Marking the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa's birthday, hundreds of nuns, bishops and devotees attended a Mass to celebrate the selfless nun who dedicated her life to helping hundreds of thousands of poor and sick in India. A coin will be released in her honor by the Indian government and the Indian Railways will be launching a blue and white train that will travel the country with an exhibition on Mother Teresa.
Sister Mary Prema, the nun who now heads the Missionaries of Charity, said, "Her life and work continue to be an inspiration for the young and the old, the rich and the poor, from all walks of life, religions and nations."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sacred space saved
A sacred mountain in remote Orissa has been saved from bauxite mining. Taking into account such factors as this sacred mountain, disturbance of the Dongria Kondh tribe lifestyle and tribal traditions, and the effects on ecosystems-water sources-wildlife-water pollution-displacement-deforestation-endangered species led the Indian government to reject an operation in the Niyamgiri Hill range by a multinational company.
Times to die
Accelerating National Health Service cutbacks in England have chaplains concerned patients of religious faith facing operations or even death without the opportunity of spiritual comfort. NHS "cutbacks in the out-of-hours services mean that you should not die out of hours if you want spiritual help. Die only between nine and five,” warned Carol English who works with the College of Health Care Chaplains in London.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said the NHS reduces the sick and the dying to “a bundle of genes and actions. There is a hidden violence in so many of our systems, even those of care, because their operational mode is reductionist. If we reduce death to a clinical event and manage it through a series of standard procedures then we do not deal with death well, either clinically or humanly.”
Archbishop Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said the NHS reduces the sick and the dying to “a bundle of genes and actions. There is a hidden violence in so many of our systems, even those of care, because their operational mode is reductionist. If we reduce death to a clinical event and manage it through a series of standard procedures then we do not deal with death well, either clinically or humanly.”
Ancient manuscript
Recent tests confirm what the monks have held all along - a brightly illustrated book written on goatskin are some of the oldest Christian writings in existence. The Garima Gospels, possibly dating as far back as 330 AD, are kept under lock and key in a blue, circular monastery in the center of an Ethiopian monastery for the best part of the last 1600 years. The monks believe the books also hold magical properties.
The isolated Abuna Garima monastery clings to a mountainside 2130m above sea level and is located in Ethiopia's Tigray Highlands. The monks there have guarded the sacred book from centuries of various threats. Now, a restoration funded by the Ethiopian Heritage Fund has now been completed. Bookbinder, Lester Capon, spent three laborious weeks redoing and restoring bindings that held the pages together. New carbon testing has provided a scientific confirmation to what the monks have always insisted as to the age of the Garima Gospels.
The isolated Abuna Garima monastery clings to a mountainside 2130m above sea level and is located in Ethiopia's Tigray Highlands. The monks there have guarded the sacred book from centuries of various threats. Now, a restoration funded by the Ethiopian Heritage Fund has now been completed. Bookbinder, Lester Capon, spent three laborious weeks redoing and restoring bindings that held the pages together. New carbon testing has provided a scientific confirmation to what the monks have always insisted as to the age of the Garima Gospels.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Lying Buddha
Bangladesh - Soon the Buddhist population in Bangladesh will have a new lying Buddha statue, the largest in the country. It is to be 100 feet long, 30 feet high and situated on a hillock in the Ramu Township in Co'xs Bazar near the border with Burma.
Already 75% complete, it expected to be finished within the next 2-3 months.
"Bangladesh is a Muslim-dominated country but...I built the statue for the Buddhist community," said Buddhist monk, the Venerable Karunasree Bhikku.
Already 75% complete, it expected to be finished within the next 2-3 months.
"Bangladesh is a Muslim-dominated country but...I built the statue for the Buddhist community," said Buddhist monk, the Venerable Karunasree Bhikku.
Hard line on crime
Nigeria - During the consecration of Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh as the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, acting President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has told the country's religious leaders to neither condone or encourage corruption or crime in his speech given at the Cathedral Church of Advent in Abuja.
“Yes, he’s a brother, yes the Lord says that until you are proven guilty it is assumed that you are innocent, so you must help to get a brother out of problem," said the President. He reminded the leaders that when he was deputy governor and was approached for help or bail money, his attitude was, "assuming you went and raped a girl and you expect me to go and talk to the Police to release you, I will not.”
Jonathan said Nigeria faces many challenges and that churches must remain firm in their duty to help correct the ills of society, not to bail out the criminals with what resources they have.
“Yes, he’s a brother, yes the Lord says that until you are proven guilty it is assumed that you are innocent, so you must help to get a brother out of problem," said the President. He reminded the leaders that when he was deputy governor and was approached for help or bail money, his attitude was, "assuming you went and raped a girl and you expect me to go and talk to the Police to release you, I will not.”
Jonathan said Nigeria faces many challenges and that churches must remain firm in their duty to help correct the ills of society, not to bail out the criminals with what resources they have.
Media bias and bigotry
UK - Leading figures in the UK's religious community and in a number of prominent organizations have condemned what is perceived as a rise in Islamophobia, seeing it as a viable threat to democracy.
Castigating negative coverage of Muslims in the media and the rise in groups like the English Defence League which marched through central London with placards calling for the closure of the East London Mosque, these voices are warning of history repeating itself - reminding the British people of the 1930's when Oswald Mosley's blackshirts attempted to intimidate the Jewish community.
Billy Hayes, General secretary, Communication Workers Union; Rev. Green, Chair, Tower Hamlets Interfaith forum; Dr. Friedman, Executive director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality; Dr. Bari, Secretary general, Muslim Council of Britain; Sabby Dhalu Joint secretary, Unite Against Fascism and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, NUS black students officer, are but of few of those speaking out against anti-Muslim sentiments.
Castigating negative coverage of Muslims in the media and the rise in groups like the English Defence League which marched through central London with placards calling for the closure of the East London Mosque, these voices are warning of history repeating itself - reminding the British people of the 1930's when Oswald Mosley's blackshirts attempted to intimidate the Jewish community.
