HOUSTON, TEXAS, July 12, 2006: (HPI note: This is excerpted from a long report by Kalyani Giri available at URL above.) The World Association of Vedic Studies, whose aim is to foster greater understanding of Vedic and Indian studies recently met in Houston, July 8 to 10. Over 150 scholars participated in a three-day symposium on the various fields of archaeology, Ayurveda, Vedanta, Sanskrit, Hindu history and heritage, science and astrology, Hindu scriptures and epics and yoga. The event’s theme was Vedic Ideas for Global Harmony and Peace in the Modern Context and drew an international audience from India, Nepal, the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Europe and the United States. In his welcome address, Chairman of the WAVES Board of Directors Dr. Surendra Nath Dwivedi told attendees that the theme for the conference “was more timelier than ever… many conflicts arise from differences in religion, race, political opinion, or other beliefs and the greatest impediment to peace is ignorance.” Keynote speaker, Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, outlined his vision of the roles and responsibilities of India and the US in ensuring the preservation of the Sanskrit language which he hailed as “the blueprint of the consciousness of the whole cosmos, and the epitome of perfection.” He encouraged participants to support the establishment of Sanskrit language chairs at US universities.
With strong participation from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the youth forum gave young people the platform to express their concerns and speak candidly to a panel of scholars. Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, Dr. David Frawley, BAPS’s Janak Dave, and Hindu University of Florida’s Professor Subhas Tiwari dispensed practical advice on the Dharmic way of life and offered down-to-earth answers on preserving Hindu cultural heritage. Responding to a question on Hindu identity, Prof. Tiwari told youth that the teachings are bequeathed by parents to every generation. “Upholding certain values starts at self. You have to live dharmically and spiritually in tune, it has to be a direct experience. A house cannot be built on false premises, thoughts must be in tune with deeds,” said Prof. Tiwari. He added that studying the scriptures will help reclaim the past and generate pride in heritage. “For reference points you have to understand who the wise ones are and seek their help,” he said. Whether it is family, or a tough career that keeps one centered, whatever done the dharmic way will always produce better results, suggested Dr. David Frawley. Because, he added, being in harmony with the universe fullfils a greater purpose in uplifting society. Dr. David Frawley, Dr. S. Kalyanaraman and Professor H.W. French, Sheetal Shah, Dr. Kavita Chandwan, Dr. Howard Beckman and Dr. Narayanan Komerat were but a few of the presenters at the conference. WAVES has developed projects promoting Hindu/Vedic studies involving community participation globally. The next international conference is scheduled for Orlando, Florida, in 2008.