On the other hand, religious festivals not only give us occasions for merrymaking, but also present us with a noble, divine vision. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Why religious festivals are so important

The Sanskrit word for entertainment, manoranjana, means delighting/entertaining the mind.

10 Oct 2019 12:11 AM

Wisdom is in not having expectations from anyone, because the only one we can truly depend upon is the Lord — our sole well-wisher and friend.

Mystic Mantra: Clear vision dictates sound action

The centre of everyone’s sympathy, she remained completely unfazed.

27 Sep 2019 6:29 AM

The desire that should be considered an enemy is the desire for more sensual pleasures, indulgence and gratification of the senses. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Less is more - Beware the trap of material desire

The desire for realisation of Truth, for Liberation, or for God, is also a desire, which will cause some agitation, until it is fulfilled.

12 Sep 2019 12:23 AM

Our spiritual practices are meant to integrate all these three. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Integrate action, emotion and thought

Emotion is a power that influences our entire life.

16 Aug 2019 5:31 AM

Mystic Mantra: The glory of Krishna’s flute

Hollow and empty, the flute does not produce any sound of her own.

02 Aug 2019 12:14 AM

An expression of devotion cannot be measured in terms of material or financial values

Mystic Mantra: The inherent power of worship

True worship is an expression of one’s devotion, reverence and gratitude to someone from whom one has gained immensely.

19 Jul 2019 12:05 AM

The Bhagavad Gita itself portrays mastery with the apt comparison of a turtle who has the ability to withdraw its limbs, into its hard shell, the moment it senses danger.

Mystic Mantra: Are you in command?

Physically restraining the body but allowing the mind to dwell on various pleasures can lead to dire consequences.

05 Jul 2019 12:10 AM

Narada Bhakti Sutra defines devotion as “supreme love for God”.

Mystic Mantra: Love is the essence of devotion

Even without doing any of these things (puja, prayers and chants), the heart should be full.

21 Jun 2019 3:13 AM

If we accept that in the world of maya, nothing is impossible, then going further, there will be no surprises in life.

Mystic Mantra: Maya belongs to God - ‘Maya O Maya’

Life teaches us to be prepared for all contingencies.

07 Jun 2019 12:19 AM

Values are permanent, but valuables are impermanent.

Mystic Mantra: In life, care less for the transient, seek the eternal

When Angulimal saw the Buddha, he was surprised because the Buddha was calm and collected and had no fear.

29 May 2019 1:00 AM

The beauty of the air is that we all breathe at the same time and yet there is no competition.

Mystic Mantra: Enrichment - Between our outer & inner lives

Deep within, each one knows what to do, but when it comes to action, we hold back.

10 May 2019 12:45 AM

Through the message of the Bhagavad Gita, we receive advice and direction at all times — for all times. (Photo: AFP)

Mystic Mantra: The Gita — Applicable to all times

Despite all our intelligence or accomplishments, we have experienced situations in which we realise the importance of the right direction.

26 Apr 2019 12:35 AM

Whosoever sings the praises of Lord Ram with supreme reverence will always gain His blessings and grace, leading to a blissful and fulfilled life.

Mystic Mantra: The glory of Shri Ram

When we give something to those in need, we tend to give it with a feeling of superiority, but the Lord gives as a friend.

12 Apr 2019 12:05 AM

If only people were to respect the rights of others and concentrate on the performance of their own duties, they would grow in stature, both spiritually and otherwise. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: And the winner is?

The one who remains steadfast in their performance, automatically gains his rights and the authority that results.

29 Mar 2019 4:49 AM

The Gita provides invaluable guidance to on how to deal with the fundamental issue of making correct choices and taking the right decisions.

Mystic Mantra: The Gita’s perspective

If goals are self-contradictory, personal likes and dislikes interfere or if the situation is not viewed objectively, matters get complicated.

15 Mar 2019 12:19 AM

If an action is performed with the attitude of duty, then we bring the spirit of seva into the duty. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: The spirit of seva

The roles and duties may be different, but the spirit of service (seva) is common.

01 Mar 2019 12:17 AM

When the sense organs contact the sense objects, we experience heat and cold, which in turn, lead to the subjective experiences of joy and sorrow. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Under the spell of delusion

Under the spell of misconception, we do not realise that something as basic as lack of food or water can be the cause of our irritation.

15 Feb 2019 12:37 AM

Desire and ambition are expectations in different degrees and form, which when not fulfilled, cause anger. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Anger causes untold sorrow

If freedom from expectations is not possible, we can, at least try to let go on the insistence of their fulfilment.

01 Feb 2019 12:49 AM

Devotees gain on three major fronts when they praise the Lord. (Representational image)

Mystic Mantra: Why should we praise the Lord?

From our experiences of dealing with the empirical world, we are aware of the need for applauding an action well done.

18 Jan 2019 6:54 AM

In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna states that if we wish to transform ourselves, we have to change our vision of life.

Mystic Mantra: Ensure that the new year is a happy one

Bhagavan speaks of three kinds of visions. The tamasika vision is characterised by laziness, lack of ambition and aspiration.

04 Jan 2019 12:10 AM

Swami Tejomayananda