Petals!

Today is Guru Purnima, a festival and a day of tremendous spiritual importance to Hindus and Buddhists across the world.  We, Indians, have always revered the relationship of knowledge sharing between Guru (teacher) and the Disciple (student).  This occasion of Gurupurnima is celebrated on the day of the Full Moon (Poornima). It is also known as Vyas Poornima. The significance of Guru Poornima is that spiritual seeker, disciples and students offer worship and show their gratitude and respect to their Guru (spiritual teacher) on this day.  Buddhists across the world also celebrate  Guru Purnima to honor and express their commitment and faith in following the teachings of  Lord Buddha. It is also believed that Lord Buddha delivered h is first sermon on this auspicious day at Sarnath, in Uttar Pradesh.                                      [ Image: ...

Start of the Day is the best time to reflect on God's blessings in one's life. Or, so, I believe. While growing up, my father constantly told me stories from the life of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. The snippets of discussions, debates and conversations between this great spiritual master and his most renowned devotee formed the foundation of my spiritual curiosity and longing to ‘see’ God. At no point of time, did I give up. I believed then and I believe now that if your longing for God is intense and full of love, you will be able to see God as clearly as you see yourself and others around you in your life. The question remains: How to see God?  A follower once asked Sri Ramakrishna, “How can we increase our longing for God?” This was Sri Ramakrishna’s response, “People shed jugfuls of tears for their wives, children or money but who weeps for God? He who longs for God certainly will find Him. Call on Him with a longing heart. You will see him.” ...