INTERFAITH & FUSION OF FAITHS TO LIVE IN PEACE BUT NOT IN PIECES

 INTERFAITH & FUSION OF FAITHS TO LIVE IN PEACE BUT NOT IN PIECES       

( By N.R. Srinivasan, Nashville, TN, USA,  February 2019)

 

INTRODUCTION

In the beginning the Vedic Religion was prevalent all over the world. Later over the centuries, it must have gone through a process of change (Fission) and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of the various lands which subsequent period--during historical times-- came under Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam as the case may be. Today we have many historical, cultural and scriptural evidences to substantiate the same. Realizing present day antagonism, confusion, quarrel and killings we want to think of their Fusion and back to the past glory of Vedic Religion! Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan, Rishikesh says:   “Now is the time for us to take up a new global prayer, a new mantra, and a new song. Let its words be that of unity, may its harmony be that of all voices together. Let its crescendo be lasting peace. Today, the music begins, this is the music that the world needs today.” Let us live in peace but not in Pieces.

Recently prominent Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth joined forces at Paramartha Niketan (Rishikesh) in a first ever, historic event on strengthening inter-religious collaboration of Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth.  A similar unity meet between Christianity and Islam took place in Nashville initiated by a Muslim Imam sometime back. A large number of foreigners who have come to attend the world’s largest religious congregation - Kumbh Mela - in India have adopted the Sanatan Dharma as their way of life. According to ANI report, they have adopted Sanatana Dharma to start their journey towards moksha (liberation), with many of them gathering information about dharma so they can spread the ideas in their respective countries after returning. Many of them, both men and women, can be seen with their heads shaved, sandalwood Tilak applied on their foreheads and offering prayers to the River goddesses, in celebration of the Dharmic way of life. Inspired by these recent great events the authorities of Sri Ganesha Temple have organized an interesting seminar promoting interfaith dialogues within and greater Nashville faith community to be held on Sunday Feb.17th  this year.

To be or not to be is the question challenging Hindu Americans, second generation onwards. They have successfully overcome caste system. Their temples are open to all who respect Hinduism and follow the discipline of Hindu worship. They even promote it by temple tours and Hindu Heritage classes for Hindus as well as Non-Hindus. They try  to understand other religions and faiths visiting the  Synagogues, Mosques, Churches and Monasteries. Dr. Phil Goldberg says that this country is turning to be a Land of Yoga and Meditation. Padma Bhushan David Frawley promotes: “Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic knowledge can help, bringing a higher consciousness into the world and help us move beyond materialism and sensate values - including beyond our new drug and sensory addictions in this information technology era. Each one of us can turn within and make transformation, as well as acting responsibly outwardly in society". We should therefore contribute our maximum here and train our youth to lead the country spiritually in Sanatana Dharma, may be in due course India too.

For this we should stop running to Hindus in India and examine what is needed to guide our future generation who are well exposed to science and highly educated.  We should consolidate  our worship  and  focus on few deities like Venkateshawra, Skanda Jagannatha   that we discussed in  the past suitable to all traditions and also be guided by the spiritual Gurus active in USA that are alive to the problem. Then   we should progressively turn spiritual and also guide others spiritually guided by the Vedic wisdom: Eko devah; aatmavat sarva bhooteshu;  sanghacchadhvam  samvadadvam etc.,  and our philosophy of vasudhaiva kutumbakam and sarvejanah sukhino bhavantu etc. Changes are needed in our worship pattern but that should be done respecting temple traditions that had attracted millions over centuries.

INTERFAITH, FUSION OF FAITHS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

May I draw your kind attention to an exciting Nashville community news item forwarded by one of my participants as follows!

“Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos led his inaugural Chancellor Charter on Nov. 5, guiding approximately 30 students, faculty and staff on a daylong interfaith tour of Nashville and sharing some of the city’s history along the way. They visited  Islamic Center of Nashville, Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sri Ganesha Temple and the Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee and The Jewish  Temple Nashville (Congregation Ohabai Sholom).

“This is a remarkable opportunity to engage with our community, celebrating our shared commonalities and significant distinctions as well as deepening our connections to the Nashville community,” Zeppos said. The chancellor announced the semi-annual bus tours during his Fall Faculty Assembly address as part of his commitment to cross-institutional collaboration and community outreach.

