Chapel serves as resource for Vedic followers Published July 14, 2014 By Ryan Stark Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The chapel at Kirtland serves as a sanctuary of spiritual growth for many Airmen. But while many Airmen attend Catholic and Protestant services, others turn to the chapel for Vedic, referred to by many as Hindu, services and education. Steve "Yogi" Brown, a native of India and employee of Kirtland's Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, has worked with the chapel to help those in search of Vedic services. "I can help people understand that Vedic dharma is universal for mankind," Brown said, with dharma defined as a principal of cosmic order. For teaching purposes, Brown uses the venerable Bhagavad Gita, a text containing 700 verses of Vedic dharma. He says that this text has only a small portion of yet more texts available within the Vedic canon. "I can help people to understand the Bhagavad Gita," he said. "Anyone can strive to live by it." In addition to spiritual consultations with those interested in Vedic teachings, Brown has also read from Vedic scriptures at public events including national prayer breakfasts. Lt. Col. Thomas Elbert, chaplain for the 377th Air Base Wing, says that Brown has been of great help on occasions when someone seeks Vedic services. "He's a resource we use from time to time, and we're certainly thankful to have him," Elbert said. He added that the diverse resources in the Kirtland and Albuquerque communities attract workers from all over the world. "Especially when you come into areas of scientific development and expertise. We have the blessings and great opportunities from a diverse collection of people from across the planet who gather here," Elbert said. For more about the chapel and the programs offered and coordinated there, call 846-5691.