Dharma is perhaps the most important term in the culture and spiritual philosophy of India but also perhaps the most difficult to understand. It is roughly understood as the law that upholds or the law of life. This explanation by Swami Krishnananda (Divine Life Society) illuminates its real meaning.
The Abhyanga or oil bath/massage ritual has been intrinsic to the Indian tradition of physical well-being. Find out more about this natural, inexpensive and highly effective ritual that is especially beneficial for our hectic modern lifestyles.
Advaita master Sri HWL Poonja ji (1910-1997) explains the power and significance of Om, the primordial sound. He also recounts an incident when he was challenged by a French Cardinal who insisted that light came before sound.
Newsletter No. 19 (Oct 16 - 22).
The famous Danish physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Laureate Niels Bohr said, “I go into the Upanishads to ask questions.” Bohr as well as other physicists like Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg were avid readers of the Vedic texts and observed that their experiments in quantum physics were consistent with what they had read in the Vedas. The 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer was so impressed by the Upanishads that he called them “the production of the highest human wisdom”. The Kena Upanishad begins with enquiry into the Self and contains the most profound wisdom and direct pointings towards Brahman, the Absolute.
The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. The legend of Mount Govardhan serves as an important reminder for seekers of Truth.
The 'light' has always been associated in Indian culture with wisdom and joy, with our higher Self - such references can be found in the Upanishads, ancient mantras and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to name a few. Shruti Bakshi delves into the meaning of Diwali - from the traditions associated with the five days of Diwali, to the deeper spiritual significance - in the very first LWP Digest released at this auspicious time of Diwali.
Blogger Ruchira Khanna shares some simple wisdom for restoring the connection between body and mind to enable us to deal with the stresses of life.
LWP Newsletter No. 18. (2nd - 15th October)
What if you could hear nature speak? If you are sufficiently silent, you just may be able to tune-in to nature's radio. But how often do we attempt to experience such a communion? Here are some gorgeous photos shared by LWP writer and blogger Rahul Sharma showcasing nature's art gallery. Captions added by Shruti Bakshi are a light-hearted guess at what nature may be trying to say in these photos. Feel free to share your own captions in the comments section, referencing the photo number!
Sri Sarada Devi (1853 - 1920) was the consort of the great saint Sri Ramakrishna Parmahansa and was considered as the Divine Mother incarnate herself. In this excerpt from her teachings, she explains the nature of mind and the importance of meditation in this Kali Yuga.
Sri Aurobindo's words on the limitations of science and metaphysics in explaining the world. As he writes, "Metaphysics seeks to tell us What the Universe is and Why it is; in other words to explain the Inexplicable; but the end of this process is inevitably a juggling with words which must repel all clear-minded thinkers". The approach of Hinduism is altogether different.
What's in a neem? Here's 5 great things that have been known since Vedic times and that justify neem's reputation in India as "sarva roga nivarini" or one cure for all ailments and ills.
Suffering from stress, tension and anxiety? Try these three pranayamas (breathing techniques) to restore calmness and peace of mind.
How does ahimsa apply to conflict situations? Shruti Bakshi explains how it's only as we recognise our larger identity with the unity of life, that we can carry out even the most violent action if required of us, without a feeling of malice or intention of causing suffering to others.
