The Mind as a Mirror: Where God Truly Resides

We often say, “God did this to me.”

But what if God is simply reflecting what arises in our own consciousness?

All is in the mind. Whether we receive an opportunity or miss it, whether something good or bad happens in life, it is ultimately perceived by the mind. The mind reads events and decides what brings happiness and what triggers sadness.

These feelings create ripples in the mind, and the mind becomes disturbed. In response to these emotional movements, we often leave it to God. We conclude, “It is God who did this,” accept it, and slowly overcome the situation.

In Indian thought, we have often heard that God resides within us — “Aham Brahmasmi,” meaning I am Brahman, the pure consciousness. God, therefore, is not separate from us; God is the reflection of our own consciousness.

When we say God will help or God will do, that very thought reflects within our consciousness. But for this reflection to be true and powerful, consciousness must be pure — like a flawless mirror. That purity itself is God.

On the other hand, when the mind is clouded by negative thoughts, fears, or impurities, the same gets reflected in consciousness. Things then do not work as expected, and we say, “God did this to me.” In truth, God becomes our own reflection.

Therefore, all our efforts should be directed toward the purification of thoughts of the highest order, so that we operate from pure consciousness — and from that space, every prayer finds its answer.

Dhurandhar Movie

 I wanted to write a review of Dhurandhar. But before that, I needed to calm down after watching so much violence.

It is a movie that creates spine-chilling experiences repeatedly. There were moments when I closed my eyes at the brutalities, bit my nails in tension, and felt goosebumps when I heard the name of our country, India. I kept waiting and anticipating what would happen next, imagining what would happen to us in such situations, putting ourselves in the shoes of those Indians who faced direct gunshots, uncaring of their own death. At times, my breath felt heavy and my nerves strained.

While I write this review, I am reliving the same stress.

Living in a constantly uncertain world is unimaginable for those of us who lead comfortable lives in India. We live with the assurance that someone is there to take care of our country, allowing us the freedom to think about our own lives and aspirations. But for some, uncertainty is inevitable. At the very least, there are filmmakers who can openly present the intent and actions of the enemy country to us.
Dhurandhar is a cinematic representation of the other side of the story and how it has disturbed and impacted us here in our country, especially the very recent Mumbai attack, which is still not completely out of our minds. The reports from that day continue to linger and disturb our peace.
The movie is factual (despite the claims on resemblance being incidental) but it is not a documentary; it adds cinematic colour to keep the audience tightly engaged. Four hours, distributed across seven chapters, make time feel as if it is flying. Two things run simultaneously in the minds of the audience: vengeance, wrath, and inner disturbance on one hand, and admiration for the star cast on the other, who deliver beyond expectations. It feels like loving their screen presence while hating the roles they play.

One only hopes the film does not glorify anything wrong, much like the appeal of the Flipperacchi song and its dance steps and the insta reels on 'as a spy in pakistan'. We must learn to separate art from content.

The audience truly feels as if they have lived in Pakistan for some time, as the cinematic experience is intense and immersive.
The stellar cast-

Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Madhavan, Arjun Ramphal and Sanjay Dutt-are at their very best.

Dhurandhar does not end when the movie ends. It stays within us, disturbing our calm, questioning our comfort, and reminding us that the peace we enjoy is not accidental. While we return to our routines, there are stories, wounds, and memories that never really close. This film forces us to sit with that discomfort. Maybe that is its purpose - not to entertain, not to glorify, but to make us pause, reflect, and feel grateful, even if it is uneasy. #dhurandhar

Have you ever visited a place where myth, nature, and mysticism coexist so powerfully?

 

Have you ever visited a place where  myth, nature, and mysticism coexist so powerfully?

I have a great lifetime opportunity through Daiv, our company (which unites temples, faith and devotees) to offer Tantrik Shatchandi Pooja at Maa Kamakhya Dham, Guwahati. Though I have visited the temple once, and have heard several stories on the shrine, I am tempted to research on the temple and offer a small piece of reading that could be of interest.  We are carrying out this Shatchandi pooja during the special period called the “Ambubachi”. For Tantriks the pooja we are offering is called the Ambubachi Sadhana.  I was wondering what is this sadhana and also heard that a ‘mela’ happens during this period.  

