A TO Z INDIA
English & Tamil Monthly Magazine
Volume 07 • Issue 10
2024
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: 163TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF RABINDRANATH TAGORE
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941 C.E.) was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengaliliteratureandmusic,aswellasIndianartwithcontextualmodernism. According to English calendar he was born on 7th May 1861 in Kolkata to parents Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. According to Bengali calendar hewasbornon25thdayofBoishakhmonth,in1422BengaliEra.
07
MAHAVIRA: NOT ONLY WORSHIPED, ALSO TO BE IMBIBED IN LIFE
The entire life of Mahavira is a living inspiration for the rise of self and others. He has illuminated millions and millions of people with his aura ofpositivity. A TO Z INDIA: Editorial Address
FROM THE EDITOR
Publication Team: EDITOR: Indira Srivatsa
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Dwarak, Srivatsa EDITORIAL
CONSULTANTS: Santha, Bhavani, Srinivasan
REPORTING: Raghavan
PHOTOGRAPHY: Adithyan
GRAPHICS ENGINEER: Chandra
Editorial Office: E002, Premier Grihalakshmi Apartments, Elango Nagar South, Virugambakkam, Chennai - 600092, Tamil Nadu, India.
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163TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF 163TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF RABINDRANATHTAGORE RABINDRANATHTAGORE
From the Editor's Desk: 163th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941 C.E.) was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with contextual modernism. According to English calendar he was born on 7th May 1861 in Kolkata to parents Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. According to Bengali calendar he was born on 25th day of Boishakh month, in 1422 Bengali Era. In West Bengal Rabindranath Tagore anniversary is observed as per local Bengali calendar. The day of Boishakh 25th currently overlaps with either 8th May or 9th May on Gregorian calendar. However, in other states Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is observed as per Gregorian calendar on 7th May. In Kolkata Tagore Jayanti is popularly known as Poncheeshe Boishakh. Guru Rabindranath’s birthday is celebrated ceremoniously by Bengalis across the world by holding a number of cultural programs in his memory. Plays, dance dramas, poetries and songs, all written and composed by the legend himself, are performed in various institutes and theatres on this day. In Kolkata, the festival is celebrated as Poncheeshe Boishakh and all the cultural activities are held at Jorasanko Thakurbari (Tagore’s ancestral home) and Rabindra Sadan (cultural centre). Shantiniketan in Birbhum, West Bengal also hosts grand celebrations to celebrate the birthday of its founder.
LettertotheEditor:
Regulate Reused Cooking Oils
VijaykumarHKIncommercialsettingslikerestaurants,it'scommonpracticenot to discard oil after a single use. Unfortunately, with deep frying, failure to regularly change the oil can lead to the generationoftransfatsthroughrepeatedreheating,potentially causing inflammation in the body as per health experts.Unhealthy oils can adversely affect mainly heightening theriskofcardiovasculardiseasesandtype2diabetes.
Repeated heating of oil also leads to the accumulation of visible and invisible granules, altering the oil's composition and introducing neo-formed compounds (NFCs) over time. This process diminishes the oil's nutritional quality.FSSAI lacks regulations or definitions for reused cooking oils, often leading food safety officials to rely on visual cues such as color or appearance. Therefore it's imperative for FSSAI to frame regulationsforreusedcookingoils.
-Dr.VijaykumarHK, Raichur,Karnataka.
LettertotheEditor:
Heed the Warnings
VijaykumarHKAs most part of the country braces for a scorching summer, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of above-normal temperatures and looming heatwaves in coming months. It's crucial for state governments to heed these warnings, prepare for heatwaves, and address long-term climate change impacts. Sustainable solutions like improved water management and increased green cover are essential. Additionally, awareness about heatwave preparedness and access to cooling shelters mustbeprioritised,especiallyforvulnerablepopulations.
Beyond discomfort, heatwaves pose significant risks to public health, agriculture, and the economy, exacerbating existing health conditions and straining healthcare systems. To tackle these challenges, proactive climate adaptation and mitigation measures are essential, including investment in sustainable infrastructureandrenewableenergysources.
-Dr.VijaykumarHK, Raichur,Karnataka.
