President's Message: June 2017 Newsletter. 107 LaRonge Road Saskatoon SK S7K5T3. In this Issue:

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1 Hindu Society of Saskatchewan 107 LaRonge Road Saskatoon SK S7K5T3 June 2017 Newsletter President's Message: Dear Friends, Namaste and my humble Pranam at the lotus feet of Sri Lakshmi Narayan. The new Hindu Society of Saskatchewan Board of Directors was elected in April, 2017 and took responsibilities of both this historic Sri Lakshmi Narayan Temple and the new Gita Bhawan facility. I thank the nominating committee and the new Board members who have decided to take on this responsibility. The temple is a great place for congregation, and the facility is dedicated for the religious programs/functions for the community, private functions, marriages and cultural programs for a small fee, which can be seen at the temple website: saskatoontemple.net. It is important to realize that the HSS has a loan of over $680,000, with a monthly payment plan of $5500. Community members are requested to help by participating in a monthly payment plan of at least $20-$50/month. The Board is grateful to those individuals and families who have committed to the temple and look forward to having more volunteers. The new Board is working hard to bring a new look to the temple by paving the parking lot, arranging flower beds in the front of the temple, and completing the stage and sound system for the Gita Bhawan. Community members are requested to volunteer for different events and the general up-keep of the temple by contacting Board members. The new asphalt paving is going on, which will be complete in June. Please pardon us for any inconvenience for parking during paving. The fund raising events and other temple events are in full swing, communicated to all community members via and the temple website. Please enjoy these events with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. The community is encouraged to advertise their businesses through the temple website, event posters and communications. The members who are not life members are requested to renew their yearly membership by donating $100 to the temple. Also, all are welcome to provide feedback to me at presidenthss.sk@gmail.com and others on the Board via the s listed on page 3 of this newsletter. Please join in regularly for Sunday puja and benefit from the blessings of Sri Lakshmi Narayan. Have a great summer and God bless. Ajay Dalai President Hindu Society of Saskatchewan 1 Page In this Issue: President's message Lakshmi Narayan and Hinduism New Board Kudos to the Past Executive Fundraising Report Past Events Future Events Journey of Life: Are There any Rules? Photo Gallery

2 Lakshmi Narayan and Hinduism Lakshmi Narayan and Hinduism: The deity Narayan with his cohort Lakshmi forms Lakshmi Narayan. Narayan is the supreme god in the Hindu pantheon. He is the Brahman which term among others means an expanding concept that is immense, limitless and profound just as the universe and all that is inside human brain/heart (Atman). Lakshmi is the goddess found during the churning of the ocean of milk by gods and demons. She wedded Narayan or Vishnu as her Lord. She represents all wealth, love, and happiness among other such things representing everything good and desirable. The duo in one avatar or concept brings all that is wanted in this world and beyond which is ultimate bliss. Narayan, though part of the trinity which rules Hindu worship, is believed to maintain the rhythm of life while the other two gods create and destruct life and other matter in this universe. No one can say emphatically what exactly Hinduism is, since it is not given by any prophet. However one can hazard a guess from the information and belief system what Hinduism is about. Well, it is more about a practice or Dharma which is a way of life rather than a straight-jacketed religion per se. Most tenets of this religion are verbally passed from one Rishi or sage to another before they entered texts. Hindutva or Hindu way of life owes to existence to scriptures from the ancient Smritis (means what is remembered and later written as text), Srutis (authorless Vedic literature or what is heard or verbally transmitted from one to other over centuries) and epics written by great poets. Dharma is an important part of this religion or even a broader term than religion which is inalienable for a true devotee. Dharma includes a civil and ideal code of conduct which is full of practical virtues followed without question. Indians speak several languages and dialects and wear diverse attires across diverse terrains. In Hindu belief system, idol worship is to merely make devotees concentrate their attention on God and hence considered optional by many. It means one can meet salvation through diverse methods known to them. God dwells inside everyone just as in every living thing. A person has no escape from one s karma. Karma has subtle interpretations. One is the duty to the world. Karma has another philosophical note what is ordained or destined as per fate has to be suffered. Thirdly karma is what is owed to a person in the present birth as a cumulative debt from deeds done in the past or past life, whether good or bad should be lived in this life. This karma continues in cycles of rebirths till such time the soul is completely absolved of the total good or bad karma. At one point, the soul reaches its heavenly abode otherwise called salvation. Hindus have many heterogeneous practices. Though apparently diverse, they all have but one goal, i.e., to reach the God or ultimate truth. Hindu pantheon of gods number about 330 million including main gods and goddesses or 33 types of them. Some gods portray human nature or elements in the environment, or even plant and animal life. As such Hindu culture is eco-friendly. The religion is ultimately democratic and inclusive though appears conservative, exclusive and divisive to the outsider. The caste system is a later development which was only meant to serve a division of labor those days in a typical village unit according to professions. There are some features in Hinduism which can be emulated by the world community. One is yoga. The second is a strong family system. The third is vegetarianism and kindness towards animals. Animals are domesticated to till the lands and give milk to sustain life system, and hence those animals are worshiped as they symbolize the mother. Finally, Hindus recite mantras at the end of their every worship particularly for universal welfare and brotherhood of the humanity. // Article compiled by Seshu Chamarti 2 Page

