Latest news with #Bodhi
Buzz Feed
22-07-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
24 Things To Help You Keep Your Home Free From Pet Odors
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Because your spot's signature scent doesn't have to be Eau de Cat Pee. 1. A pet hair remover roller if your pet's hair always ends up on your upholstered furniture. While we love our furry friends and want to cuddle with them always, finding fur and dander all over your stuff is less than ideal. Sofas, blankets, even roller will make sure it all gets removed, and easily. Promising review:"I have a Maine coon and two rabbits. A Roomba and the rubber broom. Used daily. Thought maybe this would help, can't hurt, and now I realize how little both of those things did. My house's air smells cleaner after I've gone over all our carpets. Gets everything!" — Brittany Atikinson Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four colors). 2. A waterless pet shampoo that'll neutralize stink on contact without requiring a single splash of water. This lavender-scented spray will let you skip the dreaded bath while still leaving your dog (or cat!) smelling like they've just floated out of a wellness retreat. It'll freshen up fur, help with detangling, and keep your home from absorbing eau de wet dog. Bodhi is a family-owned small business in Austin that makes dog hygiene products. Promising review:" Works great for our senior dog! As she has gotten older, baths have become more challenging for her, so we're glad we found this dry shampoo!" — John Beattie Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes and in three scents). 3. A citrus-scented solid air freshener to stash in a stinky place so you can fix the problem and never have to think about it again. This is a great get if you have a litter box with smells that linger, no matter how often you scoop and change the litter. Amazon Bright Air is a small business that makes products that help reduce pet odors. Promising review:"This is a GREAT air freshener!!! The citrus really freshens our home!!! We have a number of cats and this REALLY helps!!! It arrived as scheduled!!! Works VERY well!!! I have ordered Bright Air Air Fresheners in the past and will continue to do so!!! Very pleased!!!" — John A. Tilley Jr. Get it from Amazon for $10.31. 4. A gentle pet stain and smell removal spray that'll be no match for any accident that one of your pets has. From urine to feces to vomit, this reviewer-beloved spray removes it with ease. And you know that with over 79,000 5-star ratings, it's legit. Rocco & Roxie Supply Company is a family-owned small business established in 2013 that specializes in pet odor eliminators, pet toys, pet snacks, and pet accessories. Promising review:"If you have a dog more prone to accidents (who has really stinky messes, in particular), buy this and skip everything else. I've used many pet cleaners, but this one is easily my favorite. You want to soak up/clean up as much as you can, kinda pat dry, then spray a good amount. I like to let it set for a while, put down some carpet scent powder, and then vacuum over everything. You'll notice a distinct lighter color over your carpet because it cleans up EVERYTHING (not just the potty stains). definitely worth the price, I'll be buying more again soon." — Asia Chance Get it from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in two sizes). 5. A fragrance-free odor-eliminating bag of rocks for absorbing all the questionable smells in your house, pet or not. These last six to 12 months before they even need a refresh, so you can put them where they need to be and let them do their thing — no work on your part. Amazon Promising review:"I tried these in a room where the dog sleeps and in the truck where the dog rides. You would think I had a pet-free home. It was amazing how well these work. Bonus, no odor or fake scent. I like them and will buy more!" — Brenda Smith Get a two-pack pack from Amazon for $23.98. 6. A self-cleaning slicker brush that'll remove loose fur and your fear of brushing your dog for more than 30 seconds. The fine, angled bristles will detangle without scratching, and the push-button retracting mechanism will instantly clear out the fuzz so you're not picking hair out with your fingers. It'll work for both long- and short-haired pets and will make shedding season significantly less smelly. This slicker brush retracts so the fur comes off the bristles cleanly and in one easy-to-toss chunk. Promising review:"My cat has short hair but a thick undercoat. I have tried other types of brushes and they don't get much hair at all. Now, I KNOW this cat sheds cause when I go to pet him, it's like a puff of hair in the air. I was on Amazon and found this one and thought I'd give it a try and I am SO glad I did! I brush him two to three times a day and I always find a good amount on the brush. I didn't think I would care that it was self cleaning, but it is seriously the best feature about this brush. So easy! He loves how it feels and I love how it works. I do have another cat who doesn't care for it, but she is picky about everything, so oh well! Haha! It is worth a try, cat owners!" — Adam&Darylyn Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and three styles). 