UK ANNOUNCES CONSULTATION OF CASTE DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION

TORY MINISTER BACKS OFF PLEDGE
TO END CASTE DISCRIMINATION

www.independent.co.uk - Landmark legislation to ban caste discrimination in Britain is being deliberately thwarted by the Conservative equalities ministers in charge of getting it on the statute book, a leaked document indicates. Discrimination on the basis of caste was outlawed in April as part of the Equality Act, after Business Secretary Vince Cable secured a last-minute amendment. 
The Act was supposed to mean the estimated 400,000 Dalits - so-called untouchables - who live in the UK would have legal protection from discrimination by other Hindus. The issue of caste discrimination divided the Coalition, with Liberal Democrats supporting the addition to the legislation and Conservatives opposed.

Equalities minister Helen Grant in a letter to the Hindu groups opposed to the legislation urges them to submit evidence against the law to an ongoing consultation “as we remain convinced” legislation is unnecessary. Liberal Democrat Lord Avebury said: “It's entirely improper that the minister who's supposed to be implementing the legislation - and initiating the consultation - is making it clear she's opposed to the whole process.” 
Meena Varma, director of the Dalit Solidarity Network UK, said: “Until this legislation is passed, the thousands of Dalits who say they are discriminated against will have no recourse to justice. Grant's tactic seems to be to kick the whole thing into the long grass until five years have passed and the Government can scrap the legislation.”

The UK Government has just published their long anticipated timetable for its consultation and implementation of caste discrimination legislation under Equality Act 2010. Hinduism - Sanatana Dharma - is like a Banyan tree which gives shade to all. Birth-based discrimination and heartless treatment of individuals and group of people which was developed in Hindu society with the passage of time as socially sanctioned practices, are in grievous violation of old Vedic teachings and philosophy. There are professional inclinations and innate tendencies, but Scripture does not support the caste system by birth. The Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya within the broad Hindu family of faiths, unequivocally opposes a birth-based caste system, and strongly condemns the use of such a system to discriminate against any person or group, and firmly believe that no one should be denied any kind of opportunity on the basis of his or her birth or caste or race. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Real advanced persons will never complicate their minds with social and caste distinction. This is merely a system people get attached to who have no qualifications, but want to claim a superior position over others in the name of birth. What is the use of having a big prestigious name when your qualities don’t support it? Those who are truly self-realized will never submit to this false claim, but rather defy and challenge those people who are trying to create trouble in society by this type of caste consciousness. ... Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur was responding to a challenge of the smarta-brahmanas regarding how somebody can become a brahmana. ... He cited all the qualifications and all the quotes from the scriptures to prove it. Then all of them understood they had been very expertly defeated and realized that what they had believed about things like caste distinction and birth rights was not true.

Śrīla Bhakti Aloka Paramadvaiti Mahārāja :
“Sato Vritteh”
(Following in the Footsteps of Previous Acaryas)
“Qualifications for Mercy”
http://vrinda.vaisnava.hu/officebap/satto-english.pdf
http://www.vedic-wisdom.org/

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

CHRISTIANS YOUNGSTERS IN SATAN WORSHIP

SATAN WORSHIP WORRIES
CHRISTIANS IN NAGALAND, INDIA

www.religionnews.com - Christian groups in India's northeastern state of Nagaland are working to quell the rapid growth of Satanism after reports that thousands of teenagers from churches had taken up devil worship in recent months. The Vatican's Fides news agency recently reported that more than 3,000 young “worshipers of Satan” have been identified in Nagaland's capital of Kohima alone.
The actual strength of Satan worshippers is difficult to determine, but such groups also exist in Nagaland's largest city of Dimapur, and they are using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to expand their network, said the Rev. Wati Longkumer, director of the Nagaland Missionary Movement, a group of mostly Baptist associations and churches.

Longkumer said he has seen membership forms for a group calling itself the Black Bulls and inviting youngsters to become part of devil worship. Longkumer's organization, part of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, which consists of more than 1,300 churches, has assigned its youth department to conduct a detailed report. More than 90 percent of Nagaland's 2 million residents are Christians, and about three-fourths of those identify as Baptist.
The Rev. Ben Dang Toshi Longkumer, a Nagaland-based representative of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (no relation to Wati Longkumer), said “Satan worship has considerably changed the demeanor and the worldview of the youth, though no criminal activity by them has been reported thus far.”

