Jaina and Krishna- Part 2

This long tradition of twenty-four Jaina tirthankaras is the oldest and greatest heritage in the dimension of renunciation. It has no parallel in the whole history of man. And there is no possibility that any other religion is going to surpass it in any future. It is because gradually the dimension of renunciation is itself dying. So it seems plausible to believe that there will be no more tirthankaras after the twenty-fourth, because renunciation has altogether lost its relevance for the future. However, it had immense relevance in the past. Scriptures say that Neminath is the twenty- second of Jaina Tirthankaras and he is Krishna’s cousin, scriptures also mention Krishna’s meetings with Neminath. Whenever Neminath happens to visit his town Krishna goes to pay his respects to him. It is significant that when Neminath comes, Krishna pays him the visit; Neminath never goes to visit Krishna. A renunciate is not expected to pay his respects to a non-renunciate; it is very difficult. A renunciate becomes very harsh on him; he tears himself away from all relationships and attachments. No one is his friend and no one is his enemy. So the question of Krishna being linked with him in some esoteric venture simply does not arise. Moreover, Neminath is not in a position to help Krishna spiritually, because he is one- dimensional in his approach. On the contrary, Krishna is multi-dimensional. Therefore, although Neminath is very significant figure in Krishna’s time, he does not leave his imprint on history. A renunciate cannot impress history; he cannot leave any spectacular foot prints on the sands of time. 

It is interesting that of the twenty-four tirthankaras, only two, the first and twenty third are mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. About the twenty second, it is guessed that the person named as Gohr Angiras is none other than Neminath himself. Even Mahavira is not mentioned in Hindu scriptures. In fact sacrifice and renunciation means severance of all ties with history. It means departure from the worlds of doings and non-doings. Renunciation is the journey into a space where nothing is made and unmade, where utter emptiness reigns.  Neminath has a great treasure of his own. He has the heritage of twenty-one tirthankaras, the essence of great spiritual experiences. Sometimes Krishna goes to listen when Neminath is speaking to people of the town. And only Krishna is capable of this humility. He was one who is interested in every aspects of life.

Let us understand Krishna to understand Gita

Wishing you all good health & happiness,

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

Crime vs. Sin

The understanding of the difference between crime and sin is useful for positive living. In the absence of it, most of us often question the fairness of God and tend to follow the path of evil. I have done some contemplation on this subject, which I am sharing here. Like any other living creature, the human being is also a product of Nature. But man is unique in the sense that he has been endowed with the power of thinking as well as discrimination. With the help of these two powerful tools, he can make himself either a saint or a devil, depending upon their use. Nature expects him to use these powers in a positive manner and if he does so, he becomes a virtuous person. On the contrary, negative use of these powers makes him a sinful person. Thus, when we break a Nature-made or, in other words, God-made law we commit a sin. For example, God expects us to love each other and if one hates others, he commits a sin. Similarly, when we hurt others, lose our temper, boost our ego, don’t help a person in trouble, etc., we break the law of Nature and commit a sin. 

Nature has a perfect arrangement for punishing sin and rewarding virtue. No external agency is required to do this job. When we practice virtue, the inner joy obtained as a result of the same is in itself a great reward. It changes our body chemistry in such a manner that there is an overall positive effect on our body, mind, intellect and spirit. There may not be any monetary evaluation for this reward, but we get priceless joy. Similarly, when we commit a sin there is a change in our body chemistry, which brings negative effect on our body, mind, intellect and spirit. In this case, there is loss of joy, which again cannot be measured in monetary terms. In this way, being virtuous is in itself our reward. Someone has very rightly said: “We are not punished for our sins, but by our sins.” 

A wise person will therefore be virtuous by choice and not by compulsion. It is also true that this law of Nature never fails. On the other hand, crime is a violation of man-made laws. Man being a social entity, has to follow some man-made laws for the smooth running of the society. Better the compliance of these laws, more civilised will the society be. For this, there is a provision of reward and punishment through the judicial administrative process. Quite often justice is not administered correctly due to various reasons and many criminals don’t get punished. In such a situation, most of us blame God and feel that He is not judicious. 

In order to forego this impression, we shall have to understand that all crimes are not sins and similarly all sins may not necessarily be crimes. God punishes us only for our sins and if a crime falls in the category of sin also, it would certainly be punished by Nature. But, if a crime does not fall in the category of sin, Nature will not punish us and the punishment has to be imparted by society only. In that case, it is a human failure for which God cannot be blamed, as He has already equipped us with the power of intelligence and discrimination. Therefore, we all should live in accordance with the laws of Nature as well as of the society so that we commit neither a sin nor a crime. 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

Rumour in the Air

A rumour spread among the community saying that Mohammed is going to diverse his wife. His wives, who very much regretted on their own conduct, were also afraid not knowing what was the fate that await them. The suspense continued for a month. The Muslim community remained in utter confusion regarding the decision Mohammed is going to take in the case of his wives. It was at this situation that Umer wanted to meet Mohammed. He went to his house and asked Rubbah who was at the door to seek permission to meet Mohammed. Rubbah went to Mohammed and passed the request of Umer.  Rebbah returned but did not respond to Umer saying that the invitation was not allowed by Mohammed. Umer repeated his request. Even then Rebbah did not respond. Umer raised his voise and asked Rebbah to get consent for his entry. He also said, “The prophet would have mistaken that I came pleading for Hafsa. By God if the prophet asks me to cut off her head, I would do so.” 

