About Indian Culture
In the following articles, Sadhguru mixes wit and wisdom to present the historical context and current relevance of various aspects of Indian culture.
Indian Culture – Harmony in Disorganization
Indian culture is incredibly complex and resembles a chaos of mind-boggling proportions. But beneath this seeming chaos is a scientific foundation that is thousands of years old.
The Caste System
The caste system in India, as it appears today, looks unnecessary, unfair and uncalled for. Why should we discriminate between people on the basis of profession or birth? But this was not always the case. Sadhguru looks at why the caste system was setup in the first place and explores whether abolishing the caste system would solve any of the problems associated with it nowadays.
Youth and Indian Culture
It has been a long-standing complaint that Indian youth are highly influenced by American and European cultures. With India fast becoming a truly global environment in terms of economy, food and culture, what does it take to make sure our youth do not forget the richness of being Indian?
Sacred Places
Why Were Temples Built?
India is a land of temples. Sadhguru looks at how for millennia, temples have been instruments for raising human consciousness, and explores the science behind their creation.
What is Consecration?
Sadhguru describes the nature of consecration and what makes this life-transforming science so relevant to humanity.
Architecture and Spirituality
Sadhguru explores the nature of geometry and architecture, and explains the unique nature of the buildings at the Isha Yoga Center, especially the Dhyanalinga dome.
Idols in the Hindu Way of Life
Idols are an integral part of worship in the Hindu way of life. Sadhguru looks at the how these are not mere depictions of gods, but are scientifically created as powerful energy centers.
Jyotirlingas – Tools for Ultimate wellbeing
Sadhguru explains the significance of the 12 Jyotirlingas and their importance as tools for our ultimate wellbeing.
Kedarnath Temple – A Crazy Cocktail of Spirituality
We look at the significance of Kedarnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and how it has been a space energized by thousands of mystics and yogis over the ages.
Badrinath Temple – The Legend and History
We look at the legend of Badrinath temple and how Vishnu tricked Shiva and Parvati, and its history of how Adi Shankaracharya established the temple over a thousand years ago.
Chidambaram Temple – How And Why It Was Created
Sadhguru looks at how and why the Chidambaram temple was created and explores its association with Patanjali, the father of modern yoga.
Kashi – The City of Light
Sadhguru speaks about Kailash, the great repository of mystical knowledge.
Mount Kailash – The Greatest Mystical Library
Kashi, or Varanasi as it is commonly known today, was the center of rituals, and a phenomenal tool created for spiritual growth. Sadhguru, looks at the lore and science behind some of its main rituals.
Can Women Be Priests?
In India, most temples open to the general public are managed by priests not priestesses. Is this prejudice or is this science? Sadhguru answers.
The Science of Everyday Life
Sleeping Right
Have you ever scoffed at elders who told you not to sleep with your head placed to the north and other such things? Well, turns out they might just have had a point to make!
The Science of Mudras
Sadhguru looks at the science of mudras and the capability of human hands to function as a “control panel to everything.”
What is the Meaning of Namaskar?
The greeting of namaskar or namaste is an ubiquitous part of Indian culture. Sadhguru explains the science and significance behind the gesture of joining our palms together.
Does Astrology Work?
Skeptics say no, believers say yes, but does astrology work? Sadhguru, looks at Vedic astrology and whether the stars and planets can influence our lives.
Indian Classical Music – The Science and Significance
We look at the science and impact of Indian classical music, as Sadhguru interacts with Pandit Jasraj, doyen of Hindustani classical music.
The Significance of Lighting Oil Lamps
There is a lot more to the humble oil lamp, as Sadhguru tells us, than its obvious use of providing light and aesthetics. Find out more about how you can create an ambience of energy and positivity in your home.
Bha-ra-ta!
Bharat – The Power of a Name
Sadhguru and Kiran Bedi explore the meaning of the name “Bharat”, and how it wasn’t just a name inherited from India’s first emperor, but a scientific device to find your rhythm with the tune of existence.
