HINDU TODAY l 2013 l NOVEMBER [1]
Bank of India is Authorised and Regulated in the UK by the Financial Services
Authority.
A member of Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
For further details please visit our website www.bankofindia.co.in HINDU TODAY
[2] l NOVEMBER l 2013
Foreword
Founder : Late Arjan K. Vekaria
Publisher : Panna Vekaria
Legal Consultant : Vijay Goel
A Soul Always On A Mission
USA Editor : Vrndavan Brannon Parker
Africa Editor : Muljibhai Pindolia वैष्णव जन तो तेने कहिये जे पीड परायी जा्णे रे।
पर दुःखे उपकार करे तो ये मन अभिमान न आ्णे रे॥
Vastu Editor : Coralie Felicitas Srivastava One who is a true devotee of God
Feels the pain of others
Editorial, Advertisement & Circulation : They help those who are in misery
Vascroft Estate, 861, But never lets ego or pride enter their mind
Coronation Road, A true Vaishnava is the person who serves other
Park Royal, London, before serving himself. Arjan was a saintly person, a
NW10 7PT true Vaishnava in every sense. Born in swaminarayan
Tel: + 44(0) 20 8961 8928 fellowship family. His whole life was dedicated to the
Fax : +44(0) 20 8961 8928 सव्वजीव हितावि (beneficial to all) messages promoted by
Bhagawan Shree Swaminarayan.
Email : [email protected] A life driven by religion, Arjan was never distracted
[email protected] from the path of Dharma despite having all earthly
comforts.
Hindu Today Published By A visionary, philanthropist and a true dharmic, Arjan
Panna Vekaria had been a dedicated humanitarian; His commitment to
Vascroft Estate, 861, sanatan dharma was beyond traditional thinking. Arjan’s
Coronation Road, Park Royal, dedication to selfless service was recognised time and
London, NW 107 PT again. He was appointed to a prestigious position in
British government as one of the 13 faith advisers.
Printed By Rt Hon Ed Miliband, MP, Leader of the Labour party,
Evolution Print & Design Ltd. Unit 12 quoted “It is also a loss to the wider British community
Lewisher Road, Leicester LE4 9LR here in Britain. Arjan was a leading figure, of great
intelligence and compassion who dedicated himself to
serving his community. It was a privilege to share a
Cover Art : Late Shri Arjan K. Vekaria stage with him, most recently at the Parliamentary
Diwali celebrations which he helped to organise.”
Cover Design : Varun S. Mundra His life was based on dharma and philosophies.
He considered that the philosophies are the fuel of the
soul. Just as we need food to function our body, we
need philosophies for functioning of our souls. Thus we
vow to inherit and carry on his legacy by promoting
dharma and spreading the dharmic philosophies all over
the world.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE Arjan always believed that the soul is beyond birth
REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OF BY ANY MEANS OR
STORED IN ANY RETRIEVAL SYSTEM. IF ANY NATURE WITH OUR PRI- and death. He was a man always on mission and I am
WRITTEN PERMISSION, EXCEPT FOR THE PERMITTED FAIR DEALING confident that the divine soul will always be on mission.
UNDER COPYRIGHT, DESIGNS AND PATENTS ACT, 1988M APPLICATION
FOR PERMISSION FOR OTHER USE OF THE COPYRIGHT MATERIAL INCLUDING Being a saint, one is detached from any earthly
PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE EXTRACT IN OTHER PUBLISHED WORK SHALL attachments and thus we are neither supposed to cry
BE MADE TO THE PUBLISHERS. or feel happy. The sad demise of Arjan bhai Vekaria
FULL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AUTHOR, PUBLISHER AND SOURCE OF made me cry because of his deeds and virtues; this was
MATERIAL MUST BE GIVEN. HINDU TODAY LTD. 2007 OPTIONS EXPRESSED not only felt by me but almost every prominent saint
IN HINDU TODAY ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER. THE like HH Muniji Maharaj Shri ChidanadJI, Bhupendrabhai
HEALTH RELATED CONTENT IN HINDU TODAY IS INTERDED ONLY TO pandya, and many other prominent saints.
INFORM, NOT TO PRESCRIBE AND IS NOT MEANT TO BE A SUBSTITUTE
FOR THE ADVICE OF A QUALIFIED HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL. - HH Shri Madhavapriyadas Swamiji
Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily (Patron-in-Cheif, Hindu Today)
represent those of Hindu Today Group.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [I]
In this Edition
CONTENT
Remembrance
Untimely Demise of Mr. Arjan K. Vekaria 1
Dharmic Champion
Pramukh Swami Maharaj 9
Tecumseh and the United Indian States of America 12
Science
Vedic KÈlaga‡anÈ 20
Hinduism & The Science of Pregnancy 25
Management
Want to be a good leader 27
Religion
The Other Side of Caste 28
Culture
The Peacock King of the Vedic Yezidi People 32
Scripture
Upanishads do not ask you to renounce life 36
One Minute Geeta 40
News
Prince Charles Performs Ganga Puja: Portend for a New Age? 42
The Unknown Cheb I Sabbah 45
Prime Minister David Cameron Celebrates Hindu New Year at Neasden Temple 46
[II] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Remembrance
Untimely Demise of
Mr. Arjan K. Vekaria
By Vrndavan Parker
“He reasons ill who tells that
Vaishnavas die, When thou
art living still in sound.
The Vaishnavas die to live
and living try, To spread a
holy life around!”
This stanza written in 1871 by
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur the great
Vaishnava Saint, scholar and prolific
author and Government Magistrate
of Puri, Orissa upliftingly expresses
the eternality of a loving life spent
in the service of others. Though the
pain of personal anguish and lost
potential is very real and though
the daily shared moments of af-
fection and acts of friendship and
camaraderie are no longer pos-
sible the positive impact remains.
For a life steeped in devotion and
spent on bettering the world and
the lives of others has implications
beyond the current moment of
time and space. Arjan Karsandas
Vekaria is such a personality and
his life reflects those qualities of
intrinsic and eternal value. Success-
ful at the material level he did not
merely convert that success into a
comfortable life for himself and his
family. Rather he saw his wealth,
prosperity and success as a means
to help others and to broadcast festival. Though our conversation Sri Krsna!” with such vigor and
the glories of Bhagavan and Sana- was brief the enthusiasm and en- with such a sense of joy that a
tana Dharma. Where there was the ergy he expressed was remark- tangible wave of Bhakti hit me. All
darkness of despair he brought the able. We spoke about the great doubts I ever had about the value
light of hope. Reflecting upon his potential of his magazine Hindu of our mutual sewa were instantly
life one is inspired that such a per- Today and how the blessings of washed away. From that moment
son was among us. Lord Krishna continue to blossom on I knew this job as a magazine
I spoke with Arjanji earlier this in our lives. Just before we hung editor was truly a reward and a
year just before he embarked on up the phone I said, ‘ Jai Sri Krs- gift from Lord Krsna himself.
his journey to the Kumbha Mela na!” He instantly responded, “Jai Though his untimely death does
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [1]
Remembrance
not fit into my ideas and hopes of time and energy on the upbring- selfless service was recognized wide
the future that I envisioned still ing of his children and in instilling and far throughout British society
there is no doubt that the efforts in them a deep commitment to he was thus appointed to many
made up to this point have been their Hindu heritage and culture. prestigious positions such as Gover-
of great benefit. This commitment to Hindu nor of Copland Community School
Reflecting on the life and work Dharma went beyond the typi- in 2007, Trustee of the Asian Foun-
of Arjan Vekariaji it is obvious that cal temple visits and donations to dation for Help (UK); he was Elected
he impacted many people with this various Gurus and institutions for President of Hindu Forum of Britain
same dynamism, charisma and ca- Arjan began using his vast wealth in 2009 – the largest umbrella body
maraderie that I had noted. The in the cause of charity and Sewa to for British Hindus, Trustee and Vice
tributes that have been offered to the less privileged and in aid relief President of Shree Navchetan And-
his memory reflect this and as a true projects. hjan Mandal – Kutch India, honored
humanitarian he is being honored with the Community Personality of
by many people beyond his own Even before his success the Year Award by the UK Home
community and ethnic background. in business Arjan had been Secretary and Minister of Justice
Arjan began his life in Kam- a dedicated humanitarian and in 2010 Arjan was appointed as
pala, Uganda. Born December 6th, and during his childhood one of 13 faith advisers by the UK
1954 he excelled in his studies as a in Africa he was involved Government’s Communities Secre-
child. Then at the young age of 18 tary John Denham. Arjanji also had
he, along with thousands of other in several charitable cam- the distinction of being a Justice of
Indians were forcibly expelled from paigns. In his early days the Peace (Magistrate) appointed
Uganda following a decree by Idi in the UK he would go by the Lord Chancellor on behalf of
Amin. After completing 2 years of door to door collecting HM The Queen.
study in India Arjan then migrated funds for Indian orphan- Despite representing the
to the UK in June of 1974. He then ages. His charitable ac- world’s third largest religion with a
began his construction career liter- tivities extended beyond massive and economically vibrant
ally and figuratively at the ground middle class population Hindus
level starting off as a building labour- the ethnic barrier as well have a miniscule media presence.
er. As he worked by day he studied and thus from 1985-87 he In an effort to fill this gap Arjan
by night and through his diligence spearheaded the SKLPC Vekaria and his brother Shashi
received one of his first of many (UK) Ethiopian Famine Re- founded Hindu Today Magazine in
awards and was honored with the lief Fund Drive. 2007. Thus today the magazine is
Top Student Award in QS/Estimated currently the world’s only Pan-Hin-
and Chartered Institute of Building. Even before his success in busi- du monthly magazine.
Two years later, in 1976, he and ness Arjan had been a dedicated Arjan Vekaria was also a found-
his brother Shashi formed their own humanitarian and during his child- ing member and the president of
carpentry business and by 1977 hood in Africa he was involved in the Hindu Forum of Britain. The
they formed a corporation and thus several charitable campaigns. In his Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) quick-
Vascroft Contractors LTD was born. early days in the UK he would go ly blossomed to become the largest
Soon the brothers became lead- door to door collecting funds for In- umbrella body for British Hindus
ers in their field and today their dian orphanages. His charitable ac- with more than 350 member or-
company employs over 200 people tivities extended beyond the ethnic ganisations from around the coun-
and is involved in many important barrier as well and thus from 1985- try. Today the HFB is the first port
building projects across the UK. 87 he spearheaded the SKLPC (UK) of call from the UK central govern-
1976 was also the year that Ethiopian Famine Relief Fund Drive. ment. Arjan Vekaria, along with the
Arjanji met the love of his life Then in 1987/88 he coordinated Hindu Forum of Britain also spear-
Jayaben and only present was his the Gujarat Drought Relief Fund headed the annual celebration of
niece Chandni. The couple were and after the massive earthquake Diwali at the House of Commons
soon the proud parents of two of 2001 he was the Chief Coordina- and British Parliament and a copy
lovely daughters Panna and Khyati. tor for the Relief and Reconstruc- of his magazine Hindu Today was
Despite his busy life as an indus- tion for Gujarat Earthquake from given to every MP in attendence.
trialist Arjan focused much of his 2001 until 2004. During the London 2012 Olym-
Arjan’s obvious dedication to pics games, Arjan Vekaria and the
[2] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Remembrance
Sewa At A Glance
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [3]
Remembrance
Hindu Forum of Britain established I met Arjan on several occasions “I was shocked and saddened
a Hindu Mandir in the Multi-faith and the conversation was always to hear of the sudden death of
Centre at the Olympic Village. The thoughtful and respectful. It was a Mr Arjan Vekaria, President of the
Temple provided a place for wor- privilege to share a stage with him Hindu Forum of Britain. Mr Veka-
ship for teams before competitions, most recently at the Parliamentary ria was a person of great personal
a listening ear for tired and disgrun- Diwali celebrations which he helped integrity and goodwill, and he will
tled volunteers and a place to come organise. He will be missed. My be much missed by my Department
and meditate or read the Bhagavad heartfelt condolences go out to his and others as a highly able, public
Gita and other Vedic scriptures. family and close friends at this sad spirited and always well-informed
This brief review of his accom- time. Best wishes.” spokesman for the British Hindu
plishments does not do justice to Rt Hon Ed Miliband community. I am aware of the work
his stellar record of accomplish- MP Leader of the Labour Party Mr Vekaria was leading to make the
ments nor can it match the impact Hindu Forum a self-sustaining body
he had upon countless thousands of “It was with deep sadness that and I am sure that these efforts will
people throughout the world. The I read the news of Arjan’s passing. continue. On behalf of the Govern-
following tributes reflect the appre- Archbishop Justin asked me to send ment I would like to wish the Fo-
ciation and esteem he had among a message for his family and also to rum's trustees and staff well as
many people across all walks of life. the Hindu Forum of Britain. they face the coming weeks, which
Recognized as a leader and friend I know will be difficult. Please do
by many Hindus of the UK and in I was sad to hear of the un- convey my sincere condolences to
India, Arjan Vekaria was also highly timely death in India of the much Mr Vekaria's wife Jayaben and their
admired and honored by many es- respected President of the Hindu children.”
teemed people outside of the Hin- Forum of Britain Arjan Vekaria. My The Rt Hon Eric Pickles
du community. The following trib- prayers are with his family, the HFB MP for Brentwood and Ongar and
Secretary of State for
utes are a sample of both the sense and the wider Hindu community as Communities and Local Government
of loss at his sudden demise and of you mourn him. I know that over
the gratitude that many people feel many years Arjan was a great serv-
for Arjan Vekaria. I begin with those ant of the community and an en- "I convey condolences and re-
tributes from people outside of the courager of inter faith work. In par- spects on behalf of the Kredenn
Hindu Community in order to high- ticular his contribution to Christian Geltiek Hollvedel (Worldwide Celtic
light the broad appeal and impact Hindu friendship and his support for Faith), in particular its North Amer-
Arjan had upon the world at large. the Hindu Christian Forum has been ican branch, the Druuidica Comar-
deeply valued.” diia Eriutalamonos; and on behalf
The Most Revd Justin Welby, of the Aballonas federation of or-
“Arjan Vekaria was a true Hin- Archbishop of Canterbury.
du. Therefore he was a great man. The Revd Canon Dr Toby Howarth ganizations with which the DCE is
connected; and on behalf of the
R.I.P. My friend.” Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs Society of the Noble Path (a small
Barry Strachan Gardiner to the Archbishop of Canterbury, group of dharmic and "pagan"
Member of Parliament (MP) National Inter Religious Affairs Ad- thinkers and leaders dedicated to
for Brent North and former Mayor viser for the Church of England unity among the Indo-European
of the City of Cambridge
traditions). Arjan Vekaria's service
“Arjan Vekaria’s passing is a to the dharmic world community
“I was greatly saddened to hear has certainly benefited each part of
of the passing of Arjun Vekaria this great loss, not just for the Hindus it, so with gratitude we pay honor
weekend, President and founding of Britain but for the wider British to his life and his Sewa, along with
member of the Hindu Forum of community. Arjan was leading light, deep condolences to his family and
Britain. I know his loss will be felt who approached his community friends.
deeply by the Hindu community work with intelligence, compassion "Those who knew him person-
here in Britain. It is also a loss to the and dedication.” ally may be bereaved of his associa-
wider British community. Arjun was Faiths Forum For London tion, and those of us who did not
leading figure, of great intelligence Co-Chairs Leonie Lewis are bereaved of the possibility - yet
and compassion who dedicated and Guy Wilkinson we can and must take solace in the
himself to serving his community.
knowledge that the bhakta of Sri
[4] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Remembrance
Krsna lives on in his words, with death, share the grief with his fam- in the UK for any length of time
which we may take association ily and offer prayers to Sri Bhagwan will know what I’m talking about.
freely; and his memory will live on for peaceful abode to the departed. Certainly, just from the perspec-
in the continuation of all Sewa ini- Our team also visited his home in tive of Sewa Day, we will miss his
tiatives which he founded or played Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat on 28th Nov to support and guiding hand. He was
a part in." offer our condolences. on board with our initiative from
िररः ॐ शान्तः शान्तः शान्तः Sri Shyam Parande day one. An ardent fan of what we
- Mark DeFillo General Secretary were and are trying to achieve, he
Sewa International used his network and knowledge
New Delhi, India. to promote our actions and to put
Sri Arjan Vekaria led the Hin- us in touch with those he believed
du samaj of Britain and the HFB It was with great sadness that would further our cause. Thank you
and yet was one most accessible. Sewa Day learned the news that Ar- Arjan bhai from everyone from in
He inspired the youth in Britain a jan Karsandas Vekaria (Arjan bhai) the Sewa day team. We will strive
lot and was a respected person. had passed away while he was trav- to continue on in the spirit you im-
Sri Arjan was also active with Sewa elling in India on Saturday the 23rd bibed in us.
