In Hindu philosophy, extreme attachment is considered a primary source of human suffering. This concept is deeply rooted in various Hindu scriptures and teachings. Let's explore this idea in more detail, examining its implications and how it manifests in different aspects of life. The Concept of Attachment in Hinduism Attachment, known as "Moha" or "Raga" in Sanskrit, refers to the emotional bond and desire for worldly objects and relationships. Hinduism teaches that while some level of attachment is natural and necessary for life, excessive attachment can lead to suffering. This suffering arises from the impermanent nature of all things in the material world. Key Aspects of Attachment Leading to Suffering Attachment to Wealth (Artha) : Material Possessions : The pursuit and accumulation of wealth can become a source of anxiety and stress. The desire to acquire more and the fear of losing what one has can lead to endless cycles of worry and dissatisfaction. Scri

Yoga, as a discipline, emphasizes the journey towards self-realization, which involves understanding one's true nature and achieving a state of inner peace and balance. Unlike many spiritual or religious practices that center around devotion to a personal deity, yoga primarily focuses on the individual's internal development and connection with the universal consciousness. Self-Realization in Yoga Self-realization in yoga refers to the profound awareness and understanding of one's own essence. This state is characterized by a deep sense of inner clarity, where the individual transcends the ego and the illusions of the material world. The ultimate goal is to experience unity with the cosmos and realize one's true nature beyond the physical and mental identities. Philosophical Foundations Yoga's philosophical underpinnings come from various ancient Indian texts, including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These texts emphasize the im

Lot of predictions and discussions are going on around the world regarding the year 2012. Primarily, the calendar of the Mayans (Ancient Maya Civilization of South America) ends on December 21, 2012). People are also now trying to find a connection between Kali Yuga and 2012. Some astrologers are predicting that Kali Yuga will end in 2012 and Satya Yuga will begin from December 21, 2012. Recently an astrologer and modern day guru Dattatreya Siva Baba while addressing public in Chennai said this about 2012: The world is changing for the good now, he says. Joining the increasing numbers who are making predictions about 2012 A.D. he says from the December of that year, the world will move into a golden age, marking the beginning of Satya Yuga.   This is not a smooth process though. There will be natural calamities, financial problems, wars and global warming. This is also the time when Mayans end their calendar. ‘But our old ways of thinking, including our b

Hindu philosophy encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and schools of thought. Among them, Samkhya stands out for its dualistic and analytical approach. This exploration delves into whether Samkhya philosophy can be considered atheistic, examining its foundational texts, principles, and contrasts with other Hindu philosophies. Samkhya Philosophy: An Overview Samkhya is one of the six orthodox schools (darshanas) of Hindu philosophy. Traditionally attributed to sage Kapila, Samkhya is known for its enumeration of the elements of existence and its dualistic framework, which distinguishes between purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). Core Principles of Samkhya Dualism : Samkhya posits two fundamental realities – purusha and prakriti. Purusha is pure consciousness, passive and unchanging, while prakriti is the active, dynamic principle encompassing all matter and energy. Enumeration (Samkhya) : The term "Samkhya" itself means "enumeration" or "number,&quo

New book, When I Saw Tirupati Balaji – Naham Kartha written by P V R K Prasad, a former Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), narrates the experiences he had while serving Lord Balaji at his abode in Tirupati Tirumala. The author strongly believes Naham Karta, Harih Karta – I am not the doer, Sri Hari is. He tries to find answer to some of the questions that arise in the mind of Venkateswara devotees and non-believers about Srihari or Tirupati Balaji. The book is published by Gyan Publishing House. P V R K Prasad’s memoirs in a Telugu Weekly was highly appreciated by Telugu readers. About the book from the words of the author. Regardless of what I did in the interests of devotees or TTD, I believe that all my actions stemmed from my innate belief: ‘Naham Karta, Harih Karta’ (I am not the doer, Sri Hari is). I merely recorded the events as they took place, with out imposing my views on readers. My experiences – some wonderful, some strange

