817. Our Farmers were right in every way…..!

Our farmers about 5-6 decades back were using Bio-Fertilizers. The Bio-Fertilizers or the organic manure was made from coco peat, cow dung/urine and agricultural waste with the help of earthworms. Our agricultural practises were so deep and strong that every farmer had profound knowledge of his soil and the essential nutrients that his soil required to grow a particular crop depending on the climatic conditions. He knew that if he had to grow leafy vegetables he had to introduce more of Sarajanaka (Nitrogen) to his soil which was available in poultry waste. For root vegetables Ranjaka (Phosphorous) which is got from Rock Phosphate and finally Potash form ash for strengthening the stem. The secondary macro-nutrients Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur along with micro-nutrients Copper, Iron and Manganese were from the Desi Cow dung and urine. But our farmers were lured to Chemical Fertilizers and pesticides just for better yield.

My country was land of Milk and Honey. Every house had a minimum of four to five Desi Cow and Bull. When the British came to my country they found two most astonishing things namely the Gurukul (Educational system) and the Krishibal (Agriculture strength). Robert Clive the Governor of Bengal made extensive research on the agriculture system and concluded Desi Cow were the basis of Indian agriculture. To break the back of Indian agriculture cows had to be eliminated. He estimated that the number of cows in my country at that time was 3:1 when compared to humans. He also knew that Desi Cow urine and dung were the primary ingredients working as fertilizer as well as pesticides providing nutritious food.

Robert Clive started the first cow slaughter house in 1760 to destabilise agriculture in my country. In the place of Desi Cows the European breed called Jersey cows were introduced to farmers. Truly the Jersey Cows did give more milk compared to our Desi Cows but they ate and drink twice more than our Desi Cow. When we look into the casein protein content our Desi Cow (A2) milk scores better that the Jersey Cow (A1) milk. Now at present the whole world prefers our Desi Cow (A2) milk.

Not only in agriculture sector but in consumable sector also we were a way ahead. We used salt, neem and charcoal to brush our teeth and keep them clean. But they introduced us a toothpaste with fluoride to make our teeth bright. After a few research they found fluoride in tooth paste with fluoride will calcify pineal gland, the Third Eye. Now the famous toothpaste brand says its toothpaste has salt, neem and charcoal. 

816. Is Life a Dream or Is it a Drama???

“Is life a mere dream?” I would wonder. Well, I could only say that though life is not exactly a dream which appear when I sleep, in one sense it is a dream. Why do I call it a dream? Simply because my vision of life is always different from what it actually is. There is always a basic difference in my perception and what it appears to be in reality and this difference itself is “LIFE” which inspires me to accept everything that I perceive to be real. I must confess that I am incapable of perceiving that fundamental reality directly. Hence everything I perceive is a simulation or a version of that fundamental reality that exists in patterns of circumstance and materializes to my mind in a way that it can be easily dealt with.

This perceived life exists only if I am aware of it and when I am in a position to categorise and interpret about it in my mind. But the fundamental reality that motivates me to perceive this world and life to my liking however, exists as it is unchanged even if my mind exists or not. There is one aspect of existence which makes me feel as just Consciousness, which induces the subjective trait in me. On the other hand there is another aspect which is fully objective and external to my mind. Even though I can determine the manner in which I perceive reality, yet I can't stray beyond the fundamental nature that forms the objective, external foundation of that reality.

Once there was a businessman who was successfully handling his flourishing business. His success in business gave him the comforts of all the amenities of life. He had a beautiful small family which he adored and loved. He was a good husband and a good father as well. When he was leading a contented life all of a sudden he had to suffer big loss in business. The extent of the loss was such that he had to surrender everything including his palatial house to the mortgage loan he had taken from the bank. The entire relations and friends felt sorry for the businessman. His in-laws were devastated, his wife could not get in terms with the loss but the businessman was not bewildered and he remained calm.

Seeing her husband as calm as ever, the wife asked, “Is your heart as hard as stone not to be sensitive about what you have lost in the business. I have seen you work so hard and build the business step by step. Even though I do not know personally I have seen you struggle at the early stages of your business. How is it that you seem to be least bothered at loss of our beautiful home also?”

At this the husband said, “Yes, my dear the loss was unexpected as was the success. I am not worried because that worry will not let me to hope and think positive about my future ventures. In simple words I will tell you why I am not worried about what had happened. Last night, I had a dream and in that dream I was a king. As the king of that region I was on to conquer my neighbouring kingdom. I fought hard and was about to take the neighbouring king as prisoner of war, it was then you woke me. Now if I had worried about the timing of you waking me in the morning and if I had shouted at you for waking me at that glorious moment of my dream would you not have felt how silly I was talking? Will it not spoil a nice morning for both of us? It is the same here, if at present I am worried about the past I will have to forgo my future.”

Life is an overlap of continuous dreams as well as nightmares and a script less drama with unknown script. This knowledge helps an individual to move on in life despite the triumphs and turbulences.

