Sundari Venkatraman's Blog, page 5
March 12, 2024
Book Blitz: IS THIS LOVE? by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: March 9, 2024Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
On a four-day trip to Singapore for a bachelors’ party, tall, dark, and handsome businessman Vikrant Bakshi is bored out of his wits. Until he happens upon the young and beautiful HR Head of a 6-star hotel, Prisha Lohia, on the hotel’s terrace after midnight.
The overflowing champagne from her own birthday party goes to Prisha’s head. So much so that she kisses Vikrant, a complete stranger, in the middle of the night.
Instantaneous attraction flares between the two. But there is a major problem they need to surmount: He lives and works in Delhi, while she is based in Singapore.
Even before the couple could find out what kind of feelings they have for each other, another problem looms in front of them—one which is bigger and nastier.
Will they discover love?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 68 books to her credit, the latest book being IS THIS LOVE?, which is a standalone novel. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
January 31, 2024
Book Blitz: THE BANISHED PRINCE (The Prince Series #1) by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: January 29, 2024Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Historical Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
Prince Vikramasimha might be considered a rogue by some, but even then, the people of the kingdom of Kaushambi are shocked when the king, his father, banishes the younger prince from the kingdom, after he is declared guilty of committing a heinous crime.
Princess Sarvani is heartbroken when her father, the king of Rajagriha, dies suddenly. She runs away from the palace to escape an unwanted marriage with her stepbrother, Charukesi, who wants to ascend the throne as the next king.
The prince saves the princess’s life when she is shot by a poisonous arrow, not divulging his identity. The two are attracted to each other, and grow close.
But how can Sarvani trust Vikrama, the warrior, when she finds out he is a soldier of fortune? Especially considering that she has not a single coin to offer him, while her stepmother has her kingdom’s coffers in her control?
Is Sarvani safe from the mercenary she has fallen in love with?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 67 books to her credit, the latest book being THE BANISHED PRINCE, which is the 1st book in the The Prince Series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
December 19, 2023
Film Review: THE ARCHIES
Image Courtesy: https://www.koimoi.com/Cast: Agastya Nanda (Archie Andrews), Vedang Raina (Reggie Mantle), Suhana Khan (Veronica Lodge), Khushi Kapoor (Betty Cooper), Mihir Ahuja (Jughead Jones), Aditi Dot (Ethel), Yuvraj Menda (Dilton Doiley), Alyy Khan (Mr. Lodge)
The Story:
The story is set in 1964 and is based on the world-famous characters from Archie Comics which were published as an extremely popular series from the year 1942 to 2015, with more than 650 issues.
In this Bollywood film by Zoya Akhtar, Archie and his gang of friends live in Riverdale, which is set in India (instead of the US of A). This town is populated by Anglo Indians who have chosen to remain back in India after the country’s independence from British Raj. The movie revolves around Green Park, a large green sector with lush gardens and age-old trees which is in the centre of the town.
They are all seventeen years old and finishing school, each one thinking about his/her future. Archie, who plans to go to London for higher studies, is a confused teen who isn’t sure who he loves more—Betty or Ronnie.
Reggie is keen to join the local newspaper where his father is the chief editor. Jughead, who is fond of food more than anything else, works at Pop Tate’s, a food joint. Ethel who crushes on Jughead, who in turn refuses to be aware of her, works at a beauty salon as a hairstylist.
Veronica (Ronnie) has just now returned from spending two years in London and is excited to be back with her friends. Dilton is a super-intelligent nerd who has invented his own version of the radio.
Mr. Lodge (Ronnie’s millionaire father) is keen to build a hotel in the centre of Riverdale, which will involve destroying most of the green cover.
The rest is all about how the teenagers manage to save the day.
My Perception:
Let me be upfront here: It took me a while to get my teeth into the film. To begin with, we are living in the space age, while The Archies is set in a 1964 small town. The pace is gentle while song and dance break out in every other scene.
The only musical I have watched is “Sound of Music” which was probably five decades ago. So, yes, I took some time to acclimatise myself to the pace of the film. But once I got into it (around the halfway mark), I fell in love with The Archies, the characters, the actors, the song and dance, just about everything.
It was so refreshing and innocent. And was it a joy to watch a movie where I did not see one drop of blood!!!!!!! Which needed to be mentioned here as every single movie which has been released recently is full of blood and gore; rifles and swords. Ugh!
