Arya Samaj

Sunita · Arya Ladies Forum Moderator Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 567

Namaste guys,

What are some of the things we can do to promote Arya Samaj and Veda?

Many people in North America do not know about us....do u think that our leaders are doing enough to promote Veda?

Have your say!

Sunita.

Shishya · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:20 am Post subject:

Namaste Sunita,

A very good topic! Very Happy

Are our leaders doing enough? In my opinion: absolutely not. The current leadership is focused almost purely on maintaining the status quo as well as possible, which they see as residing primarily in the education and integration of the next generation of Arya youth. Now, I have nothing against such work per say. But such things are never going to help realize the mission of the Arya Samaj: Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam.

What can we do? What shouldn't we be doing??? I could go off on a rant, but will restrain myself in the hopes of putting that energy towards a more organized list of possibilities in the near future. Very Happy

_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Sunita · Arya Ladies Forum Moderator Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 567

I think if we take our bhajans/geet to the next step, we can advertise better. We have some great vocalist all over the world that don't get a chance to hit it big.

If we focus on getting some new tunes in a devotional tone....it will be great. Almost every bhajan in the Atma Geet is sung from a movie tune...which is not a bad idea....but we can go beyond that......With the technology we have today...we can even start on focussing on kids cartoons....create a series of shows that can teach our children veda etc.

There are many newsletter being sent to arya samajist all over the world. It focuses on Swamiji teachings or events coming up. I do believe that more can be done to help families in their day to day lives. Its wonderful to know that there are mandirs who help the poor etc.....but parenting is a big issue. Its very important that parents should use the right techniques to discipline or punish a child. For generations our ancestors had passed down a tradition...we need to filter some things and implement a non-voilience attitude.

Ashtangi · Freshman Member Joined: 27 May 2006 Posts: 23

Namaste, All.

I hesitate to use the word "advertise" because of its negative meaning. All it really means is that a seller wants to let potential buyers know about a product or service. Of course, the Dharma isn't a product. It's sad that it has to be sold like one.

In order for the message to reach Western (and Western influenced) minds, that's what we'll have to do. Shishya was right: Yoga is the Dharma's "Trojan Horse". We need to integrate Arya Samaj beliefs into mainstream yoga. One way to do that is with (I'm sorry to say) celebrity spokespeople.

Yoga in the West isn't immune to popular culture influences. I know people who had never heard of Ashtanga until Madonna started her practice. No, I'm not suggesting we ask her to join Smile

.

There are stars in the yoga community. Sri K Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar are the biggest. But neither of them is an Arya (rumor has it that the former won't accept food or drink that has been touched by a Dalit). However, there are others like Shiva Rea, JJ Gormley, and Seane Corn.
If we can attract someone like tham, and advertise in the better yoga magazines, we'll be off to a good start.
_________________
Om Shanti

Ashtangi

Shishya · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:30 am Post subject:

Namaste Sunita and Ashtangi,

I think it is vital that the Arya Samaj first focus on the fundamentals - which means getting reliable translations of the Vedas and other important works like the Satyarth Prakash in bookstores and online. What good does it do to tell people to read the Vedas when the only translations they can find are those written by 19th Century Englishmen mostly concerned with maintaining their nation's hold over India? This must be the foremost task of all Aryas.

There are good, reliable translations by Vedic scholars out there. But they can only be ordered per post or over the internet from India. This needs to change - the sooner the better, in my opinion. Maybe someone should start a donation fund to have good translations made here in the West or to have Indian books shipped over for resale. Any ideas?
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Sunita · Arya Ladies Forum Moderator Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 567

I had never read all the religious texts to come to such conclusions. WOW Shishya! good point. We do need an excellent team to work together to accomplish such goal.

Prabhat · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:30 am Post subject:

i ones wrote an email to discovery. why dont they make a programe of the Arya Samaj. i got back a very smal email. we are now busy with other documentarie.

And here in Holland the 75% of the Suriname hindoes are sanathan believers.

