News from Hindu Press International
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:35 ( 191 reads )
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WASHINGTON D.C., October 24, 2013 (BBC News): Yoga is a US$5 billion
industry in the US practiced by millions of people seeking physical
fitness, improved health, or spiritual enlightenment. Almost every gym
offers a class and the experience can be enhanced by drinking specially
blended teas or listening to suitably soothing music.
The Indian government has become so concerned about the commercialization
of yoga in recent years that it started a campaign to patent hundreds of
postures to stop them being appropriated by Western companies.
But the world's first exhibition exploring the visual art of yoga has
revealed aspects of the ancient tradition that many will find of interest:
in the 2,500 years of its known existence, there has never been one single
type of yoga.
"Five years ago I did think I would find that single yoga
tradition," says Debra Diamond, curator of the exhibition Yoga: The
Art of Transformation at the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery of Asian Art.
"But yoga constantly transformed and developed over time. Although
there are a couple of main goals, there's nothing that shows up in every
single yoga path.
"For some traditions it was heightened consciousness and an end to
suffering, a way to get out of the cycle of birth, death and re-birth that
is so painful. But for other yoga traditions some of the goals were things
like supernatural powers and the ability to control other people."
The exhibition showcases 130 objects from 25 museums and private
collections around the world. Many have never been seen in public while
others are known masterpieces. Together they mark the start of a new field
of study - how yoga's visual culture can shed light on its profound
mysteries and hidden meanings.
More at source.
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:29 ( 163 reads )
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PARAMARIBO, SURINAM, October 18, 2013 (dbSuriname): The Maharishi Dayanand
children's home of the Arya Dewaker society in Paramaribo, Suriname is 80
years old. This milestone was celebrated with a Havan on October 18, 2013.
A Havan is an ancient sacred ritual using fire as a medium to ask favors of
God for attainment of various wishes and blessings. On this special day
prayers to the Almighty power were offered for wisdom, blessings and
happiness for the children of the orphanage. After the Havan service the
children recited poems and sang. A lecture, recognition of supporters and a
shared meal followed.
The children's home was opened by followers of the Arya Samaj movement on
this day in 1933. Over time its mission has transformed to also include
care for neglected children: children from broken families due to various
reasons which range from abuse, poverty or sexual abuse. The home currently
offers shelter to an average of 50 to 60 boys and girls between the ages of
2 and 16 years old. Some of the youth have been sent by the Youth and
Family Judicial Affairs Office of the Ministry of Justice and Police with
whom the home has close cooperation.
The children receive formal education supplemented by a part-time tutor to
help give motivation regarding education and school performance. There are
expressive subjects, sports and games, Hindi teaching and music lessons. In
addition, the children often get help from Dutch interns and volunteers .
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:15 ( 207 reads )
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O Mother! Let all my speech be your prayer; let all my crafts and
technology be your worship and be the mystic gestures of my hand, adorning
you. May all my movements become your devotional circumambulations. May
everything I eat or drink be oblations to you. Let my lying down in rest
and sleep be prostrations to you. Mother! Whatever I do, may all that
become a sacramental service and worship for you.
-- Adi Sankaracharya's 'Hymn to the Divine Mother'
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:53:04 ( 333 reads )
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NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 17, 2013 (The Hindu by Madhu Purnima Kishwar):
(HPI Note: This editorial is from earlier this year, but we missed seeing
it, so post it now.)
The imperious missionaries of liberalism have no respect for the diversity
of India's belief systems and have taken it upon themselves to reform
everything they perceive as outdated and incorrect
Do we want to create a world in which everyone thinks alike? A world in
which there is no space for divergence of views or foolish people? I write
this after witnessing poor Rahul Easwar, one of the young hereditary
priests of Sabarimala, being flagellated on television for the nth time on
January 7, 2013, for allowing the presiding Deity of his temple to shun the
company of female devotees.
Just as our colonial rulers with their faith in the superiority of their
monotheistic faith, despised Hindu religious practices, with their millions
of Gods and Goddesses, our modern day missionaries can't stand the
temperamental nuances of our diverse Deities. They have no problem in
accepting that women are barred inside friaries meant to house Catholic
priests who have taken a vow of celibacy. But they can't stomach the idea
of a male Deity who has likewise vowed eternal celibacy avoiding the
company of women. They take it upon themselves to cure this kink because in
their moral universe with its borrowed vocabulary, this amounts to misogyny
and gender discrimination!
Rahul Easwar has asked each television anchor who has grilled him over the
years how would they deal with all those temples which only allow female
devotees, where the presiding Goddess forbids men's entry. Would they
likewise force "women only" temples to open their doors to men?
Not one has ever condescended to answer this simple question; nor did any
of the anchors tone down their aggression or hostility towards Rahul's
intelligent defense of his faith and his Ishta Dev.
Following in the footsteps of our British rulers, who despite their disdain
for our Gods and Goddesses, took away shiploads of priceless ancient
statues to display as art objects in their museums and living rooms, so
also our Westernized elites have taken to displaying paintings, bronze and
stone carved statues of diverse Gods and Goddesses as decoration pieces in
their homes as proof of their aesthetic lifestyle. But their disdain for
those who treat them as objects of worship remains as ferocious as that of
our colonial rulers.
If that were not the case, they would have no difficulty in appreciating
that Hindu divinities are not unknowable, distant entities. They have
distinct personalities, character traits, likes, dislikes. Even in matters
of food, floral offerings, puja ritual, each deity has his or her
preferences. If you don't respect their unique temperaments, you are free
not to worship them and choose the Devata or Devi that suits your taste.
(Madhu Purnima Kishwar is founder, Manushi, and professor, Centre for the
Study of Developing Societies.)
Much more of this insightful essay at source.
