Category: Philosophy

आन्वीक्षिकी: The Science and Art of Thinking and Inquiry

Aanvikshiki is a term in Sanskrit signifying generally the scientific inquiry and it was perceived in India as a particular part of learning as early as 650 BC. Notwithstanding, throughout the long term its significance and import have gone through extensive varieties. Introduction Imagine if you were taught the art and craft of thinking as … Continue reading आन्वीक्षिकी: The Science and Art of Thinking and Inquiry

Indigo Children: The Chosen Ones

Indigo children, according to a pseudo-scientific new age concept are children believed to possess special, unusual, and sometimes supernatural traits or abilities. BTW, a lot of content of this blog post is taken from Wikipedia under the CC license. Although, I don't necessarily believe or subscribe to the idea, this post is just a brief introduction. If you're interested to … Continue reading Indigo Children: The Chosen Ones

Sacred Economics: From Money Economy to Gift Economy

Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEZkQv25uEs&t=2s Today, these trends have reached their extreme but in the wake of their collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to … Continue reading Sacred Economics: From Money Economy to Gift Economy

The Concept of Positive Negativity and Toxic Positivity

Positive isn’t always good, negative isn’t always bad. There’re always two sides to a coin. Your mental health is a balance of positive and negative emotions, and how you handle them effectively. Introduction If you want to achieve a major goal, ancient wisdom and scientific research says to think positive. Envision an ideal life, a good … Continue reading The Concept of Positive Negativity and Toxic Positivity

7 Types of Love

Everyone seems to desire after romantic love, but few of us understand that far from being timeless and universal, romantic love is a modern concept. There are many types of love. But there are, of course, are many other ways to love. By concerning ourselves with romantic love, we risk deserting other types of love that … Continue reading 7 Types of Love

When Will the Madness End?

There’s something wrong with the world today, and it’s madness out there. Everyone seems to be fighting with each other in the name of greed, lust, false ego, power, and hatred. My friends keep discussing all of this on their social media. They unfriend each other on account of a difference of opinion. I don’t know … Continue reading When Will the Madness End?

Money Isn’t the Only Answer But It Makes a Difference

Money gives you CHOICES. Money gives you personal power. Money isn't just money. Not just a tool to buy fancy clothes, new shoes, and luxurious holidays. Money is ENERGY. What's most exciting about money is who you become in the process of making more money. When you understand the essence of this tool, it starts … Continue reading Money Isn’t the Only Answer But It Makes a Difference

The Stone Experiment: Humans Are Becoming Blind

Recently, I put up a post in all my social media asking my friends to guide me to get these stones. I was looking for plain stones that I can paint into colorful kindness tones. It was rather an experiment to see how different can we see or think in life. I asked this question … Continue reading The Stone Experiment: Humans Are Becoming Blind

Gandhi and Me: Our Experiments With Truth

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was one of the most important spiritual leaders in history, a man who was once eulogized as the spokesman for the conscience of a human. About Gandhi Gandhi was given the title Mahatma — by Tagore — that's similar to the Western term saint, is credited with legitimizing India’s quest for freedom … Continue reading Gandhi and Me: Our Experiments With Truth

Balance Is the Key to a Successful Life

Too much of everything is never enough. No one can be labeled as good or bad as the virtues and vices are equally embedded in a person. A person is perceived as good or bad depending on how the virtues are nourished and demonstrated. Balance is the key! What's bad? Excess. This is a conversation that … Continue reading Balance Is the Key to a Successful Life

Family Isn’t Defined by Blood or Genetics

I don't know how does it work abroad but in India family and blood relation plays an important role in daily life. People are crazy about it! Parents expect their children because they're their blood. Children also help blood relatives more. As a common practice, if you ask for some help for a friend or … Continue reading Family Isn’t Defined by Blood or Genetics

Mumbai Man Spreads Lord Ganesha’s Message for Organ Donation

A recent Facebook post from my friend Archis caught my attention. His brother Mayank Bhagwat has done something innovative for Ganesh Festival 2018. He has given a heart-touching message about organ donation and how it can save multiple lives. For those who don't know what this festival is, it's a 10-day Hindu festival celebrated across India dedicated to … Continue reading Mumbai Man Spreads Lord Ganesha’s Message for Organ Donation

How Do You Create Different Emotions and Mood Based on Color?

