We need a Hindu calendar holiday to replace New Years

A while ago I posted an article written by my friend on why she had replaced Christmas with the Panchaganapati celebration (here).  Simply stated my friend made it clear that celebrating Christmas could not only be diminishing her own religious culture, but could also be unfair to Christians.  You see, when Hindus celebrate Christmas they usually do so in an extremely secular and religiously detached manner, however the name of the holiday is “Christ’s Mass”, a time when Christians celebrate the birth of their messiah Jesus, and so some Hindus feel it is inappropriate to trivialize the event.  

While every Hindu is free to make their own conscious choice about Christmas, my friend's article proposed a viable alternative for Hindus who want to be festive during the Christmas season, yet still maintain Hindu religiosity.  In 1985, the founder of “Hinduism Today” magazine, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, established a new Holiday called Panchaganapati.  The holiday was created as an alternative to Christmas celebrations for Hindus.  It is a five day festival, marked by the placement of a decorated five-faced Ganesh in the living room, surrounded by gifts and presents.  Each of the five days of the festival asks Hindus to focus on a different social element in their lives: family, distant friends and relatives, business associates, arts and music and finally charity. 

While their are obviously other Hindu alternatives to Christian solstice holidays, such as the Hindu holiday of Lohri (Dec 21st) which celebrates the return of the sun god Surya and the gifts of the fire god Agni, the invention of Panachaganapati shows an inventive determination to reorient Hindus back to their religion, even when they are living in nations where they are not the majority.  Ganesh is the lord of beginnings, remover of obstacles and the portent of wisdom, and so perhaps we can call upon this auspicious god to help us with another cultural difficulty, that of New Year’s.

While the complexity of the Christmas celebration is forefront in the collective Hindu consciousness, questions surrounding the attached New Year’s are more remote.  This is likely due to the fact that in Western nations which use the Gregorian calendar the Christian religious significance of this holiday is almost completely unknown.  However the social ramifications of the New Year’s celebration upon non-Christians is no less than 365 times greater than that the one day of Christmas, While Hindus may avoid Christmas celebrations if they choose, it is nearly impossible for them to avoid using Gregorian calendar dates, but what do these calendar dates actually mean?

Few know that another name for New Year’s is the “Feast of the Circumcision of Christ“. During the time of the Christianization of Rome, church officials arbitrarily placed the birth of Jesus on December 25th to coincide with the pagan solstice celebrations of the sun, thus helping induct the European pagans into the new religion.  In Isrealite culture, boys are circumcised 8 days after their birth, and so the church established a new Holiday to commemorate this event, the Feast of the Circumcision, which today falls on January 1st.

Later, when Rome and other European nations were more Christianized, church officials sought to make the Feast of the Circumcision the first day of the year.  However, in order to do this, they would need to uproot the old Roman calendar, with the first day of the year beginning on the Spring Equinox in March. To get the pagans on board, the Church used the name of the Roman god Janus, the lord of beginnings and ends, the two faced god who sees in both directions, to commence their Christian calendar, thus now the first month of the year is “January”. After several years of interplay between Catholic and Orthodox official, the modern Christian Gregorian calendar was formed.

For those Hindus who will be celebrating New Year’s this year, the year of 2018, ask yourself this, 2018 years of what?  2018 years since the randomly placed birth of Christ, 2018 years of Christian calendar rule.  Since the Christian calendar is now the civic calendar in likely all Western nations, we cannot help but be reminded of what times we are living in.

For those Hindus who care to think about these things, we must face a sobering reality.  New Year’s Eve celebrations are fun and exciting and close to absolutely no one is aware of its religious and social significance.  Try persuading your youth to stay home on this evening and you are likely to find yourself engaged in family arguments, standing for principles that your relatives are likely to not even understand.  New Year’s Eve is so taken for granted that principled abstinence would look awkward and irrational to most.

So now we as Hindus are left with the situation of trying to find a way to cope with this situation, looking for a solution which will raise Hinduism to the top in the most efficient and natural manner.  Just as some have looked to Pancha Ganapati (five-faced Ganesh) to solve their Christmas dilemma, perhaps we can look to Dvimukha Ganapati (two-faced Ganesh) to solve the New Year’s question. Why Dvimukha Ganapati?  Why not three or four?  The Christians used Janus, the god of beginnings to start the first month of their new calendar.  Janus is the god with two heads, looking forward and backward, he is also the god invoked at the beginning of all ceremonies and major state actions such as war. Like Janus, Ganesh is the lord of beginnings, he is involved at the beginning of Hindu rituals, he also guards doorways and entrances. Dvimukha Ganapati, like Janus, has two heads, he sees forward and back.  In fact, some believe that this form of Ganesh and Janus are one and the same, cognates of the same conceptual god.

So how do we invoke Dvimukha Ganapati to help us with the New Year’s question?  Let’s not forget that Hindus have our own calendars. Hindu calendars are all interrelated  and run on a luni-solar system, the months are lunar but the years are sidereal. Like the modern Gregorian calendar, which is based on the pagan Roman calendar, our calendar has 12 months: Chaitra, Vaiśākha, Jyeṣṭha, Āṣāḍha, Śrāvaṇa, Bhādrapada, Bhādra or Proṣṭhapada, Ashvin, Kārtika, Agrahāyaṇa, Mārgaśīrṣa, Pauṣa, Māgha and Phālguna.  Like the Romans, the first day of our Hindu new year falls near the spring equinox.  We also have our own days of the week and times of day.

We as Hindus also have the calendar related and exciting world of both astronomy and astrology (known a Jyotish).  Hindu scientists looked to the stars to develop the Hindu calendars and Hindu mystics popularized the science by deifying the planets into gods who can help us unlock the secrets to success in our own personalities.  Hindus are famous for looking to the stars for both scientific and otherworldly advice, why not use this fame to our advantage,

Then there is the interesting and political question of which Hindu calendar to use.  Today there are dozens of closely related Hindu calendars, the divisions usually falling along regional lines.  However the most popular Hindu calendar is that of Vikram Samavant which places us 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian Christian calendar. However there is discussion about what year of the Vikram Samavant we are in, what event marks the beginning of the calendar and upon which dates certain holidays such as the new year should fall.

