Total Posts : 497 posts
Salman Rushdie was attacked in New York for his book "The Satanic Verses". Its a Doctrinal war. We look at it from a Dharmic versus Hindu perspective. A different take.
Latest chapter in a continuing genocide of Hindus buried by orchestrated "Hindu fundamentalist" campaign full of innuendos, lies and curated anecdotes. One-World-Order is ready for blood of Pluralism.
Artificial barriers to even study and reflect were installed for the objective of dominance and subjugation. A bastardized version of our heritage was acceptable. And we faltered. A very deep look!
Who is a Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, or Shudra? Are they levels within a society? Or components that define existence? What does Manusmriti and Gita say?
The real utility of Moral ethics is for the times when one faces choices that are repugnant. In normal times, there is not much morality to exercise. Western moral constructs need crutches of theories and pre-determined ideas to make decisions when situations are not straight-forward. Morality, therefore, depends on edicts
While trying to salvage a losing argument, a friend threw ad-hominems at me challenging my “objectivity”. Before I could respond, he went away fuming after having pronounced himself as objective, balanced, and the rest of such adjectives and thrown me into the pits of “subjective, biased” views. Interesting how objectivity
While walking near Janpath, I came to my favorite place one day – the book shop on the sidewalk. I saw a set of books by Jiddu Krishnamurti [https://kfa.org/] and bought them out of intrigue. When I started reading one of them, I slammed it down saying “What an
On April 16th, in what has come to be known as the Palghar Lynching case, two Sanyaasis from the Dashanaami order were killed mercilessly by a mob in Palghar district. > The incident occurred on the night of April 16 when two ascetics, 70-year-old Mahant Kalpavruksha Giri and 35- year-old Sushilgiri
Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on national TV to share a message on April 3rd, 2020. While expressing gratitude to those providing services and keeping the essential establishments like hospitals running, he asked for a favor. For Indians to light a lamp, candle, torch or just cell phone flashlights for
This is the beautiful song rendered amazingly by Ananya Bhat during the Mahashivaratri 2020. Its lyrics and translation is given below. Lyrics and Meaning: ಮಾದೇವ… ಮಾದೇವ… Maadeva… Maadeva… Mahadeva… Mahadeva… ಸೋಜುಗಾದ ಸೂಜುಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಮಾದೇವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮಂ
Swami Vivekananda achieved a lot in his short life. He not only set the foundation for the creation of Indian Institute of Science in his meeting with Jamsetji Tata [https://www.drishtikone.com/september-11-when-a-monk-invaded-the-consciousness-of-america-150-years-ago/] , but also inspired John Rockefeller [https://www.drishtikone.com/how-swami-vivekananda-changed-john-rockefeller/] to start the first business charity
British poet, playwright, and writer, Samuel Johnson, once angrily retorted while discussing a girl who had converted from the Anglican Church to Quakerism “The heathens were easily converted, because they had nothing to give up; but we ought not, without very strong conviction indeed, to desert the religion in which
India has an abuse epidemic. Those with hardly any contribution to humanity (other than profanity packaged as humor), can throw stones at those who are involved in work that will save not just our kids but the planet itself. A hundred years from now, when the world’s climate has
A 9 member Constitution bench will start the hearing with respect to the questions in Sabarimala case from January 13th, 2020. The names of the judges have not yet been mentioned, but the order mentioned that the hearing will start on Monday. > “Take notice that the following matters will be
A language is a tool to convey information of a certain idea of mind and ways of being from one person to another. A person who does not understand either the language or its roots or acknowledge them as real cannot fully grasp anything that has been spoken. For example,
One needs to look at every occurrence in context of time and space. As the updates of Ayodhya Verdict kept trickling in on November 9th from the court, I could not but go back in time and feel what someone in that era when Aurangzeb or Babur raped and pillaged
Five justices bench of Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising justices SA Bobde, Ashok Bhushan, DY Chandrachud and S Abdul Nazeer, gave a landmark verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi on November 9, 2019. A dispute that was standing for a long time got its resolution
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a very powerful chant which is said to have the ability to save a person from death. The Mantra is part of the Rig veda VII.59.12, b) the Yajur Veda III.60, and c) the Atharva Veda XIV.1.17. It is written as: ॐ
Amrita TV started a program called Sreshta Bharatham. It is a is a reality show based on the epic ‘Ramayana’. One of the contestants, Rahul K, a class IX student from Kannur, left everyone shocked by his knowledge of Ramayana. It’s a quiz show. Ramayana quiz show Sreshta Bharatham
There is a special place for the feminine in Indian psyche. Understanding and experience of divinity necessarily include both, the masculine and the feminine. As much as the Yogis have enriched this land, so have the Yoginis. Not only have the Yogis attained to level of consciousness of Vishnu and
A temple was built during the Kadamba rule in Goa in what is now a small village named Kadambi Surla dedicated to Shiva. This was deep into the forest for most of the past years. It consists of garbhagriha, antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa. Mahadev Shiva Temple in Goa
At the Mountain Horse Farm [https://www.mountainhorsefarm.com/the-horse-cow-experience], you will have to pay $75 for a session of 60 minutes where you can be brushing, petting, playing, sharing space or snuggling up to the cows in that farm. In an ever expanding field of “Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
There is a cult of the physical, the gross. Of a world that is on the surface. And, not existential. Pursuing the truth is existential in its core. If one is content with the surface, but feigns love for divinity by any means, then one is in the entertainment business
Indian PM Narendra Modi is holding his #MainbhiChowkidar meetings [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/main-bhi-chowkidar-campaign-pm-modi-to-address-nation-through-video-conference-booths-set-up-at-500-locations/articleshow/68653098.cms] around the country. The opposition – in a bid to belittle him – tries to mock him and keeps abusing him. However, the sentiment of every citizen and person of Indian
The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha temple is in Udupi, Karnataka. There is a 1000 year old Udupi Anantheshwara Temple in the main complex. It is said that the temple was consecrated by Jagadguru Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century. When Nirmala Sitharaman Refused to Disturb a Devotee at Udupi Temple
In the year AD 532, Damascius left Athens along with seven other philosophers from the most celebrated of the Greek schools – the Academy. These wise men traced their lineage to the illustrious Plato himself. Brilliant, ruthless, stern and intelligent Damascius was all but 70 years old as he led the
Spirituality is not about pasting a benign smile on your face and sitting under a tree without any action. It is about doing the right thing that matters. Taking humanity as a whole, what really matters? That should be done in an unwavering manner. Spirituality is not in being a
The other case today – February 26, 2019 – is that of Ram Janmabhoomi. Until now, it has been a property issue. The whole case of Ram Janmabhoomi has been about who owns the property – the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla? Twist by Dr. Swamy #RamJanmabhoomi case today
A day before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to the himself, he welcomed representatives of 181 countries (9 countries representatives could not make it at the last moment due to personal reasons) who had been to the Kumbh. As Kumbh has been designated by the United Nations as the
When the drum beat hits a peak and one is in a place with strong energy vibrations, usually one just cannot help but start dancing in total bliss. That is what probably happened to Parvathy [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/offbeat/meet-the-girl-in-viral-video-enjoying-chenda-melam-kerala-1.3549793] . > “I am an ardent fan of temple
In the midst of courage of some and perversity of others, we have seen a miracle unfold. A wife’s farewell to her beloved husband. This is our heartfelt thanks as we bow down to her. When a terrorist goes out, he does so to kill others. When a soldier
Mauni Amavasya is a very special day at Kumbh. It is the day when people remain silent and experience silence within while they take a dip in Ganga to be in the Grace of all the Yogis who have been on her side. #Prayagraj Kumbh: a Photo Feature from Mauni
How a person is with him or herself is the biggest indicator of how he or she is. Everyone tries to deal with people around him in different ways. Mostly with respect to the circumstances or one’s own conscience. But there is one person with whom you cannot play
In Houston, during a local event at the home of an influential Indian in 2010 I met a young politician from Hawaii named Tulsi Gabbard. Strong, soft spoken, and a person who talked substance, this lady from Hawaii was not quite how I viewed politicians. Tulsi Gabbard for 2020 Presidential
Rules and rituals in any ancient temple are governed by Agama shastras (read about them here [https://www.drishtikone.com/indian-supreme-court-interference-hindu-traditions-practices-perfidious-unacceptable/] ). Treatises which go into the energy consecrated and the geometry of the place. It is a place where energy is used – via prana prathistha (establishing the life force) – to
Except for the megalomaniacal jokers on this planet, no one has shown up saying he is god. And no space probes have come across anyone with the name “God” or “Allah” anywhere in the space between here and the next galaxy. Actually, as far as the telescopes can see, no
When Shiva was away into his own space for years on end once, his wife Parvati decided to create a brave and loving kid out of her own mother’s love and breathed life using tantric ways. Shiva returned to see this 10-12 year old guarding the entrance to Parvati’
Section 377 criminalizing homosexuality was introduced in India in 1861. Today the Indian Supreme court called it “irrational”, “arbitrary” and “incomprehensible”, and ruled that consensual adult sex between two gay couple is not a crime. It took 157 years for the Indian society to come back to its normal ways
Sometime back I was talking to a friend, who is a Yoga teacher. He has grown up in a mid-west state of US and is a very curious person who has undertaken work that is aligned with his concern for the environment. He is surely one of the more sensitive
Dharma is the primordial underlying way of the existence. On one pilgrimage to align with that reverberation of this existence, as we reached the pristine Mansarovar Lake [https://www.drishtikone.com/my-journey-to-kailash-with-sadhguru/], its banks were full of garbage. The Isha meditators took the large garbage bags that someone had gotten
Somnath Temple is an expression of fire which renders beauty and luster. You see, the idea of divine in all societies was a culmination of the culture and a way of life. It was not the starting point. Whatever a culture – based on the geography, local dynamics, the social values
Long time back there was a king named Susena. He was victorious and to stamp his authority, he initiated the Ashwamedha Yajna. Its a process of releasing the royal horse with the army in pursuit. If anyone stopped the horse, they had to fight the king. Well, in case of
Tendai sect of Buddhism is part of Mahayana Buddhism. Its main monastery is on Mount Hiei called the Enryaku-ji. This monastery was established by Saichō [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saich%C5%8D] or called Dengyō Daishi. He was the monk who re-established Tendai practice from China to Japan. In
Just as the sublime and amazing perfume of a fragrant rose enters your being and you cannot help but fall in love with it intimately, Krishna’s presence was probably like that. In all my understanding of this amazing being, I have always struggled with articulating Krishna’s way of
While trying to get the word out about Sadhguru’s visit in Houston in 2012, I had an unusual exchange with a person. I was suggesting that lady to come and at least be in the presence of Sadhguru to see if that helped. In this world of Spiritual quackery
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti had entered India along with the barbaric invader Muhammad Ghori, all the while motivating him to fight Prithviraj Chauhan. He and his followers used to bring a cow to a popular temple near Ajmer and slaughter it and then cook kebabs from it and eat it to
Nothing in spiritual and religious history has been so distorted and abused as the life of Sri Krishna – who has been known as the complete human being within the Dharmic history. Unfortunately, the problem for most Hindus is that they themselves understand their own spiritual history from the drawings and
Man has always had a fetish for oneupmanship. Arbitrary moral pegs are merely ways to ensure that fetish of competing thrives. How can one become Good, if everyone is on the same plane of human-ness? One becomes Good only in comparison powered by the scale of morality. It is important
The understanding of “God” in the Yogic lineage and in Hinduism (its derivative) has never been of a person or entity. It has always been of the infinite, immanent and eternal consciousness. This eternal consciousness has been understood (and experienced by the Sages and Rishis) as changeless yet dynamic, both
For past few months, thanks to the general interest in the family for the Sony show “Sankatmochan Hanuman”, I have been watching the show and the all-too familiar story of Sri Ram and his devotee Hanuman. Keeping the rather stupid and juvenile characterization of lives and the characters in the
What are boons?God’s blessings? Let us begin our journey with a story. Aristanemi was a royal and a sage. A royal sage. He was “invited to the pleasantness of the heavens” by Indra, which he wanted to decline because he would have to fall back to his existing
Moksha or liberation is not some achievement but a state of complete ownership and awareness. When neither Life nor death hinders your ability to engage with life completely and you need no crutches to be present to every moment, then it is the moment of complete liberation. That is what
There is belief and there is seeking. The greatest tragedy that has befallen the Dharmic seeking of the Truth is that it has been equated to Religion’s pursuit of belief. Belief is for the lazy, the dishonest and the deceptive minds. So many go to a Church or a
She travelled to India not because she wanted to or had a spiritual yearning, but because her friend was coming to India and she went along with this person’s itinerary. The thing that really made her go along was – her vegetarian diet!! It was tough for this young lady
The time before sunrise is called the Brahma Muhurta. It is the best time for spiritual practices. The entire process culminates with welcoming the sun. How significant this time is, is explained here [http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/best-time-to-practice-yoga/] by the Enlightened Master Sadhguru himself: > If you are
Through living comes the spiritual journey. In this human existence is the key and the trigger for one to seek that which is the source of this existence. That is what Sages have always said. Osho once expressed surprise that a culture – the Dharmic – which has always asserted that Truth
When Lord Ram was 16, he went through the experience of seeing the pain that exists in the world and how everything is temporary. He had ventured out of the palace to see life as it was for everyone. He went into a bout of depression and contemplation. At that
Mandana Misra was a householder spiritual Guru of his time who was a student of mimamsa scholar Kumarila Bhatta. He would perform all the rituals of the Vedas and followed the methods detailed in the Vedas. When Adi Shankara went about the country promoting Spiritual way of life, he came
On Aug 3, 2012 while returning from Kailash Yatra I first saw Swami Nithyananda. He was walking back and forth in heavy gold ornaments with his disciple. He would go upto the Nepal-Tibet border near the Friendship Bridge and walk back. Then back again he came and then walked back.
