MINORS' RAPE AND MURDER IN INDIA

RAPE AND KILLING OF 3
YOUNG SISTERS SHOCKS INDIA

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com - In the wake of outrage over the alleged rape and murder of three minor girls in Murmadi-Sawari village in Bhandara district last week, the Centre as well as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have reacted sharply on Thursday. "We have asked the Maharashtra government to send a report on the unfortunate incident," Union minister of state for home R P N Singh said in Delhi on Thursday. Taking a suo motu cognisance of a media reports, the NHRC issued a notice to the state chief secretary seeking the report within four weeks. "They belong to a poor family. Quoting the villagers, the media report said that the post-mortem of the bodies was done only when they protested," the NHRC said in a statement. The girls, aged 11, 9 and 6, went missing on February 14. A day later, their brutalized bodies were found in a well three km from their home.

It was only after the villagers staged an agitation by blocking roads and protesting outside the police station that the cops finally lodged a case of murder, kidnapping, rape and other serious charges. Though the police initially registered a case of accidental death, post mortem report confirmed sexual abuse and murder, police said. Additional director general of police Javed Ahmad who visited the village on Thursday said there is no breakthrough yet even after seven days of the incident. The victims' mother met Bhandara superintendent of police on Wednesday and demanded arrest of her mother-in-law and others in the case. Ahmad said the police teams are investigating all possible angles in the case, including the allegations made by the mother of the victims. "Efforts are being made to nab the culprits. Several persons have been quizzed in this connection," Ahmad said.

Police were searching villages in western India on Friday for suspects in the rape and killing of three young sisters. The bodies of the sisters - aged 6, 9 and 11 - were found at the  bottom of a village well in Bhandara district in Maharashtra. Initial medical reports inform the girls were sexually assaulted. The shocking news comes as India is still reeling from the horrific case occurred last December in New Delhi, in which five men and a juvenile are accused of gang raping and murdering a 23-year-old woman. Another heinous sexual attack which shows that during the terrible age of Kali-yuga men are increasingly devoid of good qualities, as described in many Puranas.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In Kali-yuga it is seen that women become stronger, bolder, and  more independent. In some cases, women are forced to become strong and independent due to being mistreated or left unprotected by men of little character. The Bhagavatam (1.16.21) explains that  women and children are left unhappy and forlorn by unscrupulous men who often search for young girls with whom they might have illicit sex. ... The Vishnu Purana (Book Four, Chapter 24) also confirms this, stating that union between the sexes will be based on passion alone, and women will be mere objects of gratification.  ... By the time this takes place in Kali-yuga, child pornography, rape, and other sexual crimes will be out of control. Politicians and law officers will be bribed into impotence, some even participating in  and profiting from these perverse activities.

Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
 “The Vedic Prophecies: A New Look into the Future”
Vol. 3 - “Changes During Kali Yuga”
“The Depravity in Family Life ind Relations Between People”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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WHAT HAS MONEY GOT TO DO WITH IT?

CAN MATERIALISM AND 

SPIRITUALITY COEXIST?

http://timesofindia.speakingtree.in - Can materialism and spirituality coexist? Is it possible to be spiritual and materialistic at the same time? Why not? In fact, it is more difficult to be completely spiritual or completely materialistic. It is a lot easier and more enjoyable being a combination of both. Even if the ratio is 70:30 or 80:20, it is fine. Most of us fall in this category. People with a ratio of 95:05 are rare. If money and spirituality could not co-exist, we would not have so many Hindu gods and goddesses wearing gold crowns and silken robes.
In fact, the word money, itself, is said to have originated from the Roman fertility goddess Moneta, an aspect of Juno, in whose temple money was first minted. Hence, many spiritual leaders believe that money is a part of divine energy and should be wisely used in our own interest and the interest of society.

