Exploration of Hinduism aims to remove mystery

Pair of September lectures at Elizabethtown College explain interconnectedness, stereotypes of oldest world religion

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Jeffery Long

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA (09/04/2014)(readMedia)-- They don't seem interrelated, in any way, but Mahatma Gandhi, Star Wars and the Beatles have a unique common thread.

At 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, Dr. Jeffery Long (please note spelling of Jeffery), professor of religion and Asian studies, a scholar and Hindu practitioner, from Elizabethtown College's Department of Religious Studies, discusses the shared cultural connection that traces back to Sept. 11, 1893: the day that Hindu sage Swami Vivekananda first spoke at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, Ill., calling for an end to bigotry and fanaticism and for a new era of universal acceptance.

In his free talk, "How Hinduism Changed America: The Enduring Legacy of Swami Vivekananda," Long explores how the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vedanta, taught by the Swami, has been woven inexorably into the tapestry of the American experience ever since. The lecture takes place in the College's Susquehanna Room.

At noon, Tuesday, Sept. 16, Long continues his discussion at a Presidential Community Enrichment Series Lecture.

"Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about Hinduism but Were Afraid to Ask" shows how misunderstood and surrounded by stereotypes the oldest of the world's religions is. Long delves into this ancient and mysterious tradition to explain what Hindus believe.

Seating for this lecture, in the Susquehanna Room at Elizabethtown College, is limited. Reservations for the $15 lunch are required. Contact iaenrichseries@etown.edu to reserve your place.

More on upcoming Presidential Community Enrichment Series luncheons.

Read about additional events at Elizabethtown College.

Elizabethtown College, located in historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a private coed institution offering more than four dozen liberal arts, fine and performing arts, science and engineering, business, communications and education degrees. Learn more: http://www.etown.edu/about/

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