Category: Hinduism

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How British royal’s monumental errors made India’s partition more painful<

Promod Puri

Lord Louis Mountbatten, viceroy of India, met with Indian leaders to discuss partition. Max Desfors/AP Adil Najam, Boston University The midnight between August 14 and 15, 1947, was one of history’s truly momentous moments: It marked the birth of Pakistan, an independent India and the beginning of the end of an era of colonialism. It was hardly a joyous moment: A botched process of partition saw the slaughter of more than a million people; some 15 million were displaced. Untold numbers were maimed, mutilated, dismembered and disfigured. Countless lives were scarred. Two hundred years of British rule in India ended, … Continue reading How British royal’s monumental errors made India’s partition more painful<

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In Words Obama & Trump Speak Same

Promod Puri

Ronald R. Krebs, University of Minnesota and Robert Ralston, University of Minnesota Six months have passed since Donald Trump entered the Oval Office. His administration remains deeply understaffed. His legislative agenda is stymied. He has been active in issuing executive orders, but many are toothless, others are only in the early stages of undoing Obama policies and some are tied up in the courts. So far, Trump’s leadership has mostly been defined by his rhetoric. And his rhetoric, the conventional wisdom holds, could not be more different from his predecessor’s. Barack Obama was, as president, eloquent. His language was sophisticated. … Continue reading In Words Obama & Trump Speak Same

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Progressive Hindu Dialogue Among Top 20 Hindu Websites

Promod Puri

Progressive Hindu Dialogue,which was launched only last year, has been selected one of the top 20 Hindu blogs on the web. Thanks all for your support. Following is the letter of recognition: Hi Promod, My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot. I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Progressive Hindu Dialogue has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 20 Hindu Blogs on the web. http://blog.feedspot.com/hindu_blog/ I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 20 Hindu … Continue reading Progressive Hindu Dialogue Among Top 20 Hindu Websites

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‘COW ECONOMICS’ ARE KILLING INDIA’S WORKING CLASS

Promod Puri

Afroz Alam, Maulana Azad National Urdu University When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian parliament for the first time in June 2014, his inaugural speech focused on integrating and protecting India’s Muslims. “Even the third generation of Muslim brothers, whom I have seen since my young days, are continuing with their cycle-repairing job,” he said, referring to one of the many menial jobs to which Indian Muslims are often relegated. “Why does such misfortune continue?” But instead of “bring[ing] about change in their lives,” as Modi promised, his government has made life harder for India’s Muslims by cracking down … Continue reading ‘COW ECONOMICS’ ARE KILLING INDIA’S WORKING CLASS

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Positive Attitude Helps Beat Cancer

Promod Puri

Meeting Ashok Bhargava,on right, after a couple of months was like welcoming a combating soldier returning home from a winning battle. Ashok, a long-time friend, is back on the track of his active and scholarly life after going thru several chemos for the treatment of his lymph cancer. Whereas, the doctors attending on him had their own tools and expertise to handle an army of cancerous cells, Ashok’s only weapons to defeat the dreadful attacker were his extremely positive attitude along with pleasant and charming nature. Ashok is a writer and poet par excellence both in Hindi and English. He … Continue reading Positive Attitude Helps Beat Cancer

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Past, Present And Future

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri “The past is history, future is mystery, but today is a gift……”, stay in the present and enjoy the moments. These are some of the many favored in-vogue quotes. The popular quotations or advisories suggest our prospects belong to the moments we live in. We are told to live, feel, and enjoy the era of the present, rather than being prisoner of the past or future. The reality is: our past is an assortment of both joyous, rough, memorable, and learning experiences. Whereas, our future lies in the prospect of imagination. Imagination is an inspiring concept which … Continue reading Past, Present And Future

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Why do human beings speak so many languages?

Promod Puri

Courtesy The Conversation People currently speak 7,000 languages around the globe. Michael Gavin, CC BY-ND Michael Gavin, Colorado State University The thatched roof held back the sun’s rays, but it could not keep the tropical heat at bay. As everyone at the research workshop headed outside for a break, small groups splintered off to gather in the shade of coconut trees and enjoy a breeze. I wandered from group to group, joining in the discussions. Each time, I noticed that the language of the conversation would change from an indigenous language to something they knew I could understand, Bislama or … Continue reading Why do human beings speak so many languages?

