Two Kinds of Seeking: Why You Cannot Chase What You Never Lost

 

We spend our entire lives chasing things. We pursue promotions, savings, better cars, and new destinations. Yet, beneath all our striving lies a fundamental question: Are you trying to acquire something new, or are you trying to find something you never actually lost?

In Vedantic philosophy, human pursuits divide into two distinct categories:

1. Attaining the Unattained  (Aprāptasya Prāpti)

2. Attaining What Is Already Attained (Prāptasya Prāpti)

 

Understanding the difference completely shifts how we view self-discovery, peace, and spiritual realization. 

1. Attaining the Unattained: The Search Outside

Think about wanting to buy a scooter. Right now, you don’t have one.

To bridge the gap between not owning a scooter and owning one, you need two things: Right Knowledge and Right Action.

Knowledge: You research models, compare prices, and locate the nearest dealership.

Action: You earn the money, travel across town, inspect the vehicle, and pay for it.

Here, distance, time, and physical effort matter. The object exists in another place and at a future time. To attain it, you must move, act, and transform your circumstances. Most worldly achievements follow this rule.

 2. Attaining What Is Already Yours: The Forgotten Spectacles

Now imagine a different scenario. You are frantically turning your house upside down searching for your spectacles. You check the desk, look under sofa cushions, and retrace your steps.

Then you catch your reflection in the mirror or reach up to scratch your head: the spectacles were resting on your forehead the entire time.

Did you physically acquire a new pair of glasses? No. You were never separated from them. The problem was not an absence of the object, but an absence of awareness.

No amount of running around the house could produce them, because physical action cannot solve a problem created purely by ignorance. The moment clear sight or memory returned, the search ended immediately.

 

 The Self (Atman): Why Action Cannot Find It

 

This brings us to Atma Jnana—the knowledge of the true Self.

Peace, fulfillment, and awareness are not like the scooter; they are like the spectacles. The Self is already within you; it is your very essence. Because you are never separate from it, you cannot travel anywhere to reach it, nor can an outward action bring it closer.

You cannot find the Self through:

Sensory Perception: Your eyes, ears, and hands look outward. A flashlight cannot turn backward to shine light upon the battery powering it.

Empirical Science: Scientific inquiry depends on external observation, mathematical models, and laboratory experiments. Just as you cannot weigh a poem on a scale, scientific instruments cannot measure the conscious subject that uses them. Poetry requires emotional resonance and aesthetic sensitivity; spiritual truth requires a method suited to the inner conscious witness.

The Valid Means of Knowing: Apauruṣeya Śabda Pramāṇa

If the senses and empirical logic cannot grasp the Self, how do we know it exists?

Through Apauruṣeya Śabda Pramāṇa—knowledge revealed through timeless, universal wisdom. It is not the personal invention of an individual thinker; it is truth received from the underlying intelligence of the universe, passed down through the Upanishadic tradition. It acts as the mirror reminding you where your spectacles have been all along.

 The Threefold Path to Self-Knowledge

Merely hearing the words once is rarely enough to remove years of mistaken identity. Unfolding this inner knowledge requires a dedicated, three-step journey:

1. Shravana (Attentive Listening): Hearing the wisdom from a qualified source. This isn't passive listening; it means seeking to understand the exact meanings behind the words.

2. Manana (Reflective Contemplation): Mulling over what you heard. You examine your doubts, test the teaching against your experience, and apply sound inquiry until intellectual clarity emerges.

3. Nididhyasana (Deep Meditation & Assimilation):  Sitting with this understanding until it is no longer just an intellectual theory, but your living, unshakable reality.

You do not need to build, buy, or travel to find your true Self. The search ends not when you finally grasp something far away, but the instant you realize you were never missing it to begin with.

Graceful Aging Begins with Graceful Living

 

The Four Stages of Life: An Ancient Vedantic Guide to Living and Aging Well

What does it mean to age gracefully?

For many people, graceful aging means looking young, maintaining good health, staying physically active, and being independent for as long as possible. These are certainly desirable. But is that all there is to aging gracefully?

In my understanding, there can be no graceful aging without graceful living. And graceful living requires us to understand the purpose of human life.

The Instruction Manual We Never Read

Whenever we buy an electronic appliance, such as a television or a mobile phone, we usually receive a thick instruction manual. If we read it carefully, understand the instructions, and use the appliance correctly, we can obtain its maximum benefit.

But what about this precious human life that we have been given?

Do we know how to live it well? Do we understand how our responsibilities change as we grow older? Do we know when to accumulate knowledge, when to fulfil our worldly duties, when to gradually withdraw from them, and when to turn our attention towards understanding ourselves?

Unfortunately, many of us spend our entire lives learning how to earn money, acquire possessions, build careers, raise families, and meet social expectations. These are important aspects of life, but we rarely pause to ask a deeper question:

Am I living my life according to its larger purpose?

Our ancient Vedantic scriptures offer guidance on this very subject. The traditional Hindu system of the four ashramas, or stages of life, provides a framework for understanding how our priorities can evolve as we grow older.

Let us explore these four stages and see how their wisdom can help us live and age gracefully.

1. Brahmacharyashrama: The Stage of Learning

Brahmacharya traditionally refers to the student stage of life.

During this period, we acquire knowledge, develop discipline, learn values, and prepare ourselves for the responsibilities ahead. Education is not merely about collecting degrees or securing a good job. It is also about learning how to manage our minds, relationships, desires, and emotions.

A young person needs to learn more than how to succeed in the external world. They also need to understand patience, kindness, self-control, responsibility, and the difference between what they want and what is genuinely good for them.

The habits formed during these early years influence the quality of the life that follows.

If we teach children only to compete, accumulate wealth, and achieve academic success, we may prepare them to earn a living without necessarily preparing them to live well.

The first step towards graceful aging is to begin learning how to live gracefully while we are young.

