Beyond the Bells

Beyond the Bells

Last week, we visited Munich. One afternoon, I strolled through Marienplatz, a popular tourist spot. Suddenly, the sound of bells rang out from the town hall, drawing a large crowd, all with their phones ready to capture the spectacle. Multiple bells chimed in...
Two Karmas

Two Karmas

In today’s world, we are often driven to maximize pleasure in the shortest time possible. Take Friday nights, for example—major cities around the world transform into scenes of overindulgence, commonly known as parties. Many party-goers, thanks to good deeds in past...
To the Light

To the Light

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, divided human needs into five levels. The first are basic physiological needs like breathing, eating, and sleeping. Once these are met, people focus on safety—for themselves and their families. The next level involves the need...
Strawberries to the End

Strawberries to the End

In a Zen story, a traveler is chased by a tiger. Frantically, he runs through the bushes and slips over the edge of a steep cliff. While falling, he desperately grabs onto roots sticking out from the rocks. Above him, the tiger growls; below, sharp stones await. His...
Shadow or Substance?

Shadow or Substance?

If you move your hand under a lamp, the shadow will follow, mimicking the hand’s movement. Though the shadow resembles the hand, it lacks substance. Similarly, the material world is often compared to the shadow of the spiritual realm. The Vedas describe the material...