1214. Question n Answer....!

Looking at the temple priest clearing the cobweb a young boy asked his father, “When God has created every living being why is a spider and its web is not allowed to be in the temple???”

Father who was a middle aged man said, “Spider builds its web from the secretion out of its body and it is inauspicious to have anything that has oozed out of the body.”

“But we use the honey to anoint the idols which is literally the vomit of a bee, isn’t it???” quizzed the young boy.

“You are becoming too loquacious; this trait in you is making you behave like a rationalist” shouted the boys’ father.  

It was unnecessary for the father of the young boy to be so freaky, if he did not know how to answer the question of the young boy. Most of the elders often go frenzy when they do not know the answers, instead of answering the queries of the young they start shouting at them. Agreed that everyone cannot have answers to all questions, but there is not even one question which doesn’t have an answer. In fact the answer lies in the question itself. “Look for the answer inside your question” says Rumi. Youngsters who have lot of questions may find it tough to find answers themselves all they need is someone to guide them to look for the answers.

In Taittiriya Upanishad Bhrigu asks his father, “Who is Brahman?” His father Varuna, the rain God without answering the question directly wants his son to know by himself and so he says, “Brahman is THAT from which the world has sprouted, by which the world is sustained, and into which the world merges. Contemplate, my son, and discover what Brahman is.” Bhrigu goes into contemplation and search for the answer. Many times he approaches his father Varuna with different answers starting from “Anna” (Food) and finally gets the right one, “Ananda” (Bliss). 

This episode from the Upanishads highlights the need for continuous and enduring contemplation in the life of a seeker. Mind begins to enjoy probing into the answers for the questions it has. Those questions which rise in our mind are to be answered so that there is a better understanding on the subject. Question is a tool to dig deep, the more they are the better we get to the bottom of it.   

    

Many of our ancient customs and traditions are now considered ridiculous as we do not have a valid reason or a satisfactory answer as to why we are continuing them. We either were not interested or feared to ask why. 

As far as why we do not allow cobwebs in our home or temples is that a spider web which is silky with a spider in it is sticky.  This stickiness helps the arthropod to feed on those getting stuck to the web. Once the spider abandons the web it is called “Cobweb” and the sticky nature attracts dust. A dusty cobweb is not good from hygiene point of view. Hence it has to be cleared.

As far as honey is concern, the bees have two stomachs. One stomach is used to convert the flower nectar into food; the other is more like a pouch which are called “Honey Sac” to store and to make it a durable preserve. This pouch produces enzymes that help produce some of nature’s best medicine called bee propolis which a kind of glue that is used to repair its hive and it a natural antibiotic.      

1213. Motivation and Discipline...!

If we wish to purchase a pump for the well we are asked if we need Standard pump or Self-Priming pump. Self-Priming pump is designed to draw water from level below the pump suction without having to fill

the suction piping with water. It accomplishes this by creating a partial vacuum at the pump suction which removes the air from the suction line. Many prefer the Self-Priming one as they need not fill the suction line with water if the foot valve is bad. Also a Self-Priming pump does not need a foot valve.

Just like how a pump which is need to elevate water from one level to another we have our actions to excel us to higher levels. Our action can be propelled by Motivation which is like the Standard Pump that needs external source or by Discipline which is Self-Priming and need no external source to intervene as it is purely internal exercise. It is an erroneous assumption that we need motivation to get into a precise mental or emotional state so that we perform our actions better. If our performance is conditional on feelings, then waiting for the right mood and moment becomes a crafty way to procrastinate. Getting motivated could be one of the ways occasionally but we should not always be dependent on it. 

Many think reading motivational books or attending motivational talks will have an impact on them to perform well; does it really work like that???

The answer is NO.

Books and talks on motivation stimulate the urge to perform. Will that stimulation last long or will it be like the initial fizz of a soda bottle is the question. All that is needed is to work and to work we need to apply our thoughts. Thoughts are many and a cluster of them is called “Mind.” Mind which is either overcrowded with many thoughts or polluted by a few of them will cause hindrance to perform better at work. Discipline begins with the mastery over mind.

