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Perseverance..

In 1831, he opened up a business, he failed...

In 1832, he ran for the legislature, he was defeated...

In 1833, he opened up another business, he failed...

In 1835, his sweetheart passed away...

In 1836, he sufferred from a nervous breakdown...

In 1838, he ran for the position of Speaker, he was defeated...

In 1840, he tried to become an elector, he lost...

In 1848, he ran for Congress, he lost once again...

In 1855, he ran for the Senate, he was defeated...

In 1856, he ran for Vice President, he was not chosen...

In 1858, he ran for the Senate, the other candidate was the victor...

In 1860, he was elected the President of the United States of America...

Sometimes the difference between the most colossal failures in American history and the most resounding successes, comes down to perseverance and faith. Faith in one's ability, and the determination to continue. Abraham Lincoln was defeated 11 times before he actually won. A little historical lesson.

Just When I thought I could Sit Back and Relax..

Many of your probably read Arpan's most recent article, Hindu Nationalist Tomfoolery: A Primer. Most of you like myself probably thought that his post was fairly insightful. Most of you also thought that in no way would Arpan use the very same ad hominem attacks which he so clearly denounces.

Unfortunately for all of us, we were wrong. Now, the blame lies partially in me since the Bhagvad Gita which is at the left hand corner of the screen actually belongs to me. It's on my reading list and I do own two copies of this holy text. So in that sense, I'm the reason that Arpan decides to attack Hinduism and the Gita as a whole simply because of what some Hindu Nationalists did. As I'm sure Arpan is aware, Hindu Nationalists do not represent the majority of Hindus and they like any other extremist group, irregardless of religion, advocate violence. Now, these things are not to be denied, all extremist groups do it, with the possible exception of Buddist extremist groups.

As far as the Gita is concerned, I wonder if Arpan has actually read it. It is the poem of God speaking to Arjuna about the way in which one should live life. It does not advocate violence nor does it advocate the sort of methods that this particular Hindu Nationalist group uses. Furthermore, if this person who sent out that bastardly email is responsible for leading people away from Hinduism, than it is obvious that he too does not represent Hinduism as a whole.

I'm obviously ranting here, my only point being that this email nor this individual who sent out the email represent Hindus, he certainly does not represent me and he clearly does not represent any of the lessons taught in the Gita. I urge both Arpan and others to read it. They may find that it will serve as a moral compass as well as a refreshing look at the world in which we live.