Shanthisandeshv10n1

Shanthi Sandesh Hindu Temple and Community Center Of Mid -Missouri 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202 -2043 http://shanthimandir.missouri.org (573) 814 -1286 V O L U M E

1 0 ,

I S S U E

1

M A R C H

2 0 1 5

Devi Lalitha and Devi Durga- their Functional Variety Dr. C. L. Prabhakar

L

alitha and Durga are one and the same but different forms, supreme and otherwise of the Adya Shakti.

Only In Veda She is referred as Uma and later as Parvati Devi, the daughter of Himavan (Parvata Rajaputri).

Owing to the need of circumstances, these Devis came to this world in order to destroy the Asuras and protect the Shisthas for the continuation of the order of the world. It is clearly stated that Yada yada danavottha badha bhavishyati, tada tada avatiryahamkarishyami arisamkshayam

Inside This Issue Devi Lalitha and Devi Durga

1-2

Executive Board

1,4

How to teach Compassion to children

3

Poem - I Am

3

Apple Cider Vinegar

5

Yoga Corner

6

Bhagavad Gita

7

Quarterly Fiscal Report

8

Donor Acknowledgment

8

Community Calendar

9

Current Programs

10

She is therefore the same Adya Shakti pressed forth by the need of staunch devotees, who when needed protection and guidance for happiness and peace in life due to the kind of Rakshasas who were also devotees but given to bad ways and deserved to be quelled and emancipated. However, for the sake of science, let us

E

xecutive Board Team wishes you all a very Happy Healthy and Peaceful 2015! HTCC is celebrating its 9th Annual Devotional Program on Saturday, March 14th with a “Havan” followed by “Devotional Music”. The “Havan” will be officiated by Sri Sateesh Bhagwat of Chicago. Devotional music will be presented by Ms. Swati Sharma of Kansas City accompanied by our very own Prasad Calyam on Tabla.

You don‟t want to miss this

contrast the functions and variety in these aspects of Parashakti.

Lalitha is soft and authoritative. Durga is the hard deity found at worksites.

It is to promote world order due to her executive skills.

We get to know these deities from Vedas, Puranas, and beyond. Bhramhanda Purana and the Markandeya Purana are sources from where information to learn about them is available. In addition, Maharishis have also helped us to get to know regarding these deities. “Lalitha Sahasranamamm” that speaks of the glory of the Devi is informative and poetic. Durga Sahasranamamm that described Devi Durga is also easy to understand.

Let us now analyze their functions that were varied but distributed for the benefit of the Upasakas. The functional variety exists with respect to their social, spiritual and cosmic status and others although they are the same in entirety.

Basically the entirety of Shakti is represented as Mahasarasvati, the Sattvik force, Mahalakshmi, the Rajasik force and the Mahakali the Taamasik force.

They represent Knowledge, Wisdom Execution and Preservation, and the Destruction and Annihilation.

Thus Adya Shakti, put in unison is the Supreme Force of Immense Activity (Para Chaitanya Rupa Devi). Words cannot describe her but the following prayer expresses the description in a nut shell: Sarva caitanya rupam tam adyam saktim ca dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayat I meditate upon the primordial energy which is very form of all the activity. May that direct my intelligence.

Also we have unique suggestion in the Durga Saptasati to indicate the singularity and uniqueness in the energy supreme. This is seen herein as (continued on Page 2

Message from the Executive Board year‟s devotional program.

9th Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 4th at the Peachtree Banquet Center. Please join us with your friends & family to celebrate 9 years of HTCC‟s success in Mid-Missouri.

Sanjeev Khanna is chairing the “Anniversary Banquet Committee” and has planned an evening of Good Food, Music and Fun for you & your

family. Please reserve your seats for the annual banquet by purchasing your tickets from Vinita Khanna, Chandra Rawlani, Kusum Malhotra, Abirami Elangovan, Srikanta Nanjangud or any other HTCC officer.

With the onset of the new year, we are now getting ready for election of HTCC officers whose terms are (continued on Page 4)

PAGE

2

SHANTHI

SANDESH

and „Mahaganesha Nirbhinna Vighnayantra Praharshita.‟ She is the destroyer of the demons: Ekaivaham bhavamyatra dvitiya ka mamaapara, more specifically the Bhandasura and Chanda pasyeta dusta mayyeva visantyo madvibhutayah and Munda. She has a large army which is Durga Saptasati 13.5 famous for continued victory (Jayatsena).