3 Hindu Society of Saskatchewan Board Ajay Dalai President Asit Sarkar Vice President Rashi Bhatia Treasurer Puja Bansal Secretary Leele Sharma Fundraising Coordinator Nagamani Datla Facilities coordinator Venkat Chamarti Outreach Coordinator Dinesh Patel Program Coordinator Manish Baweja Member at large Amit Dhawan Member at large Subhash Biswal Past President 3 Page

4 Kudos to the past Board On behalf the entire community of Hindu Temple of Saskatchewan, we offer a humble sense of appreciation and thanks for all the service rendered by the past Executive under the leadership of Mr. Subhash Biswal. The dedication, hard work and extra hours you all have put in during past years have brought us the present successful days. We are all very proud of each and every one of you and hope that the direction you have shown in promoting our culture and values will be used as a guide for all our future activities. You have been especially noteworthy in your efforts turning things around for the better, meeting the challenges in day to day activities of community service, and overseeing the new Temple expansion. You were a wonderful team and our sincere thanks to you all! 4 Page

5 Fundraising Report Mother s Day lunch: The monthly fundraising lunches are going very well. We had a Mother s Day lunch on May 28th, which raised $1300. The lunch was sponsored by Usha Rakesh Kapoor, Poonam & Ranbir Pahwa, Vandana & Sanjay Rawat and Parvinder Kaur & Paramvir Singh. Dosa-Mela and Garage Sale: Was on June 3rd and 4th, from 9am to 3pm. Dosa was the main attraction. There was also special entertainment for younger children, a traditional Indian clothing sale, and other household items for sale Father s Day lunch: The next fundraising lunch is Father s Day lunch, on June 25th. This lunch will be sponsored by Jackie and Vishal Jheengut. Our sincere thanks to all the sponsors! If anyone want to sponsor a monthly lunch, please let the Board know. Canada 150 Anniversary: Our major fundraising event will be on July 2nd, when we shall celebrate the Canada s 150th anniversary at the temple. There will be food for sale, games and children s activities. It will be a lot of fun for everyone! Please don t miss this special occasion. HSS Walkathon and Picnic: will be held on August 5th starting at 8am. More details to follow Bharatanatyam performance: Bharatnatyam dance group (led by Rama Vaidyanathan) of seven dancers from India, August 20th at the Broadway Theatre. More details to follow. HSS Website: The temple website is fully functional and we are posting business advertisements on the website at very nominal cost per month. All businesses are encouraged to put their advertisements on the website. For more information please contact our President, Ajay Dalai or Fundraising coordinator, Leela Sharma. Business Logo on the Poster: A business logo can be put on the poster for $50 per event. The Suite at the Gita Bhavan: is getting fully furnished very soon. Thanks to Drs. Mini & Mahesh Khurana for paying the expenses for the furniture, Thanks to Amit Dhawan for donating the set of dining table and also thanks to many devotees for getting all the kitchen and bath room items. The suite will be ready for the rent by July, We would like to encourage HSS members and devotees to make use of the facilities for their private functions & celebrations. Diya & Kanya Puja : On April 7th, 2017, the Temple expansion Committee organized the Diya and Kanya Puja during Vasanth Navarathri. About 65 ladies participated in the puja and each participant received a brass lamp. During the puja, Lakshmi Sahastranamam was recited. The puja was conducted by Shri Venkatesh Bhat, a priest from San Jose, California. The Kanya puja was for young girls and each participant received a lehnga set. Additional blessed lamps in the puja are still available at a cost of $101 each. The donor purchasing the lamp will receive a tax-deductible receipt of $83. For more details, please contact Mythili Venkatraman at or Leela Sharma Our sincere thanks to all the community members, friends and family for your encouragement and on-going support to the temple. God Bless Leela Sharma Fundraising coordinator Page

