The story of Rishi Andhaka is found in the Krittibasi Ramayana, the Bengali adaptation of Valmiki Ramayana. Rishi Andhaka was a revered sage, living a life of simplicity and devotion along with his wife in the forest. They had a son named Sindhu, who was their pride and joy, their only child, and their sole support as both Rishi Andhaka and his wife were blind. Sindhu was dutiful and devoted, ensuring that his parents' needs were met despite their disability. One fateful day, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, a renowned warrior and ruler, went on a hunting expedition. He was an excellent archer with unmatched skills, often relying on his ability to hit targets by sound alone. During his hunt, Dasharatha heard what he believed to be the sound of a deer drinking water. Without seeing the source, he shot his arrow in the direction of the sound. To his horror, he discovered that he had accidentally struck and killed Sindhu, who was collecting water for his parents. The Curse of the Gri...

King Dasharatha accidentally kills Sindhu, the son of Rishi Andhaka, thinking him to be an animal during a hunting expedition. As Sindhu lay dying, he implores Dasharatha to carry his body to his blind parents. With a heavy heart, Dasharatha complies. Back at the hut, Sindhu's mother suddenly feels a throbbing in her left eye, sensing something amiss. She voices her concern to her husband, Rishi Andhaka. "Something isn't right. Sindhu should have been home long ago," she says, her worry evident. The sage tries to reassure her, suggesting, "Perhaps Sindhu went deeper into the forest to find fruits and water." But his words do little to ease her anxiety. As Dasharatha approaches the hut with Sindhu's lifeless body, he steps on dry leaves, creating a rustling sound. Mistaking it for their son's return, the blind couple calls out joyfully, "Son, you are late today. Do give us some fruits and water to drink." Unsure of how to proceed, Da...

Hinduism has never believed in injecting spirituality into an individual or a crowd. Instead in Hinduism, spiritual realization is an evolution that takes place in an individual. This means that Hindu religion does not point towards a particular path for the individual to follow. The individual chooses the path to self realization. Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) has always maintained that spiritual experience is personal. Even the desire of acquiring self realization cannot be created in everybody.  Similarly, we have several instances in Hindu Mythology where bookish knowledge and mere intellectual acceptance of the truth contained in scriptures have been scorned upon.  This is because Sanatana Dharma strongly believes that blind faith in the words of a realized man or writings of in a holy scripture can never be equal to self realization. Therefore instead of injecting spirituality, Hinduism believes in creating an atmosphere for self realization. This at...

Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute , based in Lonavla, Maharashtra , has successfully completed the English Transliteration of the Sanskrit Yoga scriptures. The institute was chosen for the purpose by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH, for its project titled Traditional Knowledge Digitalised Library (TDKL). The main intention of the transliteration is to combat commercial patent of Indian traditional knowledge. And to stop the blatant diluting of the ancient knowledge and creating Yogas like the wine tasting in yoga classes and yoga for dogs. Kaivalyadhama administrator Subodh Tiwari says “several attempts have been made by the West to stake claim to traditional Indian wisdom, with a couple of modifications — which at times, even negate and contradict the founding principles. “Take for instance, the patent granted to a sequence of yoga called hot yoga. The very act of having people perform asanas at 104 degree Fahrenheit goes against the basic premise o...

The term "Bhuta" in Hindu mythology has several interpretations, but it commonly refers to supernatural beings or spirits. When certain Hindu gods are referred to as "Bhutas," it signifies their connection to earthly elements or their association with spirits and supernatural powers. This designation reflects their roles in the natural and supernatural realms, highlighting their influence over both physical and metaphysical aspects of existence. In the context of gods being referred to as Bhutas because they were born on Earth, it is essential to understand that many Hindu deities manifest in various forms and incarnations (avatars) that interact directly with the earthly realm. This connection to the Earth underscores their involvement in human affairs and natural processes. Key points about "Bhuta" in Hindu mythology include: Supernatural Beings: Bhutas are often seen as spirits or supernatural entities. They can be benevolent or malevolent and are...

