Archana Dongre, Hinduism Today Los Angeles Correspondent
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, September 12, 2006: What crystallized the positively charged message of the Hindu Sangam Kumbha Mela here September 10, were the impassioned speeches by the Hindu leaders of diverse sects, empowered words that aimed at quelling the dark shadows of negativity looming heavily on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the 9/11, in a society and world increasing riddled with escalating violence, tearing us away from peaceful living.
Hindu events, complete with pompous and colorful processions are nothing new now, and are becoming quite frequent on the North American landscape, but what was unique about this event was that the message of Sanatana Dharma rang with fervor, at a time when it is needed most, to give courage, upliftment and enlightenment to all people, young and old, rich and poor, irrespective of color or creed, sharing their humanness to fight the demons of terror and their desperate search for peace in uncertain times.
After the procession and the immersion of Deities was over, the audience settled inside the Bren Center. On an aptly decorated stage, against a large portrait of Bharat Mata, complete with pictures of a lion and twin elephants spelling out strength and power, about 3,000 people listened as the first speakers took to the stage after an hour-long cultural program and Irvine mayor’s address.
First speaker saffron clad and slim Swami Nithynanda, 27, beamed with joy and enthusiasm as he addressed in a robust voice and an earnest tone. “The aim of all the historically recorded 1,000 Kumbha Melas of Bharat has been the same, to bring the energies of the enlightened masters in one place. Modern research in Japan has proved that our emotions affect the water placed in front of us. Devotion of millions gathering in one place, like the crowd of 71 million that had gathered in 2001, sanctifies the water and the collective positive energy radiates all over India. Collective energies of enlightened swamis of diverse sects is concentrated here, to bring the feeling of oneness. Waters of 21 holy rivers of India has also been brought here for the confluence. I have brought with me seven Deities representing the seven major faiths like Shaiva, Vaishnava, Ganapatya, Shakta etc, of the religion that declares unity in the midst of diversity, for immersion in that confluence. Let us all share in the collective and positive energy.”
Earlier, Irvine mayor Beth Krom, wearing a sizable red bindi on her forehead and clad in an ankle-length black skirt with red flowers, had begun her brief address with a “Namaste,” and had whole heartedly blessed the event, expressing that the city is indeed lucky to have such a rich spiritual tradition in its midst. Addressing Hindu events is becoming common for this mayor of the city that embraces multiculturalism; just about three weeks ago she had lit the inaugurating lamp for Rishi Sanskruti Vidya Kendra’s Irvine chapter.
Seated on the stage along with Swami Nityananda were Rishi Prabhakar, Vedanta Center’s Swami Sarvadevananda and Swami Chetanananda, Dr. Acharya Yogeesh of Yogeesh Ashram representing Jainism, Swami Ishwarananda of the Chinmaya Mission, and Mohanrao Bhagwat, general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who had come from Bharat.
Although without any sense of competition, the speeches of the leaders vied with each other in their robust and earnest tone, glowing message and an impassioned, yet disciplined delivery. Swami Sarvadevananda reminisced about the vision of Vivekananda when he addressed the Parliament of Religions in 1893, boldly stating, for the first time in America, about the magnanimity of the Hindu religion as the spring well for all regions. Vivekananda’s enduring words took firm roots, and many branches of the Sanatana Dharma tree have blossomed in America.
Acharya Yogeesh, speaking in Hindi, fervently quoted thoughtful gems of poetry, especially from poet Maithilisharan, lending a sparkle and erudition to his speech that flowed with an intense sentiment for the motherland, and not just for Hinduism, glorifying Hindi, Hindu and Hindusthan. Beginning his speech with the first stanza of Ishavasya Upanishad, he quickly progressed to Ahimsa, saying, “There is no Hindu terrorist because non-violence is inherent in the very word Hindu. Ahimsa is the cornerstone of Jainism.” He further said, “The Hindu culture rests on four pillars, Ramachandra, who stands for Maryada (disciplined self-restraint), Krishna who taught us Karma Yoga, Buddha who taught us compassion and Mahaveer who stands for sacrifice.” In conclusion, he emphasized on harmony, peace and nonviolence.
Swami Ishwarananda in his speech emphasized a common agenda and coming together on four levels of the society. All monks from all Hindu sects should establish a common agenda, all Hindu temples, all Indian associations and all business organizations should likewise come together as Hindus, “Then we can change the world,” he proclaimed, “That is the goal of the Hindu Sangam.” Ishwarananda also led the elaborate Hindu pledge that began with “We Hindus stand as the proud descendents of the most ancient culture—” when the entire audience of 3,000 stood up and repeated the pledge after him.
Mohanrao Bhawgwat, brought out the message of unity in the midst of diversity, and also pointed out that the Dharma lies not in preaching, but in the behavior and action. “Earn with both hands, and distribute with a hundred hands,” he told the audience.
The event concluded with an arati and “Jaya Jagadeesh Hare” sung by Anuradha Pudwal, who also gave a brief devotional concert later.
The Mahaprasad dinner boxes distributed outside the hall to all also included a Payasam made with love, as it was made from rice collected from hundreds of homes. It is the traditional Hindu counterpart of the Western custom of “Breaking the bread together” sharing good will.
Swami Nityanandas followers attended in large numbers, and provided a major work force. The zeal of VHP as well as HSS volunteers was seen everywhere. Youth’s dedicated involvement, from emcee Shreyas Gandhi, and young Vinod Shastri who led the group poem “Hindu Hindu Ek Rage” and the young girl who led inspiring poem “Vasundhara Pariwaar Hamaraa—” from stage for the audience to repeat after, to dozens of volunteers, their enthusiastic dedication to the cause was palpable, offering an assurance for the coming years.
The event that began with the outward expression of a colorful procession, culminated into something that reached much inward, resulting in thought that stirred everyone inside.
A coffee table style book titled “Hindu Culture and Dharmic Traditions from India” prepared by the HSS was given to the press. This reporter finds it an excellent book, with appealing graphics, and authentic information, complete with Sanskrit quotes. The information is succinctly given on myriad topics of Hinduism, and this book is one of the best books ever written on the subject.