sangh sandesh july - september 2008

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Utsav Pilot Nayan Mistry July - September 2008 - Yugaabd 5110 turn to page 16 BalGokulum Chintan 'The Great British Youth Crisis' Page 14 Sanket Hindu Lives, Hindu Values

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Page 1: Sangh Sandesh July - September 2008

Utsav Pilot Nayan Mistry

July - September 2008 - Yugaabd 5110

turn to page

16BalGokulum

Chintan'The Great

British Youth Crisis'

Page 14

Sanket Hindu Lives, Hindu Values

Page 2: Sangh Sandesh July - September 2008

Contents

Published quarterly by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK).

For any contributions, comments and correspondence please write to: Sangh Sandesh, 46-48 Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5LD, UK

email: [email protected]: www.hssuk.org

For private circulation only.

Editorial team: Raveendra Surange, Poonam Mistry, Gaurav Prinja, Nayan Mistry, Bharat Joshi and Harshita Deolia

Design: Amit Patel and Anisha Patel

The editors reserve the right to edit the material submitted for publication. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of HSS (UK).

Editorial 2Hindu Vishwa 3UK Samachar 7Mera Anubhav 11Sanket 12Chintan 14Bal Gokulum 16 Utsav 20Ekatmata Stotra 22Pravaah 24Sewa News 26

Namaste! Festivals (Utsavs) are an integral part of Hindu life.

We have utsavs to commemorate/ celebrate almost every

day or occasion. July – August are no exception. Three

important utsavs (out of the six, HSS celebrates) falls

during this period. Hindu Sanghatan Divas, Guru Poornima

and Rakshshaa Bandhan are celebrated consecutively in

the months of June, July and August.

Rakshha Bandhan (or Rakhee) is celebrated in the

months of August. It commemorates the concept of

‘universal brotherhood’ so strongly embedded in the

Hindu philosophy. Hindus have always thought of the

welfare of the whole world. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family) aptly describes this

concept. No other thought-process or civilisation in

the world has had such a magnanimous worldview. It

originates from the belief that everything in the world is a

part of infinite (the‘Brahm’) hens inter-related. To quote

M S Golwalkar (Shri Guruji) one of the renowned thinker

of modern India – ‘world peace has been the ultimate goal and life mission of the Hindu society.’ It is particularly

relevant in today’s world full of conflicts based on race,

religion, colour, creed or nationality. I sometimes wonder

if ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ would not be an ideal logo

for the United Nations.

Hindus are privilaged to have such a lofty legacy from

their ancestors. It’s only unfortunate that many of them

are unaware of it. To know, understand and propagate

ancient ‘sanatan’ values of Hindu Dharam would go a

long way to make this world a better place to live.Anand Arya, Croydon

This Issue

July - September 2008 - Yugaabd 5110

Editorial

July - September 20082

Page 3: Sangh Sandesh July - September 2008

North East Sambhag - first Ghosh Varg, USA54 Swayamsevaks and Sevikas from 5 vibhaags filled the serene environment of Panchvati Ashram, NY with melodius Ghosh rachanas on April 27th 2008. The varg aimed to improve the quality of Ghosh, learn new rachanas and understand how our qualities and our shakhas could be strengthed. In addition to practical sessions, bouddhiks on the history of Ghosh and lively discussions were held. Videos of pathasanchalan in Bharat inspired everyone greatly and in the end, playing Ghosh together gave us a sense of unity, motivation and excitement.

