After the Earth Day invocation, from left: Roya Galata, Jim Meiklejohn, Rajan Zed, Kaitlin Weeks
Reno, Nevada, May 1, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) Nevada Earth Day 2011 celebrations here today opened with prayers from ancient Sanskrit scriptures and Baha’i prayer in Farsi.
After lighting incense before Lord Ganesha statue and sprinkling holy water from river Ganga, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed read Shanti Mantra in Sanskrit from the Earth Day stage, followed by “Prithvi Sukta� (hymn to earth) from Atharva-Veda, invoking the Goddess Earth.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also prayed from Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), where Lord Krishna is quoted as saying, “The brightness of the sun, which lights up the world, the brightness of the moon and of fire—these are my glory. With a drop of my energy I enter the earth and support all creatures. Through the moon, the vessel of life-giving fluid, I nourish all plants.�
“We may believe in different religions, yet we share the same home—our Earth. We must learn to happily progress or miserably perish together. For man can live individually but can only survive collectively�, Rajan Zed said quoting ancient Hindu scriptures.
Roya Galata, a Baha’i elder, recited the Baha’i prayer in Farsi after Zed. Jim Meiklejohn, Treasurer of Nevada EcoNet, the organizers of the Earth Day, thanked Zed and Galata for the prayers.
According to Kaitlin Weeks, Nevada EcoNet Executive Director, estimated 10,000 people attended Earth Day to celebrate our planet and raise environmental awareness; which included live entertainment, crafts, display booths by various non-profit and other organizations/agencies/businesses offering energy conserving and sustainable living products, children’s activities, vendors selling eco-friendly products, etc. Local food, science, technology, policy and the arts were interwoven throughout the event with many experts on hand to address questions and issues.
Jo Simpson and Megan Gibson are President and Secretary respectively of Nevada EcoNet, whose mission is “to raise environmental awareness�.
He is never born, and he never dies. He is in Eternity: he is for evermore. Never-born and eternal, beyond times gone or to come, he does not die when the body dies… When one sees this Eternity in things that pass away and Infinity in the finite things, then one has pure knowledge. (Bhagavad Gita 2:20, 18:20)
It is on this sacred premise that Hinduism builds its conception of reality wherein the boundless chain of life there exists neither birth nor death, only endless cycles of transmutation and regeneration, culminating in the evolution of consciousness and dynamic unfolding of the Divine Intelligence in man. With a mind that thus peered eternity, the ancient Hindus, it is said, had inexorably unlocked such secrets and mysteries of existence pertaining to creation, manifestation, the universal order and human evolution, converging in the supramental vision of Sanatan Dharma- the Eternal Truth and Divine Process that has over many cycles of time revealed itself to us through the mystical life and evolutionary work of many ascended gurus, rishis, yogis, seers and avatars, all of whom have ushered in a higher world-order of love, peace, righteousness and truth, sowing within us the seeds for a greater life and a unified existence.
The intervention of these world teachers and avatars has always appeared during a planetary crisis for the restoration of Dharma, which is an ascension and expansion of all human consciousness as much as it is the external obliteration of social evil and unrighteousness, thus effecting a profound change in the material and spiritual world. Mystic-Sage Sri Aurobindo had once said that “The Divine is not only Transcendent but also Cosmic and finally Individual. Its power and force must be brought down into the world in order to effect any real transformation in the earth-consciousness.” And so it has been with the descent and manifestation of the sacred lineage and unbroken chain of the Divine Sai Consciousness that has unfolded at the outset in the physicality of Shirdi Sai Baba whose influence has initially been known to pervade all of India, successively extending itself in the form of Sathya Sai Baba whose presence has wielded a wider global influence, reaching out to and transforming millions of lives in the world and which will now continue in the extended physical form and presence of the future Prema Sai.
