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July/August/September, 2003 $5.95
Affirming Sanatana Dharma and Recording the Modern History of a Billion-Strong Global Religion in Renaissance
gilles flament
Hinduism:
Thai Style COVER: This stunningly ornate Ganesha shrine sits outside the Isetan Store at Bangkok’s World Trade Center, where many of
our Hindu Gods are worshiped by the Thai Buddhists; (above) Firewalkers in Reunion ritually prepare the pit of embers
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Service: The Red-Robed Followers of a Man Named
Feature Story: Welcome to Thailand, where Buddhists Amma Serve the Poor and Honor All Women 58
Worship Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Siva 18 Sculpture: Washington D.C.’s Sackler Museum
Indonesia: Exploring Bali’s Complex Response to Puts Rare Chola-Era Bronzes on Display 60
the Deadly October 12 Terrorist Attack 28 Interview: Swami Ghananand, Africa’s First Swami,
Orissa: Lumber Shortages Threaten Construction Talks about the Future of Hinduism 60
of Lord Krishna’s Massive Chariots 32 Swami: In 1951 Swami Chinmayananda’s First Public
Reunion: French-Speaking Descendents of the Tamils Talk Charted a Course for Renaissance 64
Walk their Fire -Walking Talk 36 Animal Rights: The Behind-the-Scenes Life of Temple
Kenya: A Grand Venkateshwara Temple Dedication 38 Elephants Can Be Brutal and Tragic 66
Bangladesh: The Meaning behind the Unique
Annual Worship of a Virgin Girl 39
OPINION
In My Opinion: Kamala Veylan, 28, Landed the
LIFESTYLE Perfect Job with Lord Ganesha’s Help 9
Yoga: Yehudin Menuhin, Famed Violinist, Credits Publisher’s Desk: Time for Teaching the Next
Iyengar’s Yoga for His Musical Success 40 Generation Our Religion’s Profound Tolerance 10
History: My Visit to Siva’s Somnath Temple 42 From the Vedas: The Invocation before Teaching 16
Insight: Kularnava Tantra: the Mystical Precepts for Letters 12
Working with the Guru 44
Heritage: Welcome to Aksharam, where Sanskrit
Comes to Life among the Young 52 DIGESTS
Music: How One Ashram is Empowering the Oduvar Diaspora 6 Digital Dharma 86
Singers whose Holy Hymns Fill the Temples 56 Quotes & Quips 14
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eaching Children to ues and moral direction, teaching them the merits of a tolerant life.
Forge a Peaceful Future not accept the concept that some individuals are evil and others
are good. The Upanishads tell us that each soul is emanated from
God, as a spark from a re, then begins a spiritual journey, which
eventually leads back to God. All human beings are on this jour-
ney, whether they realize it or not. So when a Hindu sees a person
Cultivate a prejudice-free consciousness that readily whom others call bad or evil, he thinks to himself, “This is a young
soul, acting in terrible ways, but one day, in the course of many
embraces differences in race, religion and nationality lives, he will realize his errors and adhere to dharma.” The Hindu
practice of greeting one another with “namaskara,” worshiping
God within the other person, is a way this philosophical truth is
B Y S A T G U R U B O D H I N A T H A V E Y L A N S WA M I practiced on a daily basis. Ayam atma Brahma, “The soul is God.”
This is taken one step further in the adage Vasudhaiva kutum-
dren are learning as they grow bakam, “The whole world is one family.” Everyone is family ori-
certainly troubling—wars between coun- up. In this regard, every father ented. Most of what we do is for the purpose of beneting the
tries, wars within countries, plus a grow- and mother is indeed a guru—in members of our family. We want them to be happy, successful and
ing threat of international terrorist acts. fact, a child’s rst guru, teaching religiously fullled. And when family is dened to be the whole
The shocking attacks in New York on by example, explanation, giving world, it is clear that we wish everyone in the world to be happy,
September naturally heightened everyone’s advice and direction. The qual- successful and religiously fullled. The Vedic afrmation that
concern about these problems. ity we wish parents to develop in captures this sentiment is Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu, “May all
One of the immediate consequences of / the child is a prejudice-free con- people be happy.” Albert Einstein once observed, “A human being
was the television coverage depicting people in sciousness—an open-mindedness is a part of the whole, called by us Universe, a part limited in time
a number of countries who do not much like, that readily embraces differences and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as
some even strongly hate, the United States, in ethnic background, religion and something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his
even to the point of wishing violence upon it. nationality. consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting
Watching these startling reports on television, How can parents nurture a us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons near-
we were again reminded of the extent and seri- prejudice-free consciousness? est to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by
ousness of the problem of prejudice in the world today. Through complete avoidance of remarks widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures
Attitudes of prejudice toward those of a different race, nation that are racially or religiously prejudiced, and the whole of nature in its beauty” [H. Eves, Mathematical
or religion can start simply as distrust, which can then deepen and through discussing with children Circles Adieu, Boston, ].
into dislike and deepen further into hatred, which can turn into a any prejudice they hear from others at Of course, this doesn’t mean we should teach children to gaze
desire to inict injury. Are we born with such attitudes? Certainly school and elsewhere and correcting it. naively at everyone through rose-colored glasses, especially those
not. As children, we are taught them at home, at school and even We—meaning we of all nations and cul- who have been taught to hate others because of their particular
in some religious institutions. tures—can teach children to avoid gen- race, religion or nationality. It means not looking at people through
In the last few months a number of resolutions have been passed eralizations about people and instead to distortive lenses of malice, bigotry or bias. Hatred is a reality in
objecting to the US war with Iraq. Thousands of people have think about specic individuals and the this world and needs to be responded to realistically. While being
objected by demonstrating in the streets all over the world, includ- qualities they have. Even positive gen- aware of the prejudices of others and the philosophies they have
ing the US. These actions are sincere and make a point, but they eralizations should be avoided, as they been taught, we can still choose to see their Divinity and hold no
certainly do not address the core of the problem, which is hatred. encourage us to not look at the qualities prejudice—no ill-feeling or hatred—toward them.
People have been raised to hate those of different ethnic groups, of specic individuals. When we say, In the second half of the twentieth century, Hindu concepts
faiths or countries. The solution, though admittedly a long-term even positively, that Chinese are good became more and more popular and inuential in the West. Every
a. manivel
one, is that we need, in the century ahead, to teach all children tol- businessmen or Germans are efcient year more Westerners take up the belief in karma and reincarna-
erance, openness to different ways of life, different beliefs, differ- and precise, we promote stereotypes that tion as a logical explanation of what they observe in life. One of the
ent customs of dress and language. We need to stop teaching them blind us to the truth that all individuals most visible uses of Hindu values in the West in the th century
to fear those who are different from themselves, stop teaching are unique. TV and movies can provide was by Dr. Martin Luther King. After many years of thought, Dr.
them hatred for peoples of other colors and other religions, stop useful situations to discuss with your children, not leaving the all Hindus. An ancient verse from the Rig Veda (..) is often King selected the Hindu principle of ahimsa, as exemplied by
teaching them to see the world as a eld of conict, and instead conclusions to their youthful minds. Tolerance can be developed quoted in this regard: Ekam sat viprah bahuda vadanti. “Truth is Mahatma Gandhi’s tactic of nonviolent resistance, to overcome the
instill in them an informed appreciation and a joyous reverence for by having our children meet, interact and learn to feel comfortable one, sages express it variously.” unjust laws of racial discrimination in the US. In Dr. King
the grand diversity we nd around us. Instead of teaching children with children of other ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Hindus also believe that there is no exclusive path, no one way spent ve weeks in India discussing with Gandhi’s followers the
to be intolerant and to dislike and distrust, hate and inict injury There are a few key Hindu beliefs that are the basis for Hindu for all. They profoundly know that the God they worship is the Mahatma’s philosophy and techniques of nonviolence to deepen
on those who are different, we can teach them to be tolerant, to tolerance. The rst belief is on the nature of God. Hinduism same Supreme Being in whom peoples of all faiths nd solace and his understanding before putting them into use.
like and trust, befriend and help. Of course, the central place to has a wide diversity of traditions, but followers of the different peace. Since the inner intent of all religions is to bind man back Perhaps in the st century the world can again turn to Hindu
convey such a crucial message to the next generation is in the traditions respect one another and worship side-by-side in many to God, Hindus honor the fact that “Truth is one, paths are many.” values, choosing this time the value of tolerance, raising children
home. Secondarily, it can be strengthened in classes at the temple temples. Hinduism has four major denominations. To Saivites the Ekam sat anekah panthah. Nonetheless, Hindus realize that all with a prejudice-free consciousness as a way of creating a future
and school and through special community activities. Supreme is Siva. Saktas refer to the Supreme as Sakti, Smartas religions are not the same. Each has its unique beliefs, practices, for this planet that is free from war and terrorism.
It is in the home that we can enduringly change the world for call the Supreme Being Brahman, and to Vaishnavas He is Vishnu. goals and paths of attainment, and the doctrines of one often con- Teach your children, and show them by your example, that tol-
the better. It is the qualities we cultivate in our children that cre- However, the important point is that each Hindu is worshiping the ict with those of another. Even this should never be cause for erance should not be mere passive acceptance of those who are
ate the world of the future. Therefore, the most effective form of same Supreme Being. The name is different, the tradition is differ- religious tension or intolerance. different—an aloof tolerating—but rather a heartfelt empathy and
protest to the violence is to give more thought to what our chil- ent, but it is the same Supreme Being that is being worshiped by Another Hindu belief that gives rise to tolerance of differences proactive effort to befriend and help.
10 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 200 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 11
LETTERS OPINION FORUM are right, and the fighting ends.
These thoughts arose after a series of
A Pluralism Solution
Sanskrit a Unifying Force fact, his Ramayana is couched in the form of ers. God created this diverse world, not the talks on interfaith issues given to Christian
i agree with the two points that mrs. a dialogue between Siva and Parvati. The Americans, Germans, Indians or Chinese. ministers at the London Interfaith Center
Vittal made about the priests’ decline in majority of Hindus are very inclusive and However, God-given intelligence is being and North Thames Ministerial College
Hinduism (“Letters,” Apr-Jun 2003). Any truly global in relating to the many-splen- wasted in the creation of destructive instru- in January of this year, and my interfaith
selfless, knowledgeable person should be al- dored aspects of God. As long as Hinduism ments instead of channeling it to analyze the colleagues have great difficulty with this.
lowed to become a priest. However, I dis-
agree with her on using regional languages
Today claims to represent all of us and our
global religion, I strongly urge that its cover-
mysteries of this universe or to establish in-
ner harmony—technological advancement
Hinduism’s view of religious coexistence holds It suggests that their prophets and scrip-
tures are no longer absolute but only have
contextual validity. Sounds blasphemous!
for services. Is Mrs. Vittal suggesting that
Telugu people go to one temple, and Tamil
age be very much more broadened and bal-
anced.
without spiritual evolution.
A legendary Urdu poet, Sahir Ludhianive,
the answer to the dilemma of religious conflict The best that mainstream religions can
or Marathi people go to another? Sanskrit once said, God rendered humanity with one say is, “We tolerate other religions,” mean-
Dr. Mukunda Rao
ing, “We hold the monopoly on the Abso-
has unified Hindus for millenniums. Why ∫ mvrao@sunline.net land, but selfish and narrow-mindedness B Y J AY P R A K A S H L A K H A N I lute—others somehow exist on the fringes.”
destroy that? There are plenty of opportuni- made its people to cut it into pieces on the
ties to learn Sanskrit for those who do not ✔ Your point is well-taken that Hinduism basis of religion, language, color or creed. But how can any religion claim to hold the
know it. Let us not destroy the unity of Hin- Today tends toward the Saivite tradition, When God allows us to breathe the air n the last century political ideologies led Absolute within its framework of prophets,
duism: the language the Gods have given us. wherein lie both our personal commitments around us wherever we are, how can we to two world wars, killing millions. The challenge of scriptures, doctrines and dogmas? By the
and our resource contacts. That said, we claim ownership and possession of land? No religious contentions in the new century is perhaps even very definition of Absolute, if anything can
Shashisekhar Vishwanath
∫ shashisekhar@sify.com aren’t purposely avoiding Vaishnavism, and territory separates the air we breathe. more worrying. Religions generate much stronger pas- encapsulate it, then it is no longer Absolute,
in this issue you’ll find long-planned stories Hindus have a responsibility to educate sions. They tell us, “Carry out this much finite activity as the religion that has captured it has now
Protest on Behalf of Chickens on the Jagannatha temple in Orissa and the the souls that are entangled or blinded by here on Earth and we offer you infinite rewards in the here- become bigger than the Absolute! Hindu
i am very happy with your daily e-mail opening of a Balaji (Vishnu) temple in their desires so that we all can breathe the after.” The risk/reward ratio is skewed to the extreme. If we teachings about this are very clear, saying,
news digests (HPI). However, I was disap- Kenya. We have commissioned revised art of air of freedom wherever we are, whether we kill in the name of religion or are killed in the name of reli- “At best, even the most esoteric religions
pointed over January 28’s item, “A British the Vaishnava symbols you mentioned. The are in America, Pakistan, India, Iraq or An- gion, surely that is a small price to pay for an infinite reward can only offer a ‘perception of the Abso-
Love Affair with Curry.” Please don’t pub- earlier version of the symbols, which ap- gola. With so many afflictions—wars, incur- in the hereafter! How can we diffuse the situation? lute’—but never the Absolute.” If the main-
lish news promoting such tamasic food peared in the February, 1997, issue included able diseases, religious and civil strife— Politicians and diplomats work away frantically, saying, stream religions adopt this idea, the sharp
products as “Chicken Tikka Masala.” Hin- the shikhara, tulsi, urdhvapundra and Lord there is a greater necessity for realizing the “Surely these issues will get resolved by diplomatic maneu- edges seen dividing the major religions
duism is against killing animals for food. As Krishna. Unfortunately, that revised art did Hindu Dharma now than ever before. It is vering, or political haggling! Surely, all this is a matter of disappear. This simple idea says, “Your
an organization working for community reli- not arrive in time. We need and welcome the wisdom that was passed on to us for gen- economics, the control of the oil fields! We need to show greater prophet and scriptures suit you and are best for you. My prophets
gious upliftment, it is better that you not journalists and photographers with interest erations, for the entire world. It is the only justice to some disadvantaged people.” Our American friends think and scriptures are ideal for my purposes, so why threaten or feel
propagate this evil that has crept into the and knowledge of Vaishnavism to offer their wisdom and vision that can save lives in this that the situation can easily be resolved through military action. threatened by each other?” This is the Hindu concept of pluralism.
Hindu society. Many of your readers are services to Hinduism Today to cover the new age of imperialism. Teach the young But all these—political, diplomatic, economic, judicial or military We need to be brave enough, religious enough, to recognize the limi-
devotees of Lord Kartikkeya, and seval contemporary Vaishnava saints, the revered not just national anthems, but also the approaches, at best are mere patchwork solutions. The resolution tations of what we perceive as absolute.
(cocks and hens) is his vahana. temples and pilgrimage destinations and the Veda’s universal anthem: Lead me from un- of a problem that arises in the name of religion lies firmly in the Many Christians shudder at this proposal, as it suggests that
current issues within the denomination. truth to Truth; from darkness to Light, from field of religion. Only wholesome spirituality can tackle religious the prophets or the scriptures they hold so dear are a “percep-
Seetharaman
∫ seetharaman_m@hotmail.com death to Immortality. May all the world’s issues. These problems have not arisen because of growing global tion” rather than the real thing. But this pluralism does not sug-
beings be happy. Om peace, peace, peace. religiousness. gest that we have to water down our own faith or beliefs. In fact,
Searching for Vishnu Hindus Should Take a Lead! Let us create an international family, let us The reason is precisely the opposite. The role of religions in our pluralism suggests that our faith is perhaps the most suited to our
i am a long-time reader and admirer of it is a hindu quality to live without call the Earth our country, and let us forget highly secular world is unclear, and mainstream aspirants are no requirements. There is no need to shop around, change direction
Hinduism Today and rejoice in its many malice toward anyone. Hindu tolerance al- boundaries so that we all will breathe the air longer there to underpin religions. On one side, society is adopting or emulate other faiths. We should hang on to our own path with
contributions, innovations, creativity, graph- lowed Muslims, Christians, Manchurians of truth and righteousness. materialism. At the other end, religions are falling increasingly into full confidence and greater vigor. God is infinite. If He is present
ics and use of information technology. It is and others to settle in India and make moth- the hands of simpletons. The rational and tolerant elements of reli- in other faiths, that does not reduce His presence in our own faith!
exhilarating to learn about the Hindus and er India their home. Many Hindus live or
Dvijaya Krishnan, PhD
University of Botswana gions are pushed aside in favor of the more fanatic elements within Pluralism has never promoted the idea that we take bits of all reli-
their search for the Divine in various parts would like to live a saint-like life compared religions. We forget that we just cannot afford to ignore religions. gions and produce some mix of all faiths called pluralism…. What
of the world and in its home, India. In par- to those driven by ego and the desire to sub- Even if one believes all religions to be erroneous, even then these a grotesque idea!
