Author: Dr T.Selva

 Many Indian households remain silent from July 16 to August 15 every year regarding any auspicious events.

Weddings are postponed, housewarmings are avoided, and, if possible, childbirths are scheduled outside this time frame.

This is due to a long-standing fear surrounding the Aadi month, which is considered an inauspicious period.

As someone born on July 30, right at the peak of Aadi, I often wonder: What is so worrying about this time of year?

Aadi, the fourth month in the Indian almanac is empty of meaning.

It is deeply spiritual and vibrant with devotional observances.

It marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey to the south, which the ancients saw as a period suited for spiritual reflection and inward focus.

It is the time when the divine feminine is especially venerated, through festivals such as the birthday of Goddess Andal (Aadi Pooram), a river blessing festival (Aadi Perukku), and for ancestral prayers (Aadi Amavasai).

Yet, a widespread belief persists that Aadi is a bad period, especially for significant life events.

This misconception runs so deep that I once witnessed a tragic consequence of it.

A close friend’s wife, heavily pregnant and just weeks away from full term, begged her doctor to induce early delivery to avoid having the child born in the Aadi month.

The doctor obliged. Tragically, the child was stillborn several hours later.

The couple was devastated. It was a painful reminder of how fear, not fate, can change lives forever.

Malaysian Gurukkal Sangam vice president Someshvarn Sivachariar said there is no scriptural basis for such dread.

“Ancient texts do not forbid ceremonies during Aadi. The practical roots of this caution likely lie in seasonal conditions.

“Aadi often coincided with the monsoon, making travel and large gatherings difficult and potentially hazardous.

“Over time, this practical restraint hardened into misconception,” said Someshvarn.

He highlighted the favourable dates in the coming Aadi month as July 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 31, and August 1, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, and 15.

He agreed that temples and priests are often preoccupied during Aadi with intense daily rituals, special prayers, and community observances focused on worship, which draw many devotees and require elaborate spiritual preparations.

Because of this, he said, priests may be less available or hesitant to conduct worldly ceremonies like weddings, as their energy and attention are directed toward spiritual upliftment and devotional service during this sacred month.

From an astrological point of view, 7^th-generation astrologer Yuvaraj Sowma said not all days in Aadi are inauspicious.

He said that just like any month, it contains days of favourable and unfavourable planetary influences.

Yuvaraj said generalising the entire month as “bad” is inaccurate and dangerous when it affects decisions about life and death.

He explained that during this phase, the spiritual vibrations on Earth are more potent, making it a highly conducive time to connect with the divine.

“While weddings and primary worldly functions are generally avoided, this is not due to negative connotations.

“Instead, it reflects the traditional understanding that this month is better suited for spiritual pursuits rather than material beginnings”.

So why do we continue to fear it?

Perhaps because we have not stopped to question it, we have inherited beliefs without investigating their origins.

The true essence of Aadi is not misfortune; it is devotion, introspection, and connection with the divine. It is a sacred pause, not a sinister period.

Like myself, those born in Aadi are proof that this month is not cursed.

Many remarkable individuals have been born during the Aadi month and have gone on to lead purposeful lives.

Some of them are former U.S. President Barack Obama (August 4), South African freedom icon Nelson Mandela (July 18), former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (July 26), and actress Jennifer Lopez (July 24).

Their lives prove that Aadi is not a period of limitation, but one of latent potential and divine grace.

It is often said that spiritually evolved souls and impactful leaders are born during powerful cosmic alignments. Aadi is far from a time of misfortune and is one such holy window.

Instead of avoiding the month, we can honour its true purpose by deepening our spiritual practice, offering prayers to our ancestors, and aligning with the rhythm of the cosmos.

Let us reject fear-based choices and reclaim the truth about Aadi by approaching it with reverence rather than reluctance.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

Some journeys begin not with a plan, but with a quiet yearning, a deep longing that only silence gives it shape.
For years, I had felt a pull toward Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Recently, as if guided by grace, that unspoken desire found its way into reality.

This massive white dome, built in the 14th century, has silently watched pilgrims circumambulate with prayer beads in hand and hope in their hearts for centuries.

