The pain of sacrifice
Read the previous part here… “And from that day, Vāsuki sends a snake to this shore every single day, and Garuḍa eats them. This heap…
Your daily dose of Yog
Of snakes and Garuda
Read the previous part here… “The king felt happy at this suggestion and approved of the marriage, and so your brother has now gone to…
Welcoming changes again…
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ yā devī sarvabhūteṣu viṣṇumāyeti śabditā ।namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ ॥ Today is the new…
Fixing a marriage…
Read the previous part here… As soon as she said this, she made a noose with a cloth, fastened it to a branch of the…
Of prayers answered…
Read the previous part here… She then performed the arghya, offering the guests water to wash their feet and hands, and then garlanded him with…
Falling in love…2
Read the previous part here… “What is your friend’s name, and what beautiful family is she from?” The attendant replied… “She is the sister of…
Kuro-obi -and then?
A black belt in Karate is an achievement…a big achievement. Its a culmination of years of blood and sweat, of hard toil, of pain and…
Falling in love…
Read the previous part here… And so Jīmūtavāhana, his father and his mother, left that very night and went to the Malaya mountains. They made…
Renouncing a kingdom…
Read the previous part here… “Where are those ancestors of ours, who always thought this tree to be their personal possession? For which of them…
Loving what you do
I know. As soon as you saw the title, you must have thought of it to be a cliché. I’ve heard and seen both sides…
Noble thoughts…
Read the previous part here… He was named Jīmūtavāhana. He was courageous and yet compassionate, and attentive to the teachings of his gurus. When he…
Getting an education
I am reading an engaging book – The Tell-Tale Brain, by Dr. V.S. Ramachandran. An interesting look at what makes us human, from a neurologist’s…
The Sacrifice of Jīmūtavāhana
Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, to whom did the princess Śaśiprabhā belong? To Manaḥsvāmin, or to Śaśin? “Remember, if you…
So who is the husband?
Read the previous part here… Mṛgāṅkavatī could not stop herself, and they spent many a night passionately, with Manaḥsvāmin transforming himself back into a woman…
The plot thickens…
Read the previous part here… “My dear, this story makes my body tremble, and my heart sinks. It feels as if I long something, but…
Once competition, and now?
Read the previous part here… “But I will consent to this marriage only on one condition. I am not to be considered as his wife…
Rang de chunariya…
श्याम पिया मोरी रंग दे चुनरिया । ऐसी रंग दे, के रंग नहीं छुटे ।धोभिया धोये चाहे सारी उमरिया ॥ लाल ना रंगाऊं मैं, हरी…
होली है!! Holi hai!
Holi is a popular festival in Sanatana Dharma, originating from India. It is celebrated predominantly in India, but has also spread to other areas of…
Another marriage, and another deception…
Read the previous part here… People started to notice his dejected appearance and alerted his father Prajñāsāgara, who came running to see what had happened.…
The pangs of love…again
Read the previous part here… “From that day, I have not been myself. I seem to see him everywhere, and in everything I do. I…
The pangs of love…
Read the previous part here… The deceitful master then took out a magic pill, and placed it in his mouth. The very next moment, he…
Of pills and deceit…
Read the previous part here… Manaḥsvāmin saw Śaśiprabhā, running her hands through the flowers, smelling them, laughing when the butterflies flew away in alarm…and he…
Of spring, flowers and beautiful maidens…
Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, when the thief was impaled, and nearing death, and when he saw Ratnavatī coming there…
Why weep, and then laugh?
Read the previous part here… Ratnavatī folded her hands again, and said, tearfully… “O revered one! If you are truly pleased with me, then let…
Of near death and varadānas…
Read the previous part here… He then went to meet the king, and offered him all his wealth, and more, if only he would pardon…
Of thieves and maidens…
Read the previous part here… “You seem to be a good man, then how did you come here? This man is a thief, and he…
A year of writing…
It’s been a year. I started to write (regularly) a year back. The lockdown had been declared and I found myself an extra hour everyday,…
Of thieves and maids…
Read the previous part here… The figure often turned around and was on the lookout. “This is surely the thief that everyone has been searching…
Of kings and thieves…
चतुर्दशो वतेालः The fourteenth story The thief and the merchant’s daughter स त्रिविक्रमसेनो ऽथ गत्वा तं शिंशपातरोः ।भूयो ऽप्य् आसाद्य वेतालं स्कन्धे जग्राह भूपतिः ॥…
Who is to blame?
Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who was to blame for Harisvāmin’s death ? Was it the kite, or the snake,…
A death, and a question…
Read the previous part here… Writhing in agony, he exclaimed… “Oh, when fate is against you, even good things that happen to you turn bad…
When food turns into poison…
Read the previous part here… He then reached a village, and chanced upon the house of a Brāhman named Padmanābha, who was conducting a yagna.…
The harsh summer and a broken heart…
Read the previous part here… “My beloved wife! Where have you gone! Did this night, after seeing your beauty as fair as moonlight, get jealous…
Don’t give up anything this Shivratri…
A lot of questions may arise in our minds, when we think of Shiva, and Shivratri – or the night of Shiva.
He lost his wife, and then his life!
Read the previous part here… त्रयोदशो वतेालः The thirteenth story The Brāhman Harisvāmin, who first lost his wife, and then his life अथ गत्वा पुनः प्राप्य शिंशपातस् ततो…
Of wasted efforts…
Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, why did the minister die of a broken heart? That too, on the day when…
A broken heart, and a question…
Read the previous part here… “I wonder how the king managed to obtain this beautiful maiden, one that I caught a short glimpse of, that…
Hearts won, and hearts broken…
Read the previous part here… “I didn’t know what to do, so I fell at his feet and begged him to lift the curse”, continued…
The curse – part 2
Read the previous part here… The king was taken aback by what he saw, and blood rushed to his head in anger. He unsheathed his…
The curse…
Read the previous part here… When she said this, the king recalled what Kuśanābha had told him, and he brought her close to him and…
I have one condition…
Read the previous part here… The maiden slowly opened her eyes, which fell on the handsome king, a warrior whose wounds spoke of a hundred…
And there she was…
Read the previous part here… She was his wife in their previous janma (birth), and hence his deep desire to have her. He will return…
Of melodious songs and splendid cities…
Read the previous part here… Incidentally, Lakṣmīdatta was about to set out to SvarnaDeepa. The merchant greeted Yaśaḥketu, having noticed the signs of royalty that…
The king’s quest…
Read the previous part here… Yaśaḥketu, who had been very badly affected by the minister’s absence, came out of the palace gates to personally welcome…
The maiden who sang about karma…
Read the previous part here… A huge wave rose high into the sky, and as it receded, a huge कल्पवृक्ष (Kalpavriksha) came into view. It…
The island of gold…
Read the previous part here… The king refused to relent, and as they were speaking, the king’s attendant entered and said “My king! The sun…
The pilgrimage…
Read the previous part here… Dīrghadarśin however, continued to work responsibly, shouldering the king’s duties as well as his own. He worked relentlessly day and…
The saga of Dīrghadarśin…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Who among the three – Indulekhā, Tārāvalī or Mṛgāṅkavatī, was the most delicate?…
Who is the most delicate of them all?
Read the previous part here… When she said this, and burst into tears, the king, being distressed, summoned her attendants, who ran there in trepidation…
Of blisters and bruises…
Read the previous part here… Indulekhā was playing with the king’s hair, when a blue lotus accidentally slipped from her ear and fell onto her…
Of delicate darlings…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Who among the three – Samudradatta,Dharmadatta or the thief, was the most generous?…
All is well that ends well…
Read the previous part here… “Here”, said Madanasenā, as she began to remove her bangles. “Take all my ornaments, and let me go.” “Why would…
Of thieves and promises…
Read the previous part here… When she heard this, she wiped her tears and said softly “I love you more than I love myself, but…
Of marriages and promises…
Read the previous part here… Even the evening sun sank slowly into the horizon, red, as if inflamed by the sinking passions in the young…
The beauty of Madanasenā…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Which of the four youth deserved to be the husband of princess Anaṅgarati?…
Who should marry Anaṅgarati?- Part 2
Read the previous part here… As she came of marriageable age, the king decided to find for her a suitable husband. And so he arranged…
Who should marry Anaṅgarati?