Billy Hayes, General secretary, Communication Workers Union; Rev. Green, Chair, Tower Hamlets Interfaith forum; Dr. Friedman, Executive director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality; Dr. Bari, Secretary general, Muslim Council of Britain; Sabby Dhalu Joint secretary, Unite Against Fascism and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, NUS black students officer, are but of few of those speaking out against anti-Muslim sentiments.
Buddhist ban
Sri Lanka - The foreign ministry of Sri Lanka has announced it will deny the US singer Akron a visa to perform to a sold-out concert after almost 12,000 people on Facebook and a large number of Buddhist monks took serious offense over the performer's music video from his "Sexy Bitch" hit that featured bikini-clad women dancing in front of a statue of Buddha.
"Please stop insulting a religion. Save Buddhism," said one FB posting. A "We Hate AKRON" group on Facebook has over 11,700 fans in response to his video.
Sri Lanka is mostly Buddhist and is sensitive to the commercial use of religious imagery. Candles in the shape of Buddha have seen a ban by the government.
"Please stop insulting a religion. Save Buddhism," said one FB posting. A "We Hate AKRON" group on Facebook has over 11,700 fans in response to his video.
Sri Lanka is mostly Buddhist and is sensitive to the commercial use of religious imagery. Candles in the shape of Buddha have seen a ban by the government.
Arab poetry
MidEast - In the Arab version of American Idol, poet Hissa Hilal won a place in the program's finals after she recited a provocative poem in which she castigated Muslim preachers “who sit in the position of power” but are “frightening” people with their fatwas, or religious edicts, and “preying like a wolf” on those seeking peace.
The audience in The Million's Poet show gave the poem loud cheers. The poet has since received death threats that have been posted on several militant Islamic web sites. "Killing a human being is so easy for them, it is always an option,” she said.
From behind her own veil, Hilal recited, “I have seen evil in the eyes of fatwas, at a time when the permitted is being twisted into the forbidden." She called such edicts “a monster that emerged from its hiding place” whenever “the veil is lifted from the face of truth.”
Hilal was once a poetry editor at the Arab daily Al-Hayat.
The audience in The Million's Poet show gave the poem loud cheers. The poet has since received death threats that have been posted on several militant Islamic web sites. "Killing a human being is so easy for them, it is always an option,” she said.
From behind her own veil, Hilal recited, “I have seen evil in the eyes of fatwas, at a time when the permitted is being twisted into the forbidden." She called such edicts “a monster that emerged from its hiding place” whenever “the veil is lifted from the face of truth.”
Hilal was once a poetry editor at the Arab daily Al-Hayat.
Ancient vs modern
Israel - The discovery of bones, determined by archeologists to have belonged to Christians or pagans from the Byzantium era, has convinced the Israeli government to relocate the construction of an hospital emergency room in Ashkelon in the south of Isreal. The ward would have covered the ancient burial site.
According to Dep. Health Minister Litzman, the bones were Jewish and religious practice forbade them being moved.
According to Dep. Health Minister Litzman, the bones were Jewish and religious practice forbade them being moved.
Code violation
USA - The town of Gilbert, Arizona, says their zoning code prohibits assembly activities such as Bible studies, church leadership meetings, and church fellowship activities. The Oasis of Truth church was meeting at Pastor Joe Sutherland's house but were notified to cease and desist.
The Alliance Defense Fund, a national legal organization, has filed an appeal with the town, saying its code violates the U.S. Constitution.
The Alliance Defense Fund, a national legal organization, has filed an appeal with the town, saying its code violates the U.S. Constitution.
Render unto Caesar
Greece - The socialist Greek government is slated to impose heavy taxes on the Orthodox Church in its continued attempt to boost revenues in the face of a continuing debt crisis. The Church faces a 20% tax on any bequests and revenues from church property.
“The 20 percent hits us right between the eyes,” Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki said. A Church spokesperson declined comment on the new tax bill.
A director from the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy think-tank said, “The fact that we are going through a major crisis will make it easier for the Church to accept this measure, otherwise it will be thought of as not contributing to the salvation of Greece’s economy.”
“The 20 percent hits us right between the eyes,” Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki said. A Church spokesperson declined comment on the new tax bill.
A director from the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy think-tank said, “The fact that we are going through a major crisis will make it easier for the Church to accept this measure, otherwise it will be thought of as not contributing to the salvation of Greece’s economy.”
Creation myth
USA - Native American, Joy Harjo - author, playwright, poet, songwriter, musician and singer - performs her version of a Native American creation tale. Her show, “Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light’’ with Grammy-Award Winning Producer and Collaborator, Guitarist Larry Mitchell, is also running at the Autry National Center's Museum of the American West in Los Angeles through the 29th.
Portraying a character named Redbird Monawhee, Harjo takes the audience on a healing journey and recounts the story of Rabbit, creator of a clay man whose insatiable hunger for women and excessive riches throws the universe out of balance - a metaphor of how we became separated from the beauty of the world.
With both humor and sadness, struggle and self-discovery, Harjo reminds her audience of the importance of old stories and the valuable lessons they reveal.
Joy Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke Nation and writes a column for the tribal newspaper.
Portraying a character named Redbird Monawhee, Harjo takes the audience on a healing journey and recounts the story of Rabbit, creator of a clay man whose insatiable hunger for women and excessive riches throws the universe out of balance - a metaphor of how we became separated from the beauty of the world.
With both humor and sadness, struggle and self-discovery, Harjo reminds her audience of the importance of old stories and the valuable lessons they reveal.
Joy Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke Nation and writes a column for the tribal newspaper.
Chant master
USA - Considered by many the "chant master of American yoga," Krishna Das, performs his traditional chants - the spiritual practice of kirtan, chanting the names of the divine masters - in live events 200 times a year.
In the past, he has collaborated with such notables as Sting, and Mike D of the Beastie Boys. "The way I do it, it is not a religious practice, but a spiritual one," he says. On his current tour, he is sharing a bill with Deva Premal and Miten.
