Conscientious Living

Realms of Value - Sr (Dr) Lilly Thockanattu SJL

“Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience,”  so said J E Clarke. Conscience is man’s most secret core and highly sacred sanctuary. There, he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths. It is a voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil and like a compass, giving him direction. One of the greatest teachers of all time, Pythagoras, demanded that every night his pupils examine themselves on their progress that day. They were to ask themselves these questions: How did I succeed in my studies today? Could I have learned more? Could I have studied better? Is there something I neglected?  To progress in studies, if I need to examine this much, how much more have I to do to live a conscientious life?  Do I have a Check list?

I recall an incident that took place in one of the villages in Tamil Nadu, a few months back. A man from our neighbouring village killed his friend out of spite and jealousy as his friend became very influential and his son got a very good job in U.S. After committing this wicked act, he started doing charitable works hoping to calm his conscience. This sort of savage treatment is common. I myself do not know how often do I silence my Conscience?

‘To live with no conscience is to live like a beast; to live with good conscience, a perpetual feast.’

Krishna & Sudhama

To understand Gita, let us understand Krishna!

In Mahabharata we come across a fine example for friendship in two instances. One is the friendship of Karna and Duryodhana, the other is Sudhama and Krishna. But the Karna’s friendship is more of faithfulness of him for his friend who helped him at his need. In case of Sudhama, it is purely out of love towards Krishna and vise versa. Our ideas come in the way of understanding. It seems to us that Krishna giving away wealth to Sudhama in return for handful of rice is too much. We fail to see that it is more difficult for Sudhama to bring a handful of rice as a present to his friend Krishna the King. Sudhama is utter poor, a beggar. For him to bring Rice is greater than Krishna giving of a small portion of wealth. But we see the quantity not the quality. There we fail to understand the greatness of Sudhama. In my perception even Krishna might not have been impressed by his gift of wealth in front of Sudhama’s gift of rice. 

If we consider Buddha & Sudhama together we will know the significance. Sudhama has nothing and he brings Rice to Krishna as gift. Buddha has everything yet he begs for food. It is extraordinary. Ordinarily a poor man begs and a rich man gives. But when they reverse their roles, it has immense significance. Sudhama is as extraordinary as Buddha, both are rare persons. It is the love’s way. It does not bother whether we have so much or so little. It goes on giving, yet it will never feel that it has given enough. 

When Sudhama came to see Krishna, he brought a hand full of rice. But he was hesitating out of shyness because of the simpleness of the gift to give it to his friend Krishna the king. But Krishna on seeing Sudhama asks for him to give the gift he had brought in a cloth packet and starts eating it in the court immediately. There is nothing special about it. It is the love’s way. It is because the love has become so scarce that we find this scene so special even surprised. Krishna and Sudhama are the great example for friendship.

Wishing you all a new year of good health & happiness,

Dr. Dwarakanath, 

Director, MITRAN foundation- the stress management people. 

Divine Care

I got an opportunity of visiting South Africa in July 2001. A few months before the visit I had read a book titled, ‘Satyagrah in South Africa’ written by Mahatma Gandhi on his life in South Africa. In fact, his stay in South Africa had converted Mohan Das into a Mahatma. Overall, it was a very inspiring book and since then I had been entertaining a wish of visiting South Africa. In South Africa, our main programme was in Johannesburg but we got an opportunity of visiting Durban also, which had been the main centre of activity of Gandhiji in South Africa. At Durban, the state agriculture minister was of Indian origin and he had hosted a lunch for our delegation. During this lunch I met the Director of Agriculture of the state who was also of Indian origin. Somehow we developed a liking for each other and he invited me for a cup of tea at his residence. I readily agreed and he took me to his home in the afternoon. This home visit gave me a good insight into life in South Africa and the role of Indians in the progress of that nation. 

During the course of our interaction, I asked my host to make available or suggest a book, which could give me an insight into the life of Indian migrants in the early days. On this request, he presented me a book on the life of a great social worker named Ram Bharos whose parents had come to South Africa towards the end of the nineteenth century. His parents died when Ram Bharos was not even 10 years old and also left to his care a younger brother with unsound mind. Both these boys found shelter in an orphanage after the death of their parents. Soon, the younger brother also passed away leaving Ram Bharos alone, to be brought up in the orphanage. 

The young Ram Bharos turned out to be an intelligent and hard-working boy who endeared himself to the management of the orphanage very soon. The manager in charge of the orphanage was himself a very good person and could notice the talent of Ram Bharos. So he gave him full support and encouraged him for higher education. Ram Bharos not only contributed his services in the running of the orphanage, but also paid attention to his education thereby passing the necessary examinations. So much so, he was appointed in the orphanage itself on a responsible post. Further noticing the talent of Ram Bharos, the manager in charge also married his daughter to him and subsequently gave him the responsibilities of managing the orphanage. Ram Bharos not only carried out this responsibility very well but also contributed to the field of social service so much, that his name and fame spread all over the country. In due course, he became a famous social worker not only in South Africa but in other countries also. The book on his life was written very objectively and I found it not only informative but touching also. 

While I was going through the book in my hotel room, tears started rolling down my cheeks. I became very emotional on realising that we all are under divine care but due to ignorance we feel that we take care of ourselves. If an orphan boy in a country thousands of miles away from his native place could grow so well, where is the need of worrying for those who have no such uncertainty? My view is that we should do our best in our present and never worry for the future. Eventually, it is the divine power within ourselves, which takes care of us. 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

Treaties Poisoned

The Jews always continued to be in enmity with the Muslims and some of the Jews even indulged in serious acts of treachery against Mohammed. These imminent threats and attacks from them were anticipated by Mohammed. Finally, he was compelled to lead the army to Kaiber, where the Jews had built several forts to prevent Muslims. However, they could not effectively resist the advance of the Muslim army and the forts were captured one by one by the Muslims. Ultimately they surrendered. The request that the Jews had to leave Kaiber was permitted by Mohammed. They agreed to give a share of their crops to Muslims. 

