Tag: independent thinking

12 Years of Clarity: The Journey of Tavamithram Sarvada

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Twelve years ago, in February 2014, Tavamithram Sarvada began quietly. There was no grand announcement, no strategy to gather followers, and no desire to become an authority. It began from a simple, unwavering intention: clarity. I wanted a space where truth could be examined honestly, where ideas could be tested, and where understanding would matter more than approval.

This platform was never meant to impress. It was meant to illuminate.

From the very beginning, the aim was to share what truly helps a human being live with steadiness, intelligence, and inner freedom. Not borrowed knowledge. Not inherited beliefs. Not emotional comfort. But understanding grounded in observation, reason, and direct insight.

Over these twelve years, I have shared what I have studied, tested, experienced, and verified for myself. The central focus has always remained the same: the nature of the mind, the root of suffering, and the possibility of freedom through clarity.

One truth stands out above all. Disturbance does not come from situations. It comes from interpretation. Events are neutral. It is the mind’s reaction that creates agitation. When perception becomes clear, reaction becomes intelligent. And when reaction becomes intelligent, calmness is no longer something to be practised. It becomes natural.

Many believe calmness means suppressing emotion. That is not calmness. Calmness is understanding. When something is fully understood, it no longer disturbs. This is why I have always emphasised observation before change. Just as a doctor diagnoses before treatment, one must observe the mind before trying to control it. Without understanding, all effort becomes struggle. With understanding, transformation becomes effortless.

Throughout these years, I have consistently pointed to one direct and reliable source of supreme knowledge: the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Not as a religious text, not as mythology, not as ritual instruction, but as a precise manual of clarity. When understood rationally, it cuts through confusion faster than any other teaching. It dismantles fear, exposes illusion, dissolves dependency, and frees a person from mental slavery to belief systems, authorities, and imagined limitations.

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita does not ask for belief. It leads a seeker towards understanding. And understanding is liberation.

Everything shared through Tavamithram Sarvada has revolved around this principle: verify for yourself. Do not accept something because it is ancient. Do not reject something because it is unfamiliar. Examine, reflect, and understand. Truth does not fear inquiry.

Over these twelve years, this platform has grown into a body of work that includes writings, explanations, lessons, reflections, and practical frameworks for living with clarity. Many readers have written to say that they think more clearly now, react less impulsively, and feel stronger inwardly. That is the only measure that matters. Not numbers. Not recognition. Transformation.

What makes this work different is simple. It does not ask anyone to follow. It asks them to understand. It does not create dependence. It encourages independence. It does not promise comfort. It offers clarity. Comfort weakens. Clarity strengthens.

Tavamithram Sarvada began as a silent movement for those who have had enough of religious nonsense sold to them and are ready for the ultimate truth of Vedanta. It is a reminder. A reminder that every human being already possesses the capacity for insight, steadiness, and freedom. Nothing new needs to be added. Only confusion needs to be removed.

To everyone who has read, reflected, questioned, disagreed, or grown through these writings over the years, you have my sincere appreciation. Your willingness to think deeply keeps this space alive and meaningful.

Twelve years have passed. The purpose has not changed. The direction has not shifted. And the commitment remains exactly what it was on day one: clarity above all.

The journey continues.

With love and affection.

Tavamithram Sarvada

Beyond the Herd: Unmasking the Myths of Group Belonging

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Why Tavamithram is Never Aligned to Any Particular Group, Ashram, Agama, Paddhathi, Sects, Subsects, Guru, Swamy, Dress Code, Traditions, Religion etc.

Please read the post before listening to the podcast discussing the post

Throughout my life, I have observed a significant connection between beliefs, the desire to belong to groups, and the thirst for knowledge and self-confidence. My personal attitude has always been to stand alone. It’s crucial to clarify that my reluctance to belong to groups should not be mistaken for hubris. I simply prefer solitude, as my strong ideas often diverge from the majority, who are frequently swept away by traditions—something Krishna himself admonishes even before the conclusion of Chapter 2 in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

To illustrate the extent to which I go to avoid belonging to a group, let me share anLeonardo_Phoenix_a_dramatic_highcontrast_cinematic_photograph_3 example from my past. Many years ago, I was a motorcycle stuntman in Indian films, doubling for lead stars and performing death-defying stunts. In the film industry, numerous unions exist for various trades, including actors, directors, make-up artists, dancers, photographers, and others. Naturally, there was also a union for stuntmen, and I was expected to join. However, I refused to be tied down by group membership, choosing instead to remain independent. Consequently, I willingly accepted a penalty of twenty-five per cent of my earnings for not being a member. Despite this, I chose to pay the penalty each time I earned money performing stunts.

I’ve observed that individuals who are rather low on self-confidence or a sense of personal substance usually seek strength in numbers by joining groups. Being part of a group provides reassurance and a sense of belonging. Within these groups, members usually share common beliefs or philosophies, forming the basis of their unity. However, I think that belonging to a group compels individuals to adopt the group’s ideology, limiting their ability to think and act independently. I prefer the freedom to think for myself and analyse matters in my own way. Groups typically consist of like-minded individuals, which signifies a lack of diverse thought. This, in turn, stifles intellectual development and curtails opportunities for new ideas to emerge.

As an ardent learner, I find great fascination in encountering people whose ideas challenge my own, compelling me to think outside the box. This is the essence of personal evolution.

It’s essential to clarify that I do not hold beliefs in the conventional sense; instead, I possess perspectives. I have unwavering trust in my intelligence, intellect, and experiences, considering myself a keen learner in every situation I encounter.

While belonging to a group can provide a sense of security, it can also hinder personal growth and self-discovery. True self-confidence emerges from understanding and standing firm in one’s perspectives, even when they diverge from the prevailing norms of a group. By cultivating self-awareness and introspection, individuals can develop a stronger, more authentic sense of self. I am not suggesting anything against groups; rather, I strongly advocate for retaining one’s freedom to question, think, and express oneself.

Among the most detrimental effects groups can have on intellectual development is the deification of central figures, often referred to as Gurus or Babas. The story of the 24 Gurus of Sage Dattatreya aims to dismantle the false notion of being tethered to a single guru, suggesting that anything and everything that helps dispel ignorance can be considered a guru. To quote Shri Ramana Maharshi: “Your own Self-Realisation is the greatest service you can render the world.”

In Shloka SBG 2:45, Krishna instructs Arjuna: “Vedic literature deals with subjects that fall under the three Gunas. O Arjuna, you should rise above the three, be free from dualities, always remain in Sattva or goodness, and be established in the Self.”

A true teacher should guide individuals to clear their ignorance and advance towards the ultimate goal of Atma-gnyaana, or knowledge of the Self. However, how many truly do this? Many, adorned in flowing robes and sporting long beards, strut about like proud peacocks, claiming to possess all knowledge.

It is indeed disheartening to witness children and youth from families not converted to foreign religions being lured into the illusory world of meaningless beliefs, rites, and rituals.

I conclude this post with Shlokas SBG 4:37 and 38. 

37: “Just as a blazing fire burns firewood into ashes, O Arjuna, knowledge burns all actions and reactions into ashes.” 

38: “There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self in due course of time.”

May you stay abundantly blessed.


Jai Shri Krishna