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Vegan Documentaries Like ‘You Are What You Eat’ Seem Damned If They Do or Don’t – Sentient Media

Posted: January 24, 2024 at 2:35 am


Its been almost ten years since the ground-breaking vegan documentary Cowspiracy was released. The pioneering film about the impacts of animal agriculture raised public awareness, perhaps like never before, about the connection between meat and environmental destruction. Cowspiracy set out to catalyze a broader conversation, and influence viewers to rethink what they eat. But it also marked the start of a trend that would grow over the next decade utilizing the medium of documentary films to highlight underreported information about animal farming, plant-based eating, health and nutrition. Today, the latest doc series to make waves in this space, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, is one of the most-watched shows on Netflix, and is creating a serious stir on social media.

But that stir is notably mixed raising the question of just how much a documentary with a vegan angle can accomplish at this moment in culture.

The new docuseries, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment follows four of the 22 sets of twins participating in an eight-week study to compare the impacts of diet. One twin eats a balanced omnivore diet while the other genetically identical twin eats a balanced vegan diet.

The study was conducted by Stanford researchers and published in November in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The results were striking: participants on the vegan diet had better cardiometabolic health outcomes compared to the omnivore diet, including a 12 percent drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol, a 20 percent drop in insulin levels and a three percent drop in weight.

Findings of a subsequent preprint study (not yet peer-reviewed) that looked further at the Stanford data were also featured in the film. Here, participants on the vegan diet also saw a reduction in biological age assessed by examining the lengths of the protective caps at the ends of DNA strands, known as telomeres in each twin. As individuals age, the lengths of telomeres naturally decrease. The longer telomeres assessed in the twins on a vegan diet pointed to a younger biological age.

But the series goes further than these two studies, to make the environmental, social justice and ethical cases for not eating meat, dairy and eggs. The documentary has a bigger agenda, in other words, and wellness and diet influencers took notice.

Two years after Cowspiracy, another widely watched documentary, What the Health, was released by the same filmmakers, this time making the case for the health risks associated with consuming animal products. Here too, the movie went beyond its central thesis in this case, health to expose evidence of government collusion with the meat and dairy industries.

Almost immediately, the backlash began. Vox published Debunking What the Health, the buzzy new documentary that wants you to be vegan. Time Magazine went with, What You Should Know About the Pro-Vegan Netflix Film What the Health, arguing that links made in the doc between meat/dairy consumption and cancer were overblown and without necessary nuance. On the other hand, the article notes that claims made regarding conflicts of interest in the food and health industries are real, as are concerns about antibiotic resistance due to meat consumption.

Today, reactions to the You Are What You Eat series have been just as strong, swift and polarizing. While many social media users are expressing shock re-thinking their whole lives and stating their intentions to go vegan, others have threatened to cancel their Netflix subscription due to the misinformation.

Some of the voices already have their minds made up. Author and social media personality Dave Asprey known for advocating for low-carb dieting and putting butter in your coffee, aka bulletproof coffee called the film another manipulative piece of propaganda to his nearly 1 million followers on Instagram. He also claims the study was funded by Beyond Meat (it wasnt).

Others approached the film with a more open mind. In a review of the documentary on her website, Toronto-based registered dietician Abby Langer criticized the film for being stacked with experts with an agenda. While she appreciated some of the films points the agriculture industrys influence on dietary guidelines and an absence of healthy plant-forward options in many BIPOC communities she expressed frustration at the lack of counterbalance. About the films presentation of antibiotic use by the animal agriculture industry, she wrote:

Should the average person be concerned? Im not sure, because we were only presented with one side of the argument. The average person will probably take that unchallenged side as fact, which is problematic. I would have liked to hear from an unbiased farmer and scientist about this, and about, well, the entire documentary.

Langer clearly isnt vegan but shes no meat advocate either. In a post from 2018, she called the carnivore diet the perfect example of a post-truth era diet fad.

In reaction to some of the backlash, author and surgeon Dr. Garth Davis came to the defense of the documentary, stating via social media that the Stanford study was nicely done, and describing the doc as excellent. But he too worried about the presentation, noting that while I want everybody to see what happens in a factory farm [and] I want everybody to see the climate effects, I dont really know if that fit in this documentary. And thats making people say it is biased.

