Not just Vedanta, Yoga is being mixed with Kabbalah for Gentile consumption, creating a Noahide spirituality

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Prahaladan Mandelkorn is a teacher of "Torah and Dhamra".  In this article, he shows how Kabbalah has things in common with Yoga.  Vedanta is not the only branch of Hinduism being united with Jewish mysticism.  The Noahide Laws are famous for lacking deep spiritual experience, this Judeo-Hindu spiritual addition can really give the Noahide Laws the boost they need. 

 https://integralyogamagazine.org/yoga-kabbalah-the-mystical-connection/

Yoga & Kabbalah: The Mystical Connection

The wisdom of these ancient traditions share many common boundaries in their approach to enlightenment. In this article, Prahaladan Mandelkorn, a teacher of Yoga and Kabbalah, explores parallels between these two traditions.

Swami Satchidananda and the White Stone

In 1978, a group of us are high in the Himalayas with our teacher (Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda) on the eastern bank of the headwaters of a clear blue, fresh mountain spring—Ganga, the sacred Ganges, that flows south through India to the sea. He had taken us by small boat across this mountain stream to a grassy place where a slender, unassuming, brown-skinned man was walking about barefoot, feeding cows. “He’s called the Cow Baba,” Sri Gurudev told us. “He feeds the cows and the natives feed him.”

Later, as we were re-boarding the boat, one of the students asked, “Why is he here, Gurudev? Why does he do what he does?” Sri Gurudev looked at her. Then he reached down into the water edge and from the riverbank picked up a white stone that had been smoothed by sand and water over thousands of years. He held it in his palm before us. “Why is this stone here?” he said, and answered his own question. “It’s just here.”

At the burning bush, Moses asked God to please tell His or Her name. “I am the I AM,” replies the Divine to each of us. “I am That.” Things just are what they are. Intrinsically, there is no why or wherefore. We make things good or bad, wise or foolish, tragic or glorious. We can’t help doing so, because by nature we are meaning-makers.

Having recognized this aspect of our humanity, sages over the ages passed along to us some enriching meanings to put on our experiences of life.

Thirty-Two Paths to a Sapphire Throne

With 32 wonderful, mystical paths of wisdom … the one who inhabits eternity … creates this universe by three signs: text [books, plays, films], letter-numbers [cipher symbols] and telling [mouth-to-mouth]. There are ten intangible sefirot [infinite depths] and twenty-two letter (symbols) as a foundation …Test them and explore them; understand the matter thoroughly and restore the Creator to his place (to her place) …
—Selections from the Sepher Yetzirah [Book of Creation], The Letters of our Father Abraham

Shall we climb the Tree of Life to the Crown chakra, the Thousand-Petal Lotus? Shall we ascend through the worlds to atzilut, ego-less consciousness and wander in Brahman, the Absolute? As humans, our mystical experiences can be described with various languages and symbols that point to similar states of awareness as we consciously approach and awaken to absolute oneness. For many centuries, even millennia, Jewish and Christian mystics have used a Kabbalistic language to describe the same realms that Yogis experience at different chakras, or centers of consciousness.

Imagine an indescribable light too refined for us to see with our eyes. As that same light flows through colored filters, we can actually perceive—and name—ten infinite depths (sefirot) and seven chakras. This is the Tree of Life, “a connection between heaven and earth,” says Rabbi Shefa Gold, “between the infinite and the finite.”

The Lord God plants a garden eastward in Eden … with the tree of life in the middle of the garden. —Genesis 2: 8-9

The wise speak of an eternal aswattha tree [sacred fig] with its roots above and its branches here in this world… Who understands this tree, knows the most sacred wisdom. —Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) 15:1

We say Isaac Newton discovered gravity, but gravity, of course was always there. By defining and naming it, however, he brought it into the foreground where we can measure and use it. These Yoga and Kabbalah images are simply language tools and symbols that may empower us. The 32 paths are ten infinite depths (sefirot) and 22 letter-numeral symbols that run between them, according to Kabbalah, which literally means, “Receiving” [a certain type of knowledge]. The seven major chakras referred to in Yoga are another way to distinguish these fields of consciousness.

Kabbalah uses images, words and letter-symbols drawn from the Torah or Old Testament. The ascent of the kundalini, the powerful creative energy that rises through the chakras, is a Yoga language indicating the same realms.