ticular, it has been very beneficial to learn jugate others in the name of religion. All Correction issues must be tackled and contained. We do not have the luxury One of my interfaith colleagues suggested that since theologians
about Saivism in depth, especially Tamil wars, including the Mahabharata war, have The subscription card inserted in the April/ of living in isolation, practicing our own exclusive religion. We live will not easily adopt pluralism, why not be practical and focus on
Saivism and its many manifestations, which been the result of ego, aroused within the May/June, 2003, issue of Hinduism Today in- in modern, multi-faith societies where operating as single-faith developing shared interfaith human values rather than religious
are relatively unknown to non-Tamils. But I backbone of a desire to dominate. The egos correct identifies Srimat Swami Rangana- communities is not an option. But how can many exclusivist reli- teachings? My response is—this will be precisely the outcome if
feel deep frustration and sadness for your of kings, presidents, or prime ministers drag thananda as the “former president” of the gions coexist in a single society? That is the issue. the secular lobby gets its way in toning religion down, blaming
neglect and even avoidance of Vaishnavism, nations into war without realizing what de- Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mis- Hinduism offers a unique “pluralism” as the solution. It says that religion for our serious problems. In this scenario religions would
Vishnu or His avatars. Rama and Krishna struction it can bring. It is easy to come up sion. Be assured that the revered Swamiji re- the same ultimate reality called God can be thought of and ap- have lost out to the secular lobby.
are conspicuously absent in your magazine, with rationalizations and justifications to go mains the current and very active president proached in different ways. “Why different ways?” “It is because The second criticism of pluralism is the fallacious question,
as are the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bha- into war. But desires do not cease after con- of the Math and Mission founded by the we are different,” comes the answer. The goal may be the same, “Why give pluralism, another dogma, a better footing than the ‘ex-
gavad Gita and Vaishnava temples such as quering the powerless. They only increase, great Swami Vivekananda. but as we are different, coming from different backgrounds, in- clusivist agenda’?” It fails to hit the target. Pluralism never says that
Tirupati, Mathura, etc. Finally, in the article like fire fed with oil. The glory of winning is spired by different prophets and scriptures, the manner in which its approach is somehow “absolute.” Then why invoke it? Because
on sacred symbols in the latest issue, there is short-lived. There will be a transfusion of we relate to the same Ultimate will necessarily be different. This mankind today needs it! Religions promoting exclusivist agendas
not a single Vaishnava symbol such as enemy venom to the victors. It is a shame
Letters, with writer’s name, address and daytime proposal would suggest that however relevant our prophets and just cannot coexist without thumping each other! We have two
chakra, sankhu or namam. Why? that some call themselves patriotic and pro-
phone number, should be sent to: scriptures are to us, they only have contextual validity and not choices: incorporate Hindu style pluralism within all faiths quickly
Letters, Hinduism Today
Most Hindus revere and adore the many tectors of their country when their intention 107 Kaholalele Road
absolute validity. They relate to us and only to that extent can be or do so only after some serious catastrophes.
manifestations of the Divine as Siva, Vishnu, is material prosperity and not peace. Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304 USA considered to be absolute; but not for the rest of mankind. Imagine
Rama, Krishna or Durga even as they focus When we instill patriotism in our chil- or faxed to: (808) 822-4351 two children telling each other, “My mum is best.” “No, my mum is jay prakash lakhani, 54, is a physicist and devotee of Sri
on an ishta devata, a favorite Deity. Tulsidas, dren, we must abstain from creating hatred or e-mailed to: letters@hindu.org best in the world.” They both have tremendous love for their moth- Ramakrishna. He runs the Vivekananda Center, London, is in-
the great 15th century saint and author of toward other nations. It is not where we are ers and cannot tolerate the other, so they fight. A wise man settles volved in Hindu educational work and teaches and speaks on Hin-
Letters may be edited for space and clarity and may it, saying, “Add two words, ‘My mum is best for me.’ ” Then both duism to groups and young people.
the immensely popular Sri Ram Charita born or reside that makes us superior, but appear in electronic versions of HINDUISM TODAY.
Manas was a great devotee of Siva and, in our understanding of, and respect for, oth- ∫ INDICATES LETTERS RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL
12 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 13
Frank and Ernest ©2001 THAVES, REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION
There are higher objects in life than mere no truth in a man who cannot control his can heal wounded hearts and transform
living, and only by turning to religion can tongue. Mahatma Gandhi (-) human minds. Mata Amritanandamayi Ma,
you secure such objects. Do not ignore or “Ammachi,” founder of many social,
your spiritual welfare in the interests Think twice before you talk; think thrice educational and medical charities
of mere living. Jagadguru Sri Chandra- before you act. Sri Sivaratnapuri Tiruchi
sekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal (- Mahaswamigal, spiritual head of Sri Kai- Draw on God for the solution of all your
), th pontiff of the Sarada Peetham lasa Ashram, Bangalore problems. Paramahansa Yogananda
(-), founder of Self-Realization If you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta put “If you want to learn to love better, you If we look at the past and we look at the
While the still-searching ask, “Am I? Who John F. Kennedy loved a little proverb he Fellowship up with the rain. should start with a friend whom you hate” future as both a series of dreams, and the
Am I?” the knowers of the Self declare, “I thought was Irish, but actually came from (Nikka, age six). “Love is like a little old only thing that we are concerned with is
am who I am.” the Indian epic Ramayana: There are three Only when you drink from the river of si- A group of four to eight-year-olds were woman and a little old man who are still our immediate reactions and what we carry
things which are real—God, human folly lence shall you indeed sing. And when you asked the question “What does love mean?” friends even after they know each other with us now, we see that the past is there to
In my opinion the Sanskrit text Satyam and laughter. The rst two are beyond our have reached the mountaintop, then you The answers they gave were broader and so well” (Tommy, age six). “You really test us and the future is there to challenge
bruyat priyam bruyat, Na bruyat sa- comprehension, so we must do what we shall begin to climb. And when the Earth deeper than anyone could have imagined: shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean us. We cannot change the past, but we can
tyamapriyam means that one should speak can with the third. shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly “When someone loves you, the way they it. But if you mean it, you should say it change how we react to what has happened
the truth in gentle language. One had dance. Should we all confess our sins to one say your name is different. You know that a lot. People forget” (Jessica, age eight). to us in the past, and we can change the
better not speak it if one cannot do so in a Children, love can accomplish anything and another, we would all laugh at one another your name is safe in their mouth” “There are two kinds of love: our love, future, anytime we want to. Satguru Sivaya
gentle way, meaning thereby that there is everything. Love can cure diseases. Love for our lack of originality. Should we all (Billy, age four). “Love is what makes you God’s love. But God makes both of them” Subramuniyaswami (-), founder
reveal our virtues, we would also laugh for smile when you’re tired” (Terri, age four). (Jenny, age four). of H T
the same cause. Saint Kabir (-)
Charity
The body is cleansed by water, the internal DID YOU KNOW?
Tirukural 221: Giving to the poor organ is puried by truthfulness, the indi-
is true charity. All other giving
expects some return.
vidual soul by sacred learning and austeri- Siva’s South-Facing Form
ties, the intellect by true knowledge.
Laws of Manu 5.109 From the Dakshinamurti Stotram
Tirukural 223: Men of good birth of Siva as the primordial guru who I beheld under the banyan tree the
graciously give, never uttering An English professor wrote the words, teaches a spiritual knowledge be- Primordial Preceptor, the receptacle
the wretched excuse, “I have “Woman without her man is nothing” on yond the intellect. He remains silent, and of undiminishing compassion, driving
nothing.” the blackboard and directed his students that silence is the potent awakener of the away the darkness of ignorance of
to punctuate it correctly. The men wrote: seeker’s own inner knowing, or intuition. great sages by mere silence that is
Tirukural 225: Great, indeed,
“Woman, without her man, is nothing.” He faces South, like this masterwork near adorned by a gentle smile.
is the power to endure hunger.
The women wrote: “Woman: without her, the H T editorial ofces, I offer my obeisance to that Preceptor
Greater still is the power to re-
man is nothing.” which symbolizes His facing the world, as of preceptors who, by His ambrosial
lieve others’ hunger.
the North symbolizes the Himalayas or glances marked by unlimited grace,
Tirukural 227: The ery scourge Truth is a great virtue. A man by remaining higher superconscious planes. The banyan was looking at the sages aficted by
called hunger never touches the true to his words can swim over the ocean tree under which He sits represents the the intense heat of that erce misery
man who shares his daily meal of life. Ramayana strength and inclusiveness of Sanatana of worldly existence.
with others. Dharma, which offers its shade to all. In May my Primordial Lord, dwelling
When we engage every moment without His hands He holds the drum of creation, at the foot of the banyan tree, out of
Tirukural 229: More bitter than the cares and fears of the beyond, we the re of dissolution and the Vedas, and divine mercy appear before me, offer
.
even a beggar’s bread is the meal are able to harness the spirit of sadhana, He blesses all with jnana mudra, or chin- instruction in the mystic lore “Aum”
of the miser who hoards wealth and every moment is lled with Divinity. mudra, symbol of the union of Paramat- and dispel the darkness of nescience.
and eats alone. Swamini Mayatitananda, founder of Wise man and jivatman. Verses 2, 4 & 5
Earth School and Mother Om Mission
14 / / , / / , 15
FROM THE VEDAS
The Vedas are the divinely revealed and most revered scriptures,
Swami Chinmayananda (1917-1993), Vedantist writer,
a. manivelu
a. manivelu
16 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 17
F E AT U R E
the Buddhist pantheon, rather than as a Trade Center, along a main road with con-
Hindu Deity. There are no priests here, stant traffic day and night. It is an open-air
only attendants (in pith helmets, right) who temple inside a low-walled compound, with
remove the voluminous offerings. a fabulously ornate Thai-style roof over the
j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 19
four-faced Lord Brahma. The temple is very temples, shrines and statues have been put an ancestry, was born in Thailand. He has then the Buddhist monks.” about Hinduism. And for this, they them- and ashrams with whatever money is given
popular, and I witnessed an endless stream up at many commercial centers and outside served as a priest his entire life. As Chief To a Hindu, some Thai festivals look very selves need to know the basics of Hinduism to them. We are not getting any backing
of Thai devotees. There are no priests. The big hotels and restaurants. In addition, the Priest, he is second in stature only to the familiar. For example, practices of their new and practice them.” from the cultural and religious bodies based
devotees conduct their own worship. A few Thais have many small temples for Lords King’s priest, known as the Rajaguru, whom year, Songkran, include throwing scented Hurditya concurred, “The Hindu youth in India.”
attendants were there to remove the im- Siva, Vishnu, Ganesha and the Goddess. I met later. Unlike Sri Shukla, the Rajaguru water on each other—akin to Holi; tying of here likely speak Thai more fluently than Mrs. Seema Mull of Delhi, a religious
mense quantity of flower offerings. Like the Brahma temple, these are outdoor is of the Thai brahmin lineage from ancient strings on the wrists of loved ones—akin to Hindi. Their parents are extremely busy in singer here for the havana
Each devotee washed his hands from two shrines and not enclosed buildings. times. Sri Shukla guides a team of 45 young Raksha Bandan; applying a white paste as a managing their business and take no time to and a first-time visitor to
large bowls of water, then purchased mate- At least two of these shrines, the spectac- priests. sign of protection—akin to the use of vib- teach their children. That is the reason we Thailand, has been in
rials for worship. They entered the temple ular Ganesha shrine on the cover of this is- “The Hindu-Thai relationship is extreme- huti(holy ash); and providing food to tem- saw no one under thirty at the Vishnu Bangkok for around six
without removing their shoes, which I found sue and the Sadasiva shrine on page 23, ly sweet,” Sri Shukla told me. “Thais like to ples. “On Kartik Puranmashi, they offer Mandir or Hindu Samaj.” weeks. She was not much
a bit shocking. The devotees would light in- were specifically built to counteract the im- keep the pictures of Hindu Gods and God- floating lamps to the river in a beautiful Most of the sons of the Hindu priests are impressed by the lives of
cense sticks, offer flowers, kneel down four pact of the Brahma shrine upon nearby desses in their home, due to which there is manner,” said Sri Shukla, “worshiping it just not entering the priesthood, as they no Hindus in Bangkok and
times before the four-faced Brahma icon, business. They were recommended by local a lot of demand for these. In Thailand, the as we worship Mother Ganga.” Hindu tem- longer find it remunerative. Just one of Sri said, “People here are in a
one face at a time, and pray for some min- experts in Feng Shui, the Chinese art gov- number of temples is increasing. Thais liber- ples, he added, celebrate all the Thai Bud- Shukla’s sons has now become a full-time mad race to make money,
utes with folded hands and closed eyes. erning building design akin to the Hindu ally spend money on flowers and the dance dhist festivals with a lot of enthusiasm. priest, though earlier he was reluctant to and for this they are pre-
Let me make it clear that this was a Thai Vastu Shastra. shows at the Brahma tem- Sri Shukla is worried about the future, a take it up as a career. “It so happened that I pared to do anything. Hin-
temple, and though the Lord Brahma being Hurditya explained to me, “Thai people ple, as they believe that concern I heard expressed many times dur- had fallen sick, and therefore I deputed him dus here may be financial-
worshiped here was the same God Hindus have been offering flowers to Deities for pleasing the Gods will ing my visit. “The biggest challenge the Hin- to some places to perform ceremonies. He ly well off, but they are not Seema Mull
revere as the Lord of Creation, here it was many, many hundreds of years. They go to bless them with health, du community faces,” he said, “is of the par- was really happy with the respect he got as as peaceful and happy as
the Thai Brahma which was being wor- Hindu Gods to pray because they think that wealth and prosperity.” ents devoting almost all their time in a priest. The families where he went praised their brethren back in India.” “But,” she
shiped. Now, this was a bit confusing for a Devas are more interested in the welfare of Sri Shukla went on, chasing money and material comforts. The him for his job,” says a smiling Sri Shukla. added, “one good thing here is that unlike in
first-time visitor to Thailand. human beings than the Buddha. So they feel “Few people know that result is that though they can somehow I met here Ravi Kant Sharma, a business- India with problems of law and order,
At the Brahma temple there was a group they should seek the aid of the Devas, for Thais are ardent devotees maintain their own identity as Hindus, they man. He told me, “Hindus in Thailand are Bangkok is a peaceful place.”
of Thai women dancers in traditional dress example, Brahma, Indra and Ganesha, to of the Hindu God Brahma have no time to transfer these values to their more proud to be Hindus than the Hindus in We next visited the Sri Mariamman tem-
and beautiful make-up, along with several help them in the normal affairs of life. They because Brahma ap- children. For education, the children are India. We go to our temples wholeheartedly. ple. According to the secretary, Sri Surphong
musicians. Twice in the hour I was there even go to the Devas for lottery numbers.” peared before Lord Bud- sent to the Western countries or convent We have been able to maintain our culture, Siridhornkul, 49, the temple was built by
devotees paid about $15.00 for a 20-minute dha when he was doing schools in India, and from both these places customs, traditions and way of life.” But he South Indians who migrated from the Than-
performance to honor the Deity. Small Vishnu Temple and Hindu-Thai Interactions penance and had given Sri Vidya Dhar Shukla a they come back with a soft corner for Chris- also had a complaint, “Christians and Mus- javur District in Tamil Nadu to Thailand
wooden elephants or carved dancers were The next day, Saturday, I went to the Vishnu him a lot of guidance. As tianity and English. The situation is worri- lims are coming here with money from about 150 years ago. It was the first Hindu
also offered, and many could be seen at the temple in central Bangkok. The Indians at- Lord Buddha did not give any rituals, Thais some and after two, three generations, a sort abroad and distributing it to the needy. temple built by the immigrant Indian com-
base of the shrine. tached to this temple are mostly from Uttar use the rituals of Hinduism. Ceremonies for of crises will come if things do not improve. They are also building a lot of churches and munity. The temple brings priests from
Brahma is dear to the Thais, and consid- Pradesh. There I met Sri Vidya Dhar Shuk- the King are done first by Hindu priests, The parents must educate their children mosques. But our Hindu saints and swamis South India to perform the rituals here. Re-
ered a most auspicious God. For the sake of la, 74, Thailand’s official Chief come and deliver lectures and go cently, the temple has undergone major ren-
prosperity and well-being, small Brahma Hindu Priest. Sri Shukla, of Indi- back to their native countries ovation. Siridhornkul said, “We are worried
julien de wilde
julien de wilde
rajiv malik
Bangkok scenes: (above) Thai devotee lights incense at the Indra shrine near Happy vendors: (above) Huge quantities of marigold garlands and other offer-
the World Trade Center; (center) Hindu yajna, fire worship, at Vishnu temple ings for the Hindu shrines are sold by vendors, including this Thai family
20 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 21
INTERVIEW Magnificent Siva: (right) This exquisite
shrine for a five-faced Sadasiva sits in front
of the Zen Central complex at the World
code of conduct. But they want to go and earn money, and not sit Hindu community in Thailand. [See side-
here doing nothing and getting forced to observe certain rules. bar opposite for the interview.]
King’s priest: Rajaguru I think the future for Hindus is bright in this country and things One person I spoke with later shared an
Vamadevamuni at his temple, will improve, especially if we educate the children properly. These incident which illustrated the Rajaguru’s in-
julien de wilde
white structure is the Deities’ things take time. I am myself a staunch Hindu, and I strongly sup- fluence. Two years back, I was told, a com-
swing for Tiruvembavai festival port Hinduism. I was born a brahmin and worked as a priest all pany started using Lord Hanuman in an ad-
my life, so everything in my life revolves around Hinduism. vertisement for an anti-itching medicine.
This person complained to the company,
22 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3
photos: julien de wilde
man out. There is peer pressure on you to yoga for you live, around fourteen hundred
consume nonvegetarian food.” Fortunately, I children are learning yoga,” he said. “The
enjoyed scrumptious vegetarian meals at government of Thailand allows for three
both Chennai Kitchen and Komala’s. hours of classes per week which can be,
among other subjects, devoted to yoga and
Ananda Marga’s Children Programs meditation. I have developed one program
When my visit to Thailand was first which is known as Yoga Education for
planned, Hinduism Today put out a re- Schools [YES]. It is not just yoga exercises. It
quest for local contacts through its daily e- has the whole philosophy of vegetarianism
mail news service, Hindu Press Internation- and the related practices.”
al. Within hours the editorial staff was in “Buddhism has Wat schools,” he ex-
touch with Dada Shambhushivananda of plained, “which are attached to the temple.