Umer finally got the consent to meet Mohammed and he entered the room. Mohammed asked him why he was there. When Umer explained the reason, Mohammed responded, “Peace of mind is necessary to exercise prophet hood.” Umer said, “Oh prophet of God, what kind of discomfort caused you by your wives?” There was rumour in the air that he was going to diverse his wives. The Muslims were very much annoyed. People gathered in the mosque in a mood of great anxiety, not knowing what was to happen. Mohammed explained that he did not diverse his wives and Umer asked his consent to report the matter that he did not diverse his wives. He proclaimed in a loud voice that Mohammed did not diverse any of his wives. 

Justice P K Shamsuddin

Politics Without Principles

One of the seven deadly social sins – politics without principles - described by Mahatma Gandhi is at work full time in the Kerala (India) legislative assembly these days (the week of June 16- 22, 2013). The politicians who engage in unprincipled, destructive, and partisan fighting, violent posturing, vicious and obstructive tactics represent no one but their evil and self-seeking selves. The opposition leader who was the previous chief minister went so far as to say that he would give a slap to the home minister on his face if he were near to him and if he were not in the assembly. This is the kind of verbal violence and abuse no civilized society should tolerate. This kind of violent language and menacing threats goes against every canon of decency. The home minister responding to the verbal threat made also some provocative statements in the media. How can any person in one’s right mind believe that these legislators without a conscience can make laws for the state? How can these persons explain their unruly behavior to their children at home and to the millions of students in the schools of their state? How can they have any moral authority to model exemplary behaviors for the people of their state? Do these politicians believe that they can do anything they choose to with impunity and without censure? Are they so confident that they can mobilize their mercenary followers and goondas to shield them from the law? Interestingly, Kerala is a state with the highest literacy as well as the highest alcohol consumption in the country! It is also the country’s most crime prone state (National Crime Records Bureau, June 24, 2012)! It had India’s second highest rate of reported suicides in 2011. If the statement of Charlie Chaplain, a famous comedian:  “A person’s true character comes out when he is drunk” is true, we have ample opportunity to know the true character of a Kerala person.

What happened to the other politicians in the assembly witnessing to these ugly scenes? Do they have no responsibility in voicing their protests in the assembly or in the public media against their errant colleagues? What about the prominent social, religious, moral, and spiritual leaders of the state who are the guardians of conscience, and who are supposed to rise up to the occasion when the state is going to hell in a hand basket?  Have they lost their moral authority after years of kowtowing and pandering to these politicians for obtaining their favors and their piece of the pie? In the final analysis we are at fault. Nobody can do for us what we need to do for ourselves. We live in a democracy. We voted these hooligans and buffoons into power. We deserve them. They come from among us. They are our brothers, sisters, and relatives. They represent our greed, vested interests of our religion or community, and our desire for wealth with very little or no work. We scratch one another’s back. We are hypocrites as they are. We also want something for nothing. We put them in power because they articulate better with their clever and entertaining speech, humorous anecdotes and stories our un-principled life. I was reminded of a story that was mentioned in our satsang (spiritual sharing) recently.  A man sat modeling as Christ for a painter. Years later, the same painter wanting to paint Judas looked for a model and came upon a man. During the painting the painter noticed tear drops falling from the eyes of the model. The painter asked the model as to what is happening. The model responded saying: “I am the same person who sat modeling Christ for you years ago”. Of course there are good and conscientious legislators. But they are not good enough to prevail over the bad ones.

 We do not want a rigorous diagnosis of our society coming out of our spirit-life.  Gandhi dared to diagnose the evils of our society. He came up with the seven deadly sins destroying the very fabric of society. What happened? He was assassinated. Before Gandhi, Socrates came with his solution for the society of his time. He was executed by the state by administering poison. Jesus Christ preached the Kingdom of God. He was crucified in the midst of two criminals, ironically by the religious leaders of his time. President Abraham Lincoln stated that we cannot have a country that is half free and half slave. He was murdered. In our own time Martin Luther King fought for a country where all could live in freedom. He was shot dead.  Indira Gandhi took a clear stance when she sent troops into a holy place to flush out armed violators of the law of the land who took refuge there. She was murdered by her own body guards. Nelson Mandela lived 27 years in one of the most grueling prisons for wanting freedom that we all take for granted. With the way politicians and religious leaders are behaving in our land we are not going to have this freedom for too long. I am told that the Catholic Church and the Communist Party of India, Marxist, are similar in that they have the same kind of tight-knit, well-disciplined organizations in  Kerala.  In his day a man like Patrick Henry, a politician and a statesman, fighting for independence from the British said in a powerful speech in his assembly: “Give me liberty or give me death”.

