Hindu YUVA, University of Washington

Hindu YUVA is organizing a lecture seminar titled, “Religious Pluralism in the USA: The Case study of Hinduism” on June 6 in HUB 209A from 2 to 6PM. The Seminar is aimed at understanding the development of Hindu American identity and the challenges faced by the Hindu American community. A group of eminent speakers will present their studies on the challenges and opportunities faced by the Hindu community in the West esp. in the United States.

A brief bio of the speakers:

Linda Johnsen: (born 1954 in Chicago) is an author on yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. She earned a Masters degree in Eastern Studies and did post-graduate work in Comparative Religions at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. In addition she spent decades studying Eastern traditions with Shakta and Shaivite yogis in India and North America. Johnsen’s essays have appeared in numerous magazines including Yoga International, Yoga Journal, and Yoga Plus, as well as in many anthologies. She has written many books along with the bestseller, “A Complete Idiot’s Guide to Hinduism.”

Jeffery Armstrong: Jeffrey’s first degree was in Psychology followed by one in Literature. He studied the occult and Metaphysical philosophers of all world cultures until the age of 23 when he met his first Guru from India, His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Phabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. He is a master of Sanskrit, Ayurveda and Astrology and a mystical poet. As a charismatic guest speaker, Master of Ceremonies or speaking on his award-winning book, he is a sought after guest on TV and talk radio. For 15 years, he was a corporate executive in Silicon Valley, and a speaker for Fortune 500 companies. He is the founder director of Vedic Academy of Sciences and Arts, Vancouver, Canada.

Sankrant Sanu: Sankrant Sanu is a former Microsoft manager, freelance writer and now a full time volunteer of Art of Living. He was instrumental in shaping Microsoft’s online Encarta encyclopedia article on Hinduism. His articles in various journals and magazines on matters related to Hinduism, esp in the Western and academic world are very scholarly and thought provoking. He also pens regular columns on Indian and International current affairs.

Last month we had a great time rock climbing at StoneGardens. Checkout the pics at http://students.washington.edu/hyuva/2009/04/rock-climbing-pics/. What’s in store this month ?

As announced earlier we were planning to goto Otter Falls but the roads that lead to the trail are closed. so we have decided to goto Boulder Falls instead!

Summer time in Seattle is a valuable piece of time. You got to go outdoors. This month we have arranged for a hike near Boulder river. Akshay and myself went last weekend to check it out. Its a flat trail (which means we won’t be exhausted after taking 5 steps) and not too long. The trail is surrounded by old trees covered with lots of moss growth. Looks beautiful in a strange way. We plan to cover it in the sunshine and hence plan to leave early morning and come back by evening.

What ? Hike at Boulder Falls

When ? May 30th, 2009 – Saturday

Where ? Meet at 5505 15th ave NE, apt. no 104. Please arrive at 8 am sharp.

How much ? $10 only – including food, water, transportation and taxes!!

Register ? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=89380163088

We will leave by 8:30 am after distributing directions and food supplies. If you show up at 8 am you will get a refreshing cup of hot tea as well

We will be car pooling, so if you can bring your cars for the day that would be cool. BTW the last stretch of the road that goes to the Falls is not in the best condition. I was able to drive my Passat to the trail head but if you have a high clearance vehicle please bring it. Otherwise we can park it a bit further from the trailhead and just walk a little more  

We will be providing water and food as well. Food includes lots of fruits and trailmix. Feel free to bring anything else you may need. If you do not have a vehicle, transportation will be provided as well. If you have a vehicle you are encouraged to pool it especially if its a high clearance vehicle. All lenders to the pool will be reimbursed for fuel. You are highly encouraged to donate a reasonable amount of $10 to our organisation to recover expenses.

Please take a look at http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/seahike/hikers/gear.html . Other than that you might want to bring your swim wear!