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A Prophetic Speech by Swami Vivekananda H.R. Chandrasekhar

May 2012

Inside This Issue A Prophetic Speech by Swami Vivekananda

1-2

Executive Board

1, 6

Sodium Intake

2

Significance of Shiva Nataraja idol in Chidambaram

3

Bal Sandesh

5,6

Ram Navami Celebration

7

Yoga Corner

8

Count your Blessings

8

Bhagavad Gita

9

Quarterly Fiscal Report

10

Donor Acknowledgment

10

Community Calendar

11

Current Programs

12

he first introduction of Hinduism to America took place in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. A young monk belonging to the most ancient order of sages in India spoke to a cheering crowd of 7000.

In this famous speech, Swami Vivekananda spoke of his vision for an end to violence and fanaticism. His message is as timely as it was then.

This first message of Swami Vivekananda in America, is often said to be a key point of the bridging of Eastern and Western spirituality, and the coming of Vedanta and yoga to the West. The World Parliament of Religions was sponsored by the Unitarians and Universalists of the Free Religious Association, and was a part of the greater Columbian Exposition held for several months in 1893, in Chicago. It was attended by over 27 million people.

Ironically, the date of Swami Vivekananda’s message happens to coincide with the ominous day of death and destruction at the World Trade

e congratulate and warmly welcome the incoming HTCC officers, Inder Khurana, the re-elected President of the Executive Board (EB) and Meera Chandrasekhar, the reelected Secretary of the EB. We acknowledge Inder and Meera for their dedicated service to HTCC and thank them for their continued support. Hearty congratulations and welcomes to Ritcha Mehra Chaudhary and Raghuraman

Center in New York 108 years later.

Swami Vivekananda was one of the earlier teachers to come to America from the East, and the first swami to visit America. Most notably, this was his first talk in America.

Born in Calcutta on 12 January 1863, Narendra Nath Dutta came under the influence of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a master of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. His message was that all religions are true and the service to mankind is the most effective worship of God. After the passing of Ramakrishna, Narendra Nath carried on the mission of his guru as Swami Vivekananda.

He travelled all over India, delivered thousands of sermons and imbibed a sense of spirituality and nationalism among the masses. He conducted hundreds of public and private lectures in America and England, disseminating Vedanta and Yoga. He passed away on 4 July 1902 at the tender age of 38. He also established the

Vedanta Society and the Ramakrishna Mission known for their erudite publications and social work.

After the welcome address of the opening of the World Parliament of religions, Swami Vivekananda spoke, and started with these words: “Sisters and Brothers of America.” The 7,000 people in the audience, having felt the depth of his sincerity, rose to their feet and according to reports, “went into inexplicable rapture with standing ovation and clapping that lasted for more than three minutes.” He went on, “It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us...”

The speech by the Swami is quoted in its entirety.

"Sisters and Brothers of America (At this moment came the three minute standing ovation from the audience of 7,000). It fills my heart with unspeakable joy to rise in response to the warm

Kannan, the two elected trustees who join HTCC’s Board of Trustees. Our special thanks to Gagneesh Rawat and Srinath Gopalakrishna for their help in conducting the 2012 HTCC elections and to you for your participation in the election process. Our members are key to HTCC’s success and your engagement at the Shanthi Mandir has helped us

evolve over the past 6 years, while building on our core strengths in serving the community while we look forward to a bigger, better and a safer Mandir.

Maha Shivaratri was celebrated at the Mandir on Saturday Feb, 18th. Prayers were led by Srinath Gopalakrishna, H. R. Chandrasekhar, N. Srikanta, V. Ramachandran

(continued on Page 2)

(continued on Page 4)

who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in very and cordial welcome which you year in which their holy temple have given us. I thank you in was shattered to pieces by name of the most ancient order Roman tyranny. I am proud to of monks in the world; I thank belong to the religion which has you in the name of the mother sheltered and is still fostering of religions; and I thank you in the remnant of the grand the name of millions and Zoroastrian nation. millions of Hindu people of all "I will quote to you brethren a classes and sects. few lines from a hymn which I "My thanks also to some of remember to have repeated the speakers on this platform from my earliest childhood, who, referring to the delegates which is every day repeated by from the Orient, have told you millions of human beings: ' As that these men from far-off the different streams having nations may well claim the their sources in different places honor of bearing to different all mingle their water in the sea, lands the idea of toleration. so, O Lord, the different paths "I am proud to belong to a which men take through religion which has taught the different tendencies, various world both tolerance and though they appear, crooked or universal acceptance. We straight, all lead to Thee.' believe not only in universal "The present convention, toleration but we accept all which is one of the most august religions as true. I am proud to assemblies ever held, is in itself belong to a nation which has a vindication, a declaration to sheltered the persecuted and the world of the wonderful the refugees of all religions and doctrine preached in the Gita: all nations of the earth. I am ' Whosoever comes to me, proud to tell you that we have though whatsoever form, I gathered in our bosom the reach him; all men are purest remnant of the Israelites Swami Vivekananda Continued from page 1

Swami Vivekananda

struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.'

