#how are we feeling fellow hindus

[hannahwatcheshorror]

Season One Recap

SEASON TWO RECAP

e1- In My Time Of Dying - Dean has an out of body experience when he nearly dies (again (see s1e12)) but this time he befriends the reaper instead of being angry with it (though he does sort of hunt her for a bit). John makes a deal with the Yellow-Eyed Demon and trades his life for Deans! Sad! They also lose the Colt.

e2- Everybody Loves a Clown - The boys meet Ellen, Jo, and Ash, some hunters with some serious know-how. While they wait for info from Ash they hunt a Rakshasa (ancient Hindu creature) dressed as a clown at a carnival! Sam has a lot of feelings about dead dad and Dean lets out his emotions on his car.

e3- Bloodlust - Meet Gordon, a vampire hunter who only sees in black and white, while the dean learns to see in shades of grey. The boys save a nest of vampires who only drink animal blood! But then wonder about all the other creatures they might have killed in cold blood. (Sad.)

e4- Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things - While Sam visits their moms grave, Dean detects some zombie action at the grave next door. Dean really opens up in this one! Sad boys are sad!

e5- Simon Said - Sam is seeing people dying so the brothers gotta go meet some gifted brothers who didn't even know they were brothers! They can make you do what they want just by telling you what to do which is a scary power and the good twin (Andy) has to shoot the bad twin which is sad.

e6- No Exit - Jo tracks one H. H. Holmes to the location of the Philly prison where he was executed but is now haunting and kidnapping young blondes (like Jo). We find out John and Jo's dad hunted together when Jo's dad died. Rough!

e7- The Usual Suspects - Linda Blair guest stars in this episode as a cop who see's a scary but helpful ghost! The brothers almost get locked away but Linda Blair saves the day!

e8- Crossroad Blues - Hellhounds! People making deals with demons are being ate up by big, black hellhounds. Sam and Dean try to break things up by tricking a demon and saving a nice fellow who only ever wanted to save his wife.

e9- Croatoan - The brothers experience their own Roanoke when a mysterious demon virus makes a town go crazy and attack each other. No blood pacts here! The episode ends on a cliffhanger about Sam!

e10- Hunted - Sam splits off from Dean and meets Ava (guest star Katharine Isabelle) another psychic sibling of his who foresees Sam's death (oh no!). Gordon is also back (s2e3) and he is now hunting Sam (oh no!). Ava is able to save Sam but when the boys go to check on Ava at the end her husband is murdered and she is MIA.

e11- Playthings - A hotel haunted with a little girl's spirit but who is kept away but her sister's Hoodoo comes into focus when the living sister has a stroke and cannot continue her magic. Sam makes Dean promise to kill him if he ever goes dark side (sad!).

e12- Nightshifter - The brothers deal with the law because there is yet another shapeshifter, this one can shift fast too and it is robbing banks! Our fellas are in deep trouble by the end of this episode.

e13- Houses of the Holy - A dead priest is playing angel and he tells folks to kill the naughty around town so it is up to Dean to suss out the truth because Sam is on the angel train. By the end Sam is disillusioned and Dean is starting to believe.

e14- Born Under a Bad Sign - Sam is possessed by Meg in this hangover type episode where they must retrace Sam's steps. Jo almost gets hurt and Bobby helps them make Sam Sam again.

e15- Tall Tales - The boys recount to Bobby both sides of what happened to them during a weird case. A Trickster has them all turned around and he escapes in the end!

e16- Roadkill - The boys investigate yet another haunted highway (see s1e13). They get help from a friendly ghost who doesn't know she is a ghost (sad!). Then they help her let go!

e17- Heart - We have an unaware-wolf as in a werewolf that doesn't know she's a werewolf. They think they cure her and then Sammy gets laid! But there is no cure for being a werewolf so she goes out noble in the end.

e18- Hollywood Babylon - A Hollywood studio uses real invocations and summons actual spirits for its horror movie, who knew? The writer knew! And he didn't like what they did with his script so he sicked the spirits on those who opposed him. 

e19- Folsom Prison Blues - The boys get caught on purpose so they can investigate a ghost killing folks in a jail for a friend of their dads. Turns out an old nurse was killing people she thought were bad but the Winchesters put an end to her.

e20- What Is and What Should Never Be - A djinn puts Dean in a fantasy world where he was never a hunter. While there are parts that are great like Mama Mary being alive, he and Sammy don't have a relationship. In the end he makes the hard choice to go back to the real world of hunting with Sam.

e21- All Hell Breaks Loose (Part One) - Sam and all the other demon siblings are brought to a ghost town (literally) to battle royale for who gets to be the best demon child! We meet back with Ava (s2e10), Andy (s2e5), and Ash (s2e2) who all die but Sam also totally dies at the end!

e22- All Hell Breaks Loose (Part Two) - Dean makes a deal to bring Sam back. The devil's gate is opened which is a portal to Hell and it unleashes an army of demons on the world! John crawls out of Hell to save Dean from the Yellow-Eyed Demon who Dean then shoots with the colt! They finally kill the son-of-a-bitch, avenging Mary's death! Sam finds out he died and says he will save Dean from his deal because Sam is also a good brother.

----------------------HANNAH WATCHES HORROR---------------------

[jewish-vents]

I’m married to a goy.

I love my wife and she loves me. I’d go so far as to say we love each other’s respective cultures (Jewish/Hindu). We’ve supported each-other through the respective bigotries of our “fellow Americans” in the US.