2. Grihasthashrama: The Stage of Family and Responsibility

The householder stage is a time for participating fully in the world. We build relationships, raise children, pursue our professions, care for our families, contribute to society, and fulfil our responsibilities. We may acquire wealth, property, knowledge, and experience along the way. There is nothing wrong with these pursuits. In fact, the householder stage is essential to society.

But there is an important lesson we must remember: what we accumulate should ultimately serve life, rather than become a burden that controls it. We accumulate money for security, but sometimes become so anxious about losing it that we can no longer enjoy what we have. We build a home for our family, but may become so attached to our position within that family that we find it difficult to allow our children to make their own decisions. We work hard to provide for our children, but sometimes continue directing their lives long after they have become independent adults.

We may accumulate possessions, responsibilities, and expectations without ever asking ourselves whether we are still carrying what we genuinely need. The householder stage is not simply about acquiring things. It is also about learning generosity, fulfilling our duties, and gradually loosening our attachment to what we possess.

The real achievement of a householder is not measured only by what they accumulate, but also by what they contribute and how wisely they learn to let go.

3. Vanaprasthashrama: The Stage of Turning Inward

Traditionally, Vanaprastha marks a gradual transition from the active responsibilities of household life towards contemplation and spiritual understanding. The word is often associated with going to the forest. However, its deeper lesson need not require us to abandon our homes or families.

We can begin by allowing the next generation to take greater responsibility for their own lives. Parents can become advisers rather than controllers. They can offer guidance when it is requested, while respecting their adult children's independence. We can gradually reduce unnecessary worldly commitments and make more time for meditation, prayer, spiritual study, nature, and self-enquiry.

Instead of constantly asking, "What more can I achieve?", we can begin asking, "Who am I beyond my achievements, possessions, relationships, and social identity?" This is an important transition.

For decades, many people have identified themselves with their professional titles, family roles, social status, and responsibilities. Retirement or the departure of children from home can therefore leave them feeling empty. But perhaps this stage of life offers a different opportunity.

When we are no longer required to devote all our energy to external responsibilities, we can use that time to understand our own minds and discover a deeper source of contentment. The forest can become an inner space of silence, even when we continue living in our own homes.

Of course, people may need to continue working or caring for family members because of financial, physical, or other circumstances. Turning inward does not require neglecting these responsibilities. It begins with a gradual, realistic change in priorities.

4. Sannyasashrama: The Stage of Inner Freedom

Sannyasa traditionally represents renunciation and a deep commitment to spiritual knowledge and liberation. It is not merely about wearing particular clothes, withdrawing from society, or giving away possessions. At its heart, it concerns freedom from the mistaken belief that our identity is limited to the body, mind, possessions, and roles we play.

In the Vedantic tradition, self-knowledge involves enquiring into the nature of the Self, beyond the changing experiences of life. As we grow older, the body may become weaker, our appearance may change, and our social roles may disappear. People we love may leave us, and circumstances that once gave us security may no longer remain.

If our entire identity depends on these changing things, aging can become frightening. But if we have spent time cultivating inner understanding, we may gradually learn to meet these changes with greater acceptance and equanimity.

The traditional Sannyasa stage points towards a life in which spiritual understanding becomes central, rather than remaining an activity postponed until we have finished everything else. It is important to remember that these four ashramas are a traditional framework, not a rigid timetable that every person must follow in exactly the same way. Their wisdom lies in helping us reflect on whether our priorities are appropriate to our stage of life.

What Happens When We Refuse to Change?

In my experience as a healer, I have met people who find the later years of life particularly difficult.

Some struggle to accept physical limitations. Others feel hurt when their children make independent decisions. Some cannot imagine life without the professional identity or authority they once enjoyed. Still others continue carrying worries about money, family, and the future, even when many of their earlier responsibilities have passed.

When we hold on tightly to an earlier stage of life, transitions can become painful. We may experience frustration, resentment, loneliness, anxiety, or a loss of purpose.

The mind can influence how we experience illness and pain. Stress, fear, and unresolved emotional difficulties may affect sleep, coping, and overall well-being. But it is important not to conclude that negative thoughts cause every disease or that people are responsible for their illnesses. Physical conditions have many causes, and illness is not a moral failure.

What we can do is learn to respond to life's difficulties with greater awareness and acceptance. We may not be able to control every event that occurs, but we can gradually develop a wiser relationship with our experiences.

Pain Is Inevitable; Suffering Can Sometimes Be Reduced

There is a well-known saying: "Pain is inevitable; suffering is a choice."

I would add an important qualification: we cannot always choose whether we suffer, particularly when pain, illness, grief, or difficult circumstances overwhelm us. But we can learn ways to reduce the additional suffering that comes from resistance, fear, and repeated mental struggle.

Acceptance does not mean giving up or refusing treatment. It means acknowledging what is happening instead of exhausting ourselves by wishing that reality were different. If we have arthritis, we can seek appropriate medical care, adapt our activities, and learn to live meaningfully within our limitations. If our children have become independent, we can respect their freedom while discovering new interests and sources of fulfilment.

If retirement has changed our daily routine, we can create a new purpose through learning, service, spiritual practice, or meaningful relationships. Growing older may bring losses, but it can also bring perspective, wisdom, and an opportunity to discover what truly matters.

How Reiki Can Support Graceful Aging

In my healing practice, I have seen how valuable it can be for people to have time to relax, turn their attention inward, and feel supported.

Reiki can be offered as a complementary relaxation and well-being practice. They can learn Reiki and do self healing practice daily, which can bring tremendous improvement in life. People may find such sessions calming and emotionally supportive, although individual experiences vary and Reiki should not be presented as a cure for disease.

For someone struggling with the emotional burden of aging, a peaceful healing session may provide an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. Alongside appropriate medical care, healthy relationships, movement suited to one's abilities, and meaningful daily activities, spiritual practices may help some people cultivate greater calm and acceptance.

