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13010 W. Griffin Road

Southwest Ranches, FL 33330

www.sfht.org

JULYJULYJULYJULY----AUGUST 2005AUGUST 2005AUGUST 2005AUGUST 2005

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Namaste Devotees of SFHT, We are approaching an eventful time this year for our temple. Soon, our Mata Jagran ceremony will be held and the renowned Narindar Chanchal will be once again performing for us throughout the night. Chanchalji needs no introduction. Last year temple was filled beyond capacity and it was a night to remember. We are looking forward to the same warm response on July 30 this month. Support and involvement of volunteers for the temple is quite impressive. We had a “temple cleaning day” in early May for the maintenance of our temple. I want to sincerely thank the 30 people showed up and showed great enthusiasm in keeping our temple clean. We need more of us to be involved with these types of things in order for SFHT to remain spotless. We are planning to do Kar Seva on regular basis to keep temple clean and earn God’ blessings at the same time.

We all have been blessed with an opportunity to witness a great event that is steadily moving closer as months pass by. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam of South Florida Hindu Temple is approaching and we will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe the opening ceremony of our main altar.

This is a time where we gather all of our friends and family and make sure that our temple, the place where we all get together and pray, talk, and laugh, prospers. We are working as hard as we possibly can but we need the support of all our members in order to make our collective dream come true. So far, with all of your support, SFHT has flourished since its beginning stages. We have traveled leaps and bounds and now we are finally in the final stages of construction. We urge everyone who is reading this article to inform their loved ones of the upcoming event. The ceremony will be held on Decemeber 9 through 11, and several thousands of people are expected over the course of the three-day occasion.

Please mark this event in your plan books and be sure that you are a part of it. We would love to see you all there.

Thank you, Piyush Goyal SFHT President Gov. Council

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Letter from the Editor…Letter from the Editor…Letter from the Editor…Letter from the Editor… Dear friends,

This issue comes with some of my early childhood spiritual memories of introduction to Vedas. One day I saw a picture of my favorite God Ganeshji similar to one on the cover of this issue. .I was devastated! I took that picture to my grandpa and bang a finger on the picture. I was furious. He asked me, “What is the matter?” Without saying a word once again I hit my finger on the picture. He asked me the same question again. I replied “What is the matter? Look at this mean old teacher. What has he done to Ganeshji! He took away his throne, all his ladoo, little mouse, make poor big fella sit on the ground and look how much home work he is forcing him to do at one sitting! He is really a mean old teacher. Grandpa you need to do something about it.” He smiled and took me to his hugh library. He showed me books of Vedas and told me the story of Maharishi Ved Vyas. He summarized all Vedas in one line for me. “These books teach us everything we need to know to do everything we need to do in our life.” Since Ganeshji was very, brilliant, Maharishi Ved Vyas selected him for the task of transcribing Mahabharata. Having made sure my favorite god was not in any trouble I went to play with my friends.

The Vedas are part of the Hindu Shruti; these religious scriptures form part of the core of the Brahminical and Vedic traditions within Hinduism and are the inspirational, metaphysical and mythological foundation for later Vedanta, Yoga, Tantra and even Bhakti forms of Hinduism. They are supposed to have been passed through oral tradition for over 10,000 years. They came to us in written form between 4-6,000 years ago. They are sacred tests of spiritual and philosophical.

Today, man is the most powerful creature created by the Almighty. But unfortunately the strengths of man have become his greatest weaknesses today. The distance between the Earth and the moon has narrowed, but human hearts have gone miles apart from each other. The madness of man has reduced him to a mechanical machine. His life has become like a clock, ticking restlessly and endlessly. No peace and no comfort. No time for himself nor for the Almighty who created him. The race of life has swapped all his energy and left him distressed. He needs solace. He needs the Vedas. We are proud to present the first part of a six part Veda series in this issue. Vedas have been pillars of our religion, culture, and heritage. However, most of the time, our knowledge of the Vedas is usually scattered pieces of information. Studying the Vedas in original form could be profound, complex, and intimidating. Learning and practicing principles of Vedas in everyday life could take a lifetime in itself. This is an attempt to put the Vedas in simple, easy to digest format for regular devotees like us. My sincere hope is that everyone will try to go back to basics and put the knowledge and wisdom of scriptures in a daily life. Hari Om Narendra Upadhyaya Editor, Sanatana Sandesh

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SFHT JULY PROGRAMS

SUNDAY, July 3 (12:00-12:40) Discourse by Saint Krishnasinghji

Topic: Difference between attachment and true love

MONDAY, JULY 4 (7:00-9:00) Shiv Puja in Shankaracharya style conducted by Pandit Raghavan

SUNDAY, July 10 (12:00-12:40) Bhajan by Pandit ji

SUNDAY, July 17 (12:00-12:45) Discourse and Chanting by Shree Vijay Raghvan Topic: Mantra Pushpam

