Dear Tapesh
I have spoken today evening to the Secretary of the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj - Kolkatta, a Mr Das. He confirms that the website you received the donation request from ("Hindu Widows Welfare fund") is affiliated to Sadharan Brahmo Samaj at Kolkatta.
I also informed him that it was deceptively similar to one of the official websites of the World Brahmo Council, ie. http://sadharanbrahmosamaj.org/ but he explained his helplessness since their website (with an extra "h') has been out of action since 2006 and they (SBS) are just reviving it again.
Anyway just a reminder, that since Tapesh had contacted me last week we have had a caution up at our Sadharan Brahmo Samaj website saying
"WARNING: BEWARE Deceptive Websites asking DONATIONS for BRAHMO SAMAJ
WORLD BRAHMO COUNCIL neither solicits nor accepts money from the public or organisation or State, either directly or indirectly. It is further clarified that Brahmos are not required to make donations on religious occasions. Payment of annual subscription fee (approx. Rs.100 - US$2 which is the minimum legal amount specified for Societies in India) to a Samaj is optional and does not affect one's religious status as Brahmo. Donations solicited for idolatry, repairing tomb or installing busts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy etc. are anti-Brahmo and nothing but cheating."
and
"Illustrative list of fraudulent "Funds" to cheat Brahmos and NRIs
General Fund, Mission Fund, Charity Fund Building Repair Fund, Mahila Bhavan Fund, Balya Bhavan Fund, Medical Aid Fund, Indigent Brahmo Family Fund, Indian Messenger, Fund Tattwakaumudi Fund, Publication Fund, Sadhan Ashram Fund, Calcutta Congregation Fund, Brahmo Samaj Relief Mission Fund, Mofussil Brahmo Samaj Fund, Library Fund, Brahmo Samaj Education Society Fund, Hindu Widows Home Fund, Brahmo Social Service Organisation, Brahmo Ambulance Fund"
Oh well, one can never be too careful
Sarbajit
--- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, tapesh majumdar <tapesh.majumdar@...> wrote:
>
> Dear friends
> I'm very concerned to learn that only 177 brahmos were listed in 2000 census.
> This surely is not a correct number for brahmos in India. something must be
> done about it, and all Brahmo Samajs must educate their membership to
> register themselves correctly. This is decidedly a problem affecting all Bramhos
> & we must do something right now setting our mutual difference aside.
>
> I also agree with Mr Biswajit dutta that this must be tackled by Bramhos at
> new delhi. Who is the secretary of delhi samaj now?
> Tapesh
>
> On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM, sarbajitr <sroy1947@...> wrote:
> >
> > Dear Biswajit
> >
> > There is an active legal battle for Brahmoism's "minority" status. Unfortunately, it is connected with the education case for the 3 colleges in Kolkatta managed by the Brahmo Eduction Society affiliated to the Sadharan Samaj runs.
> >
> > It appears that these colleges are thoroughly mismanaged, teachers salaries not being paid, PF funds embezzled etc, and the teachers approached the West Bengal Govt asking for these colleges to be nationalised. The BES promptly went to Court claiming they were Brahmo Samaj is a religious minority and hence entitled to Constitutional protection. After 25 years in 2004 the Supreme Court disposed of the matter while not going into the question of Brahmoism's minority status.
> >
> > Thereafter, emboldened, the BES victimised the staff anew and they pressurised the WB Govt to file a strong review petition in the SC which is pending. BY ALL ACCOUNTS THE BRAHMOS ARE GOING TO LOSE !!!!
> >
> > It s unfortunate that due to the corruption and mismanagement of a handful of pseudo-Brahmos (ananusthanic Brahmos) sitting in Kolkatta, Brahmoism everywhere is going to be affected.
> >
> > Re, the census. I really have no hopes for the Samajes. They are all mismanaged (or under-managed). All we can do is exhort everyone who is willing to listen to insist they be registered as "Religion - other - Brahmo" and refuse to be registered as "Religion - Hindu".
> >
> > Also, every member of these groups should highlight this message for discussion at the next Magh Utsav of their Samajes and try to put it on the agendas of their GB meetings - and include it in their newsletters.
> >
> > I can also put up an online email Petition on the brahmo.org website requesting the Registrar General of India to allot a special numerical code for Brahmos during the census.
> >
> > The Delhi Brahmo Samaj does no social work / activism whatsoever.
> >
> > Sarbajit
> >
> > --- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, biswajit dutta <bis_dutta2000@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear Sarbajit ,
> > > I know . 177 declared Brahmos is a matter of concern . You have been highlighting it for long . What steps do you think we should take to correct position in 2010 census ? Should one Samaj take the initiative & (a)Conduct a nationwide Brahmo census of its own (b)Launch a campaign to educate Brahmos that they shouldn't declare themselves as Hindus as Brahmo Dharma is a separate religion .
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Go not to the temple - Rabindranath Tagore
Dear Shymal,
Alhough it is not from any of Rabindranath's well known works like
Gitanjali, it seems to be based on Sufism - specifically Kabir's poems
which were translated by Tagore in 1915. It is referred to in a Govt
of India website (page 56) as being from a poem called "True Worship"
http://mpbse.nic.in/blueprint/11thtraining/General%20English-11th.pdf
It is also interesting that many religious websites of Christians and
Saibabists contain this poem without attributing it in any way to
Rabindranath. A Saibaba website even claims it is by Satya Sai
Baba(??)
The "Temple of God" of God the poet speaks of refers in microcosm to
the human body and in macrocosm to the Universe/Multiverse.
Kabir's 4th poem translated by RNT (1915)
"Do not go to the garden of flowers!
O Friend! go not there;
In your body is the garden of flowers.
Take your seat on the thousand petals of the lotus,
and there gaze on the Infinite Beauty."
Sarbajit
--- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, Shymal Dutta
<shymal.dutta@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Debanjan Ray
>
> This poem is widely circulated on the Internet as Tagore's, but I am
> unable to locate the precise work it is from. Can anyone help me
> to trace its source.
>
> Warmly Shymal
>
> On Sat, Dec 12, 2009 at 10:57 PM, Debanjan Ray <debanjan.ray@...>wrote:
> >
> > Just wanted to share the following quote from Rabindranath Tagore:
> > -------------------
> >
> > "Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God,
> > First fill your own house with the Fragrance of love...
> >
> > Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God,
> > First remove the darkness of sin from your heart...
> >
> > Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer,
> > First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen...
> >
> > Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees,
> > First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden. ..
> >
> > Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins,
> > First forgive from your heart those who have sinned against you."
> >
> > - Rabindranath Tagore
Gleanings from the Katha Upanishad - Part 4
The Katha Upanishad is presented as dialogue between
Nuchiketa (the son of a Brahman under obligation) and
Yamu the God of Death. Selected extracts from Rammohun's
translation of the 1st 'Valli', concerning life after
death and the nature of the soul.
Yamu, "Make, O Nuchiketa! thy third request."
Nuchiketa then said : lf Some are of opinion that
after man's demise existence continues, and others
say it ceases. Hence a doubt has arisen respecting
the nature of the soul ; I therefore wish to be
instructed by thee in this matter. This is the last
of the favours thou hast offered."
Yumu replied : "Even gods have doubted and disputed
on this subject; which being obscure, never can be
thoroughly comprehended : Ask, O Nuchiketa ! another
favour instead of this. Do not thou take advantage of
my promise, but give up this request."
Nuchiketa replied: "I am positively informed that gods
entertained doubts on this subject ; and even thou,
O Yumu ! callest it "difficult of comprehension". But
no instructor on this point equal to thee can be found,
and no other object is so desirable as this."
Yumu said : " Do thou rather request of me to give thee
sons and grandsons, each to attain the age of an hundred
years ; numbers of cattle, elephants, goat, and horses;
also extensive empire on earth, where thou shalt live as
many years as thou wishest. I will enable thee to enjoy
all wished-for objects, but do not put to me, O Nuchiketa!
the question respecting existence after death."
Nuchiketa then replied. "The acquisition of the enjoyments
thou hast offered, O Yumu! is in the first place doubtful;
and should they be obtained, they destroy the strength of
all the senses; and even the life of Bruhma is, indeed,
comparatively short. But the only object I desire is what
I have already begged of thee. A mortal being, whose
habitation is the low mansion of earth, and who is liable to
sudden reduction, approaching the gods exempted from
death and debility, and understanding from them that there
is a knowledge of futurity, should not ask of them any inferior
favour and knowing the fleeting nature of music, sexual
gratification, and sensual pleasures,. who can take delight in
a long life on earth? Do thou instruct us in that knowledge
which removes doubts respecting existence after death,
and is of great importance with a view to futurity, and which
is obscure and acquirable with difficulty. I, Nuchiketa, cannot
ask any other favour but this."
