Interesting two days in London

[Guest guest]

Interesting two days in London:

 

Yesterday our classes met to do a revision session on Hinduism.

On Friday one hundred and fifty candidates from the 14 centres

that we help run will be sitting for their Hinduism examination.

The examination is set by The London University Board. The age

range of our candidates is 8 to 70! These classes are well received

and continue to expand.

 

It is strange that Hinduism can be learnt in such a focused manner in the

UK, whilst schools in India cannot be bothered to teach Hinduism!

We have been keen to export this idea of teaching Hinduism to

youngsters in India. The Hinduism that was exported by Swami

Vivekananda will become polarised in the West and will return to

India to revitalise Hinduism.

 

Today, the Queen had arranged a reception for people of other faiths

at Buckingham Palace. A total of six hundred people including about 60

Hindus were invited. There were people from Iskcon, the VHP and the

Swaminarayan movements. Abbotts from many of the Hindu

temples in the UK were there too. Even though The Vivekananda

Centre London is not a formal body, however I was somehow invited. It was an

unusual encounter with royalty. The Duke of Edinburgh was chatting away and

asked me: " Surely it is impossible to teach Hinduism as you have so many

Gods and Goddesses " ..... Before I could respond .... he had moved on!

This is perhaps the extent of knowledge of Hinduism the royalty possess!

We must surely teach Hinduism at the palace : )

 

Recalling that funny line by Christopher Ishwerwood about

Sri Ramakrishna's response to the question:-

Would you like to meet the Queen?

Reply:- No need, I already know her boss. : )

 

jay

Vivekananda Centre London