Hinduism:beyond rituals, customs and traditions

"Hinduism: beyond rituals, customs and traditions"

Why are there so many gods and goddesses in Hinduism? Why worship an idol? Is going to temple mandatory in the faith? What impact does the caste system have on Hindu society? Why do some rituals make perfect sense while others are so vague? What are the secular and diverse characters in Hinduism? What physics principles constitute the sound of Om? What is karma and its role in our day to day lives?

These and more subjects are eloquently dealt with in the just released book titled "Hinduism: beyond rituals, customs and traditions" by Vancouver-based writer Promod Puri.

The 130-page book on Hinduism written in a concise and clear manner is an easy reading of all aspects of Hinduism for every level of reader. Also, it is for those whose knowledge of the faith is limited to its rituals, customs and traditions.

In the modern society belonging to a faith and its acceptance must be based on reasoning. Hindu thoughts and philosophies in the book are explained with logics.It emphasizes that Hinduism is not just a way of life, it is also a multi-disciplinary academy.

The book recognizes Hinduism's liberal fundamentals as well as its history, rituals, mantras, moksha and metaphysics, meditation, yoga and music, scriptures and sciences, the controversial laws of Manu, Amdekar's reforms and more.

The book is both educational and provocative in the areas of rituals and casteism. It makes quite a sensible reading for rational and contemporary mind.

"HINDUISM:BEYOND RITUALS,CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS" IS AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON,KINDLE, CREATESPACE STORE. ASK YOUR LICAL BOOK STORE.

ABOUT THE AUTHER:
Promod Puri is a veteran of 45 years in the field of journalism, founder and former editor and publisher of Vancouver-based South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link. He was also former editor of Winnipeg-based Native Indian newspaper, The New Nation.

Seeking humanism and rationales have always been his approaches in writing. Honesty, sincerity and perfection are the ethics he follows in his candid writing.

Exploring the truth has led to write this book to recognize the fact that the fundamentals of Hinduism are liberal, secular and diverse, and that it has depth.

With a journalist background he adheres to the cardinal principle of writing that it is meant for reading by others. For that reason his writing style has always been simple for effortless and absorbing reading.

Meet Canada's New Prime Minister

By Promod Puri

His father, Pierre Trudeau, was an intellectual statesman. Justin Trudeau may not fall into that grade. But the genes are there.

He is a  "thoughtful and intelligent guy", says former Liberal leader Bob Rae. In his policy statements we see rays of hope for better and more compassionate Canada in the years to come.

The clear majority gained by the Liberal Party under his leadership and with dignified campaign, not only demonstrated the rejection of ultra right wing politics of discrimination, anti-immigration and fake security concerns, but it restores the confidence in Canadian values of humanism and compassion in both national and international affairs.

Justin Trudeau's rise to political leadership has been like that of an ordinary common man. He worked his own way to climb that ladder. He was not handed a life in politics on a platter as being the son of legendary former prime minister.

His adult life began as a school teacher, snowboard instructor, bouncer in a night club, and playing a role of war hero in a World War 1 TV drama. These credentials show the traits of a young man trying to gain some space in the society.

Yes, he also has a tattoo of Haida nation printed on his arms. He loves ethnic food; his first outing with his date, now his wife Sophie, was to Khyber Pass, an Afghan restaurant in Montreal. He performs Bhangra too.

From this simple portfolio we can see the emergence of a down-to-earth leader who has promised some fundamental changes reflecting the "thoughtful and intelligent" approach to run the affairs of the nation.

In his declared statements Trudeau promised to review the dreadful anti-terrorism laws which could encourage a reign of terror thru fake encounters.

He has expressed openness to let in all the views and concerns in dealing with environmental issues.

He declared to pursue a humanitarian and independent foreign policy which is not influenced by the big brothers south of the border. This foreign policy puts Canada in its traditional role of no-combat military involvements, but for peaceful missions only. He has already announced that Canada will withdraw fighter jets from Iraq and Syria.

