INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH NEW READER MAGAZINE

1. Tell us a little about yourself? What got you into writing?

I graduated State University with a Philosophy major. There are only two things you can do with a Philosophy major---teach or go into law. I chose teaching and was a teacher for many years. I taught at all levels---even in the University level as a Student professor. Later, I decided to change careers and go into the law. I graduated law school and have worked in law firms since. Teaching and law are very writing-intensive professions. While I always wrote before, being a teacher and working in a law office has sharpen my writing skills. Even though they concern Vedic religion, I use the same legal analytic and writing skills in my books to extract the message of the Vedas.

2. What has drawn you to the Vedas?

Some years ago I injured my back. My doctor recommended for therapy I start going to yoga classes. I did, and I was blessed to find a magnificent yoga teacher. While we were engaging in the poses, she would explain WHY were are doing the yoga poses. I wanted to know more, and my teacher recommended several books on yoga. Being a bookworm by nature, I started reading anything I could find. One thing led to another. I started studying the Vedas. I was immediately transfixed on what they had to say. From the he beginning and since its message is something very familiar to me.

3. What have you personally learned from nature and the cosmos that you

apply to your daily life?

I learned how I am, everyone, and everything is part of Nature---what is called in the Vedas “the One”--- and I act accordingly.

4. Do you think that other cultures would benefit from the knowledge brought by the Vedas? If so, how?

Absolutely. The message of the Vedas is part of the “perennial wisdom” which exists in all cultures and has always existed.

5. There is so much we can learn from the past. Do you think our modern times can reconcile with the ancient world?

I do. I think a lot of people are looking for answers, whether for personal liberation or life issues. I strive to provide Vedic lessons to the modern world.

How can we be open to old beliefs and philosophies without sacrificing what we believe in today?

By having an open mind. The problems we confront today are not

new, and the Vedas can provide guidance. At its core, the message in the Vedas is consistent with modern beliefs. This is my goal in writing this and my other books---making the Vedas relevant to the contemporary world.

6. To people on a journey of enlightenment, what words of wisdom can you give them?

Life is not a destination but, as you said, a journey. Our lives, the experiences we have in life, happen for a reason. Many times we are not aware why things happen, but there is a reason nonetheless. Still, with our struggles in life, there is always Hope. This is symbolized in the Vedas with the constant battles between Indra and Vrtra. Their battle can be viewed as between Good (Indra) and Evil (Vrtra, the Serpent). They fight a never-ending battle. For the large part, Indra is victorious, but afterwards, time and again, Vrtra reemerges. It is a never-ending battle. If I am going to leave the readers with something, it is “Never give up.”