Risen Thoughts

In our increasingly interconnected world, labels often become convenient shortcuts, sometimes at the cost of nuance and accuracy. This is particularly true when discussing the rich tapestry of spiritual and philosophical traditions originating from the Indian subcontinent. The term "Hinduism," while widely used, can be both limiting and, at times, misrepresentative of the profound and timeless wisdom it seeks to encompass: Sanātana Dharma. This article is an invitation to both those outside and within this tradition to look beyond the conventional label and delve into its deeper essence, touching upon its origins, spread, and foundational philosophy as we've explored in our recent conversation. For those who are not followers of Sanātana Dharma, the term "Hinduism" often conjures images of a monolithic religion with a specific founder, a single holy book, and a rigid set of dogmas. This perception, shaped by Abrahamic models of religion, falls short of capturing...

In the heart of Nagigi, Labasa, stands the mysterious Naag Mandir, a Hindu temple known for its cobra-shaped rock formation. Unlike many religious sites where miracles are based on oral tradition, Naag Mandir has actual photographs and physical evidence of the rock’s presence and apparent growth over time. Devotees believe it to be a manifestation of Naag Devta (the snake god), and it has become a site of deep faith and worship. However, closer geological examination suggests the rock might be a natural tufa formation, continuing to evolve even today. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Naag Mandir rock is that when knocked on, it sounds hollow. The sound suggests that the rock is not solid throughout, but rather porous with air pockets inside. This is a well-known characteristic of tufa, a type of limestone that forms through the deposition of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich water. Tufa formations are common near freshwater springs or areas where underground water seeps to t...

 The human quest to understand consciousness and the soul has spanned millennia, giving rise to a rich tapestry of philosophical, spiritual, and scientific perspectives. From the materialist's focus on the brain to the dualist's separation of mind and body, and the mystic's vision of a soul intertwined with the cosmos, we are left with a puzzle that continues to challenge our understanding of existence. This article explores a fascinating thought experiment, born from a conversation about these very mysteries, that delves into distributed consciousness, the subtle body, and the potential for interstellar transcendence. The conventional scientific view, often rooted in materialism, posits that consciousness is an emergent property of the brain. When the brain dies, consciousness ceases. However, this perspective struggles to fully explain the subjective experience of consciousness – the "hard problem" of how physical processes give rise to feeling and awareness....

I once held a preconceived notion about peace. I believed that societies which are well-traveled and deeply aware of other cultures are inherently the most peaceful. My assumption was rooted in the idea that curiosity drives discovery, discovery fosters awareness, and awareness ultimately leads to peace and understanding. While it is true that curiosity and awareness do promote understanding, the critical question remains: does this understanding genuinely translate into peace? If so, then the most multicultural societies should logically be the most peaceful. However, reality often challenges such assumptions. Statistics have a way of dismantling preconceived ideas. Cities like New York, London, Paris, and Sydney are among the most culturally diverse in the world, yet they are not necessarily the most peaceful. Similarly, one might assume that culturally diverse nations would naturally foster greater understanding and harmony among their populations. Yet, this is far from the truth. T...

Allow me to share the story of a man named Mr. Yuh. At 21 years old, Mr. Yuh lives with his parents in a quiet suburb. He is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Yuh, and today marks a momentous occasion—he has graduated from university and is preparing for his wedding next month. It's a day of celebration for the family. His parents, having finally retired, are also rejoicing, as they have successfully paid off their 30-year mortgage. Senior Yuh dedicated 45 years of his life to working. Of those 45 years, he spent 11 and a half years paying taxes, meaning he essentially worked 33 and a half years. Early in his career, Senior Yuh made a bold decision to purchase a home for his family in a desirable neighborhood, valued at $200,000. The real estate agent hailed it as a "bargain." Now, after 30 years of mortgage payments, Senior Yuh has paid the bank a total of $431,851.53, including both principal and interest. While the value of the home has risen substantially, they do not pl...

