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F E B R U A R Y
2 0 1 2
What makes one a man of God? -A Hindu Perspective H.R. Chandrasekhar
February 2012
Inside This Issue What makes one a man of God
1-2
Executive Board
1, 4
Karma
2,4
Share the Warmth
2
Healthy Heart for Hearty Health
3
Bal Sandesh
5,6
Pongal Celebrations
7
Yoga Corner
8
Words of Wisdom
8
Bhagavad Gita
9
Quarterly Fiscal Report
10
Donor Acknowledgment
10
Community Calendar
11
Current Programs
12
hat is Hinduism? What makes on a true Hindu? What does Hinduism teach her flock? These are questions asked by those who want to be true Hindus and by those who are curious about Hinduism. A short answer would be glib at best. As Yudhishtira wondered in the great epic Mahabharata (Mahabharata, Aranya Parva, Yaksha Prasna):“Debates leads to no certain conclusion. Scriptures are many and differ from one another. No interpretation is accepted by all. The truth about Dharma is hidden in the caves of our heart. The great among us have searched and found the answers there.” The fifteenth century poetsaint Narasinh Mehta, who hailed from Gujarat, wondered about the same questions we raised at the beginning. A great mystic and scholar that he was, Mehta distilled his thoughts in a delightful poem “VaishNava janato.” This poem contains teachings of Hinduism in the simplest yet profound manner. Mahatma Gandhi was deeply e wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous 2012. The New Year Puja this year started with a session of meditation led by Kate Walker of the Integral Life Center, and was followed by the recitation of the Gyatri Mantra 108 times. The attendees received the 2012 HTCC Calendar with pictures of deities from the 2011 Durga puja held at Shanthi Mandir. The New Year also marked a change in leadership of the Devotional Committee with Hema Srinivsan and Punam
influenced by this poem and used it as the guiding principle of his brand of freedom movement - the Satyagraha. “A man of God,” begins Mehta, “feels the pain of others. He serves those in grief with devotion devoid of pride.” “A man of God respects all and speaks ill of no one,” continues the poem. “His thoughts, deeds and words are pure. Verily he is a treasure to his parents.” “A man of God sees the world without prejudice. He abhors greed and avarice. He treats women as he does his own mother. His tongue may tire but untruth will never be spoken. He never as much touches the property of others.” “Worldly attachments do not touch a man of God. His mind is firm and detached from them. Prayer rejuvenates him and holy places are in his thoughts.” “A man of God has no greed and deceit. He has conquered lust and anger. Such a man liberates those around him.” The lessons drawn by the poet are universal in spirit. They can be found in all great religions
Sethi serving as Co-chairs. We thank Chandra Rawlani for her service, commitment, and leadership for the devotional programs during the past six years. Chandra plans to continue to be actively involved and to help with the transition. The Devotional Committee is planning the Maha Shivratri Puja on February18 and the HTCC’s 6th Anniversary Devotional program on
and they are at the heart of the teachings of Hindu scriptures. We shall expand on some points that have a distinctly Hindu perspective. Subhashitas are a compendium of sayings expressed in short verses that contain the wisdom of the ages. Their repeated use over the centuries have made them so popular their authorship is lost. The following Subhashita brings out the message conveyed by Saint Mehta at the beginning of his poem: “Plants bear fruit for the enjoyment of others; Rivers flow to nourish others; Cows give milk to feed others; Hence this body is made to serve others.” Service should be rendered with humility, not with pride or with an expectation of reward or recognition. This aspect of the teaching is hard to appreciate and is seldom followed. However, Hindu scriptures are emphatic about it. “Do your duty,” exhorts Bhagawadgita, “You have no right to demand the fruits of your (Continued on Page 2)
February 25. Plans are underway to hold Sita Kalyanam (Sita’s wedding) for the first time at Shanthi Mandir on February 25. The HTCC Board of Trustee officers will also hold the annual General Assembly meeting of HTCC members on that day. We hope you attend the celebrations and the meeting at the Shanthi Mandir. (Continued on Page 4)