Janabai is one of the early women saints of Maharashtra during the period of the medieval Bhakti movement. She was one of the greatest women Sant in the Vitthal Sampradaya, the tradition of devotion to Vitthal of Panadarpur.
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
This commemoration day was adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly on May 13, 2019 in order to condemn continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief. This day is celebrated annually on August 22nd.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the birthday of Hindu God Ganesha (Vinayaka – Ganapati), the God of wisdom, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 date is Saturday, August 22 – information based on Hindu calendar in India. This Ganpati Festival in 2020 ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Anant Chaturdashi day – September 1, 2020.
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is held every year on 19 August to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world. World Humanitarian Day is celebrated each year on August 19th. The United Nations has an Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Aid.
Humanitarianism is an active belief in the value of human life, whereby humans practice benevolent treatment and provide assistance to other humans, in order to improve the conditions of humanity for moral, altruistic and logical reasons.
Humanitarianism might be summarised as Help Ever, Hurt never, Love All, Serve All.
Khwaja Muhammad Baba as-Samasi
Muhammad Baba as-Samasi of Uzbekistan was born in 1197, and was a Sufi mystic of the Naqsbandi Sufi order. He is the fifteenth Sheikh in the Naqshbandi Golden Chain and at the same time, the sixth Khwaja in the ‘Khwajagan’ – the Masters of Wisdom of Central Asia. He passed in 1257.
Birthday of Krishna – Janmashtami, 2020
Janmashtami, birthday of Lord Krishna, is based on calendars followed in India. It is also called Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, and Sri Krishna Jayanti – all refer to the birthday of Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna Jayanti 2020 date in West, East and Southern parts of India is on August 11. In North India, it is on August 12, 2020. For many, Krishna is the Supreme God. For others, Krishna is one of the many births of Mahavishnu, the one who perpetually takes birth to destroy evil and uphold dharma, righteousness on Earth. For others, Krishna is the guru of personal spirituality, as they read and attempt to live the teachings given in the Bhagavad Gita, the “Song of the Lord”, uttered by Krishna on the battlefield.
Meditation in time of Coronavirus: Getting Close to Love
The time of coronavirus elicits reaction: due mystery spread – unaccountable contact with the virus – there can be trepidation, concern, worry, fear. How does one go about their daily business? How do you get food and water? How do you care for your children, your family, your parents, your dependent friends and neighbours? You know someone who is aged and gets home help? What is happening for them? Are they getting meals, the proper care? These and other questions flood our minds in this time of coronavirus.
We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. We admit – as a human race – that we all have souls. The International Distress Signal is “Save our Souls“. What is it we can do to save our souls, save our minds from fear and worry in these dreadful times of plague all over the world, sickness, and death. What can we do for those health-carers, medical front-line staff who are selflessly rendering care to those who are infected?
The answer is we can take time; we can take time to not haste, waste and worry. We can take time to remember we are spiritual beings and get in touch with our own spirit, that spiritual part of us that floods our world with transcendent love. Here we bring you a meditation – for you to take time, and nurture your soul, your spirit, your well-being. In so doing, you give light and love to all on Earth.
UN World Day of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous peoples, today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and ways of life.
To raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982.
To look at the spiritual essence of human beings, all humans possess a soul, called the Atma. All peoples are illuminated within by the atma, for the intellect, the source of intelligence and mind, is nearest to the soul and gives over 80% illumination to the intelligence. Where society and culture mark a difference in human life, colour of skin does not make for any difference.
Full Moon August 2020
For those who live in the northern hemisphere, August’s full Moon was traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain (North America) were most readily caught during this part of summer. Away from the fish and on to concerns of this day and age, the madding crowd with their empty fears and similar noises can give us much to worry about. However, the planets stand ready for you to take up their energy for positive effect and turn this world around.
Jain Saint: Shrimad Rajachandra
2500 years ago, the 24th great teacher of the Jains, Mahavira, attained nirvana (release from the cycle of birth and death). Since then, several enlightened souls have expounded the philosophy of Jainism. One such exalted soul was Shrimad Rajchandra. He is deeply venerated for the great spiritual heights He had attained, his outstanding personality, His remarkable exposition of Mahavira’s teachings and His literary genius.
International Day of Friendship
World Friendship Day, also known as International Day of Friendship takes place on 30th July. The day places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures.
Bahá’u’lláh
Baháʼu’lláh was a Persian religious leader, and the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, which advocates universal peace and unity among all races, nations, and religions.
Water and Sanitation as a Human Right
Human rights recognise the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like, what we think or what we believe.
They are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, which are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies. They are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 64/292 recognizing “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights”.
Ashram Visit: October 2001
I sat in the nearly depleted darshan hall (not many here at the present moment, but then that is due to change, the Sai Paduka Trust is coming up from Madurai next week) I looked at Swami as he began walking down the red carpet from Poornachandra to give Afternoon Darshan. Yesterday I was reading Paramahansa Yoganananda and Sri Aurobindo on Avatars. I began to think about Swami as Avatar as he entered the hall. Swami is not what I think about him, Swami is what I know about him and that is based on my experience.
Ashram Visit: Gandhi Jayanti, 2001
Swami was working right up to bhajans, calling people in for business. Business is administrator of this, administrator of that, Secretary of this, Department Head in College, etc, etc, all called in for 5 or 10 minutes into the room. Someone comes out of the room during the start of bhajans. Swami comes out and waits, continues talking with an admin orderly and then takes his seat during the first bhajan.