Why is color such a powerful force in our lives? What effects can it have on our bodies and minds? While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, some color effects have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke … Continue reading How Do You Create Different Emotions and Mood Based on Color?

Bappa Is Here to Give a Deep Message

Ganesh Festival is one of the biggest festivals in India. It's a Hindu festival that reveres Lord Ganesha — fondly called Bappa. However, there's more to the LORD OF BEGINNINGS and DESTROYER OF OBSTACLES than intelligence and power. His legends offer lessons in compassion, gratitude, duty, righteousness, kindness, and forgiveness. Through the video, see what happens when a cup of … Continue reading Bappa Is Here to Give a Deep Message

Top 10 Sad Songs for Your Heartbreak

Everyone has to feel the heat of heartbreak at least once in a lifetime.  It’s a tough time and each of us has their ways to deal with it. Alcohol or drugs are the most common companions but music can be helpful. In this blog post, I want to share some songs that can be … Continue reading Top 10 Sad Songs for Your Heartbreak

Why Are We Calling Our Daughters Beta?

Even though India is one of the most rapidly developing countries, the situation of women in the country is not so good. The social structure, although rapidly changing, is patriarchal in most of the country. It's widely known that a particular gender is preferred over the other; in most sections of the society. I've observed many people … Continue reading Why Are We Calling Our Daughters Beta?

There’s Always a Time to Lead and a Time to Leave

The title line was given to me by my friend Martin in 2009 while I was studying wildlife filmmaking in South Africa. It has touched me so much that I keep using it and giving it to others. I said the same line to the HR head when I left my job at the animation studio where … Continue reading There’s Always a Time to Lead and a Time to Leave

Does Buddhism Believe in God?

No! Buddhism doesn't believe in God. There're several reasons for this. The Buddha believed that religious ideas and especially the god-idea have their origin in fear. Gripped by fear men go to the sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees, and shrines. Selfish Reasons Primitive humans lived in a dangerous and hostile world full of the fear … Continue reading Does Buddhism Believe in God?

Good Marks In a Subject Doesn’t Mean an Interest In It

Recently, I got an opportunity to guide a bright student at our community learning center in Mumbai. A lot of school students get mentored here for various subjects. There was this particular girl who was quite confused on choosing her study field in college. She got 90+ marks in science and mathematics, and everyone is … Continue reading Good Marks In a Subject Doesn’t Mean an Interest In It

The Psychology of Crime

I consider myself an amateur when it comes to current affairs and understanding of life but in the capacity of a student of psychology and an emotional wellness volunteer, I can see what most of us are missing; in the storm of ranting, blaming and sobbing. This piece of writing is my perspective and no … Continue reading The Psychology of Crime

जाति कौनसी है ?

I'd an interesting conversation with a man who was helping me to find an address. He was keen to find out my caste. कहाँ के रहने वाले हो ?भारत ।भारत के तो नहीं लगते। यह तेज, यह स्टाइल तो भारत का नहीं लगता ।ना जी । यही का हूँ — मुंबई का ।जाति कौनसी है … Continue reading जाति कौनसी है ?

Religion vs. Spirituality: The Truth and Meaning

Religion usually involves following to a certain dogma or belief system. Spirituality places little importance on such beliefs but is concerned with experiencing the divine consciousness. Religion is for those who are asleep. Spirituality is for those who are awake. Religion is often concerned with virtue or sin, and a concept of a God who … Continue reading Religion vs. Spirituality: The Truth and Meaning

Nope, Ignorance Isn’t Bliss

Most of us question multiple times throughout schooling if it's really necessary for us to learn and re-learn all of the same concepts over and over again. I think like this as well. The truth is, we're never as smart as we think we are. We think we're so knowledgeable, but there's always someone out … Continue reading Nope, Ignorance Isn’t Bliss