7. A bottle of Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator to get rid of questionable smells. This spray uses all-natural orange oil to remove the stink from carpet, upholstery, turf, and more. Angry Orange is a small biz that was founded in 2014. They provide pet-related household cleaning supplies like stain removers, mops, and more. Promising review:"This product is amazing!!!! We have a Rottweiler pup and a Bichon pup and our house was feeling the PAIN! I tried everything and use to tell my wife, 'with all the science and technology in the world we still can't come up with something that gets rid of the dog mark smell!' This product does everything and more. Just ordered another round. We were about to throw away some furniture due to the smell and now after use we can keep it. Saved me hundreds. Well worth the money." — clayton s tonkin Get it from Amazon for $16.19 + (available in two sizes). 8. A self-cleaning automatic litter box that'll clean up after your feline friend so you don't have to. This will help eliminate stink and keep the area around the litter box tidy. Promising review: "This is the BEST litter box I have ever had. They have worked out every possible problem. The litter bag is contained INSIDE the machine — you do not smell cat doo ever!!!! It has a deodorizer feature. Very low maintenance. The material in the potty area is of great quality. BEST INVESTMENT EVER. I have three cats. Put a little extra litter every day and empty the bag every four days, that's it. It has an app to remind you." — Bobby/Robin Get it from Amazon for $265.49 (available in six colors). 9. And a cat litter mat to stop your feline overlord from tracking litter all over the house. The double-layer design traps stray bits as they step off the box, so your floors (and feet) stay cleaner. Plus, it's waterproof and easy to dump out. My colleague Jenae Sitzes has this mat and says it really helps manage cat litter mess:"I've been using this trapper mat for a long time now, and while it's pretty much impossible to eliminate all litter from your home if you own even one cat, let alone multiple, this mat has made keeping the floor of my litter box room MUCH more manageable. Unlike other mats, where the litter just kind of sits on top and eventually gets kicked elsewhere, this mat is designed so that the litter falls through the holes and stays inside the mat until you're ready to dump it. It's made out of an EVA material that's supposed to be gentle enough for cat paws, and my two kitties don't seem to have a problem walking on it. I *highly* recommend getting the larger 30-by-24-inch mat to extend the coverage area — I initially got the smaller one but went back for the larger size and it's perfect. Note that the mat will probably have a fold down the middle when it first arrives, but just give it some time and weigh it down with something if needed; it'll lay flat." Get it from Amazon for $11.19+ (available in two sizes and three colors; be sure to clip the 20% off coupon when applicable). 10. And also a cat litter deodorizer with a fresh scent for keeping your home from smelling like, well, a litter box. It doesn't just mask the smells, it neutralizes them with natural ingredients. Sprinkle a little in the box, and suddenly, your home doesn't scream, "I have a cat!" 11. Some stain-lifting pads can be used on everything from carpets to car interiors to pet beds and more. Next time a whoopsie happens, just set the pad on the stain, stomp, and dispose of it. No scrubbing or touching necessary. Promising review:"I was skeptical of these pads being able to clean a carpet that had been peed on. However after using it according to directions, it amazingly smelled like nothing had happened! The pad soaks up the culprit and leaves a sweet fragrance that is very nice. Totally recommend if you have pets!" — shortnsweet Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $26.11. 12. A double-sided deshedding brush for pulling an entire second pet's worth of fur off your couch-bound dog or cat. One side will detangle knots without drama, and the other will glide through thick undercoats to remove all that loose fur *before* it ends up on your floors, clothes, or freshly vacuumed rug. Promising review: "This tool is a miracle worker for my pup! He is matted quite often under and around his ears, and the hair smells, YUCK! This tool not only got rid of the matted fur easily, but he loves getting brushed now, and we couldn't be happier." — Tammy Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in red or blue). 13. A bottle of Grandma's Secret, a nontoxic stain remover that will remove any stain, no problem, from fabrics like upholstery and clothing. Hot tip: the bottle is small — it's only two ounces — so keep a few near your pet's favorite areas in the house for easy access when an accident happens. It can remove oil, grease, ink, grass, and blood stains for all my vampires out there. Psst, a few months ago, I recommended this to a friend who fell in a puddle of motor oil on a sidewalk, then accidentally wiped it on her camel coat. It got the stains out! Promising review:"I used it on several oil stains and some cat vomit (which is tough to get out!). It worked perfectly! I let it sit for 15 minutes and then washed the items and they looked like new." — Dee Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 14. A bottle of nontoxic Folex Carpet Spot Remover to spot clean carpet messes right after they happen. Simply spray the area to saturate it, wait a couple of seconds, and then dab with a cloth until the stain is lifted. It's really that easy! To use, apply to the stain, gently agitate with your fingers, and blot with an absorbent cloth. This is nontoxic and should be nonirritating on the skin! Promising review:"Between potty training a toddler and having a dog who throws up on the carpet, we've gone through a TON of this carpet cleaner. It also removes the smell of stinky dog throw up and toddler accidents. Better to use on a new stain. It takes more work to clean a spot that has been sitting on the carpet for several hours. Honestly, sometimes it cleans so well that the spot I clean is brighter than my other carpet until the whole floor is steam cleaned. Will continue to purchase." — Jessica and TJ Get it from Amazon for $6.65. 