Today a friend introduced me to a video, which I had seen sometime back and brushed aside. The video shows Mr. Rajiv Malhotra discussing “Third eye awakening” and Siddhis that some kids in the Ashram of Swami Nithyananda have attained to. Without going into the abilities of Swami Nithyananda as
Over the last few years, the left (and the their ideological allies, the Congress and its bedfellows the regional so-called secular parties) – in order to spite their political rivals, the BJP – have used a word pejoratively – “Bhakt”. Which means devotee. Clever ploy to use Dharmic terms in a negative way
On International Yoga Day in 2016, in celebrations at the UN, Sadhguru led the celebrations and answered a lot of questions of the dignitaries there. Amongst the things he said some were: * Yoga is technology. Just as gravity is not Christian, Yoga is not Hindu. * Yoga is India’s gift
If Yoga is Pure Science, Hinduism is the Application. If Yoga is Einstein, Hinduism is Steve Jobs. That is the relationship between the two. Yoga happens when there is no identification. So in that pursuit and seeking, one starts and remains with a clean slate. When the un-identified mind reaches
Does God exist? This is a question that has troubled many and has been answered in many ways. In India specifically, the route chosen was experiential. No apriori assumption was made by seekers and at the end, when the universality was experienced – profound, immense, overwhelming and beyond articulation – Sages called
In spirituality, the physical has been termed as not the most important part of one’s being. In fact, spiritual work starts beyond the physical. So, should we disregard the physical? Not at all. In fact, you can only taste the non-physical or the primordial while being in the physical
Moksha or Liberation from the limitations of human existence – basically the Karmic Cycle in existential terms – has been the main goal of all Spiritual pursuits, specifically in India. Towards that end, Yoga was the means. If Moksha was the goal, Yoga was the vehicle. And here, Yoga is absolutely not
We were on our way to a very special place – the Lake Mansarovar. We had made the journey through very high altitude and some of us had fallen sick due to altitude sickness even though the journey was made very easy due to great roads that the Chinese had built
In a rather bizarre scenario of State institutions ruling on Spiritual areas, Indian courts have started applying social constructs on areas that have Spiritual import and implications. In a world where State and Religion should stay separate, we have in India a situation where State is ruling on social practices
You don’t. Period. How can you? If you know what it is, you would have found out. Guru is for seeking. Seeking is when you Don’t know anything. Spiritual journey is not about information or knowledge. For, whatever you will know mentally is one, predicated on your conditioning
Today is Ugadi, the new years day and the start of the Navratri as well. This is the New Year as it was celebrated originally in India and many other cultures which followed the lunisolar calendar. Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the waxing moon after the first
This is a common refrain from people who have started using logic to understand religion. Specifically Hinduism. The origin of this statement also comes from how the poets and commentators have equated how people go to look for god in a Church or a Mosque and “He” isn’t there,
CB Insights, a startup tracker says that less than 1% of venture-backed companies end up as enduring billion-dollar businesses. Silicon Valley is known for innovation. Innovation delivered by 1% of all the businesses started, which actually do succeed. 99% fail. Yet, those 99% do NOT define Silicon Valley. That place
Shiva is not god. Shiva is not a deity. Shiva is the very basis of existence. The consciousness itself. Beyond the dualities and the form arising from the motion of conscious energy, there is basic primordial one-ness or better still the nothingness. That is what Shiva represents. #Mahashivaratri Special: Who
When belief is paramount in your sense of being, then imposing it on others and resisting others’ is a natural consequence. Short of a dishonest act of resisting violence of an uneasy truce, the only way of living in the societies powered by beliefs and ideologies is constant death and
Diwali celebrations in India start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi and then Deepavali on the third day. Diwali is followed by Diwali Padva and then Bhai dooj which celebrates the love between sister and brother. Diwali is celebrated for two main events. Narakasura was killed by Krishna and Ram
Whenever anyone has broken the boundaries that come with the limitations of mind and body, what s/he does is in the realm of miracles for the normal people who are defined by those limitations. When Roger Bannister ran the under 4 minute mile for the first time, defying his
Whenever anyone has broken the boundaries that come with the limitations of mind and body, what s/he does is in the realm of miracles for the normal people who are defined by those limitations. When Roger Bannister ran the under 4 minute mile for the first time, defying his
Between WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest – any normal human seems to be bombarded with wisdom, “truths”, half-truths, moral statements and idioms that seem set to make every sender seem like God itself. But are all those Aunts, Cousins, Uncles and Siblings who send you those sometimes wonderfully worded messages, really
Everyone has got India’s Caste System completely wrong. Castes – the four: Brahman (teacher/intellectual), Kshatriya (fighter/Law Enforcement), Vaishya (Businessman/Trader) and Shudra (Blue-collar worker) – have been prevalent in every society in all times. Never has a society existed without these four predominant roles and people who fall in
With so many different types of yoga [https://thefitbrit.co.uk/different-types-of-yoga-uk-guide/], it’s no surprise that it has an international day dedicated to it. It has been shown to have amazingly positive effects on both your body and general wellbeing. And wellbeing has nothing to do with your belief
The hallucinating “greatness” of belief, any belief, is just a stone’s throw away from complete oblivion. For, a belief is only as long as your memory is. A hit by a stone on your head can take away the belief, the god, the prophet, and god’s kith and
I have started a five set series of posts on being tagged by my beautiful and very talented wife, Archana, to write picture posts. This series is about the 5 spiritual places that I would like to visit with Archana [http://drishti.co/author/archana/]. This is the fifth and
I have started a five set series of posts on being tagged by my beautiful and very talented wife, Archana, to write picture posts. This series is about the 5 spiritual places that I would like to visit with Archana [http://drishti.co/author/archana/]. This is the fourth one
I have started a five set series of posts on being tagged by my beautiful and very talented wife, Archana, to write picture posts. This series is about the 5 spiritual places that I would like to visit with Archana [http://drishti.co/author/archana/]. This is the third one
I have started a five set series of posts on being tagged by my beautiful and very talented wife, Archana, to write picture posts. This series is about the 5 spiritual places that I would like to visit with Archana [http://drishti.co/author/archana/]. This is the second one
I am starting a five set series of posts on being tagged by my beautiful and very talented wife, Archana, to write picture posts. This series is about the 5 spiritual places that I would like to visit with Archana [http://drishti.co/author/archana/]. The first one is Veerbhadra
Interestingly, an average healthy male can release between 40 million and 1.2 billion sperm cells in a single ejaculation. On the other hand, women who are on average born with 2 million egg follicles (or where eggs are produced – one per follicle), have only 450 left by the time
This post is part of a Patheos Symposium [http://www.patheos.com/Topics/Good-News.html] exploring the “Good” of each of our various traditions. At the outset, one needs to appreciate that the word “Religion” is related to the Abrahamic faiths more. Eastern spiritual traditions, which find their beginnings in
Karma and its impact has been thoroughly misunderstood in the world generally and by Hindus themselves specifically. It has been reduced to a buzzword today. And equated with “What you sow, so shall you reap”.Karma is not the same as Sow-and-Reap [https://www.drishtikone.com/law-of-karma-has-nothing-to-do-sow-and-you-shall-reap/] business. It is
One day I happened to meet a rather self righteous-posing as a do-gooder missionary. He had a script firmly implanted in his mind and went through the usual narrative of how I was a sinner – rather we all are – and then how Jesus could be my savior. His small talk
Existence lies both, in the Gross and the Subtly profound. In Matter and the Quantum. Credit: Flickr [http://www.flickr.com/photos/smb_flickr/3030400746/]When Vibration happens in the subtle, matter and life as we know it happens. Science points to both the realms. Most of us cannot experience
The story of Vijay Dashami goes that when Ram had defeated Ravan, the Demon king; Ram walked over and bowed to him for being a person of immense knowledge, albeit gone awry. If we are looking for Good vs Evil characterization of a fight, then it makes no sense for
There is a beautiful story form Buddha’s life, which discusses the crux of being meditative. Osho has explained it very well in this piece. Worth reading. One day Buddha is passing by a forest. It is a hot summer day and he is feeling very thirsty. He says to
Near Death Experiences are a window. Why? Because reincarnation and after death has baffled many. Abrahamics have vehemently denied it for long, while Eastern Mystic traditions have woven it in their entire Spiritual tapestry. Now, as more and more scientific research into this topic of Near Death and subject comes
When I listen to the debate in the West on Evolution vs Creationism, I am often amused. Both the ways, heated camps in their own right are either incorrect or incomplete. For, such a debate is not even possible – nor warranted – in the Eastern Spiritual circles – fashioned as they are
12 years from now on the early morning of morning of September 11, 2001, 19 Islamic hijackers took control of four commercial airliners (two Boeing 757 and two Boeing 767) en route to California (three headed to LAX in Los Angeles, and one to San Francisco) after takeoffs fromBoston, Massachusetts;
Most religious people, specially those who are part-time Spiritual students, are always confused about how to interact with the world and the society. In absence of any clarity, asceticism has been held as extremely important in Spiritual pursuits. The more hard core the level of one’s asceticism, the more
When San Diego Superior Court Judge John Meyer asked the question [http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/20/encinitas-school-district-yoga-trial/] “What is Religion?” in context of the trial on Yoga, he stepped into an area that is completely foreign to Americans and most Westerners. The greatest tragedy in mankind has
The Existence – the Universe (or the Multi-verse, maybe?), the Solar System, the planets, the species and the human beings on Earth and everything else in between, function in an amazing harmony. Harmony has nothing to do with “Peace”. Just as the Galaxies are eating each other – violent bunch them!; tremendous
Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA once said “India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.” In Spiritual and Philosophical terms, that is very true. You can either include the other in yourself by Conquering, or
Secularism is called the panacea for all the problems that religion has created. Religion, as defined by the Abrahamic dispensations. Religion, that is no more than a belief system predicated on following. Someone’s edicts and utterings. If believing something that you have not experienced is sealed by an emphasis
The word yoga means literally means “union” or “to merge”. More than a set of physical postures or exercises, Sadhguru defines yoga as a science to determine the nature of who you are and what you want to be. Sadhguru explains that yoga means to liberate yourself from that information
Questioner : You say that persons like krishna don’t make friends nor do they make foes. Then how is it that he as a king comes running down to the gate of his palace to receive sudama, his poor old friend of childhood days and gives him all the wealth
Rajeev Malhotra’s work on Indic civilization is unique and without parallel. He has written two books – Breaking India [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8191067374/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=8191067374&linkCode=as2&tag=syncbrain-20] and Being Different [http://www.
Hinduism is a moniker given by the invaders to the practices that were followed in the land beyond Indus, which they couldn’t understand. Those who had been colored in Beliefs and thought that was the only way to conduct the business of interacting with and seeking the Creator of
Donna Karan, the legendary designer and owner of the designer label after her name, was in India, celebrating Mahashivarathri [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fashion-label-to-yogi-donna-karan-on-an-indian-holiday/1087745/0] at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. > When you spot her chanting ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’ with almost six lakh others, dressed in a
What is India? And, what does it need? We have heard politicians and “intellectuals”, think tanks and analysts. But except for high sounding gibberish, we hardly get much. Here is a take by a Spiritual Master, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, with a great clarity of perception. Every word is worth listening.
