Other Religions
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Vedanta and Buddhism - A Comparative Study
The present treatise by Prof. Dr. H.V. Glasenapp has been selected for reprint particularly in view of the excellent elucidation of the Anatta Doctrine which it contains...The present selection from that original is based on the abridged translations published in "The Buddhist," Vol.XXI, No. 12 (Colombo 1951). -
Pilgrimage in Hinduism
The estimated 80 million people visiting the 2001 Kumbha -mela at Prayag (Allahabad) made it the world's biggest-ever public event. It demonstrated the continuing importance of pilgrimage for the Hindu people. Not all holy sites, however, lie within India. Many Hindus have emigrated and have established their own sacred places, wherever they live. -
The Holy Trinity in Hinduism
We believe the world is about to end, like we did a decade ago, and the decade before that and the several infinite decades before that. Just in case the proclamation does turn true this time, I would like us to at least be aware of the relevance that ... -
What Are the Basic Tenets of the Hindu & Buddhist Faiths?
Though the basic texts of Hinduism, the Vedas, appeared thousands of years before the Buddha was born, both Hinduism and Buddhism have similar religious ancestry. In the time before either religion developed in India, the primary religious affiliation was Brahmanism, from which both... -
Essential Wisdom for our Existential Crisis: Mahabharata, The Eternal Quest
Hopelessness is often the first reaction when we consider our mounting existential crisis. We feel it in our gut, in our mind, in our soul, whenever we consider the plight of our ecology, our economy, our consciousness, our relationships, our hope, our children, our future... -
An overview of Hinduism
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other monotheistic religions in that it does not have: a single founder, a specific theological system, a single concept of deity, a single holy text, a single system of morality, -
Cardinal Tauran meets leaders of London's Hindu community
'Compassion as a vital contribution to peace' was the theme of a meeting on Thursday between the head of the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, and leaders of the UK’s Hindu community at a North London temple or Mandir. -
Siblings festival bonds Indians across religions
Red, green, blue, yellow … Monil Bhardwaj showed off the decorated threads she had just bought in every color. It wasn’t enough, though, and so she busied herself in picking out more strings as she prepared for the festival of siblings, Rakshabandhan. -
Hindu temple cancels animal sacrifice
A Hindu temple has agreed to cancel, for this year, its ritual slaughter of animals after a series of protests by Buddhist monks and activists. Hindu devotees were to sacrifice around 300 goats and nearly 1000 chickens at the popular Sri Badrakali Amman Kovil temple in Munneswar, north of Colombo, on Saturday (1 Sept 2012). -
Krishna Janmashtami celebration
Shravan vad 8 celebrates the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, one of the most venerated incarnations in the Hindu Dharma. Five thousand years ago, he incarnated, at the end of the third cosmic phase, 'Dwapar Yuga' and the beginning of the present, 'Kali Yuga'. -
What is Diwali (Deepavali)? - Celebrating Diwali 2012
Hope you enjoyed Diwali 2012. It's already been 5 days ago. The event of the year for people in India and the Indian communities around the world! -
A Diwali Meditation on Free Speech
Do we not have an obligation to speak the truth regardless of consequences or any other criteria? Leaving aside the challenges and complexities of determining what is truth, especially when it... -
Vatican sends message to Hindus for Deepavali
The Vatican has sent a message to Hindus as the celebrate the Feast of Deepavali. In the Message, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran writes "Regardless of our ethnic, cultural, religious and ideological differences, all of us belong to the onehuman family." The full text is below:... -
Why Hindus Around The World Honor Lord Shiva On Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri (also Shivratri) is celebrated on the evening of March 7, by Hindus all over the world. This festival glorifies the Hindu god Shiva, believed to be the lord of cosmic destruction and dance. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon during the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.
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Hindus in India and Australia Celebrate Diwali Under Coronavirus Clouds
INDIA, November 15, 2020 (SBS News): Fear of the coronavirus and chronic pollution spoiled the party Saturday as hundreds of millions of Indians celebrated the biggest Hindu holiday of the year.
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Message from the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue to Hindus for the Feast of Deepavali
Christians and Hindus: Rekindling Positivity and Hope during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond
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First Celebration of World Ayurveda Day - Building a Healthier Trinidad and Tobago
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, November 23, 2020 (HPI by Paras Ramoutar): Brahma Vidya Peetham International (BVPI) celebrated World Ayurveda Day on Friday 13th November at the ashram in Gasparillo here.
