Today both Dhyana and its English equivalent Meditation are used in mutually exclusive dual senses. In spiritual context, or in the context of reaching higher state of consciousness, meditation means a state of pure awareness devoid of any thought or judgement. In ancient times Dhyana was used in that context only. But today the popular … Continue reading India : The Zen Connection
Tag: Spirituality
Vedanta and the Villains of our epics
If you think that the use and popularity of grey characters in movies and literature is a recent phenomenon, you have to think again. It may well have its first inception back in the vedic ages. Even though not many in number, in India there are temples dedicated to Ravana. In many versions of Ramayana, … Continue reading Vedanta and the Villains of our epics
The Odyssey of Odissi Dance
The first time I saw Odissi live on stage was in 1999. It was Kargil time. I was in active defense service and was posted in a forward position. We used to receive the love of citizens in many forms, one of them being an Odissi dance performance. Sonal Mansingh with her troupe had flown … Continue reading The Odyssey of Odissi Dance
How we celebrate Gita and Gandhi Jayanti
According to the Hindu calendar, this is the month of Margashira. It is supposed to be the most auspicious month of the year. In Bhagavat Gita Lord Krishna says- ‘māsānāṁ mārga-śhīrṣho ’ham ‘. I am margashirsha among the months. Today is Gita Jayanti – the anniversary of Bhagavat Gita. The Gita in the title refers … Continue reading How we celebrate Gita and Gandhi Jayanti
Amarnath yatra : down memory lane (Part-2)
Continued from Part-1 The feeling of non dual consciousnessbecomes a reality as twenty of us huddle together inside a small tent.Some have taken off to their abode of blisswith a fleet of noisy engines waking up every one but themselves - a journey of awakening. Apart from paying to the Pithoo, the other expenses we … Continue reading Amarnath yatra : down memory lane (Part-2)
Amarnath yatra: down memory lane (Part-1)
As I read about the hype created by self styled seculars and unapologetic Islamic leaders about the massive security arrangements done for this year's Amarnath Yatra I am reminded of my own undertaken twenty years back. I was able to undertake this trip thanks to my posting in an Indian Air Force base in Jammu … Continue reading Amarnath yatra: down memory lane (Part-1)
watchings of idle hours #4 : God’s east India abode
India is full of places of pilgrimages. Each state and each district can boast of thousands of places of pilgrimage, each associated with a puranic legend or some form of divinity. After all, according to Hindu belief, even though the ultimate reality is only one, it manifests in 3.3 bn different divine forms. But, the … Continue reading watchings of idle hours #4 : God’s east India abode
one life is not enough – the paradox
One life is not enough, yet for now, this moment is full in itself. One life is not enough, yet for now this moment is enough unto itself. The statement may seem to be a paradox, self contradictory, and outright goobledygook. However, it is not when you see different parts of the statement from different … Continue reading one life is not enough – the paradox
‘Teach Me To Dream’ – Book Review
My illustrator friend Sailaja Anand ( who is also an eternal optimist) has put up her perceptions of my poems on her blog.
Lord Shiva – The strange God from time immemorial
Even the puranas, that portray him with human attributes, are silent about his birth. Being Shankara – who has your welfare in his mind, he is close to our heart, yet he remains the most mysterious one riddled with contradictions. He makes the profane sacred so he lives in burial grounds. Is it an attempt … Continue reading Lord Shiva – The strange God from time immemorial
PEBBLES AND WAVES 