Where are the Dialogues? Heartfelt questions on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir - Hindu American Foundation
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Where are the Dialogues? Heartfelt questions on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir

By March 1, 2024 March 3rd, 2024 No Comments

In 2020, on August 5th, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ayodhya Ram mandir construction. It led to an onslaught of Hindu hatred and bigotry on Facebook, turning friends to cancel each other and become lifelong enemies.

I, too, felt the heat of it all when I shared my family celebrations of the auspicious event on Facebook (FB). One of my friends Asma ( name changed for privacy) , commented that all those who celebrate the commemoration of the Ayodhya mandir openly support violence, to which another replied, that all those who celebrate shall pay for their sins.

I couldn’t keep quiet any longer and replied earnestly because I sincerely believe in the power of respectful, fact-based communication. 

“Thanks Asma, for bringing up the sensitive issue of Ayodhya Ram mandir and the celebrations of its re-construction. I have been wondering about it myself. I don’t enjoy discussing religion and politics on social media generally because it is stressful and useless. I’m also cautious about expressing my thoughts online, lest it hurt someone without context.

But I’ve quietly observed that my sensitivity is single-fold over the years. I’ve felt shame, restraint, and doubt over celebrating my faith online since a greeting like “Jai Shree Ram” and being a “bhakt” is anti-Muslim, extreme right-wing. But sadly, online Hinduphobia has no such restraints. So, secular, compassion, and empathy only apply to non-Hindus? Your Facebook posts make me wonder if your narrative of compassion and kindness is single-sided. 

So, how are you different from the ones you call out wrong?

Where are the dialogues, Asma? 

You ponder if those who celebrated August 5th also support violence. I don’t, for in my view, humanity is not Hindus or Muslims. Humans have the same value and inner worth due to their in-dwelling divinity. Indian Muslims are not second-class citizens but have equal rights as any other Indian. And the word equal applies to everyone, not just to minorities. Lastly, I neither opine that Muslims who protest against the current government should move to Pakistan instead because India is equally theirs as mine. And yes, India is equally mine as theirs.

Those who know me personally can vouch that I will not mistreat another. My home has welcomed people from diverse faiths and belief systems. But again, this secularism and tolerance is only from me. My friends don’t think twice when it comes to belittling my beliefs – my Gods, rituals, and even history have been ridiculed and made fun of, and if I’m progressive, I should gulp it and align with everyone. But would anyone in this country have the guts to do so with their Muslim and Christian friends?

Sadly, the reality is that Hindus feel most discriminated against in India, the land that gave birth to their faith!

From childhood, I’ve wondered :

Where are the dialogues, around Muslims receiving government grants to travel to Mecca and Medina while we Hindus don’t receive a penny to visit Kashi and Mathura? Why are my holy places any less significant than that of others?

Where are the dialogues, around the atrocities that the Kashmiri Hindus faced in the Valley over decades? An entire region that was the cradle of everything Sanskrit and Hinduism underwent systematic genocide, but no, that’s OK? For example, when it comes to Article 370, none of your posts are remotely compassionate towards the scores of Kashmiri Hindus who have been wiped out or forced to flee. I have friends whose entire families were butchered, had to leave the Valley overnight, and cannot claim anything because of Article 370. I have another Hindu friend who married outside the state of J&K and lost the right to all her ancestral properties. But there is no mention of these struggles in your posts.

Where are the dialogues, around compassion when Hindu priests and others whose limbs are cut off and killed if they protest radical Islamization of their communities? These incidents are not rare but fail to gather media attention.

In short, Hindu lives are dispensable, but others are not? If you are a majority, any atrocity against you is OK?

Where are the dialogues, around the Sabarimala devotees being lathi-charged and hosed down just because a conniving politician suddenly woke up and decided that women’s equality is about them entering a remote, unknown temple? No real effort to understand the spirituality behind centuries-old practices? I grew up in a family of Sabarimala devotees ( my paternal grandparents did the annual pilgrimage for 30 consecutive years) that upheld women’s rights and education. The temple restrictions do not equate to a lack of women’s equality! But do you genuinely care? Didn’t it seem odd to you that Muslim women, clad from head to toe in synthetic black clothing in the sweltering Kerala heat where protesting to espouse for the rights of their Hindu counterparts to enter a temple they would never enter themselves? Maybe it’s time we all fight for our own rights first? 

Where are the dialogues, around secular boards managing Hindu temples in India but not mosques and churches? Imagine a Tilak-sporting Hindu board member opining to his Muslim and Christian board members?

Where are the dialogues, around the brutal raping, conversion, and forced marriages of young Hindu girls in Pakistan and Bangladesh? What about the decimation of Hindus to a mere decimal in these countries? Where are the human rights activists when gross violations occur against minority Hindus? 

Where are the dialogues, around the constant shaming of Hindus for every festival from Holi to Rakshabandhan, but not a whisper around any non-Hindu festival?

But when I, a Hindu, question, I run the risk of causing disharmony and divisiveness, but this is not the case when you, as a Muslim, do so! Your FB posts, for example, always have a one-sided argument /outlook that refuses to look at the pain points, the wounds, and the grieving of the others involved.

Ultimately, the truth, Asma, is that your opinions are primarily influenced by what your social media feeds you. Media has, unfortunately, partitioned us. Your reality and mine of injustice is what we allow into our conscience, right? 

