Jai swaminarayan
Marley
I hope you are doing well.
It’s been a while since we communicated.
I am inviting you to the New Year's day - Annakut celebrations which will be on Sunday, October 22. The festivities will begin at 11:00 am in the morning.
I hope you can make it. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Jai swaminarayan
Hemu
Showing posts with label BAPS Swaminarayan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BAPS Swaminarayan. Show all posts
21 October 2006
30 September 2006
Emailing Hemu again...
I let Hemu know I wouldn’t be coming back to the Swaminarayan temple on a regular basis.
Hemu:
The reason I'm not sure about coming back to the service is I feel that, given the language problem, I am a burden to you.
I wanted so much to understand, for myself, why everyone was laughing last time. I could see the obvious passion, wit and wisdom with which the sadhus spoke so I felt a deep longing to be able to hear their thoughts for myself. That is the reason I so look forward to their responses to my proposal and my questions. I see such devotion, grace and compassion in your mandir while at the same time I feel at a bit of a loss, even with all of your generosity, to really partake in it. Perhaps if I learn some more of the basics through hearing the sadhus thoughts about my path, and learn the meaning of some basic Hindu practices, I might then be able to return to the service and get more out of it on a personal level.
Marley
When I talked to Hemu on the phone some time after, she said I wasn’t a burden at all but she also understood. “Do you want me to tell you when the big events and festivals happen anyway?”
“Of course.”
Hemu mentioned that the monk she’d asked to read an early draft of the first chapter, had tried and failed to read it at first because I’d seemed “so lost.” But sometime later, she sent me his thoughts when he was finally able to get through it.
Jai Swaminarayan
Marley:
I hope you are doing well.
It’s been a while since we communicated.
Below is (the sadhu’s) response on your writing proposal.
Initially it was stunning and confusing a little. After reading it again, it made more sense.
I re-read the package on my flight from Houston to Chicago. This time I wasn't shocked or stunned by the text but felt more comfortable reading what has been written. Aside from the personal confusions the writer has been through (to) date in terms of trying to understand God or religion, I believe that the project could be useful. I believe that by pursuing this project, the writer should definitely be able to better understand what different people of different faiths believe to be the purpose of life.
As far as the Hindu faith, I believe that the writer has come to one of the purest forms of Hindu practice and faith in the world today. The writer will be able to see people actually trying to imbibe or live the principles or teachings of Hinduism in their lives to the best of the ability. This book could maybe be viewed as a catalog for understanding different faiths.
This book could be of service to others IF each faith is portrayed correctly and totally.
This is what we have answered as of now. Have also sent the proposal to some senior Swamis for their input.
Sorry for the delay.
Jai Swaminarayan! Pallav Vaghashia for P. Kaivalyamurti Swami
Hemu!
I have been thinking of you a lot. I am so happy to hear from you.
And, wow, Hemu! What lovely and thoughtful comments from the sadhu. Please extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to both read and respond.
Marley
I missed Hemu.
Hemu:
The reason I'm not sure about coming back to the service is I feel that, given the language problem, I am a burden to you.
I wanted so much to understand, for myself, why everyone was laughing last time. I could see the obvious passion, wit and wisdom with which the sadhus spoke so I felt a deep longing to be able to hear their thoughts for myself. That is the reason I so look forward to their responses to my proposal and my questions. I see such devotion, grace and compassion in your mandir while at the same time I feel at a bit of a loss, even with all of your generosity, to really partake in it. Perhaps if I learn some more of the basics through hearing the sadhus thoughts about my path, and learn the meaning of some basic Hindu practices, I might then be able to return to the service and get more out of it on a personal level.
Marley
When I talked to Hemu on the phone some time after, she said I wasn’t a burden at all but she also understood. “Do you want me to tell you when the big events and festivals happen anyway?”
“Of course.”
Hemu mentioned that the monk she’d asked to read an early draft of the first chapter, had tried and failed to read it at first because I’d seemed “so lost.” But sometime later, she sent me his thoughts when he was finally able to get through it.
Jai Swaminarayan
Marley:
I hope you are doing well.
It’s been a while since we communicated.
Below is (the sadhu’s) response on your writing proposal.
Initially it was stunning and confusing a little. After reading it again, it made more sense.
