Intuitions, Dreams and Visions - Seeing from within!

 

I’m back today with something truly fascinating, something each of us has experienced at least once in our lives: intuitions, dreams, and visions. They aren’t scheduled. They aren’t consciously designed. They simply arrive. We don’t know when, where, or how they will appear. A thought slips into the mind without warning. A dream unfolds with unusual clarity, sometimes so vivid that it feels real in the moment, almost as if we are aware within the dream itself. A subtle inner knowing rises quietly within us. Some impressions come and go like passing clouds, barely noticed, quickly forgotten. Others surface in the stillness of sleep or in the middle of an ordinary day, then fade without explanation.

Most of the time, we pause for a moment, feel a flicker of curiosity, and move on. But every now and then, a thought lingers. A dream stays vivid long after waking. An intuition refuses to be brushed aside. And in those moments, we find ourselves wondering: Was it just coincidence? Or was something deeper trying to speak to us?

Instincts that surprise us

There are moments in the middle of a conversation when a sentence leaves my mouth, and almost instantly, I’m struck by a strange familiarity. A quiet but undeniable feeling arises: I have said these exact words before… somewhere, sometime, to someone. It’s not just that the topic feels familiar. It’s the phrasing, the tone, even the timing of it. For a brief second, time seems to overlap with itself.

Is this simply a random trick of the mind? A subtle replay of memory we cannot consciously trace? Or is it something more; something that hints at layers of awareness beyond our ordinary perception? I’m certain many of you have  felt this too. That fleeting pause. That inner whisper of “this has happened before.” We refer to this as Deja-vu. And just as quickly, the moment passes, leaving behind curiosity… and a quiet question that lingers.

There is another subtle experience most of us are familiar with, though we rarely question it deeply. Sometimes, we meet a person for the very first time, and even before a single word is exchanged, we feel an immediate sense of comfort or liking toward them. With others, the reaction is just the opposite, an unexplainable resistance, discomfort or even dislike arises instantly. What causes this spontaneous judgement, formed without conversation or conscious reasoning? It may be tempting to dismiss it as mere coincidence or mood, but the consistency of such experiences makes one wonder! Is the mind responding to something it has encountered before, perhaps familiar facial expressions, tone, posture or energy that subtly resembles past experiences? or could it be that certain impressions are already etched somewhere deep within us, carried forward from earlier interactions, memories or conditioning that we no longer consciously recall?

The conscious mind often believes it is making decisions in the present moment, but the subconscious may be drawing from a vast storehouse of past impressions, or even future visions. It may be connecting invisible dots in an instant, presenting its conclusion as a gut feeling, intuition or a vision.

I vividly remember one such instance from my own life. I was travelling by bus to write Master of Commerce examination. As I stood in the crowded bus, my mind unexpectedly drifted to a troubling thought, that my handbag might be pickpocketed. I began mentally running through scenarios. What would I do if that happened? How would I write the exam without the hall ticket? The thoughts felt oddly specific, yet I dismissed them as unnecessary anxiety. After a while, When I got down from the bus, I realized my handbag had been torn open and everything inside was gone. My hall ticket, my calculator, my belongings had vanished exactly as that thought.

Looking back, what lingers is not the loss itself (I managed to explain the situation to the examiners and wrote the exam), but the question it left behind. Was it merely coincidence? or does the mind, at times, register subtle cues long before the conscious self becomes aware of them? perhaps the subconscious notices patterns, movements or irregularities that the waking mind overlooks, and expresses them as sudden unease or intuition.

If that is so, why does such clarity arise only occasionally? why does the mind alert us in some moments and remain silent in others? These questions have no easy answers. Yet, experiences like these gently suggest that the human mind may be perceiving more than we consciously acknowledge. This pattern of selective awareness does not appear only in moments of danger or discomfort. It quietly shows up in other subtle ways too.

Repetitive patterns

A similar experience can be seen in the way some numbers seem to repeatedly catch our attention, patterns like 222,555 or 111. We do not notice these numbers all the time, nor do they appear meaningful in every phase of life. Yet, during certain periods, they seem to surface repeatedly, on clocks, receipts, phone screens, car number plates or random places, persisting for a while before fading away. This raises an interesting question! Is the mind selectively tuning itself to these numbers during particular phases of life? Or is there something deep, an interaction between awareness and circumstance that draws our attention to specific patterns at specific moments?

Perhaps the numbers themselves are not carrying a direct message. Instead, they may act as subtle prompts, encouraging us to pause, reflect or become more attentive to what is unfolding within and around us. The mind, after all, is highly skilled at recognizing patterns, especially when it is in a heightened emotional or reflective state.