Many Christian youth have adopted Satan worship in Nagaland, India. The Roman Catholic Church and Protestant groups are struggling to counter this phenomenon. One way to overcome this tendency is to give young people real spiritual instruction. In the Vedic philosophy we know about different types of demons, but there is no place for a devil figure who tempts people to do evil things. Western religions say that God is constantly struggling with such a devil. This concept of having an “Evil One” like Satan for a scapegoat is often used as a cop-out to escape personal responsibility. On the contrary, the Vedas explain that one is tempted by maya, illusion and the desires of being independent of the Creator and the controller and enjoyer of this material world. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Vedic tradition says you were born divine and must merely awaken to that divinity, while western religions say we were born sinners or “in sin” and must work to be rectified and saved from our sins. Vedic followers accept responsibility for their actions as part of their own karma, while the western religions say it is the devil that tempts them to do evil things. ... In the Vedic tradition there is no supreme evil force or devil, or prince of darkness, though there are certainly evil beings that exist in both the gross material realm and the subtle realm. Whereas in conventional western religions there is a devil or Satan that is the cause of the evil in the world, and who in this way fights with God.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Why All Religions Are Not the Same”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/why_all_religions_are_not_the_same.htm

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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COLOUR YOUR HANDS WITH MEHENDI!

SIGNIFICANCE OF APPLYING

MEHENDI IN HINDU MARRIAGES

www.boldsky.com - The wedding season is going on in India. In Hindu marriages, several cultures have different customs that vary from state to state (rather village to village). These rituals have been passed on through ages and is still carrying forward to next generation. In Hindu marriages, you can find few things in common. For example, engagement, mehendi, wedding and reception are few common ceremonies that are commonly followed in all most all parts of the country. Mehendi is a pre-wedding ceremony that is very popular in the Northern states of the country. However, the trend of applying mehendi on the hands and feet has become a common trend in the East, West and Southern states too. Earlier, mehendi was applied as nua (colouring fingertips and center of palm) but with the trend of drawing, it has become an art. Well, there are some significances of applying mehendi in Hindu marriages. These are some of them:

Bond of matrimony: Mehendi signifies the bond of matrimony. It is considered as a shagun in Hindu marriages. Mehendi was originally used only during weddings. But with the growing popularity and importance of mehendi, women have started applying it on special Hindu occasions and festivals like Karva Chauth, Navratri, Rakhi and Diwali. 
Colour of love: It is believed that the colour of mehendi signifies the love of the partner. In few cultures, the mehendi colour also shows the love you will get from your mother-in-law. Holy: Only married women are allowed to apply mehendi and spread the colour of a married life. 
Spread joy and celebrate culture: Mehendi ceremony has become a grand celebration in many Hindu marriages. Protect brother: In few cultures, mehendi has a significance on brother and sister relationship. Women apply mehendi on the back of the palm for their brothers. If a woman has a brother, it is mandatory to apply mehendi on the back of the palm.

A Hindu wedding is a combination of traditions and rituals. It is a ceremony from the Vedic times and it is often an elaborate affair. There are few points of significance for applying mehendi in Hindu marriages. Mehendi, as a part of a shagun (gifts given in special occasions), it is considered an integral item of suhag (Indian wedding). It is considered that a Hindu wedding is not just a relationship of two individuals and their two families; rather, it is a relationship of two human beings with their Creator. Marriage is very important because is a unique opportunity to learn how to serve. Working for his or her family and not for oneself is a great sacrifice, which produces a nice result if you do it right: Krishna-conscious children. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

There is a close association between Hinduism and fine arts. ... The rich display of fine art in jewelry and costume designs in Hindu society has been accorded great respect. The ancient tradition of householders drawing beautifully colored patterns on their doorsteps, known as rangoli or kolamas, is evidence of the involvement of the common man in fine arts. Another equally exciting Hindu custom involves painting the hands and feet of women with intricate designs, using an herbal product, henna (mehendi). This custom has caught the attention of many Westerners. Called the “temporary tattoo,” it has become a fashion fad in many places. Art is accepted as an integral part of the Hindu home and community. Every Hindu family strives to perfect an art or craft to refine and adore the social pattern. Fine arts truly are a way of life in Hindu culture.