I re-read the package on my flight from Houston to Chicago. This time I wasn't shocked or stunned by the text but felt more comfortable reading what has been written. Aside from the personal confusions the writer has been through (to) date in terms of trying to understand God or religion, I believe that the project could be useful. I believe that by pursuing this project, the writer should definitely be able to better understand what different people of different faiths believe to be the purpose of life.
As far as the Hindu faith, I believe that the writer has come to one of the purest forms of Hindu practice and faith in the world today. The writer will be able to see people actually trying to imbibe or live the principles or teachings of Hinduism in their lives to the best of the ability. This book could maybe be viewed as a catalog for understanding different faiths.
This book could be of service to others IF each faith is portrayed correctly and totally.
This is what we have answered as of now. Have also sent the proposal to some senior Swamis for their input.
Sorry for the delay.
Jai Swaminarayan! Pallav Vaghashia for P. Kaivalyamurti Swami
Hemu!
I have been thinking of you a lot. I am so happy to hear from you.
And, wow, Hemu! What lovely and thoughtful comments from the sadhu. Please extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to both read and respond.
Marley
I missed Hemu.
25 August 2006
Emailing Hemu
Hemu and I started an email correspondence…
From Marley
Hemu:
What a lovely and loving welcome you
gave me and my project. I am attaching
the proposal I wrote which should explain
precisely what I am doing, how I am planning
to do it, and why. If you have any problems
opening the attachment, please me know.
Could you give me the full names of the first
man I met at the gate and the lovely woman
who introduced me directly to you as well
as the young woman who sat next to me at
the satsang and brought me more books?
One current question: Is it proper or even
possible to send questions (or even this
proposal) through a member of the temple
to the saints to get their thoughts on this
project or any specific questions I might
have later on, perhaps through email and
get written responses Again, thank you and
everyone else for their kindness. I look
forward to seeing you again in a couple of
weeks. I will plan to come between 2 and 2:30p.
Marley
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan!
Marley,
(The proposal) is great!! It did give a
clear understanding of your project.
It should be ok to have the saints read
your proposal through a member of the
mandir but I will find out and let you know.
The names are:
Upen Patel (one you met at the gate)
Pranav Patel (one you met in the mandir)
Rekha Patel (one who introduced us)
Priya Patel (one who joined us)
Jai Swaminarayan,
Hemu
~~~
From Marley
Hemu:
I am happy the proposal made sense to you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to
read (it)and for giving me the names of
the people who were so kind to me. Please
extend my warm regards and gratitude to
each of them.
What does "Jai Swaminarayan" mean?
Marley
~~~
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan!
Marley:
Swaminarayan is a mantra given by
Lord Swaminarayan to all his devotees
to chant while turning rosary, to say
it when one meets & greets one (instead
of hello it is Jai Swaminarayan). I hope
it makes sense.
Jai Swaminarayan!
Hemu
~~~
From Marley
Hello, Hemu:
I was reviewing my notes and our
correspondence...and I had a question.
Are all of these people related?
"Upen Patel (one you met at the gate)
Pranav Patel (one you met in the mandir)
Rekha Patel (one who introduced us)
Priya Patel (one who joined us)"
If so, how? If not, then why do they all
have the same last name?
I thought I remembered the man who said
he taught a children's class on Sunday
and told the marvelous story about the
circle/wheel (were you there yet??)
He said he used when teaching, introducing
himself as Peter. He gave me a business
card that I seem to have (so far) misplaced...
Is his name Peter? Or is there some other
name used when he is at the mandir? I
fear I am a bit confused...
Marley
From Marley
Hemu:
What a lovely and loving welcome you
gave me and my project. I am attaching
the proposal I wrote which should explain
precisely what I am doing, how I am planning
to do it, and why. If you have any problems
opening the attachment, please me know.
Could you give me the full names of the first
man I met at the gate and the lovely woman
who introduced me directly to you as well
as the young woman who sat next to me at
the satsang and brought me more books?
One current question: Is it proper or even
possible to send questions (or even this
proposal) through a member of the temple
to the saints to get their thoughts on this
project or any specific questions I might
have later on, perhaps through email and
get written responses Again, thank you and
everyone else for their kindness. I look
forward to seeing you again in a couple of
weeks. I will plan to come between 2 and 2:30p.
Marley
~~~
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan!
Marley,
(The proposal) is great!! It did give a
clear understanding of your project.
It should be ok to have the saints read
your proposal through a member of the
mandir but I will find out and let you know.
