In this episode, we delve into two core concepts that largely define how Hindus view our actions and life on earth and after: reincarnation and karma. As usual, we break down common misconceptions around these concepts and even respond to specific hateful narrative. Tune in to find out more!! Learn more here: BBC Bitesize, "Cycle of birth and death," https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zmgny4j/revision/3 Cindy Cheng, 2-17-2017, "Reincarnation in Hinduism," https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/gravematters/2017/02/17/reincarnation-in-hinduism/ Hinduism Today, 9-5-2019, "Karma and Reincarnation," https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hindu-basics/karma-and-reincarnation/ https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/what-is-karma-really/ https://isha.sadhguru.org/karma/what-is-karma/ https://pediaa.com/what-is-reincarnation-in-hinduism/ https://slife.org/karma-in-hinduism/

Oftentimes our teachers, though they are essential parts of our lives, do not get the respect they deserve. Although this will always be a problem in any part of world, this respect and honor is embedded into Hinduism and Hindu culture. In this episode we will explore the role gurus, or teachers, play in Hindu society, explain the different ways that we honor our gurus, and uncover the origins of guru purnima. Tune in to find out more! Learn more here: Mat Mcdermott, 2-27-2019, "8 Things You May Want to Know About Gurus ," Hindu American Foundation, https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/8-things-you-may-want-to-know-about-gurus/ https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/wisdom/article/story-guru-purnima-from-adiyogi-today https://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/predictions/festivals/guru-purnima-celebration/ https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/blog/what-is-guru-purnima/ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/guru-purnima-2021-importance-tradition-food-and-culture/photostory/76784839.cms?picid=76784980 mPanchang, "Guru Purnima 2022 Date, Importance And Festival Celebration," https://www.mpanchang.com/festivals/guru-purnima/

In this episode we will uncover the roots of Yoga and confirm its Hindu roots and origins, evaluate the benefits of practicing yoga, and even consider how it has been received positively and negatively by Western Society. Tune in to find out more! Learn more here: Rutu Patel, "Yoga: The True Hindu Roots behind the Western Trend," Brown Girl Magazine, https://browngirlmagazine.com/2019/10/yoga-the-true-hindu-roots-behind-the-western-trend/ Jayaram V, "Origin, Principles, Practice and Types of Yoga," https://www.hinduwebsite.com/yoga.asp https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga https://www.hinduamerican.org/projects/hindu-roots-of-yoga

In this episode we will attempt to understand what makes Indian food so distinct and why Hindus follow certain restrictions when it comes to food, such as the common practice of vegetarianism and the prohibition of cow meat. Furthermore, we will explore why and when Hindus fast and explain the significance of prasad. Tune in to find out more! Learn more here: Minority Nurse, 3-30-2013, "Hindu Dietary Practices: Feeding the Body, Mind and Soul,"https://minoritynurse.com/hindu-dietary-practices-feeding-the-body-mind-and-soul/ Wendy Doniger, 7-16-2017, "Hinduism and its complicated history with cows (and people who eat them)," Conversation, https://theconversation.com/hinduism-and-its-complicated-history-with-cows-and-people-who-eat-them-80586 https://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/yoga-food-sattvic-rajasic-and-tamasic-diet/11018/ https://www.yogiapproved.com/eating-dosha/ http://www.wholesomeayurveda.com/2017/10/21/sattvic-rajasic-tamasic-ayurveda-food-mind-body/ https://faithinfood.wordpress.com/spirituality-food/hinduism/

In this episode we will track how hinduphobic incidents have evolved over time and understand why such incidents may not have as much awareness as some other forms of persecution. Tune in to find out more! For more information checkout below sources: Parth Parihar, "Hinduphobia is a reality. Scholars at ‘Dismantling Global Hindutva’ conference must know," ThePrint, https://theprint.in/opinion/hinduphobia-is-a-reality-scholars-at-dismantling-global-hindutva-conference-must-know/728983/ https://kreately.in/we-need-to-talk-about-bangladeshs-hinduphobia/ https://www.hinduamerican.org/projects/human-rights-report/bangladesh https://www.hinduamerican.org/hinduphobia-history https://www.hinduamerican.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HAF-2020-Human-Rights-Report-Pakistan.pdf https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/10/29/bangladesh-communal-violence-hindu-muslim-identity-crisis/ https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2020/07/11/forced-conversions-in-pakistan/

Listen in to find out why Hindus celebrate this day and what are the common practices and activities done during Dussehra!