“The first six chakras from base to forehead,” explains Sri Gurudev,“ are still part of the mind. Ultimate consciousness, the crown chakra, is beyond the mind. In all six chakras mental awareness functions differently becoming cleaner and more expansive as we move up chakra by chakra.”

The Goddess

The base chakra, Muladhara in Yoga, where the kundalini goddess of serpentine power lies sleeping, is what the Kabbalists call Malkhut, the kingdom and majesty of God. It is none other than this very world we live in, and it’s blessed with a divine feminine presence, Shekhina, the presence of divinity in the here and now. “Behold me both as the one and the many,” teaches the Bhagavad Gita, “and wherever you look, you will see my face.” This is Malkhut. Among it’s many signs are the moon and the sea, grace, the Sabbath day, Jupiter, the bride of God, and the holy city entered by the holy king, and the promised land.

As the spiritual seeker ascends, climbing the tree to the next sefira, the kundalini rises to the next chakra, swadhishthana in the reproductive area. In Kabbalah this infinite depth is called Yesod, the Foundation, Union or the Illumined Sage. Other signs of Yesod are maturity, wholeness, peace, the balanced self, the West, Saturn and the rectifier who sets straight the course.

Above Yesod are Netzah and Hod, Victory and Glory, who in combination express the yang and yin aspects of the powerful navel chakra, Manipura. Think of the disciplined figure skater practicing again and again and again. That persevering strength is Netzakh—Victory. When she stands on the winner’s dais showered with honor and acclaim, that prakash or sparkling energy is Hod, Divine Glory.

In the Heart is Your Beloved

Anahata, the heart chakra, in Kabbalah is called Tiferet, the fullness of faith and the perfection of beauty, whose archetypes in the Hebrew cosmology are the illumined ones, Jacob and Hannah. For Christian devotees, Jesus and Mary are in the heart center; and in Hindu imagery it’s Krishna and Radha (or Ram and Sita). Other signs of Tiferet are the sun, the East, the perfection of humanity, Sri Ram, the Sun King, Atman personified (our higher Self, YisraEl), children, and the Elder giving blessings in the world. Who is really in the heart chakra? It is you and your beloved.

Just above the heart are the infinite depths of Hesed and Gevurah, Compassion and Courage, who when combined may be experienced at the throat chakra, Vishuddha, which some Yogis say is the base of one’s will power. Kabbalists teach that Hesed is the infinite depth of loving kindness and mercy. Hesed has several other connotations: grace, bounteous love, the South, wisdom and gold. Gevurah is often expressed as awe, strength, judgment (karma), power, definition, silver, the North and wealth.

“The awe we feel before the majesty and magnificence of this cosmos” writes Rabbi Art Green. This is Gevurah. These qualities are also describing refinements of awareness at different chakras, in this case, Vishuddha, near the base of the throat.

A Personal Vision

H. H. Sri Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh writes: “As this energy rises from center to center through the chakras [and sefirot], supersensual visions appear to the aspirant. New worlds with indescribable wonders and charms unfold. The practitioner gets divine knowledge, power and bliss, ascends another rung, and reads from the Divine book. When this energy reaches the sixth, Ajna chakra, the seeker is blessed with a personal vision of God.”

Geographically and anatomically situated at the level of the eyebrows in the center of the head is the Ajna chakra combining the infinite depths of Hokhmah and Binah, Revelation and Comprehension. Hokhmah is also seen as primordial wisdom, the first utterance, the Omkar, Ganesha, and the beginning. It’s mate is Binah, contemplation and understanding.

Associative Thinking

More than linear, rational thinking, Kabbalists use associative thinking. The ten sefirot are what Art Green calls “clusters of symbolic associations, the mention of any of which (whether in daily life, in speech or in text) automatically brings to mind all the others as well.” Examples of such symbolic associations in Binah are: a palace of light, the first temple; the quarry out of which the next seven sefirot and the 22 letter-symbols are hewn; the womb, our refuge, the place of return; t’shuvah—repentance, coming home; the upper Eden, paradise; the spring out of which the sacred rivers flow; our primal Mother; the jubilee, the 50th year, transcendence, and the festival of Pentecost.