So now we have the ingredients for the possible creation of a new holiday of Dvimukhaganapati to compete with New Year’s.  We have an appropriate god, the two-faced Ganesha, the Janus of Hinduism if you will.  We have the interesting topics of learning about our own Hindu calendar months and days, Hindu astronomy, Hindu astrology and the political questions of how to firmly establish our calendar. We also have the challenge of making our new holiday rival New Year’s in the most effective way possible.

It is my hope to stir discussion on this matter, but here is an outline which may help us come to a good collective decision.

Outline For Dvimukhaganapati

1. The celebration shall fall on December 31st – January 1st, to coincide with the Gregorian New Year’s.

2. Festivities should be done in public places such as Temples or meeting halls, this should be an out-of-the-house event.

3. Murtis or images of Dvimukha Ganapati should be present, with an accompanying short ritual and interesting information on the god, his worship and the reason for the creation of the holiday.

4. The atmosphere should not be constrained, no activities should be mandatory, it needs to be relaxing and fun.

5. A main attraction for the event should be free astrology (Jyotish) sessions.  Deeper understanding of the planetary gods should be inculcated through visuals, mantras and written materials. A system for keeping youth engaged  in Jyotish should be derived.

6. The achievements of Hindu astronomers should be presented and an interest in planetary sciences and space exploration cultivated.

7. Booklets or pamphlets should be prepared which explain the Hindu Calendars, the different months  and days, and their correspondence to the Gregorian calendar.

8. Short speeches should be prepared to explain why it is so important for Hindus to maintain their own calendars and also explain the meaning and history of the Gregorian New Year’s.

9. Committees should meet in separate areas to discuss the creation of a synchronized Hindu calendars which brings together the many different dates and starting years of the world’s Hindu calendars, maintaining a loose cohesion over the pluralism.  A strategy should be developed to keep world Hindus engaged in Hindu calendars.

10. The event should conclude with fireworks of crackers (if possible) as a celebration of the maintenance and triumph of Hindu astronomical time keeping.

11.  Later evening events should be planned and may include food and light alcohol. Non-religious entertainment may also be involved. People should feel free to join whatever part of the celebration they choose.

12. Time should be allowed for Hindu youth to leave and join mainstream New Year’s celebrations, if they want.  This will allow them to maintain their important social contacts, they should also not feel constrained or put upon. They should feel free to choose to stay or leave.

So here is the outline for a plan to bring the New Year’s celebration to the aid of Hinduism. Just as some have begun to celebrate Panchaganapati as a replacement to Christmas, perhaps one day in the future the holiday of Dvimukhaganapati can become popular, a method to keep Hindu youth engaged in their religion. Please share this article to perk minds, all material manifestations begin with an idea.  If we do establish Dvimukhaganapati, think of this, there are 32 forms of Ganesh, the lord that help us overcome obstacles… we would now be starting a trend, 30 more problem solving holidays to go!

Why my Hindu friend replaced Christmas with Panchaganapati

Written by my friend Adity Sharma

Panchaganapati: What is it, and why is it celebrated?

I recently came across an article which discussed how popular celebrating Christmas is becoming with Hindus. I was a little taken aback  and wondered if the Christmas celebrating Hindus had run out of festivals of their own. Then I thought, who am I to judge, because once, I was also a Christmas celebrating Hindu.

Every year, the miniature Christmas tree would sit, ladened with traditional ornaments, and tied up with some of the sparkliest tinsel garlands I could find at the local drugstore. The tree sat among a hodgepodge of haphazardly arranged gifts and other decorations. The tree at my Masiji’s (mother’s sister) house in India was also adorned with colorful homemade decorations. My cousins, sister and I followed  the decorating of our trees by enjoying cakes especially for the occasion.

Alas, there was only one problem to this near perfect display of festive spirit, and that problem lay in the fact that neither I nor my family are Christians. But as an adolescent, when holiday fever gripped New York City, I couldn’t help but feel a bit left out. Eventually, the Christmas tree no longer featured prominently in our home. Celebrating Christmas as a non-Christian does not serve a constructive purpose, but it may also insult those who celebrate its religious meaning. So what about those more than two million Hindus living in America who want to get into the holiday spirit?

What is Pancha Ganapati?

Ganapati (Ganesh) is the God of wisdom and intelligence, he is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parwati. He has a an older brother named Kartikeya, who is the God of war. Ganapati is worshipped and known by 108 names. Lord Ganesh is widely worshipped and is considered the remover of obstacles, both spiritual and material.

Pancha Ganapati celebrates Lord Ganapati in his Panchmukhi (five faced) form. What is Panchmukhi form Lord Ganapati? Panch means five, and mukhi means face. Each face of the Panchmukhi Ganesh faces a different direction. Each head is a representation of the panch koshas or (five sheaths) in the subtle anatomy of human beings. These are:

• Annamaya kosha – This is the food sheath, and corresponds to the physical body.
• Pranamaya kosha – this is the vital energy, which represents the subtle body, nadis, chakras and kundalini.
• Manomaya kosha – this is the mental sheath, and represents the mind and the organs of perception.
• Vijnanamaya kosha – this is the wisdom sheath, and represents vijnana (intellect), the talent which discriminates, determines or wills.
• Anandamaya kosha – this is the cosmic sheath, and represents the eternal center of consciousness.

It is believed that worshiping the Panchmukhi form of Lord Ganesh will help the devotee achieve Sat-Chit-Ananda (pure consciousness). Moreover, placing Panchmukhi Vinayaka in an easterly direction, can bring prosperity and ward off evil.

