https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingJust as he entered the first Indian kingdom, Alexander had a strange encounter. He met a ragged sage and noticed something round and shiny in the latter’s hand. Alexander asked what it was. The sage replied that it’s a secret that can’t be r...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe Pandavs requested Krishna postpone his return to Dwarka. They asked for his assistance in reestablishing their kingdom after the massive destruction caused by the Mahabharat War. After a few months, when the kingdom came close to restoring its...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe young monk had recently joined the monastery. He was curious and extremely restless. Within a few days of being in the monastery, he came across Master Joshu. Though the new monks had to follow strict regimens and step-by-step procedures befor...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe enchanting meadows were a sight to behold, and as the two monks walked through them on their way to their monastery, the elder among them walked slowly, soaking in the mesmerising beauty. The younger monk was frustrated as he had to slow down ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingArjun would often wonder why Krishna addressed Karna as ‘daanveer’ (great donor) and not Yudhishthir, even though the latter too was known for his philanthropy. One day, Krishna decided to demonstrate the reason. On Krishna’s advice, both he and A...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/why-are-we-playing-russian-roulette/September 17, 2024, 3:45 amhttps://latest.thedailyguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3-Mystic-Musings-photo-for-Sept-17-300x300.jpegSpiritually SpeakingThe maverick guru—Paglot Baba—heard the visitor brag and rant at the same time. It was apparent that the visitor was an achiever in corporate life, though extremely restless and paranoid, as a split personality. Despite his achievements, he had a ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe endeavour was gargantuan, to put it mildly. Ved Vyas was aware of what lies ahead as he proposed to undertake the task. However, Brahma had provided him a solution: invoking Ganesh to assist him. Even as Vyas started meditating, Ganesh appeare...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe elderly monk found it difficult to meditate in the ashram. He was short-tempered and would invariably snap at everyone. Added to it was the fact that the once-tranquil ashram had now started teeming with newer spiritual aspirants. Apart from t...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe clouds rumbled with menacing intent, and they soon burst into a downpour that refused to subside. First, the river overflowed, which was followed by fields getting inundated, and eventually the villages that floated in the water. The villagers...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/its-not-me/August 20, 2024, 3:56 amhttps://latest.thedailyguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-Mystic-Musings-photo-for-Aug-20-300x300.jpgSpiritually SpeakingThe night was enchanting. However, the only thing on the minds of Mullah Nasruddin and his two friends—the barber and the village bumpkin—was sleep. They were worn to the bone after an exhaustive journey. But since they were passing through a secl...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe two warriors—Prince Arjava and Prince Rajsimha—looked at the magnificent valley with awe. It was heaven spread till eternity, and it could become theirs if they win the eventual test in the string of events of the last few months. The two were...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingSatyaki observed Krishna as the latter was advising the Pandavs about adhwamedh yagna and couldn’t help but notice Krishna’s immense respect for Yudhishthir. Krishna was affectionate towards all the Pandavs, especially his close friend and cousin ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingAs he stepped inside the inquisition hall, Socrates scanned the jury in the Athenian court with a certain degree of amusement. Much like Jesus’s prayer from the cross, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,’ Socrates was aware of t...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingPundalik heard his name being called from outside the house. While his wife wondered as to who the visitor was, Pundalik knew. How could he not recognise the voice of the one he loved with every breath of his life? When he told his wife it was Kri...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingWhile merrily pecking at the juicy fruit, the bird was startled to spot another bird on the adjoining branch. The bird eating the fruit noticed that the other bird had no fruit to eat. Yet, it didn’t attempt to either snatch from the first bird or...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe zen master held the exquisitely crafted cup with affection. He used the cup umpteen times every day to drink tea. He also made it a point to proudly tell every visitor that it was a gift from his former disciple. Despite that, the master behav...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingEveryone who visited King Vikram’s kingdom spoke highly of it. After all, it was a vast kingdom, with a strong army, overflowing coffers, palaces of unmatched opulence, and an overall happy populace. In other words, everything seemed picture perfe...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe archer made a hubris-filled proclamation at the royal court that he was ‘the God among archers’. He claimed to shoot perfectly without looking at the target. The king wondered if ‘the God’ was superior to the zen monk in the mountain. The arch...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingBoth amazement and dejection vied for attention on the woman’s face when she heard Kabir’s response to her query. Instead of solving her problem, Kabir asked her to come back after a week. Here was the master who helped everyone by solving their p...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe villagers always expected something bizarre from Mulla Nasruddin. Notwithstanding that, he had the ability to surprise them each time they met him, as it happened that particular morning when Nasruddin seemed chirpier than usual. He ordered a ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingOne glance at the visitor, and Paglot Baba realised that, despite being successful, mental peace eluded him. Baba had come across such men. The man displayed telltale signs—restless mannerism, accentuated by fidgety fingers and a demeanour that di...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe thundering sound of drums marred the royal proceedings in Hastinapur. It was as if a major celebration were underway in the palace. King Yudhishthir was surprised. As a king, it was unusual that he wasn’t aware of any event. He sent a court gu...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe battle reached a crescendo, and Ravan found it exceedingly difficult against Ram’s army, which he had scoffed at a few days ago. One casualty after another jolted Ravan from his hubris-induced state. He realised it was time to wake up the slee...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingWoe, thy name is life! That’s a statement constantly made by all of us. Ditto with Vedika. Named after knowledge, she felt the source of her name eluded her completely. She found herself consumed by the problems that plagued her life. She’d rue th...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingChandragupta found Chanakya sulking since the time he came back from King Nanda’s court. He was aware of the humiliation that Chanakya endured there. Chandragupta left Chanakya alone, but when he noticed the latter stumble on wild grass, he extend...