News from Hindu Press International-31

News from Hindu Press International 

Houston's Vedanta Society To Consecrate New Temple Posted on 2011/9/19 16:14:15 ( 1440 reads ) Source HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 12, 2011 (Indoamerican News): Many years after a group of ardent followers met for prayer, meditation and shared experience in a small house on Cypress Street that Indo American News founder and publisher Dr. K. L. Sindwani and his wife Mohini donated to the cause, the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston has finally constructed its own temple. The consecration and dedication ceremony will be held from 9:30 am through lunch at 1pm on Saturday, September 24, with worship and religious rituals performed in the morning by Swami Kripamayananda, the Head Minister of the Vedanta Society of Toronto, Canada, and assisted by Swami Sarvadevananda, the Assistant Minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood. An evening celebration will start at 5pm with a light dinner and a program that will feature entertainment. In attendance will be senior monks of the order as well as Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and City of Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The next day, on Sunday, September 25, the VSGH will celebrate its annual Durga Puja, with worship performed by the two Swamis. VSGH is a volunteer, non-profit organization that spreads the idea of harmony of religions and unity of fellow human beings based on Sri Ramakrishna's (the 19th century saint from West Bengal, India) experience. It was formed in 2003 by the amalgamation of two smaller organizations, the Ramakrishna Vedanta Center and the Vivekananda Vedanta Society. No comment

Canada Hindus Celebrate By River Posted on 2011/9/19 16:14:10 ( 1364 reads ) Source CANADA, September 12, 2011: Hundreds of Windsor-area Hindus gathered in McKee Park at the Detroit River Sunday, marking the end of Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day religious festival celebrating the Deity's birth and his unity with the universe. For two weeks, Hindus all over the world offered prayers and offerings to Ganesha, a Deity in the Hindu pantheon that is widely revered as a remover of obstacles. The festival climaxes with the dissolving of a clay murti of Ganesha by lowering it into water. Paresh Pandya, a Hindu priest who watched over the proceedings, said this represents the deity's immaterial form and a return to the elements. MP Brian Masse, who attended the festival's finale, said the festival reflects Canada's multiculturalism and acceptance of different cultures. "Celebrating outside like this today demonstrates what a diverse and amazing country Canada is," he said. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/19 16:14:04 ( 1628 reads ) Source Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian. Dennis Wholey No comment

Ramayana, New Craze Among Women Posted on 2011/9/18 17:33:23 ( 1775 reads ) Source MYSORE, INDIA, September 9, 2011 (Times of India): There is a new craze among women to learn the Ramayana and Mahabharata and understand the relevance of the epics in today's materialistic life. Women professionals, who are taking up courses or examinations on the epics, feel that the contents will be a guiding spirit in their stressed lifestyle. Last year, 365 women, most of them doctors and lawyers, took up the examination conducted by Samarpana, an organization run by Sudha Paneesh, a social activist. Many may be skeptical about Samarpana's efforts because the Ramayana is considered a part of Hindu mythology but women who have passed the examination refuse to look at it from a religious angle. "For us morals of the epic are important," claims Dr. Rajani, a medical officer from the city who passed the examination last year, describing Ramayana as a way of life. Dr Rajani says that when many aspire to lead a materialistic and highly commercialized life, the Ramayana comes as a great relief to their disturbed minds. Paneesh, who runs the course in alliance with a trust in Bangalore, claims nobody will learn the Ramayana if it is told and retold. The examination format attract them more in addition to making them feel that they are involved in a competition. "Our aim is to deduce morals of Ramayana and make efforts to apply them to people's lives," she said. "We are targeting women because they are the teachers in their homes," she said justifying her decision to have the course exclusively for women. No comment

South African Hindus Join Forces Posted on 2011/9/18 17:33:18 ( 2682 reads ) Source SOUTH AFRICA, September 4, 2011 (indianexpress.com): Hindus in South Africa are joining forces in a single umbrella group to address problems facing youth, such as drug abuse, HIV and violence. Pragasen Pillay, founder of the Hindu Youth Network (HYN), explained that the various linguistic subgroups within Hinduism had not been united, each working toward its own goals. By working together in a single group, efforts can be better coordinated and will be more effective. The HYN will also groom the Hindu leaders of the future. Existing Hindu organizations have not invested efforts in developing their youth members, Pillay said. 1 comment

Ireland Undergoes a Profound Religious Transformation Posted on 2011/9/18 17:33:12 ( 1414 reads ) Source DUBLIN, IRELAND, September 17, 2011 (NY Times): Even as it remains preoccupied with its struggling economy, Ireland is in the midst of a profound transformation, as rapid as it is revolutionary: it is recalibrating its relationship to the Roman Catholic Church, an institution that has permeated almost every aspect of life here for generations. This is still a country where divorce became legal only in 1995, where the church runs more than 90 percent of the primary schools and where 87 percent of the population identifies itself as Catholic. But the awe, respect and fear the Vatican once commanded have given way to something new -- rage, disgust and defiance -- after a long series of horrific revelations about decades of abuse of children entrusted to the church's care by a reverential populace. When the normally mild-mannered prime minister, Enda Kenny, unexpectedly took the floor in Parliament this summer to emphatically criticize the church, he was giving voice not just to his own pent-up feelings, but to those of a nation. The Vatican immediately withdrew its ambassador from Dublin. The position of Irish ambassador to the Vatican is currently vacant, too, and there is talk here of merging it with the ambassadorship to Italy. The government has announced that it will introduce a package of new legislation to protect children from abuse and neglect, including a law -- considered but rejected as too contentious by previous governments -- that would make it mandatory to report evidence of crimes to the authorities. It has also established a group to examine how to remove half of the country's Catholic primary schools from church control. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/18 17:33:06 ( 1514 reads ) Source You are here to eat mangoes; not to count the number of leaves in the mango tree. -- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886), guru of Swami Vivekananda No comment

Monsoon In Sindh Pours Cold Water on Dalit Hindus' Allahyar Pilgrimage Posted on 2011/9/17 17:32:23 ( 1519 reads ) Source KARACHI, PAKISTAN, September 5, 2011 (Pakistan Today): The recent catastrophic monsoon has postponed Hindu saint Rama Pir's annual mela - the biggest gathering of Dalit Hindus in Pakistan - besides destroying standing crops, houses, bridges, schools and healthcare facilities; killing people, livestock and wildlife; and damaging heritage sites and government buildings. Months ago, a large number of lower caste Hindus -- officially declared as scheduled caste Hindus by the Pakistani government -- started walking several miles to participate in the three-day annual gathering or mela, which was supposed to start on Tuesday. However, Rama Pir Sheva Mandli in-charge Kaka Ishwar Das Utoomal announced on Monday that due to the recent torrential rains, the mela has been postponed and rescheduled for October 6. Despite the devastation caused by the monsoon, a large number of Dalit Hindus have reached the town of Tando Allahyar, where the 400-year-old historical Rama Pir temple is located, and thousands are still on their way. No comment

Ready-To-Cook Idlis, Vegetarian Sausages Lead India's Frozen Food Revolution Posted on 2011/9/17 17:32:17 ( 1639 reads ) Source BANGALORE, INDIA, September 12, 2011 (India Times): When a Canadian frozen foods company test markets three-minute microwaveable idlis in India, you sit up and take notice. The $6.5-billion McCain Foods, which claims to make one of every three french fries in the world, has not limited itself to hash browns and potato wedges. Its Indian arm is adapting to the local palate with chilli-garlic pops and tandoori nuggets. Besides idlis, that is. "We have short-circuited the idli-making process," says McCain Foods India MD KS Narayanan. Idli is among the top three breakfast dishes in India along with parathas and dosas.Another frozen foods multinational, Fry's Group Foods of South Africa, enjoys rising demand for its vegetarian alternatives that resemble the flavor, texture and appearance of meat products such as sausages. It's in joint venture talks with a large Indian firm keen to enter the frozen food market. Frozen foods-a taboo in the country not so long ago-now overflow refrigerator freezer compartments in several Indian households as more working women, young professionals living alone and greater exposure to western food patterns make Indian consumers to go for food fried, baked or toasted straight from the freezer. No comment

