Americans Welcomed into Sanatana Dharma in Historic Event

[Guest guest]

Eight Americans Welcomed into the Sanatana Dharma Tradition

 

June 1, 2008

Omaha, NE, USA

 

In a historic religious event that occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2008,

eight Americans were formally welcomed into the ancient tradition of

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) in a sacred initiation (diksha) ceremony at

the Hindu Temple of Nebraska.

 

The ceremony was overseen by Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank

Morales, Ph.D.), the Resident Acharya (Spiritual Preceptor) of the

temple, and Professor Alekha Dash, who conducted the traditional fire

ceremony (yagya) central to any authentic Hindu initiation rite.

 

Though Hinduism is not a religion that overtly seeks converts, many

Americans and Europeans have nonetheless enthusiastically embraced the

tradition in the past. This represents the first time in history,

however, that such a large number of Americans have been welcomed into

the tradition at one time.

 

In accepting Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya as their guru (spiritual

teacher), these newly committed American Hindus vowed to devote

themselves to living a Dharma lifestyle, to meditate upon God each

day, and to express compassion toward all they encounter.

 

Included among the new initiates were: two professors, a practicing

psychiatrist, a retired lawyer, and a nurse, among others.

 

 

First Non-Indian Women Awarded with Brahmana Thread

 

In a related historical development, Ms. Heather " Tulasi " Mortensen

was awarded brahmana initiation during the same ceremony, and awarded

with a sacred thread. Though traditionally Hindu women were known to

have been given sacred threads during Vedic times, this practice came

to a stop at some point in the history of Hinduism. Thus, this

thread-giving ceremony (known as upavita-samskara in Sanskrit)

represents the very first time in world history that a non-Indian

woman has been awarded such a sacred thread. Sri Acharyaji stated to

the large audience observing this event that " I know that this

historic precedent is only the beginning of the reclamation of an

ancient and important Vedic tradition. My hope is that this

represents only the first of many thousands of women who I will see

awarded the sacred thread in my lifetime. "

 

The two hour event was followed by a celebration dinner in the

temple's auditorium.

 

For further information, please contact us at info,

(402) 896-4294

 

 

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