Dr. Hiro Badlani :
“Hinduism - Path of the Ancient Wisdom”
Chapter 56: "Hinduism and Fine Arts"
http://hinduismpath.com/
http://hinduismpath.com/book-contents/chapter-56/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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SECOND WORLD HINDU SUMMIT (WHS)

WHS - HARMONY AND TOLERANCE
DOMINATED BALI HINDU SUMMIT

- As many as 500 Hindu leaders and scholars from more than 21 countries called for enhancing tolerance during the Second World Hindu Summit (WHS), held in Bali last month. “We happily announce to the world that harmony and tolerance shall prevail and that acceptance is the basic principle of our relationship, with our brothers of same faith or with our brothers of the different faiths. Hindu believes in one world, one God Supreme, and one World Family. There are no boundaries or borders in Hindu Dharma. We are all one, we share the same fate and destiny,” the summit declaration said. A similar tone was expressed by the newly elected president of the World Hindu Parisad, Ida Pedanda Gede Ketut Sebali Tianyar Arimbawa.

Tianyar Arimbawa called on Hindus to enhance tolerance. “We are calling for all Hindu devotees to always be respectful to each other and accepting of different faiths,” the Hindu high priest said. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono addressed the assembled leaders in a speech to the opening ceremony of the 35th Bali Arts Festival, attended by WHS participants. “I urge Hindu devotees from all around the world to always embody a harmonious and peaceful life,” he said. 
He also urged Indonesians across the archipelago to maintain tolerance. “We should firmly refuse any forms of violence committed in the name of a specific religion or identity because that is simply not consistent with our values and character as a nation that respects pluralism,” he said, stressing the nation's motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

The Second World Hindu Summit held in Bali last month discussed many contemporary issues including tolerance, the environment, health, science, human rights, and globalisation. Summit participants discussed increasing cases of intolerance around the world, and this is a crucial issue because tolerance is the key for creating a peaceful life. Lack of tolerance makes us sectarian and that spirit - that makes us support only the religious group which we belong to and motivates us to forcibly convert others to our belief - only has brought turmoil and unrest in the world. Instead of criticizing and being intolerant of others, why not glorify their values and strengths? (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Guru Maharaj, His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Maharaj. His behavior is the absolute example of a Vaishnava. Of a Vaishnava's nature, there are four main qualities. First quality is humility. His humility was excellent. No one can compare with him. He is an example of humility. For that reason other Vaishnava were attracted to him. It would always be a nice connection. And then his tolerance. Amongst the Vaishnavas communities, societies, there are so many problems. But he was not one of these problems; he never engaged in discord. He was always in his mood, his divine mood. He felt it this tolerance. He never criticized any soul, no one at all. I never heard any criticism to others. Instead of criticism his nature was to glorify. He made a habit of glorifying the devotees.

Śrīla Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Mahārāja :
Interview on 20 May 2001 
Interviewed by Gourapriya Das (RVN)
Translated by Anuradha Dasi
http://bvml.net/SBBBM/index.htm
Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math - http://www.gopinathmath.com/

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY MARKED

INTERNATIONAL DAY 
OF FRIENDSHIP TODAY

www.dailytimes.com.pk - International Day of Friendship is observed today (Tuesday) to promote the role of friendship in promoting peace. International Friendship Day is marked globally as a day for promoting the role that friendship plays in advocating peace in many cultures. Through this day, young children and youth who are future leaders are engaged in different community activities that include celebration of different cultures and promotion of diversity.
In 2011, the United Nations (UN) proclaimed the International Day of Friendship with the idea that friendship between people, countries, and cultures can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

UN wanted to involve young people - as future leaders - in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity. 
The day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). 
To mark the International Day of Friendship, UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community.