Christian "Guerrilla" Enlists their Children to Convert Your Children Posted on 2011/9/17 17:32:11 ( 1861 reads ) Source [HPI note: This is from a proselytizing organization which calls Hindu India "Satan's Kingdom". Here is their now strategy.] INDIA, August 31, 2011 (Mission News Network): A Christian program called Mission India , based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has found a way to connect families in the U.S. with families in India without ever having to board a plane. According to president Dave Strathers, the website mypassporttoindia.org gives Christian children in the United States a ten-step introduction to "what life is like in India," It also urges them and their families to donate money. Each dollar raised through this ministry pays for one student to attend a Children's Bible Club. "We started year-long Bible clubs. Usually, they meet after school, every day. Children in the community gather together and get help with their homework, and they hear Bible stories, learn songs." Why focus on children? Stravers explains, "Ministry to children is more of a guerrilla-style attack on Satan's kingdom because children are the most open to the Gospel. We've discovered that when children hear a Bible story, they go right into the home with the Gospel, where an evangelist cannot." Last year alone, "My Passport to India" raised enough money to send 284,812 children to Bible Clubs all over the country. Stravers says, "The most common response that I've had from parents is: 'My kids are now praying for India. They would like to give some of their allowance to bring more of these children to Bible clubs, so they can know Jesus.'" No comment

Young Hindu Americans' Prize-Winning Essays, Part 3 Posted on 2011/9/17 17:32:04 ( 1614 reads ) Source August 27, 2011 (Hindu American Foundation via the Huffington Post): HPI continues the series of three first place winners of the Hindu American Foundation's essay contest. The theme was "Every day, my Hindu-ness makes me a better American because... " How Hinduism Makes Me A Better American By Vinti Singh I tried an experiment last year in which I attempted to go a week without buying anything from China. My choices as a consumer were severely limited. It was nearly impossible to find clothes, gifts or even nails to hang up a picture frame. Since finding non-made-in-China alternatives were rare occurrences, I often just did without. At first, I was frustrated and sad. Coming home from the mall empty handed made me feel just as empty on the inside. It was my religion, Hinduism, that brought me to the realization that material possessions will never fulfill me. Being a Hindu makes me a better American because it helps me see with clarity the American dream, and the pursuit of happiness, as something that is materially intangible, but much more satisfying when achieved. Stuff, material stuff, will never really satisfy you. A lot of people spend their whole lives trying to accumulate as much of it as possible, but as Hindu philosophy teaches us, you have to give up all material desires if you ever really want to be happy. "You cannot become progressive in spiritual life if you indulge in unrestricted sense gratification because sense gratification is the cause of our bondage in this material world," A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, a Vedic teacher, said in a lecture in New York in the 1960s. This recession is particularly hard on people because shrinking budgets, both for government bodies and personal wallets, has meant everyone has had sacrifices. For some people, it means they can't take a vacation that year. For others, it means they're not sure how they are going to fund their next meal. As the middle class disappears, so do the stories about people buying bigger televisions, bigger cars and bigger houses. But if we are to be good Americans, we can't dwell on the things that are gone and keep postponing our dreams till "when the economy turns around." We have to learn to find joy in ingenuity, creativity and innovation. For example, I started a container garden on my patio last year to save some money. My yield was semi-successful. I let my spinach flower too fast and didn't water my mint enough. But I got some fresh, juicy tomatoes and bell peppers. If I had gone to the grocery store, I would have picked up a tomato off the shelf and bought it. But planting the seeds, watching the plant grow and knowing I was capable of making food brought me a separate joy. My friends have found similar satisfaction in stitching their own clothes, brewing their own beer and building their own furniture. Americans are innovative, and we should all embrace the innovators within ourselves. It's much more satisfying than buying all of our solutions. As Americans, we also have to be mindful of the effect materialism has on the environment. The Bhagavad Gita tells us, "For, so sustained by sacrifice, the gods will give you the food of your desire. Whosoever enjoys their gift, yet gives nothing, is a thief, no more nor less" ("Karma Yoga."Bhagavad Gita As It Is. Swami Prabhupada, A.C. Bhaktivedanta.) The materials economy (extraction, production, distribution, consumption, disposal) is a system in crisis, Annie Leonard, author of "The Story of Stuff," explained in a YouTube video. "It's a linear system and we live on a finite planet and you cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely," she said. "We are running out of resources, we are using too much stuff." If we buy things we don't really need and will probably throw away within a year, we're wasting those precious resources. By purchasing clothes second-hand, by recycling my papers and plastics, and not buying that iPad that it would be nice to have but I don't really need, I am not thieving from the environment. All Americans can make the decision to buy higher mileage cars to reduce the amount of oil they use. Or better yet, they can take public transportation when possible. When we take the time to understand where all our materials come from and what they truly cost, we start to see that the things we buy cost a lot more than what we pay for them. Sometimes it seems like materialism is the dominant religion in America. But by breaking free from that cycle of desire and focusing on what's really important, like ingenuity and innovation, I have become a better American. By reducing my material desire, I'm also reducing my impact on the environment. I'm a Hindu, and that's what helps me see the real American dream -- finding happiness within myself. Vinti Singh, 24, is a reporter for the Connecticut Post, a Hearst Connecticut Media Group newspaper in Bridgeport, Conn. She reports on municipal issues, as well as energy and environment policy. She grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia and she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and a minor in women's and gender studies. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/17 17:31:58 ( 1451 reads ) Source Experience has taught me that silence is part of the spiritual discipline of a votary of truth. Proneness to exaggerate, to suppress or modify the truth, wittingly or unwittingly, is a natural weakness of man and silence is necessary in order to surmount it. -- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), Indian spiritual leader No comment

An Indian Bank For Religious Institutions Posted on 2011/9/16 17:14:45 ( 1773 reads ) Source CHETTIKULANGARA, KERALA, INDIA, August 21, 2011 (livemint.com): Every month, officials of Dhanalaxmi Bank collect hundreds of thousands of coins from the hundis (donation box) of 2,100 temples from across the state and exchange the coins for paper currency with vendors--shopkeepers, retail malls, local bus companies and government clients. The currency is then deposited into the temple's account. Dhanalaxmi Bank bills itself as "God's own bank in God's own country." Founded by brahmins in 1927 to help fund marriages in the community, it soon started providing special services to temples. Now one of India's fastest-growing private-sector banks, it also has the largest number of religious institutional clients. The bank is now pursuing business relationships with churches and mosques as well. Muralidharan R., chief operations officer, says the bank has developed "a unique skill in understanding and catering to the banking needs of religious institutions" and "we would never want to let go of this advantage wherever we go." No comment

Texas University Opens Vegan Dining Hall Posted on 2011/9/16 17:14:39 ( 2632 reads ) Source DENTON, TEXAS, USA, August 30, 2011 (Reuters): The University of North Texas in Denton has opened an all-vegan full-service campus cafeteria that may be the first in the nation and is proving immensely popular. Lines snake out the door. University officials are finding many of the students who eat there are not vegans but simply want to eat healthy meals. Inside "Mean Greens," quotes from Gandhi and Einstein decorate the walls. Students balance plates of paninis made with fresh focaccia baked at the cafeteria, roasted vegetables, vegetarian sushi, bowls of asparagus soup, glasses of flavored vitamin waters and shot glasses of bananas foster. No animal products are served, including meat, milk or eggs. But almost everyone was leaving with cones of soy-based soft-serve ice cream, a natural choice in the sweltering first week of school. Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has given UNT its Compassionate Campus award this month for responding to student requests and supporting veganism. Surveys by food services providers such as Bon Appetit and Aramark have shown rising demand for vegan fare. Huling said Aramark's survey of hundreds of schools indicated one in four students was actively seeking vegan options. And other schools are showing interest. Inquiries have come from as far off as Germany and as close as Dallas. Another innovation at "Mean Greens" is the use of plates instead of standard-issue cafeteria trays. This has cut both waste and water usage by 40 percent. That change is being considered at some of UNT's other four dining halls. No comment

