921. Attachments

One morning a villager went to the district office to meet his childhood friend who was a District Collector. That day the D.C seem to be in distressed, sensing his discomfort the villager friend asked him the reason. D.C replied, “My wife and my children are all down with viral fever. My son contacted viral infection in his school and now his sister and his mother are also infected.” 

The villager asked, “What did the doctor say?”  

“Doctor has prescribed some medicines saying they would recover in a few days time.” said the D.C. 

The villager friend was surprised by the way his friend was behaving, he said, “If you are so upset about the illness of three of your family, how are you going to tackle an epidemic in your jurisdiction which is wide spread?” 

“I will take charge and set a team to investigate the type of epidemic, treatment and preventive measures including sanitation will be carried out on a war footing. I will handle any such situation efficiently, with a cool mind” said the D.C. 

The villager said, “If you can deal with such a major problem without getting ruffled, why are you so upset about a minor problem confined to three members of a single house?” 

D.C was taken back he shot back, “Unlike the others, those who are ill now are my very own.” he said.

Such is the deleterious influence of strong attachment and of the feeling, “This person or thing is MY OWN”, that the collector who worked hard and efficiently discharged his official duties without losing his composure became inefficient and beset with worry when it was about his wife and children. 

A pilgrim was on the way back to his home town. As it was night he halted at a Dharmashala. He appeased his hunger with the free meal offered there. Then desirous of doing something good, he joined the inmates in serving food to all the other pilgrims who had come there. Thereafter he helped in cleaning up the place too. Before retiring for the night, he engaged in conversation with others, expressed his sympathy to those who voiced their personal problems and also gave them a few beneficial suggestions. He behaved as if the Dharmashala was his home and the people there were his family members. Yet, his mind was fully at peace and he left the next morning without the least hesitation or regret. 

After he had returned home, his wife asked him, “Where did you spend last night?”

“At the Dharmashala”, he replied. 

“What happened I could not reach you over phone?” asked his wife out of curiosity. 

“Nothing of any importance, I ate and then met few people from other place we were chatting for a few hours and then I slept. Early morning I left from there, that’s it.” said the man.

A person who has responsibilities will face a few problems that might affect either his duty or his family life. Our scriptures advise us all to lead a life without attachment. One ought to be like the District Collector when engaged in the discharge his official duties and like the pilgrim when engaged in social responsibility. 

920. What’s in a Name???

“What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” writes William Shakespeare in his epic drama Romeo and Juliet. But I need to mention the name “William Shakespeare” here to indicate that it was his statement. When I ponder upon the question from that great play writer, I can conclude that name is nothing from personal point of view but it is everything from general point of view.

Rose called in any name is still a fragrant flower but if I say that “Romeo & Juliet” was scripted by Christopher Marlowe I will definitely be corrected for the error made. Rose is a rose because the fragrance emitted by any of its kind is the same but the thought scripted by William Shakespeare cannot be similar to that from Christopher Marlowe.      


Namkarna (Naming Ceremony) is one among the Shodasa Samskara (16 sacraments). It is the first tangible award a Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) gets when it takes the human birth. Name provides the identity and individuality. We have this gusto to name our kids on Gods and Goddess. Some consider the names of the Historical or Puranic characters, while a few want the names of Gurus and Saints. Though the infant will not know about the character it is named after, as it grows it will know and in some cases try to emulate the character.

In Hinduism it is common to look for names starting with the Aksharas (syllable) pertaining to the Rashi. The Rashi of the child is determined by the presence of Moon in that particular Zodiac. Each Rashi has a few ordained syllables which are preferred to be the starting of the child’s name.

Why is it important to name the child using the Rashi-Akshara???            
Sanskrit is Deva-bhasha, the language of Gods and is also the mother of all languages. Its Aksharamala (Garland of Alphabets) contains 13 Swara (Vowels), one Anuswara, one Visarga, 33 Vyanjana (Consonants), one Avagraha along with the Primordial syllable “OM.” The Maharishis of ancient times had found through their intuition that the Aksharas have different influences on the energy centres called the Chakras. 6 Chakras are placed along the length of our Spinal Cord. Each Chakra has a particular number of petals. Each petal corresponds to a Sanskrit alphabet. In all the 50 Aksharas are said to be distributed to the 6 Chakras with 50 petals. Each petal vibrates with the utterance of that particular syllable; it was not mere visual experience but the experience of Nada, sound of cosmos.

These vibrations control various parts of the body and various aspects of our personality. The six energy centres are well connected through the nerves spreading throughout the body carrying the messages from the Sahasrara (Brain). When an Akshara is pronounced repeatedly, it heightens the influences of these Charkas. Hence it is important to have the name of the child which starts from the syllable pertaining to that Rashi.

Name does not decide the nature of an individual. A woman with the name Sowmya can be seen to be rude and arrogant and a man called Ugrappa can be calm and composed. Naming a child after a malicious character will not make it evil nor naming it after a magnanimous character makes it good. Naming a child is very personal. In Srimad Bhagvatham we have the story of Ajamila who was granted “Vishnuloka” for calling out the name of his son “Narayana” at the eleventh hour. Sri Krishna tells Arjuna in Bhagavad-Gita “Whoever, at the time of death quits the body remembering Me, at once attains My being.” Ajamila had named his son Narayana and when on death bed kept on calling out his favourite son’s name. Sri Krishna, the epitome of compassion did not even bother to look if the chanting was unintentional. He granted Ajamila His abode........All for naming his son after Him.        

919. 84 Lakh Species.......!

All objects and elements of physical matter have energy component in them which is called Chaitanya (Consciousness). Only those physical matters which have Prana (Vital Breath) in them do have Chetana (Conscious). The awareness of the Chetana is Chaitanya.