From churches to yoga studios, all of his performances are audience-participation events. His background is an interesting one. At one time, he played with an early version of Blue Oyster Cult in New York City and began yoga and meditation with other seekers like Ram Das.
This month he releases a new album titled "Heart As Wide As The World." Krishna Das emphasizes, "One of the things chanting does is to give a very immediate sense of release from the daily grind."
In the past, he has collaborated with such notables as Sting, and Mike D of the Beastie Boys. "The way I do it, it is not a religious practice, but a spiritual one," he says. On his current tour, he is sharing a bill with Deva Premal and Miten.
From churches to yoga studios, all of his performances are audience-participation events. His background is an interesting one. At one time, he played with an early version of Blue Oyster Cult in New York City and began yoga and meditation with other seekers like Ram Das.
This month he releases a new album titled "Heart As Wide As The World." Krishna Das emphasizes, "One of the things chanting does is to give a very immediate sense of release from the daily grind."
Banned
UK - The Vicar at the All Saints Church Hall in Totley, Yorkshire, had banned the Tai Chi class started by the Sheffield Council as part of its health promotion program while also asking the local residents' association for financial assistance to help refurbish the church hall on the grounds that it is open to everyone.
When instituting the ban, Vicar Rhodes stated, "Within the the church we see Tai Chi as being an aspect of the Taoist religion. We want to promote a whole life spirituality which centers on following Jesus and we feel that the two things clash." The class had around 20 regulars comprised of elderly women.
"I don't know if the vicar thinks we are learning kung fu or martial arts and are training to kill people but we're just trying to keep healthy as we get older - what's anti-Christian about that?" said 74-year-old Pat Parkin. "We are not anti-Christs, we're just a group of mainly older women trying to keep fit and healthy. We are not learning anything about any Eastern religion or philosophy."
When instituting the ban, Vicar Rhodes stated, "Within the the church we see Tai Chi as being an aspect of the Taoist religion. We want to promote a whole life spirituality which centers on following Jesus and we feel that the two things clash." The class had around 20 regulars comprised of elderly women.
"I don't know if the vicar thinks we are learning kung fu or martial arts and are training to kill people but we're just trying to keep healthy as we get older - what's anti-Christian about that?" said 74-year-old Pat Parkin. "We are not anti-Christs, we're just a group of mainly older women trying to keep fit and healthy. We are not learning anything about any Eastern religion or philosophy."
Voodoo aid
Haiti - Although the bulk of religious relief aid in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake has been by Catholic and Protestant groups, well-known musician Theodore "Lolo" Beaubrun, feels voodoo should play an important role in the country's recovery. "We have seen death. But the spirits entered the minds of people to advise and help them heal. They speak to us. It's like therapy," he says.
Voodoo blends aspects of West African animistic beliefs and practices with Christianity. Others feel an absence of voodoo's presence in the aftermath is due to prejudice against its followers.
"Some Christian communities do not want to give food to voodoo followers. As soon as they see people wearing peasant clothes or voodoo handkerchiefs, they put them aside and deny them food," Beaubrun reveals.
Father Reginald Jean-Marie of Notre-Dame in Little Haiti insists, "Any system of belief that people cling to especially in a time of crisis can be of help to them." The priest also said that anyone blaming voodoo for the country's crises is "theological nonsense".
Voodoo blends aspects of West African animistic beliefs and practices with Christianity. Others feel an absence of voodoo's presence in the aftermath is due to prejudice against its followers.
"Some Christian communities do not want to give food to voodoo followers. As soon as they see people wearing peasant clothes or voodoo handkerchiefs, they put them aside and deny them food," Beaubrun reveals.
Father Reginald Jean-Marie of Notre-Dame in Little Haiti insists, "Any system of belief that people cling to especially in a time of crisis can be of help to them." The priest also said that anyone blaming voodoo for the country's crises is "theological nonsense".
Say Om
UK - A London cardiologist is continuing a yoga program which utilizes meditation and chanting to combat a range of medical problems. One participant, a 54-year-old woman on a variety of prescriptions and with a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure along with a thickening of her heart wall, claims the doctor's program has left her medication-free and that her heart has repaired itself. In the program, she had 12 weekly two-hour sessions of intense yoga meditation, learning the methods of pranayam yoga and its chanting element.
"With meditation, the benefits are maintained for long periods afterwards, and increasingly so the more you meditate," says the London cardiologist, Dr. Richard Carroll. A 9-year study done by the American Heart Association found that coronary heart patients had a 50% lower rate of heart attack, stroke and death when they practiced meditation and chanting when compared to non-meditating patients.
A study done by Georgetown University found students lowered their blood pressure after only 3 months of regular chanting.
"With meditation, the benefits are maintained for long periods afterwards, and increasingly so the more you meditate," says the London cardiologist, Dr. Richard Carroll. A 9-year study done by the American Heart Association found that coronary heart patients had a 50% lower rate of heart attack, stroke and death when they practiced meditation and chanting when compared to non-meditating patients.
A study done by Georgetown University found students lowered their blood pressure after only 3 months of regular chanting.
Live right
Ghana - Calling upon the government of Ghana to redouble efforts to combat armed robbery and fraud, stem corruption and fight the lackadaisical attitude to work, Reverend Samuel Owiredu, the Kpassa District Pastor of the Apostolic Church of Ghana, called for harmony between the current government and its opposition. "If leaders succeed, most of the people succeed," the pastor exhorted in a sermon at a non-denominational Church in Kpassa, asking for prayers for the nation's leaders, all part of the conclusion of the national week of fasting and prayers.
He also charged the nation's youth to lead responsible lifestyles to reflect the image of God in them. Paul Levin Gyato, Nkwanta North District Chief Executive, entreated Ghanaians to practice humility, modesty and honesty, saying these are the virtues of good leadership.
He also charged the nation's youth to lead responsible lifestyles to reflect the image of God in them. Paul Levin Gyato, Nkwanta North District Chief Executive, entreated Ghanaians to practice humility, modesty and honesty, saying these are the virtues of good leadership.