I watched The Archies twice and only fell more in love with it the second time. Agastya Nanda as the confused 17-year-old Archie, was exceptional; as was Vedang Raina as Reggie. And by the way, Vedang sings too.
Khushi, Sridevi’s daughter, appears as if the veteran actress has come to life. And as Betty, her acting was as good as her mother’s. As for Suhana, SRK’s daughter, she is not only gorgeous, and charming like her famous father, but has acted so well too.
Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, Aditi Dot (another wonderful singer) as Ethel, Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley, were equally brilliant. The casting was bang on, especially Alyy Khan as Mr. Lodge (minus the specs).
Kudos to Zoya Akhtar for this beautiful and heart-touching movie which brought back a load of childhood memories to life!
VERDICT: A must watch if you like sweet movies with a lot of song and dance; especially one without gore and blood—which I sincerely believe is the need of the hour.
*Silly
**Shaky
***Smart
****Snazzy
*****Super
November 28, 2023
Book Blitz: BEFORE... AFTER (Romantic Shorts #12) by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: November 26, 2023Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
Tall, dark, and handsome, Kedar runs a successful start-up which is growing by leaps and bounds.
The beautiful and intelligent Aditi needs a job urgently after being made redundant by the MNC she had been working for.
Kedar finds her tailor-made for the position of his second-in-command in his company. It’s not long before their mutual attraction and respect for each other culminates into love; and marriage.
Twenty years later, the couple is shaken when they are faced with the biggest fear of anyone's life when Aditi is diagnosed with breast cancer. Will their relationship survive these turbulent times?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 66 books to her credit, the latest book being BEFORE... AFTER..., which is the 12th romance novella in the Romantic Shorts series. Her books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
September 4, 2023
Netflix Series Review: QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY
Pic Courtesy: https://www.legacyrecordings.comI have watched the first two seasons of the Bridgerton series on Netflix. While I loved the first season, I did not exactly enjoy the second. As for the books, I’ve read them all. The first 7 books were brilliant. But the last one was drab and boring, as if the hero didn’t have any purpose to his life.
Recently, I got to know that a separate series had been made for Queen Charlotte, taking off from the Bridgerton series and I had to see it.
I binge-watched the six episodes, totaling more than six hours, in two days; and loved every second of it.
It had the perfect masala for a wonderful, heart-rending romance. And what characters!!!
Right from the young Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest), to Princess Augusta (Michelle Fairley), the queen’s attendant Brimsley (Sam Clemmett), the king’s attendant Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), and the young Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), each actor has rendered his role so beautifully.
The story is about the arranged marriage between Charlotte from Germany and King George of England; about the nervous disorder the king suffers from; and how the couple make a life together despite all odds.
The English royalty and their secrets are something which is world-renowned. The attendants’ loyalty towards their respective royals has been depicted so splendidly by Brimsley and Reynolds.
The young Lady Danbury is such a strong character and so very real. I loved her!!
The series brings the British royals to life and touches your heart. I have to confess that I cried a few times at the young queen and king’s struggles to live their lives away from the spotlight.
Beautifully made!
VERDICT: A must watch if you are a fan of regency romance!!
August 21, 2023
Book Blitz: AQUARIUS REBEL (Written in the Stars #6) by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: August 19, 2023Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
Yoga instructor Shreya Udhas from Durban isn't at all interested in getting married, not when she's barely twenty-two. But she's unable to stop her mother from going bridegroom hunting when they are holidaying in Delhi for a couple of months.
Chirag Bhatia runs an ad agency and is based in Delhi. The youngest of three siblings, he's happy to let his older sisters provide the grandchildren for his parents to play with, while he himself prefers to lead the life of a gay bachelor.
Sparks strike when they meet each other for the first time. And it isn’t long before they enter a rocking affair. They don’t even let the distance cramp their style over the next four years.
Until one day, Chirag receives Shreya’s wedding invitation, to someone else. Shocked out of his wits, he’s finally ready to admit to himself that he might be in love. But what if it is too late?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 65 books to her credit, the latest book being AQUARIUS REBEL, which is the 6th and last book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
June 16, 2023
Book Blitz: DANCE WITH ME (Bollywood Bros #2) by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: June 12, 2023Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
An arranged marriage...