815. Happy Yugadi to one and all…..!

The word Yugadi is a union of two Sanskrit words “Yuga” (Year) and “Adi” (Beginning) Yugasya adi = yugadi, (Beginning of the year). It is the starting day of Kaliyuga.

Kaliyuga began on Feb 20, midnight 3102 BC on the day when Sri Krishna ended his avatara of which was for the Dusta Jana Bhanjana (Annihilation of Evil Individuals) and Shista Jana Paripalana (Protection of the Good Individuals) at Prabhas.

Yugadi as per Kaliyuga starts from Chaitra Shudda Paadya (Vasanta Ritu) “Samvatsara” means Varsha, i.e., year.  As per Hindu tradition, there are 60 Samvatsaras, each has different names. This Samvatsara is Sri Durmukhi Nama Samvatsara. This Sri Durmukhi Nama Samvatsara is the 5117 th year of Kaliyuga.  

On this day a Sanathani gets up at Arunodaya Kala. Aruna who is the elder brother of Garuda is the charioteer of Sun. Before the sunrays it is the rays of Aruna which is crimson red which appear on the sky this is Arunodaya.  

Thaila Abhyanjana is advised on this day. There is a lot of significance given to head massage with with Sesame oil before bath to get relief from stress and strain.

Nimbakusuma Bhakshana is another most important ritual of this day. Nimba means Neem and Kusuma means flower. Tradition is that on this day people eat a pickle (sauce) made with a combination of six ingredients that gives six different tastes. The ingredients are Neem flowers, Raw mango, Jaggery, Tamarind, Chillies, and Salt. It is popularly called as Yugadi Pachhadi in Telugu.

It is a mixture of six different tastes viz. bitter (Neem), sweet (Jaggery), sour (Tamarind) salty (Salt), hot/spicy (Chillies/Pepper), and tang (Raw Mango). The philosophy in eating this sauce with six tastes is to say that life is not a bed of roses it is a mixture of sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise which has to be accepted together with equanimity. 

There is also a scientific health message involved in eating this. Neem is good for diabetes, skin diseases, and acts as a blood purifier and anti-oxidant. Jaggery helps in increasing the haemoglobin content of blood that help in curing iron deficiency, Tamarind fights against vitamin C deficiency, raw Mango prevent diarrhoea and heat stroke, Salt gives energy, Chillies helps build immune defence system and Pepper is an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of iron and vitamin K, and a good source of dietary fibre. 

Panchanga Sravana is another important practice. Panchanga means an almanac that contains the astronomical/astrological daily details mainly related to Thithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karna and Vara are called as Pancha Angas (five limbs or five elements) that helps forecasts for eclipses, weather, monsoon, transit of planets etc. Tithi is Ending Moment (EM) of elongation of the Moon, the lunar day, the angular relationship between Sun and Moon (Apparent Moon minus Apparent Sun). One Tithi equals 12 degree difference between Moon and Sun. Nakshatra is Ending Moment of asterism of the day, that is, the stellar mansion in which Moon is located for an observer at the centre of the Earth. One Nakshatra equals 13 degrees and 20 minutes. There are 27 Nakshatra in 360 degrees. Yoga is the Ending Moment of the angular relationship between Sun and Moon (Apparent Moon plus Apparent Sun). One Yoga equals 13 degrees and 20 minutes. There are 27 Yogas in 360 degrees. Karana is Ending Moment of half of a Tithi. One Karaṇa equals 6 degree difference between Moon and Sun. Vara is the weekday the seven weekdays.

And finally the most virtuous is the Prapadana. Offering water starting from this day for 4 months (Summer) is said to be needy for the people to quench their thirst.

Our customs and traditions are so very scientific. It is very interesting to know about it and follow them…..What say???

May this Sri Durmukhi Nama Samvatsara bring you all peace and tranquillity.    

814. Attachment is a Hindrance to the Spiritual Path…….!

Sage Narada and Ram Bhaktha Hanuman were going to Vaikunta. As they walked together their vision happened to fall on a middle-aged couple in a small town. The husband was Ram Pyare and his wife was Lajwanti, Ram Pyare was busy all day earning money. Ram Pyare sold food grains in his shop the whole day and in evening along with his wife he would sell snacks at the park. He earned a lot of money and brought gold and household articles. Though they had married for 15 years they did not have children.  

On watching the couple Narada told Hanuman, “This man is leading a miserable life; if I could help him I will bring him here to Vaikunta and let him be at bliss.”

Hanuman retorted, “Munivar, you do not know about such humans they are attached to the worldly life and they are used to suffering even if you offer them a place in Vaikunta they will blindly refuse.”

“Unbelievable, said Narada. “But I wish to find out myself if really he would refuse my offer.” Saying so he appeared before Ram Pyare and told him, “You are leading a life of hardship, I will take you to Vaikunta and it is a very rare opportunity I know you would not miss.”

