Asceticism

Intricate carvings adorn the marble pillars inside a Jain temple in Ahmedabad, western India. Jainism is an ancient religion whose followers often renounce the world to lead a life of extreme austerity. Most of them are women, some as young as 8.

‘Happiness is in your hands’: Young Jain women continue to renounce the world

Sacred Nation

The Jain religious community in India makes up less than than 1% of the population. A steady number of them — even children — are renouncing the material world to join Jain monasteries.

Monks, scientists partner to reveal hidden messages beneath centuries-old texts

A Visit to Zograf Monastery at Mount Athos

Pope Francis Tells Nuns Not to Be ‘Old maids’

Lifestyle & Belief

The Buddhist Path for Young Men in Myanmar

Lifestyle & Belief

Hermit Nuns Talk!

Trees falling in the woods of Nova Scotia have a band of normally quiet hermits speaking out. The brothers and sisters of the Nova Nada Carmelite Hermitage in the Nova Scotia woods near Yarmouth live a very quiet life. They don’t speak from dusk till dawn, and they keep silent for at least one full […]

The World

A Road Salt Saga

A century ago, workers cleared snow from the roads by dousing it with flaming gasoline. Today we clear with salt, by pouring about 10 million tons of it on our roads every winter. But all this salt is taking a toll on the environment. A handful of states have stopped using the corrosive cleaner and […]

The World

Fast Food O’Natural

Bruce Gellerman reports on a number of entrepreneurs who are out to quench America’s thirst and palate for healthy food served up fast. “Healthy Fast Food” can be organic or just good for you, and it may just change the entire fast food business.

The World

Fast Food O’Natural

Bruce Gellerman reports on a number of entrepreneurs who are out to quench America’s thirst and palate for healthy food served up fast. “Healthy Fast Food” can be organic or just good for you, and it may just change the entire fast food business.

The World

Global hit: Badila Ensemble

Arts, Culture & Media

Anchor Lisa Mullins introduces us to the music of the Badila Ensemble. Members of the group have been recruited from France, India and Iran. The ensemble’s latest CD is called “Qalandar Express: Love Songs of the Mystic Riders.”