CELIBACY
Tantra vision
Many religions require celibacy, causing conflict between practitioners' desires and their commitments. This struggle can lead to psychological issues for some individuals striving for spiritual goals. Tantra provides an alternative approach by viewing sexual energy as sacred and life-creating. Techniques in tantra help individuals transmute this energy for personal growth and spiritual rejuvenation. The concept of urdhavaretas symbolizes the redirection of energy for enhanced vitality and development.
Quote of the day by Socrates: 'Marriage or celibacy, let a man take whichever course, he will be sure to regret it' - How every choice comes with its own challenges explained by Plato's teacher
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, once said a quote that reflects his skeptical view on life choices. It highlights that whether one chooses to marry or remain single, regret is inevitable. Socrates, who never wrote his ideas down, taught through dialogue and questioning, emphasizing the care of the soul and the pursuit of virtue. His thoughts on marriage and celibacy underscore the human tendency to face challenges and dissatisfaction regardless of the path taken.
Mahavir Jayanti 2026 Date: March 30 or 31? Check correct date, tithi, significance and rituals
Mahavir Jayanti, celebrating Lord Mahavira's birth, will be observed on March 31, 2026. This important Jain festival emphasizes his five core teachings: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment. Devotees engage in charity, fasting, and meditation to honor the spiritual leader.
Rishabhdev’s message of forgiveness: The timeless path to inner peace and karmic freedom
Jainism's first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev, taught that anger, ego, deceit, and greed lead to attachment, aversion, and karmic bondage, resulting in rebirth across various destinies. To attain inner peace and liberation, he advocated forgiveness. Jains worldwide observe Paryushan Parva, celebrating ten virtues like forgiveness, humility, and truth, while the West embraces forgiveness practices for improved health.
Hariyali Teej 2025: Date, rituals, do’s and don’ts, and the spiritual significance of green
Hariyali Teej 2025: Hariyali Teej, a festival for married women, will be celebrated on July 27, 2025. Women will pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for their husbands' well-being. They will observe specific rituals, including fasting and wearing green attire. Certain foods and activities will be avoided. The festival welcomes the monsoon season and celebrates fertility.
Who is Wilawan Emsawat? Thai woman at the heart of a shocking monk seduction and blackmail scandal
A scandal involving Wilawan Emsawat has rocked Thailand's Buddhist community, with accusations of seduction and blackmail against several high-ranking monks. Emsawat allegedly lured monks into violating their vows of celibacy and then extorted money from them to conceal the relationships.
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Shravan 2025: Check first Sawan Somwar puja vidhi, fasting rules, do’s & don’ts, and what to offer Lord Shiva
Shravan 2025: The first Sawan Somvar in 2025 is on July 14, inviting devotees of Lord Shiva to begin a month of sacred rituals, fasting, and chanting. A step-by-step puja guide helps maintain purity and devotion. Key practices include sattvik living, mantra chanting, charity, and avoiding tamasik foods. Proper observance is believed to bring divine blessings and spiritual growth.
Pope Francis rewrote church teachings on death penalty, nuclear weapon, but chose not to alter its stand on abortion
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, leaves behind a legacy of both upholding and altering Catholic Church teachings. He maintained the church's stance on abortion and celibacy, yet he declared the death penalty inadmissible and opened doors for divorced Catholics. Francis fostered relationships with Muslim leaders, addressed the abuse crisis, and pushed for economic and environmental reforms.
Universal message
Allama Iqbal lauded Guru Nanak for awakening India from spiritual slumber. Born during an era of oppression, Guru Nanak emphasized a direct connection with God, deeming organized religion secondary. His 'Japuji Sahib,' starting with 'Ek Omkar,' underscores the universe's oneness. He advocated 'amrit vela' for communion with the formless 'Nirankar' and stressed 'bhakti' and 'naam simran' for salvation.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Fasting rules: Here is what you can eat and what to avoid during nine days
Chaitra Navratri 2024 has commenced, focusing on devotion to Goddess Durga through fasting and spiritual practices. Followers adhere to dietary restrictions and spiritual rituals for mental clarity and purification. The period emphasizes inner cleansing and growth, with guidelines for consuming specific foods and maintaining celibacy.
Holashtak 2024: Date, times, do's and don'ts, Why Holashtak period is inauspicious? Here is all
The Holashtak period, from March 17 to March 25, 2024, prompts caution among Hindus. Spanning eight days preceding Holi, it's deemed inauspicious for auspicious activities. Adhering to customary practices is crucial. Don'ts include refraining from new ventures, hair and nail cutting, and major celebrations. Spiritual engagement, charity, and worship are encouraged.
