Festivals of the World - Ramnvami - Lord Ram's birth celebrations (Hinduism)

By Mike Ghouse | http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/

Ramnvami is birth celebration of Lord Rama, the Hindu king who set the high standards of morality in governance, of accountability, truth and integrity- his rule was called Ram Rajya.  In the Hindu tradition, he is an avatar (representation) of Vishnu, the energy that sustains the world, the other two energies are Shiva that destroys (brings closure) and Brahma, who originates life.

The epic Ramayana is said to be 8000 years old or beyond, staged in most of the towns in India, if not all. I grew up watching the Ramayana played out on stage on my street in Yelahanka, the town that gave birth to Bangalore.  It was a long show – from 10 PM through 5 Am in the morning. One of my cousin’s husband use to play the role of Hanuman in the play in another town and my brother in law's friend played Laxman in the show. 

There are great story tellers of Ramayana who go around this season and share the stories, and here in Dallas there was a Morari Bapu, and I have listened to him at the Ekta Mandir as well as the Caribbean Hindu Temple in Dallas.I have done a few talks and storytelling myself about Dussehra celebrations, a story where the good wins over the evil by burning the effigy of Ravan. Indeed in a mixed gathering of people, after my story telling, most of the non-Hindus were able to answer the questions about Rama and Sita, Ravan, Bharat and Laxman, as a teacher of Pluralism, it was a satisfying experience to hear the positive feedback.


It’s a dream of many Hindus for the return of Ram Rajya, the governance of justice, fairness and truth. As a Muslim, I revere Rama and what he stood for. When you hear the story of Moses, Buddha, Rama, Krishna, Prophet Muhammad, Nanak, Mahavira… I see the commonalities in the life of all the great spiritual masters – they lived for creating common good in the society, they worked where justice prevailed for every human being and everyone was treated with dignity. The story is same, the greatness is same and I honor all of them.

Happy Ramnvami – Ram just does not belong to Hindus, his message belongs to all of the humanity.

The day is not far when all of us on the planet, will learn about each other, and see the beauty and essence in each tradition and possibly celebrate and commemorate. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of the otherness of others, thus creating a cohesive enjoyable world for us.  Please do share this with your non-Jewish friends.

"Festivals of the World" is an educational series by Mike Ghouse that has been active since 1993. When we live in the same communities as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members, is to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or, at least understand each other's' joys and sorrows. Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively.

Jai Shree Ram.
Published at  http://FoundationforPluralism.blogspot.com 
 

Thank you

mike
Mike Ghouse, President
America Together Foundation
(Foundation for Pluralism)
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
...............................................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam, India,Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film ” Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links atwww.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Festivals of the World: Passover - Jewish Festival of Freedom

Festivals of the World:  Jewish Passover | Foundation for Pluralism | Americans Together
Link: http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/2015/03/festivals-of-world-passover-jewish.html

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the story of the Exodus, when Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt.  It is celebrated for seven or eight days and one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.

Tonite marks the Passover over with a Seder, a ritualized dinner to commence the Passover. A few years ago, my daughter and I were guests at Temple Shalom for the Passover Seder, it was a great experience reading the scriptures and following the tradition.

The day is not far when all of us on the planet, will learn about each other, and see the beauty and essence in each tradition and possibly celebrate and commemorate. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of the otherness of others, thus creating a cohesive enjoyable world for us.  Please do share this with your non-Jewish friends.

"Festivals of the World" is an educational series by Mike Ghouse that has been active since 1993. When we live in the same communities as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members, is to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or, at least understand each other's' joys and sorrows. Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively.

