Category Archives: Spirituality
A Heartfelt New Year Wish from One Dreamer to Another
As the clock strikes midnight, ushering in a brand new year, I am reminded of the incredible journey that has brought me to where I am today. My mind wanders back to the darkest corners of my childhood – the struggles of making ends meet in our small 30-square-yard one-bedroom house in a laid-back area […]
Sacred No More: An Unbiased Look at the Tirumala Laddu Scandal
How Adulterated Ghee Found Its Way into the Holiest of Offerings, Putting Devotees’ Faith and Health at Risk The revered Tirumala Laddu, a symbol of devotion and faith for millions, has been tainted by a shocking scandal. Adulterated ghee, containing animal fat and lard, was supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) by a Tamil […]
India’s Flourishing of Philosophical Inquiry: 6th Century BC – 13th Century AD
From the 6th century BC to the 13th century AD, India witnessed a remarkable period of intellectual and philosophical ferment. This era, often referred to as the “Golden Age of Indian Philosophy,” saw the emergence of numerous philosophical schools, vigorous debates on fundamental questions, and a profound exploration of the nature of reality, consciousness, and […]
Shiva’s Call: A Mountain’s Call, a Soul’s Awakening
The 30th of December wasn’t just another sunset on the calendar, it was a sunrise within my spirit. Drawn by an ancient pulse, I found myself at the foot of Arunachala, the fiery monolith that dominates the landscape of Annamalai in Tamil Nadu. This wasn’t a mere sight-seeing expedition; it was a pilgrimage to […]
Saturnalia, Sol Invictus, and the Curious Case of Christmas: A Dive into December Festivities (Updated with Historical and Astronomical Insights)
Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts! As the festive season descends upon us, laden with twinkling lights, delectable treats, and the joyous spirit of giving, I want to delve into a fascinating historical tapestry woven around December celebrations. Buckle up, for we’re embarking on a journey that spans continents, crosses centuries, and unravels the intriguing origins of […]
Mahabharat: An Enduring Legacy, A Timeless Epic
Emerging from the depths of ancient India, the Mahabharat stands as a towering monument of epic literature, a grand narrative that has captivated and inspired generations. Its intricate tapestry weaves together tales of heroism, betrayal, love, loss, and the profound complexities of human nature. The Mahabharat’s origins trace back to the Vedic period of Indian […]
Human Laws versus Laws of Nature
In this grand embroidery of existence, where the cosmos dances to the tunes of change and uncertainty, one immutable truth stands tall: the eternal nature of natural laws. Despite the diverse opinions of scientists, there is a unanimous consensus on this fundamental principle. The laws that govern the universe are steadfast, unyielding to the […]
The Journey Within – Part 1: Exploring the Layers of the Self
In the intricate tapestry of our existence, there lies a profound truth – our being is not merely confined to our physical form but extends far beyond, delving into the realms of subtlety and causality. In Hindu philosophy, the concepts of Sthool Sharir (The Physical Body), Sukshm Sharir (The Subtle Body or The Nervauric Body), […]
Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the Gift of Presence: Lessons from Babies, the Masters of Mindfulness
In the hustle and bustle of our adult lives, we forget the simple yet profound wisdom that babies hold. These tiny tots, with their wide-eyed wonder and boundless curiosity, have a lot to teach us about living in the present moment and the art of “letting go.” They are, in many ways, the true mindfulness […]
The Wisdom of Letting Go: A Lesson from Zen Master Zhaozhou
In the bustling Tang dynasty of 9th century China, a wise Zen master named Zhaozhou held court in his serene monastery. On one fateful day, a wandering monk named Yanyang arrived seeking answers to life’s profound questions. With a sense of emptiness, Yanyang approached the master and asked, “I have come with nothing. What do […]