Women's movement in a house of faith
Pope Francis has approved changes to allow women to vote at a meeting of bishops in Rome, marking a significant step forward for gender equality within the Catholic Church. The move comes as the Church increasingly follows changing social norms rather than sticking to traditional religious dogma. Nathalie Becquart became the first woman to have the right to vote in the synod after being appointed as the assembly's undersecretary, and 53 other women have since joined her. The meeting will address various issues including the role of women in the Church and the celibacy of priests.
The path of yog
Yama and niyam are the basic guidelines for aspirants. Yama entails five moral codes of conduct for interacting with others: Satya, truthfulness, at the levels of thoughts, speech and actions; ahimsa, non-violence towards others and also towards oneself; asteya, non-stealing, not coveting that which does not belong to oneself; aparigraha, non-hoarding; and brahmacharya, at the physical level it refers to celibacy; for householders, it implies fidelity.
Everyday tapasya
Next, Vaangmayam Tapasya, of expression, that means the practice of addressing others so as to not cause them anxiety, to speak the truth, in a friendly and positive manner. And, the third is Maanasam Tapasya, of the mind. This is to keep the mind full of bliss, permeating an aura of elation to others; by strict control over speech and keeping thoughts pure.
Keyham mass shooting: People to remember victims on the first anniversary. Read details here
Loner Jake Davison killed several people including his mother on August 12, 2021 in the Keyham area of Plymouth in Devon. On the first anniversary, people will gather to remember victims of the shooting.
At Qatar World Cup, go early to bed
The challenge is not so much about confining oneself to conjugal bliss during the World Cup - and, if unmarried, blissful celibacy. It's the challenge of not succumbing to forces once those forces have been forbidden - the old Prophet Adam, his wife, Iblis and an out-of-bound tree story of Surah 2, Al-Baqara.
Increase your concentration
Too much physical exertion, too much talking, too much eating, too much mixing with the opposite sex and undesirable persons, too much walking, will cause distraction of mind.
Government to release 2D animation videos on Mahatma Gandhi’s message for connect with the young
This would be unveiled before Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and the Ministry of Culture has entrusted this job to The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts which will create this series of short two-three minute long 2D animation videos on the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi in an attempt to connect them to the contemporary context.
View: Fake news and politics & economics of faith
By accusing the Knights Templar of being homosexuals, they were being equated with the Muslims, hence the pleasure-loving Devil. The ‘fake news’ helped the French king destroy this once powerful institution. Even today, we see propaganda, Islamophobia and homophobia applied to destroy political opponents.
Peacock is the national bird as it never has sex with peahen, says Rajasthan High Court judge
Earlier on Wednesday, his last day in office, Sharma had observed while disposing of a petition that cow should be declared the national animal, said Mahesh Chand Sharma.
When Baba Ramdev quit school, fled home and joined gurukul
Dayanand Saraswati's "Satyarth Prakash" had a deep impact on Ramdev. The book not only changed Ramdev's life but also gave it a direction and purpose.
POKE ME: Traditions be damned, Two Supreme Court decisions prod us to change with the times
Jallikattu is in no way as cruel as bullfighting in parts of Spain (the Catalan region has prohibited it since 2012) where sharp spears are stabbed into the bull while the matador.
Celibate priests ask women scribes to move back at Maha CM Fadnavis function
Authorities at Swami Narayan temple told female journalists to be seated some rows behind since their sect observes strict celibacy.
Devendra Fadnavis slams Swami Narayan Temple authorities for discriminating against female journalists
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has slammed the Swami Narayan Temple authorities for discrimination against female journalists.
Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi for raising marriage age to 25
Jitan Ram Manjhi favoured raising marriage age to 25 in tune with "Ashrama system" prescribed in Hindu philosophy for good health and nutrition.
Rhino Shiva refuses to leave Byculla zoo
Byculla zoo’s star resident Shiva couldn’t be shifted to Delhi’s National Zoological Park on Wednesday as the single-horned rhinoceros refused to enter the cage that was to transport him.
Image & reality
The lady with her mirror has been standing at Belur’s Channakesava temple for 1,000 years. She was supposedly modelled on Queen Shantaladevi.
Consistency: Last refuge of unimaginative
"Think different," Jobs seemed to be saying to the Keeper of Keysto.
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