SUNDAY, July 24 (12:00-12:30) Bhajan by Ansuya Kalra (12:30-12:45) Kirtan by Panditji & Ansuya Kalra

SATURDAY, July 30 (9:00PM-4:00AM) Matarani Bhagvati Jagran Singer: Narinder Chanchal

SUNDAY, July 31 (12:00-12:30) Bhajan by Hema Munshi (12:30-12:45) Kirtan by Panditji & Hema Munshi

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Upcoming Hindu Festivals Raksha Bandhan August 19, 2005 Rakshabandhan is a very special festival of India. It is the celebration of the special bond between a brother and a sister. It is marked by a very simple ceremony in which a woman ties a rakhi — which may be a colorful thread, a simple bracelet, or a decorative string — around the waist of her brother .Brother in return gives money or gift and promise to protect and lookafter wellbeing of sister.This falls on the full moon day of the month of Sravan (August-September). Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is called Avani Avittam in South India.

Janamasthami August 26, 2005

The birth of Krishna is celebrated as Janmasthami on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada every yearThis festival is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of Vishnu. The life of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviors and propounders of 'Dharma'. Many devotees fast up until midnight, when there is a beautiful arati ceremony followed by a special feast. In homes, people often place a small Deity of baby Krishna in a cradle and rock Him gently. But for the most devotees the main event of the day is to take darshan of Lord Krishna in the temple.

Mathura was the capital of a kingdom in North India. Ugrasen was the king of Mathura. He had a son, Kansa and a daughter, Devki. During the lavish wedding of Devki to Vasudev, Kansa heard a celestial voice announce,' O Kansa, Thy death is written at the hand of the eighth son born to this union.' Through the ensuing years the demon king put to death six children born to Devki in the dungeons of the Palace. On the day that Sri Krishna was born it was raining and dark. At midnight a bright light appeared in the room of Devki. Then the child was born. Vasudev, terrified for the bay's safety, carried it in a basket through the opened gates of the dungeon. On account of the heavy rain the river Yamuna was swollen. But as he stepped out of the prison the rain stopped and the dim light of the moon showed the way. A huge snake taking the shape of an umbrella protected the child. Vasudev went to the home of his friend Nanda. He exchanged the baby boy with a baby girl and went back. The following day, when Kansa tried to kill the baby girl she slipped from his hands and the image of Devi appeared. She spoke to Kansa,''The one who is destined to kill you has already taken birth elsewhere.' Sri Krishna flourished under Nanda's and Yashodha's care and later on slew the wicked Kansa.

Karva Chauth October 20 A fast that ensures the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands, the festival of Karwa Chauth provides an opportunity for all married women to get close to their in-laws. Possessing a tremendous social and cultural significance, this festival is celebrated by keeping fast, applying henna and exchange of gifts.

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Rishi Vedavyas

MahaRishi Ved Vyas is Sanatan Dharma’s first and greatest acharya. He classified the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Purans, the Brahma Sutras, and uttered the Mahabharat which Shri Ganeshji penned down. He was born on an island in the holy river Yamuna, on Ashadh Purnima over 5,000 years ago. His father was Parashar rishi and mother, Satyavati. Rishi Vedavyas was born in an island; hence he came to be known as Dwaipaayana. Being dark complexioned, he was named Krishna Dwaipaayana. He studied under his father, as well as other great rishis such as, Vasudev and Sankadik. Vedavyas took his mother's permission and went out for penance. He built his hermitage at the verdant surroundings of Badribana, which is also the penance ground of Nara-Narayana (where Nara and Narayana observe penance in sage forms). For the purpose of his oblations, Vyasa divided Vedas into four parts. Oblations (Yagyas) have four rituals- Adhvaryu, Hota, Udgata and Brahma. For the simplicity of the mediator (who carries out the oblations), the hymns used in those four rituals were divided in four parts. Thus, four parts of Vedas or four Vedas simply came into existence. Vyasa created Mahabharata for the benifit of all. In Mahabharata, Vyasa has described all the parts of religion extremely beautifully. He then taught the Vedas to his pupils. He had four famous sons: King Pandu - father of the Pandavas, Dhrutarashtra - father of the Kauravs, Vidurji - famous for his text, Vidurniti, and Shukdevji - famous for his wisdom given to King Parikshit, in the Shrimad Bhagwat. The Bhagwat is the 18th Puran which Vyasji wrote. In it he has described Shri Krishn’a divine episodes. Despite creating such a large number of scriptures, however he was not satisfied by his work. So one day he was sitting at the banks of river Saraswati in a depressed mood and thinking that his work was incomplete. He was reflecting over the well being of the people in ensuing Kaliyuga. He knew that people would not follow religion, rituals of oblation and Vedas etc. So he was straining his mind over what to do so that people could follow religious conducts and hence get salvation. He was thus reflecting over a serious matter when Narad arrived. Narad enquired about the reason of Vyasa's concern. When Vyasa told him, Narad preached him the Shrimad Bhagwat. After Narad left him, Rishi Vedavyas created Shrimad Bhagwat in 18 thousand couplets. For the welfare of the people, Vedavyas has described all the virtues of God in the Puranas from different angles. Vedavyas is immortal. He is the master par excellence of all the means of Upasana (worship).

