THIS is in reference to a letter written by Mr. Harry Udho, of Bronx, NY (July 29th 2009), and also so many other “enlightened” souls who have written on the topic of Hinduism and Pandits. I hereby express my views. 

Firstly, we need stop expressing negative views on religion itself (especially Hinduism). It is indeed very disturbing when one ridicules and expresses negative views about any religion. If anyone is to be blamed for any problem, then it is ourselves and not religion. 

Secondly, in addressing the issue of teaching Hindus on their religion:

Mr. Udho, if one desires to learn Mathematics, he certainly wouldn’t find too much help from a Music teacher. Neither would he get any help, sitting down at home doing nothing, when there are a million opportunities out there for him to learn Mathematics, for example at a school.

Similarly, there are many priests, schools, mandirs, camps, gurus, etc. out there that teach about Satya Sanaatan Dharma (Hinduism), but many of us would rather not go out and seek help. 

One of the easiest places to learn of your religion, including how to do pooja, is the mandir; but for many, that’s a boring place. All we do is complain: this person doesn’t sing nice, that person doesn’t know what he is talking about; this Pandit should have done that, the pooja takes too long, etc… but we never make a real effort to learn! 

I am knowledgeable of many Hindu priests who are currently, every single day, working tediously to spread the message of their Dharma worldwide; but I also know of many of my brothers and sisters who are too lazy to make an effort to learn it. 

Mr. Udho, you are waiting for a priest to respond favorably to your call?

Wake up my brother, we have; we have been doing so many years now. 

One of the main tendencies of man is that he loves to blame others when things do not go right, when he’s in problems and difficult times; and that is what many of us are doing today. We blame everyone but ourselves for the mess we are in. 

Also, like Pt. Balbhadar Ji, who, so truthfully expounded on Astrology in Hinduism (Patra or Panchaanga), I too would like to remind all my Hindu brothers and sisters to stop wasting your hard earned money! There is no pandit or priest of any religion out there, who heals himself when he has major problems, especially physical ones. Hinduism is such a wonderful religion! And we ought to know it; after all, it belongs to everyone! 

Which is why I once again say to everyone, that we are doing our part…we are, as ambassadors of Satya Sanaatan Dharma, doing the best we can to share knowledge to the world; it is just the world’s duty, to reciprocate. 

If you don’t believe me, Mr. Udho, you can visit my Temple in Queens, NY where, together with many other ambassadors of Hinduism, I try my best to teach religion in such a way, that it relates to our everyday lives. 

Right now, I am expounding on the Shri Raam Charitamaanas (The Lake containing Exploits of Shri Raam). It is this very text that I use as authority when I remind all my brothers and sisters to re-think who they turn to in times of sickness. Our Belief and our faith in God will move mountains. And the truth i, it’s all only possible because of God. And the fact remains that we need to see a doctor when we have an illness. The Priests do! I do; I can promise you that! Doctors are another form the powers and wonder of supreme energy, as us the power of knowledge.  

Infect, through the use of that same Shri Raam Charitamaanas I previously mentioned, we learnt in Mandir that:

when Lakshman was struck by an arrow (Shakti Baan) shot by Meghnaad, a Physician (Doctor) was fetched from the city of Lankaa to take care of him! 

They had the option of calling upon many great sages and saints, but they did not. Because there was a great lesson to be learnt…especially for the people of today. And so, if you would like to learn more, please do attend your Mandirs, Temples, Yagyas, Poojas, Satsangh, etc…You cant expect the Pandit to come to your home all the time? And even then, there are many Pandits and enlightened souls of Hinduism who travel home to home, to spread the love and teachings of our Great Religion; but even then, we hide from them, and many scorn them…as if to say that they are beggars at our doors. Little do we realize, we are the seekers, and they are the givers! You want to blame the priests for your own mistakes? It is easy to throw blame my friends, but would make you a better human if you own up to your own actions. 

Granted there are corrupt individuals out there, but they are not only found in Hinduism as many would like to make it seem. There are corrupt individuals in every religion in the world. In effect, in every profession, in every country, in every town, every village, there is at least one corrupt individual. It is our duty to recognize them and stop supporting them; and if possible, help them to reform.  

Look at the news nowadays and you will see that not only do we have corrupt Priests in Hinduism, but all other religions as well; so most undoubtedly, you should stop complaining and try to help the problem. Those who do wrong will get the same in return. 

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” 

Many people love to go in the wrong directions in life, and when the results come by, they blame others; and what’s even more sad…many blame God! 

Once again, I would like to remind you Mr. Udho that not only are we, as priests, trying our hardest and utmost to propagate our religion and teach our brothers and sisters of it…but we are doing so every single day! Stop complaining, throwing wrongful thoughts, and get up and go to the Mandir, or place of knowledge. Buy some texts of the religion; and if you happen to not understand something…seek the help of the Teacher. Don’t sit at home and wonder when He or She will stop by to explain it to you.

Also, I am encouraging my Hindu brothers and sisters to wake up to the call of your own Priests! Support your Dharma, learn your religion, and do not support those who would try to go contrary to it; do not mistake tradition for religion my friends. You have worked very hard for you money, use it to buy the things you need for yourself and family. That will make things better! That is what your religion teaches you; spread love and peace in your family and world wide, and always love God! 

If we plant a seed, and do not water it and take care of the soil and such, we will not get too much from it. Such is every single action we perform; so we need to wake up and…(as Pandit Kishun Singh {Baab} used to say)…as the clock goes “tick, tick, tick”, do what you have to do “quick, quick, quick”. 
Jai Shri Raam!
PANDIT DIPAK RAMBHAROSE (AJAY)
Hindu Priest & Missionary