Murali Balaji
Murali Balaji is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Murali Balaji
Hanuman’s emergence as a pop-culture icon shows West is waking up to Hinduism
By Murali Balaji — April 1, 2024
(RNS) — Dev Patel's movie is the latest positive depiction of Hindu ideals in the shape of the deity Hanuman.
How Hindu temples can become community pillars in a changing America
By Murali Balaji — February 5, 2024
(RNS) — Temples need to offer more to younger Hindus, whose practice values philosophy and spirituality over ritual.
The Ram Mandir may offer a way forward for India and South Asia
By Murali Balaji — January 22, 2024
(RNS) — India's prime minister could use the popularity of the mandir to heal the wounds of the past few decades.
How Henry Kissinger enabled the Bangladeshi Hindu genocide and let us forget it
By Murali Balaji — December 8, 2023
(RNS) — The late Henry Kissinger left a legacy of supporting policies that led to disaster for millions — including those who died in the 1971 Bangladeshi genocide.
In Hinduism’s celebration of Durga, lessons for how to navigate global conflicts
By Murali Balaji — October 24, 2023
(RNS) — The fight against evil, Navaratri shows us, is a prolonged effort against a shifting foe.
How India’s foray to the moon might help faiths get along here below
By Murali Balaji — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — In the success of the Chandrayaan-3 is a chance to build a more inclusive nationalism.
How a mysterious Indian religious figure united Hindus and Muslims
By Murali Balaji — August 4, 2023
(RNS) — The life and words of Shirdi Sai Baba could prove to be an inspiration to those seeking to rebuild the bridges between followers of both faiths.
How a 9th-century Hindu philosopher embodied the idea of a fulfilled life
By Murali Balaji — June 2, 2023
(RNS) — Our fear of dying can sometimes lead to a fear of living the best versions of ourselves.
My faith tells me my mother was liberated by death. On Mother’s Day, I still grieve.
By Murali Balaji — May 11, 2023
(RNS) — Navigating the Hindu belief that death leads to better things.
Symposium marks 130th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s arrival in the United States
By Murali Balaji — April 25, 2023
(RNS) — Swami Vivekananda’s tour of the United States would mark what would become the first exposure most non-Hindus in the West had with Hinduism.
How a Hindu parable about a sex worker inspired my bhakti
By Murali Balaji — April 20, 2023
(RNS) — A simple tale captures how Hindus have relied upon bhakti — unconditional devotion to the divine.
How Hanuman guided me as a son and father
By Murali Balaji — April 5, 2023
(RNS) — Once a fan of the Hindu deity’s superhero image, I came to understand him as a true model of devotion.
It’s Lord Ram’s birthday this week. Here’s why he’ll be remembered in six faiths.
By Murali Balaji — March 28, 2023
(RNS) — This week, millions will mark the birth of one of the most iconic figures in global lore.
Why Hinduism’s Holi is more than an explosion of color for the Indo-Caribbean diaspora
By Murali Balaji — March 8, 2023
(RNS) — The festival unites the descendants of people brought to the New World as indentured servants.
How John and Alice Coltrane’s music inspired a vision for American Hinduism
By Murali Balaji — February 22, 2023
(RNS) — They were two of the religion’s most impactful and unique gurus in its evolution into an American way of life.
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