End of the first Section of the first Chapter (ist Bullee. \
Yumu now, after a sufficient trial of Nuchiketa's.
resolution, answers the third question,
(to be continued)
Nuchiketa (the son of a Brahman under obligation) and
Yamu the God of Death. Selected extracts from Rammohun's
translation of the 1st 'Valli', concerning life after
death and the nature of the soul.
Yamu, "Make, O Nuchiketa! thy third request."
Nuchiketa then said : lf Some are of opinion that
after man's demise existence continues, and others
say it ceases. Hence a doubt has arisen respecting
the nature of the soul ; I therefore wish to be
instructed by thee in this matter. This is the last
of the favours thou hast offered."
Yumu replied : "Even gods have doubted and disputed
on this subject; which being obscure, never can be
thoroughly comprehended : Ask, O Nuchiketa ! another
favour instead of this. Do not thou take advantage of
my promise, but give up this request."
Nuchiketa replied: "I am positively informed that gods
entertained doubts on this subject ; and even thou,
O Yumu ! callest it "difficult of comprehension". But
no instructor on this point equal to thee can be found,
and no other object is so desirable as this."
Yumu said : " Do thou rather request of me to give thee
sons and grandsons, each to attain the age of an hundred
years ; numbers of cattle, elephants, goat, and horses;
also extensive empire on earth, where thou shalt live as
many years as thou wishest. I will enable thee to enjoy
all wished-for objects, but do not put to me, O Nuchiketa!
the question respecting existence after death."
Nuchiketa then replied. "The acquisition of the enjoyments
thou hast offered, O Yumu! is in the first place doubtful;
and should they be obtained, they destroy the strength of
all the senses; and even the life of Bruhma is, indeed,
comparatively short. But the only object I desire is what
I have already begged of thee. A mortal being, whose
habitation is the low mansion of earth, and who is liable to
sudden reduction, approaching the gods exempted from
death and debility, and understanding from them that there
is a knowledge of futurity, should not ask of them any inferior
favour and knowing the fleeting nature of music, sexual
gratification, and sensual pleasures,. who can take delight in
a long life on earth? Do thou instruct us in that knowledge
which removes doubts respecting existence after death,
and is of great importance with a view to futurity, and which
is obscure and acquirable with difficulty. I, Nuchiketa, cannot
ask any other favour but this."
End of the first Section of the first Chapter (ist Bullee. \
Yumu now, after a sufficient trial of Nuchiketa's.
resolution, answers the third question,
(to be continued)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gleanings from the Katha Upanishad - Part 3
{English Works of Rammohun Roy - Vol.1 page 60}
TRANSLATION OF THE KUTH-OPUNISHUD OF THE UJOOR-VED,
ACCORDING TO THE GLOSS OF THE CELEBRATED SUNKURACHARYU.
CALCUTTA.
1819.
PREFACE.
IN pursuance of my attempt to render a translation of the complete
Vedant, or the principal parts of the Veds, into the current languages
of this country, I had some time ago the satisfaction of publishing a
translation of the Kuth opunishud of the Ujoor-ved into Bengalee ; and
of distributing copies of it as widely as my circumstances would allow,
for the purpose of diffusing Hindoo scriptural knowledge among the
adherents of that religion. The present publication is intended to
assist the European community in forming their opinion respecting Hindoo
Theology, rather from the matter found in their doctrinal scriptures,
than from the Poorans, moral tales, or any other modern works, or from
the superstitious rites and habits daily encouraged and fostered by
their self-interested leaders.
This work not only treats polytheism with contempt and disdain, but
inculcates invariably the unity of God as the intellectual Principle,
the sole Origin of individual intellect, entirely distinct from matter
and its affections and teaches also the mode of directing the mind to
him.
A great body of my countrymen, possessed of good understandings, and not
much fettered with prejudices, being perfectly satisfied with the truth
of the doctrines contained in this and in other works, already laid by
me before them, and of the gross errors of the puerile system of idol
worship which they were led to follow, have altered their religious
conduct in a manner becoming the dignity of human beings ; while the
advocates of idolatry and their misguided followers, over whose opinions
prejudice and obstinacy prevail more than good sense and judgment,
prefer custom and fashion to the authorities of their scriptures, and
therefore continue, under the form of religious devotion, to practise a
system which destroys, to the utmost degree, the natural texture of
society, and prescribes crimes of the most heinous nature, which even
the most savage nations would blush to commit, unless compelled by the
most urgent necessity.
I am, however, not without a sanguine hope that, through Divine
Providence and human exertions, they will sooner or later avail them
selves of that true system of religion which leads its observers to a
knowledge and love of God, and to a friendly inclination towards their
fellow-creatures, impressing their hearts at the same time with humility
and charity, accompanied by independence of mind and pure sincerity.
Contrary to the code of idolatry, this system defines sins as evil
thoughts proceeding from the heart, quite unconnected with observances
as to diet and other matters of form. At any rate, it seems to me that I
cannot better employ my time than in an endeavour to illustrate and
maintain truth, and to render service to my fellow-labourers, confiding
in the mercy of that Being to whom the motives of our actions and
secrets of our hearts are well-known.
Keywords:
Rammohun Roy, Katha Upanishad, Yajur Ved, Brahmo Samaj, Brahmoism,
Sankaracharya
Gleanings from the Katha Upanishad - Part 2
Opening Prayer
Aum
saha nau~ avatu
saha nau bʰunaktu
saha vīryam~ karavāvahai
tejasvi nau~ adʰītam astu
mā vi-dviṣāvahai
āūṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
śāntiḥ
Oh Supreme Brahma
May Thou Protect us both, (teacher and taught).
May we both strive to absorb your grace.
May our combined energies be productive.
May our study bring us illumination.
May there be no discord among us.
OM! PEACE! PEACE! PEACE!
Note:
1) This is the opening invocation used by the teacher and the taught
before they approach the work.
2) If there are any comments, including on the translation (mine) of
this series, kindly email me before it is hosted to the Brahmo
websites.
Gleanings from the Katha Upanishad - Part 1
Rammohun Roy was the first to translate the Katha Upanishad into any
European language.
European language.
Description from Max Muller's version introduction.
"THE Katha-upanishad is probably more widely known than any other
Upanishad. It formed part of the Persian translation, was rendered
into English by Râmmohun Roy, and has since been frequently quoted by
English, French, and German writers as one of the most perfect
specimens of the mystic philosophy and poetry of the ancient Hindus.
It was in the year 1845 that I first copied at Berlin the text of this
Upanishad, the commentary of Samskara (MS. 127 Chambers 1), and the
gloss of Gopâlayogin (MS. 224 Chambers). The text and commentary of
Samskara and the gloss of Ânandagiri have since been edited by Dr.
Roer in the Bibliotheca Indica, with translation and notes. There are
other translations, more or less perfect, by Râmmohun Roy,
Windischmann, Poley, Weber, Muir, Regnaud, Gough, and others. But
there still remained many difficult and obscure portions, and I hope
that in some at least of the passages where I differ from my
predecessors, not excepting Samskara, I may have succeeded in
rendering the original meaning of the author more intelligible than it
has hitherto been.
The text of the Katha-upanishad is in some MSS. ascribed to the
Yagur-veda. In the Chambers MS. of the commentary also it is said to
belong to that Veda 2, and in the Muktikopanishad it stands first
among the Upanishads of the Black Yagur-veda. According to Colebrooke
(Miscellaneous Essays, 1, 96, note) it is referred to the Sâmaveda
also. Generally, however, it is counted as one of the Âtharvana
Upanishads."
Brahmo websites to have own servers
Dear Fellow Brahmos
Very shortly (Jan 2010) the 4 "Brahmic" websites which we had
recovered shall be hosted on their own high speed high capacity (advt
free) dedicated servers. At present the websites are hosted on free
facilities like googlepages.
The scope of these websites is as follows:
1) http://adibrahmosamaj.org
This specialised website is for the history, philosophy, activities
etc of the "Adi Brahmo Samaj" connected with Rammohun Roy, Dwarkanath
Tagore, Debendranath Tagore, Raj Narain Bose, Hemendranath Tagore etc.
and its modern developments.
