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.
Basant Panchami: Honouring Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom and Light
Basant Panchami (the fifth day of spring) is dedicated to Saraswati, the mother of knowledge, the grace of music, the power of the word, the light of insight and the purity of Truth.
Ayurvedic Oil Bath Benefits for Modern Lifestyles
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.
Legend of Govardhan: Shelter in the Divine
The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. The legend of Mount Govardhan serves as an important reminder for seekers of Truth.
Meaning of Diwali
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the Immortals of Meluha to Immortal India – in conversation with Amish
Shruti Bakshi speaks to bestselling author Amish Tripathi about a wide range of topics from his books to his writing process, to atheism in ancient India and current issues in India relating to religion, society and politics. As someone with vast knowledge about India’s past and ancient wisdom and who refuses to be pigeonholed as ‘left’ or ‘right’, Amish’s views are refreshing, insightful and enlightening.
Primal Divergence : A Contrast of Cultures (Part-3)
In Part 3 of this four-part series, Ganesh Varadharajan notes how the Western mind has long misunderstood the meaning of Brahmacharya and how modern psychology operates from a limited understanding (often misunderstanding) of the human mind and life.
Life Advice from Dr Radhakrishnan
“Religion is what we do with ourselves when we are alone. In every one of us is a secret shrine where no one could intrude, to which we must retire as often as possible and discover what our true self is as distinct from the appearance we present to the world outside. Most of us are self-deceivers and constant examination alone can save us….”
5 September has been celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India since 1962 in honour of the great scholar and philosopher Dr S. Radhakrishnan who became President of India in 1962. In this excerpt from this essay ‘My Search for Truth’, Dr Radhakrishnan gives valuable advice not only for teachers but all people in general.