Hinduism Today
November, 1995 -- volume 17, number 11


Copyright Himalayan Academy 1995.

This service of Hinduism Today is intended for the private personal use of our readers. No part may be reprinted, reposted, broadcast or re-used in any way without written permission.


  • "It's a Miracle!" Rejoice Millions As Lord Ganesha Receives Milk: "The" Supernatural Event of This Century Is Experienced Simultaneously Worldwide
  • Swaminarayan Mission Stuns UK With its Imposing White Mandir
  • Youth Camps: DLS-Style in South Africa
  • Tantra: Feminizing Divinity
  • Publisher's Desk, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami: "I predict you'll love this issue!"
  • Editorial, Astrologers Tell Time With a Bigger Watch
  • Letters to the Editor: One Mom's Thought
  • My Turn: Mayan-Hindu Connection
  • Masthead: All About Hinduism Today
  • The Science of Vedic Astrology: The Vedic Science of Light
  • Jyotisha: The Timeless Science and Art of Astrology in India
  • Innerviews of Astrology: Three interviews
  • News In Brief: Vedic Slokas can Heal the Body.
  • Healing: The End of Computer Stress
  • Pancha Ganapati: December's Five-Day Family Home Festival
  • Thousands Attend Gayatri Pariwar's Ashwamedh Yagna At Chicago's Soldier Field
  • Education Under Fire, Part Two: Can India Improve Her Education System? One Family's Saga
  • Indian Dancers Shine at French Cultural Festival
  • RK Mission Unveils Handsome New Temple in South Africa

  • Return to Hinduism Today Home Page
  • Return to the issues index


    "It's a Miracle!" Rejoice Millions
    As Lord Ganesha Receives Milk

    "The" Supernatural Event of This Century
    Is Experienced Simultaneously Worldwide

    It all began on September 21st when an otherwise ordinary man in New Delhi dreamt that Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Wisdom, craved a little milk. Upon awakening, he rushed in the dark before dawn to the nearest temple, where a skeptical priest allowed him to proffer a spoonful of milk to the small stone image. Both watched in astonishment as it disappeared, magically consumed by the God. What followed is unprecedented in modern Hindu history. Within hours news had spread like a brush fire across India that Ganesha was accepting milk offerings. Tens of millions of people of all ages flocked to the nation's temples. The unworldly happening brought worldly New Delhi to a standstill, and its vast stocks ofmilk-more than a million liters-sold out within hours. Just as suddenly as it started in India, it stopped in just 24 hours.

    But it was just beginning elsewhere as Hindus in India called their relatives in other parts of the world. Soon our Hinduism Today offices were flooded with reports from around the world [see sidebar]. Everywhere the story was the same. A teaspoonful of milk offered by touching it to Ganesha's trunk, tusk or mouth would disappear in a few seconds to a few minutes, not always, but with unprecedented frequency. Reuters news service quoted Anila Premji, "I held the spoon out level, and it just disappeared. To me it was just a miracle. It gave me a sense of feeling that there is a God, a sense of Spirit on this Earth." Not only Ganesha, but Siva, Parvati, Nandi and the Naga, Siva's snake, took milk.

    This "milk miracle" may go down in history as the most important event shared by Hindus this century, if not in the last millennium. It has brought about an instantaneous religious revival among nearly one billion people. No other religion has ever done that before! It is as if every Hindu who had, say "ten pounds of devotion," suddenly has twenty.

    Miracles witnessed by many people happen from time to time in Hinduism as in other faiths, but they're rare. As a young boy, the tenth-century saint, Nambi Ambar, made Lord Ganesha actually eat the offerings placed before Him. Saint Jnanesvara of Maharastra became famous 600 years ago for making a water buffalo recite the Vedas before a group of arrogant priests.

    Naturally there are skeptics-10% of Hindus, according to our very unscientific poll, all of whom moved swiftly to distance themselves from the phenomenon. "Capillary action," coupled with "mass hysteria" is the correct explanation, concluded many scientists within a few hours. Aparna Chattopadhyay of New Delhi replied to these scoffers in a letter to the Hindustan Times: "I am a senior scientist of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi. I found my offerings of milk in a temple being mysteriously drunk by the deities. How can the scientists explain the copper snake absorbing the milk I offered with a spoon kept at a good distance away from it?" Scientific or not, gallons of milk were disappearing with hardly a trace. A leading barrister in Malaysia was dumfounded when he watched a metal Ganesha attached to an automobile dashboard absorb six teaspoons of milk. In Nepal King Birendra himself made offerings to the God. Deities in Kenya and other countries took gallons of milk while sitting in shallow metal trays with no drains.

    The worldwide press coverage has been nearly as amazing as the miracle itself. Of course, the event dominated the news in India for days. But once it started outside of India, local and leading national papers, such as the New York Times and Washington Post in America, and the Financial Times in UK, had picked up the story. The international wire services Reuters and Associated Press carried a dozen articles a day on what had now been named the "Milk Miracle." Many in India are unaware of how warmly the western press embraced the miracle. In many countries reporters came to the temples and personally offered milk. Of course, they too would put forward a "scientific explanation" in their report, but many otherwise detached Western journalists shared their own joyful experience as a fact.

    Ironically, the reporting inside India was a completely different matter. The English-language press in India with its Marxist-leaning political slant has never been a friend of Hinduism. Headlines heralded the attitude: "People go Berserk at `Milk Miracle';" "Scientists Dismiss it as Mass Hysteria," and "Milk-Drinking Deities Unleash Mass Hysteria, Scientists Ridicule Miracle Theory." Editorial writers, with logic even less plausible that that of the scientists, claimed it was all a plot by the BJP and VHP to win the next elections. Every attempt continues in Bharat's press to break devotees' renewed faith and dismiss the entire event as a form of universal insanity-and a waste of good milk to boot.

    Not every Indian paper was so negative: Tunku Varadarajan of The Times expressed his concern that, "Modern Hindus are often all too apologetic about the apparent angularities in the beliefs of their countrymen. In this, secular Indians are in danger of denying the very logic which has allowed India to be secular in the first place. If that tolerance is now under strain, the blame lies in part with those who would regard as dangers any celebrations of the country's underlying Hindu identity."

    Hinduism has its own science to apply to this miracle, that of the interpretation of portents-unusual or supernatural events. Portents are the specific domain of astrologers to interpret, and coincidentally most of this issue of Hinduism Today is devoted to astrology. The "milk miracle," under this analysis, is not the end in itself, but rather signals a future event of great import.

    Sri K.N. Rao, one of India's most noted astrologers [see interview, page 10], explained that the involvement of Ganesha means that harm will come to the "commanders of armies." The acceptance of milk, however, is an auspicious sign. Therefore the final result will be a greater good. The portent will take effect in eight months, just about the time of an eclipse in April, 1996.

    H.H. Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal of Bangalore said incidents of deities accepting offerings occur every 100 years, usually eight or nine days after Ganesha Chaturthi. Swamiji believes it is a very good omen, as do other swamis, astrologers and pundits we have contacted.

    In our next issue we will continue to report this monumental, pan-Hindu experience. We request readers outside India to please send us news clippings as well as videotape copies of any television reports.

    Sidebar: The "Milk Miracle" Worldwide

    The Milk Miracle has been reported from: Edmonton, Canada, San Francisco, USA, Los Angeles, USA, Trinidad, Guyana, Toronto, Canada, New York, USA,, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Dubai, UAE, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Kenya

    Country Reports:

    INDIA: It was around 7:30 am that my father came back from his morning walk and told me, "Rajiv, go to the temple. A great miracle is taking place. Lord Ganesha is having milk. This is happening all over Delhi." I and my wife rushed to the Deepali temple which is next to our house. There were hundreds in a long queue waiting to offer milk. Inside the eight-by-ten-foot sanctum a dozen people at a time were offering milk in spoons to the small Ganesha [see photo below left]. My wife offered milk twice. I could clearly see the milk disappearing in a few seconds.

    Many temple priests said they had dreams of Ganesha asking for milk, which they then offered in the early morning. The Deepali temple priest told me, "Somebody came and knocked on my door at 4:30 in the morning. He called, `Ganesha is having milk! Ganesha is having milk!' The man was gone when I answered the door."

    Life in Delhi was almost at a standstill. The markets were deserted. Banks and official institutions had very thin attendance. In the last few days I have spoken to about 100 people. Ninety percent of them told me that they had experienced it, and the milk had really been accepted by the deity.
    Rajiv Malik, New Delhi

    MAURITIUS: Today, September 25th, I've given milk to Ganesha. It is happening at a temple called Tulsi Sham Temple in Beau Bassin. I rushed there, leaving all my jobs behind. I took some milk and brought it close to the trunk without spilling any. The milk was absorbed very quickly. This is something great which is happening all around the world and making us better and better Hindus.
    Parmesh Pallanee, Petite Riviere

    NEW YORK: Even in cynical, hard-edged New York, the miracle was happening. The milk was actually disappearing. Manisha Lund, a young college student, went to the Hindu temple in Queens, and says it was a virtual stampede. When she offered milk to Lord Ganesha, "It was sucked up, like someone was drinking it with a straw." Many devotees were able to feed Nandi, Lord Siva's mount, and also the Naga or snake. Ganesha seemed to be in a whimsical mood: sometimes He refused the spoonfuls offered by devotees and slurped up that given by non-believers. At the Hindu temple in Flushing, a young African-American woman who is not a Hindu but loves Hindu philosophy wondered aloud whether Siva would accept her offering. She extended her spoon and before the eyes of many worshippers, the milk disappeared into Siva's mouth. Tales of faith and joy were repeated in many homes and offices where devotees offered milk to idols of stone, brass and silver. Young people seemed to have better luck, and delighted in the miracle: Pummy Singh, 14, called Indra, her mother, at work and gave her the exciting news: Ganesha had taken the milk three times from her and her friends. Such was the frenzy that it was hard to gain entrance into the crowded temples, even at 2:00 in the morning. Romanee Kalicharan, 15, reports, "When I tried, Ganesha and Shivji weren't taking, but the Naga took from me. I also gave to Nandi, and He took it from me. Little by little, you see it disappearing. I had my hand underneath, and it was totally dry. So where could the milk go? I think it's a sign from God."
    Lavina Melwani, New York

    CANADA: The phenomenon began following the 7:30 pm puja, Friday and continued unabated until about 11:45 pm Sunday the 24th at the Edmonton Ganesha temple. The atmosphere around the Ganesha murthi was scintillating. Devotees approached, bowed and offered their prayers and a spoonful of milk. They ran the gamut from sari-clad pious elderly ladies supported on either side to gum-chewing teens in black leather jackets. I simply can't explain what happened to the milk. It would visibly "wick" up from the spoon to the surface of the stone of the trunk. Spoonful after spoonful was absorbed, sometimes as quickly as one could count to three, usually in 20 seconds. At the conservative rate of two teaspoons per minute for 51.5 hours (milk was offered continuously), some 7.7 US gallons of milk were taken up. I could see no significant amount of milk around the Ganesha murthi. Of course, with the number of devotees and dripping spoons, Ganesha's garments became wet on the same side as his trunk, but this didn't begin to account for the volume of milk offered. I was forced to conclude that we were all witnessing something that we could not logically explain.
    Aran Veylan, Edmonton

    LOS ANGELES: "One of the devotees received a phone call from India about the miracle," recalls Bharat Shastri, priest of the Hindu temple in Norwalk. By evening he had received 600 phone calls. There was a general air of skepticism here and at other temples in Los Angeles. Only a few devotees had their milk offerings taken by Ganesha at Norwalk. Nothing extraordinary happened at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Calabasas, where milk was offered only by the priests. At the Chatsworth temple, the miracle seemed to have happened big time. "On Thursday morning, temple president Dinesh Lakhanpal offered milk. It disappeared. Then I offered more, and that too disappeared," said Ravi Sharan, vice president of the temple. CNN and local TV channels came and the miracle reportedly happened for them. "One reporter, Sharon Tae of Channel 5, was so excited she hugged me with tears in her eyes," said Sharan.
    Archana Dongre, Los Angeles

    Any unnatural behavior observed in the images of Lord Ganapati foreshadows evil to the commander of the army. These portents produce their effects in eight months--Brihat Samhita 46.10-14

    Go back to the index


    Swaminarayan Mission Stuns UK With its Imposing White Mandir

    By Rakesh Mathur, London

    In an astounding feat of dedication, devotees of His Divine Holiness, Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the UK's Swaminarayan Hindu Mission just managed to complete the construction of their magnificent new temple in Neasden in time for its inaugural ceremonies. On August 18, 1995, volunteers were still working alongside temple artisans to finish the infinitely ornate Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Meanwhile, the deities were parading toward the temple in a rath yatra through the streets of Central London to bless the cityscape before settling into their new home. A leading London newspaper, The Independent, noted the significance of the event, "As the chanting procession passed along the streets from which the Empire once was governed, it made a powerful symbol of the ways in which Britain is losing its religious establishment and becoming a society in which all religions are esteemed more or less equally."

    Of course, the temple was completed in time. And the joyous Hindu community of UK, Europe and abroad came to celebrate its opening for the next six days. The last day of celebrations, August 23, Guru Bhakti Day, was dedicated to honoring Pramukh Swami and expressing gratitude for "his priceless gift to generations by building this mandir in London." Also on this day, Swamiji was presented the Hindu Renaissance Award as Hindu of the Year for 1995 on behalf of the publishers of Hinduism Today. Thousands of devotees from all over the world saw and took part in these sacred events.

    The British Prime Minister, John Major, was astonished to learn that in what is considered by many British as the "wasteland" of the North London suburbia of Neasden, the previous site of a motor works factory could be transformed into a pilgrimage place of beauty and transcendence. He was impressed that this was accomplished with no government finances. In his message of congratulations to the devotees he declared, "Completion of this temple is a great achievement. There is no doubt that this huge complex will be a matter of pride to Hindus throughout Britain and Western Europe, and, I hope, in India too."

    The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, felt that the temple's message was one of peace. He offered that, "Religious faith has traditionally inspired the creation of great works of art. I hope that it will inspire many future generations to work for the ideals of love, peace and harmony between all mankind."

    Hindus Come of Age in Britain

    The non-Hindu Brits were a bit stunned to finally see the immense reality of this atypical (for England), but undeniably alluring, Indian edifice. The construction of the temple in record time and the response of the Indian and British communities amazed many British bureaucrats, whose priority is the regeneration of the inner cities and the establishing of harmonious community relations.

    Both ethnic and mainstream newspapers and television dedicated significant time and space to the events. The coverage was glowing. Even the usual quota of critics could find little to carp about. Reporters keenly commented on the magnitude of such a temple opening in the UK. The Independent said that the temple is not only a remarkable building by any aesthetic standard but also a socially impressive statement. "It proclaims that we have a prosperous and self-confident community in our midst." The Guardian noted that "Something altogether extraordinary has happened in Neasden. There has been an almighty outbreak of Hindu faith. It's the sort that political parties can only dream of harnessing when they talk of community. It is a symbol of the coming of age of Britain's Hindu community, now hundreds of thousands strong." The conservative Financial Times ventured to say, "To see how perfectly the temple has been built is to recognise a continuing tradition of craft skills. At night, it is wonderfully lit, with triumphant silk pennants flying and golden pinnacles shining. Most striking of all is its brilliant whiteness. Watching the elegant Indian ladies in their saris and everyone barefoot to climb the temple steps, it was hard not to feel transported."

