Srinivas Padma: Personal Musings on Life, Growth, and Connections

The concept of Kundalini refers to a powerful energy that is believed to lie dormant at the base of the spine, in the human body. This energy is often compared to a coiled serpent, waiting to be awakened. Kundalini Yoga is a practice that aims to awaken this energy and direct it toward spiritual transformation and enlightenment. Kundalini can be awakened through yogic practices, such as specific postures, breathing techniques, and mantras. As the energy is awakened, it moves upwards through the body, piercing six chakras or energy centers, before reaching the crown of the head, where it is said to merge with pure consciousness, leading to enlightenment. There are twenty Upanishads, which are dedicated to the theory and practice of Kundalini Yoga, making them the ultimate source for Kundalini teachings. However, the separate tradition of Advaita Vedanta, which is focused on gaining spiritual knowledge, is based on twelve other Upanishads. The human body has an intricate network of Nadi...

Once upon a time, there was a panel discussion about the question that had been asked more frequently than any other.  "Why do bad things happen to good people, people who are kind, responsible, virtuous, and even saintly?"  The panel consisted of a Christian minister, a Roman Catholic nun, a rabbi, and a Hindu monk.  The Panel The audience consisted of cancer patients and their families, all of whom found themselves confronting a life-threatening illness. The Christian minister said, "We are all sinful by nature, no matter how pious we might be, and therefore, we're all subject to being punished for our sins."  The rabbi said, "God introduces trials and tribulations into our lives to test our faith and strengthen our devotion."  The nun said, "The suffering God gives us is a mystery that we can never fully understand." When it was the Hindu monk's turn to speak, he faced a dilemma. The explanations offered by the other panelists were all...