Ananda Marga. It turned out that we had a It is a tradition that every Thai child has to
dear mutual friend, the late B.M. Sinha, the become a monk for one week or more. They
previous Delhi correspondent for Hindu- start at a very young age, but even when you
ism Today, whom I succeeded. Dada was are an adult, you can become a monk for
an immense help in organizing my program. one to three months. This they do once in
The first event I attended in Bangkok was a life, sometimes more than once in life. I
breathtaking yoga performance by the small think that is a very beautiful concept. It
children who belonged to two orphanages keeps the Buddhist religion alive. Hindu re-
run by Ananda Marga in Thailand. These ligion has no such concept.”
orphanages are located on the Thailand- Dada Ji concluded, “I think that Hin-
Myanmar border, and most of the children duism has an appeal forever because of its
Almost like India: (above) Entrance to the Silom Road Mariamman temple, with its ornate are of Thai or Burmese origin. deep philosophy and deep faith in God. Lord Brahma: Every Hindu temple in Thailand has a shrine to the four-faced Lord Brahma,
entrance tower, three-wheeler “tuktuk” and cycles looks just like India, but most devotees Dada received his doctorate in business Hinduism can bring a perspective of life God of Creation. Brahma is largely ignored back in India where He has just a single temple
are Thai; (center) Priests inside worship the navagrahas, the nine planets, with incense and applied economics from the University which can give stamina and culture to a civ- dedicated to His worship and appears only in minor shrines and wall carvings
of Pennsylvania and has delivered around ilization. That is why Hinduism must be
and to other Hindu organizations, but to no the city, but could not help noticing this was ten thousand lectures on yoga and related saved, because if Hinduism can be saved, go to an upcountry Buddhist temple as- ple told me Hindus themselves preferred to
avail. He then brought the matter to the Ra- very much a meat-eater’s society. I asked subjects from different platforms all over the the whole spiritual culture of the world can signed to them by the government to donate send their children to well-known Christian
jaguru, who in turn spoke to the police. The Hurditya about it, and he said, “There are world. For the last many years Thailand has be saved.” worship and food items for the monks, just schools in Thailand, India and other coun-
police requested the company to discontin- few vegetarian people in Thailand. A lot of been the base for Dada Ji. as the Thais do. The temple has taken an in- tries. In all my visits to temples here, I have
ue the advertisement, which they did. the Indian Hindus have started eating He said, “We at Ananda Marga are bring- The Dev Temple novative approach to engaging the youth— hardly seen a single teenage boy or girl.
Hurditya observed, “The role of Rajaguru chicken and other nonvegetarian food. They ing people to the Hindu way of thinking by The Hindu Samaj’s Dev temple is popular everyone on the management committee
today is to conduct pujas for the Royal Fam- are not very strict Hindus. Had they been teaching them things with the Punjabi Hindus, as well as with the has to be under forty, with the exception of Ganesha’s Milk Miracle in Thailand
ily. I do not think that what he does has so, they would not have come to Thailand. which are relevant in their Thais. I spoke there with Sri Raj Kumar the president. At one place I met Ajay Pawa, 50, a docu-
much impact on the youth. And then only Because they were not strict from day one, lives. For example, people Matta, president of the Hindu Samaj, which A challenge for parents and youth is Hin- mentary film maker and marketing execu-
one person cannot revive the five million the decline has been very fast. The next are under stress and their manages the Dev temple. He said, “Every du-Thai marriages. Matta said, “If the youth tive. He said, “I have made documentaries
population of Bangkok. I see that he wants generation says, ‘OK, if I can eat chicken, health is not good, so by year the government’s religious department believe in Hinduism, then we should accept on Hindu temples in Thailand and on Hindu
to revive Hinduism, but it is a hard job. If it then I can eat beef as well. What is the dif- practicing yoga and by organizes a seminar and calls all of us to such marriages. If we do not accept these wedding ceremonies, samskaras and festi-
continues the way it is [with the youth not ference between chicken and beef? After all learning to do Ananda check up if we of the various religions are marriages, then chances are that we may vals. But the biggest of all was one we made
being interested], Hinduism is going to dis- they are both animals.’ Thai people in gen- Marga meditation, they facing any problems. They are very helpful lose our own children. Hindu-Thai mar- on Lord Ganesha drinking milk in 1995, the
appear from this country in the future, for eral are not vegetarian. In Buddhism, they improve their lives. They and cooperative.” The temple caters to the riages do take place, but they are not very Milk Miracle which took place at Hindu
both Thais and Indians.” do not even teach you vegetarianism. In find it something very sci- Thai population with its statue of Lord Bud- high in numbers.” temples all around the world. I went to a
Bangkok you have just two well-known veg- entific and very relevant.” dha and big celebration of Buddha’s birth- The temple runs a school in which most of temple here. I tried it myself with the crys-
A Vegetarian’s Quest etarian restaurants. So when a kid goes out “In the school where our day. The Hindus here have taken to Thai the students are Thai, and Hinduism is not tal Nandi and saw that it was actually hap-
I had little trouble finding vegetarian food in and has vegetables and fruits, he is the odd children who performed Shambhushivananda ways as well, and each year several hundred part of the curriculum. Devotees at the tem- pening. We showed it in the documentary.
24 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 25
Thailand
Thailand people and places: (left) Yoga students of Ananda Marga; (center) Mariamman temple worship; (right) Dev temple and school
ture, still has those who
Then I called the local media people. They B. Budhacharan, president of the Spiritual the future of Hinduism here as it was mani- maintain their identity and
published a very big article. Even the televi- Centre of Siam, and a long-time disciple of festing through the next generation. It was a culture. Even in India
sion people were convinced that it was hap- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He has a plan to major issue for people, and there were no things are pretty bad.
pening, and started recording. Later on it start a gurukulam school run on the Vedic easy answers. Several sources offered in- Here, still, children have
became a controversial issue. A lot of nega- system with youth from Cambodia, Vietnam, sights into the issue. One was Shri Tilak Raj the courtesy to sit down
tive articles came from all over the world, Laos, Burma, Malaysia and Thailand. He Sharma, the chief priest of a small Vishnu and listen to the parents
especially from India, so these people had to drove me to the only big Hindu temple in temple just opposite the Bangkok Dev tem- and elders.”
digital stock
get the film censored before televising it.” Chiang Mai, the Dev temple, after the ple. He said, “The young generation today Hurditya too had in- Modern Bangkok: a
Ajay complained about something which Bangkok temple of the same name. There I asks questions. If you cannot answer their sights to share. “Some peo- wide-angle view across
the Rajaguru also mentioned during our spoke with the temple priest, Sri Pawan questions, then you can consider yourself a ple are embarrassed to call the Chao Phraya River
conversation. Ajay said, “There are people in Sharma, 37, who had been at the temple for failure. The general impression among the H Hurditya Deva themselves Hindus,” he
Thailand misusing the name of Hinduism, the last five years. He said, “This temple is youth is that many preachers who come said, “If you worship Hin-
at a glance
They say that they go into trance. Once one of the biggest in Thailand. We also have here from India are only after money. These du Gods and Goddesses, you would be A unified Thai kingdom known
there was a conference of two or three hun- one big Sikh gurudwara here which is 120 preachers must realize that the youth watch asked, ‘How could Siva or Kali have a thou- as Siam was established in the
dred of these people. There one person said years old. The same devotees go to both the their activities closely, and when they see sand hands?’ and all that. Because of these mid-14th century. In 1939, the
he was possessed by Ganesha, another said gurudwara and the temple. On Tuesday, for that their inclination is towards the rich, legends, some are shy to say that they are name was change to Thailand. It
he was possessed by Siva and someone else our weekly satsang, you will find a large they get disillusioned.” Hindus. They are shy to admit they worship is the only Southeast Asian coun-
that he is possessed by Durga. All those who number of Thai devotees here. Lord Buddha Sayee Gayatri, 20, whom we met earlier, a God who has an elephant head. These are try never to have been taken over
do this are Thai people who is the God of this country, and said, “I feel more learned people should some of the problems the new generation of by a European power. The 3600
claim to be Hindus, but they do we also have a statue of Lord come here often and teach the youth about Hindu kids face. They have to overcome bce bronze age culture un- Chiang Mai
all this to make money and to Buddha in our temple. Still, the Hinduism. This would help the Indian peo- their own weaknesses. They should be con- earthed at Ban Chiang is one of
fool people. We have to find a number who come to this temple ple in Thailand, who are under tremendous necting to their culture, tradition and reli- the oldest on Earth. Early Chi-
way to stop that. We have to is few.” I spoke with one Thai Western influence and who are going away gion, but they have not been doing so.” nese/T’ai migrations were fol-
spread the word that Hinduism devotee here, Anuma, who said from their roots. While Sikhs have a school As soon as Hurditya uttered his final lowed by Indian migration around
does not believe in these things.” she was a “Buddhist Hindu” and here, Hindus do not.” words, my attention shifted to the sound 300 bce, with Hinduism estab-
a devotee of Mother Durga. She Krishna Pawa, a member of the Hindu coming from a nearby construction site lished by 100 ce and Buddhism
Visit to Chiang Mai had once been seriously injured Samaj and owner of a vegetarian restaurant, where a multi-storied building was coming by 1000. Ankgor Wat, just inside THAILAND
My visit to Chiang Mai in North in an accident and brought to this said, “If we want our children to fully adopt up. The clang of metal resonating was some- Cambodia from Thailand was
Thailand took me away from temple, where she experienced a the Hindu culture, we need to bring some thing like, “Ta Thai, Ta Ta Thai,” I took it as built by the Hindu king Myanmar
Bangkok’s heat, concrete, humid- miraculous recovery. “After that,” changes. One thing that a signal from Lord Buddha and the Hindu Suriyavarman II. The Thai alpha-
ity and congestion for a day as I Ajay Pawa she said, “my faith in the temple today’s children do not devas in Thailand, who were probably re- bet is based on Mon (Burmese), Bangkok
took the morning flight from increased tremendously.” like is superstitions. We minding me that the time of my leaving the Khmer (Cambodia) and South In- Angkor Wat
Bangkok and came back that evening. The Next I met Dr. Jaspal Rai Ahuja, Manag- need to convey to our land of Buddha was approaching fast. ∏π dian scripts, and the language has
view of Chiang Mai from the airplane was ing Director, Chang Puek Hospital, Chiang future generations that many Sanskrit words. Pattaya Cambodia
breathtaking. I could see conical-hatted Mai and founder member of the Dev temple our Sanatana Dharma
farmers toiling in the patchwork of rice Management Committee. He said, “I have is not just a religion Religion:
Phnom Penh
fields while the cars went along leisurely on been here for the past 32 years. We have to based on stories but Buddhist 95%
the ribbon-like roads. Though this city is the do something in Thailand to promote and that it has a solid scien- Muslim 3.8%
biggest in Thailand after Bangkok, it is dif- propagate Hinduism in the language which tific base. Let me also Hindu 0.1%
Christian 0.5% Gulf of
ferent due to its natural surroundings and our kids understand. Hindi and Sanskrit tell you, if you do not Thailand
cool, hill-station-like climate. Life moves will not work. The language either has to be mind, that even in India Other 0.6%
here at an unhurried pace, and I could feel an international language like English or the people are not that firm Sayee Gayatri h i n d u i s m t o d ay Koh Samui
the peace and tranquility in the air. History local one, Thai. The situation is that during on the Sanatana Dhar- Population:
has it that Chiang Mai was founded more the marriages many times the priest has to ma as we are here in Bangkok. Just visit our 62.4 million
than 700 years ago as the capital of the translate the meaning of the Vedic hymns Durga temple on any Monday and you will Krabi
Kingdom of Lanna (“land of one million rice either into English or in Thai.” After this see how the young girls gather there to wor- Gross Domestic Product: Phuket
fields”). The metropolis today has some meeting, I bid farewell to Dr. Budhacharan ship Goddess Durga and Uma.” us$6,600 per capita—one of the
250,000 people. Despite urbanization, the and returned to Bangkok. Sri Jay Prakash Mishra, Chief Priest of the HINDUISM TODAY’S Delhi correspondent Sri highest in Asia, 2001 estimate)
city gives the feeling of an overgrown vil- Geeta Ashram, Bangkok, observed, “Our Rajiv Malik blessing the offerings for a spe-
lage, and its easy-going charm is intact. The Next Generation younger generation, though it is affected by cial puja for HINDUISM TODAY at the Mari-
In Chiang Mai, I visited with Brother Dr. One prime focus of my visit was to ascertain the glamour of materialism and Western cul- amman temple in Bangkok.
26 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 27
INDONESIA
Trouble
In Bali
Paradise
B Y D ANIEL M C G UIRE , B ALI
he muslims have jihad, but we
even maintaining calm when the rest of In-
donesia fell into riots and chaos in 1998—the
“ Balinese have puputan.” The person
speaking is Rai, a young Balinese Hin-
tension was now more acute, and Rai’s words
made me uneasy. Puputan is a Balinese word
that refers to a series of suicidal attacks made
du who works as a driver. It’s part of the
r e u t e r s / b e aw i h a r ta
reaction here to the horrific car bomb- on Dutch colonial troops around the turn of
ings at Kuta beach, October 12, 2002, the century. Balinese royalty—men, women
which killed 180 people, mostly foreign and children—marched into battle with only
tourists, and has been blamed on Muslim ex- ceremonial kris daggers against heavily
tremists with connections to Al-Queda. In armed Dutch forces. Hundreds died in these
the uneasy days following the attack, Balinese futile attacks, but they served their purpose.
Hindus and Balinese Muslims kept a cautious Demoralized and shaken, the Dutch with-
distance from one another, both wondering if drew from Bali and allowed Balinese self-
the bombing might turn this legendary governance for the remaining years of their predominantly Muslim island of Java by a dermine that sense of identity. market in Badung and you will see sheaths of Interfaith the norm: Balinese Hindus
tourist spot into a battleground. Though Bali reign in the Dutch East Indies. narrow channel only 200 meters wide. Each Bali has managed to maintain this sense of coconut leaves that are woven into a wide va- (front) pray at a Hindu temple with Mus-
has been fairly peaceful in recent years— That Rai could even envision an all-or- day, thousands of people cross this channel in identity as well as territorial integrity riety of offerings used by Balinese in religious lims (back) during a memorial service in
nothing battle for Balinese culture both directions. Trucks and busses are throughout history. Muslims have never suc- ceremonies. These coconut leaves are im- Denpasar for the victims of the bomb blasts
against Indonesian Muslims— loaded on barges that ply back and forth ceeded in invading Bali, though Bali has at- ported and sold in Bali by Javanese Muslims.
whom he equated to an occupying across this narrow stretch of water. The obvi- tacked and occupied both eastern Java and Balinese and Muslims frequently marry, and and current political and social influences,
force—indicates a sea change in ous idea of building a bridge between Lombok. In the 14th century, Javanese mer- in some villages the local brand of Islam is so push Muslims in Bali to construct a self iden-
thought. Certainly there is no his- Banuwangi, the easternmost town in Java, cenaries to a Balinese king were given land in mixed with Hinduism that the Muslim farm- tity as a Mukmin among Kafir (believer
toric precedent for this kind of and Gilimanuk, the westernmost town of Gelgel, near Klungkung. This village still ex- ers make offerings to Dewi Sri, the Goddess among unbelievers), which is perceived by
thinking in Bali, where Muslims Bali, has been raised again and again over the ists and is home to Bali’s oldest Muslim com- of rice. Hindu boys attend their Muslim Balinese as social discrimination. “This has
and Balinese have always lived years, only to be met by strong opposition munity. Traditional Javanese Islam, a blend of friend’s circumcision ceremonies, and Mus- led to a growth in Bali of a parallel religious
side-by-side in relative peace. But from the Balinese side. Sufism mixed with animist and Hindu con- lims in some areas adopt Balinese Hindu first revivalism among Hindu-Balinese who in-
as war has begun in the Gulf as I The Balinese Hindus, a minority in In- cepts predating Islam, shares common her- names. It is not uncommon to meet a Muslim creasingly see themselves as ‘Hindus’ global-
write, coupled with religious and donesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation, itage with Bali. The two largest Muslim orga- with a name like Ketut Ahmad Ibrahim. ly opposed to ‘Muslims,’ ” says Nazrina Zur-
afp/oka budhi
ethnic conflict between Muslims worry that they would be overrun by poor Ja- nizations in Indonesia, Muhammadiah and In recent years, however, orthodox or re- yani, a Muslim scholar living in Bali.