Ram Pyare pondered and said, “I am not ready, what happens to my shop and my snack business and moreover my wife is young we do not have children what will happen to her. There is lot of time left to go to Vaikunta you may go now.”

Narada went back to Hanuman and said, “Yes, he is right he has to have kids and then he will be ready.” Hanuman said you will never find him eager to come to Vaikunta. You can try as many years you want.”

After twenty years Narada went to see Ram Pyare and offer him place in Vaikunta. But he found a young man in the shop he learnt that Ram Pyare had passed away last year. With his yogic power he found out Ram Pyare had taken birth as ox and was in the cattle shed of the same house serving his son.

Narada went up to the ox and said, “Look, even in this birth you are working hard I fact harder than your previous birth. What kind of a life is this? My offer of a place in Vaikunta is still open.”

Go away,” answered the ox. “All my life as a human I yearned for a son and when I got one I could spend only 15 years with him. I want to help my son so that he can get more grains from city and sell them in this village. I cannot come with you to Vaikunta.”

Narada was amazed. He went back and reported his observations to Hanuman. Hanuman told Narada, “Holy Sage, to know the strength of human attachments please try for some more time.”

After about ten years Narada again returned to visit Ram Pyare. The ox had died and reborn as a dog in the same house. Narada found him sitting in puddle of water unable to bear the scorching heat. Narada was full of compassion and pleaded, “Think Ram Pyare, even now you can end your life on this earth plane and come back to Vaikunta. But as a dog your life is not better than ox or human. You are not allowed inside the house even if it is raining or unbearable heat. You are given leftovers, yet they expect you to faithfully guard their house day and night. Are you now ready for Vaikunta?”

“No, Narada. No. I cannot consider Vaikunta at this time. You see, my daughter-in-law is very careless. She wears lot of jewels, and unmindfully leaves it everywhere and there are thieves here looking for an opportunity to steal them. I have to keep a watch and make sure they do not enter the house. How can I think of going to Vaikunta? Please come back in a few years.”

Hanuman heard Narada’s report and insisted him to visit again after a few years.

So after about five years Narada went again to visit Ram Pyare’s house. The dog had died. Ram Pyare’s soul had been reborn as a little worm that wriggled and crawled in filth of the drain outside the house. Narada thought, ‘Now, surely, Ram Pyare will agree to come to Vaikunta with me.’

But Ram Pyare said, “I know life as a worm in the drain crawler is hard, but I am sorry I am not ready to leave it. I want to see my grandchildren playing happily and feel contented. All this is familiar to me; to tell you the truth I am scared of the unknown. The freedom and comforts of Vaikunta that you want to offer is vague. How can I cope with the freedom you offer? Please leave me alone and go away.”

Narada returned and recounted everything to Hanuman and said, “What you said is true Hanuman. What a wonderful glue of attachment these humans have applied to themselves? It holds them stuck tight to the Samsara into which they are born again and again. Only one in a million becomes curious and search for the means to liberate. Then they taste freedom and know what Bliss it is all about. And very smartly my Lord has made it unable to for them describe the experience in Vaikunta to the others because it is beyond words!”

813. A Valid Reason to read from the Original Manuscripts...!

This was sent to me by a friend who always insisted everybody to read the “Mula Grantha” be it Valmiki Ramayana or Vyasa Bharatha. My friend felt that though there are numerous Ramayanas and Mahabharathas penned by many writers they were all bland when comparing to one written by Sage Valmiki and Sage Vyasa.

When I asked him why? He would say that modified or imitative versions were no match to the original. And in many cases the original could be twisted to favour the thoughts of the author. Now to prove that point he sent this episode through e-mail.

A young monk arrives at a monastery. He is assigned to helping the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the monastery by hand.

He notices, however, that all of the monks were copying from copies, not from the original manuscript. So, the new monk goes to the head Abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up! In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.

“We have been copying from the copies for centuries,” the head monk says, “but you make a good point, my son.”

He goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscripts are held as archives in a locked vault that hasn't been opened for hundreds of years.

Hours go by and nobody sees the old Abbot.

The young monk gets worried and goes down to look for him. He sees him banging his head against the wall and wailing.

“We missed the R!  We missed the R! We missed the R!”

His forehead is all bloody and bruised and he is sobbing uncontrollably.

The young monk asks the old abbot, “What's wrong, Reverent Sir?”  

With a choking voice, the old abbot replies, “The word was.........“CELEBRATE!!!”  in the original text and while copying someone had missed the word “R” and other had replaced “E” with “I” making the word which was “CELEBRATE”   to “CELIBATE” which we followed all the while blindly.

812. Does Knowledge give me Experience or is it vice versa???????

Is it Knowledge which gives me Experience or is it vice versa???

There have been discussions on this since ages. In fact this has become a topic of controversy. Knowledge is usually misunderstood to be studying and chanting Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and Puranas in a traditional way under a Guru. At the same time experience is understood to be that which is “acquired”. But how is it acquired, is it not from the knowledge? Yes, but only if knowledge is not confined to just “Shravana” (listening or reading). After Shravana one does “Manana” (reflection with discussions) and then by “Nidhidhyasana” (contemplation).

