India Post News Service

NORWALK, CA: 'The Summer Season of the Sants in So Cal' saw a Sant with some Sas! Shri Kiritbhaiji as he is popular all over the globe journeyed from being an account professional to a Vedic scholar. His passion is the Vedas, Upanishads and the Indian scriptures. He was in Los Angeles from the August 1-7 and spoke on the Bhagwat.

The attempt was to bring to people the relevance of the Indian scriptures, particularly the youth. In terms of the edge, Shri Kiritbhaiji has a fluent command over English language and this would go a long way to establish channels of communication with the youth of today.In an exclusive interview with India Post, Shri Kiritbhaiji shared his views on some issues of concern of the Indian American.

IP: What is the relevance of the traditional Indian scriptures in this age of modernity in USA?
KB:The Indian scriptures as the Vedas, Upanishads etc…were written with the future in mind. They have a timeless quality that is all pervasive. However, a literal translation without understanding the actual 'bhavarth' (essence) is also futile. For example, the Yajurveda talks of harmony in nature. It states that the five elements namely, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space need to be in harmony. When interpreted correctly, we realize how important that is today with reference to global warming, energy conservation, pollution of the seas etc. So, it is actually warning us that if the human race does not take care of the balance of these elements, they will pay a hefty price. This is exactly what is happening today. So, it is relevant today as will be centuries later.

IP: How does one lead a Spiritual Life in this fast paced life and hectic lifestyles?
KB:Why do you assume that to be Spiritual you need time and place?! To be Spiritual, one has to be aware of the behavioral patterns of the body and mind. Once that awareness sets in, one has to ensure that these two energies are in alignment with each other. "Har Sharir Ave Iti Adhyatmana' means, to be at peace with oneself is to be Spiritual. Spirituality does not mean adorning a tika, wearing a dhoti, chanting mantras in the morning, going to temples etc. Spirituality is for the bazaars, homes, offices, public places etc. Rituals are only a small part of Spirituality.For rituals to make sense, one has to get initiated into them very early in life. It is 'Karmakund' that one has to understand and that this is only the beginning and not the destination. These rituals are a launching pad as is a kindergarten for students. The reason people get bored of these rituals is because they do not understand and are not explained well and hence practicing these is a waste of time for many youths of today.

IP: How should parents initiate their children who are born and brought up here into the Hindu culture?
KB:The Upanishads say 'Matru Devo Bhavah, Pitu Devo Bhavah'. The building block of a child is usually set at home. Parents need to make a concentrated effort to make the children aware of the Hindu religion and its practices. Children tend to be critical of many such customs and practices as they do know the 'what, where, how and why' of these customs. It is very easy for us adults to pass the blame onto the children and say that they do not know how to respect our tradition and its values. Respect comes only with true understanding, which we as parents fail to impart correctly and then become critical of our own children.

The Indians who migrated here to the US did so to better their lives materialistically. Having achieved that, the focus continued on improving finances and creature comforts, leaving the children to become more familiar and comfortable with the Western cultural practices. Similarly, it is also the responsibility of the young adult to enquire about the practices of their own culture. I have quite a few young adults below twenty-five years of age who are true seekers and look for answers on Spirituality. I have no shame in admitting that in this arena, our Muslim and Jewish brothers are doing a much better job. Their kids, no matter where in the world, are usually well aware of their religion and tend to have a protective attitude from a very young age, which we as Hindus miss out on.

IP: Why do you think Hinduism is so divided?
KB:It isn't divided. The Hindus have an attitude of apathy. We have given you all so much of choice and demonstrated a lot of tolerance in the name of religion. Had we been dictators and said that if you do not do this, you will go to hell, and then it would surely have had Hindus more focused on their religion. A lot of other religions use the fear factor, which proves as a great binder and motivator in keeping people together. The problem with giving choices to people is also that it wards people off in different directions. We say that go to temples if you can. If not, sit at home and chant the stotras. If not, chant them in your head. The more such choices, the more people get abusive towards the various practices or take the easy road. We will have to start incentivising our religious practices.

IP: Why don't the Hindu gurus of various sects unite on a common platform and make a joint effort to bring all Hindus of the world together?
KB:The only reason that they cannot come on a common platform is that each of them has an ulterior motive and personal agenda. Anybody who wishes to serve the society must be rid of the thought of personal gain. If I as a Guru talk of brotherly love, unity and say that we are all one on a public platform and, then there is a chance that I am jeopardizing my seat. I can only rule over those that are divided and not a single united force.

IP: What do you think of the rise of divorces among the Hindus? What would you advise a couple whose marriage has gone sour?
KB:A very accomplished poet suggested that 'Man no na hoy med to phera farva thee su thay' meaning that if there is no faith, love and respect in a relationship, what is the point in that artificial unity. It is just hypocrisy and instead of abusing each other, it is better to call it a truce and say 'You go your way and I go mine'. The liberal view of society towards the dissolution of relationships may to an extent have contributed towards the speed of divorces, but, rather than getting suffocated in a relationship, it is better to part ways.

IP: What is the role of seniors within the family set up here in western society?
KB:They would have a role to play if they are allowed a role to play. Having said that, if the parents give their children certain family values as respecting seniors, then these kids when they grow up would return that. The parents today have no time for the kids and then in their old age, they expect to be treated with respect. My bank balance today is my kid. One needs to start early with initiation of the child into the family values. Do not expect him to change all of a sudden at the age of twenty-one.

IP: What are your views on vegetarianism. Why should one be a vegetarian?
KB: Scientifically, man is not made to eat meat. Meat is ready protein and needs no digestion. Hence, it remains as protein in the human system. Vegetarian food needs the intestines that require digestion. Secondly, meat eaters have their jaws moving in an up and down movement as animals do. We humans were born with only the capacity to chew sideways. Hence, it is against the law of Nature for humans to eat meat. Finally, as per the Shashtras, humans have five kosh- one being that of Vigyanmaya Kosh, meaning the ability to think and discuss. This intellect differentiates us from meat eating animals and so one more reason not to eat non-vegetarian food. The Manek Parivar hosted this series of seven-day satsang. Vanubhai, Kishorebhai and Surubhai Manek along with Umaben Manek hosted Shri Kiritbhaiji at their residence in La Habra Heights. The support to make this event a success was given by the Lohana Samaj, Hindu Parishad, IASH, BAPS and a lot of other silent contributors. The venue of the Sanatan Mandir was provided by BU Patel.