ASAP in eternal time: Timelines & appointments depend more on who, not what
ASAP is a popular acronym for 'as soon as possible'. But more often than not it is used to mean 'immediately' in corporate circles. In political, bureaucratic and judicial circles, it depends on the relationship of the beneficiary and the benefactor. If the beneficiary is powerful, then ASAP means traffic lights are stopped to get to the meeting, files are passed quickly, the judgment is given at midnight. If the beneficiary is powerless, then ASAP means you wait endlessly for the appointment, the file gathers dust, and the wheels of justice grind slowly. That Hinduism is increasingly referred to as Sanatan Dharma or Eternal Code of Conduct reveals the value placed on eternity, a concept of time without endings, without deadlines, without full stops. Time is clearly a fluid concept, moving fast when you are happy and slow when you are sad. Timelines and timetables and appointments are a function not of what is to be done, rather who it involves.
The Puranas state that the lifespan of a human is equal to Indra's blink; the lifespan of Indra is equal to Brahma's blink; the lifespan of Brahma is equal to Vishnu's blink; the lifespan of Vishnu is equal to Shiva's blink; the lifespan of Shiva is equal to Devi's blink. This is a metaphor to draw our attention to how time has different meanings in different contexts.
As humans, we do not think too much about the lifespan of a mayflea (a single day), or a flea (100 days), or a cockroach (300 days). Likewise, a glass sponge that lives for 10,000 years or a turtle that lives for 200 years, may not think so much about the human sense of urgency to save the world in one lifetime, or a politician's determination to change the fate of a nation in one political term.
Those in positions of power can destroy millions of 'lesser' lives with a single decision, taken in the blink of an eye. So, the higher we rise in the ladder of power, the more power our blink has, the more sensitive we have to be to the sufferings of those who live below. Even as politicians, bureaucrats and judges play their games of time management, in temples, gods with large silver eyes stare endlessly, reminding all that their arrogant reign is infinitesimal with a denominator of infinity.
Narad once made Vishnu wait. Narad is a Brahmin sage of Hindu mythology who claims to be Vishnu's greatest devotee. Vishnu smiles and plays tricks on Narad to demonstrate the latter's conceit. Vishnu asked him to fetch some water as he was thirsty, too parched to walk to the river. Eager to serve Vishnu, Narad promised to be back as soon as possible. At the river, Narad saw a beautiful woman and was besotted by her beauty. He asked her to be his wife. She agreed. They married. They had children. The children grew up and got married. Narad lived a happy life with wife, children and grandchildren. All on the banks of that river. Suddenly there was a flash flood. It swept Narad's home away. He tried to save his family, but they all drowned right before his eyes. Save me, he cried. A hand pulled him out. It was Vishnu's. Failing to recognise Vishnu, Narad begged his saviour to rescue his family from the flood. But then Narad realised there was no water around: no flood, no family, just a water pot in his hand. Vishnu smiled and asked in a parched voice, 'So where is my water, Narad?' Narad realised that generations had passed in his mind. All this while, Vishnu stayed thirsty.This is what happens when we get distracted by our desires, our thirsts, our hunger and forget the desire, the hunger and thirst of those around us. Time passed quickly in Narad's happiness. But for the thirsty Vishnu, time passed very slowly.We live in a world where different people blink differently. Judges blink differently from prisoners awaiting a bail hearing. Road contractors blink differently from those who walk, drive or live on roads. Governors blink differently depending on which political party the chief minister belongs to. We see people in the highest positions of power blink fast to help their favourites succeed. They blink slowly to ensure their rivals fail. For all talk of Neo-Vedanta, these powerful people are only obsessed with the cravings of their tribe, caste or party while Janata-Janardan (citizen), the Vishnu of democracy, remains thirsty.