"Sectarianism, bigotry, and it' s horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful Earth.

They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.

"But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal

Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth can't be sacrificed for anything.

Swami Vivekananda

Sodium Intake Uma Srinath

Dash of Salt The familiar table salt is the common name for “sodium chloride”. Sodium chloride is 40% sodium and 60% chloride. About 30% of the American population has high blood pressure that is sodium sensitive. Sodium is an essential nutrient in the body maintaining proper fluid balance, movement of fluids in and out of cells, regulating blood pressure, transmitting nerve impulses and helping muscles relax, including the heart.

How much Sodium do we need?

1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommends less than 2300mg per day (contained in about one teaspoon of salt).

2. Less than 1500mg per day for adults over 51 yrs of age,

adults with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

3. Minimum amount estimated “safe and adequate“ to keep the body functioning normally for healthy people is 500mg per day (about the amount in ¼ teaspoon of salt).

Benefits of lowering Sodium intake 1. Helps reduce blood pressure 2. Reduces swelling of extremities, especially your legs 3. May lower risk of heart disease 4. Reduces risk of stroke 5. Reduces risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis

Suggestions to lower Sodium in your diet 1. Taste your food before salting it. Cut down the amount of salt used in cooking 2. Rinse canned goods 3. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables naturally low in Sodium 4. Use food labels (percentages reflected are based on a Daily Value of 2400mg) to select low Sodium foods. Consider using the “low Sodium” and “no added salt” choices whenever possible 5. Take away the salt shaker from the table 6. Cut down use of cured and processed meats and cheeses, pickles and condiments For more information on benefits and approaches to lower Sodium, visit: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

Significance of Shiva Nataraja Idol in Chidambaram Compiled By Abirami Elangovan

he curator of the Indian collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art has rightly said that: "If one had to select a single icon to represent the extraordinarily rich and complex cultural heritage of India, the Shiva Nataraja might well be the most remunerative candidate."

Chidambaram is the home of Natarajar – the Lord of the Cosmic Dance (also known as Ananda Tandava). In south India, there are five sacred spots, each associated with one of the five elements of Panchabhutas : Prithvi (Earth) at Kanchipuram, Appu (Water) at Tiruvanaikka, Teyu (Fire) at Tiruvannamalai, Vayu (Air) at Tirukkalahasti and Akasa (Ether) at Chidambaram.

Shiva Nataraja was first represented thus in a beautiful series of South Indian bronzes dating from the tenth and twelfth centuries A.D. In these images, Nataraja dances with his right foot supported by a crouching figure and his left foot elegantly raised. A cobra uncoils from his lower right forearm, and the crescent moon and a skull are on his crest. He dances within an arch of flames. This dance is called the Dance of Bliss (Ananda Tandava).

Iconographic details of Nataraja: 1. His multiple arms represent the four cardinal directions. Each hand either holds an object or makes a specific mudra (gesture) 2. The upper right hand holds a hourglass drum which is a symbol of creation. It is beating the pulse of the universe. The drum also provides the music that accompanies Shiva' s dance. It represents sound as the first element in an unfolding universe, for sound is the first and most pervasive of the elements.

3. The hour-glass drum also represents the male and female vital principles; two triangles penetrate each other to form a hexagon. When they part, the universe also dissolves.

4. The opposite hand, the upper left, bears on its palm a tongue of flames. Fire is the element of destruction of the world. According to Hindu mythology, at the end of the world, it will be fire that will be the instrument of annihilation. Thus in the balance of these two hands is illustrated a counterpoise of creation and destruction. Sound against flames, ceaselessness of production against an insatiate appetite of extermination.

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The second right hand is held in the Abhaya pose (literally without fear) and so a gesture of protection, as an open palm is most likely to be interpreted. It depicts the God as a protector.

The left leg is raised towards the right leg and reaches across it; the lower left hand is stretched across the body and points to the upraised left foot which represents release from the cycle of birth and death.

Shiva dances on the body of a dwarf Apasmara-Purusha (the man of

forgetfulness) who embodies indifference, ignorance and laziness.

Creation, indeed all creative energy is possible only when the weight of inertia (the darkness of the universe) is overcome and suppressed. The Nataraja image thus addresses each individual to overcome complacency and get his or her own act together.

The ring of fire and light, which circumscribes the entire image, identifies the field of the dance with the entire universe. The lotus pedestal on which the image rests locates this universe in the heart or consciousness of each person.

The long tresses of his matted hair, usually piled up in a kind of pyramid, loosen during the triumphant, violent frenzy of his untiring dance.

Expanding, they form two wings, to the right and left, a kind of halo, broadcasting, as it were, on their magic waves, the exuberance and sanctity of vegetative, sensuous life.