Ambubachi is a four-day event marking the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya, during which the temple is closed, and devotees believe the Earth itself is rejuvenating. It is a rare and powerful acknowledgment of feminine energy, fertility, and regeneration very sacred and not impure. During this period, it is believed that there is a powerful energy generated and during this period many poojas are organized outside the temple.

Maa Kamakhya resides in the abode of Nilachal Hills of Guwahati Assam. It is not just one of the most important Shakthi Peethas of India, but it is a living confluence of mythology, Tantrik and spiritual traditions, feminine power, and historical resilience. It continues to captivate seekers, scholars, and devotees from across the world, drawing attention towards its unique rituals, esoteric heritage, and celebration of the sacred feminine.

In the book, Durga Saptashati (also known as the Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path), the Devi (Goddess Durga) is described as the Supreme Divine Feminine Power, the origin of all energies, and the ultimate protector who destroys evil and restores cosmic balance. This Sanskrit text is a central scripture in Shaktism and part of the Markandeya Purana, composed around the 5th–6th century.  This Feminine power is spread all over our country and each part of the Devi is represented in each of the Shakthi Peethas.

The Mythological roots and Kamakhya

The Kamakhya Temple traces its mythological roots to one of the most profound stories in Hindu scriptures which is the known as the legend of Sati and Shiva.

According to the Shakti Peetha legend, Sati, the first companion of Shiva, self-immolated in protest when her father Daksha insulted her husband during a yajna. In an act of cosmic despair, Shiva carried her corpse across the universe. To stop his grief from destroying the cosmos, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to mutilate Sati’s body. Her body parts fell at various places, forming the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas.

At Kamakhya, it is believed that Sati’s yoni (womb and genital organ) fell marking it as a symbol of creation, fertility, and Shakti (power). This is the reason why Kamakhya Temple is also known as ‘Yonipeeth’.

 

The Tantrik Seat of Power

Kamakhya is considered to be the place of Tantrik Excellence. Unlike other Shakthi Peethas in  Kamakhya we don’t see the Devi Idol.  Instead, the Goddess is represented by a Femimine yoni (Female Gentille), a symbol of the feminine principle—continuously wet by an underground natural spring. This raw, natural form of the goddess makes Kamakhya one of the most powerful centers of Tantrik and mysterious worship.

 

From Destruction to Rebirth

While the temple's mythical origin is ancient, its documented history begins in the early medieval period. The temple is glorified in texts such as the Kalika Purana (circa 10th century CE), which describes Kamakhya as the seat of goddess worship and Tantrik rites.

As most temples in India, Over the centuries, the temple has faced invasions and destruction, particularly during the early Islamic invasions. However, it was rebuilt in the 16th century by King Naranarayana of the Koch dynasty and his general Chilarai, who helped restore it as a major pilgrimage site.

The architectural style is a blend of Assamese and North Indian Nagara traditions, featuring a beehive-shaped shikhara and intricately carved stone panels.

 

Kamakhya’s relevance

In an era where spiritual practices are often diluted or commercialized, Kamakhya stands out as a testimony of ancient, powerful, and unusual form of devotion. It remains a magnet for Tantrik practitioners, mystics, pilgrims, and spiritual aspirants seeking deeper transformation and healing.

Kamakhya is more than a temple—it is a place of primal power, celebrating the sacredness of the body, the cycles of nature, and the raw force of creation itself. In many ways, it challenges the conventional thinking of the masses of celebrating femininity in the natural form, what society often wants to hide due to the binding of a society.  

Maa Kamakhya Temple offers layers of meaning and experience. It represents the interplay of mythology, history, feminity, power, compassion, discipline and devotion. It stands as a timeless reminder that the divine feminine ‘Shakti’ is not merely to be worshipped, but deeply felt, honored, and integrated.

 

#Kamakhya #ShaktiPeeth #FemininePower #SpiritualIndia #Tantra #CulturalHeritage #LinkedInArticles #LeadershipAndSpirituality

 

Perfect Alignment!

Whatever happens in life is perfect, and it happens in perfect time. I have come to understand that most of our suffering comes not from what happens, but from the stories our mind creates around it, this should not have happened, this decision was wrong, life should have been kinder to me. These are not truths; they are presumptions born out of a limited understanding of the moment.

