HAPPY SHRI KRISHNA JANAM ASHTMI 2010

Hindus globally observed Shri Krishna Janam Ashtmi 2010 for two days in grand style and with the degree of spirituality that the celebration embodies. On Wednesday 1st September, those devotees who are Smaartans celebrated Shri Krishna Janam Ashtmi and on Thursday 2nd September, devotees who are Vaishnavs celebrated Janam Ashtmi.

The Smaartans are devotees who worship God in many manifestations, for instance, in the forms of Lord Krishna, Shri Ram, Durga Devi, Lord Shiva and so on. Those devotees who are Vaishnavs worship the Lord in the for of Lord Vishnu alone. Either way, all devotees were engaged in intense prayers, fasting and pujas to one God.

Janam Ashtmi is the celebration of the appearance of the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Krishna on earth. It is observed on the 8th day (Ashtmi) of the second forthnight of the month of Sravana which corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha (August-September).

Shri Bal Krishna is the Eight Avatar of Lord Vishnu. He made His appearance at mid-night on a dark, very stormy night to royal parents Devaki and Vasudeva who were chained and locked up in a highly guarded prison cell by the evil King Kansa in Mathura. Soon after, Lord Krishna
instructed His father Vasudeva to carry Him across the Yamuna River to the house of Nand Baba and Yashoda in Gokula. They also had a new born baby. Vasudeva exchanged the babies and brought the girl baby from the Nand Baba household back to the prison cell.

Shri Krishna's arrival heralded the permanent end of the evil Kansa - His maternal uncle. The Lord's sole purpose on earth was to eradicate evil and establish a kingdom of righteousness for all mankind.

Like all the avatars of Lord Vishnu, Shri Krishna's manifestation is a very special. Lord Krishna starts performing His duty from the Little Baby form, Bal Krishna. When the atrocious King Kansa learnt that his enemy was born and well in Gokula, he sent the evil demoness Putna, to kill Him. Putna nursed the babies and in the process because of her illusive power, she was able to change her milk to poison. When the babies drink from it, of course, they die. Eventually, she arrived at Nanda Baba and Yashoda's house. She went in secretly and started nursing Bal Krishna. Little Baby Krishna nursed from her and killed her.

Anyways, there will be no end if one starts relating all the leelas (stories) of Shri Krishna.

But, at the Sanatan Dharma Mandir of New York, in Richmond Hill, Pandit Yoga Ramnarain did an excellent job of performing the 'Abhishek' puja of Bal Krishna. The obervation of the festival was done outside in the yard, which was beautifully decorated and transformed into the household of Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiya, who when they woke up the next morning and learnt that they were blessed with a boy baby, went absolutely crazy with love and devotion. And to find that their son was so celestially beautiful, with big brown eyes intently staring at back at them. Their hearts just melted with happiness and joy. Such was the ambience of the celebration on Wednesday night at the mandir yard.

There is something magical and divine about performing pujas under the night's sky and especially, if it is Janam Ashtmi Puja being performed under the dark, blue sky, sprinkled with tiny stars from high up and afar. And to have a extremely knowledgeable, sincere and devoted spiritual leader like Pandit Yoga, who pores his entire being when he is engaged in worship, it creates a soulfully blissful atmosphere which is very difficult to transform back to the earthly plane.

Janam Ashtmi celebration was a marvelous night at the Sanatan Dharma Mandir and everyone enjoyed the festivities and partook in the observation.

A very happy Janam Ashtmi 2010 to all Hindus and may Lord Krishna work within us to help eradicate the negative qualities within us.

Below are some beautiful pictures of Bal Krishna gathered on-line.

Bal Krishna seen licking dahi from His fingers



Bal Krishna blissfully sits in Yashoda Maiya's arms.


"Abhishek" being performed on Bal Krishna at Nand Baba's household.


The Lord was loving known as the "makhanchor" - the dahi thief. He loves dahi!


Shri Krishna instructing Arjuna at the battlefield of Kurushetra, the Bhagavad Gita - the song of life.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF YOUR COUNTRY TO SERVE ITS PEOPLE

Why does so some people have this wrong idea that to serve one's country and its people, one has to be the president of that country?