Saumitraji, using Ghosh as a metaphor for a Sangh vision of a vibrant, harmonious society, spoke of the importance of Ghosh to Sangh work and society as a whole.Aparna Garg, Kalpita Abhyankar, Yelloji Mirajkar

Jagannath Dham: Sewa Anubhav, USASwayamsevaks and Sevikas from New York and New Jersey came together at a recently acquired property, Jagannath Dham, to perform a weekend of Sewa. We cleaned, completed drywalls, constructed doors, installed blinds, put up curtains and performed various other tasks around the property, all motivated to make a difference. Some even worked through the night! A small shakha was held the next morning before continuing the work. We left, highly motivated to return again and with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

HinduVishwaNews from around the world

If you would

like to contribute

contact us at:

[email protected]

3July - September 2008

Page 4: Sangh Sandesh July - September 2008

Mauritius Swayamsevak Sangh Goes GlobalMauritius officially joined 40 out of 80 countries on 7th April 2008 (Ugadi) by adopting the name, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. The event, at Hindu House, was inspired by the efforts of Mauritius’ parcharak, Ramchandraji who has greatly motivated and been a role model to many people. In explaining the role of a Swayamsevak, Ramchandraji said that everyone did not need to stand up and lead. He used the analogy of a bow and arrow, saying that the thrust of the arrow is dependent on the bow and the person behind it. This was a memorable event and one that will be remembered for a long time.

Mauritian Hindus, where their majority population is slowly being eroded, have had a difficult history. Sangh work has also struggled on the island but despite this, HSS has taken the position of a ‘watchdog’ to see that Hindus are not manipulated in the current political games.

Spirituality & Mental Health Seminar, New Zealand

Over 200 Mental Health professionals participated in this seminar organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand. It aimed to consider the multiple perspectives of spirituality and mental health and as a result, different faith groups were represented. Although intertwined, the focus was on similarities in

“When I started working in mental health, spirituality was considered part of the problem of mental illness, not a facilitator of recovery. This new perspective is refreshing.” Participant - mental health worker

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spirituality that impact on mental health rather than differences in religious practices. The seminar was a success and participants found it enlightening and informative.Dr Guna Magesan

Second NZ Hindu Conference His Highness Te Arikinui King Tuheitia, the Maori King, inaugurated the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Conference on 16 May 2008 at the Hindu Heritage Centre. Mr Rahui Papa, spoke on behalf of King Tuheitia, mentioned the similarities between Maori and Hindu communities. He appreciated the work of the Hindu Council of New Zealand and congratulated them for celebrating Matariki (Maori New Year).

This 3 day event is important for the Hindu community in New Zealand, and also for race relations. The theme of the Conference was "Sustaining New Zealand communities through health benefits of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda". This conference was well received and provided a platform for all organizations dealing with Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda to showcase the health benefits to the New Zealand society. Dr Guna Magesan

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Raviji Kumar's Europe PravaasRaviji Kumar visited many European countries on his short pravaas and below are a few of the highlights.

France•Organised by Yogacharya Virendra Kumar Harit, an interactive session on Hindu philosophy, addressed by Raviji Kumar, was held for French professionals in Lille, France. 40 doctors, engineers, professors, accountants and even the retired Police Commissioner and the advisor to EU participated in this session and were keen to know more about Hinduism.

Norway•A religious discourse at a Hindu Temple run by Sri Lankan Tamils was organised in Oslo, Norway. A large gathering attended the talk, in Tamil, entitled, ‘Family Values and the Greatness of Hinduism’.

Denmark•HSS Copenhagen’s New Year Day celebrations, attended by over 90 Hindus, began with enchanting devotional songs by Anil Kumar Sharma and his musicians. Swayamsevaks and Sevikas spoke on topics such as Ram Navmi and character development and Dr Ram Vaidya highlighted our duty to impart sanskars to children. In his key note address, Raviji Kumar discussed the achievements of HSS and the Hindu Samaj around the world.

Vedic Maths•Oslo University hosted a workshop on Vedic Mathematics for graduate and post graduate students and senior research scholars. HSF Netherlands also organised a workshop for Rotterdam University’s students. Classes were also held in Paris, Brussels and Copenhagen. Ravi Kumar

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UKSamacharNews From the UK

Proudh ShibirFrom 5th - 7th June, 108 Proudh Swayamsevaks (and 17 day visitors) gathered in the green Woodhouse, Leicester for a weekend of Yoga, games, a special Pranayama session and even a 6 mile walk on Sunday morning. Dr J Joshi, an Ayurvedic practitioner gave an interesting talk on ayurveda in daliy life. And, after discussions on Sewa, we all felt as though we could offer more.