and Christians that has claimed vanese flooding the labor market of their Nadhatul Ulama, preach tolerance towards vivalist Islam has been on the rise throughout Balinese Hinduism is very different from
the lives of more than 10,000 world famous tourist industry. Perhaps just as Balinese Hinduism by referring to the surah Indonesia, which seems to be polarizing the Hinduism as practiced in India. Balinese
across Indonesia since 1998, the important is the symbolic problem of a al-Kafirun verse of al-Quran, “Your religion Hindu and Muslim communities. Hadrami Hinduism is Saivite and Buddhist tantric
unthinkable becomes possible. bridge. The Balinese identity exists in con- is your religion; my religion is my religion.” communities in Indonesia, people of Yemen based. The caste system is not strong, but
Prayer: A women’s hands join in prayer during the The predominantly Hindu is- trast to the Javanese Muslim “other,” and a Social and economic ties between the com- decent who claim as birthright an orthodox rather a clan-based system takes preemi-
“Pray for the World Peace” in Bali, October 21, 2002 land of Bali is separated from the bridge, no matter how practical, would un- munities are also strong. Visit the traditional knowledge of Islam, along with the Internet nence. Balinese believe in reincarnation, es-
28 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly, au g u s t, s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly, a u g u s t, s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 29
pecially that they will be reincarnated back another identification card, a KIPP (Visitor’s comes out of visitor industry brochures that Just recently, an expatriate living in a vil- Zamboanga Davao
into their own families. While these aspects Identity Card), which must be renewed always equate the word “Bali” with “paradise.” lage not far from the center of Bali’s capital George Town
Kuala Terengganu
Sandakan Isabela
St
Kelang Nantuna Besar S E A
ra
Kuala Lumpur
a strong interest in the Hinduism of India, In a country where a monthly wage is around strife. kill two Muslim boys from Lombok. The boys
it
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fM
M A L A Y S I A
SE
o
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al E
it
ac Johor Bharu Manado
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with India substituting for Mecca as the holy $30, this new requirement provides more The most obvious example, rarely discussed had been accused by a villager of theft,
ra
ca
CC
SINGAPORE Halmahera
St
s
p u a Borneo
LU
Ka
ar
land. than enough incentive to return to Java. even to this day, is the anti-communist mas- though no stolen goods were found on their
O
S u m a t r a Pontianak
ss
MOLUCCAS Sorong
M
Padang Ha Balikpapan Palu Jayapura
ka
ri BISMARCK SE
Barito
Wewak
PE
Ma
In another example of parallel thinking, That, of course, is the idea. With the tourist sacres of 1965, which is believed to have killed persons. The boys were approximately 12 and Jambi Bangka Sulawesi CERAM SEA
Sepik
G
I N D O N E S I A Seram
. B
Palembang P EGUNUNGAN MAOKE
wealthy Balinese are signing up for package industry devastated since 12 October, and over 500,000, five percent of the population, 14 years old. Police appeared after the fact to Belitung Ambon Madang
A
Banjarmasin CEN T R New Brit
R
Buru AL R
IS
Digul
N Kepulauan A NG
A
J A V A S E A Aru E Lae
tours to the subcontinent in order to bathe in more native Balinese out of work, many re- including 100,000 in Bali alone. Initially, vil- bring the bodies to the morgue. None of the Jakarta
Ujung Pandang
PA P U A N E W G U Baubau
B A N D A S E A
m o u n ta i n h i g h m a p s
the Ganges and visit sacred sites. Many Bali- lagers were organized into groups by the pecalang was arrested. The expatriate’s son— Bandung
J a v a Surabaya
F L O R E S
Bali Lombok
S E A
Flores
Wetar Kepulauan
Taninbar
Fl
y
Daru
Gulf of
Papua Port Moresby
nese, like the driver Rai, are also taking a mil- Army, who then turned them loose on villages also a boy of 14, witnessed the murders, and Malang Sumbawa
Mataram Ende
Timor ARAFURA SEA
Torres Strait
itant attitude towards Indonesian Muslims. thought to be communist. Much of the work apparently has been seri- Sumba Kupang
Bathurst I.
Melville I.
One of the most notable is the psychiatrist was done using only machetes and samurai ously traumatized by the Lovina T I M O R S E A
Darwin
D Gulf of
C O R A L
Dr. Luh Suriyani, who, since the relaxing of swords left over from the Japanese occupa- event. Barat Beach Lake a
ly Car pentaria
M
Batur itc
he
censorship in 1998, has written columns in tion. The killing ultimately got so out of hand While the potential for National Park Mt. Agung Wyndham ll Cairns
10,308 ft.
the Bali Post against interfaith marriage, as that the Army then needed to institute mar- violence in Bali is quite Kintamani A U S T R A L I A Broome oy Townsville
Fl
zr
i
well as offering up his assessment of the “psy- tial law to bring it to an end. To this day the real, there are many other Besakih Temple Tiny paradise: Bali, 55 by 90 miles, is about the size
chological propensity” that Muslims from ’65 period is rarely discussed outside acade- factors that may help pre- Ubud of Connecticut. It’s one of 17,508 Indonesian islands
Lombok have for being thieves. mic circles. vent large scale violence extending 3,200 miles east to west and 1,100 miles
The most telling change in Bali since “12 One of the most disturbing developments from erupting. Indonesia’s Tanah Lot
Temple Denpasar north to south.
October,” as the bombing is called here, is the since 12 October is the growth of Balinese Military Command center
Indonesia
fact that there are far fewer Javanese on Bali. militia groups called pecalang. Pecalang for the East Nusa Tengara Most tourists are Sanur Beach
sequestered here
reuters/claro cortes iv
The construction industry has come to a halt, were originally conceived of as a kind of tra- region is in Bali, and the Nusa Dua
since most of the poor Javanese who held ditional police force to serve as security for military, which owns a Bali Isle Ulu Watu Temple
those jobs have returned to Java. Try to find religious events. They became further milita- number of tourist hotels,
a peddler of Bakso—beef soup which Bali- rized by the political parties who then began has a vested interest in keeping a lid on vio-
nese Hindus eat—and you are in for a long to use them to protect political events. Now, lence. Both Muslims and Hindus have too he name indonesia derives from shown by an old Mahayana Buddhist
search. Most peddlers have packed up and nearly every village has a group of pecalang, much to lose if Bali’s tourist industry is fur- Indos Nesos, meaning “islands near poem composed in Java: “The one sub-
gone home. And the price of coconut leaves mostly out-of-work youths, who have recent- ther hit. While Balinese Hindus are a ma- India.” The country is the largest stance is called two, Buddha or Siva. They
for Hindu offerings is now 50% higher. ly begun “sweeps” in search of residents jority on Bali, they still represent only two archipelago in the world, with 17,508 say it’s different, but how can it be divid-
The vanishing of Muslims came about not without proper KIPP credentials. As was the percent of Indonesia’s population, a figure islands spread over an area the size of the ed by two? Such is how the teaching of
through violence against Muslims, something Religious nation: Muslims gather for Friday case in 1965, pecalang often enter agree- that does not favor confrontation. Still, with United States, and it is the fourth most Buddha and Siva became one. It’s differ-
very much feared in the days following 12 prayers at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta ments with neighboring villages’ pecalang the tourist economy in shambles and war in populous nation on Earth. ent, but it’s one; there aren’t two truths.”
October, but through passage of laws that hit groups to mutually “sweep” each other, a sys- the Gulf in progress, pressure on relations The 216 million people comprise 365 Bali itself holds three million people,
the pocketbooks of non-Balinese. All Indone- gard the passage of these new policies as a tem meant to promote impartiality, but a sys- between Muslim and non-Muslim in In- ethnic and tribal groups, the principle and 95 percent are Hindus. Tourism is
sians are required to carry a state-issued preemptive measure to mollify recently un- tem that also prevents a militia member from donesia is likely to escalate. For the time be- ones being the Acehnese, Bataks, Bali’s biggest industry, generating 67 per-
identity card, known by the acronym of KTP employed Balinese and prevent them from showing sympathy to one’s own neighbors. ing, however, détente remains. ∏π Minangkabaus (on Sumatra); Javanese, cent of its gross domestic product. Before
(Kartu Tanah Politik). Since 12 October, venting their frustration on employed out- It should also be pointed out that extra- Sundanese (Java); Balinese (Bali); Sasaks the bombing, Bali was hosting 1.5 million
some regencies in Bali, particularly Jembrana siders, even when those outsiders take jobs communal violence, mob killings of petty daniel mcguire has been visiting bali since 1984, and
now has a home in denpasar. he works as a writer,
(Lombok); and Dani (Irian Jaya). There tourists a year.
and Badung, have required that all non-Bali that the Balinese don’t want. thieves, for example, are fairly common in filmmaker and hatha yoga teacher. he is married to are 583 dialects spoken across the islands, Many have been awed by Bali’s blessed-
a bali-born medical doctor, injil abu bakar, who is
residents living within their borders apply for The idea of Bali’s being hit by the kind of Bali and all over Indonesia. No precise figures medical coordinator for the survivors of the 12 with Bahasa Indonesia as the official lan- ness. Hickman Powell, a 1930s visitor,
ethnic and religious violence that has ravaged are kept, and such events are rarely reported october bombing incident in kuta beach. daniel has
also been working closely with the indonesian
guage. Indonesia, 87 percent Muslim, is called it a “vast wonderland” and the “em-
Paradise: A Balinese Hindu temple other areas of Indonesia seems unlikely to ca- even in local papers, but nearly everyone who bomb victims, and involved in rehabilitation the world’s largest Islamic country. Nine bodied dreams of pastoral poets.” Film-
and job training for these patients.
silhouetted against the morning skyline sual tourists whose only knowledge of Bali has spent any time in Bali has a story to tell. contact: dan@ashtangabali.com percent of Indonesians are Christian and maker Lawrence Blair wrote, “It wasn’t
two percent are Hindus. surprising that the rest of the world saw
The national ideology, Pancasila (“Five Bali as the living symbol of Heaven on
Principles”), is enshrined in the preamble Earth, where man and Gods, nature and
of the 1945 constitution, set down in the spirits, the within and without, co-existed
declaration of independence from the harmoniously in the best of all possible
Netherlands on August 17 of that year. worlds. What did surprise me was finding
The Pancasila are: belief in one supreme that the Balinese entirely agreed, and took
God; humanitarianism; nationalism ex- the unusual position that the grass was in-
pressed in the unity of Indonesia; consul- deed greener on their side of the fence.”
tative democracy; and social justice. The A constant threat in Bali is earthquakes
country’s motto is “Bhinneka Tunggal and volcanos. An 1830 eruption devastat-
Ika,” which means, “Unity in Diversity.” ed much of the island. In 1917 there was a
Balinese call their faith Agama Hindu severe earthquake, and in 1960s eruptions
Dharma, an amalgamation of elements killed 1,500 people and left tens of thou-
from Hinduism and Buddhism, mixed sands homeless. The latter eruption was
with indigenous customs. They produce a blamed upon the government’s attempt to
colorful mix of ritual and doctrine domi- hold the Eka Dasa Rudra ritual, normally
nated by two Hindu epics—Mahabharata held once in a hundred years and sched-
and Ramayana—and the trinity of Brah- uled for 1979, in 1963 instead. The ritual
photodisc
ma, Vishnu and Siva; most temples being was canceled and held properly sixteen
dedicated to one of the three. Affinity is years later.
j u ly, a u g u s t, s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 31
photos: dinodia
Orissa
hinduism today
Puri
34 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 03 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 35
REUNION
Walking on Fire
Tamils on an isle in the Indian Ocean keep faith
and find strength in an ancestral tradition
36 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 37
KENYA
bashudeb dhar
Atop the temple tower: Even the Deity
carved and painted gold high up on the Blessed virgin: A pure child prepares to be worshiped as the Goddess during Kumari puja
entrance tower is a work of art to behold
C OM M E N TA RY
Balaji worship
inaugurated in
Kenya
The Little Goddess
Worshiping the primal life force of the
grand week of good food,
fun, festival and fireworks culmi- Divine Mother through the purity of a child
nated with the kumbhabishekam
(inauguration ceremony) of the
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Balaji temple By Bashudeb Dhar, Bangladesh On the physical plane this power manifests
in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 29, 2002. Al- umari puja is a popular most obviously as a woman’s newborn
though other Hindu temples have been but frequently misunderstood devo- child. On the spiritual plane it is revealed
constructed in South Africa, this is the tional ceremony performed and at- in the experience of eternal bliss. However,
first one featuring Balaji, a form of Lord tended by Hindus of the Sakta sect. our lack of purity can block this bliss. If it
Vishnu or Venkateswara who stands on a Saktas worship God as Goddess. In Ku- is purity we lack, which most of us do, it is
lotus flower with consorts Lakshmi and mari puja, a maiden, who is not yet men- purity we will find, at least for a moment,
Padmavathi placed to his right and left, struating, is honored as the Divine Mother in the divine child worshiped as Kumari,
respectively. and worshiped through elaborate ritual. which means virgin.
All ceremonies for the inauguration Such a child is chosen for her untarnished Kumari puja is not a new practice. In the
were performed in strict accordance purity. As the great Sakta, Sri Ramakrish- first century ce, there is scriptural refer-
allphotos: liladhar j. bharadia
with scriptural tradition under the able na, put it: “All women are forms of the Di- ence to a place called “Koumram” where a
guidance of Dr. Malladi Satyanarayana vine Mother. But Her manifestation is Goddess named Kumari was worshiped.
and his five-member team from Tirupati, greatest in pure-souled virgins.” The Vedic Goddess Aditi has been extolled
India, the home of Balaji’s most famous Since Kumari puja differs from the stan- for hundreds of years at Cape Comorin as
temple. These Vedic rituals included the dard Hindu temple puja in that the entity Kanyakumari.
“opening of the eyes of the Deities” con- worshiped is a live person, questions might In ancient times Kumari was also known
ducted by Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, the be asked: “What about the many Sakta as Uma, Sati, Parvati and Gauri. During a
temple architect. Hundreds of devotees temples with inanimate icons carved of portion of the Hindu marriage ceremony
enjoyed a variety of entertainment dur- wood, metal or stone? Is the presence of called “Gauri-dan,” the bride is imbibed
ing the week, including expert musical the Goddess somehow less effective in with the purity of the Divine Mother as a
performances by a four-member nada- them for their lack of humanness?” Cer- blessing for the groom and the young cou-
swaram and tavil team brought from tainly, the Goddess can make Herself ple’s future family.
A festive seven-day extravaganza: India just for the temple’s known anytime, anywhere; and one form It is my hope that during these difficult
(Background) Fireworks set the joyous inauguration. ∏π of worship does not negate another. Yet, times when women are often mistreated as
spirit of the once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Her divine communion is undeniably em- sense objects, servant wives and worse, Ku-
(Clockwise from top left) The Balaji temple complete with scaffolding for the consecration of the temple spires. Grand procession of the For more information contact the Sri powered by the purity of a child. Purity is mari puja may be understood for its true
main temple murthi (image of worship) to the temple where it was installed on April 29, 2002. A preliminary homa (fire ceremony) with Kalyana Venkateswara Balaji temple, the key here. value, practiced with its intended sincerity
temple architect Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati as guest of honor, first left in crowd behind. Lord Venkateswara as Balaji standing in the mid- Lower Kabete Road, Nairobi, Kenya. In a deeper sense, Kumari puja is wor- and serve as one of many gateways to the
dle with Goddess Lakshmi to his left and Goddess Padmavathi to his right. Email: sbharadia@kpmg.co.kg ship of the primal life force within us all. restoration of women’s dignity. ∏π
38 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 39
as a musician but as a philanthropist as well. ed with Iyengar regularly when he was not brought him first into hatha yoga (physical
He often performed to raise funds for char- with him in person, and never relinquished postures and breath control), he later prac-
ities, and gave a series of such concerts for his diligent and consistent yoga practice. In- ticed meditation, for which hatha yoga is
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime deed, yoga became an integral and indis- generally considered to be a preparation.
Minister of India. During his first meeting pensable part of his life. As Menuhin said a From his personal experience in medita-
with Nehru, he was challenged by the quarter century later, “My guru built lessons tion, Menuhin concluded that intuition
Prime Minister to stand on his head. He did upon lessons.” should be complimented with intellectual
so, successfully. Nehru responded by show- Menuhin acknowledged India, yoga and analysis for the purpose of arousing “true
ing off his own headstand. This incident Iyengar in two books he authored, entitled spontaneity,” as he called it. His revelation
made newspaper headlines, and yoga teach- Life Class; and Violin: Six lessons with Yehu- through meditation was that magic existed
ers from all over India queued up to offer di Menuhin. In Six Lessons, he devoted an in the chemistry of thought coupled with in-
their wisdom to the American mar- tuition, and that as a result of the ap-
vel who was so interested in yoga. plication of logic, intuition would
Menuhin took lessons from many of flow forth of its own accord. This was
these teachers, but only one left an meditation as he understood it. He
indelible impression: B.K.S. Iyengar. also felt that the ability to meditate
Menuhin’s first visit with Iyengar was the single most important con-
was memorable. Around 1950, a tribution man brought to civilization.
common friend arranged for their Menuhin was fearless in putting
c o u r t e s y r a j v i h . m e h ta
meeting during Menuhin’s first visit his meditations on violin playing to
to Mumbai. At the time, Menuhin the test—and it paid off. Through
was very busy and somewhat fa- meditation, he taught himself to play
tigued. It was supposed to be a quick with less tension and resistance and
h u lt o n g e t t y p h o t o a r c h i v e
Yehudi’s Yoga
through Europe, he continually extolled sis. But not Menuhin. He was intrigued with this is true, Menuhin was a rare exception.