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Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
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But what exactly is a karmic relationship, how can you know if you're in one — and how do you know when or if you should walk away? Karmic relationships aren't a term you'll hear bandied about in scientific communities; instead, they have spiritual roots — namely, in the concept of karma that is more commonly seen in Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Karma, in its most basic iteration, is the belief of cause and effect; if you do good things, you will then have good returns. Many Eastern religions believe in reincarnation, and that the actions you take in this life will impact the next — including in relationships. 'A karmic relationship just refers to a relationship between two people who have outstanding karma from a past life. This karma can be positive or negative,' Natty Beatts, author and spiritual advisor, tells Cosmopolitan UK. 'For example, say two people had a romantic relationship in a past life that didn't work out. 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'This is also different from your twin flame, which is a person that shares your soul; karmic partners have their own soul.' Karmic relationships don't have a set time limit either, explains relationship and boundaries expert Rachel Rose: 'Some last only a short season, while others can linger for years. When most people say 'karmic relationship', what they're really referring to are deeply intense, often chaotic connections that shake your foundation. 'In astrology, this energy closely mirrors the influence of Pluto, a planet known for its transformative, life-altering force,' she continues. 'Plutonic relationships are intense, all-consuming, and often leave you changed forever. The karmic element in these cases is more about death, rebirth, and evolution meaning that your mutual meeting is because something in both of you needs awakening or releasing.' 'Karma isn't just about punishment or reward — it's about soul growth. These relationships appear to help you break cycles you've been repeating (sometimes for lifetimes), and they serve as catalysts for deep transformation. Ultimately, they exist to help you step into the next version of yourself. Without them, we can get stuck in unhealthy habits and disconnected from our truth.' Karmic relationships are characterised by quick, immediate intimacy, which can be intoxicating — particularly at the start. 'It can feel like a powerful instant connection, where you already feel like you know that person and they are so easy to get along with, you will likely have an unusual amount of things in common which makes picking activities for dates pretty easy,' Beatts says. 'The romantic pull can be highly intense, especially if they lost each other in a past life or weren't able to make the relationship work. This can feel intoxicating and magical when you first meet.' 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'Trauma can be a major theme, either resurfacing from your past or being created within the dynamic. It's not uncommon for codependency, emotional volatility, or unresolved childhood wounds to play out in these connections. Because these relationships often mirror your unhealed parts, it can feel overwhelming if you're not ready to face them. They are going to feel like a real rollercoaster for someone who isn't emotionally prepared to look within and take accountability for their patterns. 'The gift in this experience though is that the discomfort serves a purpose,' she continues. 'These relationships break illusions and force you to question what you've been tolerating. You will be forced to reassess what love means to you, what you truly deserve, and what you're still carrying from the past.' These sort of close relationships are defined by their intensity. 'Karmic relationships usually feel fated, as if you were meant to meet this person,' Rose says. 'There's often an instant, electric connection that you can't explain, but it hits you on a soul-deep level. The bond is intense and the sexual chemistry is usually undeniable. One of the biggest signs is trauma bonding. These relationships can become emotionally volatile, with a pattern of push-pull behaviour and frequent intense arguments that leave you drained.' She adds: 'That addictive loop is the karmic hook which basically means that if you stay with this person, the lesson hasn't been fully learned yet. Until you recognise the pattern and begin to heal it, it continues to replay.' But, as stressed before, the temporary nature of these relationships are for people to really understand what they want from relationships — and for themselves. 'Karmic relationships typically aren't meant to last forever,' Rose says. 'They come into your life to serve a specific purpose and once that lesson has been fully integrated, the connection usually breaks apart, often abruptly. 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'People often use the term to describe intense, repeating patterns in relationships — what psychology might frame as unresolved trauma, attachment issues, unconscious projections, or unmet emotional needs.' 'The first throes of any new relationship can be heady and intense, so in early relationship stages it is usual to feel the intensity of connection, and it's not necessarily a red flag. As the relationship develops, it's important to step back and recognise the difference between intensity and intimacy.' The sudden deep feelings, and the cyclical nature of the arguments, bear some semblance to more toxic or troubling traits, such as love bombing. If you ever feel you, or a friend, may be in danger, it is always best to seek professional help. There are also ways to try and get some perspective if you're looking to leave a relationship that may not seem healthy; however, Daly admits this is not always easy, particularly if feelings are intense. 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- Yahoo
Tens of thousands demonstrate in Nepal seeking restoration of ousted monarchy
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Washington Post
29-05-2025
- Washington Post
Tens of thousands demonstrate in Nepal seeking restoration of ousted monarchy
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the abolished monarchy be restored and the former king be made the head of state of the Himalayan nation demonstrated in Nepal Thursday. The protesters, waving flags and chanting slogans, demanded the return of the king and the restoration of Hinduism as a state religion as they marched through the main circle in the capital, Kathmandu.
