Pitru Dosha: A Deeper Perspective on Ancestral Karma and Self Healing

 

When Ancestral Suffering Feels Unfair

In Vedic astrology, Pitru Dosha (or Pitra Dosh) is often described as a karmic debt or ancestral imbalance. It is believed to arise from unfulfilled duties, unresolved actions, or disrespect shown to forefathers. The effects, as traditionally explained, can manifest as repeated obstacles in life—health issues, financial instability, delays in marriage, difficulties in childbirth, or a lingering sense that efforts never fully bear fruit.

When people experience such challenges, they often turn to astrologers and spiritual guides. The remedies suggested usually include Shraddha, rituals during Pitra Paksha, ancestral prayers, charity, and acts of service—meant to pacify the ancestors and seek their blessings.

And there comes a very natural question:

“Why should I suffer or do remedies for the sins committed by my ancestors?”

This question is not only valid—it opens the door to a much deeper understanding of karma.

The Forgotten Wisdom behind Ancestral Naming

In earlier times, it was common for new born babies to be named after their grandparents or ancestors. This was not merely a cultural tradition or a way of honoring elders.

It reflected an ancient spiritual understanding—that souls often reincarnate within the same family lineage.

Families were seen not just as genetic lines, but as karmic circles, where unresolved lessons continue until awareness and healing take place.

What If the Ancestor Was… You?

Here lies the profound twist.

If souls do reincarnate within the same families, then the so‑called ancestor whose actions created imbalance may not be a distant, unrelated person.

It could have been your own soul, living in a previous body.

From this perspective, Pitru Dosha is no longer about paying for someone else’s mistakes. It becomes a mirror—reflecting unfinished karma seeking resolution.

The challenges you face are not punishments. They are reminders.

And the remedies are not acts of obligation toward ancestors—but acts of self‑healing and redemption.

Why the Remedies Still Matter

When you perform ancestral rituals, prayers, or acts of service:

• You are acknowledging unresolved karma
• You are taking responsibility at a soul level
• You are consciously choosing awareness over ignorance

Rituals like Shraddha and Pitru Paksha are symbolic tools. Their deeper purpose is to bring humility, gratitude, and surrender—qualities that dissolve karmic knots.

Charity, service, and conscious living further accelerate this healing by balancing past actions with present awareness.

From Blame to Responsibility

The moment we move from the question “Why should I do this for them?” to “What is this teaching me?” transformation begins. Pitru Dosha then stops being a curse and becomes an opportunity—to break cycles, heal lineages, and evolve consciously.

When one person heals, the entire ancestral line heals through them. Perhaps ancestral suffering is not about burden—but about continuity. What was once unconscious now seeks awareness. What was once ignored now seeks resolution. And maybe, just maybe, the soul that is ready to heal it… is you.

By choosing understanding over resistance, you don’t just honor your ancestors—you liberate yourself.

Is God He or She? A Deeper Look Beyond Gender

I was recently asked a simple but profound question:
“Why is God always called HE?”

My first response was straightforward — because historically, we have lived in a male-dominated world where spiritual knowledge, scriptures, and teachings were mostly written, interpreted, and disseminated by men. When one gender controls communication, naturally the Divine begins to be addressed in the language familiar to them.

But that is only the surface.

If we look deeper into our history, we find countless women saints, mystics, and realized souls whose contributions rarely reach the mainstream. Their names were often overshadowed, their teachings minimized, and their spiritual authority questioned—even though their inner realization was no less profound than their male counterparts.

Culturally, certain sayings also emerged—like the idea that a woman cannot attain moksha,
and must serve her husband to be reborn as a man before liberation becomes possible. These thoughts reflect society’s bias, not spiritual truth.

Yet, India is also a land where the Divine Feminine has always been worshipped with immense reverence. For Bengalis, God is Maa Durga—a powerful mother who protects, nurtures, and destroys negativity.
My own family deity is Durga, and throughout my childhood, I grew up visiting the Sarkara Temple, a sacred Devi temple.

So how can we say God is only “He”?