The names are:
Upen Patel (one you met at the gate)
Pranav Patel (one you met in the mandir)
Rekha Patel (one who introduced us)
Priya Patel (one who joined us)
Jai Swaminarayan,
Hemu
~~~
From Marley
Hemu:
I am happy the proposal made sense to you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to
read (it)and for giving me the names of
the people who were so kind to me. Please
extend my warm regards and gratitude to
each of them.
What does "Jai Swaminarayan" mean?
Marley
~~~
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan!
Marley:
Swaminarayan is a mantra given by
Lord Swaminarayan to all his devotees
to chant while turning rosary, to say
it when one meets & greets one (instead
of hello it is Jai Swaminarayan). I hope
it makes sense.
Jai Swaminarayan!
Hemu
~~~
From Marley
Hello, Hemu:
I was reviewing my notes and our
correspondence...and I had a question.
Are all of these people related?
"Upen Patel (one you met at the gate)
Pranav Patel (one you met in the mandir)
Rekha Patel (one who introduced us)
Priya Patel (one who joined us)"
If so, how? If not, then why do they all
have the same last name?
I thought I remembered the man who said
he taught a children's class on Sunday
and told the marvelous story about the
circle/wheel (were you there yet??)
He said he used when teaching, introducing
himself as Peter. He gave me a business
card that I seem to have (so far) misplaced...
Is his name Peter? Or is there some other
name used when he is at the mandir? I
fear I am a bit confused...
Marley
~~~
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan
Marley,
Peter is Pranev Patel. Patel is a very common
last name, like Smith and Jones. They are not
related to each other.
I hope this helps.
Jai Swaminarayan
Hemu
~~~
A few days later Hemu sent another email.
From Hemu
Jai Swaminarayan
Marley,
I have sent your proposal to our swami and
he is reviewing at the moment, He has
informed that he will respond to your request
in couple of weeks, since, at the moment, he
is accompanying a group of senior saints
that are currently visiting our mandir.
Jai swaminarayan
Hemu
16 August 2006
Now what?
He who can see inaction
In the midst of action, and action
In the midst of inaction, is wise
And can act in the spirit of yoga.
Bhagavad Gita 4.18
I'm back at my desk, trying to figure out where to go next. I’d taken an armful of recent Indian newspapers and magazines, flyers from various Hindu societies, and a couple of yoga magazines - all published in California - that Professor Chapple had offered and there they all sat, in a sloppy stack. Might as well start there, at least the pile will get cleaned up.
Until I find a teacher, I'm rudderless.
In the July 21, 2006 issue of India West, which called itself “North America’s Most Honored Weekly Indian Newspaper,” there was an opinion column with the headline: “Troubled ISKCON Turns 40.” ISKCON stood for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, what the Hare Krishnas now call themselves. I'd been shocked when Professor Chapple mentioned that the Hare Krishnas were a sect of Hinduism. The reason I’d decided to start with Hinduism and Buddhism was, in part, because I thought I had no preconceived notions about either. Only the ignorant think they have no baggage or bias. I’d filed away the Hare Krishna movement under 70s cults because that’s how I’d seen them portrayed in American media: desperate parents hiring deprogrammers to get their college-aged kids away from a mind-controlling cult. The byline on the article said it was written “BY ISKCON,” making it an official opinion column from the Hare Krishnas themselves, so the headline calling their organization “troubled” was provocative.
The piece said ISKCON was started by a seventy-year-old Indian named A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, that it was “a monotheistic tradition within the Hindu fold” and, although it admitted there had been problems in the past, it said ISKCON had "come of age." Its congregations “are largely composed of and often led by Indian-American families” while its Food-for-Life program was “the world’s largest vegetarian relief organization.” The Hare Krishna movement now emphasizes “interfaith work and an academic approach to its tradition.” Its center on Watseka Avenue in West Los Angeles offers a free vegetarian feast every Sunday. Maybe I’d go there. One day. But not right away.
Elsewhere in the same newspaper, an ad invites people to celebrate the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule, while another promises that a call to a certain toll free number would reach a “world renowned spiritual healer” who could “break black magic” and subdue my “arrogant, cold-hearted love. 100% guaranteed.” I could just hear my parents after reading that ad, “So, why not call the number? What’s the difference? It’s all subjective mumbo-jumbo anyway.”
