bhavyawrites-blog

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On Hanuman Jayanti, Hanuman Prashnavali Can give you any answer!

Results for 1-49 : 

1 - Your task will be completed soon. 2- Keep patience and patience, it will take time to complete your work. 3- Worship of Hanuman, the work will be completed soon. 4 - There is no time to complete the work now. 5 - Will work with the assistance of another person. 6 - Your work stuck due to another person. The work will be completed with the worship of Hanuman. 7 - The work will be completed with the help of a woman. 8- It is good to avoid this work. 9- Strong efforts will be required to achieve success. 10 - Keeping the fast of Tuesday will be your wish.

11- Your work will be completed soon after you recite Sundar Kand regularly. 12 - Beware of enemies. 13 - The task will take some time to complete. 14- Serve the cow, you will soon benefit. 15 - Be patient, it's time to end all worries. 16 - It is appropriate to serve the parents. 17 - O Han Hanumte Namah: All the work will be done with the remembrance of the mantra. 18 - Hanumanji's worship will benefit soon. 19 - The south side is expected to benefit from 20 - The realization of wealth and the achievement of happiness can be very fast. 21 - With the blessings of Lord Shriram, money will soon get relief. 22 - There will be conflict, but victory will be yours. 23 - Right now the time is not good. Remember and worship Hanumanji. 24 - Your family members will oppose you. 25 - Very good news will be found soon. 26 - Do not move any steps without thinking. 27 - With the help of the female side, your work will be created. 28 - Keep patience and patience. 29 - Keep patience and patience. 30 - Beware of friends, they are your biggest enemies. 31 - The work will be completed soon after Lord Shiva's worship. 32- Go to the shelter of Mahadev, while doing good to you. 33 - No woman will cheat you 34 - Your brothers and sisters will not accompany you, keep in mind. 35 - Will benefit from job or business. 36 - Your good days have come. 37 - Children may suffer from it. 38 - Task completion will take some time. 39 - Can get success soon. 40 - Reputation will be gained in society.  41 - Your wish will be completed soon. 42 - Good day will take time to come. 43 - Economic difficulties may have to face. 44 - Money will be received shortly. 45 - Life partner will enjoy happiness. 46 - Child happiness can be achieved. 47 - Auspicious time is late. 48- The benefits will be available in the social and business sector. 49 - The good days have come. The thought of the mind will be complete every work.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzbPIVcodUQ)

How you can do BIG, fulfil DREAMS, Find your secret success key, develop your attitude towards success and luck.

How to Dream BIG and Achieve it?

[bhavyawrites-blog]

Happy to Share My Articles on #Religion Published In last few months -

http://www.theiarj.org/…/iarj-work-iarjs-bhavya-srivastava…/ http://www.speakingtree.in/bl…/interfaith-hope-for-the-world http://www.theiarj.org/blog/author/bsrivastava/ http://www.dailyo.in/user/12049/bhavya-srivastava https://www.thequint.com/search?q=bhavya+srivastava https://www.thequint.com/…/what-causes-a-stampede-and-who-i… https://www.thequint.com/…/triple-talaq-progressive-way-for… https://www.thequint.com/…/why-fasting-kills-a-jain-girl-an… https://www.thequint.com/…/with-the-haji-ali-order-women-ha… https://www.thequint.com/…/was-oshos-will-forged-for-person… http://www.readthespirit.com/…/worlds-largest-peaceful-gat…/ http://myvoice.opindia.com/…/ganga-the-religious-challenges/ http://www.newsgram.com/swami-ramdev-a-brief-encounter-wit…/

Bhavya Srivastava Member - IARJ New Delhi M: 09873402949 T: @mebhavya Blog - bhavyawrites.tumblr.com

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IARJ @ WORK: BHAVYA SRIVASTAVA AT KAICIID FORUM IN VIENNA

From his home base in India, founding member of the International Association for Religion Journalists (IARJ) Bhavya Srivastava has traveled to Vienna to cover the second meeting of the KAICIID Center’s global Advisory Forum, which draws together 40 diverse religious leaders from around the world.

“Being a religion journalist, I love this type of gathering,” said Bhavia, describing the optimism of the participants he found while covering this event. “Attending a meeting full of ideal hopes and positivity radiating from every face is not common these days. But when you join a table or conference full of interfaith leaders, they talk hope and harmony in every statement.”

This advisory forum, which met in Vienna February 6-7, 2017, successfully gathered a diverse array of participants from many different faith traditions and parts of the world. That diversity extended to their many responses to the top issue that emerged at the gathering: immigration and refugees. Headlines around the world are heralding the dramatic changes in responses to immigration by governments, including in the U.S. and Europe. Participants at the Vienna conference made conflict resolution through dialogue a prime, cooperative goal, Bhavya said.

The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) held its second annual meeting of the Board of Directors’ Advisory Forum at KAICIID headquarters in Vienna. The primary aim, according to the official website of KAICIID, was to see the Advisory Forum members establishing a structure for the Forum and establish their procedures for their future work in advising KAICIID’s Board of Directors.

The Advisory Forum is a consultative body that includes influential leaders from major world religions and religious and cultural institutions and communities representing, and also leading figures from the religious, non-governmental and intergovernmental fields, coming from more than 20 countries across the globe. The main role of the Forum is to support the activities of the KAICIID Board of Directors and advises on their programs and on ground activities.

Bhavya-Srivastava-at-the-Kumbh-fair-1Bhavya earlier wrote about the journalistic challenges of covering the vast Khumbh festivals in India, and he is an active member in the IARJ.