Shishya · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:13 am Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

The media has shown very little interest in the Arya Samaj - which is surprising considering it's pivotal role in Indian history and the important work it has done and continues to do for the good of society. But then again, the media only seems interested in scandal and tragedy these days. Confused

I am curious to find out more information about the situation in Holland. The only Dutch language Arya Samaj site I know of is: http://www.aryasamaj.nl/. And that's only one page with apparently nothing else. The only address I have been able to find is:

Vaidek Arya Samaj Amsterdam
Gouden Leeuw 210, 1103 KD
Amsterdam ZO, Holland
Contact: Andre Bhola
Federation Arya Samaj Nederlands 2562 CZ
The Hague, Holland
Tel: 070-3451652

Is there a Mandir in Holland that you know of? Can you tell us anything about the situation there?
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:45 pm Post subject:

I will try in my best English.

In Holland, there are a few Arya Samaj mandirs to go to. It is mostly in old shops where they make the mandirs. The sanathans have more like schools so that's much bigger.

There are not many Aryas here; our cummunity is smaller. The sanathan have a bigger community.

The pandits over here do all the things an Arya pandit should do - from birth to death.

Were I came from, Suriname (S. America), they made a nice Arya Dewaker mandir (http://www.dbsuriname.com/archief/nat/2006/febr06/13-02-06/Nat_Grootse%20herdenking%20geboortedag%20Swami%20Dayanand%20en%205%20jaar%20hoofdmandir%20Arya%20Dewaker.asp)

Try to see the pic. It is a few years old now.

Arya pandits are collecting money for making an Arya mandir over here in Holland.

So in small details have you more question, please ask.
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Namaste,
Prabhat

Shishya · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:06 pm Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

Is there any Arya literature available in Dutch? Has the Satyarth Prakash been translated yet? Do you know if there are any plans to do so in the future? Is the Dutch Arya Samaj Community doing anything to spread the message of Vaidik Dharm to others?

Thanks for all the information.
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:46 pm Post subject:

Namaste.

no no no.
its a pity, i would like the Satya Prakash in dutch. but ther is no one who wil translate it.

they want the book to be as originel as it is. you have some arya mandirs who teach hindi. and ther are a lot op youngsters who is willing to learn. i think thats why the ar not translating it.
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Namaste,
Prabhat

Shishya · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:44 pm Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

Indeed, that is a pity.

I think it's good that people of Indian background want their children to learn Hindi. Any translation, regardless of how good it may be, cannot replace reading Satyarth Prakash in the original. But what about everyone else? Reading the original may be a goal, but it would be foolish of a Prachar to expect the various peoples of the world to learn Hindi (or even English) as a prerequisite to being introduced to the Wisdom of the Vedas.

Swamiji's mission - which we have inherited - is "Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam". I think the time has come to expand beyond the self-imposed boundaries of language and nationality and to strive forward in the fulfillment of this mission. And that means translating the Satyarth Prakash and similar works into any and all languages. Of course, we cannot forget the primacy of the original - it will remain as the source and fountainhead of all translations. But if we want to spread Vaidik Dharm in the world - and not just among Hindi-speakers - I see no way other than to make Vedic Wisdom available in many languages.
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject:

i agree with you. But who is it going to do. most people would give ther one intrepatation. and how can you now it is the truth.

thats why Muslims never translate the koran, and children have to learn. i think thats a great thing. it a pity we dont do that with our children.
_________________
Namaste,
Prabhat

Shishya · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:14 pm Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

You are right. Tranlsations can never capture the exact meaning of the original. But then again, no written text can capture perfectly the intent of the author in all cases, either. And the Muslims are a perfect example. They all have the same Koran in Arabic, yet they still argue over the meaning of it's words. Such problems can never be eliminated entirely.

