Share our website with your friends.

Newsletter - Past articles

Sorry. You have requested for a non-existent article.
Please choose an article from the list below

Published in June 2020

Understanding Dharma: The Four Authentic Sources

The sources of Dharma have been systematically divided into four simple categories....This desisting from the prohibition is what constitutes the karma, leading to Dharma.....There are many Vedic Karmas which do not find mention directly in the Vedas but are found only in the Smritis....The Agnihotra mentioned above can be performed at any one of the three times....Lord Shiva drank the deadliest poison easily. However, if anybody else did the same, he would be reduced to ashes....However, this is the weakest source of Dharma out of the four.

Published in May 2020

Sita - The Silent Power of Suffering and Sacrifice

people all over India will say approvingly for someone: He is a Rama like son, a Rama like brother, or a Rama like king. It is rare however to hear the following as a compliment Rama like husband or son-in-law.... All of Sita's miseries in the confinement of Ravana pale in comparison...to the emotional trauma and humiliation she was subjected to by Rama himself. In a bitter irony, what was to be her moment of deliverance, turned out to be the beginning of another trial... Sita sets a high standard as an ideal wife who stays unswerving in her loyalty and righteousness, no matter how undesirable her husband's response... She emerges as a woman that even Agni - who has the power to reduce to ashes everything he touches - dare not touch or harm...

Published in April 2020

Dharma: The Only Remedy for Modern Man

No one spends even a single moment without doing some action or the other....We generally notice in history that almost all civilizations acquire a lot of material affluence in the beginning and after sometime they go into oblivion....We very well know that it is only the work based on well thought plan that solves problems and not our worry.....The success of any action depends not only on visible parameters but also invisible one....We are carried by the slogans of the times and move in the turbulent waters of life in a rudderless boat.....Want to give us a state of pleasure which is constant and never ending.

Published in March 2020

Ananda: Analysis of Happiness in the Upanishads

We assume that our happiness is the result of an interaction with external objects…. Suppose that an individual is deprived of sleep and food and pleasurable objects for a long time and then all of them are simultaneously offered to him…. Actually, seeking the answer to this question is the most significant pursuit in life…. The veil comes up again and the duality returns…. In this background, we can now analyse the nature of dukha (grief).

Published in May 2019

Durga Puja - Worshipping the Wife of Shiva, Daughter of Bengal

Durga Puja is more than the periodically observed navratra in the subcontinent..The akaal bodhon Durga Puja has evolved into great socio-cultural significance in the Eastern Delta region, and is the lifeblood of Bengalis everywhere...On dashami the next day, one could sense the pall that descends upon the delta...Ma Durga's time in Her girlhood home draws to a close. Now is the final throes of festive exuberance.

Published in November 2018

Living According to Manu: God’s Manual of Instruction for Life

A man receives a wife given by the gods... Where women are revered, there the gods rejoice; but where they are not, all efforts are unfruitful…. The husband, tradition says, is the wife, They can never be cut loose from one another. This is the dharma made by Brahma himself….he king who bears patiently when those in anguish insult him will be exalted in heaven…. If the driver of a vehicle injures a man, animal or property, he needs to be punished along with the owner of the vehicle…. This in a nutshell, is the definition of suffering and happiness.

Published in July 2018

50 Characteristics of Kaliyuga

Both the Mahabharata and Shrimad Bhagavatam give a vivid description of how things are like in Kaliyuga…. The following is a list of features typical to Kaliyuga…. A man will consider only those people to be his relatives who are related to him through….The ashrams will be full of show-offs who are experts in the art of living off the food of others….. We can save ourselves from Kaliyuga.

Published in June 2018

Living the Full Life: 50 Instructions from the Mahabharata

Bhishma undoubtedly is one of the central figures of the Mahabharata.…. One should not venture out too early in the morning…. But one should not go to sleep with wet feet….A person who desires to live long should never irritate the following three…. One must shun company of people who criticize the Vedas…. If we are traveling, one must find shelter inside a house….