International UK and supported all November 2013. Our condolences On a personal level, Arjan and I
the campaigns for disaster relief/ to Jayaben, Panna and Khyati Veka- were always overjoyed to see each
rehab funding. He was at the fore- ria and to Arjanbhai’s family and other. He always addressed me as
front of raising fund for the reha- friends. A founding supporter of “bondhu” and although, in relative
bilitation post Gujarat earthquake Sewa Day, Arjan bhai will be missed terms, I hadn’t know him that long
in 2001. He represented Hindu by all. To say that his death is a loss he quickly became a mentor to me.
samaj during the Interfaith meet- to the community at large is an un- Arjan bhai inspired me (and many
ings in Britain representing Hindu derstatement. His loss is devastat- others) to be better human beings.
samaj during which he safeguarded ing for the community here and For that I thank you sir. I just regret
the interest of the samaj. We all anyone who has been involved in we will not be able to catch up for
in Sewa International condole his social action and/ or faith projects dinner next week as we had planned.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [5]
Remembrance
As Gauri Das ji at ISKCON said to tion in Tipton last year. The Hindu vocate for engaging the youth and
me on Sunday, “never expected… community of the United Kingdom I will miss his guidance and support
it’s just one moment of time that have lost a leader, colleague and immensely.
separates us from the other side”. dear friend who was committed to May his soul rest in peace and
Arup K. Ganguly standing up for Hindu Dharma. Ar- may we all continue to be inspired by
Chairman – Sewa Day jan ji’s achievements both in busi- the man who will leave a huge legacy’
ness and in community work are of Jit Jethwa
great inspiration to students across
“I worked with Arjan ji Vekaria Vice President East HFB
in the Council of Dharmic Faiths UK the United Kingdom. We wish his
for a brief period and found him to family and close associates our "Brother Arjan Vekaria was a
be a straightforward person one support during the difficult days to source of light and motivation to
could trust at face value and really follow. A one minute silence will be us all. He was a true Hindu, a true
earlier this year on the Caste issue held at all NHSF (UK) events taking humanitarian and a giant amongst
we worked well together as a unit- place this week. Aum Shanti Shanti men. I will miss him deeply."
ed front in the Alliance of Hindu Or- Shanti” Rickie Sehgal
ganisations, an alliance created to NHSF (UK) HFB Governance
unite on issues that are central to
preserving our way of Hindu life not "I am shocked and sad at the We are so sorry to hear this
least to not allow others to divide early demise of Arjan Vekaria. I sad news that respected Arjanbhai
our community which for its diver- wish he had more time on his side Vekaria has passed away. A great
sity can be easily manipulated into to spread the good work he was do- soul and true Sewak. He surely be
factional divisions. ing for Dharma in UK/Europe. We missed. Our thoughts and prayers
Arjan ji showed fortitude and were eagerly waiting for his arrival are with you, his family & friends.
vision in helping to form that much in USA for launching American Hin- Rajnish Kashyap
needed unity. It showed me how du Today magazine. I hope his suc- Trustees and friends of HCUK
he genuinely cared for the Hindu cessors will not stop but reinforce General Secretary
values that we wish our next gen- Hindu Today as a global magazine Hindu Council UK
erations to identify with. Arjan ji's for the Dharma audience. I am sure
sudden demise at the prime years Lord Krishna has some special mis- We are deeply saddened with
of his life he was set to devote to sion somewhere in the universe
Sewa is a tragedy not only for his for Arjan Vekaria ji, he is already the sudden and untimely passing
family whose grief I do not think blessed due to his Dharmic work.” away of Shree Arjanbhai Vekari,
anyone could understand but its a Friend Vijai current chairman and one of the
great loss for the British Hindu com- USA Hindu Activist and Author founding members of Hindu Forum
of Britain. It is a great shock to all
munity. Our prayers are with the
family to find solace in the eternal the Hindus in Britain as Arjanbhai
words of Bhagwan Krishna in his di- One can't describe the sad- had completely devoted his life for
vine song to another Arjan, the Ar- ness and loss I feel at the pass- the cause of Hinduism, interfaith
jan of the Pandava's.” ing of Shri Arjanji. The loss to the and bringing the Hindu community
in the limelight in the United King-
Anil Bhanot OBE Hindu community in the UK and dom. He was our great friend and
beyond is immense for he touched
Managing Director the hearts and minds of all that he always advised us for the promo-
came into contact with. His tire- tion, protection and preservation of
“The National Hindu Students’ less dedication towards commu- rich, great and glorious Hindu reli-
Forum (UK) is shocked and deeply nity service was ‘ selfless Sewa’ gion, culture and tradition. Nepa-
saddened this morning to hear of in its truest form and in this re- lese Hindu Forum UK joins with all
the sudden passing away of Shri gard he was an inspiration to all. the Hindus across the UK to extend
Arjan ji Vekaria, President of the Personally I have benefitted im- heartfelt condolences to the Veka-
Hindu Forum of Britain. Arjan ji was mensely from Arjanji’s guidance, ria family and members of the HFB.
a supporter of the NHSF (UK) and words of wisdom and support since May almighty give strength to his
came to several university events I have known him and as I have tak- family and friends to endure this sud-
over the years, the most recent be- en on various roles within the Hindu den and untimely loss. May the de-
ing the National Sports Competi- Forum of Britain. He was a true ad- parted soul rest in eternal peace!!!
[6] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Remembrance
''Na jayate mriyate va kada- need something like: "If you would while travelling within Bharat. Shri
cin nayam bhutva bhavita va na like to offer your condolences di- Arjanbhai was a prominent leader
bhuyah ajo nityah sasvato yam rectly email xxx". What should the of British Hindu Samaj. His activities
purano na hanyate hanyamane'' xxx be? Is there somewhere people in the interest of the Hindu commu-
(Bhagwatgeeta, Chapter 2, verse 20). can find out more information? If nity were impactful and of great
The soul never takes birth and you can respond by 9am tomorrow, value. His absence will be greatly
never dies at any time nor does it that would be much appreciated, felt by all who worked with him or
come into being again when the and Naveen will get a message sent knew him. His sudden and untimely
body is created. The soul is birthless, out to all members". departure has left a huge vacuum
eternal, imperishable and timeless Pratik Datani within his immediate and wider
and is never terminated when the AHO Secretariat family, causing a tragic loss to his
body is terminated. near and dear. We express our
heartfelt condolences to all his fam-
Jai Shree Krishna ShashiBhai &
Om Shanti! Shanti !! Shanti!! Panna, ily members and also to the execu-
With regards, tive committee of HFB. We pray to
Chiranjibi Paudyal This is really a shocking news. Paramatma to grant eternal peace
General Secretary I still cannot believe that my eyes to the departed sacred soul and to
Nepalese Hindu Forum UK reading this news. Very very sad to
www.uknhf.org.uk know that he is not going to be with give plenty of spiritual strength to
Executive Member, HFB us. Panna, I know this is going to be the family of Shri Arjanbhai to face
too hard for you to take. I am sure and sustain this tragic loss.
"Very sad news on Friday - I'm you will come through this and be Hari: Aum , Bhavadeeya
sure you've been inundated with along side your Mum for courage. Girdhari Lal Bhan
messages of support and offers Zashmi Shah National President VHP (UK)
of help, and I would like to extend Aden Vanik Association
the same. We'd like to offer some Arjunji has been a great friend,
public thanks via CHN (I've cc'ed We are shocked and extremely guide and mentor to me in commu-
in Naveen from Committee) in our saddened to hear that Shri Arjanb- nity service. He was always ready
mailshottomorrow morning, but hai Vakeria passed away yesterday and eager to help the community.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [7]
Remembrance
I remember very recently when ers to divide our community which onward journey and that the Verka-
Baba Ramdevji was getting trou- for its diversity can be easily ma- ria family may have the strength at
bled in UK airport, I called him over nipulated into factional divisions. this time of great loss. Our heart-
phone for help. He was in Dubai in Arjan ji showed fortitude and felt condolences go to Jayaben,
a very important business meeting. vision in helping to form that much Panna Vekaria and Khyati Vekaria
But he came out of that important needed unity. It showed me how and to Arjanbhai's entire family.
business meeting in order to attend he genuinely cared for the Hindu Vayur anilam amritam
this distress call from the commu- values that we wish our next gen- athedam bhasmantam sariram
nity. He listened to my pleading and erations to identify with. Arjan ji's om krato smara kritam smara
organized what was immediately sudden demise at the prime years krato smara kritam smara
necessary! That was him always of his life he was set to devote to Let this temporary body be
ready to help Hindu community. Sewa is a tragedy not only for his
I admired him for his leadership family whose grief I do not think burnt to ashes, and let the air of life
qualities. I can't believe such great anyone could understand but its a be merged with the totality of air.
person passed away! It was only great loss for the British Hindu com- Now, O my Lord, please remember
a few days back before he flew to munity. Our prayers are with the all my sacrifices, and because You
India, he gave an invaluable advise family to find solace in the eternal are the ultimate beneficiary, please
to me. I very much needed that ad- words of Bhagwan Krishna in his remember all that I have done for
vise! While receiving those pearls of divine song to another Arjan, the You.
wisdom I did not realize that those Arjan of the Pandava's. Avinashi tu tatviddhi yena sar-
are going to be his last words to me. Anil Bhanot OBE vam idam tatam I Vinasamavy-
I am still trying to process this news. Managing Director ayasya na kaschit kartumarhati II
I pray for his soul. Hindu Council UK ( Gita 2 :17 )
vayur anilam amritam Know that this,on which all the
athedam bhasmantam sariram world has been strung, is indestruct-
om krato smara kritam smara “With great sadness we an- ible. No one can bring about the de-
krato smara kritam smara nounce the passing of Sriman Ar- struction of the imperishable being.”
jan Karsandas Verkaria, chairman
Let this temporary body be of the Hindu Forum of Britain. Swaminathan Vaidyanathan
burnt to ashes, and let the air of life Fondly known to us as Arjan bhai, Secretary General
be merged with the totality of air. he was our advisor and leader over Hindu Forum of Britain
Now, O my Lord, please remember many years. There are no terms
all my sacrifices, and because You are that describe his selfless service to It is with great sadness that
the ultimate beneficiary, please re- the cause of Hinduism better than we announce the news that our
member all that I have done for You. ‘dharma-rakshak’: a true protector Patron and past President, Shree
Madhava Turumella of the eternal values and culture of Arjanbhai Karsandas Vekaria. His
VP South East HFB Hinduism. Spending endless hours tireless dedication towards com-
and resource, his days and nights munity service was 'selfless Sewa’
Arjan bhai with his eternal smile were occupied with community in its truest form and in this regard
and calm was one of the strongest events, formal engagements, meet- he was an inspiration to all. Our
pillar of the HFB and the wider Hin- ings after meetings, and all for one sincere condolences to Jayaben,
Panna, Khyati, and entire Vekaria
du Community . I am so fortunate purpose—the greater good of the family for their loss. R.I.P. Arjan-
to have known him. Truptiben VP Hindu community and its respect bhai. You Will Be Truly Missed!
North East HFB I worked with Arjan in Britain. He honoured his elders, Gone But Never Forgotten. A great
ji Vekaria in the Council of Dharmic collaborated with his peers and loss to the Hindu community in the
Faiths UK for a brief period and had great affection for the youth. UK, India and beyond. His tireless
found him to be a straightforward His devotion and charity was un- dedication towards community
person one could trust at face value matched. In all regards he was an service was 'selfless Sewa’ in its
and really earlier this year on the exemplary role model, someone truest form and in this regard
Caste issue we worked well togeth- always known for walking his talk. he was an inspiration to all. May
er as a united front in the Alliance As such his imminent departure God rest his soul in eternal peace.
of Hindu Organisations, an alliance has left us grief stricken. As the in- Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti”
created to unite on issues that are spirer and founding member of the Shree Kutch Leva Patel
central to preserving our way of Hindu Forum of Britain, we bid our
Hindu life not least to not allow oth- dear friend farewell. We pray for his
[8] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
Pramukh Swami Maharaj
By Sadhu Yogvivekdas & Team
Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the spent his childhood focused on de- model. In 1947, Narayanswarupdas
fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan votion to God and his guru, Shas- Swami became the kothari of the
Swaminarayan and the current triji Maharaj. From a young age, Sarangpur mandir, one of the four
leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan he showed strong conviction in BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs at the
Sanstha. He leads by example; his his guru’s words. He displayed this time.
humility, faith in Bhagwan Swa- commitment when he left Chansad Shastriji Maharaj founded BAPS
minarayan, and compassion have at the age of 16 at Shastriji Maha- Swaminarayan Sanstha in 1907,
inspired millions of devotees and raj’s request. Two years after join- and 42 years later, he appointed
over 900 sadhus to maintain moral ing Shastriji Maharaj, he became Narayanswarupdas Swami as pra-
and spiritual lifestyles. His is the a sadhu and was named Narayan- mukh, or president, of the entire
simple life of a celibate, ignoring swarupdas Swami in 1940. His dik- organisation. Narayanswarupdas
fame and recognition. His great- sha was given at the Akshar Deri in Swami was only 28 years old at
ness lies in his ability to relate to Gondal. Shastriji Maharaj explained the time. He became known as
the common man. He understands the young sadhu’s name to all those ‘Pramukh Swami’, and under the
the problems people face in their present: ‘Narayan swarup’, or the guidance of Shastriji Maharaj, and
everyday lives and empathises with form of God. This was just one of later Yogiji Maharaj, he helped the
their pain. His success is not meas- the many times that Shastriji Ma- sanstha initiate various spiritual,
ured by the awards he has received haraj and Yogiji Maharaj referred to cultural and humanitarian activi-
nor by the recognition he has accu- Pramukh Swami as Aksharbrahma. ties. Despite his young age and
mulated. Rather, it is measured by Narayanswarupdas Swami spent newly appointed position, Naray-
the number of lives he has trans- the years after his sadhu diksha answarupdas Swami continued to
formed. studying the shastras, learning serve with an equal eye for every
Born as Shantilal Patel in Sanskrit, and serving others. His Sewa. On the night he was ap-
Chansad, Gujarat on 7 December enthusiastic and humble approach pointed president, he was found
1921, Pramukh Swami Maharaj to Sewa made him an ideal role washing a pile of dirty dishes. He
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [9]
Dharmic Champion
celebrated his new appointment by in promoting religious
serving the rest of the devotees. harmony and giving back
In the years following his ap- to local communities. He
pointment as administrative head inspires religious activi-
of BAPS, Pramukh Swami selflessly ties in over 1100 mandirs
served Yogiji Maharaj and the san- and 3,850 satsang centres
stha without caring for his personal throughout the world in
comfort or health. After Yogiji Ma- addition to the Swami-
haraj passed away in 1971, Pra- narayan Akshardhams in
mukh Swami Maharaj became the New Delhi and Gandhina-
spiritual head of BAPS Swaminaray- gar. Moreover, he is the
an Sanstha. He encourages millions inspiration for followers of
of Hindus around the world to stay the Swaminarayan faith to
connected with their religious and live a pure lifestyle focused
cultural roots. Pramukh Swami on devotion to God and ser-
leads modestly and continues to vice to others. He observes
emphasise the importance of serv- eight-fold brahmacharya
ing with humility. His adage, “In the and lives a simple life free
joy of others, lies our own,” exem- of ego, attachment, anger,
plifies his approach to leadership. and materialistic pleasure.
His work and influence extend be- He is a true sadhu.
yond the barriers of caste, creed, -Pramukh Swami Maharaj
nationality, and religion. Under his - Contribution to Society
leadership, BAPS Swaminarayan Pramukh Swami Ma- needs facing our society today. He
Sanstha has grown into an inter- haraj has initiated over 900 sadhus emphasises the need to serve with
national organisation that is recog- who have dedicated their lives to a personal touch based on selfless
nised for its contributions to com- the progress of society. He has also love and genuine concern.
munities throughout the world. raised a force of 55,000 volunteers The power to attract a single
Named one of the 20 most dedicated to giving back to their lo- soul, to transform it, and to further
influential people in the world by cal communities. it on the path to spiritual redemp-
Guinness World Records in 2000, His constant effort to better tion is the greatest of all feats. To
Pramukh Swami Maharaj has also society has inspired BAPS Charities, do all of that while living a life of
been recognised by the British Par- the humanitarian arm of BAPS, to compassion and selfless service is
liament, Canadian Parliament, and provide for the educational, health- an even greater accomplishment.
the United Nations for his work care, social, and environmental Pramukh Swami Maharaj has made
that noteworthy accomplishment.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj has
travelled to more than 17,000
towns and villages in 50 countries
spreading the message of spiritual-
ity and universal harmony. He has
lent a comforting ear, sharing the
sorrows of more than numerous
people through 250,000 padh-
ramnis, or home visits, 810,000
personal consultations and phone
conversations, and more than
700,000 letters read and replied.