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North West Vibhaag's Hindu Sanghathan Divas Walk60 Swayamsevaks, Sevikas and their families gathered to mark Hindu Sanghathan Divas in the north west. Everyone enjoyed the walk through mud and puddles at Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton after which, shielded from the winds, they shared not only their packed lunches but a real feeling of community.

Birmingham Geet Competition11 talented teams (including the Sewa Shop, Balgokulum and Anand Milan Kendra) captivated the judges at the annual Birmingham nagar geet competition. The eventual winners were Hanuman Shakha for boys aged 16 to 25.

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Ashton Open DayAshton Arjun and Ambika Shakha celeberated Hindu Sangathan Divas on Sunday 15th June. Over 110 Swayamsevaks, Sevikas and their families experienced the games, yoga and a discussion on the utsav. Delicious food was prepared by each family taking part.

Sewa Walkathon in RugbyRugby Shakha's annual fundraising Walkathon and picnic at Draycote Waters on 13th June attracted over 250 participants of all ages. A tree was planted in memory of late Shri Jaiashji Laxmidas and £1,600 was raised through Sewa International for Cancer Research.

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Sewa Walkathon in CoventryCoventry Shakha joined Sewa International on 22nd June 2008 for a charity walk in Coventry Memorial Park in aid of the Burma Appeal. Celebrated as Hindu Sanghathan Diwas, the day was packed full of walking, food and games. But, to read more about this extraordinary event, direct from the pens of the swayamsevaks, you'll have to wait till the next issue!

A Walk in the ParkSee the article on

page 11

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1,2. "A Walk in the Park"

3. Basingstoke event on 6th July

MeraAnubhavExperiences

A Walk in the ParkThis must have been one of the largest parties to face the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a nerve-racking or exciting prospect for some. For me, it was the thrill of finally showing Satishji my stuff!

The walk began at 0600hr - I write the time like this because we were on a mission. Luckily, I was part of the group that decided to try all three peaks, despite the warnings of bogs and rain.

We began as a group but I knew that it would soon spread out. My only thought at this point was, “find a friend!” It was at the top of the first peak that I met the group I would be walking with for the rest of the journey - the toughest, most daring and (unfortunately for me) the fastest guys out there – Amit Shah, Vikesh Chandaria and Neeraj Shah. Believe it or not, they ran down Pen-y-ghent! I was so determined to keep up, that I did too but, obviously lacking experience, I ended up in the bogs!

We hiked continuously for four hours and eventually came to the first checkpoint. However, it wasn’t long before we began the second peak. The true challenge here was not the mountain but the weather up there. Gale force winds struck from every direction but by pure determination, teamwork and encouragement, we pulled through.

The feeling of coming out of the storm was confidence more than relief. I felt that anything was possible and it seemed to clear the doubts in my mind. It worked miracles for the other three in the group! They picked up the pace and towards the end of Ingleborough (when I had totally run out of fuel) Amit and Vikesh decided to run, finishing 15 minutes before us in 9 hours 36 minutes! I have never ever seen this type of determination. I was amazed with our times but shocked when they said, “we’re doing it faster next year!”

For anyone who thinks walking isn’t a challenge, believe me when I say that this is no ordinary walk in the park! Yajur Shah, Bradford

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Hindu Lives, Hindu ValuesA tourist in Egypt seeking knowledge about Egyptian culture might be directed to a museum. Those interested in ancient Greek culture may refer to books. This is the case with almost all ancient civilisations and cultures. If someone inquired about Hindu culture, we could say, ‘Come to my home to experience Hindu culture’. We live our culture and the civilisation. We pass it onto the next generation. It will be a shameful day when anybody feels the need to visit a museum to understand Hindu culture.

