Siddhartha – by Hermann Hesse

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?

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

The Law of Sublimation

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

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

Vedanta and Vivekananda

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

The Law of Love

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

What is Vedanta?

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

The Philosophy of Vedanta

My notes from ‘Vedanta: Voice of Freedom” – a selected compilation from the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. “The Philosophy of Vedanta” – Chapter Highlights reproduced below: *** To every man this is taught: Thou art one with this Universal Being, and, as such, every soul that exists is your soul, and every body that … Read more

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