Mohammed decided to return to Medina. At that time the Jews at Wadil Quara had started attacking Muslims but they were forced to surrender to the Muslim army. Ultimately they entered into a treaty with Mohammed. The Jews of Thaima also came forward and then entered into a treaty with Mohammed. Though the Jews in Kaiber surrendered, they were eagerly waiting for an opportunity to revenge, though apparently peace was restored on signing the treaty.  A Jewish lady by name Sainab, the wife of a Jewish leader namely Salam Ibn Mishkam, presented a baked goat to Mohammed. Mohammed and his companions sat in a circle for eating this baked goat. Mohammed took a piece, just chewed and experienced bitter taste. He therefore spat it out. In Mohammed’s company one of his followers namely Bishr bin Bavau was also there. He took a piece and ate it. Mohammed said that the baked goat contained poison. Bisher who consumed the baked goat died. Sainab said that she wanted to test if Mohammed was a genuine prophet for if he is genuine he should know that otherwise nuisance ended. 

Among the historians there are differences in opinion regarding the treatment Mohammed meted out to Sainab. Majority of them say that Mohammed set them free. But a few historians say that for killing a man by poisoning, she was given death punishment. The cruelty done by Sainab created frustration in the minds of the Muslims and they considered the Jews quite unworthy. 

Justice P K Shamsuddin

Autocracy is a Sin -3

Currently a feudalistic, autocratic system of power and control is maintained under strict censures leading to the ultimate penalty of excommunication of members who, following their conscience, do not end up keeping the laws and disciplines promulgated by canon lawyers of this absolute unchallengeable system. This system is so tightly controlled and shrouded in secrecy. The primary custodian of this system under late Pope John Paul II’s regime was Cardinal Josef Ratzinger who was eventually elected in a secret conclave by the coterie of Cardinals appointed by Pope John Paul II to succeed him as Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Ratzinger’s Cogregation for the Doctrine of Faith tried to censor and try Hans Kung, an eminent theologian in the Catholic Church, for his writings. He did not obey the summons to Rome as he did not expect a fair trial. He was eventually stripped of his title as a Catholic Theologian in Tubingen University, Germany. Interestingly, Hans Kung himself had recruited Father Josef Ratzinger as a professor in the theology department of Tubingen University. After Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope, he had a long meeting (about four hours’ duration!) with Hans Kung that ended with a meal. The content of the meeting was not made known. Theologian Leonardo Boff had to leave the Franciscan Order and priestly ministry after he was silenced by Ratzinger for his theological writings.  Boff, as a liberation theologian in Brazil supporting the rights of the poor and the oppressed, accused Cardinal Ratzinger of religious terrorism. Father Charles Curran, a moral theologian, was made to leave the Catholic University in Washington, for views different from the ”official” ones, and joined the Southern Methodist University. Father Mathew Fox of Creation Spirituality left the Catholic Church under censure and was well-received by the Anglican-Episcopalian Communion. The writings of a great Jesuit spiritual writer, Anthony D’Mello, in India were also censured. All these are examples of great Catholic theologians and spiritual guides who suffered under Cardinal Ratzinger.

The Catholic Church is heavily programmed to believe that the Pope as the Vicar of Christ is supposed to discern the will of Christ, and communicate that will to the whole Christian Church. Non-catholic Christians either ignore or deride this claim even to the point of calling the Pope anti-Christ.  The belief as well as the the deep programming in Catholic circle is that as Christ obeyed his father the Catholics are supposed to obey the pope, who is the Vicar of Christ. This Theology of Convenience developed over the years culminated in the Dogma of Infallibility for the Pope in the 19th century. This very theology of convenience has gone too far and got the Catholic Church tied up in knots. Autocracy in the Catholic Church is a product of this theology of convenience. The unfortunate reality is that the  Magisterium with the Pope as its head is not accountable to the members of the Catholic Church. On the contrary the members of the Catholic Church are accountable to the Pope and the Bishops whom the Pope appoints. The Pope also appoints the Cardinals from the bishops who elect the next pope. The bishops in their dioceses appoint and transfer priests who in turn are accountable to their bishops. This hierarchical structure is so tightly controlled and protected to perpetuate a particular way of governing the Catholic Church. Pope John XXII, who was elected as a harmless, transitional pope was, perhaps, the only pope in the modern age who broke out of the mold and the tight control of his handlers and the Curia (the bureaucratic set-up for governing the Catholic Church) who closely guarded the existing state of affairs and vested interests. The only problem with the carefully orchestrated hierarchical structure is that it so diametrically opposed to the spirit of Christ who said that he came to serve and not to be served (Mathew 20:28). The title The Servant of the Servants of God for the Pope is a great travesty of truth indeed. (To be Continued).

Swami (Dr) Snehananda Jyoti

Hero of the Year

One more year is passing by. Reminders and greetings are flying crisscross all over. One question, whom shall we call hero of the year? Is it any fireman who rushed into a burning house? Is it a soldier who sacrificed his life? Is it anybody else who passed away without any media coverage? Quite accidentally, I happened to come across a website on unknown hero stories. I could see there, thrilling stories of many people who inspired others or changed many lives. On top was the story of a Mexican immigrant Francisco Jiménez, who spent his childhood working in the fields of California picking cotton, strawberries, grapes and lettuce. It was a story of how faith, education and family can help even the poorest of families to make a difference. 

The next story was of a great aunt. A niece has written, “Whatever I may become in the future, it's all because of her; her worth in my life is incomparable. She made things happen all to benefit of me. I love her so much and it kills to see her carrying so much burden …... You're one in a million.” The next story too was on a lady who never gave up to what happened to her. The story goes telling that she has inspired the writer to never give up and keep trying even when anyone want to give up and think that something is too hard. Next story was of one Neale whom the writer met in a coffee shop. Neale just told the writer that he is much more than what he thinks to be and it was just this comment that changed his course of life dramatically. All these stories full of gratitude, suggested me one thing – there are many millions of heroes who have positively changed the lives of others. This was enough to force me set my goal for 2013 – ‘be instrumental in changing at least 365 humans’.

Joseph Mattappally

Devotion Scale

To understand Gita, let us understand Krishna!

When there is Love or devotion it is always true; there is nothing as false love or devotion. Love or devotion is or it is not. Just watching our own inner self will tell us if we have love and devotion or not. But we are afraid to turn in and watch ourselves. We are afraid because many a times there is no love inside. Instead, we always look to others for love. We are anxious to know if there is love from others towards us. Rarely do we want to know if we have love towards others. Everybody is complaining, but no one asks if he himself is loving or not. 