Published in May 2018

Krishna's Rasa Lila: The Vedantic Perspective

One uniqueness of our Vedic religion is that it allows for salvation not only through renunciation (nivritti) but also through the path of material happiness (pravritti).... If dharma makes it mandatory that conjugal pleasure be restricted to the life partner, how is it that Krishna indulged in the amorous sport of Rasa with others' wives?.... Some stopped cooking, some stopped feeding, some stopped eating, some stopped washing clothes etc. and ran away.... Upanishads call the jiva in waking state as Vishwa and the dreaming jiva as Taijasa (Mandukya Upanishad Mantras 3-4).

Published in February 2017

Iconography of Vaishnava Deities: Goddess Lakshmi

Her epithet in the Devi-Mahatmya is Mahalakshmi. She is the wrathful four-armed goddess of battlefield represented holding in them various weapons…. A form of Lakshmi seated over a lotus laid over a golden seat and a pair of white elephants…. Except in some classical forms in Lakshmi-Narayana imagery Lakshmi is ordinarily two-armed…. Incarnation theory is the crux of Vaishnavism. Vishnu incarnates alone but Lakshmi also incarnates in simultaneity…. Though very rare some enthused artists have conceived on Ardhanarishvara line also Vishnu’s Ardhanarishvara images.

Published in December 2016

Iconography of Vaishnava Images: Vishnu

There is Rama, the son of Ayodhya's king Dasharatha in his human birth, and there is Rama's divinity, his divine aura that overwhelms the Tulasi's entire Ramacharit-manas, one manifest - with attributes, and the other, unmanifest - without attributes. With main emphasis on his majesty in South Indian tradition this crown is taller than usual. His 'khadgasana' images are usually in three modes; one with his right foot moved forward represents him in a commander's disposition ready to rush for protecting a devotee in crisis or redeem him from some calamity. Harihara, a form in which he shares with Shiva half of the body. Basically a bird Garuda is seen for ages as Vishnu's ardent devotee, a learned human being and an auspicious presence, and in iconographic tradition often conceived with a man's face, anatomy, ornaments and ensemble. The Puranas are replete with tales of Garuda's divine exploits.

Published in September 2016

Shiva, the Nataraja

Contrarily metaphysicians and theologians perceived his form as it manifested in the Upanishads and Puranas….The ‘Advaita’ philosophy also contends that the entire Creation is just the extension of One…. Dance illustrates one of the ever-first cosmic acts with which Shiva seems to have tamed violent motion and separated from it rhythm, moves that communicated emotions and states of mind – human mind and the cosmic, and disciplined and defined pace…. Unlike Vishnu who resorted to dance for accomplishing a contemplated objective, Shiva has been conceived more or less as a regular dancer performing for accomplishing an objective as also for pure aesthetic delight…. Unfurling locks of hair and his snakes floating into space portray the dynamics of the act.

Published in July 2016

Auspicious Symbols in Indian tradition

She has always believed that this would redeem her of her distress….A coconut, otherwise an ordinary dried fruit or the source of edible, or at the most, beauty oil, has always been revered as an auspicious object effecting good and well-being and the food that gods most loved….The tree in the Buddhist tradition was later identified as Bodhi-tree, seated under which Buddha had attained Enlightenment….Body gestures and symptoms, signs, indications among others must have been the early man’s tools of communicating oneself and knowing and understanding the world around….Kirttimukha was initially conceived as a mystical mask….Lion does not figure in the wide range of animal toys or figurines excavated from Indus sites.

Published in June 2016

The Light That Enlightened Millions (The life of Buddha in the popular mind)

This middle path lies in between extreme asceticism on one side, and extreme indulgence on the other…. When standing under a Ashok tree, tired and exhausted, she raised her right hand for seeking support of a branch of the tree…. The unique balance that defined his entire life was pre-determined in this duality….One day, in the palace garden he frightened his attendants…. He ate less and less till his diet reduced to a sesame seed, and himself, to a mere skeleton…. Seven days after the attainment of enlightenment gods sent food for breaking his fast…. However, he postponed his ‘nirvana’ for three months till he visited the places he had reminiscences of.

