Guest guest Posted June 21, 2007 Report Share Posted June 21, 2007 Dharma Journal Authentic Dharma for Today's World ___________ June 20th, 2007 - Founded in 1998 The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita DANGERS OF UNRESTRAINED SENSES Restless senses, O Arjuna, forcibly carry away the mind of even a wise person striving for perfection. (2.60) One should fix one's mind on God with loving contemplation after bringing the senses under control. One's intellect becomes steady when one's senses are under complete control. (2.61) One develops attachment to sense objects by thinking about sense objects. Desire for sense objects comes from attachment to sense objects, and anger comes from unfulfilled desires. (2.62) Delusion or wild idea arises from anger. The mind is bewildered by delusion. Reasoning is destroyed when the mind is bewildered. One falls down from the right path when reasoning is destroyed. (2.63) ______________ Are Hindus Idol Worshipers? by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) From the very earliest dawn of religious consciousness in human beings, people have attempted to approach and know the Divine by the use of various intermediary devices. Such vehicles of worship and meditation have included divine images, sacred relics of saints, and hallowed objects of many descriptions. The use of images as a path through which finite humanity can approach the Infinite has been found in every traditional culture, religion, and nation on earth. The use of images as a way to know the Divine has been the overwhelming norm – and not the exception – in the history of the world's many religions. The almost sole exception to this means of approaching God has occurred in the relatively recent religions of the Western world. For the majority of adherents of the Abrahamic sects (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), the use of images as tools for meditation and prayer has been looked upon as a taboo religious activity. Many Western religions consequently oppose the practice of what they term " idol " worship. The leaders of these Abrahamic sects have repeatedly condemned worshipers who employ images of divine figures as " Devil worshipers " , " idolaters " , " heathens " and " infidels " , among other uncharitable descriptions. Those who use icons as a means of worship have faced persecution, denunciation, and even death at the hands of such " idol " smashers. But is the conscious use of sacred imagery in worship and meditation really to be considered " idol worship " and consequently condemned? Followers of Sanatana Dharma are known to use sacred images as focal points for meditation and worship, and have suffered significant persecution as a result. Are Hindus actually idol worshipers? The concept of an " idol " does not refer merely to any iconographic image that is used in worship. Rather the term " idol " refers specifically to an image that is made up, concocted in the mind of its maker, and then claimed to be a divinity. An idol in the proper sense of the term refers to something that one worships as a result of his or her own whim, and not as a result of the teachings of sacred scriptures. This, however, is not what Hindus are doing when we venerate sacred images. Hindus are not idol worshipers because the images that we employ in worship are not contrived by humans. Rather than " idols " , Hindus worship what are properly called " Murtis " . Murti worship is a divine science revealed to humanity in order to facilitate our closeness to God. Sacred Hindu images are not the fanciful creations of the human imagination. Rather, such sacred images were revealed to Hindu worshipers by sages (Rishis) who have directly experienced the nature of the Divine. To use objects as a focus for devotional prayer and contemplation is perfectly fine, as long as these images are God-revealed. The science of employing divine imagery is found in sacred revealed texts known as the Agamas and Pancaratras. In these texts, the entire science of image veneration is laid out in a logical and reasonable manner. For example there are very exacting specifications for precisely how such images must be created, including the exact dimensions of the images, the rituals necessary to create them, and what sacred mantras must be recited during the process. Indeed, even the exact size of every toe has to be according to certain strict specifications. Only when these images are in accord with these exact specifications do they then become vehicles of the Divine, and proper objects of veneration and meditation. In following these exact requirements of the sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma the worshiper is performing a very special sacred process known as Murti worship, which is categorically distinct from " idol " worship. The term " idol " is a clearly derogatory term used by unthinking followers of