    Since its opening, the Swaminarayan Mandir has attracted lakhs of visitors, including the Queen and the Crown King of Nepal, the Speaker of India's Lok Sabha and scores of Indian politicians, such as the Chief Minister and the entire cabinet of Gujarat. Many more VIP visits are planned.

    UK Connection

    The realization of the Swaminarayan temple is a triumph of inspired human endeavor, highly motivated teamwork and the unleashed power of devotion. The enshrined murtis are of Lord Ganesha, Rama-Sita, Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Ghanshyam Maharaj and Shri Swaminarayan. Eight types of murtis are installed: shailee, stone; lauhi, gold or panchadhaatu; lekhyaa, engraved or drawn; manimayi, gems; darumayi, wood, usually Jack tree; lepyaa, earth; saikati, sand and manomayi, mind.

    Built with Bulgarian limestone exteriors and Italian Carrara marble interiors, the mandir is the first-ever traditional Hindu temple to be constructed of stone outside of India entirely according to ancient Hindu Shilpasastras, architectural scriptures. It is reported that a total of 2,828 tons of limestone and 2,000 tons of marble were shipped to India, where over 500 craftsmen sculpted for two years. Within a record time of three years, all the massive pieces were shipped from India to London to be assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

    In the UK, more than 2,500 volunteers devoted their time and energy to the most labor intensive task of polishing the marble, always working to the specifications of the architects. The volunteers paid their own travel fare. Students on summer vacation deciding to spend their holidays on this mammoth task stayed in local devotees' houses and came to the temple to spend day and night in selfless service. Hinduism Today asked some of the young volunteers from Chicago what drove them to such dedication. They replied simply, "We want to please our Swami. Because for us, He is our God." Pramukh Swami would inspire the hard working volunteers by saying, "Here, the gardens should be so beautiful that one forgets the outside world. The temple should be so beautiful that one forgets the gardens. And the deities should be so beautiful that one forgets the temple." Today, the astounding complex, seventy feet tall and 195 feet long, with its pillars and pinnacles, domes and deities, is indeed a heavenly sanctuary.

    The architecture of the adjoining cultural center, Haveli, is a revival of wooden craftsmanship encompassing 102,018 square feet. Not in the last 100 years has such a huge Haveli been created, not even in India. Steel is not used in either structure, because, as volunteer Tarun Patel explains, "The magnetic fields from metal can interfere with meditation and worship." Despite such strict traditionalism, all the modern needs and regulations have been met. It has natural lighting, under-floor heating, lifts for the disabled, fire exits and concealed lighting and control systems for the movement of crowds. The buildings have attracted students and architects from all over the world.

    Environmentalism Pays Off

    The Mission's unique fund-raising scheme was itself a boon to the environment, and the community. Pramukh Swami suggested, with a "zero budget," to collect aluminum cans and sell them to a recycling company. The project launched on May 15, 1992, in all Swaminarayan Satsang centers (26 in the UK). The company buying the cans was Alcan Recycling Company. Swami intended the can collecting as an ego-reducing and family-binding sadhana. He wanted the devotees to engage in some humble service which helped the local community and also raised funds. He also wanted all his devotees, young and old, to feel a part of the temple.

    The can plan worked. Devotees of all ages participated, from children aged 4 to men of age 80. The sale of 5.5 million cans resulted in recycling 22 tons of aluminum. Once this money was generated, the temple was started, and donations started pouring in.

    Now, for the first time, a temple has a true Hindu identity in London. It is neither a converted church nor an old country house where Hinduism may be felt out of place. What motivated the volunteer parents and children was pure love of their guruji, and the realization that they must build a future which is deeply rooted in our Vedic culture. By their achievements, they have sent a message, set an example and contributed significantly to the Hindu renaissance worldwide.

    Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 54-62 Meadow Garth, Off Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, NW10 8HD, UK. Phone: 0181-965-2651, fax: 0181-838-1588.

    Sidebar: Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj

    Shri Shastri Narayanswarupdas, widely known as Pramukh Swami Maharaj, is the supreme inspiration and motivating force behind the new Swaminarayan temple in London. He is the fifth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan and the present leader of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha. This is the parent organization of which the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission in the UK is a branch. Swami Shree was born in Chansad, a small village near Baroda, in Gujarat, in 1921. After a quiet childhood, he became a sadhu at the age of eighteen. Hidden by his humility and simplicity, he is known to possess an infinite divine power. Shastriji Maharaj, his guru, was aware of this and appointed him as the President of the Swaminarayan Movement. He fervently served and earned the grace and blessings of his guru. In 1971, he became the next spiritual master in the hierarchy of Lord Swaminarayan.

    Under his guidance, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha has blossomed with a worldwide network of 1,100 centers, 350 temples, 1,550 youth forums, 200 children's forums, 600 centers for women and more than a million followers around the globe. This dynamic Hindu institution engages in ultra-diverse activities: from remote tribal areas of Africa to such projects as social help; moral teaching; relief camps; cultural preservation and educational, medical and ecological programs. Deeply inspired by Swamiji, his followers work in rural communities, organizing anti-addiction camps, eye camps, engaging in tree planting, dry wells recharging and much more.

    Pramukh Swami is always travelling and solving the problems of his followers. He leads an austere life of celibacy, with no personal wealth or comforts, maintaining the Hindu tradition in all its purity. His striking humility, wisdom and simplicity has touched many world religious and national leaders.

    In the introduction of the booklet, released at the time of the temple opening, he wrote: "Mandirs, scriptures and saints are the supporting pillars of our Vedic culture. Right from the Vedic age, Hindu culture has accepted their importance. Since time immemorial, mandirs have remained centers of our eternal Vedic form of worship. Only through mandirs, where God and his incarnations are being worshiped and prayers are offered, has society been able to attain peace, happiness, devotion and religious feelings. And so, the values of Indian culture have remained alive. Such auspicious values have been nourished by the mandirs of each and every sampradaya. Hence, society has remained united. By offering prayers, devotion and meditation in the mandir, the mind finds peace. May God reside in this mandir and may peace prevail in all of England and the whole world. May all be happy, with such prayers to Lord Swaminarayan."

    A mandir is a center for realizing God. A mandir is where the mind becomes still. A mandir is a place of parmount peace. A mandir inspires a higher way of life. A mandir teaches us to respect one another. -- Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj

    Go back to the index


    Youth Camps: DLS-Style in South Africa

    Reported by Ajith Bridjraj, Steven Pillay and Rajesh Jantilal, Durban

    While many Hindus complain about today's "non-value-based" secular education, Swami Sahajananda and a band of Swami Sivananda devotees in South Africa are doing something about it. In just eight years they've created a multi-million-dollar youth camp cultural/educational/sports facility where they hold comprehensive monthly programs for youth. It all happens in the serene setting of the Sivananda International Cultural Centre at La Mercy, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Hindu youngsters (and some adult participants) assemble each month to learn and practice Hindu dharma at a Yoga Camp of the Divine Life Society (DLS) of South Africa. Nestled into the surrounding rolling hills and lush cane fields, the $3 million, 50-acre, multi-purpose cultural center is an ideal location.

    Support for the camps is extremely strong. Swami Sahajananda, spiritual head of DLS of South Africa and one of the most respected and senior swamis in the nation, is delighted with the enthusiasm the camps have generated. "The 800-900 number of monthly participants remains steady. This indicates that they are committed and are not attending for the novelty of it," Swamiji told Hinduism Today.

    The year-round yoga camps started eight years ago. Previously they were held at the Sivananda Ashram in Reservoir Hills, a suburb of Durban, for a week at a time, four times a year during school holidays. For reasons of improved security and for more space, the DLS moved to its present premises in La Mercy. Camp begins at 6am and ends at about 2pm and attracts many participants from other parts of South Africa who drive hours to attend. Everyone, even the parent volunteers recruited to help, are required to practice personal religious disciplines.

    The near-1,000 figure represents extraordinary growth when one considers that in the beginning the sole member of the DLS was only Swami Sahajananda. As disciplined as he is dedicated, he used to perform the whole routine of singing kirtans, reading the Gita and performing arati at the Umgeni Road Temple even when no one attended. When Swami Sivananda--Swami Sahajananda's guru and founder of Divine Life Society--was informed of this, he commented that if one is sincere, many would follow by example. This is certainly confirmed by the widespread following enjoyed by the DLS, as well as by the joyous faces of the participants we saw on a cold, blustery winter morning in July when we visited a Sivananda youth camp in progress.

    Swamiji told me the main goal in running the camp is "to teach participants, both children and adults, to practice daily sadhana, how to cope with today's stressful and difficult situations and, importantly, to practically implement the teachings of Gurudev, Swami Sivananda and Hindu dharma."

    The camp atmosphere is characterized by strict segregation between boys and girls. Though compliant, not all youth understand why. One older girl confided to me, "Integration between the sexes nowadays is both normal and natural at schools, universities, the work place and at family gatherings. However, I and everyone else here willingly submit to this segregation because it is decreed by Swamiji, whom we totally revere." Such minor reservations notwithstanding, kids love the camp experience, even Swamiji's disciplinary measures. "Sometimes during weekends," Swamiji related (speaking in the third person), "the little boys come to our printing press facility. Some play pranks behind Swamiji's [my] back. He makes them sit in front of Gurudev's picture and do japa for 10 minutes. When Swami went to get one boy after 15 minutes, he found him motionless, spine erect, eyes closed, lips moving. Swami had to call him several times before he became aware of himself."

    All participants are divided into groups according to their educational level. As we roamed through the center, devotees' smiling faces, incense-perfumed-air and life-like pictures of Gurudev and scriptural messages pinned on the pastel-colored walls all impressed us that this was a genuine spiritual retreat, a world away from worldly routine.

    We first stopped in a junior-level class and were enthusiastically received. They sang kirtans in a circle and did japa and yoga asanas. These sessions end with the youngsters being allowed to play in the center's recreational parks. Swami Sahajananda commented,"We have play parks for the little ones and a swimming pool. Without giving them these, it will be difficult to get them off their bad habits."

    Seven-year-old Asheen views the camps with a practical spirituality: "If I do wrong, I won't be able to see God. The camp gives me an opportunity to learn good behavior and enjoy the play park with my friends. The teacher allows me to demonstrate asanas to the class."

    One of the volunteer teachers, Mrs. Ameetha Silal, told us she found her work at the camp to be "spiritually rewarding and a tremendous benefit to me as a teacher--all in the service to our Gurudev." A teacher by profession and devotee for 12 years, she believes that if all citizens were trained in this manner, the future would be ably served by people espousing morally sound values and habits.

    Two important disciplines required of participants are: 1) that children limit their TV viewing to one and a half hours per week and 2) those from 11 years old and older must take the vow of brahmacharya (celibacy). "Our youth have remarked they never knew the importance of brahmacharya until we explained the subject clearly to them at the camp," said Swamiji. "The conservation of the sex power is dealt with in a positive manner." Bhavinesh Patel, 11, commented, "The camp for me is a move towards God. I am able to be with friends who share the same interests. I will continue to attend camps for as long as I can." Commenting on the enforced restrictions on TV watching, he said, "I have no problem with this at all. I have more time to do my homework and engage in spiritual activity."

    Each participant is required to keep a diary progress book. There they record their spiritual practices daily, including performance of japa, pranayama breathing exercises, asana yoga poses, writing mantras and remembrance of God. The diary is presented at each subsequent monthly camp and is reviewed by volunteers who guide the children to regulate and improve their practice. Those who are most consistent are rewarded with multi-colored stamps of deities, birds and flowers. The group that has the best average receives a floating trophy. This program has been an enormous success. Many parents report improved performance of their children at school since joining the camp and the introduction of the spiritual diary program.

    Apart from nurturing the religious well-being of its devotees, the camp also tries to imbue its followers with a sense of environmental consciousness. Children are provided coloring books and beautiful pictures of plants and animals. "The idea," explained Swamiji, "is to get children to adorn their rooms with something beautiful and uplifting. We call these the 'Sivananda Nature Reserve' in homes. Sometimes we bring a goat, duck or rabbit to the camp so that the children can pet them and develop a sense of compassion."

    Address: Divine Life Society, 513 Mountbatten Drive, Resevoir Hill, Durban, 4091, South Africa

    Sidebar: DLS International

    The work of the Divine Life Society (DLS) commenced in a tiny kutir on the banks of the holy Ganges, Swarg Ashram. By February, 1934, after moving out of Swarg Ashram, Swami Sivananda was granted the DLS's present ashram site by the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. He also founded a four-roomed kutir on the banks of the Ganges, adjacent to Ram Ashram. It was a dilapidated, unused cowshed. Ever so humbly, the potent nucleus of Swamiji's international mission had been founded. The Divine Life Trust Society was initiated by Swami Sivananda in 1936 with the purpose of training students in the spiritual path through bhakti, raja yoga, karma yoga and Vedanta and disseminating spiritual knowledge far and wide. Many souls were drawn to the master. By the end of 1936--while there were still hardly a half-dozen disciples around the master--eight branches were started in India as well as two in Europe and one in Sri Lanka. Year after year, these centers grew and new ones sprang up. By 1940, Sri Gurudev's teachings had been translated into German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Burmese. The unique character, focus and strength of each DLS branch evolved mostly out of the personal inspiration of the swami/disciple in charge. Each is molded more by the teachings of Swami Sivananda than by any "orders" or policy directives from the Rishikesh main ashram which is now under the gentle guidance of Swami Chidananda Saraswati.

    With a view to making available Sri Gurudev's work in all Indian languages, the Sivananda Literature Dissemination Committee was formed in 1959 at the Rishikesh headquarters. Today, the institutions created by his initiated swamis are as different and multi-colored as a rainbow. Some are formally associated with DLS, others are not. For example, Swami Satchidananda focused on the universalist, inter-faith aspect of his guru's teachings, established many Integral Yoga centers and constructed the spectacularly beautiful L.O.T.U.S. temple in Virginia, USA, honoring the Light which illumines all faiths. Others, such as Swami Radha and the late Swami Vishnu Devananda, have stressed meditation, hatha yoga or karma yoga, the yoga of humanitarian service. Under the spiritual head of Sri Swami Sahajananda Maharaj, the DLS of South Africa built up a very impressive, state-of-the-art printing facility in Durban and has published hundreds of thousands of exquisitely crafted reprints of practically all the major works of Swami Sivananda.

    Swami Sivananda attained Mahasamadhi in July, 1963, at the age of 76. To this day, the centers he established and the souls he deputed around the world continue to share with seekers the eternal message of yoga and Self-illumination.

    Find a quiet retreat for the practice of yoga, sheltered from the wind, level and clean, free from rubbish, smoldering fires and ugliness, and where the sound of waters and the beauty of the place help thought and contemplation. --Rg Veda 6.5.27

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    Tantra: Feminizing Divinity

    By Shikha Malaviya, New Delhi

    God is not "He!" nor fully "She" for that matter--notes tantra scholar Dr. Madhu Khanna, co-author of the popular, beautifully illustrated book on occult Hinduism The Tantric Way: Art, Science and Ritual. I had seen her book in New Age bookstores in America, but was always a little afraid to look inside. After all, wasn't tantra Hinduism's black magic world--sexual-religious sorcery rites and esoteric initiations into all-powerful mantras?