Clearly, there’s no conflict between wealth, prosperity and spirituality. It is greed and spirituality that cannot co-exist. Contrary to what is popularly believed, money is not the root cause of all evil in society. It’s the urge to cling to it that is the problem. Comparing present-day lifestyle with that of earlier times, it might seem that there’s a decline in spirituality, but it is actually not the case. Earlier, people led simple lives and, therefore, had enough time and money to devote to spiritual pursuits. Today, an average person works 10 to 12 hours a day and spends so much time commuting to work.
Necessities of life too, have increased. To be able to maintain a ‘decent’ standard of living, people have to work really hard. As a result, they might not be able to devote themselves to religious or spiritual pursuits. There’s a saying in Hindi: “Bhookhe pet bhajan na hoy”. It means that you can’t be spiritual on an empty stomach. Clearly, there’s no contradiction between material needs and spiritual needs.

What is the relationship between money and spirituality? "Money is not the cause of all evil. It is the urge to cling to it that is the problem," remarks Bhavleen Kaur, the author of the article. "In spite of not going to the temples every day, and not participating in bhajans and kirtans (congregational chants), one could still be close to the Divine through one’s concern for one’s family, friends and the world around him." Even in the complicated daily life, one can act spiritually "As long as his moral compass is pointed in the right direction," she explains. The real treasure that we must cherish is our relationship with God and try to turn our greed into real generosity to others using our money to spread God Consciousness.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Householders engage in fruitive activity earning money, so it is recommended for them to use the fruits of their labor toward offering food to Krishna, or God. They are also required to host as many guests as possible. ... Though the ideal householder life may be difficult to implement in this age, the best thing a family can do is to become devotees of Lord Krishna and offer all their food to Him prior to eating. This prasadam should also be distributed to as many friends, family, and neighbors as possible. Through this system, there is no need for government programs or food donation charities. In this way, the householders can perform the highest service to their fellow man and satisfy society’s real hunger, the hunger for spiritual life.

Krishna's Mercy.org - Jai Shri Krishna :
"Feeding the Hungry"
Written by: Keshava - Published on Jun 18, 2009
http://www.krishnasmercy.org/dotnetnuke/
http://krishnasmercy.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/feeding-the-hungry/
http://www.krishnasmercy.org/dotnetnuke/News/Blog/tabid/57/EntryId/71/Feeding-the-Hungry.aspx

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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PROMINENT ROLE OF ANIMALS IN HINDUISM

ANIMALS AND BIRDS: 
HINDU DEITIES VEHICLE

www.boldsky.com - Animals and birds play an important role in Hindu religion. Hindus are known to respect cow as it is considered to be extremely sacred. Cow is also known as Aditi, meaning 'Mother of Gods'. In Hindu mythology, the cow is considered the mother of all including Gods and humans. Every part of the cow holds religious symbolism; the horns symbolize the Gods, legs represent each of the Himalayan mountains and her face represents the sun and the moon. The Gopuras or the tower in South-Indian temples are often carved with the deities and animals. Some of the animals and birds which are popularly known to be the vehicles of the Hindu deities are:
The Rat is Lord Ganesha's vehicle. It symbolizes Ganesha's ability to destroy every obstacle. The Bull (Nandi) is Lord Shiva's guardian and vehicle. The bull is said to embody sexual energy and fertility. Riding on its back, Shiva is in control of these impulses. The Tiger is the vehicle of Goddess Durga, the destroyer of evil. Sometimes it is drawn as a lion, appearing without stripes which symbolizes mercilessness, anger and pride.

The Peacock, vehicle of Goddess Saraswathi, represents arrogance and pride over its beauty, and by having a peacock as her mount, the Goddess teaches not to be concerned with external appearance and to be wise regarding the eternal truth. The Owl, vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, the owl represents spiritual wisdom, the blindness associated with seeking worldly rather than spiritual wealth. The Swan, also known as Hamsa is the vehicle of Lord Brahma, symbolises intelligence and discrimination. Garuda is the lord of all birds and Lord Vishu's vehicle. He is a remover of obstacles and a fanatic enemy of serpents. 
The Elephant (Airavat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, the Storm God and bringer of rains. It symbolises reliability, dignity, power, royalty and pride. The Crocodile or Makara is the vehicle of Lord Varuna, the God of Rain. The crocodile symbolises dignity, power, speed, strength, cunning and bravery. The Horse, the vehicle of Lord Surya or the Sun God, who is the chief of the 'Navagrahas'. He rides upon seven horses which symbolise the seven rainbow colours.

