- The twist…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, about the children who were born in the course of time to the mother and daughter by the son and the father…what relationship did they bear to one another?” “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst …
- Will King Vikram reply?Read the previous part here… “My mind is tortured at the thought of your feet, that deserve to walk on flowers, walking on thorns instead. It seems strange that the dust raised by the wind and falling on your faces, makes us pale instead, and the fury of the fierce sun, that falls on your …
- Of convincing and relenting…Read the previous part here… “Father, don’t speak this way. A man’s house is empty, without a wife. Have you not heard what Mūladeva said? When there is no woman waiting for you eagerly when you return home, you don’t have a house – it is in reality a prison, just that the chains are …
- Of wives and promises…Read the previous part here… This village was the abode of thieves, people who robbed even their own neighbors of life and property…there was not one virtuous person there. They spotted the king from a distance, clad in his fine clothes and ornaments, and many Śavaras (thieves), armed with weapons, rushed towards him. King Dharma …
- गुरु पूर्णिमा – Guru PurnimaOn today’s occasion of Guru Purnima, I bow down to all my Gurus, and present before you the various interpretations of the word Guru, it’s meaning, it’s importance and it’s relevance in our lives. There may be different ways to define a Guru, but definition by itself is not characteristic of our culture. The word …
- Anna Prāshana – an introduction to a new worldSamskāras are often seen as ritualistic and archaic. For most people, such practices do not fit into a modern lifestyle. Our minds have been conditioned to wear traditional clothes on “ethnic day” in office, or on a major festival. How then can we begin to appreciate the nuances of what has made us, us? Even …
- Of cross-connections…Read the previous part here… “At first he cried because he was sad that he had to abandon his body, one that had grown with him in his many years on earth, one that his parents had fondled when he was a child, and one that he had used during tapasyā to obtain many siddhis…” …
- Of being agile and Kanban…The Emirates is closed for six days. A long weekend, that is actually a full week of holidays. And so I decided to use this time to relook at our internal work processes, lay the groundwork for the next level of services that we intend to offer, and in general, perform a spring-cleaning of sorts. …
- Crying, and dancing…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, why did the sanyāsi first weep before entering the young man’s body? And then why did he dance? I am very curious to know the answer…” “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred …
- He is alive, but…Read the previous part here… “You are the fool, not me, you old idiot! I am no longer your shishyā, and you are no longer my Guru. I am leaving this very instant, go find someone else to stay with you!” He threw the begging bowl and his stick onto the ground, and walked away …
- The guru and the shishya fight…Read the previous part here… When Devasoma became sixteen years of age, that boy, who had captivated everyone’s hearts with his knowledge, modesty and good qualities, suddenly caught a fever and died. Yajñasoma was shattered, and along with his wife, embraced the dead body of his son, their tears refusing to stop, and both were …
- The sanyasi who first wept, and then danced…Read the previous part here… “The fourth however, saw that the result was a body of a lion. He knew the dangers of making that lion come to life…” “Yet, just because he wanted to show off his skills, he made it to come alive, and to disastrous consequences. Not only did he kill the …
- Of growth, returns and peace of mind…I came across an interesting piece of information yesterday, and a conversation that I had with a client today brought that piece into mental focus. The 1972 book Limits to Growth, which predicted our civilisation would probably collapse some time this century, has been criticised as doomsday fantasy since it was published. Now, someone decided …
- Of parents and responsibilities…I am a new parent, and so I am experiencing everything for the first time. A lot of questions that I had, are now being answered. A lot of thoughts that I had, are now been addressed. Everyone has heard this dialogue from their parents – You will know one day, when you become a …
