 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 1 Session 8D Inter-Racial Marriages Procedures and policies to welcome/initiate willing individuals into the Vedic/Hindu fold Acharya Darshanand Ramdass Ph.D. Arya Spiritual Center September 11-13, 2009

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 2 Objectives What roles Mandirs can play in welcoming individuals in the Vedic/Hindu fold? From a Vedic/Hindu perspective, it is key to understand our vision of humanity. A verse from Yajur Veda says: O Omnipotent Being! May everyone see me with a friendly eye. May I see everyone one with a friendly eye. May we see each other with eyes of friendliness (36-18).

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 3 Vedic Vision Om – The Divine addresses us as humans in another Yajur Veda (26-2) mantra “I have uttered this beneficial wisdom of the Veda for the entire humanity”. In numerous mantras, the divine addresses the human race. There is no mention of race, ethnicity, skin color and so on. Moreover, the basis of a strong family is mutual compatibility in terms of guna – characteristics, qualities, karma – career paths, life style choices, choice of actions, and swabhaava – dispositions, temperament (Maharshi Dayanand). Note, no mention of race, ethnicity etc. here as well.

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 4 Procedures to Welcome As propagators of Vedic/Hindu Dharma, we encourage and welcome others who willingly want to adopt the Vedic/Hindu fold. Our texts (rituals, bhajans) have transliteration for those who are not versed with Devanagari (Most Indian children are not familiar with it as well). People who want to convert from their current belief system participate in a simple havan (Shuddhi) ceremony and change their names. Some special mantras are chanted in addition to the regular mantras. One mantra from Yajur Veda reads. O Wise Scholar! Whatever improper actions we did in the village, the forest, the assembly, with our senses and mind, with the working class, business people, and with anyone anywhere, you have the capability to purify us; please do purify us (20-17).

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 5 Welcoming Attitude We should see and treat other individuals as human beings We should welcome those who do not want to convert, but are willing to learn as long they show interest and sincerity It is important to understand the motivation of others who seek to adopt and learn Vedic/Hindu beliefs and way of life Encourage your children and colleagues at work to participate in the temple’s activities so they can have a direct experience

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 6 Temple’s Responsibility Temples should be flexible in accommodating willing individuals who sincerely want to adopt Vedic/Hindu fold Temples should educate them in our way of life, belief system, sacred ceremonies, and so on. Children should encourage their friends to join them at various functions in the temple, home etc., so that others may gain a direct experience of various traditions and rituals. We have to accommodate those who do not speak Hindi or other Indian languages. Therefore, our texts should have English translation and transliteration of Sanskrit mantras and bhajans.

 Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 7 Conclusion What are the procedures/policies in place to allow willing individuals to adopt the Vedic/Hindu fold? A simple havan ceremony is performed and the old name is changed to a Sanskrit name. Should we accept others if our children choose to marry them? Yes, based on common values if one goal is a successful marriage. A verse from Atharva Veda inspires us: O all powerful Divine One! Inspire this couple to live here in this world like sparrows. May this benevolent couple enjoy the joys of this world and longevity with their children (14, 64).