A Hindu Perspective by Dr. Balliram Chadee. PhD.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

Question: The Spirit of Sacrifice – Are there any benefits to Society?

Ans : Well dear loyal readers of Hotshots Magazine and supporters of The Hanuman Mission, firstly allow me to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Holiday Season. May the good Lord above bless, guide and keep you safe during the next weeks, especially and throughout 2008 and beyond, as we forge ahead in the New Year. As a community, we have recently celebrated Eid, Divali and soon Christmas. All three major religions as celebrated in the Caribbean Region, would have celebrated their joy, happiness and gratitude to their Lord in their own way. We at least must be grateful that we live in Canada, where today; we have that privilege to do so freely; as can be, at this time in our lives, and so we must thank God for his blessings. To our Christian readers and friends, I would especially like to say a Very Merry Christmas and may the Blessings of Jesus Christ be with you during these holy moments. In all faiths and religions, we would know or would have been taught, that a few have to sacrifice for the many. Why is this so? Why doesn't everyone sacrifice equally? What difference does it make to society? Does anyone benefit from Sacrifice? If so, who does?

Today as we draw the curtains on 2007, and get ready to usher 2008 in, there are mixed emotions, memories and perspectives for many of us. Some good, some bad and some we wish not even to remember. However one thing I wish to point out is that in whichever faith or religion you live your life, if you subscribe to the teachings of that Lord, you will be looked after. The sweet Lord above gives only to his children what he knows they can handle. When he wants to make them better he gives them more and when he has chosen them, well you figured it out, he will test you to the max to see where and when you will break. For any of us to be a messenger of God or our Lord, we must be prepared, ready and capable to carry out his work. As Hindus, changes in our lives takes place, beyond our own imaginations many times. Personally for me, I can say my life has circle beyond 360 degrees, many times. In Trinidad I attended Presbyterian and Anglican schools, never attended or was affiliated with any Hindu schools, so as I always say I am a self taught Hindu. My advanced Academic Spiritual and Hindu Studies were obtained over the past 14 years, culminating in a Masters Degree in Hinduism, Philosophy and Hindu Studies last year. This was a personal sacrifice which I made for the purpose I accepted in life and so a Leader (in public life) must be ready, prepared and equipped to serve as an example if he/she wishes to lead. A leader must be strong with education, training, character and moreso, must be willing to give of his/her life selflessly, without rewards or expectations. If we take a close look at each religion, we would see how the chosen few had to make sacrifices, many times at the expense of their own lives, their sons, their followers or their personal aspirations, all for the benefits of others in society. Why? What are the benefits? Why should they?

I have often asked this question to many religious and spiritual leaders with whom I am involved; in Multi-Faith agencies and activities. The answer is always the same. It will take one to be sacrificed for many, in all faiths. Therefore as individuals, we must be prepared to sacrifice; when called upon in this community we serve or aspire to serve, or else we should step aside and let others rise to the cause. The divine teachings would clearly demonstrate how it works, where maintaining our word and commitment we make to others must stay intact, despite what circumstances have changed around us. A fundamental teaching of Hinduism is to honor our word, without contract, without agreement or without signatures. How many of us can say we do this? How many sacrifice others for personal gains? How many of us would snatch the first opportunity to sacrifice someone else for selfish reasons? As we close on this year my dear friends, remember the great leaders and messengers of the Lord we serve, and see what true sacrifice is. See how much it costs to sacrifice others and how much it costs to sacrifice of yourself. Evaluate the benefits in both cases; It is easy. Make a decision and truly reflect on what others have done; who made sacrifices for all of us collectively as children of God, to benefit today. Be fair, be honest and be sincere when you do so. Sacrifice; whether spiritual, religious, personal, social or selfless comes with a price. A few will always do it for the many. Look around and determine the group in which you fall. Now that you know, YOU be The JUDGE!.

Happy New Year & may Hanumanji shower his choicest Blessings and Protection to you and Yours always.