Young Hindu Americans' Prize-Winning Essays, Part 2 Posted on 2011/9/16 17:14:33 ( 1560 reads ) Source August 27, 2011 (Hindu American Foundation via the Huffington Post): HPI continues the series of three first place winners of the Hindu American Foundation's essay contest. The theme was "Every day, my Hindu-ness makes me a better American because... " Essence By Sohini Sircar Many American Hindus view their lives as having two poles. They display their Hindu side at home or at the temple amongst family and their American side at school or work. This dual life-almost like split personality-can be confusing when the two areas converge. But this is not the only way to live as an American Hindu. In fact, I strongly believe that these two identities are inextricably linked in my existence as a Hindu in the United States. My Hindu-ness makes me a better American, because I understand that there is a certain essence that links us. Just as understanding that the soul (atman) links the entire universe helps me dispel the illusion of distinctions (maya), understanding the essence of what makes me American helps me look past different skin colors and accents. During my freshman year of college, I looked into the mirror in my dorm room, and for the first time, I really understood that I have looked and will always look South Asian. By my appearance alone, no one would understand how much I believe in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Internally, I face a struggle. In my interest area of international development and health, someday I would like to work for the U.S. government, and even serve as a delegate in international settings. But I also realize that when people look at me, they see a South Asian. And unless I put my pen down to paper or open my mouth to speak, there is no way of conveying my Hindu American identity. I was, once again, forced to consider this dilemma when I recently attended a White House ceremony recognizing the valiant work of Hindus in the Armed Forces. I found myself surprised to wonder how they so bravely pledged their lives for a country their parents had only immigrated to a few decades ago. What makes us so loyal to the U.S.? What keeps us from working for a South Asian country when that is the region from where my genes, faith and culture come from? Even more recently, in my hunt to find an apartment, I encountered a young woman who, via e-mail, asked me where I was from. Without thinking much, I wrote that I had always lived in the U.S. She then replied, "well, where are you originally from." Looking at that e-mail, I wanted to shout, "America! I was born here!" I realized that was not the answer she was looking for, but why did it matter from which country my parents immigrated if I told her I was American. Regardless of my feelings of my American identity, she refused to accept me due to the foreignness of my name. But that is exactly what makes me a Hindu American. But what does it mean to be Hindu, and what does it mean to be American? And where does the essence of those identities intersect? My faith helps me understand that while all things in the universe have so many different exteriors, they all have the same atman. What is the similarity between a tree, a human and a mushroom? It seems like little, seeing as how they are not even in the same kingdom taxonomy. By dispelling maya, we find that all beings are created from the same soul. My dedication to my faith does not take away from my American identity, but instead reinforces this message. I see America as a beautiful potpourri of people and cultures - all with the same soul of liberty, opportunity and freedom. Being American is about having a certain invisible essence that links us to all other Americans, regardless of external appearance. No single external feature in body, voice or movement distinguishes an American. There is no answer to the question of what a "typical" American looks like. All people living on this continent came as immigrants, and that is what makes the U.S. such a sparkling mix of gems of different colors, shapes and sizes. While human exterior facial features, skin colors and accents can seem to distinguish one person from another, the atman within all things links the universe together. These concepts that are so intrinsic to my understanding of Hinduism are also so elegantly woven into the fabric of my belief in the American system. Simply based on citizenship, all Americans can vote, are guaranteed a fair trial and are promised protection. This idea that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the U.S. government requires that we disregard the maya of external features and, instead, understand the essence of what makes us all American. My Hindu and American identities intertwine in such a way that I cannot explain one without the other. These identities teach me to respect all living and non-living things, and this means that we must treat everything with equality and care. This is beautifully depicted in the illustrated pages of my Bhagavad Gita - everything has the same God within it. This concept involves making sure we strive to give everyone access to food, water, shelter and medical care, as the U.S. does through humanitarian assistance. Respecting the soul within all things means recognizing the equality and oneness that flows through us all. My belief of this essential equality defines my duty to serve for justice, harmony and peace. This way of thinking has not come from my identity as either a Hindu or an American, but instead as the combined identity of both. This convergence of ideas like justice, atman and equality challenge my ideas of race, religion and nationality, and I strive to fully comprehend that my soul is made of the same essence as everything else. When the world understands this concept, conflicts over mine and yours will end, and peace will pervade. Every day my Hindu-ness makes me a better American and my American-ness makes me a better Hindu because they teach me that people and things have the same essence. Sohini Sircar is 22 years old and graduated in May of 2011 from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology and International Affairs, with a concentration in Biotechnology and Global Health and a certificate in International Development. She is currently working at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health. Most recently, she attended and helped organize a conference hosted by Hindu American Seva Charities at the White House and at Georgetown University and hopes to continue with her work with these and other Hindu organizations.

Head Teachers Challenge Law Requiring Christian Worship Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:16 ( 1552 reads ) Source LEICESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND, September 7, 2011 (Leicester Mercury): Some schools in Leicestershire are asking the Government to change a requirement that they provide collective Christian worship every day. Current law requires all state schools to provide a daily act of collective worship for their pupils, such as a prayer or hymns, which must be wholly or mainly of a Christian character.The only exception is where a school has an affiliation with a different faith. After a national BBC survey suggested many state schools are ignoring their duty to provide a daily act of worship, head teachers said they do provide daily worship, but the requirement to focus on the Christian faith does not reflect today's multi-cultural society. Therefore, they interpret the legislation from a more inclusive perspective. Carolyn Robson is executive head at Rushey Mead School, Leicester, where 95 per cent of pupils are not Christian."The highest percentage of pupils at Rushey Mead School are of Hindu faith, followed closely by Sikh faith," said Ms Robson. "We interpret the law, like many schools, in a way that fits our school.We learn about and celebrate a whole range of festivals - whether it be Eid, Diwali or a Christian festival. We have a daily assembly for all our pupils in groups of around 300 which will have a moral theme - sometimes religious, sometimes not.It would be highly inappropriate for us to just look at Christian faith." Christopher Hassall is head of Taylor Road Primary School in St Matthew's, Leicester, where 95 per cent of the 600 pupils are Muslim."The law could do with looking at because we are a multi-faith society now, and particularly in Leicester, where there are large school populations where the children are not Christians." Hassall adds that the law can be interpreted in a general sense:"What you might call broadly Christian could be called broadly Islamic, broadly Hindu and so on, in that there are certain values, moral values specifically, that different faiths all share, such as telling the truth and helping people who are less fortunate than us." No comment

New Panchangams for 2012-2013 Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:11 ( 3171 reads ) Source USA, September 25, 2011: Himalayan Academy's panchangams for over 240 cities are now available for 99 cents, in both pdf and iCalendar formats. iCalendar panchangams may be imported into iCal and Google calendars. The 2012-2013 calendar begins on May 7, 2012 and ends on April 26, 2013. Click on source, above. 1 comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:05 ( 1221 reads ) Source You don't want to see God. You must feel God. God is you. Just be that. -- Satguru Siva Yogaswami (1872-1964) of Sri Lanka No comment

