VISHWA HINDU PARISHAD KURLA
Vision
A dynamic, vibrant Hindu Society inspired by the eternal values of Dharma, and the lofty ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning, The entire creation is one family. Dynamic - A society that is moving with the times, nay, verily pushing the envelop of time, ever radiating the timeless wisdom of the Rishis in every act, every achievement, every endeavor. A society
that is the master of all sciences, technologies and arts that are known, and yet to be known, to humankind. A society that is boldly experimenting, exploring, discovering and personally experiencing and validating all aspects of the Truth manifested in the universe as it unfolds outside and within us. A society that is fearless, strong, courageous and mighty. Vibrant - Not a stagnant society but one full of energy and vigor, nurturing the ideas, creativity and aspirations of every member, big and small. A healthy, prosperous society, adorned by the twin jewels of arts and music, beaming with joy and confidence that comes only from abundance. A society that is forever alert and vigilant! Mission
Prachar - Raise Awareness
• Promote Unity amongst Hindus through a network of Parishad chapters and like-minded organizations.
• Represent Hindu Interest through various forums.
• Raise Hindu Awareness through seminars, conferences, publications, media, audio-visual aids
Seva - Serve the Community
• Provide Community Service to people in distress or need without consideration of race, religion or nationality.
• Build a Team of Parishad members for community service through a strong portfolio of programs and projects. Samskar - Cultivate Hindu Values
• Cultivate a spirit of self respect for our way of life, our environment, our Dharma Gurus and institutions and respect for the people of all colors, creeds, races and religions.
• Create opportunities for imbibing Hindu Values, Hindu Scriptures and Hindu Heritage through Bal Vihars, Camps, Family Retreats, Hindu Community Centers and Educational Institutions. Sampark - Network
• Establish Worldwide Contacts with Hindus institutions, temples and people through projects and programs focusing on Hindu interests.
• Bridge communities and people of all faith.
• Raise Funds for Parishad Mission. Who is a Hindu? According to the VHP, Hindus are all those who believe, practice, or respect the spiritual and religious principles and practices having roots in Bharat. Thus Hindu includes Jains, Buddhas, Sikhs and Dharmic people, worldwide, of many different sects within the Hindu ethos. The word Hindu is a civilizational term expressed as Hindu culture or “Sanskriti.” And the word Dharma includes religious practices only as a subset. The parishad welcomes and respects people of non-Indian origin who consider themselves Hindus as defined above. Bhagwa Dhwaj (Saffron Flag of the Hindus)
Bhagwa Dhwaj, one of the great Hindu symbols, signifies sacrifice, knowledge, purity and service. The Bhagwa Dhwaj is the eternal symbol of Hindu culture and Dharma. It adorns every ashram, every temple, the army of Chatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and the chariots of Sri Ram, Sri Krishna and Arjuna. It stands forDharma, wealth, advancement, glory, knowledge and detachment. The combination of these six aspirations is "Bhagwa." The color of the flag is Saffron. It is the color of FIRE - its flames. The fire is a great purifier, the eternal witness of all Yagnas, of all the offerings. It inspires the greatest of all human values, sacrifice, the very essence of Hindu Dharma. The the color reminds us of the orange hue around the rising Sun, that dispels darkness and radiates light all around. It beckon us to shake of our lethargy (Arise, Awake!), and get down to our duty. The Sun burns throughout the day, silently sacrificing itself, thereby, giving life to all creatures on this planet, without demanding anything in return. And as it sets, it teaches us to have no expectations, no regrets; just ceaselessly (nitya and akhand) render service to all creatures. Its shape consists of two triangles: the upper being shorter than the lower one. The triangles represent the rising flames of the burning fire. The flames rise upwards only - those rising from the bottom being the longest. They teach us to "rise above and become better always." The shape of the Bhagwa has another significance: diversity, acceptance, harmony and mutual respect. The small and the large portions remind us that duality, contrast, inequality, diversity are inevitable. For harmonious existence there must be sharing, respect and cooperation - the burden must always be on the big to support the small. The Bhagwa has been the silent witness of our long history. In its folds resides the images, the memories, the tapas of our ancestors, our Rishis, our Mothers. It is our greatest Guru, our Guide, inspiring us forever to live the life full of sublime virtues based on sacrifice, dedication, purity and service. Vat Vrikhsha - The Glory of Hindu Sanskriti (Heritage)