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Past, Present And Future

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri “The past is history, future is mystery, but today is a gift……”, stay in the present and enjoy the moments. These are some of the many favored in-vogue quotes. The popular quotations or advisories suggest our prospects belong to the moments we live in. We are told to live, feel, and enjoy the era of the present, rather than being prisoner of the past or future. The reality is: our past is an assortment of both joyous, rough, memorable, and learning experiences. Whereas, our future lies in the prospect of imagination. Imagination is an inspiring concept which is … Continue reading Past, Present And Future

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Dharma, Karma & Moksha

Promod Puri

An outstanding feature of Hinduism is the doctrine of “purusarthas”, advocating four complementary engagements in an individual’s life. These are dharma, artha, kama and moksha.   Dharma seeks conscious conduct of life on moral values of honesty, compassion, truthfulness, and purity of body and mind. It is a behavior toward ethical living. Dharma involves austerity, saintliness, absence of anger and non-violence. Dharma-based actions, duties and responsibilities are the commitments toward a righteous living.   Artha means one should be working to earn enough wealth in order to achieve economic liberty or independence. Kama emphasizes on the need of pleasures and … Continue reading Dharma, Karma & Moksha

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Self-love – not bans – will bring an end to Africa’s bleaching syndrome

Promod Puri

Children as young as three internalise a bias against dark skin. Shutterstock Ronald Hall, Michigan State University To be black in the world today is to be stigmatised for having dark skin. To be light-skinned, on the other hand, is to be celebrated in line with western beauty standards. Black people not only experience this stigma from outside of their “racial” group. The bias against dark skin has also been internalised by black people the world over and manifests as colourism within the black community. My research suggests that African-Americans consider light skin as the most ideal personal characteristic one … Continue reading Self-love – not bans – will bring an end to Africa’s bleaching syndrome

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MAN CREATED GOD OR GOD CREATED MAN

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri God is the creation of man! Or man is the creation of God. Which one of these statements is right, and which one is wrong, or both right, or both wrong? One more question: if God is the creation of man, then is it an act of God as well? The creation debate has been around for quite some time. The basic reasons which aroused the dubious puzzle, are man’s ability to seek rationales, his perceptions, and capacity of understanding of the nature’s phenomena around him. The debatable topic is imperative to fathom the nature of God … Continue reading MAN CREATED GOD OR GOD CREATED MAN

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Am I A Hindu In India

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri I am a proud Canadian citizen. In this land of multi-cultural and multi-religious freedoms I am also a proud Hindu. But when I visit India I am not a Hindu. Because, I confess, many, many, many times I have eaten beef steaks. And that I am not “hiding” the fact that our refrigerator often has minced beef. I am not a Hindu in India because I don’t adore Trump, and I did not share the pictures showing special Hindu prayers for his success in the US presidential race. Unlike Trump, I am not an anti-refugee, and I’m … Continue reading Am I A Hindu In India

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EASTER AND VAISAKHI: FESTIVALS OF NEW BEGINNING

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Easter is a celebration of resurrection of Jesus. It is on this day, Christians believe in the rise of Jesus Christ after his death and burial. And that means a new beginning. Since Easter (April 16) comes in the beginning of spring season, a symbolic connection can be ascertained with the coming back to life of Jesus, and the life of plants and trees that have been dormant in winter. Easter is a celebration of new life and rebirth in the nature and the Christian faith. The celebration of new life and rebirth finds a meaningful implication … Continue reading EASTER AND VAISAKHI: FESTIVALS OF NEW BEGINNING

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Meri Baat Aur Hai Maine To Muhabbat Ki Hai

