Hindus object labeling of their deities as “false idols” in Church of Scotland assembly

Evelix, Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Hindus have strongly objected to Hindu deities being reportedly referred to as “false idols” on the opening day of the General Assembly of Church of Scotland on May 19 in Edinburgh (United Kingdom).

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that about one billion Hindus worldwide worshipped their deities almost on a daily basis and labeling them as “false” was highly hurting their feelings.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked apology from Church of Scotland for this inappropriate language as these deities were highly revered in Hinduism. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed stated.

Rajan Zed stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, Zed added.

English: Struan Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What happened to the Church of Scotland’s friendly hand for interfaith dialogue towards various religious traditions, Zed asked. Last year Church reportedly affirmed its “Inter-Faith Agenda”, when to a questionnaire sent on inter-faith issues, resounding 85% answered that they felt inter-faith was an important area for the Church to be involved into today. Church website says: “The landscape of our country is no longer solely dominated with the steeples and crosses of Christians Churches, but is peppered by the arches and domes of temples, synagogues, gurdwaras and mosques…we are having to adopt practical ways of encountering people from other faith backgrounds, whether neighbours, shop keepers, co-workers, relatives or friends.”

This “false idols” reference was reportedly made while discussing allowing of use of hall of Queen’s Cross Parish (QCP) Church in Aberdeen, a Church of Scotland parish, by Hindu community. General Assembly continues till May 25.

A registered charity, Aberdeen Hindu Association (AHA), whose objectives include “promotion of religious harmony”, conducts three-hour pooja first and third Sunday of the month besides discourses and satsangs at QCP Church where Reverend Scott M. Rennie is the Minister and whose website says that its facilities are available for hire. Dr. Balasubramaniam Vijayan, Dr. Pradeep Kumar and Dr. Senthil Ragupathy are President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively of AHA; which was launched in 2010 and whose “ultimate goal” is “to have a place of worship (temple) for ourselves in the Northeast of Scotland”.

English: Fettercairn Church of Scotland Church. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As is apparent from pictures posted on AHA website, during fortnightly pooja, statues and pictures of Hindu deities are placed inside the hall; with fruits, flowers, leaves, incense sticks and other pooja material placed before the images of deities, giving it the appearance of a sanctuary. Many of the devotees attend the pooja in traditional Indian dresses and scriptures are also brought in. Central to the Church of Scotland, majority church in Scotland, is “worship of God through following the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ”.

Hindu temples in Scotland include Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC) in Leith, Hindu Temple of Scotland (HTOS) in Rutherglen, ISKCON Karuna Bhavan in Lesmahagow, Tayside Hindu Cultural and Community Centre in Dundee and Hindu Mandir Glasgow. EHMCC was reportedly a Presbyterian Church before it was acquired in 1986. Former Wardlawhill Church in Rutherglen, affiliated to Church of Scotland, was reportedly renovated and refurbished and converted into what is HTOS now.

Around 400 CE, St Ninian began the first large-scale Christian mission to Scotland, and now Church of Scotland, which calls itself “Reformed and Presbyterian”, has over 500,000 members and around 1,200 ministers. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Right Reverend Albert Bogle is the new Moderator, while Reverend John Chalmers is the Principal Clerk. Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

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A Brief Description of Popular Hinduism

Krishna and Arjun on the chariot, Mahabharata, 18th-19th century, India via Wikipedia

By: Prithviraj Rathod

The essence of popular Hinduism is encapsulated in one of the verses of Gita, one of the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. The scripture is about Krishna, the divine personality, telling humanity through his disciple Arjun on what needs to be done to win the final salvation for the human soul. In the verse 12.0.9 of the scripture, Krishna tells Arjun the following words:

“If you are unable to focus your mind steadily on Me, then long to attain Me by practice of any other spiritual discipline, such as a ritual, or deity worship that suits you.”(gita-society.com)

The above words succinctly summarize what popular Hinduism is all about. Worship rituals are the most popular way of life in Hinduism. Hinduism does not prohibit other ways for attaining self-realization and salvation. If the person is intellectual enough, he or she can follow other modes of enlightenment such as meditating and fixing the mind on the absolute; or follow such other forms as Karma Yoga, Gnana Yoga, for attaining God. However, most common people find such methodologies of attaining God to be beyond them. So they follow the simpler ritualistic methodology for attaining the Supreme Being.