- Laze around, it helps!Ok, everyone has their lazy days. I mean everyone – even the productivity pundits have days when they just don’t feel like doing much. If it comes on the weekend, great. If mid-week, well, a lot of guilt accompanies the laziness. And even more so when this work-from-home thing is on…because now, you can be …
- Of inherent potential, and recognizing it…We underestimate our own capabilities. And by we, I mean everyone. Without exception. I have seen this in various fields – be it martial arts, studies or work. We think that we aim high, but we aim a lot lower than we are capable of. No, I don’t want to sound like one of those …
- Of professionalism and indemnities…It’s been a rough week. Business has been good, but it is the other stuff that kindof got to me. The first was a business ‘introducer’ who went around town bargaining with every firm in sight. While a ‘finder’s fee’ is an accepted practice in our profession, what is not acceptable is someone who tries …
- Don’t showoff…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who among the four was guilty of bringing the lion to life? Who made the worst mistake of all? “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इति वेतालाच् छ्रुत्वा राजा सो ऽचिन्तयद् …
- The worst mistake of all…Read the previous part here… “And when the flesh of any animal has been included on a piece of bone, I can produce the skin and hair of that animal on it.” The third said… “And when the hair and flesh and skin have been produced, I can create the limbs of that very animal…” …
- Of magic and skill…Read the previous part here… “If fate does not want it, you cannot even die by your own wishes.” “I now intend to visit a few teerthas, and perform tapasya, so that I never again have to feel the pain of poverty.” अर्थैर् विना कथं प्राज्ञो ऽप्य् आर्य दुःकेन बाध्यसे ।किं न वेत्सि यद् अर्थानां …
- If fate does not want it…Read the previous part here… When they finally reached Yajñasthala, they came to know that their maternal grandfather had long died. Their uncles gave them shelter and food, thinking that they would move on in a day or two. The brothers however, stayed on, engrossed in their studies of the Vedas. After some time, their …
- The four brothers and a lion…Read the previous part here… “But Maṇivarman? When he saw. his wife lying dead in another man’s arms, from the intense longing that she had for that man, it called for indignation, but far from being angry, he was overcome by grief that stemmed from his infatuation for his wife.” “This, in spite of her …
- Confusion of Yepic proportions…No, that isn’t a typo. Anju says that I crack dad jokes. And so, today’s title humors her. There are multiple versions of the “Yuga” theory in Sanātana Dharma. Some calculations go into trillions of years, others a more respectable thousands. So there is an ongoing debate now if this is Kaliyuga, or ascending Dwapara …
- It was Maṇivarman…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who among the three was more blinded with passion? Who was the most infatuated?” “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इत्य् एतद् वेतालाच् छ्रुत्वा स प्रत्युवाच तं नृपतिः ।एतेषु रागमूढः प्रतिभाति …
- A resolution…and a catch…Read the previous part here… In the morning, the relatives of the lovers came to the garden, called by the gardeners who discovered the corpses. They were filled with embarrassment, surprise and grief, and so stood there for long, not knowing what to do. After all, कष्टाः कुलखलीकारहेतवो बत कुस्त्रियः|| – Women who are wayward …
- Tragedy strikes…Read the previous part here… “Tonight, I will bring Anaṅgamañjarī to the garden that forms part of her house. You should be present outside at that time. I will then get you inside the garden and you will be able to meet her and spend time with her.” Her words made Kamalākara very happy. She …
- Lonely and alone…I like to be by myself, when I am not well. When people hear this, they think that I am lonely. Actually, there is a lot of difference between being lonely and being alone. Being lonely is the state when you miss NOT being alone. Being alone, on the other hand, is just spending time …
- A stithh in time…So day 1 of the canal of the root, She really did drill into my toot, An x-ray and a filling, and a little bit of killing, Have left me all but mute! The moral of the story, as we all understand though bitter experience, is that prevention is better than cure. All I had …
- An arrangement is made…Read the previous part here… “Look around, O Kamalākara, this is such a beautiful garden! Try to get out of this sad mood, and cheer up!” The young Kamalākara answered… “My friend, my heart has been taken away by her, the beautiful Anaṅgamañjarī. There is just an empty space within, so how can I cheer …