According to Dvaita Siddhanta when Vayu who is Jeevottama (Supreme among living beings) leaves the body Sri Hari who is Sarvottama (Supreme among ALL) follows and it is death. Note: One should not confuse this Chetana (Conscious) to Antahkarna (Conscience) which is only in Humans. Conscience is the individual moral sense which helps in discrimination. It has its origin in Buddhi (Intellect).

Modern biology reiterates that this biodiversity we find is due to a genetic variation propelled by occasional chance mutation. However, according to Vedanta it is the Karma and Trigunas at play. As if to justify this Vedas explain that biodiversity is a process to accommodate the various states of Consciousness in different life forms. There is a gradual evolution of Consciousness through various species of life forms owing to the subtle laws of karma. These life forms are said to be 84 Lakhs in number which include microorganisms, insects, plants, birds, reptiles, animals, and humans. Padmapurana gives an approximate statistics of these 84 Lakh yonis. 

9,00,000 forms of Jalaja (Aquatic). 

20,00,000 Sthavara (Trees and Plants). 

11,00,000 Krimayo (Insects and Reptiles).

10,00,000 species of Pakshinam (Birds).

30,00,000 varieties of Pashavah (Animals).

And finally 4,00,000 Manavah (Humans). 

This Consciousness evolution in the Cosmic Time scale grants human form of life after passing through millions of varieties of life forms. Hence different degree of Consciousness is expressed through different bodies. Vedanta classifies the degree of Consciousness into five categories taking a metaphor of a Flower: 

Acchadita (Covered): This degree of Consciousness is found in Trees and Plants. Hence they can feel but do not act or react. 

Sankucita (Closed): This degree of Consciousness is found in animals, birds and reptiles. They can feel and also act and react but cannot resolve. 

Mukulita (Budding): This degree of Consciousness is found in Humans they can feel, react and also revolve, but by using illogical mind. Though civilized they have only the four goals SEED namely Sleep, Eat, Enjoy, Defend. They don’t believe in Cosmic Laws and think “Might is Right” or occasionally they follow a whimsical system of law that is pleasing to the body, mind and senses. They perform action with the sense of Doer-Ship, hence the action they do has the tinge of selfishness. The outcome so is engrossed by Vikalpa (Conceptions).

Vikasita (Blooming): This degree of Consciousness is found in Humans they can feel, react and also revolve, but by using logical mind. They know that the universe is running on Cosmic Laws. They perform action without the sense of Doer-Ship, hence the action they perform is selfless. The outcome thus is Savikalpa (Visionary)

Poorna Vikasita (Blossomed).: This degree of Consciousness is where spontaneous unconditional love is manifested. Here one is not concerned about any laws. They do not perform action but live in them, hence there is neither selfishness not selflessness. The outcome thus becomes Nirvikalpa (Trans conceptual). Such individuals will have attained complete transcendental realization, SATCHITANANDA-the “fully blossomed’ state of Consciousness. There is no further evolutions and it is the final Oneness-Advaitha.

918. YOGAKSHEMAM VAHAMYAHAM.....!

The Great Mahabharatha war ended and Sri Krishna returned to Dwaraka. Sage Uttanaka who was unaware of the war enquired about the wellbeing of the members of the Kuru Clan. When the sage heard of the war and the decimation of Kauravas, he became angry on Sri Krishna. He felt that Sri Krishna could have stopped war and resolved the ill-will between the two cousins. Sri Krishna explained about His failed mission to prevent war and how adamant Duryodhana was by refusing to part with even five villages to Pandavas.

Sage Uttanaka was extremely remorseful for being angry with the Lord for no reason. He expressed his ignorance and sought pardon and expressed his desire to have a vision of  His Vishwaroopa (Cosmic Form). Sri Krishna out of compassion showed the Sage His Cosmic form and granted him a boon. Sage Uttanaka said, “It is sufficient for me now that I have had a vision of Your cosmic form. Yet if you are asking me for a boon let me take this opportunity to serve mankind. As I travel in desert areas and water is scarce there. I would wish to get water whenever I wish for it.” Sri Krishna told when you need water just think of me.

Many days passed and once while traversing a desert, Sage Uttanaka felt extremely thirsty and could not find any source of water. So, he thought of Sri Krishna. Immediately he saw a fierce-looking man smeared with dirt coming his way. Sage Uttanaka noticed that a copious stream of water was oozing out of his penis. The dirty man came up to the Sage and said, “I can see that you are thirsty and I feel pity. Accept this water from me and quench your thirst.”

Sage Uttanaka not imagine even in his dream that he would quench his thirst with this dirty man’s urine. He refused it outrageously but the dirty man insisted that the Sage drink the water and quench the thirst. Angered Sage Uttanaka shouted at the dirty man to leave immediately to avoid being cursed by him. The man walked away.

Sage Uttanaka was amazed and he wondered how could Sri Krishna failed to send him water. Immediately Sri Krishna appeared before him and said, “For your sake, I requested Indra to give you Amrita (ambrosia). He objected saying that mortal do not have rights over it. But on insisting repeatedly, he agreed to do. He, however, said that he would offer Amrita to you in the guise of a dirty man. If you are not willing to receive it he would leave without giving it to you. Unfortunately you did not have faith in my words and you thought that the liquid coming from the penis was urine and rejected it. Indra too wanted this to happen and this is what you have done too.”

Sri Krishna further told Sage Uttanaka, “You did request to have a vision of My Cosmic form, but you failed to know that I reside in all. Let go My Cosmic form, you did not have faith in My word too.”

In our daily life we have the undoubted grace of the Lord. Which I term it as "yoga" (fortune). This yoga is there for all of us, but it will materialise only when we have the "yogyatha" (deservance). We might have a few "hitashatrus" (enemies in the disguise of friends) who would see that we do not have that yogyatha to achieve that yoga.

