Ghalib says
September 20, 2014
When nothing exists but Thee, oh God, Then what is this commotion? — Mirza Ghalib
Author: Aekta Kapoor
Founder of eShe magazine (eshe.in) and the peacebuilding initiative South Asia Union (southasiaunion.com). Features in and as 'The Unsuitable Girl', in episode 1 of 'Love Storiyaan' on Amazon Prime. Email: aekta@eshe.in
Do we really want liberation?
September 15, 2014
Not many people actually want ‘liberation’, my spiritual teacher said today. “Ask yourself, do you really want nirvana (liberation from the cycles of life and death)? Do you really want detachment from your hundred material pursuits and relationships? Doesn’t liberation sound boring?” His words struck a chord and I sat up in my seat. “But what is … More Do we really want liberation?
Value-added moment
September 13, 2014
A scene comes to mind. A face, an unlikely location. You are the protagonist but everything else appears to be a dream. You have another home, another husband, another life. You do not recognise yourself. This cannot be you. Those are not your words, your thoughts. You aren’t like this. You aren’t like this any … More Value-added moment
Yoga of works
September 3, 2014
Arjun is a man who doesn’t like to think too much. He wants clear instructions on what to do. The subtle layers of meanings in Krishna’s words are getting too much for him. He is perplexed. In Verse 1 of Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, he asks Krishna, “Which is the better way – … More Yoga of works
Exam time
August 22, 2014
I’m sitting for an exam these days; not because I attach any particular value to collecting certificates but because I love attending classes. This is an exam on the study of Nichiren Buddhism. I attended a lecture at someone’s home recently; they’ve converted their basement into a prayer hall (excellent way of generating good karma, … More Exam time
Everyday mystical experience
August 4, 2014
My husband, his friend and I were having a discussion on ‘mystical’ experiences. “I have never had one,” our friend said, half regretfully. “I’ve never had one either,” my husband added, without a trace of regret. “I have one almost every day,” I said. “It depends on your definition of ‘mystical’.” Let me describe one day in … More Everyday mystical experience
Guru connection
August 1, 2014
A guru has found me lately. It began with a friend adding me to a Whatsapp group titled Sri M. I had no idea who this was but I was happy to receive daily nuggets of wisdom such as: What is ‘Sthita Pragna‘? One who maintains equilibrium, mental equilibrium, under all circumstances. You cannot surprise … More Guru connection
Nap time
July 28, 2014
Couple of days ago, I was at a dinner party with a group of parents. One of the mothers, whose daughter and mine practically live in each others’ homes, also happens to be something of a mind-reader — she’s very highly intuitive.We chatted over dessert (I shared my weight woes due to a sweet tooth; she … More Nap time
Joyful insecurity
July 24, 2014
First, the news this month. I traded the financial security and prestige of a corporate life for the freedom and happiness of being there for my family and myself. Then, the quote today. “On this day of your life, Aekta, I believe God wants you to know… …that safety is not the thing you should look for in the future. … More Joyful insecurity
A dog’s life
July 10, 2014
The past few days, I’ve been trying to live like Ronnie and Miyake. Whenever there’s a little time on my hands (which is a lot now), I take a nap with my limbs sprawled out languorously. They do the same on the floor next to me. When I get up, I take a nice deep … More A dog’s life
There is time
July 4, 2014
Suddenly, there is time.Time to flip the papaya over so that it ripens evenly Time to put the bedsheet in the wash and hang the clothes out to dry in an orderly way (unlike the help who always dumps one on top of another) Time to take the dogs out after lunch and hold Miyake … More There is time
Complete
July 2, 2014
My cleaning lady came over this morning to say that she couldn’t work today because a little girl in their family had passed away and she’d have to go for the funeral. As she talked about the horrific tragedy, it struck me that the phrase she used in Hindi for death was, ‘Woh poori ho gayee.’ It … More Complete
Not so difficult daughters
July 1, 2014
My daughters are turning into wise old women already. Sample these nuggets of wisdom they’ve showered me with in just the past two days: MJ (age 17), last night, in my bedroom: Whatever is happening is because you really wanted it, mom. I’m listening to you talking on the phone to your friends and cribbing … More Not so difficult daughters
A little inspiration
June 29, 2014
I spent the morning of my 40th birthday last month at Helsinki’s excellent Kiasma art museum, where they had a special exhibition by filmmaker-artist Alfredo Jaar, his first solo showing in Finland. His work is a critical comment on current politics and the human situation. One of the works of art, titled Dear Markus, is a series … More A little inspiration
Real work
June 27, 2014
Last weekend, I asked my fiery young Ayurvedic masseuse, “A job like this needs much strength, doesn’t it? And you’re so slender.” She stopped in her palm tracks across my tummy. “The strength is in the wrist and hand, not in the body.” “But don’t you ever get tired massaging so many clients a day?” I insisted. “A … More Real work
100 Paths 