Promod Puri

Tum Mujhe Bhool Bhi Jaao To Ye Haq Hai Tumko Meri Baat Aur Hai Maine To Muhabbat Ki Hai Mere Dil Ki Mere Jazbaat Ki Keemat Kya Hai Uljhe Uljhe Se Khayalaat Ki Keemat Kya Hai Maine Kyun Pyar Kiya Tumse, Kyun Pyar Kiya In Pareshan Sawalaat Ki Keemat Kya Hai Tum Jo Yeh Bhi N Bataao To Ye Haq Hai Tumko Meri Baat Aur Hai Maine To Muhabbat Ki Hai Zindagi Sirf Muhabbat Nahin Kuchh Aur Bhi Hai Zulf-o-Rukhsar Ki Jannat Nahin Kuchh Aur Bhi Hai Bhook Aur Pyaas Ki Maari Huii Is Duniya Mein Ishq Hi Ek Haqeeqat … Continue reading Meri Baat Aur Hai Maine To Muhabbat Ki Hai

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Meditation With Sound Of Brewing Coffee

Promod Puri

(The following excerpt is taken courtesy the New York Times) “Approach making your coffee the same way you approach meditating. Be completely here and now in the present moment, centering your attention exclusively on what you are doing and feeling. Being mindful of how you make your coffee shows you how to be mindful in every part of your life.” — Gloria Chadwick, the author of “Zen Coffee: A Guide to Mindful Meditation.” Smell the aroma from the coffee grounds as you put them into the coffee filter. Breathe in their deep, rich, intense fragrance. As you pour the water … Continue reading Meditation With Sound Of Brewing Coffee

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A Glimpse of Black History in U.S.A

Promod Puri

(Pic.Juvenile convicts at work in the fields, 1903. Library of Congress/John L. Spivak) What happened after slavery in the United States was abolished in 1865 Here’s how it worked. Black men – and sometimes women and children – were arrested and convicted for crimes enumerated in the Black Codes, state laws criminalizing petty offenses and aimed at keeping freed people tied to their former owners’ plantations and farms. The most sinister crime was vagrancy – the “crime” of being unemployed – which brought a large fine that few blacks could afford to pay. Black convicts were leased to private companies, … Continue reading A Glimpse of Black History in U.S.A

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no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark

Promod Puri

by Warsan Shire no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark you only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well your neighbors running faster than you breath bloody in their throats the boy you went to school with who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory is holding a gun bigger than his body you only leave home when home won’t let you stay. no one leaves home unless home chases you fire under feet hot blood in your belly it’s not something you ever thought of doing until … Continue reading no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark

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POWER OF PROTEST

Promod Puri

With massive parade of over half a million people in Washington the day after the presidential Inauguration, the spirit of democracy is still alive in the USA before Trump manipulates it. But in India it is showing signs of being out of breath. If democracy is not nurtured by dissent and protests then it gets rotten from inside like a hollow tree. Promodpuri.com Continue reading POWER OF PROTEST

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MERCY FOR SNOWDEN

Promod Puri

MERCY FOR SNOWDEN: Only few hours are left, and President Obama still can exercise his benevolence to grant mercy to Edward Snowden who acted in the spirit of a whistleblower to leak top secrets of government surveillance programs. The very exposures led to reforms in government policies for which the credit goes to Snowden himself. He lives as a fugitive in Putin’s Russia. There was even talk of nominating him for Nobel Peace prize. Continue reading MERCY FOR SNOWDEN

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Life is a Dangal too

Promod Puri

Film Review: by Promod Puri     It is a tense play of strategies, techniques and actions, excitement, and madness, defense, and offense, frustrations, and rewards. It is a fight against societal wrongs. It is a game of emotions, tears, and joys. This is the package Aamir Khan has delivered on the silver screen in a two and half hour thrill titled Dangal. Life’s dynamics are well portrayed in this masterpiece based on a true story. In the lead role, Aamir Khan plays an odd patriarch who defies, protests, struggles and achieves what he wanted in life. He has a … Continue reading Life is a Dangal too

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Meryl Streep Slams Trump At Golden Globes