Also central to understanding the symbolism behind Nataraja' s hair is the realization that much of the sensual appeal of the Eternal Feminine, is in the flow and luster of

beautiful hair. On the other hand, anyone renouncing the generative forces of the vegetable-animal realm, revolting against the procreative principle of life, sex, earth, and nature, and entering upon the spiritual path of absolute asceticism, has first to be shaved.

He must simulate the sterility of an old man whose hairs have fallen and who no longer constitutes a link in the chain of generation. He must coldly sacrifice the foliage of the head.

The Nataraja image is also eloquent of the paradox of Eternity and Time. It shows us that the reposeful ocean and the racing stream are not finally distinct.

Nataraja, King of dancers, his gestures, wild and full of grace, precipitate the cosmic illusion; his flying arms and legs and the swaying of his torso produce the continuous creation-destruction of the universe, death exactly balancing birth.

The choreography is the whirligig of time.

History and its ruins, the explosion of suns, are flashes from the tireless swinging sequence of the gestures. In the beautiful cast metal figurines, not merely a single phase or movement, but the entirety of this cosmic dance is miraculously rendered. The cyclic rhythm, flowing on and on in the unswayable, irreversible round of the Mahayugas, or Great Eons, is marked by the beating and stamping of the Master' s heels. But the face remains, meanwhile in sovereign calm. Aloof, in sovereign silence, the mask of God' s eternal essence remains unaffected by the tremendous display of his own energy, the world and its progress, the flow and the changes of time

Executive Board Continued from page 1

and several others as we celebrated the great night of Lord Shiva’s wedding to Mata Parvati.

The HTCC celebrated it’s 6th Anniversary with the devotional program on February 25th with a grand “Sita Rama Thirukalyanam”, Holy wedding of Sita and Rama followed by a “Havan”, both performed by Priest Srinivas from the Hindu Temple of St. Louis. Everyone who attended this first time blissful event was thrilled and felt Lord Rama’s and Sita’s presence as they received their blessings. The annual general body meeting of the members of HTCC was also held following “Sita Rama Kalyanam” during which the state of the mandir, upcoming improvements and proposed future plans were shared with all who attended the event.

The 6th Anniversary Banquet was held on March 16th under the able leadership of Das Kutikkad. Thanks to Das, the 6th anniversary committee members and all of you for making the celebrations a grand success. Your continued support, joining us in large numbers, volunteering your time and effort led to a wellorganized and appreciated program and a great success.

The combined anniversary celebrations generated over $5,000 for the Mandir.

Under the leadership of Meera Chandrasekhar, Sandhya Sharma & Anantha Gopalaratnam and with your contibutions of your favorite food recipes, HTCC volunteers have produced “Masala Magic” –a 100 page high quality fundraiser publication which will make an excellent gift to your friends and family. The cook book can be purchased online

through Mandir website, from several office bearers or at the Mandir. Columbia Tribune featured “Magic Masala” stating that “Columbia cooks gather recipes for tasty vegetarian Indian cuisine at home”- the article on Columbia Tribune for “Masala Magic” can be accessed at the link: http:// www.columbiatribune.com/ news/2012/mar/06/masalamagic-columbia-cooks-gatherrecipes-for/ It was great to see the community come together in the spirit of Holi! “Columbia families” celebrated their 1st Annual Holi Milan on March 4th members. This successful event was well attended by community members. HTCC youth also celebrated Holi by playing with colors in the traditional fashion followed by Prasad lunch at the Mandir on March 11th.

“Akhand Ramayan”, the annual non-stop reading of “Ram Charit Manas” was organized by Punam Sethi and Hema Srinivasan on April 14th & 15th. It was a tremendous community effort as several volunteers arrived as scheduled to read the epic Ramayan with deep Shraddha over a 24 hour period. One could feel the positive vibrations in the Mandir as we all celebrated “Ram Navami” (Lord Rama’s birth) on April 15th.

HTCC’s Board of Trustees held their Spring meeting on Saturday, April 21st. It was decided that the BOT will reactivate the original Constitutional Committee that drafted and finalized the HTCC constitution in order to review the changes suggested by the Election committee, and to review updates that might be needed, now that HTCC has been in operation for six years.

The previously approved improvements to the Mandir viz.: fencing and expansion of the parking lot will be completed this summer. This will help provide a safer Mandir and also ease some of the parking issues we all face during the special events. The committee had delayed improvements to the parking lot in anticipation of changes in the City of Columbia’s storm water management requirements.

Thanks to your generous contributions, HTCC’s recent Capital Campaign program has generated 65% of the projected revenues so far. In an effort to provide the best facility to the community, it was decided that in addition to “Medium Term Plan”, BoT also review all possible options including concrete action plans to look at alternate sites. BoT members are working hard to make your dream come true. In the meantime we encourage all the members to contribute generously to Your Mandir!

Finally, as we approach the close of the school year and you make plans for summer, please keep in mind that HTCC’s Summer Workshops are an excellent way to keep your children engaged during the dog days of summer. We are currently seeking your help in scheduling many summer workshops. Please share your skills by volunteering to host a Summer Workshop for the youth or adults. Please contact Anandhi Upendran atupendrana@missouri.edu for more information. Thank you all for your Support! We wish you a great Summer!!

