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Hanuman: The Monkey God and Guardian
Sadhika Pant
 August 06 2025 at 04:24 am
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A few nights ago, I had a strange dream. We were all huddled in my childhood home. My husband was there. So were my aunts, uncles, cousins — people who now live scattered across different cities and time zones. In the dream, we had returned to that home, but the world outside had changed. Monkeys ruled it. Not the occasional ones that swing past the balcony and steal leftovers from the trashcans outside the house. I’m talking about massive hordes of monkeys. They attacked humans, raided homes, overturned flowerpots, screeched into mirrors, and even flung steel lunchboxes down from windows with the flair of revolutionaries. Every few weeks, an alarm would sound across the neighbourhood, warning us of the impending invasion of a particularly violent troop of a few hundred monkeys. And every time that alarm rang, we would do the only thing that made sense: lock every door, board up the windows and gather in the puja room, and chant the Hanuman Chalisa together, and if we were lucky, the monkeys would fail to find an opening into the house or give up on tearing away the wooden planks from the windows to leave in search of a house that was easier to get into. Yes — we were invoking Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, to save us from the monkeys. The irony is not lost on me. When I woke up from this bizarrely vivid dream, I couldn’t stop laughing. The image of my family chanting the Chalisa while an army of monkeys tried to break in, felt like a post-apocalyptic movie, only instead of hiding from mutant zombies, we were warding off rogue primates with verses dedicated to their divine ancestor. But the deeper I thought about it, the more I realised that this dream had done what dreams often do: cut straight to the core of the absurdity and truth of the human condition. In Sanskrit, the mind is often likened to a monkey — “Markata svabhava”, they say — always jumping from one branch to another, restless, curious, unstill. But Hanuman is not that monkey. Or rather, he is, but tamed by discipline, loyalty, and unwavering focus on something higher — Lord Rama. In Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman is a most paradoxical figure. He is: (a) the embodiment of bhakti (devotion), (b) the master of buddhi (intellect), (c) the symbol of shakti (strength), and the servant of dharma (righteousness). In the Ramayana, Hanuman is the one who flies across oceans, who uproots mountains, who finds Sita when all others fail. But his real power lies not in his might, but in his self-control, his humility, and his clarity of purpose. He is the monkey who has conquered his monkeyness and the fact that he is divinised shows us what it means to transcend. So when we chant the Hanuman Chalisa — especially in times of fear, chaos, or “invasion” (whether by thoughts or threats), we are essentially invoking the highest version of ourselves. We are reminding ourselves that the mind can be both wild and wise, that within the jungle of our instincts lives the potential for spiritual discipline. Faith is not always logical or subjective. Sometimes it is archetypal. There’s something deeply Indian about invoking a monkey god to protect us from monkeys. But then again, what is faith if not an allegiance to the deeper pattern even when we understand little of it? Lord Hanuman is not just a monkey. He is the monkey who remembered who he was. The one who flew to the sun because he thought it was a fruit, forgot his powers, and then rediscovered them in the service of something higher. In the Chalisa, we sing of him as a protector, a healer, a remover of fear and ignorance. So perhaps the dream is reminiscent of the fact that the forces that seem wild and threatening may carry within them the seed of their own resolution. That the same energies that cause fear, when channelled with devotion, can become your greatest guardian. So what do we do when the monkey alarm rings? We lock the doors, we sit still, we hold hands, and we chant. Not to erase the chaos without, but to reorganise the one within. And maybe, the monkeys pass by. Or they sit down quietly under the mango tree, and listen to the Chalisa, rapt. Image: Ancient wall art depicting Lord Hanuman in a temple in Hampi, Karnataka.
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The quiet religious revival taking place in...