A few days ago, Haitian-born Wyclef Jean, a musician by profession, officially announced that he will run for Haiti's president in the next election. I heard about this person for the first time in the news when Haiti suffered that massive earthquake over six months ago and made it to the world news. Jean, who heads a charity called Yele Haiti, came under scrutiny for financial improprieties involving in his charitable organization.

I watched an interview with Jean on TV. The reporter asked him what made him think that he is qualified to become the president of Haiti? He responded that he is a leader and that qualifies him to run for president of Haiti.

Is that really true? If a person thinks he/she is a leader that means he/she would be a good political leader or president for their country?

What makes a person a good political leader or president of a country? This category of people has to be in the endangered species list because they are far and few. The two popular good ones who readily comes to mind are President Bill Clinton and President Nelson Mandela.

What make them stand out from the rest of the crowd? Let's start with President Nelson Mandela - South Africa's great freedom fighter. He sacrificed over 25 years of his life in prison and his family for the well-being of his country and its people. He puts his country's and its people's welfare above his. In doing so, he conquers the lower self and in the process, rids himself of the human ego to a large extent. He strives for higher ideals only few people reach for. He understands the higer purpose of living. He is a faithful student of another great freedom fighter, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Nelson Mandela, like the Mahatma, will live on long after he sheds the human body.

President Nelson Mandela

President Bill Clinton by definition was a good political leader this world has seen in a long time. He inherited a free and dynamic America and built upon those premises. A lawyer by profession, he has years of political experince under his sleeve, so it was only natural that he was going to run for the White House. He was ambitious, smart and articulate. He was and still is a very good speaker and understood the needs of the American people well. He appeared to genuinely want to make a better life for the populace. That's the main reason why people should run for the president of a country anyways, right? Back to President Clinton, he did not appear to be overtly egotistic, but that did not mean that he rid himself of the lower self. It was more a case of being the president is a job and one that he was prepared to do very well. One wonders if he would have been willing to make the sacrifice like President Mandela did for his country, should such a situation presents itself? That's when great leaders are truely tested and born. Yet, President Clinton is one of the greatest presidents this country has seen in a long time.

So, who is a good leader? And, who qualifies to be a good political leader?

Until people who are inclined to lead realizes the true nature and purpose of life, only then can one become a good leader. That is the reason why the great Mahatma Gandhi continues to live among us and will live on for as long as mankind exits on earth. He personified what great leadership is all about. He harnessed the greatness from within himself to conquer his lower self. He lived the three pillars of humanity and of Hinduism, "Satyam or Truth, Bramhacharya or Self-control of all the senses and Ahimsa or Non-Violence." Need I break it down more?

Anybody who desires to be a good leader needs to study his life and works. And, the last question: who is a good political leader?

Well, it is a combination of many things: foremost is the desire to serve one's country and people, a noble cause indeed. Different people run for office for different reasons and many become corrupted while in the office, as we have seen throughout the modern world. One has to remember always that, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Sadly, because of human flaws and the ever present ego, it is very easy to stray from the right path. Becoming the president of a country is a very heady experience and if one is not properly grounded in a good value system, then one can very easily become prey to the ego and all its trappings. After all, the president of a country is the most powerful position of all to behold.

A good president or political leader will put the needs and well-being of the people above his/her self; he/she must be an embodiment of truth, humility, sincerity, simplicity, courage, be intelligent and with a cool head, have a working knowledge of diplomacy, be peaceful, be an inspiring speaker, understands international affairs very well and inspires and motivates the people to strive to become the best they possibly can. There are other humna traits as well.

So, does Wyclef Jean qualify to be the president of Haiti? Well, he is free to campaign for the elections, but that does not mean he is qualitified to be the president of the country nor that he will win the elections. That remains to be seen. But, we the people must see the need to elect presidents who epitomize good human values.

Getting back to this idea that people have that to serve one's country one has to become the president of that country is total nonesense. Any expatriate who has a desire to serve his fellow countrymen, women and children could do so by simply serving the people directly. Most countries have a population of poverty-stricken families and children. Haiti has its fair share. Why not raise funds in an honest manner, use the money to buy food, clothing and other necessities and supply them directly to these families and children? Why not sponsor a few poor children and put them through school and college? Why not supply hospitals with medications that are badly needed for the sick? There are so many causes, just pick one of them.

