Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
·MAY, 1997
INTERNATIONAL I
Human Rights: Can Canes Correct Kids? 17
Cover Story: Old Questions:
Aging Matters in Modern India 22
Math-a-Magician: Manjul Bhargava
Chalks Up the Morgan Prize 28
Economics: Dr. S.K. Bajaj Unearths the
Truth about Indian Agricult ure 34
Religion and State: India's High Court
Mandates Temple Management 49
Honored: 199i s Temyleton Prize,
... US$l27 MiL, Goes to Shastri .4thavale 52
"LIFESTYLE
Cliillienge: Tragedy Reveals Artist's Gift 27
Astrology: When Mars Meets Saturn 27
Insight: Sacred Pilgrimage 30
Business: America Likes Mantras 40
• Music: Professorial Percussionist 47
Children: Toddlers' Tailored Toys 48
OPINION
Publisher's Desk: Exploring the Difference
Between Good Money and Bad 6
Editorial: The Kwest for Komedy 8
My Turn: Our Venerable Elders 10
Letters 14
Healing: Growing ~nto W6~anhood 44
Minis,ter's Message: Vegetarian Dharma 50
DIGESTS
Quotes &Quips 9 Evolutions 44
Diaspora 11 Digital Dharma 54
Briefly 20
MITA (P) No: 245/04196 Canada .... . .. C$3.95 Malaysia . . ( . . . . .RMS Singapore .... . . . .S$4 COVER: An elderly Orissqn woman still works in the fields to feed
http://www.HlndulsmToday.kaual.hl.us
PPS 120114196 Europe .. . . .. US$3.50 Mauritius . ..... .Rs.30 South Africa . US$2.95 family, including a great-granddaughter. She's lucky. Many seniors in 1tt7 EdIter'1 Cbolce
India ........ .Rs.50 Nepal . . . . . . . Rs.BO Sri Lanka .. . . Rs.BO shunted aside, forced into impersonal old-age homes and forgotten. Seelr):)ag,es webllta award
~-
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Bad Money
Did the money come from performing abortions, gambling, ac-
cepting bribes, adharmic practices of law or shady business deal-
ings? Is it being given to ease the conscience?
Even today's election candidates examine the source of dona-
~~-------------
tions exceeding $10,000 or more-investigating into how the per-
Bad money can never do good deeds. son lives aI'\d how the money was gotten-then either receive the
gift wholeheartedly or turn it back. When the source is secret, the
Nor can good money used wrongly reap right results. source of gain is suspect. When the source is freely divulged,.:it is
freed from such apprehension. In the Devaloka, here are devas,
angels, who monitor carefully, 24-hours a day, the sources of gain
BY SATGURU SIVAYA SUBRAMUNIYASWAMI leading to wealth, because the pranic bonds are heavy for the
wrongdoer and his accomplices.
Y SATGURU, THE VENERABLE institutions, but often only to ease the Imagine, for instance, an arms seller who buys his merchandise
Sage Yogaswami, discriminat- conscience of the person who commit- surreptitiously and then sells it secretly or in a store-shotguns and
ed between good money and ted sins to gain the money. Nothing pistols, machine guns, grenades and missles-instruments of tor-
bad money and taught us all good will come of it. The institution will ture and death. Money from this enterprise invested in a religious I
this lesson. Money coming faiL The temple will be a museum, its institution or educational institution or anything that is doing good
from dharmas honest labor was pre- darshan nil; its ghakti, though expected for people will eventually turn that institution sour, just like
cious to him to receive, and he used it to be present, will be nonexistent. Bad putting vinegar into milk.
wisely in promoting the mission of the money provokes bad acts which are long The spiritual leader's duty is to turn his or Her back to such a
mission of his lineage. Money coming lasting, and it sours good acts within a panderer of bad money and show him the door, just as an honest
from adharmic attainments was dis- short span of time within the lives of politician would turn back election donations coming from a sub-
tasteful to him. He warned that such the people who receive it. versive source, gained by hurtful practices, lest he suffer the cen-
gifts would, when spent, bring the In 1991 I composed an aphorism to sure of his constituancy at a later time, which he hopes to avoid to
demons from the Narakaioka into the guide those who have sought my opinion hold his office. A politician has to protect his reputation. The spiri-
sanctum sanctorum of our shrines to on this matter. It says, ''All seekers of tualleader will intuitively refuse bad money. He doesn't need
create havoc in the minds of devotees. This has been the unsought- truth know bad money can never do money. When money comes, he does things. If it doesn't come, he
for reward for receiving bad money-funds gained through ill-got- good deeds and refuse soiled funds from also does things but in a different way.
ten means-for 'many ashrams this century. One day a rich mer- any source. Nor can good money us.ed In Reno, Nevada, for many years the. gambling casinos gave col-
chant came to Yogaswami's hut with a big silver tray piled with wrongly reap right results. Ill-gotten lege scholarships to students at high schools. Then there came a
gold coins and other wealth. Yogaswami, knowing the man made money is never well-spent, but has a time of conscience among educators when they could no longer
his money in wrongful ways, kicked the tray on the ground and curse upon it. Aum." accept these scholarships earned from the sin of ~ambling to send
sent the man away. Some postulate that using bad money children forward into higher studies. They did not feel in their
Yes, there is such a thing as good and bad money, because, after for good purposes purifies it. That is a heart, mind and soul that it was right. Drawing from their exam-
all, money is energy. Why is money energy? Money gives energy. very unknowledgable and improper con- ple, we extend the boundaries of religion to education and to the
Money is power. Money is a form o£prana captured in paper, in cept, bec~use prana, which is money, human consc'ience of right conduct on this Earth.
silver and most importantly in gold. Actually, gold is real money, cannot be transformed so frivolously. Humans haven't changed that much. Over 2,000 years ag9, Saint
the basis of all paper money, coinage, checks and bank drafts. All Many among this group of misguided or Tiruvalluvar wrote in his Holy Kural, perhaps the world's greatest
the money in the world fluctuates in value according to the price naive individuals have lived to witness ethical scripture, sworn·on in Indian courts of law in Tamil Nadu:
of gold, as far as I know: And, mystically, if you have gold in YOl,lf their own destruction through the use
The worst poverty of worthy men is more worthwhile
home or your corporation-I mean real gold-your real wealth will of tainted wealth. Also, 'we come into
than the v.;ildest wealth amassed in wlcked ways (657).
increase according to the quantity of gold th~ you have. the illegality of laundering money. Mon-
Good money is righteous money, funds derived from a righteous ey cannot be laundered by religious in- What is gained by tears will go by tears. Though it begins
source, earned by helping people, not hurting people, serving peo- stitutions. Money cannot be legally laun- with loss, in the end goodness gives many good things (659).
ple, not cheating them, making people happy, fulfilling their needs. dered by banks. Money cannot be
This is righteous money. Righ~ous money does good things. When laundered by individuals. FUrther, we Protecting the country by wrongly garnered wealth
spent or invested, it yields right results that are long lasting and kno"! that those who give ill-gotten is like pre; erving water in an unb~ked pot of clay (660).
will always give fruit and many ~eeds to grow with its interest and bounty mQney to a religious institution
dividends from the capital gains. will subtly but aggressively seek to infil- Riches acquired by mindful means, in a manner that harms
On the contrary, bad money does bad things-money earned trate, dilute and eventually control the no one, will bring both piety and pleasure (verse 754).
through selling arms, drugs, taking bribes, manipulating divorce, entire facility, including the swami, his monastic staff, members money brings in the asuras and binds the receiver, the ashram or Wealth acquired without compassion and love
performing abortions, gambling, fraud, theft-money gained and students. If bad money is accepted, it will bring an avalanche institution to the external world In a web of obligations. How does is to be eschewed, not embraced (verse 755).
through a hundred dark and devious ways. Bad money issues from of adharma leading to the dissolution of the fellowships that have one know if he has received bad money? When feelings of psycho-
a Dad intent which precedes a wrongdoing for gain or profit. That succumbed, after which a new cycle would have to begin, of build- logicai obligation to the giver arise. T his feeling does not arise after A fortune amassed by fraud may appear to prosper
is bad money. When spent or invested, it can be expected to bring ing back their fundamental. policies to dharma once again. good money is given freely for God's work. Bad money is given but all too soon perish altogether (verse 283).
unexpected negative consequences. Good money is suitable for My own satguru set a noble example of living simply, only with strings and guilt attached.
building temples and other institutions that do good for p~ople. overnighting in the homes of disciples who live up to their vows Our message to religious institutions, ashrams and colleges is: 'F inding delight in defrauding others yields the fruit
Bad money is sometimes gifted to build temples or other social and only accepting good money. He knew that accepting bad don't take bad money. Look for good, or white, money-known in of undying suffering when those delights ripen (verse 284).
\~~~~~~~~~-~ \~-~~~~~~~~~
EDITORIAL trickery and satire. In folktales, there is, of
course, the magical Panchatantra, one of
the world's greatest colle"ctions of fables,
U' /
What~'s So Funny "What you have is His gift to you, and what you
filled with repartee, jest and jocularity-all
in the name of learning about life. As the
true story of the Panchatantra goes, a
Kashmiri king who lived over 2,000 years do with wh~t you have is your gift to Hif)1."
About Hinduism? ago had three bl6ckhead sons. He found
they learned best through illustrations, and
gathered master storytellers to weave para-
bles about friendship, money, bad conduct
,
Swami Chlnmayananda (1916-1993)
and such. Children love these, and if read- A 'devotee heard his guru say, "God is in "If an evil person falls in the well, what
In our kosmic kwest for komedy, we stu1Jlble ers have never encountered them, you everything and everyone." As he walked should be done? Pull him up. Do not think
should. One of the finest translations from away pondering this wisdom, an enraged that the bad will always be bad, lead them
on ancient and farce-seeing Indian texts the Sanskrit is by Arthur Ryder in' an edi- elephant appeared on the road ahead. to the right road." From the Nitya Sut;ras of
tion by the University of Chicago Press. Nltyananda of Ganeshpur i who attained
"Run!, Run!" shouted the mahout. The man
The stories of Birbal are rich. Raja Birbal
BY THE EDITOR (1528-1583) was an impoverished but wit- thought to himself, "I am God and the ele- mahasamadhi in 1961
ty brahmin writer who became one of phant is also God, why should I be afraid?"
H , RELIGION, THAT SOBER, SOMBER, SOMNIFEROUS Emperor Akbar's favorites. The tension between Hindus and Mus- The charging elephant knooked the man in
science, so soulful and oh-so-solemn. Perhaps. But only one lims in Akbar's court was real in those days, and Birbal had an un- DID YOU KNOW?
the ditch. Bruised and upset, the man set
canny ability to leaven it with levity. Their comic battle was waged
whose funny bone has been surgically removed would re-
main unaware of the rich, even zany, Hindu comic tradi- at the expense of his Muslim brothers, though sometimes Akbar
off to see his guru to complain. After hear- Word Power! /
tion (believe me, writing a humorous editorial for Islam himself was the target. One day Akbar lamented to Birbal, '1\s em- ing the story, the guru said, "You are right
Today or Shintoism Today would pose greater challenges). That it peror, I am allowed to meet only wise and learned men. Show me that both you and the elephant are God. / ANSKRIT (MEANING "CULTURED,"
is widely ignored may be due to the fact that India's cultural and the ten greatest fools in the kingdom." Birbal brought him a collec- But why did you not listen to the mahout, "purified" or "refined") is one of
philosophical gifts are often approached with reverence, even awe. tion of morons, figures typical of the fool in Indian literature: the who is also God, and get out of the way?" the oldest languages in the world.
