I am a product of two republics: born in India, raised in America, I typically celebrate my American national identity through holidays such as the Fourth of July because I am a naturalized US citizen. So I didn’t think to get involved when a celebration of India’s Republic Day here in Michigan included Miss America – even though I share her cultural and linguistic identity as a Telugu-speaking Indian-American. But I wondered what my friends of Indian origin do, and did a quick survey. About a third of them do nothing, a third of them do something through their religious organization, and another third participate or attend an event like the one with Nina Davuluri, sponsored by the Michigan chapter of the India League of America – a multi-ethnic, multi-religious group. Indian immigrants bring to America the diversity of their home country – something which is reflected in the American experience as well.
Being American often means a hyphenated identity – Italian-, Irish-, Indian-American, etc. Although one doesn’t say Christian American, I have been involved with organizations over the years that put a religious adjective alongside the national identifier: American Jewish Committee, Islamic Society of North America, Hindu American Foundation. I have mostly rejected the term “Indian” in favor of “Hindu” – India brings a mixed bag of memories, and it is easier to be an American Hindu without the baggage of India in the interfaith circles that I move in.
India is the land of my ancestors, where I was born, where I have spent about a quarter of my life, where I laid the foundation for my career in the automotive industry with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, where I learned the practical aspects of being Hindu among other Hindus in the land of its origins, amidst a sea of other religions, languages and ethnicities. But India is also the land which I left to discover who I am and where I fit in the world, where I go through so many challenges going back as a visitor. It is also the nation I relinquished when I took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. My critical eye finds many things Indian inadequate: proper political governance that one would expect of a secular democracy, an abiding respect for the inherent pluralism of Hinduism that has enabled India to serve as both a cradle and a haven for other religions.
India can be synonymous with Hindu, an association I have not always been comfortable with – after all, as an American, I believe in the separation of church and state. I find it strange that so many Indian organizations celebrate Diwali, Holi and other Hindu holy days. On the other hand, I have found that Indians and Indian-Americans alike can be averse to self-identifying as Hindu. And if “Hindu” is not a good word, Hindutva (meaning Hindu-ness) is given even worse connotations. Other traditions that have been birthed in India do what they can to distinguish their religion as distinct from Hinduism – refuting the roots of dharma that we share. The Muslims that Mahatma Gandhi wanted us to find brotherhood with, flock to their Abrahamic siblings, restricting interfaith dialogue to those of the Book, ignoring those of us who have other books or none at all. The shared culture and subcontinent are lost in the politics of a divide exemplified by the rival nations of India and Pakistan. And if that were not enough, groups like the Indian American Muslim Council, organize events around India’s Republic Day without a Hindu representative, while taking an anti-Hindu, anti-India stance in the public square.
But a few friends – proud Hindus of Indian origin – celebrate India’s Republic Day as part of their religious heritage. It is one such friend’s comments during my quick survey that reminded me this: India made my parents who they are, and my parents taught me what it is to be Hindu. India and Hinduism are so intertwined that I must reconsider the importance of celebrating India and in identifying as an Indian-American. Neither India nor Hinduism were terms in common parlance when our scriptures and rich spiritual heritage first started. Sanatana Dharma – Eternal Truth and the Hindu’s name for Hinduism– is rooted in the Vedas of what is now India (and parts of modern day Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan). It has taught me to be inclusive, just, compassionate, not just for India, but for all of creation. I should be a more inclusive Hindu and be proud to also identify as an Indian-American!
In November 2013, for the first time, more than 200 Millburn Short Hills Residents celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights that marks the beginning of the New Year for Hindus, as a community. The children participated in the religious prayers (Pooja), performed Indian Classical dances, showcased colorful sparkly new Indian Outfits during a fashion show. There was Bollywood music to dance to, Henna tattoos and gourmet Indian dinner desserts to enjoy the evening. It was a memorable evening that helped the Hindu kids in the Millburn community to come together and celebrate their rich cultural diversity.
