The invocatory prayer eulogises the Self residing in the heart of an individual, which is of the form of existence-knowledge-bliss. I am that Self which cognises and remains a witness of the three states of consciousness, viz., waking, dream and…
Man is expected to renounce the craving for wealth, not wealth itself. This becomes possible when his intellect aims for a higher ideal. It helps him control and eventually overcome his mind’s cravings while remaining content with the wealth he…
Self-sufficiency is an indicator of spiritual development in human beings. 100% development signifies an Enlightened master like Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is regarded as an Avatara of Lord Shiva. He led his life as a sannyāsī (renunciate) and taught advaita,…
An old man was memorizing Sanskrit grammar rules and formulas written by Maharishi Panini. The master, who was passing by, compassionately told him that devotedly reciting the Lord’s name would be his saviour in life, not grammar rules. The message…
You should understand the rules of the game before entering the playground. A lack of knowledge can lead to injuries, a loss of enthusiasm for playing, and eventual defeat. Similarly, in the arena of the world, you have no choice…
Goals in life vary from person to person, but the ultimate goal for everyone is the same: achieving unbroken bliss. Vedanta highlights this Akhanda-Ananda as your true nature. The desire for pleasure drives you to seek it externally. This endless…
Prakarana Granthas are introductory texts that explain the basic concepts of Vedanta. They prepare students to understand the deeper meanings of the wisdom found in the Upanishads. Bhaja Govindam is one such short text composed of thirty-one verses. The verses…
Dreamworld feels real as long as you experience it. Its true nature is revealed when you wake up. Similarly, Vedanta states that the true nature of this world is that it is without essence, born of imagination, like a dream.…
Navaratri is one of the biggest festivals in Hindu calendar spanning nine nights culminating in Vijayadashami on the tenth day. It glorifies worship of the Universal Mother in various forms and is celebrated in different parts of India in different…
Neutralization Posted by gurukripa (CAVEAT: The following write up on ‘Neutralization’ is based on teachings of Swami Parthasarathy & subsequent group discussions by students of Vedanta Academy) What is Neutralization? Neutralization is a state where a person derives no pleasure…
Gita and Counseling Posted by gurukripa Shankara’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita starts only from second chapter. The first chapter – which portrays the battle field and describes the anguish of Arjuna – is not commented upon, as Lord Krishna says…
Spontaneity of Creation Posted by gurukripa (The following write up is inspired by teachings of Swami Parthasarathy) Mundaka Upanishad chapter 1 section 1 mantra 7 explains the spontaneity of creation of universe from Brahman with the help of 3 powerful…