Inder Khurana Ravi Thawani Meera Chandrasekhar Abirami Elangovan

HOLI CELEBRATION

President Anand Chockalingam

al Sandesh wishes one and all a very Happy New Year . Many Indians celebrate new year in March or April with Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Vishu, Tamil New Year, Baisakhi and so on . Congratulations to all the graduates as another academic year comes to an end. This issue of Bal Sandesh has article on Holi Celebration,and a write up on HTCCs 6th Anniversary Celebration. Please send in your articles, poems, drawings and all other creative works for Bal Sandesh.

The Editors

Vice-President Currently Vacant Secretary/Treasurer Abirami Elangovan Cultural Secretary Alagu Arunachalam Bal Sandesh Coordinator Hema Srinivasan

Colors, Water, Screams! Holi Hai!

Suryanshi Rawat – 9th Grade, Jeff Junior School ’m standing in the middle of an excited crowd waiting for Holi to start when all of a sudden… SPLASH! BOOM! I’m bombarded with water balloons and handfuls of colorful gulal. Then, out of nowhere someone dumps a bucket of freezing cold water on my head. I hear laughter as I run away from everyone and try to get warm.

Holi had begun! I quickly grabbed some gulal and threw it at anyone and everyone that passed by. I also got a water gun to defend myself and began squirting people with colored water. The air was soon filled with laughter and screams as everyone joined in the fun. The men dumped water on everyone and the kids countered with their stock of water balloons and gulal. It was hard to hear over the shrieking crowd but i finally made my way out of the crowd and found myself looking mischievously at the colored powders. Then I grabbed a handful of every type of powder, took a

few water balloons and rubbed the powder on the people and threw the water balloons as hard as I could.

I try to find a way out of the messy crowd

but I’m surrounded by colors, water, and people! Nobody escaped the color with the exception of two girls who volunteered to take pictures. We were hardly recognizable under the layers of color covering our faces and clothes. All around me people are chasing each other

around and flinging water balloons at each other. It was cold and rainy, yet we fought through it and soon forgot about it in all the excitement. All too soon, Holi was over and after taking some final pictures we departed and went home to wash away all colors. We scrubbed for hours, but there was still some color that remained on our hair, face, and nails.

This year’s Holi celebration included water balloons, water guns, many screams, and of course plenty of color.

There were many more people who came to celebrate this year compared to last year and there was also a lot more food.

We had delicious food including pakoras with chutney both before and after playing Holi. Though this year’s weather may not have been the best, we all had a lot of fun!

Science Olympiad

Nila Palaniappan – 7th Grade, Smithton Middle School ecently, I participated in Science Olympiad Regional Tournament on February 18, 2012 in Rolla MO. This is a science competition that requires, preparation, commitment and practice throughout the year. My teammate and I competed in three events, Road Scholar, Food Science and Towers.

In Food Science we had to know about the ‘Chemistry of Food’ by identifying the sources and understanding the role of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. It consisted of questions on nutrition, viscosity and ingredients. We had to answer multiple choices on liquids, oils, leavening agents and sweeteners.

Thirty two teams competed and we won first place in the State. Staying after school every Friday in preparation for this event was well worth my time and effort!

HTCC 6th Anniversary Celebrations

Ipsa Chaudhary –11th Grade, Rock Bridge High School Trisha Chaudhary - 10th Grade, Rock Bridge High School he Hindu Temple and Community Center in Columbia, Missouri celebrated its 6th anniversary this year with lot of devotion and enthusiasm as the years past. As usual the anniversary celebration comprised of a devotional program and a banquet event.

The devotional program was organized on 25th February from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM at the “Hindu temple and Community Center”.

This year for the first time, the Columbia Hindu community hosted “Sita Rama Kalyanam or the “Holy wedding ceremony of Sita and Rama”. A priest (Srinivas) from the St. Louis Hindu temple was invited to perform this ceremonial union of Lord Rama with goddess Sita (Laxmi). A special havan was organized with chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings of fruits and flowers followed by Kalyanam or the wedding ceremony. Besides the usual offerings of fruits, flowers and Prasad, several devotees also offered new clothes. It is widely believed that the offering of clothes to the divine couple during the wedding ceremony represents surrendering our mortal bodies (the clothes) to the god seeking Moksha (release from the cycle of life and death).

According to the Hindu belief, the

universe was created and is nourished/sustained and destroyed/transformed by the triad of Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh or the Trinity. Vishnu appeared in 10 different forms (Dashavatara) at various time periods on this earth. Lord Rama was the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. He was married to princess Sita who is the incarnation of Laxmi, the eternal consort of Vishnu.