Sins forgiven
Tbilisi , Georgia - Petty criminals in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia may have the opportunity to serve shorter sentences by spending time in a monastery. An estimated 80% of the Georgian population are Orthodox Christians and the church plays an influential role in the country's political structure.
Offering a cassock and allowing certain criminals the chance to serve out their sentence as monks would prove to be a beneficial form of rehabilitation while easing the severe overcrowding in the country's prison system.
Officials from the prisons ministry and the Church said they would work together to select appropriate candidates who would respond best to the unique program of reform. A recent report by a penal reform panel showed the incarceration rate in Georgia had risen some 300% since 2004 and the system was far beyond capacity.
Offering a cassock and allowing certain criminals the chance to serve out their sentence as monks would prove to be a beneficial form of rehabilitation while easing the severe overcrowding in the country's prison system.
Officials from the prisons ministry and the Church said they would work together to select appropriate candidates who would respond best to the unique program of reform. A recent report by a penal reform panel showed the incarceration rate in Georgia had risen some 300% since 2004 and the system was far beyond capacity.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Brief and to the point
Rome - Last December, the Archdiocese in Bombay, India, told its priests to keep their homilies (sermons) short and to the point. Auxiliary Bishop Bosco Penha, president of the Commission for Word and Worship in Bombay archdiocese said, “Some priests are still preaching for 20 minutes or more, which is strongly discouraged."
Now the Vatican has weighed in on the subject advising all priests to keep their homilies to 8 minutes or less. "The homily in general should not go over eight minutes – the average amount of time for a listener to concentrate," says Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
Father Andrew Headon, vice-rector of the Venerable English College in Rome agrees. "There is a saying among clergy," he said. "If you haven't struck oil in seven minutes, stop boring." Headon added, "A sermon should not be a lecture, nor is it academic. You need to give spiritual food for thought that will stay with someone for a week."
Now the Vatican has weighed in on the subject advising all priests to keep their homilies to 8 minutes or less. "The homily in general should not go over eight minutes – the average amount of time for a listener to concentrate," says Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
Father Andrew Headon, vice-rector of the Venerable English College in Rome agrees. "There is a saying among clergy," he said. "If you haven't struck oil in seven minutes, stop boring." Headon added, "A sermon should not be a lecture, nor is it academic. You need to give spiritual food for thought that will stay with someone for a week."
When women ruled
New York City, USA - 7,000 years ago (5000 B.C.) - before the use of writing and long before the fist cities of Mesopotamia and Egypt were built - the Danube Valley was a seat of European civilization boasting settlements of 10,000 or more people.
An exhibit in New York City, "The Lost World of Old Europe: The Danube Valley, 5000-3000 BC", is showcasing archaeological finds from the areas of the richest heritage - Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania.
Included in the exhibition are anthropomorphic figurines which are thought to have been used for religious and ritualistic ceremonies, most of which represent the female form and are thought to possibly represent the mother goddess. Scholars believe the culture of that period was probably ruled by women or was matriarchal in structure. Fertility was an important aspect of ancient civilizations.
The exhibit is at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University. through April 25th, 2010 and admission is free.
An exhibit in New York City, "The Lost World of Old Europe: The Danube Valley, 5000-3000 BC", is showcasing archaeological finds from the areas of the richest heritage - Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania.
Included in the exhibition are anthropomorphic figurines which are thought to have been used for religious and ritualistic ceremonies, most of which represent the female form and are thought to possibly represent the mother goddess. Scholars believe the culture of that period was probably ruled by women or was matriarchal in structure. Fertility was an important aspect of ancient civilizations.
The exhibit is at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University. through April 25th, 2010 and admission is free.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Show me the Giotto
Florence, Italy - Modern technology has revealed rich details of paintings by the artist, Giotto, that have been hidden from view for centuries. Giotto is considered one of the most important painters of the 2nd millennium and first in a line of great painters who contributed to the Italian Renaissance, a period which included da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael, among others.
Using ultra-violet light and other non-invasive diagnostics, restorers were able to see details of the Giotto paintings in the Peruzzi Chapel in Florence's Santa Croce Church that have been obscured over time.
In the early 1700's, the paintings were whitewashed over to make way for a new design, then other restorers removed the white paint in 1840 using steel wool pads and harsh solvents which also removed much of the original image. The bleached appearance people see today is very different from the indications of the original work now being carefully mapped by the current preservation team.
Using ultra-violet light and other non-invasive diagnostics, restorers were able to see details of the Giotto paintings in the Peruzzi Chapel in Florence's Santa Croce Church that have been obscured over time.
In the early 1700's, the paintings were whitewashed over to make way for a new design, then other restorers removed the white paint in 1840 using steel wool pads and harsh solvents which also removed much of the original image. The bleached appearance people see today is very different from the indications of the original work now being carefully mapped by the current preservation team.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Teens meet
Nevada, USA - An enlightening event has taken place in Reno, Nevada. The Fifth Annual Catholic Diocesan Youth Rally involved teenagers from various parts of Nevada who gathered for hear guest speakers and participate in a variety of workshops.
It is the thrust of the special symposium some might find of particular interest - it was an interfaith event the coordinator, Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community of Carson City, said was organized to teach participants that in order to truly live in peace and harmony people must strive to understand each other.
The teens gathered to hear from area Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders: Muslim imam Abdulrahim Barghouthi, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Buddhist priest William S. Bartlett, and Jewish rabbi Teri E. Appleby all spoke and explained the tenets of their respective faiths, highlighting similarities.
It ended with recitation of Gayatri Mantra (the sacred mantra of Hinduism from the 3,500 year-old scripture Rig-Veda).
Workshops were held on "The Church, Sex, and Teens", "Spirituality", "Rosary Making", "Lies Young Women/Men Believe", "Following Jesus: A Dangerous Adventure", "Self image and image of God", "Gang Prevention", and other topics.
It is the thrust of the special symposium some might find of particular interest - it was an interfaith event the coordinator, Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community of Carson City, said was organized to teach participants that in order to truly live in peace and harmony people must strive to understand each other.
