America 250 Marked with Grand Celebrations at Irvine Hindu Mandir

 

 

City of Irvine (located in the south of Los Angeles) with multi- cultural population of over 300,000 has the oldest and most popular unique Irvine Hindu Mandir. Yes, this Mandir is “of, by and for’ the devotees, there’s no private or group interest at all. This experimental model is working well. The self-motivated hands- on volunteer team doesn’t seek any name, fame or comfort.

 

This multi deities Mandir serves devotees from all regions, traditions, languages, backgrounds and ages to learn, practice and experience eternal dharma practices. This Mandir does much more besides the essential basic services so the devotees directly connect with their select personal deities to address and redress what’s in their mind.

Yes, this Mandir celebrated America 250 on 11th July on a grand scale because America is our adopted or birth land ( karmbhoomi or janmbhoomi). The over an hour event was inaugurated by Mayor Larry Agran and Councilor Melinda Liu, cheered by over 130 attendees including staffers. Home cooked veg lunch served in community setting.

The entire parking area and the inside of Mandir was decorated with “108” USA flags. The invitees lit the traditional lamp, the rising flame signifies “Lead me from unreal to Real, from darkness to light, from mortality to the knowledge of immortality “. All took Pledge of Allegiance and the beautiful rendition of Star- spangled banner followed by welcome classical Carnatic song. The BharatNatya by two well trained colorfully attired youth artists received standing ovation. A slideshow depicted how Hindu and American Constitution values align, then handed a short write up on Mandir and a published poem “My America”. Pundits recited and explained blessing the land and people. After brief intro the Mayor was honored with ceremonial headgear ( Mysore pheta) and Councilor with a colorful handcrafted purse, and both with customary shawl . Both addressed the audience and answered questions. Proclamation from the office of Congressman CA-47 Dave Minh was also read out. Few youth spoke to express their experiences, joy and pride being Hindu Americans.

 

During the tour, the underlying simplicity and freedom in Hindu dharma was briefly introduced. The concept and practice of One (not two or more ever) all -pervading formless universal supreme consciousness without any attributes referred as Parmatma or Brahman was explained. Even though it is so simple and straightforward, we humans always seek to satisfy our senses. So, images and forms evolved over “10000” years, examples: thoughts are drawn in two dimensional artworks and scripts. These iconic forms with many desired attributes inspire us to aspire for these qualities, recall the multitasking mothers. Such manifestations are known as Bhagwan, that’s why you see multiple deities. This is personification of divinity and vice versa. The inert body, emotional mind, assertional ego and rational intelligence all are activated by the same inner sentience. This is logical with liberty of thought and personal freedom with no outside entity to interfere at all.

 

The opportunity presented the families to have photo session . Mayor was highly impressed that he would announce the event in the City Council.

And it wasn’t just all good talk, there’s real blood donation drive ongoing.

This report is submitted to encourage Hindu American community.

Long live my America. God bless America.

(Submitted by Suresh Lohiya)