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:52:51 ( 304 reads )
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HAVANA, CUBA, October 13, 2013 (Plenglish): According to Indian ambassador
here, C. Rajasekhar, the festival will strengthen ties between both
countries, which have been cordial for years.
The festival will coincide with the visit of a government delegation to the
Asian country, led by Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari and several
members of the cabinet and parliament, said the diplomat. "We want to
show the Cuban public the colorful splendor of various manifestations such
as visual arts, film, dance and cuisine," said Rajasekhar.
The show Nrityarupa, a mosaic of Indian dance, will open the inaugural gala
at the Teatro Mella in Havana on October 29, the same venue will host the
function the next day and then, on October 31 will be exhibit at the Teatro
Milanes, of the western Pinar del Rio province.
Besides folk and classical dances, literature will also have a special
place because Indian poets, playwrights and novelists will travel to Havana
to hold exchanges, conferences, workshops and reading sessions.
Meanwhile, Alba Cultural House in this capital will host from October 28 to
November 5 a joint exhibition of painters Narendar Reddy, Sanjiv Nath and
Cubans Zaida del Rio and Ernesto Garcia Pena.
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:52:45 ( 279 reads )
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By constantly repeating, "I am free, I am free," a man verily
becomes free. On the other hand, by constantly repeating, "I am bound,
I am bound," he certainly becomes bound. The fool who says only,
"I am a sinner, I am a sinner," verily drowns himself in
worldliness. One should rather say: "I praise the name of God. How can
I be a sinner? How can I be bound?"
-- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)
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Posted on 2013/10/25 16:21:07 ( 619 reads )
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ALLAHABAD, INDIA, October 25, 2013 (Indian Express): The district
administration has issued show-cause notice to the organizers of Christian
evangelist Peter Youngren's Allahabad Friendship Festival on the ground
that he appeared to be spreading superstition. While the program, which the
administration had asked to be videographed, has not been stopped, the
notice has asked the organizers to file a response within 24 hours,
following which a formal decision will be taken.
The program started on Wednesday and will run till October 27. The notice
was slapped after the administration reviewed the video footage, which
prima facie appeared to be spreading superstition.
Additional City Magistrate-I Sunil Kumar Mishra, who issued the notice
after reviewing the footage, said: "People in the footage are claiming
they were cured of various physical problems simply by the blessings of the
main speaker (Youngren). Since there seemed to be no basis for such claims,
a notice has been issued seeking explanation as to why it should not be
construed that the program was spreading superstition, and, hence, the
permission given be withdrawn."
Mishra added that besides Vishwa Hindu Parishad's openly stated opposition
to the program, he had received complaints from some other quarters as
well.
When some representatives of the organizing committee were questioned,
Mishra informed, they claimed that "what appears to be superstition to
others is, in reality, a matter of faith for the attendees."
The footage largely pertains to people with disabilities like blindness and
hearing problem, and they could be seen claiming to have been cured after
meeting Youngren on the stage, Mishra said.
During a press conference on the eve of the programme, Youngren had said he
did not have divine powers, but people get healed due to his faith in God.
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Posted on 2013/10/25 16:21:01 ( 471 reads )
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UNITED STATES, October 22, 2013 (Huffington Post): The Pew Research
Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life conducted a comprehensive
demographic study of over 230 countries and territories in 2012, and some
of their results might surprise you. Here are ten things that you should
know about the current state of religion in today's world.
1. Religious 'Nones' Are Third-Largest Group--Religiously unaffiliated
people are the third-largest "religious" group worldwide, behind
Christians and Muslims. Roughly one-in-six people around the globe, 16.3%,
are religious "nones."
2. China Has Huge Population Of Religiously Unaffiliated--The number of
religiously unaffiliated people in China alone is more than twice the
United States' total population. About 700 million Chinese residents do not
identify with a specific religious group.
3. Most People Are Part Of Religious Majorities In Their Countries--Nearly
3/4 of the world's people live in countries where their group is a
religious majority of the population.
4. Hindus Are Highly Geographically Concentrated--97% of the world's Hindus
live in only three countries -- India, Mauritius, and Nepal.
5. Most Countries Have A Majority Religion--Only nine of the world's
countries have no clear religious majority -- Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast,
Macau, Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Togo, and Vietnam.
6. Christianity Is A Majority In Over 100 Countries--There are 157
Christian-majority countries.
7. Oldest And Youngest Religions--The religion with the oldest median age
is Judaism at 36 years old, while the youngest group are the Muslims with a
median age of 23 years.
8. The World's Only Jewish Majority Country--There is only one country in
the world where Jews are in the majority -- Israel.
9. Christianity Dominates A Majority Of The World's Regions--4 out of 6
regions of the world have Christians in the majority -- Latin America and
the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa. Christians
are in the minority only in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle
East-North Africa region.
10. Religious Nones Still Believe--68% of religiously unaffiliated adults
in the United States believe in God or a higher power, though they do not
identify with a particular faith.
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Posted on 2013/10/25 16:20:55 ( 483 reads )
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I was an atheist until I found out I was God.
-- Spotted on a T-shirt in Auroville
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Posted on 2013/10/24 18:39:55 ( 401 reads )
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AUSTRALIA, October 21, 2013 (SBS): Hindus around the world are celebrating
the festival of Deepavali. The holiday is one of the most important events
in Hindu and South Asian culture, and is growing in popularity in
Australia. It's a festival of lights, food and family.
Deepavali, as it is best known in South India, or Diwali in the North, is
Sanskrit for "row of lights" and marks the victory of light over darkness.
It has many different meanings, but is most commonly believed to celebrate
the return of the Hindu God, Rama after 14 years of exile, and to honor the
Hindu Goddess of Prosperity, Lakshmi. To mark the event, families light
lamps as a symbol of welcome.
