Sep 15, 2013

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Cleveland's Dharma and Yoga Fest

Cleveland Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh's Dharma and Yoga Fest 2013
For Asian Indians of Cleveland and Akron, the local branch of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is organizing a Dharma and Yoga Fest on September 22, 2013 at Beachwood Community Center from 2 PM to 5 PM.  This HSS event's goal is to promote universal peace through Dharma and Yoga.

The event is a celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda.  Swami Vivekananda was born Narendra Nath Datta on January 12, 1863 near Kolkata, India.  He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.  If there is one man that Hindus, or a person of any other religion would like/want/need to investigate, it is Swami Vivekananda's.  His philosophy is profound, sustainable and universal. 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family, ideally/theoretically/utopian (vasudhaiva kutumbakam) and conducts educational activities across the United States in order to promote this message.  The Mahatma Gandhian vision of holistic development and respect for all forms of life (human, animal and plant); nonviolent conflict resolution are thought to be an extension of the ancient Indian concept of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.  Again this is a ideal/theoretical/utopian/conceptual vision and has little to do with present and foreseeable ground conditions in India.  

Planned activities during this event include:
  • Meditation
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Discourses
  • Yoga
  • Workshops on Dharma and Yoga 
 
Beachwood Community Center is located at 25325 Fairmount Blvd in Beachwood.  For additional information, contact clevelandhss@gmail.com or 216-375-6691 or 216-288-8340 or 224-392-9768.  Local sponsors of this event, as noted today, are Bamboo Garden, Indian Flames, Udupi Restaurant/ Lakshmi Grocers and Sunny Auto Repairs.

All humans are forms of the divine. The goal of human life is to manifest this divinity within, do it by 
  1. work (Karma Yoga), or 
  2. worship (Bhakti Yoga), or
  3. philosophy (Dhyana Yoga) or 
  4. psychic control (Raja yoga), or 
a combination of these, and be free.  This is the whole of religion, said Swami Vivekananda.  No other Hindu monk has summarized the concept of Vedanta has eloquently as Swami Vivekananda has.  Remember it as WWPP and if there is one thing that you should teach your children, it is this.  Finally, some of Swami Vivekananda's ideas should be taken in the proper context and not transplanted to the present time.     

Sep 10, 2013

India Fest USA To Felicitate Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Leader

R. Balasubramaniam, Committee President of Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana to be recognized at Cleveland India Fest USA at Independence Middle School

Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival at Cleveland State University
  • Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival is the largest Indian classical music festival outside of India. 
  • Named after Kakarla Tyagabrahmam, one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music (music of Southern India).
  • Thyagaraja compositions are mostly about the Hindu God, Ram.
  • Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival was first celebrated in 1978.
  • Number of attendees at Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana = 8,000
  • Usually held around Easter every year.  
Perhaps the biggest benefit of living in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio is the opportunity to attend Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival at Cleveland State University campus in downtown Cleveland.

The super awesome president of the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Committee Mr. R. Balasubramaniam is to be recognized at the India Fest USA to be held on September 14, 2013 at Independence Middle School in Cleveland area.  Mr. Balasubramaniam is the man who has worked tirelessly in arranging tours of Carnatic musicians and dancers in India.