Is the Bible or other religious volumes have ritualistic values only on such occasions. Or they offer spiritual inspirations as well. Whatever the reason is, politics has a dependency on religion both for ritualistic functioning and spiritual guidance. Continue reading POLITICS AND RELIGION IN US PRESIDENTIAL CEREMONIES
History tells us there have been many wise people, especially saints with divine attribution, who did not go through a voluminous reading of books. But their minds did the reading. Continue reading READING, THINKING AND WRITING INTERCONNECTED
Nathan Ahlgren, Clark University Editor’s note: Nathan Ahlgren is an assistant professor of biology at Clark University. In this interview, he explains exactly what proteins are, how they are made, and the wide variety of functions they perform in the human body. https://www.youtube.com/embed/0PGLCnwrh5g?wmode=transparent&start=0 Nathan Ahlgren explains what proteins do in our body. What is a protein? A protein is a basic structure that is found in all of life. It’s a molecule. And the key thing about a protein is it’s made up of smaller components, called amino acids. I like to think of them as a string of different … Continue reading What is a protein? A biologist explains
Meditation in Hinduism is secular in its participation and spiritual in practice. Continue reading Meditation In Hinduism
When an entire structure has a fragile foundation, shaky frame, and dangerous to live in, it needs total demolition immediately. That is precisely the situation with hastily and carelessly constructed farm laws that, instead of benefiting the farmers, would be disasters for them not in the far-off future but right away when the next crops hit the market. The structure of the authoritarian regime of Modi built is illegal and unauthorized. It did not go through the proper democratic and parliamentary formalities and procedures of the Indian parliament. In the middle of one September night, three farm bills got introduced … Continue reading Why Total Repeal Of India’s Farm Laws
As the year 2020 departs just at the moment clock hits midnight, we welcome the arrival of 2021. Two images get conceived; one moves in, another moves out. These are like two individual personalities, the new and the old one. But what is the difference besides the old and new names, 2020 and 2021? We see, feel, observe, or experience our daily life’s routines in the morning or evening of December 31, which would look the same next day, January 1. Yesterday’s entities would roll along to turn into today’s realities. The good and bad of 2020 would stay the … Continue reading A VISION OF 2021 AND BEYOND
A roof over our heads, for some more roofs than their heads. Enough bottled or running water for our thirsts and showers; electricity galore to keep our places lighted and brightened.. Food as much as our stomach can take it and some extra to throw away as it passed just the expiry date, clothing in opulence hanging in our closets, kids toys collection escalates faster than their growth and age. Plenty to buy, and plenty to return the day after. Plenty to waste, plenty to dump. More stuff shipped in plenty; to keep the economy in plenty. And then worldwise, … Continue reading It is A Yuga Of Plenty!
It is the government of the foursome, rerouting the democracy into Oligarchy. Continue reading THE FOURSOME WHO RUNS INDIA
The toy of her joy disappeared from her tender arms somewhere at the hotel while on vacation with her family. She was returning to her hotel room with her parents and brother, when she realized that Poky was missing. With tears in her eyes, Misha was worried the Poky was by himself and lonely. Dad scoured the hotel searching for Poky but returned to the room defeated. Poky was lost. The next day, it was time to board the plane and head back home, but without Poky. Misha was heartbroken. Parents did their best to distract her with a new … Continue reading Little Misha lost her special friend, Poky the Puppy
The People’s Power is a juggernaut when it starts moving; it can pull aside all the barriers and face the bullets to crush despotism. Continue reading PEOPLE’S POWER SWELLING IN INDIA
Corona invasion has disciplined our lives, from masking to six feet distancing and restricting travels, socials and shopping.
Joys, engagements and ease of life navigated new options. A circadian lifestyle is one where a daily routine is possible with the least of disturbances and distractions.
