Asmi in Sanskrit means “I am.” Asmita also called ahamkara is the quality, feeling or experience giving rise to the expression “I am.” This ego-feeling or consciousness of one’s existence accompanies   and underlies all conscious human experiences. It often assumes the form of egotism when self-importance predominates. In Yoga, asmita has two meanings, one pertaining to an individual, the other in relation to the cosmos. In the former context it indicates an affliction to the mind. Patanjali has defined Asmita in Yogasutra II.6   as the mistaken feeling of identity between two wholly different entities, namely the drkshakti or drishta (seer or self) and the darshana shakti or buddhi (seen or internal organ). Afflictions are innate tendencies found in living beings. They are anadi (without known beginning). They cause all behavior and result in pain. Due to asmita the real, separate, independent nature of the soul is overlooked and it is identified with the body, mind

There are four different types of Sadhus or monks in Hinduism as per Bhikshuka Upanishad of Shukla Yajur Veda. Mendicant monks desiring liberation are of four kinds in Hindu religion Kutichaka, Bahudaka, Hamsa Paramahamsa. The Kutichakas are hut-dwelling ascetics. They write, study and discourse on all   matters of universe and Brahman. They subsist on eight mouthfuls of food and seek liberation alone by the path of yoga. Sage Gautama, Bharadvaja, Yajnavalkya and Vasistha etc are example of Kutichakas. Bahudaka ascetics remain near tirthas on river banks or other sacred waters. They carry three-fold emblematic staff (tridanda) and water vessel and wear tuft, sacred thread and ochre colored garment. They too subsist on eight mouthfuls of food secured as alms and seek liberation alone in the path of Yoga. Hamsa ascetics do not stay in a particular place for too long. They take shelter for one night in a village, five nights in a town and seven nights or more

Sant Gadge Baba, also known as Sant Gadge Maharaj, was a Marathi saint and great social reformer who worked for the upliftment of villages in Maharashtra . Sant Gadge Baba Jayanti in 2024 as per Tithi is on March 8. It is the birth anniversary of this great saint who led by example – he traveled to villages in Maharashtra and started cleaning the gutters and roads. Through this he spread the message of cleanliness and values like service to humanity and compassion. As per Gregorian calendar, Sant Gadge Baba was born February 23, 1876. The money that he received for cleaning villages was used to build educational institutions, poor homes, hospitals and shelters for animals. Through his discourses he asked people to rise above rituals and superstitions and to identify the Supreme Truth through self realization. His mode of teaching was through devotional songs. He continues to inspire villagers in Maharashtra through his life and teachings. A campaign started in h

A machine constantly engaged in production, a machine that is constantly working cannot get any time for maintenance or repair. Similarly, if we were to constantly engage or involve with external objects or perceptions, we would be unable to correct ourselves. Every performing artist knows the importance and utility of a monitor on the stage. Whether it is the dance step, the cadence of one’s voice, or the right facial expression, every artist needs to know her or his performance even while it is going on. We need a monitor not unlike that on the stage, on the stage of our life too. We need to be constantly on the alert and check on ourselves for problems, passions, troubles, and wrong perceptions. We would then also be able to better control our sense organs, we would be able to better maneuver these cameras and turn them in a diametrically opposite direction. We would then be able to use these devices in a way we really need to and not get bogged down by the pulls of t