The Changing Conception of God – from Fear to Philosophy
Since the early days, man believed in the existence of god. However, the concept of God – why one needs a god or how god appears - had changed…
Rituals, Contemplation, and Service
Every religion requires its followers to observe a set of rituals which it signifies through sacred symbols, descriptions, narratives, and practices. A Hindu applying ashes on his forehead and reciting…
The Kural – Changing the Axis of Life
Ram Sriram Recently, The Hindu newspaper published an article about the renowned Tamil scholar, Thiruvachagamani Balasuramaniam and his conversation with the former President of India, Saravepalli Dr. S. Radhakrishan, during…
Is Gita a story of War?
The Diplomat magazine recently wrote an article on Steve Bannon, advisor to Donald Trump. Bannon, it appears, is an ardent believer in the teachings of the Bhagawad Gita because it…
Sankeerthana for Salvation
Expressing devotion through bhakthi is a well-known Hindu tradition. Bhakthi is love, attachment, and dedication to a personal god. However, bhakthi also implies that a bhaktha (a devotee) will strive…
Art and science for Nadopasana
Carnatic music, like most other music systems of the world, has two dimensions: an emotional dimension and an intellectual dimension. The emotional dimension is supported by the melodic system, which…
The Pancharathna Kritis of Thyagaraja
By T. S. Parthasarathi Thyagaraja was the greatest among the music composers of South India and one of the musical prodigies of all time. His works are of delicate spirituality,…
Divya Nama Kirtanas – A Bhajana Tradition
“I dwell not in Vaikunta, nor in the hearts of great Yogis; Know O: Ye Neared, Where my Devotees sing, There I dwell.” By P. Sreenivasan Of the Nava Vidha…
Sangeetha and Bhakthi
P. Sreenivasan Sangeetha and bhakthi should be acquired and practiced with humility. Genuine humility brings with it detachment, suppression or conquest of the baser instincts of Man and, ultimately annihilation…
Are Mythologies Relevant Today?
With the advancement of science, many individuals have become disillusioned with religion and mythology. Skeptics, particularly in the West, who now characterize religion and mythology as fiction and falsehood, are…