Bhagavat Katha flows to Dar es Salam after more than a decade

Residents of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania were blessed with a rendition of the Shrimad Bhagavat by Pujya Bhaishri after more than a decade. Pujya Bhaishri’s Katha was well attended by devotees who had waited eagerly for a long time to be blessed by such an event.

Sanjaybhai Suchak had organised the katha under the auspices of Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha from 19th to 26th September 2007.

The Katha was matted with profound truths woven into present day experiences and bringing out the vagaries of modern life-style. From pointing out Narad muni’s visit to Dwarka to understand the Lord’s family life, Bhaishri also elaborated on the fact that relationships should not be based on ‘a desire’ to gain something from the other person. He remarked that it should not be ‘operative’ but ‘co-operative’ whereby one should support each other. Elaborating further he stated that the ladies of the house should be given their due respect since they offer their services to the family for twenty-four hours, seven days a week in comparison to the eight hours, five days a week by the men.

Bhaishri gave a very different perspective on Truth and clarified the point that Vasudevji did not sin while moving Krishna to Gokul in spite of his promise to Kansa. He put forward the point that Truth cannot be limited to words! As a matter of fact he said that Vasudevji protected Truth in the form of Krishna by offering his promise on the feet of the Lord. He gave the example of a lie to save someone’s life to be more Dharmik than a truth that causes harm. In fact, in cases where someone tries to be stubborn, it does not save Truth but encourages the development of pride.

Everyone enjoyed the elaborated and grand celebrations of Nandotsav, Rukmini Vivaha and Govardhan leela where Bhaishri captivated the crowd with riveting music renditions which progressed late into the night.

Bhaishri addressed two special sessions, one for youths and another for the non-gujarati speaking residents in Hindi, laced with English. The sessions were very well attended and Bhaishri primarily encouraged us to take pride in our Sanatan Dharma and our rich culture which has no parallel in the history of mankind. He inscribed the main characteristic of being tolerant and open-minded to various thoughts and reminded everyone that most of our scriptures are in the format of ‘question-answer’ sessions and usually start with a doubt raised by a seeker.

As Hindus, we are allowed to question and are free to have our own considered opinion. He gave the example of Charvak Samhita where the Rishi propounds a materialistic philosophy which contradicts some of the important tenets of our major scriptures. Both Astika and Nastika can surprisingly co-exist in Hinduism. The Buddha who rejected the authority of Vedas is revered as an incarnation. This rich and all encompassing ethos comes from a deep understanding that no one has a monopoly on Truth.

Bhaishri also made a swift tour of Zanzibar, the beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, where he was a state guest personally welcomed by the Chief Minister and the Minister for Culture, Information and Sports. He was taken to the various important historical sites and also found time for satsang at the temple there.