Continue reading Getting The Best Out Of Turmoil And Turbulence of 2020
In simple words, poet Shailendra wrote great poetry with deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions. His ‘shikva’ meaning complaint to God is one of my favourite compositions. “Duniya banane wale kaya tera mann main samai, kahe to duniya banai.” Shailendra was a poet par excellent. He weaved the words in the language of common man expressing his sorrows and joys, struggles and hopes, awareness and inspiration. “kisi ke muskuraahato pe ho nisaar, kisee ka dard mil sake to le udhaar, kisee ke vaste ho tere dil me pyaar, jeena isee kaa naam hai.” Born into a Dalit family of Chamaar at … Continue reading REMEMBERING POET SHAILENDRA
They say Vinyl is back. With that news, my memory goes back to the golden era of listening to music through gramophone technology. The 12-inch circular disc on the turntable with its soft feel of grooves was music in motion. Gently placing the needle on the black disc, the sound of music emanated. My listening pleasure was mostly with the popular film songs being played thru the vinyl record and full blast from the neighbourhood’s loudspeakers on special occasions. Connected through long wires, loudspeakers placed on rooftops, and music spread was all around. I remember, out of curiosity, I once … Continue reading MY MEMORIES WITH GRAMOPHONE
Communists and Leftists all over the globe are fanatically in love with Cuba’s leadership. Their only source of information about this island nation is its propaganda machinery, an effective weapon of misinformation used by authoritarian rulers. Continue reading CUBANS ON THE STREET
Nationality, caste, colour, creed, ritual-based religion: do we still have to wear these badges? When these identities become obsolete, dead, and gone? Nations across the globe have become or becoming cosmopolitan in both the physical and virtual worlds. Political boundaries are only relevant to the administrative and bureaucratic functioning of governments. But not for propping up nationalism and its related precept of patriotism. In a universal temperament, caste, colour, creed, and ritual-based religion are irrelevant. Instead these antiquated social and faith-based divisions clog the advance of peace and harmony in our lives. By Promod Puri Continue reading Caste, Colour, Creed, And Nationalities Clog World Peace
I was sitting by myself in the neighbourhood community centre’s Sauna room when a man walked in. “Good morning, how are you.” “Good morning. I’m fine. Thank you.” “Are you from India?” “Yes, I’m.” “I’m from Russia, immigrated to Canada many years ago. I love India, especially Indian films and Hindi songs. You know what, Raj Kapoor was my favourite. I still hum one or two of his popular songs.” The little conversation delighted me and took me back to Hindi films’ golden era when Raj Kapoor was a towering personality both as an actor and film producer. December 14, … Continue reading Remembering Raj Kapoor
Conceived opinions and judgments influence our mindset viewpoint. And most of the time, our actions and reactions are based on retrieving the intellect from the installed position. Continue reading TRUMP’S LEGACY: BREEDING TRUTHS OUT OF LIES
In its theology, Hinduism generated a range of systematic ideologies covering various studies in ethical and metaphysical perceptions. Within these profound discernments, Hinduism’s outstanding feature is the doctrine of “Purusarthas,” advocating four complementary engagements in an individual’s life. Continue reading The Essence Of Hinduism Lies On Just Two Very Basic Principles
Taking advantage of the Black Friday shopping bargains at Walmart, we bought a long overdue ironing board. Till now, we were using a spare computer table with a spread of thick cotton sheets for some cushioning on its top. With adjustable height, the new ironing board has all that buffer plus the parking space to hold the press. I love ironing with a meditative passion. Since my early teen years, I mastered the pressing job shoulder to shoulder, top to bottom, inside, outside for every kind of wear. My love affair with the hot press, later along with newspaper and … Continue reading MY PASSION WITH IRONING
by Promod Puri Karma is one of the most fundamentals of Hinduism. The actual word is ‘Karm’ with a firm stop at the last letter ‘m’. As usual, many Sanskrit or Hindi words, for some reason or without reason, are stretched by hooking up with the letter ‘a’: for example, Krishna, Rama, Ayurveda etc. In any case, Karma or Karm represents action, deed or work. It is an act of doing something. And that involves two more factors, the doer and the result(s) of work performed. Together, action, doer and result, constitute Karma, which starts with a verb and ends … Continue reading Does God Play Role In Our Karmas