    Next thing I knew I was on assignment for Hinduism Today to interview the author. I tracked her down at the Indira Gandhi Centre of the Arts in New Delhi, where she holds a post as associate professor. She greeted me. Cosmopolitan, youngish, very attractive, clad in a bright cotton sari, her jet black hair tied in a knot, with kind expressive eyes, composed and self-confident, she instantly destroyed all my preconceptions about tantra.

    For two hours we talked about the need for a modern "Hindu woman's dharma" and a distinctly Indian, non-Western idiom for Hindu feminism. We delved, too, into the corrosive effects on women of urban lifestyles and the continuing erosion of women's tacit bond with Mother Earth. It was a potent meeting, and I felt there was much more to be covered.

    I started with basics. What is tantra? Simply a medieval cult which arose in revolt against the rigid brahmanical mold and hold on Hindus? "What is really interesting," Dr. Khanna responded, "was that the revolt within the existing religious tradition was to re-embody a woman with her inherent power. Thousands of texts were rewritten, and new ones added, to give renewed importance to women and the female principle. Accompanying this was a full transformation of Indian Goddess iconography." Old myths, legends and hymns ennobling women were exhumed from patriarchic burial grounds.

    According to Dr. Khanna, tantra views the whole universe as a composite of two principles--the so-called "male," Siva, representing the quiescent transcendent, and the so-called "female," Shakti, "the kinetic verb of creation," as she terms it. I asked her bluntly how this admittedly beautiful, but dizzyingly lofty concept relates to me and other women, in a visceral way. "Shakti assumes the form of Goddess in every single woman of this world," resounded Dr. Khanna, eager that I didn't leave her office thinking Shakti was just some exciting bedtime fiction frolic for matronly book-worms. She continued, "Not only is each woman a physical incarnation of Shakti, but the very fact that she is born a woman automatically empowers her." This brought a shiver down my spine--that a woman could be considered Shakti-empowered just because of her female body and psyche.

    "In mainstream Hindu writings the female is always inferior," said Khanna, "and looks upon her husband as pati, 'lord.' But in tantra tradition, your husband is looked to as sakha, your 'friend.'" I like that.

    In tantra transmission of spiritual knowledge from a woman is considered especially potent and sacred. It is called yogini mukha and a classic example of this is Sri Ramakrishna's learning kundalini yoga from a young yogini. "In tantra," Dr. Khanna shared, "any woman can become a priestess. In fact, there are less codes for women following the tantric path than for men." So I asked the obvious. What about our monthly menses and the idea that it makes us "impure?" "Actually, there are reasons that mainstream Hinduism called the menstruating woman 'impure,'" Dr. Khanna said. "A woman's body needs a rest amidst so many strong fluctuations and the excuse of impurity was one way of guaranteeing that rest. However, tantra views every aspect of the woman's reproductive cycle as sacred and pure! Women should not be ashamed of their bodies. Women have to recognize, acknowledge and harmonize these forces."

    Easy to say these things, I was thinking, but how could the average, uneducated Indian village lady make sense out of "harmonizing the negative potentialities and dualities of my body." Dr. Khanna writhed when I used the word "uneducated" and then said: "I hate to use the term, but there is something called 'uterine memory.' It's amazing how much village women absorb through passive learning. Even though most have not been to school or college, there is so much these women learn from watching and interacting with each other. They are more skilled than educated urban women in many arts and crafts and have an incredible understanding of traditional values. In fact, if I were talking with rural women, they wouldn't have any problem understanding these so-called abstract concepts. Urban women would! Urban minds are conditioned to view everything categorically with narrow definitions, rigid classifications, etc. Village women have an incredible capacity to absorb traditional, complex metaphors of life which we urban women have lost. Ask a village woman anything about the subtle role of Kunti or Dushyanta in the Mahabharata, and she could tell you immediately. Ask a city lady, and she would have to read a book."

    It then really struck me how far women and men, like ourselves, had drifted from what we acknowledge as our roots. Urban and urbane, we have barricaded ourselves from a world of earthy celebrations and dramas linked to our epics which offer a solid moral framework. For example, "No mother in India has to advise her daughter how to behave with her husband," Madhu said. "She knows she has to be either like Sita or Savitri. It is in these role models that rural women find and express their Shakti powers."

    Dr. Khanna then shared an example of this shakti. Years ago, the government insisted on cutting down many forests. Women organized themselves into the Chipko movement and literally wrapped themselves around trees to stop deforestation. "It was amazing how these women with no schooling went and embraced the trees. No environmental agency had to sit them down and teach them eco-awareness. They hugged the trees because their relationship with nature is still so strong and intimate that they feel personally responsible to protect it. They really believe that their wombs and the womb of Mother Earth come from the same source."

    Dr. Khanna is opposed to the creation of one monolithic feminist ideal for Hindu women--especially one framed by Westerners. India's women are too unique and diverse for that. "We still have nomadic tribes and also women in cities like Bombay where lifestyles resemble New York City's." And though she loves tradition, she deplores women following old traditions blindly. "There shouldn't be an uncritical acceptance of tradition. The deadwood in traditions should be plucked and thrown away. What is relevant for our unique circumstances should be retained."

    Before I left, I wanted to find out how this yoga-practicing soul got so deep into tantra. "I became interested in tantra at a very young age," she said. "At first, it was the images that attracted me--yantras, similar to modern art, and very geometrical. One day, I saw this yantra in a book and said, 'Wow, this is what I want to do. I want to know more about these images. So I started reading and writing on tantric aesthetics. Eventually, I realized tantra was so much more, a whole world view, a holistic, enlightened style of life. I then became very excited and studied Sanskrit so I could translate tantric manuscripts and also completed my PhD at Oxford University, England, where I worked on Goddess tradition in tantra."

    I left upbeat. Here was a woman who was undoubtedly reading the same demoralizing headlines as I was. But, instead of getting "down" about it, she was out uplifting women to claim our innate spiritual strengths.

    Address: Indira Gandhi, National Centre for the Arts, Janpath, New Delhi, 110001, India, Fax: 011 91 11 381 139

    Sidebar: Tantrism Defined

    "Tantrism refers to traditions, mainly within Saivism and Shaktism, that focus on the arousal of the kundalini force, and which view the human body as the vehicle of the Divine and an instrument for liberation. Tantrism's ultimate aim is a channeling of the kundalini life force through the sushumna channel upwards into the sahasrara chakra and beyond into Parasiva. Shakta Tantrism brings a strong emphasis on the worship of the feminine force. Depending on the school, this may be symbolic, or literal in rites involving sexual intercourse, etc. Tantrism's main principle is the use of the material to gain the spiritual. In the hands of the unscrupulous, tantra techniques become black magic." (Dancing with Siva)

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    Publisher's Desk

    "I Predict You'll Love this Issue"

    Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

    No one we know predicted beforehand the worldwide phenomenon--a once-in-a-lifetime real life miracle--of Lord Ganesha's milk-drinking, but we did find it afterwards in an ancient astrologer's text, so that means it has happened before and probably will again. Miracles and astrology could be said to go hand in hand. While miracles defy analysis, astrology is being systematized through the computer brains of the jyotisha shastris of both the East and West. In our ashram we use it quite a lot to determine when to travel, meditate, begin new projects or just rest and let a harsh time pass. Experience assures us astrology is a reliable tool.

    Astrologers the world over put their reputations on the line every time they make a prediction and it does not happen. Here is a positive way to look at what they have foretold. After all, it is the mind of the mass consciousness, and of great souls especially, that influence what happens to the individual. Prayer is also important and can affect events. For fifty years we lived under the predictions that California would soon fall into the ocean. Each year it was prophesied, and each year it did not happen. Could it have been the prayers of the people that prevented disaster from happening or just the natural collective karmas of all those individuals living in the area? Who knows? So the next time you read the prediction of a terrible event anywhere on the planet, take the positive approach and include it in your prayers. Pray that it doesn't happen. Enough of us doing this will assuredly have some effect. But, we cannot then blame astrologers when destined mishaps are forestalled by our prayers. They did nothing but right in predicting the trends of earthly and planetary forces as to what could happen.

    There is another positive approach to the bad news astrologers can bring from time to time. It is a metaphysical approach. When unfavorable times arise which have to be lived through (as they all too frequently do), we do not carp or cringe, but look at these as most excellent periods for meditation and sadhana rather than worldly activities. Just the reverse for the positive periods. Spiritual progress can be made during both periods. Both negative and positive times are, in fact, positive when used wisely. A competent jyotisha shastri is of help in forecasting the future as to when times will come along when advancments can be made. A positive mental attitude should be held during all the ups and downs that are predicated to happen. Be as the traveler in a 747 jet, flying high over the cities rather than a pedestrian wandering the streets below.

    For raising offspring, like these school children I met last month in Fiji, a forecast can be of the utmost help. A baby predicted to have a fiery temper should be raised to always be kind and considerate of others' feelings, taught to never argue with others. Of course, good examples must be set early on by parents. This will soften the inclination toward temper. Fighting the child's impulse will just amplify it. A child of an independent nature should be taught early on to care for himself in all respects so that the life ahead will benefit society and bring honor to the family. So much can be gained by reading the chart when approached with the attitude that all that is in it is helpful and necessary to know, even if it seems to be bad news. Difficulties need not be bad news if they are approached as our chance to grow in facing them.

    We have for years in our monasteries lived by the panchangam, lahiri ayanamsa. All purnima, amavasya and ashtami days are respected by retreat. They are our "Saturday and Sunday," which explains why sometimes you may have called us on a Wednesday and found us unavailable. To be in harmony with the universe, at least our little galaxy, it is important to observe these days for happy, healthy, good living.

    Another matter to take into consideration is that the nakshatras and tithis sometimes change days, depending upon latitude and longitude, which means from country to country. Nakshatra and tithis are important, as they begin and end auspicious events and establish the times of festivals, so we can't just use an Indian panchangam if we are in South Africa or the UK. This knowledge was first brought into the mass mind by Pundit Laxshmishankar Trivedi who created the Palaniswami Panchang for the Western world. We have a computerized panchangam for each area and would be happy to make it available to priests and temple committees everywhere. Just write to me.

    Yes, our loving Lord Ganesha made Himself a prominent figure in the world media starting September 21st. It was a really great spiritual experience for us at Hinduism Today to receive the many phone calls and fax messages with positive, uplifting testimony as to His drinking milk in so many places around the world. The phones and fax machines didn't relent for a minute while this wondrous experience was taking place. Could it be coincidence that in two months our newest book will be released? Loving Ganesha: India's Endearing Elephant-Faced God is an illustrated, 800-page book for adults and children alike. Would you like a copy? It sells for US$27.95. But I have arranged with the printer for 500 copies for our readers at a very low price. Send US$15 (or more) as a donation to Hindu Heritage Endowment, and you will receive a free autographed copy of Loving Ganesha. No more than three copies per person, please. The $15 will go into a permanent Hindu orphanage endowment.

    Many are the births and deaths forgotten by souls shrouded in ignorance, enveloped in mala's darkness. At the moment Great Siva's grace is gained, the renunciate attains the splendorous light.--Tirumantiram 1615

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    Editorial

    Astrologers Tell Time With a Bigger Watch

    By the Editor

    Believing nothing, the skeptic is blind; believing everything, the naif is lame. Somewhere between the two lies the lauded land of viveka, discrimination, which neither doubts every inexplicable phenomenon nor swallows every unexamined statement. In this issue we explore the uncanny Vedic technology of Jyotisha, that hoary knowledge, derived from secondary Vedic texts, which embraces both astronomy and astrology. It's about time.

    Ronald Reagan, when President of the United States, confounded the White House staff and embarrassed aides by having his itinerary and major meetings scheduled in careful consultation with his wife's astrologer in California. Scoffing staffers counted it pure silliness, others thought it merely impolitic of him, maybe because of the implication that he wasn't totally in charge or that a Christian would so publically propound such things.

    Mr. Reagan is not a lone heretic. Queen Elizabeth I, a virgo, consulted the stars. Galileo, the Italian mathematician and astronomer, cast charts on the side, as did the German celestial scientist Johannes Kepler. Britian's Princess Diane followed the stars, and many Hollywood stars do the same. Ditto with Carl Jung and American millionnaire J.P. Morgan. That said, astrology still is not anywhere near as important in the Western world as in Asia. A 1990 poll of Americans found that while nearly 30% of Christians in America believe in astrology and read their horoscope weekly, only 5% had personally consulted an astrologer. Like so many other things, astrology in the Occident is about personal things--about me and mine, my spiritual progress, my love life and business success. In the Orient these concerns are not absent, but larger concerns dominate. Astrology in India is about auspiciousness, about connections, about sacred timing and being in a flow with the ebb and tide of divine forces. This universalizing approach to astrology gives the science a maturity that it tends to lack in the West, where it is seen as a frivolous, campy diversion for lonely souls trying to get a grip on their out-of-control life.

    Astrology is a part of Vedic self-understanding. We look to the stars to see ourselves better, to discover the mysteries that lie all about and within us. In Rita dharma, that heavenly cosmic orderliness, stars are more than massive conglomerates of molecules or fiery furnaces fleeting afar. They are entities, potent presences that affect us despite their distances. There are, of course, many Hindus today who pooh-pooh such notions. "Stuff and nonsense," they will cry, "What thoughtful person can accept that stars, so remote, influence life on earth?"

    Indeed, comes the astrologer's retort, what thoughtful person would deny the powerful tides a faraway moon drags across our planet, or gainsay the not-so-subtle solar forces that are the very stuff of life here? "Ah, but go out another few thousand light years and tell us what petty influences persist," our doubter might challenge. The adroit jyotisha shastri, sensing his opponent's momentary advantage, does the politically correct thing--he unilaterally changes the rules of engagement. "That is precisely the kind of mechanistic, externalized approach that the East deplores," he offers, declaring that these forces, the stars and planets themselves, are not "out there," but "in here," within the consciousness of each one. The outside is a reflection of the within, and we create it from moment to moment. If it is within us, then it is certainly affected by us and we by it, if two can be assumed for the moment. Check and mate.

    The astrologer is something of a tribal shaman. Ideally, he or she is the one among us with special insight, with a wider vision that lifts awareness beyond our little world, connecting us to the canopy above, expanding perception beyond the narrow sliver of time in which we live by bringing past lives and actions into the now. You could say that astrologers tell time with a bigger watch.

    The genuine astrologer is, in a sense, a time navigator. He teaches that time is not all colorless and neutral, the same in all directions. Time has its eddies, its waxing and waning, its preferential ways--and in that sense is much like the oceans. No ship's captain worth his hardtack would consider the sea a uniform body of water, everywhere equal and indifferent to his passage. No, the sea is alive with idle doldrums and treacherous tempests, and, yes, dangers worthy of anticipation

    To the astrologer, time is like that sea, with similar moods and forces, some propelling us swiftly forward, others opposing our well-plotted progress. How foolhardy the seaman who keeps his canvas unfurled in a storm or stows his sails when the good winds blow. Time is a kind of moral wind, blowing now this way, now that. As a ship's captain heeds the chart reckoned by his navigator as to course, winds and tides, so our life's journey benefits from periodically examining another chart, our astrologer's appraisal of protean time's patterned flow.