Ritualistic worship sits at the heart of the popular Hinduism. Instead of sitting motionless in front of God’s idol for about an hour and try to fix the mind on God, a devotee engages himself into various worship rituals. Place a glass of water in front of the idol, sanctify it with hymns or chantings of the names of God for a few minutes, and then sip some of that holy water. Place a few flowers in front of God’s idols or make an elaborate decoration of the idols with garlanded flowers. Sanctify the idols with kunkum powder and smear some of that powder on one’s forehead. Pour some oil into a couple of lamps, light them, and keep them in front of the idols. On important occasions, replace the usage of oil with compounds like Ghee, which are costlier than oil. Light a couple of incense sticks and place them in front of the idols. The smoke that comes out from these incense sticks fills up the room with pleasant smell. Place a couple of fruits in front of idols, sanctify the fruits with hymns, and then eat some of that fruit as a blessing from God. These are some of the common tasks done by an average Hindu almost everyday. The devout perform these tasks twice a day; they need to perform these tasks only after taking bath.

It is not that rituals are not present in other religions, but in Hinduism, these rituals take on much more elaborate proportions. Especially, when done in temples, these rituals are done for hours together. Ritualism sits at the heart of common Hinduism, which is why Hinduism is sometimes termed as a way of life. Many common Hindus are not much aware of Vedas, Puranas, Tantras, and such other Hindu scriptures. What they do have is a knowledge of large number of rituals performed at every junction of one’s life, which is what day-to-day Hinduism is all about.

About The Author

Prithviraj is a researcher into the origins of and comparative studies of religions and cultures. Visit his site to know more about Hinduism Introduction and beliefs, Hinduism Timeline and Chronology, and other concepts of Hindu Religion – http://19000years.blogspot.com

The author invites you to visit: http://19000years.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/religion/article_1309.shtml

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Hindus upset over Fox News labeling them as “fringe group”

Countries where Fox News is provided - by Connormah via Wikipedia

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Hindus are protesting against the Fox News channel for reported remarks hinting that Hinduism was a fringe group.

Channel’s Gretchen Carlson, Fox & Friends co-host, in September seven segment, reportedly apparently labeled Hindus and others as “sort of fringe groups”.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Hinduism was oldest and third largest religion of the world with a rich philosophical thought and about one billion adherents. How such a religion, which gave the world its oldest existing scripture Rig-Veda and yoga (practiced by about 16 million Americans), could be classified as a fringe group, Zed asked.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that such remarks were very hurtful to the devotees. Besides apparently denigrating the religion, it was belittling the entire community. No faith, larger or smaller, should be taken lightly and ridiculed at.

Rajan Zed urged Fox and its owner News Corporation to be more sensitive when handling faith related subjects, as television was a forceful medium. He asked News Corporation Chairman Rupert Murdoch, Fox News Channel Chairman Roger Ailes and Gretchen Carlson to immediately issue a statement on this matter.

In December 2009 also, Glenn Beck remarked on Fox News channel that river Ganges (whom Hindus consider holy) “sounds like a disease” and later reportedly apologized after Hindus protested.

News Corporation, reportedly with assets of about US$62 billion, is a diversified global media company with operations in cable, film, television, satellite broadcast, publishing; and activities principally in USA, Continental Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America. Fox News claims to reach over 90 million homes. Gretchen Elizabeth Carlson, 45, joined Fox News Channel in June 2005 and Fox & Friends is claimed to be “the No. 1 cable morning program”.

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Hindu Temple planned for Oxford

The Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, England as viewed from the tower of the Church of St Mary the Virgin. via Wikipedia

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A Hindu Temple and Community Centre is being planned for Oxford (United Kingdom).

Besides the temple, the plan also includes building a 500-seat community center for providing meeting place for the community, community events, luncheon clubs, interfaith projects, indoor activities for youth, yoga classes, Sunday school, etc., reports suggest.