This type of associative thinking tends to enrich our experiences of daily life. If we come upon a spring in the field or the forest, for example, immediately we may think of returning to our source and refuge, the quarry, the mysterious 50, deep understanding, and being at the headwaters of the Ganges with the beloved. As we go through our day-to-day lives, these clusters of associations enhance our life experiences and refine our levels of awareness. We lean back in new wisdom, sometimes trembling in awe.

Kabbalah uses a language that “evokes responses from profound levels of our soul,” writes Art Green. “By rediscovering the great power of natural symbols, such as sun and sky (Tiferet); moon, sea and earth (Malkhut), dawn and dusk (Hesed and Gevurah) with their rich, wide symbolic repertoires included … scripture and life experiences are thus viewed through a new symbolic prism.”

Diamond Consciousness

“As long as we are using the mind,” says Sri Gurudev, “there is still morality, good, and bad. Even at Ajna, we can still discriminate and recognize right and wrong, you and me, this and that. Once we go beyond that, there is no duality, no you, no me. There’s just one. Above Ajna (the brow chakra) lies the seventh chakra, Sahasrara, the Thousand-Petal Lotus [just above the head]. At Sahasrara the mind ceases to function; awareness is beyond grasp of the mind.”

In Kabbalah this is called Keter, the Crown. In Yoga it’s Sahasrara, a state of oneness, Brahmacharya, wandering in Brahman, wandering in the Absolute. Tibetan Buddhists call it, “Diamond Consciousness.” “At Sahasrara,” writes Sri Swami Sivanandaji, “the Yogi loses individuality in an ocean of Sat-Chid-Ananda, Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute, and becomes one with the Supreme Soul or God.”

Seekers of light, climb the Tree of Life and take your seat on the sapphire throne—at Keter where you are crowned with no-thing-ness, realizing you are one with everyone and everything. “In a true spiritual experience,” says Sri Gurudev, “you become That; you experience That; you are That!”

——–
For further inquiry, see: Ehyeh: Kabbalah for Tomorrow, Arthur Green, Jewish Lights Publications; SeferYetzirah: the Book of Creation in Theory and Practice, Aryeh Kaplan, Samuel Weiser  Publishers; Kabbalah: Key to Your Inner Power, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Summit University Press; Rabbi Shefa Gold: www.rabbishefagold.com; The Zohar, Book of Splendor, various translations; Sri Swami Sivananda, and Integral Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sri Swami Satchidananda, Integral Yoga Publications.

About the Author:

Prahaladan Mandelkorn has been presenting “Torah and the Dharma” programs since 1975. A senior student, he edited two of Swami Satchidananda’s books, To Know Your Self and The Living Gita. He collaborated with Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi on Fragments of  a Future Scroll. Prahaldan served as director of Teacher Training at Yogaville. He teaches Bhagavad Gita classes, Jewish mysticism, and leads meditation workshops.

Jewish Ein Sof is Hindu Brahman say New Kabbalah website; Judeo-Hindu monism leads to monotheism leads to Noahide Law

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A new Kabbalistic-Vedantic spirituality is being crafted, and it is not just born from a need for political alliance between Hindus and Jews, there are actual real similarities between Jewish Kabbalah and Vedanta. According to New Kabbalah, both Kabbalah and Vedanta have a monistic principle, in Judaism, it is called Ein Sof, and in Hinduism, it is called Brahman, the two it seems are philosophically interchangable. The point is to create a monotheistic faith out of monism that adheres to the Noahide Laws.  Interest is growing in both Kabbalah and Vedanta, and the Jews and Hindus are milking everybody spiritually by combining the two and creating a hyper-attractive cult of Judeo-Hinduism for the Gentiles which will be the bate of enlightenment into the more secular Noahide Laws. 

http://www.newkabbalah.com/Indian.html

Indian Philosophy

In their notion of Ein-Sof the Kabbalists developed a concept of an infinite Godhead which in many ways parallels ancient Indian ideas. Both the Kabbalist's Ein-Sof and the Indian Brahman refer to an underlying reality that is the substance and energy of all life and mind. Like Ein-Sof, the principle called Brahman (or in its creative mode: Atman), is in effect, beyond any God who can be addressed, worshipped, or described. It is beyond all qualities and distinctions: it is infinite, boundless, pure and totally real, and like Ein-Sof it transcends all oppositions in coincidentia oppositorum. In the Indian (as in Kabbalistic) cosmology, this infinite spiritual principle is identified with "nothingness," a "no-thingness" which mystically coincides with the "life energy" (prana) of the cosmos. Each of the Hindu gods and goddesses, are understood, to be just another aspect or manifestation of this single unitary principle in Brahman, much as, for the Kabbalists the Sefirot and Partzufim are understood as aspects of Ein-Sof.