This far-reaching magical web of the Sai Consciousness has indeed powerfully transmuted and effectively empowered individual souls as well as the world-soul in the last few hundred years. As incarnations of the Shiva and Shakti principles, the Sai Avatars have been dynamically and unfailingly productive and acutely conscious of their grand purpose and mission on the planet. “I have a Task,” as Sathya Sai Baba wrote in 1947, “to foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of bliss (ananda). I have a Vow: to lead all who stray away from the straight path again into goodness and save them. To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack… I will not give up my mission, nor my determination. I know I will carry them out. I treat the honor and dishonor, the fame and blame that may be the consequence, with equal equanimity. Internally, I am unconcerned. I act but in the outer world; I talk and move about for the sake of the outer world… else I have no concern even with these…I do not belong to any place; I am not attached to any name. I answer whatever the name you use. I go wherever I am taken. I act and move only for the sake of Mankind”. True to his word and vision, and carrying forward the work of his avataric predecessor Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai Baba has progressively uplifted millions of poor, inspired humanity and brought back into our lives the beneficence, power and truth of Sanatan Dharma. With relentless determination, unconditional love and powerful resolve Baba has continued to uphold his mission and his message even after the passing of his body, as millions around the world still continue to experience his miracles.
This superhuman power of the avatarhood, according to the Hindu conception, is not a dividing element or a sign of man’s difference or separation from them but is instead a tangible precursor of the enfolded godhead inherent in every individual and a concrete expression of that same godhead awakening in the field of human consciousness. The divine manifestation of a Ram, a Krishna or a Buddha (or myriad other avatars of Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti) in external humanity is indeed a reflection of the underlying unity between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. It is a cosmic marker of the immanent avataric power that pulses within the heart and soul of every man. “Come back into My Consciousness, which is your own true Consciousness,” as Sathya Sai Baba says, “Let your petty human self fade away as you come to Me, who am your Inner Self. You are My radiant glorious Self… not separate from Me… Merge with Me, Become Me”.
Prema Sai, the third in the line of this divine Sai lineage has been prophesized to incarnate somewhere in South India in the coming years. His birth and his life it is said, will complete the circle of cosmic manifestation and descent that generates a quantum leap beyond the present limitations of this Kali Yuga, ushering in a new world order that accelerates the long overdue restoration of Sanatan Dharma, the Eternal Truth of life. However, when and how the Divine Beings and Divine Events unfold within the matrix of space and the mysterious movements of time, manifesting within creation, is considered one of the biggest puzzles and enigmas of the universe, for the Supreme Reality it is said functions with an intelligence and cosmic order of its own (unfathomable by the human mind) that shapes and organizes the universe and all its events and processes in ways that reveals itself to us only at the ‘right time’, which is in fact considered the ‘divine timing’ and grand synchronistic scheming of all the Shakti-laden forces and rhythmic currents of Nature.
Yet, regardless of prophesies, timelines, events, dates or their physical form, the truth, supreme secrets and mysteries of the Avatars are absorbed more through their continually unfolding work and through their message which expresses itself in their lives and in the personal realization and direct experiences of those who connect with them and their mission on a deeper level.
For of what use is it to passively admire and honour these Divine Beings if we cannot actively work towards and serve the mission for which they have come into this world? The grand mission and collective undertaking which indeed links man’s higher life-purpose to that of the Avatars themselves. Hence to rise above our ego-bound needs and petty concerns, to cognize our greater destiny in this universe, to widen our vision and embrace all of existence so that we may become the blazing sparks of that one Supreme fire, the illuminating emblems of that one Absolute reality and dynamic instruments of that one Divine Will is indeed the true fulfilment and realization of Dharma on earth. As Sathya Sai Baba says in his own words, “I have come to give you the key of the treasure of ananda (immortal bliss), to teach you how to tap that spring, for you have forgotten the way to blessedness…You have come to get from me tinsel and trash, the petty little cures and promotions, worldly joys and comforts. Very few of you desire to get from me the thing that I have come to give you: namely, liberation itself”.
Considering the grand purpose for which the Sai Avatars have been appearing and the dharmic mission towards which they have been uncompromisingly dedicated, every Sai devotee bears a greater responsibility now in joining forces for upholding and carrying forward this majestic vision and world-transforming mission. “I want you in this world. I want beacons of light in the world,” said Sathya Sai Baba once to Isaac Tigrett, “the world must be purified in this age… this wonderful age that we are blessed to have been born into”.
Just as Ayodhya once waited eagerly for the return of its dharmic hero Lord Ram, the Sai devotees wait patiently, and through continuing dedicated work prepare the stage for the arrival of Prema Sai whose extended mission and dharmic journey will now continue in the years to come to uplift mankind in the dawning of the new golden age.