- Life isn’t about just being seriousMy tooth aches. AND BADLY. All the knowledge in the world, can be forgotten in a single instant…not due to a curse, but an aching tooth! That was not Kant or Socrates, but me speaking from experience. What is it with toothaches that make them so unbearable? Is it because they are closer to the …
- Is a friend indeed…Read the previous part here… Mālatikā then sprinkled cold water on her friend’s face, and lay her on a bed of lotus leaves, placed a necklace of cold gemstones on her and fanned her until she came back to her senses. As Anaṅgamañjarī opened her eyes, she said tearfully… “My friend! These measures are but …
- A friend in need…Read the previous part here… The sight of each other bound them into a fascination for each other, as if Kāma himself had brought them together. The two were overcome by passion, and they forgot everything else, and got carried away in the storm of their attraction. Kamalākara’s friend, who was walking alongside him, saw …
- Love strikes…Read the previous part here… But even though she was married, Arthadatta would not let his daughter leave his house and go to her husband’s, since she was his only child. Maṇivarman was as distasteful to Anaṅgamañjarī as a bitter medicine to a sick man, she hated him. But Anaṅgamañjarī was dearer than life to …
- Anaṅgamañjarī…Read the previous part here… एकिवशंोवतेालः The twenty-first story The story of Anaṅgamañjarī अथ गत्वा पुनः प्राप्य शिंशपातस् ततो ऽग्रहीत् ।स त्रिविक्रमसेनो ऽंसे वेतालं तं नराधिपः ॥ १२,२८.१ ॥ आगच्छन्तं च तं भूयः स वेतालो ऽब्रवीन् नृपम् ।राजन्न् उद्गाढकन्दर्पां शृण्व् एकां वच्मि ते कथाम् ॥ १२,२८.२ ॥ King Vikram went back to the tree, and …
- Preparing to die…Oh, this does not sound like a Vetāla story! Well, to tell you the truth, I was all about to start the 21st story when someone pinged me on aa new book that they had read…on death. Written by a prominent Indian ‘happy’ guru, the book was all about death and how to approach it. …
- Seeking peace…Read the previous part here… So International Day of Yog came and went, and I hope that you made something of it. Other than striking a pose on Instagram I mean. That’s the thing isn’t it? When we celebrate something, it has to be outwardly, out-worldly, mostly external. Birthday? Put up pics to show how …
- Take my breath away…Read the previous part here… Tomorrow is International Yoga Day. How do I start yoga? Quite a common question yes? Most people are used to enrolling in the neighbourhood yoga class, where the instructor quickly takes you through preparatory stretching, gets into simple postures and wraps it up with a 5 or 10 minute meditation …
- Yoga, yog and the missing a…So International Yoga Day is upon us once again. And it’s that time of the year, when we all receive mails from studios, big and small, for a 1-2 hour free session, mostly to bait you for the monthly or quarterly sessions. Some plain vanilla, some exotic. Some offering speed yoga, others mindful yoga, and …
- Action and meditationA casual discussion on mediation today, got me thinking about how people view the act of meditation. The person in question had seen a few videos on You Tube, and had come to the conclusion that meditation is all about closing your eyes and ‘not-thinking’. Of course, she didn’t claim that she understood it fully, …
- This is why he laughed…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, why did the boy laugh when his death was imminent?” “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इति वेतालतः श्रुत्वा स राजा प्रत्युवाच तम् ।शृणु यो ऽभूद् अभिप्रायो हासे तस्य शिशोस् तदा …
- Why did he laugh?Read the previous part here… King Candrāvaloka beheld the boy who stood before him, his courageous demeanor, and the tej (glow) on his face, and he was delighted. He ordered for the boy to be clothed in fine garments, with garlands of flowers with the sweetest of smells, and had him sit on an elephant, …
- Preparations for the sacrifice…Read the previous part here… “This body is impure, and gathers dirt from the day it is born. It is the abode of all pain, and will perish anyway, one day or the next.” “The wise say that the only permanence in this creation is merit, and merit is acquired by this very body.” “And …
- Little in age, wise in thought…Read the previous part here… The boy was special. Even at this tender age, he always took pleasure in being of assistance to his fellow human beings, as this was a trait that he carried forward from his previous lives. In fact, he seemed to personify the merits of all the king’s subjects. And so …