Promod Puri

“….who are we, and what is Hollywood anyway? It’s just a bunch of people from other places. I was born and raised and educated in the public schools of New Jersey. Viola was born in a sharecropper’s cabin in South Carolina, came up in Central Falls, Rhode Island; Sarah Paulson was born in Florida, raised by a single mom in Brooklyn. Sarah Jessica Parker was one of seven or eight kids in Ohio. Amy Adams was born in Vicenza, Italy. And Natalie Portman was born in Jerusalem. Where are their birth certificates? And the beautiful Ruth Negga was born in … Continue reading Meryl Streep Slams Trump At Golden Globes

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Versatile Actor Om Puri

Promod Puri

Om Puri, who died January 5, was among the most talented and versatile actors in the Indian film world. Starting his film career in 1972, he belonged to the parallel cinema movement in the 80s which produced some of the most outstanding films exploring various aspects of the Indian society. Om Puri along with Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Raj Babbar were part of the new wave who revolutionized the Indian film industry by setting higher standards with their superb performances and dialogue delivery. Together they smashed the cult worshiping of heroes and heroines … Continue reading Versatile Actor Om Puri

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A BRIEF UNDERSTANDING OF HINDUISM

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Why are there so many gods and goddesses in Hinduism? Why worship an idol? Is going to temple mandatory in the faith? What impact does the caste system have on Hindu society? Why do some rituals make perfect sense while others are so vague? What are the secular and diverse characters in Hinduism? What physics principles constitute the sound of Om? What is karma and its role in our day to day lives? These are some of the many questions which intrigue the non-Hindu mind as well as even among the Hindus especially those belonging to the … Continue reading A BRIEF UNDERSTANDING OF HINDUISM

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Film Review: Dangal is master-piece of faction

Promod Puri

Originally posted on Vishal Bheeroo:
Film Review: Dangal Producer: Aamir Khan Productions Director: Nitesh Tiwari Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar, Ritwik Sahore and Girish Kulkarni Rating: 4 stars There is one man in the film industry who is in himself a brand for excellence and who rarely disappoints his audience who rightly expect sparks, be it at the ticket counter or in terms of aesthetic quality. No prize for guessing? Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan. He simply takes Dangal to another level, playing Mahavir Singh Phogat that will set the bar to a… Continue reading Film Review: Dangal is master-piece of faction

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Super Salad, Trump, Mantras, Web Pages Highlights Of 2016

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Time flies. So was the year 2016. As the cliché goes “it seems only yesterday” when we ushered into 2016 with traditional exchange of greetings and a new set of resolutions. While the self-promises if achieved become milestones of the year, there are acts and feats of learning and acquiring new knowledge which add to our life’s experiences. Personally, that was the year 2016 gaining knowledge and experience which launched me into my own web pages, promodpuri.com and progressivehindudialogue.com.  Here I can use my own channels for everything which I write, rewrite, scrawl, and scribble. It all … Continue reading Super Salad, Trump, Mantras, Web Pages Highlights Of 2016

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HAPPY NEW YEAR:

Promod Puri

In the spirit of exchanging New Year greetings, we wish peace and happiness for all humanity. Like animals, plants, mountains, rivers, seas and everything visible and non-visible in this shared universe are all inter-connected and inter-dependent to each other, we seek peace and peaceful existence for all. Peace in all the cosmic environments influences peace in humankind as well. SHANTI (PEACE) MANTRA Aum dyauh shantirantariksam shanti prthivi shantirapah shantirosadhayah shanti vanaspatayah shantirvisvedevah shantirbrahma shantisarvam shantireva shant sa ma shantiredhi Aum shanti shanti shanti. Following is a translated version of the peace mantra: “May peace radiate there in the whole sky … Continue reading HAPPY NEW YEAR:

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Surreal:Word of the Year

Promod Puri

“It’s a word that is used to express a reaction to something shocking or surprising, a meaning which is built into its parts: the “real” of surreal is preceded by the French preposition sur, which means “over” or “above.” When we don’t believe or don’t want to believe what is real, we need a word for what seems “above” or “beyond” reality. Surreal is such a word”. Merriam Webster  promodpuri.com   promodpuri.blogspot.com Continue reading Surreal:Word of the Year

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Billion $ Business of “Defence”

