Archive | June, 2025

Fascinating Number Nine 

24 Jun

There are 18 chapters (1 + 8 = 9) in the entire Mahabharata as well as in the Bhagavad Gita. The battle of Kurukshetra lasted 18 days. There are 18 Puranas and 108 Upanishads. What makes number 9 so fascinating ?

The universe begins with zero and ends with 9. After 9, the numbers just repeat themselves in two digits. So, 9 is seen as a complete number. This is evident. Any number multiplied with 9 and reduced to a single digit always becomes 9. (For example, 9 times 3 is 27. If you add 2+7, it will give you 9. Try this with any number).

In Pythagorean numerology the number 9 symbolises the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

The number 108 (1+8 = 9; 12 times 9 is 108) is considered very holy in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is also regarded as sacred across a range of religions and cultures. 108 times is used in many spiritual chants in different religions to mark the completion of prayer.

The human body has 9 openings. These include two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, the mouth, and the openings for excretion and procreation. Even the shape of the womb is in the form of 9. Perhaps it is no surprise that it takes 9 months for a human being to give birth to a child.

In Vedic culture, the number 9 finds a place of spiritual significance. There are 9 planets in Vedic astrology that are said to govern an individual’s life based on his/her actions (karma). These 9 planets are: Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, Sun, Moon, Rahu (Northern lunar node), Ketu (Southern lunar node). 

There are 9 gems or Navaratnas associated with these planets. Pearl is for Moon. Ruby is for Sun. Blue Sapphire is for Saturn. Yellow Sapphire is for Jupiter. Red coral is for Mars. Emerald is for Mercury. Diamond is for Venus. Gomed or Hessonite is for Rahu. Cat’s eye or Chrysoberyl is for Ketu.

We celebrate 9 days of Navaratri to mark the victory of Goddess Shakti over evil. 

There are 9 emotions (bhavas or rasas) in Indian classical dance known as the ‘Navarasas’: Shringara (love and beauty), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (courage), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsya (disgust), Adbutha (surprise), and Shantha (tranquility)

There are 9 forms of devotion to God or our Supreme Self (Paramatma). These include Shravan (hearing), Kirtan (praying), and Smaran (remembering). Others are Padasevan (resorting to feet), Archan (worship), and Namaskar (bowing). Additional forms are Dasya (service), Sakhyam (friendship), and Atma-Nivedana (surrender of the self).

The nine Muses in Greek mythology have distinct domains. Calliope is the Muse of epic poetry. Clio represents history, and Erato is for erotic poetry. Euterpe is known for lyric poetry. Melpomene is associated with tragedy. Polyhymnia is linked to song, while Terpsichore inspires dance. Thalia is the muse of comedy, and Urania governs astronomy.

El Castillo, the Mayan step-pyramid in Chichen Itza, consists of nine steps. It is said that this was done to represent the nine levels of Xibalba.

In Christianity the number 9 also represents the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit. These fruits are faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, long suffering, love, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23).

The famous Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala has 18 steps as the last finale to the shrine ( 1 + 8 = 9)

  • Speed of light = 186282 miles/sec = 1 + 8 + 6 + 2 + 8 + 2 = 27 = 2 + 7 = 9
  • Diameter of the Sun = 864000 miles = 8 + 6 + 4 + 0 + 0 + 0= 18 = 1 + 8 = 9
  • Diameter of the Moon = 2160 miles = 2 + 1 + 6 + 0 = 9
  • Diameter of the Earth = 7920 miles = 7 + 9 + 2 + 0 = 18 = 1 + 8 = 9
  • Second in a hour = 3600 = 3 + 6 =9
  • Second in a day = 86400 = 8 + 6 + 4 =18 = 1 + 8 =9
  • Second in a month = 2592000 = 2 + 5 + 9 + 2 = 18 = 1 + 8 = 9
  • Second in a year = 31104000 = 3 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 4 = 9
  • Even the universe vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hz = 4 + 3 + 2 = 9.
  • There are 27 Nakshatras or stars 2 + 7 = 9

The importance of the number 108 can be seen repetitively in astronomy and astrology : 1 + 8 = 9

  • In Vedic astrology there are 12 solar houses and 9 lunar houses, 9 x 12 = 108
  • The diameter of the sun is about 108 times that of the diameter of Earth.
  • The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the sun’s diameter.
  • The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is 238,800 miles, about 108 times the moons diameter. This makes the moon appear the same size as the sun during eclipses.

