“Find Peace in Chaotic Times”, says US Congresswoman quoting from Bhagavad Gita

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

 

America’s first-ever Hindu lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard has said that in this chaotic time, one can find certainty, strength, and peace in Bhagavad Gita.

In her message during a virtual commencement address, the 39-year-old Congresswoman from Hawaii said that it is a chaotic time and no one can say with certainty what tomorrow looks like.

Addressing the conference of Hindu students from various universities across the globe and organized by the Hindu Students Council on June 7, she said by practicing ‘bhakti’ and ‘Karma Yoga’ as described in the Gita, one gets to understand the life’s objective.

Her address comes amidst protests and pandemic that’s ravaging the country.

It was for the first time since the formation of the Hindu Students Council that works among the students of US and Canada since 1990 that Gabbard appreciated ‘namaste’ as a way to greet, saying ‘namaste’ brings people together.

She said the Gita is the foundation for our ancient knowledge. “Undergraduates must know their objective because they are beginning the second phase of their life. They must focus more on service and care for others rather than their own comforts,” Gabbard said.

While many avoid this sacred text because of the religious context attached to it. But if one is able to keep the religion aside and observe the meanings for what they are, it could truly be transformational.

“Students should always remember the lessons from Bhakti and Karma Yoga. Shri Krishna has said service for others is the biggest form of happiness. Should we use our wealth and capacity for the greater good or for own selfish interests? Life’s objective is hidden in our response to this question,” she said.

The lessons drawn from Shri Krishna’s life transcend time and are universal, Gabbard said, adding the present time is of the global crisis and no one knows for sure what would happen tomorrow. “But Krishna’s lessons give us the strength to move ahead. We must practice ‘bhakti’ and karma yoga”.

Arnab Kejriwal, National President of Hindu Students Council, North America’s largest pan-Hindu youth organization, said the program has played a major role in bringing together Hindu students from America and Canada, and presenting them as a united world community.

Council’s deputy chief Sohini said Tulsi Gabbard has inspired those youth who face ‘Hindu phobia’ in their daily life.