Guest Speaker: Sejal Patel
Hinduism has many facets which can confuse persons in Western countries; but Sejal Patel says it has at its root a belief in one Deity...which is manifested in a variety of ways.
Patel explained the guiding principles of Hinduism; all sub-entities of the religion are representations of one God, covering several areas of faith -- devotion, reincarnation, duty to self and others. These various entities are not worshipped for themselves, but serve as a focal point for those Hindus seeking understanding of their own lives...through what these beings represent.
He and his family often go to the nearest temple in Bartlett; Hinduism has no structured services or rites -- persons enter when they wish, offer prayers and go on their way. Their clergy don't offer regular worship, but will occasionally offer a reading if there are a sizeable number of people on hand.
And Sejal notes that reincarnation is a large part of the belief system; an individual soul or spirit can return as any sentient being from a human to an insect. If they consistently live up to the tenants of their faith, they can eventually break the cycle of birth, death and rebirth to move on to a higher state.