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LONDON, ENGLAND, June 19, 2004: “Saadhana” is a film for Hindus, and not just Western audiences curious about Hinduism. Produced by Anita Roy and directed by R. A. Mahiema, the short documentary explains most common Hindu rituals. Why does one break a coconut and offer flowers or incense to a deity? Anita says that even the meaning of puja is not understood. Its real purpose is to awaken our indwelling spirit, and not merely request something from God. Pu means purusha – the eternal self – and ja means janma – to give birth or to awaken, she said. The film opens by explaining that all the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, mind and intellect must be engaged in worship of the Lord, and then details basic customs and habits. Some scenes were shot in London, but, “We started our search in the north of India in Rishikesh and ended in Tamil Nadu,” says the producer. The director adds that they came across many other untold stories about Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), which they now intend to film. After the film’s showing Dr. Shastry, Academic Director of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in London, discussed it. Dr. Shastry discoursed that Saadhana is a spiritual endeavour, and devotion can take many forms. A swami was once asked to define ‘Hinduism.’ He answered, “Hinduism is so fine, one cannot de-fine it!” Saadhana is a “must see” film for all Westerners, and for Hindus who want to understand the rituals they have been performing for centuries.

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