15. A 2-in-1 Hoover carpet cleaning machine that does (almost) all the work for you. Push forward to clean, pull backwards to dry. There's no mixing or measuring formula — the machine does it automatically. Promising review:"I thought my carpets were ruined for good, after using both my old Bissell and the rentals offered by the local grocery store. Our last dog, rest in peace, had not left the world before thoroughly destroying my carpets from incontinence. Our newest dog had lived her entire life before us in a kennel, where she went at will. Suffice to say, my bedroom floor was an eyesore. The first use completely restored my aging carpet. It's still old carpet, don't get me wrong, but it's now CLEAN old carpet. The stains are gone. The odor is gone. I no longer cringe when I walk into the bedroom. Life is good. Not only has this machine done a spectacular job of cleaning, it is also easy to clean itself. The pieces come apart intuitively, and the dog hair rinses easily away. Previous carpet cleaners I've used have been a nightmare, losing suction quickly due to debris being caught in the front with no easy way to remove it." — Erica Get it from Amazon for $199. 16. And a carpet cleaner machine formula that acts as a deep stain remover and odor deodorizer for carpets that are covered in stains. This is an especially amazing product if you've ever house-trained a dog and thought your carpets or rugs were unsalvageable. This carpet cleaner formula is compatible with Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, Kenmore, Carpet Express, and more. It also works with most rental machines from Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and Ace. Promising review:"I've been using Resolve for steam cleaners but after four or five passes, my old carpet still looked dirty and smelled like dog feet. I ordered this product and made a couple more passes over the carpet with better results. It seemed to remove more greasy dirt AND the smell is nicer than Resolve cleaner. It's kind of a baby powder smell and not very chemical-y. Anyway, this product lived up to the hype for cleaning old carpet with layers of dog grease in it. The carpet is still old but is back to the original color and no longer stinks!" — Popcorn Sally Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three scents). 17. A pack of grooming wipes to remove dirt, poops, odors, and dander from your fluffy pal. These are designed specifically for dogs, and help keep problem areas (paws, ears, and bum) clean between regular washes. Promising review:"Best thing to use for puppies, from in between baths and poop! My pup loves these wipes! Hope you guys come out with other products! Love your stuff! (Well, my puppy does too!)" — work-a-holic-agent Get them from Amazon for $12.34 (available scented or unscented). 18. A pocket-sized pet hair removal tool to easily and effectively remove fur and hair from carpet, upholstery, clothes, and tight corners of your home. Reviewers are shocked — shocked! — by the amount of hair this pulls up, especially on the carpet. Promising review: "This product works wonders and does exactly what you need it to do. I've been able to clean all of the carpets, area rugs, couches, and chairs in my home as well as the carpeted stairs with ease. Very easy to use and very efficient. I have yet to come across a better pet hair removal product. You won't have to vacuum or lint roll pet hair off of anything ever again!" — jorgesqtpie Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 19. A UV black-light flashlight if you can smell a pet accident but can't see it. Shine this on your carpet to find the source, and it doesn't matter if it's dry or wet, old or new. Promising review:"OMG this is disgusting!!! I hope this isn't all just cat pee that shows up cause there is a lot! I bought this because I thought my cat was peeing in one room and couldn't find the exact spot so I bought this. Found the spot and more. Would recommend." — Momof3boys Get it from Amazon for $10.79. 20. A portable and compact carpet cleaning machine to remove any stain from nearly every soft surface in your home. Sofas, carpet, toys — you name it! And it's small enough to fit in most kitchen sinks, which makes cleaning it out after each use a breeze. Promising review: " The only thing that took the odor off my pee accident–prone puppy's couch accident …. Amazing on carpets!!! I do suggest you clean the vacuum after each use because then the smell sticks to it, and then you're going to have a problem… other than that you, my friend, are good to go with accidental accidents from juices, to food to pee stains …" — leiny s. Get it from Amazon for $123.59. 