But everything about the I/P conflict stresses me tf out. It stresses me out because I know she’s on tiktok way way way more than me. I already know she’s exposed to mountains and mountains of misinformation in our leftist spaces. Misinformation that has and could easily lead to my death or the death of my community members. I do what I can to pick my battles where I may, and I’ve had successes, but I mourn the ones I cannot.

I mourn that I don’t believe I could convince her the I/P conflict is not an extension of White Oppressor /Brown or Black Oppressed.

I mourn that I don’t believe I could convince her of what “Zionism” is. It hurts me when I hear her say “X celebrity is a Zionist, Y celebrity signed this letter” when I know for a fact almost none of those celebrities knows a damn thing about Zionism. Zionism to her is tanks and bulldozers mowing down Palestinians in a colonial genocide, Zionism to me is… less relevant ? The state of Israel exists and thus the goal has been achieved. But hearing people called Zionists? Yeah that makes my heart twinge.

And most of all I mourn that even though I know we agree on the solution to the conflict is peaceful coexistence and not constant war… the people who make up the spaces she’s exposed to do not all feel the same. I cannot waste time on proving each one of these bad faith actors are in bad faith.

It was hard enough to convince her the Super Bowl-Rafah timing was ridiculous when media has been out about Israel’s planned attack for days. And that the “Stop Jewish Hate” ad was not to distract from anything, because it wasn’t even funded by Israel. Also your husband has had to take down blood libel posters from outside his graduate school, our street, his work, and even 10 feet from where we voted in the last election. (Grand total: over 20 posters)

So like… this ad is necessary.

Oy vey. 😅😅😂

Stay strong Yidden, our Allies and loved ones can test us, but we cannot become isolationist and retreat in the face of a challenge. That’s how the bastards win.

We will outlive them.

.

[silvercityofreblogs]

Hey fellow tmnt fans, just a quick question, how do you all feel about a hc of Mikey being like spiritual - is it what's called in english?

I mean, I kinda like want to my own iteration of Mikey who reads about the spiritual stuffs like karma, supernatural and reincarnation like Leo he does read about the japanese culture but more on like the spiritual side of it, like the belief side? And maybe bits of religions like budha and Hindu, But he is still the happy go-lucky youngest turtle that we all adore. Is it too OOC? Just wondering

[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC REVIEW: The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rhao

4/5. Releases 1/21/25.

The Vibes:

—apsaras

—testing that celibacy

—falling in love with the mark

Heat Index: 6.5/10

The Basics:

When the revered sage Kaushika begins threatening the power of Indra, the celestial king sends Meneka to seduce him into breaking his asceticism and losing his strength. Meneka has her own agenda, and is determined to bring Kaushika down—but as she learns from and gets to know him, her charge may break her.

The Review:

Quick disclaimer—I'm not Indian or otherwise Hindu, and I can't attest to how this book relates to the legend beyond what I've read and (lightly) researched. With that in mind, I'm assessing this as a book independent of its inspiration.

Based on the legend of the Hindu sage Vishvamitra and apsara Menaka, The Legend of Meneka is a fantasy romance (happy ending included) that spends a lot of time actually considering the big questions. What even is asceticism, and is it worth it? Is that really how we become closer to our gods (and our goals)? Does self-denial make you a better (stronger) person?

And like... What about love and carnality in all this?

But, you know. It's also fun.

The book takes place entirely from Meneka's perspective. And I liked her—she's a classic "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way" kind of tragic vamp, a being who exists to seduce and destroy (albeit more emotionally than physically). Off the bat, we know she struggles with her being, her purpose. But it's less because she really morally doesn't believe in what she's doing, and more because she's infatuated with fellow apsara.

Yes everyone, Meneka is super bi, and it's super on the page (she's actually introduced seducing a queen), and I loved how it was handled. Queerness is casually portrayed through multiple characters, and Meneka, though she doesn't get physical with her marks anymore, alludes to other experiences with women. And.... then she falls in love with Kaushika. Imagine that! Bisexuality is just a thing.

There's this really lush world described, a poetic kind of magic. A lot of this is a thinky book, and to a point I kind of debate whether it's a fantasy romance or (as the back copy admittedly states) a true romantic fantasy. Kaushika and Meneka's love story is front and center, it's the crux of the book. But it definitely felt more like Meneka's journey than his. Which doesn't mean it's NOT a romance. This may also just be me going "Why can't we have a dual POV?"

And that is the one thing I thought this book was missing. I wanted to be in Kaushika's head. For a lot of the book, he's a fairly distant figure, and even when he starts to melt for Meneka that remains somewhat true. I get why, and it doesn't really take away from the book, but it does make his relationship to Meneka feel somewhat secondary.

That said....

The Sex:

What's really hot about this novel, aside from the general sensuality of everything described, is the Temptation. Kaushika is genuinely a stone wall against Meneka's seduction (... at first), which creates several funny scenes where she's like, literally banging her head against a wall in frustration. Initially, it's frustration over being unable to execute her mission.

It becomes frustration of a different kind.

The scenes here are explicitly, but described in a way that sort of folds into the general poetic vibe of the novel. Again, really sensual versus scorching. And it's also super satisfying to see Meneka, supposedly a creature of desire, finally experienced pleasure for HERSELF about HER. Kaushika's a giver!

