The Hindu religion, the oldest and most profound spiritual traditions, offers profound insights into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all beings. One of its most profound teachings is encapsulated in the phrase, "That which I called the Other was always myself." At its core, this teaching speaks to the fundamental unity of all existence. It challenges the notion of separateness and division, inviting individuals to recognize the essential oneness that underlies all of creation. In Hindu philosophy, this oneness is often referred to as Brahman, the ultimate reality that transcends all dualities and distinctions. The concept of "That which I called the Other" acknowledges the tendency of human beings to perceive the world in terms of subject and object, self and other. This dualistic perspective is deeply ingrained in our consciousness and shapes the way we relate to the world around us. We see ourselves as separate individuals...

An eighth century Shiva temple was unearthed at Nuagaon village in Dhenkanal District, Orissa. The temple was first noticed by the villagers of Nuagaon and they found idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Muruga (Kartikeya) and sculptures of three-hooded snakes. Parts of temple structures were also found here. The villagers have placed the idols under nearby banyan trees and have started worshipping it. The idols are made of black granite stones and bear resemblance of traditional Orissan sculpture. Experts feel that findings might shed light on the civilization that existed here during the eighth century. 

A temple with Lord Ganesh idol having eleven heads (symbolizing the cricket team), another idol in batting posture and yet another in bowling posture. People of Chennai have named this temple the ‘Cricket Pillayar temple’ and is located at Annanagar in the heart of the city. Pillayar in Tamil means ‘Ganesh.’ The temple was set up six years ago by Ramakrishnan, a Ganesha devotee and cricket lover.  Don’t dismiss this as yet another display of a cricket crazy public. The temple demonstrates the freedom and flexibility that Hindu religion provides. People often talk about 330 million Hindu deities. These people often forget the freedom that Hinduism provides to a person to create Gods or Goddesses or to modify the existing Gods or Goddesses. So there exist many more million Gods and Goddesses and even more in the minds of the devotees.

The teaching "That which you went to search outside was always within you" embodies a profound spiritual insight from Hinduism, emphasizing the inward journey for truth, knowledge, and divine connection. This teaching reflects several core principles of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, which can be expanded upon through various aspects: Atman and Brahman: The Inner Divine In Hinduism, Atman refers to the individual soul, while Brahman signifies the ultimate reality or world soul. One of the fundamental teachings is that Atman is Brahman, meaning the individual soul is essentially one with the universal soul. This implies that the divine presence and ultimate truth one seeks externally already reside within oneself. The realization of this oneness is the essence of spiritual awakening. Self-Realization and Enlightenment The journey towards self-realization, or moksha, is a central goal in Hindu practice. It involves understanding and experiencing that the true self (...

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, the 68th Sankaracharya, through his unfathomable wisdom and unselfish work showed the world how to overcome the illusion of individuality and deal equally with all living beings. The book ‘The Sage of Kanchi’ edited by R. Balasubramanian sheds light on the philosophical teachings and social works of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. The book contains essays written by eminent scholars who have had personal experience with Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. The price of the book is Rs. 75. For more details: THE SAGE OF KANCI: R. Balasubramanian – Editor; Adi Sankara Advaita Research Centre, 17, (Old No. 8-A), Bishop Wallers Avenue (West), Near C.I.T. Colony, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004. “The Vedas are eternal and are the source of all creation. Their greatness is to be known in many ways. Their sound produces in our nadis ( subtle nerve channels), as well as in the atmosphere, vibrations that are salutary not...

In the vast and diverse spiritual landscape of Hinduism, the perspectives on rituals and ceremonies vary widely. One prominent viewpoint, often espoused by Hindu saints and spiritual leaders, emphasizes that rituals and ceremonies are primarily for those who are still attached to the material world, while true seekers of the Supreme Truth transcend these external practices. The Role of Rituals and Ceremonies Rituals and ceremonies have always played a significant role in Hinduism. They include a wide range of practices such as puja (worship), yajna (sacrificial fire rituals), festivals, and various rites of passage like weddings and funerals. These rituals serve multiple purposes: Community and Cultural Cohesion: Rituals bring communities together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. Preservation of Tradition: They help in the preservation and transmission of cultural and religious traditions from one generation to the next. Spiritual Discipline: For many, rituals...

The phrase "All Distinctions Arise From The Darkness Of Ignorance" is a profound concept in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing the idea that ignorance (Avidya) is the root cause of all perceived differences and divisions in the world. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures, which explore the nature of reality and the self. Understanding Ignorance (Avidya) In Hindu philosophy, ignorance is not merely a lack of information or knowledge but a fundamental misapprehension of the true nature of reality. Avidya causes individuals to perceive the world as a collection of separate entities and identities, leading to duality and multiplicity. This ignorance is considered the primary obstacle to achieving spiritual liberation (Moksha). The Role of Knowledge (Vidya) The counterpart to Avidya is Vidya, which is true knowledge or wisdom. This knowledge is not just intellectual but experiential, involving a deep, intuitive understandin...

In many religious traditions, scriptures and holy texts are often seen as the primary means to understand and connect with the divine. However, ancient Hindu wisdom suggests a more nuanced approach. It proposes that knowing God transcends the mere intellectual study of scriptures and involves personal experience, inner realization, and living a life of dharma (righteousness). The Essence of Knowing God In Hinduism, the concept of knowing God (Brahman) is deeply spiritual and experiential. This knowledge is not confined to academic study but is attained through a combination of introspection, meditation, ethical living, and devotion. Several key ideas from ancient Hindu texts highlight this perspective: Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): While scriptures can guide one towards enlightenment, Jnana Yoga emphasizes direct experience of the divine through self-inquiry and meditation. The realization of the self (Atman) as one with the universal spirit (Brahman) is a profound inner exper...

T he United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is planning to include Ramlila in the list of art forms that need immediate attention.  UNESCO has asked the Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh to submit a proposal on how 'Ramlila' can be revived and culturally preserved as an art form.  Ramlila literally means ‘Ram’s play.’ It is a performance of the epic Ramayana in the form of a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue.  There are more than 25 different styles of Ramayana. Each style reflects the tradition and culture of the place of its origin.  Some of the important Ramililas include Chattisgarh, Bundelkhandi, Assamese, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Braj and Karnatak. There is also an interesting puppet version of the Ramlila.

The term "Ka" is a Sanskrit word that translates to "who?" and is notably significant in Hindu theology and Vedic literature, especially in reference to deities. In the Rig Veda, one of the oldest and most revered texts in Hinduism, "Ka" takes on a profound meaning in hymn 10.121, which is often referred to as the "Hymn of Creation" or the "Hymn of the Unknown God." Hymn 10.121 of the Rig Veda The hymn is a series of verses that extol the creator of the universe, ending each verse with the rhetorical question "Ka?" or "Who?" This repeated question underscores the mystery and the unknown nature of the divine force responsible for creation. The culmination of the hymn reveals the identity of this enigmatic deity as Prajapati, the Lord of Creatures, highlighting him as the supreme creator and sustainer of the cosmos. Prajapati and Ka In the Vedic Samhitas and Brahmanas, which are extensions and commentaries on t...