The feminine side of Buddhism is explored. A Hindu religious leader talks about love and intimacy in his religion. And we take a look at the sacred Islamic "Feast of Sacrifice." It's Faithful Friday, our weekly segment on faiths and religious communities from around the world! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Siddhartha Gautama may by the most famous Buddha and the most iconic representative of the religion he founded, but he's far from the only religious leader in Buddhism. Nor are such leaders always masculine. Lion's Roar takes a look at the divine feminine in Buddhism, represented in this case by Tara.

France drew considerable criticism from advocates of religious freedom recently when it issued a public ban on burkinis, citing the country's official secularism as well as "security concerns." France has now backed off from the controversial ban but that doesn't mean that the country's Muslim minority is free of ostracism. Muslim Matters has more on the issue here.

One of the most troubling trends in Indian politics has been the rise of Hindu Nationalism or Hindu conservatives who believe the Indian identity and Hinduism are inseparable. However, while many Hindu Nationalists have contributed to persecution against India's Muslims and Christians many Hindu leaders emphasize that their religion is one of pluralism and religious tolerance. The Indian Express gives Mohan Bhagwat an opportunity to share this message and emphasize the core values of Hinduism.

Less than a week ago Mother Teresa, the beloved if sometimes controversial missionary and philanthropist, was formally canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church after more than a decade of efforts by her supporters. At the Catholic Channel for Patheos, Timothy Putnam expresses what Mother Teresa taught and gave to the word in his eyes.

Next Monday marks the annual celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the two holidays to be celebrated every year by all Muslims (the other being Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan). For those unfamiliar with the Islamic calendar, the staff at The Huffington Post explain the importance of Eid al-Adha and how it is celebrated.


Top image by Mai-Linh Doan