So the playful parodies perish, whacky wisdom is waived and first man, riding a horse, carried a bundle of firewood on his head, The vastness, versatility and power of
mirthful merriment maligned. This is a loss for us alL In his Anato- reasoning that the burden would be too heavy for the horse if he
my of Satire, Gilbert Highet noted, "If you want to understand any placed it on the saddle; another was found looking at night for a A small income is no cause for failure, pro- expression of Sanskrit can be appreci-
age, you ought to read not-only its heroic and philosophical books, ring he had lost, searching not where he dropped it in the dark un- vided expenditures do not exceed it. ated by the fact that it has 24 words to
but its comic and satirical books." In Indian aesthetics, comedy is der a tree, but in a nearby clearing where the light was better. Bir- Tirukural Verse 478 describe rainfall, 65 for earth and 67
called hasya-rasa (from hasa, laughter) and is one of nine "tastes," bal brought eight such simpletons to the king who soon reminded
"Today is the golden present. Today we are
of which some others are heroism, fear, tranquility and love. him that he had asked for ten. "There are ten," the trickster
laughed, "including you and me-the two biggest fools of all-you OK. So enjoy it. Do what good we can. "I slow, br~ [brother] , but I still ahead of
As with most things plebeian and profound, Indian humor has
established a beachhead on the World Wide Web. An Alta Vista for giving me such a ludicrous order, and me for obeying it! " Tomorrow will happen only then, not to- you!" A Pidgin English bumper-sticker
search returned 6,000 pages (and that's just the English). Most of it Of Indian humor, Lee Siegel, who spent five years studying it, day. ¥y guru, Swami Sivananda, used to spotted on a rusty old pick-up truck. It
is laughably disappointing. Among the best we found: says, '1\t the core of hi.dian comedy there is an irony, a revelation of say, 'D.I.N. , D.I.N.' DO IT NOW, DO IT reflects the casual way of living which still
http://www.webhead.comlwwwvVindiaiindia208.html; the humanness of the Gods and the divinity of human beings. The NOW." Swami Satchidananda speaking to exists on the Hawaiian Islands for water. The
http://w2.meer.netiusers/genius/indolinklHumoriindex.html; human comedy has two heroes-the fool and the trickster. The di- language, written in the Devanagiri
http://members.aoLcomiindialinksihumor.htm; and vine comedy recapitulates the human. The trick~er and fool find the HINDUISM TODAY staff during his Jan-
http://ugweb.cs.ualbhta.cal-srinivaslindialhumor/ their wholeness embedded in consciousness as the laughing child, uanJ visit to our Hawaii ashram Seeker: "Guruji, what is the difference be- script, has been undergoing a revjval.
Humor is rampant in Hindu literature, both sacred and secular. and that child is deified as Krishna. As that God has been ex- / tween the Vedic and Agamic teachings?" Ten years ago Forbes magazine wrote,
The Rig-Veda rishis jested about the ordinary human state of amined for the ways in which He reveals the seriousness of humor ''I've i:tlways been a supporter of mind over Sage: "In the Vedas man becomes GocJ...:in "Sanskrit is the most convenient lan-
mind, full of imaginings and opportunism: "Our thoughts wp.nder and its capacity to affirm life, so Siva has been invoked to indicate the Agamas it's the other way around." guage for computer software."
matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
in all-directions and many are the ways of men: the cartwright
hopes for accidents, the physician for the cripple, the priest for a
the humor of seriousness-the ludicrousness of all human endeav-
ors in the face of death." Both Krishna and Siva sanctify humor, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami I
rich patron and the frog for a pond to plunge into. For the sake of but in different ways. Krishna giggles and teases, Siva roars with the
OR CONTEMPLATE OUR
Spirit, 0 Mind, let go of these wandering thQ.ughts" X. 112. 1. In the ascetic's scoff Either way, their laughter links Heaven and Earth. DESTIN'(
same Veda (X.l21) there are clever metaphysical puns in the This not-so-serious side. of Hinduism is evident in saints and AND BEST OF ALL ..
Hymn to Who that presage Abbot and Costello's "Who's on first?" sages. Some consider wittiness a warrant of egolessness and spiri- .
Where else is there laughter in Heaven, bantering among the tual attainment, for the greatest souls are often jovial, and many go
Gods? In most faiths, there's rqrely a smile in the for the jocular vein. Ramakrishna was notoriously playful, as was
sacred texts, and heaven and its deni!Zens are sel- MlJktananda in recent times. Ma'ny outstanding swamis today
dom viewed as having a lightheart- are (arce-seeing humorists, tickling us with words until we
ed side. Yet laughter is so won- weep with laughter, droIling all over ourselves. Then they
/
derfully human, so natural and smile that know-it-all grin that tells the world
somehow necessary for a full they know something it doesn't. Why not?
and healthy life, whether hen'; They are liberated, done with sorrow.
or hereafter. It seems destined 'You'd be happy, too! Laughter can be an
that the Divine would have immense embrace with Loving Existence, a self-
capacity for the joy and fun He built transcendent sharing of the essence of
into His creation. things, of Brahman's inmost heart, our in-
The Puranas are filled with bawdy (sometimes salacious) jests nermost Self Humor is like God. You can't
and amusing deceits. The Mahabharata excels in its master-t of explain it. Either you get it or you don't.
e~~_~~~
MY T'URN
, /
.Gayatri Gets
Not Our Burden A Face Lift
ESPITE WAR IN SRI LANKA,
Hindu traditions that honor elders are D Hindu institution~ that are
not under siege continue to
thrive as seen in the recent sec-
diminishing due to nuclear families ond Maha KiImbhabhishekam President switches to stre:~hing
of the Lankatheesvarar Gayatri
THE WHITE HOUSE
Temple in Nuwara Eliya, s6uth-
BY , P R A B HAP R A B H A1<: ARB H A R D W A J ern Sri Lanka. The consecration
ceremonies installed a Gayatri Did Yale Yoga
Loving Ganesa, at once simple, a J"''''L1 TWO DECADES AGO actment of Himachal Pradeshs Goddess Deity made in India of
left India to live and work law [see page 25]. Ins a great nine spiritual elements in a new .S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT
deep and practical. teaches ever so
Af;ica. On my
. T·p("~nt return, I noticed
i,nsult to all Hindus. Neglect of Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, left, opens Gandhi institute temple to replace the old one. U in January notes that Presi-
dent Clinton stopped painful /
parents is usually attributed to Devotees from allover the
certain changes on the shopping urbanization. However, TRINIDADIINDIA world joined founder and spiri- jogging and switched to a new
many ways that Ganesas grace scene. I was looking for New Himachal Pradesh does not tual guide, Swami Murugesu, workout that includes stretch-
X\ ar greeting cards and, to my
shock, discovered every card I
have any major city. It is hilly Hindu Leader's Indian Roots who propounds the power of
chanting the ancient Vedic
ing, push-ups and occasional
weightlifting each morning. Re-
can be attained by sincere devo- and backward by more than
liked was produced by HelpAge one criteria, so these reasons INIDAD'S PRIME MINISTER, BASDEO PAN DAY, BECAME prayer called Gayatri mantra. marking that maintaining flexi-
tion, song, prayer and meditation
1-808-822-3152
lifestyle was the norm then, but such ex-
tended families are rare in India today.
available to take care waged parents.
Tpirdly, improvement in medical treatment
I
come across an Iridian or Hindu home for children. But they never explain to their musicians and dancers. The au- the patronage of great men like boys who have crushes on us.
GANESA the aged. Hindu ol~ people occupy the seat
of power and respect in their own house-
children what they as parents will need.
Children grow up into adults knowing their
dience was so enthralled that
$32,000 in donatioI\s was spon-
Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhai
I
CLOC ...·WISE FROM TOP: HINDUISM TODAY, COREL, SHELTON HETTlARACHI, COREL
MAY , 1 9 9 7 HI N D U ISM TO DAY 11
,
• Meditation
['l
The Caning Backlash >
sults in antisocial and violent tendencies.
Maly ysia's schools are faced with an
alarming growth of gangsterism and drug
and Hindi • Kohlapur Ir'~J!L'~:.r I~ji~'; use, among students. This has, in part, fueled
chappals, silk paintings, Pooja •
•
Yoga
Alternative healing
:.' '~;-:I" " -:,:., ~ ) ~:.
Schools try to briI;lg back corporal the call for the cane. It is not clear, however,
brahmni booti, kut, agar,
tagar, bhojaptra, lotus
International • Vegetarian cooking i3ooks. m,..;c. a",/ f;;i{ts
(or "8ody. nl;,uI. mul'Spirit punishment-but is it right? Does it even work?
how punishment for such offenses as talking
in class would prevent a teen from becoming
• Flower essences
seed • Men's, children's kurta, pajamas, sari blouses, sari falls • Yoga philosophy a drug dealer. Discipline problems in some
and petticoats, children's clothes • Jaintri and Panchang • American schools, such as in Los Angeles,
1997 shipment from India just arrived. Ask for list of items. Also: '!j 18TH-CENTURY AMERICA AND students. "But between growing indiscipline are so bad that metal detectors are installed
• Prompt delivery • M.Card, Visa, Am.Ex credit cards OK. most other countries, the' master of among our schoolchildren and the problem at the doors to catch students entering with
• Mystical music the house could freely beat his wife, his of abuse, the former is the greater evil," stat- guns or knives.
• Books-on-tape :' child, his dog or his slave. Around 1830 ed an editorial in the New Sunday Times It is common for parents to tell teachers to ....
• Spoken audio people realized slaves were human beings, which endorsed the return of the cane. - do whatever is necessary to make their chil-
• Mantra music too, and laws eventually granted them free- / Caning is commonly employed in schools dren study and behave, .including striking
Call1ndia-52C/min, 7days/wk, 24hr/day • Chanting tapes dom and the human right not to be beaten. for such minor infractions as being late to them. But Malaysia's International Trade and
• Books by Yogananda, Kriyananda and more A century or so later people realized dogs class, talking in class, not bringing one's Industry Minister, Rafidah Aziz, said, "If I
Bangladesh-69C/min. had fecli.ngs, and laws were passed against have my way, I would have
China- 55C/min. Pakistan-69C/min. For a free catalog, call now: mistreatment of animals. Recently, society is these parents grilled for not
Sri Lanka-69C/min. 800-424-1055 toll free in US, or 916-478-7600. taking wife-beating seriously and has slowly monitoring their children's
UK-24C/min. Australia-29C/min. begun to put a stop to it. Now, with the 21st activities. We believe that /
Domestic-18C/min. Crystal Clarity Publishers century nearing, it may/ have come the turn many youths are involved in
Callback worldwide available. 14618 Tyler Foote Rd. of children to gain their'right as human be- vice because 'there might be
VGT calling cards: $45 or $90. Nevada City, CA 95959-9316 USA ings to not be beaten. something wrong at home."