She is all invisible but what are visible, are her She has some social functions as well. She is Vibhutis, the wealth and manifestations. This described to be the promulgator of the routine in goes to say she is the Chit Shakti, Jnana Shakti, the world (Lokayatravidhayaini). She is clever to Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti and more. divert the attention of the people merged in the But in the Indian tradition, we have two highly material business activities popular aspects of Devi Parvati, the Parashakti in (Samsarapankanirmagna Sumuddharana supreme status. She is known in two ways as Pandita). She is fond of disciplined people who Lalitha and Durga. Both are Parameshvaris. love spirituality and duty at the same time Lalitha is lovely, soft, beautiful, all pervasive and (Viprapriya, Vidhirgamya). She is fond of her extremely supervisory. She is at the higher devotees and especially to bless them (Bhakta pedestal directing all the activity in the world. It is Sukhada and Saubhagyadayini, Sarmadayini.) seen that the Devi gets that name characterizing She will quell down the six enemies of one‟s own the variety and activity of the Shakti. Therefore, self (Nishkrodha, Krodhasamni). She relieves one the functional variety in the Devi is enormous. For from the incidence of rebirth. She relieves one example, a demon was killed by Durga assuming from the incidence of death (Mrutyudaru the form of a Butterfly and so she became famous Kutharika). as Bhramaramba. She is the guardian and cause She helps achieve the aims and ambitions of for the dark night and hence she is called as one‟s life (Purusharthaprada). Her ability to help Kalratri and so on. Each activity is famous and the her devotees has no limitations (Nissimamahima). same is established with a name. In fact, the She is the activating energy and urges her Saharanamastotras and other Stotras celebrate devotees to work for their own emancipation by the variety in her powers. The Devi properly providing the respective rewards Khadgamalastotra mentions the eighteen powers (Punyapunya Phala Prada). She removes of attraction (Akarshana), the enticements over obstacles in „Samsaric‟ or spiritual life which Devi has controls. Here the Devi is (Vighnanasani). She removes all ailments construed as Lalitha Parameshvari. When Devi (Sarvavyadhi Prasamani). She is the remover of quelled a demon by the name of Mahishasura, all kinds of accidents and mishaps she became famous as Mahishasura Mardini. So (Sarvamrtyunivarini). She quelled those who are „Chaitanya Rupa Durga‟ „or even Lalitha is Himsakaras. Due to this she is liked by her well acknowledged as „Sarvasvarupa‟ and „Sarveshi'. behaved devotees (Sishta Sista Pujita). If she so Lalitha Sahasranamam, Lalitha Trisati, Lalitha decides, she can grant any boon and to any Ashotattaranamavali, Devi Bhagavata, and Devi extent which will make the life here and hereafter Mahatmya, and some Tantras like Vamkeshvara enjoyable and happy.

Tantra etc., are some of the works where we find Goddess Lalitha and where her powers are Sarva swarupe sarveshe sarav Shakti samanvite portrayed. Here we focus our attention on the Bhayebhyastrahine Devi Durge Devi namostute functional responsibilities towards her devotees and the world order as such. She is the source for Oh Goddess Durga! You are the embodiment of the rise of the whole universe and the beings in all manifestations, controller of all things. You are the same, whether stationery or dynamic endowed with all energies. Kindly protect me from (Akhilanda Koti Janani). It is said without a all fears/sins. supervisor, the process of functioning cannot be This prayer reveals that Durga is all powerful and perfect. (Mahapralaya Sakshini). She is the takes many forms convenient to destroy the embodiment of the ten famous Mahavidyas like enemies who are the drain to the prosperity of the the Kadi Vidya, Daharakasavidya, and Srividya. good (Sistas) and the ritualistic practices But she is worshipped with the modalities of (Shishtacharas). Durgadevi is known for war craft worship formulated for Srividyaworship and war management to victory. She is wielder of (Srividyaraja Pujita). She is the very image of all all sorts of weapons. She is described to be of 4, knowledge (Jnanavigraha). She is a successful housewife, an authority and an administrator. She 8, 14, 18 and 1000 hands and Ayudhas in each hand. She is Saumy and Saumyetara, Ghora and is the manager of the things which should take Ghoretara meaning she is beautiful and deadly place in a perfect manner. and is worshipped by the warriors like Lakshmana Let us note a few names which will qualify her functions in the cosmic order and maintenance of and Sri Rama himself. the same. This is exclusive to her alone. When we She attracts people in to the worldly life and provides progeny and busy samsaric life. She is go through the bio data of this deity we see that she has control of everything. She has trained her described as „Sat Santanapradayini‟. She is the very embodiment of Heat Energy and closely son Ganesh and her daughter Bala in the art of associates with the Sun God Himself. So it is said: warfare so perfectly that they can break riddles and obstruct Yantras (Vighnayantra) during battle. „Suryabimbe Pasyet Shrimat Durgambikam. On the other hand, Lalitha is seen in the full moon.

