Promod Puri

Right to Change Religious Vehicle, Dr. Ambedkar Did It

Religion, at its core, is just a vehicle. It is supposed to deliver the goods of spirituality, ethics, and morality to its followers. But what happens when this vehicle starts sputtering, or worse, gets loaded with junk by its operators? If it breaks down on the road to righteousness or is piled high with unethical…

Treatment of Ego in Sikhism

In Sikhism, the ego is seen not just as a flaw but as one of the five cardinal sins, known as “Ahankar” in Punjabi. Alongside lust (Kam), anger (Krodh), greed (Lobh), and attachment (Moh), ego is a significant hurdle on the spiritual path. The Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib states bluntly, “When there is…

Sant Kabir’s Unsung Role in Shaping the Modern World

The notion that the modern world evolved in the confines of Europe and started in the 17th to 20th centuries carries a narrow viewpoint while ignoring the fact that all societies and civilizations globally contributed to its evolution since all periods of human habitation and development. Different ideas, sciences, religions, philosophies, literature, etc., have originated…

Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explains

Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this buddha does not look like the historical Buddha, who lived in India about 2,500 years ago. Images of the historical Buddha, known as Siddhartha Gautama or…

Kamala, a common name in India, is associated with several deities and is a symbol of wisdom

Archana Venkatesan, University of California, Davis Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris became a presence on the national scene, her name – a common one for women in India – has attracted a lot of attention, most specifically for its pronunciation. The three-syllable word should be pronounced “Come-a-laa” (Kamalā), with the final long “a” signaling…

The Joy of Simple Living

We often discuss the environment, global warming, and related issues, but individual actions can significantly contribute to a better, more livable world. One practical approach is adopting simple living. This article doesn’t provide a strict list of dos and don’ts; instead, it encourages readers to define and refine their lifestyles as they progress. The essence…