A Guru can only just teach that is, he can give a sermon or even one can go and read scriptures, but is that enough? No, it is of no use at all unless the listened or read subject is discussed and contemplated upon and put into practice. It is never the duty of the Guru or for the matter a book to get the seeker to discuss and contemplate.

But some say that experience could be got even without knowledge. Agreed, but will it not be a lengthy process altogether. If one has to cook a certain dish and has the recipe, it would be simpler than experimenting with the ingredients just for the sake of experience. Isn’t it?

Experience from knowledge or knowledge from experience. Which is better? Can one lead to other? There is difference of opinion and hence confusion prevails always. What I personally feel is a proper appreciation of both and the approach that suits to the seeker depending upon the school of thought he is following will help. It becomes unfair and premature for a seeker to reject without prior analysis on what could help when approached. And it is also not proper for a seeker to create controversy by telling that approach which has suited him is correct and ask other seekers to denounce the other.

I am not trying to resolve the dispute as I know it is impossible since it is a volatile issue which needs the seeker himself to attend it. Also in this relative world professionals do not match their problems with their experiences; instead they try to match them with their knowledge. Experience is handy only if one has the knowledge in place. Experience has no value when there's no knowledge to verify whether the applied experience is falling at the right slot.

  

From Jnana (Knowledge) one gets Anubhava (Experience) and from Anubhava one has Anubuthi (Realisation). One has to gain and apply knowledge first, and experience will automatically help after that. That knowledge which gives one experience also helps in achieving realisation.  It is easy to talk about the results of both the methods and look which is better. 

“Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi” says a famous Upanishad statement which means the “knower” of Brahman becomes Brahman. Those who prefer knowledge path often repeat this statement to confirm their stands and get satisfied. But it is only experience that can lead a seeker to “Truth.”Yet, when one feels that having experience is indeed ultimate, does the knowledge if already obtained go down the drain? Will it not help? It is said that to have Anubhuthi (realisation) a seeker who has Anubhava (experience) should never think Jnana (knowledge) is for initial level only and not required afterwards.   

811. Be like Nature…… just BE!!!

The mango tree at our factory is filled with green mangoes as every year. Last year too there was a good yield of mangoes and I do hope the coming years too there would be a good yield. It is so natural for the tree to yield as this season approaches. It is like as if the tree stood there the whole year just waiting for this season to give back.   

Last week the accounting for the last financial year ended and we needed to assess the production of our factory. Though it was not bad, the thought that we could have done better always persist. Surprisingly if it has bettered the previous years statistics the feel of boasting the success sets in. Why is it that the thought, “it could have been better” OR "we are the best" comes into our mind??? The mango tree just produces and never thinks in the same lines, why???

Nature works and there is no doubt about it. It has worked for aeons and will continue to work without any kind of assessments. Why is it so that while nature can work without assessments, we humans don’t??? The only difference between nature life and human life is our thinking mind. We humans are one with nature, except for that thinking part in us. Thinking mind stands outside nature, or maybe it feels so. The thinking mind wants the reasons and clarifications in every phase.  

Some may argue that humans consume so they need to assess we have forgot that nature also consumes. While nature consumes less and produce more the same cannot be said the humans. Our human mind is filled with ideas and notions of how things have to be. There is a flow chart in the mind before the task is taken up. If there is a slight difference in the idea and implementation there is stress, but none of these exist in nature. This is the only reason why nature works without much hungama.

Nature is always an advancing process within a consistent and energetic system. This consistent and energetic dance of the nature is always just as it is and it should be. Amazingly the perfect part of nature is that there is no concept of perfect or imperfect in it. Amusingly this is what is in it that makes it perfect. The reason behind it being perfect is that it does not compete with others. Mango tree in our factory does not compete with the mango tree in the compound of my neighbour. As there is no competition there is no hungama.    

My Literary Guru D.V. Gundappa (better known as D.V.G) writes in his profound work called “Mankutimmana Kagga” (Rambling of dull headed Thimma) thus:

A new plant sprouts out of a seed without a drum-roll.

A flower ripens into a fruit without any trumpet call.

The sun and the moon shine without any turmoil.

Brag not; seal your lips – Mankuthimma.

810. Knowledge is Power.........!

A clean shaven middle aged man with dark summer glasses trolls his suitcase into the lobby of an airport. Walks straight to the Airline check-in desk and collects the boarding pass and settles down at the lounge. After a few minutes he fishes out his mobile phone and starts dialling the numbers. In a fraction of a second there is huge explosion as if the airport building shake followed by dust and smoke and lots of screaming. The burning smell shattered glass and smeared blood on the floor.   

It was indeed a BOMB BLAST!!!

