𝑨𝒎𝒎𝒖'𝒔 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔!

Underlying principle in a Hindu temple is the belief that all things are one, that everything is connected. Ancient temples welcome you through 64-grid or 81-grid mathematically structured spaces, a network of art, pillars with carvings and statues that display and celebrate the four important and necessary principles of human life – the pursuit of artha (prosperity, wealth), kama (pleasure, love), dharma (virtues, ethical life) and moksha (release, self-knowledge). At the center of the temple, typically below and sometimes above or next to the idol, is mere hollow space with no decoration, symbolically representing  Purusa , the Supreme Principle, the sacred Universal, one without form, which is omnipresent, connects everything, and is the essence of everyone. A Hindu temple is meant to encourage reflection, facilitate purification of one's mind, and trigger the process of inner realization within.  The specific process is left to the devotee's school of belief....

Every home in India from time immemorial has a tradition of lighting an oil lamp at dawn and at dusk known as Deepaaradhana. At homes some people burned lamps in front of God, while others lit lamps in front of Tulasi plant, in front of great rivers like River ganges and in some homes, individuals light the lamps either at dawn or at dusk. The majority of people view performing Deepaaradhana as an everyday routine that is passed through generations, yet like with everything else in Sanatana Dharma, there is a strong reason behind it. The most significant celebration that takes place in every temple is also the Deeparadhana.   Before the idol, modest lamps with a single flame to pyramidal towers with seven levels are waved, followed by the waving of camphor. Conches are blown and all of the bells sound when the deepam is presented to the idol, drawing everyone's attention to it. One light is typically lit in the sanctum sanctorum during the day, making it completely dark. How...

𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦 On Karkidaka Vavu Bali Day yesterday, we performed the Bali tarpanam ritual for all of our ancestors. It's been an annual tradition for more than 10 years. 'Tarpanam' is a traditional yearly ritual where oblations are offered to departed ancestors. It's usually a sad day as you reflect on your entire life, starting when you were a tiny infant. Each time you are asked to honor a deceased relative during the ceremony, memories of them and your interactions with them come to mind. Most of the time good, yet occasionally bad. I've learned how to use it as a lesson. Every time a relative comes to mind, I consider both their positive and negative traits, asking myself what I can take away from it to become a better person? As a result, even paying respect to my ancestors serves as a constant spiritual reminder. This is the wonderful part of Sanatana dharma, which holds that everything you do has a lesson to teach you if you are seeking one. The m...