Followers of Hinduism in South India perform Kalyanotsava or the marriage celebration usually on the day of Rama Navami (Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami), the day when Rama was born. There this occasion is marked with Kalyanam, a ceremonial wedding performed by temple priests, Panagam, a sweet drink prepared with jaggery and pepper and a procession of murtis (statues) in the evening. In North India the Vivah Utsav or the wedding celebration is held on Vivaha Panchami as per Valmiki Ramayana (the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Margashirsha month, November – December). The Ceremonial wedding of the celestial couple Sita and Rama is believed to remove negative energy, promote long and healthy life and brings universal prosperity. The

devotional program ended with simple potluck lunch.

The banquet event was organized on March the 16th at the peach Tree Banquet hall. The Program started on time at 6:30 PM with a welcome address by the HTCC president Dr. Inder Khurana, the release of the annual HTCC magazine Samarpanam followed by mementos presented to some community members (Dr R. Mitra ) recognizing their valuable services and contributions to the Columbia community and HTCC. The delicious Indian food was catered by the local Indian restaurant “Curries”. The rich cultural heritage of India was reflected by the diverse cultural programs presented at the Banquet which lasted for about an hour. The University of Missouri students enthralled us with melodic Vedic chanting. A semi classical musical program was presented by Mrs. Sandhya Pandurangi and family. The Pandurangis currently live in St. Louis and Mrs. Pandurangi is the Director of Anurag School of Music. The banquet was also accompanied by a silent auction that included community donated items such as paintings, photographs, Indian handicrafts, dresses, jewelry etc. (continued on Page 8)

Tia Rawat won a Silver medal - her team Carrera Soccer U9 Girls were runners up in the Columbia Pride Soccer tournament." Bal Sabha Congratulates Nikhlesh Sharma, Sachin Nair and Maya Cutkosky on their graduation

Bal Sandesh needs you!

We welcome submissions of all types (reports, poetry, short stories, artwork, puzzles, jokes etc.).

Work can be submitted to the Editors or the Parent Advisor. We prefer electronic version of the submission (e-mail or diskette). Artwork can be submitted on paper. Older kids interested in volunteering to serve on the editorial team should contact the Editorial Staff or the Parent Advisor.

Bal Sabha meets every fourth Sunday of the month from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Shanthi Mandir

Editorial Staff Maya Cutkosky Neeta Thawani Nidhi Khurana Prerna Srinivasan Vikram Arunachalam Parent Advisor Hema Srinivasan

Phone (573) 445-2854 (660) 882-5317 (573) 874-9647 (573) 445-0033 (573) 445-2854

E-Mail boonville.kid@hotmail.com n_khurana@yahoo.com

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

Ram Navami Celebration Ravi Thawani

mangala bhavana amangala h r dravahu sudasaratha acara bih r r ma siy r ma siy r ma jaya jaya r ma 'Maryada Purshottam' Shri Rama is believed to be the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Rama took birth on earth to destroy the evilness.

According to the great scholar Swami Vivekananda, Lord Rama is "the incarnation of the true, of morals, the perfect son, the perfect husband, and most importantly, the perfect king". Shri Rama was an idol of moral excellence.

He was not only kind and loving but also liberal and tactful. He had a fantastic body and was very charming, highly impressive, bighearted, courteous and courageous. He was absolutely free from showiness and had an amazing personality.

Ram Navami is celebrated as the birthday of the Lord Ram. The nine days leading up to Ram Navami are days of fasting and prayer for the devotees, and the day of the festival itself is marked by pujas and satsangs (public gatherings).

The period is also known as Shri Rama Navratra.

Ram Navami is a major festival for Lord Ram’s worshippers. Lord Ram' s dynasty considered themselves to have descended from the Sun. Therefore the celebrations on Ram Navami festival begin early morning by praying to the Sun. In the afternoon, which is supposed to be Lord Ram’s birth time, a special prayer is performed in temples. Although this festival is celebrated everywhere in India, there are two cities- Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Pondicherry in Tamilnadu which are especially renowned for their Ram Navami celebrations. Both these places are mentioned in the epic Ramayana.

Tulsidasji says: “RAM NAAM MANI DEEP DHARU, JIH DEHRI DWAR, TULSI BHITAR BAHARO, JOO CHAHASI UJIYAR”.

Meaning: If Ram name is there in heart, every where in home.

There is progress every where, from all sides.

This year once again Columbia’s Hindu Community celebrated Ram Navami with “Akhand Ramayan Paath”- non stop

reading of Shri Tulsidas’ “Ramcharitmanas” on April 14th & 15th, 2012.

Punam Sethi and Hema Srinivasan took the lead to once again host the two day “Akhand Ramayan” (non stop reading of Ram Charit Manas). With God’s grace and the immense devotion of all the members, the “Akhand Ramayan” was started on Saturday April 14th at the Shanthi Mandir. By Sunday morning, Shanthi Mandir had turned into Ayodhya Dhaam. All the devotees were chanting the story of Shri Rama with unmatched dedication and love.

