'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex].end_utc) +'

'+ data.onToday[currentShowIndex].program.name +'

'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex].end_utc) +'

'+ data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].program.name +'

'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].end_utc) +'

'+ data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].program.name +'

'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 1].end_utc) +'

'+ data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].program.name +'

'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].end_utc) +'

'+ data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].program.name +'

'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].start_utc) +'-'+ timeFormatter(data.onToday[currentShowIndex + 2].end_utc) +'

Read the original:
FirstEnergy CEO abruptly announces retirement after less than two years on the job - ideastream

Ravens bring two mascots out of retirement to replace injured Poe originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The Baltimore Ravens made a pair of big-time signings on Friday.

And no, they didn't involve franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Mascots Edgar and Allan have come out of retirement to fill in for the injured Poe during the 2022 NFL season. The Ravens captured the moment general manager Eric DeCosta re-signed the mascots to season-long deals:

"Physicals look good, wings are in good shape, your claws look sharp. We're happy about that. So that's not gonna be any kind of issue," DeCosta said."You can understand how important that can be to us after what we just went through with Poe."

Edgar and Allan debuted at M&T Bank Stadium in 1998 and retired following the 2008 season. More than a decade later, they'll make their return at Baltimore's home opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

The Ravens' actual mascot, Poe, was carted off the field after suffering an injury in a game between mascots and a youth football team during halftime of Baltimore's preseason finale versus the Washington Commanders.

Head coach John Harbaugh later announced that Poe, who is a 10-time Pro Bowler, was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a "drumstick" injury.

See original here:
Ravens Bring Two Mascots Out of Retirement to Replace Injured Poe - NBC4 Washington

Broken, stressed, strained, and out of sync. All have been featured in recent headlines describing the condition of logistics and supply chain operations. Supply chain even made Lake Superior State Universitys 2022 Banished Words List, suggesting supply chain is overused and the scapegoat of everything that doesnt happen or arrive on time.

Weary from two years of disruption, some are even questioning if the current state of many supply chains is simply the new normal (#8 on the banished word list).

Prior to the last two years, few outside the industry were even interested in supply chains. So, the frustration is understandable. We have grown increasingly accustomed to the convenience of selecting from a nearly unlimited array of products, purchasing with a single click, and having products delivered the same or next day.

Talent Needs

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

Perhaps companies will instead seize this opportunity to longstanding issues and vulnerabilities and adapt logistics and supply chain operations to be more resilient, responsive,and efficient.

Drawing on responses from the more than 300 logistics and supply chain professionals that participated, the 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends revealed impacts that the turbulent market has had on shippers, carriers and service providers. The study also focused on one of the most critical issues and threats facing todays logistics and supply chain leaders: people.

Managing the supply chain continues to be a challenge. Respondents to the survey reported a greater than 6% increase in revenue growth and 4% increase in profitability in the previous year, despite a more than 3% decrease in customer satisfaction.

The results are consistent with the most recent State of Logistics Report that suggested the historically lucrative spot market rates helped boost carrier and service provider revenues, but frequent reallocation of assets to more profitable or urgent loads created delays and affected customer service.

Job Factor-insights into importance

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

Talent Challenge (How difficult do you expect it will be for your organization to fill its talent and skill needs during the upcoming year?)

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

% transportation spend by mode

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

Transportation spending also reflected the dynamicscreated by market forces over the last two years. Shippers varied spending to adapt to conditions created by capacity constraints and to meet customer needs. Spending for both truckload and less-than-truckload increased over the last two years. The results also reflect increased spending for private fleets as shippers looked to reduce costs and ensure capacity.

Obtaining, training, and retaining talent is another critical issue facing logistics and supply chain leaders and businesses. People are the most important link in the supply chain, and without a doubt, supply chains desperately need people. According to Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association forSupply Chain Management (ASCM): Talent was a serious situation prior to the pandemic. It has become a crisis sinceThe pandemic exposed the shortage at every level from the warehouse to the top.

In this years Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends, only 23.7% of respondents agreed that their organization has the talent and skills needed to meet current requirements and challenges, and 74% expected it to be difficult or extremely difficult to fill those needs in the upcoming year.