What could I answer? Maybe it was as simple as that word “guaranteed.” I don't think faith has anything to do with guarantees. And it sure has nothing to do with “subduing” anyone else, not the faith I'm looking for anyway.
The July 14th issue of The India Journal, “A Leading Indo-American Newspaper,” had news of a brick-laying ceremony at the Jain Center in Buena Park, California, attended by the town mayor and local Congresswoman. Professor Chapple had said the Jain sect of Hinduism, with its strict emphasis on the sanctity of all life and hence strict vegetarianism, had influenced Mahatma Ghandi. Possible teachers at either? Maybe.
Finally, in a glossy monthly magazine called Siliconeer, a “General Interest Magazine for South Asians,” published near Sacramento, California, I found a full page with the heading: “Temple Schedules” - complete schedules for fourteen different temples, about half in southern California. Looking for the closest temple with the longest list of services and what appeared to be classes, I targeted the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Whittier as my next destination. Sunday, four to six-thirty in the afternoon, I was headed for a “satsang sabha,” whatever that was.
(18 August 2006)
In the midst of action, and action
In the midst of inaction, is wise
And can act in the spirit of yoga.
Bhagavad Gita 4.18
I'm back at my desk, trying to figure out where to go next. I’d taken an armful of recent Indian newspapers and magazines, flyers from various Hindu societies, and a couple of yoga magazines - all published in California - that Professor Chapple had offered and there they all sat, in a sloppy stack. Might as well start there, at least the pile will get cleaned up.
Until I find a teacher, I'm rudderless.
In the July 21, 2006 issue of India West, which called itself “North America’s Most Honored Weekly Indian Newspaper,” there was an opinion column with the headline: “Troubled ISKCON Turns 40.” ISKCON stood for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, what the Hare Krishnas now call themselves. I'd been shocked when Professor Chapple mentioned that the Hare Krishnas were a sect of Hinduism. The reason I’d decided to start with Hinduism and Buddhism was, in part, because I thought I had no preconceived notions about either. Only the ignorant think they have no baggage or bias. I’d filed away the Hare Krishna movement under 70s cults because that’s how I’d seen them portrayed in American media: desperate parents hiring deprogrammers to get their college-aged kids away from a mind-controlling cult. The byline on the article said it was written “BY ISKCON,” making it an official opinion column from the Hare Krishnas themselves, so the headline calling their organization “troubled” was provocative.
The piece said ISKCON was started by a seventy-year-old Indian named A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, that it was “a monotheistic tradition within the Hindu fold” and, although it admitted there had been problems in the past, it said ISKCON had "come of age." Its congregations “are largely composed of and often led by Indian-American families” while its Food-for-Life program was “the world’s largest vegetarian relief organization.” The Hare Krishna movement now emphasizes “interfaith work and an academic approach to its tradition.” Its center on Watseka Avenue in West Los Angeles offers a free vegetarian feast every Sunday. Maybe I’d go there. One day. But not right away.
Elsewhere in the same newspaper, an ad invites people to celebrate the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule, while another promises that a call to a certain toll free number would reach a “world renowned spiritual healer” who could “break black magic” and subdue my “arrogant, cold-hearted love. 100% guaranteed.” I could just hear my parents after reading that ad, “So, why not call the number? What’s the difference? It’s all subjective mumbo-jumbo anyway.”
What could I answer? Maybe it was as simple as that word “guaranteed.” I don't think faith has anything to do with guarantees. And it sure has nothing to do with “subduing” anyone else, not the faith I'm looking for anyway.
The July 14th issue of The India Journal, “A Leading Indo-American Newspaper,” had news of a brick-laying ceremony at the Jain Center in Buena Park, California, attended by the town mayor and local Congresswoman. Professor Chapple had said the Jain sect of Hinduism, with its strict emphasis on the sanctity of all life and hence strict vegetarianism, had influenced Mahatma Ghandi. Possible teachers at either? Maybe.
Finally, in a glossy monthly magazine called Siliconeer, a “General Interest Magazine for South Asians,” published near Sacramento, California, I found a full page with the heading: “Temple Schedules” - complete schedules for fourteen different temples, about half in southern California. Looking for the closest temple with the longest list of services and what appeared to be classes, I targeted the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Whittier as my next destination. Sunday, four to six-thirty in the afternoon, I was headed for a “satsang sabha,” whatever that was.
(18 August 2006)
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