Not only worshiped, also to be imbibed in
Life
Lalit Garg By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist Saraswati Kunj Apartment
Mahavira:
Not only worshiped, also to be imbibed in Life
Lalit Garg
By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist
E-253,
Saraswati Kunj Apartment25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92
email: lalitgarg11@gmail.com
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133
The entire life of Mahavira is a living inspiration for the rise of self and others. He has illuminated millions and millions of people with his aura of positivity. Therefore becoming a Mahavir is a symbol of the meaning of life. To become a Mahavir means to lead a healthy life, to develop immunity, to illuminate the soul and become a person who is self-reliant. Every year we celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, but this year the birth anniversary has to be purposeful, not mere planning. For this, every person should do spiritual practice to look within himself, Mahavir is not only worshiped, but should be imbibed in life. It is necessary that we inculcate the teachings given by Mahavira in our life and practice.
Every person prepares to become a Mahavir, then only one can get rid of problems. Mahavir can only become a person who is completely devoted to the goal, whose lifestyle is restrained and disciplined, who has the capacity to bear the sufferings. One who can maintain equanimity, restraint and balance even in adverse circumstances, who is ready to practice silence and heat the body. In whose mind there is a feeling of coexistence towards the whole being. One who not only knows how to change his destiny through effort, but also wishes for a bright future for the entire humanity.
Mahavir was born centuries ago, but his life and teachings are more effective and relevant in today's time of crisis and many diseases. Mahavir is a wave of health-evolution, a smokeless crest of healthy life-light. There is an unnamed river of courage and restraint. There was a hint of eternity in his dialogues. His lifestyle was so dominant that he would have been bound by a once-living. There was such a brilliance in his eyes that the one who saw him once could not forget. There was such an invitation in his call for a healthy life that it could not be ignored. His guidance was so perfect that the one who found him could never go astray. His presence was so inspiring that one would get transformed. He said 'appana sacchameseja' - find the truth yourself. He did not make anyone run with the help of crutches. If you have the ability to walk on your feet, then you can walk whenever you want and reach wherever you want. He not only illuminated the way, but also created the inner light. These are all the reasons that remind us of Mahavira.
Mahavira believed in a healthy life. They lived on their own. He also taught others to live in himself. They were healthy. No disease could touch him. He gave many sources of health. One of them was the formula –Kayotsarga. Kayotsarga means purification of the body, maintenance of the body, purity and restraint towards the body. Kayotsarga is also the starting point of sadhana and it is also the final point. This is the first understanding of health and the final conclusion. It is the shield for emergency situations involving the body. It is the use of stress-immersion and is free from all sorrows.
Mahavira's sadhana period lasted twelve and a half years. In it he repeatedly used kayotsarga. The wearer of protective armor or bulletproof jacket does not have the fear of being shot, similarly after going into deep Kayotsarga, the effect of adverse conditions of major diseases and deadly and life-threatening attacks is attenuated. Like Mahavira, one who practices Kayotsarga becomes healthy-hearted, becomes light and can lead a happy life by being absorbed in expansive meditation.
Mahavira:
Not only worshiped, also to be imbibed in Life
Lalit Garg
By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist
E-253,
Saraswati Kunj Apartment25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92
email: lalitgarg11@gmail.com
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133
The person who wants to get rid of various kinds of diseases, wants to become healthy and has to take medicine in the form of Kayotsarga. Mahavira had the science of medicine whose constituent elements are not mentioned in medical science, he gave such an unfading system of health, which is as easy as it is difficult. Kayotsarga is a type of penance. In which physical restlessness and anger etc. have to be immersed. The focus has to be on the breath. Is the mind fickle or the restlessness of the mind is the mind. On the basis of this concept, it seems difficult to stop the restlessness of the mind.
