The gathering, designed for individuals aspiring to serve as chaplains and extend emotional and spiritual support to the community at large, the session was planned to be inclusive of their  clinical pastoral education. An integral aspect of this educational initiative involved the participants exploring diverse religious perspectives. 

Session Participants:

A session dedicated to understanding Hinduism was orchestrated. The event was attended by about ten Chaplains affiliated with Children’s Health Hospital, representing locations in Plano and  Frisco in Texas. The participants were from different faith groups such as Islamic, Jewish, Christian Chaplains.

Session Anchor:

Anchored by Smt. Bindu Lanka Garu, Board Of Directors, Community Outreach, Dharma Jagruthi Foundation, Frisco, Texas

Session Description:

Session was well over 6 hours with the group assembling at the magnificent Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco. Bindu Garu walked through the temple architecture, explaining the significance, importance and sanctity of the temple. The panchayatana deities at the temple was the focus of conversation and the team witnessed the Hindu priest performing rituals/puja.

The group subsequently convened at Smt. Bindu’s residence to witness and partake in various domestic rituals associated with Hindu festivals Navaratri and Deepavali. This included observations of the Bommala Koluvu (golu), symbolism of different Gods and Goddesses, a home altar, and the intricacies of worship, all elucidated by Bindu Lanka.

Insights in to Yoga & Meditation was given by Sri Ramakanth Garu briefly covering insights into Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Ayurveda.

Sri Srikanth Challa Garu, Datta Peetham Asthana Vidwan, expounded on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Several questions from the team on the teachings of Gita and relevance to human race and learnings applicable to other faiths were addressed. The audience were captivated by the depth of knowledge and essence of the Bhaghavad Gita. Few participants enquired about the copies of the Bhaghavad Gita they can take home for further reading.

Group activity by the participants where a Deepavali poem was shared, prompting them to engage in personal reflection in regards to their introduction to  Hinduism. 

The final leg of the session was to provide the participants a taste of Indian food and hospitality. Traditional vegetarian Hindu meal was served with an assorted curries, rice, dahi wada and desserts. this marked a culinary and cultural interlude. 

Concluding the event, attendees were graciously presented with return gifts as token of appreciation for their time & interest. Book titled “Sadguru Tattvam” by Dr. Prakash Rao Garu, Founder GHHF, Musical Healing Concert CD, traditional bangles, and a small box of Indian sweets.

The session was well received and appreciated by one and all.