Now, let us return to Pancha Ganapati. Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu holiday, which is celebrated from the 21st through the 25th of December. In 1985, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, who was the founder of “Hinduism Today” magazine, formulated this fun and festive five day family-centered celebration to compete with the Christian Christmas amongst Hindus.

How to Celebrate Pancha Ganapati?

A wooden or bronze murti (graven image) of Panchmukhi Ganapati is placed in the main living area, preferably the Livingroom. For each of the five days of the festival, Lord Ganapati is decorated in the color of the day. These colors represent one of his five rays of shaktis (energy). Each morning of the five days, an array of sweets and fruits are offered to Lord Ganapati. A puja (prayer) is performed in his name, and afterword, the sweets and fruits are dispersed among the family, relatives or friends. Gifts are exchanged and placed near Panchaganapati. These presents are to be opened on the fifth day.

On each day, one of the five faces is worshiped:

Day one – yellow: this day is devoted to creating a vibe of love and togetherness. Members of the family rise early and perform a grand puja, invoking Lord Ganapati’s blessings. The family members sit together, and make amends for past misconduct and misdeeds. The gathering is concluded by lauding each other’s finest qualities.

Day two – blue: this day is dedicated to calling and writing to relatives and friends in far off places. Gifts are also exchanged with neighbors, relatives and friends.

Day three – red: this is a day to show appreciation towards one’s business associates, customers, employees/employers, or the public. It is also the ideal time to settle disputes and debts.

Day four – green: the spiritual idea of this day is to delight in the arts, music, dance, and drama. On this day, family, friends and relatives gather before Lord Ganapati’s deity to display their artistic gifts. This is also an opportunity to discuss Hindu Dharma, and share plans to bring about more cultural refinement.

Day five – orange: the spiritual message of this day is to bring about love and harmony through seva (charity) and religiousness.

Why Celebrate Panchaganapati?

Panchaganapati is a wonderful and fun opportunity for Hindus, particularly in Western countries, to partake in the holiday season, all the while retaining our religious identity. Panchaganapati does indeed bring Hindus into the holiday season around Christmas time, but the flavor and character is uniquely Hindu. The Christmas tree, Santa Clause, and other symbols are conspicuous only by their absence. The songs or chants are not Christmas carols, but rather are bhajans, shlokas, or mantras. The primary shrine is not a Christmas tree, but a Panchmukhi form of Ganapati. It is perhaps more respectful to leave Christmas celebrations to the Christians. We at Hindu Students Association International, along with all proud Hindus, exhort you, your family, relatives, and friends to partake and enjoy the fun and festive cheer of this holiday.

Let us preserve, protect, and propagate Hindu Dharma, one step at a time.

The mysterious case of the Rati hymn

One of my prized possessions are my digital copies of the Vedas.  I love to spend hour looking over them and reading the hymns.  I know some people might not like to read the English versions of the Vedas because they fear inaccuracies and misrepresentations, however I must admit I love the Ralph Griffith versions of the 1880s, they are written with such beautiful poetry and I don't believe I have ever come across anything negative or false within their pages. 

However, there is something very peculiar about the versions of the Vedas I have seen so far, and that is the reoccurring non-translation of one particular hymn, and of all the gods in the Vedas, it is the one hymn to the goddess of sexual lust, Rati.  The absence of this hymn is particularly peculiar for me as I am a devotee to Rati's husband, Kama Deva. Both Kama Deva and Rati are scandalous gods in the Vedas as they are associated with free love and sex. 

The Puranas teach that Rati was born of sweat and semen, insinuating she has a forbidden erotic energy. There is a tale in the Puranas which shows Rati misleading with lust a noble Vishnu worshiping king at the behest of a jealous Indra. But truth be told, as dubious as Rati seems to be in later Vedic lore, she is counted among the oldest Rig Vedic pantheon as a Devi and therefor a goddess who is worthy of respect and dignity, no demon. But it might be hard to prove this fact since it is Rati's hymn and her hymn alone which seems to have gone untranslated in many of today's Vedas. 

In 2002 the "Dharmic Scriptures Team" published an online PDF version of the Vedas which contained a partial translation of the hymn (why only partial). From the hymn's accompanying explanation it would seem that there are a number of issues with translating this hymn including paraphrasing rather than literal translations and the appearance of text which seems out of place.  It is also hard to tell whether some hymns have concrete or mystical meanings. Either way the Rati hymn is shrouded in much mystery.  However, the parts that have been translated show one of the most beautiful hymns in the Vedas. 

They song speaks of a man who has become old with age and toil, and even though age has impaired the his body and the body of his wife, they sing that they may still unite together in sexual love. Wife is implored to go to her husband, for we all have desires and the gods want us to be happy.  And even though the couple face many dangers form the outside, they are better protected by uniting together.  It is this kind of open and impetuous brazen love and giving which makes me such a disciple of the gods of love and sex. 

The deified object of this omitted hymn is said to be Rati or Love, and its Rsis or authors are Lopamudrd, Agastya, and a disciple. Lopamudra is represented as inviting the caresses of her aged husband Agastya, and complaining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya responds in stanza 3, and in the second half of stanza 4 the disciple or the poet briefly tells the result of the dialogue. Stanza 5 is supposed to be spoken by the disciple who has overheard the conversation, but its connexion with the rest of the hymn is not very apparent. In stanza 6 'toiling with strong endeavour' is a paraphrase and not a translation of the original khanamanah khanitraib (ligonibus fodiens) which Sayana explains by 'obtaining the desired result by means of lauds and sacrifices.' M. Bergaigne is of opinion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya being identifiable with the celestial Soma whom Lopamudra, representing fervent Prayer, succeeds after long labour in drawing down from his secret dwelling place. See La Religion Vedique, ii. 394 f.  

Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn 179 

1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age-inducing dawnings. Old age impairs the beauty of our bodies. Let husbands still come near unto their spouses. 2 For even the men aforetime, law-fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,-- They have decided, but have not accomplished: so now let Wives come near unto their husbands. 3 Worship does not go in vain. God is our protector. He wants us to enjoy our life. When danger faces us from outside, he wants us to face it by uniting together and by so doing obtain victory. 4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. Lopamudra taururn [mariturn suum] ad se detrahit: insipiens illa sapientem anhelantern absorbet. 5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit, To pardon any sins we have committed. Verily mortal man is full of longings. 6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and. power, Cherished - a sage of mighty strength - both classes, and with the Gods obtained his prayer's fulfilment. By 'both classes' probably priests and princes, or institutors of sacrifices, are meant. M. Bergaigne understands the expression to mean the two forms or essences of Soma, the celestial and the terrestrial. 5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam sublatum fuerat, non aggressurus, ad se rerahit. 6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo discedentes seminis paulum in terrae superficiem sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt. 7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni precem (brahma) prgeduerunt, et Vastoshpatim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt. 8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dextro pede claudus processit, "inutiles fuerunt illi mei complexus," ita locutus. 9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rakasas approach) not Agni by night; the giver of fuel, and the giver of food, he, the upholder (of the rite), is born, overcoming enemies by his might.'

Who knows why the Rati hymn has still gone partially untranslated, even its non-translation seems to be mystery, scholars cannot agree on its meaning or even the idea that all of its text belongs within the hymn. Sometimes I wonder if the translators are being prudish, I don't know, maybe the hymn is too sultry for them, maybe they see scandal rather than beauty, or maybe it was just the hymn's destiny to call upon itself such enigmatic and cryptic attention. Whatever the reason maybe, I love the message that is preached in those parts of the hymn which have been translated and I hope others can see the delicate heart of our goddess Rati.  

The importance of Vedic charity

I'm not sure whether Hindus are aware of this, but one tactic used by anti-Hindus to smear our religion is the claim the Hinduism is against charity.  When I was younger I recall watching a missionary movie about Hinduism and they showed hoards of poverty stricken and sickly people, claiming that the Hindus of India had abandoned them.

Yes it is generally proclaimed by our detractors that Hindus believe that if a person has become ill or financially destitute they deserve this as it is their karma. But is being in need of help really a sin, and do the Vedas preach against helping members of the community who need us the most?

According the the Vedas, charity is one of the pillars of the earth, along with hard work, natural law (Rta), prayer and god. In fact, the Vedas say that it is those who do not engage in charity who are wicked and uncharitableness is associated with maligning others and thinking ill of others. It is said that the gods withhold favor from the rich who do not engage in charity.

The qualities of Truthfulness, confidence, and hard work (Tapas), combined with belief in Universal Order (Rta), God (Brahma), prayer and charity uphold the Earth. May this Earth, the product of our past, present and future, provide wide opportunities for us. - Atharva Veda 12.1.1

A wicked person who maligns others by his speech, thinks ill of others, refrains from charity, and indulges in deceit and trickery, hurts himself by his own such deeds. - Rig Veda 1.147.4

 God withholds his favors from the rich person who is Godless and who is not interested in giving charity. - Rig Veda.1.150.2

Rather, the gods give prosperity to those who are giving with their  money and it is taught that charity to the needy is a good way of worshiping god, and that charity is a privilege not available to non-believers. Their are prayers in the Vedas to change the hearts of misers and for great men not to become arrogant in their wealth, withholding it from others.

 Lord, Give power to his speech and grant him prosperity who serves you through his noble actions and charity. - Rig Veda 6.16.26

 Charity to the needy is a good way of worshipping the Lord. It is a blessing and a privelege which is not available to non-believers and those who indulge in sinful actions. Prayers and worship by sinners do not please God. Only those who stay away from sins and from denigrating others and make a pious gift to God are the ones who are able to please God. - Rig Veda 10.107.3

 Glorious Lord! Instigate the niggard to become generous and charitable; soften the heart of the miser. - Rig Veda  6.53.3

 O God! May I never bad-mouth the persons who are rich but charitable, who perform virtuous deeds, and who are elders and worthy of respect. May wealth not make me arrogant; may you grant me virtuous children; and may I never fail to be worshipful to you. - Rig Veda 2.27.17

Finally, the Vedas teach that the gods are disdainful of rich persons who do not give to the poor and needy and a rich man with stores of food who does not feed the beggar is abandoned and finds none to comfort him. It is said that the rich should satisfy the imploring poor because wealth can come and go for anyone.

God! You are disdainful of the lazy. You are disdainful of the rich person who does not help the poor and the needy. They both quickly perish. - Rig Veda 1.120.12

The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, Hardens his heart against him-even when of old he did him service-finds not one to comfort him. - Rig Veda 10.117.2

Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling. - Rig Veda 10.117.10

As for the gods, the Vedas teach that they accept the small gifts from the poor and that indeed poverty stricken people are allowed to approach the sacrifice where the priest is doing his rituals. The gods of war arouse the poor as well as the rich, and we can see from the hymns to the gods that it is absolutely acceptable for poor people to pray for an end to their  troubles.

Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four-eyed! for him who is unarmcd. With fond heart thou acceptest e'en the poor man's prayer, when he hath brought his gift to gain security. - Rig Veda 1.131.13

Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant who sings his praises; Who, fair-faced, favours him who presses Soma with stones made ready, He, O men, is Indra. - Rig Veda 2.12.6

Ye, O Nasatyas, mount that early-harnessed Car, that travels early, laden with its freight of balm, Wherewith ye, Heroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the poor man's worship where the priest attends. Rig Veda 10.41.2

Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me-your aid as sire and mother aid their son. Poor, without kin or friend or ties of blood am I. Save me before it be too late, from this my curse. - Rig Veda 10.39.6

From these passages we can see that any suggestion that Hinduism is anti-charity is obviously false, and all one need do is see all the Hindu charity organizations which are helping to lift people out of poverty in India, they just happen to be more humble about their work than others.

