Poonam Srivastava
The guru in his element
Earlier this month Guru Purnima was celebrated as a mark of respect for the presence of the guru in our lives. In India a very special position is enjoyed by the guru figure which is a tradition handed down to us through the ages.
Summer Solstice
Today, June 21, is celebrated as the first day of summer, or Summer Solstice, especially in the western and northern hemispheres where it is also the longest day of the year. The word solstice has its roots in two Latin words — “sol” meaning sun and “sistere” which translates to “cause to stand still”.
Three jewels of Buddhism
On this Buddha Purnima, which falls on May 6, I would like to recommend that we revisit the three jewels of Buddhism to mark the event. Also known as the “three refuges”, they are often chanted at Buddhist festivals. They are known as tri-ratna in Sanskrit and ratana-traya in Pali translations. It says:
Buddham sharanam gacchami
Dharmam sharanam gacchami.
Sangham sharanam gacchami.
A life beyond faith
The abundance of festivals in the Indian calendar brings cheer for many reasons. They are a source of celebration and joy in our lives and give us the ever-welcome excuses for holidays.
The colour influence
The colours of spring are blossoming all around and Holi, the festival of colours, has just heralded the season of colours.
Love as karuna
With Valentine’s Day falling tomorrow, love is in the air. But love can be a confusing emotion that is capable of causing us both joy and suffering.
The humbling act of charity
The current peak in winter season makes us sensitive to the travails of those less privileged than us. One tends to sympathise with the homeless and hungry who are suffering from the severe cold, which has taken the lives of many. It makes one want to engage with some acts of charity like donating woolens to the poor. Dana or charity or giving alms is a key part of most religious traditions, be it Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist.
Mindful of the present
As the New Year approaches and we bid adieu to another year, many of us reflect on how fast one more year has gone by.
Thank, eat, pray
I am in the US these days and witnessing the preparations for one its biggest festivals, Thanksgiving, which is usually considered the official start of the holiday season here, with the lighting of the trees and streets for Christmas. Shops have begun holiday promotions and there is a general spirit of bonhomie in the air.
Expand the circle of joy
This is the season for festivities. Durga Puja and Dussehra have just gone past us and many big Hindu festivals like Diwali are a few days to go. There is no missing the increasing pace of activity on account of festival plans in everyone’s life. This draws parallel to the way the West dolls up during Christmas time — the feeling of celebration is in the air.
