Taylor Clementi who died had the audacity to bring a stranger to his room while asking his roommate to step out. How come he had no opportunity to discuss the situation with his parents or friends? It is sad kids grow up in isolation in this country with all the comforts while parents let their kids go astray in the name of independence. Relative lack of connection, communication and counselling by his parents in preventing the suicidal thoughts are as much to blame here than any one else.

Dharun’s interview on ABC 20/20 clearly shows he had no hatred towards his room mate. He may have made some mistakes, but does not deserve this harsh punishment. It is time for you to act and support Dharun Ravi – Sign the White House Petition : http://wh.gov/NM1 today, We need 18500 signatures by April 2nd week.

Visit http://defenddharunravi.com/DefendDharun/Confirmation.asp

Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2pDgj1VcbY

IACA Atlanta

While many blame the Hindu Caste System for its ills and recent economic liberalization as its savior, lack of deeper understanding of India could lead to misconceptions among our youth and also about Indians in general.

Yes, it is true Indian society is based on a caste system which originated as a way for efficient division of labor (knowledge workers, Warriors, Traders and Service providers).  There was freedom to change their affiliation and it was based on GUNAS and not birth during the Vedic times.  Being a knowledge worker or a warrior was not an easy choice and required more disciplined and arduous work. As such you will see lesser % ge of these groups. The outcasts out of the 4 major caste groups of India (dalits) is not mentioned in any of our puranas (legends).  Caste system was further extended as people moved across the country and adapted to different vocations. It was again beneficial to train younger apprentices with the knowledge within family circles. These social convenience and need to retain culture lead to myriads of castes in India. Because of these close knit circles, many people survived and succeeded in expanding their numbers, helping India become a populous country.

No wonder people who lived in tribal areas and those who were outcasts (dalits) were documented in later history, but there are ample examples of their fair treatment and how religion treats divinity in every being irrespective of their origin or state. eg. Check this video of Chandala and Adi Shankara.

Growth of  outcasts was a result of few vested interests in later centuries that discriminated and reduced them to subhuman conditions. Money lenders indebted them to servitude for life. This has happened in every part of the world. Do you think our GE Capital, Bank of America, City Bank or any of these Payday Loan vendors any different in putting people to perennial debt and servitude?

India has made enormous progress in bringing social changes. Southern States have been forerunners in this area for nearly a century. Economic growth is spearheading the changes and Hindu Caste system is nothing to do in inhibiting this change. An outcast cobbler could have developed a shoe store just like NORDSTROM SHOES in USA, if there were enough rich people who could afford to buy shoes in India.

by Jayaram Yeredanamane in Detroit:
Deepavali or Diwali, popularly known as the “festival of lights, the awareness of the inner light” (TAMASO MA JYOTIRGAMAYA), is one of the most important festivals of the year.
The name “Diwali” is a contraction of “Deepavali” (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into “row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dīpas) in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the victory of good over evil.

Lakshmi Puja:
Deepavali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day.

1. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan.

2. The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the demon king Bali. On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.

As per spiritual references, on this day “Lakshmi-panchayatan” enters the Universe. Vishnu, Indra, Kubera, Gajendra and Lakshmi are elements of this “panchayatan” (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are mentioned below.

1. Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.
2. Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
3. Kubera: Wealth (generosity; one who shares wealth)
4. Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
5. Gajendra: Carries the wealth

Deepavali significance as per Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra, the festival celebrated for five days signifies the following:

1. FIRST DAY: starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year.

2. SECOND DAY: Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

3. THIRD DAY: Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf “VAMANA” the fifth incarnation from dashavatara, conquered the Bali, and banished him to Patala.

4. FOURTH DAY: It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there.

5. FIFTH DAY: The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

Check this special video which shows one day in the year, the tradition in Sringeri to decorate the temple with all the royal gifts and the Guru wearing the royal robes offered by various kings and worship the Goddess Sharada Devi.

We were very fortunate to perform our son’s Brahmopadesha at Sringeri Mutt in 2002. Check out this video that includes the vedic recitals by rithviks and the Jagadguru worshipping Lord Chandramouleeshwara.