You Can Give Even If You’ve Nothing

Don’t say you’ve nothing to give someone in need. The highest gifts have nothing to do with material things. The love you offer, the hope you inspire, the time and helping hand you outspread, the smile on your face — these are worth so much more. There’s so much to give other than material things. You can … Continue reading You Can Give Even If You’ve Nothing

The Psychology of First Impression

This blog post isn't my original idea. It was first suggested to me by my friend Shalini Menon who's a multi-talented woman, a mother, an actor, and an entrepreneur. I might soon write a blog post on her — she’s too good! We were talking about first impressions and got carried away in a lot of discussions about … Continue reading The Psychology of First Impression

Death Can Be Beautiful

Although the thought in this blog post belongs to me, the title was given by my dearest school friend Minu.  Some are fortunate. They’re born and don’t get old. Death takes them into its arms, hugs them tightly before getting old. My sister-in-law was terminally ill and was brought back home on 16th March, 2018. Doctors … Continue reading Death Can Be Beautiful

The 3 Wise Monkeys of Gandhi

The three wise monkeys and the related proverb are known across the world. The expression SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL first emerged in Japan in the 17th century and was later accepted worldwide as a message of peace and tolerance due to Mahatma Gandhi’s pictorial metaphor of the three monkeys, with one of … Continue reading The 3 Wise Monkeys of Gandhi

Pride: One of the Greatest Sins

Often, we hear the sentence I'M PROUD OF YOU or I FEEL SO PROUD, don't we? Although the dictionary meaning of pride is to feel deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of own achievements, it's misleading and half. There's more to the meaning. Means, there're more layers and hidden vibrations attached with this word and I … Continue reading Pride: One of the Greatest Sins

Lost About Your Purpose of Life? Read On

Do you've got a sense of purpose? I'd been after years for more than a decade and finally, I've made it; I think so at the moment. The goals that foster a sense of purpose are ones that can potentially change the lives of many; including yours. The Japanese formula Ikigai helped me a lot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxj3P0enJNQ … Continue reading Lost About Your Purpose of Life? Read On

Is Google Better Than Guru?

It’s a question that always haunts me. I'm fortunate to have born in this era where I've got sources of information, knowledge, and wisdom. I've got a Guru and I've got Google. Google is an unmatched source of information and knowledge; no doubt about it. One can find answers to almost all the questions in the universe … Continue reading Is Google Better Than Guru?

HBD Buddha! But When Were You Really Born?

Why are you playing such loud music?We're celebrating our festival?Nice. Please tell me about it.It's our God's birthday.Who is your God?Buddha.But Buddha doesn't believe or preach in a personal God, as per my little knowledge?What? What do you mean by that?Forget it. But what are you celebrating?We're celebrating Buddha's birthday—it's May 22 and he was … Continue reading HBD Buddha! But When Were You Really Born?

There’s Receiving in Every Giving

Many of us grew up believing that it’s nobler to give than to receive. This proclamation safeguards us from becoming self-centered monsters — scanning our environment to see what we can extract to fill ourselves. But this may turn us into a narcissist because we think we become great as we’re giving, and just giving. But I’ve … Continue reading There’s Receiving in Every Giving

Life Is Too Simple, We Complicate It

Before we understand the simplicity of life let us understand our role in it. People are complication-mongers; they convert simple things into something complex and difficult to understand. The only reason we’ve got something called sixth-sense is to complicate things. But then think about it, without making things complicated we might feel extremely dull and disheartened, and … Continue reading Life Is Too Simple, We Complicate It

Welcome Suffering, Pain and Negativity in Your Life

I'm 40 now and I'd been reading and trying to understand the wisdom of life for a long time. I read quite a lot of ancient scriptures and books on various subjects; ranging from science to philosophy. I also went one step ahead to take a 4-year-long sabbatical to understand my self and life. Every belief system … Continue reading Welcome Suffering, Pain and Negativity in Your Life

