The Two Faces of Your Mind: Understanding Manas and Buddhi in Hindu Wisdom Imagine your mind as a beautiful house with two windows. One window faces the busy street outside, watching cars, people, and all the exciting things happening in the world. The other window faces inward, looking at a peaceful garden where you can think quietly and make wise decisions. In the ancient wisdom of Hinduism, these two windows represent the two parts of our mind: Manas and Buddhi. What Are Manas and Buddhi? In Hindu teachings, the mind is not just one simple thing. It has two important parts that work together like best friends, each with their own special job. Manas is like your mind's detective. It's always busy collecting information from the world around you. When you see a colorful butterfly, hear your favorite song, or smell fresh cookies baking, that's your Manas at work. It gathers all these experiences and sends them deeper into your mind. Buddhi is like your mind's wis...

Hindu philosophy, rooted in the Vedas and Upanishads, provides a profound understanding of the human experience through its exploration of the indriyas (sense organs) and their connection to the tanmatras (subtle elements). Among the eleven indriyas, the five karmendriyas (organs of action) hold a significant place as they enable individuals to perform various actions and interact with the external world. Understanding their origin, purpose, and interconnectedness with the tanmatras offers insights into our spiritual and material existence, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance. The Eleven Indriyas: A Brief Overview Every human being is endowed with eleven indriyas or sense organs. These are divided into: Five Jnanendriyas (organs of perception) : Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin—responsible for receiving sensory input. Five Karmendriyas (organs of action) : Speech ( vak ), hands ( pani ), feet ( pada ), excretory organ ( payu ), and reproductive organ ( upastha )—re...

 Yuyutsu: The Lone Kaurava Who Chose Dharma Over Dynasty The Birth of an Outsider In the vast tapestry of the Mahabharata, the Kauravas are generally remembered as the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. However, there was a one-hundred-and-first brother who stood apart from the rest, both by birth and by character. This was Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu was born to Dhritarashtra and a Vaishya maid named Sauvali. His birth occurred at the same time Gandhari was struggling with her long and difficult pregnancy. Because he was born of a different mother and belonged to a different social tier than his half-brothers, Yuyutsu was often treated as an outsider within the royal circles of Hastinapura. Despite this, he was raised alongside the other princes, receiving the same education in statecraft and warfare. A Conscience Amidst Chaos Unlike Duryodhana, who was fueled by ambition and spite, Yuyutsu possessed a deep-seated sense of justice. He was one of the few individuals in the...

Karma Yoga and the Art of Not Losing Your Mind (or Wallet) While Helping Others The Secret Sauce of Inner Purification: It’s Not Kale, It’s Karma In Hindu philosophy, the concept of Karma Yoga — the path of selfless action — is often recommended as a way to purify the mind and soul. No, it’s not a yoga pose where you balance on your elbows while donating to charity. It's about acting without attachment to the results, doing good for the sake of good, not for likes, followers, or applause (sorry, Instagram). But let’s get one thing straight before you run out the door to give your phone to a stranger in the name of karma: Selfless action is not the same as senseless action. There's a thin line between being noble and being, well… gullible. What Does Hinduism Actually Say About Selfless Action? The Bhagavad Gita , that timeless spiritual manual disguised as a war-time pep talk, lays it out clearly: Perform your duty, do your best, but don’t be attached to the results. Lord ...

Jnana: The Eternal Light That Illuminates the Universe The ancient Hindu tradition has long celebrated knowledge—or jnana —as the supreme force that animates existence. This sacred wisdom is not merely intellectual understanding but a divine principle that permeates every atom of creation, connecting the finite to the infinite, the individual soul to the cosmic consciousness. The Sacred Foundation of Knowledge Hindu scriptures consistently elevate knowledge as the highest pursuit of human life. The Bhagavad Gita proclaims, "There is nothing as pure in this world as knowledge" (Bhagavad Gita 4:38). This profound statement establishes that knowledge transcends material purification; it is the very essence of spiritual evolution. Lord Krishna further teaches that knowledge is the boat that carries seekers across the ocean of material existence, emphasizing its transformative power. The Upanishads, the philosophical crown jewels of Hindu thought, describe the ultimate reality as ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, February 4 2026 – It is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day of waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :45 AM on February 4. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day of waning or dark phase of moon till 1 :27 AM on February 5. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 4, 2026 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 12:19 PM.  Nakshatra  – Purva Phalguni or Pooram Nakshatra till 11:34 PM on February 4. Then onward it is Uttara Phalguni or Uthram Nakshatra on the entire day on Feb 5 and till 12:20 AM on February 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Ka...

