Some of my fellow Hindus feel it is important to give reverence and respect to all Hindu holy men, gurus, saddhus, priests, etc. My experience has led me to a different approach. I haven’t historically been bothered by portrayals in the media of Hindu “holy” men who are frauds and con men. Because it does happen. But I’m starting to understand now that the portrayals are rather one-sided. In the glee to tear down religion, stories are always focused on... Read more
The role of caste is a very big issue in Hinduism. It is the number one thing that non-Hindus use to criticize Hinduism. Lower caste Hindus are often converted away from Hinduism with promises of equality (whether or not that equality actually happens is questionable). The Hindu American Foundation has written a detailed essay on why it might be a mistake to align caste and Hinduism. From my own perspective the way caste discrimination is practiced is a problem…but do I... Read more
I saw this video posted on Facebook and I loved the story. It’s amazing the different ways that people find themselves involved in Hinduism. You never know where life is taking you! Read more
In the last few years I have been fortunate enough to be connected with many people who are exploring the ideas of racism and racial privilege. I had a lot of learning to do and it’s an ongoing process as I learn to set aside my own opinions to really listen to the opinions of those whose voices are not as easily heard as mine. (Here are some great essays and cartoons to get you started if this is a new concept for you... Read more
Over the summer I quit my office job to write full time. It turns out that I was a little premature in that decision and our budget is stretched far too tight for comfort right now. So I started looking for a part time job near our home to supplement my writing income. It had to be part time and it had to be close enough to our house for me to walk because my husband and I share one... Read more
We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. From the Winthrop Sargeant translation of The Gita… 39. This (insight) is wisdom, as declared in the theory of Sankhya; Now hear it as applied in arduous practice; Yoked with this determination, Arjuna, You shall rid yourself of the bondage of karma. 40. Here (in the yoga doctrine of practice) no effort is lost, Nor is any loss of progress found. Even a little of... Read more
On my old blogger blog several years ago I talked about the cultural differences around India, particularly the North/South divide (we have a similar divide in America though it doesn’t extend to different languages). At the time I talked about how getting started in Indian culture could lead you to look like a ridiculous blend of different cultures and traditions like someone wearing both cowboy boots and heavy gold “rapper” chains. I started thinking about how I could minimize that... Read more
There is an issue with how young Hindus see themselves, perhaps particularly in America. I’ve encountered it again and again where someone identifies as Hindu because that’s what they were raised but they have no sense of connection to it and no idea what any of it means. There’s an “Oh, I guess I’m Hindu” but no attachment to it. I think this comes across very clearly in the show The Mindy Project. It’s wonderful to have a show where... Read more
Ever since I discovered authentic Hindu practice I immediately felt that it was what I had always been. All the Indian philosophy in my upbringing came directly from this. How could I not immediately identify as Hindu? Yet it has always surprised me that I haven’t met anyone else from the organization I grew up in who did the same. As far as I know I might be the only one who went back to the source of what we... Read more
I love Holi. It is one of my favorite holidays of the year. If only we lived somewhere with cooperating weather! This year Holi is this Friday March 6th and right now there’s a snow day out of Brad’s school because of ice storms. Last year we were rained out and had to celebrate Holi late. This year the Hare Krishna temple (which hosts the biggest and best celebration) isn’t even attempting it until early next month! For those who... Read more
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