Author: sipractce
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Thanksgiving Prayer -2015
Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, speaking to German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle, said in reaction to the Paris attack: “People want to lead a peaceful life. The terrorists are short-sighted, and this is one of the causes of rampant suicide bombings. We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. I am a Buddhist…
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Happy Diwali (Deepavali)
Best wishes for Happy Diwali (Deepavali) to every one. As part of the Diwali celebrations oil lamps are lit and placed every where in the house often in artistic arrangements. The lamp symbolizes the light, the energy, illumination and knowledge ( Elimination of ignorance or darkness). To learn more about the lamp and the philosophy…
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Non-attachment: Agree or not disagree?
Do you “agree” or “not disagree”? The end result may be the same but the approaches for the two choices are totally different! We exist as part of the universe and as influenced by the laws of nature. Do you agree or not disagree? Think about this question and your answer for a moment. Reflect…
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Spirituality in Practice – in the words of Pope Francis.
On Sep. 24th 2015, Pope Francis addressed the joint session of the congress of the United States. It was a memorable speech and a solemn occasion. The Pontiff’s simple message of common principles applicable to all trumped the pomp and circumstances of this special event. They spell out the nobility of thoughts, conviction…
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Athithi Dhevo Bhava – Part 2
In our last blog we described the transformation of any guest into God (Athithi Dhevo Bhava) Have you ever wondered what is really said or prescribed through the various Puja (prayer) services with the chanting of verses in Sanskrit language? Every Puja for every God is a literal translation in practice of the concept of…
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Athithi Dhevo Bhava – May the guest transform into God!
One of the often quoted injunctions from the Upanishad states: Mathru Dhevo Bhava; Pithru Dhevo Bhava; Acharya Dhevo Bhava; Aththi Dhevo Bhava (your mother, father, teacher and guest exist as your God). This statement is often used to teach the basic moral principles. This injunction can be followed merely by being respectful to our parents,…
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What I learned during a nature walk!
I had an opportunity for a peaceful walk on a bright sunny morning recently. As my walk continued I arrived at a location with a winding river with lush greenery everywhere. I continued my stroll along the banks of the river. Fortunately I had a camera with me to record several images. With each passing…
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Clean hands and useful slate
“With grace and gratitude we dry our clean hands and realize the slate can be as clean as we allow it to be” – this is a quote I found printed on a liquid soap bottle! Later I realized the brand name for this product was “Grace”! http://www.thebeautyoflifeblog.com/2010/12/best-hand-soaps-philosophy-amazing.html Clean hands could also refer to the purity…
