News

Source On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good and not quite all the time.— George Orwell

Religion News Service WASHINGTON, April 2012 (RNS): A new White House report that offers guidance on public/private partnerships between the government and faith-based groups leaves critical questions unanswered and does not resolve the issue of religious groups’ ability to discriminate in hiring and firing, church-state watchdogs said. The 50-page report, issued Friday (April 28), comes 18 months after President Obama…

Source INDIA, April 2012 (dw.de): For centuries, the Bishnoi have sworn by the preservation of plants and animals. Some have even lost their lives to defend this cause. The “eco-religion” was founded in the 15th century, when a farmer, who is now known as Guru Jambheshwar, retreated after a long drought and formulated 29 tenets according to which the farmers…

Source BELADU, BALI, May 9, 2012 (The Jakarta Post): Thousands of Balinese Hindu devotees and tourists are expected to flock into the historical Samuantiga temple in Bedulu, Gianyar, where the Siyat Sampian ritualistic battle will be held today from early morning until around 1:00 p.m. Samuantiga occupies an important place in the history of Balinese Hinduism. In the 11th century,…

Source SRINAGAR, INDIA, April 30, 2012 (Kashmir Observer): The Department of Posts will also register Shri Amarnathji Yatris on behalf of Amarnathji Shrine Board, a major boon to the Amarnathji Yatris. 100 post offices across the country have been identified in this regard. This facility will be in addition to the 174 Bank Branches and the Internet based e-Registration System…

Source Desire is a very dangerous thing. Sometimes we think we have killed all selfish desire, but somewhere in our mind there lingers some remnant; and as from a spark left in the corner of the hearth may come again a big fire, so out of that small remnant may spring a huge fire of desire.— Swami Ramakrishnananda (1863-1911), disciple…

Press Release PITTSBURGH, PA, USA, March 3, 2012 (Press Release, full report): Over 32 Pandits and 40 adult and youth delegates representing more than 20 Mandirs (Temples) and Hindu organizations, from across the county, participated in the First annual Hindu Mandir Pandits’ (Priest) Conference (HMPC), from April 27th through 28th, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Theme of the conference was…

Source UNITED STATES, May 3, 2012 (USA Today): Holland America’s latest plan to draw more customers: Serve more vegetables. The Seattle-based cruise operator on Wednesday announced that it is revamping its food offerings to offer more options for vegetarians and vegans than any other line. The changes include the addition of a new, all-vegetarian menu that will be available in…

Source SRINAGAR, INDIA, May 1, 2012 (ibn live): The Meteorological Department will establish three advanced warning systems (AWS) at Amarnath holy cave, Pahalgam and Baltal base camps to ensure better forecast of weather conditions for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra this year, a spokesman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said after a high level meeting. The establishment…

Source JAMMU, INDIA, May 7, 2012 (ibn live): Registration for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, set to begin from June 25, commenced today. Registration of pilgrims visiting the shrine from both Baltal and Chandanwari routes began across the country through 174 bank branches and Internet based e-registration system. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has set up registration counters at 121 designated…