The Irony and the Ecstasy

The Hare Krishna maha-mantra, in Devanagari. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My college room mate's name was Chris Nelson.

The Vedas say that if anyone even unknowingly chants the Holy Name of God - such as Krishna or Rama - they are spiritually benefitted. If you take the name Chris Nelson and parse it like so - chrisne lson - you will notice that the chrisne part is simlar in sound to krishna.

Universal Religion

Having expanded my early Christian roots to a more universal understanding of God and religion, I am always impressed by the lack of fear, guilt, and hate in Hinduism, Vaishnavism in particular. I embrace the holidays of many religions, especially in the celebratory seasons where love is most abundant. I have never liked the "we love our religion and hate yours" mentality. Better, "goodwill to all."

Image via Wikipedia

Jewish prayer to mark a transition to something new

SHEHECHEYANU V'KIYAMANU V'HIGIYANU LAZMAN HAZEH

Jewish prayer to mark a transition to something new:
"(Blessed are you, God, Ruler of the universe,)
Who gives us life, sustains us, and brings us to this time/season."

It is said at the start of a holiday, to acknowledge the return of the cycle of the year; and even when eating a fruit for the first time in a season or wearing a new set of clothes. - Rabbi Avivah Winocur Erlick