New York :Renowned spiritual leader Morari Bapu has started a nine-day Ram Katha discourse at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event is historic as it is the first time a spiritual leader has hosted such a gathering at the UN, underscoring its worldwide significance. During the opening day, Morari Bapu mesmerized the audience by referencing two key lines from Goswami Tulsidas’ Ram Charita Manas, establishing the mood for the entire discussion.
These Chaupais (quatrains) from Uttar Kaand are:
Akhila bisva yaha mora upaya I Sab para mohi barbari daya II
Saba mum priya saba mum upaje I saba te adhika manuja mohi bhae II
(The whole of this universe is my creation and I am equally compassionate to all. I love all because they are my creation, yet humans are the dearest to me of all.)
Bapu said, “The charisma of the Ramcharitmanas has brought all of us here. Many years ago, I had circumambulated the United Nations Headquarters building. At that time, I had not thought of doing a Katha inside the United Nations, but Katha must have wished for it, and thus we are here.”
He emphasized that this Ram Katha brings the goodwill of all Indians, highlighting that it is not a show of strength but a spiritual discourse. “What is historic can become old and jaded, but what is spiritual remains eternal,” he added, in the context of Hinduism being Sanatana Dharma.
Morari Bapu discussed the four main goals of the United Nations: maintaining global peace, developing friendly relations among nations, improving the lives of poor people by conquering hunger, disease, and illiteracy, and encouraging respect for each other’s rights and freedoms. He also proposed five additional goals: global dialogue (samwad), acceptance (swikar), truth (satya), love (prem), and compassion (karuna). He expressed gratitude to the UN Secretary-General and his team for their cooperation in organizing the event.
Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Morari Bapu named the katha as Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu sacred texts such as the Maha Upanishad, meaning “The World Is One Family.” This term was also the theme of the Indian government for the G20 summit in Delhi in 2023.
Morari Bapu’s humanitarian efforts extend to disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn regions and marginalized communities. Bapu has also offered to hold a Ram Katha on the border of Ukraine and Russia in order to end war and re-establish peace. He also offered the same in Israel. Bapu’s long term commitment to inclusivity and compassion is evident in his outreach to sex workers, transgender individuals, and others often overlooked by society. His teachings align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting peace, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He has been strongly advocating planting trees and urged devotees to plant at least 5 trees in their backyard.
Event Details
Dates: July 27 – August 4, 2024
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
Time: Discourses will take place daily at 10 am local time, followed by a vegetarian meal.