A beautiful poem in Hindi that captures so succinctly the core of Hindu Sanskriti - symbolized here as a Vat-Vriksha (the Banyan tree). Hindu Sanskriti Ke Vat Vishaal
Teri Choti Nabh Chooti Hai, Teri Jad Pahunch Rahi Paataal. Hindu Sanskriti Ke Vat Vishaal. (1)
Jaane Kitne Hi Surya-yodaya, Madhyanh Asta Se Tu Khela
Jaane Kitne Toofano Ko, Tune Nij Jeevan Mein Jhela
Kitnee Kirnoan Se Lipati Hai, Teri Shakhayein Daal Daal. (2)
Jane Kitne Priya Jeevoan Ne, Tujhme Nij Needa Basaya Hai
Jane Kitne Yaatri-Ganda Ne, Aa Rain Basera Paaya Hai
Kitne Sharnagat Pooj Rahe, Tera Udaartam Antaraal. (3)
Kucch Dushtoan Ne Jad Bhi Khodi, Shakha Todi, Patte Kheenche
Phir Kayee Vidheshi Tattvoan Ke, Visha Se Jad Ke Tukade Seenche
Par Saphal Aaj Tak Nahin Hui, Un Moodh Janoan Ki Kutil Chaal. (4)
An-Gin Shakhayen Badhati Hain, Dharti Me Mool Pakadti Hain
Ho Antar-vishta Samashti Sama, Ve Tera Poshan Karti Hain
Tujhme Aisee Hee Mil Jaati, Jaise Sagar Mein
Sarit Maal Hindu Sanskriti Ke Vat Vishaal. (5)
Unmukta Hua, Laharata Rah, Chaaya Amrit Barsata Rah
O, Jag Ke Priya Vat-vriksha Sada, Santaano Ko Sar Saata Rah
Jag Me Sab Se Unchaa Deekhe, Shraddha-spad, Tera Bhavya Bhal
Hindu Sanskriti Ke Vat Vishaal. (6)
VHP Philosophy
Guiding Principles of VHP
These principles are enunciated in the most ancient spiritual literature called Vedas, considered by many as the eternal source of spiritual and secular knowledge for humanity[1].
1. ‘Truth is One, Sages call It by different names”- The unity or oneness of the destination (or goal) of human existence with diversity of means not only easily accepted but considered necessary[2].
2. “This whole world that has moving things, and which itself is moving, is pervaded by one and the same Lord”- The unity of one Spirit in the diversity of nature is captured in this verse[3].
3. “For the kind-hearted people of character, the entire creation is one interconnected family.” This captures the essence of universal brotherhood and harmony among people and with the environment[4].
4. “Let all be happy, let all be healthy, let all experience goodness, let sorrows be no one’s lot” - A Hindu does not ask God only for his own, his family’s, his community’s or his nation’s happiness, but he prays for the happiness of the entire creation[5]. We believe that one who takes these as guiding principles in one’s life can not but be secular, non-violent and without bias or bigotry of any kind. Thus, respect for diversity, peaceful and harmonious coexistence with people of different cultures and faiths is the heart and soul of Hindu Dharma (values and codes of conduct). Consequently, Hindu psyche can never be communal, exclusive, fundamentalist, violative of any religious freedoms. To emphasize that these are not merely nice words of expression to conveniently use in appropriate places and at proper times, Hindus have actually practiced and lived by these principles throughout their long history. People of different faiths – Jews, Christians, Parsees, Muslims and others who were persecuted in their own lands have come and settled in India during last several hundred years[6]. Even today, India is a multi-cultural, secular and a flourishing democracy because of the open and generous outlook of majority Hindus. Objectives and Activities of VHP of America
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) of America is a non-profit organization legally registered in USA and has been working with the Hindu community here since 1970. The main objectives of VHPA are:
1. To educate our next generations about the great human values as envisaged by our ancient sages and seers so they can learn and assimilate the best from both Eastern and Western cultures and become responsible, contributing citizens of their adopted land as well as of the world.
2. To provide a forum that looks out for and addresses Hindu interests in USA.
3. Help minimize the misconceptions and misinformation about Hinduism that may exist for whatever reason so that a meaningful, harmonious and mutually respectful coexistence is possible among people of diverse faiths, traditions and cultures.
4. To provide humanitarian and relief services regardless of race, religion, color, creed, place or any other differences. In the last 44 years, VHPA has undertaken over 40 different initiatives and programs towards the fulfillment of the above objectives
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[1] There is a lot more that can be said about Hinduism – its philosophy, its traditions, its rich culture and history, its vast literature but we believe that the important points relevant to the present discussion are captured in the above four axioms.
[2] “Ekam Sat Viprah bahudha Vadanti” in Sanskrit, and alternatively also as “God is One paths to attain It are many.” Hence, t
