Tag Archives: Hindu

Is Hinduism Nothing More than Caste?

In the Western Imagination, Caste has come to define Hinduism. And the study of Hinduism by western Academics gets centered on Caste as the only organizing principle of Hinduism. How did this happen? Especially when Caste is not a word that occurs originally in any of the Indian languages? Is Varna and Jati – the words used in Sanskrit the same as Caste? Or is there a subtle but important distinction in meaning, when these Sanskrit words get mapped into the English word – Caste?

In this Webinar, we will explore this mystery – How did a word “Caste” which does not exist in the Indian vocabulary come to dominate the discourse about Hindu Dharma? We will also introduce the “Orientation to Hindu Studies” course, where prospective Students can learn how Hindu University of America is reorganizing the Academic Study of Hinduism to represent an authentic Hindu perspective.

https://bit.ly/3my8oXk

In the Western Imagination, Caste has come to define Hinduism. And the study of Hinduism by western Academics gets centered on Caste as the only organizing principle of Hinduism. How did this happen? Especially when Caste is not a word that occurs originally in any of the Indian languages? Is Varna and Jati – the words used in Sanskrit the same as Caste? Or is there a subtle but important distinction in meaning, when these Sanskrit words get mapped into the English word – Caste?

In this Webinar, we will explore this mystery – How did a word “Caste” which does not exist in the Indian vocabulary come to dominate the discourse about Hindu Dharma? We will also introduce the “Orientation to Hindu Studies” course, where prospective Students can learn how Hindu University of America is reorganizing the Academic Study of Hinduism to represent an authentic Hindu perspective.

 https://bit.ly/3my8oXk

03/26, 03/31 Spirituality in a Time of Crisis — FB Live Interfaith Panel Series

COVID-19 has affected all of us in ways that we would not have imagined just a few months ago. As we all work to cope with this challenge, we are offering a three-part series titled Spirituality in a Time of Crisis. This interfaith series, featuring female religious leaders as panelists in recognition of Women’s History Month, will discuss how to take a step back, reflect, and understand not only our current situation and the world outside but also ourselves and those we love. Join us in reflection on March 24th, March 26th, and March 31st on the ING Facebook page. To receive updates on the series, register below!

Thursday, March 26th 7:30 – 8:30 PM PST: Building and Inspiring Fellowship and Community in a Time of Crisis

In times of crisis, news reports are full of stories about neighbors and strangers going out of their way to share food, rescue pets, locate loved ones, and help rebuild what has been lost. In our second panel, we seek to understand how religious traditions contribute to the displays of compassion, altruism, and creative solution-seeking that blossom when disaster strikes communities.

Speakers: ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi (Muslim), Rabbi Amy Eilberg (Jewish), Lakshmi Subramanian (Hindu), Reverend George Anne McDonnell (Christian), and Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi (Buddhist). Facilitator: ING Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan.

Tuesday, March 31st 5:00-6:00 PM PST: Reflecting on Gratitude and Faith in a Time of Crisis

Religious traditions can teach us a lot about the importance of gratitude as a foundation of our life, even—or perhaps especially—in times of crisis. By funneling our emotions into positive action, we grow our empathy with others. In our third and final installment of this series, we learn helpful techniques that allow us to slow down and recognize and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.

Speakers: ING Content Manager Ameena Jandali (Muslim), Rabbi Melanie Aron (Jewish), Sheila Mohan (Hindu), Dianne Muller (Christian), and Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi (Buddhist). Facilitator: ING Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan.

Hindu-American Foundation Gala

Join us and learn more about HAF’s advocacy work in California, critical updates affecting all Hindu Americans, and ways in which we can partner together to build a stronger tomorrow. Featuring CA Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and musical sensation “WAHH!” World Fusion Band, this evening of food, music, dance, and raffle prizes is not to be missed.

Register here

Ethical Eating

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For those of you who may not have been able to attend the Interreligious Leaders Forum session last week on “What Our Religious Traditions Tell Us about the Food We Do—and Don’t—Eat,” here is a video of the presentations.

The event was co-sponsored by the Markkula Center for Business Ethics at Santa Clara University, and featured a panel that included Ven JianYing, Sunnyvale Zen Center; Dr. Inder Mohan SIngh, San Jose Gurdwara; Madhulika Singh, PreetiRang Sanctuary; and Deven Shah, Jain Center. The panel was moderated by Dr. Sarah Robinson.

 

 

What You Wanted to Know About Other Religions (but were afraid to ask)

Menlo Park Presbyterian Church presents a weekend with a panel of scholars from the Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, and Muslim faiths.

Do you have a question for one of our guests? Click here to submit your question.

Also viewable at the satellite campuses in Mountain View, San Jose, and San Mateo. See locations.
Additional Sessions on Sunday, April 26, at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am.

See a video of last year’s presentation.

 

What You Wanted to Know About Other Faiths (but were afraid to ask)

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Menlo Park Presbyterian Church presents a weekend with a panel of scholars from Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. See full details in our Events Calendar.

Saturday, April 25, 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 26, 8:00 am , 9:30 am, and 11:00 am

At the church in Menlo Park; also viewable at satellite campuses in Mountain View, San Jose, and San Mateo. See locations.

See a video of last year’s presentation.