separate permit
is necessary. Also, if one is planning
on trekking, he/she needs to practice
weekly walking 10-15 km at a stretch
at least 3 months in advance. Finally,
we had a huge sigh of relief when we
received the helicopter tickets (from
Baltal to Panchtarni for June 27, 2012)
just 10 days before the yatra. Now the
yatra was confirmed.
It is said that unless
Amaranth ji would like
to give you darshan, one
will have to come back
from the yatra without
HIS darshan. This is indeed
true in my case as this was
my third attempt for the
yatra in the last 3 years.
Our group of 8 (4 males
and 4 females, that
30
included 2 elderly and 2 children)
travelled from the USA arriving at Delhi
on June 22nd, and leaving for Jammu
by overnight non-stop train. We were
very fortunate to have Mata Vaishnav
Devi’s darshan twice on June 23rd. On
the 24th we left from Katra to Srinagar
by a private mini bus. On the way we
saw the natural beauty of Kashmir.
Due to heavy traffic it took us nearly 12
hours to reach Srinagar, a journey that
normally takes 8 hours. We spent the
night in a beautiful houseboat in Dal
Lake. On the 25th we reached Gulmarg
(about 65 Km from Srinagar). Gulmarg
is extremely beautiful and cold even in
the summer. We took a tour of Gulmarg’s
main attractions on a horse and reached
the hotel by 7 PM. On June 26th we left
for Sonmarg (approximately 165 km
from Gulmarg) and reached the hotel
Rah Villas early in the afternoon. This is
a brand new modern hotel located on
the banks of Sindhu River.
The next day, June 27th, was our big day
planned for the darshan of Amarnath Ji.
Darshan on the this day turned out to
be a blessing in disguise as there was
a huge chaos in helicopter boarding
on two prior days due to excessive
overbooking. Majority of pilgrims
had to wait all day long to board the
helicopter. Many pilgrims took at least
2 days to receive the darshan and
some were not back even by the 3rd
day. Some also had to return without
darshans.
We started the journey from Sonmarg
to Baltal (20 Km distance) at 3:30 AM
with continuous chanting of Lord
Shiva. We reached Baltal to get in the
helicopter line at 5 AM. There were
hundreds of people lined up outside
the helipad boundary to get in. We were
very lucky to have 6 out of 8 people
in our group being allowed inside by
5:30 AM, received our boarding passes
by 7 AM, and arrived at Panchtarni
by 9 AM, after a short 7-minute flight.
From the helicopter, we could see the
lines extended all the way to 14 km
from Baltal to Amarnath ji on a narrow
winding, slippery and dangerous path
with no safety railings.
After arriving at Panchtarni, we rented 7
horses and 1 palki. We began the final
leg of our sacred journey on horses and
started inching closer to Amarnath ji. At
times, we had to stay still for prolonged
period as security forces were allowing
only one way traffic. It was scary to see
the horses slide. A slight loss of balance
could cause a lot of injury and may
even be fatal. One had to travel on top
of glaciers that were full of ice. We got
separated in 4 groups in the huge crowd
of yatris but at least 2 people were in
each group. It was joyous moment to
see the cave from 2-km distance. Travel
by Palki appeared to be even more
dangerous as 4 people carrying the
Palki had to keep the balance together.
This pilgrimage is certainly not for the
faint hearted, or children or elderly as
it tests ones endurance, bhakti and
shraddha to bear all the inconveniences
in these harsh conditions.
Normally we had to leave the horses
about 1 km from the Amarnath Ji’s
cave and walk to the cave, but miracle
happened when one CRP officer
approached me and asked me “Sir,
whose guest are you ?”. “Are you a
group of 10 people”? I replied that we
are not any particular VIP’s guest and
we are 8 in the group but now we are
all separated and I am looking for other
6 in the group. For some reason the
officer told me “sir continue with your
horse for darshan on the VIP route” I
could not believe what I had just heard.
I immediately felt that Amarnath ji had
sent him for us and wanted to give us
darshan quickly as we could continue
on the horse all the way to the stairs of
Amarnath ji. This turned out to be very
critical help in allowing us to return
the same day after darshan. Once we
reached near the stairs of Amarnath
ji around 1 PM, we had to leave all of
our belongings including
mobile
phones
and
cameras in a shop where
we purchased Prasad for
darshan.
Now we were on our final
moments of the journey
for the darshan. Finally
the moment came and
we saw the amazing Shiva
Lingam covering the
entire cave height (18-22
ft) from top to bottom.
This joyous moment of our
lives cannot be described
in words. I felt I had accomplished
everything I wanted to in this life and
was content to take the last breath.
Divinity was everywhere in the area. I
felt that even in such a huge crowd we
could have sufficient time for darshans
and we could slowly travel along the
entire cave. We also sat down in an
open area in the cave and recited
Shiva prayers. I was shocked to see a
sanyasi sitting on ice without anything
to insulate his body from ice. We felt
even more joy and grace when we saw
2 white pigeons flying out of the cave.
After the darshan were completed
we took Amaranth Ji’s prasad in a
Bhandara. By 2:15 PM all but one elderly
person were back down in the shop. I
sent the rest of the group to Panchtarni
and waited for him to return. I started
worrying when the elderly person in
the group did not show up even after 30
min. I and the horseman went looking
for him several times in the entire
nearby area but could not find him. We
had no means of communication in
the sea of crowd. There was no public
announcement system either. Now my
heart started sagging and all the joy
started disappearing. I was worried
about his safety. I could start feeling
that now we have no choice but stay
overnight in the tent. The weather also
started deteriorating with snow, sleet
and rain coming down. The horsemen
were getting impatient and wanted to
leave without him. Finally after having
waited for one hour with clock ticking
rapidly the horsemen insisted that they
were leaving as it was going to be dark
soon with snow and sleet. They said
that the elderly person will find his way
to Panchtarni. Reluctantly, I had to leave
with a huge feeling of guilt and took
his luggage and gave instructions to
the shop owner to let the person know
that we are going down to Panchtarni.
On the way back, I started praying to
Amarnath ji to please help me find him.
The miracle happened after nearly 2 km
travel, when I was ecstatic to see him
waiting in the crowd seeking help from
other horsemen. Amarnath ji had again
shown his grace on me by reuniting us.
Fortunately, there was not much
traffic while coming back as the
yatra had been stopped due to bad
weather. We reached Panchrarni
at 5 PM and by this time, the
weather had also improved and sun
had begun to shine. After some
difficulty we were able to get the
helicopter boarding pass, and with
blessings from Amarnath Ji we
were able to board it by 6:30 PM
arriving Baltal a few minutes later.
To our pleasant surprise again, our
minibus driver was able to bring
31
THE DIVINE JOURNEY
Photo:
Brahm Sharma
Madhulika Sharma
Rohan Sharma
Angeli Sharma
Prem Kumari Sharma
Prabha Shukla
Lakshman Thakur
Inset: Mrs. & Dr. Shukla at the
Helipad with thousands of
tents in the background.
the bus in the parking
lot next to the helipad.
We all were ecstatic with
the amazing experience.
After battling a traffic
jam for nearly 3 hours,
we reached Srinagar at
1 AM. On June 28, after
visit to beautiful gardens
in Srinagar, we left for
the airport and arrived
safely in New Delhi on
time at 5:30 PM.
Important points
Amarnath Yatra:
Looking back the most critical thing that
helped us complete the yatra was that we
were able to go by VIP lines for the darshan.
The waiting period in normal lines for
darshan was at least 3-4 hours but in the VIP
lines it was 10-15 min. We did not know this
and it turned out to be that GODs grace had
really showered on us on this day. This was
the biggest factor in making our journey
successfully completed on the same day.
I have been to many tirth yatras in the
Himalayas (Kailash Mansarovar, Kedarnath,
badrinath, Gangotri, Gomukh, yamunotri
etc), but Amarnath ji yatra is the most
dangerous one. The sheer volume of nearly
500,000 people trying to have darshan in
the 1st few days since the opening of the
yatra on June 25 along with very difficult
terrain (very narrow, winding and slippery
paths full of snow and ice with steep climb
or descent at many places for two way
traffic of horses, trekkers, palkiwalas and
pitthus etc), frequently changing weather
(snow storms, freezing rain, sleet etc) and
huge chaos at the base camps as well as
no means of telephone communication or
public announcement system along the way
made the things extremely challenging. In
the event someone from the group gets
separated, it takes a miracle to reunite
the group. Indeed we experienced many
miracles on this day. It was also a miracle
that we completed the yatra in one day.
Successful yatra is possible only through His
grace.
32
for
planning
the
t
Start planning early, use a travel agent to
make sure you have helicopter tickets.
t
Plan the visit 3-4 days after the yatra
is opened so that things are more
streamlined.
t
Prepare well – physical fitness for high
altitude by walking or trekking.
t
Keep medicine kits including camphor,
some food, sufficient warm clothing,
raincoat and shoes suitable for walking
on ice. Weather changes frequently—
sudden snowfall, sleet, rain etc.
t
If possible take the helicopter to
panchatarni and then either a horse or
Palki.
t
Start very early in the morning (4 AM) if
you would like to get back down the same
day to Baltal.
t
Go with profound shraddha, continuous
prayers and have a lot of patience to avoid
frustration in very long lines for darshan.
Surrender to HIM and accept everything
with grace.
t
Travel in groups and make efforts to
remain together (it is very easy to get
separated and very difficult to reunite). If
you do get separated, make sure everyone
knows meeting point very well.
t
Travel light with a backpack.
t
Need to leave the baggage at a shop
before darshan as you are not allowed
to carry even cell phone or cameras.
Each shop has a number and make sure
everyone in the group knows about it.
t
Make sure you have 1-2 days extra time on
hand to deal with unexpected situations
(e.g. bad weather, medical emergency,
delays due to huge crowds) and keep
extra cash with you.
t
Get a local phone that is not prepaid and
works in the mountains (e.g. BSNL) or a
satellite phone.
t
Have reliable travel agent make all
transportation, lodging and boarding
arrangements that includes a local driver.
33
34
HES
S
I
T W 2012
S
E
C
B
ME Dr.
H
da
To rs. &
w
o
M
aG .
y
n
N
Hira ille, T
.
K
hv
C.
N as
What does GYM3 stand for?
G = Garadi (means “Exercise” in Kannada language of Karnataka, India)
Y=Y
Yoga att home
h
Visit
M = Meditation at home.
M = Manae (“Home” in Kannada). www.ENTDRGOWDAGYM3.com
for more details.
Our Health depends on 3 things: Click on ENT Care for articles from
allergy to Sleep Apnea, etc.
1. What we BREATHE
2. What we DRINK
3. What we EAT.
So, we can do:
‡ Garadi – Exercise at home
‡ Yoga at home
‡ Meditation at home.
Determination
Dedication
No Deviation
If you want to give this book as a Gift to family / friends,
please Make Check payable to: H Gowda and mail:
1 copy $13.33; 2 copies $24; 3 copies $33; 6 copies $50
2025 Priest Road
Nashville, TN 37215.
Best Wishes
www.ENTDrGowdaGYM3.com
35
36
37
Celebrating The 5th Anniversary
sary
Sripuram
Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikodi
Vellore 632 055, Tamil Nadu
AUGUST 24
2012
The Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, is situated in the middle of a star-shaped path that is created to absorb maximum energy
from nature. Each person walking through the star path is blessed to read messages of truth and righteousness. The knowledge
from these messages enables everyone to realize themselves and transform into powerful beings.
One of the spiritual messages is that the purpose of the human birth is to serve humanity. There are many opportunities to serve
at Sripuram and throughout the Sripuram network worldwide. One of the earliest programs initiated at Sripuram carries out the
noble act of feeding the poor and needy. Later, educational programs were launched. Today the Sripuram Educational infrastructure
supports students from nursery school through to secondary schools - including two programs at the Sripuram’s College of Nursing.