Promod Puri

It is the business of arms and ammunition which is killing many more people worldwide than diseases or natural disasters. And once again the United States of America leads all other weapon-producing countries in 2015. It supplied the weapons of mass killing worth $ 40 BILLION mostly to the developing nations to meet their “defense needs”, reports New York Times (December 26, 2016). France is number two with $15 billion in sales. Other major arms suppliers are Russia ($11.1 billion), China ($6 billion), Sweden, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Britain, and France. Among the leading buyer countries, the tiny nation of Qatar … Continue reading Billion $ Business of “Defence”

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Racism Is More Than White,Black Or Brown

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Despite its global image of being a tolerant society, racism, and bias towards major ethnic communities are still the rooted aspects of Canada. Added to that, ethnic communities also have mindset racist sentiments among themselves. Moreover, some or most of them exercise bigotry and dislike within their own group. A recent poll by Forum Research reveals the “unfavorable feelings” toward both religious and cultural minorities existing not only among the people but among the voters of all the three national political parties as well. The poll says 41 percent of Canadians do not feel favorable about at … Continue reading Racism Is More Than White,Black Or Brown

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Chandra Bodalia: The Man who Captures Smiles

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Chandra Bodalia is a living legend in the South Asian community of B.C. The man who has captured “a million smiles” in the last over 25 years thru his zest for clicks, has also captured the hearts of the community. Chandra-Bhai, as I affectionately call him, is an icon who is almost a permanent fixture in most of the community’s private or public social, political, and religious events.  Cameras and equipment in his hands or hanging from both of his shoulders are part of his personality along with his cool and smiling nature. He is a man … Continue reading Chandra Bodalia: The Man who Captures Smiles

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Daily Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure

Promod Puri

Yes, of course we all know we should exercise every day during the holiday season to help counter the onslaught of excess calories that started on Thanksgiving and will mercifully end with a New Year’s toast. We may even tire of hearing about exercise and weight from family, friends and the media. But an equally important reason to exercise every day is related to blood pressure, not waistline. As a physiologist who has studied exercise and health for over 20 years, I can tell you that exercise lowers blood pressure – and does so right away. Whether you go for … Continue reading Daily Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure

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Cuba offers rum to pay off $276m Czech debt

Promod Puri

  Cuba has come up with an unusual way to repay its multi-million dollar debt to the Czech Republic – bottles of its famous rum, officials in Prague say. The Czech finance ministry said Havana had raised this possibility during recent negotiations on the issue. Cuba owes the Czech authorities $276m (£222m), and if the offer is accepted the Czechs would have enough Cuban rum for more than a century. However, Prague said it preferred to get at least some of the money in cash. Havana’s debt dates back from the Cold War era – when Cuba and what was … Continue reading Cuba offers rum to pay off $276m Czech debt

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The Shrinking World Of Leftists

Promod Puri

Leftists, a.k.a Communists, are a strange breed of people. Highly educated, highly informed and intellectually persuasive in arguments and discussions. But they live in enclosed communities where their message of leftists’ agenda seldom trickles down to the masses for whom it is meant for. It just circulates among themselves. Leftists are rightfully critical about wrongs, but seldom recognize the worthy happenings in the society. It is their critical or perhaps narcissist nature which blinds them about the positive things happening in the society. For instance the Leftists in India or of Indian origin all over the world are extremely critical … Continue reading The Shrinking World Of Leftists

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FABRICATION OF FAKE NEWS

Promod Puri

Fabricated or manufactured news is often a busy supply line on social media and that is mostly responsible for its spread as well. In this age of the internet as the major source of news gathering and distribution, Facebook gets most of the accusations followed by other online media outlets. News stories are posted without any credibility or authenticity check on them. The traditional editorial system to go thru the news is not the norm in social media. And that poses serious problem hurting the information literacy and the search for reality. No doubt the social media provide the platform … Continue reading FABRICATION OF FAKE NEWS

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He Fought To Uproot Caste System

