Ram is the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and he is born as a mortal. In our Hindu tradition, Ram is a divine human, a mortal god incorporating both into the exemplar who transcends both humans and gods. The story of his life is in the Ramayana and the Ramayana is an allegory for the duties, rights and social responsibilities of an individual. He is a superior being and does not render evil for evil. Continue reading
In any form of prayer, a concept if God is essential. The prayers can be tamasic, rajasic or sattvic. At the tamasic level one is using rituals and asking to be protected from the anger of the deities. However, a tamasic (inert) sadhana becomes rajasic and then the puja is more dynamic. The mind becomes more open and one’s awareness increases. Each one of us wants a healthy life free from harm. Then the rajasic puja becomes sattvic, when prayers are offered for forgiveness, forbearance, love and compassion. Continue reading
And the curbing of Greed
Kama is desire and it is a part of the fourth Purushartha and greed is an obstacle in the way of Bhakti.
Let us understand what Purushartha means. It means the objectives of mankind. These goals are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Dharma is the “order and custom” that makes life and universe possible. They are also described as the four pillars of Hinduism. Purushartha also means that an individual should have a meaningful life (Artha) by earning earning an honest livelihood through lawful means (Dharma), fulfil his desires (Kama) and attain liberation (Moksha). Continue reading
Loneliness and solitude are two different things. When you are lonely, it is easy to delude yourself into believing that you are on the right path. Solitude is better for us as it means being alone without feeling lonely. But eventually it is best to find a person, the person who will be your mirror. Remember only in another person’s heart can you truly see yourself and the presence of God within you.
Extracted from the book, The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. Continue reading
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion. It is also known as Sanatana Dharma. It is a natural religion and its practices and philosophies are considered accessible to all.
All beings from the smallest organism to man, are considered manifestations of the divine. Hinduism views the universe as a family, or in Sanskrit, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Continue reading