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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

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One or Two? That is the Question H.R. Chandrasekhar

Inside This Issue One or Two

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Executive Board

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Jaya Gokulashtami Bal Sandesh

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HTCC CROP Run/Walk

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Yoga Corner

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Bhagavad Gita

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Quarterly Fiscal Report

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Donor Acknowledgment

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Community Calendar

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Current Programs

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“One is one. Two is two.

One cannot be two and two cannot be one.”

So saying the young ascetic concluded his argument. It was clear that he had won the debate from the reaction of the assembled scholars. His opponent, a venerable scholar of the Advaita Philosophy, bowed his head with folded hands accepting defeat. It was a bright day in the halls of the ancient temple on the shores of the roaring ocean in the west coast of Karnataka in the year 1250 CE .

The topic of the debate was on the nature of the Brahman, the all pervading, eternal divine spirit and Atman, the soul of an individual whose nature was so eloquently described in the Bhagavadgita. Are they same or different? What is their relationship? These questions formed the basis of great philosophical ruminations by the greatest minds. Brahmasutra was the definitive treatise on the subject. However it was a

riddle. So artfully composed, concise and full of aphorisms.

Many scholars composed commentaries to explain it.

Known as Bhashyas, these commentaries needed further elucidation by great masters so that ordinary souls could grasp parts of it.

Saint Shankara, the eighth century philosopher had propounded the “Advaita” or the “philosophy of One.” In a series of spectacular debates and sermons he had spread his gospel in the four corners of India. It seemed that the matter was settled. That notion was shaken on that fateful day when a young monk, dazzling with confidence and unsurpassed oratorical skills, demolished an old hand in the same manner and ease as Shankara had done two centuries ago.

The group of scholars showered praise on the victorious monk who was only eleven. Henceforth he would be known as Purna Prajna, one with total control of perfect intellect. He would

also be known as Ananda Tirtha and Saint Madhva.

During his life, Saint Madhva composed numerous scholarly treatises.

Bhagavadgita, Brahma Sutra, Bhagavata are some of the epics he wrote commentaries on. He travelled throughout India, lectured and debated as he toured and established monasteries on the coastal city of Udupi in Karnataka. He was also the inspiration to a host of Hari Dasa saints who spearheaded the Bhakti or devotional movement that touched all classes of people in India.

Let us return to that seminal debate which got us started.

In previous issues of Shanthi Sandesh (Ref. 1) we have discussed topics of Advaita, Vedanta and Brahma Sutra.

Saint Madhva can be credited with providing an alternate interpretation of the Brahma Sutra and the Bhagavadgita by introducing the Dvaita (dualistic philosophy).

According to Madhva, the world can be understood to (continued on Page 2)

Message from the Executive Board Greetings from the Executive Board Team!

A lot has happened in the last quarter and we can‟t believe we are already in the final calendar quarter of 2014.

Kusum Malhotra and Ravi Thawani took over as Secretary and President of the Executive Board (EB), respectively, on May 31st, 2014. The transition was smooth but created a vacant

position of EB Treasurer.

Abirami Elangovan (EB-VP) graciously agreed to take over as the treasurer, in addition to her duties as Vice President, till end of the current term that ends in March 2015. Abirami having served as treasurer of EB in the past is well conversant with the duties and that transition has also been seamless. At the EB‟s

request, HTCC‟s Board of Trustees (BoT) approved the appointment of Abirami Elangovan as EB Treasurer and Kirtadas Kutikkad as EBVice President At the recent BoT meeting H.R. Chandrasekhar, Inder Khurana, and Visala Palaniappan were elected President, Vice-President, and Secretary respectively, (continued on Page 4)

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One or Two Continued from page 1

in liberated jīvas, the difference prevails such that the degree of consist of two types of realities: knowledge and enjoyment of bliss one that is the source and the of each soul varies. Madhva cause of everything, other that describes the relation berween derives its myriad forms and Brahman and Atman by the existence from this source. Īśvara imagery of bimba-pratibimba i.e.

(Brahman, the universal spirit) as an object and its image. The

liberation, does not mean the cessation of an illusory world.

