Forgiveness is a central tenet in Hindu philosophy, deeply embedded in its sacred texts and teachings. Key aspects include: Scriptural Foundations : Bhagavad Gita : In Chapter 16, verses 1-3, qualities of a divine person are described, including forgiveness (kshama). The text underscores the virtue of forgiveness as essential for spiritual growth. Mahabharata : This epic contains numerous stories emphasizing the power of forgiveness. One such story is of Yudhishthira, who forgives his enemies, showcasing the moral high ground and inner strength it represents. Ramayana : The character of Lord Rama epitomizes forgiveness, as he shows compassion and pardon even to those who wronged him. Philosophical Underpinnings : Karma and Dharma : Forgiveness is intertwined with the concepts of karma (action and its consequences) and dharma (duty/righteousness). By forgiving, one breaks the cycle of negative karma, promoting spiritual liberation (moksha). Self-Realization : Forgiveness is seen as a pa...

Don't be stagnan is an ever relevant teaching of Osho. Here is a few thoughts on it from Osho. Man can live in two ways: either he becomes a stagnant pool of energy or he can become a dynamic flow, a river of energy. The stagnant pool never knows anything beyond itself because it never moves beyond its boundaries. The stagnant pool of energy becomes the ego. The river like flow helps you always to go beyond yourself. It is a constant transcendence. It is movement towards the oceanic, towards the infinite, towards the unbounded. Life should be like a river, always moving, never clinging, always ready to go into the unknown, always ready to risk the familiar for the unfamiliar. Osho Explanation of the above quotes This statement (Man can live in two ways....energy becomes the ego) suggests that there are two fundamental approaches to living life: one characterized by stagnation and the other by dynamism. Let's delve deeper into each concept: Stagnant Pool of E...

Milk is offered to Nag Murtis (Snake idols) and Ant Hills on Naga Panchami day. In some extreme form of worship people feed live cobras – offering milk and eggs to the snakes, especially to cobras near snake pits. Pontiff Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchapeetha in Karnataka asked people to stop the practice of pouring milk on Nag Murtis and Ant hills on Nagara Panchami day and asked to donate the milk to the poor and needy.  Times of India reports Pontiff Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchapeetha distributed milk to small kids at DGM School on Kondajji road in Davanagere on Wednesday, to mark the celebration of 'nagara panchami' symbolically. He advised people not to pour milk on cobra idols or into termite mounds and instead give it to poor children. The programme was held as part of an awareness programme for the public to correct their superstitious beliefs and help the needy. During Nag Panchami, some people also decorate snake pits, known as V...

Avani Masam is the fifth month in a year in a traditional Tamil calendar. In 2026, Avani Masam begins on August 18 and ends on September 17. The most important festival in the month is Sri Krishna Jayanti on September 4. Avani Moolam is on August 23. Ekadasi dates in Avani Masam are on August 23 and September 7 Shiva Pradosham dates are on August 25 and September 8 Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi is on August 31 (Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi) Aavani Amavasya is on September 11 Muruga Sashti Fasting is on August 18 and September 17 Aavani Pournami or full moon day is on August 28, 2026 Avani Avittam - August 27 Gayatri Japam - August 28

Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, holds a significant place in Indian history and continues to be a symbol of resistance and bravery for Hindus and the wider Hindu world. Her legacy has modern-day relevance in several ways: Symbol of Empowerment and Feminism Role Model for Women : Courage and Leadership : Rani Lakshmibai's leadership in the 1857 rebellion against British rule is celebrated as a pivotal example of courage and strategic acumen. Her defiance against colonial forces inspires women to break barriers and challenge societal norms. Empowerment : Her life story empowers women to strive for equality and justice. She is often invoked in discussions about women's rights and gender equality in India. Cultural Representation : Media and Literature : Numerous books, movies, and television series have been produced about her life, making her a familiar figure and reinforcing her role as a symbol of strength and resilience. Education : Her story is included in...