Vignesh Global Telecom, Inc. A 12-year-old UK boy who ~as caned by A widely published UK
PO Box 2337, Santa Cruz, CA95063- Fax: 916-478-7610 his stepfather challenged- British laws allow- study pinpointed one thing
2337 USA Tel: 408-464-1212,
800-555-0276. Fax: 408-464-1333. VJghnesh Global http://www.consciousnet.com/CrystalClarity
E-mail: cclarity@aol.com
ing 'Teasonable physical punishment of chil-
. dren" and is getting his case heard before
wrong at home: mothers are
out working. Researchers at
E-mail: vignesh@haven-intl.com Telecommunications, Inc. the Europ~an Court of Human Rights in North London University
France. A decision by the court would be found that children with
binding, and a finding in favor of the boy working mothers are twice as
could force Britain to oha1lge its laws about likely to fail the GCSE (final
punishing children. "This is a landmark de- high school) exams as those
Meditations with Shri Anandi Ma Vedic Astrology cision for children, the first step towards whose mothers stay at home
confirming that 'childr~n have the same to bring them up. Children of
Shri Anandi Ma-Master in • comprehensive, in-depth rights as adults to protection from violence," working mothers, especially
the tradition of Kundalini life readings said Peter Newel, Goordinator for the British boys, were more likely to have
Maha Yoga, will be offering • annual updates • . groti~ End Physical Punishment of Children. behavioral problems. A re-
public meditation programs in: • predictions A hot subject in todays international de- cent Dutch study found that
• marriage compatibility bate about child abuse is corporal punish- women with high status jobs
• Midland, TX: May 2-3. • advice on business, ment in schools. The practice of hitting stu- were more likely to have chil-
Tel: 915-563-3718 finance and legal matters dents was reduced or abandoned in many dren who failed to reach their
• Jersey City, NJ: May • gem therapy countr.ies in the 1980s or earlier. But growing academic potential.
9-10. Tel: 212-877-7339 • puja recommendation incliscipline in and outside class has caused Patrick Morgan, of the In-
• Woodbury, CT: May 23- • astro-palmistry many tr;1 call for the return of the teacher's stitute of Economic Affairs,
24. Tel: 203-598-3323 • rectification of unknown paddle. In a UK poll, 68 percent of the pub- says the evidence will force
•. Boston, MA: June 6-7. birthtimes-and more. lic were in favor of the cane's return. Teach- working mothers to rethink -
Tel: 617-491-4091 ers, however, say they will not beat pupils, what is ~st for their chil-
• New York, NY: June 27- Stephen Quong (Umananda) even if given the power. Nigel de Gruchy, dren. "The entire deba'te has
28. Tel: 212-877-7339 has studied and practiced general secretary of the National Associa- been hijacked by a feminist
astrology in Asia and America tion of Schoolmasters said teachers do not clique, determined to uphold
Shaktipat initiation will be offered by appointment each since 1970. He has been awarded the titles of "Jyotisha Kovida," feel it will be effective. A real concern is ret- women's rights. But what
weekend. "With Shaktipat, the student is saturated with "Jyotisha Vachaspati" and "Life Fellow" by the Indian Coun- ribution by the student-in February, a 16- Children: Do they have a right to not be beaten? about the rights of the
/
Divine Energy. After Shaktipat, the Kundalini is permanent- cil of Astrological Sciences (founded by Dr. B.V year-old boy in Alaska, USA, shot dead the child? . ;You can always go
1y awakened and, like a mother, constantly cares for and Raman). His professional background includes executive school principal who had frequently disci- books or scoring low on tests. Students are back to work, but the damage done in a
nourishes her infant. One may be of any religion, caste, or positions in government, finance and publishing. He is a plined him. In India thugs c$l be hired by . hit on their hands or buttocks with long, rat- child's early years ca,n never be rectified."
creed to benefit; for all persons, the field of inner joy is the long-time devotee of Sri Ma Anandamayi and has close students to harass or even cripple a teafher tan canes, are slapped, have their ears twist- Indiscipline to the point of criminal be-
same. After Shaktipat, the Shakti will take the student to the contacts with many other contemporary spiritual teachers. . who cl'ares beat them. ed, a rubber band snapped against their ear, havior among youths is a serious problem in
ultimate goal, without doubt." Please call or write for free brochure. . In Malaysia, caning had been greatly re- or their hand held against their head, one countries around the world. The question
duced since 1983. About one percent of the finger pulled back as far as poss~ble and teachers and parents face is whether misbe-
For general information about Shri Anandi Ma, Kundalini Office: 1-916-938-2997 (voice/fax) country's 300,000 teachers had been report- then released sharply. Some teachers admin- havior can be solved by more physical pun-
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Dhyanyoga Centers • PO Box 3194 Lake Shastina, CA 96094 USA child-not a great percent, yet it represents uncontrolled anger. Studies on corporal pun- cies infringe children's right to be protected,
Antioch, CA 94531-3194 USA. Tel: 510-757-9361 E-mail: umananda@aol.com • http://www:jyotisha.com 3,000 abusers and' perhaps 300,000 abused ishment suggest the method does not really as adults are, from physical abuse.
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16 MAY , 1997 HINDUISM TODAY 17
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chosen to receive full British National biodegradable materials, relocating tea verse the difficult path to the goal of life."
Overseas passports. The decision partially shops from too near the glacier between
resolves the danger that non-Chinese eth- BhQjbasa and Gomukh and placing toilet MONUMENT TO SAINT Tiruvalluvar is pro:
nic minorities possessing British Depen- facilities every 2.5 miles between Bhojbasa ceeding once again in Tamil Nadu. Chief
dent-Territory Citizen passports would be and Gangotri. Environmentalists, however, Minister M. Karunanidhi says his govern-
rendered stateless when Britain gives Hong say th e Court and state are still too accom- ment is committed to
Kong back to China in June. modating to development and tourism, and ' preserving Tiruvallu-
. -/ inMferent to the delicate alpine meadows var's legacy and to ;"
THAIPUSAM MAY BE a safer, more traditional so easily distllrbed by tourist's trash and propagating his time- .
festival now at Malaysia's Batu Caves. Mod-' grazing cattle.' less .ethical opus, the
ern drums and bongos have been banned ·1 Tirukural. The mas-
from devotional ceremonies; "only tradi- BHUTAN'S KING Jigme Singye Wanchuk has' sive statue of the
tional musical instruments are to bellsed in . granted US$5,500 to promote the teaching weaver-saint will be
the functions," said Sri Subramaniaswamy. of SansKfit in two pathasalas (traditional located on a small i~
Temple secretary G. Gopalakrishna. Also schools). Noting that the royal gift will land offshore, next tel
banned ar-e whips, and s~ars over three- . strengtheJ,1 the teaching of Hinduism in the the Vivekananda,
feet in length. The annual Murugan festival predominantly Buddhist kingdom, Devi Rock Memorial at
is -certainly more efficient at Singapore's Sri Charan Dayal, pandit of the Dhoban Kanyakumari. Tiruvalluvar model
Thendayuthapani Temple, where instead of pathasala, said "We Me very grateful for
shaving 7,000 heads at the temple tank on the grant because it Signifies the King's BRIEFLY is compiled from press, TV and
Thaipusam d~, all but 500 pilgrims had sU13port to his citizens and his encourage- tqire-service reports and edited by RAVI
their heads snaved a day or two earlier. ment in preserving.our cultural heritage." PERUMAN, award-winning radio journalist
at KGG in San Francisco. .
! ,
I
CLOCKWISE FROM, TOP: HELMUT ~PEL , INDIA TODAY, HINDUISM TODAY,
20 H INDUISM TODAY M A Y , 1997
\ ,
Waiting and wanting: Many aged spend their
final clays in ~anaras, the c,ity of liberation
"To live on a
inhibits many from getting regular checkups,·
footpath in the
let alone treatment for ailments." winter is hell."
Another grim account of callousness
RARI BILAS, 70
comes from Delhi businessman Govind RAJASTHAN
Chandra Rout. He confessed that, "Even in
our Orissan village, yes, in my own family, ,
old people are being neglected. The old career and a demanding family, with little
mother of my cousin has been left in1 he vil- time for Raji. Between loneliness and bore-
lage alone. She is begging. There are thou- dom, Raji rec~s her in-laws' predicament.
sands of such examples. Sons beat their old "Now I wish I had spent more time with
parents, even the educated ones. I do not them and not lost my temper so often. They
want to name them or blame them. I tell you only needed a little understanding, patience ,-
a fact: one son refused to recognize his poor, and reassurance that they were cherished."
Old father when his father came to school to Remorseful, she realizes how concrete theit
meet him. The old father died unattended. contribution to the family was. "I never had
This same son later retired as a senior gov- to worry about what my children were doing
ernment official. When he died, both of his ·after schooL And on occasions such as wed-
own sons, staying in Bombay and the US, dings, they were always there to guide us."
failed to come and perform the funeral };ites. No time, no place: All fingers point to the '/ '
You can see, this was the result of his karma." breakdown of the joint family tradition
Rout recalls and keeps alive the ' way it ["JOint Family at Risk," January, 1997] as the
used to be.' '1\.s children, we learned that our root cause of neglect. ConcerJl over the dis-
father is the Adi Guru, first teacher, and I solution of this social order, along with the
still impart these Hindu values to my grand- rising presence of women'in the workplace,
children. The doors of our home are always hp.s primarily focused on children growing
open for saints. Every morning and evening up without mothers at their side. But the el-
we assemble and pray to Lord. J tell them to derly are equally dependent and vulnerable.
be truthful and religious. This way of living "The ideal situation is, of course, caring for
must be taught in schools at the primary lev- the aged in their own homes," offers Sunder.
eL We must preserve our great heritage. Un- "But for many, attending to aged people
fortunately, today's generation believes they seems a tedious, time-consuming and often
know it all, and better than us." unproductive affair. Given the pressures of
The symptoms of neglect are usually less managing a home, careers and the conflict-
tragic, but they clearly indicate the change ing needs of children and old people, it is
in ethos that se'ems to have infected the na- the elders in the family who are expected to
tion. This reporter recalls an incident at a adjust to the youngers' needs while their
frienel's place. Grandmother had wanted to own take a back seat." One analy;;t observed
watch a classical music concert, while the that "The breakdown commenced when the
SOCIETY case of the Miglanis (not their real name), a grandson was eager for the latest pop news maharajas, Indias regional kings, were de-
Hindu family in New Delhi living next to my on Zee TV, a private television channeL In posed. Until then, these monarchs and their
To Be'Elderly in I~dia
uncle. From the outside, they appear to be walks the father, who settled the argument families modulated society and kept the
an honest, caring and religious . family. A by scolding his mother, "Why don't you let joint and extended family structure, intact:"
plaque of Lord Krishna playing the flute him watch his rock show? You can catch an- What has resulted is a distorted attitude
above the main entrance of their home other concert when we are not here." The toward the aged. Social activist and educator
greets visitors. Inside, however, lies a differ- old wo~an walked away in a huff. It is a re- Rekha Vohra Bhalla implores, "Do we not re-
ent story. For more than two years, ,Mr. vealiIlg incident, and it is all too common. ali'l:e how lonely they are? They do not re- .