- The statue of gold…Read the previous part here… The next morning, he called a meeting of his cabinet of ministers, and told them what had happened. One of the ministers – Sumati, reassured him and said… “Don’t worry my king. I will search and bring to you such a boy. This world has many strange things to offer, …
- Find a boy!Read the previous part here… “Please forgive me, I have committed a sin but unknowingly. Please think of me as someone who has come to you asking for your protection.” “I will give you whatsoever you desire, be it man or animal, so that you can be appeased and your anger may subside…” Jvālāmukha thought …
- Jvālāmukha…Read the previous part here… And so the tired King Candrāvaloka dismounted from his horse, fed it some grass and water, so that it was refreshed, and then lay down next to his wife, on the banks of the river, in the shade of the tree. The moon arose a few minutes after, lifting the …
- The journey back home…Read the previous part here… Rishi Kaṇva was pleased. “You have promised to protect all living beings, and have thus made me very happy. You can ask me for any vardāna (boon) that you desire!” The king, who was well-versed in the matters of timing, replied… “Oh great Rishi, if you are truly pleased with …
- Back on stage…Here is what I thought yesterday. Today, I showered, shaved, put on a new shirt, and reached the venue an hour in advance. Me and my fellow speakers had a jamming session over coffee, just to warm up. The session was at 10 am. Or so I thought. When I walked up to the backstage …
- Back to speaking…Well, the title is a bit misleading. I have been speaking, and speaking quite a bit the past one year. Zoom and Google Meet have it’s advantages, but one main disadvantage is that average call times have increased by yards. Apparently, if you are online, you are available to speak more and more…and more. Not …
- Advice and a boon…Read the previous part here… The āshrama was full of rishis and sādhakās, who went about their daily tasks. In the middle, under a tree, sat Rishi Kaṇva surrounded by many shishyās. Candrāvaloka walked up to him, and when he reached, prostrated at the great rishi’s feet. Rishi Kaṇva welcomed him, offered him a seat, …
- Meeting Rishi Kaṇva…Read the previous part here… “Truthfully, his beauty can satisfy the thirst of the whole wide world…” As she thought this way, she rose up, and tried to start walking away, but her legs seemed to lose all power of movement… अथोपेत्य स राजा ताम् एवं नागरिको ऽब्रवीत् ।आस्तां प्रथमदृष्टस्य दर्शनैकफलार्थिनः ॥ १२,२७.२७ ॥ जनस्य …
- The love of Candrāvaloka…Read the previous part here… Like Indrā, he made mighty birds fall to the ground, by clipping their wings with his sharp vajra-like arrows… In the heat of the chase, he kept spurring his horse to go faster and faster, and the horse, egged on by the strokes of the whip, didn’t care for the …
- The pain of Candrāvaloka…Read the previous part here… Manaḥsvāmin was paid for his services, and so he wasn’t considered the father. The thief, on the other hand, gave his entire wealth to his wife, and thus owned the kshetra, as he paid for her and the child’s maintenance. The king was also not the true father. While he …
- Future of work?For those who don’t know yet, my whole team and me have been working remotely, from 15 months now. That is more than a year, working from our homes, or WFH, as it is called. Today got me thinking – what next? Do we continue this way even after the storm has cleared? Or would …
- Nineteen done, six to go…Well, I finished the nineteenth Vetāla yesterday, and there are six more to go. I hope that you are enjoying these stories. As I had stated before, a lot of them sound incredible, many may even seem pointless. But rest assured, each one of these stories can be read differently, with a deeper meaning, and …
- Who is the true father?Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, to which hand should the king offer the pinda-dānā? And what did this all mean?“ “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इति वेतालतः श्रुत्वा मुक्तमौनः स भूपतिः ।तं त्रिविक्रमसेनो ऽत्र धर्मज्ञः …
- The dilemma…Read the previous part here… In this city, King Candraprabha fasted and performed tapasya, distributed more of his wealth and fed more Brāhmans, and performed the śrāddha. He then went to Vārāṇasī, which seemed by the silken flags of it’s temples, tossed about in the gusts of wind, to cry out from afar… “Come here, …
- The pilgrimage…Read the previous part here… “You should not have such doubts, and hesitate so much! I have to go, for my father’s sake, and I have to make the pilgrimage when I am young and able-bodied.” “For who knows what will happen tomorrow, to this physical body that can die in a moment?” “So let …
