(Johnathan Bi) He studied every religion, and this one came the closest to being right, Rice U Prof. Jeff Kripal:
(Official Rice University website of Jeffrey J. Kripal) It consists of eight parts: (1) a brief professional bio, (2) an essay introducing the inspiration and purpose of this website, (3) a discussion of his body of written work to date, (4) a description of GEM, the graduate program in which he does most of his teaching and thinking now, (5) a discussion of his work and role at the Esalen Institute's Center for Theory and Research, (6) a synopsis of his two present film projects, (7) a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ), and (8) some quick links to media sites expressing or engaging his work: kripal.rice.edu
It is posted here for use by any interested readers, journalists, filmmakers, fans, cranks, haters, naysayers, colleagues, students, researchers, authors, and other artists.
Neturei Karta (Aramaic נָטוֹרֵי קַרְתָּא, Romanized Nāṭōrē Qartāʾ, literally "Guardians of the City," i.e., Jerusalem as representative of Israel itself) is a Jewish anti-Zionist organization.
It was founded in Jerusalem in 1938 and is primarily active in parts of Israel and the Western world, including the USA. It was established by Haredi Jews originally affiliated with World Agudath Israel, which represented the most devout members of the Haredi community of the Old Yishuv.
The organization's members, who adhere to stringent interpretations of Jewish religious law, are known for their religious conservatism and insular lifestyles.
Neturei Karta's international political activism is rooted in its opposition to Zionist Israel's existence.
This, in turn, is rooted in its members' core religious belief that the Jewish exile is to be maintained until the coming of the Messiah. It is not NK placing this injunction on Jews but rather God and the Bible (Torah) that secular Jewish and Christian Zionists ignore. More
You have something to say for yourself, Your "Holiness"? Is this why you said that if you are reborn as a female, you want to be a "hot one"? Ha ha, what a card. Anything you'd like to confess, Holy One? Is it true, as the investigative journalist Michael Wolff says, that you were at Jeffrey Epstein's New York apartment, and that you planned to visit his Pedophile Island, perhaps riding in the Lolita Express to get there with your armed guards, CIA handlers, Jewish friends, professional Zionist detachments, Hollywood bigwigs, accountants, and retinue? Or how is it? Any children you'd like to have suck your tongue again, my or our underage sons? Anything you'd like to say for yourself, the floor is yours -- and remember, you're on an international stage.
dharma is a multivalent term with at least a dozen distinct meanings. In India, dharma usually means "social duty or obligation," and Dharma (capitalized) customarily refers to the Buddha's Dharma or Doctrine, the Teachings of the historical figure Siddhartha Gautama. The word can loosely be construed to mean "religion," but religion did not mean religion in pre-British invasion India (Maha Bharat), so equating the terms is incorrect.
I visited Radha Krishna Temple for the first time in Korea 🇰🇷
(Michelle the Korean CEO) Oct. 12, 2025: SOUTH KOREA. I'm a hot CEO in Korea. 🌼
For my next India trip, my dear RCBian Hindu friend @jayakar_kundapura and I celebrated India’s Independence Day at a Hindu temple in Korea 🇮🇳🇰🇷. It was a peaceful and heart-warming experience. We also had lots of deep and fun conversations about Hinduism, Indian culture, and RCB ❤️ Thank you macha ☺️🙏
#rcb #rcbian #rcbfans #rcbforever #teamindia #india #hindu #krishna #radhakrishna #iskon #korea #korean #koreangirl #koreanceo #koreavlog #koreatravel #koreatrip
(Para Bellum) Nov. 6, 2025: Did ancient Rome really copy its religion from more ancient Greece — or is that just a modern myth? This video uncovers the true origins of Roman religion and shows how it developed into a unique and complex system of beliefs unlike anything in Greece.
The earliest Italic tribes of the Tiber Valley, whose worldview was shaped by animism (the belief that nature itself is alive with spirit), totemism (sacred tribal animals like wolves, woodpeckers, and boars), and fetishism — the idea that certain objects held divine power.
Discover the “pledges of Rome’s eternity,” seven sacred relics believed to guarantee the survival of the Roman state. From there, trace how Etruscan and Greek religion influenced Rome.
The Etruscans gave Roman gods human form, while the Greeks provided myths to explain their origins — pairing Jupiter with Zeus, Venus with Aphrodite, Mars with Ares, and so on.
But this blending was never perfect. Roman gods had different roles, personalities, and meanings. Explore gods the Greeks never had:
Janus, god of beginnings and endings;
Quirinus, protector of the Roman people;
the household Lares and personal Genius;
Pomona, Vertumnus, Terminus, Mefitis, and many others.
Roman religion also worshipped abstract values like Virtus (Valor), Pax (Peace), Fides (Loyalty), and Disciplina (Discipline), building entire temples to ideas rather than personalities.