Read the previous part here… “I consider the man who was sensitive about what he slept on, as the most sensitive of the three. The…
The most sensitive of men…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Which of the three brothers was the most sensitive? Remember, if you know…
Of goats, and corpses, and hair- part 2
Read the previous part here… After they all had finished their dinner, the three brothers retired to the guest quarters in the royal palace. He…
What’s in a name?
नाम्यते अभिधीयते अर्थोऽनेन इति नाम that whose meaning encompasses the characteristics of a person, is a name. Namakarana is a very important samskara in Sanatana…
Of goats, and corpses, and hair…
Read the previous part here… “Well, if you feel disgusted to touch it, why won’t we feel the same?” “But you too should carry this…
The three sensitive Brahmins…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Which of the two – Caṇḍasiṃha or Sattvaśīla, was braver? Who showed the…
I have a question for you…
Read the previous part here… “They have a speciality – you can find anything that your heart desires in these cities, and old age and…
A generous offer…
Read the previous part here… “I came here to have a darshana of the Devi, hearing about her magnificent temple, from this man over here”,…
A friend in need…
Read the previous part here… “This brave and loyal friend of mine went to fulfill a task that I had given him, but is now…
Of water tanks and beautiful maidens…
Read the previous part here… In the middle of all this, was a large temple of Mā Durgā, as tall as Mount Meru, with walls…
A perilous journey…
Read the previous part here… The king then called a meeting at his palace the very next day and described in detail Sattvaśīla’s devotion, and…
Of loyalty and rewards
Read the previous part here… Only Sattvaśīla had managed to follow the king – running through the deep woods, disregarding his own life, hungry and…
The story of Sattvaśīla
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Which of the two people, mixed in such a manner, was Madanasundarī’s husband…
So who is the husband?
Read the previous part here… Not knowing what do to, and how to handle such a situation, he blamed himself for spoiling his sister’s life,…
Cutting-edge bhakti…
Read the previous part here… Vimala asked Śuddhapaṭa for his daughter’s hand in marriage for his son, and Śuddhapaṭa readily agreed. They saw a good…
Somaprabhā’s groom and changed heads…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Who deserves to marry Somaprabhā ? Who does she belong to? Tell me,…
Operation rescue Somaprabhā
Read the previous part here… The mother then proceeded to question him on the scriptures, the Vedas, Upanishads, and even matters of the past, and…
Of talent, knowledge and bravery…
Read the previous part here… As soon as Harisvāmin was back, he was approached by a Brahmin youth, who had heard of the beauty of…
From bravery to marriage…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Who was the bravest of them all? Who was the greatest? Tell me,…
Who is the bravest of them all?
Read the previous part here… “Oh Devi, you are the protector of this whole world, and so please confer a boon on me. Let this…
Of lives lost and gained…
Read the previous part here… “My dear, we have now saved the king and the kingdom, but both my children lie dead. Poor Vīravatī, that…
A family torn apart…
Read the previous part here… Vīravara turned around, and rushed towards his house, not wishing to waste any more time. The king followed him, curious…
Of death and the ultimate sacrifice…
Read the previous part here… And while the king was lost in the admiration of his loyal guard, he suddenly heard the sound of a…
Spending coins and weeping tears…
Read the previous part here… The king, impressed by his appearance and his confidence, decided to give him the salary that he had demanded. But…
Of bravery and sacrifice…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Are men wicked, or women? Who is more wicked and deceitful? Tell me,…
Are men wicked, or women?
Read the previous part here… When it was morning, the bound husband was taken to the king, along with his injured wife. The king, on…
Of dead lovers and bit noses…
Read the previous part here… The frustrated thief thought to himself “What bad luck! She is setting out now, in the dead of the night,…
Of husbands and lovers…
Read the previous part here… One night, he murdered his wife in her sleep, took away all her ornaments and money, and fled back to…
Once a crook, always a crook…
Read the previous part here… She somehow climbed up onto the ledge, her arms and legs bruised badly, and started to walk back home. Crying…
Of ungrateful males…
Read the previous part here… Unable to reach an consensus, the two birds had an agreement. If the parrot won, he would have the maina…
The king and two wise birds…
Read the previous part here… Now I have a question for you. Who should Mandāravatī take as her husband? Tell me, o wise king. Remember,…
Restoring the dead to life…
Read the previous part here… During his travels, he reached a village named Vajraloka. He was invited into the house of a Brahmin, who received…
Of heartbreak and anger management…
Read the previous part here… The Baitāl started to speak, once again. “O King, you have taken on a very troublesome and tiresome task! So…
Of horses, chariots and ego…
A classmate of mine spoke about Arjuna’s chariot, that Sri Kṛṣṇa’s steered during the Mahabharata, and that got me reading a bit on it’s related…
An answer, and another story…
Read the previous part here… Now, I have a question for you. Was Buddhiśarīra guilty of the death of Saṅgrāmavardhana and his wife, or was…
Tell me, who is to blame?
Read the previous part here… When I finished my meditation in the morning, I realized that the pearl necklace was still with me. I am…
Of ascetics and stolen necklaces…
Read the previous part here… “This is an opportune moment”, said Buddhiśarīra. “Now listen carefully. Got to Padmāvatī’s house tonight, and make her drink so…
Of dead dogs and wine…
Read the previous part here… When the cunning Padmāvatī heard this, she replied sweetly “My love, I have a question to ask you. Were you…
Satisfaction, and a question…
Read the previous part here… This time, Buddhiśarīra didn’t wait for VajraMukuta to question him, instead, he took the prince aside and said “Don’t despair…
The code of love..
Read the previous part here… The old woman nodded. “Of course I do – he stays in that mansion”, she said, pointing to the house…
Of gestures and meanings…
Read the previous part here… She soon departed, led away by her attendants, but she left her heart there, beside the lake, for when she…
Love is blind…and a bit dumb too
Read the previous part here… “O king! When people are learned, clever and full of wisdom, they spend their days learning and relishing the knowledge…
Corpses that spin tales…
Read the previous part here… The yogi replied “I just have one task for you, o mighty king. But one, that only you can execute.…
A visit to the cremation ground…
Read the previous part here… “Oh great king, you have spoken the truth. One who possesses virtue, possesses everything. It is only virtue that stays…
A tock, and a tick…
A tock and a tick, in the time of a nick, a promise we pick…to which we never stick. An arbitrary tick and a tock,…
Red apples and red rubies…
Read the previous part here… “I have now warned you of what is about to occur”, concluded the deva. “I will set out now, but…
The upside down…
Read the previous part here… “If you command me, and promise me the reward, I will only enter this court after bearing a child by…
Holy smoke!
Read the previous part here… Meanwhile, rumors of Bhartharī’s abdication spread like wildfire, and soon reached King Vikram’s ears too. He was enjoying his journeys,…
An apple does a merry-go-round…
Read the previous part here… And so the Brahmin went to the king Bhartharī and narrated the course of events. “My king, I have no…
The fruit of immortality…
Many many years ago, in Bhāratvarsha, there was a kingdom called Dhārānagara. It’s king Gandharvasen, had four queens, and six well learned and powerful sons.…
The beginning…
Read the previous part here… अयंनिजःपरोवेतिगणनालघु-चेतसाम्। उदार चरितानांतु वसुधैवकुटुम्बकम्॥ ayaṃ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghu-cetasām |udāra-caritānāṃ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam || 37 || This is mine, and that…
Of crabs and journeys…
Read the previous part here… “And that is why I say”, concluded TruptaKumar. “एकोदराः पृथग् ग्रीवा अन्यान्य-फल-भक्षिणः ।असंहता विनश्यन्ति भारुण्डा इव पक्षिणः ॥ – It…
The curious case of one stomach and two necks…
Read the previous part here… “That is why I say”, concluded VairāgyaKumar…अन्धकः कुब्जकश् चैव त्रिस्तनी राज-कन्यका ।त्रयो ऽप्य् अन्यायतः सिद्धाः संमुखे कर्मणि स्थिते ॥ – The…
Perfect plans and curing snakes…
Read the previous part here… The order was fulfilled. The king’s men took the blind man to the banks of the river, and married him…
Perfect marriage?