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"Religious Controversies of 2016"

Controversies rule the religion domain of India in 2016. The faith realm of several religions are abuzz with many activities, that challenge the norms and practices. We have seen abundance of spiritual activities laced with cultural notions and activism that colours religion as a socio-political factor. The year had invited the obvious disasters of religious mismanagement and show the redundant rigidity in boastful manner.

SriSri Cultural Extra-vaganza 

Art of Living’s Sudarshan Kriya has benefitted millions and his founder is widely recognized as a peace ambassador. But when SriSri Ravishankar has finalized the flood plains of Yamuna for his 35th anniversary of Art of Living, the peace has vanished and activist thronged to do a protest kriya. The petition to cancel the event venue reached to the National Green Tribubal and a tug of war has started that ended into a damage mode. Art of Living has to pay a fine and President of India has skipped the event due to the environmental controversy. Ruling party has endorsed the event and on dais truce and negotiations happened when Delhi CM show faith in the Spritual Master. Environment faced the harshest value and SriSri numerous efforts to salvage the problem went against him. The mega show surely impress every nook and corner of this planet, but "rigidity" was sensed by the onlookers and environmental activists.

A Kumbh of Politics and Unruly Weather

The largest religious gathering on earth, Kumbh has seen a vast presence of unseen events this time in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. From angry weather gods to Dalit politics has evaporated many tents and feelings.  Seven killed and ninety injured when heavy rains accompanied by lightning. The fair started in April and lasted for one month. As it starts the fervor of Hinduism galore in the sky of politics. The ruling government has organized a Vaicharik Mahakumbh that created an intellectual meaning to this religious mega show.  Though the bathing of Dalits with BJP leaders and saints occupied the imagination a lot. The obvious saints cat fight was seen everyday on pity issues. But the real attraction was Eunuch Akhada, where eunuchs become demigods and their blessings are considered heavenly. The only area in Kumbh City, where parking charges fetch desirable results is the Akhara of Eunuchs. Hindu saints somehow digest this transgression. They always against the Woman Akhara and seems fear the eunuchs.

When Spirituality Pays off Well!

While politics has a lot of deeper connections in religion, the transformation of a guru from religious might to a political flight has never seen a strange thing. When Gayatri Parivaar Spiritual head Dr. Pranav Pandya had suddenly offered a distinguished Upper House seat, the buzz is obvious, he is the choice of PM Narendra Modi and BJP Chief Amit Shah. But the real shocker comes when Dr. Pandya relinquished the offer and gives a fitting reply that the politics is not in the state of idealism and he would not “fit in” the way the Upper House functions these days.  He also said that, I have accepted Modi, not BJP.

A Disciple of Chaos

Ramvriksha Yadav is a nonchalant person, until he becomes thorn in the religious city of Mathura. He ransacked the system and the outcome was disastrous. A disciple of Jai Gurudev and running his own world make him a demon. His rampage against the park eviction costs 24 lives, including two policemen. The Swadheen Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah has emerged after the demise of Jai Gurudev and he is living the principles of his masters. Two decades ago he fought an election from Doordarshi Party of Jai Gurudev. His ambitions are clear from the day one.

Religious Mismanagement

Stampede at religious places always happen in the same manner and the outcome also points out the same callousness. In April, Kerala has seen the worst incident in a temple premises. A firework display become monstrous and killed 100 and injures 280 lives. Who is responsible? The fire God!

In October 23 killed on a bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli when people have gathered in large number for a religious event of Jai Gurudev Ashram. The innocent lives of devotees have no right to ask the organisers and government, why our soul is so cheap, that a rumour can shatter it into pieces.

A child died for a religion

She died after 68 days of fast. A religion that glamourise fasting. She was cajoled spirituality to test her admiration and faith. She fails as the fast ends and lost her future. Jain religion was in question when HYDER and based class 9th student died. Her parents didn't show any deep repent. Saints show sympathy and warned outsiders to kept away from questioning the faith rituals. Police has to act, but it didn't warn any blind follower to abide the personal choice or will of a child.

When Rights Win and Tradition Falls

But, surely there are moments when faith has to bow down for social equality. Hindu religious place Shani Shingnapur and Muslim Dargah Hazi Ali has to abide the ruling of courts to open the gates for women. In both cases woman activists come to road to show the strength. Courts become conscious and human to hear petition that challenged the uneven norms and practices. Social activist Tripti Desai become a hope for millions. There are some rules which are followed by some scriptures and there are few which are developed by old time thoughts. Sabrimala still awaits for the moment, when doors are open for all and lord is worshiped by every woman. A counter moment has also raise some support for the Sabrimala ongoing  tradition.

Faith Hopes for 2017

Religion is evolving. As cultural norms are changing, faith is adapting new practices. Youth become more Spritual and inclined to shape society by their ways. Religion, outside temples/mosque/church and gurudwara are becoming more open due to the challenges. Gurus are trying to develop new programmes and their social activities are creating hope. We hope 2017 brings more understanding and bonding between faiths and cultural realities.

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Bhavya Srivastava Member - IARJ New Delhi M: 09873402949 T: @mebhavya

[bhavyawrites-blog]

“Baba who throws pee, Swami Omji Maharaj has to be one of Indian TV's most disgusting person”

“The self-styled godman's nauseating behaviour would have been considered an aberration in any sane person's world”

http://www.dailyo.in/voices/swami-omji-maharaj-pees-bani-j-bigg-boss-10-colors-indian-tv-hindu-mahasabha/story/1/14940.html

A mithai offered in the name of religion becomes "prasad" and anyone wearing a saffron robe is a "saint"!