When I finally stood before the stupa, which is 36 meters tall and shaped like a mandala, symbolising the universe, the city’s clamour faded into the background.

The white dome represents the earth, the 13-tiered golden spire symbolises the 13 stages to enlightenment, and Buddha’s all-seeing eyes face in four directions, symbolising awareness and compassion.

Time itself slowed, as if honouring the sacredness of the moment. I had arrived with questions, yet I found a silent answer that spoke to the soul.
As if guided by a higher hand, Bhupendra Gautam, a soft-spoken, knowledgeable tour guide, approached me and offered to lead me on a spiritual walk around the stupa. It felt like divine timing.

I bowed reverently and began walking around the stupa clockwise, a spiritual act in Tibetan Buddhism towards awakening and spinning the prayer wheels.

With each step and turn of the wheel, I let the gentle rhythm draw me inward, into a space of quiet reflection.

For hundreds of devotees, walking around the stupa is not just a ritual but a communion with the divine, a silent prayer in motion, where the stupa becomes a living presence of Buddha’s mind.

According to Gautam, each step taken mindfully during the circumambulation of the Boudhanath Stupa is believed to purify negative karma.

The fragrance of incense curled through the air, mingling with the chants of monks and the fluttering of countless prayer flags, each colour carrying aspirations skyward.

The sight was sincerely humbling: elderly Tibetans bent with age offering full-body prostrations, tourists trying to soak in the ambience with quiet reverence, and local devotees making their daily rounds with casual grace.

I paused frequently, not out of exhaustion but out of worship. At one such moment, as the setting sun bathed the dome in a golden hue, I felt something shift within me.

Halfway through the kora (the sacred circumambulation) alongside fellow pilgrims, Gautam gently guided me to light a butter lamp.

“Let the energy of centuries of devotion surround you and remove your past,” he said, as the flame flickered to life.

It wasn’t dramatic or sudden, but subtle, I felt a peeling away of layers I didn’t know I carried.

In that space of stillness, I sensed some level of liberation, a letting go of burdens, expectations, and regrets.

Atop the stupa, the Buddha’s all-seeing eyes gazed out in every direction, calm, compassionate, and awake.

I felt seen, not judged, held, not hurried. In that holy stillness, I glimpsed a truth I had only read about: that enlightenment isn’t a distant summit to be reached, but a moment of pure presence, right here, right now.

I also stepped into the quiet embrace of the Guru Lhakhang Monastery, where the stillness seemed to hum with ancient spiritual energy. The air felt charged, like eras of devotion had left a divine imprint.

What moved me even more was learning that this solid and timeless stupa had once bowed under the weight of destruction.

The devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal severely damaged its spire, cracking the crown that so many eyes had turned to in prayer.

But Buddhist monks, local artisans, and donors worldwide restored it with an extraordinary gesture of faith and community spirit.

Today, as it stands tall and radiant once more, the Boudhanath Stupa is not only a monument to devotion but a living symbol of resilience, reminding us that even when the ground shakes beneath us, the soul can rebuild itself, stronger and more luminous than before.

As I left the stupa grounds, I was no longer searching. I was content and in that gentle state of presence, I recognised the liberation I had unknowingly sought, a quiet homecoming to my inner stillness.

The Buddha Stupa offers more than architectural grandeur for those yearning for peace amid life’s relentless noise.

It is a sanctuary for the soul. Go not to find answers, but to listen. Because in that vast, echoing silence, the heart finally finds its voice.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

As the saying goes, when we seek the past and our soul longs for the ancient, the hidden, and the sacred, the spirit awakens and listens.

It begins to guide us in subtle and mysterious ways.

What some may dismiss as coincidence is often the unseen hand of the spirit leading us to places where truth still echoes, time stands still, and ancient wisdom patiently waits to be remembered.

So when I recently stood before the doors of the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne, I felt drawn by something deeper than mere curiosity.
The visit wasn’t planned. While on my way to the Mind Body Spirit Festival, I had taken a wrong turn into William Street and found myself at the exhibition Rituals: Gifts for the Gods, which promised a journey into the divine world of ancient Greece.