Ultimately, the purpose is not to promise a life without pain or difficulty. It is to help people meet life with greater steadiness and compassion.

Start Today, Whatever Your Age

Perhaps you are twenty years old and beginning your career. Perhaps you are fifty and deeply involved in family responsibilities. Perhaps you are seventy and wondering how to make the coming years meaningful. Wherever you are, you can begin today. If you are young, learn not only how to succeed but also how to live wisely. If you are a householder, fulfil your responsibilities while learning not to become imprisoned by possessions, expectations, or control.

If you are approaching retirement, begin making room for spiritual study, self-enquiry, and activities that nourish your inner life. If you are already in your later years, do not believe that it is too late. You can still cultivate gratitude, acceptance, meaningful relationships, and a deeper understanding of yourself.

And if you are raising children, teach them these values early. Let them understand that life is not merely a race to acquire more. It is also an opportunity to grow in wisdom, kindness, responsibility, and inner freedom.

The four stages of life remind us that our priorities are meant to evolve. What was appropriate at twenty may not be equally appropriate at seventy. We cannot turn back the clock, but we can change how we live from this moment onward.

Graceful aging is not simply about keeping the body young. It is about allowing wisdom to mature as the body grows older.

Let us not wait until illness, retirement, or the loss of our usual roles forces us to look inward.

Let us begin while we still have the energy, opportunity, and freedom to choose.

Let us learn to live gracefully, so that we may age with greater wisdom, acceptance, and peace. 

Dharavandhoo (Maldives): A Little Island, A Lasting Impression

Seven days of turquoise waters, marine wonders, and unexpected tranquillity in the Maldives

The Island That Had Been Calling Me

For years, pictures of the Maldives had held me spellbound. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, the pristine beaches, and the enchanting shades of blue had repeatedly stirred a desire to visit this island paradise.The Maldives has approximately 1,192 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. The islands are spread across the Indian Ocean and grouped into 26 natural atolls. 

India is one of the leading sources of tourists to the Maldives, and I could understand why. There was something irresistible about those pictures.

But admiring photographs and experiencing a place are two entirely different things.

When an opportunity arose in July 2026 to accompany our daughter to Dharavandhoo in the Maldives while she pursued her passion for diving, I jumped at it. One fascinating feature of the Maldives is that an island where local people live and a resort island are often two entirely separate places. This is why visiting a local island such as Dharavandhoo offers a different experience from staying at a private resort island. We planned a week's stay, looking forward to a holiday that promised both marine adventures and the pleasure of being surrounded by Nature.

Little did I know that this small island would offer me something more precious than beautiful scenery. It would give me moments of deep tranquillity, simple pleasures, and a quiet longing to return even before I had left.

Dharavandhoo is an inhabited local island in the Baa Atoll, a region famous for its rich marine life and its proximity to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island has a distinctive character, with its village, small airport, and a substantial stretch of tropical vegetation. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism sustain the local economy.

Unlike the luxurious, secluded resort islands often associated with the Maldives, Dharavandhoo offers an opportunity to experience everyday island life alongside the beauty of the ocean. And that was precisely what appealed to me.

From the Skies to the Sea

Our journey began with a three-hour flight to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. From there, we boarded a domestic flight that took barely twenty minutes to reach Dharavandhoo.

By evening, we had arrived.

A representative from Kiha Beach, our beachfront boutique hotel, was waiting at the airport. Within ten minutes, we were at the hotel, ready to settle into our island home for the next seven days.

Kiha Beach had modern, comfortable rooms, and ours offered a wonderful view of the ocean through large glass doors. The thought of waking up and looking straight at the sea was delightful.

After leaving our luggage in the room, we walked to C-Plankton restaurant for dinner. We had a decent meal, returned to our room, and went to sleep, ready to begin our island adventure the following morning.

But even during that first evening, I noticed something that made me feel unexpectedly at home. The roads in Dharavandhoo are having white sand covered surface, which reminded me of my grand mother’s place where we used to run around. Absence of tarred and cemented roads transported me back in time. Trees grew around the houses, and there was a certain quietness about the place. No vehicles moving around, no noise and air pollution, it was just heaven!

It is not merely the greenery or the unpaved roads. It was the atmosphere of simplicity, the feeling that life could move at a gentler pace. The island seemed to have retained something that modern life has gradually taken away from many of us. I felt comfortable almost immediately.

A Hammock Above the Sea

On the morning of the 12th, our daughter left early for her diving session. My husband accompanied her to the diving centre, which was within walking distance of our hotel.

That was one of the pleasures of Dharavandhoo. The island is small enough to explore on foot, measuring approximately 1.33 kilometres in length and 0.48 kilometres in width. One could walk from one end to the other without much difficulty.

After my husband returned, we went to the nearby sea for some snorkelling. The water was inviting, and it was lovely to be in such close contact with the ocean. But the experience that stayed with me was something quite different.

I settled into a hammock suspended above the water. As the waves rolled in, my feet and then nearly half my body dipped into the sea. It was a delightful sensation!

I had never experienced anything quite like it before. There was no need to do anything, go anywhere, or achieve anything. I could simply lie there, feel the movement of the water, and enjoy the moment.

The buffet breakfast at Kiha Beach Hotel was very delicious and they served different varieties daily. Fresh fruits, fruit juices, variety of salads, awesome cheese, pancakes, waffles, the local roti variety, hash brown, potato wedges, egg preparations, and so on…After breakfast, we returned to our room. I sat on the bed, gazing at the sea through the large glass doors. I remained there for hours.

The changing shades of blue, the gentle movement of the waves, and the vast expanse of water had a deeply calming effect on me. I did not feel the need to fill the time with an activity. Watching the sea itself was enough.

