Hindu Chaplain Shouted Down in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Three protesters disrupted a prayer by a Hindu chaplain on Thursday at the opening of a U.S. Senate hearing, calling it an abomination and shouting slogans about Jesus Christ. It was the first time the daily prayer that opens Senate proceedings was said by a Hindu chaplain. They shouted "No Lord but Jesus Christ" and "There's only one true God," and used the term "abomination."

James: One man was heard saying, "Lord Jesus forgive us for allowing the prayer of the wicked."

Barry Lynn, executive director of religious watchdog group Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the protest showed the intolerance of the "religious right."

"I don't think the Senate should open with prayers, but if it's going to happen, the invocations ought to reflect the diversity of the American people," Lynn said in a statement.

James: I agree with Mr. Lynn. This is just sad. It is my prayer that someday those people who interrupted this man's prayer will awaken to the Oneness of all beings--and religions. It is my belief that the core of most religions reflect the same Universal Truths such as love, peace and compassion for the poor and homeless.

However, we should also have love and compassion for the rich and intolerant as well. They deserve our love too, as hard as that might be for us--and it is hard for me quite often. So tonight I am trying my best to let my ego subside and douse the flames of the intolerance from these protesters with love and compassion. Easier said then done but it is possible because that is the reality--we are all one.

P.S.~I just love Ganesh. He is my favorite Hindu deity. I collect all sorts of images of him. I have a really nice Ganesh statue as well.

~Peace to all beings~