Celebrating our Hindu heritage is about celebrating a way of life. A way of life built on deep rooted faith, ancient wisdoms and universal truths that shine a bright light upon ‘Dharma’ as life catapults towards equilibrium through a labyrinth of chaos. We celebrate this way of life because it gives us the meaning of all the myriad rituals and the chanted mantras and the meditative Yoga and that meaning lies in finding ourselves in oneness with the universal harmony. Think about this. Despite our thousand thoughts racing through the mind all at once and a thousand conflicting emotions and actions and compulsions don’t we feel the connection to the universe, the connection to each other? If we are fortunate, we make the right choices at opportune moments to find compassion within ourselves, to find kindness, to favor forgiveness over revenge. We are travelers many of us uninitiated innocent passersby in motion until the end finds us. Every festival, every ritual, every tradition, every visit to the temple, every celebration of our heritage therefore is a chance to hit pause in this journey and to discover the meaning behind the numerous facets of being a Hindu. The answers are all available and waiting for us to find them. It is a world of wonder that connects our karma to the galactic movements of stars and planets and the all-powerful Sun whilst we navigate the cycle of birth and rebirth.
The Hindu faith guides our spiritual quest. But equally it gives a wonderous direction to celebrate our material existence too. Our faith reminds us that we have the duty to pursue a righteous path towards the greatest common good whilst building strong communities supporting each other to find our inner calling and to excel. It is a vast rich ancient heritage that has survived and thrived despite innumerous attacks and Hindus will continue to persevere on this guiding path.
Members of the Manasvini Literary Book Club Group came together to discuss the significance of the Hindu Heritage Month and shone a spotlight on the various important aspects of the Hindu Heritage that appealed to each of them.
Shikha Porwal: The Hindu Heritage is founded upon the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means ‘The World is One Family’ in Sanskrit. This epitomizes the Hindu moral values representing protection, preservation and harmony versus aggression and conflict.
Pushplata Sharma: ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’ Let us for peace and happiness in this celebration of the Hindu Heritage Month. This is a very ancient philosophy of Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma which has survived and thrived over eons despite so repeated oppressive, violent attacks. Therefore Hindus across North America should celebrate the Hindu Heritage Month and take pride in this integral part of their identity
Narinder Singh Florra: The Hindu Heritage Month is another occasion to remind ourselves of the deeper meaning behind our religious philosophy rather than engage in conflicts or fall victim to political maneuvering dividing communities.
Dr Geeta Sharma: Hindus are encouraged to embrace selfless service and peaceful living. Dhritrashtra was blinded by greed and paternal love. We must not be blindfolding ourselves with false impressions or expectations.
Vibhooti Vaishnav: Hindu Temples are a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. Traditional temple architecture is designed with specific objectives to reflect the rituals, traditions, customs of the presiding deities. Temples represent the entire cosmos and entering a temple one seeks solace,blessings and self-knowledge.
Reshma Mishra: In the Hindu tradition, taking a human life is a huge fortune and this life is an opportunity to seek material wellbeing and spiritual peace. Ultimately we all seek eternal joy as spiritual knowledge grows and human suffering diminishes.
Suchitra Joshi: The word Sanatan rooted in Sanskrit means ‘from the beginning’ or eternal. Hindus cherish all matter as part of one family. Trees as well.
Kirti Tandon: The Hindu philosophy is an ancient one that guides all humanity about how to live on earth. It is for all creation and our Vedas are often viewed as a Constitution relevant for all on earth.
Aarti Sharma: Reiterated the tenets of peaceful coexistence.
Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niraamayaah |
Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Om, May All be Happy, May All be Free from Illness, May All See what is Auspicious, May Noone Suffer.
जय सनातन!
हिंदू विरासत का
गौरव गान करे
संस्कार व अध्यात्म
का गुण – गान करे
यह सिर्फ धर्म नहीं
जीवन जीने का मंत्र।
वेदों की वाणी
गीता का ज्ञान
योग और आयुर्वेद से
हर परम्परा गुंफित,
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः
के उद्देश्य संग गुंजित।
वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्
की अभिलाषा से उज्जवलित
विज्ञान की धारा से प्रज्वलित
सभी धर्मो का आदर सम्मलित
ऐसा मेरा सनातन धर्म
जय जय बोलो बारम्बार ।