His domestic liberal policies include: legalizing marijuana, protection of transgender people, reuniting families of immigrants, reinvigorate ethnic cultures and diversities, and bring more diversity in the government. He has promised welcoming refugee policies. He has announced Canada will admit 25,000 Syrian refugees by the year end.

Mr. Trudeau has recognized the true multicultural fabric of Canada. It was also the hallmark of his father's political life when he declared multiculturalism as the official policy of the Canadian government. His has shown his enthusiastic participation in ethnic cultural events. More than that he recognizes the contribution of Canada's ethnic diversity to make this nation a truly multicultural society of equal opportunities.

There is faith in Mr. Trudeau's ethnic sentiments. And that is the kind of leadership the ethnic communities feel encouraged to see their involvement in Canadian affairs.

CHARLIE HEBDO AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

By Promod Puri

It was not a case of freedom of press but just an abuse of that freedom.

French sensational tabloid Charlie Hebdo published cheap, filthy and indecent caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad weeping, naked and in sexual poses.

It featured a mock debate about whether Jesus exists.

In its unrefined style the CB suggests that the Pope is stepping aside to be with his girlfriend.

A glib satire in customary French humor the tabloid once carried a cartoon showing rolls of toilet paper marked "Bible", "Torah", and "Quran". It carried the explanation: In the toilet, all religions".

It pride itself to be a cruder. And nobody was off limit. The loud-mouthed journal prey often included politicians and public figures as slackers indulging in wine and women.

It provoked a terrorist group head with New Year greeting card in black and white with the caption, " To your health". And in its most recent edition CB published a haunting image of an armed terrorist with the wording "Still no attacks in France; Wait! We have until the end of January to offer our wishes.”

The tabloid is just a piece of vicious wit. It tried to amuse. But very few subscribed to that insensible hilarity. With low reported circulation of 30,000 the tabloid try to sell itself thru yellow journalism. And covers itself under freedom of the press.

French laws about press freedom may be more liberal. But no democratic country can allow absolute freedom. There are both ethical and legal curbs for responsible exercise of democratic freedoms. That includes press freedom as well.

Wielding a pen to hurt and to humiliate, to ridicule and to disgrace, to downgrade and to decivilize a person or a populace, do mask the freedom of expression and freedom of press. 

Journalism in particular is a serious business, not a hunting sport or entertainment. It requires discipline, a commitment toward objectivity and to refrain from hurting feelings of an individual or a community of people. A pen is meant to create harmony and understanding for a civilized and peaceful society. If not handled responsibly pen is as much a killer as a gun.

Pen is mightier than sword. True. As long as it is used prudently.

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BANANA HANGER

Promod Puri

Ever since it was first introduced in the kitchen accessories section of departmental stores I am still debating to buy it or not. Over the last 10 years or more, when the object of my moot was first displayed as an innovative and somewhat bizarre item, it has been a challenge to my buying impulse. 

During this X-Mas season of all the popular and useful gifts items Banana Hanger is at the bottom of my list. And it has been sitting there ever since its first appearance.

I can buy a 'banana guard' to protect it from spoilage or an apple peeler, but banana hanger still has to hang on till I am convinced of its merit(s). I use shirt hanger, pant hanger and even I can think of buying a tie hanger, but for banana hanger 'not yet'.

I remember once getting a banana hanger as a gift perhaps during the holiday season or on my birthday. The dilemma was what to do with that, to use it or to pass on to somebody else. Rejecting the both, I thought of leaving it out in our back alley for street collectors. But the idea was outwardly rejected too. The reason was simple these people love to have bananas not banana hanger. The poor gift item finally landed in at the Salvation Army thrift store.

I do admire the craftsmanship involved in its design and its usability to hang a bunch of  bananas ( not overly ripe ones ). With its sleekness and curves it does have an aesthetic value and adorn dining table. But my only apprehension is that what I am going to do with this gizmo when I am left with a single banana. I can't hang the lonely one on it. Moreover, unlike monkeys my appetite for bananas is limited.