Scholarships encourage education for many - through and beyond secondary school.
Sri Narayani Hospital & Research Center is an oasis of compassion. Set in a serene, healing ambience, SNHRC with its ‘state of the art’
equipment meets global standards in healthcare and makes quality healthcare accessible and affordable to the rural populace.
Free medical camps are conducted by a team of qualified doctors. Every year, semi-ambulant people receive wheelchairs, tricycles,
calipers, crutches and artificial limbs. Those with hearing and vision disorders receive hearing aids and glasses. Hundreds of children
and youth with heart ailments receive monetary aid for surgeries.
Sammm - Sripuram supports Self Help Groups that empower rural, underprivileged women with vocational skills and employment, for a
sustainable livelihood. This project provides employment to women through various simple manual labour, including preparation of
turmeric powder, rose water, Pancha Tailam (Five types of oils) and cleaning powder, production of kumkuma, other pooja items and
handmade eco-friendly packaging materials. This initiative has created sustainable development and enhanced the quality of life
in the rural areas surrounding Thirumalaikodi.
Green Sakthi - Introducing the new organizational structure for the many environmental projects already up and running:
Green Sakthi includes: EXNORA - Sripuram’s award-winning zero waste management program, Bio-Gas plant, water sewage treatment
plant, afforestation program, local tree-planting, a green belt area, a tree nursery, tree donations to local organizations, environment
awareness programs in local schools, Volunteer Programs and The Green Sakthi Club: with its Monthly Newsletter on Green Living.
Contact: Cathy John, International Coordinators
Tel: (613) 832-4618
Email: [email protected]
www.sripuram.org
www.narayanipeedam.org
www.greenshakti.org
www.snhrc.org
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40
41
HINDU DEITIES IN NON-DHARMIC DEPICTIONS:
DENIGRATION OR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ?
Nilesh Shirodkar
T
he last few decades have seen a
tremendous rise in Hindu Deities
and concepts being depicted
in a non-Dharmik manner, such
as in animation form or on commercial
products. To answer the hotly debated
topic of whether using Deities in art,
entertainment or marketing is denigration
of the divine or merely freedom of
expression, it is useful to understand what
About the author: Shri.
is denigration of Dharma.
Nilesh Shirodkar is a San
Francisco Bay area resident
What is denigration of Dharmik symbols ?
and a System Administrator
In a broad sense, denigration of Dharmik
by profession. For the past few
symbols or concepts means depicting
years, he is doing sadhana
them differently from their scriptural or
under the guidance of His
traditional depiction. In the words of the
Holiness Dr. Jayant Athavale.
eminent Hindu scholar Dr. David Frawley,
As a part of his sadhana, he
“To really understand denigration of
volunteers for various Dharmik
Hindu images, we must understand the
and spiritual causes, including
Hindu view of art. Hinduism views art and
rendering his services for the
religion as two aspects of the same human
Forum for Hindu Awakening,
pursuit of the sacred, yet Hindu thought
a nonprofit Hindu spiritual
does discriminate between sacred and
organization based in NJ,
non-sacred art. Portrayal of Hindu deities
USA. Nilesh devotes all his
follows a strict tradition, specific rules as to
free time to serve Dharma by
how deities should be portrayed, the type
creating awareness about
of temple or room it should be installed in,
denigration and other attacks
which direction it faces, the time of the year
on Hinduism and the Hindu
for its installation, etc. The work of the artist
community, and working with
is also part of a daily spiritual practice, not
Hindus worldwide to preserve
a mere commercial enterprise. Therefore
Hinduism.
the artist should desist from creating
denegrating portrayals of Hindu symbols.
Portrayal of Hindu Deities is meant to
emanate the divine vibrations, to connect
us to the supernatural, higher powers that
they symbolize. And this is only possible
when they are correctly depicted as per
the scriptures.”
Unfortunately nowadays, due to either
ignorance or plain disregard for the Hindu
view of art there is rampant denigration
of Hindu Deities and concepts. What
denigrators do not consider is:
t )JOEV EFJUJFT BSF OPU NFBOU UP CF
glorifications of the human form and
their portrayal is not meant to express
42
the beauty or the eroticism of the human
body.
t*OTUBMMJOHUIFTQJSJUPGUIFEFJUZJOUPUIF
form is for the purpose of worship. The
Hindus never think that the Deity can be
used to represent a material form.
t5IF EFJUZ JT IJHIMZ SFWFSFE BOE JT PGUFO
said to be like one's mother and father in
Hindu thought.
The few examples of centuries old Hindu
erotic art, such as at the Khajuraho temple,
are not denigration as explained very well
by Dr. Shive Chaturvedi*:
“The figurine depicted on the outer walls
of the Khajuraho temple show in many
erotic, including sexual engagements,
but penetrating look at their emotions
appearing on their faces show complete
sense of calmness and serenity, and
this represents the world of desires and
sensual pleasure, with the highest degree
being the sexual one. But this is the mode
of Sattvic Kama. Now, if one moves toward
the interior spaces of temple-toward the
center, one finds a Deity-Murti alone and
no traces of figurines in sensual, sexual
engagements. And, that is where the
Divine image appears leaving behind the
Samsar. So, the entire temple architectural
representation is the constant reminder
to all us of the fact: what this Samsar is
about; what human life is about; and how
the journey of life should be directed to,
so that one can experience the Divine
directly (Atman. Parmatman), while going
through this world of pleasure, as well as,
the world of birth, growth, sustenance,
decay and death.”
Impact of denigration
Before we discuss further, please look at
each of the images shown here for a few
seconds and note how you react after
seeing them.
This experiment of comparing the two
depictions of Lord Shiva was conducted
during this year’s five Hinduism Summits
organized by the Forum for Hindu
Awakening worldwide. Hundreds of
attendees of the Summits reported
that they felt unpleasant, disturbed
or had increased activity of the
mind when looking at the first (left)
depiction, wherein Lord Shiva has been
shown as a dog by an American artist,
who had this vision in his dream. Most
attendees reported feeling peaceful,
experiencing deep concentration, a
meditative state, etc., when looking
at the second (right) depiction of Lord
Shiva, which is scripturally accurate.
This is the impact of denigration!
While the proper image of Lord Shiva
brought noble thoughts, peace and
concentration, the denigrating image
did the opposite.
Don’t condone denigration in the
name of freedom of expression !
When someone is charged with
causing noise pollution in the
neighborhood, they cannot get away
by saying that it is their freedom of
expression. So also, denigration causes
spiritual, mental, and emotional
pollution and should be curbed for
the well being of the society. Hence,
the spiritual pollution caused by
denigration cannot be condoned.
People ignorant about this often
condone or overlook denigration,
while stepping on the sensitivities of
millions of Hindus.
Deliberate and malicious denigration
Denigration is often unintended, but
sometimes it can be deliberate and
malicious. The much glorified Indian
Muslim artist late M. F. Husain has
depicted several Hindu Deities in
perverse, sexual positions under the
pretext of ‘nudity is purity’. However,
he has depicted Muslim figures fully
clothed. Such double standards
betray deliberate and malicious
denigration by the artist. In fact,
Hussain has said that he painted Hitler
naked because he hated Hitler. One
can thus conlcude that he painted
nude and deragoatory forms of all
those he hated. Hence, he must have
hated Hinduism and Bharat Mata
(Mother India). In the animation film,
‘Sita Sings the Blues’, the American
Jewish artist Nina Paley not only
shows Hindus’ revered deities Rama
and Sita in a trivial manner like Rama
walking on pregnant Sita, but also
propagates misconceptions like ‘Lord
Rama was an abusive husband’. When
approached in an educative manner
about the denigration committed,
such artists are defiant clealry
reflecting their anti-Hindu agenda.
How successful are protests ?
People often wonder if a threatening
approach would be more effective
against denigration. On the contrary,
educative, peaceful protests work
very well to end the denigration.
Within the last year alone, our website
(www.HinduAwakening.org)
has
initiated several peaceful protest
campaigns, most of which were very
successful, such as in canceling the
proposed exhibition of the late M. F.
Husain’s paintings at Hema Malini’s
dance performance in New York, and
in uniting thousands of Hindus to end
Can we stop denigration ?
Indeed, we can! We can start by
praying to God about the denigration
we have come across and make an
attempt to educate the perpetrator
about the denigration they are
causing. We can also join the protest
campaigns carried out by Hindus
organizations against denigration.
Also, we can stop buying products that
cause denigration and communicate
our obejctions to such deinigrations.
denigration of Hinduism. I hope this
inspires every supporter of Hinduism
to come together to understand
denigration and preserve Hinduism.
*This
copyrighted
material
is
reproduced here with permission
from Dr. Shive Chaturvedi.
43
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KUSUM VYAS
INTIMATIONS OF GYAN:
GREEN YATRA ACTION NETWORK
O
n July 27, 2012, Dr. Surendra Pandey Editor-in-Chief of
Mandir Vani interviewed Dr. Kusum Vyas, GYAN’s founder.
In the interview, they talked about GYAN’s activities.
What follows is a transcription of the interview.
About Dr. Kusum Vyas: A
graduate of Nairobi and Texas
A&M University, Dr. Kusum Vyas
was born and raised in Kenya and
Uganda. Married to Dr. Yogesh
Vyas, the couple has two sons.
Dr. Vyas is the founder of Living
Planet Foundation and she is the
Hindu Climate Change Ambassador for GYAN. Dr. Vyas has been
instrumental in bringing international attention to the plight
of the ecologically fragile and
religiously significant Ram Setu.
Dr. Vyas was recently awarded
the position of Distinguished
International Visiting Professor
by Universitas Mahendradatta
of Bali. She may be reached at
[email protected].
Website
www.gyanworldwide.org
Dr. Pandey: Before we talk about GYAN,
maybe you could say a little about your
interest in this field.
Dr. Vyas: Where to begin? The idea
to form an international network of
Hindu organizations to promote their
greening was conceived some time
ago. It had always been my desire to
see the greening and environmental
restoration of our pilgrimage places,
therefore, when I was invited to take
part in this initiative, I felt that it was a
good opportunity to put into practice
some of the ideas which we have been
talking about for so long.
Dr. Pandey: Please share with us your
inspiration behind GYAN.
Dr. Vyas: My inspiration for GYAN is
rooted in our Vedic scriptures which
reveal a clear conception of the
ecosystem and reverence for all life.
Many Hindus believe that they should do
something about climate change but
find the challenge too overwhelming.
The questions that came to my mind
were: How can Hindus use the wisdom
of Vedic teaching and their collective
passion and ingenuity to tackle climate
change and inspire a vision for the
future? What changes can we make to
help bring the resources of the Hindu
community to bear on this issue?
Dr. Pandey: What was your course of
action?
44
Dr. Vyas: GYAN has been nurtured to
give roots and wings to a global Hindu
response to these issues. We see our role
as a catalyst that will connect Hindus
from across the globe to develop a
unified voice and be seen as beacons of
good environmental care.
Dr. Pandey: Please provide more details
about GYAN.
Dr. Vyas: GYAN is a global network
that is focused on faith-based
environmentalism which the United
Nations (UNDP) describes as “the
planet’s largest civil society movement
on climate change”.
Dr. Pandey: So, what does the network
entail?
Dr. Vyas: GYAN is the acronym for Green
Yatra Action Network. We are calling
on worldwide Hindus to proclaim their
commitment to environmental action
encompassing the entire spectrum of
congregational life - worship, education,
facilities, religious festivals and more.
Dr. Pandey: How is the response?
Dr. Vyas: Very encouraging. A
committed group of leading Hindu
leaders and organizations from across
the world has joined GYAN probably
making it the largest Hindu initiative to
combat climate change.
Dr. Pandey: Could you name a few?
