Rumi said that God is not a distant judge in the sky. God is the all-encompassing Ocean of Love. He believed the Divine is inside one right now. Longing for God is actually God’s way of calling out to one. Continue reading
Vandana is worship through prayer and prostration. Humble prostration is touching the earth with the eight limbs of the body (Shashtanga Namaskara). This pose shows deep humility and respect. It helps wash away pride and ego. Think of it like water that flows down to the lowest level possible. Continue reading
Belief, belonging and behavior form a triangle which shapes us. Our beliefs guide our mind. Our need for belonging connects us to others. Our behavior shows us our true values.
Beliefs are what we believe in as truth and they tell us when we are right or wrong. Our beliefs are like a map of our life. Continue reading
Yugas are four repeating world ages that form a cosmic cycle of time. As the cycle progresses from the first age to the last, there is a gradual decline in human morality, physical longevity and spiritual knowledge. The four Yugas are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. The cycle follows a ratio of 4:3:2:1, moving from an area of pure virtue to one of darkness. Continue reading
In the Gita faith is described as the basic, driving force of one’s identity. Krishna said
A man is made of his faith; what his faith is, that verily he is.
It represents one’s deepest convictions, shaping one’s actions, character and ultimate spiritual destiny. Continue reading
The Buddha spoke about it. It is very clear that one should love unconditionally. I find that I share detached loving with my cat, Beauty. Now I will share her details. Continue reading
We love potatoes in all forms. I would imagine it is one of the most liked tubers. It is widely classified as a starchy root vegetable. I remember thinking that the perfect meal was lentils and fried potatoes with rice or Indian bread as a child. Continue reading
The pose of Shiva Nataraja is represented in a number of bronzes, dating from the tenth century onwards. The movement which is in the bronzes is astonishing. In his role as Nataraja, Shiva is awake and constantly active and in ceaseless motion. Continue reading
The first English poet was Cædmon, an illiterate herdsman. The story goes that Cædmon, who was employed by the monastery of Whitby, invariably ran away when it was his turn to sing during a merry feast. He was ashamed that he never had any songs to sing. Continue reading
I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars. – E.M Forester, Howard’s End
Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. – Robert Browning
A mother understands what a child does not say. – Jewish Proverb
Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind. – Khalil Gibran
According to Swami Satyananda the easiest path to divinity is to think about others. To think about others is to think about God; to serve another is to worship God. Have at least some corners in one’s heart for the suffering and sadness of others. If one helps one’s fellow beings even a little, then God will shower his grace on one. Continue reading
Vandana is worship through prayer and prostration. This form of Upasana includes: humble prostration, touching the earth with the eight limbs of the body (Ashthang Namaskara), bowing down with faith and reverence before a form of God, bowing to beings as forms of the one God and getting absorbed in the divine love of the lord. Continue reading
And why should I have a daily sadhana?
What is the meaning of sadhana? Sadhana originates from the root sadh meaning to accomplish, to attain, or going straight to a goal. It acts as a spiritual practice and is a tool for personal transformation, allowing the sadhaka to work on themselves to achieve their life purpose. Continue reading
I came across a beautiful description of how to connect with the Divinity. Swami Sivananda said when you see a rose, think of how the rose came about. The creation of the rose bush was by God. Like so everything that you see, go back to its root source. Continue reading
In the Gita, thank you is expressed through gratitude, surrender and service.
Devotional offerings: Offering simple things—a leaf, fruit, flower or water—with love constitutes thanks. – Bhagwad Gita 9.26
Surrender (Sharan Gati): Recognize all blessings come from the Divine and returning to Him is the highest form of appreciation. – Bhagwad Gita 18.62
Recognizing the Divine Spark: Seeing God in all beautiful settings. – Bhagwad Gita 10.41