2003 Articles...
12/29/03
- Maharishi’s Message for World Peace
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in his year-end message, announced that his Global Country
of World Peace has extended a warm invitation to every government to rise to
invincibility and create permanent world peace through the complete knowledge
of total Natural Law...
12/21/03
- Kali Paltan Mandir of Meerut
The temple of Augarnath at Meerut in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
is a little-known place of worship but of great historical importance. Sandeep
Rai reports from Meerut
12/15/03
- 2004 Astro Forecast
We all seem to have enjoyed the year 2003 and now it’s time to welcome
and look forward to a happy and prosperous 2004. How’s life going to be
in the New Year? Here's a month-by-month countdown by Vedic Astrologer Prakash
Kandpal.
12/08/03
- The Human Being in the Eye of the Hindu
Often Western onlookers of the Hindu tradition find themselves distracted by
the Hindu caste-system of social hierarchy. Did Hindus benefit from their obedience
to such social order? Shaheen Emmanuel Lakhan of the Harvard University delves
deep into the topic.
12/01/03
- The Vedas: World’s Oldest Spiritual Teachings
The Vedas are the most comprehensive and universal of all ancient scriptures.
They have guided our religious direction for ages and will continue to do so
for generations to come. Here's an introduction to Vedic Literature and the
four Vedas...
11/23/03
- Reliving the Lost Glory of Hampi
The ancient city of Hampi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka dates back
to the age of the epic "Ramayana", when it was the site of Kishkinda,
the mythical monkey kingdom. Hampi Festival starts every year from the 3rd of
November. A virtual visit to this World Heritage Centre!
11/15/03
- UNESCO Honors Vedic Chanting
The oral tradition of Vedic chanting has been declared an intangible heritage
of humanity by the UNESCO. A Report
11/11/03
- Sabarimala: Abode of Lord Ayappa
Sabarimala or Mount Sabari - the holy abode of Lord Ayappa is situated in the
western coast of Kerala, the southern state of India. Sri Ayappa is considered
the third son of Lord Shiva, and the brethren of Ganesha and Murugan or Kartikeya.
Manoj Sadasivan writes after returning from the pilgrimage to Mount Sabari.
11/04/03
- Group Meditation Reduces Terrorism
A new book by U.S. Army Col. Brian Rees entitled "Terrorism, Retaliation
and Victory" discusses a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation
showing 72% reduction in international terrorism using Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's
Invincible Defense Technology.
11/03/03
- The Dance of Shiva
Read this long narrative poem on Nataraj, the dancing form of Lord Shiva by
Paresh. It relates how Shiva, the God of Destruction, brought the world from
the age of darkness into the age of awakening...
10/26/03
- Vegetarianism:
Non-violence as Daily Practice
For many Hindus, vegetarianism is more than a way of life, it is a tradition.
Vegetarianism can also be realized as a daily ‘sadhana,’ or spiritual
practice, for a vegetarian lifestyle becomes a practice of ‘ahimsa’
or non-violence in thought, speech and action.
10/20/03
- 10 Reasons to Celebrate Diwali
Why do we celebrate Diwali? There
are 10 mythical and historical reasons why Diwali is a great time to celebrate.
And there are reasons not just for Hindus but also for all others to celebrate
this great Festival of Lights.
09/28/03
- Global Guru Amma Turns 50
The four-day celebrations to mark the
50th birthday of Hindu spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, lovingly called
'Amma', which begin in Kochi, India on September 24, 2003, drew over half a million
people from 191 countries.
09/20/03
- Mahalaya: Invoking the Mother Goddess
Mahalaya is an
auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the
advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power.
09/09/03
- The Living Goddess of Nepal
The custom of worshipping a pre-pubescent
girl as the source of supreme power is an old Hindu-Buddhist tradition that still
continues to this day in Nepal.