Read the previous part here… The king agreed, and consulted some wise men. “My wife has given birth to a girl with three breasts. Is…
Imperfect people…perfect luck
Read the previous part here… The blind man, the dwarf and the princess with three breasts, all did wrong things, Yet they all got their…
Of demons and horses…
Read the previous part here… “That is why I say”, concluded TruptaKumar, यो लौल्यात् कुरुते नैवोदर्कम् अवेक्षते ।विडम्बनाम् अवाप्नोति स यथा चन्द्र-भूपतिः ॥ – He who…
It’s payback time…
Read the previous part here… “Millions”, replied PrāptaBuddhi. “Don’t tell anybody, but I saw the neighboring king reach there with his entire army, and they…
PrāptaBuddhi plots revenge…
Read the previous part here… “Oh mighty king! ShāliHotra (the expert in horses) has recommended a cure for this. कपीनां मेदसा दोषो वह्निदाहसमुद्भवःअश्वानां नाशमभ्येति तमः सूर्योदये यथा – by applying the marrow of…
Prophecies come true…
Read the previous part here… Even the best of families are torn apart due to quarrels. Good friendships end because of a rude word, empires…
The monkey who thought far ahead…
Read the previous part here… He who acts out of greed and without thinking of the consequences, gets cheated, much like ChandraBhoopati. VairāgyaKumar said “How…
The gora father of SomaSharma…
Read the previous part here… He who worries about what has not happened, or what will not happen, becomes white and sleeps, just like the…
Manthara and productivity…
Read the previous part here… Manthara reached home by evening. “My dear, my dear”, he called out as he walked through the door. Seeing her…
Manthara and the Yaksha…
Read the previous part here… He who has no sense of his own, and does not heed the advice of his friends, dies like the…
Of rāgās and Manthara…
Read the previous part here… Chatura smirked. “Uncle dearest, it’s fine, the poetry and all. But the fact is that you don’t know to sing.…
Of singing donkeys and clever foxes…
Read the previous part here… The one with a hundred tricks sat on the head of the fisherman, the one with a thousand tricks is…
Of one, a hundred and a thousand tricks…
Read the previous part here… “That is why I said”, concluded TruptaKumar – Though well-versed in the sciences, if you have no practical knowledge, you…
The foolish pundits…part 2
Read the previous part here… The third pundit exclaimed “इष्टं धर्मेण योजयेत् – One should tie a well-wisher to Dharma” and so the fourth grabbed…
The foolish pundits…
Read the previous part here… Though well-versed in the sciences, if you have no practical knowledge, you will become the object of ridicule, much like…
How to make a lion…and not die
Read the previous part here… Education ranks lower than common sense, and so seek intelligence. Senseless Brahmins in their pride of being educated, made a…
How to make a lion…
Read the previous part here… In a few hours, the third pill dropped. The young man dug, and found huge deposits of gold. “I told…
Of greedy men and whirling wheels -2
Read the previous part here… All the wants of man get fulfilled only through his honest efforts. Even what is called fate, or destiny, is…
Of greedy men and whirling wheels…
Read the previous part here… One should not give up greed, but one should not be too greedy as well. The wheel whirled on the…
The Brahmin lady and the mongoose…
Read the previous part here… One should always think before acting, and never reach a conclusion without examining all the facts. Else, it would lead…
of sanyasis and gold…
Read the previous part here… After a few more slokas, Keśava got up and walked up to the chief sanyasi, who was watching him intently.…
of sanyasis and sticks…
Read the previous part here… I am PadmaNidhi, and I represent the wealth that you earned in your previous lives. I will come to your…
Of thoughts and consequences…
कुदृष्टं कुपरिज्ञातं कुश्रुतं कुपरीक्षितम् ।तन् नरेण न कर्तव्यं नापितेनात्र यत् कृतम् ॥ १ ॥ kudṛṣṭaṃ kuparijñātaṃ kuśrutaṃ kuparīkṣitam |tan nareṇa na kartavyaṃ nāpitenātra yat kṛtam || 1…
The dog, and the end…
Read the previous part here… There are many comforts, the women are beautiful too, there is only one problem in foreign lands…one’s own go against…
The clever fox – 2
Read the previous part here… The pearl is smooth, beautiful and unbroken…yet gets bound in a thread when a hole is pieced in it’s centre.…
The clever fox
Read the previous part here… How is your goodness worthy, if you only good to people who are good to you? He who is good…
Of camels and bells -2
Read the previous part here… He who is arrogant and foolish enough to disobey the words of the wise and his well-wishers, perishes quickly, much…
Of camels and bells…
Read the previous part here… You have double the intelligence that I have. Your lover is gone. You lost your husband as well. Oh naked…
The naked wife and the piece of fish…
Read the previous part here… You have double the intelligence that I have. Your lover is gone. You lost your husband as well. Oh naked…
The talkative donkey and the naked wife…
Read the previous part here… Though well-disguised, seemingly frightful and clad in tiger-skin, the donkey got killed because of his voice. KarālaMukha said “How did…
Of happiness and good taste…
Read the previous part here… What will not man for a woman do, when heads are shaved, at odd times too? What will not man…
The Brahmin couple – Part 2
Read the previous part here… She then said “You have no one to help you, once we reach the new village. I also wouldn’t have…
The Brahmin couple…
Read the previous part here… I left my family for her, and gave her half my life, she left me now without a second thought,…
The fox who killed no elephants…
Read the previous part here… My son! You are brave, learned and handsome. But in the family you were born into, no elephants are slain.…
Yudhishtira the potter…
Read the previous part here… The fool who forgoes his greed and selfishness and instead attempts to speak the truth, does not get what he…
To trust, or not to trust…
Read the previous part here… “But he has already seen me”, protested KarālaKesha. “Even though it was dark…I don’t think he will come here again.…
The lion and LambaKarna…
Read the previous part here… “And that is why, o wicked crocodile”, concluded RaktaMukha. “Just like GangaDatta, I will never enter your house!” KarālaMukha heard…
Shubh Deepawali!