Though I am unborn, though I am imperishable in my self-existence, though I am the Lord of all existences, yet I stand upon my own Nature and I come into birth by my internal potency. Whenever and wherever there is a decline of righteousness and the uprising of unrighteousness, at that time I manifest personally. For the deliverance of the good and the annihilation of evil and to fully establish Dharma, I appear millennium after millennium.
A Hindu temple housing Lord Venkateswara will offer Seva (worship) beginning Friday-Sunday with three days of grand-opening celebrations at 1495 S. Ridge Road in Castle Rock.
The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, an 11,500-square-foot building that officials say is unique in the Rocky Mountain Region, is built in the ancient tradition of Agama and Vasthu Sastras (ancient Hindu architectural principles and science).
The temple is on an 8-acre lot with mountain views.
Muhoortam, inauguration of the temple, is to be held at the auspicious time of 7:19-8:21 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit svtempleco.org.
India is probably the only country where a religious day is linked to a practice of gold buying. It is the Akshaya Tritiya festival day and we are talking tons of gold here. According to estimates, Indian consumers bought about 20 tonnes of the precious metal on this festive day in 2010. However this was much lower than the buy in 2009 due to soaring prices. India, the world’s largest consumer of the yellow metal, bought some 45 tonnes of Gold in 2009. So what makes Akshaya Tritiya a day for GOLD?
According to gold industry pundits, in 2011 GOLD is all set to offer fourth best returns to investors in last 10 years as it has so far gained 18 per cent in price since the festival day last year. For Indians buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya day, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. According to the Hindu calendar, this most auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day falls on Friday next week. This year the date of Akshaya Trithiya is Friday May 6.This day is important to both Hindus and Jains. According to the traditional panchang Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the new moon of Vaishakh month (April-May) every year.
Akshaya in Sanskrit means one that ‘never diminishes’ (a—kshaya) and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. Hindus believe they can get lasting prosperity by buying precious metals on the day. Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally earmarked for beginning new ventures, for investing and purchasing valuables especially gold, jewellery and diamond. It is no surprise Indians buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya as it is considered very auspicious and a safe investment. It is also believed that any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.
Economically this day is quite productive for marketers as they cash in on the festivity to boost their sales. Marketers indulge in high voltage advertisement campaigns especially the jewellery stores. In fact people in India and overseas book jewellery in advance and take delivery on Akshaya Tritiya day. It’s a day of frenzy buying for all precious metals especially gold. Sales on Akshaya Tritiya day usually increases four to five times compared to normal days. Traditionally the preference for customers is to buy light-weight jewellery, diamond jewellery but today’s economic superpower India sees several buyers preferring diamond jewellery purchases.
According to Hindu astrology, the entire Akshaya Tritiya day is auspicious. So there is no need to look for an auspicious time i.e. no ‘muhurat’ required on this day. This is the only day in any year when the Sun which is the lord of the planets and Moon which is the lord of creativity are in exaltation meaning at their peak of radiance. Astrologically this is extremely auspicious. That also makes this day one of the most popular dates in Hindu calendar for marriages and partnerships.
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life due to the exaltation of Sun and Moon in the native’s horoscope. Many greats were born during this period like Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Chinmayananda and Lord Buddha.
Glance through the annals of ancient Indian heritage and one finds that on this tritiya day of Vaishaka month many significant things of great spiritual importance happened. According to Jain legends, this day is auspicious as people from Ayodhya bought gold and jewellery to offer to their Tirthankara Rshabhdev who was the King of Ayodhya centuries ago. Jains, even today, observe long term fast to commemorate their first Tirthankara Rshabhdev and break their fast on Akshaya Tritiya day with sugar cane juice as Rshabhdeva broke his fast with that juice after 1 year.
According to the ancient Hindu religious texts like the Puranas, this day marked the beginning of the “SatyaYug” or the Golden Age – the first of the four Yugas. It is believe that on this day Lord Krishna gave Draupadi a bowl – akshaya patara (where food came in abundance) when the Pandavas were in exile. Traditionally this third day in the bright fortnight of Vaishakh is also the day of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu ~ the ‘preserving’ manifestation of God in the Hindu Trinity.