6 Past Events from February-May 2017 February 1st, at the Temple- Human Values: The Heart of Dynamic Parenting Workshop Time: Every Wednesday 7pm-9 pm; ongoing program Hindu Society of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Canadian Institute of Sathya Sai Education (CISSE) to bring this workshop to you, as part of our Community Outreach activities. February 4th: Sarbojonin Puja Porishod is celebrating Saraswati Puja February 5th: Saraswati Puja February 19th: Temple Expansion Committee (TEC) fundraising lunch sponsored by Neelam Rani and Karan Singh of Angeethi Restaurant. February 24th and February 26th: MahaShivratri was celebrated March 25th: 32nd Annual Vegetarian Banquet at Prairieland Park. Keynote Speakers: The Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and Swami Yogatmanandji of Vedanta Society of Providence. April 7th: Vilakku (Diya Puja) and Kanya Puja (A TEC Fundraising event) April 9th: Ram Nawami Celebrations on Preetibhoj, sponsored by Dr. Kulwant and Janak Rai and family. The Akhand Ramayanpath (From April 8th to 9th) was coordinated by Dr. Krishna and Laxmi Bhargava. April 16th: Devotee Appreciation Day May 6th: Dance performance by Madhu Sudhan organized by the India School of Dance and Music May 27th: Mr. Sanjay Rawal and his family celebrated Satya Narayan Puja May 27th: Shabojonin Puja Porishod celebrated Nam Kirtan & Satya Narayan puja May 28th: Mother s Day celebrations 6

7 Future Events from June 2017 onwards June 25th: Father's Day celebration will be in the temple. Please see the poster on page 8. June 26th: Gayatri mantra Chanting at the Temple from 7-8 pm for the 150th year of Canada. 150 hrs of Gayatri Mantra is chanted at different locations of Canada from June 25 to 1 st July, In Saskatoon, this program is being organized by Vedic Centre of Saskatoon. July 2nd:150th Canada Day Celebration in the temple from 10 am-3 pm. Please see the poster on page 9. July 9th: Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) Kalyanam. For more information, please see page 10. August 5th: HSS Walkathon. Details to be announced. August 14: Janmashtami Celebration. Details to follow. August 20: Janmashtam Celebration during regular puja at the temple. Also, Culture Connections in partnership with Hindu Society of Saskatchewan is presenting a Bharatnatyam dance concert performed by the renowned artist Rama Vaidyanathan and her team of seven artists. The performance will be held at Broadway theatre on this day. The theme of the presentation is "Krishna Maya" (on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami). This dance concert will be a fundraiser for Shri Lakshminarayan Temple. More details will be announced soon. For additional information contact Kishore Gali, Leela Sharma or Ajay Dalai. August 27: Ganesh Chaturthi. Details to follow. September 15-21: Bhagawath Saptha. Dewaki Nandan Thakur from India will be doing Katha and the program details will be announced later. 7

8 \ Hindu Society of Saskatchewan Presents Father s Day Fundraising Lunch On Sunday, June 25th At the Gita Bhawan, 107 La Ronge Raod, Saskatoon. $10 per plate Our Sincere thanks to Jackie and Vishal Jheengut for sponsoring the lunch For more information, Please contact: Leela or Ajay

