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Sunday June 25, 2006 For the Encounter & Dialogue assignment I chose to visit the Vedanta Center of Washington DC because the Vedanta philosophy attracted me more than the other forms of Hindu philosophy. When reading about Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) in the textbook, I was impressed by one of his quotes: “Do not care for dogmas, or sects, or churches, or temples; they count for little compared with the essence of existence in each (person), which is spirituality…Earn that first, acquire that, and criticize no one, for all doctrines and creeds have some good in them”. Moreover; when discussing spirituality with a friend of mine in the Netherlands a few months ago, he told me about Advaita Vedanta and encouraged me to learn more about it because it would make sense to me, in his opinion, since he knew that I am on a spiritual search. Before visiting the center in Silver Spring, MD, I researched the Vedanta Center website and made an appointment to visit on Sunday morning. I was glad that a friend and fellow classmate agreed to come along since I felt nervous visiting such an unknown and most likely “strange” (so different from any church I have ever been in) place of worship.
In the middle of the altar was a large picture of Sri Ramakrishna, flanked by his wife Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) also called “Holy Mother”, and his disciple Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902). Beneath the pictures were smaller ones of the Goddess Kali, and Madonna and Child. Small statutes of Buddha, Vishnu, Siva, Rama, and Krishna were lined up in between the pictures. In front of the altar were objects used during worship such as incense, candles, bells, flowers and small food items. Light was filtering through the windows casting shadows on the picture-lined walls, contributing to the serene and peaceful atmosphere. Only a smattering of people was present (probably related to the stormy weather) sitting quietly; some seemed to be meditating or praying. The ceremony started with the congregation singing Sanskrit chants from a handout accompanied by soft music generated by several women in front playing the triangle, bells and a small organ. I tried to sing along but had a hard time reading the chants, although I am proud to say that about ¾ of the way through, I connected the written words with the chants and was able to actively participate. Then Swami A, an American monk, dressed in a long orange linen robe with a colored striped sash across his chest, started the sermon on Divine Play and Meditation. His voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of a foreign accent, and his smiling blue eyes looked directly into mine and into the others present. I don’t remember how long he spoke but the first part of the speech centered on the importance of realizing that our divine self is easily obscured by the importance we give to the life we live in. Life in the physical world is Lila (Divine Play) – like a sport or a play- that is not entirely real, he said. God is the actor, and each one of us play characters. However; if we are too deep into our role, we will forget that it is just a role giving the role too much importance; thereby losing track of reality. To counteract that we must reflect and contemplate on our divine self through meditation (Lila Yana) to control our minds (which is a challenge in itself). The second part of the speech centered on the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna who was the “Great Soul” of Lord Rama and Krishna, incarnated in Ramakrishna to lift up humankind. He was likened to Jesus Christ in terms of his mission. By giving devotion to Ramakrishna through devotional meditation and selfless practice, a higher consciousness can be reached. The sermon closed with some helpful hints on what we can do when the mind starts to wander during meditation through the use of visual imagery techniques. The speech was followed by a 20 minute meditation session. While starting my meditation, I reflected first on what I had heard. It made a lot of sense to me but I had difficulties with the devotion to Ramakrishna; that didn’t seem something I could wholeheartedly do given my Christian background. I was intrigued, however, and began to apply the mediation techniques I had just heard and after a while found myself reaching a quiet, peaceful state. A purple circular ball of light appeared between my closed eyes, dimly at first but steadily growing in intensity, until the gentle voice of Swami A. ended the session. I was surprised when looking around to see how many more people had filtered in during the ceremony, some dressed in colorful saris, and others in western clothes. I spoke with the woman next to me, Alicia, and asked her if they actually have worship services here. She explained that those services are at 8AM and 9PM. This clearly was not a traditional Hindu Temple and Alicia told me that it was actually a monastery with two resident monks, Swami A. and Swami Brahmarupananda. Swami B, a retired Indian Librarian, told me that the center opened 8 years ago and offered different kind of activities including worship services, readings and discussions, and meditation, to name a few. In addition, the center is actively involved in community service by volunteering in area homeless shelters and soup kitchens. I asked a Hindu woman named Nandini what the difference was between a traditional Hindu Temple and this Center and why she preferred coming here. She told me that within Hinduisms, as well as in religion in general, there are many different paths to the Truth and that one must take the path that suits one the most given one’s character, intellect and interests. In her case, worshipping the Gods in a temple did not appeal to her; she rather preferred the intellectual approach. This I could strongly relate to myself. I wondered if that was the reason why I felt so comfortable and interested in being there. Nandini invited me to her house in Vienna where the Center conducts studies on the Bhagavad-Gita Gait every Saturday afternoon. Since I picked the Bhagavad Gita as my primary text option, I intend to pick her up on her invitation within the next few weeks. After partaking in some food and drinks with the people present and in more conversations, I purchased a book on the life of Ramakrishna and a small book titled” The mind and its control”. Before leaving, Edgar took a few photographs with permission and we thanked Swami A and Swami B. They warmly welcomed us back anytime we wanted to. On reflection, the visit was a very positive experience. The people were friendly and not at all “pushy”, unlike some of my past experiences with Western denominations. I like the fact that the Vedanta ideology, based on the Upanishads, is broad minded and applicable to modern times. It emphasizes individual responsibility for spiritual growth and connection to the Divine, rather than believing and following a dogma blindly. Visiting the Center after studying Hinduism has deepened my interest and appreciation for Eastern Religions. I learned that we can change our own reality by changing our perception, which subsequently can lead to a more meaningful life and further spiritual growth. Not an easy thing to do I am sure - but an interesting concept nevertheless- and worthwhile to pursue if one has the strength and compulsion to do so. |
The trip getting there was a challenge in itself: Water was coming down in buckets;
gray clouds; rumbles of thunder; flashes of lightning; cars sliding about in standing water on the Beltway, but
by God’s grace we arrived in one piece. The Center is behind a regular looking house and looks
more like an interesting Country Inn than a temple. We were greeted by the resident swami, and
told that we would be welcome to attend a speech by Swami Aksharananda (Swami A) titled
“Contemplation on Divine Play”, followed by meditation and fellowship. After taking off our shoes,
we entered a large cathedral-ceilinged room filled with rows of chairs lined up before a simple but
beautiful wood-carved altar.
| Created by Laura Ellen Shulman |
Last updated: July 06, 2006
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