The teens gathered to hear from area Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders: Muslim imam Abdulrahim Barghouthi, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Buddhist priest William S. Bartlett, and Jewish rabbi Teri E. Appleby all spoke and explained the tenets of their respective faiths, highlighting similarities.
It ended with recitation of Gayatri Mantra (the sacred mantra of Hinduism from the 3,500 year-old scripture Rig-Veda).
Workshops were held on "The Church, Sex, and Teens", "Spirituality", "Rosary Making", "Lies Young Women/Men Believe", "Following Jesus: A Dangerous Adventure", "Self image and image of God", "Gang Prevention", and other topics.
Holy Tweeter
Embracing the age of social networking, the Dalai Lama is now on Twitter. Tweeting links to his official website where webcasts show him talking about the life story of Buddha, or about his recent appearance on the Larry King show in Los Angeles, or sending condolences for the people of Chile - these are a few of the posts from the revered spiritual leader.
“He has an inordinate amount of followers. It is testimony to the remarkable outreach he has,” says Patricia Carrick, chief executive of the Tibet Relief Fund. “Whether people are Buddhist or not, they respect his spirituality and humanity. He often does talks on universal responsibility, when he says everyone is responsible for making the world a better place. This is part of living that out.”
It was shortly after his recent meeting with President Obama at the White house the Dalai Lama began to tweet.
“He has an inordinate amount of followers. It is testimony to the remarkable outreach he has,” says Patricia Carrick, chief executive of the Tibet Relief Fund. “Whether people are Buddhist or not, they respect his spirituality and humanity. He often does talks on universal responsibility, when he says everyone is responsible for making the world a better place. This is part of living that out.”
It was shortly after his recent meeting with President Obama at the White house the Dalai Lama began to tweet.
Terrorism condemned
London, UK - Condemning terrorism in his 600 page fatwa, Dr. Tahir ul-Qadri - a leading Muslim scholar, describes al-Qaeda as an "old evil with a new name." Challenging the promises made to suicide bombers of rewards in the afterlife, he emphasizes in his religious ruling that Islam forbids the massacre of innocents.
"Extremist groups based in Britain recruit the youth by brainwashing them that they will 'with certainty' be rewarded in the next life," says Shahid Mursaleen, spokesman for Minhaj-ul-Quran in the UK. "This fatwa injects doubt into the minds of potential suicide bombers. Dr Qadri's fatwa has removed this key intellectual factor from their minds."
The fatwa, a binding religious document concerning Islamic law issued by a religious scholar, sets out point-by-point rebuttals used by terrorist recruiters to enlist youth to their cause.
"Extremist groups based in Britain recruit the youth by brainwashing them that they will 'with certainty' be rewarded in the next life," says Shahid Mursaleen, spokesman for Minhaj-ul-Quran in the UK. "This fatwa injects doubt into the minds of potential suicide bombers. Dr Qadri's fatwa has removed this key intellectual factor from their minds."
The fatwa, a binding religious document concerning Islamic law issued by a religious scholar, sets out point-by-point rebuttals used by terrorist recruiters to enlist youth to their cause.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Pothole monks
Calcutta, India - Official neglect by the National Highways Authority of India and the state public works department led two Hindu monks from the Ramakrishna Mission to tackle a repair of a of a large pothole on the Bally (Vivekananda Setu) bridge in Calcutta, West Bengal, India.
“Every day I face problems while crossing the bridge because of the crater. So I decided to fill it up,” said Swami Divyananda, a member of the board of trustees of the Ramakrishna Mission. “As a citizen of the country I felt I should do something when the authorities are not doing their job. I hope the authorities now repair the road.” The monks brought a number of gunny bags of gravel to the dangerous hole and filled it up, surprising early morning commuters.
One motorist said, "the cracks started appearing five months back. Thanks to the authorities’ neglect, it grew into a death trap. We are grateful to the monks but what the bridge needs is a thorough repair.”
“Every day I face problems while crossing the bridge because of the crater. So I decided to fill it up,” said Swami Divyananda, a member of the board of trustees of the Ramakrishna Mission. “As a citizen of the country I felt I should do something when the authorities are not doing their job. I hope the authorities now repair the road.” The monks brought a number of gunny bags of gravel to the dangerous hole and filled it up, surprising early morning commuters.
One motorist said, "the cracks started appearing five months back. Thanks to the authorities’ neglect, it grew into a death trap. We are grateful to the monks but what the bridge needs is a thorough repair.”
Religious hyper-realism
Washington, D.C. - An extraordinary exhibit of religious artwork will be at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.D. Included will be eleven paintings by Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Zurbaran and others contrasted with 17th century hyper-realistic wooden sculptures in the exhibit, "The Sacred Made Real."
The collection of Spanish sacred art took Xavier Bray of London's National Gallery, who coordinated the exhibit, several years to negotiate the details with the churches and monasteries who lent the precious works for this special exhibition. "It's realism that goes further than realism," Bray said of the show.
The Roman Catholic art encompasses imagery of the passion of Christ, the Immaculate Conception and depictions of saints. The rare exhibit remain on view during Holy Week and will run through the end of May.
The collection of Spanish sacred art took Xavier Bray of London's National Gallery, who coordinated the exhibit, several years to negotiate the details with the churches and monasteries who lent the precious works for this special exhibition. "It's realism that goes further than realism," Bray said of the show.
The Roman Catholic art encompasses imagery of the passion of Christ, the Immaculate Conception and depictions of saints. The rare exhibit remain on view during Holy Week and will run through the end of May.
Elephant blessing
Melbourne, Australia - On last Thursday, Buddhist monks blessed a baby elephant at the Taronga zoo in Melbourne, Australia. Mali (Thai for jasmine flower), a baby African elephant, is the first birth for the zoo and only the second pachyderm to be born in Australia.
Thai monks arrived from three Buddhist temples to perform the holy ritual. Humming with a rumbling hum and chanting, the orange robe-clad monks began their sacred naming and blessing ceremony taking turns using bamboo sticks dipped in a bowl to lightly splash the baby's face with water as the little elephant ran in circles around its mother, Dokkoon, rolled in the sand, chased magpies and played with a red rubber ball.