21. A nontoxic and eco-friendly Pet House reed diffuser, because you deserve a house that smells amazing, stinky pets or not. These are specially formulated to freshen pet-loving homes, and come in five different scents so you have some variety. BuzzFeed Shopping Deputy Editorial Director Elizabeth Lilly has one of these and loves it: "I have one of these in my bedroom right now! I first got obsessed with the brand's candles when I lived with a very slobbery English Bulldog. But I've continued using them long after I no longer live with a dog because they cut through weird apartment smells ASAP, like when I pan fry fish or roast Brussels sprouts in the oven. (FYI, if you don't live in an apartment, basically the whole place smells like whatever you've cooked that day if you're not careful.)" Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five scents). 22. A pack of Burt's Bees cat wipes for taking on common cat coat problems. There's one for dander, another for deodorizing, one that's anti-hairball, and one specifically for kittens. "Pet" your cat with one of these wipes and see their coat and skin improve. Promising review:"I've been using these wipes on my older cat for several weeks. His coat is back to how it was when he was young. His fur is shiny, soft, and he smells good. He is no longer covered with dandruff. I like that the package holds 50 wipes, and I feel that it is of good value. He loves his daily rubdowns." — Mary P. Get them from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four different types). 23. Arm & Hammer odor buster balls to eliminate ongoing odors at the source. Place these near stinky areas of your house: the litter box, where you keep your gym equipment, fridge, laundry watch (smell?) the odors disappear. Amazon You can check out a TikTok mentioning the odor busters for more deets. Get a pack of six from Amazon for $11.96. 24. A liquid tartar remover for dogs and cats that you mix into their water bowl. It'll help reduce plaque and freshen breath. Promising review:"My dog's molars were turning black, and he had a ton of build up on his canines. In the photo (above), just imagine everywhere you see slight yellow, instead covered in black and brown gunk and hard plaque. His gums were beginning to look inflamed. And, of course, his breath could kill a horse. After one week of constant use (a cap full for every bowl of water) you could see an obvious difference in tooth color. I was blown away. (Why can't human mouthwash do such a good job on our teeth?) After three weeks, his molars were almost completely clean. After a couple of months of use, the plaque on his canines was soft enough to brush some of it off, which was totally impossible before. Plaque covered the canine approximately 70%. Obviously, that's no longer the case. Idk what insane solvent this is made of, but it keeps his gross mouth clean as a whistle. Now I don't have to worry about my picky princess mutt losing his teeth because he can't be bothered to chew anything." — BaconPancakes Get it from Amazon for $10.06.
Los Angeles Times
21-07-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
LACMA's great Buddhist art collection, pulled out of storage, is an irresistible force
'Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia' is a large and engaging presentation that includes some of the most splendid sculptures and paintings in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It's great to see these works again. Most of the art was packed up around eight years ago in preparation for the demolition of the museum's original campus and construction of a new permanent collection building. The current offering of around 180 objects, installed in the temporary exhibition spaces of the Resnick Pavilion, is a version of what was then sent on tour, presented in 2018 at Mexico City's incomparable National Museum of Anthropology. (LACMA Deputy Director Diana Magaloni was former director there.) Subsequent planned travel to art museums in Texas and the Pacific Northwest were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, so the work went back into storage. It has been unavailable for hometown public viewing for a very long time. Siddhartha Gautama is accepted by most scholars as the historical figure Shakyamuni Buddha, or sage of the Shakya clan, who was born in Nepal and lived in India around the 5th century BCE. Representations of the religious teacher started out as nearly abstract symbols a few thousand years ago — a starburst shape inside a spiraling whorl, for example, which configures an emanation of light within an eternal flow. A Bodhi tree might signal the sacred place where Buddha's deep insight into enlightenment occurred, or a drawn or carved footprint would be suggestive of following a path. But no biographical texts emerged for several hundred years after his death. Legend and religious doctrine intertwined over centuries, splintering and reconfiguring and taking on new dimensions as they encountered scores of established cultures across South and Southeast Asia and beyond — Daoist philosophy in China, say, or Shinto religion in Japan. Eventually, figurative representations took shape. Needless to say, as they proliferated in what are modern Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Korea and more, Buddha took on a variety of forms. LACMA has scores of fine examples, large and as in an exquisite 8th century brass and silver cast from Kashmir, just 16 inches tall, he is seated with legs crossed and fingers entwined, counting earthly elements like fire and water being absorbed into the mind. In Tang Dynasty China he sits isolated in regal splendor, like an emperor carved in timeless white stone atop an elegantly draped cushion. In the next room, a sturdy