Consider the expression: „Balavikrama Nandita‟ Devi Lalitha and Devi Durga Continued from page 1

(continued in next issue of Shanthi Sandesh )

VOLUME

10,

ISSUE

PAGE

1

3

How to teach COMPASSION to children?

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin Our world today is filled with strife and distress. You turn on the news and it is saturated with stories of violence, pomp, vulgarity, and intense competition. Now add the element of social media and gadgets, all these negative elements become easily accessible to children. In this digital age, parents find it challenging to raise children in a safe, inspiring and moral environment. But the need of the hour today is to teach the children by example. Gone are the days when a couple of verbal lines from the parents were enough to discipline the child.

Children today are very erudite, smart and can connect to the world with their fingertips. The old has to adapt and transform to the needs of the children growing up here in America. The biggest challenge is how to do we inspire children to practice human values? So, what are the human values? They are primarily Truth, Peace, Right Conduct, Nonviolence and LOVE. Before this sounds too preachy to the readers, lets take a step back to understand the most important value of all, LOVE. We love our children and hope that they too will reciprocate LOVE towards the parents and to the society at large.

There is no shortage of classes pertaining to math, sciences and the arts. But there is a severe shortage of classes that inspire children to practice LOVE. The parents may wonder“Well they already know the importance of LOVE. So why do they need any special classes?”. LOVE manifests in many ways, such as kindness, generosity, sweetness and kindness. Yes we all know that LOVE is important but how many of us truly practice it in all walks of our lives. Do we practice kindness towards our colleagues? Do we serve the homeless and the downtrodden of our society? and more importantly are we interested in selfless service? First and foremost, there is no need to send the children to any classes about values, if their home environment itself is incredibly conducive to the practice of LOVE. If we can teach children that service begins at home, when we serve and take care of our parents. It can begin as a simple involvement in household chores or being loving to siblings/friends. But its important for the parents to constantly remind the child about the intention of the act. Else, it becomes a mundane activity and soon enough they lose all interest. What is the intention? LOVE. The idea is to teach children to do even little things with great love.

The energy of LOVE will give them all the necessary motivation and interest to sustain the task.

After involving children to practice LOVE at home, it is very important for the parents to involve children in community service activities. It is not enough for the parents to say-“They are involved in community service at school and there is no need for me to be involved with additional efforts”. Children are keen observers and they constantly learn from the parents. There is nothing more inspiring for a child than watching the parents deeply involved in acts of compassion. When a parent lovingly holds the hand of a child, and guides a scoop of steaming hot food in the plate of a hungry homeless man. It‟s one thing to preach compassion via textbooks and a whole new world to involve children in acts of compassion. They say a family that prays together, stays together. This fantastic philosophy can be expanded to selfless service; A family that compassionately serves together, stays together with LOVE. It‟s absolutely magical to see a family that prays and serves the community together.

Their eyes glisten with true contentment and joy. Even the teachers and friends of the child start noticing the difference”wow, there is something so sweet and special about this child”.

All this happens when the home environment thrives with love and compassion.

So many parents may wonder-”what will compassion do to help my child in math/science olympiad?”. There have been innumerable scientific studies done to show that love and compassion develop the brain and enhance creativity. LOVE is the source of all creativity. A child thrives in a compassionate environment. And all these compassionate activities can be made fun too, without making them preachy or boring.