This is, appropriately, an absorbing and meditative fantasy novel with a strong romantic throughline. I still haven't decided whether or not it's a Romance (happy ending aside) but it's definitely worth reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[ericdeggans]

The Peabody Awards 2024: Learning how "Stories That Matter" is so much more than a catchy slogan

(The author with Reservation Dogs executive producer Taika Waititi, Peabody judges Hannah Giorgis and Lorraine Ali, Peabody staffer Maggie Stephens and, below, Rita Ora and Kali Reis)

Midway through the ceremony, a thunderbolt struck in the form of a passionate speech from Sir Patrick Stewart, reminding me exactly why the George Foster Peabody Awards are such a special experience for judges, winners, staffers who works on the honors and media itself.

As a former judge and chair of the board of jurors, I had traveled to Los Angeles for the first Peabody awards held in person since the COVID lockdowns of 2020. It was also the awards’ first time taking place in Los Angeles, signaling a shift from the news-centered operation of old to a more Hollywood friendly production. And it happened to be the first awards ceremony since I stepped down as chair of the jurors in 2019, rotated off the panel – as is customary - after six years of service. (I was the first African American to hold the chair's job, in fact.)

It is tough to describe what a special experience it is to be among the judges helping hand out such a prestigious honor. The first time I served, among the projects we gave prizes to were House of Cards and Scandal – two shows which heralded the rise of streaming and the impact of diversity on television. I was part of the panel which decided to hand special honors to Jon Stewart, Rita Moreno and Carol Burnett at various times, recognizing the world-shaking impact of legendary performers and satirists.

Deliberations take place over three separate weeks in different locations, with our debates centered on impact, originality, scope, quality, substance and diversity — among other considerations — always with an eye on what the bright light of a Peabody win might accomplish when trained on a deserving project.

(The Peabody judging panel during my last year in the group.)

At the end, judges must have watched/consumed every entry under consideration and we must agree unanimously. With a judging panel that ranged from world class academics to high achievers in media, expert journalists and critics and more, we bonded like rowdy siblings at a media nerd’s ideal summer camp.

(Chilling with Tony Goldwyn and Jeff Perry from Scandal during my very first Peabody awards ceremony in 2014.)

But when Sir Patrick rose in the middle of Sunday’s ceremony to speak eloquently of the amazing work on display in the acceptance speeches of winners, I realized why the Peabodys were truly special. Conceived as the electronic/broadcasting/TV equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes, the Peabodys this evening united Hollywood favorites like FX’s The Bear and HBO’s The Last of Us with searing journalism, like the PBS NewsHour’s coverage of war in Gaza or Tennessee investigative reporter Phil Williams’ dogged exposure of a mayoral candidate’s ties to white supremacists in a tony Nashville suburb.

Ravish Kumar, the news anchor in India who serves as the centerpiece for the POV documentary While We Watched, gave a passionate speech criticizing mainstream news outlets in his home country for enabling Hindu nationalism by spreading misinformation. Ron Nyswaner, creator and showrunner for Showtime’s LGBTQ-focused limited series Fellow Travelers, talked on how “art is about trying to make people think and feel.”

And Larry Wilmore, co-creator of Black-ish and host of the late, lamented Comedy Central news satire The Nightly Show, cracked a joke on how supremely compromised Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is kind of a dick. (Hey, everything can’t be highbrow during a three-hour show).

It occurred to me, that too many Hollywood awards shows are mostly about the star power and glamour of supremely acclaimed stars. Don’t get me wrong: it was gratifying and heartwarming to see the entire place leap to their feet for enduring icon and Career Achievement awards winner Mel Brooks, or Donald Glover presenting the Trailblazer award to his good friend Abbott Elementary star/creator Quinta Brunson or – for this Star Trek nerd anyway – the astonishing sight of watching castmembers/producers from Picard, Discovery, Enterprise and other corners of Trek gather onstage for the Institutional Award.

(The Star Trek crew, including LeVar Burton, Rebecca Romijin and Jeri Ryan, at the Peabody awards Sunday.)

But the secret sauce of the Peabodys is the way it utilizes Hollywood glamour to shine a light on quality journalism and public service programming like the micro-documentary series The Hidden Racism in New York City or PBS Frontline’s reporting on America and the Taliban or Dallas-Fort Worth NBC station KXAS’ look at how an organization of sheriffs were quietly radicalizing law enforcement officers across the state.

So, even though I’m no longer taking part in the long hours of viewing and debate required to pick these standout honorees – and it is part of the deal that every judge has to agree on every winner and finalist – I couldn’t be prouder of the selections my successors have assembled. We are all now part of a family dedicated to upholding the best in media, highlighting important work in a way almost no other modern awards ceremony can do.

(Me at this year's Peabody awards.)

See the list of Peabody winners HERE.

[tempportal]

@dvarapala l continued from x

Five has barely even stepped through the door, and he's already completely and totally overwhelmed. He prepared himself pretty thoroughly, or so he'd thought, for a great number of unpleasant receptions when he finally accepted one of Gaira's incessant invitations last week — it could very well be an ambush after all, his sworn nemesis and a couple of her fellow superheroes lying in wait for him, ready to attack the instant he came inside, but that sort of underhanded trickery simply doesn't correspond with Gaira's usual behavior, so he'd dismissed the theory almost as quickly as he'd postulated it, and moved onto likelier hypotheses.