Burmese Buddha wearing a transparent garment of reddish lacquered wood raises an oversize right hand in a jumbo gesture of peace, extending an open left hand that seems caught in mid-motion. (There are scores of symbolic Buddhist hand gestures, called mudras.) A life-size columnar figure carved from sober gray schist, familiar from the Gandhara region of Pakistan, likewise raises a peace mudra, but here the cascading folds of his tunic's drapery signal a military history of Greco-Roman interactions dating to the expansionist conquests of Alexander the Great. Any religion that's thousands of years old and practiced in innumerable places will be beyond complicated in doctrine and nuance, and Buddhism is no exception. Deciphering them here is a scholar's task. The names of individual artists are also mostly lost to us. However, what all these different iterations share stylistically, regardless of whatever embellishments surround the Buddha, is a sense of stable, enduring calm at the core. At all times idealized in his physical features, he's the living embodiment of the irresistible force paradox — an immovable power and an unstoppable object all at once. Also on view are ritual tools, like a jewel-encrusted crown, ceremonial knives and a lovely offering cabinet adorned with paintings of fierce, glowering demons that caution anyone who might dare to disturb whatever the cupboard holds. Back off! Sculptures and paintings of poets, lamas, deities and especially bodhisattvas — earthly helpers who have postponed their own entry into nirvana, where suffering disappears, in order to help others find their way — are nearly as numerous and varied as Buddha Shakyamuni himself. Some are wildly extravagant, proliferating heads and arms into delirious phantasms of multiple personality and manifold astounding 15th century painting on cotton cloth is a fiery image of sexual coupling between deities, a crimson female figure with both legs wrapped around an ashy blue man. He stands on one straight leg with the other athletically bent, forming a robust stance designed to stabilize an ecstatic act of energetic intercourse. Like fluttering wings, his 12 elegantly splayed arms wield an array of esoteric symbols around her excited body, while her single arm raises what appears to be a ritual blade high overhead. His flaming-eyed face is frontal, hers is overlaid in perfect profile. The shrewd composition abuts their lips, so that they are just about to touch in a kiss. Chakrasamvara, the blue-man emblem of compassion, is being embraced by his consort, Vajravarahi, bright red symbol of wisdom, in a spectacularly explosive display whose arrested design seems intended as a spur to deep meditation. They are on the brink, and so, it is to be hoped, are we. The installation of 'Realms of the Dharma' is pretty straightforward. The first section introduces Siddhartha Gautama. A few wall texts outline basic Buddhist principles and the religion's two major forms — Theravada (or monastic) and Mahayana (sort of 'Buddhism for all'). From there, most objects are clustered by simple chronology and the region where they were made. That organizational scheme for such varied works of art is standard for permanent museum collections. It's rather unusual at LACMA, though, given the timing. Earlier this month, previews were held of the empty new building for the permanent collection, the David Geffen Galleries, explicitly designed to replace chronology and geography with art clustered by theme. Press materials for 'Dharma' suggest it's a thematic package, with the exhibition as a means to learn about Buddhism. That reduces art to illustration, but happily the installation doesn't come across that way. Art museums are great places to learn about art — about how it's made, by whom and why — but not so great for religious education. 'Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia' and its handsome scholarly catalog, written by LACMA curator Stephen Little and former associate curator Tushara Bindu Gude, are good at that. But would an American art museum ever do a show on the theme of, say, 'Transubstantiation: Catholic Art Across Europe and the United States,' in order to teach the diverse subtleties and dynastic refinements of a belief in the conversion of bread and wine into flesh and blood? Probably not. Aside from trying to wedge such wildly disparate Catholic artists as Fra Bartolomeo, Paul Cézanne, Tsuguharu Foujita and Andy Warhol into a single coherent exhibition, reducing art to illustration just undermines it. The temptation to frame Buddhist art that way is surely a function of the religion's unfamiliarity, its 'exoticism,' except in shallow pop culture terms. Of the roughly half-billion Buddhists worldwide, less than 1% of Americans identify with it. According to a fascinating March study from the Pew Research Center, Buddhism is today second only to Christianity in experiencing especially large losses in adherents globally, with former followers switching to other faiths or, more often, now expressing no religious affiliation at all. The majority live in California, a primary entry point for Asian immigration to the United States, but barely 100,000 Buddhists are estimated to practice in Los Angeles. Also useful for museum audiences for a permanent collection show would be some acknowledgment of complex issues around the history of this sacred art's ownership. More than one LACMA work has been contested as stolen, including an impressive 15th century painting from Nepal of an important Buddhist spiritual master named Vanaratna. LACMA bought the painting in 1977, when collecting standards were very different than they are now. The wall label, without making a definitive declaration, would be an ideal place to introduce the important subject of case-by-case provenance research, but the subject is ignored. 