November 5, 2018, Interfaith Tour visited   the Sri Ganesha Temple and the Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee, where Radha Reddy, a founding board member, greeted the group. The center was formed in 1980, and the current temple was completed in 1991. There the group enjoyed a vegetarian lunch in keeping with Hindu customs”            

In fact few years   back Ram  Kaushik   then Chairman of Baal Vihaar  Ganesha Temple  Sunday  School   started taking young students on  a visit  not only to local Gurudwara (Sikh Center)  and Buddhist center but also  to   Various Abrahamic  Religious  centers of Nashville to inculcate in them Religious tolerance and  promoting peace and harmony   among various faiths followers living together. I believe there are no Jain centers in Nashville and soon they too may join the sectarian club.

Fusion of Faiths began well in USA but divergent sectarian   views from first generation Hindus from India dominated.  In some Hindu temples you may see idols of    Buddha,   Mahabir and Nag devata etc.,   being consecrated and worshiped.  They even accommodated blind beliefs like deifying elevated human souls like Swami Narayan, Saibaba, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu,  Prabhupada, Yogananda  and others.  Shirdi Saibaba clearly said; there is only one religion, the religion of Love; there is only one language, the language of the Heart; there is only one caste, the caste of Humanity; and there is only one GOD, He is Omnipresent. In fact it is an insult and disregard wounding his sentiments by erecting idols and raising temples for him! He is not there with us to question! Indian politics has influenced American Indians too who want to raise their own religious walls and run to White House to earn the credibility and favor as minority religion. Soon there may be SBNR Hindus too! 

I am sure Radha Babu with her long experience with Sunday School of Sri Ganesha Temple would have educated the crowd how Hinduism coming out of Eternal Tradition, Sanatana Dharma propagates Devo Ekah--There is only One Truth and One god; Eko Viprah bahudaa vadanti – The One pundits call many; Vasudeiva Kutumbakam—whole world is one family and “sarvejanaah sukhinoo bhavantu”—May all people on Earth live happily etc., based on wisdom of Vedas and Hindu Philosophyindu philosophyH.

Such a welcome of children and teachers of all faiths to a Hindu Temple is impossible in India. Here again Hindu Americans have opened the gates of the temple to all faiths not because of their policy of following Sanatana Dharma and its wall-less religion but because of their compulsion and necessity as many of their children find their partners from other faiths mostly white race   as Hindus have a fad for white skin and complexion and also attracted by universal binding force of love that believes in no walls.   At the same time I see practically very little   influence of Sanatana Dharma in sectarian worship and celebration of festivals and conduct of rituals dictated by sectarian trained priests and practices of Hindu Religion copied from India.  So this superficial open-for-all Temple policy of Hindu Americans is more a social compulsion than   understanding wall-less Sanatana Dharma and its propagation. This is evident from their focus on deities like Ganesha with sweet pudding in his hands  and  Bala Krishna with butter in  his hands instead of  Skanda as Guru Guha and Krishna as  the preacher of Gita. Krishna   as a love-lorn    deity with his childhood love Radha  is more popular rather than Panduranga Vitthala who stood on brick waiting for his devotee and anxious to meet Rukmini legally wedded wife  who left him in despair. Also very powerful deity like Venkatesahwara   who is Universal Lord hailed in all Esoteric East-West Sanat Kumara Traditions as Jagannatha glorified in Puri Jagannath is not propagated properly but focused as another mythological deity of Kaliyuga!  ! It clearly shows  how Hindu American though drawn from top ten percent of intellectuals are happy at Kindergarten level of Religion like  majority in India meant for majority who are illiterates rather than advancing further and focus on Spirituality and Universal Oneness of Sanatana Dharma strongly promoted by Swami Vivekananda so badly needed in USA. 

We have to go a long way to turn back to the Vedic days and Esoteric East West tradition of Sanat kumara  which later Christians erased to take pride in our Temple Traditions and openly declare “Vasudeiva Kutumbakam”- Whole world is one family. That is why many Western cultures in USA are more attracted to Buddhism than Hinduism.

