Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Gita's essence to flow in Vatican on Good Friday

in year 2009 Mahatma Gandhi's concept of ahimsa (non violence) and Bhagvad Gita's essence of nishkam karma (self-less action) would resonated at the Vatican during Good Friday prayers next month as an Indian Archbishop, bestowed with a rare honour by the Pope to prepare the prayers, would incorporate the two messages.

Seventy two-year-old Archbishop of Guwahati of Salesian Order Thomas Menamparampil has been asked by Pope Benedict XVI to prepare the meditation prayers for Way of the Cross, which the Papal Head himself will lead on Good Friday on April 10 at the Roman Colosseum.
He is the first Indian and second Asian to prepare the meditation prayers for the 'Way of the Cross', where '14 stages' of Jesus Christ are meditated upon.

Thomas, a native of Kerala, would give an Indian touch by blending the concepts of Mahatma'sahimsa and nishkama karma in the prayers for Way of the Cross, which reflects on Christ's journey to Mount Calvary before his crucifixion.

"Without using the words ahimsa and nishkama karma, I have woven these concepts into the prayers in a language that will be understood by all globally," Thomas, who is also the Chairman of Catholics Bishops Conference, told PTI over phone.
"In my prayers I have tried to be perfectly Christian and also perfectly Indian and Asian," said the Archbishop, who has written on sufferings of Dalits and been engaged in conflict resolutions in restoring peace among warring ethnic groups of North-East for over 12 years.

 "I have drawn on the Indian concept of building the inner spiritual strength, of being committed to a cause and performing an action without expecting its fruits and blended it with Christ's teaching of forgiveness, benevolence, respect for all and pursuit of the good, despite all sufferings," Archbishop Thomas said.
"It is a universal message that will echo from Himalayas to the Alps, right to the Andes," he said.
The prayers in Rome, which is attended by thousands of pilgrims from across the globe and an event that is globally televised in a big way.
The 14 stages or stations as they are known are a re-enactment and recount of Christ's agony, pain and suffering during his journey to Mount Calvary before his crucifixion.
Thomas, Chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishop Conference Commission for Evangelisation and author of five books and over 150 articles, said "the prayers are usually written by Bible scholars and experts within Vatican circle. It is very rare for someone outside to write these prayers."

Monday, June 29, 2015

Muslim Devotees Enjoy Hare Rama Hare krishna

Dandavats

OM

Examiner

Lord Krishna takes birth in Muslim devotee’s house

KANPUR: It is a general notion that one person alone cannot change the world, but this man from Kanpur is all set to bring changes in the society. "Mandir, masjid aur shivala ne baant diya bhagwan ko, nadiya baanti, sagar baante, ab na baanto insaan ko," says S Ahmed of Kanpur, who has been celebrating Janmashtami since past 27 years. He wants to spread the message of brotherhood among all religions.

In a quest to strengthen the bond of love and togetherness between Hindus and Muslims, Ahmed celebrates all Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali every year with his family. "I have been celebrating Janmashtami since the past 27 years. It gives me immense pleasure to do so. I keep fast and offer prayers to the Lord at midnight, which is believed to be his birth time," he said.

Ahmed, who is the principal of a municipal school, believes that religion does not teach hatred or rivalry, instead it promotes love and fraternity among people of different castes. "I have always been a firm believer in God. This is why I don't follow one religion. I celebrate Janmashtami with my family and all local friends. Around 300 people gathered here at the time of aarti, which was done by Manju Mishra, my Hindu sister."

People gather in large numbers to see Lord Krishna's in tableau set up by Ahmed. Janmashtami celebration that starts with the birth of Lord Krishna, ends with 'chhati' pooja. "On the sixth day of Janmashtami on August 23, we will organise chhati puja, followed by cultural programmes. Troupes from Mathura will perform raas-lila, while people of our society will sing bhajans and keertans to welcome the Lord. Schoolchildren will come dressed as Radha-Krishna and gopikas. Leaving religious boundaries far behind, all of us chant 'Hare Rama, Hare Krishna' mantra together," he said.

Ahmed, a resident of Barra, said that he got inspired by one of his Hindu friends in late 90s, who used to celebrate this festival with enthusiasm. He also makes sure that he distributes clothes among widows and poor from the money he gets as bank interest.

When asked if he has been criticized by Muslim community, he said that in 2010, a fatwa was issued against him. The matter was later resolved. Ahmed added that he was felicitated by former mayor Anil Kumar Sharma.

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