Miglani's father lived in a makeshift room Ajay Sunder of HelpAge, India, the most quire luxury. What they....seek is love, affec-
The aged suffer silently as materialism steals their traditional seat of honor ' with a tin roof on the back verandah. He was active Indian ch~ity for the elderly, explains tion and company. They want their ch:ildren
not allowed in the main house and was ver- a primary source of distress for seniors. "For to be with them in the evening oflife, to pro-
I
bally abused constantly by his children and the senescent in the upper and mid"dle class- vide warmth and comfort them. The whole
By M .P. MOHANTY, NEW DELHI small hill state known for the culture of its are merely existing, without proper food, grandchildren. Mr. Miglani Sr. was ill, but did es, the problems are loneliness and depres- concept of age-care in India is an ancient
OR UNTOLD CENTURIES I$ INDIA, IT peace-loving, religious people, ilas greatly shelter or medical care. The assistance pro- not receive proper treatment and eventually sion. If these problems remain unaddressed, part of our civilization, whereas ageing as a
had' been routinely regarded as im- shaken the conscience of thoughtful ob- viaed by the government is.negligible. Social died of neglect in the summer of 1995." they intensil:y into bitterness and a feeling of problem is a product o:(..modern India. Earli-
moral to neglect the needs of one's el- servers of Indian soCiety. Hindus around the and religious organizations also are not doing' Malaviya says the elderly, and often their being unwanted, especially in the really old. er, old people were taken care of within the
In 1996. it became clearly illegal. world are inquiring, "Why do we need a law much. We can see many elderly living as beg- children, take illness too lightly, and go much . For those in the age bracket of 60 to 70 the joint family. Our cult.ure and ethics taught us
The passing of the Maintenance of Par- to make us care for our elders? Are they not gars in the big cities. Many die of hunger." too long before diagnosis or treatment. "My solution can lie in involving themselves with not to neglect them. We were mor-ally bound
ents and Depenci'ents Bill of Himachal Pfa- attended to by their families?" I Those who do not starve to death may die grandmother has a heart' condition called volunteer work or any activity in the neigh- to take care of them. Our value system has
de'sh attempts to insure proper care for any- Mr. Pran Nath Malik, 70, a retired govern- of loneliness. The tales of dereliction are angina. She also has gastric trouble. For one borhood. But the problem becomes i~tense changed. This is the real problem."
one who is dependent upon another. It has ment servant now living in Delhi, gives -an bone-chillingly crueL HINDlJISM TODAY month she had palpitations, fever and painful for those beyond 70 or 75." Hari Bilas (photo above), whom I met at a
raised significant concern over the care of ominous answer-"No. The population of old writer Shikha Malaviya of Mitmesota re- gas attacks, but she didn't go to the hOspital Raji~ru:asimhan, 68, finds hersetf regret- traffic light, drove home this point. He
India's aged, but it also applies to children, people he~e is in· the tens of millions. As counted one example upon her recent return until four days ago. She shares the attitude, ful ten years after the death of her parents- looked like a mendicant, yet he insisted, "I
wives and widows [see page 25]. The pass- about half of 'our total population are living to the US from India. "For some people, old like many others do in India, that 'it isn't bad in-law. Both of her sons are away in the US, am not a beggar. I have my elder brother and
ing of such a law in Himachal Pradesh, a below the poverty line, most of the aged poor age means shouldering a burden. Take the until its really bad: The cost of healthcare and her only daughter struggles with a busy his family, and the government of Rajasthan
'ill our times, we were jections forecast 75 million by the year 2000. that rest homes are a secondary choice. "Our admonishes. "We were young and needed tures state that whatever thought that you
Yet assistance for the aged has been a low programs work towards resettling them with- them. So we will jolly-well look after them have in the last moments influences your
given moral am;} spiri- priority among the varioG.s welfare schemes in their families. But when their children are in return, They are part of our life." next birth. One should die with positive, no-
being implemented by the government and abroad or no one is there to look after them, "It is important to remember that old age ble anj spiritual thoughts. Old people should
tualles::;ons in school. voluntary agencies. Critics concede that the they 'pan resort to this option." A,Primary in our religion is associated with the sannyas bellow the path of dharma. They have the
government simply does not have the re- source of fundraising for HelpAge is·the sale ashrama (stage of renouncing materialism full, experience of life. They are society's
This has stopped. I sources to effect a significant change. of greeting cards, and many Indians become and attachment to embrace God and spiritu- thought-bank. They should educate the
,Most governmental and private agencies aware of the plight of India's elde~ly through ality), and that old age is a stage of spiritual younger generations from day one, tell their
blame the Western and persons engaged in care of seniors thinK HelpAge cards. They even gave me a shock. evolution," stresses Malaviya. "Old age does- experiences-how they feel at this age. It will
that the malaise of p'bverty among the multi- Out of the total one-hundred and eleven new n't mean gray hair, stiff joints and slurred help them in this life, and improve the next."
, materialistic lifestyle. tude of elderly can only be offset if signifi- year's greeting cards that I received this year, speech. There are volumes we can leai'n from Legislature does not automatically make a
We have scrapped our cant funds are made available for implement-
ing welfare programs-homes for the aged,
sixty/two are HelpAge cards. On the back of
each card reads, "The less privile~ed elderly
the wisdom they have culled from their own
successes and failures. Growing old is an in-
society good and caring. And though passing
a law is relatively simple, the efficacy of im-
spiritual teachings. " eye-care, walkers and other handicapped need your love and care. When you buy this evitable physical and mental transition that plementation and enforcement remains to be
aids, day-care, health-care, mobile medicare card you contribute to making their world doesn't have to be painful or debilitating. We seen. At least the verdict for this negligency ",
COVIND CHANDRA ROUT, DELHI
vans, etc. Current prClgrams concentrate in healthier and happier." HelpAge is leading need to accommodate the needs of elders case has been handed down-"Guilty."
~ities and towns and do not impact people in the way, but many more need to follow. 1iithout their asking, and we can't do that Where the softer versionsfoflaw-the natur-
pays me Rs.lOO a month. But I have chronic as a &!orified maid, he was bundled off to this rural areas. Bakshi concludes, "This is a The way it was: Of course, not every elder until we understand what aging is all about." al justice of our cultural expectations-seem
asthma, and I need tea and medicine ·at reg- pay-and-stay home. His son claims the rented tremendous crisis that can be solved only by I is forsaken. For Jayanti Nair, looking after M.e. Bhandari, president of Bharat Nir- to have failed, it now requires courts for el-
ular intervals, including two-to-three times apartment in which they live is too small to public-spirited individuals and institutions." her ailil'lg parents and in-laws was never a man (Build India) and editor of Mystic In- ·derly care to be enforced. .;
during the night. At home, they feel dis- accommodate all of them. HelpAge deputy director Liniaye admits matter of choice. "They looked after us," she dia, echos the ideal for elders, "Our scrip- HELPAGE INDIA, C-14. QUTAB INSTITUTIONAL AREA, NEW
DELHI 110016 I NDIA. PHONE: 91- 11- 68 6-5675
#'
turbed to assist me. So I stay here on the H.e. Bakshi, Former Joint Secretary of
footpaths. I carmot afford an old-age home. the Prime Minister's Office, cautions par- /
Life is misery. I certainly feel marginalized ents to be wary of this trap. "Old people
and discriminated against, and it-saddens must have independent financial support.
me, this lack of respect towards us, the poor While living, you should not transfer prop-
and old. It was not this way in our times. We erty to your son, but make a wilL Children
Together: This distinctive
Rajasthani elder has
maintained close fellowship
It's the Lavv
looked up to elders, respected their experi- should inherit the property only after death. with his grandchildren
ence and knowledge and learned from them." Without financial support, you are a loser. I
The bill that dares to arrest neglect
The modern'Indian family has left the el- know of a case in Patel Nagar, Delhi, where
ders behind. "We have divided our families the retired person transferred his property lMACHAL p!lADESli's illegitimate daughters.
based on economy," ,Bhalla elaborated. "The while living. Afterwards, he was treated as a Maintenance of Parents The government will form
middle-class is moving to cities in search of virtual slave. He was moved against his will and Dependents Bill tribunals as needed in each
opportunities, leaving old parents in rural ar- to a small room on the roof. Later, he was (number 29 of 1996) district to deliberate applica-
eas. At least there, neighbors, friends and dumpeJ into the garage." paints a bleak picture of the tions. Section 3.1 of the bill
other relatives do take care. But in cities it is Even lawmakers were alert to this familial care of India's elderly. On the clarifies, 'Any person, who is
very difficult. Rents are so high that we can flimflam. Section 18.1 of the Himachal last page of the bill, Minister- unable to maintain himself
afford only small flats or apartments. So, we Pradesh Bill states, "Where any person, who in-Charge, Vidya Dhar, gives a and is resident in the State of
claim that due to lack of space and monetary after the commencement of this Act, has Statement of Objectives and Himachal Pradesh, may apply
considerations parents carmot be accommo- transferred, by way of gift or otherwise, his Reasons: '10 the developing to the Tribunal for an order
dated. Actually, space,is not the real problem, property, subject to the condition that the ' age of science and technology, that [the responsible party]
not even the financial burden, but we do not transferee shall provide the basic amenities, our old virtues are giving way pay a monthly allowance, or
have an honest approach. We have/become and basic physical needs to the transferrer to materialistic and separatis- any other periodical payment
small-hearted due to modernization." and such transferee refuses or fails ,to pro- tic tendencies. The younger or a lump sum for his mainte- need. '~ parent is unable to
Gift buys grief: One way seniors are left in vide such all}enities and physical needs, the generation are neglecting their nance." Depending on who is mainfain himself if his total or
the INrch is in the transfer of estates and as- said transfer of the property shall be wives, children and aged and applying, the person held re- expected income and other
sets to their children. In the West, this trans- deemed to have, been made by fraud or co- infirm parents, who are now sponsible for maintenance fmancial resources are inade-
action usually takes place after death through ercion or under undue influence and shall at being left beggared and desti- may be the children or grand- quate to provide basic ameni-
a legal will. In India, it has been common to , the option of the transferrer be void." tute on the scrap-heap of soci- children, the husband, the ties and basic physical needs
legally transfer such properties and accounts ety, thereby driven to a life of father, and where father is including (but not limited to)
long before death. When performed ethical- vagrancy, inlmorality and dead, the mother, or the per- shelter, food and clothing."
ly, this practice frees the elder of the burden "We have not left crime for their subsistence. son who takes any share in an Vidya Dhar states in his
of property and money management so that Thus it has become necessary estate of the ancestor. conclusion, "In our society, the
he may better advise his children and inten- our cultur~ alto- to provide compassionate and Section 3.4 defmes the maintenance of aged parents
sify his spiritual disciplines-¢.e natural speedy remedy to ameliorate broad ctiteria of maintenance had been a matter of great
functions of this stage of life. It is rightfully gether.. .yet." the difficulties being faced by eligibility. "This Act shall ap- concern and of personal
understood that the children would continue " REKHA BHALLA, DELHI
those so neglected." ply to that person if the Tri- obligation. Our ancient seers
to care for the p~ent. But in an inhuman .'--"""--"""L....:_---' The bill is not limited to bunal is satisfied that he is held this obligation on the
twist, once the transfer is made, sons may protection of the elderly. It suffering from infirmity of highest pedestal by declaring
completely neglect the parents, ,sometimes Who will help? "This problem must be han- encompasses, with stipula- mind or body which prevents that, 'The aged mother and
even ejecting them from the home. A retired dled," beseeches Bhalla. "Tomorrow we will tions, parents and grandpar- or makes it difficult for him to father, the chaste wife and
Indian administrative officer has been forced grow old. We have to shock ourselves w;ith ents, wives, sons, unmarried maintain himself or that there infant child must be main-
to spend the last few years of his life in an the reality that our children might put us in daughters, widowed daugh- is any other special reason." tained, even at great cost.'
old-age home. Indignant, he explained that old-age homes, uncared for. Are we preparing ters, any widow of the son, The Bill continues with a defi- This Bill seeks to achieve the
he had transferred his assets to his son. While for such a fuhIre?" India today has nearly 60 minor illegitimate sons and nition of what constitutes aforesaid objectives."
the mother has been allowed to stay at home million elderly people, and demographic pro-
Devotional
Physician and Director of the
Institute, with visiting faculty, titles of music from
offer the Ayurvedic Studies around the world.
