Meditations on Transcendence

Tantra and Mantra: The Twin Pillars of Spirituality In the grand symphony of spiritual practice, tantra and mantra emerge as two indispensable melodies, harmonizing the inner and outer worlds. Tantra is the visible dance, the bodily ritual, the physical actions— पूजा (puja), अर्चा (archa), the deliberate movements that invoke the divine in the material realm. These rituals are not mere formalities but channels to access the विश्वात्मा (Viswatma) , the universal soul that animates all existence. Through the arcane practices of tantra, we establish a sacred connection between our finite selves and the infinite divine, grounding spiritual truths in the tangible world. Yet, tantra alone is not enough. Rituals without inner awareness are hollow vessels. As the भगवद्गीता (Bhagavad Gita) reminds us, "अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वं" —"Constant awareness of the spiritual essence is necessary." Tantra acts as a bridge, enabling the seeker to transcend the mundane and touch the ...

 (Verse 1) In the swirling depths of jagat's sea, We see 'sat' where it can never be, A Himalayan blunder, vast and grand, Casting shadows over this land. Disappointment rides on every breeze, Perplexity brings us to our knees, Bewildered hearts, in a darkened trance, Lost in the illusion's dance. (Chorus) Mohitam, mohitam, trapped in a dream, Giving 'sat' to jagat, or so it seems, In the maze of illusion, we lose our way, Seeking the dawn in the dying day. (Verse 2) Jagat's fleeting glimmers catch our eyes, Veiling truth in a thousand lies, In this world, we search in vain, For the eternal in the transient's reign. Disappointment's echo, a haunting call, Perplexity builds its towering wall, Bewildered minds in a tangled knot, Chasing shadows, the truth forgot. (Chorus) Mohitam, mohitam, trapped in a dream, Giving 'sat' to jagat, or so it seems, In the maze of illusion, we lose our way, Seeking the dawn in the dying day. (Bridge) In the quiet...

 **The Symbolism of the Tree in Spiritual Growth** The tree, with its profound symbolism and universal presence, serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth across various traditions and teachings. From ancient scriptures to modern practices, the tree exemplifies strength, endurance, and the interconnectedness of life. Here, we explore why the tree stands as such an exemplary model for spiritual growth. One of the most striking references to the tree in spiritual literature is the concept of the inverted tree, or "urdhva mūlam," as described in the Bhagavad Gita. This image depicts the tree with its roots upward and branches downward, symbolizing the eternal connection to the divine and the temporal world. The roots represent the unseen, spiritual foundation, while the branches signify the manifested universe. This metaphor underscores the idea that true spiritual growth originates from an internal, divine source. Another profound example is the notion of tolerance, il...

Global corona virus is creating Vishada means a poison like misery sad feeling in the mind of people. It is very similar to what Arjuna faced at the start of the kurukshetra world war when he was face to face with ones own family members. Many are questioning why the nature of this world is like this? Waves of issues, challenges come in one after the other. It may be personal misery, misery wave due to behavior of other people, or due to natural upheaval like floods, virus, forest fire, etc....Its the nature of the world. One cannot stop no matter the advancement in science and technology. The worldly challenges continuously evolve releasing newer version and we are always in a catchup game. What to do? Gita thru its 18 yoga techniques have the answer.  The vishada or questions that arise when in misery or frustrated unable to handle the constant barrage of challenges the world throws up. But during Vishada one has to find a very spiritually competent person linked to Krishna if ...