Rather, the world is real, and liberation is the lack of attachment to the world. In the world, the jīva, being unaware of its power of self-consciousness, is ignorant of its true nature as a reflection of Īśvara, becomes a tool in the hands of matter, searching in vain for truth. In the state of liberation, material nature is conquered, and consciousness of Īśvara fills the soul. The world is realized as a dependent reality reflection is always dependent on the cause of the universe is the the original; it can never become and therefore as 'untrue' in the sense of being the lesser reality. independent reality, and the identical with it. Like jīvas, the created universe is the dependent inanimate substances too that go The only way for the jīva to reality. The created universe into the creative apparatus of the escape the world is by divine grace, which can only be gained consists of jīva (souls of universe are innumerable. through selfless devotional individuals, Atman) and inanimate Each jīva is numerically and matter. qualitatively non-identical to every service to God (bhakti.)  Madhva further enumerates the other and the variety of qualitative References : 1.Brahma Sutra, Shanthi difference between dependent differentiation is infinite.

Sandesh, Volume 5, Issue 1, and independent reality. This Madhva's theology 2010: Vedanta, Shanthi Sandesh, difference is neither temporary is Vaishnavism. According to Volume 4, Issue 4, 2009. nor merely practical; it is an Madhva, Nārāyaṇa alone is the 2. Sharma, Chandradhar invariable and natural property of supreme godhead. Īśvara is the everything. For such is the law of cause of the world. He is the one (1994), A Critical Survey of Indian nature: One is not two; two is not and only omniscient, omnipotent, Philosophy, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, pp. 372–375, one. No two objects are identical. omnibenevolent, just and wholly ISBN 81-208-0365-5.

There is no jīva like another. No transcendent being. Mukti, or man's nature is like that of another. Underlying everything and every individual person, there is a unique individuality. The sea is full; the tank is full; even waterpots may be full (of water). But that fullness is not identical in all Only scriptures can show him. He is beyond all that is destructible and these. The volume varies according to the variation in size. indestructible; Nârâyana, who is flawless and of the nature of infinite virtues, I worship Him Everything is full, yet each fullness is different. In fact, even

Jaya Gokulashtami Hema Srinivasan

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shtami means the eighth day of the lunar cycle, which comes approximately 24 times every year. But Ashtami in Gokulam is only one, the eighth day of the waning moon when Sri Krishna was born. It is also called Sri Jayanthi, meaning “the Birthday”. If it is the Birthday, then it must Krishna‟s birthday. At the moment when Sri Krishna was born, not only the shackles on his parents fell away, the entire world, with the exception of Kamsa felt a great weight was lifted off their shoulders and there was nothing but joy in all the hearts in the world. That is why on Gokulashtami every house and every town becomes Gokulam and welcomes Krishna.

On August 16th of this year 2014, also known in

Indian calendar as the year Jaya, Columbia Missouri became Gokulam. Every one gathered at Shanthi Mandir to celebrate the Birthday. We started with the Puja and Archana for our Krishna with recitations of many slokams like Sri Krishnashtakam, Mukuda mala and Madhurashtakam followed by many Bhajans and songs. Then we reenacted some games that Krishna played to remind ourselves of the joyous days in Brindhavan when Krishna lived and played with all his devotees. There was a break for distribution of Prasad, purified food that had been offered to Krishna. Then we began a second session of music and reflections on Geeta and other spiritual discussions with Bhajans and ending at Midnight Aarti as Krishna was indeed born at the thick of the night. We all welcomed Krishna back in our hearts and took him home with us forever to be

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Making Ganesh Clay Idols at the Temple Tia Rawat 6th Grade , Gentry Middle School

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aking the clay Ganesha idols is a lot of hard work, but it is a very fun occasion that you can do with family and friends, and I look forward to it every year.

Gopal uncle, Anantha aunty, and several other adults helped us make our Ganesha idols. Before beginning the project, they had spread trash bags across the floor to protect it from the clay and water. Everybody sat on the edge of the trash bags and got to work. We mixed the wet clay with some materials to make it drier. Then we started working on the different body parts. The adults helped us shape each part. Next, we added some extra things to the Ganesha idols like a hat/crown or a fancy throne. Once we were done, we took some pictures and went home.