Diwali is the biggest festival of Hindus for Hindus living in America it’s hard for the parents to expose the school going kids to their religious cultural beliefs unless they take a long trip to India during the school year. Diwali is a celebration of good over evil and righteousness over wrong, Hindu families all over the world celebrate it by worshiping in the Hindu Temples, decorating the house, visiting/calling friends family, cooking extensive meals shopping for new clothes household items.
In the past five years there has been a big influx of Americans of Indian origin in Millburn/Short Hills that has changed the demographics of our community the face of our schools. America thrives on this diversity since all these different races, religions cultures make our country the greatest country in the world. However, we can not forget that our kids are growing up in a Global economy we need to make them World Citizens not just the citizens of America.
It is important for Millburn schools to recognize the need to educate our students about the third largest religion in the world next to only Christianity Islam. While we have Hinduism as part of the school curriculum it would make a much bigger impact if the school held Diwali Assembly on the day before Diwali declared the day of Diwali as a school holiday. Not only will that give a chance to the Hindu students to celebrate Diwali with their families but also educate the rest of the school community about Hinduism.
In the last few Millburn Board of Education meetings the Hindus living in the town have expressed the need for observing one day school holiday on Diwali in Fall every year requested the Board to add it to the school calendar starting 2014-2015. This would allow a large number of Hindus in the town to celebrate the day with their kids in a meaningful way and teaching them the importance of their religion culture that is hard to preserve in a far away land. It would reinforce in all the children that we as a community uphold the constitution by celebrating all the religions equally. This would make our Millburn students true Global Citizens prepare them for Careers around the world. They will emerge as enlightened citizens who are well aware of the different religions Cultures in the world have respect for diversity.
This request to recognize one of the major festivals celebrated in town is neither radical nor unreasonable. The White House has been celebrating Diwali for the past five years. Millburn School district would become a pioneer in declaring Diwali as a holiday in the schools across New Jersey which has a huge Hindu population someday also throughout the country. This is a historic decision it will take an effort from all of us as a community to recognize and celebrate diversity in our community.
The Hindus rejoice in the rest of the Millburn community enjoying Indian foods at strawberry festival applying Henna on their teens Bat Mitzvah, that’s unity in diversity and that makes Millburn the best town to live in grow in. The Hindu community requests the Millburn community, of which we are an integral part of, to support the movement and join us to urge the Millburn Board of Education to declare Diwali as a school holiday in Millburn.
(November 30, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) When you walk in narrow streets and countryside of Jaffna peninsula, you will come across ubiquities Hindu temples spanning from the plain landscape with hundred of colourful miniature carvings.
These temples are dedicated to various Hindu Gods and goddess.
The impressive religious and decorated paintings inside the temples are based on Hindu religion and are painted in vibrant colours.
During my journey to Jaffna, I visited several Hindu temples in the peninsula.
The community of Nallur, an integral part of Jaffna city located three kilometres from Jaffna Fort on the Point Pedro road, was where the last capital and the kingdom of Jaffna was. It was founded by Sempaha Perumal in the mid-15th century, and remained the centre of the kingdom until Sangili Kumara was defeated by the Portuguese in the battle of Vannarpannai in 1619.
Nallur festival
The most impressive religious place in Jaffna today is the Nallur Kandaswamy temple, and it has one of the largest annual festival in Jaffna.
The original temple, dedicated to Murugan (Skanda, the Hindu war god) stood in the royal compound, but was burned to the ground along with the rest of the city by its Portuguese conquerors.
It was rebuilt on its present site in 1807, and has been continuously renovated and improved since then.
Punctual pujas are offered several times a day, and a regularly recited liturgy invokes not only Murugan, the eldest son of Shiva, but also King Bhuvanaika Bahu, regarded as the founder of the temple.
During the so-called ‘Nallur season’ this temple puts on its most colourful face. Another important temple in the North is Maviddapuram Kandasamy Kovil, whose annual July festival draws pilgrims from India.
Gratitude
Maviddapuram means ‘city where the horse face vanished,’ and a legend explains this odd appellation. An 8th century Chola princess, named Marutapiravikavalli was laden not only with an unpronounceable name but also a face like a horse.
