Dalits Converted To Christianity Feel Left Behind

www.free-press-release.com BHOPAL, INDIA, May 6, 2009: Mr. R.L. Francis is the National President of the “Poor Christian Liberation Movement.” Unhappy with the stagnant condition of dalits who converted to Christianity, Francis is asking the Church for less proselityzing and more compassion. Mr. Francis says that church authorities are spending millions of rupees in preaching: there are around two hundred Catholic…

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Daily Inspiration

www.hinduismtoday.com The learned have prescribed penance for the murderer of a pious man, a drunkard, a thief or for one who has violated a solemn vow. But there is no pardon for the ungrateful.    The Panchatantra

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Daily Inspiration

www.hinduismtoday.com The average man of the world goes about his daily life not knowing that subconsciously he is seeking the Absolute Truth, the Beloved in the jiva. The mind-body equipment of man contains this Beloved, yet he seeks for it everywhere else but within. The musk deer attracted by its own scent searches for it in the woods. Little does…

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Bad Omens For Nepal’s New Government

religion.info KATHMANDU, NEPAL, May 4, 2009: When King Gyanendra’s army-backed reign ended three years ago followed by the abolition of monarchy in the world’s only Hindu kingdom, it did not come as a surprise to the Himalayan nation’s devout Hindus. “It was on the charts,” says Upendra Dahal, a Brahmin priest who also dabbles in astrology at the revered Pashupatinath…

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A Homage to Paul-Henri Ramin by Gerry L’Etang

bondamanjak.com [HPI note: Renowned Martiniquan scholar Paul-Henri Ramin, known for his bilingual Tamil / French books and a recording of sacred Tamil Hindu chants, died on Friday 17 April 2009 in Paris at 39 years of age. He was well known and loved in Reunion as well as in the French Caribbean islands. The following is drawn from a eulogy…

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Grandiose Pooram Festival Begins in Kerala

www.hindu.com THRISSUR, KERALA, INDIA, May 3, 2009: The famous Thrissur Pooram festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, started on Sunday with elephant processions from eight nearby temples arriving before the Vadakkunathan shrine from early morning. Of late, Thrissur Pooram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been attracting foreign visitors in large numbers, as the event has been listed as a major attraction…

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Ancient Hindu Customs Survive on Indonesia’s Bali Island

www.france24.com TRUNYAN, INDONESIA, April 26, 2009: The small population of Trunyan island claims to be descendants of the original Balinese, or Bali Aga. They follow a form of Hinduism that pre-dates the influence of the powerful Majapahit empire that ruled neighboring Java for 200 years from the late 13th century. Although Bali has developed rapidly as a tourist destination, the…

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Japan’s Caste Challenges

www.google.com TOKYO, JAPAN, May 2, 2009: Google never expected repercussions from adding historical maps of Japan to the online Google Earth collection last year–but because the maps show the locations of former low-caste communities, Google is now facing inquiries from the Justice Ministry and angry accusations of prejudice. During Japan’s feudal era, a strict caste system was in place. The…

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Daily Inspiration

www.hinduismtoday.com In silence, we can know ourselves. In silence, we observe better. A reacting mind is noisy. In silence, we come upon right action. A noisy mind leads to distorted action. In silence, we understand others. Otherwise we are in our own world. When we are silent, we hear God.    Anonymous

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Trinidad Celebrates Balka, a Puja to Durga and a Volcano Deva

HPI PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, April 26, 2009: Trinidad and Tobago celebrated an unusual puja last Sunday. The “Balka or Volcano Puja” takes place annually at the Columbia Estate on the southwestern peninsula, on the site of an existing volcano. It is ritualistically observed in the month of April. Unconfirmed reports state that this Puja has been taking place for…

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