Dr. Vyas: Hindu Mandir Executives’
Conference (HMEC) with its network
of 400 Hindu Mandirs & Institutions,
National Council of Hindu Temples
UK (NCHT) linking over 200 Hindu
Temples, Mauritius Sanatan Dharma
Temples Federation, representing
270 Mandirs in Mauritius and 600,000
individual members, Bali Hindu
Federation and the Agni Foundation
of Netherlands.
Dr. Pandey: I understand prominent
Hindu leaders have also endorsed
your work.
Dr. Vyas: GYAN is endorsed by
Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj of Maan
Mandir, Dr. Pranav Pandya of All
World Gayatri Pariwar, Swami
Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth
Niketan, Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana
Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami,
Founder Vikasatarangini and Swami
Dayananda Saraswati of the Hindu
Dharma Acharya Sabha.
Dr. Pandey: As I understand, GYAN
was launched in Houston on April
14th. Many temples have joined
GYAN and are working on various
eco projects. Are you planning similar
events in other cities in North America,
Canada, Europe and Africa?
Dr. Vyas: April 14th (2012) event
was very productive. Many temples
in
Houston
presented
their
environmental plans: A Butterfly
Garden is part of the action plan of
the Arya Samaj; a 500 gallon rain
harvesting system is to be installed
at Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple;
Shri Govinda Gaudiya Matha is to
promote an ‘eco-spiritual heaven’, in
accordance with Vedic philosophy
and the teachings of the Bhagwat
Gita; Eco practices are ongoing
at Shri Guruvayurappan Temple,
Vikastarangini (VT) is to grow plant
and vegetable gardens, adopt-astreet and initiate recycling programs
while Shri Arsha Vidya Satsanga is to
promote the importance of Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle. We are planning to
organize similar events in all major
cities in the US and Canada. Anyone
interested in helping with the effort is
welcome to contact me.
Dr. Pandey: Inspiring. What about
your international members?
Dr. Vyas: Environmental work is
ongoing at Braj, Dwarka, Somnath
and Ambaji in India, Ganga Talav in
Mauritius, Tirta Empul Temple in Bali
and Sita Eliya in Sri Lanka. All World
Gayatri Pariwar is to implement
programs for cleaning sacred rivers.
I am pleased to inform you that one
of our member temples in Bali, Taman
Ayun Temple was recognized as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site on June
17th (2012).
Dr. Pandey: You are leaving for India
shortly to plan events at a historic UN
conference scheduled to take place in
Hyderabad. Please share some details
with us.
Dr. Vyas: GYAN is organizing a Green
Kumbh conference at COP11 in
October. This is the first-ever Hindu
inspired event at COP to highlight
the importance of ecology, sacred
sites and creating awareness at
grassroots level. I believe we need
to be more proactive at such forums
which present opportunities to
showcase Vedic concepts - after
all, the concepts of ecology and
environmental protection are not
modern phenomena to the Hindus:
they inherited it from their ancestors!
Dr. Pandey: I understand that a
“Green Kumbh Yatra” is also planned?
Dr. Vyas: Yes, and this is believed to be
also a global first, “The Green Kumbh
Yatra”, spearheaded by GYAN will be
formally launched with traditional
solemnity and fervor amidst religious
and secular leaders. The Yatra will
traverse through rural routes and
culminate in Prayag the site of the
Maha Kumbh in January 2013.
Dr. Pandey: You have taken up quite
a challenge!
Dr. Vyas: It is regrettable that the
Hindu religion has been reduced to
more rituals and less spirituality. What
we are witnessing is blind following
of rituals which in fact are harming
ecology and biodiversity of rivers.
This, when the Brahma Purana forbids
defecation, throwing floral offerings,
swimming and performing ablutions
in the sacred Ganga! All this must
stop, of course.
Dr. Pandey: It's a pretty gloomy
outlook. What inspires you to take on
such a challenge?
Dr. Vyas: I believe that it is my duty
to protect our sacred places and for
that reason I have chosen to dedicate
myself to the cause. And why me
alone? I challenge all of the one billion
Hindus to join in this effort to save our
environment!
Dr. Pandey: Tell us, why you feel so
positive about GYAN.
Dr. Vyas: We know that the
environmental degradation we see
today is the result of our past actions.
The theory of Karma states that what
we do today will yield corresponding
Continued on page 45
45
HINDUISM
Ram Malik
H
About the author: Mr. Malik,
a resident of Fremont, is the
Owner Partner and President
of EdgeCureAire Inc. He is a
member of Vedic Dharma
Samaj of Fremont, California,
and is currently writing a book
on Spiritual topics from Gita.
induism is, essentially, the
modern name for the Vedic way
of life, especially the spiritual path
usually associated with Bharat
(India.) Thousands of years ago in ancient
India, those who followed the Vedic system
were also called Aryas. They were Sanskrit
speaking people, that gave the word arya
to signify a noble person, an ideal person,
someone on the path of purity. In this way,
we can understand that Vedic culture or
modern Hinduism is a Dharmic way of life.
It is a path that upholds a code of conduct,
which values peace, happiness and justice
for all, and aiming at a higher level of
consciousness. A Hindu lives a disciplined
and godly life to understand the purpose
of his existence as well as to become a
spiritually realized person. Eventually he
wants to recognize the divinity in each of
us. It means to perceive the divine energy
that permeates the creation, knowing that
we are but manifestations of the Divine,
the same Supreme Creator, Father of all.
Hinduism is the most tolerant, pluralistic
and synthetic of the world’s major religions.
Hinduism is so broad that within it there is
a place for the insane as well as the saint,
for the beggar and for the alms giver, for
the intelligent person and for the ignorant.
The beauty of Hinduism is that it does not
demand of any soul perfection in this life,
a dictum of those religions, which believe
in a single lifetime during which human
perfection or grace must be achieved.
Belief in reincarnation gives the Hindu a
hope of eventually achieving perfection
in one of his future lives. Hinduism offers
encouragement to those who strive, and
forgiveness to those who fail. Hinduism is
as broad as humanity is and as diverse as
peoples of the world.
The Hindu believes in reincarnation. He
believes that he is not the body in which
he lives, but the divine soul, which takes
on a body for a definite purpose. He
believes he is going to get a better body
in a better birth and the process does not
46
begin and end in a single life. The process
is continuous reaching beyond the limits
that a belief in single life imposes. Of
course, his belief in karma assures him
that a better birth and inward progress
will come only if he behaves in a certain
way. He knows that if he does not behave
ethically and according to the natural
laws, his internal progress will suffer. He
may even be subjected to an inferior
birth because of his own bad karmas.
For the Hindu, surrender to the Divinity,
that created, pervades and guides the
universe is essential. The Hindu believes
that great and powerful Gods guide us
on earth. Therefore, he worships these
beings as superior beings than himself,
and he maintains a subjective attitude
toward them, wondering if he is attuned
with these grand forces of the universe.
This gives birth to a great culture, a great
attitude and tolerance and kindness for
one another. It gives rise to humility in
the approach to life - not a weak or false
humility, but a strong and mature sense of
presence and purpose of life before which
the head naturally bows.
Hinduism is an Eastern religion, and the
Eastern religions are very different from
those of the West. For one thing, they are
more introspective. There are three distinct
aspects of Hinduism: (1) the temples, (2)
the philosophy and (3) the sat-guru.
The Hindu temples with their stone
images (Murtis) work as a channel for
the deities, who hover over the images
in their subtle ethereal forms, change
people's lives as if by changing the nerve
currents within them. They are the symbol
or medium to worship the omnipresent,
omnipotent and omniscient. The darshan
(viewing) of the deities seems to be so
powerful that it slowly changes people in
a subtle way, from inside out. Hinduism is
not polytheism but believes in one God,
one divinity, and that One is represented
by many names and forms.
Hindu philosophy, the second aspect
of Hinduism has always influenced
religious thinkers all over the world.
Different philosophies within Hindu
Dharma though seem to contradict
one another, yet on deeper reflection
they seem to have unique messages.
The philosophies are, of course,
reflected in the enormous array of
scriptures, hymns, mantras, devotional
Bhajans and other texts, which are
certainly unequaled in the world. The
philosophies then stand alone as the
voice of the religion. They are taught
in the universities, discussed among
scholars, meditated upon by yogis
and devout followers of the religion.
It is possible to be a good Hindu by
only learning the philosophy and
never going to the temple, or by
simply going to the temple and never
hearing of the deeper philosophies.
Hinduism has the third important
aspect, namely, the sat-guru -the
true teacher, the illuminator, and the
spiritual preceptor. He is the one
who is well versed in the philosophy
and can explain the true meaning of
the Dharma. The sat-guru is one who
enlivens the lives of his disciples like
a candle lightening other candles.
Like the temple and the philosophy,
he stands alone, apart from the
institutions of learning and from
the sites of pilgrimage. He is himself
the source of knowledge, and he is
himself the pilgrim's destination.
Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma (the
eternal religion) has no beginning;
therefore, will certainly have no
end. It is a God-centric religion. All
other religions are prophet-centric.
The center of those religions is a
saint, sage, prophet, messenger or a
messiah, some God-realized person
who has lived and died on Earth.
Perhaps he was born to create that
particular sect, that particular religion,
needed by the people of a certain
part of the world at a certain time
in history. The Hindus acknowledge
this and recognize all of the world's
religious leaders as prophets or great
souls, who through their realization
and inward practices incarnated
themselves as the propagator of their
respective religions. Then they guided
a tribe, a nation or a race into a better
way of life.
Hinduism attends to the needs of
everyone. It is the only religion that has
such breadth and depth. Hinduism
contains the Deities and the sanctified
temples, the esoteric knowledge of
inner states of consciousness, yoga
and the disciplines of meditation. It
possesses a gentle compassion and a
genuine tolerance and appreciation
for other religions. It remains undogmatic and open to inquiry. It
believes in a just world in which
every soul is guided by karma to the
ultimate goal of Self Realization, or
Moksha - freedom from rebirth. It
rests content in the knowledge of the
divine origin of the soul, its passage
through one life and another until
maturity has been reached. It offers
guidance to all who take refuge in
it, from the nonbeliever to the most
evolved Maharishi. It is endowed
with a tradition of saints and sages, of
realized men and women, unrivaled
on the Earth. It is the sum of these,
and more, which makes me boldly
declare that Hinduism is the greatest
religion in the world.
Interview with Dr. Kusum Vyas
(Continued from 45)
results in the future. GYAN gives
us the opportunity to propagate
positive actions or good Karma based
on principles of Dharma. Therefore,
we must take this opportunity to do
something good.
Dr. Pandey: Do you plan to have
GYAN chapters in various cities?
Dr. Vyas: We have chapters in
Houston, London, Bali and Mauritius.
We invite interested persons to join
our effort in forming chapters in other
major cities.
Dr. Pandey: If someone is interested
in getting more information or wishes
to help how do they contact you?
Dr. Vyas: We are in need of volunteers
to help with our proposed online
newsletter, website work, heading
chapters, etc. The best way to reach
me is via email: kusumvyasusa@
gmail.com
Dr. Pandey: Excellent. I can’t think of
a better way to close than with our
best wishes for GYAN. Thank you.
Dr. Vyas: Yes, thank you for sharing
this time with us.
47
ROLE OF MANDIRS FOR MOTIVATING
YOUTH TOWARDS VEDIC VALUE SYSTEM
Pandit Bhushan Lal Parasher
S
About the author: The
author is the General Secretary
of Shri Sanatan Dharma
Pratinidhi Sabha Delhi and
President of Shri Ram Mandir
located at Janakpuri, Delhi,
India.
E-mail:
[email protected]
Ph: (India)
91-9212964222(M),
25525152 (L)
anatan Dharma is the oldest religion of the world. Whereas other
religions, such as Christianity, Islam, etc. were founded by individuals born 1600 to 2100 years ago, Sanatan
Dharma has no founder meaning it always
existed. Sanatan Dharma holy books Vedas
are the oldest in the world and cover all aspects of Dharma, life and the creation. According to Sanatan Dharma, existence of
God, concept of Karma, belief in religious
components of Dharma while earning and
desiring salvation is essential. As per Sanatana Dharma, four stages of life are Brahmcharya Ashram, Grihasth Ashram, Vanprastha and Sanyas Ashram. Some of the
basic values of Sanatan Dharma are: Satya
(truth), Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (not
stealing), Soucham (cleanliness), Indryani
Nigrah (self-control), honesty, and respect
for elders, Guru and women.