We are grateful to everyone who assisted in performing this year’s “Akhand Ramayan”. Asha and Shivendra

Shukla led the Akhand ramayan Paath alongwith santosh and Gopal Krishna.

Punam Sethi was instrumental in identifying readers and in developing a schedule of reading to match the availability of the readers. Anandhi Upendran, Punam Sethi and Chandra Rawlani coordinated the food and Prasad for the event. Main readers showed up on time with Chandra Rawlani, Inder Khurana & Bandhana Katoch who stayed at the Mandir all night reading Ram Charit Manas.

We would like to thank all the devotees who helped by reading Ram Charit Manas viz.:Adarsh Kumar, Ajay Sharma, Arpita Kumar, Asha Shukla, Bandana Katoch, Chandra Rawlani, Gagneesh Rawat, Gopal Krishna, Hema Shrinivasan, Inder Khurana, Madhukar Misra, Mangal Gupta, Manorama Gupta, Mayank Mittal, Meena Thawani, Mona Puri, Namita Satpathy, Preeti Sinha, Punam Sethi, Puspha Khanna, Rajini Tolani, Rajiv Mohan, Ravi Puri, Ravi Thawani, Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary, Ritin Bomb, Sangita Kumar, Sanjiv Sethi, Santosh Sehgal, Shamita Misra, Shivendra Shukla, Surya Mantrala, Tarang Prashar and Vinita Khanna.

Thanks to all the members who helped during “Akhand Ramayan” and all of you who attended the Paath and Puja. This event would not have been possible without God’s grace and your unfettered enthusiasm.

Tulsidasji claims:" Ehi kali kaal na saadhan dooja, Jog jagya jap tap vrat puja."

Which means that, during the Iron age difficult penances and rituals will not be possible, only chanting the Lord' s name and keeping His remembrance in your heart will enable you to achieve Him. Sri Ram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram!

HTCC EARTH DAY-2012 BOOTH

Yoga Corner

Ritcha Mehra Chaudhary

HTCC Sixth Anniversary Account Summary Revenues Anniversary Puja

$1,265.00

Dinner Tickets

$6,830.00

Samarpanam Advertisment

$3,455.00

Silent Auction

$1,638.00

Miscellaneous

$605.00

Total Revenue

$13,793.00 Expenses

Food

$2,898.29

Banquet Hall

$2,200.00

Devotional Program

$687.71

Entertainment

$985.25

Hall Decorations

$176.06

Miscellaneous

$72.25

Samarpanam Printing

$1,530.73

Total Expenses

$8,550.29

Net Income

$5,242.71

his time in yoga corner we will look at a “Yogamudra asana”. Mudra, essentially means a seal or gesture and is represented by a hand posture. In yogic philosophy, holding and positioning of hands and fingers in a given posture generates different energies. In Yoga Mudra asana (as opposed to just hand gestures) pranayama is combined with yoga mudra.

1. Sit in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana.

2. Take your hands behind your back and grab your left wrist with your right hand. Make a fist with the hand which has been grabbed. Take a deep breath.

3. Exhale slowly to a count of 3 while bending down. Try to touch your left knee with your nose.

Keep the back straight. Do not allow your buttock to leave the ground during its practice. Stay in this position for a count of six 4. Come back to original sitting position breathing in to a count of 3 5. Repeat the above steps, this time trying to touch the right knee with your nose. This constitutes as one practice.

6. Repeat three times.

Caution: Let the head come down only as far as it can easily be lowered Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to

the knees, arms, neck or shoulders.

Breathing rhythm: 3(Exhale)-6(Shunyak)-3 (Inhale) Variation(s) 1. Instead of your knee you can also touch the ground with your nose or forehead or chin.

2. Once you are in down position, tighten the hands and gradually raise them upwards as high as possible without excessive strain. Stay in this position for 6 to 8 seconds.

Benefits of Yoga-Mudra Asana 1. This asana stretches the spine, shoulder and upper back.

2. It removes gastric troubles and constipation.

3. It strengthens the digestive system

HTCC 6th Anniversary Celebrations (continued from Page 6)

The event was also marked by the release of a vegetarian cookbook put together by HTCC This auction is an annual feature members, called “Masala of HTCC which not only Magic”. This book includes over generates some revenue for the 80 recipes contributed by over temple, but also provides Indian 30 HTCC members and became and non-Indian members of the available for sale at the HTCC community a chance to acquire Anniversary celebration Indian handicrafts and textiles. banquet. Towards the end of the

program there was an open dance floor. People especially younger generation had lot of fun dancing to Bollywood tunes.

Special thanks are due to the “HTCC Anniversary Celebration Committee” and various community members for successfully putting together this event

Count your Blessings

Compiled by Meena Thawani I' ve never made a fortune, and it' s probably too late now.

But I don' t worry about that much, I' m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life' s way, I' m reaping better than I sowed.

I' m drinking from my saucer, ' Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven' t got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going' s tough.

But I' ve got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He' s bestowed.

I' m drinking from my saucer, ' Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed.

I' m drinking from my saucer, ' Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough.