Good News for 12th-Century Preah Vihear Shiva Temple Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:56 ( 1430 reads ) Source THAI-CAMBODIAN BORDER, September 10, 2011 (outlookindia.com; by Tarun Vijay): Lovers and protectors of world heritage everywhere celebrate that the Thai government has promised to accept and abide by the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the matter of the Preah Vihear temple. Preah Vihear, a Shiva temple built in the 12th century ce, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located near the Thailand-Cambodia border and claimed by both Thais and Cambodians. The ICJ declared in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but the land around it remained mired in controversy. Under the Vejjajiva regime, Thailand had even "declared war" with Cambodia over the temple. As a result, 15 soldiers (on both sides) have lost their lives, thousands of villagers have had to flee their homes in the area, and the temple itself has suffered damage from mortar shells. The ICJ has taken up the matter again on a plea from Cambodia. On July 18, the ICJ announced the first part of its verdict: a) both parties must immediately withdraw military personnel from the demilitarised zone in the temple's vicinity and refrain from any armed activity directed at it, and b) Thailand should not obstruct Cambodia's access to the temple. Preah Vihear is rightly called a "temple in the sky". It reaches out amazingly to the heavens, with five gopurams along an 800-metre axis. Inside the sanctum sanctorum under the first gopuram is a mesmerising figure of the chief Deity, a dancing Shiva over an elephant head, referred to as Shikhareshwar--the Lord of the Mount. Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer tell the story of the temple. The magic and magnificence of this sandstone structure has made it an overwhelming part of the Khmer mindscape. Cambodia and Thailand, both Buddhist countries, take extraordinary pride in Preah Vihear. It's a region where the Buddha and Shiva co-exist in happiness. The temple is in ruins and much of the structure is dilapidated. It cries out urgently for help from the world community, perhaps of the sort the Archaeological Survey of India has rendered in restoring Angkor Wat to its former glory. But although Cambodia, Thailand and UNESCO believe this temple is worth protecting--and the Chinese, Vietnamese, Germans and Indonesians have shown great interest as well--the only reaction from India has been roaring silence. The full article at source includes a photo of this beautiful temple. No comment

Bringing Children Into Hinduism Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:50 ( 1429 reads ) Source TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, September 12, 2011 (Newsday): Minister in the National Security Ministry Collin Partap who is also the Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla has called on all religious leaders of mandirs, churches, temples and mosques to get children more involved in activities that will enhance their spiritual and moral development and make them better individuals of their respective communities and the country. Partap made this call in his address at a yagna (prayers) in commemoration of Hindu deity Lord Ganesh's birthday at the Vishwanath Hindu Temple in Sangre Chiquito on Saturday night. His call was made before hundreds of children who were present at the function. Partap said he was amazed to see the number of children present with their parents all humbly sitting and listening to the prayers. This he said are signs of discipline administered through parents and pundit Rampersad. Such discipline Partap said is responsible for a child growing up with the right set of values to lead to a productive life. He said such values are essential at this time in Trinidad and Tobago. No comment

Illustrated "Ramayana" Launched In Paris After Ten Years Of Work Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:44 ( 1724 reads ) Source PARIS, FRANCE, September 15, 2011 (AFP): After ten years of work, publisher Diane Selliers has launched an impressive work, the "Ramayana", a masterpiece of Indian literature, illustrated with 660 miniatures selected from museums and collectors around the world. It comes as seven volumes in a red box, carefully wrapped in a protective bag "like sacred objects," said Selliers. "This is not a merely a book but a work of art, a testament to civilization," said the editor, born in Belgium in 1955 but living in France for many years. An eternal epic, the "Ramayana" recounts the exemplary life of Prince Rama and his successful struggle against the demon king Ravana and his army of monkeys. Transmitted by oral tradition, it has been written down in several versions over the centuries. For this edition, Diane de Selliers chose the most famous version of Valmiki; translation done by Madeleine Biardeau. "We worked like crazy to find the Indian miniatures scattered throughout the world," said the editor. She traveled extensively in India, Britain and the United States to collect the images of Ramayana paintings that date from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Priced at 850 euros (US$1,170) for the launch, the book, which weighs 15 pounds, is a limited edition of 3,000 numbered copies. Selliers plans to publish an English edition for the Indian market next year. No comment

Festive Farewell To Ganapati Bappa Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:38 ( 1186 reads ) Source NAGPUR, INDIA, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011: No housewife remained coy and no schoolgirl was bashful when the city saw off its favorite guest on Sunday: Lord Ganesha, who came for His festival. Instead everybody had been dancing and shouting chants requesting Ganapati Bappa to visit them soon the next year. Smeared with gulal, swaying to the beats of sandal, the crowds were busy making merry as all roads of the city seemed to lead towards one of the lakes. Trucks with big statues, cars with open dikkis from where the kids were screaming their throats hoarse while some other kids were holding onto their smaller statues sitting face-back on two wheelers completed the scene. Though they were the most joyous of all, kids from the city seemed to be the ones who would miss their friend Ganesha the most. "Our colony has been looking so beautiful because of the decorations. I had so much fun all through the festival as there were games and competitions to look forward to every evening. It feels like a ten-day long picnic is coming to an end," said eleven-year-old Mohit Madan. Others said they would miss the very presence of the Lord. Shilpi Jha, who moved to the city only a year back was completely overwhelmed by what she was seeing in the surroundings and started filming the proceeding on her handycam. "I have only seen all this on television and movies up till now," she enthused. No comment

Report on the Global Conference on World Religions after 9/11 Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:31 ( 1281 reads ) Press Release September 7, 2011, (by Juli L. Gittinger): Over two thousand people gathered at Montreal's Palais de Congres for the 2nd Global Conference on World Religions after 9/11 to listen to a variety of speakers and scholars address the ongoing project to educate and inform the public about religious traditions other than their own. Starting off the morning with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and rounding up the afternoon with a diverse panel of scholars in the field of religion, the Conference was a resounding success, generating incentive and inspiration for sharing knowledge between faiths. One of the goals of the Conference was to pass three resolutions long term commitments to the global discourse of world religions. The resolutions are as follows: 1. Resolved that a course in World Religoins should be taught wherever the confessional study of religion is carried out--in a seminary, or yeshiva, or madrassah, or Hindu Matha, or Buddhist monastery--provided that is has been approved by the apex body of that religion 2. Resolved that violating the sanctity of the scriptures of any religion amounts to violating the sanctity of the scriptures of all religions 3. Resolved that the religions of the world should come together to formulate a Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the World's Religions, which would embody their vision of human flourishing and which would supplement the current U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Dalai Lama's talk, "The Ethics of Peace", expressed his ongoing concern for interfaith dialogue and cooperation between religious institutions. Alongside his general message of tolerance ("Believe in one religion, but respect all religions"), he underscored the need for more contact between the religions and more engagement on a local level. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/24 17:28:26 ( 1123 reads ) Source Science sometimes runs the risk of not seeing the truth, because it does not want to know about miracles. -- Jacques Cousteau, explorer No comment

Hindu Americans Seek Self-Definition Posted on 2011/9/23 17:32:06 ( 1720 reads ) Source USA, August 24, 2011 (www.patheos.com; by Padma Kuppa): Hindus in America face a challenge in identifying as Hindu-Americans, and even in defining that term. In India, many Hindus do not put a label on their religion, or even regard it as one of many religions. It's the Sanatana Dharma--it's simply the way things are. In a majority-Hindu country, there is also no need to explain the religion to others. But in countries where other religions predominate, a distinguishing label and clear explanations become necessary. Many diasporic Hindus prefer the term Sanatana Dharma or Hindu Dharma. Some are even uncomfortable with the terms Hindu and Hinduism due to widespread misconceptions surrounding those terms. As a result, they not only shrink from advocacy but some even deny that what they practice is a religion. [HPI note: An opposite trend, explained by Lisa Miller in an article called "We are All Hindus Now", is happening simultaneously from the other side of the ethnic spectrum. Americans are increasingly embracing Hindu beliefs and practices, such as reincarnation, yoga, chakras, reincarnation and pranayama. Many do not realize that these beliefs and practices align them much more closely with Hinduism than with any Western religion and these "semi-Hindus" often become increasingly uncomfortable with the religion of their birth. ] No comment

