Possessiveness (or parigraha in Sanskrit) has three dimensions. First, is the ownership of objects, things, money, and other materials. Second, is the controllability in relationships particularly close ones such as with spouse, children, friends, and so on. Third, is the controllability that also extends to possessiveness about power by those in positions of power. There is a rich literature in Indian philosophy on possessiveness and how to transcend it (aparigraha). It entails keeping the desire for possessions just appropriate to one’s life stage. It involves self-restraint so as not to harm others and developing a sense of charity (dana).

Dr. Manoj Sharma, a Professor of Social and Behavioral Health answers queries on sleeplessness, its possible reasons and the ways to combat it.

Self-condemnation (swa-ninda in Sanskrit) is a state that is linked to the emotions of guilt, shame, anger, regret, disappointment, and distress. It entails being reproachful of one’s behavior to the extent of despising it. It can happen because of indulging in a behavior that one does not approve of and upon reflection finds that it cannot be justified. It involves doing something contrary to one’s personality. It violates one’s value system and challenges the existing beliefs and attitudes about self.

Hatred (ghrna in Sanskrit) or an intention of malaise against someone is a huge barrier in our spiritual journey toward perfection and among the most difficult emotions to eliminate. Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963, a renowned yoga teacher) has described three stages of hatred. This emotion usually starts with prejudice or forming a negative opinion about someone without having accurate facts or reasonable reasoning.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun thus casting a shadow. A complete solar eclipse will be occurring on April 8, 2024, that will be visible in North America. This will turn the day into darkness because the Moon’s angular diameter will be larger to prevent sunlight from reaching the Earth. The eclipse will start to appear in Mexico, moving through Texas and then the Midwest and sliding onto Canada. Several people want to watch the solar eclipse, but some precautions need to be kept in mind.

Guilt (atyaya in Sanskrit) is an emotion that arises when someone does or believes they are committing something wrong. In legal parlance, guilty refers to having been found to have committed an offense or crime. Guilt is focused on the past, unlike fears that are future-oriented.