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THE VEDATHE VEDATHE VEDATHE VEDASSSS SERIES SERIES SERIES SERIES

We are proud to present the first part of a six part Veda series in this issue. Vedas have been pillars of our religion, culture, and heritage. We come to know about the Vedas in many different ways. However, most of the time, our knowledge of the Vedas is usually scattered pieces of information. Studying the Vedas in original form could be profound, complex, and intimidating. Learning and practicing principals of Vedas in everyday life could take a lifetime in itself. I have been thinking of putting the Vedas in simple, easy to digest format for regular devotees like us.

After looking into multiple sources and individuals for the project I came up with the idea of using the knowledge and experience of none other than our own Pundit Vijay Raghavanji. He graduated in Physics from Madurai University in 1971. In 1976 he was trained as a Teacher of Transcendental Meditation by internationally renowned Sri Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He spent two years 1977 through 1979 in Maharishi’s Ashram, on the east banks of Ganges north of Risikesh. He was Administrative Director for all his centers in India. He studied the Vedas and Sri Rudram extensively while serving Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for about 6 years. Professionally, he is a successful medical health physicist working for a leading radiation oncology group. Spiritually, through devotion, discourses, Shiv puja and Bal Vihar, Pundit Raghavan has been a major spiritual contributor to the South Florida Hindu Temple.

-Editor

PART 1PART 1PART 1PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO VEDAS: INTRODUCTION TO VEDAS: INTRODUCTION TO VEDAS: INTRODUCTION TO VEDAS

The word Ved is derivation of the Sanskrit root “Vid” to know and means a body of sacred knowledge. The subject matter of the Vedas are: 1) Dharma – way of life based on truth and virtue. 2) Artha / Kama: Technology through rituals and prayers to fulfill ones materialistic goals and live a comfortable life and 3) Moksha: Discussion about the ultimate truth Brahman / God and the ways and means of realizing our oneness with that truth. In the hierarchy of Hindu scriptures The Vedas are the first and foremost. The Vedas are in Sanskrit language and are of the nature of revelations. Vedas are not metaphysical or intellectual speculative philosophy. On the other hand they are the expression of the experienced truths about the eternal verities of God and soul. Direct experience is therefore what distinguishes the Vedas from the other religious speculative philosophies - whether of the West or of the East. The three most important concepts that we need to understand before we launch upon any discussion or the study of the Vedas are: 1) The Vedas are The Shruthis 2) Vedas are Apaureshaya and 3) Vedas are verbal expression of the Suddha Chaitanyam or Pure consciousness.