Are we willing to drive our cars on our streets when politicians declare strikes at their whims and paralyze the state and take away our freedom? Are we willing to challenge the tyranny of a parish priest in Kerala when he uses his power to mobilize his parishioners to intimidate and hurt others behind a smoke-screen to hide in order to cover his own illegal and unethical behavior? What is the status of spiritual life when two Christian factions (Orthodox and Jacobite) in the name of Christ fight wanting the same church building to worship, and the building is locked up as a result? They disregard mediation efforts. Politicians disregard rulings of the courts for fear of losing votes. Is a marriage blessed by a bishop more blessed than the one blessed by an ordinary priest? Why are we wanting a burial presided over by a bishop paying a hefty fee? Does the soul go to heaven any faster? In the US prescribing medications by a psychiatrist without proper diagnosis of the mental disease is a crime. Asked, at my suggestion, a famous psychiatrist in a big city in Kerala for the diagnosis of his mental patient for whom four powerful psychotropic drugs including one for the side-effects, he is reported to have said: “Mental disorder”.  What a revelation?! This is our God’s Own Country!  We have created the monsters that gulp us down. We are willingly caught up in our own hypocrisy, double-talk, show, pomp, and vain glory. We are the dumb millions who blindly follow these un-principled and megalomaniac politicians of empty promises. On the other hand their megalomania is our megalomania. They are acting out our frustrations, repressed emotions, and primitive impulses. We are not willing to pay the price for a clean and corruption-free government. We are not willing to wait for our turn.  We want those special favors and privileges that we are not legally entitled to at the expense of our fellow humans. Do we want to discontinue the present state of affairs? Do we want to stop from going over the precipice? Do we want to come out of the present morass? If the answers to these questions are yes, we urgently need a method of procedure (modus operandi) that respects a minimum standard dictated by laws, rules, and regulations. When the law-makers flout the laws they make, the result can only be anarchy and chaos. Let us awake from our deep slumber, become aware, and take the path back to compassion, freedom, and respect for others’ rights even as we pay the price for our own rights in terms of our own deep anguish and suffering.

 On a lighter note: Let us get back our sanity somehow. Let us laugh more and get our politicians laughing. Then, perhaps, they will take themselves and their importance less seriously, laugh at themselves and others, and cooperate with others. Then they will be about people’s business.  Charlie Chaplain, who made many laugh through his jokes coming out of keen observation, said: “A day without laughter is a day wasted”. He also said: “I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.”

Swami Snehananda  Jyoti 

The Art of Being Natural

Everything is changing, need not mention man or matter. I think that every bit of life on earth is competing to shrink by time and space. How much one can do within a given span of time has become the deciding factor of one’s success. Quality is always compensated with high end marketing strategies. It is humorously said that communication has become wireless, cooking has become fireless, tyres have become tubeless ……. leaders shameless, youth jobless, relationships meaningless, attitude careless and babies fatherless. However, we are not hopeless and that is the only chamber filled.

  

The most terrifying thing is that we have learnt to hide our true self or have become experts in being unnatural. A How are you is entertained with an I’m fine, irrespective of how fine one is. We are in the false assumption that it is this superficiality that others always appreciate. Some time back, I remember to have read the live story of a poor young jobless man who stood by what he truly was. One day, when he was walking on the street, he happened to pick up a news paper sheet in which there was an invitation to a lucrative job. He had all the qualifications asked for but had no money to type an attractive CV. He didn't have a suit to wear; he didn't have a car either. However, he picked up a piece of paper and wrote his CV. The next day, he woke up early, put on his normal clothes and walked all the way to the office. Three people on expensive suits and shoes were already there. They laughed at this poor guy. 

The manager started with the first one. He asked him what he is going to do with his first pay. He answered, “I will go overseas; I will go shopping.” The same question was given to the second and third man also. The second one said, “I will take my wife to a honey moon.” The third man said, “I will buy a new car.” The manager called this poor man and asked him, “Why didn’t you type your CV? Why are you not wearing a suit?” The young man replied, “I don't have money, I don't have a place to stay; I came here on foot. I have all the academic and physical qualifications you have prescribed.” The manager stood up and said to the poor man, “The job is yours Sir.” 

Instead of feeling pity for the first three guys, kindly put on the managers’ fittings and see whom you would have selected if you were in the manager’s shoes.

Joseph Mattappally

Why Worry?

“Worry is the interest  paid on trouble before it becomes due” - William R Inge

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. Worry and trust cannot live in the same house. When worry is allowed to come in one door, trust walk out the other door, and worry stays until trust is invited in again, whereupon worry walks out. If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about during a given period of time, we would discover, in reviewing them, that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles never come to pass. This means that most of the time we devote to worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted.

 A doctor who had many patients that were in the large income brackets made a study on why they worried so much. Here is what they found. 40% of their worries were about things that never happened, 30% were about matters entirely beyond their control, 12% were related to the physical ills which were caused or increased by their emotional attitudes, 10% were about friends or relatives who were quite able to look after themselves. Only 8% were about matters that really needed their attention- but worry even in these cases was not remedy to apply.

Once, shortly before a major concert before a standing-room-only audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini’s orchestra approached the great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his face. “Maestro,” the musician fretted, “my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. What will I do? We are to begin in a few moments”.

Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. “My friend”, the maestro replied, “Do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening”. 

The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the odds are of the problem really coming to pass. We may be able to go on to something more constructive.

Worry can’t change the past, but it can ruin the present.