Perhaps she had just wanted to see if he would actually fall for it, see if he would actually allow himself to believe the tentative bit of... trust friendship whatever they'd established during their alliance against the Puppet Master would still hold up now that they no longer shared a common enemy. Perhaps she had just wanted to exact a bit of vengeance now that he was finally willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she would laugh in his face when she saw him on her front porch, because god, Five, who would ever willingly spend time with you? did you seriously think we were actually friends, or something? believe me, I'm not that desperate! and then she'd slam the door on him, go back to her quiet, villain-free night with her mother, and forget all about him.

Or perhaps she gave him the wrong address. Perhaps she just wanted to ensure he understands that the nebulous, nameless Whatever they established during their alliance was a product of forced proximity, and it would never survive concrete reality. Or perhaps she was being genuine when she invited him, but she's changed her mind since the last time he saw her, and she'll send him away with one of her sheepish, apologetic smiles.

Any of those outcomes would be perfectly fine, of course. Five isn't particularly fussed about them. He does not desire Gaira's acceptance in any form or fashion. He does not desire anyone's acceptance in any form or fashion. He's above such trivial things.

Still, he has a very specific procedure in mind for each and every one of her potential reactions, so it's... surprising and unexpected and a little bit terrifying when he doesn't have to use them.

Because Gaira (or, Udyati, technically, since she's not in costume right now, but using her civilian name is a very slippery slope to being friendly, and he is above such trivial things, remember, so he refuses to do anything that could ever possibly be construed in that manner) positively beams at him the moment she lays eyes on him, her whole face lighting up like a Christmas tree, and immediately unleashes a barrage of information that he can't even begin to keep up with. There's something about vegetarians in there, for sure, and also something about Diwali (which he knows is a Hindu holiday, but that's about where his knowledge taps out) and then she tosses out a bunch of names he only sort of vaguely recognizes, and he's trying to match them to the faces of all those annoying little friends of hers, and then she's telling him to leave his shoes in the hallway. Five's skin prickles at the very thought, itching with discomfort — the convenient thing about teleportation is that he can just leave a situation whenever he feels like it, but the inconvenient thing about teleportation is that he has to keep all his essentials on his person at all times for a quick escape and, personally, he would very much consider his shoes to be one of those essentials. How is he supposed to get out when this whole thing inevitably turns sour if he doesn't have his shoes?

This was a mistake, Five realizes, blind panic and burning shame twisting up around each other like twin serpents in his stomach. This was a terrible, horrible, foolish mistake, one that he should have known better than to make — one that he did know better than to make, if he's being perfectly honest with himself. This was an absolutely imbecilic mistake, and he needs to go back to the lair right now, while the evening is still semi-salvageable.

But.

He doesn't.

Five pulls in a deep breath, leaves his shoes in the hallway, and follows Gaira deeper into the house.

Now that he's finally taking a proper look around (mostly to try and distract himself, so he doesn't go completely off his chump and blink away before he even reaches the kitchen) he's struck by what a nice house his nemesis lives in. his lair is something of a palace in comparison to the boys' home, but this is something else entirely. it's wonderfully warm, especially in contrast to the cold autumn wind blowing outside, with electric lamps throwing golden pools of light everywhere. The floorboards remain steady under his feet, and the windowpanes are intact. He wonders idly if this roof leaks something awful when it rains, or if the inside gets as dreadfully cold as the outside in the winter, like his lair.

But, to tell the truth, the luxury isn't what really catches his eye, as fantastic and unbelievable as it is. It's the touches of life all around the place — the throw pillows and afghans on the sofa, the decorations on the walls, the framed photographs on every available surface, pictures of a much younger Gaira grinning at him from all possible angles.

And then he's in the kitchen, caught in the eye of another storm of color and light and noise, and his breath trapped somewhere in the back of his throat as he tries to figure out what he's meant to do in this moment, and how Gaira's mother could possibly smile at the boy who's left her daughter with more bruises than he can even count.

(Gaira did the same thing, he realizes, when she opened the door and saw him on her porch. No one has ever looked at him like that. No one has ever been happy to see him.

This can't be real.)

"...Okay?" Five says, finally, when his sticky-slow brain eventually registers her offer of chai, like he has any clue what chai is. It's not like he'll turn his nose up at it, whatever they serve him — any food is good food, after all. You take what you can get and you count yourself lucky every night you don't go to bed hungry. He winces at the sound of his own voice in his ears, so small and pathetic in a way Number Five never is, and quickly tries to get back some modicum of control. He needs to do something, he needs to distract himself from the absolute clusterfuck going on in his head right now. "I-I can... help? With the table?" Is that allowed?

[dramoor]

I want thank ALL of the lovely people for their kind birthday wishes for me today on my 60th birthday.

I am the luckiest man in the world. I have a wonderful partner in life, my beautiful wife Patricia and three lovely daughters; Elle, Miranda and Madeline.

Today, I am reminded of what Dr. M Scott Peck told me over 30 years ago: At 40, you feel like you can conquer the world and there’s a sense that nothing can stop you.

But at 60 you realize the very real fragility of life and temporariness of it all. A humbling knowledge that there is indeed a time limit for all things and that God’s design though perfect, is precious far beyond its brevity.

Today, I am also reminded of the Hindu story that my friend Bill from Lowell Arkansas told me about a man at his funeral. Looking at the man, “Would this man lying here ask for more riches and Gold from the world? Would this man ask to be more famous and well regarded by others? Would he ask to be taller or look more handsome? No. The only thing this man lying here today would ask for was much simpler…more time.”

