Diwali, the celebration of light In this light there is hope. Diwali, the celebration of sharing In this sharing there is caring. Diwali, the celebration of love In this love, there is compassion. Diwali, the celebration of faith In this faith, there is bliss. –Promod Puri
LEARNING FROM SUNFLOWER IN PRAYERS TO SUN GOD
by Promod Puri Surya Devta or Sun god enjoys a unique status in Hindu iconography as the visible divine personality emerging from the horizon every day. But when it is not seen because of rain or cloudy sky, a devotee can learn from the devoutness of sunflower towards the Sun. Sunflower is a true devotee…
Homosexuality Is Part Of Vedic Culture And Hindu Mythology
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…
RIGHT TO CHANGE RELIGIOUS VEHICLE
Religion basically is just a vehicle for delivering goods of spirituality, ethics, and morality. If the vehicle fails to deliver the desired goods or it is loaded with unethical and immoral junk by its operators, the recipient can refuse to accept that delivery. And rightfully seek another vehicle which only delivers the good stuff. In…
What’s Hindutva And Why It Conflicts With Hinduism
By Promod Puri The expression Hindutva emerged from Hinduism, meaning a state or quality of being a Hindu. However, going through its etymology, Hindutva sought a wider demarcation to move free from Hinduism while keeping a bonded identity with it as well. The Hindutva ideology was first introduced in 1923 by Maharashtra-based Hindu social and…
‘Rakshabandan’ – celebrates the brother-sister bond
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…
Beyond The Confines Of Atheism And Theism
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…
Exploring Hinduism Beyond Rituals
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…
Progressive Hindu Dialogue 