This story from the Puranas guarantees me that with His assured grace I need not be skeptical. Here Sage Uttanaka can neither blame the Lord nor Indra but himself for losing out in relishing the ambrosia.

917. Never hog like Hogs.....!

In business arena there is a lovely saying “Bull and Bears make money; Hogs get slaughtered.” Hog is synonymous to greed. Greed is the dangerous emotion than fear. Fear may stop a businessman from venturing into new field of business. But then his capital is saved as long as it is in the safe, on the other hand greed pushes to act, in ways and at times when he shouldn’t. Hence it is dangerous. 

I am saddened looking at the way some of the staff members of the private bank are behaving at this time of currency note crunch. When the common man is finding it difficult to get his quotes of Rs. 2000 per day, this selfish people in the bank are exchanging the old notes to new ones on commission basis. The purpose of the demonetisation drive will go down the drain. Moreover I am surprised that knowing very well that they will surely be prosecuted for their criminal act these people are not concerned at all.       

Once a young man was walking past a hill region saw an elderly man tying a narrow neck bottle to the branch of a tree. In the bottle he had put some peanuts.  Out of curiosity, he asked, “What are you doing?” 

Elderly man answered, “I am setting a trap for a monkey. I intend to catch one of them and train it to perform tricks”. 

The young man asked, “Where is the trap I see you have only tied a bottle with some peanuts in it.”

The man replied, “This place is infested with monkeys. One of them will certainly notice this bottle and the peanuts in it. So, it will put its paw in and grab the peanuts. The bottle neck is too narrow for the monkey to withdraw its paw along with the peanut. The monkey is captured.”

The young man said, “Are you kidding? Will not the monkey release the peanuts; extricate its paw and escape.”  

“You’d think the monkey will let go the peanut and escape? The monkey is so greedy that it never does. Greed is the trap here.” The elderly man quipped.

The young man did not believe this technique will work and moved on. Just as he was going past a pond he noticed a frog shooting out its tongue and catching a fly with it. Amused, he started to watch the frog. It jumped from one lotus leaf to another busy swallowing the flies that get stuck to its sticky tongue. As it was near the bush a water snake stealthily came up to it from behind and swiftly caught it in its mouth. With half of its body in the mouth of the snake the frog protruded its tongue to catch a fly which was sitting on a twig. 

Meanwhile, the snake proceeded to swallow the frog. The young man thought to himself, “What a strange sight! Even at its moment of death, this silly frog was busy catching a fly!” 

A few of them are behaving like those moneys and frogs. What to make quick buck. They seem not to be like bulls and bears but want to hog like hogs thinking what they are doing is good. A lot of successful individuals have said that they’d rather be lucky than good. For them, it’s better to attribute success to luck than their own skills. It might not be good for the ego, but it’s definitely good for the wanton psyche. And that’s probably one of the secrets of success. 

Don’t be a hog and you won’t get slaughtered.......!

916. Her undeterred love.......

Vishnuchitta, a pious Vaishnava collected flowers & made garland to offer them to Sri Ranganatha at Srirangam. This was his daily routine, once while at the garden he heard a murmur sound. He found a little smiling girl under a tulasi plant. Being childless he took her home thinking it was the gift to him from Him. He named her Godha (from earth) but fondly called her Kodai, for she had curly hair.     

Over a period of time, the pious atmosphere at home, the regular making garlands, listening to Krishnaleela were embed in Kodai’s mind. She too started to make garland to Sri Ranganatha along with her father. Her love for her Lord became such a force that filled all her being. She decided that He alone was her Lord & no one else.  

One day she thought, “If I were to wear this garland & put it back into the basket, then the priest at the temple will adorn it to the Lord. It will be as if Ranganatha & I have exchanged garlands. Isn’t exchange of garland one of the most important rituals at weddings?” She wore the garland & looked at her reflection in the mirror, she visualised how it would look on her Lord. She then put it back into the basket. Vishnuchitta took the basket to the temple & offered the garland to the Lord, unaware of what his daughter had done.

At the temple when the garland was offered the priest noticed a long strand of hair in it & understood that someone had worn it. He gave the garland back to Vishnuchitta saying, “This garland is already used by someone get me a new one.” Vishnuchitta made another garland immediately & handed over it to the priest. When the priest tried to adorn it to the Lord, he heard a voice, “Why have you not brought me the garland worn by my Godha. It has the fragrance of her love that makes it special. I don’t want any other garland!”  

Stunned Vishnuchitta rushed back home & hugged his daughter & called her “Andal” (the one who rule the heart of the Lord). Godha too got the confirmation that her love was accepted by Him. She now requested her father to let her marry Ranganatha. 

Was it possible, wondered Vishnuchitta.

That night Vishnuchitta had a dream; it was the wedding of his beloved daughter Godha with Sri Ranganatha. The whole village had gathered to witness the wedding. He overheard some people talk, “How did this poor man managed to strike such a divine alliance?” Vishnuchitta felt his existence as human had got its fulfilment. 

Soon the wedding was over & it was time to send off his daughter with Ranganatha. He led her to the palanquin & the procession started to go towards Srirangam. As the procession reached the temple sanctum sanctorum Sri Ranganatha, the bridegroom walked in & merged with the idol. Godha was dumbstruck! What should she do? In a flash it occurred to her that now she was His wife, she had every right to be with Him! She gave a quick smile & climbed onto the idol of Ranganatha to sit beside Him. In a blinding flash of light, she disappeared. 

Vishnuchitta who saw this was in tears. He was not sure whether the tears were of joy or sorrow. Joy of begin the father-in-law of the Lord or sorrow of losing his daughter forever. As his thoughts raced from one emotion to another he heard a voice, “Vishnuchitta, don’t worry. Your daughter is with me & shall always be by my side. & you too shall always be close to me as the father of my Kodai & also as my special devotee. Spend the rest of your days by making garlands to me as always & then you too shall soon reach me.”  