Nine is so popular that there are many Idioms also based on this number

  • “to go the whole nine yards-“
  • “A cat-o’-nine-tails suggests perfect punishment and atonement.” 
  • “A cat has nine lives”
  • “to be on cloud nine”
  • “A stitch in time saves nine”

In numerology Mars is the ruling deity of number 9. Attributes associated with this number include being warlike, egoistic, short tempered, and violent. The number is hard outside but soft inside. It is also dominating, aggressive, strong, and rough. Additionally, it is associated with fighting, alienating, and strong leadership.

Its partner Number 8 is equally fascinating.

Lord Krishna’s birth is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight. This period is known as (Krishna Paksha) in Shravana Masa. His consort Radha’s birth is celebrated in Barsana and the entire Braj region also on an Ashtami. Radha Ashtami comes fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami.

Ashtami is the highest point of celebration during the Durga Puja Festival. It is believed that on this day Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura. 

The number eight is a Fibonacci number. The sixth number in the Fibonacci sequence is eight. It is the only number in this sequence, other than the number one, that is a perfect cube (2³).The amount of clouds in the sky is calculated in oktas, ranging from zero oktas to eight oktas. On a day with zero oktas, the sky is completely clear of clouds. A day with six oktas would be mostly cloudy.

Saturn is the reigning deity of number 8. 

Number 8 is the symbol of Infinity. It has perfect symmetry. It is both spiritual and materialistic. It is a number that comes blessed with positive energy, the power of transitions, and the possibility of infinite abundance.

Only 3 numbers – 0, 3 & 8 have lines of symmetry.

  • 0 has 2 lines of symmetry 1 horizontal and 1 vertical.
  • 3 has one horizontal line of symmetry if we draw the top and bottom both equal size.
  • 8 has two symmetry lines, vertical and horizontal.

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Overcoming the fear of Death

24 Jun

The Evolved Soul

One of the most important teaching from the Gita is to overcome the fear of death. While death is inevitable, rare is the person who is ready to go. Insecurity and Fear are the two diseases for which there is no medical cure. 

In Chapter 2, the Lord starts his teachings. He tries to explain that the soul is immortal. 

Death from a worldly point of view – Death is natural to all beings. There is no use in sorrowing for this unavoidable occurrence. Life comes from the Unknown. It remains for a short time in the field of the known. Then it goes back to the Unknown again. 

We all know that it is impossible to take your wealth, youth, relationships with you. All we can carry is our Positive Karma. Those who have lived a dharmic life and accumulated good karma will definitely get upgraded in their next life. They have done their duty without attachment to the results. This reality has to sink in. Imbibing the teachings of the Gita helps us to overcome our limitations. 

Why we fear Death? 

  • Fear of the unknown 
  • Fear of the punishments we get for our wrong deeds 
  • Fear of losing near and dear ones – How will they manage without me?
  • Unfinished business – pending list of desires

Death comes suddenly, it doesn’t inform you. However well organised you are, it will take you by surprise. One can only focus on the causes that make us afraid of death. These are beautifully enumerated in the Gita. 

  • I am not the body 
  • I am a spark of the divine which is immortal 
  • The Sukshma Sharira carries with it to the next life a well-documented karmic balance 

An enlightened soul doesn’t worry about death. He has worked his whole life to understand “Who am I”. He is ready – the name of the Lord is always on his lips. 

Shlokas 15 – 18 from the Ishavasya Upanishad explain the above points well. These verses are chanted when a person is dying and during the funeral rites. 

