Posts

Showing posts from 2026

Walking the Sacred Circle: The Spiritual Significance of Parikrama

Image
Parikrama—circumambulation around a sacred site—is one of the most profound practices in Hindu tradition. It symbolizes devotion, penance, and surrender to the divine, guiding the devotee inward toward the center of spiritual energy. Whether performed around a hill, a temple, or a river, Parikrama is more than a ritual walk; it is a journey of self-discovery, humility, and transformation. Girivalam – Arunachala Hill, Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) Walking barefoot around the 14 km circumference of Arunachala Hill, revered as Lord Shiva’s fiery manifestation (Agni Lingam), is known as Girivalam. Spiritual Depth: Believed to dissolve ego, bring inner peace, and lead devotees closer to self-realization. Ashta Lingams: Along the path stand eight lingams representing the cardinal directions. Worshipping them is said to cleanse sins, karmas, and fears. Healing Energy: Arunachala radiates intense spiritual vibrations, and devotees believe the walk rej...

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: “Stress-Freely” Used, Heavy Words Losing Their Weight

Image
                 Recently, I found my friends   exclaiming, “I am extremely stressed!” —but was she truly? It wasn't a crisis that would change her life, and she wasn't drowning in toxic pressure. She was merely managing several tasks simultaneously. It occurred to me that contemporary discourse often employs terms such as 'stress', 'anxiety', and 'depression' so casually that they have nearly forfeited their genuine significance. Here, ‘losing weight’ doesn’t mean physical weight—it means words like stress, anxiety, and depression are losing their weightage, their true significance, because of casual overuse.”                We use them "stress-free"—without reflecting on their true significance. It's particularly crucial to pay attention to this informal usage of strong language in the classroom. Envision an educator lamenting, “I’m disheartened by the examination outcomes,” while ...