November 3, 2013
Bodhinatha's unique insights at annual interfaith meeting
For the past several years, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami has participated in an interfaith panel discussion in Midland, Texas. This year's event happened on April 17. See the video.
The interactions are much appreciated for shedding clarity into a normally shadowy and confused area. The event has now become yearly by popular demand. Bodhinatha gives fine explanations that have represented Hinduism outstandingly well. Here is an instance:
During one of his explanations, Bodhinatha gave as example the case of a boy who was quite upset at being told again and again by his peers at school that he would go to Hell because he is a Hindu. The family was upset, tool, especially at feeling helpless.
Now, in advising this family, most of us would have fallen into the trap, casting blame on the peers, or their parents, or society, etc. But Bodhinatha wisely avoided the mire and observed instead that the "awkwardness" of the situation was due to the boy's not knowing what to answer.
"He could have said, for example," Bodhinatha continued, "'In my religion, no one ever goes to Hell, everyone goes to Heaven. Which religion would you rather have?'" At which Bodhinatha got a resounding laugh from everyone.
Instead of dwelling on the "others," what they should not do, and how they should change, Bodhinatha led that family to look within and see what they could do to correct the situation. And lo! it was an easy thing.
Look at the situation objectively, think over how our religion actually would look at it and what it would conclude, then teach that to the children.
This was a great lesson to parents, teachers and pandits everywhere. And it illustrated brilliantly to this interfaith gathering how Hinduism maintains peace and ahimsa, by teaching us to look for answers within ourselves first rather than directly grappling with external situations and other people.
If you would like to attend this event (known as the Permian Basin Interfaith Panel) in the future, or if you would like pointers on starting such an event in your area, contact.
Himalayan Academy
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery
107 Kaholalele Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746 USA 888-464-1008 • cell: 808-634-5407 • email