CHICAGO: The Maharudram Committee of The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago, organized a part of the series, a prelude, to its much awaited “Rudra: Who Really is He?” on Sunday, June 1.
Heavy rains notwithstanding, a large number of devotees flocked to the Sama Rathi auditorium to be part of the prelude session.
The Prelude program commenced with a prayer to the Lord by Sri Krishnarajan, distinguished priest of the Temple. Revered Swamiji Advayatmananda Saraswati, Dharmaatma Dr. Yegnasubramanian and Congressman Danny Davis were welcomed to the stage and honored with garlands by Lakshman Agadi, Chairman of Maharudram committee and Bhima Reddy, President of HTGC. Swami Advayatmananda then inaugurated the program for the day with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony with the assistance of Smt Radha Ramanathan.
In his speech, Congressman Danny Davis declared that if the five-billion people in the world who belong to various religious faiths interact with each other they will only realize that all religions are preaching the same universal truth and this would lead to a more peaceful and tolerant world which is the most urgent need in today’s world.
Swami Advayatmananda’s speech, titled “Yagna: Expression of our infinite Love for the Limitless Lord” gave wonderful insights into the Vedantic concept of Ishwara and the true nature and oneness of individuals. Swamiji said the more we bring Iswara into our life, the closer we are to the reality. Inviting the Lord into our lives and expressing devotion through various forms of prayer recognizes the concept called Deivam, the supreme power beyond our control.
Everything we have, including our own body, intellect and belongings, were generously bestowed upon us by Iswara and therefore we need to accept them gracefully. Swamiji advised that continued prayer with the attitude that all our actions are our offering to Ishwara radically changes our approach to life.
Dharmaatma Dr. Yegnasubramanian delivered a speech titled “Sanatana Dharma”.
He started by quoting Sri Adi Sankaracharya from Viveka Choodamani, stating that to be born as a human being is rare, next is to have a yearning to attain liberation from bondage, and the third is to get associated with great souls. Merely learning the scriptures makes one a scholarly person but only when one attains the knowledge of the Supreme Being he or she is called a Brahmin. Regardless of caste, creed, religion or anything a person who is aware of the Supreme Being and realizes the self is called a Brahmin.
Dr Yegnasubramanian quoted Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna explains four types of devotees. The first type is the one that prays to God only when there is a problem. The second one feels that God’s grace is needed for material benefits and prays for it.
The third category prays to God for the love towards God. This type of devotee does not ask for material benefits. The fourth category is the one with supreme devotion which purports the knowledge that Lord is not different from the devotee and has the attitude of oneness with Lord. Mahayagnas are supposed to be performed not for seeking material benefits but for universal welfare and peace of mind collectively.
The lectures were followed by a wonderful concert by Sands Around Infinity, who presented a fusion of Indian devotional bhajans and western music with a twist of Jazz. The artists were honored by Sri Srinivas Sarma, Prashant Sarma and Sanjeev Sarma.
The selections were from their new CD, “Of Infinite Light” and included such compositions as “Hey Shyam Sundara”, “Chal Re Mann”,” Chitta Chora”. The wide variety of rhythms and expressive elements enveloped the listeners in rich colors and moods.
The emcees for the program was Dr Sangita Rangala and Vikram Rangala.
India Post News Service
