Letters to the Editors
Listening to Silence
“The Writer Who Listened to Silence” (Jul/Aug/Sep 2026) is a splendid article—quite the best published so far. It conveys a deep appreciation of both Paul Brunton’s philosophy and the Indian environment in which he developed it.
Joscelyn Godwin
This was my first encounter with Paul Brunton. I feel called to seek self-realization through the sources of his thought. I am grateful for the introduction and eager to learn more.
Isaías Silva Lima
Serious Misrepresentation?
The article by Pradeep Srivastava of California, “The Writer Who Listened to Silence,” suggests that Paul Brunton and Sri Ramana Maharshi are one and attempts to equate their teachings. This is a serious misrepresentation of Bhagavan’s teachings and is deeply troubling. The issue lies in attempting to equate the core philosophies of Paul Brunton and Sri Ramana Maharshi as “one.”
Sri Ramana Maharshi’s lifelong, uncompromising teaching is pure Advaita Vedanta, realized through atma-vichara (Self-inquiry). This path demands the complete annihilation of the mind to reveal the absolute, formless Self.
In contrast, Paul Brunton’s system evolved into what he termed “Mentalism,” where he actively substituted Bhagavan’s concept of the Self with the Mind.
By suggesting their teachings are identical, the article glosses over a profound, structural contradiction. Blending Brunton’s mind-centric philosophy with Bhagavan’s direct path to the absolute Self risks confusing sincere seekers who look to Hinduism Today for spiritual purity and clarity.
Sunita Parasuraman, President,
Sri Ramana Maharshi Heritage
Author’s Response to Above
I have serious disagreements with the statements made above by Ms. Sunita Parasuraman, as follows:
I never said that their philosophies were identical or “one.” Please refer to my statement, “Deeply advaitic at heart, Brunton reframed ancient wisdom in Western philosophical terms—building a bridge between inner experience and modern understanding.”
Brunton used the term Overself to describe Self, or Atman, not Mind, and that too for the benefit of the Western audience.
I have nowhere mentioned that their teachings are “identical.” They both believed in Advaita Vedanta, the only difference being that Sri Maharshi was able to bypass his mind, to realize his Self or Atman, whereas Brunton realized that most people cannot so easily bypass the mind. Therefore, he developed the concept of Mentalism, as an intermediate step, to realize one’s Overself or Atman.
The concept of Mentalism is not a novel concept in Advaita Vedanta. Shravana (listening/studying), manana (reflecting/contemplating), and nididhyasana (meditating/internalizing) are the three progressive stages of spiritual learning and realization in Advaita Vedanta. They transition one from simply hearing a truth to intellectually analyzing it, and finally, to fully embodying it in one’s daily life. All these three processes are related to mind.
Pradeep Srivastava
A Calling to Priesthood
After reading “Kerala: Facing and Fixing a Shortage of Priests,” I felt moved to say that I would like to live in a temple and serve as a priest (Jan/Feb/Mar 2014).
Ajay
Simple and Beautiful
Pranam, Guru. “Heaven and Hell Are States of Mind Within Us” (Oct/Nov/Dec 2025) explains complex ideas in simple words. Beautiful!
Veena
The Vedic Silk Road
Thank you for the fascinating historical overview in “Hindus on the Silk Road, Part II” (Jul 1989) and its account of the exchange of commerce, religion, philosophy and culture across Asia. The article beautifully demonstrates that the Silk Road was far more than a trade route; it was a dynamic network through which ideas, rituals, languages, technologies and spiritual traditions traveled between India, Central Asia, China and beyond.
At the KaviKrishna Foundation and Thoreau Lab, we are developing an interdisciplinary research program tentatively called the Vedic Silk Road. We use this term for a broader cultural network connecting ancient Kamarupa, the Himalayan world, Central Asia and Southeast Asia through textiles, artisans, pilgrimage and community traditions.
One focus is the Hajo–Sualkuchi cultural landscape of Assam, with its Muga silk weaving, metal craftsmanship, temple culture and oral histories. Community memories of interactions with Bhutanese, Tibetan and Khasi visitors suggest that the Brahmaputra Valley may have been an important eastern node within wider trans-Himalayan networks.
Our objective is to combine archaeology, textile history, oral traditions, artisan communities and Indigenous knowledge to understand how living cultural landscapes preserve memories of historical connectivity. We hope this perspective encourages collaboration among scholars and local communities.
Bikul Das, MBBS, PhD
Teaching the Young
We need children to help spread the information presented in “Einstein’s Religious Theses.” I started teaching mine at a young age, and now that they are older, they know it was the greatest education they ever received. God bless (Jan/Feb/Mar 2004).
Devanand Singh
Improving Character
I agree fully with “Improving Our Character.” It is a real challenge for me, as there are many areas where I need to work hard to improve. Reading this is a mind opener: it helps us see where we are stuck and what next step to take. Thank you for this opportunity (Jan/Feb/Mar 2012).
Mougam Pareatumbee
I found this quotation especially interesting: “Spiritual life is not different from the rest of life; it is simply the best of life. Character is the foundation upon which all spiritual unfoldment rests” (Jan/Feb/Mar 2012).