Kapalini Kali Symbolism: Decoding the Story of the Fierce Goddess According to the famous mantra from the Kalika Purana, Kali is called Kapalini (the Skull-Bearer). Etymologically, kapala means the upper part of the forehead or skull, the hemispherical portion resembling a pot’s upper half. Yet, contrary to popular belief, the Goddess is not called Kapalini merely because of the garland of severed heads around Her neck. “Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini Durga Shiva Kshama Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute.” (Kalika Purana Mantra) Story Of Kali As Kapalini The ending of one yuga and beginning of one yuga is an unimaginable transition undertaken by Goddess Kali. Such a transition occurs amid great cataclysm and destruction. In that cosmic dissolution, nothing and no one exists except Mahakala and Mahakali. In the fierce and turbulent mahapralaya (great deluge), everything perishes, and the universe disappears. Then, Goddess Kali (Adi Shakti) holding the skulls (kapalas) ...

The Karmic Journey: Maricha's Transformation into Shakuni Across the Yugas The Cyclical Nature of Existence in Hindu Philosophy Hindu philosophy embraces the concept of samsara, the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, where souls carry forward the karmic imprints of their actions across different yugas. This profound understanding allows devotees to perceive connections between great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, recognizing how characters reappear in different forms to fulfill their karmic destinies. The correlation between Maricha of Treta Yuga and Shakuni of Dwapara Yuga represents one such fascinating spiritual connection that reveals the intricate workings of divine justice and the consequences of choosing adharma over dharma. Maricha: The Reluctant Conspirator Maricha was originally a powerful rakshasa who, along with his mother Tataka and uncle Subahu, attempted to disrupt the sacred yajnas of Sage Vishwamitra. Young Rama, under the sage's guidance...

The term "Mahanamni" refers to a group of nine verses from the Sama Veda, specifically from the Jaiminiya Samhita 2.7. These verses commence with the words "vida maghavan." The entire collection is also known as Sakvari verses. These sacred verses hold significance in Vedic rituals and are chanted during various occasions, particularly in the context of Ahina sacrifices. The recitation of Mahanamni is not limited to specific rituals; it extends to broader Vedic practices, including Vedavratas. Vedavratas are religious rites associated with the commencement of Vedic studies. Chanting Mahanamni is considered an integral part of these ceremonies, symbolizing the invocation of great fame and divine blessings upon the individuals undertaking the study of the Vedas. Furthermore, Mahanamni is also employed as a form of expiation for certain types of sins. The recitation of these verses is believed to have purifying effects, helping individuals atone for their transgres...

The Sacred Connection: Lakshmi and the Ancient Corn Goddess of Mexico An Unexpected Divine Parallel In the ancient temples and sacred spaces of pre-Columbian Mexico, a goddess was venerated whose appearance bears an extraordinary resemblance to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. This Mexican deity, likely Chicomecoatl, the Aztec goddess of agriculture and nourishment, holds flowers in one hand and an ear of corn in the other, seated majestically upon a serpent's coil. The visual and symbolic parallels between this ancient Mexican goddess and the beloved Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity have fascinated scholars and devotees alike, revealing profound truths about humanity's universal spiritual expressions. Understanding Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu Tradition Lakshmi, known as Sri or Mahalakshmi, occupies a central position in Hindu devotional practice as the consort of Lord Vishnu and the embodiment of prosperity, fortune, and abundance. The Srimad Bhagavatam describes her emergence ...