I am pleased to introduce Rabbi David Hartley Mark, who will be helping me share information about Jewish Holidays. The information follows the article.  You will find information about most holidays by searching the name of the holiday in the search box at http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/ it will also be shared at various yahoogroups including Foundationforpluralism@yahoogroups.com 

Continued at http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/2015/03/festivals-of-world-passover-jewish.html

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
# # # 

A Muslim's Christmas

I have written over 20 articles on Christmas, of the hundreds I have written about Christianity under the heading “Festivals of the World” published at Huffington Post, Dallas Morning News and other Newspapers around the world. Most of the links are provided below or you can Google the phrase “Mike Ghouse Christmas”

This time, I want to include quotes from my face book friends in my upcoming article on Christmas. If you can write what Christmas means to you in 30 words or less, I will include one or two best quotes from each major faith or secular practitioner – that is from a Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i, Sikh, Wicca, Native American, Pagan, Atheist, Jain, Buddhist and other. All the best quotes will be included at the Pluralism Blog though. You can write and rewrite several times until you get it perfect. It will be published in a major News paper including my blogs on Pluralism.

More than likely Pope Francis and I will be delivering a similar message on Christmas. I am in tune with him since he was appointed. He is a genuine religious leader of humanity who will be shaping the religious landscape of the world. Indeed he is my religious mentor. Mahatma Gandhi, my mentor had said, a true Christian is a true Muslim, is a true Jew, is a true Hindu, is a true Sikh or true whatever. Yes, he is a Christian and I am a Muslim and we follow the same path - that of caring for all of God's creation without  undermining or discriminating any, and embracing every one of humanity. 

Pope Francis is a mirror of Jesus, Muhammad, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Nanak, the great native shamans and all the other great men and women who did not have walls between them.  May God bless them all. 

"Festivals of the World" is an educational series that I have been writing for the last 20 years. When we live in a community as neighbors and work together as colleagues, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or at least understand each other's' joys and sorrows. A cohesive society, neighborhood or a community shapes up when no one lives in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.

Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively.

You can write your comments here on facebook at Speaker Mike Ghouse

Let it be known that your quote will be read by thousands, as my articles are copied by multiple news papers and websites. Google the phrase “Mike Ghouse Christmas” and see all my articles.

Festivals of the World: the Essence of Christmas | Mike Ghouse
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/festivals-of-the-world-es_1…

Interfaith Christmas: Making God Boundless | Mike Ghouse
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/interfaith-christmas-making…

The Ghouse Diary: A Muslim’s Christmas, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/a-muslims-christmas_b_11672…

Muslims pray for Christians
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/muslims-to-dedicate-frida_b…

A Muslim's Easter
www.huffingtonpost.com/…/...celebrates-easter_b_2976582.html

Another 30 articles here - Standing up for Christians
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/…/standing-with-chr…

Thank you
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
.......................................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. He is a staunch defender of human rights and his book standing up for others will be out soon, and a movie "Americans together" is in the making. He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Christmas Challenge

I have written over 20 articles on Christmas, of the hundreds I have written about Christianity under the heading “Festivals of the World” published at Huffington Post, Dallas Morning News and other Newspapers around the world. Most of the links are provided below or you can Google the phrase “Mike Ghouse Christmas”

This time, I want to include quotes from my face book friends in my upcoming article on Christmas. If you can write what Christmas means to you in 30 words or less, I will include one or two best quotes from each major faith or secular practitioner – that is from a Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i, Sikh, Wicca, Native American, Pagan, Atheist, Jain, Buddhist and other. All the best quotes will be included at the Pluralism Blog though. You can write and rewrite several times until you get it perfect. It will be published in a major News paper including my blogs on Pluralism.

More than likely Pope Francis and I will be delivering a similar message on Christmas. I am in tune with him since he was appointed. He is a genuine religious leader of humanity who will be shaping the religious landscape of the world. Indeed he is my religious mentor. Mahatma Gandhi, my mentor had said, a true Christian is a true Muslim, is a true Jew, is a true Hindu, is a true Sikh or true whatever. Yes, he is a Christian and I am a Muslim and we follow the same path - that of caring for all of God's creation without  undermining or discriminating any, and embracing every one of humanity. 

Pope Francis is a mirror of Jesus, Muhammad, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Nanak, the great native shamans and all the other great men and women who did not have walls between them.  May God bless them all. 

"Festivals of the World" is an educational series that I have been writing for the last 20 years. When we live in a community as neighbors and work together as colleagues, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or at least understand each other's' joys and sorrows. A cohesive society, neighborhood or a community shapes up when no one lives in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other.

Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively.

You can write your comments here on facebook at Speaker Mike Ghouse

Let it be known that your quote will be read by thousands, as my articles are copied by multiple news papers and websites. Google the phrase “Mike Ghouse Christmas” and see all my articles.

Festivals of the World: the Essence of Christmas | Mike Ghouse
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/festivals-of-the-world-es_1…

Interfaith Christmas: Making God Boundless | Mike Ghouse
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/interfaith-christmas-making…

The Ghouse Diary: A Muslim’s Christmas, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/a-muslims-christmas_b_11672…

Muslims pray for Christians
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/muslims-to-dedicate-frida_b…

A Muslim's Easter
www.huffingtonpost.com/…/...celebrates-easter_b_2976582.html

Another 30 articles here - Standing up for Christians
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/…/standing-with-chr…

Thank you
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
.......................................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. He is a staunch defender of human rights and his book standing up for others will be out soon, and a movie "Americans together" is in the making. He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Happy Hanukkah - essence of Chanukah

ESSENCE OF HANUKKAH | CHANUKAH

Shalom, tonight the giant Minorah will be lit in Dallas in the Galleria Mall in Dallas by Sephora at 5:00 PM. I will  be there, come say hi!
"Festivals of the World" is an educational series by Mike Ghouse developed in 1993. When we live as neighbors and in the same communities, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for members to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or at least understand each other's joys and sorrows. Please note, the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively. 

The Festival of Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration, and it is about celebrating the recovery and re-dedication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. Hanukkah is spelled in many different ways in case you want to Google it; Hanukah, Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanukka and other variations.

Continued at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-es_b_4349512.html

 

Thank you
mike
Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
............................................................................................................................... Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism at work place, politics, religion, society, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, food and foreign policy. He is a staunch defender of human rights and his book standing up for others will be out soon, and a movie "Americans together" is in the making.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links atwww.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com and 10 other blogs. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

Prophet Muhammad's peace formula - Happy Milaad

The 1444th Birth Celebration of Prophet Muhammad

I wanted to understand the prophet as a human with whom I can relate, and critically review his contributions towards creating cohesive societies, where no individual had to live in apprehension and fear of the other. The book, Muhammad by Karen Armstrong was a great help in understanding the man and his decision making process geared to create peaceful societies, and have since come to love his work.

The best way to honor the prophet is to follow him, and become a Rahmat (kind and just) to your spouse, kids, siblings, parents, family, friends, customers, clients, vendors and every human around you. And if others feel safe and secure with you, God and the prophet would be pleased with you.

I have made an attempt to narrate how the 15 incidents were influenced by Prophet Muhammad' peace gene.  

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-mi_b_4579452.html

 

if you like the article, please click like at Huffpost, share it on your facebook, tweet it... thanks

 

Festivals of the World: Essence of Christmas

Should Christmas be an exclusive Christian event? This Muslims' answer is no. We cannot limit Jesus to be exclusively owned by any group of people, nor can anyone monopolize his message. Jesus and his message belong to the whole of humanity. For Christians, he is the son of God, and for all others, he is a great man who brought the message of hope and peace to the world. Whether we believe in God or not,

Continued http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-es_1_b_4492571.html#es_share_ended

 

Thank you
Mike Ghouse
...........................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. He believes in Standing up for others and a book with the same title is coming up. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.
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Festivals of the World: Essence of Hanukkah

“Festivals of the World” is an educational series by Mike Ghouse since 1993.  When we live as neighbors and in the same communities, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members to participate in festivities as well as commemorations of each other, or at least understand each others' joys and sorrows.  Please note, the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively.

Happy Hanukkah!

The Festival of Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration, and it is about celebrating the recovery and re-dedication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. Hanukkah is spelled in many different ways in case you want to Google it; Hanukah, Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanukka and other variations.

Please visit Huffington Post, the full articles is likely to be published on 11.28.13 at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/festivals-of-the-world-es_b_4349512.html

If not, it will be here on the evening of 28th.