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Apaurusheya simply means “of non-human” origin - in the sense the Vedas are vibrations of pure consciousness as experienced by Rishis – Seers who in a state of Samadhi or transcendental consciousness “saw” or cognized the Vedas. In other words, the source of the Vedas is not the egocentric intellectual creative faculty tinged with the source of the Vedas is not the egocentric intellectual creative faculty tinged with the source of the Vedas is not the egocentric intellectual creative faculty tinged with the source of the Vedas is not the egocentric intellectual creative faculty tinged with attributes of an individual, but attributes of an individual, but attributes of an individual, but attributes of an individual, but pure consciousnesspure consciousnesspure consciousnesspure consciousness bereft of the “benefits” of personali bereft of the “benefits” of personali bereft of the “benefits” of personali bereft of the “benefits” of personality. ty. ty. ty. Vedas are the result of an advaitic fusion of the Seer (The Rishi), The Seen (Brahman) and the process of seeing (cognition). A state of Vedantic Union, where-in the Rishi had transcended his small self, experienced that He or She is the Universal Self and gloriously declared “Aham Brahamasmi” “Brahman I am” and then In the Sea of Samadhi - Silence spoke out eloquently In the ocean of calmness – Vedas Roared as the waves In the clouds of tranquility - knowledge of eternity thundered. In Hinduism when we say the Vedas are eternal what we mean is NOT the particular books that contain this knowledge have lasted from time immemorial, but the knowledge of God contained there-in is eternal and could be re-discovered by anyone capable enough to attempt and achieve the state of Pure consciousness in Samadhi. The recent examples of great personages who achieved and lived in this state of Samadhi are Rama Krishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, Ramana Mahrishi, Lahiri Mahashaya, on and on. It is very important to note that Sri Ramana Maharishi who hardly had any formal Sanskrit education expressed the great Vedic and Vedantic truths in impeccable Sanskrit in his treatise “Upadesha Saram”. This only exemplifies the truth that the Vedas / knowledge is structured NOT in papers and pages but in consciousness. Knowledge is not poured from outside and crammed into the brain and the mind but drawn from the spring of the nectar of infinity spouting from within - the suddha chaitanya – beyond the mind and the intellect. Did not the great Adi Shankaracharya say it in such simple words? Mano, Buddhi, Ahankara Chitani NA HUM (I am NOT the mind, intellect, ego chitta) Chidananda Roopam SHIVO HUM.. SHIVO HUM. (Verily I am bliss.. I am Shiva) The above truth is also gloriously expounded in the Shruthis themselves. Rigveda (1-164-39) declares as follows: Riksho Aksharae Paramae Vyoman - The Imperishable Words, syllables, letters (of the Vedas) are in the field of transcendence (in Brahman or God) Yasmin Deva Adi Viswae Nishedhuh – in HIM also repose the entire cosmos The importance of realizing this fundamental truth about the Vedas is emphasized in the last line of this verse. Yas Than Na Veda: for the one who does NOT know this truth Kim Riksha Karishyathi? What the Vedas can DO? (Nothing) In other words even if you know the entire Vedas upside down and inside out it is useless if you do not realize the fundamental truth that the Vedas are structured in the field of transcendence in pure consciousness. There is nothing that the Vedas can do for you. On the other hand if you know this truth – Ya it tad Vidus, Ta Imae sam Aasatae Then you come close to God, the truth and the Vedas. In proclaiming the eternity of the Vedas, the great Sayanacharya goes a step further and asserts that Yo Vedebhyh Akilam Jagath Nirmamae – the entire drama of the cosmic creation came out of the Vedas. There is a little story that goes to illustrate this statement. After the dissolution of the cosmos (pralaya) at the end of the last Kalpa, the presiding deity Lord Rudra created a new Brahma for our present Kalpa – the Sveta-Varaha kalpa. After commissioning this Brahma to do the creation for this Kalpa, Rudra disappeared. Unfortunately Brahma now called Prajapathi could not create. He performed severe penance and finally Lord Rudra appeared before him once again and taught him the technique and the order of creation. As taught by Rudra, Prajapathi meditated on the Para Brahman. The Lord appeared before Prajapathi as AUM. The Vedas as the

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effulgence of millions of suns surrounded Prjapathi. Dazzled Prajapathi prayed again and the Lord picked out the four Vedas from this ocean of AUM and effulgence and taught them to Prajapathi who there upon created this Universe. Thus the eternal Vedas - the outpourings from a long line of realized Rishis from time immemorial, were also came to be known as Shruthis because these were heard by the disciples of the Rishi. The disciples memorized and chanted them to their disciples - who in turn heard and passed on this wisdom in a similar fashion. Even though the Vedas are timeless eternal knowledge, their expressions were diverse, scattered and in different forms and norms. It was the great Rishi Veda Vyasa Veda Vyasa Veda Vyasa Veda Vyasa who organized the Vedas and codified them into the four Rig, Yajur, Sama and the Atharva Vedas once again. The subject matter of all the four Vedas could be broadly divided into two categories. Karma KandKarma KandKarma KandKarma Kand – related to terrestrial well being and attaining heaven through rituals and prayers and Gnan kandGnan kandGnan kandGnan kand depicting the details of Moksha and liberation attained through devotion, diligent enquiry, detachment and penance. The mantra mantra mantra mantra portion of the Vedas contain various poetical hymns and prayers to propitiate different deities who are diverse and many. The BBBBrahmanarahmanarahmanarahmana portion of the Vedas serves, as textual commentary and explanation of these mantras and procedures for rituals including the items needed, the auspicious times and the benefits and blessings that accrue through the performance of these rituals. Finally we have the Arnayakas and the UpanishadsArnayakas and the UpanishadsArnayakas and the UpanishadsArnayakas and the Upanishads where the topic of Moksha and liberation is talked about. The sequence of these topics is in perfect harmony with the four stages of life as advocated in the Hindu Religion. Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyas. The Learner, the Householder, the Seeker and the Seer. What was taught in the scriptures was lived in reality. What was preached was also practiced. I have a humble submission to make. The Vedas are an ocean of infinite knowledge and effulgence that even the Prajapathi could not handle. What to speak of our little Selves? Therefore, I do not presume any scholarship of the Vedas. What is attempted through these articles is to give the serious reader an eagle’s eye vieweagle’s eye vieweagle’s eye vieweagle’s eye view of what the Vedas are and what they talk about. In the next few articles we will discuss the Rig, Yajur, Sama and the Atharva Vedas. My sincere thanks to Dr. Narendra Upadhyaya. This project is his Brainchild and a result of his encouragement and enthusiasm.