Discipline is to perfect the utilisation of time which in turn helps us not only perform our actions punctually but also provide the required time to pursue creative and innovative ideas and activities. Discipline separates external impact on our thoughts and thereby makes them free and fearless. Having a free and fearless thought process is the key to perform a task to its ultimate.

Getting motivated is not a bad thing but motivation without discipline will get us nowhere. If Motivation is energy, then Discipline is to channelize that energy in a proper direction. Discipline is self motivator but Motivation without Discipline is immaterial.

Suppose I have a car and would wish to reach the destination. I start the ignition and fire the engine. If I do not shift gear and press accelerator the car goes nowhere. If firing the engine by turning on the ignition is the Motivation, changing gear and pressing the accelerator is Discipline. Turning the ignition on and off consistently will not get me to the destination.

1212. Paradox of the Stone....!

In the 12^th century Andalusian Islamic philosopher and thinker Averroes who was a stern follower of Aristotle had a question to challenge the existence of omnipotence by incorporating the paradoxical use of twisted logic. His question was, “Can the Omnipotent God create a huge stone so heavy that He cannot lift it?” This question is used by Atheists and Rationalist since more than millennia. If the answer is “yes” then there is a stone that God cannot lift. If “no” then God is unable to create a stone huge enough that he cannot lift. Either way the answer to this question will put “God” into fix.

What would a Sanatani say about it???

Sanatani would not consider this paradox to be logical and he might feel this question is weird. A Sanatani has experienced “God” not as a human as he knows that Hiranya Garbha, the primeval energy is the source from which this entire universe is emanating. This primeval energy in a dormant state before this universe came into existence. When the Primeval Energy became vibrant, as Rigveda puts it, the universe we experience emanated from Purusha, the Primeval Cosmic Being. Purusha is described as all that has ever existed and will ever exist in future. Purusha is the personification of that Primeval Energy.  

I think this philosopher from the west who has this paradoxical question was born around the same time when Srimad Ramanuja was taking to us about the six Kalyana Gunas (Auspicious Attributes) of Purusha namely Jnana (Wisdom), Bala (Power), Aishwarya (Opulence), Shakti (Strength), Virya (Vigour) & Tejas (Splendour). That Purusha who is all-pervasive is name Vishnu, in Sanskrit. In simple words Vishnu is in all and He is all, now what feat is impossible for Him??? 

If we have read the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagvatam we have Hiranya Kashyapa asking Brahma a boon which was Lokaviruddha (Paradoxical) in nature.  He requested, “O Supreme! Let my death not occur by the hands of either human, or animal, or deva or demon. Let me not die indoors or outdoors, neither during the day nor night, and neither by weapons nor mantra, neither on earth nor sky. Let me not be killed by any one born from Andaja (one born out of egg), Jaraja (one born out of womb), Shakaja (one born out of moisture) or Udbija (one born out of seed). Let me not die on Earth or in Space, or in Fire or Water, inside a building or outside, not by a weapon of holding (Sword) or throwing (Spear/Arrow), by any thing that is animate or inanimate nor by anyone created by you (Brahma)”. 

Manifestation of Narasimha was the answer, nothing is impossible is the key for Omnipotence. This is how Purusha can beat all paradoxical norms. When Hanuman was crossing the ocean to land in Sri Lanka shores he encountered Surasa, the she-demon who put a condition that whoever wishes to go past her had to pass through her mouth. Hanuman using Mahima Siddhi, first made himself so large that Surasa could not swallow him, but she opened her mouth wider and wider. Then is a swift action Hanuman shrunk himself to the size of a dust mote using Anima Siddhi and flew between Surasa’s teeth. If a devotee can perform such a task effortlessly imagine his master. Can’t the Lord of Hanuman create a stone so huge that he cannot lift and make it float in thin air without even touching it???

1211. Cucumber detach from creeper.....

Our Former Prime Minister who hails from my state Karnataka in an interview last week stated that “The only thing I need now is an effortless death.” And a month back while campaigning for his daughter-in-law who was the candidate for by-election to Ramanagara Assembly segment we heard him say, “I’m stubborn. I want to have a peaceful death, but I have many pending works to be completed.”