2) http://sadharanbrahmosamaj.org
This website is for the history, philosophy, activities etc of the
"Sadharan Brahmo Samaj" connected with Sivnath Sastri, Anandmohan Bose
and so many others.
3) http://brahmo.org
This website is for the present day activities of all Brahmos, and for
news about Brahmos, Brahmoism, Brahmo Conferences etc
4) http://brahmosamaj.org
The "official" website for Brahmos. This website shall attempt to
incorporate the entire spectrum of Brahmoism's diversity including its
controversies.
Contributions, news and articles etc are open to everybody. There
shall be online forms for anyone to contribute, news, jokes, pictures,
articles, speeches, songs, videos, prayers, upasanas etc. about
Brahmoism.
Sarbajit Roy
New Delhi
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Rituals and superstition rule
From: Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.d>
Date: May 16, 2009 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Rituals and superstition rule
Date: May 16, 2009 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Rituals and superstition rule
Dear Mr Biswajit
'Ad homimem' attacks are what trivialise the real issues. I am glad
that we at least agree that superstition, mumbo-jumbo, dogma and
non-reason etc are opposed to Brahmoism. But how many others here (so
called Brahmos), would agree with you or me ?
The current articles of faith for "True Brahmos" being very well
defined, you may clarify if you reject / disagree with any of them, as
only then can our debate proceed:-
(source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmo_religion )
* Brahmos embrace righteousness as the only way of life.
* Brahmos embrace truth, knowledge, reason, free will and virtuous
intuition (observation) as guides.
* Brahmos embrace secular principles but oppose sectarianism and
imposition of religious belief into governance (especially propagation
of religious belief by government).
* Brahmos embrace the co-existence of Brahmo principles with
governance, but oppose all governance in conflict with Brahmo
principles.
* Brahmos reject narrow theism (especially polytheism), idolatry and symbolism.
* Brahmos reject the need for formal rituals, priests or places
(church, temple, mosque) for worship.
* Brahmos reject dogma and superstition.
* Brahmos reject scripture as authority.
* Brahmos reject revelations, prophets, gurus, messiahs, or avatars as
authority.
* Brahmos reject bigotry and irrational distinctions like caste,
creed, colour, race, religion which divide beings.
* Brahmos reject all forms of totalitarianism.
* Brahmos examine the prevalent notion of "sin".
* Brahmos examine the prevalent notions of "heaven" or "hell".
* Brahmos examine the prevalent notion of "salvation".
( Adherence to these articles are required only of Adi Brahmos or such
Sadharan Brahmos who accept Adi-ism ie. Trust deed of Brahmo Sabha
1830 as the source of their faith or Trust deed of Sadharan Brahmo
Samaj 1880)
We may also consider that no matter how much we may disagree with
others and their irrational (to us) beliefs, Brahmoism does not permit
us to disparage them / their beliefs publicly.
Finally, concerning the issues which nobody wishes to rake up, it is
precisely because nobody wishes to discuss them that they must be
exposed publicly in dedicated groups such as this, and knowledgeable
people like you must participate.
Rahul
Rituals and superstition rule
From: biswajit dutta <bis_dutta2000@yahoo.co.in>
Date: May 16, 2009 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Rituals and superstition rule
Date: May 16, 2009 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Rituals and superstition rule
The messages you are trying to trivialize are very germane to Brahmoism :-
a)Brahmoism is all about logic, rationality & scientific mindedness .
It denounces all social evils including Sati which is still very
occasionally practiced & glorified by some Indians living in darkness
.
b)Brahmoism is dead set against all forms of superstitions/mumbo
jumbo/black magic etc. which are as yet popular among a large segment
of our population .
c)Brahmoism is all about tolerance & open mindedness . Learning needs
to be source agnostic . Dogmas & set beliefs have no place in our
religion . Mere mention of Hitler generated needless fury on the other
site no too far back .
d)All the above messages reinforce key Brahmo ideals & hence very relevant .
e)I can confidently say that a majority of us are not at all keen to
debate schisms , splits & controversies of the Brahmo Samaj you are so
enthusiastic about . Why rake up the past ?
What's the big deal washing dirty linen in public ? Why is it being
discussed here ?
Regards,
Biswajit Dutta
--- On Sat, 16/5/09, Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.dvsharma@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.dvsharma@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Rituals and superstition rule
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, 16 May, 2009, 12:29 PM
Dear Debanjan,
We should ask ourselves
Is Brahmoism about rationalism ?
Is the Brahmo Samaj a NGO ?
What is the purpose of such messages being collectively mailed to
"Brahmos" by these groups ?
Are messages on Hitler's supposed management genius relevant to "Brahmos" ?
Is the suppression of sati and similar practices important in modern
Brahmoism ?
Regretably no Brahmo is prepared to publicly debate such matters (or
the earlier 8 I had listed).
Rahul
Sitanath Tattwabhushan Dutta
The Anusthanic Brahmo movement frowns upon seeking donations in the
name of our religion. We base this upon the 1830 Trust Deed text which
forbids "oblations" and offerings to be collected within.
The Ananusthanics on the other hand are charlatans soliciting funds at
every stage. There can be no better example than this of "Pandit"
Sitanath Tattwabhushan who in 1880 was one of the 8 Brahmos of Sylhet
who issued the provlamation denouncing Keshab Sen and Navabidhan. (see
Sivnath Sastri's History of the Brahmo Samaj"). Tattwabhushan (whose
real name was Sitanath Dutta) then tried to insert a pseudo-Brahmanism
into the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj by publishing in 1921 his "Manual of
Brahmic prayer and devotions" which exhorts the Sadharan adherents at
every stage to "donate" to the Brahmo Samaj. Got married ? - donate,
Recovered from illness ? - donate, Setting up a new Samaj ? - donate.
Although Tattwabhushan (Dutta) claimed to have compiled his devotional
manual from 4 sources - 2 Hindu podhattis, the Adi Samaj Anusthan
Paddati and the Navabidhan 'New Samhita', we find that such out and
out commercial practices are only in the Navabidhan Samhita followed
by one faction of Sadharan Samaj.
Dutta's manual was roundly denounced in 1921 when it was first
published and no sensible person would rely on it today except as an
awkward anachronism.
All right thinking Brahmos should be careful of these Dutta's in
Brahmoism, ie Sitanath (Tattwabhushan) Dutta, Narendra (Vivekanand)
Dutta etc and their descendants who have always been counted amongst
the enemies of True Brahmoism for trying to commercialise Brahmoism
into a Ramakrishna "Mission" model at every step.
Rahul
On 3/31/09, sroy1947 wrote:
> "Peddling" ??? This raises an interesting issue - "Does Brahmoism permit
> donations to be collected within Samaj premises?"
>
> "and that no sacrifice, offering or oblation of any kind or thing, shall
> ever be permitted therein;"
>
> Sarbajit
>
> --- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, Rahul Dev Sharma
> <rahul.dvsharma@...> wrote:
>>
>> Brahmoism is a religious system, Brahmo Samajes are societies which
>> peddle a diluted (universally palatable) version of True Brahmoism.
>> What is peddled at Brahmo Samajes is more often than not unacceptable
>> to Brahmos.
>>
>> I think you are confusing nationalism with patriotism.
>>
>> On Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 5:23 PM, biswajit dutta
>> <bis_dutta2000@...> wrote:
>> > It appears that you make an artificial distinction between Brahmo Samaj
>> > &
>> > Brahmoism . I am afraid your views may not resonate with the majority
>> > for
>> > whom :-
>> > a)Brahmo Samaj & Brahmoism are not at cross purposes .
>> > b)The terms "universalism" & "nationalism" may not be mutually exclusive
>> > .
>> > That I have a tolerant/open/rational mind willing to imbibe global best
>> > practices does not mean I am anti-national or less nationalistic . On
>> > the
>> > contrary , universalism can lead to improved nationalism .
>> > c)By distillation of essence(accepting only what is suitable/relevant)
>> > from
>> > other religions Brahmoism has become a better religion . There is no
>> > harm in
>> > assimilating the good or the great from others .
>> > d)Sivanath Sastri's interpretation of Brahmo history finds wide
>> > acceptablity
>> > with most Brahmos .
>> > e)I don't know by what yardstick , Sadharan Samajis can be regarded to
>> > be
>> > the basest of Brahmos ? This appears to be too sweeping a statement .
