Hindu philosopher, spiritualist, mentor, civic leader and author Dada
J.P. Vaswani, on his tenth trip to St. Thomas, brings an optimistic message about the future state-of-affairs in the world.
A crowd of nearly 50 people greeted the entourage of almost 15 by
raising pressed palms, an Indian greeting, at the Cyril E. King airport
Wednesday. Vaswani is on a yatra, or pilgrimage throughout the world,
spreading the messages of love and service from the Sadhu Vaswani
Mission in Pune, India. The mission is responsible for sponsoring operations, educating and feeding the needy.
"My message is always the same: Practice the presence of God – he is everywhere," Vaswani said. "Do your daily work in his presence."
Although he described the world to be in "a difficult period in human h history," he noted that this is but a "passing phase" and even related this phase to transient labor pains preceding the birth of some greatness.
"I can see the signs of a new spiritual renaissance," he prophesied, adding that in the "new age" dawning, the master word will be service and not power, as it is now.
India Association of the Virgin Islands president, Lal Sakhrani, welcomed Vaswani. "This is your second home," Sakhrani said. To which the charismatic Vaswani replied that his "first home is at the lotus feet of the lord and his second home is everywhere."
Vaswani arrived from Miami, Florida and after his six-day visit to St.
Thomas, he will travel throughout the Caribbean, beginning with a visit to St. Martin. Vaswani will discuss "How to Face Challenges of Life,"
in a discourse on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m., Marriot's Frenchman's
Reef Grand Ballroom. Admission is free and all are welcome. Seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. He will also be in
Lucky 13 WSTA from 10-11 a.m., Monday, April 5. Books written by and about Vaswani, along with videos of discourses, audio cassettes of Hindu hymns and other related paraphernalia will be on sale before and after the program. Proceeds benefit the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, India.