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Time of India
23-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Becoming Zero: The Spiritual and Scientific Power of Nothingness
Something plus zero remains the same, something times zero becomes zero, and something divided by zero spirals towards the undefined. These simple mathematical truths hide a profound spiritual metaphor. Zero – that symbol of nothing – holds up a mirror to the cosmos and to our inner selves. In the spiritual lexicon of India, zero is shunya ( emptiness ), often equated with Shiva , the divine embodiment of nothingness. Blending insights from mathematics , spirituality , and science, let's explore how becoming 'zero' might be the key to understanding everything. The Enigma of Zero in Mathematics Mathematically, zero is both humble and extraordinary. Add zero to any number and nothing changes; multiply a number by zero and its identity vanishes. Try to divide by zero, and mathematics breaks down, hinting at infinity. These operations serve as metaphors for the spiritual journey. Ancient Indian mathematicians recognized zero as a number in its own right, calling it shunya ('void' or 'nothing'). This concept revolutionized mathematics and paved the way for modern science. Beyond its practical use, zero is profoundly paradoxical: it represents nothing, yet it makes everything possible. Without zero, we could not express vast numbers or have a placeholder for value; similarly, without the emptiness of space, form could not manifest. The symbol for zero – a circle – has no beginning or end, hinting at infinity and the wholeness of existence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo Shunya and Shiva: The Spiritual Symbolism of Nothingness In Indian spiritual thought, Shiva is described as 'that which is not,' the boundless emptiness from which creation arises. This phrase denotes the ultimate reality as a formless essence beyond name and form. Shiva's very being is like a cosmic zero: the silent, unchanging backdrop behind the drama of life. In Tantra, Shiva symbolizes pure consciousness (still and empty), while Shakti symbolizes dynamic creative energy; their union shows that emptiness and form are two sides of one divine reality. Advaita Vedanta echoes this idea, describing the absolute truth (Brahman) as an infinite, indivisible whole – the zero behind all apparent things. The arithmetic analogies of zero reflect spiritual approaches: - Adding zero to oneself – adopting spirituality superficially – leaves the ego unchanged; one remains 'something' separate. - Multiplying by zero – complete surrender – dissolves the ego into the divine emptiness, making one with the infinite. - Dividing by zero – trying to intellectually grasp the infinite – yields nothing but paradox and confusion. Only by surrendering the illusion of separateness can one experience unity with the divine. Sages advise negating all false identifications – saying 'neti, neti' ('not this, not that') to everything impermanent – until only pure awareness remains. When all transient attributes are stripped away, what remains is that pure consciousness: an emptiness brimming with potential. Meditators who touch this inner void report a state of blissful stillness. Far from bleak, this nothingness is the womb of all existence. Science and the Void: When Nothing Becomes Everything Modern physics offers parallels: even 'empty' space isn't truly empty – particles flicker in and out of the vacuum, making nothingness a seething field of potential. Some cosmologists even speculate that our entire universe sprang from an initial void, a quantum fluctuation that became the Big Bang. The notion that something can emerge from nothing is now taken seriously in science. Black holes : when a massive star dies, it can collapse to an almost zero-sized point of infinite density – a cosmic 'divide by zero' where space and time break down. Yet even this ultimate nothingness may hide new beginnings – from the death of a star can arise the seeds of new worlds, mirroring Shiva's cosmic dance of creation and dissolution. Becoming One with the Infinite Ultimately, the spiritual journey invites us to multiply ourselves by zero – to surrender the ego and merge into the infinite essence that Shiva represents. In doing so, we find that becoming nothing makes us one with everything. Science, mathematics, and mysticism all hint at this truth. Though zero symbolizes 'nothing,' it is the source of endless potential – like the quiet void before creation holding the universe in seed form. Embracing the spirit of zero in our lives fosters humility and openness, encouraging us to let go of rigid identities. After all, we come from nothing and return to nothing, tracing a cosmic circle. By becoming zero – entering Shiva's state of pure being – we complete that circle and realize our true nature. In that realization, the drop and the ocean are one; the finite and the infinite unite; emptiness reveals its fullness. Such is the power of zero: the sacred nothingness that is the wellspring of all existence. Authors: Shambo Samrat Samajdar and Shashank R Joshi Chandra Namaskar: Yogic Secret for Sleep & Fertility- A Step-by-Step Guide
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
Who is the emerging author Surya Bharti, and what makes their work stand out?
