From Caterpillar to Butterfly

  Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living "Health is not merely the absence of disease. It is the harmonious functioning of the body, mind, and spirit. Exercise is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to achieve that harmony." In today's fast-paced world, exercise is often associated with losing weight, building muscles, or achieving a certain physique. However, the ancient Indian sages viewed exercise from a much broader perspective. They considered it an essential part of a disciplined daily routine, not merely for physical fitness but for preserving health, enhancing vitality, and preparing the body and mind for a meaningful life. Health Begins with Daily Discipline A healthy life is built upon healthy habits. Just as a strong foundation supports a building, a disciplined daily routine supports long-term well-being. Among these daily practices, Vyayama (exercise) holds a place of great importance. Even dedicating 10–15 minutes each day to purposeful movement can ...

In today's world, health is often measured by blood reports, weight, or the absence of disease. While these are important indicators, Ayurveda presents a much broader and more holistic understanding of well-being. More than two thousand years ago, the Sushruta Samhita described the characteristics of a truly healthy person in a single profound verse: समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलक्रियः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते॥ This timeless definition reminds us that health is not merely physical fitness—it is a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit. The Meaning of the Verse A person is considered healthy when: The three doshas— Vata, Pitta, and Kapha —are in balance. The digestive fire ( Agni ) functions efficiently. The body's seven tissues ( Dhatus ) are well nourished. Waste products ( Mala ) are eliminated properly. The mind, senses, and soul remain cheerful and content. Together, these create a state of Swasthya —true health. 1. Balanced Doshas According to Ayurve...

Yoga today is perceived as synonymous with  postures or asanas. Some who understand a little more will add Pranayama or breathing exercises to it but the premise of Yoga is much vast. It is derived from a Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means to join. Join with what, with whom?.... The Supreme Soul. The basic aim of yoga is the basic aim, considered to be, of human life "to unite with the Supreme Soul- the God" or the union of Jeevatma (the individual self) with Paramatma (the universal self). Yes, if we follow the path we will unite with the Lord, our purpose on earth will be fulfilled, but it's not that easy. Moreover how many of us, today, are interested in this union?  Very few. We have goals but the goals are linked to career and financial status or at the most health. Very few concentrate on holistic development of mind, body, and soul but those who aim, achieve.   Yoga has become only a means - to keep fit and look young.  Believe me, this is just a by-product...

Now, this blog is for all those who are 50 plus and thinking of retirement. Today many 50+ are living an energetic and healthy life. Meet Vandana Mehra, the modern Yogini. She started yoga some seven years back when someone advised her to do Pranayama for her ever-increasing Asthmatic problem. She was already forty plus and was averse to yoga yet she thought of giving it a try. Within a year, she stopped using her inhaler and even found a remarkable change in her attitude.  An angry young woman had changed into an amiable, positive personality. She was unable to understand this dramatic change. Later, as she read, she comprehended that it happened because of pranayama. After some time, her yoga instructor, who was coming from South Delhi, couldn't continue and her search for a new yoga teacher started. This led her to join Amritam Yoga where she fell in love with yoga and later joined a Yoga Teacher's Training course after some three years of practical yoga classes. Today she i...

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -Mahatma Gandhi Dogs are man's best friend. Loving and feeding dogs is therapeutic and soothes one's soul.  Moreover, they automatically become the guards of the house. So how do you treat the dogs around you? Some feed almost all the stray dogs around them. Some feed only black stray dogs that too... just Saturdays. Some feed them with the leftovers. Then some love them, feed them, feel them and understand them. This lot notices and tries to provide health care to them. But how many work with such dedication for stray animals? Recently I met a young chap, Mridul, who is involved in rescuing, vaccinating and treating stray dogs and puppies. He came along with a compounder to treat a stray dog who wasn't well in our lane. A neighbour who had been giving shelter to the puppies provided an old sheet to Mridul. He sat with the dog in his lap. Though the dog, Biscuit, named by the children, w...

“If East and West Germany can unite, why can't India and Pakistan ?” said the old man with crow's feet around his eyes but gleaming with energy. “So, let me conclude here with the powerful punch - See you in Sindh, our homeland. Jai Jhulelal!”  That was 1990, the world was changing. USSR had split but Germany had united. I was in school and this was a small speech by an old gentleman, who was also a member of the Sindhi Association, Jaipur like my grandfather. Grandpa had taken us to the  Diwali celebrations of the Sindhi Association, where we were supposed to perform.  What touched me that day were the words used by this old gentleman and the way he was applauded by the audience. That day I learned about their longing, the yearning for their homeland. I’d seen the same yearning in my grandpa’s eyes and in many old eyes of the family. So, when a writer friend wrote a book on Partition stories, how could I miss it and especially when the title was so intriguing and se...