Source INDIA, June 23, 2016 (The Diplomat): On June 21, 2016, the world welcomed the second celebration of the International Day of Yoga – constituted last year by the United Nations through a resolution that won the support of 177 member states. In his message on Yoga Day, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon declared the importance of promoting…
Source Whatever defect I have in my sight, in my heart or mind, may God amend! May he, the Protector of the world, bless us!— Yajur Veda 36.2
Source GREAT BRITAIN, May 27, 2016 (The Guardian, editorial): Is the end of western Christianity in sight? The most recent British Social Attitudes data shows that “No religion” is now by far the largest single identification in England and Wales. It is very nearly half the adult population, and more that twice the proportion who self-identify as Anglican; it is…
Source KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, June 24, 2016 (by Hamid Shallizi, Reuters): On a bright day in downtown Kabul, Jagtar Singh Laghmani was in his traditional herb shop when a man turned up, drew a knife and told him to convert to Islam or he would cut his throat. Only bystanders and other shopkeepers saved his life. The incident earlier this month…
Source CHENNAI, INDIA, June 21, 2016 (Hue Wire): The Tamil Nadu Police have seized around 500 stolen antique statues of Hindu deities from an alleged smuggler masquerading as an art collector. Many of the statues are over a thousand years old. The statues recovered include 254 ancient stone statues, 54 panchaloha statues, 28 wooden artefacts and 151 antique art works…
Source Correcting oneself is correcting the whole world. The sun is simply bright. It does not correct anyone. Because it shines, the whole world is full of light. Transforming yourself is a means of giving light to the whole world.— Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950)
Source INDIA, June 16, 2016 (The Hindu by Suganthy Krishnamachari): My curiosity is aroused when I hear that a student of Western philosophy from Denmark, is doing his Ph.D in Saiva Siddhanta in the Sanskrit Department, University of Madras. I meet Mikael Stamm one afternoon, and he explains why he was disenchanted with Western philosophy. “I didn’t like its rejection…
Source INDIA June 18, 2016 (Press Information Bureau): Six Central Universities will have full fledged Yoga departments from academic session 2016-17 and the number would be raised to 20 within one year. These six universities are Hemwati Nandan Bahugana Garhwal University, Uttrakhand (North), Viswa Bharti, West Bengal (East), Central University of Rajasthan (West), Central University of Kerala (South), Indira Gandhi…
Source INDIA, June 18, 2016 (Press Information Bureau): The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) are all set to organize the 2nd International Yoga Day on June 21, 2016 at Connaught Place, New Delhi and its six radials and inner circles, roads along with the three gardens Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park and Talkatora…
Source Lord Siva, the bestower of happiness, gave the art of yoga. As Nataraja, King of dancers, He gave dance.— BKS Iyengar