Mythology author Shalini Modi, Spiritual Guide Krishnapad Das Ji converse ‘Spiritual Chords - Stories of Change & Choice’ at The Chandigarh Literature Festival

Mythology author Shalini Modi, Spiritual Guide Krishnapad Das Ji converse ‘Spiritual Chords - Stories of Change & Choice’ at The Chandigarh Literature Festival

Chandigarh 23 November ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The second day of the Chandigarh Literature Festival (CLF), also known as Literati festival, witnessed a beautiful session titled Spiritual Chords - Stories of Change & Choice at The Lake Club here on Sunday. In this session, author, writer and astrologer, Shalini Modi engaged in an insightful conversation with renowned spiritual guide, poet and exponent of Bhakti and Vaishnava philosophy, Krishnapad Das Ji moderated by poet and writer Annu Rani Sharma. Shalini Modi explored the story of Ashwathama, focusing on his divine birth, the choices that led him astray, and the curse of immortality that he carries. She highlighted how the choices we make shape our lives and destiny, drawing a parallel with Ashwathama’s story. The session took an enriching turn as the poets on the panel contributed their perspectives, sharing their poems and reflections on the theme of choice and change. A key part of the discussion was centered on 'klesha', the afflictions of the mind, particularly the emotion of fear, or Bhayanak rasa. Shalini Modi elaborated on how such negative emotions affect our well-being and shared insights on how to overcome them. She emphasized that the lives of divine figures can serve as examples of how to navigate these emotional challenges. Concluding the dialogue, Shalini spoke about her upcoming book, The Eternal Sun: The Legacy of Surya Dev, which explores the attributes and significance of Surya Dev in Vedic astrology. She spoke about Surya Dev’s profound influence on our lives and how the sun symbolizes light, power, and vitality. Shalini concluded the session with a story from the Ramayana, recounting how Lord Ram, during his battle with Ravana, sought the blessings of Surya Dev as advised by Agastya Muni. The session was an enriching exploration of spiritual wisdom, personal growth, and the transformative power of the choices we make.