Notes and Study material for Exams
The Power of Karana Mudra: A Deep Dive into its Benefits, Techniques, and Precautions Karana Mudra, often referred to as the “Mudra of Protection,” is a powerful hand gesture practiced in yoga and Ayurveda. It is believed to have a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being, offering a range of benefits that extend … Read more
Philosophy of Samkhya Samkhya, also spelled Sankhya, one of the six systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy. Samkhya adopts a consistent dualism of matter (prakriti) and the eternal spirit (purusha). The two are originally separate, but in the course of evolution purusha mistakenly identifies itself with aspects of prakriti. Right knowledge consists of the ability of … Read more
–2/”>a >DOCTYPE html PUBLIC “-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN” “http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd”> (Yog Darshan), Astang Hinduism such as Advaita Vedanta, Yoga did not adopt the following three Pramanas: Upamāṇa (comparison and analogy), Arthāpatti (postulation, deriving from circumstances) or Anupalabdi (non-perception, negative/cognitive proof) Metaphysics The metaphysics of Yoga school, again like Samkhya school, is a form of dualism. It … Read more
Although the Rig Veda deals with devotional work of religious nature, yet it gives a vivid picture of the early Vedic civilization. The Vedic Civilization is best understood from the social life, political organisation, economic life and religious beliefs. The Kula or family was the basic unit of Rig-Vedic Society. The Kula was headed by … Read more
The Atharva Veda: A Tapestry of Magic, Medicine, and Daily Life The Atharva Veda, the fourth and final Veda of Hinduism, stands apart from its siblings, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda. While the others primarily focus on hymns praising deities and rituals for cosmic order, the Atharva Veda delves into a world … Read more
Hindu Sects: Hinduism as a federation of various sects – Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta Hinduism is a complex religion. It is an artificial collection of several traditions that originated in India in the last few millenniums. Since, the Muslim and British rulers and scholars alike were ignorant of the native traditions, they grouped everything under … Read more
Jogini system The word ‘Jogini’ is one of several given to this form of ritual sex slavery or temple prostitution across southern India. The most widely known name is ‘Devadasi’ which means ‘servant of the gods’. ‘Joginis’ have a rich artistic tradition in dance and song used in temple worship, and historically were protected by … Read more
Unveiling the Secrets of the Forest: Exploring the Aranyakas The ancient Indian texts known as the Aranyakas hold a unique place in the vast tapestry of Vedic literature. These enigmatic works, often described as “forest treatises,” transcend the realm of ritualistic practices and delve into the profound mysteries of the cosmos, the human condition, and … Read more
The Echoes of Time: Exploring the Kanheri Caves of Mumbai Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, India, lie the ancient Kanheri Caves, a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. These rock-cut cave temples, carved out of the basalt cliffs, offer a glimpse into … Read more
Jnana Mudra: The Gesture of Knowledge and Enlightenment Jnana Mudra, a powerful hand gesture rooted in ancient Indian traditions, holds a profound significance in yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices. This mudra, often referred to as the “gesture of knowledge,” is believed to enhance mental clarity, focus, and spiritual awareness. Beyond its physical form, Jnana Mudra … Read more