How a Yogi Hears the Internal Sound: Exploring the Subtle Auditory Realm In the ancient yogic tradition, one of the most profound practices is śabda-śravana—listening to the inner sound, also known as nāda (the primordial vibration). As described in classical texts and preserved in oral lineages, a seasoned yogi, seated firmly in siddhāsana and adopting vaiśṇavī-mudrā , is able to progressively still the external senses and “hear” a subtle, internal resonance. Below, we delve into the technique, its deeper significance, benefits for modern practitioners, and the intriguing scientific insights that illuminate this mystical experience. 1. The Posture: Siddhāsana Siddhāsana, often called the “perfect pose,” brings stability to both body and mind. Legs : One heel presses the perineum, the other foot rests above the first calf muscle. Spine : Erect, yet relaxed; the natural curves preserved. Hands : Inḥand posture or resting on knees in chin mudrā. By anchoring the pe...

Some people take life so gravely—mired in worry, ambition, and the endless pursuit of “more”—that they miss its very essence. In Hindu thought, this over-seriousness stems from a fundamental ignorance (avidya) of our true Self. Through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, the Vivekachudamani, and the modern teachings of Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Sivananda, we can glimpse a path from anxiety to freedom—a journey confirmed today by neuroscience and psychology. The Burden of Over‑Seriousness When we identify exclusively with our roles, possessions, and fleeting emotions, every setback becomes a catastrophe. Careers, relationships, even our own bodies appear as stakes in a high‑pressure game. This tunnel‑vision focus breeds stress, fear, and exhaustion, locking us in a self‑perpetuating cycle of “must do” and “must have.” The truth, say the sages, is that this viewpoint is born of ignorance—of not recognizing the imperishable Self (atman) that underlies all change. Advaita Vedanta: Awakenin...

Finding Joy in This Life: A Hindu Perspective In many religious traditions, happiness is portrayed as a reward reserved for an afterlife or a distant realm. Yet Hinduism offers a radically different view: bliss is not something deferred—it can be experienced here and now. According to Hindu teachings, our earthly existence is an arena for discovering true happiness through the practice of dharma, the righteous path, and by purifying past karma. This article explores why genuine joy belongs to our present moment, outlines the obstacles that keep us from it, and presents time‑honored Hindu solutions for realizing lasting happiness on this earth. The Search for Happiness Human beings naturally pursue pleasure—comfort, wealth, relationships, and achievements. Yet these fleeting satisfactions often leave us wanting more, because they are impermanent and bound by desire. Hindu scriptures describe four aims of life: pleasure (kama), wealth (artha), righteousness (dharma), and liberation (m...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, July 17 2025 – It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5 :47 PM on July 17. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3 :26 PM on July 18. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on July 17, 2025 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Bhadrapada or Uthrattathi nakshatra till 4:32 AM on July 17. Then onward it is Revathi nakshatra till 3:04 AM on July 18. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south R...

Dharma and Political Strategy in the Ramayana The Ramayana is not merely a tale of heroism and devotion, but a profound exploration of leadership, strategy, and the eternal struggle between righteousness (dharma) and unrighteousness (adharma). Through its intricate narrative, it reveals how political maneuvering, when guided by moral principles, becomes an instrument for upholding justice. One of the most vivid examples of this is Rama’s decision to crown Vibhishana before the great battle, a move that resonates with universal lessons on vision, alliance-building, and the ethical exercise of power. The Politics of Exile and Dynastic Intrigue The saga begins with a dramatic court intrigue: Rama, the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya, is compelled into exile by his stepmother’s designs and the manipulations of powerful ministers. This displacement of a capable ruler in favor of a more pliant or self-interested figure is a pattern that recurs in royal courts across history—and in ...

The epic of the Mahabharata is replete with lessons on leadership, ethics, and the consequences of unchecked character traits. Among its many characters, Duryodhana stands out as a figure whose stubbornness not only defined his personality but also sealed his fate. His persistent refusal to heed the wise counsel of revered figures such as Bhishma, Gandhari, Narada, Krishna, and even his own father Dhritarashtra is a prime example of how pride and inflexible determination can lead to a ruler’s downfall. This article explores how Duryodhana’s obstinate nature contributed to his ultimate demise, details instances of his intransigence, examines the lessons we can learn, and delves into why his inability to listen to good advice played a central role in the tragic events of the Mahabharata. The Nature of Duryodhana’s Stubbornness Stubbornness is not merely about holding onto one’s views; it is about an unwillingness to consider alternate perspectives, even when such considerations could a...

