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…
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…
Ek Onkar is the eternal ‘1’
Oh God, are you He, She or It; Him or Her; King or Queen, Father or Mother! God does not have gender. Rather it carries all genders and is represented by the numerical figure ‘1’. Nanak says: Sahib mera Eko hai, Eko hai Bhai, eko hai. Translation: ‘My Master is One, One only, Oh Brother,…
Progressive Hindu Dialogue 