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Father's Day

The word for father in the language Sanskrit is PITRU, which means that which sustains the body. This means The Soul. The heavenly Father or the Super Soul sustains the entire universe. In Christianity, the Father of the Son and the Holy Ghost has similar representation as the Vishnu, the Brahma and the Shiva. The energy through which the Father creates, sustains and the recycles the universe is called "The Mother". That is why the Vishnu is depicted as laying in the ocean (representing the body which is 90% saltwater) on a bed of coiled snake (representing Kundalini

energy at the base of our spine. Kundalini=coiled baby serpent). From his naval comes out a Lotus. On top of the Lotus sits the Brahma. The stem of the Lotus represents the umbilical cord. The Lotus represents the energy point in the center of our forehead between their eyebrows. As the Lotus always grows out of muddy water yet it remains on touched by the muddy water, so does our life force that resides within this body made up of flesh and blood yet remains ever pure. We are all children of the same heavenly Father. If we understand this truth then and only then that can be universal brotherhood. I would like to share with you a story told by the Buddha (a father figure) to his disciple Ananda (a son figure): -- Some children were playing beside a river. They made castles of sand, and each child defended his castle and said, "this one is mine." They kept their castles separate and would not let anyone else enter their territory. When castles are finished, one child kicked over somebody else's castle and completely destroyed it. The owner of the castle became enraged. He pulled the other child's hair and struck into the ground. Other children started taking sides of each opponent. They fought as if their life depended on it. Then they again started making more things out of sand and started playing. Every time they made something, they would claim ownership. Eventually it was getting dark and all started to go home. No one now cared about the sand castles. No one cared who built which castles. Some children even stamped on the castles and destroyed the ones that were standing. Now it was as if they never owned the sand castles. We too built "sand castles" in this world and claim possession and ownership. But as the evening of our lives, we all go back home to our heavenly Father and all that we claim ownership to in his world, remain behind. May our heavenly Father grant us the wisdom to see the frailty and the temporary nature of the world around us and help us guide towards the universal brotherhood.

- Excerpts from speech of Dr. Naresh Pathak on Father’s Day

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From a Mother to a

Mother

Dearest Mamma, Though this is not the first time, that I'm writing a letter to you, today is a special reason behind my penning down the words. As always, I hope you're in the best of your health and happiness. Mamma, do you remember the time when I had just turned 16 and all I wanted was some "quality time" - alone? The times when I'd want to go out with my friends and you'd stop me? Or tell me a long list of instructions on "don't' wear this, don't do this, eat this, don't drive fast, come back soon". Back then I felt like "God… how about renting an apartment with a friend and staying all by myself?" Time passed and with time my outings lessened, so did my phone calls. I'd study late nights, till 2:00 AM sometimes 3:00. And just when I'd need a cup of coffee, you'd be right there with one. Was it your instinct, was it telepathy, I'd wonder! I'd see you work all day long in the house. Your mornings began with papa's tea, his breakfast, my breakfast, and all the housework. And yet you never complained. There was one time, when I found you asleep early in the morning, I stood there looking at you for a minute and thought " what fun is it to be a mother?" when all you get is pressure from both sides? You were always the middle person between papa and us, and I know that didn't make things any easier for you. There was one time when we had this huge fight. I guess you don't remember. Infant, I wish you wouldn't. I stomped out of the house, swearing never to return. It was you who called me asking me to come back. We'd go shopping together for groceries, clothes, and books. As I grew up, we developed a special bond of love and friendship. One day during one of our shopping trips I asked you "mom, why do you always makeup with me after a fight? Why do you always forgive?" All you said was " when you become a mother, you'll know. When you hold your child for the first time in your arms, you'll know". And that's precisely the reason why I'm writing to you today Ma. God has given me this beautiful gift of a baby and as I hold him in my arms, I'm thinking of you. As memories of our yesteryears rush through my mind and I look forward to my years to come with this precious part of me, all those questions that I had in my teenage years are answered in an unspoken way. I know the feeling now, I know what it's like to be a mother. I know what it's like to be 'you' Mamma. And let me tell you, I love the feeling. With all my love, Your daughter

– Bijal Dwivedi

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Youth Forum

Dada Vaswani’s stories always have something dDada Vaswani’s stories always have something dDada Vaswani’s stories always have something dDada Vaswani’s stories always have something distinctive to offer to you, food for thought, points to istinctive to offer to you, food for thought, points to istinctive to offer to you, food for thought, points to istinctive to offer to you, food for thought, points to ponder, values to cherish, truths to reflect upon and above all, faith and hope and inspiration to sustain ponder, values to cherish, truths to reflect upon and above all, faith and hope and inspiration to sustain ponder, values to cherish, truths to reflect upon and above all, faith and hope and inspiration to sustain ponder, values to cherish, truths to reflect upon and above all, faith and hope and inspiration to sustain you through all the adversities of life. The story will enrich your mind, purify your heart you through all the adversities of life. The story will enrich your mind, purify your heart you through all the adversities of life. The story will enrich your mind, purify your heart you through all the adversities of life. The story will enrich your mind, purify your heart and rekindle your and rekindle your and rekindle your and rekindle your soul. soul. soul. soul. ----EditorEditorEditorEditor

