Source VARANASI, INDIA, January 28, 2012 (Times of India): Two big religious ceremonies of the city, but both vary in many ways for artisans. Yes, the festival of Saraswati Puja fetches more profits for the artisans who are engaged in preparing idols of the deity worshipped on the occasion of Basant Panchami as compared to grand celebration of Durga Puja.…
Source There is not a fellow under the sun who is my disciple. On the contrary, I am everybody’s disciple. All are the children of God. All are His servants. As for me, I consider myself as a speck of the dust of the devotee’s feet.— Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)
Source SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, January 26, 2012 (Mercury News): In a quintessentially Californian move that could provoke a groan from some in the red states — officials inaugurated a public yoga studio Thursday for passengers at San Francisco International Airport, possibly the world’s first inside an airport. After the official opening for the 150-square foot former storage closet Airport Director…
Source One must be patient like the Earth. What iniquities are being perpetuated on her! Yet she quietly endures them all.— Mother Sarada Devi (1853-1920)
Source CHENNAI, INDIA, January 27, 2012 (Deccan Chronicle): The Agastiyar temple at T. Nagar (central Chennai) that has been managed more as an ashram and a defunct Naadi Jothida Nilayam for about six decades was taken over by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department on Wednesday evening citing “gross mismanagement” and “violations.” The temple had its…
Source Because you think I am capable of loving or despising you, you cannot know who I am.— Satguru Yogaswami (1872-1964), Sri Lanka’s most revered contemporary mystic
Source UNITED STATES, January 18, 2012: Julie Sahni vividly remembers the first time she had to eat with utensils. Ms. Sahni, a New York-based cookbook author and cooking teacher, grew up in India eating the traditional way, with her right hand. Then, in college, she won a dance competition that would take her to Europe. How, she wondered, would she…
Source CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA, January 26, 2012 (Economic Times): The prestigious University of Chicago will establish a new visiting professorship in Indian studies to commemorate the legacy of spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, supported by a US$1.5 million gift from India. The new chair will enrich the University’s renowned programme for the study of the Indian subcontinent and further research and…
Source NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 25, 2012 (Indian Express): Seven new tourist circuits will be developed across the country to facilitate travel to and stay at religious places. Work has already begun to prepare detailed project reports for Sufi, Buddhist & Jain, Christian, Sikh, Hinduism and Sarva Dharma [all religions] circuits. The Sufi circuit will include Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri,…
Source Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children.— Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931), mystic, poet and artist