Source INDIA, December 28, 2015 (Smithsonian): FThe Associated Press reports, patties made of dried cow dung and hay has become an internet sensation for nostalgic shoppers, who use the fragrant cakes for fuel and in ritual fires. The Associated Press writes that cow dung cakes are selling out on websites like Amazon [e.g., www.amazon.com/Big-Indian-Store-Cow-Dung/dp/B0130LVIKQm where one six-inch patty sells for…
Source UNITED STATES, December 28, 2015 (Harvard Business Review): When was the last time you sat quietly at your desk and did nothing but think? Encouraging employees to slow down to focus on the present can seem at odds with a corporate culture of speed and goal attainment. But in today’s hyper-paced work environment, mindfulness practitioners know the importance of…
Source INDIA, December 31, 2015 (Economic Times): A cold milkshake, however tempting in summer, must be avoided. Ayurveda, our ancient medicinal science, tells us that fruits and milk are a harmful combine. Likewise, Ayurveda also frowns on mixing a meal of fish with yogurt (foods of different character and taste taken together lead to toxins, allergies and other imbalances). To…
Source Do not be proud of wealth, people, relations and friends, or youth. All these are snatched by time in the blink of an eye. Giving up this illusory world, know and attain the Supreme.— Adi Shankara, 9th century Indian philosopher and saint
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, December 22, 2015 (Maria Wirth Blog): Some time ago, a news item caught my attention: Dalit Christians had filed a complaint with the United Nations against the Vatican because of caste-based discrimination of the Catholic Church in India. The complaint was filed with the UN Information Centre at New Delhi. It made me feel that a…
Source In a day when you don’t come across any problems, you can be sure that you are traveling in the wrong path.— Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), disciple of Sri Ramakrisha
Source MUMBAI, INDIA, December 21, 2015 (Times of India): USA is one of 39 countries where HSS runs shakhas, says Ramesh Subramaniam, Mumbai coordinator of RSS’s overseas work. He helped set up shakhas in Mauritius from 1996 to 2004 and now heads Sewa, a platform for overseas Indians to fund RSS service projects. He says HSS works closely with other…
Source INDIA, December 23, 2015 (Deccan Chronicle): As the government seeks to monetize US$1 trillion worth of gold lying idle, all eyes are on their biggest temples. But many of them fear that melting ornaments donated by devotees may hurt religious sentiments. The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation is working on suggestions to be submitted to the Centre.…
Source 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…
Source TAMIL NADU, INDIA, December 22, 2015 (The Hindu): The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has directed temples under its control to enforce the rules pertaining to the attire of devotees and visitors according to the Agamas, traditions and customs of the individual temples. Entry into temples in the State is governed by The Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation…