About the Blogger
Puja Rai-Pradhan is a passionate educationist who strongly believes in the relevance of the prasthantrayi and other ancient scriptures in modern times. She prescribes revisiting the classical scriptures as it has an enlightening and healing effect in every realm of life.
She believes that, Scientific knowledge has taken quantum jump in the past few decades but still the importance of classical scriptures continues as a fodder for the mind which guides the social, personal and professional life.
She grew up in a small town which was famous for the spiritual and religious positioning in the globe. Gaya- the city of salvation and enlightenment. Pinddaan of ancestors at Gaya was considered most valuable for moksha (salvation) and probably gained significance as according to a popular belief , Lord Rama along with his consort Devi Sita visited Gaya to perform Pind Daan for his father Dasharatha to attain Moksha (salvation).
Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment at Bodh Gaya was a curtain raiser to the world. This small remote town (her home town) abuzz with rich mythological stories from Lord Rama of satyug to Gautam Buddha of probably kaliyug set the stage for her inquisitiveness in the ancient scripture.
She belongs to a family where philosophy, history , culture and society were topics of tea time discussion. Her interest in these areas were further sparked off by academic exposure of philosophy at Delhi university where she pursued her higher studies. Her interest further deepened and she did her doctorate in comparative study of two major religious philosophies of the world but indigenous to Indian Sub continent.
Inspiring Peepal
Exuberant Peepal which generously gave its shade for the social gatherings and council meetings was an essential part of village social life till recent past. Peepal has heard it all and knows all. It inspires to think beyond the tangible. It inspired Vedic rishis, influenced Lord Krishna and illuminated the aroused mind of Gautama Buddha to know the satya and delve deep in the inner layers of the unchangeable – the real . The magical peepal transformed speculative prince Siddhartha into the Enlightened one-The Buddha.
The robust and Prolific peepal, the invigorating peepal for the Ayurvedacharyas and ecologists , the invoking peepal for the seers is eminent amongst the trees.
Peepal is the lord of the trees and hence Lord Krishna in Bhagvadgita (chapter 10, verse 26 ) says that amongst the tree , He is the peepal tree.
अश्वत्थ: सर्ववृक्षाणां देवर्षीणां च नारद: |
गन्धर्वाणां चित्ररथ: सिद्धानां कपिलो मुनि: || 26||
(Amongst trees I am the peepal tree (sacred fig tree); of all the celestial sages I am Narad , in the Gandharvas I am Chitrath, and amidst the siddhas I am the sage Kapil.)
In Hindu religious belief Peepal (ficus religiosa) is sacred. It is believed that in the peepal tree abodes , The Trimurti: the roots being Brahma ,the trunk Vishnu and ,the leaves Shiva.
Stories are the flow of life. They weave hope, give directions and help us perceive relations, people and situations. This blog page is dedicated to the innumerable intelligent stories woven in the mythology, cultural, social and religious practices which has edifying effect on our lives.