And in current-day India, if you are a Hindu who practices their faith, then you have to bury centuries of wounds and intense grief. But be OK with history, no matter how cruel and brutal it was to your ancestors! The popular media narrative is that Hindus should learn to get over their years of grieving from the destruction and shaming of their faith- eerily similar to what America has told the Native Americans: It’s all OK- come on now, move on! 

Present-day Hindus are always making compromises, always apologetic, and always asked to forget! However, this request for selective memory is also selective. It’s OK to forget the Kashmiri Hindu carnage but not OK to forget the riots in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition. So you see, this so-called compassion, empathy, and care are only one-sided. If life matters, then it EQUALLY applies to everyone. Your arguments are partial and conditioned until you are open to such dialogues. 

In this sense, the Ram mandir is just the tip of the iceberg. Shri Ram in Ayodhya is to the Hindus what Mecca and Medina are to the Muslims. If, in the past, the shrines in Mecca and Medina were destroyed, then they would have been rebuilt 1000 times by now, no matter what! The recent Hague Sophia mosque in Turkey is an example. If everyone else lays claims to what’s originally theirs, then Hindus should also be allowed to do so. At least claim rights to what stands core to their faith and value system, a fraction of the enormous loss they have had over the centuries from Afghanistan to Bangladesh. Historical facts prove that the Muslim rulers never acknowledged the land as Muslim property, even during their reign. The efforts to claim the mandir back have been ongoing for decades now. It was after years of waiting that the demolition occurred. And is that right? Do I support it? No? Unfortunately, when the rulers don’t serve justice for ages, the commoner takes the law into his own hands. 

The Hindus in India are finally waking up to demand that:

What they believe also counts. 

What they follow and want for their faith also counts.

What they grieve also counts. 

What they lose and have lost also counts. 

A Hindu’s dialogues also counts.  

My unapologetic Hindu voice is the intent behind my celebration on FB. I no longer want to be the one who always lets everything slip in the name of community and friendship while no one truly cares about my beliefs and thoughts. It’s a one-sided friendship, a false sense of community, and hypocrisy at its worst.  

I wrote this knowing that many will unfriend me but I’m OK with that. You see, my voice as a majority Hindu woman matters, too. And I matter, too, in my friendships and communities.

For me, the August 5th celebration was of historical and spiritual significance. I’ve grown up listening to the Ramayana, and its values have guided me to date. Our avatars modeled compassion, love, forgiveness, and standing up for one’s rights. Today, how I treat others has evolved from my spiritual and religious beliefs. The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya is just another masjid to the Muslims, not of special historical or religious significance. But the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is the epicenter of Hinduism. Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are the pillars of the Hindu faith, and a temple at the birthplace of one of them means the WORLD to the Hindus. And it takes 500 years to justify that in-spite of every historical and archaeological evidence?

Asma, these are complex dialogues and need a lot of deep listening and empathy. You misinterpreted my FB celebration yesterday as intolerance, which is farthest from the truth. If I meet you tomorrow, I will make no such discrimination. For in the truest sense, you are a manifestation of my dear Lord Shri Ram, who modeled inclusiveness, love, and bonding. I will not unfriend you or distance you. You are not my enemy, but at the same time, I matter too.

The million-dollar question Asma, is how do we learn to coexist in a manner that shames neither you nor me?

And that question can truly be answered only when we have heartfelt dialogues.

So again, where are the dialogues, Asma? 

I’ve wanted to write to you for ages, and I’m so glad I finally did.”

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10/26/2024Dogs and Diwali

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In 2018, the long-running Marvel comic series Black Panther, was brought to the big screen. A more prominent scene is when M’baku, a character vying for the throne of the fictional country of Wakanda, challenges T’Challa/Black Panther, and yells, “Glory to Hanuman.” However, despite dharma as an unsaid aspect of the characters’ interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism than philosophy. But the significance of Hanuman as a transcendent deity cannot be overlooked, especially at a time when dialogues about global migration, the right to worship, and access to natural resources are becoming more overtly racialized. The film provides more than just an entertainment escape: it reimagines a world in which the current racial and theological paradigms are challenged forcefully. With the film expected to have at least several sequels, there will be more opportunities to reference Hinduism and Hindu iconography.

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10/16/2024Star Wars

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10/15/2024Ayurveda

The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), translation to the knowledge of life. Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healing science, originating in 1000 BCE. Based on the five elements that comprise the universe (space, air, fire, water, and earth), they combine and permutate to create three health principles  that govern the functioning and interplay of a person’s body, mind, and consciousness. These energies are referred to as doshas in Sanskrit. Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western medicine and Ayurvedic schools have gained approval as educational institutions in several states.

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While it’s synonymous to meditation, and seen simply as a doorway to tranquility for yogic practitioners, the true meaning of Om is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy.

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10/13/2024The Hindu Diaspora in Guyana

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10/11/2024Hinduism and Music

As sound vibration can affect the most subtle element of creation, it is interpreted in Hindu scriptures that spiritual sound vibrations can affect the atman (soul) in a particularly potent way. Such spiritual sound vibrations are said to have the ability to awaken our original spiritual consciousness and help us remember that we are beyond the ambivalence of life, and actually originate from the Divine. As such, the main goal of many types of Hindu musical expression is to help stir us out of our spiritual slumber by evoking feelings of love and connection that help us to better perceive the presence of the Divine within all. Some of the more popular examples of musical expressions within Hinduism include shlokas (verse, or poem), mantras (sacred syllables repeated in prayer), kirtans (congregational singing of mantras), and bhajans (devotional songs). You can find musical spiritual expressions through the US in temples,  Mandirs, and community centers.