'Realms of the Dharma' will remain on view for a year, closing in July 2026. That means LACMA's Buddhist masterworks won't be in the Geffen building when it debuts in April next year, or anytime soon after that. (Architect Peter Zumthor is testing paint glazes for some of the Geffen's all-concrete walls, although a final decision on whether to add color has not been made.) The show is sensitively installed in Resnick. Given the art's nearly decade-long hiatus from L.A., it's worth visiting more than once during the next several months, before it disappears again.
Newsweek
13-07-2025
- Newsweek
Mom Captures Toddler Learning To Swim, Not Knowing in 4 Weeks He'd Be Gone
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Texas woman has shared footage of her young son practicing swimming, just four weeks before he drowned in the most heartbreaking circumstances. "Bodhi was terrified of the pool when he was little," Heaven Kervin from New Caney told Newsweek. "He would cling to me, refusing to go near the water." Kervin said she "didn't know much about water safety" back then, so thought little of buying her son some puddle jumpers, a type of swimming aid designed to help children stay afloat in water. "Suddenly, he felt brave and independent, like he could do it on his own," Kervin said. "We thought we were doing the right thing. We had no idea how dangerous those floatation devices could be." Heaven Kervin's son Bodhi died weeks after this video was filmed. Heaven Kervin's son Bodhi died weeks after this video was filmed. TikTok/ The video Kervin posted to her TikTok @ shows Bodhi in the water with his puddle jumpers on. He appears happy and confident in the pool but, as his mom would come to realize just a few weeks later, these floatation devices had given her son a "false sense of security" when it came to being in the water. It would lead to tragedy just a few weeks later on June 11, 2022. "I was house-sitting for a family member in what we believed was a childproof home," Kervin said. "My son was incredibly smart, and the only lock that ever truly kept him inside was a pressure-mounted one. They had secured every door—except one." "That morning, around 6 a.m., both of my children—Bodhi, who was three, and Audrey, just 18 months old—managed to slip outside. The dog started barking, and I woke up. When I saw the open door, I ran outside. Audrey was standing at the edge of the pool. Bodhi was at the bottom." Kervin pulled her son out of the water and performed CPR until the EMS arrived. "We got his heartbeat back," she said. "I truly believed we had a chance. But the damage was too much. We spent nine days in the hospital." Bodhi had always dreamed of growing up to become a firefighter and save lives. In that spirit, Kervin opted to donate his organs. "He saved three lives," she said. An estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning in the U.S. each year, equating to an average of 11 drowning deaths per day, according to the American Red Cross. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children aged 1 to 4. Today, Kervin travels across Texas teaching water safety to caregivers and children in Bodhi's honor through the Judah Brown Project. "I teach about the dangers of puddle jumpers, the importance of survival swim lessons, multiple layers of protection, and how easily drowning can happen—even in homes that feel safe," she said. Kervin is especially concerned at the use of puddle jumpers and other floatation devices among young children. "While they seem like a helpful tool, they actually teach children the muscle memory to stay vertical in the water—the exact position they drown in," she said. "Instead of learning to float on their backs or swim to safety, kids begin to associate water with a false sense of security and the instinct to have muscle memory in the drowning position." It's a stance firmly supported by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. "Flotation devices of any kind should never be used as a swim aid," they say. "Instead, children should learn to float on their backs and then learn survival swim techniques, as well as always having one-on-one touch supervision (a parent or adult never being outside of an arm's reach of a non-swimmer) in and around the water." Kervin believes that is only the start of the changes needed though. "Texas has incredibly loose regulations around pool safety. Many pools remain unfenced, with no self-latching gates or alarms," she said. "There are no statewide laws requiring barriers for residential pools, and it leaves children incredibly vulnerable." Sharing Bodhi's story and reliving the trauma of what happened has been difficult for Kervin to bear, but necessary. "I couldn't save my son, but maybe I can help save someone else's," she said. "My hope is that people walk away from my videos not just emotional, but empowered, ready to take action to protect their kids before tragedy has a chance to happen." She added: "I don't want another family to know mine and my family's pain. Bodhi's third anniversary has passed since his drowning though, and it has not faded, I don't believe it ever will."
