F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
VOLUME 1 l ISSUE 1
H I N D U
S WAYA M
S E VA K
S A N G H
Balagokulam AZ Times HINDU DHARMA FOR KIDS, TEACHERS & PARENTS
India Nite 2016
0 r 1 p To s fo
n o s r ea
g n i nd m
e okula t t a alag B
Bala Shiksha Varg Surya Namaskar Leher
Community Events Things Going on Around Phoenix
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Spotlight
Ved P. Nanda Sangh Chalak for Americas
Ved P. Nanda University of Denver Sturm College of Law Professor, International Law Evans University Professor Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law Director, Ved Nanda Center for International & Comparative Law B.A., M.A., Punjab University, India LL.B., LL.M., Delhi University, India LL.M., Northwestern University Graduate Fellow, Yale University Law School Honorary Doctorate of Law: Soka University, Japan; Bundelkhand University, India
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At the College of Law Professor Nanda founded and directed the International Legal Studies Program from 1972 until stepping down in 2013, and now directs the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law.
Professor Nanda has taught at the University of Denver College of Law since 1965. In addition to his scholarly achievements, he is significantly involved in the global international law community, including leadership positions in World Jurist Association, American Society of International Law, and advisory council of the United States Institute of Human Rights, American Law Institute and the ABA’s Human Rights Center and Section of International Law. At the College of Law Professor Nanda founded and directed the International Legal Studies Program from 1972 until stepping down in 2013, and now directs the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law. Alumni and friends have also established a Ved Nanda Professorship there. He has received numerous national and international awards, is widely published in law journals and national magazines, and has authored or co-authored 24 books in the various fields of international law and over 200 chapters and major law review articles. He has been a Distinguished Visiting Professor and Scholar at a number of universities in the United States and abroad.
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Disclaimer
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Contents
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F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
Featured Story of the Month Events Hinduism Events Photos Person of the month Story Reviews Yoga pose of month
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Balagokulam AZ Times is information purposes (non-commercial) only private news letter for Balagokulam going people in Phoenix, AZ and not intended for any other purpose nor for any other location. Content appearing in this News Letter if taken from other sources ( credits to source are given), respective content owners own the intellectual property rights to the material and Balagokulam AZ Times cannot certify the accuracy of the material published from 3rd party sources including any on sourced/ linked publications/site. Balagokulam AZ Times and/or HSS do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented in this publication. The information provided in Balagokulam AZ Times Magazine is for educational or entertainment purposes only. Anyone using the information in Balagokulam AZ Times , whether medical, legal, business or other, does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify Balagokulam AZ Times and HSS, and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use. No Implied Endorsement : Balagokulam AZ Times news letter does not endorse or recommend any article on this site or any product, service or information found within said articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to Balagokulam AZ Times belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Balatgokulam AZ Time and/or HSS, its staff or HSS related entities.
Featured Story of the Month
India Nite 2016 What a great evening was it, with Indian Diaspora getting together for India Nite 2016, organized by India Association of Phoenix ! The event took place on a grand scale at Arcadia High School auditorium, Phoenix, Arizona, on 30 January 2016. The non-profit volunteer umbrella organization of the community of Indian heritage in the State of Arizona, India Association of Phoenix thanks every one for making India (Republic) Nite a great success. Congratulations to the Raffle winners!! The association is all geared up for the next event HOLI PICNIC.
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Prof. Ved Nandaji, Special Guest at India Nite 2016 Prof. Ved P. Nanda was the Special Guest at the wonderful event of India Nite 2016. Since 1965, Prof. Ved P. Nanda taught at the University of Denver. He was involved in the global international law community.
He is Past President of the World Jurist Association and now it’s Honorary President, former honorary Vice President of the American Society of International Law and now its counselor, and a member of the advisory council of the United States Institute of Human Rights. and American Society of International Law, American 4
Law Institute and the ABA’s Human Rights Center and Section of International Law. Professor Nanda founded and directed the International Legal Studies Program from 1972 at the College of until he stepped down in 2013. He now directs the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law. A Ved Nanda Professorship was also established by alumni and friends.
at universities in the UnitedStates as well as abroad. He was a Board of Directors and National Council, United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNAUSA) member; United States representative to the World Federation of United Nations Association, Geneva, Vice-Chair and Member of the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee and many other positions.
