The Arya Samaj SA reached out to members of the African and Coloured communities by celebrating Raksha bandhan with them. The chaste bond of love between a brother and sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. Raksha bandhan or ‘rakhi’ is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding when a holy tread is tied around the wrist of the boy. This thread pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments. It signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that is evil. It also means that the relationship between boy and girl is one of mutual love, respect and care.
Pta Usha Debipersad gave an interesting and informative talk on the significance of the ‘janeu’ or three threads that were worn by those participating in the hawan ceremony. Children are invaluable assets of a community and the future development and growth of a nation is dependent upon them. The thread is a symbol of tying oneself to the bond of commitment. There are three commitments a student makes, viz. to God, parents and the teacher/guru. The commitment to God is met by being disciplined, not being judgemental and giving selflessly. These commitments are taken by observing the operation of nature. For example, the sun, rivers and breezes shine, flow and blow ceaselessly for the benefit of mankind without asking for anything in return. The commitment to parents is to love and honour them as they are custodians of family values. The commitment to the teacher is to make learning a lifelong pursuit and also impart knowledge to others.
Dr Rambilass explained the essence of chapters 14 and 17 of the Bhagavad Gita in an engaging way to a very appreciative audience. Everything in the affairs of man manifests as three qualities or characteristics, viz. sattvic (purity), rajasic (passionate, hunger for action) and tamasic (ignorant, sluggish, deluded). The fruit of a righteous act is sattwa or pure joy; pain is the fruit of rajas and delusion and darkness is the fruit of tamas. We should all strive to reduce our tamasic and rajasic tendencies and aspire to increase the sattvic qualities.