10 Reasons Why Love Is the Best Feeling In the World

Love makes you happy. Love makes you hopeful. Love makes you grateful. Love makes you inspired. Love changes your life. Janis Spindel The first — and second and third — time I fell in love, it was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. Having such strong feelings about another person shook me to my core. It made me re-evaluate my … Continue reading 10 Reasons Why Love Is the Best Feeling In the World

If God Is the Creator, I Have 3 Wishes for the Next Version of Humankind

I always keep wondering who is the creator of this entire existence. I ain't even sure if I’ll get an answer to this question but I've got three wishes — for the next version of us — that I want to share with God — the most acceptable creator of the universe. First wish: Each of … Continue reading If God Is the Creator, I Have 3 Wishes for the Next Version of Humankind

Prisoners Need Reform Not Punishment

Our Father of Nation — Mahatma Gandhi — believed in reform not punishment and with this philosophy, Additional Director General (Prison) Bhushankumar Upadhyay and Jail Superintendent U.T. Pawar organized a workshop in the largest prison of South Asia — Yerwada Central Jail, Pune. When one commits a mistake in life, one has to pay a … Continue reading Prisoners Need Reform Not Punishment

Saying MAY GOD BLESS YOU Is as Dangerous as Doubt

Quite often we hear words like MAY GOD BLESS YOU or MAY THIS FESTIVAL BRING LIGHT AND HAPPINESS TO YOUR LIFE. My question of, why this element of MAY? Why this doubt? PS: I'm trying to explore something unusual and this may only relate to people who are believers in God; public or personal. The meaning Let’s … Continue reading Saying MAY GOD BLESS YOU Is as Dangerous as Doubt

The Poem of Contrast

I've seen life for 40 years, read around 1,000 books, met more than a million people and after all of this, I realized a thing — there's the opposite of everything. The world is full of contrast. In Mumbai, there's extreme contrast wherever you see. And this contrast, which is nothing other than the opposite, … Continue reading The Poem of Contrast

100% Population on Planet Earth Have This Syndrome

I've seen some films in which the protagonist or antagonist is suffering from what's called multiple personality disorder. But as per my half-knowledge and perspective, we all are suffering from this disorder. I wouldn’t call it suffering but more like displaying this syndrome. And I wouldn’t even call it a disorder but rather a natural phenomenon. … Continue reading 100% Population on Planet Earth Have This Syndrome

What’s the Secret to My Little Emptiness of Love?

Many people find me a loving and kind man. Some feel that I am a psychosomatic-addict-insane man. Some find the devil in me.  And some don’t find me at all. Different people see me differently as per their filling i.e. what they've inside them. If they’re full of shit, they see shit in me. If they’re full … Continue reading What’s the Secret to My Little Emptiness of Love?

This Pillar, Suddenly, Gives Me a Class!

If you’re in Mumbai, you can find many such pillars in all railway stations. To me, it’s not just a pillar but something much beyond. For those who don’t know, this pillar signifies that the first-class compartment of the local train will stop here. And for those who don’t know the class system in the … Continue reading This Pillar, Suddenly, Gives Me a Class!

The Messenger of the WORLD IS ONE FAMILY Ideology

This photograph by Saurabh Sawant has ignited a motley of emotions in my heart. There's nothing spectacular in this photograph but there’s something beyond spectacle. One is a relative, the other stranger, say the small-minded. The entire world is a family, live the magnanimous. Be detached, be magnanimous, lift your mind, enjoy the fruit of eternal freedom. I am reminded of a … Continue reading The Messenger of the WORLD IS ONE FAMILY Ideology

Listening Is an Act of Love

It’s a lovely day today. In fact, as one of my friends, philosopher and guide said that today is the first day of the rest of our lives. But, this lovely day is because of last night. If there was no night, there wouldn’t have been this morning. Regarding this thought, I've got a little … Continue reading Listening Is an Act of Love

The Paradox of H2O

H2O is a transparent and nearly colorless chemical substance that's the main constituent of Earth’s streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. It’s one of the most important elements that keep us alive; in physical form. Our planet has life because of this chemical substance. It covers 71% of the Earth’s surface … Continue reading The Paradox of H2O

Can Black or White Be Auspicious or Inauspicious?

