July 2018 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

As all of nature comes to full bloom in the peak of the summer, we witness the magic of life in all its glorious expression! It’s as if the world around eagerly invites us to explore the presence of an all-permeating metaphysical intelligence; we must but learn to see and listen.

In our investigation, we might stumble upon the imprint of this intelligence at sacred locations around the globe. Or perhaps an inward journey might lead us to an inner sacredness – expressed as devotion in the yearning of ancient Indian artists, as objective simplicity in the words of Haiku poetry, or the fraternal spirit fostered among fellow athletes. How beautiful that Life leaves bread crumbs for us, to mark the path to encounter her mysteries!

In this issue of The Acropolitan Magazine we invite you to explore the pathways for change, as we aspire to raise our consciousness, individually and collectively, to manifest our fullest potentials. Let us together Discover, Awaken, and Transform!

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

The “Art” of Devotion

July 1, 2018

By Kanika Mehra

In the wee hours of the morning, Emperor Akbar awoke to the sweet melodious singing of Haridas, guru of the celebrated singer of his court, Tansen. Haridas had been singing a dawn raga. Overwhelmed, Akbar inquired why Tansen was not able to sing like his guru Haridas. Tansen replied that there was one big difference between him and his teacher; while he sang for his lord Akbar, The Great, Haridas sang for the Lord of the universe – God.

Brushed by God’s Presence

July 1, 2018

By Kurush Dordi

For millennia, specific locations around the world have been regarded with fascination and sacredness. Despite all the materialistic opulence and grandeur of some of the most recent human architectural achievements, there remains something awe inspiring about many ancient structures that have stood their ground for thousands of years. For many, even the most grandiose five-star properties of Dubai look pale when compared to the magnificence of the Angkor Wat Temple Complex in Cambodia for instance.

My Mind & I

July 1, 2018

By Sangeeta Iyer

Does my mind exist outside of me? Who am I really, if not my mind? Many of us have experienced the predicament of almost having a face-off within ourselves, as if there were two people debating within us; one of whom we eventually align with. Sometimes, we’re even surprised to find that our mind seems to have a mind of its own! “I don’t know what came over me,” we say puzzled, “how could I have behaved so out of character?”

Haiku: Abundance in Brevity

July 1, 2018

By Trishya Screwvala

The Japanese poetic form of haiku, is a very succinct poem that exemplifies simplicity. It is one of the most recognizable and popular forms of poetry today and has travelled far beyond Japan’s shores, with writers composing haiku in Spanish, English and even Bengali as seen in the works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It originally developed out of a highly formal, collaborative verse called renga, popular at middle class gatherings in the 7th century. (1) The starting verse of renga,

Ethics and The Value of Sport

July 1, 2018

By Suhail Chandhok

Despite our uniquely personal DNA there is one facet that arrives with each and every one of us, within days of our opening our eyes to the world for the first time – our innate nature to want to PLAY! Whether it is a doll, a ball, cars, rattles or imaginary battles, we are given the license to run with it, without a care in the world. As life moves forward, however, our innate desire to play is either nurtured, or it is sadly blunted or even annihilated in many cases.

Homeopathy: Curing the Personal and the Collective

July 1, 2018

By Manjula Nanavati

Homeopathy as a system of healing has always generated considerable controversy and deeply divided opinions. On the one hand there are those who refuse any other form of medicine, and swear by homeopathy from personal experience. There are others that decry it as a sham, calling all homeopaths charlatans. Intellectuals and scientists have publicly denounced it as a viable healing system, despite the admission that patients do seem to somehow benefit from it.

Jul2018-Idealism Philosophy Volunteering

Idealism, Philosophy, Volunteering – Three Pathways for Change

July 1, 2018

By Gilad Sommer

Many of us wish to change the world. But how can it be done?

First of all, it is obvious we are not just seeking to change the world – the world is changing anyhow, regardless of what we do. The ancient philosophers wisely stated that the only permanent thing in the world is change.

In reality, it is not change we seek, it is a certain, positive, change – a diversion of the river’s flow, an orientation towards a brighter future for humanity.

Second, none of us by ourselves can really make a meaningful impact.