As renowned inventor Benjamin Franklin very aptly said-”Involve ME, and I will learn”. What‟s the best way to teach compassion? involve the children in compassionate and leading by example  Recommended Reading: The Conscious Parent, By Dr. Shefali Tsabary Link:http://www.amazon.com/The-Conscious-ParentTransforming-Empowering/dp/1897238452/ref=sr_1_1? ie=UTF8&qid=1345732543&sr=81&keywords=the+conscious+parent The author of this article has chosen to be anonymous.

Poem - I am

Charunetha Murugesan, 5th Grade, Grant Elementary I am……

I‟m from the waves of music floating into my ears I‟m from the fragrance of jasmine flowers and screw pine trees I‟m from a wheel of bravery and grace spinning round and around on a bumpy trail I‟m from the flags flying over my country in saffron, white, and green I‟m from the stories flowing through my head taking me on journeys far, far away I‟m from the people who I love that help me through life I‟m from the water splashing over and bubbling underneath me as I dive I‟m from the paint dripping from a brush in a rainbow colored spectacle.

PAGE

4

SHANTHI

SANDESH

Picture Gallery Musical Concert

Shivaratri Celebration

HTCC‟s Service Programs Committee along with Bal Sabha and Bal Puja youth organized the anexpiring this spring. Elections will be held in nual service project “Sharing the Warmth” on NoMarch 2015 for the positions of Vice President of vember 22nd & 23rd to help out fellow Columbians HTCC‟s Executive Board, Treasurer of HTCC‟s by arranging for donation of winter clothing and Executive Board and an Elected Trustee of related accessories. We are very proud of our HTCC‟s Board of Trustees (BoT). Please watch youth for undertaking such worthwhile projects. your emails for nominations and ballots. We ask “Sri Hari Gita” recitation, annual event, was held that you actively participate in the nomination and on Saturday, December 13th and was very well election processes to nominate/vote the most attended. This was also the last event of 2014. eligible candidates for these positions.

We welcomed 2015 by chanting “Gayantri ManNow here‟s a recap of activities since last edition tra” 108 times. The positive vibrations created by of Shanthi Sandesh. chanting the mantras gave everyone present a Fourth quarter of 2014 was wonderful just like very uplifting feeling. the fourth quarter always is each year. We celeMay 2015 bring you and your family eternal brated Diwali on October 25th with fireworks and Peace and Prosperity! lots of sweets after “Laxmi Puja” at the mandir.

Dhanurmasam was celebrated on January 11th Adults and children enthusiastically participated, with chanting of “Thirupaavai” followed by music, in the traditional manner, by burning sparklers in bhajans and discussion. the Mandir Parking Lot Maha Shivratri, the first major devotional event of “Karva Chauth” was celebrated on October 11th 2015, was celebrated on February 21st. with by married women who prayed for a long life for chanting of Veda Mantrams including Rudram and their spouses and then broke the tough “Karva Chamakam. Puja was led by Dr. Srinath GopalaChauth” fast after prayers and sighting of the krishna and followed by Bhajans, songs and Pramoon. sad.

The Cultural Program Committee presented a As you may note, HTCC‟s devotional programs th Devotional Musical Program on November 8 committee and Service Projects committee are performed by Dr. S. R. Lakshmi Calyam (Vocal) busy thru out the year bringing you a variety of accompanied by Dr. Prasad Calyam (Mridangam). programs. We encourage you to join one of the On November 20th, Dr Prabhakar Calyam enlight- several HTCC committees. You can really make a ened the members with a talk on Gita‟s Chapter difference in the community with your talents and 8th . We thank Dr. Prabhakar and Mrs. Laxmi Cal- enthusiasm. Please talk to EB officers to get more yam for their volunteer service to HTCC during information about the committees that interest their family visit in Columbia. you. See you at the Mandir  Guru Nanak Jayanti was celebrated on November th 15 . Gyani Santokh Singhji from St. Louis led the Ravi Thawani prayers and Sat-Sang in the traditional manner. It Kirtadas Kutikkad was a wonderful experience of peace and happi- Kusum Malhotra ness enjoyed by all present.

Abirami Elangovan Executive Board Continued from page 1

VOLUME

10,

ISSUE

PAGE

1

5

Apple Cider Vinegar– A traditional folk medicine Pranavi Tella

W

henever I visit natural foods stores, besides food, the things that always grab my attention are books on natural healing. I am not much of a book reader but I do like to read the synopsis of the books every time I go and pick up one or two useful topics to do my own research.

