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We often discuss the environment, global warming, and related issues, but individual actions can significantly contribute to a better, more livable world. One practical approach is adopting simple living. This article doesn’t provide a strict list of dos and don’ts; instead, it encourages readers to define and refine their lifestyles as they progress. The essence of this approach is to find disciplined enjoyment in life, benefiting both oneself and the surrounding environment. Embracing Simple Living Simple living, when explored, accepted, and experienced willingly, is both rewarding and bliss ..read more

Should we blame nations for initiating wars, battles, or violent conflicts or hold individuals accountable for sparking these fires? Historically, we blame nations while overlooking the roles of their leaders and rulers who issue catastrophic orders. This inclination stems from a human tendency. But this is how the human mind is architected to humanize nonhuman physical entities from countries to animals, political to religious concepts. Consider how we describe the coronavirus as “sneaky,” “tricky,” “merciless,” “cruel,” and an “invisible enemy.” This is an innate aspect of human psychology ..read more

In Hinduism, temples, public or home shrines, and the worship of natural elements are integral to ceremonial and spiritual practices. However, there are other paths for devout Hindus. Meditative disciplines and spiritual yoga are also fundamental aspects of Hinduism that evoke similar feelings of devotion and spirituality. And then, there are many Hindus who do not engage in meditation or yoga as part of their spiritual practices. They may also not visit temples or participate in traditional modes of worship. For these individuals, Hinduism is often described as “a way of life.” This perspecti ..read more

467 East 11th Ave. is not just a location but a living testament to the rich history of the Indo-Canadian community in Vancouver, a place that has witnessed the transition of faith and the unity of communities. This site, with its deep historical roots, invites us to connect with the past and understand the journey of our community. It is where the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, was established by Pandit Prameya Chaitanya in 1990. Before the Hindu temple, the Akali Singh Sikh Society’s Gurdwara Sahib occupied the space until 1983. This transition from a Sikh Gurdwara t ..read more

Satsang, a cherished tradition in Hindu and Sikh religious practices, represents a collective spiritual gathering. It involves listening to or reading scriptures, discussing spiritual and theological topics, and singing hymns. Some sessions also include brief periods of meditation. Satsang can be held daily, weekly, or monthly and typically lasts an hour or two. These gatherings often conclude with social interactions and light refreshments and are imbued with a sense of divine presence. The term “Satsang” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Satsang,” which can be broken down into “sat,” meani ..read more

“Sat-chit-ananda” is a profound spiritual concept in Hindu philosophy that encapsulates the essence of divine contentment and bliss. This three-word maxim is rich in meaning and offers a pathway to ultimate fulfillment and peace. Understanding “Sat” The journey towards “sat-chit-ananda” begins with “sat,” which translates to truth or reality. It signifies the importance of seeking and realizing the true nature of existence. A deeply analytical approach is necessary to uncover and embrace the truth in our thoughts and actions. Our mindsets and attitudes toward various situations and issues infl ..read more

The wisdom of animals compared to humans is a matter of perspective. While humans measure intelligence and wisdom by certain standards, animals have their own unique ways of understanding and interacting with the world. There is much we can learn from the inherent wisdom of animals. Take dogs, for instance. Their loyalty and deep emotional bonds with their masters often exceed the connections humans form with one another. This profound aspect of canine behavior highlights a dimension of emotional intelligence that can be considered superior in many ways. In Hindu philosophy, the reverence for ..read more

Gandhi’s profound insight echoes through time: thoughts are the architects of destiny. From the moment a thought takes root in our minds, it sets a cascade of events that shape our words, actions, habits, values, and, ultimately, our destiny. But what triggers the birth of a thought, and how does it acquire its distinct nature and character? These questions delve into the intricate workings of the human mind, seeking to unveil the mysteries behind our cognitive processes. At the heart of it all lies the enigmatic process of thinking—a subconscious dance of feelings, attitudes, knowledge ..read more

This 601-word (four-minute reading) essay is written about the significance of perception that is not based on our physical senses and scientific reasoning but gets stimulation from intelligent, moral and ethical thinking. Enjoy! by Promod Puri Perception, a pivotal element in human advancement, is not solely perceived or tied to empirical evidence acquired through our senses or scientific measurements. According to the dictionary definition and explanation, perception is how we acquire, interpret, and make sense of sensory information from our social and other environments. The sensory inform ..read more