A physician with a magic touch�that, in essence, defines Dr P.G. Kurup. But, unlike other doctors, the word 'magic' has more than a symbolic meaning in his case. For Dr Kurup has actually healed impossible cases through aura diagnosis and surgery, baffling the medical community. A distinguished allopath who opted for alternative healing systems, Dr Kurup discusses his unique method of aura healing and his own spiritual growth in an exclusive interview with Indian yoga exponent T.K.V. Desikachar.

Read more here: » The Aura: Aura diagnosis and aura surgery

Very soon the planet is entering into the window some believe is the entrance to the Golden Age; The Venus Transits of June 8 2004 and June 6 2012. This will be celebrated with a global prayer for oneness all over the world. Please join this celebration and help to spread the word. This article by Kiara Windrider gives an inspiring background to the event and its significance.

Please relay the message about the Oneness Celebration to everyone in your network and if you have a website, please feel free to publish this article there.

Read more here: » Venus Transit: A call for Global Oneness

Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission says that when a soul is uplifted, a worthwhile conversion takes place that takes the soul vertically upward - from bad to good. This conversion benefits both the individual and society. Organised religion has two sides to it: One is dogmatic, narrow, given to fanaticism, that insists on rituals, rules, regulations, disciplines. The other side, the spiritual, elevates and feeds the soul and accepts goodness in all religions. Rituals and prayers are merely means to rein in our senses to bring out our sattvic gunas.

(See also:   , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: »  : Inspiring Tales of True Conversion  

Klezmer is usually played in shteygerim, prayer modes of the synagogue. They are closely related to but distinct from Balkan modes. Since klezmorim often had to perform for long events, it was difficult to keep the instruments in tune, especially the many-stringed cymbalom. This was not a great obstruction, since melody — not harmony — is the focus of klezmer. In fact, slight dissonances in harmony help give klezmer its character. ...

See also:

Klezmer, Klezmer - Style, Klezmer - History, Klezmer - Repertoire, Klezmer - Song types, Klezmer - Song structure, Klezmer - Orchestration, Klezmer - Time, Klezmer - Melodic modes, Klezmer - Ahava Rabboh, Klezmer - Mi Sheberach, Klezmer - Adonoy Moloch, Klezmer - Mogen Ovos, Klezmer - Yishtabach, Klezmer - Important musicians, Klezmer - Important ensembles

Read more here: » Klezmer: Encyclopedia II - Klezmer - Melodic modes

A full introduction to the practise of meditation.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Meditation: Practice of Meditation

We always look for the healing touch after someone has hurt, humiliated or insulted us. Samuel Johnson in " The Rambler " writes that a wise man will make haste to forgive because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain.

On the other hand, anger is a short-lived madness; when a man grows angry, his reason rides out. Fury and anger carry the mind away.

(See also: Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Love and Happiness: Forgiveness Helps Contain Anger

The Gayatri Mantra is the most revered mantra in Hinduism. It consists of the prefix :oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ ॐ भूर्भुवस्वः, a formula taken from the Yajurveda, and the verse 3.62.10 of the Rig Veda (which is an example of the Gayatri meter). Since all the other three Vedas contain much material rearranged from the Rig Veda, the Gayatr ...

See also:

Gayatri, Gayatri - Mantra, Gayatri - Text, Gayatri - Translation, Gayatri - Goddess, Gayatri - External link, Gayatri - Organizations

Read more here: » Gayatri: Encyclopedia II - Gayatri - Mantra

Krishna and Kaliya: Good fights Evil - Krishna and Kaliya

It is a universal law: If we have ego, we will suffer. If we are arrogant, again, we will suffer till we are forced to surrender. The subduing of Kaliya the serpent by Krishna illustrates this.

The tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam recounts the Kaliya daman lila performed by Krishna. Kaliya was a venomous serpent that lived in the Yamuna river. One summer Krishna's cowherd friends fainted and died when they drank water from the Yamuna. Kaliya had contaminated the river so much that vapour from the river was lethal enough to kill birds flying across.

Read more here: » Krishna and Kaliya: Good fights Evil - Krishna and Kaliya

Charismatic Catholicism, also known as Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a movement within the Roman Catholic Church which adopts certain practices and beliefs more commonly associated with the Pentecostal movement within Protestantism. Worship services are characterized by a high energy Mass, as well as prayer meetings featuring prophecy and sometimes glossolalia, or "speaking in tongues." Some supporters within this movement see it as based on the belief that certain charisms (a Greek word for gifts), such as the ...

Including:

• Catholic Charismatic Renewal - Origins
• Catholic Charismatic Renewal - Reaction from the Church hierarchy
• Catholic Charismatic Renewal - Relation to other charismatic movements

Read more here: » Catholic Charismatic Renewal: Encyclopedia - Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Although most mosques prohibit non-Muslims from entering, many mosques in Muslim-minority countries allow outsiders in as a show of openness. The Masjid al-Haram in Makkah has the strictest prohibition against non-Muslims entering since the entire city of Makkah is off-limits to non-Muslims. The ban on non-Muslims being allowed into the Masjid al-Haram is mentioned in the Qur'an: O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is Al ...