angelobottone
 August 01 2025 at 09:06 pm
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‘The Quiet Revival’, a major new report from the Bible Society in the UK has found something surprising: a significant upsurge in church attendance, especially among young people, challenging previous assumptions about Christianity’s long-term decline in that country. Based on YouGov surveys of over 13,000 people in England and Wales, the report reveals a 56pc increase in regular church attendance (monthly or more) from 2018 to 2024, rising from 8pc (3.7 million people) to 12pc (5.8 million) of the population. This growth, dubbed a “quiet revival,” by the Bible Society, is most pronounced among younger adults, particularly Gen Z (18-24) and younger Millennials (25-34), and is accompanied by greater ethnic diversity in congregations. While overall Christian identification has fallen to 39pc among the general population, those who identify as Christian are increasingly active, engaging in prayer, Bible reading, and community outreach, signalling a shift from nominal to intentional faith. The most striking trend is the surge in church attendance among 18-34-year-olds, with Gen Z leading the charge. For 18-24-year-olds, regular attendance quadrupled from 4pc in 2018 to 16pc in 2024. The 25-34 age group also saw significant growth, rising from 4pc to 13pc. This contrasts with older generations: those 65+ increased from 14pc to 19pc, while 35-44-year-olds grew only modestly from 5pc to 8pc, and 45-64-year-olds saw a slight decline. Notably, young men are driving this trend, with 21pc of 18-24-year-old men attending monthly last year (up from 4pc in 2018), outpacing young women, whose attendance rose from 3pc to 12pc. Among 18-34-year-olds overall, 18pc of white men attend monthly, up from 3pc, indicating the trend extends beyond ethnic minorities and is not fully explained by rising immigration. Several factors seem to explain this rise: Quest for Community: The report emphasises that young adults, grappling with loneliness, anxiety, and post-pandemic isolation, are being drawn to churches for connection. Over 60% of churchgoers aged 18-34 report a strong sense of belonging to their local area, compared to just 25pc of non-churchgoers. Peer networks are key, with 34pc of non-churchgoing 18-24-year-olds saying they’d attend if invited by a friend.Search for Meaning: Economic pressures, mental health challenges, and disillusionment with secular liberalism help lead young people toward faith. The report notes 35pc of 18-24-year-olds over believe in a higher power, and 40pc pray monthly, the highest of any age group. Churchgoers in this bracket report higher life satisfaction and lower anxiety, particularly among young women, who show a 21-point drop in frequent depression compared to non-churchgoing peers.Spiritual Engagement: Young Christians are highly active, with 80pc of 18-34-year-olds reading the Bible weekly (compared to 71pc of 35-54-year-olds) and 80pc feeling confident discussing their faith. Curiosity about Christianity is also quite high, with 25pc of non-churchgoing 18-24-year-olds interested in learning more about the Bible.Denominational Shifts: Growth is strongest in Catholic and Pentecostal churches. Among 18-34-year-olds identifying as Catholic, Mass attendance rose from 22pc to 41pc, and Pentecostal from 10pc to 18pc, while Anglican attendance in this age group fell from 30oc to 20pc. Immigration significantly contributes to this revival, diversifying congregations and bolstering attendance, particularly among 18-34-year-olds. One in five churchgoers (19pc) is from an ethnic minority, rising to nearly a third (32pc) among 18-54-year-olds. The report contrasts youth-led growth with stagnation among middle-aged groups and cautions against over-optimism, noting that churchgoing doesn’t always equate to deep faith. Bible engagement is rising—12pc of the population reads the Bible weekly outside services, up from 6pc—but 79pc rarely encounter it. The revival is uneven, thriving in urban areas with dynamic churches but less evident in rural or traditional settings. For 18-34-year-olds, the report suggests churches must nurture this interest through discipleship, as many newcomers lack theological grounding. The mental health benefits underscore churches’ social value. ‘The Quiet Revival’ documents a remarkable resurgence in UK church attendance, with 18-34-year-olds, especially Gen Z men, at the forefront. Driven by a hunger for community, meaning, and spiritual engagement, this group has quadrupled attendance in six years, favouring Catholic and Pentecostal churches. This is a good news story showing a very welcome interruption to the long-term decline in church attendance in the UK. Hopefully it is not a mere interruption, but a sign of a genuine revival.
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Stress Relief Supplements Market Trends,...
kshdbmr
 August 05 2025 at 06:28 am
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Executive Summary Stress Relief Supplements Market: Growth Trends and Share Breakdown CAGR Value The global stress relief supplements market size was valued at USD 562.31 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 866.9 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.56% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. The Stress Relief Supplements Market report has been formed with the appropriate expertises that utilize established and unswerving tools and techniques such as SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces analysis to conduct the research study. Several company profiles included in this Stress Relief Supplements Market report can be pretty useful for making any decision associated with revenue, import, export and consumption. This report studies and evaluates facts and figures about the market segmentation very watchfully and represents it in the form of graphs for the better understanding of end user. This market report endows with CAGR value fluctuations during the forecast period for the market. Stress Relief Supplements Market report eases the process of acquiring valuable market insights with the new skills, latest tools and innovative programs which is sure to aid in achieving business goals. Stress Relief Supplements Market report all-inclusively guesstimates general market conditions, the growth scenario in the market, likely restrictions, major industry trends, market size, market share, sales volume and future trends. The information and data quoted in this Stress Relief Supplements Market report is gathered from the truthful sources such as websites, journals, mergers, and annual reports of the companies. This Stress Relief Supplements Market report is very helpful for both regular and emerging market player in the Stress Relief Supplements Market industry as it provides thorough market insights. Get a full overview of market dynamics, forecasts, and trends. Download the complete Stress Relief Supplements Market report: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-stress-relief-supplements-market Stress Relief Supplements Market Summary **Segments** - Based on product type, the stress relief supplements market can be segmented into gummies, capsules, tablets, and others. Gummies are increasingly popular due to their convenient form and enjoyable experience for consumers.