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    Letters to the Editor

    One Mom's Thought

    Shikha Malaviya concluded her recent article on the question of mothers working by stating, "Hindu society has not handed down a clear verdict" [Sept. 1995 issue]. I think the question is, "Will there be a Hindu society in the future if mothers work in the world?"

    If mothers work, who will provide the stable home base from which the husband and children face the world? Raising the children [in America] is left in the hands of those in daycare or teaching positions of Christian, Jewish, atheist, New Age beliefs, imparting what they believe to our children. Staying home on maternity leave is not enough. What about the rest of the child's impressionable life?

    Have we become so blinded by the glare of western materialism that we have forgotten our Hindu dharma, duty, responsibility? The grihasta's (householder) duty is to "raise children of strong moral fiber to carry on the tradition" [Dancing with Siva]. Thus if a mother abandons her husband, children and home, what will the pattern for her children be? Does this make her feel fulfilled?

    Staying home, being a homemaker, depends on what the mother's perspective is. If she is always thinking, "This is demeaning," then it will be; if she thinks of motherhood as a challenge and looks for creative ways to take care of her family and fulfill her own interests, then she will feel satisfied. When her children are grown up, she will know that she has contributed everything she had into making them who they are. Her children will be responsible citizens, not just a product of the non-society the West has become.

    Being given the opportunity to be a mother in this life shows that this is her pattern, her duty, her destiny. She has a job to do, and it is a big one, an important one. She is the role model for her children, teaching the next generation the right way to live. Let's remember our Hindu teachings, fulfill our Hindu dharma, and create a Hindu society for the future.
    Valli Sendan, Kauai, Hawaii, USA

    My Alma Mater

    I graduated from a RK Mission school in 1962. I am proud of my alma mater. It inculcated in me strong Bharatiya values. I take pride in my Hindu heritage every moment since I came to this country eighteen years ago. It is important that these schools can function freely in India.

    I am very much disturbed by the method chosen by the RK Mission authorities to declare their organization as a minority religious entity. It was totally wrong and ill-advised. I believe that the root of all these controversies lies elsewhere, as pointed out by Dr. Karan Singh [Sept. 1995 issue]--the so-called constitutional "protection" of minority religions.

    Today, there is a proliferation of English medium schools that are run mostly by the Christian missionaries of foreign origin in India. Almost all the students coming out of these schools are from Hindu households. I don't think these students, the future of India, appreciate fully their own culture after growing up in an alien environment. In consequence, this situation is destroying the Indian psyche. To counteract this trend, it is absolutely necessary for Hindu religious organizations and leaders to recognize this part of the religion, i.e., service to the poor, the weak and the downtrodden in addition to building temples and interpreting the scriptures. In the former endeavor RK Mission is doing a splendid job.
    Syamal K. Bhattacharya, York, Pennsylvania, USA

    Dreaming of God

    A wonderful article on the Sadhus of Rishikesh. I thoroughly loved learning about these fine men devoting their lives for God. Sometimes I feel like I'm standing on an island with God, surrounded by people just not interested. Most people seem to be surrounding themselves with all the immediate demands of their daily activities (usually not including God). This article helped me see the variations of expressions that we can have of the Infinite. Also, it made me feel not alone. When I finished the article, I fell asleep and for hours dreamt of God standing near me, watching me with patience.
    Name withheld by request, Creswell, Oregon, USA

    Need Bangladesh News

    Please publish more news about Bangladesh Hindus. Bangladesh has sixty-eight thousand villages and every village has an average of five to ten temples. You can imagine how many temples exist in Bangladesh. All are in danger!
    Syamal Chandra Debnath, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    Sharan and Tagore

    I found your article on the internet before the magazine arrived in Paris. It is a marvelous article, a fantastic way to present Shiv Sharan to your readers [October, 1995 issue]. Many thanks. You were very kind to grant my observations so much space, which I need now to deserve. I was particularly interested in the part concerning the Agamic tradition.

    Concerning Tagore, whom you refer to three times, I do not believe it can be said that Alain Daniélou "disliked" him to some extent. He, in fact, considered that it was Gandhi (not Tagore) and Nehru who knew nothing about Hindu culture. It is true that Tagore was as westernized as the others, but Daniélou always maintained a profound respect and friendship for him. It was a question of caste, no doubt, as they were both aristocrats.
    Jacques Cloarec, Paris, France, Europe

    Save the Old

    A group of Tamil scholars in Tamil Nadu formed an association to save and publish at least 100 books found by them in arts, literature, culture, philosophy, religion, etc., all of which are in danger of extinction. One may join their association by paying $200 at one time or spread into four equal installment. Each subscriber will receive two or three books worth Rs. 400 per year. Detailed information is available at Kala Samrakshana Sangkam, 33, Dwaraka Nagar, Thanjavur, 613001 India. They need our support, sympathy and encouragement.
    A. Bala-Subramaniam, Auburn, Alabama, USA

    Great Quote!

    I have enjoyed your article on stress [June 1995 issue] and fine quote from Chandogya Upanishad--"The Atman is not reached by the man devoid of strength." I salute you, sir, for highlighting a timely quote, universal in nature, from the deep and rich writings of Hinduism.
    Vinod K. Sarin, Waterloo, Iowa, USA

    Make it Lifetime

    Today my annual renewal notice arrived, and I realized that I will receive one of these annually for the rest of my life. That being the case, please accept the enclosed check for my lifetime subscription. I can no more imagine my life without Hinduism Today than I can imagine missing my daily meditation practice or weekly puja.

    Your paper has been of immeasurable value to me as it serves as a gentle but persistent guide and push on the path of dharma. I am deeply grateful that your service has taken this form. It is truly a blessing to the world.
    Benjamin C. Collins, Tustin, California, USA

    Corrections

    * On page 10 of our October issue, the address for Treasures of the Heart, where you can order the book Ribhu Gita, had two mistakes. The correct ordering information is: 1834 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA. Tel: 1-800-465-0376 (USA/Canada only), 408-458-9654 (US and international), fax: 408-425-0407. Order today!

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    My Turn

    Mayan-Hindu Connection

    By B.N. Narahari Achar

    In his recent visit to South America, Sri Ganapati Sthapati found many similarities between the Mayan temples and those of India [Hinduism Today, June, 1995]. My research indicates there are also similarities between the Mayan and Hindu systems of astronomy which are demonstrated in significant parallels between the Hindu Puranas and Mayan texts.

    The Mayan culture flourished in Mesoamerica during the early Christian era, before being completely wiped out by the Spanish conquest. Astronomy played a significant role in Mayan culture. Venus in particular had a preeminent status. Testimony to this rich tradition is borne out by Mayan temple art and the few available Codices, or sacred books, of the Mayans. Great strides have been made recently in deciphering the Mayan script and in understanding the concepts of Mayan astronomy. Western scholars have attempted to relate the Mayan concepts to those of Greek astronomy. The sidereal Mayan astronomy is more akin to the Hindu system and does not easily fit into the Greek model.

    Striking similarity is found between certain Mayan and Puranic stories, and their related astronomical interpretation. In the Puranas, Lord Vishnu is represented as resting on the serpent Ananta or Sesa, after having dissolved all creation. The serpent represents the eternity of time (Ananta), and the "remainder"(Sesa) in subtle form, of prakriti, the germ of all that has been and will be. After waking up from the yoganidra, Vishnu rides on the eagle Garuda. Both Garuda and Sesa are shown in association with Vishnu in the temples of India. It is said that Garuda represents the Vedas and the solar deities, and Sesa represents the watery deities. The serpent is of great significance in the Mayan culture also. A supreme example is the serpent of sunlight and shadow seen at Chichén Itzá. At the time of the equinoxes, as the Sun moves from east to west, a pattern of light and shadow appears on the west balustrade of the north stairway of the Castillo at Chichén Itzá. This display resembles a descending snake whose head is the monumental serpent head carved out of stone at the foot of the stairs. The feathered serpent represents the Mayan God Kukulcan, who is associated with rain water and new life, among other things. Kukulcan appears to be Sesa and Garuda combined into one.

    The devas and the asuras churned the Milky Ocean in search of amrita. Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise and dived to the bottom of the cosmic ocean. On his back, the devas and asuras placed the mount Mandara as the churn and used the serpent Vasuki as the rope. From the churned Milky Ocean emerged all planets, poisonous Halahala, many treasures, and finally, amrita. The devas wanted the nectar only for themselves. However, a serpent asura named Rahu, disguised as a deva, was able to get a share of amrita. The Sun and the Moon discovered him. Rahu's head was instantly cut off. However, as he had already ingested amrita, he could not be killed. To this day, the head of Rahu attempts to swallow the Sun and the Moon. Rahu represents the ascending node of the moon's orbit, and swallowing of the Sun and the Moon represent symbolically the occurrence of the eclipses. There is a picture from the Maya Codex Tro-Cortesianus. It shows a tortoise, a central churning rod and a serpent being used as a rope by figures of dark and light shade. The western scholars have found it difficult to interpret this picture, but the similarity of the picture to the churning of the Milky Ocean of the Puranas is remarkable. In the Dresden Codex there are glyphs representing eclipses, depicting the Sun or the Moon as being devoured by a serpent. The similarity to the Hindu representation in which Rahu tries to devour the luminary object is unmistakable.

    Finally, according to tradition, Lord Surya himself taught the science of astronomy, Surya Siddhanta, to Mayasura (perhaps the same famed architect of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata). Could it be that the Mayans are the descendants of Maya and this story could explain the importance of Venus in the Mayan astronomy? Maybe this is stretching it too far, for "Maya" means the "chosen people" in the Mayan language.

    Dr. B. N. Narahari Achar is a professor of physics at the University of Memphis. He has recently become interested in the ancient astronomies of India and Mesoamerica.

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    The Science Of Vedic Astrology:

    The Vedic Science of Light

    Ever since India's seers first observed the planets wandering amongst the stars and astutely deduced their influence upon our lives, astrology has been an inseparable helpmate of Hindu religious practices.

    Astrology is the science of fathoming the influence of the sun, moon, planets and stars upon living creatures. It remains an integral part of Hinduism, as old as the religion itself and woven into all practices, Deities and symbols. In this four-page center section we will explore major aspects of this subtle art. Here and on page 14 we will learn about the origins and systems of Vedic astrology, its present-day exponents, its burgeoning popularity in the West, its impact upon traditional Western astrology and how to choose an astrologer. On pages 12 and 13 we'll discuss planetary influences upon the karma and dharma of an individual, how astrology can be best used, the ideal astrologer, what to expect from an astrological reading and how to respond to the advice given.

    By Vamadeva Shastri
    Vedic astrology is widely used in India today by all classes of people, from villagers to government leaders. It is used in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and aspects of it appear in Tibetan astrology. Indian politicians frequently employ astrologers, including the present Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao. The very founding of the nation of India was done at midnight according to the Vedic rule that actions initiated at midday or midnight help cancel negative planetary influences for the day. The Government of India officially follows the Lahiri Ayanamsha for astrological calculations.

    Probably the most important astrologer in modern India for bringing Vedic astrology back out into the open is Dr. B.V. Raman, who is now over eighty and still very active through his many books and his Astrological Magazine, the oldest and largest circulating journal on Vedic astrology. India contains the world's largest school of astrology, the Delhi school of Vedic astrology under my teacher, Sri K.N. Rao, which today has five hundred students and twenty teachers in its two-year program.

    There are various prodigies of Vedic astrology as well. S.G. Karve of Bombay, a householder with six children, can determine the birth chart of a person through psychic insight alone and does not require the birth time of the person. He goes into a meditative state and tells the person the planetary positions in the horoscope. There are still astrologers in India who, given the birth time, can cast the entire chart in their head, without recourse to any books, having memorized the planetary tables and rates of motion. The complete process takes a number of hours, however. Many other great astrologers exist, but live and practice in relative obscurity. Much of astrology in India remains an oral tradition, and only a fraction of it has yet to be made available.

    There are a number of special systems of Vedic astrology that yield very exact knowledge of a person's life. Some of these require the birth time of a person, others are records of destiny in the possession of the astrologer. Bhrigu Pandits can tell a person his name, his parents' names, his occupation, or where he has come from, along with detailed information about his life, character and destiny. While the Bhrigu Pandits in Hoshiapur (Punjab) are most famous, today a Bhrigu reader, Pandit Nathulal, of Karovi Bhilwara in Rajasthan, also has a very good reputation, not only for past events, which most Bhrigu pandits are accurate about, but about the future as well, which is more difficult to determine.

    I myself visited a Surya Samhita astrologer in Bombay a few years ago. He came out with a sheaf of palm leaves for the day. After asking a few questions about the number of brothers and sisters in my family, he quickly came to a palm leaf that agreed with my life and then read out the main events of my life, accurate to the year. The manuscript he read from was in a South Indian script but the words were in Sanskrit, understanding which, I could verify the reading, as he translated the Sanskrit into English. He outlined the rest of my life up to the time of death, gave an overview of my last life and an indication of the result of this life. Then he added three pieces of advice that have proved invaluable for me.

    Such experiences are not unusual with Vedic astrology. Nadis are special works giving precise astrological knowledge. They exist mainly in South India, and several works of this nature survive. Dr. B.V. Raman has a version of the Dhruva Nadi which divides the zodiac into 1,800 sections and has a specific indication for the results of the ascendant in each of these sections, which requires a birth time accurate to less than one minute. Once the chart is rectified to the appropriate Nadi amsha, there are additional rules of interpretation that can provide much amazing knowledge. Such phenomena intimate the depth of Vedic astrology and explain its growing worldwide appeal.

    Making the Western Transit

    Vedic astrology, which has been slowly percolating into the West for many years, is now coming out into the open. It has arrived in two ways, first as part of the interest in yoga, Vedanta and related aspects of Hindu spirituality, second as part of the growing interest in astrology in general. The yoga group includes many people who are not astrologers but who believe in the system because of their contact with the spiritual teachings. The astrology group consists mainly of those interested in Vedic astrology for its astrological value and may otherwise have little knowledge of Hinduism. Naturally, there is an overlap between the two groups, and Vedic astrology often serves to draw people into other aspects of Hindu spirituality.

    Vedic astrologers in the West consist of two groups: Westerners who have adopted Vedic astrology, and Vedic astrologers from India who have come to the West. Probably the most noted living in the West is Sri Chakrapani Ullal [see page 10]. He has been giving classes and consultations here for over twenty-five years. He was brought over by H.H. Swami Muktananda to give readings to his American disciples. He was recently noted as one of America's best astrologers in People magazine.

    Western books on Vedic astrology have begun appearing as well. First, in 1986, was James Braha's Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer. Second was my own Astrology of the Seers: A Guide to Hindu/Vedic Astrology (1989) and Ronnie Gayle Dreyer's book, Indian Astrology. Others have followed as well. In 1992 the first American International Symposium on Vedic Astrology was held in the United States with over three hundred people attending.

