THE MEDHA ARCHIVES

The Two-Game Trap: India's Nested Game Strategy

An analysis of India's geopolitical strategy against the US-China nested game, exploring Operation Sindoor, the Mecca Agreement, and macro-micro decoupling.

Dharmic Enterprise: The Missing Business OS

A re-imagination of Western management through the lens of Vedantic philosophy to build a conscious, resilient, and ethical framework for 21st-century business.

The Garrison Trap: Why Pakistan’s Military-First State is Unraveling

An analysis of Pakistan's garrison state, its game-theoretic traps, and why India's pluralistic framework offers a stable cooperative alternative.

The Demography of Mind: Why Bharata Is the Engine of Human Capital and the Mother Culture

Uncover how ancient Bharata, shielded by ecology, became Afro-Eurasia's demographic powerhouse, seeding global civilization, wealth, and culture. Dismantling colonial timelines with empirical data.

A Cockroach’s Gambit: The Game Theory of Manufactured Revolts and Asymmetric Warfare

Explore the game theory behind manufactured revolts like the 'Cockroach Janta Party.' This analysis uncovers AstroTurfing, external interference, and counter-strategies for states.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE SUBTLE BODY

THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE SUBTLE BODY A Biophysical Unification of Glympho-Vasomotor Fields, Bone Mechanotransduction, Eastern Energetics, and Ajātavāda Advaita Vedānta INTRODUCTION For decades, we've been told that our...

The four Faces of Sri Rama

P. Desikan In the fourth sarga of Balakanda of Sri Valmiki Ramayana, an account is given of Sage Valmiki teaching young Lava and Kusha to recite the Kavya he had just composed and the youngsters turning out to do a...

The 3-Body Trap - A Game Theory Analysis of the Tripolar World

The fiction of a predictable, rules-based multilateral world order came to a formal end at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year.

Cit-Pratibimba-Sūtram (चित्प्रतिबिम्बसूत्रम्)

॥ चित्प्रतिबिम्बसूत्रम् ॥ Cit-Pratibimba-Sūtram The Aphorisms on the Reflections of Consciousness --- मङ्गलाचरणम् (Opening Invocation) नमः शिवायै चित्यै प्रकाशविमर्शरूपिण्यै ॥ namaḥ śivāyai cityai...

The Hidden Path

Get the copy here - The trail climbed steeply through wet pine and stone. Adi’s breath came in sharp pulls as he pushed upward through the mist. The monsoon clouds wrapped the mountain in a gray cocoon.

Shiva Thandava Stotram (in tamil)

Ravana's shiva thandava stotram describes the dance of Shiva at the times of primordial Universe and how His 'will' and 'desire' leads to the creation and evolution of Universe.

Unsung verses of bhaja govindam - Part 1

Moha mudgaram has 33 slokas while 11 or 12 are mostly sung. This is an attempt to get the unsung verses to be sung with modern music. Our attachments are never lost irrespective of age, health and wealth.

Vedic Mantras in saMskrt and tamil (part 1)

Here is a collection of 10 vedic mantras in samskrt and tamil which teach us how to approach our life and we have to recite daily. In this collection 1.

The Philosophical Convergence of Daoism and Vedanta

The Philosophical Convergence of Daoism and Vedanta Daoist and Vedantic philosophies, despite their distinct origins, share remarkable similarities in their views on reality, the nature of the self, and how to live in...

आँखों से ओझल (Ankhon Se Ojhal) - A Blues Song

What is Art? Is it an expression of the subconscious flowing through on a canvas, through words, music, forms etched out of a slab of wood or rock? Is it therapy for the soul? An avenue of release of unexpressed...

A web of manipulation - The "Caste" Bogey in Modern India

How does a society heal from trauma? Acknowledging a malaise so one can treat it is valuable. In the case of Bharat, there was a social malaise of jati (caste) discrimination.

Seetha Kalyana Vaibhogame..

Thyagaraja swamy's song Seetha Kalyana Vaibhogame defines qualities of rAmA, that makes him the best choice for Seetha and hence sung in all marriages.

Anandamrta Karshini... - The rain song..

Shree is the opulence of Universe, which is all its existences including living and non-living. The nourisher of all existences is mA bhavani, the goddess of existences.

bhaja govindam (moha mudgaram)

Moha mudgaram is a set of 33 stanzas, out of which 12 are said to be from Adi Shankara, the rest by others. Mudgara means hammer.

Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatam

Wake up Lord Srinivasa, who is verily rAmA, rAmA, the son of kausalya, bravest of men, to do divine duty of causing prosperity to 3 worlds.

Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje

Anything that can go wrong will go wrong is murphy's law. That's Vigna, the disturbance in every work we do. How do we fail murphy's law, overcome Vigna that makes work go wrong..

Vishnu Stuti

Ganapati dyAnam sloka Vishnu, who is dark in color, holds/bears the white speckled Universe's expanse.

Bhairavi Vandana..

Shakti, the external manifestation of Shiva, the consciousness, is known (vid) in biological beings through Signaling, Response to stimulus, Reproduction, Adaptation, Organization, Growth, Death, Metabolism, Mind that...

Vedasya thathvam (dedication to mahaperiyava)

mahAperiyava says "Vedic tattvam is more clearly communicated in tamil. Vedas are called 'marai', which means hidden. They are called 'ezhuthaa kilavi' which means 'unwritten verses'.

Shiva mrtyunjaya stotram

When Yama is near, markandeya clings on to Lord Shiva. That action of clinging on to Lord Shiva, provides him liberation.

Aum - The seed of Universe

Science says Big Bang created the energy of Universe, which was followed by 'Inflation/Expansion' of spacetime, in which spacetime expanded hugely. This is called 'Cosmic Inflation'.

Varaha roopam

Whenever 'golden eyed' asuras assault Mother Earth, hide her under their 'rasatala', varAha descends liberating Mother Earth and destroying those Asuras. Vara-Aha means 'pre-eminent or superior'.

Nasadiya Suktam

Rgveda 10.129, nasadiya suktam talks about what could exists beyond the Universe and all its manifestations.

Rudrashtakam

Submit to that one with no attributes, unmoving, omnipresent, formless, behind all matter forms (as energy), behind all life forms (as consciousness), gracious to drink the poison to sustain Universe, blissful faced,...

Paramartha Stuti

In Paramartha stuti, Swami Vedanta desikan praises Lord Vijayaraghava in thiruputkuzhi as the best of the warriors and submits to him.

Lalita pancharatnam

Lalita pancharatnam asks us to submit to Goddess Lalita at the dawn. The whole Universe that is 'seen', all the biological forms that 'see' are manifestations of 'Shakti'.

Sri Raja Rajeswari Stotram

The play of Lalita may appear random to us, but she is playing it at her 'will', thus ruling as 'Raja Rajeswari'.

Sam Gachatvam - 75th Independence anniversary

In any 'organization', the 'values' that people cherish and use to improve their daily ordinary lives acts as a glue aligning people together. A national flag represents such values for a nation.

Classification of Vedic texts..

Classification of vedic texts The vedic scriptures are seen through classification of saMhita, brAhmaNa, Aranyaka and UpaniSat. There are various ideas about what and how these classifications are meant for.

guru pAduka Stotram

Sri Sachidananda Shivabhinava nRsimha bhArati, the 33rd pItathipati of Sringeri mutt, a treasure of learning, who composed several slokas, ever immersed in Atma niStA, travelled all over India along with this guru...

Rgveda 10.191 - Team working

Background Rgveda 10.191 is set in the background of a sacrifice (Yajna) by assembly of priests, in which Agni which is the messenger that takes the oblations to devas, is addressed.

How does consciousness arise..?

I believe in this Universe, there is a 'design pattern' followed for matter evolution and biological evolution. In the last post, I had talked about whatever we call as 'energy' (whatever that is seen).

How did the Universe form..?

If I mix my understanding of vedic scriptures with science with a little bit of imagination, this is how universe/multi-verses keep getting formed. A scalar field is a distribution of a particular scalar quantity.

Ganga Stotram

Shiva is energy, known only through its effects. A sAksi. This energy manifests in various forms, one of which is motion or mechanical energy symbolized by River Ganga.

Tri-gunas - The design principle

dharma are simply laws. Laws of Universe (across all domains), laws of social groups of biological beings, laws made by human beings for their societal evolution.

Radhe Radhe Mukunda Murari (Sant Eknath abhang)

Sant Eknath lived in later part of 1500s, wrote his version of bhagavata purana, ramayana etc apart from various abhangs emphasizing bhakti as the way to jnana. Sant Eknath was from varkari tradition, a Krishna devotee.

The Kashmir Files - A Review

The movie, "The Kashmir Files" has been taking India by storm since its release last weekend.

govinda damodara madhaveti..

nAma japA by mind or by speech helps us to devote our mind, develop bhakti and lead us in the path of jnAnA says mahAperiyavA.

When Panchavati Revealed Itself

P. Desikan This happened on October 3, 2021, when I had turned eighty-five. This gul mohur tree just outside our apartment building that appeared alive and well up to about 5-15 pm that day suddenly got uprooted by the...

jagrta panchakam

Ethnomethodology is the field of study that explains how one sustains ‘reality’. It says there are five features to our reality- reflexivity, coherence, interaction, fragility, and permeability.

sUrya Mandala stotram - What is Pongal festival..?

Carl sagan says “Ancient tamil festival of Pongal is not just celebration of harvest (unlike other festivals), as it marks return of Sun (Uttarayana), leading to earth’s seasonal cycles.

Marriage mantras in grhya sutras

Agnihotram rAmAnuja tattacharyar's book 'Hindu matham enge pogirathu' was discussed in U2Brutus channel.

Ganapati thAlam

Shiva is the ‘white’ (from which all colors diverge). In Universe, Shiva is Energy from which all matter & beings diverge. But we do not perceive energy directly. We perceive Energy through ‘Momentum’, the Shakti.

kanaka dhArA stotram

Analogous to science concepts of today, in matter domain, Shiva is Energy. Vishnu is the property of ‘mass’.

Indus Script Deciphered(?)

This is a very fascinating talk and is the most convincing/logical explanation of the Indus script decipherment that I’ve seen. https://youtu.be/8HXfIUYLxu0

Obscenity in Apastamba sUtras..??

I happened to see this in U2 Brutus channel. At the outset, U2 Brutus is 'opposite' of vedabhasya channel.

A mathematics/physics view of siddhis and realization..

What are siddhis..? what is realization..? There are 'patterns' lurking behind in every aspect of universe.

Harivarasanam

sAstha means ‘conservator’ or ‘chastiser’ one who punishes to conserve dharma. Village deities like Aiyanar (karuppu, muni) punish to ensure people conserve/follow dharma. They are the sAsthAs.

Punnaagavanam

Punnaagavanam P. Desikan Punnai, Punnaagam or Pungam, the Indian laurel tree, known in Sri Lanka as Indian doomba oil tree and in Southeast Asia and Oceania as bintangur, bitaog, tamanu, or kamani, has the binomial...

mahAvIra vaibhavam - raghuvIra gadyam

Vedanta desika, while explaining isavasya upanishad talks about how a person consuming one morsel more than what is needed for sustenance is a thief.

Life, Death, Fractal patterns and spirals, simplicity and complexity

Was on a walk today and noticed the leaves turning yellow as fall sets in. I closely inspected a leaf and noticed that the green in the leaf was gradually shrinking in a fractal pattern much the same as a plant grows in...

Adi Shankara's Brahma jnAna vali mAla

mahAperiyavA says, Brahma vidya is the biggest of the vidyas, which is realizing that all matter/beings are same. It’s not just knowing it intellectually, but realizing it from our ‘self’.

Krishnashtakam (in tamil, essence in english)

Happy Gokulashtami.. A translation of Adi Shankaras 'Vasudeva sutam devam..', sung in tamil, essence in english..

dakSinAmUrti stotram translation

Background Shiva is Energy. Shakti is Momentum. Shiva-Shakti is the Energy-Momentum (EM) couple. Shakti, the Momentum is what is seen outward.

Dholavira, a happy Update

I am copying here a happy announcement by Prof Michel Danino and an equally happy acknowledgement by Dr S Kalyanaraman,both of whom are very well known to Medhavis: Great work, Michel.

Design pattern in our scriptures

Background This post is a summary of understanding of my analysis of scriptures, surfing across them at a top-level. I had made a detailed poston understanding of matter domain, in depth earlier.

Does Rgveda indicate speed of light..?

Background There are a lot of internet 'stories' and 'posters' talking about Rg veda indicating the speed of light. Here is my analysis of it. Rk Veda sloka 1.

True essence of Rig Veda

Sri Sanjiv Sanyal has given an illuminating lecture on the Rig Veda. One realizes after listening to the lecture what Hindus have missed for depending blindly on western scholars to understand the Rig Veda.

maitrim bhajata in tamil

mahAperiyavA's classic 'maitrim bhajata' translated and sung in tamil. It calls for Universal friendship, building human bonds, seeing others as ourselves, giving up war and mindless violence and says that leads to...

Vishnu Shatpadi stotram

Adi Shankara describes six characteristics of Vishnu in Vishnu Shatpadi stotram. The six characteristics of Vishnu described are 1. Vishnu eliminates pride by being our controlling manas that removes mirages we see. 2.

The Reason For Being - Svadharma

There's a term in Japanese - "Ikigai", which roughly translates to "reason for being" which resonates very strongly with me.

Books by Medhavis

[mbm\book\grid id='6323'] Authors [mbm\author\list include\photo="yes" include\bio="yes" group\by\letter="yes" include\blanks="no" display="name"]

Sivashtakam in tamil

zaM’ means welfare, happiness, prosperity. zaM-kara is one who makes this welfare, happiness, prosperity. zaM-bhu is that exists as welfare, happiness and prosperity.

mAdhava panchakam

Madhu is anything that does not ‘expire’ or ‘go bad’ or ‘die’ easily. Hence it indicates honey, liquor or the demon madhu who dies only when he wishes or ‘weak’ force that decays matter slowly.

Totaka ashtakam

Once Shankara waited for one of his disciples to start his talk. Other disciples told Shankara that he is not worth that wait, as he had never talked till then. The disciple arrived, singing with hand-clapping.

manisha panchakam

Manisha panchakam is a set of 5 stanzas that record Adi Shankaracharya's realization of jnana.

How Mouse Live in Holes

How mouse Live in holes by Rishab

Dr. Shweta, the author- a peek inside her world

Dr.Vikram Rajagopal is my classmate from KMC Manipal. He and his wife Dr.Shweta went back to India leaving their cushy jobs in the USA to be caregivers to their aging parents.

Annapoorneswari Stotram

Shiva is Energy. Uma is quiet potential energy and durgA is ‘impassable’ kinetic energy of matter forms. Easwari is the sum of these two, the internal energy of matter forms.

kAsi panchakam

kAsi is a place of learning wisdom and self-realization. Universe is kAsi, our body is kAsi says Adi shankaracharya. Why is kAsi yAtra part of marriage ceremony in many communities.? Watch the melodious song https://www.

Ranganatha panchakam

Oothukadu venkata kavi was a genius personified whose compositions are used by singers, dancers, harikatha exponents et al.

kAla bhairava ashtakam

Shiva is Energy in matter domain. Universe evolves on energy through eight evolutionary processes that are time-irreversible. Time-irreversible means there is no way of realistically reversing these processes.

Guru Ashtakam

When something is incomplete and we don't understand it fully, we ask 'What's (use of) that..?" (tatah kim..?) Guru ashtakam says, without attaching our 'manas' to the feet of 'Guru', nothing is complete.

Dispassion and the Householder's Life

I've been on "the path" for more than two decades now. When I first started, I was reeling from the death of my father, who passed away in the most unexpected manner, literally like a bolt from the blue.

mAyA panchakam

mAyA is the process that creates self-identities (maya) and perspectives (aham-kAra) and thus 'differentiates' (vi-bheda).

Break the Barriers - Another perspective of mahisasura mardhini.

In vedic traditions, all divinities are based on some existing natural force (that's why the multiplicity) and the idea is to invoke those forces in us through bhakti, learn from these forces, to help facilitate evolve.

mahiSasura mardhini stotram

Shiva is the property of Energy. Uma is quiet, potential energy. durgA is impassable the kinetic energy which cannot be made zero (absolute zero impossible). Universe matter forms evolve on the matted hair of Shiva.