915. The Honey Trap......!

The inferno of the asura Shoorpaka’s severe penance reached Kailasa. Maharudradeva who sat in the seat of silence was nudged by the heat emitted by the chants of “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA.” Maharudradeva was pleased with the intense devotion displayed by his devotee.  He appeared before Shoorpaka in a jiffy. Shoorpaka asked Maharudradeva to grant him a boon. The boon was very weird; Shoorpaka wished that the moment he places his right hand on head of any person, that person should be reduced to ashes instantaneously. 

Maharudradeva who is known to be compassionate to his devotees grants him the boon and from that moment Shoorpaka acquires the name “Bhasmasura.” Ecstatic over the new found power the asura lost control of himself and wanted to test his destructive skill on his benefactor. 

Maharudradeva flees from the asura and hides in a cave. Maha Vishnu comes to the aid of His best friend. Donning the form of a bewitching beauty with the name Mohini, Maha Vishnu appears before Bhasmasura. 

Looking at the enchanting beauty the asura wants her to be his wife. Mohini agrees on one condition, he has to dance with her in rhythm to her dance steps. Both start dancing, and during a certain dance move, Mohini touches her head with her right hand. The asura follow suite and touches his head. Instantly he is reduced to a heap of ash.

This according to me is the first “Honey Trap” ever. From Sri Hari, the Mohini to Mata Hari, the Dutch Dancer to the recent Damini McNaught have all used their beauty to lure the men and make them fall into their trap. Also there were “Vishkanya” (poison maidens) who were used as Honey Traps by kings to assassin their enemies by exploiting their sexual appetite. While those Honey Traps were used earlier as stratagem to counter ruthless opponents now in recent days it is used as a blackmail tool. 

Latest to this Honey Trap saga is the IAF Officer who had been honey-trapped online by the Pakistani spy agency  ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) through two Facebook accounts. ISI operatives were masquerading as models through these Facebook profiles. After being lured through seductive conversations for a week he was enticed to share information pertaining to IAF exercises. Succumbing to the pressure he shared documents that mostly comprised of training and combat-related air exercises. Gagan Shakti was one such exercise whose details he passed on to the ISI. Now the IAF Officer has confessed to misdeeds and facing arrest.

I can only liken this Officer to the rogue elephant which the forest officials trap using “Kedda” operation. Sense gratification which when goes out of control, humans act beastly. There is neither fear of society nor will the self disgrace matter to them. 

There is this beautiful Subhashitam: 

Arthaturanam na gurur na bandhu 
(One who is desperate for Wealth, has neither guide nor friend).

Kamaturanam na bhayam na lajja
(One who is blinded by Lust, has neither fear nor shame).

Chintaturanam na sukham na nidra
(One who is engrossed in thoughts, has neither peace nor sleep).

Kshudhaturanam na ruchir ba pakvam
(One who is starving hungry, doesn’t care for taste and will not wait till cooked).

914. Sun enters Sagittarius....!

Hindus refer to two types of calendars one is based on the movement of Sun and is called Sauramana (Solar Calendar) while the one which relies on Moon is Chandramana (Lunar Calendar). The transit of Sun from one zodiac to the other decides the months in Solar Calendar and in the Lunar Calendar it is based on the Nakshatra (Constellation) occurring on the Paurnami (Full Moon) day. 

When Sun transits into Dhanus (Sagittarius) that month is denoted as Dhanurmasa. It generally occurs around the middle of the winter month December in between the two lunar months Margasira and Pushya.  Sri Krishna while explaining His vibuthi to Arjuna has stamped His presence in Margarita by proclaiming “Maasanaam Margasiroham” (among the months I am Margasira). 

As per the Gregorian calendar, Dhanurmasa mostly starts on 16th December and ends on January 13th or 14th on the Pongal festival day.  This Dhanurmasa is the ninth month of the zodiac starting from Meshamasa (Aries) and is the last month before the onset of Uttarayana Punya Kaala.
Dhanurmasa has acquired a unique significance of auspiciousness in Hindu spiritual calendar for devotional activities especially worshiping of Maha Vishnu.  More significance is given for worshipping during the early hours before sunrise known as Arunodaya Kaala.  

There is a reason behind the early hour worship at Arunodaya Kaala. As per the concept of Hindu time element, it is said that, one day for Divine Beings is equal to one human year comprising of 6 months of Uttarayana and 6 months of Dakshinayana. That means Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time for Divine Beings.  

Accordingly one human month is equal to two hours for Divine Beings. The period of Dhanurmasa falling at the fag end of Dakshinayana indicates the last leg of the night time for Divine Beings (Arunodaya) when they worship Sri Hari. Hence, it is befitting for human beings also to worship Maha Vishnu at a time that coincides with the Arunodaya Kaala for Divine Beings. This incidentally coincides with the Dhanurmasa. This auspicious period is known as Arunodaya Muhurtha.
Any worship conducted at Arunodaya Muhurtha is said to be of highest quality that yield meritorious results. It is said that worshiping Maha Vishnu during this auspicious and sacred period of Dhanurmasa, the dearest month for Sri Hari even for a single day is equivalent to worshiping the for 1000 years. Also Vaikunta Ekadashi is at the waning phase of the moon in this month.  

In Hindu philosophy for everything a specific time measure is set and prescribed according to the concept of time element.  It specifies the unique significance given to the month, day, thithi, Nakshatra etc in Hindu religion. Therefore perform right deeds at the right time and seek Divine blessings that yield higher outcomes.

Considering the superior sacredness and spirituality attached to the Dhanurmasa, auspicious functions like Marriage, House warming etc. are not generally undertaken during this month.  It is only to give more focus and attention to the Divine worship rather than mundane materialistic activities.

