I started this blog in January 2013 and now it is very nearly a year later! (Prior to that I had a Blogger blog for three years). On that first day, there were 81 page views and now we almost always break 1,000 each day. The Facebook Fanpage grew from zero to 1,711 fans. There has been much discussion and robust debate. I know I’ve learned a lot about myself and about my religion. I hope that you have too!... Read more
Am I embarrassed to be a Hindu? Not at all. No, I am embarrassed by this perception of me as trying too hard. Why is it that I (and plenty of others) are so afraid of that? What harm is it to me if some people think I’m over the top? Strange? Ridiculous? I hate that people think these things of me: Spiritual tourist “India Syndrome” Trying too hard Delusional I hate hearing those things. I hate thinking that people... Read more
I realized that it’s about time to update you on my home puja space. The last video I did was in our previous apartment. Now we’re in a new place (moved in in March, so we’ve been here a while) and I have a lovely place for my altar! Sorry it’s so narrow. I keep forgetting which way to hold the camera! Read more
We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. Today we are starting the Kena Upanishad. The previous scripture was the Isha Upanishad (find all Scripture posts here) Here are a few different translations of the first section of the Kena Upanishad… 1) Chapter I 1 The disciple asked: Om. By whose will directed does the mind proceed to its object? At whose command does the prana, the foremost, do its duty? At... Read more
There are many, many Hindus who don’t feel defensive about the holidays of other religions and happily join in celebrations for any festival. It is often said that Indians love to celebrate and will participate in any holiday that’s available! It strikes me that you must be really secure and confident in your religion to be able to embrace and enjoy the holidays of other religions. I strive to be that way. For me it’s hit or miss. Each year... Read more
I’ve been wandering around Amazon.com and I was startled to realize that there are a lot of Hindu items there. Amazon really is good at having nearly everything you can imagine available! Take a look at what I uncovered… Help Guides and Books Havan Puja Handbook How to Conduct Puja to the Navagrahas: a manual with step-by-step instructions Purna Vidya: Puja & Prayers Simple Kali Puja Laxmi Vrat How To Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna Ritual Worship of the Great... Read more
Japa Mala beads are the Hindu rosary. I say that so those not familiar with them can get a basic idea of what they are and what they are used for. The Hindu mala beads were certainly in existence long before Christianity was a thing, so there is some evidence that Christianity may have gotten the idea for the rosary from Hinduism. Many cultures do have prayer beads, ways of counting repetitions of mantras or prayers, and they probably all... Read more
This Thursday is American Thanksgiving, one of the only non-religious holidays we’ve got! It’s got a somewhat unfortunate origin, but I’m glad to have a holiday I can celebrate along with the rest of my country. As much as I love the freedoms and wealth afforded me as an American, I don’t always feel connected, but Thanksgiving is one of those things that really makes me feel like an American. The best part of Thanksgiving is spending time with family.... Read more
Curious to know what people were wondering about Hindus and Hinduism, I went to Google and entered some prompts. For example, I typed “How Does Hinduism” and then paused to see what questions would come up. Today’s question is… How Does Hinduism Differ From Buddhism? This is a great question and I’m glad people are asking it. I’m glad people are trying to understand the differences between religions and not just lumping them all together as the same thing. Hinduism... Read more
There is an issue happening that I find utterly heartbreaking. Several of my Indian American friends who have fallen in love with non-Indian Americans have experienced and continue to experience very hurtful behavior from their parents, who want to use withdrawal of emotional support in order to control who their children marry. I realize that a lot of Indian parents who move to America find themselves startled to have American children. No matter how much you shelter them and keep... Read more
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