The words like “Effortless Death” and “Peaceful Death” coming from an octogenarian could have a lot of meaning. Although these two words pushed me to contemplate on what could effortlessness and peaceful mean in terms of Death. Here is what I could understand: Before going into the details of death let’s know what life is. Life is a rhythmic dance between Velaa (Time) and Ojas (Vigour). Ayusa (Duration of Life) of an individual is Daivapara (Predestined) but can never be Pravyahrta (Foreseen). Generally Ayurveda says that a healthy human survives 1008 lunar phase which roughly amounts to 84 Solar Years. So the dance of Time and Vigour last for 84 years. 

 

In case Time elapses before Vigour for an individual, we call it Apamrutyu (Untimely Death), and if the Vigour vanishes earlier than Time it is termed as Sadaiva Shithila Avastha (Persistent Vegetative State). Owing to the Karunayogya (Pitiable) state of the Stula Deha (Physical Body) when Vigour declines earlier than Time, we say “Life is the unnatural state of Compulsion and Death is the natural state of Freedom.” Is life a forced occurrence then? No, not at all it is a celebration for those who perceive it from the Vedic point of view transcending the fear.

Untimely Death is an incidence which cannot be interfered with, but in regard to the fear of losing Vigour before the Time lapses we Bharatavasis are fortunate to have a remedy.  In the Rigveda Samhita the 59^th hymn of the 7^th mandala has a mantra visualised by Sage Vasishta. It is the Mrityunjaya Maha Mantra which was chanted by young Markandeya when Yama threw the Paasha (Noose) to pull the Jeeva away from the body. The Mrityunjaya Maha Mantra orchestrates the rhythm for the Time and Vigour to dance in tandem. This Maha Mantra prepares the Sukshma Deha (Subtle Body) to get ready to leave the body with ease. The mantra helps the seeker to transcend the fear of Death and help in easy transition of the Jeevatma.   

The Maha Mantra is:

      

Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat.

This chant is on Maharudradeva, the Three Eyes Lord. Who permeates and nourishes like fragrance. He nourishes us by granting us strength. This is a request to Him to release us from the bindings of death when the time comes. Just as the Cucumber is detached from bondage of being attached to the Creeper, to free us from all the bondage of Samsara (Worldly Existence), and not to separate us from immortality.

1210. I am lost....

Once the most valued employee of a company did not turn up for work. The boss noticed that and was anxious why the employee who had never absentee himself in his entire ten years of association with the company did not turn up that day. The boss wondered why his efficient employee had not called to inform his inability to attend work. Curious he reached out to his mobile and dialled the employee’s cell number.   

The boss heard a child whisper from the other side.

“Hello” said the cute voice.

“Is your Papa home?” asked the boss.

“Yep” whispered the small voice.

“Can I have a word with him?” asked the boss.

The child whispered, “No, right now you can’t.”

Surprised the boss asked, “Is your Mama around ?”

“Yes,” whispered the little voice.

“May I talk to her?” requested the boss.

Again the soft voice whispered, “No.”

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, “Is anybody else there?”

“Yes,” whispered the child, “policemen”

Shocked what cops would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with one of them?”

“No, they are busy,” whispered the child.

“Busy doing what?” asked the boss curiously.

“Talking to Papa and Mama and the Fireman,” the whisper answered.

Growing more anxious the boss heard the sound of an approaching helicopter through the earpiece on the phone; he became tense and asked, “What is that sound outside?”

“Oh! That’s a chopper.” answered the whispering voice.

“What is going on there?” shouted the boss, now truly apprehensive.

Again, whispering, the child answered, “The search team just landed the chopper on the terrace.”

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, “What’s the search team searching for?”

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle. “ME”

Like the naughty child, the mind sometimes behaves as if lost.

1209. Gold and Clay are Same.....!

In a village where the four roads meet there is a sole lamp post that guides the traveller on which way he has to take. A transgressor in the area uses the same light from the street lamp for his crime. The light that has beamed out of the street lamp remains unaffected and unperturbed by all this and just brightens up the zone. Who is using the light for what purpose does not matter much to it. Similarly Brahman too shines within the cave of my heart and it is expected that as an individual I have to engage myself in activities with the inspiration of that Divine illumination within. The kind of activities I get engaged in is purely my choice; I can be a boon or a bane for people around me. 