If you are reading this now, then you too have time! Use it wisely, use it unwisely too! But USE it. Be IN it. Be aware that you are part of ALL of it and that the separateness you sometimes feel is an illusion. Just as your heart beats without being told, you are as integral to the Sun that fires and the planets that circle it as your heart is a part of you.

For the atheists, God loves you too. The mistake you make is to think the universe is a stupid thing that just bumps into things and expands ignorantly and without reason or intelligence. And that somehow we human beings, with our intelligence is just some kind of ‘freak’ universal accident. To you I say this, if there is such a thing as kindness, empathy, compassion and love…it is because you found it in other people.

And as my dear friend Norm Macdonald once said, “We are part of this universe, indeed a mere fraction of it, so if we have kindness and love, how much more the universe itself.” For if we are capable of love, it is because it is endemic to the universe itself.

To quote Alan Watts, “For we didn’t come ‘in’ to the world, we came ‘out’ of it. We are the universe evolving to the point of consciousness, so that the universe, us, can experience existence and life in all it’s wonder and beauty and glorious exuberance.”

Lastly, as I am a new convert to Catholicism, I offer my apology for my lack of Christ’s forgiveness to my fellow man. I was so angry at the people who shut down schools and indeed the world and who coerced others to do things against their will which hurt many people deeply. I offer my unconditional forgiveness and amnesty.

For how can I stay mad at the famous singer who would not let others in to his Broadway show unless they had an experiential jab. I will never forget how kind he was to me and my friends when he was the musical guest on SNL.

How can I continue to hold a grudge against the actor who shamed people like me but has been such a great example for other actors to never give up and keep fighting for their dreams.

How can I still be mad at the lovely actress that said she could no longer be friends with people like me who didn’t ‘get’ it, knowing how incredibly kind she is with every child she meets.

I am humbled by the example of my mother Pilar and how she was able to forgive the WW2 occupiers of her Philippines who killed both her brothers.

At last it is forgiveness itself that is the gift that we give ourselves because it frees us as The Christ intends for all of us to be free. For His gift of ultimate and unlimited forgiveness is indeed the gift for all humanity.

May God bless you and your families now and forever.

With all my “You can do it” love, Robbie Schneider

(X - twitter post Oct. 31, 2023)

[i-am-kind-of-lost]

They will say Ram is a national symbol, a symbol of Hindu pride. But did you consent to being converted to something as banal and nasty as the symbol of an ethnic nationalism? You redeemed your devotees, those you wronged, but your opponents as well. But this temple is a monument to exclusion, a brute majoritarianism subordinating others. Look at the men, both political and spiritual, who speak in your name, and the blood, power and intimidation they have on their hands. Your name will be used to shore up the coarsest forms of personalised power; the entire liturgy is a display of the most corrupt of monarchical power, in a democratic garb. I understand that so many of my fellow Hindus will experience this as a great catharsis, as the weight of history being lifted. But deep down we need to ask: How did we become so insecure that we need a cowardly victory of razing down a monument to satiate out collective narcissism? And is this a kind of insecurity that is never satiated, it expands its circle until it colonises all sentiment? This temple is the first real colonisation of Hinduism by political power. I feel chained like never before.

[papenathys]

Incidentally, the Hindu right have also started positioning themselves as the indigenous people of India. It's not even a joke, Hindu ethno-nationalist rhetoric hinges on proclaiming how "true" Indian culture are the temples and Vedas and so on. "We were here before the ugly Muslim invaders came into our land and ravaged our temples and before the British came and introduced all the societal evils our culture needs to be cleansed of". It's why their fascist ideas align with Israel and it's why it's so easy for them to have sympathy with fellow settler colonialists. It's good to have a third party to blame the downfall of India to. It's good to have an amorphous Other that Came From Outside and not recognize that the Indo-Aryans were originally also NOT indigenous to the land, neither were every Indian social evil a product of Ye Evil Western Imperialism. Feels good to imagine that, but it certainly wasn't.

you gotta understand that a basic thing of the Hindu right is that their basic position is ‘you have no right to talk about what goes on in India—-leave us to our business and we’ll leave you to yours.’ So it’s a pretty standard thing to see them bring up some conflict elsewhere but they don’t have any actual interest in solidarity, they’re just acting like children. These are people who have said explicitly many times ‘sure we’re devastating adivasi people and their land, but didn’t America do that to it’s natives? That’s a part of nation building, don’t judge us’. It’s not hard to pick up the ability to distinguish these proclamations from genuine statements of the Indian left and I think it’s something you should acquire if you haven’t

[jccrmun24khalistan]

Balram Jakhar emphasizes himself in parliament with the literature technique of “repetition”

30 May 1987, Hello India

Speech to the sikh and the akali dal:

“As a fellow punjabi I can understand how my fellow sikh brothers and sisters are feeling right now. Trust me, the government also wants this issue to be resolved as quickly as possible. The government will hence be willing to open discussions with the leaders of the akali dahl. As the speaker of the Lok Sabha, I was born in Punjabi and I am here to serve the people. I will do my best to negotiate peacefully with the Akali Dal and come to a compromise to end the violence and suffering of the Sikhs. I will attempt to bring more freedom to the Sikhs and end the violence.”