Moksha or Mukti denotes freedom. It is a much-hyped Hindu traditional thought. In essence, it represents ardent purity to seek Oneness with the Supreme-being. Moksha covers two allied but different schools under the faculty of moksha-shastra. One has its base on the concept of eternal salvation from the repeated cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This rotation of advents is a popular notion among Hindus with the support of reincarnation ideology. Like soteriology, the salvation doctrine, the birth-rebirth cycle to achieve moksha or salvation is called Samsara in Sanskrit. Life is an entanglement of sufferings. Moksha is considered as the ultimate … Continue reading Concept Of Moksha Or Salvation In Hinduism
The universe is a totality, indivisible; it is an organic whole. The parts are not separate, we are all existing in a togetherness: the trees, the mountains, the people, the birds, the stars, howsoever far away they may appear, they are all interlinked, all bridged. Even the smallest blade of grass is connected to the farthest star, and it is as significant as the greatest sun. Hindu Mantra Evokes Togetherness: “ Om purnam adah purnam idam purnat purnam udachyate purnasya purnam adaya purnam evavashishyate” Osho Says: “Nothing is insignificant, nothing is smaller than anything else. The part represents the whole … Continue reading Universal Totality
Maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance are the mantra that sustains us practically in most aspects of our lives. From personal health to our conveniences, gadgets, computers, and machinery, we are all tied to one crucial essential. And that pivotal element is maintenance. We often talk and care about physical maintenance, body weight, sugar, cholesterol levels, etc. And then the tuneup of our car or vehicle, upkeep of the house, lawn and building. Parks, gardens, streets, roads, bridges, water pipes, sewer systems, and all the infrastructures undergo routine care, repair and reconstruction. Oversized items maintenance like trucks and planes or any engine … Continue reading LIFE REVOLVES AND SURVIVES AROUND MAINTENANCE
God and religion are the two synonymous influences subjected to evolution in humankind’s ongoing social construction. In this evolution, atheism can contribute too because of its credible roots in various religious ideations. The main reason is for its earnest call for humanism in the conduct of our lives. The fact is, since the time God got institutionalized in the religious orders, atheism, despite being firm on His non-existence, has played a challenging and stimulating role in man’s spiritual and divine pursuits. For those reasons, atheism received acceptance as a valid philosophical concept in the religiosity of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and … Continue reading ATHEISM HAS CREDIBLE INFLUENCE ON RELIGIONS TOO:
Natasha Mikles, Texas State University As many Indian Americans celebrate the election of the first Black and South Asian woman, Kamala Harris, to the White House, many will also be celebrating the festival of Diwali on Saturday, Nov. 14. Sometimes called the Indian festival of lights, Diwali is arguably the most important holiday of the year for South Asian families. The festival, which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, lasts five days in its entirety. Traditionally the third day is considered the most important. During this day, families gather to light candles, eat sweets and place lit lamps in … Continue reading The many stories of Diwali share a common theme of triumph of justice
The current election in the United States of America has furnished quite a glimpse of its social behaviour and sentiments through its divided national political scenario. Within its democratic and liberal fundamentals, this is a nation that thrives on extreme racialism and xenophobic temperament in its White supremacist and uncontrolled gun cultures. It is a nation of Nobel laurates sharing their wisdom and knowledge with the rest of the world, while actually, a significant segment of its population lives like a proverbial frog in the well. The US is also a nation where many immigrants, thru some baffling genetic fusion … Continue reading ELECTION REVEALS TRUE AMERICA
While traversing along with its ritual, religious and spiritual landscape, we discover on top of it quite a meaningful spectrum of Hinduism’s multi-disciplinary diversity. Its curriculum includes specialized and acknowledged studies and practices in arts, music, and yoga that have earned global fascination. Moreover, the Hindu institution offers an expansive range of inceptive and revealing courses in most pure and applied sciences and social sciences. All these disciplines are part of the Hindu literature and traditions involving imaginative, investigative, intellectual and cultural pursuits. In Hinduism, ‘shastras’ refer to various schools of knowledge and learning covering most facets of human life … Continue reading Shastras In Hinduism
God is more than our mindset imagination of being a superhuman governing this universe.A brief and straightforward, but still far from complete, God’s characterization can be: the total of everything and every process in this universe and beyond is God. Everything, known or unknown, that exists is what the universe or Nature is all about. -Promod Puri Continue reading Perceiving God