We must feel love for living being who surround us. We should love plants, flowers that are visible everywhere.  We can love the hills and mountains and stars, who are all members of this visible world. And if do not love the seen, the tangible, how can we love or have devotion on the unseen, invisible?  Let us begin with the visible world- the tangible. Love and devotion starts at home. And we will find that once we love the visible soon we begin to feel the presence of invisible world that is just hidden bind it. 

We love rock soon the rock turns into God. We love flower soon and soon we will come in contact with the élan vital that is throbbing inside the flower’s heart. We love a person and soon the body disappears and the spirit becomes visible. Love and devotion are the alchemy which can turn the visible to invisible and subtle. Love and devotion are the doors to the unknown, the unknowable. So let us just be concerned about love and devotion. Let us not worry about testing it. 

Water becomes steam at 100 degrees. We cannot say it will be less steam at 95 degree. So the 100th degree is the first and the last point of climax it turns into steam. Similarly love and devotion are by itself the climax, its alpha, its omega. Modern day, we human are so obsessed with testing anything and everything. Our obsession towards standardisation is gone over the roof. Unfortunately, the journey of Love and Devotion are inwards but we are concerned only with materialistic tools which always are pointed outwards. No meaning in testing Love and Devotion. It is or it is not.  

Wishing you all good health & happiness,

Dr. Dwarakanath, Director, MITRAN foundation- the stress management people

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Times

   Twentieth century saw mind-boggling progress in the field of science and technology, particularly in the latter half of this century. It is said that the progress made in this period surpasses the achievement of many millenniums in this field. However, the cost of this achievement has been very high in the sense that for this progress we lost the wealth of our ancient wisdom. No wonder that despite all the materialistic progress, human happiness has come down drastically and the society is facing a period of conflict, confusion and chaos. 

We need to contemplate on this issue seriously so that the human race achieves not only progress but peace also. The whole world started realising this situation towards the end of the twentieth century and many positive forces came forward to work in this direction. I got the opportunity to participate in two such initiatives during the year 2000 itself. The first occasion was the address of the world’s spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, from the precincts of Sarnath in Varanasi. This is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first discourse after achieving enlightenment. The event started with a ‘deep-yagya’ on the bank of the Ganges in which several spiritual and social leaders of the country took part. Lighting of the lamp is a symbol of removing ignorance and imparting knowledge. This symbolic ceremony was received well and in a way the twenty-first century began with the vow of lighting a lamp instead of cursing the darkness. In the forenoon of January 1, 2000, Dalai Lama gave his message to the entire world. The central message of his address was that we must make use of ancient wisdom in order to make the best use of the material progress on account of scientific development. Both are complimentary to each other rather than in conflict. 

Our ancient wisdom lays emphasis on core values of life, which are necessary to follow if we want peace. May be some modifications in the interpretation of our scriptures are required, but their spirit has to be followed as such. If we do so, our conflicts and confusion will reduce greatly and disappear in due course. The second event was the meeting of the world’s spiritual and religious leaders at the UN headquarters in New York. In this event, about 2000 delegates from almost all countries of the world participated and deliberated on the subject of ‘peace’. It was noticed that human nature is essentially the same irrespective of place, language, colour, religion, caste and creed. Everyone wants peace and the mad race for material progress is also an effort to achieve the same objective. It is a different matter that in the absence of core values, we fail to find it. The central message of this meet was also the same that we need ‘ancient wisdom’ in order to make the best use of ‘modern times’. Let us all try to follow this in our lives in order to be successful, as well as peaceful.

 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

 

Post Treaty Affairs

After Ubaidya’s Treaty, Mohammed began to think about ways and means of spreading the message of Islam. He sent delegations to Hiracltus, Ahozros, Muquaqes, Megehs, Yemen etc. Islam introduced prohibition of consumption of alcoholic drinks in the year Ubaidya treaty was signed. Of course, some scholars say that it was introduced in the fourth year of Islam. Quaranic verses relating to prohibition was revealed about 20 years after the prophet hood of Mohammed. Since revelations came, the Arabs were indulged heavily daily in the consumption of alcohol. It was introduced not at one lap. The instructions were revealed at different stages. When total prohibition was introduced, Muslims completely abandoned this evil practice. According to the story Khalifa Umer, the second Khalifa, prayed to God, “Oh God! Explain us about alcohol.” Then the following verse in chapter 2 verses 219 revealed. “You ask me about alcohol; alcoholic drink and gambling. Tell them, in both some benefits that the sin of them is far greater than the benefit.” The second revelation came in chapter 4 verse 43. Then the final revelation came in chapter 5 verse 19, “Oh! You believe intoxicant (all kinds of alcoholic drinks and gambling) -- are abominism of Satan and his works. So avoid - in order – that you may be successful.” When the final revelation prohibiting the consumption of alcohol came, Anes was drinking alcohol. Immediately on hearing the proclamation, he threw away the cup that contained alcohol. It is reported that all Muslims threw the cups filled with alcoholic drinks to the streets of Medina. The alcohol flowed through the streets of Medina like a small stream.

Hiraclues and Khazrah were the greatest kingdoms in those days and they established Byzantine and Qureshian empires and brought many countries and nations under their control and both shared success and failures. Initially, Persians were the winners but later Byzantines defeated the Persians and Islam established sway over Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq, which were under the domination of Persians. The Arabians heavily depended on the trade route in Yemen and Syria and therefore the Arabs wanted to appease many. It was a great matter of mystery that Mohammed thought of sending delegations inviting them to the fold of Islam. The companions approved his mission. Messengers went to Heraclius, Khuzrol, the two kings of Oman, Yemen, Meges and many others. It is equally a mystery that most of the countries to which Mohammed sent delegation came to the Muslims folds.

Autocracy is a Sin -2

Blooming Stars - Swami (Dr) Snehanand Jyoti

Autocracy is mired in a negative, highly distorted view of humanity. Right from the beginning humans are defective as they are supposed to be born in sin/defect according to the Christian reckoning. So we are repeatedly told that we are sinners, and as such not good; we are told we do not amount to much. It is not right that, we who are called by Christ as friends (John 15: 14-15), by Peter (the first Pope) as partakers of divine nature (2 Peter, 1: 3-4), and by Indian scriptures as sons (and daughters) of immortality (amrutasya putraah), go about beating our breasts as sinners, having no self-esteem and self-confidence. One may ask if there is no original sin, what is the need for a savior? This question is discussed elsewhere.