Over time, through my practices, meditations, Reiki healing, and inner experiences, I have realized something very clearly: The Divine speaks in both voices.
The masculine and the feminine are not opposites — they are complementary expressions of the same Supreme Consciousness.

Shiva and Shakti are not two. They are one energy in two forms. Just as the fire and heat cannot be separated, the Supreme cannot be divided into “He” or “She.”

When we rise above body, identity, and conditioning, we begin to understand:
God is not a gender. God is Consciousness.
Sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle.
Sometimes guiding like a father, sometimes comforting like a mother.

And in my own journey, I have received messages, insights, and guidance from both aspects — the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine.

The day we stop limiting God to a gender, we will finally begin to understand the true nature of the Divine — limitless, boundless, and beyond form.

 To listen to the reel "Is God He or She, CLICK HERE

When the Divine Replies: My Dattatreya Darshan Through a Brown Dog

 

There are moments in life when the Divine speaks without words…
when the Universe arranges a sign so subtle, so beautiful, that it can only be recognized by a heart that is ready.

This is one such experience — an unforgettable blessing from Lord Dattatreya.

A Long-Awaited Sign

Back in 2018, I had spent time chanting the mantra of Lord Dattatreya with deep devotion.
And like many spiritual seekers, a small part of my heart always wondered:

“Will He ever show me a sign again?”

Years passed — quietly, silently. But devotion never left.

A Lazy Morning Encounter

This morning in 2025, something gentle unfolded. I was sitting in the car while my husband stepped out to get milk. Just beside the car, a brown dog was lying lazily… simply watching the world go by.

Now, anyone familiar with Lord Dattatreya knows — in many of His depictions, a brown dog accompanies Him. A thought arose inside me, softly:

“I have chanted His mantra for so long…If He wishes, let this dog give me a sign.”

The dog did nothing. No movement. No acknowledgment. My husband returned, and we drove off. I said to myself, “Maybe it’s not the time.” I let it go.

Evening Worship… and a Visitor at the Gate

Later in the evening, I lit a lamp as usual and walked out to place it in the veranda. The moment I opened the door…I stopped in my tracks.

A brown dog — the same shade, the same relaxed energy —  was sitting right in front of our gate, waiting silently. There was no sound. No bark. No movement. Just deep stillness.

Lamp in hand, I stepped out slowly. The dog looked at me… held my gaze… and then lifted its head upward — as though saying:

“I got the message. I have come to deliver the sign you asked for.”

It didn’t get up.
It didn’t leave.
It just sat there — almost as if guarding the space —
for nearly one hour.

Then, quietly and gracefully, it walked away.

A Moment of Deep Recognition

That was the moment my heart understood: When the Divine wants to respond, He finds His own way, His own timing, His own messenger.

I folded my hands, bowed deeply, and offered my obeisance to Lord Dattatreya, whose grace had touched my life in the simplest, yet most profound form.

The Language of Signs

This experience reminded me:

• The Divine may not always respond instantly.
• But the connection remains alive.
• When your heart is open, even an animal can become a messenger.
• And the sign arrives exactly when you are meant to receive it.

Spiritual experiences are not accidents. They are invitations… reminders… whispers from the Universe. And on this day, the whisper came through a brown dog.

A Blessing I Will Carry Forever

Some experiences don’t need explanation. They just transform you quietly from within. This was one such blessing for me — a gentle reassurance that my devotion was seen, heard, and lovingly acknowledged.

To Lord Dattatreya,
I bow again.
And again.

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You can listen to my reel on Instagram here: CLICK HERE

 

 

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Awaken Your Inner Discernment

 

The video

After listening to the video above, I got a message from my Reiki student:

“This is beautiful mam. I have an issue for which I am searching for answers for a very longtime. Others also might relate to it, so about this Repeated Karmic loop or repeated situations in life which keeps on happening again and again, how much ever we try to come out of it, we get stuck at a point and think what the universe is really trying to teach us by giving this karmic loop 🔁 what are the lessons we need to learn.

How to really figure that out? And how do we really know if what we understood is right?”

Do you trust your inner knowing?