The incredibly popular reality show Bigg Boss, in its 10th season, had self-styled godman Swami Omji Maharaj as a participant, until he was thrown out of the show following his outrageous act (he threw his pee on two other contestants).

With his infamous abusive behaviour (especially against women), the self-styled godman (who also claimed to be the biggest tantric ever) not just managed to stay put in the Bigg Boss House so far, but also generated enough TRPs for the show. Controversies and disgust apart, what is intriguing is the media portrayal of religion on entertainment and news TV.

Swami Omji Maharaj is one of television world's most disgusting discoveries who also has to his credit an old video (that went viral after he entered Bigg Boss House) in which he is seen slapping a woman guest during a live TV show.

Then came Bigg Boss which made Omji a household name with his verbal and physical abuse of women contestants. In between, Omji also managed to flirt with women contestants in the show with his lecherous tips on "yoga and flexibility of body".

In any sane person's world, Omji and his nauseating behaviour would have been considered an aberration, but not on Indian television. Indian TV needs him and other such obnoxious characters to survive and so do all those who watch it to survive the boredom in their bedrooms.

TV's definition of religion starts with superstition and ends at cult destruction. Why else news shows on TV bother to elaborately show rituals, traditions, ethos and behaviour which support the very thought of blind faith. They want to instill (read cash in on) fear to invoke devotion. The other way they represent religion is by showing a "godly" man in his "ungodly" avatar.

The way the laymen see religion and religious communities, changes as soon as they are introduced to the religion depicted by the various means of mass communication.

The perception of a "saint" has changed. Persecution is the new reality. While books are still sacred, their interpretations have become flawed. Gurus are no longer just spiritual guides, but much more than that.

Any man/medium that represents religion must understand that their representation also holds a cultural value. Many established mores and values get maligned when a distorted version is presented.

TV surely loses its viewers due to its repetitive 24x7 cycle (showing the same content with different packaging). While the genre of mythology has lost its sheen, family dramas too have become passé. So, entertainment as well news TV started presenting religion as faith besides "promoting" superstition.

Bigg Boss and the channel (Colors) have every right to show things that would bring them TRPs, but not by altering or misrepresenting the image of any particular faith.

[bhavyawrites-blog]

Lights, Crackers and Nationalism

The Festival of Lights illuminates us by its dazzling engagement. Our home and our hopes get a new shine due to some good traditions and ethos. The fast we live the later we realise that we are missing many sparks in the run. Our festival is now occupied with symbols of materials and we enjoy buying and selling happiness, in the name of old sayings and beliefs.

As we celebrated again the ritualistic ways to feel the essence of lights and sounds, we also remember few happenings that shape the milieu of our nation. At this juncture our feelings are with the festival and we know the value of the moment. India’s immense diversity clubs when a move combines its emotions for the nation. The #SurgicalStrikes, #IndiaStrikesBack #ChineseBoycott #PakArtistBanned and #DiwaliBlackOut somehow shows the nerve of our nations thought.

#SurgicalStrikes was the most appropriate bomb, India fired beyond the boundary. It has full capacity to blow the confidence of the perpetrators and their heads. When it happened the country was asleep and army was awake to protect us. The nation was waiting for an explode that ignite its imagination and thirst. We don’t have the official or leak video, otherwise it has crossed the record on Whatsapp/Twitter/Facebook, I am sure. Via an attack India shows that it can revert with a befitting reply at any moment. So the machine guns, LMV which fired multiple rounds of bullet has the affirmations of a nation. The light and sound of this mid night extravaganza has immense blazing moments that can fulfil the needs and demands to counter a nation, who act like an intolerant neighbour.  

#IndiaStrikesBack shows the jingoism and valour of army and the political leadership. It seems that the nation was really waiting for the moment. PM Modi gave a surprise and keep mum for a long after the strikes. The Army was elated. It happened before or not doesn’t matter, the feelings of intruding with machismo was the real expression in every nook and corner of our land. Army got a new high and the expression for the soldiers goes beyond admiration. #Sandesh2Soldiers have crossed one million mark on twitter and every one is saluting the men in dress with full respect. India’s image as a soft nation, get a new makeover and the young blood runs in every vein.

#PakArtistBanned was a by-product of #SurgicalStrikes. Everyone has a view and mostly it suits to the emotions of rhetoric. Bollywood was not happy as it effects the Diwali releases. Karan Johar and Salman Khan both joined the same chorus. But there are unseen youths and less seen celebrities who ring the bell. The demand to criticise their own nation for its fallacies, was the common sentiment. The dilemma of Pak artist was portrayed by our superstars and one TV news channel become berserk to kick them out. The era of item songs, by neighbours are gone. The bonhomie of sufi is dithering. And creativity has sense a comma for few days. Though MNS tactics to blackmail Karan Johar was not even supporter for Army veterans and defence minister.

#ChineseBoycott was the real shocker. Chinese didn’t celebrate Diwali but they love to facilitate it creatively by their full resources. From last many years we are habitual to cheap products and atrophy due to the effects of Chinese incursion in our markets. Buyers hit on China was seen more sentimental and sent a fire shock to the wholesalers. Somehow its become a trend and people love to show the photos boycotting Chinese products. Indian markets is flooded with mobile phones, that are made in china, but the real target was diwali related products, so the same user, using mobile things smartly, only boycotting one reason. Diwali blast really gone deeper and everyone consciously thinking about Make in India!  