Digging deeper into the specific skill needs, the study found both general laborer and skilled positions were difficult to fill. As we found this year, 81% of respondents indicated it was either somewhat or extremely difficult to fill general laborer positions, while 86% reported difficulty filling driver and equipment operator related positions.

Manufacturing and service-related positions were equally challenging, with 90% of respondents reporting difficulty filling mechanic and technician type positions, and 84% reporting difficulty filling positions for manufacturing trades such as welders and machinists.

Going forward, the talent picture appears even more challenging. As technology rapidly transforms logistics and supply chain operations, the skills needed in the future will likely be much different than the skills required today.

Unfortunately, less than 12% of study respondents strongly agree that their organization has the talent and skills needed to meet the requirements and challenges expected in the next 3 years to 5 years.

Respondents expect Internet of Things-based technologies to make the most significant impact on logistics and supply chains over the next 3 years to 5 years. A number of the other top ranked technologies could help mitigate talent shortages and skill gaps.

For example, robotics and automation promise to make supply chains more efficient and less labor intensive, while Artificial Intelligence can enhance human performance and decision making.

Technology alone will not resolve the logistics and supply chain talent issues; in fact, technology is actually a double-edged sword. New skillsets will be needed as technologies are integrated into supply chains, making it even more critical to recruit, train and retain top talent. As we found in this years survey, only 6.75% of respondents strongly agree that adopting new technologies will reduce the dependence on employee talent.

Almost 80% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the number of technologies employees must use is increasing, while nearly 55% agree or strongly agree that their current employees lack the skills to use the technologies effectively. Interestingly, almost 70% of respondents agree or strongly agree that adopting new technologies may help their organization attract and recruit new talent.

L&T jobs compared to jobs in other industries

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

A key to tackling the logistics and supply chain talent threat will be improving the perception of logistics and transportation careers. We conducted a number ofinterviews with industry professionals to help inform and shape this years study.

The professionals were asked to share a question that they would most like to see included and answered in the survey. Every professional suggested some form of a question about the perceptions of logistics-related careers, suspecting that negative perceptions of the industry would be the major barriers to attracting top talent.

Technology and Talent

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

In response, each participant was asked to consider a series of job factors and then share their perception of how logistics and transportation jobs compared to jobs in other industries for each of the factors.

Of the job factors considered, over 62% of respondents perceived the ability to contribute to your organization was better or much better for logistics and transportation jobs than jobs in other careers. Almost 59% believed that logistics and transportation jobs offered greater stability and job security.

Respondents also perceived logistics and transportation careers to be better or much better for a number of other factors, including personal growth opportunities; career progression; ability to affect society; pay; and professional development opportunities.

Flexibility was the only factor respondents perceived as being worse or much worse for logistics and transportation jobs (48.7%). For the remaining three factors, availability of education and training, defined career paths, and benefits, logistics and transportation jobs were perceived as being about the same as jobs in other industries.

Difficulty Filling full-time positions

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

The results suggest logistics and transportation jobs offer advantages over jobs in other industries that can be used to attract and retain talent. Results also suggest opportunities to improve or further differentiate logistics and transportation jobs from jobs in other industries.

Its important to note the majority of respondents currently work in logistics related careers, and thus the perceptions are likely biased. This is especially noteworthy considering most have experience in the industry and there were not substantial differences between the positive and negative perceptions.

To help address some of this potential bias, respondents were also asked to indicate their level of agreement with the following statement: I am very likely to encourage my child (or child of a close friend) to pursue a career in transportation or logistics.

Only 19.38% of respondents strongly agreed they would encourage their child (or child of a friend) to pursue a career in transportation or logistics. Again, we acknowledge there are likely factors influencing the responses that are not accounted for in the survey.

However, the results do suggest that theres an opportunityand needto improve perceptions of logistics and transportation jobs and help make the industry more attractive to an increasingly competitive job market.

The 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends found the industry a little battered and bruised from two years of unprecedented disruptions and market conditions. However, the people behind these operations persevered and continued to deliver.

Yet, the pressure put on the most important link in the supply chain comes at a cost. Retaining and recruiting top talent will be increasingly difficult. To succeed, organizations must take steps to adapt to the new labor environment and develop a strategy to tackle the talent threat.