Contrary to popular belief and suggestions by the great “thinkers” and intellectuals, Bhagwad Gita is not a message. It is certainly not a book. It is a process. A process of raising consciousness. If it was a book, it would have been very easy. Krishna would have thrust the book
Sometimes one does not fully understand the import of things that Sadhguru says until you see it in a radical way. He keeps emphasizing upon the ability of the Isha practices and ways to make a person “lighter” and “Happier”. Given the rigmarole that most of us go through in
There is a beautiful story about a great woman mystic of India, Meera. She was really a mad devotee, a mad BHAKTA, in tremendous love and ecstasy with God. She was a queen, but she started dancing on the streets. The family disowned her. The family tried to poison her
The very idea of “Truth” is so restricted and incompletely understood. Truth, in real Spiritual sense, is existential in nature. In this video Sadhguru re-defines truth in existential terms, not in the words you speak but in the way you are. He explains how the essential nature of life is
Shaolin Kung Fu is a martial art form that dates back to somewhere in 500 AD. The South Indian monk, Bodhidharma is supposed to have left behind his knowledge in two books, of which one is said to be the basis of Shaolin Martial Arts. Shaolin Kung Fu refers to
Disclaimer: Drishtikone does not own the copyright of these pictures. Have taken this from around the web and many thanks to the excellent photographers who brought Maha Kumbh to all of us.
Washington D.C. 1st Public Talk 20th April 1985: ‘In The Present Is The Whole Of Time’ This is not a lecture on any particular subject according to certain disciplines, scientific or philosophical. Lectures are meant to inform on a particular subject or instruct, but we are not going to
Death is a strange phenomenon. Specifically for a Spiritual seeker. During the Mahabharat War, Bhishma had been put on a bed of arrows by Arjun – having shot him many times. But Bhishma didn’t leave his body. He hung around alive till after the war was over and willingly left
Stop being good! Just be. We have this whole mechanism in the world where Morality and Being Good has been given over importance. It is nonsensical. “When our humanity overflows, divinity descends,” Sadhguru tells us in this video. Looking at the reason why our humanity can get “constipated”, he tells
A talk about silence? — seems to be difficult, doesn’t it? Let us have a look how Osho manages. — “The moon reflected in the water is not the real moon, but still it has tremendous beauty; and if the waters of your mind are silent, then the moon reflected in
Just 3 minutes film but it says a lot. A lot about life’s journey, a soul’s longing, and its understanding of its goal (success) albeit unarticulated. Transformational in its own way. The Story In 1985, a young man from a well-to-do family took a bicycle trip across southern
Bodhidharma was a South Indian prince who became a Monk and went to China over 1500 years ago. He taught ways to strengthen one’s body through certain intense exercises. These exercises and regimen arose from his knowledge and understanding of Indian martial arts – including Kalaripayattu. This documentary illustrates some
Watch the video with the practice. Unfortunately, these westerners cannot understand the significance of the practice and end up with proclaiming primacy of Jesus and their own beliefs. The problem is that West has not known any other way to live except to eulogize the body and the physical. So,
Many people have strange ideas about things that they don’t know anything about. Specifically those which are outside their definition of “normal”. But beyond the physicality, life does not manifest as we would like it to from our sanitized perspectives. Aghoris are a contradiction for many. They are Spiritual.
Sadhguru spoke with Dr. Sanjeev K. Chaudhry, CEO of Super Religare Laboratories (SRL), in a recent event in New Delhi. @SadhguruJV in conversation with CEO of Religare on #Health #Spirituality [https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp27rDI-60e&text=%40SadhguruJV%20in%20conversation%20with%20CEO%20of%20Religare%
Krishna is said to have played Raas and danced with the Gopis – or cow-herd girls – in Vrindavan. Radha was also amongst them. His magic is said to have been such that even older women couldn’t resist his attraction. This story and ethos has proliferated a lot of poems, writings
Am I what I think? Do I exist because I think? Or do I think because I exist? Have we taken the role of thought to ridiculous extremes? A seeker inquires about the thinking process and if we create what we think. Sadhguru replies that applying too much importance on
If everything is pre-destined, then why should one make any effort? This question – that if God has designed and decided everything – then why should I do anything on my own; has troubled most believers. Sadhguru cuts through the entire question and brings the audience face to face with their own
“Freedom is not a concept, freedom will happen to you only when your compulsiveness is gone.” Question to Sadhguru: Could you tell us all how we could help young people to understand what you’re talking about? Sadhguru: See when we say youth, youth means humanity in the making, not
Why is Divorce so Painful? Someone asks this question, which Sadhguru addresses in a profound way for the meditator. How the body memory creates pain and suffering.
A team from Harvard is in town at the Mahakumbh. In a bid to understand the dynamics of the largest human gathering on planet. It also presents interesting opportunities for some on the team. Including integrating their interest in “Big Data” to make sense out of this entire human get-together.
The scene is absolutely amazing. One can only admire the patience of the pilgrims and the longing in their hearts that takes them to such lengths to take one dip. A dip not to get Gold, or Diamonds, but Liberty from it all. Pilgrims wait for their turn to take
People think so much about Sex and the opposite gender, so how to deal with it; asks a seeker. Sadhguru discusses what sexual urges are and how they impact your well being or otherwise.
A lady meditator asks a question – Is it better for a woman to go to a female Guru? Sadhguru answers the question and speaks about the role, or lack there of, that gender plays in being a Guru.
The MahaKumbh 2013 has been talked about a lot as it started this week. It has attracted attention for its Naked Sadhus – the Nagas; the crowds, the celebs who have been and will be there. The pilgrims who go there, go for a Spiritual aspiration. Of liberation. Now, without any
What really happens after Death? It is a question that a lot of people have. Sadhguru answers the question for a person in detail.
Was Krishna real or not. Did he walk this earth? Well some people are doing some research and here is an interesting video based on research on one guy – Prof Achar. ALso read through the detailed research articles by another person, Mr. Ramesh Panchwagh, which differ slightly from Prof. Achar’
We all know that Meditative techniques help relieve chronic ailments. Now, a study by University of Wisconsin underscores that by doing a “controlled” study, where other therapeutic factors, like supportive social interaction, expert instruction, or learning new skills were kept out of the measurements. > People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions,
Sin has been used to screw the happiness out of people. In Religion it has been used a lot to inject guilt for everyone. But what is sin? And what is the impact of sins in people’s life?
Who are Naga Sadhus? To understand the Naga Sadhus, it is important to know who Shiva is. Because these ascetics – those who are really on Spiritual path and seriously with a Guru who knows what he doing, as opposed to just a naked Sadhu taking intoxicants – are on the path
Shilpa Shetty and parents doing the process at Maha Kumbh with Swami Chidananda Shilpa Shetty, the Indian Actress, took the dip at Maha Kumbh yesterday. She was tweeting her way to the kumbh. Her dip and the process was handled by Swami Chidananada of Parmartha Niketan. > En route 2 the
Siddhis are accomplishments of the body and energies. These are immature and juvenile acts. Sadhguru says all those miracles are useful and irrelevant. Very useful!
Meditational techniques provide immense powers. Those who are on the Spiritual powers eschew using or showing such powers. Here is a Qi Master who hesitatingly demonstrates his craft in public and then withdraws because of “reprimand from his Masters”. The guy actually sets paper on fire just by using his
Why is there misery in the world? Specially why do people suffer from disease and disability causing misery to themselves and others? Someone asks this question and Sadhguru goes into the depths of this question with him.
JO Wood is an English model, television personality, entrepreneur and ex-wife of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. She is settled in London. She went to Kailash and Mansarovar with Sadhguru Jaggi. In this video she shows her journey as well as her interest in Project Greenhands. To know more about
Here is an interesting discussion between one of the greatest minds of the last century, J. Krishnamurti and Huston Smith, religious studies scholar in the United States.
What is Love? Do we even know how to love? One who has never loved himself, how can he love the other? How does Love work? What makes it better and what makes it grow?
Is Logic the only way to understand this world? Or are there other ways? Humans have the ability to engage and understand with the world at different dimensions. Logic is a lower form of it. He explains here.
What a beautiful story from an Enlightened Master – Mooji.
Asaram Bapu has made some comments which have sparked a lot of protests. What he said basically was that when the Rapists were trying to rape the girl, she should have called them “brother” and begged them to leave her. This is coming obviously from a person who (i) has
Someone asks Sadhguru about the different between Zen meditation techniques and Yoga as taught in Isha Yoga programs. Sadhguru discusses what the difference it is.
The following talk was given on April 24, 1971, New York and has been taken from “Awakening of Intelligence [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00873W5LO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=syncbrain-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00873W5LO] ” by J. Krishnamurti. I would
Krishnamurti was “discovered” by Theosophist, Annie Besant when she saw him on a beach in Chennai. Theosophists believed that two World Teachers had come before – Buddha and Jesus. The third was to arrive.J. Krishnamurti was the third. So they thought. He was taken away from his parents and made
When Jiddu Krishnamurti died, Osho expressed his thoughts on him as a being and his work. Its relevance, its longevity and its usefulness. It is worth reading. The discussion has been called “Death of the mystic, J. Krishnamurti” What Osho said about J. Krishnamurti and his work on his death
Here is an amazing discussion between Jiddu Krishnamurti, arguably one of the Greatest philosophers of the 20th century and David Bohm, the Nobel Laureate in Physics. The dialog is on “Future of Humanity”. Related articles from External Sources From an interview with David Bohm [http://jaredhallstrom.wordpress.com/2012/11/
Last year Sadhguru was speaking to a group of people in Houston. He said that Bhagwad Gita was an intimate dialog between Krishna and Arjun. Krishna, from all the people he knew and who were dear to him, chose only one to give this knowledge/experience to. Gita in Mahabharat
What a beautiful explanation of Surrender. In Spirituality, it is always said that one should Surrender in Spirituality. Devotion is a sweet emotion and Surrender is the only way to do it.. but how can it be done. Sadhguru discusses the Surrender.
Biola Ige is one of Nigeria’s top actresses. During her interview, she discussed how she has converted from Christianity to Hinduism. Something that Julia Roberts announced some time back as well. Here is her interview where she discusses her thoughts. Biola Ige, one of Nigeria's top actresses, dumped Christianity
To know the truth, one has to drop all the philosophies. Philosophies are mind games which are built on things one has picked up from places. Sadhguru looks at our tendency to delve in philosophies.
Someone is questioning about how to quieten the mind. How his mind “runs” away all over the place. Sadhguru looks at the question very directly and incisively within his usual witty wisdom.
Amazing depth of wisdom on the need and relevance of even having relationships. When we are complete, why even seek completeness outside? When the source of joy is within, why use someone else for it? [http://www.zemanta.com/?px]
She is 32. A woman. A Hindu by choice. A War Veteran already. And yesterday, she became the first Hindu American Congressional Leader to be sworn in. On her own copy of the Bhagwad Gita. Tulsi Gabbard. That is whom I am talking about. A month and a half back,
Long before Swami Vivekananda had become popular through his landmark speeches in Chicago in 1893, he had once gone to meet and stay with Maharaja of Jaipur. As was the custom, Maharaja a great lover of festivities went out of his way to welcome Swamiji. There was an issue that
An new study – “2010 U.S. Religious Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study (RCMS) [http://rcms2010.org/]” by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB) – looks at the congregations and the religious adherents across the US. The statistics for Hindus are very interesting. (link [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/
What kind of humanity are we raising in this society? This rape is not main issue. We need to look at the foundation of such acts of violence. When such things happen, we usually just become politically correct and raise outrage. But is that the solution?
Someone asks Sadhguru about desire. How should one deal with desire? Here he discusses the question threadbare. [http://www.zemanta.com/?px]
A very interesting discussion on the Mind and its seeking of the pleasure by J. Krishnamurti. Krishnamurti is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the things that concern all of
Yoga has many benefits to health. Many scientific studies have been done in these areas. Here is a good infographic showing the benefits (along with the links from where the information has been taken). You can click on the infographic for a larger view. Image courtesy: Alison Hinks Yoga [http:
The influence of Hinduism beyond the normal borders of India has been well known. Here is an inscription from the “Fire Temple”in the Surakhani town of Azherbaijan. It is in the suburb of the capital Baku. The inscription here clearly starts with श्री गणेसाय नम: Atesh
Krishnamurti discusses the Wholeness of life and living itself. Profound discussion! You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance, and write
J. Krishnamurti is always profound in whatever he speaks of and about. Here he discusses what we need to do in this world? You must take a plunge into the water, not knowing how to swim. Meditation is one of the most extraordinary things, and if you do not know
Someone asks a question – rather tries to get confirmation of his belief in God. Sadhguru breaks his question and assumptions down.