Today July 30 is International Friendship Day. Initially, the date was proposed by the “International Crusade for Friendship”, a movement created in Paraguay in 1958. Today's celebrations are held on diverse dates in different countries of the world. We tend to consider “friend” only to those who think and act as we want or those who meet our needs or desires. However, we must show our friendship for all God's creation. A good friendship with God means acting like good sons and daughters of God. Being a friend of God is treat with love and respect all living beings - our little brothers - and with care and attention to all his creation: our earth and its environment. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

“Sakha” in Sanskrit means friend. We can understand the concept of “friend” in two ways ... The first way to understand is: “A friend in need is a friend indeed”, this means that a true friend is always there when needed. The second is “a friend without need is a friend indeed”, this is even deeper and that is to say a friend never expects anything from us, but is always there to help. That is the criterion of a true relationship. ... Our relationship with God is not the most friendly to say, even worse, if we are friends of God, and He has been very friendly with us, why do we give so much trouble and ill-treatment  to our brothers and sisters? ... because if you really want to be friends of God, then we must be friends of His sons and daughters, or do you think that there is another way to be?

Śrīla Bhakti Aloka Paramadvaiti Mahārāja :
Vrinda Sunday Chats
“Who are Your Real Friends?”
Conference from Austria. 21/07/13
http://vrindachats.blogspot.com.ar/
http://vrindachats.blogspot.com.ar/2013/07/who-are-your-real-friends-from-austria.html

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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VEGETARIANS TO BE OFFERED CHEAPER LIFE INSURANCE

UK VEGETARIANS TO GET 
CHEAPER LIFE INSURANCE

www.dailymail.co.uk - In the UK, vegetarians are to be offered cheaper life insurance because, it is claimed, they are healthier and less likely to die early. The AFI insurance agency has devised the Vegetarian Term Life policy to reward non meat-eaters with lower premiums. The company claims that the wider industry has failed to catch up with the reality that vegetarians are a better insurance risk. They are, it says, less likely to suffer from the sort of serious or chronic illnesses that shorten lives.
According to the Vegetarian Society, the risk of some cancers is reduced by up to 40 per cent and of heart disease by 30 per cent.

The chance of developing kidney and gall stones is also lower, it says, while the threat of diet-related diabetes and high blood pressure is minimised. The prospect of getting the human form of Mad Cow Disease becomes much more remote, it is argued, while there is also less danger of food poisoning. The new policy, underwritten by the Liverpool Victoria Life Company, offers a 25 per cent reduction on monthly premiums in the first year only.
But AFI - which stands for Animal Friends Insurance - is arguing for the entire industry to deliver long-term discounts to vegetarians. They gave the example of a 45-year-old female non-smoker. She would pay US$16.48 a month for a $150,458 policy over 15 years with the company's vegetarian policy, compared to an average figure of $24.66 and a top rate of $27.68.

An insurance company in the UK has developed a special policy to reward vegetarians with lower premiums. It is definitely good news and it is very encouraging that vegetarians receive a financial reward - reducing the cost of premiums - by the fact of not consuming meat. However, the best reward for those who do not participate in acts of violence against animals and can maintain a meat-free diet is to get to understand what is compassion towards our younger brothers and develop love for all living entities. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

“The animals are my friends, I don't eat up my friends.” G.B. Shaw.
If we are the children of the same Mother Earth, Mother Nature and of the Supreme Lord, then how can we deny our smaller siblings, the little animals, their right to live just as we claim it for ourselves. We are all maintained by the Creator, thru Mother Earth. We should feel gratitude for her and manifest compassion for those that need our help. That will provide us with happiness and peace. While we put meat and blood on our plates we won't be able to find peace in our lives. The Biblical principle is that who kills with a sword will die by a sword. It is the clear law of karma. Don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you. We should learn how to feel. To love. We will be loved this way also and we will feel happy.

