Raji Lukkoor's Blog, page 6

Does "Net Worth" Stack Up Against "Sense of Worth?"

Who doesn't want to reside in their dream house in asought-after neighborhood? Or drive their dream car(s) or have the kids attendprivate schools? How about taking extravagant vacations or splurging onfurnishings, jewelry, art, gourmet delights, designer accessories, and hobbyequipment? We want for ourselves what our neighbor has, or a friend orcolleague has.
The Upside?
"I want to live the life of my dreams" is how we justify it.And why not? Every generation aspires for the upcoming...

The Power of Persistence

An excerpt from Inner Pilgrimage: Ten Days to a Mindful Me .

Meditationdoesn't just happen; it requires intention, effort, and skill to succeed. Isigned up for this course knowing what to expect in terms of commitment andperseverance. I knew it would test the breadth of my boundaries—physical,emotional, psychological, educational, religious, and spiritual. I expected itto challenge my determination and firmness of purpose. I anticipated that itwould check my optimism, shake my self-confidence...

Happy Republic Day, India!

Did you know that the Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 444 articles, 12 schedules and 94 amendments, with 117,369 words in its English version? Compare that to the United States Constitution, which comprises 7 articles and 27 amendments.
India became a republic on January 26, 1950. What that means is it is the birth date of the "Constitution of India," the governing document that defines the principles upon which the...

Vipassana - The Path to Freedom

Vipassana. (vee • puh • shuh • naa). To see things the way they are. That's the literal translation of the word in Pali—the language of the Buddha. Vipassana is an ancient form of sitting meditation that the Buddha rediscovered and introduced to the world.
For ten consecutive days a few summers ago, casting aside all luxury and self-indulgences and pledging to adhere to the course rules, I enrolled in and attended a vipassana meditation retreat offered by Spiritual Master S. N. Goenka. Total...

Shhh…The Language of Silence

People cringe when they hear the word "meditation." It sounds so spiritual, right? A picture of the Dalai Lama zooms into view and sweat begins to stream down towards the rapidly beating pulse in the hollow of the throat.
What if people heard "silence" instead? Silence is used and practiced more popularly. Parents tell their children to hush; teachers instruct their students to quiet down; movie-goers turn off their conversations and cell phones. Clearly, silence has value.
What if I said...