On this day of Akshaya Tritiya, Maharishi Veda Vyas along with Lord Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. It is also the day the most sacred river of the Hindus, Ganga descended to earth. On this day Sudama visited his childhood buddy Lord Krishna with a hearty gift of a handful of beaten rice (poha). The good returns (prasad) he got in return for his devotion to the Lord is a classical story told in Hindu households. On such a day associated with Lord Krishna the story of Sudama’s offering is mentioned along with Lord Krishna’s affirmation in his Holy Gita ~ “Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart “.
Thus, many are the reasons for Akshaya Tritiya to be considered a wish fulfilling day. Any worship performed or daan (donation) given on this day is considered extremely good karma. Good karma is considered meritorious and is supposed to bestow beneficial results.
NEPAL. 7 May 2011. Nepal was bigger during the ancient time. ‘Himwatkhanda-Nepal’ extended from Bramhaputra in the East to Hindukush in the west, Kailash Mansovar in the North and Ganga in the South. In time the ‘Himwatkhanda Nepal’ disintegrated into many smaller nations. The fact is mentioned in the Prayaga archive of Samudra Gupta, the son of Bikramaditya, that ‘Nepal’ is a place lying in between Kamrup (current Assam) and Karkarpur (current Kumau). We can infer from these facts that Himwatkhanda Nepal in the ancient times was bigger than what is today. This area of the Himwatkhanda is the golden land. A veteran Rishi (Hindu’s ascetic Guru) in a special Vedic scripture has mentioned about Himwatkhanda, “Bharatbarshe Utarayane Himalaya Tate Swarnabhumi, Swarnabhumi,” meaning ‘the northern part of Bharatkhande, the Himalayan mountains is the golden land and just haven’. We can draw inference as to the greatness of this land. Kalidash in his ‘Kumaar Sambhav’ has mentioned, “The land from Eastern Himalayas to the Western Himalayas is the Arya land.” Before the Muslim and English regime, Bharatbarsha had comprised 25 nations. After the unification of India by East India Company, then India was called Hindustan. But, before the King, the creator of greater Nepal- Prithvi Narayan Shah 1800 B.S (Bikram Sambat era) had said- ‘Nepal is the real ‘Hindusthana’ at 1800 Bs (1753, AD)
During the time when Himwatkhanda Nepal remained a unified country the current powerful nations were divided into many smaller nations. Bismark had unified Germany, which had existed in the façade of many smaller nations, a hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Italy was also divided into many smaller nations a hundred years before Nepal’s unification, which was transformed into a greater Italy by good sons as Kabur and Gyalibhardi. Japan came out of the dark-age under the leadership of its King after Mehiji restoration hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Two decades before the unification of Nepal the now superpower America was a British colony. Prithvinarayan Shah had already unfurled the flag depicting the Sun and the Moon and unified the small kingdoms into a Himwatkhanda Nepal to save the tradition of this area. The Sanskrit language was the popular language of ancient Nepal and India. A famous Scholar Max Mucller has written in his book- ‘India-What Can it teach us’-‘ Sanskrit no doubt has an immense advantage over all other ancient language of the East. In a certain Sense we are still speaking and thinking Sanskrit or more correctly Sanskrit is like a dear aunt to use and she takes the place of a mother who is no more. Let us take a brief look at additional evidence to help verify the ides that Sanskrit was the original language of the world, and that it is connected with numerous countries and cultures. Latin and Persian are dialects of Sanskrit. Greek has borrowed a lot from Sanskrit. French English are full Sanskrit words, roots and speech forms.
So, the identification of Himwatkhanda Nepal is associated with the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. May all be happy in the world and let no one suffer from disease and be sad. May no one keep ill will towards another being.May all be liberal and compassionate? All humans of the world are our relatives. ‘Basudhaiv Kutumbakam’. May all receive equal amount of food, relation and shelter. Let us become a liberal character of compassion and be active for omnipresent. May all worlds be well? ‘OM- Shanti’ is Vedic Hindu customs cleansed indicative. The welfare and happiness of all is the supreme system which is the belief of the Vedic Hindu society. Dr. Basudev Krishna Shastri writes, “Hindus worship the Sun. The light that emanates from Sun is common for all. Without water no living being can survive. This is everyone’s right. Such things are beyond divisions, and consumed by all as per their necessity. For the prosperity of human life there must remain equal right and prerogative among us. No one should be hindered from contributing to their nation. So it is mentioned in the Veda, ‘Let us all rise for national awareness.’” This shows that Hindu religion is the vehicle that would show path to all human societies. Bramha- Bishnu-Maheshwor (the three Lords) is the guidance of Vedic Hindu life. In the ancient, Vedic Hindu religions the supreme is the ocean where anyone can swim anyhow.
