Promod Puri

RAMAYAN

Whereas, Gita is an embedded part of the Mahabharat sprouting out Krishna’s discourses and instructions on morals and practicalities in facing challenges of life, Ramayan, on the other hand lacks direct statements from Lord Ram. He is the leading character of the prolific epic drama in the Ramayan, and who is considered to be a…

Museum Of Sikh History

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…

The Good & Bad In Rituals

Some rituals have rationales, explanations and acceptable interpretations. But there are others which are meaningless, vague and disconnected. These exhibit indignation, confusion and even disgrace. Many irrational and bizarre rituals are a deterrent too. When rituals of that nature wrap a religion tenaciously its sanctity is defaced. The track of spirituality is damaged. Excerpt from…

History Of Hinduism

Excerpt from Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions Hinduism has de-emphasized the period of its origin. Instead, it has taken a philosophical route which is cyclical rather linear. It does not traverse from a start point, and it does not move on a linear pathway. Rather Hinduism is a successive rotation of “yugas” or…

Bad Rituals Breed Fanaticism

Excerpts from the book “Hinduism beyond rituals, customs, and traditions” One major drawback instituted in ambiguous rituals is the fear factor. And in absurdity, some rituals promise to work like cure-all miracles. Illogical rituals block the real spirit of a religion. Such customs generate fanaticism. Rituals help in cult formation. The entry of fake gurus…

Rituals Are Part of Hinduism’s Portfolio

Ritual of worship is not only a devout service but meditative expression of reverence for a faith or deity as well. Being its key part a religion without its procedural customs and practices cannot be realized. But these procedures and precedents do not necessarily embody a religion. Rather creating distinctiveness in religion is the main…

A journey of self-discovery

By Purva Grover, Founder & Editor- The Indian Trumpet, Dubai, UAE Often, we’re not introduced to religion, rarely are we given a choice to pick one. Born in a Hindu family, you follow Hinduism, which as the debate goes is more than a religion; a way of life. When you start reading the book, Hinduism:…

HINDU TEMPLE

“In this spiritual abode the smell of incense, the sight of lighted diya (clay oil lamp), the ring of temple bell, the singing of prayers, the reciting and humof mantras, all create an environment of divine feel and resonance to have moments with the divinity. The sanctity of the place is defined”. –Hinduism Beyond Rituals,…