When I moved away with ease from a job that gave me good outcomes and visible success, and chose something offbeat, there was a complete twist in my career, it did not make sense to many. People around me were worried. Even today, some believe that things did not favour me, that life somehow took a wrong turn. People are worried that my whole experience is going to be a big loss. From the outside, it looked like a loss, a step away from certainty.

But it is untrue.  My perspective is different. What appears as a deviation is actually a perfect alignment. Nothing fell apart; everything fell into place. Each experience that I gained for 35 years in the education sector has carried me forward and shaped a deeper direction in my life. The change did not merely alter my profession; it refined my understanding of myself, my purpose, and what truly matters to me and the world around me.

I realised that life does not always reward us in ways that are immediately visible or socially validated. Its intelligence works subtly, beyond timelines and expectations. When I stopped resisting, things unfolded and I began trusting the process and now clarity has emerged. The path I am on today feels not accidental, but inevitable and also a scheme of the higher order.

In hindsight, I see that nothing was delayed, nothing was taken away, and nothing was wrong. Everything happened exactly when it needed to, preparing me for a life that feels more aligned, more meaningful, and more complete. What once seemed uncertain has become my greatest source of direction.

A day at Mahakumbh!

Through out Mahakumbh I remained in that state of present. Due to the repeated sangam dips and the circulating dust as mentioned in my previous post, most of us fell sick with cold, cough and fevers. It so happened that one of the days, we had to go to an ashram at arail ghat to onboard pundits on our app. When we went there, chandi homa was happening and had to wait for a long time.  Meanwhile, we decided to go to another ashram which was closely located. That was the Phalahari Baba ashram. A baba who ate only fruits. As we went there we met a super simple baba who was about to leave to meet another saint. He was seated on a stone bench outside the ashram wearing some simplistic white clothing in the traditional style. A young vedic student came running and said baba " car key lijiye" Baba asked laughing "kya car tum chalavoge". Nahi Babiji mujhe sirf rakhne  ke liye diye hain" The boy who had to drive the car came. Seeing us waiting  Baba asked me what do you want? I explained about our daiv app and I understood he is a person who is very positive, interacting with everyone, listening to each of them and solving problems then and there.  He called his disciples to help us out, he mentioned that he will be back in an hour and support us in our promotion. He interacted with many who were waiting in a very  casual style asking their problems and trying to resolve most. I decided to stay back in the ashram till the baba comes. I was so tired as I had reached the ashram which was located in Arail Ghat, along with my team members with great difficulty crossing three bridges across the ganga river. My team said they will visit another ashram by the time the baba comes. My phone was off and I could not charge my phone due to power cut. I went inside the ashram which was a  large altar with a temple structure where the beautiful idols of rama, lakshmana and seetha were placed. The place was so huge and around 50 people from all over the country slept on the sides close to the walls. There were four huge pillars covering the central place just in front of the ram mandir. I just rested taking support of a pillar. In no time I went into deep sleep state forgetting myself.  As soon as I woke, the head cook came and asked me I hope you are not going anywhere. Not knowing what to say I said no. He immediately got a huge bag of peas and asked me to peal them. I had no answer. There was neither the news of baba's arrival nor any news of  our team members. It was almost three hours of time. I started working with all those ladies who were staying in the ashram, pealing peas and potatoes. I had to answer several questions about me and my family and my visit to the Mahakumbh. I could not tell them about my main purpose, as I had my own doubts if they could understand. They all started feeling that I should stay with them and started pushing me to ask the baba to give me a place to stay. One lady said "idhar tumhe theen baar accha khana milta hai, do baar chai, aur khub bhajan". I was surprised to know that in a day 2000 people were fed in the ashram. I had nothing to say as we had our own arrangements. I didnot understand their thoughts about me. All women advised me to go and request Baba for stay arrangements.. I was so blessed that around 8 pm baba arrived.By that time the whole ashram had an altogether different vibe, a team of musicians came and were singing siya ram ki bhajans, everyone started moving to the centre of the altar. 

