Source BRUCEVILLE, TEXAS, March 5, 2014 (Press Release by H. Venkatachalam): In the vast and enormous collection of Hindu texts, there is a group of Vedic writings known as the “Aranyakas.” The texts are known for their mystical quality, often referring to less commonly understood or performed rituals and expounding on various philosophical concepts. The very word “Aranyaka” means belonging…
Source OHIO, US, March 5, 2014 (Toledo Blade): For the third time recently, an acquisition by the Toledo Museum of Art is the subject of a federal probe. The museum was contacted just over a week ago by the U.S. Justice Department regarding a bronze figure it purchased from Subhash Kapoor, a second-generation antiques dealer and owner of Art of…
Source It is very important to give light and love to everyone, because everyone needs affection. Let light, love and peace live today and always in our hearts. Let these words not just be words pouring out of our lips. Let light invade your whole being so that everyone may be able to love.— Mataji Indra Devi
Source SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, February 28, 2014 (Southern California Public Radio): Arshya Gurbani, president of USC’s Hindu Student Organization, hopes one day to learn Sanskrit to better connect with her faith. Gurbani, 21, and the other members of the Hindu Student Organization at USC put their own modern spin on the ancient practice of aarthi during their weekly meetings. They play…
Source GILBRALTAR, Marcy 4, 2013 (Gibraltar Chronical): HPI note: This is perhaps our first-ever story on the Hindu community of Gilbraltar, the British Overseas Territory located at the south end of Spain’s Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. It has 30,000 residents, 1.8% of them Hindu, in an area of 2.3 square miles. The Chief Minister of Gibraltar,…
Source Like treasure hidden in the ground, like flavor in the fruit, like gold in the rock, and oil in the seed, the Absolute is hidden in the heart.— Akka Mahadevi, twelfth-century Vira Saiva saint
Source MUMBAI, INDIA, March 4, 2014 (Press Release): Chinmaya Mission, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai opens their 16th Vedanta Course in English. Applications are invited from University graduates, men and women. They must be unmarried and free from family encumbrances, with a sincere interest in the study of Vedanta, a zeal to share the message of the Rishis, and between ages 20-30…
Source BALI, March 4, 2014 (The Jakarta Post): As Balinese Hindus will observe Nyepi (the Day of Silence) on March 31, the highest Hindu council on the island — Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) — has issued guidance related to the celebration of the Caka New Year 1936. A series of rituals would be adjusted to the tradition and situation…
Source SRI LANKA, March 1, 2014 (Economist): The end of their bitter war, nearly five years ago, has done little to unite Sri Lanka’s divided communities. In their modest way, a photographer and an anthropologist are working together to try bridging the distance that separates the country’s two largest ethnic groups–by showing them how they worship the same Goddess. The…
Source Like the household fire, devotees seek the glory of the Lord even from afar and enshrine it in their inner chamber for enlightenment. The glory of our Lord is full of splendor, all-illuminative and worthy to be honored in every heart.— Rig Veda 7.1.2