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By Seori Autar |
Why Dharma? And what is Dharma anyway? In the Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna speaks in minute details about Dharma -- the individual's duty and purpose in life.
The International event of 2000 plus attendees from all over the world explained the definition and method of Dharma via its noble intent - which was put forth by eloquent presenters and speakers from various Yogic and Pan-Hindu sub-cultures.
"Principles of Dharma will help you to strike the golden balance of your rights and duties," said Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, India's Human Resource Development Minister, a Special Guest at the Conference. And even New Jersey Governor James McGreevey knew what Dharma meant when he opened the session saying, 'Dharma is the law of the universe, and of life, mind and consciousness you must be the change that you want to see in this world.'
The event was inaugurated by NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and also presided by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a prominent spiritual head from Bharat, India.
Each day, panels on faiths and traditions including Representatives from Jewish, Native American, African, Zorastharian faiths presented on various pertinent topics. Speakers such as Author Dr. David Frawley spoke on whether "moksha" is adharmic, Stephen Knapp on "spirituality in everyday life," Jeffrey Armstrong on "personalities of the Mahabharata," Yvette C Rosser on "misconceptions of dharma," Professor Subhash Kak on "consciousness, cognition and quantum theory," Andy Fraenkel on creativity and sacred story-telling, while YoungWolf spoke on the Native American experience. There was also an interesting discussion on "Spirituality in the Workplace" by panelist, Debashish Chatterjee probing into how to find deeper meaning in one's job.
Yoga workshops beginning at 7:00 am were conducted by renowned experts like Drs. Raghuram and Nivedita Joshi who expounded on "combating stress" and "the relevance of Yoga to the individual's health."
A media savvy event where many Authors, Dharma Committee members and speakers were interviewed via video, the 3-day Conference was covered by TV Asia and a dedicated documentary team headed by Award Winning Documentary Director and Editor, Ricardo Lobo.
Interestingly, all the presenters viewed Dharma in various lights, drawing from specific fields of study. During a video interview, Author and Vedic Scholar, Stephen Knapp explained about Dharma saying, 'Dharma is the spiritual principle which applies to the being and is beyond religion or temporary designations. It is the reawakening of our connection with the planet and the Divine. When societies lose their foundations in reality, they lead us into adharmic ways. Knapp said it is natural to ask questions, about who we are and the need to identify why Dharma is applicable. It helps you to deal with depression, by finding out your true identity.' 'The Dharmic path entails understanding death as well as life,' according to Knapp.
Award winning Cherokee artist, S.D.YoungWolf spoke about the importance of oral traditions told from stories. He pointed that stories which tell of consequences of ego and pride affects us subconsciously and that the way we live in the world denotes 'Dharma.' He said, "the revival of native cultures stem from problems arising from adharmic ways and disrespect for life."
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula's definition of dharma is "the coexistence among humans for betterment of human society." "To coexist means to open your mind to things that are beyond the laws of physics," Chivukula said.
Jeffrey Armstrong's definition of Dharma entailed that of evolutionary action -which is harmonious, progressive, successful and blissful established in complete brain cohesion.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati spoke eloquently about the need to remove the mask of ignorance about oneself in order to usher in righteousness and peace into one's life. He said Dharma means, "the removal of ignorance to elevate oneself to a state where it becomes impossible to do what we all know inherently we should not do lie, cheat or harm anyone - all human ills."
Art of Living (AOL) proponent, Nitin Limaye presented cohesive workshops on stress-releasing techniques for the body and mind. "Once the individual is peaceful, his environment will also be at peace," Limaye said.
Other vibrant speakers included Anand Shah, head of Indicorps, a volunteer organization of India. Shah recounted that 'a common belief in the effort to understand ourselves is what triggers a search for the meaning of Dharma.Indians must understand what they mean to India.'
Author Deepak Chopra, Kiran Bedi, (Bihar's Police Chief,) Brother Reuben Thuku (African Elder Tradition), Dr. Rita Sherma and Anju Bhargava (Women Psychology) also spoke on topics in their specific fields, each one showing how Dharmic ways are compatible with harmonious living.
Many will remember the event for its musical contribution as well. Apache Indian stole audiences' hearts with his performance on Friday Night. Then renowned Tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain, Violinists, Shankar and Ginger together with percussionist, Shivamani played together to create an enticing musical fete that lasted into Saturday night. This was followed by an impressive presentation of Sanskrit based music duos by two blondes known as the Shanti-Shanti sisters who literally took the audience by surprise when they began chanting Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Upanishads.
Hindu Students from the Caribbean, Trinidad and Guyana also graced the event including Mr. Omarnath Bissoon, Secretary of University of Guyana Hindu Society, UGHS and Ms. Nalini Ramdass, Treasurer of UGHS. I was honored to speak with Mr. Bissoon - who said that he was impressed to observe a conference of this magnitude and was saddened that other members of the University missed the event. He hopes that this would be a regular affair providing opportunities for the youth and wider Hindu Communities. Ms. Ramdass observed, 'it was refreshing to learn that scholars spoke from wide backgrounds on the belief of Dharma'
But perhaps one of the Conference's sweet delight was a video cast speech by the President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, speaking straight from his Office in India to the curious and pleasantly surprised audience on becoming 'enlightened citizens.' He said that peace and harmony will prevail only when the ego is dissolved and you have developed a sense of righteousness in the heart - seeing the world as no different from you." Like a father, Dr. Kalam said, 'Indians must contribute to a happy, prosperous and peaceful India.'