Yet, for me, it felt more like a silent summons, an invitation from the past to witness not just relics and ruins, but the living soul of a civilisation that revered the holy in every facet of life.

As I stepped inside and wandered through its quiet galleries, a series of more reflective questions began to stir within me: Why do people offer gifts to the gods? What gives a place its sacredness? And why do the same gestures, prayers, and offerings echo across time, repeated by countless generations seeking something greater than themselves?

In ancient Greece, the answers lived not in words but in ritual. Through offerings of wine, honey, incense, and finely crafted prayer candles, the people expressed gratitude, asked for blessings, and sought to maintain harmony between the mortal and divine.

The exhibition doesn’t merely display these acts; it brings them to life, reminding us that long before temples were built of stone, sanctity was shaped by intention, reverence, and the unseen bond between the human heart and the gods.

One object in particular held me in silent awe, a bronze statue of Zeus, the mighty king of the Olympian gods.

Though modest in size, its presence was anything but small. The figure stood poised, commanding yet serene.

The thunderbolt once clenched in his uplifted hand, now long vanished, powerfully implied. In its finely worked features, I could feel craftsmanship and worship.

To the ancient Greeks, Zeus was more than a mythological figure. He was the divine enforcer of justice, the protector of oaths, and the unseen force that governed both storm clouds and fate.

This miniature figurine, once likely placed in a temple niche or offered at a sanctuary like Olympia, was not merely art but a conduit for prayer, a bridge between the worshipper and the heavens.

Standing before it, I sensed the energy it once carried. I imagined the devotee who had offered it perhaps a warrior before battle, a farmer praying for rain, or a family fulfilling a vow.

Mortals reached toward the divine through such offerings, not out of fear, but out of a deep longing to be seen, heard, and held by the cosmic order.

Further along the exhibition, I encountered an ancient and eerily contemporary space, an interactive installation inspired by the Oracle of Delphi.

In antiquity, seekers from across the Greek world travelled to the consecrated sanctuary of Apollo to pose their most pressing questions to the Pythia, the high priestess through whom the god was believed to speak.

From matters of war and peace to deeply personal dilemmas, all sought the same thing: guidance from the divine.

In this modern reinterpretation, powered by AI, visitors are invited to type their questions into a console, just as ancient pilgrims would have whispered their queries into the sacred chamber.

As I placed my hands on the platform and silently formed a question from my heart, I couldn’t help but feel a ripple of reverence.

The answer that appeared on the screen was enigmatic, much like the cryptic utterances of the original oracle, but it struck a chord within me.

What captivated me most was not the answer itself, but the intention behind the act, the surrender, the openness, the silent hope that something higher was listening.

Thousands of years may separate us from those early seekers, yet the desire to be guided through life’s uncertainties remains unchanged.

To stand in a space inspired by Delphi is to be reminded that wisdom is not always shouted; it is often whispered and requires stillness to hear.

As I slowly made my way out of the exhibition, I felt I had not merely observed the past, I had entered it, walked alongside its pilgrims, and stood in silent awe before its gods.

Each of the 119 artefacts, including several selected objects never before seen outside of Greece, from the bronze figure of Zeus to the recreated Oracle of Delphi, was more than a museum piece.

It was a vessel of memory and meaning, echoing the timeless human desire to honour the revered, to seek answers, and to feel held by something greater than ourselves.

What moved me most was the realisation that these ancient rituals, these gifts to the gods, were not about superstition but relationship.

They were acts of reverence, deep listening, and alignment with the unseen forces of life. Whether through offerings of olive oil and incense or whispered questions in a temple hall, the ancients lived with an awareness that the divine was not distant but near.

As I stepped back into the modern world, I carried with me the memory of what I had seen and a gentle reminder: the heavenly is never far.

It reveals itself when we pause, ask, and offer even the simplest gesture with sincerity.

In a world that often rushes past the invisible, Rituals: Gifts for the Gods reminded me that mystery is not meant to be solved, but honoured.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

 

Identical twins are nature’s mirror images.

Born from the same womb, often just minutes apart, they share a similar genetic makeup that even science remains intrigued by.
But what happens when we turn to the stars? Do twins born a minute apart share the same destiny according to Indian Vedic astrology, or does that single minute mark the beginning of two distinct karmic journeys?

