FIRST MEETING OF HINDUS OF SPAIN

HINDUISM HAS ITS NATIONAL
MEETING IN MADRID, SPAIN

www.elfarodigital.es - Madrid, Spain. The priest Juan Carlos Ramchandani, of Ceuta, successfully concluded participation in the first meeting of Hindus of Spain last month in Madrid, where he served as coordinator. The conference, one of the great aspirations of the community in recent years, benefited from presentations and panel discussions by leading personalities of that religious denomination in Spain.
The meeting of the various schools of Hinduism took place in the Jhulelal Temple, which selflessly lent its facilities for the two-day event. A commemorative poster, with text in Castilian and Sanskrit, was created for the event by the artist Hari Chaitanya. The program began with a puja (ritual) to welcome the participants and the Mangalacharan, an invocation with recitation of mantras to favor an auspicious beginning.

Then, it was Ramchandani who opened the meeting with a presentation on the state of Hinduism in Spain, and called on other groups to seek unity in diversity. Among the speakers was the writer and editor Alvaro Enterria, resident in India for 30 years, whose exposure to Orthodox Hinduism and integration of foreigners mainly revolved around his personal experience as a Hindu believer of Western origin in that country.
The monk and scholar Swami Satyananda spoke about teaching the Hindu tradition in a world that doesn't value spiritual life and a return to the fundamental principles of Vedic cultural heritage. Philosopher and teacher of Yoga, Oscar Montero, Swami Omkarananda, from the Sivananda Mandir Hindu Temple of Valencia, and doctor of philosophy and writer Javier Ruiz Calderon also were among the speakers.

Last June was held in Madrid the First Meeting of Hindus of Spain. It was by invitation only for those very committed to Hinduism in Spain, and next year they are planning a congress open to the general public. The audience was made up entirely of Hindu practitioners of one of the four main schools. The following topics were discussed: What is Hinduism?, Who is a Hindu?, Hinduism and media and interreligious dialogue Hinduism and Hinduism and academics, among others. Among the guests were personalities of great erudition, as the founding director of the Purusa, Pedro Soto. There was also time for silent meditation, for an arati (worship ceremony) and also a kirtan (devotional music). Hinduism is more than a religion, but a way of life.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Hinduism is pluralistic. In other words, it does not claim any one prophet or savior; it includes all aspects of God; it does not subscribe to any one philosophy or dogma; it includes various schools of thought and ways of understanding spiritual Truth; it includes a variety of religious rites or sacraments; it does not exclude any particular scripture that can help a person understand more about God and spiritual Truth; and it does not say that you have only one life in which to become spiritually perfect or you will go to eternal damnation. Thus, Vedic philosophy is more of a way of living and an outlook on life than a religion. Because of this, Hinduism and the path of Vedic culture includes a variety of customs, ideas, and philosophies.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Vedic Culture / Hinduism: A Short Introduction”
“What is Vedic Culture / Hinduism”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/vedic_culture_hinduism_a_short_introduction.htm

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

EVEN GODS ARE NOT SAFE IN INDORE

THIEVES STRIKE AT THREE 
TEMPLES IN INDORE, INDIA

http://daily.bhaskar.com - Unidentified miscreants struck at three different temples situated under Annapurna area and decamped with booty worth thousands of dollars late on Saturday night. The thieves targeted Sai Mandir and Sri Ram Mandir situated in the vicinity of Bank Colony and also broke open the locks of a Shiv Mandir situated in adjacent, Vishwakarma Colony. The incident came to fore when locals thronged the temples to offer their morning prayers and discovered the theft. Following this, a team of Annapurna police reached the spot and took stock of the situation but found no vital clue about the miscreants. 
The police suspect that the thefts were committed under the influence of drugs or alcoholic substance by some local miscreants, who were aware that the area was quite deserted with inadequate lights arrangement.

As the news of theft spread in the area, local residents gathered outside the temples and registered their protest against the incidents. The residents accused police of negligence as there was no police patrolling in the area. The locals warned police of soon arrest and stern actions against the thieves or they would stage a demonstration against the department. A case was registered at Annapurna police station and further investigation was underway.
Over a dozen temples, gurudwaras and shrines situated in different parts of the city have been barged in last one month. Besides, thefts in eight temples situated in Annapurna, Chandan Nagar, Rajendra Nagar and Hira Nagar have been reported in last five days. The incidents have raised a question mark over the claims of the police about night patrolling. The police even could not ascertain the identity of the miscreants involved in any of these thefts.

