Three excerpts from Swami Vivekananda’s addresses on Bhakti Yogain in which he speaks of the significance and the symbolism of images and forms for a devotee.
Of Pratīka and Pratimā: Why Do We Need Images and Symbols? Read More »
This 2-part article summarizes Sri Aurobindo’s explanations of the deeper symbolism of Vedic Gods and Goddesses, powers and names of the One Supreme.
The Gods and Goddesses of the Veda – 1 Read More »
Read in this part about the deeper symbolism of several Vedic goddesses such as Saraswati, Ila, Mahi, Dakshina and Usha.
The Gods and Goddesses of the Veda – 2 Read More »
The author speaks of the deeper symbolism behind the mūrti pūjā, and reminds of the truth of the Finite Form, which is a mūrti or a picture created to express some specific aspect of the Formless Infinite.
The Inner Truth of Mūrti Pūjā Read More »
As a follow-up to the article on Mūrti Pūjā, the author here describes the deep symbolism behind the form of Devi Saraswati.
Reverential Pranāms to Vāgdevi Saraswati (Video) Read More »
Read about a delightful and profound aphorism of Sri Aurobindo. The author also speaks of the future of spiritual symbolism in artistic expression.
Vaishnava Symbolism and the Future of Symbols Read More »
These passages highlight some of Sri Aurobindo’s insights on the true nature of Indian nation towards which we must aspire and work. The specific focus is on the point that the idea of unity in diversity is inherent in the very nature of Indian idea of nation. We also get important hints in these passages on the Hindu spirit of Indian nationalism, a topic that is very timely and significant for today’s and tomorrow’s India.
The Indian Nation and Unity in Diversity Read More »
As part of the recent seminar on ‘Indian-ness in the 21st Century’, M. S. Srinivasan submitted a thought-provoking article which is featured here.
Is There Something Like Indian-ness? Read More »
This selection from Sri Aurobindo’s book ‘The Human Cycle’ explores why in human history religion has not been a sufficient guide for conducting individual and collective life. He also tells us that this need not be so if we understand the true nature of religion, which is its spiritual core.
Sri Aurobindo on Religion as the Law of Life Read More »
The Mother explains that religion may be divine in its ultimate origin; in its actual nature it is not divine but human.
The Mother on the Origin and Social Crystallization of Religion Read More »
The Mother explains that religion can actually be a helper to those with spiritual destiny and sincerity of inner effort to realise the Divine.
Religion – Helper or an Obstacle to Spiritual Life? Read More »
Sri Aurobindo explains the commonalities and differences between popular religion and Yoga of Devotion. Fear of God, he says, has no place in true Bhakti.
Religion, Yoga of Bhakti and the Conception of the Divine Read More »
We feature here a few selections from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother highlighting the important differences between a moral life, religious life and spiritual life.
On Morality, Religion and Spirituality Read More »
Indian culture tried to turn the whole of life towards spirituality by a persistent filling of every circumstance of life with the religious sense.
Indian View on Religion, Dharma and Life – 1 Read More »
A summary of some fundamentals of Sanatana Dharma as explained by Sri Aurobindo is presented here. The necessity for outer forms of religious practices is also briefly described.
Indian View on Religion, Dharma and Life – 2 Read More »
When one enters yoga, one must leave all the bondage and clingings of the past life. For a yogin, Divine alone is one’s religion, country, family, everything.
Attitude Toward Religion When You Come to Yoga Read More »
The Mother explains that heaven and hell were invented by religions to control people and also to make them wise. She adds that the creative power of human thought gives an illusory existence of heaven and hell to people who believe in them but only the psychic world can be a true paradise.
Heaven and Hell Created by Religions Read More »
Our ancestors added various regimens to maintain physical and mental discipline before and during the yatra to ensure the holistic well-being of the yatris.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 12 Read More »
Read how walking or padayatra has been used traditionally and purposefully used in our culture with a deeper psychological or spiritual intent.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 11 Read More »
Offering physical service for the Divine can be a means to elevate the individual’s consciousness. We explore here some seva rituals at temples.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May All be Free from Illness – 10 Read More »