Iyengar. Many feel that Menuhin was re- the science of motion and sound as they re- He was a genius at peace—a peace, he said,
sponsible for introducing Iyengar to the lated directly to the improvement of his vio- that came from yoga. And yoga, he ob-
Western world. lin performance. This lifelong study was served, came from India—the “primal
Through the years, Menuhin proved him- both inspired and enhanced by his practice source” and “mother country.” ∏π
self a devoted yoga student. He correspond- of yoga. Although his training with Iyengar With Rajiv H. Mehta, Mumbai
One of the greatest violinists of the 20th century
revered an Indian yogi as his best music teacher
Reflections… a quest which by 1951 had long been one of the themes of my
life. Just as musical vision had long required justification by con-
scious analysis of each composition, so it was now essential to
trace with equal thoroughness the process which translated
hile sitting in the waiting yoga after that revelatory afternoon in the thought and feeling into action, vision into countless muscular re-
room of an osteopath’s office in doctor’s office, the more he loved it. India Yoga touched every dimension of Yehudi Menuhin’s life. Here is actions. Yoga taught me lessons it would have taken me years to
1948, Yehudi Menuhin came was, he said, “the primal source, the mother but a handful of quotations reflecting his thoughts on his guru, on learn by other means. Yoga was my compass.
across a small book on yoga. He country.” yoga and the spirituality of man.
was immediately fasinated. Yoga Born in New York on April 22, 1916, to On spirituality: We in the Western world have grown to under-
was a subject he knew almost Russian-Jewish parents who had recently On Sri Iyengar: There were other gurus and other lessons, but not stand matter as imprisoned light, and light as liberated matter, yet
nothing about, yet now, for some reason, it immigrated to America, Menuhin’s excep- until I met Iyengar did I take up the study regularly. My first this has had no influence on our spiritual thought. In practical
tenaciously gripped his attention. Little did tional musical aptitude was recognized and meeting with him was like the casting of a spell. We made each terms it only led to the creation of the atom bomb.
he know then that yoga and the land cultivated almost before he could walk. By other’s acquaintance in Mumbai. He appeared in my rooms one When I was a boy no one seemed to ask where the energies
c o u r t e s y r a j v i h . m e h ta
whence it came would change his life. the time he was seven, his performance of morning and straightaway made it clear that the “audition” to fol- come from. Land, oil, coal, air seemed inexhaustible. Now we are
Yehudi Menuhin was one of the most Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto had gained low was mine as much as his. For all my celebrity, to him I was realizing how our very life depends upon restoring not only our
lauded violinists of the twentieth century. him national fame. Before age 20, he was just another Western body knotted through and through. balance with nature, but also that balance within ourselves. We
Yet he was also famous for his affiliation touring the world, gaining an international are depleting our reserves of spirit, health, courage and faith at
with renowned hatha yoga teacher B.K.S. reputation as a gifted soloist. When Albert On yoga: First and foremost, yoga made its contribution to my an alarming rate. The quiet practice of yoga is, in its humble yet
Iyengar and legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, Einstein heard him play he said, “Now I quest to understand consciously the mechanics of violin playing, effective way, an antidote.
with whom he frequently performed. The know there is God in Heaven.”
more Menuhin learned about India and By the 1950s, he was not only acclaimed
40 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 41
TEMPLES
dinodia
through my study of history in school. won the war, captured the city and looted
That’s also about when I became inter- the temple before crushing it to the ground.
ested in Hindu mythology, where again This was a tragic loss mourned by many, for
I ran across references to this fascinat- that first Somnath temple was a magnifi-
ing pilgrimage destination of great impor- cently crafted, red sandstone work of art, ac-
tance to Saivite Hindus. All my life, I have claimed as one of the great architectural ac-
read, thought and wondered about Somnath. complishments of its age.
Last summer, 2002, I finally got to go there. Immediately, however, the temple was ren-
The temple of Somnath is in the city of ovated by King Bhima of Gujarat and King
Prabhas-Patan in Gujarat. I planned my pil- Bhoja of Malwa. When it was again de-
grimage so that I would approach the tem- stroyed in 1300 by Alaf Khan, King Mahipa-
ple by road from Dwarka along the coast of la of the Chudasama dynasty rebuilt it. Three
the Arabian Sea. I arrived on a clear, sunny times more—in 1390, 1490 and 1530—it was
day during the full-moon time of the month destroyed and reconstructed.
when strong, spring tides come crashing in After the great Siva temple was demol-
upon the shores. I will never forget those ished one final time in 1706, nearly 250
first impressions. It was like a drama. As I years would pass before it would again rise
entered Patan, I became lost in a maze of from the grave. This seventh reincarnation
streets lined with shops. I walked and of Somnath was commenced in 1950 follow-
walked. Suddenly, I was there. Glittering like ing India’s independence. Sardar Vallabhai
gold in the afternoon sun, the temple was Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of In-
even more beautiful than I had anticipated. dia, had the temple reconstructed in the
With the seascape thundering behind, the Chalukya style of temple architecture by
view was mesmerizing. I was in awe. master masons of Gujarat called sompuras.
Just in front of the temple, a majestic gate- When this last rebuilding effort was complet-
way rose like a fortress. Everywhere there ed on December 1, 1995, 45 years after it be-
were ornate designs and human figures gan, the first president of India, Shankar
carved in stone. It was all so powerful and Dayal Sharma, renamed it Kailash Ma-
p r i ya n k j a i s wa l
lifelike. Yet it was the hundreds of pillars hameru Prasada. Such a temple, he said, had
that took my breath away. Sprawling like the not been constructed in India for 800 years.
roots of a giant banyan or the legs of some Finally, I brought myself back to Earth
great beast, they seemed to and was ready to continue my
bind to Earth this grand tem- worship. Depositing my cam-
ple of otherworldly beauty. era and shoes, I entered the
It was all I could do to just temple complex through the
stand there, staring. For the towering gateway. As on any
longest time, I was simply other day, the temple was
immersed in the recollection crowded with visitors from all By day and by night
of all the many fables I had around the world. At 11:00 in The majestic three-towered gateway
heard and read. I purposely the morning the day’s main rises like a fortress to protect the temple.
let my imagination run wild, puja (ceremony) began. When At night, the illuminated temple glows like gold.
trying to catch fleeting men- the doors of the sanctum
tal glimpses of the great tem- opened, devotees began rush-
ples that had come and gone ing forward. In no time, the tex of spiritual power. At the conclusion of I had traveled half way around the globe erful Siva worshipers—were living in Prab- powerful fortitude and dedication.
on this most holy ground. place was packed. the puja, devotees started crushing their for this experience. Even that short moment has when the first Somnath temple was con- Today, like some grand, invincible warrior,
The history of Somnath is The chanting of the man- way toward the sanctum to receive holy of deep communion was enough to mold in structed. Historians claim they had been seven times victorious in battle, Somnath
brutal. Seven times it was de- tras, the smell of the incense prashad (sacraments). After about half an me a memory that would never die. Having there since prehistory, establishing that geo- once again stands strong for Siva on the
stroyed and seven times it The author: Priyank and the incoherent murmur of hour, I was finally able to actually see the seen what I had yearned to see since child- graphical portion of India as an important shores of Prabhas. Anyone who knows even
was born again. Muhammad Jaiswal, 25, works as a the crowd had suddenly lingam. This did not last long. Yet even as hood, I now felt an overwhelming sense of stronghold of unshakable Siva worship. The a little of the history and magic of this holy
of Ghazini first ransacked geophysicist in Houston, turned this quiet sanctuary by the crowd was pushing me on, I felt the in- deep satisfaction. seven trials of Somnath seem to validate this place will understand why it is called “The
the sacred abode on January Texas. the sea into an energized vor- rush of a great and powerful force. The Pashupatas—an ancient sect of pow- speculation. The very air there breathes a Shrine Eternal.” ∏π
42 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 43
SCRIPTURE
j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 45
FOREWORD FROM CHAPTER ONE
mizes this humble attitude. Devotees worship the of Liberation. Remember, the physical body does not last for- the inner clear white light and hearing the vina-like tones of the high “eee”
feet of the guru as the feet of God Siva, the attain- ever. Age prowls like a leopard; diseases attack like an enemy.
able attainment, seeking to partake of, absorb into Death waits not to see what is done or not done. Before the limbs
themselves, the vibration of their guru, ultimately lose their vitality, before adversities crowd in upon you, take to the FROM CHAPTER TWO
to become like their guru, who has realized his auspicious path.
oneness with God Siva.
Our beloved satguru, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
wrote, “Practices to advance spiritual unfoldment
Therefore, choose, then worship a satguru. Worship his feet. Cher-
ish the very sandals (paduka) which hold his feet. All knowledge is
Guru Service
46 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 47
FROM CHAPTER THREE But verily, the satguru is none other than Sadasiva. This is the truth.
I Myself am the Truth. Otherwise, who is it who gives fulllment
and Liberation? There is no difference between God Siva and Sat-
Guru Power sivaguru. It is ignorance to make such a distinction.
As in the vicinity of re, butter gets melted, so in the Neither the Vedas nor the philosophies are causes of Liberation.
proximity of the holy Sivaguru all bad karmas dissolve. Realization alone is the cause of Liberation. Better it is to bear even
As lighted re burns up all fuel, dry and moist, so the a single life-inspiring great mantra taught by a satguru than to carry
glance of the Sivaguru burns up in a moment the kar- a load of lifeless blocks of wood which are various forms of worldly
mas of the shishya. As the heap of cotton blown up by a knowledge.
great storm scatters in all the ten directions, so the heap
of negative karmas is blown away by the compassion of Only from the mouth of a satguru can a jiva realize the one immuta-
the Sivaguru. As darkness is destroyed at the very sight ble Brahman which has been taught by Siva Himself. Such knowledge
of the lamp, so is ignorance destroyed at the sight of the cannot be attained through the study of even ten million shastras.
holy Sivaguru.
Many are the gurus who, like lamps, offer light in a house. But rare
I tell you now that there can be no Liberation without is the satguru who illumines the village like the sun. Many are the
diksha, initiation. Nor can there be initiation without a gurus who are procient to the utmost in the Vedas and shastras.
preceptor. Hence the dharma, the shakti and the tradi- But rare is the satguru who has attained Parasiva. Many are the
tion come down the line of masters, called parampara. gurus on Earth who give what is other than the Self. But rare is the
satguru who brings the atma to light. Many are the gurus who rob
Without a satguru all philosophy, knowledge and man- shishyas of their wealth. But rare is the satguru who removes the
tras are fruitless. Him alone the Gods praise who is the afictions of the shishya. A satguru sits in samadhi, immersed in pure consciousness, having
satguru, keeping active what is handed down to him by withdrawn his awareness from the swirling forces of the world that
tradition. Therefore, one should seek with all effort to He is the satguru in whose very presence there ows the supreme surround him, radiating blessings and stabilizing humanity on Earth
obtain a preceptor of the unbroken tradition, born of bliss called ananda. The intelligent person will choose such a one as
Supreme Siva. satguru and none other. spiritual advice and scriptures, report to him and accept only what
is approved by your guru, and reject what is not.
A knower of God strides along the path of enlightenment. Having lived many lives, When he bestows condential knowledge, do not speak of it to oth-
mastered his energies and resolved his karmas, he has reached Siva consciousness, ers, for sacred is secret. To talk of it is to weaken the guru-shishya
FROM CHAPTER FOUR which symbolically surrounds him as the Ganges water owing from Siva’s hair.
FROM CHAPTER SIX understanding.
Guru Nature Why should I choose to manifest through the satguru? Why should
I not act directly? I am really all-pervading, subtle, above the mind,
Guru Protocol Even your own wealth you shall utilize only after mentally offering
it to your satguru.
with and without form, imperishable, of the form of ether, eternal
: , , and innite. How can such a One be worshiped? That is why, out , Do not lend your ear to any censure of your guru. Where such criti-
satguru. At the root of all Liberation is the grace of the satguru. In Because I have no binding form that is perceived by the human Do not disrespect the retinue of a satguru. Do not criticize his tradi-
this world all holy actions are rooted in the satguru. Therefore, he eye, I protect the shishya, revealing the dharma in the form of the If the spiritual preceptor speaks harshly, take it as a benediction. tions, whether based on the Vedas, Agamas or other scriptures.
is to be constantly served with devotion for fulllment. guru. Therefore, the satguru is none other than the Supreme Siva Whatever objects of enjoyment there be, offer these rst to the guru
enclosed in a human skin. Within him I walk the Earth concealed. and enjoy only what he leaves as prasadam. In the presence of a satguru, take care to avoid dozing, harsh speech,
For the shishya who devotedly remembers, “My guru is actually ordering others, frivolous laughter, uncontrolled weeping, loosening
Siva Himself who grants Liberation,” fulllment is not far off. Look To the jivas, embodied souls laden with beclouding karmas, the To the satguru you shall not command or talk to as an equal. Do not or tightening of the clothes, informal or immodest dress, stretching
upon your satguru as mother, as father, as Siva. The satguru, it is satguru appears to be merely human. But to them whose karmas enter into argument with those who deny your guru, nor even talk of the legs toward him; debate, expressing hatred or blame. Avoid
to be declared in unmistakable terms, is the very Lord Himself. To are auspicious, meritful, the satguru appears as Lord Siva Himself. to them. Avoid them from afar. Do not sit in their company at any contortion of the body, whistling, striking of the hands in command,
approach the satguru, to worship the satguru, is to approach Siva, The less fortunate do not recognize the satguru as the embodiment time. They are to be shunned. amusements, playful wrestling, smoking and the like. Such acts invoke
to worship Siva. of Supreme Truth even when face to face with him, like the blind the asuras in dreams and visions and invite calamity in your life.
before the arisen sun. What you hear elsewhere regarding mantras, tantras, sadhana,
48 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 49
To speak falsehood before the satguru is to commit ing danger when he should have rm faith—alas! How can such a
the highest sin. In the absence of the satguru who is jiva, cherishing the eeting samsara so dear to him, live without fear
FROM CHAPTER NINE
away or in distress, do not abandon him. Go wherever in this body which is as evanescent as a bubble of water, enduring no
he commands. longer than the stay of a bird on the branch of a tree? Guru Manifestation
When he stands below, do not yourself stand above. He seeks benet from things which do him injury, thinks the imper-
Do not walk or drive in front of him. Do not sit when manent to be permanent, sees the highest good in that which is evil, : ,
he stands up. Do not sleep in his presence. Unless
directed by him, do not speak, do not read, do not sing,
do not eat there. Do nothing without bowing to him.
and yet he does not see that death is coming upon him.
Deluded by the great maya, the jiva looks and yet sees not, reads
L one, omnipresent, attributeless, indifferent, undecaying, unat-
tached like space, unbeginning and unending, be an object of
worship for the dualistic mind? Hence it is that I, as the Supreme
Never fail to carry out his injunctions. and yet knows not. The whole of this world is at each moment sink- Guru, have entered into the bodies of human satgurus.
ing into the deep sea of time infested with the great alligators of
In the presence of your guru’s guru, bow to your own death and disease. Even My gross aspect, being full of light and energy, is impercep-
guru mentally. Should you eat food without rst men- tible to human eyes. For this reason I have assumed the form of the
tally offering it to your satguru, it becomes impure. Do We speak of “my son,” “my wife,” “my wealth” and “my friend,” but satguru in the world, and thus protect the race of shishyas.
not approach him empty-handed. Offer in the mea- even as we indulge in such senseless talk, death seizes the body like
sure of your capacity fruit, owers, cloth and the like. a tiger. Death seizes a person while still engaged in doing this thing As Mahesvara, in human body I secretly wander on the Earth in
or that thing. Seeing all this, the awakened jiva does today the works order to favor shishyas. As Sadasiva, I assume the modest and mer-
of tomorrow, and in the forenoon the work of the afternoon, for ciful form for the protection of sadhakas. Though remaining above
death is indifferent to the nishing or unnishing of any work. samsara, yet I appear and act in this world as though I were a man
of samsara.
FROM CHAPTER SEVEN The slumbering jiva does not see approaching him before his very
eyes death’s terrible army of diseases guided by old age and with When the fruits of sin predominate, satguru is seen as a person.
Guru Urgency orders from death himself. Death devours people after piercing
them with the roasting skewer of thirsting desire, smearing them
And when the fruits of virtuous acts prevail, satguru is seen as Siva.
Like blind men deprived forever of seeing the sun, unfortunate jivas
with the ghee of mundane objects, and barbecuing them in the re are unable to see the real satguru, the embodiment of Mahesvara,
of attachment and dislike. Death brings all under Yama’s rule, both though He is present before their eyes. It is undoubtedly true that
disease which leads to lower-world states, what will he O Beloved, there is not the least difference between Deva Sadasiva
do with such disease when he goes to the next world, Therefore, jivas awakened to the path should be prompt in doing and Sriguru. Whoever makes a distinction between them commits
in which there is no medicine for this ailment? with all their heart such things as are calculated to benet their a sin. For by assuming the form of a preceptor, the Gurudeva severs
satguru and themselves in this world and hereafter. the multitude of bonds which bind jivas to the state of pashu and
The supreme Truth should be sought from the satguru enables them to attain the Self, Parasiva.
so long as this body exists. Who is there so perverse as
to commence the excavation of a well with a view to
extinguish a re which has already caught his house? blessed food, distributed to devotees.
Like a tigress, old age waits with open mouth to swal-
low the jiva. Glossary of Special Terms puja: Traditional rites of worship.
Purana: A body of secondary scripture,
folk naratives with stories of the Gods.
As water continually exudes from a broken vessel, so is Sadasiva: A name of Siva’s Primal Soul
the period of life constantly being shortened. Diseases Agamas: A copious body of revealed scrip- japa: Incantation of mantras. perfection.
constantly inict wounds like enemies laying siege to a ture, coequal with Vedas. jiva: An embodied soul. sadhaka: Serious aspirant, often a monk.
fortress. Hence one should, as early as possible, engage asuras: Lower astral-world beings of mali- karma: The law of cause and effect gover- sadhana: Spiritual discipline.
in the working of good to oneself and satguru. Good cious intent. ing all action. The fruit of action. sadhu: Homeless mendicant.
work should be done in times when there is no sorrow atma: The soul, immortal and eternal, liberation: Moksha, freedom from the sahasrara: The crown chakra located at
or danger, and when the senses are not disabled. which animates life and reincarnates cycles of reincarnation. the top of the cranium.
Four Self-realized sages gather in a mango grove, radiant auras displaying their again and again. Mahadeva: “Great Being of Light;” a God, Sakti–Siva: Immanent/transcendent God.
purity and rened consciousness. One among them may be a satguru. Time passes in various involvements, but the jiva bhakti: Devotion. Religious fervor. often refers to Lord Siva. samsara: The cycle of birth, death and
remains unaware of its passing. Happiness and sorrow Brahman: God. A name from the Vedas. Mahesvara: Siva, the Primal Soul and rebirth. Worldly existence.
