Reading the Upanishads: Isha Verse Sixteen

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. I’ve started with the Isha Upanishad. Here are a few different translations of verse 16 of the Isha Upanishad… 16) O Nourisher, lone Traveller of the sky! Controller! O Sun, Offspring of Prajapati! Gather Your rays; withdraw Your light. I would see, through Your grace, that form of Yours which is the fairest. I am indeed He, that Purusha, who dwells there. –http://www.swamij.com/upanishad-isha.htm 16.... Read more

Free Will vs Fate in Hinduism

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

One of the biggest questions in religion is whether what happens to us is in our control or not. Are we destined for a particular outcome or can we influence our future? Hinduism teaches an interesting blend of fate and free will. There is a lot that is bound up in fate. The moment of our birth, the family into which we are born, the trials we will face in this life, all are created by sanskara (the remnants of... Read more

How to Dance At My Wedding

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

I’ve put together my own playlist on my iPod for the wedding. Now, most of the music is not Indian. There’s a lot of 90s, current pop, and geek “spoof” songs like Roll a D6 and Mario Kart Love Song. And then there’s the wonderful blend of both geeky and Indian: Game On by The Guild. But there are also a few Bollywood and maybe one or two Bhangra songs. (Anyone have any song suggestions for me?) My ability to... Read more

Who Is Krishna?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

If you know nothing else about Hinduism, you probably have at least heard of Krishna. His name shows up in religious circles but also in pop culture. He’s one of the most recognizable figures in Hinduism with his blue skin and his flute. Who is Krishna? Stories The life of Krishna is divided up into three distinct parts. There’s the stories of the baby Krishna and his mischievousness and miracles, then there are the stories of the teenage Krishna and... Read more

Reading the Upanishads: Isha Verse Fifteen

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are doing a scripture study together: reading along through some scriptures and discussing the passages. I’ve started with the Isha Upanishad. Here are a few different translations of verse 15 of the Isha Upanishad… 15) The door of the Truth is covered by a golden disc. Open it, O Nourisher! Remove it so that I who have been worshipping the Truth may behold It. -From http://www.swamij.com/upanishad-isha.htm 15) Truth lies concealed by golden vessel. Do thou o Sun! Open the entrance of... Read more

Hinduism in Video Games

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

Did you know that there are computer and video games based on Hindu mythology? Actually, they are pretty much all the Ramayana, cause who can resist that action-packed story? 🙂 Most are for kids and I’m disappointed that there aren’t way more! Hinduism at About.com has an article highlighting a few flash games: http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa092300a.htm This free games site has a Ramayana game too: http://www.f-r-e-e-games.com/Games-Adventure/Game-Ramayana.htm There’s even a Facebook app game based on The Ramayana! Or, at least, there used to be. Their... Read more

Reincarnation: The Truth About Past Lives

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

I think whatever afterlife belief you learned young, from parents or friends or the culture around you, it becomes very deeply ingrained. It’s very difficult for me to imagine any other possible scenario for after death than reincarnation. Yet for many people growing up in America, the default is heaven and hell, but they know there’s this neat and exotic idea out there about living again. Clearly people want to believe that life continues in some way after death. It... Read more

T Minus 18 days

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

We are only two and half weeks from my wedding now! Where does the time go? When we first got engaged, it felt like I had a ton of time and was very impatient waiting. But somewhere around the thirty day mark, it finally hit me that this is happening and happening soon. I’m so looking forward to calling Brad my husband. I’m looking forward to seeing as many friends and family as I possibly can all together in one... Read more

Meet a Guru: RamDev

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:35 pm By Ambaa Choate

Ram Dev (also called Baba RamDev ) is credited with popularizing yoga in India. His yoga institutions have also had an influence in Britain and the U.S. He has been making a name for himself in ayurveda medicine and political statements as well. Background In 2003, he started being featured on TV for a morning yoga slot, which quickly grew into a yoga revival movement. It is said that previous to going on TV, he studied scripture and practiced yogic... Read more