Delays Are Not DenialsDelays Are Not DenialsDelays Are Not DenialsDelays Are Not Denials

Sri Ramakrishna walked across the paddy fields in the vicinity of the Dakshineswar Temple. A few disciples were with him. To them he spoke of the Life of the Spirit. And as they listened to him, they said, “Never have we heard a man speak as he speaketh to us!” And one of the disciples said, “Master! For many years have I worshipped God and called out to Him with tears in my eyes. And I have lived a pure life. And I have served friends and strangers to the best of my ability. But God continues to be as remote as ever. And now the thought comes to me that the time I give to my devotions is time wasted. And I say to myself, not this the life for me!” The Master smiled. Then, pointing towards the tillers of the soil working in nearby fields, he said, “Two classes of farmers there be. There are those who are farmers by birth: their ancestors, like them, were farmers. And they keep on tilling the soil even though it does not rain for years together and they harvest no crop. Come famine, come floods, they despair not! They do not desert their fields. “But there is another type of farmers. They take to agriculture with the sole purpose of making profits. And such as these are disheartened by a single season of drought.” The Master continued, “The true devotee of God never gives up his devotions. He keeps on repeating the Name of God, he keeps on singing the glories of the Beloved, he keeps on shedding unbounded tears, even though he is not once blessed with the vision of God!” On another occasion, the Master said, “The pearl diver dives, again and again, into the sea. And though every time he comes out empty-handed, he does not despair of it. But he dives again and again, and still again, in the assurance that he will get what he seeks. “The pilgrim, in search of God, must do likewise. If you have not had a vision of God after several months of intense devotional practice, be not depressed. But redouble your efforts and, in patience, wait. For, remember, His delays are not denials. The Lord ever appeareth His devotees at the right time!” From 101 Stories For You And Me by J.P. Vaswani From 101 Stories For You And Me by J.P. Vaswani From 101 Stories For You And Me by J.P. Vaswani From 101 Stories For You And Me by J.P. Vaswani

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Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and

Man Sarovar

Pilgrimage has been an integral part of HiPilgrimage has been an integral part of HiPilgrimage has been an integral part of HiPilgrimage has been an integral part of Hindu culture. It is the wish ndu culture. It is the wish ndu culture. It is the wish ndu culture. It is the wish of every Hindu to visit several holy places during their lifetime. of every Hindu to visit several holy places during their lifetime. of every Hindu to visit several holy places during their lifetime. of every Hindu to visit several holy places during their lifetime. Only a few can fulfill that wish. Until we are that fortunate, here is Only a few can fulfill that wish. Until we are that fortunate, here is Only a few can fulfill that wish. Until we are that fortunate, here is Only a few can fulfill that wish. Until we are that fortunate, here is our opportunity to visit some of the holiest shrines of Hindu our opportunity to visit some of the holiest shrines of Hindu our opportunity to visit some of the holiest shrines of Hindu our opportunity to visit some of the holiest shrines of Hindu culture. culture. culture. culture. ----Editor Editor Editor Editor

“I may say from personal experience, that the environments of Mount Kailash are such to liberate one's mind immediately from one's mundane worries and cares and raise it to a wonderful, painless and sorrow less world, fit for gods alone..."

----Swami Tapovan MahSwami Tapovan MahSwami Tapovan MahSwami Tapovan Maharajarajarajaraj

Spread out on the Tibetan plateau beside Mount Kailash is the giant lake of shifting colours - Lake Mansarovar. Brahma, the creator, had a mind (‘Man’) for the creation of a lake (‘Sarovar’), hence its name. The Hindu scriptures state that those who take a dip at Mansarovar and complete the parikrama around Mt. Kailashh are absolved of their sins, and liberated from the cycle of birth and death, and are ultimately united with Shiva. Mt. Kailash is claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis, is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet. Mount Kailash, which is believed to have been formed 30 million years ago when Himalayas were in their early stage of formation, is one of the most revered places in the Himalayas. Lord Shiva resides over here among the peaceful Himalayas. This is his abode where he stays with his whole family including his wife Goddess Parvati and children Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikiya and the other Shiv Ganas (group of Shiva Devotees) like Nandi and others. The pilgrimage to Kailash and Mansarovar is considered one of the most difficult treks in Asia. The distance is tremendous, the weather harsh, the supplies almost non-existent, not to speak of the lurking fear of bandits. In spite of these difficulties and hardships, a magnetic pull draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists to this place every year.

Hindus regard Mt. Kailash as the mythical Mt. Meru, the divine center of the universe around which the whole creation revolves. It is described in the ancient texts as a fantastic “World Pillar”, its roots in the lowest hell and its top touching the heavens. Sprawling below is the sacred Mansarovar, which is

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born of the mind of Brahma. A single circuit of Kailash is said to erase the sins of an age, while 108, a holy number, ensures Nirvana.