CANCELLED: NYC Hindu Twitter Protest 12/16/2018

THE PROTEST HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE HELD IN DC


Vincent Bruno: 201-381-8727

Join the 

NYC Hindu Community 

To protest
Twitter's Anti-Hindu Activism

12/16/2018
Twitter NYC Office
249 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire this week after he was caught holding a sign stating "Smash Brahminical Patriarchy!"

The general argument against Dorsey has been his endorsement of #Brahminphonia, fear mongering against a population who is in actuality a minority within India. But in reality this attack goes much deeper and is an attack on Hinduism itself. 

What Jack Dorsey likely knows, as the world knows, Varna (or what hinduphobes call "caste") is actually an inherent part of Hinduism, though it need not necessarily be abusive as our detractors always claim. Caste is integral to Hinduism as it appears in the very Samhita Vedas where it is stated that Brahmins are the head (intellect) of the essence with makes up society.

All religions develop some sort of caste system, with religious leaders and laity, and obviously outsiders are usually at least socially regulated if not legally. There are certainly certain kinds of religious patriarchy that are acceptable, such as Jewish and Muslim patriarchy.  Jack Dorsey and Twitter would obviously never stand with a sign that said "Smash Rabbi Patriarchy!" or "Smash Mullah Patriarchy!". There is only one priestly class on earth for whom it is socially acceptable (at least according to  Twitter) to antagonize and that is the Hindu priestly class.

However, Twitter was not alone in their hate propaganda, as the poster which the Twitter CEO so eagerly held in his hands was made by "Equality Labs", a NYC based anti-caste propaganda outfit. It becomes obviously clear from Equality Labs' mission statement that the group not simply against caste abuse (which is obviously an acceptable endeavor) but are indeed against the "structures of Hindu fundamentalism".  The word "fundamental", implies the basics or essence of something. A strict interpretation of the Quran would be "Muslim Fundamentalism", however few social justice warriors would ever dare to state they are against "Islamic Fundamentalism:

Evidence of this comes from the fact that "Equality Labs" is not made up of Hindus but "Dalits (formerly known as the “Untouchable” people), Adivasi (indigenous people of South Asia), Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian South Asians". Surprisingly enough, Equality labs states they are fighting caste oppression in Pakistan which is a "fundamental" Islamic State where non-Muslims are institutionally oppressed and discriminated against and the status of "dalit" (a term which does not appear in the oldest of Vedas) is enforced by the government and not the local Hindu population whom are victims of again institutionalized child kidnapping and sex trafficking with the compliance of Pakistan's Islamic courts.

It is time to expose Twitter and Equality Labs for what they are, Hinduphobic organizations. These groups are not against Zionism, or Sharia Law, or Rabbis or Christian Priests or anyone else, they target no other group besides Hinduism and Hindu Brahmins. I encourage all Hindus to do their part and let Jack Dorsey and #EqualityLabs know what they think about their anti-Hindu, anti-Brahminical hate mongering. 

The power of Vedic lore

I am writing this post for an acquaintance of mine who seems to be having some issue shaking off her past.  You see she was raised Jewish, but at a very young age she turned against her faith and began her journey toward "Aryanism". However, while she has become interested in paganism, she has not yet reached the stage of imbibing the Vedas, and I believe this has caused her some grief and heartache.  You see, she travels mostly in White pagan circles, and even though she has made many commitments to her new life, she is often unaccepted because of her Jewish heritage. 

Worse that this, my friend seems to negate herself, feeling as though she needs to be fixed in some way because of her "Jewish blood", she feels tainted as though a negative energy has followed her through her ancestry. As a person who comes from an intense minority myself (Jehovah's Witness), I can relate to many Jews when it comes to feeling that not only is their energy different, but some how dirty, and like Jews, other White pagans seems to notice this energy in me as well, in fact I am very often accused of being a Jew.

I have had to go through my own trials of trying to shake off the negative energy that follows me from my past.  In Hinduism we are taught that these kinds of sensations can be eliminated through prayer and ritual, however for a new comer who has little faith, these often feel hollow and ineffective or foreign.  But there is one form of cleansing devotion which is common to both White pagan traditions and Hinduism, and that is the listening of lore.

I am partially of Scandinavian heritage, and our Eddas (Scandinavian holy book) and sagas are very similar to Hinduism, though they tend to be a bit darker.  I remember once listening to a tale of witch who learned how to transform herself into a wolf by listening to troll lore.  While I am sure there are positive references to lore in European paganism, I have found that Hinduism is replete with the notion that to here lore can transform ones life.

It is likely that nearly every single Purana and tale in Hinduism is preceded by a statement as to how the hearing of this lore will benefit one's life, what kind of boon they will get, whether it is the negation of negative karma, the attraction of wealth, or the thwarting of diseases. Here are some of the positive effects of hearing lore according to the Vedas. 