anti-Hindu religions to persecute and revile the profound spiritual tradition of Sanatana Dharma. In the same way that other derogatory terms have been removed from civilized human discourse, the term " idol " must never be used again by either Hindus or non-Hindus to refer to the sublime science of Murti worship. Indeed, even Hindus themselves have often been guilty of using the term " idol " in ignorance of the nature of their own religion. Whether the term is used by either Hindus or non-Hindus, the use of the term " idol " to refer to our sacred imagery must be immediately stopped. Rather we must begin to use such proper Sanskrit terms as Murti, Archa, etc. when referring to our sacred imagery. Our own ignorance of our own religion is just as inexcusable as is a non-Hindu's ignorance of our religion. Let us take pride in the divine gift that the Rishis have bestowed upon us in the form of Murti worship. The Author: Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) is an American who has been practicing Sanatana Dharma for over 30 years. He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized by the global Hindu community as one of the leading Hindu Acharyas (Spiritual Preceptors) in the nation. With a large international following of both Indian and Western students, Sri Acharya Ji is especially renowned for his highly authentic approach to Dharmic spirituality, his authoritative and scholarly method of teaching, and his clear emphasis on serious spiritual practice and direct experience of self- realization and knowledge of God. He has lectured on Sanatana Dharma at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Columbia, Rutgers, Cornell, Northwestern, as well as for such companies as Ford Motor Corporation and Lucent Technology. He is the Founder and President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society. His primary websites are: http://www.dharmacentral.com drmoraleslist/ yoga-spirituality/ http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DharmaNation http://www.drfrankmorales.sulekha.com/ If you found this article helpful to you in your own understanding of the spiritual path, please forward it on to others so that they too may derive spiritual benefit. _________ " True spirituality is not about the acquisition of subtle power or dominion over others. That is merely a form of Religious Egotism. Rather, the success of spiritual advancement is measured by how much one has transcended ego and the need to dominate. True spirituality is about having the courage, the determination, and the intelligence to surrender oneself wholly at the feet of the Divine. It is in surrender of the ego that we achieve true and meaningful freedom. " - Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya _________ Announcements: 1) Dr. Morales Speaks to Audience of 20,000 in Washington, D.C. On Saturday, June 16th, Dr. Morales was the keynote speaker at the " Vayastha Sanchalan " event sponsored by the Swadhyay Hindu religious movement. An all day spiritual event, Dr. Morales was a guest of honor and primary speaker in what was one of the largest Hindu gatherings in the history of the U.S. At the height of the event, there were an estimated 20,000 people gathered during Dr. Morales' discourse. Earlier on the same day, Dr. Morales was guest of honor at a Hindu parade of 8,000 marchers in the nation's capital. 2) Article in Harvard Journal: " Swadharma " , Harvard University's journal on Hindu Studies, has published a major article by Dr. Frank Morales in their May, 2007 issue. The article is called " Does Hinduism Have a Future in America? Securing a Place for Sanatana Dharma in the U.S. " . It is the lead academic article in the journal. 3) 1000 Mark Passed on !: We have reached the 1000 member mark on the " Dr. Frank Morales List " . We currently have 1035 members. This list has been the fastest growing Hindu forum - by far! - on all of for the last six months! We are now #19 in the rank of size of over 4300 Hindu groups! Thank you all for your dedicated help in making this group a success! 4) Dr. Morales on New York Teaching Tour Dr. Morales will be in New York to conduct several Dharma lectures June 27 - July 6, 2007. For further information, or to schedule a meeting with Dr. Morales, please call Mrs. Debbie Lall at: (718) 323- 8837. 5) Article to be Published in the India Post Chicago: Dr. Morales' recent article, " Meditation and the Art of Questioning " , is going to be published in the India Post Chicago...with a readership of 132,000 people. 