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Between Building and Breaking

A small girl was observing her grandfather who happened to be a tailor in a small village in India. Every time the old man used his pair of scissors, he would put them under his foot, keeping them pressed with … Read more →

The Opposite of Kindness

What is the opposite of kindness according to you? Is it inflicting harm on someone? Not so in my view. What is it then, you ask? Two years ago, I was traveling with Suvi in his car through a busy … Read more →

Politeness Versus Humility

The king of Baluchistan approached Khwaja Naqruddin (also known as Shaal Pir Baba) and requested the saint to accept him as his disciple. The khwaja, however, was a bit skeptical to accept the king. “If not a pupil,” the king said, … Read more →

Being Good

Come to think of it, it’s a philosophical question but as most such questions do, it does have a bearing on our lives. What is more rewarding: a relentless material pursuit or walking the path of inner peace? While they … Read more →

The Spirit of Service

Legend has it that the valiant ruler of Mewar, Maharana Pratap, was once sitting with a humble attendant of his. The year was 1580 when he was overpowered in an ongoing conflict with the Mughals. Though five years later, Maharana would reclaim most of his empire, … Read more →

Shedding Your Past

“I want to change but my past haunts me, Swami,” a visitor said to me recently. “I constantly feel guilty for my sins. How do I get rid of my baggage?” “Two things will follow you to your grave,” I … Read more →

How to make a Relationship last?

All real and mature relationships undergo a phase of crisis when everything you know is challenged. Our world is made up of people. Usually, our finest and worst memories have other people in them. You may desire luxury cars, beach houses, … Read more →

Honoring Your Word

“Lieutenant,” the Major warned, “you are not going back there.” “I am sorry, sir,” the lieutenant said. “I must.” “You are disobeying my orders. Plus, he must be dead by now.” “I am sorry, sir, but I must go back … Read more →

The Butterfly Effect

It was a fine Arabian horse that the highly revered Baba Bal Bharti had. A mere sight of the stallion evoked the same emotions in him as swaying crops would in a farmer. The last king of the Mughals, pleased … Read more →

The Center of Your Life

Who is the center of your life, and what is your relationship with God? Read Pingala, a prostitute’s story, and learn the true meaning of life. There’s a beautiful story in Srimad Bhagavatam. Impressed by his knowledge, King Yadu enquires … Read more →

A Blessed Life

Nine years ago, we rented premises for our business. It was a four-storey building and we had it done up according to our taste. For its upkeep, we engaged a housekeeping agency that supplied us with the right staff. We … Read more →

The Source of Fear

Pema Chödrön in When Things Fall Apart narrates an interesting incident about her master Trungpa Rinpoche — a bold and controversial but transparent and truthful teacher. A young boy once asked him if he was ever afraid. Rinpoche answered that … Read more →

Whom to Please

The other day a young man asked me innocently, “Whom should I please? There are my parents, siblings, wife, children, boss and others. How should I choose between them or do I try and keep everyone happy?” “You forgot the … Read more →

The Daffodil Principle

There’s a term in Japanese and they say, like unique words in every language I suppose, that it can’t be translated. Wab-sabi. It’s not just a word but a philosophy, a way of life. Loosely interpreted, it means to find … Read more →

The Black Lotus App

Two years ago, at a meditation retreat, I announced developing an app where we all could meditate together. I called it the Pin Prick Effect and elaborated on it a bit more here. Come to think of it, there’s nothing … Read more →