HJS’ interview with Rajan Zed

By Staff Reporter

USA: HJS’ volunteer in USA Interviewed Sree. Rajan Zed, The interview was conducted over email on 5 October 2007.  The report is also published in USA’ Washington Post newspaper on the following link

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2007/08/post_7.html

Interview

HJS’ volunteer :   How were you invited for such a prayer in the Senate/Assembly?

Rajan Zed: Harry Reid, Senator and Senate Majority Leader, invited me to recite the opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC.

HJS’ volunteer :  In the Senate, your prayer recitation was interrupted by three Christian protestors. How did you feel then? Have you encountered intolerance as a Hindu in the past? How have you dealt with that?

Rajan Zed: Although many times Hinduism is misunderstood, but overall Hindus are very well received in the American society. After reciting the prayer in the Senate in July last, when I returned to my hometown, Nevada clergy, drawn from various religions, came out together in my support. Catholic, Protestant, Latter-day Saints, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Bahai clergy honored me with a grand reception in Reno, where various political, government, community, and student leaders were also present. I was garlanded by Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., President of Nevada Clergy Association, and was presented with a plaque by Rabbi Myra Soifer of Temple Sinai of Reno on behalf of Interfaith Community of Northern Nevada, which said, “…The interfaith clergy and leaders of northern Nevada proudly recognize and honor this unprecedented achievement…”

HJS’ volunteer :  What role do you feel Hinduism can play in the present atmosphere of materialism and towards world peace? 

Rajan Zed: Truth and nonviolence are considered highest virtues in Hinduism. Hindus have cherished the ideal of nonviolence through the ages. “The way of righteousness is the path of non-violence” [Tirukkural, Tura., ch. 33 (324)].

This world is like a bubble. Bhatta Narayana says [Hitopadesha, Bk IV (88)], “No outward symbol is any evidence of piety.”

HJS’ volunteer :  What are your views on the present condition of Hindu Dharma in the US and in the world? What do you feel about various issues that Hindu Dharma is facing in the US, such as misrepresentation of Hindu Dharma in CA textbooks?

Rajan Zed: There is a lot of interest and curiosity about Hinduism in USA and the world. I have been lecturing and teaching Hinduism. As materialism increases, so is unhappiness, and thus people look towards Hinduism and other eastern philosophy. We need to fill the spiritual vacuum of the seekers who are tired of materialism. Besides us, there is lot of interest among non-Hindus in mantra chanting, meditation, yoga, reincarnation, vegetarianism, etc. We need to make it available to others in a way that it can be easily understood so there are no misconceptions and we can live alongside each other more harmoniously. And then the challenge of passing down what is sacred to us to our future generations. There is a need to create a clear identity, which can be communicated publicly. Most importantly, we need to involve our youngsters in spirituality. Temples can contribute a lot in this regard by organizing activities, which are of interest to our youth to attract them. We should make available standard versions of basic Hinduism books and scriptures in English and other foreign languages in an easily understandable language and at subsidized prices at all Hindu temples and Indian community centers in the world for the consumption of our youth and other seekers. 

HJS’ volunteer :   What is your impression of Hindus here in the US? To what extent do you find the Hindus in the US are knowledgeable about Hinduism?

Rajan Zed: Hindus immigrating to foreign countries, in most cases, try their best to keep the traditions alive and attempt to pass it on to the future generations. Hinduism being so vast and deep cannot be mastered. We as Hindu leaders and organizations need to provide them tools to help them in their efforts to keep the traditions.

HJS’ volunteer :   What is your message to young Hindu children growing up in USA?

Rajan Zed: Keep the roots. If you stick to your roots and traditions, you will get more respect in the American and other societies. 

HJS’ volunteer :  What is your message or appeal to Hindus in general?

Rajan Zed: Have faith in who you are. Act for the benefit of all. Everything worldly is transitory. Have disciplined spiritual practice. Try to stay pure.

HJS’ volunteer :  Thank you for your time.

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