Imagine a child playing a ball game outside his house, accidentally breaking a neighbor's window. The neighbor, a stern lady, steps out to punish the child. In that very moment, the boy's mother rushes out and grabs hold of her son, delivering a hard slap. The child cries at his mother's harsh treatment. However, he…

I once knew a friend, a corporate professional with a lucrative salary, who confessed to drinking and partying while feeling an ever-growing emptiness with age. Despite owning a grand house and having substantial savings, he felt a sense of instability in life because his wife had chosen another man. He described himself as a ship…

We don’t die We are not bound by death. The true essence of ourselves, beyond the limitations of this physical body and mind, is described in ancient Indian Vedas as 'Brahman' - the eternal, undying reality. The Vedas also refer to this state as the essence of everything, the Brahman. It is the singular, eternal…

In that moment, a wave of peace washed over my consciousness. I looked at my mother, and she smiled back at me, uttering the words, "Son, if this is it, let it be so." Quietly, she offered her prayers, and I felt a strange calmness and reassurance. I realized that I was not merely this…

The Divergent Paths: Babur's Missed Opportunity for Heart Space Living Amidst Babur's self-perception as a holy warrior of Islam, an era of religious harmony was unfolding in India with the emergence of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. In contrast to Babur's concept of Jihad, India witnessed the growth of Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism…

Eventually, frustrated and disheartened, Babur returned to Fergana, hoping to reclaim his lost kingdom. Unfortunately, fate dealt him another harsh blow, and he suffered a resounding defeat. Left with no other choice, Babur escaped with a small group of loyal followers and sought refuge in the rugged mountains of Central Asia, relying on the hospitality…

Just as seasons transition from summer to monsoon, and winter arrives unasked, our emotions also undergo constant change. In fact, our feelings fluctuate daily, often shifting multiple times within a single day. Consider asking any mother if she loves her child, and she will likely affirm this without hesitation. However, if you inquire whether she…

Another friend confided in me that whenever he felt low and sad, he eagerly anticipated his Sunday visits to the temple. He imagined himself entering the peaceful ambiance of the temple, associating with other monks and congregation members, and finding shelter. This thought provided him the strength to immerse himself in his struggle-filled life. However,…

The 'Gain' vs 'Gaps' Consciousness Living solely in the realm of struggle and seeking immediate gratification denies us true peace. While there may be fleeting satisfaction in fulfilling our senses, the underlying inadequacies and gaps persistently haunt us. But, when we enter the peaceful shelter zone, we also tap into the realm of gain. The…

2. Struggles in the House of Problem Solving The mind, not content with seeking pleasure alone, also gravitates towards suffering. It thrives on ranting, moaning, and indulging in a multitude of undesirable emotions such as hurt, pain, melancholy, judgments, prejudices, fear, and anger, among others. An illustrative incident sheds light on this phenomenon. Years ago,…

The Three Types of Happiness According to Vedic wisdom books, there are two distinct dimensions of happiness: the temporary or material and the eternal or spiritual. And human beings have discovered a third phenomenon that has emerged in modern times. Type 1 and Type 2 Happiness Let’s first examine the first two types: Material and…

It is true that a captivating dance number on a mobile screen can temporarily elevate our dopamine levels, but engaging in the chanting and dancing of the Holy Names of Krishna during kirtans can offer us a more fulfilling experience. While our taste buds may be aroused by the sight or smell of crunchy, spicy…