» Articles from November, 2009 issue

Survey of Youth Perspectives

Monday, November 30th, 2009

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Hindu YUVA releases November 2009 edition of Tattva

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Namaste,

In this edition of Tattva Magazine, we have 3 articles, each focusing on a different level of Hindu activity in this world. The piece on the Diwali celebrations around the world reminds us that this way of life that has been dubbed “Hinduism” is an entity that has a religious, cultural, social, and political impact on this world, and a significant one at that. The report on the University of Cincinnati Hindu YUVA trip to Red River Gorge exemplifies the notion that this Hinduism functions at the local level. And Jayant Avva’s investigation into the differences, or rather, the similarities between Jnana and Bhakti Yogas is significant in our individual lives. However, can an individual practice Hinduism at just one of these levels? If an attorney carries an honorable practice from 8am to 5pm, but does not seek to live the personal life of a Hindu, is she a Hindu? If a young professional performs yoga and regularly visits the temple, but does not pursue service to society, is he a Hindu? And where do you stand; in what social arenas are you a Hindu? Or do the connotations of being Hindu implicitly negate this question itself? Think about it…

Graciously,

Tattva Team

Diwali Celebrations around the World

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

The Hindu community outside India numbers around 60 million, making the Hindu diaspora one of the largest in the world. Hindus have taken their separation from their motherland as an opportunity to share Hindu culture with the mainstream community. Hindus outside India are fulfilling their role as cultural ambassadors, spreading the invaluable knowledge that the Hindu traditions and beliefs have to contribute to the world. Again and again we have seen the tremendous positive influence the Hindu community has when it comes together, and this year’s Diwali was no exception. Hundreds of Hindu organizations and groups around the world organized Diwali celebrations, getting the festival recognized on university campuses and even by national leaders. Following are a few examples of the ways Diwali was recognized by leaders around the world: Read the rest of this entry »

Jnana and Bhakti - One and the same, by Jayant Avva

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Jnana Yoga means turning the negative part of your mind inward to achieve identification with formlessness; Bhakti Yoga means turning the positive part of your mind outward to achieve identification with formlessness. Read the rest of this entry »

Trip to Red River Gorge, by Durgesh Rai

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

On the way to Red River Gorge

The Hindu YUVA chapter at the University of Cincinnati (UC) organized a lively tour to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky for new students from India. The coordinators contacted graduate students in UC, particularly incoming graduates. It was a fruitful effort to show them the glimpses of natural beauty around the area. Read the rest of this entry »