She beseeched a Shaivite sage to help relieve her condition, and he advised her to bathe in the freshwater springs at Keerimalai, about two kilometres northwest of this Kovil. Daily obeisance and submergence helped cure her condition, and in gratitude she arranged to have this temple, honouring God Skanda, constructed. At the Keerimalai spring where the miracle cure occurred, statues of the horse-headed princess overlook the beachfront springs.
They pour into an artificial bathing pool opposite the small Naguleswarm Shivan Temple just off the road. There has been a Kovil on this site since ancient times, Hindus consider it is one of the original five Isvarms (divine residence) of early Shaivism.
Nestled in the dunes about seven kilometres from Point Pedro is a village of Vallipuram, reputed to be an ancient Tamil capital known as Singai Nagar, capital of the Kingdom of Jaffna before Nallur. It also is the site of the Vallipura Alvar Kovil, one of the country’s most important Vishnu temples, especially honouring the incarnation of ‘The Preserver’ as Krishna.
Nagadeepa Viharaya
The island of Nainativu, easily reached by boat from Kayts., is an important place for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. Nagadeepa Viharaya, one of the Buddha’s three reported visits to Sri Lanka, is in Nainativu.
After the lapse of three decades, the Buddhist pilgrims from the south throng to Nagadeepa these days. Hindus are attracted to Nainativu’s Naga Pooshani Ammal Kovil.
Hindu parents carry their newborn children to this temple to ask the blessing of the Naga goddess Meenakshi, considered the “fish-eyed” consort of Shiva.
Some 60,000 pilgrims attended the annual temple festival in June-July.
Prestigious Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) in New York (USA) will be exhibiting photographs of sadhus of India and Nepal from January 28 to May 30.
Curated by Beck Bloom and titled “Body Language: The Yogis of India and Nepal”, it will reportedly display photos of wandering ascetics by Thomas L. Kelly, who is described as photo-activist. “Body Language focuses on the rich symbolism behind sadhus’ painted bodies, postures and practices”, according to the Museum announcement. Kelly is said to be personally acquainted with most of the sadhus represented in the exhibition. Exhibition provokes questions: ‘Who am I?’ ‘What do I need?’ ‘What is really important?'”, announcement adds.
Applauding Rubin Museum for exhibiting Hinduism focused photographs, well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.
RMA in New York is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It has over 2,000 works of art including Himalayan paintings, sculpture, textiles, ritual objects, and prints, starting from second century, and draws over 100,000 visitors a year. Donald Rubin is the CEO. (ANI)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is the ex-officio head of state of Vatican City, a sovereign city-state within the city of Rome (Italy). Pope also heads the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest of the Christian denominations. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about a billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)
Even the Vatican Library has books on Hinduism and Yoga.
Catalogue search reveals that besides nine books on the subject of Yoga, Vatican Library carries books on Hindu civilization, manners-customs-ceremonies, music, pantheon, psychology, theology; in addition to some titles on Hinduism.
Well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauding Holy See and Pope Benedict, said that it was a remarkable gesture and a step in the right direction. Zed invited Pope for a deeper study of ancient Hindu scriptures, which were very rich in philosophical thought, and offered to provide help if asked.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also commended Vatican for including well-known verse from Brahadaranyakopanishad (“Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.”), line from Tagore’s Gitanjali (“Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.”), and reference to Mahatma Gandhi in “Way of the Cross at the Colesseum” Meditations and Prayers on Good Friday 2009 led by Pope and put together by Vatican Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.
Rajan Zed further said that in 200-page “Verbum Domini” (The Word of the Lord) apostolic exhortation released on November 11, Pope Benedict wrote about “the sense of the sacred, sacrifice and fasting…” in Hinduism.
Zed argues that in our shared pursuit for the truth, we can learn from one another and thus can arrive nearer to the truth. Dialogue may help us vanquish the stereotypes, prejudices, caricatures, etc., passed on to us from previous generations. As dialogue brings us reciprocal enrichment, we shall be spiritually richer than before the contact.