As someone who values meditation, healing, and time spent in Nature, I have often spoken about the restorative power of quietness. Yet, it is one thing to speak about it and quite another to experience it so effortlessly.

There, in Dharavandhoo, the sea seemed to invite me into silence. I could sit and watch, without feeling that I was wasting a single minute. Perhaps this was one of the greatest gifts of the holiday: discovering that doing nothing can sometimes be the most nourishing thing we can do.

Beneath the Turquoise Waters

The waters of the Maldives are famous for their extraordinary clarity. Shallow lagoons with white sandy bottoms, relatively low plankton levels in many areas, the absence of major rivers carrying sediment from large landmasses, and the natural processes associated with coral reefs all contribute to those beautiful shades of turquoise and blue. Yet, beneath that tranquil surface lies a world full of movement and life.

Dharavandhoo is particularly attractive to divers and snorkellers because of its rich marine environment. Its home reef offers opportunities to encounter a variety of marine creatures, including manta rays in suitable conditions.

One does not necessarily have to be a trained scuba diver to appreciate this underwater world. Snorkelling allows visitors to observe marine life from the surface, although the creatures one encounters naturally depends on the season, sea conditions, and location.

A short boat ride from the island takes visitors to Hanifaru Bay, one of the most remarkable marine sites in the region. From approximately May to November, plankton-rich waters can attract large aggregations of manta rays. On exceptional occasions, many manta rays gather together to feed, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Whale sharks are also found in the wider region.

                                                                      Manta Rays

For divers, underwater photographers, and marine enthusiasts, this is an extraordinary natural attraction.

Our daughter had come primarily for these underwater experiences. For her, the ocean offered exploration and adventure. For me, it offered something equally fascinating, but in a different way. I was happy simply to be near the water, observing its inhabitants whenever the opportunity arose and allowing the sea to work its quiet magic on me.

We were experiencing the same island, but each of us was finding our own kind of joy.

New Friendships and Conversations of the Soul

One of the unexpected pleasures of travel is the people we meet along the way. During our stay, we became friendly with another person who had come to Dharavandhoo for diving, along with his wife. They were an open-minded, pleasant couple, and we soon found ourselves having interesting conversations about spirituality.

For me, such encounters are among the most meaningful aspects of travelling. Beautiful landscapes may capture our attention, but conversations with people can touch us at a deeper level. The wife was interested in healing. She took healing sessions from our daughter and was astonished by how deeply relaxed she felt afterwards.

It was lovely to see someone approach these experiences with curiosity and then discover something meaningful for herself. Our friendship continued throughout the week. There were more conversations, and she later took a hypnotherapy session from our daughter as well.

It was a reminder that travel can bring together people who might otherwise never have crossed paths. Different lives, different backgrounds, and different interests can suddenly meet in one small island, opening the door to new experiences and exchanges. Sometimes, the most memorable souvenirs we bring home are not things we buy, but the connections we make.

When we were walking back to our hotel, got to see an extraordinary sight of cats' conference on the way.

An Evening with Sharks and Rays

On the evening of our third day, we walked towards the far end of the island on the right-hand side.

What we witnessed there was fascinating.

Sharks and rays were swimming surprisingly close to the shore. We sat and watched them, fascinated by the movement of these creatures in the shallow waters.

There was something extraordinary about seeing marine life so close without having to venture far into the ocean.

We stayed there until sunset, watching the water and the creatures moving through it.

The experience brought home a simple truth: Nature does not always require elaborate arrangements or expensive excursions to reveal its wonders. Sometimes, all we need is to be in the right place, at the right time, with the willingness to observe. The ocean was providing its own spectacle, and we were fortunate enough to have a front-row seat.

A New Moon by the Ocean

The fourth day was quieter for me. While my husband went snorkelling, I stayed back, reading and updating my diary. I enjoy recording experiences while they are still fresh, preserving not only what happened but also the thoughts and feelings that accompanied them.

For lunch, we chose Dharavandhoo Fishing Club Restaurant. We enjoyed some of the dishes, though we found that the quality of the fish was not always to our liking. The pulao was good, and the mashed potato was particularly delicious.

After lunch, I returned to one of my favourite occupations on the island: sitting with my daughter on the wooden hammock and watching the sea.

There is a special kind of companionship in being able to sit quietly with someone without needing to fill every moment with conversation. We could simply watch the waves, enjoy the surroundings, and let the atmosphere do the rest.

That day was also a New Moon.

For me, the lunar cycle has long been an opportunity to pause, reflect, and turn inward. I conduct group meditations around the New Moon and Full Moon, using these occasions to encourage people to review their inner lives and release what no longer serves them.

So, on this New Moon day, we did the meditation I had prepared for the occasion.

What could be more appropriate than spending such a day beside the ocean?

The vastness of the sea, the rhythm of the waves, and the stillness that surrounded us seemed to complement the inward journey of meditation. I often tell people that we need not always travel somewhere special to meditate. But when our surroundings naturally encourage silence, the experience can become particularly beautiful.

Dharavandhoo offered me just that.

The Ocean's Unexpected Feeding Time

Later, we walked towards the far end of the island again.

We discovered that fish waste was being discarded into the sea at a particular time each day. This had become a regular occurrence, and many fish gathered there in anticipation of the food.

It was a fascinating sight.

We watched as numerous marine creatures appeared, drawn to the spot. That evening, we counted thirteen sharks and also saw marble rays, electric rays, and what appeared to be cow-nosed rays.

The gathering was remarkable, although the practice of discarding fish waste into the sea also made me reflect on how human activity influences marine life.

It was an unusual opportunity to observe these creatures so close to shore. At the same time, it reminded me that the relationship between humans and Nature is not always as simple as it appears.

We depend on Nature for our survival and pleasure, but our actions also affect the ecosystems we visit.

Travel becomes richer when we do more than admire a place. It becomes an opportunity to observe, learn, and reflect on our own relationship with the world around us.

