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.
RIG VEDA: HE KNOWS, PERHAPS He DOES NOT KNOW
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.
American slavery: Separating fact from myth
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.
Signs of Fascism in Contemporary Democratic India: A Threat to Democracy
Fascism, characterized by dictatorial control, aggressive nationalism, and suppression of opposition, is evident in modern authoritarian governments posing as democracies. In countries like India, signs of this new fascism are apparent, with erosion of democratic institutions, manipulation of elections, and crackdown on free speech, threatening the nation’s democratic and multicultural fabric.
MY SCHOOL TEACHER’S BRUTALITY
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.
Do We Care About Statues
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.
WHERE IS GOD AMID CORONAVIRUS?
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.
Buddhist and Hindu philosophies help us see clearly, act wisely in an interconnected world
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.
NANAK DUKHIYA SABB SANSAR SO SUKHIYA JIS NAAM ADHAAR
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.
PASSING THROUGH RACIST PASSAGE OUR HISTORY FROM HINDOOS TO SOUTH ASIAN CANADIANS
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.”
Humanization Of Countries, Viruses And Everything Else
By Promod Puri Do we have to blame a nation or nations for their respective involvement and stake in initiating…
Coronavirus Pandemic Falls Heavy On India’s 200 M Lowcaste Population
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.
Mantra: An Ingrained Feature In Hinduism
By Promod Puri Peace in all the cosmic environments influences peace in humankind as well An ingrained feature in Hinduism…
HUMANIZING EVERYTHING FROM MOON TO VIRUS
“We find human faces in the moon, armies in the clouds; and… ascribe malice or good-will to everything, that hurts…
Equality And Duality are Themes In Hindu Mantra:
ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यतेपूर्णश्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥ “ Om purnam adah purnam idampurnat purnam udachyatepurnasya purnam adayapurnam evavashishyate”. An ideological…
Sikhism Dwells In Its Saint-soldier Philosophy
By Promod Puri Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh represent two distinct aspects of Sikhism. In the evolution of…
MY MEMORIES WITH “PEEPEWALE” BISCUITS
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.
A CASE FOR FULL AUTONOMY TO STATES TO KEEP INDIA UNITED
By Promod Puri Because of its vast linguistic and cultural plurality, as represented by most of its states, suggesting India’s…
THE CAKE MY MOTHER USED TO MAKE
Our kitchen was very elementary but a conspicuous place in the house. Prominently featured was the built-in wall cabinet that…
Guru Nanak’s Message of Divine Order
Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak Likhyea Naal. Hukmae Andhar Sabh, Bahar Hukme Na Koe These are the two separate edicts from…
WHEN LORD SHIVA CURSED FARMERS
It may be related to the current lockdown environment, but the story goes like this: Once Lord Shiva, for some…
History Of Hinduism
The foundation of Hinduism possibly began …
1918 FLU PANDEMIC KILLED 12 MILLION INDIANS, AND BRITISH OVERLORDS’ INDIFFERENCE STRENGTHENED THE ANTI-COLONIAL MOVEMENT
Cremation on the banks of the Ganges river, India. Keystone-France via Getty Images Maura Chhun, Metropolitan State University In India,…
RITUALS IN HINDUISM
The liberalism in Hinduism has encouraged genesis of rituals. Over its long history, rituals generated to build up a…
Promod Puri’s Vision: Reforming Hinduism for Modern Society
Promod Puri’s book on Hinduism explores its historical evolution, philosophies, and modern challenges. He critically examines social customs and the treatment of marginalized groups, advocating for reform without adhering to traditional ideologies. Puri’s analytical interpretation enhances understanding and promotes equality, dignity, and justice, depicting his work as integral to Hindu reform.
