Swami Nalinanand was recently in Auckland to bless the newly constructed temple complex by Sai Sansthan.
“This is a very beautiful project,” he said. The temple has been accomplished by the efforts of many in the Indian community and Swami Nalinanand gave a series of lectures at the venue. Hundreds gathered to hear him speak and were able to glean a better understanding of vedic Hindu texts.
The question of Hinduism as relevant to a younger generation in modern times, is something that troubles many.
“Hinduism first requires you to have faith. For it to be useful or relevant to the younger generation, our masters need to offer logical explanations for everything that they expect people to follow,” said Swami Nalinanand.
He explained, “Today, spirituality is reduced to mere storytelling. This does not satisfy logic and does not give spiritual seekers the true depth and meaning behind the scriptures, and ultimately, the lasting growth they experience through spirituality. Spirituality cannot be taught or learnt.”
Swami Nalinanand’s spiritual journey began as a conscious choice. He was the only son of a well to do business family in India and has completed formal education gaining an MBA. He can speak in many languages and his style is conversational and informal. It puts people at ease quickly.
In his opinion, the Indian diaspora abroad needs to maintain their sense of togetherness. “Santaa, being united is a community’s biggest strength,” he says.
The answer to a fragmented community in spirituality in his words is, “If people are true spiritual seekers, then there will be no difference of opinion or infighting. We need to identify ourselves as souls and not the material body that the soul occupies. With this outlook, there will be a sense of humility and absence of ego.”