In the modern age of materialism and
technology, everybody, particularly youth
are busy in their careers, leaving little time
for introspect into their body and adopt
value-based system. We find violence, immorality, disputes, broken family bonds
and restlessness everywhere. It is therefore, felt that Sanatan Dharma Temples
must undertake such activities so as to
bring better code of conduct of life, inculcate good values, Samskara and character
building, and patriotism among the youth.
All these Samskars are panacea of ills of the
modern society. Sanatan Dharma should
be the source to acquire peace, spirituality and purposeful life. In India, particularly cities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. temples
have become centers of providing moral
education, practicing of Yoga, vocational
training, information for career building,
personality development, organizing programs like food-for-poor, blood donation
camps, weekly mobile medical services
camps, etc. People donate for such social
and charitable activities generously.
The following are suggested activities for
youth:
1. Manas Darshan: Shri Ram Charit Manas
by Goswami Tulsidas can be very useful
item for organizing:
t Quiz competition having about
300 questions on Ramayan given
to youth.
t Recitation of portions of Ram Charit
Manas selected in advance.
t Art competition on various facets
of Ramayan.
t Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.
t Recitation of victory mantra: Shri
Ram jai Ram, jai jai Ram.
2. Mahabharat and Geeta Darshan: Similar
activities as indicated above can be conducted on Mahabharat and Geeta.
3. Celebration of Vikram Samvat (Hindu)
New Year: Youth can be motivated to celebrate Hindu new year in temples by way
of organizing seminars, lighting of lamps,
decorating houses, hoisting Hindu flags
on top of their houses and wishing “Nav
Varsh mangalmay ho” to their friends, family and colleagues.
4. Lives of great Indian saints and religious
leaders: Temples may occasionally hold
seminars from on the lives of great Indian saints such as Swami Vivekanand, Adi
Shankaracharya, Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, etc. In this 150th birth year (2012-13) of
Swami Vivekanand Ji special programme
on the teaching and philosophy of Swami Vivekanand Ji, especially message for
youth “Arise, Awake and Stop not till the
Goal is reached” may be undertaken.
5. Seva: To undertake service oriented
projects for the education and rehabilitation of poor, handicapped, helpless and
tribal people.
6. Bharat Darshan Yatra: In order to maintain relations with Mother India, Bharat
48
Darshan (see India) may be organized for youth to places
like birthplaces of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Jaggannath
Puri, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, etc.
7. Establish library within Temples: Youth should be involved in setting up cultural and religious centers through
library providing books on Indian culture, Dharma, Saints,
Geeta, Upanishads, etc. The library forum may be used for
various cultural activities as well. Information on career
paths, educational programs and counseling services may
also be part of the library activities.
8. Kar Seva: The temple management should hold Kar Seva
such as cleanliness drive of the entire temple premises and
surrounding areas, and other similar projects.
9. Celebrating major religious functions: On major Hindu
festivals like, Ram Navami, Krishna Janmasthami, Vijay
Dashmi, Deepawali, Kartik Purnima, etc., participation of
youth may be ensured in service activities such as water
service, shoe keeping, lightening, Prasad distribution and
security.
Most of the programs mentioned above are being successfully implemented at several Delhi temples for the
last 7-10 years. The names of some of these temples are
Shri Ram Mandir -Janakpuri (the author is president of
this temple), Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir -Malviya Nagar,
Sanatan Dharma Mandir -Rajouri Garden, Sanatan Dharma
Mandir -Greater Kailash, Geeta Mandir -Keerti Nagar, Lal
Mandir -East Patel Nagar, Guru Ram Rai Udaseen Ashram
-Pahar Ganj etc.
49
HAVAN AT MANDIR A PROJECT REPORT
Arvindbhai Patel, Director, HAVAN-VHPA
H
About the author: For the
last 40 years the author has
served community through
leadership roles for conducting
youth seminars, youth camps,
Boy Scout programs, Sunday
schools and establishing a
Hindu Mandir in NJ. Currently
leading HAVAN and Hindu
Awareness Yatra programs
and serving VHPA, KPCA and
Sanskruti Parivar-USA.
AVAN, an acronym for Hindu
American Vanprasthi Network
is an initiative of Vishwa Hindu
Parishad of America (VHPA).
According to Hindu traditions Vanprashth
ashram is the third Ashram when a person
transforms his life from family needs and
interests to lifestyle of community service
and self development reflecting the
purpose and goals of Hindu way of living
for self realization. In the USA average
retirement age is 65. Since Vanprashthi
is at age 50 and above, for the following
discussion we will consider all Vanprasthis
as seniors.
It is estimated that there are more
than 100,000 Hindu retirees who had
immigrated to the USA about 25 years
ago. These retirees are professionals,
businessmen and housewives. A small
percentage of them have engaged in
community activities, leaving a large pool
of retirees who did not have but would like
to engage in activities to use their talents
and make their life dynamic in social and
religious environment where they can
serve. Some of these seniors attend rituals
and activities at Mandirs in their vicinity.
Among others, obvious challenges a
retiree faces are loneliness, inactive life
style and concerns about future health
and financial security. Person’s attitude
plays a major role in life style and activities
in retirement. There are three distinct
groups:
1. Those who think they have done enough
for own family and society and from now
on, family and society should serve them.
These are Seekers.
2. Those who think that now in retirement,
if they cannot do good to others, they will
not hurt anybody. These are Neutrals.
3. Those who think that now God has given
enough strength and talent and a chance
50
to make own life happy and blissful by
serving others. These are Sevaks.
Active seniors are connected with the
followings:
t-PDBM.BOEJSWPMVOUFFSBDUJWJUJFT
t4FOJPSDJUJ[FOHSPVQBDUJWJUJFTJOUPXO
t-PDBM4BUTBOHHSPVQT
HAVAN’s mission is to make life happy for
seniors and motivate them to engage in
Seva activities. Happiness requires good
health, financial security, social recognition
and satisfied self-esteem. In order to
motivate for Seva a person should have a
clear understanding of logical connection
between Seva and how and why it provides
spiritual uplift. Satsangs by Swamijis are
advisory and do not discuss the secrets of
logical connection. This connection and
mechanism is provided through a seminar
topic “Seva for Happiness, Peace and Bliss”.
This 45 minute presentation is based on
my research.
HMEC has come a long way to provide
networking among 700+ Mandirs. Most
of these Mandirs are financially sound
and conduct many activities. Dharma
Prasar Yatras and Hindu awareness Yatras
conducted by VHPA in cooperation with
many Mandirs have created a desired
bond and unity among Mandirs of various
sects and spiritual organizations. Several
Mandirs conduct
monthly/biweekly
senior citizen group activities.
There are more than 20 topics that can
be discussed for awareness of seniors.
However, a first typical seminar is a 5 to7
hour event that includes light meal. The
program may include the following topics:
Opening ceremony, Purpose and Goals of
the seminar, Hindu way of life including
Ashramas and Purusharthas; Health
issues; Financial Planning; Govt. benefits
(Social security and Medicare); Seva for
Happiness; Peace and Bliss; Seva activities
at home, Mandir and in community;
Q&A; Feedback and Suggestions;
Satisfaction Survey. The seminar
should be interactive, informative
and inspiring. Since 2004 several
such seminars have been conducted
under title “Vanprasthi Seminar”. Now
with help of technology, networking
is established. Five seminars have
been conducted since 2011, and
more planned under title “HAVAN
SEMINAR”.
To provide guidance and support the
project, VHPA has established a HAVAN
Steering Committee consisting of the
following:
1. Arvindbhai Patel
Director,
973-580-6925
[email protected]
2. Sudershan Khurana
Coordinator (Southeast) and Data
Manager;
404-538-2500;
[email protected]
3. Vrushali Kene
Coordinator (Southwest),
949-910-0748
4. Hansa Dave
Coordinator (Midwest),
317-490-4910
5. Dr. Shyam Narayan Shukla
Coordinator (West Coast);
510-813-4786
[email protected]
The seminar can be conducted at any
place, but ideally at a Mandir, since
hall and dining facilities are available
and the location is well known. This
is a win win proposal for Mandir
and seniors. Motivated seniors may
join volunteer group at Mandir and
Mandir may expand devotee pool. For
further information, please contact:
Arvindbhai Patel;
Director, HAVAN: VHPA
973-580-6925;
[email protected]
After the seminar is concluded, a press
report can be issued. It is a required
that the report with few pictures
should be emailed to Director, Havan
program, and list of attendees to the
Data Manager.
51
DIVYA JYOTI JAGRATI SANSTHAN
FOUNDER AND HEAD: ASHUTOSH MAHARAJ JI
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, DJJS (Divine Light
Awakening Mission) established and run under the
stewardship of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. DJJS is socialcum-spiritual non-profit organization. His Holiness is an
epoch making personality, a perfect sage on the worldstage with his indomitable spirit and exceptional zeal
to transform the torn and tormented human-society
into a peaceful “Global Village” on the sole strength of
eternal science of self realization, Brahm Gyan (Divine
Knowledge).
Vision: From Self Awakening to Global Peace.
Mission: To usher into a world wherein every individual
becomes an embodiment of truth, fraternity, and justice
through the eternal science of self realization – Brahm
Gyan.
Spiritual Pursuits: DJJS is of the firm belief that the
goal of world peace can be attained only through inner
transformation of every individual. But, question arises as
to how to transform man. There is only one answer and it
is none other Brahm Gyan – direct realization of Divinity
within. It is a process, which if undertaken honestly by
an individual brings about 100% transformation. Hence,
to chisel such noble individuals through Brahm Gyan
and to achieve the objective of World Peace based on
equality, fraternity, and dignity, DJJS multifarious and
multidirectional activities targeting all groups of society.
The activities in the Spiritual realm are Spiritual discourses
based on various scriptures, Bhajan Sandhyas (Devotional
Songs) and Shabad Kirtan, Shri Ram Katha and Shrimad
Bhagwat Katha, Meditation Camps, Peace Processions,
Selfless Service, and Community Feeding.
DJJS is proactive organization in the field of social welfare.
For, the evolutionary process cannot attain its culmination
unless and until men and women are socially awakened
too. Also, we firmly believe that it is unwise to expect
the common man to enter in a peaceful mansion built
on the foundation of shifting, unstable sands of poverty,
subjugation and literacy. Basic conditions must be created
for people to become happy and reformed. Relying on
these fundamental principles, DJJS is involved in a myriad
of social and humanitarian projects like:
Sanrakshan – Nature Conservation Program:
Re-establishing environmental balance.
Bodh – Drug Abuse Eradication Program: Epitomizes the
awakening of self in an individual.
Antarkranti – Prison Reformation & Post-Release
Rehabilitation Program: To end crime in mind.
Aarogya – Health Awareness Program: Yoga, herbal
remedies, ayurveda, exercise, healthy eating.
Kamdhenu – Bovine Conservatory Program: Benefits of
Panchgavya – Cow Butter, Dung, Milk, Yogurt.
Antardrishti – Visually & Physically Challenged Welfare
Program: Persons gain an opportunity to develop
special skills for employment and experience total selfdependence for the entire span of life.
Manthan – Education & Literacy Program: Epitomizes an
internal evolution process that enables a child to reach out
to his/her own self, realizing their latent potential.
Santulan – Gender Equality & Women Empowerment
Program: Aims at creating balance and degrades the
value-system of the society, at large.
