During a recent visit to the sacred groves of Mawphlang in Meghalaya, I found myself reflecting on an idea that modern conservationists often overlook. Here was a forest that had survived for centuries, not because of government regulations, scientific management plans, or environmental activism, but because generations of people believed it was sacred. Many rationalists … Continue reading When Nature Becomes Sacred
Tag: Spirituality
Spiritual Shades of the Rainy Season
In popular culture rain has been associated with romance. Inspired by the rainy season, classical poets like Kalidasa and many other poets have composed verses highlighting either the sensual elements or the feelings of longing borne out of separation. Many popular folk songs and film songs of our times are no different. But there can … Continue reading Spiritual Shades of the Rainy Season
Guest Post : Closely Guarded History and Beauty of Mahendra Giri
A VISIT TO THE HISTORICALLY MOST IMPORTANT MOUNTAIN IN THE EASTERN GHATS WHERE LORD PARSHURAM THE IMMORTAL BEING IS SAID TO BE IN MEDITATION. Recently, I had been to Mahendra Giri, which has the second most highest mountain peak of Odisha. Mahendra Giri is part of the Eastern Ghats, which is the second oldest mountain … Continue reading Guest Post : Closely Guarded History and Beauty of Mahendra Giri
August Contemplations
I: Spirituality and Freedom August here in India is the rainiest month. In spite of that we have celebrations galore. Most of our religious festivals follow the lunar calendar. There are two types of lunar months in India. Some states, especially those in South India follow a system where in the month ends on the … Continue reading August Contemplations
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
With Deepavali a few Days Away
Diwali is a time for revamp. People usually do the annual facelift of their house just before Diwali. In India we follow the Gregorian calendars for weekly holidays, where as for festival holidays we follow numerous Indian calendars. Similarly businessmen in India follow the official financial year (Apr to Mar) for tax and audit purpose, … Continue reading With Deepavali a few Days Away
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
Shri Jaganathashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya
An Ashtakam is a composition in eight stanzas. This is quite popular in the stuti genre of Sanskrit Literature. The Jagannath Ashtakam was composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is not possible to give the exact meaning of each line. However, I have tried to be as near as possible in my translation. I have also … Continue reading Shri Jaganathashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya
walking the path
In ancient times people undertook journey primarily for business and conquest. And sometimes for pilgrimages. These days people mostly undertake journey for business and pleasure. And sometimes for pilgrimages. Even though Yatra literally means journey - any kind of journey, whenever we hear the word yatra we can sense a tinge of holiness or spirituality … Continue reading walking the path
PEBBLES AND WAVES 