In the presence of the satguru remain poised. Do not enter with born of samsara slay the jiva, but even then he does not awaken to brahmin: A Hindu priest. Priestly caste. personal Lord. satguru: Enlightened preceptor.
desire. Serve him looking at his face. Do what he says. Honor the path of the welfare of the atma. How many jivas are born, fall chakras: Consciousness centers in the mantra: Sacred sound(s) for japa and puja. Sakti: God’s Creative energy; worshiped as
wholeheartedly what he says and, when understood, do it without into dangers, become subject to suffering and sorrow, and die? Even inner bodies of man. moksha: Liberation from rebirth. the Divine Mother.
questioning. the sight of such does not enlighten the jiva, maddened as he is by deva: Angelic inner world being. When Namasivaya: Siva’s most sacred mantra. shishya: A close devotee.
drinking the wine of delusion as to what is his own good. Prosperity capitalized, a name of Siva. paduka: The guru’s sandals. Siddhanta: The philosophy and religion of
Intensely devoted to the satguru, do not commission others for is like a dream, youth is short-lived like a ower, and life passes like Devanagari: The Sanskrit script. pandit: Scriptural scholar. South India, Saiva Siddhanta, literally
his work if you yourself can do it, even though you may have any a ash of lightening. Devi: The Goddess, Divine Mother. Parabrahman: The transcendent God. “nal attainments or conclusions.”
number of attendants. Do not be proud because of class, learning dharma: Way of righteousness. parampara: Guru lineage. Siva: God, the “Auspicious.”
or wealth. Knowing the mind of the satguru, be by his side, humble How can one be satised who has seen all of this? The utmost dhyana: Meditation. Parasiva: God’s utterly transcendent per- tapas: Ascetic practices or condition.
and cheerful of countenance. period of one’s life is a hundred years. Half of it is passed in sleep, diksha: Initiation. fection. Vedas: The central and most ancient scrip-
and the remaining half is made useless by childhood, disease, old door of Brahm: The subtle aperture into the pashu: A soul bound in samsara. tures of Hinduism.
Should you do anything in the presence of a satguru which is nor- age, sorrow and other causes. crown chakra at the top of the head. pranipata: Prostrating in obeisance. Vedanta: The lofty philosophy of the Vedas,
mally prohibited, it is extremely blameworthy. Do not, therefore, guru: Preceptor; remover of darkness. prapatti: Unequivocal devotion, surrender. as expressed in their Upanishads
out of disregard, hear with the face turned away what the satguru Utterly indifferent to the spiritual work which ought to be begun by Isvara: God as personal Lord. prasada: Sacred offerings, including Yama: Lord of Death.
says, whether it is benecial or otherwise. all means, sleeping during the time he should be awake, and imagin-
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c h o o d i e s i va r a m
H E R I TAG E
Learn by speaking: (left) Advanced students chant at a function at Aksharam; (above)
Enchanting
Scholars, priests, young students learn verses by rote as well as practice conversational Sanskrit
Sanskrit
to revive our sacred are studying Sanskrit. There are 1,500 ma- um of administration, commerce, trade and
language hapatashalas (Sanskrit colleges), with
100,000 students, and 3,500 patashalas (pri-
education. Cultural, religious and intellectu-
al transactions were in Sanskrit. Then in
m u . d e i va r aya n
mary and secondary schools), where stu- 1835, Lord Macaulay produced his “Minute
dents learn Sanskrit in its traditional form. of Indian Education” in which he stated,
Premier scientific and technical institutions “What we spend on the Sanskrit colleges is
such as the Indian Institute of Science, Ban- not merely a dead loss to the cause of truth;
galore, the Indian Institute of Technology, it is bounty money paid to raise up champi-
Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Technol- ons of error [that is, Sanskrit scholars].” He
B Y C HOODIE S HIVARAM , B ANGALORE like at other homes, parents here translate follow the natural way. The first step in Organisations like Bharath Samskrita ogy, Madras, have introduced the study of said Sanskrit literature is, “barren of useful
oothing tones of sanskrit the English rhymes children learn at school learning any language is to converse in it, Parishad, the Sanskrit unit of Vidhya Sanskrit. knowledge” with “the most serious errors
waft through the air as you walk into Sanskrit. These children in turn are because speaking and listening to a lan- Bharathi, Vishwa Samskrita Prathisthanam The Centre for Development of Ad- on the most important subjects.” His rec-
past the spacious two-storied school able to teach Sanskrit to their teachers and guage takes you closer to it,” explained Vish- and Swaadhyaaya Mandalam contributed to vanced Computing, C-DAC, has been con- ommendation, adopted by the British ad-
in the interiors of Bangalore’s Giri- friends! Sanskrit sounds so pure and divine was. He has been conducting the ten-day accelerating the propagation of Sanskrit. To ducting research on Sanskrit and comput- ministration, was to no longer fund any San-
nagar. Enter the building and it re- as it emanates from the innocent mouths of speak Sanskrit courses in India and abroad keep pace with the rapid growth of the ers. Sanskrit is also taught in about 250 skrit education, save the Sanskrit college at
verberates with the rich traditions of little children. It’s a unique experience. and is the chief editor of the Sanskrit movement, a centralized institute of Sam- universities in 40 countries. Over 400 uni- Banaras.
this land. You are at Aksharam, the organi- When I called Aksharam at ten one night, monthly Sambhasana Sandesha, which is skrita Bharathi was formed at New Delhi in versities promote Sanskrit Studies and Re- The knowledge and use of Sanskrit be-
zation that teaches spoken Sanskrit in ten I was surprised to hear the solemn chanting published by Aksharam. 1995. Aksharam in Bangalore became its in- search. India has ten Sanskrit universities came limited to the priestly class and a small
days! People thus initiated are all set to com- of slokas in the background. Even at this late Speak Sanskrit Movement: The decline of ternational center. and 250 institutions involved in Sanskrit re- number of pundits who used it for religious
mence their wonderful journey in the world hour, the senior research students were Sanskrit in modern times worried people “Our mission is to engender a cultural re- search. Eighty Sanskrit journals are circu- practices. “Thanks to that priestly class, the
of Sanskrit. Aksharam is an offshoot of learning the nuances of spiritual Sanskrit like Sri Krishna Sastry. He knew the wealth naissance of India by bringing Sanskrit back lated in the country. language was preserved. They must be giv-
Samskrita Bharathi, a voluntary organiza- from Guru Vishwas. He told me, “Sanskrit is of knowledge we were losing by forgetting to the mainstream, to propagate the great Among the most unusual results of the en credit that their continued use of San-
tion devoted to the revival of Sanskrit the most ancient, highly developed, litera- the language. He proposed, “Let service to scientific truths hidden in our ancient scrip- Speak Sanskrit Movement are the two vil- skrit helped its survival,” avers Shri Shiva-
(www.samskrita-bharati.org/). It seeks to ture-rich language. It is a treasure house of Sanskrit not stop at worshiping with the lan- tures, attain social harmony by removing lages of Mathoor and Hosahalli in Karnata- murthy Swamiji, pontiff of Tarabalu Math in
restore Sanskrit to daily life in India and re- ancient Indian wisdom. It is certainly the guage; everyone should be able to speak the barriers of caste, creed and race, and ka. The movement adopted them as a means Bangalore.
establish it as a common man’s language. vehicle of our culture and key to the her- language. Conversational Sanskrit has to be achieve national integration through San- to promote spoken Sanskrit, and today “After independence, the Kothari com-
At Aksharam, everyone, including tod- itage of this great civilization. Speaking the taught and popularized.” In 1981 Sri Krish- skrit,” Sri Krishna Sastry told me. everyone in them–from the menial laborer mission sacrificed Sanskrit by not including
dlers, converse in the ancient language. You language not only helps in learning, but also na Sastry, with a group of like-minded In 15 years, Samskrita Bharathi reached to the merchant, to the brahmins—speaks it in the three-language formula,” states Sri
speak to the little ones in English or Kanna- gives the students pride in their civilization- friends at Tirupati Sanskrit College, found- impressive heights through its sevavratis Sanskrit with élan. These two villages are Krishna Sastry. He is referring to the system
da, and precisely comes the reply in San- al values. Speaking this language generates ed Samskrita Bharathi and evolved the (Sanskrit missionaries), who relentlessly known throughout the country. More re- whereby students would learn English, their
skrit. I was unable to converse in Sanskrit, energy.” “Speak Sanskrit Movement.” work towards resuscitating the language. cently, Samskrita Bharathi has succeeded in regional language and Hindi. Those already
despite some study of the language. Honest- Why do people think Sanskrit is difficult They launched the movement through the Now more than two million people around teaching conversational Sanskrit to the en- in Hindi-speaking areas would learn anoth-
ly, the little children gave me a complex. Un- to learn? “The answer is simple. They don’t Sanskrit unit of Hindu Seva Prathisthana. the world can speak simple Sanskrit. Nearly tire tribal village of Mohaka, near Jabalpur. er Indian or European language. “Com-
52 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 53
message. It does not say worship one God
alone. This is not so in scriptures of other
faiths. India’s secular nature is because of
the Sanskrit culture, which is the very cul-
ture of this land,” states Sri Krishna Sastry.
“The secular policy practiced by our politi-
cians and so-called secularists has done
everything to keep the language out.”
Courts rescue the language: The central
government wanted Sanskrit to be removed
from the higher secondary syllabus, argu-
ing that by allowing Sanskrit, other classical
languages [Pali, for example] must be in-
cluded, and citing the secular policy of the
government. In 1994, the Supreme Court
came to the rescue, noting the importance
of Sanskrit for nurturing our cultural her-
itage as a nation.
Similarly, in 1994, the Madras High Court
Sanskrit advocates: (above) Front of the Samskrita Bharati in Bangalore; held that “Sanskrit is not a dead language,”
(right) students and teachers look on as Swami Gangaderandra Saraswathi of and observed that the reasoning of the
Swarnavalli Mutt Sirsi, Karnataka, lights a lamp to open a school function Tamil Nadu Government that Sanskrit had
with Krishna Sastry at far right, founder of the “Speak Sanskrit” movement ceased to be a language in use “is nothing
but ignorance of reality.” Justice S. S. Subra-
pelled by political and economic pressures roots. That’s how Indians mani referred to a Supreme Court decision
p h o t o s : m u . d e i va r aya n
and fascination for the West,” he went on, abroad take to study of our which said Sanskrit is the mother of all
“India continued learning foreign languages, traditional systems and San- Indo-Aryan languages, and it was this lan-
especially English. The elimination of San- skrit. There is a paradigm guage in which our Vedas, Puranas and Up-
skrit for the majority of Indians resulted in shift in their thinking.” anishads had been written, and in which
the loss of the rich traditional knowledge. When I attended the Kalidas, Bhavbuti, Banabhatta and Dandi
Macaulay killed the ancient traditional edu- Tenth World Sanskrit Con- wrote their classics. The judge also said that
cation system of India. It created a land in ference, held in 1997 in Ban- the teachings of Sankaracharya, Ramanuja,
which we do not inherit our traditional galore, I found a number of Madhvacharya, Nimbarka and Vallabha-
knowledge,” said Sri Krishna Sastry. non-Indians who presented charya would not have been woven into the
Dr. Ashok Aklujkar of British Columbia, papers on complex topics such as grammar, Better teaching methods: Another factor and have a passion for the language. They ground who study ayurveda at the college fabric of Indian culture if Sanskrit had not
Canada, concurs. “I am strongly in favor of medical literature and navigational terms. I that contributed greatly to the neglect and are no longer seen as tuft-growing men in level haven’t learned Sanskrit, resist studying have been available to them as a medium of
the Speak Sanskrit Movement,” he told Hin- met an Australian professor who was an au- “death” of Sanskrit was the treatment it re- dhotis,” opines Mr. Uday Narayan, a teacher. it and insist upon using translated texts. San- expressing their thoughts. Dr. Karan Singh,
duism Today. “However, it and other simi- thority on Vishnu Purana, a topic unknown ceived at the hands of academics. “Nowhere Decades ago Sanskrit teachers were looked skrit, which was compulsory for all the five son of the last Maharaja of Kashmir and a
lar movements will have only band-aid suc- to many Hindus. will you find a language being taught in a down upon as “pundits.” They did not fit years during the ayurveda course, was re- prominent Indian statesman, said, “The an-
cesses until Hindus realize that they have to Dr. Garry A. Tubb, a professor from Co- foreign language,” says Sri Krishna Sastry. into the fashionable English school environs. duced to only one year of study. Now sci- cient language has kept our samskriti (cul-
have a long-term, comprehensive vision for lumbia University and former professor at The easiest and most effective way is the Today, an increasing number of educators ence students are protesting even this one ture) alive. We are India as it is today be-
their way of living and plan how to bring Harvard University, who was at that confer- conversational method. Ironically, Sanskrit feel that teaching Sanskrit in schools will year of Sanskrit study. cause of Sanskrit.”
about the desired changes in 50 or 100 ence, expressed regret that there is no sys- was being taught through English and in open up the treasure house of traditional The communal issue: Sanskrit still draws In 1990, bharata natyam exponent and
years. The Indian education system needs to tematic Sanskrit education in India. “Indi- textbook fashion. As a result, students, in- knowledge and wisdom to children. resistance from certain castes, especially the long-time Delhi resident Justin McCarthy
change from the present three-language for- ans should develop love and respect for their stead of learning the language and develop- Sanskrit versus science: Knowledge of economically weaker sections and backward made an impassioned plea for Sanskrit in
mula to one which teaches the regional lan- ancient culture and rich heritage. If they ne- ing affinity, moved away from it. Sanskrit is imperative for understanding classes. They feel the language is difficult to the Indian Express. He wrote, “Sanskrit is
guage, the classical language (e.g., Sanskrit) glect the ancient manuscripts, the rich, mil- For seven years through high school and ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical sci- pronounce and believe it is only for the up- not dead, nor is it merely a language. It is a
and an international language (e.g., English).” lennia-old knowledge will perish,” he pre- college I studied Sanskrit through English ence, not to mention architecture, statecraft per castes, not for them. “The problem of our science and art, and insofar as it is a com-
Aklujkar (aklujkar@interchange.ubc.ca) is dicted. Dr. Tubb has written a critique on and yet I do not know the language. Many and the many other subjects dealt with in Dalit brethren is not just economic disparity pendium of a people’s consciousness, it is a
author of an innovative course, Sanskrit: an Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhavam as well as a like me took Sanskrit as an optional lan- the Sanskrit literature. but also cultural disparity. Providing knowl- microcosm of all that is essentially Indian. It
Easy Introduction to an Enchanting Lan- guide to Sanskrit teaching for Western stu- guage because obtaining marks was easy. The attempts to bring these ancient sci- edge of Sanskrit gives them this cultural is more precise and profound than any of the
guage. dents. Dr. Rahul Peter Das of Martin Luther Without studying grammar, which account- ences into prominence in modern India are equality and brings social harmony. But the world’s tongues. In literary terms, the ex-
Sanskrit, however, was not a pariah in Eu- University in Germany believes that “study- ed for thirty marks, we would answer in not without difficulties. Take ayurveda as most important factor is how the language is pressive power of Sanskrit is unparalleled in
rope and America, where its status as one of ing Sanskrit will help students understand English or Kannada for the remaining 70 an example. It used to be that ayurveda stu- taught and how the teacher motivates,” says multi-dimensional subtlety. My desperate
the most ancient Indo-European languages mathematics better.” Dr. Das has studied marks and still score well. Why did we need dents knew Sanskrit. However, in an appar- Krishna Sastry. It is worth noting that great plea for the preservation of Sanskrit may
was appreciated by Western academics and the Vedas from their original texts and is an to know the language when the focus was on ent attempt to upgrade the status of ayurve- Sanskrit works were written by non-brah- seem to many to be unwarranted. But India’s
promoted by Indian scholars in the West authority on Sanskrit grammar. the marks? The need to understand the nu- da, the Central Council for Alternative mins, such as Vyasa, son of a fisherwoman identity as unique amongst the world’s na-
such as Aklujkar. Thus Indian students Dr. Robert Goldman, head of the Sanskrit ances of Sanskrit was not emphasized. My Systems of Indian Medicine, which adminis- and editor of the Mahabharatha; Valmiki, tions is at stake. What is that uniqueness?
studying in the West have found a more pos- department at Philadelphia University, says, children have been studying Sanskrit from ters and manages ayurvedic colleges across son of a hunter and author of Ramayana; This is a country whose citizens are living
itive treatment of Sanskrit than they can in “Learning Sanskrit and its grammar will class five and are quite good at it—they India, made a new rule. They said only stu- Kalidas, a shepherd and poet; and Jabala, an descendants of a vibrant past, a tradition
India. Dr. Kamat, an educator, told me, “Our help one easily understand world civilization know the language. The teaching methods dents with modern science as majors would outcaste and author of the Jabala Upanishad. which still colors the lives of most Indians
traditional knowledge systems flourish in and literature.” Dr. Goldman, who has trav- have been wholesome, with complete focus be admitted to ayurvedic courses. At the Still, Sanskrit was branded a brahminical today. It is a tradition which, in its ideal
the West because they are looking towards eled extensively in India, can recite the on the language, including conversation. same time, the Central Board for Secondary language and tainted “communal,” contrary state, affords a fertile, holistic approach to
India for wisdom. The Indian student, once Vedas, Upanishads and mantras and speak The teachers have improved along with Education made Sanskrit an optional sub- to its true nature. “Sanskrit is the only lan- living even in the hyped-up, commercial
abroad and out of the claustrophobic clutch- fluently in Sanskrit. He has also translated the method. “Sanskrit teachers today are ject up to class 12 for students of science. guage that has a secular policy. See the Bha- age, inspiring all those, both Indian and for-
es of Indian environs, starts looking for his the original Valmiki Ramayana into English. driven by the promote Sanskrit movement As a result, students with a science back- gavad Gita. It gives a global or universal eign, who are at all touched by it.” ∏π
54 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 55
m u r u g a p pa n
Service and devotion: (Above) Amma’s medical college. (Below) Women perform “Vilakku puja,” a ceremony to propitiate Goddess Sakti.
