The Hindu faith differs from some religions in that it doesn’t have a prophet or a bible, but is believes in righteous conduct.
“We see divinity in all nature, in creation, in animals and in people,” said Dr. Ravi Khanna, who will lead the session. “We believe we are born divine, but we don’t know it; the divinity is within yourself. If we do the right things and focus, we can have it in this life.”
The session will lead off with a pair of videos to explain Hindu Dharma philosophy, leading off with one on the meaning of namaste as told by an African American pastor from Macon, Ga., followed by a tour of the Hindu Temple of Dayton.
This season’s theme will also tackle current topics we face including the coronavirus pandemic. Khanna recognizes there’s a lot of fear and we must all eventually die, but we should do all the right things in response.
The Hindu approach to dealing with the pandemic includes practices such as yoga and meditation and helping by having compassion to aid others through charitable works. The local Hindu community has responded by making masks.
“We see the divinity in all and there is no reason to have bias against color, creed or gender,” said Khanna.
Like most others, the Hindu community has also had to make adjustments to its observances in this time of social distancing and cautiousness. October is the month of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and the Springfield community usually celebrates it with a large celebration at the John Legend Theater.
In 2020, it will be celebrated virtually with dancing and skits and special chanting.
“We will be celebrating, but from our homes,” said Khanna
To access this program or future meetings on Zoom, contact Nancy Flinchbaugh at nflinchbaugh@springfieldohio.gov or Cheryl Dover at cdover@springfieldohio.gov or call 937-324-7380.
For more information on the Global Education and Peace Network, go to https://springfieldohio.gov/global-education/.
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