The origin of all Indian classical performing art forms, holds Hinduism at its heart. In this article, let us take a brief look at the history of our dance culture to explore how it is inseparable from our religion and our parampara, or traditions.
Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), is an ancient treatise dealing with the governance of a country. Chanakya was a very learned scholar at the Takshashila University (an ancient Hindu university, located in present-day Pakistan) and the acharya of Chandragupta Maurya. He had mastery over political science, economics, accounting, and governance, and was the driving force behind the creation of the Maurya dynasty. Apart from Arthashastra, Kautilya wrote several other books such as Chanakya-Sutras (Rules of Science) and Chanakya-Rajanitisastra (Science of Government Policies).
The years of Indian slavery to the British brought forth some of the finest blood our country had to offer to the world. One such giant, shining like a sun amongst that kingly constellation of super-heroes, is Vinayak Damodar Savarkar—Veer Savarkar, as he is better known. Born in 1883 and fondly known as the crown prince of the Indian revolutionary movement, Savarkar was a prodigy. At the tender age of fourteen, he shut himself in his room and swore before the image of his family deity that he would never rest in peace until he had won India’s independence back from the oppressive British rule. Instead of playing games with his classmates, he preferred discussions with his uncles about the swords inherited from his family’s service with Peshwa rulers of Maharashtra. Read the rest of this entry »
Interesting facts about Hinduism and Bharat
Angkor Wat
Maha Kumbh Mela
Takshashila and Nalanda
Indonesian currency
Brihadeswar
World’s Tallest Murugan Statue
This article was written in response to a biased and incorrect “letter” that attempted to distort the efforts of Hindu activists around the world. The anti-Hindu “letter” was entitled “A Letter to a Young American Hindu”.
Over the centuries the United States of America has been the new home for many old world immigrants. Many of these immigrants were fleeing atrophied systems and rigid societies. In many cases the very nature of these societies suffocated the natural growth of its member communities. Any time efforts or movements developed as a challenge to the status quo, the response was generally negative. Many of these efforts and movements could not blossom until they were transplanted to America. Yet, unfortunately, representatives of the status quo challenged this blossoming and growth. These attacks threatened not only the targeted groups but also the very essence of the American ideals of freedom, fair-play, and equality. A brief overview of the current Indian-American condition reveals a perfect example of Old World suffocation of New World dedication and inspiration. Read the rest of this entry »
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable about Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny, by Robin Sharma
Combining ancient wisdom with modern life, Robin Sharma’s international bestseller The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari eloquently portrays the very essence of Hinduism. The story revolves around a high-powered lawyer, Julian Mantle, who at first glance appears to have it all: a multi-million dollar fortune, expensive cars, and a prominent status in society. He lives a fast-paced, stressful lifestyle, with money and prestige as his only goals. However, after suffering a heart attack during one of his cases, Julian experiences an epiphany and suddenly realizes the meaninglessness behind his materialistic pursuits. Convinced that there is more to life than wealth, and determined to discover the true purpose of his existence, Julian unexpectedly decides to sell all of his worldly possessions and embarks on a journey to India. After studying with yogis and monks in the Himalayas, he gains physical vitality and spiritual strength, and experiences a type of peace and joy that he never found in his previous hectic lifestyle. During the course of Julian’s transformation, Sharma relays valuable insight behind the purpose of human life. He essentially guides the readers on their own personal odysseys, showing them how to use the universal truths that are taught in our Hindu scriptures, to lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling lives.
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Swami Vivekananda was one of Bharat’s most influential spiritual leaders and thankfully for us a prolific writer. In his book Raja Yoga he gives a very rational and inspiring explanation of what is also known as Ashtanga Yoga. Below is an excerpt from his book where he explains the concept of Prana, which is central to what separates Yoga from contortionism. Read the rest of this entry »
This article is an excerpt from the ‘International Journal of Integrative Medicine - September/October 1999’. It is written by Dr. Vimal Patel and is reproduced here with his permission.
For the last three to four decades, there has been growing concern about the appropriateness of the technology-driven modern healthcare model for dealing with chronic disease. There is widespread recognition of the need for a less fragmented, more participative, and humane healthcare approach to address the growing financial, social, and personal costs of chronic disease management. This shift in attitude is reflected by the increasing use of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) modalities in the United States and around the world.
Since our childhood, most of us have been hearing various mantras and shlokas. Ever noticed most of them have “AUM” in them? Although AUM symbolizes the profound concepts of religious belief, it is used daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering AUM. The symbol is often found at the head of letters, and at the beginning of examination papers. Many Hindus, as an expression of faith and belief, wear the sign of AUM as a pendant. What makes this word and its invocation so important? Read the rest of this entry »
During this time of the year, Hindus worldwide observe the festival of Rakhi, or Raksha Bandhan, literally meaning “bond of protection” between brothers and sisters. To mark this occasion, in Hindu families the sister blesses her brother by tying a holy thread on his wrist. In return, the brother gives a gift to his sister and vows to protect her. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Shravan Purnima day; this year, it was on August 28, 2007. Read the rest of this entry »