Realizing the beatific boon bestowed by Brahm Gyan
(Divine Knowledge) people from all walks of life, castes,
creeds and religions, are coming to get blessed and initiated
by His Holiness. From rickshaw puller to top industrialists,
untaught to literacy giants, media personalities, students,
housewives, corporate executives and government
employees – innumerable aspirants are partaking in the
nectar of Brahm Gyan (Divine Knowledge) that He imparts.
Consequently, the organization is swelling with swift
momentum.
www.djjs.org
52
MUSINGS DEVOTION OR DISREGARD?
Sonia Sharma
T
he stir caused by the presence
of a scantily dressed woman
during a recent visit to the
temple had the author
pondering about the propriety of attire
in places of worship.
A few days ago I was at the beautiful
Shirdi Sai Temple in Suwanee, Georgia.
It was 12:00 noon on a Thursday
and the aarti was in progress. The
temple hall was brimming with
devotees who were eagerly awaiting
their turn to participate in the holy
rituals. The atmosphere was full of
devotion as everyone chanted the
aarti in harmony. The huge idol of
Baba, resplendent in majestic robes,
gleamed brightly, radiating energy
and love.
Midway through the aarti, I sensed a
kind of discord and heard a niggling
murmur. Some people were turning
their heads and scowling. Curious,
I followed their glance. In the line,
on the left of the hall, stood a young
woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties,
focusing on the idol and standing
quite straight. She was dressed in
a cream-colored tank top and the
tiniest of short shorts, which were
bordering on hot pants!
Like the others, I stared, livid. How
dare she! This was a temple! Did she
imagine she was on some beach? It
might have been okay if she was a
ten-year-old, but this was ludicrous. I
just stood there seething, the aarti all
forgotten, the devotion all dispersed.
After the initial anger, I turned toward
my Baba and tried to concentrate. “Om
Sai Ram, Om Sai Ram,” I chanted. One
train of thought led to another. Trying
to be rational, I thought to myself,
“What would make someone dress
like that to a temple? I seriously doubt
if she thought, ‘Oh! It’s Thursday, let
me wear my short shorts and tank
top and go to the temple half-naked.’”
There had to be another explanation.
Surely she could feel the disapproving
glances burning her back. But there
she stood, ramrod-straight, hands
folded in prayer, engrossed, eyes
focused only on Baba, dutifully
chanting the aarti. She seemed the
most devoted person there!
I tried to give her the benefit of the
doubt. Perhaps she was on a vacation,
on the way to a lake, or going for a
workout and had just realized that
the temple was on the way and it was
aarti time. She must have considered
that her attire was inappropriate. But
was she so devoted to God that she
didn’t care what she was wearing, or
was she so callous and insolent that
she didn’t care what she was wearing?
our religion is! Here is a half-naked
woman in the temple, and the priest
is blessing her. There is no religious
gestapo at the entrance handing out
dupattas or cloaks to cover yourself
in, or denying entry on account of
dress. I know there are many religious
places that will not let you in unless
you are clothed head to toe. I highly
regard that as respect for God. But
I also applaud the tolerance of the
Hindu temples.
Does God really care what we are
wearing? I know in my heart that my
God cares only for my devotion and
my love. It is my respect for the divine
that urges me to make sure I am
dressed decently.
“This article was originally published in
Khabar Magazine (June 2012), Atlanta,
Georgia. www.khabar.com.”
People were looking at her slyly,
silently aghast, making eye contact
with each other and shaking their
heads, tut-tutting. The middle-aged
man in shorts beside me glanced at
her and smirked. The irony was not
lost on me and I glared back. In fact,
there were quite a few gentlemen
in shorts, albeit the long kind. The
women, too, were in myriad modes
of dress, from saris, suits, and longs
skirts, to dresses and capris. All below
the knees, though.
By this time the object of our scrutiny
was right up at the front, waving the
chamar to Baba. Everyone could now
get a full and undivided look. But no
one said anything, just gave each
other sanctimonious looks. In a little
while she bowed in front of the priest
while he placed the blessing crown on
her head, gave her the holy water and
holy prasad. He didn’t speak a word.
I then thought to myself, how liberal
About the author: Sonia Sharma is an
Atlanta area resident for 20 years, and
is keen on passing on her heritage and
traditions to her three children.
<[email protected]>
53
RETURNING HOME TO INDIA
Kalpita Abhyankar
W
hen leaving, my heart had
wanted to stay back; it was
an indescribable feeling.
Maybe it was the air, water
or soil. Or maybe it was being woken up
every morning by shy rays of the sun,
sweet songbirds softly singing to their
babies, and crooning roosters shaking
the sleepiness away. This was a rare sound
to hear back in New York, but being in
Mumbai, one of the largest metropolises
About the author: Kalpita
in India, I was able to hear nature.
completed her bachelor’s
in biology from Macaulay
This trip had great importance for me
Honors College at the College
because not only was I visiting my family
of Staten Island. She has
after seventeen years, but I also had
worked with a public health
an opportunity to reconnect with my
initiative called Shape Up
birthplace. As any new traveler, I was
NYC, through the Americorps
nervous about what to expect. The media
program. Kalpita will be
had always presented a mixed portrayal of
starting medical school this
India, sometimes highlighting its poverty
fall at Staten Island, NY. She
and other times its rapid development.
may be contacted at:
With all this, I didn’t know what it would
[email protected],
be like to come back home.
718-720-9322
Upon arriving, I felt the warm embrace of
my family. Reconnecting with family was a
very pleasant experience. I experienced all
the things I missed these past years. It was
fun to help out in the kitchen; I learned
all the traditional dishes that were my
family’s favorites. By the end of the trip, I
had perfected my roti rolling skills to have
them come out round every time and had
even made homemade churned crock of
butter. The welcoming feeling of meeting
new people did not end after the first few
days but continued throughout my visit. I
found that like a banyan tree, the values of
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, perceiving the
whole world as one family, were deeply
rooted in the culture of this country.
I experienced a unique sense of adventure
everywhere I went. The train rides on
the local were thrilling, and yelling out
“Rickshaw” on the busy streets was always
an experience. The trips to the local
market to find freshly picked veggies and
54
fruits (mangoes at the end of the season)
were completely different from the
hurried grocery store shopping I was used
to in the States. I would always discover
something dynamic and unique; it was
good old local small business, a precious
rarity that might be threatened with the
current rise of malls.
As I toured several historical places, I
realized that this trip wasn’t just about
sightseeing. It was like taking a journey in
the footsteps of these valiant heroes of the
past, one that gave me a sense of belonging
and pride. It was an emotional adventure
climbing forts and going through caves
abundant with history. I sensed the true
emotions of bravery, pride and a closeness
that cannot be described in words.
Climbing through the ancient Ajanta
caves allowed me to witness first-hand the
vast progressiveness of an ancient society.
Walking through Panhala Fort in Kohlapur
was thrilling. We were in the heart of a
Mughal base, complete with canons and
all weapon finery. When Shivaji, the great
Maratha leader was held captive here for
the longest time, what must he have gone
through? It was with great boldness that
he must have made the moonless night
escape with his soldiers down a side of
the mountain, which was considered
impassable. Oh, the feeling I experienced
when I felt I was walking alongside the
footprints of a valiant man! This wasn’t the
only place such an emotion was evoked.
When walking through the streets of
Mathura, I was inside the very prison
where Shri Krishna was born. I passed by
the great open bath where demons such
as Kansa and Putana had once bathed.
How would it have looked when Krishna
was exploring the city?
Traveling around India has opened my
eyes to the realities of the average Indian.
Great economic advances have been made
in the past few decades, but along with
those, there still exist some old and new
challenges. This is understandable
because in some sense, the Republic
of India is still a relatively young
state. India’s advantage is that the
groundwork for it to become great is
already in place, through the ancient
Hindu values engrained in society.
These values form a strong foundation
for the country. A real challenge India
faces is to ensure that these engraved
values do not gradually disappear. I
envision a future India with a strong
symbiosis between material progress
and spiritual knowledge.
I realize now how truly lucky I am to
have a mother whose beauty includes
not only the robust sun-burnt deserts,
with lush diverse forests and balmy,
raging rapids, but is also enhanced
by the cultural gems hidden in the
people, their rich sanskaar. Such purity
and natural divinity can’t be described,
but must be felt from within. While I
was waiting for the taxi to come take
me to the Mumbai airport, I bowed
to Bharat Mata. I thanked her for the
shelter of my birth and for giving me
the opportunity to learn, explore, and
implement great values. With moist
eyes I didn’t say my goodbye, but as
is the custom, whispered, “I’ll be back,
now that I have come home.”
55
ROLE OF SENIORS IN UPHOLDING HINDUISM
Aishwarya Aravind
S
About the author:
Aishwarya Aravind is a
rising junior at a Fremont
High School. She is the recipient of Youth Award from
Indian-American Women
Empowered (FIA Wing) She
volunteers for ICC Senior
programs organized by
Indian Community Center
(http://www.indiacc.org/)
Milpitas and other nearby
senior centers (Seniors@
IndiaCC.org)
Email:
[email protected]
wami Vivekananda once stated
“Hinduism is the mother of all
religions” [1]. Having existed for
over four millennia, this may very
well be the case as Hinduism has etched
its own very rich history, steeped in
visual and oral tradition. From the great
statues in the Caverns of Elephanta that
bring to life the tales of Lord Shiva to
the ancient temples on the seven hills of
Tirupathi, our forefathers crafted a vast
legacy dedicated to preserving the Hindu
culture and mythos. They supplemented
their stonework with the power of the
spoken word to pass down our traditions
over time from parents to children, gurus
(teachers) to shishyas (students), and
most importantly, elders to adolescents.
However, as the 21st century world
moves towards greater secularization
and religious disconnect, today’s youth
are slowly losing this intrinsic connection
to the past, leaving only the older
generations to remember the truths of
our great religion. Thus, as custodians of
an amazing faith, senior citizens are the
key to ensuring that the meaning and
purpose of Hinduism continues to play a
vital role in the lives of future generations.
Personally, my Hindu beliefs have
been carefully molded since my early
childhood through my numerous
interactions with my extended family in
India. The family elders, in particular my
grandmothers, have left an indelible mark
on what Hinduism means to me. Their
mealtime and bedtime tales of Rama’s
exploits under Sage Vishwamitra and of
the Pandavas in exile helped make the
religion more accessible to me as a child.
Even now, after many years, I think of
those tales and cannot help but fondly
remember her moonlight-bathed smile
and the morals these stories taught me.
Indeed, my grandparents themselves
were exemplary role models of Hindu
virtues in how they treated others with
respect and always had a helping hand
56
for those in need. Their implementation of
the writings in the sacred texts has played
a vital role in my upbringing as a Hindu
with strong family values and morals.
This concept of powerful Hindu role
models has been further demonstrated
through the actions of my parents’ high
school teachers in India who, to this day,
maintain the gurushishya relationship
with their students. As both nurturing
and cultivating forces, these individuals
are much like the ancient sage Vashista
through shaping the lives of their wards
to not only achieve great things in life
but also to give back to the community
so that others may succeed as well. This
benevolent behavior extols the spirit of
Hinduism while sustaining the religion for
future generations.
Even here in California, Hindu seniors
proactively, and without any expectations
of reciprocity, spend their time and effort
to help their peers’ lead fuller and richer
lives. Despite being of an advanced age,
they have seemingly increased the pace at
which they pursue great endeavors even
though it would have been much easier
for them to have just stayed at home with
their families. These people are indeed
great role models.
Such narratives illustrate the significant
role played by senior citizens in upholding
the true meaning of Hinduism and
ensuring that it maintains a key role in the
minds of younger generations. Using their
exuberance as our guide, my peers and
I are eager to follow their lead to make
sure that the flame of Hinduism remains
as bright as ever and that when the time
comes, we too will pass the torch to future
generations after having lived our lives
with the same sense of service and pride
that have immortalized generations of
Hindus.