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Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Hindu Festival Celebrations
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, December 3, 2020 (Tennessee Tribune): Sri Lankan military and police have cracked down on celebrations of the Hindu festival of Karthikai Deepam in the northern parts of the island nation, claiming that it could be related to the commemoration of former rebels.
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Odisha Cabinet Approves Lingaraj Temple Ordinance In Line With Sri Jagannath Temple Act
BHUBANESWAR, INDIA, December 14, 2020 (Odisha TV): In a major decision, the Odisha cabinet on Monday approved the much-awaited ordinance for better management of the affairs of Lingaraj Temple
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With Masks, Sanitizers and Covid Tests, Bengal Readies for Ganga Sagar Mela
KOLKATA, INDIA, December 26, 2020 (Hindustan Times): The West Bengal government is gearing up to receive millions of pilgrims in mid-January for the Ganga Sagar Mela, the second largest congregation of pilgrims in India after the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
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Series of Attacks on Temples in Andhra Triggers Outrage
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, January 2, 2021 (Mangalorean): A series of incidents of vandalism of Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh
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Nine Beliefs of Hinduism
Our beliefs determine our thoughts and attitudes about life, which in turn direct our actions. By our actions, we create our destiny. Beliefs about sacred matters--God, soul and cosmos--are essential to one's approach to life.
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Mauritius: Ganesha's Island Birthday
Come with us to the Spiritual Park in Mauritius, where thousands gather for Ganesha Chaturthi— hopefully with the worst of the pandemic behind them.
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Educational Insight: Seven Indian Women Luminaries
Celebrating the life, virtues and spirituality of a few of Bharat’s remarkable Hindu women.
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All About Meditation
Meditation is an art, a definite art, and well worth working for to become accomplished. It is not easy, and yet it is not difficult. It only takes persistence, working day after day to learn to control and train the outer as well as the subtle, inner forces.
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The Story of Hinduism Today
As the new millennium approaches, the world's oldest religions is donning shining new clothes. The age-old Hindu philosophy passed from mouth to mouth in tiny villages across India is now going high-tech, thanks to Hinduism Today, the preeminent global journal of Hindu Dharma for over 30 years.
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The Story of Hinduism Today Continued
Hinduism Today succeeds in reaching a savvy young audience who may or may not visit the temple regularly or attend religious meetings.
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A Hindu View of Mindfulness
While mindfulness has been redefined for popular secular purposes, its original spiritual intention remains unchanged
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Publisher's Desk - Should Parents Teach Their Kids Religion?
In a globalized world, people are questioning the need to pass their faith on to the next generation. Let’s talk about that.
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The Story of Hinduism Today Continued
Observes editor Palaniswami, "Bodhinatha and the editors get e-mail every day from Europe, India, America, Australia and Malaysia. Young Hindu kids who find us on the Internet write to us and say, 'You know I've been thinking about karma.
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10 Ways That Sikhism Differs From Hinduism A Comparison of Beliefs, Faith, and Practices
Sikhs are not Hindus. Sikhism rejects many aspects of Hinduism. Sikhism is a distinct religion with a unique scripture, principles, code of conduct, guidelines, initiation ceremony, and appearance developed over three centuries by ten gurus, or spiritual masters.
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Mukti Defined: Emancipation and Attainment of Salvation
Mukti is a derivative of the root word Mukt which can mean absolution, deliverance, emaciation, freedom, liberation, pardon, release, or salvation. In Sikhism, mukti generally refers to liberation from the bondage of five influences of ego.
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Do Sikhs Believe in a Bible?
The word bible is derived from the Greek word biblia meaning books. The term which originates from Byblos an ancient Phoenician city which traded in papyrus used in producing a paper like substance for writing upon. Scriptures and scrolls were among the earliest of hand written books.
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Sikh Prayers, Sacred Scriptures, and Texts
Discover Sikhism's many forms of prayer and worship, including daily prayers, meditation, and scriptures. Plus, information on Guru Granth, how Sikhs care for their holy scripture, and how to read a hukam, the divine command of the Guru.
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Nishan Sahib Defined: Sikh Flag
Nishan is a word with Arabic roots. In Sikhism, Nishan means flag, insignia, or banner. Sahib is a term of respect meaning Master, or Lord. In Sikhism, the flag is addressed as Nishan Sahib to show respect for the exalted insignia.