I know in my younger days how people used to respect white skins in India saying “Durai vandaru’’ Lord has come when they see a  White British.   With all the laws prevailing in India which is secular Temples are exclusively for Hindus. Churches in India have open-for-all policy. When I was in school I have visited Santhome Church   on St. Thomas Mount with all children of all faiths. Recently after convincing my Chairman about the noble ideals of Sanatana Dharma I visited Chennai with him. He was eager to visit Ancient churches and temples in Chennai. I visited Santhome Church and Velanganni Amman Temple in Chennai. I was afraid to take him to Srivaishnava Parthasarthy Temple as Vaishnavites are very conservative and orthodox unlike me (I am an Iyengar too).   I thought Saivites are more open and adjustable and so took him to Kapali Temple in Mylapore. I was able to get into the Temple with the Chairman whose   appearance clearly indicated that he was a White Westerner and not a Hindu. Even in the outside prakaara we were shouted down by two dark skinned priests shouting at me asking me to take away that phirangee (white man) as he was polluting the temple in their concept. Fortunately my friend   did not understand Tamil and I just told him that these priests were telling that there is stampede inside and want us not to go in. I managed the situation thus and whisked him away! See how the noble ideals of Sanatana dharma are operating in India! These priests could have been mistaken for   African Americans if they were in USA! In spite of the Temple Entry Bill opening the temples to all Harijans, Caste Hindus can’t tolerate visit of Harijans to temples if they know that these down-castes are Harijans.  I do not also know why the Indian   Government has to regulate Hindu religious worship only?  But they can’t stop if they are Neo-Buddhist (Harijan converts) which movement Dr. Ambedkar started for Buddha is an Avatar of Vishnu also. In Karnataka, Ramanuja the Vaishnava saint of 10^th century admitted lot of harijans to Vaishnavism,  permitted to   wear Srivaishnava Symbol of Urdhwa Pundram (namam—two parallel lines of White china clay mark with the middle streak of red vermilion) and ordered that once a year they should all be permitted to the temple in Melukote (Thiru Narayana Puram) which tradition you can see still today when large crowds of Harijans enter the Temple declaring themselves openly as Harijans and enter the temple.  It is unfortunate Orthodox Vaishnavites avoid the temple visit on that day!

Theoretically Radha Babu will be right if she had described Hinduism as Sanatana Dharma. But unfortunately Hindus in India have built several walls like sectarian walls, cultural walls, traditional walls etc., within Hinduism moving away from Sanatana Dharma with no walls, open to all with no sex, caste, tradition or race consideration. They often forget Hinduism itself has been carved out of many races like Hans, Yavanas, Gandharas, Saindhavas etc. It had such an open policy in the ancient past practicing Sanatan Dharma. Hinduism as is practiced today in India is widely moved away from Universal Oneness of Sanatana Dharma influenced by later texts and reforms by Sankara with his Shanmata and Panchayatana Puja and is working more as Abrahamic Religions.

Studies using ancient DNA have been rewriting prehistory all over the world in the last few years and in India, there has been one fascinating discovery after another. India’s leading genetic-research institute traces our geneticists to nearly all bloodlines back to two ancestral groups, one hailing from Africa, the other from Eurasia. These groups mingled, married and swapped gene. A mixture of their DNA can be found in nearly every person on the subcontinent today. Neither knowing this background history nor having the parental guidance on Vedic wisdom being preoccupied with materialism, modern Hindu American youths have become independent and open minded with their mixed DNA to plan their own life without parental advice by seeking their partners from major religions and cultures influenced by the universal binding force of love. How to retain them within Sanatana Dharma HHh values if not Hinduism is the worry of their Hindu parents today? For that idusHh Hindus should go back to Vedic culture and practice Vedanta Religion themselves promoted by Swami Vivekanananda and propagate the same among large spiritually starved SBNR groups to gain initial momentum which will then spread like wild-fire.inxduiszm insz hixduis

The first one originated from the Zagros region in south-western Iran (which has the world's first evidence for goat domestication) and brought agriculturists, most likely herders, to India. This would have been between 7,000 and 3,000 BCE. These Zagros herders mixed with the earlier inhabitants of the subcontinent - the First Indians, descendants of the Out of Africa (OoA) migrants who had reached India around 65,000 years ago - and together, they went on to create the Harappa Civilization. In the centuries after 2000 BCE came the second set of immigrants (the Aryans) from the Eurasian Steppe, probably from the region now known as Kazakhstan.  

