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Shri Krishna - An Epitome of Selflessness

Shri Krishna - An Epitome of Selflessness Janmashtami or Gokulashtami marks the birth of Shri Krishna the 8th son of Devaki and Vasudeva.  Based on scriptural details and astrological calculations the date of Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami, is 19 July 3228 BCE. Janmashtami is popularly known as Dahi Handi which is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm all over the world. We have known Shri Krishna as a great warrior, a supreme emperor, an ideal son and a symbol of Divine Love. Today, let us experience some beautiful qualities; let us learn about his hidden virtues which played an important role in creating this Divine personality. Respect is the root as well as the route to success. It was this respect coupled with deep gratitude which built the ladder to success in Shri Krishna’s life. Shri Krishna was the Lord to 32,000 wives and enjoyed all the luxuries of being the King. Yet, his power and position did not hamper the respect he had for his mother. ...

Expectations:the mother of frustrations!

Expectations:the mother of frustrations! Necessity…the mother of all invention Expectation…the mother of all frustrations! All of us almost right through our life, keep different types of long term or short term goals - personal goals, professional, financial, social, relationship goals; goals related to physical wellbeing and health, spiritual goals etc. Sometimes we are not even aware about them ourselves, but we are passing through the journey of life with some purpose., Whatever actions we perform are aimed at fulfilling this purpose. Also these actions are fullof expectations, the expectations of achieving desired results. These results which we desire or expect arrive at times and sometimes they don't. If they don't, which is a very common aspect; they generate emotions of worry inside us. Worry and stress not only harm the spiritual and emotional self but even our physical body and relationships, making the journey difficult and tiring.  It is...

AHIMSA - THE INNATE NATURE OF THE SOUL

AHIMSA- THE INNATE NATURE OF THE SOUL One of the most important guiding principle and the backbone of Jainism is AHIMSA (non violence ) We (jains)  have been inured since childhood, to refrain from violence and sinful acts. With the aim of nurturing humanity within us, our elders have often reminded us "Be cautious! Do not step on insects while walking.  "Do not stone stray dogs. He too experiences pain..." "She is your sister. Always protect her. Don't ever hurt her...” and similar statements are heard. Often, we hear statements like, "If you kill a living being, you bind grave sins (paap), and you will have to go to hell to repent for your sins" Keeping all this in  mind , there is one question which should ring a bell in our head. Is non-violence merely the act of NOT hurting somebody? Or Should I practice Ahimsa (non-violence) from the fear of going to hell?   Nonviolence is a very broad philosophy, and these concepts account for a mer...

Jainism At A Glance

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JAINISM AT A GLANCE   Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation. The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the  universe  and for the health of the universe itself.  Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion. Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that minimises their use of the  world's resources . Jains believe in  reincarnation  and seek to attain ultimate liberation - which means escaping the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth so that the immortal soul lives for ever in a state of bliss. Liberation is achieved by eliminating all  karma from the soul . Jainism is a religion of self-help. There are no  gods  or spiritual beings that will he...