Reclaiming the Swastika: Now Is Not The Time

Last updated on: April 21, 2017 at 1:39 pm By Ambaa Choate

I’ve been hearing some rumblings of reclaiming the swastika symbol. As you may know, Hitler stole the swastika as a symbol for his Nazi party. This was due to a misunderstanding about what an Aryan is (and that misunderstanding is still being used against Indian Hindus today in incredibly racist ways, basically trying to tell Indians that all their wonderful philosophy was created by white people, which is ridiculous). I’ve written before about how the swastika has two very different... Read more

Scripture Study: Bhagavad Gita, book three verses 42-43

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 7:59 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. Here are all of the posts on the previous verses for the Gita: Bhagavad Gita Study From the Winthrop Sargeant translation of The Gita… 42. They say that the senses are superior. The mind is superior to the senses Moreover, the intellect is superior to the mind That which is superior to the intellect is the Self. 43. Thus having known that which is higher... Read more

Capsule Wardrobe For People Who Love Color and Print

Last updated on: May 3, 2017 at 1:47 pm By Ambaa Choate

Here are some basic ideas to work from that should help you to put together a capsule wardrobe that has plenty of color and pattern. Read more

Tapestory Intercommunity Unity

Last updated on: April 12, 2017 at 6:51 pm By Ambaa Choate

I used to take dance classes with a girl named Kakoli. I hadn’t seen her in probably about seven years, but when she suddenly posted on Facebook about an interfaith/inter-community workshop, I had to be there! Right up my alley plus I saw in pictures from previous workshops that there were hijab-wearing Muslims there so I saw an opportunity to connect with some religious Muslims on a personal level. It turned out that the program is run by Kakoli’s foundation:... Read more

Scripture Study: Bhagavad Gita, book three verses 39 – 41

Last updated on: April 11, 2017 at 11:15 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. Here are all of the posts on the previous verses for the Gita: Bhagavad Gita Study From the Winthrop Sargeant translation of The Gita… 39. O Arjuna, the knowledge even of the wise ones is obscured But this eternal enemy, Having the form of desire, Which is as insatiable as fire. 40. The senses, the mind, and the intellect Are said to be its (i.e.,... Read more

The Intentions of the Founding Fathers: Christian Nation?

Last updated on: July 3, 2017 at 5:30 pm By Ambaa Choate

There’s a raging debate in America about whether America is primarily a “Christian nation.” The debate rests on what the founding fathers intended when they put together their plan for what America could be. Us liberals say that freedom of religion is paramount to all that America stands for, that it was created as a place where people could be certain of being free to practice religion or lack of religion in whatever way worked for them (presuming it didn’t... Read more

The White Hindu Tries…Freehand Rangoli

Last updated on: April 6, 2017 at 8:55 am By Ambaa Choate

I’ve been doing some videos where I try things for the first time and record the results. I thought it would be fun to watch me attempt to do new things. If you have any ideas for other things I could put into a “The White Hindu Tries…” series, please let me know! (And see below for a list of videos that are already done). This time I am going to try freehand rangoli. Rangoli is a type of decoration,... Read more

Scripture Study: Bhagavad Gita, book three verses 36 – 38

Last updated on: April 4, 2017 at 11:01 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. Here are all of the posts on the previous verses for the Gita: Bhagavad Gita Study From the Winthrop Sargeant translation of The Gita… 36. Arjuna spoke: Then impelled, by what Does a man commit this evil, Unwillingly even, O Krishna, As if urged by force? 37. The Blessed Lord spoke: This force is desire, this force is anger; Its source is the rajas guna.... Read more

Can a bad person be saved? Interfaith Answers

Last updated on: April 2, 2017 at 9:27 am By Ambaa Choate

I got a comment on Youtube asking me an old classic question that religious people wrestle with. I thought it would be fun and interesting to get answers from a bunch of my colleagues here at Patheos. Here is the question (I am paraphrasing. The original was a bit disturbing in its detail!): If a man behaves terribly his whole life, rapes, murders, etc. And then realizes the error of his ways. Does he get heaven/moksha/nirvana/reward? What does he have... Read more

Trump Is Not Your Friend

Last updated on: March 29, 2017 at 9:11 pm By Ambaa Choate

I am very frustrated by Hindus who support Trump. I see many of them on Twitter. During the election I thought it was some kind of joke. But it’s all too real. Why are there pro Trump Hindus? Only because Trump claims to be anti Muslim. I say claims because it’s pretty clear he’ll do and say whatever gets him the most attention and ego boost. The Muslim ban isn’t about preventing terrorism. If it was he would ban immigration from... Read more