See also:

Mosque, Mosque - Etymology, Mosque - The first mosques, Mosque - Functions, Mosque - Prayers, Mosque - Other functions, Mosque - Appearance of mosques, Mosque - The qibla wall, Mosque - Types of mosques, Mosque - Traditional mosques, Mosque - Modern-day mosques, Mosque - Notable mosques, Mosque - Men and women in the mosque, Mosque - Women as imams, Mosque - Separation in the mosque, Mosque - Non-muslims in mosques

Read more here: » Mosque: Encyclopedia II - Mosque - Non-muslims in mosques

Four Facts of Hinduism

About Karma, Reincarnation, Dharma and Worship.

Read more here: » Hindu Beliefs: Four Facts of Hinduism

Since prehistoric times sacred places have exerted a mysterious attraction on billions of people around the world. Ancient legends and modern day reports tell of extraordinary things that have happened to people while visiting these places. Different sacred sites have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind, increase creativity, develop psychic abilities, and awaken the soul to a knowing of its true purpose in life.

Normally, when one thinks of such places, the mind imagines terrestrial locations, fixed and unmoving, such as mountains, lands and caves. But the planet is a water place too with more than 70% of the surface of the earth covered with water. Many sacred sites are connected to water.

Read more here: » Sacred Sites: Sacred waters around the World.

Although all Hindus respect the Sahasranāma, this is a major part of prayer for devout Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu. This does not mean that they do not believe in the other forms of God, rather they believe the whole universe, including the other forms of God such as Shiva or Devi, to be manifestations of their chosen one, Vishnu. Similarly Saivites give prominence to Shiva, but also respect Vishnu. In fact, the Shri Rudram, one of the most sacred prayers for Hindus and Shaivites in particular, describe Vishnu ...

See also:

Vishnu sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Etymology, Vishnu sahasranama - Interpretation, Vishnu sahasranama - Pronunciation and Merits of Recitation, Vishnu sahasranama - Prayer, Vishnu sahasranama - Shlokas, Vishnu sahasranama - Recitation and aggregation, Vishnu sahasranama - Tradition of recitation, Vishnu sahasranama - Inclusion of other deities, Vishnu sahasranama - Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Benefits of chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu sahasranama - Books

Read more here: » Vishnu sahasranama: Encyclopedia II - Vishnu sahasranama - Interpretation

Reform Judaism - History. In 1836 several members of the Synagogue of Bevis Marks in London requested the introduction of such alterations and modifications as were in the line of the changes introduced in the Reform synagogue in Hamburg and other places. The congregation conceded and took steps to insure greater decorum at the services. In 1839 they made a second request, advocating a diminution in the length and number of prayers, a more convenient hour of service on Sabbaths and holy days, sermons in En ...

See also:

Reform Judaism, Reform Judaism - 19th Century German Reform Judaism, Reform Judaism - Origins, Reform Judaism - View of Jewish Nationhood, Reform Judaism - Changes in prayer services, Reform Judaism - View of Zionism, Reform Judaism - Teachings on the Oral Law, Reform Judaism - National and universal elements, Reform Judaism - Development of American Reform Judaism, Reform Judaism - Pittsburgh Platform 1885, Reform Judaism - Reform Jewish theology today, Reform Judaism - Reform Judaism's position on Jewish law today, Reform Judaism - Jewish identity and inter-religious marriages, Reform Judaism - Union for Reform Judaism, Reform Judaism - Timeline of Reform Judaism in the United States, Reform Judaism - Reform Judaism in Britain, Reform Judaism - History, Reform Judaism - Reform Judaism in the UK today, Reform Judaism - Liberal Judaism, Reform Judaism - Reform and Progressive Rabbis in Britain, Reform Judaism - Progressive Judaism in Israel, Reform Judaism - History, Reform Judaism - National Bodies, Reform Judaism - Reference

Read more here: » Reform Judaism: Encyclopedia II - Reform Judaism - Reform Judaism in Britain

Paneurhythmy, the Sacred Bulgarian Dance of Life, that unites heaven and earth through a series of 28 easily learned movements in a rhythmic circular walking dance.
Personal sharing by Sananjaleen.

Read more here: » Paneurhythmy - the Sacred Bulgarian Dance of Life

In Roman Catholicism a nun is the term for a female monastic regular, equivalent to that of a male monk. In the Roman Catholic tradition, there are a number of different orders of nuns each with its own charism or special devotion. In general, when a person enters a convent she has a trial period (Noviciate) that lasts a number of years. Upon completion of this period she may take her vows. In the various branches of the Benedictine tradition (Benedictines, Cistercian and Trappists) nuns usually take formal vows of stability (that is, ...