Kabbalah, also shares with Indian thought the notion of a Primordial Man who embodies the very essence of the created universe. The divine, either Ein-Sof or Brahman, is according to these traditions perfectly reflected in the human soul, and both the Kabbalah and Indian philosophy frequently reinterpret divine, cosmological, events in terms of stages in the development of human consciousness. Both the Kabbalistic and Indian traditions hold that the religious adherent must integrate into his or her psyche an aspect of himself (Atman in Indian thought, the Tzelem or divine Spark in the Kabbalah) that normally remains hidden. The two traditions even share specific meditational techniques designed to support this integration.

Both mystical traditions share in the idea that the world as it is experienced by man is a function of divine ignorance and forgetfulness, what is described in the Kabbalah as God's self-concealment in Tzimtzum. Like the Kabbalah, several schools within the Hindu-Brahman tradition hold the world to be an illusion created through a limitation in the infinite "All." The non-dualistic Vedanta, for example, particularly as it is expressed by its leading advocate, Sankara (c.788-820) views the world as a total illusion. The world's existence, according to this tradition, is completely a function of divine forgetfulness and ignorance. A similar acosmic view is evident in the Chabad Hasidic interpretation of the Lurianic theosophy.

The concept of Maya in Indian philosophy refers to the purely phenomenal, insubstantial character of the everyday world; a world which results from a process through which Brahman conceals itself from itself. This concealment results in both matter and mind, each of which are brought into existence by Atman's ignorance or self-forgetfulness. Such ideas, of course, are very similar to Luria's conception of the phenomenal world as an illusion produced by Tzimtzum, the concealment and contraction of the light of the Infinite God (Or Ein-Sof). In the final analysis, for both traditions the "illusion" of a world is predicated on the ignorance of humanity. It is such ignorance, which (both in the Kabbalah and the philosophies of India) is the root, cause and substance of both space and time, and it is the overcoming of this ignorance, which, according to both traditions, is one of the great tasks of mankind.

The Jaina doctrine of Karma, which gives expression to the view that one's inner, Godly self is obscured by layers of darkness that have their origin in a man's negative actions, finds a ready parallel and compliment in the Lurianic symbol of Kellipot (Husks) (See Kellipot.)

The parallels between Kabbalistic and Indian thought are discussed in Kabbalistic Metaphors, Chapters 2 and 3, pp. 78-80 and 86-112.

The Lurianic Kabbalah is treated in detail in Sanford Drob's Symbols of the Kabbalah and Kabbalistic Metaphors .

If you entered this site via a search engine, and there are no "flash contents" on the left hand side of your screen, the site will function better if you click here and go directly to www.newkabbalah.com and follow the instructions at the bottom of your screen to either enter the site or load Flash 4, if you do not already have it.

Class at Kenyon University on Hindu and Jewish mysticism shows growing interest in the crossover of the two faiths, the coming Judeo-Hindu spirituality that will operate on Noahidism

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There are so many people interested in the connection between Hindu and Jewish mysticism these days (here, here, here, and here) that now Kenyon University has a course on the connection between the two.  Vedanta and Kabbalah are uniting in a dark spirituality that will be used to entice the Non-Jews into the Noahide Laws. 

https://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Journey-and-Illumination-Jewish-and-Hindu-Mystical-Expressions.pdf

PDF HERE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxZcqK0oc6Ecyx4NJ6kXt2TrquU4G1iO/view?usp=sharing

There are 470 Freemason lodges in India and growing, Swami Vivekananda was a Mason, Freemason spirituality will mix with Kabbalah-Vedanta

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There are 25,000 Freemasons in India and 470 lodges.  Freemasonry is a Noahide organization (here).  Vivekananda was the most famous Hindu Freemason.  Freemasonry is based off of Kabbalah (here) which is being merged with Vedanta to create a new Noahide spirituality for the Gentiles (here, here, here, and here). There is no doubt that world Freemasonry will approve of the Hindutva-Zionist nexus and seek to inculcate itself into this new Judeo-Hindu spirituality.  

https://masonicfind.com/freemasonry-and-hindu#:~:text=Hinduism%20is%20generally%20accepting%20of%20all%20worship%20or,individual%E2%80%99s%20belief%20in%20a%20Supreme%20power%20is%20strengthened.