When we got home, we painted our Ganeshas with bright, vivid colors. Then we took the clay idols back to the temple for the “Ganesh Chaturthi” festival that celebrated our Ganeshas. We were all proud of our hard work in making the clay Ganesha idols, and it was a little sad to let the Ganeshas go on the Visarjan day, but we knew that we would get to make new ones again next year.

Below are the steps that we used to make clay Ganesha idols at the Shanthi Mandir Steps: 1. First you must prepare the clay. At the temple, we mixed water, shredded pieces of newspaper, and a dry powder to make the clay drier and good for sculpting.

If we added too much

paper or powder to the clay, we had to add some water to even it out and prevent it from becoming too dry. Then, we mixed, mashed, and pounded the clay until it was evenly blended.

body, then the head, trunk, and ears. Lastly you must create the tusks and the eyes.

Just like for the template, you can use googly eyes or a toothpick for the eyes, and for the tusks you can use toothpicks. Also, if you want, you can make a chair or something for the Ganesha to lean against. You can also make a hat, a plate of ladoos, a mouse, (using clay) or a small umbrella (that the temple provides) for your Ganesha.

2. After this, we started to form the different body parts of Ganesha. There were two ways to make the Ganesha. You could either stick the clay body parts to where they go on a flat template, or you could make a three dimensional sculpture.

When you use the template, you can use the pictures to guide you on the shape of each part. You can start with any section and shape the clay into the proper form.

After you finish making all the parts you have to find a way to stick each part on to the template by using either glue, water, or clay. For the eyes you can either stick googly eyes (a small plastic craft supply that is used to imitate eyeballs), or you can use a toothpick to make two small holes To make a three dimensional sculpture of Ganesha you must start with forming the legs. After that you move on to the

3. Once you are done making your Ganesha you will take it home on a paper plate. At home, you can paint your Ganesha any color using regular paint and paintbrushes or spray paint. In a few days, you must bring your Ganesha back to the temple, because there will be a ceremony celebrating the Ganeshas 

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Photo Gallery - Janmashtami Celebration

Executive Board Continued from page 1

of the HTCC BoT. Their terms run until the end of April 2017.

Thanks to all the members and volunteers, we have seen continued growth in attendance at all the Mandir events this year and are very excited about HTCC‟s future. With no debt and over $335K in cash, HTCC is also financially sound .

On July 12th, 2014, over a dozen families joined together to perform “Satya Narayana Puja”, which was officiated by Srikanta Nanjangud. Janmashtmi was celebrated on August 16th.

Recent high school graduates, Trisha Chaudhary and Urmila Kutikkad, performed the Janmashtmi Puja under the guidance of Hema Srinivasan and Kalai Kumar.

Ganesh Utsav 2014 was celebrated with proper religious protocol from August 28th thru September 9th. This was preceded by Ganesh idol making on August 23rd when many children between the ages of 3 to 15 yrs along with their parents, under the guidance of Gopal and Anantha, prepared beautiful clay idols. We thank

“Maratha Mandal of MidMissouri” for officiating the “Ganesh Chaturthi” Puja and also thank all the HTCC volunteers who helped keep the Mandir open every day during the course of ten days to make this important festival a big success. You will recall that Ganesh Utsav also marked the 9th Anniversary of the inauguration of Shanthi Mandir.

Mrs. Agarwal, who was visiting her family in Columbia, thrilled the devotees with her recitation of “Sunderkand” on August 24th.

We thank Mitraji and the “India Cultural Center” (I.C.C.) for taking the lead and celebrating “Durga Puja” on September 27th and 28th. Durga Puja was attended by a large number of devotees from the Mid-Missouri area. Karva Chauth, organized

by Punam Sethi and Kusum Malhotra, was also recently celebrated on October 11th in traditional manner.

A large team of volunteers represented HTCC in “CROP WALK” on September 20th and 21st. Congratulations to Menka Khoobchandani, S. Shivasankalp and K. Palaniappan who placed high in

their age/gender groups. Kudos to 9-month old Sheel Gupta, the youngest member of “HTCC Helping Hands” team at the CROP WALK! We are proud of the fundraising walkers, runners and donors, who collectively raised over $1,000 for the poverty relief project.