>> >
>> > Biswajit Dutta
>> >
>> > --- On Sat, 14/3/09, Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.dvsharma@...> wrote:
>> >
>>
>
>
>
------------------------------------
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name of our religion. We base this upon the 1830 Trust Deed text which
forbids "oblations" and offerings to be collected within.
The Ananusthanics on the other hand are charlatans soliciting funds at
every stage. There can be no better example than this of "Pandit"
Sitanath Tattwabhushan who in 1880 was one of the 8 Brahmos of Sylhet
who issued the provlamation denouncing Keshab Sen and Navabidhan. (see
Sivnath Sastri's History of the Brahmo Samaj"). Tattwabhushan (whose
real name was Sitanath Dutta) then tried to insert a pseudo-Brahmanism
into the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj by publishing in 1921 his "Manual of
Brahmic prayer and devotions" which exhorts the Sadharan adherents at
every stage to "donate" to the Brahmo Samaj. Got married ? - donate,
Recovered from illness ? - donate, Setting up a new Samaj ? - donate.
Although Tattwabhushan (Dutta) claimed to have compiled his devotional
manual from 4 sources - 2 Hindu podhattis, the Adi Samaj Anusthan
Paddati and the Navabidhan 'New Samhita', we find that such out and
out commercial practices are only in the Navabidhan Samhita followed
by one faction of Sadharan Samaj.
Dutta's manual was roundly denounced in 1921 when it was first
published and no sensible person would rely on it today except as an
awkward anachronism.
All right thinking Brahmos should be careful of these Dutta's in
Brahmoism, ie Sitanath (Tattwabhushan) Dutta, Narendra (Vivekanand)
Dutta etc and their descendants who have always been counted amongst
the enemies of True Brahmoism for trying to commercialise Brahmoism
into a Ramakrishna "Mission" model at every step.
Rahul
On 3/31/09, sroy1947 wrote:
> "Peddling" ??? This raises an interesting issue - "Does Brahmoism permit
> donations to be collected within Samaj premises?"
>
> "and that no sacrifice, offering or oblation of any kind or thing, shall
> ever be permitted therein;"
>
> Sarbajit
>
> --- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, Rahul Dev Sharma
> <rahul.dvsharma@...> wrote:
>>
>> Brahmoism is a religious system, Brahmo Samajes are societies which
>> peddle a diluted (universally palatable) version of True Brahmoism.
>> What is peddled at Brahmo Samajes is more often than not unacceptable
>> to Brahmos.
>>
>> I think you are confusing nationalism with patriotism.
>>
>> On Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 5:23 PM, biswajit dutta
>> <bis_dutta2000@...> wrote:
>> > It appears that you make an artificial distinction between Brahmo Samaj
>> > &
>> > Brahmoism . I am afraid your views may not resonate with the majority
>> > for
>> > whom :-
>> > a)Brahmo Samaj & Brahmoism are not at cross purposes .
>> > b)The terms "universalism" & "nationalism" may not be mutually exclusive
>> > .
>> > That I have a tolerant/open/rational mind willing to imbibe global best
>> > practices does not mean I am anti-national or less nationalistic . On
>> > the
>> > contrary , universalism can lead to improved nationalism .
>> > c)By distillation of essence(accepting only what is suitable/relevant)
>> > from
>> > other religions Brahmoism has become a better religion . There is no
>> > harm in
>> > assimilating the good or the great from others .
>> > d)Sivanath Sastri's interpretation of Brahmo history finds wide
>> > acceptablity
>> > with most Brahmos .
>> > e)I don't know by what yardstick , Sadharan Samajis can be regarded to
>> > be
>> > the basest of Brahmos ? This appears to be too sweeping a statement .
>> >
>> > Biswajit Dutta
>> >
>> > --- On Sat, 14/3/09, Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.dvsharma@...> wrote:
>> >
>>
>
>
>
------------------------------------
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Monday, January 26, 2009
[brahmoconferenceorg] Sadharan Brahmo Samaj politics disgraces Brahmoism
Date: Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Subject: [brahmoconferenceorg] Sadharan Brahmo Samaj politics disgraces Brahmoism
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090110/jsp/calcutta/story_10368702.jsp
It is really shocking what the Managing Committees of some of our Samajes are upto. The sooner these "temples of Brahmoism" and their bodies are disbanded the better since they are blackening the name of the Brahmo religion.
Sarbajit Roy
<quote>
Ballot box trouble in Brahmo battle
POULOMI BANERJEE
The Brahmo Samaj ballot box.
The general body elections of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, one of the oldest democratic institutions in India, ran into rough weather on Friday after two of the contestants found the lock of the ballot box open.
Elected representatives of the Samaj, a breakaway faction of Raja Rammohun Roy's Brahmo Samaj, manage six schools, colleges like Amherst Street City and Heramba Chandra, a library and women's and children's homes in the city.
"Mina Mukherjee and I visited our Bidhan Sarani office to cast our votes and found the ballot box open. We alerted the other members," said Utpal Bose on Friday. Both he and Mukherjee are contesting this year's elections.
The annual poll is being held since 1878, when the Samaj was founded by Shibnath Shastri, Umesh Chandra Dutta and others.
Polling started on December 26 and was to end on January 11. "We sent ballot papers to our 1,002 members spread across the country. They either mail their ballots or visit our office and drop it in the box," said Asim Ahmed, the assistant secretary who is contesting for the
post of secretary.
The keys to the ballot box and the room where it is kept were with Sitala Prasad, the caretaker of the building for decades.
According to him, the ballot box was not locked. Secretary Samir Das insisted that the box was locked.
He also refuted Ahmed's claim that the box should not only have been locked but the lock should also have been sealed.
"The lock might have been broken by those who want to hold on to their posts. Though no salary is paid, the honorary posts carry certain perks," said Das.
"The financial strength of the Calcutta body is about Rs 88 lakh," added the secretary.
A repoll, which has never happened in the organisation's history, seems the only way out.
"The secretary will have to propose a repoll to the general committee, which will take the decision. It is the only way out for us now," said president Ashish Kumar Pain.
Subject: [brahmoconferenceorg] Sadharan Brahmo Samaj politics disgraces Brahmoism
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090110/jsp/calcutta/story_10368702.jsp
It is really shocking what the Managing Committees of some of our Samajes are upto. The sooner these "temples of Brahmoism" and their bodies are disbanded the better since they are blackening the name of the Brahmo religion.
Sarbajit Roy
<quote>
Ballot box trouble in Brahmo battle
POULOMI BANERJEE
The Brahmo Samaj ballot box.
The general body elections of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, one of the oldest democratic institutions in India, ran into rough weather on Friday after two of the contestants found the lock of the ballot box open.
Elected representatives of the Samaj, a breakaway faction of Raja Rammohun Roy's Brahmo Samaj, manage six schools, colleges like Amherst Street City and Heramba Chandra, a library and women's and children's homes in the city.
"Mina Mukherjee and I visited our Bidhan Sarani office to cast our votes and found the ballot box open. We alerted the other members," said Utpal Bose on Friday. Both he and Mukherjee are contesting this year's elections.
The annual poll is being held since 1878, when the Samaj was founded by Shibnath Shastri, Umesh Chandra Dutta and others.
Polling started on December 26 and was to end on January 11. "We sent ballot papers to our 1,002 members spread across the country. They either mail their ballots or visit our office and drop it in the box," said Asim Ahmed, the assistant secretary who is contesting for the
post of secretary.
The keys to the ballot box and the room where it is kept were with Sitala Prasad, the caretaker of the building for decades.
According to him, the ballot box was not locked. Secretary Samir Das insisted that the box was locked.
He also refuted Ahmed's claim that the box should not only have been locked but the lock should also have been sealed.
"The lock might have been broken by those who want to hold on to their posts. Though no salary is paid, the honorary posts carry certain perks," said Das.
"The financial strength of the Calcutta body is about Rs 88 lakh," added the secretary.
A repoll, which has never happened in the organisation's history, seems the only way out.
"The secretary will have to propose a repoll to the general committee, which will take the decision. It is the only way out for us now," said president Ashish Kumar Pain.
True Brahmos versus False Brahmos
>RE: [brahmoconferenceorg] X'mas Greetings
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brahmoconferenceorg/message/157
and make your own decision
Malay Sanyal
Some group members have sought clarification on
"True Brahmos and False Brahmos" and some other incidentals.