This thought-provoking question sparked lively debate among 200 delegates at the International Astrology, Vasthu and Tantra Conference, recently held in the scenic hill town of Bhedetar, Nepal.

Renowned Nepali celebrity astrologer Harihar Adhikari brought the issue to the fore, eager to hear diverse perspectives from the participants at the event organised by the World Astro Federation.

In classical Vedic astrology, a birth chart is cast based on the exact time, date, and place of birth.

When twins are born within a short interval, say one or two minutes, their charts are often nearly identical, especially if no central celestial body changes position in that span.

However, veteran astrologers caution against interpreting such charts identically. Why?
Because astrology is not just about the static placement of planets, it’s also about karma (destiny to be experienced in this life), free will, and the unique unfolding of life’s journey.

According to Kathmandu-based astrologer Madhav Mangal Joshi, even with nearly identical charts, twins may display different temperaments, pursue other careers, or encounter life’s challenges and triumphs at various times.

He explained that subtle planetary influences, such as the divisional charts and nakshatras (lunar mansions), can vary slightly even within a minute, offering clues to these differences.

The ascendant (lagna), the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth, is one of the most crucial elements in a birth chart.

It can shift every two to three minutes. If twins are born on the cusp of this shift, they may have different ascendants, leading to dramatically different readings of personality and life direction.

Even when the ascendant remains the same, experienced astrologers may use more refined tools such as divisional charts, moon-sign-based interpretations, and planetary period systems (dasha) to distinguish between the twins’ karmic blueprints.

From a spiritual perspective, India-based astrologer Acharya Ashok Kumar Mishra said Vedic astrology holds that no two souls are alike, even if born at nearly the exact moment.

Each individual carries their own karmic imprint, shaped by past actions and destined experiences.

“Twins may grow up in the same environment,” Mishra added, “but they interpret and respond to life through the lens of their individual karmas.

That’s why one twin may become a doctor while the other chooses to be a chef, or one might marry early while the other later.

Despite external similarities, their inner landscapes, desires, fears, and aspirations are uniquely theirs.

Many veteran astrologers view twins as ideal case studies for how astrology intersects with the soul’s free will and environmental conditioning.

Some believe that even when planetary positions match, transits (ongoing planetary movements), progressions, and personal choices ultimately lead to different life trajectories. Others argue that subtle energy shifts, even within a minute, can alter destinies in ways not fully captured by traditional charts, calling for a more intuitive or spiritually attuned approach.

So, do identical twins born a minute apart share the same fate?

According to Vedic astrology, the answer lies somewhere between yes and no.
They may be born under the same stars, but they walk their own paths, guided by the invisible threads of karma and choice.

In the end, astrology reminds us that even when the heavens align, the soul’s journey is singular, shaped by intention, coloured by experience, and lit from within by the light of self-awareness.

Some traditions also hold that the younger twin may, in fact, be the elder in a spiritual sense.

This subject resonates deeply with me because I have twin sons, born just a minute apart, identical in appearance yet infinitely distinct in spirit, who have shown me that age is far more than a number on a birth certificate.

One emerged first, greeted the world with a newborn cry, and claimed his place. And a minute later, the other arrived, softer, quieter, but no less present.

For years, people have asked: “Who’s the elder?” And I would reply with the answer the clock gave me.

But deep within, I sometimes wonder, was the one who waited the elder soul?

I remember what the elders say: the second-born twin often chooses to wait and let the other go first.

This is a quiet strength that doesn’t need to announce itself. Some traditions say the second-born is actually conceived first, making him spiritually senior, a truth that only the soul remembers.

As I watch them grow now as young men walking their paths, I see how both carry different flames from the same fire.

One leans into leadership, the other into depth. One speaks his truth, the other feels before speaking with wisdom.

Both reflect parts of me, and yet both exceed anything I ever imagined.

So, when I hear the old saying that the younger is the elder, I smile because in some unseen realm, it just might be true.