Published in March 2016

Analyzing the Eternal Dimensions of Dharma Through Itihasa (History)

Here is a fragment from one of the most poignant episodes of Indian history…. This piece of history is from the Mahabharata…. She was dying with shame but inside, like a true kshatrani (woman of the warrior race), she was burning with anger…. I have heard that women who follow dharma were never brought before a public court….Greed is the destroyer of dharma. I do not desire a third boon…. Draupadi was as forgiving as mother earth herself…. Just then Arjuna saw his dear friend Bhagawan Krishna approaching him…. “Leave him, leave him. He is a brahmin and worthy of our worship. Their mother should not cry, like I have at the death of my children.

Published in November 2015

Narada Teaches Yuddhishtra a Householder’s Dharma

Whenever he gets the time, he should go and live amongst people who have given up worldly life…. A wise person should serve his body and family only to the extent that is functionally necessary…. The person who lays claim on the surplus wealth is nothing but a thief…. He should share all objects of enjoyment with everyone, right down to dogs, sinners…. Such is the attachment to one’s wife….How despicable is this body, which if buried is going to become the food of worms, or excreta if eaten by animals….Since a son is to thus revere his elders even after their death, what to say that he is expected to serve them when they are alive…. The person wishing to follow the path of dharma should steer clear of the five forms of Adharma.

Published in September 2015

An Example of Living Vedanta: The Story of King Rantideva

The Bhagavad Gita, while describing the qualities of a wise person says…. This verse is vividly illustrated in the story of king Rantideva occurring in the Srimad Bhagavatam…. He did not believe in hoarding, was above all attachments and was highly patient…. They were all trembling due to starvation and thirst….bowed to the dogs and their owner…. What I want is only this: That I be able to go and live in the hearts of all beings and undergo sufferings on their behalf, so that they may become free from all miseries.

Published in August 2015

Ananda: Understanding the True Nature of Happiness

Published in July 2015

Shiva and Vishnu: A Unique Aspect of Their Worship

Actually, the one who worships Bhagwan Vishnu should get rich and the one who worships Shiva should become an avadhuta like Him…. Then he works hard again to acquire wealth. I render all his efforts futile…. However, Bhagawan Vishnu is not like that, it takes longer to please Him…. As a consequence, they later harassed the great God Himself…. On the seventh day, he bathed in the holy waters of Kedarnath and began to cut his head with an axe to offer into the fire…. The boy bowed respectfully before the demon and asked…. No one who commits sin against a great person can be safe and happy in this world.

Published in June 2015

The Qualities of a Guru and How to Find One

But to pull this statement out of context and give it as an advice for anyone is far from correct…. But how is one to recognise the guru? Obviously, he will be able to understand the difficulties of the disciples and clarify to them the meaning of the scriptures on the basis of logic and experience…. They will have to search in their own neighbourhood only….The guru chosen by him should be at least better than himself!…. Of course, if the ideal guru whose features have been enumerated in the beginning is available, then the sadhaka should immediately go and surrender to him…. It is just like going to another teacher for higher education, after completing the education in a school.

Published in May 2015

Theory and Practice of Karma: Some Salient Features

Only a certain fraction of this karma is chosen by God in order to form the blueprint of our next birth…. The fruit that one experiences in this birth is due to prarabdha and a portion of the present agami…. Similarly, a fish in the Ganga does not accrue punya because of always living in Ganga…. A good karma can be annulled by a bad karma and a bad one by a good one…. Sometimes we also hear that prarabdha cannot be got rid of. It has to be spent through…. Bhagawan Vyasa says that for the full result of the karma to manifest, three things are necessary…. Then how to understand the statement that prarabdha should unavoidably be experienced?

Published in April 2015

Varnashrama Dharma: A Logical View

It concedes that for an orderly social life a division into four groups based on the principle of varnadharma is necessary…. Each individual sometimes acts in a sattvika manner while at other times he may act in rajasic or tamasic manner, which means that the manifestation of a particular guna depends on circumstances…. Though all the three gunas are present in everyone, different persons are driven to act differently…. The karma that I have to perform should depend on my inherent gunas and should have the ability to regulate these gunas…. There is no instant transition to moksha…. An individual has to make his way towards moksha only through worldly life.

