Tattva June Edition

[Sudharsan D]

 

Tattva-An International Online Magazine for Youth, June 2009 Namaste,  In this edition of Tattva, we have a variety of articles, including one by a yoga teacher about the evolution of yoga in America and an article about the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. As Hindu Dharma is gaining awareness and appreciation outside Bharat, it is important for us as youth to reflect on our beliefs, practices, and experiences. With this in mind, the Tattva team is very pleased to announce its first-ever essay contest for youth. The contest is open to any and all youth between the ages of 15 and 30. Winning entries will be awarded cash prizes and essays will be published in the printed anniversary edition of Tattva! We look forward to receiving your essays. For a list of essay topics as well as additional contest guidelines, please visit www.hinduyuva.org/tattva-blog/contest.  Click here to read the June 2009 edition of Tattva. In This Issue: Tattva Essay Contest! The Rise of Yoga in America, by Ki McGraw They Say, by Sharath Kumar The Aim of Human Life, by Sai Santosh Kolluru Gandhi’s Renunciation of Fruits of Action, by Mahendra Mathur Attributes of a steady minded sage, by Shri Mrityunjayanand Tattva's essay contest for youth Tattva invites you to participate in its first-ever essay contest for youth! The contest is open to all those between the ages of 15 and 30. Winning entries will be awarded cash prizes and essays will be published in the printed anniversary edition of Tattva! There are a variety of essay topics for different age groups. The essays will be judged by a panel of nine judges, including eminent Hinduism scholars, writers, and social activists. The deadline for submitting essays is July 15, 2009. We look forward to receiving your essays. Please invite your qualifying friends and family members to participate as well. For a list of essay topics as well as additional contest guidelines, please visit www.hinduyuva.org/tattva-blog/contest The Rise of Yoga in America, by Ki McGraw My mother introduced me to yoga in 1970 in St. Louis, Missouri. As a divorced mother of two, she was a force of independent feminism and as such explored all radical alternatives including the ancient science of life. A nimble, nubile nine year old, I took to the postures with ease. I especially enjoyed the vision of my mother and her girlfriend in their purple and orange leotards and tights which they called their pumpkin suit and eggplant suit. Both of them were relaxed and full of lightheartedness as they cared for their body-mind-spirit. It was great to be allowed to tag along for that groovy grown up experience. Yoga continued for me at the end of my dance classes during our stretches. It was always my favorite part of dance. By the time I was 18, I was asked to teach the stretching part of dance classes for my friend who conducted the rest of the classes.... Read the full article Poetry: They Say, by Sharath Kumar This poem describes the anguish of a Hindu youth on how others are trying their best to convert Hindus. They say they respect everyone They say their philosophy harbours pillars of love, peace and universal brotherhood They say they do not want us to be like them And that people become like them only out of their own interest And all this I have found to be fibs For they think..deep in their heart that everyone other than them, will go to hell They look upon us and call us infidels They entice us to become like them by money,murder and any means available.... Read the full poem The Aim of Human Life, by Sai Santosh Kolluru “At present, human society is being misled by leaders who are blind, for they do not know the aim and objective of human life, which is self-realization and the reestablishment of our lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead…” –A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada-Founder/Acarya of ISKCON One can believe in God or not but this is for anyone who wants to know the true purpose of being a human. As humans we all believe deeply in our atomic soul that there is something that is running this universe, something that is running our daily lives and our activities. The things we did in the past, the things we do now, the mistakes we learn from, the motivation or thought that we must do something or something must be done for our own sake or for someone’s sake is vital. The truth is that we are all interconnected; when one proposes a thought in a discussion, someone else might be thinking the same thing, as basic as that thought might be…the forces of nature, the law of nature allow us as humans to bring all those likeminded together to achieve a feat or a goal. Those in a given profession, for example those in the medical field, regardless of where they are born, brought up, went to school, etc., are brought together by the laws of nature to one place to do one common good, perhaps in a particular situation to save someone’s life. Sometimes people discover an epiphany, “Perhaps this is why God has brought me here or this was my purpose.... Read the full article Gandhi’s Renunciation of Fruits of Action, by Mahendra Mathur Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was one of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of our century. He was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. After studying law in London, he returned to India in 1891 to practice. In 1893 he accepted a one year contract to do legal work in South Africa. At the time South Africa was controlled by the British. When he attempted to claim his rights as a British subject he was abused, and soon saw that all Indians suffered similar treatment. Gandhi stayed in South Africa for 21 years working to secure rights for Indian people. He developed a method of direct social action based upon the principles courage, nonviolence and truth called Satyagraha.Gandhi tried to lead a life as suggested by the Gita. What follows is his interpretation of that book.... Read the full article Attributes of a steady minded sage, by Shri Mrityunjayanand The Bhagwad Geeta is a seed scripture for all of mankind, as Sri Krishn has preached to Arjun about almost all the necessities needed for a seeker traveling on the path of true spiritualism. A few of the questions have been raised by Arjun himself to get his doubts clarified and almost all the remaining important factors are projected by Sri Krishn and answered in full length by him with metaphysical details for obtaining true knowledge. With a doubt in his mind, Arjun has asked Sri Krishn to let him know about the mark of the man who has attained the state of true meditation and equanimity of mind; how does such man with firm discrimination speak, sit, and walk? We will discuss these same questions in detail as preached by Sri Krishn in Bhagwad Geeta.... Read the full article About Tattva www.hinduyuva.org/tattva-blog Tattva is an international online monthly magazine, published by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s Hindu YUVA. Tattva, which means “essence” in Sanskrit, draws inspiration from the roots of Hindu Dharma. It aims to present inspiring aspects of ancient Hindu culture and history along with related current day issues. It is an avenue to gain a better understanding and appreciate the most ancient culture thriving on this planet. It also offers us an opportunity to share our ideas and inspire others...Learn more about Tattva To join our mailing list, please send an e-mail once to subscrib...@hinduyuva.org. Contact the editor at tattva...@hinduyuva.org.