Neena Sinha, who is hosting Deepavali celebrations in the suburb of
Strathfield in Sydney, says the five day-long event is usually spent with
family. "It's like Christmas, Deepavali is a festival of joy and
happiness and togetherness. And getting the family and friends together and
sharing with each other fun, laughter and sweets and food."
Neena Sinha says she has seen the popularity of Deepavali grow during her
time in Australia. "We came to Australia about 35, 36 years back. That
time there weren't many people of Indian subcontinental background. Now
there are quite a few. So as years went by we had more Indians coming and
more other Sri Lankans or Pakistanis, or Fiji people we started celebrating
Deepavali more and more. Associations formed and they started having an
annual function of Deepavali."
This year, Deepavali officially begins on November 3. However celebrations
are already underway across India and South Asian communities elsewhere in
the world.
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Posted on 2013/10/24 18:39:49 ( 421 reads )
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KARACHI, PAKISTAN, October 23, 2013 (Saharasamay): Dozens of Hindus
celebrated the Indian festival of Karwa Chauth in Pakistan's largest city
Karachi with traditional fervour and gaiety.
Hindu couples gathered at the Laxmi Narayan Mandir near the Netty Jetty
bridge yesterday night to celebrate the occasion.
On Karwa Chauth, Hindu women, especially in North India and Gujarat,
traditionally observe a day-long fast for the longevity and well-being of
their husbands. They break their fast after sighting the moon through a
sieve. The man will then offer his wife some water and something sweet to
break the fast.
Mehendi and henna are used for body arts by women during the festive season.
Rani, who broke her fast on the footsteps of the mandir which overlooks the
Netty Jetty waters said for her and many other Hindu married women the
annual festival had become very important because of its religious
significance.
"Given the sort of situation we are facing in Karachi these days
basically everyday is Karwa Chauth for us women no matter which religion
they belong too. Things are so uncertain we just keep on praying that our
husbands return home safely after work," Rani said.
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Posted on 2013/10/24 18:39:43 ( 576 reads )
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Sattvic knowledge sees the one indestructible Being in all beings, the
unity underlying the multiplicity of creation. Rajasic knowledge sees all
things and creatures as separate and distinct. Tamasic knowledge, lacking
any sense of perspective, sees one small part and mistakes it for the
whole.
-- Bhagavad Gita 18:20-22
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Posted on 2013/10/23 18:09:21 ( 430 reads )
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LEICESTER, ENGLAND, October 21, 2013 (Leicester Mercury): One of the most
spectacular and colorful celebrations in Leicester kicked off tonight, as
thousands of light bulbs illuminated the Golden Mile to mark the start of
Diwali.
Tens of thousands of people cheered and celebrated the switch-on, which
marks the beginning of the religious festival of lights but has become an
annual party for all Leicester's communities.
The party started in Belgrave Road at 5.30pm and was due to carry on until
gone 11pm with dancing, Indian drumming groups, a lantern procession and an
elaborate shadow play with fireworks.
The entire length of the Golden Mile was closed to traffic and shops stayed
open late while revelers of all ages and cultures strolled up and down the
street, many waving glow sticks or playing with "fun snaps" --
tiny fireworks that pop when thrown on the ground.
This year the big finale was a performance of the touring stage show
Spellbound on Cossington Street Recreation Ground, which featured dancers
from Leicester taking part in a show that has toured Mela events and Diwali
celebrations in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester and London. There will be
more celebrations along the Golden Mile on Sunday, November 3, to mark
Diwali Day.
(Slideshow is included in article)
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Posted on 2013/10/23 18:09:14 ( 430 reads )
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BELGIUM, October 13, 2013 (Huffington Post): Over the coming months Belgium
will be the focal point for Europalia India, a major festival celebrating
aspects of Indian culture, art and history.
Europalia runs until January 26, 2014, focusing on seven key themes; the
diaspora, living traditions, India tomorrow, Indomania, the body, Bollywood
and beyond, and water. These topics will be explored in exhibitions, workshops,
meetings and performances by dancers and musicians.
Around 150 venues will stage events across the main host nation and in
neighboring countries. The current celebration of India is the 23rd
Europalia festival. The first took place back in 1969. Recent editions have
celebrated the heritage and cultures of Russia, China and Brazil, each
drawing around a million visitors and in excess of 1,000 artists from those
countries to Belgium.
A broad range of disciplines -- including architecture, gastronomy, fashion
and cinema -- are represented at the current Europalia, which is the
culmination of nearly three years of collaboration and preparation between
global experts and leading institutions, including museums, galleries and
universities.
The National Museum of Delhi is lending more than 100 miniature paintings,
depicting scenes from the Ramayana. They will be on display at the
Cinquantenaire Museum, in Brussels, from November 22 until 18 May 2014.
Brussels' Centre for Fine Arts - known locally simply as the Bozar, from
the term 'Beaux-arts' - is hosting two major exhibitions (The Body in
Indian Art and Indomania: From Rembrandt to the Beatles), 20 subsidiary
shows plus a range of literary, cinematic, performing arts and musical
events. The Europalia website provides a full list the festival's events,
performances and exhibitions.
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Posted on 2013/10/23 18:09:07 ( 477 reads )
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Joys and sorrows are time-born and cannot last. Therefore, do not be
perturbed by these. The greater the difficulties and obstructions, the more
intense will be your endeavor to cling to His feet and the more will your
prayer increase from within. And when the time is ripe, you will gain
mastery over this power.
-- Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982), God-intoxicated Bengali saint
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Posted on 2013/10/22 18:20:00 ( 789 reads )
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Press Release
SRINGERI, INDIA, October 13, 2013: The following proclamation was issued
today by Sri Jagadguru Sri Bharati Teertha Mahaswami, Sri Sri Jagadguru
Sankaracarya Organization, Southern Vedic Seat, Sringeri, to honor Sri
Yegnasubramanian of New Jersey, long a key leader of the Hindu community in
America. He was awarded the rare title of Dharmatma.
