Rejoice is such a simple word and yet it has such a powerful meaning. What is it that we want? To rejoice or to be upset? If we start by looking at a rose and admiring its beauty, its color and its fragrance, we feel so good. Our heart lightens up. Conversely, we pluck a rose and get pricked by its thorns, we are cross or angry. Read what is said by Abraham Lincoln.
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. Continue reading
Does one ever pause, and look around, gaze at the sky, the clouds, hear music, or read a funny story. How often do we do this, spend our time in a thought free activity which we enjoy? If one answers this question truthfully, one will find that many of us feel guilty if one is sitting and looking up at the stars or the bees buzzing and collecting pollen in the bright sunshine. Continue reading
Sunny, hot, humid, breezy and refreshing can describe a summer’s day. However, each adjective can become extreme other than refreshing. Summer in India can be hot, hotter and hottest. It can be humid and muggy also. Then a breeze will blow, which makes one forget the heat and humidity. Summer in the northern hemisphere is different and is much loved. Poets write with exuberance about it. In India we look out for the fragrance of the Raat ki Rani (queen of the night) creeper and the delicious mangoes and melons. Continue reading
The two mandalas of form and sound are considered to be the backbone of Tantra, however there are other mandalas which are used. The Mandala of smell is one of these. One can imagine the fragrance of jasmine and smell it. Continue reading
Ghrana pratyahara is difficult, as one gets accustomed to the smells around one. The smells arouse different responses in one. Take the fragrance of incense, you walk in and after a while you do not notice the smell anymore. This keeps happening, with the different smells. One smells them and then they are ignored. Continue reading
A Hindu bride was decorated with sixteen adornments on her wedding day. These adornments are called Solah (sixteen) Shringar. This ritual has been practiced since Vedic times. The story behind Solah Shringar is that Rati, who before she became the wife of God Kamadev (God of Love) was very plain. She prayed to Lakshmi and performed a severe penance. Lakshmi blessed her with sixteen adornments and Kamadev fell in love with her and married her. Continue reading
Dear ones, I will share a pretty story with you. It is about a lotus in a lotus pond. When you stand next to a pond full of flowering lotuses, the fragrance wafts across. Standing next to the pond, one sees the clean leaves, and the blooming Lotuses. Continue reading
What is Brahmacharya? Is it possible to practice it? The meaning is to search for Brahman. Brahman is everywhere and can be found by connecting with one’s inner self. This self-realization is only possible with complete control in thought, word, and action of all the senses 24/7. An individual practicing Brahmacharya is free of all desires and passions. Continue reading
Walk along memory lane and think of all the flavours and fragrances you have experienced. Each of the sensations of piquancy and poignancy are perceived in your nose, mouth, and throat. The citrus fruits from the family Rutaceae are also known as the rue family and contain flowering plants that have a strong scent. These fruits have been cultivated since ancient times. Continue reading