Our position on these subjects is:-
1) Brahmoism is the highest form of Hinduism, and is so very different from what passes for Hinduism today that Brahmos consider themselves to be "beyond the pale of Hinduism" and a separate religion altogether.
2) A "True" Brahmo is either an adherent of Brahmoism to the exclusion of all other religions, or a person with at least one Brahmo parent or guardian and who has never denied his faith.
3) "False" Brahmos are those who believe that "following" the principles of Brahmoism is sufficient. These people have given Brahmoism a very bad reputation. Prominent examples of such "False" Brahmos are "Keshub
Chunder Sen" and Nabobidhan "New Dispensation" who have preached and propagated Rosicrucianism and other Masonic beliefs in the guise of Brahmoism. Even today they operate secret societies to attract neophytes to their symbolic devil worship in the name of Brahmoism.
4) To distinguish Brahmoism from such fakes and charlatans, the Brahmo religion was compelled to rename itself, first as the "Adi Brahmo Samaj" and later the religious aspect was termed as "Adi Dharm". Our
religion has no secrets or mysticism or initiation or rites or rituals. The creed and tenets are widely known, anyone can follow and practice them.
1. There is only One "Supreme Spirit", Author and Preserver of Existence
2. There is no salvation and no way to achieve it.
3. There is no scripture, revelation, creation, prophet, priest or teacher to be revered
4. There is no distinction.
Once these core principles are accepted we progress to our complete "articles of faith" which define our "Dharmic" religion
* Brahmos embrace righteousness as the only way of life.
* Brahmos embrace truth, knowledge, reason, free will and virtuous intuition (observation) as guides.
* Brahmos embrace secular principles but oppose sectarianism and imposition of religious belief into governance (especially propagation of religious belief by government).
* Brahmos embrace the co-existence of Brahmo principles with governance, but oppose all governance in conflict with Brahmo principles.
* Brahmos reject narrow theism (epecially polytheism), idolatry, ascetism and symbolism.
* Brahmos reject the need for formal rituals, priests or places (church, temple, mosque) for worship.
* Brahmos reject dogma and superstition.
* Brahmos reject scripture as authority.
* Brahmos reject revelations, prophets, gurus, messiahs, or avatars as authority.
* Brahmos reject bigotry and irrational distinctions like caste, creed, colour, race, religion which divide beings.
* Brahmos reject all forms of totalitarianism.
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notion of "sin".
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notions of "heaven" or "hell".
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notion of "salvation".
The test of a Brahmo Samajist (the wider community which follows Brahmoism) is acceptance of the Trust Deed principles settled permanently in law by Rammohun Roy, Dwarakanath Tagore etc.
The test of a Brahmo religionist is if he adheres scrupulously to the Adi Dharm principles and submits to the binding Articles of Faith.
Everyone else is unworthy of the Brahmo name and needs to be denounced.
>
>Dear Mr. Rahul Dev Sharma,
>What is the definition of True Brahmo?
>Where is it written?
>Why is it True?
>
>Regards,
>- Debanjan Ray
You may refer to>Dear Mr. Rahul Dev Sharma,
>What is the definition of True Brahmo?
>Where is it written?
>Why is it True?
>
>Regards,
>- Debanjan Ray
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brahmoconferenceorg/message/157
and make your own decision
Malay Sanyal
Some group members have sought clarification on
"True Brahmos and False Brahmos" and some other incidentals.
Our position on these subjects is:-
1) Brahmoism is the highest form of Hinduism, and is so very different from what passes for Hinduism today that Brahmos consider themselves to be "beyond the pale of Hinduism" and a separate religion altogether.
2) A "True" Brahmo is either an adherent of Brahmoism to the exclusion of all other religions, or a person with at least one Brahmo parent or guardian and who has never denied his faith.
3) "False" Brahmos are those who believe that "following" the principles of Brahmoism is sufficient. These people have given Brahmoism a very bad reputation. Prominent examples of such "False" Brahmos are "Keshub
Chunder Sen" and Nabobidhan "New Dispensation" who have preached and propagated Rosicrucianism and other Masonic beliefs in the guise of Brahmoism. Even today they operate secret societies to attract neophytes to their symbolic devil worship in the name of Brahmoism.
4) To distinguish Brahmoism from such fakes and charlatans, the Brahmo religion was compelled to rename itself, first as the "Adi Brahmo Samaj" and later the religious aspect was termed as "Adi Dharm". Our
religion has no secrets or mysticism or initiation or rites or rituals. The creed and tenets are widely known, anyone can follow and practice them.
1. There is only One "Supreme Spirit", Author and Preserver of Existence
2. There is no salvation and no way to achieve it.
3. There is no scripture, revelation, creation, prophet, priest or teacher to be revered
4. There is no distinction.
Once these core principles are accepted we progress to our complete "articles of faith" which define our "Dharmic" religion
* Brahmos embrace righteousness as the only way of life.
* Brahmos embrace truth, knowledge, reason, free will and virtuous intuition (observation) as guides.
* Brahmos embrace secular principles but oppose sectarianism and imposition of religious belief into governance (especially propagation of religious belief by government).
* Brahmos embrace the co-existence of Brahmo principles with governance, but oppose all governance in conflict with Brahmo principles.
* Brahmos reject narrow theism (epecially polytheism), idolatry, ascetism and symbolism.
* Brahmos reject the need for formal rituals, priests or places (church, temple, mosque) for worship.
* Brahmos reject dogma and superstition.
* Brahmos reject scripture as authority.
* Brahmos reject revelations, prophets, gurus, messiahs, or avatars as authority.
* Brahmos reject bigotry and irrational distinctions like caste, creed, colour, race, religion which divide beings.
* Brahmos reject all forms of totalitarianism.
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notion of "sin".
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notions of "heaven" or "hell".
* Brahmos reject the prevalent notion of "salvation".
The test of a Brahmo Samajist (the wider community which follows Brahmoism) is acceptance of the Trust Deed principles settled permanently in law by Rammohun Roy, Dwarakanath Tagore etc.
The test of a Brahmo religionist is if he adheres scrupulously to the Adi Dharm principles and submits to the binding Articles of Faith.
Everyone else is unworthy of the Brahmo name and needs to be denounced.
Brahmoism and Christianity
Even a cursory reading of the Bible shows the vast chasm between Brahmoism and Christianity which the Christians in our midst should be aware of.
For example the book of Genesis (1:26, 1;27 and 2:7) we are told by Christians that "God created Man in his own image from the dust of the earth". Rammohan had challenged this and we say that to the contrary
"it was Man who creates (idols of) God from the dust of the earth.". Rammohan foresaw the great importance for Christians that Man is in God's image for does not Christ have the same image as his Father GOD
(Corinthians).
Another example would be of the "Fatherhood of God". This is a decidedly Christian concept (inserted by Keshab Sen) antithetical to Brahmoism where the "Godhood of father" is upheld. Christianity asks us to accept that Christ is God's son and that salvation lies through
God's Son and his chosen representatives on earth (namely Popery). Keshab went on to introduce more alien Christian concepts "Motherhood of God", "Kingdom of God" "Loyalty to Sovereign" etc which True
Brahmos reject out of hand.
Nay, Brahmoism is to be regarded as the highest form of a much debased Hinduism, a Hinduism which has now ceased to be Brahmoism.
Rahul
On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 5:53 PM, Sumanta-Sandhya Niyogi wrote:
> Dear Friends and Fellow-members,
> Merry Christmas. On this solemn occasion we pray,"May the Almighty
> God and one of his noblest sons, Lord Jesus Christ shower Their choicest
> blessings on you all." Jesus Christ is such a universally loved and revered
> soul that even in our Hindu-majority country there are millionms and
> millions of people who virtually worship him. It gives us a wonderful
> feeling to send our greetings to you on such a grand occasion. May his
> sermons, the words of wisdom and benevolence, guide, protect and inspire us
> all. As Brahmos,we feel proud of the way Raja Rammohun in his classic work,
> The Precepts of Jesus, and Swami Vivekananda (his broadness and liberality
> originated from his Brahmo background) in his Thus Spake the Christ, paid
> their homage to Jesus Christ. Vivekananda wrote, "If I, as an Oriental, am
> to worship Jesus of Nazareth, there is only one way left to me, that is to
> worship Him as God and nothing else." This reflects our universal and
> cosmopolitan tradition. Interestingly enough, it is the Brahmo Samaj which
> was the first Indian non-Christian religious community to start the annual
> celebration of the Chritmas and to conduct upasana on the occasion. Later
> the Ramakrishna Mission follow3ed the example.