"Leading with our thoughts on Lord Narayana, may these blessings shine
forth in the matter of our dearest student, Sri Yegnasubramanian. You, from
a young age, having placed faith and devotion in matters of Dharma, Guru
and the Devi, have been engaged in the path of honored believers. Living in
America for a very long time, you have undertaken there the special task of
propagating the Sanatana Dharma. You have distinctly pleased us by your
multifaceted help in establishing branches of Sri Sringeri Mutts in both
America and Canada. By organizing Vedic Conferences, by the honoring the
Vedic scholars, by constructing many temples and by rejuvenating old ones,
etc., by propagating the message of the Bhagavadgita all over, by
protecting thousands of cows, by performing great sacrifices like the
Ati-Rudra MahAyajna, etc., the not-so-ordinary tasks undertaken by you are
worthy of ongoing praise. Having placed great devotion in the lineage of
Sri Sringeri Sharada Pitha, you have given unparalleled service. Having
seen your exemplary qualities, being always inwardly pleased, we
congratulate and honor you with the title: Dharmatma. Being so celebrated
by the title, we wish that you along with your family and friends be the
recipients of great merit and recurring good fortune by the grace of Sri
Sharada and Sri Chandramouleeshwara. Given this 9th day of the bright half
of Ashvina in the year Vijaya."
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Posted on 2013/10/22 18:11:57 ( 556 reads )
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, October 21, 2013(Los Angeles Times): Two thousand
Hindu Indians converged at the Anaheim Convention Center for Southern
California's largest celebration of Navratri, an ancient tradition
stretching nine days. Indians of all ages arrived in their finest clothing:
silk saris, mirrored beads and embroidered scarfs. Prakash Vyas, a
27-year-old graduate student joined in as they gathered on the arena floor
barefoot and danced in coordinated circles around portraits of the Goddess
looking down from the center of the room. It was a festive, hypnotic-like
ritual that went on for hours.
The event is organized by the International Swaminarayan Satsang
Organization's temple in Norwalk. It started 35 years ago with a few
hundred people in a church auditorium. Today, it goes on for three
consecutive weekends at the convention center and draws more than 7,000 people.
It is a grand social gala, a place to connect with old friends, to laugh
and dance endlessly--potentially, even, to find a suitor. Most of the
Indians who celebrate Navratri at the convention center are from Gujarat, a
state in the northwest coast of India. They are families who have known
each other for decades. In recent years, the event has evolved and become
more influenced by Western culture. The band will play a bit of salsa or
the Macarena.
More non-Indians have also begun to show up at the dance, often invited by
Indian friends. They arrive decked in borrowed saris, mesmerized by the
pageantry. Andrew Fuller, a 46-year-old production manager from Newport
Beach, attended his first garba four years ago. He hasn't missed one
since."I was amazed," he said, his plaid blue and white button-up
shirt and jeans standing out in a sea of silk and vibrant colors. "The
energy, the kindness, the openness. They welcomed me from the start and
showed me how to dance."
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Posted on 2013/11/4 18:36:59 ( 158 reads )
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NAIROBI, KENYA, October 29, 2013 (Quartz): Terrorism fears here, a little
more than a month after the Westgate mall attacks, have prompted a ban on
fireworks during the Indian holiday, often celebrated with the eating of
sweets, the exchange of gifts, the lighting of candles, and lots of
fireworks.
Government officials say they fear that criminals and terrorists could use
the cover of fireworks and festivities to infiltrate crowds and cause
mayhem. This will be the third year the government is imposing a ban.
It's putting a damper on some celebrations. Ansuya Patel, 55, says that
usually Diwali means gathering at someone's house, or at one of the
gymkhanas, or community clubs. This year however, she says, the meals,
parties, and even jewelry will be simple, mainly comprised of close family
members gathering. She will be going to the temple that day. (Diwali falls
on Nov. 3.)
Although the government has permitted the use of "noiseless"
fireworks, several members of the Hindu community here say they won't even
bother and would prefer to keep revelry low key. Patel says: "This
time there won't even be the noiseless fireworks. We do not plan to visit
this year, and we are not expecting visitors. We will celebrate
simply."
Celebrations have been muted since Kenya's military intervention in Somalia
in 2011. Now, fears of attacks by Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group behind
the Westgate mall attack (along with a recent spike in violent crime) has
snuffed out the remaining sparks.
It's the prevailing mood in the country, says Swaran Verma, chairman of
Kenya's Hindu Council. The Indian community lost more than 20 of its own,
Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, in the Sept. 21 attacks. Verma said that the
focus this year during Diwali would be on prayer and not entertainment. He
added that the estimated Hindu community of 70,000 had received approval to
use noiseless fireworks, which light up but make no sound.
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Posted on 2013/11/4 18:36:53 ( 163 reads )
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Religion
News Service
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, November 1, 2013 (RNS): Parents who say yoga is
inherently religious have appealed a judge's ruling that allowed yoga in a
public school system near San Diego, saying it violates the constitutional
separation of church and state.
"Our children are not religious guinea pigs and should never be
subjected to such misguided religious experimentation," said Dean
Broyles, president of the National Center for Law and Policy, a nonprofit
based in Escondido, Calif., dedicated to defending religious freedom,
traditional marriage and the sanctity of life.
Broyles filed a notice of appeal Wednesday (Oct. 30) in San Diego Superior
Court on behalf of parents who oppose the yoga curriculum in the Encinitas
Union School District. Broyles first filed a lawsuit regarding the
district's yoga program last February on behalf of Stephen and Jennifer
Sedlock, whose child attended El Camino Creek Elementary School in
Carlsbad.