 A person born in original sin has depression as an inseparable part of his being.  We need to be pulled out of this mess by some messiah or saviour. This very damaging self-image is always in front of us. Since sin came through disobedience it has to be remedied through obedience. Obedience to whom? The Jews are still awaiting the Messiah. The Christians believe that the Messiah prophesized in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament for Christians) came into the world in the person of Jesus who became Christ (the Anointed One). Now the Catholic Church, the most autocratic, hierarchical, patriarchal, and powerful institution in the world came to the conclusion through self-serving interpretation of some vague scriptural passages that Peter, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ was given the supreme authority to lead Christ’s followers. Currently the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, is elected in an autocratic set-up. He is known as the Vicar of Christ; he is the successor of Peter. He is also supposed to be endowed with primacy and even infallibility. The question that needs to be asked is: Are all these irrelevant, megalomaniac, and illogical titles necessary to represent Jesus of Nazareth who was born in the humblest of circumstances, and who came to liberate the captives, free the oppressed, proclaim the good news to the poor, preach the Kingdom of God, and, above all, to reconcile all humans among themselves and them finally to God (Luke 4: 18-19 & 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19)?   These titles and attributes are not only unnecessary but also are anti-signs and heavy obstructions that distract and detract from the true message of Christ who was known by his message of love and service. They belong to an era of strife and obscurantism where Christian leaders discredited themselves by doing a disservice to Christ, and incalculable damage to Christ’s Church. The Church in fact survived in spite of them! God gave all that we needed to survive and negotiate our path of pilgrimage on this earth. Theologically or otherwise there is absolutely no need for primacy and infallibility. These pompous titles are scandalous, and serve no useful purpose at all. 

The Magisterium (the governing body) of the Catholic Church is the bastion of autocracy in the modern world. Most, if not all Catholics, identify the Catholic Church with the Magisterium. This is patently wrong. A tiny part (about four thousand celibate clerical leaders - bishops) living in the celibate city of Vatican and scattered all over the world as heads of dioceses, however important and indispensable it makes itself to be, cannot represent the gigantic whole (about 1250 million or 125 crores of Catholics). Every member in the Catholic Christian community is as important as every other member. The role and function of a person in the Catholic Church do not make that person more important than others. In Christ’s community the least among them will be the great (Luke 9: 46-48), and the last among them will be the first, and the greatest among them will be their servant (Matthew 20: 27 & 23: 11). This is the greatest beauty of the Good News (Gospel). The early Christians were distinguished by their love, service, and humility by non-Christians. Currently Christian leaders, who need to set an example for ordinary Christians, are distinguished by their power and pomp, feudalistic, colonial titles of a bygone monarchical and hierarchical era (His Excellency, His Lordship, His Grace, His Eminence, His Beatitude, His Holiness), expensive, lavish, impractical, and highly odd medi-eval costumes and dress, ability to dominate, control, and, above all, raise money. Sadly, bishops are administrators and not spiritual leaders who inspire Christ’s followers into holiness and Christ’s teachings.  A strong contention that if Christ were to visit our world today he would not recognize his bride, the Church, who is indulging in pharisaic rites and rituals, is very relevant and timely. (To be continued)

Sardarji Joke

Life's Lessons - Joseph Mattappally

There is a popular Sardarji joke; one Sardarji was participating in a reality show quiz. The first question was, ‘How long was the 100 yr war?’ The options given were A) 116 B) 99 C) 100 and D) 150. He skipped the question. The next question was: ‘In which country are the Panama hats made?’ This time the options were A) Brasil B) Chile C) Panama and D) Equador. This time he took help from the University students. The third question was ‘In which month do the Russians celebrate the October Revolution? The options were A) January B) September C) October and D) November. Here he called the general public for help. Then came the fourth question, ‘Which of these was King George VI first name? The options for this question were A) Eder B) Albert C) George and D) Manoel. Sardar looked out for the remaining support and asked for lucky cards. The fifth question was ‘The Canary islands, in the Pacific Ocean, has its name based on which animal’. The options were A) Canary Bird B) Kangaroo C) Puppy and D) Rat. The joke continued saying that this time Sardarji gave up.

Haven’t we assumed that Sardarji was given easy questions and himself a great fool? But how many of you know that the 100 year war lasted 116 years from 1337-1453, the Panama hat is made in Equador, the October revolution is celebrated in November, King George's first name was Albert and finally the Latin word ‘canaria’ means islands of the puppies. Going through this puzzling and funny quiz, what I understand was our inherent attitude to follow fabricated clues in real situations, which is one of the root causes of failures in life. There is a popular saying, ‘the entire water in the ocean can never sink a ship, unless it gets inside’. All the problems of life can never disturb you unless you let careless assumptions in. 

Submerged in Devotion

This Indian mythological story of a devotee sheds some light into what devotion is. Shri Santhopa Pawar was an ardent ‘Bhaktha’ of Shri Vitthal at Pandharpur. Thousands of people admired Shri Pawar and accepted him as their Spiritual Master. Gradually their devotion became reinforced and they fell in the eternal love with the Great Lord of Universe, Shri Panduranga.

Once, all the disciples started walking towards Pandharpur, which is ‘Booloka Vaikuntam’. Alas! When they were nearing Pandharpur, heavy rain started and it was seldom possible for all, even to walk against the down pouring. But Shri Pawar geared them up and so they reached the banks of Chandrabagha. On those days, there was no bridge to cross the river and only small boats were used for this purpose. But due to the extra ordinary flood in Chandrabagha, no ‘boat wala’ was willing to cross the roaring flood.

All the disciples became so upset but Pawar did not give up his faith He sang ‘Abhangs’ with great devotion and his eyes too started pouring another rain, out of love and faith. Suddenly a very big bridge emerged from the center the river and it was covering both the sides of the holy river. At that time, a divine voice (Asareeri) told Shri Pawar to walk on the bridge along with all the devotees. Shri Pawar alone heard the divine voice. He advised all the ‘Bhakthas’ to walk on that bridge to reach the other side of the river. They happily walked on the Bridge, chanting Vitthal … Vitthal …. Vitthal. Shri Pawar too crossed the river; he eagerly turned back and saw the bridge.  His devotion was such that he started crying again like a small kid. Yes…. it was really not a bridge and it was Shri Vitthal who took a big size Koorma (Tortoise) avathar and helped Pawar and his disciples to cross the bridge. Upon realizing this fact, Shri Pawar could not control himself and he fell on the ground. He got submerged in the abundant mercy of Lord Vitthal. Finally they entered the Shrine and had the wonderful darshan of Lord Vitthal. Shri Pawar was again carried away in faith and devotion. He cried and cried and cried while Lord Vitthal would have only smiled. 