Many of you must have noticed the improved curb appeal of the Mandir as a result of the “Landscaping Wall” that was built around the berm by the front entrance. We thank Gopal and Anantha and many volunteers, including Ajay, Ajith, Anand Chandrasekhar, Chandra Rawlani, Das Kutikkad, Mayukh Mittal, Nirmay, Ranjana Parsahar, Tarang Parashar, Shubha Ratneshwar, Vijay and others who worked hard to made this improvement possible.

Please watch your e mails for other upcoming events at the Mandir See you at the Mandir!

Ravi Thawani Kirtadas Kuttikad Kusum Malhotra Abirami Elangovan

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Newsletter of Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

Bal Sabha Officers President Anand Chockalingam Vice-President Currently Vacant Secretary/Treasurer Abirami Elangovan

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November 2014

EDITOR’S NOTE

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al Sandesh wishes one and all a very Happy Diwali. In this issue we have an article on China Adventure, Ganesh Idol Making and How to Save Nature. Congratulations to all the members for participating and performing in CAI‟s India Night. As always please continue to submit your articles to Bal Sandesh throughout the year The Editors

Cultural Secretary Alagu Arunachalam Bal Sandesh Coordinator Hema Srinivasan

China Adventure Kavin Anand

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ne of the most amazing things I did this summer was my school trip to China. It was planned out by the Confucius Institute to promote the Chinese language and culture. Gentry‟s and Smithton‟s Chinese class got an opportunity to go.

We first landed in Shanghai from Chicago. It was a marvelous place with tall skyscraping buildings. Although the air had a sticky and odorous smell, we still had a fantastic time gazing at the culture and gawking at the sheer number of people who lived there. We then attended classes taught by kind and encouraging teachers for the following 8 days. Even though a large portion of the trip was education, we still had an amazing experience in Shanghai.

After our fabulous time in metropolitan Shanghai, we traveled to Xi‟an the former capital of China. The air was clean and crisp there, and always a slow wafting breeze followed us everywhere.

We had an opportunity to see the dry clay terracotta warriors as well as the majestic Famen Temple. The Terracotta warriors were graceful to see, as they were life size and so many rows of them were present. The Famen Temple was also nice, but not as inspiring and interesting compared to the warriors.

Finally we arrived in China‟s capital, Beijing! I had always yearned to visit this place because it hosted the Great Wall and the Tiananmen Square. The Great Wall was a humbling experience due to the rolling hills it was built and when it was constructed. It stretched far into the horizon and it was a beautiful sight. Later that day we saw the Tiananmen Square, which was a

learning experience for the class.

We could see how China arranged their center of political power and all the history of the Forbidden City that was located right behind it.

At the end of our trip, we bade goodbye to our Chinese teachers with heavy hearts as our course turned back to the United States.

All in all it was a fabulous learning experience, and a great exposure to a culture far older than our own. I pay deep respect to the Confucius Institute and their amazing job of organizing this trip, and this is why I conclude that my China adventure is my summers highlight 

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How to Save Nature

Aditi Yerrapu - 3rd Grade, New Haven Elementary School

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i. Do you want to save nature? Well I do, and I know some ways. Here is a list of ways on how to save nature.

1. Turn off the lights 2. Don‟t kill bugs and insects 3. Don‟t drive a lot 4. Turn off the TV when you‟re not using it 5. Plant trees 6. DO NOT WASTE water Those were some of the ways, so if you can please follow my advice you are awesome.

Please follow my advice! Thanks!!

Photo Gallery - Diwali Celebration

Bal Sandesh needs you!

We welcome submissions of all types (reports, poetry, short stories, artwork, puzzles, jokes etc.).

Work can be submitted to the Editors or the Parent Advisor. We prefer electronic version of the submission (e-mail or diskette). Artwork can be submitted on paper. Older kids interested in volunteering to serve on the editorial team should contact the Editorial Staff or the Parent Advisor.

