Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 8: The ‘Mangalotsava (concluding function)’ of the classes conducted by Paryaya Puttige Mutt Swamiji, Sri Sugunendrateertha, during his Paryaya period, on scriptures like Brahmasootra, Anuvyakhyana and Srimannyayasudha, will be conducted at 4.30 pm on Friday January 8. The unique feature of this year’s event is that a scholar born and brought up in USA will be taking part and delivering a special lecture at this programme.

Various scholars will take part in the Mangalotsava which will be held on Friday and Saturdy. Prof Stafford Betty, who has been a professor of religious studies in California State University since 1972, is coming to Udupi for the first time to take part in the said function.

Dr Betty, born and brought up in a Catholic family of Alabama, was attracted towards religious studies at a young age. During his stint as an engineering officer of the American army during the Vietnam War, he was attracted towards religious studies and secured his PhD degree from Fordham University for his thesis on ‘Nyayaratnavalee’ authored by Sri Vadiraja. Dr Stafford, who has studied the Upanishads in depth, is unique because of the fact that he loves to teach the subject of life after death.  He has published five works including one on Sri Vadiraja, several essays and articles. He is now authoring two books on ‘Nature of the Afterlife’. He is considered an authority on Madhwacharya’s philosophy on God, life, soul and world. He claims himself to be a ‘Christian-Hindu’ sometimes and as ‘Hindu-Christian’ on other occasions.

Various dignitaries and scholars will be present at the programme.