6) " Dharma Ascending: A Revolutionary New Vision for Global Transformation " Out in August: Dharma Ascending Press is proud to announce a soon to be released, brand new book by Dr. Frank Morales. " Dharma Ascending " is the most important and revolutionary writing Dr. Morales has ever produced up to today. In this historically ground-breaking work, Dr. Morales explains the nature, meaning, and teachings of Dharma in more depth than has ever been attempted before by any author in history. According to Dr. Morales, Dharma is the most important philosophical principle, and the most spiritually meaningful way of living, that the world has ever known. The universal tradition of Dharma has seen a decline for the last 2000 years, leaving us today with only a shadow of this once powerful ideological global force. In " Dharma Ascending " , we read how this important principle has become more relevant and important now than at any other time in history, and how Dharma is now in the process of rapid ascent once again, potentially leading to the most revolutionary global transformation the world has ever seen. Dr. Morales brings the principle of Dharma from the domain of mere theory and myth, to the dynamic realm of practical life. This book is designed to introduce you to Dharma as a living force, as well as how you can personally live a healthy, prosperous, and joyous Dharma lifestyle today. Bring Dharma to life for yourself, with " Dharma Ascending: A Revolutionary New Vision for Global Transformation " . US $14.95. Dharma Ascending Press. Out in August. Stay tuned to Dharma Journal for further announcements. 7) Major National Seminar " Experiencing the Bliss Within " : Dr. Frank Morales (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) will be conducting a major national seminar at the Omaha Healing Arts Center. Sunday July 8, between 2PM - 5PM. $25 advance $30 at the door. 1216 Howard St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.345.5078 www.omahahealingarts.com Experiencing the Bliss Within A Journey into the Depths of Spirit Your life is filled with a profound spiritual meaning deeper than you may presently know. You were meant from the very moment of your own birth to know intimately the happiness, contentment, peace, and bliss that naturally radiates from your true self. You are a child born of overflowing spiritual nectar, born of God's love, and who is destined to taste the sweet bliss of Spirit. In this one of a kind spiritual event, you will be introduced to the reality of self-realization and God-realization as preserved and powerfully taught in the world's most ancient spiritual traditions. You will learn firsthand about the profound depths of being that you presently possess, and the powerful tools you own to manifest the happiness and spiritual enlightenment you have always sought. More than merely knowing, you will be provided a rare opportunity of personally experiencing the bliss within that is your gift from God. You will experience the empowerment of Spirit. This seminar is being offered for the very first time ever in Omaha. It is led by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D., one of the nation's leading teachers of spirituality, meditation, self-realization, Yoga spirituality, and Dharma. With over 33 years of unparalleled study, teaching and experience, Dr. Morales is one of the most qualified spiritual teachers in America today. With a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, author of several books on spirituality, a world-recognized Yoga master, and serves as a spiritual guide to thousands globally. This seminar will include: dynamic meditation, guided visualization, Dharma teachings, kirtan, and Spiritual Bliss. 8) If you have video editing skills, digital video/audio equipment you would like to donate, or any other related media production skills that can help us produce more highly professional video presentations on Sanatana Dharma, please contact Dharma Sun Media at: heatherlim7. We appreciate your help in our mission to teach Dharma to a suffering world. ______________ " Sanatana Dharma represents the grace of God manifest in the form of natural law. It is by following God's natural law with dedication that we open ourselves up to the abundance of His divine grace. And it is by God's grace that we have the wisdom to know and honor His natural law. Dharma is God's rescue rope for all suffering beings, and the medium through which we can reconnect with Him. Dharma is God's gift to all creation. There is no other means for knowing Truth in this world. " - Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya ______________ Recent Letters: " Congratulations! Your broadcasts are full filling need of the community. " - Mr. Vasant Pandav " Dear Dr. Morales, You are God's gift to the Hindus. I am glad I found a forum to contact you. I am looking forward to meeting you one day. " - Y.S.Chandrashekhar " Dear Guruji, Thank you very much for your generous and thoughtful answer to my question about the process of getting answers through meditation. " - Heather Tulasi Mortensen " We need the likes of Dr. Morales. I really appreciated the essay that critiqued Radical Universalism. It was truly a breath of fresh air! " - Anthony Galli " Hindus need a