Complaining is not an effective talent strategy. There are many factors driving the current labor market, and just as many opinions about why itsso difficult to find skilled workers. It can be tempting to blame the labor shortage on simply a lack of workethic or motivation.

Indeed, the current labor situation is far more complex. How people think about work is also changing to a what I do perspective instead of a source of identity and who I am. These shifts have significant implications for employers, and how we do and define work needs to be re-evaluated.

Talent strategies need to be more employee-centricand allow for the flexibility and work-life balance that employees value.

Strategies for Finding talent(% responses that included strategy)

Source: 31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends

As were finding, few industries offer the same career opportunities as logistics and supply chain. Professionals can opt to work in a variety of environments and industries. Logistics and supply chain careers offer stable employment, enticing pay, and opportunities for personal growth and development.

Unfortunately, the industry still struggles to attract the needed talent and when asked, only 19% of survey respondents indicated that they would even encourage their child to pursue a career in logistics.

To tackle the talent threat, the industry must confront negative perceptions and work to enhance the appeal of logistics and supply chain-related careers.

Read more:
31st Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends: Meeting the need for talent - Logistics Management

Literacy is considered to be a necessity for social and personal development. It improves economy, promotes gender equality and builds self-esteem and overall quality of life.

We are able to read this post but there are people wouldn't be able to! Not just a newspaper, termed as "illiterate" people lack the ability to read any of the following - restaurant menu, a road sign, an instruction manual, a medicine's name...

The International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year globally to raise awareness and remind people of the importance of literacy.

What exactly is literacy?

Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines literacy as the quality or state of being literate: educatedable to read and write.

Literacy is an essential tool to eliminate poverty, lowering child mortality, population control, and attain gender equality. The International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8, globally to encourage people towards getting continuous education, to raise awareness and remind people of the importance of literacy. It is also celebrated to let people know their rights for social and human development.

UNESCO has been on the top of the list while promoting overall global literacy and International Literacy Day.

History

The UNESCO declared this day as an opportunity for governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates, and reflect on the worlds remaining literacy challenges.

The 14th session of UNESCOs General Conference on October 26, 1966 declared September 8 as International Literacy Day. And since 1967, celebrations have taken place annually around the world on this day to spread awareness about the importance of the literacy to individuals, society, and communities.

Theme for 2022

International Literacy Day focuses on a different issue each year. The theme for 2022 is 'Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces; Exploring Opportunities and Possibilities.'

Why, how we celebrate International Literacy Day?

According to United Nations, globally, at least 773 million adults and youths still cannot read and write, while 617 million children and adolescents are not achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics.

This is celebrated to encourage awareness towards literacy so that people from around the globe can know their social and individual rights.

On International Literacy Day, organisations and individuals celebrate their literacy to encourage and help others. Students and working people mentor children in the community, donate books to libraries, and support students' tuition and learning to assist them to start professions.

Institutions, Governments, and International organisations convene think tanks and debate forums to establish and implement literacy policies and also host fundraisers.

(To receive our E-paper on whatsapp daily, please click here.To receive it on Telegram, please click here. We permit sharing of the paper's PDF on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.)

Read the original:
International Literacy Day 2022: Heres all you need to know - Free Press Journal

Although students hope they will receive their CAO first choice offer in the first round, if this does not happen, they will still get an offer of a course, both from their level 8 and level 6/7 listings.

While students will naturally feel disappointed initially, the next step is to review and research in detail the courses they have been offered. Ideally, their lower-ranked choices will have been researched well, play to their interests and strengths, and still offer a route to their desired career. If this is the case, they could decide to accept the offer they receive.

The problem is, when completing the CAO form, many students list courses without conducting adequate research. These courses may involve subject areas they disliked in school or found very challenging. Some of the courses listed may in no way be related to careers they genuinely want.

If a student finds themselves receiving such an offer, my advice would be to reject such a course. Many college students I work with who drop out from their course found themselves in this situation.

Students should also remember that they may possibly get other higher course preference offers with round two and round three offers.

Taking up a course, or not, if not your first choice

I work with a lot of students faced with this dilemma. When the student takes time to reflect and consider all the options even if not happy with their first-round offers with good advice and support they can normally make correct choices that suit them.

If students have a genuine interest in the course they are offered, even if not their first choice, and it affords them a pathway to their preferred career, then they should consider accepting the offer.

