The Vedic Voice
HS
Spiritual
Spiritual Economics-
Economics – theThe Heart
Heart ofofSustainable
Spiritual Development
Development
By Nimai Charan Agarwal: Age 10
In the past three decades we have consumed one third of the planet’s
resources. In the next few years we will have reached earth’s limits! These
problems arise from not recognizing ourselves and earth as spiritual entities.
The secret is to use material advancement for the spiritual good of all. This is
called spiritual economics. When one follows these principles we can save the
world from untimely destruction.
I live in Germantown, Maryland, however I believe the world is my
community, because what happens in the
world affects my life here. There are many
problems in our community. Because of
hectic lifestyle people don’t have time to
build relationships. The parents go to work,
and children are sent to daycare. Finally
when the family comes together everyone
is tired and goes to sleep.
Another problem is pollution.
Because of want of resources, the earth is
increasingly drilled and exploited causing
world’s greatest environmental problems.
Pollution has reached such a height that
forty percent of the water in the USA is
undrinkable. Eighty percent of earth’s forests have been destroyed. This
economic path we are leading is environmentally and socially unsustainable.
Consumerism is another great challenge. The consumption rate of
America is so high that if the world started consuming like this we would need
five planets. Some reasons that we over consume are peer pressure, greed
and advertisements. We watch at least three thousand ads every day which
induce us to shop. Ninety nine percent of the stuff we acquire is trashed in six
months.
There are two ways to solve our problems – material or spiritual. When
we try to solve them materially, the solution creates bigger problems. Ethanol
is one of the solutions for solving the gas problem however people are cutting
forests to plant corn to make ethanol. Even green technology is not complete
for it does not address the main problem of consumerism. Unless we stop
consuming at a monstrous rate, green may only slow the destruction but not
stop it. I once read a story of a foolish person who was cutting the branch on
which he was sitting. Our material solutions are somewhat similar.
Dec 2009
According to ancient Indian texts, thousands of years ago sages
gathered to discuss ways to the ultimate good for all people and sustained
happiness. Their conclusion was all occupations should be performed for
spiritual well being and not for material gain. Furthermore, one should not
use material profits for one’s sense gratification but for common good of
all. This is the basis of economic yoga or spiritual economics. By following
this, the problems of overconsumption, greed, and uncontrolled mind are
addressed. I practice these principles in my life every day. In the morning I
meditate on sacred chants. This elevates and purifies my consciousness. I
refrain from eating animal products for it causes
pain to animals. I also like to read books on spiritual
science. My consciousness gets absorbed in it and I
feel I am in another world. In this way I take care of
my spiritual wellbeing.
These practices take care of one’s own self.
However, one must also educate others of this
process. When people get educated it creates a
spiritual revolution which changes the minds of
people from enjoying and exploiting to nurturing and
protecting. This will create leaders who can lead
society into spirituality and sustainable develop-
ment. The way I try to share this knowledge is by
distributing pamphlets about vegetarianism,
meditation and yoga. I publish newsletters for children on these topics with
my dad. I also participate in dramas which educate people about morality
and goodness.
Last but not the least is the need for self sufficient community based
on simple living and high thinking. The community lives by farming and
working with nature. People work according to their natural propensities
focusing on spiritual growth. This will satisfy people’s external and internal
needs and remove stresses produced from artificial living.
The problems I have observed in my community are rooted in
disconnect from our divine nature. Because of this disconnect, we think
that everything in this world is for our enjoyment. This causes us to believe
that money and material objects will make us happy. Like Gandhi once
said, "There is enough for every man's need but not for one man's greed."
When we are not satisfied with what we have, we think by getting more, we
will be happier but instead we want more. In the process we exploit nature
and others. By practicing the principles of spiritual economics there will be
a spiritual revolution which will guide the world's misdirected civilization to
a new world of satisfaction, peace and harmony.
 The Majestic Mountain Food For Life Vrindavan
Nimai Charan Agarwal
For the Poorest of the Poor
By: Nimai Charan Agarwal

Food for Life Vrindavan, FFLV for short, has, and is still, saving thousands of lives

every day. They distrubute food to the poorest of the poor and give free shelter and

clothing.They also provide them with medical attention Not only do they provide

–– these neccesities, they also educate thousands of children who can not afford even

some chalk and a slate to write with. They provide them with a future and transform

them from beggers living in the sewers to educated, confident people who know what

they are about. The name of this school is Sandipani Muni School (SMS). In 2002

Sandupani Muni School had 120 students. Now it has more than 650, and their are

many who are waiting for someone to sponsor them so they can have a bright

future.You can learn more at www. fflvrindavan.org.

