When will our Pandits become professionals?

JUST suppose that you have been walking on one particular track to reach your home or farm for a long, long time. Then one day, as you are walking you see a large snake in the middle of that track. What will you do? You may go another way, kill the snake, call someone to deal with the snake, or if you are brave walk right by that snake. Any action taken will depend on the individuals’ fear or knowledge of snakes.Emotions such as fear, anger, sense of identity, and knowledge will always influence our actions. How often are we mindful of our actions and whether they will produce the desired results?
Recently I read two letters in the Guyana Chronicle, one ‘Celebrating Vivekananda’ (September 9, 2014 by Pandit Charranlall Nandalall) and ‘Oh Krishna! We seek thy peace’ (September 13, 2014 penned by Cecil Ramkirath). I am at a loss to understand the relevance of the two letters since Hindus pray to Lord Krishna for peace and sustenance all the time. Save and except to say I must compliment Cecil Ramkirath for his poem. In the Mandirs the same thing happens. Nothing new. The pundits recited some Sanskrit verses that most of them do not understand, and which the congregation doesn’t understand. The sermon then is about telling successful persons how they should live their lives. I was told that I am a Buddhist who does not live according to the Vedas. Yet the Pandit who told me such bought one of the latest motor vehicles.
We can only be at peace when we practise loving our wives, husbands, children, relatives, and others as Krishna. Hindus spend too much time on costly poojas and pundits sing as though they are entertainers.
It is time to educate people. Mandirs must become places of greater fulfillment.
Having read ‘Celebrating Vivekananda’ in the Chronicle on September 9, 2014, I am unable to say if the letter was to inspire or enlighten readers. I have no problem with the contents of the letter, but like I said before, ‘What is the point?’ Still I give Panditji a passing grade for his research. He is the only Pandit who does a lot of writing.
Hinduism is known as the most tolerant Religion, but tolerance was never a sole reason for Hinduism’s triumph over foreign imperialism. Asserting this is not only incorrect, but also in disregard to personalities that played a definitive role in protecting Hindu Dharma and society.

Hindu Defeats and Triumphs (Advance History of modern India): Prithviraj Chauhan was the last brave but quixotic Hindu ruler of Delhi. In 1191, Mahmud Ghori and his Turkish army, well-versed in the art of deception conducted a raid against Tarain. Chauhan’s forces successfully repelled the attack, and Ghori was allowed to retreat unscathed. But in 1192, Ghori attacked Tarain again, and Chauhan was defeated, and the Islamic rule began. A Hindu ruler’s chivalry and forgiving heart cost India dearly.

In the 17th century, Chatrapati Shivaji reintroduced the idea of Swarajya into the beleaguered imagination of Hindu society. Shivaji began restoration of Hindu rule early on in his life. Capturing the Fortress of Torana was Shivaji’s first military success.

From that point on, Shivaji and his band of loyal Maratha warriors forged alliances with Hindu kings. They astutely employed guerrilla warfare tactics, and dealt devastating blows to Islamic rulers. Consistent attacks on crucial strongholds weakened the Munhall Empire. The Maratha rule expanded across considerable parts of North India, touching the Khyber Pass, and acquired imperial dimensions.

In the 19th century, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission. Swamiji traveled the length and breadth of India promoting the upliftment of the poorest sections of society. The Ramakrishna Mission helped a great deal in achieving this goal.
When will we ever have a National Hindu Organisation in Guyana? When will Hindu leaders become Guidance Councillors and Motivational Speakers? When will our Pandits become professionals?

PANDIT CHRISHNA PERSAUD, JP, FILS

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