Discovering Theluli Fai

Food is an important part of discovering a place, and our fifth day brought us a delightful local culinary experience. Early that morning, our daughter was going to the jetty in the hotel vehicle. We accompanied her, and the driver kindly took us around the island. It was a lovely way to see more of Dharavandhoo and observe its everyday life.

Later, we went snorkelling, and when lunchtime arrived, we returned to Dharavandhoo Fishing Club Restaurant.

This time, our meal included a tender coconut drink, fried rice, vegetable curry prepared with turmeric and coconut milk, and salad.

But the highlight was something I had never tasted before: fried moringa leaves with onion slices.

The dish is known locally as Theluli Fai.

It was delicious!

I have always been interested in traditional foods, particularly dishes that use locally available ingredients in simple ways. Moringa leaves are familiar to me, but this preparation was new, and I immediately decided that I must try making it at home.

It is amazing how a simple dish can become one of the most memorable discoveries of a holiday.

We often travel thousands of kilometres to see beautiful landscapes, but sometimes a new flavour gives us an equally lasting memory.

Theluli Fai was certainly going to travel home with me, at least in the form of a recipe and a culinary experiment!

The Luxury of Watching the Sea

By the sixth day, I had settled into a comfortable rhythm.

While my daughter and husband went snorkelling, I stayed in the room, watching the sea.

Some people might wonder whether I was missing out by not joining every excursion. After all, we had travelled all the way to the Maldives, a destination celebrated for its marine adventures.

But I have learnt that a holiday does not have to be a continuous series of activities.

We each have different ways of enjoying a place. My husband and daughter were happiest exploring the underwater world, while I found immense pleasure in sitting quietly, reading, writing in my diary, and observing the sea.

The large glass doors of our room framed the ocean like a living painting. The waves were never exactly the same. Their movements, colours, and reflections kept changing, yet the sea retained its timeless presence.

I could sit there for hours without feeling bored.

Perhaps, as we grow older, we begin to appreciate a different kind of luxury. It is not necessarily about the size of a room, the number of activities offered, or the variety of things we can buy.

Sometimes, luxury is having the time and space to be completely at ease.

It is waking up without hurry, sitting without a schedule, and allowing the mind to settle naturally.

For me, Dharavandhoo offered this luxury in abundance.

Until We Meet Again, Dharavandhoo

The following morning, it was time to leave.

The hotel staff took us to the airport, and we prepared to say goodbye to the little island that had been our home for a week.

We had come because our daughter wanted to dive. We had enjoyed snorkelling, watched sharks and rays, explored the island, discovered local food, and made friends with a lovely couple.

Yet, when I looked back on the holiday, it was not just these experiences that remained with me.

I remembered the unpaved roads that had reminded me of my childhood. The trees, the quietness, and the absence of constant traffic. The hammock suspended over the water. The hours spent watching the sea through the glass doors. The New Moon meditation beside the ocean. The simple pleasure of discovering a delicious local dish.

Above all, I remembered the feeling of peace.

Dharavandhoo was not merely a beautiful island with crystal-clear waters. It was a place where I could slow down, turn inward, and enjoy Nature without feeling the need to do anything more.

Perhaps that is why, as we were leaving, a small voice inside me whispered:

“I would love to come back again.”

I smiled at the thought.

Some places impress us with their grandeur. Others captivate us with their beauty. And then there are places that quietly find a home in our hearts.

Dharavandhoo had done that to me.

As the island receded from view, I carried away memories of turquoise waters, fascinating marine life, warm friendships, and delicious food. But I also carried something less tangible and far more precious: the memory of a week in which I had felt wonderfully at peace.

And somewhere within me, the little island was already waiting for my return.

Until we meet again, Dharavandhoo!

 

When the Ravens Took Flight: A Healing Journey Beyond the Mind

 

Sometimes, we seek relief from our burdens and discover something far more profound — a doorway to inner freedom.

An Unexpected Journey

Just two days before leaving for my ten-day retreat on Advaita Awakening in Coimbatore, I received a call from a doctor client who wanted a healing session. I told her that I would be away for two weeks and would give her an appointment after returning.

We eventually had our session, and it was a beautiful experience.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my healing work is witnessing clients journey deep within themselves. As they relax and let go, something seems to shift. When they return to their ordinary awareness, their faces often look remarkably different — peaceful, radiant, and glowing.

After our session, my client described what she had experienced. I was so touched by her account that I requested her to write it down as feedback.

What she sent me was much more than a description of a healing session. It was a journey through pristine waters, magnificent skies, dense forests, and mighty mountains — a journey that seemed to release burdens she had carried for a long time.

The Resistance to Change

My client began by saying that this was the session she had been patiently waiting for. Interestingly, by then, most of the problems that had initially triggered her had disappeared. Yet she still wished to experience the boundless wonders of energy.

Her day had been hectic, and she had been struggling to manage her time. As she settled into the session, she reflected on how complicated the human mind can be.

We consciously seek change, yet resist the very change we long for.

We want peace but continue feeding our worries. We want freedom but hold on to resentment. We want to move forward but find ourselves returning to familiar emotional patterns.

Meanwhile she felt my voice so pleasant, melting her  into a state of trance and everything around her started moving away as  she  got transported to a different realm.

Floating in Pristine Waters

She found herself floating in beautiful blue water — crystal clear, fresh, untouched, and unpolluted.

She could see aquatic life, colourful fish, lotus flowers, and water lilies. She felt suspended in a profound state of meditation.

In her own words, this was the first time she had permitted herself to give back the peace her body deserved.

How often do we deny ourselves this simple gift?

We spend our days managing responsibilities, relationships, careers, and material concerns. Even when our bodies rest, our minds continue working.

Sometimes, what we need is not another solution to a problem, but the willingness to put everything aside for a while.

