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celina12

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Everything posted by celina12

  1. Lord Krishna is a Avatar of Shree Swaminarayan, Lord Swaminarayan is god supreme. Jai Swaminarayan
  2. http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2008/09/bihar/index.htm support BAPS mission for relief. Jai Swaminarayan!
  3. true, but there are more and more hindus who preach the dharma, there are many swaminarayan sects that do missions. I think there are certain branches of hinduism that have a bright future throughout the world.
  4. Sorry but who are you to speak to all of Hindu Dharma? Hinduism is not only for a chosen few! The reason why there is only one Hindu country in the world is because of Indian exclusivisim and collectivist mindset. Unwilling to spread dharma in an unrighteous would. Remember Lord Krishna's conversation with Arjuna? Sometimes you just have to fight....for your beliefs, country etc.... Indians are just a passive people and we've paid for it by having various rulers....the moghuls, the british etc... Even our Lord told us there's a time to fight for our beliefs in this world. Although some are content with being a slave. Our faith is valuable and has something to contribute to the world and that's why I actively spread Hindu dharma by preaching Lord Swaminarayan's word.
  5. so? and they have every right to? If you believe what you have is the ultimate truth, then why not share it? Hindus should do the same. people have have right to preach their beliefs, if you don't believe your faith is worth preaching and teaching to others, then maybe you should find something stronger to believe in.
  6. I think hindus should preach, their are some who do. And they have every right too. Who gives a crap, what the purposes of non-hindus are when preaching. If you believe in your faith as the truth, then you want to spread the truth to others. Hindus believe the same. It's only indian exclusivism, that keeps use from genuinely spreading our faith. So indians think that non-indians wouldn't know how to practice hinduism. That it's better left to indians, which is false. I think the Swaminarayan faith is very different in that reguard, we have an obligation to spread the name of Lord Swaminarayan far and wide and we take pride in that, if it's the truth then you shouldn't be afraid to tell it. There's nothing wrong with seeking converts to Hinduism, arguing about what "infidels" do is meaningless and a waste of time. We should be focusing on our mission. Some hindus are too introverted to the point of self-destruction. There's no crime in spreading our faith, we have the right and obligation upon us.
  7. I think as a hindu you should have faith in Hindu institution and follow them otherwise don't call yourself Hindu. The Guru to the Beatles died a few days ago. It was being discussed on an American show called "Real Time Bill Mahr" they were basically making fun of him. Calling him a phony and saying the Beatles should of spent theit time with Mother Theresa, instead. Calling the dumb for getting involved with Hinduism and Indian culture, these people were conservative christian guest. It's no good to true to be allies with people who think you are going to hell. If you are Hindu, you should be helping hinduism progress and spread, because your enemies won't. Jai Swaminarayan
  8. It depends which sect you follow, yes you can formally convert to Hinduism, it just depends on what tradition you come from. I wish people would stop this "you can't convert" or "you don't need to convert" junk. This Hinduism is dying to radical false religions, if some one comes here interested in hinduism, then this "hindu" forum should encourage them. On topic. I belong to BAPS Swaminarayan sanstha and there initiation paths, you just go to BAPS temple and talk to some their about converting, you'll get scripture and counseling about our faith. http://www.swaminarayan.org/
  9. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=550 align=center bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> M a j o r N e w s o f B A P S </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle> Vasant Panchmi and Patotsav Celebration, Auckland, New Zealand 17 Feb 2008 </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle> BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta featured in ARCHI-TECH Magazine 15 Feb 2008 </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle colSpan=2></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=125></TD><TD align=middle width=425> Vasant Panchmi Celebration, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Mayfair-West, Johannesburg, South Africa 10 Feb 2008 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  10. I agree with you. BAPS is part of hinduism and is doing a good job in spreading Hindu dharma around the world. That's the only thing that matters.
  11. you talking about it now, kes you a hypocrit.