Sr(Dr)Lilly Thokkanattu SJL

Jaina and Krishna- Part 1

The story comes from a time when Hindus and Jains were not two separate traditions. It is after Mahavira, the last Jaina Tirthankara that Jains separated from Hindus. Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara* in Jaina Tradition, was Krishna’s cousin. But there is no esoteric connection between the two; there is a reason for it. Neminath belongs to the long tradition of Jaina Tirthankaras who were all devoted to the pursuit of one dimensional spiritual discipline. Perhaps no other tradition has done so much in the dimension of sacrifice and renunciation as the Jainas have done. In this respect Jainas have the longest history, adorned by a galaxy of extraordinary people. It is rare in the whole history of mankind. 

The first Jaina Tirthankara, Rishbhadeva, is a contemporary of Rig-Veda. May be he even preceded this most ancient of Vedas, because the Rig-Veda mentions Rishabhadeva with a respect not usually given to contemporaries. The terms used in Rig-Veda to describe Rishabhadeva are so respectful that it suggests the first Tirthankara has already an established reputation when Rig-Veda was being created. Man has yet to be so civilized that he will be respectful to his contemporaries. However, it is certain that Rishabhadeva is contemporary with the Rig-Veda. There is a gap of thousands of years between Rig-Veda and Mahavira, the last Jaina Tirthankara. History has not been able to ascertain exactly, the time that passed between the Veda and Mahavira. Western historians could not put this gap at more than one and a half thousand years. They were so hemmed in by the belief enshrined in the Christian scriptures, that the world was created only four thousand years before Jesus which means that our universe is hardly 6000 years old. The western historians had to compress the whole human history into this brief span of time. Evidently, Hindus and Jainas too cannot transgress this limit. So, those who think along western lines say that the distance in time between the Vedas and Mahavira cannot be more than fifteen hundred years. But the truth is far from it.  

The science now accepts that the universe is very old. According to Tilak’s calculations, based on the lunar positions mentioned in scriptures, the Vedas are at least ninety thousand years old. This much can be said without fear of contradiction, that they are much more ancient than what western historians believe. For thousands of years, the Vedas existed in oral tradition, and now they have existed in written form for so many thousands of years. And the oral tradition is longer than the present written tradition, proven by present scientific historians. The first Jaina Tirthankara is mentioned in the Rig-Veda. And as far as the last Tirthankara is concerned, he happened twenty five hundred years ago, according to all historical evidences. It is better if we can change the wordings in Indian history text books mentioning the term that Mahavira is the founder of Jainism! A lot more we shall discuss in the following weeks! 

* -Tirthankara - Religious head

Wishing you all good health and happiness, 

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

Cosmic Vision

It is said that vision is the art of seeing invisible things. Where there is no vision, people perish. Therefore, every society needs some visionaries if it has to survive and prosper in the long-run. India has been fortunate in the sense that this country has produced a large number of great men and women. They thought much ahead of their times and gave a rich heritage to this country. India was known for its values, cultural heritage and spiritual strength. British rulers saw this as a threat to their rule as was mentioned by Lord Macaulay, in the British parliament, in February 1835. As a result, a new education policy was framed which gradually made our people short-sighted, a legacy which still continues to a great extent. 

Indian independence has now become more than six decades old. The nation has grown in many areas. The advances made in the field of science and technology have been a matter of pride and have brought glory to India. But there are many areas of shame, which if not addressed urgently, will wipe out all that we have gained from our economic progress. For this, the nation’s vision has to expand. Our people, in general, and rulers, in particular, have to rise above their narrow individual interests. Be they politicians or administrators or media or judiciary, all need this expansion maybe in varying degrees and the beginning has to be made by oneself. I have contemplated something in this regard, which I am sharing here. 

The social variation in this country is enormous and the vision of the people also varies accordingly. There are a large number of poor persons who are bogged down in their day to day existence. As a result, they cannot think beyond their daily lives. Their worry is about getting employment, food, shelter and other essential requirements of life every day. These are the people who fall in the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL). Despite all efforts, there is hardly any visible change in their number or condition. Then there are people who are better placed and have a job or work in their hands. Their vision is almost confined to one year. All they want is to increase their profit year after year. If they are able to achieve this objective, they are satisfied. 

The next category is that of the politicians who at best think of the five-year span and want to win the next election irrespective of the means adopted by them. Now, even the five-year span is shortened by the mid-term elections. Even during this period, many of them change their loyalties, if it helps in winning the next election. Very few politicians take a critical view of their profession and think of the present and the coming generations. Fortunately, India has had such politicians and I place them in the category of ‘statesmen’. They passed on their values and conviction to the next generation. Such leaders are remembered for a long time and their vision covers a span of about 25 years. 

Higher than the category of ‘statesmen’ are those who think of many generations and have a vision span of say 100 years. People like Ram Mohan Roy, Tagore, Baba Amte, Mahatma Gandhi, Abul Kalam Azad, Ambedkar fall in this category. They bring out social reform in the society, which stays for many generations. We may call them visionaries. There is still a higher category of persons whose presence is felt for thousands of years. I place them in the category of incarnations. Such persons are Ram, Krishna, Christ, Guru Nanak, Hazrat Mohammad and few others who fall in this category. They take birth whenever deterioration in the society goes beyond a critical point. 