In the practice of Kayotsarga, words like relaxation, shavasana or relaxation for the body are used. Kayotsarga is such a door, from where one can get a glimpse of the soul, a feeling of existence apart from the gross body. In Kayotsarga, the body and mind get complete relaxation. There are many misconceptions about Jainism in the public. Jainism is a religion that hurts the body. Mahavira talks of giving rest to the body. How can the principle of suffering be valid in such a situation? Any austerity or penance does not mean to cause pain to the body, but to cultivate the body. The mind cannot be controlled without the body. Therefore, through yogic processes, a way has been made to cultivate the body. Kayotsarga has a special significance in the field of spirituality. Its usefulness in medical science is also undeniable. Kayotsarga also plays a big role in various investigations done by the modern equipment of medical science. In every medical examination, it is advised to leave the body a little loose and slow down the breathing, it is said to leave the mouth loose even during the extraction of teeth. In case of high blood pressure, it can be balanced by kayotsarga. Unbalanced lifestyle and stress are the major problems of this time. Small and big, rich and poor, everyone is surrounded by this tension. This is a problem for which doctors do not even have a cure. Kayotsarga can be a permanent solution to the problem of stress and fear. If Kayotsarga is done regularly, then there will be no leave for tension and fear to arise. Through Kayotsarga, both body and mind can be kept healthy. Kayotsarga is a mantra for self-meditation, in the same way, health is also a mantra for spiritual practice.
In modern life, the practice of silence, mantra cultivation and restraint is very useful. Silence gives rest, happiness comes. But the glory of silence that is accompanied by Kayotsarga is different. Be it silence, meditation, fasting or any other restraint ritual, all have a useful place in getting rid of diseases. Those who want physical, mental and spiritual health, want to avoid epidemics and diseases, they should use this great mantra Kayotsarga of Mahavira. Kayotsarga is medicine and highway to health. Anyone following this can lead a healthy life.
Lord Mahavira is truly a shining beam of light and the founder of universal religion. He is the savior of the human mind of this creation. Mahavir had given maximum emphasis on fasting, restraint and character. Mahavir's entire life is the culmination of austerity and meditation, so he is self-motivated. The teachings of the Lord are life-giving in which the solution of life's problems is contained. Lord Mahavira is Chinmaya Deepak (a lamp that has the never lasting illumination light) The lamp removes the darkness, but the usefulness of the Chinmaya lamp to defeat the darkness of ignorance is undeniable. In fact, Mahavira's discourses and teachings are millions of beams of light. In order to be flooded with the rays of knowledge, it is necessary to immerse in them, only then we will be able to move towards a healthy life.
Mahavira:
Not only worshiped, also to be imbibed in Life
Lalit Garg
By Lalit Garg Writer, Journalist, Columnist
E-253, Saraswati
KunjApartment 25 IP Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi-92
email: lalitgarg11@gmail.com
Phone: 22727486, 9811051133
Jude Sheetal: By Vasini Jha (She/Her)
Unveiling the Cosmic Symphony of Mithila's Spring Celebration
Vasini Jha
email: jhavasini@gmail.com
Have you ever witnessed a celebration that dances with the stars and embraces the awakening earth? In the heart of ancient Mithila, nestled amidst whispers of forgotten empires, a vibrant festival called Jude Sheetal bursts forth with the arrival of spring. Imagine a land awakening from winter's slumber. Lush greenery unfurls like a vibrant tapestry, and the celestial ballet above aligns with a momentous occasion – the sun's grand entrance into the fiery realm of Aries. This is Mesh Sankranti, a sacred time honored by Jude Sheetal. This festival isn't just a party; it's a profound reverence for the cosmic dance and nature's refreshing embrace. Rooted in the wisdom of ancient Vedic traditions, Jude Sheetal offers a glimpse into a bygone era where humanity lived in harmony with the heavens.
Jude Sheetal, the Maithili New Year, isn't about dropping a ball at midnight. It's about witnessing a celestial spectacle that's been observed for millennia! From the lush greenery of Tamil Nadu's valleys to the expansive vistas of Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, and Tripura, communities stand tall in reverence, proudly safeguarding this ancient rite, a shimmering testament to the timeless elegance of the Vedic calendar system. This isn't just another New Year. It's a vibrant tapestry woven from ancient traditions. Jude Sheetal follows the Vedic calendar system, a fascinating testament to how our ancestors connected with the cosmos. Typically falling around April 14th (with festivities starting on the 15th), it marks the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the Maithili year.