Here Sadhguru is posed this question. He narrates the time when Gautama the Buddha was posed this question. And his response… rather responses. And then, Sadhguru explains the dichotomy of Buddha’s answer.
A lot has been said about the world ending on December 21, 2012. Well, since I am writing this on Dec 23, – almost 24th – the world has obviously not ended. But I came across this piece which sounds intriguing and interesting. I haven’t read this scripture – although it is
Swami Vivekananda was a remarkably adept and intelligent being. He was not just well versed with the spiritual intricacies but also with Shastras and the worldly reality. He found himself in a world that was ruled by powers whose entire wealth and prosperity were predicated on the loot of others’
Paramahansa Yogananda once said: “Anger gives birth to jealousy, hatred, spite, revengefulness, destructive instinct, wild ideas, brain paralysis, and temporary insanity – any of which may lead to terrible crimes.” Ironically, Adam Lanza, the infamous shooter of the kids at Sandy Hook Elementary School, lived at 36, Yogananda Street. I am
This is a beautiful documentary on Varanasi by two New Yorkers. I think they have done an excellent work and in many ways I admire their commitment to what they love doing! Varanasi, India: “Beyond” [http://vimeo.com/55246312] from Cale Glendening [http://vimeo.com/cale] on Vimeo [http://vimeo.
The objection of monks taking up a role in Nation’s politics is useless. And this lecture by Chanakya brings out that clearly. Since a teacher, a Guru is also part of the society and nation, he has complete right and reason to stand up to a corrupt ruler. This
British Government is planning on sending its troops returning from Afghanistan to India for meditation to they can de-stress to ward off the PTSD. > Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is no longer a fancy psychological term only found in bulky books and journals on the subject. It’s a reality countries
Chanakya TV series was one of the best ever. Many people I know still go back to it. Chanakya was an inspiring personality in his own time and even now. He brought the nation of India together in a way that no one had done before him or later. He
Who is Shiva? Many consider him God. Yogis say he was the Adi Yogi – the first Yogi. He was also the first Guru, the Adi Guru. What is his contribution to Spirituality on this planet? This video captures it very well!
A person has seen a study where the scientists studying Buddhist Monks have seen excessive Gamma Rays and certain areas light (that are aligned with Love, Compassion etc) up in their brain. He wants to know if Meditation is a just an exercise of brain? Sadhguru goes on to drill
A beautiful song by Shreya Ghosal and Pranab Kumar Biswas from the movie ”Krishna Aur Kans”. Thankfully, it has been correctly shown as well. Krishna was less than 11 yrs when he left Vrindavan and Radha. All the love of the Gopis and Radha occurred before 11 years. And, that
It is said that when two enlightened masters meet, they do not need to talk. There is an interaction beyond words. Here we have probably one of the greatest beings that the world has seen in the last two centuries – Ramana Maharishi, along with Paramhansa Yogananda. Ramana Maharishi was not
108 is a very important number. Hindus do everything as a count of 108. The beads, the mantras, the yantras [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantra].. Sadhguru explains the importance of 108 and why it is so significant to a Spiritual seeker and central to Yoga. Hindu deities [http://en.
One person wants to know if destiny has already finalized everything, then what use is our choice and action – the Karma? Sadhguru questions the very validity of the destiny itself. You and you alone are the maker of your present and future, whether you know it or not. Take a
Delphi was known as Omphalos – or Navel in Greek. Interestingly, Delphi – the word comes from the root, δελφύς delphys, or “womb”. Sadhguru was at the Temple of Apollo and he found that he wasn’t the first Yogi to have visited that place. Someone had been here before. Not just
Here are some eminent scientists who are working at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi institute looking at the science theories and how the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures have come about. And then trying to understand the underlying structures in both. The results is pretty startling!
One person has heard about a Himalayan Yogi who has appeared in the mountains for thousands of years. He is curious if someone can travel across time? Can someone come back into future from past. Sadhguru looks at this questions and answers in ways that are difficult to experience for
Came across a very interesting article on Huffington Post: Why doesn’t Asia have Religion? [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-david-dubois/does-asia-have-religion_b_1031869.html] It is a point that is important to make and so difficult to do so in the current world, which has been contaminated by the very
There was a time when I was seeking without a Guru. I had decided I won’t go to one. At that time, he called me a “confused guy”, because “I couldn’t make up my mind what was right” as I would read up and appreciate every Enlightened Master
Krishnamurti was no ordinary person. A being with razor sharp intellect that could cut through any pretension, camouflage or mental shield. When you are exposed to this kind of person, no intellectual knowledge can stand without the deepest of scrutiny. And this is what happens when you pair Jiddu Krishnamurti
Amazing video of a yogi who is in “union with fire” such that the fire doesn’t harm him nor impact his clothes as he lies over the firewood in the Yagna on fire. The heat, the fire, seems to leave him completely untouched. Throughout his yagna, he is in
Sadhguru cuts through this question with a razor sharp knife of intellect, which Spiritually insightful!
One person asks about existence of Good and Evil as well as Love and Hate. Sadhguru goes on to give a unique perspective!
Someone asks Sadhguru as to how does one recognize his Guru. Sadhguru gives a direct and Spiritually relevant answer that seeks to remove all the misconceptions very prevalent today in Spirituality.
Yoga is nothing but an effort into “Bhoot Shuddhi” (or Purification/Balance of over the 5 elements). Whatever is done in yoga is towards that. Once we have done the necessary Sadhana towards Bhoot Shuddhi, we get what is called as “Bhoot Siddhi” (Control over the 5 elements). At that
Came across a very interesting article titled “Death on the Path of Enlightenment: Inside the Rise of India Syndrome” [http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201210/india-syndrome-death-enlightenment?printable=true#ixzz2D7yv1V4o] . It talks of the Westerners who are drawn by the Spiritual aspect of India and get “afflicted” by a condition
Please see this video carefully and see the arguments of the neuroscientist and the other guy who gives the “wow” factor example through cards. Their arguments are so flimsy that (i) they don’t explain how the subjects got so much right (and not just 3 factors) (ii) how they
Here is a very interesting discussion on Hinduism and Science by Krista Tippett from On Being radio program that airs on some of the partner city channels of NPR. It is part of the American Public Media. She is talking to a Physicist and “Hindu Scholar” VV Raman. Varadaraja V.
We had covered Javed Akhtar’s earlier rendezvous with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev ( Intellectual Nonsense, Javed Akhtar and the India Today conclave [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/intellectual-nonsense-javed-akhtar-and-india-today-conclave/] ), and how – ideologically inclined as Akhtar was, he just seemed to be arguing on things that (1) Sadhguru didn’t say and
Om Jai Jagdish Hare is the most popular aarti in every household. Here is the audio file in the voice of Mahendra Kapoor https://drishtikone.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/om-jai-jagdish-hare-Mahendra-Kapoor.mp3 ॐ जय जगदीश हरे – Om Jai Jagadish Hare ॐ जय जगदीश हरे, स्वामी जय
Sunita Williams, at age 6, with Ram written in Hindi on a beachSunita Williams is the second woman of Indian origin to have gone into space. She now has two world records – record for number of spacewalks for a female, and most spacewalk time for a female. Right now she
Fulfillment of light as embodiment of Truth is the greatest aspiration held in Spiritual journey, which the Hindu way of life celebrates. The light comes from clarity of one’s perception of reality, and darkness stems from conditioning of mind and senses clouding the experience of life. Darkness is not
Last weekend, I went to see this Ramlila being enacted by the local group. They are all busy professionals in their daily lives and had – with love and sincerity – given so much of their lives in the last 10 months or so to stage the show. It was beautiful although
Tibetan monk and molecular geneticist Matthieu Ricard being tested for Gama WavesResearchers at University of Wisconsin have found [http://india.nydailynews.com/newsarticle/7b470adb0a9b6c32e19e16a08df13f3d/buddhist-monk-is-the-worlds-happiest-man?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hnycombinator+%28HN+-+hnycombinator%29] out that Western Buddhist Monk and a disciple of Dalai
Dr Stuart Hameroff, Professor Emeritus at the Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychology and the Director of the Centre of Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona, and British physicist Sir Roger Penrose have come up with a new and interesting theory Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR). It can also be called
Two Mantras have been very dear to me – one is the Gayatri Mantra and the other is one that is given to the Isha meditators by Sadhguru which is ” > Brahmananda Swaroopa, Isha Jagadisha > Akhilananda Swaroopa, Isha Mahesha At very crucial and critical times of my life, this mantra has sometimes
The Mighty KailashOne of the greatest tragedies in Spiritual history of mankind has been the rise of the religious Hindus. The religious Hindu is a believer.. in a system that is prima facie devoid of belief and predicated on experience. He brings the frameworks of other belief systems and juxtaposes
Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma – which means Eternal Law – has an interesting nemesis. The Hindu. The Hindu of today is a religionist. He has been drenched in the paradigm of religion – complete with contextual and made-up morality, ethics, and principles as well as ideological nonsense – so deeply, that he has turned
Sadhguru Jaggi“Guilt is socially cultivated emotion, a poison directed towards yourself.” – Sadhguru Guilt assumes a certain assumption of one’s ownself. A sense of ego. “This is how I should be and not that way”. For a burkha-clad lady, sitting in bikini in front of strangers on a beach
Have you heard people pray to God or their Guru/Spiritual Master for Grace or benevolence? Why do they do it? Is it because someone else does it, so I should also do it? Or have they paused to think as to what they are doing? The basic premise in
Pollution in Yamuna“Aaja Maa tainu dil ne pukara..!!” These are lyrics of a bhent (song) during a Jagran (night long wake up) in worship of Goddesses in North India. Basically, the lyrics imply the so-called devotee wants the Mother Goddess to come to him because his heart is saying
Kailash, in its majesty! (Pic courtesy: Isha Foundation)Some wishes take many lifetimes to fructify. You instinctively know those moments when they happen. There is no drumroll or lightning in the sky or music in the background. But your essence shifts. No one else may ever know that it has,
Guru can never be found. He finds you. In my own experience I know that deeper the longing for truth, the surer the possibility of you meeting the Guru who can take you from Untruth to Truth. The important thing is what you long for. You long for wealth? Well,
Kanwarias are devotees of Lord Shiva who walk hundreds of kilometers in North India carrying water from different rivers. The annual journey known as Kanvad Yatra ( काँवर यात्रा or कांवड़ यात्रा) is taken from as far as Bihar to Ganges in Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri
These are pictures from the Amarnath Yatra this year. They are from various sources and just amazing. Most of these have been compiled from this site [http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html]. It is said that it was here that Shiva explained the
There is a lot of interest in the “God Particle” and the debates on TV are happening on the subject as well. The debate on NDTV under the title “The Big Fight” was one such discussion / debate. My interest of entry in this debate was that my Guru, Sadhguru was
Religion is predicated on Belief. Dharma is predicated on Search. Former assumes and takes a stance. One that has to be defended, come hell or high water. And they come. The higher the water, the deeper the hell, the more tenacious is the defense of Belief. An Arbitrary belief – never
University of South California is doing a first. USC School of Religion is establishing the first chair of Hindu studies in the United States. The Chair has been established thanks to Dharma Civilization Foundation, which has given a grant of $3.24 million to the school. The USC Dornsife College
Law of Karma is quintessentially the discovery and gift of Indian Spiritual traditions – collectively called as Sanatana Dharma. Much before any other religion had even been conceived, the Sages of India knew of the how Action, Result and Reaction chain worked in a being’s life and beyond. One’s
Sanskrit Melodies in Buenos AiresArgentina’s capital Buenos Aires has an interesting night club called Groove. Instead of Rap, Salsa and Regga, the band there plays Sanskrit songs like ‘Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari Bol’, ‘Jai Krishna Hare’, ‘Gurudeva Guru Om’, ‘Govinda Govinda’ and ‘Jai Shiva Shambo’. No alcohol – only
One can talk complete nonsense in Spirituality and yet come off as Saintly. In fact, most of the goody-goody stuff is actually Spiritual nonsense. Given the Spiritual work done in India, collectively known as Sanatan Dharma, the level of nonsense that is perpetuated by the combination of Devotional Leverage and
For last 5 months, I have worked to promote a program called Inner Engineering by Sadhguru. I am just one volunteer and on this blog I don’t carry any brief from the organization. I have always written what to me is important with utmost frankness. And that is exactly
We had trekked all the way to Kedarnath and back and after a day’s travel, with our legs in pain, we landed in Uttarkashi. We gathered for dinner, and while we all went after food, we saw this one unhappy traveller start his long and high pitched cribbing session
There is a sad problem with those who consider themselves “Hindus” in India and those who comment on the larger history of the Hindus. Personally, I don’t like this term because it boxes India’s historical ethos into a box. Indians prior to religious invasions were “Dharma” oriented. So
Morari BapuFirst Sri Sri Ravi Shankar went to Pakistan [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/sri-sri-visiting-pakistan-and-history-of-art-of-living-in-pakistan/] with his Sudarshan Kriya and the Art of Living, and now Morari Bapu will enter Iraq’s Karbala and shares the Ram Katha (story of Ram) with the people there. Karbala is the third
NatarajSometime back, I had a series of discussions with people who weren’t born Hindus but now have embraced Hinduism. I wanted to ask them about their experience and reasons for taking such a journey. Here is a discussion with Tāṇḍava Nadesan, who runs a blog Western Hindu [http://western-hindu.