Mother is Here!

I can hear the rustling of her saree. I can hear the tinkle of her bangles , the majestic but musical sounds of her silambu ,her voice that calls out to my name and the sweet sound of veena.

My Classical Mechanics teacher

The recent Physics Nobel Prize given to Penrose reminded me of a teacher of mine Professor Amal Kumar Raychoudhury (AKR). I attended his Classical Mechanics course in Presidency College in 1977.

Subrahmanya Bhujangam

Adi Shankaracharya' highlights the characteristics of Subrahmanya or Kanda in bhujangam style, which is like a snake moving on the sides. Subrahmanya means one who is auspicious for brahman, the evolution.

sAdhana panchakam

Universe's evolution is driven by a design pattern of an external observer driving the evolution, just by observation. We call this observer, the Atman and the evolution as Brahman.

nArAyaNi stuti - Translation

[embed]https://youtu.be/CT3wBZmGZGo[/embed] nArAyaNi is the total internal energy of any matter form. nArAyaNi stuti from Devi mahAtmyam.

MahaGanesha Pancharatnam - Translation

[embed]https://youtu.be/LwmxtKjzLbo[/embed] Vinayaga (in matter forms) is 'Work' or 'Action' or 'வினை' in tamil. It is the 'Work' in science parlance as well.

Sri Sankaracharya's arguments against Buddhist philosophy

Shankara's description of Buddhists in his time > Among them there are three schools: some are Sarvastivadins (divided into the Sautantrikas and Vaibhasikas, believing respectively in the inferential and perceptual...

Sri Ramakrishna's teachings on Rishis

Hindu spiritual literature talks about many types of Rishis, Rajarshi, Devarshi and Brahmarshi. Rajarshi means a king who is also a rishi. Devarshi means a god like rishi.

Ashtalakshmi Stotram and Science

[embed]https://youtu.be/XPAt0E6zvDY[/embed] Ashtalakshmi stotram tranlsation in Tamil and essence in English. Ashta-Lakshmis are the eight attributes of matter forms and biological forms. In matter forms.

kAla Bhairava Ashtakam - Translation

The forward only moving ‘Arrow of Time’ or ‘kAla’ is the most frightful divinity in our Universe. ‘kAlA’ is synonymous to ‘death’ because arrow of time and death cannot be reversed.

Lakshmi nRsimha Karavalambam - Translation

Adi Shankara's Lakshmi nRsimha Karavalambam translated to tamil and essence explained in english. [embed]https://youtu.be/5lEWUDN-yoM[/embed]

Shiva Thandava Stotram - Translation

Shiva Thandava Stotram's essence explained in English, while song translated in tamil.

The role of knowledge in spirituality and the destruction of the mind

Most of us here have a practical background, having spent many years in the practice of a meditative method or art (e.g., qigong, yoga, taijiquan, etc).

A lookback at the understanding till now..

Background As I travel through the Vedas and Upanishads, here is a look-back or gist of my understanding, as it stands now. This is a summary of my understanding spread over many blog posts and few of my books.

JNANA YOGA

IN HONOR OF MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE RAMAKRISHNA PULIGANDLA JNANA YOGA James W. Kidd, Ph.D.

A video seminar at Jain University, Bangalore on Vedic Irina and the Rann of Kutch

A video seminar at Jain University, Bangalore on Vedic Irina and the Rann of Kutch P .

Caraka Samhita - Sutra sthAna - dIrghanjIvitIya adhyAyA - Sutras upto 53

In my last post on Ayurveda (1), I had talked about Ayurveda being a framework to analyse a biological body and in particular human beings. Any human body can be seen as a matrix of 1.

Ayurved - A different perspective

Background I am not an ayurved 'doctor' or 'specialist'. I am describing the foundational principles of Ayurved as I understand it. Ayur-ved simply means knowledge of life.

Deblina into Deepavali: Dissolve into the Goddess with color and light!

“আজ নিখিলের আনন্দধারায় ধুইয়ে দাও, মনের কোণের সব দীনতা মলিনতা ধুইয়ে দাও। আমার পরান-বীণায় ঘুমিয়ে আছে অমৃত গান– তার নাইকো বাণী, নাইকো ছন্দ, নাইকো তান। তারে আনন্দের এই জাগরণী ছুঁইয়ে দাও…”(song by Rabindranath Tagore) “In...

Rama Rama Rama Rama

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺 \Sri Rama Rama Rama Rama\ 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞 A thousand Suns rose after mid - noon that day. It was the ninth day of Shukla paksha in Meena maasa. The Sun was past the highest point in the sky - dome.

jyotiSa as vedAnga - Part 1

Predictive modelling is a science of making informed inferences based on data from multi-dimensional sources, correlating them, making models out of them, continuously refining the models with more and more data.

Top-level Summary of Hari,iSa,Asvins

Here is my link to blog on Asvins the electromagnetic field based on Rg veda Mandala 1 Hymn 180 and Hari, iSa and Asvins based on Rg Veda Mandala 1 Hymn 181.

Hari, iSa, Asvins

Background In the past few chapters, we went through 1. Force-fields (Scalar Higgs/Vishnu, Vector/Chakra, Spinor/Conch) (1) 2.

From fundamentals to the boundless: Analysis from Aurobindo,Vivekananda and Tagore

(Episode of Bhakta Prahlada being tortured in many ways Kedareshwara temple, Halebidu, Karnataka) The key thinking of the Upanishads is to find the unity behind the diversity and changes in this apparent life- the...

Ashvins - The Electromagnetic field

Background In the past few chapters, we went through 1. Force-fields (Scalar Higgs/Vishnu, Vector/Chakra, Spinor/Conch) (1) 2.

The black Bamboo

The black Bamboo Partha Desikan The pilgrim had picked me up from a cluster of black bamboos in Kamarupa. He had been using me as a walking stick for miles upon miles.

Just believe Chapter 6

Chapter 6. Believe in the uniqueness of every individual arising from genetic and other native differences influencing responses to life-experiences P.

Newer times turn around perceptions...

Time of the year to turn-around Overwhelm, overcome the moribund Our Sun demonstrates this every year Changes its course to northern hemisphere..

Book Introduction Video - Inspiring Palita Perspsectives

Please do watch and feedback on what the book Inspiring Palita Perspectives talk about..? [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iixzOiD6RvM&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Indra's net ...

What is the mystical Indra's net..? How do I become a node in that net..? A birthday poem for wife's birthday..

Inspiring Palita Perspectives - My new ebook

Hey, my new book (e-books and paperback edition) is out. The subject of the book is, Is there a 'design pattern' in the evolution of Universe..

A case for proper rules of discourse

Over a period of time, having participated in discussions at various online venues, it has become clear that discourse is a topic that is much misunderstood by most netizens on the various internet fora.

How does the prana-prathistha ritual convert a lifeless idol into a living murthi?

Many of the world’s popular religions condemn Idol worship. Hindus counter this by saying that Hindus worship God in a murthi only after the prana-pratistha ritual converts a life-less idol into a living murthi.

Difference between caste and Varnashram Dharma

The last name based caste system is a jati (community) system and is not Varna based system (Varnashram dharma) discussed in foundational Hindu scripture. There is no mention of caste in the Vedas.

What my first novel taught me

UPDATE -- Happy to share the news that my first full length novel is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle eBook format. I've added the links below and the cover image with this post.

Gita's interpretation of varnashramdharma according to Swami Vivekananda

Bhagavad Gita speaks about Varna and not caste. I give below Gita’s Varna interpreted according to Swami Vivekananda’s psychological theory of Varna and as explained by Swami Tapasyananda.

Deepavali - A different perspective

What is Diwali or Deepavali..? Diwali or Deepavali is a festival of lights that heralds a new dawn. In some places it marks the 'birth of Lakshmi (wealth of matter).

Ashtavakra Gita - Sloka 2.1 to 2.7

Background Summary of Chapter 1 'I' or 'You' or 'Self' is just our 'thoughts' and not the physical bodies. Make these thoughts as observers of what's happening around.

Flipped Classrooms and a More Meaningful Education

Introduction: What is Education? We are born with the instinct to survive. Birth, consuming food, reproduction, sleep and death are the cycles which we all live through just as all other creatures do.

Invocation is Worship - An analysis

What is worship..? Worship in Vedic dharma is to get the divine inspiration from the characteristics of 'devatha' in us.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 10 (Catur Sana and Catur Yuga)

Background Rsis of the Vedas are not human beings. But they are symmetry breaking events that originated everything in the Universe (4). The Rsis till now are described here (13) and here (14).

Unchanging Observer drives evolution

Unchanging observer drives the evolution Sa-akSi means 'that eye'. It is the 'witnessing' eye, the eye of 'third party' that is witnessing, but not interacting with what's happening or not changing due to the...

A Shortcut to Meaningful Education: Discussion - 1

Here is the first area that is being put forward for discussion in this forum. Are Schools serving to be the hubs of education? The education system includes close to one and half decades of academic learning.

A Shortcut to Meaningful Education - Introduction

The New Education Policy Draft was made and circulated widely in our country with the education panel asking for feedback and suggestions from one and all.

Description of the various Lokas in Hindu scripture

That Hindu scriptures talk about many lokas is well known. What is not so well known is that there is also some description of these Lokas. I am giving below Vyasa’s commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 3.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 9 (daityAs and dasvathAra)

Image courtesy: Aruna Radhakrishnan - originally posted to Flickr as dashaavathaaram...ദശാവതാരം..., CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5049537 Background purANa means a thing of past.

How do we overcome mAyA..?

The meaning of cakSusa satyata As Brhadharanyaka Upanishad says 'cakSusa satyata'. Observation is Satyata/Existence. The satyata/existence is reality for the observer.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 8

Background How the Universe expanded in Cosmic Inflation epoch and came into existence is explained here (1). In the 'expanded space' (Brahma) rudras (force-fields) manifest one by one.

The world is like a city seen in a mirror

Adi Shankaracharya, in the Dakshinamurthy Stotram, says -- विश्वं दर्पणदृश्यमाननगरीतुल्यं निजान्तर्गतं पश्यन्नात्मनि मायया बहिरिवोद्भूतं यथा निद्रया । यः साक्षात्कुरुते प्रबोधसमये स्वात्मानमेवाद्वयं तस्मै...

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 7

Background When events in the evolution of Universe and matter/energy forms of the early Universe are visualized as human beings, we end up in bizzare descriptions.

Inspired Fellowship

Sunnie D. Kidd and Jim Kidd, Ph.D. This presentation will utilize the Continental Philosophies of Existential Phenomenology and Dialogal Existentialism to uncover and elucidate Inspired Fellowship.

Letting go - The Ashtāvakra way

When I was 3-4 years into my Tai chi journey, my first teacher's recommendation of "letting go" became very real for me.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 6

Background Rsis are symmetry breaking events that originate everything in the Universe. Marici is the Higgs field acquiring Vacuum Expectation Value. Kashyapa is the Electroweak symmetry breaking event.

Medhavi Sessions Episode #2 - With Master Jose Perez, Temple Style Tai Chi

[embed]https://youtu.be/fr9HIf54Xo0[/embed] This is an informal conversation with my master, Sifu Jose Perez. Just calling him a Tai chi master is an understatement.

Ravi ‘Karigar’ Joshi and his Alter Ego, BDB

A comment on your tweet where you had shared the link to our paper presentation at Swadeshi Indology – 3 popped up on my twitter notification.

In memorial- Ravi Joshi, Medhavi

Just found out that Ravi Joshi aka Karigar Medha (on FB), who was a co-founder and crucial member of MedhaJournal, and a dear friend, passed away from a massive cardiac arrest. I’m beyond shocked.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 5

Background How the Universe expanded in Cosmic Inflation epoch and came into existence is explained here (1). The inflation potential (dakSa) interacting with force-fields (panchajani) creates the particles.

Rsis of Vedas - Part 4

Background How the Universe expanded in Cosmic Inflation epoch and came into existence is explained here (1). The inflation potential (dakSa) interacting with force-fields (panchajani) creates the particles.

Why did the Sultan of Ghazny attack Somnath Temple?

Many reasons have been given to explain the reason for the attack on the Somnath Temple by the Sultan of Ghazny.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 3

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 2

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

Just believe Chapter 5

Chapter 5. Believe in being a Conduit rather than a Storage Vessel The reputed Sanskrit grammarian and poet of 5th century CE, Bhartrhari came out in his Shatakatraya poems with his observations and admonitions about...

Children of Immortal Bliss

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of life is? Have you ever pondered why we are here? This world of struggle seems extremely painful where pleasures and suffering go hand in hand What have we done to deserve such...

Plight of East Bengali Hindus in the post 1950 period

Please read this blog https://medhajournal.com/sri-jogendranath-mandals-resignation-letter-to-Khan to understand the situation of Bengali Hindus in the 1930-1950 period.

Rsis of the Vedas - Part 1

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

Sri Jogendranath Mandal's resignation letter to Khan

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46720159 I was recently requested by Medhavis to write something about the plight of Bengali Hindus of East Pakistan.

Why did an advaitavadi like Adi Shankaracharya compose hymns to Saguna Brahman?

Sri Sankaracharya strongly recommended Jnana Yoga. He considered Nirguna Brahman to be the only Reality and Saguna Brahman is not ultimately real. Yet he wrote stirring hymns to different forms of God..

Medhavi Sessions with Eulalio Fabie de Silva (Episode 1)

I'd like to introduce a new video blog series we're starting in The Medha Journal, where we'll post interviews and discussions with different people on various subjects, ranging from Arts, creativity, philosophy to...

maruts- Quanta of force-fields

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

dakSa's sons and daughters - Part 1

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

Should we not conflate the paramārthika (absolute) with the vyavahārika (relative)?

The dual and the non-dual...should the twain never intersect? I find many non-dualist sādhakas admonish ordinary folks such as myself that the non-dual absolute (paramārthika) should never be brought into a dualistic...

Does God care about us?---A Hindu view

The terrible state of the world, the terrorism, injustice, etc, gives rise to the question as to whether God cares about humanity.

Why is Sanskrit considered a Divine language?

Matrika Chakra (from wikimedia commons) Sanskrit is considered a divine language by Hindus. I will give a step by step explanation of the reason why Sanskrit is considered as important in Hinduism.

Do Mantras work?

Japa is repetition of mantra. Mantra (man + tra) means liberating the mind. There are hidden powers in the human mind. These powers are located in Chakras that are present in seed form in every human mind.

The 51 letters of saMskRt and Universe - shakti pIta

Background During the Cosmic inflation epoch, the dark energy scalar field expanded, creating 'space' with vacuum inside it.

Daksha Yajna - Cosmic Inflation and Re-heating

Background The Universe is 'inside' a womb of 'dark energy'. This womb is the Hiranya Garbha. The dark energy is distributed in a dark energy scalar field. This dark energy is the 'Shiva'.

What's more important? Techniques or Meditation?

Techniques/postures/methods are secondary to meditation. They are means to an end.

Did medieval muslim rulers destroy Hindu temples to save Hindus from being looted?

Recently I saw a press report that stated that Imran Khan has said that Sultan Mahmud of Ghazny looted and destroyed Somnath temple in order to stop the looting of Hindu devotees.

The speed of prANa/light - From upanishads and arthasAstra

Background The Universe is 'inside' a womb of 'dark energy'. The dark energy is distributed in a dark energy scalar field. This dark energy is the 'Shiva'. The scalar field is the 'Atmanas' or 'Manas'.

Dark Energy Scalar field - From Brhadharanyaka Upanishad

Background Stri is the vacuum energy that fills the empty space or AkAsa. Rudra are the quantum force-fields that manifest in the vacuum energy. Rudra are the 'rupA' or 'form' of Stri.

Directions - From Brhadharanyaka Upanishad

Background Rudra are the quantum force-fields. prANa are the energy in these force-fields. This energy moves in vacuum of spacetime, without a medium in the force-fields.

Wavefunction Collapse - From Brhadharanyaka Upanishad

Background In the previous blog posts I had talked about vAk a four-fold design pattern in the evolution of Universe. 1.