Over the years, I’ve seen them take turns being the elder, not by birth, but by presence.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

 Vasthu Sastra Guide book author and columnist Dr T. Selva was conferred the prestigious Vasthu Star Award at the International Astro Vasthu and Tantra Conference held at Bhedetar, Dhankuta.

Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki presented the honour for his outstanding global contribution to Vasthu Sastra and ancient pearls of wisdom.

Dr Selva has played a key role in popularising this ancient Indian science of architecture and harmony through his extensive writings, international lectures, and media outreach.

World Astro Federation Chairman Dr Lokraj Poudel described Dr Selva’s impact as ‘pivotal’ in reviving interest in Vasthu Sastra worldwide.

“His efforts have helped countless individuals apply these time-tested principles to modern living for enhanced well-being and prosperity,” he said.

Dr Selva expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award: “To be recognised in such a spiritually rich and intricate science is deeply humbling.

“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a tribute to the enduring power and relevance of ancient knowledge in today’s world.”

The Vasthu Star Award is among the World Astro Federation’s highest accolades. It honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and global outreach in astrology, Vasthu Sastra, and Tantra sciences.

Dr Selva’s recognition marks a significant moment for Vasthu Sastra’s growing acceptance and relevance in contemporary lifestyles, as more people turn to traditional sciences for holistic living.

At the three-day event on May 24^th, Dr Selva delivered a talk exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) threatens ancient wisdom traditions.

He said traditional systems like astrology and Vasthu Sastra are intensely rooted in culture, intuition, and spiritual dimensions. AI still lacks the depth and human nuance to fully engage with them.

“Rather than replacing practitioners, AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool, offering quick calculations, visualisations, and interpretations that enhance accuracy and save time,” he said.

He emphasised that experts in metaphysical sciences often act as spiritual guides and counsellors, listening to their clients’ concerns, offering emotional reassurance, and providing personalised advice informed by experience and subtle human cues.

“AI lacks empathy, intuition, and the capacity for meaningful spiritual connection. People seeking comfort, reassurance, or karmic insight will likely continue to prefer the human touch,” he said.

“While AI tools may serve the masses by offering easy access to information, they may fall short for those seeking a deeper, spiritually resonant experience.

“Serious followers are likely to view AI-generated results as superficial, unless a seasoned expert validates them,” he added.

Dr Selva said the future will likely see a hybrid model in which astrologers and Vasthu Sastra practitioners work together.

“AI is much like how doctors use diagnostic technology to support, but not replace, their clinical judgment.

“AI should not be seen as a threat, but as an evolving system that will complement age-old knowledge and traditions.”

He said the future belongs to those who embrace technology while preserving the sacred, intuitive, and human elements of these ancient sciences and wisdom.

 

High in the hills of eastern Nepal, nestled within the Dhankuta District, lies a small yet profoundly stirring place called Bhedetar.
To the casual visitor, it might seem just another mist-laden hill station, its charm rooted in cool breezes and shifting clouds.
But for the soul seeking peace, healing, and inner stillness, Bhedetar offers far more than scenic views; it provides a sanctuary of harmony.

I arrived without expectations, carrying only a quiet longing to unplug from the world’s noise. What I found was a landscape seemingly crafted for reflection.
Perched at around 1,420 metres above sea level, Bhedetar is known for its mist drifting and

merging with clouds that seem to carry a silent message from the skies.

Here, nature is not simply beautiful; it is alive with presence.

Bhedetar’s essence, however, goes beyond natural serenity. This tranquil region has also served as a backdrop for peace-building efforts, with non-governmental organisations hosting training sessions on conflict resolution and harmony.
I have come here to deliver a talk at the three-day International Astro Vasthu and Tantra Conference, hosted by the World Astro Federation this weekend. I now understand why this place was chosen as the venue for the 200 delegates.
There is something in the air. Perhaps the seclusion and silence soften the spirit and open the heart. They encourage healing conversations, not only with others but also within oneself.

A short distance from the village lies Namaste Falls, a cascading vision of purity.
As I watched the water descend with roaring grace, catching glimpses of the occasional rainbow-like arc, I understood why waterfalls are often seen as symbols of spiritual cleansing.
There were no words, no rituals, just the sound of rushing water and the quiet knowing that something within had shifted.

