Introducing the Bhagavad Gita to a child can be a beautiful and enriching experience. Here are some tips on how to do it in a child-friendly way: Choose a Suitable Version: Start with a children's version of the Bhagavad Gita that is written in simple language and includes illustrations. There are many adaptations available that are specifically designed for younger readers. Teach the Context: Begin by explaining the background of the Bhagavad Gita in a way that a child can understand. You can talk about the setting of the epic Mahabharata, the characters involved, and the reasons for the conversation between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna. Focus on the Key Teachings: Highlight the main teachings of the Bhagavad Gita such as duty (dharma), righteousness, and selflessness. Use examples from everyday life that children can relate to, such as being kind to others, helping those in need, and doing one's best in everything they do. Use Stories and Parables: Share stories...

Hinduism provides a variety of spiritual and practical tools to help overcome social awkwardness, shyness, and lack of confidence. From ancient scriptures, deities, and mantras, Hindu teachings offer holistic solutions that help in balancing the mind, invoking inner strength, and developing self-confidence. Below are key insights and practical approaches inspired by Hinduism to overcome awkwardness. 1. Identify the Root Cause of Awkwardness Awkwardness often stems from deep-seated fears, lack of confidence, or social anxiety. Hindu philosophy teaches that such negative emotions are due to imbalance in the mind (manas) and ignorance of the self (atman). Overcoming awkwardness involves connecting to one’s true inner self, the divine, and realizing one’s infinite potential. 2. The Power of Mantras Mantras are sacred sounds that have the power to transform and elevate consciousness. Chanting specific mantras can help individuals overcome awkwardness by invoking divine energy and creating m...

Asvasena Naga was a serpent that lived in the Khandava forest in the Mahabharata. This snake was the son of Takshaka and he tried to get away from the Khandava forest when it was burned down by Agni with the help of Arjuna. When Agni attempted to burn Khandava forest, Indra tried to extinguish the fire using rain. Arjuna built a canopy using arrows to help Arjuna. Asvasena Naga tried to escape from the forest when Agni was swallowing it. Arjuna tried to stop Asvasena using arrows. The naga then took his mother’s help. To save the naga, she swallowed him. But Arjuna cut off her head. Indra who witnessed this sent a cyclone that caused Arjuna to faint. While Arjuna was unconscious, Asvasena escaped from the Khandava forest. On waking, Arjuna cursed Asvasena that he will never get refuge anywhere in the world. Asvasena and Arjuna continued to be enemies and in the great Kurukshetra battle in the Mahabharata, the naga helped Kauravas. When Arjuna and Karna were ...

A collection of quotes on desires from Hindu scriptures. All your desires will be fulfilled in him who is One without a second. Know him to be enshrined in your heart always. (Shvetashvatara Upanishad) You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) It is hard to find a man who has desire for what he has not tasted or who tastes the world and is untouched. Here in the world some crave pleasure, some seek freedom but it is hard to find a man who wants neither. It is hard to find a man who has an open mind, who neither seeks nor shuns wealth or pleasure, duty or liberation, life or death…He does not want the world to end. He does not mind if it lasts. Whatever befalls him, He lives in happiness. (Ashtavakra Gita) The senses are the horses and the roads they travel are the mazes of desire. When a man lacks discrimination and his mind is uncontroll...

Brihad Katha is a very large collection of stories believed to have been told to Goddess Parvati by Shiva. Kathasaritsagara is a small portion of the Brihat Katha and is the most popular part of the book. The stories in the Brihat Katha are believed to be the first stories in the world. It is said that the stories in the Brihat Katha were told by Shiva to entertain Goddess Parvati who was bored in the snow falling Himalayas . The stories were narrated to Goddess Parvati in one of the caves in the Kailash. Human beings would not have got to hear the stories were it not for a small bird that survived in the cave. The bird heard the stories that were narrated to Goddess Parvati. This bird then told the stories to a fish. The fish shared it with a Gandharva. The Gandharva narrated it to a Yaksha. Finally it reached the ears of first human. 