Bal Sabha meets every fourth Sunday of the month from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Shanthi Mandir

Editorial Staff Suryanshi Rawat Nila Palanippan

Phone (573) 449-9601 (573) 446-1962

E-Mail suryanshi_rawat@yahoo.com

Parent Advisor Hema Srinivasan

(573) 445-2854

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

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Photo Gallery - Diwali Celebration

HTCC Helping Hands contribute to 2014 CROP Hunger Walk/Run

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his year the CROP Hunger Walk/Run was organized as a two-day event. The 5K Run was held at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area (MKT Trail) in the morning on Saturday, September 20, 2014. A new rolling trophy (FC2 – Faith Communities Fitness Challenge) was instituted for the run. The HTCC Helping Hands team fielded 6 runners. Overall we placed SECOND among 6+ teams vying for the FC2 trophy. The winning team bested us 31 to 24 points. Runners included Menka Khoobchandani, S. Shivasankalp, K. Palaniappan, Simha Prativadi, Tarang Parashar and Vellore S. Gopalaratnam (the first three placed in their age/gender groups). Anjana Sathyamurthy (and junior!) cheered us on!

The CROP Hunger Walk was organized on

Sunday, September 21, 2014, starting at the Missouri United Methodist Church on Ninth and Elm. The Helping Hands team was smaller than that of last year but matched it for enthusiasm and youth. Our youngest was Sheel Gupta at 9 months

and our other youth included Parth Gupta and Anu Muruganantham. Adult walkers included Menaka Murugunantham, Kala Kumar, Neha Chugh-Gupta, Sumit Gupta, Ranjana Sharma, Tarang Parashar, Visala Palaniappan, Anantha and Vellore Gopalaratnam. HR Chandrasekhar cheered us on at the finish line of the 2+ mile Challenge Walk.

Thanks to our fundraising walkers, runners and donors, we raised over $1,006 for the poverty relief project ($786 in donations on behalf of the fundraisers from HTCC Helping Hands, $100 in HTCC sponsorship for the service project and $120 in registration fees from our 6 runners).

WAY TO GO HTCC HELPING HANDS!ď ›

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Yoga Corner Ritcha Mehra Chaudhary

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his time In “Yoga Corner” we will look at the asana called “Purvottanasana”. The Sanskrit word “Purva” means East and “Uttana” means Intense stretch. Since the front side of the body is considered the east side it means giving intense stretch to the front side of the body. The “Purvottanasana” also known as the inclined, reverse or upward plank/plane pose is the counter stretch to the “Paschimottan asana” (seated forward bend) that we learned last time. It should immediately follow afterwards. However, this is a difficult asana requiring a lot of strength and should be practiced with caution. Attempting to force your body into Purvottanasana can lead to injury. You can follow the variations mentioned later in this article to build your strength up. Never force the pose. Initially, keep both the hands next to your hips with the palms down, parallel to the legs.

1. Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you with the toes pointed towards the ceiling.

2. Place your hands several inches behind your back and hips, with the palms flat on the ground and the fingers pointed towards your back.

3. Keep your hands shoulder-distance apart.

4. Keep your back and spine upright.

5. While inhaling, press your hands and feet down firmly and lift your hips off the floor upwards toward the ceiling. Press your shoulder blades against your back so as to support the lifting of your chest.

6. Try and keep your chest and spine in one straight line. Press the soles of your feet into the floor while keeping the legs straight and firm. Do not squeeze the buttocks.

7. Slowly drop your head backwards.

8. Hold this position for 30 seconds.

9. Exhale and slowly lower yourself in the original sitting position.

Tips: 1. Keep your upper back strongly engaged to help lift your body.

2. Keep your shoulders away from your ears. If your shoulders, arms, or wrists feel fatigued, you will lose the balance of the pose and can get injured. Ease up immediately.

3. Keep your neck stretched. If you feel any compression in your neck, tuck your chin slightly and do not let your head drop all the way back.

4. Do not over-use the muscles of your back body (back torso, shoulder blades, hamstrings, glutes) to shove yourself into the pose. Utilize the muscles of your front body (chest, abdomen, quadriceps) with equal effort as those of your back body Variations: Purvottanasana is an excellent arm-strengthener and front-body stretch when practiced correctly.