SPARK - A SPECIAL PROJECT REPORT
S
tudents
Partnering
and
Reaching Kids, or S.P.A.R.K., is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization
created by sisters Shelley
Jain and Shreya Jain in 2010. The
goal of SPARK is to raise the self
esteem of youth through the power
of mentoring. Youth develop their
leadership, public speaking, and
character traits and skills and then
reach out to young children as
mentors. The mentors and students
work together on community
service projects and self-esteem
development workshops to build
their self-esteem and leadership.
The goal is to create lasting bonds
between young men and women and
young elementary school children
to foster the creation of a high selfesteem in both populations.
“We felt that there was a need of
cultivating self-esteem in our youth.
These are lessons that you don’t learn
in schools, and these are the lessons
that will be the most important in
your life. Having a good self-esteem
is the foundation of success- spiritual,
educational, mental, and physical,”
says Shelley Jain.
SPARK targets youth by reaching out
to high school and colleges across
the nation to create club chapters.
These students and teens then
use SPARK lessons and exercises
to work together. After a period of
development, they get a chance to
mentor younger children in their
area. To date, SPARK has worked
with many schools in New York City
and organizations such as the YMCA,
Staten Island Children’s Museum,
New York Housing Authority, Seamen
Society, etc. SPARK was recognized
by the New York City Council in 2012
and partnered with Councilwoman
Debi Rose to raise and donate school
supplies for students in need. One of
their biggest projects was the annual
SPARK book drive where SPARK
collected over 3,000 books to donate
to local libraries, community centers,
and hospitals.
“We have done some great things with
SPARK and have great things planned.
We hope to continue expanding and
impacting as many people as possible.
The ideals of SPARK fit all ages and
people. SPARKing self esteem is our
mission!” says Shreya Jain.
Both sisters are active in the Staten
Island Hindu Community and the Jain
Center of America. They currently train
in Kathak and Indian Classical Vocal
Music. They are both honor students
who have a passion to SPARK self
esteem! To learn more about SPARK
or for details about starting your
own SPARK chapter in your school,
community, or temple, contact us at:
[email protected] or
visit:www.facebook.com/
SPARKSelfEsteem
57
ADI SHANKARACHARYA:
A MODERN VISIONARY FROM ANTIQUITY
Tejas Dave
Editor’s note: This essay
was awarded First prize in the
College category of essays
submitted for the Sanatan
Dharma Scholarship Essay
Competition,
sponsored
by HMEC and Om Temple.
The author, Tejas N. Dave, a
member of Coalition of Hindu
Youth (CHY), is from Pearland,
Texas.
E-mail:
[email protected]
Adi Shankaracharya’s influence on our
Sanatan Dharma cannot be exaggerated,
and the simple fact that we continue to
discuss his philosophy over a thousand
years after he walked this Earth is testament
to this enduring influence. It is worth
noting that over the past one thousand
years philosophies have wandered into and
out of existence, and so the contemporary
prominence of Shankaracharya’s philosophy
is evidence of its continued relevance. This
paper explores the modern relevance of
Adi Shankaracharya and his philosophy
by discussing his debates and the current
necessity of his Advaita philosophy.
A notable attribute of Adi Shankaracharya
was his practice of debating followers of
other philosophies in order to directly
convey the superiority of his on philosophy.
A famous example of this is his debate with
Mandana Mishra, a follower of the Mimansa
philosophy. The debate is quite interesting;
however the conditions of the debate are
even more interesting. If Shankaracharya
were to lose, he would leave his sanyas (state
of renunciation) and take up grihastashrama
(the life of a householder). Similarly if
Mandana Mishra were to lose, he would take
sanyas under Adi Shankaracharya. Mandana
Mishra went on to lose the debate, and did,
as he promised, take sanyas. It is here that
we can see modern applicability of what
Shankaracharya practiced. One cannot
simply go around believing or propagating
thoughts, ideas or philosophies after finding
out that an idea is incorrect, or could be
better. A parallel can be drawn to science,
in which one must be willing to change
ones position if enough evidence can be
found to support opposing position. This
ability to change is needed especially in
today’s polarized world, as people are often
unwilling to change their views even in the
face of irrefutable evidence. Clearly we, as a
society, can learn from Adi Shankaracharya,
and even Mandana Mishra, for that matter to
become more open minded.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita philosophy
teaches about the non-duality of the soul
58
and Brahman, the Supreme Being, or simply
God. Among the mahavakyas (the great
sayings) of the Advaita philosophy, comes
“aham brahmasmi” which translates to “I
am Brahman”. Now as great as it must feel
to know that your soul is indeed one with
God, the larger implications of the Advaita
philosophy are even more wonderful. If
I am Brahman, then so is my friend, my
family member, my neighbor, and yes,
even my enemy. We are all Brahman. Thus
an understanding and internalization
of the Advaita philosophy necessarily
eliminates any potential cause of conflict
due to differences, because we are all
manifestations of that one Supreme Being.
This sentiment is also echoed in a practical
sense in the life of Adi Shankaracharya as he
approached a chandala (member of lower
caste). As Shankaracharya and his disciples
asked the chandala to move aside, the
chandala stated that he too was Brahman,
and so on what basis could one argue that
he or she is superior to another? Whether or
not one can understand the subtle points of
the Advaita philosophy, one can surely grasp
these basic, underlying tenets. And thus
it must be stressed that Shankaracharya’s
Advaita philosophy propagates a worldview
based on the inherent equality of human
beings. And in order to have a peaceful and
just society, this principle of equality must
be understood.
Thus it is quite evident that Adi
Shankaracharya’s teachings are still quite
relevant to our world. Further, a sophisticated
philosophical education is not required to
appreciate Adi Shankaracharya. Even the
simple aspects of Shankaracharya’s life and
of the Advaita philosophy present lessons
worth learning. It is impossible to present
a full picture of the Advaita philosophy,
and thus this paper, while barely scratching
the surface of Shankaracharya’s wealth of
knowledge, explores two traits that are so
very badly needed in today’s society: open
mindedness, and knowledge of human
equality.
:LWKEHVWFRPSOLPHQWVIURP
9HHQD+LUD%LUOD
RI
Setting the Standards Since 1974
Supporting Mandirs and the community
For groceries and other supplies
Four BHARAT BAZAR stores
One near you
SANTA CLARA
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Santa Clara, CA
408-247-4307
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59
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA:
SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND UNITY
Shivam Dave
Editor’s note: This essay was
awarded First prize in the High
School category of essays
submitted for the Sanatan
Dharma Scholarship Essay
Competition,
sponsored
by HMEC and Om Temple.
The author, Shivam Dave, a
member of Coalition of Hindu
Youth (CHY), is associated
with Shri Meenakshi Temple,
Pearland, Texas.
Phone: 832-243-6036
60
Imagine standing at a podium, thousands
of miles away from your home, preparing to speak to an audience of strangers
about a religion that is foreign to them.
Up until a few days ago, you didn’t even
have an invitation to this event and the
fact that you are here right now is just as
much a surprise to you as it is to the crowd
of scholars sitting before you, surveying
you in your uncommon garb as they wait
for you to break the silence. It would take
a particularly courageous person just to
avoid breaking into a nervous sweat at
this point. But, only someone who would
go down in history as one of the most
significant religious figures this world has
ever seen, someone whose name literally
indicates the incredible amount of viveka
or knowledge he possesses, would be able
to calmly sum up the concept of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam in just the five opening
words of his speech as Swami Vivekananda
did when he introduced Sanatan Dharma
to the western world at the World’s Parliament of Religions with the iconic beginning, “Sisters and Brothers of America”.
The speech that followed those
words was one that spoke of unity. Not
unity of a nation or unity of a religious
group or ethnicity but unity of the whole
world, with a view of Americans and Indians and all races in between and Hindus
and Christians and all religions in between
coming together and living in harmony.
This thought is one of Swami Vivekananda’s most important teachings to the
world. Truth be told, Swami Vivekananda
did not so much teach the world the lessons of Hinduism as he did show the world
these lessons through his life and actions.
Just as it is not possible to sum up all of
Hinduism in a short essay like this one, it is
folly to attempt to touch upon everything
Swami Vivekananda expounded upon in
his life. Thus it is best to simply survey one
of his most poignant works: “Religion and
Science”.
Swami Vivekananda’s emphasis on
an intellectual and rational analysis of reli-
gion is one of his defining features which
is so endearing to the world. For many, and
especially for the youth, logical proof is required for everything. Every explanation is
followed up with a ‘why?’ or a ‘how?’ Swami
Vivekananda acknowledged this tendency
when he began this work by stating “Experience is the only source of knowledge”. He
followed this with a treatise which showed
how the gurus, the swamis, and the mystics can teach religion as a science to us.
His only claim is that these people have
experienced religion just as a medical professor has experienced science for years in
the lab or the clinic and can then teach it
to us. Just as we take the professor to be a
credible source, the scholars that teach us
religion are believable because of their experiences with religion and God. Indeed,
this claim must have come from personal
history for Swami Vivekananda because it
was his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,
who said to Swami Vivekananda, “I see
[God] just as I see you here”. The fact that
his guru had so closely experienced God
confirmed that he was a genuine teacher.
Thus Swami Vivekananda can say with
conviction that those who experience religion can teach it as a science just as he was
taught by Shri Ramakrishna. But his main
point in this work was not to tell the world
once again that the concepts of religion
and God are true. By equating religion
with science, Swami Vivekananda was able
to point out that just as the study of chemistry is slightly different than the study of
biology, so too is one religion slightly different from another. But they are different
only because the minds of all people differ slightly and thus one religion cannot
encompass everyone’s distinct mindsets.
However, the similarities between different religions are much greater than the
variances. All religions concur that the
purpose of religion is to realize God just
as all fields of science aim to expand the
knowledge of the unknown. Whether this
God be known is Krishna, Allah, or Jesus
is just as uncontroversial a difference as
whether the unknown be categorized as
physics, chemistry, or biology. Thus, with
similar purposes in different religions, why
emphasize the differences when the overlaps are so overarching?
The beauty of this exposition by
Swami Vivekananda is the extended metaphor between science, a hard to grasp
concept with various methods of interpretation which somehow hasn’t been the
cause of any wars and is seen as absolutely
valid, and religion, a hard to grasp concept with various methods of interpretation which somehow has been the cause
of many wars and which is doubted time
and time again. It seems to ask us two
questions; first, if we are willing to accept
abstract scientific theories, many of which
we have not personally tested, as fact,
then how ridiculous is it that we are sometimes unwilling to see the irrefutable truth
of religion? And second, if we are able to
accept, and even celebrate, the existence
of various different fields of science, then
why can’t we love and encourage the existence of a multitude of religions?
