Category: scriptures

  • OM or AUM – The Seed Sound – The Beginning

    AUM or ओम् originally ओं = आं , which may be derived from आ, a word of solemn affirmation and respectful assent, sometimes translated by ” yes , verily , so be it “ it is placed at the commencement of most Hindu works, most mantras and shlokas, and as a sacred exclamation may be uttered…

  • On Developing Indifference

    The quality or bhavana of upeksha is the fourth quality that Patanjali prescribes for the spiritual seeker, in addition to karuna (compassion), maitri (friendship) and mudita (joy). The literal meaning of upekShA (उपेक्षा) is “overlooking, disregard, negligence, indifference, contempt or abandonment”. At first glance, indifference or negligence seems to imply that we should be insensitive…

  • The Attitude of Joy in Life

    The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe four bhavanas or human traits that are essential for our spiritual growth. Two of these traits – compassion and friendship – were discussed in previous articles. This article focuses on the third trait – Joy. The particular sutra that encourages us to acquire and remain in a state of…

  • Suktam for Glory from Samaveda

    This series of articles on the Vedas has discussed Agni mantras from the vedas and the highly venerated Gayatri Mantra. This article builds on the theme of Agni from the sAmaveda. The verse or suktam presented below is considered a ‘great sequence’ or ‘maka-panktii’ (महापंक्ति) in the vedas – one that carries great significance and…

  • Hymns for Agni from the Vedas

    This series of articles on the Vedas began with the Gayatri Mantra and a hymn to the Lord of the Heavens, Indra. This article presents two short hymns to Agni, also known as Fire, or the primordial energy. The presence of Agni is essential for the completion of all pujas or prayer sessions in Hinduism.…

  • Hymn for Lord Indra – The Rig Veda

    The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘Vid’, which means, ‘to know’. The word ‘Rig’ in Sanskrit means ‘praise’ and the hymns of the Rig Veda (one of the oldest available scripture of Vedic thought) are expressions of adoration to various Vedic deities. The hymn below is an invocation to Lord Indra,…