1016 posts since 2008
Dandapani’s Blog
Welcome! Sharing my reflections on the spiritual path.
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Day 13 of our Sadhu Image Series
The markings on a Hindu's forehead quite often shares what sects he belongs to. There are four primary sects within Hinduism namely Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism. The markings on this sadhu's forehead indicate that he is a Vaishnavite. Members of this sect worship the supreme God in the form of Vishnu. The Kumbha Mela festival taking place next year in Allahabad is the largest gathe...
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Apr 29, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Monks embracing technology
For Day 11 of our series of images on sadhus I bring you a photo I took about 3 years back at the Kumbha Mela festival in Haridwar of a sadhu. I was focused on a photographing a parade when I noticed someone standing next to me. I peeked out of the corner of my eye and here was
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Apr 28, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Parade of Sadhus at the Kumbha Mela
One of the visually striking things at the Kumbha Mela is the parades that take place mainly on the main bathing day during the festival. Here a sadhu dances jubilantly waving a long sword as he parades down the street with thousands of other monastics headed to the sacred Ganges
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Apr 27, 2012 Gallery of Sadhus, Kumbha Mela (Day 8)
Certain sects of monastics within Hinduism, most notably the naga sadhus, often cover their entire body with ash. Ash symbolizes the transient nature of life and things. The application of ash on their body is a constant reminder that their body will be gone one day but the soul
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Apr 27, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
How long should I sit for when I meditate?
A couple of days ago we gave a response to the question "What are one of the first things to do when one wants to begin a meditation practice?" and we ended the blog post with the question “How long should I sit for?” Here's our response to that question. Well if you've never m
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Apr 27, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Gallery of Sadhus, Kumbha Mela (Day 9)
It does not happen often but you'll find from time to time young men taking to the monastic path early on in life. The world no longer holds any fascination to them and they realize the transient nature of life, thus they seek the Self. My guru says the following "The Self: you
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Apr 25, 2012 1 MINUTE READ
Meditation's first steps (Part 1)
What are one of the first things to do when one wants to begin a meditation practice? I often get asked this question. One of the first things you should do is to make an appointment with yourself each day. The appointment with yourself involves sitting down for a period of time