Yes, I don't buy them because I know that I don't read them if I get them home. I stumbled on few books talking about healing benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (often abbreviated as ACV) a couple of times in the past. I have been reading about ACV a lot lately and knowing the benefits of it, I bought two big bottles in no time. So today's topic is Apple Cider Vinegar. I am sure you may have heard of it before or there may have been times your recipes called for it.

If you have not, you will be learning about it today.

Bragg's apple cider vinegar is my favorite brand. It is made from organically certified apples. Raw, unfiltered ACV can be used in so many ways that by the end of this post, I bet that you will understand why ACV should be kept handy in your pantry. Just to warn you, if you see some string like sediment floating in the bottom, don't think that your ACV has gone bad. That gunkylooking stuff at the bottom is called 'the mother' and it contains raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that promote healing your body in different areas. The „mother‟ is made up of strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules with living nutrients and bacteria.

Clear vinegar is processed and doesn‟t have any of the benefits of raw ACV. So look for raw unfiltered ACV with gunk in the bottom.

Sorry, didn't know a better way to say it.

ACV is ultra-rich in enzymes, pectin, nutrients, B vitamins, folic acid and potassium (a key mineral for muscle growth, nervous system, and heart health). Also rich in malic acid (which provides potency against harmful organisms) and loaded with important polyphenol antioxidants. The enzymes in ACV help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and can help regulate candida issues and blood glucose levels, which would be quite helpful for diabetics. It also helps reducing gas and bloating. It can also help alleviate symptoms of heartburn. Take a tablespoon of ACV diluted in water or herbal tea before the meal for reducing gas and bloating.

You can use apple cider vinegar for hair and skin care, household cleaning, cooking and healing. The list goes on and on. Let's talk about just two ways that you can add ACV into your routine. First of all, apple cider vinegar is a completely natural product. Apple juice is fermented to hard apple cider, which is fermented, a second time to apple cider vinegar. By adding this to our routine, we are decreasing the consumption of unnatural chemicals in our daily lives.

Health Product For daily weight and pH balance maintenance, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 oz of water and drink it away. ACV has a very strong flavor and it takes time to get used to it. After drinking it for long time, I crave for it now. I regularly start my day with 32 oz filtered water with few tablespoons of ACV. This will help cleanse my body all day long and hydrate you well enough to start the day on right foot. If you're already sick and in need of a little help, drink hot apple cider vinegar tea (recipe from www.fitsugar.com) which

will help open up your sinuses and replenish your body with the minerals it needs to recover from illness.

Ingredients: 1. 1/4 cup water 2. 1/4 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar 3. 1 tablespoon honey 4. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 5. 1 wedge lemon Directions Bring water to a boil. Combine hot water and apple cider vinegar in a small glass or mug. Add honey and cayenne pepper. Stir well and top off with a squeeze of lemon. Take a deep breath of the mixture, and start drinking.

DIY household product: ACV is an excellent, cheap alternative to many cleaning products to absorb odors and has antibacterial properties. Needless to say, it's my new DIY household product. Most cleaning supplies are full of harsh chemicals and you don't want to be breathing air filled with harmful chemicals, do you? Mix one part of ACV in one part of water, and put in in a spray bottle to use it as a cleaning agent.

What about the side effects?

On the whole, it doesn't seem to have any side effects when ingested in small amounts regularly. There will be some ill effects if you go overboard with it. Here are few things to be mind-full of in order to maximize the benefits of this wonder medicine without any side effects.

1. The main ingredient of ACV is acetic acid which is harsh when ingested in it's concentrated form. It should always be diluted with water or juice if you are swallowing. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth. I always use a straw to drink my water with ACV or rinse my mouth as soon as I eat a salad dressing made with ACV, which you always have to do after eating a meal anyway.

2. Always talk to your health care provider before using it because ACV could interact with medicines for diabetes and heart disease. Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels.

I hope this post is helpful. Next time you are at a health foods store, don‟t forget to pick up a bottle or two of ACV (one for home and the other to keep at work) and I assure you that you won‟t be disappointed  Disclaimer: I am sharing my thoughts based on my own reading and experience. Talk to your doctor before adding anything that lacks a scientific research to your daily routine. And most of all use your own judgment before applying any health tips to yourself.

Bal Sandesh is looking for middle/junior high and senior high school students as volunteers to be editors. Please contact the editor of Shanthi Sandesh if interested.