 

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10/10/2024Yoga

Yoga is considered Hinduism’s gift to humanity. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word “yuj” in Sanskrit, means to unite. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga – bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) – as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. According to a 2016 study,  in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States

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10/9/2024Swami Vivekananda

Swami Viveknanda is often remembered for with bringing Hindu teachings and practices — such as yoga and transcendental meditation — to Western audiences. In 1893, he was officially introduced to the United States at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he called for religious tolerance and described Hinduism as “a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.” The day that Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech at the Parliament of Religions is now known as ‘World Brotherhood Day.’ And his birthday, known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is honored on January 12th each year. On this day he is commemorated and recognized for his contributions as a modern Hindu monk and respected guru of the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States.

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10/8/2024108

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 symbolizes the multiverse, representing the universe and all of existence. It is for this reason it is an auspicious number in many Hindu Dharma traditions, and recitation of mantras, repetitions of specific spiritual practices, and amounts for charity are calculated as divisions or multiples of 108. 

Why is 108 significant? Many reasons; the chief of which is the symbolism in the Vedāntic philosophical tradition. 8 represents the human body (5 senses plus mind, intellect, and awareness), and 1 represents the oneness of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. Although they are perceived as far away from each other, there is actually 0 distance between the two, as Brahman pervades everything. Another reason, in some Hindu monotheist Dharma traditions like Śākta Dharma, 108 represents the perfection of Śakti, as 1+0+8 = 9, the perfect number. The digits of every multiple of 9, when added together (e.g. 9x2 = 18 and the individual digits of 18, 1 and 8, when added together equal 9). Similarly everything is an emanation of Śakti, and is composed of Śakti. 108 finds significance in numerous other Hindu Dharma traditions and philosophical traditions such as Yoga, Sāṅkhya, etc., and even in other Dharma traditions, like Jainism and Buddhism.

5 Things to know about 108

Here's How the Number 108 Binds Us to the Universe

10/7/2024The Hindu Diaspora in the Caribbean

A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began the inhumane indentured servitude system, taking Indians by force, duplicitous “agreements” or through false incentives to work on their estates in other British Colonies such as Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.  In Trinidad, from 1845 to 1917, the slavers’ ships would continue to arrive, carrying over 140,000 Indentured Indians to the island. Though they faced the exact same slave owners now as their “overseers”, sanitized by the Indentured Servitude system, they were subjected to the same horrors and living conditions as the enslaved Africans before them. Nevertheless, Hindus persevered: they maintained their culture and spirituality despite the horrors of the Indentureship system, the attempts to eradicate their language, and the overt and covert attempts to destroy their religion. Today, roughly 18% of Trinidad & Tobago, 31% of Guyana, 1% of Jamaica, 20% of Suriname, 1% of Barbados’ populations are proudly Hindu. They bring traditions from the United Provinces and Madras Presidency regions of the formerly British India; indeed, they practice Hindu Dharma traditions that existed before India was split into Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India – with some of the strongest Hindu-Muslim relationships globally. There are thousands of Hindu temples in the Caribbean, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. But for some, the migration journey doesn’t ended as New York and Florida have seen the development of large Indo-Caribbean communities.

Hinduism beyond India: Trinidad and Tobago

10/6/2024Tattoos

From ancient tribes to present-day devotees, tattoos have held a special place for Hindus over millennia. In the Indian states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, the Ramnaami community invoked Rama’s protection with tattoos of the name “Rama” in Sanskrit on every inch of their skin.The Mahabharata tells the story of the Pandavas that were exiled to the Kutch district of Gujarat. Today, their descendants - members of the Ribari tribe - live as their ancestors did, with women covered in tattoos that symbolize their people’s strong spirit for survival. Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems, and have such as tattoos of sacred mandalas, mantras, the Triśūla, a trident of Śrī Śiva, or the Sudarśana Cakra, a discus of Śrī Vāsudeva, etc. Mehndi (from the Sanskrit mendhikā), a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly applied at weddings and other ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. While tattoos have been in certain Hindu tribes and communities for millennia, tattoos as symbols of honor, devotion, and even fashion are incredibly popular today. Hindus and non Hindus alike are welcome to adorn themselves with Hindu emblems and tattoos that reflect inspirational Hindu spiritual values.

Guidelines for Commercial Use of Hindu Images

10/5/2024Navarāatri

The celebration of Navarātri by Śākta Hindus honors the Supreme Feminine, Śākti. There are four Navarātri periods a year, but the autumnal Navarātri (usually in Sept-Oct) is the most widely observed. Śākta traditions can be regional and tribal, or pan-regional. So, there can be a lot of variety in the celebration of the festival. In some homes, there will be a focus on the ceremonies of thanksgiving known as Durgā Pūjā and the recitation of the 700-verse account of the appearance and activities of Śrī Durgā, a ten-armed manifestation of Śakti. Devout practitioners will fast for the nine nights and undertake focussed spiritual practices for the period. Other homes focus on attending Garbā, a dance festival. Yet other homes set up elaborate Golu, a festive display of icons and dolls that starts with the representations of divine beings at the top and ends with dioramas of normal human and animal life towards the bottom. Some Hindus honor the nine-forms of Śrī Durgā; others honor Śrī Durgā, Śrī Lakṣmī, and Śrī Sarasvatī. Some regional traditions will use this time for their medium/oracle to channel the energy of Śakti for the benefit of their community. For some Hindus, this is the most important festival of the year; for others, it is a cultural festival in which they can see a variety of events, from spiritual to cultural, and enjoy a lot of regional delicacies in the shared dinners. However a Hindu chooses to engage with the festival, the celebrations are a poignant reminder of the centrality and power of the Feminine, and is a constant reminder to males, females, and those of the third nature - even if one is not spiritual at all - to honor females and femininity wherever and however they choose to be.

