Submitted by John Arbeeny.
I read with interest the Suburban Times (22 December 2021) article entitled “Lakewood City Council Summary Monday December 20” which contains the following proclamation endorsing a certain “brand” of Hinduism. It declares 3 January 2022 in honor of the religion but more specifically an individual with a Hindu connection named “Nithyananda”. “Nithyananda Day”? The question I had to ask is “exactly who is Nithyananda and what is his connection to Hinduism”? The results were shocking as cited below after an excerpt of the proclamation.
CITY OF LAKEWOOD PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Lakewood City Council conveys best wishes to The Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism, Jagatguru Mahasannidhanam, Bhagavan Sri Nithyananda Paramashivam,recognized as the 1008th living incarnation of Paramashiva as per Sanatana Hindu Dharma (“Hinduism”) and
by His predecessors of enlightened masters and adepts, coronated as the 1008th Acharya Mahamandaleshwar (the head for all spiritual leaders) of Atal Akhada (ancient apex body ofnHinduism), and ordained as the 293rd Guru Mahasannidhanam (Pontiff) of Shyamalapeetab Sarvajnapeetam; and…………..
WHEREAS, the City of Lakewood thanks The Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism, The Sovereign of the Sovereign State of SHRIKAILASA and pays tribute and express its appreciation for the contribution of KAILASA for its contributions to the enrichment and betterment of life for our residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lakewood City Council does hereby
proclaim January 3rd, 2022, Incarnation day of The SPH, as KAILASA’s SPH Nithyananda Day, thereby honoring the 45th Celebration of the Revival of the Sovereign State of SHRIKAILASA, the Ancient Enlightened Hindu Civilizational Nation, the First Nation of Hindus. PROCLAIMED this 20th day of December, 2021.
_____________________________
Don Anderson, Mayor
A quick perusal of the internet sources and international news sources revealed a huge amount of derogatory information about Mr. Nithyananda of which the following is a tiny sample.
“Following accusations and charges of rape and abduction in Indian courts, Nithyananda left India and went into hiding, citing threats of assassination and mob lynching. He subsequently announced the founding of his own self-proclaimed island nation called Kailaasa.” NOTE: this island is off the coast of Ecuador convenient in that Ecuador doesn’t have an extradition treaty with India.
“Nithyananda has made several pseudoscientific claims, including that he delayed the sunrise for 40 minutes, that he could make cattle speak in Tamil and Sanskrit, and that he could disprove the correctness of the mass-energy equivalence formula E = mc2.”
“In 2019, a couple from Tamil Nadu approached the High Court of Gujarat claiming that three of their four children were taken to Nithyananda’s ashram in Ahmedabad from Bangalore without their knowledge; the couple sought return of their children to their custody.”
“On 20 November 2019, the Gujarat Police issued a statement that Nithyananda fled India after choosing not to appear at several court hearings.[70] Some senior police officials did not discount the possibility of him still being in India.[71] He subsequently approached the United Nations complaining about persecution and sought recognition for his new country Kailaasa.[72] Nithyananda also claimed attempts at mob lynching and assassination as reasons he was forced to withdraw himself from Indian society.”
“Self-styled Godman Nithyananda Paramashivam has found himself embroiled in controversy as he has been accused of committing “serious human atrocities in the name of Hinduism” by a former yogi at his ashram. In a petition on Change.org and on YouTube, the former yogi and now ‘whistleblower’ describes how Nithyananda would torture the ashram’s inmates, in particular children.”
“He has been booked for child abuse and kidnapping by the Gujarat police after three minor children (a boy and two girls) were rescued from his ashram on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. This is the second case against him, the first one being the rape case he was charged with in 2010, after which his passport had been impounded.”
“Self-declared godman Nithyananda, who has been accused of rape and sexual abuse, surfaced in a video recently, declaring that “nobody can touch me” and that no court can prosecute him. The controversial figure is wanted by Gujarat Police in a case of kidnapping and wrongful confinement of children at his Ahmedabad ashram.”
“I will show my integrity to you by revealing the reality and truth to you. Now nobody can touch me, I can tell you the truth – I am Param Shiva. Understand? No stupid court can prosecute me for revealing the truth. I am Param Shiva,” says Nithyananda, wearing a rust-coloured turban and robe.”
There are many obvious questions that have to be asked of the Council and answered by them as well.
Why did the Mayor and rest of the Council fall for such an obvious scam? Was it naiveté or a lack of intellectual curiosity or both?
Who was responsible for bringing this proclamation before the Council for consideration?
Who did research, if any into Mr. Nithyananda’s background; the circumstances surrounding his self proclaimed country KAILAASA; claimed support by the greater Hindu community for his alleged powers and divinity?
Why is the Lakewood City Council in the business of endorsing any religion or alleged religious leader in any proclamation?
Why did the Lakewood City Council feel the need to dedicate a specific date, 3 January 2022, the first of the New Year, to endorse this religious claimant about whom they appear to know nothing?
