There is something deeply suggestive in the very word Navaratri. We commonly understand it as “nine nights” — nava meaning nine and ratri meaning night. Yet, almost playfully, the sound nava also evokes newness — nava, the new, the fresh, the renewed. This coincidence itself invites reflection. Among the several Navaratri observances in the Indian … Continue reading A Time for Renewal
Tag: Life Sutras
An Air Veteran Remembers
Air Force Day does something strange to an air veteran. For most of the year, life moves on in its ordinary rhythm. The uniform has long been folded away, postings are memories, and the people with whom one once shared almost every waking hour are scattered across the country. Then comes Air Force Day, and … Continue reading An Air Veteran Remembers
Sitting Near The Guru
In our Indian tradition, great importance has been attached to being in the presence of the Guru as much as possible and getting knowledge directly from him. While this is applicable to all forms of knowledge, this has crucial significance in the case of spiritual knowledge. The crux of vedic wisdom are compiled in books … Continue reading Sitting Near The Guru
The Meaning and Purpose of Life
Life has no inherent meaning or purpose. It is you who brings meaning and purpose to life – so would say the western philosopher. But is it? The wonder and dilemma associated with meaning and purpose of life has been as old as civilization itself. Our ancient Rishis too have meditated upon it. They have … Continue reading The Meaning and Purpose of Life
Back after a long gap
waiting for sunrise: serenity beach Puducherry I know I have written so few blog posts in the last three years. My last post was way back in August 2023. It is not that I have not been writing. But the things I have written, mostly official things, though in volumes, are destined to gather dust. … Continue reading Back after a long gap
Freedom from Anger
If you never become angry congratulations. You are already enlightened in the sense that you have risen beyond all the psychological bonds. You have developed the highest degree of compassion. If you are not not enlightened, brace for some unsavory remarks. It is either the enlightened or the stupid who never become angry. If Buddha … Continue reading Freedom from Anger
Lord Brahma’s Advice to His Creation
In vedic astrology human births are classified as Deva Gana, Manushya Gana and Rakshasa Gana. It does not mean that those who are born under Rakshasa gana are demonic in nature. Among other implications, such classifications are usually taken into account while matching horoscopes of prospective brides and grooms. Otherwise also we have lots of … Continue reading Lord Brahma’s Advice to His Creation
Essays on Hinduism by Karan Singh
It is not a book review. I am not going to write about the pros and cons of the book. I loved the book and will give a summary of the book along with the salient features that stuck me. I read this book over a couple of days in a hospital waiting room. … Continue reading Essays on Hinduism by Karan Singh
how will you know what you are not?
If you were not you, who would you like to be? This is the topic for Indispire Edition #362. I don't know on what premise the proposer poses this interesting topic for bloggers to express their views. But, from the wordings it is assumed that the author already assumes you are you. So, supposing you … Continue reading how will you know what you are not?
will vasudhaiva kutumbakam ever be a reality?
Today when the whole of humanity is divided even in the face of a common enemy, what lofty ideals our ancient seers had. They conceived of a utopia where the whole humanity is bonded like a one family. This was long before a map of the whole world was available. By virtue of my association … Continue reading will vasudhaiva kutumbakam ever be a reality?