09/01/03
- Chyawanprash: Ancient Indian Elixir
Chyawanprash
is a comprehensive herbal tonic with multiple health benefits, prepared according
to an ancient Ayurvedic formula. Read about its history, origin and how it helps
your body and mind.
08/25/03
- Ancient Temple Found Beneath Disputed Mosque
The
much-awaited archaeological report that ascertains that a 10th century temple
existed at the place where the 16th century Muslim ruler Babur built a mosque
in the Indian holy town of Ayodhya, is finally out.
08/25/03
- Veda Pathshala: Continuing the Golden Heritage
The
Sree Seetharam Anjeneya Kendra (SSAK) Vedic Center in the southern Indian city
of Trivandrum is a recherché “Pathshala” (Sanskrit for “school”) where the Vedas
are taught systematically under the pedagogic principles of the age-old “gurukul”
system of education.
08/18/03
- Think Before You Tie the Knot!
It
happens once every 12 years, when the heavens conspire against wedding plans.
According to Indian astrologers, the current planetary alignment makes it an ominous
time to tie the nuptial knot.
08/16/03
- River Worship: Godavari Pushkaram 2003
The
rivers of India have been closely associated with its history and civilization,
and have always been worshipped as personifications of divinity. "Pushkaram" is
a holy happening once in every 12 years at each of the 12 major rivers of India,
the Godavari being one among them.
08/04/03
- Global Dharma Conference 2003
A
unique convention called the Global Dharma Conference was held from July 25-27
in Edison, New Jersey with a few thousand young people from around the world attending
it, and an array of distinguished speakers and celebrities. Prakash Waghmare reports.
07/21/03
- Too Many Gods! Too Much Confusion
It's easy to misinterpret the fact
that Hinduism has a multitude of Gods! Hindu deities amount to thousands, all
representing the many aspects of only one supreme Absolute called "Brahman". Let
us try to understand the concept of Gods in Hinduism.
07/15/03
- Religion Vs Socialism
Vivekananda
and Marx viewed socialism and religion through two different prisms with the ultimate
goal of uplifting the downtrodden and the exploited class. In this article, Manoj
Sadasivan discusses, how these two thinkers pioneered a revolutionary change,
in their own unique ways.
07/10/03
- Are You A Vegetarian?
Do you have any compassion for animals? Do you
believe in karma? …And that we are spiritual beings or just glorified omnivores?
If yes, then let's share our bread. If not, pray to God that you are not reincarnated
as a cow - and the cow as you!
06/24/03
- Tales From Ancient India
Even in this age of Harry Potter
books, Indian folk tales and bedtime stories continue to enchant the young reader.
Here's a host of enthralling Hindu legends and proverbs from 'The World's Story:
A History of the World in Story…' (1914)
06/17/03
- Brahma: God of Creation
In the Hindu tradition, the whole
creation is the dynamic game of three fundamental forces symbolized by the Trinity
of Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Here we talk about Brahma, the creator of the
universe, and the many facets of his divine energy.
06/10/03
- The Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri mantra is one of the oldest
and most powerful of Sanskrit mantras. It is believed that chanting it can bring
happiness in life and rescue the chanter from adversity. What does the mantra
mean and what's behind its power? Let's find out…
06/03/03
- Religion Vs Dharma
Are the two words synonymous and interchangeable?
Religion literally means that which leads one to God. But Dharma has a wider meaning.
There is no equivalent word for “Dharma” either in English or in any other language.
Shri Gyan Rajhans explains.
05/20/03
- Madurai: Athens of the East
The
southern Indian city of Madurai is famous for its beautiful temples. One of the
oldest in the sub-continent, it's more than just a place for pilgrims. Manoj Sadasivan
writes about the many marvels of Madurai's Meenakshi temple after visiting the
ancient city.
05/13/03
- 'The Laws of Manu' or Manava Dharma Shastra
Traditionally
accepted as an arm of the Vedas, the 'Laws of Manu' or 'Manava Dharma Shastra'
(c. 500 BC) is a key Hindu text. It presents the norms of domestic, social and
religious life, and is fundamental to the understanding of ancient India.