If, on the other hand, they have no interest, or have not researched it properly, but just listed it on the CAO to fill a gap, I suggest they refrain from taking up the offer.

I do not believe students should take up a college course just for the sake of going to college, because their friends are going to college or because their parents/guardians want them to go to college. Students should look at alternatives rather than accepting and paying for a course they do not want.

The FET and/or apprenticeship offerings in this instance should be researched. Otherwise, I suggest working/travelling for the year and re-applying via CAO the following year. They should also look at UCAS and Eunicas options.

Re-sitting your Leaving Cert

When considering re-sitting their Leaving Cert, I believe the first consideration is whether the student wants to re-sit the exams or is it pressure from parents if the latter is the case, then the student should not re-sit, in my opinion. The desire to re-sit should come from the students.

Secondly, the effort and work that the student put into the Leaving Cert in the first instance needs to be considered. If they did everything to the best of their ability then the points achieved might be their personal best.

Why then would any student or parent wish to repeat the entire process when they already did their best? It is important to be realistic and practical and not place unnecessary pressure on an individual.

If on the other hand, there was an extenuating circumstance that genuinely negatively impacted a students performance, i.e. a death, an illness; etc. and it is very evident the student would perform to a much higher level if they repeated, I believe this is a valid reason to repeat.

If the student barely misses out on points for a course they really desire, again, this is a good scenario and a positive outcome achievable with a repeat. It should be noted that outside of the Leaving Certificate, there are other avenues to gain entry to courses or follow a particular career.

Completion of QQI courses can facilitate entry to many courses. Students should research all these prior to committing to re-sitting the Leaving Certificate.

Advantages to FE course/Apprenticeship

I believe a Further Education Course, or PLC as they were known, allows students to gain an insight into a course discipline without making an enormous time or financial commitment. This facilitates making an informed decision, about selecting and progressing on to a third-level course.

An FE course is a very cost-effective option, a fraction of the cost of a college year, many have no fees at all. Research has demonstrated that FE/PLC graduates have much higher retention rates in third-level colleges than those who progressed directly from the Leaving Certificate.

FE courses focus both on the academic and personal development of students, as all courses comprise of modules in a specialist area such as Science or Business, etc., in addition to generic modules such as Communications, Personal Development and Work Experience. If a two-year PLC is completed this can facilitate entry to year 2 of a third-level college course, which saves the student thousands of euros.

With the apprenticeship option, students are getting first-hand applied practical experience in a particular sector from the onset. There is a blend of the academic college world and the practical world of work when you follow the apprentice route.

Apprenticeships have the unique advantage of allowing students to earn as they learn and do not operate within the traditional academic year so there is continuous intake. There are now apprenticeships in almost all sectors and students can attain the equivalent to an Ordinary Degree (Level 7) and/or an Honours Degree (Level 8) via this route.

Advice for a student who hasnt received an offer

If a student should have received an offer but did not, they need to contact the CAO office immediately. If there was an error or omittance by the student with their application, some students may not be aware until the CAO offers are issued.

If it can be easily rectified, the CAO will correct, and the student will receive an offer with the second-round offers. This does mean that they may miss out on their first choice etc., but they have to accept that if the error was on their side.

If an offer wasnt received because of inadequate results or failure of subjects, it is important for students to be aware that CAO offers will be in the spotlight for a day or two days. Then discussion around CAO offers will cease.

Students need to realise there are many routes to gain access into every possible career outside of the CAO process. I would suggest students who dont get a CAO offer research, plan, and take action to get what they want. Once they put a plan in place, they will feel in control again.

If you failed a subject that is a requirement of your preferred course

Based on the requirements of the course, if it had to be a particular Leaving Certificate subject and grade, I would firstly research all possible options for attaining the required result.

Some third-level colleges offer an opportunity to do a Maths exam to gain entry. Students need to check if it is possible to replace the failed Leaving Certificate subject with a QQI level 5 module offered in a FET college. This module could be undertaken on a part-time basis.

Some FET colleges offer the opportunity to repeat certain Leaving Certificate subjects while undertaking an FE/PLC course. If deciding to re-sit a Leaving Cert subject, since Covid, you can opt to study a subject online which may suit lots of students.

