Source BELGIUM, January 1, 2016 (this is an academic paper by Jakob De Roover Ghent University, Belgium): Some excerpts: What we can now conclude is that the idea that there were two distinct communities or “communities of communities” in Indian society, namely Caste Hindus and Depressed Classes (or Untouchables or Scheduled Castes or Harijans or Dalits) did not correspond to…
Source December 30, 2015 (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) Plant-based diets stole the spotlight in 2015. Top advisors to the U.S. government voted for a vegan diet, a veggie burger was voted “best burger in the world,” and prominent figures from Miley Cyrus and Adele to the president of the American College of Cardiology sang the praises of plant-based diets.…
Source SHINDE, INDIA, December 21, 2015 (Today Online): When a Chinese truck company wanted to open a factory in India, its president looked at sites that had a mountain in back and a river in front — especially auspicious locations in the traditional practice of feng shui. The company, Beiqi Foton Motor, found a seemingly ideal spot, and secured 250…
Source Discipline your speech. Speak the truth at all costs. Speak little. Speak sweetly. Always utter encouraging words. Never condemn, criticize or discourage. Do not raise your voice and shout at little children or subordinates.— Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh (1887-1963)
Source Surrender can never be regarded as complete so long as the devotee wants this or that from the Lord. True surrender is the love of God for the sake of love and nothing else, not even for the sake of salvation. Love Him unconditionally.— Sri Ramana Maharishi (1879-1950), South Indian mystic
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…