#DiwaliBlackOut was in favour of environment. Say no to crackers. The Sivakashi cracker factories was happy on #ChineseBoycott now seems worried. Light may be replaced by the technology( Chinese Cheap Jhalars)  but the glimpse of sound with air borne light has a place in our memories. Statistics has to come how much we consume pollution on the evening of Diwali and how much noise pollution deaf us. Till then, India is thinking, waste money to taste sensibility. G20 may be forgotten but, urban class has tasted the asthma attacks on their wards. So hope they think about the neighbourhood and satisfy themselves with Indian Diyas, Candles, Jhalars and Sweets.

Every year we celebrate Diwali with a hope for money from Maa Laxmi and bonuses from Office. Somehow this time you get the bonuses in many shapes. Hope you enjoy the Festival of Lights with full glow and glamour remembering Army, Indian and Environment.

Shubh Deepawali!

---------- Bhavya Srivastava Member - IARJ New Delhi T: @mebhavya

[bhavyawrites-blog]

Shri Pathmeda Godham Mahatirth: World’s largest cowshed

Pathmeda (Rajasthan): A place where numbers can baffle your imagination. A land where productivity is directly aligned to the dedication for human care and service. Welcome to Sri Pathmeda Godham Mahatirth, the largest cowshed of the world.

From 8-16th April, the Pathmeda Godham is celebrating the 50th year of a revolution which shook the nation on 1967, when a great guru Swami Hariharanandji aka Karpatriji Maharaj gave a call for the nation to gather in the capital of India against cruelty on cows.  

It’s not about the numbers and quantity, the way this place has created a space for service, dedication, devotion and creation can amaze anyone. The basic thought of caring and protecting Indian cows from many social and economical challenges make this place a perfect example of sheer magnanimity. This place is a case study of one man’s humble duty towards an animal, which is also sacred for Hindus.

The numbers of cows sheltered in different cow service centers which are established and run by shree pathmeda Godharn mahatirth, from the establishment of shree Godham mahatirth till today for last 20 years, are as follows.

The institution was opened in 1993 with 8 mother cows. In the year 1999 the number of cows was 90000, in 2001 the number of cows increased to 1,76000, in 2002 the number of cows  was 2,15000, in 2003 it was 2,84,00, in 2004 it was 1,54000 Due to god rain 130000 cow descendants were distributed to cow rearing farmers. In the year 2005 it was 97000, in 2009 it was 72000 in 2010 the number of cows was 2,00,000, in 2011 it was 1,25,000 helpless and destitute cows were served which is at present in 2012 are 1,22,000. The useful cow descendants are being distributed to the cow rearing persons in thousands of number every year.

The numbers can wonder you. But the more surprising factor is the way they become multiplied year by year. In 1993 a humble saint , Sri Dutt Sharnanandji Maharaj has taken inspiration from a leading saint of India, Ramsukh Dasji Maharaj and began his journey to serve cows. He roamed all over the country and noticed the status and agony of cows. The story has more interesting pages when he came across a group of some bad people who tried to sell 8 cows for some cruel purpose. This place was near Pathmeda, Sanchore, Rajasthan.

He started a protest against it and later it became an agitation. The day was the root cause of this grand place of cow service. Pathmeda is situated in Sanchore district of Rajasthan, which is also near the Gujarat border. Dutt Sharnanandji’s vision is today inspiring many people to come forward and take this message forward.

Today many Indian states have banned cow slaughter, but the issue remains as controversial, as it was in the past. Cow is deeply associated with hindu religion. Lord Krishna was the saviour of cows and the devotees of Krishna always see cow as his companion.

Owing to traditional and conventional beliefs, many animals have got sacred recognition due to their association with deities  but cow is like motherly figure to the devotees and many hindu believers. The Gau Kripa Mahotsav has attracted lakhs of people who know the value of cows and are also supporting the cause of pathmeda cowshed.

Everyday thousands of devotees gather in the remote area of this cowshed to learn benefits of cow care, the value of cow products and adopting a healthy lifestyle by endorsing pure and organic products. A senior saint Radhakrishan Maharaj, who is closely associated with Pathmeda, said, "this is an awakening call for all who know the benefits of cows but never think about their life and state, cow is not only an animal, everything it gives is useful to mankind. So we have to be little concern about cow care".

Sri Pathmeda Godham Mahatirth has successfully cared and protected many breeds of Indian cows. They are also developing cow university, hospital and many other social initiatives. They have also made their presence felt in FMCG market with their products like Milk, Ghee, Ayurveda, Soaps and Organic vegetables. The model to promote their brand has made them more reliable and profound. A visit to Pathmeda can impress any visitor, but the real change happens when traditions and modernity mingle beautifully for the welfare of an animal, which is ultimately giving maximum benefit to human beings.

(Bhavya Srivastava is a senior journalist. He is a member of International Association of Religion Journalists)

Published - http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-shri-pathmeda-godham-mahatirth-world-s-largest-cowshed-323837

[bhavyawrites-blog]

Twisted Tale of Triple Talaq: Is There a Progressive Way Forward?

The three words that can change a life forever are not, “I Love You”, anymore. The gravity of any three pronounced word can be judged by the ongoing discussion of a religion. “I divorce you” three times, and all is over for a woman, and surely many options are opened up for a man.

Though Islam has prescribed the process of a woman seeking divorce from a man –known as Khula – this goes by a qazi under certain circumstances. The three words have so much power, in terms of support from all the existing sects of Islam.

The Quran says in Sura 65 (At-Talaq): O Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods and count (accurately) their prescribed periods: And fear Allah your Lord: and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his (own) soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.