The History of Freemasonry & The Hindu Religion

by Masonic Find

Looking to learn more about how Freemasonry works in different cultures and regions across the world?

We’ve recently been taking a closer look at the past, present, and future of Freemasonry around the world and in different cultures.

In this article, we will be covering the history of Freemasonry in Hindu countries, specifically looking at how it came to be, how it is today, and what the future might hold.

SN: If you’re interested, we’ve also covered Freemasonry and Christianity and also Freemasonry and Islam.

The Freemasons’ Community: A first-of-its-kind online community for those looking to learn more about the mysteries of Freemasonry in the company of like-minded men. Click here to learn more.

The History of Freemasonry & the Hindu Religion

Hinduism is generally accepting of all worship or belief that strengthens a person’s faith in God.

This is regardless of whether the belief is Brahaman or absolute. Hindu regards Freemasonry as a way through which an individual’s belief in a Supreme power is strengthened.

Just as Hindus accept Christ or Lord Krishna as a savior, they accept Freemasonry as a spiritual practice. However, their cultural context in Freemasonry is different from that of the West.

In Buddhism, there isn’t much that opposes Masonic ways either. Buddhism is based on finding inner peace, notable truth, and relating well with others. These ideologies are aligned with Masonic ideals, principles, teachings, and practices.

Some orders of Freemasonry, most notably Universal Co-Masonry, are very friendly with Eastern Philosophy. Vedas and I-Ching teachings are even used as volumes of sacred lore.

It wasn’t until 1872 when the first Hindu was initiated into the Brotherhood.

Prosonno Coomar Dutt was admitted into the English Lodge ‘Anchor and Hope’ after a nine-year campaign.

Twenty-three years later, he rose in rank and became a District Grand Lodge Master.  In particular, Swami Vivekanda made history as the youngest Hindu to rise to the degree of Master Lodge.

NB: Aspiring Masons and Master Masons from all over the world look forward to our emails. If you’d like to join them, sign up for Masonic Find’s newsletter. It’s free and our next email goes out in a few hours.

He is known as one of the greatest spiritual leaders ever born in India. He was the first person to have brought Hindu philosophy to the West World. He openly spoke about Hindu culture and religion at the world parliament.

On February 19, 1884, a young Narendranath Datta, also known as Swami Vivekandah, was initiated in the Anchor and Hope Lodge and became a freemason.

Three months later, the 21-year old young man was raised to the degree of Master Lodge.

Over the last three centuries, several prominent Indians and Hindu believers have joined Freemasonry. Some notable masons include;

• Sir Pherozeshah Mehta; who was an Indian Parsi politician and lawyer,
• Swami Vivekananda; a Hindu Monk and a chief disciple of the 19th century Indian Mystic Ramakrishna.
• Sir Dorabji Tata; a businessman and key figure in the development of the Tata Group.
• Pandit  Motilal Nehru; a lawyer, activist, and politician belonging to the Indian National Congress.
• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the fifth president of India.
• Dinshah Pirosha Madon, a judge and former Judge of the Supreme court of India and many others.

In the world today, there are three countries whose majority population practices Hinduism Nepal, India and Mauritius.

In India, there are no laws against Freemasonry. Freemasonry in India can be traced back to the British Imperial Rule era. There is a widespread belief that Freemasonry partially contributed to merging East and West in India.

The introduction of the Order in India was through the East India Company (E.I.C.) in the 18th century. The company was famously known for its recognizable symbol of an interlaced ‘Square and Compasses.’

E.I.C. established the first military lodge in 1730. Over the years, the membership has grown to nearly 30,000 registered members across the country.

The ‘Square and Compasses’, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Masons can be located in almost all cities in the country. Members of the Brotherhood are open.

In Nepal, the country isn’t opposed to Masonic ways. Freemasons are actively involved in charitable activities and sending relief help.

