Month: February 2025

Here’s an outstanding description from a document on the Devi Mahatmyam.

The one killed, is Shumbha. Why? Who is he? Or rather, what does his image depict?

Shumbha denotes the ego, the false sense of self, the limited self. The self (atman) is not the same as the non-self (anatman). It is ignorance that gives rise to the mistaken identity that the non-self is identical to the self. Devi kills the asura Shumbha (ego) by piercing with her spear of knowledge (jnaana). The death of the limited ego leads to the relinquishing of a limited identity, and gaining the realization of the true self. 

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Saw some comments recently on social media targeting some Indians and Hindu Gods in particular.

The gist was, that the comment posters didn’t want anything to do with violent religions that show wielding weapons.

Specific focus was on a form of the Devi holding a spear, possibly with a decapitated head at its end.

But of course this is way too simplistic.

What is the true meaning of such a form?

Concluded tomorrow!

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True liberation, as per the wise, means shedding every internal tether.

Even a slight hesitation, a lingering fear, or a subtle attachment keeps the mind confined.

One cannot fly while still holding on.

The divine force of the Lord doesn’t just remove obstacles – S/He uproots everything that binds.

The challenge isn’t whether we can let go, but whether we want to.

Do we truly seek freedom, or do we still cling to what feels familiar?

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What is truly needed for Moksha?

Some limitations are external, but others live within us.

Tantra speaks of eight inner bonds that quietly hold us back from liberation – aversion, shame, fear, doubt, disgust, attachment to lineage, attachment to profession, and even our own moral identity.

These don’t always stop us from living a good life. In fact, some of these may enhance it.

Such as, fear can prevent wrongdoing, shame can guide behavior, and aversion can help uphold values.

But moksha isn’t about good or bad – it’s about absolute freedom. How to get this? And is there anything really to even get? Continued and concluded tomorrow!

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Came across a very interesting para today in an article by one Andrea Revell.

"In the case of suffering and happiness, the seed of happiness is in suffering because happiness comes when you have learnt something amazing from challenges.

Similarly, the seed of suffering is in happiness because we only have to think of losing our happiness to feel suffering."

How lovely!

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The Varkaris embody true surrender, walking hundreds of kilometers with nothing but devotion in their hearts.

Hands outstretched, bodies bowed, they offer themselves completely to Vitthoba.

They own little, yet possess everything—love, faith, and an unshakable connection to the divine.

The less we cling to, the lighter our journey becomes.

Perhaps true closeness to the Lord isn’t about what we accumulate, but what we are willing to let go of.

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Experience isn’t just about time – it’s about transformation.

One Aldous Huxley put it best: “Experience is not what happens to you, it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

In workplaces today, resumes list years, but real success isn’t measured in tenure. It’s in adaptability, learning, and growth.

Two people with a decade each in the same job – one stagnates, the other evolves. Who truly has more experience?

Careers, like life, reward those who reflect, adapt, and turn every challenge into a stepping stone.

Same formula for spiritual progress too I guess.

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Everyone’s raving about the new Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj movie called Chhaava. I haven’t had the chance to see it myself yet, but have gone through enough reviews to get the gist.

One man was willing to go to any lengths to uphold Dharma.

Even if it meant getting his nails ripped off, his eyes gouged out, his skin peeled off and what not. It’s difficult for me to even just type this.

In contrast, the lives that most of us live are nothing but pure luxury. And yet we (me for sure!) find so many reasons to complain. For all the silliest of things that too.

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Imagine financial discipline. Shifting focus from “what” (saving) to “why” (providing for loved ones) makes the effort feel deeply rewarding and sustainable.

Even in relationships, purpose makes a difference. Acts of care feel less like obligations and more like intentional efforts to nurture bonds.

Spiritual growth also benefits from purpose. Rather than seeing meditation or prayer as routine, connecting it to inner peace or self-awareness makes it transformative.

Purpose turns the mundane into meaningful. It transforms challenges into opportunities, building resilience and creating joy in everyday tasks.

Let us ask ourselves, “Why?” Purpose is the key to lasting self-discipline and a life of fulfillment.

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Consider exercise. Focusing on the “what” (working out) feels repetitive. But focusing on “why” (staying healthy for loved ones) provides lasting motivation.