In Spiritual circles, it is very easy to talk of “nicey-nicey” stuff which looks appealing but is Spiritual nonsense. Just add in some buzzwords and say something that helps one feel good and placated and you have a best-seller and winner on your hand. But if Spiritual journey and your
Do Animals have a sense of energies that we humans cannot sense? As per many, animals have a sense of perception that humans can rarely have. Cats, Dogs, Snakes and even fish all have an enhanced sense of perception, specially of energy is amazing. Are Animals attracted to Meditation? #Spirituality
Sri Sri Ravishankar, Founder of "Art of Living"Sri Sri Ravishankar is making his second trip to Pakistan today [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sri-Sri-leaves-for-Pakistan-on-three-day-peace-mission/articleshow/12232614.cms] via the Attari border. Amongst other things, on this 3 day visit, he will also be innaugurating an Art of Living center
Guru Gobind SinghWhen beauty in the world dies, we all die a bit with it. Sometimes, we orchestrate it ourselves. One spiritual tradition in India has been very special and beautiful, but its beauty and profundity was probably missed by many. Even those who carried it. On March 30, 1699
All are equal. Every religion is the same. All Gods are the same. These sentiments seem very nice. Indeed laudable. But when you look a little deeper, they are nothing but nonsensical. Worse when such statements are made using the utterances of Realized Beings and Masters, who have spoken in
Ek OmkarI recently came across a blog site, which is fairly interesting. It had an article, where the author was trying to denigrate Vedas and Hinduism in contrast to Sikhism. He tried to suggest that Guru Nanak Dev came up with a new group as a “better” alternative to Hinduism.
The RoseA rose was born in a lovely garden of marigolds and jasmines. In his small lifetime that he had woken up, he was sad and despondent. One day, a Sage happened to pass by and hear his crying. “What happened, O’ lovely one?”, the Sage asked. “Please don’t
These days in India, if we have any schools making it important to learn Sanskrit, it would raise a huge hue and cry, specially amongst the Seculars. But it takes a school in New Zealands Auckland to come up with a curriculum to learn Sanskrit. And they have laid it
The Dead in a pot – Cremated.Unbeknownst to many who don’t live in the US, Death is a very lucrative industry. And if the Indians think that the Haridwar-based Sati-Ghat side Panda (pandit) is asking for too much when he demands Rs 2000 (~$40), then one has to look
Shiva, the NatarajaWhere is America’s Spiritual soul moving towards? When you listen to the popular political discourse, you see the shrill voices of the Tea Party guys, the Rick Santorums, the Republicans and Evangelicals who are out to sell you Salvation that someone sold to them, but no one
There are two parts to well being – Understanding the physical part of your existence and the Energy part of your existence. The former entails handling the structure of the physical, which is easy has quick short term results but long term implications as well. When the long term living is
A teacher who has some worthwhile knowledge to share with the world seeks to touch as many people as she can so she can enrich lives around her. An advertiser selling something like Coke – which is harmful to health and is an absolute non-value add – tries to get to as
A French lady Madame Drinette Verdier has an interesting fact in her diary. Madame Emma Calve, a French disciple of Swami Vivekananda had once narrated an incident to her. In March/April of 1894, John D. Rockefeller heard of this Indian Monk who was inspiring people all over with his
Yoga is Satanic because it leads to a worship of Hinduism and “all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”. So proclaims [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/8915691/Harry-Potter-and-yoga-are-evil-says-Catholic-Church-exorcist.html] the Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, Father Gabriele Amorth. He is known for many interesting
The beauty of Sikhism is that the teachings of the Gurus is profound and yet simple. The problem anyone trying to walk this path is that one cannot find something “Spiritually interesting” unless it also comes across as profound. So, one tries to make things profoundly complex to give it
After the first two Interviews with non-Indian Hindu bloggers, here is the third one. Ambaa writes on her blog “The White Hindu” [http://whitehindu.blogspot.com/]. She had a grounding in her childhood when she grew listening to Mahabharat stories and read up on Gita and the Upanishads in her
In our series of interacting with non-Indian Hindus, this is the second part. The blogger writes under the pseudonym “Accidental Hindu” [http://accidentalhindu.blogspot.com]. She lives in UK, although has spent a long time in the US as well. TAH, who traversed many paths before settling into calling herself
In the coming weeks and months, I would like to objectively discuss Hinduism, a Dharmic ethos that encapsulates the longing and path to liberation from all bondages of mind and body. In this attempt, I will bring interviews with some non-Indian Hindus to learn their perspective and their travails. It
Tina Turner, the famous rock singer, has sung a Sanskrit peace shloka for the new Album [http://tinaturnerblog.com/2011/10/15/tina-turner-sarvesham-svastir-bhavatu-video-clip/] “Children Beyond”. The Mantra is: AUM SARVESHAM SVASTIR BHAVATU SARVESHAM SHANTIR BHAVATU SARVESHAM PURNAM BHAVATU SARVESHAM MANGALAM BHAVATU It can be translated into: Aum, may auspiciousness be
Ever since Julia Roberts “converted” to Hinduism publicly and announced [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20407807,00.html] that she is now a practicing Hindu, interest in non-Indian Hindus has grown. > The entire Roberts-Moder family, she reveals, goes to temple together to “chant and pray and celebrate. I’
This is the first post on Sant Kabir’s verses – called Dohe. I will bring more of these everyday. बिरछा कबहूँ न फल भखै, नदी न अन्चवे नीर परमार्थ के कारने, साधू धरा शरीर| वृक्ष कभी भी अपना फल खु
Gaia, our Beloved Planet Earth, is now being bathed in an enormous inflow of Light, which was maximized on 11-11-11 beneath the light of November’s full moon. Light is full on streaming in, through, and around our planet and in, through, and around every atom of every sentient being
I had met him once. In the middle of a spiritual sojourn. He had just moved from Minnesota to India. Moved? Yes. Because of your job? No, I have taken off for last 3 months. Don’t feel like doing something yet. “Wow! How is your family taking it? Must
We had all but completed the Himalayan Dhyan Yatra. Any profound experience that we had hoped for had happened. But there was a “final” parting message from my journey that I was still waiting for. Buddha Bowl and the teaching from the Himalayas #Buddha #Spirituality [https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?
Existence in Sanskrit is called Srishti – manifestation – and not Kriti – Creation. For manifest to occur, unmanifest is an absolute necessity. Manifest, however, has no existence of its own. Its a reflection. A limited yet potently interesting one. When the manifest is “destroyed”, what remains is the raison d’etre and
Some journeys take many years to embark. Often lifetimes. It is not that you have never gone that way, but perhaps not with your eyes wide open. With wonder of a child in your heart, as if he was going to an Island of Magic. Not knowing what to expect
It is very fashionable to use the utterances of the Saints and the Enlightened Masters and start drawing conclusions on life and the world. Even on God. It is very dangerous and misleading. A lot of Bhakti Saints have downplayed the importance of Knowledge (Jnana). Unfortunately, their sayings are used
After the 999th abuse by Shishupal, Krishna killed him, as he had been warned not to go that far with his tirade. It was not because Krishna liked to kill others or he lacked patience. He was fine with going to Hastinapur to meet the Kauravas one last time and
I have a friend who was bitter about his experience with Sathya Sai Baba and at the Art of Living. There could be many reasons. One reason could be that someone from that organization behaved inappropriately and in another case it can be that the friend couldn’t come to
यह संवाद श्रीमती मृदुल किर्तिजी के साथ प्रवासी दुनिया [http://www.pravasiduniya.com/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%
In so many religious frameworks, a lot of emphasis is given to the get away from deficiencies like Anger, Lust, Attachment etc. But the way this ideal is approached is very superficial. It is one thing to have that as a goal and another to be off it. I would
Sometimes it takes a mindless “Savant” to turn a Swami into a “hot dude”. Rakhi Sa(v)want seems to be endorsing Swami Ramdev’s [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Ramdevs-hot-I-want-to-marry-him-Rakhi-Sawant/articleshow/9383024.cms] Hot-ness quotient. The “One Gram a Breath Blast” promise of Anulom Vilom of the Swami
Last night I happened to listen to a speech by Vivek Shauq – the comedy actor in Hindi and Punjabi movies (well known for his association with Jaspal Bhatti) – on his take on Spirituality. He died young at 47 earlier this year on Jan 10. What he said seemed very interesting
The underground vaults of a 16th-century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala have revealed treasure estimated to be worth $22 billion (and growing). As of now 5 of the six vaults have been opened. Since the money is huge – almost unbelievably large amount – there is a clamour to get the piece
Many societies and religious groups try to ban alcohol and drinking. Just like they ban many other things like sex, meat etc. And the faithful make it into a code to live by. Slowly and gradually, but surely, it becomes almost equivalent to spirituality itself. One’s spiritual progress is
Hindutva as a word has been abused in the recent years – both, by those who run it down and those who want to assert it. In its most foundational sense, it is something sacred and indeed at the heart of mankind’s survival. Not because it belongs or is linked
Devotion is Heer’s love. Belief is marriage. Latter does not involve the former, and former doesn’t need the latter. Spiritually, all paths require effort and awareness as well as constant attention. Devotion is different. It starts with the quality in a person with which other spiritual people end.
