Easterly Wind Bloweth

The nature of spirituality is undergoing a radical shift in the United States, with the temples furthering social change

 

- Vaisakh E. Hari

On March 19 this year, Shaanti Bhavan Mandir in New York became the first Hindu temple to join the National Sanctuary Movement—a coalition of places of worship for sheltering undocumented immigrants. The temple was founded in 2013, by IndoCaribbeans hailing from Guyana and Trinidad. “A mandir is not just a place we come to pray,” said temple leader Pandit Manoj Jadubans to the devotees. “We can give them shelter, a place where they feel secure.”

“Although we cannot house anyone, our mandir is able to help them find legal resources,” said Ravina Vibart, wife of Pandit Manoj, whose courtly voice was punctuated by the crackle of distant phone call.

Other spiritual institutions, though partial to the movement, tread the middle ground. Punya Upadhyaya, board member of Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in New Mexico, said the issue should not be blown out of proportion. The ashram, in the hills of Taos, was erected by devotees of the Baba from Uttar Pradesh who reportedly appeared in different places at the same time and transported people to a state of god consciousness with a touch of his finger. “Those who require help are always welcome to connect to us. But, we are not a political organisation. We are not against anyone. New Mexico, being very close to the border, already has a strong network of refugees,” Upadhyaya said.

“There is some fear among the Indian community, especially the Hindu community, in New York,” said Pragnesh Surti, an Indian-American who is active there in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). “While most of us are here legally, there are some who are undocumented. There is also the threat of physical violence, as we have recently seen in Kansas, Iowa and Chicago. Sometimes, we are mistaken for Muslims. If your skin colour is not right, you could end up being persecuted.”