Imagine a future hundreds or even thousands of years from now. Humanity’s journey of communication began with sign language, evolved into verbal and written forms, and progressed to long-distance communication through messengers, telegraphs, telephones, and now satellites that extend beyond Earth’s boundaries. What comes next? Communication devices are shrinking in size, and it may not be long before we can connect with others through microscopic implants—perhaps even embedded in our bodies (yes, think *Star Trek*). But what lies beyond this? What we often overlook is that the most powerful communication tool lies within us. Some scientists argue that human evolution has plateaued, suggesting that we’ve reached the peak of our development.  *"I've had to question the overall assumption that human evolution pretty much stopped at the time of the agricultural revolution,"* says Steven Pinker, the Harvard psychologist and language expert. I firmly believe this is not the cas...

This piece, written 32 years ago, offers a reflection on the enduring questions of human existence and the evolution of thought. I’ve decided to share it here, as it holds valuable insights that could otherwise be lost to time. Enjoy. From the dawn of civilization, humans have been compelled to ponder their own existence. Unable to answer this profound question, many turned to the idea of a supreme being. Though not the simplest answer, it became the most convincing way to explain the complexities of the universe. Science, of course, has always countered with its own evidence, but the irony is that the very paths that led humanity to believe in a higher power also led to scientific discoveries. Let’s take a step back. Human civilization began when people began to live in groups, forming societies. The development of language allowed for communication, and it was through these conversations that the idea of God likely took root.  As time passed, advancements such as the domesticatio...

Yes I have been quite busy laterly so haven't been able to write any new articles..Sorry to disappoint. Nevertheless I have been surfing though. And found this faboulous article on Noahs Ark. Whilst reading stories and holy books from different religions, I have found some uncanny resemblence to the stories. Its bollywood in reverse. One fact remains that Vedas and puranas came first, then Bible then other religious books. Please read the following account by: Gene D. Matlock, B.A., M.A. on such an account. "When I was a child, my parents were, for a while, members of a Fundamentalist Christian sect called The Nazarenes. It was not a fun church. I escaped from it at age twelve, just when puberty and interest in girls set in. Though they tried to make me stay in that church, Mom and Dad could not weaken my determination to leave it. However, I did enjoy a certain short song that all the Nazarene children had to learn by heart: Jesus Loves Me, This I know, for the Bible Tells Me...

Following up from my previous blog "Older then you think" I have just found a fabolous article about the age of universe. THE UNIVERSE In the early part of this century, two opposing theories about the origin of the universe were postulated. (1) The Steady State theory, which says the universe is never born, never dies, and is always like what it is. (2) The Big bang theory, which says the universe began with a point of energy exploding in a "big-bang". All the matter came into being from energy continuously expanding and changing form. Ultimately the expansion will stop and it will start contracting, ending into nothingness with a "big-crunch". What is before big-bang or after big crunch, the theory doesn’t know. In reality, both the theories are correct. The universe begins from a point with a bang and ends in a point with a crunch. This duration we call one Kalpa (cosmos) or Brahma Diwas (eternal day). It is preceded and succeeded by an equal period dur...

What if humans could live forever—or at least for a thousand years? While such a notion might seem impossible today, it was once considered a reality in ancient times, where Rishis and yogis were said to live for millennia, practicing yoga and meditation. In contrast, today’s diet and lifestyle prevent us from living long, healthy lives. Smoking, alcohol consumption, fatty foods, processed meats, overeating, and an over-reliance on preservatives and sugary drinks all contribute to poor health. Countless studies and articles show that a Sattvic diet—one that emphasizes purity and balance—is ideal for maintaining health. Even better is a plant-based diet, one that avoids animal products. The best diet, it seems, is the one closest to nature. I won’t delve into the specifics of why a meat-free vegetarian diet is beneficial here—you can easily find the research for yourself. The key to living a long life lies in mastering the functions of our bodies and understanding their needs. To begin,...