Enshrouded in the misty veils of antiquity, the precise origins of Jude Sheetal remain an enigmatic whisper, a tantalizing mystery that beckons the curious to unravel its secrets. Yet, like a guiding star in the celestial tapestry, its profound connection to the Vedic calendar and the celestial movements offers tantalizing glimpses into a rich historical tapestry woven with threads of celestial reverence and cosmic harmony. As one delves into the annals of ancient wisdom, the revered Surya Siddhanta, an astronomical text dating back to the 4th-5th century CE, emerges as a beacon, shedding light on the sacred Mesh Sankranti – a celestial alignment that resonates deeply with the essence of Jude Sheetal. This revelation whispers of a legacy that may have existed for centuries, its roots intertwined with the very fabric of cosmic observation, potentially predating even this venerable text.
Like a sacred riddle etched into the cosmic canvas, Jude Sheetal beckons the inquisitive and the reverent alike, inviting them to unravel its mysteries and bask in the radiance of a tradition that has transcended the boundaries of time itself. With each whisper of its antiquity, a palpable sense of awe ripples through the air, drawing the masses like moths to a flame, each soul yearning to bear witness to a celebration that has withstood the relentless march of ages. As the celestial spheres align, a collective reverence echoes across the land, inviting all who gather to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of a tradition that has woven itself into the very fabric of existence. For in this sacred moment, the veil between the earthly and the divine grows thin, allowing the echoes of ancient wisdom to reverberate through the souls of those who seek to unravel the enigmatic origins of Jude Sheetal. They meticulously tracked the movement of celestial bodies, using them as a cosmic calendar to predict seasons and guide their agricultural practices. Jude Sheetal beautifully embodies this wisdom.
Jude Sheetal: By Vasini
Unveiling the Cosmic Symphony of Mithila's Spring Celebration
Vasini Jha
Jha (She/Her)
email: jhavasini@gmail.com
Our ancestors were the original stargazers, meticulously tracking the movements of celestial bodies. As the sun gracefully waltzes into a new constellation, Jude Sheetal erupts across India. It's a time to plant seeds of hope, celebrate new beginnings, and honor the eternal cycle of nature's renewal. Delving into the sacred verses of the Shiva Purana, one of Hinduism's esteemed eighteen Puranas, we uncover the roots of the Jude Sheetal tradition, woven intricately into the vibrant fabric of Mithila's culture. According to this revered scripture, the festival serves as a conduit to soothe the fiery aspect of Lord Shiva, known as Rudra, amidst the scorching month of Chaitra (March-April). Through elaborate rituals and devout austerities, devotees endeavor to quench the Lord's wrathful heat, believed to materialize as the oppressive summer temperatures enveloping the region. These delectable treats begin as a humble homage to Lord Shiva and the divine feminine, then find their way to the tables of families and the hearts of loved ones. Sharing these sacred flavors not only fosters stronger bonds of kinship and community but also echoes the essence of generosity and hospitality ingrained in the very fabric of Mithila culture.
As twilight paints the sky on Sheetal Navami, the air becomes a canvas for the enchanting melodies of traditional folk tunes and dances. Women, adorned in their most exquisite attire, radiate in shades of crimson and gold as they gracefully engage in the mesmerizing Jhumar and Rikhia dances. Their movements exude the jubilant spirit of the occasion, intertwining ancient traditions with contemporary vibrancy. The rhythmic pulse of the dholak and the soulful notes of the bansuri weave a captivating symphony, transporting all who witness to a timeless realm where past and present seamlessly merge. As the night deepens, fragrant incense wafts through the air, mingling with the reverent chants of sacred mantras. Families gather around the revered tulsi plant, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony in the forthcoming year. One of the most remarkable facets of Jude Sheetal is its ability to transcend religious boundaries. While firmly rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Shiva Purana, this lively celebration embraces Mithila's diverse cultural heritage, weaving together strands of reverence for nature, communal joy, and the anticipation of a prosperous year ahead.
The rituals and customs of Jude Sheetal resonate with tradition yet remain vibrant and adaptable to modern times, preserving their ancient essence. Among these cherished practices is the chanting of sacred verses, like the poetic invocation "Mesha Raasi Gate Suraj, Nava Varsha Bhaeya Aaj" (The sun enters the constellation of Aries, marking the dawn of the new year), echoing through households and acknowledging the celestial shift heralding Mesh Sankranti's arrival.