Vedic Hindu ancient religion is the devotee of Panchadev (the five Gods). ‘OM’ is the follower of Vedic Hindu Panchadev. A suffering man will remember one of the Pachayan Devs (the five Gods). Panchayan means- it is compulsory to worship the Gods Ganesha, Devi, Surya, Shiva and Bishnu. If one of them is discriminated while carrying out the ritual of worship then the worship will not be complete. However, some Hindu communities have developed their own definition which has created controversy in the ancient Hindu beliefs. We are all the same. We Hindus and Buddhists do not want to invite controversy and dispute. Nepal is stable as a Hindu and Buddhist nation. Our respect to our compatriot is based on the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. Our concern and that of Buddhists’ corresponds to each other.
Swami Chandresh says, “It is clearly mentioned in all Hindu scriptures as Geeta, Vedas, Yoga and Tantras that this particular religion is supposed for all people of the world. Hindu religion does not believe in creation of factions and conversion of religion. It believes in turning an animal-like man to a human and a human to God. In accordance with all Hindu scriptures a man earns his pride, power, knowledge and money through Karma. The Vedic Hindu religion was born of intense meditation, Yoga and deep interpretation of knowledge and truth carried out by Rishis (sages) in the steppes of Himalaya. It will be unwise to compare Nepal’s social conditions with Indian cultural lifestyle. India has been influenced by Muslim religion and Christian rule which had forced them into a slavish mentality for many centuries, and they have been forced to live in compulsion, and have been defiled.” We Nepali people are somewhat fortunate in a sense that sovereignty of Nepal has not been defiled by foreigners.
‘Athmana Pratikulani Paresam nasamacharet’ meaning, ‘Don’t do so for others which you dislike to do or talk’. This is the chief policy of Hinduism. But, a concerning crisis seen in the Hindu communities is the growth of Vaisnav religion, Krishna Pranami, Jain, Shikh along with different definitions and interpretations of religious Gurus has created crisis in the Hindu communities. This has plunged the Hindu religion into controversy. There have been foul attempts to create artificial lacking in the ‘OMKAR’ (followers of OM).
A Hindu priest Keshav Dahal has analyzed the defects in the Hindu belief in his book ‘Swadharma Nirnaya’ saying, “Those following the Baisnav will not recognize other Gods save Bishnu. Those of Baisnav Dharma drink the water which has rinsed a Guru’s feet and body. If the wife is Baisnav then what the husband has touched will not be used in a sense that it may defile. If the husband is Baisnav what his wife cooks he will not touch. If a son is Baisnav then he will not recognize his parents following the ancient Hindu religion. A Baisnav despite changing his Gotra (ancestoral identity) will become a Gotri whom has not fallen of the religious status. He does not carry out the final rituals of his parents. In a final ritual of Baisnavs, they must be present, no other. There are many examples of this causing rifts in the family members; differences rising between son and father, brothers and sisters, and relation between wife and husband ending up.”
Likewise, those following the Krishna Pranami do not worship any Gods other than Krishna. They discard worshipping the idols. They only worship the pictures of Krishna. It is said that those following the ancient Hindus marrying with a person following the Pranami will have to spend days weeping. In Nepal OM Shanti religion or Bramhakumari has been growing for few years. In this religious belief living together is forbidden. Those following this belief are made to speak against the ancient Hindu religion. A woman following this belief will have to live a life of spinster while a man will have to live a bachelor. So the ‘OMKAR’ family of the ancient Hindu religion is facing crisis. Following the Vedic Hindu Pachayan Devs (the five Gods), Jain and Shikh are following their own beliefs.
