Our Gods carries weapons that can annihilate the universe, yet they remain the embodiment of Ahimsa. This is not a contradiction. Fire has the nature of heat. It can warm or burn. Both are possible. Yet fire remains fire, untouched by its own actions. In the same way, Ahimsa is the nature of the divine. The weapons do not represent violence. They represent the power of Ahimsa.
Tag: Hinduism
The Note of Shiva.
You have looked at the sculpture and images of Shiva countless times. But have you ever noticed his earring? The earring signifies his infinite listening. He is already hearing you.
Bhairavi Yaatanaa.
You exist only in the present. The present alone is real. Neither past nor future has any independent existence.
The Forgotten Night Life of Our Civilisation.
Night life today is associated with neon lights, crowded streets, music, bars, and weekend celebrations. But long before modern cities discovered the thrill of the night, our civilisation had already perfected a rich, meaningful, and deeply cultural night life. For centuries, the night belonged to stories, music, devotion, and the collective heartbeat of a community.
Wake to be Reborn.
It was 2:00 AM when a voice stirred me from sleep. Not the sound of the world outside, but a call rising from within: “Oh, the one with teeth like pearls, is it not time to rise? Has dawn not yet arrived for you? Let us go to the river for our bath. The one who is brave like a lion cub, dark as the rain clouds, and radiant as the sun awaits.” I wrote down the inner voice to shape into a contemplation that others can enter. The voice I heard is the same voice Andal gave to the Gopis—it is the eternal reminder that the divine awaits, and that we must rise to meet it.
I am Margashirsha.
This period is not just a season—it’s a sacred alignment where devotion, discipline, and culture converge. The month of Margashirsha is considered auspicious, a time when nature turns inward. The trees shed their leaves, symbolizing renunciation and preparation for renewal.
Krishna Kali.
The melody of the flute is the signal for Radha to slip out of her home into the darkness of the night and meet with Krishna quietly. Radha is a brave woman. Her family often wondered why she slips out into the deep forest at night. This happens every day. Does Radha have an affair? Does she have a secret lover? Is she committing adultery?
Tumburu.
In Hindu mythology, Tumburu and Naradha are two celestial musicians who carry Veena, a traditional stringed instrument with them. Tumburu’s veena is known as Kalavathi and Naradha’s veena is known as Mahati.
How about a Namaskaram?
Addressing someone as ‘Hi’ may puzzle an Indian villager. Because ‘Hi’ is used by them to address domesticated animals like cows and horses. Whereas ‘Namaskaram’ or ‘Namastae’ means I bow to you with respect.
A month full of Greeting.
It is December and the holiday season is upon us, with celebrations like Christmas, Hannukah and New Year all approaching. In December also comes the Dhanurmasa, an auspicious month for Hindus. In the past, I was sending over 500 season greeting cards every year during this month to business, friends, and families. The postal service…
Is Hinduism really a Religion?
“Bala, what according to you is Hinduism? Any explanation that I give seems to be insufficient.” A question that someone asked me recently. I said, “So your question is how to explain Hinduism to others”. “Yes”. “Christianity and Islam seem easier to explain. Judaism as well. We struggle when it comes to explaining Hinduism”. “Is…
Kirtimukha, The Desireless state.
Hinduism is abundant with mythological stories. The aim of mythology is to convey a concept through stories, rituals and symbols. Mithya is the concept or idea conveyed by mythology. From mythology arises sects, religion and customs. From mithya arises several belief systems. Behind mythology and mithya is absolute reality or truth. The aim of Hinduism…