Several elephants were brought to Australia in 2006 as part of a program facilitated by the Thai government. Elephants are long linked to good luck and are a hallowed national symbol in Thailand.
Thai monks arrived from three Buddhist temples to perform the holy ritual. Humming with a rumbling hum and chanting, the orange robe-clad monks began their sacred naming and blessing ceremony taking turns using bamboo sticks dipped in a bowl to lightly splash the baby's face with water as the little elephant ran in circles around its mother, Dokkoon, rolled in the sand, chased magpies and played with a red rubber ball.
Several elephants were brought to Australia in 2006 as part of a program facilitated by the Thai government. Elephants are long linked to good luck and are a hallowed national symbol in Thailand.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Religious report
USA - A new report - Religion Among the Millennials - by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life indicates that more than one-quarter of Americans in the 18-29 age bracket have no religious affiliation or preference making them the least religious generation of those alive today - and perhaps ever in American history. Though the generation born after 1981 may be unaffiliated with traditional religions and churches, it appears their faith in the power of prayer and in God is likely as strong as those of previous generations in the same age grouping.
"If you think of religion primarily as a matter of whether people belong to a particular faith and attend the worship services of that faith ... then millennials are less religious than other recent generations," said associate director of research, Alan Cooperman. "But when it comes to measures not of belonging but of believing, they aren't so clearly less religious."
"If you think of religion primarily as a matter of whether people belong to a particular faith and attend the worship services of that faith ... then millennials are less religious than other recent generations," said associate director of research, Alan Cooperman. "But when it comes to measures not of belonging but of believing, they aren't so clearly less religious."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Dancing again
Alaska, USA - "This is the way God made us, to express our thankfulness to Him with dancing," says Bobby Wells, a 53 year-old Inupiat Eskimo in Alaska. Traditional native dances were banned by missionaries as primitive idolatry in settlements a century ago. Even today, the old ways of worship being considered evil remains a consensus in a number of Native villages across the state. But a number of communities have broken with the missionary ideology and have resurrected the old rituals.
In the dances, songs and movements represent various cultural activities and a sacred means to push away bad spirits or dispel sickness. "It was our only way of prayer," said Theresa Arevgaq John, a Native studies professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Yup'ik Eskimo. She emphasizes dancing had nothing to do with devil worship. "Can you imagine someone coming in and saying your way is wrong?"
In one village, the revival required bringing in dancers from other villages to teach the long forgotten moves.
In the dances, songs and movements represent various cultural activities and a sacred means to push away bad spirits or dispel sickness. "It was our only way of prayer," said Theresa Arevgaq John, a Native studies professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Yup'ik Eskimo. She emphasizes dancing had nothing to do with devil worship. "Can you imagine someone coming in and saying your way is wrong?"
In one village, the revival required bringing in dancers from other villages to teach the long forgotten moves.
See the Shroud
Italy - For only the sixth time in 100 years, the Shroud of Turin is slated to go on display this spring. Over 2 million visitors are expected to converge on the small chapel in a northern Italian city and over one million tickets have been pre-ordered to insure the opportunity to view the relic.
The linen cloth bears the image of a man and is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Housed in a climate-controlled, bulletproof case, each viewer will be allowed a maximum of five minutes to view the object described by the Vatican as 'a powerful symbol of Christ's suffering'.
There have been disputes over authenticity. Carbon-dating by some researchers suggested the Shroud was made between 1260 and 1390 A.D. Other scientists contended the dating results were flawed and the testing results were due to contamination over the ages. This position was further bolstered by the findings of two Israeli scientists who discovered plant pollen on the cloth that originated in the Holy Land.
The linen cloth bears the image of a man and is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Housed in a climate-controlled, bulletproof case, each viewer will be allowed a maximum of five minutes to view the object described by the Vatican as 'a powerful symbol of Christ's suffering'.
There have been disputes over authenticity. Carbon-dating by some researchers suggested the Shroud was made between 1260 and 1390 A.D. Other scientists contended the dating results were flawed and the testing results were due to contamination over the ages. This position was further bolstered by the findings of two Israeli scientists who discovered plant pollen on the cloth that originated in the Holy Land.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monky business
Austria - A 15th century Franciscan monastery is offering men an interesting weekend excursion - the chance to see what it would be like to be a monk. The unique recruiting campaign hosted by the monastery at Maria Enzersdorf near Vienna, Austria, will afford attendees a chance to work and pray with the Franciscans which providing them with a realistic grasp of what the life of a monk is all about.
This free weekend was started last October and to date three men are now seriously considering becoming monks themselves. It is open to men up to the age of 40.
In 1454, Johannes von Capistran founded the monastery but the current buildings date back to 1725 when the site was rebuilt after the destruction of the original monastery by the Turks. The image of Our Lady, Salvation of the Diseased - considered to be miracle working - is to be found at the Franciscan parish church.
This free weekend was started last October and to date three men are now seriously considering becoming monks themselves. It is open to men up to the age of 40.
In 1454, Johannes von Capistran founded the monastery but the current buildings date back to 1725 when the site was rebuilt after the destruction of the original monastery by the Turks. The image of Our Lady, Salvation of the Diseased - considered to be miracle working - is to be found at the Franciscan parish church.
Friday, February 19, 2010
He's My Brother
Canada - Canadian healer, Brother André, has been proclaimed a saint by Pope Benedict XVI. Founder of the St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, Brother André was born in 1845 in St-Gregoire-d'Iberville, Quebec. Considered unimposing in his presence and functionally illiterate, he has become the most popular religious figure in Quebec. Tens of thousands attribute miraculous healing to his intervention with his patron, St. Joseph.In 1904, with the help of his working-class followers, Brother André built a small oratory (shrine) to St. Joseph on the slopes of Mount Royal. He was subject to poor health throughout his own life but nobly accepted his lot in the spirit that suffering brings one closer to Jesus on the cross. He died in 1937 at the age of 91.
