Guest guest Posted July 15, 2004 Report Share Posted July 15, 2004 Dear List The work of the Vivekananda Centre continues touching diverse audiences. Let us share two experiences of last week. A major temple in Willesden Green in London invited us to address their congregation. There were nearly a thousand people in the audience. All age groups assembled in a spirit of devotion. The temple paid tribute to our work saying, " Though we are not part of their sectarian movement we have shown concern for their youngsters and have taught them Hinduism over the last year - about 50 youngsters were trained. " We told the audience, " It is absolutely essential to expose these youngsters to 'comprehensive' Hinduism. Do not fear that by doing so you will lose them from your 'sampradaya'. In fact they will become the true long term supporters of your movement. Structured and rational understanding of their religion is the best armour you can give them so that they can live without fear and with full dignity in a multi-faith society. " At the final class a very young boy of six came up and offered a little present. We asked, " What is your name? " He gave a broad smile and replied, " Purushotam " . Now if Purushotam is happy with us what more can we ask for? The second experience is quite a contrast. An English couple invited us to go and talk to their group that is exploring ideas of spirituality. There were about 20 people who had gathered in their parlour. Mostly middle class English couples with one Muslim lady and one West Indian gentleman. We dished out the teachings of Swami Vivekananda for two hours. We were getting tired but not the audience. Two ladies said that they can listen to such stuff all night. The Muslim lady said she should have brought her husband. The West Indian gentleman said he has never heard anything like this in his life. Vivekananda had poured out such material to the West about a hundred years ago, it seems that the West is just beginning to wake up to this. : ) jay Vivekananda Centre London .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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