Great reverence is given to the animals in Hindu mythology either with direct representation or as God themselves, such as Lord Ganesha (Elephant God) and Hanuman (Monkey God). Vijayalakshmi, the author of the article, mentions various animals which are considered the vehicles of Hindu Gods. She says that some people may think that these animals just act as a means of transportation, but they are symbolic representative of something immaterial and formless. These creatures or Vāhana (“vehicle”) serve as the vehicle and as the sign of a particular deity. Apart from those already mentioned, other vahanas are: Agni's carrier is usually a ram. Lord Yamaraja's vehicle is a water buffalo. Karttikeya's vehicle is a peacock. Vayu, the god of wind, rides an antelope. Yamuna devi rides on a turtle or fish, and Saraswati devi and Ganga Ma on makaras. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The Sanskrit word Vihana means 'vehicle' or 'carrier', denoting an animal or creature that serves as a vehicle or mount for a deity. The vahana accompanies, pulls the chariot of, or serves as the seat or mount of the transcendental personality he serves. A vahana is sometimes depicted on banners and emblems to identify the cult or affiliation of the devotee. In some instances, the vahana assists an exalted personality to manifest on planes or in spheres or worlds hierarchically inferior to their own. In one of Vishnu's pastimes, for example, he is described as riding upon Garuda, "since the Lord is not accustomed to stand on earthly ground". ... The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "Of lordly elephants I am Airavata", thus Airavata is the king of all elephants. Airavata (Airaawat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, king of the demigods.

The Hare Krsnas :
"The Philosophy" - "The Supreme Personality of Godhead"
"Transcendental Associates" - "Transcendental Carriers"
http://www.harekrsna.com/index.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers/demigods.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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PREGNANT TEEN WINS ABORTION BATTLE

PREGNANT TEEN AND BOYFRIEND
WIN COURT BATTLE TO KEEP BABY

http://news.yahoo.com - A pregnant teen who sued her parents, claiming they were coercing her to have an abortion, will be able to give birth to her baby. Attorneys representing the 16-year-old girl were granted a long-term injunction against the girl's parents in Texas family court on Monday, according to court documents. The teen is 10 weeks pregnant and the injunction will last for the duration of her pregnancy. As part of the order, the girl will be able to use her car to go to school, work and medical appointments. Her parents had taken away the use of the car as part of their effort to force an abortion, court papers stated.
The teen's parents will be liable for half of the hospital bill when she gives birth, unless she is married to the baby's 16-year-old father. The teen, identified in the lawsuit only as R.E.K. since she is a minor, was "beside herself" when she called the center for help, her lawyer Stephen Casey told ABCNews.com last week.

Attorneys filed a lawsuit on the teen's behalf earlier this month arguing that her parents "are violating her federal constitutional rights to carry her child to term by coercing her to have an abortion with both verbal and physical threats and harassment." The group claims it has previously represented teens in similar situations and won their cases. When the pregnancy was confirmed, the teenager's father allegedly "became extremely angry, was insistent that R.E.K. was not having the baby, and that the decision was not up to her, according to the lawsuit. He stated he was going to take her to have an abortion and that the decision was his, end of story."
The teen claimed in the lawsuit that her parents had taken away her phone, pulled her out of school, forced her to get two jobs and took away her car in an effort to "make her miserable so that she would give in to the coercion and have the abortion."'