Other genetic studies have brought to light more migrations into India, such as that of the   speakers of Austro-Asiatic languages who came from south-eastern Asia. According to Indian DNA studies the spear-wielding fishermen of the Andaman Islands have no trace of the genetic mix that pervades the mainland. It then assures that the only thing that really could have stopped India’s ancestral populations from mixing was an 840-mile schlep to a remote tropical island.  That means we   are neither Aryans nor Dravidians as condemned or glorified!

The majority of Native Americans are mostly of East Asian ancestry and also significantly of North Eurasian ancestry, what makes them partly connected not only with the Siberians (their closest “cousins”) and the Chinese, but also with the Europeans, mainly those living in northern latitudes (It is the majority because some of them come from later waves of Siberian immigrants, like the Athabaskan and the Inuit tribes).

May I  draw your further attention here to the recent  Interfaith Unity and Harmony under the auspices of Parmartha Niketan in 2019 as presented in the Appendix  A below that I had circulated to all my readers.  While Sree Maaji from New Zealand,  a spiritual leader  is talking about bringing together all Hindu Traditions together  and put up a joint fight against Muslim atrocities and Christians active proselytizing in India, I have focused on American Hindu worry of  not only  keeping its youth and future generation with Hindu Dharma values if not Sectarian and Multi-traditional Hinduism modeled after India. The time is ripe enough for Hindu Americans to progress towards Spirituality by modifying our temple worships, rituals and youth education in our Bal Vihars and also lead the country spiritually promoting Vedanta Religion promoted by Swami Vivekananda. It is heartening to note the elaborate efforts taken by Paramartha Niketan of Rishikesh while commemorating 150 Years of Gandhi Jayanti echoing the Rig Vedic spirit contained in the following Mantras.  Towards this Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji expressed “The essence of Indian culture, regardless of our religious tradition, is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family. This great event is bringing us together to re-emphasize our togetherness, to learn together and grow together. The future is in the hands of the youth and that is why we have called all our young sisters and brothers together today – from Gurukuls, Veda Vidyalayas and Islamic Madrasas to be taught, touched and transformed by the Dharmagurus and to join hands as One Earth Family for peace and togetherness." This advice from Sadhvi Bhagavati conflates with the thoughts of Hindu Reflections that has  repeatedly quoted the following Rigveda message more effectively than Sahanaavavatu usually  quoted in the context, with which you are all familiar  and often dismiss  it as a message related to the study of Vedas:

Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam / devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)

Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.

Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam / samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi (X-191-3)

Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.

[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions. Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]

Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati //= (X-191-4)

United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings and collected be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.]

Please go through the full text of the  report sent by Paramarth Niketan sent to Hindu Reflections: “Muslims, Hindus Unite at International Summit in Rishikesh". Sanatana Dharma expects every Hindu to Arise, Awake and Move Forward (uttishthata, jagrata, charaiveti charaiveti). Let us  carry  the above Rigvedic message in Body, Mind and Spirit  (kaayena vachaa mansendriyeiva) and contribute our might to promote Vedanta Religion as propagated by Swami Vivekananda  in USA to live in Peace but not  in Pieces!---

Hinduism is a more recent nomenclature given to a conglomeration of heterogeneous traditions and plurality of beliefs and worship with a long history of development from the Vedic (that which has originated from Vedas—the four ancient texts which contain the core of Hindu Philosophy and beliefs)sacrificial religion through the worship of epic and Puranic heroes and personal  deities, cults and sects, as well as philosophical  system rather than to a monolithic tradition or structure based on a single system of beliefs and worships or single text as scripture.  Today it draws lot of support from Bhagavad Gita which itself is a compendium of all Upanishads and philosophic thoughts. Gita   says world needs different religions, cults, and deities to meet the vastly different needs of individuals. It has thus moved away from Universal Oneness of Sanatana Dharma which Vivekananda wanted to bring back and convinced World Religious Forum that   Vedanta is the   Religion of  the  Future in his Chicago address more than 100 years ago.   But at the same time Gita says those who worship subordinate Devatas go to devatas, those who worship ancestors and elevated souls  like Saibaba go to them, those who worship Ghosts and Ganas go to them but those who worship go to Supreme goes to Him and get liberated.