Consciousness according to Zen Buddhism and how it relates to Advaita Vedanta

In the diagram shown, there are two models of consciousness/being. In fact, on one hand (Left hand side), is a Zen Buddhist model of consciousness, as illustrated in Roshi Philip Kapleau's book titled "Zen: Dawn in the...

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad -Sloka 1.4.16 and 17

Background The Sloka 1.4 of Brhadharanyaka Upanishad traces the evolution (ati-sRsti) from Atma's ichha to split Purusha to the evolution of manuSya.

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.15 and 16

Background Atman establishes Purusha and Stri. The empty space is filled with Stri. Stri are background oscillations of energy that fill the vacuum. Purusha is the 'dark' component (dark energy).

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.11 to 1.4.14

Background Atman establishes Purusha and Stri. The empty space is filled with Stri. Stri are background oscillations of energy that fill the vacuum. Purusha is the 'dark' component (dark energy).

Intolerance, Sabarimalai and Social Change: A Study

Sabarimala - attributed to Saisumanth532 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons A. Background A.1. Sabarimalai.

Non-dual awareness is without attributes. But what about love?

There seems to be an entrenched view among certain groups of spiritual practitioners, that “love” is a “four-lettered word” that needs to be discarded.

Eight epic boss failures

First let me wish all the readers a very happy and prosperous 2019. As we entered this new year, I thought hard about posting this blog.

Vigneswara - The disruptor

Something new is said to be born When existing symmetry is broken or torn Small perturbations break the symmetries Create Universe’s evolutionary opportunities Vigna means perturbation; Cause of disruption Vigneswara...

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.9 to 10

Background The desire (preyas) for Atman that is deep inside in every being is spoken externally, spills out as love (priyam) of other beings also, and thus this desire/love gets 'banked', binding all the matter/beings...

An analysis of sabda and vAk - Part 10 - Finale

Background Starting from Brhthari's vAkyapadiya, Sabda and vAk have the same meaning as in other texts like Rg Veda, Brhadharanyaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad and saMkhya kArika, irrespective of their timelines,...

An analysis of sabda and vAk - Part 9

Background Human beings and Universe have a similar design pattern (1). This design pattern is talked about across all our scriptures from Upanishads to saMkhya kArika. This design pattern is the 'four-fold' vAk.

Why did the British end their occupation of India after their victory in the Second World War?

There are many reasons for Britain leaving India. However, the economic and the military situation seem to have been the main reasons for withdrawal. American pressure also played a role.

When SrI ANDAL wrote her tiruppAvai

Srimati Praveena Anand, a learned scholar of SrIvaishNava lore was on Face Book on December 16, which coincided this year as it does most years with the first day of the Tamil mArgazhi month (mArgasIrsha, dhanus).

Light of Being

Once in between waking and a dream, The blue one came to me… He showed me the secret play of light, which shines for eternity. The light is knowing, the light is being, the light is pure love...

Did Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda say that all religions are same?

Some people claim that Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda say that all religions are same.

Plenary session on Rama

Plenary Session: Professor Ramakrishna Puligandla Retirement Felicitation at the Thirteenth International Congress of Vedanta, 15 September 2002, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio As you know an absolute cannot be...

The sacred Fire of Zarathustra

One day I saw a shining tower In my inner space In that tower was a blazing fire There I saw Zarathustra's face. He asked me to step right in And I did, without a second thought.

Atman and Brahman..

Background The concepts of Atman and Brahman is referred to in the Vedic texts, but are elaborated more in Upanishads. The attempt to Understanding of Upanishads lead to several vedantic philosophies.

An analysis of Sabda and vAk - Part 7

Background vAk - The design pattern Like speech is expression of beings, Universe is the expression of Atman. vAk is that expression. It is four-fold.

Free Will - does it exist? What does Vedanta say?

Our body-mind complex can not and does not have free will. Yet if there is no free will then there will be no way to distinguish between morally good or bad karma.

Learning physics through Vedas and puranas - 3

Background In the last 2 posts on Learning physics through vedas and puranas, here and here, I had talked about concepts of energy, entropy and heat.

Learning Physics from Vedas and Puranas -2

Background I had explained here, thermodynamic concepts of Energy, Entropy and Second law of thermodynamics using the Shiva, Ganapati and Skanda story.

Is modern Hindu dharma in agreement with the teachings of the Rig Veda?

The Rig Veda is supposedly a source text of Hindu Dharma. Yet given the archaic nature of the Rig Vedic Sanskrit and the complete absence of ancient commentaries there is confusion about what exactly the Rig Veda says.

Learning Physics through Vedas and Puranas - 1

Background Energy and Entropy are two key thermodynamic concepts. Let me explain them and the second law of thermodynamics with reference to Shiva/Ganapati/Skanda and their 'jnAna-pazham' story here.

prAna prathisthA - A summary

Background This was my post on prAna prathisthA. Here is a summary of it. idol to mUrti mUrti' is not just an idol. mUrta is that which has settled into a form or shape.

Freedom is in letting go!

Let me start this post by sharing a story I had heard a while back. I don't remember the source so unfortunately cannot share it -- however, it is one of those timeless Indian fables of yore.

iSopanishad - An executive summary

I had written down here my translation of iSa upanishad. This is a brief summary of the main points here. iSa resides in all matter and beings which are born and/or moving in the Universe.

Is religion too dangerous for the modern world? Should it be abandoned?

Religion certainly seems very dangerous in the modern world. The problem with religion is the way it is taught to people.

Isopanishad - Translation and Analysis

Isa Upanishad iSa Upanishad also called iSAvAsya Upanishad has 18 verses. It is part of Shukla Yajur Veda.

Unbroken Samadhi

Deep sleep is like the thoughtless samadhi sensed in that concept-less moment of cognizing paradox, or that space of pause between two breaths. A natural feeling of being, from which one concludes, "I slept.

Why?

Consciousness objectifies itself, as reflections in itself, that it may know itself. A spontaneity devoid of will or assigned meaning wherein its motion and the motionlessness from which it springs, are one.

Why does Advaita call the waking state as dream like and can any aspirant become a Jivanmukta?

There is much confusion about concepts like Maya, the illusory nature of our waking experience. There are many who reject the Advaita claim about the illusory nature of the universe and the waking state.

Avidya - A vAkyapadiya analysis

Background "andham tamah pravisanti ye avidyam upasate tato bhuya iva te tamah ya u vidyayam ratah" - says Isa upanishad. One who is situated/worships/serves avidya enters the blind tamas.

How is the process of rebirth described in the Upanishads?

Chandogya Upanishad discusses the process of rebirth of a Jiva. The whole process of taking birth is very difficult as the following shlokas show: > Residing in that (region of the moon) till they have exhausted (the...

An African Odyssey

Jambo! That is how they say "Hello" in Kenya and Tanzania. The following video is the confluence of some music that I had composed, inspired by glorious sunrises I witnessed during my travels to Kenya and Tanzania in...

Just believe. Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Believe in the Need for Us to think and become a benevolent Link in the Future of Evolution Many if not all living beings are able to seek out light, which benefits them in one or more ways.

An analysis of sabda and vAk - Part 6

Background Like speech is the expression of beings, this Universe is the expression of that Atman. Rg Veda Mandala 1 Hymn 164 talk of four-fold vAk, which is the four-fold expression of Universe.

'We' are the Veda..

Dedicated to Dwai for triggering this In the million years earth has held sway So many beings have come and gone away Like the train of thoughts in your brain Matter and Beings appear, vanish in vain Does a thought try...

Dr Kalyanaraman's Eureka Moment

Dr S Kalyanaraman, the Director of Sarasvati Research Institute, Chennai has done elaborate work on reading the hypertexts available from a very large number of artifacts found in the Sindhu Sarasvati archaeological...

Close encounters of the Fourth kind

Indic traditions have long held that waking, dreaming and deep sleep are three conditions that appear and disappear in pure consciousness.

Conceptual difference between the Vedantic and the Semetic God and the reason for the difference

Swami Tapasyananda discusses the conceptual difference between Vedantic diety and the monothesitic deity of Abrahamic faiths.

Sunrise over the golden way

[embed]https://soundcloud.com/dwai-lahiri/sunrise-over-the-goldenway[/embed]

I am what you are

As the day comes to an end And darkness creeps in When the edges between day and night start to quiver and spin Look up to the horizon see the majestic skies half awake and half asleep a palette of colors before your...

An analysis of Sabda and vak - Part 5

Background Rg Veda Mandala 1 Hymn 164, Upanishad and vAkyapaidya talk of four-fold vAk. Rg Veda Mandala1 Hymn 164 says what is being talked about as Indra, Agni, vAyu are all those in the fourth stage only.

An analysis of sabda and vAk - Part 4

Background Like speech is the expression of beings, this Universe is the expression of that Atman. Like speech carries the 'knowledge', the Universe carries the 'matter' forms.

When Sooltan Mahmood Khilji of Malwa made Hindoos eat their gods

Secularists do not want to acknowledge the mayhem caused by Muslim rulers to Hindus and their temples.

Dr RN Iyengar

More than a decade ago I got into touch with this fantastic master of many branches of knowledge, Dr R N Iyengar, to clear some doubts I had in the the geography of Bharatavarsha as depicted in Valmiki Ramayana.

The Unbroken Samādhī underlying thoughts

In course of many years of meandering in the world of spiritual practices and beliefs, I eventually found a home that made perfect sense and confirmed the intuitive understandings and knowledge that arose from time to...

An analysis of sabda and vak - Part 3

Background Sabda are simply oscillations. Sabda at first is para. Sabda exists in AkAsa. In Universe's expression AkAsa is the cosmic space, the vacuum. In Human expression, AkAsa is the sky filled with atmosphere/air.

An analysis of sabda and vAk - Part 2

Background In the last part, my analysis was focused on vakypadiya(4). Reference to sabda and vAk are present in Vedas, Upanishads and Vedanta.

Just believe. Chapter 3. Believe in your Biological Clock and its Circadian Rhythm

Chapter 3. Believe in your Biological Clock and its Circadian Rhythm When a machine in use develops a malfunction, which prevents its use or makes such use less than efficient, we stop its use and have a knowledgeable...

Education Revamp in Bharata: 2. EVOLUTION OF BHARATĪYA EDUCATION

In the introductory part, we gave a practical definition to education and the present scenario in Bharatîya formal education system.

An analysis of zabda and vAk - Part 1

Background The Universe’s expression (call it the expression of the Atman) and human expression (of Speech) follow the same pattern.

Thematic Methodology

Sunnie D. Kidd Jim Kidd, Ph.D. Using a thematic methodology in qualitative research offers opportunities to expand the already established horizons of knowledge.

zrAddha - A new perspective..

I have dealt with pancha mahA yajnAs here I am addressing the question on funeral rites in that background. Evolution of manuSya The Universe is a ‘Yajna’ a sacrifice performed by Atma, sacrificing a Purusha.

Daoist themes in teaching

James W. Kidd, Ph.D. The Daoist themes presented here are based on the thought and expression of Chuang Tzu (399-295). They transcend the mundane world yet are always in the depth of life.

Education Revamp in Bharata: 1. INTRODUCTION

This series is a humble attempt to create a solid framework that has been worked upon by me towards a better and more effective education system.

Medhatithi and his refutation of the Sati Pratha

Hindus are attacked for the prevalence of Sati pratha among Hindus.As far as I know there is no Hindu philosophy that supports Sati Pratha.

You are enough

Humankind has always been obsessed with measuring everything. Everything needs to have a metric and needs to be calculated to the very last detail.

The Vedas Revisited: Paurusheya/ Apaurusheya, Anitya/Nitya??

A. Introduction: A.1. Recently I came across this article by Dr. Nicholas Kazanas, in which he ‘proves’ that nityatva/ apaurusheyatva (‘eternality/universality’ and ‘non-humanness’) exist in all languages and thus all...

The pancha mahA yajnA..

Background Yajna means a sacrifice. Sacrifice is not just an act of giving up ownership, but dedicating that giving up of ownership to a larger purpose.

Asramas and Physical Development..

Background The term Varna Asrama Dharma invokes a picture of backward, regressive social system in which some people enjoyed a higher social status due to their birth while many were enslaved.

Just believe

Chapter 2. Believe in Nature and align with it to the extent possible. A new born baby learns very soon to look for and find comfort in the loving gaze and warm touch of its mother and the nourishment she offers it...

Prabhasa Tirtha

In Bharatiya tradition, when a large river in the course of its flow forks out clearly enough into two streams, either one or both of which being named differently from the mother river, the forking spot is considered a...

Asramas in dharmasutras and manu smrti

Srautasutras, Grhyasutras and Dharmasutras Sutras are short expositions of a basic truth. Each sutra connects to the previous and following thereby forming a chain of truths.

Just Believe: Foreword and Chapter 1

Just Believe P. Desikan Foreword Every man believes that whatever he believes in is either true, or should be true, because otherwise he would not be believing in it.

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.8

Background - Sloka 1.4.1 to 1.4.7 Atma existed before any kinds of Purusa. Atma is the ‘manas’ as it ‘sees itself. It was all alone. It is also the ‘aham’ that exists before any expression.

What Happened? Nothing!

This is a complex topic to consider for sure. Why complex? Because it posits a paralyzingly simple possibility.

Realizing Atma - Part 2 - Br Up 4.4.23

Background The Atma that the pravrAjina/brAhmana desire to realize, for which they wander/perform Yajna/dAna/destructive tapas or learn verses, is not capturable, not perceivable, not attachable, not interactive, not...

Realizing Atma - Part 1 - Br Up 4.4.22

Background Asrama is a dharma, the law of the Universe. Whether one wishes or not they get subjected to this dharma. To be happy, it is better we understand this dharma and align our living to this dharma.

Gauging the message by the messenger - are you a hypocrite?

We have this acquired tendency to gauge the value of a message based on the appearance of the person bearing the message. If you (reader) claim that you don't judge the message by its messenger, you are simply lying.

When were you not the Self?

This is nice video by Advaitin James Swartz, titled "Advanced Argument for Enlightened People", as part of a discussion on the Panćadaśi.

Advice on Morality and Ethics in Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavata Purana

By Ramanarayanadatta astri I am posting here excerpts from Mahabharata discussion on ethics. Vidura was a wise man and gave a series of advice to Dhritarashta. I have posted below some excerpts from Vidura's advice.

Aitareya Upanishad - Sloka 5 - prajnAnAm Brahma

The series of 'jnA' - the 'to know' 1. jnA is knowing 2. pra-jnA means before knowing or the 'first' of knowing, the 'prominent' knowing etc. 1. prajnA is awareness. It is the stage before 'knowing'. 2.

The Art of Listening

In a recent trip to Africa, we saw animals in their natural habitats, zebras in the grasslands of Masai Mara, Impala, Thomson's Gazelles, Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, and so on.

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.7

Background Atma tore apart Stri, established the 'Svah' (the heavens) which was just AkAsa (empty space or vacuum) and fills the AkAsa wtih Stri. On Stri, all production occurs in pairs.

How do I find a Guru - By Swami Sarvapriyananda

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuOHxzJbhHU[/embed]

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.6

Summary till now Atma tore apart Purusha and Stri. It establishes the Sva (the heavens) which was Akasa the empty space or vaccum, so swiftly, like a pea split into half. Stri becomes filled in vacuum or empty space.

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.5

Summary till now Atma tore apart Purusha and Stri due to 'desire' or 'iccha' to enjoy (rame) and not due to fear. Of these purusha does not have desire to manifest. Stri becomes filled in vacuum or empty space.

Tai Chi as a practical tool for Self realization

I was traveling with two friends over the weekend to and from our Master's home in Wisconsin. The drive was long and my friend Juan was riding next to me as I drove the car.

Some difficult questions answered about Brahman and Advaita

down vote[Some say, Brahman is everything. Does this mean, even non living objects like rocks, mountains, rivers, chairs, cars, are they all Brahman?][Some say, Brahman is everything.

Most people misunderstand what Atman means

Now you might accuse me of flogging an already dead horse, but I'd like to suggest that "this" is not the same as the "horse" that is considered already dead.

Brhadharanyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.4

Summary till now Atma existed before any kinds of Purusa. Atma is the ‘manas’ as it ‘sees itself. It was all alone. It is also the ‘aham’ that exists before any expression.

Brhadharanya Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.2 and Sloka 1.4.3

Sloka 1.4.2 sa abibhet tasmād ekākī bibheti; sa ha ayam īkṣāṃ cakre, yat mad anyan nāsti, kaṣma annu bibhema īti, tata evāsya bhayaṃ vīyāya, kasma addhyabheṣyat dvitīyādvai bhayaṃ bhavati Translation That (sa) became...

Brhadaranyaka Upanishad - Sloka 1.4.1

Background This is my translation and understanding of Sloka 1.4.1 to 1.4.17 of Brhad Aranyaka Upanishad. The sloka 1.4.10 of this Upanishad has the mahAvAkya 'Aham brahma asmi'.

THE DYNAMIC ASPECTS OF INSPIRATION: An Essay on the Phenomenon of Authentically Being Inspired

Sunnie D. Kidd James W. Kidd, Ph.D. Preface Henri Bergson once said “always follow your inspiration.” We have found this to be true. Inspiration is the human being’s most creative act.

Mind in Vedantic and Buddhist thought

Vedanta and Buddhism differ on the existence of the Self. While Vedanta affirms, Buddhism denies the existence of the Self.

tat tvam asi - What does it mean..?

Question Refer the mahAvAkya 'tat tvam asi'. If everything is Atman/Brahman then who is surrendering to whom..? What is the need for surrender..? My thoughts Let's analyse in what context it is said.

Seashore Philosophy: A living example of Taoism

James W. Kidd, Ph.D. This presentation of Taoism will be placed in relation to Hermeneutic Phenomenology. It begins in San Francisco, the western edge. From here where does one go? This is it.

The Divine Artist by Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda's lectures are phenomenal. I would strongly recommend watching these sermons.

Why the absolute or true self is self aware, eternal and empty yet full...

So first we have to get to know the seer who is seeing the seen - the witness. This seer, when trying to see itself as its own object, goes into an infinite loop of whether the object and the subject are dependently...

Zhan Zhuang - Standing Meditation

Stand in the posture, your feet like tree-trunks. Tuck your tail, round your back, raise your crown. Breath into the lower elixir field, your mind will slow down and finally stop.

Kalisantaranopanishad

Kalisantaranopanishad Partha Desikan This is a sweet little upanishad containing about twenty sentences. Its name means, the upanishad for crossing Kali with.

The Tai Chi Field

With time and increasing sung (relaxation) and ting (sensitivity), we can start to feel the energies outside our body limits. We begin to feel like we are inside a sphere of energy that spans several feet around us.

Sri Rama Rama Rama

Question Why does Isvara tell pArvati 'Sri rAma rAma rAma iti rame rAme manorame sahasra nAma tatulyam rAma nAma varAnane".

The process of rebirth

The whole process of taking birth is very difficult as the following shlokas show: > Residing in that (region of the moon) till they have exhausted (the results of action) [1] they then return [2] again [3] the same way...

Being Effortless in Meditation

| | | --- | | | | Tai chi stance meditation | In Temple style Tai Chi and Dao Gong practice, we often hear the phrase "Not too much, not too little" being used.

Eastern Intuition and Western Cognition: Where and how do they meet?

Let me if you please begin with a quote from Ramakrishna Puligandla which succinctly sets the ground for international research in Asian and Comparative Philosophy: > To understand a people and its culture is to...

After “waking”, realize that no one was really asleep!

People are mystified with or annoyed at people who have woken up making statements like “all you need is to be silent/still” or “nothing needs to be done”.

How different is Buddha's teaching from Vedanta on the after world, gods and the Ultimate Reality?

Buddha clearly said that there are gods. > When this was said, the brahmin student Sangarava said to the Blessed One: “Master Gotama’s striving was unfaltering.

Revival of The Medha Journal

As I worked through the revival of The Medha Journal, it didn't seem like a lot of time had passed since we had taken the website down.

Shiva lingam and its meaning

Why is Shiva worshipped as a Lingam? The answer is that the Saivites use the linga form to signify nameless and formless aspects of the deity. > Sages said:- 8. Everywhere the deities are worshipped only in their image.

Sometimes we need the spiritual milestones and the signposts

It is said that one should not fixate on experiences in the spiritual path. The seeking for spiritual succor, which is in essence a quest for ending of suffering, is not an easy path for those of us who are caught up in...

Why is Hinduism not a religion but a way of life?

Hinduism says that there are four goals of life, dharma, artha (wealth), kama (desire) and moksha. Many Hindus concentrate on the first three goals.

Hindu attitude towards scripture

Hindus regard their scripture merely as a spoon and not the food that is eaten with the spoon. So the food can still be eaten even if the spoon is defective.

Description of Brahman in our scriptures and according to great spiritual figures

The word god does not quite represent the Hindu concept of the Divine. It is better to think in terms of the Ultimate Reality which is called Brahman.

Paramam yo Mahat

Parthasarathy Desikan Kim japan muchyate jantu: janmasamsaarabandhanaat? wonders Yudhishthira and asks Bhishma this question which has haunted many many minds before him and would continue to so haunt for millennia...

The illusory universe and its purpose

Jnana Yoga talks of the illusory nature of the world. What does this mean? This world is projected by Maya Shakti of Brahman.

The Good, the Bad and The Self-Aware

We often hear the terms "Absolute Good" or "Absolute Evil" being used in context of some historical figure or another. When we are based on a dualistic world view, yes there well might be such absolute dualities.

What happens after death?

Nothing happens to the Atman which is merely a witness. It is the subtle body that is affected by death.Check Gita 2.17-2.22 for the answer to your question. For example, Gita 2.

The Heart heals the Head

As human beings, we have a unique ability that seems to be missing from the rest of the animal kingdom, on Earth.

The problem of evil in Hindu thought

Hinduism does not invoke a Satan to account for evil. Both good and bad are properties of a dualistic world. They are anthropomorphic ideas and do not apply to the Divine.

The absurd Truth, hiding in plain sight

Let me attempt to document the journey of a spiritual seeker in brief. Chasing Pleasure 1. Individual experiences pains and pleasures in life. 2.

What is Karma Yoga and how can it be practiced?

A person practices Karma Yoga when his work benefits other peopleand the work is done without caring about the result or name, fame, promotion, wealth etc. This type of work is called nishkama karma.

Is it possible for an ordinary person to become enlightened without raising Kundalini?

The answer is no. > 'Thus the rousing of the Kundalini is the one and only wayto attaining Divine Wisdom, superconscious perception, realisation of the spirit.

Who is right, Sankaracharya or Ramanuja?

Vedanta, the most popular school in Hinduism, has many schools. The principal two schools are Advaita Vedanta of Sankaracharya and Vishishtadvaita of Ramanujacharya. Their interpretations are significantly different.

Dao and Brahman - They are Non-Different

The Chinese original spiritual tradition is Daoism. It is old. Perhaps not as old as the Vedas, but there are Daoist texts from as early as 2500 BCE. Most people don’t understand what Daoism entails.

The Authority of Brahmasutra

Parthasarathy Desikan In the XIII chapter of the Gita, Sri Krishna talks to Arjuna about the knowledge that the wise have about the human body. Kshetrajnas know the human body to be a very special field, the Kshetra.

Role of reason in Hindu dharma

Should we believe blindly anything written in Hindus scripture? Does reason play any role in interpreting Hindu scripture? This is what Swami Vivekananda has written about Hindu dharma.

You are never not That

How else can it be? The infinitude of everything rises from a big reservoir of no-thingness. The infinite everything is like while light, containing in itself all the colors.

Gita on sameness of god

I am writing this to supplement the post 'Is the truth one? So what if the wise call it by different names?' In that article Rig Veda 1.

The Root Triputi (Triad)

> "Abiding in the Self means the dropping away of subject, object and false identification with the body, the root and source of all suffering.

Dao series: Not too much, not too little - How much effort is enough effort?

In Temple style Tai Chi and Dao Gong practice, we often hear the phrase "Not too much, not too little" being used.

Experiences on the way to moksha

There are two approaches to moksha. One approach is to directly try to attain moksha. Jnana Yogis try to do that. There is another approach called the path of krama mukti or gradual liberation by stages.

Is the Truth One? So what if the wise call it by different names?

There is a trend these days of claiming that the Rg Veda 1.164.46 verse has been "appropriated" and is being "misused"by those who are called "The Sameness Myth Perpetrators".

The via negativa path to moksha

The via negativa path is the neti neti (not this, not this) path of Jnana Marga. > No one can say with finality that God is only 'this' and nothing else. He is formless and again He has forms.

Moksha as viewed in Hindu scripture

We know that moksha is the most important of the purusharthas (goals) of life according to Hinduism. Thus it would be nice to know what Hindus scriptures say about it. Here are some passages explaining moksha.

The power of Good company

In spiritual traditions we often hear the term "Satsang" being used. It is considered highly needed for seekers in the spiritual path.

Resting in the witness - Constant meditation

In course of meditation such as breath observation or any repetitive action (preferably done in a relaxed manner), the mind naturally tends to wander (even running tends to do that, and is true for walking as well).

Trying to objectify Reality - Is it Spirituality?

That our normal "reality" is formed by objects is an understatement. However, at a spiritual level, we claim our focus is turned inward (albeit I'm not referring to those who seek God outside in the heavens somewhere).

Effortless Action arising spontaneously

In Daoism and Vedantic tradition, there is a term used for effortless action, which arises spontaneously. This is possible when personal doer-ship is not the primary driver or engine for action anymore.

Who am I?

I was reflecting on my "Who am I?" meditation, which I undertook in somewhat of skeptical manner, after re-re-re-reading Ramana Maharshi's collected works of his teachings and "Be as you are".

the deacon

i recall a pastor the decon from philadelphia said in mass 'a man can only serve one master'... interesting pun how so then does a man greet his peers for he may have many masters... a catholic proverb...

Ramo madhurah Sita madhuraa

Ramo madhurah, Sita madhuraa Partha Desikan In his very widely read Shri Sai Satcharita, Shri Hemadpant highlights a small but graphic discourse by the Shirdi saint, in which the latter extols the path of devotion as...

sunfish and pilot whales

40 miles offshore trolling a weed line catching dorado (mahi mahi) and best of all we saw a sunfish finning and idled up on a pod of 350 to 400 pilot whales the mythological sunfish and pilots whales averaging 250 to...

sails at conch

calm day out front running to the bait patch in the heidi baby we caught ballyhoo fast that morning we anchored on a patch and made a few quick throws with the ten foot net me and jose our wells were round live wells...

Bay Jam

hit practice at bay jam practicing my serve to reggae beats tennis landing more and more shots in play went to whale harbor for a pink lemonade and had the cracked conch three cups of pink lemonade and fried conch...

hemingway soren kierkegaard srila prabhupad and satsvarupa

books are the key even if they sell for $3 dollars i listed my favorite authors soren kierkegaard srila prabhupad ernest hemingway and satsvarupa now how i've collected all of these books is a long list of library...

river ducks

early morning in zion grove sipping on coffee gathering our steel shot and decoys in the dark loading our gear into the boston whaler marty "i got the good java!" we each had a thomas thermos to take with us for the...

Aditya Hrdayam Again - Part 2

ropebond Background Vedas, in my view and study are a more in-depth literature that unites science, history and our day-to-day life.

A Profile of the Background of India’s Young by Raghbendra Jha

When the results of the 2011 Census of India were announced two factors were most noticed: (i) a reduction in the total fertility rate from 2.9 in 2001 to 2.62 in 2011, and (ii) deterioration in the gender balance, i.e.

Vivekananda's 150 year Legacy, and where are the Hindus?

Introduction One of the worlds most towering spiritual figures for the past few centuries celebrates his 150th anniversary this year. Swami Vivekananda needs no introduction to most readers.

Aditya Hrdayam Again - Part 1

Background I had written about Aditya Hrdayam in a similar but not exactly same fashion few years back.

Swami Vivekananda’s relevance to Contemporary Economic Problems

When I was asked to speak at a forum to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda I began to wonder what I, as a hard core practitioner of the dismal science of economics, could say about Swami...

yes i'm being followed by a moonshadow

i've bee battling scizophrienia for almost 14 years now... my first trip to a psychologist was after an LSD arrest in bloomsburg in '96 before my senior year in high school...

Prominent Academics and Dialogue on Being Different

The book "Being Different - An Indian challenge to Western Universalism" is blazing a trail of sparking interest & discussions across all levels of readers interested in Hinduism and Dhharmic thought.

Rajiv's Response to Gier

Response to Nicholas F. Gier I am deeply appreciative of the close reading and serious attention Nicholas Gier has brought to Being Different, and for his agreement with its general purpose and intent.

Rajiv's Response to Yelle

Response to Robert Yelle India is an amazingly fertile crucible, being the birthplace of the largest number of modern faiths outside the Abrahamic religions.

The Clash over Coherence: Rajiv's Response to Larson

The Clash over Coherence: Author’s Response to Larson Recently, I was invited to the ashram of a prominent Hindu guru in the US, where a Jewish American professor of Hinduism at a US university was explaining what she...

jovial sun

breaking claws in my fingers and nibbling on stone's i see swift feet i see a braided crown and a glow to a face beaming like the jovial sun queens jestor miracle of life dazed and confused one finds clarity like a...

Aspects of Hinduism-Origin, Development, and Comparison with Abrahamic Traditions

{ Medha Editor's Note: Below is the Paper based on which Dr Puligandla gave his recent talk - 20th Feb 2013 - at the annual East-West Lecture Series at the University OF Toledo.

Romila Thapar on Shakuntala

In a mail group,known as [The Becoming], Sri Venkat (Ah Venkitesh) drew the attention of fellow members to an excellent critique of Romila Thapar's literary efforts, by providing as an attachment, Chapter 15 of Volume...

Vivekananda-s-Ideas-Two-revolutions-in-Western-Thought

Editor's note: Below is an important article Rajiv wrote on Swami Vivekananda that shows his not-so-well known influence and his importance to western philosophy today.

Solitude

The confused mind thrown hither and thither In life, alone yet seeking here one and there another Where it may project its own self And then dwell like a reflection in the mirror True to life, yet not alive… So is the...

jim's blog

yin (feminine energy) explodes like a bomb a mans true mastery (yang) is the numbing effect of his (yin) and the wave of energy he is traversing on you know i clasp my hands and pray what drives a man mad is what he...

Raja-Yoga

Raja-yoga Whenever we think of Raja-yoga we think of eight-limbed (ashtanga) path mentioned in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras in Samkhya tradition.

athene's blog

god is my vehicle yeilds to my rain dance creates the weather god answers my prayers and always watches out for me and yeah she's pretty what yajnas do you perform i know mine i'm not crying i'm loving my deity inti...

sweet dreams

i was coaching hockey practice in a dream and a dropdead gorgeous blond newsreporter was there to interview me... i had the kids playing soccer on skates...

a blustery morning

penelope "hold on a minute i'll be right there" jack "hi" penelope "hi" jack "hey is anybody yellowtail fishing at night" penelope "what do you mean" jack "are the boats going commercial fishing at night" penelope "well...

japa notes 'Matsya the Tortoise and the Buddha'

In bhakti yoga we make our connection to Krishna our spark and flame that ignites that binds us to Godhead. I live in a fishing village so Matsya the fish incarnation or Kurma the tortoise are very manifest.

The Eleventh Dimension..

I could sense that I was moving very fast. I looked all around. I could identify many people. Am I in a train...? I couldn't decide.. Am I in some kind of spaceship..? Probably.. I tried to figure out where I am.

The Puranic Ganapati..

The Puranic Ganapati Sloka The Puranic Ganapati derived its form and shape from the Rg Veda Ganapati. Probably people depicted the form and shape of Ganapati from the descriptions of Ganapati.

The Little Puddle

The Little Puddle He is coming with us today to the grazing fields. He is barely two; He runs so fast his feet never touch the ground. His high pitched child’s voice babbles about this or that excitedly all the time.

The Rg Veda Ganapati

Introduction Ganapati is the 'Brain' of us. This was my explanation for the stotra starting 'Suklam Bhartram Vishnum'.