Promod Puri

Dr. Bhumirao Ramji Ambedkar was a fearless and dedicated soldier who fought to uproot casteism from the contaminated soil of India’s social and religious culture.   Combating religious wrongs is more challenging than tackling other social, economic and political issues. Ambedkar was one of those rare personalities in the history of humankind who consciously ruffled with religious sensitivities.   With his intellect, knowledge and rational understanding of the religion Ambedkar confronted with and impeached the Hindu establishment for its treatment of the Dalits and Untouchables. He awakened the dormant consciousness of the oppressed class who otherwise resigned themselves to the act of … Continue reading He Fought To Uproot Caste System

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Hinduism, Diwali and swastikas: Explained

Promod Puri

by Douglass Todd The Vancouver Sun, November 1, 2016 With Canada’s 500,000 Hindus celebrating Diwali throughout this week, the awkward topic of the religion’s swastika symbol has again arisen. One young North American Hindu has confessed in a revealing, tender-hearted piece how he often tries to convince his mother not to put Hinduism’s swastika symbol on the doorstep during Diwali. Since most of the Western world associates the swastika with Naziism, Parth Shah told NPR he becomes mortified that North Americans might think his family somehow supports such atrocities. His mother refuses to listen. Metro Vancouver writer-journalist Promod Puri, who … Continue reading Hinduism, Diwali and swastikas: Explained

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Genes Determine Our Health-related Fate

Promod Puri

Is fate a real belief. Does fate play its role in our lives? Or is it just an imaginary judgment that life is steered by fate. “What is going to happen will happen is pre-determined by fate”. Is it an expression of consolation, helplessness or just a natural feeling to accept fate. The things we do are controlled by fate? In other words that is our karma. The submission of karma to fate is taken as a dictum which needs a critical appraisal. However, there is a new twist in this debate which relates to the role of genes in our … Continue reading Genes Determine Our Health-related Fate

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MANUSMIRITI AND WOMEN

Promod Puri

(From the book Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions by Promod Puri) Since bias knows no boundaries, Manusmriti not only expounds the social distance between the upper and lower castes, but it also delineates the status of women by curbing their rights. It lists guidelines for men in selecting marriage partners and puts a stamp of their superiority by creating gender inequality. In chapter 3 with numbered paragraphs here it is what Manusmriti prescribes: 8. One should not marry women who have reddish hair, redundant parts of the body [such as six fingers], one who is often sick, one without … Continue reading MANUSMIRITI AND WOMEN

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What does Trump have to do with the Hindu sacred syllable, om?

Promod Puri

  Republican nominee Donald Trump was recently invited to a fundraising event organized by a conservative group of Hindu Americans, the Republican Hindu Coalition. A poster from the event, which describes the group as “Hindus for Trump,” portrays the candidate in a posture much like that of a yogi in deep meditation. It shows Trump, face pointing upward and hands outstretched, rising up from a mass of red, white and blue flower petals in the shape of a lotus. Prominently displayed in the center is the Indian sacred syllable, “om,” decorated with stars and stripes. Om is the preeminent Sanskrit … Continue reading What does Trump have to do with the Hindu sacred syllable, om?

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

Promod 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. Bu… Source: Why it’s easier for India to get to Mars than to tackle its toilet challenge Continue reading Why it’s easier for India to get to Mars than to tackle its toilet challenge

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Museum Of Sikh History

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri The place is called Virasat-E-Khalsa. It is also known as Khalsa Heritage Complex. But for the local and ordinary folks the unique monument in Anandpur Sahib near Chandigarh is simply known as “Ajuba”. And it certainly is a wonder. With the help of latest in sound and information technology along with impressive architect influenced by the surrounding historic structures in Anandpur Sahib, the place is really an awesome marvel. It is much more than just a tourist attraction. It is a place of knowledge and inspiration presented in concise and easy steps as one walks along the … Continue reading Museum Of Sikh History

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Hindu Swastika Exhibits Tolerance, Fortune and Auspiciousness

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri Despite being stigmatized as Nazi emblem of anti-Semitic, hate and violence, Swastika, the world’s most recognized sign, represents an auspicious and sacred symbol in Hinduism. Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘svastika’ which simply means ‘lucky’. The geometric pattern of Swastika is believed to have its origin over 10,000 years ago in the Indus Valley Civilization. It got worldwide eminence and adoption over the centuries. Many civilizations from Asia to Europe and even in the American continent adopted Swastika as a simple design relating to martial, religious, business and cultural trends including the belief that it … Continue reading Hindu Swastika Exhibits Tolerance, Fortune and Auspiciousness