Dreams that Recur

Sometimes, our dreams too seem to speak to us in symbols rather than sentences. Some dreams carry a quiet tension: standing at a great height with no clear way down, a tooth falling out, being chased by an animal, missing a train, bus, or flight. These may be subtle signals from the mind that we are entering a challenging phase, a period of uncertainty, transition, or the risk of missing something important.

Other dreams feel expansive and abundant : lush green grass, trees heavy with fruits and vegetables, flowing water, sacred spaces like temples or churches, or even seemingly unusual symbols such as repeatedly seeing “poop.” Across many traditions, such imagery is interpreted as a sign of prosperity, renewal, or a positive phase about to unfold in life.

In many ways, dreams can be thought of as practice runs for our waking awareness. They present challenges, opportunities, or subtle messages in symbolic form. If we cultivate the habit of observing and reflecting on them, could these nightly visions teach us to recognize patterns in waking life too? Could they be a bridge to “seeing from within”?

Once again, there are no straightforward answers. These experiences resist rigid interpretation. They invite curiosity rather than conclusions, and perhaps that is their true purpose. If we consider these patterns as cues arising from within, an important question gently surfaces: can heightened awareness help us recognize them earlier and respond more consciously? Can we learn to understand what the mind, or even life itself, is communicating by tuning ourselves to deeper perception? Can “seeing from within” truly guide us? And if so, how?

Each of us will have our own way of quieting and centering the mind. Speaking from personal experience, I have found meditation and breath awareness to be deeply transformative. They increase clarity, deepen reflection, and cultivate presence. When the mind becomes calm, perception sharpens. Scientific studies suggest that in states of relaxation and focused awareness, the brain transitions through different wave patterns, moving from more active states into calmer, deeper rhythms, allowing access to layers of awareness often masked by everyday mental noise.

Yet, it is important to remember that many of these insights arise spontaneously. Forcing or chasing them rarely yields meaningful results. Instead, we allow them to unfold naturally, and reflect upon them gently afterward. Perhaps this quiet observation leads to a richer understanding of the beautiful life we are already living. It makes me wonder: had I paused and reflected in that pickpocket intuition moment, could I have altered my course and avoided the incident? Or was the experience itself part of what I was meant to learn? who can say?

Pausing to notice subtle cues and reflecting on them deeply becomes easier as awareness matures. Cultivating that awareness may be the first step toward truly “seeing from within.” The method need not be rigid or uniform. It could be yoga, meditation, a long walk in silence, prayer, journaling, or even an intense workout that brings the mind into focused stillness. What matters is choosing a practice that resonates with your values and making space for it regularly.

Even in the midst of daily chaos, it is possible to return to your quiet center, using the tools you have patiently explored and understood for yourself. The key is not to seek something outside, but to connect with yourself more often to see from within.

Happy reading. Stay tuned for future reflections.

Are We Merely Ants In The Vast Cosmos?

 A concept that never fails to amaze me is this: when I observe tiny creatures like ants, I can’t help but wonder, how does a human toe appear to an ant? How unimaginably massive must it seem? If even a toe is colossal, then how would an entire human being appear in the eyes of an ant?

Now take this further. If humans are giants to ants, then what about a tree, a mountain, or the Earth itself? The thought is deeply provoking. An ant can never visualize the whole structure of a human, a tree, or a mountain. It perceives only a minuscule fraction of an enormous reality. The whole exists, but it is forever beyond the ant’s direct comprehension.

This naturally leads to a humbling question, what if we, humans, are in a similar position? We consider ourselves an evolved species, gifted with intelligence and what we often call a “sixth sense.” Yet, when placed against the vastness of the cosmos, what if humanity itself is no more than a colony of ants?

Many theories suggest that we are not alone in the universe, but this reflection is not about aliens or other life forms. It is about perspective. It is about imagining how the entire human race might appear tiny, insignificant, almost invisible when viewed against the infinite scale of the cosmos.

In that vastness, our ego, pride, and sense of importance quietly dissolve. The universe does not shrink to accommodate our self image; instead, it expands endlessly, reminding us how small we truly are. And perhaps, in that realization, lies wisdom, not insignificance. Complete humility before something unimaginably grand.

The great Indian epic Mahabharata contains within it the profoundly transformative Bhagavad Gita. To truly grasp the essence of the Gita, it is important to understand how and where it originated.

The Bhagavad Gita was not composed in the calm of forests, caves, or hermitages during peaceful penance. Nor was it written after years of structured research and contemplation. Instead, it was revealed on a fierce battlefield, at a moment of extreme moral and emotional crisis. Two vast armies stood face to face, ready to engage in a devastating war between two groups of brothers, the five Pandavas and the hundred Kauravas. After countless failed attempts at diplomacy, war became inevitable.

Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas, initially arrived on the battlefield eager to fight and demonstrate his valor. But as he surveyed the opposing army, his resolve shattered. He saw not enemies, but his own blood relatives, brothers, elders, teachers, uncles, and loved ones. Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, Arjuna dropped his bow and arrows, unable to rise and fight. A deep sense of frustration and despair consumed him.

At this crucial moment, his charioteer, Lord Krishna, revealed the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna spoke of duty (dharma), righteous action (karma), detachment from results, and the true responsibility of a warrior king. Thus, the Bhagavad Gita was born, not out of calm reflection, but out of chaos, conflict, and inner turmoil.

Among its eighteen chapters, one concept stands out with cosmic magnitude, the Vishwaroopa, or the Universal Form. When Lord Krishna reveals this form to Arjuna, he beholds an unimaginable vision. Arjuna sees within Krishna all planets, suns, stars, oceans, living beings, kings, animals, trees, indeed, the entire cosmos itself. He witnesses time in its eternal cyclic flow: beings taking birth, evolving through life, and eventually dissolving back into time.

In that moment, Arjuna realizes a profound truth, he is not the ultimate cause of events. Whether he fights or not, what is destined will unfold. He is merely an instrument, a medium through which cosmic order operates. To refuse his duty would not stop destiny; it would only cause him to fall from his dharma. This realization pierces him deeply, and he rises to perform his duty as a warrior.

Now, let us take this singular concept of Vishwaroopa and apply it to our reflection. What if the cosmos itself is a vast vessel containing everything? What if the sky we see is merely an illusion, a limited perception of an infinite space revealing itself to our senses? What if planets, stars, and galaxies are suspended within an immense void, beyond our comprehension?

If Earth itself is but a tiny speck in this gigantic cosmos, then what are we as human beings? Are we perhaps smaller than ants, perhaps even smaller than bacteria; the creatures whom we consider miniscule compared to us? It is said that within a single human palm, there can exist hundreds of thousands to millions of bacteria. Such is the scale of existence.

When viewed from this cosmic perspective, human pride and ego quietly dissolve. Just as ants cannot comprehend a human, perhaps we, too, cannot comprehend the true magnitude of the universe we inhabit.

If a single universe itself is so unimaginably vast, there are also theories that speak not of one universe, but of multiple parallel universes(the theory of the multiverse). It is further believed that time has neither a true beginning nor an end, and that in certain regions of space, the very concept of time may not exist at all.

This leads us to a profound contemplation: what if that which is ever existent, present in everything, limitless, spaceless, and formless, is the ultimate truth? Across religions and cultures, this reality has been referred to as God, Supreme Power, or the Absolute. It is not confined to form or location. it is the ultimate reality itself.

That same vastness, often described as emptiness, space, or void, is not only outside us, but also within us. It exists silently within the human body and mind. If one can still the endlessly murmuring mind, even for a microsecond, and touch that inner silence, one experiences a profound sense of fulfillment. To recognize and understand this truth is perhaps the highest purpose of human birth.

What does this perspective truly tell us? It invites us to see the bigger picture.

Whatever we face in life, our problems, fears, successes, or failures, are not even minuscule when viewed through the vast lenses of time and space. Things appear overwhelming only because the mind places the self at the center of everything. In one’s own perception, the human being becomes the biggest entity, and the world seems to exist solely for personal happiness, comfort, and use...

When we think of ourselves as large and central, our experiences also grow large. We forget to recognize a deeper truth—that everything we cling to, thinking we need it to survive, is temporary. Happiness and sorrow, anxiety and excitement, pressure and pride, success and failure are all fleeting senses. They arise, transform, and dissolve, just as everything else in the universe does.

But when humans shift their perspective; from seeing themselves as grand and dominant to seeing themselves as tiny ants within an immense cosmos, a quiet understanding dawns. What once felt unbearable begins to feel light. What once seemed permanent reveals itself as passing.

In that expanded awareness, life’s challenges no longer define us. They become small ripples in an infinite ocean of existence.

Happy reflecting. More to follow later

Souls Born As Trees - A Reflective Perspective

 I am really glad to meet you all with a very interesting topic today. We all wonder about the deep truths of life at times and ponder over the spiritual significance, karma, the lifecycle of birth and death, and so on. We know that there are countless souls in this universe. But have you ever wondered why some souls take birth as insects, plants, trees, animals, and some as humans?

What I want to do in this post is discuss the fascinating concept of souls taking birth as trees. This is a topic that appears in various spiritual traditions and philosophical discussions, offering a unique way to understand life, growth, suffering, and evolution.