These are some of the variations that will help you get to achieve the full asana  A beginner‟s tip for this asana is the use of a chair for support in the initial phases. You can practice by sitting on the front edge of the seat and wrapping your hands around the back. Inhale and lift your pelvis off the seat of the chair and then slowly extend each leg.  If you cannot yet support your bodyweight with your legs straight, start by practicing “Ardha Purvottanasana” or the "Half Intense East Stretch” discussed in the previous issue.  Later you can advance into “Eka Pada Purvottanasana” by lifting one foot off the floor. Reach through the ball of the foot, and lift the entire leg up toward the ceiling. Then lower your foot and repeat with the other leg.

Caution: 1. Do not perform this pose if you have any of the following: Wrist injury; Chronic leg injury; Hip injury; Arm injury; Lower back problem; Hypertension; Hernia; Stomach ulcers; Cervical spondylosis.

2. If you have a neck injury, you should support your head on a chair seat or some other form of head support Breathing-rhythm: Inhale (Poorak); Hold (Kumbhak), 30 seconds; Exhale (Rechak) Benefits: 1. Helps with fatigue and constipation.

2. The stretching of the spine improves the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system.

3. The wrists and ankles become stronger and more supple.

4. It improves the sense of balance.

5. The muscles of the back, legs and shoulders are stretched during this asana 6. The abdominal muscles are stretched and the organs in the region massaged.

7. The endocrine glands and the sex glands benefits greatly from this pose.

8. Women benefit with the ovarian function returning to normal 

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Shreemad Bhagavad Gita – Part 25 Saroj Mohan

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e now start on the seventh chapter of the Bhagvad Gita known as the yoga of knowledge and realization or Gyan Vigyan yoga.

The gist of the Vedas is sung in this Divine song, in simple but enchanting Sanskrit. It is said that human birth is a rare and fortunate thing but rarer is the desire or Munukshka, to know the Truth, the Parmaatma or the Self.

A very fortunate human being is a Jigyasu or anxious and eager to explore the truth, who asks the question to himself, “Koham or who am I? In his search of the truth he seeks a Guru, a self-realized sage, full of wisdom, not just a mere scholar. The Guru tells him, “Tat Twam Asi” or That Thou Art. The seeker starts his journey through one of the paths described in this Divine Song Bhagvad Gita. By doing spiritual practices, learning from the wisdom of his Master, and in time, by the grace of Guru and God, a divine subjective experience of the self is realized.

In this process the seeker sings “Soham” or I am That. Later, after some more Sadhana and meditation, and with a very pure heart and intellect realizes, silently and blissfully “AhamBrahmasmi” or I am Brahaman. But this „I‟ is a non-dual experience. There is a trace of ego still inside. At the very end of the journey a devotee feels “Vasudev Sarvamiti” or the Lord is everything and every being. This is the ultimate divine state. There are no two.

The devotee, intoxicated in the love of the Lord, beholds Him everywhere in everything and being, there is no more duality, only the blissful peaceful, unbroken awareness of the Lord Beloved Shri Krishna exists. Just as a river flows into the ocean, the devotee becomes one with the Lord. The worshiper and worshiped become one.

In the previous chapters Shri Krishna has been answering some of Arjuna‟s questions, like who are you? What is real and what is unreal? How can one know the truth? Shri Krishna then provides various methods which will help one on that journey. But it is still a lot of Gyan to be comprehended by a simple seeker, in the early stages of his or her journey.

So in the seventh chapter the Lord promises to teach Gyan or Knowledge with Vigyan or complete wisdom. Vigyan is a special understanding and wisdom, a particular experience. Gyan is knowledge understood by mind and intellect, Vigyan is actual experience.

“Actual perfection of Gyan is Vigyan”, according to Adi Shri Shankaracharya.

In the 1st verse Shri Krishna says, “ O Parth, “ He who totally surrenders to Me,

Part 25 in this series by Saroj Mohanji on Shreemad Bhagavad Gita includes discussions from the 1st - 5 th verses of Chapter 7, the Gyan Vigyan Yoga.

