Month: May 2020

Hinduism4 Comments

Mantra: An Ingrained Feature In Hinduism

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Peace in all the cosmic environments influences peace in humankind as well An ingrained feature in Hinduism is the mantra. It is a productive tool that effectively generates tranquil and energetic feelings. A mantra inherently is the delivery of sacred word(s) or a sound with literal meaning or without meaning, but capable of inducing an ambiance of divinity. Moreover, despite their antiquated origin since the Vedic period of Hindu history, contemporary interpretations of mantras offer intellectual spirituality and mystic expressions. Melodic compositions in musical and metrical formation draw out coherent and thematic features in mantras’ verses. Mantra’s … Continue reading Mantra: An Ingrained Feature In Hinduism

Hinduism2 Comments

Equality And Duality are Themes In Hindu Mantra:

Promod Puri

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यतेपूर्णश्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥ “ Om purnam adah purnam idampurnat purnam udachyatepurnasya purnam adayapurnam evavashishyate”. An ideological and free translation of the mantra begins with the word Om (ॐ), which is personified here as God. The term ‘Purnam’ and its related derivates in the mantra mean complete and signify His completeness. He is Complete; everything emanating from Him is complete. From the Complete Wholeness, only the entirety manifests. And even when a single complete comes out from the whole Complete, what is left is still a Complete. The products produced through Him may look small or big, … Continue reading Equality And Duality are Themes In Hindu Mantra:

PoliticsLeave a comment

A CASE FOR FULL AUTONOMY TO STATES TO KEEP INDIA UNITED

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Because of its vast linguistic and cultural plurality, as represented by most of its states, suggesting India’s division into individual autonomous regions may sound a Utopian or even an insensible concept. But the divisive motion would reflect and meet more effectively the political and social aspirations of its peoples than the current restrained setup. The unity and stability of the region, called India, lie in granting more independence to its diverse provinces. From north to south, east to the west, and in between, India is a country of countries. What Ladakh has in common with Kerala, or … Continue reading A CASE FOR FULL AUTONOMY TO STATES TO KEEP INDIA UNITED

Human InterestLeave a comment

THE CAKE MY MOTHER USED TO MAKE

Promod Puri

Our kitchen was very elementary but a conspicuous place in the house. Prominently featured was the built-in wall cabinet that was a designated space for all the plates, bowls, etc.  There were no china dishes or even the glass highballs, a few spoons, but no forks or knives, no sink, and no running water either. All the utensils were of brass that needed an occasional coating of some shining metal, named Kli, done by hawking street vendors referred to as Kli-walas. Complete with the very basic needs, our kitchen, also called Rasoi, had an orderly and clean look. Besides, it … Continue reading THE CAKE MY MOTHER USED TO MAKE

Religion1 Comment

Guru Nanak’s Message of Divine Order

Promod Puri

Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak Likhyea Naal.  Hukmae Andhar Sabh, Bahar Hukme Na Koe These are the two separate edicts from Guru Nanak Dev. But discussing them together initiates an integrated understanding of the messages while building the desired impact of their practicality in our lives. Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak likhyea naal in its simple meaning, implies that it is inevitably written, according to Nanak, that we conduct ourselves acceding to the will of God. Hukam means order or command, razai stands for acceptance, chalna meaning walk, and likhyea naal means written down. To follow (razai), the walk (chalna) guided by the hukam of God as … Continue reading Guru Nanak’s Message of Divine Order

Hinduism5 Comments

WHEN LORD SHIVA CURSED FARMERS

Promod Puri

It may be related to the current lockdown environment, but the story goes like this: Once Lord Shiva, for some reason, got angry with farmers. As punishment to them, he declared there would be no rain for the next 12 years. The farmers pleaded for mercy, but Lord Shiva was adamant. The Farmers then approached the Lord of Rains, Inder Devta. While sympathizing with the farmers’ predicament, his response was, rains would only come when after 12 years, Lord Shiva would play on his small drum instrument, called Damru. All the farmers were feeling heartbroken and disappointed. However, there was … Continue reading WHEN LORD SHIVA CURSED FARMERS