Spiritual Awareness

The simplest way to begin healing our planet is to evaluate our plate


By Juliana Di Leonardo    As our planet begins to experience more frequent and severe weather conditions, devastating fires, and extreme temperatures, it has become collectively obvious that something needs to be done to keep these tragic events at bay, but sometimes it can feel hopeless not knowing how to help. The first and simplest way...

Time Travel Really Does Exist!


The term "timeless" often bestows approval upon enduring creations, be it a piece of clothing or a work of art. This longevity is exemplified in traditions and rituals, particularly in religion. Among these, Hinduism stands as one of the oldest, consistently thriving for thousands of years. To explore its enduring essence, let's journey back to 600...

Ph.D. Journey – A way to evolve yourself spiritually!


By Dr Palakh Jain and Dr Nilanjan Chattopadhyay    This article aims to put forward a view that Ph.D. journey is no less than a journey to evolve yourself spiritually. Yes, you read it right! In various ancient philosophies, there is mention of 72 kalas (Art Forms) as per Jainism and 64 as per Hinduism which one needs to excel...

The Red Dot: An Emblem of the Divine


In Indian culture, the red dot holds a special place. Known as "bindi" in Hindi and "chandlo" in Gujarati, this small mark on the forehead carries deep meaning and significance, which I only came to realize several years ago.  Growing up surrounded by the Indian community, I frequently adorned Indian attire and placed the chandlo on my forehead without truly...

Wildlife Killing Contests: Sadism Towards Any Species Is Not Acceptable


By John Di Leonardo  The New York State legislature recently passed a bill that will end wildlife killing contests, in which participants compete to kill the most, the heaviest and the smallest animals for cash and prizes. As I read about this bill, I couldn’t help but imagine what kind of monster takes pleasure in killing innocent...

Mandirs: Personal Pinnings


Quantum locking, a phenomenon of superconductors trapped within a magnetic field, got thinking about “quantum lockings” that exist in our own lives, forces that keep us rooted to who we are and the person we are becoming. Everyone’s “pinning” is different. The query for my own quantum locking took me numerous decades into my past, back to...

Mandirs: Inspiring Personal and Community Growth


Witnessing a donation drive for underprivileged children on my way to dropping off my 2.5-year-old son at school, I explained the joy of giving to others who may have less than us. My understanding of this concept of selfless service was deeply ingrained in me through my experiences at a mandir. A mandir, or Hindu place of...

Please give wildlife the right of way just like you would to any other pedestrian


By Juliana Di Leonardo  As heavy rain pounded the pavement on Long Island Saturday night, I came upon the body of what appeared to be a pregnant, young mother in the middle of the road. Battered and bloody, she was the victim of a hit-and-run. I swerved but almost didn't stop. Like whoever hit her, I panicked, but my conscience didn't allow me to...

Mandirs: The Pathway to Ultimate Peace and Divine Unity


By Amrutvijaydas Swami  BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha  In previous discussions, we delved into how a mandir serves multiple purposes: it's a catalyst for mental stability, promotes mutual respect, safeguards culture and tradition, and reinforces our true identity. Now, we explore another profound role of mandirs - leading us to ultimate peace and divine unity.  A Mandir Gives Ultimate Peace   Even after centuries of endeavor in the...