Oxford Hindu Temple & Community Centre Project, registered as charity with Charity Commission for England and Wales, currently organizes prayer sessions, festivals and other community events in various halls, including a primary school hall. One of the listed objects of this Project includes “to advance the Hindu religion in Oxfordshire”.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and Oxfordshire and surrounding area community to realize this wonderful Hindu temple and community center.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Project is run by an Executive Committee of 15 members whose Chair and Deputy Chair are Doctor Gyan Gopal and Chinta Kallie respectively. Fundraising campaign is currently on and it plans to raise 500,000 pounds for the temple fund, out of which 60,000 pounds have reportedly been collected.

There are about 5,000 Hindus in Oxfordshire County who currently have to travel long distances to London, Birmingham, Slough, etc., to worship in a Hindu temple.

Oxford (Oxfordshire, England),  chartered in 1542 and popularly called the “city of dreaming spires”, is known for its medieval University of Oxford, mid-18th century Radcliffe Camera, Radiohead band, authors Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll, etc. Its motto is “Truth is strength” and John Goddard is the Lord Mayor, Bob Price is City Council Leader, while Peter Sloman is Chief Executive. Rivers Cherwell and Thames run through Oxford, which appears in “Harry Potter” movies.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.

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Pope encourages joining digital “network of relationships”

Pope Benedict XVI prays in front of the image of Our Lady of Fatima in central Portugal, May 12, 2010 Image by Catholic Church (England and Wales), credit M.Mazur/www.thepapalvis via Flickr

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The Pope has invited young people “to make good use of their presence in the digital world”.

In a message for “45^th World Communications Day” posted on Holy See website on January 24, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said: “The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness”. He urged his followers “to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible”, adding that “this network is an integral part of human life.”

But the Pope also pointed out: “It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives……Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith!”

The Pope listed the limits of digital communication as: “the one-sidedness of the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which can become a form of self-indulgence”. He listed dangers of entering cyberspace as: enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive exposure to the virtual world.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, suggested other Hindus to realize the Self. He argued that digital networks were just tools, and the broader goal being self-realization, it really did not matter which tools one used.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, blamed Pope for indulging too much into materialism and consumerism in his promotion of “digital world”, “cyberspace”, etc.

Ancient Hindu scripture Katha Upanishad points out that when wise realize the Self, they go beyond sorrow. Self is supreme and those who meditate on Self are freed from the cycle of birth and death. When one realizes Self, there is nothing else to be known, quotes Rajan Zed.

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Hindu statesman Zed wants Belgium to recognize Hinduism

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Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has asked Belgium to recognize Hinduism.

Belgian government reportedly accords recognized status to Catholicism, Protestantism (including Pentecostals and evangelicals), Anglicanism, Orthodox (Greek and Russian) Christianity, secular humanist groups, Islam, and Judaism. Representative bodies for these religious groups receive subsidies from the federal, regional, and local governments. In 2010, government paid about $127 million to recognized religious groups.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that there was need to reform the way religious groups were recognized and financed in Belgium. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought. What else Belgium wanted to fulfill its criteria of recognizing Hinduism? All it needed to do was to open a standard book on world religions and most of its doubts would be cleared.

As religious or “moral” instruction was reportedly mandatory in public schools and teachers were provided for recognized religious groups only, it was hindering Hindu children from learning about their own religion, Rajan Zed argued.

Zed urged leaders and organizations of various religions active in Belgium to push for recognition of Hinduism as “we were all co-travelers looking for the truth and headed in the same direction”.

According to recently issued “International Religious Freedom Report 2010” on Belgium by US Department of State: “…conditions in Belgium were not optimal for groups regarded as “sects” or “cults”…government officials continued to have the authority to monitor religious groups…reports of societal abuses and discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice continued… sectarian organizations can be investigated… Jewish and Muslim groups reported incidents of discrimination, as did religious groups that had not been accorded official recognition by the government…227 complaints of religious discrimination were received in 2008…”

According to reports, about 60 percent of Belgium’s population identifies itself as Roman Catholic, four percent as Muslim, two percent as Protestant, one percent as Jewish, two percent as belonging to other religious groups, and 31 percent as nonbelievers. There are about 7,000 Hindus.