Hindu god Bhairava and Aztec god Tezcatlipoca share several intriguing similarities despite originating from vastly different cultures and religious traditions. Here are some key points of comparison: 1. Role and Attributes Destruction and Regeneration: Bhairava: In Hindu mythology, Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Shiva, associated with destruction and regeneration. He plays a crucial role in the cycle of creation and destruction. Tezcatlipoca: Tezcatlipoca is also a god of destruction and regeneration. He is involved in the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, embodying both life and death aspects. 2. Association with Death Bhairava: Bhairava is often depicted as a guardian of the graveyards and is considered a god of death. He is associated with time (Kala) and often symbolizes the inevitable destruction of the universe. Tezcatlipoca: Known as the god of the nocturnal sky and ancestral memory, Tezcatlipoca is also closely associated with death and the underworld. He

River Saraswati, or Sarasvati, played an important part in the Vedic civilization. The roots of Hindu culture was nourished by River Sarasvati, which went underground thousands of years ago. Modern day research has proved the existence of River Saraswati and the civilization that existed around the basin. The book Sarasvati – Vedic River and Hindu Civilization by Dr. S .Kalyanraman talks in detail about the past, present and future of River Saraswati. An international conference on ‘Vedic River Sarasvati and the Hindu Civilization’ was held in New Delhi from 24th to 26th October 2008, sponsored by AIM for Seva and organized by Saraswati research and Educational trust. The book was released in this function. The book is published by AIM for Seva, which is an NGO in special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Sarasvati – Vedic River and Hindu Civilization Dr. S .Kalyanraman AIM for Seva 2nd Floor, Sri Nidhi Apartments 32/4,

To stop hawkers from selling fake Tirupati Laddoos, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), a trust that manages the temple, plans to get a geographical indication (GI) tag. If patent is granted to Tirupati Laddoo by the Registrar of Geographical Indications as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 then it could be the first Hindu Temple offering to be recognized as an intellectual property (IP). C R Sukumar writes in Livemint.com Hawkers in Tirupati have been selling fake laddus and after several futile attempts to curb this practice, including repeated raids by its security and vigilance wings, TTD finally decided to seek legal protection for its laddu. The GI Act imposes a penalty of Rs50,000 along with six months of imprisonment for people infringing a GI. Claiming that its laddu is unique in quality and reputation, TTD submitted details to the GI registrar. But already there are differences of opinion in granting geogra

Hindu god Bhairava and the Greek titan Prometheus, while originating from vastly different mythological traditions, exhibit several interesting similarities. Below are some key points of comparison: Creation and Transformation Bhairava : Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, often associated with annihilation, time (Kala), and transformation. He represents the aspect of Shiva that destroys evil and protects the good. Bhairava's myths sometimes involve the destruction of ego and ignorance, leading to spiritual awakening and transformation. Prometheus : Prometheus is a titan known for his role in the creation of humanity and his defiance of Zeus by bringing fire (symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment) to mankind. His gift of fire represents the transformation of human beings from a primitive state to one of civilization and enlightenment. Rebellion and Punishment Bhairava : Bhairava's origin involves the story of his creation from Shiva to cut off the fifth

The Complete Kritis of Sri Thyagaraja with English Translation, transliteration and meaning of Thyagaraja’s compositions is compiled Maddali Venkata Subbaya. The book contains a Short History of Sri Tyagaraja, Kritis of Sri Thyagaraja in English script and the original Telugu with the full meaning in English. Sri Tyagarja (1767 – 1847) was the greatest saint composer of Carnatic music and it is believed that he was an incarnation of Sage Valmiki, composer of the great epic Ramayana. The main of the book, which is written in simple English and always to the point, is to help appreciate the Kritis of Sri Thyagaraja who are alien or only have limited knowledge of the language used in Kritis. The Complete Kritis of Sri Thyagaraja is published by The ICFAI University Press. It consists of 717 compositions. The Complete Kritis of Sri Thyagaraja By Maddali Venkata Subbaya Published by The ICFAI University Press Price: Rupees 625 Those who wish to buy the book can get i

