Ramesh Venkataraman explores Ājānubāhu, the concept, the synonymy of the word with Sri Rāma, and explores appearance of any other Ājānubāhu persons in history.
Category: <span>PERSPECTIVE</span>
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Dharmik View on Human Birth and Grihastha Ashrama
Shashank Poddar throws light on the shastrik view and importance of grihashta ashrama in this beautifully researched piece.
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The Significance of the Bhakt and Bhakti in Hinduism
Bhakti, as a profound spiritual path within Hinduism, encompasses the deep love, devotion, and surrender to the divine. While the term "Bhakt" has gained popularity in political contexts, its use as a label for followers of a particular leader is objectionable as it trivializes the spiritual essence of Bhakti.
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The Overlooked Brilliance of Sumitra
The Ramayana is not simply a chronicle of Shri Rama's life and times on Earth, but also an epic saga that holds within itself much for both the devout and the rational.
Each of the characters is fascinating, but there are some that shine like gems in their limited roles without making too much noise. One such character is that of Sumitra, one of the three chief queens of king Dasharatha of Ayodhya, the other two being Kausalya, and Kaikeyi. This article aims to understand Sumitra's character in deeper detail through textual references from both the Valmiki Ramayana as well as Tulsidas's Ramacharitamanasa.
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“Oppenheimer”, the Gita, and Dharma
Imbibing the spirit of true Dharma, one achieves communion with nature, the cosmos, and eventually the Supreme being. The eternal fight therefore, is not between good and evil, or between believers and non-believers, but between Dharma and Adharma.
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Kama and the Nature of Sensual Desires
In this article, Rohan Raghav Sharma talks about degeneracy and blind gratification of carnal desires becoming the norm in the West and all modern societies inspired by the West, and suggests that the Hindu framework of the four Purusharthas - Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha; can provide guidance for a balanced view of life.
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Mistranslation of Sanskrit Words: Misunderstanding and Absurdity
Western scholars and Indologists fail to grasp the essence of Hindu philosophy and history because despite their best attempts, words in Sanskrit are often non-translatable and meanings depend heavily upon context. Given their narrow-minded approach, while also accounting for personal biases, even the nearest translation in another language subverts the essence of the original text.
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Vaatsalyam – In Philosophy, Life and Dance
Parenting is tough; and even tougher is dharmik parenting, ensuring that impressionable growing minds take root in dharma and safeguarding them from the winds of trends that are sweeping the world.
One's own belief system, and complete sharanagti to one's ishta is a powerful tool and support in such a situation. Classical dancer Smt. Ramaa Venugopalan captures her tryst with dharmik parenting; and the support her belief in Mahalakshmi-Narayana, and her bharatanatyam background have provided her in her journey as a mother to explore and understand the depths of Vaatsalyam.
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Gyaana and Adhikara
Should trade secrets be revealed to all and sundry? Do the custodians of groundbreaking technology and classified information have the right to shield their secrets from prying eyes? If yes, then the courtesy should be extended to ancient dharmik knowledge systems as well - the concept of Adhikara of access to exclusive information and knowledge; and access should only be granted to those with Adhikara as allowed by Dharma Shastras.
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Ahalya Uddhara – A Nuanced Perspective
Is Shri Ramacharitamanasa only a chronicle of Shri Rama's life and times on Earth, or does it hold deeper hidden meanings revealed to the devout upon contemplation?