Tag Archives: India

Pollution Linked to 9 Million Deaths in 2015, Study Shows

Air pollution contributed to the most deaths, followed by water and job-related pollution

A new report released by The Lancet has linked pollution of all kinds to roughly 9 million deaths in 2015. This equates to about 16 percent of total deaths worldwide, with air pollution contributing to the most deaths (6.5 million). … Continue reading

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“The Radiance Sutras” translated by Lorin Roche, Ph.D



New translation of ancient yogic text contains universal meditations for deep living

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra — recently translated by Lorin Roche, Ph.D. as “The Radiance Sutras: 112 Gateways to the Yoga of Wonder and Delight,” has no known date of origin or author, though it originates from the land we know today … Continue reading

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Do All Zen Buddhists Believe in Rebirth?

A look into two theories behind Dogen teachings

One of the primary concepts behind most schools of Zen Buddhism is the idea that there is no real “self” who is born or dies. If one believes in this concept, it seems that the idea of “rebirth” doesn’t fit into … Continue reading

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Death at a Funeral: The Now-Extinct Indian Custom of Sati

Indian widows threw themselves into their husband's pyres during this outlawed tradition

It’s not uncommon to find strict cultural rules that tell women exactly how to behave after a husband’s death. In some societies, women are expected to wear all black, cover the mirrors in their homes or even stay indoors for … Continue reading

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Creating New Life from Death

The Ashwinlkumar Crematorium of Surat, India

We are wrapping up our focus on India today, in honor of Gandhi’s birthday and the International Day of Nonviolence, with a look at the beautiful Ashwinlkumar Crematorium in Surat, India. The architecture of this structure pays respect to its … Continue reading

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Love Wrought in Living Stones

Taj Mahal: A monument to eternal love and loss

Emperor Shah Jahan loved the Persian princess, Mumtaz Mahal, with such a passion that after her death, he expressed his grief by constructing a memorial so magnificent — it became one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj … Continue reading

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