His generosity has been recog-
nised by spiritual, civic, and politi-
cal leaders from around the world
and noted in world record archives
[10] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
world dignitaries. He has a is an example of spiritual beauty.
heart in which the whole That beauty shines throughout In-
world can live. His vich- dia and the world as he continues
aran has exemplified that to guide mankind on the path to
sentiment for the past 70 spirituality. He loves unconditional-
years. His ailing body and ly and forgives. Revenge and venge-
advancing age have not ance are never to be seen in his life.”
slowed down his passion - Dr. Rowan Williams
and desire to serve. Former Archbishop of Canterbury
In Their Words “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s
“Swamiji connects. He selfless love and humility have
connects with others and touched my heart.”
everyone around him. He - HRH Prince Charles
works through connec- Prince of Wales
tivity. That is why he has “I feel a very strong and divine
been able to bring peace aura in his presence. I feel at peace
and harmony and so many in his presence. I forget about all
people together. I saw in my worries and difficulties. He truly
his eyes that he is a man loves people unconditionally. Peo-
who has not come ahead ple’s problems become his prob-
by eclipsing others. He has lems. I see it in him.”
come forward by always
placing others before him.” - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
and renowned publications. Yet his - Bill Clinton Former President of India
true distinction is that all these ac- Former President of the “Pramukh Swami Maharaj has
complishments have not reduced United States of America given so much to mankind. It is
his deep sense of humility and de- “Spiritual progress and libera- indescribable. I have gained so
votion to God. tion can only be attained in the much from his darshan. Bhagwan
Since the time he became a company of a God-realised sadhu. Shri Krishna states in the Bhagavad
sadhu, Pramukh Swami Maha- Pramukh Swami Maharaj is that Gita that he always manifests in
raj has incessantly been on the God-realised sadhu.” different ages. Today, he is present
move. His constant vicharan, as it - Pujya Swami Chinmayanandji through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
is known, is noteworthy not only Chinmaya Mission - Late Dr. L.M. Singhvi
because of the range of places he “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life Former Indian High Commissioner
in the United Kingdom
has visited but because of the self-
less motive behind his travel. He
has been received at Buckingham
Palace by HRH Prince Philip, Duke
of Edinburgh, only to be found
days later in the Khandesh region
of Maharashtra speaking to a mod-
est farmer about his addictions and
substance abuse problems. Beyond
the numbers of countries, towns,
and homes he has visited, the im-
pact of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s
vicharan is found in the lives of the
devotees. Establishing a meaningful
and direct connection with these
devotees is a priority. His personal
meeting with a fisherman from the
coastal towns of southern Gujarat
is as important as his meeting with
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [11]
Dharmic Champion
Tecumseh and the United
Indian States of America
By Vrndavan Brannon Parker
The US Governor of the Indiana
territory William Henry Harrison
was a dedicated American expan-
sionist. The name Indiana meant
"Land of the Indians" yet Harri-
son was committed to the ethnic
cleansing of the Indian people for
whom the land was named. Harri-
son was eager to expand the terri-
tory, as hi ent Thomas Jeffer-
son granted Harrison authority to
negotiate and conclude treaties
with the Native American tribes
in the territory. Harrison oversaw
the creation of thirteen treaties,
purchasing more than 60,000,000
acres of land from Native American
leaders, including most present day
southern Indiana.
Tecumseh angered by Governor Harrison's deceit and
Through his scheming efforts cunning manipulation lifts his tomahawk in anger
millions of acres of American Indi-
an land was being stolen and sold tles Indians and wins, it is called a sions on the frontier and neared
to white American families. His great victory, but if they lose it is the breaking the point after the
first goal was to populate Indiana called a massacre. The white man contentious and disputed 1809
with ‘civilized’ people in order to seeks to conquer nature, to bend it Treaty of Fort Wayne. In this trea-
reach the threshold of 60,000, the to its will and to use it wastefully ty Harrison purchased more than
required number for a territory to until it is all gone and then he sim- 250,000,000 acres of American
be recognized as a US State. Whites ply moves on, leaving the waste Indian land in current central In-
began brutally massacring Indians behind him and looking for new diana and eastern Illinois. In 1810
in a random manner. Harrison for places to take.” Tecumseh decided to try one last
his part in one instance sent his In such a setting Whites es- effort in convincing Harrison of the
own Doctor to treat several Indian caped punishment for their crimes illegality and injustice of these trea-
victims, not out of compassion but, against the Natives while Indians ties and he personally journeyed to
as he explained, because, “Such in- were frequently hunted down and Harrison's stronghold of Vincennes.
stances exasperate the Indians and executed for any crimes committed Tecumseh, with about 400 armed
will prevent them from delivering against the Whites. Gov. Harrison warriors, confronted Harrison and
members of their tribe who have refused to apply the law equally to demanded that the Treaty of Fort
broken our laws.” Such a jaundiced all but rather continually demand- Wayne be rescinded.
and prejudiced mentality was the ed the extradition of Natives at will. As Tecumseh arrived he was
order of the day. This led to a further breakdown in invited to a seat of honor near ‘his
Cheeseekau, the mentor and the relationship between Tecum- father’ Harrison. Rather than be-
elder brother of Tecumseh said it seh and Harrison. ing honored Tecumseh stood up
perfectly, “When a white army bat- These actions led to great ten- tall, pointed to the sky and replied,
[12] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
“Gen. Harrison is not my father. The
Great Spirit (God) is my father.”
Pointing to the Earth he said, ”And
the Earth is my mother and I will
repose upon her bosom.” So saying
Tecumseh sat cross-legged upon
the ground. Harrison and his staff
were thus forced to join him upon
the ground.
Tecumseh boldly confronted
Harrison challenging him to be
honorable and just and with great
sincerity, conviction, eloquence and
energy Tecumseh tried to reason
with Harrison. “Brother, I wish you
to give me close attention, because
I think you do not clearly under-
stand. I want to speak to you about
promises that the Americans have
made. You recall the time when
the Jesus Indians of the Delawares
(Christian converted natives) lived
near the Americans, and had con-
fidence in their promises of friend-
ship, and thought they were secure,
yet the Americans murdered all the
men, women, and children, even as
they prayed to Jesus?
Brother, I mean to bring all the
tribes together, in spite of you, and
until I have finished, I will not go
to visit your President (in Washing-
ton DC). Maybe I will when I have
finished, maybe…But you do not
want unity among the tribes, and Tecumseh often wore a white feather representing the messenger. Throughout the
you destroy it. You try to make dif- ancient world the white feather symbolized the Divine messenger. In Hinduism we find
ferences between them. We, their the same white feather as a symbol of Baladeva, the primal Guru and messenger of God.
leaders, wish them to unite and vided, but was for the use of every- voice of the ages, which tells me
consider their land the common one. Any tribe could go to an empty that once, always, and until lately,
property of all, but you try to keep land and make a home there. And if there were no white men on all
them from this. You separate the they left, another tribe could come this island, that it then belonged
tribes and deal with them that way, there and make a home. No groups to the Red Men, children of the
one by one, and advise them not among us have a right to sell, even same parents, placed on it by the
to come into this union. Your states to one another, and surely not to Great Good Spirit who made them.
have set an example of forming a outsiders who want all, and will not And that I might make the
union among all the Fires (States), do with less.
why should you censure the Indians destiny of my Red People of our
Sell a country! Why not sell the
for following that example? air, the clouds, and the Great Sea, Nation, as great as I conceive it
could be in my mind, when I think
The only way to stop this evil is as well as the Earth? Did not the of Weshemoneto (God), who rules
for all the Red Men to unite in claim- Great Good Spirit make them all for this universe! I would not then
ing an equal right in the land. That the use of his children? have to come to Governor Harrison
is how it was at first, and should The being within me hears the and ask him to tear up this treaty
be still, for the land never was di-
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [13]
Dharmic Champion
Tecumseh confronts US Governor Harrison
and wipe away the marks upon the taking of our land. I want to hear had long envisioned Tecumseh’s
land. No! I would say to him, "Sir, you say that you understand now, younger brother Tenskwatawa as
you may return to your own coun- and will wipe out that pretended his primary rival for the hearts and
try!" treaty, so that the tribes can be at minds of the Indians, now realized
How can we have confidence peace with each other, as you pre- that Tecumseh was the true genius
in the white people? When Jesus tend you want them to be. Tell me, behind the resistance. “This broth-
Christ came upon the earth, you brother. I want to know now. er is really the efficient man - the
killed him, the son of your own God, Later observers would recall Moses of the family. He is described
you nailed him up! You thought he the impression Tecumseh made. by all as a bold, active sensible man
was dead, but you were mistaken. After witnessing a three hour daring in the extreme and capable
And only after you thought you speech by Tecumseh W.S. Hatch of any undertaking.”
killed him did you worship him, wrote, “The effect of his bitter Though impressed by Tecum-
and start killing those who would burning words of eloquence was seh’s words Harrison refused to
not worship him. What kind of a so great upon his companions compromise. He ridiculed Tecum-
people is this for us to trust? that whole the 300 of them could seh’s dream of a unified Indian
Now, Brother, everything I hardly refrain from springing from peoples by saying that if God had
have said to you is the truth, as their seats. Their eyes flashed, and wanted them to unite he would not
Weshemoneto (God) has inspired even the most aged, many of whom have divided them by language and
me to speak only truth to you. I have were smoking, evinced the greatest custom. Harrison then insulted Te-
declared myself freely to you about excitement. The orator appeared in cumseh by denying that he had any
my intentions. And I want to know all the power of a fiery and impas- right to speak for anyone other than
your intentions. I want to know sioned speaker and actor.” his own small band of Shawnee.
what you are going to do about the General Harrison, himself who This enraged Tecumseh and cut-
[14] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
ting off Harrison in midst sentence had for countless millennia. 1811 the Year of Decision
he rose to his feet brandishing his The two antagonists Tecumseh The year 1811 was one of
tomahawk axe. Having no guns on and Harrison actually met twice for those crucial moments in history
hand his warriors all jumped up as extended meetings. The first meet- when the destiny of humanity it-
well brandishing their native weap- ing took place in August 1810 and self hangs in the balance. It was a
ons. Tecumseh accused Harrison of the second meeting was held in July fork in the road, a choice and a final
lying and as the tension rose Har- 1811. At the second meeting, hon- chance was given to choose justice
rison pulled out his sword as the est to a fault, Tecumseh informed and righteousness over greed, cru-
Guard was called to defend the Harrison of his planned tour of elty and mayhem. Tecumseh, sent
General. For his part General Har- the Southern Tribes living in the by the ‘Maker of Life’ (God) urged
rison sternly announced an end to region of the modern south-east the Indian people to unite in a sol-
the meeting. United States. Harrison was soon id alliance and in so doing create
During the night tension to take advantage of his absence. a virtual “Great Wall of America”.
reigned as both parties prepared Assuming that he had gained some Tecumseh himself referred to it as
for battle. However Tecumseh re- time by stalling General Harrison, ‘a dam to resist the mighty wa-
gretted his outburst and by the Tecumseh then departed upon his ters flooding over Indian lands.’
next day emotions had mellowed legendary 6 month journey across Rather than bricks and mortar this
and the talks began again. Despite America. It was his conviction that dam was to be made of the spirit,
the effort at amity nothing was re- until the Indian people cease their willpower and manpower of the
solved. Rejecting all of Harrison’s hostility towards one another and combined native population of the
points Tecumseh made it plain and unite in common cause, only then entire continent. He had the vision
simple. The Indians are not inter- would he be rewarded with suc- but it was up to the Indian people
ested in annuities or treaties. All cess in this sacred mission. Thus to make it a reality.
they needed and wanted was their in July 1811 Tecumseh began his Many strange omens and por-
land and the freedom to practice journey south. tents began appearing. Natural
their religion and customs as they disturbances occurred unsettling
both the White settlers and the In-
dians. Torrential rains flooded the
land forcing one and all to seek
shelter in the hills. Squirrels, who
do not roam in packs, suddenly
joined together in packs of ‘tens
of thousands’ rushing madly from
the north, through the forests and
dashing into the Ohio River only
to helplessly drowned. An ‘unprec-
edented sickness’ swept the region
emptying towns.
Tecumseh’s Comet
Then in March 1811 a mas-
sive comet appeared in the skies.
In North America it was soon to
be called ‘Tecumseh’s Comet. The
comet, with an orbit of 3,065 years,
was last seen during the time of
Ramses II of Egypt. Its head was
a million miles across and its tail
was 132 million miles long. At first
it was not visible in America. Then
in September it suddenly became
visible. Coinciding with Tecumseh’s
arrival in the South the comet lit up
"1830s Depiction of Tecumseh"
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [15]
Dharmic Champion
the night, travelling like Tecumseh,
from west to east. Everywhere he
went the comet seemed to follow
Tecumseh announcing his arrival.
The forests and fields were ‘lit up
in a dull twilight’ as the awesome
phenomenon inspired awe and
consternation, not just in America,
but across the world. Many as-
sumed the end of the world was
nigh. Panicked descriptions and
warnings filled the conversations
and press around the world.
The comet reached its brightest Shawnee Nation 2011 Silver Dollar The Great Comet of 1811 (Tecumseh's Comet)
on October 15th, 1811. For many The Great Comet of 1811 was called Tecumseh’s Comet because of its visibility during
Natives the comet was a sign from Tecumseh’s journey through the South-east region of the US. This exceptionally bright
the Creator and served to inspire comet was visible for 260 days and will not be seen again until the year 4876. It was
previously seen in the time of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II and the wandering of the
confidence in the authenticity of Israelites (c.1285 B.C.E.)
Tecumseh’s message. Everywhere
Tecumseh went that awesome nomenon. Surely it was no mere civilization from extinction.
comet, brilliant and searing across coincidence that this great comet Tecumseh, handsome, dynamic
the night skies, reminded one and appeared along with he whose very and bold was already quite an im-
all that the Great Celestial Panther name, Tecumseh, means meteor pressive figure. Now silhouetted by
himself was indeed among them. or comet and he whose birth was the great comet for which he was
Tecumseh’s people, the Shaw- marked by this very same ‘Panther named at birth, decorated with
Across the Sky’. Indeed Tecum-
nee, identified meteors and comets seh was a Divine Messenger sent body paint and a red headband, 2
as a ‘Celestial Panther Flying Across by God. He represented the last crane feathers in his hair- one white
the Sky’. At his birth a meteor burst chance for the Red People to unite for peace the other red in prepara-
through the skies and thus Tecum- and thus save themselves and their tion for war, silver armbands and 3
seh was named after this phe- silver rings hanging from the center
of his nose, Tecumseh appeared
magnificent and inspiring.
Tecumseh’s Call for Indian Unity
Tecumseh had instructed his
warriors to carry only Indian weap-
ons and to wear only native dress
to show that they relied solely upon
the Indian ways. While Tecumseh
was dressed in a simple fashion his
group of 30 or so followers dressed
in a ‘fantastic fashion’ with eagle
and hawk feathers in their hair and
buffalo tails jutting from the back of
their belts as other tails and hawk
feathers protruded from their arms.
Their bodies were painted black,
red semi-circles and slashes were
beneath their eyes and across their
cheekbones, They had red circles
The Tecumseh Stone. Modern day memo-
rial identifies a stone upon which Tecum-
seh stood during one of his speeches
[16] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
on their foreheads and red jagged towards us - a thing of wonder, a I am Tecumseh - the Shooting Star.
lightning bolts streaked down their sword of fire! To those of us whose Behold the Shooting Star of Weshe-
arms and legs. Their heads were hearts are downcast, whose breath manitou!” This was followed by the
shaven except for three braided is a stabbing pain, it puts into our loud whooping of his followers. A
scalp-locks that hung down their hands a tool, a weapon, it gives us ceremonial pipe was lit and passed
backs. The entire composition was hope for our salvation. It gives us around the gathering. Then as the
accentuated by a large red circle hope to avenge the wrongs against audience was in a state of great ex-
upon their chests. us. Tecumseh, springing like a pan- citement and their attention fully
Just as in Hindu and Polynesian ther, whose eyes are coal of deadly gathered Tecumseh began to speak
ceremonies a sacred conchshell fire, gives hope to all who listen. with intensity and power.
was blown announcing the begin- Look now! Tecumseh Comes! His was the voice of a brilliant
ning of the ceremony and then Te- In a three-part dance series Te- mind and his words stirred the im-
cumseh was formally introduced to cumseh and his troupe performed agination of all who saw him. His
the audience. new dances including the “Dance countenance brightened and his
We get a sample of this in- of the Lakes” which soon became a erect body swelled with emotion
troduction from his visit to the favourite for the Indians of the Ala- as his personality enthralled his
Creek Indians of Tukabatchee, Ala- bama region. As they danced they audience.
bama. The Creek Chief Big War- placed themselves at the center of Words like a Succession of
rior announced Tecumseh. “From the square and then Tecumseh an- Thunderbolts
somewhere in the outer darkness, nounced loudly, “ Just see the fiery
where the Spirits (gods) live beyond arm of Weshemanitou (God) flying Brothers — My people wish
the moon, a comet torch is racing across the sky! And remember that for peace; the red men all wish for
peace; but where the white people
Tecumseh Speaks to his people
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [17]
Dharmic Champion
make atonement whether right or
wrong, at the cost of the lives of our
greatest chiefs, and the yielding up
of large tracts of our lands.
Brothers, The white people
send runners amongst us; they
wish to make us enemies, that they
may sweep over and desolate our
hunting grounds, like devastating
winds, or rushing waters.
If there be one here tonight
who believes that his rights will
not sooner or later be taken from
him by the avaricious American
pale faces, his ignorance ought to
excite pity, for he knows little of our
common foe...
Now listen to the voice of duty,
of honour, of nature and of your
endangered country. Let us form
one body, one heart, and defend
to the last warrior our country, our
homes, our liberty, and the graves
of our fathers.
Brothers, we must be united;
we must smoke the same pipe; we
must fight each other’s battles;
Choctaw Chief Pushmataha was a staunch US ally who did his best to disrupt and, most importantly, we must
Tecumseh's mission. Despite joining the US in their war against Tecumseh he along love the Great Spirit (God): he is
with his tribe were all forced off their lands and banished across the Mississippi River. for us; he will destroy our enemies,
are, there is no peace for them, foe. Think not, brave Choctaws and make all his red children happy.
except it be on the bosom of our and Chickasaws, that you can re- Tecumseh travelled throughout
mother. Where today are the Pe- main passive and indifferent to the the land sharing his message of
quot? Where are the Narragansett, common danger, and thus escape solidarity and unity. His tour took
the Mohican, the Pokanoket, and the common fate. Your people, too, him through many towns through-
many other once powerful tribes of will soon be as falling leaves and out the Indian country. The delivery
our people? They have vanished be- scattering clouds before their blight- of his message impressed all who
fore the avarice and the oppression ing breath. You, too, will be driven listened. An American soldier who
of the White Man, as snow before a away from your native land and an- had fought the Indians, after hear-
summer sun. Will we let ourselves cient domains as leaves are driven ing Tecumseh recorded that, “...his
be destroyed in our turn without a before the wintry storms. eyes burned with supernatural lus-
struggle, give up our homes, our Sleep no longer, O Choctaws ter and his whole frame trembled
country bequeathed to us by the and Chickasaws, in false security with emotion. His voice resounded
Great Spirit, the graves of our dead and delusive hopes. Our broad over the multitude - now sinking in
and everything that is dear to us? I domains are fast escaping from low and musical whispers, now ris-
know you will cry with me, Never! our grasp. Every year our white ing to the highest key, hurling out
NEVER!. intruders become more greedy, his words like a succession of thun-
Brothers - The annihilation exacting, oppressive and overbear- derbolts. I have heard many great
of our race is at hand! This is as- ing. Every year contentions spring orators, but I never saw one with
sured unless we unite in one com- up between them and our people the vocal powers of Tecumseh, or
mon cause against our common and when blood is shed we have to the same command of the muscles
[18] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Dharmic Champion
or foe were soon forced off their
lands and driven across the Missis-
sippi River.
