Article by Amrita Swaroopananda Puri , Vicechairman , Mata Amrithanandamayi Math

June 3, 2008

Shri Amrita Swaroopananda Puri's Statement against ongoing Tirade against Hinduism31/05/2008 15:22:54

Excerpts based on Shri Amrita Swaroopananda Puri 's ( Vicechairman of Matha Amrithananda Math) Press Release on ongoing tirade against Hindu Ashrams and Spiritual Leaders, especially against Amritanandamayi Matt from certain vested interests

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Kerala is said to be land of educated people. An education is what gives a person the ability to distinguish between good and bad, between right and wrong. Only such an education can be considered valuable. A valuable education should enable an individual to employ his intellect and knowledge for not just his own benefit, but for common societal benefit.

In the past few days, several incidents involving some unscrupulous elements, have come to light. These unscrupulous elements trap innocent people and exploit them. They cheat such people for their own selfish purposes. Quite rightly, there has been all round condemnation of such people. Such black sheep, in whichever section of society they are seen in, should be severely punished to serve as an example of others who may be indulging in such practices. Instead, some politicians seek to publicise the incidents and use them to further their own hideous agendas. There have been repeated calls by numerous politicians for an in depth investigation of all Hindu religious institutions. Such politicians must be exposed because they seek not to serve society, but to twist situations to suit their own cause. While we should feel happy that black sheep such as Santhosh Madhavan and Badhranandan have been exposed and will be punished, we should reject outright any political attempt to cast all of Hinduism in bad light. Politicians certainly have the duty of serving society. They need to show courage, willingness and maturity in leading society away from the clutches of evil. But is that what is happening now? In Kerala, it is common practice among political leaders of all divisions to make unilateral demands of investigations into Hindu organisations. They use incidents such as the recent ones to further their demands. Clearly, their demands have no valid basis and it should be easy for everyone to see through the selfish agenda of self styled saviours.

Are there not political figures who have been convicted of corruption of the worst order? Are there not doctors who have deliberately broken their oath to serve humanity? Are there not business tycoons who have made their fortune on the blood of several hundred employees? Why, are there not factories which cause the worst kind of pollution? Why are the self styled saviours not seen making a clarion call against such people? Do we make pleas for abolishing the medical profession because of one doctor who failed in his duty? Or close down all factories because one causes unchecked pollution? Isn't that what the politicians are trying to do? Even worse, the self styled politicians are often seen actively supporting the oppressors, rather than the poor victims. Is this not a misuse of the trust people place in political leaders? Those who pose as Hindu religious leaders and exploit innocent people are wrongdoers and should be punished, but is it right to characterise every Hindu leader as a wrongdoer? Isn't that what the self-appointed political saviours seek to do?

In this context, it is useful to examine who a 'sanyasi' is. Mata Amritanandamayi, recently remarked that Ravana took the appearance of a sanyasi to trick Sita and kidnapped her. Was Ravana a sanyasi? Or was it a sanyasi who kidnapped Sita? The Ramayana stresses repeatedly that it was Ravana who perpetrated this abominable act. The act was performed by a black sheep posing as a sanyasi. Nowhere is it said, nor have we at any point in the past, held that it was a sanyasi who kidnapped Sita.

A sanyasi is a person who has crossed all worldly attachments. In fact, a person evolves into a sanyasi only when he sheds the 'I', 'me' and 'mine' consciousness and vows to selflessly strive for the betterment of society. A sanyasi is initiated into sanyasam or sainthood at the initiative of the Guru and through strict rituals, practised since the Vedic times. It is common to see many people wear saffron coloured garments these days, in the normal course of their lives but also in connection with special occasions such as the penance preceding a pilgrimage to the shrine in Sabarimala. We respectfully address them as 'swamis', but does that make them sanyasis? A sanyasi wears saffron coloured clothes as a symbol of renunciation and penance.

Amma's ashram has many such sanyasis. They have made a conscious decision to give away worldly attachments and work for the common upliftment of humanity. Amma's teachings and actions, strictly followed by devotees transcend issues of nationality, caste, religion and so on. Amma's teachings are valid and tenable, whichever religious text one might choose to examine them against. A cursory glance around us is enough to understand the impact of the projects and initiatives of the Ashram. Yet, politicians seek to criticise the Ashram. All the activities of the Ashram are transparent and anyone is welcome to inquire into them. Criticism has also been levelled against the Ashram's income. One fails to understand why. The Ashram's accounts are regularly submitted to the government for regulatory scrutiny. If there were irregularities, certainly the government would have raised its concerns. No such thing has happened.

