Exploration

B hagavad Gita (Chapter 3: Karma Yoga) – Duty of the Householder “Svadharme nidhanam shreyah, paradharmo bhayavahah” (Better to fail in one’s own duty than to succeed in the duty of another.) Parents must understand their svadharma — their duty as grihasthas (householders). For the elder son, they play a guiding role, especially in teaching responsibility. If they: Force the son into roles that aren’t his nature ( swabhava ), Compare him with others, Overburden him with emotional or financial responsibility, …it breaks his confidence and sense of dharma . Instead, by nurturing his varna and guna (natural inclinations and qualities), parents can build a strong karta (doer/leader). 2. Ramayana – Example of Dasharatha and Rama King Dasharatha gave his eldest son Rama a solid foundation: Trust and Responsibility : Made Rama heir despite his own attachments. Righteous Education : Sent him to Rishi Vashishta and Vishwamitra. No Overprotection : Let Rama fight demons ( ...

Student: Guruji, in the world today, everyone speaks of money as the foundation of all enterprise. They say capital is king. But I came across a line that struck me: "Thought, not money, is the real business capital." I don’t fully understand it. Can a mere thought really surpass wealth in value? Guruji: (smiling gently) Ah, my child, you have encountered a spark. Let us fan it into a flame. Tell me — where does money come from? Student: From work, trade, inheritance… or perhaps effort and enterprise? Guruji: True, but what precedes all that? Student: (pause) An idea, I suppose. A plan. A purpose. Guruji: Precisely. Money is the fruit. Thought is the seed. Have you read the Yoga Vāsiṣṭha, where Rishi Vasiṣṭha says to Rama: "The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation”? The same mind, when clear and steady, creates worlds — businesses, systems, civilizations. Money is merely one by-product. Student: But in business, doesn’t money make money? Investors seek capit...

Student : Gurudeva, I have been meditating on the names of Lord Vishnu — Garudagamana, the one who rides the Garuda, and Sheshashayana, the one who reclines upon the shesha. These names seem to suggest opposite natures — speed and stillness. Can they both belong to the same divine being? Guru : A profound observation, my child. You are not merely reading the names, but entering their essence. Garudagamana and Sheshashayana are not opposites, but two pulsations of the same divine rhythm. Vishnu embodies both — the swift protector of dharma, and the silent witness of cosmic time. Student : But how can one reconcile such contradiction? One form acts with urgency, the other rests in eternity. Which of these should a seeker follow in life? Guru : Let us look deeply. Vishnu as Garudagamana is the force that descends swiftly to uphold righteousness. When He rides Garuda, He does so to restore balance — as in the Gajendra Moksha, when He speeds through the heavens to rescue the elephant devote...

Shishya: Guruji, I find myself easily swayed by others. When someone tells me something, I quickly take sides — only to later regret my judgment. How can I learn to listen without rushing to conclusions? Guru: A wise question. The sages say: “श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानं” – śraddhāvān labhate jñānaṁ (One who listens with faith and patience attains knowledge.) True listening is an inner stillness — not merely waiting to speak, but seeking to understand. From the Mahabharata: The Story of Yudhishthira Guru: Do you recall how Yudhishthira always waited, listened to both sides, and never judged in haste? Shishya: Yes, even when Duryodhana spoke sweetly and others urged war, Yudhishthira paused and sought the dharma. Guru: Exactly. That is because he knew the truth is subtle — sūkṣma dharma . And only one who listens with a quiet mind can discern it. From Telugu Poetry: Vemana’s Wisdom Guru: In Telugu, the poet Yogi Vemana said: వినుట వినకుండ విడచి పలికిన వాక్యము తనుకును ...

Shishya: Guruji, I am about to enter into marriage. Everyone speaks of love, duty, and companionship. But how does one truly understand the essence of a couple’s unity? Guru: Ah, my child… let us turn to the poet Kalidasa. In the Raghuvamsha, he begins with this line: “vāgarthāviva saṁpṛktau vāgartha-pratipattaye | jagataḥ pitarau vande pārvatī-parameśvarau” Shishya: I know that verse. He compares Shiva and Parvati to vāk and artha — word and meaning. But how does that relate to a husband and wife? Guru: Reflect deeply. A word without meaning is hollow. A meaning without words remains unknown. In the same way, a couple must not just be two individuals — they must become one expression. Shishya: So, you mean a marriage is not just two people living together, but a deeper union — like speech that carries meaning? Guru: Yes. Just as word and meaning arise together to convey truth, husband and wife must rise together — in thought, emotion, and action — to manifest harmony. Where there is o...

What are Perspectives? A perspective refers to a particular attitude, point of view, or mental framework through which an individual understands and interprets a situation, concept, or discussion. In any conversation or debate, differing perspectives arise due to variations in individual experiences, values, culture, education, or even emotional states. Importance of Perspectives in Understanding a Discussion Understanding different perspectives: Promotes empathy and tolerance – It helps one appreciate where others are coming from. Enriches dialogue – Different viewpoints can uncover deeper truths. Reduces conflict – Recognizing other angles often diffuses misunderstanding. Leads to holistic understanding – Seeing multiple sides gives a more complete picture. Perspectives in Indian Scriptures 1. The Bhagavad Gita In the Bhagavad Gita , Arjuna sees the war from a moral and emotional standpoint—he does not want to fight his own kin. Krishna, however, introduces a spiritua...