Author: Kapil Puri

HinduismLeave a comment

WHY IDOL WORSHIPPING IN HINDUISM

Kapil Puri

One of the most outstanding and contemplating icons of Hinduism is the worship of murtis (idols). The Divine Spirit is perceived in an image. In this perceptive role murtis are an integral part of Hindu institutions and traditions. In its colorful and expressive craftmanship, a murti is an adorable symbol of identity in Hindu iconology. From an object of worship, a murti becomes divinity in itself. The Lord is in the idol too. Idolatry establishes a direct one-to-one relationship between a devotee and the divinity. And in that connection, a dialogue is possible when the mind of an Upasak (devotee) is earnestly invoked … Continue reading WHY IDOL WORSHIPPING IN HINDUISM

Religion3 Comments

From The Pen Of Baba Bulleh Shah

Kapil Puri

Parh parh Alam te faazil hoya Te kaday apnay aap nu parhya ee na Translation: You read to become all knowledgeable But you never read yourself You read so many books to know it all, yet fail to ever read your heart at all. Bhaj bhaj warna ay mandir maseeti Te kaday mann apnay wich warya ee na You run to enter temples and mosques But you never entered your own heart) You rush to holy shrines to play a part, Would you dare enter the shrine of your heart Larna ay roz shaitaan de naal Te kadi nafs apnay … Continue reading From The Pen Of Baba Bulleh Shah

Human Interest1 Comment

Why it’s easier for India to get to Mars than to tackle its toilet challenge

Kapil Puri

By Shyami V. Ramani In 2013, India became the fourth country in the world (after Russia, the United States and the European Union) and the only emerging nation to launch a Mars probe into space. But it remains part of the group of 45 developing countries with less than 50% sanitation coverage, with many citizens practising open defecation, either due to lack of access to a toilet or because of personal preference. According to the Indian census of 2011, only 46.9% of the 246.6 million households in India had their own toilet facilities, while 3.2% had access to public toilets. … Continue reading Why it’s easier for India to get to Mars than to tackle its toilet challenge

PoliticsLeave a comment

American Election Scene

Kapil Puri

Let us dump Trump and not see his face again. With American politics at an all-time low, it’s no wonder that game developers are taking to their art to express their discontent with the presidential race. The last time we had a presidential race, social media wasn’t nearly as popular as it is today, but now I see Donald Trump all over my newsfeed on Twitter and Facebook. So it’s no wonder that Trump has also leaked into the video game world. Trump Dump is a mobile game that lets those take their anger out on Trump. Trump Dump works … Continue reading American Election Scene

ReligionLeave a comment

“NANAK DUKHIYA SABB SANSAR SO SUKHIYA JIS NAAM ADHAAR”

Kapil Puri

A universal truth Agony, misery, pains or sufferings, both physical and emotional, and in all degrees of intensity, are the realities of life. These are the experiences faced by all without exception. Life means jitters of distress, grief and worries going along with moments of peace and pleasures. Stresses and strains in our lives for one reason or the other give enough turbulence as smooth ride remains an ambition. Unpleasant realities are littered all along the journey of life, and there is no escape from them. The sufferings could be innocently or naively self-inflicted or by others. Elements of nature … Continue reading “NANAK DUKHIYA SABB SANSAR SO SUKHIYA JIS NAAM ADHAAR”

Religion2 Comments

“Koi bole ram ram; koi khudae….

Kapil Puri

One of the spiritual gems of Guru Nanak Devji, which portrays the essence of all religions: “Koi bole ram ram; koi khudae….” Here is the English translation of shabad: Some call the Lord ‘Ram, Ram’, and some ‘Khuda’. Some serve Him as ‘Gusain’, others as ‘Allah’. He is the Cause of causes, and Generous. He showers His Grace and Mercy upon us. Some pilgrims bathe at sacred shrines, others go on Hajj to Mecca.Some do devotional worship, whilst others bow their heads in prayer. Some read the Vedas, and some the Koran.Some wear blue robes, and some wear white. Some … Continue reading “Koi bole ram ram; koi khudae….

Religion2 Comments

GURU MANEYO GRANTH

Kapil Puri

By Promod Puri The 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, close to his death, sealed the continuity of human gurus. He declared that henceforth the holy book Adi Granth would be the eternal Guru of Sikhs. The hymn composed by him for that declaration encourages a devotee to study, research and contemplate the enlightenments contained in the sacred book. The hymn says: Agya bhai Akal ki tabhi chalayo Panth Sabb Sikhan ko hukam hai Guru manyo Granth Guru Granth Ji manyo pargat Guran ki deh Jo Prabhu ko milbo chahe khoj shabad mein le Raj karega Khalsa aqi rahei na … Continue reading GURU MANEYO GRANTH

Hinduism, Religion1 Comment

Seeking Divine Spirit

Kapil Puri

ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात् Aum bhur bhuvah swah, tat savitur varenvam. Bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prochodayay. The four-part mantra is addressed to God (Aum) and the translation goes like this: Oh God, you are the giver of life, you can free us from all the pains, you are present all over, you give happiness, you are the creator of this universe and beyond. We humbly submit to You and concentrate on your pious, sin-quelling and pervading ENERGY. This ENERGY produced and released by You illuminates our mental faculties. We … Continue reading Seeking Divine Spirit

Religion6 Comments

Composition Of God In Hinduism

Kapil Puri

By Promod Puri Besides His numinous and varied perceptions God also offers a meaningful perspective which can be created by the assembly of good thoughts. And the divine residency begins in that on-going construction. Basically it is an eloquent temperament we are trying to build which gives rationality and practicality to the institution of God. The ecumenical concept of God of being the supreme governor who creates, sustains and destroys the universe, and everything else including what influences our lives, does not reveal the reasons behind all the puzzles and mysteries of His or Her observable deeds. In other words … Continue reading Composition Of God In Hinduism

Uncategorized1 Comment

What Is Hindutva And Why It Conflicts With Hinduism

Kapil Puri

By Promod Puri The expression Hindutva emerged from Hinduism which simply means a state or quality of being a Hindu. However, going through its etymology Hindutva sought a wider demarcation to move free from Hinduism but keeping a bonded identity with it as well. The Hindutva ideology was first introduced in 1923 by Maharashtra-based Hindu social and political activist Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. As an advocate of sovereignty, Savarkar started his public life as a radical freedom fighter for the liberation of India from the British rule. In this stint, he spent several years in jail, including the infamous and torturous … Continue reading What Is Hindutva And Why It Conflicts With Hinduism