Deepawali is known as the Festival of lights. Arguably the most well-known festival from India, Deepawali (or Diwali) is celebrated around the world, even in…
Dhanatrayodashi…
धनत्रयोदशी (Dhanatrayodashi) is the Sanskrit name of Dhanteras, which is celebrated on Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi, or the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in Ashwin…
Celebrating your janma tithi – part 2
Read the previous part here… O the flame of the lamp, I bow to you, praying for my wellbeing, health and prosperity and also to…
Celebrating your janma tithi…
Read the previous part here… What does a birthday mean to you? When you are born…you aren’t aware of it, and so it really doesn’t…
The great escape…
Read the previous part here… A person wearing dirty clothes sits anywhere, he doesn’t think much about soiling his clothes since they are already dirty,…
Best laid plans…
Read the previous part here… If one wishes to be well, he should only eat what suits his body, and get’s digested properly, and also…
GangaDatta and PriyaDarshana…
Read the previous part here… What sin will a hungry man not commit, in order to satisfy his hunger? Those who are hungry, have no…
Of births and positions…
Someone makes a wonderful dish. It is right up there with the best you’ve ever tasted, and you can’t have enough of it. “Give me…
of quick thinking and close shaves…
Read the previous part here… As they moved towards deeper waters, RaktaMukha got frightened, held the crocodile tightly, and said “KarālaMukha, please swim slowly. These…
of pots and fourth days…
Read the Navratri series here… There are rituals, and there are customs. Rituals are usually a set of rites, usually performed in an exact sequence,…
A dilemma and deception…
Read the previous part here… You are not answering me joyfully, and you are not giving me what I want. At nights, you snore heavily,…
Of friendship and suspicion…
समुत्पन्नेषु कार्येषु बुद्धिर् यस्य न हीयते ।स एव दुर्गं तरति जलस्थो वानरो यथा ॥ १ ॥ samutpanneṣu kāryeṣu buddhir yasya na hīyate |sa eva durgaṃ tarati…
Losing what we have…
To have gained and lost, is worse than not to have gained at all… Human life is all about striving towards something. Some work towards…
On heeding advice…
Read the previous part here… ” And so oh mighty MeghaVarna, my advice to you is this. Rule well, rule justly, and do not get…
Time is the greatest leveler…
Read the previous part here… Even though one can attain victory through violent means, one should always seek peaceful methods at first. Because, it is…
Final words of wisdom…
Read the previous part here… And so being aggressive and engaging an enemy in a fierce battle can only result in his defeat, not his…
The Brahmin who became blind by eating ghee…
Read the previous part here… I know very well that I have become a vehicle of these frogs. But I will wait for some more…
The frog and the serpent…
Read the previous part here… MeghaVarna said “What you say is true, oh Sthirajeevin. Also, staying with the enemy would have been very hard for…
An experience of fasting…
Read the Navratri series here… I fasted the whole nine days of Navratri. Fruits during the day when hungry, and a simple sābudana khichdi or…
The granting of blessings…
Read the previous part here… Suratha said “Oh revered Rishi! we are grieving. I lost my kingdom, yet I feel attached to everything that is…
Victory over Āvarana…
Read the previous part here… They fought in the skies, toe to toe, until the Devi lifted him, whirled him around and threw him to…
Śumba and Niśumba…
Read the previous part here… The Devi then struck Raktabīja with her spear, and the fierce Kālī drank up all his blood before it could…
The terror of Raktabija…
Read the previous part here… Seeing Chanda and Munda vanquished, the remaining asura army panicked and fled in all directions. And Kāli, holding the heads…
The coming of Chamunda…
Read the previous part here… The Devi smiled again. “Yes, it is true. They are very strong. But what can I do since I took…
A conversation with a messenger…
Read the previous part here… Well, we have understood how to overcome tamas, and rajas. Next is sattva. But wait – sattva is a good…
Victory of Vikshepa…
Read the previous part here… Seeing Mahishasura fall, the entire legions of the asura armies perished. The devas celebrated and showered flowers on Devi Chandika,…
Mahishasuramardini…
Read the previous part here… The armies of the devas were mesmerised. They chanted in unison as their spirits rose after witnessing this huge spectacle.…
The tyranny of Mahishasura…
Read the previous part here… But when you get rid of kāma, krodha and lobhā, that is just the first step. A celebration is not…
Victory over Mala…
Read the previous part here… “This is because of the boon that Devi granted these asuras”, thought Sri Vishnu as he continued to battle them.…
Madhu and Kaitabha
Read the previous part here… Suratha said “Oh revered Rishi! we are grieving. I lost my kingdom, yet I feel attached to everything that is…
The body, the mind and the intellect…
Let me tell you a story… Two people met at an ashram in a forest. The first was named Suratha. A virtuous king, Suratha had…
Welcoming changes…
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ yā devī sarvabhūteṣu viṣṇumāyeti śabditā ।namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ ॥ The number nine holds…
Achieving goals…
Read the previous part here… Those who are righteous prefer to enter the fire and give up their lives, rather than stay in the company…
The attack and it’s aftermath…
Read the previous part here… Work that is not completed fast, especially when it’s end is near, loses it’s essence to time. It becomes meaningless…
Sthirajeevin prepares…
Read the previous part here… “And so, heed my words. It is time to leave”, said Raktāksha. They set out immediately, flying northwards, far from…
The lion, the jackal and the cave…
Read the previous part here… When fate is against you, what can you do? The ministers and the king once again ignored this warning of…
An assembly of fools…
Read the previous part here… The minister who advised that I should be killed was the only person actually concerned about the welfare of this…
The marriage of the rat – Part 2
Read the previous part here… The wise should only consider seven factors when offering the girl in marriage – family status, character, family support, education,…
The marriage of the rat…
Read the previous part here… No one heeded to his words. The owls all lifted Sthirajeevin on their shoulders and started to carry him towards…
The charioteer and his wife – Part 2
Read the previous part here… “This is surely my husband hiding below the bed, to test me”, she thought to herself. “Let me show him…
The charioteer and his wife…
Read the previous part here… AriMardana had heard all his ministers speak. He now made a decision. He called all of them together… “I have…
Of snakes in stomachs and ant hills…
Read the previous part here… AriMardana now looked at PrākāraKarna and said “Tell me, oh wise one, what should we do in this situation?” PrākāraKarna…
Of Brahmins, thieves and demons…
Read the previous part here… AriMardana now looked at VakraNāsa and said “Tell me, oh wise one, what should we do in this situation?” VakraNāsa…
Of thieves and old merchants…
Read the previous part here… It is heard that the pigeon not only welcomed his enemy who sought shelter, but also offered his own flesh as…
The pigeon and the hunter – the conclusion
Read the previous part here… The pigeon only blamed himself for his misery, and not the hunter. He again told the hunter “Please wait for…
The pigeon and the hunter – part 2
Read the previous part here… A father, a brother and a son give a little joy. But it is the husband who gives one happiness…
The pigeon and the hunter…
Read the previous part here… It is heard that the pigeon not only welcomed his enemy who sought shelter, but also offered his own flesh as…
Of swans and pigeons…
Read the previous part here… If one does not help those who come to him seeking shelter, his prosperity vanishes, much like the swans in…
Kill the enemy!
Read the previous part here… He first addressed Raktāksha. “Oh learned minister! As you are aware, I have the enemy’s minister under my control. What…
AriMardana and his ministers…
Read the previous part here… The first sign of intelligence is to not begin any task. The second sign of intelligence is to always finish…
The art of deception…
Read the previous part here… A single person should not fight a group. People who are united cannot be conquered. Even the fearful and powerful…
The cheat, the Brahmin and the goat…
Read the previous part here… MeghaVarna was lost in thought, after hearing what the wise minister had said. “Oh revered sir, what should we do…
Anyone who quotes scripture is not a saint…
Read the previous part here… “Oh saintly being”, said Kapinjalaka. “You know Dharma. We both here have a small dispute. Can you give us a…
The rabbit and the sparrow
Read the previous part here… Keen on getting justice from a worthless leader, both the rabbit and the Kapinjala the sparrow lost their lives. The…
Of rabbits and elephants – part 2
Read the previous part here… Elephants kill with a mere touch. Snakes kill just by smelling their prey. A king sentences a man to death…
Of rabbits and elephants…
Read the previous part here… “This is so funny! Of all the peacocks, swans, cuckoos, parrots, pigeons, ducks and cranes of this world – you…
A history of enmity…
Read the previous part here… MeghaVarna thought for a while, and then said “Oh revered Sthirajeevin, I understand what you have said. But I have…
Dvaidhibhava…
Read the previous part here… Sthirajeevin looked at MeghaVarna and smiled. “My son, your ministers are capable, and have given you the proper advice –…
Stay put, or seek help?
Read the previous part here… “My king, निज-स्थान-स्थितो ऽप्य् एकः शतं योद्धुं सहेन् नरः शक्तानाम् अपि शत्रूणां – a warrior, if he is at his secure…
Hide, or stay put?
Read the previous part here… Anujeevin replied “My dear king, our enemy is very strong, and very wicked. He is also untruthful and uncultured. Seeking…
War? Or flee?