Evidently among Hindu Americans drawn from the global forum, majority come from Hindus in India with sectarian outlook. Their children disgusted with sectarianism and conservatism are attracted to white race partners which   number is increasing. Hindu American philanthropists in their anxiety to quickly establish Hindu culture for the benefit of  HHHhhHHhHhindu society  and keen on promoting continuity have built several Temples as One Temple for Many Traditions in cities where they are settled.  Having no religious background or sectarian held views if religious, these philanthropists having no time for religious activities bogged down by their focus to build fortune and career  mostly depend on sectarian trained priests and sectarian advisers from India. When disappointed to have their own way,  some rich and prosperous conservative groups have also started their own Gurudwaras, Swami Narayan Temples and Saibaba Temples adding confusion instead of Unification and fail to lead the country spiritually. Only Hindus are well suited for Inter-faith discussions and gradually move towards fusion leading to Universal Oneness and Peace.  Unfortunately this is coming more from Abrahamic religions who are frustrated with their own religion and worried about the   fights and killings that are going on in the name of religion and atheism alarmingly raising while Hindus are indifferent  and passive to the urgent needs. 

Alive to the burning problems of the world and studying the life-style of Hindu Americans our spiritual leaders feel:

“The Mandirs have to play a significant role in the growth of the Hindu community in terms of its capacity to uphold Hindu Dharma.” -- SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI (www.arshavidya.org)

“We need to make temples not just a center of rituals and congregation but lighthouses of philosophy and knowledge, which are the basis of Hindu Dharma.” -- SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR (www.artofliving.org)

“Creating an environment where the youth understand, appreciate and love their Hindu culture is a crucial need today, as is uniting all Hindu temples under one umbrella.” -- SWAMI CHIDANANDA SARASWATI (www.parmarth.com)

Over a decade I have been delivering several discourses focused on these Hindu American problems and how Hindu Americans should raise to the situation and lead the country in   spirituality and Universal Oneness, Swami Vivekananda dreamed of.  For this they should prepare themselves first by setting their house in order breaking the sectarian oriented Temple Tradition by consolidating deities and focusing on deities like Venkateswara, Jagannatha, Skanda and Sanat Kumara Traditions that are not only acceptable to all Hindus and religions that came out of Sanatana Dharma but also to Abrahamic religions which was in   existence 2000 years before as Esoteric East West Sanatkumara Tradition.

I expected any Hindu cultural or  Religious Society  or temple society would grab my free offer to dedicate my work for the  cause, appoint an expert  committee to  review them and bring  them in  a book format for the benefit Hindu community in USA. No such book is available at one source as   far as my knowledge goes for my approach is one of evolution and not an abrupt change or dictation.  From the appreciations received from several people I believe no such compilation focused on Hindu American community is available anywhere.  Strangely it has caught the attention of a modern thinker and philosopher who is seriously considering to edit properly and bring forth a book for the benefit of all Americans.  I am not sure how and when it will turn out. I have done my job and willing to offer the same free for any good cause. 

I list in   Appendix B all the discourses suitable for Inter-faith dialogue, Fusion of religions for happy living,  Community Outreach and Universal Oneness. You may go through them and decide for yourselves how they are unique and differ from existing literature or the way they are rendered. I have tried to bridge the gap between theory and practice and also gone deep into scriptures of Abrahamic religions whom we want to outreach or live in harmony with.

APPENDIX A

Unite at International Summit in Rishikesh

Two Day Inter-religious Summit & Two Day Training inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), with the joint collaboration of KAICIID, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance & Parmarth Niketan RISHIKESH:

Prominent Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth joined forces at Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) in a first ever, historic event on strengthening interreligious collaboration of Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth. The historic event was organized by KAICIID the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), Vienna, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Parmarth Niketan as a show of interfaith unity and harmony in a time of growing global strife.