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Sikhism Gurus and Historical Figures
A succession of ten gurus developed and established the tenets of Sikhism. The famous people and important leaders of Sikh history include influential women, fearless warriors, and countless brave and heroic martyrs who stood fast for their faith when confronted with infamous tyrannical villains.
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The Four Laava: the Sikh Wedding Hymns
The four hymns of Laav are performed during the four nuptial rounds of the Sikh wedding ceremony. Each Laav describes a different spiritual stage of married life, ending with the soul-bride and divine groom realizing their ultimate destiny as one soul.
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PCID to participate in the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sikhi Sewa Society
On April 2, 2022, the Sikhi Sewa Society in Italy (founded in 2011), an initiative mostly of Sikh youths with the objective of community-building and assisting and accompanying Sikhs with integration into Italy, will commemorate the tenth anniversary of its foundation.
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All About the Sikh Family
Many Sikhs live in extended families. Learn about the role and significance of each family member in Sikhism, as well as customs like baby naming ceremonies.
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Sikh Holidays and Festivals
Sikh holidays are commemorative occasions celebrated with worship and festivities such as parades. The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s scripture, is carried through the streets on a palanquin or float in a musical procession known as nagar kirtan, which involves devotional singing.
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PCID to participate in the 10th anniversary celebration of the Sikhi Sewa Society
On April 2, 2022, the Sikhi Sewa Society in Italy (founded in 2011), an initiative mostly of Sikh youths with the objective of community-building and assisting and accompanying Sikhs with integration into Italy, will commemorate the tenth anniversary of its foundation.
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Activists blame Pakistan officialdom for minority panel failings
Pakistan does not have an institution with legal powers to ensure the rights of religious minorities.
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The Ethics of Confucius: Chapter I (part 1)
The central idea of Confucius is that every normal human being cherishes the aspiration to become a superior man—superior to his fellows, if possible, but surely superior to his own past and present self. This does not more than hint at perfection as a goal; and it is said of him that one of the subjects concerning which the Master rarely spoke, was "perfect virtue." -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 1 (part 2): The Art of Living
" The practice of right-living is deemed the highest, the practice of any other art lower. Complete virtue takes first place; the doing of anything else whatsoever is subordinate." -
The Ethics of Confucius: Chapter 1 (part 3)
."When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to acknowledge that you do not know it—this is knowledge." -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 1 (part 6)
"Their thoughts being sincere, their purposes were rectified." In this age, when comfort is the sole god of the many, who also deem themselves good and virtuous and even superior, surely these truths need to be held before ... -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 1 (part 7) - Rectified Purpose
"Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished." (Analects, bk. xiii., c. xvii.) -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 2 (part 1): Self-development
Confucius puts it: "If the will be set on virtue,there will be no practice of wickedness." (Analects, bk. iv., c. iv.) True; for when the will rests upon set purpose, based upon purified desire, born of knowledge and discriminating investigation of phenomena, nothing can... -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 2 (part 2): Fortitude
Here are yet other words of penetrating wisdom concerning the advantages of this perfect poise and calm: "He who does not anticipate attempts to deceive him nor think beforehand of his not being believed, and yet apprehends these things readily when they occur, is he not a man of superior... -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 2 (part 3)- Self-Control
"A flaw in a mace of white jade may be ground away, but a word spoken amiss cannot be mended." This is expatiated upon by the sage as follows: "Hear much and put aside the points of which you are in doubt, while you speak cautiously at the same time of... -
Understanding Ceremony and Ritual in Confucianism
Ceremony and ritual are concepts in Confucianism that are at the center of any discussion of its moral code. The columnist in the Cultural of Life column in the Peace Weekly introduces us to the Confucian view of life. The aspect of ritual or ceremony so intimately connected with Confucianism has a relationship with society that we may tend to disregard and see only ceremony and ritual. -
What is Confucianism?
Confucianism, the philosophical system founded on the teaching of Confucius (551–479 B.C.), dominated the sociopolitical life of China for most of that country's history and largely influenced the cultures of Korea, Japan, and Indochina. -
Confucianism in Vietnam
The influence of Confucianism on Vietnam was tenacious because it was rooted in the country's educational system until the 20th century. (Education consisted of a study of the Confucian classics and ethics.) -
The Ethics of Confucius: Chapter 1 (part 4)
"Learning without thought is labour lost; thought without learning is perilous." (Analects, bk. ii., c. xv.) -
The Ethics of Confucius - Chapter 1 (part 5)
It is characteristic of Confucius that, where he did not know, he did not affirm. His saying, "When you do not know a thing, to acknowledge that you do not know it, is knowledge " -
Confucianism in Vietnam
The profound impact of Confucianism remains strong in Vietnam. Social order is defined by its principles, and the rituals or deference and obedience are still observed.