There is also a health benefits attached to the naivedya (obalation) preparation prescribed in this Dhanurmasa. While Huggi (prepared with Rice and Moong dal mixed in equal proportions and boiled with black pepper, cummin and salt) is the general dish some temples offer hot Shunti Kashaya (Ginger brew) which is very helpful in this winter mornings.

913. Treatise of Convenience...!

A lawyer placed his argument before the judge, “Your Honour, my client is innocent he should not be rewarded with any kind of punishment. Yes, I agree he did steal but if you know the details you too will agree with me. My client is unemployed and he stole because his family would starve if not. With the money he got by stealing he not only helped himself but also his family of four. He did not destroy any property to steal in fact he did not even break the lock he used a duplicate key to enter the house. Also the money he stole from the house is too little compared to the rich man’s hoard of black money. My client did what the income tax department could not do unearth the black money. Above all this ugly rich man has so much cash that a little loss in his treasury would not be a big thing to him.”

Now do you wonder how that Judge might respond???

He would presumably declare thus: “I as a judge would not be interested to know why your client had to steal and what he did with that or where he went to steal. He has ignored the law of the land. Stealing is an offence in my country. Even you admit that your client did steal. So, I am duty-bound to punish him according to the law of this land.”

Then he would hold the man guilty and sentence him to jail for 6 months.

If we observe how judges decide whether an act is a punishable offence or not we can pin point on the Penal Code. This Penal Code does not give room for fanciful arguments it is a comprehensive code intended to cover all substantive aspects of criminal law. Likewise to know about the Law of Cosmos we must turn to the Vedas. The Penal Code, having been formulated by humans and hence it may require occasional amendments. However, the Vedas which consists mainly the Law of Cosmos emerged from the flawless and so is superlative.

Vedas being tough to comprehend were palliated as Upanishads. When even Upanishads became difficult to understand the essence of Vedas was articulated in the form of Puranas and itihasa. The Puranas and itihasa in the form of stories could visualise the Law of Cosmos.

But the Puranas and itihasa gave different views of those laws and the ignorant branded them as Anukula Shastra (Treatise of Convenience). In Ramayana killing of Vaali or sending Sitadevi to forest has the justification of that law. Likewise killing of Karna or depriving archery lessons to Ekalavya too could be approved when viewed from the realm of that law.

Those who are ignorant of the Law of the Land or as well as the Law of Cosmos give excuses to abide the Law and blame them as the Treatise of Convenience. Those who are living the life of righteousness do not need the shelter of treatise of convenience.....what say???

912. Debate & Panel Discussions.....

Debate and discussions are the only mean to bring in change and I am a firm believer in discussions. I was very keen on public debate shows since my college days. I used to watch “We, the people” “Big Fight” “Left Right and Centre” “Big Picture” and so. The public debate in the late 80’s and early 90’s were aiming at identifying the problem if not trying to solve them. In the public discussion and debates that are aired today the panellists and the anchor are more interested in forcing their views rather than making a real attempt to realise the problem and find means to address them.  Those on the panel seem to have an opinion on everything. If their point is not accepted they start trivialising the issue of discussion. Hence there is very little or no accountability on what they stand for.

Debates are a way to transcend from the Level of Ignorance to the Level of Truth. The panellist has to think that the final outcome of the discussion is more important than his say-so. 

If the discussion is held in a right perspective then what started off as Bhavana (Imagination) in the minds of the panelists will then take the turn as Abhipraya (Opinion). Here the thoughts are related to each other and verified with deep contemplation on the subject in the debate. 

Further if the discussion is held in an even more cordial way with calm minds working together then the individual opinions will become Anubhuti (Perception). In this stage the subject in debate is examined from different dimensions and those views which were partial now has multi angles. 

The last threshold to reach the truth is Darshana (Vision). In this stage the individual not only examines the subject in debate in details from different angles but also internalise the various ideas, thus developing a holistic vision. Thus it becomes clear about what the imagination were, what the facts are.

Not all know about every topic, some may have knowledge about science some about history some about medicine and so on. Hence in ancient days the most important requirement for the debate was to ascertain if the person was the Adhikari (qualified to talk about the subject). One becomes an adhikari if he has knowledge about the Vishaya (subject of debate). As it is the subject is neutral and it can have a far or against debate. If the person has knowledge of the subject he has to be clear on what he is talking the Sambhanda (connection) is he far or against. Then finally the debater has to be aware of the Prayogana (purpose) of the discussion.

Ironically we have film stars invited to discuss demonetization drive, a model talks about economy, an astrologer debates on spirituality, a leader confined to up-liftment of certain community questions about socialism, a clergy argues on the secularism. I am not saying they should not be invited to discussions but it is better if they have the courtesy to travel from the stage of Imagination to having a vision on the subject of debate. If uniform civil code is made mandatory we have some mullahs opposing it and shouting at the peak of their voice instead of looking at the liberty their women folk enjoy. When the law of the land creates equal status for all to enter a temple some of our pundits and Hindu fundamentalists are offended. The right wing are stuck to their ideologies while the leftist are adamant not to bulge out of their principles none of them are interested in progress of the nation.

Above all this we have the media here which is mostly controlled by capitalist who predetermine the way the debate has to be conducted and have the only intention of climbing up the ladder of the Television Rating Point.

The healthy discussion is the sign of progress and development.......it is a worst thing to run away from discussion and also stall discussion.

911. Shiva as fire.....

Uma once closed the eyes of her husband Maharudradeva in a playful mood. She came from behind and closed his eyes. Although it was only for a few minutes, the entire universe was submerged in darkness for years. This was a wonderful way for Maharudradeva to make his consort in particular and everyone of us in general understand that everything that is inside him is also outside, and everything that is outside is also inside him. Uma realising that a small fun she played with Paramaguru had left the whole universe without light. She requested him to restore light. Then Shiva appeared as a AGNISTAMBHA (column of fire) with neither the base not the plinth. The column was so vast that none knew where it started and where it was going to end. Just a huge column of fire appeared at a place called Thiruvannamalai. The column of fire brightened the universe. 