Vatican Library (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) in Vatican City, library of the Holy See, whose traces go back to fourth century, has manuscripts, printed books, prints and drawings, coins and medals. His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Raffaele Farina is the librarian of the Holy Roman Church while Msgr Cesare Pasini is the Prefect. It is said to hold about 75,000 manuscripts and over 1.1 million books, which includes Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209, the oldest known nearly complete manuscript of the Bible.
Varanasi, May 14(ANI): As an initiative to inculcate cultural values and allied Indian ethos among youngsters, a special summer camp has been organized for school children in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
This summer camp has been mooted by Ishita School where the children are taught essence of Hindu culture, relevance of rituals and recitation of passages from holy scriptures such as Vedas, Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads and Puranas.
At the outset, every day, the teacher conducting the classes fondly applies a paste of sandalwood on the foreheads of the young Vedic ‘scholars’, incidentally, all studying in English medium and convent schools.
“It is very necessary for today’s children because today, children are convent educated, going far from our traditional culture. So, we need to enlighten them about our Indian cultural heritage since during their routine academics, they are unable to concentrate on this aspect. So, this is the right time to give them the right training. That’s why in summer camp we are teaching these children Bhagwad Gita and Vedic Mantras among others,” said Ishita Saraswat, a trainer at the school.
On their part, the children despite not understanding the Sanskrit language in which most of the Hindu scriptures are written seemed to be curious to learn it.
“My father and mother are very happy to hear my reciting passages from our religious scriptures,” said Avantika Kapoor, a student at the summer camp.
Indu Saraswat, the coordinator of the school, said that this camp plays a very positive effect on children while learning the ancient scriptures of Hinduism.
“Since many parents are working, both of them don’t have time to make their children understand about basic culture. They don’t have time even to make their children be aware about certain basic facts of our culture and hence this summer camp for the children,” Saraswat said.
She also mentioned that the young children have learnt a lot about Hinduism right form respecting one’s parents and teachers to reciting simple shlokas (psalms) from the scriptures.
Nevada (US), April 26: Nevada Assembly reverberated with Sanskrit mantras from ancient Hindu scriptures in Carson City, USA, on Monday.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed delivered invocation from Sanskrit scriptures before Nevada Assembly.
After Sanskrit delivery, he read the English translation of the prayer.
Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures.
He started and ended the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Om was followed by Gayatri Mantra, the most sacred mantra in Hinduism.evada Assembly members, Assembly employees, and public stood quietly in prayer mode with heads bowed down during the prayer.
Wearing saffron colored attire, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead, Zed sprinkled few drops of sacred water from river Ganga in India around the podium before the prayer.
Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, Zed prayed to Lord so that public officials are “pure, efficient, impartial, selfless” in all the undertakings. He also presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Speaker John Oceguera.
NEPAL. 7 May 2011. Nepal was bigger during the ancient time. ‘Himwatkhanda-Nepal’ extended from Bramhaputra in the East to Hindukush in the west, Kailash Mansovar in the North and Ganga in the South. In time the ‘Himwatkhanda Nepal’ disintegrated into many smaller nations. The fact is mentioned in the Prayaga archive of Samudra Gupta, the son of Bikramaditya, that ‘Nepal’ is a place lying in between Kamrup (current Assam) and Karkarpur (current Kumau). We can infer from these facts that Himwatkhanda Nepal in the ancient times was bigger than what is today. This area of the Himwatkhanda is the golden land. A veteran Rishi (Hindu’s ascetic Guru) in a special Vedic scripture has mentioned about Himwatkhanda, “Bharatbarshe Utarayane Himalaya Tate Swarnabhumi, Swarnabhumi,” meaning ‘the northern part of Bharatkhande, the Himalayan mountains is the golden land and just haven’. We can draw inference as to the greatness of this land. Kalidash in his ‘Kumaar Sambhav’ has mentioned, “The land from Eastern Himalayas to the Western Himalayas is the Arya land.” Before the Muslim and English regime, Bharatbarsha had comprised 25 nations. After the unification of India by East India Company, then India was called Hindustan. But, before the King, the creator of greater Nepal- Prithvi Narayan Shah 1800 B.S (Bikram Sambat era) had said- ‘Nepal is the real ‘Hindusthana’ at 1800 Bs (1753, AD)