Chinese Statues Flood Market As Festivity Season Begins Posted on 2011/9/23 17:32:00 ( 1320 reads ) Source KOLKATA, INDIA, September 5, 2011 (Times of India): Its festival time in India and not only street-side stalls but also gift shops have begun stocking up on statues of various sizes, all of them made in factories in the People's Republic of China. The trend started a couple of years ago with small statuettes of the Buddha and Ganesh that were meant to be mounted on the dashboard of vehicles. As these items started disappearing from the market, the Chinese realized the potential and extended the range to larger statues meant for the puja rooms. According to a port official, container loads of such statues are landing in Kolkata for distribution in several states in this region."There was good response before Janmashtami. People were attracted by the various styles," he said. The Chinese have certainly done their homework well. Even statues on Baba Loknath, Shirdi Sai Baba and Ramakrishna Paramahansa have gone into production and sale. One company claims that all the products are hand-made and states: "All of our Hindu God statues are made of polyresin (a mixture of plastic and resin). We have more than 500 styles of Hindu God statues". We have Krishna, Ganesh, Hanuman, Shiva, Laxmi, Durga, Meera, Balaji, Saraswati, Kali, Vishnu, Shiva Parvati, Shiva Family, Satya Narayana, Sai Baba, Kuberan, Ganga, Gayatri, Nandi, Lingam with Shiva, Lota, Nataraj, Ohm and Diya (for Divali)." The company accepts a minimum order of 500 pieces. According to an importer, it makes sense to buy from the Chinese. In certain provinces of that country, these statues are made by nearly every household. "Its cheaper and we can also sell for much less. The question of affecting business in India doesn't occur as such products are not made here," he said. No comment

Bangladesh Introduces TV Censorship Posted on 2011/9/23 17:31:55 ( 1634 reads ) Source BANGLADESH, September 12, 2011 (The Guardian): The Bangladeshi government has introduced a new broadcast law to censor the content of TV programs and movies. Aside from prohibiting political, religious and (so-called) sexual material, it also bans the transmission of stories that hold power to account. According to a report in the popular Dhaka-based Weekly Blitz, the law effectively prevents any criticism of the government and its institutions. It bans TV channels from broadcasting any "promotional" or "advertising" content relating to non-Muslim festivals such as Christmas, Purnima [Buddhist] and Puja rituals [Hindu]. Blitz lists 14 specific bans and accuses the Bangladesh government of exposing "its hidden anti-democracy face to the people." No comment

Be A Vegetarian To Keep Cancer At Bay Posted on 2011/9/23 17:31:48 ( 1688 reads ) Source HYDERABAD, INDIA, August 27, 2011: Let your plate be colorful. Fill it with fruits and vegetables. This piece of advice comes from Dr. Kalpagam Polasa, head of the Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, who added that fruits and vegetables could be the protection needed against cardiovascular diseases and several types of cancers. Dr. Polasa gave a talk on 'Nutrition - The Role of Vegetables and Fruits in Chronic Disorders' during the golden jubilee regional symposium-2011 of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) in Hyderabad on Friday. While fruits and vegetables are a part of the weight loss diets, they are also rich source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. "Five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day per person are highly desirable," said Dr. Polasa who has 85 papers published in national and international journals to his credit. "People go to doctors for a find-and-fix cure. More importantly one should concentrate on sticking to healthy diet to prevent diseases," she said. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits not only may provide protection against cardiovascular diseases and several common cancers but also against Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, immunological disorders and obesity. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/23 17:31:41 ( 1170 reads ) Source Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind rest at peace. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. -- Lao-Tzu (ca 600 bce), founder of Taoism No comment

Hinduism Untouched by Recession in India Posted on 2011/9/19 16:14:21 ( 1586 reads ) Source INDIA, September 10, 2011 (India Times): In spite of the global hard times for the economy, Hindus in India show no sign of lessening their religious fervor or their generosity. The data seems to suggest that religion is recession-proof in India. Officials at the major shrines have reported an increase in both the number of pilgrims and the quantum of donations over the past few years. The number of pilgrims at Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, Kerala, has grown 20% annually over the past five years. About 30 million pilgrims visited the temple in 2010. The Guruvayur temple, too, has been receiving about 40,000 to 50,000 pilgrims every day. Shrine boards across India reported increase in donations even as the economy slowed down. Other religions have not fared as well -- contributions to the Vatican, for example, slowed worldwide. The Srinathji temple in Nathwara reported an income of 32 crore rupees or 6.7 million dollars last year (up from 24 crore in 2008). The Sri Krishna temple of Guruvayur reported 36 crore or 7.5 million dollars for 2011 (up from 12 crore in 2006) and the Lord Ayappa temple of Sabarimala had an income of 152 crore or 32 million dollars in 2010 (up from 84 crore in 2007).

Nepal Seeks To Stop Sacrifices at Festival on Thursday Posted on 2011/9/29 17:10:00 ( 1414 reads ) Source KATHMANDU, NEPAL, September 29, 2011 (The Peninsula of Quatar): As the former Hindu kingdom of Nepal started observing its biggest Hindu festival yesterday, the new government's austerity measures and a dogged campaign by animal right activists will see a drop in animal and bird sacrifices, a tradition that has been frequently condemned by the outside world. The 15-day Dashain festival, corresponding to India's Durga Puja and Dussehra, the worship of Hindu power goddess Durga, sees pools of blood forming in Nepal's temples as devotees sacrifice buffaloes, goats, chickens and other birds. This Dashain, Animal Welfare Network Nepal, a grouping of animal right organisations, led the first "sacrifice" at the Bhadrakali temple in Kathmandu yesterday when a campaigner, dressed as Kali, the Goddess in whose name most of the slaughter is conducted, accepted, instead of butchered animals, the more benign offering of gourds and fruits. For several years now, the Network has been asking the pro-sacrifice group to continue with the tradition but "slaughter" pumpkins and gourds instead of hapless birds and animals. The state-run Gorkhapatra daily said the chief of the Archaeological Survey of Nepal, Bishnuraj Karki, had said that from this year, with the new Maoist government slashing budgets for non-essential expenditure, instead of animals, vegetables would be offered. Even if the government agrees to stop the wanton killings, the private trusts that administer many of the temples are not likely to stop the practice. They spend over NRS 10 million every Dashain on animal sacrifices (USD 125,000). [HPI note: This tradition is highly controvesial among Hindus. Last year, the Hindu American Foundation spoke strongly against it, and it goes against the foremost Hindu practice, ahimsa. However, for comparison: 8,855,900,000 animals are slaughtered in America per year (USDA, 2000 figures), which makes a higher killing rate per hour than Nepal's whole slaughter -- and it lasts all year long.] No comment

Leicester Hindu Temple Vows To Minimize Traffic Posted on 2011/9/29 17:09:20 ( 1524 reads ) Source LEICESTER, ENGLAND, September 19, 2011 (bbc): The management committee of a USD 1.5m Hindu temple due to open October 9 in Leicester has vowed to keep traffic congestion to a minimum. Although the Gipsy Lane location for the Mandir was approved by the council in 2008, some residents have complained the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is being built on a busy road and would attract traffic problems. Committee spokesman Sanjiv Patel explained the traffic-control measures: There will be over 100 car spaces on site for devotees and visitors, and the temple also plans to provide shuttle service from other car parks in the area. The vast majority of the congregation would not travel by car anyway, he said, because "we're in the heart of the community" and the committee was encouraging worshippers to walk, cycle or use public transport. A city council spokesperson also responded to the complaints: "The application was advertised by sending letters to neighboring homes and businesses as well as putting public notices near the site and in the local press. We also informed people who had made comments and representations on the application about the decision once it had been made." The new temple, funded by the London-based charity BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK and members of the Hindu community, will replace the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on St James Street, in the city center, which has no parking. No comment