Read the previous part here… “My dear king”, said Sanjeevin, “I don’t think that seeking an alliance with a stronger enemy is a good idea.”…
Alliance? Or war?
That owl has always won when fighting us, and hence fighting him again is futile. We should seek an alliance with him… It is said……
Considering options…
“According to Manusmiriti, there are six policies of dealing with such an issue – Sandhi (peace treaty), Vigraha (war), Yaana (preparation for war), Asana (neutrality),…
Of crows and owls…
न विश्वसेत् पूर्व-विरोधितस्य शत्रोश् च मित्रत्वम् उपागतस्य ।दग्धां गुहां पश्य उलूक-पूर्णां काक-प्रणीतेन हुताशनेन ॥ १ ॥ na viśvaset pūrva-virodhitasya śatroś ca mitratvam upāgatasya |dagdhāṃ guhāṃ paśya…
The fabulous four…
Read the previous part here… The hunter arrived at the scene as Mantharaka was speaking. He strung an arrow on his bow, pulled the bowstring…
Chitraanga trapped
Read the previous part here… After waiting for more than two hours, Mantharaka told LaghuPatanaka “My dear friend, Hiranyaka and me are too slow and…
Chitraanga
Read the previous part here… As they were deeply engrossed in conversation, a deer named Chitraanga (the one with a beautiful spotted body) came running…
The fourth friend…
Read the previous part here… “There is no greater wealth than happiness”, explained Mantharaka. What follows are some points of wisdom on satisfaction and happiness,…
On hoarding and spending money- Part 2
Read the previous part here… “If you want to hoard money and not spend it, I will make you like GuptaDhana. If you think it…
On hoarding and spending money…
Read the previous part here… Just like a small steam gets filled up easily, and a rats hand gets filled up with a little grain,…
The unlucky Somilaka – Part 3
Read the previous part here… Somalika made a rope of Kusha grass, tied one end of it around his neck, and the other end around…
The unlucky Somilaka – Part 2
Read the previous part here… “Your karma and destiny will follow you wherever you go. And so it is better that you stay here and…
The unlucky Somilaka
Read the previous part here… What can be burdensome for an able man? What task is far-fetched for one who is hard-working? What place is…
The three friends discuss…
Read the previous part here… “And so, after experiencing all the good and the bad that the world had to offer, I felt disillusioned with…
What is destined…you will surely obtain…
Read the previous part here… The guard had a daughter called Vinayavatee (the one who is disciplined). She was a pretty young girl, and was…
What is destined…
Read the previous part here… After a while, a second person questioned him, and Bhagyadatta had the same response. In fact, whenever anyone asked him…
Fighting destiny…mouse style
Read the previous part here… Dejected, I slowly walked back home, and reached early in the morning. As I was entering what was left of…
More troubles for Hiranyaka…
Read the previous part here… And so, frightened at the turn of events, I decided to take my followers on a path different from my…
A troubled mouse…
Read the previous part here… In what place, or time, or age, or manner, one performs his actions, in that place, at that time, at…
When a deal is too good to be true…
Read the previous part here… When the mother tried to exchange the husked sesame seeds for the unhusked ones, she surely had a good reason.…
To tackle a mouse…
Read the previous part here… One day TaamraChooda decided to catch me and beat me up. He bought an old bamboo stick, and kept hitting…
And then there were three…
Read the previous part here… LaghuPatanaka set Hiranyaka down at the side of the lake, climbed onto a branch, and yelled out “Hey Mantharaka! Look,…
Meeting new friends…
Read the previous part here… And so Hiranyaka and LaghuPatanaka become as inseparable as the nail and the finger. Forget not stepping out of his…
The beauty of friendship…
Read the previous part here… Hearing Hiranyaka’s arguments, Laghpatanaka was at a loss of words. He didn’t know how to give an answer to these…
Ganapati Atharvashirsha
श्री गणेशाय नमः! Shri Ganesha is among the most popular deities in the Hindu Pantheon. He is worshipped in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali,…
Developing a friendship…
Read the previous part here… And so, to make friends with me, at least come out once and meet me. I feel what I ask…
Convincing new friends…
Read the previous part here… And having thought this, LaghuPatanaka climbed down from the tree and stood near the entrance of the fortress where Hiranyaka…
Making new friends…
Read the previous part here… “And this is why, as a consequence of my greed, we all got caught in this web. I need your…
Meeting old friends…
Read the previous part here… The Sun is red at the time of rising, and red at the time of setting too. Likewise, great men…
The pigeons and the hunter…
असाधना अपि प्राज्ञा बुद्धिमनोत् बहु-श्रुताः ।साधयन्त्य् आशु कार्याणि काकाखु-मृग-कूर्मवत् ॥ १ ॥ asādhanā api prājñā buddhimanot bahu-śrutāḥ |sādhayanty āśu kāryāṇi kākākhu-mṛga-kūrmavat || 1 || The wise and…
Tirukkural – on giving
கைம்மாறு வேண்டா கடப்பாடு மாரிமாட்டுஎன்ஆற்றுங் கொல்லோ உலகு. Kaimmaaru Ventaa Katappaatu MaarimaattuEnAatrung Kollo Ulaku (211) The benevolent expect no return for their dutiful giving. How can the…
Tirukkural – on not coveting
வேண்டற்க வெஃகியாம் ஆக்கம் விளைவயின்மாண்டற் கரிதாம் பயன். Ventarka Veqkiyaam Aakkam VilaivayinMaantar Karidhaam Payan (177) Do not seek the fortune that greed gathers, for its fruit is…
Tirukkural – on jealousy
விழுப்பேற்றின் அஃதொப்பது இல்லையார் மாட்டும்அழுக்காற்றின் அன்மை பெறின். Vizhuppetrin Aqdhoppadhu Illaiyaar MaattumAzhukkaatrin Anmai Perin (162) No blessing is so great as a nature that is free from…
Tirukkural – on patience and forbearance
அகழ்வாரைத் தாங்கும் நிலம்போலத் தம்மைஇகழ்வார்ப் பொறுத்தல் தலை. Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath ThammaiIkazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai (151) To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears…
जय श्री कृष्ण!