Despite their vocal and strident
support for the Americans both
Pushmataha and The Ridge, like
some of Tecumseh’s own Shawnee
that also supported the US, were
later forcibly removed and be-
trayed by the US Government’s In-
dian Removal Act. The Ridge along
with his son were eventually assas-
sinated by their fellow Cherokees A memorial to the Qualla Cherokee
for signing the Treaty of Removal Chief Yonaguska and adopted father of
leading to the loss of nearly all the William Holland Thomas.
William Holland Thomas, the adopted 27,2011 the Governor of the US
son of Chief Yonaguska and the only Cherokee homelands.
White Chief of the Cherokee was also a Chief Yonguska and the White Stateof Alabama issued a procla-
North Carolina State Senator. He secured mationin commemoration of the
Cherokee lands through the use of his Cherokee Chief 200th anniversaryof Tecumseh’s
own funds. As a white man, Thomas could In the end only one small group visit to Tukabatchee,Alabama.
legally hold a deed to the lands and allow of Cherokee Indians were allowed
the Cherokee to live on them. “WHEREAS Inthe fall of 1811, Te-
to remain in their original home- cumseh of Creekand Shawnee an-
in his face.” lands. This group of Cherokee, in- cestry came hereto his mother’s
The Enemy Within spired by a follower of Tecumseh town to persuadethe Nation’s war-
Despite his eloquence the jeal- named Tsali and aided through the riors to adopt hisideas of rejec-
ousy and fear of many Indian Chiefs efforts of a North Carolina state tion of the presenceof American
and Elders rose up to oppose him. senator named William Holland intruders and returnto traditional
Everywhere Tecumseh went he was Thomas successfully resisted the US ways; NOW, THEREFORE,I, Robert
followed by a Choctow Chief named Govt. Tsali was a Cherokee martyr Bentley, Governorof Alabama, do
Pushmataha. He had been bribed by and William Holland Thomas was hereby do proclaimthe October 1,
the Americans to follow Tecumseh a white American who dedicated 2011 “Tecumseh atTukabatchee Bi-
from town to town to discredit and his life to the Cherokee people. He centennial Day” inAlabama and ex-
deflate the impression he made. He had been adopted by the Cherokee tend honorableand warm greetings
would follow Tecumseh’s speech Chief Yonaguska, learnt the Chero- and hospitalityto the Creek Nation
with a speech of his own ridiculing kee ways and soon became the of Oklahoma.”
Tecumseh’s words and spreading only white man to become a chief •••
American propaganda throughout of the Cherokee people. William H.
the tribes. He rejected the offers Thomas was able to use his politi- Vrndavan Brannon Parker
of alliance and reconquest prof- cal influence as a State Senator and Vrndavan Brannon
fered by Tecumseh and instead through the use of his own funds Parker attended Vedic
Pushmataha and his tribe sided he purchase the land demanded Gurukula schools from
with the Americans during the War from the Indians and then left it the age of 4 to 14 years.
He studied in the USA,
of 1812. He even went so far as to in the care of the Cherokee. Thus Canada and in vrinda-
warn Tecumseh directly that he to this day the Eastern Band of the van, India.At the young
would fight against anyone who Cherokee people remain in their age of 10 years, Vrndavan Brannon
fought against the United States. A original homeland. Parker was formally initiated into the
ancient tradition of Vaishnavism by AC
Cherokee Chief named The Ridge Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His
or Nunnehidihi reportedly threat- 2011 US Governor main focus has been on highlighting the
ened Tecumseh with death if he HonorsTecumseh's Visit similarities between the ancient cul-
tried to spread his message to the Though his travels occurre- tures and civilizations around the world
and defining their Vedic roots and he
Cherokees. However in fulfilment dover 200 years ago its impact is has been researching and publicly pre-
of Tecumseh’s prophetic warnings feltto this very day. On September senting Vedic Historical and Cross - cul-
every Indian tribe, be they friend tural connections since 1996.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [19]
Science
Vedic KÈlaga‡anÈ
By Dr. Ravi Prakash Arya
Origin of time takes place of our SaŠkalpa tradition, without KÈla or time as one of such factors.
with the very origin of cosmos. In ever knowing why and how it is so. i`fFkO;kiLrstks ok;qjkdk'ka dkyks fnxkRek
fact in the Vedic texts the time or It is for the first time that Dayanan- eu bfr æO;kf.k
KÈla is synonymous to creation of da Sarasvati, the great embodiment ''That is, for emancipation,
cosmos and AkÈla is synonymous of Vedic life and thought, pointed knowledge of following elements
to decreation. So time has two as- out towards this fact. Since than, i.e. P‚thivi (earth), Jala (water),
pects, time or KÈla representing the several scholarly articles appeared VÈyu (air), ¶ka„a (ether), KÈla
creation phase and Timeless Time here and there, but no attempt had (time), Dik (space), ¶tma (soul)
or AkÈla representing the decrea- so far been made to understand this and Mana (mind) is must.''
tion phase. In other words, time scientific system in its entirety. In
is related with the state of motion view of the same fact, an intro- The aforementioned view of
and AkÈla is related with the state duction of various aspects of Vedic Vai„e–ika philosophy clearly points
of motionlessness. State of motion- KÈlaga‡anÈ is presented herewith, out the significance attached to the
lessness is stated to be the state so that the readers of Vedic science concept of time by ancient Hindus.
of equilibrium or say regular state may also be aquatinted with this They not only studied the natural
(sÈmyÈvasthÈ) which is the decrea- aspect of science of BhÈrat. events in chronological order or in
tion phase of the creation cycle. the context of time, but they also
State of motion is the state of dis- State of motionlessness studied time itself minutely.
equilibrium or the irregular state is stated to be the state of The great Vedic scholiast YÈska
which is known by Vedic seers equilibrium or say regular etymologizes time or KÈla as dky%
as creation phase of the creation state (sÈmyÈvasthÈ) which dky;rsxZfrdeZ.k% (Nir. 2.25) i.e. KÈla
cycle. These are some concepts is derived from the root kala mean-
which are quite philosophical. But is the decreation phase of ing 'movement'. This etymology
KÈlaga‡anÈ or the process of time the creation cycle. State of clearly refers to the idea that KÈla
reckoning is peculiar to BhÈrat that motion is the state of dis- is associated with the movement.
was developed first by humans equilibrium or the irregu- Since almighty causes everything
originated on the globe in BhÈrat. lar state which is known move. He is also known as KÈla.
No one in the world, except the by Vedic seers as creation Upani–ad bear out this fact clearly
Vedic people, developed this type phase of the creation cycle. as shown below.
of system of time reckoning agree- bZ'kkokL;fena loZa ;fRd×p txR;ka txr
ing with the laws of astronomy. Before we take up the subject 'Eveything that is moving in
Unfortunately the whole knowl- of KÈlaga‡anÈ (time reckoning), it this world is pervaded by l„vara'.
edge was forgotten during the past will be necessary to know about In fact the first existence of
5000 years after MahÈbhÈrata war the KÈla or time itself. When was time came into being with the
due to the mass scale of destruction the first concept of KÈlaga‡anÈ was very movement of the basic ele-
of humanity (say 47 lakh persons conceived? When did the time- ments of cosmic creation. Time
perished in the great war in the reckoning commence and when is relative to movement. So long
beginning of this Yuga) and mass will it conclude? These are the as movement in the basic element
scale migration of the skilled men questions which may often trouble of cosmic creation doesn't come
survived in the war from this land the scientific mind of curious read- into existence, the question of
to another parts of the globe out ers and researchers. Vedic seers time doesn't arise. That period is
of the war phobia took place. We were also very serious about this known as timeless time or akÈla.
are carrying this load of our past field of study. While calculat- With the very onset of cosmic evo-
science in the form of rituals and ing several factors, knowledge of lution, the time comes into exist-
other traditions without knowing which was considered to be mate- ence. Madhucchandas, a ÿgvedic
the mysteries behind them. We rial in attaining emancipation, the seer of Aghamar–a‡a SÊkta reflects
have preserved this system by way Vai„e–ika seer Ka‡Èda enumerated
[20] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Science
a good light on the nature of KÈla trillion) years have elapsed since oning. This method in astronomy is
(time). According to him, matter the origin of present cosmos. known as nirya‡a ga‡anÈ or fixed
originates under the eternal law of The second aspect of BhÈratÏya reckoning or reckoning without
Brahma, i.e. tapas. KÈlaga‡anÈ deals with the first regard to precession of equinox.
Under this eternal law, ‚ta and presence of human on the globe. Since the precession of equinox
satya came into being which ulti- As per Hindu tradition, life on takes place at the rate of 50 sec-
mately gave birth to SaŠvatsara, the earth came into being in the onds per year, the equinoxes and
characterized by day and night as first Kalpa of the second half of solstices continue to recede 50 sec-
its smallest units. the age of BrahmÈ. The present onds per year to reach the preced-
_ra p lR;a pkfHk¼kÙkilks¿/;tk;rA ƒvetavarÈha Kalpa has the credit ing constellations @ 960 years per
to be such a Kalpa. 197 crore
constellation. It takes 25,920 years
rrks jk=;tk;r rr% leqæks¿.kZo%AA years have so far elapsed since for the equinoxes and solstices to
leqækn.kZoknf/k loaRljks¿tk;rA the commencement of this Kalpa. revert back to the same position.
vgksjk=kkf.k fon~/kf}'oL; fe"krks o'khAA The reckoning of the period of this Thus the reckoning in view of pre-
To sum up it can be maintained, Kalpa is known KalpÈbda or Kalpa cession is known as sÈya‡a ga‡anÈ
that the days and nights are repre- era or S‚–—yÈbda (era of biological or reckoning based upon preces-
senting the eternal flow of creation creation on the earth). sion. Equinoxes owing to this pre-
in terms of time. The beginning of Now the major question is that cession have been taking place at
SÈŠvatsarika KÈla (yearly system when did this time reckoning took various constellations from time to
of time) was marked with the first place ? time. These days vernal equinox
day the earth came into being its a The onset of creation which is takes place in PÊrvabhÈdrapada
result of creation cycle. marked chiefly by days and nights and autumnal equinox in Uttara
This is the reason why, to phÈlaguni. Similarly uttarÈya‡a
maintain the record of creation To preserve this land- (North or winter solstice) takes
cycle, the scholars resorted to mark of astronomical his- place in MÊla constellation, while
Dak–i‡Èyana (south or summer
KÈlaga‡anÈ in terms of days and tory of the earth, the Vedic solstice in M‚gsirÈ constellation.
nights. KÈlaga‡anÈ always stands seers made A„vini asterism
to reckon the movement of crea- as the basis of their time Thus we can very well determine
the dates of various works and
tion cycle, because of this fact in reckoning. This method events on the basis of descriptions
later periods, KÈla or time was
taken to mean 'reckoning' rather in astronomy is known as regarding equinoctial and solstial
than 'movement' and so the origin nirya‡a ga‡anÈ or fixed points recorded in our ancient San-
skrit literature. For instance, the
of KÈla or time was considered to reckoning or reckoning
have taken place from the root kala without regard to preces- reference of the ƒ.Br.-
'to reckon' rather than the root sion of equinox. ,rk d`frdk çkP;S fn'kkS u P;oUrs
kala 'to move'. 'The K‚ttikÈ (pliaedes) don't
HkkfoHkon~Hkwre;a dy;fr txns"k dkyks¿r% as its side-portions, asterisms as swerve from east' - gives one to
(Introduction to KÈla MÈdhva) its appearance, took place in the understand that by the time of
A„vini constellation. In this con-
ƒBr. Vernal equinox took place in
'Since it reckons the creation text, the following Yaju can be K‚ttikÈ constellation. These days
cycle in the form of future, present read: the vernal equinox has preceeded
and past it is named as KÈla.' o
Jh'p rs y{eh'p iRU;kogksjk=ks ik'osZ 70.8 since the time of ƒ.Br. Thus
Now one may raise a query u{k=kkf.k :ief'oukS O;kÙke computing the time of precession
as to whence began the Indian of 1 in 72 years the minimum
o
chronology. There are two as- b".kfUu"kk.kkeaq e b"kk.k loZyksda e b"kk.kAA time period of vernal equinox
pects of BhÈratÏya KÈlaga‡anÈ. ‘That is to say, the begin- taking place in K‚ttikÈs works out
The first aspect reckons the time ning of the present KÈlaga‡anÈ to be 70.8 x 72 = 5098 years or
since the origin of cosmos. It was marked with in A„vini as the 3102 BC. Similarly we have ref-
tells us that first half of the age month of asterisms'. erences in the RV as regards win-
of BrahmÈ has elapsed since the To preserve this landmark of ter solstice, or UttarÈya‡a taking
origin of cosmos. This means that astronomical history of the earth, place in A„vini asterism. These
15,52,00,00,00,00,000 (155.52 the Vedic seers made A„vini aster- days UttarÈya‡a has receded 133
o
ism as the basis of their time reck-
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [21]
Science
in MÊla constellation. To calcu- fictitious and the other as non- place with the first UttarÈya‡a of
late this time, it may be said that fictitious. Either you can reject this Kalpa in A„vini constellation
occurrence of winter-solstices in a tradition in toto or accept it in 197 crore years ago rather than the
A„vini constellation took place its entirety. last one i.e. 9576 years ago.
some 72 x 133 = 9576 years be- As per Vedic tradition, the On the basis of foregoing dis-
fore or say 7500 BC. Keeping in Vedas find their origin at the out- cussion, it can be inferred that no
view the occurrence of winter sol- set of the creation on this globe. chronology of ancient Indian his-
stice in A„vini constellation 9576 SvayaŠbhu BrahmÈ imbibed the tory be factually ascertained so far
years before many of our friends knowledge of universe in the form as the Yuga, MahÈyuga and Man-
from Bharat as well as abroad, do of Vedas first of all in the begin- vantara cycles are not taken into
not hesitate to fix the date of RV ning of creation. The later ÿ–is account. Here it may not be odd to
as 9576 years ago. But in their revived it from time to time on its point out that the Vedic seers nei-
endeavor they forget that recur- being extinguished. ther defined the KÈla from its mi-
rence of north or winter solstice ;qxkUrs¿UrfgZrku~ osnku~ lsfrgklku~ eg"kZ;% cro unit to macro unit for the sake
took place in the same constellation of mental exercises or recreations,
every 25920 years that passed by. ysfHkjs rilk iwoZe~ vuqKkrk% Lo;EHkqok AA nor these reckoning are specula-
Thus in one Kaliyuga this phenom- tive propositions, rather these are
enon repeats sixteen times, in DvÈ- Here it may not be odd based upon the laws of astronomi-
para 32 times, in TretÈ 48 times to point out that the Ve- cal facts and phenomena which
and in Satyayuga 64 times. There- dic seers neither defined were unravelled millions of years
fore, it may be strongly submitted the KÈla from its micro ago. The modem science has also
that for the determination of the unit to macro unit for the started believing that life came into
time period of Vedic Literature, sake of mental exercises being on this planet some 2 billion
one must only be well conversant years ago. The only difference is
with the solstial and equinoctial or recreations, nor these that the modem science places all
points or the rate of precession, but reckoning are speculative the data in round about figures,
he should equally be familiar with propositions, rather these but the reckoning of Hindus pre-
exact Yuga, MahÈyuga, and Man- are based upon the laws sent an exact and accurate figures.
vantara Cycles. This is the reason of astronomical facts and Bhartiya KÈlaga‡anÈ clearly indi-
why the historians like Tilak and phenomena which were un- cates that humans were present 197
others failed in doing justice with ravelled millions of years crore years ago on the Indian part
the history while ascertaining the of this globe and then they started
exact chronology on the basis of ago. The modem science this KÈlaga‡anÈ, A„vini (α Aries)
their analysis of occurrence of has also started believing constellation marked the beginning
equinoxes and solstices in various that life came into being of the year and the same condi-
constellations at various periods. on this planet some 2 bil- tion was also repeated latest by
While taking stock of four cardinal lion years ago. 9500 years ago. So we are not
points, they totally failed, rather to be confused by the similar con-
say ignored the reckoning of vari- The Vedic tradition remem- ditions of solstices and equinoxes
ous cycles of Yugas, MahÈyugas, bers SvayaŠbhu BrahmÈ to have 197 crore years ago and 9500 years
and Manavantaras. Thus instead born first 197 crore years ago in ago. In order to reach the fac-
of making the history, they made the beginning of the present Kalpa. tual results and actual analysis of
the mess of history. They claimed The name of the first Manvantara the various positions of equinoc-
themselves to have been heavily was christened as SvayaŠbhuva tial and solstial points at various
dwelt upon the Indian astronomi- after his name SvayaŠbhu. The phases, the scholars from different
cal calculations while deducing year also started with UttarÈya‡a in disciplines will have to co-ordinate
their conclusions, but the fact was A„vini constellation 197 crore year the efforts. The Hindu KÈlaga‡anÈ
that they accepted some part of ago. By that time all the planets is in fact, based upon the regular
Indian astronomical calculations were housed in A„vini (α Aritis) observations of the movements of
and left the other part claiming to constellation of Me–a rÈsi or Aries various heavenly bodies and thus
be fictitious. However, they failed class. Therefore, it can unhesitat- it has purely an astronomical base.
to justify that how can a part of ingly be maintained that the actual This system is as much precise as
a particular tradition be taken as genesis of ÿgvedtic tradition takes the movement of various stars and
[22] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Science
planets. Vedic KÈlaga‡anÈ starts with Apart from these smallest units
This is the reason why the an- the smallest unit of time i.e. Vedic system of time computation
cient Indian seers didn't develope tru—i which is 33750th part of consists of progressively larger
any artificial system of chronology a second and ends up with the units. The detailed analysis of the
like before Christ or after Christ longest possible unit i.e. Brah- same is given hereunder:
time franca to describe the particu- mÈyu or MahÈkalpa i.e. 31,10, DIMENSION OF DAY AND
lar events in chronological order. 40,00,00,00,000 (311.04 trillion) NIGHT
Rather they described those events solar years. The earth rotates round its axis
in the chronological order from SMALLEST UNITS OF at the rate of 1600 kms per hour
point of astronomical era, which TIME and as such 24 hours are taken
is most scientific and based upon BhÈskarÈcÈrya (SÊryasiddhÈn- from one sunrise to another. Due
natural laws. ta, 1.10-12) has defined smallest to this rotation a civil day (includ-
SALIENT FEATURES OF unit of time as tru—i which is equal ing night) of 24 hours is formed.