The snow covered peaks
Glisten in the sun.
At its beauty I stare
My hearts joy, just begun.
The clouds cover the peaks
Into the air chilling winds sneak
On the mountain view lie misty streaks
In this way pass the weeks.
Dirt ,dust , blown away
Purity, on the way
My friends and I have organized a volunteer group called “Kidz for Life (KFL)” and
Beauty shining in hundred of rays.
are trying to raise funds so we can donate money to SMS. We recently went door to
Beauty, for those who tolerate
door in our neighborhood and collected “post-halloween candy.” We will send that to
Pains, pleasures, part of life
the kids of SMS. We will also be making and printing cards which we will be selling to
The somber men not affected by this
raise money to support a child’s education in Vrindavan. Any support or donation
Thus live in never ending bliss
towards the SMS kids is welcome and appreciated. If you have any questions or
comments you can email me at nimaicool@gmail.com. Hare Krishna!

What people say about FFLV /SMS:

Over the mountains fly handsome eagles

Circling the clouds

Serving with sincerity: “Our family gets asked to donate money to many organisations
These handsome beings strong and proud
each year. We give smalldonations to some as a goodwill gesture, but the only
The air split by their shrieking sound.
organization we give a substantialdonation to is Food for Life Vrindavan. There are two

reasons. The first is that with

The mountain, majestically on the horizon
FFLV, almost all of our
With trees and rocks it is emblazoned
donation goes to those who
The lofty peaks tall and proud
need it, not to overhead
Its magnificence brighter then the sun.
expenses. Secondly, and the

most important reason, is that

The mountain surrounded by a halo
we implicitly trust the people
Giving it a majestic glow
at FFLV and the sincerity in
The snow like a white blanket
which they serve.”
The mountain, peaceful and tranquil.

- Peter Burwash,
Struck by windy storms again and again
lecturer and author.
Does the tolerant mountain complain?

More clean and pure it becomes

That is why the storms are his true gain.

The windy storms strike again

Dec 2009
 TIME FOR FUN!

Instructions:Look for the words shown below in the word search !

WORD-SEARCH
ANANT NIMAI
By:Arjun Patel GOVINDA
ARJUN PANDAVAS
V P S A P B W U A B B P Y L N INCENSE
COW PRABHUPADA
KRISHNA
S L C A D H O L R J X R F T K DHRUVA PRAHALAD
LAXMAN
GITA RADHARANI
A M A R V N C O J R R A Y C N MOHAN
GOPAL RAMA SHYAM
Q Q M Q F A I P U O K B D N E TULASI VISNU
SITA

A V U R H D D V N T Q H I W H
How to make a ‘Puri’!
A N H S I R K N O D T U H P Y
By Anant Patel, Age 10
N A M X A L N K A G W P K O L
· 2 cups Indian whole wheat flour
I N A R A H D A R P D A X F T
· 1/2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
· Salt to taste
G V E I A M I N N A S D P U S
· Slowly add about 3/4 cup warm water, just
enough to form a firm dough, and knead till
O I G S Y M T N L I K A L H Z
smooth. Cover, let rest at least 1/2 hour, and
knead again briefly. If resting more than 1 hour,
P S D N N N R A T M T A Y L Z
punch and knead dough again before rolling
out.
A N V A A E H A D K S A Z C V
· Divide into small balls about 1/2 inch in
diameter, and roll out into 6" rounds on an
L U J N T A C N W I M S D C N
oiled board. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or
saucepan. Add a little salt to the oil to keep it
T L A C R I F N M O H A N A R
from smoking. Fry the puri one at a time,
holding them under the oil on the first side
M V X P E R G M I S S S V I A
until they puff. Turn and fry till light brown;
drain.
· Serve hot; they are best enjoyable when hot.
· Puri are traditionally served with any or all of
the following: Chana, Black-eyed Pea Curry,
Spinach Dal, Potato Curry, Brussels Sprouts,
and anything with yogurt in it.

· For spicy puris:

· When making the dough, add to the dry
ingredients pinches of: turmeric,hot pepper,
cumin/coriander powder, and hing.

Dec 2009