Despite my aversion to banana hangers the fact is that these are still being sold and people are buying them for their own use or as a gift item. Smart invention, great marketing!

While the BH is on my wait list, I certainly would not buy some "useless products" which sprout up abundantly during the Christmas Season. These include: ear dryer, shoes with tiny umbrellas at toes, hat with false hair, lighted slippers, bacon floss, egg cuber, underpants for hands, and many more.

Happy Holidays

Pastime On Stairs

Pastime On Stairs

By Promod Puri

The fun in life includes some simple recreational activities in our daily life. And the one I like the most is just a few steps away as part of my everyday up and down commute.

These are the stairs leading up to our apartment. Over the years I have done this personal Grind hundreds of time. Although my experience with stairs is quite extensive, still I would not call myself a stair-master.

But as a veteran of the stairs I have learnt some techniques and some dos and don'ts of going up or down. These know-hows are not meant for practicing to hike Mt. Everest, but simply to enjoy the staircase walk as a physical activity. Stairs make an excellent place to get daily dose of cardio and some belly alignment.

They say keep a balance in life. That is true for stairs too.

In this upscale workout keeping the body in balance is essential. Tripping and slipping often happen when the body wobbles due to imbalance. Balancing exercises are quite common in gym. A popular one is trying to balance body on a hemisphere shaped ball. At home one can practice balance by standing on one foot or keeping one foot in front of the other for as long as possible. Balance requires concentration. Or to be more precise it is meditation in action to coordinate mind and body.

A brief stretching of legs, keeping a uniform pace and raising each leg almost parallel to upper body for each step, are some of the tips of the trade. At little advance stage one can climb two steps at a time. Or do a little bit of descending acrobat of lifting the entire body by firmly holding railings on either side and then dropping both the feet on just one step down, not two.

Another tip: While going up or down, heels or toes should not be hanging down rather whole foot be placed on each step. This gives full footing with more safety as well. A trivial act of misplacing a foot can be the cause of a serious fall. Looking down is not only a humble posture but a better choice to avoid stair accident.

If safety is the main concern, and it should be, then the cardinal principle is the use of hand-railings all along the stairs. Railing is primarily meant to be a support system for fall-free stair walk. Curves, bends and sleekness of a staircase are the aesthetic elements which don't promise safety.

It is often said when going up or down the stairs do NOTHING but going up and down the stairs. No phone, no buttoning of shirt, etc.

Keeping these safeguards in mind stairs offer a simple, easy and free recreational activity.

Have a good time with stairs step by step.

India-Pakistan - Promod Puri

India, Pakistan: Same Culture, Same Traditions But Still Fighting

By Promod Puri

( In view of the recent border fighting empathy toward the peoples of India and Pakistan has been the main reason in writing this article. The objective is not only to underscore  the commonalities among them but to make these known both within the two nations and the rest of the world as well ).

P

Flip the coin and on one side India and Pakistan seem to be combating with each other for ever. On the other side they are sharing the same bread of common roots, common cultures, languages and traditions. 

This love and hate relationship between the two neighbors is both as a result of natural and historic bonding between the peoples of the two countries. At the same time there is the hostility generated by militancy from Pakistan and India's dithering stand in resolving the Kashmir problem.

In 1947 when the British colonial rulers left the Indian subcontinent Pakistan was established. It was on the basis that the Muslims population would have their own country. This was done by simply drawing a distorted boundary line along the north-western part of the united India. A similar line was drawn in the northeastern part. Thus a geographically unique nation of Pakistan, with miles apart east and west regions, was constituted.

The partition of the united India in practically three regions saw one of the worst communal riots. In this abrupt war of hatred hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were killed. Millions faced unprecedented miseries as a result of sudden uprooting of people from their ancestral homes and lands. 

In that bloody anarchy, however, Pakistan got its Muslim majority. 