We are here to preserve, protect, practice and promote Hindu culture. But how are we going to preserve it? Are we wearing the same clothes as our ancestors? Are we using the same technology our forefathers were acquainted with? Are we taking our generation into the past with the rituals our parents used to practice? No! We don’t want to go back. We are here to take our generation forward. We want to lead a very modern life with the core values of Hindu Dharma. We can live hand in hand with western culture and, at the same time, lead a prosperous Hindu life in its pure sense. To preserve culture the first basic quality is that we should love our culture.

What is ‘culture’? Indian dress? Dance and music? Cuisine perhaps? Or is it celebrating festivals? They all contribute to preserving culture but are not at the core of it. Culture is how we think about ourselves, our family, society, the environment and the entire universe. In simple terms, lead a Hindu life by the past, through the present and towards the future. When our lives reflect the above factors, we are on the path of preserving our culture. When we think more of our families than ourselves, or when we try to adopt the values Shri Ram and Shri Krishna followed in their lives, we are closer to a cultural Hindu lifestyle

HoME - • “A house is built by bricks but a home is built by hearts.” Shri Lakshmi and Shri Saraswati reside in our homes. Would they live happily in the atmosphere we have created in our home? Does our home feel like a market or is it like entering into temple of serenity. Does our family sit, eat,

SanketDirection

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pray, read and discuss together? If we make a conscious effort to create a family atmosphere through togetherness, our homes can be Hindu homes.LaNguagE• - Goddess Saraswati is the deity of Language. My mother would say, “Your mother tongue is your mother; if you lose ‘her’ you are an orphan.” We may learn different languages but we should protect the language of our culture and the values it carries. Environmentalists are striving to protect all species from extinction and we too should make the effort to ensure our mother language does not become history. Can we try to speak our mother language, at least in our homes? Try it. You will find that children feel closer to our culture.HIsToRy• - Our history contains great sacrifice. Our ancestors led exemplary lives full of noble values and shed their blood to protect our Dharma. Some were brave warriors who protected Dharma. Their lives show us how to become warriors. Some were great saints who led simple lives and showed us a path of humanity. Some were astute intellectuals who discovered secrets from the universe and made our life civilised and prosperous. Remembering great people of our culture can light our paths to a better future.sERVIcE• - We see God in all beings and feel the same energy in every creation. Therefore, we relate to everybody. We feel sorry if somebody is sad. We are happy with friends’ successes. We care for the needy. This sense of ‘Sewa’ is the puja of Narayan. By serving the needy we fulfil our duty to sustain others. The best way to serve is to donate your time. Spending some time for others is your investment for a better society.

This small moral story tells the need for preserving culture. An old man was planting a mango tree. His friend asked, “My friend, what are doing? You will wait ten years to get sweet mangoes from this tree. Will you be alive to eat them?” The old man smiled and replied, “When I was young I enjoyed mangoes from the tree that my grandfather planted. If I don’t plant this tree, my grandchildren will be devoid of mangoes.”

It is sometimes difficult to lead life on these principles. But, coming together regularly will nurture those values. coming together is the beginning, working together makes it a practice and staying together leads to success. Dr. Ram Vaidya

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ChintanThought

The Great British Youth Crisis As I write this article, 31 teenagers have been murdered in the UK this year - so far.

It seems no town or city in the UK is free from ‘hooded’ youths, intimidating communities and generally being anti-social. Alcohol consumption and sexual activity among Britain’s teenagers are some of the highest in Europe. Violent crime is being perpetrated by teenagers on teenagers and even on adults trying to protect their properties and communities. Although all youths should not be tarred with the same brush, the minority is growing. It is forming a disturbing underclass in a society which should provide a positive environment for the development of young citizens.

The government's response has been to criminalise kids. By introducing ‘anti-social behaviour orders’ (ASBOs) and increasing custodial sentences, they have tried to show that they are tough on youth crime. There have been calls for tougher measures against drinks companies, those who sell alcohol to the underage and youths caught carrying weapons.

