Five Truths Accidentally Revealed by an American Student on a Christian Mission Trip to Karnataka

Source INDIA, August 18, 2017 (Hindu Post): American students on short-term mission trips to Bharat in pursuit of the Great Commission (the Biblical mandate to make disciples of all nations) is a phenomenon that has grown rapidly recently. Where do these students go? Well, most of them come to countries which fall in the 10/40 window – a rectangular area…

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Art of Living Foundation Enters the Ayurveda Retail Market

Source INDIA, August 23, 2017 (by Surbhi Gloria Singh, Business Standard): Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, the manufacturer of herbal products, founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev now has competition from another spiritual guru — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Art of Living Foundation’s FMCG (“Fast Moving Consummer Goods”) arm, Sri Sri Ayurveda is all set to take the FMCG industry by storm…

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Benoy Behl’s Art of India Book Released

Source INDIA, August 23, 2017 ( The Hindu): The Art of India, produced by The Hindu Group of Publications, is a landmark book by Benoy K Behl, a celebrated art historian of India. These two hard bound, coffee table, volumes contain about 450 breathtaking photographs presenting the best works of art and architecture found in places of worship across India…

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Narcotics Agency Recruits Bali Religious Leaders in the Island’s Fight Against Drugs

Source BALI, INDONESIA , August 22, 2017 (by Coconuts Bali): The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is getting local religious leaders involved in the fight against drugs in Bali. BNN Bali Chief Brig. Gen. Putu Gede Suastawa discussed the collaboration on Sunday in Mengwi at a meeting with around 100 community religious figures. Religion plays a major role in Balinese culture,…

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Five Reasons to Spend a Fortune on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Source INDIA, August 20, 2017 (National Herald by Swati Gautam): Why spend a minor fortune to undergo severe hardship, friends would wonder on my return from the Kailash-darshan-Mansarovar-dip pilgrimage this year. But I assure you that the mini fortune spent is worth every last cent. The yatra takes anywhere between 10 days with private tour operators to around 22 days…

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Mumbai’s Ganesha Festival Celebrates 125th Year

Source MUMBAI, INDIA, August 19, 2017 (Deccan Herald): What started in 1894 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to unite and bring people under one roof for the common cause of freedom struggle has now turned out to be one of the biggest festivals of Maharashtra and India. This year Ganeshutsav falls from 25 August-5 September, the 125th year of the…

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Daily Inspiration

Source Can you weep for Him with intense longing of heart? Men shed a jugful of tears for the sake of their children, for their wives, or for money. But who weeps for God?— Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)

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Why is the Betel Leaf So Significant in Hindu Traditions?

Source INDIA, August 18, 2017 (NDTV by Gunjan Bajaj): A symbol of prosperity, a magical ingredient of Ayurveda and an important part of religious customs and traditions, the refreshing and evergreen creeper, commonly known as Paan Patta, holds a special place in Hindu tradition. Native to South-East Asia, betel leaves are as important as the sacred Tulsi plant which is…

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Grand Stage Rises for Late Thai King’s Cremation

Source BANGKOK, THAILAND, August 17, 2017 (The Independent): Mythical creatures, angels and Gods are coming to life near Thailand’s Grand Palace, thanks to the tireless, devout and often volunteer work of artists and craftsmen. They are building a monument for a single moment: the cremation of a beloved king. More than 100 sculptures and statues will be placed inside a…

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