Lastly, there is only one entity whose vision is for eternity and such vision can be classified as ‘cosmic vision’. This person is none but God himself. The human existence is only few thousand years old but the cosmos is ageless. It has existed for millions of years and will continue to exist for as many years. Our effort should be to expand our vision continuously and from ‘daily’ to ‘cosmic’ or ‘eternal’. It is possible for all human beings and that is eventually the goal of human life. Let us, therefore, strive to achieve cosmic vision or be as near to it as possible. 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

Freedom at Home

Bad odor was always unbearable to Mohammed. Mohammed came to one of them. Hafsa asked him whether he had eaten Jofir. Mohammed replied, ”No, I have only consumed honey from the house of Saineb. Hereafter I will not drink it.” Souda, another wife of Mohammed also expressed the same opinion that bad odor emanated from Mohammed. That was part of the conspiracy entered into between Hafsa and Aisha. Mohammed replied, “No.” He said that Saineb had given some honey. Souda replied, “Oh she might have collected honey from the flowers of Gofir.” Sufia also said the same thing. Mohammed thereupon took oath that he would not consume honey thereafter. When Souda attempted to express regret, Aisha prevented her from doing it. 

Mohammed’s wives were taking such a liberty with him. It was Mohammed who gave women such freedom which they did not enjoy before. Once, Mohammed’s wife Hafsa went to her parent’s house. During that time Maria came to Hafsa’s house to see Mohammed and spent some time there. In the meanwhile Hafsa returned home and waited for the exit of Maria. Hafsa did not like the conduct of Maria. As Maria went out, Hafsa entered into the house filled with anger and said, “I saw one who was here. By God, you have humiliated me. If you had any consideration for me you would not have done it.” Finding the enormity of the anger in her face, Mohammed wanted to please her and told her that if she agreed not to disclose this event to anyone else he would not visit Maria hereafter. She agreed, but the jealousy that conquered her mind made it impossible for her to conceal this. She passed on this news to Aisha and Aisha made enquiry about this to Mohammed. Mohammed realized that Hafsa had violated her promise. He thought that she would pass this news to others also. There was nothing odd in the behavior of Mohammed in the incident mentioned above. However both Aisha and Hafsa entertained jealousy about the love and affection Mohammed had shown to Maria. Similarly, Saineb had a feeling that Mohammed was showing more affection and love towards Aisha. This behavior with wives pained Mohammed and he distanced himself from his wives for about a month. Nobody dared to ask him about this. In the meanwhile, he was trying to take the message of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula. However Abu Bekker and Umer, were worried about the fate which awaits their daughters.

Justice P K Shamsuddin 

Sin and Salvation

What I am going to write here may put organized religions out of business. Organized religions have been, in one way or another, vendors of their version of salvation. They use sin and karma (the compelling force in Hinduism and Buddhism coming out of one’s actions giving determined direction to series of existences through re-births before final liberation) as the big items to induce fear and to cash in on. They emphasize the negative side of humanity – what is lacking in humanity – that needs to be redeemed through their formula. They create a God of fear and punishment to motivate persons and to maintain them in their ranks. I have arrived at this conclusion after over 55 years of serious studies, reflection, and religious commitment. The leaders of organized religions like the psychiatrists and the God-men and -women of fame in contemporary life tell unreflecting people not to question their prescriptions, rites and rituals, and doctrines and dogmas. They want the over-whelming majority of persons to be numbed out of rational existence through strict compliance with their instructions. Why would God want to create a humanity that in exercising the given freedom would end up in the deep irrevocable trouble of original sin from the get-go.  I am not convinced that the first parents of the Bible (Adam and Eve, if they ever existed) had the knowledge of the gravity of their act – disobedience – to deserve the harsh punishment they were given. I do not expect the misbehavior of the first parents to visit on their progeny. I do not believe that the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament depicted by Christ. Christ only asked the people of his time to repent and change their ways to bring about the Kingdom of God. And here I am going to ask the leaders of religions to repent and to change their ways to effect the Kingdom of God. 

After writing this I and the other ashramites (inmates of a spiritual center) got a stern call from our mataji (ashram mother) in the kitchen to come and eat the hot and delicious American pizza that she prepared for us before she would leave for the US on the following day. She did not want the pizza to be cold in the damp and cold monsoon weather of Munnar (Kerala). I reluctantly left for the dinner as my mind was still on the unfinished article. Then it quickly dawned on me that my ranting and raving through one more article, perhaps, is not going to make all that difference. After dinner and cleaning up we all decided not to have the customary satsang (coming together to share and pray) after dinner as we had a long satsang and Eucharistic worship earlier in the day being Sunday. I decided to retire early thinking of the long and cumbersome drive to the airport on the following day.

I went to bed, had a dream related to the unfinished article. In the dream a real God-man is giving a stunning, very difficult to describe God-experience without much verbal explanation and fan-fare. I got up at 2:40 am to describe my experience. The God-man in the dream was a Jesuit. Was he, perhaps, Tony de Mello whom I knew as both of us belonged to the Common Works of the Jesuits, and who was censored by the Vatican Curia for integrating spiritual masters from other religions? Was he the present Jesuit Pope who, at least so far, has striven to put the teachings of Christ into practice? The gist of the experience for me was that the God-man was blending a powerful brew gotten out of the un-adorned and un-embellished essence of the teachings of Christ and Buddha with the core of the Upanishads and the Bhagvad Gita. Interestingly, Christ, who was a theist revealed God, his compassionate Father described in the parable of the Prodigal Son, tore down the prevailing Jewish religious structures of his day. Buddha, who was an atheist who tore down the Hindu religious structures of his day. The former proclaimed the Kingdom of God, the latter Enlightenment that can be attained by all on own effort. Of course I wondered about the hoopla of men and women meticulously packaged by their handlers working healing miracles in vast retreat centers and assemblies, spiritual havens, and on television networks! Looks like the god-men and – women have been gobbled up by the consumer society, and already have had their rewards on earth. Or, perhaps, the god-persons and their countless followers see me as calling the un-attainable grapes sour as the fox of the memorable fable? 

