Applied Mythology
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Civilisations, Time and the Turning Wheel
Financial crises, endless wars, political polarisation, demographic decline, climate anxiety and the rise of new global powers have made many wonder whether civilisations can also decline.
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When Hanuman Took Initiative
There are two forms of Hanuman. In one he sits at the feet of Ram, an obedient assistant. This is Ram-dasa Hanuman. In the other, he stands alone, displaying ten hands and four extra heads: that of a lion, an…
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God As Generator, Organiser, Destroyer
The rishi who told stories of the creator, organiser and destroyer, and designed characters like Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, was an ancient Indian ‘seer’ who could see what others could not.
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Binding Bharat With a Vegetarian Canteen
Many pilgrim spots are being turned vegetarian. First Jain sites. Now Hindu sites. The assumption being vegetarian food is non-violent (it is not), eggs, fish, and meat are impure and polluting (they are not) and gods prefer vegetarian food (since…
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Mandala System of Governance
Have you dropped a pebble in a pond? Have you seen the ripples, appearing in concentric circles, one after another? This is how the ancient Indians imagined the mind responding to every new piece of information, or sensation.
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Gluttony Of Glamour
If one sees television serials today, you see this desire and gluttony for glamour. It’s not enough to be rich. It is important to show that you are rich.
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Kingdom Is Responsibility, Not Property
Dharmic Leadership (is) different from Conventional Leadership. Dharmic Leadership is not prescriptive. It is introspective.
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The Mysterious Temple Texts Called Agama
Agamas are essentially manuals that were produced to manage temples. It is mainly, though not exclusively, a South Indian phenomenon, where there were vast temple complexes controlled by the Brahmins.
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Accounting Rivals and Saints
Balancing the Ledgers of Karma, and the Economy: The history of record keeping and accounting in India is the story of Brahmins and Kayasthas, with their skills linked deeply to the cultural & spiritual beliefs, as well as their services…
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Seasonal March of Festivals
Festivals around the world have a number of intimate links to seasons, legend and history. From Indian celebrations linked to the sun’s path, weather and mythic legends, to Christian reflections of a spring rebirth, seasonal festivals worldwide are a manifestation…
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Why is Holi celebrated more in north India than south India?
Holi is indeed celebrated mostly in north India, not south India. No one knows the reason why.
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Indian Knowledge Systems
The first list of an educational syllabus in India comes from the Chandogya Upanishad, when the Sanatakumar sages ask Narada what subjects he is proficient in.
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A Business Strategy Called Addiction
Rationally speaking, addiction is good for business, though bad for society.
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Science Values Doubt Over Faith
Most people confuse science with logic. Anyone can be logical, even analytical, in establishing causality. But science is about stepping outside the human mind, relying on measurement, comparison and evidence.
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Iron of the Asura, Gold of the Rakshasa
Where did Ravan get his gold from? Was Ramayana the story of Aryans in search of gold?
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Aging Parents as Cost Centre
In the old days, children were an investment centre, as their success ensure improvement in parents’ lifestyle. Poor parents rejoice in success of children, in whom they invested money and education. But now children have become a cost centre, you…