Hiranmayeena patrena satyasyaapihitam mukham

Tattwam pushann apaavrinu satya dharmaya drishtaye

The Sun God is considered the best visible manifestation of the Absolute – the son of Prajapati. According to astrology, the Sun is conjoined with the Atman, and the Moon with the Mind. The period of the sun moving towards the north, the Uttarayan is considered auspicious. Many believe that even a sinner dying during this period attains to heavenly regions. 

O! Sun, we have to realise the Truth hidden in you. With our eyes, we cannot have the true vision of you. All we see is only a brilliant light. We are unable to see the Reality hidden within this great light. Remove this golden disc so that we can see the truth hidden behind. May I see it in all glory.  

pushann ekarshe yama surya prajapatya vyuha rashmin samuha tejah

yat te rupam kalyanatamam tatt te pashyami yo saav asau purushah so ham asmi

Gather your rays, let me behold you because the brilliance is too much for my physical eye. Then show me your true radiant form. 

Vayur anilam amritham athedam bhasmantam shariram

Aum krito smara kritam smara krito smara kritam smara 

Now comes the prayer to the mind. O mind, recollect all the karmas you have done in this life-time. Remember each one. Reflect on how you have lived this life. Only the fruits of your karmas will accompany you. Nothing else of this manifested world will follow you. May the life enter into immortal breath. The mind is reminded that his life, the soul is entering into the Immortal Breath. 

Bhasmantam shariram – The person is reminded again and again that his body is becoming ashes. You are not the body. But you are going to the other sphere mingling with the Vital Breath.

And then a message to the intelligence – Remember what we are telling you, Go with this understanding. Remember that your body is becoming ashes and you are free.

Go – Merge with the immortal breath. 

The End

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Making the world a better place on Yoga Day

20 Jun

International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, aligns with the summer solstice, symbolizing harmony and balance. 

Large gatherings will celebrate Yoga Day from New Delhi to Timbuktu. There will be Yoga competitions, and many will take pride in doing complex Asana’s and 108 Surya Namaskars. Asana is not a competition, it’s not about twisting your body and experiencing pain. The term ” sthira sukham asana” means a posture in which you can sit for long in “sukha” without fidgeting , without pain, comfortably.

First let’s bow down to the great Sage Patanjali who gave us the science of Yoga. His shrine in Chidambaram may be remembered by a few and will probably not see any grand celebration or reverence. 

The Yogasutras explain 8 well-documented steps to progress on the path to Kaivalya or Nirvikalpa Samadhi. This is a state where you are one with the Eternal Truth or Brahman. Yoga is a science. It helps you to establish “Chitta Vritti Nirodha”. This means to control or quieten the fluctuations/waves of the mind.

The world appears to be on the brink of a 3rd world war and chaos. This is a perfect opportunity to revisit the essence of Yoga. The great saint Patanjali explains this in the Yoga Sutras. It’s a refresher on the rules of being a good human being. It guides us in embarking on the journey to happiness and peace. Let’s reflect on the first two steps – The Yamas & Niyamas.  

These are the Rules & Observances that help you change your lifestyle, attitude and belief system. This is the starting point for everlasting peace and happiness that is elusive in the world. 

The Yamas and Niyamas are not just a set of rules. They are a framework for cultivating ethical and mindful living. This applies both on and off the yoga mat. They are the first two limbs of the eightfold path of yoga. These limbs are essential for personal and spiritual growth. 

Yamas (Restraints)

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Extending compassion and kindness to all beings, including oneself. 
  • Satya (Truthfulness): Being honest and truthful in thought, word, and deed. 
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): Avoiding taking what is not freely given, both physically and mentally. 
  • Brahmacharya (Continence/Moderation): Practicing moderation and self-control, particularly in regards to energy and desires. 
  • Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness/Non-greed): Releasing attachment to material possessions and desires. 

Niyamas (Observances)

  • Saucha (Purity/Cleanliness): Maintaining physical and mental cleanliness, promoting a healthy and balanced state. 
  • Santosha (Contentment): Finding satisfaction and happiness in one’s current circumstances. 
  • Tapas (Self-discipline/Austerity): Cultivating inner strength and resilience through self-discipline and effort. 
  • Swadhyaya (Self-study): Engaging in self-reflection and study of spiritual texts. 
  • Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power): Cultivating faith and surrendering to a higher power or a larger purpose. 