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Spirituality through AI: A new age of inner dialogue
In an era increasingly defined by digital transformation, the quiet realm of spirituality is undergoing a profound shift. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once associated strictly with automation, data analytics, and technological prowess, is now stepping into the subtle and deeply human domain of the soul. Emerging AI platforms are being designed and developed not just to answer queries or provide information, but to offer spiritual guidance, emotional support, and even simulate the presence of a wise spiritual companion. This convergence of the ancient and the futuristic is raising questions, possibilities, and reflections that humanity has never encountered before. Spirituality through AI(Pixabay) Spirituality, in its essence, has always been an inward journey—a pursuit of meaning, connection, transcendence, and self-realisation. Traditionally facilitated by gurus, sacred texts, meditative practices, rituals, and the oral wisdom of elders, spiritual guidance has relied heavily on human interpretation and presence. The emergence of AI-powered spiritual guides—trained on diverse philosophies, religious texts, psychological frameworks, and meditative traditions—represents a new paradigm where spiritual seekers can access insights at any hour, anywhere in the world, often in their own language and on their own terms. These AI systems, many of them large language models, are being fine-tuned with ancient scriptures, interfaith teachings, mindfulness techniques, and therapeutic dialogues. Some offer daily mantras or affirmations tailored to one's emotional state. Others simulate conversations with historical sages or create interactive meditative experiences. In a time where mental health crises, loneliness, and existential uncertainties abound, especially in urbanised, hyperconnected societies, AI spiritual companions are increasingly becoming a gentle presence—available without judgement, hierarchy, or fatigue. For instance, recently Rgyan launched Bodhi, India's first AI spiritual platform to offer personalised spiritual guidance. Yet the very notion of seeking spiritual depth from a machine invites profound philosophical and ethical inquiry. Can a machine understand the soul? Is spiritual experience reducible to data, patterns, and probability? Is it authentic if it is simulated? Critics argue that AI can never replicate the lived, intuitive wisdom of a monk, mystic, or saint whose consciousness is forged through years of discipline and insight. The numinous, after all, is not merely the logical or the linguistic—it is the ineffable, the felt, the experienced. Human beings often find transformation through presence, silence, and vulnerability in the eyes of another. Whether AI can ever become more than a mirror—an echo chamber of what we input—is a question still unfolding. Yet others suggest that AI does not need to replace spiritual mentors, but rather democratise access. In many parts of the world, access to mental health professionals or spiritual counsellors is limited. Cultural stigma, financial constraints, or geographic remoteness can act as barriers. In such contexts, AI spiritual guides might offer a preliminary support system, a scaffold on which deeper personal work can begin. They may serve as entry points—soft landings into the realm of reflection, self-care, and inner exploration. Moreover, spiritual traditions across the world have always evolved with the tools and times. The printing press spread scriptures more widely than ever before. Radio broadcasts allowed spiritual teachers to reach millions. Mobile apps today guide millions in meditation. Seen through this lens, AI is the next iteration in the technological continuum of spiritual dissemination. It is not inherently unspiritual—it depends on how it is used, with what intention, and under what ethical framework. AI can remind us to breathe when the world is too fast. It can prompt us to reflect when we are spiralling into distraction. It can offer ancient wisdom to those who may never otherwise encounter it. It can be programmed to be non-judgemental, patient, and endlessly available—qualities that even the best of human counsellors may struggle to offer consistently. The fusion of AI and spirituality is not about replacing the sacred with the synthetic. It is about creating new pathways for humans to connect with their own inner worlds, perhaps using a voice that, though digital, prompts real introspection. It is not the machine that becomes wise—it is the human who, through interacting with it, may arrive at their own realisations. In the end, the spiritual journey remains uniquely human. AI may serve as a lantern along the path, but it cannot walk the path for us. The silence between thoughts, the ache of longing, the joy of surrender—these remain beyond code. Yet, if approached with discernment, reverence, and clarity, AI may just be another form through which the eternal quest for meaning expresses itself in the language of our times. This article is authored by Umesh Khatri, co-founder and CEO, Rgyan.