  12. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=1000 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=1000 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=30 background=images/leftbg.gif> </TD><TD width=940> Amdavad, India Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania Kampala, Uganda Auckland, New Zealand Toronto, Canada Brampton - Toronto, Canada Etobicoke - Toronto, Canada Scarborough - Toronto, Canada New York, NY Delaware </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  13. I haven't heard that. were's the proof?
  14. your post is very true. Hindus do need to be more active in promoting their faith, at home and international. There are hindu groups that are doing that, BAPS included, but ever hindu organization can help.
  15. you complain about alot, but you never offer any solutions, what exacly do you want to happen?
  16. You keep missing the point and making sweeping generalizations. The system doesn't discriminate people do. VAD is just a system to structure society, if people choose to abuse or mis-use that system it doesn't change what the system is meant for. In VAD everybody has an important role to play, by being a contributive member of society, this in itself has nothing to do with elitism, there are four varnas each are important for a healthy functioning society. VAD system has nothing to do with abuse, their is social and racial discrimination of classes in the west, but it lacks VAD. So it's not the system, it's the people implimenting the system. All you have do is put laws and ordenaces in place to make sure the system can't be abused. Btw what is your ideal system, any system run by humans is corruptable, but what do you think works best? If the right people were in the right positions, like varna ashrama dharma proscribes, then there wouldn't be discrimination and abuse of power, because people would be in the positions they are most qualified for as per Dharma.
  17. Varnas -The four classes of society/The Original Caste System Hindu society has traditionally been divided into four classes, based on profession: the Brāhmanas (also anglicised as Brahmins): teachers and priests; the Kshatriyas: warriors, kings and administrators; the Vaishyas: farmers, merchants, herdsmen and businessmen; and the Shūdras: servants and labourers. Each of these classes was called a varna, and the system was called Varna Vyavasthā. Some say it is debatable whether the Varna Vyavasthā system is an integral part of Hinduism or not and whether or not it is strictly sanctioned by the scriptures. The Shruti texts make very rare mentions of this system, without providing explicit definitions. But the Bhagavad Gītā (4.13) explicitly mentions that the four varna divisions are created by Bhagavān, the Supreme Lord. And the Smriti texts (including the Manusmriti) are more explicit in their categorisation of the classes and framing rather strict rules about this system. During its early development, the social structure was based upon the profession. The Gītā (4.13) explicitly says that one's varna is to be understood from one's qualities and one's work, not one's birth. It is noteworthy that many great sages became Brahmins. Vishvāmitra was a Kshatriya king before he became recognized as a great Brahmin sage. Vālmiki, once a robber, became a great sage while Veda Vyāsa was the son of a fisherwoman. A hymn from the Rig Veda says : "I am a bard, my father is a physician, my mother's job is to grind the corn......" (Rig Veda 9.112.3). Though historians do not agree on the specific period, the social system later became hierarchical and based upon birth, leading to the evolution of several sub-castes (along with a class of outcastes — now known as Dalits — outside the Varna Vyavasthā) and the practice of social discrimination of the Shūdra and Dalit classes, eventually forming the caste system as we know of today. http://www.hinduwiki.com/index.php?title=Varnas The religious institution of Varna-ashrama Dharma is followed in most Vaishnava Sects of Hinduism. Varna is simply an occupational structure for society. In varna there are four tiers Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras. All are important for a functioning society. You determine your varna by your skills and ability. Not by birth or race. Brahmins are all religious clergy, gurus, saints, sadhus and the intellectual class(anyone with a Ph.D or graduates degree) etc......Kshatriya are the politicians, officers, soldiers etc....Vaishya are the business men, farmers, artists/painters/photographers etc... Shudras are the working class people to poor people. Those are the only four stations in varna ashrama dharma, there is nothing higher or lower. Whether a society labels these position the same or not , they still exist. Every functioning society must have these positions. In hinduism being in one of these stations doesn't carry any negative connotations. It's just something that exist. It's not race based or birth based, it's based on your skill/ability. That's not only fair it's practical, IMO. In Hinduism there is no Caste, but there is Varna, which is very different system. There is more mobility and evolution with varna ashrama dharma then there is with the static cultural implementation of caste system, which evolved from varna. But it's not the same system. British Empire: Articles: Britain and the Indian Caste System <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote --> Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>The word caste is not a word that is indigenous to India. It originates in the Portuguese word casta which means race,breed, race or lineage. However, during the 19th century, the term caste increasingly took on the connotations of the word race. Thus, from the very beginning of western contact with the subcontinent European constructions have been imposed on Indian systems and institutions. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  18. Also, BAPS temples service multiple functions, alot of charities and walk-a-thon events are held there. Some recently, infact. http://www.timeout.com/london/features/3961/Seven_wonders_of_London-BAPS_Shri_Swaninarayan_Hindu_Mandir.html <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=649 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#e8e8e8></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top height=20>BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Donates £12,000 to Breast Cancer Care, UK 20th October 2007 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=649 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#e8e8e8></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top height=20>BAPS volunteers set new world record at Brent Respect Festival for world’s largest finger painting: 16,400 square feet 8th July 2007 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  19. Guinness Bestows Two World Records on Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Amdavad, India <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=900 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=200> </TD><TD vAlign=bottom align=middle width=200> </TD><TD vAlign=bottom align=middle width=200> </TD><TD align=middle width=200> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> On 17 December 2007, Michael Whitty, official world record adjudicator and member of the management committee of Guinness World Records travelled especially to India to present two new world records to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international socio-spiritual organisation affiliated with the United Nations. The Guinness World Records Book is the biggest selling copyright book in history, with more than 100 million books sold around the world in more than 25 languages. This is the first time, though, that a senior member of the Guinness World Records management committee has personally travelled to India to present a World Record certificate. The presentation came on the occasion of His Holiness’ 87th birthday being celebrated as the culmination of the four-day BAPS Centenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  20. BAPS Centenary Celebrations: BAPS Children's Day - "Transforming Tomorrow ", Amdavad, India
  21. BAPS Centenary Celebrations: BAPS Woemn's Day - "Empowering Women", Amdavad, India 12 December 2007 Swamishri Arrives to Amdavad <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=875 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=67> </TD><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=67> </TD><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=68></TD><TD width=168> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=875 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=67> </TD><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=67> </TD><TD width=168> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=68> </TD><TD width=168> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD><TD align=middle></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
  22. Lord Swaminarayan promoted equality of the lower caste and believed in getting rid of discrimination against low caste and women. This is why blessed food(prasad) is distibuted to the poor as an act of service. And all caste worship together. || The Poor can Please God throught Shrddha || “Furthermore, it is not the case that God’s pleasure is bestowed only on those who offer bhakti with various articles and not upon the poor. Someone may be poor, but if he offers water, leaves, fruits and flowers to God with shraddhã, that is enough to please Him…” http://www.swaminarayan.org/vachanamrut/829.php BAPS builds mandirs all over the world, because they are the foundation for and God-centered society and more than a place of worship. Many community activities take place there along with many charity functions, look at Neasden temple it's more the a place of worship. Also, charity doesn't just begin and end in India there are places all over the world that need help. BAPS has a full time charity trust that completes many yearly mission activities. http://www.bapscharities.org/ As far as BAPS building temples why is this an issue with BAPS, no one questions when there are new churches, mosques that pop up for their followers, why the issue with BAPS. We have a right to build places of worship for our followers, you could always say money is better spent somewhere else. If that was the case the Bollywood shouldn't even exist, all of that money spent on movies should be given to some charity. Or why not blame indian billionaires, who don't give back to their community and spend $60 million dollars on a wedding. The point is India's poverty doesn't rest on the shoulders of BAPS. Charity and hand outs aren't gonna make India a first world country, more jobs, better infrastructure and better economic policies will. None of this is a issue that has anything to do with BAPS. We are interesting in building the spiritual foundation of India, the government and business world can handle the economic foundation. Peace.
  23. Whoever they elect, like it's been done since BAPS's beginning. And no, there is no infighting going on in BAPS that's the shree swaminarayan sampradaya.
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