Eleven Names Of Rudra - Sarveswara

Background Several Puranas are actually a continuation of the Vedas. While Vedas seem to be raw knowledge as heard, Puranas are simplified story versions that often continue the Vedic knowledge in a simplified way that...

Who is Vinayaga ..? - Happy Vinayaga Chaturthi..

Vinayaga Chaturthi is being celebrated today with a lot of fervor today. Happy Vinayaga Chaturthi. Vedic dharma in my view, if properly understood, is the most scientific and a rational dharma.

Tirukkural, Puzzles and Solutions- A psychological viewpoint- A Book Review

Tirukkural, Puzzles and Solutions- A psychological viewpoint (TirukkuraL, PuthirgaLum TheervugaLum- Or uLaviyal paarvai) A book in Tamil by Prof. R. Venkatachalam.

Eleven names of Rudra - Neelakhanta

Introduction Several of our puranas, in my view, are actually cosmic events that have been put in the form of an ‘understandable’ story to a target audience.

Vedanta Desika-Sri Garudadandakam

Introduction by Senior Medhavi Dr Partha Desikan Sri Vedanta Desika (Swami Desika, Swami Vedanta Desika, Thoopul Nigamaanta Desika) (1269–1370) was a Sri Vaishnava Gurushreshtha.

Eleven names of Rudra - Trikagni Kala

Introduction The eleven names of Rudra correspond to eleven forces that are in nature and those that make up the cosmic space as we perceive it.

Eleven names of Rudra - Tripurantaka

In the Rudram Namakam, the Eleven Rudras are praised as follows with Eleven names.

'star queen' part two

...so the first time i was at sweat records was with lizzy pitch first time in lemon city... later on i met kimmy drake my trendi record store friend of beach day... sweat records has the best soy milk coffee in miami...

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 23

Background In the Vedic literature, Devas are explicitly expressed forces that carry the evolution, while asuras are hidden forces .

Advaita, Buddhism Revisited

I've not blogged in a long time...so here is a very short post with a link to a forum discussion that follows several year's prior discussion both on The Medhajournal and The Tao Bums regarding Advaita Vedanta and...

Hey, Higgs is in Vedas..

Eleven Forces that evolve from Atma In 2008, I wrote an explanation for Aitareya Upanishad, which talks about the evolution of Universe from Atman. Refer my blog here. http://thebigthinkg.sulekha.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 22

Background Let’s go through the Rig vedic references to Varna names which will give us a sense of how these Varna names came about. That would set clear the real meaning behind the Varna name.

'star queen' part one

coyote jack's um i think one of the things to keep in mind is um ya know how we got started on our path and ya know where we were at before if we keep in mind where we were before if we were in a different town or city...

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 21

Background All through the Rig veda the references to Aryas and Sudasas depict Aryas as givers and Sudasas as receivers.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 20

Background What does Arya mean..? In this series I am arguing that Arya is not a race, but a civilizational identity based on various scriptures.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 19

Background Knowledge and ‘History’ are synonymous in some dimensions. The moment an information that is extremely useful to our evolution becomes available and understable to people, it is knowledge as well as history.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 18

Background The Varna Asrama Dharma that I have been writing about in this series is different from what is viewed as Varna Asrama Dharma.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 17

Background Varna Asrama Dharma is a law of societies at all times. If we understand a law we will make better use of it. Same is the case with Varna Asrama Dharma.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 16

Background Interpretations often come up based on personal perceptions. It is very hard to interpret a data without an element of ‘bias’ going into it. The data as it exists is ‘fact’. It has no properties or attributes.

ida

a gloom falls over me and my eyes turn grey as a stone the light feeling i had is gone i shivered in joy and watched a fairy tale unfold sometimes when it is raining down on us we see our faith is true the beacon in a...

the portal

nipping on flower buds chanting krishna i see the sunlight beam in through the windows and the open door the air is brisk good for breathing a sudden glimps though the looking glass and the eyes of a hawk that soars...

sleep on a rosary

> walk backwards up the staircase > and fall far below > face the darkness > into the depths of night > light a wax candle > and leave it on the window sil > so wayfarers yeild > and wic away the ghosts and goblins >...

the owl see's me

> when i see a hawk i see her face > > > when i see her blouse slip off of her shoulder i see her feet in the clouds > > > someone has made a landing > > > there to lift me up > > > to see if i have fallen > > > winged...

Kulasekhara’s Garland for Mukunda

Introduction by Senior Medhavi Dr Partha Desikan Sri Garudadwajan on Kulasekhara’s Garland for Mukunda Partha Desikan In January 2009, in my blog in these pages on Parashurama Kshetra (Part 4), I was able to talk about...

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 15

Background In the Vedic approach, everything evolved out of the Atma that existed before everything.

INTERVIEW: Rajiv Malhotra on where his work fits within the Hindu tradition

Medha Editor Note: Below was first published at: Re-published here for wider circulation of this clear articulation of his position by author, the "Medha Geopolitical Guru" Rajiv Malhotra.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 14

Background In the process of evolution of intelligence, convergence and divergence are the tools. Our thoughts, value systems, philosophies converge and diverge all the time, giving rise to new mosaic of systems ever.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 13

Background Logic is a function of time. What was logical at one time becomes illogical at another time and vice-versa, as knowledge keeps evolving.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 12

Background Culture is institutionalized learning. We transfer our learning and experiences as culture to the next generation. Hence culture is highly susceptible to change.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 11

Background As I have been writing, the four Varnas (Knowledge Providers, Service Providers, Material Providers and Labor) are present in any societal structure.

Response to Nay Sayers on Interfaith Engagement

Vijaya Rajiva (like Sandhya Jain, on whom I've written before) has been around for a long time, so it is difficult for me to write what I write below.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 10

Background I think the basic flaw is in understanding Aryan as a Race, while it is NOT. It is a Civilization that could have been adopted by any set of people.

The Strange Case of Vijaya Rajiva's Back Seat Attacks

A few months ago, Rajiv Malhotra published his groundbreaking book, Being Different: An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 9

Background I had talked about Varna and Asrama in detail in the previous chapters. These are stark truths that do not require much evidences in general.

West Mambalam remembers MC with Love

West Mambalam remembers MC with Love Partha Desikan Addressing a gathering at Chennai on the occasion of the birth centenary celebrations of M C Subrahmanyam, founder of The Public Health Centre at West Mambalam, on...

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 8

Background I had talked about the THREE types of professions based on learning and a profession just based on labor that are prevalent in the world at all times.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 7

Background Before I move on to Aryan society evolution, I thought I would share some modern data on innovators and also some thoughts on real Sanyasa Asrama.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 6

Background In the last chapter we saw how the Asrama system was tuned to human developmental needs. Brahmacharya is the stage when brain development and learning happens.

Words of MahaManas

“Becoming fully developed human being –is the aim of our life and it is the chief object of 'MahaDharma' –the way of real life.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 5

Background The term Varna Asrama Dharma invokes a picture of backward, regressive social system in which some people enjoyed a higher social status due to their birth while many were enslaved.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 4

Background The Varna system in which social beings either drive the A) evolution/knowledge levels of society or B) Provide service to society or C) Provide goods to society by exploiting natural resources was derived...

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 3

Background The Varnas or professional types are a manifestation of the Gunas. The entire Universe can be seen as an interplay of purusha, prakrti and gunas.

Being Different-Book Positioning

Dear friends, ... I wanted to share some thoughts below regarding what reader segments are targeted by the book, and what I hope it offers each of them.

Being Different-Book Reviews

Medha Editor Note: In its attempt to keep readers updated on the activities regarding this seminal book, we publish below a few important reviews of the book by influential academicians & leaders.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 2

Background People know about Varna Asrama Dharma through the Caste System. The Caste System as it was practiced in India went from social aggregation to segregation and outright discrimination based on one’s birth.

The Eternal Varna Asrama Dharma - Part 1

Background I had presented a paper during the WAVES 2011 Conference on Varna, Jati and Kula. I plan to elaborate it with lot more explanations as a series of blogs.

Sarva Jana Sandhya Vandanam - For everyone

Background Life on this planet becomes more complex as intelligence evolves. This poses a challenge to the evolution of intelligence itself, as mind aspires far beyond the capabilities of our body and the environment.

BRAHMA KAMAL blooms in Bangalore

Brahma Kamal blooms in Bangalore "Epiphyllum oxypetalum "or "Night blooming Cereus". The flower blooms once in a year which makes it auspicious.

Laghu Sandhya Vandanam (LSV) -The Concise TSV

Background Life on this planet becomes more complex as intelligence evolves. This poses a challenge to the evolution of intelligence itself, as mind aspires far beyond the capabilities of our body and the environment.

Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya

Wishing all medhavis a very happy and prosperous Deepawali ! May we all move steadily towards light. asato ma sadgamaya tamaso ma jyotirgamaya mrtyorma amrtam gamaya Lead me from the asat to the sat.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Samarpana and Raksha

Background In the last blog on Surya Narayana Mantra, I had talked about Namaskara and Samarpana. We perform Namaskara to Elders from whom we learn.

New Book:Being Different

'I am simply using the dharmic perspective to reverse the analytical gaze which normally goes from West to East and unconsciously privileges the former.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Surya Narayana Vandanam

Background Sandhya Vandanam is a procedure that provides big and balanced thinking. Big and Balanced thinking is required for learning and evolution.

The Green Guava

It was a near miss, this fruit But when the wretched owner of the orchard Looked away, I managed to grab it It looks green, firm and shiny.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Harihara Vandanam

Background Anna Hazare, had talked about five important goals to be like ‘Anna’. They are ‘Shudh Vichaar’ (Clean thoughts), ‘Shudh Aachar’ (Clean deeds), ‘Nishkalank Jivan” (Impeccable Integrity), ‘Tyag’ (Sacrifice) and...

sunbeams

subtle bite of morning they are the puddles of water in the road that send his car nervous warnings startled merge of consciousness yet as he traverses and settles on his bearing the tires throw out a surge of water...

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Yama Vandanam

Background We visited the abode of Atma, saluted the characteristics of that Atma (Change, Self-drive, Nuetral/Creation, Fast movement/Knowledge). Then we saluted all the forces that emanated from Atma.

Mother is Here

For days , we had been waiting for her. We heard the jingle of her bangles, the rustle of her sari and inhaled the fragrance of the flowers she wears. We were rewarded as we are every year by her visit.

The River Yamuna –Issues and solutions

There is not one drop of Natural Fresh River Water in River Yamuna in Delhi & Beyond. Almost 97% of Original River Waters are taken away from River Yamuna, only a few kilometers from its birthplace - Yamnotri.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Dik Devatha Vandanam

Background I chose to intersperse my writeup on TSV with mapping of science, some of which may become true or proved otherwise in future.

Letters: Aditi Banerjee on HMEC Panel Cancellation

EDITOR's NOTE: Caste is such a controversial topic that it behooves Hindus; as the only ones who are constantly barraged with attacks on this subject by assorted activists & "experts"; to do their due diligence and come...

Resolutions-Conference on Caste System

(www.wavesinternational.net) “Na hi Jnanena Sadrsam – There is nothing equivalent to knowledge” The Bhagavad Gita – IV.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Samashti Abivandanam

Background After taming the body with slow breathing synchronized with mind, we invoked the Gayatri in us to remain neutral. If we need to self-drive ourselves, we need to be neutral.

distant moon

as far as i know krishna made the clouds on the horizon it might rain tonight if we see pegasus or the great bear we see krishna the evidence of water on one of the moons of jupiter is a satellite reservoir of life yes...

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Surya Upasthanam

Background In the TSV procedure, four ‘devi’s are addressed. I had already explained that Devas are forces that express outside and asuras are forces that are hidden.

time and space

bee nectar the taste is bitter a tangy sweet give me tonic a tactile sip sometimes i tremble a cosmic void is all i see i sweat like a pine tree oozing sap all night one subtle spring morning the pollen made me sneeze...

Bhagavan , Bhaktha, and Bhagavatham

Bhagavan , Bhaktha, and Bhagavatham I am posting some nectar of Bhakthi by some extraordinary bhaktas [ devotees].

Press Release-Successful Conference on Caste System

(www.wavesinternational.net) “Na hi Jnanena Sadrsam – There is nothing equivalent to knowledge” The Bhagavad Gita – IV.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Gayatri Nyasam, Japam, Upasthanam

Background The beauty of Vedas actually lie in the fact that they make us learn from science and nature. Our greatest guru lies there in front of our eyes and ears.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Gayatri Avahanam

BackGround TSV is not about language. It is about using our brain, breathing and thoughts to influence our body and keep us synchronized and balanced with the natural flow of events and thereby become part of the...

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Pranava Japam

Background TSV broadly consists of two parts. One part where we prepare mentally and physically to visit the abode of Atman and another part actually we do it.

On Stones and Shells

Of Stones and Shells Partha Desikan The rain, which falls on a mountain and flows as a river on to the sea, carries mementos throughout its course. Boulders and smaller pieces of rock accompany it in the beginning.

The Mantra Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Deva Tarpanam

Deva Tarpanam – Cosmic forces our ancestors Background I suspect many of the puranic lores are actually a way of understanding of particular real events.

Akash's Poems - Robins

A six year old boy composes beautiful poems! The first poem is for the robin bird who has decided to have 3 sets of kids (each time 4 baby robins) on his front door.

athene's bliss

swift feet in battle the echo of kettle drums rising spirit cat on the prowl archer on the point swordsman in the field earthquake of men sea of death pool of blood in the sand full speed ahead the war chant stand tall...

in the radiance of her dancing feet

what wraith is it calling on what did i see? forbidden yajna blanket in the air it wells up out of the earth screeching to the pulse of the drums till a shadow falls over the moon erie apparition cold spell in the night...

Indian languages: further questions

Please go through once again, my blog in December 2008 on the Indian languages question https://medhajournal.com/partha-says.../588-the-indian-languages-question.

The Mantra-Tantras of SandhyaVandanam – Finishing the Bath

The Mantra-Tantras of SandhyaVandanam – Finishing the Bath Background TSV is actually very simple to do, if we understand it. Since we did not understand, it becomes mystical and then complex.

The Mantra-Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Punar Marjanam

Background If one wants to cultivate the habit of TSV, it need to be cultivated as a post-bath habit. It is as important as taking bath. Taking Bath cleans our body.

The Mantra-Tantras of SandhyaVandanam – Taking Bath

The Mantra-Tantras of SandhyaVandanam – Taking Bath Background In TSV, one lifts mentally into the abode of Atma (with Achamanam/AngaVandanam), invokes peace from the consciousness inside (with Ganapati Dyanam), tames...

The Mantra-Tantras of TSV - Breath Control – Pranayama

The Mantra-Tantras of TSV - Breath Control – Pranayama Background Even people who do TSV regularly do not do it sincerely. For eg.

The Mantra-Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Ganapati Dyanam

Ganapati Dyanam - Invoke peace in our actions Background TSV as a wholesome training for body and mind synchronization can be done by any individual of any age and any religion.

The Mantra-Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam - Achamanam/Anga-Vandanam

The Mantra-Tantras of Sandhya Vandanam – Part I Background TSV is generally seen as a religious ritual in which one prays to different gods of Hindu pantheon. In particular it is seen as a ‘worshipping’ of Sun God.

Trikala Sandhya Vandhanam (TSV) series - Introduction

Let me state first that I am neither a Yoga selling Baba nor Spiritualism selling Swamiji.

gumboots

i caught the metro rail to SOMI, and walked to Sunset Tavern for Cat's acoustic gig Bartender "what can i get ya" Jim "a miller light" it was just Cat, and Mau Jim "Cat, hi" Cat "hey man" Jim "how is it going?" Cat...

My Bio-data

My Bio-data The following is my brief Resume: ‘Sthala-Jala-Bhrama’ is my first name Chasing mirages is my major expertise Going off track is my long term experience Holding packets sans any content is my Qualification!...