During the session, she asked herself a profound question:

“If this were the last day of your life, what would you choose? Would you leave everything behind, or continue carrying it all on your head?”

What a powerful question!

If we knew that our time were limited, would we still give so much importance to every resentment, disappointment, and material concern? Or would we choose to live with greater gratitude and lightness?

The Eagle's Message

Her journey continued into the vast sky.

She saw an eagle and many crows flying against the currents of the wind. Their wings were flapping relentlessly as they worked to propel themselves forward.

We often look at birds soaring through the sky and imagine how easy their lives must be. They seem free, untouched by the struggles that burden human beings.

But my client imagined the eagle responding to her with a sigh:

“Oh, you think my life is easy?”

What a beautiful insight!

Every life has its challenges, whether visible or invisible. Even when nature supports us, we still have our part to play.

The eagle's imagined message reminded her that divine care does not necessarily mean a life without effort. We may receive support and guidance, but we must also participate in our own journey.

Perhaps the same applies to healing. We may receive help from others, but our willingness to look within and work through our difficulties remains essential.

When the Ravens Appeared

This is the part of her experience that touched me most personally.

As her inner journey unfolded, she saw flocks of crows and ravens flying across a magnificent blue sky, dotted with fluffy, cotton-like clouds. She could almost feel the mist in the clouds, and the experience left her feeling energised.

The raven is my totem animal. Throughout my life, crows have appeared at significant moments, and I have often experienced their presence as meaningful messages.

So, when my client described seeing crows and ravens during her trance, I was deeply moved.

I felt that these birds, which have such a special place in my own spiritual journey, were somehow participating in the healing process.

I cannot claim to know exactly what their appearance meant or how it came about. But the experience resonated deeply with me.

Sometimes, meaningful experiences arrive in ways we cannot fully explain. We can analyse them, question them, or simply remain open to the possibility that they hold a personal significance for us.

For me, the appearance of the ravens was a beautiful reminder of the mysterious connections we sometimes experience between our inner world and the natural world.

From Fear to Freedom

My client then described something equally remarkable.

In the past, passing through dense forests would bring a shadow of fear over her. When she saw mighty mountains, she would imagine them crashing down upon her.

The mind can transform even the most magnificent aspects of nature into sources of fear.

But this time, everything was different.

She wrote,"My guru, Beena ma’am, was joyous, beaming out after her meditation retreat and then it opened up something in me."

She found herself floating among the clouds, looking down upon the mountains and forests. Instead of feeling threatened, she enjoyed the experience.

The mountains had not changed. The forests had not changed. What had changed was her relationship with them.

This is a powerful reminder that transformation does not always require the world around us to change. Sometimes, our inner response changes everything.

The same situation that once overwhelmed us may eventually be viewed with calmness. A fear that once restricted us may gradually lose its hold.

When our inner landscape changes, the outer landscape can appear entirely different.

Laying Down the Burdens

As the session progressed, my client became aware of the heaviness she had been carrying, particularly in relation to the materialistic world.

She described how her ego, bitterness, animosity, and resistance seemed to loosen their grip. She struggled to find words to describe the emotional cycles from which she felt released.

She had initially requested a cathartic experience to wash away her burdens. What she experienced, however, was much more than she had anticipated.

She felt that something had opened within her, allowing her to approach her sadhana with renewed receptivity.

She also shared that the healing seemed to continue for days after the session.

Her final reflection was that she had received much more than she had expected from any other healing modality she had experienced.

For me, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of facilitating inner work: witnessing people discover new perspectives and possibilities within themselves.

I do not see myself as the person who makes healing happen. My role is to facilitate the process. Each person's inner journey is unique, and I remain grateful whenever I am allowed to witness such a transformation.

What This Experience Taught Me

As I read her feedback, I reflected on the extraordinary ways in which our inner world can communicate.

Water, wind, birds, clouds, mountains, and forests became part of my client's journey through fear, effort, gratitude, and release.

Her experience with the eagle reminded her that every life has its challenges. Her journey above the mountains helped her encounter familiar fears from a different perspective. The pristine waters gave her an experience of peace.

And the appearance of the crows and ravens touched something deeply meaningful in my own spiritual life.

I received her feedback with gratitude and wonder. It reminded me that we cannot always predict what will emerge when a person turns inward.

We can provide a supportive space, but we must allow the experience to unfold without imposing our interpretations upon it.

An Invitation to All of Us

Perhaps we could all benefit from asking ourselves a few questions.

What burdens are we carrying that we no longer need to hold so tightly?

What fears are colouring our perception of the world?

What emotional patterns continue to repeat themselves, even when we sincerely wish to move beyond them?

And when was the last time we gave ourselves permission to experience peace without first having to solve every problem in our lives?

We may not always be able to change our circumstances immediately. But we can learn to observe ourselves with greater awareness, create moments of stillness, and become receptive to the lessons that life and nature offer us.

Sometimes, freedom begins with a simple decision: to stop carrying everything on our heads, even if only for a little while.

And sometimes, when we allow ourselves that space, we discover that the freedom we were seeking was not as far away as we imagined.

As for the ravens and crows that appeared in my client's experience, I will continue to hold that moment close to my heart. Whether viewed as a meaningful coincidence, a personal symbol, or something more mysterious, their presence reminded me to remain open to the wonder of life's unfolding.

We may enter a healing session seeking relief from our burdens, but emerge with something far more precious: a new way of seeing ourselves, our fears, and the world around us.

And for that, I remain deeply grateful.

----------------------------------

With gratitude to Dr. S.V. Dinesha for her beautiful feedback

 

 

When a Book Becomes a Bridge Across Lifetimes

 

An Unforgettable Past Life Regression Experience with a Young Woman from Japan

I have been practicing Past Life Regression Therapy for almost two decades, and during these years I have witnessed many fascinating experiences. Yet, every now and then, a case comes along that leaves me thinking about the mysterious ways in which life brings people and circumstances together.