PAGE

6

SHANTHI

SANDESH

Yoga Corner Ritcha Mehra Chaudhary This time In “Yoga Corner” we will look at the asana called “Meru-Vakrasana” or “Vakrasana”.

The Sanskrit word “Meru” means spine and Vakra” means twisted. In this asana the upper spine and waist are turned and twisted, hence the name. It is a simplified version of an asana known as Ardha Matsyendra Asna (Half “Lord of the fish”) 1. Sit on the floor with your legs stretcehd out straight.

2. Keep your arms stretched on your sides with the palms of the hands facing downwards.

3. Fold the right leg. Keeps the right leg‟s heel touching the left leg‟s knee.

4. Take the right hand to back of the waist twisting your trunk. Spread the palms and place them down on the floor.

5. Bring the left hand over to the right knee and hold the right leg‟s ankle or big toe with the left hand. If you can‟t reach that far, just hold on to the right knee.

6. Twist the head and shoulder to right side and look straight over the right shoulder.

7. Stay in the pose up to 30 counts breathing normally.

8. Come back to the starting position.

9. Now follow the same procedure to the other side.

10. It is enough to practice 2-3 rounds on each side.

Variations: Many Variations exists for this asana. We will discuss these later.

Caution: 1. After folding right leg only the right hand has to be taken to back, not the left hand.

2. Do not practice if you suffer from ulcers, liver enlargement or severe back pain.

3. People with recent abdominal surgery should avoid this asana.

Benefits: 1. The asana stabilizes, strengthens and stretches the spine.

2. It is useful in reducing/eliminating back pain.

3. This asana also stretches the thighs and tones thigh muscles.

4. It also tones the abdomen and helps remove belly fat.

5. It gently compresses and stimulates various internal organs (digestive organs, kidneys and Adrenal Glands) (Image Courtesy of Yoga Guidance)

Gurpurb Celebration

Shivaratri Celebration

VOLUME

10,

ISSUE

PAGE

1

7

Shreemad Bhagavad Gita – Part 26 Saroj Mohan

I

n the 4th and 5th verse of the 7th chapter, we learned the meaning of Para and Apara Prakriti. We continue with the 6th verse in which Shri Krishna says that the Prakritis mentioned earlier are the Kaaran or source, the reason for all of creation, and He is the Mahakaaran for all.

Shri Krishna says, “Know these two Prakritis to be the source or Kaaran of all of creation, both animate and inanimate, and I am the Mahakaaran or the great source and creation and dissolution of the whole universe”.

The five elements, the mind, the intellect and the ego, the eight fold Apara lower Prakriti or matter is the source of all beings and things. The higher praktiti or Para prakriti or Chetan, is the great Mahakaaran or the source of all the creation and dissolution of the whole universe.

Now it is clear how inert matter and alert Chaitanya are the source of the creation and dissolution of the whole universe. This cycle of lower and higher nature, constantly mingling and separating, happens in the field of consciousness. For example an alive and conscious lion eats an inert dead animal‟s meat; that inert matter turns into Chetan and becomes alive in the lion‟s energy, then in a day or two it is expelled by the lion into inert matter again, as night soil.

Thus we see a cycle of inert to alert and again into inert matter.

In the 7th verse Shri Krishna expresses the all-pervasiveness of His Self. It is expressed by a beautiful example.

Shri Krishna says, “O Dhanajaya, there is nothing higher or Param, other than me anywhere, in this whole Jagat or this world.

It is strung in to Me like gems are strung together on a string.”

This shows the absolute unity in the diversity. This whole universe, this Jagat with all its mental, emotional and intellectual phenomena is nothing but the Self or the Lord himself.

Just as pearls are strung in a necklace so is this whole universe connected with each other. The Divine is inside everything, like the thread is inside of the pearls that joins them together. It shows that the Self is in everything and in every being. There is nothing but the all-pervasive Divine everywhere. The contents of the pearls might be different than that of the thread but the inner play of matter and consciousness applies in the Jagat as discussed earlier.

Each name and form might be different but non-dual Self exists everywhere and in everything. All the five elements, in body,

most fascinating way. Whenever we see splendor in a splendid thing we see the Lord with our eyes. In an intelligent person the Lord manifests as intellect. It is as if we can see the formless in all the forms.