Agni teaches lore even to the simple 

Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly-praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. Thou art called Father, caring even for the weak, and wisest, to the simple one thou teachest lore. - Rig Veda 1.31.14

Agni teaches the lore of works to mortals, which convey laws and truth  

He is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid upon the highest surface. He hath declared the lore of works to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he knows Law, the Truthful. - Rig Veda 1.141.5

To listen to lore makes one strong 

Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled: The Bhrgus' bounty, willing, strong with sages' lore, even Agni shining forth with light that comes from heaven. - Rig Veda 3.2.4

Lore is associated with wisdom and poetic skill 

To you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of praise: Vajas and Rbhus, joy therein; For ye have lore and wisdom and poetic skill: as such, with this our prayer we call on you to come. - Rig Veda 4.36.7

Sacrificial lore helps the gods make one glorious 

Well-skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. May we be glorious among the people. May Heaven vouchsafe us this, and Earth the Goddess, - Rig Veda 4.51.11

Lore gives heroes strength 

O'er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. - Rig Veda 5.48.2

Soldier pray to obtain the lore of the gods to be come manly and gain boons of prosperity 

Who, O ye Maruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the mighty, who may reach your manly deeds? Ye, verily, make earth tremble like a ray of light what time ye bring your boons to give prosperity, - Rig Veda 5.59.4

Out of lore beautiful songs are made 

After the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous songs, And Indra's selfgains strength thereby. - Rig Veda 8.6.11

Speaking lore purifies 

O Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward speech. Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns. - Rig Veda 9.64.25

Proclaiming holy lore brings on the birth of priests to the gods

The Rsis could not see Indra face to face; Vasistha saw him face to face; he said, 'Holy lore shall I proclaim to you so that people will be propagated with thee as Purohita; therefore do thou proclaim me to the other Rsis.' - Yajur Veda 3.5.2

Lore makes one bright and beautiful 

Sage: who know the lore of speech deck thee, the strong sustainer, well: Men make thee bright and beautiful. - Soma Veda 2.4.1.11.2

Lore is a fun and easy way to learn about the Vedas, Hinduism and the ways of the Arya.  Obviously the best place to start reading lore would be with the 18 Major Puranas (pdf here) which are conveniently broken up into many small tales each with their own narratives and moral lessons.  I hope my friend will take my advice as start reading the Puranas as I know they have done wonders in clearing out my energy and bringing me closer to the light and knowledge of Veda. 

Twitter and "Equality Labs" unite against Hinduism

 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Kshatriya made. His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced. - Rig Veda 10.90.12 

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire this week after he was caught holding a sign stating "Smash Brahminical Patriarchy!"

The general argument against Dorsey has been his endorsement of #Brahminphonia, fear mongering against a population who is in actuality a minority within India. But in reality this attack goes much deeper and is an attack on Hinduism itself. 

What Jack Dorsey likely knows, as the world knows, Varna (or what hinduphobes call "caste") is actually an inherent part of Hinduism, though it need not necessarily be abusive as our detractors always claim. Caste is integral to Hinduism as it appears in the very Samhita Vedas where it is stated that Brahmins are the head (intellect) of the essence with makes up society.

All religions develop some sort of caste system, with religious leaders and laity, and obviously outsiders are usually at least socially regulated if not legally. There are certainly certain kinds of religious patriarchy that are acceptable, such as Jewish and Muslim patriarchy.  Jack Dorsey and Twitter would obviously never stand with a sign that said "Smash Rabbi Patriarchy!" or "Smash Mullah Patriarchy!". There is only one priestly class on earth for whom it is socially acceptable (at least according to  Twitter) to antagonize and that is the Hindu priestly class.

However, Twitter was not alone in their hate propaganda, as the poster which the Twitter CEO so eagerly held in his hands was made by "Equality Labs", a NYC based anti-caste propaganda outfit. It becomes obviously clear from Equality Labs' mission statement that the group not simply against caste abuse (which is obviously an acceptable endeavor) but are indeed against the "structures of Hindu fundamentalism".  The word "fundamental", implies the basics or essence of something. A strict interpretation of the Quran would be "Muslim Fundamentalism", however few social justice warriors would ever dare to state they are against "Islamic Fundamentalism:

Evidence of this comes from the fact that "Equality Labs" is not made up of Hindus but "Dalits (formerly known as the “Untouchable” people), Adivasi (indigenous people of South Asia), Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian South Asians". Surprisingly enough, Equality labs states they are fighting caste oppression in Pakistan which is a "fundamental" Islamic State where non-Muslims are institutionally oppressed and discriminated against and the status of "dalit" (a term which does not appear in the oldest of Vedas) is enforced by the government and not the local Hindu population whom are victims of again institutionalized child kidnapping and sex trafficking with the compliance of Pakistan's Islamic courts.

It is time to expose Twitter and Equality Labs for what they are, Hinduphobic organizations. These groups are not against Zionism, or Sharia Law, or Rabbis or Christian Priests or anyone else, they target no other group besides Hinduism and Hindu Brahmins. I encourage all Hindus to do their part and let Jack Dorsey and #EqualityLabs know what they think about their anti-Hindu, anti-Brahminical hate mongering. 

NYC Hindus accuse HAF of co-opting the Diwali campaign for Leftism

NYC Hindus have been fighting for Diwali for a decade or more now.  It started out as individuals, but in 2012, dozens of NYC based Hindu organizations coalesced together to form the "Hindu Holidays Campaign", at first administrated by Sitangshu Guha of the "Bangladeshi Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council" and then later by Vincent Bruno of "Justice For Hindus". The Coalition is not only made up of several NYC based Hindu groups but also has the support of HAF's alternative, the American Hindu Coalition (AHC). Washington D.C. based Hindu lobby groups like the AHC and the Republican Hindu Coalition were build partially to thwart HAF's perceived left leaning agenda. 

Since 2014, HAF has been warmly invited to join the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign, but they never accepted.  Things began to cool further between the NYC Hindus and HAF when in 2015 the campaign staged a protest demonstration outside the Mayor's Office for the inclusion of both the Hindu Holidays of Diwali and Holi into the NYC public school system.  HAF was asked to attend both the protest and the press conference with proceeded the event.  The 2015 protesters were sure they would get HAF's support as HAF had joined a similar press conference the year before.

While a HAF member did come to the protest, she did not join the press conference as HAF had done previously, and even though many of the Hindus tried to invite HAF into the campaign, the HAF representative did not make good on any of the contacts they were given at the event.  HAF also did not respond to invitations to join the campaign's hard won meeting with the Mayor's office a few weeks later. HAF also did a write up on the Mayor's decision not to include Diwali in the NYC calendar, but never mention the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign or the protest which spurred their article, as if HAF were trying to negate us. This was offsetting enough, but what followed really put a rift between the thousands of Hindus who have joined the campaign and HAF.