In July, San Diego Superior Court Judge John Meyer ruled against the
Sedlocks, saying that the teaching of yoga in public schools does not
establish a government interest in religion. Meyer explained that although
yoga is rooted in religion, it has a legitimate secular purpose as part of
the district's physical education program.
Since then, according to El Camino Creek principal Carrie Brown, the
Sedlocks pulled their daughter from the school and placed her in a
different school in the same district. According to Brown, the controversy
over the yoga practiced in the school district of approximately 5,000
elementary school students has died down. It is "a completely
different climate," she said.
Each student in the Encinitas School District is now taking 30-minute yoga
sessions twice a week, though there is still the option for some students
to opt out.
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Posted on 2013/11/4 18:36:46 ( 108 reads )
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The atman in you is that which indwells all things." "Tell me,
Yajnavalkya, about this atman that indwells all things." "It is
that which transcends hunger and thirst, sorrow and delusion, old age and
death."
-- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad III, 5A
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Posted on 2013/11/1 17:40:00 ( 735 reads )
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA, January 4, 2007 (Times Of India--Please note this article
is six years old): An ancient Vishnu statue has been found during
excavation in an old village in Russia's Volga region, raising questions
about the prevalent view on the origin of ancient Russia.
The statue found in Staraya (old) Maina village dates back to the VII-X
century AD. Staraya Maina village in Ulyanovsk region was a highly
populated city 1700 years ago, much older than Kiev, so far believed to be
the mother of all Russian cities.
"We may consider it incredible, but we have grounds to assert that the
Middle-Volga region was the original land of Ancient Rus. This is a
hypothesis, but a hypothesis, which requires thorough research,"
Reader of Ulyanovsk State University's archaeology department Dr. Alexander
Kozhevin told state-run television Vesti .
Dr. Kozhevin, who has been conducting excavation in Staraya Maina for the
last seven years, said that every single square meter of the surroundings
of the ancient town situated on the banks of Samara, a tributary of Volga,
is studded with antiques.
He believes that today's Staraya Maina, a town of eight thousand, was ten
times more populated in the ancient times. It is from here that people
started moving to the Don and Dneiper rivers around the time ancient Russy
built the city of Kiev, now the capital of Ukraine.
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Posted on 2013/11/1 17:38:36 ( 409 reads )
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DENPASAR, BALI, October 31, 2013: (hindujagruti): Hindu leaders on the
Indonesian holiday island of Bali Tuesday lashed out at a government plan
to attract more tourists to their most sacred temple as
"degrading" to Hinduism. The Indonesian Hindu Association's
concerns centered on a government decision to include the Besakih temple
and the volcano upon which it sits on an official list of sites to be
developed for tourism.
The row highlighted concerns that Bali's booming tourism industry is a
double-edged sword, as it threatens to erode the Hindu culture which is
part of the attraction for the millions who visit the tropical island.
"These sites are the center of the universe for us Balinese Hindus,
and we are worried that by making it an official tourist destination, our
spiritual lives will be disrupted," association head Ngurah Sudyana
said. "We are concerned that our spirituality will be degraded and
exploited if these sites are just seen as commercial."
The temple and volcano, in eastern Bali, were included in the list of 88
places across Indonesia to be developed for tourism over a 15-year period.
Besakih, known as the "mother temple" by Balinese Hindus, is a
huge, stone complex which sits 3,280 feet up the side of Mount Agung, a
volcano that has great spiritual significance for Bali's Hindus.
The tourism ministry plans to improve tourism links and accommodation at
the selected destinations to boost an industry that is often criticized as
underdeveloped compared with neighbors like Thailand and Malaysia.
The tourism ministry defended the plan and said it planned to hold
consultations with Bali's religious leaders to address their concerns.
"We are trying to conserve strategic tourism destinations, not cause
any disruption to them. It will certainly bring benefits to the
communities,"ministry spokesman Noviendi Makalam said. "There
will be no major developments there without consultations with the
community first."
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Posted on 2013/11/1 17:38:22 ( 304 reads )
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Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because
the dawn has come.
-- Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Bengali poet and Brahmo Samaj
philosopher
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Posted on 2013/10/31 16:05:29 ( 429 reads )
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WASHINGTON DC, October 2013 (The Hindu): The first -ever Diwali festival
was celebrated at the U.S. Congress on Tuesday amidst chanting of Vedic
mantras by a Hindu priest. Over two dozen influential lawmakers along with
eminent Indian-Americans gathered at the Capitol Hill to lit the
traditional "diyas."
The event--the first of its kind event at the Capitol Hill--was organised
by the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian
Americans, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Peter Roskam in recognition of
increasing presence of the Indian-American community.
"I have come here to say Happy Diwali," said Nancy Pelosi, Leader
of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. "United
States owes a great debt of gratitude to India. Our civil rights movement
was built on the nonviolent movement in India. Martin Luther King studied
there, spoke there. We are blessed not only by that legacy, but also by the
presence of so many Indo-Americans in our country," Pelosi said.
Roskam said Indian Americans are an example of an enormous diaspora that is
incredibly influential. "You have the ability to bring together people
from both sides of the isle in ways that are powerful and
significant," he said.
"When we look at the relationship between the United States and India
moving forward it is a wonderful relationship that has a great thing in
store," said Roskam, who along with other lawmakers were welcomed at
the historic event with red tilak, jasmine garland. A Hindu priest
presented them a traditional shawl amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American lawmaker, said,
"Diwali is celebration of righteousness."
Ami Bera, who is the only Indian American in the current Congress, said
this was an incredible Diwali celebration. "It is great to be one
Indian American in the Congress, but at our second, fifth Diwali
celebration, we want to see more members of the Diaspora elected to the
House of Representatives. We want to see deepening of this relationship as
we move forward," Bera said.
