The increasing number of young men and women following the traditional, religious and moral values of India is gratifying, says the Leader of one of the most significant religious movements of the world.
Parama Pujya Acharya Maharaj Shri Kaushalendra Prasadji said that second and third generation New Zealander Indians are active participants in religious and other activities of the Swaminarayan Temple (located in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe), affiliated to the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO), which has Chapters all over the world.
He is the seventh generation descendant of Lord Swaminarayan.
“Far from being just observers, our young men and women sing hymns, pray and listen to religious discourses with intent. I am also pleased to see them working as volunteers in the Temple,” he told Indian Newslink.
He said that while technology had taken great strides changing the lifestyles of people, these have reached a saturation point, encouraging people to reflect on the real values of life.
“The Internet, Facebook and Twitter have made communications instantaneous and interactive. These innovations have changed the way we live, work and behave but the question often raised is, ‘Have these enriched our lives?’ The quest for true happiness has motivated the young and the old to pause and reflect on whether we have achieved real progress. They are anxious to find their roots and promote social and moral values,” he said.
Stressful life
Acharya Maharaj said stress and tension had become synonymous with modern living and that people chase material benefits and comfort and soon become disillusioned. Like everything else, fashion, films, sports and all other forms of entertainment and amusement also have a saturation point, he said.
“In seeking inner happiness, people become aware of the need for social communion. The learning process continues and we often question whether we are doing the right thing,” he said.
Acharya Maharaj said it was important to be a human being first and perform one’s duty as a son, daughter, spouse and parent.
“What is the point in visiting temples or doing social work if one does not look after his or her own family?” he asked.
“Humanity and serving the human cause should begin at home. If you can’t be a good son or daughter at home, you cannot be a good citizen in the society.”
He said the Indian community in New Zealand understood the importance of family. People of other ethnicities marrying into Indian families are also keen to imbibe Indian culture, tradition and moral and social values, he said.
A way of life
Acharya Maharaj said it was natural that people living in their homeland to take ‘everything for granted.’ Indians living overseas evince greater interest in Indian way of life, religious and cultural values.
“Hinduism is not a religion. It is a way of life. It has withstood the test of time, community and social changes, technological advances and other developments. It teaches one to be a good human being, which is the core of all religions in the world,” he said.
Acharya Maharaj was in Auckland to participate in the third anniversary celebrations of the Swaminaryan Temple and related observances.
He paid tribute to Dr Kanti Patel, Chairman of the New Zealand Chapter of the ISSO, priests, officials and volunteers.
Apart from travelling to various parts of India and the world at the invitation of his devotees, Acharya Maharaj spends most of his time in visiting villages in India. He works with local authorities, ISSO members and others to lift the lot of the villagers by providing basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, education, health and other amenities.