Prof. Ved P. Nanda has been a Distinguished Visiting Professor and Scholar at universities in the UnitedStates as well as abroad.
He received countless national and international awards, authored or co-authored 24 books in numerous fields of international law, and his work was published in law journals and national magazines. Prof. Ved P. Nanda has been a Distinguished Visiting Professor and Scholar
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Events
HSS & Balagokulam’s
Events
Bala Shiksha Varg (On Jan 2, 2016)
Even if the season pointed to winter, we had a pleasantly sunny but cool weather to get us started for a productive, fun and active Bala Varg, the first of its kind in Phoenix on Jan 2 2016. We were armed with a team 5 Shikshaks and 5 Prabanthaks to work with 28 children. The parents’ punctuality allowed the organisers to get started on time.
Haldi Kumkum
(On Jan 25, 2016)
HSS Sevikas in Phoenix, Arizona, have got together to perform Haldi Kumkum Ceremony, reflecting the Indian tradition with joy and grace. As a part of the Makar Sankranti Haldi Kumkum 2016, the women congregated to pray for the long lives of their husbands. Haldi Kumkum ceremony or Haldi Kumkum is a social gathering part of Indian tradition, where married women exchange haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion powder), symbolizing their married status and wishing longevity to their husbands. WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Surya Namskar Leher
(On Jan 16, 2016)
On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti HSS Phoenix kicked off Surya Namaskar Yagna and created a Leher (wave) for whole of Phoenix. On Jan 16th around 75 people including kids from North Phoenix and 20 people Chandler came together at San Valiente Apartment and Desert Breeze Park learned to do Surya Namaskar from 8am -11am. SNY is a special annual initiative by Sangh to popularize the practice of yoga in the community.
Surya Namskar Yagna
(On Jan 31, 2016)
HSS Phoenix has successfully organized ‘Surya Namaskar Yogathon 2016’ on 31 January 2016 at the Horizon Community Center, Scottsdale, Arizona, with a cause called “Health for Humanity”. The event was attended by a number of enthusiasts of all age groups. It was a great job from HSS volunteers, creating awareness among Indian Diaspora about the effective benefits of Surya Namaskar. -
India Nite 2016
(On Jan 30, 2016)
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
What a great evening was it, with Indian Diaspora getting together for India Nite 2016, organized by India Association of Phoenix ! The event took place on a grand scale at Arcadia High School auditorium, Phoenix, Arizona, on 30 January 2016.The nonprofit volunteer umbrella organization of the community of Indian heritage in the State of Arizona, India Association of Phoenix thanks every one for making India (Republic) Nite a great success.
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Q&A
Hinduism Hinduism is an oldest religion of this world. During the period when people in other areas were hunting down animals, the great Hindu sages, holy men and Kings were leading their people in virtuous life by chanting the vedas, carrying out great yagas (yagna) and medical research in Sittha, Ayurveda and also in astronomy. Q 1: Who are the Tri Murtis? Tri Murties are: 1. Brahma, 2. Vishnu, 3. Shiva
Q 2: What are their responsibilites of Tri Murties? 1. Bramha: Creation, 2. Vishnu: Protection 3. Shiva: Destruction
Q 3: What are the Pancha pootha sthalas (Temples) of Lord Shiva?
1.Thiruvannamalai-Fire 2.Chidambaram-Space 3.Kalahasti-Air 4.Thiruvanaikka-Water 5.Kanchipuram-Earth Except the Kalahasti Temple which is in Andra Pradesh (AP) all others are in Tamil Nadu (TN).
Q 4: Who are the Ashta (Eight) Luxmis? 1. Dhana Luxmy
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2. Dhanya Luxmy 3. Dhairya Luxmy 4. Gaja Luxmy 5. Vijaya Luxmy 6. Vidhya Luxmy 7. Veera Luxmy 8. Santhana Luxmy.
Q 5: What are the “Arupadai Veedu” of Lord Muruga?
Q 9: What are the four Vedas? 1. Rig 2. Yajur 3. Sama 4. Atharva.