Different cultures have a different representation of colors; especially black or white. Let's explore. People wear white in Hindu funeral, while people black in a Christian funeral. Indian babies have applied a black dot on the forehead to protect them from the evil eye, while a temple for home is built with white marble. Throughout the … Continue reading Can Black or White Be Auspicious or Inauspicious?

The Great Black Indian Dot: Protection or Superstition?

The evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by an ill glare, usually given to a person when they're unaware. Many cultures believe that receiving the evil eye will cause misfortune and this can be avoided by a black dot. Origin of the black dot as a protection The evil eye is a curse or … Continue reading The Great Black Indian Dot: Protection or Superstition?

Exploring Reincarnation the Scientific Way

Let’s first understand the meaning of the word reincarnation. The word reincarnation is derived from Latin and means entering the flesh again. This also translates to changing forms. Reincarnation is the philosophical concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death. It’s also called rebirth or transmigration and is a part … Continue reading Exploring Reincarnation the Scientific Way

The Tree of Life

No, this article isn't about deforestation but this is about me. I'm a selfish person and most of the blog posts are about me or things that revolve around me. Being selfish has opened doors for me like never before. It’s because of being selfish that I got the opportunity to introspect, and begin a self-study tour; … Continue reading The Tree of Life

The Will of a Dying Tree

This photograph by Abhay Azad is haunting me. As soon as I saw this photograph, I rushed to the venue to meet this tree. My parents left us without any will and I know how difficult the life ahead is without a will. The photograph of this half-cut tree has many meanings for me — … Continue reading The Will of a Dying Tree

The Strangest Question on Earth

Why are they selling roti here? This is what he said when he went to a restaurant for the first time in his life. This is the line that has ripped my heart. It’s one of the most philosophical questions I’ve heard in my life. For me, this question has left behind the greatest philosophers … Continue reading The Strangest Question on Earth

His Master’s Voice

I see this dog waiting here, at the same spot, every day. I don’t know what and no one knows. No idea what’s going on but this reminds me of HMV logo — the dog quietly listening to the voice on a gramophone. Here there's no gramophone, but maybe there is an invisible one that I can't … Continue reading His Master’s Voice

Why Isn’t India on Top of The Good Country or Happiness Index?

Simon Anholt is the founder of the Good Country Index which measures what each country on earth contributes to the common good of humanity, and what it takes away, relative to its size. Similarly, the United Nations publishes a World Happiness Report every year. Each report is organized by chapters that delve deeper into issues relating to happiness, including mental … Continue reading Why Isn’t India on Top of The Good Country or Happiness Index?

The Toughest Decision of My Life

My mother was in a coma for one month; before passing away in 2015. She was suffering from low blood pressure that made her sleep so long. She was on the ventilator and the doctor, in fact, no one, was sure if she could ever come back and become like before. Even if she was … Continue reading The Toughest Decision of My Life

Don’t Judge Unless You’re Perfect: Part II

The other day I was doing nothing but observing people. It was fun and I could see different colors of people all around. I heard a motorist talk about rising road accidents in India after he jumped the red signal, I heard a woman talking about environmental degradation while carrying 10 thin plastic bags full … Continue reading Don’t Judge Unless You’re Perfect: Part II

My Definition of Success

Success means different things to different people. There're tons of definitions available out there but my definition is simple and crazy. When my five senses are workingWhen I don’t have to wear a formal dress for the office or follow a dress code for a meetingWhen I purchase and consume only what I needWhen I … Continue reading My Definition of Success

Don’t Judge Unless You’re Perfect: Part I

The famous quote by Buddha means a lot to me and is the fundamental principle of my life. And, I don’t just go by the philosophy, I research on it and make my conclusions. So, I experimented for one year with a group of people from my housing society here in Mumbai. The experiment was to get people to … Continue reading Don’t Judge Unless You’re Perfect: Part I