Nine Things to Know About Navaratri

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar

10/4/2024Dussehra

Vijayā Daśamī celebrates the culmination of battle in two major Hindu Religious Traditions. For Vaiṣṇavas, the festival celebrates the defeat of Rāvaṇa, often depicted as having ten heads that represent his mammoth stubbornness and ego which led to the war between his army and Śrī Rāma with his legendary army of forest animals. For Śāktas, Vijayā Daśamī celebrates the defeat of the personification of egotism, Mahiṣāsura, by the Supreme Feminine, Śakti, herself, manifested as Śrī Durgā. It marks the end of nine-nights of festivities and spiritual practices prior, known as Navarātri. Vaiṣṇavas observe them by nine days of reading the Rāmāyaṇa epic and watching reenactments of the story known as Rāma Līlā. For Śāktas, the celebration of Navarātri can feature elaborate ceremonies known as Durgā Pūjā, recitation of the Caṇḍī Pāṭha/Durgā Saptaśatī, or community dances known as Garbā or Kolaṭṭam. On Vijayā Daśamī day, the clay icons of Durgā that were used as focal points in the ceremonies are returned to the rivers from which the clay came; and Vaiṣṇavas have a bonfire in which the effigy of Rāvaṇa is burned, and the ashes are used to plough the fields for the winter sowing season.

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar 

Hinduism 101 & Women

10/3/2024Ahimsa + Animal Protection

The most treasured of the ethical values of Hindus is ahiṃsā: non-harm through thought, word, or action, and they try to live in accordance with this ideal, as much as possible. Of course, context and a person’s own life journey will dictate exactly how much this value can suffuse their habits. However, one chief way Hindus live the value of ahiṃsā is lived by Hindus is in relation to other living beings. In humans, Hindus live ahiṃsā by resorting to harm only when all diplomacy fails and greater harm will result from inaction. They will especially protect the symbols of ideal humans: humble people, innocent people, and the young or frail. For plants, Hindus avoid cutting down trees and play an active part in ensuring the natural environment is sustained. They will especially protect and venerate those trees and plants that have a sacred and health benefit to humans, like Tulasi, Neem, and others. Finally, in regards to animals, Hindus will either have or aspire to a plant-based diet, or if they prefer to eat meat, then they will keep certain days free from meat. They will protect those animals that symbolize selflessness, and  the symbiotic relationship between humans and the animals - such as cows, elephants, snakes, etc.

Dairy Is Traditionally Sattvic Food, but the Way We Treat Cows Today Can Be Tamasic

Cultured Meat and Animal-Free Dairy Upends the Plant-Based Food Discussion

10/2/2024Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti marks the birthday of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation’ for India and the Indian Diaspora. To honor Gandhi’s message of ahimsa (non-violence), volunteer events and commemorative ceremonies are conducted and statues of Gandhi are also decorated with flower garlands. Gandhi and the satyagraha (adherence to truth) has inspired many of America’s most prominent civil rights and social impact movements and leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., and César Chávez. The United Nations declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of Gandhi, whose work continues to inspire civil rights movements across the world.

Examining the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi on Social Change Movements

Why We Should Not Tear Down Statues of Gandhi

10/1/2024First Hindu temple in US

In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many don’t credit this with being the first. Others believe it is the Shiva Murugan Temple built in 1957 in Concord, California, whereas others believe it is the Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devanstanam in New York that should be considered the first. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 facilitated the journey of many Indian immigrants to the United States. In this new land, many created home shrines and community temples to practice and hold pujas (services). As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. Today, there are nearly 1,000 temples in the United States . Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith. 

A Guide To Temple Safety and Security

5 Things to Know About Visiting a Hindu Temple

Explore ancient wisdom and modern perspectives in Hinduism.

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10/30/22Sanatana Dharma in the Movies

Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma (the ‘eternal way’), indicating the religion’s emphasis on eternal truths that are applicable to all of humanity. Thus, it makes sense that a medley of mainstream movies could convey Hindu ideals that resonate strongly with audiences, while not actually talking directly about anything understood by the public as Hindu.

In Groundhog Day, for example, when cynical TV weatherman Phil Collins discovers he is trapped in a time loop, living the same day over and over, only to be released after transforming his character from an egocentric narcissist to a thoughtful and kindhearted philanthropist, it’s hard not to be reminded of the Hindu notion of samsara, a cycle of reincarnation from which a soul attains liberation by realizing its divine nature after lifetimes of spiritual practice. 

Or in The Matrix when Neo chooses the red pill of knowledge over the blue pill of ignorance, and is subsequently unplugged from an illusory world and cast into the truth of reality, the film seems to be conveying a foundational Vedic teaching: that we must transcend our own ignorance — a product of maya, literally meaning “illusion” in Sanskrit — to uncover our true nature. Hindu concepts appear to be further exhibited in Neo’s relationship with Morpheus, which starkly reflects that of a disciple and guru, as the latter reveals to the former the knowledge he needs in order to understand this “true nature.” As Neo’s faith in Morpheus’ words develops, so does his capacity to see past the illusion of the matrix, garnering him the ability to manipulate the laws of this false reality, similar to the Jedi and yogis described earlier.