Casa de la Sabiduría - House of Wisdom :
“Services - Health”
“Peace and Vegetarianism”
http://www.houseofwisdom.org/english/
http://www.houseofwisdom.org/english/advices_health_peace1.htm

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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FREE SEEDS NETWORK MOVEMENT

AMERICAN FREE SEEDS NETWORK 
ENCOURAGE PROMOTE AGROECOLOGY

www.mapuexpress.net - Valentina Vives Granella, the spokeswoman from American Free Seed Network (RSL) in Chile, now lives around Valdivianos environments, based on Rebellin. Moving into the region of Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos, she works hard in shaping collaborative human networks around permaculture, self-sufficiency, and good living, with particular focus on the seeds, the basis of life. 
The school house that she is leading has the purpose to promote sustainable local development and its many aspects, by connecting and linking to community practice. Valentina studied chemistry and environmental biology at the University of Chile but now she serves as an activist in defense of biodiversity and indigenous peoples. Mainly through collaborative networking, education and information campaigns.

Chile Free Seed Network was organized due to the fact that the original seeds, and the old cultural tradition (ancient wisdom) associated with the native cultivation, feeding, gastronomy, medicine, textiles, celebrations, rituals, ceremonies, storing and planting techniques, are now threatened, and at risk of disappearing, by the modern industrial food system.
Valentina explains that one of the greatest threats are the laws that allow companies to have intellectual property rights on seeds, genetic manipulation, monocultures, border barriers, among many others threats which include the growing disconnection of humans with the Earth and the lack of observation and respect towards nature's own cycles. These laws and this multinational model allow land erosion, genetic manipulation, cultural destruction and the lost of identity, with the result that feeding is monopolized.

Valentina Vives Granella, from American Free Seed Network Chile, explains that “by controlling seeds, people is controlled. This movement, which puts the seed at the center and at the base of their actions, is a movement whose main objective is the liberation of human beings and good living.” The RSL Chile was formed in 2012 with people from different disciplines and occupations as activists and enthusiasts of LIFE seeds. “We work to rescue and promote the cultural identity of peoples, and also to the seed which is source of life and creativity,” Valentina says.  We have to defend our freedom; therefore, we have to save mother Earth's seeds.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

There is a global emergency because seeds have been appropriated and colonized. Corporations have declared that seeds are their intellectual property, and the only way that they can get the intellectual property is by modifying and mutilating by genetic engineering. So we have a double hazard - the hazard of genetic engineering and the hazard of seed patenting. We have seen what this combination does in the area of cotton. India is the land of cotton ... but today the seed is under threat, because all the cotton we can spin now is genetically engineered Bt cotton, under the control of one company, Monsanto. That’s why, if we don’t save seeds, all the diversity will be gone forever, and with it the memory that is in the seed - the ecological memory and the cultural memory. And with it will go the livelihood of farmers. It devastates Nature.

Dr. Vandana Shiva :
Interview by Bhavani Prakash
From Eco Walk the Talk
http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/
http://www.makingitmagazine.net/?p=3466

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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THE POPE IN BRAZIL

FRANCIS TELLS CATHOLICS TO RESIST
“IDOLS” OF MONEY, POWER, PLEASURE

www.independent.co.uk - Pope Francis urged Catholics to resist the “ephemeral idols” of money, power and pleasure during a pilgrimage Wednesday to one of the most important shrines in Latin America. Francis celebrated the first public Mass of his trip to Brazil after praying before the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint. His eyes welled up with emotion as he stood silently in deep prayer before the tiny dark-skinned statue. 
In his homily, Francis appealed for the faithful to not seek out false idols of money and success that he said take the place of God. Rather, he called for Brazilians to keep Christian values of faith, generosity and fraternity.

Crowds roared, church bells rang out and a multitude of faithful waved in jubilation as the pope arrived in this small town, where thousands packed into the cavernous Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. A powerful choir burst into song as Pope Francis arrived and tens of thousands of additional believers braved a cold rain outside. Francis paused in deep prayer before the statue of the virgin, his eyes tearing up as he breathed heavily. He touched the frame holding the statue and made the sign of the cross as a small group of prelates behind him applauded. 
It was a deeply personal moment for this pontiff, who has entrusted his papacy to the Virgin Mary and, who like many Catholics in Latin America, places great importance in Marian devotion.