person of your caliber to enlighten them. Hindu people, at this juncture, are looking for someone to guide them and encourage them to stand up for Dharma. You are the best suited person in America to guide Hindus in the right direction. Best regards. " - Narain Kataria " I read about Dr. Morales speeches. He is doing a great service to Sanatana Dharma. I am deeply touched by the knowledge Dr. Morales has of our Dharma. " - Ramesh Thalli (Venkateshwara Temple in Colorado) " We have been listening to your interviews on Sanatana Dharma regularly through the Dallas radio programmes. We are very happy to listen to your speeches and really appreciate your commitment to bring the Hindu Dharma again to this world. " - Akila and Ramarathinam " RESPECTED DR. MORALES, YOUR ARTICLE PROVED TO BE AN EYE OPENER AND I PREY YOU DO PUBLISHING SUCH WORKS IN FUTURE TOO. WITH DEEPEST REGARDS, " - DR. SHRIKANT BHAVE " Namaste Dharma Parvartaka Acharya, I come to you with an issue I need help with. I truly want to become vegetarian but am having a hard time giving up meat.....even knowing that it is wrong. I'm wondering if you could provide any advice concerning this. I would truly appreciate ANY help. My husband is not, and will not, become vegetarian along with me, so this too will be a hurdle to overcome. I very much enjoy reading your blogs. I have found them to be very helpful. Your wisdom is invaluable. Hari Om, " - Pam ---- ---- Sri Acharya Ji's Response: Dear Pam, Namaste. Thank you for your kind message. It's great meeting you. I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having becoming vegetarian. The difficulty definitely varies from person to person. I became vegetarian when I was first twelve, and was living in a family of very dedicated meat-eaters. One thing that I found helpful when I first became vegetarian was to try to do it a little at a time. It took me about a year before I was a full vegetarian. First I gave up all red meats - beef, pork, etc. Then after some time, I gave up on the lighter meats like chicken and turkey. A few months after that, I then stopped eating fish. Lastly I gave up on eggs as well. Again, it took roughly a year by the time I entered the last stage. In this way, the transition was much easier, and each stage gave my body and mind time to get adjusted to giving up something they had been accustomed to having for so long. I would suggest that you try a similar approach. In addition, it is very helpful to do as much reading on the benefits of vegetarianism as possible in order to keep inspired about why you're giving up meat to begin with. Half the battle is mental! As for your husband not wanting to join you in becoming vegetarian, I'm sure that definitely is an added stresser for you. I would very patiently and subtilely just continue to speak to him about the many benefits of a vegetarian diet in a way that he would most appreciate. Is he health conscious? Then stress the healthy benefits of the diet. The important thing is to not put too much pressure on him, because especially with family members, that can sometimes backfire. No one likes to feel as if their spouse is preaching to them. And the normal reaction is often to push back. Rather, you want to be as loving and patient with him as possible, always just gently suggesting, and never insisting. In addition, often a spouse will eventually become vegetarian simply by seeing their partner's own quiet example, and observing how their vegetarian partner is slowly becoming healthier, more energetic, and happier as a result of their choice to become vegetarian. Often this alone is enough to encourage them. Don't give up on your choice, Pam. Vegetarianism is the most intelligent, healthy, and beneficial diet a person can follow. In time, God Himself will give you the strength to follow this path. I hope this was a helpful. Take care. Om Shanti, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya ______________ For further information on the philosophy and path of Dharma, please visit us on the web: http://www.dharmacentral.com yoga-spirituality/ drmoraleslist/ http://www.cafepress.com/supportstore http://www.drfrankmorales.sulekha.com http://www.dharmacentral.com/Store/Shakti_Principle.htm http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DharmaNation http://www.myspace.com/dharmapravartaka http://dharmanation.blogspot.com/ Thank you to all our many members and readers for your enthusiastic support and encouragement of Dharma Journal and the teaching efforts of Dr. Frank Morales. We couldn't be able to accomplish anything without your well-wishes. Please feel free to forward this Dharma Journal newsletter to all your friends, family, and discussion lists interested in Sanatana Dharma, meditation, and Yoga spirituality. © 2007, Dharma Journal. Volume 9, issue 9 Welcome to the Dharma Revolution! 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