- To mask or not to mask…You can read the previous part here… And so, when I get my second dose tomorrow, I will say a small prayer of thanks. For the life that I have got, for it’s comforts, for the good food I eat, and for all the privileges that I have. Sometimes, we just don’t remember. Maybe such …
- One for the father…Read the previous part here… “This child has been given to me by none other than Śiva himself” thought Sūryaprabha as he took the infant in his arms, and walked back into his palace. He then threw a magnificent feast, and the whole kingdom was entertained for twelve full days, with food, and song and …
- The final frontier…hopefullyYou can read the previous part here… So I had provisioned for a quiet day, without work and spent largely with myself. Am liking it, but will be raring to go back to work and family, and Vetāla by tomorrow. See you then. And yes, GO TAKE THE VACCINE! Tomorrow, I become invincible. Or maybe …
- Candraprabha…Read the previous part here… When Manaḥsvāmin received the money, he went with the maid to the chambers of Dhanavatī, where she was waiting for him eagerly. As Manaḥsvāmin saw Dhanavatī, his heart skipped a beat, much like the chakora bird gets delighted on seeing the moon. And so he spent the night with her, …
- A deal is a deal…Read the previous part here… Even through Manaḥsvāmin was of high birth, and well-educated, he was so bound by his desires that he fell in love with a courtesan named Hamsāvalī. She knew his desperation, and so demanded a fee of five hundred gold coins for him to see her and spend time with her. …
- The newly-wedded widow…Read the previous part here… “I may have done a lot of bad deeds in my life, but I want to make up for at least a part of it by doing this…once I get married to your daughter, I will give her permission to have a son from any other man, and whosoever be …
- The thief’s proposal…Read the previous part here… As she ran along in the darkness, as fate would have it, her shoulder brushed hard against a thief who had been impaled on a stake. He was still alive, and his pain being aggravated by the blow he received, he cried out in pain.. “Oh no! I am hurting, …
- The wife and the thief…Read the previous part here… The talk of मार (Manmatha) only happened during lovemaking, and not due to people speaking of death… हेमदण्ड (clubs of gold) only existed in the hands of doorkeepers, and not as levies of fines and taxes on people… And so Sūryaprabha was rich in all manners, and had all the …
- The importance of good companyAs I was browsing through the archives, I chanced upon this post that I had made approximately a year back. Something happened today that made me think about this, and as I read through the Bhaja Gōvindam again, it brought a lot more clarity to me. On company – how many of us are able …
- He had everything, except…Read the previous part here… “Candrasvāmin performed all the tasks in the required manner, yet his mind was far from pure. His dedication was only so that he could enjoy the illusions that brought him the maiden, and not to put such power to more noble use.” “His mind wavered even after he was woken …
- Of starts and restarts – part 2Read the previous part here. Aha. So I wrote this yesterday, and opportunity presented itself today. Actually, I wouldn’t call it a welcome opportunity, but well, it is what it is. And so I will have to err…walk the talk. You know, it’s so easy to slip into old habits, it’s almost funny. Here you …
- Of starts and restartsWe have all been there isn’t it? The big resolve to do something, to start anew. An exercise regime, a diet, a new productivity mantra, a new way of working… This usually follows a bell-shaped curve. Start from zero, an accelerated approach towards a peak, when you are exactly where you want to be…and then …
- Is desire for wealth harmful?आदि शङ्कराचार्यः (Ādi Śaṅkarācāryaḥ) is arguably the most important and revered guru in Sanātana Dharma. Today is observed as Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti, or the birth anniversary of Ādi Śaṅkara. Ādi Śaṅkara was born in Kalady which is situated in Kerala during 788 C.E. and he attained mahāsamādhi at young age of 32 in year 820 …
- An unwavering mind, and a firm resolveRead the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, why was the power of that illusion lost to both the sanyasi and Candrasvāmin, even though Candrasvāmin did exactly everything that he was told to do?“ “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred …
- The experience…Read the previous part here… “My son, when, while repeating this mantra, you see the illusion, I will recall you to consciousness by the power of my mind. You must enter the sacred fire that you see in your illusion. I will wait here for you, until you return.” Candrasvāmin prostrated before the sanyasi, and …
- The lesson…Read the previous part here… And so, prodded on by his fate, he went to the sanyasi, fell at his feet, and pleaded with him… “Oh revered one, if you are really pleased with me, the poor soul who has sought refuge with you, then please teach me the mantras by which this magic happens …
- A request…Read the previous part here… There, he saw a maiden who seemed to be their mistress. She was exceedingly beautiful, and it was as if she had been made by the Devas out of the curiosity of finding out what best they could make of a human being. She rose up, eager to welcome him, …
- The teacher and the student…Read the previous part here… “Now where can I go in this pitiable condition, all beaten up, naked and covered in dust and grime? What would my father and my relatives and friends say of me, if they saw me this way?” “So it is better that I stay here awhile, and wait for the …
- Left for dead…Read the previous part here… One day, this son of Devasvāmin entered a gambling den, to fulfill his desire to gamble. The tumbling dice of the hall seemed to be continuously scouting the scene with their rolling black eyes, and saying to themselves… “Who shall we catch today?” And the loud noises of the fights …
- Oh, why did you gamble…Read the previous part here… आरब्धे हि सुदुःकरे ऽपि महतां मध्ये विरामः कुतः? How can great men leave in the middle of a task that they have begun, even though it be very difficult? अष्टादशो वतेालः The Eighteenth Story The woes of Candrasvāmin ततः पितृवने तस्मिन् क्रव्यभक्षिभिर् आवृते ।ज्वालाविलोलरसनैर् भूतैर् इव चिताग्निभिः ॥ १२,२५.१ ॥ …
- Celebrating a mother…not just for a day.पृथिव्यां पुत्रास्ते जननि बहवः सन्ति सरलाःपरं तेषां मध्ये विरलतरलोऽहं तव सुतः। pṛthivyāṃ putrāste janani bahavaḥ santi saralāḥparaṃ teṣāṃ madhye viralataralo’haṃ tava sutaḥ। मदीयोऽयं त्यागः समुचितमिदं नो तव शिवेकुपुत्रो जायेत क्वचिदपि कुमाता न भवति ॥३॥ madīyo’yaṃ tyāgaḥ samucitamidaṃ no tava śivekuputro jāyeta kvacidapi kumātā na bhavati ॥3॥ Oh Mother, there are many sons of yours in …
- He is more praiseworthy…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who was more noble, Yaśodhana or Baladhara? Who was more praiseworthy? “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इति वेतालतः श्रुत्वा मुक्तमौनः स तं नृपः ।प्रत्युवाच द्वयोर् राजा सत्त्ववान् अधिकस् तयोः ॥ १२,२४.४८ …
- Done and dusted…Ok bye. See you tomorrow. Hopefully no fever. No body pain. Just pure Covid swimming in my blood. I mean vaccine. You can read the previous part here… 7.10 this morning, a thin needle made it’s way into my left shoulder, and a mini piston pushed in what they told me was the first installment …
- Instant MBBS…Yes, you read it right…the instant MBBS degree is now available on major online e-learning platforms. In fact, you must have already received a call from your friendly neighbourhood pushy Byju’s salesman. Pity those who wasted 5-7 years of their lives slogging through medical school, when all they needed to do is get this instant …
- An offer he did refuse…part 2Read the previous part here… “My dear king, why are you so disturbed? You are the king of this city – you can take her for yourself any time you want!” But Yaśodhana was a righteous king, and he refused to agree to such terms. In the meanwhile, Baladhara, the commander-in-chief, and Unmādinī’s husband, heard …
- An offer he did refuse…Read the previous part here… King Yaśodhana saw her, shining like a flame rising from the fire of love, when fanned by the winds from the sandalwood forests of the Malaya mountains…and he nearly swooned. Seeing her immense beauty, the arrows of Kāmadeva struck his heart, and he fell unconscious. His attendants immediately brought him …
- The Bengal debacle?Yes, the finale turned out to be a tab bit one-sided. After all, the BJP did try their best this time. Building on a stunning performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, they needed just a few more assembly seats to dethrone the Didi. Didn’t happen. For now, the Didi rules Bengal. That is, once …
- Yaśodhana’s dilemma…Read the previous part here… “And so we must tell the king that she does not have the requisite qualities.” The ministers decided this, and told the king that the girl was unfit to be his queen. In turn, Yaśodhana politely declined Unmada’s offer to told him that he would not be able to marry …