G. Girishskanda
Mystery of Vault B
“Kerala Temple’s Wealth Astounds India” (Jan/Feb/Mar 2012) described the extraordinary treasures preserved in the ancient vaults of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. One of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple has been the family Deity of the Travancore royal family for centuries. When Vault A was opened in 2011, it revealed a remarkable collection of gold, jewels and precious antiquities. Vault B, however, remains sealed.
According to popular belief, its entrance bears cobra imagery and has no visible locks or keyholes. Tradition holds that it is protected by a nagabandham, a sacred spiritual seal, which can be released only through the Garuda Mantra chanted in a particular manner by a highly accomplished soul. Yet perhaps the real question is not how to open Vault B, but why. If it has remained untouched for centuries, perhaps it was never meant to be opened. Whether considered through faith, history or simple curiosity, Vault B reminds us that not every mystery is waiting to be solved. Some are meant to be respected.
Saathvika Ramakrishnan
Vedic Priestesses
“Women Revive Lost Art of Vedic Priestess” provides excellent and appropriate information. Jai Sadguru! Sadguru Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan has great spiritual significance in today’s materialistic world. One should visit the ashram for inner silence and to observe the daily satkarma rituals—especially the yajnas performed there by the kanyas. Thank you (Aug 1992).
Savita Vidwat
Ambamata’s Location
“Girnar Mountain, a Spiritual Journey of Ten Thousand Steps” (Jul/Aug/Sep 2025) says that the Ambamata Temple mentioned in the article is on Gabbar Hill. Gabbar Hill is in Banaskantha District, not in Girnar or Junagadh, though Girnar also has an Ambamata Temple.
Rakesh
Raising Good Hindus
“Educational Insight: Raising Children As Good Hindus” is wonderful for teaching young parents how to raise their children as responsible future citizens (Apr/May/Jun 2021).
Maya Yadav
Parenting with Dignity
Your article “Parenting with Love” (Jul/Aug/Sep 2026) especially appealed to me. In this age of smartphones and nonstop texting among teenagers, its advice to control our anger and approach young people with dignity is invaluable. My grandson, Krishna Jorge, age 14, is entering that stage, and I have encouraged his parents to follow your writings. I have enjoyed and learned much as a subscriber since Hinduism Today began. Though a Vaishnavite by birth, I embrace all Hindu philosophy.
C. V. Sundar Raj, PhD
Poet Tayumanavar
“The Poet Saint Tayumanavar” (Apr/May/Jun 2026) reminds us that Sanatana is the truth. Keep up your great work!
Niyor Kashyap
Please accept my sincere appreciation for this wonderful article. We are normally exposed to the life histories of the Nalvar and hear only fragments about Tayumanavar. It showed me how inspiring a saint he is and made me wonder why he does not receive as much recognition as the Nalvar. You beautifully combined his life history and teachings—indeed, a neat samarasam. I hope this article reaches far and wide. Well done, and thanks to everyone involved in creating it!
Gowrishankar
Preserving Heritage, Nurturing the Future
By Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Recent articles in this magazine call out for support. In our July 2026 issue the feature article is “Sri Lanka’s Tirukoneswaram Kovil.” It provides an account of how this ancient clifftop edifice outlasted empires, survived colonial destruction, and continues to draw pilgrims today. Sri Lankan journalist Thulasi Muttulingam shares information on the probable origins of the temple based on mythology and vague historical records. She paints a picture of the kovil in its original glory, including its major irrigation systems for growing rice, which still exist today. In 1624 the temple was destroyed by Portuguese invaders and only rebuilt 300 years later as a much smaller but functioning structure. Thulasi shares information on the major events that happened to the temple and surrounding community and harbor over those three centuries.
The July Educational Insight presents a subject that is often a topic of discussion among families—disciplining children. There has been a definite shift in recent decades in research and public attitudes about corporal punishment. The adage “spare the rod and spoil the child” has increasingly been replaced by approaches that emphasize teaching, emotional development, and consistent boundaries rather than physical punishment. Our article summarizes the well-honed program of Dr. Jane Nelsen called Positive Discipline. It presents the key points of her system and 14 proven strategies for raising children “without blame, shame or pain.” Consider the first strategy: “Look for Improvement, Not Perfection.” Jane explains, “Perfection is an unrealistic expectation, and children would rather not try at all than experience constant discouragement because they don’t live up to an adult’s expectation of perfection—or their own. Recognition of improvement is encouraging and inspires children to continue their efforts.”
Each issue of Hinduism Today is crafted to uplift, educate and preserve the world’s oldest living faith. Through thoughtful journalism and vivid imagery, we share the beauty and depth of Hindu culture with a global audience. Your support ensures that these articles reach seekers, students and spiritual leaders—strengthening Hindu identity and fostering understanding in today’s interconnected world. You can support Hinduism Today in its efforts to bring together Hindus worldwide and people interested in Hinduism. Your generous donation helps keep the magazine financially strong and secure.
Every temple restored, tradition documented and child guided with wisdom carries Sanatana Dharma forward. The work belongs to all of us. By preserving the lessons of the past and applying them compassionately today, we help ensure that Hinduism remains a living source of strength, insight and inspiration for generations yet to come.
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