But, this approach does not seem to be working. In fact, the more children are targeted as criminals, the more they are alienated from civilised society and the more they are pushed towards alcohol, gangs and violence.

Every time I see young children wandering the streets at night or hear of yet another teenage stabbing, I wonder what the parents are doing. Why aren’t they held accountable for their child’s actions? I believe the issue at the heart of this youth crisis is the breakdown of family in British society, something which is all too often ignored.

Recently, the deputy mayor of London met with families of the victims of knife crime to try and find a solution to teenage crime. Although commendable, I couldn’t help feeling that he was meeting the wrong people. Surely he should be sitting down with parents of the culprits to discuss why

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their children were free to wander the streets, with no respect for the law and lives of others.

It appears that these parents are failing to impart values to their children and not attempting to assert authority over them. Instead, parents all too easily fold, giving their children false belief that they have a right to do as they wish without fear of punishment.

There was a time when a child caught misbehaving at school could expect further punishment at home – now, stories of parents assaulting teachers who dare punish their child are common, further diminishing the child's respect for authority and increasing their belief that they are untouchable. Overconfidence and lack of values combined with increasing pressure to grow up faster, leaves frightening results - children behaving like adults, without the experience and morals required to make adult decisions. Simple situations are resolved immaturely, sometimes with violence and knives.

Parents should let children be children. They must not be afraid to discipline and impart values in a loving and positive atmosphere. Parents must start taking responsibility for family breakdown and lacklustre parenting. The values children require must come from the home and not, as the government seems to encourage, from school, police or policy.

Hindu culture places great importance on family. Although it may sometimes appear restrictive, the discipline and respect this fosters has great benefits to society.

Nayan Mistry, London

“cornerstones of our culture such as respecting elders and imparting sanskars offer, a solution to uK's youth crisis, albeit not an easy one. Recognising the importance of family and home life will provide a starting point to change society for the better.”

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Ramnavmi in BracknellOn April 10, Balgokulam Bracknell organised a performance event to commemorate Shri Ramanavami. Children aged 3 and 4 recited and acted to a shloka on Ganesha and sang a bhajan about Hanuman. The over 4’s performed a play from the Ramayan. The narrator focussed on the values and ideals to be learnt.

The event concluded with a message to join the campaign to save the Ram Sethu from being destroyed. It is safe to say that the programme was enjoyed by both children and parents alike!

Ma: Unconditional LoveTilak and a few grains of rice was all that was needed to make my Mothers Day a memorable one. It outshone the usual flowers and

BalGokulum

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chocolates that are given to mark this day. That my two football mad lads were actually performing this act, so naturally and lovingly, was a touching experience.

No matter what else they do, this small act of unconditional love was a timely reminder of how precious my children are to me.Jashoda Devlia

Balgokulum London: Guru Pooja ShibirImagine spending a weekend with 35 enthusiastic children aged 5 - 14...! Borehamwood, Hounslow, Swindon and North London Vibhaag Balgokulums came together to celebrate Guru Purnima in style with archery, adventure trails, a pizza barbeque, a bonfire and even our own version of BG's got talent! Other topics covered were Bal Krishna, Bal Hanuman, Conservation, Guru, Vedic Maths and Elocution. This shibir was thoroughly enjoyed and all are looking forward to next year.Nilesh Solanki, London

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Parable Of The Pencilonce upon a time, in Bharat (India), there was a pencil maker who made the best pencils in the world.

After making a pencil he would take it aside and say, "There are 5 things you need to know before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"one: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.""Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.""Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark.

No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went out into

the world with purpose in its heart.Now, replace the pencil with yourself. Always remember 5 things

and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.one: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow

Story

Jokes!01 What kind of coach has no wheels?02 What kind of cup doesn't hold water?03 What kind of star wears sunglasses?04 What kind of table has no legs?05 Where can you always find money?

answers 1. a football coach. 2. a cupcake. 3. a movie star. 4. a multiplication table. 5. In the dictionary.

Funny joke to share?

