Mantras – The Vehicles of Sound & Form
Anjali KanojiaA mantra is a sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated during meditation or spiritual practice. The word 'mantra' derives from the Sanskrit terms 'man,' meaning mind, and 'tra,' meaning vehicle…
From the Vedas to Walden: The Hindu Roots of Transcendentalism
The Transcendentalists were a group of 19th-century American writers, thinkers, and philosophers who emphasized the importance of individual intuition, spirituality, and the connection between humanity and nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson…
Transcultural Spirituality: Rituals and Beliefs in Yoruba and Hindu Traditions
My interest in African Pagan religions allowed me to scratch the surface of Yoruba practices, which resulted in this brief write-up. Though distinct in their cultural and religious contexts, Yoruba…
Consecrations: Prana Pratishtha in Hindu Spirituality
Consecration, as outlined in spiritual practices, involves transforming a physical space, object, and even a human being into a realm of Divine potential. Loosely speaking, consecrations bring certain energy forms…
Yoga, Dharma and Ecology in Film Kantara
Kantara means forest in Sanskrit. In the 2022 film Kantara, actor-director Rishab Shetty strives to bring elements related to yoga, dharma, and ecology and succeeds in creating brilliant cinema which…
A Spiritual Journey: Exploring Nepal’s Religious and Cultural Landscape
Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Nepal, often considered India's younger sibling, beckons with its enchanting blend of history and spirituality. Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty lies a land…
Ganesha: The Lord of Beginnings, Wisdom, and Yoga
Ganesha is often invoked as the "Lord of Beginnings" and the "Remover of Obstacles." Devotees pray to him before starting any new endeavor, whether a wedding, a business venture, an…
The Many Buddhas – Essence, Not Identity
Many Buddhas There have been thousands of Buddhas on this planet, before and even after Gautama the Buddha. This means that "Buddha" is not a name but rather a quality…