Source VIJAYAWADA, INDIA, October 4, 2019 (The Hindu): Even before the Kanaka Durga temple is thrown open to devotees for darshan at 3 a.m. during the Dasara festival, activity at the temple kitchen begins. Volunteers, cooks and their helpers get down to work at 2 a.m. as the food has to be ready by 8.30 a.m. The task is enormous:…
Source The suffering that ignorant men inflict upon themselves can hardly be contrived by their enemies. — Tirukural, 843
Source DHAKA, BANGLADESH, October 8, 2019 (Dhaka Tribune): The biggest religious festival of the Hindus will come to an end on Tuesday with the immersion of the statues of the Goddess Durga in rivers and water bodies across the country on Bijoya Dashami. The last day of Navratri also celebrated as Bijoya Dashami is celebrated on the 10th day of…
HPI PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, October 7, 2019 (HPI by Paras Ramoutar): Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago observed Nau Raatri with great enthusiasm and devotion which lasted for nine days as mandirs, homes and other public places of worship were packed signalling again that Hinduism is strong and vibrant. The nine days of worship ended on Sunday night (Oct. 6) amidst the…
Source Where seekest thou? That freedom, friend, this world nor that can give. In books and temples, vain thy search. Thine only is the hand that holds the rope that drags thee on. Then cease lament. Let go thy hold, sannyasin bold! Say “Om Tat Sat, Om!” — Swami Vivekananda (1863‚Äì1902), Song of the Sannyasin
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 3, 2019 (Deccan Chronicle): In an attempt to curb immersion of statues in the Ganga or its tributaries during festivals, the Indian Central Government in Delhi has issued a 15-point directive, which includes imposing a fine of US$700 (Rs. 50,000) and the cordoning off ghats, among other requirements reported News18. “No statue immersion into river…
Source Do not look upon yoga as something beyond you or as calling for any extraordinary efforts. You can remain in your station of life, carry on your work and at the same time embark on the yogic path. Do japa, prayer, kirtan, meditation and asanas regularly. — Swami Sivanada (1887-1963), founder of Divine Life Society
Source INDIA, September 27, 2019 (Live Law): The Tripura High Court has, in an important judgment delivered on Friday, banned animal/birds sacrifice in the temples of the state observing that the animals also have a fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. No person including the State shall be allowed to sacrifice of any animal/bird…
Source PHAN RANG, VIETNAM, September 30, 2019 (Reuters): Thousands of Vietnam’s ethnic Cham people met under rainy late September skies for their annual “Kate” festival that, according to the multi-faith community’s calendar, marks the end of one harvest season and the beginning of another. The Cham are descendents of a powerful ancient kingdom that once spanned large parts of central…
Source Association with sages should be made because thoughts are so persistent. The sage has already overcome the mind and remains in peace. Being in his proximity helps to bring about this condition in others, otherwise there is no meaning in seeking his company. The guru provides the needed strength for this, unseen by others. — Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950)