Artist by
Program, seminars and pri- Our catalog has a
vate consultations. wide variety of
CDs and cassettes
Yearly Curriculum: to choose from, ,
• I: Introduction to philosophy,
theory and systems (Fall).
• II: Introduction to Ayurvedic
assessment (Winter).
including three
stellar recordings of
Trichy Sankaran,
featured in this
Fate I
Math'~a-Magicia, n
homemaker." for not eating meat-'You've never had a holding on to our Sanatana Dharma."
Though Manjul grew up in several cities hamburger in your life?' they'd ask incredu'- Ind>ed, Manjul has taken bits and pieces
in C¥ada and the US, Hindu values were lou sly. I would remind them that what they from both cultures and created his own
instilled in him as a child. He says: ""My first were eating were slices of dead cow and pig, ide~ universe. He wears kurta pajamas but
language was Hindi, and I picked, up most of and I'd relate cruel and gruesome stories of also Western clothes; he is adept at comput-
the slaughterhouse to them. This er science but also fascinated by Vedic gani-
Proof positive: Manjul, 22, points to one of his formulas generally grossed them out ta jyotisha, or astronomy. He says, 'Tve read ,
Harvard's #2 graduate balanc~s brillance with art and atman which earned him the Morgan Prize. Three of the four enough to never make fun of
honorees of this prestigious award hqve been Hindu. vegetarianism again. In f$.ct, af-
the marvelous exposition of ganita jyotisha
by Aryabhata (4th century) who is recog-
terwards many of diem stopped nized worldwide as the founder of modern
By LAVINA MELWANI, NEW YORK eating meat altogether-at least astronomy and trigonometry."
OU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP. in front of me!" Living on American campuses and ex-
After all, the event was one of awe-in- Manjul's commitment to vege- posed to the hard-sell of television shows ,.
spiring pomp and' circumstance in that tarianism persists, and at Har- and commercials, how has the handsome
blue-chip, Ivy League temple of higher vard he was involved with the bachelor dealt with dating? He points out
learning-Harvard UniversIty. Manjul Bhar- Animal Welfare Committee. The that this is certainly an issue on which the
gava'stepped up to the microphone, clad un- idea is fa raise awareness of ani- Indian and American cultures differ, adding
derneath his graduation gown in his Indian mal rights through such activi- -that young Indians in America are under
kurta and pajama. As one of the top two stu- ties as fur protests and examin- tremendous pressure by their peers to date.
dents graduating in Harvard's 1,600-strong ing the humane treatment of He says, "I personally have chosen not to
1996 class, he had been invited to lead the laboratory animals. Recalls Man- date and have a large circle of close friends /
commencement. Surrounded and undaunt- a
jul: "I was very surprise to be -male and female, mostly American-who
ed by the trappings of maipstream America, ·the only Hindu member on the have accepted and respected my decision. I
he began with teachings from the Vedas. committee. While it is gratifying attend social functions, not with a date, but
Manjul recalls, "I thought this would be the to see so many non-Hindus be- with family members or fhends."
perfect beginning to this auspicious ceremo- coming dedicated to the cause of As for marriage, Manjul protests: "I
ny. I recited in .sanskrit some of my favorite ahimsa, I wish that more Hindus haven't thought much about marriage yet, so
verses, and a translation into English was would get involved ip proII].oting I can't say whether I will have an arranged
read immediately afterwards and broadcast " this noble Indian practice." marriage eventually-I'm only 22 and am in
on radio throughout-the Boston area." . As a youth in North America, school for a couple more years!" He does add
Yes, you can take the boy out ofIndia, but Manjul had one minor problem: though that he would not insist on marrying
you certainly can't take India out of the boy! the Hindu holidays almost never from the same community but would cer-
Confident and proud of his Hindu culture coincided with school holidays. tainly hope to marry someone who shares
and identity, thIS young Ontario-born son of He .says, "I would miss many his Hindu values, speaks Hindi, enjoys Indi-
a chemist father and mathematician mother school days throughout the year an music and likes the natural sciences.
has proven that he is-truly Aryabhatas de- for various Hindu festivals. But At Harvard, he graduated summa cum
scendent in mind and spirit. This January to tell you the truth, I always laude in math and waj awarded the presti-
he received the prestigious Frank and Bren- found sitting through classes all gious Hertz Fellowship which he. is current-
nie Morgan Prize for outstanding research day rather dull and boring, and ly using to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics at
in mathematics by ' an undergraduate stu- so was very happy on those days Princeton University. He eventually hopes
dent. Manjul, whose academic CMeer has when I was able to skip school, to be a mathematician at a research institu-
been flawless, received the award for the all with a valid excuse, too!" tion: "I would really like to open some sort of
four papers he submitted to the Morgan How does he feel about being chain of national math and science guruku-
Prize- Committee. His Senior Honor's The- raised half in the East and half las (schools) in India. There is so much
sis, "On P-orderings and polynomial func- in the West? Manjul observes, "I mathematical and science talent in India,
tions on arbitrary subsets of Dedekind-type am so glad to have grown up in but unfortunately, such talent is not fostered
rings" unifies and generalizes the results of two cultures! It has allowed me anti attended to as it is in the United States." .
about 20 previous papers, many by well- ./ to extract the best of two worlds. Asked what helps him,.get through rough
known mathematicians. math books, and learniI).g to play the sitar, three-time recipient of the Derek Bale my English later on from school and from The wisdom and values of Hindus together times, Manjul points to' the ten ca'i-dinal
This may all sound a bit cerebral to ordi- guitar, violin and the tabla." Award for Excellence in Teaching. b-ll this friends. I took a leave of absence from with the confidence and work ethics of virtues of Hinduism-the yamas and niya-
nary mortals like us, but in Cllse you think Manjul, the winner of the First Annual before he reached voting age! school in the second half of my sophomore Americans has really been an Inspiring mas-as prescribed in the Manusmrti, in-
tIkt Manjul is one of those Super I.Q. ·brains New York State Science Talent Search, al- Even at Harvard, Manjul found time to year and spent it in Jaipur with my grand- combination. It has also allowed me to grow cluding fortitude, forgiveness, truthfulness,
with the social life of a nerd, thinJ5: again! He most didn't graduate because of his carefree pursue Sanskrit, table tennis and the tabla, parents. I learned Sanskrit at the Rajasthan up as a truly multilingual person and to be absence of anger and pursuit of knowledge.
was editor'of the school magazine Ventures, inclination to skip classes that couldn't teach which. he played at various musical perfor- Sanskrit ViClyapeeth and took further tabla exposed to fuany different schools of litera- To that he adds, "Growjng up in a tradition-
played on the tennis and bowling teams and him anything he didn't know already. After mances in the Boston area. His extended' lessons from my teacher there." ture, music and art." al Hindu family also makes tough times
was in the Ecology and French Clubs. He all, he had completed all his high school's Hindu family, with whom he spent many va- While he was growing up::discussions of . Because of his frequent trips to India and much easier, as fam\ly members are always
attracted academic awards and scholarships math and computer courses by nin~h grade! cations in Jaipur, nurtured in him an over- the Vedas, the Puranas and the Mahabhara- his exposure to Indian culture at home, he willing to sacrifice their own time and re-
throughout school and college as -effortles~ly Still, he did manage to graduate-as the class whelming love of India. His grandfather, Dr. . ta were as common as those on current news. feels very much a part.of the home country sources when others are in need. My moth-
as honeycombs draw bees. He cheerfully valedictorian, no less. PUFUshottam Lal Bhargava, was a renowned All major Hindu holidays were celebrated too. He thinks young Hindus growingup in er especially has be'e n the paramount exam-
admits: "I never really liked going to school, At Harvard, he was awarded the Thomas scflolar of Sanskrit and ancient Indian his- with puja, arati (offering of lights) and lots 21st century US should hang on to their cul- ple of sacrifice, having dedicated almost her
and so I rarelY attended. Instead, I spent Hoopes Prize for outstanding research work. tory, and was recently honored by the presi- of festive food. His Hindu upbringing did ture and religion. "People don't reaJize the entire life to the well-being of our extended
most of my childhood biking, playing tennis While taking gradua(e courses, he also dent of India for his groundbreaking re- not clash with Wowing up in America. tremendous advantage of growing up in two family." And the ornnipotent' Ganesha sitting
and . basketball with neighborhood kids, taught undergraduate mathematics as a search. His mother, Dr. Mira Bhargava, is a The family's staunch vegetarianism did different cultures," he points out. "Hinduism in the family shrine in New York extends a
writing, flying kites, reading recreational teaching fellow for three years and was a noted mathematician, but as Manjul ob- cause some minor clashes in elementary is an especially adaptable, rational and uni- helping hand, too! wi
28 HINDUISM TODA.Y M4Y, 1997 MAY, 1 997 H I'N D U ISM TO DAY 29
INSIGHT state of the knower's consciousness.
The Mahabharata, in the Tirthayatra section, lists hundreds of
holy destinations. Sage Pulastya describes to Bhishma a tour cir-
Pilgrimage age route in ancient times proves, they say, that undivided India was
a one culture unified by a one religion. In Hindu Places of Pilgrim-
age in India, Surinder Mohan Bhardwaj states, "The number ofHin-
du sanctuaries in India is so large and the practice of pilgrimage so
ubiquitous that the whole of India can be regarded as a vast sacred
space organized into a system of pilgrimage centers and their fields."
Searching for God, atoning for The continuous circulation of tens of millions of pilgrims through-
out India has forged a national unity of great strength. Swami Chi-
misdeeds or begging for boons, danand explains, "Pilgrimages have culturally and emotionally uni-
fied the Hindus. They have increased the generosity of people.
pilgrims visit the holy places Pilgrims learn and appreciate the many subcultures in the different
regions, while also appreciating the overall unity."