Nakshatra Vana, located at Menase on the outskirts of Sringeri in Karnataka, is a medicinal plant garden and nursery of Sringeri Sharada Peeta. Here you will find a collection of medicinal plants, trees, flowers, fruit bearing trees mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. Nakshatra Vana also contains plants related to the birth stars of a person. There is also a Navgraha Vana which contains plants related to the Navgrahas. Jagadguru Shankaracharya established four centers in the four corners of India for the safeguard and propogation of the four Vedas and appointed each of his prime ascetic disciples as the heads of each centre respectively. Sringeri Sharada Peeta is one of the four centers. Deccan Herald reports  Nakshatra vana has plants related to stars. It is believed that worshipping the plants of one’s star is good for the welbeing. Ashwini nakshatra— Strychnos nux vomica (Poison nut), Bharani nakshatra— Embilica officionalis (Amla), Krithika nakshatra— Ficus racemo...

Akathisia is a condition characterized by an inner sense of restlessness, causing constant movement, fidgeting, or an inability to stay still. In Hinduism, physical and mental restlessness is often viewed as an imbalance in the mind-body-soul connection. According to Hindu scriptures, restlessness, anxiety, and stress can be soothed through a combination of spiritual practice, prayer, mantras, and lifestyle adjustments. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions Pranayama and Breathing Techniques: Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This helps balance the body's energies and calms the mind. By focusing on the breath, you alleviate the constant inner restlessness that defines akathisia. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath): This is useful for reducing anxiety and promoting mental tranquility. Yoga: Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Lying in stillness after yoga practice calms both the body and mind. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Helps in grounding the mind and stabilizing physical restlessness. Bala...

Overcoming Akrasia in Hinduism: Solutions and Practical Approaches Akrasia refers to the state of acting against one's better judgment or succumbing to procrastination and distractions, which often hinder personal growth. Hinduism, with its rich philosophical teachings and spiritual practices, provides a comprehensive toolkit for overcoming akrasia. This includes guidance through scriptures, mantras, devotion to deities, and practical daily habits rooted in spirituality. 1. Understanding Akrasia in the Context of Hindu Philosophy In Hinduism, akrasia is closely related to the concept of tamas , one of the three gunas (qualities). Tamas signifies ignorance, laziness, and inertia. Overcoming it requires increasing sattva (purity, knowledge, and harmony) while reducing rajas (desire, restlessness, and activity) and tamas . By aligning with higher consciousness, an individual can overcome tendencies that lead to procrastination and self-sabotage. 2. The Bhagavad Gita's Teaching...

Paper Mache Ganapati idols can be made at home using paper. This is an eco-friendly Ganesha and you can use natural paint to give it a good look. People from all walks of life are joining into create awareness about the need to use eco-friendly Ganesh idols for Ganesh Chaturthi puja and make a positive difference. Some people are coming forward with unique solutions to Plaster of Paris idols and one such innovative idea is the making of Ganapati Idols using paper. Below is a video of making of paper mache Ganapati. The audio is in Marathi.

Overcoming airport anxiety through Hinduism involves incorporating spiritual, practical, and psychological approaches rooted in the faith’s rich traditions. Travel anxiety, specifically airport anxiety, often stems from the stress of navigation, fear of flying, crowded spaces, or even a fear of the unknown. By drawing from Hindu wisdom, one can develop a balance of mental clarity, spiritual strength, and peace. 1. Mantras for Overcoming Airport Anxiety Mantras are a significant aspect of Hindu practice, believed to calm the mind and ward off fear and obstacles. Here are some key mantras and their significance for reducing travel-related anxiety: a. Hanuman Mantra Lord Hanuman is revered for his strength, courage, and ability to overcome challenges. Chanting his mantra can instill mental strength and protection during stressful situations like airports or flights. Mantra: "Om Hanumate Namah" Meaning: This mantra is a call to Lord Hanuman, invoking his strength and protection ...