Dear ones, how many of us practice unconditional love? Whom do we remember when we think about unconditional love? Our mothers, family members, relatives? Let me start with Mums, can we think of our mothers with a mean gene in them? Elder sisters, aunts, grannies, teachers and the list can go on. It is surprising that the male relatives do not figure so much on the list. I am not writing to make comparisons but even all our Saints and Gurus remember their mothers. Continue reading
Who is Medha? She is the Vedic goddess presiding over the power of memory and understanding.
How does memory influence us? I read that one should build on the old memories and then one forgets the unpleasant memories. It is possible if it relates to war or other disasters. How can one reduce a traumatic event and build on it? Dear ones, it is possible to accept a traumatic event and not allow it to interfere with the process of daily events. However, one has to work on it, and sometimes it can be life-long. Continue reading
A mother in Hinduism is one’s first Guru. She nurtures and enables one to be a spiritual human being. Each Guru acknowledges his mother. The Mother Goddess has many forms, and they are all addressed as Mother. Continue reading
We are confused, when we are little?
We take things, without seeking permission.
We tell lies.
We maybe hurtful.
We may be cruel and unkind.
We may throw stones at an animal.
We feel that we do no wrong.
We do not know the difference between right and wrong.
Who are these people who guide us and enable us? Continue reading
What does immortality of the soul mean?
The soul cannot be destroyed by any weapon, fire, water or death. It is immortal, everlasting, deathless, and eternal in form. It is permanent from time immemorial, and its presence is everywhere. Continue reading
Your inner Guru is located in your heart, in the Hyrdaya. It is said that one’s consciousness resides there. How does one awaken consciousness? One’s consciousness is awakened with the blessings of the Guru. One’s Guru is always with one and he/she is like the guiding star. Continue reading
When I started to look for evil, I could not find any. When I started to look inside my heart, I found no one worse than me.
The couplet says that when we find something wrong is being done, we start to point a finger and blame others for it. However, when we seek someone who is bad, we will not find anyone, but when we look in ourselves, we will find the kernel of evil. 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
Names are very important for us. They affect our life. Their meaning carries a positive or negative connotation. Therefore, names influence our behavior and how one is treated by others. In the Hindu way of life, a name carries a spiritual and aspirational significance. They are based on the names of gods, virtues or homage is paid to a holy place. The name impacts one and that is why when a baby is born in a Hindu home, the conjugation of the planets is taken and the alphabet for the name selected. Continue reading
Kabir said,
Look for bliss within, not elsewhere.
Kabir invented the word ‘Avadhoo’, which means infinite, vast, expansive, boundary-less, unfathomable as ether. Avadhoo is also his name for the guru, when we pray to him. Avdhoota means one who does not wear any garments but in reality, is an individual who has stripped her/him/self-off all the layers of her/his mind—layers of delusions, ignorance, attachment, aversion and therefore one emerges as her/his true self. Continue reading
Before the word emancipation existed Lalleshwari, or Lal Ded was truly liberated. She broke away from tradition, defied marriage, mother-in-law’s hostile treatment and became a seeker of truth. All this happened in the 14th century. Continue reading
All followers of God, seek salvation.
Salvation has many meanings. We want preservation from harm, ruin and loss. We want freedom from our sins and karma. We desire liberation of our spirit. We want redemption, and restoration for ourselves and earth. We want to salvage our environment and restore it to its pristine form. Continue reading
The effect of words beginning with D and E on us, is extraordinary. I will discuss D words first and then E words.
Despair, desperation, depression, despondency, disgrace, distress, dumps, disconsolation, dispirited, devilish, dolefulness distraught, dismay, discouragement, demoralization, defeatism, disheartenment, dejection. Continue reading
Cry to your Mother Syama with a real cry, O mind!
And how can she hold herself from you?
How can Syama stay away?
How can your mother, Kali hold herself away?
O mind if you are in earnest, bring her an offering
Of bel-leaves and hibiscus flowers;
Lay at her feet your offering
And with it mingle the fragrant sandal-paste of Love. – Ramakrishna Parmahamsa