A fortnight later the investigating team tabled the report. The clean shaven middle aged man was the suspect who blew himself up in the name of religion. Details of his whereabouts revealed that he hailed from a remote village. He was an orphan brought up by a pious man. He graduated from a prestigious engineering college studied electronic and was proficient in signals and controls. He was picked up by some fundamentalist and brainwashed to use his academic knowledge of electronic signals and controls for destruction of mankind in the name of religion.

To get education on electronic signals and controls was by itself not dangerous but the way the knowledge of it is implemented could be. Formal process of Education provides one the informal experience called knowledge.  Knowledge is power, but when in wrong hands it is trouble. In ancient times a person who imparts education would look for the Adhikari (Eligible). Guru picked the shishya not by looking just his eagerness to learn but also his character. Svabhava (Character) of an individual is moulded by the Samskara (Impression) which is triggered by the Trigunas.

The Svabhava of a dog is to bark and it does when it sees a stranger or even if its master is wearing a mask. In Adi Parva of Mahabharata, Ekalavya uses his arrows to seal the mouth of the barking dog. When Dronacharya heard that the barking of the dog was silenced by Ekalavya who claimed to be his disciple, Drona asked him his right thumb as Guru Dakshina.

Why did Drona heartlessly ask for the right thumb???

Many who do not know the epic feel it was caste discrimination, which was not true. Agreed Drona was keen to make Ajuna one and only superior archer. In the eagerness to show off his skills Ekalavya pierced arrows to the dog’s mouth to silence it. Arjuna too knew Shabdavedi Vidya (the art of shooting by listening) he could have also used his arrows to silence the dog. But his Samskaras did not allow him to injure the animal.  

Drona, a learned person thought that someone who is not compassionate is not eligible to possess those deadly skills. Ekalavya had somehow acquired Shabdavedi Vidya and could use the knowledge to cause danger to others. He foresees that Ekalavya if left unchecked may pose a threat to everyone, hence he asked for his thumb as Guru Dakshina for the welfare of the community.

Note: There are many stories (written by Brahmin-bashers) which suggest that dog was stuck with arrows without hurting the dog. These are not in Vyasa Bharatha, the original text. How can the arrows pierce the mouth of the dog as written by Bhagvan Vyasa, without hurting the dog …..I wonder.   

809. April Fool!!!!!

In ancient times the first month of the calendar began in March-April and it was been based on the moon phase (as our Hindu Lunar Calendar). Romans could not understand the calendar as it had to have more knowledge on the trails of moon. It was regarded too messy and the Roman calendar was replaced by Julian Calendar in 45 B.C by Julius Caesar with a few changes. When the Julian Calendar which was also based on Lunar phase did not match with the actual time taken by Earth to orbit once around the Sun, which was obvious as the course of Moon and Sun were different it became too clumsy for them.

Fed up with these Moon and Sun phase calculations Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 introduced a calendar called “Christian Calendar” which is now used and it is also called Gregorian Calendar. So the start of year which as somewhere between March-April, now was on January 1st as it was near to the date of Birth of Christ.   

This explains why September which means “Seven” (Septa) in Latin is the 9th month and not the seventh month and October, which means “Eight” (Octa) is the 10th month, and not the eighth month. November, which means “Nine,” (Nova) is the 11th month, and December, which means “Ten” (Deca) is the 12th month. At that time, January and February were last two months of the year.  April 1 was counted the first day of the year in Europe. When the calendar was changed start from January 1, some people stayed with April 1. Those who did were called “April Fools” and were taunted by their neighboring countries. They called all those who celebrated the new year in April as “Fools”.... And it continues even today......and then they called it April Fools Day......but the Sun and Moon did not stop or change their course. Day never changed, seasons remained the same. 

Happy April Fool’s Day……Oops!!!! who are Fool now???……after knowing about it.

808. Everything cannot be dubbed as Superstition…!

A matter on why one should not clip nails or cut hair on Tuesdays came up. For some it is superstition while some rationalists make it a point to clip nails and cut hair on Tuesdays to prove that nothing happens. Well it is all what one believe in and one should never impose the beliefs on other too.

Is there any scientific reason why one should not clip nails on that particular day is the question. We all know that planets have a subtle influence on our body. Though the western world did not accept it earlier they now seem to show interest on this now.

Just as Surya (Sun) has its effect on our skin and eyes and Chandra (Moon) on our mind, Mangala (Mars) has its effect on the nerve ends and nerve tips pertaining to the nails and hair. Hence it was not advised to clip nails and hair on Tuesdays.

Now what is the proof that Mars has the effect on our nails and hair???

Sometimes subtle matters do not offer proof which the science asks; it can be comprehended on observation. In 1970's and 80's western world laughed at us when our ancients told that moon has its effect on our mind. They dubbed it as superstition even though ironically they called a mentally disturbed person “Lunatic.”

What does Lunatic mean?

