The Hindu Monastery of Africa has a new Swami, filling the vacuum created, following the demise of the last Monk, who passed away about five years ago.
The new Priest, Swami Brahamanand Saraswati Maharaj, was initiated over the weekend at the Tema Branch of the Hindu Monastery of Africa.
Swami Vishnu Vallab Ananda Maharaj came to Ghana from India to perform the initiation on behalf of His Holiness Swami Ghananand Saraswati of blessed memory.
The initiation also marked the 50th anniversary of the founding and formation of the Hindu Monastery of Africa.
In his remarks to mark the day, Swami Brahamanand Saraswati Maharaj, who has gone through 17 years of training, preached on unity amongst them.
He urged his members to move together as a family, stressing the need to be able to continue what has been left for them.
“My sermon is going to be very simple. in that there is disunity among us as a family. When this disunity might be breached, we have to move together as a family so that what our guru, Swami Ghananda, left us can be continually successful.
“I cannot do it alone. No leader can work alone. He works with people. That’s why we have left-handed people and right-handed people. The right hand cannot bathe itself. In the same way, the left hand cannot bath itself,” he said.
APPRECIATION
He thanked Swami Vishnu Vallab Ananda Maharaj and all invited guests who attended the celebration of the anniversary. He said it had offered them the opportunity to receive love from Swami Vishnu Vallab Ananda.
“Brothers and Sisters, there has been a time of opportunity for us to receive Swami Vishnu Vallab Ananda. His guidance has been of great help to our monastery. I am saying this because he came with love.
“He came with deep love for all of us. All those who are with him are also expressing the same thing all over. So it’s upon us, some of us, to learn from them,” he stated.
TOLERANCE
Speaking to this reporter on religious tolerance in Hinduism, the Spokesperson for the new priest, who is also a member of the board of directors and the General Secretary of the Hindu Monastery of Africa, Anthony Manuel Boesi, said they are very tolerant.
According to him, everyone is welcome to join them, adding that, “In fact, our worship here, even if you are not a member, and you don’t want to be a member, you can come. We don’t only worship; here it’s not like somebody is coming to preach; it’s a discussion. You can ask questions, anything, even if it may not be related to the topic being discussed.”
He continued that, “Anything, we call it clearing of doubts. If you have some doubts, you can ask. Then the priest, together with the elders, who are well versed in the philosophy, will help to clear those doubts for you with relevant examples around us.”
SPECIAL DAY
The President of Tema Temple, Emmanuel Akuoko Frimpong, said that “Today is a very special occasion. There are certain things that took place these few days. And it has never happened. I have never witnessed that before. So, it made me so happy that for the first time in my life, I have observed how certain rituals are made for the Lingam, as well as also being part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding and formation of the Hindu Monastery of Africa.”
PERCEPTION
Speaking on the perception of a section of the public about Hinduism, he explained that the perception is due to a lack of knowledge about the religion.
“But when you ask and you are told or you get it from the right source, then you know what it is really about. Hinduism is the most tolerant of all the religions. That is why India has stood the test of time. And as of today, I am talking to you. Hindus form the majority in India.
He said the new priest, who is one of their own, has dedicated his life to serve humanity, adding that “he is somebody who has dedicated his life not to marry but to concentrate all his energies into the worship of God and also to serve humanity.”