Once upon a time, Ravana, the mighty demon king of Lanka, encountered the celestial sage Narada. Narada informed him that the people on Earth were discontent because they had to face Yama, the god of death, when their time on Earth ended. Upon hearing this, Ravana, in his arrogance and desire for dominance, decided to confront Yama and put an end to his rule over life and death. Narada, always eager for a spectacle, decided to follow Ravana and witness the impending clash. Being a celestial sage with the ability to travel swiftly, Narada reached Yama's abode before Ravana. Yama, the stern and just deity, greeted Narada with respect and inquired about his sudden visit, considering he usually consorted with the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Narada warned Yama of Ravana's approach and his intent to challenge the god of death. Yama, with his penetrating vision, saw Ravana approaching in the distance, riding the magnificent Pushpaka chariot, a gift from Brahma that could trave

Lord Ayyappa gives continues darshan to his devotees for 41-days at Sabarimala Temple during the Mandala Kalam (November – December). For 2024 - 2025 - Sabarimala Temples opens on November 15, 2024 evening and closes on December 26, 2024 after Mandala Puja. The Temple then opens December 30, 2024 for Makaravilakku Puja. The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple remains closed for the major part of a year. So Mandala Kalam is the period chosen by most pilgrims to visit the shrine. The 41-day pilgrim season, also known as Mandala Pooja, attracts millions of devotees to this hill shrine dedicated to Sastha . The pilgrim season begins on the first day of Malayalam month Vrischikam (Mid November) and continues for 41 days. The Mandala Kalam ends during the fag end of December, in the Malayalam month Dhanu. The temple is then closed for a day and reopens for the Makaravilakku season, which ends on January 14 or 15. The temple then opens and conducts pujas only on the first of eve

Ram Sethu, or Ramar Sethu, is the bridge built by the Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) for Lord Ram to crossover to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana. The popular belief is that the stones used to build the bridge floats in water. Now scrupulous businessmen are selling coral rocks to devotees claiming that the rocks are a part of the holy Ram Sethu Bridge . Coral rocks tend to float naturally and this makes the pilgrims believe that the rocks are the ones used by Lord Rama's army and buy it at prices ranging from 500 rupees to 1000 rupees. Press Trust of India reports Despite a ban on the trade of coral rocks under the Wild Life and Marine Life Protection Acts, they are being sold at five places – Seetha Theertham, Ram Theertham, Lakshman Theertham, Kandhamadhanaparvam and at an ashram – in the island. Gopinathan, a tourist guide, said they get a nominal commission for each stone sold through them. The stones were even presented to VIPs visiting the island, stating

Once upon a time, there lived a righteous and noble king named Marutta, who decided to perform a grand sacrificial ceremony (yajna). Marutta, renowned for his devotion and piety, invited numerous learned brahmins to chant from the sacred Vedas. The powerful and auspicious chanting resonated through the air, creating a divine atmosphere that attracted the attention of the gods themselves. They descended from their celestial abodes to partake in the offerings made during the ceremony. As the gods began to accept their shares of the sacrificial offerings, a sudden disturbance occurred. Ravana, the mighty demon king of Lanka, infamous for his strength and tyranny, arrived at the site of the yajna. His presence struck fear and discomfort among the assembled deities. Unwilling to confront Ravana directly and disrupt the sacred ritual, the gods decided to retreat. They swiftly transformed themselves into various animals and fled the scene, hoping to avoid Ravana’s wrath. Ravana, noticing the

Long ago, there was a beautiful maiden named Vedavati. She was known for her fairness and purity, dedicating her life to ascetic practices in the forests with the sole aim of winning Lord Vishnu as her husband. Vedavati was the daughter of King Kushadhwaja and the granddaughter of the sage Brihaspati. Her father had named her Vedavati because she was born while he was reciting the Vedas. Ravana’s Encounter with Vedavati One day, as Vedavati was deeply engrossed in her prayers, the powerful demon king Ravana happened to pass by. Mesmerized by her beauty, Ravana was overcome with desire and approached her. Recognizing the presence of a guest, Vedavati greeted him with respect and offered him a seat. Ravana, consumed by passion, demanded to know who she was. Vedavati humbly introduced herself, explaining her lineage and her vow to attain Lord Vishnu as her husband through her penance and devotion. She spoke of her unwavering commitment and the divine purpose she sought to fulfill. Ravana’