Krishna, Kishan, Madhav, Banke Bihari, Gopala, Kanhaiya, Ranchhod, Parthasarathy, Ishvara…the many names and the many facets of the personality of the most loved God in…
Tirukkural – on good conduct
மறப்பினும் ஓத்துக் கொளலாகும் பார்ப்பான்பிறப்பொழுக்கங் குன்றக் கெடும். Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum PaarppaanPirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum (134) If a learned man forgets the scriptures, he can relearn them. But if he…
Tirukkural – on self-restraint
செறிவறிந்து சீர்மை பயக்கும் அறிவறிந்துஆற்றின் அடங்கப் பெறின். Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum ArivarindhuAatrin Atangap Perin (123) If one exercises self-restraint with knowledge and intent, he will be counted…
Tirukkural – on justice and impartiality
தக்கார் தகவிலர் என்பது அவரவர்எச்சத்தாற் காணப்ப படும். Thakkaar Thakavilar Enpadhu AvaravarEchchaththaar Kaanap Patum (114) The just and unjust shall be known by the reputation that they…
Tirukkural – on gratefulness
செய்யாமல் செய்த உதவிக்கு வையகமும்வானகமும் ஆற்றல் அரிது. Seyyaamal Seydha Udhavikku VaiyakamumVaanakamum Aatral Aridhu (101) The gift of heaven and earth is not an equivalent for help…
Tirukkural – on pleasant speech
பணிவுடையன் இன்சொலன் ஆதல் ஒருவற்குஅணியல்ல மற்றுப் பிற. Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal OruvarkuAniyalla Matrup Pira (95) Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; everything else…
Tirukkural – on serving guests
விருந்து புறத்ததாத் தானுண்டல் சாவாமருந்தெனினும் வேண்டற்பாற் றன்று. Virundhu Puraththadhaath Thaanuntal SaavaaMarundheninum Ventarpaar Randru (82) It is not fit that one should wish his guests to be…
Tirukkural – the virtues of love
அன்பிற்கும் உண்டோ அடைக்குந்தாழ் ஆர்வலர்புன்கணீர் பூசல் தரும். Anpirkum Unto Ataikkundhaazh AarvalarPunkaneer Poosal Tharum (71) Can love be hidden? It will reveal itself in the tiny teardrop…
Tirukkural – on the role of children
தந்தை மகற்காற்று நன்றி அவையத்துமுந்தி இருப்பச் செயல். Thandhai Makarkaatrum Nandri AvaiyaththuMundhi Iruppach Cheyal (67) The best thing parents can do for their children is to prepare…
Tirukkural – the virtues of a spouse
மனைக்தக்க மாண்புடையள் ஆகித்தற் கொண்டான்வளத்தக்காள் வாழ்க்கைத் துணை. Manaikdhakka Maanputaiyal Aakiththar KontaanValaththakkaal Vaazhkkaith Thunai (51) She is the helpful wife who possesses the fullness of domestic virtues…
Tirukkural – on the householder
தென்புலத்தார் தெய்வம் விருந்தொக்கல் தானென்றாங்குஐம்புலத்தாறு ஓம்பல் தலை. Thenpulaththaar Theyvam Virundhokkal ThaanendraanguAimpulaththaaru Ompal Thalai (43) A good householder has five duties to perform – towards God, his…
Tirukkural – On virtue
மனத்துக்கண் மாசிலன் ஆதல் அனைத்தறன்ஆகுல நீர பிற. Manaththukkan Maasilan Aadhal AnaiththuAranAakula Neera Pira (34) A mind free of impurity, is the basis of all virtue. Everything…
Tirukkural – on control of the senses
உரனென்னும் தோட்டியான் ஓரைந்தும் காப்பான்வரனென்னும் வைப்பிற்கோர் வித்தது. Uranennum Thottiyaan Oraindhum KaappaanVaranennum Vaippirkor Viththu (24) One who has the strength to control his five senses, paves the…
Tirukkural – In praise of rain
துப்பார்க்குத் துப்பாய துப்பாக்கித் துப்பார்க்குத்துப்பாய தூஉம் மழை. Thuppaarkkuth Thuppaaya Thuppaakkith ThuppaarkkuthThuppaaya Thooum Mazhai (12) All food is produced because of rain, which itself is food again.…
Tirukkural – on non-attachment
இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன்பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு. Irulser Iruvinaiyum Seraa IraivanPorulser Pukazhpurindhaar Maattu (5) Those who are content in God’s praise, are not affected by the…
Tirukkural – In praise of God
அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதிபகவன் முதற்றே உலகு. Akara Mudhala Ezhuththellaam AadhiPakavan Mudhatre Ulaku (1) The alphabet begins with the “A” sound, so does the Universe begin…
The wisdom of Tirukkural
எண்ணித் துணிகக் கருமம் துணிந்தபின்எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு enni thuniga karumam thuninthapinennuvam enbathu izhukku (467) कार्यनिर्वहणोपायमादौ ज्ञात्वा क्रियां कुरु ।प्रविश्य कार्ये नोपायचिन्तनं कार्यसाधकम् ॥ (४६७) होना प्रवृत्त…
Ivu mūru tannannē kollavuvu Sarvajña…
Read Part 1 here… ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಹುಟ್ಟಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಮುಟ್ಟಿ ಪೂಜಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಸಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿವನ ಬೈದರೆ ಶಿವ ತಾನು ರೊಟ್ಟಿ, ಕೊಡುವನೆ Koṭṭu huṭṭalilla, muṭṭi pūjisalilla, Siṭṭinalli śivana baidare Śiva tānu roṭṭi,…
If I am not for myself…
If I am not for myself…who will be? If I am for myself alone…who am I? If not now…when? And if not you…who? Four phrases…
Vidyea parvathave aadha Sarvajña…
ಒಲೆಗುಂಡನೊಬ್ಬನೇ ಮೆಲಬಹುದು ಎಂದಿಹರೆ ಮೆಲಬಹುದು ಎಂಬವನೆ ಜಾಣ , ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಗೆಲುವಾಗದಯ್ಯ Olegundanobbanaee maelabahudhu yendhihare Maelabahudhu yembavane jaana, Murkhana geluvaagadheyaa, Sarvagna Arguing with a fool is a foolish act in…
What is the point of the Panchatantra?
उदीरितोऽर्थःपशुनापिगृहतेहयाश्चनागाश्चवहन्तिचोदिताः।अनुक्तम्अप्य्ऊहतिपण्डितोजनःपरेङ्गित–ज्ञान–फ्जलाहिबुद्धयः॥४४॥ udīrito ‘rthaḥ paśunāpi gṛhate hayāś ca nāgāś ca vahanti coditāḥ |anuktam apy ūhati paṇḍito janaḥ pareṅgita-jñāna-phjalā hi buddhayaḥ || 44 || Even animals can sort of…
The introduction…
कथामुखं The introduction In a city called Mahilaropya, very far away from here, lived a king named Amarashakti (the ever-powerful). He took very good care…
The conclusion…
Read the previous part here… चौरब्राह्मणकथा The story of the Brahmin thief In a city not so far away, lived a highly-learned Brahmin. Unfortunately, due…
Of wise enemies and foolish friends..
Read the previous part here… “And that is why” said Karataka, Where one unusual incident can take place, another unusual incident can also take place.…
The iron balance and the merchant’s son
Read the previous part here… Where rats can eat a huge and heavy balance made of iron , O king, the hawk can easily carry…
The crane and the mongoose
Read the previous part here… A wise man should think of a good plan to get out of danger; but he must be also be…
Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi – part 2
Read the previous part here… When they reached, they started digging. When they took out the vessel in which the money was kept – they…
Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi
Read the previous part here… I know both Dharma-Buddhi and Paapa-Buddhi. It is due to the stupidity of the son that the father nearly died…
Of advice, and stupidity…
Read the previous part here… Advice should not be offered to anybody and everybody. Learn from that incident where a person with such a nice…
Soocheemukha and the monkeys
Read the previous part here… A crooked and mean person only knows how to cause ruin; he cannot resolve anything. A rat is strong enough to…
Karataka scolds Damanaka
Read the previous part here… Seeing them fight from a distance, Karataka looked at Damanaka angrily and said ” You fool! Look at what you…
The final fight!
Read the previous part here… A wise man who hides his intentions can get away without being noticed, even after harming his enemy, much like…
The lion and the jackal- part 2
Read the previous part here… Shanku-karna immediately replied “Please go ahead Chaturaka. Tell me what needs to be done so that I can get it…
The lion and the jackal…
Read the previous part here… Prosperity always favours men who are brave, and who work diligently. “Whatever happens is due to fate”, so say the…
Damanaka rests his case
Read the previous part here… “And that is why”, concluded Damanaka, “If one starts a fight, without knowing the strength of his enemy, he will…
The bird and the ocean – part 3
Read the previous part here… “And that is why I say that if you really want to fight the ocean, then call the other birds and…
The sparrows and the elephant
Read the previous part here… The sparrow joined the woodpecker; the bee joined the frog; and they all got together and killed the elephant.” “And…
गुरु पूर्णिमा – Guru Purnima
गुरुरेव परा काष्ठा गुरुरेव परं धनं । यस्मात्तदुपदेष्टाऽसौ तस्माद्गुरुतरो गुरुरिति ॥ १८॥ gurureva parā kāṣṭhā gurureva paraṁ dhanaṁ | yasmāttadupadeṣṭā’sau tasmādgurutaro gururiti || 18|| Advaya…
The bird and the ocean – Part 2
Read the previous part here… Her husband, who patiently listened to her speak, said “My dear! Do you think I am Yad Bhavishyahah? You will…
The three fishes…
Read the previous part here… “Far-sighted” and “Quick-witted” both survived and lived happily, while “Whatever happens is inevitable” died. Her husband asked “How did that…
The foolish turtle…
Read the previous part here… The Tittibha flies with it’s feet spread out, thinking that it will hold back the falling sky with its feet!…
The bird and the ocean…
Read the previous part here… If the king is like a vulture, but is surrounded by swan-like courtiers, he should be served well. But, if…
The camel and the crow – Part 2
Read the previous part here… Madotkata thought for a moment, and then said “If this is so, then you have my permission. Go ahead.” The…
The camel and the crow
Read the previous part here… When those who scheme, who are mean, and who cheat, all get together, they are capable of anything, however proper…
The lament of Sanjeevaka
Read the previous part here… Damanaka lowered his voice. “Sanjeevaka…Pingalaka is conspiring against you. He spoke to me privately today, and said “I will kill…
The conspiracy continues!