A new theft incident of sacred Hindu temple objects took place. This time in Indore, India. Thieves made away with donation boxes and other valuables from the temples Sai Mandir and Sri Ram Mandir in Bank Colony and Shiv Mandir in Vishwakarma Colony. Faithless crimes committed at Hindu temples is not new. In June 2010, two black granite statutes of Jaya and Vijaya, the guardians to the abode of Vishnu, were stolen from the entrance to the prayer hall of the Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama (USA). In May 2011, thieves desecrated three Kuala Selangor temples in Malaysia and stole gold platelets and navarathinam (precious stones) placed in the sanctum ground before a Hindu deity is installed. In March of 2012 several incidents - a total of 31 burglaries of sacred objects - took place in Hindu temples across the island of Bali. Also last year, in November, a sacred statue of Lord Shiva - worth nearly $ 10,000 - was stolen from the Indian Cultural Society Hindu Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Center in Wayne, New Jersey (USA).  Please, support your local temple! 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In Hindu's homes around the world, the center of the home is the family altar, where spiritual values are shared. In America, the center of the home is the family television set, where the favorite fare is sitcoms, where anti-social skills are learned (the favorite source of "humor" in sitcoms is usually insult and sexual innuendo). It is the goal of every devout Hindu to visit the different places of pilgrimage (especially after retirement), such as Varanasi, Vrindavana, Badarikashrama, and great holy places of worship such as the temples of Venkateshwara, Jagannatha and Ranganath. In the United States, the places of pilgrimage are either Reno, Atlantic City, or Las Vegas, the Mecca’s of gambling, meat eating, intoxication, and prostitution. ... Hindu temples, on the other hand, are small islands of refuge for dharma, and are supported by only a small minority of people. They need your help!

Śrīpad Yajnavalkya Dasa :
"Defending Dharma"
http://stephen-knapp.com/defending_dharma.htm
http://es.scribd.com/doc/46973472/DefendingDharma

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

BENEDICT XVI GIVES HIS LAST WORDS AS POPE

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S FINAL 
PUBLIC WORDS AS PONTIFF

http://bostonherald.com - Benedict XVI's time as pope came to a historic end Thursday, as he became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign as leader of the world's Roman Catholics. Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final public words as pope on Thursday to well-wishers gathered at the papal vacation retreat in Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. Here is the translation of what he said, delivered to a roaring crowd: 
"Dear friends, I'm happy to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of creation and your well-wishes which do me such good. Thank you for your friendship, and your affection. You know this day is different for me than the preceding ones: I am no longer the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, or I will be until 8 o'clock this evening and then no more. I am simply a pilgrim beginning the last leg of his pilgrimage on this Earth."

"But I would still ... thank you ... I would still with my heart, with my love, with my prayers, with my reflection, and with all my inner strength, like to work for the common good and the good of the church and of humanity. I feel very supported by your sympathy. Let us go forward with the Lord for the good of the church and the world. Thank you, I now wholeheartedly impart my blessing. Blessed be God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Good night! Thank you all!"
After he was bid goodbye by a line of cardinals, Benedict waved to the crowd of onlookers also gathered for the event. He was then ushered into a waiting black car and driven to the Vatican helipad, where he boarded a helicopter for Castel Gandolfo. As the helicopter took off into the sunny Roman sky, Benedict tweeted thanks to his followers. He will also continue to wear the white cassock associated with the papacy, however, he has said he plans to live out his retirement “hidden from the world.”

In a final public address as Pope, Benedict XVI thanked his followers for the last time Thursday, saying that he was starting the final stage of his life as “simply a pilgrim.” Benedict’s resignation took effect at 8 p.m. local time, making him the first Pope in six centuries to resign from the papacy. The pontiff’s last day was filled with emotion as Catholic followers gathered both in the Vatican and in Castel Gandolfo - the town of Benedict’s summer residence - to catch a glimpse of the 85-year-old. During his retirement, Benedict will be called “emeritus Pope” and “Your Holiness.” Vedic culture is not an organized religion like Christianity. It has no Pope. Despite Hinduism has no a rigid hierarchy, people do recognize and follow spiritual authorities or gurus.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Hinduism is not based solely on one personality or teacher. It is not like Catholicism which has one pope who is said to be the sole authority over all other Catholics who must obey the dictates of this one man. Hinduism can and does accept the teachings of numerous spiritual guides. .. Hinduism is not subject to an institution or a pope who alone claims to be in touch with God and knows the ultimate truth, upon whom we all are dependent, and who can dictate restrictions as he likes. In fact, any spiritual teacher is only as good to the degree in which he is at being a representation of God's love for us, or at being a transparent medium for the spiritual instructions of God and the previous acharyas or authorities.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Why Be A Hindu"
"The Advantages of the Vedic Path"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/why_be_a_hindu_booklet.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