    Perhaps most notable of the spiritual teachers from India to the West who have emphasized astrology was Paramahansa Yogananda, who offers several anecdotes about astrology in his book Autobiography of a Yogi. His teacher, Sri Yukteswar, was himself an astrologer. The most important yogic group to emphasize astrology has been the TM movement of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which has been offering classes in Jyotisha and bringing accomplished astrologers from India for many years.

    Deepak Chopra, though now separated from TM, also uses Vedic astrology for his system of mantra meditation. Mata Amritanandamayi recommends that her disciples consult astrologers and have rituals performed to propitiate negative planetary influences, particularly Saturn and Rahu. Many other Hindu teachers do the same, now that Westerners know of Vedic astrology.

    Comparing the Eastern and Western Systems

    Vedic and Western astrology share a common heritage, as evidenced in part by the similarity of the zodiac signs in each [see illustrations below]. But they now differ in several ways. The Vedic system is more complicated, with many different types of charts and calculations to consider. A complete Vedic astrology printout may have ten or twenty pages just for the data alone.

    Early Christianity soon rejected astrology, which was integral to the pagan religions the Christians were struggling against. Astrology was condemned in the 4th century ce by no less a person than Saint Augustine as totally antithetical to the Christian faith. Western astrology, its venerable tradition broken, later received some impetus from Islamic astrologers. But in the necessary compromises with these often hostile theologies, the karmic basis of astrology was lost. In the twentieth century Western astrology reoriented itself in a psychological and humanistic direction. This history makes Western and Vedic astrology profoundly different, far beyond variations in calculations.

    Both systems use the same twelve signs of the zodiac: Aries (Mesha), Taurus (Vrishabha), Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Kartaka), Leo (Simha), Virgo (Kanya), Libra (Tula), Scorpio (Vrishchika), Sagittarius (Dhanus), Capricorn (Makara), Aquarius (Kumbha) and Pisces (Mina). They describe the signs in similar terms. However, they determine the signs differently and start them from different points. Western astrology is tropical, or reflects a temporal-seasonal model. It relates the beginning of Aries with the point of the vernal equinox. Vedic astrology is sidereal or reflects a spatial-stellar model. It relates the beginning of Aries with certain stars at the beginning of that constellation. Because of the precession of the equinox, which causes the Earth to gradually tilt backwards in its orientation to the heavens, the equinoctial point moves slowly backward in the zodiac.

    While the two zodiacs were identical around 300 ce, they have since been slowly diverging. The difference between the two zodiacs is called the ayanamsha. Most Vedic astrologers use the Lahiri ayanamsha which is presently about 24 degrees, and therefore places the equinox in about 6 degrees of Pisces. The shift between the two zodiacs causes the entire chart to move back about 24 degrees from the Western to the Vedic chart. The positions of most planets go back to the previous sign. This naturally results in a very different chart. It can be confusing for those used to their Western chart, particularly for the Sun sign, so emphasized in Western astrology, which is likely to change. "I used to be an Aries, now I'm a Pisces," is a common kind of complaint.

    Both Vedic and Western Astrology recognize the seven planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, which they describe in similar terms. Vedic astrology also prominently uses the lunar nodes, which it calls Rahu and Ketu. The outer planets of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not part of classical Vedic astrology. Some Vedic astrologers use them today, though seldom to the extent that Western astrologers do.

    Both systems use the twelve houses and interpret them similarly (though with variations). The main difference is calculation. The Vedic system makes the cusp the beginning of the house, while Western astrology makes the cusp the middle of the house. This causes about half the planetary positions in the Vedic chart to move forward to the next house relative to the Western chart.

    Both systems recognize the importance of aspects between the planets. However, there is a major difference in how aspects are calculated. Western astrology uses many different aspects calculated by degree. Vedic astrology recognizes only a few different aspects calculated by sign. In Western astrology aspects may be good or bad, but in the Vedic planets are good or bad, not their aspects.

    Vedic astrology uses an additional 27-fold division of the zodiac by nakshatras (constellations). Personality traits are read more through the birthstar (nakshatra of the Moon) than by the Sun sign. The birthstar is used for naming a person, for determining proper timing of rituals, and for astrological forecasting. Nakshatra positions of planets are examined in the birth chart as well. The use of nakshatras is very important in Vedic astrology, on par with that of the signs.

    Vedic astrology has many different systems of planetary periods called dashas. Most important is Vimshottari Dasha, a 120-year-long cycle of planetary positions based upon the birth nakshatra: but several other systems can be used as well. Up to fifty-four are known. These allow a great accuracy in predicting events in a person's life.

    Because Vedic astrology is well known for its predictive accuracy, some people think Vedic astrologers are psychics, but what they see is based upon a logical analysis of the chart. Some people believe that Western astrology is more spiritual and Vedic astrology more mundane because of Vedic astrology's predictive nature, and Western astrology's more psychological approach. Westerners, who have material affluence, like to ask spiritual questions of astrologers. Indians, coming from a poor country and for whom the right career, for example, may mean affluence or poverty, ask more mundane questions. Hindus also have many gurus, temples and ashrams to get answers from about spiritual questions and don't always consult an astrologer to do so. Vedic astrologers can be accurate, too, at predicting events of a spiritual nature, like the sadhana one should follow.

    Vedic astrology is here to stay. It is alive and well in the modern world. Like yoga, and more recently Ayurveda, it is likely to become part of the world cultural and spiritual heritage. While modern science is still looking for its unitary field, which many scientists see as consciousness, Vedic astrology already shows us how that field works throughout our destiny and the entire movement of time.

    Vamadeva Shastri was trained by Sri K.N. Rao. He was given the name Vamadeva by Avadhut Shastri in India and accepted as a family member. Known in the West as David Frawley, he is a well-known author of many books on Vedic subjects, Jyotish Kovid (from the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences), the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, President of the American Council of Vedic Astrology

    May the Creator (Brahman), Preserver (Vishnu) and Destroyer (Siva) of the universe along with the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, grant me a good morning! Single Shloka Stotra to the Planets

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    JYOTISHA

    By outer observation and inner realization our seers developed the timeless science and art of astrology in ancient India. Today it continues to guide us in life's spiritual and material quests.

    Astrology is called jyotisha in Sanskrit, which means the "science of light." It is the most important of the Vedangas or limbs of the Vedas, the very eye of the Vedas. Knowledge of astrology is necessary for the proper timing of the rituals and meditations central to Vedic life. Under Jyotisha is also included astronomy, meteorology and forms of divination like palmistry, the reading of omens, svara (reading the breath) and various oracles.

    According to Hinduism, jyotisha is the science of understanding the subtle influences that come to us from the greater universe. Jyotisha is a superscience, like the science of yoga, that links us up with the cosmic intelligence ruling the universe. New discoveries in quantum physics show the interrelatedness of the universe, and that there are subtle levels of immediate interaction even at great distances.

    The Sun God himself, as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is said to have given the knowledge of Jyotisha to mankind, which he passed through the Creator, Brahma, and the twin Gods, the Ashvins, who are regarded as the transmitters of much esoteric lore, including Ayurveda and many Upanishadic teachings. There are references as early as the Rig Veda, the oldest Vedic text, to a wheel of the Sun in heaven of 360 spokes divided into twelve parts (Rig Veda I.164.11). Surya Narayana, the Sun God, is said to have four times ninety-names (Rig Veda I.155.6), probably reflecting the equinoxes and solstices. The term nakshatra (constellation) occurs commonly, and a few nakshatras are mentioned by name (Rig Veda X.19.1).

    There are eighteen traditional systems (siddhantas) mentioned in Hindu astrology, which include the names of many of the greatest sages of Hinduism. Unfortunately, none of these texts has survived intact. Perhaps the greatest astrologer of classical India, Varaha Mihira, in his Pancha Siddhantika, summarizes five of the Siddhantas: Pitamaha (Bhishma), Vasishta, Paulisha, Romaka and Surya. Of these only the Surya Siddhanta has survived in a later form. In addition, the work of Rishi Parashara has endured in an expanded form as the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, which is the main text of Vedic astrology and contains all the essential features of the system used today.

    How can the stars and planets influence events on Earth? Obviously the Sun is the basis of all life. According to the Vedas, it also projects a force of intelligence and spirituality. The Moon is important to all creatures and governs the fertility cycles of animals. In the Vedic system it rules the emotional nature. That the planets with their large magnetic fields and gravitational interaction with the Earth affect it physically is well known. That they might have subtler influences is not illogical either.

    Without the law of karma to explain the pattern of our lives starting from birth, astrology makes little sense. Philosophically, Vedic astrology reflects the law of karma, which includes both an aspect of fate and one of free will. Fate in karma means that our present condition is the result of our past actions from previous lives. The outer events of our present life are ruled by past karma and can be difficult to change. Free will in karma means that we shape our future by our present action.

    Vedic astrology does not teach resignation. First, as part of Vedic knowledge, it teaches that our true Self is eternal and transcends all influences of time and destiny. We can always return to that Self to go beyond outer limitations, which we cannot always change. Second, it teaches that we have some latitude in adapting to our fate--just as we can't change the weather, but an accurate forecast lets us be prepared. Third, it offers remedial measures to help ward off negative planetary influences and increase those that are beneficial. Fourth, it shows us how to use our present condition to improve our future.

    According to the Vedas, when the soul takes birth it descends through the heavens and the atmosphere before reaching Earth, taking on heavier sheaths of material density. It can only take birth in the physical plane at a time karmically in harmony with its nature and destiny. The birth chart represents the seed pattern of our lives but, like a seed, how it develops depends upon environment as well.

    Vedic astrology does not leave us helpless before the onslaughts of fate. It provides ways of dealing with our karma. Vedic astrology holds that sadhana helps neutralize the effects of a bad chart. In fact, a chart that is not good for worldly benefits like money or marriage is more likely to be good spiritually. Afflictions to home, family, marriage and money are necessary for a person to renounce the world and devote himself to spiritual practices. Charts that are bad for health can generally benefit from spiritual practices like mantra japa.

    The main remedial measures of Vedic astrology are also spiritual and consist of ritual and mantra. Propitiations of the planets are an integral part of Hindu worship. Many temples, particularly in the south of India, have murtis of all nine planets (navagraha) in a small shrine in a corner of the temple. You can worship these or get the temple priest to perform special pujas and homas for you. Stotras to the planets can be found in many Hindu texts like the Puranas. These can be repeated. Other special verses and stotras can be used for the planets. For example, the Santana Gopala Stotra is used to help those whose charts are not good for children, to have children. The Mahamrityunajaya Mantra to Lord Shiva is used to counter injurious influences in the chart, particularly those for the planet Mars. Each planet also has its special names, 108 or 1008, which can be chanted to propitiate the planet. Each planet has a special Vedic verse and Puranic verse used in its worship. Along with this is an image of the planetary deity and a yantra to be meditated upon.

    Hindus commonly wear gemstones to help counter negative planetary influences and promote those which are positive. Some, but not all astrologers prescribe gemstones. Mantras and rituals are preferable but take more time to do on the part of the person. Each planet has a particular gemstone that corresponds to it, e.g. ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars and emerald for Mercury. High quality gemstones can be quite expensive. Though less effective, substitutes are allowed. Gemstones, which can be very helpful, should be chosen with care and preferably with a good astrologer's approval.

    There are five main uses of Vedic astrology: kama, family and relationship issues like marriage compatibility, timing of children and domestic happiness; artha, help with finances, business and investments; dharma, determination of career and vocation; moksha, guidance in the spiritual life and for cosmic and self-knowledge; and arogya, physical and mental health.

    In addition, mundane astrology examines the charts of nations or political leaders to predict social and political events. It can be used to predict weather and earthquakes. Prashna ["question"] astrology provides answers to specific questions. Muhurta ["moment"] is used to choose favorable times of action of all types, mundane and spiritual, individual or collective. All Hindu holy days are determined by astrological calculations recorded in the Hindu calendar, or Panchanga, which must be recalculated each year.

    Astrology is of tremendous benefit. It clarifies our nature, destiny and karma, revealing our svadharma ["own" or "unique path"], so that we know how to pursue the right development for our lives. It helps us deal with the limitations of destiny which are there for everyone. It shows us how to optimize the potentials we have. It gives us the key to right timing of our actions. It helps us understand the most fundamental laws of the universe.

    Some people are of the opinion that if we are on a spiritual path we can dispense with astrology altogether, which, they say, concerns only the personal self. Hinduism holds that astrology is still of great benefit for the spiritual path, which remains under subtle karmic influences, but that it must be used differently. Even God-Realized souls have to live out their parabdha karma, which is the experiences to come in the outer events of their present lives that are indicated in the birthchart. A planet which is very bad in a materialistic way can be spiritually very elevating. Saturn, a malefic that harms our prospects at achieving the outer goals of life, like wealth or relationship, can be very good in giving us detachment and renunciation. Ketu, which harms ordinary potentials, is a supreme knowledge and liberation giver.

    Most people go to astrologers for an examination of their birth chart. This can be looked at for a general life examination, or specific domains of life, like career or health, can be examined within it. Along with the birth chart, the Vedic astrologer will examine various divisional (amsha) charts, particularly the navamsha, Nakshatra positions, and planetary periods (dashas and bhuktis).

    A reading of your natal chart should yield an understanding of trends and periods of your life, with favorable times for action. It should provide a clarification of your karma. It may include remedial measures to follow, such as gems, mantras, yajnas and pujas. A good astrologer can predict specific events likely to occur, but even the best will only be 80% correct, and may go wrong completely if the birth time is incorrect. Because not all birth times are accurate, the astrologer will ask questions of the client to see if the events in the person's life agree with their chart as calculated. Sometimes a change or "rectification" of a few minutes in the birth time will yield a much more accurate chart. Follow-up consultations should include a review of previous readings, their predictions and any remedial measures suggested, along with appropriate adjustments.

    Vedic astrology emphasizes a strong ethical and spiritual foundation in the astrologer. Traditional astrologers were required to live in sacred surroundings, never leave their asana or travel to give readings (people had to come to them), and not charge money (only accepting donations), taking all clients who come (whether rich or poor), only giving predictions during daylight hours, and only teaching astrology to disciples of long standing.

    Once one has found a good astrologer [see page 14], it is best to maintain an on-going relationship with him, like a close friend and advisor. There is probably no one as helpful as a good astrologer, except a good guru. The right use of Vedic astrology alleviates what is perhaps the greatest fear for human beings--uncertainty and anxiety about the future. It helps us confidently navigate through the confusing waves of prarabdha karma, aware of our outer destiny, and our timeless inner Self as well.

    Sidebar:Choosing an Astrologer

    Go to astrologers with good reputations, both for their predictions and their spiritual insight, and who are recommended by people you know and respect. There are traditional Vedic astrologers today who do not charge for a reading, but accept whatever donation is given. Most, however, particularly in the West, charge for their work. Be sure to compensate the astrologer appropriately. An astrologer should follow a strict ethical life-regimen. He should begin and end his work with some mantra or worship and live and work in a sanctified environment. He must maintain a good sense of humor, humility and give counselling that is beneficial, not harmful to the client. Beware of astrologers who claim to give quick, fantastic, and accurate predictions, particularly without any detailed examination of your chart or who claim that they can magically solve your problems through mantras done by them, gems they sell to you, or rituals they perform for you, particularly if these are expensive.