Bharat, the Rhythm of a Nation
Sadhguru and Kiran Bedi continue their discussion of what makes a nation successful, and what it will take to bring Bharat back to its past glory.
Hindustan
Sadhguru pens a poem on this ancient nation, which is a “nation of seekers, seeking not wealth or wellbeing, but liberation.”
Binding India
2G, Coalgate, IPL and so on are familiar acronyms for various scandals of thepast few years. Sadhguru looks at what is needed to root out corruption in India.
Mystic India
God is in Your Genes!
Sadhguru speaks about the science behind the system of gotras and kulas that were established in Indian culture, which show a deep understanding of genetics.
What is the Significance of Brahmacharya?
Brahmacharya has always been an integral part of the spiritual process. Sadhguru speaks about what brahmacharya is, and who a brahmachari is.
Kumbha Mela – The Greatest Gathering
Sadhguru looks at the science and significance behind the Kumbha Mela, the greatest gathering of people in the world.
Vibhuti – How and Where Should We Apply It
Vibhuti, the sacred ash, is a very important of the spiritual seeker’s life. Sadhguru looks at the methods of preparing vibhuti, how it should be used and where it must be applied on the body.
Rudraksha – Everything You Need to Know About Rudraksha
A rudraksha is the seed of the Eliocarpus ganitrus tree and plays an important role in a spiritual seeker’s life. Sadhguru looks at the various types of these beads and their benefits, including the panchmukhi and ek mukhi.
Snakes and Mysticism
Sadhguru talks about the connection between mysticism and snakes, and the power and energy of this mysterious creature.
Sadhus, Saints and Seers – What’s the Difference?
Sadhguru answers a question on the difference between sadhus, saints, seers, and yogis, and where enlightenment fits into all this.
Kali Yuga – When Did it End and What Lies Ahead?
Sadhguru explains the science of the four yugas, and calculates the timeline of Kali Yuga and the coming shift in human consciousness in 70 years.
Festivals in Indian Culture
The Importance of Festivals
Festivals are a very significant part of Indian culture. Sadhguru explains how celebration can be a passageway to the most profound aspects of life.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
We look at the significance of the Makar Sankranti festival, a day where there is a significant movement in the zodiac – the arrangement of the earth’s dial around the sun.
Pongal O’ Pongal: More than a Harvest Festival
Sadhguru looks at the significance of Pongal, celebrated in the month of Thai in the Tamil Calendar.
Why Mahashivarathri?
Mahashivarathri is the most significant festival in India. Sadhguru explains why, and looks at how it can be a stepping stone in spiritual evolution.
Sadhguru’s Tamil New Year Message
Sadhguru speaks of the importance of the Tamil New Year festival in helping us stay connected to the food we eat and the Earth from which we have all sprung.
Sadhguru’s Ugadi Message
Sadhguru gives us a special Ugadi message, revealing the science behind why today is the new year.
Sri Rama Navami: Conducting Yourself Gracefully
Sadhguru looks at why Rama is worshipped throughout India, and what we can imbibe from his life.
Guru Purnima
The full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June-July) is known as Guru Purnima. This sacred day falls on July 12 in 2014, and honors the ancient lineage of enlightened beings.
The Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha
Sadhguru explains the significance of Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha, and why the tradition of honoring our ancestors is significant.
Dussehra – Why Do We Celebrate It?
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is the tenth day that follows the nine days of Navratri. Sadhguru explains how it can bring success and victory into our life.
Ayudha Pooja – What Is Its Significance?
Sadhguru explains how Ayudha Pooja can be an important tool for growth, and much more than just a ritual.
Naraka Chaturdashi – Killing of All Wrongs
Sadhguru looks at the legend behind Naraka Chaturdashi, when Krishna slew the demon Naraka, and explains how it is still relevant to us today.
Diwali – Lighting the Fire Within
Sadhguru explains the significance of the Festival of Lights – Diwali, and how we can make it a cracker of a time!
The Significance of the Kartik Month
Sadhguru explains the importance of the Kartik month and looks at why lighting lamps is so significant in this month.