The cascading waters of Namaste Falls symbolise cleansing and spiritual purification.

The pure, flowing water represents the washing away negativity and impurities, inviting renewal for both body and soul.
The name ‘Namaste’, a respectful greeting meaning “I bow to the divine in you,” reflects people’s deep reverence in the presence of the falls.
Many visitors experience this place as a connection point with nature’s divine energy.

The waterfall’s tranquil surroundings and soothing sound create an ideal environment for meditation, prayer, and inner reflection, making it a natural sanctuary for those seeking peace and solace.
Part of the local heritage, Namaste Falls is often included in spiritual and cultural journeys through the region, linking visitors to the traditions and beliefs of indigenous communities.
Many believe the waterfall radiates positive energy, contributing to physical and emotional healing for those who spend time near its mist and flow.

Every step in this land feels like a quiet echo of those who walked before by saints, seekers, and solitary wanderers who came not for spectacle but solace and spiritual refuge.
As I prepare to spend the coming week immersed in this sacred landscape, I look forward to deepening my spiritual exploration, guided by the stillness, the silence, and the unseen grace that lingers in the air.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

 

 

 

Walking into the ‘Discovering Ancient Egypt’ exhibition at the Queensland Museum, I felt an unexpected hush settle over me, like I’d stepped into a sacred space.

Surrounded by ancient relics, I was drawn into a world where every painted coffin and intricately carved amulet seemed to whisper stories from a long time ago.

Among the more than 250 artefacts on display, the stone coffin sarcophagi first drew me into meditative stillness.

Their surfaces, adorned with hieroglyphs, vivid depictions of gods, and protective spells, held a powerful presence.

These inscriptions were spiritual maps, crafted to guide the soul safely through the afterlife and ward off unseen dangers.

The sarcophagi were not merely burial vessels, but gateways to the eternal.

The exhibition carefully handles sensitive material, including displaying human and animal remains.

In a respectfully curated gallery, five mummified individuals are presented: a woman named Ta(net)kharu (also referred to as Tadis), a young girl, Sensaos, a man named Harerem, and two unidentified individuals, one male and one female.

For visitors who prefer to avoid this section, the museum provides an option to bypass it.

Now, under the museum’s custodianship, these remains are treated with utmost dignity.

The museum also engaged in meaningful consultations with First Nations groups and members of the Egyptian-Australian community to ensure a culturally sensitive and ethically responsible presentation.

Standing before these mummies invites deep reflection on life, death, and humanity’s evolving rituals of remembrance.

It is a solemn yet enlightening experience that reminds us of our collective responsibility to preserve and interpret the past with reverence.

What struck me most was a profound sense of continuity. The human impulse to honour the dead, to find meaning in mortality, and to leave behind traces of existence transcends time and culture.

Each coffin told the story of a soul’s journey into the afterlife. To the ancient Egyptians, death was not an end, but a holy transition.

Even the eyes painted on the coffins were not merely decorative; they were meant to let the deceased see into the next world, staying watchful and connected.

Every pigment, every carved line, carried sacred meaning. It was as if the divine had been etched into the grain of the wood and the mineral of the paint.

Equally moving were the amulets, small but vast in symbolism.

Fashioned from carnelian, faience, and gold, they were far more than ornaments.

They were tangible prayers. The ankh for life, the scarab for rebirth, and the eye of Horus for protection embodied a spiritual force intended to shield and guide the soul through the perils of the afterlife.

I was struck by the spiritual intelligence embedded in these artefacts.

In today’s material-obsessed world, here was a civilisation that infused the sacred into everyday objects.

Their faith extended beyond temples and was woven into life and death.

These amulets and coffins remind us that to live well is to die well and to see life not as a race against time, but as a holy variety of experiences.

One display in particular captivated me: a collection of amulets crafted for the living and the dead.

It resonated with the principles of Vasthu Sastra, which also recognises the protective and symbolic power of revered objects.

Like ancient Egyptians, who used amulets to ensure spiritual safety and harmony, Vasthu Sastra prescribes yantras, sacred geometric symbols, and similar amulets to balance energy, ward off negativity, and enhance well-being.