Belgium, which hosts European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is known for its chocolate, beer, waffles, Bruges, cartographer Gerardus Mercator, Big Bang theorist Georges Lemaître, painter Jan van Eyck, poet Emile Verhaeren, etc.

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Different Views on Meditation

Easy Mandala via Wikipedia

By: Juan Skyzinski

Meditation is thought as overrated nowadays. Most people think that meditation is for Buddhist monks and nuns. But what most people do fail to realize is that all of us meditate, we just tend to use different meditation techniques.

Most of us think that meditation is deeply connected to religion. True enough, Meditation has been in rooted with religion but it is not limited to such. For instance, in Hinduism, they practice meditation techniques that involve proper posture, breathing and chanting mantras. They believe that this meditation can lead them to self realization, empowerment, come closer to Brahman god like discernment and the wisdom to attain peace and resolve worldly matters.

In Buddhism, They practice meditation techniques which also involve posture, breathing and chanting. They also believe that they can resolve worldly matters, attain inner peace, self realization, empowerment and wisdom. The difference is that in Buddhism, They do not believe that they can be closer to their god. In fact, they do not have a god. They believe that their meditation techniques can help them achieve the eight noble truths and finally find themselves in Nirvana. They believe that being close to these eight noble truths is Zen itself.

In Christianity, their meditation techniques are simpler. They believe that meditation is prayer. They detach themselves from the physical world and focus on their god. They believe that this technique would bring them to a personal conversation with Jesus Christ. In doing so, they can get help by solving worldly matters, uplifting their spirits, clearing their thoughts and being guided through every decision. They describe deep reflection and having an epiphany as having a piece of what they can call heaven. It’s like heaven on earth.

The Native Americans have the same objectives in mind: self realization, purpose, inner peace, guidance, peace and problem solving. Yet, they have different meditation techniques. Their meditation involves the use of peace pipes, dancing, chanting, pilgrimages and other forms of sacrifices that has been innate in them.

It might sound absurd but Atheists also meditate. They might not think that they are not doing it, but they actually do meditate! They practice different meditation techniques but like religion, they arrive at the same results; self-realization, solving problems, inner peace, decision-making, selflessness and finding a different point of view. Their meditation techniques involve taking a walk, listening to soothing music, sitting on the roof, etc. Therefore, may it be in a religious way or not, we all practice meditation techniques that are almost similar with each other’s views.

About the Author

Juan Skyzinski is a freelance writer who write based on his own personal accounts and experiences.

To know more about Buddhist Meditation, please visit these websites:

www.buddistmeditation.org

www.buddistmeditation.com

www.buddistmeditation.net

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Different Views on Meditation

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Yogi based in Mumbai claims to have solutions for health problems of Hollywood celebrities

Bhagavad Gita, a 19th century manuscript via Wikipedia

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A yogi based in Mumbai (India) has claimed that he could cure Hollywood celebrities, even those with terminal illnesses, without any drugs or fees.

Vir Balahara, who is reverently known as “Virjee”, is not your ordinary yogi. He retired as Director General of Income Tax of India. Atheist most of his earlier life, he found inner-light when he was around 40 and started exploring it further. After his about 23 years of self-exploration, he felt ready to take his mission and “new awareness” globally to help the sick.

Balahra has studied health issues of Hollywood celebrities and says that he can treat drug-alcohol-smoking addictions, emotional and physical breakdowns, weight and diet related problems, ageing related complaints, etc.; and can help them achieve their anti-ageing and fitness goals. He does not charge any fees for his treatment as he believes in “selfless action” advocated by ancient Sanskrit scripture Bhagavad-Gita.