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The Life and Philosophies of Confucius
Confucius (551-479 B.C.), the founder of the philosophy known as Confucianism, was a Chinese sage and teacher who spent his life concerned with practical moral values.
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The Value of the Tao
What makes the Tao so special? Authentic traditions of the Tao emphasize practical teachings that anyone can follow, so we cannot stop at simplistic slogans like “the Tao is priceless.” We also cannot avoid answering the question with glib statements like “the specialness of the Tao cannot be expressed with words.” -
A Short History of Daoism
Daoism is an organised religious tradition that has been continuously developing and transforming itself through China, Korea and Japan for some two thousand years. Now it has spread around the globe from Sydney to Toronto and includes among its followers people from a whole range of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. -
Taoism 101: Introduction to the Tao
Taoism teaches a person to follow their breath, to embrace wonder and the joy in living gracefully with style. So here is the modern practical guide to living as a Taoist!
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Taoism – a part of the Three Religions of Vietnam
Tam Giao, which includes Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, plays the key role in Vietnamese religion. “Tao” means “path” or “way” that turns Taoists’ thoughts to health, longevity, immortality and spontaneity.
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Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained
Originally written by a sage named Lao Tzu over 2,500 years ago, the Tao Te Ching is one of the most succinct—and yet the most profound—spiritual texts ever written.
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About the Tao Te Ching
“Tao Te Ching” is the Wade-Giles romanization of the original Chinese title. Depending on the specific set of rules one follows, it can also be written like “Tao-te Ching” — with the hyphen and the second character in lowercase.
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The Shamanic Origins of Taoism. The Historical Origins Of Taoism In China
The Historical Origins Of Taoism In China
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Gender and Taoism
According to Taoist practice, at the deepest level of our being—in our spiritual essence—we are neither man nor woman. Learn how this concept applies throughout Taoism, including its history, scriptures, ceremonies, and tradition.
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Laozi, the Founder of Taoism
Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, is a Chinese legendary and historical figure who is considered to be the founder of Taoism. The Tao Te Ching, Taoism’s most sacred text, is believed to have been written by Laozi.
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The Three Purities of Taoism
The Three Purities, or the Three Pure Ones, are the highest deities in the Taoist pantheon. They function, for Taoism, in a similar way to the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) of Christianity, or the Trikaya (Dharmakaya, Samboghakaya, and Nirmanakaya) of Buddhism. They represent three aspects of the divinity inherent in all living beings.
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The Taoist Five Elements
According to Taoist cosmology, Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi – the primordial feminine and masculine energies – produce what are known as the “Five Elements.” The Five Elements, in turn, give birth to the “ten-thousand things,” i.e. all of manifest existence. The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
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What Does the Yin-Yang Symbol Mean?
The most well-known of Taoist visual symbols is the Yin-Yang, also known as the Taiji symbol. The image consists of a circle divided into two teardrop-shaped halves—one white and the other black. Within each half is contained a smaller circle of the opposite color.
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Daoism in China Schools, Main Tenets, and the History of Practicing "The Tao"
Daoism or 道教 (dào jiào) is one of the major religions indigenous to China. The core of Daoism is in learning and practicing “The Way” (Dao) which is the ultimate truth to the universe.
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Overview of Internal Alchemy in Taoism
nner Alchemy or Neidan, a term often used synonymously with Qigong, is the Taoist art and science of gathering, storing, and circulating the energies of the human body.
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The Eight Immortals Of Taoism
For devout believers, a central tenet of the ancient Chinese practice of Taoism is the belief that adhering to certain beliefs and practices can lead to very long life, even immortality.
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An Insider's Look at Taoist Cosmology
Every spiritual tradition has a defined (or implied) cosmology: a story about the origin of the universe--about how the world as we perceive it comes into existence.
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Taoist Immortal Lu Dongbin (Lu Tung Pin): An Introduction
The most well-known of the Eight Immortals—and sometimes portrayed as their leader - is Lu Dongbin (also spelled Lu Tung-Pin), who is considered, in various contexts, as the patron of jugglers, magicians, barbers, and neidan: a true Renaissance man! What we know of his historical life was that he was a Tang dynasty scholar and poet.