Starting with last question, “How do we really know if what we understood is right?”, it is not possible to REALLY know that what we understood is correct. It is possible for those who have been doing sadhana for years that they know they can trust their inner knowing. For others, there is always doubt, that it is just their imagination.

Know about your Karmas

There are four Types of Karma

1. Sanchita Karma (संचित कर्म) – The Stored Karma

This is the total accumulated karma of all our past lives — like a vast storehouse of every action, thought, and intention. Only a small part of this karma becomes active in each lifetime.

Sanchita Karma is like the seed bank of destiny — containing both good and bad seeds, waiting for the right time to sprout.

2. Prarabdha Karma (प्रारब्ध कर्म) – The Active Karma

This is the portion of Sanchita Karma that has ripened and is ready to be experienced in the present lifetime. It determines our birth, family, circumstances, and major life events. Prarabdha Karma is like the arrow already released — once shot, it must complete its journey.

Spiritual practices cannot erase it, but they can help us face it with wisdom and balance.

3. Kriyamana  Karma (क्रियमाण ) – The Current Karma

This is the karma we are creating right now — through our present actions, thoughts, and choices. It is the only karma over which we have complete control in this moment. If done consciously, it can neutralize past negative karmas to certain extent or create a brighter future.

Kriyamana Karma is the arrow being crafted — we can decide its direction and purpose.

4. Agami Karma (आगामी कर्म) – The Future Karma

This is the karma that results from our current actions, which will bear fruit in the future — either in this life or the next.

It’s like the arrow placed in the quiver, waiting for the right time to be released. Agami Karma shows how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s experiences.

The Karmic loop

When the Universe tries to teach us by giving this karmic loop, assess the situation. Every time a situation is coming back, is it more severe than the last time? That means you have not given attention to your deed. Analyse it with an open mind and modify your response the next time.

On the other hand, if things that come in the karmic loop are milder as time passes, you are on the right track. You are just going through the prarabdh karmas, which you must experience. Spiritual practices cannot erase it, but they can help us face it with wisdom and balance. And wisdom and balance you gain through sadhana.

This answers your question “How to figure it out?”

We have control on our Kriyamana karma

Done consciously, kriyamana karma can neutralize past negative karmas to a limited extent or create a brighter future. So basically, we must do our karma according to our dharma, and face the events in life (knowing fully well that nothing comes to us that we don’t deserve) with wisdom and balance. And to gain wisdom and balance, continue your sadhana. I have seen that for those who do daily Reiki healing practice, it becomes easier and faster.

 

From Dentist to Reiki Healer: A Journey of Skepticism, Surprise, and Service

I had always loved my profession. As an established dental specialist and teacher, I took pride in helping others, teaching students, and working in a field grounded in science and precision. Healing, to me, was rooted in evidence, anatomy, and clinical skill.

But life had other plans.

At one point, in 1997, seeking help for my own personal well-being, I decided to learn Reiki. It was meant to be just for myself—a supportive tool for peace and balance. I never imagined it would change the course of my life.

When I reached the second level of Reiki training, I was introduced to the concept of distant healing—the idea that you could send healing energy to someone far away, without even being in their physical presence. As a rational, scientifically trained person, I was deeply skeptical. How could something so intangible actually work?

Curious to test it, I sent distant healing to a friend who had been struggling with severe sinusitis. The next day, to both her astonishment and mine, her symptoms had vanished completely. She was free from the discomfort that had plagued her for days.

Still trying to make sense of it, I was taken aback when, just a week later, she returned—not alone, but with three of her friends, each with different health issues. They asked if I could send healing to them as well.

Taking up the challenge

I agreed, more out of curiosity than confidence.

To my continued surprise, each of them experienced remarkable relief. And then they told their friends, who came with their own stories, their own pain, and their own hope.

One by one, people started reaching out—not because I advertised, but because of the results they felt and shared. What began as a quiet experiment became a growing current of connection, trust, and transformation.

And just like that, Reiki found me. Or perhaps, I found my deeper calling—not to replace my past, but to expand it. From dentistry to energy healing, my journey has taught me that sometimes, the most profound shifts begin with a single moment of openness and a willingness to try.