   

It implies that Brahman which is Absolute Consciousness, in its untarnished inner most purity and originality is the unaffected non-participant to the activities taken up by me either through my Body or my Mind & Intellect complex. The activity which I undertake can get approval or reproval from others. Irrespective of its outcome the cause of the activity will not and cannot be superimposed on Brahman which is always pure is its essence.

Mandukya Upanishad proclaims “Ayam Atma Brahma” (This Self is Brahman). If we notice in this statement it is in “Passive Voice” signifying that it is the observer who is a separate entity is observing both Atma and Brahman and saying that they both are one. A person standing in front of the ocean and letting the waves touch his feet observes that the wave had its own identity before hitting the sand on the shore and retrieving back. Seeing this he declares that the ocean and wave is one and the same. The individual’s mind trying to understand this Mandukya Upanishad statement could be observing from a witnessing position not related to either Atma or Brahman. If looked on the surface it could to be a perspective contrast with Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman), which declares that “I am” an inner experience, rather than from an observing standpoint.

To get to this “Mahavakya (Great Statement), as a seeker I have to sit in the seat of silence and reflect on the inner core of my Swaroopa (Natural State). I should not visualise anything, but allow my awareness to touch the feeling aspect of the centre of my existence. On holding this attention for a few seconds or minutes, I can slowly shift my attention in such a way that I can experience the extensiveness of both Sat (Eternal) and Asat (Ephemeral). Thus it becomes easy for me to realise the oneness that pervades in totality. No longer will the gold and the clay make any hierarchical difference to me. 

Steadily from not having differential attitude towards the material matter, I would have stated to experience that the teeny spark in all of us as Atma (Individual Consciousness) and the Cosmic fire that is Brahman (Absolute Consciousness) is one and the same. Atma as also being within that oneness of Brahman has been realised. This evolution of thought will bring insight and bliss. Internally the words of the Mahavakya, “Ayam Atma Brahma” is resonating within.

1208. Limitedness.....!

The whole understanding of Paramatma and Jeevatma is that Absolute Consciousness is in totality while we the humans (Individual Consciousness) are a part of it, just as my hand is the part of my body. The duty of my hand is to be always at the service of my body. If my hand thinks it is a separate entity it loses the relationship and identity with my body. There is harmony when my hand understands that it is a part of my body and works for the benefit of the whole. Exactly in the same way if the selfish “I” is replace by the selfless “I” it is the union of the two to become one. It is only when a seeker realises the truth that he is a part of the Divinity will he attain salvation and merges with the Absolute.

The intent behind the “Mahavakya” (Great Statement) from Brhadaranyaka Upanishad - “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman), has to be looked into deeply. Every individual has his own Brahmanda (Macrocosm) in Pindanda (Microcosm) and in this Pindanda there are clashes that cause illusions and delusions which confuse us and force us to forget the Divinity inside us which invariably the driving force. Unaware of it we start to search for that force outside us.

There are three constituents in our Brahmanda firstly:

“Who am I? Which constitutes to “Me”, then

“What do I have?” which becomes “Mine” and lastly

“What is not mine?” that will be “Others”.

If we are satisfied with our Self and are hence contented with what is and are free from insecure feel and fears. We then only concentrate on “Me” without being worried about “Mine” and “Others”, This will take us to the realm which is beyond the stage of being “Manushya” (Human Being), and leads to “Daivattva” (Absolute hood).

I had to put my cell phone to charge last night. Once the battery was fully charged there was a flash on the screen “Battery Full.” The lithium battery inside my cell phone now claims to be electric station to the gadget. It can let run an application, browse internet, take a selfie and also let me make a call.  Likewise we humans are bestowed with this Individual Consciousness which is like the energy in that lithium battery. The purpose of it is to help in repaying the karmic debts but not to claim that we are the Absolute Consciousness. 

Our Consciousness is for a limited period of time after our karmic debts are cleared this Consciousness will be withdrawn and again for the repayment of karmic debts that had accumulated while repaying the old ones we choose another body and the Consciousness flash its radiance on it. Just as the lithium battery is charged with electric power for a certain period we are provided with Consciousness till our karmic debts are cleared. 