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Tao Te Ching - Verse 42
Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, The Two gives birth to Three, The Three gives birth to all universal things.
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The Shamanic Origins of Taoism. The Historical Origins Of Taoism In China
The beginnings of recorded historical China lie some 5,000 years ago when a tribal people settled along the banks of the Yellow River -- its source high on the Tibetan plateau, its mouth at the Yellow Sea.
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Acupressure of Hui Yin Point
At the very root of the torso, at the center of the pelvic floor, a half-inch in front of the anus, lies Hui Yin, the first point on the Ren Mai (aka Conception Vessel). The English translation of Hui Yin is “Meeting Of Yin” or “Convergence Of Yin.” The point is also occasionally rendered as “Seabed.”
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The Meaning of Wuji (Wu Chi), the Un-manifest Aspect of the Tao
The Chinese word Wuji (pinyin) or Wu Chi (Wade-Giles) refers to the unmanifest aspect of Tao: Tao-in-stillness, in other words. Wuji is the undifferentiated timelessness which, in the Taijitu Shuo (a traditional Taoist diagram) is represented by an empty circle.
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The theme of the Colloquium was “Christian and Taoist Ethics in Dialogue.”
The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID), the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, and the Taoist Federation of Singapore (TFS) jointly organized the Second Christian-Taoist Colloquium.
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The Mid-Autumn Festival - Zhongqiu Jie
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) is a traditional Chinese holiday and Taoist festival that is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, around the time of the autumn equinox.
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Introduction to the Ren Meridian Conception Vessel
he Ren Mai or Ren Meridian -- also known as the Conception Vessel -- is a channel of life-force energy (Qi) within the subtle body, that is used in qigong and acupuncture practice.
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Bai Hui Acupressure Point
At the summit of our bodily mountain, the north pole of our bodily planet lies Bai Hui -- “Hundred Convergences” (or "Meetings") -- the 20th point on the Governing Vessel (aka Du Mai). Alternate names for Bai Hui -- which is located on the midline of the head, in line with the apex of the ears, i.e. pretty much right at the crown -- include Dian Shang (“Mountain Top”) and Tian Man (“Celestial Fullness”).
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Wu Wei: The Taoist Principle of Action in Non-Action
One of Taoism’s most important concepts is wu wei, which is sometimes translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.”
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International Conference on Taoism, Taiwan 1-5 January 2024
The 17th International Conference on Daoist Studies "Daoist Ways of Enhancing Life
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How Qi Flows Through the 12 Main Meridians
In traditional Chinese medicine like acupuncture, the flow of energy, or qi, through the 12 meridians.
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Rosh Hashana, la nouvelle année juive
Les 5 et 6 septembre, les Juifs ont célébré Rosh Hashana, soit le début de la 5774e année selon le calendrier hébreu. -
ROSH HASHANAH 2014
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls on the Hebrew calendar dates of 1 and 2 Tishrei. Here are the coinciding secular dates for the upcoming years -
Fête de Roch hachana / Rosh Hashana (Judaisme)
L'expression Roch hachana signifie "tête de l'année", 1er jour de l'an, C'est le 1er Tichri. Rosh-Hashana est le Nouvel An Juif. Bien que selon la Torah, l'année commence en Nissan (le mois de Pessah, la tradition a fixé ce jour comme le premier de la nouvelle année. -
The 8 most important things to know about Rosh HaShanah
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, during which Jews reflect upon their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for their transgressions in hopes of influencing God's final judgment. -
Art not for art's sake, but to the glory of God
The aesthetic sense in Judaism reflects a healthy skepticism about appearances, even while it advocates beauty and purity. -
“There is no despair in the world at all!”
“There is no despair in the world at all!” Every month, the Nation of Israel sanctifies the moon. This means that at least once a month, we form a deep bond with our Father in Heaven, the King of Kings.
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History of Iraqi Jews is warning to Christians
Jews accounted for one-third of Baghdad’s population by the time of the first world war. Now the community is all but extinct...
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Pope and Rome Rabbi exchange greetings
Pope Francis and the Chief Rabbi of Rome have exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Jewish feast of Pesach, or Passover, that starts on the evening of Wednesday and continues till the evening of April 16, this year.
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What Does It Mean For Jews to Be the Chosen People?
