Awakening Through Presence: Cultivating Inner Peace in Hindu Spirituality In Hindu thought, true spirituality often begins with anchoring the mind firmly in the present moment. The human mind naturally drifts through memories, fantasies, plans, and worries, creating a restless undercurrent that can obscure deeper insight and inner calm. Hindu teachings from ancient scriptures, along with guidance from realized masters, emphasize practices and symbols that help practitioners settle the mind in the “now,” revealing the inherent clarity of consciousness and leading to spiritual growth. The Wandering Mind and Its Challenge The mind’s tendency to roam is likened in many Upanishadic passages to waves on the surface of water: restless, overlapping, and obscuring the stillness beneath. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes how a disturbed mind cannot enjoy inner joy: “When the mind is unbridled and restless, it is difficult to concentrate and steady the intellect” (paraphrased). This rest...

In Hinduism, the path to true happiness is intricately connected to the reduction of dependencies—both external and internal. This profound wisdom, rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, provides guidance on cultivating inner contentment, breaking attachments, and achieving self-realization. Let's explore this concept in-depth through symbolism, scriptures, stories, and its relevance in modern times. 1. Core Principle: Happiness Through Detachment The idea that reducing dependencies leads to happiness stems from the Hindu philosophical concept of Vairagya (detachment). According to Hindu wisdom, attachment to material possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures leads to bondage (Samsara) and suffering. True freedom and happiness come from releasing these attachments and finding peace within oneself. 2. Symbolism in Hinduism: Detachment and Liberation In Hinduism, symbols are often used to represent the concepts of detachment and liberation from worldly dependencies: The Lotus F...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, September 24 2025 – It is Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2 :48 AM on September 24. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 4 :36 AM on September 25. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on September 24, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira nakshatra till 3:22 PM on September 24. Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi nakshatra till 5:51 PM on September 25. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat...

The Yaksha Prasna: How Duryodhana’s Dark Plot Unveiled the Triumph of Dharma The Shadow of Exile and Duryodhana’s Sinister Resolve After the infamous game of dice, the Pandavas—Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—were condemned to thirteen years of forest exile. Consumed by envy and malice, Duryodhana sought every means to end their lives before they could reclaim their rightful kingdom. In his arrogance, he invoked a potent yajna—an occult sacrifice—intended to summon a spirit of darkness capable of extinguishing the Pandavas’ lives one by one. This ritual, performed with forbidden mantras, aimed to birth a ghost whose sole purpose was to kill the exiled princes. Driven by blind hatred, Duryodhana believed that such supernatural aid would ensure his victory over his cousins and secure the throne of Hastinapura forever. The Ghostly Assassin at the Forest Pond Guided by Duryodhana’s malevolent will, the ghost roamed the dense forest in search of the Pandavas. It discov...

Beyond Attachment: Embracing the Natural Path in Hindu Thought Hinduism offers a vast and inclusive framework that honors individual choice in diet, dress, belief, and lifestyle, as long as one’s actions do not harm others. Yet alongside this freedom, its teachings consistently caution against attachment—whether to material comforts, rigid opinions, or obsessive pursuits of outcomes. Rooted in centuries of scriptural guidance and the insights of realized masters, these teachings invite us to align with the natural order (prakriti) rather than elevate egoic desires above it. When we cling too tightly—to beliefs, to possessions, to identity—we risk repeating the error of figures like Hiranyakashipu, who embodied the illusion of being above the cosmic balance. This article explores these themes through the lens of key scriptures, teachings of sages, symbolic narratives, and practical guidance for cultivating detachment while living fully. Freedom in Choice, Caution in Attachment One di...

The Sacred Journey: Why Hindu Sannyasis Embrace Constant Movement In the ancient tradition of Hinduism, the figure of the wandering Sannyasi represents one of the most profound spiritual disciplines ever conceived. These renunciants, having abandoned all worldly ties, embrace a life of constant movement, never establishing a permanent dwelling. This practice, far from being arbitrary, represents a deeply rooted spiritual methodology designed to facilitate complete detachment from material existence and accelerate the journey toward divine realization. The Scriptural Foundation The tradition of constant movement for Sannyasis finds its roots in the most sacred texts of Hinduism. The Upanishads, particularly the Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad, explicitly outline this discipline: "Na sthane tishthati" - "He does not stay in one place." This ancient injunction establishes the fundamental principle that a true renunciant must remain in perpetual motion. The Bhagavad G...

The Sacred Form of Goddess Tripura: Iconography and Symbolism Goddess Tripura occupies a revered place in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. Celebrated as an expression of supreme feminine power, she is often associated with the triadic aspects of creation, preservation, and transformation. Her worship is grounded in Tantric scriptures, including the Varahi Tantra, which provides detailed guidance on her image, attributes, and ritual practices. This article explores the idol form of Goddess Tripura as described in the Varahi Tantra and related Shakta texts, unpacking the symbolism of her appearance, the meaning of her attributes, and the practices by which devotees connect to her divine presence. Scriptural Background The Varahi Tantra belongs to a class of Tantric works that center on the worship of Shakti in her various forms. In these texts, the divine feminine is not merely an abstract principle but is embodied in a tangible, worshippable form. Goddess Tripura is one among severa...

Bhogya is a term in Hinduism that refers to anything that can be enjoyed or experienced. While the basic concept revolves around objects or property that are used or enjoyed by someone who has borrowed money and pledged it, the idea has broader implications in Hindu philosophy, law, and culture. Additional Information In the context of Hindu law (Dharmaśāstra), bhogya refers specifically to property that is pledged as collateral against a loan, which the lender is allowed to use until the loan is repaid. The property could be either movable (like livestock or jewelry) or immovable (such as land or a house). If the debtor fails to repay the loan within the agreed time frame, the lender can claim ownership, resulting in a permanent transfer of ownership. This concept reflects a more structured approach to financial obligations in ancient Indian society, where contracts and ethical guidelines governed transactions. Two key terms in this concept are: Adhi : The act of pledging property. ...

Digital Maya: How Social Media Enslaves the Mind and Hindu Wisdom for Liberation In the digital age, billions of people find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of scrolling, liking, and sharing, often unaware that they have become products in a sophisticated system designed to capture and monetize their attention. Social media platforms, driven by profit motives, employ psychological techniques that mirror the very concept of Maya (illusion) described in Hindu scriptures thousands of years ago. The ancient wisdom of Hinduism offers profound insights into understanding and breaking free from this modern form of mental bondage. The Nature of Digital Maya The Bhagavad Gita describes Maya as the cosmic illusion that veils reality and keeps souls bound to material existence. Krishna explains to Arjuna: "This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it" (...

Nurturing Integrity, Compassion, and Moral Courage: A Hindu Perspective In an era dominated by competition and individual achievement, the virtues of integrity, compassion, and moral courage often take a backseat. While current discourse celebrates human rights and tolerance, these qualities cannot be purchased or fabricated overnight. Instead, they must be deeply rooted in character from an early age. Drawing on ancient Hindu teachings and examples from revered masters, this article explores why these values are being neglected in modern education and how insights from Hindu dharma can guide us toward cultivating a balanced, ethical society. The Erosion of Core Values Today’s children are frequently encouraged to view success as a zero-sum game. From schoolrooms to social media, the message is clear: outdo your peers at any cost. This emphasis on winning fosters an environment where pushing others down becomes a strategy for advancement. In the process, young minds miss out on develo...