Explanation of the three gunas by Krishna

Sattwa, rajas and tamas, these gunas born of Prakriti firmly bind the imperishable soul to the body Arjuna. – 14:5

Krishna says that the qualities of Sattwa, rajas and tamas are the three gunas which come forth from Prakriti and bind the immortal spirit to this body, the realm of Prakriti. One must transcend the gunas in order to become free, to experience moksha, samadhi or nirvana and again experience the pure, natural spirit. Continue reading

Follow a Eudaimonic life

Be a Stoic. Follow the four cardinal virtues. The four pillars of Stoicism known as the cardinal virtues are Wisdom, Justice, Courage and Temperance. These pillars serve as a practical framework for living a virtuous, happy (eudaimonic) life by focusing on what is within our control—our thoughts and actions while managing emotions and acting ethically for the common good. Lucius Seneca was a stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome. I am sharing some of his quotes with you. Continue reading

The four fearlessnesses – Vaisharadayas

The Sanskrit word Vaishardaya means an unwavering confidence in the dignity and infinite potential of one’s own life. One is held back because one lacks faith in oneself. In Buddhist philosophy, courage is synonymous with Vaisharadayas. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that courage is the starting point of all change in an individual. Continue reading

Oh Mother, Oh Mother, Oh Mother

The Saundarya Lahiri declared,

Shiva is powerless without Shakti.

Mother in the Vedic tradition appears as Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. These are three aspects of the Primordial Energy. Primordial energy is the existing energy even before the creation of the Universe. Mother is life giving, infinitely forgiving and compassionate. The sages proclaimed, “You alone are the mother, “and then “You alone are the father.” Continue reading

A prayer and thank you to Mother Earth

I join my palms in prayer to Ma Prithvi and ask for forgiveness and blessings. I promise from the bottom of my heart; I will take care of you. I will try not to harm you by denuding the forests, adulterating the waters and making the environment toxic. I have done many things, without being aware of the damage caused to the flora and fauna.

Continue reading

878 – Love as perceived

Who is a Sufi? A Sufi is a member of an Islamic religious group that attempts to become united with God by living a simple life by praying and meditating and can also be a roaming Dervish. A Dervish is a member of a Muslim religious order (Sufi), noted for devotional exercises. He is one who whirls or dances with abandonment. Continue reading

871 – Divine Prayer—Soundarya Lahiri

Soundarya Lahiri means waves of beauty. It consists of two parts. Ananda Lahiri means waves of happiness (41 stanzas) and Soundarya Lahari (the next 59 stanzas). It is believed that Ganesha himself wrote the Ananda Lahiri on Mount Meru. The first 100 stanzas are considered the most spiritual verses ever written. It is said that all those who read this are awash with joyous happiness. Continue reading

845 – Pursuit of wisdom

How do we perceive wisdom?

The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia and it refers to the intimate understanding of God’s word and his commandments which result in holy and upright living. Spiritual wisdom is being fully present in the moment and being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Wisdom is the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Continue reading

694 – Rescue from the Umbra

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