    It is best to look upon an astrologer like a counselor, doctor or therapist. We don't expect one session to be enough, even with a good or experienced practitioner. An astrologer may need an hour or more to examine the chart before seeing a client. Initial readings may take over an hour and may require several followups. Astrological counselling must have an element of spirituality in it to be real. Jyotisha, a limb of the Veda, should lead us to spirituality or it has not served its real purpose.

    Rama is the avatar of the Sun, Krishna of the Moon, Naraisimha of Mars, Buddha of Mercury, Vamana (dwarf) of Jupiter, Parashurama of Venus, Kurma (tortoise) of Saturn, Varaha (boar) of Rahu, and Matsya (fish) of Ketu.--Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra II.3-4

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    Innerviews of Astrology

    Pundit Navaratnam

    Sri Pundit K.N. Navaratnam has been practicing astrology for the past 50 years, since age 18. He was born in Sri Lanka, where he received his initial training and the title of Jyotish Marthand. He spent many years at the feet of the great siddhar Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna. In 1971 he received the title of Pundit from the College of Astrology of Bangalore. He was appointed the National Astrologer of Australia after moving there in 1985, where he continues to give consultations to people of all walks of life.

    Hinduism Today: Are we in the beginning or end of the Kali Yuga?

    Pundit Navaratnam: We are in the fourth (Kali) Yuga. This fourth yuga is moving towards destruction. The world is really changing, not on the progressive side, but on the negative side. The morality of human beings is going down day by day, not only in the western world, but in India, where virtue, righteousness and morality were of the highest order. In this Kali Yuga, anything can happen. The son doesn't respect the father, the wife doesn't respect the husband, and so on. It is going from bad to worse.

    HT: Can astrology be used in running a business?

    PN: Astrology is the best source of choosing the right business for any individual. For example, I cannot do any business, except reading a horoscope. Some people are experts in technology. They can use technology in business. This is all shown in the horoscope. There is nothing hidden. The only thing is, there is little respect for astrology in this world today. Many people have started their business without astrology. They chose the wrong business and have lost all of their investments. So, astrology is the best tool for everything in life, including business.

    HT: Do your clients heed your advice on marriage compatibilities?

    PN: There is a saying, "Marriages are made in heaven." If marriages are made in heaven, how can we decide about it? Still, Hindu people used to compare horoscopes and marry. If you actually follow the Hindu rules of astrology for compatability in marriage, it will definitely work, at least 90% of the time. They will never part. In every case where the couple came to me before marrying and I gave blessings, based on the astrology, they are still together and happy--every case.

    HT: What about past life readings?

    PN: That's all foolishness.What you can do is to tell what is going to happen, maybe what is going to be your next birth. Some may say you were this or you were that. It's all nonsense. I don't believe in it. I am a scientific, forthright astrologer. I must answer your questions forthrightly.

    HT: Skeptics say, "the planets are out there. How can they affect us?"

    PN: The planets have an effect on us because they are not outside, they are inside. I have never seen, according to my intuition and understanding, that the planets are on the outside. The whole world is inside. What does your guru say? "Everything is within you."

    HT: How do you approach jyotisha?

    PN: My guru, Siva Yogaswami, initiated me into astrology. He said, "You sit in one place. The people will come and consult you." Once, Lord Skanda, Muruga, appeared and told me, "Don't look at the horoscope with your head. Look at the horoscope with your heart and your predictions will come right." When I pray, I pray with the heart.

    Pundit K.N. Navaratnam, 9 Saffron Drive, Hallam 3803, Victoria, Australia. Phone: 613-796-3964, fax: 613-979-64713.

    K.N.Rao

    Sri K.N. Rao is the founder of the world's largest astrological school, in Delhi, India. It has 460 students and 24 teachers. Sri Rao retired from a top level government service position in India and now devotes all his time to astrology.

    HT: Do you perform any spiritual practices to help with your work?

    K.N. Rao: I do Vishnu Sahasranama, Aum Namasivaya and Tryambakam yajamahe. These three are my favorite mantras. If a man is in very serious difficulty, I'll ask him to do Narayana Kavacham. These are my tested stotras. I tell people, "Spend some time for God." That is more important than spending money. A man who cannot give one hour every day to God is leading an animal life. It is a very strong statement, but I insist and repeat it.

    HT: Does one have to be a Hindu to practice jyotisha?

    KNR: No, one just needs to be spiritual. Parashara (a great sage who wrote the rules of jyotisha) does not say you have to be a Hindu to do astrology. He says you have to have technical, intellectual and moral excellence. It is at the spiritual level that humanity is one. At the religious level there have been so many quarrels, crusades and all these stupid things that have happened since the history of the world.

    HT: Aren't there certain Hindu beliefs that are integral to jyotisha?

    KNR: Yes.

    HT: What about those who want to practice jyotisha as a business?

    KNR: There is no harm. That has come to stay now and has become a fashion in India also. Some are very honest. For them, it is a profession. For me, it has not been a profession, it has been a serious academic pursuit. Around me has grown up in Delhi, at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the world's largest astrology teaching institute, with 460 students. Out of those people, some take to professional astrology. They will be doing it like well-trained doctors or engineers, not like quacks, which, unfortunately is the condition of astrology both in India and in the other parts of the world.

    HT: Are negative indications in a chart destined to happen?

    KNR: In one case, in which I saw a negative event about to take place, I made the client chant the Mrityunjaya mantra two months in advance. Even then, 200 cement bags fell on him, but he escaped with a hairline fracture only, nothing more. So it is possible to avert or reduce such misfortune 80% of the time, through right karma. The rest of the time, the prarabdha karma may be so strong that a man may not overcome it. But, those 20% cases generally will not come to an astrologer.

    HT: Can a priest perform a special homa for us to mitigate a negative indication in our chart?

    KNR: Generally, I don't encourage this. The reason is very simple. When I sit down and pray for myself, or when I pray for someone whom I love, God rewards me for my sincerity. I generally tell people, "Do it yourself, even if you do it a little imperfectly, and God will reward you for your sincerity." If you have a lot of money which you could spend on homa, give it to charity, help a needy person and the needy person's blessings will also help you overcome the misfortunes indicated planetarily. This answer makes many people unhappy. But, after 30 years, I have seen this alone happening. One must remember that you can deceive anyone in the world except God.

    HT: Do things happen simply because of the combination of the planets, or is it the result of our karma?

    KNR: No, a horoscope is the allotment of karmas of previous lives. We are all getting the results of our karma, but not all of our karma. In my latest research I have been able to get 10 horoscopes of both lives, previous and present, of five people. I have seen very clearly the samskaras of the past life manifesting in the present. I see not one, but ten common links between the horoscopes of the previous life and this life. There is no doubt, it is the allotted karma, and it is the full janma samskaras. There is no accident in nature. There is harmony; there is orderliness in God's universe. It is man only that distorts that and begins to explain it as a coincidence or an accident. If it was an accident, how could we predict what we see in the chart?

    HT: What is the cause of the Yugas?

    KNR: That is for the Lord Himself to answer. I am too small a man for that.

    K.N. Rao, F291 Saraswati Kunj, Patparganj, Delhi, 110092, India. Phone: 91-11-2219030.

    Chakrapani Ullal

    Sri Chakrapani D. Ullal, a world renowned Vedic astrologer from South India, was invited by Swami Muktananda to come to America in 1979. He now has a busy private practice based in the Los Angeles, California area. He holds a degree in business and law and has lectured extensively throughout the world.

    Hinduism Today: Please tell us of your guru, Swami Nityananda, and your practice of jyotisha?

    Chakrapani Ullal: I spent 1953 to 1961 with him and met his disciple, Swami Muktananda in 1958. From 1953 onward, even though I had a basic training in astrology, my father said I should not become an astrologer. With that in mind, I joined the law college in Bombay. But Swami Nityananda would always refer to me as, "A man who looks to the future." This was quite embarassing to me at the time. I felt it was below my idea of being a lawyer.

    From a young age I was taught astrology by my father. People used to come to our home every day. As a small child I just sat, observed and learned a lot. My mother's father was also a famous astrologer. I practiced astrology in my spare time, but I did not practice professionally until after 1966. By 1972, I was only doing astrology.

    HT: In what capacity did Swami Muktananda use your talents?

    CU: He told me, "forget about any kind of work, you just do astrology." When any of his followers had any questions, Swami would send them to me. He really trusted astrology, because he had knowledge of it, and he trusted my judgments completely. In all plans, he consulted astrology, from travel, to future sishya, starting new ashrams, everything.

    HT: What kind of clientele do you have here in America?

    CU: I would say 99.9% in one form or another are connected with some kind of spiritual practice. Perhaps I am the only astrologer that has that kind of a clientele. And 99% of my clientele are non-Indians.

    HT: Can jyotisha be helpful on the path of spiritual unfoldment?

    CU: Yes, because jyotisha is a science of self-revelation. Through jyotisha, one begins to understand one's own nature, and one of the fundamental rules of spirituality is self-acceptance. Jyotisha tells you what you really are, and that understanding enables a person to accept. That moment of acceptance is the beginning of spirituality. As long as we don't accept the outer nature, we cannot transcend to the inner nature.

    HT: Do realized saints and siddhas transcend the horoscope?

    CU: Siddhars and saints, they all transcend jyotisha. Things still come to them, because of their prarabdha karma (the allotted karmas for this life), but they do not engage it. The way they react to what is happening is different than how we react. That is why the astrology, in a sense, does not apply to siddhars and enlightened beings, because they transcend the whole reaction to the situation.

    HT: Can you foretell spiritual times in a persons chart?

    CU: You can always foretell when the spiritual energy is more active in a person's chart. It is the time that, whatever situation a person is in today, when that intensity increases, they will jump to another level.

    HT: Can the horoscope tell us about our past lives?

    CU: It is said that one can predict the past, present and future lives from astrology. But, that kind of knowledge can only be had by one who has reached a certain level of enlightenment. Astrology can tell everything, but the astrologer may not be able to perceive it. Even if he perceives something, he may not understand. His own understanding and wisdom, that is his limitation.

    HT: Is a prediction based on the memorized slokas or intuition?

    CU: The slokas are general rules that apply to almost every situation. We have to make it apply to the special situations. That is not only intuition, it is also judgment. Judgment is connected to intuition, and that comes from the guru's grace.

    HT: We hear that certain days are not auspicious for new things. Does this have a basis in jyotisha?

    CU: This certainly has some basis in jyotisha. Tuesday is ruled by Mars, and Saturday is ruled by Saturn. Mars brings the energy of aggravation, fire. Saturn is the planet of obstacles and delays. There-fore, we are generally told not to start anything new on Tuesdays or Saturdays. But, they are not bad for everything. Both are favorable for taking medicine, surgery work or anything to do with the health field. There are many rules that make a particular day favorable.

    HT: How can these planets and stars affect me here on Earth?

    CU: Knowledgeable people know that everything in this world and in the whole cosmos is interdependent and interconnected. Anything that is happening above will have an influence on Earth. The real scientists have come to this understanding. But, they may not know that the planets influence a person's mind in a particular way. Astrology is a gift of God for mankind. In their compassionate nature, the great sages said that when people are suffering in this world, they can use this understanding and wisdom and reduce the suffering to a great extent. That is why astrology was created.

    Chakrapani D. Ullal, 12044 Kearsarge Street, Los Angeles, California, 90049, USA. Phone: 310- 476-9942, fax: 310-415-3205.

    Sidebar: Digitized Jyotisha

    Several companies now offer astrology programs which can be of tremendous assistance to amateur and professional astrologers alike. The companies below all have programs of varied complexity with a variety of features. Write or call them for more information, and look for our reviews of their software in next month's issue.

    GORAVANI JYOTISH(TM)
    Das Goravani, 48529 Todd Eymann Road, Miramonte, California, 93641, USA. Phone: 209-336-2628.

    SKYCLOCK
    SynEnergy, P.O. Box 1668, Palo Alto, California, 94302, USA. Phone: 415-327-2633.

    HAYDN'S JYOTISH
    Haydn Huntley, P.O. Box 1161, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556, USA. Phone: 515-472-7025; fax: 515-472-8159; email: huntley@mymenus.com

    PARASHARA'S LIGHT
    GeoVision Software, P.O. Box 2152, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556, USA. Phone: 515-472-0855.

    VISUAL JYOTISH
    C and D Scientific Software, 1 Ford Avenue, Lynnfield, Massachusetts, 01940, USA. Phone: 617-334-4967.

    ASTRAL II
    Institute for East/West Studies, Teresa Hamilton, 2665 San Benito Drive, Walnut Creek, California, 94598, USA. Phone: 510-944-9082.

    JYOTISH VEDIC ASTROLOGY
    Matrix Software, 315 Marion Avenue, Big Rapids, Michigan, 49307, USA. Phone: 616-796-2483. (PC only)

    PC JYOTISH
    Passage Press, P.O. Box 21713, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84121-0713, USA. Phone: 801-942-1440. (PC only)

    He who dwells in the moon and the stars, yet is other than the moon and the stars, whom the moon and the stars do not know, whose body is the moon and stars, who controls the moon and the stars from within--He is the Atman within you, the inner controller. -- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 3.7.11

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    NEWS IN BRIEF

    THE SWASTIKA, HINDUISM'S hoary solar symbol of good-fortune, is facing a ban in Brazil, but not without opposition. "While we appreciate the sentiment against racism, discrimination and fanaticism that the neo-Nazis represent, outlawing the ancient swastika is obviously not the way to do it," writes Dada Prasidananda of the Ananda Marga Office for South America, which is now developing a book in Portuguese on the history and significance of the swastika.

    "NONRESIDENT INDIANS number about 10 million, with an astonishing combined income of US$340 billion, equivalent to the whole of the income of India's 900 million people," said Megatrends author John Naisbett. That works out to $34,000 for every man, woman and child. He was speaking at The State of the World Forum in San Francisco, California, convened by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. "As economic reforms settle into place, these emigres are working with entrepreneurs in India, and will become a powerful force in India's ever-so-promising economic development," Naisbett added.

    HIS HOLINESS SHRI JAYENDRA Saraswati, 69th Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, celebrated his 60th birthday with puja, yagna, abhishekam and annadhaanam (the non-stop feeding of devotees). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Smt. Jayalalitha attended, as well as the former president of India, Sri R. Venkataraman. He noted, "But for Smt. Jayalalitha's personal interest, there would not be such a resurgence of the spirit of Deity worship in this part of the country, where the concerted derision and anti-God fulminations of the so-called rationalists have played havoc with three generations of Hindus in the land of the Nayamnars."

    IDOLS FROM BANGLADESH'S 54,000 Hindu temples are being systematically stolen and sold abroad by Islamic vandals, alleges the Organizer, which also reports Bangladeshi political leaders are sharing in the profits. The Organizer is calling on human rights organizations to investigate.