What do the Matrix, Avatar, Groundhog Day, and Star Wars have to do with Hinduism?

10/29/22Hinduism and American Thought

Hindu Americans and the Vedanta philosophy have significantly influenced notable intellectuals such as Henry  David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, J.D. Salinger, Christopher Isherwood, Aldous Huxley, Huston Smith, and Joseph Campbell just to name a few. Some feel that it started back In 1812, when Thomas Jefferson recommended to John Adams the writings of Joseph Priestley, a Unitarian minister who had published works that compared Christianity to other religions — Hinduism in particular — Adam’s interest was piqued.

Going through Priestley’s writings, Adams became riveted by Hindu thought, as he launched into a five-year exploration of Eastern philosophy. As his knowledge of Hinduism and ancient Indian civilization grew, so did his respect for it. This legacy took shape in the 1830s as Transcendentalism, a philosophical, social, and literary movement that emphasized the spiritual goodness inherent in all people despite the corruption imposed on an individual by society and its institutions. Espousing that divinity pervades all of nature and humanity, Transcendentalists believed divine experience existed in the everyday, and held progressive views on women’s rights, abolition, and education. At the heart of this movement were three of America’s most influential authors: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, and Henry David Thoreau.

How Hinduism Influenced Some of Americans Greatest Thinkers

10/27/22The Hindu Diaspora in Afghanistan

Before becoming an Islamic state, Afghanistan was once home to a medley of religious practices, the oldest being Hinduism. A long time ago, much of Afghanistan was part of an ancient kingdom known as Gandhara, which also covered parts of northern Pakistan.Today, many of Afghanistan’s province names, though slightly altered, are clearly Sanskrit in origin, hinting at the region’s ancient past. To cite a few examples, Balkh comes from the Sanskrit Bhalika, Nangarhar from Nagarahara, and Kabul from Kubha. Though Gandhara’s earliest mention can be found in the Vedas, it is better known for its connections to the Hindu epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana. There is also the historic Asamai temple in Kabul located on a hill named after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha. The temple has survived numerous conflicts and attacks but it still stands. The temple is a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as 850 CE. However, Hindus are indigenous but endangered minorities in Afghanistan, numbering approximately 700 out of a community that recently included over 8,000 members. Many have left for new homes, include in New York which is home to a large Afghani Hindu population.

5 Things to Know about Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan 

Hinduism Beyond India: Afghanistan

10/26/22Dogs and Diwali

According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households (90.5 million homes) owned a pet as of 2022, with 69 million U.S. households having a pet dog. Recognized for their loyalty, service, companionship, and the special relationship they have with humans, Hinduism’s reverence for dogs is expansive, as they are worshiped in festivals and appreciated in connection to a number of Hindu gods and stories. Observed in Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, Kukar Tihar (the 2nd day of Tihar) honors dogs as messengers that help guide spirits of the deceased across the River of Death. In the Mahabharata, Yudhisthira, his brothers, and the queen Draupadi renounced their kingdom to ascend to the heavens. However, Yudhisthira was the only one that survived along with a dog that had joined them. Yudhisthira refused to go to heaven without the dog, who turned out to be Yamaraj, the God of Death. Sarama, the “female dog of the gods,” was famously asked by Indra to retrieve a herd of cows that were stolen. When the thieves were caught, they tried to bribe Sarama but she refused and now represents those who do not wish to possess but instead find what has been lost. The symbolic import of dogs is further driven in connection with Dattatreya, as he is commonly depicted with four of them to represent the Vedas, the Yugas, the stages of sound, and the inner forces of a human being (will, faculty, hope, and desire).

Dogs and Diwali? 5 Things to Know about Hinduism and hu(man)’s Best Friend

10/25/22Black Panther

In 2018, the long-running Marvel comic series Black Panther, was brought to the big screen. A more prominent scene is when M’baku, a character vying for the throne of the fictional country of Wakanda, challenges T’Challa/Black Panther, and yells, “Glory to Hanuman.” However, despite dharma as an unsaid aspect of the characters’ interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism than philosophy. But the significance of Hanuman as a transcendent deity cannot be overlooked, especially at a time when dialogues about global migration, the right to worship, and access to natural resources are becoming more overtly racialized. The film provides more than just an entertainment escape: it reimagines a world in which the current racial and theological paradigms are challenged forcefully. With the film expected to have at least several sequels, there will be more opportunities to reference Hinduism and Hindu iconography.

Why Black Panther’s References to Hinduism are Significant in Hollywood

10/24/22Diwali

One of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali (dee-VAH-lee) or Deepavali (dee-PAH-va-lee) commemorates the victory of good over evil during the course of five days. The word refers to rows of diyas — or clay lamps — which are put all around homes and places of worship. The light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within all of us, which can overcome ignorance, represented by darkness. Devotees gather in local temples, homes, or community centers, to spend time with loved ones, make positive goals, and appreciate life.

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar 

Diwali Toolkit

10/23/22Dhanteras

On this day, because Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), Hindus traditionally perform a deep cleaning of their homes and surroundings, as cleanliness is believed to invoke the presence and blessings of Goddess Lakshmi who, as mentioned earlier, is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Many will also make rangoli or kolum (colored patterns of flowers, powder, rice, or sand made on the floor), which are also said to invite auspiciousness. Observers thus begin Diwali by cultivating a spirit of generosity, doing things like giving money to charities, feeding the hungry, and endeavoring to help those in need.