- The story of the beautiful UnmādinīRead the previous part here… “Being ordinary, he yet went to extraordinary lengths to save an innocent life, and offer himself even though he faced death in return. He was truly praiseworthy!” As the king uttered these words, the Vetāla flew off his shoulder, laughing. And King Vikram once more started to walk towards the …
- The discipline involved in learningToday is celebrated as International Dance Day, on the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet. Closer home, in India, there is no official Dance Day, but I guess we never needed it. Just a glimpse of the Nataraja, is enough to know how deep-rooted classical dance has been in …
- A bit of this and that…A season of debates. Actually, a day of debates. From politics, to relationships, to services. It is tough to debate. It is easy to fight yes. Look no further than the Lok Sabha. But intelligent debate? Now, that is a different cup of tea. A debate requires both sides to bring to the table, facts, …
- Ordinary, and extraordinary…Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who was more noble, Jīmūtavāhana or Śaṅkhacūḍa? Who deserved more praise? “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इत्य् अस्माद् वेतालाच् छ्रुत्वा मौनं विहाय शापभयात् ।तम् उवाच स त्रिविक्रमसेनो नृपतिर् निरुद्वेगः ॥ …
- A happy end to the story…and a question…Read the previous part here… “Oh king of kings! I am pleased; you are a man of extraordinary abilities and compassion, and matchless in generosity. You have made your presence felt for all time, and you will be remembered for your acts of compassion.” “And so tell me, what boon do you desire from me?” …
- Dealing with relentless despairI know, I am back to a post on COVID. But I cannot help it, and nor can you. It is all over the news, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, casual talk, and even worse – in houses close to you. It is affecting people close to you. Taking some away… What did we do to deserve …
- And resurrection…Read the previous part here… “This is the same Jīmūtavāhana who sacrifices his life for others, and is renowned in the three worlds for his compassion. If he dies, it is time for my wicked self to enter the fire and immolate myself.” “Does the fruit of adharma ever taste sweet?” As Garuḍa was lost …
- Jennyfer sempai – you live on…Jennyfer sempai is no more… My first karate class was with Praveen sempai. My second, was was Jennyfer sempai. That was 30 years ago. You always remember your first instructors. They help you through, when you have no clue what you are doing, but when you are eager to know more. A good instructor shows …
- A tragedy…Read the previous part here… “I am a Nāga! And why do you ask such questions? You are to act in accordance with your natural instincts, for who except a fool will act contrary to his basic nature?” As they were engaged in conversation, Śaṅkhacūḍa arrived at the scene and called out from the distance… …
- This Rām Navami…द्विः शरं नाभिसन्धत्ते द्विः स्थापयति नाश्रितान् । द्विर्ददाति न चार्थिभ्यो, रामो द्विर्नाभिभाषते ॥ Rāma doesn’t aim twice, he doesn’t give refuge twice, Rāma does not give twice to a seeker, he doesn’t speak the same thing twice. He does it perfectly the very first time. It is said that if our culture was only based …
- Where is the tech when you need it?This year India has 10-12 unicorns more, and we aren’t even halfway there yet. Almost all, if not all, of these are loss-making machines. With a cash-burn rate – yes, that is what it’s called. Imagine if you gave me your hard-earned money to make my company grow, and I told you that I will …
- COVID and despair…I started writing regularly when the lockdown commenced in March 2020. It is April 2021 now, and we are staring at another lockdown. One year down the line, the situation is still the same. In some places, it has worsened. Think of yourself way back in February 2020. Did you even imagine that in a …
- Making a sacrifice…Part 2Read the previous part here… And Garuḍa arrived, his large body temporarily blocking out the sun, and swooping down, picked up the valiant Jīmūtavāhana with his beak and talons, and carried him away to the Malaya mountains. On the way there, the jewel that adorned Jīmūtavāhana’s crest was torn from his head, and drops of …
- Making a sacrifice…Read the previous part here… “Mother, I am a Vidyādhara, and I have come here to save your son. I will offer my body to the hungry Garuḍa. You can return home, and take your son with you.” The old woman wiped her tears and replied… “No, that is not possible. For you are also …