I have strong feelings for pumpkin, mostly when left out in the chill of autumn nights during the Halloween season. It is the most abused and wasted vegetable sacrificing itself to rot and finally dumped in the compost bin. Is that his or her karma carved by custom and tradition! The gigantic orange globe is one of the most nutritious vegetables. Loaded with protein, vitamins A, C, B2 and E, potassium, copper, manganese, and iron, it also carries phosphorus and zinc, and antioxidants that fight cancer cells. So why to waste this super heavyweight produce. There are plenty of recipes … Continue reading VERSATILE PUMPKIN A SUPER VEGETABLE THAT FIGHTS CANCER:
France needs pluralistic Secularism – one that tolerates minority ethnic communities’ cultural and religious symbols and values. Continue reading WHAT IS WRONG WITH FRENCH SECULARISM
The Liberal Party of British Columbia is almost a replica of the Conservative Party of Canada. Its leadership and memberships’ behaviour and supporters’ temperament coincide with the federal Conservatives from top to bottom in the party’s rank and file. Continue reading BC LIBERAL PARTY A REPLICA OF CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA
How often we use the dishwasher? Quite regularly, frequently, occasionally, or very rarely. Perhaps never. Is the dishwasher use a cultural thing, or do we want to exercise some water and energy saving? Some of us in the immigrant communities prefer washing dishes by hand and then letting them dry out with natural air or wipe with a kitchen towel. Continue reading THINGS WE SELDOM USE IN OUR HOUSEHOLDS
This is a disease that can’t be controlled by candles, protests, poetry, prose, and punishments. By Promod Puri It is disgraced and dreadful evil that has grown into an imperishable stain on the contemporary Indian scene as its social norm. The evil is the rapist beast that lurks everywhere, ready to pounce on his victims at any given opportunity. The sad story is that the nation has not begun in a comprehensive way to handle this ongoing spread of vicious crime against women. Manisha of Hathras, Priyanka Reddy, Asifa Banu, Jyoti Singh “Nirbhay,” and hundreds perhaps thousands more became victims … Continue reading India Urgently Needs A Comprehensive Diagnostic Study To Tackle Rape Epidemic
By Promod Puri The Liberals got caught off guard. And so are the British Columbians when Premier John Horgan announced on Monday a flash provincial election just a month from now, on October 24. My immediate reaction on social media was, “again! It was only yesterday.” The province was to go to the polls in 2021 fall, according to the gentleman agreement, duly signed, between the New Democratic Party and its supporting partner, the Green Party of B.C. The last election, three years ago, resulted in NDP securing 41 seats against the B.C. Liberal Party, winning 43 seats. The then-Liberal … Continue reading OCTOBER 24 ELECTION A BOMBSHELL FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS
He recognizes the contribution of Canada’s ethnic diversity that makes this nation a genuinely multicultural society of equal opportunities. He has shown his enthusiastic participation in Canadian ethnic and cultural events too. Continue reading There Is Faith In Trudeau’s Ethnic Sentiments
Enjoy Jalebi, the queen of Indian confection, straight or with milk, anytime, including midnight all alone and guilt-free craving for something sweet Continue reading JALEBI: The Queen Of Indian Sweets
A man with a world vision of one humanity, he argued that people should be allowed full freedom of movement across borders through the elimination of passports and immigration laws. Continue reading SWAMI AGNIVESH: A PROGRESSIVE HINDU CRUSADER
In the call out for sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism, or just for “defence,” battles are fought, soldiers fight and die, the accountability falls on the nation’s states, but not on the leaders in the long run. Continue reading RULERS AND LEADERS ARE THE CRIMINALS OF 9/11s, NOT THE NATIONS
People with a free mindset attitude swing like a pendulum. Passing through the Centre, they move to the social or political ideologies of the Left or Right but not committed to either of them. Being fanatically committed to the Right or Left can restrict the perception of issues confronting us individually or by the society we live in. -Promod Puri Continue reading Swing Like A Pendulum
The word ‘behaviour’ or ‘behavior’ behaves the same way no matter how one spells it. Continue reading PURGING OF USELESS LETTERS IN ENGLISH WORDS
Boredom is a very commonly expressed feeling even in this age when we have 24-hour entertainment at our convenience. There is a stream of entertainment and information from our smartphones and social media in the company of self. But still, there are occasional experiences of boredom.Why do we feel bored?Generally, they say boredom occurs to those who have not developed any interest in any activity or hobby. Especially this is true when in the golden years of our lives. There are plenty of dull moments that defy time and move with their own speed. An enjoyable activity helps to ward … Continue reading WHY FEEL BORED?