VEDIC K¶LAGAðAN¶ to 33750th part of the second. 100 The lighted part of the earth is
The salient features of Vedic tru—is are known as tatpara, 30 tat- known as day (aha) and the dark
KÈlaga‡anÈ are as follows: paras are known as one nime–a. part as night (rÈtri). Thus both
1. This system is the scientific 45 nime–as form one asu (prȇa) day and night are called ahorÈtra.
one which has purely an astro- and one asu is equal to 4 seconds. Later developed horÈ system was
nomical base. It is not an arti- 18 nime–as are also one kÈ–—hÈ; 30 the degenerated from of ahorÈtra
ficial system developed owing kÈ–—hÈs are known as one kalÈ and only. The English term "hour''
to a particular person, place or also evolved from Sanskrit term
event. BhÈskarÈcÈrya (SÊryasid- "horÈ".
2. This system occupies a univer- dhÈnta, 1.10-12) has de- DIMENSION OF WEEK
sal status, as it doesn't speak fined smallest unit of time Seven days constitute a week.
of a particular, race, religion as tru—i which is equal to In fact, seven days chosen to con-
or region. 33750th part of the sec- stitute a week were named after
3. This system is entirely secu- ond. 100 tru—is are known seven planets that influenced the
lar and has no sectarian back- as tatpara, 30 tatparas atmosphere of the earth the most.
ground. are known as one nime– On examination we shall come to
4. This system doesn't start with a. 45 nime–as form one know that said planets are situated
the very birth or death of a asu (prȇa) and one asu in the following order if looked
particular person or with the is equal to 4 seconds. 18 from heliocentric point of view.
development of a particular nime–as are also one kÈ–—hÈ (Sun) Mercury, Venus, Earth-
socio-political order in the so- Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
ciety, rather this system was 30 kalÈs as one gha—i. Two gha—is If they are taken from geocen-
evolved with regard to the very as one muhurta and 30 muhurtas as tric point of view, the earth will
evolution of the universe. So one day and night. One gha—i has be replaced by Sun and their order
it describes from chronological also been calculated as 60 palas and will be as under :
view point the very origin of one such pala as 60 vipalas. One (Earth) - Moon, Mercury, Ve-
cosmos and the origin of life muhurta has also been computed
on the globe. as equal to 2 nÈÇis and one nÈÇi nus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
5. This system is not known by as one gha—i. Suryasidhanta also The ecliptics of seven planets
the name of a particular per- describes prȇa or asu as cogniza- are described as seven paridhis in
son, region or religion, but by ble smallest unit of time equal to Yajurveda (3.1)
the name S‚–—yÈbda (Universal the length of a breath of a normal lIrkL;klu ifj/k; %
era) or KalpÈbda (Kalpa era). healthy man. This works out to be These seven planets that influ-
PRINCIPLES OF VEDIC equal to 4 seconds. Thus day and enced the atmosphere of the Earth
K¶LAGAðAN¶ night consists of 21,600 prȇas or were described in the Vedas as sev-
asus. Six prȇas also constitute one
A brief introduction of Vedic vinÈÇi, six vinÈÇis one nÈÇi which en Lakas, Viz. bhu, bhuvaÌ, svaÌ,
KÈlaga‡anÈ will suffice to under- is equal to 24 seconds. maha, janaÌ, tapaÌ and satyam.
stand the principles underlying it. To be Continued
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [23]
Science Science
Hinduism &
The Science of Pregnancy
Dr. K. K. Aggarwal
ost of the research claims Lord Shiva spurted semen on • Birth of Rama: Agni gave
of today by the West sci- seeing Vishnu in the form of Dasharath, a bowl of sacred
Mentists are re-searches the celestial enchantress Mo- sweet food to share among his
and not researches as the Vedic hini (semen donation after get- wives by the mouth (Explana-
era has examples of every possible ting excited is a normal pro- tions: Agni means incubated,
scientific explanation of all hap- cess today). Sages collected sweet foods means sperms
penings in life. During Rama and this semen and gave it to the and to be taken by mouth
Krishna era, there were nuclear wind-god Vayu (symbolizes the means the lower mouth of the
weapons, planes and what not. process of centrifugation to se- womb?).
Examples of in-vitro fertiliza- lect the best of the sperms?) Test-tube babies
tion, stem cell therapies, asexu- who poured it into the ‘ear’ 1. Birth of Agastya: There is a hymn
al mode of reproduction, organ (mythical metaphor for the in the Rig Veda (VII.33.13), it
transplantation, surrogate moth- womb?) of Anjani, who gave says, when the Vedic Gods Mi-
erhood, cloning etc were either birth to Hanuman. tra and Varuna saw the beau-
existing in the ancient Vedic era tiful nymph Urvasi, their seeds
or their descriptions available as Examples of in-vitro fell. One of these fell into a jar,
mentioned in the epics and pub- fertilization, stem cell and it was from there that the
lications of those eras. therapies, asexual mode sage Agastya was born. Seeds
The following examples are of reproduction, organ here may represent the sperm
my scientific imagination compar- transplantation, surrogate and the jars either the womb
ing the Vedic happenings with the motherhood, cloning etc (artificial insemination) or the
possible science of today. The ar- were either existing in the petri dish for the in vitro ferti-
ticle is not meant to hurt the reli- ancient Vedic era or their lization.
gious sentiments of anyone. 2. Birth of Kauravas: In the Ma-
descriptions available as
Artificial insemination mentioned in the epics and habharata (MB: I.114)” while
Queen Gandhara was carrying
The ancients in the Vedic time publications of those eras. an over due embryo, she heard
were familiar with the concept of that her husband’s brother’s
artificial insemination where se- • Birth of Hanumana: In anoth- wife had given birth to a son
men is transferred to the womb er story a part of the sweet which would make him eligible
without sexual act. Magic potions food given to Dashratha was for royal succession. In her an-
created by sages for queens of snatched by an eagle pudding ger: “She struck her womb with
childless kings to make women and dropped it where Anjana great violence… And as a result
pregnant were a common hap- was meditating, and Pavana, there came out of her womb …
pening in those eras. What were the god of wind delivered the a hard mass of flesh. When she
these magic substances? “Fertility drop (centrifuged sperms?) to was about to throw it away, a
drugs” or the metaphors for ‘do- her outstretched hands (the wise instructed her: “Let a hun-
nated semen’? female genitilia?) of Anjana. dred pots full of clarified butter
• Birth of Hanumana: The first After she took the divine des- be brought instantly, and let
known mythological example is sert, she gave birth to Hanu- them be placed at a concealed
the birth of Hanumana. When man. spot. In the meantime, let
[24] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Science
cool water be sprinkled over of a certain Daksha who was asked stories of Salya, Anusasana (86th
this ball of flesh.” That ball of by the Supreme to procreate liv- chapter in Mahabharata) and
flesh, then, sprinkled over with ing creatures. He is said to have Balakanda consistently make Kar-
water, became divided into a produced ten thousand sons who tikeya the son of all five deities:
hundred and one parts about were called “Hayashvas” (Joyful Siva, Agni, Ganga, Uma and the
the size of a thumb. These Horses). These may be regarded as Kittitas.
were then placed in pots with the first recorded instances of hu- As per Siva Purana (page 162)
clarified butter that had been man clones since all the children Shiva and Parvati were married
placed at a concealed spot and were said to have been perfectly and the demi-Gods eagerly await-
watched. Then, in due course, identical. ed their son. However Shiva and
the hundred brothers and one The core idea represents that Parvati were so engrossed in their
sister were born, and they who there has been biological evolu- amorous activities that they had
came to be called Kauravas be- tion attempts to propagate the no time for the travails of the
cause they were from the fam- species through asexual means, world. Ultimately the demi-Gods
ily of Kuru. and that the feature of sexual re- had to disturb
Medically it all may mean that production that is common for the Shiva and remind him of his
the birth of kauravas might have human species today is only a later duties.
been due to some type of IVF (test biological invention. “Shiva gave his seed to Agni
tube baby) procedure. Birth of Kartikeya and vayu. They went near a river
Clones and Procreation: Dak- The Ramayana has two chap- where the wives of the seven sag-
sha ters on Kartikeya birth in the es were bathing. Six of them went
In Puranic literature one speaks Balakanda (chapters 36-37). The to the fire to warm themselves
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [25]
Science
and were impregnated. On realis- where one can conceive of a induced to become a pluripotent
ing their predicament they left the combination of the two is trans- stem cell, essentially rewinding the
seed in the form of an embryo in planting the entire head. It would cell’s history of the cells to revert
the Himalayas. The Himalayas, un- be the most sophisticated organ to an embryonic-like state.
able to bear the heat of the em- transplant one can imagine. We The surrogate mother
bryo, placed it in the river Ganga. find an instance of this in the story
In the Bhagvata Purana, there
There Kartikeya was born”. of Ganesha as one of the earliest is a story that suggests the prac-
Some versions state that the examples of organ transplant. tice of surrogate motherhood.
six women left six embryos and Stem cell: asexual form of Kans, the wicked king of Mathura,
six babies were born. Parvati em- reproduction had imprisoned his sister Devaki
braced all six of them, thereby fus- Ganesha was born by Parva- and her husband Vasudeva be-
ing the bodies to one but leaving ti without Shiva from the dirt of cause oracles had informed him
it with six heads.
her skin. Probably it was the first that her child would be his killer.
Scientific version example of stems cells being used Every time she delivered a child,
The whole story may explain for the birth of a child using asex- he smashed its head on the floor.
the process of in-vitro fertilization ual means. Only recently scientists He killed six children. When the
in great details: have used bone marrow cells as a seventh child was conceived, the
1. Shiva gave his seeds: the means of asexual reproduction in gods intervened.
sperms animal studies. Latest is use of skin They summoned the goddess
2. The sperms were handled by cells to make liver cells. Yogamaya and had her transfer the
vayu, the process of centrifu- Scientific Evidence from upto- fetus from the womb of Devaki to
the womb of Rohini (Vasudeva’s
gation, so that the healthy date: In 2006 Shinya Yamanaka and other wife who lived with her sis-
sperms can be taken out. his colleagues took genes that were ter Yashoda across the river Yamu-
3. Next they were handles by expressed in pluripotent embryon- na, in the village of cowherds at
ic stem cells, but not generally in
agni, the process of incubation. mature cells, and introduced them Gokul). Thus the child conceived in
4. The next process was the entry into mature cells. They did so in a one womb was incubated in and
into the river, which means the manner such that the genes would delivered through another womb.
Petri dish containing the eggs. now be “ectopically” expressed, ie,
5. Now starts the process of fu- expressed in a cell type where the • • •
sion into an embryo. The six gene is normally not expressed. A
headed infant here means the small number of the mature cells Dr. K.K. Aggarwal
six cell stage of the embryo reverted back to a highly imma- Dr K.K. Aggarwal is
ready for implantation in the ture cell state that resembled an President, Heart Care
womb. embryonic stem cell. This pro- Foundation of India; Sr
6. The same was implanted in the cess, now called reprogramming, Consultant Physician,
Parvatis’ womb (in one story as induced a pluripotent state in a Cardiologist and Dean
she embraced the same) and in previously differentiated cell type. Medical Education
Moolchand Medcity; Chairman Ethical
the Krttikas (the native girls) in These cells are therefore called in- Committee Delhi Medical Council;
another part of the story. duced pluripotent cells (iPS). Chairman (Delhi Chapter) International
7. Karttikeya is described as five It indicates that the state of a Medical Sciences Academy;
or six-headed GOD represent- given cell (its level of differentia- Hony Director IMA AKN Sinha
Institute (08–09); Hony Finance
ing that a cell of five or six cell tion) can be manipulated, resulting Secretary National IMA (07–08);
stage can be implanted. in drastic shifts in cell function. Chairman IMA Academy of Medical
Cells have a plasticity that is far Specialties (06–07); President
Organ transplants: Ganesha greater than previously recog- Delhi Medical Association (05–06),
Transplant involves parts like nized and can be programmed by President IMA New Delhi Branch
hands, arms, and legs, which are specific manipulations to achieve (94–95, 02–04); Editor in Chief IJCP
not vital organs and transplants a different cell state. A keratino- Group of Publications & Hony. Visiting
of vital organs. The one instance cyte derived from the skin can be Professor (Clinical Research) DIPSAR.
[26] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Management
Want To Be a Good Leader?
By Radhakrishnan Pillai
Want to be a good leader? tant to understand their total
Surveys have repeatedly proved personality. Once you under-
that one of the biggest reasons stand their expectations, it
why people leave an organisation will be easy to manage those
is because they cannot work under expectations. Only then will
their boss. To be an ideal leader, or you be able to tune into your
a good boss, it is an eternal chal- employees.
lenge. • Give Time To Educate
A good boss is neither pro- them
duced in B-schools, nor with the No good parent will ever
help of management lectures and expect the child to work and
seminars. make money for them from
But Chanakya gives us a hint: Day One. Similarly, your em-
“And, in all cases, be should ployees have to be educated,
favour the stricken (subjects) like a instructed and prepared be-
father.” (4.3.43) fore they meet bigger chal-
lenges. Even you have to be
In our homes, the role of a part of their training and de-
father has been well-defined. He velopment. No doubt they will
is full of love and concern. At the make mistakes and just like the employees may still make the
same time, he is also a strict and children fall when they try to walk, same mistake that you did. Accept
disciplinarian. But whatever the so will employees stumble in the it with love and grace.
case, a father will never abandon course of duty. But they will one There is a beautiful phrase I am
his children. day run faster than you. reminded of, “A man learns that his
Here are some tips for you to • Discipline with Love father was right, when his son tells
adopt with your subordinates to him that he is wrong!” May be we
The greatest challenge for any
become a good boss: parent is to know the balance be- will need to remember this while
• Understand Them tween discipline and love. The so- dealing with our employees.
Always remember that an em- lution is love with discipline and •••
ployee is not just a money gen- discipline with love. An era has to
erating machine. They have a life be demarcated – a framework has Radhakrishnan Pillai
outside the office. They have a fam- to be indicated – beyond which Radhakrishnan Pil-
ily, a friend circle, and also various there is dangerous territory. Sub- lai, from the univer-
interests and hobbies. It is impor- ordinates, like children, are full of sity of Mumbai, depart-
energy and enthusiasm. It is impor- ment of Philosophy is
the founder director of
tant to encourage their creativity. Chanakya institute of
But it is equally important to give Public leadership (CiPl) a research based
direction to their work. Discipline organisation that is working to promote
work, coupled with love, is the an- Indian concepts in management. He has
done an extensive research on “Kau-
swer. tilya’s Arthashastra”, the well known
Finally, whatever you do, re- book on management written in 4th BC
member that no classroom lec- from Chinmaya international founda-
tion (Cif), kerala under the guidance of
tures can achieve what one learns Dr Gangadharan nair, the dean of Adis-
from direct experience. Therefore, hankara samskrit university. He later
in your own maturity, understand proceeded to do his MA in Sanskrit and
that in spite of your best efforts, a Phd. in the subject.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [27]
Religion
The Other Side of Caste
By Mark DeFillo
et’s One of the biggest to see what it is and how it works. outside the social unit consisting of
stereotypes of Hinduism One crucial point is that what we related families called a “gotra”. So,
Lis that it’s a hate-filled, think of as “caste” nowadays is a jati consists of related gotras, and
oppressive, caste-bound society actually two separate systems or a gotra consists of related families.
in which rich Brahmins lord it over social structures, that have been There is nothing harmful or bad
poor serfs, and this stereotype has fused together in times past. in this, it is common to almost all
been used for centuries to attack Another point is that the current groups of humans. Many cultures
Hinduism and turn people against system is a rigidified, crystallized have similar rules of endogamy –
it. The reality is far different; the thing, whereas many scriptures and marrying within a particular kinship
basic thing to know is that bad teachers describe and promote a group, while avoiding those who
people and bad actions can turn system with flexibility and individual closely related. There are other
almost anything bad. Hindu caste, qualification. rules sometimes, such as exactly
too, will be bad in the hands of The two systems are “jati” how and to what extent people
people full of fear, hatred, and envy, and “varna”. In English, “caste” from different groups may socialize
but can be good if approached with is often used to translate both with each other. Eating together, for
compassion, love and a concern for Sanskrit words, though sometimes example, is often taboo between
the common welfare of all. “subcaste” is used for “jati”, because people of different groups.