During the time when Himwatkhanda Nepal remained a unified country the current powerful nations were divided into many smaller nations. Bismark had unified Germany, which had existed in the façade of many smaller nations, a hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Italy was also divided into many smaller nations a hundred years before Nepal’s unification, which was transformed into a greater Italy by good sons as Kabur and Gyalibhardi. Japan came out of the dark-age under the leadership of its King after Mehiji restoration hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Two decades before the unification of Nepal the now superpower America was a British colony. Prithvinarayan Shah had already unfurled the flag depicting the Sun and the Moon and unified the small kingdoms into a Himwatkhanda Nepal to save the tradition of this area. The Sanskrit language was the popular language of ancient Nepal and India. A famous Scholar Max Mucller has written in his book- ‘India-What Can it teach us’-‘ Sanskrit no doubt has an immense advantage over all other ancient language of the East. In a certain Sense we are still speaking and thinking Sanskrit or more correctly Sanskrit is like a dear aunt to use and she takes the place of a mother who is no more. Let us take a brief look at additional evidence to help verify the ides that Sanskrit was the original language of the world, and that it is connected with numerous countries and cultures. Latin and Persian are dialects of Sanskrit. Greek has borrowed a lot from Sanskrit. French English are full Sanskrit words, roots and speech forms.
So, the identification of Himwatkhanda Nepal is associated with the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. May all be happy in the world and let no one suffer from disease and be sad. May no one keep ill will towards another being.May all be liberal and compassionate? All humans of the world are our relatives. ‘Basudhaiv Kutumbakam’. May all receive equal amount of food, relation and shelter. Let us become a liberal character of compassion and be active for omnipresent. May all worlds be well? ‘OM- Shanti’ is Vedic Hindu customs cleansed indicative. The welfare and happiness of all is the supreme system which is the belief of the Vedic Hindu society. Dr. Basudev Krishna Shastri writes, “Hindus worship the Sun. The light that emanates from Sun is common for all. Without water no living being can survive. This is everyone’s right. Such things are beyond divisions, and consumed by all as per their necessity. For the prosperity of human life there must remain equal right and prerogative among us. No one should be hindered from contributing to their nation. So it is mentioned in the Veda, ‘Let us all rise for national awareness.’” This shows that Hindu religion is the vehicle that would show path to all human societies. Bramha- Bishnu-Maheshwor (the three Lords) is the guidance of Vedic Hindu life. In the ancient, Vedic Hindu religions the supreme is the ocean where anyone can swim anyhow.
Vedic Hindu ancient religion is the devotee of Panchadev (the five Gods). ‘OM’ is the follower of Vedic Hindu Panchadev. A suffering man will remember one of the Pachayan Devs (the five Gods). Panchayan means- it is compulsory to worship the Gods Ganesha, Devi, Surya, Shiva and Bishnu. If one of them is discriminated while carrying out the ritual of worship then the worship will not be complete. However, some Hindu communities have developed their own definition which has created controversy in the ancient Hindu beliefs. We are all the same. We Hindus and Buddhists do not want to invite controversy and dispute. Nepal is stable as a Hindu and Buddhist nation. Our respect to our compatriot is based on the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. Our concern and that of Buddhists’ corresponds to each other.
Swami Chandresh says, “It is clearly mentioned in all Hindu scriptures as Geeta, Vedas, Yoga and Tantras that this particular religion is supposed for all people of the world. Hindu religion does not believe in creation of factions and conversion of religion. It believes in turning an animal-like man to a human and a human to God. In accordance with all Hindu scriptures a man earns his pride, power, knowledge and money through Karma. The Vedic Hindu religion was born of intense meditation, Yoga and deep interpretation of knowledge and truth carried out by Rishis (sages) in the steppes of Himalaya. It will be unwise to compare Nepal’s social conditions with Indian cultural lifestyle. India has been influenced by Muslim religion and Christian rule which had forced them into a slavish mentality for many centuries, and they have been forced to live in compulsion, and have been defiled.” We Nepali people are somewhat fortunate in a sense that sovereignty of Nepal has not been defiled by foreigners.