Sunnis and Shias have few different ways to handle the triple talaq matter. Sunnis can say talaq to their wives before telling anyone, but Shias have to publicly announce the beginning of the divorce process. The man is not necessarily asked to say any particular words thrice to get talaq, there are two ways in which this works – Talaq-Sirri and Talaq-Kinaya. Talaq-Sirri is a clear declaration of particular words – ‘I divorce you’ – while Talaq-Kinaya gives space to unclear or indirect words to express the will to announce the man’s intentions – ‘you are void’, ‘you are a free woman’ and ‘you are cut off’.

There is a waiting period in talaq or a window for reconciliation according to the Quran. In Sura 4 of Quran, the way to reconcile is defined clearly and advised:

And if you fear a breach between the two, then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people; if they both desire agreement, Allah will effect harmony between them, surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.

If the couple breaks the waiting period by engaging in sexual intercourse, the divorce becomes void. The Quran says clearly in Sura 33:

O you who believe! When you marry the believing woman, then divorce them before you touch them, you have in their case no term which you should reckon; so make some provision for them and send them forth a goodly sending forth.

The Quran also has clear instructions for the woman, who serves the waiting period. It says in Sura 65:

Do not drive them out of their houses, nor should they themselves go forth, unless they commit an open indecency.

What is debatable is the way Islam carries the rights of the woman. Feminism at its best can’t address the vulnerability of this faith-exploiting practice. In homes, the sore relations have faced the psychological pressures of these three words, every time. Like Simone de Beauvoir writes in her iconic book, ‘The Second Sex’: “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

Triple talaq may be a contentious issue for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and they want to boycott the Law Commission Questionnaire on religious practices detrimental to women.But it looks like the government wants to act on the mood of the nation.

The discussion is surely diverted by the statements and not by the real sentiments of the other half of the Muslim population. We must ask Muslim women what they think about it and how they can address this peculiar issue. It’s time we dare to ask why we must trust a follower blindly, when he is susceptible to the pressures of the material world.

In another age when life was simple and people followed an ideal holistically, any written word could become gospel. Islam as a religion has immense possibilities to support basic human values, at least that much is written clearly in the book.

PUBLISHED - https://www.thequint.com/blogs/2016/10/15/triple-talaq-progressive-way-forward-nikah-halala-muslim-personal-law-uniform-civil-code-divorce-islam

[bhavyawrites-blog]

How BigBoss is misusing Religion?

A sweet given in the name of religion become Prasad. And person wearing saffron becomes a Saint, without any certification. The state of Hindu religion intrigues anyone by the way it projected on TV and News. The famous show BigBoss featured a hindu saint as a participant who claims to be a tantric and using all his charm and bad mouth to get registered. He now becomes the bone of contention, somehow. His attire is his backbone and his attitude is vulgar and derogatory.

Swami Omji Maharaj is a discovery of TV, first news explored him and exploit the best to generate TRP by his cheapness and now entertainment get its taste of showing the most downgraded camaraderie with a man who don't know the difference between woman and sex. His overtures are lewd and promiscuous. And TV needs this badly to survive in the bedrooms. You hate it or love it; the saffron clad man is now on national television. The show is exploiting the maximum from the filthy content generated by the use of religious signs.

TV's definition of religion starts from superstition and ends with cult destruction. The news shows of TV elaborately tells the rituals, traditions, ethos and behaviors which supports the very thought of blind faith. They want to touch the fear nerve that rules the devotion. The charisma and desire factor runs like blood in the show. The other way they represent religion is to show a man with its entire negative aura. The personal life, the nexus of the master and asking political and social questions to gurus and seed a hope in his mind of religion that your past is your future. The Dharam Satta still can guide the Raj Satta. Now the saints today behave like kings men who believe that they are the guiding force of the rulers.

The knowledge of religion and spiritual matters never dispel any follower or seeker. The way a layman sees religion, changes when he sees how religion is placed by mass communication vehicles. The perception of a Saint has changed and now the persecution is a reality. Religion becomes a periphery under many questions. The ambassadors become agile and they are not leaving impact on the core teachings and preaching. The books are sacred and the interpretations become flawed.

Any show that represents religion in any way must understand that it is creating a space in time and the presentation has a cultural value. The cultural notions and established moral get tarnished when a distorted face claims authority and behave like a spokesperson. TV surely loses his grip of common man due to the repetitive practices of showing same content in different covers. The mythology genre is depleting and the family drama is passé’. So normally entertainment channel treat religion as a faith and superstitious matter, especially news channels. The rationality factor is their tool to understand the core of a devotional practice. This creates a natural problem between the viewer and the broadcaster.  

BigBoss and the channel have every right to show anything in the name of entertainment and can idolize any image, by presenting an immature version of a character. The social institutions have an unsaid system of check and balance. Religion due to its moral presence provides little space to examine and test its faces. But society has rejected many flaws which are irrelevant from time to time. TV still revolves around the same drama and practices that are obsolete and discarded by sound minds and intelligent viewers.

Every day we have to teach our children about the world. They are also become viewers of some garbage which we proudly presented with all pomp and show. The anchor, plot, drama and entertainment invite all to be part of the party. The toddlers never understand the real face of society, if we give them just the junk food and expect health. Hope the teachings of religion give some real thoughts to the content maker and bring some glory to our culture.

Bhavya Srivastava Member – IARJ New Delhi T: @mebhavya

[bhavyawrites-blog]

The Real Hindutva

Hindutva/Hinduism is a ‘way of life’. This was the apex court interpretation in 1996. The nation has changed a lot when you see how this term is used today, politically. The feelings of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and Ram-Rahim are no longer come along with rhetorical politics. India today senses a nationalistic feel of power and somehow the logic of Hindutva as a cultural notion is sidelined by harsh notions. Though the real meaning of this term still rejuvenates our beliefs in humanity and brotherhood. The narrow lanes of this vast land reverberates the feeling of life by a way, which may be called Hindutva.  