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10 Lord Venkateswar Kalyanam [TTD] (July 9, 2017 Sunday) Dear Friends, We are celebrating Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) Kalyanam (divine marriage ceremony of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts) on Sunday, July 9th 2017 at Shri Lakshminarayana Temple, 107 LaRonge Road, Saskatoon. The ceremony along with other sevas similar to that performed at Tirumala TirupatiDevasthanam (TTD) will be conducted by priests from TTD. A team of four priests and three singers/musicians will be performing the rituals and ceremony. You are cordially invited to join for the ceremony. The program includes Suparabatham, TomalaSeva and Archana (9:00-11:00am), followed by Kalyanam (11:30am 2:00pm). Participation in Kalyanam is only by registration and rest of the program is open for everyone. For registration and details please contact Kishore Gali (Phone: ; krishnak.gali@gmail.com) before July 5th. Newcomers and students are encouraged to contact for special registration. Sincerely, Kishore The event is supported by Vaikuntam Vedic Centre (Edmonton), Hindu Society of Saskatchewan, ISKCONSaskatoon, Vedic Centre of Saskatoon, Leela and Nawal Sharma, Jhansi and SubashKoneru, Jaya and Ramayya Ray, Radhika and Srinivas Sura, Usha and Venkat Chamarti, Kamala and Jay Kalra, many other friends and all the participants. 10

11 Post script: We try to appease our Gods and Goddesses with the purest of emotions and true heart and they bestow us with the power to overcome any obstacles in our path. The dreams of our elders in the 1960s have come to reality with the inception of the present temple in Saskatoon. Spiritual yearnings and religious aspirations were met in these premises with the teachings of various Gurus and elders who visited in the past and constant learning from our seniors who are giving their weekly lectures in our Sunday gatherings. We also feel a responsibility to our community by participating various multifaith and charitable organizations With this motto of service to community through service to God we strive to continue the acts of Good deed. Venkat Chamarti 11

12 Journey of Life: Are There any Rules? By: Narendra N. Bakhshi, Professor Emeritus University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK. What do I mean by the title? I will answer that by asking a question. But first let us examine the following scenario. It is an everyday occurrence. We leave home to go somewhere in our car, to go to work, run an errand, or whatever. Three things are implied in this decision: 1. I know where I am going and what my destination is. 2. I know the path I will be taking. 3. I know the rules and regulations for driving a car. These rules are not only for my safety, but for the safety of all other drivers on the road. If these rules are not followed, not only there will be total chaos on the road, but also I may not even reach my destination. And now the question: When a person is born and starts the Journey of Life, does he/she know? 1. Where he is going? What is his destination? What is the objective of his life? 2. What are the rules of the journey of life? What path should he follow in order to reach his destination? Actually, the wonder of wonders is that we rarely or maybe, even never ask such questions. Usually, what happens is that one gets some sort of education sometimes not even that so that one can earn money in order to live our lives, satisfy a variety of our desires, and pursue the game of name and fame, etc. Essentially, whether we realize it or not, the whole life is spent in the pursuit of pleasure and happiness. And then, ultimately a time comes when one dies and disappears from this world. The wonder is that we never question anything about this the journey of our life, and go on living our life in any which way. This reminds me of an Urdu poet (Ibrahim Zauq , court poet in the court of the last Moghul King Bahadur Shah Zafar in Delhi) who wrote a beautiful sher a verse/couplet describing this puzzling scenario: lai hyat aye kaza ley chali chaley. na apni khushi se aye na apni khushi chaley I came to this world because life brought me here and I am leaving this world, because death is taking me away. I had no say in coming to this world (that is, being born) and I had no say in exiting this world (that is, my death). Where are the answers to such puzzling questions? 12

