Exciting Diwali News
LWP Newsletter No. 18. (2nd – 15th October)
Joining Nature’s Conversation
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!
Mind & Meditation – A Saint’s Advice
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.
Where Science and Metaphysics Fall Short
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.
7 Wonders of Neem (‘Sarva Roga Nivarini’)
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.
3 Stress-Busting Pranayamas
Suffering from stress, tension and anxiety? Try these three pranayamas (breathing techniques) to restore calmness and peace of mind.
What Does Ahimsa Really Mean?
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.
Saraswati, the Vedic Goddess and River
One of the earliest goddesses worshipped in India since Vedic times, Saraswati devi, goddess of speech, wisdom, and expression, was believed to have found physical expression on earth also in the form of the ancient river Saraswati. The Rig Veda adores and praises this goddess as the ‘best of all mothers’, ‘best of all rivers’ and ‘best of all goddesses’ as Shruti Bakshi notes.
Ramana Maharshi on Birthdays
Should we be happy to remember our birth day or sorry for it? These wise words of Sri Ramana Maharshi (or Bhagavan as he was called by his disciples), show a different perspective and make one think about whether being reborn into ‘samsara’ life should really be a celebration or rather be a reminder for us to enquire into our real nature.
Grahas, Archetypes and Character Profiles
Does Gautam Buddha’s personality reflect the influence of the planet Budha and Ved Vyas’ that of Brihaspati? Ganesh Varadharajan explores the influence of planets on human characteristics and personalities.
Rally for Rivers – Time’s Running Out | Newsletter No.16
A final call to support the Rally for Rivers campaign before the policy recommendation is submitted on 2 October 2017. Includes the weekly round-up of LWP’s articles (18 – 24 September 2017).
YoseMIGHTY: A Storehouse of Natural Wonder
Supriya Tandon shares her experience of a trip to the Yosemite National Park in California. The park is a treasure trove of the wonders of Mother Nature and Supriya even spots a rare ‘rainbow in water’! Amidst the awesome natural beauty, one finds a deep contentment.
Navdurga: the 9 Forms of Durga
The Navratri festival in India is a celebration of the nine nights of the Divine Mother. The Mother Goddess manifests in many different forms. In Hindu culture, each of the nine nights is associated with a particular form of the Mother Goddess, Durga or Shakti (Navdurga). Read more.
Making the Most of the Navratri
Shruti Bakshi explains the significance of Navratri and the best way to make use of this period dedicated to the Mother Goddess.
Ingredients of Myth-Making
Ganesh Varadharajan explores what makes a work an ‘epic’. Using as examples, Tolkien’s ‘Legendarium’ and Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice & Fire’, Ganesh brings out the different textures of the fantasy worlds created by the novelists. Referencing back to the great epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Sri Aurobindo’s ‘Savitri’ as well as the Greek epics and the works of Shakespeare, gives an insight into the world of legend, myth and fantasy.