I recently read the acclaimed book ‘Siddhartha – by Hermann Hesse’. This is a story of the spiritual journey and growth of Siddharth who as a young man goes in search of meaning becoming a monk only to return to the worldly life of comfort and suffering Samsara to give it up again in frustration. … Read more
What is Duty: Chapter excerpts from Karma Yoga – from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol 1. Excerpts are reproduced below: *** It is necessary in the study of Karma- Yoga to know what duty is. If I have to do something I must first know that it is my duty, and then I … Read more
Non-attachment is the complete self abnegation: Chapter excerpts from Karma Yoga – from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol 1. Excerpts reproduced below: *** He who in good action sees that there is something evil in it, and in the midst of evil sees that there is something good in it somewhere, has known … Read more
Excerpts from ‘7 Divine Laws To Awaken Your Best Self’ by Swami Mukundananda The Law of Sublimation – The sovereign recipe for purifying the mind and its thoughts is to dovetail it towards the Supreme through bhakti. Offer all actions and emotions to the Lord. Even desire, anger and pride should be directed to Him. … Read more
Freedom: Chapter excerpts from Karma Yoga – from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Vol 1. Excerpts reproduced below: *** “Work incessantly, but give up all attachment to work.” Do not identify yourself with anything. Hold your mind free. “Misery comes through attachment, not through work.” This “I and mine” causes the whole misery. With … Read more
My notes from ‘Vedanta: Voice of Freedom” – a selected compilation from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Highlights reproduced below: *** In nondualistic Vedanta, Brahman is the Ultimate Reality, ExistenceKnowledge— Bliss Absolute. The world is shown to be nothing but name and form, all of which is apparent, not real, having only a relative … Read more
Recently read a book by Ruskin Bond titled ‘The India I love’. Within that, there was a chapter called ‘Joyfully I write’. As an author, some of what he wrote resonated strongly with me. I am sure as readers and writers, you will find it equally delightful. Here are a few excerpts from that chapter … Read more
Excerpts from ‘7 Divine Laws To Awaken Your Best Self’ by Swami Mukundananda The Law of Love – Our hearts can only be satisfied by true love, which is a deep and noble affection for the others’ happiness, without seeking personal benefit in return. Where there is ample reason for love to be devastated, and … Read more
My notes from ‘Vedanta: Voice of Freedom” – a selected compilation from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. ‘What is Vedanta’ Chapter Highlights reproduced below: *** Just as creation is infinite and eternal, without beginning and without end, so is the knowledge of God without beginning and without end. And this knowledge is what is … Read more