Friday, October 31, 2008

Sri Gurudev's All Faiths Day Message


"More people have died in the name of God and religion than in all the wars and natural calamities. But, the real purpose of any religion is to educate us about our spiritual unity. It is time for us to recognize that there is one truth and many approaches. The basic cause for all the world problems is the lack of understanding of our spiritual unity. The need of the hour is to know, respect, love one another and to live as one global family. Our humble aim in building the LOTUS is to spread this message."
—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of LOTUS
These were Sri Gurudev’s words at the dedication of the L.O.T.U.S. Temple in America in 1986.

Here is some of Sri Gurudev’s advice and guidelines for Integral Yoga Ministers and Swamis. We try to follow these guidelines for the All Faiths Day event.
Behaviour Your behaviour is the key not only to setting a good example, but for your personal growth as well. Especially when in the public eye, maintain dignity and act with grace and ease. Needless to say, courtesy and consideration for others are of prime importance.
There should be a softness and gentleness in everything you do. Consider how you enter a room, answer the phone, how you sit, talk, how you close a door, etc..
Treatment of Guests “Athiti devo bhava” – the guest is God.
Foremost is to make guests feel that you really are concerned over their welfare and comfort. It’s always appropriate to ask if they are warm enough, have had enough to eat, etc.. A little forethought and care in setting up the space can also greatly enhance the feeling of welcome. You can set up candles, incense, flowers, extra cushions, etc..
Public Events & Ceremonies
It is important to always be aware that in performing any public function, we are simply acting as channels of Sri Gurudev’s grace. Open your mind and heart through constant loving remembrance of His presence within. Remember that in any situation when you wish to invoke God’s blessings, your personal mantra is always the most important and direct manifestation of Sri Gurudev’s energy which is readily available to you.

Presenting Integral Yoga to the Public Since it is likely that you will be conducting the All Faiths ceremony in situations where many might be unfamiliar with Integral Yoga, it is important to present a clear picture.
Here are some suggestions as to how you could present Integral Yoga clearly and simply.
The essential teachings of Yoga are the same as the fundamentals of all religions.
Yoga recognizes oneness in all faiths while honouring the differences.
All paths are respected as valid.
When asked about the difference between Integral Yoga and other paths, it is often best to emphasise the points upon which the paths agree, rather than the differences.
It’s alright to admit that you are not an expert on all paths! Just simply explain the Integral Yoga point of view as best you can. Integral Yoga is not something new. As Sri Gurudev has said, “Integral Yoga is just old wine in new bottles”.
Here are 4 principle ideas that Sri Gurudev has used in defining yoga:
The restraint of the modifications of the mindstuff is yoga – Patanjali.
Equanimity of mind is yoga – Bhagavad Gita
Yoga is perfection in action – Bhagavad Gita
The goal of yoga is to have an easeful body, a peaceful mind and a useful life – Sri Gurudev
The following 3 points form the basis common to all religions and therefore are the basis of yoga:
1. By nature we are divine or images of God.
2. To experience our true nature we need to purify the heart. “Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they shall see God”.
3. To achieve that purity of heart we should renounce our selfishness and learn to lead a dedicated life of service. Yoga brings the much needed purity of heart to experience God within ourselves.
Do not disturb another’s faith. Integral Yoga practices do not conflict with any religion or spiritual path.
Be sensitive to the person and the situation. Find the common ground. Yoga is not just eastern or from India. It recognizes the universal experience of life anywhere. Wherever there is dedication, sacrifice, concentration and worship of God, there is yoga – regardless of its labels. In that sense there have always been yogis by other names in every walk of life and everywhere in the world.
The teachings of Integral Yoga should be given only when asked. It is not that you should withold the teachings, but it is important not to overwhelm the person when they may have been asking only a casual question. Give them the opportunity to show their sincerity and eagerness.
Altar set-up If at all possible the altar should face south or west. Flowers are appropriate to use wherever suitable. Use of the 12 symbols to represent all religions is recommended. Arrange the symbols around the altar in order of historical appearance – Hinduism, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, African religions, Native American religions, all other faiths known and all faiths unknown.
Images of various deities are acceptable, however Sri Gurudev and Master Sivananda should have the prominent places. All pictures should be properly framed and laid on a clean cloth. Photos and images of Sri Gurudev, Master Sivananda and any other saint should be treated with the utmost respect at all times.
Altar Etiquette You should always feel that God is present on the altar and act accordingly with great respect and reverence. Always bow to the altar upon entering a temple, church, etc. Acknowledge God’s presence first before anything else.
Altar Lay Out The Yantra should be central at the back of the altar. The single white candle should be in front of the Yantra and central to the altar. Picture of Sri Gurudev should be on the left of the Yantra and Master Sivanandaji to the right.
Any puja utensils can be kept together on a tray near the altar with a bowl of flower petals and incense holder and incense.
May the All Faiths Day celebration unite the entire world in peace and universal love.
Jai Sri Satguru Maharajki!
JAI!




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