If repeating just one subject, also try to use the year to build up your own skillset for your intended career. For example, if re-sitting to achieve the minimum grade required in Irish for Primary School Teaching a student could undertake courses in special educational needs, first aid, ICT, sign language, etc. This will increase your offering and make you far more attractive to an organisation when qualified.

Originally posted here:
CAO 2022: What to do if you're not happy with your first-round offer - Irish Examiner

Assam down town University located at Panikhaiti, Chandrapur, is one of the leading universities in North East India, promoted by the down town Charity Trust. The multi-disciplinary university was established in the year 2010 to respond to the need for academic excellence at an affordable cost for the people of the North-Eastern region.

Twelve years hence, the University has successfully served as the gateway for professional and personal development for students from not only the North Eastern region but also from the rest of India and the neighbouring countries. It offers diploma, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in more than 60 disciplines with the active involvement of more than 250 teaching faculty which comprises an eclectic mix of both dynamic young faculty members, and experienced senior faculty members in all its study programmes. The university has emerged as the leading centre of teaching and research offering PhD in different disciplines. Currently, students of 5 different nationalities are residing here for furthering their academic goals.

Today AdtU observed its 13th Foundation Day in the presence of its students, officials, faculty members, dignitaries and guests to commemorate the advancement of the past 12 glorious years. The programme commenced at with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony of the university flag by the Dean of Studies, Prof. Bandana Dutta and Honorable Vice Chancellor, AdtU which was followed by the singing of the university anthem. The national anthems of 6 countries, namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and South Korea were sung by the students from the respective countries. The Lamp Lighting Ceremony was carried out by all the dignitaries present. The Founder Vice-Chancellor of AdtU, Prof (Dr.) NanditaChoudhury also graced the occasion with her presence. She was felicitated by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr.Seema Sharma. A Borgeet Recital was held after which the Chief Guest, Prof. NaniGopalMahanta, Education Advisor to the Govt. of Assam, was felicitated by the Honble Chancellor, Dr. N.N. Dutta. Dr.Seema Sharma gave a Welcome address, after which the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. N.C. Talukdar also presented his speech.

Prof. NaniGopalMahanta during his address spoke about the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the importance of its implementation. According to him, the new education policy aims to remove the strict compartmentalization of subjects so that students get the liberty to select and study the subjects that they are curious about and want to learn more about, thus aligning with their line of interest. To him, education has 4 main objectives: to know, to do, to be, and to live together. He emphasized that the final outcome of education should be to equip students with basic life skills. He also highlighted the fact that educators, teachers, and faculty have a significant role to play in understanding their students and in providing the tools so that they are able to reach their full potential. He appealed to the academic fraternity to go beyond marks and degrees, and support the all-around development of students so that they are equipped with the tools to face all challenges of life. He described each student as a JibanBrixha (a tree) that has two parts, the root that represents the foundation, and the trunk that represents the mind and body.

An award distribution ceremony took place where the Honble Chancellor, the Chief Guest and the dignitaries present distributed certificates and cash prizes to the awardees under various categories. The top 3 award categories were the Best Researcher Award conferred on Dr.ManashPratimPathak (Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Science), the Best Teacher in Responding and Executing Task (BTRET) Award presented to Dr.SaikatSen (Professor, Pharmaceutical Science), and the Best Innovator Award bestowed on Dr.SunandanBaruah (Dean of Research & Innovation). Several other awards were also distributed namely, Best Faculty of Studies Award, Award for Most Constructive Suggestions/ Maximum Suggestions for AdtUs All-round development, and Best Supporting Staff Award. The Awards for the Faculty of the Month, Student of the Month, and Alumni of the Month were also presented. Special Appreciation Awards and Gold Coin distribution for 10 years of meritorious service also took place.

The Honble Chancellor, Dr. N.N. Dutta and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. N.C. Talukdar also addressed the audience with encouraging words. A University student delivered a speech on behalf of the students. This was followed by a Cultural Programme comprising dances that displayed the rich cultural heritage of India and the North East. Eventually, the programme winded up by 2 pm with the singing of the State Anthem.

See more here:
Assam down town University observes its 13th Foundation Day today - News Live

Changing the spatial relationship with the chakra system can alter interpretations dramatically. Unlike some people, I dont see the chakra system as a real thing but rather as a powerful symbol, a successful attempt at mapping a human being. It includes the physical body, energy system, four aspects of the human psyche, and a spiritual essence.

