‘The world is torn apart today by hate, greed, acrimony, corruption and other negativities. Where is the love?’ This was the question posed by Spiritual Head of SWAHA, His Holiness Paramacharya, Pt. HardeoPersad, as he delivered his Kartik Nahaan 2016 message to the huge crowd that gathered at TDC Resort Manzanilla to celebrate the occasion.
Kartik Nahaan is a major Hindu festival that marks the culmination of a series of month-long auspicious observances in which intense sacrifice and austerities are carried out for inner purification and enlightenment. At Manzanilla, collective worship was performed on the sea-shore by hundreds of devotees who joined with SWAHA members of the various centres and branches located throughout various communities in Trinidad. Devotees were led in worship by Paramacharyaji , Pt. Ishwar Madho Maharaj and other pundits with the chanting of Sanskrit mantras, kirtan and bhajan. Following this, a cleansing bath in the ocean was also done to signify inner purification.
In his address, the Spiritual Head reminded all that the cleansing bath should ensure the washing away of negativities from one’s life and the embracing of purity and all the attendant qualities that go with it. These should be the armour one should carry at all times as one moved forward in life. He reminded the congregation that the Divine is privy to every thought of ours, and a witness to all that is said and done and as such, purity and truth must be maintained at all times, not only at Kartik Nahaan. He offered the elixir of a successful life to all present by sharing the principle of truth, which is the force of cohesion that sustains life. From truth blessedness flows into one’s life, he maintained.
Pt. Balram Persad, in his delivery, provided a formula for the transformation of lives which is much needed worldwide. He implored all, ‘O people, just become a little more kind. It is the lack of this virtue that is creating havoc in our lives and in the world. It is the need of the hour in personal, family, environmental, civic and even political pursuits.’ Punditji outlined some benefits that accrue from being kind. These include good health and happiness, overcoming depression, increased productivity, improved mindfulness and a life filled with love and meaning.
A telling testimony of kindness was highlighted at the celebrations as Ms Bhanu Dwarika and her family made a donation of land in Debe for the establishment of a religious centre, Ayurveda Garden and a multi-purpose hall. Such a demonstration of kindness, Punditji remarked, creates positivity all around.
Pt. Maniedeo Persad also extolled the value of kindness as he commended Ms Dwarika on her generosity and pledged that SWAHA would indeed spread such a principle through the medium of the proposed establishment.
After intense attention to the outpourings by the various Spiritual Leaders of SWAHA on the need for inner resolve and re-commitment to living principled lives, devotees headed to the inviting waters of the ocean for the ritualistic bath, a symbolic act of inner cleansing.
As Kartik Nahaan celebrations concluded and devotees prepared for their homeward sojourn, a breeze of lightness, piety, harmony, peace and serenity wafted across the eastern air. It was as if Mother Nature was giving her message as well to all: ‘O people, recognise the Divine presence at all times. Practise sincerity and purity and allow the flow of blessedness into your lives and your environment.’