It would seem that some time after the founding of the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign, another more interfaith campaign came into existence, the "Diwali Coalition".  Of course the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign takes no issue with other groups also working for Diwali, but still it seemed strange that HAF would snub our initial invitations and then partner with an entirely new coalition which is statedly interfaith rather than Hindu.  HAF is of course free to take whatever avenue they wish in the Diwali venture, however it did not go unnoticed that HAF never once informed any of the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign coordinators of the Diwali Coalition, we did not know about it because we were never invited, all 2 dozen or more Hindu organizations.

Worse still, many Hindus began accusing HAF of poaching NYC administration officials with whom the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign had made relationships with, as the campaign was informed by the Mayor's office that HAF had offered to take over the project without ever consulting the NYC Hindus who had worked so hard to build these relationships. But there is something much more sinister afoot as many Hindu have expressed, and that has everything to do with what kind of other organizations HAF has chosen to align with .

Many NYC Hindus are very well aware of Sadhana: The Coalition of Progressive Hindus. The NYC Hindu Campaign and Sadhana have been at odds with one another for some time.  First, Sadhana is viewed as racializing Hinduism to include only Indians, even though not all Hindus are ethnically Indian, and this is done in order to blur the lines between the Hindu and Muslim communities by cloaking their differences in race, fear mongering Hindus against supposed White racism whenever Americans (who are not all white) take issue with such things as Islamic Sharia Law.

Worse still, well respected Hindu scholar Rajiv Malhotra has warned Hindus against Sadhana, stating that it is a Leftist/Christian organization designed to digest and eventually eliminate Hinduism. In a facebook post (see here) Malhotra brings forth an article posted by Sadhana and gives the following analysis. 

Rajiv MalhotraAugust 23, 2017 · 
The following article by an ISKCON insider was recently sent to me: https://www.sadhana.org/blog-1/2017/8/18/im-an-ambiguous-hindu 

The author is a Catholic-Hindu pursuing his PhD in Hinduism. The article is couched in a veneer of love for Hinduism. It is a long zig-zag tour wanting to reinterpret Hinduism. It has some good points, as well as statements that are contestable, or even outright false. He bottom line is the following conclusion:
"You must not only discard the shastras, you must deny their authority, as did Buddha and Nanak. You must have courage to tell the Hindus that what is wrong with them is their religion - the religion which has produced in them this notion of the sacredness of caste. Will you show that courage?" 

He refers to himself as a proud White Hindu.
The group Sadhana calls itself "Progressive Hinduism" which it defines as Leftist Hindu reformation to remove social abuses. Its core message includes: 

- Support for Wendy Doniger type of scholars, who are seen as heroes criticizing Hinduism's abuses in order to reform it.
- Criticisms of Hindus who expose Islamic oppression - calling them Islamophobic.
- Criticisms of "Hindu right", Hindutva, Hindu "triumphalism", etc...

Yet all this is asserted under the umbrella of being the true Hindus. The leaders include many Hindu acharyas in the NY area, some Hindu academicians (Anantanand Rambachan), the Hindu Chaplain at USC (Varun Soni), and a variety of Christians claiming to speak FOR Hinduism. 

Prof John J. Thatamanil is one of their top scholars as advisor. He is an influential author on Hinduism - a Christian with former Harvard experience. I have studied his works as part of my book project on how "Panentheism" has been used to digest core Hindu ideas into Catholicism. The ideas which have been rejected by Christianity for many centuries are being brought into a NEW variety of Christianity (especially Catholicism) in order to compete against Hinduism where it is the strongest. I would enjoy an open and friendly discussion with him.

Here is what the NYC Hindu Holidays campaign wants the Hindu community to know, the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign did spring into existence before the Diwali Coalition, the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign is a fully Hindu front, while the Diwali Coalition is an interfaith group.  There is nothing wrong with interfaith, but what many Hindus feel is that HAF has purposely snubbed and sidelined the NYC Hindu Campaign in order to put influence in the hands of so-called "progressive" Hindu groups like Sadhana. It should also be mentioned that HAF and the Diwali Coalition are not looking for holiday equity, meaning they are not pushing for two holidays such as Muslims, Jews and Christians have, HAF has shown no support for adding Holi to the NYC Hindu calendar, and perhaps that is because Holi is more purely Hindu and it not as useful for their "progressive" cause. Is this an attempt to hijack the Hindu narrative in American by hijacking Diwali? 

Rutgers Professor smears Hindutva with "Anti-Semitism"

Audrey Truschke is a professor of South Asian studies at Rutgers University, her area of expertise is the Mughal (Muslim rule) age in India. Truschke is a well known apologist for the Mughal era reign which saw countless genocides and pogroms against Hindus and the destruction of countless temples by Islamic purists. Audrey's asserts that modern day Hindutva seek to vilify the Mughals in order to advance their own nationalistic agenda for a Hindu state, which would resemble something close to a secular Vedic nationalism.

However, this week, Professor Truschke went beyond the pale of academic ethics and simple logic when she wrote an article for India Abroad entitled "Anti-Semitism of Hindu Nationalists" where she sought to link Hindutva with anti-Jewish sentiments. Her entire argument is based upon a few anti-semitic quotes made by some Hindu Nationalists and her own experience online receiving anti-Semitic tweets (even though Audrey is not Jewish). 

It was immediately obvious to not only Hindu Nationalists but the general Hindu community that Professor Truschke's assertion that Hindu Nationalism is in anyway anti-Semitic was not only absurd but a malicious smear campaign against not only Hindutva but also PM Modi, the RSS and the BJP all of which she mentions in her article. To sum it up, Truschke did nothing but obviously and brazenly single Hinduvta out among the religious nationalist movements of the world.