Q10: What are the items suitable for the holy bathing of the idol at the Hindu Temple?
1. Palani 2. Palamudhir Solai 3. Thirupparam Kunram 4. Thiruchendur 5. Swamimalai 6. Thiruthani. All of them aren in Tamil Nadu (TN), India
Cow’s Milk,
Q 6: According to Puranas, there are some immortal charactors, Who are they?
Oil,
1. Aswattama 2. King Maha Bali 3. Sage Vyasa 4. Hanuman 5. Vipeeshana 6. Parasurama 7. Markandeya
Q 7: What are the five Sabhas where Lord Shiva Performs his Thandavas (Dances)?
1.Ratna Sabha at Thiruvalangadu. 2.Golden Sabha at Chidambaram 3.Silver Sabha at Madurai 4.Copper Sabha at Thirunelveli 5.Chitra Sabha at Thiru Kuttralam All temples are in Tamil Nadu, South India
Q 8: What are the virtues of Tulasi?
Tulasi is liked by all devas. Tulasi water is equally virtuous as holy ganga water.
Curd (yogurt), Ghee, Sandal Paste, Honey, Coconut water, Lemon Juice, Panchamirtham, turmeric powder, holy ash, fruit juices and Pancha Kavya are suitable
Q11: What is the virtue of Piradosha period? The periods from 4.30pm to 6.00pm on Thirayodhasi falling on waning moon days and waxing moon days are called Piradosha periods. It is a holy and auspicious period in which Lord Shiva performed his divine dance standing in between the horns of Nandi and gave Darshan to Devas. Hence, this period is called virtuous period. It is much approprite to go to the temple and worship Lord Shiva during this period Source : Hindu Kids World
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Events Photos
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Event Photos
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Person of the month
Person
of the month
Mahadeo Govind Ranade “The India of the past, we can never hope to revive, but the India of the future is for us to shape and to fashion. The India that is to be born will have no room for any distinction of race, creed, or colour... let us be Indians first, and Indians to the last.”
that she took a bath as soon as the lady went away!
This call was made a hundred years ago by a great social reformer and edu cationist, Mahadeo Govind Ranade. The last sentence found echo in the speech of every leader who followed him. Among the social reforms he advocated was women’s education. The society of those times was very orthodox. He decided to set an example himself. He began educating his 11- year-old wife who was illiterate. The other women in the household were more angry, when he arranged for an English lady to come home and give lessons to little Ramabai. They saw to it
Mahadeo was born on January 18, 1842, at Niphad in the district of Nasik. His father Govind Rao Ranade was Administrator in the princely state of Kolhapur. When he was 13, Mahadeo was sent to Bombay where he joined the Elphinston Institution. In due course, he took his M.A., L.L.B,
and L.L.B. Honours. In every examination, from his Matriculation, he earned distinctions. Throughout his acedemic career, he was a scholarshipholder. In later life, he helped many poor students with money. His attempts to reform society often met with criticism, but he bore it without malice. He was also of a forgiving nature. When he was holding the post of Presidency Magistrate, he was once travelling by train. A British officer who got in began throwing out his luggage. Ranade did not take any action. However, he would not spare anyone while doing his duty. Once he punished an Englishman, by sending him to jail for six months for stealing Rs 50. On an earlier occasion, he had imprisoned an Indian for only one month for stealing Rs. 100. When he was criticised of partiality, his reply was, the Englishman had planned the theft, while the Indian was only given to temptation. When the congress was formed by A.O.Hume, he joined it unofficially as he was in government service. His support to the objectives of the Congress prompted Mr. Hume to call him his “political guru”. This true son of India passed away on January 16 Source : chandamama magazine
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Story
Value of Words Once, Bhagwan Buddha was doing dhyan in the jungle. At this time, a man was walking by Bhagwan Buddha. He was lost, tired and hungry. Seeing the peaceful look on Buddha’s serene face, the man instantly became very angry. He started to swear at Bhagwan Buddha. He thought Bhagwan Buddha would open his eyes and respond. However, Buddha’s face did not change. Again the man yelled and swore; still no reaction. So he shook Bhagwan Buddha and said, “I’ve been swearing at you for a while; say something!” Bhagwan Buddha replied, WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
“I have not paid attention to what you have been saying.”
are still with you,” continued Bhagwan Buddha.