Atmabodha Upanishad is one among the 108 Upanishads and is a lesser known Upanishad. As the name indicates, Atmabodha Upanishad gives us the realization of Brahman. It tries to find answer to who am I? A question, which is constantly inquired upon by ancient Hindu seekers. This question is also the cornerstone of Santana Dharma or Hinduism. This Upanishad is part of the Rig Veda. The entire theme of the Upanishad revolves around Brahman. Atmabodha Upanishad Text The Opening Prayer Om ! May my speech be based on (i.e. accord with) the mind; May my mind be based on speech. O Self-effulgent One, reveal Thyself to me. May you both (speech and mind) be the carriers of the Veda to me. May not all that I have heard depart from me. I shall join together (i.e. obliterate the difference of) day and night through this study. I shall utter what is verbally true; I shall utter what is mentally true. May that (Brahman) protect me; May That protect the speaker (i...

Morality, or the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior, has evolved significantly from the times of the Ramayana to the present day. The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, dates back to several millennia ago and offers a glimpse into the values and moral frameworks of that era. Comparing the moral tenets from that time to contemporary standards reveals several key differences and continuities: Key Aspects of Morality in the Ramayana Duty and Dharma: Central to the Ramayana is the concept of dharma, or righteous duty. Characters are often faced with dilemmas that require them to adhere to their prescribed roles and duties, even at personal cost. Rama's adherence to his duty as a son, by accepting his exile, and Sita's adherence to her duty as a wife, by following Rama into exile, are prime examples. Loyalty and Honor: Loyalty to family and honor in upholding one's word and pro...

The relationship between Shabari and Sri Rama in the Ramayana is a profound example of devotion, humility, and divine grace. Here are some key lessons derived from their interaction: Unconditional Devotion: Shabari's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama exemplifies how pure and unconditional love towards the divine can lead to ultimate fulfillment. Her life was dedicated to waiting for Rama, highlighting the importance of steadfastness in one's spiritual pursuits. Equality in Spirituality: Despite her lowly birth and humble status, Shabari was not deemed unworthy by Lord Rama. This teaches that spiritual attainment and divine grace are accessible to all, regardless of social status or background. Selfless Service: Shabari’s service to Rama, especially her act of offering the best fruits she had tasted first to ensure they were sweet, symbolizes selfless service and the importance of giving the best of oneself to others. Faith and Patience: Her years of waiting for Rama ...

Yann Martel is the Booker Prize-winning author of Life of Pi and every two weeks, he is sending a book that has been known to expand stillness to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This week it is the Bhagavad Gita. The reason for sending the books is to teach Mr. Prime Minister the value of stillness. To read a book, one must be still. To watch a concert, a play, a movie, to look at a painting, one must be still. Religion, too, makes use of stillness, notably with prayer and meditation. Just gazing upon a still lake, upon a quiet winter scene—doesn’t that lull us into contemplation? Life, it seems, favours moments of stillness to appear on the edges of our perception and whisper to us, “Here I am. What do you think?” Then we become busy and the stillness vanishes, yet we hardly notice because we fall so easily for the delusion of busyness, whereby what keeps us busy must be important, and the busier we are with it, the more important it must be. And so we work, work, w...

The relationship between Hinduism and Jesus Christ is complex and multifaceted. While it is accurate to say that Jesus is not traditionally worshipped in the same way as Hindu deities, it is an oversimplification to state outright that Hindus do not believe in Jesus. The perspectives of Hindus on Jesus can vary widely based on individual beliefs, interpretations, and cultural contexts. Jesus in Hinduism: Respect for Jesus: Many Hindus respect Jesus as a great spiritual teacher or enlightened being. They may appreciate his teachings on love, compassion, and forgiveness, which resonate with Hindu values. Incarnation and Avatar: Some Hindus view Jesus as an avatar or a divine incarnation, akin to figures like Krishna or Rama. This perspective aligns with the Hindu concept of multiple divine incarnations throughout history. Scriptural and Theological Differences: Distinct Beliefs: Hinduism and Christianity are fundamentally different in their theological foundations. Hinduism is ...