In 2015, when an earthquake hit the country, Freemasons were among the first people who rallied to provide the necessary assistance.

As per 2017 population data, 51.9% of Mauritius population are Hindu. Hinduism in the country is one of the majorly practiced religions. Freemasonry was first introduced by the French, who occupied the island from 1715-1810.

The first Grand Lodge in the country was consecrated in 1778. Currently, there are over 3,000 registered members across the country. The country has no laws, rules, and regulations against Freemasonry.

The only opposition; if any, that the Brotherhood faces is from citizens who are against the organization due to societal myths and misconceptions.

How Modern Lodges Operate in Hindu Countries

Image Source: IndiaExpress.com

In India, the country has almost 470 lodges, over 160 chapters, more than 180 Mark Lodges, over 140 R.A.M. in about 172 cities. The Grand Lodge of India is the main governing body of Freemasonry within India.

It was officially constituted on November 24, 1961. At the time, out of all 277 lodges in India, 145 opted for the G.L.I. Currently, G.L.I. alone has over 25,000 members. Before the establishment of its order, India was under three delegations; Grand Lodge of Scotland, Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of England.

The Masonic Fraternity administration in the country is also organized in Independent Grand Lodges that govern their jurisdiction or daughter lodges. The lodges hold conferences, meetings and ceremonies to mark particular occasions.

G.L.I. plays a part in contributing to India’s Economy and charity work in both India and  Nepal. For example, G.L.I. organizes classrooms for children in prisons and helps disaster victims.

It also took the initiative to light up 50 villages in remote areas of the country that didn’t have any electricity access. It also constructed houses for Tsunami affected families and so many more charitable activities.

One of the famous lodges in Nepal is Lodge Kathmandu of Nepal 8194 which was consecrated back on March 4 1968. Nepal Grand Lodges work with the Grand Lodge of India (G.L.I.). Members of some lodges under G.L.I. attend initiations and other ceremonies in the country.

Initially, Grand Lodges in Mauritius were under the Masonic body of France, United Grand Lodge of England, Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of Scotland.

In 2005, during an occasion that marked the 37th Anniversary of the country and 227 years since the introduction of Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge of Mauritius was consecrated.

This saw the transfer of eight lodges to the G.L.M. From 2005-2010, 8 more lodges were transferred. Today, the Grand Lodge of Mauritius is recognized worldwide and has 16 lodges under its roll. However, these lodges work under different rituals.

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Learn More About The History of Freemasonry

I hope this little article helped you understand better the history of Freemasonry in Hindu cultures around the world.

If you’d like to learn how to become a Mason (in India, Nepal, Mauritius, or anywhere else) you may want to check out this guide we have prepared for you here.

If you’d like to learn more about the illustrious history of Freemasonry around the world, you may also like the Great Masonic Library.

70,000 Hindus rally for Zionism and to move India's embassy to Jerusalem

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In 2018, 70,000 right-wing Hindus (Hindutva) organized a rally to unite India and Israel and to promote the idea that the Indian government should move its embassy to Jerusalem. They held signs saying "Jerusalem eternal capital of Israel".  Religious Hindus (a Noahide-compliant religion [here and here]) are justifying the Biblical and Talmudic narrative that Jerusalem is a sacred city.  The is the emergence of a truly Judeo-Hindu-Noahide spirituality that could contaminate the world. 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-calcutta-tens-of-thousands-at-pro-israel-rally-by-far-right-hindu-movement/amp/amanda@timesofisrael.com/

In Calcutta, tens of thousands at pro-Israel rally by far-right Hindu movement

Marking 10 years of the Hindu Samhati movement, demonstration includes violent dust-up with media, arrests of protesters, and mass conversion of 14-member Muslim family

By AMANDA BORSCHEL-DAN 

15 February 2018, 1:36 pm  

Holding pro-Israel banners aloft, some 70,000 people assembled in the center of Calcutta on Wednesday to mark the tenth anniversary of the founding of the far-right, anti-Muslim Hindu Samhati nationalist movement.

The rally, which organizers are claiming is the “largest pro-Israel rally in history,” eclipses a similar demonstration held in 2014, which saw a reported crowd of 20,000.

