Knowledge is an important component of our spiritual growth.
Over the period of some 30 years, I have written these articles to illustrate a variety of spiritual ideas and principles.
Knowledge can guide us in our practices, let us know what to expect along the way and support us in times of doubt. However, knowledge alone can only take us so far. Direct experience is equally as important so I encourage you to choose the practices which resonate with you and make them part of your daily life.
These articles have been grouped by categories to help you select the ones that may be of greater interest to you.
Edited versions of some of these articles have been published in other places, including the Chopra Center Lifestyles Newsletters.
I have always tried to fully research each topic and apologize for any inaccuracies. Unlike scientific “facts”, spiritual wisdom is open to interpretation. These articles reflect my understanding of the subjects. Please read them with an open mind and find the path that best suits you.
India
Diwali, the Festival of Lights
October 25-29, 2019 Diwali is one of the most beautiful and joyous times in the Indian calendar, filled with love and rejoicing. Although its origins lie in India, it is a time of new beginnings, a festival of light, abundance, fulfillment and a celebration of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance, which can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. The word Diwali means “row of lights”, so it is commonly known as the Festival of Lights. For Indians,
Navaratri, Celebrating the Divine Mother in All Things
"Nava-ratri" literally means "nine nights." This Indian festival is observed twice a year, once at the beginning of summer and again at the onset of winter. Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence. At these times we give thanks to the Divine Energies, which maintain the correct balance in the Universe and within our mental, emotional and physical bodies. For most
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima or the Full Moon of the Guru is a very special celebration in the spiritual calendar. This is the day when we honor the Guru in all forms. We give thanks for all the blessing we have received in the past and ask for future support in all areas of our lives but particularly with our growth to Higher Consciousness and Enlightenment. The word guru means remover of darkness or ignorance so the Guru can
Origins of Ayurveda
We don’t really know how old Ayurveda is, although scholars place its formal origins at around 5-6000 years ago. According to Vedic mythology, Ayurveda is as old as time itself. It is said that before manifest creation, the gods were weak and unbalanced. They went to Lord Vishnu for help, who told them to churn the Ocean of Consciousness until the Amrit, Nectar of Immortality, appeared and this would rejuvenate them. The story of what happened has
Shree Satuwa Baba Ashram
300 Years of Serving Humanity Since 2004 I have been a member of the Shree Satuwa Baba Ashram in Varanasi India. It is a traditional Indian ashram, offering simple but sufficient facilities, which has become like a second home to me. If you are ever in Varanasi, I hope you will visit the Ashram. Tell them Raghavanand sent you and you will be welcomed, whether you choose to just look around, enjoy a basic meal, meet
The Glorious Kumbh
India is a land of festivals. It seems that every day something is being celebrated somewhere. However, nothing compares to a Kumbha Mela for size, intensity and auspiciousness. Kumbha means pot and Mela means festival so the Kumbha Mela is the festival of the pot and, like so many Indian traditions, has its origins in mythology. There are several different versions of the myth but let’s look at a popular one. The Mythology Back in