PROMINENT ROLE OF ANIMALS IN HINDUISM

ANIMALS AND BIRDS: 
HINDU DEITIES VEHICLE

www.boldsky.com - Animals and birds play an important role in Hindu religion. Hindus are known to respect cow as it is considered to be extremely sacred. Cow is also known as Aditi, meaning 'Mother of Gods'. In Hindu mythology, the cow is considered the mother of all including Gods and humans. Every part of the cow holds religious symbolism; the horns symbolize the Gods, legs represent each of the Himalayan mountains and her face represents the sun and the moon. The Gopuras or the tower in South-Indian temples are often carved with the deities and animals. Some of the animals and birds which are popularly known to be the vehicles of the Hindu deities are:
The Rat is Lord Ganesha's vehicle. It symbolizes Ganesha's ability to destroy every obstacle. The Bull (Nandi) is Lord Shiva's guardian and vehicle. The bull is said to embody sexual energy and fertility. Riding on its back, Shiva is in control of these impulses. The Tiger is the vehicle of Goddess Durga, the destroyer of evil. Sometimes it is drawn as a lion, appearing without stripes which symbolizes mercilessness, anger and pride.

The Peacock, vehicle of Goddess Saraswathi, represents arrogance and pride over its beauty, and by having a peacock as her mount, the Goddess teaches not to be concerned with external appearance and to be wise regarding the eternal truth. The Owl, vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, the owl represents spiritual wisdom, the blindness associated with seeking worldly rather than spiritual wealth. The Swan, also known as Hamsa is the vehicle of Lord Brahma, symbolises intelligence and discrimination. Garuda is the lord of all birds and Lord Vishu's vehicle. He is a remover of obstacles and a fanatic enemy of serpents. 
The Elephant (Airavat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, the Storm God and bringer of rains. It symbolises reliability, dignity, power, royalty and pride. The Crocodile or Makara is the vehicle of Lord Varuna, the God of Rain. The crocodile symbolises dignity, power, speed, strength, cunning and bravery. The Horse, the vehicle of Lord Surya or the Sun God, who is the chief of the 'Navagrahas'. He rides upon seven horses which symbolise the seven rainbow colours.

Great reverence is given to the animals in Hindu mythology either with direct representation or as God themselves, such as Lord Ganesha (Elephant God) and Hanuman (Monkey God). Vijayalakshmi, the author of the article, mentions various animals which are considered the vehicles of Hindu Gods. She says that some people may think that these animals just act as a means of transportation, but they are symbolic representative of something immaterial and formless. These creatures or Vāhana (“vehicle”) serve as the vehicle and as the sign of a particular deity. Apart from those already mentioned, other vahanas are: Agni's carrier is usually a ram. Lord Yamaraja's vehicle is a water buffalo. Karttikeya's vehicle is a peacock. Vayu, the god of wind, rides an antelope. Yamuna devi rides on a turtle or fish, and Saraswati devi and Ganga Ma on makaras. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The Sanskrit word Vihana means 'vehicle' or 'carrier', denoting an animal or creature that serves as a vehicle or mount for a deity. The vahana accompanies, pulls the chariot of, or serves as the seat or mount of the transcendental personality he serves. A vahana is sometimes depicted on banners and emblems to identify the cult or affiliation of the devotee. In some instances, the vahana assists an exalted personality to manifest on planes or in spheres or worlds hierarchically inferior to their own. In one of Vishnu's pastimes, for example, he is described as riding upon Garuda, "since the Lord is not accustomed to stand on earthly ground". ... The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "Of lordly elephants I am Airavata", thus Airavata is the king of all elephants. Airavata (Airaawat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, king of the demigods.

The Hare Krsnas :
"The Philosophy" - "The Supreme Personality of Godhead"
"Transcendental Associates" - "Transcendental Carriers"
http://www.harekrsna.com/index.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers/demigods.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/