A Texas teen has won her abortion court battle against her parents, meaning she will be allowed to give birth against her parents’ wishes. The 16-year-old pregnant teen sued her parents after they allegedly tried to coerce her into getting an abortion, but the courts ruled she can keep the baby. "These girls are in a bind, particularly in a situation where their parents are forcing them to do something they don't want to do," lawyer Stephen Casey said. "Regardless of the [situation], that's her parents and she should expect support from them in this situation, not resentment and anger." Due to the current spiritual crisis, it is not very common that the law raises his voice to defend unborn babies, so news like this are very positive and an example of hope that we should broadcast.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The idea of abortion shows the depth of the crisis of values found in our so-called “modern society”. The government tries to protect the interests of consumers, industrial people, pensioners, etc. Could it be that these creatures have no rights just because they can talk about their needs and express their desire to live? How to be denied protection to them? The legalization of abortion will be the burial of the grace and dignity of man and the politician class, too. ... Ignoring the law is no excuse to transgress it although abortion was legalized, it would be a violation of the laws of nature (Law of Karma: Justice infallible. Eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth) in other words action and reaction, both individually and collectively. Earthquakes in Popayan or Mexico are reactions, they are not coincidences. We are responsible for what we do and what we fail to do, too. ... We must strive to achieve the purification of our existence by wholeheartedly promoting compassion, truthfulness, internal and external cleaning, in realizing our eternal life.

Śrīla Bhakti Bimala Harijan Swami Mahārāja :
“Industrialization of Abortion”
http://bhaktivimalaharijanswamiconferencias.blogspot.com.ar/
http://bhaktipedia.org/espanol/index.php?n=harijan_bv.harijan_bv
http://bhaktipedia.org/espanol/index.php?n=harijan_bv.industrializacion_aborto

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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RUSSIA BEGAN STUDYING METEORITE FRAGMENTS

'METEORITE RUSH' BEGINS AS

RUSSIAN SCIENTISTS FIND FRAGMENTS

www.smh.com.au - A meteor that exploded over Russia's Ural mountains and sent fireballs blazing to earth has set off a rush to find fragments of the space rock, which hunters hope could fetch thousands of dollars apiece. Friday's blast and ensuing shockwave shattered windows, injured almost 1200 people and caused about $32 million worth of damage, said local authorities. It also started a "meteorite rush" around the industrial city of Chelyabinsk, 1500 kilometres east of Moscow, where groups of people have started combing through the snow and ice.
Scientists at the Urals Federal University were the first to announce a significant find - 53 small, stony, black objects around Lake Chebarkul, near Chelyabinsk, which tests confirmed were small meteorites. The main fireball streaked across the sky at a speed of about 30 km/s, according to Russian space agency Roscosmos, before crashing into the snowy wastes.

Viktor Grokhovsky - a scientist with the Urals Federal University and the Russian Academy of Sciences - did not say whether the fragments had told his team anything about the origins of the meteor, which NASA estimated was 55 feet (16.7 metres) across before entering Earth's atmosphere and weighed about 10,000 tons. More than 20,000 people took part in search and clean-up operations at the weekend in and around Chelyabinsk, which is in the heart of a region packed with industrial military plants. Many other people were in the area just hoping to find a meteorite after what was described by scientists as a once-in-a-century event.
Residents of a village near Chelyabinsk searched the snowy streets, collecting stones they hoped would prove to be the real thing. The internet filled quickly with ads from eager hunters hoping to sell what they said were meteorites - some for as little as 1000 roubles ($32).

Scientists announced the discovery of dozens of tiny fragments (only 0.5 to 1 centimetres across) of a massive meteor whose ground-shaking shockwave hurt 1,200 people and damaged buildings across five regions of Russia. One amateur space enthusiast estimated chunks could be worth anything up to 66,000 roubles ($2,128) per gram - more than 40 times the current cost of gold. One seller of a large, silver-hued rock wrote in an ad on the portal Avito.ru: "Selling an unusual rock. It may be a piece of meteorite, it may be a bit of a UFO, it may be a piece of a rocket!". Almost everyone is concerned with earning money and seeking sense gratification, but our internal self will never be satisfied no matter how much money we make.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The greatest need in the world today is love and compassion, not money and technology. Those things can be used but if money and technology are in the hands of greedy, envious, lustful people they will not help the world. You may earn money, you may use technology if required but let it be with a heart of love and compassion. Be an instrument of love, an instrument of illumination in this world. Many of you are young, you have decisions to make right now in your life of what your future will be. Human life does not last very long. Sometimes it is said youth is wasted on the young. When you start getting older you realize the years go so fast. If only I could do it again. You have youthful energy, you have intelligence, you have so many opportunities. What is your ideal? What is your purpose, what is your integrity?

