READERS RESPOND ON ISSUE OF PRIEST TREATMENT

Om Sivaya, beloved monks and priests! We were saddened and
moved to read that many do not appreciate holy priests and monks
as much as our family does. We just want to express our family's
feelings:

Although many holy people do not hold degrees recognized by
the material world, they are the most educated people on earth.
Scholars spend a great part of their day studying, but holy monks
and priests spend all their time, every hour of the day, every
moment of energy, studying and practicing the mystical ways of
God and helping God's people. Through practice and meditation,
they reach places that mere scientific research cannot even
touch!

As monks, you people are beloved to my family because you
selflessly help us in our daily living to be closer to God,
maintain balance in our lives, and become kinder people. You
give us guidence though beautiful, well-maintained temples,
books, web pages, and photography. You record and illustrate our
satguru's sacred words for us. You give us a place to let our
minds go to when we are needing to escape from anger,
frustration, or sadness. It always make us happy that when we
are working and facing life's trials, someone is there on that
beautiful island taking care of our satguru, helping him to help
us.

As priests, you bring the devas and mahadevas to our most
sacred life events--the birth of a child, the marriage of a
sister or brother, the passing of a parent or grandparent. You
ensure that all the proper things are done to ensure an aspicious
and meaningful event. Your rituals change us inside. You make
it magical and wonderful and memorable.

Speaking for our small family of two--and tens of thousands
of our Hindu brothers and sisters, thank you, thank you thank
you!


Amber and Vinesh Sukumaran