> On such a holy occasion we generally make it a point to read the
> Holy Bible, at least some portions, if not the whole, of it. This time one
> message of Jesus that deeply touched us is that one should not evaluate what
> he/she has got or could not get from God, but should find joy and happiness
> from His divine presence within himself/herself all the time and the way he
> protected us at different times. That will bring greatest satisfaction to
> everyone and this will be as good as the key to the Kingdom of God. What a
> profound message and so similar to the thoughts of our ancient sages and
> Brahmo pioneers.
> Regards,
> Yours truly,
> Sumanta and Sandhya Niyogi
>
For example the book of Genesis (1:26, 1;27 and 2:7) we are told by Christians that "God created Man in his own image from the dust of the earth". Rammohan had challenged this and we say that to the contrary
"it was Man who creates (idols of) God from the dust of the earth.". Rammohan foresaw the great importance for Christians that Man is in God's image for does not Christ have the same image as his Father GOD
(Corinthians).
Another example would be of the "Fatherhood of God". This is a decidedly Christian concept (inserted by Keshab Sen) antithetical to Brahmoism where the "Godhood of father" is upheld. Christianity asks us to accept that Christ is God's son and that salvation lies through
God's Son and his chosen representatives on earth (namely Popery). Keshab went on to introduce more alien Christian concepts "Motherhood of God", "Kingdom of God" "Loyalty to Sovereign" etc which True
Brahmos reject out of hand.
Nay, Brahmoism is to be regarded as the highest form of a much debased Hinduism, a Hinduism which has now ceased to be Brahmoism.
Rahul
On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 5:53 PM, Sumanta-Sandhya Niyogi wrote:
> Dear Friends and Fellow-members,
> Merry Christmas. On this solemn occasion we pray,"May the Almighty
> God and one of his noblest sons, Lord Jesus Christ shower Their choicest
> blessings on you all." Jesus Christ is such a universally loved and revered
> soul that even in our Hindu-majority country there are millionms and
> millions of people who virtually worship him. It gives us a wonderful
> feeling to send our greetings to you on such a grand occasion. May his
> sermons, the words of wisdom and benevolence, guide, protect and inspire us
> all. As Brahmos,we feel proud of the way Raja Rammohun in his classic work,
> The Precepts of Jesus, and Swami Vivekananda (his broadness and liberality
> originated from his Brahmo background) in his Thus Spake the Christ, paid
> their homage to Jesus Christ. Vivekananda wrote, "If I, as an Oriental, am
> to worship Jesus of Nazareth, there is only one way left to me, that is to
> worship Him as God and nothing else." This reflects our universal and
> cosmopolitan tradition. Interestingly enough, it is the Brahmo Samaj which
> was the first Indian non-Christian religious community to start the annual
> celebration of the Chritmas and to conduct upasana on the occasion. Later
> the Ramakrishna Mission follow3ed the example.
> On such a holy occasion we generally make it a point to read the
> Holy Bible, at least some portions, if not the whole, of it. This time one
> message of Jesus that deeply touched us is that one should not evaluate what
> he/she has got or could not get from God, but should find joy and happiness
> from His divine presence within himself/herself all the time and the way he
> protected us at different times. That will bring greatest satisfaction to
> everyone and this will be as good as the key to the Kingdom of God. What a
> profound message and so similar to the thoughts of our ancient sages and
> Brahmo pioneers.
> Regards,
> Yours truly,
> Sumanta and Sandhya Niyogi
>
Maghotsab in BD
Brahmo Samaj in Bangladesh celebrates Maghotsab
http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=112674
Maghotsab, the biggest annual festival of the country's Brahmo community, concluded yesterday with a two-day programme at the Brahmo Samaj Complex at 2-3-4 Lyall Street at Patuatuly in the city where a large number of people from all faiths attended.
On the main day of the festival yesterday to mark the founding of the Brahmo Samaj building 179 years back in 1830 by a group of social reformers headed by Raja Rammohon Roy, the Brahmo flag was hoisted in
the morning which was followed by rendering of Usha Kirtana. Recitation of verses from the holy Upanishad, the Geeta, the Bed, the Tripitak, the Grantha Saheb, the Bible and the Quran with Bengali translation, obituary reference and recalling the contributions of the
Brahmo stalwarts as well as rendering of solo and chorus Brahmo Sangeet by the artistes of "Biswabeena" led by Ustad Khairuzzaman Quiyyum were the programmes of the festival.
Besides, the main prayer session seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity, happiness and welfare of the people throughout the world was conducted by Acharya Pranesh Samaddar.
He also delivered sermons also for peace and prosperity of the country and its people while the festival concluded with lighting of candles at night for enlightenment of the people at the Samaj Complex. The festival was inaugurated on Saturday night with the rendering of
the Brahmo Sangeet with analysis at the Samaj Complex with Acharya Pranesh Samaddar narrated and analysed the inner meanings of the solo and chorus Brahmo Sangeet and devotional songs rendered by the
artistes of "Biswabeena" led by Ustad Khairuzzaman Quiyyum.
The Maghotsab will also be held at Kaoraid Brahmo Samaj in Gazipur district and at the Brahmo Samaj in Tangail town on February 13 and February 20 respectively.
http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=112674
Maghotsab, the biggest annual festival of the country's Brahmo community, concluded yesterday with a two-day programme at the Brahmo Samaj Complex at 2-3-4 Lyall Street at Patuatuly in the city where a large number of people from all faiths attended.
On the main day of the festival yesterday to mark the founding of the Brahmo Samaj building 179 years back in 1830 by a group of social reformers headed by Raja Rammohon Roy, the Brahmo flag was hoisted in
the morning which was followed by rendering of Usha Kirtana. Recitation of verses from the holy Upanishad, the Geeta, the Bed, the Tripitak, the Grantha Saheb, the Bible and the Quran with Bengali translation, obituary reference and recalling the contributions of the
Brahmo stalwarts as well as rendering of solo and chorus Brahmo Sangeet by the artistes of "Biswabeena" led by Ustad Khairuzzaman Quiyyum were the programmes of the festival.
Besides, the main prayer session seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity, happiness and welfare of the people throughout the world was conducted by Acharya Pranesh Samaddar.
He also delivered sermons also for peace and prosperity of the country and its people while the festival concluded with lighting of candles at night for enlightenment of the people at the Samaj Complex. The festival was inaugurated on Saturday night with the rendering of
the Brahmo Sangeet with analysis at the Samaj Complex with Acharya Pranesh Samaddar narrated and analysed the inner meanings of the solo and chorus Brahmo Sangeet and devotional songs rendered by the
artistes of "Biswabeena" led by Ustad Khairuzzaman Quiyyum.
The Maghotsab will also be held at Kaoraid Brahmo Samaj in Gazipur district and at the Brahmo Samaj in Tangail town on February 13 and February 20 respectively.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
DYNASTIC SUCCESSION IN BRAHMO SAMAJ
DYNASTIC SUCCESSION IN BRAHMO SAMAJ
I was reading the recent mails to Brahmo Conference group. .This group has many experts of the Brahmo Samaj who may explain some points (as I understand) to me for a paper I am writing.
a) Ram Mohan Roy and Dwarkanath Tagore funded Atmiya Sabha in 1815 to fight against sati.
b) Ram Mohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, William Adams founded Calcutta Unitarian Society in 1823.
c) After doctrinal differences with Unitarians who refused them use of Unitarin Church premises, the three founded Brahma Sabha in 1828 and acquired their own premises in 1830 at Chitpur Road which is now known as Adi Brahmo Samaj.
d) Ram Mohan Roy's son was Dwarkanath Tagore
e) Dwarkanath Tagore's son was Debendranath Tagore
f) Debendranath Tagore's son was Hemendranath Tagore
g) Hemendranath Tagore's son was Kshitindranath Tagore
h) Kshitindranath Tagore's grandson is Amrita Moyee Mukherjee present head of Adi Brahmo Samaj.
My question is which Tagore will succeed to Adi Brahmo Samaj head.
DYNASTIC SUCCESSION IN BRAHMO SAMAJ
The historical points are essentially true, but there is no dynastic succession in the Adi Brahmo Samaj. There is no "head" of Adi Brahmo Samaj and membership / leadership is not limited to "Tagores" or their descendants.