Mada Asrayah, takes refuge in Me, is fully engrossed in me, and pursues this yoga, knows me without any doubts. I will show you my full power, infinite greatness, strength and glory, so listen to me.”

A determined seeker, taking complete refuge in the Lord and does his spiritual practices under the guidance of his Guru, eventually realizes the full strength and glory of the Lord with no doubts in his mind. This is a promise made by the Lord Himself.

Shri Krishna continues in the 2nd verse, “I will explain the concept of Gyan and Vigyan to you in a manner that is comprehensive and complete, leaving nothing further to be known.”

Shri Krishna promises to his devotee to explain Gyan, which becomes Vigyan only after the perfection of knowledge. When Gyan becomes a subjective experience then it is Vigyan. For example, when you actually experience that all forms are made of five elements, beings and things, names and forms are manifestations of Him alone, only then is it Vigyan. Mentally knowing and understanding is not enough, it must be a subjective experience.

Shri Krishna says in the 3rd verse, “Among thousands of people, only a few strive to know Me, even out of those thousands, only one may perchance know Me in truth, Tattwatah or in the essence, in Reality.”

In this world, countless people live in the

transient joys and sorrows of duality, they are not even aware of the immortal bliss of self-realization. Out of those thousands of people only a few strive to know the Reality, the Paramatma. Even among those Jigyasus, only one may perchance know the Lord in essence.

Shri Krishna uses the 4th and 5th verse to explain His Prakriti or nature, in detail.

According to Sankhya philosophy his whole creation consists of Prakriti and Purush or matter and spirit. Inert matter is useless without the spirit. A human body is made of five elements and it is dead without the spirit or Atma, the consciousness. All names and forms are made of inert matter and spirit or Atma makes them alive and functional.

In Reality or Tattwath everything is divine, but due to primordial Ignorance and Ego, the matter is superimposed on the Spirit, for example in the darkness, a snake is superimposed on a rope.

In ignorance, not knowing the truth, fear and anxiety prevails. The truth is unknown in the darkness of ignorance. The Lord is the Divine spirit and the Truth, in this play.

His Prakriti or nature acts according to His desire.

Shri Krishna explains that his Prakriti is divided in eight parts. The lower one is called Apare prakriti and the higher prakriti is called Spirit or Chetan, the Para Prakriti.

The play of elements comes forth. A spark of Parmada is Jeevatma.

In simple words, when a seed breaks opens there seem to be two parts but in reality they is only one. Then, sprouts, twigs, leaves, flowers and fruit, all emerge from it. Even though their names and forms are different they all came only from one seed.

Shri Krishna says, “ Earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, intellect and ego are my eight fold divided, Apare Prakriti, or inferior Prakriti, being material. O Mahabhaho Arjuna, that by which this world and creation is sustained and upheld, know that it is My „higher prakriti’ or superior energy, Chetan or spirit, Para Prakriti.” Chetan is the concept of consciousness.

The marriage of these two is the result of this creation. At the command of the Lord, the Para and Apare Prakriti create this world or Jaga. Jagat does not mean the objects of the world only; it means the experiences of the body, mind and intellect as well

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SANDESH

HTCC Quarterly Fiscal Report

For the period of July 1st, 2014 - Sept 30th, 2014 Prepared by Abirami Elangovan, Treasurer, Oct 16th, 2014 Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest income Membership: Lifetime Individual Membership Donations: Check Donations Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Capital Campaign Fund Raiser: Mandir Cookbook/ Towels Sales Other Revenues: Summer Workshop (Quilting) Total Quarterly Revenues Quarterly Expenses Administrative Bank Charges Insurance Lawn and Garden Maintenance and Supplies Printing/Mailing Sponsorships Upgrades and Repairs Utilities

$145.90

$145.90

$600.00

$600.00

$3,282.77 $9.00 $505.00

$3,796.77

$95.00

$95.00

$100.00

$100.00 $4,737.67

$10.00 ($90.00) 1,565.00 $1,687.94 $169.71 157.53 $100.00 ($32.26) $1,198.32

Total Quarterly Expenses

$4,766.24

Net Income for the Quarter

($28.57)

Thank You!