But the genesis of Pakistan based on one religion could not represent the diversity within its Muslim population. Different languages, different cultures, along with different sects within Islam were part of the reality of Pakistan as well. The result East Pakistan was completely scratched out from the map. And a new nation of Bangladesh was born. This was a negation to the perception that a common religion would hold the nation together irrespective of its cultural, linguistic and ethnic pluralities.

In this context one wonders why the subcontinent was divided in the first place. If carving a Muslim state was the main reason to establish Pakistan then it did not take in its fold all the Muslims in the united India. Nor it could address the regional and diverse cultural and linguistic aspirations of its people. Urdu or Hindusthani speaking migrants settled in the Sind and Punjab provinces of Pakistan felt alienated.

Moreover, the division of the sub-continent generated a never ending hostility between India and Pakistan which is dominated by the Kashmir problem. 

Pakistan bases its argument that the state of Jammu & Kashmir has majority Muslim population. And that it should be part of the country. Whereas India's position is that Kashmir belongs to India because the autocrat ruler of the state did sign the accession treaty with India.

Also is the fact that India itself took the Kashmir issue before the United Nations. The latter passed a majority resolution that a plebiscite must be conducted in the state so the people can decide their future to belong to Pakistan, remain with India or stay independent.

However, the problem is not that simple. Being just a Muslim majority state is not the only determining factor to decide its fate. The state is extremely heterogeneous.

People in the Valley of Kashmir speak Kashmiri language. And being most outspoken Kashmiris control the politics of the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. That leaves the regions of Jammu and Ladakh totally out of the picture in the ongoing issue of the un-representative Kashmir Problem. 

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are culturally, linguistically, religiously and even geographically three distinct regions of the disputed state.

Equally important is the non-Kashmiri speaking region of Azad Kashmir now under Pakistan control. And which was once part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under the Maharaja rule before 1947. People here speak Pahari dialects, including Mirpuri, which are akin to the Punjabi dialects, but altogether different than the Kashmiri language. And that is the reason people in the Azad Kashmir region of the state are fundamentally different both linguistically and culturally than the those in the Kashmir valley. Their affinities are more toward the people of the Jammu region.

It is the Jammu and Azad Kashmir regions of the state which suffered the most during the partition period. And whenever India and Pakistan border flares up, as has happened recently, this is the area of hostility between the combating forces resulting in immense suffering for the people living on both sides of the border.

Pakistan views the Kashmir problem from only one aspect that it is Muslim in majority. That is true. But that is not the reason, and should not be the reason for its being part of Pakistan. And as far as India is concerned both its leadership and the deliberating bureaucrats always try to put the Kashmir problem on a back burner as it is a non-issue.

Referendum can be a part of the solution toward Kashmir tangle. But in the changed political and economic situations it will not end the problem for good. Still, India now with its strong governing leadership and offering better economic alternative for the state than Pakistan, need not shy away from this democratic exercise of plebiscite. It could be very bold step toward an effort to resolve the Kashmir tangle.

However, beside seriously handling the Kashmir problem there is much more as far as the relations between the two nations are concerned. India and Pakistan are two different ruling entities. But historically, culturally and even emotionally they are together as one people. Their heritage is the same and will remain the same for ever.

And the side of the coin which displays the ugly site of hostality between the two countries could be replaced by two friendly neighbors sharing their traditional bread.

( Promod Puri is a former editor and publisher of South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link, retired and resides in Vancouver, Canada).

India, Pakistan: Same Culture, Same Traditions But Still Fighting

By Promod Puri

( In view of the recent border fighting empathy toward the peoples of India and Pakistan has been the main reason in writing this article. The objective is not only to underscore  the commonalities among them but to make these known both within the two nations and the rest of the world as well ).

P

Flip the coin and on one side India and Pakistan seem to be combating with each other for ever. On the other side they are sharing the same bread of common roots, common cultures, languages and traditions. 

This love and hate relationship between the two neighbors is both as a result of natural and historic bonding between the peoples of the two countries. At the same time there is the hostility generated by militancy from Pakistan and India's dithering stand in resolving the Kashmir problem.