‘Athmana Pratikulani Paresam nasamacharet’ meaning, ‘Don’t do so for others which you dislike to do or talk’. This is the chief policy of Hinduism. But, a concerning crisis seen in the Hindu communities is the growth of Vaisnav religion, Krishna Pranami, Jain, Shikh along with different definitions and interpretations of religious Gurus has created crisis in the Hindu communities. This has plunged the Hindu religion into controversy. There have been foul attempts to create artificial lacking in the ‘OMKAR’ (followers of OM).
A Hindu priest Keshav Dahal has analyzed the defects in the Hindu belief in his book ‘Swadharma Nirnaya’ saying, “Those following the Baisnav will not recognize other Gods save Bishnu. Those of Baisnav Dharma drink the water which has rinsed a Guru’s feet and body. If the wife is Baisnav then what the husband has touched will not be used in a sense that it may defile. If the husband is Baisnav what his wife cooks he will not touch. If a son is Baisnav then he will not recognize his parents following the ancient Hindu religion. A Baisnav despite changing his Gotra (ancestoral identity) will become a Gotri whom has not fallen of the religious status. He does not carry out the final rituals of his parents. In a final ritual of Baisnavs, they must be present, no other. There are many examples of this causing rifts in the family members; differences rising between son and father, brothers and sisters, and relation between wife and husband ending up.”
Likewise, those following the Krishna Pranami do not worship any Gods other than Krishna. They discard worshipping the idols. They only worship the pictures of Krishna. It is said that those following the ancient Hindus marrying with a person following the Pranami will have to spend days weeping. In Nepal OM Shanti religion or Bramhakumari has been growing for few years. In this religious belief living together is forbidden. Those following this belief are made to speak against the ancient Hindu religion. A woman following this belief will have to live a life of spinster while a man will have to live a bachelor. So the ‘OMKAR’ family of the ancient Hindu religion is facing crisis. Following the Vedic Hindu Pachayan Devs (the five Gods), Jain and Shikh are following their own beliefs.
Many Hindu families have even stopped speaking due to this aura of competition that has pervaded the ancient Hindu religious communities. Due to the presence of evil imperialism the ancient Hindu religion has failed to organize itself. ‘Panchayan’ is the religion of any Hindu. Those deciding to follow Baisnav, Krishna Pranami or Bramhakumari must not detach themselves from the mainstream Hindu religion. In order to make this possible the religious Gurus must not disseminate illusion among their followers in an unacceptable way. The religious followers that have grown with Rigved, Yarjuved, Arthaved and Samved recitals should not distort the truth of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, and try attaining an imaginary enlightenment.
It is inappropriate to pollute the Hindu ocean by choosing the path of four streams when the main stream is available. We must reach understanding to rid the Hindu religion of the defects that were advertently or inadvertently born of us. There are people (some foreigners and brokers) wanting to destroy our civilization and create division within us. It is our duty to be alert of these things. We don’t need the knowledge of foreign religions. Hindu world is in itself sufficient and Vedic Hindu religion is the pioneer of world’s civilization. The reality is that in Hindu world, we need only to evaluate the ‘Bishnu Avatar’ then we will find the world in it. The ten avatars (incarnation) of God Bishnu, in order are- Matsyaroop (Fish), Kurma (tortoise), Baraharoop (pig), Narsighroop (lion and man), Baman (pigmy), (Brahman), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha. We can infer that ancient Vedic Hindu religion has remained creative in guiding the civilization and human life. Hindu’s faith lies in Bhramha- Bishnu- Maheshwor. In this way it has the ancient Vedic Hindu religion bestowed its guidance in the growth of civilization and human life?
