LEMONT, Ill.
Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago’s Maharudram Committee (MC) hosted the fourth in its “Rudra: Who Really is He?” series of preludes here at HTGC, June 1, toward the Maharudram grand event for universal peace, welfare, and prosperity that took place over the weekend of June 12. Guest speakers were Swamiji Advayatmananda Saraswati, Dharmaatma Dr. Yegnasubramanian and congressman Danny Davis, who were garlanded by MC chairman Lakshman Agadi and HTGC president Bhima Reddy. The Erhard musician family was honored by Srinivas Sarma, Prashant Sarma and Sanjeev Sarma. Dr. Sangita Rangala and Vikram Rangala were masters of ceremony.
Following a prayer by HTGC priest Krishnarajan, Advayatmananda performed the lamp lighting with assistance from Radha Ramanathan. Davis declared that if the world’s five-billion people interacted with each other, they would realize that all religions are preaching the same universal truth, resulting in a more peaceful tolerant world, which is most urgently needed..
Advayatmananda’s speech, titled “Yagna: Expression of our infinite Love for the limitless Lord” offered insights into the Vedantic concept of Ishwara (God) and the true nature and oneness of individuals. Inviting the Lord into our lives through various forms of devotion is to acknowledge daivam (providence) as the supreme power beyond our control. Generously bestowed by Ishwara, everything we have should be accepted with grace. Such self-surrender radically changes our approach to life.
Yegnasubramanian began his speech on “Sanatana Dharma” by quoting from Adi Sankaracharya’s “Crest-Jewel of Discrimination” (Viveka Choodamani) on the rarity of the privilege being born human, then to develop a craving for liberation, and third to enjoy the company of great souls. Only by attaining the knowledge of the Supreme Being, does one merit the title of Brahmin. While the ordinary doer (karmin) acts impelled by desire, the pure-minded karma yogi acts with a sense of duty as offering to the Lord. Yegnasubramanian recalled the Bhagavad Gita’s distinction of four types of devotees. The first prays only when in trouble, the second proactively for material benefits, the third out of loving devotion for peace of mind, and the supreme devotee from the realization of oneness with God. Mahayagnas are performed for universal welfare and collective peace of mind.
Sands Around Infinity then presented a concert that was a fusion of Indian devotional songs (bhajan) and western music with a twist of jazz.
Professor at University of Colorado College of Music, Paul Erhard, Ph.D., has adjudicated many prestigious double bass competitions in the U.S. and has studied both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music with Indian masters. His brilliant sons Jeffrey and Robert have also trained for many years in India through daily singing of bhajans and chanting of Vedas. In October 2014, Jeffrey and Robert recited Sri Rudram as an invocation for a multicultural conference. Their program included selections from their new CD, “Of Infinite Light” and included such compositions as “Hey Shyam Sundara,” “Chal Re Man” and ”Chitta Chora,” all in a wide variety of rhythms.