Giving Thanks in the Vedic Tradition

 

The annual Hindu calendar is rich with ceremonies, but there are some that never make the calendar.  This weekend we were invited to participate in a 3-day prayer and praise celebration by a Hindu family as thanksgiving for their many blessings -- and in particular, the blessing of restored health.  We were struck by the elaborate mantras and the rituals of fire and the warm, open welcome we were given by the celebration's hosts.

Known as Maha Yajn, the ceremony consisted of the oral recitation of certain ancient Vedic mantras (hymns) by various clergy accompanied by sections of the Vedas chanted by the devotees. Over the course of three days, the clergy, both male and female priests, chanted some of the 400 sacred verses written in Sanskrit and dating from the Vedic period (1500 BC to 500 BC) which preceded modern Hinduism, and is sustained in practice today by Brahmin Hindus.  An essential element of the yaj ceremony is the sacrificial fire - the divine Agni - as everything that is offered into the fire is believed to reach God.  Among the herbal preparations offered as oblations in the fire were large quantities of ghee, coconut, and grains.

The Four Vedas

The philosophy of yajna teaches a way of living in society in harmony.   It promotes a lifestyle which protects higher human values in society and strives to form the basis of an ideal human culture. The word yajna is derived from the Sanskrit verb yaj, which has a three-fold meaning: worship of God, unity, and charity.

Obedience and Sacrifice

Piercing the tongue has a long history in religious and performance practices.  Mesoamericans such as the Aztecs practiced this as well as other perforations as a part of offerings to their deities.  Islamic Fakirs and Sufis from the Middle East, and Asian Spirit Mediums from the Far East practiced tongue piercing as an offering and proof of trance state.  Here in Mauritius, it is Hindus of various sects who practice it as a sign of obedience and sacrifice.

Likewise, the tradition of firewalking is part of several traditions here in Mauritius.  Firewalking is the art of walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones. Firewalking has been practiced by many people and cultures throughout the world, with the earliest known reference dating back to Iron Age India, around 1200 BC.  It is often used as a rite of passage, as a test of an individual's strength and courage, or in religion as a test of one's faith.

I took these photos on Easter Sunday about a block from our house.  The piercings and firewalking were part of a Hindu celebration, demonstrating obedience and sacrifice.

Talking About America

Promoting Embassy activities on the radio
speaking in Mauritian Creole

Talking to Rotary about the
international fight against Somali pirates

Meeting Mauritius President Jugnauth (left)
talking politics

Following banquet with Port Louis City Councillor
and our U.S. Navy Defense Attache 

Introducing Jazz Appreciation Month artists

I spent the last couple weeks filling in for a colleague, who was on temporary assignment at another Embassy.  Added to my regular work, it was a very busy and interesting time, with several public appearances and meetings with civic and governmental leaders.  No two days are alike, and it is a great assignment every day to represent America.    

Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration

Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration in Port Louis, Mauritius
April 13, 2012

An important part of the work of an American Embassy overseas is to educate and inform  host country citizens about the United States and its culture.  As diplomats, we each take part in the Embassy's activities to proudly show off our country.  Where possible, we show how the U.S.A. has impacted other countries or cultures.  Last week, I was honored to emcee our Embassy's celebration of jazz, as a uniquely American art form that has been adopted throughout the world.  We recruited local musicians and groups to show their stuff as part of Jazz Appreciation Month.  What was so impressive is how many excellent Mauritian jazz artists have been inspired by Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and other legends of American jazz.  One group of young artists had learned to play their instruments from a talented and dedicated teacher, who himself was self-taught in each instrument and jazz itself.  I was proud to be part of a celebration of an art form that started in America, but has become a cherished gift to the world.  

Half a World Away

Shelly and Comanche Elementary retired teachers

View from the back yard

 The last four weeks, Shelly has been in the USA seeing family and friends, going to a special niece's wedding, and I've been stuck watching sunsets by myself in Mauritius. This one was tonight, a few hours ago.  Shelly and Heather traveled together to Florida, where they stayed with Damon and saw his bridge building competition in Tallahassee.  Then, Shelly headed out west to Albuquerque while Heather went to Washington to continue her job search.  They all reunited last weekend in New Mexico where Heather was maid of honor and Damon was an usher in Karen Maisel's wedding to Ajrn Paulson.  The wedding was on a old West movie ranch set between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.  The pictures are wonderful!  Looking forward to having Shelly "home" in Mauritius next weekend; as busy as she's been, she'll need some sunsets on the beach!

Two Moons At Dawn & Wedding Out West

It's a good omen.
The day dawned with two full moons on the Western horizon. Shelly, Heather and Damon, along with family and special friends are out west.  I'm in Mauritius watching for good omens in the western skies.
Happy wedding day to Karen and Ajrn, getting hitched today on a Western movie set in New Mexico!  Two moons at dawn; by nightfall . . . one.
May your wedding day and your every day be filled with good omens, moonlight, and plenty of sunshine.  Love you all!