In 1947 when the British colonial rulers left the Indian subcontinent Pakistan was established. It was on the basis that the Muslims population would have their own country. This was done by simply drawing a distorted boundary line along the north-western part of the united India. A similar line was drawn in the northeastern part. Thus a geographically unique nation of Pakistan, with miles apart east and west regions, was constituted.

The partition of the united India in practically three regions saw one of the worst communal riots. In this abrupt war of hatred hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were killed. Millions faced unprecedented miseries as a result of sudden uprooting of people from their ancestral homes and lands. 

In that bloody anarchy, however, Pakistan got its Muslim majority. 

But the genesis of Pakistan based on one religion could not represent the diversity within its Muslim population. Different languages, different cultures, along with different sects within Islam were part of the reality of Pakistan as well. The result East Pakistan was completely scratched out from the map. And a new nation of Bangladesh was born. This was a negation to the perception that a common religion would hold the nation together irrespective of its cultural, linguistic and ethnic pluralities.

In this context one wonders why the subcontinent was divided in the first place. If carving a Muslim state was the main reason to establish Pakistan then it did not take in its fold all the Muslims in the united India. Nor it could address the regional and diverse cultural and linguistic aspirations of its people. Urdu or Hindusthani speaking migrants settled in the Sind and Punjab provinces of Pakistan felt alienated.

Moreover, the division of the sub-continent generated a never ending hostility between India and Pakistan which is dominated by the Kashmir problem. 

Pakistan bases its argument that the state of Jammu & Kashmir has majority Muslim population. And that it should be part of the country. Whereas India's position is that Kashmir belongs to India because the autocrat ruler of the state did sign the accession treaty with India.

Also is the fact that India itself took the Kashmir issue before the United Nations. The latter passed a majority resolution that a plebiscite must be conducted in the state so the people can decide their future to belong to Pakistan, remain with India or stay independent.

However, the problem is not that simple. Being just a Muslim majority state is not the only determining factor to decide its fate. The state is extremely heterogeneous.

People in the Valley of Kashmir speak Kashmiri language. And being most outspoken Kashmiris control the politics of the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. That leaves the regions of Jammu and Ladakh totally out of the picture in the ongoing issue of the un-representative Kashmir Problem. 

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are culturally, linguistically, religiously and even geographically three distinct regions of the disputed state.

Equally important is the non-Kashmiri speaking region of Azad Kashmir now under Pakistan control. And which was once part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under the Maharaja rule before 1947. People here speak Pahari dialects, including Mirpuri, which are akin to the Punjabi dialects, but altogether different than the Kashmiri language. And that is the reason people in the Azad Kashmir region of the state are fundamentally different both linguistically and culturally than the those in the Kashmir valley. Their affinities are more toward the people of the Jammu region.

It is the Jammu and Azad Kashmir regions of the state which suffered the most during the partition period. And whenever India and Pakistan border flares up, as has happened recently, this is the area of hostility between the combating forces resulting in immense suffering for the people living on both sides of the border.

Pakistan views the Kashmir problem from only one aspect that it is Muslim in majority. That is true. But that is not the reason, and should not be the reason for its being part of Pakistan. And as far as India is concerned both its leadership and the deliberating bureaucrats always try to put the Kashmir problem on a back burner as it is a non-issue.

Referendum can be a part of the solution toward Kashmir tangle. But in the changed political and economic situations it will not end the problem for good. Still, India now with its strong governing leadership and offering better economic alternative for the state than Pakistan, need not shy away from this democratic exercise of plebiscite. It could be very bold step toward an effort to resolve the Kashmir tangle.

However, beside seriously handling the Kashmir problem there is much more as far as the relations between the two nations are concerned. India and Pakistan are two different ruling entities. But historically, culturally and even emotionally they are together as one people. Their heritage is the same and will remain the same for ever.

And the side of the coin which displays the ugly site of hostality between the two countries could be replaced by two friendly neighbors sharing their traditional bread.

( Promod Puri is a former editor and publisher of South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link, retired and resides in Vancouver, Canada).