Śrīla Radhanath Swami Mahārāja :
“Conquering The Greatest Enemy”
http://www.radhanath-swami.net/  -  http://radhanathswami.info/
http://www.radhanathmaharaj.net/content/conquering-greatest-enemy-radhanath-swami

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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BASANT PANCHAMI AND GODDESS SARASWATI

HOMAGE PAID TO GODDESS SARASWATI
MOTHER OF KNOWLEDGE AND MUSIC

www.thehimalayantimes.com - In Kathmandu, Hindu devotees today observed the Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, by worshipping Saraswati, regarded as the goddess of learning, across the county. Students, teachers, musicians, artists and others worshipped the goddess. The kids, who are about to enroll at school, were made to scribble letters today with a belief that the goddess bless them as they seek knowledge. Devotees and students were seen thronging various Saraswati temples in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country since early morning.
According to the Hindu calendar, the day also marks the end of the winter and beginning of the spring season. Panchami also celebrates the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, the mother of wisdom, learning, speech and music. In this festival, kite flying competitions are organised with the participation of national and international competitors.

Basant Panchami is a festival considered especially significant for lovers of art and education. On this day, yellow coloured dishes are made in many northern regions of India.  Yellow flowers are seen the most during Vasant Ritu (spring season). This time, mustard crops are full grown and yellow colored flowers blossom on it. Basant means a sort of intoxication. The Colour of Basant  - or Basanti colour - is a colour in the mid of yellow and orange. Hence, considering the relevance of yellow color, many people eat food of this color and wear yellow coloured clothes. 
The day of Basant Panchami is considered to be the beginning of life. Spring season is the season of rebirth and bloom, the time when fields of yellow mustard charm everybody's heart.   Wheat crop starts swinging like gold. Colorful flowers starts blossoming. The day of Basant Panchami is celebrated as the welcoming of colors and happiness.

The festival of Basant Panchami (Vasant Panchmi) is the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. This festiva is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Shukla Paksha of Magh month (between the months of January and February in Gregorian calendar). On this day Lord Vishnu, God Krishna-Radha and Mother Saraswati - the Adhisthtari Devi of Vedas - the Goddess of education and learning, are worshiped with yellow flowers, Gulaal, water offerings, incense, lamp, etc. As per the tradition, yellow and sweet rice and yellow coloured Halwa are offered to God in the pooja and then eaten as Prasadam. This festival is especially celebrated in North India with full glee and delight. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis. ... Vasant Panchami is known as the festival of kites. It is celebrated towards the end of winter in the month of January-February, especially in the northern parts of India. The weather changes from harsh winter to soft spring or "Vasant". Vasant is the time when the mustard fields are abound with their yellow flowers that seem to usher in spring. So Punjabis welcome the change and celebrate the day by wearing yellow clothes, holding feasts and by organizing kite flying. Vasant Panchami day puja (worship) is devoted to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Learning. She bestows the greatest wealth to humanity - the wealth of knowledge.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Hindu Festivals"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/hindu_festivals.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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AUTHOR SAYS BOOK PROVES GOD IS REAL

"SCIENTIFIC THEORY OF GOD: 
PROOF THAT GOD EXISTS", NEW BOOK

www.thetelegraph.com - John Michael Thompson believes, by using scientific facts, that he has found the proof of God's existence. Thompson, 69, is a retired professional engineer turned author. His first book, "Scientific Theory of God: Proof That God Exists," tackles controversial issues of science and faith. In the book, Thompson presents readers scientific evidence of a higher being, which he claims to have found in the theories and equations of Sir Isaac Newton, among other great minds.
"The existence of God is a mystery to everyone, even religion," Thompson said. "Religion can't prove that God exists, but science can. In my book, I bring science and God together in a way no one ever has. My book scientifically proves that God exists." His main point focuses on the origin of matter. Thompson claims scientists know what matter is, but they have no idea where it comes from.

