Let’s begin with a riddle:  ‘Why would an American use a Tamil word to name a website?’

            I remember traveling through South America after eleven years of Spanish-language training.  I was positively amazed at my complete lack of confidence.  Phrases tumbled from my mouth like a house of cards in an earthquake, and I was completely unable to stand 100% behind my words, even though I encountered nothing but linguistic kindness and compassion in shops and restaurants.  At times, it was as if I were two people – visitor and local.  I would have bizarre out-of-body-like experiences, simultaneously talking and listening, judging my language ability as I was uttering it.  My studies of Latin, Greek, German, and Japanese, have also led to similar situations, urging me to stick close to my “English” safety zone.

            Even a casual observer of language may discern particular subtleties that are lost in translation that may lead to feelings of embarrassment if one has not perfected local dialects and tones.  Sometimes that embarrassment is only perceived; at other times, real.  Anyone familiar with the famous Kennedy quote, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” and the legend surrounding it, understands how history, remote or recent, can plague the well-meaning foreigner.  According to lore, Kennedy’s famous statement of solidarity with the people of West Berlin, was actually a pronouncement that he was a jelly-filled baked good (Berliner).  History and grammar have done their best to exonerate President Kennedy, but the joke remains.  In this case, we clearly see the comedy of possibility is longer-lasting than the dramatic truth.

            I am not from Tamil Nadu.  I do not speak Tamil.  However, the word orumai found me and struck me.  I investigated and saw it translated as “oneness”.  I checked with a friend from Tamil Nadu who indicated the word means “unity”.  From there, the love affair began. I know others may have another translation for this word, and will have their own contextual uses for it.  But that only lends to its spirit.  If it were to mean, “unity” and “a jelly-filled pastry from India,” that would not denigrate the spirit of this site, but only enhance it.  Why not have unity and pastry?

            Our mothers tell us to keep away from discussions of religion (and its twin, politics) in polite company in order that we may not offend.  And in most cases, this is sound advice.  But with all due respect, as we enter a new era of crisis and possibility on this planet, the true offense is silence.  We need resources to enable change, rather than cripple it.

            At Orumai, we have a unique opportunity to come together peacefully and responsibly.  The spirit of Orumai is that we can be of different view and one mind.  But let us be charitable.  Let us be respectful.  And, above all, let us be open-minded.

            And now, the answer to our riddle.

            Orumai stands for “unity”.  The definition solves the riddle.  The word is an expression of union and oneness.  I like to think of it as a handshake across the miles, across the years, and throughout history.  For those visiting this site, I shake your hand.  Let us explore the spirit of unity together.  In time, you will find videos, articles, and podcasts covering the world of spirituality, religion, culture, wellness, and relevant news.  And, of course, we will have room for good old-fashioned discussion and debate.

            Welcome to this place on the way…

-josh