While some may argue that films like You Are What You Eat and other vegan documentaries might better serve the subject matter by letting the science, stats and facts speak for themselves without any attempt to persuade viewers, the question is: would they be entertaining enough to get people to watch in the first place?

It is difficult to measure just how much a documentary can persuade viewers to change what they eat. However, a 2020 preliminary study published in Frontiers in Communication tried to do just that. Researchers showed Cowspiracy to 27 participants. It also showed 21 respondents two episodes of the nature documentary Planet Earth, which made no reference to meat consumption.

The differences were striking: a significant change in attitude to reduce meat consumption was predicted by the type of documentary they saw, write the authors. The average attitude score in the group that watched Planet Earth did not change, but increased in the group that watched Cowspiracy. Further, intention to reduce meat was predicted by the type of documentary they saw [] Intention to eat less meat did not change in the group that watched Planet Earth [] but increased in the group that watched Cowspiracy.

In a subsequent study by Faunalytics, it was found that 37 percent of surveyed animal advocates said they got their start in the movement after being exposed to some form of media, with 13 percent specifying that media as full-length documentary, such as Earthlings.

Jodey Castricano, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, has been teaching critical animal studies for over a decade and has long utilized documentaries about animal farming in her class, including Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home and The End of Meat. She admits though, that there is a fear that once a documentary is widely considered vegan, mainstream/meat-eating audiences are more likely to err on the side of their own bias and avoid it, in order to avoid the resulting cognitive dissonance. When asked if she thinks there is such a thing as the curse of the vegan documentary, Castricano tells Sentient Media yes, since vegan is often discredited as being preachy and is easily dismissed or ridiculed.

By its very nature, the medium of the vegan documentary aims to amuse and appeal to broad audiences, often relying on narrative structure, emotive language and music, all to keep viewers engaged and entertained (and those Netflix ratings up). Thus documentaries can or sometimes must oversimplify information and leave out important nuances. This can result in the subject matter being reinterpreted, leaving it vulnerable to criticism; especially when that subject matter is veganism, and even more so when its about health and nutrition.

Nutritional science is one of the most complex, varied and ever-evolving (or messy as Vox once described) fields of study because humans are complex, varied and ever-evolving. Making the case for plant-based eating based largely on this fluctuating field can be difficult, so it is understandable to want to fortify that position with the many more concrete and shocking facts about animal agriculture. If the audience is there, hit them with the whole story, right?

There is, however, that risk of catching the vegan documentary curse being deemed biased and then ultimately dismissed. Is this risk worth the reward? Well, so far, You Are What You Eat has been viewed 8 million times. Even with their limitations, vegan documentaries are still worth making. As Kate Manzo writes in her journal article on the usefulness of climate change films: If climate change films cannot offer a complete view of climate change due to the nature of the subject matter and the nature of film [] then climate change films are necessarily imperfect. In other words, tis better to have these films out in the world, even in their flawed form, than not at all.

Read More

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Blue Zones: New Netflix Docuseries Highlights Plant-Based Longevity

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Vegan Documentaries Like 'You Are What You Eat' Seem Damned If They Do or Don't - Sentient Media

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:35 am

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Distributing Buddhas Congee Thousands Of Miles From Home – Religion Unplugged

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January 23, 2024 Heerea Kaur Rikhraj

NEW YORK Every year in mid-January, Livia Gao arrives at Mahayana Buddhist Temple in New Yorks Chinatown at dawn to prepare 2,000 batches of congee, a soupy rice mixture, for the community.

About 30 volunteers join her, peeling longan skin, boiling coconut milk with white sticky rice and organizing red beans, green beans, dates and lotus seeds to add for additional flavor.

When a sweetness fills the air signaling that the congee is done, the team wanders to the main hall to join a line of monks who begin the days service with a variety of sutra prayers, followed by a series of chants. As the prayers come to an end, the attendees then pack the congee and distribute it to senior centers and passersby on Canal street.

READ: Religion And National Identity Linked In Southeast Asian Countries

This special service is held each year, and is more commonly known as the Laba Festival by Mahayana Chinese Buddhists. Laba, which translates to 12 (La) and eight (ba) is named as such as the festival falls on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, typically three weeks before Lunar New Year. It usually falls on Jan. 18 on the Gregorian Calendar. The day is one of the most important for Chinese Buddhists as it is considered the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment.