Ashtavakra Gita is a classical text associated with Advaita school teaching and contains the teaching of Sage Ashtavakra. This particular English translation with Sanskrit Text and annotation is by Radhakamal Mukerjee. The Ashtavakra Samhita is in the format of a dialogue between Sage Astavakra and King Janaka. The book is published by Motilal Banarsidas and you can buy it online. The English translation and the annotations by Radhakamal Mukerjee are extremely illuminating and helpful. The ideas of Absolute Monism narrated by Ashtavakra in his dialogue with King Janaka are simplified and presented in a simple manner. Ashtavakragita – The Song of the Self Supreme By Radhakamal Mukerjee Published by Motilal Banarsidas Price – Paper Cover – Rupees 195/-

Rani Lakshmibai and Rani Abbakka Chowta, though separated by centuries, geographical regions, and distinct colonial adversaries, both exemplify the enduring spirit of resistance and leadership. Their legacies continue to inspire and shape the cultural and historical narratives of India. Rani Abbakka Chowta (1523-1629) Background and Lesser-Known Facts: Rani Abbakka Chowta was the queen of Ullal, a small principality in Tulu Nadu, present-day Karnataka. Born into the Chowta dynasty, which practiced matrilineal succession, she was trained in military strategies and warfare from a young age. She is renowned for her naval prowess and is one of the earliest known Indian rulers to engage in naval warfare against European colonial powers. Resistance Against Portuguese Colonialists: Rani Abbakka Chowta is celebrated for her fierce resistance against Portuguese attempts to colonize her territory. She successfully repelled several Portuguese invasions in the late 16th century, maintaining her ki...

Garuda, the divine eagle, is the vehicle, or Vahana , of Hindu God Vishnu. Nagas or Snakes are his permanent enemies. There is an interesting story in the Purana that explains why Garuda and snakes are enemies. Sage Kashyapa had two wives named Kadru and Vinita. Kadru gave birth to thousand snakes who are considered to be the ancestors of the Snakes on earth. Vinita gave birth to the powerful Garuda. Once Kadru and Vinita put a bet on the color of the tail of the horse Uchaishravas – a seven-headed flying horse that was obtained during the churning of ocean or Samudra Manthan. Kadru claimed the color was black and Vinita claimed it was white. The stake was whoever lost the bet will serve the other. Kadru cheated by asking her sons, the Nagas, to hang on to the tail of Uchaishravas. Thus the white tail of the divine horse turned black as the nagas hung on to them. Vinita and Garuda were thus forced to serve Kadru. They were treated badly by Kadru and her sons. ...

Choth Kajali Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Hindu God Shiva and is observed by some communities in Gujarat . Choth Kajali Vrat 2027 date is August 21. It is observed on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon in Shravan month in Gujarat . For some communities, this is a continuation of the Phool Kajali Vrat which is observed on the previous day. The vrat is observed for a happy and prosperous life. A unique ritual that is performed on the day is the stripping of paddy. The grains are stripped and collected on the day. A complete fast is observed on the day. Some people take a meal at night or consume dry coconut. Please note that in Shravan month there are numerous vrats dedicated to Goddess Parvati and all of them are performed for a happy and prosperous married life. Related Shravan Month In Gujarat

The Agrahayani ritual is a significant rite in Hinduism, performed on the full moon day of the Margashirsha or Agrahayana month, which typically falls in December. This ritual is imbued with cultural and spiritual meanings, particularly relating to family safety and seasonal transitions. Significance and Components 1. Pratyavarohana (Descending Again): Purpose: The pratyavarohana ceremony symbolizes the ceremonial descent of the family from a high cot or couch used during the Shravan month (July-August). The practice originates from a protective measure against snakes, which are more active during the rainy season. Rituals: The family utters prescribed mantras invoking the protection of snakes, and offers payasam (a sweet rice pudding made with milk) to appease them. This act is an appeal for the snakes not to harm the family. Transition: After the prayers and offerings, the family moves from the high cot to a newly prepared bed of straw or grass, signifying a return to regular livi...