They aren’t Gods. But, they’re closer to Him than us, Earthly beings. They are the divine spirits, or God’s associates. They populate the worlds of all tribal societies in the form of spiritual beings, minor divinities, or various godlings.

The concept of tribal spiritual worlds co-existed with the concept of God. At times, because the Spiritual Universe intermingled with the physical, it became difficult, or even unnecessary, to separate them.

A well-planned, progressive and rewarding career can be immensely satisfying, give you adequate monetary rewards, and allow you to grow as a person. But, a “career” can also be a strait-jacket.

“Little Maestro” Sunil Gavaskar turns 60, this month. A tribute — to a legend.

Kolhapur City may not be blessed with as much wealth in currency notes and coins as Mumbai is. But, Sri Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, has conferred upon it a sublime diktat: that contentment through wealth can never ever be attained by any materialistic individual during his/her lifetime.

In terms of scientific evolution, the bicycle has been one of mankind’s wondrous inventions — of sheer genius. This is precisely the reason why bicycle activists have now mobilised in the West lobbying transport departments for bicycle lanes, besides soliciting support from non-bike riders.
Pedalling is pure happiness. It is spiritual too. You’ve that closeness to nature, and the smell of grass, when you ride a bike; the joy of making it “work” through a busy intersection, or using it mainly as a health machine…

The self-help boom has been the biggest publishing phenomena for many years, especially in the West. It’s now catching up elsewhere — even in India.