Published in March 2015

Nine Teachings from Nine Yogis: The Essence of Bhagavat Dharma

During one such sacrifice, nine spiritually charged men entered the sacrificial hall….As for Bhagavat Dharma, it is the dharma spoken by God directly from his own mouth…. Like a person eating food finds himself gratified simultaneously in three ways…. We are all constantly taught by spiritual texts to offer or dedicate all our actions to God. However, the question remains as to how to practically carry out this injunction…..The only fruit of wealth is dharma... Therefore, there is no need for the Vedas to enjoin us to these things for which we already have a tendency….The real intention of the Vedic injunctions in these matters is to make a person abstain from them…”

Published in February 2015

Moksha of Gajendra: Liberation by The Formless God

Once as he was engaged in puja, a saint came to visit him….Like a true householder attached to his family, Gajendra sported in the water with his wives, children and friends…. Understanding that his end was imminent, they all slowly withdrew, till Gajendra was left alone…. If we reflect on it calmly, we will realise that there is no house in the world where the story of Gajendra does not play out…. The one who is careful towards the end is able to reform his death…. Gajendra’s hymn of praise is one of the greatest philosophical poems in the annals of world literature.

« ‹ Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next › »

Testimonials

I have greatly enjoyed your articles on a subject I know much too little about. Keep them coming! Thanks

Bob Speckman, Oregon, USA

I really enjoy and learn a lot from your e-mails. Thanks for making the effort.

Judy Wylene

I just wanted to say thank you , what beautiful art work and love the stories , I have very much enjoyed both and learned a little too. Thank you again

Abbi

Namaste! Thank you for your articles which, having travelled around India, I find informative and most interesting. Keep sending!

Claire Wilkinson

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your articles on India. I read each one and many I have printed out to save as I am deeply interested in the culture, philosophies and arts of your country. I visited South India last winter and hope to get back to explore North India next year. I am an artist and am doing a series of paintings that have resulted from my love of India. I have 2 works in a show this month that are my exploration into the complex dichotomy of Shiva and his Dance. Again thank you for the great articles and for your fine company. Sincerely,

Eve Bennett

I would like you to know how much I enjoy your emailings. Often, the writing reminds me of things I already know but forget to notice day by day as I get caught up in the mundane. Thanks!

Sue

, I would like to thank you,for mailing me the summary of your sophisticated usefull articles.I am always looking forward to be in continious touch with you.

Hamid Hoomehr

As an academic and researcher I am incredibly impressed by your articles which I always find make a highly informative and fascinating read. The enthusiasm shown for your diverse subjects and illustrations used make your writing an enjoyable learning experience.

Kush Varia

I was very surprised, yet very pleased, to begin receiving articles from Exotic India as well as access to previous ones. You have provided me with a tremendous spiritual gift. Shanti,

Brian Keith Stolley

I just want to thank you for the great articles! They are very insightful and I love the visual artwork that goes with every segment! I look forward to each and every one, and thank you again for sharing your time and wisdom with us all. May You Walk In Beauty

Jennifer

It is already a few months, I have been getting these monthly articles from you. I appreciate them very much and enjoy reading them again and again. Through these articles I am attached to my Indian roots. They are very poetic, nicely written and always have a lot of interesting information. Though, I do not have any talent for writing, but reading I enjoy most. I feel myself very lucky that I am subscribed on your site. I sincerely appreciate your talent and wish you success in your work. Thank you very much.

Pankaj Sharma, Israel

There is no way I can thank you enough for the time you take to put together the beautiful articles with the links to the pictures. Your writing is so beautiful and easy to understand that I print the articles out so I can read them at breaks during the work day when I need a "reading meditation" for help in centering. Thank you again for your contribution to the raising of human consciousness. May you always walk aware of the serenity and love of the cosmos.

Kim Collins

I just love the images and text I receive from you. Thank you for your thoughtful and beautiful contribution to the world-wide web.

Barbara Bernath

I am so grateful that I have found your web site. From my first visit to Southern India I have felt in my heart the most special place for India. When I stepped of the Airplane for the first time I felt like I had returned home. I loved the people, the smells, the beauty all around and most of all how the sacred permeated everything. I can not thank you enough for offering me the chance to order gifts and alter items from India. I have placed two orders and both arrived beautifully wrapped with a signed card in a few days. Sooner than it takes me to fly to India. I have told my friends of your web site. Thank of you for sending the informative article today. I really enjoyed it. I think that I shall go have Indian food tonight. May there be Peace on Earth. May All Beings Be Happy.