I went and sat in front of baba, along with many women who were waiting to request him for a place to stay. He was very courteous, he enquired about their whereabouts and granted them the place. He also had several calls from people who had already moved to prayagraj searching a place to stay in the night. Baba taking the name of 'Ram' inbetween his talk as though he was calling Ram to make the arrangements was handling all those requests. And he asked me for how many days? I said no I have come here to address the pundits. He was surprised and asked "Are you waiting for such a long time?" Again he started remembering Ram and Ram. He called one of disciples and asked to help me out. He generously shared his number and gave a banana to me and my team member who just then arrived. I bowed to him and touched his feet, felt so contented and asked him if I can click his picture and he agreed. Way back I met a lady who asked me "Baba haan kaha  kya?" I just smiled.

Amma Inspiration!

I was always fascinated by my father and the inspiration he was, in shaping my thoughts and growth! But now it is a month after the sudden demise of my mother and  I realize what a mark she has left on me. 

She has been a bold lady adapted herself to all circumstances, met several challenges.  Today I see only that path lit by her through her ideas and thoughts. Though she was a home maker she tried several  business ideas and executed them with great grit and determination. She just wanted to support the family with her financial contribution and tried out different ways to be a support to the needs of the family. 

She was aware of her innumerable responsibilities of bringing up five children and molding their futures. I remember that she carried my bag to school as I was a skinny child. When I was doing my Post graduation she stood by me and supplied everything I wanted to my room. I was sharing my dream of becoming a teacher and she raised my inspiration. I was counting my marks even before my examination and she always said you will get them. At that point studying itself was a big achievement. She inspired and inspired me at all stages of my studies, even after my marriage, she carried my little daughter to the Education department during my appointment as a faculty. Can anyone else do this so unconditionally? She also encouraged me to pursue many things. She never said no to my voluntary work. She struggled to provide the bus fare during those days. She was the one who said this is nothing but working for the country and motivated me to do more. 

She acted like a role model mother. This is my experience alone and she handled all five of us in the same way, today it seems unimaginable. She also took care of my father. She had full control of the lives of six of us. What a great mom! It is true God made mothers as he wanted to show his awatar through her. 

Whenever I was disturbed I poured out my heart to her, whether she resolved it or not, her just listening to my problem, or just the narration would solace me and solve my problems. 

Even in the recent days, she never wanted me to enter into any arguments with anyone. She  said silence can solve all your problem. Just accept things as they are and problems get resolved on its own.   She made gestures telling me not to respond whenever I got into an argument. 

She is a reflection in me today! I see her in me every moment. Remember what she said while eating, while cooking or sleeping. She is present in my thoughts all the time!

You are all caught up…

 

I was scrolling through my Instagram and neither I could give a second’s time for any of the posts nor click on any post.   I do not remember what I read.  I could notice some known faces.  It did not create any impression on me. But yet I received a message that “you are all caught up”. I did not know the exact meaning of my getting caught up. Later I understood that I could catch all the messages, photos, and videos of two days without missing any of them.     

 Most posts do not even call my attention and some posts draw attention for a span of two to three seconds.  In the case of some posts, I literally want to express “yes I have seen but don’t want to see further”.  At times I feel I should be out of this social media and live a peaceful life.  When Instagram promptly says “You are all caught up”, I feel I have been caught in the net and by the net, and difficult to escape from this all my life. 

This phrase reminds me of the evaluation of student answer scripts. While evaluating it is difficult to go word by word and I have got used to reading between the lines.  Students write meaningless lengthy answers and fill the answer booklet end to end. At times a script with few pages scores higher than the fully filled bulky one.  The completion of the evaluation is just as “you are all caught up”.   However, in those lengthy answers, the same point comes round and round and is approached from all ends in multiple sentences. I get annoyed and feel I am caught up and want to get out of this written maze.

Another instance I can relate to is when messages pass through the grapevine. One cannot trace either the source or the endpoint.  Not-so-exciting messages get spiced up and spread all over.   They run, jump, fly, and stop only after they have reached the nook and corner of the building and sometimes, they fly out in the air.  Though they don’t mean much, they create so much excitement and ripples in all of us.   Once we are done sending and receiving  “You are all caught up” applies. At times you feel you really want to be a part of this gossip net. It sucks your energy and costs you precious time.  We don’t remember who said what and about whom. But we wait for them eternally. We are caught each day and each time and want to get out of it.