. Lake mansarovar, at 14,950 feet is also said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. Kailash mansarovar is a place for divine ablution. A dip in this lake is bound to purify you fully form the sins of many births. Rakshas Taal the twin lake along with mansarovar is where Bhasmasur burnt himself. The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere.

According to ancient religious texts, the abode of Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Bhrama is called Bhramaloka and the abode of Lord Shiva is called Kailash. Of the three, one can only go bodily and return in this life from Kailash having experienced divinity. The Hindus, buddhist and Jains all alike travel to this place as pilgrims. A journey to Kailash mansarovar is considered as once in a lifetime achievement.

Many myths are associated with this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet too, all revere this spot with great fervour and devotion. Therefore, it is not surprising for a devotee to come across the worlds “Om Mani Padme Hum” (“Hail to the jewel (of Creation) in the Lotus) written on stones and taken from Buddhist scriptures. The Bonpas make an anti-clockwise pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash whereas the believers of the jain faith specially visit astpaad near the southern face of kailash in the kailash --mansarovar region.

Buddhists associate Mansarovar with the legendary Anotatta Lake, where Buddha's mother, Queen Maya, conceived him. Legend says that the Queen, while in a dream state, was transported to Mansarovar by the Gods and bathed in the lake's holy waters. When her body was purified and her womb thus ready to receive Buddha, he appeared from the direction of Kailash riding a white elephant. Given its mythical importance to Buddhists, a ring of eight Buddhist monasteries once surrounded the lake, which was visualized as the Wheel of Life. A complete circumambulation of the lake, passing all eight monasteries, represented a symbolic turn of the Wheel. Through this act, a pilgrim would accumulate a variety of blessings and benefits. The voyage around the lake is approximately 64 miles, and usually takes pilgrims between two to four days.

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Community News/Around SFHT BALA VIHAR AND LANGUAGE CLASS APPLICATIONS ARE OVERDUE!!!

� PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN FOR BALA VIHAR, HINDI OR � GUJARATI CLASSES BY JULY 10TH, 2005. � LIMITED IN CLASS SPACE DUE TO SIZE OF CLASS RESTRICTION OF � 20 STUDENTS; MOST CLASSES ARE FULL...SOME SPACE � AVAILABLE; � AMPLE TIME IS NEEDED TO ORDER BOOKS AND PREPARE FOR UPCOMING � YEAR SO PLEASE SEND IN APPLICATION TODAY. � CLASSES BEGIN SECOND WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER. PROGRAM BASED ON � ACADEMIC YEAR. � MANDATORY PARENT ORIENTATION IN AUGUST. � WE HAVE PLANNED A FUN FILLED YEAR OF LEARNING FOR YOU. � YOUR CHILDREN WILL LEARN THRU PARTICIPATION IN MANY OF OUR � HINDU FESTIVITIES AS WELL AS HINDU HERITAGE MONTH ACTIVITIES.

GO TO SFHT.ORG AND THEN TO BALA VIHAR THEN TO APPLICATION TO DOWNLOAD AN

APPLICATION OR CONTACT SMEETA V. PATEL AT 954-432- 9891 OR EMAIL AT

SUMI88009@AOL.COM.

SATSANG SERIES HANUMAN CHALISA: A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

Beginning June 28th the last Tuesday of each month a 30 minute session of “Satsang Series”, will be conducted by Dr. Naresh Pathak. The first topic will be a re-cap of “Symbolism of Hanumanji” followed by “word by word” spiritual explanation (not literal explanation of Hanuman Chalisa).

Interfaith Conference At SFHT It was a great honor for our temple to host the Interfaith meetings where clergy from various religions meet to discuss a specific issue of Women In Distress. The speaker from Women in Distress spoke to the various faith leaders to be compassionate towards these women. On Thursday, May 26th, 2005, the clergy from the Catholic faith, Jewish faith, Bahai faith, Hindu faith and the Sikh faith came together to listen to a professional, rather than talk themselves. The message was powerful and much needed said Reverend Gail Tapscott, Chair of the NCCJ interfaith council. She was joined by Nosrat Scott, of Bahai faith, who works tirelessly to help people understand the commonality in all faiths. Along with the many leaders from the various faiths, it was especially heartwarming to see that our temple devotees took time out of their busy schedule to attend this morning meeting. We are grateful to Dr. Chander Shaykher, Dr. Vasanti Puranik, Gita Shaykher, Kalpana Gihwala, Kiran Gupta, and Anjali Shaykher for contributing positively to this Interfaith meeting. Smeeta Vimal Patel made this function possible by excellent coordination of the event. We are grateful to NCCJ for allowing SFHT to host such a wonderful meeting.