04/29/03
- Auroville: The City of Dawn
2003
marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of Auroville, a unique global village
near Pondicherry, India, inspired by the spiritual master Sri Aurobindo and his
French spiritual collaborator, the Mother. Welcome to the City of Dawn!
04/22/03
- How to Deal With Jealousy
Jealousy
keeps us under a sense of discouraging frustration and disappointment. Neither
can we discuss about it with our best friends nor can we contain it within ourselves.
Consequently, it develops a peculiar misery. Here's how to curb jealousy.
04/14/03
- Saddam's Ego: Don't Be Ballistic!
Don't
you think that the root cause of the Iraq War is the arrogance, stubbornness and
king-size ego of Saddam Hussein? It has once again proved that anger can only
bring you misery. Find out how to be realistic and save yourself from being ballistic!
04/01/03
- Mr & Mrs Iyer: Love Amid Terrorism
Aparna
Sen's Mr & Mrs Iyer is a poignant love story set amid violence mirroring
a frightening reality in the wake of 9/11 and Hindu-Muslim riots. The award-winning
film masterfully explores human nature and relationships in times of trouble.
03/25/03
- Is War Justified?
The
very fact that the backdrop of the 'Bhagavad Gita' is the battlefield, and its
main protagonist a warrior, may lead many to believe that Hinduism supports the
act of war. In fact, the Gita neither sanctions war nor condemns it. Find out
more...
03/18/03
- Play Holi... Naturally!
Harmful
chemical colors are the perils of Holi. How to make Holi harmless and healthy
for our environment and ourselves? YES! Holi can be fun if you play with environment-friendly
natural colors that you can make at home. It's easy. Just do it!
03/11/03
- Why Celebrate Holi?
Holi
or 'Phagwah' is one occasion when sprinkling color ('gulal') on each other breaks
all barriers of discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal brotherhood
is reaffirmed. Learn about its origin, significance and more…
03/04/03
- Car Puja Guide
In the Hindu way, any new buy is consecrated before use. An American Hindu takes
you through a typical Car Puja - blessing her new Toyota Matrix in the Lord's
name to keep it safe from any bad influences - in this exciting step-by-step photo
essay.
02/25/03
- Why Celebrate Shivratri?
Maha
Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the
new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March) when Hindus
offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Here's why to celebrate Shivratri.
02/18/03
- The Power of Mantra Chanting
That
which uplifts by constant repetition is a mantra. The sound of mantra is said
to lift the believer towards the higher self. However, it is important to have
full faith in the mantra you chant. How to chant and what's in it for you? Find
out…
02/11/03
- Yantras: Vedic Power Symbols
A Yantra is a geometric design that
acts as a tool for contemplation, concentration and meditation. It points the
user to higher levels of consciousness by providing a window into the Absolute.
How does it work and how to use it effectively? Find out...
01/28/03
- Tirukkural: The Book of Wisdom
Tirukkural, the poetic work by the
Tamil poet Tiru Valluvar, embodies values that are ever relevant and unchanging.
The ancient saint-poet believed that with this knowledge of virtue, wealth and
love one can lead the soul to nirvana and salvation.
01/12/03
- Lohri: The Bonfire Festival
Amidst
the cold weather, everything seems stagnant in northern India, until it's time
for Lohri — the long-awaited bonfire festival (Jan 13, 2003). It's not just
a break to thank God for a bountiful life on earth with rituals and revelry, but
more…
01/07/03
- Bollywood Meets Hollywood
An invigorating lighthearted romantic comedy
with Hollywood-style humor, Deepa Mehta's 'Bollywood Hollywood' is an interesting
mixture of the Indian filmmaking style with Western tastes. It not only helps
you have a peek into the world of Bollywood-style movies, but also into the Hindu
mindset and Indian culture.