These and other teachings of a
man who lived 100 years ago ring true
with me personally because of a rather
trivial connection between me and the
enlightened Swami. Both of us were born
on January 12th. However, all of us share a
much greater connection to Swami Vivekananda. Many of us proclaim the same
country of Bharat (India) as our motherland. We follow the path of Sanatan Dharma just as he did. And if we incorporate
his teachings, we will stand for universal
unity and brotherhood just as Swami Vivekananda did when he spoke to his sisters
and brothers, not only of America, but of
the entire world.
tŝƚŚůŽǀĞ͕ƉƌĂLJĞƌĂŶĚďĞƐƚŽŵƉůŝŵĞŶƚƐĨƌŽŵ
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of South Carolina
ϱϳϬϯ<ŝǁĂŚZŽĂĚ͕ŽůƵŵďŝĂ͕^ϮϵϮϭϮ
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&ŽƌŐƌĞĂƚƐƵĐĐĞƐƐŽĨseventh Annual Hindu Mandir Executive’s ŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞϮϬϭϮ
61
62
VHPA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Accomplishments of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America
1970 Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America founded
1974 VHPA office incorporated in New York State
1974 Bal Vihar program started
1974 Children’s Book project started in New Hampshire
1975 Lecture tour program started
1978 Seva projects started
1979 First Youth camp held in Rhode Island
1982 Emporium established
1983 First Regional conference held in Florida
1984 First International Hindu conference held in NY
1984 First Youth conference held in New York
1984 Cultural Exhibition: India’s contribution to World
1985 Support-a-Child (SAC) Program started
1985 Hindu University of America project announced
1989 Hindu Unity Year Celebrations held in 107 US cities
1990
1993
1998
1999
1999
Hindu Students Council launched
Two-year long Global Vision 2000 Programs in DC
First Dharma Samsad held at Arsha Vidya Gurukul
Dharma Prasaar Yaatra conducted across the country
Ekal Vidyalaya started as a project of VHPA
2000 Dharma Ganga & U. N. Millennium Peace Summit
2001 Re-built earthquake affected Lodai village in Gujarat
2002 Ekal Vidyalaya becomes autonomous
2003 Hindu Student Council becomes autonomous
2004 Vanaprasthi Seminars Started
2006 1st Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) held in GA
2006 Hindu Awareness Yaatra (HAY) started
2009 Ashraya, Bhutanese Refugees settlement project started
2010 Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY) Launched
2011 Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) launched
2012 First Hindu Mandir Pandit’s Conference (HMPC) held in Pittsburgh
2007-2012 Six annual HMECs held
VHPA Chapters and Activity Centers
Antioch, CA, Orange County, CA; Hartford, CT; Metro DC;
Broward-Palm Beach County, FL; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL;
Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Merrimack Valley, NH;
Central & Northern New Jersey, NJ; Southern New Jersey, NJ;
Queens, NY; Staten Island, NY; Cincinnati, OH;
Allentown, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Houston, TX
63
VHPA MEMBERSHIP FORM
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
National Office: PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244 Tax ID # 51-0156325
Tel.: 732-744-0851
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vhp-america.org
VHPA Membership Application Form
(Fields marked with * cannot be left blank)
__________ _______________________________ _____
Salutation
*First Name
M.I.
_____________________________
*Last Name
Spouse’s Name: _____________________ *Street/P. O. Box No.: _________________________________
*City:______________________________ *State_______________________ *Zip Code________________
*Home Telephone:_______________________
*Email Address:_______________________________
Cell Phone:_______________________
Work Telephone:__________________________
*Age Group 18-35 [ ] 36-50 [ ] 51-65 [ ] 65+ [ ] (Minimum age for becoming a member is 18 years)
Membership Desired: (select one)
[ ] Patron
[ ] Primary Membership, Five years
[ ] Primary Membership, One year
$1000 [ ] Life Membership
$500
$100 [ ] Primary Membership, Three years $70
$25
Please accept my Additional Contribution of $______ for
[ ] General Use [ ] Seva in USA
[ ] Seva in Bharat
[ ] Youth Development Programs
[ ] Publications
[ ] Liaison with Hindu Mandirs & Hindu Institutions
[ ] Support A child
[ ] Media Outreach and PR
[ ] Hindu Awareness Yaatra
I am 18 years or above. I agree with the aims and objectives of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. I believe
in, practice and/or respect the spiritual and religious principles and practices having roots in Bharat (India).
____________________________________________
Signature
_________________________
Date
Check No._______________
(Check Payable to VHPA) OR Charge it to a credit card
(Name and address must match with that on the credit card, for using the credit card.) )
Credit Card Name:
[ ] VISA
[ ] MASTER CARD
Credit Card Number
___________________________________
Signature
[ ] DISCOVER
Month Year
Expiration Date
_______________________________
Date
Mail to: VHPA, PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244-1505 Contact Tel.: 732-744-0851
OR
Become member using your credit card on our web site: www.vhp-america.org
Institutional Membership is available; fist year dues are $201 ($90 Initiation fee + $111 membership).
Call 732-744-0851 or email to [email protected] for application form and more information.
64
VHPA BECOME AFFILIATE MEMBER
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
National Office: PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244 Tax ID # 51-0156325
Tel.: 732-744-0851
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vhp-america.org
Why your Mandir/Organization should become an Affiliate member of
VHP of America?
The Mandir gets the following benefits by affiliating with the VHPA.
A complimentary copy of Hindu Temples of North America, a pictorial, coffee table book, valued at
$35 and listed at $75 at Amazon.com
A Membership Plaque
Recognition in our Quarterly magazine, Hindu Vishwa as an affiliate Institution
Ready access to VHPA’s Executive Board for issues of concern
Priority in arranging programs for VHPA invited religious and social leaders under its Hindu
Awareness Yaatra (HAY) program
10% discount in the registration fee for the Hindu Mandir executives’ Conference (HMEC), a yearly
event
Five copies of Hindu Vishwa, our quarterly magazine
Membership of Coalition to Protect Hindu Institutions (CPHI)
Membership of American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
Invitation to two executives to VHPA’s annual Governing Council meeting where you can give
valuable input and take part in VHPA’s policy making deliberations
Monetary considerations apart, there is strength in joining forces to provide a secure future for our
Mandirs and spiritual institutions, the Hindu society and the second and future generations of Hindus
in the USA.
The first year contribution for the Affiliate Membership is $201 and there after, yearly renewal is at $111. Long
term discounted membership is also available.
The membership is contingent on at least two, and if possible three (or more) of the Mandir
executives/Trustees becoming Life member ($500) or Patron ($1000) of VHPA so that a strong bond may be
formed between VHPA and the Mandir. We expect these life members/patrons to be actively involved in
VHPA to represent interests of the Mandir community. Other members of the Mandir Board should consider
long term membership of VHPA (5 years for $100) to express their support to VHPA. (Membership
Application form is on the reverse side.)
Strength in Unity! We are all Hindus first, then anything else. Won't you join us?
"Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached" - Swami Vivekananda
65
VHPA AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP FORM
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
National Office: PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244 Tax ID # 51-0156325
Tel.: 732-744-0851
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vhp-america.org
Affiliate Membership Application Form
(Fields marked with * cannot be left blank)
Name of the Mandir/
Spiritual Organization_____________________________________________________________
*Street/P. O. Box No.: ______________________________________________________________
*City:____________________________________________________________________________
*State_______________________ *Zip Code____________________
*Telephone:_______________________
Web site:______________________________________
*Email Address:____________________________________________________________________
*Contact Person:
First Name:_______________________________________________ Middle Initial _____
*Last Name:__________________________________ Telephone:____________________________
Affiliate Membership:
[ ] First year dues $201
[ ]
Additional Contribution, if desired:
Check No._______________
Yearly Renewal $111
$__________
(Check Payable to VHPA)
OR Charge it to a credit card.
(If Name and address above do not match with that on the credit card, , fill out the following.)
_______________________________________________________________________________
First
Last (Name as it appears on the card)
________________________________________________________________________
Street (Address must match on your credit card)
________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip Code
-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Credit Card Name:
[ ] VISA
[ ] MASTER CARD
[ ] DISCOVER
Credit Card Number
___________________________________
Signature
MO
YY
(Expiration Date)
_______________________________
Date
Mail to: VHPA, PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244 Contact Tel.: 732-744-0851
66
67
HMEC-2012 LIST OF REGISTERED ORGANIZATIONS
Organization
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
68
City
Hindu Association Of NW Arkansas
Bentonville
All World Gayatri Parivar USA
Union City
Badrikashrama
San Leandro
BAPS
Milpitas
Brahma Kumaris World Spritual Organization
Milpitas
Brahmin Samaj Of North America (BSNA)
Fremont
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan
Fairfield
Fremont Hindu Temple/Vedic Dharma Samaj
Fremont
Geeta Society
Pleasanton
Grace Light Hindu Temple
Chico
Hindu Temple of South Bay
San Jose
Interfaith Shaadi
Burlingame
Jain Center of Northern California
Milpitas
Laxmi Narayan Spritual Organization
Fremont
Maha Shakti Ashram
Lodi
Nalanda Confluence Institute
Culver City
Nithyananda Dhayanapeetam Temple
San Jose
Nithyananda Vedic Temple
Montclair
Path to Anandam
Danvlle
Samskrita Bharti
San Jose
Sanatan Dharma Temple/Matya Patidar Samaj
Norwalk
Self Enquiry Life Fellowship
Santa Barbara
SSDRM Of Bay Area
San Bruno
Vedic Cultural and Spiritual Center of San Diego (Shiva Vishnu Temple)
San Diago
Vedic Education and Development Academy
Milpitas
Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Temple
San Jose
Hindu American Foundation, Inc. (HAF)
Washington
Hindu Students Council (HSC)
Delray Beach
Hindu Temple of Florida
Tampa
Sanskruti Parivar Centers USA
Tavares
Atman Press
Columbus
Sankat Mochan Temple
Adairsville
Hinduism Today
Kapaa
Brahmanand Saraswati Foundation
Fairfield
Chinmya Mission
Chicago
Chinmya Mission
Woodridge
Indian Circle for Caring USA, Inc. (ICC)
Waltham
Om Temple
Carlisle
BAPS
Silver Spring
SRI Siva Vishnu Temple
Lanham
ISKCON
Detroit
Michigan Hindu Temple
Grand Rapids
Hindu Temple OF Minnesota
Maple Grove
Dada Bhagvwan Vignan Institute (DBVI)
Edison
Forum for Hindu Awakening (FHA)
Mount Laurel
FRP Accessories USA Inc.
