rakhi with sweets

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Raksha Bandhan

• Rakhi (Raksha) symbolizes a spirit of
  brotherhood and harmony
• amongst all sections of society, irrespective of
  race, religion, and
• color.
• On this auspicious occasion we inspire ourselves
  with the true
• spirit of service and sacrifice for the welfare
  of the society and find
• therein the highest spiritual fulfillment of
  human life.

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Mantra for Global Peace

• Rakhi symbolizes a commitment to protect each
• other.
• Rakhi reminds us to commit ourselves to our
• community and to the righteousness.
• Rakhi develops cohesion in society
• Rakhi creates a spirit of selfless social
  service.
• Rakhi imparts the highest spiritual fulfillment
  of human life.

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Origin of Raksha Bandhan

• Ancient festival - originated from
• Initiation of new disciple by a Guru
• Brother-Sister festival
• Congregational ceremonies in modern time
• Changing of Yagopavit Sravan Poornima

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Social Aspects
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan is not limited
to bother and sisters alone. Rakhi is also tied
on the wrists of policemen, security personnel,
armed forces personnel, other public officials
and statesmen. In return, the public officials
vow to protect the society and uphold justice
and unparalleled zeal and vigor.The
sister-brother relationship portrayed by the
rakhi is far deeper than simply the brother
protecting his sister. It contains the basic
message of universal brotherhood where everyone
looks to each other as a brother and sister of a
common global family.
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In the Hindu tradition, the Raksha has assumed
all aspects of protection of righteousness
from the forces of evil. It is not merely that
the spirit of Raksha manifests itself on
occasions of mortal peril to the life and honor
of the beloved ones or to the society. It is
like the flow of bloodstream through every limb
and organ of the body, carrying strength and
nourishment to every cell. As a result, even a
small wound anywhere in the body is promptly
attended to by the entire body. Every other limb
spontaneously sacrifices a part of its blood to
heal that wound and keeps that organ healthy and
strong.
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This mantra is often recited when tying a
rakhi Yena baddho balee raajaa daanavendro
mahaabalah Tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa
chala maa chala (I am tying a raksha to you,
similar to the one tied to Bali the poswerful
king of demons. Oh Raksha, be firm, do not
waver.)
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This is how the society can live and prosper
amidst all kinds of challenges, either from
within or without. A society imbued with this
spirit will see to it that every one of it
members is happy. The Hindu concept of
well-being of the Universe has always
been Sarvepi sukhinassantu, sarve santu
niraamayaah Sarve bhadraani pashyantu, maa
kashchitt dukhabhaag bhavet (Let everyone be
happy, let everyone be free from all ills, let
everyone behold only the auspicious let no one
be afflicted.)
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The powers of intellect, body, material wealth,
and influence should be utilized for the
uplift and service of others. Vidyaa vivaadaaya
dhanam madaaya shaktih pareshaam
parapeedanaaya Khalasya sadhorvipareetam etat
jnaanaaya daanaaya cha rakshanaaya (For the
wicked , learning is for dry arguments, wealth is
for satisfying vanity, and strength is for
harassing others but in the case of holy men,
these are for imparting knowledge, offering
charity and protecting others.)
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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS)

• Vishwa Dharma prakashena
• Vishwa shanti pravartake
• (To establish peace and harmony in the world by
  propagating eternal Time tested Hindu values.)
• Today, HSS celebrates Raksha Bahdhan as a
  festival, celebrating the bond, which we all
  share as sisters and brothers of the same global
  family.
• May the power of this bond protect us all.

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Guiding principles to the visionHINDU VALUES

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam!
• The whole world is one family!!
• Ekam sat vipraah bahudhaa vadanti
• Truth is one. The wise describe it in different
  ways.
• Sarvepi Sukhinah Santu, sarve santu niraamayaah
• Let every one be happy. Let every one be free
  from suffering.
• Hinduism a way of life ..

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BalaGokulamhttp//www.balagokulam.org

• .

• To facilitate children to appreciate, learn and
  practice the Hindu way of life
• To develop social awareness
• Community Service
• Environment Protection
• Activities
• Stories, Games, Art Craft
• Yoga, Meditation etc.

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Developing Values

• Youth Conferences,
• Hindu Heritage Camp Family Camps

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Awareness programs

• Awareness about Hindu Dharma
• Through Lectures
• Seminar on Hinduism for School Teachers
• Exhibition on Contribution of Hindus to humanity

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Share the treasure

• Hindu contributions to world..
• Yoga
• Ayurveda (Medicine)
• Science and Technology
• Music
• Food
• Pluralism

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Social Service(seva) Projects

• Social projects in USA
• - Help to Native Americans at Lakota, south
  Dakota
• - Food for homeless
• - Help local facilities like hospitals and
  homeless shelters.

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Inter-Traditions/Faiths meetings

• Promote better understanding
• Seminars and meetings with leaders of ancient
  traditions like Native American, Mayan, Pagans,
  Jews, African Americans, Christian, Zorastrians,
  .
• NCCJ

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