The notion of Hidutva surely comes from the very thought of Hinduness and coined by Hindu nationalist VR Savarkar in 1923. The BJP later adopted this as its official ideology in 1989. Now this pushes an agenda of an assumed hegemony and homogenized majority that thinks on a particular frequency. This make things more closed for a vast nation, where diversity is like air and Vasudhev Kutumbakam is known from ages. The very thought of a single dominated identity is opposite to the pure though of Hindutva.  

The life in India has a powerful presentation of multiple social and cultural factors. The adversity of life can be forgotten by millions in the name of society and religion. The commonness of prayer and namaz side by side is the reality in which we coexist. The walls of temple and mosque are unseparated at many places. The cultural attacks by outsiders may stall many establishments and monarch for their omnipresence, but we transform them with the likeness and wholeheartedness. We only see unparalleled love in Taj Mahal and divinity in Ajmer Sharif. The name Garib Nawaz only represents the poor who seek blessings.

Indian religions have the essence to flourish like a flower. Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism are the few who galore its wings all over the world and give a taste of Indian culture. Yoga and Meditation become a religion today and that surely represents the ‘way of life’ notion.  When a culturally overburdened foreign man comes to India, he first feels the chaotic life and later understands the value of wisdom, which leads everyone to a certain direction. The complexity of life and goals, here mingle with culture and religion to achieve skies and sometimes nothing.

Culture is pride for every Indian; they boast it and roast it too. The have a subconscious feelings of 5000 old culture that guides this land, seamlessly. They tend to follow some tradition, rituals, ethics and norms to serve their life. And have the reasons, many times, why they are like this. The knowledge here flows from every side. The keepers of knowledge here may wear saffron, but the way a common man live here; himself is a lesson for the followers. Icons made themselves by just following one or two rules of life. The way of life here is simple, do karma and gets results; the character of karma decides your fate.

Hindutva may teach us more about our cultural identity, but it surely not become a tool for political use. There is a clear difference between nationalistic and hinduistic. According to Encyclopaedia Britaninca "Hindutva ('Hindu-ness'), [is] an ideology that sought to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values".  We have to remember that Hindu word was derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu. So the values of this land can be imbibed by the Hindu identity. The equality and unanimity of cultural thoughts most of the times vary when we see them with some prisms. The natural growing of a culture always needs inputs and amalgamation of ideas and thoughts.  

Hope Hindutva as an idea and thought get more space to assimilate a larger audience with their way of life and identifies. Indian culture always has an optimum potential to attract any thought and influence it. The vibrancy of life always needs a space that supports every open thought, and hope today Hindutva has the capacity to cater it.

Bhavya Srivastava Member – IARJ New Delhi T: @mebhavya

[bhavyawrites-blog]

Why Fasting Kills a Jain Girl and the Whole Religion?

Does Jainism as a religion contradict its own teachings when it comes to self beliefs? A religion that found its roots in the teachings of Lord Mahavira, is older than Buddhism, but has a declining followership in India

Jainism is tough to follow and hard to integrate in life.

The death of a 13 year-old-girl who died after 68 days of fasting during holy month of Chaumasa, shows the wrong beliefs, jain followers have long revered. It is not a matter of simple faith. What it hints upon is the rigidity that has stopped a religion to grow and spread amongst masses. In Jainism the practice of questioning is halted, which ails the rise of an ancient and scientific religion.

A school going girl is permitted to serve a fast, that is still too harsh for an adult. This sounds nothing else but inhuman. The details of the story add faces, to the family’s wish and the desired outcomes of the fast.

Jainism supports the practice of strict fasting, eating meagre diets, travelling by foot, shunning clothes and desires, even taking a vow to death ie Santhara.

The rituals are mostly formed by the writings of Aagam, the sacred book of Jain religion. Ironically, Lord Mahavira was of a scientific mind and most of the times his teachings contradict the relevant practices of Jain community today.

Fasting is a practice in every religion. Hindus fast in Navratra for nine days and Muslims fast for four weeks in Ramzan. Christians have the season of lent and Bahai’s fast for a month. Religion describes this as a practice of self control and many take this as a need for humanity. But in Jainism, fasting is a rule, it is a way of showing obedience and devotion to God. The ultimate aim is to practise non-violence and desirelessness.

Jains mostly fast during Paryushana Parv. If one fasts for eight days of Paryushana, its called Atthai, and if one fasts for 10 days its called Dhash Lakshan. Followers can even take up a fast that is one month long known as Maskhamana.

In the non fasting days, Jain followers have strict dietary restrictions. The one who eats tasteless food without salt and pepper and survives only on lentils is know asAyambil. The one who eats once a day, is called Ekassana. The goals of all these food detachments is to control desire and greed in the material world and attainMoksha, a fascination for Jains. The extreme of all this is self starvation that ultimately allows a person to leave his body and die in the process. This voluntary death is called Santhara. Courts have always had a harsh view on the practice.

The importance of Jainism and its followers is mostly judged by the financial worth of its followers and huge donations for the social causes. Within the community, there is concern about diminishing intellectual class and Jain representation amongst bureaucrats and policy makers.

The saints of Jain religion travel by foot and stay at open spaces. They have nothing to hide and nothing to save. But the rigid beliefs can sometimes ‘motivate’ followers to go to any extreme in the name of religion and faith.

A few weeks ago, a prominent Jain saint passed away in Mumbai. His last rights costed around 11 crore rupees. Spending lavishly for religious functions and penalising oneself for being full of desires, is a contradiction. The cultural history of Jainism is of immense worth, if only the followers of Jain religion can raise a voice against the ills and fallacies of their religion.