At a meeting set up by common friends of the family, it’s instant attraction for Bollywood choreographer Rajiv from Mumbai, when he sets eyes on the beautiful Inaaya from Raipur. Inaaya feels drawn to a man for the first time in her life when she meets Rajiv.
Deeper feelings invoked…
The duo falls under each other’s spell during the few times they meet even before they tie the knot, but are still not sure enough to admit their feelings for one another.
Then the axe falls… creating a rift between the couple
Despite that, the physical desire between them rages on. But is that enough? Will the hapless duo ever connect on other levels? Or will they go their separate ways?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 64 books to her credit, the latest book being DANCE WITH ME, which is the second book in the Bollywood Bros trilogy. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
March 18, 2023
LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: March 16, 2023Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
“I want a divorce.” Shrikant is shaken when his wife of sixteen years greets him with those terrible words when he lands in Singapore, after being separated from her for two long years because of the lockdown which had crippled the world.
Savita knows that she doesn’t deserve a wonderful man like Shrikant, even though she loves him from the bottom of her heart. Which is the reason why she’s ready to leave him; and their teenage daughter, forever.
His heart refuses to let him believe that the woman he loves more than life itself, wants to divorce him. And he tries his best to dissuade her from taking such a drastic step.
But will she listen to him? And what about Shrikant, is his love strong enough to face the truth of why Savita wants to go her separate way?
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 63 books to her credit, the latest book being LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED, which is the first one in the Bollywood Bros trilogy. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
February 6, 2023
Book Blitz: LIBRA'S FLAME (Written in the Stars #5) by Sundari Venkatraman
Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)Publication Date: February 2, 2023Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishGenre: Contemporary Romance
STORY-IN-BRIEF
Dipika Sanyal is an established, internationally renowned business woman, running a modelling agency. She is swept off her feet by the handsome Mudit, who simply refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer. The Libra woman is completely floored from the word go.
Mudit Trivedi is the financial director of a multi-million crore business. He is deeply attracted to Dipika the moment he sets eyes on her. The Gemini does not want to wait for even a moment before getting to know her better.
Things go really well for the two in the beginning, until his estranged family enters the picture. Dipika has never met a ruder person than his father. Will their relationship survive the strain placed upon it?
Read the book to find out if this hot and sizzling pair of Libra and Gemini can have a life together.
A preview of #LibrasFlame
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 62 books to her credit, the latest book being LIBRA'S FLAME, which is the fifth book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...You can stalk her @ Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grab Your Copy From
December 5, 2022
Spirituality: SCHOOL FOR ENLIGHTENMENT
What is Enlightenment?
I am sure this question must have crossed the minds of many people around the world, especially seekers. By seekers, I mean those who are on the journey of self-discovery.
Mukti Guru Shri Krishnaji of Oneness or Ekam has a simple explanation for Enlightenment which totally blew my mind. He says, “Enlightenment is Freedom from all kinds of suffering”.
While the explanation might be simple, getting rid of suffering is not an easy task is what I discovered during my recent sojourn at the Ekam Tapas, a spiritual retreat which I choose to call the School for Enlightenment. One thing I am sure of though: this is a one-of-its-kind school which methodically helps people attain enlightenment during the 5 levels (conducted over 6 weeks) they offer.
I am blessed to have attended the first four levels (over 4 weeks) from October 27 to November 23, 2022. I would also like to mention here that the fifth and final level will be held over 2 weeks and this is to be opened to the public for the first time in October 2023.
Living and studying at Turiya Campus
Turiya Campus is one of the many campuses owned and run by Ekam (Oneness University). It is huge, with multiple dormitories, both AC and non-AC. There are several gardens, teeming with flowering plants, bushes and trees, surrounded by lush grass.
There were seekers from around the world—from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in India; from Italy, Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, Portugal, Canada, USA, Japan, China, South Africa and a couple of other countries which I fail to recall—making for an eclectic mix.
The weather was simply amazing; the skies such gorgeous shades of blue at different times of the day. I have not seen so many stars at night in such a long time. The best part was that I could see the moon throughout all its phases from the full moon to the night before new moon. Exquisite!
The dining hall was at one end, while the classroom was in the middle, with my dorm at the opposite end. One needed to walk at least 6000-8000 steps a day to reach the different places; which was one of the best parts of my stay there. I loved walking freely in the not-so-crowded area without a single pothole. And no vehicles either! Imagine that! Well, there were 400-450 people (the numbers changed after the first 2 weeks) attending the programme, but it was not crowded despite that.
