Source For the Self, all that is seen is but mirage; it lasts but for a moment. Whatever is seen, we know it is not the real “I. ” Who could call real this personal self that changes every moment?— Adi Shankara, 9th century Indian philosopher and saint
Source NEW YORK, U.S., October 9, 2011: To “om” or not to “om”: For those who teach yoga in schools, that is a question that arises with regularity. The little syllable, often intoned by yoga students at the beginning and end of class, signifies different things to different people. But with its spiritual connotations, it is a potential tripwire for…
Source BANGALORE, INDIA, October 9, 2011 (dailypioneer.com): The world’s only Sanskrit newspaper, published from Mysore, is struggling to survive for want of financial support. “Sudharma” editor KV Sampath Kumar told The Pioneer he was on the verge of closing the unique daily due to a great financial crunch. “We need more than Rs. 60,000 (US$ 1,200) per month to run…
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 14, 2011 (bellevision.com): A Hindu woman or girl now has equal property rights along with other male relatives for any partition made in intestate succession after September 2005, the Supreme Court has ruled. Overturning a decision by the Andhra Pradesh High Court, a bench of justices stated that under the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005,…
Source BHUTAN, October 11, 2011 (by Sudarshan Subedi): Work to construct the first Hindu temple in Thimphu will begin after a ground breaking or Sa-Lang ceremony was conducted yesterday. The temple will be constructed on a 2.53-acre government land at Kuenselphodrang on the way to the Buddha statue. “Establishment of this temple will enrich the spiritual heritage of our country,”…
Source Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment.— Anonymous
Source MUMBAI, INDIA, October 9, 2011 (Times of India by Anahita Mukherji): Falling in love outside one’s community does not figure anywhere in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Yet, a growing number of parents are sending their children-both adults and adolescents-to psychiatrists in a bid to “cure” them of this “affliction”. Antagonism towards mixed marriages cuts across…
Source RENO, NEVADA, October 14, 2011 (kolotv): Sunday marks a significant landmark for northern Nevada’s Hindu community, the grounbreaking for the first temple of their faith at this end of the state. The area’s 600 Hindu families have been making do with worship in private homes and, for the past couple of years, in rental space in an office building…
Source [HPI editorial note: The Hindus of Bhutan suffered cruel and widespread persecution under the King’s still-living father. Exiled, they lived in sub-human conditions for decades, surviving in refugee camps until the USA, Australia and Europe welcomed them as expatriates. Their only crime was to be Hindus. Until the Bhutanese government makes amends, gestures such as the one reported in…
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 12, 2011 (Reuters Blogs): It’s festival season in India, with the celebrations providing a perfect opportunity for family outings, late-night parties and customary feasting on sweets. But health experts warn that the festivities, coupled with genetic predisposition and lifestyle changes brought about by the increasing prosperity of the middle class, is contributing to the country…