According to Jewish belief, Jews are the Chosen People because they were chosen to make the idea of one God known to the world.
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Does Judaism Believe in an Afterlife?
Many faiths have definitive teachings about the afterlife. But in answer to the question "What happens after we die?" the Torah, the most important religious text for Jews, is surprisingly silent. Nowhere does it discuss the afterlife in detail.
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What Is the Star of David in Judaism? The Significance of the Six-Pointed Star
The Star of David is a six-pointed star made up of two equilateral triangles superimposed over each other. It also is known as a hexagram. In Hebrew, it is called the magen David (מָגֵן דָּוִד), which means the "shield of David."
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Blessing the Children on Shabbat
Every week as the sun sets on Friday evening the Jewish holiday of Shabbat begins. This day of rest lasts until Havdalah is said as the sun sets on Saturday and is dedicated to family, community and spiritual renewal.
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The Western Wall: A Quick History
The First Temple was destroyed in 586 BCE, and the Second Temple was finalized in 516 BCE. It wasn't until King Herod decided in the 1st century BCE to expand the Temple Mount that the Western Wall, also called the Kotel, was built.
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Rosh Hashanah Prayers and Torah Readings Prayer Services for the Jewish New Year
The machzor is the special prayer book used on Rosh Hashanah to lead worshippers through the special Rosh Hashanah prayer service. The main themes of the prayer service are repentance by man and judgment by God, Our King.
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What is the Shema?
One of the most well-known prayers in Judaism is the shema, a blessing that finds its place throughout the daily prayer service and well into the evening hours at bedtime.
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What or Who Is a Cantor?
Although most well-known around the Jewish High Holidays, the cantor in Judaism is often present throughout the year in the synagogue.
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Passover Observance in Israel and the Diaspora
Passover (also called Pesach, פֶּסַח) is one of the most central holidays in Judaism, and it is celebrated each year in the spring beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan.
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Brit Milah
Brit milah, which means "covenant of circumcision," is a Jewish ritual performed on a baby boy eight days after he is born.
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Blessing the Children on Shabbat
Every week as the sun sets on Friday evening the Jewish holiday of Shabbat begins.
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Hebrew Names for Girls and Their Meanings
Naming a new baby can be an exciting if daunting task. Choosing a traditional Hebrew name for your daughter can foster a strong, warm connection to tradition, and girls' names in Hebrew also reflect many wonderful meanings.
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Le "Minh Ly"
Depuis 1922, l'Être Suprême a guidé ces débutants dans la voie spirituelle. A ces premiers jours, les fondateurs du « Minh Ly » comprenaient 6 personnes: Nguyên Van Miêt (Minh Thiên), Nguyên Van Xung (Minh Giao), Lê Van Ngoc (Minh Truyên), Vo Van Thanh (My Truc), Nguyên Van Dê (Minh dao), Âu Kiêt Lâm (Âu Minh Chanh).
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Shinto Worship: Traditions and Practices
Shinto (meaning the way of the gods) is the oldest indigenous system of belief in Japanese history. Its beliefs and rituals are practiced by more than 112 million people.
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Japanese Mythology: Izanami and Izanagi
Every Japanese emperor and empress in the long line of familial succession can trace their ancestry and divine right to rule directly to the deities that, according to Japanese mythology, formed the islands of Japan from the murky darkness of the earth below the heavens.
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Understanding Kami, the Shinto Spirits or Gods
The spirits or gods of Shinto are known as kami. Yet, calling these entities 'gods' is not quite correct because kami actually includes a wide expanse of supernatural beings or forces. Kami takes on many meanings depending on the context and it doesn't just refer to the Western concept of God or gods, either.
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Glossary of Shinto: Definitions, Beliefs, and Practices
Since Shinto has no founder or central creationist figure, but rather is an ancient set of beliefs that was formally incorporated into Japanese society with the influx of Confucianism and Buddhism, understanding the complex web of tradition, ritual, prayer, kami, and jinja can be daunting. This glossary provides you with a general overview of Shinto definitions, key terms, names, and figures that repeatedly appear across the study of Shinto.
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Engimono: Definition, Origins, Significance
Engimono are traditional Japanese lucky charms, often decorated with bright colors and designs, that signify different kinds of luck (e.g. marriage and love, fertility, success). The practice of keeping engimono comes from Japanese folklore, though it also has strong roots in both Buddhist and Shinto culture and religious history.
