Tulasi Srinivas, Emerson College Hindus in India have had a helping hand – several in fact – when it comes to fighting deadly contagions like COVID-19: multi-armed goddesses co-opted to help contain and kill pestilence. Collectively known as “Amman,” or the Divine Mother, the goddesses of contagion – and it always goddesses, not gods –…
Category: Articles on Hinduism
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…
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…
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…
NEOLOGISM: THE WORLD NEEDS SOME REPAIRS AND CHANGES IN ALL ITS SYSTEMS AND ORDERS:
Neologism means to introduce a new word or new senses of existing words. In its expanded definition, neologism also involves “a new doctrine, especially a new interpretation of sacred writings,” according to Dictionary.com. Many rituals, customs, and traditions related to our religions need a review for their practicality in our ever-changing world culture. Moreover, in…
HUMANS AND ANIMALS:
We all have feelings, love, emotions, tears, and smiles. We all have neurons creating intellect. We all have memories. We all eat, sleep, walk, talk, connect, interact, and relate. But mankind distinguishes that “human beings are the most beautiful, intelligent and favourite creation of God.” Maybe, cats, dogs, donkeys, etc., and birds think the same. With…
Why the love story of Radha and Krishna has been told in Hinduism for centuries
Jeffery D. Long, Elizabethtown College Although it originated as a Christian holiday in honor of St. Valentine, Valentine’s Day has become a global celebration of romantic love, observed by people of many religions and of no religion. Other religions have long had their own myths centered on love. I have observed, in my work as…
MY VISION OF A HAPPY NEW YEAR
The moment clock’s second hits midnight and the year 2022 departs, we step into welcoming 2023. Two images flash; one switches off, and the other switches on. That reflects two storylines: an imprint of the old one, while the history begins with the new one. Do we spot any change around our lives between circa…
Progressive Hindu Dialogue 