I' ll not ask for other blessings, I' m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.

Then I' ll keep drinking from my saucer, ' Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people, in this world have it worse than I do.

I realize just how blessed most of us really are

Shreemad Bhagavad Gita – Part 17 Saroj Mohan

W

e have learnt how detachment towards the fruits of actions leads to freedom from ego which finally leads to perfect Karmayoga.

In the 12th verse Shree Krishna expresses what happens by this process.

He says, “The Karmayogi whose actions are performed with detachment towards the fruits of his actions gains peace and faith - Brahamnishtha or faith in the Lord, but the one who is attached to the fruits of his actions stays in bondage.”

It is clear that Sakama-purush stays in the bondage of Karmaphala or in the fruits of his actions but a Nishkamapurush, one who performs his actions without the desire for the fruits of his action, becomes free from bondage.

The state of a Gyanyogi or Sankhyayogi is described in the 13th verse. Shree Krishna says, “ Renouncing all of his actions mentally and internally, a Gyanyogi stays in this body, with nine doors, (external openings of the body like two earholes, two eyes, one mouth, two nostrils, and below the navel one for generation and one for excretion, etc.) in complete peace and happily performing his actions himself, or getting them done by others.”

Due to the enlightened state of his awareness, a Gyanyogi’s actions are an act in the divine play. It is a ‘happening’ in the Reality, a state of divine awareness and Oneness. There is no ego in his actions. It is a beautiful state of inaction in action.

In the 14th verse that follows this wonderful state is described.

Shree Krishna says, “The divine Lord does not create ‘Kartrittwa’ or ‘doership’, actions or Karmas and ‘Karma-phalasnyoga’ or ’ achievement of fruits of actions; it is human ego that creates all these things.”

These dualities arise due to ignorance and ego. In the non-dual state of Infinite consciousness, there is only one divine play. It is the nature or Swabhava that creates all these things. It is Prakriti or the egocentric nature that is responsible for all the egocentric actions and reactions.

Shree Krishna, in the 15th verse, explains how all these things get created, this feeling of ‘doership” etc. The Lord is not involved in the functions done in delusion. It is like the ocean which is the substratum of countless waves but is not affected by the rise, fall and destructions of the waves.

Shree Krishna says, “The all pervasive Lord or Vibhuh does not create and

accept paapa and punya in anybody; it is due to (when knowledge is overcast by ignorance) the Jeevatma who is deluded and veiled by ignorance, who creates such things.”

An enlightened soul is ever-free from dualities like paapa and punya. In that state there is only one self, pervading everywhere. It happens only in the state of ignorance when knowledge is obscured and delusion prevails in an egocentric Jeevatma.

It is stated in the 16th verse that the very opposite thing happens to those whose darkness of ignorance is removed by the light of knowledge. It is described by an example of sunlight. Shree Krishna says, “The sage whose ignorance is destroyed by the knowledge of the Self, Paramatma or TattvwaGyana, he revels in the Satchitanand, enlightened like the sunlight enlightens all.”

Just as darkness cannot exist when there is sunshine, similarly, when the light of the knowledge of Reality is there, it expels the darkness of ignorance and Satchitananda, the Self, is revealed. It is like when a dreamer is awakened from his sleep, the dream no longer exists, it is totally dissolved. It was a creation of the mind and it dissolves back into the mind.

The 17th verse details the divine state of a Gyani, who is fully established in knowledge.

Shree Krishna says, “O Arjuna, the one who is purified by knowledge, whose intellect is absolutely established in the Self and who is ever absorbed in the Self, such a Gyani attains Paramgati or the supreme state of Infinite Consciousness.”

One, who is always established in selfawareness, attains the supreme goal of

human life - infinite consciousness.

The 18th verse is very famous and is often quoted with regards to the great state of a self-realized Gyani. The unity in diversity is seen in this unique vision.

Shree Krishna says, “The enlightened Mahatma sees the same all-pervasive Divine Lord in the learned Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, or an outcast.”

The Mahatma who is ever established in the Self has this equal vision for all. He is in the non-dual state of Self-awareness, so he sees everything as being as his own Self. He sees the same, allpervasive Self in a learned Brahmin, a dog or a low caste Chandal etc.

Continuing on the same subject in the 19th verse Shree Krishna says, “The Mahatma who is established in Brahman and has equal vision for all, is Samadarshi or looks at all with equality; he is liberated from this world, right here, in this life. (They are called Videh too.)

Because he is ever in the pure Brahman, his mind rests in Satchitananda Parmatma only.”

We have seen in the previous verse that he sees the same Divine in Brahmin, cow and Chandal etc. For him this whole creation and existence is his own Self.

There is no duality for him.

In the 20th verse Shree Krishna continues, “Such a great Mahatma neither rejoices to gain something good nor becomes unhappy when something disagreeable or bad comes his way. He does not get Udvigna or agitated by such happenings. Such a Brahmavetta or the knower of Reality is always Sthirabudhi or of steady intellect and un-deluded, he stays ever-established in Satchitanand Paramatma only.”