My hope is that this reflection opens up a different perspective on how we observe life around us. Trees are usually seen as silent beings, but many philosophies describe them as deeply evolved souls  undergoing a special kind of spiritual journey, almost like an awakening which spreads the message of patience, stability and service.

Let’s dive into this perspective and see how it reshapes our relationship with nature, with ourselves, and with the cycles of life.

Disclaimer - This article is a spiritual reflection, not a scientific claim. It is offered as a thought to contemplate, not a fact to assert.

The Soul's journey through many life cycles :

In Sanātana Dharma, it is believed that a soul takes many births until it attains ultimate liberation. While several scriptures discuss this concept, the most relevant reference for this blog post comes from the Shiva Purana, which describes the various stages of life forms through which a soul evolves.

The Shiva Purana is one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas of Sanātana Dharma and elaborates on the greatness of Lord Shiva. The word Purana means “ancient,” and these texts form a vast genre that blends mythology, cosmology, and philosophy. They describe the creation and dissolution of the universe, familial ties between gods, lineage of sages, and kings, as well as the reigns of the Manus, (who are the primordial progenitors of humanity, according to Sanatan Dharma), and the histories of the Solar and Lunar dynasties, and so on.

The following lines from the sacred Shiva Purana describe how a soul evolves through various life forms. I will share the exact verses in Tamil, followed by an explanation in English.

Text from Shiva Purana

"புல்லாகிப் பூடாய்ப் புழுவாய் மரமாகிப்

பல் விருகமாகிப் பறவையாய் பாம்பாகிக்

கல்லாய் மனிதராய்ப் பேயாய் கணங்களாய்

வல் அசுரர் ஆகி முனிவராய் தேவராய்ச்

செல்லா நின்ற இத்தாவர சங்கமத்துள்......."

Meaning - A soul takes birth as a blade of grass, a tiny sprout, a worm, a tree, countless animals, winged birds, slithering serpents, even inert stone… then Human, Spirit, celestial Gana, fierce Asura, enlightened Rishi and finally a Deva. Such is the vast cycle of embodiments a soul takes before reaching liberation.”

Of all the above forms a soul takes, we are going to discuss in detail about the tree birth in this blog post.

A Quiet Reflection Before We Continue....

Have you ever paused to reflect on all the good a tree silently performs? Trees release the vital oxygen that makes human life possible. Without oxygen, we simply cannot exist. Beyond that, trees offer shelter to countless insects and birds, provide soothing shade in the peak of summer, and help bring rainfall. These are their visible good deeds.

But just as in human life, trees also carry traces of mixed karma. A heavy branch may fall and harm someone. Certain trees bear poisonous fruits that can cause suffering. In this way, even trees accumulate both positive and negative karmic impressions.

And just as humans are born into different circumstances, trees too experience inequalities. Some flourish with no care at all, while others wither despite our best efforts. Some trees are revered and worshipped, while others are ignored or avoided. Some stand tall and majestic, while others look frail and withered. Some fill the air with fragrance, while others release unpleasant odors. Some are abundant with fruits, while others remain barren. When we look closely at all these contrasting qualities, we realize that a tree’s life mirrors human life in countless ways.

Trees are often regarded as embodiments of selfless service and profound patience. In this sense, they are considered to be engaged in the highest form of penance. Trees live long lives. Sometimes, their lives can last hundreds or even thousands of years! Yet throughout this long existence, a tree cannot react to anything happening around it. It cannot stop people from cutting it, from plucking its leaves and fruits, or from throwing stones at it. They must remain standing, whether it is scorching heat, freezing cold, or torrential rains that they have to face. A tree stands still through everything, unable to move, unable to protest, unable to escape. Such stillness is the very essence and purpose of taking birth as a tree.

The Destiny of Birth as a Tree:

Now, close your eyes for a moment and reflect on the thoughts above. In your view, what might be the reasons for a soul to take birth as a tree?

  1. A soul burdened by deep restlessness or harmful tendencies in its past life may take birth as a tree to undergo a long phase of stillness, stability, and purification. The unmoving nature of a tree slowly dissolves the turbulence accumulated over lifetimes.

  2. A soul that misused its freedom in an earlier birth may incarnate as a tree to experience a state where it cannot react, escape, or retaliate. It can only endure silently. This quiet endurance becomes its karmic lesson, teaching acceptance and restraint.

  3. A soul that has accumulated excessive Rajas (aggression) or Tamas (ignorance and lethargy) may require a very long lifespan to neutralize those energies. A tree offers the ideal setting to repay karmic dues over decades or even centuries.