Contact us at:

[email protected]

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E R a H X X N L s H P c o M s

o o T B E s V L E I F a N R M

o K a P E E s H W a R a M a E

I s I o L D o T M a D E R N F

D F a N R a E Z T N a c H J R

E K T M a N o J a V a y a a L

E g B N a s H N g E X u I N K

L E D s H E I T T T E X o E g

M Z B a J R a N g B a L I y H

s a N K a T a M o c H a N a N

s s R s P a V a N P u T R a D

R R E u F R a M a D u T a M K

g K u H T E E N c X I N L D P

N T V M D I L Z R I s F a N o

M c I y J E E N D s o s s o T

yourself to be held in God's hand, and allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on

the inside.Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark.

No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. Bharat Joshi

?

?

19

“Allow this parable of the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish.”

Puzzle!

HaNuMaN - WoRD sEaRcH PuZZLEFind the following hidden words: Anjaneya, Bajrangbali, Kapeeshwara, Kesarinandan, Maruti, Manojava, Pavanputra, Ramaduta, Sankatamochanan.

? ??

?

July - September 2008

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UtsavGuru Purnima | Raksha Bandhan

Guru PurnimaWe hear many inspirational tales of dedication and sacrifice during Guru Purnima, such as those related to the Bhagwa Dhwaj and Eklavya, but are they relevant today? We live in a questioning world, where we can challenge, oppose and even disregard the advice of our 'Gurus'. Although not necessarily a bad thing, is there a point beyond which we are being disrespectful? Perhaps this is a good time to think about Sangh’s emphasis on respecting the Guru.

My own difficult relationship with a 'Guru' was at flying school when training to be a pilot. The most important part of this intense course was a flying test called the instrument rating, which involved flying an aircraft using only the instruments (even the windows were covered with a screen!). A first time pass could mean recommendations to big airlines so naturally, I hoped for a good instructor.

I remember meeting my instructor for the first time - he was big, bald, had a booming voice and liked to call me 'boy'! Flying with him was a nightmare. From engine start to engine shutdown, each flight was a torrent of abuse and criticism. I could do nothing right and felt that I was being broken down as a person. I came close to requesting another instructor as I believed his teaching methods were wrong and that he didn’t know how to get the best out of me.

On exam day, the external examiner said that as a passenger, he would say nothing during the flight. The silence was glorious. Having flown with constant pressure from my instructor, the exam felt relatively straightforward and I passed first time to a high standard. I could see that my instructor was genuinely pleased I had passed.

It was then realised how wrong I was about him. He knew exactly what he was doing and I am, to this day, grateful to him for giving me the skills both to pass and succeed in my later career.

The moral? It is all too easy to criticise our 'Gurus'. We can sometimes forget that they have lots of experience and usually have our best interests at heart.

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In this example, my 'Guru' was in the context of a teacher, but the role of Guru can vary from something as simple as mentor to something as deep as a spiritual guide. In Sangh, as well as the Dhwaj, we have many figures who can guide and advise us. We can always question, challenge and disagree with our Guru's, but the skill is to be able to do this with mutual respect and humility.Nayan Mistry, London

Raksha BandhanIt is a regular reminder, a symbol which travels subtly with us everywhere we go. When we see the simple string on our right hand, our minds stir. What do you think of when you hear of or see the Rakhi?

It is said that your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions and your actions define you. This simple Rakhi tied on your right hand is powerful and has the potential to positively shape your thoughts, words, actions and ultimately you.

Raksha Bandhan can serve to remind us of the importance of relationships - Kunti and Abhimanyu, Draupadi and Krishna, Sachi and Indra, to name but a few of the more well known stories associated with this celebration. It signifies peaceful co-existence and is a day that was made popular by Rabindranath Tagore to promote unity and a commitment to members of society so they felt a desire to protect each other and encourage a more harmonious social situation.