Wednesday’s rally included speeches by nationalist figures such as Maj. Gen. Gagandeep Bakshi, a decorated career soldier expert in counter-terrorism, from a stage in the heart of one of the poorest areas of India. The event culminated in a celebratory presentation to the crowd of a family of 14 former Muslims who converted to Hinduism.

Banner slogans included, “Jerusalem: Eternal Capital of Israel,” “India-Israel: Ancient Cultures, Modern Miracles,” and the inclusive “India-Israel Represents Honoring Women’s rights, Freedom of Speech, Respect for Human Rights, Liberty and Equality for All, Democracy.”

According to a press release, Hindu Samhati founder Tapan Ghosh passed a resolution “by voice vote” urging the Indian government to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Ghosh told the large Hindu nationalist crowd, “Moving our embassy to Jerusalem will honor Israel’s long-standing commitment to peace and strengthen the bond between our two ancient peoples.”

Ghosh compared the millennia-long struggle of the Jewish people for a homeland in Israel to the battle Hindus now wage in India, according to the press release. “In West Bengal… Hindus are being attacked by hostile neighbors just as Jews are fighting for their existence in little Israel. This struggle for survival unites Hindus and Jews, apart from the 2,500 years of glorious history that unites both the communities,” according to the release.

The rally ended as violence broke out among Hindu Samhati members and journalists after the on-stage presentation of the family of converts.

According to The Indian Express, Hindu Samhati leader Ghosh told the crowd, “Hussain Ali and his wife Moyna Bibi, as well as 12 family members, have been reconverted. Their ancestors were converted, and now we welcome them as Hindus on stage. Earlier we used to do this (conversion) secretly, but now we will do this in public.”

According to The Hindu, when journalists attempted to interview the family, Hindu Samhati supporters attacked and pushed them.

Among the detained or arrested Hindu Samhati members was Ghosh, who was taken for questioning, according to online news site The Hindu.

Joint commissioner of Kolkata police Praveen Kumar Tripathi told The Hindustan Times that “Hindu Samhati chief Tapan Ghosh and three other activists have been arrested in the case of assault on media persons in Kolkata on Wednesday evening.”

What is Hindu Samhati and what does it stand for?

Ghosh founded Hindu Samhati in West Bengal after leaving the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) Hindu nationalist movement in 2008. The RSS supported the establishment of Israel in 1948. West Bengal has seen increased Hindu-Muslim tensions in recent years.

According to news source NDTV, “Till recently, the Hindu Samhati was viewed as a fringe group and, politically, largely ignored. But over the last couple of years, it has grown a public profile by being vocal and active during the communal tensions at Bashirhat and earlier at Dhulagarh.”

Ghosh describes himself on Twitter as an “Uncompromising Hindu activist of Bengal. Determined to fight against Islamic aggression & expansion.” In its media material following Wednesday’s rally, the movement states it was founded “to serve the poorest of poor Hindus in rural heartland of Eastern Bharat, which is plagued by Islamist violence, insecurity and thereby poverty.”

“It has emerged as a powerful voice for human rights. Today’s turnout is testimony of the fact that Hindus believe in the India-Israel alliance. The Hindu Samhati leadership promise to work towards closer India-Israel relations in times to come, as these two ancient cultures become modern miracles which together can make the world a better place.”

In October, Ghosh made headlines in London when he was invited to speak in the House of Commons complex by Conservative party MP Bob Blackman, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus.

According to The Hindu, Ghosh is accused of making anti-Muslim statements during a session called “Tolerating the intolerant: The abuse of Hindu human rights in Europe and India.” During his London trip, Ghosh was photographed on a social call with British far-right nationalist Tommy Robinson.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Cabinet Minister Damian Green, who attended a Diwali celebration with Ghosh in October, distanced themselves from the event. The Home Office issued a statement that was quoted in The Middle East Eye, saying Rudd “fundamentally disagrees with Mr Ghosh’s views on Islam… The Home Secretary accepted an invitation from the Hindu Forum of Britain to attend an event in Parliament last week to celebrate Diwali. She did not speak to Mr. Ghosh and was not present when he spoke.”

At Wednesday’s rally, Ghosh appeared unaffected by the London rebuke.

Addressing the crowd, he is quoted in The Indian Express as calling on all Muslim Indians who had converted or reconverted to Hinduism, “When you return, initiate this movement in your districts and blocks — let us welcome all Muslims to Hinduism.”