Praising the saint as a "a humble man" whose "faith could move mountains," Cardinal Archbishop Turcotte said, “Brother André’s life shows us the power of faith and the importance of concern for the sick and others in need."
Mother Mary
Australia - Sainthood for Mother Mary MacKillop has been approved by Pope Benedict XVI making her Australia's first saint and was best known for her work among the needy and founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.Considered a strong-willed advocate, Mother Mary was once excommunicated for challenging more conservative thinking and inciting her followers to disobedience, but was then exonerated by a church commission a few years later. She and her Order built dozens of schools, clinics, and orphanages for the needy across the Australian Outback in the 1800's. Wholly dedicated to helping the poor, MacKillop had taken a vow of abstinence from owning personal belongings as part of her religious commitment. She died in 1909.
Pope John Paul II in 1995 beatified her in 1995. "This is a great, great tribute to the Catholic Church and a great, great tribute to her hard work in education," Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said of the announcement of sainthood.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
World welfare
India - The welfare of the world and the humanity in general should be the aim of all religious congregations according to Dr. Chrysostum of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar. "God leads us to light as light shows the way,” and continued by saying man had no right to destroy the world created by God. He was addressing attendees at the ongoing Maramon Convention near Kozhencherry, India.
Bishop Vinod Victor of the Church of South India said people should understand the sufferings and problems of fellow-beings and should offer assistance to them in his discourse. He also said they should follow the teachings of their religion and could live peacefully with a firm faith in God.
Thomas Mar Timotheos, the Bishop of Marthoma Church, held forth In another address that all spheres of the society, political, social and cultural, are facing problems on account of value erosion and the solution to the present dangerous situation faced by the mankind is the spiritual way.
Bishop Vinod Victor of the Church of South India said people should understand the sufferings and problems of fellow-beings and should offer assistance to them in his discourse. He also said they should follow the teachings of their religion and could live peacefully with a firm faith in God.
Thomas Mar Timotheos, the Bishop of Marthoma Church, held forth In another address that all spheres of the society, political, social and cultural, are facing problems on account of value erosion and the solution to the present dangerous situation faced by the mankind is the spiritual way.
World ills not solved by pills
India - The panacea for ills facing the world is rooted in prayer according to Bishop Robert M. Solomon of the Methodist Church in Singapore. In his keynote address at the ecumenical meet held as part of the 115th annual Maramon Convention in India, the Bishop called upon the faithful to lead a life of prayers and unity rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
" The message of the Cross is to dissolve the differences in society with love and compassion," he said. Another part of the Maramon Convention was a meeting centering on social evils. Bishop Sebastian Thekkethuchery of the Vijayapuram diocese of the Latin Catholic Church addressed the faithful calling them to crusade against social evils and work towards saving humanity and society in general from degeneration.
This Christian convention, held annually on the vast sand-bed of the Pampa River in February, is organized by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association.
" The message of the Cross is to dissolve the differences in society with love and compassion," he said. Another part of the Maramon Convention was a meeting centering on social evils. Bishop Sebastian Thekkethuchery of the Vijayapuram diocese of the Latin Catholic Church addressed the faithful calling them to crusade against social evils and work towards saving humanity and society in general from degeneration.
This Christian convention, held annually on the vast sand-bed of the Pampa River in February, is organized by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association.
Graves online
Japan - New Japanese online services offer subscribers opportunities to live, streamed videos of graves or memorial photos of relatives who have died. Cyberstone is one such site, run by the Kudokuin Buddhist temple in Toshima Ward. Users can see a picture of a departed family member or special memorial message.
The Buddhist temple Honkokuji provides the service whereby a bereaved relative can use a remote-control system to use one of three cameras set up in its graveyard to cyber-visit a tomb of a departed loved one. The site has about 1,000 hits a month. These services allow users to visits their departed's resting place day or night, unhampered by weather or distance.
"An increasing number of people have been finding it hard to visit the tombs of their ancestors," says a senior monk at Kudokuin, Nyokai Matsushima. The veneration of ancestors is a predominant religious attitude in Japan.
The Buddhist temple Honkokuji provides the service whereby a bereaved relative can use a remote-control system to use one of three cameras set up in its graveyard to cyber-visit a tomb of a departed loved one. The site has about 1,000 hits a month. These services allow users to visits their departed's resting place day or night, unhampered by weather or distance.
"An increasing number of people have been finding it hard to visit the tombs of their ancestors," says a senior monk at Kudokuin, Nyokai Matsushima. The veneration of ancestors is a predominant religious attitude in Japan.
Tiger New Year downplayed
India - A religious ceremony where thousands of Buddhist monks and foreigners gathered at Tsuglagkhank, the main Buddhist temple in Dharamsala, northern India, had Tibet's spiritual leader send out wishers for the Tibetan New Year, but the Dalai Lama also reminded attendees,
"We are not celebrating the New Year, Losar, in a very grand way; we are only performing the religious ceremony and rituals. I wish all the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and also forward my greetings of Losar to all followers in Himalayan regions, and to all the friends and Buddhist followers. I would only say that every Tibetan and Buddhist follower should study and learn Buddhist philosophy, and study modern culture and Tibetan philosophy."
This is the second year celebrations of the lunar new year have been downplayed in remembrance of the suffering of people inside Tibet.
"We are not celebrating the New Year, Losar, in a very grand way; we are only performing the religious ceremony and rituals. I wish all the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and also forward my greetings of Losar to all followers in Himalayan regions, and to all the friends and Buddhist followers. I would only say that every Tibetan and Buddhist follower should study and learn Buddhist philosophy, and study modern culture and Tibetan philosophy."
