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PRESS RELEASE - SWAMI SHUDDANANDAJI LECTURE
From: jschul01@fiu.edu
A Swami from Calcutta, India
Spoke on Non-Duality at Florida International Univeristy
On Wednesday, May 24th at the University Park campus at Florida
International University, a small group of students gathered to hear a
lecture from an Indian swami. The event which was sponsored by the Hindu
Student Council (HSC) offered more than just a lecture, the Hindu group
also provied a free vegetarian lunch, lots of Hindu art work was on
display, books about the Hindu culture, and devotional songs which were
sungi by members of the Miami based "Hare Krsna" temple.
Jennifer Schulke, the president of HSC commented on the event by
saying, "The very fact that you see here today people of various
backgrounds and for that matter, the majority here being
non-Indian/non-Hindu shows you the fundamental meaning of what Hinduism
is; it is the worlds greatest culture in that it accepts everyone and
rejects no one". She went on further to say "all though the "Hare
Krishna" (correct name should be International Society for Krsna
Consciousness) devotees and Swami Shuddananda may have some differences
on some issues in their own beliefs, no one is at odds with each other,
both are able to accept lovingly the others belief system".
The event started off with memebers of the Hare Krishna temple
singing devotional songs and chanting the "Hare Krsna" mantra in which
they have become known for. The food was also provided by the Hare Krsna
devotees and included very tasty things like lasagana, custard pudding
and sweet potatoes. One of the devotees, Bhakta Paul said, "It is our
duty to help spread the message of the ancient Vedas, more importantly to
spread our love for Krsna, I am happy to be apart of this event".
The lecture started about 20 minutes late, but once it got
going the Bengali born Swami spoke to the audience as though it was a
friendly informal chat. He had a very unique ability to combine his well
spoken English language with other languages from India like Sanskrit and
Hindi. He emphasised the need for us to take the "labels" off, and
consider ourselves as part of the "oneness" or the "nonduality" in the
world. He went on to say "Materialism is for the billions or the masses,
while spiritualism is for the few", giving insight to why there is not a
hue and cry over the injustices of the world.
Swami Shuddananda the founder of the Lokenath Divine Life Mission
in India as well as America, ended his meeting with an informal
answer/question session, going so far as to picking people out of the
audience to comment on anything in their heart.
After the even was over many of the attending students mingled
and talked amongst themselves. Sabyasachi Ghoshray a doctoral student at
FIU said "I was spellbound by Swamiji's overwhelming ability to make
sense out of the day to day struggles we face, as a Hindu I am honoured
that HSC brought this speaker to our univeristy. But, I am ashamed the
many Indians students did not come to support a man from our Motherland.
I am truly though, impressed by the love and sincereity of the people who
put this event together, and that showed up to support Swamiji".
For further information regarding this event or any other HSC
events at FIU contact: Jennifer, 595-0907. HSC is an international forum
providing opportunities to learn about the Hindu Heritage. For more
information about HSC activites, write to HSC, 1233 Island Dr #204, Ann
Arbor, MI 48105. PH: (617)227-2023.
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A soul
in a Body - Struggling Jennifer Schulke
Florida International University
Department of Decision Science
Jaya Mata Di!~ Jschul01@fiu.edu