Hindus Gathering In Kansas For Durga Puja Posted on 2011/9/29 17:09:09 ( 1691 reads ) Source KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, September 23, 2011 (kansascity.com): Next weekend, about 300 Hindus from throughout the Midwest will gather in Kansas City to celebrate Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the year for Hindus of the Bengali tradition. The scheduled events, beginning on Friday and continuing through October 2 at the Lenexa Community Center, will include worship services, cultural programs, feasting, family get-togethers and greeting exchanges. Primarily a religious service, the social and cultural aspects of this festival are also significant. For 15 years, the celebration has brought together ethnic Bengali families from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Bengali Hindus worship Durga as the highest manifestation of the universal power of God, and the festival celebrates God's overpowering victory over evil. No comment

Heat On Monsanto Over Brinjal Piracy Posted on 2011/9/29 17:09:03 ( 1546 reads ) Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 12, 2011: American seed giant Monsanto and its Indian collaborator, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco) are to be prosecuted for allegedly 'stealing' indigenous plant material for developing genetically modified brinjal variety known as Bt brinjal. Authority (NBA), a statutory body set up under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, has decided to initiate legal proceedings against the two companies and their collaborators for using indigenous brinjal germplasm without necessary permission. Taking plant material without any permission and using it for commercial purposes is considered an act of biopiracy. "The authority has decided to proceed legally against Mahyco and Monsanto, and all others concerned to take the issue to its logical conclusion", NBA secretary C. Achalender Reddy said. The decision on the complaint filed by the Bangalore-based Environment Support Group (ESG) was taken in June by the authority and it was formally confirmed during its meeting held in New Delhi this week. This is going to be a test case of biopiracy because for the first time a commercial entity will be booked under the Biodiversity Act. No comment

Christians "Outraged" as BBC drops B.C./A.D. Dating Posted on 2011/9/29 17:00:00 ( 1761 reads ) Religion News Service LONDON, September 29 (RNS): British Christians are incensed after the state-funded BBC decided to jettison the terms B.C. and A.D. in favor of B.C.E. and C.E. in historical date references. The broadcaster has directed that the traditional B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, or Year of the Lord) be replaced by B.C.E. (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era) in its television and radio broadcasts. The BBC said in an official statement that since it is "committed to impartiality, it is appropriate that we use terms that do not offend or alienate non-Christians." It described the terms B.C.E. and C.E. as "a religiously neutral alternative to B.C./A.D." . The new edict drew immediate accusations that the network was guilty of political correctness run amok as the BBC's phone lines were jammed with irate listeners and readers. Retired Anglican Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali of Rochester, a leading British evangelical, told journalists that "this amounts to the dumbing down of the Christian basis of our culture, language and history." "These changes are unnecessary," said the bishop, "and they don't actually achieve what the BBC wants them to achieve. Whether you use Common Era or Anno Domini, the date is still the same and the reference point is still the birth of Jesus Christ." [HPI note: Only it isn't the date of the "birth of Jesus Christ," who is now believed by most scholars to have been born between 3 and 7 before the common era, BCE.] No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/29 16:50:00 ( 1096 reads ) Source Great dancers are not great because of their technique but because of their passion. -- Martha Graham No comment

200 Pavilions To Stage Durga Puja In Dhaka Posted on 2011/9/28 19:25:28 ( 1608 reads ) Source DHAKA, BANGLADESH, September 23, 2011 (bdnews24.com): Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindus in Bangladesh (called Navaratri in most of India) will be observed from October 2 to 6 at 196 pavilions or mandapas in the capital, Dhaka, the organizers say. Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee president Biresh Chandra Saha said the preparation was almost at the final stages. The committee had discussions with the government about the security measures during the Puja and the government assured them of providing maximum security. The committee president said unlike in the previous years no statues have been vandalized so far this time around. According to Hindu faith, Goddess Durga comes down to the Earth from Heaven to establish peace, harmony by annihilating evil forces. Bengalis celebrate the occasion by getting dressed in new cloths, buying gifts and savoring delicacies. Families go out to the pavilions and revere the Goddess. The priest of Dhakeshwari Temple, Ratan Chakraborti, told bdnews24.com that the Mahalaya, the day that ushers the countdown to Durga Puja by inviting the Goddess, will be observed on Sept. 27 while the Moha Shashthhi will be observed on October 2. On this day, the Goddess is worshiped with eight materials including flower, gold and silver. No comment

Hindu American Foundation Moves Office, Charges Ahead Posted on 2011/9/28 19:25:22 ( 1244 reads ) Press Release UNITED STATES, September 2011 (HAF): the Hindu American Foundation has moved its permanent office into the heart of Washington, D.C. HAF established its first office in 2006 in Kensington, MD. Five years later we have moved to the center of the action, closer to the halls of Congress and the White House, thus allowing HAF to increase the frequency, and effectiveness, of our meetings with Federal government offices. The opening of the new office coincided with our Eighth Annual DC Advocacy Days, where a delegation of over 40 Hindu Americans took to the halls of Congress to advocate for the human rights of Kashmiri and Malaysian Hindus. An exciting addition to this year's event was Monday's Kashmir 101 briefing hosted by HAF, which featured a three person panel including Rahul Pandit, M.D., former president of Indo-American Kashmir Forum; Lisa Curtis, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; and Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's Director and Human Rights Fellow. The panel was moderated by Milan Dalal, Esq., Legislative Director for Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY). On Tuesday, the HAF delegation took to both chambers of Congress, meeting with approximately 35 offices. ... (more at hafsite.org) No comment

Navaratri 2011: Celebrating The Mother Goddess for Nine Nights Posted on 2011/9/28 19:25:17 ( 1372 reads ) Source UNITED STATES, September 24, 2011: Navratri is the Hindu festival of nine nights dedicated to the glorification of Shakti, the feminine form of the Divine. During these nine nights, the mother Goddess is worshipped in nine different forms. Navratri culminates on the 10th day with the festivities of Vijayadashami, also known as Dusshera. A common greeting during this festival is Shubh Navratri (Happy Navratri). See a slideshow at source, above. No comment

Catholic Church in Bali Mimics Hinduism Posted on 2011/9/28 19:25:11 ( 2369 reads ) Source UBUNG KAJA, BALI, September 13, 2011 (VIVAnews): From the philosophy expressed in its architecture to its ornamentation and even a purification ceremony,a Catholic church of Ubung Kaja in Denpasur has adopted the appearance of Hinduism. Father Servasius I Nyoman Subhaga SVD explained that the "Jesus the Good Shepard" church building was designed in accordance with Asta Kosala Kosali (Hindu philosophy) and Tri Mandala (three Balinese concepts on Balinese building layout). The entire church building, whose construction was initiated in 2003, is perfectly typical of Balinese model. The layout and exterior of the church adopts Balinese culture, and the church is full of Balinese ornaments. In fact, the church keeps a kulkul (wooden alarm), a device usually installed in temples and hamlets in Bali. In further mimicry of Hinduism, this church held Melaspas, a Balinese Hindu purification ceremony led by Hindu religious leaders before a new building is occupied. Bali's governor, Made Mangku Pastika, asserts that the church can inculcate virtue in the people. "This church is a magnificent place to educate people," he said. Chief of Uma Sari Hamlet in Ubung Kaja, I Ketut Matulisi, said his people have high religious tolerance. "People here are tolerant. Every time the church holds a ceremony, our people are entrusted to be on guard," he said. [HPI note: This is part of the Catholic Church's "Inculturation" program, widely used in India and in other areas where conversion is not easy to come by. It consists of adopting a facade of the local religion and then moving the followers gradually away from it. It sometimes backfires and Catholicism becomes a permanent religious mix for that area. At other times, it succeeds in undermining the local Hindu faith.] No comment