Recently, I had one such experience.

What makes this story particularly interesting is not only what happened during the regression, but also how this young woman found her way to me in the first place.

A Remarkable Journey to India

The young woman was from Japan. She is currently doing a course in the Netherlands, where students have the opportunity to choose a country in which to spend six months.

She chose India.

She arrived in India on 7th August and was staying in Udupi.

Quite unexpectedly, she happened to be staying in a house where my husband and I had previously stayed during one of our Couchsurfing experiences.

And there, on a bookshelf, was my book on Reiki.

She picked it up.

Although she was not very fluent in English, she became so interested in the book that she actually finished reading it within a single day!

While discussing the book with her host, she mentioned her interest in it. The host then told her,

"I know the author very well. She has stayed with us, and we have also stayed at her home."

The young woman was immediately intrigued.

She said that she would like to experience a Past Life Regression.

And what happened next was incredibly quick.

She had arrived in India on the 7th.

On the 15th of August, just eight days later, she was sitting with me in Belgaum for her Past Life Regression session.

Sometimes life creates connections in ways we could never plan ourselves.

The Hall of Doors

During a Past Life Regression, I often use an imagery technique in which I guide the person to imagine walking into a long hall.

There are many doors on either side.

I tell them that one of these doors represents a lifetime that is relevant for them to explore at that particular time.

They don't have to choose intellectually.

They simply allow themselves to notice which door seems to be calling or pulling them.

Something very unusual happened with this young woman.

She entered the hall and told me:

"I want to go through two doors."

This had never happened to me before.

I simply told her, "That's perfectly fine. We can explore them one at a time."

And so we did.

Her Fascination with Stones

One of the things she had always experienced in her present life was a deep fascination with stones.

Since childhood, she had loved collecting stones.

She was naturally drawn to them and would collect them whenever she found interesting ones.

During one of the regression experiences, she found herself in another lifetime.

She experienced herself dying.

She was alone, outdoors, in an open space.

Then she witnessed something extraordinary.

She saw her body after death gradually disintegrating and becoming incorporated into the stones around her.

For her, this experience seemed to provide an answer to something she had always wondered about:

Why am I so deeply fascinated by stones?

Of course, Past Life Regression experiences are deeply subjective, and they should not automatically be interpreted as historically verifiable memories.

But from a therapeutic and symbolic perspective, the experience can sometimes be profoundly meaningful.

For this young woman, the connection between her lifelong attraction to stones and what she experienced during regression was striking.

It gave her a completely new perspective on something that had been part of her life since childhood.

The Most Beautiful Part of the Session

But there was another aspect of the session that touched me even more.

As we continued, she began experiencing scenes from her life—both from her present life and from the lives she was exploring.

And what was remarkable was that she wasn't seeing only painful or difficult experiences.

She was experiencing beautiful moments.

She was enjoying them.

She was feeling the emotions associated with those experiences.

As I watched her, I could see her face changing.

Her face began to glow.

There was happiness in her expression.

She was smiling as she experienced these beautiful moments.

As a therapist, watching that transformation was deeply satisfying for me.

So often, people come for regression because they are struggling with fears, unexplained emotions, patterns or difficulties.

But this session reminded me that our inner journey does not have to be only about searching for pain or trying to find something wrong.

Sometimes it is also about remembering the beauty.

Remembering joy.

Remembering love.

Remembering experiences that make us feel alive.

What Stayed with Me

This session was memorable for another reason.

Look at the sequence of events.

A young woman from Japan chooses India for her six-month stay.

She chooses Udupi.

She happens to stay in a house where my husband and I had previously stayed.

She notices my Reiki book.

She reads it in a day.

She discovers that her host knows me personally.

She decides that she wants a Past Life Regression.

And within just eight days of arriving in India, she finds herself sitting in front of me in Belgaum.

Was it coincidence?

Was it synchronicity?

Was it simply a series of seemingly unrelated events coming together?

I don't think we always need to have an immediate answer.

Sometimes it is enough to simply observe how beautifully life unfolds.

Every Journey Is Unique

After nearly two decades of working with Past Life Regression, I have learned that every session is different.

Some people encounter difficult experiences.

Some discover patterns that help them understand aspects of their present life.

Some experience symbolic imagery.

And sometimes, as in this case, a person encounters something completely unexpected.

The purpose, in my view, is not to become attached to proving whether every image or experience represents a literal historical past life.

The deeper value can be in what the experience reveals to the person about themselves—their emotions, patterns, fears, attractions, relationships and inner world.

For this young woman, the session brought an intriguing insight into her lifelong fascination with stones.

But perhaps even more importantly, she experienced something beautiful:

the joy of her own inner journey.

And for me, that was equally precious.

As I watched her face glow with happiness while she experienced those moments, I felt grateful to have been able to accompany her on that journey.

Sometimes, we don't know where a book will take us.

We don't know where a journey will take us.

And we certainly don't know where a single curious thought will take us.

But perhaps life has its own way of bringing us exactly where we need to be.

A book on a shelf.
A chance meeting.
A journey across countries.
A regression into another time.

And one unforgettable experience.

Perhaps some journeys are meant to happen.

We simply have to be open enough to recognize them when they do.

You can listen to her experience HERE

 

The Art of Making Life Choices: Decide, Learn, and Move Forward

 

One of the most common questions people ask is: “How do I make the right choices in life?”

Whether it is choosing a career, a life partner, a business opportunity, a place to live, or even making day-to-day decisions, life constantly presents us with choices. Many people worry about making the wrong decision and spend a great deal of time wondering what the future holds.

But there is a simple truth: the secret to a successful life is not making perfect choices—it is learning to live peacefully with the choices you make.

Two Ways to Make Decisions

In my experience, there are generally two approaches to making choices.

1. Trust Your Intuition

Some people have a strong intuitive sense. They can feel what is right for them without needing extensive analysis. Their inner voice guides them toward a decision.