While I was introduced to the dormitory way of life only through the Oneness University, I was returning to it after many years. Though I was determined to attend the 4-week programme, I was wary of going back to school at 61 years.
How tough can it be...?
Let me be truthful: It wasn’t easy, especially considering that I am not really fit physically. But then again, it wasn’t difficult either. Class began at 5.30 am sharp. Oh yes! You read that right. For one who wakes up after 9 am, well, it was a different way of living. But I took to it like duck to water. After a couple of early mornings, standing in queue to have a shower, I made it a point to have a bath at 2-2.30 am and went back to sleep, only to get up at 5 am and ready myself for class. It was novel and fun!
The day started with meditation and yoga, followed by breakfast. We had ample breaks while the day winded down by around 8 pm.
Phones were a complete no-no! And we were asked to keep ‘mouna’ or silence. While there were rules, there was no one to monitor us as they don’t believe in moral policing. Well, I managed to maintain silence 90% of the time. With no TV, laptop or phone, imagine the kind of time we had on our hands. It was simply incredible!
Food was simple and delicious. I ate frugally as a lot of running around was required. They request us to avoid coffee and do not serve it on the campus. People who were keen brought their own. I decided to give up coffee (my most favourite beverage. While I don’t have too much of it, I drink two large cups of it every day at home). I stopped having coffee four days before I left for Ekam Tapas as I thought I might undergo ‘withdrawal symptoms’. Luckily, there was no such symptom and I amazed myself by not having coffee for all of 32 days, until the last day of class.
Classes were also conducted at Ekam Temple on 3-4 days in a week; while we went for walks along gentle slopes once a week. We travelled around in buses organised by Ekam.
Another part of the programme which I truly enjoyed was ‘Ashtachala’ or communing with nature. We did this twice in a day, around sunrise and sunset. It was simply AWESOME. It took me back to the time when I was barely a teen. I used to spend hours on my terrace, simply staring at the sky, the sun, the moon and the stars.
The Journey to Enlightenment
There was a lot of teaching and contemplation to be done. I loved the way the teaching was conducted. We were not allowed to take notes during class, and this is exactly how we used to study when I was in school all those decades ago. The teaching was meant to be absorbed by our consciousness and it did not really matter if we didn’t understand every single word, but needed to assimilate the content. Brilliant!
The teachers, beginning with Mukti Guru Krishnaji, followed by Acharya Ananda Giriji, and the many Dasajis, were each one of them, not only compassionate, but exactly knew what they were speaking about.
The four weeks were set aside for the different kinds of ‘mind play’ which happens within us, including the Ego Self, the Mind Self, the Duality Self and the Craving Self. These had many bifurcations and I will not go into the details here. It is just that ‘suffering’ is created within us because of the different ways in which our thoughts play out.
‘Suffering’ is created, not because of the people around us. Ananda Giriji categorically says, “It is not created by him, her, them, or it,” but by our own “thinking”. He further qualifies it by saying, “it’s not just thinking,” but “obsessive self-centric thinking” which is the cause of all “suffering” within us.
By the end of the four weeks, this is totally etched within our consciousness. And with the powerful forces of Mukti Sutra, Mukti Deeksha and Mukti Tapas—all 3 of these happen once a week at a special space surrounded by the 1.5-billion-year-old Nirvana Hills—the ‘obsessive self-centric thinking’ loses its death grip on our consciousness, freeing us from all our ‘suffering’.
What do we achieve at the end of it all?
The state of STHITAPRAGNYA! This is a Sanskrit term which means ‘absolute calm’ under all circumstances. Shri Krishnaji makes it clear that this state does not guarantee that problems do not occur, as they are a part and parcel of our daily lives. What he says is that nothing shakes our inner self and we will be able to deal with anything which is thrown our way, all in a state of ‘absolute calmness’ as the obsessive self-centric thinking has lost its grip on our beings.
Yes! That is what has happened to me. I find that my racing thoughts have slowed down and I am better focussed on everything. I don’t obsess over something which needs to be done two weeks later, and I am able to retain my mind in the ‘present’. This lets me live my life with a lot of energy and freedom. And to know that this is just the beginning is something that only amazes me… as the journey goes on…
Ekam TemplePic copyright: Sundari Venkatraman
Want to know more? Check out www.ekam.org
