Shantideva (late 7th to 8th century BCE) was a famous Buddhist monk, poet and philosopher. He authored the Bodhicharyavtara, guide to the Bodhisattva way of life. It is a text on compassion, ethics and enlightenment and was known as the Lazy Monk because he spent all his time eating and sleeping. He was known as Busuku, one who eats, sleeps and walks. Continue reading
Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Colors play a very important role in our lives. In the Hindu dharma, colors are deeply symbolic. They represent spiritual, emotional and cosmic qualities rather than mere decoration. Saffron signifies renunciation, fire and purity. Red embodies power, passion, fertility and auspiciousness. White represents peace, knowledge and purity. Blue symbolizes the infinite divine bravery and stability. Yellow denotes learning and wisdom. Black represents the absolute or formless (Nirguna Brahman), as all colors merge into black symbolizing Goddess Kali and the seed stage of creation. Continue reading
Swami Sivananda taught Swami Satyananda that one must identify with the mind of a thief, a liar and one who spoke ill of him. One must put oneself in their position and then one will understand them better. Continue reading
Who are my BFFs? My thoughts, they are my constant friends. They wake up with me and go to bed with me. I am never alone. Listen to Ramana Maharishi, a great modern-day Saint. He had a spontaneous spiritual awakening at the age of Sweet Sixteen. He realized that his true nature was beyond the physical body and the fear of death. His teachings reflect this. Continue reading
Today is Thursday and the day of Guru. I was reading about my Master, Swami Satyananda Saraswati. My first teacher at the Ashram was Swami Satyadharma Saraswati. She was the best teacher in the ashram and she was assigned by Swamiji to teach me. She was an American and had travelled the world. I was a young mother with twin sons, 3 years old, and a cat. I had severe arthritis in my left hand, and being left handed it was tough. I could not even brush my hair. Continue reading