Shri Krishna, continuing in 11th verse, says, “O Arjuna, best among the Bharats, I am the strength in strong men who are capable of being devoid of desire and attachments. I am the strength in all beings who are empowered to live righteously. I am the strength in beings who are unopposed to Dharma. It means not being Dharmaviroodh (It means abiding in Dharma).

In the beginning, to do Sadhana, a desire for self-realization comes only by the will and grace of God. It takes a lot of mental and emotional strength to be free from attachments and desires. It is the strength of faith in the Lord that helps us through it. A righteous life is possible only by His strength and grace.

In the 12th verse Shri Krishna says, “All Trigunas, Satt, Rajas and Tamas, come out of Me, but I am not in them.” Shri Krishna says, “Know that these pure Sattwic or active Rajasic, inactive Tamasic or inner mind and intellect are held together in One Bhaavas, beings and things which are Consciousness. The substratum is One Consciousness. deluded by Gunas exist, they proceed from Shri Krishna, in the 8th verse, declares his Me, yet I am not in them.” all-pervasiveness through some more This is a very intriguing statement. All the beautiful poetic examples. From the 8th to three Gunas are manifestation of the Lord, the 13th verse these enchanting descriptions by the Lord; that He is in all of them is clear are poured out to his devotee Arjuna, which enough, but "I am not in them” is intriguing. almost makes you see the Lord in The relationship of the Spirit and Matter is everything and in every being. not of cause and effect. On the substratum Shri Krishna said, “O son of Kunti, I am of the Self, all material things and beings Rasa or sapidity [flavor] in the water, light in are superimposed. the sun and moon; I am the Pranava Omkar In classical Vedantic examples it is said in all Vedas, sound in the ether and virility in that the “waves arise, stay and dissolve in men.” the ocean again, the waves are in ocean but Clearly the essence in everything is the the whole ocean is not in them.” The ocean Lord, the Self. The soul of all names and is the substratum for waves, there is no forms is the Self. The all-pervasive Self is existence of waves without the ocean. But the Reality. the ocean exists without waves.

Continuing in the 9th verse, on the same The substratum is the Self, nothing is subject, Shri Krishna says, “I am the sweet other than the non-dual Self, but in the fragrance in the earth, the brilliance in the delusion of primordial ignorance, we fire. I am the life in all living beings and superimpose material dualism. Every finite austerity in the austere.” thing and being is in the Infinite In the 10th verse Shri Krishna goes on, “O Consciousness, without which nothing Parth, the son of Pritha, (another name of exists. In the Infinite Consciousness, all the Kunti) know me to be the eternal seed of all finite things and beings are superimposed. beings and elements; I am the intellect in The dream world disappears once the intelligent people, and the splendor and sleeper is awake. brilliance of splendid beings and wondrous This concludes the description of the allthings”. pervasiveness of Lord Shri Krishna These beautiful verses almost make one see the Lord in all things and beings in a

Part 26 in this series by Saroj Mohanji on Shreemad Bhagavad Gita includes discussions from Chapter 7, the Gnyan, Vignyan Yoga, verses 6 through 12.

"Education without character, commerce without morality, politics without principles, science without humanity, religion without love, administration without justice, knowledge without application, patriotism without sacrifice, are not only useless but positively dangerous" Sri Sathya Sai Baba

PAGE

8

SHANTHI

SANDESH

HTCC Quarterly Fiscal Report

For the period of October 1st, 2014 - December 31st, 2014 Prepared by Abirami Elangovan, Treasurer, March 11th, 2015 Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest income Membership: Annual Family membership Annual Individual Membership Donations: Check Donations/Special Events Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Capital Campaign Facilities Use Donations: Mandir and Educational Center use donations Fund Raiser: Plant Sales Quilting Silent Auction Total Quarterly Revenues

$158.90

$158.90

$300.00 $60.00

$360.00

$5,046.00 $49.00 $2,410.00

$7,505.00

$154.00

$154.00

$35.00 $174.00 $25.00

$234.00 $8,411.90

Quarterly Expenses Bank Charges Devotional Program Lawn and Garden Maintenance and Supplies Printing/Mailing Special Events Sponsorships Utilities

$20.24 $48.67 $360.00 $38.86 $446.10 $850.00 $100.00 $1,121.69

Total Quarterly Expenses

$2,985.56

Net Income for the Quarter

$5,426.34

Thank You!