13 Here, Swami Vivekananda comes to our help and gives us the answers. He tells us1: Just as the Greek mind or the modern European mind, wants to find the solution of life and of all the sacred problems of being, by searching into the external world, so also did our forefathers; and just as the Europeans failed, they failed also. But the Western people never made a move more, they remained there; they failed in the search for the solution of the great problems of life and death in the external world and they remained stranded. Our forefathers also found it impossible, but were bolder in declaring the utter helplessness of the senses to find the solution. Nowhere else was the answer better put than in the Upanishads: yato vaco nivartante aprapya manasa saha From whence words, unable to reach come back reflected, together with the mind. (Taittriya Up. II.4); na tatra caksurgacchati na vaggachati There the eye cannot go nor can speech reach. (Kena I.3) There are various sentences which declare the utter helplessness of the senses, but they did not stop there; they fell back upon the internal nature of man, they went to get the answer from their own soul. They became introspective, they gave up external nature as a failure, as nothing could be done there, as no hope, no answer could be found; they discovered that dull, dead matter would not give them Truth, and they fell back upon the shining soul of man, and there the answer was found. These answers and this knowledge make up the philosophy and religion that India developed. This philosophy is given in the Vedas, Upanishads, and Brahma Sutras. It has been given a significant title, namely, Sanatana Dharma i (Eternal Religion). It derives its authority from its Truth character and not from any person, be he a saint or even an incarnation; and the Truth character of a teaching demands that it be verifiable by all, irrespective of dogma, creed and race, and at all times. For example, Lord Krishna is not the authority of the Vedas, but the Vedas are the authority of Krishna Himself. His glory is that he is the greatest preacher of the Vedas that ever existed. So with the other incarnations and so with the other sages. See the boldness of the claims. This (sanatana dharma, Vedanta) is the science of religion. These teachings are verifiable. Thus, believing in a dogma alone is not enough. It must be verifiable by anubhava experience. The essence of this philosophy of sanatana dharma has been summarized beautifully by Swami Vivekananda ii as follows: 1. Each soul is potentially divine. 2. The goal is to manifest this divine within by controlling natures, external and internal. 3. Do this by work or worship or psychic control or philosophy by one, or more, or all of these and be free. 4. This is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals or books, or temples, or forms are but secondary details. He further saysiii: All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Believe in that; do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy lunatics, as most of us believe now-a-days. You can do anything and everything, without even the guidance of anyone. All power is there. Stand up and express that divinity within you. 13

14 This is no mere bravado. Swami Vivekananda was a fully realized soul who had experienced the ultimate Truth intimately. All these statements have full force of that experience (anubhava) behind it. Rules for the Journey of Life Now coming back to our questions that were raised earlier regarding the journey of life, we shall see shortly that all the answers lie in the practice of this dharma in our daily life. Scripturesiv tell us: sarvaagamanam acarah prathmam parikalpate. acaraprabhavo dharma dharmasya prabhur acyutah All scriptures consider right conduct as the foremost requisite. Dharma is based upon right conduct and of dharma, Acyutah, is the Master. Thus, for the journey of life, the discipline of right conduct is the foremost requisite. Practice of right conduct in daily life is essential in order to live a life rich in quality, knowledge, and joy. Such a life is what makes a person and society caring and civilized. The next question is, what characteristics define the practice of dharma, which then helps in living a life of right conduct? Manu Smriti (VI/91) defines the characteristics of dharma: dhrti ksama damo asteyam shaucha indrianigraha. dhi vidya satyam akrodha dashkam dharma lakshnam 1. Dhrti: Firmness of resolutions, determination 2. Ksama: Compassion, forgiveness 3. Dama: Control/discipline of mind. 4. Asteyam: Non stealing, absence of theft, non-covetousness 5. Shaucha: Purity of body, mind, and surroundings 6. Indria Nigraha: Control/discipline of senses 7. Dhi: Pure buddhi, pure intellect (more later) 8. Vidya: Education, knowledge (more later) 9. Satyam: Truthfulness (in thought, word, and deed) 10. Akrodha: Absence of anger Thus, these are the rules which should guide the journey of life. Practice of these rules (or values) in our day-to-day life results in right conduct. In addition, one develops a moral and ethical character as well as an integrated personality. We should be aware that these values (practice of dharmic life) are universal human values and do not depend on any dogma. These values are eternal. For a stable and civilized society, they were applicable in the past, are applicable in the present and will remain applicable in the future. Guidance in the Practice of These Rules in Daily life 14

15 If we examine all the activities and pursuits of life, they can be classified under two headings: 1. Wealth-related activities (artha) 2. Satisfaction of various desires (kama) Sanatana dharma tells us that by all means pursue all varieties of artha and kama-related activities with zest, but make sure they are all guided by the discipline of dharma. It may be difficult to practice dharma all the time initially. However, even a little practice is of tremendous help. Bhagavan Krishna assures us in the Bhagavad-gita (II/40): svalpamapyasya dharmasya trayate mahato bhyat Even a little of this dharma protects one from great fear. The thing is to start living the dharmic life wherever we are. Just get started. Swami Ranganathanandav summarizes the possibilities of dharmic lifestyle powerfully in these words: Santana dharma is a science of human growth, development and fulfillment. It is a science of unfolding the infinite possibilities in every human being. Additional Comments on Vidya and Dhi It is important that we understand clearly what is meant by vidya and dhi: Vidya Usually, vidya means education and knowledge. For example one goes to school/college/university etc. to get an education. However, it seems we do not even understand the real purpose of education. Currently three types of educational purposes are being discussed vi: 1. Commercial Purpose: Such as starting a career. (For example, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, etc.) 2. Cognitive Purpose: Acquiring information and learning how to think. Typical university/college education. 3. William Deresiewicz (Professor at Yale University) points out another purpose in his recent book, Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life. Here the purpose is to build an integrated self, that is, moral education. It is interesting to know that the Bhagavad-gita has given the answer regarding this problem thousands of years ago as Bhagavan Krishna tells Arjuna (XIII/2): ksetra ksetrajnayoh jnanam yat tat jnanam matam mama The knowledge of ksetra (the field, worldly knowledge, secular knowledge) and ksetrajna (knower of the field, spiritual knowledge, knowledge of the Atman, Self-knowledge) is considered by Me to be the Knowledge. 15

