Some Aspects of Hinduism (Lectures Delivered At California)

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Gujarati Literary Academy had held the international Gujarati Linguistic Forum on 29th, 30th April and 1st May of 2000 at Bedford, Britain. In those days I was at London, as a chairman of “Sanskrit University Formation Committee” of the Gujarat State. I was on a mission to meet scholars, educationalists and literary personalities of the various fields together opinion and seek advice for a new Sanskrit University. I was invited by Mr. Vipulbhai Kalyani to attend the International Gujarati Linguistic Forum.

Mr. Prafullbhai Amin was in the chair and I was forced to participate in a debate as some statements were made about Sanskrit language and culture. As soon as I stepped down. Smt Saryu Patel greeted me with a smile and I must say a new chapter in our relationship started. She was a student at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, but its memory was almost lost from this professor’s mind – as usual.

I visited Burmingham again in the year 2001 as a natural outcome of that recently started new chapter of relation because Mr. Shirish Patel and Smt. Saryu Patel had sponsored me.

My stay at Burmingaham became most comfortable, and a sense of fulfillment arose in my mind due to the friendly – most friendly attitude, caring and encouraging behavior of Mr. Prafulbhai Amin and Smt. Chandrikaben Amin whose intellectual company has become a memory to be cherished forever. Mr Ramanbhai Parmar, Mr. Suresh Pala. Mr. Govindbhai Desai and others have also helped me willingly in many respects.

In London Shri Shilubhai Bhimjiyani, Mr C.B. Patel of Gujarati Samachar, Mr. Surendra Patel, Shri Dahyabhai kavi, Mr. Hariharbhai Patel and Smt. Aruna Patel and Mr. Upendra Dave have given me ample love and respect.

My second visit to Britain became meaningful only because of the most loving and sincere efforts of Mr. Shirish Patel and Smt. Saryu Patel. Their magnanimity of heart and philanthrophical activities have made not only me but my wife also their family members. This is the most unforgettable phenomenon in our life.

After Burmingham I went to London where Smt. Aruna Patel, Smt Devi Patel and Smt. Bindu Patel welcomed me with great love and respect. They arranged various lectures. Prof. Jagdish Dave was kind enough to be my friend, philosopher and guide in London. His presence in the audience, along with Shri C.B.Patel, Shri Surendra Patel, Shri Haribhai Patel, Shri Barindra Patel and others inspired me. I specially take this opportunity to thank Shri Barindra patel and Smt. Bindu Patel for kindly playing a host to me during my London stay.

My visit to California was materialized due to the invitation of Swami Sitaramanandji to deliver lectures at Swami Shiva Shivanand Yoga Vedanta Centre. I am highly thankful to Swami Sitaji for providing me a rare opportunity to meet the American audience and share the views on Indian philosophy. Religion and culture on the “Thanks Giving Day’ celebration. My stay in Grass-Valley Ashram was inspiring as the whole atmosphere was charged with spirituality guided by Yogic principles. It has made indelible impression upon my mind. Its impressions would last upon my mind throughout my life.

I am thankful to Mr.Rama, Sisters, Amba Sarasvati and others who have rendered great service with kind consideration and devotion. I pray Almighty for their spiritual uplift. I am thankful to Mr.Pradeep, Mr Pankaj, Shri Muljibhai and Shri Dr. Naranbhai Patel who have successfully introduced me to the audience of sacramento. The hospitality, they provided and the arrangements they made are unforgettable. I take this opportunity to thank them all whole heartedly. Shri Muljibhai has led me to San Diago where I met Smt. Pankajbala Patel, inspired me to go there and made the necessary arrangements . Now Smt. Priti Ketan Patel, my old brilliant student, she, Shri Muljibhai and Dr.Naranbhai would be instrumental in my future visits to this area.

It would be improper on my part if I forget to take the note of the admiration and regards paid to me by Smt. Nalini Kapoor a lady with great ability and immense love for Indian culture. It is her encouragement that has provided me with enough courage to face the American audience. She hosted me with love at San Francisco though I could not fulfill her expectations as the situations were beyond my control. Smt. Neha Raval my old student was instrumental in introducing to Swami Sitaji, which made my visit to San Francisco more than once. I bless her with heart within and God over head.

Smt. Saryu Patel is instrumental in making this book to see the light of day. The books contains all the lectures, which were delivered at Swami Shivanand Yoga Vedanta Centre at San Francisco and Grass – Valley, California. I feel high obliged to her and her most loving husband Shri Shirish Patel.

I am thankful to my dearest friend Prof. Dr.Vijay Pandya, Dept. of Sanskrit, Gujarat University for his willing co-operation in bringing out this book. Shri Naranbhai Patel has rendered a great service so that the book could see daylight in time and I am thankful to Naushil Shah.

In the end I feel in the heart of my hear that these all the visits, lectures, printing publishing etc. have been materialized due to the grace of my Gurudeva. Hence a whole chapter about him is added in the end.

I pray, last but not the least, Almighty the God, as he has made me instrumental in this work.