    THE ENTIRE BUDDHIST CANON, all 52,000 pages, is now available on CD-ROM in the Pali language, with Chinese and Sanskrit versions in development. "Now one disk contains the important information of all the canons combined. A word reference that would have taken decades to locate can be completed in as little as 30-seconds," says the CD-ROM's creator, professor Lewis Lancaster. Contact: American Academy of Religion, Scholars Press, P.O. Box 15399, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333, USA.

    THE TERRORIST TOLL on temples during the unrest in Jammu-Kashmir is becoming clear: 31 temples damaged through July, 1995; as many as 97 temples burned or damaged since 1992. The figures were given in a report to India's parliament.

    DO YOU AVOID MEAT BUT WALK on cowskin? Vegetarians who abhor wearing leather now have a source for quality alternatives. Aesop, Inc., The Leather Alternative, offers everything from shoes and boots to belts and briefcases. Contact: P.O. Box 315, North Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140-0003, USA.

    THOUSANDS OF COWS are reportedly being smuggled from Nepal for slaughter in Bangladesh and India. Under Nepalese law, "punishment for killing a cow is as much as killing a person. Therefore, allowing the cows for smuggling is as serious in nature as allowing the citizens to be butchered," writes correspondent Mina Thapa.

    THE SECOND COLLAPSE of Red Machhindranath's chariot is being seen by many as a bad omen for Nepal. The Bjotojatra festival honoring the rain-god of agricultural prosperity, also known as Karunamaya and Avilokiteswara, (worshiped equally by Hindus and Buddhists) began last month as the 50-foot-tall chariot proceeded from His temple at Bungamati. One person was killed and several others injured in the first collapse. Days later, the chariot broke down again. Some blame poor quality construction materials; others see more disturbing signs. A similar mishap in 1990 preceded nationwide political turmoil.

    THE REVEREND MOTHER Gayatri Devi, head of Ananda Ashram in Southern California, attained Mahasamadhi at the age of 88 on September 8th, 1995. For fifty-five years she had continued the American work of Swami Paramananda, the youngest direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She was the first Indian-born woman to teach Vedanta in America. Contemplative and shy by nature, she functioned as a mother of a large family, welcoming all without formal membership. Staying mostly at home secluded from the eye of the world, she nevertheless found herself often in the public light, sharing Vedanta on several continents.

    SHRI BALASAHEB DESHPANDE, founder and President of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, passed from this world on April 21, 1995, at the age of 82. Balasaheb is remembered as an exemplar "of seva, bhakti and mukti." His organization is credited for having "returned self-respect to our vanvasis [India's tribal people]" and for protecting them from exploitation and coercion.

    GOD IS NOW GENDERLESS in Oxford University Press' new "inclusive language version" of the Christian Bible. Rewritten to avoid what editors call a "blatantly andro-centric and patriarchal character," God is no longer referred to as "He" or "Father," but as "Father-Mother." "Kingdom" is now "dominion," "Son of Man" is now "the Human One," and gone also are references to God's right hand (lest left-handed people be offended).

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF Hindu Studies has been launched as a forum to provide "for the presentation of research studies on Hindu societies and cultures..." The journal, to be published four times yearly, welcomes contributions. Contact: Editorial Secretary, Center for the Study of Hindu Thought, International Institute of India Studies, 1270 St. Jean, St. Hayacinthe, Quebec, J2S 8M2, CANADA.

    VEDIC SLOKAS CAN HEAL the body. Thus the focus on perfect pronunciation for the young boys learning Yajur Veda at Swami Sreemanarayana's Veda Vishwa Vidhyalayam in Vijaywada, India. "The Vedas mention a number of diseases and effective treatment for complaints like jaundice and urinary obstructions..." says Swami. He states that surgery is not needed for a kidney stone--a certain sloka will remove it--but the mantra is medicinal only if chanted correctly. "Unless the Vedas are recited with the proper intonation and unless the right sounds are produced, their power is lost," advises Swami.

    AIDS IN INDIA IS EXPLODING exponentially--spread by heterosexual contact and infected blood supplies. In 1992, the Indian Health Organization found 86% of commercial blood donors were HIV-positive. South and Southwest Asia will surpass Africa in the number of new infections this year, says the World Health Organization, which forecasts one million AIDS cases in India by the year 2000 and five million HIV-positive people.

    INDIA'S INTERNET GATEWAY is now open. The government-owned Overseas Communications Corporation and MCI Communications are now offering 250 hours of access for $160 per month (commercial users will pay much more) in New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. Nationwide service is expected soon. Until now, few outside of government or university groups could access cyberspace.

    8,000 HINDUS WITNESSED Lord Krishna expound the Bhagavad Gita at Kurukshetra this past Janmashtami. The sacred battle scene was a recreation staged inside a Houston, Texas, convention center. Hundreds of costumed children represented Krishna, Arjuna and the Kauravas and Pandavas.

    GUJARAT'S AYURVEDIC hospital in Bharuch is expanding, thanks to a government grant of four-acres of land. The A.T. Shah Ayurvedic Sarvajanik Hospital now has plans for a new 150-bed facility and Ayurvedic Medical College. The current 54-beds and panchakarma facility treats up to 19,000 people per year with remarkable success. Kiran Vyas of Paris had been diagnosed by doctors in France, England and the USA as having an incurable skin disease. After he was cured at Bharuch, France sent a team of 19 doctors to investigate and learn.

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    Healing

    The End of Computer Stress

    By Doctor Tandavan

    We complete our series on maintaining health at the computer with additional simple exercises which can be done while seated, or standing.

    Let us not forget the feet. While seated, simply wiggle the toes, flexing them strongly with a rapid release of tension. Repeating this several times will increase circulation. One can also rotate the ankles and flex and extend the feet at the ankles to assure proper circulation in the entire foot. Once or twice during the day it may be helpful to contract the calf muscles and again release them to a relaxed and restful position.

    Here is an excellent back asana that must be done standing up (when you make a trip to the drinking fountain or wash room, for instance). Stand erect, with the feet together. Raise the arms straight above the head, stretching up as high as possible with the arms alongside the ears. Then, while exhaling slowly, bend over in a forward manner so that the arms stay by the ears. Get to a position with the hands near or touching the floor. When your torso is inverted, relax into the posture and take several deep breaths, letting the inverted body relax completely. Relaxing into the posture is the key. Follow this by bending the knees slightly and taking a deep breath. On the exhalation, start coming back up to a standing position. Visualize one vertebrae after another returning to its former position. Only move upward on the exhalation of a deep breath. One may breathe normally upon returning to the upright position. The arms are to hang totally relaxed, as is the head, until the spine is again erect and the arms are returned to the side and the entire body is relaxed upon the spine.

    To finish off the spinal massage, again raise the arms, the hands clasped, and bend to the left and to the right. Do this slowly and with deliberation on the exhalation of the breath. This forms a curved position, similar to a set of parentheses, first the ) and then the (. This, too, can be repeated several times.

    One who works before the monitor screen for long periods may consider the following nutritional supports: Bilberry, an herb that is excellent for visual acuity; Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, which helps in producing the necessary chemicals for vision; Vitamin C; l-glutathione; zinc and selenium. These antioxidants are excellent for the eyes. These and other preparations are available in most health food stores especially made for supplementing the nutrition of the eyes. The use of these supplements will often prevent cataracts and other eye conditions.

    The frequent practice of "palming" will also soothe the eyes. This is a simple procedure wherein the palms of the hands are rubbed together rapidly until a warmth is felt. Then the palms are placed over the eyes lightly for a few moments. Place no pressure upon the eyes. Also, placing a cool cloth over the eyes, or pads soaked in Witchhazel, can be very soothing to tired eyes.

    If one performs these simple exercises and follows the few rules given in the last column and also considers the additional nutritional support, computer stress syndrome will become rare and easily handled. Headaches and eye strain may soon become symptoms of the past.

    Dr. Devananda Tandavan, MD, is a member of the American Medical Association, the International College of Surgeons, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the American Federation of Astrologers, the International Reiki Association, the International Center of Homeopathy-- and more. Send your questions to Hinduism Today, 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746 USA.
    You can access Dr. Tandavan's WWW home page at:
    http://www.Hinduism Today.kauai.hi.us/ashram/

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    Pancha Ganapati

    December's Five-Day Family Home Festival

    Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu festival of the Five-Faced Maha Ganapati--Lord of Categories. This festival falls during the thirty days of the Markali Pillaiyar home festival and lasts for five days--from December 21st through 25th.

    The winter solstice has always been a festive time of year in all countries, religions and among Hindus especially, for it is a traditional season for the worship of Lord Ganesha. Hindus living in largely Christian countries often find it difficult to relate in a meaningful way to those who celebrate Christmas. Pancha Ganapati is a Hindu expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and celebration.

    The Pancha Ganapati Shrine

    Pancha Ganapati is a contemporary home observance. A festive shrine is created in the main living room of the home especially for the five-day event. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced of Lord Pancha Ganapati. But if this is not available, then any large murti or picture of Lord Ganesha will do. The home shrine is decorated in the spirit of this festive season. Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Durva grass, sugarcane, garlands of sweet modaka balls are used to decorate the home shrine. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added.

    Pancha Ganapati is dressed anew each morning, preferably by the children, in a special color for that particular day. He appears in golden yellow on December 21st. A regal gown of royal blue is presented to Him on December 22nd and one of ruby red on the 23rd. On December 24th He appears in emerald green, and on the final day Lord Pancha Ganapati comes forth in brilliant orange to bless all who visit Him.

    Pancha Ganapati is celebrated in a distinctly Hindu way, without Christmas trees, Santa Claus or symbols of other religions. Season's greeting cards should be Hindu in design and content. Season's greetings to friends in other religions can continue with thoughts of Hindu wisdom or quotes from Hindu scripture. If properly chosen they will be appreciated and cherished.

    Pancha Ganapati Activities

    Pancha Ganapati is a joyous time for the family and should include outings, picnics, holiday feasts, exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends and business associates. Each day a traditional offering tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati. It may be prepared and presented by the children of the home. Gifts should be given to the children each of these five days. They place them unopened before Pancha Ganapati. After each puja, the sweets are given to them from the offering tray as prasada.

    During the five days of Pancha Ganapati, chants, songs, hymns and bhajanas are sung in His praise. A different family sadhana each day is focused upon. Sadhanas to be performed can include the following.

    DECEMBER 21

    The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among the immediate family members. The day begins early and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. When it is finished, a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati. The sadhana of the day now begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. Family harmony is important to all Hindus.

    DECEMBER 22

    The family sadhana for the second day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends. This is the day for presenting gifts to next-door neighbors, relatives that live in the area and close friends. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up misunderstandings. Relatives and friends living in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. As on the other four days, all gifts received today are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

    DECEMBER 23

    The family sadhana for the third day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to merchants, customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes.

    DECEMBER 24

    The family sadhana for the fourth day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony, bringing forth the vibration of joy that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. The family, relatives and friends gather for satsanga to share and enjoy their individual artistic gifts. When the program is over, all sit together discussing the traditional values of Hindu dharma. Then, before Pancha Ganapati, Patron of the Arts and Guardian of Culture, plans are made for the year ahead to bring more of these refinements of living into the home.

    DECEMBER 25

    The family sadhana for the fifth and final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family members are now more open and aware of His Grace. Their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences a climax of an outpouring of love and tranquility from the God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year. This exchange of affection between all members of the family and the Lord is invoked and perpetuated through the day by performing five special pujas. The first puja is at 6am. Before the puja, personal offering trays are prepared and placed before His shrine. After the puja, each one gives verbal testimony about prayers that were answered during the past year. Then vows of sacrifice can be verbally made. Vows should improve the quality of the life of the individual, such as giving up smoking or correcting other harmful habits.

    The second puja is at 9am, and the third at 12 noon. The fourth puja is held at 3pm. At 6pm the fifth and final puja of the day is held. These five pujas to Pancha Ganapati solicit help from His devas in the home and establish the patterns for improvement in family life.

    The evening puja is the long awaited time. The five sadhanas have been completed. Peace, love and harmony among everyone has been restored. After the puja and before the great feast that follows, Lord Panchamukha Ganapati Himself gives His final darshana and prasada to one and all. Gifts are distributed and joyously opened. Happy children. Happy parents. Happy God.

    May we worship Ganapati, the Protector of Noble People, the Best Poet, the Most Honorable, the Greatest Ruler and the Treasure of all Knowledge. O Ganapati! Please listen to us and take Your seat in our heart. -- Rig Veda, 2.23.
    There is nothing higher than dharma. Verily, that which is dharma is Truth--Shukla Yajur Veda, Brihadaranayaka Upanishad 1.4.14

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    Thousands Attend Gayatri Pariwar's Ashwamedh Yagna At Chicago's Soldier Field

    By Ira Rifkin, copyright: 1995 Religion News Service, Edited from the original.

    By early afternoon, the thermometer was pushing 100 and the asphalt surface of the Soldier Field parking lot was blistering to the touch. At one edge of the lot, four large, open-sided tents sat clustered and baking in the bright sunlight. In the largest of the tents, a football field-size affair holding some 3,000 chanting Hindu worshippers, it was even hotter.

    Inside the tent, acrid, black smoke that spiraled upward from hundreds of small ritual fires fed by clarified butter and Indian spices settled over the crowd. The smoke obscured the 10 orange-robed Hindu priests seated onstage at the front playing instruments, chanting mantras and instructing participants in the intricacies of the ancient ritual.

    Yet, despite the horrendous heat, virtually no one left the tent--save a few mothers with crying children. Instead, they sat cross-legged on mats for the 90 minutes their fires burned. For the devotees, the smoke and heat were a spiritually purifying experience, appropriate for their worship of the Sun Goddess Gayatri, who represents the source of all earthly life.

    The location was equally appropriate. Hinduism was formally introduced to America in Chicago by Indian religious leader Swami Vivekananda at the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions. On July 28-30, it was evident just how much the 5,000-year-old teachings of Hinduism--the world's oldest major religion--have become a part of the changing American religious scene.

    "The history of Hinduism in America is still being written," said Diana Eck, a Harvard University professor of comparative religion and Indian studies. "It's much too early to say how it will affect this country and how it will ultimately be effected by this society. But clearly it's here to stay and will continue to grow."

    The majority of those at Soldier Field were associated with the Gayatri Pariwar sect popular in the west Indian state of Gujarat. They came from as far away as Montreal and California for the ashwamedh yagna fire ceremony, a ritual once reserved for kings. Gayatri Pariwar, which claims followers in 86 nations, is but one of a host of Hindu groups now established here.

    Concern for the children was evident at Soldier Field, where several parents asked Pranav Pandya, Gayatri Pariwar's international director, how they could keep their children connected to their Indian roots. "Our children know nothing of the rituals and are losing our values," one mother admitted. In response, Pandya spoke of plans to build as many as 100 Indian cultural centers around the US. Pandya, a 45-year-old medical doctor, also said Hinduism needs to emphasize its "scientific basis." Hindu mantras and rituals, he said, are proven powerful instruments for uplifting individual consciousness and promoting world peace. Not only will this "liberal Hinduism" appeal to westernized Indians, he said, it will also appeal to non-Indian Westerners.

    Included in his description of scientific Hinduism was an end to the guru tradition. Traditional Hinduism holds that studying with gurus--enlightened spiritual masters--is essential to spiritual growth. "The time has come to get rid of hero worship," said Pandya, who is billed as Gayatri Pariwar's spokesperson, not its guru.