Unlike Greek religion -- which emphasized myth, emotion, art, and beauty -- Roman religion was about duty, tradition, and exact ritual. The Romans believed the gods cared less about faith and more about whether rituals were performed flawlessly.
Every sacrifice, prayer, and gesture had to be precise — or repeated from the beginning. Divination was another core part of Roman religion.
Inherited from the Etruscans, practices like haruspicy (reading the entrails of sacrificed animals) and auspicy (interpreting bird signs) guided political decisions, wars, and daily life.
Uncover stories like Publius Claudius Pulcher at the Battle of Drepana, who mocked the sacred chickens — and lost an entire fleet.
Roman priests were not a separate religious class. Priesthoods were held by politicians and generals — Julius Caesar, Cicero, Sulla, Augustus, and Scipio Africanus all served as priests while leading the state, proving how religion and politics were inseparable in Rome.
In the end, Roman religion wasn’t a copy of Greek religion — it was a fusion of Italic, Etruscan, and Greek beliefs shaped by Roman values: duty, order, family, and the power of the state.
This video uncovers how it worked, what the Romans truly believed, and why their religious system helped build one of the greatest empires in history.
Bibliography
1. Beard, Mary. SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome. Profile Books, 2015.
2. Beard, Mary, John North, and Simon Price. Religions of Rome. Vol. 1: A History. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
3. Cicero, Marcus Tullius. De Haruspicum Responsis. 4. Cicero, Marcus Tullius. De Natura Deorum.
5. Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Roman Antiquities.
6. Plutarch. Parallel Lives.
7. Scheid, John. An Introduction to Roman Religion. Indiana University Press, 2003.
8. Turcan, Robert. The Gods of Ancient Rome. Routledge, 2000.
9. Varro, Marcus Terentius. Antiquitates Rerum Divinarum (Fragments).
10. Wissowa, Georg. Religion und Kultus der Römer. C.H. Beck, 1912.
11. Rüpke, Jörg. “Divination and Roman Political Decision-Making.” Numen 44 (1997): 1–22.
12. Rüpke, Jörg, ed. A Companion to Roman Religion. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
13. North, John. “Roman Religion.” In The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. 7. Cambridge University Press, 1990.
14. Scheid, John. An Introduction to Roman Religion. Translated by Janet Lloyd. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
15. Scheid, John. Graeco Ritu: A Typically Roman Way of Honoring the Gods.
16. Bispham, Edward, and Christopher Smith, eds. Religion in Archaic and Republican Rome and Italy: Evidence and Experience
17. Schultz, Celia E., and Paul B. Harvey, eds. Religion in Republican Italy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
(Dechen wangdi 🇨🇦) H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama has an important message for all religions, a message of love and unity (mutual respect, tolerance, celebration, amity, peaceful coexistence). #tibetanvlogger #tibetanyoutuber June 21, 2025. Background music: "Tears" (Produced by MX Audio Library)
Link: • Tears - No Copyright M...
We convened, got raffle tickets, placed potluck items on a table, reviewed the silent auction objects on offer, and settled in for the hailing of the Four Directions by Araceli in Native American tradition, with a conch shell trumpet and palo santo incense. Then we journaled a letter to ourselves to be opened in six months, the summer to come, sharing a small part of it with the whole group as we got in touch with a vision of nature and a sacred animal. Very New Age. Then the Sanskrit chanting began, accompanied by bongos, a spaceship like percussive instrument, and harmonium, in call-and-response kirtan. This was followed by the raffle, with a free ticket going to anyone who brought a potluck item. The prizes were in the $50 to $180 range, donated by local merchants supporting Yoga Gives Back and Ambassador Stella. Everyone got two hugs and we met eyes with another person, all designed to get people out of their shells and into the social community. Many females pranced about in skimpy yoga gear, laughing, making new friends. Then we feasted and had mocktails, hot chocolate, fresh persimmon juice, exotic teas from the Tea Bar, as well as soft drinks. This was followed by effusive sharing by anyone who wanted to say something, as we moved to the gift exchange blanket. Participants were encouraged to donate a gift for it, which everyone could see. Then items were chosen, infused with good mojo as the items got handed to the left and arrived at the designated chooser.
(This means everyone ended up with a gift, and some with more than one. The owner, Ryan and his young daughter, Louisa (the youngest teacher the studio has ever produced), were on hand. It was all handshakes, hugs, and even some yoga jokes. (Yoga jokes? A hippie is standing in front of a yoga studio and the owner says, "Man, you gotta leave." The hippie replies, "Nah, Man, 'amastay," you know, which sounds like "Namaste." Dumb as it might sound, it got a great laugh because up until tonight, no one knew there were such things as "yoga jokes." Not to be outdone, Ryan the owner said the place wasn't always going to be called "Kinship." He toyed with the idea of naming "Om Depot." That also got a great laugh). Hugs, kisses, number exchanged, and some people lingered to chat after four straight hours of spiritual fun and frolicking. It was a great time. And we were all reminded that in three short days, it's the 108 Sun Salutations Yoga Challenge in the same room at noon.