Many Hindu families have even stopped speaking due to this aura of competition that has pervaded the ancient Hindu religious communities. Due to the presence of evil imperialism the ancient Hindu religion has failed to organize itself. ‘Panchayan’ is the religion of any Hindu. Those deciding to follow Baisnav, Krishna Pranami or Bramhakumari must not detach themselves from the mainstream Hindu religion. In order to make this possible the religious Gurus must not disseminate illusion among their followers in an unacceptable way. The religious followers that have grown with Rigved, Yarjuved, Arthaved and Samved recitals should not distort the truth of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, and try attaining an imaginary enlightenment.
It is inappropriate to pollute the Hindu ocean by choosing the path of four streams when the main stream is available. We must reach understanding to rid the Hindu religion of the defects that were advertently or inadvertently born of us. There are people (some foreigners and brokers) wanting to destroy our civilization and create division within us. It is our duty to be alert of these things. We don’t need the knowledge of foreign religions. Hindu world is in itself sufficient and Vedic Hindu religion is the pioneer of world’s civilization. The reality is that in Hindu world, we need only to evaluate the ‘Bishnu Avatar’ then we will find the world in it. The ten avatars (incarnation) of God Bishnu, in order are- Matsyaroop (Fish), Kurma (tortoise), Baraharoop (pig), Narsighroop (lion and man), Baman (pigmy), (Brahman), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha. We can infer that ancient Vedic Hindu religion has remained creative in guiding the civilization and human life. Hindu’s faith lies in Bhramha- Bishnu- Maheshwor. In this way it has the ancient Vedic Hindu religion bestowed its guidance in the growth of civilization and human life?
We are proud to be Nepali. We want to be free of foreign intervention pertaining to our national unity, our traditional culture, and we will be free. Since the ancient times democracy has been a system that has been exercised and recited in Himwatkhanda. We have been adopting as the chief policy of giving equal opportunity to all to exercise their freedom, and we have tried to provide food and shelter for all. Religious freedom is our belief. Everyone has the right to follow their own religion. However, by showing the attraction of money, Christians have been alluring people to convert their religion; they have become one of the destroyers the foundation of Hindu religion, which we regard as enemies. Against such people all Hindu world must unite. We must all know that to bring secularism is to invite war. Regardless of who we are; Rai, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Brahman, Chetri, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi among others, we are all either Hindu or Buddhist. Some Sherpa, Tamang and Newars are affiliated to Buddhism. No matter who follows what Pashupatinath and Swayambunath lay in the same world?
Hindu religion is highly liberal in nature. Whether one worships an idol or one is either vegetarian or non vegetarian we are all Hindus. Hindus are free to live as they see fit. This religion is regarded as highly democratic and liberal. However, there are conspiracies in Nepal against Hindu and Buddhist religion. The Indian government should realize the facts. We Nepalese people must act to retain our identity. The ancient Vedic Hindu religion must drape these religions that have chosen to go against humanity with the cloak of civilization and harmony. Long live- ‘Hinduism’ in all over the world.
Gayatri Mantra read at Baha’i Ridvan Festival in Nevada
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recited prayer from ancient Hindu scriptures at the “12th day of Ridvan” festival of Baha’is in Reno (Nevada, USA) on May two evening.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, read Gayatri Mantra, the most sacred mantra of Hinduism, in Sanskrit and attendees repeated after him. He later translated Gayatri Mantra and other Sanskrit prayers into English.
Rajan Zed read from Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of mankind; Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, both ancient Hindu scriptures. Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, Zed suggested: “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless one attains the supreme goal of life. Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind”.
Peter Rath and Nevada Metherd, area Baha’i elders, thanked Zed for participating in the “12th day of Ridvan” festivities.
Few days back, Rajan Zed sent greetings to Baha’i communities world over on Ridvan (which means paradise) festival, wishing that it brought joy, happiness, blessings and cheer to all. Zed stresses that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue will bring us mutual enrichment, he adds.
Twelve-day festival of Ridvan is also known as “the most great festival”, whose first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and 12th days are especially celebrated as holy days by Baha’is. These three days are marked by communal prayers and celebrations and no-work/no-school days. Baha’i administrative year begins on the first day of Ridvan.
Said to be youngest of the world’s independent monotheistic religions, Baha’i Faith, founded in Iran in 1844, has over five million followers. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
Details of the picture attached: Rajan Zed (standing in the middle in saffron attire) with some of the Baha’i participants at the “12th day of Ridvan” festivities.