Monmouth Junction
India Temple Association
Berlin
Sodhani Foundation
Boonton
UV International LLC
Cedar Knolls
Samprajna Institute
Albuquerque
Bangladesh Hindu Mandir
Elmhurst
Geeta Mandir
Elmhurst
Hindu Center
Flushing NY
Satyanarayan Mandir
Elmhurst
State
AR
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
DC
FL
FL
FL
GA
GA
HI
IA
IL
IL
MA
MA
MD
MD
MI
MI
MN
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NM
NY
NY
NY
Country
Organization
55
World Association of Vedic Studies (WAVES)
56
Hindu Society of Greater Cincinnati
57
Nithyananda Vedic Temple
58
Hindu Temple Society
59
Sri Venkatgeshwar Temple
60
The Hindu Jain Temple
61
Hindu Temple & Culture Center Of South Carolina
62
Ganesh Mandir of Nashville
63
Sri Ganesha Temple
64
Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA
65
Radha Madhav Dham
66
Vedanta Society Of Greater Houston
67
Durga Temple Of VA
68
Nithyananda Vedic Temple
69
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA)
70
Nithyananda Meditation Acadamy
71
Sripuram
72
Windsor Hindu Mandir
73
Brahma Vidya Peetham International
74
VHP Newzealand
75
Siddha Yog Ashram
76
Akhil Bhartiya Mandir Prabandhan Parishad
77
India Heritage Research Foundation
78
Shri Lal Bahadur Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth
79
Vishwa Hindu Parishad
80
World Hindu Congress
(As of Aug. 9th)
City
State
Country
Flushing
Cincinnati
Oklahoma City
Allentown
Pittsburgh
Monroeville
Columbus
Nashville
Frankin
Houston
Austin
Houston
Fairfax Station
Seattle
NY
OH
OK
PA
PA
PA
SC
TN
TN
TX
TX
TX
VA
WA
USA
ONT
ONT
ONT
Canada
Canada
Canada
Toronto
Ottawa
Windsor
Trinidad
Rotorua
Pune
New Delhi
Hrishikesh
New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi
Newzealand
Bharat
Bharat
Bharat
Bharat
Bharat
Bharat
Hindu Temple Society
4200 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109 (610-264-2810)
—‚ȡ“ –€ȡ—›ȡ€šȯ j˜žȡȲǓžȡȲǓžȡȲǓ
69
HMEC-2012: GUIDING TEAM
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC)
Dr. Umesh Shukla
Dr. Romesh Japra
Rajesh Verma
Ramesh Mahajan
Vijay Ruikar
Dr.Abhaya Asthana
Vasav Mehta
Sant Gupta
Mythili Bachu
Amit Mehta
Dr. Surendra Pandey
Dhaval Joshipura
Dr. Shyam Shukla
Ravi Kunduru
Nainan Desai
Navin Kadakia
Pt. Roopnath Sharma
Keya Bhatt
Ujjwala Gadgil
Chairman
Convener
Co-Convener
Co-convener
Co-Convener
VHPA Gen Sec
Treasurer
Program Chair
Vice chairman
Souvenir Chair
Chief Editor
HMEC Coordinator
HMEC Coordinator
HMEC Coordinator
HMEC Coordinator
HMEC Coordinator
HMEC Coordinator
Youth Group
Youth Group
908-240-7720
510-593-7844
510-414-8679
562-244-3774
925-522-8037
508-875-0432
770-394-1353
703-980-7487
301-526-5135
484-695-8963
229-883-1687
773-696-5864
510-770-1218
614-404-2400
813-245-8417
412-494-4091
905-696-8886
317-679-5408
510-593-7844
USA
CA
CA
FL
FL
GA
HI
IL
IL
IN
IN
MA
MD
MD
MI
NJ
Babubhai Gandhi
Ramjibhai Patel
Suresh Gupta
Shekar Reddy
Sneha Mehta
Rajkumar Manickam
Kaushik Joshi
Amar Upadhyay
Kumar Dave
Rama Belagaje
Sanjay Kaul
Shardanand
Siva Subramanian
Arjun Soorya
Arvind Patel
562-926-2633
562-659-4353
407-529-3040
954-895-1947
770-394-1353
808-822-3012
630-886-4789
847-226-4929
317-889-7328
317-815-5524
781-330-1691
301-917-1555
301-983-9699
248-703-3754
973-256-2472
NY
NY
OH
OH
OH
OH
PA
PA
SC
TX
TX
TX
TX
Ram Sachdev
Ila Sukhadia
Krutarth Jain
Sudershan Pasupuleti
Puran Lahoti
Dr. Raj Tripathi
Sanjay Mehta
Ramgopal Srinivasan
Arunima Sinha
Sharma Tadepalli
Pravin Vyas
Yogesh Naik
Janeshwari Devi
917-776-4365
347-886-6302
513-884-1259
419-944-8910
740-917-0039
614-846-9434
412-251-9133
412-519-8931
803-781-9054
281-907-3608
281-380-5585
281-485-8256
512-965-4590
CANADA
BC
Ramnarain Sahdev
416-970-1492
ON
Dwarka Persaud
FREMONT TEMPLE ADMINISTRATORS
Rakesh Kapoor 408-561-1767
Harish Babu
347-368-9722
Motilal Parimo 510-754-3741
70
519-650-1337
HMEC MILESTONES
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC)
Milestones
Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY)
Coalition of Hindu Youth, or CHY (pronounced “chai”), a youth led group founded in 2009 at the
Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC). CHY’s primary goal is to foster the unity of youth at
the hundreds of mandirs across this land in which we have come to reside, as well as the myriad
youth involved in various nationwide Hindu organizations. Only as a united body, with one voice,
can we recognize that we are all striving towards the same goals and aspirations, and only then can
we properly and effectively address the broader needs of a new generation of Hindu Americans.
XXXDIZOFUXPSLPSHtDIZOFUXPSL!HNBJMDPNtUXJUUFS!$):OFUXPSL
The Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN)
The Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network is launched to serve the self development and identification of service fields need for retired and to be retired members of Hindu community living in
America. The acronym HAVAN is chosen to reflect the transformative lifestyle stage of Vanaprasthi.
The goal is to engage them locally in meaningful community service activities, develop network, and
opportunities to use their skills, specialties, and wisdom for the benefit of the society.
http://senior.sagesurfer.com/egroups/g_havan.html www.vhp-america.org [email protected]
Samskar Books
Antyeshti Samskar book released in HMEC 2009.
Vivah Samskar book being released in HMEC 2011.
The Hindu Mandir Seva Net
Network formation is in progress as a SEVA/Volunteer resource for the Temples.
Hindu Seva Day organized by many temples on Oct 2, 2010.
Hindu Temples’ National Blood Donation Campaign in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of
9/11, 2011. Over 70 temples took part in the Campaign.
Hindu Prayer Book for Hospitals
Most Hospital Chaplaincy departments do not have a Hindu chaplain, or even a priest as a consultant. Provide a prayer book in the hospital where a Hindu chaplain may or may not be available. Book
is planned to be released in HMEC 2012.
71
VHPA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
______________________________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE BOARD of VHPA
January 1, 2012
President:
1. General Secretary:
2. National Treasurer:
3. Joint General Secretary:
Cell No.
Jyotish Parekh
860-655-5875
[email protected]
Dr. Abhaya Asthana 508-314-6069
[email protected]
Jayesh Mehta
856-745-7657
[email protected]
Sanjay Mehta
412-251-9133
[email protected]
Home No.
860-521-2173
508-875-0432
856-751-2132
412-276-2670
Vice Presidents
4. Finance:
Vimal Sodhani
973-476-3901
[email protected]
5. Inter Organizational Relations: Dr. Umesh Shukla 908-240-7720
[email protected]
6. Publications:
Shyam Tiwari
678-557-9582
[email protected]
7. Seva:
Girish Gandhi
973-689-5479
[email protected]
973-334-5917
908-431-9845
770-962-2669
561-244-5813
Organizing Secretaries
8. Finance:
Vasav Mehta
770-365-6126
770-394-1353
[email protected]
9. Family and Youth Programs: Nayana Modh
516-547-8133
516-935-0002
[email protected]
10. Northeast, Membership:
Sanjay Kaul
781-330-1691
781-893-4982
[email protected]
11. Southeast Region:
Sneha Mehta
770-330-5461
770-394-1353
[email protected]
12. Midwest Region:
Renu Gupta
248-320-7281
513-860-1151
[email protected]
13. Midwest, Membership:
Dhaval Joshipura
312-550-2462
773-696-5864
[email protected]
Founder & Mentor: Dr. Mahesh Mehta 781-44-7313 [email protected]
Chairperson, Advisory Board: Dr. Nand K. Shamra 603-893-3490 [email protected]
National Office Manager: Sharad Patel
VHP of America
PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244-1505
[email protected] Tel.: 713-261-9400, 732-744-0851
72
VHPA - WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.
(World Hindu Council of America)
National Office: PO Box 441505, Houston, TX 77244 Tax ID # 51-0156325
Tel.: 732-744-0851
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vhp-america.org
Why you should become a member of VHP of America?
In VHPA there is no consideration of caste, province, language or Sampradaya. We are all
Hindus first and last. All those who respect spiritual and religious values born in the land of
Bharat (India) are Hindus.
Working in the USA since 1970. Active chapters in all metropolitan areas.
SEVA programs to help the social reconstruction render assistance in times of natural calamities
or man made disasters and to help the needy irrespective of caste, creed, race or religion.
Disbursed more than four million dollars in last 25 years.
In the USA: Serving food and distributing blankets at shelters for the homeless, visiting nursing
homes, helping families in distress, fund raising for the families of Oklahoma bombing victims,
World Trade Center tragedy and Katrina victims..
Support A Child Project: To support living expenses, education and character molding of orphan
or needy children in Bharat for a period of ten years. Currently we are supporting 800 children in
various states of Bharat (Contribution per child: $250/year).
Working with Temples, Ashrams and Hindu Institutions to bring awareness to issues of the
Hindu society and promote Hindu Unity. Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), an
annual event draws close to 100 Mandirs and Hindu organizations.
Hindu Awareness Yaatra: A program to bring saints and scholars to Mandir and Halls of learning
to bring home the message of Unity in Diversity and educate the audiences about the challenges
facing Hindus in Bharat and elsewhere and cultivate the public opinion.
Networking through HMEC, CHY (Coalition of Hindu Youth), HAVAN (Hindu American
Vanaprasthi Network), HWN (Hindu Women’s Network) and BVN (Bal Vihar Network).
Internet Bookstore: pictures of deities, books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc.
Informative web site http://www.vhp-america.org
American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD): To counter the attempts to denigrate Hindu
Dharma and Hindu values by media, corporations and other organized institutions.
Youth Activities: Bal Vihars, Youth Camps, Youth Conferences , CHY and Youth Book Project.
Members receive Hindu Vishwa, a quarterly publication of news and views of Hindu society in
the USA and around the world and periodic communications from the VHPA office. Members
are entitled to discount at VHPA organized programs (e.g., Youth Camps, Conferences, etc.)
Members are entitled to vote in VHPA elections at the local as well as national level.
Members can stand for elections in their own region for positions at the chapter level or for
elections at the national level as a Governing Councilor.
Institutional Membership is available
Membership form appears elsewhere in this magazine
Strength in Unity! We are all Hindus first, then anything else
Won't you join us? Donations are tax deductible (in the USA) and welcome.
"Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached" - Swami Vivekananda
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N O T E S
74
Wisdom Teachings of the
Himalayan Meditation Adepts
Featuring
His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda
Swami Vidyadhishananda reveals to us a Himalayan dimension of Vedic wisdom
based on his saintly tutelage of Sanskrit heritage. He hails from meditation adepts
in Himalaya who are known for their combination of sagely scholarship and yogic
practices. As head monk of the nonprofit organization, Self Enquiry Life Fellowship,
Swami Vidyadhishananda offers teachings and guidance on Himalayan yoga-vinyāsa
& prānāyāma, Sanskrit spiritual philosophy and principles of mindful Vedic living.
Initiation into meditation techniques of his unbroken lineages is offered to sincere
devotees who embrace the time-honoured sat-guru saintly tradition.
Wisdom Teachings Audio-CD Set §$55
A set of 5 extraordinary live-recorded lectures inspiring personal enrichment, spiritual growth and meditative reflection
•
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Powers Beyond Wishful Thinking
Affirmations on the Path of Service
Cultivation of Subtle Feelings
Four Spokes of Destiny
Tenets of Embracing the Path of Knowledge
Purchase Online www.swamahiman.org/cdset
To purchase individual CDs call 909.543.6003
CDs are also available at
our 2012 HMEC Booth
Mountain Path by the River of Knowing
Revealing how Ganga embraces Himalaya and pours out the melted
wisdom while conferring its liberating grace before merging into the seas
A historical book for curriculum or personal study – featuring contemporary and
antique photographs of Himalaya and Ganga along with extant teachings of spiritual
philosophy in concise English verses – matched with Sanskrit geographical references.
2013 BOOK RELEASE
TO BRING A BOOK RELEASE EVENT TO YOUR AREA KINDLY CONTACT US
Self Enquiry Life Fellowship, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization (Nonprofit ID 20-3478668)
PO Box 30627 t Santa Barbara t CA 93130 t www.swamahiman.org t [email protected] t 909.543.6003
75
SANATAN DHARMA
SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by HMEC, HSC and Om Temple, Inc.
5TH ANNUAL ESSAY COMPETITION
In 2010, the Om Temple established the annual Sanatan Dharma Scholarship Essay
Competition. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage a deeper understanding of
Hinduism, as well as to expose the underlying scientific nature of the Sanatan Dharma. The
contest is open to high school and college age students. Please note that all participants
receive some monetary recognition for taking part in this competition.
The essay competition is divided in two categories:
1. COLLEGE STUDENTS
The minimum prize for each category:
First Prize: $1,500;
Second Prize: $750;
Third Prize: $150;
Honorable mention: $75.
2. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
ESSAY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. The essay must be between 500 to 1000 words.
2. The essay must be typed in Times New Roman
font size 12 with 1 ½ lines spacing.
3. Submit the essay electronically as MS Word file
to: [email protected]
For topics, the deadline for submission and other details,
please visit:
http://www.omtemple.com
To make contribution to the Scholarship Fund, please make check payable to
Om Temple–Sanatan Dharma Scholarship Account, and mail to:
Om Temple, Inc.
617 Rutland Street
Carisle, MA 01741
Phone: 978-397-6330
76