What is Devotion?

Devotion is a name for the feeling, the psychological climate and the heart of a devotee. God is not essential to it. Devotion can exist even without a God. For those whose hearts are filled with devotion, the whole world is God. The world is not even a stone, but a stony heart person sees only stone even in God. Devotion is like Love, we can never train a person to love and it has to spring out of the heart by itself. That is the reason in Gita; Krishna says the Bhakti yoga (path of devotion) is blessed in few. What we find in the world is just the projection of what we are. Devotion finds godliness in everything and everywhere. Devotion is just like the mirror, it reflects what is shown to it. 

Krishna is both God and devotee and whoever is going to start as real devotee is going to reach his destination as God. When devotee starts finding God everywhere there is no reason he cannot find God in himself. Ramakrishna was appointed as priest in the temple of Dhakshineshwar in Calcutta for the Goddess Durga. But just in few days of appointment he was in trouble with the temple trustees. Trustees came to know that the new priest’s way of ceremony was all wrong. First he tasted the food himself and then offered it to God. He even smelt the flowers before he offered it to the deity. They thought that it spoils the purity of the offering. When Ramakrishna was asked about the improper methods, he answered that there is no accepted method and discipline for devotion. He also said that his mother tasted the food before offering it to him the child. Ramakrishna was reluctant to serve the God the food without knowing if it was delicious enough for the God.

Now a devotee as Ramakrishna cannot be content with an external God. He soon found the God within himself. So the journey began as devotee completes in itself as God. That is the reason he is worshiped as Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Krishna is both God and devotee as we all are. Krishna can very well be accepted as God, because he is much devoted even to his horse as he is to God himself. If he was arrogant about being God he would not have agreed to be Arjuna’s charioteer. Instead he would have asked Arjuna to be his charioteer, because he was God and Arjuna is mere devotee. The journey should begin as devotee, and it will complete itself with God, within. 

Dr Dwarakanath

Many Houses but no Home

I worked as Housing Commissioner for U P for more than two years. It was a period of great achievement and it was a period of great achievement and satisfaction too. Many new schemes and projects were initiated or brought to a logical end during this period. The greatest satisfaction and joy was experienced when those who had no hope for shelter could get a dwelling unit in the normal course, without any bribe or push. Even a small unit of house gave the homeless so much joy that quite often tears would roll down their cheeks when the allotment letter was given to them. Many such scenes still appear before my eyes when I think of them. I still keep encountering many such beneficiaries who feel so obliged because of such valid allotments and tell me how they are enjoying their small homes.

On the other hand, there was an equally large number of applicants who did not need a house or plot for their immediate use. Their sole purpose was either speculation or just future apprehension. This was also the group which applied pressures through various sources or even offered bribe openly. While I tried to deal with all such cases on merit, I was not always successful. At times, property had to be allotted to such persons at the cost of more needy applicants. But as an individual, I couldn’t do much as such allotments were not illegal in the strict sense of the term. Certainly, they violated the principle of equity or social justice.

One day, an applicant falling in the above category came to see me in connection with a plot allotment. He appeared to be charming in his manners so I started talking to him at a personal level. During the course of our talk, I discovered that he already had four residential properties in various towns and had applied for the fifth one. Also, either he had no family or had separated from his family. In a way, he was a loner. Still, I thought of considering his case on merit. In the same connection I also asked for his address and where he actually lived. At this, he was a little perplexed and could not respond immediately. Perhaps he was apprehending some enquiry by the housing board. So he frankly said that though he had given an address on the application form, the fact was that he had no home. Therefore, if any enquiry were to be conducted, in all probability he would not be available on the given address. A majority of such applicants, who were either rich or occupied an influential position with a dwelling unit of their own, did not necessarily use the houses allotted to them. They were also confused about the place of their settlement. Moreover, matters like in whose name the property should stand, mode of payment, time of possession, etc., also added to their confusion. It was also very difficult to convince them that they didn’t need the property. While his ambiguity about sharing his home address was a sufficient reason to reject his application, it was amusing to see a person with many houses and no home. 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

Destined to Torture

When they reached a place called Bil Halfah, Abu Basheer asked the messenger to show his sword. While he was drawing the sword, Abu Basheer killed him. The slave who accompanied him was frightened and fled to medina and appeared before Mohaamed. Mohammed enquired about what happened to him. He replied that Mohammed’s follower has killed his master. Abu basher also came to the scene drawing the sword. He told Mohammed, O Prophet of God you have fulfilled your obligation. “You already sent me back to Mecca in terms of the treaty. I am not prepared to suffer the torture of Qurashi or to abandon the true religion. Are you decided to listen myself.”

Abu Basheer went to a place called Easi which was situated on the trade route of Mecca to Syria. There was provision in the treaty that both parties should not interfere with the journey through this trade route. The Muslims at Mecca came to know that Abu Basheer had reached Easi knowing which around 70 Muslims at Mecca escaped to this place and they created obstruction to the Meccans under the leadership of Abu Basheer on the trade route. They attacked the caravan of Qureshi. The Meccans came to realize that there adamancy to prevent the Muslims of Mecca to Medina became a cause for the sole obstruction on the trade route. They also found that people did not go to Medina but escaped from Mecca and attacked the Meccans on the trade route. The Meccans could not do anything as the case did not come in the purvey of the treaty. They sent a message to Mohammed and represented that they have no objection for the Muslims leaving Mecca for Medina and requested the Muslims obstructing the trade route be removed. Thus ultimately the Qureshi were forced to withdraw their demand to send back the Muslims leaving Mecca and taking refuge in Medina. Thereupon Mohammed invited all the followers in Mecca to Medina and gave them refuge in medina. The obstruction to Meccans on the trade route also disappeared.  A treaty that apparently seemed to be detrimental to the Muslims became a blessing to them and proved the foresightedness of Mohammed. 