Traditionally, the chakra system is presented vertically, overlaid on the human body. While it makes sense, there are two other ways of presenting it, horizontal and upside-down. Changing the spatial relationship allows us to alter interpretations and discover new insights.

For clarity, Ill first look at the original vertical interpretation, followed by the horizontal and finally the upside-down. Because the chakra system is symbolic and meant to be interpreted, please dont stop with my elucidations. Explore your own.

The traditional vertical representation of the chakra system begins with the root chakra, the birth and sustenance of the human body. The second chakra represents the energetic animation of the body. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth chakras represent the development of self-identity, love and relationships, expression, and intellect. The seventh chakra represents an aspirational spiritual core that can be unveiled.

In this spatial context, human life begins with the body and energy. Then we develop our self-image, capacity for love, ability to express ourselves in various ways, and intellectual ability. The bottom-up approach tracks perfectly with most models of human development. The body is the foundation, the psyche is developed, and then, if sought, the spirit is unveiled (which is not in many psychological books, but enough to be noticeable).

By changing the spatial representation to horizontal, new interpretations arise. I immediately see the fourth chakra (heart) as the center. Numerically, it also makes sense. Four is in the middle of seven.

With the heart at the center, human life takes on new meaning. The energy of love, compassion, kindness and altruism flows in both directions toward the self, energy and body and expression, intellect and spirit. In this context, the purpose of life appears to be to nurture everything with heart energy. Love becomes the central feature.

Quoting Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (although some attribute this quote to G. I. Gurdjieff), Wayne Dyer used to say:

You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience.

Turning the chakra system on its head, the seventh chakra or spiritual center becomes the origin rather than the aspiration. The spirit is the seed from which everything else sprouts. In yoga philosophy, the spirit is called the causal body, i.e., the cause of everything.

Again, life takes on new meaning when the spirit is viewed as the beginning rather than the end. Life becomes an expression of spirit. After all, spirit is the cause. Without spirit, there would be no intellect, expression, heart, self, energy or body.

As you can see from this short thought experiment and overview, entire philosophies can spring from changing the spatial relationship to the chakra system.

One interpretation sees the body as the foundation in which the spirit can be unveiled. Another says that the heart is central to human existence. Yet another maintains that spirit is the cause.

I bet that if you play around with this idea of changing spatial awareness, you can find other interpretations and build entire life philosophies around them.

In Dead Poets Society, Robin Williamss character urged the boys to stand on top of a table to see the world in a new light. It appeared like a silly exercise at first that ended up having a profound effect.

What both his exercise and mine have in common is that they urge people to think differently about things that they take for granted.

We gain an understanding that would otherwise have remained hidden by changing our perspective. Each perspective presents a kernel of truth that adds to our understanding of the whole.

Gudjon BergmannAuthor, Coach and Mindfulness Teacherwww.gudjonbergmann.com

Picture: CC0 License

Read this article:
Three Ways to Interpret the Chakra System - Patheos

In Hindu belief, deities can take many forms, but all combine in the universal spirit of Brahman. Unlike Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which focus on the actions of a single lifetime, Hindu belief centers on a continuous process of birth and rebirth that ultimately releases the true self from the limitations of body and the ego a freeing of the spirit called moksha. That process includes a release from sensual experiences, including sexuality. Hindu sacred texts, however, do not distinguish between heterosexual and homosexual acts. While Hindu sacred texts do not specifically use those terms (heterosexual and homosexual), they do distinguish between procreative sexual acts (within marriage) and non-procreative sexual acts such as oral, etc. The latter are explicitly discouraged not for the common man but for brahmanas and priests.

Because there is no central Hindu authority, attitudes to LGBTQ issues vary at different temples and ashrams. The Hindu American Foundation, in its policy brief on Hindus and Homosexuality, notes that Hinduism does not provide a fundamental spiritual reason to reject or ostracize LGBTQ individuals,and that, Given their inherent spiritual equality, Hindus should not socially ostracize LGBT individuals, but should accept them as fellow sojourners on the path to moksha.