Mother Teresa did not become the president of India to serve that country's sick and down-trodden? And, what is her status? She is a saint. How many of us will reach sainthood? Not many.

Mother Teresa

If many of these people take a minute to look deeply within themselves and engage in some soul-searching, they will find the answers within themselves. And often time, the answers from within does not match the wolf cries from outside. Listen to the voice from within, it knows best.

So, please, to the folks who desire to serve their country, think of more original ways to help the people and let not it be: "I want to be the president of my country because I want to serve my people." That statement has lost its merit a long time ago. Peace.

HINDU YOUTH CAMPS CRITICAL TO YOUTHS' GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Summer 2010 is upon us with all its glories and heat waves. Summer time in Richmond Hill, Queens, means many things for many people. The kids are out of school; families are vacationing or stacationing here and there; there those Guyana Day's get-togethers at the Flushing and the Cunningham Parks; there is the cousin's sweet 16 party to attend and many more social activities to keep us busy.

Another very critical activity that needs to be taken seriously by parents is the Summer Youth Camps organized by mandirs in the community. Believe it or not, there're over 50 mandirs in the Queens area. If the good folks at these mandirs can take on the responsibility to plan a one-week summer youth camp for the youngsters in the community, year after year, camping will become an integral part in the lives of Hindu kids. This would be a great service to society as a whole for many reasons.

I strongly believe in the importance of education. A good education takes you to many places in life; it helps you get better paying jobs, buys you all the man-made comforts and luxuries that were supposed to make you happy in life; it could even give you job satisfaction if you like your work and many other perks that come with high paying jobs. But, these are all material things and by now, we all know for a fact that neither money nor wealth can buy happiness - the goal of life.

The question then begs to ask itself: Where can I find happiness? And again three additional questions come to the mind:

1. Who am I?
2. From where have I come?
3. Where am I going?

To find the true answers to these questions, you must find yourself in the company of saints and sages, satsanghs and other holy people. These learnt, enlightened souls will tell you that, and I'll quote the greatest of all saints, Veda Vyasa, who composed and simplified the thousands of Hindu Scriptures into a simple sentence: "Brahma is real, this world is unreal, the Atman is real."

Brahma is the Absolute Consciousness that upholds this universe together and the Atman is the Soul or the Absolute Consciousness present within us.

Why am I mentioning all of this? Because Hindu Youth Camps should be recognized as powerful mediums that transmit scriptural knowledge to the youngsters so that they would understand the true purpose of life from a young age. Hindu Youth Camps can be catalysts for positive change in our society and mediums that can help groom the youths into becoming more balanced, well-informed and knowledgeable individuals.

A combination of formal education with scriptural knowledge can produce dynamic individuals. But, it is of paramount importance that parents make that effort to send their children to these youth camps.

The management of the Sanatan Dharma Mandir of New York must be complimented for organizing such a one-week youth camp from July 12-17 for the kids in the area. The program was a packed one that include many different activities. Very importantly, they were taught the Sacred Havan, how to perform Surya Namaskar, Sacred Mantras, the different Hindu scriptures and philosophies, Music, Yoga, Meditation and Karate. They listened to influencial guest speakers from different walks of life on topics ranging from their identity, income and expenditure and their ancestral roots. Speakers included, Mr. Ashook Ramsaran, Mr. Joe Ragnauth, Ms. Elizabeth Luckhoo, and others.

They were fortunate to have Acharya Krishna Moorty from the Chinmaya Mission who spent two days with them; one day having an open discussion with him about some of the things they learnt at the camp and showing them around at the Ganesha Temple in Flushing. The Swamiji preformed Puja for them as well. Dr. Jatin Kapadia, also from the Mission, did a great presentation on the meaning of Karma and how it affects our lives.

And the Camp Coordinator Mr. Doodnauth Dasrat did a fabulous job, along with all the very hard working women and men who were at the camp every day making sure the kids were well fed and taken care of.


Some photos of kids being intructed on a few karate moves.

Sean, Karate teacher, teaching karate

These little ones are sweating it out

Can they be more enthusiastic

Hi-Ya Ho! Kong Fu!

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR OUR ANCESTORS IN KOLKATA

Mr. Ashook Ramsaran, Executive Vice President of GOPIO, recently traveled to India to finalize plans to build a memorial and museum in honor of all the Indentured Laborers at the Bhowanie Depot in Kolkata.

