Source: The Hartford Courant

On July 14, 2001, The Hartford Courant reported on Diana Eck's new book, A New Religious America. "'The religious landscape of America has changed radically in the past 30 years,' Eck writes, 'but most of us have not yet begun to see the dimensions and scope of that change.'" The main part of the book focuses on Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam in America.

Source: Queens Chronicle-Central Edition

Source: Jersey Journal

On July 10, 2001, the Jersey Journal reported that "for part of the Aug. 4-5 dedication ceremonies, leaders of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple [in New Jersey] plan to 'borrow' $7 million worth of gold bullion from a bank to underscore the material value of the enterprise...The temple...will be home from time to time for up to 32 of the Gujarati sect's 'saints' or visiting practitioners" and is now open for worship.

Source: Hindu Press International

http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1728.83226

On July 9, 2001, Hindu Press International reported that "according to a study in the July issue of American Journal of Public Health, an Eastern meditative practice called 'mindfulness' has been shown to help people with anxiety disorders, chronic pain, depression and other stress-related conditions."

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On July 8, 2001, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on "the 'Mother of Immortal Bliss,' a.k.a. Mata Amritanandamayi, a Hindu woman...who is fast becoming a world-renowned spiritual leader, like Mother Teresa or Mohandas Gandhi." She "traveled from her home in southern India to Los Angeles...on a 10-city U.S. tour...The drill is the same wherever she goes. From dawn to late at night, people stream toward her. One-by-one they place their heads on her breast or belly or shoulder for a hug. She pats them on the back......

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

On July 8, 2001, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Kalki and Kanta Holbrook. "As Kalki and Kanta have grown, as a family and as individuals, so too has the spiritual movement to which they've devoted their lives," the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). ISKCON, "which is viewed as a mainstream Hindu tradition in its native India, has begun to serve the broader population of Hindu immigrants in the United States." A professor of religion said "the movement has matured. They realize that not everyone is going to...

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On July 7, 2001, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that "members of a Hare Krishna temple are fighting a proposed McDonald's restaurant [in San Diego], saying it would foul the air with the smell of meat." They are offended by McDonald's proposal, said one member, because "a big part of our religion is vegetarianism; it's one of our main beliefs."

Source: The Kansas City Star

On July 4, 2001, The Kansas City Star reported that the nearly all white congregation of the Full Faith Church of Love West, installed the Rev. Don Lewis, an African-American, as its new senior pastor. "Guests at the installation included Charangit Hundal of the Sikh gurdwara and Anand and Dipti Bhattacharyya of the Hindu temple."

Source: rediff.com

On July 3, 2001, rediff.com reported that Harish Bharti, the Seattle lawyer who's filed a lawsuit against McDonald's,...said he had concrete evidence that the company knowingly lied to vegetarian consumers about its beef-flavored fries...Bharti released...a letter that was sent by McDonald's' corporate headquarters to a consumer in response to an inquiry about vegetarian menu items," which informed the consumer that the French fries were cooked in 100% vegetable oil. "...

Source: Chapel Hill Herald

On July 2, 2001, the Chapel Hill Herald reported on "the small Iskcon School near Hillsborough," North Carolina, for Hare Krishnas, which "follows a long-standing tradition of religious-based education...'The goal of academic instruction is religious training,' [the director of the school] said. 'We see that everything is related to God, then why not education also?'"

Source: Indian New England News

On July 1, 2001, Indian New England News reported that "the spiritual leader of Chinmaya Mission Centers worldwide [Swami Tejomayananda] will speak locally as part of the groundbreaking events taking place for a new center planned for Andover [Massachusetts] ...for the area followers of Swami Chinmayananda, who founded the Chinmaya Mission...The organization teaches...the ancient system of Hindu philosophy. Currently the Chinmaya Mission Boston has close to 150 registered families."

Source: INDIA New England

On July 1, 2001, INDIA New England reported that "reflecting...the community's growth across the United States, New England's Indian-American population has more than doubled in the past 10 years...The availability of work visas, the lure of academic institutions and the vitality of the region's high-tech industry have fueled this increase locally...The...2000 census reported 76,157 Indian-Americans in New England," up from 36,282 in 1990. "In New England, Massachusetts has the largest Indian-American population -- increasing from...

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On July 1, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle reported on "William Claassen, a self-described 'nomadic pilgrim.'...Claassen spent 2 1/2 years traveling around the world, visiting 40 monasteries in 12 countries. He broke bread with Greek Orthodox monks on Mount Athos, walked with Catholic brothers in Spain, watched whirling dervishes in Turkey, meditated with Zen monks in Japan and sat at the feet of Hindu gurus and Jain pujaris in India."

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On June 30, 2001, The Houston Chronicle reported that "June...is the time when brides and grooms fill churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and banquet halls with promises of love, fidelity and care. Traditions vary...But most couples taking a leap into married life begin by professing love and faithfulness until death parts them, if not for eternity. And even those who profess no religion often look beyond themselves on their wedding day to seal their commitment. 'People intuitively understand that [it] is something sacred...

Source: Los Angeles Times

On June 30, 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported that "more than 1,000 Hindus have gathered each day for more than a week at the Fairplex in Pomona to hear Ramesh Oza tell the story of Lord Rama's life." Ramayana is "an ancient epic that is fundamental to Hindu belief and culture...The story can take up to 30 days to tell...Hearing the story reinforces messages of respect and helps direct listeners to inner serenity."