THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

SOME CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ARE
STRANGE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD

www.washingtonpost.com - Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. But it's also among the most diverse and varies from country to country. In central Europe, many towns set up cozy Christmas villages. Many European towns and cities set up Christmas markets and small Christmas villages that attract visitors and locals alike. They're typically open from the beginning of December until Dec. 24. Some of them exhibit stages, merry-go-rounds and other attractions for children. But there's usually plenty to fascinate adults, too, such as mulled wine, beer and food specialties. 
Some Portuguese people open presents twice - This is a custom in Portugal and many people open presents twice: First, parents give their children a selection of gifts on Christmas Eve. But the excitement is far from over: The next morning, more gifts await, ready to be opened.

Russians, Greeks and Bulgarians prefer the cold and jump into rivers and lakes - This tradition is common in Orthodox Christian countries. Young men (and sometimes women) jump into cold rivers and lakes as soon as a priest throws a cross into the water. The aim is to be the first person to reach the cross. They believe that those who win the contest will be lucky in the new year. In Germany, children collect money for charity - In the more Catholic south of Germany, it is common that children (called Sternsingers) collect money for charity by knocking on people's doors to perform songs. They are usually dressed as the three wise men. 
In Argentina, lit paper decorations are sent into the sky on Christmas Eve - This colorful celebration lights the sky over Argentina on Christmas Eve. Many people in the South American country make their own paper decorations, sort of like balloons and equipped with lights. The so-called 'globos' are usually released into the sky shortly after midnight.

This article is about traditions which seem quite strange to the rest of the world. It was written by Rick Noack, from Washington, D.C. Buth there are many other examples: South Koreans like money as a present. It's true that money might not seem like a very elaborate Christmas gift, but many South Koreans prefer it over more creative presents. The South Korean version of Santa Claus (Santa Haraboji, which means Santa Grandfather), sometimes wears a blue suit instead of a red one. Winter in Finland is dominated by the cold temperatures and thick layers of snow that cover forests and houses. For this, many Finnish have a solution: They celebrate Christmas in saunas.  And in Nova Scotia, in the southeast of Canada, some locals dress up as Santa Claus, then they walk to their neighbors' houses and make them guess their real identities. As we all know, the celebration of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, and the Western Church celebrates it on December 25. Many countries around the world follow this tradition; however, no one is really sure of what day Jesus' birth was, and it is little that we know about His historical being; however, more important is the message that he came to deliver to all humankind. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Jesus has shown the power of love, and He became immortal because He was such a great example. It is a pity that there are so few people following him. Many people repeat the name of Jesus, but they are not vegetarians; they even do not admit that the animals have a soul, and in reality not themselves also, because they do not live for the good of the soul. It is not easy to follow a pure devotee of God. ... Let’s hope that on the day of Jesus, more than one soul remember him and not give most attention to the ridiculous Father Christmas. It is a great sadness to see how this day, which should be so sacred for the Christians, has become more and more profane each year. Who will give a present to Jesus? Who will sing to him on his altar? Just a few people are doing it! But we shouldn’t be surprised, this is the effect of Kali yuga. Well the devotees of Krishna, they certainly do celebrate and sing your glories in your divine and wonderful eternal and progressive immortality.

Śrīla Atulananda Ācārya :
“Jesus and His Message of Universal Love”
http://www.atulanandadas.cl/
http://www.vrindanews.com/nectar/christmas.html

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

EASTER 2014!

EASTER SUNDAY: RESURRECTION
OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

www.ibtimes.co.uk - On Easter Sunday, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of their Lord, Jesus Christ. The account of Jesus' rising from death was recorded in the Gospels of the New Testament. Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus had told his disciples that he would rise again on the third day after his death. He had been buried in a tomb, guarded by an enormous stone so that no one could steal the body. 
When some women visited the grave, days after his death, they found that the stone had been moved and the tomb was empty. Jesus was seen that day and for several days later, when he revisited his friends and disciples. One disciple did not believe Jesus was alive again until he touched his fatal wounds from the crucifixion.

In the following 40 days, hundreds of people witnessed Jesus' return from death, proving all he had prophesied was true – that Christ had indeed risen from the dead before ascending to heaven. For Christians, the fact the Jesus rose from death demonstrated He has power over death, and only through Him can people have hope for eternal life. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). 
With his resurrection Jesus broke the power of death and gave a hope permanent to all mankind. Following the sombre mood of Good Friday which marks the crucifixion of Christ, Easter Sunday is therefore a time of great celebration for Christians.