S E RV ICE
‘Amma’
m u r u g a p pa n
m u r u g a p pa n
A man transformed: Bangaru Adigalar discovered a Siva lingam, unburied by a storm. Now he is an international legend.
For the last 32 years, Amma—who is mar- ment of sorts, with some 4,600 worship cen- women. A dental school is currently under
international fame. ried and has four children—has humbly ters, mandrams, established not only construction, scheduled to open sometime
Now, about that original inspiration. In served those who extol him as their guru throughout Tamil Nadu but outside India— late in 2004.
They call him “Mother,” this red-robed servant of 1966, a neem tree blew over in a storm, re-
vealing a swayambu (naturally formed) Si-
through the use of a mystical power his
devotees refer to as the “gift of intuition.”
in the United States, Singapore, Japan,
Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Switzerland,
In 1986, Amma founded the Adhipar-
asakthi Charitable Hospital to provide free
the poor and inspired defender of womanhood valingam that had been buried beneath it. This “gift” consists primarily of the ability to Sri Lanka, France, Nigeria and Zambia. treatment for the poor. The hospital has al-
When a Tamil teacher named Bangaru Adi- foresee the future. It is used by Amma only All maintenance at the temple is also man- ready served millions of people from the
galar saw this lingam, he experienced a in giving advice to devotees for solving the aged by these mandrams, while the day-to- 600 villages surrounding Melmaruvathur.
spontaneous spiritual transformation. practical problems of life. day work is performed by volunteer devo- Currently, the hospital has five wings, 300
By Kesava Mallia, Chennai Two: Women are honored first in the tem- In his illumined state he was inspired to For the purpose of sharing this advice, tees. With the temple’s high-volume activity, beds and employs a staff of 150, which in-
esides the unique way its ple—then children. And volunteer devo- build a temple on the very site of the lingam, Amma meets regularly with devotees in a this is no small task. On March 3, 2002, cludes 21 doctors. About 900 patients are
construction was originally in- tees—both men and women—perform the and arranged for construction to begin im- place called Putru Mandapam, built for him 250,000 people visited Melmaruvathur to treated daily. The hospital has organized
spired, the famous Adhi Parasak- temple pujas in the Tamil, Kanada, Telugu mediately. Eleven years later, he commis- next to the temple. There Amma lives in the celebrate Amma’s 62nd birthday. During the twelve “eye camps,” providing minor eye
thi Temple of Melmaruvathur, just and Hindi languages, even though, in accord sioned famed temple architect Dr. V. Gana- care of his family, quietly attending to the Hindu festival of Thai Pusam, in January of surgery and spectacles for free. The last
50 miles south of Chennai, is dis- with tradition, highly trained male priests pati Sthapati to create the Adhi Parasakthi needs of his congregation. 2002, an estimated two million pilgrims one, in February, 2002, was attended by
tinctive for at least three reasons. chanting Sanskrit fulfill this function in murti (statue) that is now the temple’s pri- His message is: “All are a part of the one came. On all full-moon days great feasts are over 4,000 people.
One: Its most stalwart devotees—of which most South Indian temples. mary Deity, although the original swayam- family of the one Divine Mother. Service to prepared for thousands. Even in a world too skeptical of miracles,
there are said to be more than a million— Three: In just 37 years—a short time in bu lingam is still worshiped regularly. the poor is service to the Goddess. Honor Amma has also founded a number of edu- the harshest critic would have to concede
wear the color red to signify the life blood the life of a South Indian pilgrimage desti- Today Bangaru Adigalar is called “Amma” woman as the Goddess.” This clear and sim- cational institutions, including two universi- that something divine inspired this man
they all share—be they rich, poor, man, nation—the temple and the spiritual move- (mother) and is considered by many to be a ple philosophical premise has gained him ties—one for agriculture and the other for called Amma to serve the poor, to praise
woman or child. ment that has formed around it have gained physical incarnation of Goddess Parasakthi. immense respect and has spawned a move- science—and an engineering college just for women and proclaim the oneness of all. ∏π
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success of the oduvar. Today, when rock and temples could not function without them. fifth generation.
stones mean “Mick Jagger” rather than The oduvars, however, were expendable. “Many have discouraged me, saying that I
“granite deity,” the very fact that Sivagangai Only the most dedicated remained at their may be losing out monetarily,” says Muthu-
would want to do what he is doing at all is posts. This is still true today. Sivagangai is kumar. “But I was firm and determined.
just short of a miracle. now working in the Kundrakudi Murugan Oduvars are respected everywhere.”
The golden age of the oduvars reached its Temple, which is government controlled. Al- The students still studying in the program
height when India’s kings held sway. South though his food and lodging are free, he all share a similar enthusiasm. Dingidul, 18,
India’s documented history dates back to the makes only about $15 a month. seeks to emulate his grandfather, who is still a
fourth century bce when the Cheras, Cho- At the Tirumurai Pathasala run by highly revered oduvar. Sivanmalai, 16, wants
las and Pandyas ruled what is now Tamil Koviloor Aadheenam, Ratnasabhapathi De- to sing in a temple in his hometown. So do 23-
Nadu. The domains of these three dynasties sikar, 72, teaches a five-year intensive course year-old T. Rathinavel Subramaniam and 18-
changed many times over the centuries, and to qualify oduvars, but he currently has only year-old Ganesan. “Even in villages, people
other dynasties periodically came into pow- seven students. There are four other schools are now more God-loving,” says Ganesan,
er. Through it all, there was a steady patron- like this in Tamil Nadu. The most successful who will be a 15th-generation oduvar. “So I
age of the arts, and this served the expan- of them is at Dharmapuram Aadheenam, am very sure this tradition will stay for a very
sion of Tamil culture well. where teachers have sustained their pro- long time.” Soma Sivaprakasam, 20, is the son
The Tirumurai were written and com- gram for the last 25 years. Today, in all of of an accountant who became an oduvar. He
piled from approximately 200 bce through Tamil Nadu, it is estimated that less than 30 dreams of going abroad to serve as a teacher
the eleventh century. During this time, the students are studying to become full-time and a singer.
saints that composed these poems and songs oduvars. At the Koviloor Aadheenam, Tirumurai
were becoming legends, and oduvars like This bleak horizon reveals a glimmer of school education is free, just as it is in all the
the minstrels of Europe, were singing their light. Recently, a Tamil movie entitled Raja pathasalas (schools) of Tamil Nadu. Food,
praises. In the eleventh century, during the Raja Cholan featured a number of oduvars accommodation, clothes and books are pro-
reign of two important South Indian kings, performing on film. Never in recent history vided at no cost. The Chettiars, a communi-
Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola Suma- have these elite but obscure musicians en- ty of wealthy South Indian businessmen,
tra, the religious life of the Tamil people was joyed such mainstream promotion. Sri La have long been associated with the oduvars
at its zenith, and times were never better for Sri Nachiappa Gnana Desika Swamigal, the and figure in their future as dependable pa-
the oduvar. pontiff of Koviloor Aadheenam, is enthusias- trons. Organizations like the Music Acade-
Rajaraja Chola once supported more than tic. “We will be releasing an audio cas- my, Seethai Hall, Narada Gana Sabha and
3,000 oduvars. During his reign, these sa- sette/CD on Tirumurai,” he says with a Ramalingar Pani Mandram—all based in
cred singers were given great respect. After gleam in his eye. “Things are slowly getting Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s classical music vor-
m u r u g a p pa n
the ceremonial flame of high puja was better. There is more respect for the odu- tex—constantly promote the Tirumurai and
shown to the temple Deity, it was passed var.” For years, Swami has been spearhead- the oduvars.
next to the oduvar—even before the king, if ing a campaign to revive the tradition. Then there is Sivagangai, who daily strives
he were present. At the school run by Koviloor Aad- to melt even the hearts that do not melt at
The magnificient seven: Nachiappa Swamigal (center), Pontiff of Koviloor Aadheenam, oversees his oduvar class of seven with their teacher During the 14th century, Muslim invasion heenam, Muthukumar and Ananda Kalee- all. The saints who wrote the songs he sings
weakened the Chola dynasty, then in power. swaran, both 21, are the only two students have long ago passed away. Yet, they live on
MUSIC Even after the great Vijayanagar Empire fell who have graduated from the course since in their Tirumurai—and in the sacred
in 1564, Tamil culture continued to flourish its inception in 1995. Muthukumar is a first- singing of Sivagangai. ∏π
generation oduvar, while Kaleeswaran is With Kesava Mallia, Chennai
m u r u g a p pa n
gangai and a few more like him. And after only from the Tirumurai, a twelve-book col- pline. He must be blessed with extraordi- nonreligious principles. Indian Indepen-
them, there will be a few more. And so it lection of hymns and writings of South Indi- nary talent and exemplary dedication. Yet, dence spawned a faltering democratic gov-
will be for a very long time, for the music of an Saivite saints. unlike perhaps even the finest violinist, he ernment laced with corruption. This new
the oduvar is truly divine. As told from the Not only is the oduvar taught to sing with must also be pure, humble, religious, austere democracy harvested profits from temples
annals of South Indian history, “A heart that great devotion, the songs he sings are devo- and devotional. This is as it was 100 years and left priests nearly penniless. As bad as In class: Oduvar Ratnasabhapathi Desikar instructs his seven students at the Koviloor
does not melt from the songs of the oduvar tional by nature. The following famous verse ago. But modern times militate against the this was, the priests at least had jobs, for the Aadheenam Thirumurai school, from which just two students have graduated since 1995
58 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 59
SCULPTURE
j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 61 62 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 03
INTERVIEW that I have told you.” He gave advice to
all the members. He told me, “Be in this
Hinduism in Africa
monastery, available to the people here,
so that if they need any advice, they can
come to you. So, now you do not have to
bother about anything, as you have every-
thing with you. Try to meditate.” And this
My guru guided me to establish a temple and is what I am trying to do since he left the
world in 1992.
Hindu youth feel very happy after
monastery in Ghana to propagate Hinduism worshiping in the temple. But most of
the youth, even Hindu youth in Ghana,
act like they are Christians. As they are
BY S R I S WA M I G H A NA NA N DA away from India, they are also away from
the Indian values. For instance, most of
am a disciple of swami krishnananda saraswati, them eat meat and fish. They like the
who propagated Hinduism in Africa and also set up discotheques. My job is to remind people
the Human Service Trust in Mauritius. I was born why they have come to this Earth. We are
in the traditional African religion. Both my parents not here to act like the clowns of a circus.
were priests. Initially, I became a Christian, but I was We do not have many drug addicts, but
searching for the truth. I went through some books on yoga we have people who have other negative
and discovered that Hinduism is a very good religion. It is tendencies. The challenge in Ghana is to
open minded. It teaches you about God. It also teaches you continue with our Hindu practices and
about the science of the soul. Later on, I decided to go to In- stay on the right path.
dia. I went to Rishikesh and stayed at Swami Sivananda’s ash- My message to the youth is that Hindu-
ram, the Divine Life Society. There I found that Hinduism is ism should be taken as something which
a straightforward religion that revealed the truth. Later on, is a way of life and is not just going to the
I came back to Ghana and tried to practice Hinduism as a temple and performing certain rituals. By
normal person. At that time my age was 35. following Hinduism they should be able to lead a very good life,
When I came back from India, I organized a group of people. so that when they reincarnate, they get a good birth to continue
Now, these were not ordinary people. I had university lecturers their spiritual education. For now, they must do all the good that
and lawyers. They were the core of the group that I formed. I ex- they can. If they do so, their future will be bright. I tell the youth
posed them to what I had learned from India. Some of the Indian that they must respect the elders and try to learn from them by
families also came to my lectures. When Swami Krishnananda sitting at their feet. You cannot learn anything if you do not pay
came from India, most of the Indians went to meet him. They told due respect to your elders. The youth has to behave humbly and
him that I had been to India and was practicing Hinduism. Then study the scriptures and live the life by the scriptures. Our Hindu
they introduced me to him. He told me that what I was doing youth should set an example for the rest of humanity by being on
was perfect, and that I should carry on with it. You see, not many
swamis used to come to West Africa. And the ones who did come
would stay for a week or two and go back. But it was Swami Krish-
nanand Saraswati who stayed there all the time. He gave me a lot
of encouragement. I told him that I wanted to be a swami. When
the correct path.
So far, I have not initiated any monks in West Africa. You see,
Hinduism is a new thing there, and I do not want to make some-
body a monk who later on abandons monkhood. It would bring a
bad name to me and to Hinduism. I do tell people what is expected
The Renaissance Man
next he came, he told me that now he was going to fulfill my wish. of them to become a monk. But there are many people who are Swami Chinmayananda’s legendary mission began
He initiated me in sannyas. The president of the country attended just looking for a place to stay. They express their desire to me,
my initiation in 1975. Then my monastic life started. but I say, “Sorry,” to them. Consequently, I am facing a problem. I with a bold and brilliant lecture invoking change
My guru told me, “You are the first African swami” and said, want more people to come and join me. I am getting older. I am
“To be a monk, you must get a place for a monastery.” At the time, sixty-five. If I pass away tomorrow, there should be somebody to
there was no one propagating Hinduism in Ghana. There was no take over. But at the moment there is nobody to carry forward this Peering into the future: The swami at age 35, with 42 years of destiny ahead. (Inset) The grand old master on his 70th birthday.
temple or place where the people of Indian origin could go and work. I pay a lot of attention to the youth, educating them in Hin-
pray. So my master told them, “What are you doing? You have such duism. God’s ways are mysterious. Maybe tomorrow someone who Only 18 people attended Swami Chinmayananda’s first lecture, in and civilization that we have lost.
a good culture. You must practice it.” Since 1975 to the present deserves to be a monk will show up. Pune, India, on December 23, 1951. Though the organizers of the To some, no doubt, Hinduism in India has come to be nothing
time we have made a lot of progress, with the blessings of God. I Living as a Hindu in West Africa is not easy. You are threatened. event thought it was a flop, the 32-year-old swami knew it was not. more than a bundle of superstitions—or a certain way of dressing,
have set up five temples in Ghana and one temple in the neighbor- What is needed is positive coverage from the African media. The The talk, which we share below, was entitled “Let Us Be Hindus.” cooking, eating, talking and so on. Our Gods have fallen to the
ing country of Togo. We have no problem with the government. media must write that Hinduism is something good. They have to It called for a Hindu Renaissance. That Renaissance became the mortal level of administration officers at whose altars we pray for
But there are a few individuals who feel threatened. They are tell people that Swami is a messenger of Hinduism like the other theme and substance of the swami’s work for the following 42 years. special permissions—and get them if the required fees are paid to
scared of the popularity and spreading of Hinduism, and they swamis of this ancient tradition. If something like this happens, the priests!
would like to destroy it. then many of the people will want to join Hinduism. However, the t has become a new fashion with the educated This degradation is not the product of any accidental or sudden
The future of Hindus in Ghana is very bright. We have to do present treatment by the media is not so fair. Hindu to turn up his nose and sneer at the very mention of historical upheaval. For two hundred years, Hinduism has been
a lot of work there. My guru told me to help orphans, disabled his religion. I, too, have been among these critics. But when it catering to the rich. Once upon a time long ago, the learned
people and those who are suffering. He told me to do things so that is proclaimed that we would benefit socially and nationally by philosophers, known as brahmins, wisely advised the rulers, called
people are attracted to Hinduism. I have been fighting to make swami ghanananda, 65, may be contacted at Hindu Monastery running away from Hinduism, I pause to reconsider my stand. kshatriyas. But through time, the brahmins and the kshatriyas
Hinduism grow in my area. of Africa, P. O. Box 13693, Accra, Ghana. The above material is However decadent our religion may have become, it is far better became indulgent, and the purity of their lifestyle deteriorated.
My guru kept in touch with me almost till he breathed his last. excerpted from his interview with Hinduism Today correspondent than no religion at all. My proposal is that we bring about a renais- Today, the cry of the educated class is really against this un-reli-
When he was last in Ghana, he told me, “Swami Ghanananda, I Rajiv Malik in Malaysia in February, 2003, following the Malaysia sance of Hinduism so that within its greatness—which has been gion. Only the thoughtless would call this Hinduism.
am going. Now everything is in your hands. Try to do everything Hindu Sangam’s Hindu Renaissance Rally. proven through many centuries—we may reattain the past culture Certainly, if Hinduism can breed for us only heartless and cor-
j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 63 64 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3
rupt businessmen, cowardly workers, loveless masters and faithless Religion becomes ineffective if the seekers are not ready to live
servants; if Hinduism can give us only a state of social living in its ideals. For that matter, is there any philosophy—political, social
which each man is set against his brother; if Hinduism can give us or cultural—that can take anyone anywhere if its followers don’t
only starvation and destitution; if Hinduism can encourage us only obey certain principles in daily life?
to plunder, to loot and to steal; if Hinduism can preach to us only However great our culture might have been in the past, that his-
intolerance, fanaticism, hardheartedness and cruelty; then I too tory alone cannot help us in our present trails. We must learn, then
cry, “Down! Down with Hinduism!” live, the Hindu life. Knowledge alone will not suffice. A study of a
The true Hinduism is a science of perfection. There is, in this cookbook, however thorough it may be, cannot satisfy our hunger.
true Hinduism, a solution to every individual, social, national and No matter how long we meditate upon and repeat the name of a
international problem. True Hinduism is the sanatana dharma medicine, we cannot obtain its cure unless we actually ingest it.