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Posted on 2013/10/31 16:05:23 ( 331 reads )
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, October 29, 2013 (Deccan Chronicle): Yoga may be a
simple and low-cost method to improve quality of life in patients with an
inflammatory lung disease, according to a study by doctors at the premier
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The study presented at the CHEST 2013 meeting here found that lung
function, shortness of breath, and inflammation all showed significant
improvement in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients after
they completed 12 weeks of training.
COPD, most commonly caused by cigarette smoking, affects both men and
women, and often, symptoms are seen in people in their 40s. Patients with
COPD have trouble pushing used air out of their lungs, making it difficult
to take in healthy new air. Although there is no cure for COPD, a patient's
quality of life can be improved by controlling symptoms, such as shortness
of breath, researchers said.
"We investigated to see whether simple, structured yoga training
affects the level of inflammation, shortness of breath, and quality of life
in patients with stable COPD," said Randeep Guleria, professor and
head, department of pulmonary medicine and sleep disorders at AIIMS, New
Delhi.
The study included 29 stable patients with COPD, who received yoga training
in a format that included the use of physical postures (asanas), breathing
techniques (pranayama), cleansing techniques, (kriyas), meditation, and a
relaxation technique (shavasan) for 1 hour, twice a week, for 4 weeks.
Following the 4-week period, patients were trained for one hour every two
weeks, with the remaining sessions completed at home.
A repeat assessment was done at the end of the 12-week training session.
All parameters showed significant improvement at the end of the 12-week
period. "We found that yoga can be a simple, cost-effective method
that can help improve quality of life in patients with COPD," said
Guleria.
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Posted on 2013/10/31 16:05:16 ( 290 reads )
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There is something beyond our mind which abides in silence within our mind.
It is the supreme mystery beyond thought. Let one's mind and one's subtle
body rest upon that and not rest on anything else.
-- Maitri Upanishad
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Posted on 2013/10/30 15:26:38 ( 426 reads )
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NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 28, 2013 (Religion News): The Supreme Court of
India is weighing whether yoga has a religious element, as it decides if
public schools may teach the ancient discipline in the country where it
originated.
India's school policy considers yoga an integral component of physical
education. But the court has expressed caution, and is considering
arguments that yoga has a religious component.
"Can we be asking all the schools to have one period for yoga classes
every day when certain minority institutions may have reservations against
it?" the court asked Oct. 18, referring to Christian and Muslim
groups.
The issue is affecting other countries too. In July, a California judge
ruled that the teaching of yoga in public schools does not establish a
government interest in religion. The decision came after parents sued the
Encinitas Union School District to stop yoga classes introduced to
elementary schoolchildren in the upscale suburb just north of San Diego.
India's two petitioners want the court to direct all schools run or funded
by the federal government to include yoga as a subject in the first through
eighth grades. They cite the 2005 National Curriculum Framework, which says
yoga is vital for health and physical education.
But some Christian and Muslim leaders oppose the move. "Yoga, as it is
currently practiced in India, is not merely a physical exercise. It has a
strong component of faith to it," said John Dayal, a Christian leader
and member of the National Monitoring Committee for Minority Education.
Of India's 1.2 billion people, 80 percent are Hindu, 13 percent are Muslim
and 2 percent are Christian.
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Posted on 2013/10/30 15:26:31 ( 431 reads )
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TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, October 26, 2013 (Newsday): Chief guest at Divali Nagar
2013, US Army Captain Pratima Dharm told the large audience at Thursday's
opening night, one must strive to always be in God's company. Everyday when
I wake up at 4 am, I say to Lord Krishna, 'I am yours and you are mine,'
" she said at the Divali Nagar site, Charlieville, Chaguanas.
Dharm, the first-ever Hindu chaplain in the US Defense Department, said
while serving in the US Army she went to war in Iraq and her plane was shot
at, but she kept Lord Krishna in her mind and knew He was in control,
keeping her safe.
She urged the public to read the Bhagwad Gita, that is in English
especially Chapter 11 verse 11, where Lord Krishna revealed his original
self as the lord of the world to the soldier Arjuna.
"The Lord reveals himself to us when it is necessary. He steals into
our moment and can change our course," she said. She emphasized Arjuna
had many questions about the path of war and the reason for fighting the
enemy and the answers were given to him by Lord Krishna. These answers she
says, are there to be read and understood. Lord Krishna is regarded as the
embodiment of love and divine joy, one who destroys all pain and sin. He is
a protector and an instigator of all forms of knowledge.
Dharm praised the people of TT for their kindness, saying this is her first
visit and she is most happy to be here. She is also a guest of Swami
Prakashananda of the Chinmaya Mission as she is associated with the US
chapter of the mission.
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Posted on 2013/10/30 15:26:20 ( 289 reads )
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Even in search of extraordinary gains, the wise will never speak trivial or
useless words.
-- Tirukkural 198
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:42 ( 404 reads )
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PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, October 24, 2013 (First Post): The first
Hindu chaplain of the US army, Capt. Pratima Dharm will be the chief guest
at the 27th Divali Nagar, the annual exposition of Indo-Trinidadian culture
held on the occasion of Diwali, that will be held Oct 24-Nov 1 in the
borough of Chaguanas in Trinidad and Tobago.
President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Deokienanan
Sharma said the nine-day affair would promote Indian art, music, religion,
culture and songs reflecting the Indian diaspora since its arrival from
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India in 1845.
"This year's presentation will offer a show never seen before, and we
expect over 100,000 people to attend not only from Trinidad and Tobago, but
the rest of the Caribbean, the US, Canada, Europe and India," Sharma
said.
"Divali Nagar, since its inception, continues to capture the national
imagination for its unique presentation and adaptation," he added.
This year's theme is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, who espoused
the universal message of truth, peace and non-violence in the Bhagvad Gita
which is now recognized as the most cherished and precious gift of India's
heritage and its quintessential philosophy and ethics, he said.