In a sermon to a congregation of thousands, Pope Francis appealed to the faithful to focus on non-material values of spiritualism, generosity, solidarity and perseverance. During his first mass in Brazil, he also urged Catholics to resist the “ephemeral idols” of money, power, success and pleasure. “Let us never lose hope! Let us never allow it to die in our hearts!” the pontiff said in his message. Francis is in Brazil for World Youth Day. Pope Francis has said a great truth: the ‘idols’ of money, power, success and pleasure are against the practice of devotional service.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

What harm do the six enemies, which are unfavorable to devotional service, cause a practitioner of devotional service?
The six enemies (lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, and envy) constantly appear in the human mind and create disturbances. These six enemies engage the mind in the following temporary material activities: the urge to speak in order to cause anxiety, the mental urge to speculate, the urge to speak harsh words in anger, the urge of the tongue to relish the four kinds of foodstuffs (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter), the urge of the stomach to eat palatable foodstuffs, and the urge of the genitals to enjoy the association of men and women. Because of these six enemies, pure cultivation of devotional service does not take place in the heart.

Śrīla Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thākura :
‘Activities Unfavorable to Devotional Service’
“Śrī Bhaktivinoda Vānī Vaibhava” - Vol 2. “Abhidheya”
Compiled by Śrīpad Sundarānanda Vidyāvinoda
http://blservices.com/books/previous-acaryas/sri-bhaktivinoda-vani-vaibhava
http://www.amazon.es/Bhaktivinoda-Vaibhava-Complete-Edition-ebook/dp/B00CQTQARK

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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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”
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REPORT DRAWS ATTENTION TO HINDU HATE CRIMES

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
VIOLATIONS DIRECTED AT HINDUS

www.religionnews.com - Last month, with the release of their ninth annual report, members of the Hindu American Foundation are pushing policymakers to take action against international human rights violations directed at Hindus. The four countries the report categorized as egregious violators - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Pakistan - are all Muslim-majority countries. Samir Kalra, author of the report, titled “Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights” said the foundation included countries in which the plight of Hindus is largely overlooked. The impact of the report, he said, is twofold: It gives a voice to Hindu minorities and educates officials in the U.S. and worldwide.

The 2012 report cites Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Indian state of Jammu as countries of serious concern, while Fiji, Saudi Arabia and Trinidad and Tobago as countries where conditions for Hindus have improved. Kalra said the problem is that many of these nations sanction discrimination, creating “an atmosphere of intolerance at the top, which trickles down.” Kalra said he’s concerned the U.S. government hasn’t taken more notice of this persecution, adding that human rights often take a back seat to geopolitical issues. But he hopes the foundation’s report works to create a link between the two issues. Kalra, who urged members of Congress to sign the recommendation, said it is important that the FBI track these numbers so the issues behind these incidents can be addressed.

“When you hear about Hindus targeted for wearing a ‘bindi’ or ’tilak’ or Sikh boys and men living in fear of attack simply because they wear a turban, it’s time to say enough is enough and take action. Groups from India aren’t the only ones targeted for their faith, but I can tell you the Indian-American community is deeply disturbed by what is going on,” said Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y.  Hindu American Seva Communities (HASC) has repeatedly expressed concern over xenophobia against Hindus, as well as Muslims and Sikhs. The FBI’s Advisory Policy Board is scheduled to discuss a congressional recommendation to update its Hate Crime Statistics Act.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

People who show their love for their own religion by hating all others will spiritually stagnate and cause disharmony and quarrels between those of their religion and those of others. Someone may be a kind, generous, and devout person amongst those of his own culture, while ready to howl, insult, hate, and do injury to those of another. This is love of the lowest level, similar to the way a dog may love its master and will show it by snarling at anyone else. Only those individuals and dry forms of religion that are bereft of real spiritual knowledge look at all others with hate and suspicion. Only when one’s consciousness becomes mature does this form of fanaticism or immature enthusiasm subside. Then real love and respect for all will naturally emanate from that person.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Toward World Peace: Seeing the Unity Between Us All”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/toward_world_peace_ebook.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

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