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingCondensing a tome is a gargantuan task; leave alone your complete writings. But trust the masters to come up with nuggets consisting of a few sentences that encompass the essence of thousands of words. On being asked by a friend, Socrates replied,...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingX was forever discontent with the replies to his spiritual queries. That’s when he heard of a wise man known as Paglot Baba, or the mad guru. Similar to the Zen koan (paradoxical riddles) and Kabir’s ulat baasiyan (upside-down verses), Paglot Baba...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingAs the headman of his village, Malukdas laid great emphasis on labour. That explains his disagreement with the priest, who fed the hungry villagers without making them contribute anything. The priest held the view that it’s erroneous to assume tha...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingEyes popped out, jaws fell, and mouths remained agape. The disciples had never heard anything like this before. Yet, here was their teacher, who had made this obnoxious statement: ‘If you meet Buddha on the road, kill him.’ He was merely repeating...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingHaughtiness could be Hiranyakashyap’s second name. Son of a revered sage Kashyap and his wife Diti, he, along with his brother Hiranyaksh caused havoc around the three realms, especially since extreme powers were endowed upon them. Hiranyaksh’s va...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually Speaking‘The hunter was having a particularly tough time finding an animal to hunt, and it was getting exasperating. That’s when he spotted a deer. He aimed an arrow, but the sprightlydeer dodged him. The deer ran and reached an opening in the forest with...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe seemingly meaningless task that their guru had entrusted them with annoyed the disciples. Only the previous week were they enlisted in the new gurukul, and instead of teaching them traditional scriptures, the guru seemed bent on giving them th...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingHonest acknowledgment is hardly an option in the field of business, where gloating over unreasonable claims is the order of the day. Back in the early 1960s, it was akin to a hara-kiri. But Robert Townsend, the new chief executive at Avis, the ren...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe event unfolded as Ashtavakra entered the court of King Janak. Everyone present laughed at the way he walked due to his deformity. Seeing them laugh, Ashtavakra laughed back, wondering how they could discuss matters pertaining to the soul when ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingHis disciples were perturbed. So were the hosts who had invited him. However, Buddha seemed unmoved by the insults the stranger heaped upon him. He requested them to let the man vent his feelings. He kept looking at him calmly, almost as if scanni...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe project had all the ingredients to be doomed. After all, getting togethera few artists for a project itself is a daunting task. Here, the plan was to get 46 of the top singers in the world for one song. Bob Geldof had only recently recorded a ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe maddening pace of the horse jolted people on the streets. After all, it bolted through the crowded streets like an animal possessed. Atop the horse was the town bumpkin, who was always the object of derision. Passersby were either petrified at...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe town was abuzz with strange news. A new store had opened with a peculiar name: ‘The Perfect Bride Store’. It claimed to provide perfect brides to young men of marriageable age. The queue before the shop on the inauguration date spoke volumes a...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe boatman winced the moment he spotted the haughty priest approach the riverfront. Like him, the passengers on the boat hoped they won’t have to ride with the priest. Alas! It wasn’t to be as the priest stepped on the boat. As the boat left the ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe words took everyone by surprise. Here was the emperor, who as a commander had bestowed upon France its biggest victories and known for using his might and mind power to win wars rather than relying on divine interventions. Yet he had just utte...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingSoumya woke up with a strange sensation. A tooth in the left upper corner of her mouth was troubling her. A few days ago, when she realised that it was a bit shaky, she was overcome by this strange temptation to shake the tooth with her tongue. So...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingRestlessness was Rajan’s second name, though he often attributed that to his immense success as a corporate honcho. After all, even before he turned forty, he had spread his business empire far and wide, with a turnover running into billions. Howe...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe field didn’t resemble what either the farmer or his aides had imagined. Along with the flowering of wheat stems, the field was filled with weeds, a sore, unseemly sight that dismayed the aides. One of them wondered why it happened since they h...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingSpiritual masters have unusual ways of making their disciples fully grasp the deeper meanings of life. One such was when Ramakrishna asked his disciples to steal a handful of rice from their homes. There, though, was a caveat. They must ensure tha...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingMulla Nasruddin watched his son play and felt the young boy needed a live demonstration to be convinced of Nasruddin’s abilities. He had boasted about his skills to the young one, but the latter always seemed indifferent. Nasruddin wasn’t sure if ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe young man viewed the river with apprehension. It seemed to be an insurmountable problem since he intended to cross over to the other side, though with neither a human in sight nor a boat to ferry him across. Is swimming the only option? he won...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingKing Bimbisar preferred visiting Buddha’s vihar whenever he could since he found it to be a betterplace than his palace to discuss matters of higher plane. The serenity of the vihar was unbeatable.Besides, Bimbisar realised how wealth and opulence...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe crane was inconsolable. After all, the event it had witnessed was traumatic, to say the least. It became difficult to narrate to Ram what had transpired. Like Jatayu, the crane was an eyewitness to Sita getting abducted by Ravan. It stammered ...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe night was frighteningly dark, and the thunder in the sky was enough to send shivers down the spines of the bravest. Tulsiram considered his options. His wife, Ratnavali, had gone to her father’s house in the neighbouring village. However, he h...https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/spirituality/the-most-precious-object/November 5, 2024, 12:08 pmSpiritually SpeakingThe mouse was extremely cautious. It nibbled at the piece of food but kept looking back. The last few nights had seen the new cat in the neighbourhood terrorise them by eating some of its ilk. Notwithstanding its cautiousness, the mouse had no ink...