Posts

Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha – The Four Goals of Life

Image
 Purusharthas – The Four Goals of Life The Four Purusharthas 1.Dharma – Righteousness, duty, and moral values. It guides ethical living. 2.Artha – Prosperity and economic values, ensuring a stable and responsible life. 3.Kama – Pleasure, love, and emotional fulfillment, balancing desires with virtue. 4.Moksha – Liberation, self-realization, and spiritual freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Dharma – Dharma is that which leads to both worldly progress and spiritual well-being. It guides individuals toward righteousness, virtues, and moral values. एक ब्रह्म जगन्नाथः, नामभेदैः प्रकीर्तितः। एको धर्मः सनातनः, यतः मतः ततः पथः॥ Artha – After Dharma, Artha holds significance. The world cannot function without wealth, but it must be earned ethically and in accordance with Dharma. A person who disregards Dharma in the pursuit of wealth exploits natural resources irresponsibly, disrupts environmental balance, and brings numerous diseases and sufferings to society for temporary gains. Kama – The...

Branches of Vaishnavism (Utkaliya, Gaudiya): Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions, and the Determination of Festivals According to Smarta and Vaishnava Practices.

Image
Vaishnava: A Vaishnava is a devotee who worships Lord Vishnu or His incarnations as the Supreme Soul, follows the path of devotion (bhakti), and is guided by scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, aspiring for liberation through loving service to the Lord. हृदयं मम निर्मलम् कुरु, उज्ज्वलम् कुरु हरि । अन्तर्बहिश्च मां शुद्धं कुरु, मंगलं कुरु हरि॥ Vaishnavism is divided into four principal branches, all focused on the worship of Lord Vishnu, his avatars (especially Shri Rama and Shri Krishna), and other divine forms. The core philosophy of Vaishnavism emphasizes achieving liberation (moksha) through pure devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu. The teachings of the Vaishnava Sampradaya aim to guide individuals toward liberation through steadfast devotion at the feet of Lord Vishnu. The four principal branches of the Vaishnava Sampradaya were each founded by distinguished spiritual leaders and philosophers, as detailed below: सर्वत्र मां पश्यति यो भक्तो भक्त्या सदा स्थितः। ...

Does God Truly Exist? Evidence, Reasoning, and the Path to Realization.

Image
Does God Truly Exist? Evidence, Reasoning, and the Path to Realization Many people harbor curiosity and wonder about a fundamental question: Does God truly exist? If so, is there any proof or reasoning to support His existence? Below are some of the most well-known arguments that attempt to provide evidence for the existence of God. Philosophical and Theoretical Arguments for God’s Existence 1. Ontological Argument The ontological argument seeks to prove God's existence through the very concept of God. It describes God as the greatest conceivable being, possessing infinite wealth, power, glory, knowledge, and renunciation. If such a supreme being did not exist, the very idea of His greatness would be impossible to conceive. 2. Planning and Architecture Theory The universe operates with remarkable precision—planets, stars, and galaxies follow mathematical laws in their orbits. This order suggests the presence of a grand designer, a supreme mathematician who crafted and sustains this...

Tulsi Vivaah, Utthana Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Image
  Tulsi Devi is a celebrated example of a true devotee Tulsi Devi is a celebrated example of a true devotee in Hindu tradition. She exemplifies unwavering devotion, humility, and love for Lord Vishnu (or Krishna). Her story is deeply woven into Indian scriptures and devotional practices, particularly associated with the sacred Tulsi plant, which is venerated as her earthly manifestation. Here are key aspects of her devotion: 1. Pure Devotion Tulsi Devi is renowned for her unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. Her love for the Lord was selfless and transcended worldly attachments, embodying the highest form of bhakti (devotion). 2. Self-Sacrifice In her story, Tulsi Devi is often depicted as offering her entire being to Lord Vishnu. Her willingness to renounce everything, including her material existence, reflects her surrender to the divine will. 3. Connection with the Tulsi Plant The Tulsi plant, considered sacred in Hindu tradition, is believed to be a manifestation of Tulsi Devi h...

Characteristics of a devotee.

Image
Characteristics of a devotee. A true devotee, regardless of their faith or spiritual tradition, typically displays the following characteristics: 1. Unwavering Faith A true devotee has steadfast belief in their chosen deity, spiritual guide, or divine principle, even during challenges or hardships. Their faith remains unshaken by doubts or external circumstances. 2. Humility They approach life with a humble attitude, acknowledging their dependence on a higher power. They do not seek recognition for their devotion and act selflessly. 3. Selfless Love Their devotion is marked by unconditional love for the divine, expressed through acts of kindness, service, and compassion towards others. 4. Discipline in Practice A true devotee consistently engages in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, chanting, or rituals. They prioritize their spiritual journey and integrate their practices into daily life. 5. Surrender to the Divine Will They accept life's outcomes with grace, trustin...

Six enemies of the mind ( Shadripu) the sources of human suffering. "षड्रिपु" (मन के छह शत्रु).

Image
  Shadripu: The Six Enemies of the Mind Lust calls first, a fleeting flame, Desires bloom yet end in shame. Promises pleasure, endless chase, But leaves the heart an empty space. Then Anger strides, with fire in hand, A tempest none can understand. It blinds the mind, distorts the view, Breaking bonds once pure and true. Greed creeps close, with whispered lies, More, it says, and never dies. It fills the soul with endless need, An aching void, a hollow greed. Delusion drapes its veil so tight, It twists the truth, obscures the light. Wrapped in shadows of the mind, Reality becomes confined. Pride steps forth, a king in guise, Raised above in haughty eyes. Yet falls as swift as it ascends, Leaving loss where once was friends. And last, Envy, green and cold, A jealous heart, a spirit sold. It withers joy, it breeds disdain, A bitterness that feeds on pain. These six, the enemies we fight, Hidden deep, yet plain in sight. To conquer self, to rise above, Is to embrace the path of love....

Names and Surnames, Caste & Creed, and Self-Pride:

Image
Names and Surnames. On this earth, where names are born, A title given, love sworn or scorn, A mark of place, a seal to bind— A legacy we leave behind. Surnames rise like rugged peaks, Voices of clans, the ancient speaks. In lines and letters etched with pride, The world decides, who stands, who hides. Yet walls of stone these names become, To guard, to block, to silence some. These syllables, like swords and shields, They carve out pain; they build, they yield. Between the names, a chasm grows, Of justice lost and honor owed. For names can burn or mend the soul, Or lock it in a bounded role. So rise, unmarked by name or kin, Beyond the walls that keep us in. With spirit freed from bonds and claims, We soar beyond the weight of names. What’s left is pure—a soul set free, Beyond the binds of blood to be. 🔯 (English-and-Hindi version:-) The soul is the eternal essence of a person; when a person dies, it is the body that perishes, not the soul. The soul departs from the body, journeying ...