In vibrant strokes, the drawings beckon blessings for prosperity and safeguarding, portraying the beautiful blend of nature and spirituality within Mithila's cultural fabric. As the day unfolds, Jude Sheetal's rituals brim with a sense of rejuvenation and purification. Before the day's heat peaks, families indulge in a revitalizing bath (Snan) infused with herbs like neem, tulsi, and mango leaves. This ritual purifies body, mind, and soul, gearing one up for the new year with a fresh surge of energy and purpose. Culinary traditions take center stage during Jude Sheetal, as the traditional chulha takes a well-deserved break on festival day. This leads to the meticulous preparation of special dishes like the renowned Kadhi-Badi or Badi bhaat—a culinary delight cherished in the Bihar and Mithila regions.
Jude Sheetal:
Unveiling the Cosmic Symphony of Mithila's Spring Celebration
Vasini Jha
By Vasini Jha (She/Her)
email: jhavasini@gmail.com
Jude Sheetal's essence transcends mere festivities; it's a testament to the resilient spirit of the Mithila people, who have gracefully navigated nature's challenges for centuries. The day is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the divine forces overseeing the harvest, while also offering prayers for abundant rain and a fruitful crop in the year ahead. As this age-old festival persists in being cherished with passion and respect throughout the Mithila region, it stands as a poignant emblem of the vibrant cultural mosaic that unites the Indian diaspora, traversing borders and safeguarding the timeless insights of our forebears. Jude Sheetal resonates as a testament to the enduring strength of tradition, the resilience woven into communities, and the deep, intrinsic bond shared between humanity and the wonders of the natural realm.
In conclusion, Jude Sheetal emerges as more than just a festival; it embodies a living testament to the profound interconnectedness of humanity with nature and tradition. As we gather in celebration, let us not only honor the richness of our cultural heritage but also embrace the unity it fosters across diverse communities. With each joyous moment and shared tradition, we weave tighter the tapestry of our collective history, ensuring that the wisdom of our ancestors continues to illuminate our path forward. Let us carry forth the spirit of Jude Sheetal, fostering resilience, fostering unity, and nurturing the timeless bond between humankind and the natural world.
From Stardust to Soul:
Vedic Insights Illuminate the Cosmic Journey of Life and Beyond
Vasini Jha
By Vasini Jha (She/Her)
email: jhavasini@gmail.com
Amidst the boundless reaches of the cosmos, a majestic symphony unfolds, guided by the cosmic wisdom that saturates every atom of existence. This ethereal harmony transcends the limits of the material world, beckoning us on a profound journey through both the universe's expanses and the depths of our own souls. Enter the ancient Vedic tradition, a mesmerizing lens through which we may behold this cosmic masterpiece. Here, astronomy, spirituality, and self-discovery intertwine, painting a rich tapestry of cosmic wonder. From the intricate dance of celestial bodies to the timeless hymns and verses honoring the divine, the Vedic sages unveil a universe that pulses with sacred life, far beyond mere physicality.
Divine Cosmic Odyssey: In the vast gallery of cosmic wisdom, Vedic teachings brush the universe with vibrant hues, revealing not a cold, indifferent expanse, but a magnificent tapestry woven by divine hands. Central to this masterpiece stands Vishnu, the pinnacle of consciousness, donning various forms. Picture the grand opening act: Maha Vishnu, the architect of creation, igniting the cosmic dance. From Maha Vishnu springs forth Garbhodakshayi Vishnu, guardian of the spiritual realm, and Kshirodakshayi Vishnu, custodian of the material cosmos. These aren't mere characters in a mythic tale but living symbols of the cosmic energies that sculpt and sustain existence. In the timeless verses of the Rig Veda, these celestial beings are lauded with utmost reverence. Among them shines Karnodakshayi Vishnu, the very essence of Vishnu woven into the fabric of our material world. Step into this wondrous narrative where galaxies twirl and stars hum melodies of creation. It's a journey not just of the mind, but of the soul, beckoning all seekers to marvel at the divine choreography that pulses through every atom of existence. Hey, Karnodakshayi Vishnu, you're the timeless observer, the guardian of all realms. Let your divine grace illuminate our path, leading us through the mesmerizing rhythm of cosmic creation and dissolution. (Rig Veda 10.90.13) These hymns gently nudge us to see beyond the mere fabric of the universe; they whisper of a cosmos steeped in spiritual essence, where gods dance amidst the rhythms of nature and the symphony of cosmic harmony. Join us in this wondrous journey, where the mundane meets the divine, and the ordinary is infused with the extraordinary.