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:35 ( 320 reads )
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WASHINGTON D.C., October 24, 2013 (BBC News): Yoga is a US$5 billion
industry in the US practiced by millions of people seeking physical
fitness, improved health, or spiritual enlightenment. Almost every gym
offers a class and the experience can be enhanced by drinking specially
blended teas or listening to suitably soothing music.
The Indian government has become so concerned about the commercialization
of yoga in recent years that it started a campaign to patent hundreds of
postures to stop them being appropriated by Western companies.
But the world's first exhibition exploring the visual art of yoga has
revealed aspects of the ancient tradition that many will find of interest:
in the 2,500 years of its known existence, there has never been one single
type of yoga.
"Five years ago I did think I would find that single yoga
tradition," says Debra Diamond, curator of the exhibition Yoga: The
Art of Transformation at the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery of Asian Art.
"But yoga constantly transformed and developed over time. Although
there are a couple of main goals, there's nothing that shows up in every
single yoga path.
"For some traditions it was heightened consciousness and an end to
suffering, a way to get out of the cycle of birth, death and re-birth that
is so painful. But for other yoga traditions some of the goals were things
like supernatural powers and the ability to control other people."
The exhibition showcases 130 objects from 25 museums and private
collections around the world. Many have never been seen in public while
others are known masterpieces. Together they mark the start of a new field
of study - how yoga's visual culture can shed light on its profound mysteries
and hidden meanings.
More at source.
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:29 ( 312 reads )
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PARAMARIBO, SURINAM, October 18, 2013 (dbSuriname): The Maharishi Dayanand
children's home of the Arya Dewaker society in Paramaribo, Suriname is 80
years old. This milestone was celebrated with a Havan on October 18, 2013.
A Havan is an ancient sacred ritual using fire as a medium to ask favors of
God for attainment of various wishes and blessings. On this special day
prayers to the Almighty power were offered for wisdom, blessings and
happiness for the children of the orphanage. After the Havan service the
children recited poems and sang. A lecture, recognition of supporters and a
shared meal followed.
The children's home was opened by followers of the Arya Samaj movement on
this day in 1933. Over time its mission has transformed to also include
care for neglected children: children from broken families due to various
reasons which range from abuse, poverty or sexual abuse. The home currently
offers shelter to an average of 50 to 60 boys and girls between the ages of
2 and 16 years old. Some of the youth have been sent by the Youth and
Family Judicial Affairs Office of the Ministry of Justice and Police with
whom the home has close cooperation.
The children receive formal education supplemented by a part-time tutor to
help give motivation regarding education and school performance. There are
expressive subjects, sports and games, Hindi teaching and music lessons. In
addition, the children often get help from Dutch interns and volunteers .
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Posted on 2013/10/29 17:14:15 ( 439 reads )
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O Mother! Let all my speech be your prayer; let all my crafts and
technology be your worship and be the mystic gestures of my hand, adorning
you. May all my movements become your devotional circumambulations. May
everything I eat or drink be oblations to you. Let my lying down in rest
and sleep be prostrations to you. Mother! Whatever I do, may all that
become a sacramental service and worship for you.
-- Adi Sankaracharya's 'Hymn to the Divine Mother'
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:53:04 ( 557 reads )
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NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 17, 2013 (The Hindu by Madhu Purnima Kishwar):
(HPI Note: This editorial is from earlier this year, but we missed seeing
it, so post it now.)
The imperious missionaries of liberalism have no respect for the diversity
of India's belief systems and have taken it upon themselves to reform
everything they perceive as outdated and incorrect
Do we want to create a world in which everyone thinks alike? A world in
which there is no space for divergence of views or foolish people? I write
this after witnessing poor Rahul Easwar, one of the young hereditary
priests of Sabarimala, being flagellated on television for the nth time on
January 7, 2013, for allowing the presiding Deity of his temple to shun the
company of female devotees.
Just as our colonial rulers with their faith in the superiority of their
monotheistic faith, despised Hindu religious practices, with their millions
of Gods and Goddesses, our modern day missionaries can't stand the
temperamental nuances of our diverse Deities. They have no problem in
accepting that women are barred inside friaries meant to house Catholic
priests who have taken a vow of celibacy. But they can't stomach the idea
of a male Deity who has likewise vowed eternal celibacy avoiding the
company of women. They take it upon themselves to cure this kink because in
their moral universe with its borrowed vocabulary, this amounts to misogyny
and gender discrimination!
Rahul Easwar has asked each television anchor who has grilled him over the
years how would they deal with all those temples which only allow female
devotees, where the presiding Goddess forbids men's entry. Would they
likewise force "women only" temples to open their doors to men?
Not one has ever condescended to answer this simple question; nor did any
of the anchors tone down their aggression or hostility towards Rahul's
intelligent defense of his faith and his Ishta Dev.
Following in the footsteps of our British rulers, who despite their disdain
for our Gods and Goddesses, took away shiploads of priceless ancient
statues to display as art objects in their museums and living rooms, so
also our Westernized elites have taken to displaying paintings, bronze and
stone carved statues of diverse Gods and Goddesses as decoration pieces in
their homes as proof of their aesthetic lifestyle. But their disdain for
those who treat them as objects of worship remains as ferocious as that of
our colonial rulers.
If that were not the case, they would have no difficulty in appreciating
that Hindu divinities are not unknowable, distant entities. They have
distinct personalities, character traits, likes, dislikes. Even in matters
of food, floral offerings, puja ritual, each deity has his or her
preferences. If you don't respect their unique temperaments, you are free
not to worship them and choose the Devata or Devi that suits your taste.
(Madhu Purnima Kishwar is founder, Manushi, and professor, Centre for the
Study of Developing Societies.)
Much more of this insightful essay at source.