Being relevant is crucial to a religion. Sadly, Jainism lacks it today.

Published -https://www.thequint.com/blogs/2016/10/09/why-fasting-kills-a-jain-girl-and-the-whole-religion

[bhavyawrites-blog]

“Let’s Make Business More Religious”  Wishes and Will: The Mahabharta Way

You can see your success even after you are not alive! A whole life people work to establish a company, factory, business and brand and when they come to an end point, they have fears about the future of their projects and deeds. We all have to leave this world, one day, that is the most final things we born with.

Mahabharta character Iravan, who was son Arjuna and Ulupi story has some hints how you can stay alive after leaving your body. Iravan was remembered for his heroic death in the 18thday of battle in Kurukshetra. The boons Iravan gets for his self-sacrifice highlights the way he destined his future and the outcome of the war. He sacrificed himself to Goddess Kali and ensures her favour and the victory of his family in the war. Lord Krishan also gives him three boons, which is also the reason he remembered as a well-planned architect of the outcome and the viewer of the warm after his death. His first wish was to get married before his death, Krishna become Mohini and fulfilled her wish. Krishna also blesses him to see the war through the eyes of his severed head.

The story has the essence of a will and wish. A man who knows his wish and will can conquer any victory and set the rules by his choices. In every business, the founder has to set some rules and ideals to furnish results and milestones. When we work life the warrior we sometimes miss the action on other fronts. We can manage things by sacrificing some of our choices and can negotiate the other with some will and wish. It sometimes good to play the game from outside and get boons to serve the purpose.  

Business Leaders are daily fighting a war with the world and with himself. Every decision has a larger impact on their future. So they must be aware of the consequences of their wish and their choices. When you behave like a foot solider or like Iravan, you can gain boons. You can fetch maximum results by showing your faith in others. When you call it a day, you are very much secure that your boons can make you alive and always sees the war with a set outcome.

The boons can be in form of promises, interests, future plans and strategy to stride. The next generation always needs the patronage of good advice and shadow of your vision. When they explore the world, the world explores them in your sky. The more you set the destiny, clarify your wishes and willed to attain something, the sure it will come to you and will sustain forever.

[bhavyawrites-blog]

“Modi, Saints and Religion”

Narendra Modi is a religious man. After winning the thumping elections in 2014 he visited Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offered 1001 lotuses and 100 leafs of Bel to Lord Shiva. Shiva the god who consumes the vicious and venomous poison of earth to save the universe. He later visited many Ashrams, Temples, Maths and Gurus to show his inner feelings and understandings. But many saints are not happy with PM Narendra Modi. As the elections of 2014 polarised mass, class and media towards the leader, religion also feels the heat and was positively drawn to get some wind. But after two years, many saints are now openly challenging PM and the the BJP beliefs.  

"When I wake up and pray Lord Hanuman in the morning, I say please spare UP from BJP, please don't take them to power” exhorts Swami Narendra Giri, President of Akhara Parishad, a body representing millions of saints from Dashnami Parampara. This was clearly a political statement, given in front of hundreds of saints in Haridwar in a saints gathering programme by Bharat Sadhu Samaj. He was very angry and point out many decisions, from beef exports to tax on religious bodies and the newly problem of passport verification of saints. Many passport offices has asked saints to fill thier fathers name for identification. From time to time the voice of Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati was more loud to criticise PM Modi on many issues.

But does PM Modi really knows, what hurts these saints. There are many initiatives of the government also hailed by many saints and they actively participated to boost the outcomes. The same day when few saints are angry with PM, PMO tweeted five tweets hailing the efforts of Rishikesh Parmarth Ashram's Global WASH Alliance social work initiative to address the problem of open defecation. One week back the head of Parmarth Ashram, Muni Chidanand Sarswati concluded a programme in Leh in presence of two central ministers and interfaith leaders to show the solidarity for the cause. Haridwar Gayatri Parivar is chalking an idea to build 5 million toilets near Ganga from Gomukh to Ganganagar in coming years. The spiritual head of Gayatri Parivar Dr Pranav Pandya has just humbly put down the offer of Rajyasabha nomination. He is hopeful that by the support of CSR and volunteers the bio toilet project can be done by 2026.  

It was 2014 when VHP and Bajrang Dal charged up for a new lease of life after a lull, but surprisingly these organisations are now dormant and not raising the core concerns of their heart openly. Is Modi effect dampen their spirit or they are loosing ground as RSS now takes the charge. After Ashok Singhal, Pravin Togadia was less seen, as expected. Its an open secret that the relationship between PM and Togadia are not normal. Many says that this is good for religion. Because of these offshoots, some intricacies came into existence. Two shankaracrya has said many times that the problems of self-made or fake shankaracharyas was propagated by few hardline groups to fill their needs and agendas. Now right wing hardliners are only seen on social media.

Beef exports and beef politics, dalit issues, cow protection  and cow vigilantism are the issues on which PM Modi has made statements, before elections and after taking charge. The repercussions was large. Like beef exports is a reality and beef politics have damage some score points for the right wing leaders. Muslim still have to trust many lousy claims. Dalit politics was fiefdom of some regional satraps, BJP wants to play it, but the support of saints in Ujjain Kumbh cant garner desirable results and a bad statement on Mayawati dent them hard. Cow was always a senstive issue for hardcore hindus, now after the cow vigilantism stories, PM's statement have reverse effects also. The largest cowshed in Rajasthan, which runs only on donations, faces the heat and their support system has weaken a lot. Every issue which has any religious connection somehow reacted in a very different manner. Simply for politics, its drastic.