Speech done at the building of the Lok Sabha addressing the aid package:

“The financial aid will be provided to all those affected by the recent violence. I am very sad to see so many innocent civilians get caught in the crossfire. My condolences to all those who have been affected by the violence, I feel for those who have lost loved ones, and those that have been injured. I am deeply saddened by all the violence that has taken place. I ask for the violence to stop, for everyone to take a step back. This issue can be solved by negotiations, bloodshed does not have to be the only option, it should never be considered an option. Hence we have passed this financial aid plan to support all those affected. I will be answering personally to any inquiries and unhappiness on this aid package."

Speech to the Indians on their lost of confidence in the Indian government, made at the Lok Sabha:

“I am disheartened to find out that many Indian especially Sikh citizens feel that my words are empty and lack actions to back them. I was born in Punjab, and feel for all my fellow Sikh brothers and sisters. I want the violence to end as much as all of you guys do, my heart aches for those that have been caught in the crossfire of the violence. Myself and president Zail Singh have passed legislation for financial aid to all those affected. I care for all my fellow sikhs the government cares for you, do not be swayed by some of the more radical Khalistanis. I work to serve the people of India I work to serve the Sikhs, the Hindus, the Muslims and everyone living in India. Please have faith in me, have faith in our government, we are trying our best to resolve this issue."

[jccrmun24central]

Balram Jakhar emphasizes himself in parliament with the literature technique of “repetition”

30 May 1987, Hello India

Speech to the sikh and the akali dal:

“As a fellow punjabi I can understand how my fellow sikh brothers and sisters are feeling right now. Trust me, the government also wants this issue to be resolved as quickly as possible. The government will hence be willing to open discussions with the leaders of the akali dahl. As the speaker of the Lok Sabha, I was born in Punjabi and I am here to serve the people. I will do my best to negotiate peacefully with the Akali Dal and come to a compromise to end the violence and suffering of the Sikhs. I will attempt to bring more freedom to the Sikhs and end the violence.”

Speech done at the building of the Lok Sabha addressing the aid package:

“The financial aid will be provided to all those affected by the recent violence. I am very sad to see so many innocent civilians get caught in the crossfire. My condolences to all those who have been affected by the violence, I feel for those who have lost loved ones, and those that have been injured. I am deeply saddened by all the violence that has taken place. I ask for the violence to stop, for everyone to take a step back. This issue can be solved by negotiations, bloodshed does not have to be the only option, it should never be considered an option. Hence we have passed this financial aid plan to support all those affected. I will be answering personally to any inquiries and unhappiness on this aid package."

Speech to the Indians on their lost of confidence in the Indian government, made at the Lok Sabha:

“I am disheartened to find out that many Indian especially Sikh citizens feel that my words are empty and lack actions to back them. I was born in Punjab, and feel for all my fellow Sikh brothers and sisters. I want the violence to end as much as all of you guys do, my heart aches for those that have been caught in the crossfire of the violence. Myself and president Zail Singh have passed legislation for financial aid to all those affected. I care for all my fellow sikhs the government cares for you, do not be swayed by some of the more radical Khalistanis. I work to serve the people of India I work to serve the Sikhs, the Hindus, the Muslims and everyone living in India. Please have faith in me, have faith in our government, we are trying our best to resolve this issue."

[betshy]

The Library of the Soul: Exploring Akashic Memory

Have you ever had a feeling of déjà vu, or experienced a sense of familiarity with a place or person that you’ve never met before? These phenomena may be connected to the concept of the Akashic Records, a metaphysical library that contains the collective memories and experiences of every soul that has ever existed. The idea of the Akashic Records originates from ancient Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, where it is believed that every thought, word, and action of an individual is recorded in the etheric realm. The term “Akasha” comes from Sanskrit and can be translated as “sky” or “space”, representing the limitless expanse of consciousness and interconnectedness of all things. Exploring the Akashic Records is like peering into the library of the soul, where the stories and lessons of past lives are stored and accessible to those who have the ability to tap into its wisdom. This ancient repository is said to hold the keys to understanding our purpose, resolving karmic patterns, and accessing higher levels of consciousness. So how does one access these ethereal records? Many spiritual practices and traditions offer techniques such as meditation, visualisation, and energy work to help individuals connect with the Akashic Realm. By quieting the mind and opening the heart, one can begin to receive insights, visions, and messages from the collective unconscious. Working with an experienced Akashic Records reader can also provide guidance and support in navigating this vast repository of information. Through a series of questions and energetic connection, a reader can help you uncover past life patterns, release energetic blockages, and receive clarity on your soul’s journey. Exploring the Akashic Records can be a transformative and enlightening experience, offering a deeper understanding of your soul’s purpose and the interconnectedness of all beings. By delving into this infinite well of wisdom, you may uncover hidden talents, heal past traumas, and align with your highest truth. As we continue on our spiritual journey, let us remember that the Library of the Soul is always open, waiting for us to explore its depths and unlock the mysteries of our existence. May we approach this sacred space with reverence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow. In the words of author and spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra, “The only way to access the truth is to dive deep into the ocean of the soul.” So let us dive deep, fellow soul seekers, and discover the treasures that lie within the Library of the Soul. Read the full article

[pennyappealusaseo]

Supporting Afghanistan: Penny Appeal USA's Earthquake Relief Efforts

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and loss, communities around the world are rallying together to provide aid and support to those in need. Among the organizations at the forefront of relief efforts is Penny Appeal USA, a humanitarian charity dedicated to alleviating poverty and suffering.