Shiva's Cosmic Symphony: Ever wondered how the cosmos came into being? The Vedas have a captivating tale that merges the realms of science and spirituality. Picture this: a cosmic dance orchestrated by Shiva, the eternal deity. In ancient Hindu scriptures, this dance, known as the Ananda Tandava, symbolizes the perpetual cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Shiva, in his timeless form as Sadashiva, kickstarts this cosmic spectacle, setting the universe in motion with his rhythmic movements. It's like a grand cosmic symphony, where birth, life, and dissolution intertwine endlessly. This mesmerizing allegory isn't just confined to texts; it resonates deeply in the sacred hymns like the Shiva Mahimna Stotram. It's a celebration, a profound ode to the divine essence of Shiva, inviting us to delve into the mystical depths of existence.
"Sarvam-khalvidam-Brahma-nityam-anantam-advayam, Anadi-nidhanam-Shantam-niravadyam-niranjanam."
These lines beckon us to ponder: the universe's birth isn't a mere one-time affair, but a timeless waltz of making and unmaking, choreographed by cosmic powers far beyond our grasp.
From Stardust to Soul:
Vedic Insights Illuminate the Cosmic Journey of Life and Beyond
Vasini Jha
By Vasini Jha (She/Her)
email:
Cosmic Self-Discovery Unveiled: Vedic insights soar beyond the boundless cosmos, recognizing its magnificent grandeur while revealing a sacred truth: the ultimate cosmic voyage commences from within. Guided by the venerable sages of yore, the Upanishads beckon us to delve into introspection, unveiling the celestial essence that kindles the flame of our existence.
The depths of wisdom found within the Chandogya Upanishad, where a verse cherished by many, echoes through time:
"Tat tvam asi" (Thou art That)
Here's a timeless chant that beautifully whispers the truth: We're not isolated beings, but rather, exquisite threads intricately woven into the grand design of the divine. Let's embrace this cosmic connection and dance within the tapestry of existence.
Step into the mystical world of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where ancient wisdom flows like a timeless river. Among its treasures, behold a renowned shloka, a beacon from the depths of antiquity, nestled within the sacred texts of the Shukla Yajurveda.
"Aham-Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman)
It's not just any phrase; it's a gem nestled in the Madhu Khanda of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, right there in verse 1.4.10. Embracing this sacred phrase isn't just about chanting; it's about recognizing ourselves as threads in the cosmic fabric. Dive into this cosmic wisdom, and you'll uncover a profound understanding of our interconnectedness with the divine. It's like finding your place in the grand mosaic of existence!
Divine Cosmic Choreography: The enchanting world of the Vedic tradition, where celestial hymns and mesmerizing shlokas weave tales of cosmic marvels and the divine wisdom that orchestrates the cosmos. Amidst this treasure trove, nestled within the Bhagavad Gita, lies a profound gem—a shloka that beckons us to ponder the eternal dance of existence.
"Sahasra-yuga-paryantam-ahaḥ-kalpamasya-kalpate, Aham-atma-Gudakesha-sarva-bhūtāstha-dhātmanām"
In the cosmic dance of time, a day in the life of Brahma stretches to a grand thousand yugas, matched by a night of equal length. At the break of his day, the vast multitude of beings emerges into existence, only to dissolve back into the cosmic fabric as his night descends. It's a majestic rhythm, a breathtaking spectacle where life's tapestry is woven in the dawn and unraveled in the dusk of the divine.
It's like a cosmic wake-up call! It nudges us to see beyond the surface and recognize that the universe isn't just sitting still; it's in a constant dance of evolution, guided by cosmic rhythms that go way beyond our little clocks. And you know what's even more mind-blowing? The Vedas dive deep into this stuff, giving us a peek into the very essence of reality itself, what they call Brahman. Here's a gem from the Kathopanishad that sums it up beautifully: [insert shloka]. Let's journey into the depths of understanding together!