We know that Raksha Bandhan and the Rakhi symbolises a bond. It is up to us to ensure that the bonds we create as we live our lives are positive; bonds that compel us to do better ourselves and for those around us. We can take this utsav as a time to think about who we wish to create bonds with – internally, to understand ourselves better, as well as externally, to forge a connection with the community in which we live.Poonam Mistry

"As an exercise, each day, when you see your Rakhi, stop. Look at it again and commit a word to your memory that describes what it means to you."

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Shri Guru Nanak - During the time when India was ruled by foreign invaders, with violence, selfishness and religious persecution, Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji came to the world with a message of peace, unity and devotion to God. As a child, Guru Nanak would not chant anything without understanding its meaning. He had a questionning mind and a pious nature and began to focus on meditation and spirituality from a young age.

Shri Guru Nanak began to preach his mission of peace and love for everybody through songs and bhajans, which have been collected and preserved in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib – the sacred book of the Sikh community. He was also interested in reforming corruptions in society, such as ritualism and there are many stories in Shri Guru Nanak's life where he showed, through his actions, his ability to look beyond wealth and caste.

Shri Guru Gobind Singh - Born Gobind Rai Sodhi, he was formally installed as Guru on Baisakhi 1676. A naturally gifted poet, he saw poetry as a way of connecting with God. However, he also enjoyed exercises such as riding, swimming and archery.

The establishment of Khalsa by Shri Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 is considered one of the most important events in the history of Sikhism. The first five Sikhs to be initiated were surnamed ‘Singh’, meaning lion and were required to wear the five symbols of the Khalsa. Shri Guru Gobind Singh passed on his role to the Guru Granth Sahib, ending the line of personal Gurus.

EkãtmatãStotra

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Maharishi Devala - Devala Maharishi is said to be the first person to weave cotton cloth. He wished to present the cloth to the king and it is said that the Gods protected Devala Maharishi from demons on his journey. There have also been two famous sages with this name.

Sant Ravidas (1376-1527) - Born into a cobbler’s family in 1376, Sant Ravidas was a devout worshiper of Lord Rama. He rose to a position of great honour through a life of simplicity and motivated his followers to challenge discrimination on the grounds of caste. His followers are called Ravidasis. Some of his hymns are said to appear in the ‘Adi Granth’.

Kabir - In India, Kabir is perhaps the most quoted author after Tulsidas. A weaver by birth, he is ranked among the world’s greatest poets and was said to have had an enormous influence in Indian philosophy and Hindi poetry. Kabir conveys his message in two line poems, or ‘Doha’. Kabir’s poetry is said to be relevant even today, both socially and spiritually. The Shri Guru Granth Sahib contains over 500 verses by Kabir.

Bhakta Narshi Mehta - Bhakta Narshi Mehta had full faith in God and was devoted to Lord Krishna. His Gujarati poetic compositions are valuable jewels of India. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi included a song by Narshi Mehta that idealised the virtues of a human in his daily prayers, with one of his favourite bhajans being Vaishnav Jana To.

Sant Tulsidas - Tulsidas is said to be one of the best poets ever to have graced Bharat and is regarded as an incarnation of Sage Valmiki. His verses were written in Hindi and accessible to everyone. He wrote 12 books but is most well known for the 'Ramacharita Manasa' – the Ramayana in Hindi, and also the Hanuman Chalisa.

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When Star Trek met Sangh! as a swayamsevak, why should you care about the Enterprise, or the star ship Voyager? obviously, a well developed swayamsevak should be able to talk intelligently about all subjects, science Fiction included but, I’ve brought these two facets of life together for a slightly deeper reason.

I want to concentrate on an episode called “The Neutral Zone”, in star Trek: The Next generation with captain Jean Luc Picard. First aired in 1988, the story concerns mysteriously disappearing star bases along a border with a hostile race. The secondary story though, is very interesting. a cryogenic stasis pod has been found, where people from the 20th century with terminal diseases were frozen before death, in the hope that they could be woken in future when cures for their ailments had been found.

one of the ‘freshly thawed’ people (a financier called Ralph offenhouse) is very brash and insists on speaking with the captain so he can contact his law firm, get news on the stock market and access his investments! Eventually, captain Picard explains to him that humanity has changed. It is this vision of the future that I want us all to consider.

