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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Angulimala – a Tale of Redemption H.R. Chandrasekhar
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Inside This Issue Angulimala - a Tale of Redemption
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Executive Board
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Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji SKY on Earth Homa – The Divine Way of Prayer and Surrender to God
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Bal Sandesh
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Yoga Corner
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HTCC 7th Anniversary Celebration
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Shreemad 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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The Magic of a Moment
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Current Programs
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he tale of Angulimala is a source of inspiration to those who believe that even the worst sinner can be rehabilitated and returned to the righteous path. This Buddhist legend dating back to two millennia teaches the value of repentance, compassion and forgiveness. The king of Kosala had a law and order problem of the kind that was unknown to him. His mighty army could crush the enemies of the state and secure its borders. His spies knew how to break up gangs of thieves and thugs. But no one knew how to handle a new kind of problem – terrorism. The notorious terrorist had no interest in the property of his victims but only in attacking them to chop off their right thumb. Known by the nickname Angulimala, this vicious bandit would wear the garland made of the thumbs of his victims. He was bent upon collecting one hundred of them and the rumor was that he was fast getting close to that number. His cunning and speed had eluded the authorities, and the king
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e congratulate and warmly welcome the HTCC officers, Abirami Elangovan, the elected Vice President of the Executive Board (EB), Ravi Thawani, the elected EB Treasurer, and Meena Thawani, one of the Elected Trustee on the HTCC Board of Trustee (BOT). Abirami and Ravi switched their roles on the EB and the transition was smooth. Our special thanks to Gagneesh Rawat, Srinath Gopalakrishna, and Krishna Sharma in conducting the
was clueless on what to do. “A great monk is passing through the kingdom,” said his General. “His name is Buddha, the enlightened one. Crowds gather in the thousands wherever he goes, seeking his blessings and wisdom.” “A saint is not what we need now,” lamented the king. “We need someone who is a match to the bandit in strength and cunning. I thought you had something useful to say.” The General swallowed and said hesitantly. “I understand, Sire. Lord Buddha is of no help to us but he will draw large crowds. It means Angulimala will use this chance to ambush innocent pilgrims. This may be our chance to set a trap for him. I have heard that the villain has bragged that his hundredth thumb will be that of Lord Buddha, who walks alone and refuses to have any security persons nearby.” The General was right in his assessment. Angulimala was determined to attack Lord Buddha. He had taken pleasure in seeking out those who were unusual. This simple
monk who would not hurt a fly intrigued him. As the morning broke, he waited at the familiar passage on the route to Kosala, which travelers had to pass through to enter the city. He knew that the monk had camped near the river and the crowd that had gathered to listen to him on the previous night was large beyond belief. “Buddham sharanam gachhami,” chanted the followers as they walked past him hidden behind a tree. “Sangham sharanam gachhami. Dharmam sharanam gachhami.” “I bow to Lord Buddha. I bow to the holy order. I bow to Dharma, the right way of life.” Angulimala waited for Lord Buddha who walked very slowly. He was deeply immersed in some thought and was unaware of his surroundings, especially the bandit positioned to pounce upon him. Many thoughts stormed through Angulimala’s mind as he watched his victim. “How calm and peaceful he looks!” (Continued on Page 2)
Message from the Executive Board HTCC elections and to you for your participation in the election process. The 7th Anniversary HTCC annual banquet was held on March 15 at the Peach Tree Banquet Center. Although the attendance was a little low compared to earlier years, the enthusiasm among attendees was great!. It was a remarkable effort and dedication under the leadership of Shiva
Pennathur. These celebrations helped us generate net revenues of nearly $3,000 to benefit the Mandir. The event also enabled us to reflect on our collective accomplishments during the last 7 years and our strategies for the future. If you haven’t still gotten your copy of Samarapanam, please pick up your hard copy from the temple. (Continued on Page 8)