Hindu philosophy offers solace for the soul and a definitive vision of the path to God. Barsana Dham is a true asset to all spiritual seekers - its a place where the teachings of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati reside
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| Growing up with Swami Prakashanand Saraswati as my spiritual teacher has enriched my life |
As a teenager I began to discover the precious gems of spiritual wisdom contained in the Sanskrit scriptures, and the writings of the Sages and Saints of India, who explain that God can be experienced as Divine Mother, Father, Friend and Divine Beloved. There is a universality to these teachings that transcends age, race, gender and culture; a reality that lies beyond any material description and that brings us to our actual identity – as a soul who is eternally related to the Divine.
I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to study Sanskrit, Hindu philosophy and devotional music with the guidance of His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, a renowned and respected spiritual master from India. My studies were deepened in India and have enriched my life here at home in the United States. In all of these places the teachings of Divine love, which are the heart of Hinduism, have proved equally relevant and inspiring.
There are over a billion Hindus in the world. Additionally there are millions of people in the United States and other countries who have benefited from Hindu practices of yoga and meditation. The knowledge contained in Hindu scriptures imparts reverence and respect for life. They explain the nature of the mind, the cosmic manifestation, the soul, and Divinity. Most importantly they teach practical guidelines for evolving our spiritual qualities and natural love for God.
One of the most appealing factors inherent within Hindu faith is tolerance and respect for other religions. When teachings in the name of religion become dogmatic and fanatical they distort the truth and become a path of destruction. In contrast when spirituality is lived - life becomes enriched. A person whose heart glows with Divine love, who has clarity of thought, whose mind is established in devotion, and whose aim of life therefore transcends personal ambitions is an asset to society. These are the very qualities that the teachings of true Hinduism imbibe.
As a teacher of Hindu philosophy I often encounter misunderstandings and misconceptions about this most ancient religion, for instance the notion that Hindus worship many Gods, when actually, Hinduism is a monotheistic faith and worship is of one supreme God Who has many forms and also has impersonal aspect. There are detailed descriptions in our scriptures of the various forms of God and Goddess that represent different Divine powers. Shiv, Durga, Ganesh, Mahavishnu, Mahalakchmi, Bhagwan Ram, Sitaji and Radha Krishn are some of the prime forms. A person has complete freedom to love and relate to any one of them, while respecting all because they are all forms of one single God.
For many the science of reincarnation, detailed explanations of the evolution and dissolution of the universe, and the knowledge related to the various realms of material manifestation and Divine dimensions described in Hindu philosophy give logical and lucid answers to the mysteries of life.
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| Depiction of beautiful and loving plays of Radha Krishn, the supreme form of Divine love |
Most importantly there is a deeply devotional aspect of Hindu faith. This has been beautifully expressed in the tradition of great masters who reveal vivid descriptions of the kindness, beauty and love of God in heart touching devotional songs and chants. These melodious compositions become a source of meditation and remembrance for evolving and enriching our personal relationship with God. At Barsana Dham that tradition is vibrantly alive. Sunday services in the Temple resound with lively chanting of songs and chants in praise of Radha Krishn, the supreme form of Divine love. The participants are Americans of Indian origin from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and surrounding areas, international and out of state visitors, and Texans of a variety of ethnic origins and ages reflecting not only the diversity of Austin but the fact that the chants and philosophy have a universal appeal. Barsana Dham is a place of peace, harmony and devotion to God and anyone who comes with an open heart and mind is welcome at the Temple.
In these turbulent and troubled times universal Hindu philosophy offers solace for the soul and a definitive vision of the path to God in this and every era.
(Text and graphics used with permission from Swami Prakashanand Saraswati @ 2002-2009. All rights reserved.)