At the same time, while the Muslims say the Koran can only be truely understood in Arabic, that has not completely stopped them from translating it into other languages. However, they are always sure that any authorized translation always has the Arabic side-by-side with the translation itself. That way, the reader can always make reference to the original in case of difficulties or questions. I think this is a smart approach, and one that could also be applied to the Satyarth Prakash with success. Besides, it would also make Hindi more approachable for non-Indians. Anyone with a good Hindi dictionary would be able to determine the quality of the translation for themselves. What do you think?
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:19 pm Post subject:

wel it would help me. because i cant read hindi. and my poor englisch can be better.
so yes i would like it.
_________________
Namaste,
Prabhat

Shishya · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:35 pm Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

If others agree, perhaps a petitioned letter to the Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha would be in order, requesting an official decision on the matter. I know that Dr. Satish Prakash has written a new English translation of the Satyarth Prakash. Perhaps he would be willing to cooperate? I will make a note of it and, when the time is right, see if we can get the ball rolling in the right direction. Wink

_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:38 pm Post subject:

wha Shis, that would be nice.

but is there nothing on the inet to find, abouth it.
_________________
Namaste,
Prabhat

Shishya · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:43 pm Post subject:

Namaste Prabhat,

Yes, for some reason Dr. Satish has not yet widely advertised his new translation. But I know he is also planning to translate the Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika in the next few years. Together with his recently released Arya Sanskaar Pradeep (his translation of the Sanskaar Vidhi), this will form a powerful trilogy for spreading Vaidik Dharm. (You can see a small add for this book by clicking here.)
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Prabhat · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject:

need more time te read it and to understeand. but in time i wil do that.

thanks. Wink

_________________
Namaste,
Prabhat

Sunita · Arya Ladies Forum Moderator Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 567

There is a need to teach Hindi and Sanskrit to every Hindu. Dr Satishji from New York has a method to make u speak hindi in 3 days. He have these lessons online. I am interested to learn but i never got in the right time or i am not sure if u have to subscribe to this.Perhaps, Shishya can help me here.

The best advice i can give is don't pay a translator to make the Satyarth Prakash in Dutch. Its better if we can all teach our children and grandchildren of tomorrow our mother-tongue language.
_________________
Namaste!

(1) If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it. William Arthur Ward

(2) The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.John Dewey:

(3) Andre Gide: Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.

Shishya · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:04 am Post subject:

Namaste Sunita,

But that's where the problem lies, no? Not all of us have Hindi as our mother tongue. And as the Arya Samaj continues to grow, there will be more and more non-Hindi speaking Aryas. The case of Wreston Charles Ankoh from Ghana is a prime example. (Click here for the article.)

I am definately for learning Sanskrit. I think ideally all Aryas should learn this language. And I have no problem with individuals of Indian heritage wanting to teach their children Hindi. But to make all Aryas learn Hindi would present more of a hinderance to the future growth of the Samaj than an advantage. Look at the Sikhs, for example. They made Punjabi mandatory and as a result, Sikhism has never really spread beyond the boundaries of Punjab, and more than likely never will. To make Hindi manadatory in any way would instantly turn the Arya Samaj into an Indian religion instead of what it truly is: a universal way of life.
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Shyena · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:22 am Post subject:

Before bothering ourselves with the west, why not we first make those of our own country aware of the facts?

Sunita · Arya Ladies Forum Moderator Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 567

Good point Shishya.

I am still thinking about other ways to promote Arya Samaj.
_________________
Namaste!

(1) If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it. William Arthur Ward

(2) The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.John Dewey:

(3) Andre Gide: Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.

Shishya · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject:

Namaste PD,

Shyena · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:32 am Post subject:

Namaste Shishya,

What you said is right, no matter how distasteful it unfortunately is. If we're to aim in the foreign, the main focus should be NRI's - I'm an NRI myself, and fact remains that they're more devotional and religious than those in india thanks to pseudo-secularists and commmunists...

About giving a true alternative to christianity and islam - please rephrase! The abrahamic religions are incapable of solving their own logical contradictions, let alone arya samaj..