The Blessed Ideal Life - My Lens (Part 1)

 Namaskaram Fam,,

This blog is extremely special. Writing this to share the blessed life a Sanatani/ Indian has, from my perspective, as I am listening to Bhaja Govindam paralelly.  This is totally subjective, people are free to have their opinions and likings. I am just sharing what I love about this lifestyle. People who want to know about Sanaatani or Indian life in general or those who relate are free to read it further and enjoy the blog. 

Disclaimer: This blog does not intend to look down upon other religions or lifestyle at any cost, My Dharma doesn't teach me that. Read it for learning something new or to cherish nostalgia. Thank you.

A bit on introduction to Sanatana Dharma, Sanatana Dharma is considered important as an "eternal,", time-tested, and holistic way of life focused on universal truths, spiritual freedom, and cosmic order (dharma), rather than a fixed, founder-led religion. It is essential for promoting compassion, personal accountability, and harmony with nature. Its principles, such as satya (truth) and ahimsa (non-violence), are rooted in the Vedas.

Reason I adore and respect Sanatana Dharma: 

• Universal and Timeless Values: It provides a framework of eternal duties (samanya dharma) applicable to all, including honesty, purity, compassion, and self-restraint, rather than just sectarian rules.
• Freedom of Inquiry: It encourages questioning and personal experience rather than blind belief, allowing followers to find their own path to truth.
• Environmentalism and Unity: It teaches that all life, living and non-living, is connected through a higher consciousness, fostering respect for nature.
• Focus on Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is moksha (liberation) and understanding one's true nature as atman (soul).
• Individual Responsibility: Through the concept of Karma, it emphasizes that every individual is responsible for their own actions and destiny.
• Inclusivity: It is not limited to a single prophet or book, but welcomes diverse spiritual paths, and it is compatible with secularism and science. 

Lets start the lifestyle part of the blog. Its a mix of my life practices, some ideal lifestyle I aspire to inculcate and what some people I know do in their daily lives.

Starting the day, waking up with utmost gratitude, thanking God for a new day, a new life and praying for strength to rise and shine. The chant: Karāgre Vasate Lakṣmīḥ Karamadhye Sarasvatī |Karamūle Sthithe Gowri Prabhāte Karadarśanam || which means Goddess Lakshmi dwells at the fingertips, Saraswati in the middle of the palm, and Gowri at the base; therefore, I look at my palm every morning to invoke their blessings. 

Then before placing foot on the ground, seeking apology to Bhoodevi for stamping her , we chant : Samudra-Vasane Devi Parvata-Stana-Mannddale |Vishnu-Patni Namas-Tubhyam Paada-Sparsham Kssamasva-Me ||

I just love the fact that we see Gods in all forms of Nature, be it Sun, Moon, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Animals. Its like God is with us, within us, around us, such a power. Also a reminder to respect all creatures and creations of Nature.

The day begins with listening to veteran singer MS Subbalakshmi's bhajans: Venkatesha Suprabatam or Bhaja Govindam, Vishnu Sahasranama (this has reduced now a days, I wanna bring it back, some practices should not be withdrawn). Its such an empowering yet serene feeling to start the day like this. Although I don't know Sanskrit, I love the shlokas in Sanskrit, a different vibe altogether...

Then we go to freshen up, then do some exercise, can be gym, brisk walk in the morning sunlight and breeze or the traditional Iyengar Yoga. I recently started gym, I enjoy the experience of it. No negative thoughts cross the mind when we are working out, be it any form its great to inculcate physical activity. I was doing it with music on, but recently doing in silence, prefer the latter. Then shower, do some puja, Sandhyavandhana for boys, etc., There's a practice of keeping Rangoli outside homes, it is usually rice floor so that any creatures can feed on it like ants or any insects, it is usually for aesthetic of the house, I'm yet to learn it ;(

Then comes the best part, foooooodddddd!!!

                       

I just love Indian food, they are the best. Ideal breakfast: Crispy hot Masala Dosa, pudhina chutney, Idli Vada with sambhar and steaming hot filter coffee,,,it should be FILTER COFFEE only ahaaaaaaaaa, swargaaa.  Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, come what may I try not to skip it. Other than idli , dosa, I enjoy Akki Roti, Chapati with various different curries (Ig I only like my Amma Kai ruchi (Mom's cooking)), Avalakki, Pongal, Puliyogre, Bisi Belebaath, Chow Chow Baath, VEG Biriyani, Mint Vegetable Pulav , just to name a few,,, but any of this with FILTER COFFEE hehe...

Then we go on for work/ school or anything in the daily routine. We Indians believe in hard work a lot, we also have a saying in Kannada : Kayakave Kailasa, work is worship. Then comes Lunch time: My favorite is Hot Rice and Tomato Rasam with corrinder dressing, lemon pickle, followed by cool curd rice with pickle again, and yet again ahaaaaaaaaa. You can notice, how much I enjoy Indian food, keke. What would I do if I wasnt Indian, I dont even wanna think about that. Other fav: Beans, Spinach Kozhumbu, Beetroot palya/ Beans palya/ lady's finger palya with rice, Sambhar and rice, can also eat Pulav and VEG Biryani occassionally. 

After coming back from work, hot filter coffee again and some tasty Indian sncaks like kodubale, chakli, chikki etc., Used to watch TV before, now just phone. Its a nice practice in the evening, to light lamp, agarbhatti and meditate for a few mins, need to inculcate it. Advisable to chant hymns loud to feel the vibrations.

 

There are some side quests few of us have, like going to Classical/Hindustani singing or Dance classes, I regret not having gone to any especially cuz I love both singing and dancing a lot, lets see. Some students used to go to tution, karate etc., during childhood, I went to none, should have. Then after coming back, continue with any pending tasks, readings,  comes the dinner, usually its light, not too spicy, for me curd rice is a must to end the meal, curds atleast. Before sleeping we pray again:Rāmām Skandām Hanumantam Vainateyam Vrikodaram |Śayanē yaḥ smarēnnityam dusvapnam tasya naśyati  to avoid any bad dreams.

 I feel so happy that our lifestyle is so grounded, avoids us from getting the ego that we lead our lives, its foolishness to think so, there are many forces that come together for life to happen, and GRATITUDE helps us stay rooted to our values.

Sundays are usually chill, I prefer North Indian Cuisine during Sundays, Butter Naan and Panner kurma for either lunch or dinner. Sundays are time for family, playing games like badminton, carrom, going out for shopping, temples, movies. 

Indians have wonderful festivals, it will take many blogs to cover about that, will come with part 2 soon. My favorites are Krishna Janmasthami ( for all bhajans and soooo many sweets), Ganesha Chaturthi( getting Ganesha murthi home and then  visarjhane), Dussera(Navaratri is my favorite, Nava Shakthi , 9 Goddess) and Diwali( I love the earthen lamps and the calm it oozes), there are many more like Ugadi, Sankranthi, Holi and many more,with its own significance will cover soon.

Till then,

Sarvamshreekrishnarpanamasthu