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The Philosophy of Islam
In order to better grasp the underlying philosophy of Islam, it is important to address a key question that often arises in this context. Is Islam a political ideology or a moral and spiritual guide? Interestingly, the answer is not straightforward and depends on one’s point of view. There is an important reason for this…
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Understanding Islam
Islam, the second-largest religion in the world today, literally means submission to God. That is the starting point. It signifies the natural inclination of human beings, a God-centred worldview. Also, it’s worth noting that Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, continued the monotheistic tradition of Abrahamic religions – Judaism and Christianity – after the Quran was…
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Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on Pranayama
Pranayama, as we learnt, is the regulation of breath, and subsequently, energy. Now let’s see what the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali say about pranayama. There are three sutras dedicated to it in the text from 11:49 to 11:51. We will discuss them one by one. Asanas are important The first sutra (11:49) defines the pranayama…
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Yoga Sutras and the Art of Breathing
Previously, we learnt about the importance of breath. Now let’s turn to an important text, which considered to be the foundation of yoga and meditation: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali described the ways of overcoming the afflictions of the body and the fluctuations of the mind. About the Yoga Sutras Patanjali’s…
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How to Breathe: Lessons from Ancient India – Part One
Breath… Perhaps it’s the only thing that stays with us for as long as we live. You can’t get rid of it, try as hard as you may. The breath won’t leave you. It’s what gives us life — that’s why the ancient Indians called it Prana, the life force. Most of the time we…
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The Political Life of an Indian Muslim: Ziaur Rahman Ansari
The political life of an Indian Muslim — especially after the creation of Pakistan — has revolved around the twin challenges of preserving one’s religious identity and, at the same time, bringing reforms in the community, in order to move forward in this age of nationalism. To understand these challenges, there is no better way…
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The Story of Mahabharata – Part Six
Now we get to the most important part of the story of Mahabharata: the war. Previously, we learnt about what the Panadava brothers went through, which had established a clear animosity on both sides, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, that is. But, why the war? Pandavas had fulfilled both the exile conditions imposed on them.…
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The Story of Mahabharata – Part Five
In the earlier episode of The Story of Mahabharata, we learnt that the Pandavas lost the gamble and had to leave at once for the wilds for a period of thirteen years. Kunti, the mother, was too weak to face the hardships of the exile, therefore, she stayed back. The brothers, along with their wife,…
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