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:52:51 ( 512 reads )
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HAVANA, CUBA, October 13, 2013 (Plenglish): According to Indian ambassador
here, C. Rajasekhar, the festival will strengthen ties between both
countries, which have been cordial for years.
The festival will coincide with the visit of a government delegation to the
Asian country, led by Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari and several
members of the cabinet and parliament, said the diplomat. "We want to
show the Cuban public the colorful splendor of various manifestations such
as visual arts, film, dance and cuisine," said Rajasekhar.
The show Nrityarupa, a mosaic of Indian dance, will open the inaugural gala
at the Teatro Mella in Havana on October 29, the same venue will host the
function the next day and then, on October 31 will be exhibit at the Teatro
Milanes, of the western Pinar del Rio province.
Besides folk and classical dances, literature will also have a special
place because Indian poets, playwrights and novelists will travel to Havana
to hold exchanges, conferences, workshops and reading sessions.
Meanwhile, Alba Cultural House in this capital will host from October 28 to
November 5 a joint exhibition of painters Narendar Reddy, Sanjiv Nath and
Cubans Zaida del Rio and Ernesto Garcia Pena.
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Posted on 2013/10/28 15:52:45 ( 427 reads )
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By constantly repeating, "I am free, I am free," a man verily
becomes free. On the other hand, by constantly repeating, "I am bound,
I am bound," he certainly becomes bound. The fool who says only,
"I am a sinner, I am a sinner," verily drowns himself in
worldliness. One should rather say: "I praise the name of God. How can
I be a sinner? How can I be bound?"
-- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)
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Posted on 2013/10/25 16:21:07 ( 818 reads )
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ALLAHABAD, INDIA, October 25, 2013 (Indian Express): The district
administration has issued show-cause notice to the organizers of Christian
evangelist Peter Youngren's Allahabad Friendship Festival on the ground
that he appeared to be spreading superstition. While the program, which the
administration had asked to be videographed, has not been stopped, the
notice has asked the organizers to file a response within 24 hours,
following which a formal decision will be taken.
The program started on Wednesday and will run till October 27. The notice
was slapped after the administration reviewed the video footage, which
prima facie appeared to be spreading superstition.
Additional City Magistrate-I Sunil Kumar Mishra, who issued the notice
after reviewing the footage, said: "People in the footage are claiming
they were cured of various physical problems simply by the blessings of the
main speaker (Youngren). Since there seemed to be no basis for such claims,
a notice has been issued seeking explanation as to why it should not be
construed that the program was spreading superstition, and, hence, the
permission given be withdrawn."
Mishra added that besides Vishwa Hindu Parishad's openly stated opposition
to the program, he had received complaints from some other quarters as
well.
When some representatives of the organizing committee were questioned,
Mishra informed, they claimed that "what appears to be superstition to
others is, in reality, a matter of faith for the attendees."
The footage largely pertains to people with disabilities like blindness and
hearing problem, and they could be seen claiming to have been cured after
meeting Youngren on the stage, Mishra said.
During a press conference on the eve of the programme, Youngren had said he
did not have divine powers, but people get healed due to his faith in God.
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Posted on 2013/10/25 16:21:01 ( 646 reads )
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UNITED STATES, October 22, 2013 (Huffington Post): The Pew Research
Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life conducted a comprehensive
demographic study of over 230 countries and territories in 2012, and some
of their results might surprise you. Here are ten things that you should
know about the current state of religion in today's world.
1. Religious 'Nones' Are Third-Largest Group--Religiously unaffiliated
people are the third-largest "religious" group worldwide, behind
Christians and Muslims. Roughly one-in-six people around the globe, 16.3%,
are religious "nones."
2. China Has Huge Population Of Religiously Unaffiliated--The number of
religiously unaffiliated people in China alone is more than twice the
United States' total population. About 700 million Chinese residents do not
identify with a specific religious group.
3. Most People Are Part Of Religious Majorities In Their Countries--Nearly
3/4 of the world's people live in countries where their group is a
religious majority of the population.
4. Hindus Are Highly Geographically Concentrated--97% of the world's Hindus
live in only three countries -- India, Mauritius, and Nepal.
5. Most Countries Have A Majority Religion--Only nine of the world's
countries have no clear religious majority -- Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast,
Macau, Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Togo, and Vietnam.
6. Christianity Is A Majority In Over 100 Countries--There are 157
Christian-majority countries.
7. Oldest And Youngest Religions--The religion with the oldest median age
is Judaism at 36 years old, while the youngest group are the Muslims with a
median age of 23 years.
8. The World's Only Jewish Majority Country--There is only one country in
the world where Jews are in the majority -- Israel.
9. Christianity Dominates A Majority Of The World's Regions--4 out of 6
regions of the world have Christians in the majority -- Latin America and
the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa. Christians
are in the minority only in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle
East-North Africa region.
10. Religious Nones Still Believe--68% of religiously unaffiliated adults
in the United States believe in God or a higher power, though they do not
identify with a particular faith.
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Posted on 2013/11/7 16:24:16 ( 306 reads )
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From one seed arises a huge tree; from it comes numerous seeds, each one of
which in its turn grows into a tree. No two fruits are alike. Yet it is one
life that throbs in every particle of the tree. So, it is the same Atman
everywhere. All creation is That. There is beauty in the birds and in the
animals. They too eat and drink like us, mate and multiply; but there is
this difference: we can realize our true nature, the Atman. Having been
born as human beings, we must not waste this opportunity.
-- Sri Anandamayi Ma, (1896-1982), Bengali mystic
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Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Sadguru Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami ji,
Satguru Bodhianatha Velayanswami ji, Hinduism
Today dot com for the collection)
(The Blog is reverently for all the seekers of truth,
lovers of wisdom and to share the Hindu Dharma with others on the
spiritual path and also this is purely a non-commercial blog)
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