Exciting Diwali News
LWP Newsletter No. 18. (2nd – 15th October)
What Does Ahimsa Really Mean?
How does ahimsa apply to conflict situations? Shruti Bakshi explains how it’s only as we recognise our larger identity with the unity of life, that we can carry out even the most violent action if required of us, without a feeling of malice or intention of causing suffering to others.
Saraswati, the Vedic Goddess and River
One of the earliest goddesses worshipped in India since Vedic times, Saraswati devi, goddess of speech, wisdom, and expression, was believed to have found physical expression on earth also in the form of the ancient river Saraswati. The Rig Veda adores and praises this goddess as the ‘best of all mothers’, ‘best of all rivers’ and ‘best of all goddesses’ as Shruti Bakshi notes.
Ramana Maharshi on Birthdays
Should we be happy to remember our birth day or sorry for it? These wise words of Sri Ramana Maharshi (or Bhagavan as he was called by his disciples), show a different perspective and make one think about whether being reborn into ‘samsara’ life should really be a celebration or rather be a reminder for us to enquire into our real nature.
Rally for Rivers – Time’s Running Out | Newsletter No.16
A final call to support the Rally for Rivers campaign before the policy recommendation is submitted on 2 October 2017. Includes the weekly round-up of LWP’s articles (18 – 24 September 2017).
Navdurga: the 9 Forms of Durga
The Navratri festival in India is a celebration of the nine nights of the Divine Mother. The Mother Goddess manifests in many different forms. In Hindu culture, each of the nine nights is associated with a particular form of the Mother Goddess, Durga or Shakti (Navdurga). Read more.
Making the Most of the Navratri
Shruti Bakshi explains the significance of Navratri and the best way to make use of this period dedicated to the Mother Goddess.
A Conversation with Amish Tripathi | Newsletter No.15
The weekly round-up of LWP’s articles (11 – 17 September 2017).
From the Immortals of Meluha to Immortal India – in conversation with Amish
Shruti Bakshi speaks to bestselling author Amish Tripathi about a wide range of topics from his books to his writing process, to atheism in ancient India and current issues in India relating to religion, society and politics. As someone with vast knowledge about India’s past and ancient wisdom and who refuses to be pigeonholed as ‘left’ or ‘right’, Amish’s views are refreshing, insightful and enlightening.
Vivekananda’s Message to the West and the Historic September 11 Speech
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda gave some of the most powerful speeches in history at the Parliament of World Religions. The speeches were an instant hit in America and still remembered the world over today. The article includes the text of his September 11 opening address at the conference.
Enlighten Yourself | Newsletter No.14
The weekly round-up of LWP’s articles (4 – 10 September 2017).
Rally For Rivers – Your Time to Act!
A democracy means actively participating not only once every 5 years but also during the 5 years between elections. Find out more about the Rally for Rivers campaign to save India’s depleting rivers that kicks off 3 September 2017.
Ram Rahim Case and Lack of Understanding About Gurus
Shruti Bakshi discusses how the Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh scandal in India shows that you can’t talk spirituality to an empty stomach and also that most Indians don’t understand the role of a guru.
The Importance of Being Idle | Newsletter No. 12
Special Newsletter No. 12 in which Shruti Bakshi shares her thoughts on the underrated nature of ‘idleness’ in our modern society. Weekly digest 21-27 August is also included.
Getting to Know Ganesha on Ganesha Chaturthi
Shruti Bakshi delves into the significance of Sri Ganesha, one of the most enigmatic and lovable deities in Hindu culture.