The Spirit of Rosh Hashanah - Festivals of the World

Shalom,

Years ago, I had a Radio show called “Festivals of the World” a 15 minutes weekly segment where we shared the essence of festivals that happened that week.   Wish you all the best on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Next year, Insha Allah, I will study and write the essence of  Rosh Hashanah from a lay person’s perspective.  This year, I am borrowing from a beautiful write up by Jacqueline O' Sullivan.

Leshana tova tikateiv v'techateim." and "Leshana tova tikateivi veti
Wish ya'll the best on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah
Joy and Judgment
Jacqueline O' Sullivan explains the annual celebration.

The Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) takes place in the month of Tishri (September and October on the Gregorian calendar) and commemorates the anniversary of Creation. It is on this day that G-d opens the Book of Life and observes his creatures, deciding their fate for the coming year.

It is a time of restricted rejoicing because, even though it celebrates HaShem's kingship, the celebrations are muted in acknowledgement of the great judgment taking place.

As is customary in Jewish festivals, observance begins on nightfall the day before Rosh Hashanah. Celebrants prepare by bathing, receiving haircuts, donning special clothes and giving treats to children.

Certain types of work are forbidden, though there are some exceptions. Food preparation and the carrying, transferring or increasing of the fire is all permitted. Women of the household light commemorative candles before sunset of the first night and a half-hour before sunset on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, reciting blessings over them.

Though G-d opens the Book of Life on Rosh Hashanah the judgment is not final. The book is 'sealed' on Yom Kippur, ten days later. The time between these two festivals is known as Shabbat Shuva (The Shabbat of Returning). This is a period for self-reflection in which to justify your existence to G-d. Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish celebration that lasts for two days, signifying the importance of this date in the calendar.

Prayers play an important part in the proceedings. Intense and lengthy devotions on Rosh Hashanah vary from those normally uttered on Sabbath with even the familiar prayers containing subtle differences. Following the evening prayer people will wish each other a Good New Year. There are also specific greetings for each sex. A man is wished, "Leshana tova tikateiv v'techateim." A woman is bid, "Leshana tova tikateivi vetichatemi." . The Yiddish equivalent is a "gut yoar."

Following lunch on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the ritual of the Casting is performed. Crumbs of bread are tossed into water after the Torah verse, "And you will cast all their sins into the depth of the sea." The hems of the worshippers' garments are shaken alluding to the fact that sins are being cast away.

One of the essential elements of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar. The shofar is made from an animal's horn, preferably a ram. The cow's horn is not acceptable, nor is any animal horn that's a solid piece.

The horn is blown 100 times every day of Rosh Hashanah upon the command of HaShem with different meanings attached to the varying sounds. The Tekiah is one long 'blast' with a clear tone. The Skevarium is a 'broken' sighing sound of three short calls. The Teruah is the 'alarm' of a rapid series of nine or more quick short notes.

The command to blow the shofar comes from the Torah, but no explanation is attached. Rabbis have provided different reasons. It acts as a reminder for the soul to enter into repentance. It is also a warning to the Jewish people not to fall into temptation. It calls to mind the blasts blown by Moses when he ascended from Mount Sinai for the second time, after pleading with G-d for mercy for the Jews who had worshipped at the alter of a false God.

The shofar blower recites two blessings - the community must listen to the blessings and respond 'Amen' to both. It is forbidden to speak once the first blast is sounded until the last one is blown.

The Jewish New Year takes place around September/October, and is considered one of the most important and serious holidays (or High Holy Days) in the Jewish calendar. As well as being a time for celebration it is also a time for reflection and repentance for sins committed in the previous year. In synagogue, people pray to God to forgive them for their wrongdoings and to give them a good year - during the service a Shofar, or ram's horn, is blown, to alert congregants to the seriousness of the festival and the fact that God is deciding their fates for the coming year - which will be sealed on the Day Of Atonement ten days later. This period is known as The Ten Days Of Repentance and is traditionally a solemn time.

However, Rosh Hashanah is also a time for celebration - other traditions include eating apples dipped in honey in the hope that this will lead to a sweet year.

# # #

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com