Today (April 20) the Christian community around the world is all set to celebrate Easter. Easter Sunday is typically the most well attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches as the Christian community holds prayers and special ceremonies to mark the Easter week. The Friday before Easter Sunday is observed as a mourning day due to Jesus died on Good Friday while Easter Sunday is celebrated as ‘the day when Jesus resurrected.’ Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.  His resurrection is celebrated today, Easter Sunday (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday). Just as the birth of Christ is at the center of Christmas, the story of his death and resurrection is at the core of Easter Sunday or Resurrection Day. For Christians, Easter is the greatest manifestation of God’s love that gives hope amid the evils of the world. Also for the Jews is a day to celebrate because Passover marks the passage of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt.  We should remember that Lord Jesus preached the love of God, forgiveness and compassion; however, He was tried and crucified without mercy. He preached the consciousness of God, therefore He is our spiritual master, He is our Guru. For those who are not Jews, nor Christians, nor believe in the stories that tell the life and death of Jesus, this is also an auspicious time to perform introspection and evaluation of their daily actions, so it would be nice if we transform all our existence so that not only today, but all our days become a continuous Easter Sunday or Resurrection to a new spiritual life in harmony with God and our brothers and sisters. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam states that any bona fide preacher of God consciousness must have the qualities of titiksā (tolerance) and karunā (compassion). In the character of Lord Jesus Christ we find both these qualities. He was so tolerant that even while he was being crucified, he didn't condemn anyone. And he was so compassionate that he prayed to God to forgive the very persons who were trying to kill him. (Of course, they could not actually kill him. But they were thinking that he could be killed, so they were committing a great offense.) As Christ was being crucified he prayed, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they are doing”. A Vaisnava is unhappy to see the suffering of others. Therefore, Lord Jesus Christ agreed to be crucified - to free others from their suffering.

Śrīla A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda :
“The Science of Self Realization”
Chapter IV “Understanding Krishna and Christ”
“Krishna, Christos, Christ”
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

POPE FRANCIS CELEBRATED EASTER SUNDAY MASS

POPE'S FIRST EASTER MASS
SENDS MESSAGES OF PEACE

www.npr.org - Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass praying for world peace and urging a diplomatic solution to the standoff on the Korean peninsula. Only two weeks after his election, the first pope from the developing world continues to make his mark on the Catholic Church. St. Peter's Square was bedecked with flowers and packed with joyous pilgrims and tourists as Pope Francis celebrated Easter Mass. In his first message to the city and to the world, Francis urged peace for the Middle East and for Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted too long. "Peace in Iraq," Francis said, "that every act of violence may end, and above all, for dear Syria. ... How much suffering must there still be before a political solution can be found?" The Argentine-born pope also decried terrorism in the war-torn countries of Africa: Mali, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.

He appealed for peace in Asia, especially on the Korean Peninsula. May disagreements be overcome, he said, and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow. Francis' most intense appeal was for what he called a world divided by greed, looking for easy gain, wounded by selfishness. He singled out human trafficking, calling it the most extensive form of slavery in this 21st century. He urged peace for a world torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources. 
In keeping with his humble image, Francis wore simple unadorned vestments and celebrated the Mass alone, without his cardinals. In another contrast with his predecessor, the rituals this holy week have been shorter than in past years. The new pope has struck a chord with his direct language and by referring to himself as the bishop of Rome rather than supreme pontiff.

Pope Francis is taking part in his first Holy Week as pontiff. These days, Christians around the world take part in the celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians flock to churches to celebrate Easter Sunday, praying, singing and rejoicing. The biblical account of the life and passion of Lord Jesus teaches us many things, and one of them is that people like to judge others. The only fault of Lord Jesus Christ was that he was explaining God consciousness. The reward he received for his preaching was the cruel crucifixion. However, he was able to tolerate all these sufferings, showing the world his compassionate heart.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

A Krishna conscious person does not sit down idly. He knows that Krishna consciousness is such an important philosophy that it should be distributed. ... A devotee displays great compassion toward conditioned souls. The word kapa means “mercy,” and sindhu means “ocean.” A devotee is an ocean of mercy, and he naturally wants to distribute this mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, for instance, was God conscious, Krishna conscious, but he was not satisfied in keeping this knowledge within himself. Had he continued to live alone in God consciousness, he would not have met crucifixion. But no. Being a devotee and naturally compassionate, he also wanted to take care of others by making them God conscious. Although he was forbidden to preach God consciousness, he continued to do so at the risk of his own life. This is the nature of a devotee.

Śrīla A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda :
"The Path of Perfection"
Chapter Five:
"Determination and Steadiness in Yoga"
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/