9th annual New Year Sacred Ceremony, Yoga Gives Back fundraiser, Potluck w/ Stella, Araceli, Veronica
Date: Saturday, 12/28/24, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. Welcome to the 9th annual New Year Sacred Ceremony (fundraiser and Veggie Potluck) the final Saturday of the year.
We begin with a sacred ceremony to honor the interconnectedness of all life. This space will be infused with culturally-inspired observances, reverence for ancient wisdom teachings, and intentions for peace and healing in the coming year.
After the ceremony, we continue with a fundraiser, delicious veggie potluck, and the beloved Gift- Giving Blanket tradition. This portion of the evening includes opportunities for music, poetry (open mic), and community connection.
Sacred Ceremony creates a sacred space to honor life’s journey and our relationships with all beings. Through culturally respectful rituals and shared intentions, we cultivate a collective vision of peace for the New Year. Our gathering includes a series of meaningful activities to inspire growth, healing, and connection:
Smudging with white sage
Purify and cleanse personal energy through the sacred practice of smudging. Using the smoke of white sage (Salvia apiana), we clear away negative energies and create an open space for healing, renewal, and positive transformation.
Journaling activity
We take a moment to reflect on our journey and set powerful intentions for the year ahead. Answer a few curated questions to guide reflection, focusing on what we wish to release and what we want to invite into our life.
Sacred chanting
Together, we chant sacred Sanskrit mantras, uniting our voices and hearts in harmony. This collective vibration invokes peace, healing, and strength, setting a powerful intention for the New Year ahead.
Inspired by Native American traditions, the Gift-Giving Blanket invites us to bring a gift to share with the community. After laying a gift down on the blanket, everyone will have the opportunity to choose a gift brought by someone else. (No need to purchase any gifts; we encourage to recycle from our own possessions to lighten our load). Gifts can be new or gently used items. All are welcome — whether or not bringing a gift to share.
Yoga Gives Backis a non-profit organization that supports women and children in India, providing educational opportunities and micro-loans to help them build sustainable lives. Stella Han is an ambassador for YGB and will lead this fundraiser. Contribute directly to the cause via Stella’s fundraising portal:
Alternatively, donations can be made via Venmo: @stella_han_yoga. Please include “YGB” in the comment section along with an email and phone number. (All personal contact information is only visible to Stella Han). Cash or checks are accepted as well.
Veggie potluck
What is there to eat? Compassionate veggie food
Bringing food is optional, but to contribute, please email Stella (the coordinator and organizer) at stellaheartyoga@gmail.com with details of the dish you plan to bring. All dishes must be vegan or vegetarian. Please also include an ingredient card next to the dish for transparency so diners can avoid allergens like gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats, buckwheat, all of which contain their own form of this popular toxin that destroys the cilia of the gut lining and results in malabsorption and eventual malnutrition). All contributors to the potluck will receive 3 raffle tickets. Please mention to host about contribution to ensure receiving the raffle tickets.
Dress warmly and comfortably. If feeling inspired, festive or spiritual white attire is optional as we gather to celebrate and set intentions for the New Year with a clean slate. We look forward to coming together in community, celebration, and giving.
For more information or questions, please contact Stella Han:
Reservation Dogs is a cultural treasure because it is by and for Indigenous people and others (FX)
1% Cherokee? Who can identify as a Native American?
(PBS Origins) Aug. 20, 2024: What’s the deal with “Pretendians”? Native Tai Leclare and experts dissect what it really means to be Native — whether it’s blood, initiation, or just a claim. This episode digs deep into the complexities of identity and last names in Indian Country.
PBS member stations rely on viewers to support local stations. Go to: to.pbs.org/DonateORIG. Subscribe to PBS Origins so as to never miss an episode: @pbsorigins. And keep up with People's History of Native America and PBS Origins on Facebook: @pbsorigins, Instagram: @pbsorigins, TikTok: @pbsdigitalstudios.
He's my pet, uh, ummm, he's my man-chicken. Sometimes I pet him! (John Oliver/HBO)
UFOs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
(LastWeekTonight) April 25, 2024: John Oliver explains why we need honest inquiry into UFO (vimana, UAPs, ET) sightings and why those inquiries should be data-driven, fact-based, and – crucially – boring AF.
Connect with Last Week Tonight online...on YouTube for more almost news as it almost happens, on Facebook like your mom would, on Twitter for news about jokes and jokes about news, or visit the official site for all that other stuff at once: hbo.com/lastweektonight.