5 Things to Know About Diwali

10/22/22The Hindu Diaspora in Bali

The spread of Hinduism to Southeast Asia established powerful Hindu kingdoms in the region, most notably the Khmer Empire that encompassed modern Cambodia and Thailand, and influential kingdoms in the Indonesia archipelago. Though Buddhism and Hinduism co-existed in the region for several centuries, Buddhism (and Islam in Indonesia) eventually replaced Hinduism as a primary religion. Today, there are approximately five million Hindus in Indonesia, primarily in Bali. As Bali is roughly 90 percent Hindu, this makes it a religious enclave in a country that contains the world’s largest Muslim population. There are also roughly 60,000 Cham Hindus in Vietnam, and smaller numbers in Thailand. Hinduism in Fiji, Malaysia, and Singapore is a much more recent phenomenon, with Hindus arriving in the 19th and early 20th centuries as indentured laborers. Today, Hindus are prominent in politics and business in all three countries, though they continue to experience discrimination as religious minorities.

Hinduism Beyond India: Bali

Hinduism Around the World

10/21/22Smithsonian/American History Exhibit - American Indian experience

In 2014, the first Smithsonian exhibition chronicling the experiences of Indian Americans, many of whom are Hindus,  in the US was unveiled at their National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. This exhibit was one of the largest ever produced by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, occupying 5,000 square feet and reaching millions of visitors. The message behind “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation,” aimed to dispel stereotypes and myths that have followed Indian immigrants since they first arrived in the U.S. in 1790. The exhibit explored the heritage, daily experiences, and the many diverse contributions that immigrants and Indian Americans have made to the United States. The exhibition at the Museum of Natural History includes historical and contemporary images and artifacts, including those that document histories of discrimination and resistance, convey daily experiences, and symbolize achievements across the professions. Music and visual artworks provide commentary on the Indian American experience and form an important component of the exhibition. In 2017, this exhibit went on the road, traveling from city to city so that all could see the impact of Indians on American culture.

All About Hindu Heritage Month

10/20/22Swami Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda was a Hindu monk and yogi who came to the United States in 1920 and lived here for the last 32 years of his life. He is considered to be the first major Hindu Guru to settle in the United States. When Swami Yogananda arrived in the US, he made his first speech, made to the International Congress of Religious Liberals, on “The Science of Religion,” and was enthusiastically received. It was soon after that he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (also known as Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) of India) and introduced millions of Americans to the ancient science and philosophy of meditation and Kriya yoga (path of attainment). In 1927, he was invited to the White House by President Calvin Coolidge, making Swami Yogananda the first prominent Indian and Hindu to be hosted in the White House.

Hinduism: Short Answers to Real Questions

Countless Americans Have Been Influenced by Swami Viveknanda

10/19/22Avatar

For those of us who are Hindu, we have noticed that some of the biggest Hollywood films produced in the last several decades have mirrored many of Hinduism's most fundamental philosophical ideas. One example is Avatar, a film named for the Sanskrit word avatāra (‘descent’), in which the protagonist, Jake Sully, enters and explores an alien world called Pandora by inhabiting the body of an indigenous 10-foot, blue-skinned being, an idea taken from Hinduism’s depictions of the various avatars of the blue god Vishnu, who are said to descend into our world for upholding dharma. Instead of aligning with the interests of the humans, who merely want to mine Pandora for the valuable mineral unobtanium, Sully fights alongside the alien humanoids native to the world, called Na’vi, who live in harmony with nature, believe all life is sacred, and that all life is connected by a divine force — teachings synonymous with Hinduism. Thus, similar to the avatars of Vishnu, Sully defends and preserves a spiritual culture by defeating those who would destroy it for materialistic pursuit. While this film doesn’t indicate in any direct way that they have anything to do with Hinduism, it’s clear they are communicating Hindu ideas that everyone relates to and understands on a profound level.

What do the Matrix, Avatar, Groundhog Day, and Star Wars have to do with Hinduism?

10/18/22Swami Prabhupada

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, was founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a highly respected Vaishnava  (devotion to the god Vishnu and his incarnations avatars) scholar and monk. At the age of 70, Swami Prabhupada traveled from India to New York City to bring the Bhakti tradition, or Krishna Consciousness, to the west. In the 11 years before his passing in 1977, Srila Prabhupada translated, with elaborate commentaries, 60 volumes of Vaishnava literature; established more than 100 temples on six continents; and initiated 5,000 disciples. Today, his writings are studied in universities around the globe and are translated into nearly 100 languages. To date, ISKCON has over 400 temples,  dozens of rural communities and eco-sustainable projects, and nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants world-wide with 56 of them in the US. 

Statement Against Caste Based Discrimination: ISKCON

Who was that Hare Krishna at the start of “Get Back”?

10/17/22The Hindu Diaspora in Africa

Hinduism came in waves to Africa, with Southern Africa getting Hindu workers during the early years of British colonization, while East and West Africa experienced Hindu migration during the 20th century. Hinduism’s roughly 0.2% presence in Africa is seen as so inconsequential, most data organizations don’t even bother explicitly mentioning it in their census reports. But Hinduism is Ghana's fastest growing religion and one in which there are steady populations in both Northern and Southern African states. Durban is now home to most of South Africa’s 1.3 million Indians, making it, according to some sources, the largest Indian city outside of India, and thus a most powerful hub of Hindu practice. In the US, there are both communities of African Hindus who have migrated, as well as Black Hindus, who according to the 2019 Pew Survey, make up 2% of the Hindu population in the US.

