Making every moment spiritual: How devotion can uplift daily life
Yet, many spiritual thinkers have shown us that devotion doesn't require dramatic life changes; it can begin right where we are. Whether you're preparing a meal, sitting at your desk, or waiting in traffic, a moment of spiritual reflection can turn the ordinary into something meaningful.
Simple acts, like chanting quietly in your mind, listening to devotional music or visualising a beloved divine figure, can infuse daily life with purpose.
These practices aren't about escaping routine, but enriching it. They help us stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of quiet joy.
What's heartening is that this approach works for everyone, irrespective of age, profession or stage of life. With small, consistent steps, devotion can become a quiet companion on one's journey.
It is this very idea, of integrating spirituality into everyday life, that formed the cornerstone of the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Revered as a profound spiritual philosopher, his approach was both inclusive and practical. In 1957, he was honoured with the title
Jagadguruttam
by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat - a recognition of his ability to synthesise spiritual knowledge for the modern seeker.
He reconciled all apparent contradictions in the teachings of previous Jagadgurus and offered a path that is both practical and invaluable for Bhakti seekers. Known as the 'samanvaywadi' Jagadguru, his central teaching, that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain the divine love of Radha Krishna, transcends age, gender and occupation.
For homemakers: Finding devotion in daily chores
Housewives often bear the emotional and physical burden of managing households.
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj preached the concept of karmayoga, performing every task with the mind lovingly attached to the Divine. Even while cooking or cleaning, simply chanting mentally or visualising Radha Krishna can turn the ordinary into a sacred offering.
For students: Balancing growth with grounding
Students today face high expectations and constant distractions. Maharaj Ji encouraged them to choose
shreya
(spiritual good) over
preya
(momentary pleasures).
Practices like listening to kirtans during breaks or spending a few minutes in silent remembrance before studies can boost focus and reduce stress, he teaches.
For professionals: Cultivating calm through work
Busy professionals often feel they must choose between career and inner growth. Maharaj Ji offered a path of integration: keep doing your job well, without expectation, and dedicate your actions to the Divine. Keeping a devotional image at your desk, chanting mentally during commutes, or offering your day's work in prayer helps infuse your career with calm and clarity, he explains.
For seniors: Embracing a life of remembrance
With fewer responsibilities, elderly individuals are uniquely placed to deepen their spiritual journey. Maharaj Ji emphasised
smaran bhakti
, mentally recalling the names and pastimes of the Divine. Even without physical exertion, heartfelt remembrance can bring fulfilment and peace.
For renunciates or Karma Sanyasis: Going beyond appearances
For those who have chosen a life of detachment, Maharaj Ji reminded that true renunciation lies in surrendering the mind. Outer symbols mean little without inner humility and focused remembrance. Through practices like
Roopdhyan
meditation (visualisation of the Divine form), and sincere devotion under the guidance of a realised Guru, even the subtle ego can be dissolved.
A Path Rooted in Love and Simplicity
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's teachings offer more than philosophy; they offer a way of life. His central tenet was profound yet straightforward: keep your mind connected to the Divine, regardless of your worldly duties. In doing so, every moment, mundane or monumental, becomes a step closer to inner joy and spiritual growth.
Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the brand concerned.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Making every moment spiritual: How devotion can uplift daily life
From household chores to office routines, small spiritual practices can bring calm, purpose and joy into everyday moments. In a world that's always on the move, finding time to pause and connect inwardly can feel like a luxury. Yet, many spiritual thinkers have shown us that devotion doesn't require dramatic life changes; it can begin right where we are. Whether you're preparing a meal, sitting at your desk, or waiting in traffic, a moment of spiritual reflection can turn the ordinary into something meaningful. Simple acts, like chanting quietly in your mind, listening to devotional music or visualising a beloved divine figure, can infuse daily life with purpose. These practices aren't about escaping routine, but enriching it. They help us stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of quiet joy. What's heartening is that this approach works for everyone, irrespective of age, profession or stage of life. With small, consistent steps, devotion can become a quiet companion on one's journey. It is this very idea, of integrating spirituality into everyday life, that formed the cornerstone of the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Revered as a profound spiritual philosopher, his approach was both inclusive and practical. In 1957, he was honoured with the title Jagadguruttam by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat - a recognition of his ability to synthesise spiritual knowledge for the modern seeker. He reconciled all apparent contradictions in the teachings of previous Jagadgurus and offered a path that is both practical and invaluable for Bhakti seekers. Known as the 'samanvaywadi' Jagadguru, his central teaching, that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain the divine love of Radha Krishna, transcends age, gender and occupation. For homemakers: Finding devotion in daily chores Housewives often bear the emotional and physical burden of managing households. Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj preached the concept of karmayoga, performing every task with the mind lovingly attached to the Divine. Even while cooking or cleaning, simply chanting mentally or visualising Radha Krishna can turn the ordinary into a sacred offering. For students: Balancing growth with grounding Students today face high expectations and constant distractions. Maharaj Ji encouraged them to choose shreya (spiritual good) over preya (momentary pleasures). Practices like listening to kirtans during breaks or spending a few minutes in silent remembrance before studies can boost focus and reduce stress, he teaches. For professionals: Cultivating calm through work Busy professionals often feel they must choose between career and inner growth. Maharaj Ji offered a path of integration: keep doing your job well, without expectation, and dedicate your actions to the Divine. Keeping a devotional image at your desk, chanting mentally during commutes, or offering your day's work in prayer helps infuse your career with calm and clarity, he explains. For seniors: Embracing a life of remembrance With fewer responsibilities, elderly individuals are uniquely placed to deepen their spiritual journey. Maharaj Ji emphasised smaran bhakti , mentally recalling the names and pastimes of the Divine. Even without physical exertion, heartfelt remembrance can bring fulfilment and peace. For renunciates or Karma Sanyasis: Going beyond appearances For those who have chosen a life of detachment, Maharaj Ji reminded that true renunciation lies in surrendering the mind. Outer symbols mean little without inner humility and focused remembrance. Through practices like Roopdhyan meditation (visualisation of the Divine form), and sincere devotion under the guidance of a realised Guru, even the subtle ego can be dissolved. A Path Rooted in Love and Simplicity Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's teachings offer more than philosophy; they offer a way of life. His central tenet was profound yet straightforward: keep your mind connected to the Divine, regardless of your worldly duties. In doing so, every moment, mundane or monumental, becomes a step closer to inner joy and spiritual growth. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the brand concerned.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Time of India
Let's Get Rid Of The Little i
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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
1k hectares grassland in Barda sanctuary to help more lions roar
Rajkot: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district is steadily coming into its own as a natural extension of lion territory. Once a quiet reserve, Barda is now at the heart of a major conservation effort to create a self-sustaining habitat for Asiatic lions . The forest department has launched a project focused on restoring native grasslands and strengthening the prey base — laying the groundwork for lions to thrive here on their own. Spread across 1,000 hectares, the sanctuary is undergoing a green revival. Invasive plant species are being cleared on a large scale, and native grasses are being cultivated to support herbivores that form the base of the lion's food chain. According to the latest lion census, Barda is now home to 17 lions. The first — a solitary male — arrived naturally. Soon after, five lionesses were translocated to the sanctuary, and their successful mating led to the birth of 11 cubs. With this, Barda has proven itself as a naturally viable habitat. Forest officials have taken a hands-off approach, allowing the population to grow organically. The groundwork for this success was laid years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tecno Pova 7 Series starting at 12,999 - Catch the light. TECNO Mobile Buy Now Undo In 2014, the forest department set up a breeding centre for Sambar and spotted deer. Since then, hundreds of herbivores born in captivity have been released into the wild, helping to establish a solid prey base for the growing lion population. But restoring the landscape hasn't been easy. Deputy conservator of forests, Ravi Prasad Radhakrishna, pointed out that invasive species — such as single acacia (Acacia nilotica), Lantana camara, and Cassia tora — have posed a major challenge. "These alien species prevent native grasses from germinating," he said. "We've launched an intensive removal drive and are promoting native grass species to rebuild a healthy ecosystem for herbivores. " Experts believe birds may have unknowingly contributed to the spread of these invasives, either by carrying seeds on their feathers or excreting them after feeding elsewhere. "Barda is increasingly seen as Gujarat's second home for lions," Radhakrishna said. "With lions naturally dispersing into the area, we're shaping the habitat to support that expansion. In time, we expect the population to reach ecological saturation." The sanctuary now also hosts Nilgai and wild boar — adding further richness to the food chain. Officials believe Barda has the potential to support up to 40 to 50 lions in total. Recognizing its ecological promise, the forest department has also launched a jungle safari to boost eco-tourism and raise public awareness—inviting people to witness the quiet revival of a forest now finding its roar.