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Yoruba Religion: History and Beliefs
The Yorùbá people, who inhabit a significant part of Western Africa, including Nigeria, have been practicing their unique set of religious customs for centuries. Yoruba religion is a blend of indigenous beliefs, myths and legends, proverbs, and songs, all influenced by the cultural and social contexts of the western portion of Africa.
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Do Sikhs Believe in the Devil or Demons?
Sikhism does not have a concept of the devil, or Satan as does Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Sikhs believe that demons or devils are entities, or spirits which are driven solely by ego.
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Japanese Gods and Goddesses The Main Mythological Tales of Traditional Shinto Religion
Japanese gods and goddesses are mostly those of the traditional religion of Japan, known as Shinto ("The Way of the Gods"), or kami-no-michi.
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Shinto Worship: Traditions and Practices
Shinto (meaning the way of the gods) is the oldest indigenous system of belief in Japanese history.
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Is Scientology a Cult?
Scientology was created in 1952 by the charismatic leader and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It has been designated a religion by the United States and the UK governments for tax purposes. But it has also been called an "anti-constitutional sect" in Germany and a "dangerous cult" in France and in many parts of the United States.
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The Basics of Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is arguably the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. It centers on the words of the prophet Zarathushtra, called Zoroaster by the ancient Greeks, and focuses worship upon Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom.
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The Story of Pele, Hawaiian Volcano Goddess
Pele is the goddess of fire, lighting, and volcanoes in Hawaiian indigenous religion. She is sometimes called Madame Pele, Tutu (Grandmother) Pele, or Ka wahine ʻai honua, the earth-eating woman. According to Hawaiian legend, Pele is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands.
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How Many Religions Are There in the World?
Pinpointing precisely how many religions there are in the world today is next to impossible, although some estimate the number exceeds four thousand. The vast majority of those faiths are contained within a handful of major religious groups.
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Basic Concepts of Wicca
There's an old saying that if you ask any ten Wiccans about their spiritual beliefs, you'll get at least fifteen different answers. That's not far from the truth, because with hundreds of thousands of Americans practicing Wicca today (and the actual numbers remain unclear), there are thousands of different Wiccan groups in existence.
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Is Astrology a Pseudoscience?
If astrology is not really a science, then is it possible to classify it as a form of pseudoscience? Most skeptics will readily agree with that classification, but only by examining astrology in light of some basic characteristics of science can we decide if such a judgment is warranted.
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Sami People: Religion, Beliefs, and Deities
The Sámi people of Norway, Sweden, and Finland have a rich spiritual history that reflects their culture and traditional ways of life. From reindeer herding to animism, the Sámi have found ways to maintain their ancient culture and religious beliefs despite the ever-changing world around them.
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The 8 Most Important Voodoo Gods
The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha.
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Who Are Jesus People USA (JPUSA)?
Jesus People USA, a Christian community founded in 1972, is an Evangelical Covenant church on the north side of Chicago, Illinois. About 500 people live together at one address, pooling their resources in an attempt to imitate the first-century church described in the book of Acts.
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11 Egyptian Gods and Goddesse
The curation of this content is at the discretion of the author, and not necessarily reflective of the views of Encyclopaedia Britannica or its editorial staff.
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What's the Difference Between Religion and Spirituality?
One popular idea is that there exists a distinction between two different modes of relating with the divine or the sacred: religion and spirituality.
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Pagans, Death and the Afterlife
For many modern Pagans, there is a somewhat different philosophy on death and dying than what is seen in the non-Pagan community.
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Hanoi: authorities crack down on the spread of the 'Church of Jesus'
According to local police, the group is "evil" and is operating in several locations without consent.
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Alchemical Sulfur, Mercury and Salt in Western Occultism
Western occultism (and, indeed, pre-modern Western science) is strongly focused on a system of four of five elements
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Moon Phases and Magical Workings
For many Pagans, the cycles of the moon are important to magical workings.
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Children of God: History and Teachings of the Notorious Cult
Children of God, now known as The Family International, is still active today.
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Quimbanda Religion: History and Beliefs
One of the African diasporic religious belief systems, Quimbanda is found primarily in Brazil, and originated during the period of the transatlantic slave trade.
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A Year of Pagan Sabbat Rituals
As the Wheel of the Year turns and the eight NeoPagan Sabbats pass by, many people like to celebrate with special ceremonies and rituals.
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