Your question is academic; Adi Brahmo Samaj by itself is no longer directly active except to extent of providing intellectual, theological and spiritual leadership to associated movements like Adi Dharma and even more radical indigenous peoples movements.
Permalink.
Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj
--- In brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com, Holger Lüttich wrote:
What is the difference between Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj?
Did R. Mohan Roy agree with Sw. Dayanand?
The Arya Samaj has been developing a typical religious practise,
celebration of the sankaars etc. What's the PRACTISE of Brahmos in
details?
What is the difference between Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj?
Did R. Mohan Roy agree with Sw. Dayanand?
The Arya Samaj has been developing a typical religious practise,
celebration of the sankaars etc. What's the PRACTISE of Brahmos in
details?
ANSWER:
Arya Samaj propounds the Vedas as "divine authority" and advocates
going "Back to the Vedas"
Brahmo Samaj denies that the Vedas are "divine authority" and
advocates going "Forward from the Vedas"
One Samaj is "backward"/retrograde the other is "forward"/(infinitely)
progressive.
Ram Mohan Roy passed away (1833) when Dayanand (b.1824) was only 9
years old. Dayanand was, however, greatly influenced by successor Adi
Brahmo Samaj leaders such as Debendranath Tagore, Hemendranath Tagore
and Nobin Chunder Roy. During the 1880's the Adi Dharm and Arya Samaj
worked closely together in Punjab and in founding the Indian National
Congress party. Dayanand, however, had major doctrinal differences
with Keshab's Brahmo Samaj of India and its Vaishno-Christian (Christ
= Krishna) confection.
<a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brahmoconferenceorg/message/295">Arya
Samaj and Brahmo Samaj</a>
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Re: Hitler controversy (memetics)
From: jagannath chatterjee
Date: Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Hitler controversy
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Hitler controversy
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Dear Peter
There are no factions within the Brahmo Samaj for the reason that all of True Brahmoism is united by memetic ties. After expelling the quisling elements in 1866, Brahmoism embarked on a decade of radical evolution under Hemendranath Tagore, who was then at the peak of his spiritual powers. Memetics, or the sharing of ancestral memories via the bloodline, is at the core of modern Brahmoism, as it has been the core of Hinduism's caste system. In about 1862 the Brahmo seer Hemendranath, then in his late teens, was studying medical science, and conducted an experiment where lower life cellular forms were taught a problem. These life forms were then fed to the next generation of life forms who could solve the problem without being exposed to it. Thus proving that information /memory is capable of transmission from generation to generation. From this flows a core Adi Dharm postulation "All life exists to be consumed".
True Brahmoism today is memetics in action. False Brahmos are excluded, although Keshub Chunder Sen's family tried desperately to capture Debendranath Tagore's memes by getting one of his grand-daughters married to Tagore's grandson (and for which Rabindranath Tagore disentitled his sister).
Jagannath Chatterjee
>Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Fwd: Hitler controversy
>
There are no factions within the Brahmo Samaj for the reason that all of True Brahmoism is united by memetic ties. After expelling the quisling elements in 1866, Brahmoism embarked on a decade of radical evolution under Hemendranath Tagore, who was then at the peak of his spiritual powers. Memetics, or the sharing of ancestral memories via the bloodline, is at the core of modern Brahmoism, as it has been the core of Hinduism's caste system. In about 1862 the Brahmo seer Hemendranath, then in his late teens, was studying medical science, and conducted an experiment where lower life cellular forms were taught a problem. These life forms were then fed to the next generation of life forms who could solve the problem without being exposed to it. Thus proving that information /memory is capable of transmission from generation to generation. From this flows a core Adi Dharm postulation "All life exists to be consumed".
True Brahmoism today is memetics in action. False Brahmos are excluded, although Keshub Chunder Sen's family tried desperately to capture Debendranath Tagore's memes by getting one of his grand-daughters married to Tagore's grandson (and for which Rabindranath Tagore disentitled his sister).
Jagannath Chatterjee
>Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Fwd: Hitler controversy
>
>Dear Saurav and all,
>
>I don't know if it would ever be possible for a non-Brahmo to sort out the factions within the Samaj, or understand why some people do not believe that there are factions at all. In my personal life I do not participate in gossip and backbiting as I feel that those activities truly rot the soul. So if anyone on the Brahmo lists tries to get me to take sides based on differences I couldn't possibly fathom, or on >assessments of the characters of others I do not know, know that I could not do that.
>
>I have made my point about not being able to abide Hitler-sympathizers. As I'm not sure why one of Hitler's comments was included in an attachment to a post to brahmoconference@yahoogroups.com, I'm going to give the sender the benefit of the doubt. If that or something similar happens again I'll know it was not by chance and I will remove myself from the offending group.
>
>Sincerely
>Peter
>
>I don't know if it would ever be possible for a non-Brahmo to sort out the factions within the Samaj, or understand why some people do not believe that there are factions at all. In my personal life I do not participate in gossip and backbiting as I feel that those activities truly rot the soul. So if anyone on the Brahmo lists tries to get me to take sides based on differences I couldn't possibly fathom, or on >assessments of the characters of others I do not know, know that I could not do that.
>
>I have made my point about not being able to abide Hitler-sympathizers. As I'm not sure why one of Hitler's comments was included in an attachment to a post to brahmoconference@yahoogroups.com, I'm going to give the sender the benefit of the doubt. If that or something similar happens again I'll know it was not by chance and I will remove myself from the offending group.
>
>Sincerely
>Peter
Hitler controversy
From: Saurav Brahmo
Date: Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Subject: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Hitler controversy
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Dear Peter
As you would have figured out by now there are 2 kinds of Brahmos- "True Brahmos" and "False Brahmos"
This Yahoo group is for "True Brahmos"- of the Adi-ite tradition. We believe that that there is only "One God"
The other Yahoo group (from where the "great thoughts" of Hitler are being circulated) are "False Brahmos of the Keshub-ite variety. They believe that there is only "One TRUE God" and their devilish doctrines revolve around Masonic dogma like the "Fatherhood of God" and "Brotherhood of Man"
By 1866 the False Brahmos (and their leaders) were finally expelled from Brahmoism by Maharshi Hemendranath Tagore but regrettably they still continue to preach their pernicious devilish message in the name of Brahmoism. Even today on that other false Yahoo group we find great love and affection for Hitler and his "great thoughts". What greater proof of this can there be than message number 666 (Satan's number) of
that group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brahmoconference/message/666
and it's statement "But don't we sometimes need to sup with the devil if need be & give the devil it's due when it is justified ?"
You may be assured that True Brahmos would never support (or express admiration for) engineers of genocide, and concepts such as "unter-menschen" are specifically prohibited in our religion.
In Truth
Saurav
Date: Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Subject: [brahmoconferenceorg] Re: Hitler controversy
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Dear Peter
As you would have figured out by now there are 2 kinds of Brahmos- "True Brahmos" and "False Brahmos"
This Yahoo group is for "True Brahmos"- of the Adi-ite tradition. We believe that that there is only "One God"
The other Yahoo group (from where the "great thoughts" of Hitler are being circulated) are "False Brahmos of the Keshub-ite variety. They believe that there is only "One TRUE God" and their devilish doctrines revolve around Masonic dogma like the "Fatherhood of God" and "Brotherhood of Man"
By 1866 the False Brahmos (and their leaders) were finally expelled from Brahmoism by Maharshi Hemendranath Tagore but regrettably they still continue to preach their pernicious devilish message in the name of Brahmoism. Even today on that other false Yahoo group we find great love and affection for Hitler and his "great thoughts". What greater proof of this can there be than message number 666 (Satan's number) of
that group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brahmoconference/message/666
and it's statement "But don't we sometimes need to sup with the devil if need be & give the devil it's due when it is justified ?"
You may be assured that True Brahmos would never support (or express admiration for) engineers of genocide, and concepts such as "unter-menschen" are specifically prohibited in our religion.
In Truth
Saurav
Founder of Brahmo Samaj
From: Rahul Dev Sharma
Subject: [brahmoconferenceorg] Founder of Brahmo Samaj (Blog Post)
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Here is some interesting information from a Brahmo Samaj Blog on the internet at
http://brahmosamaj.wordpress.com/
http://brahmosamaj.wordpress.com/
Brahmo Samaj, a primer.