Hinduism Beyond Africa

Hinduism Around the World

10/16/22Star Wars

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, drew much of the inspiration for this major cultural phenomenon from the teachings of his mentor who was a lifelong student of Vedanta. In these films, many aspects of Hinduism are interwoven with the story. Some include Hanuman (Chewbaca and Ewoks), Shakti (force,energy), Yodha (Yoda), Brahman (infinite being). Besides the many philosophical parallels that can be highlighted between Star Wars and Hinduism, Star Wars also exhibits similarities in story structure and character roles to one of India’s famous epics, the Ramayana. Never seen the movie? Now might be the time to see how universally relatable Hindu thought can truly be.

What do the Matrix, Avatar, Groundhog Day, and Star Wars have to do with Hinduism?

10/15/22Ayurveda

The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), translation to the knowledge of life. Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healing science, originating in 1000 BCE. Based on the five elements that comprise the universe (space, air, fire, water, and earth), they combine and permutate to create three health principles  that govern the functioning and interplay of a person’s body, mind, and consciousness. These energies are referred to as doshas in Sanskrit. Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western medicine and Ayurvedic schools have gained approval as educational institutions in several states.

5 Things to Know About Ayurveda

In Hinduism, What is the Relationship Between Spirituality and Health?

10/14/22OM

While it’s synonymous to meditation, and seen simply as a doorway to tranquility for yogic practitioners, the true meaning of Om is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy.

The word Om is defined by Hindu scripture as being the original vibration of the universe, which all other vibrations are able to manifest. Within Hinduism, the meaning and connotations of Om is perceived in a variety of ways. Though heard and often written as “om,” due to the way it sounds when it is repeatedly chanted, the sacred syllable is originally and more accurately spelled as “aum.” Broken down, the three letters of A – U – M represent a number of sacred trinities such as different conditions of consciousness (waking state, dreaming state, and deep sleep state), the deities in charge of the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe ( Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), aspects of time (past, present, and future), among many others. 

5 Things to Know About Om

Religious Symbols

10/28/22Dr. Anandibai Joshi

Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi is credited with being the first woman from India to study medicine in the United States. Born in Bombay in 1865, she was married at the age of ten to an older man who had been her teacher. Dr. Joshi had a child at the age of 13, but the child died when only 10 days old. She believed that with better medical care, the child would have lived, and she frequently cited this as motivation for her desire to attend medical school. Her husband encouraged her in her academic pursuits and in 1883, Joshee joined the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, now known as the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She graduated in 1886 with her degree in medicine; her M.D. thesis focused on Hindu obstetrics. Unfortunately,  Dr. Joshi was only able to practice medicine for a few months before passing away from tuberculosis.

Science in Hinduism

10/13/22The Hindu Diaspora in Guyana

Hinduism is the religion of almost 25% of Guyana’s population, making it the country with the highest percentage of Hindus in the Western Hemisphere. But from British professional recruiting agents targeting rural and uneducated Indians, to the aggressiveness of Christian proselytization of Hindus with a promise of a better life, Hinduism has been in a steady decline for many decades with many escaping to the United States for better opportunities and to practice their religion freely. Today, over 80% of Guyanese Americans live in the Northeastern United States with heavy concentrations in New Jersey and in New York, where a “Little Guyana”  helps these immigrants stay connected to their Guyanese roots.

Hinduism beyond India: Guyana

Hinduism Around the World

10/12/22Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth or Karva Chauth (kuhr-vah-CHOATH) is a North Indian holiday in which wives fast for the longevity and health of their husbands, however, many unmarried women celebrate in hopes of meeting their ideal life partner. Typically, wives spend the day preparing gifts to exchange, and fasting until the moon is visible. It is believed that its light symbolizes love and blessings of a happy life. While there are varying legends behind this holiday’s traditions and meaning, the message of honoring the relationships women form with their family and community prevails.

Karwa Chauth

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar

10/11/22Hinduism and Music

As sound vibration can affect the most subtle element of creation, it is interpreted in Hindu scriptures that spiritual sound vibrations can affect the atman (soul) in a particularly potent way. Such spiritual sound vibrations are said to have the ability to awaken our original spiritual consciousness and help us remember that we are beyond the ambivalence of life, and actually originate from the Divine. As such, the main goal of many types of Hindu musical expression is to help stir us out of our spiritual slumber by evoking feelings of love and connection that help us to better perceive the presence of the Divine within all. Some of the more popular examples of musical expressions within Hinduism include shlokas (verse, or poem), mantras (sacred syllables repeated in prayer), kirtans (congregational singing of mantras), and bhajans (devotional songs). You can find musical spiritual expressions through the US in temples,  Mandirs, and community centers.

The Power of Music According to Hinduism

What is Kirtan?

10/10/22Yoga

Yoga is considered Hinduism’s gift to humanity. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word “yuj” in Sanskrit, means to unite. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga – bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) – as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. According to a 2016 study,  in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States.

Yoga.Day

The Hindu Roots of Yoga

10/9/22Swami Vivekananda

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, representing the universe and all our existence. As the soul is encased in two types of bodies: the physical body (made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the subtle body (composed of intelligence, mind and ego), Swami Viveknanda is often attributed with bringing Hindu teachings and practices — such as yoga and transcendental meditation — to Western audiences. In 1893, he was officially introduced to the United States at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where in his speech he called for religious tolerance and described Hinduism as “a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.” The day that Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech at the Parliament of Religions is now known as ‘World Brotherhood Day.’ And his birthday, known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is honored on January 12th each year. On this day he is commemorated and recognized for his contributions as a modern Hindu monk and respected guru of the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States.