The recent earthquake, with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region, has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The toll on human lives has been heartbreaking, with many families left homeless and in desperate need of assistance. In such times of crisis, every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.

Penny Appeal USA has launched a dedicated fundraising campaign aimed at providing immediate relief to the affected communities in Afghanistan. With their extensive network and experience in humanitarian aid, they are well-positioned to deliver essential supplies and support to those most in need.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Penny Appeal USA's approach is their emphasis on the power of collective giving, even down to the smallest denomination. Their "donation penny appeal" encourages individuals to contribute whatever they can, whether it's a single penny or more. They firmly believe that even the smallest donation can have a ripple effect and contribute to a greater impact when combined with others.

This grassroots approach to fundraising not only mobilizes financial support but also fosters a sense of solidarity and community spirit. It shows that everyone, regardless of their financial means, can play a part in making a difference and offering hope to those facing adversity.

Moreover, Penny Appeal USA ensures transparency and accountability in all their operations, providing donors with the assurance that their contributions are being utilized effectively and efficiently. From providing emergency shelter and food assistance to medical aid and long-term rehabilitation support, every penny donated goes towards rebuilding lives and communities.

The earthquake in Afghanistan serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. It highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as well as the compassion and generosity that abound in our global community.

As individuals, we may feel powerless in the face of such natural disasters, but by supporting organizations like Penny Appeal USA, we can channel our collective efforts towards meaningful and impactful relief initiatives. Whether it's through financial donations, spreading awareness, or volunteering our time and skills, we all have a role to play in helping our fellow human beings rebuild and recover.

In conclusion, Penny Appeal USA's earth quake donation penny appeal is not just about raising funds; it's about harnessing the power of compassion and solidarity to bring hope and healing to those affected by tragedy. Together, we can make a difference, one penny at a time.

To learn more about Penny Appeal USA's relief efforts and how you can contribute, visit their website or follow them on social media. Let's stand together in support of Afghanistan and show the world the strength of our collective humanity.

Visit us: https://pennyappealusa.org/

[dafriamaskurie]

Denny Ja: Seeing the Beauty of Religious Traditions: Enriching the Human Heart and Soul

Sure! Here's an article for you in Indonesian:

Denny Ja: Seeing the Beauty of Religious Traditions: Enriching the Human Heart and Soul In this increasingly modern life, we often fall asleep with busyness and daily demands. However, behind all that, we must not forget the beauty and depth that is hidden in religious traditions. In this article, we will see how religious traditions can enrich the hearts and human souls through the view of a famous figure in Indonesia, Denny JA. Denny JA is a widely known intellectual in Indonesia. He is not only a famous writer, but also known as a person who is very interested in religious traditions. For him, religious tradition is a window that opens the door for humans to find their inner depth. In Denny JA's view, religious traditions are a source of wisdom and spiritual guidelines for humanity. He believes that through religious traditions, humans can achieve emotional and spiritual balance that are important in living daily life. In religious traditions, there are many values taught such as affection, justice, and exemplary. Denny Ja argues that these values are the core of the beauty of religious traditions. When humans live and practice these values, their hearts and souls become richer. One example that we can take is the teachings of Hinduism. In Hindu religious traditions, there is a concept of karma and dharma. This concept teaches that every human action has moral consequences and responsibilities. In seeing the beauty of this Hindu religious tradition, Denny Ja feels that humans can learn to be responsible for their actions and build harmonious relationships with the environment and fellow human beings. In addition, in religious traditions there are also spiritual practices that can enrich the hearts and human souls. An example is the practice of meditation in Buddhism. Denny Ja revealed how important meditation was in maintaining mental and spiritual balance. Through meditation, humans can increase self -awareness, reduce stress, and achieve a state of enlightenment that brings peace and happiness. Denny Ja also highlighted the beauty of the tradition of Islam in seeing human relations with God. For him, worship in Islam is a way to strengthen spiritual bonds with the Creator. He said that when someone runs worship with full awareness and sincerity, their hearts and souls become closer to God. In looking at the beauty of religious traditions, Denny Ja also explained the importance of tolerance between religious believers. He believes that the religious tradition that truly enriches the heart and soul of the human is that promotes peace and mutual understanding among religious communities. We must be able to respect differences and understand that there are many ways to achieve closeness with God. In conclusion, religious traditions have the beauty and depth that can enrich the hearts and souls of the human. Through spiritual values and practices taught in religions, humans can achieve emotional, mental, and spiritual balance that are important in living daily life. Denny Ja, as a famous figure in Indonesia, invites us to see the beauty of religious traditions and enrich our hearts and souls through understanding and practice of spiritual values and practices contained in religious traditions.

Check more: Denny JA: Seeing the beauty of religious traditions: enrich the hearts and souls of the human

[powerlordhanuman]

🐒📜 Embrace the Divine Power: Unraveling the Mystical Lord Hanuman Chalisa! 🙏🌟

Hey fellow Tumblr souls! 🌈 Are you ready to embark on a spiritual journey filled with profound devotion and divine enchantment? Today, I want to delve into the magical realm of the Lord Hanuman Chalisa, an ancient hymn that transcends time and space, touching the very core of our souls. 🌌🕉️

🌿 What is the Hanuman Chalisa? For those new to this awe-inspiring chant, the Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse prayer dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the powerful and devoted monkey god of Hindu mythology. 🐵💪 Each verse, written in the eloquent Awadhi language by the great poet Tulsidas, weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of praises, devotion, and divine grace.

