Swami Tejomayananda
Bhog, rog & viyog
As living beings, we know we have life in us, but we cannot claim any right over it. The fact that we are living enables functions like seeing, hearing, feeling, touching etc, and possibilities become endless. But we did not buy this life. We did not create it and cannot take credit for it. So it can be said that life is a gift, and a precious one, too.
Seek true knowledge
We humans have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. And we spend our entire life trying to acquire it through some way or the other.
The power of faith
As the first rays of the sun rise over Sangam, the confluence of the rivers, there is a confluence of cultures; it is the Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years devotees gather at Allahabad, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mystic Saraswati meet, to take a dip in those holy waters and to come out rejuvenated. But what is it that brings this multitude of people from all parts of the world to this auspicious event? It is the power of faith.
Creation conundrum
The question “Why did God create the world?” only leads to more questions, which are nothing but refutations or justifications of our own notions and assumptions. But now, by dropping all pre-conceived notions, we will try to understand what the world is and who God is. We will then consider why He created the world.
In quest of eternal peace
Throughout the history of our race, the quest for knowing the inner self has been
persistent. Each generation has asked the same questions. The terminology may have differed and the language may vary, but the desire to know has remained the same.
The lamps in true light
In India, festivals are not only known for the celebrations and festivities, but also for their spiritual significance, inspiring us to raise the standard of our life. Rather than merely exhausting ourselves physically and mentally, they purify the mind, enabling us to face life with more enthusiasm.
Lessons for householder
As we continue to walk the path of serenity and wisdom following the edyfying conversation between Sri Ram and Lakshman in the forest, Ram imparts his insights on the autumnal surroundings.
Ushering autumn
In my earlier columns on the vision behind the Ramayana, we dealt with Sri Ram sharing his thoughts with Lakshman on the natural phenomenon around them — the monsoons. He speaks about devotion, knowledge, dispassion and right conduct. He tells his brother what to avoid and what to watch out for. Now that rains are giving way to autumn, we will consider what Sri Ram says pointing out the signs and the significance of the season to Lakshman.
3 steps to surrender
Onam, a festival celebrated in Kerala, is a 10-day celebration of peace and prosperity, colour and sound. The festival has its roots in puranic lore: The story of Vamana and the asura-king Mahabali.
Happiness: Its other side
Once, my guru, Swami Chinmayananda, was having his baggage checked by a customs officer in the US. On finding nothing objectionable, the man waved him away with the words, “Have a nice day.” Swamiji promptly asked, “How?” The man was speechless; this shows that we do not know how to have a nice day, yet we keep saying it every day to everyone. “Wish you all success,” we say. But how?