The Vedas refer to a "third sex," roughly defined as people for whom sex is not procreative, either through impotence or a lack of desire for the opposite sex. Members of the third sex are not ostracized, however, and are sometimes recognized for having divine powers or insights. The Kama Sutra, a Hindu text detailing the pleasures of sexuality, states that same-sex experience is "to be engaged in and enjoyed for its own sake as one of the arts."

Nevertheless, some Hindu communities continue to be unwelcoming of LGBTQ people, often reflecting attitudes imported from conquering nations, such as the British Empire in India.

The Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association (GALVA) highlights, in its report Homosexuality, Hinduism and the Third Gender, the gender fluidity of Hindu deities, and notes that everything in this world is a reflection of the original subtle and spiritual reality. The epic Mahabharata features the transgender character Sikhandin, and depicts the warrior Arjuna cross-dressing to become Brihannala, teacher of fine arts. GALVA further notes, Vedic culture allowed transgender people of the third sex, known as hijras, to live openly according to their gender identity. As stated above, contemporary attitudes will vary across different Hindu organizations and society.

According to the Dharma Shastras, marriage has distinct functions, including Prajaa, or procreation. Some, therefore, view same-sex marriage has unacceptable. However, its also clear that the Dharma Shastras are guides not binding texts and that there are multiple ways to define or interpret the idea of Prajaa. Today, marriage equality enjoys support among Hindu Americans and same-sex Hindu marriage ceremonies are celebrated in the United States by some Hindu priests.

There is no formal policy on anti-discriminationprotections for LGBTQ people.

Rules for ordination vary but usually require years of study, knowledge of Sanskrit and a commitment to purity. Celibate men and women can be ordained as Hindu priests.

Council of Hindu Temples of North America45-57 Bowne StreetFlushing, NY11355Website:www.chtna.org

See more here:

Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Hinduism

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the BJP, in its election manifesto, has promised an Uttar Pradesh model law against forceful religious conversion and love jihad in Kerala to woo Hindu and Christian voters, the data sourced by TNIE from the government gazettes paint an altogether different picture.

According to official figures for the year 2020, the biggest gainer in terms of new converts was Hinduism. People who embraced Hinduism constituted 47 per cent of religious conversions in Kerala during the one-year period under reference.

Of the total 506 people who registered their change of religion with the government, 241 were those who converted from Christianity or Islam to Hinduism. A total of 144 persons adopted Islam whereas Christianity received 119 new believers in the year, shows the data.

32 people left Islam for Hinduism

As per the rule, people who officially change their religion, including minors, have to advertise it in the gazette. 72% of the new converts to Hinduism were Dalit Christians, mostly Christian Cheramars, Christian Sambavas and Christian Pulayas. It was evident that lack of reservation benefits forced many Dalit Christians to re-embrace Hinduism. Also, 32 people left Islam to join Hinduism.

Christianity lost 242 believers to the other two religions and attracted only 119 persons. Islam gained 144 new believers and lost 40 during the period. Buddhism received two new believers who switched from Hinduism.

77% of the new converts to Islam were Hindus and 63% women. It attracted the highest number of persons from Ezhava, Thiyya and Nair communities. 25 persons, including 13 females, switched from Hindu Ezhava to Islam.

17 Thiyya community members including 11 females converted to Islam. 17 persons including 12 females were from the Nair community. Of the 33 persons who crossed over to Islam from Christianity, 9 were Syrian Catholics, who included two women.

See the original post:

At 47%, Hinduism biggest gainer in religious conversion in Kerala

CHATHAM - The Library of the Chathams is continuing its world religions series of lectures with Hinduism.

The first part will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 and the second at the same time on Friday, Sept. 16, both in the Lundt Room. A Zoom option will also be made available for both sessions.

Karen Pechilis, History Department Chair at Drew University and former Arts & Letters program director at Drews Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, will lead both lectures, teaching participants about the core tenets, beliefs, practices and cultures of Hinduism.

Pechilis teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on world religions and global history.

The first lecture on Sept. 9 will start with a brief historical survey of the roots and evolution of Hinduism through its formative classical period, including an overview of the renowned Bhagavad Gita. The second lecture on Sept. 16 will examine contemporary Hinduism, including an introduction to the impressive Hindu temples in the United States.

Link:

Hinduism to be explored Sept. 9 and 16 at the Library of the Chathams - New Jersey Hills