According to various historical accounts, Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting for several days under a Pipal tree in what is now modern day India. It is believed by many that a young girl who was passing through handed him a bowl of rice pudding, which was the last thing he ate before achieving enlightenment.

This is why Buddhists prepare during Laba, a way to commemorate the shepherdess who offered Buddha rice pudding that enabled him to achieve enlightenment. Eight, which is a lucky number in Chinese culture, is a central number during the festival. Thus, the congee made is prepared with eight or more ingredients to bring in good luck. For Mahayana Buddhists, distributing Buddhas congee or Laba congee is a way to bring happiness, luck and good health to the public.

This act also helps us as Buddhists practice grace and generosity, Gao said.

While the modern-day Laba festival is connected to Buddhism, the festival itself existed long before Buddhism came to China. In its original form, folks would pray for good fortune, health and a good harvest by making sacrifices to the gods a few weeks before the new year.

When Buddhism arrived in China in the first century, locals switched the offerings to congee, and used the festival as a way to commemorate Buddha. This is why the Laba Festival is typically only celebrated in China and by Chinese Buddhists in other areas of the world.

Buddhism, the worlds fourth largest religion, originated in modern day South Asia, and the teachings of Buddha are central to the religion. Buddha, who was born as Siddhartha Gautama, was a child of a royal family from the Shakya Clan. Miraculous circumstances surrounded his birth and early life. Gautamas mother was said to have given birth to him standing up while leaning against a tree.

Moments after he was born, it was noted that he proceeded to take seven steps. Astrologers also predicted he would be a great king or religious teacher. His father, who feared that Gautama would choose the path of religious teachings if exposed to the ails of the world, isolated him from the outside world for as long as he could.

At age 29, Gautama ventured out of the palace grounds three consecutive times, encountering an elderly person, a corpse and an ill person for the first time. The fourth time he ventured out, he encountered an older holy man, whose way of life inspired Gautama to leave home and pursue a life of spirituality. He spent years as an ascetic, and fasted intensely before attaining enlightenment. He then shared his learnings, encouraging folks to pursue The Middle Way, which emphasizes a life of balance.

There are four tenents central to Buddhism, known as the Four Noble Truths. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. In essence, these tenents emphasize one principle: That while suffering exists, there is a way to its end. Buddhism also recognizes that happiness is present, but that it is fleeting. There are several schools of Buddhism which currently exist such as Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, but the four noble truths are central in these variations of Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism is the most common form of the religion practiced in China and other East Asian countries. It differs from other schools as it accepts both early Buddhist teachings and other doctrines that other schools dont. For instance, Mahayana Buddhists believe that anyone can aspire to achieve Buddhas awakening and become a bodhisattva (one who is one the path to becoming a Buddha). Other schools of thought believe that Buddha is the only bodhisattva that can exist.

There are currently three Mahayana Buddhist temples in the greater New York area, with two of them sitting in the city. The original temple, on Mott street in Chinatown, opened in 1962. The largest of the three sits on Canal Street, and opened to the public in 1997.

Outside the red pillars is where Gao and several volunteers man a booth to hand out around a 1,000 congee boxes to passerbyers during the Laba festival. The other 1,000 are sent to senior homes in the neighborhood.

Gao, who has organized the festival in New York for the last four years, grew up as a Mahayana Buddhist in China before moving to the United States. The festival was only open to the Buddhist community during COVID, but reopened to the public last year. Every year, the congee runs out before the day is over.

Its nice to see so many people celebrating with us and enjoying this gift, Gao said.

Heerea Kaur Rikhraj is a New York-based journalist who covers religion, health, Indigenous and foreign affairs. She is currently an intern for New Mexico in Depth.

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Distributing Buddhas Congee Thousands Of Miles From Home - Religion Unplugged

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Attends Forum at Hsuan Chuang University to Discuss Current Status and Future … – Central Tibetan Administration

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Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa addressing the conference.

Taipei: Under the direction of the Office of Tibet, the first conference of Tibetan Buddhist Centres based in Taiwan was organised, together with a forum to discuss the current status of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan and its prospects for the future, on 18 and 19 January 2024, at Hsuan Chuang University. This duo symposium was jointly organised by the Universitys Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Global Tibetan Buddhist Research Center, and Taiwan International Tibetan Buddhist Association.

Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa from the Office of Tibet delivered opening remarks during the forums inaugural session. The opening session was also addressed by the Hsuan Chuang Universitys Chancellor, Xingguan; Principal Dr Chien Shao-chi; President of the Tibetan Buddhism Research Centre, Shih Chao-hwei; President of the Global Tibetan Buddhist Research Center, Khenpo Tsewang Rigzin; Chen Ming-ru; and Zhong Zhi.

Over the course of the two-day conference, the speakers consisting of Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, Dr Liu Huijuan, Professor Liu Yu Guan, Professor Weng Shi Jie, Professor Pan Mei Lin, and Guoji Rui read their respective research articles on the current status and prospects of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan to the forums participants and discussed on inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Taiwan as wills of the Taiwanese people.

As part of the Tibetan Buddhist Centres conference, a round table meeting was also held between the representatives of the major Tibetan Buddhist schools who introduced their respective schools and spoke about the establishment of their religious centres in Taiwan. It was also joined by the advisors of the Office of Tibet, Zhong Zhi and Chen Ming-ru, along with the President of the Taipei-based Gaden Shartse Centre, Liu Jin Chai.

On the second day, a debate session was organised to discourse on observing Buddhist ceremonies in Taiwan, developing relations amongst dharma centres in Taiwan, preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan, and the services Tibetan Buddhism provides to contemporary global societies.

-Report filed by OoT Taiwan

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Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Attends Forum at Hsuan Chuang University to Discuss Current Status and Future ... - Central Tibetan Administration

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Japan Art and Cats: Cat in Buddhist Robes Modern Tokyo Times – Modern Tokyo Times

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Japan Art and Cats: Cat in Buddhist Robes

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Cats are the theme in this article concerning Japanese art. However, the above art piece by Okubo Tadanobu(1722-1777)is very intriguing, unlike the other two more natural settings of cats.

In traditional Japanese folklore, cats had a deeper negative angle. This concerns the corpse-eating cats (kasha), the shapeshifting (bakeneko) cat with one tail, and the two-tailed cat (nekomata).

Yet, in the art piece by Okubo Tadanobu,the cat is the protector of the written words of Buddhism. This concerns cats being brought to Japan in increasing numbers during the Nara Period (710-794) for a specific purpose. Accordingly, cats protected important Buddhist scrolls from gnawing rats.

Another unique trait of this stunning art piece is the chrysanthemums on the robes. Henceforth, another important connotation that links the Imperial Family with cats.

The second art piece is by Sasajima Kihei (1906-1993). From 1962, he focused on religious themes in his art. For example, the Sacred Moutain and Fudo Myo-o (Buddhist Deity).

The final art piece of the Sleeping Cat is by Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889). He was independent in mind and thought. This reality shines right through the art of Kyosai.

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Vibrant ceremony marks grand opening of new Buddhist temple PHOTOS – Las Vegas Review-Journal

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Disciples of Buddhism and honorary guests were treated to a vibrant grand opening for a new house of worship in central Las Vegas.

Thursday mornings festivities at the Benevolence Temple kicked off with a traditional Dragon Dance, which saw performers gyrate to booming and clanking drum sounds as they entered the packed building past cloth-covered deities that towered over fresh fruit and food offerings.

The temple will extend equal care to all sentient beings regardless of race, gender, or religion, according to the organization. The term benevolence signifies language, actions, and thoughts that are kind, caring, and beneficial to others.

Elected officials or their representatives entered and lined up in front of the main shrine, each holding a red ribbon shaped like a flower. They each were handed scissors to cut strands in a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The curtain shielding the shrine was pulled to reveal a large golden statue at the center of what appeared to be a tranquil garden.

Great day for the state of Nevada, Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony said in his opening remarks. I want to congratulate you on this significant milestone for your temple and your efforts to unify local residents and people from different religions and races.

The temple led by Holy Guru Jiaozun Zhengda, vice president of the World Buddhism Headquarters will preach the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Shakyamuni Buddha, according to the organization.

Naming a Buddhist temple with these words expresses the original intention of Holy Guru Jiaozun Zhengda to propagate the cause of Buddhism through selflessness and compassionate virtuous deeds, with the vow to enable sentient beings to learn the Buddhist Dharma and attain liberation through a compassionate Bodhi mind, the organization wrote.