A small collection of Quotes on Bhagavad Gita by Madan Mohan Malaviya I believe that in all the living languages of the world, there is no book so full of true knowledge, and yet so handy as the Bhagavad Gita… It brings to men the highest knowledge, the purest love and the most luminous action. It teaches self-control, the three-fold austerity, non-violence, truth, compassion, obedience to the call of duty for the sake of duty, and putting up a fight against unrighteousness (Adharma)… To my knowledge, there is no book in the whole range of the world’s literature so high above all as the Bhagavad Gita, which is a treasure-house of Dharma not only for Hindus but for all mankind. ........................ Madan Mohan Malaviya's statement about the Bhagavad Gita underscores its profound significance in the realm of world literature and its universal relevance beyond the boundaries of Hinduism. Let's expand on a few key points: Universal Wisdom: The Bhagavad Gita, of

Bhaja Govindam the immortal classic of Adi Shankaracharya holds the gist of all his Vedantic works. This new book based on the classic titled Bhaja Govindam: Follow Your Heart by Chandrika is a translation along with an explanation elaborating the relevance and adaptability of each verse in Bhaja Govindam to the present day world. Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam, also known as Moha Mudgara or The End of Illusion, is a collection of thirty-one verses in Sanskrit. It looks at the eternal question of man's quest for happiness in a world that is transient and filled with delusions. Bhaja Govindam speaks of man's weaknesses – lust, anger, greed and attachment – and the steps needed to overcome them. Apart from the translation and explanation, the book contains an exhaustive biography of Adi Sankara, his contribution to Hinduism and a chapter on the relevance of Bhaja Govindam today. The translation and commentary is by Chandrika, who has a background in academics

Thanks to the current economic recession, astrologers and astrology websites are having a great time as more and more people are taking to astrology to know about the dips and surges in stock markets. This might surely sound a joke and bizarre for a large section of people. But majority of large and small investors in India believe that astrology can predict the future or at least give an idea of what is going to happen. Interestingly, there is a great interest in astrology courses and those joining the courses include bank employees, chartered accountants, engineers and people related to finance. The salary package for a financial astrologer ranges from half a million rupees to two million rupees per annum. And if you thought the craze for astrology was limited to Indians then its time to update. Financial astrology is in great demand in United States , Britain and other European nations. It is considered as a lucrative profession. Nikhila Henry writes in Times of Ind

To expand on the phrase "By Negating Transitory Or Superficial We Will Come To Realization That We Are Supreme Consciousness" from the Hindu religion, we can delve into its profound philosophical implications by exploring several key concepts from the Hindu tradition. This phrase encapsulates the essence of many Hindu philosophical systems, particularly Advaita Vedanta, and reflects the journey toward self-realization and ultimate truth. Here's a detailed exploration: Core Concepts Explained Transitory and Superficial : Maya : In Hindu philosophy, Maya refers to the illusion or appearance of the material world. It is the ever-changing, fleeting nature of existence that distracts us from perceiving the underlying reality. Anitya : This term means impermanence. Everything in the material world is subject to change, decay, and dissolution. Recognizing the impermanence of worldly objects and experiences is crucial to spiritual awakening. Asat : This term represents falsehood

After the darshan of the Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala Hill Temple , the next important ceremony is the removal of the Ayyappa Mudra Mala (the special rudraksha or Tulsi chain and Ayyappa pendant worn by devotees). The Mudra Mala should only be removed after reaching home. Sabarimala Vratham can be continued for 41 days even after an early visit. Swami Sharanam should be chanted before entering the home. The Irumudi should be placed in the Puja room or the Pandal in which the Kettu Murukku (or the tying of the Irumudi was done). The mantra to be recited while removing the Mudra mala is: Apoorvamachalaarooha Divya darshana karana Shastra Mudrathavaka Deva Dehimee Vratha mochanam

The Tirumala Tirupati Dewasthanam's( TTD) have developed a Pilgrim Information Centre ( PIC) with the support of HCL to keep the devotees informed about the sevas, darshan, travel and other amenities available at Tirumala and Tirupati Temple on a 24x7 basis through phone. You can get all the information you need to have a darshan of Tirupati Venkateswara by just dialing the phone number from the comfort of your home. You can also book tickets for Sevas three days in advance. Information on all services including donations, accommodation, Sevas, travel and also tenders called for by the TTD is offered through the new phone system. Information of money send through DD can also be got through the PIC. The HCL has developed the technology and is also maintaining it free of cost for the TTD. Twenty eight executives including 18 women and four supervisors are trained to receive calls from all over the world and speak in English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi.