Yet, allegations are made. Those who make allegations and level criticism are deliberately closing their eyes on the contributions Amma and the ashram make to Kerala. Any income received is returned manifold for common good. This selfless work attracts devotees and supporters from all sections of society, and across the globe. Many of Amma's devotees render selfless voluntary service at the ashram in line with Amma's teachings on 'naishkarmya' - service without expectation of a reward. For all of these reasons, Amma and the ashram are treated with respect by everyone.

Let us make no mistake - it is only because of the past efforts of great Hindu religious leaders such as Adi Shankara, Narayana Gurudevan and Chattambi Swamigal that Kerala's diverse society is able to raise above differences and divisions, and make a collective effort for collective advancement of society. Amma's work is a continuation of such inspiring leadership and contributes to the success of the effort. In fact, Amma has been uniquely successful in taking the Malayalam language across all geographical boundaries, even to the UN. But of course, politicians who keep their eyes shut tight see nothing of these things. Perhaps, they need reminding that having eyesight is not sufficient. One should employ this God given gift to view, observe and understand. Else, no amount of literacy or education can lead them from darkness to light .

Om Tat Sat

June 4, 2008

Krishna, Guruvayoorappa ! Dear Bhaktas ,

Swamiji's statement is an eye opener . Sanatana Vedic Dharma ( Hinduism) is rooted on the teachings of Rishis . In the current age of ignorant atheism , Hindu Acharyas should proactively preach how to live according to the Vedas . Religious illiteracy is the biggest threat to Hinduism .

As confirmed recently by Sree Guruvayoorappan Himself in the "Devaprasnam", a "Hindu" is anyone who is committed to live according to the Vedas ; and not the one who, is born in the Hindu religion but rejects the Vedas.

Inconsistent Approach by the Ashrams , have also weakened the Hinduism

Certain Ashrams have also deviated from the basic tenets of Hinduism , as listed below :

Refusal to accept their Hindu roots . And deliberate efforts to project a "secular" image to make the outlook more attractive .

Public support to amend the "Kshetra Acharams" ( Temple traditions) on key issues like entry of non-Hindus to Guruayoor temple and Young ladies to Sabarimala . This immensely pleased the Temple-destroyers in power , but weakened the Vedic religion .

Failure to address the dangers to Vedic faith caused by vested interests in power.

Business tactics to please the potential Enemies, by amending the views . It eroded the credibility among Hindus .

Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi are role models . One can become a pure Hindu by merely following such an Acharya's teaching .

From His hectic mission, Adi Shankara found time to spend (45) days in a stretch at Guruvayoor temple to formulate and establish the " Kshethra Acharams" . This selfless effort , enabled the Temple to become "Bhooloka-Vaikuntam" .

Although Sri. Chadrasekhara Saraswthy was the head of "Saivism" , he selflessly helped Bhakthi-yoga among other paths of Hinduism as well . He was widely adored for Spiritual Powers, but restricted self to an "Acharya" only.

Let us Stand United Behind the Sannyasis

It is the duty of every Hindu ( Vedic follower) to respect and obey the Sannyasis . May the new found unity will lead to the rejuvenation of Vedic Sanatana Dharma ! .

Om Namo Narayanaya !!!!