(eternal truth) of the Upanishads. Similarly, the blessings of religion can be ours only when we are
The Upanishads proclaim in unmistakable terms that, in reality, ready to live its recommended values.
man is God. Man is therefore advised to live his day-to-day life in Renunciation is also required. Without renunciation, no progress
such a systematic way that, hour by hour, he is consciously cleans- is possible. We must renounce the thrills of our childhood games
ing himself of all those imperfections that have gathered to conceal so that we might grow to be men of noble action. Unless we are
the beauty and divinity of his true, eternal nature. The methods ready to renounce the low, animalistic values of material life and
by which an individual may consciously evolve by his own self-ef- replace them with the noble values of a truly religious life, we can-
fort comprise the content of Hinduism. The vast amphitheater of not hope to gain the blessings of religion.
Hinduism is preserved, yet hidden, deep within the camouflage of In conclusion, let us first know what Hinduism is. Then, let us
its heavy descriptions, which are contained in the scriptures and take an honest oath—not only for our sake, but for the sake of the
their many, many commentaries. This overgrowth has so effective- whole world—that we shall, when once we are convinced of the
ly come to conceal that true grandeur of this Temple of Truth that, validity of this Eternal Truth, try honestly and consistently to live
today, that temple is all but lost amidst its own festoons. its values. Aum Aum Aum. ∏π
d av i d b a l l
deeply concerned. One of the VHP’s first
ambitions was to attempt converting these
Hindus back into Hinduism. This has re-
ometime early in 1948, a brash, mained a VHP priority to the present day.
32-year-old journalist named Bala- Even after two major heart attacks near Elephant regalia: The great mammoth march of Trissur in Kerala is one of India’s most famous elephant displays
krishna strutted into Rishikesh look- the end of his life, Swami kept traveling
ing for trouble. He was, as he put it, and lecturing. By the time he passed away ANIMAL RIGHTS
out to “expose how those holy men are in August of 1993, he had conducted 576
Elephant’s Price
keeping up the bluff.” At that time, the lit- Jnana Yajnas. He had also established
tle village of Rishikesh, nestled in the twelve major Chinmaya Centers, 72
foothills of the Himalayas, was still a wild schools, six colleges, 30 temples, a hospital
a l l p h o t o s : c o u r t e s y o f c h i n m aya m i s s i o n
and scary place where lions and tigers and an orphanage—as well as numerous vo-
roamed, and a roaring river called the cational training centers and senior citizen’s
Ganges—not yet crossed by a bridge, either homes. “If I rest, I rust,” Swami was fond of
up or downstream—could sweep a man to saying.
his death before he could think his name. It is hard to imagine none of this grand Neglect and brutal treatment too often beset our temple mascots
Yet, there were a few huts and ashrams— story happening, but actually that might
and yes, there were some holy men. One of have been the case, had it not been for one
these saintly souls—in fact, the first rishi of anonymous woman. Before taking sannyas, B Y V RINDAVANAM S. G OPALAKRISHNAN , occasion required. Even the temple ele- nearby Mattanchery. He had burns on his
Rishikesh that Balakrishna met—was Swa- young Balakrishna was inspired by the E RNARKULAM , K ERALA phants were kept busy with work in addi- forehead and mouth and was in very poor
mi Sivananda. Within a day or two, Bala- freedom movement of India and became a isitors to the famed krishna tion to being available for the religious func- condition, all a result of mistreatment.
krishna had forgotten his intended purpose. “freedom fighter.” While distributing con- temple at Guruvayoor in Kerala sel- tions. Their keepers, the mahouts, were There are many other examples.
Swami Sivananda’s unworldly calm had troversial literature, he was arrested and dom skip visiting the nearby Pun- then highly trained and respected. Today There have been an increasing number of
completely overwhelmed him. Almost in- thrown into a New Delhi prison. There, nathur Kotta Anathavalam, or ele- many are not. The result is the elephants incidents of rebellious elephants, often those
stantly, the proud skeptic was transformed. where the cells were unhygienic and pris- phant grounds. It is such a stunning now pay the high price of human neglect. owned by temples. The mahouts are getting
On February 25, 1949, along with five oners were dying by the dozens from dead- experience to see the 57 elephants, ages from Take the example of the mahout Gopala- the blame because of their ruthless behavior
other students, Balakrishna received san- Godly scholar: Swami preparing a lecture ly diseases, the frail young man also fell six to sixty-five, up close. There is a saying in krishnan, an alcoholic. He had stupidly tak- toward the elephants, their lack of under-
nyas initiation from Swami Sivananda and for one of his many Jnana Yagnas deathly ill. When prison guards threw him India that one never tires of watching three en the majestic tusker Ravipuram Govindan standing of the psychology of the animal
was named Chinmayananda. Sivananda im- out in the streets to die, a passing woman things: the Moon, the ocean and an elephant. out on the main thoroughfare of Kochi on coupled with inexperience and dereliction
mediately sent him to the village of Ut- (wisdom offerings), “elucidating Advaita took pity upon him, called a doctor and But all is not well in the lives of these intelli- January 22, 2003, despite the elephant of duty. The mahouts, according to officials
tarkashi, 100 miles north of Rishikesh, to Vedanta for the common man of the mar- arranged for him to be nursed back to gent, sensitive and highly social creatures. showing signs of musth, the frenzied yearly of the temple administration I interviewed,
train intensively with a famous Vedic schol- ketplace.” During the 42 years that fol- health. Had this lady not shown compas- There is another saying in India, “ele- sexual season of the males. The enraged ele- are paid us$125 a month, plus benefits, in-
ar named Swami Tapovanam. Nearly three lowed, he gave hundreds of Jnana Yagnas. sion, the man known as Swami Chin- phant’s price,” meaning “immensely expen- phant killed his mahout and terrorized the cluding housing—not a lot for a 24/7 com-
years after this, Swami Chinmayananda be- In 1962, Swami Chinmayananda was in- mayananda might never become been the sive.” It’s a tribute to the value of an elephant city before being shot by a tranquilizer gun. mitment to an animal who may be daily
gan giving lectures called “Jnana Yajnas” strumental in establishing the Vishwa Hin- legend that was. ∏π in the old days when they served as crane, Recently the government animal welfare contemplating your demise.
forklift, tow truck or Sherman Tank, as the officer took in an elephant, Lakshmanan, at Temple elephants come from two sources.
j u ly / a u g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 65 66 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly, au g u s t, s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3
One is when a rich person gifts
an elephant to a temple, a tradi-
tional offering. The pomp and
circumstance with which these
gifts are received is not followed
by proper care.
A second group of elephants
are those hired out by their own-
ers for work in the timber depots
or to the temples for festivals. Ac-
cording to Dr. K. C. Panicker, a
Kerala Agricultural University
veterinary college professor and
currently the Secretary of the
Elephant Welfare Association,
Trissur, they, too, are not cared Better days: Caparisoned elephants parade
for properly.
Many have been subjected to
cruel treatment to break their
spirit and make them obey the
across this modern painting on silk cloth
phants. They are intelligent, deals mostly with elephants and horses. warlike feats, and of grooms, such as drivers, binders and others.” (Introduction, Chapter
emotional and sensitive. Ele- Both were key to the military readiness of 31, “The Superintendent of Elephants”)
phants like clean premises. If the the kingdom. Ancient India understood ele-
surface is filthy, they will sleep phants, and the level of care can be ascer- “The first and seventh of the eight divisions of the day are the two bathing times of ele-
standing. Elephants drink only tained by comparing the food rations men- phants; the time subsequent to those two periods is for their food; forenoon is the time for
clean water. They become tioned earlier in this article with the more their exercise; afternoon is the time for drink; two (out of eight) parts of the night are the
friendly with those who offer Pachyderm reality: (above) “The Brakes,” a nailed ring to be clamped and tightened onto the ele- nourishing and satisfying diet listed in the time for sleep; one-third of the night is spent in taking wakeful rest.” (Section 136)
them their favorite food, such as phant’s leg, shown with other brutal means of control; (below) a violent elephant is tethered to a tree Arthashastra (at right) 2,300 years ago. In
plantain, jaggery, etc.” the USA, that diet could run us$700/week. The [daily] rations for an elephant [of standard height] shall be one drona of rice [equiv-
Panicker went on to explain the require- daily. For good health, the elephant should vayur Temple administration. The area in Unfortunately, these ancient texts are not alent to 13.2 kg], half an adhaka of oil [1.6 kg], 3 prasthas of ghee [2.5 kg], 10 palas of salt
ments of elephant care. “The quantum of spend three to four hours each day in water which they are housed is quite inadequate, consulted much today. [.5 kg], 50 palals of flesh [2.3 kg], one adhaka of broth (rasam) [3.3 kg], or twice the
food required by an elephant daily is five and be bathed with hard scrubbers. But Panicker said, even though this is one of the There are estimated in all of Asia to be quantity of curd [6.6 kg]; in order to render the dish tasteful, 10 palas of sugar (kshara) [.5
percent of its weight, which runs 2,500 to these conditions are rarely met for the work- better compounds in the state. There is little 35,000 to 50,000 Asian elephants in the wild kg], one adhakara of liquor [3.3 kg], or twice the quantity of milk (payah) [6.6 kg]; one
4,500 kg. Throughout the day, except for the ing elephant or those used at temple festivals. provision for dealing with male elephants and an additional 15,000 in captivity. Their prastha of oil [.8 kg] for smearing over the body, one-eight prastha of oil [.1 kg] for the
four hours when they sleep, elephants eat. A On top of malnourishment comes increas- during the annual musth period when they numbers are just a tenth of the African ele- head and for keeping a light in the stables; two bharas of meadow grass [140 kg], 2.25
working adult should be fed five kilos of rice, ing mistreatment by untrained mahouts, become wild and don’t respond to their ma- phant. The World Conservation Union Red bharas of ordinary grass (sashpa) [157.5 kg], and 2.5 bharas of dry grass [175 kg]; and
ten kilos of ragi (black millet), 100 grams of said Panicker. The novices treat the animals hout. This lasts for a few days in adolescent List, which is a comprehensive data base of any quantity of stalks of various pulses (kadankara). (Section 137)
salt, 50 grams of jaggery and 300 kilos of ruthlessly and inflict injuries on them, cre- males up to three months in 30- and 40- endangered species, states that Asian ele-
palm leaves. Most private owners provide 18 ating an uncontrollable beast. Such continu- year-olds. During this period, they are heav- phants have experienced a 50% reduction in “Accumulation of dirt in stables, failure to supply grass, causing an elephant to lie down
kilos of cooked rice and 200 to 300 kilos of ous torture often leads to sickness and even ily chained and left without proper care. numbers over the last three generations as a on hard and unprepared ground, striking on vital parts of its body, permitting a stranger
palm leaves. But now the shortage of palm death. Panicker makes recommendations to alle- result of exploitation and decline of habitat. to ride it, untimely riding, leading it to water through impassable places and allowing it to
leaves is a major problem and no efforts are To a great extent, the nonavailability of viate the problems. The Punnathur Kotta No matter how well treated, an elephant enter the thick forest are offenses punishable with fines.” (Section 137)
being made to plant more.” trained mahouts could be attributed to the and like places should have more space, remains an undomesticated animal. It has
With the palm consumption going up as poor wages and to the risk involved, he said. compound walls and a forest atmosphere so never been selectively bred like the cow and Elephants are classified into four kinds in accordance with the training they are given:
the number of captive elephants increases, Lack of proper care and maintenance also that the elephants can move freely. There has horse to live closely with humans. Conse- that which is tameable (damya), that which is trained for war (sannahya), that which is
most of the elephants remain underfed, Pan- results in increase of deaths. During the to be a mating yard to preserve the social or- quently, only under the kindest and most in- trained for riding (aupavahya) and rogue elephants (vyala). (Introduction, Chapter 32,
icker pointed out. Given this situation, the past two decades, 234 elephants died in der. There should be a special place for baby telligent of care will the animal be content in “Training of Elephants”)
best alternative left is to grow hybrid napier Kerala alone. The highest number was 20 in elephants to be raised, like the elephant or- captivity. Unfortunately, our traditional
grass in the wastelands. Similarly, provision 1997. phanage set up in Kandy, Sri Lanka (mem- knowledge of how to provide such consider- “Throwing sticks, mud, stones, rods or arrows on elephants, raising or waving the arms
for drinking water has to be made. Elephants The largest number of elephants kept in bers.lycos.co.uk/withanage/orphanage.htm). ate care is declining as rapidly as the ele- against elephants shall be treated as an assault [i.e. with the same punishment as assault-
consume around 250 liters of clean water captivity is at Punnathur Kotta of the Guru- Instead of donating an elephant to the phant’s population. ∏π ing a human].( Section 234)
j u ly, a u g u s t, s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3 h i n d u i s m t o d ay 67 68 h i n d u i s m t o d ay j u ly / au g u s t / s e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 3
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71
For the
diverse needs
of the affluent.
Self-transformation!
memories of warm extended families and cool temples resounding with ancient Priya Alahan
Appamal Athimulam
Hemakheshaa Naatha Batumallah
56.00
210.00
6.00
Tirunavukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam
Ganesan & Rajalakshmi Ramalingam 25.00
Udayan Care Endowment Fund
Roy Eugene Davis
Christian Langers
475.00
100.00
mantras. Others find peace of mind in Hindu yoga practices. Many find solace in Banu Devi Deva
Umaiyal Devasegayam Family
127.00
67.87
Aran Sendan
Total
51.00
76.00
Total 575.00
Dharma in countries around the globe and helping preserve its rich heritage for K. Sasikumar
Chandra Shekharan
Devaladevi Sivaceyon
13.68
26.00
5.22
Malaysian Hindu Youth Education Trust
Sitharama Swamy Katragadda
Total
200.00
200.00
Bala Sivaceyon
Total
20.89
20.89
future generations. Hindu Heritage Endowment (HHE) provides such an oppor- Patudeva Sivaceyon
Hemavalli Sivalingam
5.22
3.16 Kumbhalavalai Ganesha Temple Endowment
Kerala Temple Trust
Sitharama Swamy Katragadda 200.00
Kantha Ruben Sivalingam 3.16 Manoharan Navaratnarajah 75.00 Kishore G. and Subha Pathial 251.00
tunity. A public charitable trust recognized by the United States government, Rohini Sivalingam
Potriyan Sivanathan
3.16
3.92
Aran Sendan
Total
51.00
126.00
Total 451.00
ashrams and temples. They support priests and publish books; and they are Gunavinthan Siva Thirumalai
Priyatarshini Tirumalai
Sudha Vinadharan
27.15
27.15
327.66
Thopsie V. & Prema Jagannath
Sitharama Swamy Katragadda
Ramakumar & Sailaja Kosuru
100.00
200.00
20.00
Total
designed to continue giving that financial support year after year, decade after Total 1,562.04 Christian Langers
Natraj Narayanswami
150.00
25.00
Ganesan & Rajalakshmi Ramalingam
Rakesh Sood
75.00
100.00
Hinduism Today Distribution Fund Rama Pemmaraju Rao 18.00 Padma Srinivasan 62.75
decade, century after century. The staff at HHE is one-pointed in their dedication Kris Bhat
Anita Bhattacharjee
29.00
52.00
Ganesan & Rajalakshmi Ramalingam
Marilyn Roysdon
50.00
20.00
Total 237.75
schedule of how the next year’s funds will be spent before funds are issued. We Aaran Mohann
M. H. Vamadeva Murthy
Rama Pemmaraju Rao
35.00
600.00
18.00
Suntheram Family Trust Fund
Ramachandran Suntheram
Total
1,500.00
1,500.00
Total Contributions $17,092.11
take it as a sadhana to see that your gifts meet their purpose. Please place Hindu Vijaya Ramakrishna
Syam P. Reddy
150.00
119.00 Loving Ganesha Distribution Fund
Funds at Market Value, February 28, 2003
Total Endowment Funds $3,221,274.42
Dinesh Sadhwani 140.00 Christian Langers 150.00 Total Pooled Income Funds $183,809.50
Heritage Endowment in your will, your year-end giving and/or your monthly Chandra Shekharan
Nutanaya Sivaceyon
227.00
5.22
Manoharan Navaratnarajah
Gassa Patten
75.00
863.60 Grand Total $3,405,083.92
Potriyan Sivanathan 2.62 Total 1,088.60
budget. Whether you are inspired to give a few dollars to support orphanages or Womana Skanda
Satheesan Sudhakaran
31.00
126.00 Saiva Agamas Trust
Ganesammal Supiah 157.86 Matthew Wieczork 12.00
bequest millions in your will, write, give us a call or look us up on the Internet. Shailesh Trivedi
Total
108.00
3,622.45
Total 12.00
Find out how to enrich your life by helping to preserve the treasures of a profound Hindu Businessmen’s Association Trust
Vel Alahan 360.00
Tirumular Sannidhi Preservation Fund
Sanganur & Janaki Mahadevan
Total
100.00
100.00
heritage for generations now living or as yet unborn.
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, HHE Founder MISSION STATEMENT: Hindu Heritage Endowment is a publicly supported, charitable organiza-
January 5, 1927–November 12, 2001 tion recognized as tax exempt by the IRS on April 22, 1994. Employer ID 99-0308924. Founded by
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, its philanthropic mission is to provide secure, professionally
managed financial support for institutions and religious leaders of all lineages of Sanatana Dharma.
Vedic Astrology
& Ancient
Commander Selvam PhD
Indian Healings
Siddhar Selvam, or Dr. Commander Selvam, is the only Atharva
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Vydic Yagnya Centre is dedicated to helping bring peace, contentment, inspiration and
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aastu rectification yagnyas are available for houses that are non-sthapatya-vedic. If there are inaccuracy
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Contact us about other yagnyas and spiritual services we provide to make your life happy and abundant.