Being intellectual in India these days has an irony of pun in it. The ‘intellectuals’ rather be non-intellectuals to avoid the snobbery generated in its labelling. “I am not an intellectual. Abuse me, but do not call me that sir,” a recent quote from Chetan Bhagat, one of India known authors, who got included in Time magazine’s list of World’s 100 Most Influential People in 2010. The word intellectual is a slang now both in political and social terms. It suggests scholars are ignorant of ground realities despite their academic and ideological learning. For Prime minister Modi’s “bhagats” and the … Continue reading WHY INTELLECTUALS NOW RIDICULED IN INDIA:
September 5 is celebrated in India as Teachers’ Day synonymous with its second president, Dr. Sarvepilli Radhakrishnan, who also was a teacher, besides being an eminent philosopher of international fame. But a true story about him reveals that his famous work the “Indian Philosophy” is largely plagiarized from the Ph.D. thesis of Jadunath Sinha, one of his students. However, when Sinha came to know about this theft, he filed a case in court against his teacher. It is another matter that owing to Radhakrishnan’s influential position, the case was disposed of without causing much trouble to him. But how can … Continue reading TEACHERS DAY SHOULD BE IN HONOR OF JYOTI RAO AND SAVITRIBAI PHULE
“conservation will succeed only if it can support the goal of a dignified life for all humans and nonhuman species.” Prakash Kashwan, University of Connecticut The United States is having a long-overdue national reckoning with racism. From criminal justice to pro sports to pop culture, Americans increasingly are recognizing how racist ideas have influenced virtually every sphere of life in this country. This includes the environmental movement. Recently the Sierra Club – one of the oldest and largest U.S. conservation organizations – acknowledged racist views held by its founder, author and conservationist John Muir. In some of his writing, Muir … Continue reading American environmentalism’s racist roots have shaped global thinking about conservation
Uncles and aunty’s designations have become popular among the younger generation of South Asians to address their parents’ friends or older contacts. Instead of calling them by their first or last names, with prefix Mr. or Mrs., the unrelated nephews and nieces develop a kinship with the choice of etiquette that is more personal. The uncle-auntie entitlement is in vogue in other cultures as well. But the South Asian youths go a step further. To show more reverence, ‘ji’ pronounced like ‘g’ is attached to address the instantaneous relatives as uncle Ji and auntie-Ji. Perhaps this arrangement establishes a more … Continue reading UNCLE-JI AND AUNTI-JI
I don’t accept Kamala Harris has to represent herself with Black identity only. Her real identity of being biracial is African-Indian. Her mother was of Tamil origin from South India, and she is through and through Indian. Cherishing Indian customs, following Hindu rituals of breaking coconuts, and enjoying dosa, sambar and idli, her genome is equally Indian. Then why she plays the Black identity card only? Tiger Woods called himself “Cablinasian” (a word he made up as a teen to account for his Caucasian, Black, American Indian and Asian heritages). He has not solely identified himself as Black. If Tiger … Continue reading Her identity is biracial
“BE POSITIVE”:In rational and balanced thinking we can’t ignore some negative facts in front of us.” “FORGET THE PAST, LIVE IN THE PRESENT”: How one can forget the past? Rather with experiences of the past, and dreams of the future, only then living in the present makes more sense. Continue reading Two Overly Used Popular Sayings:
Having few friends of different religious or race backgrounds does not qualify a person being secular. Continue reading COVERING RACISM WITH “FIG LEAVES”
Handcrafted from a solid dry twig, with one end slightly chiselled and shaped like a nib. And the stem was smoothed to hold the Kalam.
For each word or few words to write, the Kalam received its ink while dipped into an inkpot. Together the pair was called “Kalam-dawaat,” that I used to carry with me to primary school. Often my school bag and my clothing got stains of the black ink.
Continue reading MY FIRST WRITING PEN MADE FROM A DRY TWIG
Quite a damage has been done to the institution of democracy in India by the Modi brigade at every level of the Indian political, social, economic, educational, and religious grounds. All under seize by the autocratic rule of Modi-Shah. Continue reading CONGRESS ONLY HOPE TO SAVE DEMOLITION OF DEMOCRACY IN INDIA
In a multicultural Canadian society there are a multitude of cultures, traditions and religions, with lot more sub banners within each group. It is a myriad with a diversified web which gives Canada an image of acceptance and tolerance. Continue reading Culture and national identity
Originally posted on Vishal Bheeroo:
Book Review: The Trees Told Me So Author: Purva Grover Publisher: Niyogi Books Rating: Four and a half stars ? ? Introduction: Purva Grover’s The Trees Told Me So is a collection of short stories narrating about cities, hidden emotions, and memories in a tender and sensitive voice melting hearts. 11 stories, heart-wrenching, rare friendships made, love, simplicity of life is a delightful serving where each comes alive making it a color palette of form and, the dewdrop deeply layered lending a ubiquitous expression of visualization in this joyride. ? Narration: ? Addiction is sold… Continue reading Book Review: Purva Grover’s The Trees Told Me So is playwright’s delight
In the current rapid movements of Freeland, from one job to another, establishes her versatility that she can fit into any ministerial role with confidence. Continue reading Emerging Role Of Freeland In Liberal Party Of Canada
A growing number of African-American leaders closely followed Gandhi’s campaigns of “satyagraha,” or what he termed as nonresistance to evil against British colonialism. Black newspapers and magazines announced the need for an “American Gandhi.” Continue reading How Howard Thurman met Gandhi and brought nonviolence to the civil rights movement
Seeking the meaning and purpose of human life is a behaviour issue at the individual level.