Posted by brahmosamaj on August 12, 2008
Q: What is the Brahmo Samaj ?
A: The Brahmo Samaj is the social order (Samaj = "community") of the Brahmo religion.
Q: Who founded the Brahmo Samaj ?
A: The Brahmo Samaj was founded at Lahore in 1861 by Navin Chandra Roy to propagate the Brahmo religion.
Q: Who founded the Brahmo religion ?
A: The Brahmo religion was founded in 1849 at Calcutta by Debendranath Tagore with the publication of "Brahmo Dharma".
Q: Excuse me, but I thought Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj ?
A: Not really. Ram Mohan Roy started the Brahma Sabha (Association of Brahmins) along with Dwarkanath Tagore in 1828. The objectives of this association were to publicize the true Vedanta which had been corrupted by Buddhist and Brahmanical influences. The Sabha met every Wednesday at Kamal Basu's house in Chitpur and later moved to their own premises at Chitpur Road in 1830 (purchased by the munificence Dwarkanath Tagore) . After the death of Ram Mohan Roy in 1833, the Sabha became moribund
Q: But, were these Chitpur premises of 1830 not the Adi Brahmo Samaj ?
A: It is correct that the present Adi Brahmo Samaj premises are situated at the same 1830 location. However, the Adi Brahmo Samaj is only the name given by the common people to the Calcutta Brahmo Samaj when Keshub Chunder Sen and a few of his sympathisers were expelled from it.
Q: So, if the Calcutta Brahmo Samaj is the same as Adi Brahmo Samaj, when was it founded ?
A: The Calcutta Brahmo Samaj was so named in 1863, when after a cyclone the Chitpur Road premises were affected and Brahma Sabha (previously amalgamated with Tattwabodhini Sabha) was shifted to the Jorasako Thakur bari.
Re: Questions about Brahmoism
From: Rahul Dev Sharma <rahul.dv..@..>
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Questions about Brahmoism
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Dear Suhrud
Answers to some of your (very intelligent) questions. The difficult ones will take sometime.
1) Brahmoism is a religion. The philosophy behind Brahmoism is "Brahmo Dharma". Any person who believes that there is only one infinite "God" can "follow" Brahmoism by subscribing to membership of a "Brahmo Samaj" while retaining their own religion.
2) Brahmoism was never a "proselytizing religion". Like all the great Asian religions, we sit on the seashore (or a Himalayan mountain or the Internet) and wait for truthseekers to seek us out. "Conversion" is discretionary (there are no fixed rituals for conversion in any case) and more in the nature of "acceptance" of Brahmoism. In the early days of Brahmoism a few people were admitted as members who
caused immense trouble to our religion and gave it a bad name, after their expulsion in 1866 True Brahmoism has had no apostasy in its ranks.
4) Brahmoism is the religion. Brahmo Samaj is the larger community which "follows" Brahmoism while possibly retaining their old religions. It is incorrect that Brahmoism is hereditary, there is a debate about genetics and memetics which has not been properly understood by one faction here. Genetics and Memetics simply reinforce the shared collective identity for Brahmoism (as in all religions).
5) Brahmos believe that "truth" is contained everywhere. However, we also believe that no revelation, prophet or holy book is infallible or to be considered as authority. Brahmoism lays great stress on the powers of an enlightened conscience to know & distinguish True from False and to act appropriately.
5.1) We neither accept nor reject these books. We accept as fact these these books exist and consider it likely that these books are human creation (as much as "God" is a human creation).
5.2) Yes. Brahmoism rejects apostles, prophets or incarnations as concepts contrary to the principles of Brahmoism. By our Trust principles we are forbidden to disparage other religions or particpate in communal anger. This has led to a concept of the Brahmo "lie" where
although a Brahmo shall not lie he is not bound to tell the truth either. (eg.Q: Do you know where the nearest liqour shop is ? A:Yes. Q: Can you show me the way there? A:Yes (but I wont))
6) There are no prescribed Brahmo rituals. All that is required is for Brahmos to worship and adore the Supreme Spirit regularly (and at least once a week). Some do this by meditation, some by good works. True Brahmo religionists compose their mind daily on the 9 principles of Adi Dharm and reinforce their connection to God
8) There are no Schisms in Brahmoism. In 1865 and 1866 some apostates were expelled for spreading unacceptable Christian doctrines in the garb of Brahmoism. From 1878-1882 many of them were readmitted back into Adi Dharm with the formation of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj.
9) Brahmoism stands on the foundations of the work of Ram Mohan Roy and Dwarkanath Tagore - this stage of the religion was known as "Brahma Sabha". The superstructure was thereafter erected by Debendranath Tagore, Akshoy Kr. Dutta, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Ajudyanath Pakrashi and many others. In 1862 the Brahmo Samaj organisation was founded by Pt Nabin Ch. Rai at Lahore. Thereafter, the final shape to Brahmoism's philosophy was given by Hemendranath Tagore. Sen was never a Brahmo, he was born a Hindu and died a Christian, being many things on the path between.
10) No Brahmo would seek to convince anyone to convert to Brahmoism. Usually people who reach Brahmoism do so by their own path.
Rahul
Subject: Re: [brahmoconferenceorg] Questions about Brahmoism
To: brahmoconferenceorg@yahoogroups.com
Dear Suhrud
Answers to some of your (very intelligent) questions. The difficult ones will take sometime.
1) Brahmoism is a religion. The philosophy behind Brahmoism is "Brahmo Dharma". Any person who believes that there is only one infinite "God" can "follow" Brahmoism by subscribing to membership of a "Brahmo Samaj" while retaining their own religion.
2) Brahmoism was never a "proselytizing religion". Like all the great Asian religions, we sit on the seashore (or a Himalayan mountain or the Internet) and wait for truthseekers to seek us out. "Conversion" is discretionary (there are no fixed rituals for conversion in any case) and more in the nature of "acceptance" of Brahmoism. In the early days of Brahmoism a few people were admitted as members who
caused immense trouble to our religion and gave it a bad name, after their expulsion in 1866 True Brahmoism has had no apostasy in its ranks.
4) Brahmoism is the religion. Brahmo Samaj is the larger community which "follows" Brahmoism while possibly retaining their old religions. It is incorrect that Brahmoism is hereditary, there is a debate about genetics and memetics which has not been properly understood by one faction here. Genetics and Memetics simply reinforce the shared collective identity for Brahmoism (as in all religions).
5) Brahmos believe that "truth" is contained everywhere. However, we also believe that no revelation, prophet or holy book is infallible or to be considered as authority. Brahmoism lays great stress on the powers of an enlightened conscience to know & distinguish True from False and to act appropriately.
5.1) We neither accept nor reject these books. We accept as fact these these books exist and consider it likely that these books are human creation (as much as "God" is a human creation).
5.2) Yes. Brahmoism rejects apostles, prophets or incarnations as concepts contrary to the principles of Brahmoism. By our Trust principles we are forbidden to disparage other religions or particpate in communal anger. This has led to a concept of the Brahmo "lie" where
although a Brahmo shall not lie he is not bound to tell the truth either. (eg.Q: Do you know where the nearest liqour shop is ? A:Yes. Q: Can you show me the way there? A:Yes (but I wont))
6) There are no prescribed Brahmo rituals. All that is required is for Brahmos to worship and adore the Supreme Spirit regularly (and at least once a week). Some do this by meditation, some by good works. True Brahmo religionists compose their mind daily on the 9 principles of Adi Dharm and reinforce their connection to God
8) There are no Schisms in Brahmoism. In 1865 and 1866 some apostates were expelled for spreading unacceptable Christian doctrines in the garb of Brahmoism. From 1878-1882 many of them were readmitted back into Adi Dharm with the formation of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj.
9) Brahmoism stands on the foundations of the work of Ram Mohan Roy and Dwarkanath Tagore - this stage of the religion was known as "Brahma Sabha". The superstructure was thereafter erected by Debendranath Tagore, Akshoy Kr. Dutta, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Ajudyanath Pakrashi and many others. In 1862 the Brahmo Samaj organisation was founded by Pt Nabin Ch. Rai at Lahore. Thereafter, the final shape to Brahmoism's philosophy was given by Hemendranath Tagore. Sen was never a Brahmo, he was born a Hindu and died a Christian, being many things on the path between.
10) No Brahmo would seek to convince anyone to convert to Brahmoism. Usually people who reach Brahmoism do so by their own path.
Rahul
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