Thompson is convinced he has the answer and his studies will show a connection among the human mind, matter and God. Instead of following conventional scientific ideas on the creation of life, Thompson questions and even uses some of those theories, such as evolution and the big bang theory, in his argument. Raised a Methodist, Thompson now considers himself a Christian. However, he pleads with readers to view his first publication as a scientific theory rather than a book on religion. 
"Read the book, and you'll see science proves rather than disproves God. Of course, there is evolution, but it is part of a larger creation," Thompson said. "This is not a religious book, but a type of science book that no one has ever read before." Thompson's 33-year career as an engineer gave him the experience needed to conduct in-depth research for his book.

In a new book John Michael Thompson takes a scientific approach in revealing the many convincing proofs attached to the ultimate question of God’s existence. "Mr. Thompson delves into the difficult questions that have pondered mankind for centuries regarding the universe, humanity's purpose and God's existence," Kathie McGuire, director of Brighton Publishing, said in a statement. "Mr. Thompson delivers the scientific proofs to revolutionize his reader's concepts of the universe, their relationships to God, and their journeys through this life and into the next." "I'm a process research engineer. I understand systems and how they work. I investigated the universe as I would any other large system," Thompson said.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

One of the primary causes of conflict and misunderstanding between science and religion is the fact that some scientists, being overwhelmed by a materialistic world view, have claimed too much for science. ... The seers of Vedic times as well as the Vedic literatures describe that there are two fundamental energies of God - (i) material and (ii) spiritual. In science we work with material energy.  Spiritual energy has the property of consciousness.  Every living being is animated by fundamental spiritual entity possessing a quantum of consciousness.  On the other hand, material energies such as electrical, nuclear, and chemical energy, etc., do not possess consciousness. ... Religious scientists and spiritual leaders from all traditions should join together for the purpose of framing global moral and ethical codes for the welfare of all living beings on the planet.

T.D. Singh, Ph.D. - Śrīla Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Mahārāja :
“Science and Religion - Present and Future” - “Introduction”
Bhaktivedanta Institute -  http://www.scienceandscientist.org/
http://www.bhaktisvarupadamodara.com/lang1/pg002.html
http://krishnascience.info/  -   http://www.bhaktisvarupadamodara.com/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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BOOMING MIDDLE CLASS DEMANDS MEAT IN INDIA

INDIA'S GROWING APPETITE FOR MEAT

CHALLENGES TRADITIONAL VALUES

www.nydailynews.com - With German sausages, French duck breasts and homegrown chicken, Francis Menezes is cashing in on the growing appetite for meat among Indians - even in one of Mumbai's most strictly vegetarian areas. In the upmarket neighborhood of Malabar Hill, numerous shops, restaurants and even some apartment blocks remain meat-free. But Menezes, co-manager of the Cafe Ridge food store, says he does a brisk trade in "non-veg", especially with those who have studied abroad. "Things like Thanksgiving, which was never celebrated over here in Mumbai, is now being celebrated every year. 
The new generation are cool with eating anything," he said. India's booming middle-class is driving the demand for meat in a country with a traditionally low intake - a survey in 2006 showed that 40 percent of the population were vegetarian.