Maharudradeva had manifested as Agni. Agni Tattva is one of the five elements. The fire element is the storehouse of illusions relating to name and fame, issues related to power, authority and control over others, wealth and longevity vs poverty and death. Agni is the one and only element of all the five elements (Earth, Ether, Water, Air and Fire) that cannot be adulterated. Agni will burn anything which is put into it in an intention to pollute or adulterate it. We can pollute or adulterate anything but not fire. 

The manifestation of Maharudradeva as Agni Tattva is commemorate even today at Arunachalagiri. On Karthika Pournami a huge lamp is lit on the top of the hill.
Arunachaleswara is Tejo Linga. When the light on the top of the Tiruvannamalai is unveiled on the Karthika Pournami day people pray to Shiva in the form of fire. 

The esoteric symbolism behind lighting the lamp on the hill is to have the vision of the light of lights that is burning eternally in the chambers of ones heart through constantly remembering the Paramaguru and be ready to receive his guidance. 

The light if lights annihilates the three impurities - egoism, selfish action and delusion. The eternal light in the cave of the heart burns the mind, senses and the desires. To attain full illumination and behold the light of lights is real Kartikha Deepotsava.

May the light of lights illumine all of us from within! May Lord Shiva bless us with abundant light! May we all merge in this supreme light and attain the eternal abode of bliss and immortality!

910. Dharma is Subtle.....!

Draupadi could not get the answer to her question at the Kuru Sabha, The Grand old man of the clan, Bhishma says “Dharma is subtle.” 

Moral Ambiguity is bewildering because when I take a moral stand about somebody's action, I must take the same stand when I am in the similar act in similar circumstances. The kind of behaviour I am ready to prescribe to others should be the same I observe in the same situation. It is very hard to develop this sort of reasoning, but it is not impossible. Draupadi’s question also points out to the most important issue about who has the authority to decide about Dharma. 

We Hindus do not believe in God to be the authority of Dharma, as He is just a witness. Human reason and the search for a rational basis of Dharma is often compatible with these religious traditions. But if God is not an authority, then who is? Manu in his book of Law, Manusmriti cites “The root of Dharma is the entire Vedas.” But many do not agree with Manu and questions if Vedas can be the arbiter. Could the wise decide on Dharma?  Though the intellect shines same in different individuals, the delight they take in applying it is different. Hence even the wise cannot conclude on Dharma. 

God is not the authority of Dharma, Vedas are not the arbiter, and wise cannot conclude on Dharma, so how can an ordinary individual know if his actions are Dharmic or not???

Draupadi questions Yudhishthira, “What is the point in being good when it brings grief? What kind of world is this where those who cause harm to others seem to be rewarded while those who uphold Dharma suffer? Dharma is supposed to protect the good, but I have observed that it did not protect you though you have never strayed away from following Dhrama. You have treated everyone alike. You remained faithful to your word even after losing the game of dice which was played cunningly.”

In a typically modest way, Yudhishthira expresses his instinctive sense of dutiful action, “I act because I must. I am not following Dharma because of any hope of reward. I act from a sense of what I have to do. The sense of what I have to do is a standard of conduct and a society needs standards.” 

Yudhishthira is setting a standard. He is saying, in effect, that following Dharma is its own reward. Just acting according to Dharma is itself a motivator. Dharma is neither a thing to be taught nor does it exist in the character. The character of a person is not something that one is born with. It is constantly evolving through repeated actions, and one can be guided to become better that what he was. To become a musician one requires skill and repetitive practice. In the same way, to follow Dharma one has to go on repeating virtuous actions.

I tend to view the old concept of karma in this light. When I repeat certain actions, I accumulate karma of a certain kind, which builds a certain kind of character and predisposes me to act in a certain way. Karma for me is not something Alaukika (Uncommon) but Svabhava (Inherent Nature). It is an inclination to act in a certain way as result of my Vasanas (Tendencies), which have been formed as a result of my past Samskaras (Impressions). If it benefits me alone and is putting other to hardship then I need to change those patterns.    

909. Revolving Towards Revolving Away....!

Sri Krishna uses the words Pravritti and Nivritti in Chapter 16 verses 7. He explains about the zeal in us for Self-Actualisation in this society and simultaneously briefs about our yearn for Self-Realisation. The former is called as Pravritti and the latter is called as Nivritti. Pravritti is revolving towards while Nivritti is revolving away. It will be important to understand and clearly segregate these two. In fact the individual and social aspect exists in both.

In Pravritti one practices righteousness at the individual level more and is not well place to think of at the social level for the wellness of the society. In Nivritti one braces righteousness at the individual level and give a leading hand in uplifting others righteously at the social level. Both the aspects are pleasing to the Him but the pleasure got in the experience of Nivritti is infinite.

If we look at the external obstruction that are caused in both the aspect the intensity is the same but if the excess attraction to the worldly objects are reduced to some extension one is in Pravritti and at the same time if the attraction towards worldly object is completely annihilated because of the yearning towards Self Realisation one is in Nivritti. In Pravritti the individual is keen only towards the knowledge of the unreality of these worldly objects. This knowledge is required to a person as he is bound to the welfare of his family. But in Nivritti the person even though is not completely against worldly objects, he is aware that those are not eternal. He is in search of that eternal new bond formed with the Absolute. He is completely aware of the fact that the bond with the Absolute alone can be eternal when compared to the worldly objects.

Nivritti should be the ultimate goal, as in the case of a student who is preparing for his final exam. His intentions should not be to get the pass marks but to aim at distinction. Likewise Pravritti is scoring the pass marks while Nivritti is like attempting for a Gold Medal by topping the university.