Krishnadaya

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, "krishnadaya" <krishnadaya wrote:>> > Shri Amrita Swaroopananda Puri's Statement against ongoing Tirade> against Hinduism> 31/05/2008 15:22:54> > Excerpts based on Shri Amrita Swaroopananda Puri 's ( Vicechairman of> Matha Amrithananda Math) Press Release on ongoing tirade against Hindu> Ashrams and Spiritual Leaders, especially against Amritanandamayi Matt> from certain vested interests> > _____________> > Kerala is said to be land of educated people. An education is what gives> a person the ability to distinguish between good and bad, between right> and wrong. Only such an education can be considered valuable. A valuable> education should enable an individual to employ his intellect and> knowledge for not just his own benefit, but for common societal benefit.> > In the past few days, several incidents involving some unscrupulous> elements, have come to light. These unscrupulous elements trap innocent> people and exploit them. They cheat such people for their own selfish> purposes. Quite rightly, there has been all round condemnation of such> people. Such black sheep, in whichever section of society they are seen> in, should be severely punished to serve as an example of others who may> be indulging in such practices. Instead, some politicians seek to> publicise the incidents and use them to further their own hideous> agendas. There have been repeated calls by numerous politicians for an> in depth investigation of all Hindu religious institutions. Such> politicians must be exposed because they seek not to serve society, but> to twist situations to suit their own cause. While we should feel happy> that black sheep such as Santhosh Madhavan and Badhranandan have been> exposed and will be punished, we should reject outright any political> attempt to cast all of Hinduism in bad light. Politicians certainly have> the duty of serving society. They need to show courage, willingness and> maturity in leading society away from the clutches of evil. But is that> what is happening now? In Kerala, it is common practice among political> leaders of all divisions to make unilateral demands of investigations> into Hindu organisations. They use incidents such as the recent ones to> further their demands. Clearly, their demands have no valid basis and it> should be easy for everyone to see through the selfish agenda of self> styled saviours.> > Are there not political figures who have been convicted of corruption of> the worst order? Are there not doctors who have deliberately broken> their oath to serve humanity? Are there not business tycoons who have> made their fortune on the blood of several hundred employees? Why, are> there not factories which cause the worst kind of pollution? Why are the> self styled saviours not seen making a clarion call against such people?> Do we make pleas for abolishing the medical profession because of one> doctor who failed in his duty? Or close down all factories because one> causes unchecked pollution? Isn't that what the politicians are trying> to do? Even worse, the self styled politicians are often seen actively> supporting the oppressors, rather than the poor victims. Is this not a> misuse of the trust people place in political leaders? Those who pose as> Hindu religious leaders and exploit innocent people are wrongdoers and> should be punished, but is it right to characterise every Hindu leader> as a wrongdoer? Isn't that what the self-appointed political saviours> seek to do?> > In this context, it is useful to examine who a 'sanyasi' is. Mata> Amritanandamayi, recently remarked that Ravana took the appearance of a> sanyasi to trick Sita and kidnapped her. Was Ravana a sanyasi? Or was it> a sanyasi who kidnapped Sita? The Ramayana stresses repeatedly that it> was Ravana who perpetrated this abominable act. The act was performed by> a black sheep posing as a sanyasi. Nowhere is it said, nor have we at> any point in the past, held that it was a sanyasi who kidnapped Sita.> > A sanyasi is a person who has crossed all worldly attachments. In fact,> a person evolves into a sanyasi only when he sheds the 'I', 'me' and> 'mine' consciousness and vows to selflessly strive for the betterment of> society. A sanyasi is initiated into sanyasam or sainthood at the> initiative of the Guru and through strict rituals, practised since the> Vedic times. It is common to see many people wear saffron coloured> garments these days, in the normal course of their lives but also in> connection with special occasions such as the penance preceding a> pilgrimage to the shrine in Sabarimala. We respectfully address them as> 'swamis', but does that make them sanyasis? A sanyasi wears saffron> coloured clothes as a symbol of renunciation and penance.> > Amma's ashram has many such sanyasis. They have made a conscious> decision to give away worldly attachments and work for the common> upliftment of humanity. Amma's teachings and actions, strictly followed> by devotees transcend issues of nationality, caste, religion and so on.> Amma's teachings are valid and tenable, whichever religious text one> might choose to examine them against. A cursory glance around us is> enough to understand the impact of the projects and initiatives of the> Ashram. Yet, politicians seek to criticise the Ashram. All the> activities of the Ashram are transparent and anyone is welcome to> inquire into them. Criticism has also been levelled against the Ashram's> income. One fails to understand why. The Ashram's accounts are regularly> submitted to the government for regulatory scrutiny. If there were> irregularities, certainly the government would have raised its concerns.> No such thing has happened.> > Yet, allegations are made. Those who make allegations and level> criticism are deliberately closing their eyes on the contributions Amma> and the ashram make to Kerala. Any income received is returned manifold> for common good. This selfless work attracts devotees and supporters> from all sections of society, and across the globe. Many of Amma's> devotees render selfless voluntary service at the ashram in line with> Amma's teachings on 'naishkarmya' - service without expectation of a> reward. For all of these reasons, Amma and the ashram are treated with> respect by everyone.> > Let us make no mistake - it is only because of the past efforts of great> Hindu religious leaders such as Adi Shankara, Narayana Gurudevan and> Chattambi Swamigal that Kerala's diverse society is able to raise above> differences and divisions, and make a collective effort for collective> advancement of society. Amma's work is a continuation of such inspiring> leadership and contributes to the success of the effort. In fact, Amma> has been uniquely successful in taking the Malayalam language across all> geographical boundaries, even to the UN. But of course, politicians who> keep their eyes shut tight see nothing of these things. Perhaps, they> need reminding that having eyesight is not sufficient. One should employ> this God given gift to view, observe and understand. Else, no amount of> literacy or education can lead them from darkness to light .> > Om Tat Sat>