From Stardust to Soul:
Vedic Insights Illuminate the Cosmic Journey of Life and Beyond
Vasini Jha"Anādi-anantam-mahataḥ-param-nir-vikalpam-nirākāram-ekam Nir-guṇam-tam-evam-vidtivā'ti-mṛtyum-eti-nānyaḥ-panthā-vidyate'ayanāya"
The supreme Brahman transcends time's grasp, beyond the vast, beyond the unseen, beyond shape and formlessness, beyond attributes, the timeless verity. Embrace this, and transcend the confines of mortality. No path compares. In the enchanting dance of words, we're gently reminded that our journey through the cosmos isn't just about traversing space—it's a soulful odyssey, a quest to decipher the enigmas of our existence and the threads that bind us to the divine.
Cosmic Epiphanies Unveiled: The vast expanse of Vedic texts bursts with enthralling narratives, revealing the enigmatic mysteries of the cosmos. Picture the mesmerizing cosmic ballet of Shiva, known as the Ananda Tandava, a vivid symbol of both genesis and dissolution. Another jewel nestled within the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a profound allegory that delves into the very essence of the universe's inception. It eloquently articulates:
"Sā-ekākī-na-ramate-kena-cit | Tasmād-ekākī-na-ramate-dvitīyam-puṣpam-na-praṇudati |
Sā-ekākī-na-ramate-kena-cit | Tasmād-ekākī-na-ramate-tṛtīyam-puṣpam-na-praṇudati ||"
In the dawn of time, there existed solely the One, the eternal essence known as Brahman. Yet, in its solitude, there was no joy. And thus, it wove forth a second, birthing a world into existence, a canvas upon which to paint its delight. This captivating tale beckons us to ponder the essence of our being and the cosmic choreography of creation. It whispers of a universe beyond mere matter, where every atom dances in reverence to the divine spark within. For in every sunrise, in every quivering leaf, we witness the yearning of the cosmic soul to unfurl its boundless creativity.
Unveiling Cosmic Synergy: The Vedic tradition honors the synergy between science and observation in comprehending the physical realm. Yet, it humbly acknowledges their boundaries in elucidating the vast tapestry of existence. Renowned physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose articulated this sentiment, affirming that the universe transcends mere mechanistic explanations, pulsating with life and guided by an intelligence beyond our grasp. In this intricate dance of understanding, science unveils the universe's mysteries, while spirituality unveils our profound connection to its narrative. A poignant verse from the Ishopanishad beautifully captures this synthesis, celebrating the marriage of scientific inquiry and spiritual insight.
"Andham-tamah-pravishanti-ye'vidyam-upasate, Tato-bhuya-iva-te-tamo-ya-u-vidyayam-ratah." Embrace ignorance, and you'll wander in the shadows; chase wisdom, and you may find yourself lost in an even deeper obscurity. This verse beckons us to recognize that real enlightenment isn't found in shunning knowledge or dismissing science but in weaving these understandings together with the timeless spiritual wisdom of our ancestors.
Embark on Cosmic Enlightenment: Delve into the mystical realms of Vedic wisdom, where the universe becomes a canvas for transformation. It's not just about stars and planets; it's an odyssey of the soul.
From Stardust to Soul:
Vedic Insights Illuminate the Cosmic Journey of Life and Beyond
Vasini Jha By Vasini Jha (She/Her) email:As we gaze into the cosmic expanse, we uncover the reflections of our own infinite potential and sacred interconnectedness. Through ancient hymns, cosmic tales, and profound teachings like "Aham-Brahmasmi" ("I am Brahman") and "Tat-tvam-asi" ("That thou art"), we're reminded of our divine essence and our seamless integration into the cosmic dance. It's a harmony of science and spirituality, where the origin story of the universe is not just a tale but a living, breathing reality.
Join us in this celestial journey, where science and spirit intertwine, and the mysteries of the cosmos become pathways to self-realization. In exploring the outer reaches of space, we embark on an inner voyage, unlocking the secrets of our existence and our place in the grand tapestry of creation.
Midhun
Midhun
Midhun