The parallels across cultures and centuries reaffirm a universal human instinct: to seek protection and harmony through sanctified symbolism.

I returned with a gold Egyptian cartouche pendant. Its elegant hieroglyphics encase the name of a royal figure, and the pendant is believed to bestow protection and good fortune upon the wearer.

When I chose it, I felt an unspoken connection to the ancient world, drawn not just by its beauty but also by its timeless hope.

I now wear it close to my heart, not merely as a souvenir but as a personal talisman, a reminder of history’s sacredness and the enduring human quest for meaning and protection.

In a world that often rushes forward, it is grounding to pause and reflect on the ancient wisdom that has guided civilisations for millennia.

These symbols, rooted in deep spiritual and cultural traditions, continue to offer us insights. They teach us that even in the modern age, we can draw strength from the past and carry forward its lessons of balance, protection, and the search for deeper significance.

The Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition runs in Brisbane until August.

I urge you to walk among these ancient treasures for those yearning for beauty, wisdom, or a deeper connection to humanity’s eternal questions.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

 

We live in an environment where shortcuts are celebrated and dishonesty is often dismissed as “being smart.” It is about time we pause and ask how much we compromise our values.

A recent conversation during an e-hailing ride reminded me how urgently we must return to principles that truly matter.

It was an ordinary ride from Petaling Jaya to Kuala Lumpur, the kind I’ve taken countless times.

The 65-year-old driver was friendly and eager to talk. He spoke about how he had just sold his three-year-old car with over 400,000 kilometres on the clock, but he got a good price for it, he said, smiling.

“How?” I asked, curious.

“I had the meter rolled back to 160,000 kilometres,” he said casually. “Who would buy it otherwise?”

He chuckled. I didn’t. I asked him, “But isn’t that cheating?”

He brushed it off. “Everyone does it. You’ve got to be smart these days to make money.”

That ride ended, but the discomfort it stirred lingered.

There was something deeply troubling in how easily he justified his actions. It wasn’t just what he did; it was his pride. It was as if deceiving someone was not only acceptable but admirable.

We’ve reached a point where integrity is often considered naive, and manipulation is necessary. But when did cheating become a badge of honour? When did bending the truth become the norm?

This isn’t just about one tampered odometer. It’s about a mindset becoming all too common, the belief that ethics can be compromised if there’s profit.

In another case, a friend shared an incident. He was pleased that a restaurant had mistakenly failed to charge him for one of the dishes he ordered.

He saw it as a “bonus”, a lucky break and felt no obligation to inform the cashier about the oversight.

In fact, he took pride in quietly walking away with what he saw as an unearned gain.

It’s moments like these, seemingly harmless choices, that truly test our honour.

The question is not whether we can get away with something, but whether we feel right.

Spirituality teaches us that righteous conduct is not about being watched, but about living in harmony with our conscience, even when no one is looking.

Cheating is not simply dishonest; it is a betrayal of trust, a distortion of truth, and a denial of our higher self.

Deceit may offer short-term gain in business, relationships, or daily interactions, but leaves behind a long trail of unseen damage.

At its core, cheating reflects fear – fear of loss, fear of inadequacy, fear of being left behind. But when we act from fear, we lose our moral footing.

We justify wrongdoing as “strategy” and bargaining as “necessity.” Once ignored, the integrity begins to fall silent, and that silence is dangerous.

Untruthful acts create ripples. They hurt not only those who are cheated, but also the one who cheats by feeding anxiety, weakening character, and eroding inner peace.

We become uneasy, even if the world doesn’t see it.

I want to cite a quote from the Dalai Lama: “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”
His words are a powerful reminder that honesty and openness are not just moral ideals, but are important for building trust, whether in relationships, institutions, or society.

It signals that fraudulence poisons the soil from which trust grows, not only in society but also in our lives.

We are all accountable not just to others, but to ourselves.

Every time we justify a lie, no matter how small, we erode the moral compass that ought to guide our choices.

In karmic philosophy, harm inflicted on others, even indirectly, returns to us.

Selling a tampered car might lead to an accident, and the law of karma suggests we inherit the appropriate weight of these outcomes.