Anyway, two things that were of paramount importance to give much-needed clear direction to humanity are: 1.  Formation of a clear conscience dominated by love and compassion, and guided by fundamental values common to all humanity, 2. Exposure of all to the spiritual tenets of major religions. Armed with an uncompromising conscience and knowledge of scriptures, everyone can focus on spirituality and prepare for God-experience without sensationalism and hype. We can have God-experience without too many god-peddlers and mediating middle-persons dispensing God’grace. Bliss and being with God are our birth-rights. We can already have these rights now in varying degrees of light and awareness. God is Light and we are lights on account of our relation to God. Let us enjoy our bliss.

Swami Snehananda Jyoti 

Who is the Wisest?

Sometime back, I remember to have heard a thought provoking joke on varying human perspectives. The minister of a large country decided to visit an island under his jurisdiction. The Minister traveled for days by train and car and boat to this furthest island in the nation. As he surveyed the bleak but inspiring landscape, he turned to a local villager and said: "You're very remote here, aren't you?" She responded: "Remote from what?" In real life, we consider some people to be suffering, some celebrating, some desperate. We have to admit that all these passions and subtle levels of understandings in life greatly depend upon the nature of perspective we hold. To learn more about the magnitude of differences perspectives cause, let us go through these life situations. 

It was a partially cool afternoon and a little boy was on his knees scooping and packing the sand with plastic shovels into a bright blue bucket. The little boy architect worked all afternoon spooning out the moat or fixing the walls and finally a castle city was created on the sea shore. Bottle tops were sentries, popsicle sticks formed bridges. It was a charming sandcastle anyway. This pretty narration of the boy on the sea shore connected my thoughts to a congested model corporate office of the day.

It was certainly the other side of technology, which is considered soft but quite wild. Aside the busy streets and rumbling traffic of the city, there sits a man with his head buried in stacks of projects and assignments. A mobile phone is always on his shoulder which is shrugged to please his ear. His fingers are always busy punching the keyboard. Numbers are juggled and contracts are signed and much to the delight of the man, a profit is made. All his life he works, formulating the plans and forecasting the future. Here, Annuities are sentries and Capital gains are bridges. Spending all his life, he builds an empire, quite real according to our standards.  

Two builders of two castles. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They see nothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will rise and the end will come. Yet that is where the similarities cease. Watch the boy as the dusk approaches and the waves encroach. The child jumps to his feet excited and begins to clap. He might have no regret, no sorrow or  any fear. He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and his masterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his father’s hand, and goes home. For the boy sees the end while the man ignores it. As for the grown up entrepreneur once the wave of years collapses on his castle he is terrified. He hovers over the sandy monument to protect it. He blocks the waves from the walls he has made. Salt-water soaked and shivering he snarls at the incoming tide. “It’s my castle,” he defies. 

I do not know who originally wrote this piece of thought. However, I’m sure that this little story could change my attitude further. What that came to my mind is the truth that it is always our attitude  that decides our present.

Joseph Mattappally

Perseverance Pays

Consider the postage stamp, its usefulness consists in sticking to one thing till it gets there.

Josh Billings                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping. Because there is occasional low spells of despondence, don’t despair. The sun has a sinking spell every night, but it rises again all right the next morning. A ship has no need of oars when the wind swells the sails, for then the wind gives it sufficient power easily to navigate the salt sea of passions. But when the wind dies and the ship stops, it has to be set in motion by oars or by a towboat.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who is the best known in the end of the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least failed while daring greatly; so that his face shall never be with  those cold and timid souls who know neither defeat nor victory. There are but two roads that lead to an important goal and to the doing of great things: strength and perseverance. Strength is the lot of but a few privileged men; but austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the smallest of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and always will solve the problems of human race.

King Robert Bruce of Scotland was pursued after defeat in battle, and hid himself in a lonely cave. He tried o plan his future course of action, but was tempted to despair. He had lost heart and had decided to give up, when spider caught his eye, the insect was carefully and painfully making its way up a slender thread to its web in the corner above. The king watched as it made several unsuccessful attempts, and thought, as it fell back to the bottom again and again, how it typified his own efforts. Then at last the spider made it! The king took courage from the spider’s success and persevered. The example of the spider brought its reward.

Energy and perseverance conquer everything.