Do your Duty perfectly – the world will be a better

In the Gita Lord Krishna gives a simple recipe to make the world an ideal place. If everyone does his job sincerely and truthfully without greed and expectations the world will be a better place. 

This concept was explained beautifully by my 1st Yoga teacher. Any job you take up, do it to perfection. It could be as simple as chopping vegetables or folding clothes. The act of concentrating on doing even a small job perfectly is meditation. 

Like Yama’s and Niyamas there are rules in society. If everyone follows the road rules there will be no accidents. If every politician and public worker follows his oath of office, we will live in an ideal corrupt free society. If every teacher is diligent and sincere the students will be role model citizens.  

We can all make a difference on Yoga Day. Let’s try and follow at least one of the Yama & Niyamas. Be Truthful. This one small act done by millions can make a great positive impact in the world. 

For more detailed information on this topic visit the Blog below.

Yoga for Peace & Happiness

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Toothless RERA, Hapless Customer 

12 Jun

What changed in Bangalore real estate market in 25 years 

Bangalore has grown from a city of a few million in 2000. It has become a sprawling metropolis of approximately 14 million in the last 25 years. The city’s per capita income is 3X the national average. The ideal weather, cosmopolitan population, and IT boom have contributed to an unprecedented real estate explosion.  

Over 2,600 real estate projects across Karnataka – mainly in Bangalore have missed their scheduled completion deadlines. A recent report indicated that many of these projects are now facing indefinite delays. This Blog examines the issue. It also analyses how things have changed for the worse in the last 25 years despite RERA. 

10X Appreciation in 25 years – 25 years back, you could have booked a nice 2000 Sft flat. The flat would be from a Tier 1 developer in Indiranagar or Koramangla. It would cost about 30 Lacs (~ 1500 Rs / Sft). Today the rates are Rs 15000 /Sft + and the location is not so prime. We are slowly inching towards the Mumbai / Gurgaon rates of 20 – 25,000 /sft. 

Carpet / Super Built Up – The flat you booked in 2000 had a spacious carpet area of 75 – 80%. It included 3 balconies, and a 10 – 11 feet high ceiling. If you book a flat today, the carpet area is less than 60%. This means your usable space in the flat is reduced by 300 sft. You will most probably get only 1 balcony, and the ceiling height has shrunk to 9 feet. By reducing the ceiling height the developer just added one floor for every ten floor he constructs.  

More flats in a 3 acre plot – In 2000 a 3 acre plot with 3 towers would have 7 – 8 floors. It would accommodate 100 – 125 flats. You had a lot more of undivided share of land allotted to you. Today a 3 acre plot will accommodate 350 – 500 flats and each tower will be 25 – 30 floors. So it’s a lot more congested, the common amenities, pool, gym etc are a lot more stretched. And wait. You should read the contract for your flat carefully today. You may find there is no mention of undivided share of land. 

Car Park  – When we booked a flat in 2001 the second car park was 1 Lac. Today it’s very difficult to get a second car park. If you do manage to get one, it is priced 5 – 7.5 L. You may say that’s only a 5X appreciation. However, most people have 2 cars now. It’s a necessity today, unlike in the past when 1 car was the norm. 

Amenities & Facilities 

Not much has changed in terms of your apartment in the last 25 years. Apartments built in the US in the 1970’s came with inbuilt microwave, refrigerator, carpets, kitchen shelves and wardrobes. They had a common washing machine room. There was also a disposable chute for waste. None of this exists in any apartment complex you will book in 2025. You will have the standard amenities. These include a pool, gym, and generator. Maybe the only new addition is a gas bank. There is metering for generator and water usage. Green sustainable designs are limited and solar / rain water harvesting are rare to find. The construction quality may have deteriorated – red bricks have been replaced with solid /hollow blocks. 