The Las Vegas Benevolence Temple was founded in 2019 but operated at a temporary site before it found its new home, 700 E. St. Louis Ave., which was vacant four months ago.

The Buddha statues were declared sacred in a Thursday ceremony. Now, the temple will offer meditation guidance, teach Dharma discourses and the chants of Mahayana Buddhism, according to the organization.

The disciples will participate in charity, the organization wrote. The objective is to contribute in a practical way to the local community while spreading the doctrines of Buddhism to the public.

The Metropolitan Police Department and City Council members Victoria Seaman and Olivia Diaz sent representatives.

The community will benefit from the sanctuary that your temple provides, Anthony said to applause.

Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Vadnagar unearthed: Journey through Millennia, challenging notions of a Dark Age – Times of India

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In the early 2000s, the state archaeology department unearthed a significant piece of history a Buddhist monastery in Vadnagar. This discovery marked the town as a pivotal center for Buddhism. The journey to uncover Vadnagars Buddhist heritage began in 1992 with the finding of a Bodhisattva idol, subsequently leading to the revelation of a trove of artifacts from both the town and its surroundings.

HiuenTsangsAccount :

In 641 CE, the renowned Chinese travelerHiuenTsang traversed the region, bestowing the name Anantapura/Anandapura uponVadnagar. He described a bustling town with a dense population, boasting tensamgharamasand harboring fewer than 1,000 monks.HiuenTsang noted their study of the Hinayana of theSammatiyaSchool,providinginvaluable insights into the religious practices of that time.

Approximately38kmnortheast ofVadnagarlies Taranga, offering a distinct chapter in the regions Buddhist history. Experts contend that while Buddhism flourished inVadnagarfrom the 1st to the 7th centuries CE, its practice persisted in various forms until the 14th century at the Taranga hills. Further excavations at Taranga uncovered structures believed to be part of a Buddhist religious complex, unveiling the enduring nature of Buddhism in the region.

ASI Excavations atVadnagar:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),commencingexcavations inVadnagarsince 2015, has uncovered remarkable structures. Among these is an elliptical structure accompanied by a nearby square stupa, alongside a colossal edifice near Sharmishtha Lake. These findings contribute to solidifyingVadnagarsstatus as a crucial Buddhist site, echoing with historical significance.

The recent joint study by prominent institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Physical Research Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Deccan College, reveals compelling evidence of cultural continuity inVadnagar, Gujarat. This continuity persists even after the collapse of the Harappan civilization, challenging the notion of a Dark Age in Indian history.

The archaeological excavation, led by the ASI and funded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (Government of Gujarat), uncovered a settlement inVadnagardating back to 800 BCE. This period aligns with the late-Vedic/pre-BuddhistMahajanapadas or oligarchic republics, suggesting a rich historical tapestry that endured over 3,000 years. The study proposes that the rise and fall of kingdoms and recurrent invasions in India were influenced by climatic changes, such as rainfall or droughts.

Published in the Elsevier journal Quaternary Science Reviews, the paper titled Climate, human settlement, and migration in South Asia from early historic to medieval period: evidence from new archaeological excavation at Vadnagar, Western India outlines the research findings. The excavation, supported by Sudha Murthy (former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation), unveiled Vadnagar as a multicultural and multireligious settlement encompassing Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Islamic influences.

The archaeological exploration in Vadnagar unearthed seven cultural stages, spanning from the Mauryan period to Gaekwad-British colonial rule. The citys endurance through diverse cultural epochs is evident in the discovery of one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, along with artifacts like potteries, copper, gold, silver, iron objects, intricately designed bangles, and coin molds from the Indo-Greek rule.

According to ASI archaeologist Abhijit Ambekar, the excavations co-author, Vadnagar may be the oldest living city within a single fortification in India. Recent unpublished radiocarbon dates suggest the settlements potential age of 1400 BCE, contemporary to the late post-urban Harappan period. Professor Anindya Sarkar of IIT, the lead author, posits that if true, this challenges the concept of a Dark Age and implies cultural continuity in India for the past 5500 years.