This word comes from the Latin “Luna” meaning moon. The Lunar phase has an impact not only on oceans, but also on the human body which has 70-80% water. Amazingly without knowing the word the westerns rubbished our ancient explanation. As the days passed they now start to believe that there is indeed some connection between Moon and Mind. In future someday they will come to understand about the influence of all the planets which our ancients have already pointed and which Medical Astrology accepts. The influence of planets on parts of our body is as follows:

  

Surya (Sun) - Heart, Eyes and Skin.

Chandra (Moon) - Mind, Hormones and Womb.

Mangala (Mars) - Nail, Hair and Arteries.

Budha (Mercury) - Brain, Nerves and Thyroid.

Guru (Jupiter) - Liver, Legs and Pituitary.

Shukra (Venus) - Kidneys, Digestion and Reproduction.

Shani (Saturn) – Spleen, Veins and Bones.

Now coming back to the point on whether one should not clip nails and cut hairs on Tuesdays? Though the effect of Moon in Lunar phase is on all of us, we all do not exhibit instability in mind. likewise the influence of Mars on Tuesdays could be only on some percentage of the human race but why take risk it is better if avoided as we do have the other days too to clip nails. In case of an emergency like a doctor who need to operate and has to clip nails to maintain hygiene in the OT, then the effect of Mars seems to be too little when comparing to saving someone's life. 

Once it so happened that on an independence day a politician unfurled the National Flag and the Anthem started. The dictum is that one has to stand in attention while the National Anthem is played. The police personal who was standing in front of him had sunstroke and tumbled. This politician who was saluting the flag rushed to help him. Here the respect to the National Flag and the Anthem became secondary his primary duty was to help the man in discomfort. 

It is pure wisdom to analyse the situation and not to stick on to the dictum. And so also it would be foolishness to dub everything as superstition instead of looking for the science behind it……What say???

807. Was Karna a true friend to Duryodhana???

“What is your Dharma?” asks Krishna to Karna.

“To protect my friend Duryodhana is my Dharma” says Karna.

“Do you protect him even knowing that your friend is doing Adharma towards hundreds of thousands of men? Do realise that because of your presence Dharma has to fight harder for victory?” questions Krishna.

“Dharma has ditched me many times. Dharma for that matter has never been my friend. I have only one friend Duryodhana and my only Dharma is to fight for him even if he is wrong.” 

“Your tattvanista (veracity) is wasted on a man without integrity.” says Krishna.

To which Karna replied, “I cannot leave my friend when he needs me the most. I know he is wrong but that has nothing to do with my gratitude”.

Now the question is, was Karna a true friend to Duryodhana or was he loyal to the wicked prince just because his ego was pampered when Duryodhana crowned him the king of Anga. A true friend is one who tells the truth which may hurt like salt on a wound. Only a sycophant supports knowing very well that what he is supporting for is wrong.

Many in this modern era equate Karna to be a hero as he showed loyalty till the end. But this thought is Abrahamic as the reality in appreciating the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana loses its essence. Karna very well knew that Pandavas were Dharmic and hence the Lord stood behind them.Yet he did not look for the welfare of his friend instead he supported the downfall of his friend.  

Why then did Karna support Duryodhana know well that he was Adharmic???

Karna failed to look at the events in a larger perspective.

What is the larger perspective then???

Karna was bound to loyalty he did not look at what would happen if he supported Kauravas. Had he not supported Duryodhana maybe the war would not have happened in the first place. Karna who was the recipient of the Anga could have persuaded his friend to part with the mere five villages that Krishna asked for when the Lord made the last attempt to avoid war. As a friend Karna failed to put sense into Duryodhana as he felt it was more important to cosset the ego in the wicked prince. Karna knew that the whole of Kaurava army would be killed in the war yet he never made an attempt to advice his friend what he was doing was wrong.  

Karna had a list of bad experiences like the humiliation at the martial exhibition, curse of Sage Parasurama, getting deceived by Indra which made him go against Dharma. In reality it was the intricate web of Karma which was acting on him as he had asked for it when he was Dambhodabhava in his previous birth. With limited knowledge Karna lacked to perceive his past karma and supported Adharma.

Will karma accept the logic when I say; I had been pick-pocketed so I support those who are pickpocketing……. Just give a thought to it. 

806. Who is a DhIra???

Sage Valmiki refers to Hanuman as “DhIra” in Srimad Ramayana. When I searched for the English equivalent for this Sanskrit word I could not get one. Valiant was the only English word which was very near to illustrate the word DhIra.

DhIra in English seems to suggest as an adjective to one who is brave, courageous, bold and fearless. In Sanskrit this word can be analysed as “Dhi Sa Ramante itti DhIra” meaning one who is delighted to go with what the Dhi says is DhIra.”

Now what is this Dhi???  

