When people think of religion, they typically think about deities or guidelines on how to pursue a life that aligns with the divine. However, plenty of modern religions also feature an array of creatures, spirits, and monsters that serve an array of purposes. …
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Engaging in daily spiritual rituals can be a helpful way to maintain a positive disposition and feel connected to a force more powerful than yourself. Naturally, it isn’t always easy to remember to follow daily practices. One helpful option to consider is cr…
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Throughout the history of humankind, dance in world religions has always served as a form of expression. Whether as part of a performance enjoyed by an audience or part of a participatory event such as a party, humans have used body movement to communicate and…
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Millions of people across the United States practice yoga on any given day. For many of these yoga enthusiasts, one basic chant is instantly recognizable–om. To casual outsiders, this mantra seems simple yet mysterious. But what does it mean, and why is it s…
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Music has been described as a powerful force, capable of connecting people within and across geographic, generational, and cultural boundaries. It exists in various combinations of melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and sounds as forms of expression, celebration, i…
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According to many scholars, Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with roots going back more than 4,000 years. It’s the third largest religion after Christianity and Islam, with the majority of its adherents living in India.
Foundational Belief…
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The transition from childhood to adulthood is what’s known as the coming of age. It is acknowledged in various cultures around the world, although the specific age varies. This transition may be a simple legal matter, or it can be part of a ritual, often ass…
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In many cultures, the moon has a distinctively feminine connotation. Menstrual and lunar cycles are linked in much of our collective unconsciousness. Even one of its appellations (“Luna”) is the name of the Roman moon goddess. Yet you may be surprised to l…
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Hare Krishna, originally a division of Hinduism dedicated to worshipping Krishna, was established in the United States during the 1960s.
You might be familiar with the stereotype of Hare Krishna followers selling books in airports, but the religion’s roots predat…
Diwali is associated with the Hindu New Year, has to do with new beginnings.
When Americans are questioned about holidays involving lights, most are likely to focus on celebrations surrounding Christmas and Chanukah. While lights definitely play a big part in both …