908. Happiness, Expectations and Reality.

The conclusions of many seers over the years is that Sukha (Happiness) is experienced if the Apeksha (Expectations) is not larger than the Vastavattva (Reality). The formula for this is Happiness = Expectations < Reality and as per this formula happiness is inversely proportional to expectations. In a way to sustain high happiness levels is to maintain low expectations. It may appear wise to have a low expectation initially and then to experience the outcome which surpasses the kept expectations. But would it not tune our subconscious mind to always underestimate the happenings??? Also will it not suggests that by adjusting for low expectations we are ok with below par outcomes???

According to Law of Expectations confidence is the key to unlock the reality. If I confidently expect to succeed, if I confidently expect to learn, if I confidently expect to become successful as a result of applying my talents and abilities to the opportunities and maintain that attitude of confident expectations long enough, the outcome will become the reality for me. 

It has been suggested that the intentions behind those expectations have to be right and clear. If so then it acts as a catalyst for the resources around to join hands to see that the expectations turn into reality. The only thing in my life that I can control is the way I think, my outer world or my reality is a reflection of my thoughts. If I can set my expectations high and support these expectations with the right intentions, I can architect my destiny. So the formula for happiness is Happiness = Expectations + Reality.

If this formula is correct then what about the formula of our ancient seers???

It is equally important for me to comprehend that expectations on others have a significant impact on me. What I expect from other around me is also one of the ingredients for me to experience happiness. It is here the formula of the seers work precisely. High expectations on others lower the intensity of happiness. One of those things in my life that I cannot control is the way others think and act. Yes, one can get motivated and also motivate but the situation could be the criteria for the fulfilment of the expectations. One of the biggest challenges in life is learning that to expect from others is dicey.  Once I realize that my expectations cannot change anyone, the better off I will be. The trouble is when the expectations that are placed on others do not materialize.

An expectation has its root in the “Wanting Mind.” This Wanting Mind is such an amazing thing that it is excellent when it is applied on me but it is not good when I apply it on others. When I apply it on me it is driven by goal, aspiration and purpose. Everything I experience throughout the course of my life is unique to me, since my perception is what is shaping my reality. I and only I have control over my thoughts and when I choose to expand my mind and to focus on the good, I will be happier. When I apply it on others it is driven by desire, aversion and anxiety. It becomes difficult for me to pin my experience of happiness on the expectations from others. 

“Expectation is the root of all heartache” says William Shakespeare. Why? Because I falsely assumed someone’s behaviour would match my expectations.

Expectations should be high on me and low on others.....what say???

907. One lit candle.....

At the time of power cut darkness prevails at the stores that sells candles. A thousand unlit candles stacked in the shelves cannot drive the darkness away. Just one candle that is lit is enough to illuminate the stores. Amazingly not only is the darkness dispelled but the stacks of unlit candles in the shelves are visible to the shopkeeper and his customers.

The flame that burns the wick at the top of the candle fulfils the meaning for its existence. It is the awakening moment for the candle. That one candle which is lit makes itself felt as well as makes it easy for the things around to be visible by spreading light. An awakened person is like that candle. The knowledge he has which is the wick is always lit with wisdom. That wisdom not only lights up his path but is also the guiding beam of light for the others who are treading the path too.

To gain knowledge books are one of the means. In the melee to acquire knowledge books are purchased and stacked in the book shelves. Too many books are collected and forgotten to read. Japanese call such a person Tsundoku (buying book and not reading them). There are a few who do not read yet are wise, but in general it is through books one gets to know. As the wick is important to the candle so is knowledge for us but the knowledge without wisdom is like the wick without flame. In that candle the wick can be lit by using a match stick or by another lit candle or lamp. Now how can knowledge be transformed into wisdom???

Knowledge does get transformed into wisdom when allowed it to transform.   Gaining knowledge is quite a task but letting it transform is a exciting experience. If one is able to  understand who he is and comprehend his connection with everyone and everything around then the path to convert knowledge to wisdom becomes easy. Such transformation of knowledge to wisdom is perceived by others.  It gives the soft authority that changes the perceptions of those around. 
As the wick gets the meaning when there is flame, the knowledge gets the meaning when it is used wisely to make the world a better place to live and experience.

906. Guessing those words........!

We have this notion that Satsangh is only if we interact with elderly people. As far as my experience Satsangh is that gathering which helps to excel the thought process. There is no mention of age at all. It can happen if you are with elderly person or with one who is younger in age than you.

A young friend of mine who is working in an M.N.C attended a luncheon party game last week. She was so excited about the games they played there like Dumb Charades and Amnesia. I was familiar with Dumb Charades but not with this Amnesia game; she later explained how it has to be played.

An exciting game it was, similar to Dumb Charades where it involves “Word Guessing.” Unlike Dumb Charades where the player is not allowed to talk but is required to act out using his gestures, facial expression and body language, here in this game Amnesia one can pose questions but are restricted in use of few words which directly indicate to the secret word. Like for example; if the word to be guessed is Sim Card the player can be restricted the use of words like Cell Phone, Mobile, Network, Re-Charge and so on in the questions.

We played this game and it was indeed exciting. This experience took me to the Dasa Sahitya where our Dasaru used the words which did provoke the thought. They used words in their kritis which required the knowledge of Puranas as well as Ramayana and Mahabharata. One has to keep guessing.

Puranadaradasa uses the word “Marajanaka” Mara is Kamadeva and Janaka is father so Marajanaka is the father of Manmatha who is Maha Vishnu.

Kanakadasa ends one of his kritis with word “Vastu Prana Nayaka” Vastu is thing (Non-living) Prana is breath (Living) and Nayaka is chief. The one who is chief of both Living and Non Living he is Sri Hari.

Thyagaraja in one of his kritis uses the word “Khagaraja to signify Garuda. Khaga in Sanskrit is Sky & Raja is king. The King of Sky is Garuda.