“You might not have paid attention to them, but you did hear them. So why didn’t you say something?” replied the man.
“How is that?” ask the man.
Bhagwan Buddha asked for a few coins from the man. Pointing to them, he said, “If you were to offer these coins someone, what happens when I swear at someone, to if that person does not and if that person does not accept them?”
acknowledge them, the rude words will stay with me forever. “Your words are worthless, so why would I listen to them?” replied Buddha. This annoyed the man even further. “And since I haven’t acknowledged them, they
This explanation opened the man’s eyes. He realized, “If no one accepts my coins, then they stay with me. So, when I swear at someone, and if that person does not acknowledge them, the rude words will stay with me forever.” Source : Kids Baps
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Reviews
Top 10 reasons for attending Balagokulam By Subha Ekambaram
10. HSS is run by very smart people who have perfected the art and science of the purpose we are all after protection and preservation of Hindu dharma and character building. 9. The HSS community is inclusive - they make new comers feel at ease and everyone else feel like they’ve come home. 8. The leaders of shakha or karyakarthas exemplify self less sacrifice and dedication to duty. While there are people like me, who try to show up and set an example for our kids, some of these people have grown-up kids and no selfish reason to be at shakha, yet they do it for the community. This is very inspiring. 7. During Utsavs the festive feeling of being around like minded people WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
and celebrating as one community gives a feeling of oneness.
planned activities. The consistency prepares kids (and adults) for what’s next.
6.The games keep the kids interested and they look forward to being with their friends at shakha. They don’t know that they are learning teamwork and the importance of staying united, among other skills.
2. Kids and adults of all ages learn the core of what sanatana dharma is really about, through baudhiks, shlokas and stories - in a format appropriate to each individual’s age. The senior shakha members tell me that you can tell the balagokulam kids apart by their strength of character. (And I believe it.)
5. The adults participate in games as well - for some of us adults going to balagokulam constitutes our weekly exercise. :-) 4. We all get to do suryanamaskar in its original form. It helps both children and adults keep our bodies healthy and minds focused. 3. The format of each session is the same, but it’s not monotonous or boring. It’s 90 minutes of purposeful, efficient and effectively
1. In a world that is constantly torn with wars and strife, here’s a place where self less service is embraced and encouraged. Our kids learn all day every day at school about how to make a living when they get older. Balagokulam is the only place where they get to learn ‘how to live your life.’ This, to me, is reason enough to be at HSS and balagokulam.
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Reflections of the
Bala Shiksha Varg Namaste, My name is Nidhi Mukkamla and I’m 11 years old and go to Basis Peoria. One of my favorite activities is going to Balagokulam weekly. I go to Vivekananda shakha. I have been going to Balagokulam for many years and I enjoy it very much. Recently, in Phoenix we had a Bala Shiksha varg and it was fantastic. There were many activities that we did and got to meet many new kids from different shakhas and make new friends. In the beginning of the varg, we did warmups and Surya Namaskar. After, we did GEET and Shlokas. I personally liked when we got to learn Niyudh. It was also very fun during the Arts and Crafts activity.We got to build a Mandir and cover it with decorative paper. My most favorite activity was playing Dharma Jeopardy. Jeopardy was my favorite because we didn’t play it only for fun but we got to learn more about the topics. We also played fun games and got to do Group Discussions. I also enjoyed Group Discussion a lot because we got to work as a team to make a list of what learn by coming to Balagokulam and what we take back. I had a very good time and enjoyed it very well.
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Hello, my name is Mrityunjay. On January 2nd 2016 I went to Bhal - vargh. It was one of the most awesome days of my life. In Balvargh I learned to do the proper way of doing thaksh and aaramh. We also learned an Indian self-defense. After that, we tried to memorize and get the pronunciations correct for the prathana. Then we played games, the games were really fun and enjoyable. My favorite game was the Dollar Game. Then we had lunch. We had Indian food, like-puri, daal, and other food items. After we had lunch, we played Jeopardy. I had lots of fun playing the game. After we finished playing Jeopardy, we did prathana. My favorite activity was Jeopardy. It was my favorite activity because I thought it taught me a lot of things to me, like- leadership, communication, teamwork and lot of other things.