🌟 The Enigmatic Essence What makes the Hanuman Chalisa so captivating is its profound essence. As we chant these verses, we are not merely reciting words but invoking the very presence of Lord Hanuman in our lives. His boundless courage, unwavering loyalty, and humility inspire us to face life's challenges with utmost zeal. With every line, we feel a spiritual connection, fostering a sense of protection and guidance in the face of adversities. 🛡️💫

💫 Stories of Marvels Let me take you on a captivating journey through the tales of Lord Hanuman's feats! From leaping across oceans to finding the life-saving Sanjeevani herb, his awe-inspiring deeds resonate deep within us, reminding us that no obstacle is too great with the divine by our side. The Hanuman Chalisa encapsulates these wondrous stories, filling us with awe and wonderment. 🌊🏞️

🌼 Beyond Boundaries The beauty of Lord Hanuman Chalisa is that it knows no bounds! It transcends religions, cultures, and geographical limitations. People from all walks of life find solace and strength in the words of this sacred chant. It teaches us that love, devotion, and faith are the universal languages that unite us all as one big, diverse family. 🌍💖

🌈 Embracing Lord Hanuman's Teachings So, how can we incorporate the wisdom of the Hanuman Chalisa into our daily lives? Embracing Lord Hanuman's teachings, we learn to approach life with a compassionate heart, helping those in need, and embracing selfless service. We tap into our inner reservoir of strength and face challenges head-on with courage and determination. 🌺🤝

✨ A Divine Remedy Legend has it that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa with unwavering devotion can work wonders, dispelling negative energies and bringing peace to our hearts. It's a powerful antidote to fear and self-doubt, a guiding light that leads us on the path of righteousness. 🌠🌌

So, my lovely Tumblr fam, let's come together and bask in the glory of the Hanuman Chalisa! Let this sacred chant resonate within us, bringing us closer to the divine and kindling the light of wisdom in our souls. Let us share this message of love and inspiration with the world, for every heart it touches is a step toward a more harmonious and compassionate universe. 🌏💕

[writingwithcolor]

General tips on writing Indian Muslim characters (as a Desi Writer)

pending-dream asked:

This may come off as weird because I am Desi myself, but I was wondering if you had any tips on writing Indian Muslim characters? Specifically Bengali Muslims. While I'm Indian myself, I've grown up around Hindus, and with an extremely islamphobic family. I'm planning on writing a pretty light hearted story where one of the main male characters, a teenager, is Muslim. 

Religion doesn't really play a huge role in the story, but since it IS set in Kolkata, a lot of the environment and events reflect the culture I grew up with, and it's largely influenced by me being a Hindu Bengali (for example, puja, visiting temples, attending Hindu weddings) so I feel like I wouldn't be able to accurately represent the experience of a Muslim growing up in India. 

Perspective from a fellow Hindu: For me, it’s Research Research Research, but in two parts! 

First is your basic research on the cultural differences between being Bengali as a Muslim v. Hindu. This is pretty straightforward. The second part is harder because it entails dismantling your own personal and familial biases. Having Muslim desi friends helps, but depending on where you are, that can be ...challenging (My family had a spell of the vapors when they found out one of my best friends in college was Muslim). More importantly, as I’m sure you know, friends don’t exist to educate us, so it’s important that you put in the work. For me, that meant doing more research on my own.

I still worry about intrinsic bias. It rears its head often, but for my own education, I did my best to read up on Islam from a variety of perspectives as well as regional history/ geopolitics for different sects. The other thing I researched was the history of South Asia in depth, from the perspective of more objective parties who would have no reason to sensationalize South Asian history. I’ve also found anti-caste movements and activists to be a helpful source of insight. A trick I often employ when writing is I slow my thinking down. I follow my instincts, but I also explore where those instincts come from. 

I’m not always a big proponent of beta-reading because I think it often creates a “too many cooks” situation, but hiring a Muslim desi as a beta-reader may be a very sensible solution down the line given your particular situation. On a broader level, overcoming Islamophobia is an important, personal, lifelong priority for me. I’ve tried to position myself to meet desis from all walks of life and have discussions on pan-South Asian issues with like-minded individuals. My goal is not to make friends simply to claim I have Muslim friends, but rather to learn more about the history and culture of this region that is my heritage. I encourage you to do the same. I think you’ll find it beneficial both for your writing and for your own personal growth. Any further insight, I defer to our Muslim mods. 

- Marika.

As a North African, I can only speak for the Muslim side of your character. Marika has given you the most important part of creating this character. Unlearning the biases that we have grew up with or that we were taught indirectly is a key factor in correctly representing a character from a certain group or community. Keep in mind that every household is different, so take your time to understand how both the cultural and religious side merge in the identity of your Bengali Muslim character.

When doing your research, you will find plenty of creators out there who identify as Bengali Muslims and that is good. Do not limit yourself and take from every perspective until you finally start to building your character. Also, aside from the cultural/religious background, your character is a teenager – they might only follow the basics of their religion, they should commit mistakes, they should fail, and more importantly, they are individuals with their own personality. Being a Muslim, even though it constitutes a huge part of who we are, does not restrict our way of being. 

- Asmaa