Meaning of life and purpose of life, I think, are two related terms. Continue reading What is the meaning and purpose of life?”
“When you hear of “the Black vote,” “the Jewish vote” or “the Latino vote” as a kind of shorthand to describe a voting bloc, it’s probably wrong. Continue reading LABELLING OF US VOTERS
Leftist bhagats of late Fidel Castro may still be reciting the virtues of Cuba’s brand of socialism. Continue reading CUBA HATES AMERICA BUT LOVES TO HAVE US DOLLAR
Even now, with very few exceptions, the American civil rights movement has never been led on a political platform. Continue reading RELIGION HAS BEEN THE MOTIVATING FORCE IN AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
It is under one medical term, called circadian rhythm. And Mr. Singh has kept it well under control with his disciplined daily regime.
A real understanding of the circadian rhythm is that all our body organs, down to their cellular levels, have body clocks working along with the brain.
Continue reading AT AGE 92, THE SECRET OF MY FRIEND’S HEALTHY LIFE
A recent example of denialism is when President Trump refuted the pandemic of COVID-19 in its early stage. And when most of India’s upper and wealthy class refused to accept the plight of migrant workers in their agonizing walks back to the villages during the peak Coronavirus lockdown. Continue reading Denialism: A Roadblock To Liberal Thinking
“Temple-Hinduism” is an expression introduced by Vasudha Narayanan, Professor of Religion, University of Florida. The terminology is not an academic phrasing, nor does it reflect a new sect in Hinduism. It is an interpretation of Hinduism related to the devotional practices of rituals and prayers in the temple’s iconological environment. Continue reading Temples And Other Range Of options In Hindu Worshipping Practices
One of the spiritual gems of Guru Arjan Devji, that portrays the essence of all religions: “Koi bole Ram, Ram; koi khudae….”
Here is the English translation of the Shabad:
Some call the Lord ‘Ram, Ram’, and some ‘Khuda’.
Continue reading Koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Khudaaye….
Besides the devotional practices at dedicated places like temples, home, or public shrines, a striking and environmental sensitive and gratifying feature of Hindu worshipping practices and reverence is the deification of natural landmarks like rivers, lakes, mountains, plants, and animals. Continue reading HINDU DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES
Who really knows?
Who will here proclaim it?
Whence was it produced?
Whence is this creation?
The gods came afterward,
with the creation of this universe.
Who then knows whence it has arisen?
Whence this creation has arisen—
perhaps it formed itself, perhaps it did not
the one who looks down on it, in the highest heaven,
only He knows or perhaps He does not know.
even, only He knows – or perhaps He does not know.
– Rig Veda 10:129, translation: Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty, Author, Indologist, and Sanskrit Scholar.
Continue reading RIG VEDA: HE KNOWS, PERHAPS He DOES NOT KNOW
Economists and historians have examined detailed aspects of the enslaved experience for as long as slavery existed. My own work enters this conversation by looking at the value of individual slaves and the ways enslaved people responded to being treated as a commodity. Continue reading American slavery: Separating fact from myth
Fascism is a system that is run or led by a dictator who has full power in every aspect of a nation. To achieve and maintain that hold, a fascist ruler suppresses any opposition and criticism. A false sense of aggressive nationalism and patriotism gets developed and promoted. Continue reading DEMOCRACY DYING IN INDIA AND FASCISM TAKING BIRTH
The moment I sat, the teacher, addressed as Masterji, called me up and asked why I was late. Before I could gather words to express myself, he gave me a hefty slap on my tender little face. Continue reading MY SCHOOL TEACHER’S BRUTALITY
Last Sunday, June 7, it was a cheering feeling for me when the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol got pulled down as a result of the killing of George Floyd by the police in the US. Continue reading Do We Care About Statues
The business of religion, like any other business, is down. But this business is exceptional. In principle, besides being a medium to seek God’s grace and express gratitude, religion should reveal the path to discern and realize the nature of the Creator. Continue reading WHERE IS GOD AMID CORONAVIRUS?