Fish and meat have long been part of other Indians' diets but for many they used to be a rarity, said Arvind Singhal, chairman of the consumer consultancy group Technopak Advisors. "With rising disposable incomes, meat consumption is increasing," he told AFP. "Before meat would have been seen as for a special occasion." Members of the Jain faith and some groups within India's majority Hindu religion hold vegetarianism as an ideal. Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi espoused a meat-free diet as part of his non-violent philosophy. But fewer of the younger generation appear to feel the same. 
Despite coming from a "hardcore veg" Hindu community, bartender Ishita Manek is an enthusiastic member of the Mumbai Meat Marathon, a group that gets together every weekend to try out protein-heavy dishes. "It's just to do with the country progressing. The mindset is changing and no one really sticks to traditional values anymore," she said, although she admitted her mother dislikes her love of beef, a taboo under Hinduism.

There are no recent figures on overall meat consumption, but the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 2007 put India's per capita intake at 5.0 to 5.5kg - the country's highest since records began, with further increases expected. With chicken a favorite meat, the rapid rise of the domestic poultry market is a good indication of changing diets. "Worldwide meat consumption is 46.6 kg/person, according to a chart at http://chartsbin.com/view/bhy. That same chart lists India as the lowest consumption in the world at 3.26 kg, Luxembourg the highest as 136.72 kg, the US and Australia tied for second at 123 kg/year," says Hindu Press International. We should realize that meat cannot be acquired without violence to others, so this unwarranted violence toward others is not good for the spiritual elevation of anyone.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Many times there seems to be some confusion or lack of clarity on whether the Vedic path condones or condemns the eating of meat. Often times I hear Indians and followers of the Vedic path explain that meat eating is all right, that the Vedic shastras do not condemn it. Of course, in this day and age meat eating includes and supports the whole meat industry, which is the systematic slaughter of thousands of animals on a daily basis. But if we actually research the Vedic texts we will find that there are numerous references in the various portions of the Vedic literature which explain in no uncertain terms the karmic dangers of meat-eating and unnecessary animal slaughter. These indicate that meat eating should be given up for one’s spiritual and even material progress. This means that the Vedic conclusions that some people present for meat-eating are not accurate, and that they have never studied their own religious books very thoroughly.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Vegetarianism: Recommended in Vedic Scripture"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/vegetarianism_recommended_in_Vedic_scripture.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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WHY MEAT HAS A DRUG PROBLEM

PIG MANURE REVEALS REASONS
TO WORRY ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS

http://science.time.com - Back in 2005 I spent more time than I care to remember in the backyard chicken farms of Asia. This was the time of the H5N1 avian flu, which broke out regularly in chickens and occasionally (with fatal effects) in human beings, and which always seemed to be one click of the genetic lock away from threatening the entire world. To prevent that mutation from happening - one of that would have allowed the deadly H5N1 virus to spread easily from person to person, like a human flu virus - health officials in affected countries would do their best to track and eradicate outbreaks as they occurred in animals, often by simply culling an afflicted flock.
But there was always one country where that plan never quite worked: China. Chinese chicken farmers had an unfortunate habit of prophylactically dosing their birds with Tamiflu, the only antiviral drug that showed any effectiveness against H5N1.

As a result, it became that much more difficult for health officials to track H5N1 outbreaks, because Tamiflu-dosed chickens could still get infected and spread the virus, but without showing the symptoms that would set off medical alarm bells. And overusing Tamiflu also eroded its effectiveness, as over time the H5N1 virus was able to develop a resistance to the drug. Had an H5N1 human pandemic ever occurred, we may well have been helpless. It’s no secret that Chinese farmers use high levels of antibiotics in animal feed. 
The question for researchers is whether that might be a direct cause of increasing antibiotic resistant infections in humans. For the PNAS paper, researchers actually sifted through the manure-enriched soil found near three large-scale Chinese pig farms, searching for the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes. Since the manure is often sold as fertilizer or washes downstream into rivers, those antibiotic-resistant genes can spread to other forms of bacteria, decreasing the overall effectiveness of the drugs in human beings.

