By Amitabh Sharma
{IMG:537} Atlanta: "Peace and Unity" was the electrifying message of the day at Atlanta Vedic Temple celebrating the 7th Annual Samveda Mahayajnya on April 22, 2007. A large gathering, representing multiple South East Asian Communities (Indians, Nepalese, Guyanese) including ISKON had gathered early morning to perform the unique Mahayajnya. It was a unique congregation, because of the simultaneous 28 Havans (agnihotras) under one roof, compared to normally one havan generally performed at any one time. The essence of agnihotra is a personal sacrifice to cause peace to others in the world. It also raises the health of mind, body and soul.
With the increasing unrest and wars in the world, it was an enormous task undertaken by Atlanta Vedic Temple, to try the powers of a unique Mahayajnya for steering peace, and tranquility in all regions of the world, whether it be a nation, or a community or a school or a family or within one-self. The day started early at 8:00 AM with the emotional Vedic Geets and Prabhat Ferri (sunrise march) followed by Aum flag hoisting by Arya Veer Dal (children) and Chief guest Mr. Brant Jackson, president of Atlanta Theosophical Society. After welcome address by the President, in which he thanked all gathered united under one roof for a noble cause, irrespective of beliefs or status, the main Yajnya started under the guidance of visiting Acharya Shridhar Premchand from Houston and Atlanta Vedic Temple’s Acharya Naresh Vachaspati and Shri Vishnu Arya. The unique yajnya proceeded flawlessly and simultaneously at all 28 Havan Kunds. The Vedic Hymns started with Dainic Mantras, followed by Samved Mantras. Acharyas explained the meaning of mantras and their connection with the message of peace and unity.
Acharya Shridhar Premchandji from Houston in his discourse, gave forceful and mesmerizing remarks. His emotional body language and convincing voice awed the audience: "Oh God, let peace rain from all directions". "Be proud of being a Hindu, which stood for Humanity, Integrity, Nobility, Divinity, Unity. "Unless, there is a unity, there is no peace." "Stand united for peace" "Unity is life", "Division is death", "Be proud of Vedic Philosophy", "This earth is a Dharma-Kshetra and a Karma-Kshetra", "As a Hindu, it is your duty to perform Karma today, as if you are leaving this earth tomorrow". Acharya Nareshji in his discourse described the life as a puzzle, which could be made simple or over-complicated. It is up to the person to try or not to try a sincere effort to uncomplicate the miseries within one-self and others. It is upto the person to appreciate and understand the value of life.
The chief guest speaker Dr. Brant Jackson explained the powers of mind and consequences. He spoke of the quantum field, which is hypothesized to be the source of energy, information, form and consciousness. The consciousness has the amazing power on another subject at any distance. The human consciousness, similar to the quantum field, has the ability to focus on another person and aid the healing process mentally or physically. The Mahayajnya ended with Shantee Path, Aartee followed by Bhoj (lunch). During lunch, some noted with pride the Atlanta Vedic Temple’s inocuous attempt undertaking a non-violent method for peace similar to the other two centers in Atlanta (Gandhi and Martin Luther King centers).
Source: United Hindu Front
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