      

Dhi is the highest power a human being possesses and it has its dwelling in the Ajna Chakra (Pineal Gland). Using of this power is the one which differentiates a human from an animal. An animal in its entire lifespan is after SEED namely Sleep, Eat, Enjoy and Defend. There is one trait in a human which highlights the distinction and that is the use of Dhi, the Intellect. With this ever bright and glowing Dhi Shakti it is possible to discriminate what to do and what not to in accordance with Dharmic sense or if you want me to say in modern language Ethical sense. Hence in Gayatri Mantra we request the Absolute to illuminate our Intellect (Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat).

  

When I take up certain task there are two motives in accomplishing that task. One is the benefit I am going to get while the second is the fulfilment of the task itself. My mind is the one which generates the first looking for the benefits behind the task. Intellect always aims at the fulfilment of the task. Mind is propelled by the sense organs and Intellect is guided by the Absolute Consciousness. 

    

Hanuman had to leap over the sea to reach Lanka. Mainaka, the mountain asked Hanuman to rest on it for a while and then proceed. If Hanuman had considered his comfort as priority which the mind also wanted he would have been delayed in his venture. Hanuman heeded to his intellect and did not rest until he found Maa Sita.

In Kathopanishad Yama tells little Nachiketa that Preyas (Pleasure) and Shreyas (Pleasant) are the split roads one encounters while preforming action. Any task done with Preyas in mind will benefit the individual alone and that is not what a DhIra does DhIra opts for Sreyas with his intellect guiding him to accomplish the task by Dharmic means for well-being of all. Hanuman took the fulfilment of the task as the priority and his own comforts as secondary. Hence Sage Valmiki addressed him as DhIra.   

Further even at a critical moment DhIra does not take refuge of a lie. Come what may he is always truthful hence they say one needs to have courage to talk truth always. Raja Harishchandra was a DhIra. He would never utter a lie even at a life-threatening situation. Nakshartika the appointed due recovery agent of Sage Vishwamitra insists Raja Harishchandra to tell a lie to get out of the mess he and his family is in. A DhIra that Raja Harishchandra was he maintained his vow of speaking truth and endured all the hardship.

Be a DhIra, come what may….. It might not relieve you of hardship but then it reveals who really YOU are….. What say???

805. Bharat Mata Ki Jai……...

My country is my mother I bow to her till my last breath. My land is the hub of spirituality and it is the very place where the mind of a seeker aspires for the ultimate glory of Divinity. My motherland breeds different cultures and has in her lap the siblings from different race and religion.    

  

My motherland in the true motherly spirit welcomed those who had the intentions of invading her. From Alexander to the Mughals to the British and Portuguese all of them wanted to capture her by force but she treated even them with the maternal spirit. Yes she has been looted of the material opulence but even today her womb is rich with the spiritual treasure. The threshold to that treasure which is knowledge has been passed on from one generation to the other for more than thousand years.

My motherland is the land of great thinkers and discoverers who provided us the knowledge of the universe and the nature. They never cared for personal comforts but their only aim was to serve humanity. World’s first university came up in Takshila around 700 B.C. Sanskrit was the medium of communication and many languages in India and Europe has its origin from Sanskrit. Sage Sushrutha in 600 B.C was considered father of surgery and Ayurveda was the oldest school of medicine. Sage Bhaskaracharya calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun. Baudhayana calculated the value of “pi”, invention of “zero” and “infinity” is credited to Aryabhatta, theory of relativity was well known to our ancient philosophers. These tireless works has never stopped and is still going on to upgrade the level of living standards of the society. 

My motherland has always provided in abundance for those who have come to her with either spiritual thirst or for want of academic knowledge or to learn arts and music. The culture and tradition which has its roots in “Sanatana Dharma” and passed on from generation has not been able to get diluted. Despite many attempts to distort it by many since ages and by some even today it is not been possible. The reason being that what my motherland is advocating is not only Satyam (Truth) but Ritam (Absolute Truth). 

       

My motherland is “Land of Disparity” one can find a richest man and the poorest people, most educated as well as illiterate, the most powerful and also the oppressed, the orthodox as well as liberal, the piously religious and the atheists, the skyscrapers and slums, corrupt and the compassionate. With such disparity we her kid lived united in the past and will still live united in future. Even though a few of us have fallen prey to the divide and rule policy induced by the British we stand united. This attitude of every Indian is the reason from some to have sleepless nights, they want to divide us by using weapons called “Free Speech, Dissent and Intolerance.”         

I will be true and worthy son of Bharat Mata only when I uphold the dignity and honour of my puniya bhoomi Bharat Mata. I am proud of her and hence I say aloud “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Anyone with me??? 

804. Being Honest in Corrupt situation……Hurts!

“A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are victimized first” says Chanakya, the adviser and prime minister of Emperor Chandragupta of the Maurya dynasty.

Looking at the quote by the wise man one could decide that honesty doesn't pay and conclude being crooked is the order of the day. Now was the wise man wrong in saying so then??? No, honesty is the trait which never loses its glitter. Chanakya had a bad time when he was under King Nanda whom he overthrew and made Chandragupta the new king. Maybe it was that experience which made Chanakya to quote so.

