The River of Immortality: A Journey to the Mahakumbh

January 20, 2025 By Shweta Goyal

The 2025 Maha Kumbh, they say, is one for the ages—happening after 144 years. But what makes this event so extraordinary? To understand its significance, we need to delve into the intricate astronomical and astrological calculations that govern the timing of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Celestial Dance Behind the Maha Kumbh The Kumbh Mela is no ordinary gathering; it is deeply rooted in the alignment of celestial bodies. The Maha Kumbh occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters Aquarius (Kumbh... Read more

Varanasi: India’s Timeless Spiritual Heart

December 29, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

India is called the holy land, whose sacredness is testified to by the cult of the rivers and mountains where pilgrims worship their gods. It has fascinated people from all over the world who seek wisdom, yoga, and the ultimate goal of salvation. The timeless traditions and sacred sites across this vast country offer a deep connection to ancient philosophies and practices. Among these sacred destinations, Varanasi stands out as a beacon of spiritual energy and enlightenment. I have always... Read more

Forgiveness: The Triumph of Wisdom Over Ego

November 16, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

We welcome all admirers of beauty, but what exactly is beauty? Have you ever seen someone use a mirror only to frown at the reflection staring back at them? Why does the mind become uneasy upon seeing wrinkles or imperfections? Is what we see truly beautiful or ugly, or is it merely a reflection of our perceptions? The story of Ashtavakra serves as a profound reminder that beauty lies beyond physical appearances, and wisdom lies in transcending superficial judgments. It... Read more

From Innocence to Redemption: The Story of Angulimala

October 21, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

“With the discriminating intellect, lift yourself above worldly matters. Do not immerse yourself in them. For you alone are your friend, and you alone are your enemy.” uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ (B.G. 6.5) The Corruption of Innocence In ancient India, there lived a young man named Ahimsaka, meaning “the harmless one.” Born into a noble family, Ahimsaka was a bright, intelligent, and kind-hearted child. His parents adored him, and he was loved by the... Read more

The Journey from the Finite to the Infinite

October 8, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

Knowing Oneself: The Key to Understanding Life To truly understand the Indian psyche, one must delve into the teachings of the Upanishads. These ancient texts are essential because they address the core of our existence: understanding oneself. The journey of the Upanishads is a journey inward—an exploration of the self—and before we can understand the external world, we must first understand who we truly are. The Upanishads guide us to know ourselves beyond what can be seen. They speak not... Read more

Breaking the Chains of Attachment

September 11, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of emotional highs and lows, dictated by our attachments to people, outcomes, and material possessions. These attachments, while seemingly natural, can lead to confusion, stress, and suffering. Over two millennia ago, the Bhagavad Gita addressed this very human struggle. Through the dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, the Gita offers timeless wisdom on how to break free from the chains of attachment and find inner... Read more

Karma and Coffee: Building a New Life, One Sip at a Time

July 5, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

The steam curls from your mug, carrying the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s a familiar comfort, a morning ritual that marks the start of a new day. But today, that day feels different. Today, you’re embarking on a journey of building a new life. A life, much like a cup of coffee, can be both bitter and sweet. It is an amalgamation of experiences, emotions, and choices that brew together to create our unique journey. Karma, that... Read more

Feeling Blue? Look Inside: “Inside Out 2”

June 14, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

I loved the movie. We have been waiting for months. My son just stepped into his teenage years and it helped him to understand emotions. Emotions play an important part in our lives, but the most important thing is learning how to deal with them. Just like Riley’s emotional headquarters in “Inside Out 2,” our own minds are a constant dance of emotions. Pixar’s delightful film “Inside Out 2” throws a whole new wrench into the emotional mix – Anxiety... Read more

Life’s Report Card: Is Karma Real?

June 12, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

“Ugh, Maria cut in line again? That woman is a walking karmic disaster!” Sarah grumbled, watching Maria snatch the last pain au chocolat from the bakery display. “She’ll get hers someday, you just wait.” This common refrain – “what goes around comes around” – echoes the concept of karma, a universal law in Eastern religions. But what exactly is karma, and how does it influence our lives? Let’s delve deeper… One of the mysteries puzzling human minds since ages is... Read more

Untie the Knot of Conflict: Yoga & Vedanta for Inner Peace

May 29, 2024 By Shweta Goyal

The world is rife with conflicts arising from thoughts, ideologies, messages, and cultures. These conflicts often stem from the way we perceive the world—through the lens of our judgments and biases. This perspective creates a reality that is filtered through likes, dislikes, and subjective perceptions, leading to disharmony. Vedanta, an ancient Indian philosophy, provides the strength and capacity to transcend these conflicts and inconsistencies in life. By applying its principles, we can achieve a clearer vision of the world... Read more