I spoke several days ago with Deputy Mayor Whelan who informed me that the proclamation had been pulled from the 20 December 2021 meeting and had not been read aloud during that meeting. I would have loved to have heard it read by anyone given the tongue twisting names and titles!
However, this proclamation was still in the 20 December 2021 meeting summary as published in the Suburban Times article (which I commented upon). I’ve yet to see a correction or retraction of this item. Council has a public responsibility to correct the 20 December 2021 summary in the Suburban Times and to answer the questions I have posed previously so the public is informed why it was originally accepted and later removed as a proclamation.
The city is asked to issue many proclamations. I personally pulled that from the agenda after doing my own due diligence.
“Why is the Lakewood City Council in the business of endorsing any religion or alleged religious leader in any proclamation?” You’re absolutely right. It’s long past time to cancel the Christmas parade, stop decorating city hall for Christmas, and end the annual tree lighting event. Government should be entirely separate from any and all religion. The City of Lakwood should take the lead in secularizing local government.
What? Another controversy? Have we already moved on from the worries about the school mascot, the election, and critical race theory.
Are we now in a state of constant fear because of our government? All because the guy they wanted didn’t win? Or is it their concern that they can’t win at the ballot box.
It is my belief there is a party that no longer requiring believes in the idea of what this country stands for. I see this party being dishonest, contriving, and greedy.
The other side is barely better. At least they don’t want to install dear leader as head of government until he dies.
As i see it you all have a plan, well hidden from view. Or maybe you have just read newt’s Contract on America?
I do find it entertaining reading what each have published. Maybe spending a little time looking for real answers about real proplems instead of just yapping with questions? That doesn’t help anyone.
In looking at the agenda of the December 20 minutes, the subject proclamation was on the agenda for discussion and approval, a good procedure. The proclamation was not actually issued as part of that meeting. However, in Mayor Anderson’s comment above, he notes that he pulled it from the agenda, so the proclamation will not be made. Seems like a reasonable process to me – the City was asked to make a proclamation, it was initially included on the agenda to inform the council (and public) and discuss it, but it was never considered because Mayor Anderson (and presumably others) found it to be highly questionable. Or possibly it was discussed (I didn’t bother watching the video) and rejected. Either way, the official proclamation won’t be made.
What actually happened should be in the minutes of the December 20 meeting, which should be approved and released as part of the agenda for the next meeting (January 3) as is the Council’s practice.
Whew! And we’ve been worried over global warming.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Hi all, Happy new year 2022, I am from India, I found your side post, Now I have to reveal from Indian side.
I am seeing in my perspective, the writer has selective amnesia. He speaks from as if from the Indian media news. I mean indian media have 80% gives biased news. I mean they give one side story, not listening from the accused one of charges.
the neutral media should publish the other side also, but I never come across such case till now in India. It always a hope in India.
let me try put my point of view :
1) Self declared GODMAN Nithyananda – In India, the saint from many mutt is called as Jagat guru, which means he is GURU (teacher) for the whole world. As per Hindus philosophy any one who can guide in the spiritual path for their well being, they can claim as GOD, which is allowed by our philosophy. so you and me also can be allowed to claim as GODMAN, if we have guts. No one bothers your claim, people see the knowledge expressed by that person, so that their life is enriched because of his guidance. So nithyananda created a huge followers because of his very good spiritual oratory , as per me it is huge skill to attract thousands and millions around the world. we must appreciate his nature.
2) Pseudo scientific claims – Regarding he claims, he stopped SUN RISING for 40 min, i have seen the same speech, nithyananda asks anyone interested about knowing and questions his power, wants to defame him, he asks to go and check the sun rise data on that particular day, No one published the data till now on that day after his speech, He say, to go and see actual sun rise recorded by the official authority like NASA or any other climate data recorders agency etc., at the same time he says, there is declared sunrise for any day in many official climate sites and webistes before even the actual. NO body had the guts to publish the both data on that day. It means if they publish the both data, whatever said, claimed by nithyananda may come true and people will follow him. so no one showing interest in that port showing the scientific data, because it will prove that NATURE listens Nithyananda which cant be afforded by pseudo people or so called scientist. simple data release will end this claim..why no releases data ??
3)who is Nithyananda and what is connection to Hinduism? – If you really interested in Hinduism, Mr John, as per Hinduism, any one follow any sect in the 10000 sects and more in around India, you are living the real Hinduism. One among those are Adi Saiva community in which they live and life style as told by their traditions which is what Swami Nithyananda cliams. I am seeing him for long time, in his dress, faces, as he always applies bhasma ( vibuti ) which is the sacred ash as per saivisim, his dress code as per tradition, his puja methods are as per sashtra said in the Hindu scriptures called AGAMAS. Mr. John must aware about minimum knowledge about Hinduism and some write after that. questioning about Nithyananda is ok. His life style is already answer for your question. But you have selective amnesia, so you can only ask questions but not research in the ground by listening his spritual speech which is beyond your interest, i think so.