Self-Control: Key to Health, Wealth and Success Posted on 2011/9/28 19:25:04 ( 1591 reads ) Source USA, January 24, 2011 (Time.com): Self-control in early life appears to be the secret to a successful life. The "Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study," whose results were published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that children with good self-control grew into adults who were typically healthier, wealthier, more law-abiding and less prone to addictions than their more impulsive peers. These findings confirm and expand upon the results of the famous Stanford marshmallow study [noted earlier in HPI]. Following 1,000 children in New Zealand from birth to age 32, the new study found marked differences in adulthood between those who had the least self-control as children and those with the most: Multiple health problems: 27% vs. 11% Addictions to multiple substances: 10% vs. 3% Low income (under $20,000 per year): 32% vs. 10% Criminal record by age 32: 43% vs. 13% Single parents: 58% vs. 26% About half the problems surfaced in adolescence, such as becoming a smoker or getting pregnant. "Trial and error is a healthy part of teenage life," says Duke University psychologist Terrie Moffitt, who led the new study. "But teens with good self-control engage in trial and error strategically, and they appreciate the difference between a useful learning experiment and real danger. I'm convinced that teenagers can be coached on this distinction." About 7% of the children in Moffitt's study dramatically increased their self-control over the course of the research, although researchers don't know how or why. The full article, at source, contains much more information about this study. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/9/28 19:24:58 ( 1301 reads ) Source Actions are the louder expression of thought. The quality of thought is ordered by the nature of our inner belief and faith. -- Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993), founder of Chinmaya Mission No comment

Beautiful Hinduism in the News Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:35 ( 2451 reads ) Source USA, September 23, 2011: [HPI note: Quite some time has passed since The Atlantic, a literary and cultural commentary magazine for the intellectual elite, first used the word "Hindoo." It was in 1857, the year the magazine started, used in the context of a commentary on British colonialism. The Hindu -- or "Hindoo" -- religion was mentioned as such on February 1859, as a passing example of a backwards culture -- ironically, in an article in which the civilized writer debated the merits and perils of the prospect of teaching American women... the alphabet. From such a disappointing start, it is encouraging to see how far Hindus have come in the way they are seen in America. Today Hindus are seen as doctors, IT engineers, personal friends and even, sometimes, as the future in-laws of many American families. There is genuine interest, and even admiration, for Hinduism. 154 years after that first lackluster mention in the Atlantic, Hindus can see how far their religion has come in a slideshow published by The Atlantic on its website this week. A few photos may be objectionable to some readers, but overall it focuses on the unrivaled beauty of the Hindu faith. What follows is the opening paragraph of the slideshow.] Hindus around the world -- from South Asia to Britain and beyond -- observe many colorful holidays throughout the year. Recent festivals include the Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of the elephant-headed deity, and Janamashtami, the birth anniversary of the God Krishna. The range of experiences at these celebrations runs from joyfully loud and spectacular to solemn and contemplative. Each devotee celebrates in a distinct, personal way even while joining the larger community. Hinduism is the world's third-largest religion; the majority of its one billion adherents are concentrated in India, but sizable communities exist all over the globe. I hope you enjoy these vivid, intriguing glimpses of Hindu festivals photographed over the past few months. See it here. 1 comment

Twenty-Five Relevant Q%26A Sites About Religion Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:30 ( 1523 reads ) Source UNITED STATES, September 18, 2011 (onlinetheology): Many theology students have questions about faith and religion. Indeed, almost everyone has questions rooted in faith, God and other issues of spirituality. Finding answers to these questions can be a life-long quest -- even for the most knowledgeable of theologians. Luke Manley compiled a list of the 25 best sites for finding information about religion, for theologians or any student researching the subject. Visit the source, above. No comment

India Establishing Ayurveda Chairs at South African Universities Posted on 2011/9/25 16:57:24 ( 1774 reads ) Source JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, September 16, 2011 (deccanherald.com): In response to growing interest, India will set up Ayurveda chairs at two South African universities by early next year. "The chair in Ayurveda at the Durban University of Technology and one in Unani at the University of the Western Cape will help institutionalize training in this very important field," said Indian High Commissioner to South Africa Virendra Gupta at a recent Ayurveda Conference attended by delegates from both countries. South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is placing a priority on access to affordable healthcare, especially for rural communities. India's medical tradition, over 5,000 years old, is a natural solution. Roy Padayachee, South African Minister of Communications and patron of the Ayurveda Foundation of South Africa, said his country's rigid regulatory systems have excluded traditional medical methods. He is eager to adapt India's experience to his country's circumstances. "We need to start establishing the infrastructure to support (Ayurveda), so this contribution of India to establish chairs is a very great contribution, because it signals the start of intellectual centers in our nation which will spiral and grow. "Alongside that, we need to deal with the question of training and development, both in the academia and the professional services that we need to provide," the minister said. He urged South Africans to accept an offer of assistance from India.

Harrow Pothi Yatra Procession Marks Start of Navaratri Festival in the UK Posted on 2011/10/2 17:05:15 ( 1625 reads ) Source UNITED KINGDOM, September 28, 2011 (Harrow Observer): Community leaders took part in a colorful Pothi Yatra procession through Wealdstone to mark the start of the nine-day long Hindu festival of Navaratri. The crowd, accompanied by musicians, left the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Palmerston Road before passing through High Street and finishing at Harrow Leisure Centre in Christchurch Avenue with a number of speeches and religious recitals, known as katha, to worshippers in Byron Hall. The Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Mrinal Choudhury, was swept along in the spiritual march as was borough commander Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, who sought to spread crime prevention advice to those celebrating Navratri. Babu said: "Harrow is one of the UK's most diverse boroughs, with one of the largest Hindu populations in the country. "Our 'Safer Neighbourhoods Teams' will be visiting all our temples and venues used to celebrate Navratri in order to spread crime prevention messages as wide as possible. No comment

Goddess Durga Fights Modern Demons Posted on 2011/10/2 17:05:10 ( 1727 reads ) Source INDIA, September 2011 (groudreport.com): India is celebrating one of its most colorful festivals - Navaratri. During the 9-day period, the Bengali community all across the globe will also celebrate Durga Puja. According to ancient lore, Durga the mother Goddess will slay the demon king Mahishasura after fighting him for nine days and nine nights, thus ensuring the victory of good over evil. But this Navratri in Varanasi, Durga will be fighting brand new demons including global warming. In the ancient city's town hall, the pandals portray Goddess Durga releasing Ganga the river from the clutch of a demon called Tehri dam. Other pandals (makeshift shrine structures) depict several other small demons which are called terrorism, price rise, corruption and the vanishing lions in the wild. At the Suruchi Sangha club, where the pandal is decorated in a Kashmir style, Goddess Durga will slay multiple modern devils: pollution, global warming, and the melting of the glaciers. No comment

Inter-faith Manual for Spiritual Care at Portugal Hospitals Posted on 2011/10/2 17:05:03 ( 1156 reads ) Source PORTUGAL, September 30, 2011 (RTP): A Handbook of Hospital Spiritual and Religious Care, a synopsis of "feasible and practical" aspects of each religious tradition's requests regarding their faithful under hospital care, was presented on Tuesday in Lisbon. The elaboration of this document was done by the Working Group for Inter-religious Spiritual and Religious Hospital Guidance and will be presented at a symposium held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. "It's a paperback book, with two dozen pages, which briefly discusses the aspects of each religious tradition to take into account that people of various religions can feel better, when admitted," told AFP the leader of the group, Father Jose Nuno, chaplain of the Hospital of St. Joao in Porto city. According to Jose Nuno, the document explains the position of each religious tradition in relation to birth, disease, death and ethical issues, as well as the issue or organ transplants of donated blood. The Working Group that promotes the Symposium was established following the promulgation of a 2009 Portuguese law to this effect. The Portuguese government recognized the right of patients admitted to public health facilities to be spiritually and religiously attended by members of their religious communities, a right legally recognized only to the Catholic Church before the new law came into effect. Following the enactment of new legislation, the coordination of Catholic Hospital Chaplain Services invited the many faiths present in Portugal to create a joint document. Were represented the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance, the Hindu Community of Portugal, the Islamic Community of Lisbon, the Jewish Community of Lisbon, the Portuguese Council of Christian Churches, the Orthodox Patriarchate and several Portuguese Buddhist Union. After this first step, new beliefs were integrated into the group, including the Baha`i Community of Portugal and the Union of Adventist churches. New members are underway. At an upcoming Conference, a joint task-force group will be created by health or religious professionals, called the Spirituality and Health Workgroup. No comment