Plenty of films portray the future as an apocalyptic hell hole with corrupt police and violent crime. Here we have something different. contrary to offenhouse’s expectations that humanity is still obsessed with power, money and control, Picard explains that humans no longer seek such things; they have grown out of their infancy.

In fact, in this future world, there is no money on Earth; people don’t go about trying to accumulate wealth. When asked, “What do you

Pravaah"Flow" Of Thought

July - September 200824

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invest in?” Picard explains that “we invest in ourselves”. Humanity has seen the evils of war and greed and has come around to the idea of self improvement and peace.

I think we should also look to the future. Each swayamsevak should have a personal mission of self improvement. sangh is often hailed as a “man making organisation”, and the best type of man (or woman) you can be is one that is always striving to better him (or her) self.

other types of investment are truly transient. Money may be ‘safe’ in a bank, but if the economy suffers hyperinflation a loaf of bread may cost hundreds of pounds! owning property may appear ‘safe’ yet ask Kashmiris what the title deeds for their properties in north western Kashmir are worth.

The things that will truly help you are your own skills and abilities, learn your trade yes, but diversify.

In my view, self improvement is the one thing where you can set high targets and give yourself a goal; where you can constantly work to achieve so you are never bored, but where you can see progress with disciplined commitment.

The episode ends with a question from offenhouse, who wonders that if you are no longer looking to accumulate wealth then "what is the challenge?" captain Picard replies:

"The challenge, Mr. offenhouse, is to improve yourself. To enrich your life. Enjoy it." gaurav Prinja

“so go, develop a personal sangh mission to make yourself a better person, it'll probably be the best investment that you make!”

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Sewa Volunteers A new volunteering initiative targeting the Indian diaspora in UK was launched by Sewa International on 5th May 2008, with the support of Monty Panesar.

The scheme, set to be implemented in North West London, seeks to monitor and manage the experience for those interested volunteers within and beyond the Indian community.

It aims to link individuals with local groups and charities whom they can assist and contribute their time, whilst also, developing their own skills and awareness. It is hoped that the profile and virtue of public service will increase and the importance of providing time, in addition to money, will be seen.

Currently, partner charities include those that help the blind, elderly and people with learning difficulties. SewaVolunteers will also work with Sansaar, an organisation that aims to teach Gujarati through pantomime and music. www.sewavolunteers.org, 020 7193 7108.

SewaNewsCharity News

“your time - every minute, every hour, you give makes a difference.” Monty Panesar

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'Faith and Globalisation'- The Tony Blair Foundation Tony Blair’s speech on ‘Faith and Globalisation’ at the Cardinal’s Lectures mentioned Sewa International, as one of the, “...great humanitarian enterprises which brings relief to those who are suffering...” and as a “...charity that draws inspiration from its faith.”

He also announced that, through the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, he plans to organise a global campaign to mobilise young people, across religious divides, to work together towards acheiving the Millenium Development Goals.

The Foundation, which is to launch later in the year, will promote understanding between the major faiths and increase understanding of the role of faith in the modern world. The Foundation will work with faith leaders and grass roots organisations, finding the best examples of where faith is used as a progressive force.

Hindu Sahitya Kendra (HSK) aims to provide books, charts, on Hindu religion, history, philosophy, culture, health, cookery, places of interest, language learning for most age groups, at very reasonable and competetive prices. We have dictionaries in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Sanskrit with English translations, children's books, maps, CD

Roms, and audio cassettes.

HSK also aims to promote interest in topics that concern Hindus including Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhist. You can also subscribe to Indian periodicals through us. We supply books to libraries, schools, and local authorities

Hindu Sahitya Kendra (Hindu Literature Centre) is a service project of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK. Registered Charity No. 267309.

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"...great humanitarian enterprises which brings relief to those who are suffering...”

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