As we look to the way forward, these findings emphasize the importance of continued archaeological research and preservation efforts in Vadnagar and other historical sites. Understanding the rich cultural history can contribute to a deeper comprehension of Indias past and foster a sense of national identity.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Preservation of archaeological sites requires substantial resources and vigilant conservation measures. Furthermore, disseminating these historical insights to the wider public is crucial for fostering a collective appreciation of Indias diverse cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the discovery in Vadnagar provides a fascinating glimpse into Indias ancient history, challenging prevailing notions and underscoring the need for sustained efforts in archaeological exploration, preservation, and public awareness. The journey towards uncovering the depths of Indias past continues, promising a richer understanding of the cultural mosaic that has shaped the nation over millennia. This groundbreaking study challenges historical perceptions and suggests a cultural continuity in India for the last 5500 years, potentially debunking the idea of a Dark Age.

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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In Himachal Pradesh, Hindus and Buddhists organise religious ceremonies for rain & snow – Down To Earth Magazine

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With the 3-month-long dry spell continuing in the state, people say they have been left with few alternatives

The people of Himachal Pradesh have turned to the divine, praying for snow and rain as a dry spell that has been on in the state since the past three months, continues.

Hindus and Buddhists in Himachal Pradesh are organising special religious ceremonies in temples and monasteries for rainfall and snowfall.

Hindus are praying to Kamrunag and Indrunag, two deities that are considered rain gods. Buddhists are organising prayers in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Dharamsala.

Hindus and Buddhists together organised a joint prayer for rain and snow at the Kunzum glacier located at a height of 4,590 metres.

Buddhists in the Spiti Valley organised a prayer ceremony at the 1,000-year-old Key monastery belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Residents from across the Tod Valley took part in the ceremony at Key.

Jogendra Sharma, a horticulturist from Rohru in Shimla district, said people were distressed due to the lack of snow and rain. Not having any alternative, they had now sought divine help.

People had started ceremonies to appease the gods and he was sure they would shower their benediction upon them in the form of rain and snow.

The long dry spell in Himachal is having an impact on fruit-bearing trees and cereal crops. The latter are on the verge of drying out. Apple growers are worried as the fruits require a certain chilling hour to develop.

This years rainfall deficit has broken a 122-year-old record for Himachal Pradesh, according to the meteorological department. Rain and snowfall is likely to be miniscule in the state till January 24, according to the department.

Shyam Azad, from Lahaul-Spiti district, told this reporter that the area was facing a lot of problems due to the lack of precipitation. People now only have the divine to look up to for help, he said.

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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The last days of Osho – The Indian Express

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The last days of Osho  The Indian Express

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Speaker gives Edgewood staff mid-winter motivatIon | News | starbeacon.com – The Star Beacon

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ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP Buckeye Local School District employees received a little pick-me-up on Monday morning, with motivational speaker William Guy Burney sharing his experiences.

Edgewood High School Principal Michael Notar said he heard Burney at another local educational event and asked BLSC administrators to have him speak to the staff on Monday.

Notar said listening to Burney helped change his thinking and prepared him to look at things in a different light. He said the district often has a speaker to kick off the year, but the winter doldrums are a good time to get an extra jolt.

We are halfway through the year and we need a little [boost], he said.

Burney is the executive director of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence for the city of Youngstown. The organization works to help people create a non-violent path in life.

Burney was born in in Youngstown and has degrees in criminal justice, organizational leadership and project management. He said he makes presentations at meetings throughout the country.

He said he provides information to teachers to implement in class.

I am giving them tools they might not have had or forgotten, he said.

Burney has instituted preventative interventions with many young men who were previously involved in gun violence and helped start the Women of Worth Academy to help women overcome barriers in finding self-sustainable and successful living.

He also serves in many community roles. including as a diversity trainer for the Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College, a mental health first aid trainer and a faculty instructor at Kent State University.

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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Maintaining Motivation for New Years Resolutions – WAOK

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As we approach day 19 of the new year, many individuals may be experiencing a dip in motivation when it comes to their New Year's resolutions. Addressing this common challenge, Coach Q, a renowned fitness expert and regular guest on The Rashad Richey Morning Show, shares valuable insights on how to stay motivated and achieve fitness goals.

During the recent Fitness Friday segment, Coach Q references an article from Harvard Business Review, which delves into the topic of motivation. He advises setting easily attainable goals as a way to sustain motivation, particularly for individuals aiming to start a fitness routine. "Just show up," he advises, highlighting the transformative impact that regular attendance can have on one's physical well-being.