What is caste? In short, the of the mixing of the systems. “Varna”, meanwhile, refers
real meaning of Hindu caste is The jatis of India are the clans to occupational categories that in
simply the social structure of the of India, that is, one level of the some scriptures, such as Bhagavad-
civilization of India. In order to social structure. In Indian culture, Gita, are really defined in terms of
begin to understand it, we have traditionally people are supposed psychological categories. Please
to look deeper at this structure, to marry within their jati, but study especially verse 4.13 and
chapter 14 as a whole for more
detail. There are four varnas, as
well as groups of people who
are outside that system. The
four varnas are the brahmanas
(sometimes spelled “brahmins”),
who are scholars, educators, and
priests; kshatriyas, who are warriors
and leaders; vaishyas, who are
merchants, farmers and herders;
and shudras, who are workers and
the service professions. Bhagavad-
gita defines suitability for each
varna according to the traditional
psychological or personality
classifications known as the three
gunas, often translated as “modes
of material nature”. Interestingly, it
is not skill that dictates one’s best
role in civilization, but this guna
mindset. The three gunas are sattva
(“goodness”), rajas (“passion”)
and tamas (“darkness”). People in
the material world always have a
[28] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Religion
mixture of these, but normally one these values are well-suited to and equanimity. These are proper
or two predominates, and this is commerce and production. Next traits of the brahmana varna. In
what the Gita looks for. The proper comes rajas, the mode of passion. contrast to the stereotype, most
brahmana has a predominance of With this guna in play, we tend to brahmanas have been rather closer
sattva-guna, the kshatriya has rajo- have strong feelings and actions to poor than wealthy, because a
guna, the vaishya has mixed rajas about honor, justice, duty and good brahmanas does not have
and tamas, and the shudra has many other things; these people much drive to accumulate riches…
tamas. Although this looks simple are ideally suited to serve society as he is much more likely to yearn to
on the face of it, it can be difficult to warriors and leaders. Duty, justice accumulate learning and wisdom
understand clearly, especially since and honor, and perhaps a little and spirituality.
there are various For those on a
ways to define the truly spiritual path,
gunas, some of which some scriptures and
are not helpful in teachers speak of
dispelling the harmful another state of mind
stereotype. called “shuddha-
Here is how I find sattva” or “pure
it helpful to look at the goodness”. In that
gunas in connection state, one transcends
with varnas (and material identity.
with life in general). However, in Sanatana
Remember that all Dharma, leadership by
of these are integral example is a standard,
parts of a functional so even if someone has
civilization. When we achieved shuddha-
keep that in mind, sattva, he or she will
we will know that most likely continue
none of them is “bad” to act according to
or unrespectable. normal standards
Starting with the in daily life, unless
majority, perhaps they totally renounce
the most important ordinary society..
feature of tamo-guna But what about
is that it does not have all the oppression and
a strong drive behind hatred we hear about?
it, rather people in Is it all stereotype?
tamas, those who are Sadly, no… such things
most suited to work do happen. However,
as shudras, are happy the problem is not
to seek easy security inherent in the jati
and satisfaction as and varna systems,
their main goal. This is the majority less positively the desire for glory, nor in Hindu culture: the problem
of people, and thus perfectly are drives that lead people to put is the influence of tamo-guna on
normal. The other gunas, and other their lives in danger, sometimes society at large. It may be blatant
varnas, reflect stronger drives and inescapable death, for the sake or subtle, but make no mistake that
other goals as a result of the traits of protecting innocents or seeing fear, hatred, envy, etc., are distinctly
involved. right prevail. Finally sattva, often tamasic qualities. When they gain
With the addition of rajas or translated as “goodness”, is a word hold in a society, then the social
passion alongside tamas, people that related to truth and reality, system in that society will turn
become focused on accumulating and implies as a personality trait dark and harmful to the people.
wealth, which leads to a distinct on one hand a drive to know and This happens in every society and
focus on profit in their work and see truth and reality, and on the every society sometimes has deep
daily affairs. Naturally, people with other hand, tends toward serenity class-based troubles; it’s a trait of
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [29]
Religion
which is actually German in the rules. Even when it comes to eating,
Despite the cases of paternal line, though mixed with sometimes people from different
caste-based hatred, there the various British ethnic groups groups will each form a circle of
is another side to the re- from other sides of the family tree); their own group to eat with, but the
ality of caste in India, and then the English (or Anglo-Saxons, other groups are clustered nearby,
that is that in many places, descendants of migrants from so they can all talk, and yet are not
Germany, the Netherlands and
actually eating together in violation
there is no such hatred. In southern Denmark; also mixed with of the rules. Now, to people who
those places, people of all the descendants of Scandinavian don’t have such rules, this is hard
castes may well even be settlers); and below them, the to understand, and may well look
close friends, even while several native Celtic ethnic groups. oppressive, but since ALL the groups
adhering to their rules On this racist model and history of have the same kind of rules, it is not
about contact. invasion, the imagination of some oppressive segregation imposed by
British scholars interpreted the tyrants, but a mutually-agreed upon
humanity, not of Hinduism. The Hindu social structure as working fact of life that, in such cases where
solution – in the world as a whole, the same way, making the upper tamas is not at work, does no harm.
as well as in the Hindu world – is classes the descendants of foreign Now, even with tamasic
to raise up the society with better invaders and the lower classes elements, in the history of India,
values than those of tamo-guna. descendants of earlier natives. the “caste” system has had a very
Rajasic traits make a better society Despite the cases of caste- strong influence on preserving the
than tamasic traits, and sattvic based hatred, there is another society despite being conquered by
traits make a better society than side to the reality of caste in India, several groups of fanatic enemies
rajasic. The Hindu caste system is and that is that in many places, over the course of centuries.
no more nor less inherently hateful there is no such hatred. In those How so? Very simply, because if
than that of any other civilization, places, people of all castes may someone joined with the outsiders
for example, the clans of Scotland, well even be close friends, even or collaborated with them, he or
or the class system of the old British while adhering to their rules about she more or less automatically
Empire. In fact, we must remember contact. As one kind of example lost their place in their “jati” – and
that the British, whether they I’ve seen numerous examples of remember, that means their clan,
realized it or not, interpreted other in sociological studies of India, a and thus their family, which is a part
societies through their own lens: multi-caste group of friends will of the jati. We can find instructive
British society had an ethnic-based congregate at someone’s verandah examples in the stories of various
class structure, with the Norman or porch, with some people on the medieval sages and avataras, such
ethnic group at the top (with the verandah, and others next to it, as the brothers Rupa and Sanatana
exception of the royal family, so that they are all together, yet Gosvami, who became chief
separated enough to satisfy the followers of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
SRI KAUSIKA MAHASIVA
NADI JOTHIDA NILAYAM
To know accurate predictions of all your
future life, based on your thumb
impression & from the predictions written
by ancient Maharishis on palm leaves,
Contact:
B.RAJU Nadi Jothidan
+91 99626 15529 /+ 91 9488639637
[email protected]
[30] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Religion
They were Hindu by birth, but had Meanwhile, the foreigners set equality of the jivatma regardless
taken government positions under up rigid, feudal social structures of body. As one example, this is true
the Muslim conqueror of their which almost certainly influenced of many, though not all, followers
region, as a result of which Hindu the Hindu social system toward of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, to the
society considered them lost, and becoming far more rigid and birth- extent that some groups readily give
they bore Muslim names instead based, which was normal in many initiation in the brahmana varna to
of their own. Eventually they came societies around the world at that even non-Indians, as well as Indians
under the influence of Caitanya time, apparently even developing born in any community, who prove
Mahaprabhu, and left government spontaneously in unrelated themselves worthy. Aside from
service to become Vaisnava sadhu cultures with no contact. We have those Hindus, the closely-related
renunciates under Mahaprabhu’s mentioned that Bhagavad-Gita Sikh dharma, formally renounces
guidance. and some other texts speak of caste, and declares all people and
Naturally, many people refused varna as determined by the gunas all non-sinful occupations to be of
to give up their names and jatis that predominate in our mind-sets equal rank and dignity.
and families to join up with the and personalities, but some texts, It is not the place of this article
Muslims, even though it meant including the Mahabharata, clearly to champion any one tradition
being oppressed and degraded, and show that some people looked to within Hinduism over any other;
sometimes killed. This enabled the one’s birth and family to determine readers must consider their own
people as a whole to maintain their varna, and other texts only speak traditions, teachers and conscience.
identity in resistance to assimilation What we can and do say is that all
to the foreign conquerors. The All Hindus and all people should strive to reduce
other side of that coin, though, is dharmis and really all the influence of tamas in their
that sometimes the Muslims were spiritually-oriented people lives, and that includes its effect
able to forcibly convert people, should be as brothers and of causing caste-based hatred and
who thereby lost their place in sisters to each other, regard- strife. All Hindus and all dharmis
Hindu society, even though their less of caste or any other and really all spiritually-oriented
“conversion” was not sincere, and people should be as brothers and
indeed was meaningless. Whether material consideration. It’s sisters to each other, regardless
people willingly collaborated or so simple: let us not fear, of caste or any other material
were coerced into “conversion” envy or hate members of consideration. It’s so simple: let us
to Islam, in most cases, they have other varnas or jatis! not fear, envy or hate members of
been unable to return to the fold other varnas or jatis!
of Sanatana Dharma – those two of birth-based caste; so, we can see • • •
Gosvamis are important exceptions, a range of view in Hindu scripture,
and it’s notable that they did not and an apparent progression Mark DeFillo
return to ordinary Hindu society, toward the current system, which
Mark DeFillo has
but were sadhus on the margin of was no doubt strengthened by the contributed to a variety
society, though highly respected rigidity under foreign oppression. of Hindu publications
by those who appreciated their (But let’s not forget that some in North America and
spiritual path. parts of the Indian and other Hindu India. He has regularly
volunteered since the
Again, the fear of being ejected population no longer follow that early-mid 1990’s in the Jagannatha
from their entire society was a system very rigidly, if at all.) Ratha-Yatra of New York City, and par-
strong motivation for people to Another angle to caste in India ticipates in other festivals of the Hindu
stay loyal to their own culture is that some traditions deliberately and Sikh communities. His particular
interests include language and linguis-
and identity, and this enabled transcend and look beyond the tics, including and especially India’ s
most of India to remain true to limits and labels of material society, own ancient field of “Vyakarana” and
its own identity even in the face including “caste”. In some cases, its underestimated influence on the
of centuries of brutal oppression. they will continue to act in some Western science of linguistics; ancient
Many other countries, including ways according to the traditional history, including the relationships and
influences between India and other
those in Europe, did not have that systems, but simply because it is peoples, both related and unrelated; in
particular advantage, or not to a how the material culture works, the religious sphere, bhakti, especially
sufficient degree, when they were but in spiritual matters, they ignore Nam-bhakti, as found in several major
faced with similar obstacles. such things in favor of the essential parts of Hinduism.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [31]
Culture
The Peacock King of the
Vedic Yezidi People
By Yezidi Al-Jilwah
The Yezidis are a Kurdish in the Mahabharata and by Bhish- from Sanskrit, Afghanistan, Turk-
speaking people who live in North- ma. Samrat Yayati’s fourth son menistan etc. Sumerian takes it
ern Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. was Anu. Anu's eighth son was Ma- name from two Sanskrit sources
They number 500.000-600 000 hamana. Ushinara was the son of Sumeru the sacred mountain in
in the Middle East and another Mahamana and his rule extended Vedic religion, and Arya or Irian in
200,000 settled across India. There over most of the Punjab. Sumerian. The Sumerian, Kurds,
have been many conflicting myths Ushinara's son was Nriga and Turkomans and Persians were all
about the Yezidi people and reli- Nriga son was Yaudheya. It is from called Arya. Arya is a Vedic title
gion yet most of these are based Yaudheya that the royal bloodline that means Noble.
on Christian and Muslim writings of Yezidi tribe lives on through The Peacock King
and are not first hand accounts. Sheikis, Magis, and the Brahmins. The Cosmology of the Yezidi
As a Yezidi I hope to shed In the Mahabharata the Yaudheya is very complex and so radically
some light upon the ancient and took part in the Kuruskshetra war, different that its hard to give a
rich Vedic culture of our people, a siding with the Kauravas. complete view of our religion. The
reality that is overlooked by other Yezidi faith contains elements of
writers on the subject. In this ar- In the Mahabharata the Vedic, Sumerian, Babylonian and
ticle I present the spiritual tradi- Yaudheya tribe belong to Zoroastrianism. The Yezidis are
tions of my people from within the the kingdom of Yauddheya polytheistic but believe in a sin-
perspective of our ancient culture or Yodheya which lay close gle creator called Asura Mazda or
and beliefs. to the kingdom of the Pan- Brahman. Asura Mazda created a
In my research I have found davas. The Yaudheya king- set of lesser gods, and three sets
that we Yezidi share a common dom was founded by Yaud- of angels called Amesha, Spen-
spiritual connection with the Hin- heya and the Yaudheya tas, Yazatas and Fravashis and the
dus of India. In fact the Yezidi bloodline is mentioned in Six Great Angels. The universal
people are originally from South- the Mahabharata and by supreme deity is Melek Taus or
ern India and Sri Lanka, Satana Bhishma. Samrat Yayati’s Tawsi Melek, or the Peacock King.
of Northern India where they are fourth son was Anu. The name Melek is is cognate for
known as Yaudheya or Yaudheya Moloch of ancient Babylon mean-
Gana. Yaudheya was ancient con- After the Kurukshetra War the ing King, and Taus meaning Pea-
federation who lived in the area Yaudheya fled India and migrated cock. The Supreme Brahman cre-
between the Indus River and the to what become the kingdoms of ated Melek Taus in order to give
Ganges River. the Sumerians, Assyrians, Mecca the transcendental Supreme God
In the Mahabharata the Yaud- and the Egyptians. a vehicle with which to create and
heya tribe belong to the kingdom Following a star called Rudra administer the universe. Melek
of Yauddheya or Yodheya which or Al Gol the Yaudheya were led Taus is part of the cosmic energy
lay close to the kingdom of the to the promised Holy Land called that form from Brahman.
Pandavas. The Yaudheya kingdom Al-Kuds. Al-Kud become Kurdistan In order to assist Melek Taus
was founded by Yaudheya and the and the Meda Empire of Zoroas- and the Seven Great Angels, Brah-
Yaudheya bloodline is mentioned trianism. Kurdistan gets it name man created the gods and goddess
[32] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Culture
The author with Sheik, a Yezidi Elder in Lalish, Iraqi Kurdistan in 2012.
Lalish is considered as the original Sacred Garden of Eden by the Yezidi People.
of creation. Vishnu, Surya, Indra The Meshefe Re states that the descended into the physical di-
etc are avatars of Brahman and Surpreme Lord Brahman created mension and in his seven colored
not separate from him. From the a cosmic pearl. Melek Taus sat rainbow form he manifest as the
cosmic rainbow the Seven Great upon this pearl until it exploded peacock of the seven colors.