Autocracy is a cardinal sin

Autocracy is a cardinal sin in the modern age. Moral theology text books need to be revised to include autocracy as a serious sin. Autocracy stunts human growth. It does not help persons to become who they need to be spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It really comes in the way of God's plan for humans in that it does not help humans to achieve God-given potential fully. It is incompatible with spirituality. It goes against the glorious liberty of God's children spoken of in the scriptures. All humans are created equal; are sovereign; have the same in-alienable rights; are same before the eyes of God; are governed by the same laws; and have the same rights and obligations. If so, why does wide-spread autocracy still persist in this era of democracy that is the destination for humanity living in society? Autocracy is an anomaly in an age of democracy. 

Autocracy had a place in the evolution of humanity from the law of the jungle (might is right) to serfdom and slavery, racism and caste regime to authoritarianism and autocracy, and finally to the last stage of democracy. In the initial stage of evolution humans complied and obeyed on account of the fear of punishment. In undemocratic, authoritarian, and theocratic societies and settings humans were made to comply with the laws formulated by the supreme religious or political authorities. There was no religious or political freedom. There was no freedom of speech or expression or assembly. The state eliminated non-compliant persons through institutionalized force. Human rights did not exist. Placators and sycophants thrived. Persons did anything and everything to save their neck skin. The assumption in autocracy is that a certain supreme authority knows what is good for the rest. According to autocracy, a hierarchical system where everyone knows everyone's position, role, and function works smoothly. Nothing is left to chance or human vagaries. Nobody questioned the authority. Nobody could question the authority without incurring the wrath of the authority or without putting one's life in peril.

This was the situation in the dark middle ages where any progress in science and technology was scorned. Anything that did not fit in with their understanding or the understanding of their hand-picked advisors was coming from the devil, and therefore to be silenced. Their understanding or interpretation of the scriptures was enforced. Others were heretics or schismatics. Only they could interpret the scriptures. Only they could teach what is morally good and bad. The freedom of conscience was suppressed. There was no scope for conscientious objection. They developed a theology to justify their scheme of things. The divine right of kings justified monarchy. They developed a doctrine of infallibility and primacy for the supreme spiritual head. They set the norms for religious and holy living. They through their peculiar thinking convinced the ordinary simple people that they channel salvation, safety, and security in this life and the life to come. In the medieval world dominated by Christians, for instance, they usurped the right to mediate as if the only mediator that is Christ is not enough. Hindu priests and scholars in their scriptures and Muslim mullahs were not any different. The religious leaders taught the followers how to pray, what prayers to say, what rituals to follow, what practices to adhere to, what penance to follow for purification and regaining the lost state of grace. In effect autocrats say: "Leave thinking to us, the rest we will take care. We know what God wants from you, from us. We are the representatives of God specially chosen and called for this service. We will not lead you astray. We have guarantee from God. Christian autocrats will say: "See how Christ saved us. He emptied himself of his divinity, became a human like us, and was obedient to his Father (God) even unto death on the cross. Be obedient to us and become true followers of Christ. And we will sanctify obedience and it will be henceforth called holy obedience".  What I said about Christians are also true of Muslims and Hindus in varying degrees. And of course politicians were and are very smart to adopt this idea of obedience to serve the objectives of their parties and to make their followers subservient. The end result in the spheres of politics and religion is that God who gave humans the most distinguishing characteristic - freedom - is out of the picture. (To be continued).

Illuminated Cave

12-12-12 is an auspicious day. In literature 12th night is more discussed than first night. In trade 12 is a sales unit called dozen. In mathematics 12 is a composite number as well as a sublime number. This number is great to many religions, mainly Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In calendar system, we have twelve months in a year. In astrology, according to the West, Zodiac has 12 signs, and back on our computer key board there are 12 function keys. It continues….. Today I thought of sharing with you a story on our 12th (?) sense. 

Long time ago, there were two swamis who lived in two neighboring caves. They spent most of their time in deep meditation, except the time they ate or were visited by devotees. One cave was dark as usual, but in the other one there was sometimes a peculiar golden light illuminating the cave. The visitors believed that the one living in the illuminated cave possessed supernatural powers and was more advanced. One day another great sage was passing through the village. The villagers approached this sage and told him the story of the illuminated cave. They had a thousand questions to ask him. The sage spoke, "Pay attention to your inner self and not to outer phenomena. The outside world always changes, but inner self is constant. When in the presence of a teacher, listen to what he says and be aware of the influence of his words on you. Watch yourself, and see whether under his influence you become calmer and more peaceful, and your thoughts, at least for a while, slow down your mad race." Their curiosity was not fully quenched.

The sage sat down, and started to explain: "Sometimes, when one works intensively on the spiritual path, and concentrates and meditates a lot, various phenomena may occur around him such as lights, sounds or visions. This is not supernatural. The mind has a creative power, and when concentrated, can produce various phenomena even unintentionally. It does not mean that one is more advanced than the other. Not all minds produce these things. Some do, and some don't. Some of the people who produce these lights may be aware of the light, and some may not. It depends on their psychic sensitivity. So it is also with the people who watch them. Not all see this light. In any case, it has nothing to do with whether one swami is more advanced or less advanced than the other one." 

Joseph Mattappally

Rajaji

Year I931 was about to close down in the Central Jail at Vellore too. A number of Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned there. A few of them were sitting under a tree in the open yard, discussing on the British brutality on India. Suddenly, there appeared a lean man, wearing dark glasses, and trying to tighten the dhoti he was wearing. He passed by the courtyard. The men who were squatting under the tree stood up respectfully. One of them was seeing this man for the first time; he didn’t know him. "Who is that?" he asked. "You don’t know? He is Rajaji, the man who is worthy of being our Governor General" replied the other. About seventeen years later, Rajaji did become India's Governor General. They were talking about a man of many talents and an amazing intellectual brilliance. He was a lawyer with a lucrative practice. The difference was that he did what he thought right and fought for the suffering. He had no fear of displeasing any one. 

