Q: There is much similarity among the different religions, in matters of rituals like ringing of bells. Why should there be so much bickering among religious groups? – T.M. Sundararaman, Mylapore A:…
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The story of Uddalaka Aruni
This is a story from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Ayoda Dhaumya was a famous teacher who lived before the Buddha, at least 3000 years ago. Princes and paupers came to him to…
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Walking on water
Once a man came to Ramakrishna (Paramahansa). He was a great yogi. And he declared the same thing to Ramakrishna. He said, “Can you walk on the water? I can.” And Ramakrishna…
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Unanswered prayer
In ancient India much store was set by the Vedic rites, which were said to be so scientific in their application that when the sages prayed for rain there was never any…
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Bhamati
I shall tell you of a wonderful incident in the life of Vachaspati Misra. His father urged him to marry. Vachaspati understood nothing of marriage. He however, bowed to his father’s wishes,…
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God is everywhere
“Where is God?” asked the disciple. “Everywhere, in everyone and everything,” said his Guru. Later, as the disciple was going home, he saw an elephant charging towards him. “Get out of the…
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When Guru Nanak visited Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the Hindu pilgrimage centres situated on the banks of River Ganges. As the sun comes out in the morning, people get down into the river and start throwing…
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Falling into the cup
Once there were two ants sitting on the rim of a cup that contained amrit, the nectar of immortality. As they were talking, one of the ants lost his balance and was…
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Contact vs. Connection
A monk of the Ramakrishna Mission was being interviewed by a journalist from New York. Journalist: “Sir, in your last lecture, you told usabout Jogajog (Contact) and Sanjog (Connection). It’s really confusing.…
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Does the Ganges wash away our sins?
…Jagadguru Shankaracharya Abhinava Vidyateertha Mahaswami of Sringeri Sarada Peetham has often spoken of the efficacy of bathing in the Gaṅgā as a means of purification (Source: Exalting Elucidations, page 52). He has…