A Divine vibe in the beauty of Rhododendron. QE Park, Vancouver
US Presidential Race
And the rest of the news from across the border is Bernie Sanders has quit the Democratic nomination race. He…
Open for “business” but no visitors:
“guloñ meñ rañg bhare bād-e-nau-bahār chale chale bhī aao ki gulshan kā kārobār chale.” Spring blossom in Queen Elizabeth Park,…
The Importance of Circadian Rhythm for a Robust Immune System
Promod Puri received an inspiring call from his 102-year-old friend, Mr. Singh, who maintains exceptional health without relying on medications commonly associated with old age. This is attributed to his disciplined adherence to circadian rhythm, which involves synchronized body clocks and is crucial for overall health and a robust immune system, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SANKHYA SCHOOL OF HINDUISM
BY Promod Puri The rationalist and liberal thought in Hinduism is the very basis of Sankhya school, which is one…
INDIA AND CORONAVIRUS: LACK OF ACCESS TO HANDWASHING FACILITIES AMONG POOR MAKES FIGHT EVEN HARDER
Christophe Z Guilmoto, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and Thomas Licart, Université de Strasbourg India introduced a national…
CUBAN DOCTORS IN ITALY: HUMANITARIAN AND DIPLOMATIC
Cuba exports very few items that contribute to its economy. These are cigars, sugar, rum, pharmaceutical products, and medical services,…
Remembering Khushwant Singh: His Colorful Life And Humor
By Promod Puri Perhaps the least revealed an aspect of Khushwant Singh’s colorful and long active life, was the fact…
Where Is God In The Midst Of Coronavirus
By Promod Puri Churches, temples, mosques, or Gurdwaras may not be much congregated these days due to the Coronavirus epidemic…
Where is God in the Global Viral Pandemic?
Amid the global pandemic, places of worship are vacant, impacting the “business of religion.” While some seek divine intervention, others question the existence of God in the face of crisis. The rationality of seeking physical proof of God is challenged, calling for a comprehensive review of understanding. This thought-provoking issue prompts further discussion.
“CHINESE FLU”
Trump calls it the Chinese flu. It could be expected from him given that he decerns issues at a very…
I CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHEN
The ongoing tragedies caused By humans do not get, from most, A line in the poetry of poets, A page…
RELIGION HAS A GUIDING ROLE IN POLITICS
By Promod Puri Whereas rituals, customs, and traditions furnish symbolic and distinctive identity to religion, the pathways to divinity, paved…
I Can’t Understand It
When the ongoing tragedies of human sufferings caused by humans do not get from most, a line in the poetry…
Democracy In The USA Very Expensive Route To Elect A Govt.
Democrat aspirant Michael Bloomberg is the 12th richest man in the world with a net worth of over $60 billion.…
THESE’RE NOT RIOTS BUT VIOLENT BLITZ ON MUSLIMS
Once again I say these are not riots between Hindus and Muslims. What has happened are violent and barbaric attacks…
Shaeen Bagh Women Protest Unique
Indian women protest new citizenship laws, joining a global ‘fourth wave’ feminist movement Women in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh neighborhood are…
Internet: A Platform for both false and true information
By Promod Puri Education does not stop after school, college, or university studies. Rather it continues. Pursuing knowledge in the…
Blasphemy And Apostasy In Islam Are More Political Than Religious
Pakistani Islamists march to protest the Supreme Court lenient treatment of Asia Bibi, a Christian Pakistani woman accused of blasphemy,…
Hereditary Chiefs vs Elected Chiefs: Impact on Canada’s Natural Gas Pipeline Issue
The proposed natural gas pipeline has sparked a standoff in Canada, as First Nation Hereditary Chiefs oppose it while some elected Chiefs support it. The conflict has led to blockades across the country. The situation has escalated to a federal court challenge, with Hereditary Chiefs seeking to cancel the project for environmental and cultural preservation reasons.