India.com
08-07-2025
- India.com
From Varanasi To Rishikesh: 10 Best Spiritual Destinations To Visit In India For Healing, Meditation, And Divine Connection
photoDetails english 2928550 From the ghats of Varanasi to the serene banks of Rishikesh, India is home to powerful spiritual destinations. These sacred places offer spaces for healing, meditation, and connecting with the divine. Whether you're seeking inner peace, self-realization, or a deeper cultural experience, these 10 sites are must-visits. Each location holds centuries of spiritual energy, tradition, and transformative potential for every traveller. Updated:Jul 08, 2025, 01:47 PM IST 1 / 12 India is a land of deep-rooted spirituality, home to ancient temples, serene ashrams, powerful pilgrimage sites, and sacred rivers that have drawn seekers for centuries. Whether you seek inner peace, divine energy, or cultural richness, these spiritual destinations provide a transformative experience. Here are 10 must-visit spiritual destinations in India that every traveler should explore at least once. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The Spiritual Capital of India 2 / 12 One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benares) is considered the holiest city for Hindus. Located on the banks of the Ganga River, it's believed that dying here ensures moksha (liberation). Visitors witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and explore centuries-old temples like Kashi Vishwanath. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – The Yoga Capital of the World 3 / 12 Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a peaceful haven for yoga, meditation, and spiritual learning. Sacred spots like Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Triveni Ghat, and the Beatles Ashram attract global seekers. It's also a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra, making it a must-visit for both spiritual and wellness journeys. Bodh Gaya, Bihar – Where Buddha Attained Enlightenment 4 / 12 Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. Under the Bodhi Tree here, Prince Siddhartha became Gautama Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws monks and travellers from across the globe. Meditating in this energy-rich location is an experience of deep inner stillness. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – Home to Lord Venkateswara 5 / 12 The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world. Devotees climb thousands of steps as an act of devotion to reach the hilltop temple. The powerful aura, rituals, and community service around the temple make it a spiritually uplifting visit. Amritsar, Punjab – The Golden Temple's Divine Serenity 6 / 12 The Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Set amidst a sacred pool (Sarovar), the temple glows with serenity and selfless service. Visitors are also welcome to the Langar (community kitchen), where thousands are fed daily in a spiritual act of equality and service. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – A Himalayan Pilgrimage 7 / 12 Tucked high in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the Char Dham and a key Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims trek or take helicopters to this remote yet deeply spiritual location. The combination of natural grandeur and divine presence makes it unforgettable. Shirdi, Maharashtra – Land of Sai Baba's Miracles 8 / 12 Shirdi is a spiritual hub centered around the life and teachings of Sai Baba, a revered saint known for uniting all religions. The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple attracts millions who come seeking blessings, healing, and peace. The daily rituals and aarti are deeply moving and filled with devotion. Auroville, Tamil Nadu – A Global Spiritual Community 9 / 12 Not just a spiritual site, Auroville is an international township built on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. At its heart is the Matrimandir, a golden meditation dome where silence speaks volumes. The community promotes inner growth, sustainable living, and conscious evolution. Pushkar, Rajasthan – The Sacred Lake and Brahma Temple 10 / 12 Pushkar is one of the few places in the world with a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator. The Pushkar Lake is considered sacred, and bathing in it is believed to cleanse sins. The town's spiritual energy is enhanced by its ghats, rituals, and annual Pushkar Camel Fair that draws devotees and travelers alike. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh – Where the Buddha Taught the Dharma 11 / 12 Just a short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. It's home to the Dhamek Stupa, ancient monastic ruins, and museums rich in Buddhist history. It remains a serene and contemplative space ideal for learning and meditation. 12 / 12 India's spiritual destinations are not just places — they are living experiences. Each site holds a unique vibration that invites introspection, peace, and a connection with the divine. Whether you're on a religious pilgrimage or a personal journey of self-discovery, these destinations offer timeless wisdom and soulful transformation.