  4. A soul overshadowed by ego in a previous incarnation, one that ignored the needs of others or lived with self-importance, may receive the life of a tree to learn pure, unconditional giving. A tree gives shade even to the one who cuts its branch. Its entire existence becomes a lesson in humility and selfless service.

  5. A soul yearning for eternal peace or with a deep inclination toward penance may choose or be guided toward the birth of a tree. In this silent form, it remains untouched by human emotions and worldly distractions. The tree’s still and steady presence becomes its natural tapas, allowing the soul to meditate, remain calm, and exist in serene detachment..

The possibilities are countless. I leave the rest to your own interpretation!

The Significance of Trees in Hindu Temples:

Many renowned temples in India are traditionally associated with a sacred tree within their premises. These trees hold immense spiritual significance and are believed to radiate powerful positive vibrations. In the celestial realm of Deva Loka, it is said that the divine beings themselves dwell under the sacred Kalpa Vriksha, a wish-fulfilling tree that grants blessings simply by standing beneath it.

The following table presents some of the most famous Indian temples along with their sacred trees, commonly known as “Sthala Vriksha”, each carrying its own unique symbolism and spiritual energy.

#	Temple	Location	Sacred Tree (Indian Name)	Botanical Name
1	Chidambaram Natarajar Temple	Chidambaram, TN	Tillai	Excoecaria agallocha
2	Ekambareswarar Temple	Kanchipuram, TN	Mango (Maavilangu)	Mangifera indica
3	Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple	Kerala	Banyan (Aal)	Ficus benghalensis
4	Meenakshi Amman Temple	Madurai, TN	Kadamba	Neolamarckia cadamba
5	Mahalingeswarar Temple	Thiruvidaimarudhur, TN	Marudham	Terminalia arjuna

Trees and Other Traditions

Trees have held profound spiritual significance across cultures and civilizations. In Sanatan Dharma, sacred trees (Sthala Vrikshas) are integral to temple traditions, symbolizing life, protection, and divine presence. This reverence is echoed worldwide. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. In Greek mythology, Gods are deeply connected to specific trees. For instance, Zeus is compared to the mighty oak, Apollo the cypress, and Aphrodite the myrtle. In Christianity, the Cross itself is often seen as a sacred tree, bridging humanity’s fall through the “forbidden tree” with redemption through Christ. In Islam, trees symbolize ongoing charity and spiritual reward, as planting a tree is considered a continuous act of goodness. Norse mythology speaks of Yggdrasil, the great cosmic ash tree that connects and sustains the nine realms, representing life, destiny, and the structure of the universe.

Plant A Tree When You Can

In many spiritual traditions, planting trees is regarded as a deeply virtuous act (Punya Karma) that generates positive merit and helps counteract negative influences around you. According to the teachings of Karma Yoga, which discusses selfless actions as a path towards internal salvation, planting a tree is viewed as an offering of service. It symbolizes your willingness to nurture life, contribute to the world, and elevate your own consciousness through meaningful effort.

The spiritual value comes not only from planting the tree, but also from the continued act of caring for something that grows and benefits others. While planting any tree is positive karma, the act is considered even more powerful when done for the benefit of all beings, such as planting in public spaces, community areas, or locations where many people can benefit. In this view, planting a tree solely in one’s private garden is good, but planting it where the whole community can benefit is seen as generating even greater merit. Hope you enjoyed this reflection. I will meet you again in another post.

"Plant one tree this year. Water it. Watch it grow. You may be silently healing a soul, perhaps even your own"

Mindful Interaction with Trees - This kind of interaction is all about learning to slow down,  to observe and to enter into a relationship with a living world, in a way that nourishes both you and the environment. The following are several ways in which you can perform mindful interaction with the trees.

• Walk slowly toward it, noticing its shape, texture, and presence.
• Observe how it stands, rooted, unmoving, yet alive with subtle motion.
• Place your palm gently on the bark and feel the temperature, the texture, the roughness or smoothness.
• Pay attention to the rustling of leaves and Notice the patterns of light and shadow
• Observe the insects, birds, and life it hosts
• Visit the same tree regularly and notice how it changes with seasons
• Witness its resilience through storms or drought.
• Sit with your back against the trunk and allow your thoughts to settle naturally.

Further Reading

https://ecoheritage.cpreec.org/sacred-trees-of-tamilnadu/?utm_source=copilot.com

https://www.asianagrihistory.org/pdf/volume19/kg-sheshadri.pdf

https://www.vedadhara.com/planting-tree

https://agwaycapecod.com/do-plants-have-senses/

https://www.bbcearth.com/news/plants-have-feelings-too