- By ingredient type, the market can be categorized into herbal ingredients, amino acids, vitamins & minerals, and others. Herbal ingredients are witnessing significant demand due to their perceived natural and safe characteristics.- On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into online retail, pharmacies & drug stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and others. The online retail segment is experiencing rapid growth with the increasing preference for e-commerce platforms. **Market Players** - Nature's Bounty Co., Ion Labs Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Glanbia plc, NOW Foods, Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Nutraceutical Corporation, Himalaya Wellness, and Taos Herb Company are some of the key players in the global stress relief supplements market. These companies are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to enhance their market presence.- Additionally, Life Extension, Nature's Way Products, LLC, Beurer, Pure Encapsulations, Solgar Inc., and Blackmores are also prominent players in the market, contributing to the competitive landscape with their diverse product offerings and extensive distribution networks. The stress relief supplements market is experiencing notable growth due to the increasing awareness among consumers regarding mental well-being and the prevalence of stress-related issues in today's fast-paced lifestyle. This market segmentation based on product type, ingredient type, and distribution channel provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse offerings within the industry. Gummies, capsules, tablets, and other product forms cater to different consumer preferences, with gummies gaining popularity for their ease of consumption and enjoyable taste profiles. Herbal ingredients, amino acids, vitamins & minerals, and other key ingredients offer a wide range of options for consumers seeking natural and effective stress relief solutions. The distribution channels, including online retail, pharmacies & drug stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and others, cater to the varying shopping habits of consumers, with online retail showing significant growth potential in line with the digital transformation of retail. The market players in the stress relief supplements industry play a crucial role in driving innovation, expanding market reach, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. Nature's Bounty Co., Ion Labs Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, and other key players are focused on product development and strategic collaborations to strengthen their market position. These companies are leveraging their expertise in research and development to introduce advanced formulations that address specific stress-related concerns effectively. Market leaders like NOW Foods, Bayer AG, and Pfizer Inc. are also actively engaging in mergers and acquisitions to broaden their product portfolios and enhance their competitive edge in the market. Apart from the major players, emerging companies such as Life Extension, Nature's Way Products, LLC, and Beurer are making significant strides in the stress relief supplements market by offering unique product offerings and expanding their distribution networks. These players bring a fresh perspective to the market by introducing innovative ingredients and packaging formats that cater to changing consumer preferences. Additionally, companies like Pure Encapsulations, Solgar Inc., and Blackmores are contributing to market growth by emphasizing quality and safety standards in their product formulations, gaining consumer trust in a crowded marketplace. In conclusion, the global stress relief supplements market is poised for continued growth driven by shifting consumer lifestyles, growing mental health awareness, and the innovative efforts of key market players. As the market evolves, companies need to stay attuned to consumer needs, invest in research and development, and forge strategic partnerships to stay competitive in this dynamic industry landscape.The global stress relief supplements market is witnessing significant traction due to the escalating consumer inclination towards mental well-being and the rising prevalence of stress-related issues in today's fast-paced environment. The segmentation of the market based on product type, ingredient type, and distribution channels offers a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape. The popularity of gummies, capsules, tablets, and other product forms is indicative of the diverse consumer preferences catered to by the industry. Among these, gummies have gained substantial traction owing to their convenience and enjoyable consumption experience. In terms of ingredient types, herbal ingredients have garnered notable demand due to their perceived natural and safe attributes, aligning with the broader trend towards natural remedies among consumers. The availability of stress relief supplements through various distribution channels such as online retail, pharmacies & drug stores, and supermarkets & hypermarkets, underscores the industry's adaptability to diverse consumer shopping behaviors. The rapid growth of the online retail segment mirrors the broader shift towards e-commerce platforms, indicating the importance of digital presence for market players. Key market players such as Nature's Bounty Co., Ion Labs Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, and Glanbia plc, among others, are actively engaged in product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions to strengthen their market foothold. These companies are leveraging their expertise in research and development to introduce advanced formulations tailored to address specific stress-related concerns effectively. Additionally, emerging players like Life Extension, Nature's Way Products, LLC, and Beurer are also making significant strides in the market by offering unique products and expanding their distribution networks. The competitive landscape of the stress relief supplements market is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging entrants, each bringing their unique contributions to the market. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, companies are focusing on quality, safety, and innovation to differentiate their offerings and capture market share. Overall, the market's growth trajectory is poised to remain robust, driven by the growing awareness of mental health issues and the proactive efforts of market players to meet the evolving needs of consumers through diversified product portfolios and strategic initiatives. Examine the market share held by the companyhttps://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-stress-relief-supplements-market/companies Stress Relief Supplements Market Research Questionnaire – 25 Sets of Analyst Questions What is the estimated revenue of the global Stress Relief Supplements Market?What are the future growth projections for the Stress Relief Supplements Market?What are the major types and applications in the Stress Relief Supplements Market segmentation?Who are the major companies analyzed in the Stress Relief Supplements Market report?Which country-level data is included in theStress Relief Supplements Market research?Which organizations hold significant influence in the Stress Relief Supplements Market? 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