Also there is limitation in using the electric charge from the lithium battery, it is just to operate the cell phone it cannot run a mixer or a grinder likewise our Consciousness is limited in its use. This limited-ness defines the clear difference between Jeevatma and Paramatma.  

1207. You are That.....!

“Tat Tvam Asi” meaning “You are That” is one of the “Mahavakyas” (Great Statements) which originates from the Chandogya Upanishad. Uddalaka, the father of a know-it-all son Swethaketu tries to explain that Consciousness is wholly or partially the Ultimate Reality. This statement has been interpreted in three different ways by our Acharya Trio – Sri Sri Shankara, Srimad Ramanuja and Sriman Madhva. Though they are contradictory all the three interpretations are correct.

Sri Sri Shankara advocates it in “Advaita” (Non Duality) thought as in - there are no two separate identities, the Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness) and Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) are one and the same. There is no efforts required to become Brahman, rather, one already is and just needs to realise it.

Srimad Ramanuja supports it from Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non Duality) dimension as in with self-realisation, you become unified with the Brahman while still retaining your identity, thus only becoming a part of Brahman but not fully integrated.

Sriman Madhva giving it the Dviata (Duality) touch states entirely different with “Atat Tvam Asi” meaning “You are not That”, thus establishing a clear difference between Paramatma and Jeevatma. There is Duality as in one set apart from another. The world around us, we as individuals and the Brahman are all distinct.

Now, let us forget the interpretation of the three Acharyas for a while and try to understand what “Tat Tvam Asi” – “You are That” literally mean. In general it says “I am That”, meaning that “I’ am something “That” which is outside of my “This” physical body. If this statement is true then I am all that – “IS”.

“Tat Tvam Asi” if understood in these line will really be a statement of compassion, love and equality towards all being, not only within mankind but of all living beings.

My question is does not “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That) symbolise empathy, the ability to see myself in other fellow creatures???

If I think so, I will not hate my fellow beings on the lines of Caste, Creed and Nationality. I will not slaughter Animals and Birds, I will not cut down Trees....... But is that “Tat” understood clearly as that which is away from “Me” is the million dollar question???

A blacksmith working at the anvil was constantly annoyed by a naughty kid. So to frighten him the blacksmith took the red hot iron piece from the furnace and brought it near the face of the naughty kid.

The kid gave a mischievous smile and said, “If you will give me a rupee, I will lick it.”

Immediately the blacksmith dug out a rupee coin from his shirt pocket and threw it at the kid and stretching out the tongs said, “Go ahead, and lick it!”

The kid picked up the coin and to the astonishment of the blacksmith and the merriment of the bystanders started licking the coin. Then he ran away with it. To the blacksmith, “It” was a red-hot piece of iron held by the tong, and to the boy “It” was a rupee coin.

1206. At the age of 21...!

“Elu Katte Vayasaythu” (you are Seven Donkey Age) was the words which our elders used to reprimand us.  A Donkey age is referred to as three times that of a Human age. That is a Human of age 3 corresponded to 1 Donkey age, so if someone is of 21 years they were referred to as 7 Donkey age. This age 21 is when biologically and emotionally one develops separateness or to be precise develop uniqueness. 

  

When parents want to seek blessing for their wards they can on their behalf only if the kids are below 21 years. If the individual is above 21 years it is mandatory that the individual seek blessing not by proxy. If the wards are above 21 parents can only pray and wish for the well-being while the austerities done on behalf of their wards seem to yield no effect. Why the cut-off age for an individual to seek for himself is 21???

We have the calculation of human life span in terms of Lunar Year. A Lunar Year is defined as a certain number of phases of the moon. To calculate our age in lunar years, we need to know the time between lunar phases, called the “synodic month,” which is approximately 29.530 Earth days. Twelve is the usual number of phases per lunar year. Lifespan as derived for humans is 1008 lunar phase. So an individual will living for 84 years was considered a complete life. If anyone would ask why we consider lunar year for calculation, our ancient Hindus saints had done research far before the modern scientist who are now saying that we are literally born because of our mothers body going in tandem with the lunar cycles.  