Indian thinkers have been reflecting on interconnectedness for more than two millennia. I study Indian philosophy, and I believe this diverse tradition offers rich and timely insights about how people might better understand global interconnectedness today and act more wisely. Continue reading Buddhist and Hindu philosophies help us see clearly, act wisely in an interconnected world
The sufferings could be innocently or naively self-inflicted, from fellow beings, or other causes. Elements of nature and the so-called fate also play minor or significant roles to accompany man’s lifelong journey through calamity and disaster. Continue reading NANAK DUKHIYA SABB SANSAR SO SUKHIYA JIS NAAM ADHAAR
Immigrants, especially from the “visible minority” communities, not only faced racial discrimination in most aspects of their lives in Canada, but they could also discern reflections of bigotry and segregation in their labelings.
In the early part of the twentieth-century immigrants from the Indian subcontinent were all classified as “Hindoos.” Continue reading PASSING THROUGH RACIST PASSAGE OUR HISTORY FROM HINDOOS TO SOUTH ASIAN CANADIANS
By Promod Puri Do we have to blame a nation or nations in their respective involvement and stake in initiating wars, battles, or violent conflicts rather than the individuals responsible for calling out to strike the fire? Historically and down the road, we blame the nations and forget the leaders or rulers in their combating roles and catastrophic orders. But this is how the human mind is architected to humanize nonhuman physical entities from countries to animals, political to religious concepts. We’re humanizing Coronavirus as “sneaky, “tricky,” “merciless,” “cruel,” and “invisible enemy.” It is an innate tendency of human psychology … Continue reading Humanization Of Countries, Viruses And Everything Else
Long before the outbreak of COVID-19, a more pernicious form of social distancing was widespread across India: the Hindu caste system. In one form or another, this system – which has existed in the region for over a millennium – has long ensured social segregation based on one’s place in the hierarchy. Continue reading Coronavirus Pandemic Falls Heavy On India’s 200 M Lowcaste Population
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
“We find human faces in the moon, armies in the clouds; and… ascribe malice or good-will to everything, that hurts or pleases us.”-18th-century philosopher David Hume We’re humanizing Coronavirus too as “sneaky, “tricky,” “merciless,” “cruel” and “invisible enemy.” Continue reading HUMANIZING EVERYTHING FROM MOON TO VIRUS
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:
By Promod Puri Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh represent two distinct aspects of Sikhism. In the evolution of Sikhism, together, these significant facets symbolize the Khalsa, a saint-soldier designation that is pure, clean, and free. Guru Nanak initiated the … Continue reading Sikhism Dwells In Its Saint-soldier Philosophy
Since these crunchy cookies were contained in a ‘pipa,’ that is the reason they are called ‘Peepaewale’ biscuits here in Canada. Perhaps, it is a marketing approach by the manufacturers to draw the nostalgic feel and taste of the sweet goodies.
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
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
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
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
The foundation of Hinduism possibly began without one single founder. By Promod Puri In principal and virtually, religion is a code of conduct for a civil society. It all started from here. With society’s progression, the code of conduct also evolved, resulting in its expansion, formalization, and application. As civilization started taking root, the management of the society began. A significant part of human evolution reveals and explains the origin of religion. Ancient religious orders were a set of regulations and principles for some acceptable … Continue reading History Of Hinduism
Cremation on the banks of the Ganges river, India. Keystone-France via Getty Images Maura Chhun, Metropolitan State University In India, during the 1918 influenza pandemic, a staggering 12 to 13 million people died, the vast majority between the months of September and December. According to an eyewitness, “There was none to remove the dead bodies and the jackals made a feast.” At the time of the pandemic, India had been under British colonial rule for over 150 years. The fortunes of the British colonizers had always been vastly different from those of the Indian people, and nowhere was the split … Continue reading 1918 FLU PANDEMIC KILLED 12 MILLION INDIANS, AND BRITISH OVERLORDS’ INDIFFERENCE STRENGTHENED THE ANTI-COLONIAL MOVEMENT
The liberalism in Hinduism has encouraged genesis of rituals. Over its long history, rituals generated to build up a maze that gives the religion its complex identity. Within that complexity lies an inclusive mosaic of Hinduism. From a religious point of view, a ritual is a symbolic and sacramental repetitive activity. It provides manner and order in performing revered service. Rituals and diversities in Hinduism based on local traditions, customs, and languages invigorate the faith. This contribution makes the religion adapt itself to changing environments. In these social and cultural influences, rituals perpetually take up dominating space in Hindu … Continue reading RITUALS IN HINDUISM