The pilgrim, according to Sage Pulastya, must have contentment,
self-control and freedom from pride and anger. He must eat light,
IVE DUTIES, CALLED PANCHA KRIYA, FORM
vegetarian food and regard all creatures as his own sel[ "The pil- /
the traditional minimal practices expect- grims," notes Ma Yoga Shakti, "should not entertain anything which
ed of every Hindu: upasana (worship); is not spiritual. A pilgrim must go with total surrender, with a total
faith in God, that it is only with God's grace that he can finish the
utsava (holy days); dharma (virtuous liv- pilgrimage." All along the way, there is help from others. "People
know you are a pilgrim," Swami Satchidananda continued. "They
ing); tirthayatra (pilgrimage); and sam- say, 'We cannot go ourselves. We are all busy in the world. Please, by
skara (rites of passage). Thus, most Hindus pro- helping you, you can go and get some benefit, and parts of it will
come to us.' " Pilgrims often sense a divine guidance during their
ceed on pilgrimage from time to time, choosing journey, as obstacles unexpectedly disappear and needed assistance
from among the seven sacred rivers or seven lib- comes in a timely, unplanned fashion. Helping pilgrims is an impor-
tant obligation. The langar, free vegetarian kitchen, and free rest
eration-giving cities, the twelve Siva mandirs or houses at pilgrimage sites are common methods of assistance.
the vast temple complexes of Mathura and Vrin- In addition to participation in the normal temple or festival events,
the pilgrim's devotional practices include circumambulation,
davana, or thousands more holy places of India. bathing, head shaving, sraddha offering to ancestors and prostration.
Some visit the hallowed sanctuaries of Sri Lanka, Prostration and circumambulation are sometimes combined in the
rigorous discipline of "measuring one's length"-prostrating, rising,
Bali, Nepal and Bangladesh, Southeast Asia 0r stepping forward two paces and prostrating repeatedly around a sa-
the modern temples of Europe, America and tures in much the same manner and for similar reasons-boons, ex- practices but even the people are the same. What Hindu pilgrim cred site. There are pilgrims who undertake this formidable
piation of sins, healing, nearness to God and enlightenment. A pil- would not recognize from his own experience the Christian charac- penance the entire 33-mile path around Mount Kailas. Many desti-
Australia. How we follow the pilgrims' way is grim of ancient Egypt testified, "1 made myself a stranger to all vice ters of John Bunyan's novel Pilgrim's Progress- Mr. Worldly Wiseman, nations have a prescribed set of observances for pilgrims. Some,
more important than where we go. and all Godlessness, was chaste for a considerable period, and of- Mrs. Hopeful, Mr. Faithful, Mrs. Much-afraid and Mr. Ready-to-halt? such as that to the temple of Lord Ayappan in Sabarimala, have
fered the due incense in holy piety. I had a vision of God and found Pilgrimage is not a vacation, a chance to "get away from it all" and complex disciplines requiring months to complete.
The concept of Mrshana is inextricably woven into tirthayatra rest for my soul." The Aborigines of Australia travel to Ayer's Rock enjoy scenic vistas in far-off lands. The true blessing of pilgrimage Pilgrims pay obeisance to every Deity along their way. After wor-
(literally "journey to the river's ford"), and all of its encounters, mun- and other places of the continent. American Indian tribes undertake comes with singlemindedness of purpose, rather than combining it shiping at all the shrines in each temple, one fmds a quiet place in
dane and metaphysical. In fact, one cannot understand how a Hin- a "vision quest" at their sacred places. The Olympic Games were (especially as a secondary purpose) with visits to relatives or the meditation. Manasa puja, "mental ritual worship," is then performed
du experiences pilgrimage without a deep appreciation for the not- originally part of a pilgrimage to the temple of Zeus in Olympia, handling of business or professional concerns. Pilgrimage is a going to the Deity who stands out most strongly in one's mind, explained
so-obvious concept of Mrshana, which means "sight or vision." The Greece. The Christians of the Middle Ages traveled to the holy city toward holiness and a going away from worldly life. Sri Swami Swami Satchidananda. It is not enough to run from shrine to shrine
direct encounter, or seeing, of the Divine, is the ideal that carries a of Jerusalem, often at great personal peril. Muslims are expected Satchidananda of the Integral Yoga Institute told HINDUISM TODAY, taking Mrshana for "just five minutes:' as the tour guides insist. One
Hindu on pilgrimage. He wants to see holy men and women, to see once in their life to perform the hajj, the visit to Mecca, holiest city "There is a tradition that when you take a pilgrimage you temporar- must also reflect internally in meditation and thus become open to re-
holy shrines, to see the images abiding in the ancient sanctums. Ul- of Islam-about 10% are able to do so. Buddhists visit the four-sanc- ily become a sannyasin [renunciate]. It is called yatra sannyasa. You ceiving the gracious boons of the God. Even a life-changing vision of
timately, he wants to see God, to have a personal, life-changing, bliss- tified sites: Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal; his place of en- go as a sannyasin, doing with simple things and depending on God." God may come to the pilgrim in his meditation, or later in a dream.
engendering, karma-eradicating vision of Truth within himself. The lightenment at Bodhgaya, India; Deer Park (Sarnath), where he "Pilgrimages," explains Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Muniji) of H.H. Swami Prakashanand, an ardent devotee of Radha-Rani, ex-
pilgrim also wants to be seen by God, to reveal himself, uncover gave his first sermon; and Kusinara, where he had his great depar- Parmath Niketan, in Rishikesh, "may be undertaken for realizing plains how to conclude a sacred journey. "Normally while going to a
himself, stand before God and be known to Him. Darshana is the ture. Jains pilgrimage to Mount Abu in Rajasthan and Parasnath in specific desires; as a prayashchitta (penance) for cleansing one's sins holy place people think of God, but as soon as they have the Mrshan
essence of every pilgrim's journey, the rationale, the inner and out- Bihar; Sikhs to the Golden Temple at Amritsar; Shintoists to Mount or for spiritual regeneration. Seekers go on pilgrimages in quest of of the Deity and they start back home, their mind is totally engrossed
er goal. Working diligently with himself, the pilgrim observes his Fiji in Japan. There are numerous places in China sacred to Taoists knowledge, enlightenment and liberation. The great acharyas like in business affairs. This is not correct. While coming back he should
yogas and his sadhanas (disciplines) so that his seeing may be pure and Confucianists. Catholics are ardent pilgrims-four million a Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva went on pilgrimages to teach be further engrossed in feeling the closeness of God. Otherwise it is
and untainted. Traditional questors' practices of snana, the sacred year to Lourdes in France, a million to Fatima in Portugal, to name Sanatana Dharma." Pilgrims perform the shraddha rites at an aus- a sight-seeing trip." It is customary to return with holy water, vibhuti
bath, especially at the confluences of rivers, and munMna, shaving just two destinations. Protestant Christians are possibly unique for picious place in honor of their ancestors. They seek the company of (holy ash) and other temple sacraments and place them upon the
of the head, are part of attaining that purity. rejecting the practice of pilgrimage as "childish and useless works." holy people. By such proximity, the pilgrim hopes to absorb a bit of home altar after lighting a lamp. This establishes the holy places'
Pilgrimage is a pan-human religious behavior, practiced by all cul- But even they can be found at Lourdes or Jerusalem. Not only the the saints religious merit, or maybe to capture a glimpse of the lofty blessings in the home and keeps the pilgrimage alive for months.
ECONOMICS can ....hardly lead us anywhere. across the Chengalpattu region to verify the
We shall have no options until picture presented in the leafs. They found
India:-Once
we evolve a conceptual frame- most of these villages deserted-.perhaps
work of our own, based on chit- since !.he beginning of the 19th century-by
ta and kala, to discriminate be- all who had any resources, education or
tween right and wrong, what is skil~s. Inhabitants had left behind their pala-
useful for us and what is futile." tial houses, their temples and groves. Aban-
The Centre's three main re- doned as well were the eyrs-the irrigation
P'lentiflil
searchers .are: M.D. Srinivas, a tanks and channels-often cut across by
theoretical physicist teaching at British~built roads which left· dry land on
the University of Madr~, who one side and stagnant water on the other.
specializes in Indi"an science; Their on-the-~round inspection confirmed
T.M. Mukundan, a mechanical many aspects of the inscribed leaves.
engineer specializing in tech- Of importance to Hindu history is how the
nologies such as water manage- religious institutions were maintained. Lands ....
Records -reveal British sch~mes diminished crops ment and iron smelting; and J.K. callen many am were assigned for the sup-
Bajaj, also a theoretical -physi- port of various fundions, .Including religious
anc;l dismantled a native system of abundance cist, now involved in economy, activities. Certain percentages of the pro-
agriculfure and energy. duction from this land were divided among
The Chengalpattu data was a ·the various public functions, such as admin-
OST OF US COLLEGE-EDUCATED colonial impact geing addressed by the Godsend for the Centre, and has istration, army, education and religious insti-
Indians were taught that ineffi- Centre. The Chengalpattu records are part allowed them to support many tutions. Small temples received incorhe from
cient technologies and low pro- of Dharampal's research which has uncov- of their central theories about nearby villages. Larger ones, such as those of /
ductivities pervaded through ered a politically, technologically and eco- pre-British 1ndia. The accounts the great center of Kanchipuram, received
long ages in practically all parts nomically vibrant Indian society of the il.8th . detail a complete economic, so- income from over a thousanCl. villages. The
_ of .India," states Dr. S.K. Bajaj: cEi,ntury. "That society was dismantled and cial, administrative and religious amount dedicated to religion from the
dIrector of the Centre for Policy Studies, a atomized by the British, by force," states the picture of the society. Every many am lands, according 'to the leaves, was
Chennai think tank. In the 1920s Gandhi's Centre's brochure, "and the diverse skills of temple, pond, garden and grove a. substantial four percent of the total pro-
Young India pr.esentep some proof of a rich the Indian people were pushed out of the in a locality is listed, the occupa- duce of the region. It supported temples,
and prosperous pre-British India. Then in public sphere and n;tade to rust and decay. tion, family size, hpme aI).d lot academies of learning, dancers and musi-
the 1960s, the Centre's founder, historian Sri For India to become a vibrant and dynamic .... size of 62,500 households metic- cians. A portion was also provided for Mus-
Dharampal, discovered at the Thanjavur nation again, we only need to re-awaken the , ulously recorded. Crop yields lim and Jain institutions. This system result-
Tamil University a set of palrnleaf records political, economic and technological skills between 1762-66 are tallied. Per ed in the vast network of temples, most now
documenting a British survey of 2,000 vil- of our people." The records are especially capita production of food in this neglected, seen across South India.
lages of Chengalpattu, a large area sur- useful for understanding how Hindu reli- region (which is of average fer- The British government changed this sys-
rounding present-day Chennai. "Startling gious institutions were originally supported, tility) was more than five times tem. In some areas they calculated a per-
features of Tamil society in the 18th centu- and why they declined under British rule. that achieved on average today. centage figure of total tax revenue going to
ry emerge from these palmleaf accounts," Dliarampal believes Indians must redis- Hajaj and his associates didn't the institutions and fixed it as a dollar
said Bajaj. "Between 1762 and 1766 there cover their nation's traditional sense of chit- do all their work in a library. amount, in 1799 dollap. Some institutions
were villages which produced up to 12 tons ta, mind, and flow of time, kala. "Since we The team set off in person still receive this same govermpent allot-
of paddy a hectare. This level of productivi- have lost practically all contact with our tra-
ty can be obtained 'only in the best of the dition, and all comprehension of our chitta
Green Revolution areas of the coumry, with and kala, there are no standards and norms
the most advanced, expensive and often en-
viroIlJllentaily ruinous technologies. The an-
on the basis of which to answer ~estions
that arise in 9rdinary social living. Ordinary
Hovv the Green
nual-availability of all food averaged five tons rndians perhaps still retain an innate under-
per household; the national average in India
today is three-quarters ton. Whatever the
standing of rig~t action and right thought,
but our elite society seems to have lost all Revolution failed
ways of pre-British Indian society, they were touch with any stable norms of behavior and
definitely neither ineffective nor inefficient." thinking. The present attempt at imitating B. RAMON DE LA PENA OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAll IS ONE OF
Food production is just one aspect of the the world and following every passing tad
D the worlds foremost experts on rice. He also ha'ppens to be a neighbor
of the ashram from which HINDUISM TODAY is produced. Asked to
comment on the Chengalpattu reports, he said: "Such yields as 12
tons per hectare were definitely possible with the old methods and two crops
a year. The best modern US production is eight to nine tons per hectare (one
annual crop). The world average is presently three to five tonslhectare. Be-
fore the Green Revolution [which introduced new, high-yielding strains] the
average was one to one-and-a-half tonslhectare. The Green Revolution
worked in some areas but not in others. The short variety of rice developed
for it grew just one meter high. To be productive, it needed fertilizer, and the
fields had to be kept weed free. The old varieties were two meters high, not
so suspectible to weed competition, resistant to insects and did not need fer-
tilizer. If the new varieties are not managed correctly-with fertilizers, pes-
ticides and insecticides-the harvest is less than with the old methods of
minimum input. New is not always better."