Donor Acknowledgement October 16, 2014 – February 28, 2015

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations made during the above period. If we have inadvertently made an error in not including your name, please let us know.

Upto $50 Prativadi, Narasimhachar and Anjana Sathayamurthy Kumar, Senthil and Kalai Manjamalai, Sivaraman and Sujatha Mookan, Muruganantham and Menaka Nattanmai, Premkumar and Sharmila Palaniappan, Kannappan and Visala Pennathur, Shiva Kumar and Sonali Mukherjee Thawani, Ravi and Meena Ghosh, Tushar and Mahua Gupta, Sumit and Neha Mittal,Mayank and Sonal Dhuper Yellapu,Sureshkumar Yerrapu, Surendra and Swarnalatha Seva $51 - $100 Arunachalam, Vairam and Alagu Katoch, Bandhana Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Kumar, Asha $101 - $150 Anand, Sathish and Sushma Mahal, Satnam and Jasvir Manusmare, Purushottam and Usha Singh, Amalok and Kuljit Cutkosky, Dale and Hema Srinivasan Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi

$151 - $499 Mantrala, Murali and Surya Malhotra, Anil and Kusum Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Sehgal, Santosh Balakrishnan, Elangovan and Abirami Gopalakrishna, Srinath and Uma Khurana, Inder and Jasmit $500 and up Sethi, Sanjiv and Punam Krishnan, Hari and Latha Aggarwal, Kul and Archana Loyalka, Sudharshan and Nirja Raghuraman, Kannan and Anandhi Upendran Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha

VOLUME

10,

ISSUE

PAGE

1

Community Calendar (April 1st, 2015– August 22th, 2015) Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202.

July 30st

Guru Purnima Special Bhajan Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Contact: Tarang Parashar: tarangparashar@gmail.com**

Aug 22nd

Aug 1st

Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja Time: ** Contact: **

**More details will be posted on the Shanthi Mandir website (http:// shanthimandir.missouri.org) a week before the scheduled event )

HTCC Youth Day and Bal Sabha/Bal Puja Picnic Time: ** Contact: **

Information related to Youth Workshops ( June - August, 2015) will be available on Mandir Website in upcoming months

Date: 04th April, 2015 Venue: Peach Tree Banquet Hall Time : 1800 - 2200 Buy your tickets from several community members including: Chandra Rawlani, Ravi Thawani, Visala Palaniappna, Kusum Malhotra, Sanjeev Khanna and Surya Mantrala or by calling 529-0264

9

Shanthi Mandir

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 286 Columbia MO 65201

Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC) 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202-2043 HTCC is registered as a Nonprofit Corporation in MO HTCC is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501 (c) 3

Current Programs at the Mandir (March15, 2015)

Devotional Programs Open prayer time/Aarti Geeta Study Circle Sai Bhajan Venkateshwara Suprabhatam/Vishnu Sahasranaamam Open prayer time/Aarti Kirtan (Monthly event) Educational/Youth Programs Tamil Classes Bal Puja Bal Sabha Service Programs Volunteering at Central Missouri Food Bank Narayan Seva (Sai Group - St. Francis Home Lunch) Non-Perishable Food Collection (Ongoing continuously) Soup and Sandwich Service Fitness and Cultural Art Programs Tabla classes (instructor fee required) Carnatic vocal music classes (instructor fee required) Yoga classes (instructor fees required)

1st

Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

1st /3rd 3rd 4th

Sunday Sunday Sunday

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1st 2nd

Tuesday Sunday

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

4th

Sunday

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Sunday Saturday

Flexible for now 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Flexible for now

Shanthi Sandesh is a quarterly publication of the Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC). It is published on behalf of HTCC by its Publications Committee. Editor: Tarang Parashar <tarangparashar@gmail.com>. Publication help from Bandhana Katoch is greatly appreciated.

Directions: Take Exit 127 on Interstate 70, Head north on Rangeline Street, Right at first traffic light on Vandiver Drive, Left on Parker Street, Right on Holly Avenue, Shanthi Mandir sign will be visible on the right after 5-6 homes. (Note: Holly Avenue is immediately before the Sunrise Optimist building).

Please visit our web site and send us your e-mail address if you would like to be included on the Friends of the Mandir distribution list to receive timely program notices.