Aimperum Kappiyangal is the combined name of five great epics in Tamil – Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Jivaka Chintamani, Valayapati and Kundaladeshi. Silappatikaram and Manimekalai belong to the post-Sangam period (3rd and 5th century CE respectively). A Jaina monk, Ilango Adigal, composed Silappatikaram. Besides pronouncing the greatness of Jaina concepts and the worship of Arhat, it praises all the gods of the Hindu pantheon. It reserves chapters to describe the worship of various Hindu gods especially Indra, Goddess Durga, Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Muruga. The first mention of the Aimperum Kappiyangal (lit. Five large epics) occurs in Mayilainathar's commentary of Nannul. However, Mayilainathar does not mention their titles. The titles are first mentioned in the late-18th-to-early-19th-century work Thiruthanikaiula. Earlier works like the 17th-century poem Tamil Vidu Thoothu mention the great epics as Panchkavyams. The Indra Vila festival was a national celebration in the Ch...

Ashma: The City of the Kalakeyas in the Underworld Conquered by Ravana The vast cosmic realms described in Hindu scriptures are not limited to the Earthly domain alone. They extend far beyond, encompassing heavens (Svarga), hells (Naraka), intermediary planes, and subterranean worlds known as the Patala Lokas . Among these mysterious subterranean realms lies a formidable city— Ashma , the ancient stronghold of the Kalakeyas , a fearsome race of asuras. Mentioned in the Uttarakanda of the Ramayana (7.23.17–19), Ashma is depicted as a city that once stood invincible in the lower worlds until it was conquered by none other than Ravana , the rakshasa king of Lanka. The Kalakeyas: The Asuras of Dread The Kalakeyas are a distinct class of asuras (powerful beings opposed to the devas), often portrayed as fierce warriors known for their might and indomitable spirit. Unlike other asuras who frequently battled the devas in the upper worlds, the Kalakeyas resided deep in the nether realms, pa...

Baudhayana is the author of a manual (Kalpasutra) on rituals and principles of conduct. Baudhyana belonged to northern India. His Kalpasutra corpus comprises the sutras (principles) of Shrauta, Grihya, Prayaschitta, Sulba, Pitrmedha, Pravara and Dharma. Tradition ascribes all these sutra texts to Baudhayana. The manuscript tradition spells the name as Bodhayana. Baudhayana Kalpasutra belongs to the Baudhayana School of the Taittiriya recensions of Krishna Yajurveda (6 th century BCE). Baudhayana is well known as a pravacanakara (commentator) rather than a sutrakara. A pravacana is a discourse, which is delivered by a teacher to his disciples. Naturally, the composition of a pravacana is extensive. The Taittiriya tradition respects him as the senior most acharya (preceptor). Kalpasutra is a guide laying down the rituals, following a particular school of a Vedic recension, in a regular order. Though tradition ascribes the authorship of the rituals of six systems – Srauta, Grihya, Dh...

The Nadabindu Upanishad (Nadabindupanishad or Nada Bindu Upanishad), one of the lesser-known yet profoundly mystical Upanishads, offers a rich tapestry of symbolism that interweaves the cosmic sound “Om” (Pranava) with the image of the swan, or hamsa—a bird that in Hindu thought represents both the soul and the vehicle of liberation. This synthesis of symbols serves as an allegorical blueprint for spiritual awakening and liberation, portraying the journey from the manifest to the unmanifest, from ignorance to ultimate knowledge. Om: The Cosmic Sound and Universal Vibration At the heart of Hindu philosophy, the syllable Om is not merely a sound but the very essence of the universe. It is composed of four distinct phonetic parts—the letters “a,” “u,” “m” and the silent, unmanifest ardhamatra. Each of these components corresponds to different aspects of existence: "A" (अ) signifies the beginning, birth, or the creation of the universe. It is often linked with the principle...