Ola leaf records: Sample of the meter-long palmleaf manuscripts of the British survey
34 HINDUISM TODA,Y ~ Y, 1997 MAY, 1997 Hl'NDUISM TODAY 35
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KAPAA. HI 96746-9304 USA
SanSkrit word for the forms in which Vishnu sage of nonviolence. By entering a secret Goddess of Knowledge, Music and the Arts. On behalf of humanity, She meditated in a 'remote forest for
desc~nds to Earth, avatar now "deifies" a code a player can stop the enemy ships from ten years. Come. Receive Her guidance in meditation and human values. Experience the fullness of
powerful leader or a modern folk hero and is firing-the code word: "ahimsa." II
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF HINDUISM Karunamayi's unconditional love. For more information, httpj/www.globeworks.com/karunamayi
/ ./
-/ -I .J
/ using his small pension income, he he dedicated his food, care for themselves ancl serve the district by
itage Endowment at the end of,1996, showing the balance in each endowment. '
retirement years to social-religious service in the re- cleaning temples, organizing festivals, helping at hos-
ENDOWMENTS SUPPORTING EDUCA-
TIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR PROGRAMS
ENDOWMENTS THA1; SUPPORT HINDU
SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS
018. Sri Siva Subramaniya Swamf Dev-
asthanam Trust: Lautoka, Fiji.
...., gion, eventually establishing and running a small or- pitals and co.mmunity ,centers, holding religious .
;'
016. Malaysian Bindu Youth Educational ;" 012. Thirunavukkarasu Nayanar GurUkularri
019. Dancing with Siva.E.ndowment: Kam1i,
phanage for boys called Thirunayukkarasu Nayanar classes ap,d more. This year they ~onst~ucted a reli-
Trust: Malaysia. $9,030.67. - Fund: Amparai District (Hindu Or- Gurukulam. Tambiah passed away in 1995, but his vi- gious library for the, village. Hindu-Heritage Endow-
, Hawaii, USN.
phanage F,-\nd), Sri Lanka. $16,815.83.
ENDOWMENTS THAT SUPPORT HINDU 020. Hinduism Today Endowment Trust: sion live on: "We are going to strengthen Hinduism in ment provides additional support through the Thiru-
, TEMPLIlS AROUND THE WORLD ENDOWMENTS THAT SUPPORT HINDU
MONASTIC COMMUNITIES
Kauai, Hawaii, USA. ", our area. Our gurukulam children are good in sJudies navukkarasu Na1anar Gurukulam Endowment Fund.
002:-: Iraivan Temple Endowment: Kauai,
001. Kauai Aadheenam Monastic En~w ot1. Vishwamata Gayatri Trust FUlfd: Delhi, and leading a religious centered life. The gurukulam is Donations:to the fund are invested, and earnings pro-
Hawaii, USA $657,507.90.
•
011. Iyarappan Temple Trust: Thiruxaiyaru, ment: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $674)65.58. India.
, playing a vital role in preserving and maintaining our vide a stable, secure income. To invest in such a fund /
023. Sri Lanka Refugee Relief Fund: Jaffna,
Tamil Nadu, In,)!ia. $5,099.34. 014. Sri SubramuniY<l Ashram SchOlarship
Sri Lanka. .... traditional Hindu identity." So writes B. Chandres- - is to ens;'ue the future of Hinduism.
003. Kauai Aadheena'm Annual Archana Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $5,875 .63.
009. Mathavasi Medical Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, 024. Jeyanandarajan Family Fund: Jaffna, Sri
Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $33,278.70.
USA. $16,444.42. Lanka. Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the 12 months ending December 31, 1996
ENDOWMENTS DEDICATED TO PUBLISH- 026 Kailasa Peetham Travel Fund: Kauai,
ING HINDU BOOKS OR JOURNALS • MEMORIAL AND FAMILY ENDOWMENTS
Hawaii, USA. ./ Endowmenf Endowment Total
604. Hinduism Today Distribution Fund: 010. Nadesan Family Lord Murugan Shum Operating Income Principal All
027. Nallai Aadheenam Trust Fund: Jaffna, -, .f
Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $229,517.65 .
005. Hindu Businessmen's Association Trust:
,
025. Sundari Peruman Memorial Scholarship
.
Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $12;308.57.
Sri Lanka.
REVENUES
;" Fund' _ Fund Fund Funds
Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $102,387.00. 028. Loving Ganesa Distribution' Fund: Contributions $244,531.24 $244,531 .24
, Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $5,356.05.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA. ' Dividend andlnterest Income $1,174.58
037. A Shanmugam Family Fund (Ipoh): $110,902.49 $112,077.07
ENDOWMENTS -THAT SUPPORT WORLD 029. Saiva Dharma Shastras Endowment:
HINDU RELIGIOUS LE.(\DERS Tamil Nadu, India. $5,067.07. TOTAL REVENU,ES $1,174.58 $110,902.49 $244,531.24 $356,608.31
' ~auai, Hawaii, USA.
007. Hindu of the Year Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, 038. The William E. Daniels Endowment for
030. Saiva Agamas Trust: Worldwide. EXPENSES /
USA. $6,663.44/ ' Hindu Religious Art and Artifacts:
006. Kailasa Peetham Gift Fund: Kauai, Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $5,067,.07. 031. Panchamukha Ganapati Endowment: -Charitable Grants $93,603.11 $93,603.11
Hay.'aii, USA. $128,'365.51. Ri,;,iere du Rempart, Mauritius. Advertising and Promotion $5,279.94 $5,479.94
/ FUNDS IN THE PROCESS OF FORMATION ./ / /
/ 032. Kalakshetra Scholarship F\lnd: Madras, Amortization Expen~e $1,956.36 $1,?56.36
ENDOWMENTS THAT SUPPORT HINDU
MONASTIC COMMUNITIES .
(ENDOWMENTS ACtIVATE AT'US$S,OOO)
013. Himalayan Academy Scholarship Fubd: Tamil Nadu, India. Office Expense $11,470.67 . $11,470.67
033. Tirumular Sannidhi Preservation Fund: Transfer of HHE Administrative Fee ($17,299.38) $17,299.38 $0.00
001. Kauai Aadheenam Monastic Endow- Kauai, Hawaii, USA.
Tiruvavaduturai, Tamil Nadu, India. TOTAL EXPENSES $1407.59 $110,902.49 $0.00 $112,310.08
ment: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $674,165.58. 015. Sri Subramuniya Kottam Fund: Kopay,
014. Sri Subramuniya Ashram Scholarship Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 034. Mauritius Saiva Dharmasala Endow-
ment: Riviere du'Rempart, Mauritius. Excess of Revenues Over-Expenses before Investment Activity $244,531.24 $244,298.23
Fund: Kauai, Hawaii, USA. $5,875.63. 017. Kumbhalavalai Ganesha Temple En- Realized and Unrealized gain on Investments $33,082.53 $33,082.53
009,. Mathavasi Medical Fund: Kauai, Hawaii,
-: USA. $16,444.42.
, dowment: Alaveddy, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
",
,
.. ", Decreased Valuation of Donated Land
Fund Balances, Beginping of the Year
",
. $173.17 $0.00
($100,000.00)
$1,854,270.30
($100,000.00)
$1,854,270.30
", Fund Balances, End of the Year. ($59.84) $0.00 --: $2,031,884.07 $2,031,824.23
,
.f HINDU HER'ITAGE END~WMENT '107 HI 96746-9304 ;l;1SA
KAHOLALELE ROAD' KAPAA, / ",
....
TEL (USA) 800-890 "1008,808-822-3152 FAX: 808-822-4351 Hindu Heritage Endowment is a publicly supported charitable organization which received recognition of its tax exempt status from the IRS
E - MAIL: Sadhaka_Adinatha(1j>Hindui.smToday.kauai.hi.us in April, 1994. Its employer ID number is 99-0308924. The foundation n\aintaiIi an office at the Hindu Monastery on Kauai, Hawaii, and is
overseen by four trustees: Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Acharya Veylanswami, Acharya Palaniswami and Acharya Ceyonswami.
,
",
, ,
",
",
.
What Is Enlightenment!' Magazine Learn at Home by Mail
HEALING EVOLUTIONS On the cutting edge of con- Self study courses:
temporary spirituality, What • Hindi in 2 months • Sanskrit in 6 months
Coming of Age, .. SUCCESSOR: Swami Radhananda to Is Enlightenment? magazine • Speak Hindi in 2 weeks
Swami Sivananda Radha who passed brings a fresh perspective to Other Vedic University Publications:
away in November 1995. Initiated into the most challenging and • How to befriend God • Win the battle of life • Happy
sannyasa by Swami important spiritual questions Home • Valmiki Ramayana • Unknown facts revealed
BETRAYAL inRhythm
been taught by his exposure to the world's
music to think in contemporary w.ays. Be-
twee!}.. concerts in Chennai and classes in
Toronto, he also composes music for game-
lan, Indonesian orchestra, and he experi-
OF THE SPIRIT Professor Trichy ments in Jazz and Western classical tradi-
tions. He has performed with such Jazz
My Life hebind tbe HeadlineJ Sankaran delivers greats as Charlie Haden, Anfhony Braxton
and Dave Brubeck. When asked what led
dynamite drums
of tbe Hare Krubna Movement him to the gamelan, Sankaran reminisced,
"I went to Bali"in 1982 to study the spread of
Hindu culture in Java and Bali. I was so in-
NORI J. MUSTER trigued by their music, which is also percus-
sive, that I composed Swara- Laya for the --:
Foreword /nJ Larry D. Shinn, Pre.Jident of Evergreen Club Gamelan Ensemble of To-
Berea College, leading Hare Krifhna expert ronto, which involved tunIng my instrument
to the pitches and scales of the gamelan. "
For Sankaran, cross-cultural excursions
"Nothing less than mesmerizing. . . Confronts the ·stem from an understanding of other tradi-
tions rather than a penchant for stylized hy-
ways in which traditional patriarchy and philosophi- brids. He notes, "In India, there are some
cal rigidity regularly defeated spiritual vitality. who mix a few instruments together and call '/
Muster's book is an important testimony that might it 'Karnatak jazz' without knowing exactly
how jazz works or even its hIStory. Thats not
be instructive to those involved in the leadership of right. People here simply laugh." When
any religious movement." --- PuhliJherd Weekly asked if, with his ventures into other musi-
cp..! styles, he is still committed to pure mri-
"A delightfully written narrative tapestry that pre- dangam tradition, he beat back at once, "Of
. On a roll: A poundi,1;tg, pulsating, palpitating preceptor .j course. Thats my music, and thats my God."
sents a controversial and marginal religious move- Trichy considers the Shankaracharya of
EW PERCUSSIONISTS VENTURE FROM of the World label, the spotlight shines on
ment in the United States." --- Larry D. Shinn, from Kanchi Peedam to be his spiritual' guru. He
the orchestra into the limelight, and him-and he doesn't blink. confided, "I have had the blessings of the
the foreword . fewer stay for lOI'lg. :Sut Prof Trichy For Sankaran, who was born a Hindu in Sankaracharya on many, many occasions.