Excerpts, Hinduism, Religion

Rituals

Promod Puri

The pathways to divinity are infused with words of morality and ethics, principles and noble deeds. Rituals facilitate the walk The liberalism in Hinduism has encouraged a maze of ritual genesis. From religious point of view ritual is a symbolic and sacramental repetitive activity which provides manner and order in performing revered service. Rituals and diversities in Hinduism based on local traditions, customs and languages invigorate the faith while it adapts itself to changing environments. In these social and cultural transitions rituals perpetually take up dominating space in Hindu convictions and sentiments. Imprints of rituals adequately identify Hinduism as a … Continue reading Rituals

Excerpts, Hinduism, Religion

Significance of Om

Promod Puri

It is indeed a subject of astronomical acceptance that from the very sound frequencies of Om the building blocks of the universe are evolved The myriad journey of Hindu divinity begins with a simple and pure sound of Om. Om is also spelt as Aum with subtle phonetic articulation. As per Hindu spiritual thinking, Om is considered to be the primordial sound introduced in this universe and perhaps in the whole celestial world. The reasons for its production and its introduction on cosmic scale are part of the God’s ‘lila’ or play responsible for creating this eternal resonance. And that … Continue reading Significance of Om

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Singer Jagjit Singh

Promod Puri

By Promod Puri In his 40 years of entertaining and alluring singing career, late Jagjit Singh’s soft and “silky” voice created a vast following not only in India but among thousands of his fans settled all over the world as well. Jagjit Singh, who died in October 2011, created a niche for his thick-pitched but soothing voice to enjoy simple vocal music along with blending orchestra of few instruments. His self-composed music and singing style, which usually had a light classical touch in it, can aptly be described as a geet performance though the selection of most of the songs … Continue reading Singer Jagjit Singh

Bits and Pieces, Hinduism

STUDIES IN HINDUISM:

Promod Puri

In its antiquity, narratives and parables, philosophical depths, diversity in beliefs, rituals, myths and interpretations, the studies in Hinduism seem like a world of confusion and contradictions. But it is not. With open and liberal mind the exploration despite being adventurously bumpy, is extremely interesting and engrossing as well. Read more about Hinduism progressivehindudialogue.com promodpuri.com Continue reading STUDIES IN HINDUISM:

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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

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Hinduism: An Individual Experience

Promod Puri

“Hinduism has no traditional ecclesiastical order, no centralized religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monistic, or atheistic. Within this diffuse and open structure, spirituality in Hindu philosophy is an individual experience”. – Julius Lipner, author: Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Source: Wikipedia. Read more on Hinduism Continue reading Hinduism: An Individual Experience

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WHY IDOL WORSHIPPING IN HINDUISM

Promod 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

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Some nuggets of history

Promod Puri

May 8, 2016 edition By Aditi Garg Some say Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and one that is still widely followed. Others say it is more than a religion, a way of life, as those following other religions also practice yoga in one form or the other. It is not just about one God or a set of adherents that bind followers, rather it has evolved over the years and encompasses within its ambit everything from financial guidance to health concerns to familial issues.  Promod Puri illustrates Hinduism beyond its popular perception. A graduate from Panjab University’s … Continue reading Some nuggets of history

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Rituals

Promod Puri

The pathways to divinity are infused with words of morality and ethics, principles and noble deeds. Rituals facilitate the walk The liberalism in Hinduism has encouraged a maze of ritual genesis. From a religious point of view, a ritual is a symbolic and sacramental repetitive activity which provides manner and order in performing revered service. Rituals and diversities in Hinduism based on local traditions, customs and languages invigorate the faith while it adapts itself to changing environments. In these social and cultural transitions rituals perpetually take up dominating space in Hindu convictions and sentiments. Imprints of rituals adequately identify Hinduism … Continue reading Rituals