What is the definition of a good person? A good person is one, who is empathetic, compassionate, treats other persons with respect and is nonjudgmental. What are the characteristics one looks for in such an individual? Continue reading
Why should we perform Hridayadi Nyasa? The answer is to connect with the Divine and to become aware of our inner divinity. Continue reading
Food is so important in our lives and yet many of us have no respect for it. We take it for granted. We have all been through the phase that we would not like anything home cooked. Continue reading
Compassion is the foundation of Hinduism and it involves Bhutadaya (universal empathy). Universal empathy extends beyond humans to all living creatures and responsibility for the natural world. It explains interconnectedness of life and how suffering ultimately affects everyone. Continue reading
There is self-compassion, compassion and idiot compassion.
The Buddha spoke about self-compassion. He said that one can search the entire universe for someone, who deserves your love and compassion more than you do yourself and you will not find that person anywhere. Because that person is you. You deserve that love and compassion more than anyone else. Continue reading
When I was growing up, in the local paper this title would come every day. A thought for the day. It was the time when one waited for the newspaper to arrive. Then my parents would read the newspaper and the subject would come up for discussion about what the thought was. It was quite the highlight as often one felt that it was exactly what one was thinking about. Dear ones, you must remember that there was no television and one depended on the radio and the daily newspaper. Continue reading
What is Sarvatma Bhava? Sarvatma Bhava means all-encompassing affection for the creatures of the whole world. God is here and now among human beings. Look for him, where he is most needed, not in the temples where people are offering gold to the deities. Continue reading
Let us take Daya. Daya is not Kripa (pity) in Hinduism. One does not feel sorry for the sufferer, because that is blotted by condescension. Daya is compassion which means recognizing one’s own and another’s suffering, in order to alleviate that suffering. Daya is the basis for Ahimsa, a core virtue in the practice of Dharma. It means non-injury and is compassion in action. This action helps prevent suffering in all living things as well as helping beings overcome suffering and move closer to liberation. Continue reading
Compassion is the basis of Bhakti in Hinduism. The Sanskrit name for it is Daya and Karuna. It is also one of the three virtues along with charity and self-control. Vedas and other sacred texts composed before 1500 BC speak about compassion. Spirituality refers to Ahimsa which is a Sanskrit word meaning refraining from harmful activities. And it is the central concept of compassion. Continue reading
Daisaku Ikeda was a Japanese Buddhist leader, author and nuclear disarmament advocate. His quotes make one reflect and understand the Yogic path.
Even if things don’t unfold the way you expected, don’t be disheartened or give up. One who continues to advance will win in the end. It is impossible to build one’s own happiness on the unhappiness of others. Continue reading
Sadhana has to be understood in the context of one’s daily life. Sadhana is a signal indicating the beginning and growth of the divine life within. Through sadhana the hidden powers of the mind are discovered which can be used for successful living and for spiritual realization. Sadhana enables one to overcome limitations. Continue reading
If one wants to worship Buddha, the center of worship is the heart. The statues of Buddha are made in such a way that in their presence, the worshipper would feel the resonance and vibrations of compassion within him/her/hir/self. Continue reading
Which word do I prefer? Compassion or love. I will deal with love first.
Love is such a beautiful word. Just saying it makes one heart feel light. ‘To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.’
Compassion is that ‘We must treat others as we wish others to treat us.’ Continue reading
May the love of Jesus fill your heart with strength and joy. Yesterday was Good Friday which is the day to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice. May it remind us all to be kind, compassionate and full of grace. Continue reading
Spring means change in the weather and new burgeoning happen. The spring flowers burgeon once the warm weather is around the corner. Burgeoning means growing, expanding and developing rapidly. Continue reading