Kejriwal’s Simple Ideology Is Good Governance
Delhi election straight three-time winner Arvind Kejriwal is politically neither a Leftist nor a Rightist. His politics is simplistic in…
THE BINARY OF LEFT AND RIGHT
The trait of being socially or politically Left or Right is that the Left is anti-religious and the Right is…
What Does Goddess Kali’s Unusual And Scary Look Mean
In my understanding of Hinduism, there is more in its nature of study and deliberations than just religion. It is…
DEMOCRACY CRADLE OF DICTATORSHIP
Democratic freedoms breed authoritarianism. Consolidation of power, achieved through democratic means, is a tempting phenomenon. Regimes are slowly being wrapped…
BJP’S LEGACY COMPARED TO CONGRESS
If the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India is responsible for the structural damage of democracy in India under the…
NEED TO GO BEYOND GDP
Elected politicians all over the globe often boast about their economic achievements when their countries’ GDP goes up. And countrymen…
The Home Of Indian Muslims Has Always Been India, And Will Always Be India
HERE ARE THE “PAPERS” By Promod Puri As the thought of writing this piece cropped up, I was reminded of…
Nurturing Logical and Well-Grounded Thinking Through Active Brain Engagement
Distorted information skews our perceptions and influences our actions. Brain activity is crucial for logical thinking and is increasingly replaced by technology. Political, religious, and social mindsets are heavily influenced by misinformation. Fixed mindsets hinder growth, while rational, flexible mindsets can adapt to a changing world, fostering progress and understanding.
TOGETHER:
In the company of two An ambiance of Warm serenity. Joys and thrills In its rains and shines, Hikes and…
Satnam Waheguru: Both A Prayer And Mantra
By Promod Puri “Satnam Waheguru,” two simple words of profound spiritual significance. A companion in solitude, Satnam Waheguru, where the…
INDIA TODAY
While the Lathi-raj, enforced by the police and goons, is in full swing, the BJP bhagats are kept ignorant and…
Radical Changes In India’s Secularism Thru New Citizenship Act
Protests have engulfed Assam since the National Register of Citizens was published in August 2019. They have intensified since the…
A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL 2020
In the spirit of exchanging New Year greetings, we wish peace and happiness for all humanity. Human beings, animals, plants,…
My 2020 Vision:
A peaceful world No poverty Respect for human rights Welcome refugees. -Promod Puri
Besides Vancouver’s Alluring Image It’s Also A City of Homelessness
By Promod Puri “Canada is the best country in the world.” Alongside Vancouver prides itself with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd…
Political Anarchism Brewing In India
When political opposition becomes ineffective, or it is almost non-existence, political anarchism takes place led by leaderless young revolutionaries against…
India’s New Citizenship Act Discriminatory Towards Muslims
by Promod Puri There have been some severe and quick fundamental transformations taking place in India to reweave the social…
Getting Rid of Clogging Identities
By Promod Puri Nationality, caste, color, creed, ritual-based religion: do we still have to wear these badges? When these identities…
WHO KNOWS!
I’ve heard, you’ve heard: “Humans beings are the most Intelligent and favorite Creation of God.” Birds, cats, dogs, donkeys….. Probably…
CONDEMNING THE SILENCE
Those in India and of Indian origin abroad, who are aware of the present tense situation in the country because…
BITTERNESS IS HEALTHY
It may sound sweet that our fruits and vegetables are getting sweeter. While the bitterness in some of the known…
Understanding Satsang And Its Virtues
By Promod Puri In Hindu and Sikh religious activities, Satsang is a popular religious tradition. It is group participation that…
Kudos to Gambia Seeking Justice For Myanmar Muslims
By Promod Puri Hats off to the Republic of The Gambia, one of the world’s smallest countries in West Africa,…
Nationalism & Patriotism Are Threats To Global Peace And environment
By Promod Puri I have been anti-national since I understood the nature of its allegiance to the country one belongs…
Politics Of Left And Right Are Not The Solutions To Tackle Rape Problem
The four suspects in the Hyderabad rape case have been killed by the police. Most people, including the parents of…
Applaud Or Condemn The “Police Justice” In India?
