News

www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03arts/design/yoga-the-art-of-transformation-at-sackler-gallery.html WASHINGTON D.C., January 2, 2014 (New York Times): Pain is a problem. So is pleasure, which causes pain — discontent, confusion, depression — when it ends, as it always does. Escape from this cycle has been a goal of spiritual disciplines universally. And one of those disciplines is the subject of an immensely pleasurable exhibition called “Yoga: The Art…

Source PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA, January 4, 2014 (Free Malaysia Today): Devotees fulfilling their penance during Thaipusam in Batu Caves will no longer be allowed to carry “fancy” kavadis bearing logos of their associations, favorite soccer clubs, movie stars or uncommon fruits and items. The Malaysian Hindu Sangam said devotees who failed to adhere to the new regulations will have to…

Source Attach yourself to Him who is free from all attachments. Bind yourself to that bond so all other bonds may be broken. — Tirukkural 350

www.worldhindunews.com HOUSTON, TEXAS, January 3, 2014 (HPI Report): The World Hindu News website and RSS newsfeed was launched here November 14, 2013. Editor in Chief, Rahul Chandra, explains the objectives: “World Hindu News is for Hindus, by Hindus and of Hindus. Hindu organizations–whether social-cultural, political or dharmic (religious) have always had a requirement: a transparent, non-biased and comprehensive news publication…

Source WASHINGTON, U.S., November 27, 2013 (The Straits Times, pay site for full article): The discovery of a previously unknown wooden structure at the Buddha’s birthplace suggests he might have lived in the sixth century BCE, 200 years earlier than thought, according to archaeologists. Until now, archaeological evidence favored a date no earlier than the third century BCE, when Emperor…

Source Life should be dynamic, full of movement, flowing endlessly like the mighty Ganges. Life’s movement should be channelled in the right direction. Life becomes a burden for many people because it has lost its dynamism. For them life is not like a flowing river. It is a static, turbid puddle. Understand that action gives movement to life, knowledge gives…

www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Swami-Satyamitranand-Giri-to-expand-his-service-to-society/2013/12/30/article1971733.ece CHENNAI, INDIA, December 30, 2013 (New Indian Express): Swami Satyamitranand Giri, an octogenarian from Haridwar who has followers across the globe, is planning to start more service-oriented programs in the coming months. This is in addition to the number of service activities that are already going on through the Samanvaya Kutir and Satyamitranand Foundation founded by him. In an…

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 UNITED KINGDOM, January 1, 2014 (The Guardian): Research undertaken by Prof. Jeremy Carrette, with colleagues from the University of Kent’s department of religious studies, has revealed that more than 70% of religious non-government organisations (NGOs) at the UN are Christian, and that there is historical privilege in allowing the Vatican a special observer status, as both a state and…

Source SABARIMALA, INDIA, December 31, 2013 (The Hindu): Thousands of devotees from across the country, mainly South Indian States, prayed at the Ayyappa temple here as it was opened for the Makaravilakku pilgrimage on Monday afternoon. The Pampa Manalpuram was crowded with a multitude of pilgrims congregating for the customary holy bath in the Pampa River before climbing the hills.…