Out of the 84 years of life span a quarter of it was dedicated to learn the way of life. This stage of life was termed as “Brahmacharya.”  They say a Brahmachari is “Brahmani Vicaranam iti Brahmacaryam” (in constant enquiry of Brahman). Whenever an individual does some work or think of doing any work extroversially, the object which they come in contact with seem to be like a crude finite entity. Due to their constant aspiration for material achievement the mind is so engrossed in material objects that their attitude towards them becomes crude. In Brahmacarya it is made aware that the object with which one comes in contact is a different expression of Brahman and not anything crude. By means of such an ideation, even though the mind wanders from one object to another, it does not get detached from Brahman because of the Cosmic feeling taken for each and every object. As a result of this Preya Samaagati (extroversion approach) is converted into Shreya Samaagati (introversion approach) and Kama is converted into Prema. 

We need to know here that Preya is to get attracted towards material objects, while Shreya is experiencing oneness with them. Kama is yearning for finite things and Prema to merge with the Infinite).

A quarter of 84 years is 21 years of age, if one doesn’t make use of those 21 years of age to know about way of life then it is waste of time and hence those 21 years of wasteful existence is compared to the 7 Donkey Age. At least those wonderful beasts are helpful to the washer men tribe to take the load of soiled cloths to the river, what is ours if we loaf around and be good for nothing. A parent can seek blessing and can perform austerities on behalf of those who are below 21 years as they are conducting themselves to know life. After 21 years it is the responsibility of the “Brahmacharya” to get himself ready to enter the next stage of life called “Grihasta” (Householder) where it is necessary for him to get in touch with the mundane world and hence he needs a lot of blessings from elders which he has to personally seek no longer depending on proxy.          

1205. Ayodhya and South Korea.....Connection!

The Kings ruling the Kosala Kingdom always had sweet words while interacting with others. They were called Ikshvaku, in Sanskrit Ikshu is Sugarcane and Vak is Words. Their words were like the juice dripping from sugarcane. The Ikshvaku dynasty is also known as Suryavamsha (Solar dynasty). The important Kings in this lineage are Ikshvaku, the founder followed by Kukshi, Kukutstha, Prithu, Mandhatri, Muchukunda, Ambarisha, Harishchandra, Dilipa, Sagara, Raghu, Dasharatha and Shri Rama. 

Shri Rama whom the whole nation regards as “Maryada Purushottama” (Ideal Highest Being) was the 67^th King in the dynasty and ruled around 7000 B.C. The linage after Shri Rama continues thereafter for many millenniums. Irony is that a few so called “Intellectuals” question the existence of Shri Rama here in this land. Many of us know that Ayodhya which is also referred to as Saketa is the city where Shri Rama was born and it is considered holiest place. Ayodhya is holy not only to us but also to many from South Korea who visit here every year. They come to pay tributes to the legendary Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Suriratna). 

The legend goes like this: Indian Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya travelled to South Korea and married a Korean Prince, Kim Suro. Her father who was a mystic King could foresee future and turn of events that could help in shaping the incidents in favourable manner. He saw in his dream the providence giving him Divine advice to give his daughter in marriage to the Prince of Korea. This legend is described in Samguk Yusa (History of Three Kingdoms) written by Iryon, a Monk. Princess Suriratna was 16 when she married Prince Kim Suro of Kimhye Dynasty. Suriratna spent 41 years of her life for the welfare of Korea and finally died when she was 57 years old.

Interestingly, Queen Suriratnas tomb in South Korea has a pagoda in frontage, which is built with stones believed to have taken from Ayodhya. Even to this day, around seven million Koreans with surnames Kim and Heo from Kimhae trace their ancestry back to the royal Indo-Korean couple. Here too a monument has been built in memory of Suriratna on the picturesque banks of River Saryu in Ayodhya. Built in Korean tradition, the monument has a three-metre high stone weighing 7,500 kg.

Koreans believe that the lineage of Suriratna and Kim Suro controlled various states of Korea in 7th century and it was their relatives who were rulers there. Though there are many ancient Korean Kings and Queens who are revered by locals, among them Queen Suriratna is respected the most for her knowledge and intelligence.

Kimhae has big statue of Queen Suriratna at the central place of the city. The statue is remembrance of the fact that piousness of Hinduism and its teachings is respected by all in the form of Queen Suriratna for her part in shaping the future of Korea and its prosperity.