Donor Acknowledgement May 16, 2014– October 15, 2014

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 Mittal,Mayank and Sonal Dhuper Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Patel, Nitin and Harsha Mohan, Saroj Khurana, Inder and Jasmit Aggarwal, Kul and Archana Adhikari, Dilip and Dipti Podder $51 - $99 Basu, Asit and Sandra Cutkosky, Dale and Hema Srinivasanâ€&#x; Ghosh, Mayukh and Sonal Thawani, Ravi and Meena Tolani, Bhisham and Rajini Zambre, Ajit Prakash Raghuraman, Kannan and Anandhi Upendran $100- $149 Mitra, Ranadhir and Roma Mohan, Rajiv and Sunilima Sinha Palaniappan, Kannappan and Visala Rangachari Lakshmi

$151 - $200 Shukla, Shivendra and Asha Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Balakrishnan, Elangovan & Abirami $201 - $249 Mantrala, Murali and Surya Aggarwal, Kul and Archana $250 - $300 Rawat, Gagneesh and Aditi Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi Sehgal Santosh $501-$700 Loyalka, Sudharshan and Nirja $1000 and up Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha

VOLUME

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ISSUE

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11

HTCC Quarterly Fiscal Report

For the period April 1st, 2014 - June 30th, 2014 Prepared by Abirami Elangovan, Treasurer, Oct 16th, 2014 Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest income Membership: Annual Family Membership Donations: Check Donations Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Capital Campaign Facilities Use Donations: Mandir and Educational Center use donations Fund Raiser: Mandir Cookbook/ Towels Sales Other Revenues: Eigth Anniversary Celebrations Total Quarterly Revenues Quarterly Expenses Administrative Bank Charges Lawn and Garden Maintenance and Supplies Printing/Mailing Upgrades and Repairs Utilities Total Quarterly Expenses

$168.45

$168.45

$50.00

$50.00

$1,499.25 $155.00 $2,126.00

$3,780.25

$100.00

$100.00

$15.00

$15.00

$1,520.00

$1,520.00 $5,633.70

$7.00 $90.00 $513.00 $145.19 $130.16 $1,592.07 $1,360.91 $3,838.33

Net Income for the Quarter

$1,795.37

Community Calendar (November 15th, 2014 – February 15th, 2015) Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202.

Nov. 15th

Dec. 6th

Gurpurab Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact: : Chandra Rawlani : (573)446-5960

Nov. 22nd

Contact: Inder Khurana (573)874-9647

Dec. 13th

Sharing the Warmth Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Contact: : Ranjana Sharma : (651)757-8515

Nov. 22nd

Contact:: TBD

Nov. 23rd

Jan. 1st

Sharing the Warmth Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Kartika Deepam Time: TBD Contact: TBD

Dhanur Masa Pooja Time: TBD Contact: TBD

Contact: : Ranjana Sharma : (651)757-8515

Dec. 5th

Gita Paath Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Contact: Inder Khurana (573)874-9647

Dec. 17th

Interfaith Thanksgiving Time: TBD

Gita for Modern Day Living Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

New Year Celebrations Time: TBD Contact: Chandra Rawlani : (573)446-5960

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

Burst of Colors and Flowers for the Deities - HTCC Volunteers Deliver!

M

any of you must have noticed the improved curb appeal and the burst of colors at the Mandir this Fall. Thanks to a crew of gardening volunteers and another team that helped build the edger wall using landscaping blocks we have burst of colors, and a generous supply of flowers for the deities at the Mandir. Regular gardening volunteers during summer 2014 included

Anantha, Chandra Rawlani, Das, Elango, Gopal, Inder, Meena and Ravi Thawani, Sonali Kumar, Shuba, and Tarang. We also thank Ajay, Ajith, Anand Chandrasekhar, Anantha, Chandra Rawlani, Das, Gopal, Mayukh Mittal, Nirmay, Sushma Malik, Tarang, and Vijaya, who worked hard to build the edger wall in time for the Fall festival season at the Mandirď ›

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 (November 15, 2014)

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> and Ranjana Sharma <rr.ranjana@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.