Surya Bharti (born March 23, 2007) is a remarkable young voice in Indian literature—an emerging poet, author, and social thinker whose work is already making a profound impact on readers across the country. At just 18 years old, Surya has established himself as a powerful literary force, weaving together themes of spirituality, nationalism, cultural identity, and social reform. His work transcends mere poetic expression—it is a call to higher consciousness, a mirror to society, and a bridge between ancient Indian wisdom and the needs of the modern world. Born to Subhash Kumar and Kiran Kumari, Surya Bharti was raised in an environment rich in cultural and philosophical heritage. From a young age, he displayed a deep inclination toward poetry, scriptures, and philosophical reflection. His early engagement with Indian epics, historical narratives, and spiritual texts laid the foundation for his unique literary voice. Inspired by saints, revolutionaries, and nationalist poets, Surya channels a vision that is both introspective and socially engaged. What distinguishes Surya Bharti is not just his age or the volume of his work, but the clarity of thought and emotional depth he brings to his writing. Drawing heavily from the principles of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), his poetry and prose emphasize self-realization, universal oneness, and ethical responsibility. He doesn't merely write to express; he writes to awaken. Surya Bharti's literary journey began with poetry that reflected his devotion to India's spiritual and cultural soul. His poems touch upon devotion, patriotism, inner transformation, and social justice—all bound together by a consistent philosophical thread. His poetry is known for its lyrical intensity, philosophical nuance, and bold engagement with contemporary issues. One of his most celebrated poems, 'Peshani Par Unke Ram Likh Dena', is a stirring tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. This poem became symbolic of spiritual nationalism, blending reverence with a call to moral courage. Another major work, 'Raktdeep Ki Sesh Seekha', honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters, igniting a passionate reminder of the cost of justice and truth. In 'Krishnatva', Surya explores the divine qualities of Lord Krishna through a fusion of mythology, philosophy, and personal reflection. The work, both poetic and prose-based, reveals his deep engagement with the Bhagavad Gita and Vedantic thought. It's not just a devotional text but also a spiritual guide, urging readers toward introspection and dharma (righteous living). His book 'Kranti', meaning 'revolution,' serves as a manifesto for social and spiritual change. It addresses critical issues such as blind faith, outdated customs, gender inequality, and the need for progressive reform. Through poetic discourse and sharp philosophical inquiry, Surya invites his readers to become agents of transformation in their own lives and communities. Surya Bharti's writing is both timeless and timely. His themes revolve around: Spiritual Awakening: A strong focus on self-realization, devotion, and inner truth. A strong focus on self-realization, devotion, and inner truth. Cultural Identity: Deep reverence for Indian heritage, mythological traditions, and ethical values. Deep reverence for Indian heritage, mythological traditions, and ethical values. Social Reform: Challenging superstition, inequality, and societal apathy with bold moral questions. Challenging superstition, inequality, and societal apathy with bold moral questions. Nationalism: Promoting a form of patriotism rooted in spiritual strength, unity, and historical pride. Promoting a form of patriotism rooted in spiritual strength, unity, and historical pride. Philosophical Inquiry: Guided by the principles of non-duality, Surya frequently explores the idea that all beings are interconnected and divine in essence. His writing style is marked by lyrical richness, clarity of vision, and emotional force. He uses symbolism, allegory, and spiritual metaphors to explore contemporary problems—making his works deeply resonant for modern readers while remaining faithful to ancient wisdom. Despite his young age, Surya Bharti has managed to build a substantial literary presence. His poems and books have been well received by a growing readership that includes youth, spiritual seekers, thinkers, and educators. What makes his impact unique is his ability to reach both traditional and modern audiences. His works are studied not just as literary art, but as reflections of a larger cultural and ethical awakening. Surya's influence lies in his ability to speak to the soul of India—to articulate the values that lie at the heart of its civilization while engaging with its current challenges. He offers not just poetry, but perspective; not just stories, but visions. With more works underway, including essays and poetry collections focused on human values and spiritual inquiry, Surya Bharti is poised to become one of the defining literary voices of his generation. His mission is not merely to entertain, but to educate, enlighten, and transform. He sees art as a dialogue with the soul—a means of awakening society to higher truths. Surya Bharti's literary philosophy aligns with the teachings of Vedantic sages, freedom fighters, and nationalist thinkers who viewed culture and literature as essential tools for consciousness and reform. His work encourages individuals to look inward, live truthfully, and rise above superficial divisions of caste, creed, and ideology. Surya Bharti stands as a beacon of youthful wisdom and poetic power in India's literary landscape. His remarkable journey—from a child drawn to scriptures to a recognized poet and author—is a testament to the timeless relevance of spiritual thought in addressing modern realities. Through his work, he invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and moral courage. In an age often dominated by noise and distraction, Surya Bharti's writing offers depth, clarity, and a much-needed reminder of the inner light that guides us all. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Mind meets Mantra: Dance of matter and self
