The Academy of the Heart and Mind first published this story “My Friend Vishal” in their issue in May 2021. This is a story narrated in first person of a man and his relationship with a close but not-so-close friend Vishal over the years. You can also read it at the website of the Magazine … Read more
Here are some excerpts from the book ‘The Science of Mind Management’ by Swami Mukundananda: Why do we seek happiness? We souls are little drops of the ocean of infinite happiness, and hence, our natural propensity is to seek bliss. Until we get infinite happiness of God, we will not be content. The urge for … Read more
Someone said there are three types of lies. There are lies, damned lies and then, there is statistics. And then, beyond all those lies, there is work from home. Now there is work from home, plus there is home work. And that is no lie. A friend of mine told me on a walk yesterday … Read more
“Most people cannot not eat this chocolate muffin, if left with it alone and hungry,” Jigneshbhai said staring at the three muffins that the waiter got with our coffee the other day. Swami also stared at them first and then glared at Jigneshbhai, who was still staring at the muffins. Then Swami picked up one … Read more
Rajappa got ready and put on his helmet. He sat on his bicycle, started riding it, and soon reached the apartment complex. Rajappa must have been the only person who wore a helmet while riding a bicycle. He never forgot it. He was called Helmet Uncle by the kids wherever he went for the past … Read more
My notes from ‘Vedanta: Voice of Freedom” – a selected compilation from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. “God and Man in Vedanta” – Chapter Highlights reproduced below: *** So, from the very first, Advaita had no antagonism with the various sects existing in India. There are dualists existing today, and their number is by … Read more
Excerpts from ‘7 Divine Laws To Awaken Your Best Self’ by Swami Mukundananda The Law of Mentorship – Having a good mentor in any field helps us set goals, shorten the learning curve, receive encouragement, stay focused, avoid pitfalls, and much more. The first point to check is that the guru should be an expert … Read more
The festival of Gowri-Ganesha in Bangalore has quite a few differences from the festival of Ganpati in Mumbai. In Bangalore, it is a private festival while in Mumbai it is a public festival. Almost everyone in Bangalore gets a ‘मूर्ति’ at home. While in Mumbai it is generally restricted to the eldest member of the … Read more
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” said Audrey Hepburn. I realized the truth in it over the past few months. The wife has been venturing into gardening – a small beginner home garden – for the past few months. She did most of the work. I was the observer, contributor, and co-passenger … Read more