HPI
KAUAI, HAWAII, July 31, 2004: The following short talk was given by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami during the opening ceremonies for the new BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Houston, Texas in July.
“Our namaskars to Pramukh Swami Maharajji, his senior sadhus who are present here today and to the other religious leaders and dignitaries at today’s event. We are very pleased to be participating in these historic inauguration ceremonies for the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of Greater Houston.
“The outer architecture of this temple is exquisite and indeed a rare accomplishment worthy of wide recognition and praise and will certainly elevate the opinion of many about the greatness and sophistication of Hindu traditions. However, more important is the inner, spiritual significance of the temple to the devotees who will worship here for generations to come. This inner significance is captured quite profoundly in the words of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharajji when he says that a mandir: is a center for realizing God; is where the mind becomes still; is a place of paramount peace; inspires a higher way of life; teaches us to respect one another; preserves our cultural values; and sustains our unique identity.
“In today’s troubled world, many thoughtful individuals are concerned about bringing greater peace into the world. A temple such as the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir helps individuals find more peace within themselves, which in turn brings greater harmony into their homes, which in turn creates greater tolerance and unity within the community.
“Another important aspect of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir is how it will influence this and future generations of children. With most schools focusing solely on secular studies, there is a need for children to learn traditional values in a religious setting such as this. In other words, it is not enough to simply learn to read and write, children also need to learn what to read and write. And the concept of what it means to be a successful adult needs to include not only wealth and family but also the principles of a pious life of virtuous conduct, fulfillment of duty to family, community and country and regular worship of God and Guru at the mandir and in the home shrine.”