by Acharya S.P.Dwivedi Promod Puri is a distinguished South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism,” he tried to cover the historical evolution of Hindu dharma and its major philosophies, theistic doctrines, social codes, rituals, and practices. He admits openly, “Hinduism is a democracy of conflicting, contradicting and controversial thoughts and theories” (Preface iii) with that feeling it would have been trying for him “to pick and choose” the paths, philosophies, or doctrines. He neither claims that the book is an academic research paper nor meant for teaching. Furthermore, Puri admits that the understanding and facts he acquired … Continue reading Book Review: Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions
And the rest of the news from across the border is Bernie Sanders has quit the Democratic nomination race. He hangs up his hat and let Joe Biden enter the ring where the foregone conclusion is President Trump would have an easy win unless some divine intervention happens. Flickering pragmatism of Biden wins over the dogmatic consistency of Sanders. It is the second time in a row that Sanders has dropped out to the disappointment of many looking for a real change in the political environment of the USA. Americans expected this change from Barrick Obama. But more words were … Continue reading US Presidential Race
“guloñ meñ rañg bhare bād-e-nau-bahār chale chale bhī aao ki gulshan kā kārobār chale.” Spring blossom in Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, Canada. Continue reading Open for “business” but no visitors:
The other day I received a phone call from an old friend of mine after quite a long time. Old in the sense that we know each other for the past over four decades. But it is also in the context that he is now 102 years of age. He has the same clarity and vigor in his voice as ever before. Good hearing and an excellent memory reflect while conversing with him. In his astute expressions, his mental alertness is still sharp. Mr. Singh still goes for walks and waiting for the summer weather when he will hit the … Continue reading AT AGE 92, THE SECRET OF MY FRIEND’S HEALTHY LIFE
BY Promod Puri The rationalist and liberal thought in Hinduism is the very basis of Sankhya school, which is one of several ancient Hindu faculties infusing diversity in the theological philosophies of the faith. Sankhya in Hindi or Sanskrit means number. So it seeks rationality as demonstrated by a numeric equation like 2+2=4. It rejects 2+2=5. In other words, a concept has to go through rational examination before being accepted or rejected. Sankhya establishes three principles that accept knowledge. These are: 1. Pratyksa, which means perceiving things or thoughts directly through one’s senses. The truthful of knowledge is to be … Continue reading SANKHYA SCHOOL OF HINDUISM
Christophe Z Guilmoto, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and Thomas Licart, Université de Strasbourg India introduced a national lockdown on March 24 hoping to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. As April 2020 begins, the country has registered over 1,500 cases of COVID-19, the disease associated with the new coronavirus, according to the latest data available. These numbers translate into surprisingly low prevalence rates compared to the rest of the world due to the delayed arrival of the virus. But it is possible the scenario could get much worse, while experts are warning that India is at … Continue reading INDIA AND CORONAVIRUS: LACK OF ACCESS TO HANDWASHING FACILITIES AMONG POOR MAKES FIGHT EVEN HARDER
Cuba exports very few items that contribute to its economy. These are cigars, sugar, rum, pharmaceutical products, and medical services, especially doctors. Lately, the country has been in the news and commended for sending its doctors to Covid-19 plagued Italy in precarious and high-risk situations. For nearly 60 years, Cuba has been sending healthcare professionals around the world, especially to the Latin American countries. It is part of its declared policy of “solidarity with those in need” no matter where the need is global. However, this humanitarian gesture has its other side as well, the medical diplomacy, exploited in a … Continue reading CUBAN DOCTORS IN ITALY: HUMANITARIAN AND DIPLOMATIC
By Promod Puri Perhaps the least revealed an aspect of Khushwant Singh’s colorful and long active life, was the fact that he perfectly balanced his cogitative pursuits with an active physical lifestyle of exercise, sports, and walks. Unlike most of the known contemporary thinkers and writers, Khushwant Singh realized that both mental and physical activities occupy equal space in one’s daily routine and that both are healthful to each other. In the last column I read by him at the age of 98, which still had his trademark of wits here and there, he talked about his daily routine and diet including … Continue reading Remembering Khushwant Singh: His Colorful Life And Humor
By Promod Puri Churches, temples, mosques, or Gurdwaras may not be much congregated these days due to the Coronavirus epidemic worldwide. This emptiness at the places of prayers is either due to imposed restrictions or people just avoiding venues of large gatherings. The business of religion, like any other business, is down. But this business is exceptional. In principle, besides being a medium to seek His grace and express gratitude, religion should reveal the path to discern and realize the nature of the Creator. During the time places of worship have their doors locked, people still believe in some kind … Continue reading Where Is God In The Midst Of Coronavirus