”Virjee” has thrown an open invitation to Hollywood celebrities to visit him in Mumbai and promises that they will return to Hollywood healthy and vibrant. Although his technique is complex, but in simpler terms it seems to be based around pranayam (exercising control over the process of breathing). He feels that some hidden force is leading him by holding his hand. At 63, he runs about 15 kilometers a day and calls it “meditation par excellence” and claims that he has more “strength, stamina, positivity and enthusiasm” now than he had when he was 40 when his inner journey began.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded Balahara for his selfless project to bring happiness back on the faces of sick. It was highly commendable that somebody like Balahara was willing to share his wisdom gathered after grueling hours of meditation and self-exploration for over two decades and without any mercantile greed, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.

“It was mostly journey within”, Balahara tells about his “new awareness” experience. Although the exploration continues, but he feels that it is time now to bless others with the energy and transfer some of his light to them. His treatment changes the participant as a whole—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Why is he focusing on Hollywood celebrities—because they bring smile on the faces of the people worldwide, he wants to bring smile back on their faces.

Balahara says that healthy and lively is our normal state and we usually get sick when we interfere with the functioning of our body by consuming allopathic drugs and wrong breathing and food habits. He claims that death (barring accidental cases) does not come until we give up and ask for it.

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Catholic media criticizes “Eat Pray Love” movie & appears to belittle Hinduism

Image: UpstateNYer via Wikipedia

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Catholic media has been largely critical of Oscar winner Julia Roberts starrer “Eat Pray Love” movie and in the process appeared to belittle Hinduism concepts and symbols.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that we were all looking for the truth. Instead of condescending dismissal and highlighting flaws of others, we should learn from each other through dialogue in our shared quest for truth, and thus come nearer to the truth.

“America” Magazine from New York, which calls itself “The National Catholic Weekly”, wrote about “Eat Pray Love” movie:  “It is potentially dangerous. It will exploit the common desire among women for the diligent joy which Gilbert so beautifully names with products that falsely promise such contentment”.

Catholic News Service headquartered in Washington DC, apparently talking about Rome portion of the movie, said: “Though she seemingly hits every restaurant in town, she gives the churches a pass, the implication being that she knows better than to look to Catholicism for insight”. Its description of the India ashram (hermitage), which Liz Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) visits, includes, “The unhealthy atmosphere of semi-idolatrous worship…”. It blames Emmy nominated director Ryan Murphy’s movie for “…negating, or at least ignoring, the spiritual resources of Christianity…”. It gives the movie a classification of “L”, which includes “films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling”.

“National Catholic Register” from North Haven (Connecticut) argues: “Her strange incuriosity regarding Italy’s spiritual heritage is all the odder in light of her spiritual aspirations during her time in India”. It adds: “Even Eastern religion is all very well up to a point…”

Office for Film and Broadcasting of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in New York, which reviews current movies, has not reviewed it yet.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that more broader and inclusive understanding of the religion was needed in the world today. Despite our seriously different traditions, we should learn to live together in mutual trust and peace, Zed added.

Roberts, who grew up with a Catholic mother and Baptist father, announced sometime back that she was a practicing Hindu.

Shot is USA, Italy, India, and Indonesia, and released in USA and Canada on August 13, “Eat Pray Love” will reportedly be released in India on August 27.

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Hindu gods on Thailand postage stamps

Rainy Night in Thailand: Kyle Simourd

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Thailand has reportedly launched postage stamps of Hindu gods.

These reportedly include Ganesa, Brahma, Narayana, and Siva; priced at five Bahts each; and each numbering 700, 000. Complete package includes Souvenir Sheets (25 Bahts each) numbering 100, 000 and First Day Covers (30 Bahts each) numbering 16, 500.  Produced by Thailand Post and printed in France, these multi-color stamps were designed by Veena Chantanatat.

First Day Cover shows picture of a decorated conch-shell. Special cancellation stamp depicted Om, the mystical syllable containing the universe.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Thailand coming out with postage stamps of Hindu gods was a great honor for Hindus worldwide. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged other countries of the world also to produce stamps about symbols and concepts of Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world with rich philosophical thought whose ultimate goal was moksha (liberation).

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand Post’s beginnings go as far back as 1880. It is organizing “25th Asian International Stamp Exhibition” in Bangkok from August 04-12 next.

Thailand is popularly called “golden land” and is known for its warmth and hospitality, white sandy beaches, and fertile rice fields. Buddhism is the major religion.