Coach Q emphasizes that short-term goals, such as consistently attending fitness classes or engaging in daily exercise, can yield significant results and serve as powerful motivators. Instead of fixating on long-term weight loss goals, he encourages listeners to focus on the process of consistently showing up and making progress. Building on this notion, Chris Smith, the show's producer, highlights the importance of finding enjoyment in fitness activities. Coach Q echoes this sentiment and suggests exploring various fitness modalities that align with personal interests. Whether it's hiking, yoga, or spin classes, finding an activity that brings pleasure can significantly improve adherence to fitness routines.

The conversation also touches on overcoming negative thoughts and excuses related to exercise. Coach Q introduces the concept of "exercise snacks," which involves incorporating short bursts of physical activity throughout the day. By setting reminders to perform activities like squats or push-ups, individuals can make exercise a seamless part of their daily routine while boosting motivation.

In response to popular demand, Coach Q leads a live workout session during the segment. He guides listeners through a set of 10 standing squats, emphasizing the importance of proper form and engaging the core muscles. Highlighting the benefits of squats for alleviating knee, back, and hip pain, Coach Q suggests turning it into a squat challenge for listeners to participate in.

Before concluding the segment, Coach Q shares his contact information for those interested in his workout plans or seeking assistance. He urges individuals to set short-term goals, embrace consistency, and persevere in their fitness journey. With these practical tips and expert guidance, listeners are encouraged to stay motivated and committed to their health and wellness goals.

Dr. Rashad Richey, host of the award-winning Rashad Richey Morning Show on News & Talk 1380 WAOK/V-103FM (HD3) (Weekdays 7am -10am), and the Dr. Rashad Richey Review on SiriusXMs Urban View (Sundays at 1pm and 9pm), was voted 'Best Talk Radio Personality in Atlanta' by readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and named 'Most Trusted Voice in Atlanta' by the Atlanta Business Journal, making him the first African-American to receive these distinctions.

The intelligent and fearless television news anchor for the opinion news show, 'Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey on the TYT Network, which was named 'fastest growing TV news show in America', and Political Commentator for The People's Station V-103 FM, America's largest urban station, also serves as President of Rolling Out, the largest free-print urban publication in the country. This multimedia powerhouse with over 3-million combined subscribers/followers on Facebook Watch, YouTube, Podcasts, and Twitch combined, is a noted multidisciplinary academic scholar and university professor/lecturer and an Emmy-nominated television Political Analyst for CBS News Atlanta.

Believing in the power of knowledge and education, Dr. Richey holds several advanced degrees, making him one of the most academically credentialed individuals in American history according to America News Now. Completing doctoral research studies in federal policy reform from Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Richey also holds a PhD from the Business University of Costa Rica where his research and doctoral dissertation highlighted the nuances and intersectionality of politics, policy and religion.

Being a student of leadership, Dr. Richey completed studies in Executive Leadership at Cornell University and was accepted into a specialty executive law program at Harvard University in International Finance: Policy, Regulation, and Transactions. Understanding the connectivity of culture and science, Dr. Richey earned his Master of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Pacific, where his masters thesis researched cognitive functionalities of brain entrainment. Dr. Richey also completed a Master of Science in Applied Physics and Quantum Mechanics from Universidad Empresarial, his masters thesis was adapted into a book titled, Ancient Egyptian Mastery of Quantum Physics, Vibratory Frequency, and Geometric Sciences: An Overview of Complex Scientific Applications in Ancient Cultures, which quickly became the #1 Physics, #1 Science, #1 History, and #1 Egyptian Genre book on the Amazon platform.

Recently, Dr. Richey completed his Juris Doctor (law degree) from Renaissance University after transferring from Birmingham School of Law, where he attended for 2 years. He accepted the position as Director of Global Legal Operations for the multinational law firm, The International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm, with offices in the USA, Canada, France, Spain, and Cape Town Africa.

As host of The Rashad Richey Morning Show, Dr. Richey has interviewed everyone from Vice-President Kamala Harris to TI, and always brings relevant information, the best on-air debates, and most insightful interviews in media. Tune in every weekday morning from 7am-10am on News and Talk 1380-WAOK, V-103FM (HD3),www.WAOK.com, or on the Audacy App.

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Maintaining Motivation for New Years Resolutions - WAOK

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January 24th, 2024 at 2:34 am

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