On Akshaya Tritiya: the Un-ending and Immortal
Akshaya Tritiya is the day we celebrate the abundance and unending-ness of life’s bounty manifesting as material and spiritual wealth, beauty, wisdom and love…
Tag: Culture
Bhakti: To Fall in Love Like Meera
A tribute to Meera bai on her Jayanti (birth anniversary) – contemplating ‘true love’
Exploring Shakti as Parvati, Sita and Radha
“Lord Shiva, only becomes ableto do creation in this world along with Shakti.Without her, even an inch he cannot move,and so how can one who does not do good deeds,or one who does not sing your praise,become adequate to worship youO Goddess of mine, who is worshipped by the Trinity” Soundarya …
Ancient Wisdom and the Environment
The Indian and other ancient cultures lived in deep harmony with nature. Indeed, Indian culture went beyond even the planet Earth to embrace a cosmic identity. So how did the world lose its way and what can we do now?
Japa and Kirtan – the Ways of Devotion
All paths of yoga are essentially about being in constant remembrance of and thus communion with the Divine. A relatively easy tool for this is japa. Still the practice of japa requires discipline and effort. A still easier and softer way is kirtan or bhajan.
The Power of Mantra: Science & Spirituality
“Of vibrations, I am the transcendental OM; Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names.” – Bhagavad Gita (10.25)
Explore the deep science and understanding behind mantras.
Art Beyond Aesthetics: the Spiritual Dimension of Natyashastra
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.
In the Name of Rama (Chanting Rama Naam)
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.
Understanding Rama and Ramayana
On the occasion of Rama Navami (birthday of Lord Rama), understanding what Rama signifies.
108 Names of Devi (Sri Devi Ashtottara Shata Namavalih)
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.
Holi – Burn the Old, Celebrate Life
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.
5 Reasons Why Yoga is Better than Gymming
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!
Shiva Panchakshara Stotram
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.
Seeking Shiva
“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.
Osho on Sanskrit
“The Sanskrit language is called DEVAVANI – the divine language. And it certainly is divine in the sense because it is the most poetic and the most musical language. Each word has a music around it, a certain aroma”.
Read more of what spiritual master Osho had to say about the Sanskrit language.