Bhaishri addressed Lohana Community about Religious Conversion in North London

On Friday 11th July 2008, the Gujarati community of North London was blessed to have the presence and hear the words of Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza. The discourse, hosted by the Lohana Community North London and Sanskruti Foundation UK, took place at the Swaminarayan Mandir in Stanmore and was attended by nearly 800 people many of which were youth.

Bhaishri gave a 90-minute informal discourse where he shared his views on the changing world. He said that change is definite in life, whether it is external change (bahya parivartan) or internal change (antarik parivartan). “That change can be either good or bad! We have to make sure we are able to recognise if that change is good or bad by constantly observing ourselves, our thoughts and our behaviour.”

Bhaishri spoke candidly about the issue of religious conversion which is a sensitive topic amongst the Hindu community in the UK, especially amongst the leaders. Addressing the youth sitting before him, Bhaishri said “Change is inevitable and necessary, but only in our everyday lives, not in our faith. Religion is meant to change YOU – YOU are not meant to change religion. Religious conversion is the most irreligious thing happening in the world today!”

Bhaishri said that people are too busy for others. They don’t spend time with their close loved ones or with themselves. “If anyone was to ask me what is my message to the world in this 21st century? – I would say just 2 words: SLOW DOWN!”

The audience felt a deep connection with Bhaishri and listened to his facets of advice with great attention. The event, which had been sponsored by the family of Sandipbhai Ruparelia, was a great success.

The audience felt a deep connection with Bhaishri and listened to his facets of advice with great attention. The event, which had been sponsored by the family of Sandipbhai Ruparelia, was a great success.