The "Jnaneshwari" or "Bhavartha Dipika" is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written by the 13th-century Marathi saint and poet, Sant Dnyaneshwar. Here are some quotes from the Jnaneshwari: The mind that is unsteady, like the wind blowing in all directions, cannot perceive the truth. The wise do not grieve, neither for the living nor the dead. They know the soul is eternal and beyond birth and death. Just as the sun illuminates the world, knowledge illuminates the mind. The true yogi sees the same divine essence in all beings, whether high or low, rich or poor. One who has control over the mind is a true renunciant, for they have renounced the ego and its desires. The path of devotion is like a boat that helps one cross the ocean of samsara (cycle of birth and death). The wise see the Self in all beings and all beings in the Self. They are free from attachment and aversion. The true seeker knows that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the Self a

In Hinduism, the notion that "all that we perceive with our five senses are part of the same reality" touches on several key philosophical concepts and teachings that emphasize the unity and interconnectedness of existence. Here's how this idea is explored and understood within Hindu philosophy: 1. Advaita Vedanta and the Concept of Brahman Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy, teaches that there is only one ultimate reality, Brahman. According to this view: Brahman : The singular, infinite, and eternal reality that is the source and essence of everything in the universe. Maya : The illusory power that causes the phenomenal world to appear diverse and separate from Brahman. While our senses perceive a world of multiplicity and change, Advaita holds that this diversity is an illusion (maya). In truth, everything is one with Brahman. In this context, what we perceive with our senses are various manifestations of the same underlying reality, Brahman, e

One day during the exile, the Pandavas became extremely thirsty and asked Nakula, the youngest of Pandavas, to get some water from a nearby pond. When Nakula did not return one by one the Pandavas went looking for the other and finally Yudhisthira, the eldest, discovers the four brothers lying dead nearby a pond. Suddenly, Yudhisthira hears the voice of Yaksha who warns him not to drink the water from the pond before he has answered his questions; otherwise, he would also be dead. Yudhisthira agrees to answer the question of Yaksha. Here are famous answers given by Yudhistira to the question of Yaksha which revived all the four brothers. What makes the sun shine daily? – The power of Brahman (Absolute). What does a person need to rescue him from danger? – Courage. Which science should man study to become wise? – A man does not acquire wisdom just by studying the Shastras (sciences), but by associating with wise men. Is there anything that sus

The Upanishads, a collection of ancient Indian texts, are foundational to Hindu philosophy and spirituality. They explore various aspects of existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Within the Upanishads, there are profound teachings on the mind that offer insights into its nature and how to understand and harness its power. Here are some key teachings on the mind from the Upanishads: Control of the Mind: One of the central teachings in the Upanishads is the importance of controlling the mind. The mind is often depicted as restless and constantly fluctuating, like a wild horse that needs to be tamed. Through disciplined practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and detachment, one can learn to quiet the mind and gain mastery over its tendencies. Unity of the Mind and the Self (Atman): According to the Upanishads, the true nature of the mind is not separate from the Self (Atman) or ultimate reality (Brahman). The mind is seen as a tool through which the Self expe

In Hindu philosophy, the recognition of the world's transient nature and the realization of the impermanence of worldly things and relationships are central to the pursuit of spiritual understanding. This theme is pervasive in Hindu teachings, and it is closely associated with the concept of "Maya." Understanding Maya and the Illusion of Permanence Maya is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, often translated as "illusion" or "delusion." It refers to the veil that clouds human perception, causing people to see the world and its phenomena as permanent and real, rather than transient and illusory. Maya as Illusion : Maya makes us perceive the physical world and our relationships as the ultimate reality. This delusion keeps us attached to material possessions, social status, and personal relationships, making us forget the deeper, spiritual truth that underlies existence. The Temporal Nature of the World : Hindu scriptures emphasize that the physical world