Saints, who assume that when BJP will come into power, and RSS runs the show, issues of Ram Temple, Section 370, Cow protection and beef was taken care religiously. But things are uneven here. RSS now more working on the educational changes and election groundwork than the on religious playground  In the matter of woman ban in some temples, RSS has similar views like court orders. The government and the RSS is now in sync to work on their priority areas somehow. Saints fumed and this also make them desperate to raise their voice. The issues of Ganga, which was lifeline of many saints and ashrams, now purely seen by a ministry and the say of saints now get unheard.

The voice of many hardliners saints on many minority faiths was mostly harsh, but the reality of politics, make them more precious than the majority. The perplexed situation and their ignorance can have some impacts in future. Its was a historic reality that saint never become a successful politician or party. From Karpatriji Maharaja to Maharshi Mahesh Yogi to Swami Ramdev. But the cult and mass powers of saints attracted all types of politicians. The faith factor also plays a role. Time is changing and saints have to really analyse about their political affiliations and inclinations. The real dharma of a saints is now in demand. Saints, lets pray and heal the society by the knowledge and wisdom again.  

[bhavyawrites-blog]

A pious moment with India's largest Spiritual Organisation All World Gayatri Parivar. Around 100million followers.

[bhavyawrites-blog]

A life with lot of Blessings

[bhavyawrites-blog]

“Swami Ramdev: A Man on Mission”

It was 2006 when I first met Baba Ramdev. He was in the D-block of Patanjali Phase-1 ashram. The ashram was commissioned in the same year and Swami Ramdev was in a hurry. His Yoga exposure was touching sky and his fellow Acharya Balkrishna was fully engaged with Ayurveda with a back support of their third trusted ‘classmate’ Swami Muktanand. This trio has a distinct combination. One is from Haryana, another born in Haridwar and the third one belongs to West Bengal. Swami Muktanand was a hidden gem, who never talk to outsiders.  

Today Ramdev, the prefix of Swami/ Baba has gone behind when the saint sat in Ramlila Maidan and shows his political interest in full glow. Ramdev’s presence in media has given him enough perception power to garner or fetch desirable results. The Swami who started his journey from Haridwar on a cycle has now chosen the vehicle of choice to galore his aspirations. Ramdev was a skilful seller, in the start he convinced a Delhi based businessman to give him a rational amount to make some medicines for Northeast states. This was the first deal.  

Swami Ramdev never hides his muscles. He can walk fast in his khadua (wooden sandals) and he still sleeps in his 10X10 room without AC. He uses strictly Indian brands of mobile phone, cars, SUV and only drinks Indian mineral water, especially when he is outside. He was literally without water for hours in Vietnam, I offered him a foreign brand mineral water and he told me it’s a foreign brand. He may forget the taste of rice and pulses, because he eats fruits and milk only. His life has many dimensions, he wake up at 4am and does yoga for two to three hours, in the staring he himself sat for hours to edit his TV shows; he is like a curious child to learn any new thigs and he never shy of his ignorance. Once he recites a sloka to me, which is 15 minutes long. His memory is sharp and never forgets names. He never shies to talk to ‘anyone’ in front of you.

The acumen and vision of Swami Ramdev has started with the aspiration to control powers in every stream is phenomenal. When whole world has seen his transition from Sanskar & Aastha to many News Channels, he strategically bought both channels to control the religious landscape. This was a sharp move, though the lesser known fact is that he also bought a Jain religious channel Arihant in the bouquet. He rechristened the group as Vedic Broadcasting. This move has given him a big edge. It’s a known fact that the revenue of these religious channels comes from the saints and their katha organisers. Now Swami Ramdev is a power player, who is also cajoling with the business community, who is somehow functional to many religious events. His name becomes synonymous for Yoga and subconsciously for religion and spirituality.

Swami Ramdev knows politics. It always boosts his goals. When Vrinda Karat raises the issue of human bone in his medicines and later a medicine named, Putrajeevak, raised eyebrows, he beautifully narrates his point and garners a proper interest in medium class. His fights with celebrities always make him more big and boastful. His art to navigate political boats, take him too many and finally make him a loyal supporter of current government.  Swami Ramdev openly told many times in past that he has inclinations towards politics. Even he planned to launch a political party, but later he understands the fire and its bruises.

It’s an open fact that Swami Ramdev was not very loved in the religious city of haridwar, his ashram is also on the outskirts.  The way he become a phenomena was always seen as a gimmick. Even the biggest name of Yoga, BKS Iyengar was never fond of his practices. He has serious differences on Kapalbhati. He lamented that “his selling of Kapalbhati is corrupting Patanjali’s Yoga”.  But today Patanjali is synonymous to the brand Baba has created.

When you meet Acharya Balkrishna, he offers you a lot of things to eat. All are prepared in his factories and Ayurvedic. Balkrishna is fond of physical exercise and have a keen eye on details.  He loves travel and he spends a lot of time in Himalayas. His passion of Ayurveda can amaze you, but he loves control. His special bonding with Swami Ramdev grows because of the mutual trust and understanding of the goals, they both designed long back.

Swami Ramdev was the right person at the right time. His mission has synced with the nationalistic feelings of the dispensation. His vision is to become a dominant brand with national presence of pride. His nationalistic aspirations today make him a new avatar of bharat putra. In few years he may dance on his music, but his real test was when he beat the odds and become a non-politically effective brand.

Published - http://www.newsgram.com/swami-ramdev-an-encounter-with-yoga-guru-his-disciples-inside-the-patanjali-empire/