Reflections on Time, Learning, and the Gentle Art of Drifting Off

Ah, time—how swiftly it flies! Only three days remain before February 2026 slips away into the past. It’s astonishing how the months and years seem to pass us by, like a river flowing endlessly forward. No matter how much we wish to hold onto moments, they slip through our fingers like grains of sand.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the B syllabus course I took through VISVAS. Was it in 2024? I believe so—perhaps around May. I should check the certificate to be sure, but my memory places it there. That year holds a deep significance for me. In January 2024, my mother passed away, a moment that forever marked my life’s timeline. It’s strange how memories and milestones intertwine, isn’t it?

Some days, instead of actively studying, I find myself simply listening to the recordings of the VSN classes. These sessions are quite long—over an hour each—and my friend kindly recommended them and shared the recordings with me. The classes are a beautiful blend of slokas and namas, a divine combination that soothes the mind and spirit.

Now, here’s a little secret I share with a smile: more often than not, I drift off to sleep before the class ends. Yes, the class concludes while I’m peacefully dozing! It’s almost as if the gentle chanting and the rhythmic flow of the slokas lull me into a restful state. I like to think that even in sleep, my mind is absorbing the sacred vibrations.

What I truly appreciate is our teacher Sudha’s unique method. She begins by reciting a sloka, then one of us repeats it back. She carefully breaks down the slokas into individual namas and explains their meanings, drawing from the profound teachings of Shankara, Parasuram Battar, and Theerthar. This approach brings the chants to life, revealing layers of wisdom and spirituality that might otherwise be missed.

It’s a gentle journey—one that combines learning with meditation, study with rest. Even when sleep takes over, the essence of the teachings lingers, comforting and inspiring.

As I reflect on this, I’m reminded that learning isn’t always about intense focus or perfect attendance. Sometimes, it’s about being present in whatever way we can—whether fully awake or gently drifting in and out of consciousness. The divine often meets us in those quiet, unguarded moments.

So here’s to the flow of time, the beauty of learning, and the peaceful art of drifting off to sleep during a sacred class. May we all find our own rhythm in this journey of life

Quote to Inspire

"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."

— Abigail Adams