Standing at the centre of the universe at Angkor Wat
At five in the morning last Friday, I stood among hundreds of visitors on the sacred grounds of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, waiting for the sun to rise. There was a quiet anticipation in the air. Though the crowd was large, a reverent silence prevailed. Silhouettes gathered along the causeway, cameras poised, yet […]
Restaurant layout must appease the five elements
Some restaurants attract a large number of patrons, while others can’t attract a fly. Have you wondered why? Well, Vasthu sastra could explain the reasons. A restaurant consciously arranged according to Vasthu principles is likely to see a steady flow of customers. It is not based on the restaurateur’s gut feelings but a strategic layout […]
Good and bad omens
In the Indian belief system, passed down from generation to generation, a sneeze is not considered a coincidence. To many, it may be a trivial, everyday occurrence, but in the study of omens, sneezes can carry messages. Ancient civilizations such as Hindu, Roman, Greek, and Chinese viewed these involuntary convulsions as indications of auspicious or […]
Healing in the sand
I AM in Da Nang, Vietnam – one of my favourite sanctuaries of peace and spiritual calm. Along its tranquil shoreline, it is a familiar sight to see locals and visitors alike lying in shallow sand pits, buried up to their necks, as gentle waves caress the shore nearby at sunrise. Others scoop handfuls of […]
Finding happiness in simplicity – the Maldivian way
In a world that often feels rushed and complicated, the Maldives stands as a serene reminder that simplicity can be the key to true happiness. This tropical paradise, with its turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and breath-taking sunrises and sunsets, is not just a destination for travellers seeking beauty and healing – it’s also home […]
Be thankful and have a grateful heart
We have all been fortunate in many ways with what we have – three decent meals a day, a roof over our heads, and clothing to wear – during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the time to count our blessings because gratitude unlocks the fullness of life and turns what we have into enough, and […]
Where steps become prayers: Thaipusam at Batu Caves
On Thaipusam today, Batu Caves reveals itself as far more than stone steps and steep climbs. Each of its 272 steps carries prayers, vows, and silent acts of endurance, turning a physical ascent into a sacred inner journey. Batu Caves, leading to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Kuala Lumpur, is not merely a place […]
Answering the call of a spiritual journey
A spiritual calling is a profound, often unexplainable feeling that draws an individual to a specific place or journey. It transcends mere curiosity or planning, carrying a sense of necessity for personal growth or satisfaction. Such a calling should never be forced; it must arise naturally. When the moment feels right, the individual should embark […]
Discovering inner peace through Silent Day
Each year, as I touch down upon Bali—the Island of the Gods—I am struck by a familiar realisation: some journeys are measured not in miles, but in the depth of one’s own silence. This year marks my seventh consecutive pilgrimage to witness Nyepi, the Silent Day festival. In a world that rarely stops talking, returning […]
Choosing an auspicious land to build your home
In Vasthu Sastra, the land on which a home is built plays a vital role in shaping the well-being of those who live there. Just as a strong foundation supports a building, the energy of the land supports the lives, prosperity, and harmony of the occupants. Ancient Vasthu texts emphasise that selecting the right plot […]