Acceptance, unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence are foundations upon which India’s democracy has been built, maintained and sustained. From the founding of India, Mahatma Gandhi and great patriots not only led the nation to independence, but also fought for the cause of peaceful and inclusive societies. India is striving assiduously to hold to these values, and recommits itself each year to fostering inclusivity and coexistence. As we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, the Summit came together to re-emphasize this vital process. Religious leaders have been crucial in addressing many challenges that have arisen and in strengthening ties within, between and among communities in India, resulting in a wealth of knowledge and experience with the potential to serve as guidance for each other, as well as other religious leaders. In this light, this two day Summit, from the 8-9th December, was held bringing religious leaders from the Hindu and Muslim communities to share their work and experiences, celebrate the peaceful ways societies embrace diversity, discuss challenges and potential solutions, highlight successes, and identify potential areas for concrete joint collaboration.

The gathering will also take dialogue into action through a two-day youth leader training at Parmarth Niketan from 9-10th December, during which young faith leaders and youth from faith-based organizations and intergovernmental organizations were trained to be champions of peaceful and inclusive societies. They will also learn hands-on practices to promote peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution.

The inauguration was graced by the presence of renowned faith leaders including: Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji - Muniji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Co-Founder of the GIWA, Acharya Bal Krishna Ji of Patanjali Yogapeeth, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasiji, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Pujya MM Swami Kailashanand Brahamchariji Maharaj, Pujya MM Swami Harichetnanandji, Haji Syed Salman Chisthyji, Gaddi Nasheen of the Ajmer Dargah Sharif, Maulana Abdul Hannan Qasmiji, Principal Deoband Madrasa, Maulana Kokab Mujtabaji, Maulana Lukman Tarapuriji, National President, Global Imam Council, Gujarat and many others (list of the faith leaders below). Joining the three-day event from KAICIID headquarters in Vienna, Austria and coordinating the leadership and dialogue training were Dr. Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor, KAICIID Program’s Director, Mr. Anders Franzen, KAICIID Senior Programme Manager for Asia and Africa and Ms. Renata Katalin Nelson, KAICIID Coordination Officer.

Pujya Swami Chiananand Saraswatiji said, “India is not merely a piece of land but a land of peace. We are the longest standing democracy that has provided refugee and home to people of all faiths. To me interfaith is when we enter into the common faith of our one humanity. We remember that we may worship our own but we must respect all. “KAICIID Programme’s Director Dr. Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor, expressed, “On behalf of KAICIID it gives me profound joy to be part of the Parmarth Niketan & Global Interfaith WASH Alliance launch of this event on Peaceful Dialogue, diversity, social co-existence. This partnership is important for us to enhance the Interreligious Dialogue within the Indian context. Together we are working to accomplish the noble goal of strengthening peace and harmony, which is the quintessential aspect of life of all religions and between and within communities. “Acharya Balkrishanji shared, "When we come together we pave the way to walk and work together. This is a great beginning in which we are coming together to share and live together in greater peace and harmony and this is the core values of our nation. We are all one." Imam Umer Ahmes Ilyasiji stated, “When Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji and I first brought Gurukul and Madrasa children together at Parmarth Niketan we had a great purpose and intention behind it and that was that it would be the beginning of a nationwide revolution which will begin to shape a more peaceful and inclusive societies. These children from our faith institutions will be the future priests, Maulanas and muftis of tomorrow then there will be no conflict over Mandirs, Masjids or any place of worship because innately they will no longer see these as separate. I am so glad that today that seed is beginning to grow and the future of our nation is being shaped as we speak as these children watch our example and connect with each other.

“ Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji expressed “The essence of Indian culture, regardless of our religious tradition, is Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family. This great event is bringing us together to re-emphasize our togetherness, to learn together and grow together. The future is in the hands of the youth and that is why we have called all our young sisters and brothers together today – from Gurukuls, Veda Vidyalayas and Madrasas to be taught, touched and transformed by the Dharmagurus and to join hands as One Earth Family for peace and togetherness.“ Haji Syed Salman Chisthyji, said “It is crucial that today the voices of peace, love and togetherness be amplified and spread not just those of violence, terror and separation. It is vital for our news and media share these dedicated efforts that are taking place across the nations and the thousands of year tradition.  There were so many other powerful and inspiring messages and speeches of the interfaith leaders. The event began with songs of peace and oneness from Gurukul and Madarasa children and concluded with beautiful music from renowned artists from Kolkata and a special laser music show on the theme of interfaith harmony and Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat (United India).