Anything less than complete Spiritual awakening is a dangerous thing. Ignorance is indeed bliss. Once a person has any pretensions about relationship with God as religious or even spiritual seeker, ego is a natural compatriot. The more one knows, the more ego one acquires. Rigidity is a natural consequence. Ego
(The Article has been written by Nagendra Rao, MBA from Wharton and a Corporate Finance and Planning executive. He is also an expert in Indian Spirituality Practices of every type). I have been getting a raft of e-mail in the last few days about the whole Sathya Sai Baba sexual
Truth exists at many levels. In media of today, however, “truth” is manufactured based on one’s agenda. Sathya Sai Baba died on Sunday this past weekend – which also happened to be the Easter Sunday. Sathya Sai Baba was many things to many people. He has been an enigma and
In 1900, Lord Kelvin famously stated, “There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.” Five years later, Albert Einstein published his paper on special relativity, which challenged the very simple set of rules laid down by Newtonian mechanics, which
The small and beautiful humbling forces for tranquility and peace include love, laughter, being grateful, showing respect and forgiveness. Tranquility and peace are important because they remind us of our connectivity with the Supra Universal Consciousness and with each other as One collective entity. If we look closely, the collective
A leaked internal memo at CERN, near Geneva, Switzerland, contains unconfirmed reports that one of the detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has picked up signals that could be the long sought after Higgs boson or God particle. If so, that would be an enormous coincidence at Easter. One
Are you able to see something, without knowing that you can see? If “Perception” was the ability to see an object, and sensation was the knowledge that you can see (sensation of seeing, if you will), then can you have the Perception without the Sensation? Taking it further, if Perception
Bryan McMohan has an interesting game for his Indian guests in the motel in County Kerry in Ireland. He starts humming an Irish folk tune and then stops. Almost on every occassion, the Indian guests burst out into a song, as if they had known the song for ages. The
On January 9th, 2009 Rajeev Dixit founded the Bharat Swabhiman Movement along with Baba Ramdev. A Telecom scientist who had worked with multinationals and returned to work on the rejuvenation of India – specially rural India, fought against the exploitation of the Foreign companies, corruption amongst the Politicians and Bureaucrats and
Ram Navami – the birth of Lord Ram is coming this week. To commemorate his birth, at the regular Chinmaya Mission Satsang, the lecture was based on a passage (Verses with Doha # 43) from Uttara kand of Ram Charit Manas. The scene is that Lord Ram is back from his exile
I happened to watch this series of video and wondered at the high level of set thinking in the society and how the Indians of today have not only made up their minds about things, but don’t even listen to anything being said in front of them. As this
When I reached home, a young kid was talking to my wife. He was selling the weekly subscription for the Sunday’s local paper. You see, unlike in India, very few people buy the daily paper. We haven’t had one for years now. He was a school kid who
We are all One here. We are all One on this tiny, spinning, blue and white planet, This rocky “goldilocks” planet, at just the right distance from its sun, This planet of earth, water, fire, and air, This planet surrounded by an invisible skin of just the right gases To
There is a great tendency for certain niceties in the area of religious debate. One, it is fashionable to say that “All religions (and believers, by default) are equal in how they approach God. Two, that ONLY religions have given valid paths to God. By corollary, if we collate the
In several studies, a radio program host said yesterday, evaluations of the teachers in schools tracked strongly along the grades students got from the teacher. Which meant that the teachers who gave consistently high grades to the kids were evaluated as better teachers than those who didn’t. That was
Indiscriminate and infinite love has the power to bring strange recipients to the giver. One could be a devotee, another a home-maker, a third could be a world class film maker or even a race car driver. Sadhguru Jaggi, a Mystic, a Motorbike enthusiast, a Yogi, a Devotee, a Father,
Yesterday, January 12th was Swami Vivekananda’s birthday. He was born in 1863. His first grand entry on the stage was in 1893 in Chicago where he made the speech at the World Parliament of Religions (get the MP3 files from here [http://www.archive.org/details/SwamiVivekanandaSwamiVivekananda1893Speech]). After that
Yesterday, a friend talked about the value of gratitude in life and even more importantly on the spiritual journey. Gratitude he talked of is not the “Thank you” platitudes but real gratitude where you are one with the entity you are grateful to and for. If you understand that “you”
Shri Krishna cannot be understood in percentages. He has to be known completely. Anything less and you will miss everything about Krishna. He was a lover, statesman, politician, warrior, Sage, friend, Dancer, Artist and Pacifist. At least those are the dimensions that we can see. But when he was asked
Rambha was to be married to Kuber’s son. Kuber was Ravan’s half brother – same father but different mothers. Ravan saw her and was enamored by her. She kept pleading that she was like a daughter to Ravan, he nevertheless raped her. Many other women met the same fate
A Pole Vaulter readies with his pole before the jump beyond the high bar. As he looks at the bar, he deepens his longing for going beyond it. From here on that longing will be his dearest companion. The other will be his receptivity. As he picks his pole and
Up, up into Blindingly white light We soar, The wings of our plane Piercing bounteous billowing lovely Cloudscapes washed with hues of Alabaster And moonstone Cloudscapes collecting, Storing for later – for showering – Plenteous, shining raindrops onto The thirsty land below Mine it is to imbibe Gorgeous gratitude For those who
When the Sacred breaks upon you, completely out of context with the present moment and takes you in with utter surprise, as unexpected as snow floating upwards from the ground to the clouds, It is a gift. It is an authentic moment— An undeniably valid experience. Anecdotal though it may
A few months ago, an accident during a trek in Himachal came to my notice. The victim was a 70 plus year old experienced mountaineer. The circumstances were something like this: The group comprised an experienced but aged lot of British/European mountaineers who were to trek somewhere in Himachal.
They are everywhere, interspersed between you and me especially when “you” and “I” are not friends. Coming generation would be witnessing a surge in the cult called “Nirvana” to the point where it would become cancerous, more overpowering and hallucinating than marijuana or other psychedelics and addictions. Watch it now
If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you” – Friedrich Nietzsche While coming back from work one night on a busy train in Boston, I was alone for a few moments as I walked back through the dark night. There was no one around me.
Have you ever thought of this? In relations to the Hindu philosophy, how could such lofty wisdom lead to or tolerate something as regressive as Caste System in the Indian society? Beyond the religious affiliations, when I first became acquainted with the profound texts of Vedic/Vedantic wisdom, this question
Guru is not a person or an authority. Guru is a quality of the Eternal. That quality manifests in various ways in different places for various reasons. When a leader leads the nation, or a school teacher holds a class, the Inherent quality of this existence called “Guru” manifests itself.
Religions are not paths to God or Salvation or Liberation. Even if they helped one reach there, they are not “paths”. They are, apart from Hinduism (because its not personality centered), case studies of one person who found his way. A case study is not a path. Lets understand it
A lot of noise is made about believing, faith and trust in religions for Spiritual upliftment. But the truth is that: On a spiritual path, you can either be a seeker or the realized. There is no place for a Believer. If you are looking for something in the house,
> कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्माः सनातनाः। धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत॥१-४०॥ Hindi कुल के क्षय हो जाने पर कुल के सनातन (सदियों से चल रहे) कुलधर्
911’s have a strange tryst with US. A hundred and seventeen (117) years ago one person came with a vision unparalleled of introducing to US a brand of spirituality that it had not since until then. On the morning of September 11 in 1893 at the World Parliaments of
In the last post we saw the strength of Arjun’s character – his compassion for his own. Today we will see his weakness – ignorance. न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण न च राज्यं सुखानि च। किं नो राज्येन गो
Dharma, as it has been conceived in the Indian spiritual traditions, has been totally misconstrued. People have often equated it to religion, which is nonsensical and out of ignorance. Dharma’s root word in Sanskrit (Dhri) is often thought to mean “to hold) or Dharan karna (in Hindi). However, it
Today, we will come to terms with the real significance of Mahabharat. Why was it that Bhagwad Gita had to occur at this juncture in presence of Shri Krishna and with the cast of characters that we had on our hand. > तत्रापश्यत्स्थितान्पा
Buddham Sharnam Gachhami, Dharmam Sharnam Gachhami (Come to the Shelter of Buddha. Come to the Shelter of Dharma); .Surrender to the Lord.Tera bhaana meetha laage.Arjun, surrender to me completely. Niyam, Dharma, Law, Lord, Hukum, Cosmic Flow, Cosmic law – these are words used for just one thing. That, which
> स घोषो धार्तराष्ट्राणां हृदयानि व्यदारयत्। नभश्च पृथिवीं चैव तुमुलो व्यनुनादयन्॥१-१९॥ Hindi शंखों की उस महाध्वनि से आकाश और पृथिवि गूँजने लगीं तथा
Today, we go in as the war is about to start. > अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागमवस्थिताः। भीष्ममेवाभिरक्षन्तु भवन्तः सर्व एव हि॥१-११॥ Hindi इसलिये सब लोग जिन जिन स्थानो
Today we will discuss how Duryodhan views his own Army. > अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम। नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते॥१-७॥ Hindi हे
> दृष्ट्वा तु पाण्डवानीकं व्यूढं दुर्योधनस्तदा। आचार्यमुपसंगम्य राजा वचनमब्रवीत्॥१-२॥ Hindi हे राजन, पाण्डवों की सेना व्यवस्था देख कर दुर्योधन
When Muscle is weak and Will is soft – from grief – what then can hold me up where do I find my strength where do I find relief My feet know the ground much better than my head It is to them I turn . . . to me their wisdom speaks “Yield,” they
Bhagwad Gita is one of most widely read of all scriptures in the world. It is eternal in its appeal and it challenges a soul at all levels – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. No two people can agree on the message it gives because Gita is a personal relationship. Shri
Why one more date based on the astronomical evidence quoted from the Mahabharata? I have made this effort for the following reasons: * All the previous dates by various scholars are from misunderstood quotes, incorrect translations and incorrect conversions between the Gregorian calendar and the Indian astronomical calendar. These scholars here
Concept of Uniformity breeds Exclusivism. Oneness is inherently inclusive. Obsession with the idea of “One” has been central to human mind since the beginning. Two concepts of looking at one’s place in the cosmos has always clashed in the world. People often try to look at the way East
Gayatri Mantra remains one of the most popular Mantras recited in every day life by Hindus. It is attributed to Rig Ved, but its citation is also found in Bhagwad Gita and other scriptures. In fact when asked by Arjun, who he was, Sri Krishna likens himself to Gayatri. ॐ
When Elizabeth Gilbert went to India as part of her journey which was to become the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, she liked it but had many reservations about her experience at the Ashrams and India itself. Then came the movie. And Julia Roberts traced her footsteps. This time to be
I was having a long debate about Science and Spirituality on Facebook. Till it came to a point of looking at the benefits of Science and if what modern Science offer is really progress after all. Yes, Science has helped the humanity, but was the way Science – from its genesis
असत्य की पहचान में ही असत्य से मुक्ति है अगर सदा असत्य को ही सत्य माना हो और अपने असत्य को असत्य के रूप में जाना ही न हो तो असत्य में जीवन भटकेगा. पर
The concept of God is so heavily bastardized around the world, that it has become completely nonsensical to even speak about it in a logically coherent manner. It wasn’t so in the case of the Ancient Rishis. They were very clear as to what they defined to be the
(continued from Ancient Hindu Science and the effect on the world – I [https://www.drishtikone.com/ancient-hindu-science-and-effect-world-i]) Vedantic philosophy or Hindu Scientific ways experienced and found millennia back and document many centuries ago, also became the basis of the greatest modern scientific discoveries. How Ancient Hindu science impacted greatest modern
Upto 15% of the entire disease in mankind is related to mental illness, according to the WHO. The brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) (the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) level of the brain is the major contributor to the mental disorders. Disorders like Depression and anxiety disorders are linked to lower GABA
Humility is an aspiration, and an act – a farce. Devotion is being by not being. Humility like all other virtues is an aspiration in context of an imagined moral. It is not a natural act of living but a compromise. I am, but I will nevertheless bow to you. And
There is a discussion going on [http://www.facebook.com/drishtikone?ref=profile#!/drishtikone?v=wall&story_fbid=118457094851758] my facebook page which is interesting and insightful for me. The story I posted was of the failed terror attack at Times Square and commented as to how poverty or assimilatio
There are three law students from the same class studying for a bar exam. Two buy the popular guide books and study them completely (end-to-end) while the third just goes back to his class notes and reads them well again and doesn’t indulge in buying any guides or books.
The focus has been shifted from hunting for food and shelter to hunting for sex (+/- money, fame or both..ehh did I say Instant Nirvana!!), the world (of masses) surely has evolved a lot in time. (excluding all the scientific, technological, intellectual and spiritual developments and debates that at
The Christian Church has the longest continuous history of governance, with a tremendous track record of protecting its interests under all circumstances. Its history of corporate governance is not only remarkable amongst religions but also when compared to commercial multinational corporations. Most people are unaware that it was the Church
I am not saying whether it is right or wrong – for that is NOT the way to look at this. But just curious if this is the job of the CID of India when it is being hounded by terrorists day in and day out!?? So, now the refrain [http:
My son was two and a half, when he was standing outside and saw a large dog. Dogs, large dogs, always scared me in my childhood. It took me a long time, well into my middle age, to become easy around dogs. My son immediately ran to the dog before
In this day and age its important to see the societies the way they are. There are ONLY two types of societies: Inclusive and Exclusive. Exclusive socities and ideologies say “I am X, you are Y, and so you are my enemy.” Inclusive ones say “I am X, I don’
“Spiritual progress is based on acceptance as a matter of free will and choice and thus everyone experiences only the world of their own choosing. The universe is totally free of victims and all eventualities are the unfolding of inner choice and decision.” — David Hawkins Christine, a Facebook friend, posted
Survival is predicated on Prejudice. Free thought is risky. In the diversity of creation, where there are natural foes and neutral entities, every being seeks safety of the known. Known ally is that which conforms. Deviance is enmity. When society seeks order – it really seeks a “conformity” in a set
Pain is an Occurrence. Suffering is an Interpretation. Immense pain may not lead to suffering for some. Immense luxury may be, however, enveloped in utmost suffering for many. Suffer comes from Latin – sub up + ferre to bear. Bearing is not acceptance but tolerance of reality. You bear the burden. Forced
Pain is an Occurrence. Suffering is an Interpretation. Immense pain may not lead to suffering for some. Immense luxury may be, however, enveloped in utmost suffering for many. Suffer comes from Latin – sub up + ferre to bear. Bearing is not acceptance but tolerance of reality. You bear the burden. Forced
A friend described that she liked the wonderful book, Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It has been in my mind as one of the books I want to read, but it hasn’t “spoken” with me as yet. The problem with writings like Alchemist and stuff like that is that they
A friend described that she liked the wonderful book, Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It has been in my mind as one of the books I want to read, but it hasn’t “spoken” with me as yet. The problem with writings like Alchemist and stuff like that is that they
> When I occasionally quote the words of Jesus or the Buddha, from A Course in Miracles or from other teachings, I do so not in order to compare, but to draw your attention to the fact that in essence “there is and always has been only one spiritual teaching, although
We all know that at the foundational level of creation there is NO such thing as matter. Its just a wave or energy or as the scientists are now calling it – the Consciousness (Creation is a Vibration [https://drishtikone.com/?q=blog/creation-vibration])! The Creation as per the latest thought
I recently had a very interesting exchange on facebook. Spirituality and Love, are concepts, that have been so bastardized by people and are handled on just the surface… the moment one tries to explore these concepts a little deeper one realizes that all that was said was said with a
It is my personal conviction that the reason why astrology succeeds is because the mankind in general does not “get” the Karma theory. And astrology ASSUMES that, so whatever it “predicts” is based on the past affecting the future. Let me explain: Karma theory can be summed in ‘Cause andf
I think my spiritual quest started long back. It probably came as a gift from my mother. She has been deeply religious and very disciplined.all her life. While her Guru was a Shiv disciple, my mother was a Krishna-bhaktini. Never in my life I have seen someone so disciplined
Got this poem from a dear friend. Enjoy. It tells the truth in a very unvarnished way. Very Very profound and True in all words.. and every word a Pure Joy! ========= ========= It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for,
God is Collective Prejudice. I am its Projection. God in any culture – beyond the high sounding adjectives and characteristics – is the personification and embodiment of all the prejudices inherent in that society. Every person in a group – in an attempt to conform – becomes a projection of that collective prejudice. Physical
Asceticism has long been the sine qua non of spiritual exploration. In Hindu Tradition, it was long figured out that the basic, foundational and primordial existence was consciousness. How it manifested as matter was the only point of debate and discussion. Most learned called matter as vibration of the consciousness
Conflict is when I am, therefore you Have to Be. Peace is when I is You. When existence lives in the dualities of itself, then it lives in conflict. Living in conflict is violence. Violence is not just the physical manifestation of a murderous intent. But when existence is in
The Hindu school of thought has variously described the “Creation” – specially in the Vedas and Puranas. The underlying principles and thought of how it all started and what “God” really means in this context is pretty similar. “God”, by definition, seems to be the primordial consciousness that pervades the Creation.