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 5 (Part-1) Karma Sannyaasa Yogah: Yoga of Renunciation of Action

Preamble Arjuna doubts which of the two ways - whether renunciation of action or participation in action - is the nobler and the greater.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 5 (Part-2) Karma Sannyaasa Yogah: Yoga of Renunciation of Action

Preamble Sri Krishna explains the spirit of renunciation and the state of Supreme Being in more details.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 6 (Part-1) Dhyaana Yogah:Yoga of Meditation

Preamble The Gita has been described as an elaborate commentary on the mahavakya of the Chhandogya Upanishad, 'tat tvam asi - that thou art'.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 6 (Part-2) Dhyaana Yogah:Yoga of Meditation

Preamble We have seen Sri Bhgavan describing the process of meditation. He continues the discussion in the following verses pointing out that the controlled mind remains peaceful and explaining the process by which the...

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 (Part-1) Jnaana Karma Sanyaasa Yogah : Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Knowledge

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 (Part-1) Jnaana Karma Sanyaasa Yogah : Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Knowledge T.N.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 (Part-2) Jnaana Karma Sanyaasa Yogah: Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Knowledge

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 (Part-2) Jnaana Karma Sanyaasa Yogah: Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Knowledge T.N.

Questioning Wendy Doniger on Hinduism in Hawaii

Wendy Doniger’s scholarship was critiqued at a Roundtable Panel in Hawaii for two hours. The book in question was Doniger’s, The Hindus: An Alternative History (2009).

Siva: His Form and Cosmic Dance

T.N.Sethumadhavan IDENTITY OF THE TRINITY Siva is one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity. He is responsible for the dissolution of the universe.

JOY! It’s Love, It’s Bliss, It’s Eternal

JOY! It’s Love, It’s Bliss, It’s Eternal Look, see, feel, sense, enjoy It’s there Inside, outside, everywhere It’s love, it’s inspiration, it’s the divine bliss Emanating it is, from our hearts It’s been there all...

A DREAMY TURN

A DREAMY TURN Before the Dream In the long tunnel of dark, I travelled, visibility was zero Couldn’t see where I was going or who’re with me… Sounds, smells, tactility were my guides that led me through What was real...

sequoia

falling leaves in the wind a fox scurries past shooting stars up above into the thicket to where the rabbit led a foot on a tree no earth below the cover of night crows at sun rise fog lifts on the horizon startled to...

Logos

i noticed the sound check the humble one with the bald forehead his diagnostics test kind of bashful his gaze fixed on the wires on the deck ample sound effect to give it a go reminds me of a freind who taught me what...

compass

asleep on a fence awake in a dream a gasp for air a sip of water i taste the leaf nibble on the bract now the compass gives me a little direction i like to sweat to give you oxygen middling plateau synaptic rift i like...

japa notes

note one dialog of Visal das talking about how he got into teaching Prabhupada once said to be a teacher you have to be a student first.

little blue overcoat

little krishna in a deep blue overcoat drifting through time gaura nitai in lime green flaunting his bliss resting radhas pink lotus palm jaganatha so proud candle on the windowsil the echo of voices in the dark a shot...

voodoo cat

beacon on the shore in the blade grass on the sand dunes basking in the tropical sun chasing fiddler crabs in the wet sand tip toeing messenger scouting out the perimeter there to meet me in the moonlight little shadow...

The Inverted Banyan tree (A Sequel to my Upanayanam Blog)

In my blog on ‘Upanayanam Explained’, I had illustrated the inverted banyan tree and the ‘Urdhva Mulam” sloka in Bhagavad Gita in the context of nAndi ceremony. Many people couldn’t connect the two.

Upanayanam Explained..

We are preparing for our Son's Upanayanam (Sacred thread wearing ceremony). Though Upanayanam has become a 'Lougiga' festival these days with lot of style and no substance, it is indeed a 'knowledege' ceremony, which...

Call For Papers-Conference on Caste System

(www.wavesinternational.net) “Na hi Jnanena Sadrsam – There is nothing equivalent to knowledge” The Bhagavad Gita – IV.

The Quantum Activist

Professor Amit Goswami continues to bridge a mighty gap spanning quantum physics on the one side and the most cherished spiritual ideas from his early training in India on the other. This film takes you on his journey.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 (Part 1)

Saankhya Yogah: Yoga of Knowledge Preamble In the 1st Chapter we have seen that Arjuna asked Krishna to place the chariot in the midst of the two armies.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 (Part 2)

Saankhya Yogah: The Yoga of Knowledge Preamble We have seen the dejection of Arjuna and his determination not to wage the war.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 (Part 3)

Saankhya Yogah : Yoga of Knowledge Preamble Last time we studied up to verse 2.22 dealing with Krishna’s exposition about the permanent nature of the Soul and the impermanent nature of the physical body wherein the Lord...

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 (Part- 4)

Saankhya Yogah : Yoga Of Knowledge T.N.Sethumadhavan Preamble Up to the verse 2.38 we have seen the Lord establishing the propriety of Arjuna engaging in the war from the point of view of Sankhya Yoga or the Yoga of...

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 (Part-5)

Saankhya Yogah : Yoga Of Knowledge T.N.Sethumadhavan Preamble The Lord told Arjuna that when his mind would have crossed the mire of delusion and would develop indifference towards the enjoyment of this world and the...

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 3 (Part-1)

Karma Yogah : Yoga Of Action T.N.Sethumadhavan Preamble This Chapter analyses from various points of view and establishes the fact that the performance of prescribed duties is obligatory for everyone.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 3 (Part-2)

Karma Yogah : Yoga Of Action T.N.Sethumadhavan Preamble We had seen in the previous verses that by citing His own example The Lord described the consequences of not doing any action and proved that for the sake of the...

The unkown 96 % of the universe

20th century Astronomers have made 2 great discoveries that have changed the scientific view of the universe. Some new, unknown sort of matter usually called dark matter seems to make up 23% of the universe.

A Page From Dr. Frawley's Book " Yoga and the Sacred Fire"

I am glad to post here an excerpt from Pandit Vamadeva Shastri's [ Dr. David Frawley] book "Yoga and the Sacred Fire" with the permission of the site the link below leads to.

Vastu Sastra Redefined - Part II

Background In the previous blog, I had written about the basic concept of Mandalas. Here I look into every Mandala in some more detail. Refer to my previuos blog here.

Vastu Sastra Redefined - Part I

From Aditya Hrdyam something made me to move to Vastu Sastra. I had been reading about it for several months now. What I present here are my understandings and in some case mappings of my understandings.

positive bliss

In Upanisads Moksa is viewed as a state of absorption into the universal nature of Brahman where the individual merges into the universal spirit...

Aditi Banerjee's Critique of HAF Report

Editor's Note: This critique was issued in the form of an open letter (to Mihir Meghani, HAF President) in the immediate aftermath of the report that was published late Dec 2010 --- Dear Mihir, I’m sure that by now...

indias-conjured-caste-conundrum-by-raghbendra-jha

Original article at: https://medhajournal.com/indology/256-indias-conjured-caste-conundrum-by-raghbendra-jha.html

Kamlesh Kapur's Critique of HAF Report

Editor's Note: This critique was issued in the form of emails to HAF in the immediate aftermath of the report that was published late Dec 2010, and some later re-iterations, all compiled here by the author.

Rakesh Bahadur's Analysis of HAF Report

Editor's Note: This critique was issued in the form of open letters to HAF leadership in a series of emails in the aftermath of the report that was published late Dec 2010.

Ram Sidhaye's Critique of HAF Report

Editor's Note: This critique was issued in the form of an email to HAF in the immediate aftermath of the report that was published late Dec 2010 --- Friends: I have carefully read HAF’s recent report on CASTE.

The political implications of HAF on Caste and Hinduism-Prof Gautam Sen

Editor's Note: This critique was issued in the form of an email to HAF in the immediate aftermath of the report that was published late Dec 2010 --- The political implications of HAF on Caste and Hinduism -----Original...

When Caste was not a bad word

Re-published courtesy: http://www.esamskriti.com/essay-chapters/When-caste-was-not-a-bad-word-1.aspx --- Were caste equations always as bad as they are today? Not quite.

Caste: a HAF-baked lamentation-Kalavai Venkat

A critique of the Hindu American Foundation’s report “Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste Seeking an End to Caste-based Discrimination 2010” Why this critique? The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a US-based Hindu advocacy...

Summary of Major Issues with the HAF Report on Caste

Summary of Major Issues with the HAF Report on Caste Contents Executive Summary A Brief History The Political Implications of the Report Substantive Flaws in the Contents of the Report What now? Executive Summary Many...

The Story of india

Review If you like the idea of watching a really good National Geographic article brought to life, with the lush photography, fascinating facts, sense of discovery and slight superficiality that implies, you ll love THE...

frost

the sun is up in the frost covered hills time stands still a chill to the air a prism of light spring is near cardinals land in fresh seed a rabbit on the edge of a thicket now i see it

New Book:Breaking India

Introduction This book has emerged as a result of several experiences that have deeply influenced my research and scholarship over the past decade.

glow

purple lightning bug the flash of a snapdragon fair maiden shifting light sallow beacon in the night little pilot in flight lotus flower bumblebee land on me

Evidence for Reincarnation

It is clear that as evidence for reincarnation we can only expect the claimant to reveal certain facts which he has hitherto not known or been exposed to and has no means of inferring it until the examiner allows him to.

Epistemological Anarchy

One often refers to seeing or thinking more objectively and less subjectively as the foundation of the scientific method.

The HAF Report on Caste: A Critique,January 25, 2011

The HAF Report on Caste & Its Implications: A Critique from Members of the Hindu Community and Hindu Groups at Large A Brief History On August 7, 2010, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) made an invited presentation at the...

Does the Soul Matter?

For some time I had been quite enthusiastic about researching the evidence on reincarnation and paranormal claims because I considered it to be of great consequence to how I would live my daily life.

New Diction for Old

What is the difference between holy and healthy prayer and goal-setting prophecy and schedule revelation and discovery endowment and potential saint and social worker sin and error lust and addiction hell and pain...

Gayatri Parivar's Open Letter to HAF

Gayatri Parivar's Open Letter to HAF-LINK

Original location at: https://medhajournal.com/indian-news/1071-gayatri-parivars-open-letter-to-haf.html

Kalavai denounces Hindu American Foundation Report

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 An ardent Hindu denounces the HAF report on caste You are by now familiar with the ill-conceived report on caste by HAF.

Kanchi Shankaracharya's Open Letter to HAF

Letters: Sri Nagendra to HAF

OM! Sri! Priya Sanatana Dharmi Bhaiyyon Aur Beheno: Sasneh namaskar. The wheel has come full circle.

Letters: Sri Nagendra1

Sri Nagendra's response to the esteemed Swami Vigyananand ji; Jt. General Secretary; Vishva Hindu Parishad Head – International Coordination...

Letters: Sri Nagendra2

... I am deliberately writing this message in yellow press, demagogic and repetitive language – Mass Communications 300 at Wharton / Annenberg School of Mass Communications on agitprop tactics.

Pejawar Math Swamiji's Open Letter to HAF

Sri Gurubhyo namaH HariH OM Shambhave namaH Cover Letter for Sri Pejawar Swamiji’s Sandesham February 7, 2011 The Directors Hindu American Foundation Washington DC Namaste to all, About two weeks ago, we had received a...

Puttige Matha's Open Letter to HAF

Puttige Matha's Open Letter to HAF-LINK

Original location at: https://medhajournal.com/indian-news/1072-puttige-maths-open-letter-to-haf.html

Swami Dayananda Saraswati's Open Letter to HAF-LINK

Original location at: https://medhajournal.com/indian-news/1073-swami-dayananda-saraswatis-open-letter-to-haf.html

Swami Ramdev's Open Letter to HAF

Swami Ramdev's Open Letter to HAF-LINK

Original location at: https://medhajournal.com/indian-news/1070-swami-ramdevs-open-letter-to-haf.html

HAF Report- Casting a net full of holes

On December 10, 2010, the Hindu American Foundation (“HAF”) published a report on caste entitled “Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste.” The issuance of the report generated immediate debate and controversy.

HAF Report- Casting a net full of holes-LINK

Original Location at: https://medhajournal.com/karigar's-corner/1068-haf-report-casting-a-net-full-of-holes.html

Large Hadron Collider interim report

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has been running for some time now. So this is now the right time ( January, 2011) for an interim report. There is in fact nothing to report as yet.

Paavai Nonbu, Sri Andal and the Importance of Margazhi

It is not yet dawn. But soon it will be. Periyazhwar [ Vishnu Siddhar] walks on, immersed as he is in Narayana . He is collecting flowers and tulsi from his nandavanam for his Lord.

On the Possibility of Free Will

We seek here to investigate by means a priori whether free will can be reasonably held to be true in the sphere of ordinary human endeavour or not.

Hush! Krishna is About to Fall Asleep

Krishna is about to fall asleep, hush! His lotus eyes now opening,now closing Long lashes now meeting ,now parting Rose bud lips now curving in a smile Hush! Hush! Hush! Krishna is about to fall asleep.

Kavadi Bells - 6

23 O Lord of all the worlds, O God of Gods, O Soul and Stay of all things that live and move, O Five-faced ONE whose begging palm feeds all - The vision of whose sixth face, the ONE SOUL Is the reward of all that have...

American Morning

Wake up, yea, to see this beautiful world Of skyrises, land rangers, androids pearled Comfort’s ocean, fount of titillation Man’s glory, wondrous civilisation! We’ve lit the country whole but not our soul Know each...

The Method of Science

Know ye first these Principles of Science Keep ye them in mind and upon them meditate And by the excellent zeal upon it thy heart set By thy hand do thou build wondrous appliance View, observe, discover, watch thou...

India’s Caste System and Pluralism

MEDHA EDITOR's NOTE: Keeping in mind the 'hot' topic of 'Caste", Medha Journal brings you a series of perspectives. This one by Prof M Lal Goel is the first in the series. India’s Caste System and Pluralism M.

Kavadi Bells - 5

19 It is not once but many a time that pride, Blind to life's lessons harsh, must falter and fall, Ere in its final painful overthrow It crashes in the whirl of slaughter and storm: True Nandi's curse, all knew, would...

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1 (Part-2): Yoga of the Despondency of Arjuna

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1 (Part-2): Yoga of the Despondency of Arjuna T.N.Sethumadhavan --- When the Gods deal defeat to a person, they first take his mind away, so that he sees things wrongly.

Buzz, learn and lead!

A story in four chapters presenting the potential for a fast-forward in evolution through a guided tour.

Kavadi Bells - 4

15 Delighted Dakshayani told the king The three eyed Lord of Kailas would come and wed; And Daksha's joy was more than plain to see, And he gave orders for arrangements to speed.

Kavadi Bells - 3

10 Dynamic Shakti parts from Consciousness (As seen on the plane relative where we move, But Consciousness and Shakti are not apart!) And each in love from basic oneness spring, Towards the other moves in ecstasy, And...

Kavadi Bells - 2

5 "Do lead, Abode of Sattwa, guide along, O Vishnu, lead; O Power that protect, guide; With Brahma by Thy side, do show the way To Shiva's home where hope eternal shines, To KAILAS where all founts of valour spring; Do...

Kavadi Bells

Skanda Puranam, the greatest of the Eighteen Mahapuranas, is as sacred to the Shaivites as the Srimad Bhagavatam is to the Vaishnavites.

lantern

i saw krishna he was walking with a lantern so i followed him and it was easier the inner light is lit krishna holding the lantern walking on the path we love the light that is the reason we go to it again and again if...

Adi Shankara’s Bhaja Govindam: An effective Stress Management Technique

Adi Shankara’s Bhaja Govindam: An effective Stress Management Technique T.N.Sethumadhavan [This essay was originally published in the August, 2007 issue of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ illustrated monthly...

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1 (Part-1): Yoga of the Despondency of Arjuna

Yoga of the Despondency of Arjuna T.N.Sethumadhavan (First published in esamskriti.

Another Sequel to Sri Matsya Narayana: Nepali Homage in Malmas

Another Sequel to Sri Matsya Narayana: Nepali Homage in Malmas Partha Desikan I had the pleasure of interaction with our friends on the Sri Matsya Narayana avatara through two blogs posted earlier this year.

SI Metric Mass and Electrical Unit Converter

SI Metric Mass and Electrical Unit Converter Problems involving an electrical unit convertermay be analyzed by applying the moment-of-momentum principle at convertunitsnow.com .

