Murali Balaji

Murali Balaji is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Murali Balaji

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.

How I stopped running from my name and embraced its connection to my Hindu faith

By Murali Balaji — January 3, 2023
(RNS) — For years, my desire to fit in overrode my sense of identity.

Why ‘proud Hindu’ Rishi Sunak’s rise to British prime minister is a big deal

By Murali Balaji — October 26, 2022
(RNS) — A Hindu now leads a country that for two centuries subjugated Hindus around the world.

75 years after India’s independence, a lost generation recovers its Hindu faith

By Murali Balaji — August 12, 2022
(RNS) — Indian Hindus who grew up after independence have never fully processed the trauma of colonialism.

Why Hindus should celebrate Black History Month

By Murali Balaji — February 17, 2022
(RNS) — Hindus have influenced the Black experience in America since W.E.B. Du Bois.
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