This one dialog is a very interesting piece which details out the core of Maharishi Vasistha’s philosophy. It is so radical and refreshing that it does not seem to be as old as it possibly is. This kind of thinking is one reason why I consider Yoga Vasistha to
Dr. Deepak Chopra discussing that the many mechanistic scientists are superstitious and carry a superstition of materialism. I completely agree with that view and I think it couldn’t have been expressed as well as he has.
Vedanta is well rounded, better and holistically thought out. That’s a Process statement and not a qualitative statement. In modern science terms, its proponents have been “peer reviewed”. Some folks came up with Vedas, Yajnavalka came up with his Ashtavakara Samhita, Vasistha gave his philosophy through Yoga Vasistha. IN
In 1687, Newton published Principia where he laid the foundations of Gravity, which explained how the planets stayed in their orbits and large bodies work. Five years later, a Cambridge philospher Richard Bentley asked him a very innocuous question that hit at the root of Newton’s discovery. Bentley wrote
This is a really amazing wisdom offered in Yoga Vasistha by Maharishi Vasistha to Shri Ram. … Wise man’s friend, O Rama, is his own action which arises spontaneously in him and in which there is no division or conflict. LIke a father, it encourages him and provides him with
Today, September 5th, is celebrated as the Teacher’s day in India. I wanted to share a meaningful message that makes sense to me and I can relate to it myself. I could not find a better message than this dialog between the great Sage and Teacher Vasistha and his
There are times when some words just find resonance with your soul. These words are such. Ever since I have heard them in the voice of my Guru, Sadhguru Jaggi, I just could not get them out of my mind. So, I have tried to recite it. I am obviously
My journey in Spirituality has been very interesting. Over the years I have asked questions and moved on. Suddenly, some day I will get an answer almost unexpectedly. Just out of nowhere. It just seems I have an answer and my long asked question seems answered. Its all figured out.
Today an internet friend, Manoj, gave me some education on the types of Communications in Vedanta. These are facilitated by four manifestations of sound. What these are is interesting. I am reproducing an article by Swami Satyananda Saraswati from the first International Yoga Teachers Training Course at Munger, 1967-68 – to
Dr Manish Pandit, a nuclear medicine physician from UK is making a movie on Krishna as a historic figure. Pandit has based his movie on dates and timelines coming out of scientific based research by credible evidence based on Archeology, Astronomy and Linguistics, apart from Oral evidence from Indian tradition.
> “Women are worthy of worship. They are the fate of the household, the lamp of enlightenment for all in the household. They bring solace to the family and are an integral part of dharmic life. Even heaven is under the control of women. The gods reside in those households where
Life for me was fun. Relationships casual and short-lived. In my college days, casual sex with guys was a popular sport for me. It gave me the thrill. There was of course the act of it, but the thrill was more of “getting the catch”. When a reluctant person was
There is a reason why I completely agree with Sadguru Jaggi. He happens to talk sense. No other person I have met or heard or read has ever made sense to me like he does. Maybe that is why I went to him as a Shishya. This interview explains why.
I am God. This is so revolutionary a statement that it can land people on death row. We are so forced into believing that we are some lowly entities and that some one “special” will come with special access to some faraway “God” – who is unapproachable and something different. I
Many Saints and Spiritual Masters have argued that we lack the ability to be aware of our world. That our perceptions inhererntly limit the Truth. Now, in her book “The Philosophical Baby: What Children’s Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love, and the Meaning of Life”, Alison Gopnik, argues that
What a fantastic way to say it all about the Universal Consciousness. As the web issues out of the spider And is withdrawn, as plants sprout from the earth, As hair grows from the body, even so, The sages say, this universe springs from The deathless Self, the source of
Creation and its theories in contemporary science and theology – specifically in the US, based on Christian scriptures – has been a point of controversy. So when I came across a compilation of the thoughts on same in various Vedic/Vedantic/Hindu scriptures, I wanted to put it up here for a
One of the biggest confusion in Spiritual journey is of a Fact and Truth – or, in Hindi, Tathya and Satya. Mostly, what are decidedly “facts” are peddled and assumed to be “Truths”. Then there is a fight over these “Truths”, which were never so to begin with. Truth is reality
> गुरुर ब्रह्म गुरुर विष्णु , गुरुर देवो महेशवरः. गुरु साक्षात् परब्रह्म, तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः > “Gurur – Brahma Gurur – Vishnuh Guru -devo Maheswarah Gurur – sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave
Let us look at two songs – both very popular – from Indian movies: (1) Ek, do teen…. char paan, che, saat, aath, nau, das gyarah… from Ram Lakhan (lyricist: Sameer) (2) Humne dekhi hai in aankhon ki mehakti khushboo.. from Khamoshi (lyricist: Gulzar) Popularity besides, which song do you think is
Yesterday was the finale of the 7 day program from Isha Yoga (Inner Engineering). I think many would share my sentiments when I say that probably for us the life would not be the same any more. Many, I am sure, will become vegetarians and those who were already vegetarians
Yesterday was the penultimate day and there were further Q&As through which Sadguru helped everyone understand the Law of Karma and most basic way of coming out of it. Now, over the years I have come to exactly the same conclusions that Sadguru presented through my own introspection and
Yesterday, was our initiation into the Isha system of Guru Shishya parampara. I have not been a believer of this way to enlightenment but yesterday I saw the power that came to me. It was amazing. The energy one felt through the process was great and worth it. My initiation
Look at this picture. Its credits read: “A displaced Pakistani man plays with his baby in Chota Lahore camp at Swabi district, some 150 km northwest of Islamabad on May 21. AFP / Getty Images / Pedro Ugarte”. For last two days, at Isha Yoga we have been discussing the important “Truth”
As I said earlier [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=blog/started-ishayogas-inner-engineering-course] that I had started the “Inner Engineering” course after arguing with myself for 4 years on this action. I think now I was ready. As I am doing the course, I am realizing that for all the
Today I started the “Inner Engineering” course from IshaYoga [http://www.ishayoga.org] in Houston. I still remember that it was 4 years back that one of my friends a Mallu Christian (and a professed Rush Limbaugh fan and hard-core Republican) had pushed me to do this after he had
This guest article has been written by Prakash Vishnubotla. He has been a tremendous influence on me in spiritual topics. This piece is an example of how profound his thinking is. Enjoy. ===================== “I would learn the arts that you have to teach, but I refuse to learn the art of
I have always considered Sri Krishna as my eternal Guru. I can most relate to His logical mind and clear thinking in terms of spiritual ideas. He is considered to be the Highest Ego by some and I feel it was an ego out of compassion and an Infinite Ego
Special thanks to Rajesh H. for sending me the clip that enabled me to delve more into this When temples were constructed a certain ceremony was followed. Yantras with Mantras and adequate, appropriate as well as concentrated meditation and recitation of shlokas was a very important part of the entire
There are many stories and sermons on what the correct Karma of a Karma-Yogi is, as narrated by Gita. Generally, since the religions around the world have been mired in moralistic nonsense, people have created moralistic overlays on Gita’s message. Divinity and Purity have been assigned to Karmas or
One of the greatest issues I have had with the various “paths” of enlightenment is that they posit enlightenment as a “destination”. As something that someone has to “reach”. Which obviously assumes that one is “not there”. Strangely, this has been the preoccupation of every Saint, Master and the Prophet.
Humans have two distinct properties of mind that make them believe in a God. One, the belief in some form of life apart from that experienced in the body. This is a default setting. Second, an “overdeveloped sense of cause and effect”. In many different experiments, from many angles, it
Moving from one point of incomplete existence to another is change. And Happiness is in the hope that “a” change will make us “complete”. That has been the bane of all religious discourse and action. Every one has urged the other to change.. to “get” to a more “complete” state.
The Sufi Saints of the past centuries – even as early as in 1500’s were greatly influenced by Yogic and Sanskrit texts of India. In fact little known to many, an ancient Yogic scripture – Amritakunda – which no longer survives was translated into Arabic and called Bahr al-hayat (Ocean of Life)
Swami Vivekananda was a non-vegetarian. When once asked by a questionner if being vegetarian is important for spiritual advance. He replied that when you reach a certain level, you automatically lose all the cravings and same goes for the desire to eat non-vegetarian foods. Indian #Church Sex Scandals: When Pretentious
Here is a beautiful explanation of the final state that I happened to read in Vasistha Yoga today. It is from the story of Vitahvya and is being explained by Maharishi Vasistha to Sri Ram. I think the beauty and interesting part of it is that Maharishi Vasistha talks about
Psychoanalysis is primarily a method of psychotherapy developed by Sigmund Freud. According to psychoanalytic theory, anxiety is due to the presence in us all of certain threatening sexual or aggressive urges, wishes or motives springing from the id. These urges come into conflict with the realistic barriers imposed by the
Some months back, I had written a blog post “Was Krishna’s Gita a Rebellion of his times? [https://drishtikone.com/?q=blog/was-krishnas-gita-rebellion-his-times]“, where I had failed to make one major connection – that between the Vedas and Upanishads came Gita. And in my view, the difference in direction of
Cultures and religions over the centuries have eulogized and looked for a God. What or Who that entity is has never been known but adjectives and characteristics have been assigned nevertheless. Some of these are bunched together and assigned based on one’s beliefs as opposed to being assigned based
“Now, drink your milk Sonu!” shouted Reema. Sonu didn’t quite like milk so he was pushing it away. Angry at his stubborn-ness she slapped Sonu loud and hard. Uma was standing near the door – she had come to ask for some sugar as usual – and was aghast. “Reema, he
There are many stories and tales in the Hindu scriptures that if taken literally could be very silly, but if one were to ruminate on them, they suddenly sound very profound! Like this one, which really intrigued me! Long time ago a couple, Rishi Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati worshipped
Satyam Shivam Sundaram – is a mantra that is very popular in the Hindu philosophy. It is often translated as “Truth is God and God is Beautiful” – where Satyam is translated as Truth, Shivam as God and Sundaram as Beautiful. Unfortunately this translation exposes our prejudiced view of “God”. We want
Law of karma comes from one shloka in Bhagwad Gita which is, in my view, certainly the most misunderstood. In that shloka, Krishna tells Arjun to do his Action and NOT have “Asakti” or attachment to the result. Several commentators translate it as “Do Action but not worry about the
In a very interesting article, Economist.com [http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/asiaview/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12717756] raises the very important question on Pakistan based on the interview of Asif Ali Zardari with an Indian TV channel. What does a Pakistani politician (or a common man) mean when
> The individualised consciousness (the mind) has arisen in the supreme being, O Ram: it is both different and non-different from the infinite consciousness even as a wave is different and non-different from the ocean. To the enlightened the mind is the absolute Brahman and naught else. To the unenlightened, the
Human existence must be the most limited and restricted of all. The dead are relatively freer of limitations of space although firmly stuck in time and thought. Animals are free of thought but stuck in time and space. Man is stuck in time, space and thought. Thought makes the limitations
My friend, Ash, and I were discussing food for our lunch when he recited this Marathi shloka that he heard from his Grandfather. It, in my mind, really puts the relevance and importance of food very simply, succinctly and powerfully. Something that I could relate to and one that we
Thought this was a very good message for all. Just wanted to share it with you.