Timely possession 

Then developers were accessible, you could walk in to their office and meet the owner of the company. They were apologetic and sympathetic. Yes there were delays but it was minimal 3 – 6 months or maximum 1 year. Things have changed now – you will be lucky to get possession of your flat after 7 – 8 years even if the commitment while booking is 3 – 4 years. 

Let’s dig a little deeper into this. We need to understand why this is happening. This is what RERA was supposed to fix. So, what went wrong?

How developers delay possession 

Step – 1 : You book the flat

You liked the ad, visited the site, found the rates reasonably and decided to book your chosen flat. You pay 10% on booking and another 10% within a month on signing the contract. So 20% paid – nothing has happened in the barren site. 

Step – 2 : Milestone based payments  

If there are 5 towers in your complex the construction will start for 3 and move rapidly. Your payment is linked to floor completion and with latest technology a floor can be built in 2 weeks. In less than 18 months, the building rises rapidly from the basement to the 12th floor. It happens in the blink of an eye. And you have paid almost 75% of the amount due. 

But the overall building is not even 30% complete. The remaining two towers are at foundation level. They are waiting for the equipment and workers from Tower 1 – 3 to be reallocated. The structure completion is only 50% of the work. Electricity, plumbing, interiors, tiling, doors, and windows are more time-consuming activities.

After 3 – 4 years, you realize that you have paid 75% of the money. The chances of you getting possession in time seem to be shrinking. 

Step – 3 : The phase 2 whammy 

This is when the Phase – 2 news hits you. The contract includes a line stating that the developer can build additional floors. This is an option as part of Phase – 2. You ignored it. While buying, the sales guy convinced you that phase 2 approval was a foregone conclusion. He assured you it would be obtained halfway through the project. He added that overall timelines would not be impacted. Phase 2 is the juicy part. Rates have shot up, and the approvers want their share of the pie. 

Step – 4 : RERA Extension  

As the battle for Phase – 2 approval continues in the background the developer quietly applies for a RERA extension. Now the buyer can’t fall back on the RERA timeline. He has paid 75 – 80% of the cost, with a RERA extension his delivery is delayed. If he files a complaint with RERA he may get a compensation for Phase – 1 delay. (Which most don’t since they find the process intimidating and they don’t want to antagonize the developer)

Can you get a refund or sell your property 

If you look around Bangalore you will find many apartment complexes from big name developers pending handover after 10 years. Yes, the rates have increased. However, your money is stuck. The house you wanted to move into is still a mirage. The paper profit shrinks when you add your rent and mortgage interest you have been paying over the years. The biggest beneficiary is the builder who has got low cost finances upfront.

So can you sell and ask the developer to pay you back market rates? NO. The developer will ask you to find a buyer. You must pay the full amount due. Then, the developer facilitates a tripartite transfer agreement. This happens after collecting his transfer charges, which are as high as 3 – 5% and add the broker charges.

So what’s the solution 

There is no easy solution. If you want a ready to move in property, the rates are steep. You don’t get the floor, location, or flat number you prefer. You have to compromise with the leftover units. 

Developers are mega corporations 

The top Developers are large publicly listed corporations. They have projects pan India. Some have even expanded to Dubai. Projects are not 100 – 200 flats complex but are so massive that they look like mini cities. The quarterly revenue & profit dictates their project management. They have ample resources and it’s very difficult for a common man to stand up against them.  

Why is RERA disappointing 

The expectation that RERA would lead to prompt completion of quality projects has been misleading. The onus is on the individual to seek redressal. CREDAI, RERA, Developer Lobby, and Government authorities form a complex web. The buyer feels helpless. The media is silent – they get full page ads from the developers. 

So what do you do? – All you can do is pray and hope your dream flat is handed to you – eventually. The Supreme Court intervened and solved for the subvention scheme – which was another loophole to trap buyers with interest free loans during construction. But court intervention is rare. 

Frustrated you finally move in to your complex which is awaiting approvals and Occupancy certificate. The wait has been too long and you decide enough is enough. Finally, the dust settles. In a year or two, the complex becomes a nice community. If you are lucky.   

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