Pujya Swamiji added, “Now is the time for us to take up a new global prayer, a new mantra, and a new song. Let its words be that of unity, may its harmony be that of all voices together. Let its crescendo be lasting peace. Today, the music begins, this is the music that the world needs today.” “There was also beautiful and divine sharing and campfire in which young Hindu and Muslim children and their elders/leaders shared their experiences in a more intimate, loving environment with each other. Today was the second day of the Summit and first day of the training which included diverse and inspiring messages by more of the Hindu and Muslim leaders gathered together for the occasion in the green surroundings of the Parmarth Yoga Garden. There was a special pledge that reaffirmed the faith leaders commit for working together to abate climate change, plant more trees and protect our fast dwindling water resources. They offered sacred Rudraksha saplings to young Madrasa and Gurukul student as symbol of their commitment to instill these values of environmental preservation in the next generation. There was also a beautiful launch of the Hindi translation of the United Nations' Plan of Action to Prevent Atrocity Crimes, a holistic and comprehensive approach for faith leaders and faith actors to build peaceful and inclusive societies. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Imam Umer Iliasiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji had been part of the preparation of the Plan of Action with the United Nations Office of Genocide Prevention and the Hindi version was prepared by Parmarth Niketan and launched on the second day of the event.

--Interfaith harmony, Oneness, Love & Peace, Paramrtha Niketan 

APPENDIX B

INTERFAITH, UNIVERSAL ONENESS RELATED TOPICS AND OTHERS

L. TOPICS ON HINDU AMERICAN’S INTERACTION WITH  MAJOR CULTURES OF USA

1. Wisdom of Geeta’s Teaching  and Bible’s Preaching (August 2011)

2. Christianity Echoes Wisdom Thoughts of Eternal Tradition (DEC 2011)

3. US court says Atheism is a Religion; Hindu Sanatanists say Hinduism is not a Religion (Oct 2013)

4. “In God We Trust“,   “E Pluribus Unum” and “Satyameva Jayate” (March 2012)

5. Samhain Eve—Spiritual alternative to Halloween Night (Oct 2013)

6. Did Holy Blazing Fire and Bizarre Colors inspire Christianity and Color Run? (April 2014)

7. Hindu Reflections on Mating season Festival that inspired St. Valentine’s Religious Festival (Feb 2014)     8. Hindu Reflections on Eclipses and Blood Moon (April 2014)

9. Satanic Nine/Eleven and Spiritual Nine/Eleven (September 2014)

10. How Religious Valentine’s Day can be Adapted by Hindu Mode of worship) (Feb 2015)

11.  Vedic Soma Yajnas and their  Imprint on Christian Eucharist Rituals (October 2015)

12. International Yoga day and the Legacy of Yoga to Mankind (June 2015)

13. Let us Foster and Spread the Message of Peace around the World (January 2014)

14. Did Bharatiyas  Help  the Growth of Christianity  ( December 2014)

M. HINDU AMERICAN HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

1.  Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Hindu Temples of America (Nov 2011)