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Community News/Around SFHT

Profile In our temple another name for combinations of sur and taal, devotion and dedication, is Sandeep and Hema Munshi. Both have long, impressive resumés starting with training under internationally famous musicians. In India, both have won multiple State and National awards and have been radio (All-India Radio), TV (Door Darshan Kendra), and recording artists. Sandeep holds a Master’s degree in Music and has visited Rome, Singapore, Bangkok, Spain, Italy, and France to perform rhythm on the behalf of the Indian Federal Government. For the last 34 years, he has performed with singers like, Mohammed Rafi, Mahendra Kapoor, Sugam Sangeet artists like Anup Jalota, Purshottam Upadhyay, and with great Gazal singers like, Pankaj Udhas. Whenever a world famous Pakistani Gazal

singer Munni Begum visits Florida she calls Sandeep to make sure he plays Tabla during her program. Hema in her own right has been singing for the last 28 years and has visited Singapore, Bangkok, etc. performing musical programs with a wide range of vocal music from Bhajan and Garba to Gazals, Folk, and Film songs. Growing under the influence of two talented parents, their daughter, Chahana Munshi has been a familiar face in various programs of our temple, especially Navratri Garba. The Munshi family has selflessly devoted their time for Bhajans, Hanuman Chalisa, Navratri Garba, and any and every musical programs of SFHT. In the present age of hip hop and R&B music, Sandeep’s Tabla has hypnotized the teenagers. They not only love it, but are learning it. At present while doing many professional shows, Sandeep has been teaching Tabla to more than 100 students in tri-county area. We are proud to have a distinguished and devoted Munshi family in our temple and we commend their selfless service.

Excellence in Indian Classical Music During Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) our talented children gave an elite performance in vocal and instrumental (Tabla) Indian classical music. For the benefit of the larger audience this program was repeated during Sunday pooja and received rave reviews and drew unprecedented interest in learning Indian classical music. The shining stars who gave performance were: Didi Pathak (vocal), a student of Manisha Upadhyay and Tabla Jugalbandhi by Kavita Khorran and Vinod Maharaj who are students of Sandeep Munshi. Trophies were given away by their parents and donated by Dr. Narendra and Mayuri Upadhyaya

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Announcements:

Telephone DirectoryTelephone DirectoryTelephone DirectoryTelephone Directory A new directory will be out soon! Please give your updated information (Name, Telephone Number, Email, Fax no., family members and their names) at the information booth or email to directory@SFHT.Org

AdvertisementsAdvertisementsAdvertisementsAdvertisements To place an advertisement in the Temple’s newsletter, or website, please contact Jyoti Desai (305)932-4090. E-mail: jyoti1025@hotmail.com For information about the temple directory advertisement, contact Seema Goyal at (954)610-0243. E-mail: goyalseema@aol.com See home page at http://www.sfht.org/

Upahaar Upahaar Upahaar Upahaar Gift Shop Please visit our gift shop for all your spiritual, educational and inspirational needs. Book, clothes, tapes, CD’s, snacks and other items at competitive prices! Volunteers needed for inventory, setup and sales. For more information contact Gita Shaykher at saigita@hotmail.com

Sanatana Sandesh Sanatana Sandesh Sanatana Sandesh Sanatana Sandesh Newsletter Articles, community events reports and photos for newsletter are always needed. Please send them at sandesh@sfht.org by 10th of each month.

Annapoorna Seva Annapoorna Seva Annapoorna Seva Annapoorna Seva Food The Prasad committee is looking for 5 committed volunteers to help in the preparation of satvik food for Prasad each Sunday. Opportunities to serve the Lord Almighty include; helping in menu planning, purchasing, transportation, washing raw items, chopping, cutting, kneading, cooking and serving many delicious, tasty and bountiful items. Please contact Priti Maheshwari at Pritigold@aol.com or call 954-461-7941.

Hall RentalHall RentalHall RentalHall Rental If you have any important events that you would like to celebrate and use SFHT as a venue, please contact Basant Rukhaiyar at hallrental@sfht.org or call his cell at (954)478-0317. The Hall Rental Form can be found at http://sfht.org/hallrental.pdf

Governing Council Members Governing Council Members Governing Council Members Governing Council Members ---- 2005 2005 2005 2005

Piyush Goyal President GC

Jyoti Desai Vice-President

Jawahar Sawardeker Secretary

Kashyap Bakhai C.F.O.

Purvin Pujara Member-at-large

Subhash Gupta Member-at-large

Niranjan Sinha Member-at-large

Mohini Athavale Temple Manager

Naresh Bhasin Member-at-large

Priti Maheshvari Food

Naveen Mehan Construction

Ravin Mehta Special Projects

Smita N. Patel Volunteers

Sat Pal Punyani Public Relations

*All articles and writings expressed are those of certain authors

and do not necessarily reflect the views of SFHT. We have

provided this newsletter for the benefit of the people and to

spread information as efficiently as possible. No part of this

publication should be redistributed or copied without proper

consent. In the event the name of the author is not given, please contact sandesh@sfht.org in order to seek permission. All rights

reserved.