“Oh!! I didn’t see that puddle there!’ said Geetika as she started brushing her pants wet with mud. Vikram, Geetika and Siddarth had been walking for half an hour to get to Aam ka Taal village in rural Rajasthan. They were social workers who had heard that the villagers
Listen [https://drishtikone.com/?q=content/mool-mantar-various] to the Mool Mantra [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mool_Mantra] – the first pronouncement of Guru Nanak Dev after his enlightenment. Today is the 540th Birth Anniversary of the First Sikh Guru – Guru Nanak Dev. He stands as one of the most towering
In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (John 1:1-4) You must have heard and read this verse above from Bible? But now read the Vedic verse below – which is verbatim! Is it a case of “Great Minds think alike”
Non violence has been a cherished goal of many a Saint. It is an aim that people who want to see a better world want to attain. The non-violence is often described as avoidance of violence in thought, deed, and speech. But is avoidance of outward violence – whether of speech,
Wanted to bring to you some questions from the 129th hymn of the Rig Veda. These are questions that are indeed worth pondering upon… they point to a mind that does not want to create an artificial and intellectual answer and claim the conundrum is “solved”. It takes questions and
After I wrote the post on Diwali [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/importance-diwali/], a reader and I had a chat.. and she repeated the oft said characterization of Ravan. That he was just like Ram… so why was he considered inferior. And why is his killing considered victory of
Today is Diwali. Let us look at the Importance of Diwali. It is by far the most celebrated of the Hindu festivals in the country. It is the celebrated as the event when Lord Ram came back to his Kingdom after 14 years of exile, after winning against the demon
This is continuation to an old post I made some time back – “Calculus and Nirvana” [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=blog/calculus-and-nirvana] . I also got inputs from Todd Ingram, who discussed about his many spiritual experiences and wisdom. Todd’s many words of wisdom resonated with me. Absolute
There is this discussion on at Intent [http://beta.intent.com/blog/2008/10/09/death-and-enlightenment] – a question was asked if Enlightenment is a natural state after Death. It is amazing that somehow everyone takes Death as some kind of an automatic gateway to a meeting with “God” – however one
Ancient esoteric teachings from different sources have always emphasized the daily stimulation of our chakras (psychic centers) before each of our meditations in order to obtain many more benefits from it. These wise instructions recommend us to start with an invocation to our divinity, to the God of our hearts,
When we’ve been lucky enough to have access to reliable sources regarding self-development instructions our goal is already half way accomplished. Why do I consider this a fact? Because by initiating this personal growing project, we unconsciously start a chain reaction. It is by getting deeply committed to this
All great men and women from the past and from our present have shared a very common mental characteristic: The ability gained through long hours spent doing intentional thinking together with very conscious observations. It definitely would be an excellent idea to imitate them. Our big question, then would be
Creativity is God’s seed planted in every soul personality. We’re soul personalities possessing material vehicles. Let’s start by trying to describe our Maker in just a few words. Love? Yes!— Life? Of course!— Light? You’re right! Peace profound?—Harmony?—Happiness?—Being positive? The answer is always
It was on our American Continent soil where our Indian ancestors learned tremendously useful lessons about Mother Nature. When the Europeans set foot on this very sacred land almost everybody started the way backwards regarding the great affinity with our planet. In order to keep a perfect balance and harmony
Positive people have to use the correct approaches to make their lives more interesting and succeeding in the attempt. What kind of actions should we carry on to obtain positive results in this endeavor? Let’s start using one of the many ideas that Benjamin Franklin used, to constantly improve
Recently, I had two questions/observations put to me: 1. A Pakistani blogger friend observed that a lot of Indians she is interacting are calling themselves atheists, which she found rather strange. Why, is this happening she asked? 2. Another blogger friend had these experiences where she was convinced that
In order to continue enjoying having a productive life by striving to improve himself man has to take drastic measures regarding overcoming difficult times, and succeeding in the persuade of his well being. Since ancient times man has discovered that some of his time must be spent deeply immersed in
Last night, it rained heavenly where I live, so I went to bed late. While it was pouring I turn on the TV, and I watched the Olympic Games. I enjoyed watching the women swimmers; I noticed a great resemblance in their body structures with those of men swimmers. Then
In case you’ve experience just a tiny psychic reality, or being spiritually exposed to a very real cosmic world then, you will accept this kind invitation. Before finishing our dwelling in the silver sphere, and before going into the golden sphere, let’s consider some important matters. Select a
I recently came across the lectures by Mooji – a Jamaican mystic from Shri Ramana Maharishi school. This is the second lecture of his that gives a most profound paradigm in terms of interaction with the world! A Must watch!
Nirvana and Moksha and the related paraphernalia of Atma, Brahman and Prakriti (the combinations of them) have been a popular pass time of many Saints and Rishis. Many times people indulge in this because they cannot or will not be honest to the very basics. If you ask the proponents
Recently, the Head of the Spiritual practice that my wife follows had come to our city. It was a big occassion for the initiates and people drove many hours to reach the city to be in his company and listen to his talk as well as clarify their thoughts. Among
Before entering to our next fascinating sphere, the silver one, let’s consider some important aspects regarding these new articles. There’s a big difference between reading something and studying it. The same is also true regarding the great difference between studying something and using our deep thinking to add
A young man once went to a blind Saint’s hut and knocked. The Saint from inside enquired – “Who is it?”. The young man – who had come looking for a Guru, replied “That is what I have come to know, Sir”. The Guru beckoned him. That is probably the only
Our Observation collapses the wave [https://drishtikone.com/?q=content/eternal-illusion-and-how-observer-creates-his-own-reality] and we can have a particle instead. At least that much is a certainty for scientists. Of course, the question that has always remained is how does the quantum world and the physical world so different in its appearance.
“Solving our problems and improving our lives through…………………” Every human being on this planet from the past, did his best to improve his life. The same action applies to our current human beings, and also will this is also true, regarding human beings from our future. It’s very much
If a happy person is a good human being, then a happier person would be an improved human being. Wouldn’t he? Striving for excellence in all walks of life is our basic component rooted in our spiritual genes. We’ve wrongly been cursing our trials, shortcomings, and limitations for
…or in other words, is it necessary for you to take that credit and pretend to watch over the consciousness or the “being” while it happens? When do you stop taking credit? When does this investment in ego end? Another great satsang from Mooji! I really love his eloquence – and
Meditation is a bastardized word. People have made it into practices into exercises into methodologies.. everything other than what it is supposed to be. The word for meditation in Sanskrit or Hindi was “Dhyan” – which means “to contemplate”. The eternal question is the most suitable for contemplation – “Who Am I”
I am not sure how I landed on this video… but after a long time someone has again resonated with me after Krishnamurti. Yes, there are many great Masters – but they just dont resonate with my soul.. they throw out so much crap along with the “real” thing. This guy,
Interesting talk from Krishnamurti. I am obviously a fan of his.. this is vintage JK in response to a question “Who are you?” (probably trying to probe if JK is an “Enlightened Master” or not). Technorati : Krishnamurti [http://technorati.com/tag/Krishnamurti], Spiritual [http://technorati.com/tag/Spiritual]
If we all people are living souls possessing wisdom, and highly creative attributes, why don’t we think big, instead of small? We’re the result of A SUPREME MASTER MIND. We’ve inherited His tremendous creative powers. He gave us these supreme powers to conquer life. If deep down,
This beautiful morning a sudden inner thought reached my objective consciousness to be shared with you. Here it is. “If you’re on the right track, God and Its Laws will provide the necessary means to accomplish your dreams”. Now let’s examine the above thought carefully. We’re on
Why do we seek? More importantly, do we seek to get an answer or do we seek to find out? Aren’t religions a quick-fix for seeker’s desires? We seek but our seeking is so shallow and dishonest that we want to catch the next guy who can confidently
It has been 15 years since I last saw you. Heard your name on the street today. It wasn’t you. Didn’t see who it was. But I felt you. I experienced the warmth of your presence just as it was when you were there when that name was
In my last piece I have talked of why I am a “Hindu” [https://drishtikone.com/?q=blog/why-i-am-hindu] and what it means to me. From what I have written some one would surely say that the way I have argued against “God”, I surely must be an atheist! How
The other day a friend, American, asked me what faith I followed? Or was I just spiritual. I reluctantly replied to him Hindu faith. I know at my intellectual level that is somewhat true and those following my thoughts here on this blog would have expected me to have said
Truth is infinite and has no locii. When we try and place arbitrarily a coordinate for a value of what we call “Truth”, then since the real Truth is infinite – our “Truth” gets challenged. Even after “arriving” at the our “Truth” we still seem to find something beyond that which
I heard this song from Abida Parveen and its kinda tough to get over it since I heard first time (thanks to Pramila for suggesting it). It is very haunting. Khuda Jane Kahan Se Jalwaye Jana Kahan Tak Hai – Abida Parveen [http://www.imeem.com/navinder/music/fCWDImhd/abida_parveen_
With the formulation of Planck’s constant, our limits of observation were set. Beyond this limit, our observation lacked any meaning. The confidence of what we saw beyond this was imaginary and superstition. Try as we might to define the route that an electron took to reach the other side
Just read this line on Amitabh Bachchan’s blog [http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/05/18/day-31/] that his father told him once: > ‘Man ka ho to acchha. Man ka na ho to zyada acchha !’ > If things happen according to what you wish. It is good. If things do
She was doe-eyed and long-haired. As she walked down the aisle of the library, Samardeep looked up. His eyes melted into the beautiful tresses of Radha. She was not the most petite one, but her eyes were poetic and seemed to hold mysteries of yonder. He seemed to have suddenly
I have read a lot of stories, but this one by Suresh Naig who wrote this for Desicritics was extremely haunting and profound. It is very simple yet powerful. Suresh very generously agreed to share this with Drishtikone. I want to personally thank him for this privilege to me. Please
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its leader Raj Thackeray – nephew of Bal Thackeray – has been attacking non-Maharashtrians living in Mumbai and questioning their contribution. Nothing could be more ridiculous than this posture. Many self-conceited and parochial Marathis have fallen prey to this line of argument as well – as we saw
As the comment of Amit showed on the blog about Miracles [https://drishtikone.com/?q=blog/does-prayer-produce-miracles] – there are two extremes around which the human thought has unfortunately swung in terms of “Extra-ordinary” – or as some people call them “Miracles”. The two sides are defined by the: 1. Materialist scientists
Can prayers save a dying person? Many believers say YES! Most rationalists say NO. Well, some say its a miracle. Some say its a fluke. I say its the property of the consciousness. Its the VERY property of this creation’s very basic and most primordial substance – the energy. And
So many religious reformers have talked about rituals and frowned upon the existing ones….. only to create new ones! Why are rituals part and parcel of any religion? Why is it so difficult to escape the trap of rituals in every walk of life? To understand this, one has to
Was talking to a friend on Spiritual issues last night and the phenomenon of religions. There was a part of discussion where he remarked that the need of the general public to “know” which forces the Enlightened Masters to give them the knowledge in shape of religious instructions. Now, maybe
Is there anything called supernatural? The spirits etc.? I am sure there are many people who have either experienced it or know of people who experienced it. But this is a rather strange incident by any standards. A guy’s wife died at 69 (and he lived in an erstwhile
> “When there was neither aught nor naught, when darkness was covering darkness, what existed then? That Akasha existed without motion.” The physical motion of the Prana was stopped, but it existed all the same. Says Vivekananda in his lecture on Prana. Prana is the manifestation. Akash is the canvas – the
Shekhar Kapur and Dr. Deepak Chopra discuss the nature of time and existence [http://www.intentblog.com/archives/2008/04/the_nature_of_t.html] in the first of possibly a series of dialogs. Very interesting discussion. I liked the word “Context”. Now, relationship is a different thing. Context comes