Sr (Dr) Lilly Thokkanattu SJL

Surrender is not slavery

Our soul will be if we surrender on our own and become an instrument in the hands of existence. Please understand the difference; it is very subtle and great. If a habit or philosophy or religion controls me, over powers me, I become a slave. But what will happen if, I on my own willingly surrender myself to existence, then I become the master. This is a story from the life of Greek sage, Diogenes. Diogenes is passing through a forest. Walking fearlessly like a lion. Slave traders see him and are tempted by his powerful physique, because he would fetch a good sum of gold at slave market. Although the slave traders are eight in number, they are afraid to overpower and capture him, seeing powerful looking Diogenes. In fact one who wants to overpower another person is essentially a weak and fear stricken person. Only a fearful person wants to frighten and dominate others just to assuage his own fear. A really fearless person never tries to dominate others. He loves everybody’s freedom as much as he loves his own. So the traders are afraid of Diogenes, but their greed is equally strong. Prepared for a good fight, they surround him from all sides, but Diogenes confounds them in a strange way. Diogenes stands quietly and serenely in his place with no trace of fear or agitation on his face. He asks the slave traders of their intension. He then accepts to go with them without any hesitation. They try to hand cuff him but Diogenes convinces them the absurdity when he himself is willing. 

Diogenes walks at their head as if a king is marching with his retinue. He looks so charismatic that wherever he goes all eyes are turned on him. Pointing to his captors, Diogenes tells the spectators, “What are you looking for? They are all my slaves. Although they are not in chains yet, they cannot run away from me. They are found to me.” The merchants are really crestfallen. At slave market, manager announces, “Here is a great slave for sale; whosoever has enough gold can bid for him.” Diogenes first shouts at the manager, “shut up, if you don’t know how to sell a master.” Then he says to the bidders, “here is a master for sale, whosoever could afford a master should bid for him.” His radiance is of a person who surrendered to existence, not of a slave. 

If we are forced against our will to be n instrument, if it is not our own choice, then we are certainly a slave and our individuality is killed. But Krishna does not ask Arjuna to be such a slavish instrument. Krishna wants Arjuna to understand the reality and to flow with the stream of existence. It is foolish to fight the river of life and try to swim upstream. He says to Arjuna, “Leave yourself in the hands of life, of existence, and you will be fulfilled.” If we surrender with full understanding and joy, then our individuality, instead of being crippled, attains to full flowering fruition. Then we are our own master. Then there is no better way of proclaiming our mastery than the way of surrender. Let us try and understand, if I surrender it means that I am my own master. No slave surrenders, he is just overpowered and captured. For the first time Arjuna’s individuality attains full flowering, and it happens effortlessly and naturally when he realized the reality. He surrenders, not a slave. Gandhi understood the Gita, which is the reason he was never a slave to British even when jailed. Because he surrendered, like Arjuna, to the existence. 

Let us understand Krishna to understand Gita. 

Wishing you good health and happiness,

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

How Poor We Are

In this write-up, I am sharing a story I read somewhere and which gives a great message. The story goes like this: There was a rich man who used to live in a luxurious house with his family. The man had risen from a humble background and had seen poverty closely. But his children were never exposed to poverty and grew up in luxury. Once, this rich man decided to expose his children to poverty and arranged their stay in a village at a poor man’s house for a few days. He deliberately didn’t accompany them so that they could wander around freely. Accordingly, the children were sent to the village. The children enjoyed their village stay thoroughly. For the first time, they had a first-hand experience of openness. 

They slept there in the open, as the visit was during their summer holidays. The weather was clear and so there were shining stars in the sky during the night. There were a number of cattle and street dogs in the village, which used to roam around. The food was cooked on wooden fire in the open. There were big open fields all around the village where children used to play. In all, they enjoyed their stay in the village and returned to the city after a few days. On their return, their father asked them whether they had realised what poverty was. The children very fondly answered in the affirmative and went on to describe their assessment of poverty. They said that the bedroom in the village was so big that it had no boundary wall. The roof was also equally big. While the ceiling of their bedroom had only a few lamps, the village roof had countless lamps. The same was the case with the kitchen size and the number of cattle. In the city they had only one pet while there were a number of pets in the village. Summing up the whole visit, the children unanimously concluded that now they had realised how poor they were as compared to the village people. 

The morale of the story is so obvious. Richness is a state of mind and as long as we consider ourselves to be a part of Nature, we are rich. Continuous exposure to the worldly definition of riches makes us narrow-minded and we become blind to the wealth of Nature. Children, who are closer to Nature, are still able to appreciate natural beauty and, therefore, felt poor when exposed to natural surroundings. The same situation, however, was perceived differently by the grown-up parents for whom personal riches were the only criterion of wealth.

Let us therefore feel rich in the lap of Nature because eventually, all our so-called possessions are in the mind and their actual ownership lies with Nature. 

Rakesh Mittal I A S

Surrounded by the Wives

Asked, If Hafsa’s daughter is in the habit of criticizing the prophet, she replied, “By truth we use to criticize him.” I inducted her and said, “Beware of God’s punishment and anger of the prophet.” Ummu Selma said, “Oh son of Khatab. “Your conduct is very strange. You are interfering with everything. Are you going to interfere in the affairs of the prophet and his wives ?”

