Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan - Transcript

R aksha Bandhan

Rakhi Raksha symbolizes a spirit of brotherhood and harmony amongst all sections of society irrespective of race religion and color On this auspicious occasion we inspire ourselves with the true spirit of service and sacrifice for the welfare of the society and find therein the highest spiritual fulfillment of human life

Mantra for Global Peace
Rakhi symbolizes a commitment to protect each

other
Rakhi reminds us to commit ourselves to our

community and to the righteousness
Rakhi develops cohesion in society Rakhi creates a spirit of selfless social service Rakhi imparts the highest spiritual fulfillment of human life

Origin of Raksha Bandhan
Ancient festival originated from Bhavishya Purana Initiation of new disciple by a Guru Brother Sister festival Congregational ceremonies in modern time Changing of Yagopavit Sravan Poornima

Social Aspects
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan is not limited to bother and sisters alone Rakhi is also tied on the wrists of policemen security personnel armed forces personnel other public officials and statesmen In return the public officials vow to protect the society and uphold justice and unparalleled zeal and vigor The sister brother relationship portrayed by the rakhi is far deeper than simply the brother protecting his sister It contains the basic message of universal brotherhood where everyone looks to each other as a brother and sister of a common global family

In the Hindu tradition the Raksha has assumed all aspects of protection of righteousness from the forces of evil It is not merely that the spirit of Raksha manifests itself on occasions of mortal peril to the life and honor of the beloved ones or to the society It is like the flow of bloodstream through every limb and organ of the body carrying strength and nourishment to every cell As a result even a small wound anywhere in the body is promptly attended to by the entire body Every other limb spontaneously sacrifices a part of its blood to heal that wound and keeps that organ healthy and strong

This mantra is often recited when tying a rakhi

Yena baddho balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah Tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala
I am tying a raksha to you similar to the one tied to Bali the poswerful king of demons Oh Raksha be firm do not waver

This is how the society can live and prosper amidst all kinds of challenges either from within or without A society imbued with this spirit will see to it that every one of it members is happy The Hindu concept of well being of the Universe has always been

Sarvepi sukhinassantu sarve santu niraamayaah Sarve bhadraani pashyantu maa kashchitt dukhabhaag bhavet
Let everyone be happy let everyone be free from all ills let everyone behold only the auspicious let no one be afflicted

The powers of intellect body material wealth and influence should be utilized for the uplift and service of others

Vidyaa vivaadaaya dhanam madaaya shaktih pareshaam parapeedanaaya Khalasya sadhorvipareetam etat jnaanaaya daanaaya cha rakshanaaya
For the wicked learning is for dry arguments wealth is for satisfying vanity and strength is for harassing others but in the case of holy men these are for imparting knowledge offering charity and protecting others

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS

Vishwa Dharma prakashena Vishwa shanti pravartake
To establish peace and harmony in the world by propagating eternal Time tested Hindu values

Today HSS celebrates Raksha Bahdhan as a festival celebrating the bond which we all share as sisters and brothers of the same global family

May the power of this bond protect us all

Guiding principles to the vision HINDU VALUES
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The whole world is one family

Ekam sat vipraah bahudhaa vadanti
Truth is one The wise describe it in different ways

Sarvepi Sukhinah Santu sarve santu niraamayaah
Let every one be happy Let every one be free from suffering Hinduism a way of life

BalaGokulam
http www balagokulam org


To facilitate children to

appreciate learn and practice the Hindu way of life To develop social awareness
Community Service Environment Protection

Activities
Stories Games Art Craft Yoga Meditation etc

Developing Values
Youth Conferences Hindu Heritage Camp Family Camps

Awareness programs
Awareness about Hindu Dharma
Through Lectures Seminar on Hinduism for

School Teachers

Exhibition on Contribution of

Hindus to humanity

Share the treasure
Hindu contributions to world
Yoga Ayurveda Medicine Science and Technology Music Food Pluralism

Social Service seva Projects
Social projects in

USA Help to Native Americans at
Lakota south Dakota Food for homeless Help local facilities like hospitals and homeless shelters

Inter Traditions Faiths meetings
Promote better understanding Seminars and meetings with leaders of ancient

traditions like Native American Mayan Pagans Jews African Americans Christian Zorastrians
NCCJ