TAKE THAT!
Everyone in our ashrams in Europe and in India, loves and adores Gurudeva Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. The greatest admirer of Gurudeva is our Satguru Paramahamsa Sri Swami Omkarananda Saraswati, and he offers you with immediate effect a building to be used as a propagation office for Hinduism Today, or for the spiritual activities of the swamis of Gurudeva. It would be Hinduism Today Himalaya. The building is in the premises of the twin Omkarananda and Sivananda Ashrams, on the Ganges bank, in the most inspiring scene of the Himalayas, Rishikesh. We would be extremely delighted if Gurudeva uses this building as his own and for the spread of his grand and divine mission.
Ananda, Omkarananda Ashram, Langen P. Pregenz, Austria, bkroninger@kroninger.vol.at
FAR REACHING HT
I was so happy for the news about the spread of Hinduism Today to other countries of the world. May God shower His divine blessings upon His Holiness, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, and you wonderful bhaktasthere, so dedicating and self-sacrificing! I am immensely happy to share in your amazing publication
Srimata Swami Atmananda, Founder, Atmaniketan, Trinidad
ALL ONE
It is disheartening to read that in the name of God and religion, women are being discriminated against all over the world, including at Sabarimalai. Man and woman are the same Divinity humanized, equipped with the same return tickets. God accepts the "weak" and the "unclean" (the menstrual period is a clean physiological process created by the same God) as much as He accepts the "strong" and the "austere" ones. As the Universal Healer, God calls and cures all without any discrimination. All are His creations.
Sabapathy Siva, Coquitlam, B.C.,Canada., Sabapathy_Siva@mindlink.bc.ca
INCOMMENSURABLE
Once again I enjoyed the publisher's astuteness; this time in regard to people over computers in education. [May '96 issue] As an educator, I have some observations. About twenty years ago, the overhead projector was hailed as God's gift to teachers. Now those same machines gather dust in school storage rooms. One cannot have the following experiences on a computer: riding a bicycle or motorcycle, death, sex, a delicious meal, pain, a massage or the energy in a crowd. These are but a few of life's great pains and pleasures (not to mention inner experiences) that computers will never replace. In my experience, students grow out of these fads, and learn to use technology wisely. Sure, as in alcohol, gambling and several other activities, a few head towards addiction, but they are in the minority to be sure.
Jai Murugan, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, jmurugan@nisku.blackgold.ab.ca
ANOTHER VIEW
In reference to Ms. Shoba Menon-Hiatt's letter [May '96 issue] I beg to differ from her characterizations of the traditional Nair family, which is my ancestry. The traditions of the Nairs did and does allow a woman to choose her own mate and to make her own decisions regarding her property as is seen in many tharavads(extended families) which are fast disappearing due to the displacement of the extended family.
The perception that karanavarsabused the system is quite an exaggeration except in the later times. Western influences over the last few generations have worked to dismantle the land owning, feudal society that the original, long-standing Nair history is part of. Many individuals, both male and female, have lived traditional Nair lives while struggling hard to make the transitions to the modern materialistic society, which becomes more pervasive day to day. In this transition opportunists have worked from within and without to create friction, favoritism and injustice.
Kishore G. Pathial, Newberg, Oregon, USA
MISGUIDED MOVIE?
My heart leapt in my chest as I unfolded the April '96 issue of Hinduism Today and thought, for a brief moment, that I was looking at the beloved face of Sri Ramakrishna. As I read further, my heart headed south–in disappointment that G.V. Iyer's film of the life of Vivekananda is so far short of the mark. How could it be otherwise when Mr. Iyer purports to create a film about a double incarnation (Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi) of the divine and a great devotee "without mysticism," and is proud to state that his portrayal of Vivekananda is untouched by Sri Ramakrishna's "God-intoxicated sting!" The lives of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi were set afire by their love for Divine Mother Kali. Vivekananda's life was set afire by Sri Ramakrishna. Vivekananda's devotion to Sri Sarada Devi is well documented in his writings.
Satyavati, dantoni@mcn.com
AT HOME ON THE WEB
It was refreshing to find your homepage. Your organization has come a long way since those early days, and I applaud all the work you are doing to bring consciousness and awareness to the planet. When reading your article: Discussing Vegetarianism with a Meateater,it was clear this is the finest explication of the subject I have ever read. Thank you for putting down the thoughts and words we vegetarians have so clearly, cogently, factually and most of all spiritually.
Paul Lloyd Warner, Maui, Hawaii, USA, plw@worldnet.att.net
As I was reading the information on the internet, I was so shocked to learn that I didn't know everything about my religion. I was so pleased to learn that I have a chance to learn more. Thank you so much for this site. I know it will help me a lot.
Minu Gupta, Trevose, Pennslyvania, USA, mbgupta@ix.netcom.com
ALONE BUT NOT LONELY
My wife and I have been subscribing to your magazine Hinduism Today for a few years now and have enjoyed every bit of it. There are no other Hindu families where we live, and we find ourselves isolated from our Hindu community. Receiving your magazine not only fills this gap but also enriches us with the Vedic knowledge.
Dana Rasiah, NWT.,Canada., rasiah@gov.nt.ca
PRAISE IN PRAYERS
It is my humble prayer for Hinduism Today to maintain the noble ambition of developing spiritual awareness and kindling the quest among all people, particularly its readers. It is no doubt very well edited, printed and embedded with lofty thoughts to enrich the lives of all human beings for a happy co-existence in the pursuit of the gems of knowledge in our scriptures and for a balanced way of life.
Shishupal Rambharos, Durban, South Africa
TOMMOROWS' DREAMERS
What must be happening now, is the rebirth of the dream for Hindus. Now in the fertile soils and heady free air of democracies worldwide, with a breath of hope for a new order and the promise of a new Age, or Yuga, the dreams may come alive, must come alive for Hindus, and flourish in myriad forms.
Hindu mothers and fathers, do not consign your sons to any calling without a dream. Let them weave dreams as scientists and environmentalists, to undo the errors of the past and return our home to health and order. Give them the character and selfless vision of statesmen, who will lead the way to a bright compassionate future. Call forth their dreams as inventors, innovators, those blessed ones who bring through gifts from the inner worlds. Bless their dreams as builders who create the final monuments to our culture and religion. Let us dream with clarity and purpose, and carry our visions to fulfillment.
Gayatri Rajan, Canyon, California, USA
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