Sixth Annual Hindu Mandir Executives Conference (HMEC) - 2011 Posted on 2011/10/2 17:04:56 ( 1645 reads ) Press Release COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 1, 2011: Over 280 delegates representing nearly 100 Mandirs (temples) and Hindu organizations from across the world participated in the sixth annual Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference (HMEC). The gathering was held from September 23rd through 25th, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. The Sixth HMEC was hosted by Bharatiya Hindu Temple (Columbus) and ten other Mandir co-hosts from the Midwest and East Coast. Participants came from Hawaii, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and from all across USA. Delegates ranged in ages from teenagers to those in their eighties and came from a variety of ethnic and career backgrounds. HMEC endeavors to assist in the development of networks and relationships between Mandir executives so that a cohesive and focused Hindu-American community can be created with Mandirs as its nucleus. The participants were focused on developing programs to provide leadership to nourish, protect and sustain Hindu Dharma in North America. There was also an emphasis on service to the broader community through blood drives, health fairs, school supply donations and tutoring projects. Addressing the conference by video, Swami Dayananda Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (AVG), emphasized that the Hindu Mandirs need to work together to stand up to external forces. Each Mandir and individual can contribute to projects and ideas that are generated at HMEC. Sadhavi Chaitanya of AVG, gave a rousing keynote address on karma, temples and our responsibilities as devotees, "everything is worshipful, everything is an act of worship, this is what we have to understand." Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Palaniswami of Hinduism Today spoke on 14 questions people ask about Hinduism while Dr. S. Yegnasubramanian explaining the practice of Vedic tradition in the West urged that, "we need to make Bhagavad Gita the glove compartment text for all Hindus. There is no shortcut to education, even in religion." Other prominent speakers included Swami Parmatmananda of AVG in Rajkot, Gujarat, Srinandanadana Das, Swami Parmeshanand and Swami Nikhilanand of Radha Madhav Dham, who pointed out in his parting thoughts that, "Sanaatan Dharma is eternal and survives even pralaya. It doesn't need us, we need it. Sanaatan Dharma is going to survive no matter what. Our involvement will just benefit us". Sri Ashok Singhal, President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, gave an inspiring speech on the need for unity, assertiveness and a collective response in the face of insults and threats facing the Hindus around the world and touched on the unconstitutional Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill of 2011 proposed by the National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Government of India. The national and local volunteers from VHPA and host Mandirs worked shoulder to shoulder for over nine months to organize this conference. Dr. Umesh Shukla, the convener of the conference, remarked that "with the 6th HMEC we have reached a milestone in establishing co-operation among the Hindu Mandirs and Hindu organizations to nourish and sustain Hindu Dharma in North America". The outstanding highlight of this HMEC undoubtedly was the spirit of volunteerism of the Columbus Hindu Youth who took great care of the delegates' needs. Pt Roopnauth Sharma from Ram Mandir, Canada, who gave the inaugural address on Friday evening, was visibly pleased, "It was a wonderful experience being part of the conference. I look forward to future involvement", he remarked. Dr. Kusum Vyas, from Houston expressed her joy, "The hosts including youth volunteers were exemplary; every day I get up and thank God that I am a Hindu." Naga Rajan from Ganehsa Temple in Nashville, TN, stated that, "I thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot by interacting with knowledgeable people. I can understand the mega effort required to coordinate so many different people and organizations to make it go smoothly without any issues - truly wonderful!" Sessions included a variety of topics relevant to the Mandirs and Youth - tomorrow's torchbearers of Sanatana Dharma. Other topics included 'Dangers to the Integrity of India (Breaking India)', 'Existential Threats to Hindus' and 'Plight of Hindu and the Temples in ROW (Rest of the World)'. Several action-items and projects emerged out of these sessions. Greater participation by youth speakers was one of the highlights of the HMEC 2011. Tejas Dave, a high school senior, presented the Yogafy project aiming to curb childhood obesity. Vindya Adapa, first year law student, described the Cornerstones project aimed at compiling a history of the Hindu Temples in North America. Pritika Sharma, Joint General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, New Zealand talked about the World Hindu Congress in 2014. Varun Khanna, a graduate of Cambridge University stole everyone's heart on Friday evening as he stated, "When we bring Sanskrit into our temples and into our lives, then we reclaim our sanskriti!" Shivam Dave, a 10th grader, from Houston, and the youngest delegate at the conference got a standing ovation as he crisply summarized the youth session proceeding on Sunday morning, Second book in the HMEC samskar series on "Vivaha Samskar" written by Deepak Kotwal and team was released by Sadhvi Chaitanya. An interim report on the Seva Divas: National Blood Drive 9/11 project led by Dr. Rahul Jindal was presented. The report on HAVAN - Hindu American Vaanaprasthi Network was presented as well. Displays from several suppliers of books (including VHPA), local organizations and temple software management systems, contributed to the benefits offered to the delegates. Several out-of-towners also enjoyed visits to the host Bhartiya Hindu Temple. In the concluding session of the conference, delegates agreed on five resolutions: * Strengthen and Uphold the Traditional Standards of Worship in Mandirs * Involve and Integrate Youth in Mandirs * Create Leadership Continuity for Annual HMECs to Achieve Hindu Ekta * Create a Support Network for All Mandirs * Support the Global Hindu Forum - World Hindu Congress 2014 in India As a result of the conference deliberations on the evolving social, religious, cultural, spiritual, and next-generational needs of the community, Hindu Mandirs throughout North America, working together, will be better able to meet the needs of the 2.5 million strong, confident, diverse and vibrant members of the Hindu-American community. Already, Hindu Jain temple, Pitt has announced to host HMEC-Priest Conference in Sprint 2012. Durga Temple, Virginia has announced to host Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY) Bal Vihar network seminar in Spring 2012; and Toledo Hindu Temple has announced to host HMEC-HAVAN (Vanaprasthi) conference in Nov 2011. Abhinav Dwidedi from Hindu University of America expressed the views of many when he wrote, "I know it takes a lot to put together a large, successful conference, which generate new energies. I saw all positive energies all over. Please convey my appreciation to all." Photos can be seen here and here. No comment

Daily Inspiration Posted on 2011/10/2 17:04:50 ( 1341 reads ) Source Make the mind always remain poised, like a hummingbird over a flower, so that you begin to live in the eternal now constantly, permanently. -- Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927-2001), founder of Hinduism Today No comment

Pakistan Hindus Unable to Register Their Marriages Posted on 2011/10/1 16:49:08 ( 1322 reads ) Source ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, September 18, 2011 (dna India): Pakistan's four million Hindus, the country's largest minority, are unable to register their marriages, due to continued delays in passing the draft bill for the Hindu Marriage Act that was proposed in 2008. There is currently no system in Pakistan for registering the marriages of Hindus, Sikhs, Baha'is and certain other minorities. Without a marriage certificate, people face difficulties when travelling abroad, said parliamentarian Araish Kumar. "These are not the best of times for us as we face stiff resistance from the government on the issue." One reason the bill has not passed is that there is controversy over clause 13 of the proposed 16-page bill, which states that any Hindu can divorce his or her spouse at any time and in any court. The draft empowers any court to entertain any petition for the legal dissolution of a marriage. "How can we allow the inclusion of a divorce clause as there is no concept of divorce in our religion?" Kumar said. Various other rules have been included in the bill, such as when divorcees may marry again, the legal rights of children, void and voidable marriages, and the punishment for bigamy and other contraventions of Hindu marriage laws. No comment

 

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(Continued...) 

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