Swami Vivekananda Influenced Countless Americans

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar

10/8/22108

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, representing the universe and all our existence. As the soul is encased in two types of bodies: the physical body (made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the subtle body (composed of intelligence, mind and ego), 108 plays a significant role in keeping these two bodies healthily connected. Hindus believe the body holds seven chakras, or pools of energy, which begin at the bottom of the spine and go all the way down to the top of the head and it is believed there are 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra. Ayurveda says there are 108 hidden spots in the body called marma points, where various tissues like muscles, veins, and ligaments meet. These are vital points of life force, and when they are out of balance, energy cannot properly flow throughout the body. Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, are generally completed in nine rounds of 12 postures, totaling 108. Mantra meditation is usually chanted on a set of 108 beads.   In Hinduism there are 108 Upanishads, the sacred texts of wisdom from ancient sages. Additionally, in the Sanskrit alphabet, there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine, or Shakti, and masculine, or Shiva, quality. 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108. Ultimately, breathwork, chanting, studying scripture, and asana’s help harmonize one’s energy with the energy of the supreme spiritual source. These processes become especially effective when they are performed in connection with the number 108. Hindu scriptures strive to remind people of this divine commonality by continuously highlighting the innumerable threads connecting everything in existence. One of these threads is the number 108.

5 Things to know about 108

Here's How the Number 108 Binds Us to the Universe

10/7/22The Hindu Diaspora in Trinidad/Tobago

A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began importing indentured labor from India to work on their estates in other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago.  From 1845 to 1917, the ships would continue to arrive, carrying over 140,000 Indians to the island, facilitating Trinidad's population growth from Indian laborers. Today, there are roughly 240,000 declared Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising about 18% of the island’s population. There are a total of about 300 temples on the island, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. But for some, the migration journey doesn’t end as New York and Florida have seen the development of large Indo-Caribbean communities.

Hinduism beyond India: Trinidad and Tobago

10/6/22Tattoos

From ancient tribes to present-day devotees, tattoos have held a special place in Hinduism for centuries. In the Indian states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, the Ramnaami community invoked Rama’s protection with tattoos of the name “Rama” in Sanskrit on every inch of their skin, including the tongue and inside the lips.The Mahabharata tells the story of the Pandavas that were exiled to the Kutch district of Gujarat. Today, their descendants - members of the Ribari tribe - live as their ancestors did, with women covered in tattoos that symbolize their people’s strong spirit for survival. Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems,such as tattoos of Hanuman are often used to relieve physical or mental pain. People will often get tattoos of other deities to invoke their blessings. Mehndi, a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. While tattoos have been in Hindu communities for centuries, tattoos as symbols of honor, devotion, and even fashion are incredibly popular today. Hindus and non Hindus alike adorn themselves with Hindu emblems and tattoos that reflect Hindu teachings.

Guidelines for Commercial Use of Hindu Images

10/5/22Navaratri

Navaratri (nuhv-uh-RA-three) is a nine night celebration of the feminine divine that occurs four times a year — the spring and fall celebrations being amongst the more widely celebrated. Some traditions honor the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, while others celebrate the three goddesses (Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati) with three days dedicated to each. This is a time to recognize the role in which the loving, compassionate, and gentle — yet sometimes powerful and fierce — feminine energy plays in our lives.

Nine Things to Know About Navaratri

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar

10/4/22Dussehra

Dussehra (duh-sheh-RAH) or Vijayadashmi (vi-juhyuh-dushuh-mee) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon King Ravana. This also marks the end of Ramalila — a brief retelling of the Ramayana and the story of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman in the form of dramatic reading or dance. It also signifies the end of negativity and evil within us (vices, biases, prejudices) for a fresh new beginning. Dussehra often coincides with the end of Navratri and Duga Puja, and celebrations can last ten days, with huge figures of Ravana set ablaze as a reminder that good always prevails over evil.

Hindu Holidays & Dharmic Days Calendar

Hinduism 101 & Women

10/3/22Ahimsa + Cow sanctuaries

Many Hindus hold reverence for the cow as a representation of mother earth, fertility, and Hindu values of selfless service, strength, dignity, and non-harming. Though not all Hindus are vegetarian, for this reason many traditionally abstain from eating beef. This is often linked with the concept of ahimsa (non-violence), which can be applied to diet choices and our interactions with the environment, and potentially determine our next birth, according to the doctrine of karma. This is part of the reason that some Hindus may choose a vegetarian lifestyle as an expression of ahimsa as well as explains the growing number of cow protection projects that are led by individuals who have felt compelled to put their Hindu values into practice. The US is home to several cow protection projects and sanctuaries

Dairy Is Traditionally Sattvic Food, but the Way We Treat Cows Today Can Be Tamasic

Cultured Meat and Animal-Free Dairy Upends the Plant-Based Food Discussion

10/1/2022First Hindu temple in US

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 facilitated the journey of many Indian immigrants to the United States. In this new land, many created home shrines and community temples to practice and hold pujas (services). As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many don’t credit this with being the first. Others believe it is the Shiva Murugan Temple built in 1957 in Concord, California, whereas others believe it is the Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devanstanam in New York that should be considered the first. Today, there are nearly 1,000 temples in the United States . Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith.

A Guide To Temple Safety and Security

5 Things to Know About Visiting a Hindu Temple