    Yet, the next day, following completion of the afternoon fire ceremony, Pandya, wearing orange robes as a reminder of the Sun Goddess Gayatri, sat on a couch draped with red material as the faithful filed by to pay homage. First they bowed before a chair on which sat the flower-covered sandals of the sect's deceased gurus--Sri Ram Sharma Acharya and his wife, V. Mata Bhagavati Devi Sharma--who were also Pandya's inlaws. Then they bowed before him and touched his feet.

    Putting aside his talk of Hinduism's need to modernize, Pandya played the role expected of him by both sari-clad grandmothers with tattooed hands and forearms and by young men with beepers on their belts. Hinduism's encounter with America may someday reshape the ancient faith, as Pandya suggests. But it's clear that beliefs and practices thousands of years old will not soon disappear from the American Hindu scene.

    Gayatri Pariwar plans an even grander yagna at Anwalkheda, India, from November 3-7, 1995. In USA and Canada: Gayatri Pariwar, 8413 West North Terrace, Niles, Illinois, 60714, USA. Phone: 708-692- 6036. In India: Shantikunj, Haridwar, Gayatri Shaktipeeth, Anwalkheda District, Agra, UP.

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    Education Under Fire

    Part Two: Can India Improve Her Education System?
    One Family's Saga

    In Part One [Sept. '95], we discussed the problems of education in India today, not only in a general sense of producing competently educated citizens, but in particular the failure to inculcate moral values in students. Many in India (and elsewhere as this is a worldwide trend) see a need for a fundamental restructuring of our education systems. In Part II of our series we hear the views of a prominent South Indian spiritual leader and the illuminating personal experience of our reporter.

    By Anandhi, Madras

    Fifty years back, when I was a young girl, Navarathri was celebrated in Tamil Nadu by everyone and, though my father was not overly religious, Saraswati puja was a must in our home. My mother helped me arrange our colorful collection of dolls and idols of Gods and Goddesses on steps specially made for the occasion. The house was decorated by hanging mango leaves and white palm shoots and small banana trees tied on both sides of the kolu. The first eight days were celebrated by my mother's drawing kolam and making sundal. Many brass lamps were lit in the evenings.

    My brother and I looked forward to Saraswati puja. We respected our father so much that doing anything with him was a privilege. All the sacred books were brought and arranged in two piles. Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasrana, Periyapuranam and Thevaram were placed with reverence on a wooden plank. Mother brought books written by my father. The latest issue of the magazine which he edited was kept alongside. My brother and I brought our school texts and notebooks. All these were Saraswati Devi. Even our pencil box and father's pen were placed in the puja. Finally, mother put a new white silk cloth and a red coral chain on top of the pile of books. The lamps were lit and my father did the puja. After reciting Sanskrit slokas, we prayed and prostrated to the books to give us proficiency in all arts. We prostrated before our parents, and they blessed us by showering rice from the puja. After this, we went to our father's office. All the printing machines were decorated with sandalwood paste, kumkuma and flower garlands. We worshiped the machines, even the block-making machine, by offering flowers, puffed rice and sugar, coconuts and bananas and finally arati.

    My own schooling had its ups and downs. I studied in secondary school, 6th to 8th standard, in the 1940s during British rule. Our family came to Madras from my father's village, and my father enrolled me in a convent school. I don't remember why. Perhaps because it was close, or because he thought his daughter should learn English.

    There were always uncles, aunts and their children visiting our home. My cousins studied in village schools. One of my cousins who was studying in a small town school was especially bright. He was younger than both my brother and myself.

    One day when father was sitting on the black rosewood swing and talking to my uncle, he called all of us. We were told to each recite a poem. My brother recited a Sanskrit sloka that father had taught him. My cousin started reciting lines from Ulaka Neethi, a book on right conduct, each line ending in "Don't do this." Father and uncle were all smiles. After every line that he chanted in a singsong tune, father said "Hum." After my cousin recited about twenty verses in his high-pitched voice, we broke into applause. My mother had come from the kitchen to listen to the little boy.

    Then it was my turn. As I was studying in a convent, I didn't know any of these Tamil verses. But I wanted to show off to my cousin and uncle, so I started to recite the first lines that came to my mind--"I saw a ship a-sailing, a-sailing on the sea." Uncle and father listened with interest but their faces had a puzzled expression when I finished. I tried again--"The four-and-twenty sailors that stood up on the deck were four-and-twenty white mice with chains around their neck."

    There was stony silence. I was asked to recite something else. "Jack fell down and broke his crown." My father looked dismayed. These lines must have appeared silly after what the little boy had rattled off. "Siva, Siva!" my father exclaimed. "Don't you know poetry?" I tried again, desperate, "Three blind mice, see how they run."

    "Enough!" said father. What did he expect from me? Perhaps a verse from Wordsworth or from Paradise Lost--because he had sent me to convent school? That event marked the end of my convent education. I was quickly switched to a vernacular school. My father now saw me struggling with Tamil, and lovingly read verses from Thevaram and Divya Prabandham to me for a few months. I started enjoying the beauty of the language in bhakti poems.

    Father had progressive ideas about education. He expressed his views in the Tamil magazine he edited. He wrote under the pen name Pettron, meaning "parent," and one of these articles on school education was titled, "What sin have they committed?" In it, he thrashed the educational system in India.

    Rasikamani T.K.C., who was a close friend of my father, had a very poor opinion about schools where children were herded in closed classrooms and learned little from the blackboard. He said children should be brought up close to nature and taught to use their hands. He admired Madam Montessori, the great educator who brought a complete change not only in education but to the way very young children were treated. One of my older cousins had finished his college degree course. He was the first person in our large family to have achieved this. T.K.C. once met him and asked for his name. With great pride, my cousin said, "My name is Ramani B.A." T.K.C. chuckled and asked, "Oh, you are Mr. Bachelor of Arts. Can you climb a coconut tree?" Ramani was bewildered. He couldn't even understand the sarcasm. T.K.C. felt that university education had made him obviously superior. He, like other college-educated-elite, shunned any manual labor. Particularly young men would not--and still resist it--carry their own suitcases in public. For the educated man, manual work was demeaning. Once a boy is educated, even if he fails in the public examination, he wants a job in a bank or big company. I have heard older people say, "Don't send your daughter to university. If she gets a degree, she will sit around and read books and won't do any household work."

    C. Rajagopalachariar, the last Governor General of India, (imprisoned for his free-India activity) wrote in his Jail Diary, "Hope lies only in a 'universal' education by which right conduct, fear of God, and love will be developed among the citizens from childhood. Otherwise, swaraj ("self-rule") will only mean grinding injustices and tyranny of wealth. There are so many books I have not read. Yet, if I kept busy reading them, nobody would accuse me of misspending my time. However, eventually you come to know that additional learning will only make you die more learned and not enable you to do anything more useful to mankind, or help correct your character in any manner. Reading more books is mere self-indulgence, like over-eating. Mental exercises ought to be intended for the development of one's soul, and to perfect which we should always exert ourselves, or for adding to the world's stock of knowledge."

    It is not at all surprising that when he eventually became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he immediately tried to implement a radical new educational scheme: a) reduce the hours of elementary schooling from 5 to 3 hours a day--teachers and buildings would serve in two shifts doubling the number of children--and b) in the two saved hours, children would attend classes learning arts, culture and crafts from men and women of the community. "In India, the whole village is the school," he said. "It is a mistake to imagine it exists inside four walls." Supporters said his idea would usher in a new age of enlightened education for India. They liked it because: a) it was financially sane; b) it would help fulfill the Constitutional law that all children attend primary school; c) it brought art, aesthetics, ethics, culture and craft back into children's learning; and it engaged parents and the community in the education of the youth. His critics mercilessly, and ironically, condemned it as casteish, alleging his sinister motive was to keep the low-caste trade children tied to their caste occupations. He resigned, disillusioned.

    After this, many plans surfaced, but the population was increasing exponentially. No plan was truly effective. Officials were corrupt, teachers disinterested and parents largely apathetic. And Tamil Nadu remains caste-ridden to this day.

    Part III will highlight a school that integrates modern learning techniques, Hindu wisdom and a high academic standard.

    Anandhi Ramachandran is a senior instructor of dance at Kalakshetra Academy in Madras and a freelance

    journalist.

    Sidebar: Dharmic Insights

    Sri la Sri Shanmukha Desika Gnanasambhanda Desika Paramacharya Swamikal, 26th Guru Mahasannidhanam of Dharmapuram Aadheenam in Tamil Nadu, holds a deep interest in improving the education of India's children. His matha itself runs many schools including a major college.

    Hinduism Today: What is your personal definition of "education?"

    Guru Mahasannidhanam of Dharmapuram Aadheenam: Everything that one learns, every skill, is education. One of Saint Thiruvalluvar's verses gives the most expansive look. It says learning is like a well which gives clear water the deeper you dig. The more you study, the more the spring of knowledge will bubble forth. There is wisdom in all life, like there is light in all gems. The more facets we cut, the more light the diamond reflects. Wisdom is light. We say Pranava, the Omkara [Aum], is the ultimate source and essence of knowledge, but before that, there are many steps to climb and many branches of knowledge--mathematics, language, astronomy, etc. Each person takes to the subject that is closest to his personal temperament. Yet foremost, we must have an educational scheme that is based on morals, on Indian culture. The four aspects of life, dharma (right conduct), artha (wealth-getting), kama (pleasure-fulfilling) and moksha (self-realization) should be taught from the beginning. Then whatever one learns and does will be beneficial to society--builders will build well; laborers will not shirk work; and merchants will not cheat. However, teaching moral codes of conduct is completely ignored now in schools. In our older system, when the Tamil language [and other regional languages] were used, children learned religious hymns and sayings filled with good values. Unlike in the past, today's textbooks do not contain examples of virtue from the lives of inspiring personalities.

    HT: But we can't really teach Hindu morals to Muslims or Christians.

    MD: The laws by which a man must conduct himself have been told by all religions. Deeper theological differences come later. Secularism should insure all children instruction in common ethics, not exclude it.

    HT: So our "secular" educational policy is a de-spiritualizing force?

    MDA: "Secular" means what? It should mean simply showing equal respect for all religions. It does not mean disbelief in God. But that is what it has come to mean. In Tamil Nadu, after independence, 1947 to 1951, no minister said the word "God" in public. Rajaji became chief minister in 1952 and started using words like "God-fearing" and "Kadavul." Only after that did other ministers pick up courage to. What a secular country should do, independent India failed to do. But countries where there are religious governments do what a secular government should! For example, in Sri Lanka, Christian students learn from books written by Christians; Buddhists learn Buddhism; Muslims learn Islamic truths; Hindus Hinduism. If ten youngsters are wanting to study Saiva Siddhanta or Vaishnavism, a teacher must be appointed to teach them before the enthusiasm diminishes.

    HT: You say that all children should attend school at least through the 5th standard. Are you saying then that children should not stay home where they can learn hereditary occupations from their fathers?

    MDA: Now, actually, they learn nothing! They are sent to roll beedis and other such things. To enforce compulsory education at least up to the 5th standard will insure poorer children a better quality of life. They will gain a better understanding of personal hygiene, environmental responsibility and disease prevention. There should not be one person in India without a 5th standard certificate! If a child does not study up to the 5th standard, it should be a criminal offense! Then the parents would be scared.

    HT: Kerala has 100% literacy. How did this Communist government achieve this? From 35%, Tamil Nadu has now only come to 45%.

    MDA: Over-population is the problem. When we got independence, the population was 280 million. Now it is 880 million! Did anyone with foresight set up the training of more teachers and build more schools?

    HT: What is the real key to quality education?

    The key always is good teachers, who are not just good at teaching, but good people! Also, parents must take a greater interest and responsibility in the educational development of their children.

    HT: How did childtren used to first start their schooling experience?

    MDA: They used to spread fine "sand" on the floor, [first-harvest rice] and, holding the finger of the child, the teacher or father wrote in the rice sand Hari Namastu Siddham. The child then learns that even the letters of the alphabet are sacred, given by God.

    The learned find their home and town everywhere. Why not learn and learn till death? --Saint Tiruvalluvar

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    Indian Dancers Shine at French Cultural Festival

    Avignon, France--once the summer haunt of Catholic popes-- is now the Mecca of performing theater. Hindu dance arts are now a necessity here, rather than just an exotic flavoring.

    The legendary Avignon monastery transforms its cloisters and countryside each year into a versatile arena for world drama and dance called the Festival of Avignon. Hundreds of artists flock to this French cultural fête to publicly perform new creations and breathe in the wine-like bouquet of peer praise and adulation from media critics. This year, at the 49th Festival of Avignon, some 120 artists from India or Indian performing traditions attended, and many were elevated to the top tier of Avignon virtuosity and popularity. Hindu dance and dancers and Indian dramatists were the vogue. Thomas Erdos, a consultant to dance companies, predicts that this marks the real rise of Indian culture in Europe. "Today, Indian dance is no longer a nice curiosity, a nice fragrance from India. It has become a necessity. People in Europe are asking for it." One example of the new firmament of Indian performers is Raghunath Manet, who proclaimed himself the Indian Nureyev [the late Russian ballet master] and danced a wild Siva Tandava at the festival.

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    RK Mission Unveils Handsome New Temple in South Africa

    The Ramakrishna Center of South Africa had the official opening of its Ramakrishna Temple atop a hill in a naturally wooded area in August. It is the realization of the late Swami Sivapadananda's dream, an architectural wonder. Coming close on the heels of the World Hindu Conference, this event seems to have continued the spirit of Hinduism. A powerful aura engulfed the entire complex as mantras were chanted in the shrine and disseminated via strategically placed speakers.

    The three-day event began on Friday evening with a havan ceremony at 6:30. Fifteen-hundred devotees, wellwishers and revered swamis attended this session. On Saturday some 2,000 people felt the grace of Sri Ramakrishna as they sat through the two-and-half-hour consecration ceremony. The finely carved marble murthi of Sri Ramakrishna was formally installed in its shrine, behind which is a large painting of a tree. The ceremonies were concluded by the repetition of "Om Sarva Deva Devi Swaroopaya Sri Ramakrishnaya, Swahah" mantra 108 times by all present.

    Swami Premananda, in delivering his speech, saw the project as a "dream come true" for the now late Swami Sivapadananda, spiritual head of the center. He clarified the misconceptions that Hindus are idol worshippers. "While there is an image that we focus on, something special happens. We have a special view that behind every perception is the reality. We worship the consciousness that permeates the idol," he added.

    Swami Krishnaroopananda impressed upon his listeners the significance of building this temple. "It's done in the service of the master," was his message. In highlighting the importance of worship in a temple rather than in the home, Swami used the metaphor of a cow. While the milk is contained in the cow, access to it is only through the udders. Similarly, God is omnipresent, but in order to realize His presence one goes to the temple.

    This event climaxed on Sunday with a capacity crowd of 3,000 people packed into a large hall. Adelaide Tamo's speech on the "Role of Religion in a Pluralistic Society" did more than justify the capacity attendance.

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    End of November issue. Tune in next month!

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