The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (336 page)

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Authors: John Bowker

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Baldachino
.
In Christian churches, originally in
Coptic-rite
churches, a domed canopy supported on four columns and covering the main
altar
.
Balfour Declaration
.
British declaration of sympathy with
Zionism
. It was made in a letter of 2 Nov. 1917, from the British Foreign Secretary (i.e. Balfour) to Lord Rothschild. The declaration was endorsed in 1920 by the allies at the San Remo Conference. It was, however, in apparent conflict with the McMahon correspondence, which made commitments to the Arabs.
Bali
.
An offering, in Hinduism and Buddhism, of grain or rice to gods and spirits, in particular, part of the daily offering of the
g
hastha
(householder) which ensures that at death he will attain
Brahman
.
Bali
.
In Hindu mythology, one of the leaders of the
daityas
(demons) and grandson of Prahl
da. According to one legend he was offered the choice of entering heaven with one hundred fools, or hell with one wise person. He chose the latter, because a hundred fools will turn heaven into hell, but one wise person will turn hell into heaven.
B
lm
k
.

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