16 Thus, together (spiritual knowledge and secular knowledge) they constitute the totality of all knowledge. Therefore vidya truly means both secular and spiritual knowledge. One alone won t do. The end of education is character and right conduct. Dhi (Buddhi, Intellect) A close examination of the practice of dharmic values indicates that the role played by the seventh value Dhi is extremely important. Dhi (or buddhi, intellect) plays a key role in all our activities and actions. Therefore, we have to clearly understand what exactly is meant by Dhi/Buddhi. Buddhi is not mind (manas) or smartness (medha shakti). It is the facultyvii of reason, judgment, and discrimination. It represents the integration of the intellect, emotion, and will. It controls, or ought to control, all the psychic and sensory processes in a human being. It is manufactured out of the psycho-physical energy system within everybody. We only purify that energy, refine it; then it becomes buddhi. Such a refined buddhi is called pure buddhi or sattvik buddhi. Such a buddhi is free of blemishes (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, selfishness, envy, etc.). Sri Ramakrishna used to say that there is no difference between pure buddhi and Atman. But how does one develop pure buddhi? It requires practical effort along three directions: 1. Sadhana ( regular spiritual practice) 2. Leading a dharmic life 3. Performing all our actions according to the philosophy of karma yoga. Bhagavad-gita (III/30) best describes the process: mayi sarvani karmani sannyasyadhyatmacetsa. nirasih nirmamo bhutva yudhasva vigatajvarah Renouncing all actions to Me, with mind centered on the Self or Atman (that is, adhyatmacetsa), getting rid of hope (anxiety, craving) and selfishness, fight on (the battle of life), free from mental fever (without any stress or inner tension). The above three types of efforts are not mutually exclusive. Each of them affects the performance of the other two. Over a period of time, all this effort leads to transforming (refining) the ordinary buddhi to pure buddhi. We should be aware that the buddhi (intellect) on which the light of the Atman shines (adyatmacetsa, III/30) is far different from the buddhi which is in thrall to the sense organs. Thus, the purification of buddhi is essential, not only for our everyday life, but ultimately it leads us in achieving the goal of life Self-realization, merging in the Divine or moksha. 16

17 The right spiritual effort leads to pure buddhi (or chitta shuddhi) and chitta shuddhi then leads to jnana siddhi (God-realization). Furthermore, pure buddhi makes us an independent thinker. One does not depend on books, dogmas, personalities etc., as one s intellect has developed the power and ability to discriminate between right and wrong and then do the right thing. This is of tremendous benefit in our daily life as well, as it improves our chances to live a harmonious and meaningful life (because the conduct is right). In a nutshell, lead the life of a Raja-Rishi. Life of intense activity outside but with a calm, even, detached mind inside. Divine Grace When one lives a life according to the three directions described earlier, it becomes a life lived according to the yoga of buddhi. Such sincere spiritual effort makes one fit to receive the Grace of the Divine. 1. Krishna tells Arjuna (Gita VI/40: partha naiveha namutra vinasah vidyate nahi kalyanakrt kascit durgatim tata gacchati Verily, O son of Partha (Arjuna), there is no destruction (vinasha) for such a one, neither here nor hereafter, for the doer of good, O my son, never comes to grief (durgatim tata gacchati). 2. A yogi (practitioner of spiritual disciplines for the purification of buddhi) always lives and acts in the presence of the Divine. Krishna tells Arjuna again (Gita IX/22): annanyas cintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate tesam nityabhiyuktanaam yogaksemam vahamy aham To those persons who worship Me through everything they do, to them who are thus ever zealously established in yoga, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already have. 3. And again, (Gita IX/31): kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhakta pranasyati O son of Kunti (Arjuna) know for certain that My devotee never perishes. 4. And again (Gita V/29): bhoktaram yajnatapasam sarva loka mahesvaram suhrdam sarvabhutanam jnatva mam santimrcchati Knowing Me as the enjoyer of sacrifices (yajna) and austerities (spiritual practices, tapas), the Great Lord of all the worlds and friend (always a well-wisher expecting nothing in return, suhrd), one attains Peace. 17