In the three previous verses, clearly, Shree Krishna is elaborating on the state and nature of an enlightened Sage. Now, in the following verse, he talks about eternal bliss or Akshaya ananda, and the method to find it.

Shree Krishna explains further, in the 21st verse, “The sage who is unattached from external subjects and objects and has a pure Antahkarana or pure heart and mind, achieves eternal bliss in meditation. He achieves eternal bliss through his spiritual practices or Sadhna.

He stays established in Satchitananda in humble meditation and endless bliss

!

Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest income Membership: Annual Family Membership Annual Individual Membership Sustaining Membership Donations: Check Donations Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Capital Campaign Facilities Use Donations: Mandir and Educational Center use donations Fund Raiser: Mandir Cookbook Sales Other Revenues: Sixth Anniversary Celebrations (As of 03/31/2012)

$219.42

$219.42

$550.00 $90.00 $1,000.00

$1,640.00

$1,525.00 $265.00 $1,758.00

$3,548.00

$306.00

$306.00

$2693.45

$2,693.45

$12,123.00

$12,123.00 $20,529.87

Total Quarterly Revenues Quarterly Expenses Administrative Devotional Program Supplies Printing and Mailing Sixth Anniversary Celebrations (As of 03/31/2012) Special Events (Cookbooks) Utilities

$440.01 $33.71 $312.05 $8,137.37 $3,090.97 $1,493.68

Total Quarterly Expenses

$13,507.79

Net Income for the Quarter

$7,022.08

Thank You!

Donor Acknowledgement January 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations made during the above period. If we have inadvertently made an error in not including your name, please let us know.

Upto $50 Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Adusumilli, Narayana and Rajya Lakshmi Chaudhary, Kunal and Ritcha Mehra Cutkosky, Dale and Hema Srinivasan Kumar, Adarsh and Sangeeta Mohan, Rajiv and Sunilima Sinha $51 - $100 Puri, Ravi and Mona Raghuraman, Kannan and Anandhi Upendran Ramesh, Krishna Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi Sharma, Krishna and Sandhya $101 - $150 Aggarwal, Kul and Archana Anand, Satish and Sushma Khurana, Inder and Jasmit Krishnan, Hari and Latha Malhotra, Anil and Kusum Pandurangi, Sandhya Patel, Nitin and Harsha Rawat, Gagneesh and Aditi

$151 - $500 Batchu, Sudhir and Priya Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha Gupta, Ghanshyam and Manorama Krishna, Gopal and Santosh Loyalka, Sudharshan and Nirja Mantrala, Murali and Surya Sehgal Om and Santosh Shukla, Shivendra and Asha Thawani, Ravi and Meena $1000 and above Sethi, Yash and Anjana

Community Calendar (May 15, 2012– September 22, 2012)

Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202.

July 5th

Aug. 4th

Aug. 11th

Guru Purnima Special Bhajans Time: 7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.

Contact: Gopalaratnam, vsgopal@aol.com

Sep. 16th

Samuhik Satyanarayana Puja Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Contact: Gopalaratnam, vsgopal@aol.com

Sep. 22nd

Janmashtami Celebration Time: TBD

**More details will be posted on the Shanthi Mandir website (http://shanthimandir.missouri.org) a week before the scheduled event )

Contact: TBD

Aug. 25th

Ganesh Idol Making Time: TBD Contact: TBD

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Time: TBD Contact: TBD

Bal Sabha/Puja Picnic Time: TBD

Contact: TBD

2012 SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Please look out for special email with details atupendrana@missouri.edu) !

! "

Indian Vegetarian Cookbook Available at shanthimandir.missouri.org and at the Mandir A Publication to benefit the Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri

! " #$ HTCC is registered as a Nonprofit Corporation in MO HTCC is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501 (c) 3

Current Programs at the Mandir Devotional Programs Open prayer time/Aarti Geeta Study Circle Sai Bhajan Venkateshwara Suprabhatam/Vishnu Sahasranaamam Open prayer time/Aarti Kirtan (Monthly event) Educational/Youth Programs Tamil Classes Bal Puja Bal Sabha Service Programs Volunteering at Central Missouri Food Bank Narayan Seva (Sai Group - St. Francis Home Lunch) Non-Perishable Food Collection (Ongoing continuously) Fitness and Cultural Art Programs Tabla classes (instructor fee required) Carnatic vocal music classes (instructor fee required) Yoga classes (instructor fees required)

(May 15, 2012)

1st

Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

1st /3rd 2nd 4th

Sunday Sunday Sunday

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1st 2nd

Tuesday Sunday

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sunday Sunday Saturday

Flexible for now 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Flexible for now

Shanthi Sandesh is a quarterly publication of the Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC). It is published on behalf of HTCC by its Publications Committee. Editor: Tarang Parashar <tarangparashar@gmail.com>. Publication help from Bandhana Katoch is greatly appreciated.

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