‘Christians and Hindus: Rekindling Positivity and Hope during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond’

Divya lampThe Vatican greets Hindus on the occasion of Diwali, festival of light. The occasion of Diwali is celebrated by all Hindus, and is known as Deepavali, or the “row of oil lamps”. Symbolically based on ancient mythology, it represents the victory of truth over lies, of light over darkness, of life over death, and of good over evil. The actual celebration lasts three days, marking the beginning of a new year, family reconciliation, especially between brothers and sisters, and worship of God. This year the feast will be celebrated by many Hindus on Nov. 14, 2020. Here, we share the message from the Vatican to Hindus:
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Hindu Scriptures and Practical Living – four goals of life

The Swasti (svaasti in Sanskrit) was mis-appropirated by the Third Reich, turned on an angle, and the energy contained in a 6,000 year old sacred symbol eventually turned against Hitler and the Third Reich. It is the cause of their downfall. It will turn against anyone else who misappropriates it.

The swasti is an ancient symbol of well-being. Hindus and Buddhists have used this symbol for thousands of years. It has been taken to many nations in the unfolding history of Buddhism and Hinduism in other lands.

In this article, we refer to the four arms of the swasti representing the four goals of life, what are called purusharthas in Hinduism.

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Nepal: The revered living goddess is not leaving her temple this year

Living God Ganesh

“There would be hundreds of thousands of devotees crowding the courtyard and streets during the festival which would have put so many of them at the risk of getting the coronavirus,” said Kumari’s chief caretaker Gautam Shakya. “We had to stop this centuries-old festival for the first time ever.”

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Why Hindus do Circumambulation around the Deity?

pradakshina by ladiesHinduism is the oldest Civilisation and only one which is based on Science. In Hinduism whatever is practised is not only based on beliefs but there are scientific reasons behind each and every tradition. There are many images of Hindus walking around temples; this is called Circumambulation around the Deity and temple. Walking around the innermost chamber of the shrine of the temple is also called Circumambulation. Circumambulation is also done around fire, trees & plants.

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Ganesh Chaturthi

VighneswaraGanesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the birthday of Hindu God Ganesha (Vinayaka – Ganapati), the God of wisdom, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 date is Saturday, August 22 – information based on Hindu calendar in India. This Ganpati Festival in 2020 ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Anant Chaturdashi day – September 1, 2020.
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Birthday of Lord Krishna

Bala Krishna

Janmashtami, birthday of Lord Krishna, is based on calendars followed in India. It is also called Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, and Sri Krishna Jayanti – all refer to the birthday of Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna Jayanti 2020 date in West, East and Southern parts of India is on August 11. In North India, it is on August 12, 2020. It is observed as Dahi Handi in Maharashtra, the formation of the huge human pyramids to break the pot hung high up.

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Hindus halt bill calling Swastika a hate symbol

Swasti - svaasti symbolNew York State just tried and failed to get all swastikas declared hate symbols. The Swastika, a 6000 year old symbol in Hinduism – and some schools of Buddhism and Jainism – was taken by the Third Reich and turned on an angle and used as their symbol of war. It was an experiment that failed miserably. The swastika is a sacred symbol of the Hindu religion, a timeless reminder of the Source of All Creation.
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International Day of Yoga – 21 June

International Day of Yoga logoInternatoinal Day of Yoga celebrates the physical activity known as yoga practice in the Western world. Whereas it originated in India to enable flow of energy through meridians in the body – as part of spiritual practice and efficacy – yoga today is principally recognised for the asana poses that that those who go to yoga classes to practice. The theme of International Day of Yoga for 2020 is Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.
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Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

American Institute of Vedic Studies

The Covid-19 Pandemic is causing a massive loss of life, particularly for the elderly, and millions worldwide have tested positive for the virus. Yet the psychological suffering the pandemic causes may be as difficult as the physical suffering, writes Dr David Frawley of the American Institute of Vedic Studies.

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International Nurses Day 2020

International Day of Nurses 2020 logo International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Here we bring you a complilation of multifaith prayers for nurses (and healthworkers) from the World’s Religions, along with the Nightingale Prayer, the flame of Florence Nightingale’s legacy.
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Live Darshan From Hindu Temples In India During Coronavirus

Hindu TempleSeveral Hindu Temples in India are offering daily live darshan and avoid travelling during coronavirus and have darshan from home. Majority of the temples have live webcasting during the arati period and important puja periods. Here is a list of temples and links to the live darshan. Notices are also given for darshan with Mother Meera in Germany, and a notice from the Mata Amritanandamayi Math is also given.
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Hinduism: COVID 19 and the Herd Instinct

Seed sproutDr Robert Svoboda, well-known speaker and author, Ayurvedic practitioner and guide to Hinduism, writes about the Mind and keeping calm in this time of “catching” emotions and thoughts from others. In this climate of uncertainty however many people are freaking out, and acting in ways that will ultimately benefit neither them nor their loved ones, in particular buying up everything they can.
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Inspirational Quotes and Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Swami VivekanandaBirth in India is calculated with a lunar calendar – hence, birthdays will be different in each year by Gregorian Calendar. This year, 17 January is the occasion of the birth (jayanti) of Swami Vivekananda. Here, we bring a collection of motivational thoughts, quotes and teachings from Swami Vivekananda.

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Navaratri – the Nine Days of the Goddess

Durga slaying the demonNavaratri, or the nine nights, is the Indian festival of nine holy nights which celebrates the victory of the goddess Shakti over evil. The days fall on the nine auspicious days as per the lunar calendar of Hinduism. The principal forms of the Goddess are known as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. This is a most popular festival in Hinduism that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Navaratri 2019 will begin on Sunday, 29 September and ends on Tuesday, 8 October 2019.
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Laughing Matters: Laughter Yoga

people laughingIf you have ever spotted a group of people in a park standing in a circle clapping and laughing “ho, ho, ha-ha-ha”, you’ve stumbled across a Laughter Yoga Club in progress. Growing in popularity around the world, this wellbeing practice that comprises laughter, pranayama (breath work), Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) and meditation was founded just 16 years ago by Dr Madan Kataria, a physician in India.
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