The land was secured and a monument of a man and woman representing our ancestors were unveiled by the Minister in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Hon. Vayalar Ravi. Over 170 years ago, thousands of Indentured laborers were lured by British sugar planters to work in the sugar plantations in the West Indies, South Africa, Fiji and Mauritius.

This memorial in India is a most fitting and deserving tribute to thousands of East Indians whose pioneering spirit, endurance, fearlessness, resilience and courage lead them to seek betterment in new lands, unknown to them.

The hardships meted out to them on a daily basis at the hands of the British planters were unspeakable, yet they never gave up. Many stayed, toiled and sweat in the sugar fields and made the new country their homes. Their stellar contribution towards the political, socio-economic growth and development of their new countries was monumental.

Many, many thanks to Mr. Ramsaran for spearheading this important project and to see it through. A museum is still yet to be built there. It will house artifacts, records, documentaries, photos and other documents on our ancestors.

Folks, when you visit India, now you have an additional attraction. It's a must to go visit this museum to just feel the ambience and spirit of our ancestors.

Below is a sneek peek of photos Mr. Ramsaran took while on his trip in India and the good people in India who helped him.

Photos of the surround area of the mesuem



Blue sky, little house, water .. almost idyllic

Mr. Ramsaran (second from right) and his counterparts in India

This photo has a feel of somewhere in Guyana

A forte on the land

Mr. Ramsaran (right) and another gentleman monument

SUNDAY'S TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, SCIENCE & CONSCIOUSNESS

I am fascinated and intrigued by the solar system and the vast space above and it has to do with the question, "Who or What controls what happens in the sky above and the way the solar system orbits around the sun?"

I've been following this total solar eclipse which began its 11,000 kilometer (6,800 mile) arc over the Pacific, plunging remote islands on its path into darkness in a celestial display that climaxed on Easter Island, on Sunday, July 11th 2010.

I checked with the Hindu calendar and it states, "Amawasya, NM - 3:40 PM, Sun Eclipse begins 1:10 PM - 5:57 PM." This is interesting because I know that Pandit Yoga, Pandit Babb and others have put together the 2010 calendar during November - December 2009. When they checked the Hindu Patra, the information about the solar eclipse was there.

That is just one incident which brings out the scientific calculation of the solar system, space and time available in the Hindu 'shashtras' that our pandits have to use to create the new Hindu calendar. This task involve minute detail work because of the need for accuracy in date and time.

It is clear that our pandits functions like scientists as well. To understand this concept, you must take a look at the Hindu calendar, to observe how many full moons, new moons and the many other major Hindu parbs and festivals in the year that have to be calculated.

I am of the strong believe that NASA - the government space agency - should recruit a few of our top-notch, advanced and highly skilled pandits to work at the agency. I say it is the right time to train a few Hindu pandits or astrologers to take that illusive, lengthen trip high up in space. It will add a totally different dimension to the US space program. It will also be like an education process for the scientists - to educate them to gradually move away from to the path of proof and evidence and give them a chance to experience the power of OM or Consciousness.

You see, in Hinduism we worship the Sun and the Moon and the Earth and the other planets. These are powerful entities that to grasp how they work is beyond the realm of our limited understanding. The planetary system is known as the "Nou Graha Devtas" (9 Devtas) who influence our lives from time to time, depending on our Karmas. So, to understand how the planetary system works is to understand Consciousness - the Ultimate Science of creation. That without Consciousness, a solar eclipse of any kind is not possible - absolutely not.

As much as we need science and scientists to survive and make our lives better or our living experience a better one, I believe that scientists have to approach their individual fields or research works with a more "Consciousness" feel to it - and just accept that certain things are beyond their control.

Like the total solar eclipse that people were so fascinated by yesterday (even the footballs fans in Tahiti ran to look at it), scientists could not have stopped it or controled its path. No, because it is called Consciousness and It works miracles for us. Let's just sit back and enjoy the world and its fruits while we can and believe that Consciousness exists.

Below some spectacular photos of total solar eclipse (courtesy online)

Cresent-shaped moon.

Totoal solar eclipse

The solar eclilpse path as show by an image for NASA.