We are proud to be Nepali. We want to be free of foreign intervention pertaining to our national unity, our traditional culture, and we will be free. Since the ancient times democracy has been a system that has been exercised and recited in Himwatkhanda. We have been adopting as the chief policy of giving equal opportunity to all to exercise their freedom, and we have tried to provide food and shelter for all. Religious freedom is our belief. Everyone has the right to follow their own religion. However, by showing the attraction of money, Christians have been alluring people to convert their religion; they have become one of the destroyers the foundation of Hindu religion, which we regard as enemies. Against such people all Hindu world must unite. We must all know that to bring secularism is to invite war. Regardless of who we are; Rai, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Brahman, Chetri, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi among others, we are all either Hindu or Buddhist. Some Sherpa, Tamang and Newars are affiliated to Buddhism. No matter who follows what Pashupatinath and Swayambunath lay in the same world?
Hindu religion is highly liberal in nature. Whether one worships an idol or one is either vegetarian or non vegetarian we are all Hindus. Hindus are free to live as they see fit. This religion is regarded as highly democratic and liberal. However, there are conspiracies in Nepal against Hindu and Buddhist religion. The Indian government should realize the facts. We Nepalese people must act to retain our identity. The ancient Vedic Hindu religion must drape these religions that have chosen to go against humanity with the cloak of civilization and harmony. Long live- ‘Hinduism’ in all over the world.
Gayatri Mantra read at Baha’i Ridvan Festival in Nevada
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recited prayer from ancient Hindu scriptures at the “12th day of Ridvan” festival of Baha’is in Reno (Nevada, USA) on May two evening.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, read Gayatri Mantra, the most sacred mantra of Hinduism, in Sanskrit and attendees repeated after him. He later translated Gayatri Mantra and other Sanskrit prayers into English.
Rajan Zed read from Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of mankind; Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, both ancient Hindu scriptures. Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, Zed suggested: “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless one attains the supreme goal of life. Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind”.
Peter Rath and Nevada Metherd, area Baha’i elders, thanked Zed for participating in the “12th day of Ridvan” festivities.
Few days back, Rajan Zed sent greetings to Baha’i communities world over on Ridvan (which means paradise) festival, wishing that it brought joy, happiness, blessings and cheer to all. Zed stresses that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue will bring us mutual enrichment, he adds.
Twelve-day festival of Ridvan is also known as “the most great festival”, whose first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and 12th days are especially celebrated as holy days by Baha’is. These three days are marked by communal prayers and celebrations and no-work/no-school days. Baha’i administrative year begins on the first day of Ridvan.
Said to be youngest of the world’s independent monotheistic religions, Baha’i Faith, founded in Iran in 1844, has over five million followers. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
Details of the picture attached: Rajan Zed (standing in the middle in saffron attire) with some of the Baha’i participants at the “12th day of Ridvan” festivities.
Nevada State Senate reverberated with Sanskrit mantras from ancient Hindu scriptures in Carson City (USA) on February 14.
Notable Hindu statesman Rajan Zed delivered invocation from Sanskrit scriptures before Nevada Senate on this day. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He started and ended the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Om was followed by Gayatri Mantra, the most sacred mantra in Hinduism.
Nevada State Senators, Senate employees, and public stood quietly in prayer mode with heads bowed down during the prayer. Wearing saffron colored attire, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead, Rajan Zed sprinkled few drops of sacred water from river Ganga in India around the podium before the prayer. He presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Nevada Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki.
Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Zed said, “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya”, which he then translated as “Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, and Lead me from death to immortality.” Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he prayed to Lord so that public officials are “pure, efficient, impartial, selfless” in all the undertakings.
Rajan Zed is one of the panelists for “On Faith”, a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post. He has been awarded “World Interfaith Leader Award” and is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch and Interfaith Families, etc.
With Krolicki as President, Nevada State Senate has 21 members. Nevada, largest gold producer and 7th largest state, was admitted to USA in 1864. Nevada, also called “Silver State”, is known for Las Vegas, Burning Man, Lake Tahoe, etc. Brian Sandoval is Governor.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)