Science of Surya Mantra and Aditya Hrdayam

Science of Surya Mantra and Aditya Hrdayam Preface There is a great consistency in the meanings I find across slokas of Nasaidya Suktam, Purusha Suktam, Aitareya Upanishad, Rudram Chamakam, Rudram Namakam, Surya Mantra,...

Buzz, learn and lead- Chapter 3

Buzz, learn and lead! A story in four chapters presenting the potential for a fast-forward in evolution through a guided tour Chapter 3 Innate Immunity “We have a lot in common, bees and humans, I mean.

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam : A Wake-Up Plea to Tirupati Balaji

(First published in esamskriti.com) Origins of the Temple THE temple of Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) at Tirumala, Tiupati in Andhra Pradesh is perhaps the most popular of all the Hindu temples in our country.

Seeing Mother Durga In Agni

Let me wish all my medhavi friends a glorious Navarathri, filled with the joy of the Grace of Ma Shakti in all her manifestations and with fresh opportunities to deal effectively with obstacles in their paths with her...

Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam)

INTRODUCTION The worship of Shakti dates back to the Rig Veda where she is praised as ‘the supporter of the earth living in heaven’.

Introducing Srimad Bhagavad Gita: A User’s Manual for Every Day Living

Introducing Srimad Bhagavad Gita: A User’s Manual for Every Day Living T.N.Sethumadhavan --- “Live in the world but don’t be of the world. Live in the world but don’t let the world live within you.

radha krishna seva

someone walked over a lit candle in a brass anvil to greet me asking the plant to forgive again on most mornings i ask krishna to turn the plant back into sita the faint light is enough if we are content as a plant...

Buzz, learn and lead- Chapter 2

Buzz, learn and lead! A story in four chapters presenting the potential for a fast-forward in evolution through a guided tour. Chapter 2 Long-distance Flights When I awoke, I did not find either my companion or the sage.

adrift

the falconer called on the falcon for his spate on a leaf go to the queen the falcon soared into the clouds in a rattle on the pounce of a rival falcon cascade to a stream one of the fisherman to find a little girl on...

Vedanta Jyoti: Author’s Telescopic View

I am deeply indebted to Shri Partha Desikanji and Shri Rudraji for locating me in the maze of Websites and encouraging me to become a part of the Medhavi community - a medhavi in Sanskrit means an intellectual, a man of...

the Bluewater

Steve on the Linda D IV found me walking along the dock in 2004. He asked if I was the kid looking for a job. I mentioned the boats that I had worked on before to give him an idea of what sort of experience I had.

Buzz, learn and lead, Chapter 1

A story in four chapters presenting the potential for a fast-forward in evolution through a guided tour. Chapter 1 I want a Change You will agree with me that I am in a rather serious kind of predicament.

Ganapati Atharvasirsha

Lord Ganapati is the most popular Deity among the Hindus. No Pooja or religious rites or for that matter no daily activity in any Hindu household commences without first worshipping Ganapati.

Harvey Hyman’s mission, Lawyers’ (and Others’) Wellbeing and IMBT

Partha Desikan The Upward Spiral is a powerful paperback written by the lawyer turned author, speaker and educator on the wellbeing of lawyers, Harvey Hyman J. D, who is now CEO of Lawyers’ Wellbeing Inc.

The Significance of September 5

Yesterday was the 5 th of September and Teachers ‘ Day was celebrated throughout India. This was the day a stalwart Son of India was born many years ago. He was Dr S.

That night, in Nanda’s humble home

We knew this day was coming. We ‘d discussed this earlier and we had been waiting…for what had seemed like an eternity. Still, I find it hard to believe that the dark skinned baby is in my arms.

fir trees

the mind is a treasure chest the nerve endings grow like tree branches even sprout leaves or flowers sometimes old trees are removed and new ones grow i fell through a rabbit hole once a vast abstraction i thought i had...

Blue Petals

INDICA THE TASTE SO SWEET BLUE PETALS BLOOMING UNDER THE SUN INDICA SO POTENT OUR SOURCE OF NATURE OUR SENSE OF WHAT IS REAL OUR SPIRITUAL FLOW INTENSE AS CAN BE OUR NATURAL GO THE PHASES OF THE MOON GUIDING OUR FORTUNE...

Independence Day

A very happy Indian independence day to all Medhavis. Let’s us salute all the men and women who sacrificed their all so that we’d see this day, the brave men and women who guard our borders today, and also the...

Healing Energy

I came across this incredible video on an internet forum a few days ago. Watching it gave me goosebumps (the good kind). I thought our Medhavis would like to see it too...

Radha Madhava

Traveling around the Miami area using mass transit has been an adventure in and of its own.

SEA OF COLD

Sea Of Cold devaguraji waterdroplet What is it that makes plants grow? We know that plants are rooted in the earth. It is the rain that provides nourishment. Plants grow towards the sunlight or the source.

Sierra Nevadas

The bus stopped in Orlando so north bound travelers could get on the next bus. After that we changed over in Savanna Georgia. It went north to Washington DC. I hopped on a bus to Baltimore from there.

Frozen Winter

The rink had its own architectural plan. The roof was slanted. The main beams for the roof were massive wooden planks. The wood had aged from the cold humid atmosphere of the rink. The aura of the rink was like Ontario.

Buddhism and the concept of self

Introduction I have been recently reading Digha Nikaya and Samyutta Niyaka, the Buddhist Pali scriptures.

Sui dragons

The Western Jin gained control of the Yangzte with the fleet it had of warships in 279. The Sui founder Yang Jain followed the path of the Jin building a fleet of ships on his own.

Primacy of Consciousness

I was at a BBQ pool party last evening and somehow managed to discuss meditation and consciousness with a friend.

jigsaw puzzle

the jigsaw puzzle how did it form now it all fits in place the rainfall the plants of the earth the cold water springs the favoring wind the cosmic mist climbing a ladder each stone overturned in the last chapter we...

Paul S Octopus and some other thoughts

In a few hours from now, my millions of brothers all over the world would sit before the TV to watch the FIFA finals [ while the ladies in their lives would be happy that the season is ending for now] .

the Fog

One morning in October of 2004 while fishing just offshore of Sand Key Light all of the sudden fog began to move in on us. Our GPS was malfunctioning so all we had to use was our compass or our instinct to find our way.

the bird itself

paint the image of a bird dog in a field or along the edge of a river the dog is running all over laughing there is nothing the dog wants to do more than to fetch a bird the dog is content chasing birds that is what the...

our black cat Kali

our black cat kali wincing at me the sweat bee is going to sting me i need fertilizer for the tomato plants i just agitated all of the roots pollen drifting through the air nectar for the hummingbirds does a bee buzz...

ki

caught waves at low tide at the inlet right to the shoreline the great awakening was paddling out to catch a wave at the pier at sunset we might do all sorts of far out things catching waves we still walk off drenched...

Who was that ?…and who’s this?

Dawn is still an hour away. I look at the lamp- lit street that stretches before me. It seems messier than usual. The street’s surface feels rough against my bare feet.

KAMALA

at the edge of the cold mountain stream barefoot sifting for flatstones to find Govinda the awakening again the laughter of the blackbirds the leaves buding the lotus petals sprouting the source of inertia the shadow of...

Rudram Chamakam - An original explanation

The Rudram Chamakam Background This work is a culmination of my last six months or so of my effort. As usual I am not sure on how I landed into Rudra or Chamakam.

visvatma Dharma

Learning to be pure finding santosa orcontentment orsvadhyaya, the reading of the scriptures are all aspects of entering the dhaama or sheltered asrama for arjava, upright meditation on the absolute.

Mute? Definitely Not

I found this touching anecdote about Lakshmi the cow who was fortunate enough to live and later on ,breathe her last in Ramana Ashramam , Thiruvannamalai .

Professor Sethuramiah’s haiku, Avani and Ishaan

Professor Sethuramiah’s haiku, Avani and Ishaan Partha Desikan Our friends will remember Susumu Takiguchi’s Keynote Address at the World Haiku Festival, Bangalore 2008, and my blog highlighting its focus on Tagore and...

Who does Yoga belong to?

My friend Evgeny and I go to learn Yoga from a Tamil Siddha Yogi and also learn Taiji Chuan from a student from an authentic Taoist Lineage.

Nyagrodha-Udumbara-Ashvattha, the three gentle giants

Nyagrodha-Udumbara-Ashvattha, the three gentle giants Partha Desikan Prologue: The very large span in seven of the eight aishvaryas (as different from corresponding siddhis which men attain through sadhana) that...

A CASE OF MISTAKEN ENMITY

We inhabit an age of unprecedented access to information. We get news about anyone anywhere in the world moments after an elapsed event. We watch closely, and are watched in return.

Can Hindus Self-Govern Competitively?

Lessons from the Nithyananda Scandal-II The Christian Church has the longest continuous history of governance, with a tremendous track record of protecting its interests under all circumstances.

Critique of Hindu American Foundation's Report on 'Caste'

MEDHA EDITOR'S NOTE: In our quest to foster quality discussions & debates on serious & topical issues of the day, we look forward to your participation in the freshly ignited debate on that old perennial favorite,...

Critique of Hindu American Foundation's Report on 'Caste'-LINK

Original location at: https://medhajournal.com/geopolitics-guru/1060-critique-of-hindu-american-foundations-report-on-caste.html

Harvard and the Indian Billionaires

Rajiv Malhotra, Oct 15, 2010. This morning, Times of India celebrates the headlines, "Harvard gets biggest international donation in 102 yrs, from Tata group." ".

The strength of the universalistic Hindu position

Introduction Passions are raised whenever the standard universalistic Hindu position, ”All religions are valid” , is discussed.

My Birthday Poem 19-4-2010

My Birthday Poem 19-4-2010 Today (April 19), I am beginning my Sixty Fourth circumambulation about the Sun. When I look around from the 64th story of my life-edifice, I see many changes.

Tamil New year, Vishu , Baisakhi & Poila Baisakh

Tamil new year day was celebrated with the usual fervor on the 14 th of April this year A traditional meal consisting of the sweet [ jaggery] laced with the bitter [ neem flowers] is made on this day to symbolise life...

Consciousness, Kundalini Yoga & Body Development

Medha Editor's Note: With the public hooked onto scandals where sexuality vis a vis spirituality became a central focus of public discourse, it is fitting that we take a look at the deeper philosophical side of the...

Sattvic

in a talk about Srila Prabhupada one night someone claimed the words or his writings or purports were unarguable the bhagavad gita is unarguable in plain translation i guess the feedback i had on the outlook or...

Nataraja - Depicting the Spatial Dimensions

Space like time can be seen in just one dimension if we lineraize it. For eg a spiral can enumerate a three dimensional space in just one dimension (linearize it) as a continuous set of numbers.

Addendum-Divisiveness in the name of Dharma

Anti-hindu activities and defamation by Sandhya Jain and Radha Rajan of Acharyas and others Their attempt to divide the Hindu Acharyas is clear from the Tamil circular doing the rounds.

Divisiveness In The Name Of Defending Dharma

Medha Editor's note: For those needing more background on the divisive antics mentioned here by Dr Kalyanaraman, please read this piece at Sulekha: Update: Also see https://medhajournal.

Rudra -The Eleven dimensional force field - The Eleven dimensional Space

Background Aitareya Upanishad says Purusha was drawn out and spread to protect the Universe, from the same essence/soul from which Amba came.

Cold Water Springs

The Susquehanna Rick made a long cast into the main river current. Rick had gotten out of the boat then waded onto the shallows where there was vegetation full of minnows in the warmer surface column amist the late...

Natives

Scotch Run looking for natives Patrick had a small ultra light spinning rod with a micro shimano reel. Whenever fishing a trout stream he used 2 lb. test. When wading he wore a vest to keep his hooks, jigs or spinners.

Red Lotus

'My story that should make The civilized society hide its face In the interiors of the earth, in shame – In which canto of your country’s famed history Will you write it down, my story?' (From a Telugu dalit poem...

Paintings in our Minds

The subconscious mind is a powerful thing. Our subconscious mind has all sorts of hidden paths to it.

Logic

Logic tells us that there must be a creator for the universe to exist. St. Thomas calls God the first mover. In Shorter Summa, the existence of God is the first topic St. Thomas explains that God is eternal.

Swamiji

Revisions of Srila Prabhupada quotes out of the writings of Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami about his travels...

The Spring of Shiva

The Image of Shiva was found in the ruins of the Indus River civilization. The parallel of worship of Shiva is the worship of shakti or the power of the active forces of the universe.

Traveling Light

someone asked me what happens to a drop of water when it hits the ocean? i said it becomes a part of the ocean he said right...

Sandhya Jain and the Global Hindus

Sandhya Jain [1] has been around for a long time, so it is difficult for me to write what I write below.

Spirit Level to Spiritual Radio

Spirit Level to Spiritual Radio Mannequins can also be our Teachers We all have seen human-look-alike mannequins exhibiting various types of attires at the entrances of many a textile showroom.

Holi 2010 with Asha for Education

Asha Stanford's Holi 2010 When: March 27, 2010, 11 am - 3 pm Where: Sandhill fields, Stanford University Tickets can be bought at: - We'll give you 3000 pounds of color to render your friends completely unrecognizable!...

Eight Islands

Brahma is the source of the cosmic explosion at the beginning of the universe…his energies were first.

Lessons from The Swami Nithyananda Saga

When the sex scandal of Swami Nithyananda suddenly erupted on March 2, 2010, I was already in Delhi as part of a group to go to Kumbh Mela.

abstract Capitalism

> If we look to the stratosphere we notice the clouds or the variations of the hue of the horizon above us. If we see where we are standing we get to the realization that we are on a planet.

Gems from Vivekananda

All religions are true You must remember that humanity travels not from error to truth, but from truth to truth; it may be, if you like it better, from lower truth to higher truth, but never from error to truth.

Ashta Vasus - Biological Basics - Science of Sankhya Part II

Introduction and Background In my previous article on Sankhya Philosophy, I had stated about the interplay of purusha, prakrti and Gunas in every dimension of this universe.

Random Reflections on Mommyhood

My childhood does not seem that far away. Not since I have become a Mom myself. As I sing my son to sleep I remember snatches of long-forgotten lullabies that Grandma used to sing to us about a sister trying to awaken...

Hinduism through History - Appendix

Worship of ancestors While taking the journey with Hinduism through History, it was seen that one of the most rudimentary - yet profound - ways of worship is by venerating the dead.

Sandeepweb's National Integration - Slimes Style

Thus ends the disgusting cacophonic melange of celebrity parade masquerading as something really noble. With this, the Slimes has managed to herald the onset of dumbing down Republic Day.

Breakfast, Penance & The Ecstasy

Breakfast, Penance & The Ecstasy An Exceptional Experience in Guruvayoor First Hurdle -The Jam Night It seems that the traffic peak hours fall on the Bangalore-Salem-Palakkad-Thrissur route during that 12-hour stretch,...

Happy Belly Happy Soul

When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. --From the Charaka Samhita, one of the most ancient and venerated Ayurvedic textbooks.

At The Feet Of My Cosmic Beloved!

At The Feet Of My Cosmic Beloved! Craving much for I’m to enter Your hallowed chamber, Deep within me, but hidden away! It is a dream that I wait on to realize, all thro’ my life That of present and the past; You are my...

Mutual Respect or Tolerance?

I have been thinking about this for a while now (at least since "The Rift between Advaita and Vaishnavism" article).

Do I have anything of My Own to offer YOU?

Do I have anything of My Own to offer YOU? This is my Floral Offering at the lotus feet of the Creator of every entity from Atom to Atman When I eulogize YOUR Glories, I forget that, The thoughts, the words, the voice...

Wordless Conversations With A Winged Wiseman

Wordless Conversation With A Winged Wiseman “Yet another zoo! What could be new?” I walked past grinning camels, munching goats Contemplative cows and sleepy wild cats when I stopped in my tracks, drawn by his intense...

Come, Share My Dream World

Come, Share My Dream World “From the unicellular green algae in the depth of the primordial soup, we traversed to the peak, but, ……….