This is the second year celebrations of the lunar new year have been downplayed in remembrance of the suffering of people inside Tibet.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Year of Metal Tiger
Today begins the Chinese New Year - the year of the Metal Tiger. Forecasters using Chinese astrology predict a turbulent year with pronounced dangers of violence and hold that acts of terrorism are likely to increase. Warning that wrong people will try to lead and cast themselves as heroes, seers say that the noble-minded who practice their religion will come through all crises unscathed by conflicts and global turmoil. Righting injustices will also play a prominent role in this year and those who conduct themselves with grace and dignity will be held in ever greater respect and favor.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
In the name of Jesus
Dallas, Texas - A hooded robber armed with a Glock walked into a crafts boutique at the end of the day and demanded money from the proprietress, Marian Chadwick. When she told the gunman she had none, he pounded the pistol twice on the counter.
Chadwick later said, "I got mad. The Texas part of me was challenged. So I pointed my finger and said, ‘In the name of Jesus, you get out of my store. I bind you by the power of the Holy Spirit.' ”
The gunman backed up and told a customer in the store to drop to the floor. After the customer refused to do so, the store owner continued to point her finger at the would-be robber and chastised him further. He left empty-handed, cursing.
The Frisco (Texas) Police department indicated the man is wanted for other offenses in Dallas, Richardson, Plano and Allen, Texas.
Chadwick later said, "I got mad. The Texas part of me was challenged. So I pointed my finger and said, ‘In the name of Jesus, you get out of my store. I bind you by the power of the Holy Spirit.' ”
The gunman backed up and told a customer in the store to drop to the floor. After the customer refused to do so, the store owner continued to point her finger at the would-be robber and chastised him further. He left empty-handed, cursing.
The Frisco (Texas) Police department indicated the man is wanted for other offenses in Dallas, Richardson, Plano and Allen, Texas.
Religious suppression
Vietnam - Renown Zen master, Nhat Hanh, believes the communist government of Vietnam is employing thugs and hiring mobs to use violence against followers from two Buddhist monasteries - Bat Nha and Phuoc Hue - in an eviction attempt.
"Our country does not yet have true religious freedom, and the government tightly controls the Buddhist Church machinery," Nhat Hanh wrote in a letter. "The Buddhist Church is helpless, unable to protect its own children."
Master Hanh has called for the Vietnamese government to lift restrictions on religious freedom and respect human rights. He also feels Vietnam needs more citizen rights and more democracy. "In the case of Bat Nha and Phuoc Hue, government officials hired the mobs and worked together with them," Hanh contends over the recent actions against the monasteries.
Vietnamese officials have denied the allegations but only government-sanctioned churches are allowed to operate in the country.
"Our country does not yet have true religious freedom, and the government tightly controls the Buddhist Church machinery," Nhat Hanh wrote in a letter. "The Buddhist Church is helpless, unable to protect its own children."
Master Hanh has called for the Vietnamese government to lift restrictions on religious freedom and respect human rights. He also feels Vietnam needs more citizen rights and more democracy. "In the case of Bat Nha and Phuoc Hue, government officials hired the mobs and worked together with them," Hanh contends over the recent actions against the monasteries.
Vietnamese officials have denied the allegations but only government-sanctioned churches are allowed to operate in the country.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Prophet Muhammad protected Christians
Dr. Muqtedar Khan, Director of Islamic Studies at the University of Delaware, reminds Christians and Muslims in a recent article about the promise made by the Prophet Muhammad.
The Prophet was visited by a delegation from St. Catherine’s Monastery, located at the base of Mt. Sinai, in 628 AD. They sought protection. He responded by issuing a covenant stating that Christians are also citizens under Allah and that followers are to defend them and their beliefs. No one is to damage or destroy a house of worship. "Verily, they are my allies," said the Prophet. "The Muslims are to fight for them. Their churches are to be respected. No one of the (Muslim) nation is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”
Dr Khan points out that the Prophet said these rights are inalienable and that the Prophet's covenant protects the Christians' right to property, freedom of religion, freedom of work, and security of the person.
The Prophet was visited by a delegation from St. Catherine’s Monastery, located at the base of Mt. Sinai, in 628 AD. They sought protection. He responded by issuing a covenant stating that Christians are also citizens under Allah and that followers are to defend them and their beliefs. No one is to damage or destroy a house of worship. "Verily, they are my allies," said the Prophet. "The Muslims are to fight for them. Their churches are to be respected. No one of the (Muslim) nation is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”
Dr Khan points out that the Prophet said these rights are inalienable and that the Prophet's covenant protects the Christians' right to property, freedom of religion, freedom of work, and security of the person.
Light rail for Feast
Manila, Philippines - Anticipating thousands of devotees to use the trains for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9th, the Phillipines' Light Rail Transit Authority will deploy more trains for both its systems to accommodate participants.
A wooden statue of Jesus Christ, carved by a Mexican sculptor, was burned when the galleon caught fire during the 1606 voyage. The statue's head was charred from white to black by the flames, but survived the fire - sparking a now 400 year-old tradition.
During the religious event, devotees are known to walk the procession streets without shoes, or sandals, to imitate Jesus on the path to Mount Calvary, where He was crucified.
A wooden statue of Jesus Christ, carved by a Mexican sculptor, was burned when the galleon caught fire during the 1606 voyage. The statue's head was charred from white to black by the flames, but survived the fire - sparking a now 400 year-old tradition.
During the religious event, devotees are known to walk the procession streets without shoes, or sandals, to imitate Jesus on the path to Mount Calvary, where He was crucified.
Blog of Goddess
The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) has launched a new blog to provide broader coverage of their activities. The Covenant is the group that hosts the Merry Meet, one of America's oldest festival for Witches, Wiccans and Pagans.
"I’m extremely pleased to see CoG take a big step forward in facilitating regular communication with the wider Pagan community...many younger Pagans don’t know the great work this organization does in areas like fighting for equal treatment under the law," said Oberon, Circle of Wondrous Stories.
Recent blog reports focus on the the CoG's participation at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Australia.
"I’m extremely pleased to see CoG take a big step forward in facilitating regular communication with the wider Pagan community...many younger Pagans don’t know the great work this organization does in areas like fighting for equal treatment under the law," said Oberon, Circle of Wondrous Stories.
Recent blog reports focus on the the CoG's participation at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Australia.
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