Yet another gem in using the guessing words to reach to the secret word is this verse.
(I know it is in Kannada and many of my friends find it difficult to understand but if one can follow the explanation it is easy to arrive at the secret word by guessing I suppose).

ವೇದ ಪುರುಷನ ಸುತನ ಸುತನ, ಸಹೋದರನ ಹಿಮಗನ ಮಗನ, ತಲೂಡರಿಯ ಮಾತುಲನ ಮಾವನ, ತೋಳಭುಜಬಲದಿ ಕಡಿಗೆಲಿದನ,
ಅಣ್ಣನ ಅವ್ವೆಯ ನಾಧಿನಿಯ,
ಜಠರದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಿಸಿದ
ಅನಾದಿ ಮೂರುತಿ ಸಲಹೂ
ಗದುಗಿನ ವೀರ ನಾರಾಯಣ.

Vedapurshana suthana suthana,
sahodarana hemmagana magana,
thalodariya maathulana mavanaa,
Tholabhujabaladi kadigelidana,
Annana avveya naadiniya,
jattaradalijanisida,
Anaadimooruthi salaho,
GaduginaVeera Narayana,

Vedapurshana suthana suthana:
This is one word to mention Sage Narada. Vedapurusha is Sriman Narayana. Sutha in Kannada is son so son of Sriman Narayana is Brahmadeva being sprouted out of His navel and Brahmadeva’s son is Sage Narada.

Sahodarana hemmagana magana:
Here continuing with Sage Narada the poet relates to his brother (Sahodara) who is Marichi. Hemmaga in Kannada is grandson, Marichi’s grandson happens to be Indra (Son of Kashyapa). Hemmagana maga is Indra’s son who is Arjuna.

Thalodariya maathulana mavanaa:
Thalodari is wife in Kannada so Arjuna’s wife is Subadra and her Maathula (maternal uncle) is Kamsa. And Kamsa’s Mava (Father-in-law) is Jarasandha.

Tholabhujabaladi kadigelidana:
One who challenged Jarasandha for wrestling bout in forest is Bhima.  

Annana avveya naadiniya:
Anna is brother so Bhima’s brother is Yudhishtira. Avva is mother, Yudhisthira’s  mother is Kuntidevi. Naadini is sister-in-law, Kuntidevi’s sister-in-law is Devaki.

Jattaradalijanisida:
Jattara is womb; the one who is born (Janisida) in the womb of Devaki is Sri Krishna.

Anaadimooruthi Salaho:
Here the poet refers Sri Krishna as Anaadi mooruthi (Eternal Form) and request Him to Bless (Salaho).

Gadugina Veera Narayana:
Gadugina Veera Narayana is one of the Pancha Narayana Kshetras built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.

Kumaravyasa is one of the popular Kannada poet born in early 15th century was one of the ardent devotee of Gadag Veera Narayana. He wrote Mahabharata in Kannada with sublime adaptation.  His work is called Kumarabharatha.

Find time to play the game Amnesia......with your near and dear ones. I wish to thank Ankita Yelameli for letting me know about this wonderful game.

Guessing the word!!!

905. Ritual Repetition and Rational Reflection....!

A ritual is an action performed purely for symbolic value. Performing a ritual itself does not make a person a blind follower of the ritual. There are many rituals which has a meaning to it like just before the reciting the Gayatri mantra it is advised to do Achamanam (sipping of water). Scientifically this ritual is done to moist the vocal cord so that while repeating the mantra the mouth does not go dry.

The ancient rituals had the scientific explanation; it is wise to know the reason behind them. The rituals performed after knowing the relevance helps for the better cause. In many cases there is no logic or rational explanation and yet we see those rituals being followed. It is become a craze today for those so called astrologers to introduce a new ritual to gauge their popularity. One astrologer announced that on a particular day lighting a lamp using sesame oil would benefit. That day the oil stores ran out of the stock of sesame oil. 

I wonder why we accept customs and traditions without understanding their significance. Just like a blind man lead by others, why do we blindly follow rituals without examining the meaning, logic and significance of that ritual using our own intelligence and judgement???

Could the reason for performing rituals be fear or desperation??? 

Will not repeated repetition of the illogic rituals over the years gradually become a part of culture??? 

Once a Brahmin attended the house warming ceremony of the rich merchant of the neighbouring village. After the ceremony and a lavish lunch some gifts and presents were given to all. The Brahmin too collected the gifts and set out to his village, it was time for Sayam Sandhya ritual. He went to the ocean to take bath before doing the Sandhyavandanam.      

He had this huge bag of gifts with him. He thought, “If I leave this bag on the shore while I bathe, someone may steal it. And I cannot trust anyone here. On the other hand, if I take it with me, it may slip from my hand and get lost in the waters. What should I do???” 

He thought for a long time and decided to dig a hole on the beach and put the gift bag in it and top it up with sand. To locate the spot after he returned back he made a sand linga over the buried bag. Heaving a sigh of relief, he proceeded to take a dip in the ocean. 

Some people on the beach saw the Linga on the shore and the Brahmin going for the dip in the ocean. They assumed that if one makes the linga in sand before going in to have a dip in the ocean as done by the Brahmin it might give benefit and promptly followed suit. 

Sometime later, the Brahmin came out of the ocean and what did he see there? Not one or two but numerous lingas made of sand. 

“Oh My God!” wailed the Brahmin, “What happened? How did all these Lingas crop up? How am I to find out the Linga that I had made?” He wondered.

He searched for his bag under some lingas but failed to find it. Finally, he returned home without it. 

The above story gives a glimpse of the fact that many have the tendency to follow others without a second thought. Blindly following others is inadvisable. Further, the tendency of people to follow those whom they revere makes it imperative for teachers and religious personalities to set good standards.