In Conversation With — Pieces of Roti

I’ve started walking in the morning; in my housing society compound. For many days, I’d been noticing pieces of roti on the backside. I was curious to know who keeps there pieces, and why the pieces are kept there. I couldn’t resist and one fine day, I and the lonely pieces had a conversation. How come you’re … Continue reading In Conversation With — Pieces of Roti

God Is Watching Us, From a Distance

I experienced a moment of enlightenment while listening to one song by artist Bette Milder. I've heard it 100 times before but never realized that it has such a beautiful meaning. And it’s so much relevant in today’s time. We break traffic rules, litter, tell lies, speak ill about others, contribute to corruption, destroy the environment, disrespect … Continue reading God Is Watching Us, From a Distance

Flip Side of Religion, Dharma and Madhab

The moment human became religious should have been the end of all conflict, but unfortunately, everywhere in the world, religion has become the main source of conflict. This has taken the most number of lives and caused the most amount of agony on the planet for thousands of years. This is only because people believe … Continue reading Flip Side of Religion, Dharma and Madhab

Terrorism: A Different Perspective

Since childhood, I've been hearing keywords like terrorism and terrorist but there has been no comprehensive definition to describe its characteristics. My parents were a victim of the 1947 India-Pakistan partition and had their definition of the subject. My grandfather was involved in World War II while serving in the Indian Army, he had his own definition. A Kashmiri neighbor … Continue reading Terrorism: A Different Perspective

How Much Do You Make? Asked My Friend

From 2013-2017, I had been on this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious sabbatical — doing crazy things, learning spirituality, and rendering community service. It was a completely no-income time and a huge question for peers. No one could understand what I was doing and my joy haunted them; all the while. On a fine day, a good friend came up and asked me … Continue reading How Much Do You Make? Asked My Friend

Why So Many Smart People Aren’t Happy?

There’re three things, once one’s basic needs are fulfilled, that academic literature points to as the ingredients for happiness — having meaningful social relationships, being good at things to be done, and having the freedom to live life as per one's terms. But the investigations into happiness has also produced something a little less understandable — … Continue reading Why So Many Smart People Aren’t Happy?

Money Isn’t the Root of Evil

First of all, the comment that money is the root of all evil is a misquote. We’re referencing 1 Timothy 6:10 from the Bible, which is usually translated as — for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil or simply for the love of money is the root of all … Continue reading Money Isn’t the Root of Evil

Life Is a Science

What's science? Let’s understand by doing a dissection of its definition. The Google definition is — the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. So, science isn't merely biology, physics, or chemistry, but rather a deep and organized study of various subjects. … Continue reading Life Is a Science

Shit Happens but for a Particular Reason

Every morning, I express my sincere gratitude to my shit; it’s a great teacher. It’s only when I look at my shit, I realize that I'm full of dirty and impure things, foul smell, flaws, imperfection, and ugliness deep inside. This, in turn, prevents me to say ill about others. If I wish to speak ill … Continue reading Shit Happens but for a Particular Reason

Who Is the ‪Unprivileged?

In my journey of service, I come along with people who often talk about helping the unprivileged. They've got an idea of the unprivileged as poor people. But, what's poor? I've got a different idea of the meaning of the word. I don’t think that unprivileged has only to do with money. There're so many people on … Continue reading Who Is the ‪Unprivileged?

Difference Between Wealth and Prosperity

I was once a money-monger that was always after money; a fistful of it. Due to my conditioning and learning, I was made to believe that money was the most valuable resource. But not soon, after a lot of failures and mistakes, I realized that money isn’t the most valuable resource, something else is. My entire life … Continue reading Difference Between Wealth and Prosperity

Karma and Reincarnation

I’m reading a book on action and reincarnation. I got to know something interesting. Sometimes, the soul not only is in a certain situation because of past actions but sometimes, it sacrifices to balance someone else’s actions. This implies that it’s not that only rich and healthy are spiritual and poor and ill are sinners. The … Continue reading Karma and Reincarnation