4) Self promoting Nithyananda- No one offends if they self promoting, all person in the world want to be known by everyone around, so what is wrong , if his intention not hurting anyone. Is nithyananda hurts anyone by self promoting, then it must be questioned. I am seeing him, he is promotiong the Hindu vedic life style which is allabout living with environment friendly, so I did not find any wrong in his self promtion. One must appreciate if they really live eco friendly system. not harming people around him and not hurting others by any means. I feel his community is peace loving and harmony living and well educated community he has. we must appreciate this kind of self promotion which is non violence and organic life style. Most probably the Lakewood city may contain some followers of Nithyananda, so it is obvious to claim so. If not also one must appreciate his eco friendly life style bringing organism in life style.
5) claimed support by the greater Hindu community for his alleged powers and divinity? —–
Indians lifestyle runs around Hindu temples and agriculture based. we believe in nature and also in powers of enlightened persons guidance. Nithyananda is renowned enlightened persons, his teachings enlightening millions around the world, His healing method cured many millions around the world in the last 15 years. so it is obvious his spiritual powers which he claims. Spiritual powers are utilized for the well beings of humanity in his place. He has records of the people who got cured many illness…he always ready to put him in front of the camera. He recorded his healing powers infront of scientific community which is available for studies, I think the writer should do more research before commenting on Nithyananda.
6) Regarding nithyananda evaded India – the media only claims this..I m seeing, he was accused for rape and 100’s other charges against him, which shows clearly he is a target clearly for somebody. He was accused in the rape at 2010. But, he was attending all the court hearing till 2016 , the officials till now did not able to find any fault based on their accusations. they are in a situation where they dont want to quit him from the case where their ego will be offended in front of the media because he will be putting case against authority for false accusations. So it is obvious….but he was patiently attending all court hearings but as per Nithyananda says , he was been tried to eliminate completely from earth by some anti Hindu elements in his residence. Even to face the case he has to be alive. It is basic requirement to keep him alive, and ask help with outside india. May be some country listened his side datas and gave land to live him there. I think we must listen both side arguement in this. You can not live in India if you are against police administration., as they are powerful.
7) Child abusal and Kidnapping three childrens regarding – The case put by a father whose children were living in the nithyananda community along with whole family ( mother and father with 4 children) were living there for 6 years. Now the same father claims his children were kidnapped. In reality, those children to came infront of camera and told to media, they are not kidnapped and their father filing false cases against Nihtyananda. Everyday those children are coming to online classes conducting in youtube channels of Nithyananda., and 2 children were adult above 18 years, they can choose their life style as per Indian rules. any can understand it is a false accusations.
8) No stupid court can prosecute me for revealing the truth. I am Param Shiva, nithyananda claims – He did not abuse the court process for accusing him, but he says to reveal the truth , the court can not say against him…It is simple understanding.
9) the pettioner former YOGI, – I saw his videos of accusations in the video, we laughing at his video, He says lot, no others came forward and acknowledged his claims. it is a way to bring in light amoung nithyananda haters. it is simple publicity stunt. because indian yogis never looks for money , name and fame. their concentration is all about welfare of humanity through penance and right thinking.
10 ) for any non residents of India, wil be difficult to pronounce Indian yogis name in sanskrit, it is obvious to face difficulties to pronounce your second name Mr John.
11) about nithyananda passport – In nithyananda case, the court have given clear order not to stop him in having passport, as it expires he approached passport office, the officials played around him but not renewed saying , we wont renew and do whatever you can do. They means they are interested to follow COURT ORDER. when indian officials not follow court order…then questions come , who will follow order. The total idea is to stop his travel…
12) Ecuader country realted, — Ecuader country declared very long back, nithyananda apporached us, but we did not lend him help to say in their country, so they dont where he is aobut. Nithyananda himself revealed, he will reached from australia after the pandemic situation get over. I think the author of this article must meet nithyananda in direct where he claims 3 days visa issued for visitors as per his webiste claims.
please do some basic research before posting anything on any person. thank you
I am also from India. You ask the author to do some research but you yourself seem to be incapable of doing “basic research”: please cite your credible source for the claim that 80% of Indian media is biased. I am not suggesting that bias does not exist, but refrain from throwing out random statistics as if it’s an absolute truth. Further, please cite which “unbiased” media sources have a different view regarding this so-called godman and his alleged crimes.
Also, his claims about delaying sunrise are laughable at best. Even if he could (which he can’t) why would he do it? If his intention was simply to prove his capability, why not do it in a controlled environment with actual scientists and “unbiased” media present? Further, basic sunrise data is freely available at many credible sources, so I have no idea what your talking about. If there was a delay of 40 min, the resulting impact would have been astronomical, so suppression of this information is not even possible. This is basic high school science, so kindly follow your own advice and do some basic research. Further, even if all beings somehow missed this delay in sunrise, what possible reason would anyone have to be so scared that they don’t have the guts (as you say) to display this information?
Finally, while you have every right to express your opinion (and I personally will defend your right every single time even if I disagree), neither you nor I should clain to present the “Indian” side: we cannot be spokespersons for the country as a whole. No one elected us to present a pan-India opinion.
Thank you.