LeeAnn Lajoie

I really enjoy the monthly newsletter and the illustrations that come with it are very nice, thank you.

Michelle Hendricks

I enjoyed receiving and reading this--have forwarded to several friends. Many thanks.

Harriet

Thank you for the inspiration and deeper understanding that your email brings. Nameste.

Anonymous

CONGRATULATIONS, a wonderful effort, a beautiful experience to go into your site.

Sidban

Your newsletter is a wonderful idea! I fear I am merely a "window shopper" in your gallery, but your articles are most informative! You gain much merit by your service in educating the public about the significance of this sacred art. May this work also bring you much joy and prosperity!

Ana Foscari

Your articles are always written so eloquently with Divine Wisdom. Thank you for your work. I look forward to reading it every month. God Bless You. Namaste,

Kimberley Ashley

I found your website while searching for an image of Shiva. When I signed up for your articles, I had no idea how wonderful they would be. Well written, informative, and thoughtful is just the beginning. Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort into what you do. I have love reading them, sharing them, and I look forward to receiving them every month!

Stacie Barbara Flajnik

Once again, thank you for your wonderful service of sending your monthly "lessons"! I learn so much from them, and they deepen to my practice in so many ways, I cannot express the depth of my gratitude. Your interpretations are always loving and kind, and it is like drinking a nectar of compassion to read them. My only regret is that I am not wealthy and materialistic, so I could contribute to your success in more substantial fashion. Love & Peace

Ana Foscari

Not only are the products amazing and beautiful, but the informational emails I am now receiving are full of fascinating facts which I like to share with my friends. I have seen many beautiful and meaningful items on your website which I will purchase as soon as I am working full-time again. This is something I look forward to very much.

L. C. Martin

I have really learned a lot from reading your articles

Renee Ware, Willos, Ca, USA

Enjoy very much receiving the monthly newsletter. Have loved East Indian art since 14 years old; it's my favorite. (Surprisingly enough, I ended up worshipping Hindu and I am Afro-American - but an artist.)

Phyllis

Thank you for sending me the above reading material.I am a Chinese reader. Because of my job working in a Buddhist temple in Shanghai and work as a editor of a free Buddhist journal.I knew your "Exotic India"for a few years. I think you are great and one of the best I know on line. I give you sincere gratitude from the bottom of my heart. I love India and her people and her brilliant spiritual culture. It is through you and your "Exotic India" that I find myself more close to the truth of Indian life and spirit. Thank you again.

Song,Lidao

A few years ago I purchased a carved necklace fm Tibet with all these symbols and it called to me today to find out what they all mean since I am immersing myself in practical Buddhism, such a noble and radiant way of Life!!

Barbara Lowell

Thank-you for the very informative articles and the lovely art pictures that you send. In the plethora of silliness that is sent out on the web every day, your sendings allow me a moment of peace and reflection. again, thank-you.

Cayce

I wish you guys would do an article on the Guru and the Guru path. It is so misunderstood in the West. Your articles are so informed and well put together. Thank you so much.

Dharmanatha Jaya

Having perused through your website from time to time over the past couple of weeks, I simply had to write and compliment you on your Article of the month feature. You have a tremendous talent to make some otherwise very heavy subjects readable hence easily accessible to the every day person who may know zero on the many topics you write about. Thank you. I thought youd like to know that both my children (they are 10 & 13yrs old respectively) have used your articles as research materials for their school projects on religion. Thats just how readable your articles are. Keep up the wonderful work, your website is a tremendous benefit to people worldwide.

Roshni Alvar

I am very happy to have the opportunity to read these marvellous articles about Hinduism. It is being very useful to my monography at the University. My monography is " The conception of Art in India". Thanks a lot.

Maria Leticia de Melo from Brazil.

Just let You know how much I apreciate all yours newsletters. I wish one day I would be able to get something from you. Thank You very much.

Nilda

I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful and inspiring articles that accompany your site. I love the care, depth and clarity with which they are written. You are doing a great service to us all, and I am grateful. Shanti, Schlama, Shalom, Salaam

Alana Lea

Wonderful article...thank you very much..will send it on to others who might appreciate it...sincerely,

Deb

Thank you for sending these, they are wonderful! I enjoy reading them and love looking at the beautiful illustrations, also.