Our National motto is “Satyameva Jayate” meaning “Truth alone Triumphs.” Being Honest is complete truthfulness to oneself and not to deceive others. Honest and too honest are two different things. Honest person is pure in his actions at the same time he is also alert, while too honest person though pure in his actions he is not alert. Being too honest invites other to take him for a ride. So the best way to deal with corrupt is by not being too honest with them.This is a strategy to deal with corrupts as they are large in number. 

At the Great War of Kurukshetra, Shri Krishna shuns being too honest when it became too difficult to win over mighty Dronacharya. He dealt with it very tactfully by making Yudhishthira utter half lie.  When Dronacharya asked Yudhishthira if Aswatthama was killed, Yudhishthira confirmed it. Drona meant Aswatthama, his son; in fact, it was an elephant named Aswatthama which had been killed by his brother Bhima, to which Yudhishthira was mentioning. Yudhishthira distinctly said that Aswatthama was dead, adding indistinctly the word elephant before the name Ashwatthama. Weakened by the thought of his son’s death, Drona lost the will to fight and drops his ammunition. Seizing that opportunity Dhrishtadyumna attacks Drona to finish him. 

Even so while at incognito in the palace of Virata, Draupadi dons the role of governess to queen Sudeshna. Kichaka, the queens lustful brother gets infatuated to the beauty of Draupadi and desire for her. Unable to stop his advances Draupadi informs Bhima who assumed the role of cook at the palace. Bhima asks Draupadi to invite Kichaka to a specified place for a secret meeting at night. Draupadi does so and at the specified place, Kichaka finds a woman sleeping on a cot. Kichaka quickly moves towards the cot and tries to hug the sleeping women thinking it was Draupadi. Bhima in the guise of the sleeping women crushes Kichaka to death.

Honesty is not its own reward. It is just one aspect of living with integrity and kindness. One has to live an honest life and at the same time should not let anyone take advantage of that honesty……. Am I right??? 

803. Agami Karma, the current affairs…..!

Karma Siddantha basically talks of three types of Karmas. Sanchita, Prarabdha and Agami Karmas. 

Sanchita Karma is the sum of all the total fruits (Good & Bad) obtained during the past many births. Prarabdha Karmas are Karma Phalas (Rewards) that are allotted to us for the present life which may be good or bad (enjoyable or sufferings). Agami Karmas are deeds that are to be performed during the course of this life time by an individual, be it good deeds or bad deeds or a mix of both which gets accumulated in Sanchita.

Off the three an individual has no hold on the first two namely Sanchita and Prarabdha, while Agami is in his hands alone. We say everything is destined and this is most misunderstood. True everything is destined but what is that which is destined has to be understood. The end result is destined but how and who does it is not. 

If we contemplate on the 11 chapter of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna while displaying His Cosmic manifestation reveals to Arjuna the decimation of Kauravas. Arjuna sees Dhrona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna going inside Lords fiery mouth. When Arjuna was reluctant to fight in the war, Lord Krishna tells him the fate of the war is destined and they will die but who will defeat them is the question? Lord suggests Arjuna to be the one and enjoy the fame and glory though all those warriors have already been awarded death by Him according to their Prarabdha Karma.

Now most important thing is can anyone kill and point it towards Prarabdha Karma? No. An analogy will help understand better: Mahatma Gandhi was shot. It was decided at the time of his birth (though no one would ever know before the event happen) that Mahatma Gandhi would live for 78 years and would be shot at on January 30, 1948 at 5.17 pm to bring an end to his life this was his Prarabdha Karma.

But was it the Prarabdha Karma of Nathuram Godse to shoot at Mahatma Gandhi is the question?

NO, it is not the Prarabdha Karma but it is his Agami Karma, How will it be Agami Karma?

Mahatma Gandhi would be shot at on the particular time is the event to happen according to destiny but who would do it or press the trigger is the act of anyone. Nathuram Godse took the initiative and he was very well aware of what he was supposed to be doing and the consequences. This makes his act a pure Agami Karma. The Agami Karma in him (Nathuram Godse) was triggered by the three gunas at the time of the event. Prarabdha is what is already destined but Agami is designed by us.

Agami Karma invites Good (Punya), Bad (Papa) or Mixed (Mistra) results. Is this result necessary? What is the yield of Good, Bad or Mixed results? The yield of these Results is that the individual has to take a birth to enjoy them and again do the same thing that he is been doing in this life. Hence this cycle is called Samsara, that thing we do without a stop.

Where is a STOP for this?

The stop is definitely in the Agami Karma. If we decide not to do what yield Bad Karma and Mistra Karma. What about the Good (Punya) Karma Phala, It can be made not to get attached us by simple ignoring it.

How can we ignore the Punya Karma Phala? simple we can easily channelize whatever good we do to at the lotus feet of the Lord, the Supreme.

This body of ours is used by Him to do things in society like thriving for the welfare of the society. Hence we can say “Na Aham Kartha Hari Kartha” and endorse our non doership.