Read the previous part here… “And as far as proof goes, know this- in the morning when he comes to see you, his face and…
The blue jackal…
Read the previous part here… He who rejects his own people, and makes friends with outsiders, definitely perishes like the foolish Chandarava.” Pingalaka said “How…
The louse and the bug…
Read the previous part here… One should not offer shelter to a person,whose character is not known. It was due to the Matkuna’s fault, that…
The conspiracy…
Read the previous part here… “If you give your permission, I will go and break their friendship.” said Damanaka as he rested his case. Karataka…
The lion and the hare – Part 2
Read the previous part here… Hearing this, Bhāsuraka said “Nonsense! Show me that fraud of a lion. I was furious at all of you; now…
The lion and the hare
Read the previous part here… Only he who has intelligence is strong; a foolish person can never be strong. Because, the arrogant lion, king of…
Of crows, serpents, cranes and crabs – part 2
Read the previous part here… The small creatures believed the crane, and agreed immediately. They all lined up, jostling for space and trying to be…
Of crows, serpents, cranes and crabs…
Read the previous part here… The secret of a well-thought-of conspiracy is not even known to the Gods. It is due to his well-hatched plan…
The weaver and the princess..Part 2
Read the previous part here… In a few days, the king’s armies crumbled under the combined might of his enemies -they drove him back and…
The weaver and the princess..
Read the previous part here… The secret of a well-thought-of conspiracy is not even known to the Gods. It is due to his well-hatched plan…
Gunākshara Nyāya
Read the previous part here… “And that is why I said”, concluded Damanaka, “that sometimes we have ourselves to blame for our misfortunes, much like…
of judgements…
Read the previous part here… Some soldiers, who were close by, saw this, and rushed to her side. They beat the barber and tied him…
Of broken noses…
Read the previous part here… The weaver’s wife gladly agreed, and her friend untied her. After tying the barber’s wife in her place, the weaver’s…
Of illicit affairs…
Read the previous part here… The wife started walking towards her house along with Devaśharman. She was very pleased, and as she walked, her thoughts…
The lament of Devaśharman
Read the previous part here… Hearing this, Āshādabhooti held Devaśharman’s feet tightly and begged him” Oh great saint! Please accept me as your humble disciple!”…
Āshādabhooti and Devaśharman
Read the previous part here… The difficulties encountered by the fox which went in between the fighting rams, and by Āshādabhooti, and by the messenger…
Who is to blame?
Read the previous part here… In time, since Pingalaka had stopped hunting, the other animals, Karataka and Damanaka included, started to starve, and fall sick…
A budding friendship…
Read the previous part here… Due to his arrogance, he who disrespects persons who occupy the highest, the lowest and mid-level positions in the employment of…
Dantila and Gorambha – Part 2
Read the previous part here… Gorambha, who was sweeping the floor next to the bed of the king, muttered casually. “How insolent is Dantila, he…
Dantila and Gorambha
Read the previous part here… Due to his arrogance, he who disrespects persons who occupy the highest, the lowest and mid-level positions in the employment of…
of negotiations…
Read the previous part here… “And so, you remain here for now; let me go back and wait for the right moment to take you…
Step one…complete!
Read the previous part here… Damanaka took a deep breath, and said – “Yes, I saw it by the grace of your highness.” Pingalaka wasn’t’t…
Of dilemmas and confidence…
Read the previous part here… Damanaka saluted him and started towards the place where Sanjeevaka, the bull was making the sounds that had startled Pingalaka. …
The fox and the drum…
Read the previous part here… I thought so in the beginning that this was filled with flesh, but after entering it I understood it to…
Damanaka makes Pingalaka confident…
Read the previous part here… And with these words, Damanaka rested his case. Pingalaka looked thoughtful…after a few minutes of silence, he said… “Let it…
Of good servants…
Read the previous part here… Just as the sun, despite being lustrous, cannot shine without its rays, similarly, a king, even though he may be…
Damanaka presents his case…
Read the previous part here… Karataka seemed convinced. “If that is your intention, then let auspiciousness accompany you. You can go ahead. But remember –…
The science of conversation…
Read the previous part here… If a person does not get rest or even manage to satisfy his hunger by being in service of a…
The debate continues…
Read the previous part here… Karataka said- “Then, what do you want to do now?” Damanaka said- “At present, our king Pingalaka is very scared,…
The debate…
Read the previous part here… “Sounds interesting. Why don’t you tell me what happened to the monkey,” pleaded Damanaka. “Now, listen,” said Karataka and began…
Introducing…Karataka and Damanaka!
वर्धमानो महान् स्नेहः सिंह-गो-वृषयोर् वने ।पिशुनेनातिलुब्धेन जम्बुकेन विनाशितः ॥ १ ॥ vardhamāno mahān snehaḥ siṃha-go-vṛṣayor vane |piśunenātilubdhena jambukena vināśitaḥ || 1 || The increasing true friendship between…
The road ahead
It’s been a long series – I don’t know when I started and how many posts I made since then. I don’t like to count.…
Preparing for rebirth
Exercise 21 Discovering your swara Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : As indicated throughout the day We spoke about knowing the breath, through…
Preparing for death
Exercise 20 शवासन – Śavāsana Difficulty level -3 (very difficult) Time commitment : 10-15 minutes, after every yogic practice The standing joke in yoga classes,…
Udyana Avagāhan
Exercise 19 उद्यान अवगाहन – Forest bathing Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : One hour every week We spoke about connecting with nature…
The masculine and the feminine
Exercise 18 Chandra-bhedana pranayama Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes, thrice a week in Week 3 This is the first…
Two fishes and a frog
We had some good exercises this week. We deserve a story! As the frog said, “the one with thousand tricks sat on the head of…
Freeing up your time
Exercise 17 Freeing up your time – Part 2 Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : (-45) minutes everyday A few days back, I…
You are what you eat
Exercise 16 Rediscovering food Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : At every meal and throughout the day We have spoken about perspectives, basic…
Melt with the universe
Exercise 15 Jñāna Mudra and Chin Mudra Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 5 minutes everyday Today, we will practice our second mudra…
Seeking peace
Exercise 14 Sukhāsana Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week This is a meditative āsanā, and among the easiest…
The wedding of the mouse
Today, let me tell you another story. There was a beautiful hermitage on the bank of river Gangā, where a group of hermits lived in…
Divinity through conscious repetition
Exercise 13 Mantra Japa Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week We have, so far, practiced an āsana,…