John Oliver invents a new religion
.
Mrs. Wanda Jo Oliver (SNL's Rachel Dratch)
The host of Last Week Tonight created a religion. It was a joke, but it was done on purpose. Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption is now a legally recognizedparody religion in the United States established by the brilliant comedian and satirist John Oliver.
It was first announced on August 16, 2015, in an episode on televangelism from his TV program Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
With John's mom as the Virgin Mary, our Lady of
The Church's purpose is to spotlight and criticize tele-vangelists, such as Christian hypocrites Kenneth Copeland, Joel "Prosperity Gospel" Osteen, and Robert Tilton, whom Oliver argues use TV broadcasts of Protestant Christian Sunday church services for private gain.
It sounds better than Pastfarianism's Flying Spaghetti Monster god, which is a real religion, too.
.
If it's good for my taxes, it's good for God.
Oliver also established Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption to draw attention to the tax-exempt status given to churches.
During his show on September 13, 2015, Oliver announced that the church had received "thousands of dollars" and a variety of other items from viewers and announced that the Church would be shutting down.
The segments and later spinoff segments featured the comedian Rachel Dratch as Oliver's fictional TV wife, Wanda Jo. All donations were given to Doctors Without Borders.
HSN: The Prosperity Gospel (Mr. Show)
Psychic schmykick, Terri Caputo conducts a cold read, and John Oliver mocks it.
(Mr. Show with Bob and David) Bob "Better Call Saul" Odenkirk and standup comedian David Cross explore an idea: If it's okay for Christian hypocrites to act all down home and Southern to rake in millions on their start up Christian broadcasting networks, how would the world react if Anton La Vey's daughter, Taylor "Zeena" Swift, supported by America's freedom of religion ideal, were to set up a "Hail Satan Network"?
Oliver created two spinoffs of the Church in later segments. In April 2018, he founded Our Lady of Choosing Choice, which owned a van labeled "Vanned Parenthood" (a reference to Planned Parenthood), for a segment about crisis pregnancy centers.
I made TV funnier than The Daily Show.
In June 2021, Oliver set up a church in Florida called Our Lady of Perpetual Health, which owned the health care sharing ministry "JohnnyCare," satirizing the lack of regulations on such ministries. More: Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption
John Oliver, Last Week Tonight (HBO); Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Poet and Peace Activist Mandy Kahn and friends created a poetry series at PRS (the Philosophical Research Society).
Deep Dive Poetry
Thursday, April 25, 7:30 PM
The PRS Mansion Hollywood
3910 Los Feliz Bl., Los Angeles
FREE or donate to support PRS
It’s a space for writers to share works that take a “deep dive” —
Host and PRS Peace Teacher Mandy Kahn
poems that consider a philosophical or spiritual dimension to life, poems that plumb the depths of “self,” poems that consider the natural world, or poems that feel contemplative.
Deep is a personal designation, as individual writers see it. Above all, it’s a prompt for poets to pose the question, “In which poems am I focused most deeply?”
This is National Poetry Month. And these are the featured readers:
Inside the PRS (Philosophical Research Society) library of world religions (Manly P. Hall)
Monthly Deep Dive Poetry Series: April's featured poet Katie Ford (poetryfoundation.org)
Featured poet Katie Ford
I.
The Lord Is a Man of War
The Lord is a man of war
I read by window and wick
and for once I believed
the book of Exodus true
the origin of our points sharpened
with fire our axes bows our pikes
and finally I could see
the cooling lava pits of their eyes
their giant gingko ears
their bellows of desert pain
how elephants became elephantry
how the woman who fevered with pox
became after death a weapon
a contagion to catapult over fortified walls
and finally I knew
why in this theater
the missiles are named
Savage Sinner Scapegoat
Peacekeeper and Goblet
Herren er en stridsmann
my descent is of the Vikings so
man is a Lord of war.
II.
Far Desert Region
Comes August, comes December,
then April thinned of its birds.
Again August, ten times.
Fathers forage the bombed chemical plant
for barrels to carry water
from the lime-bright pools to houses
leaning inside hot wind.
To think a war might give a gift:
a pool, a clean bucket.
III.
The Day-Shift Sleeps,
the night-war wakes:
Torturers button their canvas shirts.
They straighten their cots.
They bite their toast.
They tidy their folders.
They smoke their smokes.
They tidy their blank, blank folders.
All the little chores
before going on a trip,
theirs is the zeal of children.
IV.
[Does the war want
us to unstitch its side and climb in, to become
its good surgeon?
Stupid poet, a war can’t know
what it wants.]
Katie Ford is author of Deposition and Colosseum (Graywolf Press), and of the chapbook Storm (Marick Press). Her poems have appeared in The American Poetry Review, The Paris Review, Ploughshares, Poets & Writers, and The New Yorker.
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