This is about a man who lived in the childhood days of independent India. From the Presidentship of a town municipality, he rose to the Governor- Generalship of Free India. I believe he is still a lamp bearer to many people who consider values in life. Rajaji was born at Torappalli in Tamil Nadu. In 1900 he started his legal practice. In politics, he joined the Indian National Congress and participated in many agitations against the British Raj. In 1946, Rajaji was appointed Minister of Industry, Supply, Education and Finance in the Interim Government of India. Rajaji was an accomplished writer who made lasting contributions to Indian English literature. Rajaji was described by Gandhi as the "keeper of my conscience". Rajaji served as Governor-General of India from June 1948 until 26 January 1950, and was not only the last Governor-General of India, but the only Indian national ever to hold the office. As India grew it also became short of legendry characters.

(Indian Thoughts collections)

Suffering Need not be Bad

Once when Krishna was on his way to Dwaraka, capital of his kingdom, he meets a devotee Kunta, who requests of him a gift of pain and suffering. But Krishna only laughs; he does not even say that such a request is not right. Let us analyse what does it mean? When a devotee prays for unhappiness, he simply means to say to God, “Even if you give me unhappiness, it would be far better than happiness coming from somewhere else”. Now there is no way left for him to move away from God. We all human are in a habit of moving away from unhappiness and chase behind the Happiness. In a way he is telling God that he would not ask for happiness, because whatever God gives is happiness. This devotee is kidding God, because he knows that the God, the omnipotent nevertheless is incapable of inflicting pain on his lovers, the devotees.

The other reason is psychological. Happiness is in most of us is transient. But the suffering is lasting. And in many circumstances happiness is not only fleeting but also shallow, lacks depth. Suffering has great depth. There is depth in the people who go through suffering. Their eye, look and the whole demeanour shows the depth. A devotee asks for something enduring, something lasting which can broaden and deepen his being. By this he is asking for all that is profound and everlasting in life.

And another factor is, there is a kind of joy even in the suffering that comes to us from the loved once. And even happiness that comes from an unloving quarter is devoid of this joy. This joy has nothing to do with the pleasure masochist have in flogging himself. This devotee Kunta talks of, the joy comes from love’s suffering, which only the true lovers know. Love’s pain is profound and to an extent of devastating that it wipes out the self. The ordinary pain leaves the Ego intact. Love is the end of Ego, which remains unaffected by the ordinary suffering. The devotee is asking for the suffering which can efface him altogether.

That is the reason Krishna laughs at Kunta’s prayer, he does not say a word. Sometimes a smile, a giggle can say more than words do. Words are not that articulate. Krishna knows that Kunta is asking something that is good and great and in a way he has put God into a corner. So the smile was sufficient until the time devotee is ready for the blessing.

Let us understand Krishna to understand Gita. Suffering is not always bad and happiness need not be a greatest thing. 

Wishing you good health and happiness!

Dr.Dwarakanath, Director, Mitran foundation- the stress management people

Children and Values

Once I was invited by a renowned public school of Rampur to speak to children about the core values of life. This is a subject dear to my heart and so I accepted the invitation and a programme was fixed accordingly. When I reached the school and spent a few minutes in the principal’s office, I was cautioned by him that it was a difficult assignment for me, as children these days hardly understood the meaning of values. I was surprised to hear such a statement coming from the principal of a reputed school but took the advice in right perspective. It, however, had the effect of making me more determined to make my talk effective and I set my mind accordingly.

Soon, thereafter, I had to face a large number of students aged perhaps from 10 to 16 years. They looked enthusiastic and keen to listen. This encouraged me further and as I faced them my initial words were, “My dear young friends, your principal has asked me to speak to you regarding the core values of life, but I will not speak about them and in turn make you speak on values, as you are the true epitome of values and not us.” This opening remark cheered them up and they prepared themselves for the ensuing interaction. My next query to them was about the student who had scored the highest marks in class ten. There was a boy who stood up and told me that he had scored the highest marks in class ten. I asked him to come forward and tell others about the secret of his success. He told his fellow students that he worked hard and studied regularly and that was the secret of his success. At this, I posed a question whether ‘working hard’ or ‘being regular in studies’ were values or not. To this there was a collective response from the children that it was so. Then I put up another question and asked if there was any one who liked to have a liar as a friend. There was none, after which I asked whether they liked a truthful friend or not. To this there was a uniform response in the affirmative. Once again I asked whether ‘truthfulness’ was a value of life or not and there was no dissent on this also. In this way, I asked similar questions on the other values of life like kindness, compassion, pardon, sharing, helping, etc., and not a single student had dissenting views on the fact that they all are the core values of life, which are necessary for our happiness and success.

Having established my point, I told them why faith in core values of life was shaking these days, as was the intention of the principal and what we all needed to do to restore them. This was also done in a logical and convincing manner. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive response of children, which only reaffirmed my faith that children are the real epitome of values. The fault, if any, lies with us who fail to display these values in our lives and blame children that they don’t understand them. My message was well-delivered during this interaction, which of course the principal also very graciously acknowledged.

Rakesh Mittal IAS

The Fate of Converts

Muslims had no other way except return to Medina in the hope that they would be able to come to Mecca next year. It was not their tradition to surrender except on the defeat in the war. The strongly believed that God will help their prophet. Many of them had doubt on the logic behind such a treaty seemingly detrimental to the interests of the Muslims. Ultimately, without expressing any displeasure at the decision of Mohammed, they returned to Medina. On the way, Mohammed got the revelation assuring the victory to him. Mohammed read out the verses to his companions and their doubt was vanished. 

Later events clearly proved that the decision of Mohammed was a great political strategy and it decided the future of the entire Arabs. The Meccans instead of considering him as an arch enemy and rebel have now recognized him for the first time as a person who has to be dealt with on equal terms. They also recognized the existence of an Islamic state. Along with that the right of Muslims to visit Kaba and perform their rituals also was recognized by them. The religion of Islam was also recognized as a religion of Arabs. This also protected them from the threat of attacks from South and also helped for the rapid growth of Islam throughout Arabia. It was this treaty which enabled Mohammed to address foreign heads of states and emperors, within two months of the treaty inviting them to the fold of Islam. 

