The Natyashastra is an ancient encyclopedic treatise on the performing arts, composed by sage Bharat Muni (somewhere between 500 BCE – 500 CE). The ancient Indian view of art as expressed in the text, was much broader than mere aesthetics. Art was profoundly explored as a way to experience the Divine. Read on for a personal experiential account.
Chanting Ram Naam (the name of Rama) has the power to elevate consciousness. The devotee poet and saint Tulsidas (16th century) claimed it to be the ‘supreme secret’. Here are a few simple and popular Ram chants.
On the occasion of Rama Navami (birthday of Lord Rama), understanding what Rama signifies.
The Sri Devi Ashtottara Shata Namavalih is a hymn reciting the 108 names of the Mother Goddess, Devi or Shakti. Shakti is the life force behind all Manifestation just as Shiva is the Unmanifest. Here’s a truly sublime must-listen rendition of the 108 names of Devi.
Sirsasana (or headstand) is regarded as the King of Asanas in yoga. If one goes deeper into the asana one realises that it teaches us more than the ability to hold the body upside down – it teaches us about overcoming our fears and limitations.
A fascinating and insightful Q&A between Gayatri Iyer and Yogi coach Raghu Ananthanarayanan about how the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali can be applied to ‘coaching’ and ‘mentoring’. It is amazing to note how this ancient text provides an enlightened paradigm and methods to cultivate and manage a coach-coachee relationship. Read on to explore some timeless wisdom in practical action.
The festival of Holi is often dubbed the most ‘fun’ festival that is about playing with water and colours, singing, dancing and eating. But what really is the significance of this festival apart from ‘having fun’? Or maybe that’s just it. Some reflections on Holi, a festival that conveys the wisdom of joy and the joy of wisdom.
“..we know in these times, the lives of Sri Ramana Maharshi or Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj or Papaji, they pointed out the truth in the most direct way, an ancient wisdom that had also sprouted here in India but remained dormant until the great sage Adi Shankara revived interest in the path of Advaita—the non-dual path to Self-realisation. These great masters continue to shine the light and grace of this perfect understanding, and many many beings have thus come into the light for themselves.” Read more of the transcript of an excerpt of Mooji’s talk at satsang in Rishikesh in March 2016.
Rafting over the Ganges, Gayatri Iyer reflects on how the river embodies the characteristics of the different Pandava princes of the Mahabharata epic. One can seek their reflections in this living river, as well as one’s own.
Here’s some reasons why you’d be better off replacing your gym work-out with a yoga class. This list of reasons excludes the simple fact that yoga has been recommended by wise sages and yogis for thousands of years, which in itself is a pretty hefty endorsement!
An ancient chant in praise of Lord Shiva – the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Includes translation as well as a recitation by Shruti Bakshi.
“The distinction between “with qualities” and
“without qualities” does not exist in Him;
He’s beyond both attachment and non-attachment;
Stainless, He’s beyond all forms.
He’s beyond both qualities and the absence of qualities;
Though formless, He’s the substance of all forms.
So how can I worship that Shiva, who exists
everywhere, like space!” – Avadhuta Gita |
Exploring the significance of Mahashivratri (the darkest night of the year), for seeking Shiva.
The start-up world is the latest attraction for young professionals but once they’re in, many struggle to cope with the heavy demands of long hours and tremendous agility and drive. Nora von Ingersleben-Seip gives an insider’s account of what it’s like to work at a start-up and ways to not only cope with its many challenges, but to also thrive in it.
The ancient text Bhagavad Gita offers some very valuable wisdom for our stressful times. Here’s 3 lessons from the Gita that could help transform your perspective about life, purpose and achievement.
On his jayanti/birth anniversary (31 January 2018, Magha Pournima), remembering the Bhakti saint and poet Ravidas whose beautiful poems live on through time, as fresh today as when they were written centuries ago.
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