Donna

I just wish to say how much I enjoy your posts and updates. I find it interesting, as a Free Mason , how much Buddhist philosophy and ritual is paralleled in Masonic obediences. Whether these parallels are something absorbed by my ancient brethren or are common to ritualistic works I dont know. Thanks again and Happy Trails.

Tom

I have been reading your articles on Jewelry and Ramayana and have enjoyed both of them both. I have seen the Epic Ramayan and am now in the process of watching Shri Krishna. Keep the articles coming. They are exceptional and very informative.

Elizabeth Kotulak

I cannot begin to tell you how much I truly enjoy these monthly submissions. They are so insightful and interesting. Just thought I would let you know that I rank Exotic India's monthly mailings as among my very favorites! Keep up the good work!

Michele

Thank you for providing such a wonderful, informative news letter.I am SO glad I discovered your site. Thanks again

Gordon

Wonderful website. Your articles are great to read as I am especially interested in mythology. I am now trying to learn more about Hinduism and its philosophies. I would love to take up the hindu religion but as an older caucasian woman I would most probly find this very difficult. Anyway I love your artwork and the articles you write.

Jemma

Your monthly articles on philosophy and iconography are some of the best I've been able to find since searching over the last few years. Always very clearly and logically explained in their spiritual significance and deep philosophical upderpinning rather than just superficial and sentimental devotional tracts any New Age shop has. Look forward to them every month and print them off to save.

Gerard, Australia.

Your articles/News Letters are superb with great details. I would appreciate if you can post any information on Meditation. Namaskar

Ram Taju, Saudi Arabia

I just wanted to send you a quick message saying how much I enjoy reading your background info to each piece of art. Keep up the great work.

Prakash

Namaste Exotic India: I had not long ago signed up for your sales newsletter, as I'm fascinated with all things Indian, from the People, Culture, Clothing, Jewelry, and History (and have been since I was a very young child). I just read the enlightening article "Women and Jewelry: The Spiritual Dimensions of Ornamentation" and that has piqued my interest in your culture even more. I've signed up for your monthly newsletters, and have bookmarked the page of Women and Jewelry. I learned so many things from just that article, and bookmarked it, to save for future reference. I also plan on reading more of the articles you have posted on your site. The fact that you have included additional sources of references is yet another wonderful gift you have given me. I just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I first signed up for your sales announcements a few months ago, and for your wonderful articles. I plan on visiting your site regularly from now on, as it holds a vast amount of information. Shukria,

Bridget Lee

Thank you for taking the time to write these. I always read them in the morning after my meditation and ponder on them before my day.

Deneene

I would like to say "thank you" for the generosity in sending me your interesting articles regarding the history of India and the beliefs that have inspired some of her most beautiful art. I feel that I have come to understand and appreciate Indian culture much more as a result, and have also been able to explore my own beliefs in the process. Thank you again

Denise Kittle

Dear Exotic India, This sight is so very beautiful, with beautiful stories and images!! As I read them now being in Europe and normally living in India, I now understand much more about all the Hindu stories about the Gods. Good to let the people know, what they are all about and what they mean. I passed this sight on to my family, who agrees with me about what I just wrote down. Good luck to you with this sight!!!

L. A. Pecqueur

I just want to say thank you. I so very much enjoy receiving your news letter each month. The information is wonderful. I learn alot by reading them. And I also enjoy your website. Very beautiful things. We are building a new home. Upon completion, we will be adding some of your items. PLEASE KEEP ME ON YOUR EZINE LIST. Peace and Grace on life's journey. Namaste

Victorya

Dear Sir I enjoy reading such stories. Thanks again. Blessings and greetings.

Joop

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your articles. I live in Baton Rouge, LA, and I am very interested in Hinduism. I look forward to receiving your newsletter each month, and often pass them on to friends.Your artwork is exquisite as well. I hope to order some when I move into my own home in the near future (I'm a grad student in an apartment now).Who writes the articles? They're very well written and informative!Thanks so much, and keep up the great work!

Jennifer

All products
Jewelry	Textiles
Hindu	Buddhist
Books	Ayurveda
Audio Video	Paintings & Sculptures