Adi Shankaracharya, an Indian philosopher who expounded Advit Vedant , was searching for the Guru, who can quench his thirst for knowledge. During his search he happened to meet Seer Govind Bhagvatapada at the cave near the bank of Narmada in Omkareshwar, M. P. When his Guru asked, “Who are you?” Adi Shankaracharya, who was then 6 years old, gave the answer in a devotional … Continue reading Nirvan Shatakam verse 1
I found this quite interesting, the story of Jai and Vijay. It’s just not a story but an insight into the evolution of Human being and of course written quite before Darwin.( With due respect to Mr Darwin, as I am a science student) Jai and Vijay were gate keeper of Vaikhunt, the Adobe of Lord Vishnu. Once Sankadik munis, children of lord Bhrahma came … Continue reading Story of Jai-Vijay
I came across an interesting sect of Bengal while reading a book called “Introducing Hinduism , a graphic guide” by Vinay Lal and Borin Van Loon. The Bauls, are the singing, itinerant bards from Bangal region comprising Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Barak Valley of Assam. This sect most likely arose in the 16th century. It drew its members from the lowest strata of Hindu and Muslim society. The religious … Continue reading Bauls:Singing Bards
Well, our answer would be…. We want to evolve into a happy person, and want to dissolve all the miseries. Is it possible? Answer would be ” Yes” and “No” Why would answer be “No”? Because according to Gautama,the Buddha, first Nobel truth (आत्मसत्य) out of 4 is… 1. There is Dukkha(दुःख) which means there will be misery and pain or suffering, if you are … Continue reading What to evolve and what to dissolve? That’s the question.
Satyaki , was a powerful warrior belonging to the Vrishni clan of the Yadavas. He was devoted to Krishna and was a student of Arjuna. In Kurukhetra War he favoured the cause of the Pandavas over the Kauravas. On the 2nd day of war, Satyaki defeated Shakuni. On 12th day of Kurukeshtra war , Satyaki defeated Karna but spared him for Arjuna. On 14th day he gave a tough fight to Drone, so that … Continue reading Satyaki, probably first known ENT and Eye Surgeon.
After escaping wax house ( Lakshagruh) mishap, Pandavas reach the sacred bank of river Ganga. Mispronounced as Ganges by few. Their paternal uncle Vidur arranged a boat, by which they can move uphill against water current. It was described “Sarwvaatashaam navam, Yantrayuktam patakinim।। A boat with engines and flag, capable of withstanding winds. Friends, I happened to listen to the story of Mahabharata through the … Continue reading Pandavas probably amongst the first humans to ride ,power boat.
King Dhritrashtra was married to Gandhari. They did not have a son for a long time, and not having son means no lineage to Kaurava dynasty. Once guru Krishna Dvapayan , who was popularly know in history as great sage Vyasa, a writer of Mahabharata itself, visited Queen Gandhari. She took great care of him, he was so pleased with her hospitality , he asked … Continue reading Kauravas , probably among the first test tube babies on the earth?
Kunti was one of the wives of king Pandu, who being albino could not be throne king, as in those days it’s believed to be a skin disease. Pandu was cursed by sage Kindam that he couldn’t get intimate with his wives, else he will die. Pandu got frustrated and went to jungle with his wives, Kunti and Madri. He was so depressed that he … Continue reading Kunti, probably among the first human on earth to know that earth is round.
Once we realize that everyone makes mistakes and this is quite a natural process of Spiritual evolution, forgiving others and one’s self becomes easy. Forgiveness hastens physical as well as inner healing. It means when there is conflict, one should try to defuse it rather then to escalate it. Aim should be to restore harmony and peace. This can be done in following ways 1. … Continue reading Forgiving is therapeutic
Material teachings also known as apara Vidhya and Spiritual teaching is known as Para Vidhya in Sanskrit. I came across a talk by swami Gaur Gopal Das of ISKCON. He nicely summerised the differences between Materialistic and Spiritual teachings 1st Lifestyle Vs Life 2nd Quantity Vs Quality 3rd Prove Vs Improve 4th Go through life Vs Grow through life 5th Information Vs Transformation Need not … Continue reading Material Vs Spiritual teachings
Ajay Karkare's Spirituality 