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Yoga pose of month
Swastikasana The Auspicious asana Swastikasana or the Auspicious Pose is an easy meditation pose for those who cannot attempt the difficult asanas like Padmasana and Siddhasana.
The symbol of Swastika is a symbol of auspiciousness. In Swastikasana, the position of the legs resemble the symbol of the Swastika. The word Swastika comes from the Sanskrit words – ‘Su’ meaning good, ‘Asti’ means ‘to be’ or ‘existence’ and ‘Ka’ means to make. This asana can be described as one that helps to realize the unity of existence. Swastikasana is relatively easy to perform and can be used for meditative purposes and for prolonged sitting.
How to do Swastikasana
1. Sit on the floor with legs spread out in front of you.
7. Keep the body and trunk straight.
2. Fold the left leg and place the sole of the left leg against the inner thigh of the right leg.
8. The hands can be placed on the knees in any of the classical meditation mudras like Chin mudra or Jnana mudra.
3. Bend the right leg and place the right foot in the space between the left thigh and calf muscles. 4. Grasp the left foot by the toes and pull it up and place it between the right calf and thigh. 5. The knees should firmly touch the floor.
9. Awareness can be maintained on the breath. One may also concentrate on the tip of the nose or the eyebrow center depending on the type of meditation technique. 10. Swastikasana should not be done by those suffering from sciatica and sacral infections.
6. Adjust the pose so that you feel comfortable.
(The Auspicious Pose)? WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Benefits of Swastikasana
6.
Breathing slows down
Collective effect of all this is one can achieve concentration of mind.
(the Auspicious Pose) 1. Swatikasana is good for meditation, for those who find it difficult to sit in more classical poses like Padmasana and Siddhasana. 2. Even those suffering from varicose veins and aching leg muscles can sit in Swastikasana.
Do’s
Don’ts
1. Keep the legs straight in knees with toes pointing to the sky.
1. Do not bend the legs in knees.
2. Raise the lower back & buttocks off the ground. 3. Hands, upper arms & elbows on the ground while supporting the waist with the hands.
3. As the backbone is kept erect in this asana, its functioning is greatly improved. 4. Dnyana Mudra helps in stabilizing pulse beats.
4. Shoulders resting on the ground.
5. Consequently strain on muscles is reduced, which in turn reduces strain on heart.
6. Note that the legs can be taken towards head for maintaining the balance.
5. Head straight and eye sight fixed on the raised toes.
2. Do not take the legs over your head in the position, but you can take the legs over your head while taking & releasing the position. 3. Do not move the neck while in the position. 4. Do not keep the legs and back in one straight line as in Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand). Source : Wishesh Magazine
Event Calendar
February HSS Family Camp
is coming up & the registrations are already CLOSED!!! WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
hssphx@gmail.com
Balagokulam Every Child has the spark of divinity within... Balagokulam is a forum for children to discover and manifest that divinity. Balagokulam will enable children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots, learn Indian values in an enjoyable manner and make good friends.
• To facilitate children to appreciate, learn and practice Hindu way of life. • Instill pride and confidence in Indian children about their identity. • Character building and leadership skills among children. • Develop social awareness and connectivity in the society. • Stronger bonding among Indian children. • Awareness of our rich cultural heritage and traditions.
GAMES
STORIES
ARTS
CRAFTS
YOGA
BHAJANS
SHLOKAS
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Vivekananda Shakha at Ekta Mandir 2804 W Maryland Ave Phoenix AZ 85017 (602) 790-9205
Jijamata Shakha at Deer Valley Village Apartment 3010 W Yorkshire Dr Phoenix AZ 85027 (860) 471-4349
Kesari Shakha at 5955 W Ray Rd Suite #16 Chandler AZ 85226 (913) 484-1869
WWW.AZWISHESH.COM | FEBRUARY 2016
Shivaji Shakha at Villa Salerno Apartments 17030 N 49th St Scottsdale AZ 85254 (602) 476-2240
Shakti Shakha at 16880 N 73rd Ave Peoria AZ 85382 (623) 330-0721
Contact us for more information: hssphx@gmail.com
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