Sankaran, the mridangam maestro who Poovalur, just outside of Trichanapoli, Hin-
Combining behind-the-scenes views of an often besieged religious Whene.ver I go to India, I try to visit him in
heads the Indian Music Studies at York Uni- duism is inseparable from his music. "The Kanchipuram." Trichy labels himself a "true-
group with a personal account of the author's struggle to fmd versity, Ontario, is'a multI-faceted exception. rhythms that I play are a reflection of my blue Brahmin" and a "strict vegetarian." He
With the dexterity of a craftsman and the culture and beliefs. The instrument itself
meaning in it, Betrayal of the Spirit takes the reader clos than said, "1 worship Siva and Vishnu and per-
wisdom of a, philosopher, Sankaran has ele- has religious significance. The mridangam is form Ram nam japa .}repetition of Ramas
any other source so far to the reality of life in the Hare Krishna .. vateR the mridangam, South Indian barrel supp6sed to have been played by Lord name) morning and evening." During his
drum, to the rare position of a solo instru- Ganesha, and the rhythms are of Lord
movement. ment. You may have heard his facile fmgers
prayers, when the music moves him, he may
Siva-He gives the rhythm to the universe. perform for the Gods. He explains, "1 wor-
fly on HMV recordings from the 1960s, be- The five basic sounds of the mridangam:
Nori J. Muster, a California native, joined the International Soci- ship through my instrument and through my
hind such stalwarts as T.R. Mahalingam, tha, dhi, thorn, nam and jem, have come music. That is the most pleasurable thing for
ety of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) --- the Hare Krishnas--- Emani Sankara Sastry or S. Balachander. But from the five faces of Siva-Isana, Tatpu- me-to play for the divine beauty of it." ~
in 1977, shortly after the death of the movement's spiritual master, in three compact disc releases on the Music rusha, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadyojata." By R ADH IKA SRINIVASAN , New Jersey
Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. She worked for ten
years as a public relations secretary and editor of the organization's
newspaper, the ISKCON WorLJ Review.
Hearing Is Believing The second disc, Sunada
(pure sound), contains a tradi-
rhythmiC segments heighten
the devotional songs, as
tional ensemble spiritually em- Sankaran deftly shows how
E
YA-VINYAS (RHYTHMIC hands-on manual, RhythmiC powered throughout with the
Her story of the Hare Krishnas' decline is a gripping presentation subtle and measured treatment
elaboration), Sankarans Principles and Practice of South sublime sounds of the vina, on the mridangam can embell-
of facts gleaned from personal reminiscences, published articles, first CD with Music of Indian Drumming (Lalith Pub- played with aplomb by ish and empower a melody. A
the World, is a delightful lishers) and comes as a pre- Karaikudi Subramaniam. Yet
and internal documents. Betrayal oj the Spirit details the dynamic display of dazzling drum wiz-
superb studio recording, Lotus
lude to his instructional video. in terms of both aesthetics, en- develops into a virtual concert,
of schisms that forced some 95 percent of the group's original ardry. Only two short tracks ergy and devotional beauty, including a glorious rendition
members to leave. include melodies played on the the newest release, Lotus Sig-
vina. Sankaran recalls, '1 found
of the raga Kiravani. The alter-
natures, surpasses all else. The nating solos of the percussion
it very fulfilling, especially the mellifluous expression of Dr. ensemble give a fitting finale
piece where my mridangam, N. Ramani, the phenomenal
kanjira (frame drum) and kon-
to the realm of improvisation
South-Indian flautist, is that this recording soars into.
nakol (voice) were super·im- matched and magnified by the LALrrB PUBLISBEBB. 3 1 MANADON
posed using over-dubbing." flawless textural finesse of ORlVE. NORTH VORK . ONTARIO M2M 1w8
CANADA· MUSIC OF THE WORLD, P.O.
Laya complements Sankarans Sankaran. Delectable Cross- BOX 3620. CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLI-
NA 2 75J5 U SA
konrai, hibiscus, heliconia, native Hanuman, Lord Nar.asimha and many more. because it wasn't related to Lord Krishna, I j
My idea was .not to start a business. I just didn't like it. By t4e time I got a Krishna State can administrate Vaishno-;Devi temple
Hawaiian plant species and more. wanted to give my daughter an opportunity doll, I was already out of the ashram. So, I
to play in Krishna consciousness." But good regret that I didn't get to grow up taking
care of Lord Krishna. But this made me de- JA,NUARY DECISiON BY INDIA'S SU- 1,000 families collected the day's receipts
At the entrance to the 5 J -acre news travels fast, especially when carried on
COtITt validated the 1988 gov- once in three years. Little was set aside for
the fee~ of jubilant children,. and soon Ruk- termined to proVide my own children with
sacred dolls." takeover of the Shri Mata the temple's upkeep, and as a result it was in
sanctuary is a forest of healing Devi Shline in Jammu. The a state of considerable neglect-in part
. Rukmini confesses that she
still loves her dolls. "Not only do court did not allow the government to take prompting the 'government takeover. Even
rudraksha trees. Send US$ J 2 to title to any of the. temple lands or posses- other Hindu institutions in Kashmir, i"nitial-
the dolls ,help the children's
awareness of Krishna, they also sion§, or to alter the temple's tenets, customs .ly sh6cked at the takeover, admit the temple
purchase a single-bead necklace of or usages. But the two-member division has been improved by the ruling. The COUl\t
improve mine: When I make the
dolls, I become fully absorbed in bench did validate complete control of the directed that the Baridaran Association-
a sacred rudraksha, receive as aUf national shrine's finances, including the ap- which mounted the court challenge to the
thoughts of the Lord." Each doll
is custom made, signE1d and dat- pointment and pay of priests and all other government takeover-receive compensa-
gift another bead to plant and sup' personnel. The court ruled the government tion as a result of their loss of income.
ed and takes 13 hours or more to
make. Their sacerdotal threads can terminate the rights of the hereditary Most temples in India are al~eady under
port the Ira ivan Temple project. priests ~as was also done recently at Tirupati government control, but this has not neces-
come from cloth worn by temple
Deit!es. For Rukmini, "they are temple).'The decision stated that the right to sarily n;sulted in better management. A Calypso singer: Voice of social conscience
too ' much\ work to mass-pro- religion guaranteed under ArtiCles 25 and 26 Times, of India editorial, lauding the Supreme
1-808-639-8886 of the Indian Constitutiowis not an absolute Court decision, said, "In Tamil Nadu tem- tive language sung to a syncopated rhythm.
duce." She recommends that
http://www.HirnduismToday. parents train their children t9 or unfettered right. The state may make leg- ples have failed ~o collect crores of rupees of It has from the beginning been the satirical
Kauai.hi.us/ashram/fraivan.htmf consider them sacred and han- islation limiting or regulating any econom- arrears of income due from land and build- and consequential Black voice on politics
dle them reverently. , ic, financial, political or secular activity as- ings. Ther,e have been numerous ~ports of and social issues. Many a politician has lost
, "Several mothers ordered.Lord sociated with religious belief, faith, practice ancient idols and valuables disappearing an election after street singers poured thinly
Narasimha dolls [photo above 1 or custom. A second part of the ruling gave arid being replaced with fakes." Another veiled scorn upon him or his policies.
because their Ghildren had dis- the State Governor, who is ex-officio chair- newspaper 'believed the ruling could lead to Pundit Ramesh Tiw$U"i of the Edinburgh
turbed sleep," relates Rukmini! man of the Vaishno Devi governing b6ard, government control of mismanaged Christ- Dharmic Sabha in Trinidad said the propos-
RUDRAKSHA "The children had so much faith sole power to oversee the sh,(ine, which re- . ian or Muslim religious properties. Inquires al was made by the, minister somewhat in-
in Narasimha that as soon as they ceives a mind-boggling 20,000-plus pilgrims by HINDUISM TODAY indicate that even in- nocently with the thought that all children
FOREST < received Him they slept peace-
~ fully. Parents call or write from
each day of the year. He is no longer re- formed people in Delhi are not sure what
quired te consult with members of the gov- the ruling means with respect to non-fundu
should learn about this local art form. But
the Hindu community felt calypsos political
~ all ever the world thanking us for erning board. . religions. It would be an historic-and there- orientation would have a detrimental impact
SAN MARGA IRAJVAN TEMPLE ~ doing this service. This response Under Vaishno Devi's original manage- fore mrlik~ly-shift in policy if the' govern- on )Toung minds. Calypso fans believe the
107 KAHOLALELE ROAD ~ keeps me going." ...- ment, the daily aonations were allotted in ment were to impose state management art form-which has been t onsiderably in-
KAPAA. HI 96746-9304 USA
_ -.o.JL-_....,.-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _- - -- ! .- - - l ~ RUKMINI DEVI DASI, POST OFFICE BOX 14 2 3, turn to the hereditary priests of the Bari- upon Christian or Muslim organization, no fluenced by Indian music-can and should
L '"
Two dolls: Mailika Devi Dasi, the doll-maker's daughter
ALAETUA, FLORIDA 32616 USA
daran Association. Each of these nearly matter how they were managed. .. be appreciated by all Trinidadians. ..
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founder and leader of a spiritual self- dignity and compassion. spirit's quest for love and understanding of
knowledge movement that has liber- The ~ate Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, God and expansion of spiritual resources. I
ateu millions from the shackles of president of India from 1962 to 1967, used see it as a tribute to the conviction that ex-
poverty and moral dissipation, secured the his position to offer a healing voice of uni- istence of God is central to life, and true re-
1997 Templeton Prize for Progress in Reli- versallove and wisdom for all, regardless of ligion is the guiding principle of life. It is my
gion. The award was announced on March race or religion. He also advocated a non-ag- experience that awareness of nearness of
5, 1997 at the Church Center for the United gressive military posture with Pakistan and God and reverence fo~ that power creates
Nations in New York City. worked to end political corruption. For his reverance for self, reverence for the other
Begun in 1972 by. renowned global in- efforts, he received the prize in 1975. and reverance for the entire creation." . .
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