The four suspects in the Hyderabad rape case have been killed by the police. Most people, including the parents of…
Tackling Rape Problem By Going Beyond Candle-lit Vigils and Protests
By Promod Puri It’s a disgraceful societal evil that has not begun targeting in any realistic and practical way how…
My Curiosity For Banana Hanger And Other Interesting X-mas Gift Items
By Promod Puri Ever since it was first introduced in the kitchen accessories section of departmental stores I am still…
She Was Not “Supposed” To Enter Kitchen
By Promod Puri I don’t know if she belongs to the class of housemaid, aka “bai”. If so, then her…
PERILS OF DEMOCRACY
In democratic-elect governments like India, Turkey, the Philippines, and several African, Central, and South American nations, there is an emerging wave…
Don Cherry’s Colorful Costumes Have Stains Of Racism Too
By Promod Puri This Cherry never blossomed to the changing realities of diverse and culturally rich Canadian society. Don Cherry’s…
WHAT NEXT AFTER BABRI MASJID-RAM JANMABHOOMI VERDICT
via WHAT NEXT AFTER BABRI MASJID-RAM JANMABHOOMI VERDICT
What Next After Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi Verdict
Neither Hinduism is enriched, nor Islam is poor with the Supreme Court verdict over Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case. Though the…
Stairs Excercise Controls Blood Sugar And For Healthy Heart
(This is an update to the article written a few years ago) By Promod Puri The fun in life includes…
“Demon King” Ravan Enjoys Respect And Honor Too
By Promod Puri Ram and Ravan are the most known mythical rivals in the Hindu scriptural narratives. Ram is addressed as…
Canada Can Resume Its Global Image With NDP-backed Liberal Minority Govt.
By Promod Puri Irrespective of the party’s reduced numbers from 39 to 24, Jagmeet Singh’s led New Democratic Party is…
Going To A Movie Theatre In The Turmoils of Jammu And Kashmir
By Promod Puri It was the early ‘50s, and I still remember going to the Hari Theatre in Jammu. There…
Jagmeet Singh Plugs Fortune Of Sheer As PM
Promod Puri “We’re not going to support a Conservative government; we’re going to fight a Conservative government; we’re going to…
“20-20-20” FORMULA FOR RELAXING EYES:
Computer screen and our eyes don’t see eye to eye with each other. But we can’t avoid their working relationship.…
NDP May Not Win Enough Seats To Support Minority Govt.
It is going to be a minority rule in Canada as neither the Liberal Party nor the Conservative Party is…
Andrew Sheer A Leader Without Lifetime Experiences
Can a person get into politics straight after finishing school or college education? And sticks to that as a career.…
Let Us Pray For Nation First
via Let Us Pray For Nation First
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: I’M THE CAUSE, I’M THE CURE
By Promod Puri I’m often bewildered if the flood of climate campaigns and protests worldwide is proceeding in the pertinent…
LIGHT ON TWEEZERS
by Promod Puri We are quite familiar with tweezers, the small nippers for plucking out unwanted hairs or extracting splinters.…
NO ARMIES, NO ENEMIES
“I belong to a small country that was not afraid to abolish its army in order to increase its strength.…
JAGMEET SINGH AND CANADIAN CULTURE
An interesting interaction took place October 2, 2019 during the federal election campaign. A fellow Canadian in Quebec asked New…
Red Thread Around Wrist
A NEW FAD OF HINDU IDENTIFICATION: Red thread around the wrist (right for men and left for women) is the…
MODI VS TRUMP
Three noticeable differences: 1. Whereas Trump has a stiff relationship with the media, Modi is steadily developing a controlling relationship…
WRITING IS A CONSTRUCTION JOB
By Promod Puri It is said, “Words are the tools of writing.” But not quite so! Words are the bricks…
A BOX OF TOFFEES
I was 10-year-old when one day I severely broke my right arm. A local pehlwan, as the practice or custom…
Home Sweet Home: The bliss of “Chajju Ka Chobara”
by Promod Puri Back in 1972, when I immigrated to Canada and made my first home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that…
There Is Faith In Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s Ethnic Sentiments
His father, Pierre Trudeau, was an intellectual statesman. Justin Trudeau falls into that grade. The genes are there. He is…
ENVIRONMENTS AND HINDU WORSHIPPING
Besides the devotional practices at dedicated places like temples, home or public shrines, a striking and environmental sensitive and gratifying…
WHAT CAUSES CLIMATE CHANGE
Carbon Dioxide is the gas which is blamed, and rightly so, for warming the earth atmosphere. In fact, its concentration…
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE ARE RELATED
By Promod Puri “The past is history, future is a mystery, but today is a gift……”, stay in the present…
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