Cat on Green Bench

The afternoon was wearing on, a soft haze hanging over the edges of the day, when I caught sight of a black cat lounging on a weathered green bench. There was something knowing in its gaze, something almost human. It looked at me—or through me—with yellow eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe, or at least the indifference of a creature that had seen it all. The bench's peeling paint whispered of many such afternoons, of time passing, of countless others who had sat there before me, perhaps pondering their own existence, or maybe just thinking about what to have for dinner. The cat's sleek fur blended into the shadows, a sleek embodiment of solitude, perfectly at ease in the quiet world it inhabited, a silent observer of the carousel of life spinning relentlessly around it.

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Mysticism, Modernity, and Meaning: A Conversation with Swami Chinmayananda

Mysticism, Modernity, and Meaning: A Conversation with Swami Chinmayananda In this rare 1984 interview at Deakin University, Swami Chinmayananda eloquently bridges ancient Vedanta and modern life, addressing topics like Hindu philosophy, caste, mysticism, and Western rationalism. With clarity and wit, he reveals how spiritual self-mastery offers a timeless path to inner peace and social harmony. Introduction In 1984, the serene halls of Deakin University, Australia, played host to one of the most compelling voices of modern Vedanta—Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati. During his first visit to Australia, Swamiji engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue that traversed not only the depths of Hindu philosophy but also its relevance in the modern world and its resonance with Western thought. Swami Chinmayananda (1916–1993) was a visionary teacher and spiritual leader who spearheaded a global movement to share the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and Advaita Vedanta. A former journ...

A Beautiful Convergence - quantum mechanics, supersymmetry, and Advaita Vedanta

While quantum mechanics, supersymmetry, and Advaita Vedanta arise from different traditions—one scientific and one spiritual—their core ideas resonate deeply: Both suggest that reality is non-dual at its most fundamental level. Both indicate that perceived separateness is an illusion. Both hint that observation (or consciousness) plays a fundamental role in shaping reality. Both point toward a deep unity underlying all diversity. Of course, science relies on mathematical models and empirical validation, while Vedanta relies on direct realization through inquiry (Jnana Yoga). Yet, as modern physics inches closer to a grand unified theory, it seems to echo ancient Vedantic wisdom. Perhaps, as the physicist Erwin Schrödinger—one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics—once said: "In truth, there is only one mind. This knowledge is called Vedanta." Satyendra Nath Bose (1894–1974) was an Indian physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics. He is be...

The Force of Unity: Exploring the Essence of Star Wars and Advaita Vedanta

In the Star Wars universe, "The Force" operates across space and time, connecting all beings through an energy field that permeates every moment and place. Yet, not everyone is aware of its presence. Here, Avidya, or ignorance, mirrors this unawareness. In Advaita Vedanta, Avidya is the veil that obscures one's true nature, creating an illusion of separateness that binds beings to the cycle of life and death. This veil keeps individuals from perceiving the ultimate reality—Brahman, or universal oneness—just as beings unaware of the Force remain bound by their limited perceptions. Karma, or the principle of action, is another common thread. In both Star Wars and Vedanta, every action taken, every choice made, imprints on the cosmic fabric, carrying consequences that shape one’s future. For Jedi and Sith, the choices aligned with either the light or dark side echo across time, influencing not only personal destiny but also the balance of the universe. In Advaita...

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