Reiki manual available on Amazon

A Unique experience during group meditation

I regularly conduct online meditation sessions on New Moons and Full Moons. After a recent session, I received a message from one of the participants, who is also a Reiki student of mine. She wrote:

“Ma’am, I don’t know if it was my mental projection or something real, but while I was struggling to meditate, I suddenly felt a presence in front of me. With my eyes closed, I sensed it was you checking on me. After that, my meditation shifted — I experienced deep stillness and intense vibrations in every cell of my body. The sensation stayed with me for a long time. Thank you so much for this session.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard something like this. Many of my Reiki students and clients receiving distant healing often report sensing my presence near them. Some even describe the color of the dress I’m wearing at that time — despite being miles away.

The Power of Universal Connection

When we move beyond the boundaries of the five senses, a vast, interconnected world reveals itself.
There is no real separation between us — only the mental walls we unconsciously build. In truth, the space between souls is not as distant as we think.

Some connections run especially deep, especially those nurtured through healing and trust.

Like a Train and Its Coaches

Think of the relationship between a teacher and a sincere seeker like a railway engine and its coaches. The engine pulls the coaches not just by connection, but through a powerful force — electric energy.

Similarly, when a spiritual teacher has cultivated inner power through daily healing, chanting, or intense sadhana, and the student carries faith and receptivity, a subtle yet powerful channel opens up between them.

This combination can lead to transformative experiences for the seeker — moments that act as catalysts in their spiritual journey.

Can You Move Me Towards Light?

A couple of days ago, I received a message on WhatsApp that caught me by surprise:

“Hi Beena Ma’am, I would like to move towards light. Can you please help me?”

For a moment, I was taken aback. The phrase *"moving towards light"* can also mean transitioning into another dimension—often a euphemism for leaving the physical body. I was concerned and curious about who this person was, and whether they were struggling with life. I gently asked them to introduce themselves and clarify what exactly they meant by “moving into light.”

To my relief, the reply came:

“Hi, my name is ------. I was working with Ashwita and learnt Reiki from her. I also attend your new and full moon meditations. What I meant by ‘moving to light’ is not being impacted by negative energies that harm you physically and mentally—things that prevent you from living your best life.”

The Path is Easier for Reiki Channels

The truth is, every human being is on a journey towards light. But for those who have learned Reiki and practise regular meditation, the path becomes clearer and smoother. It becomes easier to cultivate detachment, stability, inner calm, and peace—regardless of external circumstances.

So, I replied:

“Keep doing Reiki healing every single day, twice a day. Before sleeping, think of five things you’re truly grateful for and feel that gratitude deeply. Reiki will gently guide you on your path. This is a deeply personal journey—others can only offer pointers along the way.”

 When You Feel Stuck

She thanked me for the guidance, but shared that despite her efforts, she often felt stuck—unable to move forward even though she kept trying.

This is something many spiritual seekers experience. What we must understand is that during such phases, the conscious mind cannot always comprehend the deep inner shifts that are taking place due to our daily practices. These inner transformations will eventually manifest as outward change—but in their own time.

According to the laws of nature, if there is a cause (your consistent effort), there must be an effect. It may not come immediately, but it is inevitable. What is needed is patience, faith, and the willingness to continue your practice without expectation.

For Those Who Haven’t Learnt Reiki

For someone without Reiki or another strong spiritual sadhana, the journey may be slower and more challenging. A useful mindset is to see oneself as a humble part of the Universe—no more important than a blade of grass.

Consider the grass: when it is trampled, it bends. But soon, it rises again. It grows during the rains, produces seeds for the future, and dries out as summer sets in. It doesn’t resist; it flows with the rhythm of nature.

We too must learn to flow with life—without labelling situations as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. In every moment, simply accept what is, and ask yourself:

“What am I meant to do in this situation? What is my karma according to my dharma?”

Then do that wholeheartedly, and fill your heart with gratitude for the blessings you have.

The “When” Is Not in Your Hands

This is perhaps the most important truth: Doing your karma is in your hands. But the result—and when it comes—is not.

And that is where faith becomes essential.