Religious Experiences in America

San Antonio is one of the older cities in Texas and has quite a bit of history associated with it. This is where Spanish missionaries first entered the state and set up several of their missions. To this day this city has numerous grand churches and places of worship. Here are some pictures shot during my recent visit.

During my childhood I had heard my parents often tell me that God is present everywhere and is watching over us. My young mind would not understand and I would keep questioning, often stupidly. I still do it sometimes just to pass time with my parents. Anyway over the years I have realized that God does exist everywhere and he/ she is watching over us.

One thing I don’t believe is aggressive assertion of one’s religious beliefs. One can follow any faith privately and nobody would want to change him/ her. Even a poor road side vendor has made a space for keeping his favorite deity. Though God is present in an invisible form everywhere, human beings seem to need some kind of a form to remember his/ her favorite deity. Hence we can see this idol of Jesus Christ mounted on a wall. This kind of installation of statues of Jesus, equals to idol worship. But I wonder why Hindus are looked down upon because they worship idols?

This picture was shot in Laredo, Tx. Sited bang on the US-Mexico border this small town is dominated by Spanish-speaking people, several of them of Mexican origin.

One of the most awe inspiring things in terms of spirituality to me is waterfront spaces. When I go to the beach, lake fronts or even river sides the first thought in my mind is that of thanks to God for creating such wonderful places. Second is sheer admiration to the place as well as the creator. A slight change in perspective would take us all closer to the supreme power. We just need to try.

There are several normal places like a street corner, a lake front, a forest, even a shopping mall, which evoke religious thoughts in people…. I don’t know about other people but they do in me. Here are some of those type of places which I recently set my eyes on.

This is a shopping mall which I noticed while driving. Its central tower, the shape and other things appeared to me like a religious space. Be it a temple, church or a mosque every one of them has a tower or dome or spire atop. So does this building

While driving to a place where I volunteer in Wylie, I noticed this imposing church and captured the picture. Thought I’d share it on this blog.

Wikipedia defines Meditation as: “Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. It is recognized as a component of many religions, and has been practiced since antiquity.” The article on this online encyclopedia goes on to explain how meditation has been perceived and explained in different religions.

Hinduism is perhaps one religion which, though small and regional compared to world religions such as Christianity or Islam, has given to the world the highest in terms of philosophy, spirituality and theology. It would not be an understatement if I said, most spiritual concepts, and practices evolved in India.

I recently came across this short talk on How, What, When and Where of Meditation by Swami Paramahamsa Nityananda, a young monk who has been travelling the world and preaching spirituality. Interesting video, definitely worth a look.

Watch the video below and learn the amazing technique to improve your cranial capacity. But well I am pretty certain 95 % of Indians would already be aware of this exercise… not as Superbrain Yoga but as a punishment in school or as a prayer to Lord Ganesh (God of knowledge and wisdom).

When I saw western researchers, doctors and teachers using this technique to enhance brain capacity of their students/ patients, I went back in time when I was in school and my teachers used the same method to punish dull students. But I guess the teachers themselves were unaware that this type of activity is actually brain stimulant and has been carefully camouflaged as a punishment and handed down over several generations.

The same goes with repeating the procedure as obeisance for Lord Ganesh with a prayer for enhancing our knowledge… it actually enhances our brain power. But since it is a fashionable thing to deride everything that is associated with Hinduism, people have time and again laughed at the ritualistic practices such as these, without bothering to find out what is the reason behind the practice. Yes! Our fore fathers did encourage blind faith by hiding the scientific basis behind these practices but that doesn’t give anyone any right to deride them without ascertaining the truth behind the ritual.

Well! now this practice is being made popular through research studies (by westerners of course) and one smart scientist will patent the process and say he/ she discovered the same. The claim of Hindus that this was being followed as part of a ritualistic practice will be drowned out by the glare of media spotlight on the scientist and the “discovery” will be praised by Indian atheists, who will blindly owe allegiance to science. And people will continue to look down condescendingly upon Indian (particularly Hindu) religious practices will have a better understanding, I hope.

Happy Pancha Ganapati!
When I saw this headline in the e-mail I wondered what it was. Fueled by curiosity I read further and was pleasantly surprised to know that this was an annual gift-giving festival conjured by Hindus residing in Christian nations like US, Canada, etc. This is a relatively recent festival, started about 20 years ago by non-resident Hindus from India and is celebrated over five days from December 21-25.
I’d like to quote the mail verbatim from here on because the message expresses the sentiments of Hindus who have refused to succumb to the pressures of commercial festival celebrations and created their own versions.

Since most Hindus do not celebrate Christmas, they often find it difficult to relate in a meaningful way to those who do. Their children are often embarrassed when asked why they don’t receive gifts like their friends. Adults feel the need to give gifts and mail greeting cards as well as accept them from relatives, neighbors, friends and business associates. The five days of Pancha Ganapati offer a Hindu expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and celebration.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, a special sadhana, spiritual discipline, is focused upon by the entire family. A shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in the spirit of this festive occasion. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced murti of Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, any large picture or statue of Lord Ganesha will do. Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added.

Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha anew in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange–the colors of His five powers, or shaktis. Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Lord Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs and bhajanas are sung in His praise. After puja, the abundant, diverse sweets are shared by one and all as prasada. Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on the fifth day. Greeting cards, ideally made by the children, offer Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from the Vedas.

Now we shall explain the special significance and observances for each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati:

December 21, yellow: The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The day begins early, and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati in the home. The sadhana of the day now begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year by making amends one with another. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other’s good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

December 22, blue: Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Each day, gifts received are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

December 23, red: The sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes.

December 24, green: The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home.

December 25, orange: The family sadhana for the final day is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha’s grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.

Jai Ganapati!

One of the most important things one must possess in order to lead a normal life in the US is a credit card. I remember when I was back in India, owning a credit was considered a status symbol. But here in the US it is a basic necessity. Another striking difference between India and the US is the way credit cards are sold. Pesky tele marketing executives would flood our mobile phones with credit card offers from numerous banks in India. But here in the US one can fill in Online Credit Card Applications and get the card he/ she wants.

Being new to the US I was interested to find the best credit card, offering the lowest APR and most flexible terms. I first thought that I’d manage for sometime without one and wait for my bank to send me a pre-approved credit card offer. Meanwhile, one of my very good friends suggested that I look up the website CreditCardWave.com which is known to provide information and online applications for the top-100 credit cards. Feeling curious I decided to check it out myself and I was pleasantly surprised to find the array of the credit cards on offer out there. Cards ranging from Airline Miles credit cards to balance transfer credit cards to student credit cards to travel rewards credit cards are all available here. The array of credit cards and their reviews, comparisons, features and facilities listed was simply mind-boggling.

What really impressed me about the site is not the array of cards, but the facility of applying for a card online and getting instantaneous approval. Yes you can apply for a credit card online and get approved within one minute. Now that is what I’d call fast service and great facilities. If you need credit cards, don’t think, just visit CreditCardWave.com.