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the striking similarities between Native Fijian culture and Hindu culture. Initially, I had little knowledge of Fijian traditions, but as I learned more, I discovered many intriguing connections. The Fijians, much like the South Indians, especially the people of Kerala, were skilled seafarers and warriors. Their food habits and clothing are quite similar to those of the South Indian coastal communities. It is well-documented that Micronesian sailors traveled long distances across the vast Pacific Ocean in their rigged sailing canoes. Similarly, Tamil explorers are believed to have sailed as far as New Zealand, navigating the Pacific with remarkable precision. A fascinating piece of evidence supporting this theory is a bell found in New Zealand's Te Papa Museum, which bears an inscription in Tamil. The words "Mohoyideen Buk’s ship’s bell" are etched on it, and it was used as a cooking vessel by the Maori people.  You can click he...

The origin of life has long been a topic of debate, with various theories and beliefs across cultures. Some people believe that God created the heavens, the Earth, and all living and non-living things. Others, such as certain cultures, claim that the Earth was born from an egg. These ideas often coexisted with the notion that the Earth was flat and that the edges were surrounded by water—ideas that were once common, yet later debunked. The Christian faith, for example, maintains that the Earth is less than 10,000 years old. In fact, Archbishop James Ussher of Ireland famously proclaimed that the Earth was created on October 22nd, 4004 BC. This would mean that older religious beliefs, such as Hinduism and the ancient Egyptian worldview, would be rendered irrelevant or non-existent if we adhere strictly to this timeline. The argument between religion and science could go on for centuries. However, after researching various religious and cultural perspectives, it seems that Hinduism offer...

**Why Space Exploration Matters: Addressing the Critics with Facts and Vision** Time and time again, critics of NASA and space exploration raise the question: *"Why waste billions of dollars exploring space when millions of people on Earth suffer from hunger and poverty?"* This is a valid and important question, one that deserves a thoughtful and well-reasoned response. However, the argument often overlooks the profound benefits of space exploration, not only for scientific advancement but also for the survival and progress of humanity as a whole. ### The Spirit of Discovery: What Makes Us Human If humanity had adopted the mindset of avoiding exploration and discovery, we would never have learned that the Earth is round. We would never have ventured out of our caves to explore new lands, cross oceans, or map the continents. It is this innate curiosity and drive to explore that has defined us as a species. Without it, we might still be swinging from trees, living in isolation,...

You might not have encountered these ideas before, but if you find them intriguing, we could definitely connect over these fascinating concepts. Let’s take a moment to explore an astounding similarity between two seemingly unrelated things—machine language and the genetic code of living organisms. The fundamental unit of computer language, the basis for all programming and robotics, is a binary system of two digits: zeros and ones (0,1). Similarly, the very foundation of life is based on a biological code that uses four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), and cytosine (C). These four proteins make up the DNA strands of all living organisms, essentially encoding the instructions for life itself. In essence, we're creating robots in our own image—both systems are based on code, one in the form of machine language and the other in biological elements. The underlying concept is remarkably similar. The implications of this are profound: could our creation of machines ...

Life is a profound and intricate journey, filled with moments of joy, pain, love, and sorrow. It is a tapestry woven with experiences that shape who we are and how we perceive the world. At some point, almost everyone pauses to ask themselves the timeless question: *What is the purpose of my existence?* The answers to this question are as varied as the individuals who ask it. Some find clarity and direction, while others continue to live as if life were a duty, moving through it without deeper reflection. Some believe the purpose of life is to savor the gift of existence, while others see life as a path leading inevitably to death. Yet, beneath these differing perspectives lies a universal truth: life is a shared experience, one that connects all living beings in ways both seen and unseen. Every living thing, from the smallest microorganism to the tallest tree, from the humblest insect to the most complex human, shares a common origin. We are all born from the same cosmic seed that gav...