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Bhakti: The Way to Channelise Our Emotions

  As the festive season begins, Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Diwali and various other festivals evoke different feelings within us. The essence of these celebrations is not merely in the external festivities, the decorations, shopping or rituals. At a deeper level, festivals invite us to reflect on what the various Gods and Goddesses represent and, more importantly, what kind of bhāva (emotions) they awaken in our hearts. When we understand the significance of the divine forms we worship, our devotion naturally deepens. Knowledge and devotion complement each other. Merely listening to philosophical lectures and accumulating knowledge is not enough if there is no bhakti-bhāva connecting us to the higher ideal. Jñāna and bhakti are not competing paths; they can work together, and either path, or a combination of both, can lead us towards the same destination. But to truly enjoy the journey, both these paths are important. So, what exactly is bhakti ? In simple terms, bhakti is the...
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The Role of Religion in Spiritual Growth

  In contemporary discussions on spirituality, one frequently hears the statement, “ I am spiritual but not religious. ” It is often presented as a progressive or enlightened position. However, a deeper examination of this idea raises an important question: what exactly is the role of religion in the spiritual journey, and can spirituality be meaningfully separated from it? The scriptures describe Atma as all-pervading, limitless, formless, and indestructible. Since it is not bound by space, it cannot be confined to any particular form. Yet, while the ultimate reality is formless, the human mind finds it difficult to conceive or appreciate the formless directly. The mind naturally relates to names, forms, symbols, and concrete objects. Therefore, spiritual traditions provide various forms of worship and different manifestations of the Divine to help individuals connect with the higher reality according to their temperament and personality. This understanding forms the basis of reli...
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Book Review: The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani

  12 Key takeaways from this book are presented in these two videos - Part 1 and Part 2 .  In a world where distractions compete relentlessly for our attention, The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani ji offers a refreshing and deeply practical roadmap for reclaiming control of the mind. Drawing from a decade of monastic training and spiritual practice, the author presents focus not merely as a productivity tool but as a fundamental life skill that determines the quality of our experiences, relationships, and inner well-being. The book is organized into four sections— A Life of Purpose and Joy , The Ineffable Mind , Wings of the Mind , and A Panacea for the Mind . While each part contributes to the overall message, the heart of the book lies in sections Two and Three. Through six pivotal chapters, the author develops a unique framework for understanding the mind, awareness, energy, concentration, and willpower. One of the foundational themes of the book is the relationshi...
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Apaishunam: The Discipline of Speech in the Age of Social Media

In Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, while describing the qualities of a devotee who is dear to Him, Bhagavan Krishna says, "Such a person is one who does not agitate the world and is not agitated by the world" . Recent public events and the flood of opinions, videos, and social media content offer an opportunity to assess how we respond emotionally and how our actions affect others. One aspect of this teaching is ensuring that we do not become a source of agitation in society. In Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, while describing the twenty-six divine qualities ( Daivi Sampat ), Bhagavan Krishna includes Apaishunam —the absence of slander, gossip, malicious criticism, and fault-finding. This quality has become especially relevant in an era where information spreads instantly and everyone has the ability to publish opinions to a large audience. Understanding Apaishunam The word Apaishunam is formed by adding the prefix "a" (absence) to Paishunam , which refers to gos...
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Hinduism is NOT mythology

  I visited Blossoms Book House, my favorite bookstore in Bengaluru, today. As always, I spent most of my time browsing the spirituality, philosophy, Yoga, and Ayurveda shelves. While I was absorbed in looking through the books, I overheard two young girls walking past say, "Oh, this is the mythology section." I looked up and noticed that the shelf containing the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and other Hindu scriptures was indeed labeled "Mythology." Right beside it, was a shelf with Christianity related books, appropriately labeled "Christianity." While billing my books, I politely spoke to the owner. "Sir, may I request something? I visit Blossoms often and buy many spiritual and religious books here. I noticed that the shelf containing scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata is labeled 'Mythology.' Could you please consider renaming it 'Hinduism' or 'Sanatana Dharma...
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Titiksha: The Strength of Cheerful Endurance

 This is  Part 2 on the topic of  Titiksha . Check out  Part 1  . In an age where comfort is celebrated and convenience is expected, even the smallest inconvenience can disturb our peace of mind. A delayed flight, an unexpected criticism, a traffic jam, or a disagreement at home often leaves us frustrated and emotionally drained. The Bhagavad Gita offers a timeless antidote to this modern restlessness through the profound virtue of Titiksha —the capacity to endure life's inevitable challenges with patience, composure, and a cheerful attitude. Titiksha is often translated as endurance or forbearance, but its meaning extends far beyond merely tolerating discomfort. Adi Shankaracharya beautifully defines it as "endurance with a cheerful disposition." It is not passive resignation, nor is it grumbling acceptance. Rather, it is the ability to face situations that cannot be changed without complaining, blaming, or becoming emotionally disturbed. It is the inner stren...
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Titiksha: The Art of Remaining Unshaken

Life is constantly changing. Our bodies change, our minds change, our relationships change, and the world around us changes every moment. Yet, despite knowing this intellectually, we often resist change. We want pleasant experiences to last forever and unpleasant ones to disappear immediately. This resistance becomes the source of much of our suffering. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Krishna offers a timeless solution to this problem through the virtue of Titikṣā —the strength to remain mentally undisturbed amidst life's inevitable ups and downs. This teaching is not merely philosophical; it is a practical discipline that can transform the way we respond to every situation in life. The inevitable change Before introducing Titikṣā, Krishna establishes an important truth. The Ātman , our true Self, is eternal and unchanging, whereas everything associated with the body, mind and the external world is temporary. Whatever belongs to the realm of Anātman is subject to change, decay and ...
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