By Vijay Hashia Mind and matter have always been a conundrum of human curiosity. Is mind matter or vice versa? How can a non-physical mind be linked to matter? Philosophers have explored various perspectives. While dualism closely associated with Réne Descartes, holds that the mind is a non-physical substance, distinct from physical body, associated with consciousness and self-awareness; others such as, William Hasker's emergent dualism states that the mind emerges from and is dependent on the physical body but remains distinct; JP Moreland and Johan Foster's Thomistic dualism emphasises mind-body almost similar to Cartesian dualism. These views contrast with physicalism and enactivism, which argue that all mental phenomena can be explained in terms of physical processes and the role of embodied interaction, respectively. Since dualism asserts that the human mind is immaterial and disembodied, the mind could continue to exist even after the body dies. Still, it fails to explain how the non-physical mind can interact with the physical body. How can something which isn't made of matter influence others? This mind-matter interaction, therefore, remains a significant challenge for dualists due to limited interpretations. In Hindu thought, the mind is generally viewed as a subtle form of matter, a derivative of Prakriti, nature or matter, rather than a separate entity. While there is a distinction between consciousness and the mind, it is not a complete separation, as propagated in Western dualistic thought. Advaita Vedanta states that manas, the lower mind, receives sense impressions; buddhi, intellect, is for decisionmaking; chitta is for memory storage; and ahamkara is the sense of ego. It is seen as interacting with the Atman, the true Self or ultimate reality. The mind is whimsical, capricious, restless, inconsistent, erratic, volatile, sense slave, trickster, unruly, yet a source of creativity and boundless potential. It is often castigated as 'monkey mind', a restless ocean, a childish, insane and akaleidoscope, et al. Senses, in experiencing the outer world, communicate with manifest objects; a wobbling, capricious mind gets carried away by senses, as it cannot directly communicate with manifest objects, so the senses provide resource input. In meditation, as we close our eyes, we cannot see the outer world. Complete communication with the outer world breaks down as we focus on the object of meditation. With this, the deluge of thoughts subsides as we concentrate on the object or breath. Sensual consciousness transcends into a new experience of aesthetic consciousness, and this is the stage where knower, knowing, and knowledge merge with superconsciousness. True meditation lies in knowing and enlightening the mind, and the stimulation comes through chanting of a mantra, for example, the Gayatri mantra 'Om bhur bhuvasvah tat saviturvarenyam bhargodevasya dihimahi dhiy hona pracodayat.' The mantra rejuvenates one's intellect and enlightens the mind. Sahir Ludhianvi's lyrics in Hindi song 'Tora mann darpan kehlaaye…,' depicts the heart as a mirror reflecting one's actions and karm, suggesting that good and bad deeds are seen and reflected in the heart. True liberation lies in understanding the mind's nature and freeing it from conditioning. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Shankaracharya nourished sanatana dharma, culture: Sanadi
Dharwad: Rich tributes were paid to Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya on his birth anniversary, at a programme organised by the district administration and the department of Kannada and Culture at Dharwad on Saturday. Inaugurating the programme, chairman of Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority, Shakir Sanadi hailed Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya for his role in preserving and nurturing sanatana dharma in India. He said Shankaracharya's birth anniversary is rightly being celebrated as Philosophers' Day , as it is a tribute not only to Shankaracharya, but to all those spiritual leaders and philosophers who strived to ensure sanatana dharma and its culture survived despite Mughal invasions. "Adi Jagaguru Shankaracharya propagated the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and interpreted the Upanishads. He established four Sharada Peethas in North, East, South, and West India. It is very important that life stories of such great souls are taught to in schools," Sanadi added. Datta Avadhoota of Sri Brahma Chetanya Ashram, Hebballi, graced the occasion and said that Shankaracharya was born in the 8th century and is one of the most significant Vedantic philosophers. He taught the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and expounded the principle of 'Ekamevaadvitiyam' (the one without a second). His teachings emphasised the importance of knowledge, devotion, and meditation, he noted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Underground Oddities: Weird Characters Spotted in the Subway Subway Quirks and Curiosities Undo Kannada and culture department's assistant director Kumar Bekkari and writer Bharati Hegde also spoke. Former mayors HV Dambal and Poorna Patil, president of Dharwad taluk Brahmana Sabha Brahmin RD Kulkarni and Deepak Alur were present.
News18
02-05-2025
- General
- News18
Shankaracharya Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Significance And Inspiring Quotes
Shankaracharya Jayanti 2025: Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed annually to celebrate the birth of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher and spiritual reformer. The day is marked on the Panchami tithi (fifth day) in the Shukla paksh in the Vaishakh month, as per the Hindu calendar. Shankaracharya is credited with reviving Advaita Vedanta when the Hindu culture was on the decline during the 8th century. His teachings continue to influence Indian thought, spirituality, and culture. At the age of 32 in the year 820 CE, he is said to have disappeared.