Scientists try to connect the heavy use of antibiotics in animals with antibiotic resistance in people. However, according to Bryan Walsh (a senior editor at TIME), Chinese farmers are hardly alone in their reliance on drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that in 2011, 29.9 million lbs. of antibiotics were sold in the U.S. for meat and poultry production - nearly four times the amount sold to treat sick people. "In China and in the U.S., drugs are likely to remain a part of commercial meat production - and the rest of us may pay the price," he warned. Undoubtedly, eating meat is very bad for health. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The animals that are being raised for meat in the United States are diseased. The livestock industry attempts to control this disease by feeding the animals antibiotics. Huge quantities of drugs go for this purpose. Of all antibiotics used in the U.S., 55% are fed to livestock. But this is only partially effective because the bacteria that cause disease are becoming immune to the antibiotics. The percentage of staphylococcal infections resistant to penicillin, for example, has grown from 13% in 1960 to 91% in 1988. These antibiotics and-or the bacteria they are intended to destroy reside in the meat that goes to market. ... U.S. meat and pharmaceutical industries gave their full and complete support to the routine feeding of antibiotics to livestock, turning a blind eye to the threat of disease to the consumer.

Hinduism TODAY :
"How to Win an Argument with a Meat Eater"
Magazine Web Edition - July 1993 
http://www.eatveg.com/argument.htm
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1044

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

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR
2013: YEAR OF THE SNAKE

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk - The Lunar New Year is being celebrated around the world on Sunday to mark the start of the year of the snake. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is the most important holiday of the year in much of Asia. In China an estimated 200m people make the journey home to spend time with their families. It is thought to be the biggest mass human migration on earth, reports the BBC. So many fireworks are let off in Beijing during the celebrations that authorities this year were forced to appeal for a limit so as not to contribute further to already toxically high levels of air pollution. 
Chinese new year falls on the first day of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days. According to mythology, firecrackers and red lanterns are believed to ward off evil spirits. Thousands of people braved the rain to pack into Trafalgar Square in central London today to celebrate.

Music, dancing and fireworks displays kept up the crowd's spirits as they saw in the Year of the Snake. Performers from China and the UK wore intricate and colourful costumes as they paraded through the streets of China Town, before dignitaries took part in a traditional Dragon Eyes Dotting Ceremony on the Trafalgar Square stage. The hardy revellers were then treated to a dramatic Flying Lion Dance in front of the iconic facade of the National Gallery. 
Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally lasts 15 days, from the first day (during a new moon) to the 15th day (a full moon).Each day holds a special significance that varies according to local traditions. But first, before the arrival of the new year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away ill fortune, and to welcome good luck. On new year’s eve, there are family gatherings to celebrate and enjoy sumptuous traditional feasts, and to greet the new year with fireworks at midnight.

Over 1.3 billion people in China and millions of Chinese around the world celebrated yesterday the first day of the Chinese New Year. It’s the most important of Chinese holidays, kicking off a celebration that lasts for 15 days and culminates with the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. For 2013, it’s the Year of the Snake. In China, the familiar Gregorian calendar is used for day-to-day life. But Chinese calendar dates continue to be used to mark traditional holidays such as the new year and the fall moon festival. It’s also used astrologically to select favorable dates for weddings and other special events. The celebration began yesterday in China, but don’t let that stop you from celebrating. Gong Xi Fa Ca! That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The cultural relations between India and China can be traced back to very early times. There are numerous references to China in Sanskrit texts, but their chronology is sketchy. The Mahabharata refers to China several times, including a reference to presents brought by the Chinese at the Rajasuya Yajna of the Pandavas; also, the Arthasastra and the Manusmriti mention China. ... According to Terence Duke, martial arts went from India to China. Fighting without weapons was a specialty of the ancient Ksatriya warriors of India. Until recently, India and China had coexisted peacefully for over two thousand years. This amicable relationship may have been nurtured by the close historical and religious ties of Buddhism, introduced to China by Indian monks at a very early stage of their respective histories, although there are fragmentary records of contacts anterior to the introduction of Buddhism. The Chinese literature of the third century is full of geographic and mythological elements derived from India.

Vedic Knowledge Online :
“Vedic Roots of China and Japan”
http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz
http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/connections/Vedic-roots-China-and-Japan.php

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