Letters
Well Put, Swami!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article “Children Are Divine, Treat Them Thus” [minister’s message, April, ’98]. Swami Tejomayananda has distilled the wisdom of dozens of books into a one-page article on child rearing. It is so true that parents often put their own interest ahead of the interest of the child. Most of the time they are more interested in impressing their friends than doing the right thing for the child. In the US, for example, most Indians push their children into medicine, as physicians make lots of money, without giving any consideration to the child’s aptitude, talent, temperament or ability. Also, they order the child to cut down on TV watching, while they themselves watch six hours of TV every day. Their motto seems to be: “Do as I say, not as I do!”
Pradeep K. Srivastava Detroit, Michigan, US
THANKS FOR APPRECIATING US
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s publisher’s desk column [“Women of Vision in a ‘Man’s World,’ ” January, ’98] has kindly given a great honor to all women, including, and especially, female journalists, and I am sure each one of us whom he mentioned is grateful to him for his compassionate, kind words as well as loving guidance. He has set an example for the publishing industry and media of the US–a man’s world–to appreciate their women journalists.
Archana Dongre Los Angeles, California, US
Gratitude for 1997 Award
I have received the extremely beautiful plaque which you have offered to me to commemorate the 1997 Hindu of the Year Renaissance Award, together with your most generous check for $1,008 [“Hindu of the Year,” tribute Dec., ’97]. This award, which you have so kindly and compassionately bestowed upon me, has a very profound significance for me. You have blessed my heart of aspiration and my life of dedication here in the West, and I shall eternally and eternally treasure this signal honor.
Sri Chinmoy, Jamaica, New York, US
Harmless Ways
I have a lot of respect for Hindus as well as all the other religions of the world. Belief can be hard sometimes in a cruel world such as the one we are a part of. The cruelty and unfairness comes not from the world itself but the people that are here. There is no reason why a diverse group of people should not be able to live in harmony. The resources on this world are great enough, despite our overuse and depletion of them, to still support everyone with what they need. There is a lot of discrimination, hatred, bitterness and fighting, none for any real reason. Tolerance is hard, but necessary to show that if we can do it, they can, too. Gandhi had the right idea. They can beat me, spit on me, even kill me, but I will smile and say, “have a nice day” every time. This may make the person stop and consider his/her actions, or it may not. Nonetheless, it is the only way to show the love; it is up to them to accept the love.
William Scott Childress, wchildress@ncwc.edu
For the last 28 years, i have followed the Sanatana Dharma’s path of ahimsa. I have been looking for a way to help non-vegetarians give up meat eating. I have finally found an organization which distributes 100% vegetarian, soy-based meat replacements. GVM has pledged that in 1998, with the assistance of CARE, they will feed 100 million hungry people worldwide. This is a unique opportunity for humanitarian-minded people and for those souls who wish to work together cooperatively, despite race and religion in improving our lives and planet. If you are a true believer of ahimsa and wish to help others improve their health, then contact me.
Linda Barbour linda@healthyandwealthy.com
The sacred teaching of the Vedas attest to deference for each other and respect for nature. Let us ardently strive to rekindle the insight that is so blossoming and revelational in the ancient Sanskrit and which at one very precious time in Bharat permeated each individual’s daily sojourns and sadhana in embracing and expressing nonduality and eternal joy. Our responsibility as Hindus is to perceive these issues clearly and to present to our dear generations to come as well as to the world a more ennobling, enriched and united perception for the direction of human civilization.
Adhinatha Kannan Nataraja, Los Angeles, California, US
WHERE ARE THE RELEVANT ANSWERS?
The article “Making It Relevant for Smart Young Souls” [Publisher’s Desk, October, ’97] indicated that Hindu children who grow up in America are confused in the two cultures; Hindu and American. They feel they do not fit in to either of them. Peer pressure in the Western culture makes them depressed. Most Hindu parents cannot answer questions such as ” Why do you worship cows and idols?” Does Hinduism Today have any plan of action or recommended books which will answer this type of question? I would like to preserve our heritage of Hinduism.
Sailesh Acharya, Mobile, Alabama, US
* Visit our Worldwide Web site. There you will find answers for the nine basic questions–including yours–about Hinduism. http://www.hinduismtoday.kauai.hi.us/ashram/HimalayanAcademy/Publication/JnanaDana/9QuestionsAndAnswers.html
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF TOLERANCE
The Editorial of March ’98 [“One Day My Religion Will Rule the World”] made me aware of how, in my smugness about Hindu tolerance, I too was guilty of triumphalism. I wish to disagree with Shashi H. Dave of New York [Letters March, ’98]. I believe that those who find it most difficult to apologize are those most in need of our pity and forgiveness. But does that not smack of arrogance? How does one walk the middle path? As to Hindu icons being maligned in sitcoms and other places, I do believe our Gods have a sense of humor far surpassing ours. They would certainly not feel hurt nor would they require our protection. It is our feelings that are hurt, and we who seek redress. We should at least be honest about that.
S.V. Singam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia SV@hitachi.com.m
I concur with the sentiments of Shasi H. Dave who said, “We should only forgive those who want to be forgiven.” We should take a more proactive stand against those whose only wish seems to be our destruction. For far too long we have lain in the dust devoid of the vitality and strength of the Mauryas, Guptas or Cholas. India today stands on a vast territory but seems to have forgotten her Hindu soul. The time has come for us to stand proud in defense of our ancient creed and people!
M. Kalidass, Singapore dass@po.pacific.net.sg
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