Let us remind ourselves and teach our children that honour is not outdated and that ethics are essential.

Let’s take the longer, tougher, and more honest path because in the end, it’s not the size of our earnings that defines us, but the uprightness with which we earn them.

And let us remember that wealth earned through honesty brings peace, while riches gained through trickery leave a path of unrest.

May we never be so blinded by profit that we lose sight of our values.

 

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra

 

 

Many of us communicate with ourselves consciously or unknowingly in our daily lives when we are confronted with all kinds of issues, positive or negative.

Some regard this intuitive contact as a conversation with our inner voice or strength, which guides us in our decision-making, particularly when we have nowhere else to turn.

All of us have this self-talk gift, and invoking it is vital to constantly being in touch with this talent for our well-being and that of others.

However, one needs to examine these signals because they are often known to be negative.

Some people have asked me how she can tap her inner strength to achieve happiness, prosperity, and peace of mind.

The recent challenges arising following the coronavirus crisis have left many people in disarray. Some don’t know what to do, how to handle issues, or where to seek answers.

The power of inner energy, which is within every individual, is that it can stimulate our consciousness and show an individual what is right and wrong.

According to great masters in theological studies, we have undiscovered treasures in our unconscious state, and if we can touch them, we can awaken this inner energy.

In the beginning, this voice may be weak, but the more we believe in it, the louder and stronger it will grow.

The connection can be realised through meditation, silence, exercising calmness, sweetness of speech or remaining in a relaxed state of mind.

This voice guides us to make the best life choices and experiences and helps us reason instead of impulsively.

One of the major obstacles to linking to our inner power is our subconscious mind, which opens more towards what we or others programme into it.

Frequently, our minds are fed or exposed to issues related to hatred, fear, jealousy, anger, hopelessness, distrust, revenge, and so on.

Often, we are not conscious of such influences, which may result in us accepting inaccurate, unhappy, negative, and unhelpful information.

I wish to share some knowledge I learnt during self-realisation studies under several experts in self-development in India. All of them say that we are born to be free, creative, and successful.

However, most people find themselves chained owing to external forces, which slowly emerge as their own regime, preventing them from being boundless.

So, how do we free ourselves from such a situation?

You first need to identify clearly what you wish to achieve.

Once you have determined the objective, you need to surround your aim with all the appropriate emotions and the positive belief that your objective is within reach.

Ultimately, you can achieve it only if you can remain positive that you can do it.

When doing this exercise, make sure you ward off or change negative thoughts into positive alternatives.

Also, state affirmations like “I am good at this,” “I can do it,” “I am strong,” or “I feel good doing this” to make your wish more effective.

Beliefs are vital because they are built on our life experiences, whether successful or unsuccessful.

Every belief, thought and feeling we experience creates a chemical and energetic response within our bodies.

Our strong beliefs and feelings create energy that draws to us whatever we focus on.

If an individual is preoccupied and lacks confidence in his or her ability to do a particular task, he or she may soon find it challenging to complete the task.

In short, the attention an individual focuses on can determine all results, negative or positive.

The fastest way to resolve this issue is to change what we do, which starts with changing our behaviour.

 

Transformation affirmation

Find a quiet spot, relax, close your eyes and communicate with the cosmic consciousness by reading or mentally saying the following affirmation:

“I hereby declare and affirm that all negative energies, negative thoughts, negative psychic energies, negative diseased energies, negative vibrations, negative entities, that touch any part of my aura at any given time, whether externally or internally, sent by anyone or everyone, whether consciously or unconsciously generated, be automatically transmuted into Light, Love and Harmony and immediately returned to their senders and creators.”

 

Open your palms facing upward and call for heavenly blessings, material gifts, and healing energies to always be allowed to enter your space.

Thank the unseen powers for your great blessings of Light, Love and Harmony.

This affirmation can be observed whenever an individual experiences challenges in his or her career, relationships, health, partnerships and peace of mind.

 

Dr T. Selva is the speaker and the author of the best-selling book Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Hallp Living. To get a copy, contact 109-2728464. He can be contacted at drtselvas@gmail.com, Facebook: Vasthu Sastra