18 The Lord is Love and not a wrathful God. He is the friend and well-wisher of all beings. This verse, if understood well, is a prescription for achieving a calm and even mind. Some Far-Reaching Implications of Dharmic Life Remember, dharmic life results in right conduct, a disciplined lifestyle, good character and an integrated personality. These qualities have tremendous implications for the individual and the society. For example: Individual: A healthy, balanced and quality life. Less tension and less conflicts. Family: Harmony and peace at home. Health System: Obviously less burden on the health system, and possibility of tremendous savings. Law Enforcement: Again, less burden on the system. Right conduct results in law-abiding persons. Country/Nation: A caring and civilized group of people (result of dharmic life) has the potential to make a nation peaceful, prosperous and a just nation. This, ultimately, increase the changes for Peace in the World. Additional Comments In a recent book The Great Degeneration the author (Niall Ferguson)viii surmises that for a society/country to flourish, the following four pillars are required: Representative Government (Democracy) Free Markets (Capitalism) Rule of Law Civil Society He maintains that in a society/country where these four factor are operating properly, that society will thrive and prosper. In my opinion, the key factor is item number 4, Civil Society. But, how do you define a civilized society? Is it a society with various comforts and amenities that we are used to (such as modern housing, transportation, shopping centers, medical facilities et.) or something else also is needed? For a society to be called a civilized society, in addition to all that, it must also be a society which practices moral and ethical values (that is, lives a dharmic life). Practice of dharma in daily life has the power to dramatically transform our nature/personality for the better. We should remember that the ultimate aim of dharmic life is the realization (anubhava-experience) of our divine Nature. The more people practice these values, the better the harmony and order will there be in that society. The first three pillars (representative government, free market, and rule of law) will function with much more ease and fairness if the society is automatically law-abiding (which will happen naturally if people live a dharmic life.) Thus one can see the great importance and the far-reaching implications of more and more people living a dharmic life. Not only is it important for the individual, but it is also important for the society, the country, and ultimately for the peace in the world. So, what is the Message? 18

19 1. Lead a dharmic life (satyam vada speak the truth; and dharmam chara practice dharma) for a meaningful and fulfilled life. Such a life will result in the beauty of character in the individual, and harmony and order all around. These aforementioned ten dharmic values are universal and eternal. 2. Constant remembrance of the Divine (adhyatmachetsa Gita III/30 and XVIII/78) helps tremendously in leading such a life. 3. This (practice of dharma in daily life) is the science of human growth, development and fulfillment. It is the science of unfolding the infinite possibilities in every human being. 4. The life of dharma leads to prosperity and justice in the society and the nation References: 1. Swami Ranganathananda: The Message of the Upanisads. Published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty, Bombay, India (1968), p. 6., 2. Ibid, p Thus Spake Vivekananda: Published by Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras 4, India (1969), p. V. 4. Ibid, p. 5. Swami Tapasyananda: Sri Vishnu Sahsaranama. Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras , India (1986), p. 38, verse Swami Ranganathananda: Universal Message of the Bhagavad-gita. Published by Advaita Ashrama, Publications Department, 5 Dehi Entally Road, Kolkata , India (2001), Vol. 2, p David Brooks: From an article entitled Becoming a Real Person published in The New York Times International Weekly, Weekend Sep , 2014, in collaboration with The Toronto Star, p Swami Ranganathananda: Universal Message of the Bhagavad-gita. Published by Advaita Ashrama, Publications Department, 5 Dehi Entally Road, Kolkata , India (2001), Vol. 1, p Niall Ferguson: The Great Degeneration, How Institutions Decay and Economics Die. Published by Penguin Press, 375 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y , U.S.A. 19

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