In the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition, the guru led the path towards spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Imitating that closely guided interaction is the new trend of audio and video CDs that teach techniques to tame the mind and heal the body. Spiritual Reality-The Journey Within (Rs 345), a 60-minute VCD is one among the many packages of peace. Through a pleasingly choreographed multimedia dance, anchored by the voice of actor Ashish Vidyarthi, it unravels the different stages of meditative consciousness. It gives colour and form to inner reflections during meditation: aura, mirage, dreams, visions, breath, out of body experiences. In nine compellingly produced sections-Meditation, Cosmic Energy, Third Eye, the Energy Body, Astral Travel, Pyramid Meditation, Enlightenment, Nirvana and Life After Life, the video shows how to open up the sixth sense and channelise cosmic energy.

PICTURE SPEAK

SPIRITUAL REALITY: A meditative journey

However, this CD hardly substitutes a guru's guidance. Produced by Space, a Bangalore-based team of researchers and practitioners which teaches meditative practices all over the country, it does not seek to provide a convincing rationale behind the practices it explores. Nor does it teach how to fluidly go from one stage of meditation to another. "It is Universal Truth put together in a viewer-friendly format," says one of the researchers from Space, adding that they have consciously avoided using any cult image, a religion, or any one ideology behind it. It is an attractive package alright. But what could have made it singularly powerful as a how-to guide is philosophic depth that explained the inner possibilities of peace along with its external pursuit.

DISCOURSE

"Easter is all about resurrection that brings access to God, the father. It is about victory over every factor that separates man from God."
Pastor Benjamin David

In The Lamb, a collection of sermons, Pastor David of Bangalore says that sin created a disconnect in the relationship between God, the father, and Adam, the son. Easter-the resurrection of Christ-brought about a reconciliation between God and man once again. It was an attestation of God's love for mankind. Jesus gave up his life and defeated death and sin which had separated mankind from God. Easter is all about the common man's access to God. It is about victory over every factor of life and death which separates man from God.

INSIGHTS
The Laugh of Luck

Hotei, the 16th century Japanese mystic, known in the modern world as the Laughing Buddha with a big belly and an infectious laugh, is now the muse for Feng Shui gurus. His figure has been reinvented and re-accessorised keeping in mind the "different kinds of luck" people pray for. Earlier, a Laughing Buddha was just a good luck charm, wore simple robes, a rosary and carried a sack. Now, he is seen in hundreds of avatars; his accessories range from gold medallions to musical instruments. From royal, embroidered robes to a dragon wrapped around the belly. He is seen in jade or marble, is carved or painted. "Gold medallions signify wealth while a dragon's breath indicates success," says a Feng Shui practitioner. "If a family seeks help for business uplift, we advise a Buddha accessorised with coins; if a person wants to beat stress, then a Laughing Buddha with a sack is given." Artists and Feng Shui masters have different takes on the Laughing Buddha. The artist concentrates on the play of colour and aesthetic beauty, while the spiritual healer looks at the energy of the Laughing Buddha's accessories. His smile remains the same. The ritual is to rub his belly and look at his eyes for luck and prosperity. And laugh.

-Compiled by Shefalee Vasudev

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