For parents, the “why” could be staying fit to play with their children or setting an inspiring example. This makes every effort feel worthwhile.

Others might focus on aging gracefully or avoiding illness. A powerful “why” helps turn even the hardest tasks into purposeful, meaningful actions.

Purpose bridges short-term struggles with long-term goals, making self-discipline feel less like work and more like an act of love.

Concluded tomorrow!

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Maintaining self-discipline is hard. Exercise routines, diets, or even daily goals often feel overwhelming, leading to frustration and a loss of motivation.

Most focus on the “what” and “how” – working out, eating clean, or waking early. These tasks often feel tedious and uninspiring over time.

The issue lies in ignoring the deeper “why.” Actions without purpose become chores, draining enthusiasm and making discipline feel like an impossible task.

Simon Sinek’s “start with why” approach offers a way out. Purpose breathes life into routines, transforming them into meaningful and fulfilling efforts.

Continued tomorrow.

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Everyone loves to give advice.

But what about receiving advice?

Are we as cool about it?

Rarely!

And even when we do, we only want advice that we like.

If your buddy advises you to work out daily and cut out sugar in order to get visible abs… Naah, crappy advice.

But if another buddy simply asks you to wear a scammy and pulsating belt around your waist that will magically vibrate and make your abs appear… Now that is really endearing advice!

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Why the did room fall silent after 5 minutes?

Perhaps they felt sorry for the speaker. Or they thought that Gurudev had forgotten his speech.

But of course that wasn’t true.

Gurudev’s speech was as short as it was impactful.

He simply said, “Everything that the world is fighting about – religions, holy books and all that – is nothing more than the peel of a banana. People have thrown away the banana, which is the essence of spirituality, and are instead fighting over the banana peel. Does that make sense?”

How profound, isn’t it?

It would be discussed later at the same conference, how among 100s of spiritual leaders and their speeches, this specific one stood out!

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Heard an interesting anecdote recently about Sri Sri Ravishankar ji.

Gurudev, as he is fondly known by his disciples, was invited to speak at a global forum.

Several other spiritual and religious leaders were invited as well.

The grand convention hall was packed with spectators, and it was a noisy place.

When Gurudev was invited to the dias, the din was so loud, that he decided to simply wait.

He could have broken in, asking everyone to be silent. But he just waited. For 1, 2, 3, 4… 5 full minutes, outnif the 10 minutes assigned to him. At the 5 minute mark, there was finally pin drop silence in the hall.

What happened next? Concluded tomorrow!

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Desire is the root of all suffering – a restless wave in the mind.

Every craving starts as a single thought.

Left unchecked, it multiplies, pulling us into an endless loop of wanting, chasing, and inevitable disappointment.

The key isn’t to battle every desire, but to stop the first one itself in its very tracks. Before it grows, before it controls us.

Master the mind at the source, and the cycle of longing and sorrow fades on its own.

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Moksha isn’t about physical liberation or escaping gravity.

It’s far more profound – a release from the limitations imposed by our mind, body, and the world.

True freedom lies in emotional liberation. No regrets about the past, no anxiety about the future. Just peace.

Yet, how often do we let others’ words disturb us? Their opinions create storms within, shaking our inner calm.

Moksha is mastering this. To remain unshaken, untangled, truly free, no matter the external noise.

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In obs-gyn Dr. Sangita’s newly released book called “Project Me” (Amazon link), she shares a fascinating observation, intimately linked to her profession of delivering babies.

She asks a pertinent question. When the baby has just been delivered, what is the value attached to the baby?

Surely you can’t assign a price to your baby. Every baby is most certainly priceless!

Imagine that! A baby, which cannot walk or talk or do anything else except cry, is priceless!

So Dr Sangita proceeds to ask us – why then do we as adults perceive ourselves and others to be of little value?

We have added so many skills to our repertoires as we’ve grown, and yet our price tags have eroded? Doesn’t make sense, does it!?

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We naturally value those we love – through actions and appreciation.

If we truly love God, our worship must reflect it. But what’s the best form of worship?

Not grand rituals or ashwamedha yagnas. The greatest offering is living our swadharma—our unique duties—with sincerity and gratitude.