Angels first emerged from the rain- and then become the physical uni- He then flew to every part of
bows of cosmic light. Each of the verse. Then came the seven days the world in order to bless it, fi-
seven colors are collectively the of creation, the first day which nally landing in the area of Lalish
seven Great Angels. The seven the Supreme Brahman was cre- or Eden. It was here that Melek
Great Angels were originally part ated was Sunday. On that day he Taus was able to calm the Earth
of Melek Taus, the primal rainbow created an angel whose name was with the seven rays of color.
incarnation, who became the cos- Azra'll also called Azazel, the high-
mic rainbow's seven colors. Of the est Angel of them all. Adima and Hevea
seven colors formed Melek Taus After the Seven Great angels With the Earth in its final stages
became associated with blue, blue were created the Earth was pro- of evolution, Melek Taus set out to
being the spiritual color of spiritual duced from the divine essence of create mankind. Melek Taus took
world and heavens, which is the the pearl. For a billion years the the Avatar of Enki and rose from
source of all colors. earth remained barren and then the Sea, and in Eden he created
Brahman and the Creation suddenly the earth erupted into from his own seeds Adimas and
Hevea or Adamu and Ninki as they
At the start of creation Me- a series of intense and violent were named in Sumerian.
lek Taus was both the first form earthquakes and volcanic activity. However the first creation was
of Brahmanand one of the Seven In order to save the young earth without a soul, so Enki breathed
Great Angels. In the Meshefe Re, from being further destroyed, life into them, creating the Soul
the Yezidi Black Book, which deals Brahman sent Melek Taus to se- from God. When Adima rose to his
with the creation of the universe, date the Earth and endow it with feet, Enki turned him around so
one passage describes the Great cosmic colored rays which created that he would face the Sun. He in-
Angels and their role in universe. life. Melek Taus in his Atam form formed him that there was some-
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [33]
Culture
thing more powerful then him and tan and became the focus of devo- • King Melchizebek of Canaanite
that he was the great Sun Mithra. tion for those in the Underworld. • Enki / Ea of Sumerians
He also directed Adima to pray Yet because of Lord Shiva’s devo- • Shamash of Sumerians
to the Sun three times a day just tion to God (Brahman) he cried for • Osiris of the Egyptians
like the Brahmins do today when 40.000 years filling the jars with his
they recite the Gayatri Mantra. tears. These tears quenched the • Dyaus - Nahusha or Greek Dio-
However Adima grew lonely. fires of Hell. The Supreme Being nysus
Brahman seeing this was moved • Mahamrityunjaya / Msaw /
Upon seeing this Enki created
a wife for him whom he named and he awarded him with the po- Masiha Mahesha / Shiva of the
Hevea or Ninki in Sumerian. Enki sition as the worshipable deity of Hindus.
gave to Adima and Heva the Rig the Earth Planet Yezidi tradition states that Me-
Veda and verbalized the prayers Melek Taus, the Peacock King lek Taus first appeared after the
that Adima and his descendants The Yezidis maintain that Me- creation of Adima to his descend-
chant to this day. Around the lek Taus, or the Peacock King is ants as Lord Shiva. Shiva expanded
world these words were used to manifest in all religions. Melek himself into the four main avatars
pray during worship. Enki spoke Taus also sends prophets to lead of Rudra (although in some stories
to them in 72 languages since the Yezidi to help them maintain Rudra is first Avatar before Shiva),
Adima and Hevea were destined their commitment to the spiritu-
to have 72 sons and 72 daughters. al path of Melek Taus. One such Murugan is the son of
They would then populate the 72 prophet is Zoroaster. According to Shiva and Shakti. Some
regions of the Earth. the Yezidi Zoroaster appeared on of his alternate titles are
Adima and Heva enrolled in a Earth in 6000B.C in order to lead Skanda, Sanat Kumara,
competition to see which one will the Aryans to the right path of Karttikeya, and Sub-
bring forth the Yezidi bloodline. Ahura Mazda, (an Avatar of Me- ramamiya Swami. In Yezidi
They both stored their seeds in jars lek Taus.) Murugan is considered a
and then after a period of incuba- Zoroaster is said to have reincarnated form of Shiva,
tion the jars were opened. The He- helped form the spiritual cul- for the Father and Son are
veas jar was opened and found to ture of the Arya homeland. He of one soul.
be full of insects and vermin, while reformed the Yezidi Arya faith by
within Adimas’ jar a beautiful baby merging the Rig Veda with new el- Dyaus-Nagusha, and Mashia,
boy was found. The Yezidis are the ements such as the Avesta. and Mahamrityunjaya. Shiva is a
descendants of this very same boy. god of yoga, meditation, and tan-
These are just some of the tra and the god of the underworld,
Because of his desire to see Melek Taus Avatars that are wor-
mankind leave Eden, the God Enki shiped within Yezidi tradition. ghost and goblins. He took upon
secretly taught Adima and Hiva the • Ahura Mazda of Zoroastrian himself the divine form of Satanan,
ways of gods. Yet divine Anu saw as the god of Hell. He is held by
this and sent Melek Taus’ brother • Apolloonius/Apollo the Yezidi to have sacrificed him-
El or Yahva of Rig Veda to throw • Azazel of Semites self and then to have arisen from
them out of Eden. Upon doing so • Shaitan word of Satan in Islam death in the fires of Hell.
there was war in the heavens and • Shiva/Rudra of the Hindus From his cremation he was
Enki, appearing as Shiva raged war • Melek /Molech of Babel and reborn as the Peacock King of the
for the freedom of mankind. He Canaanite Universe and as the god of Uni-
took with him the Asuras and was versal Awakening. Dyaus was the
thrown out of Eden into the fire • Mithra of Hindus and Zoroas- first Avatar that came from the re-
of Hell, where he became the god trian birth of Shiva and is said to have
of Underworld and ruler of Ghost, • Murugan / Skanda / Sanat Ku- emerged from his energy. He is
Goblins and Demons. mara of Hindus also called Bagha which is rooted
He took the mystic name of Sa- • Baal of Canaanite and Babel in the Sanskrit word Bhagavan or
God. He is Androgynous as well. In
[34] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Culture
the West he is known as Dionysus This primal union created a is the home to advance devotees
and Bacchus. vesica pisces, the eye and seed of of Sanat. Only the most spiritually
Mahamrityunjaya is the great life. These vesica pisces represents advanced devotees, mystic yogis
conqueror of death and the Yezidi the omniscience of the primal cre- and seers go to the realm of Sanat
hold that he appears as a bat and ator, Melek Taus. They were color- after death. Sanat is ruled over by
a serpent. These are his spiritual ed green or blue-green. The mid- Murugan (who is also known as
forms as Death and the Under- dle color reflects the sexual union Sanat) in his Peacock form. This
world. between the male and female planet of the Peacock King is the
leading to the procreation of the desired destination and hope for
Murugan the Peacock Rider
universe. This energy lead to the all the Yezidi people. During their
Murugan is the son of Shiva creation of universe and came lives the Yezidi strive to dedicate
and Shakti. Some of his alternate from their sexual union. Thus the their lives to the Peacock King.
titles are Skanda, Sanat Kumara, combination of the blue-green Our greatest hope upon leaving
Karttikeya, and Subramamiya Swa- color produced a ‘Son of God’ in this mortal world is to reach that
mi. In Yezidi Murugan is consid- the form of a Solar Dragon and of final and greatest destination, the
ered a reincarnated form of Shiva, the Peacock. Planet of Sanat Murugan.
for the Father and Son are of one
soul. Sanat Kumara resides •••
In the sacred center of the
Murugan is the highest form
of the Peacock King Melek Taus. Earth called Shamballa. Kumara Yezidi Al-Jilwah
Murugan like Melek Taus is the has several names, each name Yezidi Al-Jilwah was
king of the universe and moves relates to the Sahasra centers of born in Shingal, a holy
through the universe as a young the different Systemic Existences. village of the Yezidi and
named Nallein Tiffany
boy astride a peacock, or some- At the Supra-Cosmic plane, he Sowilo. At 13 years of
times simply as a peacock. Muru- is called Sanatana, in Yezidi he's age she received her
gan’s sacred animals include the called Satan. At the Cosmic plane, religious name Yezidi Al-Jilwah. She is
from a long line of Magi or Mai. The
peacock, the snake and the cock. it is Sanandana, and on Earth, it Mai are a caste of ancient religious
The snake denotes that the energy is Sanat Kumara. It is Sanat Ku- and ritual leaders who read the sacred
of Murugan is divine. This energy mara that resides in Shamballa. Avesta and other chants, do pujas and
practice divination and astrology. Cur-
is brought to spiritual awakening In the Mahabharata, Sanat Ku- rently she is working on her religious
by reaching Godhead through a mara come down to help in the diploma in Zoroastrian studies from
sexual awakening of the Kundalini. divine plan of Creation, Sanat was Zoroastrian College in Los Angeles and
Yezidi studies from Lalish Religious Col-
The cock denotes his status as a reborn as son of Krishna and he lege based in Iraq. Al-Jilwah practices
solar deity. Murugan is one of the was named Pradyumna. On com- Bhakti Yoga with a focus on Lord Shiva
seven angelic beings within the pletion of his spiritual quest with and Lord Krishna and holds a Yoga Certi-
fication from the Yogananda Fellowship
Vedic text and he is referred to as Lord Krishna, he again gets back of Los Angeles, Sanskrit Mantra Certifi-
Sanat Kumara. The Yezidi identify to his original form and position cation from the Vedic Council of Vedic
the Kumaras as the brothers who and takes to the throne of Sham- Astrology and Advance Level Certifica-
tion from the American College of Vedic
assisted Sanat in the creation of balla as Sanat Kumara. Sanat Ku- Astrology. In 2012 Al-Jilwah founded the
the world and in the enlighten- mara is the planetary Lord. He Shiva Bhakti Book Trust for the distribu-
ment of mankind. receives his energy from higher tion of free Bhagavad Gitas and as an
spiritual planes in the month of online store featuring books on Mys-
Another name associated with Aries, and transmits them to the tism and Siddhis, incense, essential oils
Murugan is Karttikeya which is de- spiritual Hierarchy called the An- and deity worship paraphernalia The
Shiva Bhakti Book Trust distributes free
rived from Krittika, a Sanskrit name nunaki. The Annunaki are identi- books, cds dvds on Siddhis and Vedic
for the Pleiades. The Pleiades are fied as the Seven Sisters of the topics to students as well. The Trust of-
the source of the primal union Pleiades. Sanat is the highest fers tutoring on Vedic and Yezidi culture
and deity worship. Yezidi Al-Jilwah is a
between the male and female spiritual planet for the devotees practising Mai and offers Puja services,
principles and it is manifested as of Melek Taus. This planet is said Vedic astrology, Vedic gemstone consult-
a spiralling energy. ing, gemstones sales and Mantras.
to be located in the Pleiades and
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [35]
Scriptures
Upanishads Do Not Ask You
to Renounce Life
By Osho
he Upanishads are writ- but remember the word "trans- etrated into it, something of their
ten in Sanskrit; Sanskrit formed". The language itself was poetry entered into the very cells,
Tis the oldest language transformed because so many peo- the very fibre of the language. Even
on the earth. The very word san- ple attained to the ultimate, and the language became transformed,
skrit means transformed, adorned, because they were using the lan- illuminated. It was bound to hap-
crowned, decorated, refined -- guage, something of their joy pen- pen. Just as it is happening today
in the West, languages are becom-
ing more and more scientific, accu-
rate, mathematical, precise. They
have to be because science is giving
them its color, its shape, its form. If
science is growing, then of course
the language in which the science
will be expressed will have to be
scientific.
The same happened five thou-
sand years before in India with
Sanskrit. So many people became
enlightened and they were all
speaking Sanskrit; their enlighten-
ment entered into it with all its
music, with all its poetry, with all
its celebration. Sanskrit became lu-
minous Sanskrit is the most poetic
and musical language in existence.
A poetic language is just the
opposite of a scientific language.
In scientific language every word
has to be very precise in meaning;
it has to have only one meaning.
In a poetic language the word has
to be liquid, flowing, dynamic, not
static, allowing many meanings,
many possibilities. The word has
to be not precise at all; the more
imprecise it is the better, because
then it will be able to express all
kinds of nuances.
Hence the Sanskrit sutras can
be defined in many ways, can be
commented upon in many ways --
they allow much playfulness. For
[36] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Scriptures
example, there are eight hundred Each word has become divine, just by dissecting the flower. For that
roots in Sanskrit and out of those because it has been used by people you need a poetic approach, not
eight hundred roots thousands of who had known God or godliness. the scientific approach. The scien-
words have been derived, just as This Upanishad in which we are tific approach analyses; the poetic
out of one root a tree grows and entering today is the smallest -- it perspective is totally different. The
many branches and thousands of can be written on a postcard -- and science will never find any beauty
leaves and hundreds of flowers. yet it is the greatest document in in the flower because beauty be-
Each single root becomes a vast existence. There is no document of longs to the unmanifest form. Sci-
tree with great foliage. such luminosity, of such profound- ence will dissect the manifest form
For example, the root RAM can ness anywhere in the whole his- and will find all kinds of substances
mean first "to be calm", second "to tory of humanity. The name of the the flower is made of but will miss
rest", third "to delight in", fourth Upanishad is ISA UPANISHAD. its soul.
"cause delight to", fifth "to make The world of the Upanishads is Each and everything has both,
love", sixth "to join", seventh "to very close to my approach. In fact, the body and the soul. The body is
make happy", eighth "to be bliss- what I am doing here is giving a the world and the soul is God, but
ful", ninth "to play", tenth "to be rebirth to the spirit of the Upani- the body is not Against the soul, the
peaceful", eleventh "to stand still", shads. It has disappeared even world is not against the God. The
twelfth "to stop, to come to a full from India, and it has not been on world manifests God, expresses
stop", and thirteenth "God, divine, the scene at least for three thou- God. God is silence and the world
the absolute". And these are only sand years. There is a gap of three is the song of that silence. And
few of the meanings of the root. thousand years, and in these three the same is true about you. Every
Sometimes the meanings are relat- thousand years India has destroyed person has both: the manifest,
ed to each other, sometimes not; its own achievement. the body-mind structure, and the
sometimes even they are contra- The first thing is that Upani- unmanifest, your consciousness.
dictory to each other. Hence the shads are not anti-life, they are not Religion consists in discover-
language has a multidimensional for renouncing life. Their approach ing the unmanifest in the mani-
quality to it. You can play with is whole: life has to be lived in its fest. It is not a question of escap-
those words and through that play totality. They don't teach escapism. ing anywhere; it is exploring your
you can express the inexpressible; They want you to Live in the world, innermost depths. It is exploring
the inexpressible can be hinted. but in such a way that you remain the silent center, the center of the
The Sanskrit language is called Above the world, in a certain sense cyclone. And it is always there; any
Devavani -- the divine language. transcendental to the world, living moment you can find it. It is not
And it certainly is divine in the in the world and yet not being of something that has to be found
sense because it is the most poetic it. But they don't teach you that life somewhere else, in the Himalayas
and the most musical language. has to be renounced, that you have or in a monastery. It is within You!
Each word has a music around it, to escape from life, that life is ugly You can discover it in the Himala-
a certain aroma. or life is sin. They rejoice in life! It yas, you can discover it in the mar-
How it happened? It happened is a gift of God; it is the manifest ketplace.
because so many people used it form of God. The Upanishads say that to
who were full of inner harmony. This fundamental has to be choose between the absolute and
Of course those words became lu- remembered. Upanishads say that the relative is wrong. Any choice
minous: they were used by people the world is the manifest form of will make you partial; you will not
who were enlightened. Something God and the God is the unmanifest be whole. And without whole there
of their light filtered to the words, form of the world, and every mani- is no bliss, without whole there is
reached to the words; something fest phenomenon has an unmani- no holiness; without whole you are
of their silence entered the very fest noumenon inside it. always going to be a little bit lop-
grammar, the very language they When you see a flower, the sided, insane. When you are whole
were using. flower is only the manifest form you are healthy because you are
The script in which Sanskrit is of something inside it, its essence, total.
written is called Devanagari; De- which is unmanifest, which is its The relative means the world,
vanagari means "dwelling-place soul, its very being. You cannot the changing, phenomenal world,
of the gods", and so certainly it is. catch hold of it, you cannot find it and the absolute means the un-
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [37]
Scriptures
changing center of the changing tation. And meditation can be done ers. That is true renunciation: liv-
world. Find the unchanging in the anywhere because the question is ing in the world and yet remaining
changing. And it is there so there to know the witness. If you go into absolutely non-possessive. They
is no question; just you have to a monastery the same method will loved, but they were not jealous.
know the technique of discovering have to be applied there; if you go They loved totally but without any
it. That technique is meditation. into the mountains the same meth- ego trip, without any idea to domi-
Meditation simply means be- od has to be applied there. You can nate the other.
coming attuned to the unmanifest. be in the home, in the family, in the This is what I am trying to do
The body is there, you can see it; marketplace -- the same method. here, and there are fools in India
the mind is there, you can see it In fact, in the world it is easier who think I am against Indian cul-
too. If you close your eyes you will to see the changing. When you go ture. Of course I am against what
see the mind with all its activity, to the desert it will be more diffi- has happened in these three thou-
with all its working. Thoughts are cult to see the changing because in sand years -- that is not true cul-
passing, desires are arising, memo- the desert almost nothing seems ture, that is a deviation, that is ugly.
ries surfacing, and the whole activ- to change, or the change is so sub- That has made India poor, that has
ity of the mind will be there; you tle that it is not visible. But in the kept India a slave for twenty-two
can watch it. marketplace, sitting by the side of a centuries; that has made India so
One thing is certain: the watch- road, you can see the change con- starved, unhealthy, unhygienic, for
er is not the mind. The one who tinuously, the traffic on the road the simple reason if you teach peo-
is conscious of the activities of the changing; it is never the same. ple that life is not good to live -- it
mind is not part of the mind. The Living in the monastery is liv- is only worth renouncing, it has no
watcher is separate, the witness is ing in a static world, in a dormant value, the only value it has is to re-
separate. To become aware of this world. It is living like a frog in a nounce it, the only virtue is to be
witness is to have found the essen- pond, in a well, enclosed. To live anti-life -- naturally life is going to
tial, the central, the absolute, the in the ocean will make you more suffer.
unchanging. aware of the changes. But this is not the message of
The body changes: once you It is good to be in the world: the Upanishads, and the
were a child, then a young man that is the message of the Upani- Upanishads are the very soul
or a young woman, then old age... shads. The Upanishadic seers of this country, and not only of
One day you were in the mother's were not ascetic. Of course they this country but of all the people
womb, then you were born, then renounced many things, but the who have been religious anywhere.
one day again you die and disap- renunciation came not through ef- They will find in Upanishads their
pear into the womb of existence. fort, it came through understand- very heart they will rejoice in Upan-
The body goes on changing, con- ing, it came through meditation. ishads because Upanishads teach
tinuously changing. They renounced the ego because wholeness.
