Spiritually Speaking

Gathering of Faith: Maha Shivaratri at the Sacred Shiv Murti Temple

08 Mar 2024 13:16 PM IST

Devotees from far and wide congregated at the revered Shiv Murti Temple to celebrate Maha Shivaratri with fervor and devotion. As the auspicious day dawned, the temple resonated with the echoes of prayers and chants. The atmosphere was infused with spirituality and reverence as devotees queued up to offer

Overcoming being selfish on the spiritual path

05 Mar 2024 06:05 AM IST

Selfishness (matsara or swartha) is an action in which one is concerned exclusively or overly with one’s profit, pleasure, or gain without regard for the welfare of others and often at the expense of others. Selflessness, on the other hand, is placing the welfare of others before one’s own. One

Honesty pays… even in business

05 Mar 2024 06:01 AM IST

Honest acknowledgment is hardly an option in the field of business, where gloating over unreasonable claims is the order of the day. Back in the early 1960s, it was akin to a hara-kiri. But Robert Townsend, the new chief executive at Avis, the rent-a-car company, believed in using what is

Life as a play or lila: Understanding the three karmas

05 Mar 2024 05:57 AM IST

The concept of life as lila, a divine play, is a very unique aspect of Indian philosophy. Often philosophers explore the meaning of life as either a cosmic act of creation or a constant tussle between good and bad. Rarely, is the aspect of play associated with philosophical enquiries on

Life is an alias, Death is an alibi

05 Mar 2024 05:50 AM IST

There is no death but only a change of worlds’ – this status message of an enlightened soul lit up a train of thoughts. Is this indeed so? Does one really die? If not,why would we be called mortals ? Why do they say paying respect to ‘ mortal remains

The Divine Warrior and His Hymn of Devotion – Hanuman Chalisa

04 Mar 2024 10:35 AM IST

Hanuman ji, also known as Hanuman or Anjaneya, is a central figure in Hindu mythology and is revered as the epitome of devotion, strength, and loyalty. He is a prominent character in the Indian epic Ramayana and is worshipped as a deity in Hinduism. Hanuman ji represents devotion, strength, courage,

Rameshwaram: The Sacred Isle of Ramanathaswamy Temple, Home to One of Lord Shiva’s Twelve Jyotirlingas

04 Mar 2024 10:31 AM IST

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located in a small island named Rameshwaram. Temple’s main deity is a linga, known as Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga. Just as Kashi is considered important in North India,

Replace limited beliefs with empowering ones

02 Mar 2024 08:52 AM IST

Believe in yourself – You are changing each and every moment and will continue to do so in the future. Change is a law of nature. By being willing to let go of what no longer works, I am able to remain free from comparison and competition. When I recognize

Of the head and the heart

02 Mar 2024 08:50 AM IST

The heart has for long been regarded and valued as the seat of emotions, intuition, virtues, and moral reasoning, while the head has represented logic and reasoning. Both the head and the heart play important roles in decision-making, and the key is to find the right balance between the two.

Following a path to healing and wholeness

02 Mar 2024 08:49 AM IST

Embarking on a spiritual path can be for many reasons. However, the aim is not only to have a better and more fulfilling life in the present, but it is to return to full wholeness and spiritual health through the healing that the path affords. Wholeness means being free from

Harnessing the Power of Bhakti for a Fulfilling Life

27 Feb 2024 06:55 AM IST

The word Bhakti is derived from the Sanskrit word “bhaj,” which means to adore or worship. It represents a devotional and loving surrender to a higher power. As a spiritual practice, Bhakti emphasizes the cultivation of a heart-centred, loving relationship with the Divine by living an authentic and fulfilling life.

Mere custodian

27 Feb 2024 06:52 AM IST

The event unfolded as Ashtavakra entered the court of King Janak. Everyone present laughed at the way he walked due to his deformity. Seeing them laugh, Ashtavakra laughed back, wondering how they could discuss matters pertaining to the soul when they were still stuck at the level of physical appearance.