Truske's article is not only defensive of Jews but points to a growing intolerance in India against non-Hindus, implying that a Hindu state would be undesirable.  Truske seems to forget that Hindutva is not the only religious nationalist movement in the world, it's just the only one that is not acceptable.  Truschke is fully aware that Israel by its very definition is a "Jewish State" and that the treatment of and rhetoric against the Muslim Palestinians is certainly a point of international contention. She is also aware that there are close to 60 Islamic countries on earth, many of which have extremely persecutory laws against non-Muslims, however it is doubtful Truschke would argue negatively against Jewish or Islamic Nationalism, only Hindu Nationalism.

Than there is her accusation of anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is present everywhere in every country and in almost every political party.  There is not a single shred of evidence to support the idea that Hindutva is any more anti-Semitic than any other nationalist or even globalist movement alive today, and does Truske really believe she would experience any less anti-Semitism if she were dealing with the Muslim world? Don't we see both hardcore Leftists and Islamists making much more often more violent statements against Jews? Truske has turned a few personal attacks on her into a canard of anti-Jewish Hindutva.  This despite the fact that Hindu Nationalism has always historically had close ties and support for Zionism, not to mention Jews have lived in India unpersecuted for centuries. 

The treatment of Hindus of course under Mughal rule and under Islamic Pakistan and Bangladesh today is highly persecutory and institutionalized. Mughals mass murdered untold millions of Hindus, sex slaved countless more.  They taxed and enslaved them and shamed them and brutalized them. Today in Pakistan and Bangladesh Hindu girls are routinely kidnapped, raped, and married to a Muslims man, in Pakistan this "marriage" is almost always upheld by the Islamic courts. To cry anti-Semitism while negating one of the largest and most wicked genocidal regimes in history is quite frankly disgusting. 

Audrey has made it manifestly known in her writing and speeches that she believes modern Hindu Nationalists exaggerate the crimes of the Muslim Mughal rulers in order to bolster their own claim to a Hindu State today, but what she may be hiding is that her opposition is not against religious nationalism such as Zionism, but only Hindu nationalism, meaning it is Truschke who is anti-Hindu. Her most recent article was obviously a hit piece on Hinduism, the BJP and Modi whom will be up for reelection in 2019. 

NYC Diwali Press Conference: Senate bill introduced to make Diwali a school holiday

On November 4th, on behalf of the American Hindu Coalition and the Hindu Holidays Campaign, I joined the New American Voters Association (NAVA) & the Diwali Coalition for their press briefing outside the Divya Jyotish temple in Jamaica Queens, NY. The press conference was held to garner community support for the passage of Senate Bill S5304 and Assembly Bill A4331 which would establish Diwali as an official public holiday in New York. 

Diwali is a 5 day festival which begins on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Kartik and represents the triumph of light over dark and knowledge over ignorance. The festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama from his triumph over the king of Lanka, Ravanna. The celebration is marked by the lighting of candles along with general festivities and religious rituals. 

In 2007, the House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing the religious and historical significance of Diwali. The U.S. Postal Service also issued a Diwali commemorative stamp It should be noted that, In New York City, Diwali is a recognized holiday and every year alternate-side parking rules are suspended. In the New York City Council, Councilman Dromm introduced a resolution on July 24th, 2016 urging the Department of Education to approve the proposal to make Diwali an official school holiday. 

Among the speakers were State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly member David Weprin, Council members Donnavan Richard, Barry Grodenchick, Paul Vallone, Costa Constantinides, Democratic District leaders, Dr. Neeta Jain, and Richard David. 

Senator Leroy Comrie (Jamaica), “It is hard to overstate the many ways by which the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities contribute to our state,” said Senator Comrie. “I am proud to sponsor S.2401, which would fully declare Diwali a public holiday in New York State, a designation which is wholly deserved by our fellow New Yorkers who observe the holiday. I am fully committed to pushing for speedy passage of this bill in the coming legislative session. 

Assembly Member David I. Weprin (Hollis), "I'm happy to be a co-prime sponsor of the legislation to recognize Diwali as a public school holiday in the assembly, said Assemblyman David Weprin. I'm going to continue to fight to get the NYC Department of Education to recognize Diwali so no student will have to choose between celebrating with their family or their school obligations. 

Council Member Costa Constantinides,(Astoria), I want to wish good health to my Hindu brothers and sisters here in Queens — as well as around the world — as they celebrate Diwali this week,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, District 22. “This is a time to reflect, pray for prosperity in the year to come, and come together with one’s family. It should also remind us to respect all religions equally. I fully support making Diwali a New York City school holiday to ensure all children who celebrate the fesrival of lights do not have to choose between their religious observance and missing a day of school 

Council Member Paul Vallone (Bayside), Wishing a very happy Diwali to all those who celebrate the holiday! May the festival of lights brighten your lives with peace, prosperity, health and happiness. Celebrating the light outshining the darkness during these troubling times is of the utmost importance. As one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the city's Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities, I will fight to have the City give the holiday its proper recognition by establishing it as an official school holiday! Today's rally organized by the New American Voters Association shows the support the movement has and by standing together, we will achieve this goal!" 

Council Member Barry Grodenchik(Bellerose), "It is long past time that Diwali be recognized as an official New York City public school holiday. The 300,000 New Yorkers who celebrate Diwali should be able to celebrate it with their entire families without being forced to forgo sending their children to school." 

Democratic District Leader Richard David, Hinduism is global from the Caribbean to South Asia, and Diwali is among the most important holidays in this religion. Right here in New York City, with a large Hindu population, it’s time to recognize Diwali as a public school holiday. We must work together now to bring communities like these out of the shadows, increase tolerance and promote fairness.