Death has a way of becoming a life force that weaves its presence into our everyday lives. So pervasive, so commonplace, so final and yet so fleeting. It hovers around me in a meaningful peekaboo these days. A lady I used to talk to rather often, M, is near death these days. Many years ago, … More Near death
So it has been a while since I have been having a good time — I gave up a nasty, silly job this summer and then went about reading, writing, editing, setting up websites, sleeping, eating, spending time with the family, not worrying about money, making enough money… in short, living my idea of a … More When you’re fragile and you know it
After I’d written this post about a discussion that had come up in my Gita class in the Aurobindo Ashram, my teacher called me on the phone a few days later (he’s just so amazing). “You must know that your questions in class were very important. Very important,” he began. “Not everyone knows that they … More Giving up on enlightenment
If I ever needed a reminder of the importance of the natural way of life, I just got one. I returned yesterday from a natural healing resort called Kairali in the old Kerala town of Palakkad. The resort is a sort of Ayurvedic hospital with rooms designed in special ways to maximise ease and healing, … More Un-gods of Google
When nothing exists but Thee, oh God, Then what is this commotion? — Mirza Ghalib
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 