When we approach our daily responsibilities as acts of devotion, every moment becomes sacred.

Worship isn’t separate; it’s in how we live, love, and serve with gratitude.

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Why should we pray?

Is anything truly in our control?

As any realized soul would agree, without the blessings of the Lord, nothing is possible.

And on the contrary, with the blessings of the Lord, nothing is impossible!

So why not pray?!

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What keeps him so fulfilled? It’s simple.

He sees every journey as an adventure, a chance to explore, to learn.

He’s grateful that his earnings educate his children.

He marvels at Google Maps, guiding him effortlessly to places once known only to locals.

Where others see hardship, he sees opportunity.

And  that’s the real secret as we already know – happiness isn’t in circumstances, but in how we choose to see them.

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A driver we engaged recently for a short trip, has no fixed home – his journey never stops.

From one city to another, across states, through highways and narrow lanes, he keeps driving.

His job isn’t easy. Long hours, modest pay, and precious little time with his young family. He sees them only once in a few months. Most would call this a tough life.

And yet, he radiates happiness. No complaints, no regrets – just a quiet contentment that’s rare to find.

How? Concluded tomorrow!

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Between moksha and luxury, what would one choose? What should one choose?

Had the chance to visit an ancient Sukra (Venus) temple near Kumbakonam recently.

Well, it’s not really a Venus temple, but an Agneeswarar temple, which is a form of Lord Shiva.

And there’s a Devi idol as well, Shiva’s consort.

Interestingly, the Shiva lingam had no takers. Zero queue, zero push.

But the Shukra deity? Oh that was full, with people thronging and jostling for a quick view.

Why? Because Venus is the planet of luxuries and wealth. People are clear about their choice of desires!

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God resides in everyone – this changes how we act, or at least it should!

When we serve a parent, child, or friend, it’s not for them but for the Divinity within them. Each action then becomes sacred.

The beauty? No expectations. Even if they fail to notice or appreciate, it doesn’t matter. It was never about them.

Recognizing Ishwara in all, frees us from disappointment. Every act becomes worship, every person a temple. This little shift transforms life into a joyful offering.

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Here’s another gem today from my online yoga teacher.

He said that yoga is hardly about the exercises and poses we do.

Really? Wow!

So what is yoga about then?

It’s about mindfulness.

How aware are we, when we are doing said poses?

Where is our mind and attention focused?

On the poses, on our breathing? Or on the other routine troubles of our daily lives?

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Modern man listens more to witnesses than teachers. St. Paul VI put it perfectly—if we follow a teacher, it’s because they are a witness.

Sanatan Dharma emphasizes this too. The Bhagavad Gita says, “Great people inspire others by example.” Krishna didn’t just preach; he acted as Arjuna’s charioteer, showing leadership and humility.

Rama lived dharma, balancing justice with compassion. His actions shaped ideals for generations.

Even sages like Valmiki transformed by living their teachings, inspiring trust.

In today’s noisy world, true wisdom shines through action, not words.

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Temples are more than stone and rituals—they hold miracles for those who truly see.

What seems like coincidence is often divine orchestration. The energy of the deity, the unspoken prayers, and the overwhelming gratitude—sometimes, it all flows into tears at His/Her feet.

Do we even deserve to stand there, in that sacred space?

And yet, we were granted this rare chance. Do we ask why?

If we received such a gift, how much more gratitude should fill our hearts?

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Continuing on the awesomeness of 18.53.

How to give up arrogance and power?

Simple. By doing more seva. When we go to serve others, there’s no question of being CEO or MD.

Everyone is at the same level when performing Seva.

How to be unattached to one’s possessions? Seva helps of course, because it helps emulate conditions devoid of said possessions.

And daana helps too, because what better than give what matters to us, to those in need?!

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Shloka 18.53 talks a big game.

Surely it’s not easy to give up ego and arrogance and violence and lust and anger and possessions just like that, is it?

Not at all.

But there’s definitely a path through the purgatory madness.

Want to give up ego? Practise more gratitude. It will require us to accept the reality that we have not got to where we are today, all alone. Nothing is possible all alone.

Continued and concluded tomorrow!

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