The mind goes on changing. they saw that it is just a manufac- The relative has to be lived as
In the morning you are happy, in tured entity by the mind. It has the relative, knowingly that it is rel-
the afternoon you are angry, in no reality, no substance in it; it is ative, knowingly that it is changing,
the evening you are sad. Moods, pure shadow, and to waste your and remembering continuously the
emotions, feelings, go on chang- life with it is stupid. To say that unchanging. Abide in the unchang-
ing; thoughts go on changing. The they renounced is not right; it will ing and go on living in the changing.
wheel goes on moving around you. be better to say that because they Remain centered in the unchang-
This is the cyclone; the phenomenal became so aware it withered away ing, but allow the changing, beauti-
world is the cyclone. It is never the on its own accord. ful world to move around you with
same, not even for two consecutive They became non-possessive. all its seasons, with all its colors,
moments. It is not that they did not possess with all its beauty, splendour. Enjoy
But something is always the things, but they became non-pos- that too, because it is the manifest
same, always, never changes -- it sessive. They USED things. They form of God. This is a very holistic
is the witness. To find that witness were not beggars. They lived joy- approach.
is to find God. ously, enjoying everything that was I Am That/ Courtesy Osho In-
Hence Upanishads don't teach available to them, but they were ternational Foundation/www.osho.
you worship, they teach you medi- not possessive, they were not cling- com
[38] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [39]
Travel
One Minute Geeta
By Santanam Swaminathan
juna, for it does not become thee.
Cast off this petty fainthearted-
ness and stand up, O Scorcher of
enemies
(2-3)
IN THE FOOT PRINTS
Whatever action a great man
performs common man follows
(3-21)
AUM
I am the AUM in all the Vedas
(7-8)
SELFISHNESS IS SIN
Those who cook for their own
sake ,they truly eat sin
(3-13)
PATH WAY TO HELL
Bhagavad Gita is part of Ma- primeval; he is never killed when Three path ways to hell: Lust,
habharata, the Hindu epic. Gita the body is killed. Anger and Greed
has 700 verses in 18 chapters in (2-20) (16-21)
Sanskrit. All the essential spiritual SCHOLARS
truths expounded by the Vedas REBIRTH Enlightened men are those
are in the Gita. This great poem Just as a man gives up old who see the same (atman) in a
is the crown jewel of all Indian lit- garments and puts on new ones Brahmana, in a cow, in an ele-
erature. If one wants to get the , so the embodied self abandons phant and even in a dog or in an
essence of the Gita or Hinduism decrepit bodies and assumes new eater of dog meat (out caste)
here it is: ones. 5-18
DUTY FIRST (2-22)
You have only the right to do PEACE FRIEND AND FOE
and not to think of its fruits. Let Whoever has abandoned de- One should uplift one’s lower
not the longing for fruits be the sires, and moves about without self. One should not lower one
motive force of your action. But attachments and the sense of “ I self. For the self is verily both the
don’t entertain inaction. ” and “Mine”- he attains to peace. friend and foe of the self
(chapter 2- verse 47). (3-71) FOUR KINDS
Four kinds of pious people
NATURE OF SOUL ATTAIN GLORY worship me: The distressed, the
He has neither birth nor Arise; Attain Glory seeker of knowledge, the seeker
death. Nor does he cease to be, (11-33) of wealth and the wise. Of them
having been in existence before; UNMANLINESS the wise is dear to me
unborn, eternal, permanent and
Yield not to unmanliness, Ar- (7-16 & 17)
[40] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
Travel
REINCARNATION Abandoning all duties, come I am its creator know me to be
Whenever there is decline of to me as the only refuge. Grieve incapable of action or change
righteousness and rise of unright- not; I will deliver you from all sins (4-13)
eousness, then I send forth (rein- (18-66) ON FOOD
carnate) Myself YOGI The foods which promote life,
(4-7) He who has no ill will to any vitality, strength, health, joy and
PROTECTION OF THE GOOD being, who is friendly and com- cheerfulness, which are sweet,
For the protection of the passionate, free from egoism and soft, nourishing and agreeable are
good, for the destruction of the Self sense, even minded in dear to the good
wicked and for the establishment pain and pleasure and patient (17-8)
of righteousness, I am born from (12-13). ON WOMEN
age to age
YOGI=TORTOISE Among women I am Kirti (glo-
(4-8)
He who draws away the sens- ry), Sri (prosperity), Vak (speech)
DOUBTING THOMAS es from the objects of sense on Smriti (memory) , Medha (intelli-
An ignorant man without any every side as a tortoise draws in gence), Dhriti (firmness) and Ksa-
positive faith, who knows only his limbs in to the shell, his intel- ma (patience)-
to doubt, goes to ruin. To such a ligence is firmly set in wisdom (10-34)
doubting soul there is neither this (2-58) Women, Vaisyas (trading and
world nor the world beyond. agricultural classes) as well as
MAN BECOMES GOD
NO SUFFERING FOR THE Freed from passion, fear Sudras (labouring classes) and
GOOD and anger, ever absorbed in my those of vile birth ,whoever they
No devotee of mine will ever thought, and ever dependent on may be, taking refuge in me, they
also attain the supreme goal
perish me- many have attained to my
(9-31) state, being purified in the fire of (9-32)
He does not meet with down- knowledge and austerity ALL FAITHS LEAD TO ME
fall either here in this world nor (4-10). Whatever form any devotee
in the hereafter. Know for certain, WELFARE OF ALL with faith wishes to worship, I sta-
that one who treads the path of By restraining all the senses, bilize the faith of that devotee in
virtue, never treads the path of being even-minded in all condi- that very form
woe (7-21)
tions, rejoicing in the welfare of all
(6-40) creatures(Sarva Bhuta Hiterata:), •••
HOW TO DO PUJA they come to me indeed
Whoever makes an offering (12-4)
to me with devotion, be it of leaf, 1000 SUNS = VISVA RUPA DAR- Santanam Swaminathan
flower, fruit or water- that devout SANAM = THE COSMIC FORM Santanam Swam-
offering by a pure hearted man, I If the light of a thousand suns inathan was born in
Nagappattinam in Tamil
accept with joy. were to blaze forth all at one in Nadu. He is working as
(9-26) the sky, that might resemble the a tutor at the Univer-
ONE’S OWN DUTY exalted Being sity of London and a
Health Advocate in a London hospital.
Better is one’s own duty (swa (11-12) He hails from a journalist family. His
dharma) though though devoid of ON CASTE father Santanam was the News Editor
of Dinamani in Madurai. He translat-
merit, than the duty of another The four fold order was cre- ed Anna Karenina of Leo Tolstoy in
Well performed (18-47). ated by me according to the divi- 1940s which runs to 1500 pages. It
was considered a great achievement
DELIVERY FROM ALL SINS sions of quality and work. Though at that time.
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [41]
News
Prince Charles Performs Ganga Puja:
Portend for a New Age?
By Balaram Fergusson, B.A.
HRH Charles, the Prince of assist Indian farmers in converting
Wales, and his wife Camilla, to organic farming practices.
Duchess of Cornwall on the first day Long known as a proponent
of a nine-day tour of India recently of holistic and herbal medicine,
visited the sacred Ganga river in Prince Charles and his wife have
Rishikesh, where they participated also recently undertaken Ayurvedic
in a Ganga Puja ritual under the treatment in an exclusive Bangalore
guidance of guru Swami Chidanand clinic.
Saraswati. In another sign of the Royal
The next-in-line to the Family’s increasing appreciation of
centuries-old throne of the United the Dharmic faiths, Prince Charles’s
Kingdom and 15 other independent parents Queen Elizabeth II and
Commonwealth realms including Prince Phillip visited the Krishna
Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Avanti school in London, the first
remarked: state-funded Hindu primary school
"It's a particular joy to join you in the UK, as part of the 2012
here on the banks of the Ganges Prince Charles, admirer of Hinduism Diamond Jubilee of her 60 year
this evening because it is, above (Credit: Ian Jones) reign, During the visit the royal
all else, my first visit to the Ganges to be interfaith including couple had darshan of presiding
and so from that point of view it representatives from Hindu, Sikh, deities Sri Sri Krsna-Balaram as
is a very special occasion for both Jewish Buddhist & Muslim faiths the schoolchildren sang traditional
myself and my wife.” rather than the exclusively Church devotional bhajans, and then
This isn’t the first time that of England only ceremony. In unveiled a commemorative plaque
th
Prince Charles has showed his ad- addition, he wants the traditional and painting of 16 century Bhakti
miration for the religion and herit- title of the Monarch, “Defender saint Sri Krishna Chaitanya, to be
age of India. of the Faith” in reference to the displayed in Buckingham Palace,
containing his most famous verse :
In 2005, attending the premiere Church of England to be changed to
of the film Mystic India in London, “Defender of Faith” or “the Faiths” “Be more humble than a blade
Prince Charles remarked, in refer- in respect to the universality of of grass; more tolerant than a tree.
ence to the timeless wisdom of In- dharmic principles. Offer respect to all and expect none
dia depicted in the film: Prince Charles is one of a in return. In so doing, chant the
Holy Name of God always.” - Sri
"Please don't let the world lose handful to have actually witnessed Krishna Chaitanya.
that, because it is the balance be- the last surviving example of the
The Queen commented: “Isn’t
tween modernity and tradition, and ancient Hindu rajabhishekam royal that wonderful!” in response to Sri
the ancient wisdom which actually coronation rite when he attended
is going to ensure the survival of all the coronation of King Birendra of Chaitanya’s verse.
of us, and our grandchildren, and Nepal in the 1970’s. Previously the Queen has
those who come later. Further, out of concern for the attended the opening dedication
And in a break with centuries high rate of Indian farmer suicides, of a Laksmi-Narayan temple
in northern England in 2007,
of tradition, he has been widely in 2006 Prince Charles founded where they removed their shoes
reported to desire his coronation the Bhumi Vardaan Foundation, to
and participated in ritual, and a
[42] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
News
Prince Charles performing Ganga Puja at Rishikesh along with Swami Chitananda Saraswati (Photo Credit: AP).
Murugan temple in 2002 where visits to temples in India in their first of a Sikh British Army soldier
the priests blessed them with good past visits. assigned to Buckingham Palace
health and long life, along with Also noteworthy was the 2013 guard duties, becoming the first
The Queen and Prince Phillip taking darshan of Krsna-Balaram during their visit to Krishna-Avanti Primary school in Harrow, London,
the first state funded Hindu school in the UK. (Credit: news.iskcon.org )
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [43]
News
Prince Charles and Camilla with Swami Chidanand Saraswati on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh.
(Credit: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)
Sikh soldier guarding the palace Monarch also serving as the Head a new spiritual age.
& permitted to wear the Sikh of the Commonwealth, the Queen If his Grandfather Prince
turban instead of the previously- has expressed a wish that Prince Charles’s example is anything to
mandatory traditional distinctive Charles succeed her as the Head of go by, we might wager that an
bearskin & ostrich plume helmet. the Commonwealth, as he attended expanded appreciation of the
The British Royal family has last months Commonwealth Heads Sanatana Dharma may well play a
a historic connection to India, as of Government Meeting in Sri part in this future.
Prince Charles’s grandfather King Lanka, the raison’dtre for his recent As the western world struggles
George VI was the last Emperor visit to India. with increasing mortality rate from
of India, until the Indian Republic It is thus a hopeful sign of the ‘lifestyle’ driven diseases, the
was declared in 1952. Prior to future that the current and future importance of holistic and herbal
that his father King George V, presumed future symbolic head medicine particularly Ayurveda
grandfather King Edward VIII and of the Commonwealth, which receiving royal patronage as in
great-grandmother Queen Victoria includes the Republic of India, has millennia past in India, will be a
were earlier Emperors of the Indian such regard for the Hindu Dharma great help.
Empire, ending centuries of rule and its contribution to world peace •••
by the Mughals and East India and prosperity.
Company. After the birth of Prince Balaram Fergusson
Though India and 51 other William’s son Prince George earlier Balaram Fergusson
former countries of the British this year on Guru Purnima, Vedic (B.A South Asian reli-
Empire are now fully independent astrologers in India analysing his gions & languages, U.
republics & members of the birth chart predicted an auspicious Hawaii, Dip. Ayur.) is a
2nd-generation Non-In-
Commonwealth of Nations future for the young prince, dian Hindu of 5th gen-
along with the 16 independent including possibly making a radical eration Australasian-British descent. He
Commonwealth Realms that break with centuries of tradition, is a former commentary editor for the
still have the British Monarch having concern for the suffering of University of Hawaii newspaper Ka Leo,
and intern-journalist for the Honolulu
as sovereign, with the British humanity, and possibly ushering in Star-Bulletin.
[44] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
News
The Unknown Cheb I Sabbah
By Vrndavan Parker
uring my time hosting and investigation he was soon won disciple. According to Chebi Sabbah
Cheb i Sabbah in Hawaii over by the sounds, scents and Srila Prabhupada named him after
Dfor 3 separate tours, we smiles of Krishna's culture and peo- a great 15th century saint, poet and
had many talks on life, love, music, ple. Soon after young Serge (Chebi) musician who is still well known for
politics, religion and many other joined the group and became a his devotional songs dedicated to
things under the sun. What follows practising Vaishnava or devotee of Lord Krishna. Often people were
is the story of Cheb i Sabbah's first Lord Krishna. In fact Chebi was one initiated with new names that
introduction to Indian Culture, Mu- of, if not the first French citizen to were similar to their original birth
sic and Art. This is according to his join the Krishna movement. names, thus Serge became Surdas.
own words as told to me on the Big CHEB I SABBAH I still remember Chebi's smile and
Island of Hawaii in the year 2002. THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE PAR- spark of delight in his eyes as he
When reading the various articles IS HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE told me his 'secret' name 'Surdas'.
about Chebi and his life and mu- A gorgeous Hawaiian sunset sil-
sic one begins with his start as a Soon after the devotees were es- houetted his form as he turned to
Paris DJ in 1964. Then we suddenly tablished enough to form an actual me, chuckled and said, "Don't tell
jump ahead 20 years to 1984. Yet organization. At the time French anyone."
no one explains or seems to know law mandated that only French FROM THE HONOLULU STAR
what transpired during those years. citizens could be at the head of an BULLETIN ARCHIVES
What was the initial inspiration that organization based in France. Thus
triggered his love and fascination despite the fact that he was a very MUSICAL BLISS: Willow Chang
with India, Krishna, Durga, Shiva new devotee Chebi became the danced to the music of dj Cheb i
and all things Indian? first President of the Paris Krishna Sabbah at the Hawaiian Hut on
Temple and the French branch of
While many know and are familiar the International Society of Krishna Friday. It was the first night of
his 3 Eyed Tour, bringing the mu-
with the Indian (Vedic/Hindu) ele- Consciousness.
ments at the heart of his music few sic of his memorable new album,
know that it was Srila Prabhupada's Some time later Chebi met with "Krishna Lila," to Hawaii. Chang and
her Daughters of the Nile dancers
music and teachings which started the founder of the Krishna Con- opened the show. The 3 Eyed Tour
Chebi in that direction, in this life- sciousness movement in the West, continues tonight at the Wave Wai-
time at least. AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu-
pada. He accepted Prabhupada as kiki.
FRANCE'S FIRST VAISHNAVAS his Guru and became his initiated •••
It was the late 1960s. At the time
Chebi was named Serge El Baz and
he was already exhibiting the ec-
lectic and exotic flair for which he
became famous. One day he saw
a group dancing and singing in the
streets of Paris, dressed in Indian
Robes and playing exotic songs
and musical instruments. He was
instantly attracted. These were
disciples of Srila Prabhupada and
they had just begun their mission to
bring the message of Krishna Con-
sciousness to the people of France.
Intrigued Chebi approached the
group and after some discussion
HINDU TODAY l 2013 l DECEMBER [45]
News
Prime Minister David Cameron
Celebrates Hindu New Year
at Neasden Temple
Monday 4 November 2013 his previous visit as Leader of the In his address, Mr Cameron
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Opposition in October 2008. expressed that both he and his wife
David Cameron MP and his Mr Cameron was welcomed at “were delighted to be here with
wife Samantha Cameron joined the ceremonial gates by Jitu Patel, you today.” Expressing his awe at
thousands of devotees and visitors Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the “truly spectacular celebrations”
at the Neasden Temple on Monday and Satyavrat Swami (Head Priest) and the Annakut offering, he said,
4 November 2013 to celebrate the who greeted him in traditional “No matter what you have heard
Hindu New Year. Indian manner with auspicious about the Annakut– seeing it is
This was Mr Cameron’s second marks of welcome and goodwill. really something. I don’t think I
have ever seen such a magnificent
visit to the temple to celebrate Mrs Cameron was greeted by display of different foods.”
this auspicious occasion, following Rena Amin, lead volunteer of BAPS
Women’s Forum. After expressing histwo wishes
Mr and Mrs for the New Year – that the British
Cameron then Indian community “help strengthen
performed a ritual our relationship with India” and
bathing of a metallic “becomes ever more involved in
image of Bhagwan shaping the life of our country”
Swaminarayan, after – the Prime Minister went on to
which they proceeded congratulate the British Indian
to the sanctum community: “Your contribution
sanctorum and offered throughout our country shines out.”
a basket of fruit at He concluded by wishing
the central shrine. everyone present as well all Hindus
They spent several throughout Britain “a very happy
minutes absorbing the Diwali and prosperous New Year.”
peace and intricate The Prime Minister was then
architecture of the presented with a special memento
Mandir. sent from India by His Holiness
Thereafter, the Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the
Prime Minister and spiritual head and creator of the
his wife made their temple.
way into the prayer Mr and Mrs Cameron thereafter
hall where they were proceeded for photographs and
greeted with rapturous a selection of interviews before
applause. Mr Cameron departing the Mandir shortly after
was garlanded by 2pm.
Ghanshyamcharan For further details, please contact
Swami (senior sadhu Yogesh Patel on media@mandir.
visiting from India), org. For information about BAPS
and Mrs Cameron was Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London
similarly garlanded (popularly known as the 'Neasden
by Pooja Patel (youth Temple') and Diwali celebrations,
member of BAPS please visit londonmandir.baps.org.
Women’s Forum). •••
[46] l DECEMBER l 2013 HINDU TODAY
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