Intuition is like an internal compass. It often works beyond logic and reasoning. When developed through self-awareness, meditation, and life experience, intuition can become a powerful guide.

Many of the most meaningful decisions in life cannot be calculated on a spreadsheet. Sometimes, you simply know what feels right.

2. Use Logic and Analysis

Others prefer a logical approach. They carefully examine all the available information, weigh the pros and cons, consider possible outcomes, and then make a decision.

This method is especially useful when dealing with practical matters such as finances, business decisions, career planning, or major commitments.

A logical approach reduces impulsive choices and helps create clarity when emotions are running high.

Which Method Is Better?

The answer is simple: both are valid.

Some people are naturally intuitive. Others are naturally analytical. Many successful decisions come from a combination of both—listening to the heart while engaging the mind.

The important thing is not the method you use. It is that once you make a decision, you commit to it and move forward.

The Real Secret: Don't Regret Your Choices

This is where most people struggle.

After making a choice, they spend years wondering:

• "What if I had chosen differently?"
• "What if I had taken that opportunity?"
• "What if I had said yes instead of no?"
• "What if I made a mistake?"

The mind keeps revisiting the past, creating endless imaginary scenarios.

But no one can make perfect decisions all the time.

Every human being will make some choices that lead to success and some that lead to disappointment. That is part of being human.

The goal is not to avoid mistakes.

The goal is to learn from them.

Every Choice Teaches Something

Even a decision that appears wrong can become one of life's greatest teachers.

Perhaps a failed business teaches resilience.

Perhaps a difficult relationship teaches wisdom.

Perhaps a missed opportunity teaches patience.

Perhaps a wrong turn leads you to a path you would never have discovered otherwise.

When viewed from a higher perspective, every experience contributes to growth.

The mistake is not making a wrong choice.

The mistake is refusing to learn from it.

Do What Needs to Be Done Today

Life unfolds one moment at a time.

At any given point, ask yourself:

"What is the best thing I can do with the understanding I have right now?"

Then do it wholeheartedly.

Make the choice.

Take the action.

Accept the outcome.

Learn the lesson.

And continue moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Life is not an examination where every answer must be correct. It is a journey of learning, growing, and evolving.

Whether you make decisions through intuition or logic, remember this:

Make your choice with sincerity. Learn from the results. Never waste your energy on regret.

The past cannot be changed, but every lesson from the past can make your future wiser.

The happiest people are not those who always made the right choices.

They are the ones who made their choices, learned their lessons, and kept moving forward with courage and peace.

Choose. Learn. Grow. Move on. That is the art of living.

The quality of your life is not determined by making perfect choices. It is determined by your ability to learn from every choice and keep moving forward.

Make your choice with courage, accept it with grace, learn from it with humility, and move forward with confidence.

The Greatest Wealth You Can Never Afford to Lose

 

There is an old saying that has been passed down through generations:

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost.
When health is lost, something is lost.
When character is lost, everything is lost."

At first glance, it may seem like a simple proverb. But the more we reflect on it, the more profound its wisdom becomes.

In today's world, people spend enormous amounts of time pursuing wealth. We work hard to earn money, build careers, acquire possessions, and secure our future. While there is nothing wrong with striving for financial stability, problems arise when we begin to believe that wealth is the most valuable thing we possess.

The truth is, money can come and go.

History is filled with stories of people who lost everything financially and yet rebuilt their lives through determination, resilience, and hard work. Wealth is important, but it is not the foundation of our existence. It is a tool, not the essence of who we are.

This is why the proverb says, "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost."

Of course, losing money can be painful and challenging. But as long as we still have our abilities, our values, and our spirit, we have the capacity to create again.

The second part of the saying takes us deeper:

"When health is lost, something is lost."

Health is one of life's greatest blessings. Often, we do not appreciate it until it is affected.

When the body is healthy, we move freely, pursue our dreams, care for our loved ones, and enjoy life's simple pleasures. When health declines, even ordinary activities can become difficult. Physical discomfort, emotional stress, and limitations can affect every aspect of life.

Health influences the quality of our daily experience. That is why losing health means losing something precious.

Yet even here, the proverb does not say that everything is lost.

Why?

Because human beings possess an incredible capacity to adapt, heal, and find meaning despite physical challenges. Many people facing illness continue to inspire others through their courage, kindness, and inner strength.

Then comes the most important part:

"When character is lost, everything is lost."

Why is character considered more valuable than both wealth and health?

Because character is the foundation upon which everything else rests.

Character is revealed in our honesty when no one is watching.

It is reflected in the promises we keep, the compassion we show, the integrity with which we act, and the values we uphold during difficult times.

People may forgive financial mistakes.

They may understand physical limitations.

But when trust is repeatedly broken, when integrity is compromised, and when values are abandoned, the very foundation of relationships begins to crumble.

Character influences how others see us, but more importantly, it influences how we see ourselves.

A person with strong character can lose wealth and rebuild it.

A person with strong character can face illness and still inspire others.

But without character, wealth can become destructive and success can become empty.

In my work with healing and personal transformation, I have noticed something remarkable. People often seek healing because of problems in their external world—financial difficulties, relationship conflicts, career setbacks, or health challenges.

Yet true healing frequently begins when they reconnect with their inner values.

When they choose honesty over blame.

Responsibility over victimhood.

Compassion over resentment.

Gratitude over complaint.

These qualities strengthen character, and as character strengthens, life often begins to transform from within.

The world teaches us to measure success through money, possessions, and status. But deeper wisdom reminds us that our greatest asset is not what we own—it is who we are.

Wealth belongs to the world.

Health belongs to the body.

But character belongs to the soul.

So earn wealth with integrity.

Protect your health with care.

And above all, nurture your character every day.

Because it is the one treasure that gives value to everything else.