About this blog

This blog is a collection of essays on various topics related to spirituality, primarily viewed from the understanding of the Indian philosophical system of Advaita Vedanta but not necessarily limited to it.

 

Advaita Vedanta is an ancient Indian philosophical system that discusses the nature of reality and proclaims that this reality is non-dual (advaita). This means that the true nature of the Jiva (individual) and the Brahmande (world) have the same underlying reality, which is Brahman. It also proclaims that upon investigation, it will be found that in reality, Brahman appears as the world, and this appearance of Brahman as the world is due to Maya (cosmic illusion). Brahman can also be represented as Sat (existence), chit (consciousness), and ananda (bliss). It further states that due to avidya (ignorance), the Jiva (individual) believes that the world is real, but upon investigation, it is revealed that the world that appears is actually Brahman. The cause of avidya (ignorance) is not knowing what we truly are. The method to remove avidya (ignorance) is through shravana (listening to the teachings), manana (understanding the true meaning of what is said), and nididhyasana (meditating upon the understanding).

 

Almost all sages who have inhabited this planet wanted to share a message with all of us. Although the way they communicated this message might be different, they all, without exception, revealed that our true nature is oneness, completeness, love, peace, and happiness, and that there is a larger reality than what meets the eye. They wanted us to explore this dimension of reality and encouraged us to go inwards. In this day and age of science and technology, the Advaita Vedanta philosophical system would appeal to a scientific and modern mind as its exploration is based on self-enquiry and experiential understanding without any belief system. It promises the end of suffering and lasting peace to anyone who truly understands what is being said.

 

My effort through this series of essays or blogs would be to simplify various spiritual concepts, belief systems, rituals, places, and schools of thought that could appeal to a modern mind and probably help them in their spiritual journey. Any spiritual journey must address these two questions:

 

1. What is our true nature?

2. What is the true nature of this world?

 

The final objective of any spiritual journey would be to recognize our true nature that leads to peace within and love without. This is the end of all suffering and the attainment of Moksha.

 

Disclaimer: The views and ideas expressed on this blog are entirely based on my understanding of various spiritual concepts; these may not be the same as mentioned anywhere else, and I do not claim them to be the truth.