Promod Puri

FATE OR KARMA, WHO CREATES THAT, GOD OR HUMAN?

Is fate real? Does fate play its role in our lives? Or is it just an imaginary judgement that life is steered by fate? “What is going to happen will happen is predetermined by fate.” Is it an expression of consolation, helplessness, or an inherent feeling to accept fate? The things we do are controlled…

WHAT MOTIVATES AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Even with few exceptions, the American civil rights movement has never been led on a political platform. Instead, religion has been the motivating factor in the ongoing struggles and challenges, beginning with emancipation from slavery to racism and police brutalities. Whereas religion does not find a liking in progressive political behaviour, but among the Black…

Threat from climate change to some of India’s sacred pilgrimage sites is reshaping religious beliefs.

David L. Haberman, Indiana University The famous pilgrimage site of Kedarnath, located in the central Himalayas of India, is believed to be a sacred land. It has been referred to as “deva bhumi,” or the “land of the gods,” for centuries. Millions of people visit this region each year in search of divine blessings and…

Karma Hinduism

Hinduism also belongs to those who neither go to the temple regularly and ritualistically nor involve themselves in either meditation or yoga as part of their spiritual pursuits or devotional routines.Their Hinduism lies in an order often referred to as “a way of life.”Here Hindu theology is induced with divinity in thoughts, words, and deeds…

THE DOORS TO THE SIKH WAY OF LIFE OPEN WITH SEVA AND LANGAR

The entry doors to knowing Sikhism and perceiving or experiencing its spiritual messaging and humanitarian traditions are Seva and Langar. Sikhism gates open under these core values and fundamental practices that strongly emphasize charitable service and create a sense of equality. Seva and Langar mark the identity of Sikhism as referring to voluntary services without…

A Progressive 12th Century Religion In India

By Shivanand Kanavi A prolific efflorescence of Bhakti literature emerged in the form of vachana – short poetic prose or free verse poetry – in simple Kannada in the 12th century, in North Karnataka. To this day about 12,000 vachanas of this period authored by over a hundred spiritual seekers and saints, including over 30 women have been discovered. These poet…