The Silent Bloom

Dear Reader, I recently came across a beautiful tale from a book titled “The Heart of Success” by Om Swami. Here is the anecdote: “ In Indian villages, even today, when an elephant passes through a village, all the elders gather and fold their hands in reverence. While this procession is on the move, a fascinating, though unsettling, thing happens: all the stray dogs of the village, puppies included, start following the elephant, barking and growling relentlessly. What problem could the dogs possibly have with the elephant? It’s not as if they are a match in any way. What competition could the hounds and pooches pose to the mighty tusker? I’m sure if someone were to ask the dogs the reason for their incessant barking, they would answer, “We have no problem with the elephant per se. It’s these people folding their hands and offering all that food to the elephant that bothers us.” But the dogs don’t have the nerve to jump in front of the elephant or block its way. They will never come to...

  Dear reader,     Have you ever had that feeling when your mind races, a constant ticker tape of to-dos, goals, and expectations? It’s like carrying an invisible weight, a pressure on your shoulders that never quite eases. Does this resonate with you? Because right now, that’s precisely what’s going on inside my head. The relentless urge to keep pushing forward – to run, walk, or at least keep moving.    But wait. Just for a moment, let’s pause. Take a deep breath. Where exactly are we rushing? What is the ultimate destination? And once we arrive, what then? Sometimes, we pursue things with the assumption that movement equates to progress. But as we all know, that’s not always the case.   Periodically, it becomes essential to step back, reassess our direction, and re-evaluate our situation. Are we truly moving forward on a path we’ve consciously chosen? Or are we simply striving to meet some arbitrary societal benchmarks? Is this the jo...

  Generated using Google Gemini Dear reader,      I am compelled to share a story that has resonated deeply within the chambers of my understanding, a narrative that illuminates a profound truth about the delicate balance between kindness and the essential need for self-respect. This insightful parable originates from the timeless wisdom of Ramakrishna. For those interested in delving into the original context, you can refer to it here.      Within this narrative unfolds the tale of a venomous snake, an inhabitant of a particular neighborhood whose very presence instilled fear in the hearts of all. Its harmful nature preceded it, casting a shadow of apprehension over the community. However, the trajectory of this creature’s existence took an unexpected turn when a compassionate spiritual person encountered it. This enlightened individual initiated the snake with a sacred mantra, a potent invocation urging the reptile to refrain from causing harm to any...

  Inspiration - created with Copilot designer Dear Reader,      Have you ever paused to consider the quiet whispers that shape our paths, the unseen forces that ignite our passions? For me, the genesis of this blog is rooted in a profound admiration for my father’s extraordinary gift: the ability to craft eulogies that resonated with the very essence of the lives they celebrated. It wasn’t merely about words; it was about weaving threads of humor, compassion, and genuine care into tapestries of remembrance. Witnessing his ability to honor lives with such heartfelt eloquence sparked a deep desire within me to harness the power of language, to make others feel seen, valued, and understood.      During my rigorous doctoral studies in chemistry at IIT Madras, the demands of research and academia consumed much of my time and energy. Yet, beneath the surface of scientific inquiry, a persistent love for philosophy simmered, a yearning to explore the deeper qu...

Desire  © Rajasekharan CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported      Everyone holds desires, those yearnings to achieve, to become, or to experience. In my own life, these desires have been the compass guiding my path. As a high school student, I dreamt of becoming a scientist, captivated by the mysteries of the chemical world. Later, in college, my heart yearned for love, for a connection that would enrich my life. Remarkably, I was fortunate enough to see both desires materialize. I earned my doctorate in chemistry, and during my research, I found the love of my life.    Our journey, however, was not without its challenges. Both my partner and I are steadfast in our principles, committed to ethical conduct and adherence to rules. This often made our academic path arduous. In our personal lives, we faced the complex task of navigating our relationship with our families. Communicating our love to our parents and relatives proved more intricate than any chemi...

Love  © CC0 Public Domain My name, in its essence, echoes across languages, a derivative of that universal emotion: love. It's a fitting coincidence, then, that my first article delves into this profound subject. Love, an emotion as old as time, yet perpetually new, is the very fabric of my existence. What is love? A question pondered by poets, philosophers, and everyday souls alike. For me, love is not a singular definition but a collection of experiences, lessons, and realizations woven into the tapestry of my life. From my earliest memories, I was enveloped in love. The warm, unwavering affection of my parents, the gentle care of my relatives, and the steadfast loyalty of my friends painted my childhood with hues of joy and security. It is truly a blessing to be loved. I didn't fully grasp the depth of this blessing then, but now, I am profoundly grateful for those kind, loving hearts that shaped the person I am today. To be clear, my life has not always been sunshine and r...