I respect the divinity in you
Exercise 12 Anjali Mudra Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 5 minutes everyday Today, we will practice an introductory mudra – the Anjali…
A story a day, keeps worries away…
Today, let me tell you a story. The great emperor Kṛṣṇadevarāya (Krishnadevaraya) had a lot of wise ministers in his court. The wisest of them…
Cultivating steadfastness
Exercise 10 Tāḍāsana Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes thrice a week We are nearly halfway through the course, and it’s…
Celebrate small achievements
Exercise 9 Tracking accomplishments Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes everyday This exercise will help you reflect upon your daily tasks,…
Rediscovering eating
Exercise 8 Rediscovering Eating Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment : 15 minutes per day – week 1, 30 minutes per day –…
Saptarishi – seven areas of your life
Exercise 7 Saptarishi Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 45 minutes every week Those who are familiar with financial planning know the importance…
Freeing up your time
Exercise 6 Freeing up your time – Part 1 Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : (-45) minutes everyday Till now, we discussed 5…
Amani-bhava – the bliss of no-mind
Exercise 5 No-Mind Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes every alternate day From observing, to observation. From total involvement, to no…
Know your breath, know your self
Exercise 4 Breathing Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday Breathing is a fundamental life process. Our life is a collection…
Connect with Nature
Exercise 3 Connect with nature Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday – ideal. Else every alternate day. Chances are that…
A small step towards tapasya
Exercise 2 Wake and sleep Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday This exercise is simple – after all, we…
Aparigraha through writing
Exercise 1 Write for 3-5 minutes everyday Difficulty level – 1 (easy to execute) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday This exercise is simple. All…
On Satisfaction
भोगा न भुक्ता वयमेव भुक्ताः, तपो न तप्तं वयमेव तप्ताः । कालो न यातो वयमेव याताः तृष्णा न जीर्णा वयमेव जीर्णाः ॥ bhogā na bhuktā vayameva…
Knowledge and contentment
विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद्याति पात्रताम् । पात्रत्वाद्धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम् ॥ vidyā dadāti vinayam, vinayādyāti pātratām | pātratvāddhanamāpnoti, dhanāddharmam tatah sukham || Hitopadeśa Knowledge makes…
Life isn’t about just being serious
निद्रा–प्रियो य: खलु कुम्भकर्णो हतस् समीके स रघूत्तमेन | वैधव्यम् आपद्यत तस्य कान्ता श्रोतुं समायाति कथां पुराणम् || Nidra priyo yah khalu Kumbhakarno hatas samike…
The discipline involved in learning
आदौ नित्यानित्यवस्तुविवेकः परिगम्यते । इहामुत्रफलभोगविरागस्तदनन्तरम्शमादिषट्कसम्पत्तिर्मुमुक्षुत्वमिति स्फुटम् ॥ १९ ॥ ādau nityānityavastuvivekaḥ parigamyate | ihāmutraphalabhogavirāgastadanantaramśamādiṣaṭkasampattirmumukṣutvamiti sphuṭam from Vivekacūḍāmaṇi, written by Jagadguru Adi Śaṅkarācārya First is enumerated discrimination between the…
The importance of good company
सत्संगत्वे निस्संगत्वं, निस्संगत्वे निर्मोहत्वं। निर्मोहत्वे निश्चलतत्त्वं, निश्चलतत्त्वे जीवन्मुक्तिः ॥९॥ Satsaṅgatve nissaṅgatvaṃ, niḥsaṅgatve nīrmohatvam nirmohatve niścalitatvam, niścalitatve jīvanmuktiḥ from Bhaja Gōvindam, written by Jagadguru Adi Śaṅkarācārya Through good…
We are all worthy
अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम् ।अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः ॥ amantramakṣaraṃ nāsti nāsti mūlamanauṣadham ।ayogyaḥ puruṣo nāsti yojakastatra durlabhaḥ ॥ Samayocitapadyamālikā There is not a syllable…
We are in everything, and everything is in us
आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन | सुखं वा यदि वा दु:खं स योगी परमो मत: || ātmaupamyena sarvatra samaṁ paśhyati yo ’rjuna sukhaṁ vā yadi…
In good times and bad
उदेति सविता ताम्रस्ताम्र एवास्तमेतिच। सम्पतौ च विपत्तौ च महतामेकरूपता॥ udeti savitā tāmras tāmra evāstameti ca | saṃpattau ca vipattau ca mahatāmekarūpatā || Kavya Prakash 7.245…
Action and meditation
द्विविधो हि वेदोक्तो धर्म: प्रवृत्ति लक्षणो निवृत्ति च | जगत: स्तिथि कारणम् प्राणिनाम् साक्षादभ्युदयनिश्रेयशहेतुः || dvividho hi vedokto dharmah; pravíttilaksano nivritti-laksanah ca| jagatah sthiti karanam…
Let’s celebrate the planet
ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ॥ īśāvāsyamidaṃ sarvaṃ yatkiñca jagatyāṃ jagat | tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasyasviddhanam || Īśopaniṣad…
The best time to do anything
यदपि स्यादसमये यातो वनमसाविति ।अकालो नास्ति धर्मस्य जीविते चञ्चले सति ॥ yadapi syādasamaye yāto vanamasāviti |akālo nāsti dharmasya jīvite cañcale sati|| Buddhacarita 6.21, by Aśvaghoṣa Though…
The importance of time and effort
क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत् |क्षणत्यागे कुतो विद्या कणत्यागे कुतो धनम् || kṣaṇaśaḥ kaṇaśaḥ ca eva vidyām arthaṃ ca sādhayet । kṣaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ vidyā kaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ…
What makes us happy?
सर्वं परवशं दुःखं सर्वमात्मवशं सुखम् ।एतद् विद्यात् समासेन लक्षणं सुखदुःखयोः ॥ sarvaṃ paravaśaṃ duḥkhaṃ sarvamātmavaśaṃ sukham |etad vidyāt samāsena lakṣaṇaṃ sukhaduḥkhayoḥ || Manusmriti 4.160 All that is…
What is the recipe for success?
यशोधिगन्तुं सुखलिप्सया वा मनुष्यसंख्यामतिवर्तितुं वा | निरुत्सकानामभियोगभाजां समुत्सुके वाङ्कमुपैति सिद्धिः || yashodhigantum sukhalipsayā vā manuśyasamkhyāmativartitum vā nirutsakānāmabhiyogabhājām samutsuke vānkmupaiti siddhih Kavya Prakasha Success itself is…
Possessions and contentment
यश्चेमां वसुधां कृत्स्नां प्रशासेदखिलां नृपः ।तुल्याश्मकाञ्चनो यश्च स कृतार्थो न पार्थिवः ॥ yaścemāṃ vasudhāṃ kṛtsnāṃ praśāsedakhilāṃ nṛpaḥ ।tulyāśmakāñcano yaśca sa kṛtārtho na pārthivaḥ ॥ Mahabharata…
Gaining true knowledge
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया |उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिन: || tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśhnena sevayāupadekṣhyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninas tattva-darśhinaḥ Srimad Bhagavad Gīta 4.34 Learn the Truth…
What is my duty in life?
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् |स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: || śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitātswa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ Srimad Bhagavad Gīta 3.35 It is far…
What do we truly believe in?
सत्त्वानुरूपा सर्वस्य श्रद्धा भवति भारत |श्रद्धामयोऽयं पुरुषो यो यच्छ्रद्ध: स एव स: || sattvānurūpā sarvasya śhraddhā bhavati bhārataśhraddhā-mayo ‘yaṁ puruṣho yo yach-chhraddhaḥ sa eva saḥ…
Is desire for wealth harmful?
मूढ जहीहि धनागमतृष्णाम्कुरु सद्बुद्धिं मनसि वितृष्णाम् ।यल्लभसे निजकर्मोपात्तम्वित्तं तेन विनोदय चित्तम् ॥ mūḍha jahīhi dhanāgamatṛṣṇāmkuru sadbuddhiṃ manasi vitṛṣṇām |yallabhase nijakarmopāttamvittaṃ tena vinodaya cittam || from…
And what do we take with us?
नामुत्र हि सहायार्थं पिता माता च तिष्ठतः । न पुत्रदारं न ज्ञातिर्धर्मस्तिष्ठति केवलः ॥ २३९ ॥ nāmutra hi sahāyārthaṃ pitā mātā ca tiṣṭhataḥ | na putradāraṃ na jñātirdharmastiṣṭhati…