by Amy Bhatt, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Hindu texts from thousands of years ago demonstrate acceptance of a ‘third gender.’ Today, transgender Indians, or hijras, remain visible members of society. AP Photo/Bikas Das Amy Bhatt, University of Maryland, Baltimore County The Indian Supreme Court has legalized homosexuality, overturning a 157-year ban on consensual gay…

By Promod Puri The expression Hindutva emerged from Hinduism which simply means a state or quality of being a Hindu. However, going through its etymology Hindutva sought a wider demarcation to move free from Hinduism but keeping a bonded identity with it as well. The Hindutva ideology was first introduced in 1923 by Maharashtra-based Hindu…

A sister tying the protective thread. Vikram Verma, CC BY-ND Mathew Schmalz, College of the Holy Cross This year, Sunday, August 26 marks one of the most important celebrations for Hindus throughout the world: Rakshabandhan, a ceremony honoring the bond between sisters and brothers. The date of Rakshabandan varies from year to year since Hindus…

By Promod Puri When atheists reject the concept or existence of God, their conclusion is based on limited perception because we human beings are like a speck of creature in this colossal universe incapable of fathoming its enormity. Their case does not win credibility either by just ridiculing those who believe in God. And those…

By Promod Puri Moving beyond its rituals, customs, and traditions, my study on Hinduism explores the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of the religion and succinctly perceives its entirety. The depth and vastness of Hinduism touch every aspect of human observation and activity. And the consequence offers a meaningful perspective of the religion which recognizes the…

Question: Do you have an explanation of “Sat- chit- ananda?” Answer: “Sat-chit-ananda” is a three-word moral thesis or maxim which has several philosophical explanations based on Hindu spiritual understanding. In all these interpretations its cardinal message promises divine contentment and bliss. Peace, pleasure, and fulfillment in every aspect of life are the objectives one seeks….

Awake India, awake to his vision. Leave those caste barriers, acquire knowledge, be strong in body and be a Khalsa in spirit. Your religion doesn’t matter. Khalsa is a state of mind, not just a religion.   by Frank Hazur While Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi across India; rest of India wonders if it is about doing…

by Promod Puri From Mohammad to Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. to Nelson Mandela and Dr. Ambedkar all had religious commitments grounded in humanism, love, compassion, and kindness to wage their political and social campaigns against slavery, apartheid, discrimination, inequality, and un-touchability based on color, class, and caste. Gandhi’s crusade against evils in…