The book is to be used as a guideline during Friday sermons. Not forced upon, so temples still have freedom to disregard the book. Its a good step. At least temples have some reference for their sermons. Problem is, not many temples have sermons every week.

Book On Friday Evening Sermons For Temples

By Ravindran Duraisamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) — Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has compiled a book that will serve as a guideline in delivering sermons at temples all over the nation with the emphasis on national unity.

With the title ’52 Velli Sinthanai Manikal’ or ‘Virtuous Thoughts for 52 Fridays’, the book is to be utilised by the temples in delivering sermons suggested every Friday, that is 52 times in 2009.

The book was complied in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call that all religious institutions play a proactive role in strengthening national unity.

“The prime minister’s proposal that religious leaders help get the message across on unity through the Friday khutbah for Muslims and Sunday sermons for Christians is most appropriate.

“In line with this, temples in the country are encouraged to use this book as a guideline in their sermons every Friday evening,” said Dr Balakrishnan Kandasamy, 50, the head of the religious sermon division for MHS.

The topics for sermons recommended by the book highlights the universal human values advocated by all religions and the ones that were vital for enhancing the spirit of unity and togetherness, he noted.

Former MHS chairman for Pahang Thondarmamani M.Duraisamy, 80, related to Bernama that he had been waiting for a standard guideline like this for all the temples with the adherents listening to the same message.

“I concur with the prime minister’s view that if we love Malaysia, choose peaceful co-existence, want to create a harmonious atmosphere, we must make sure our words and deeds are within the ambit of religious tolerance and the freedom to worship like practiced in Malaysia all this while,” added Thondarmamani.

Among the aspects given prominence by the book is community service, an undertaking considered sacred in Hinduism and must be conducted without any discrimination on race, religion or any prejudice, said Dr Balakrishnan.

The book also narrates the lives of four exemplary Hindu spiritual gurus or ‘Nyanmarkal’ that serve as a good example in forging unity within the society and family.

TEMPLES ARE READY TO USE THE BOOK

MHS Chairman Datuk A.Vaithilingam told Bernama that the book had already been distributed to the temples in all the states and districts with many of the temples committees stating their readiness to deliver sermons based on the books.

“Temples need only consider one topic for each sermon; for example the first topic in the book – How to Greet Others, why it is important to greet someone and return greetings of others.

“Greetings in Hinduism must be returned and commonly done by clasping both hands and bringing them close to the chest,” said Vaithilingam.

A BOOK OF UNIVERSAL VALUES

The chairman of the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple in Mentakab, Pahang, Balakrishnan @ Rajah, 47, noted that it is an important book and anyone should be able to use it due to its simple language and the universal values promoted.

He thanked MHS for combining religious values and unity in the book.

“It is pertinent to relate to the younger generation on why unity between and within the different races is important and only by tolerating and respecting one another can we lead a harmonious existence and confront many of the social woes that we are facing today,” he said.

This book can also be obtained from MHS at No 63, Jalan Yusof Shahbudin 16, Taman Sentosa, 41200 Klang, Selangor. Those keen to get hold of a copy can contact 03-51613363, 012-2347495, 016-4376352 or e-mail to drbala@hindusangam.org.my or alagansiva@yahoo.com.

The book is now published in Tamil and will be available in Malay and English soon.

— BERNAMA