Thursday, May 1, 2014

# 019 Strength of Hinduism

Two Shankaracharyas to work against Modi in Varanasi - news item in Deccan Herald dated 2.5.2014

My first thought was why are they getting into (petty) politics?

On deeper reflection I  wonder whether the ability to accommodate such  activities is what gives strength to Hinduism/ Indian Culture?

Monday, April 14, 2014

# 018 Jaya and Vijaya



I am sure everybody knows that Jaya means Victory.

But there is another word Vijaya which also generally means Victory. 

Why two different words if the meaning is same? Does it mean there is a subtle difference? If so what is the difference? I stumbled on a credible answer. Read on:

"Jaya means pure victory — one where there are no losers.
 Vijaya means victory where someone is defeated.
 A victory without losers is a victory over one's own self."

Jaya is the subject matter of Vedas. It is interesting to note that Vyasa gave the title of Jaya for the epic Mahabharath which name was given later by others and got stuck. 

Devdutta pattanaik.