Every living being, whether a plant, flower, or fruit, possesses life. In our daily lives, we inevitably use plants and flowers, raising questions about the sensitivity of our actions. True sensitivity lies in being aware of the impact we have on all forms of life. A remarkable example of such sensitivity is seen in the story of Bahubali. While traveling through a forest, his garment got entangled in a thorny bush. As he tried to retrieve it, he realized that the plant was being disturbed. Out of deep compassion, he chose to leave the cloth behind rather than cause harm. This profound sensitivity led him to another realization—every step he took could crush small plants beneath him. To avoid harming even the tiniest life forms, he stood still, allowing creepers to grow around his feet. This is why the statue of Gomateshwara depicts him standing in absolute stillness, embodying the highest form of compassion. Such an extraordinary way of living is rooted in ahimsa—the practice of non-vi...
I asked a couple of yoga teachers for their insights on "mental strength" because we often hear people advising those going through difficult times to be strong. I wondered what it is that makes one mentally strong and what attitudes one can cultivate to train oneself. It is also important to consider how we connect with those facing life's storms, as our language, words can have a profound impact on someone who feels deeply troubled. Offering them our physical presence to lean on and words of encouragement can help them lift themselves out of their struggles. Courage and resilience come from within, which are divine qualities, and when these qualities reach out to others, they come as a shower of compassion. Let us take time to read each of the quotes by the yoga practitioners and see which ones resonate with us. “For me, being mentally strong means staying positive, especially during difficult times such as health challenges or losing loved ones. Challenges keep coming,...