A person named Abu Basher embraced Islam and migrated to Medina without the consent of his guardian. In the light of the treaty it was incumbent on the part of Mohammad to send him back to Mecca. Assar Ibn Aus and Aqnan Ibn Shareek wrote to Mohammed asking him to send Abu Basheer back to Mecca. A letter was sent through a person belonging to Amer tribe. A slave also accompanied him. Mohammed told Abu Basheer that he had entered into a treaty with Meccans at Hubebiya and his religion did not permit him to violate a treaty or commit breach of trust. He also said that God would certainly open a way to Abu Basheer and people who were similarly subjected to oppression. Honouring the treaty Abu Basheer was sent back to Mecca. Abu Basheer replied whether he is leaving him to the mercy of the unbelievers to enable them to subject him to persecution merely because he embraced Islam. Mohammed repeated his words. Abu Basheer was forced to return along with the messenger of the Meccans. 

Justice P K Shamsuddin

Child Rearing

The Truth Shall Set Us Free - 7

Controversial News related to the conviction of an Indian couple living and working in Oslo, Norway, and consequent sentence of jail terms for father and mother for 18 and 15 months respectively has exploded in the Indian horizon yesterday (December 4, 2012). The news as I culled from different newspapers related to parents physically and emotionally punishing their 7-year old son after he urinated or wetted his pants in the school bus. The child is also reported to have behaviour problems. Without a comprehensive evaluation report, the child abuse and the extent of its severity cannot be determined. From the sketchy reports it is not clear whether the child intentionally urinated in the bus or accidentally wetted his pants, whether he has bladder control problem or some kind of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or, for that matter, he simply could not control his urge to urinate as he did not plan for the bus ride young as he was. The stress related to the whole family being transplanted from India to Norway could have been enormous. It could have been considerably worse for a child of such tender age with little coping skills.
 

The scenario of the child having emotional or behavioral acting out problems are not rare as I came across these situations while working in a children's psychiatric hospital, and in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist. I directed/co-ordinated a Cooperative Day Treatment Program (CDTP) jointly sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the St. Louis Special School District in the USA. The CDT Program operated from a well-known Children's Psychiatric Hospital was for children with severe emotional and behavior problems, and could not function in regular schools. From the news reports of the child in question I might conclude that the child might have an adjustment disorder or a mild emotional and/or behavioral problem.

While we can have have hind-sight 20-20, we need to be very careful in our comments about the Oslo situation. It is good that the Government of India did not get involved in this situation. There are definitely clashes of cultures. But abuse is abuse wherever it occurs. While the West is pushing the envelope, the East is lagging far behind with regard to necessary legislations in the sphere of human rights violations. Parents need be taught about child-rearing and parenting skills, physical and emotional abuse and neglect. Many parents all over the world believe that they can punish their child as if children do not have any rights, or as if children are their property. I remember when I was in St. Louis, USA, a mother told me in connection with a child of hers with severe behavior problems: "I brought him into the world, and I will take him out (kill) if I need to". I was shocked even though she was in extreme stress and frustration at that time. I was also surprised when a member of our Ashram teaching in a school nearby told me a few days ago that teachers come to classes with sticks for compliance. Corporal punishment should be outlawed from all settings. We need to be very careful in not engaging in any kind of verbal and emotional abuse. The world in varying degrees coming out of a culture of feudal, authoritarian and autocratic structures and gross discriminations of all sorts, often we are not even aware of subtle prejudices, discriminations, and abuses. Children belong to this great cosmos. They have been entrusted to us for some years (18?) before they are formed and considered to be majors or adults like ourselves. They are not our possessions to be treated and used and abused any which way. They are the best gifts God/Cosmic Force has given us. They need to be cherished, loved, and respected. They are very fragile, and handled with extreme care. They can give us immense joy. And as the great writer Kahil Gibran said we need to give our children roots and wings: wings so they can soar high and go wherever they want, roots so they can come back and get refreshed for their further adventure. All this can happen only in a climate of unconditional love and acceptance.

Now, what about the Oslo verdict? Here we can speculate. The situation could have been handled with multi-cultural sensitivity, helpful and creative counseling and problem-solving, empathic education of effective child-rearing practices, rights, duties, and roles of various functionaries (teachers, law-enforcement officers), awareness of legal and social issues. With skillful, tactful, patient, and effective mediation work with various agencies and parents, such a severe and humiliating court verdict could have been avoided. The court verdict created a lose-lose situation rather than a win-win situation for all the parties. I think the young child who has been physically and emotionally abused has not been really helped in that he lost his and his family's privacy. I suppose he will have to be helped to get out of the almost unbearable humiliation and guilt due to the pain he unwittingly caused to his parents, sibling, and extended family. The young unfortunate parents also have to live with a life-time nightmare that they got into due to lack of parenting skills, impulsive reactions, and poor handling of their own anger, stress and frustration.

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Two Things in Life

Recently I came across the summary of a talk given by a Christian Bishop in Kerala. I would have missed the concerned news and content except for my wife who read it out. She knew that I appreciate good messages. The Bishop asks us to visit any grave and read the inscriptions on the tombs. He said that only two things are written in all tombs in common - the date of birth and the date of death of the diseased. Nothing else! He further said that those are the only remarkable things in that lives and people do not live at all. If we split a full span into three stages, at teen we have time and energy but not enough money; at working age we have money and energy but no time; at old age we have money and time but no energy. According to me, the common factor in all these three stages is our undeterred attitude to assumptions on which we set our goals. 

I’m reminded of a family who went on to visit ‘Apple Computers’ headquartered in Cupertino, California in USA. The year was 1999. That time, ‘Apple’ was emerging into a great pride of the nation. The family was at the main building gate. They wanted a full family photo at the background of the main building. It was then that they saw a man getting into a car parked nearby. The father took no time to turn to him and request a help. The man paused a moment as the iPhone was handed over to him. The man however took a great deal of care composing the photo, backing up a few steps several times, tapping the iPhone screen to lock focus, then said, "Smile!" as he snapped the photo. He handed back the iPhone and they said, "Thank you, sir."  The man stepped into his car, closed the door, and drove away. The family looked at the photo that the man had taken and all agreed that it looked great. The family went on their way, but the Apple staff, who crossed the spot to witness all these was given an unforgettable lesson. He whispered, ‘people generally live on assumptions not knowing what really is going on or what actually is the truth of the moment’. He only knew that the man who helped the family was none other than Steve Jobs, CEO of ‘Apple Computers’. Everybody admits that we are very good lawyers for our mistakes and very good Judges for other’s mistakes. That however is not living at human standards.  

Joseph Mattappally