See also:

Nun, Nun - Catholic, Nun - Distinction between nun and religious sister, Nun - Eastern Orthodox Christian, Nun - Other Christian, Nun - Buddhist

Read more here: » Nun: Encyclopedia II - Nun - Catholic

A synagogue (בית כנסת Beit knesset in Hebrew meaning a "house of assembly" or Shull in Yiddish) is a Jewish place of religious worship. The word "synagogue" is derived from the Greek συναγωγή, transliterated sunagoge, "place of assembly" literally "meeting, assembly". It is where Judaism's Jewish services are held and conducted . The Hebrew term for synagogue is Beit Knesset - בית כנסת ("House of Assembly", not to be confused with the Knesset which is the modern name for the par ...

Including:

• Synagogue - History
• Synagogue - Function
• Synagogue - Design
• Synagogue - Traditional and Orthodox synagogues
• Synagogue - Reform synagogues and temples
• Synagogue - Conservative synagogues
• Synagogue - Reconstructionist synagogues
• Synagogue - Famous synagogues
• Synagogue - Synagogue offshoots

Read more here: » Synagogue: Encyclopedia - Synagogue

Guru Purnima:

THE FULL moon day in the month of Ashad (July-August) is an extremely auspicious and holy day of Guru Purnima. On this day, sacred to the memory of the great sage, Bhagavan Sri Vyasa, Sannyasins settle at some place to study and discourse on the thrice-blessed Brahma Sutras composed by Maharishi Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic, philosophical investigation.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Guru Purnima: Holy Days in Hinduism - Guru Purnima

A Meditation On Sri Shankaracharya - a Hindu Prayer.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Hindu Prayers: Meditation On Sri Shankaracharya - a Hindu Prayer

Buddhism, naturally following from Vedic society, also developed its own system and understanding of mantra, which while similar to that of Hinduism's, also took on its own particularities, especially according to region. Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism. Kūkai advanced a general theory of language based on his analysis of two forms of Buddhist ritual language: dharani (dhāra.nī) and mantra. Mantra is restricted to esoteric Buddhist practice whereas dharani is found in both esote ...

See also:

Mantra, Mantra - Introduction, Mantra - Mantra in Hinduism, Mantra - Mantra Japa, Mantra - Some Hindu mantras, Mantra - Lead me from Ignorance to Truth, Mantra - Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, Mantra - The shanti mantras, Mantra - Universal prayer, Mantra - Other examples, Mantra - The Hindu Bija Mantra, Mantra - Remarks, Mantra - What is Dharma?, Mantra - The Significance of the Symbol Om, Mantra - Mantras and Prayers, Mantra - Kirtan and Bhajan, Mantra - Vedic Conception of Sound, Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Shingon Buddhism, Mantra - Mantra in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Mantra - Om mani padme hum, Mantra - Some other mantras used by Tibetan Buddhists, Mantra - Mantra in other traditions or contexts

Read more here: » Mantra: Encyclopedia II - Mantra - Mantra in Buddhism

Jewish law prohibits doing any form of melachah ("work", plural "melachot") on Shabbat. Melachah does not closely correspond to the English definition of the term "work", nor does it correspond to the definition of the term as used in physics. Rather, it refers to the 39 categories of activity that the Talmud prohibits Jews from engaging in on Shabbat; they are exegetically derived (based on juxtaposition of corresponding Biblical passages) from the kinds of work that were necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle. Many ...

See also:

Shabbat, Shabbat - Etymology, Shabbat - Definition, Shabbat - Status as a holy day, Shabbat - Observance, Shabbat - Mandatory activities, Shabbat - Prohibited activities, Shabbat - The 39 activities, Shabbat - Status of prohibitions, Shabbat - Delineations, Shabbat - Legal workarounds, Shabbat - Permitted activities, Shabbat - Adaptation by other religions, Shabbat - Recommended reading

Read more here: » Shabbat: Encyclopedia II - Shabbat - Prohibited activities

Islam History of Islam Oneness of God Profession of Faith Prayer • Fasting Pilgrimage • Charity Muhammad Ali • Abu Bakr Companions of Muhammad Household of Muhammad Prophets of Islam Qur'an • Hadith • Sharia Jurisprudence Biographies of Muhammad Sunni • Shi'a • Sufi Art • Architecture Cities • Calendar Science • Philosophy Religious leaders Women in Islam Political Islam • Jihad Liberal Islam Vocabula ...

Including:

• Adhan - Sunni Islam's adhan
• Adhan - Shi'a Islam's adhan
• Adhan - Form of the adhan
• Adhan - The Adhan in the Republic of Turkey
• Adhan - Sources

Read more here: » Adhan: Encyclopedia - Adhan