I, You & the Cosmic I

I, You & the Cosmic I A Personal Voyage As I offer You a flower, Ma, I come to You as the very flower! As I smell and savor the beguiling scent, I become the scent, the flower & the space between! As I collect the...

Andree-Marie Dussault on the Cell-phone and the Soul

Partha Desikan Fast food, tobacco and alcohol are pouring into India, promoting a consumer culture. India should beware.

Rajeev Srinivasan on Mr. Singh's Washington Visit

"If India cannot articulate a vision about its being one of the poles in a multipolar world, it does not deserve any respect.

Consciousness, Cosmology, and Science: An Advaitic Analysis

Consciousness, Cosmology, and Science: An Advaitic1 Analysis The purpose of this brief essay is twofold: (1) To clarify what it is to study anything scientifically and show that consciousness cannot, in principle, be...

Mistranslations of Central Upanishadic Terms

Comments on Serious Mistranslations of The Central Upanishadic Terms Ramakrishna Puligandla I am provoked to write this brief essay on my having seen so many articles and books, ancient, modern, and contemporary, the...

Nagarjuna and Samkara: Some Comparative Reflections

The main purpose of this brief essay is to show that, contrary to the widespread view of many scholars of Madhyamaka and Advaita-Vedanta, the Sunya-vada of Nagarjuna and the non-dualism of Samkara are non-different, one...

Parinama and Vivarta: Is there any real distinction?

The main purpose of this brief essay is to examine the longstanding controversy about (and thereby the debates between) parinama-vada and vivarta-vada, and show that vivarta-vada, correctly understood, does not oppose...

A sequel to Shri Matsya Narayana

A sequel to Shri Matsya Narayana Partha Desikan If we have read the story of the saving of the Vedas by the direct intervention of the Infinite in the Matsya form and are informed that there could be slightly different...

The "-ist"

There is no self, said a Self to itself... that is what the scriptures say, so it must be true From all things interconnected all things rise...

Shri Matsya Narayana

Shri Matsya Narayana Partha Desikan Gururgurutamo dhaama satyah satyaparaakramah | Nimisho (a)nimishah sragvee vaachaspatir udaaradheeh || Agraneer graamaneeh shreemaan nyaayo netaa sameeranah | The above three lines...

The Cosmic Mist

INTO THE DARKNESS THEN OUT OF THE LIGHT THE FIRE OF THE SUN THE ECHO OF THE WORLDS THE LIFEBREATH OF THE MIND THE CORE OF THE EARTH THE CENTER OF THE SOUL ONE WHO CONQUERS THE WORLDS THE MAKER OF EVIL THE SPRING OF THE...

Lorelei

GOT LOST IN THE ISLAND MAZE SOARED THROUGH THE AIR LOOKED LIKE A FALCON AS AGILE AS A MERLIN DRIFTED THROUGH THE RAIN VIERED TO THE SHORE THE CLOUDS LIFTED IN THE HAZE MOONLIT NIGHT WRECKED ON THE CORAL SOMEHOW GOT...

The Path of Fire and Light Vol 1

In Path of Fire and Light Swami Rama shares with Western students, for the first time, remarkable and practical information on the systematic techniques of an ancient and profound tradition of spiritual growth.

Chakras and Endocrine Glands

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHAKRAS The word, Chakra, literally means wheel, circle, vortex, or whirlpool.

NADIS OR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

NADIS The Sanskrit word, “Nadi,” derives from the root, Nad, which means flow, motion, vibration. These nadis are creative energies of the subtle body.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION (SANKALAPA)

New Year’s Day marks the end of one year and beginning of the other. It is the perfect time to look back into the past and make plans for the future.

The Island

Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives a very unusual man. His fellow-monks are confused by his bizarre conduct.

recapturing Crete

recapturing Crete Jim Clark A warrior who lost his men wandered off into a canyon in a foreign land. He traveled there to fight against invading armies who attacked the natives. Several ships went ashore.

the Cold War

There are questions about al-Qaeda that are to some extent answered that remain. The negative impact al-Qaeda has had on the US or India is evident.

Wind Over Water

...saltwater footnotes At lobster walk the dock looked like an aquaculture farm as a result of Dave Curls who became a commercial diver collecting tropical fish.

The Unmistaken Child

A visual stunning, spellbinding spiritual journey to a world rarely seen by outsiders. The Buddhist concept of reincarnation, while both mysterious and enchanting, is hard for most Westerners to grasp.

About the Verbs in the Mahavakyas

About the verbs in the Mahavakyas Partha Desikan All the Vedantacharyas, in particular the founders of the Advaita , Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita doctrines, namely Sri Sankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva relied totally...

Having to do with Jayanth Kaikini's Ondu Jilebi

Having to do with Jayanth Kaikini's Ondu Jilebi Partha Desikan An inspiring contemporary young Kannada poet has recently published a collection of his poems and there was a formal release in Bangalore.

DHYANA… THE PERFECT MEDITATION

When the flow of concentration (Dharana) is uninterrupted, the state that arises is Dhyana. Dhyana is the study of deep concentration, calmness, and tranquility of the mind.

Enlighten Up

This documentary follows the life of a 29-yo white male from New York, as he immerses himself into a "Yogic" lifestyle.

Humanism, Vaishnavite style

Humanism, Vaishnavite style Partha Desikan I would like to state at the outset that Vaishnavism is as much a product of Hindu/Vedantic genius as Advaita is and that the two belong to different sets and should not be...

INBETWEENNESS: A SPIRITUAL VISION BEYOND RELIGION  AND SCIENCE   

> We can now ask whether it is ever possible to distinguish experience from the interpretation of it. If not, it is unclear how any experience can be said to be self-assuring.

Year-end Yin

As we come to the end of the year and the days grow shorter, the temperatures lower, it is time to change the focus of your practice.

Hindu Temple Architecture -V

Site Selection The previous four parts of this series can be found below. Part I Part II Part III Part IV In this part, I continue with the topic of site selection of Hindu temples.

Hindu Tradition, Modern Science and the intellectually colonised mind

Introduction The impact of colonial rule by large empires on the colonised is a well known phenomenon.

The Rift between Dualistic Vaishnavism and Advaita

NOTE: I have posted this as a thread on Medhaam Dehi (our forum) but NS suggested I post it as a blog entry. So here goes... I've been sucked into this debate (I should say I inadvertently stumbled into it) on Facebook.

INBETWEENNESS: THE INDIVISIBLE WHOLE

Sunnie D. Kidd and James W. Kidd If we consider consciousness as undivided the distinction between the knower and the known disappears. Experience is complete in itself and is self-assuring.

Beauty

Definition of Beauty as a short story by 1st grader, my son Ishan Beauty is like your positive energy. Beauty comes from your positive energy.

Crabby Old man

This poem by an Old man is doing rounds of Internet Crabby Old Man What do you see nurses? . . What do you see? What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me? A crabby old man, . ... .

Rama meets Sharad in the Woods

Yesterday was a special day. Throughout the world, followers of the Sikh path celebrated the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev.

I am That

This is a pdf circulating among some Dharmic-types on the Internet. I thought I'd share it with the Medhavis.

Cows, Commodities, Greenhouse Gases

Cows, Commodities, Greenhouse Gases Partha Desikan Wild cats hunting for food would have been indeed very happy when man had not yet learnt to tame some ruminants which later became his cattle wealth.

SIDDHASANA (THE ACCOMPLISHED POSE)

Sidddhasana (the accomplished pose) is the most rewarding of all the sitting postures. It is one of the most important asanas (the best among 84 lakh asanas), whose practice purifies the 72,000 Nadis in the body.

Schrödinger’s cat or shut up and calculate!

I have been recently reading through Meera Nanda’s article, “Intellectual Treason”. I have prepared a general reply to that article which will be posted eventually in TMJ.

Anandam Paramanandam

Here's a song from the Malayalam movie Jagadguru Adisankaran [ 1977] . The film may seem different from G V Iyer's version as it caters to a much wider audience.

The Suitor-A Micro Story

No suitors for me in sight till now. I ‘d rather be single than marry someone I don’t love. Saw him yesterday from my balcony and did not sleep a wink last night. He is the one. I know for sure.

Happy Diwali, Deepawali, Kali Pujo

Dear Friends, It is soon going to be three years since we started Medha Journal. I know we don't usually celebrate many of our festivals on Medha Journal.

YOGA FOR ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition in which hemoglobin concentration, or the number of red blood cells, is below the defined level. The job of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen around the body.

A desire of a 5 year old

Almost a year back Ishan had written a letter to Mr. President on Global Warming issues..:)) It was something that he came up with and I just encouraged him to complete the letter....

Fragile Ecosystem, Vedic Solution?

I recently posted a review of a book by Daniel Quinn titled "Ishmael". The book is a semi-fiction/philosophical dialog between Daniel Quinn and an old Gorilla called Ishmael (of course Ishmael is the archetype of a wise...

Ishmael: An Adventure of Mind and Spirit

Quinn ( Dreamer ) won the Turner Tomorrow Award's half-million-dollar first prize for this fascinating and odd book--not a novel by any conventional definition--which was written 13 years ago but could not find a...

The Science of Sankhya..

The Sankhya Philosophy Purusha In Sankhya Philosophy, evolution happens in three dimensions. The dimensions are Purusha, Prakrti and the Gunas.

YOGA FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN

Yoga is a stimulating way to reach children, especially those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and other developmental delays.

Nadaswaram (Nagaswaram) and the US

The nadaswaram (sometimes spelt nadhaswaram, and also called nagaswaram) is one of the most popular classical (Carnatic style) instruments of South India and acclaimed as the world's loudest non-brass acoustic...

American Exceptionalism

American Exceptionalism and the Myth of the Frontiers Editor's note: From a true global perspective, it is important for anyone to figure the role the United States of America has played & and continues to play in the...

Hot and Cold Verdict Before And Without Trial

Editor's Note: V Sundaram (Retd. IAS officer) has written a blistering critique of Indian Media and it's mishandling of the Swami Nityananda issue.

Laughter is an interval between sorrows

Laughter is an interval between sorrows A man was sitting on one side of the road crying. He seemed to be depressed and worried.

Truth (?) about the current nuclear weapon controversy

There has been continuous controversy about the yield of the Indian weapon tests (Pokhran 1 in 1974; Pokhran 2 in 1998) for the last 35 years.

Greatness of acquiring a Human form

Greatness of acquiring a Human form Human being crowns the top most hierarchy of living beings.

The potent Power of Devotion, a Micro-story

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's parables are famous and cherished. Little glimpses from the Master's life often read like parables themselves.

Bande Mataram -Its origin and Impact on the struggle for Indian Independence

Bande Mataram! Sujalam, Suphalam, malayaja shitalam, Shasyashyamalam Mataram! I bow to thee Mother, richly-watered, richly fruited cool with the winds of the south, dark with the crops of the harvests The Mother!...

Hinduism – Religion or Dharma?

Growing up in Bharat (India), I have heard people proclaiming time and again that “All Religions are the same and they teach the same thing”.

So Who Was Really Responsible For India's Partition?

Jaswant Singh’s latest book has raised a fresh controversy on who was responsible for the partition of India. Some think it was Jinnah while others say it was Nehru/Patel.

Hindu Mandir Executives Conference, 2009, and some related thoughts

Greetings, Medhavis. Namaste! And Jaya Shri Krishna! This past weekend, I had the great pleasure to attend and even greater fortune to meet Medha Journal's own Ravi Joshi at the Hindu Mandir Executives Conference, 2009,...

The Mystery of the Noisy Child

I arrived in Saint-Etienne at the beginning of July. The summer months see people moving out of the cities and into the holiday locations for their annual vacations. As a result, the city seems deserted.

CHINA'S 1965 war with INDIA/ Some lessons in 2009

1962 India/China war. Every Indian who experienced that Chinese perfidy just cannot forget the feeling of backstabbing .

The Mother's Divine Dance

The Mother's Divine Dance Partha Desikan Rabindranath Tagore met Sree Narayana Guru in 1922 and was deeply impressed both by the spiritual heights of his thoughts and by his enduring commitment to fight caste based...

Raja Yoga

INTRODUCTION There are many paths of yoga for attaining clarity of mind. Raja Yoga is one of the paths that focuses on meditation and contemplation. Raja means king, and king is always in a state of enlightenment.

The Goddess of Night

The Goddess of Night She descends, in her dark beauty When her fair sister departs To pull a thick veil over men And their actions of that day.

Indian Army protecting Pakistani Army!!!

The following three videos brought back memories of 1971 war. I was only part of logistics but we know the Pakistani army is committing lot of mistakes.

How should one interpret Hindu scripture?

Introduction One of the signs of the present age is the attitude towards the interpretation of scripture. "Anything goes" pretty much sums up the modern attitude.

I see Him now

Here is another micro-story, friends. I see Him now. The newborn child opened its eyes looking for Him. The eyes went all around. No, He was not to be found. A charcha ensued between the eyes and the child's soul.

THE STORY AND WISDOM OF YAGNAVALKYA.

When the purpose of sAdhanA and the final destination of the soul is understood, there remain no more doubts in the sadhaka’s mind as regards the imperativeness of yoga sAdhanA.

Hindu Identity

Editor's note: Below talk becomes even more relevant in the context of this Newsweek article (ClickHere), putting a broader & deeper spotlight on Hinduism.

Tai Chi With George Bolger - Preparation Form

The most common question asked by people is "What is Taichi". The art of Taichi has been around for thousands of years, and is one of the few complete systems of moving meditation in existence today.

Aitareya Upanishad i

{To Read Author's General Note click here } Aitareya Upanishad i: This Upanishad is part of the Rg Veda.

Aitareya Upanishad ii

{To Read Author's General Note click here } For Part I, click here In part I it was said that the universe with all its constituents is the creation of Brahman. This part deals with creation in more detail.

Brahmopanishad I

{To Read Author's General Note click here } There are two recensions of this Upanishad with minor variation. Swami Madhavaananda had dealt with both in a combined form. We shall follow him.

Brahmopanishad II

{To Read Author's General Note click here } (Contd... from Part I) - There are four seats of consciousness in the Purusha. These are the navel, the heart, the throat and the head.

Brahmopanishad III- The poetry part

{To Read Author's General Note click here } (Contd... from Part II) In the first part of the Upanishad the origin of life is dealt with. Praana or aerobic life is considered an important evolutionary state.

Brahmopanishad IV

{To Read Author's General Note click here } (Contd... fromPart III) There are four unrelated parts in this Upanishad. The Upanishad itself is not divided. The division is by me.

Mundaka Upanishad I & II

{To Read Author's General Note click here } Mundaka Upanishad ‘U’ is pronounced short as in ‘full’. ‘n’ is pronounced as Venu; d as in dog. The Upanishad is meant for study by monks or sannyasis.

Mundaka Upanishad III & IV

{To Read Author's General Note click here } (Contd. from Part I & II) ...Mundaka Upanishad Mundaka Upanishad III 1.

Mundaka Upanishad V & VI

{To Read Author's General Note click here } (Contd. from Part III & IV) ...Mundaka Upanishad Mundaka Upanishad V In part I it was said that Brahman is omniscient. The universe is his creation. Life evolves from his will.

Sanskrit: From Pooja rooms to Science Labs..

Samskrita Bharati organized a 10 day Spoken Sanskrit programme in several parts of the City during last week. The concept of ‘Spoken Sanskrit’ attracted me and I made it a point to attend their classes most of the days.

YOGA REGIMEN FOR THE MONSOON

Everybody enjoys monsoon season because we love the rain, pleasant weather, and everything associated with it.

UPANISHADS - A Series Begins

Medha Editor's Note: We are pleased to offer to Medhavis a new series on Upanishads, the creme-de-la-creme of Indic Philosophy, which has influenced the thought & living in India & other influenced cultures for...

Everything you wanted to know about Brahmajnana but were afraid to ask!

Goal of human life The goal of human life according to Advaita Vedanta is Brahmajnana (knowledge of Brahman).

YOGIC MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY

The word obesity is derived from a Latin word “Obesus,” which means to eat. It is a nutritional condition of the body characterized by over accumulation of fat under the skin and around certain internal organs.

The Eternal Self of the Buddha