2.  Festival of Lights—Ancient in Tradition; Universal in Appeal (Dec 2011)

3.  January 1—Hindu American Worship in Temples (Dec 2011)

4.  Hindu American Perception of Mother’s day Celebration (May 2012)

5.  Wise Advice and Prayers from Vedas for Graduation Day Celebration (May 2012)

6.  Hindu American Way of Father’s Day Celebration (Pitru devo bhava) (June 2012)

7.  Graduation Day Worship in North American Hindu Temples (June 2013)

8.   Father’s day Worship in American Churches and Hindu Temples (June 2013)

9.  Hindu American Thoughts on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 2013)

10. Hindu Reflections on Christmas-tree and Lighting (Dec 2013)

11. Why do Hindus rush to Temples to Celebrate New Year? (Dec 2013)

12. Mother’s day—A Day for Veneration and Worship ( May 2014)

13. Philosophically Thinking about Father’s Day (June 2014)

14. Hindu American Way of Labor Day Celebration (Sept 2012)

15. Thoughts on Earth Day from Hindu Reflections (May 2013)

16. Hindu American Thoughts on Grand Parent’s Day (Sept 2013)

17. West Meets East Traditions during Spiritual Deepaavali Season (Nov 2013)

18. Thinking of Transcendental Pi and Brahman on March 14 [American Pi Day] (March 2014)

19. Let Us Center Ourselves Widening Our Vision of Festival of Lights (Dec 2014)

20. Thinking of Mother Earth on Mother's Day (May 2015)

21. Hindu American Religious and Philosophical Thoughts about Father's Day (June 2015)

22. Hindu worship of Weapons, Tools and Universal Crafts Person led to Labor Day Celebrations (ctober 2013)

 TOPICS INTRODUCING SANATANA DHARMA

1. Hindu Education System through the Ages (Sept 2011)

3.  US court says Atheism is a Religion; Hindu Sanatanists say Hinduism is not a Religion (Oct 2013)

3.  Let us Turn Spiritual and Strive to Make All Spiritual (July 2016)

4.  Sanaatana Dharma is for the World, Not for Hindus Alone- (Jan 2012)

5. Enigmatic Hindu Gods Asvins who influenced Western Culture (Jan 2015)

6. Early and Medieval Hindus Contribution To Science and Technology (September 2010)

7.  Modern Science in Hindu scriptures ….. (Jan 2016)

8. Hasrtinapura, the City of Wisdom near Buenos Aires (October 2015)

9.  Did Vajasaneyee Samhita inspire worship in all cultures (Feb 2015)

10. Science Spirituality and Religion… (April 2015)

11.    Festival of lights—Ancient tradition of universal Appeal

13.  Let us center ourselves spiritual Wisdom…on Festival of Lights (Dec 2014)

14. Vedanta r Religion—Everlasting…. (May 2016)

15. Uncommon Understanding of the Unknown…….. (April 2016)

16. Love is Universal Binding Force…… (Feb 2016)

17. Why I am called Hindu   ….. (Nov 2015)

18. Vedic Soma Yajana………. Eucharist Rituals    (Oct 2015)

19.  International Yoga Day and the Legacy of Yoga to Mankind (June 2015)

20. Did Bharatiya’s help the Growth of Christianity (Dec 2014)

21. Hindu Reflections on Mating Season… that inspired Valentine’s Day (2/10/2014)

22. Hindu reflections on Christmas Tree  and Lighting (12/28/2013)

23 Let us Foster and spreads the message of peace around the world  (1/9/2014)

24. Hindus are most Suited to Promote Spirituality the World Needs Today (July 2016)

All Topics need to be arranged properly for continuity and sequence

(The month and year of publication in the blog is indicated against each discourse within brackets).

Besides I have other sets of discourses that are suitable to all Hindus as a general one source guide. Here again you will not find such a compendium all at one source to the best of my knowledge:

http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2015/03/classified-discourses-posted-on-blog.html

H. TEMPLE, TEMPLE WORSHIP AND PILGRIM CENTERS (14 Discourses)

E.  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES  (32 Discourses)

 A. HINDU FESTVALS (35 Discourses)

B. HINDU RITUALS (13 Discourses)

F.  YAJNA, HOMA AND SELECTED MANTRAS IN HINDU WORSHIP (25 Discourses)

C. HINDU SAMSKAARAS (11 Discourses)

I. HINDU CULTURE (14 Discourses)

G. HINDU PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOSOPHERS (5 Discourses)

D. DISCOURSES ON UPANISHADS AND GEETAA (35 Discourses)

J. DISCOURSES ON SELECTED TOPICS OF HINDUISM  ( 45 Discourses)

K.  SELECTED HINDU SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES (22 Discourses)

For the title of these discourses click the link below:

http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2015/03/classified-discourses-posted-on-blog.html

[ Open  policy of Hindu Reflections: These discourses are    compilations from the references indicated in each discourse    as well as other sources as  prepared lectures for delivering at Vedanta Class of Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville. TN, USA.  I do not claim anything as original though I have included   my explanations and comments elaborately suitably editing. Anybody is free to downloads partly or fully any discourse from the blog Hindu Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com>  modify and redistribute for spreading the wisdom of Vedas and scriptures further.]