There is another story quoted by Muslin. Once Abu Becker came to the residence of Mohammed and sought his permission for entry into his room. He was given permission. Accordingly, he entered into the room. He saw Mohammed sitting gloomy in the midst of his wives. Soon after Umer also came and sought permission of Mohammed for entry to his room. Permission was accordingly granted. He also saw Mohammed sitting amidst his wives  in a gloomy mood. With a view to change the mood of Mohammed Umer said, “Oh prophet of God, if Binthu Kharij bargain with you for maintenance, I would have given her a clear place.” Mohammed laughed and said. “They have surrounded me demanding maintenance.” Hearing this Abu Becker gave a slap on his daughter Aisha. Umer also slapped his daughter Hafsa. He asked, “Are you demanding something which is not within the reach of the prophet?” Thereupon the wives of Mohammed said, “By God, you see that we did not demand anything from the prophet.”

Once Mohammed did not go to mosque, that became a matter of talk among the people. The reason for Abu Becker and Umer go to Mohammed residence was this. It is in this background that the following verse was revealed in the Quran. “Oh prophet, tell your wives,  if you want the world and the material and its resources, I will leave you …. If you want Allah and his prophet and his wives thereafter, God will reward to the righteous among you.” There is another incident which would reveal the liberty with him used by his wives. Once Mohammed went to his wife Saineb’s house. He stayed there longer than usual. It was not liked by his other wives. Aisha said, “I and Hafsa decided to say when Mohammed comes, some bad odor was emanating from his mouth.”

Justice PK Shamsuddin

Mandela: A Miracle

If you were to ask me what would be that one person living in the world that I would like to meet, my immediate answer would be Nelson Mandela of South Africa. Why? Like in Olympics the various athletes stretch their limits and set new world records, Mandela for me set a record of human endurance in the most trying and hostile circumstances of South African prisons for no crime he committed. In fact the prison guards gave him opportunities to escape from the prison so he could be, perhaps, shot and conveniently gotten rid of. He was too inconvenient for the then racist government of South Africa. Why was he inconvenient? Because he was the conscience of an inhuman and unjust society in a so-called civilized world. Why was he in jail? Because he dared to stand for his fundamental right – freedom that we all take for granted  – for himself and other fellow humans of his country from the descendants of white colonizers who were deluded in their thinking that they were superior beings, and that they had a God-given right to rule the Africans whose skin was dark. These Afrikaners thought that the overwhelming black majority of South Africans were sub-human beings who were created to serve them. Interestingly, their religion – a variety of Christian belief, I must say, – sanctioned the government that oppressed the blacks.

Mandela is a miracle in that it is difficult for me as a human being and as a clinical psychologist to believe that he endured 27 years of degrading prison life of hard labor without losing his mind. Not only that he did not become insane through long years of ill-treatment in prison but also became the president of the country that imprisoned him. He did not seem to suffer from the bitterness of long-term imprisonment. He did not take out on persons who caused him extreme long-term hardship and suffering. He was a great example of forgiveness and reconciliation that Christ taught.  As the first president of South Africa Mandela used the mandate that the multi-racial elections gave him to abolish the apartheid, institutionalized racism, and pave the way for a multi-racial society through racial reconciliation. Soon to be 95 (July 2013), Mandela is in his last lap in a hospital with serious health problems. His frail body may not last long, but his brave spirit that fought injustices and brought unity to his country will be a marvelous example for the entire world. He has received the most important honors including the Nobel Peace Prize that the world can give. I have no doubt that his spirit in due time will take its deserved place as a star in the spiritual firmament enlightening the world. His autobiography - Long Walk to Freedom – that was ingeniously smuggled out of the prison in small bits and pieces of papers cannot but inspire all persons of good will.

Swami Snehananda Jyoti 

Hotel Waldorf-Astoria

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia, USA. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night. “Could you possibly give us a room here?” – the husband asked.

 
The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town. “All of our rooms are taken,” the clerk said. “But I can’t send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o’clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It’s not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night.” 

When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll make out just fine,” the clerk told them. So the couple agreed. As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, “You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel. Maybe someday I’ll build one for you.” The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh. As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy. Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit.  The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a pale reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky. “That,” said the older man, “is the hotel I have just built for you to manage.” “You must be joking,” the young man said. “I can assure you I am not,” said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth. 

The older man’s name was William Waldorf-Aster, and that magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world’s most glamorous hotels. This live story is complete in itself. It hits at the heels of a generation, which is looking for pretty attractive returns only, and never bothered on how qualified each one is. What the new generation misses is necessary awareness on a Universe that distributes honours according to the magnitude of responsibilities one can upload. 

Joseph Mattappally

Importance of Vision

Vision is everything for a leader. It is utterly indispensable. Why?  Because vision  leads the leader. It paints the target. It sparks and fuels the fire within, and draws him forward. An important part of leadership involves casting vision. Some leaders forget to  cast  vision because they get caught up in managing. True leaders recognize the  difference between leaders and managers. Managers are maintainers, tending to   rely on systems and controls. Leaders are innovators and creators who rely on people. An effective vision provides guidance. It gives direction for an organization. True direction for an organization is born with a vision. It begins when the leader accepts it. It gains acceptance when the leader models it. And it become reality when the people respond to  it.

All effective leaders have a vision of what they must accomplish. That vision becomes the energy behind every effort and the force that pushes through all problems. Where does vision come from?  Vision starts within.  Nobody can accomplish great things alone. To  fulfill  a big vision, you need a good team. A truly valuable vision must have God in it. Make sure your vision contains all that  will  help you to  reach  your potential. What you see is what you can be. People do what they see. That is the greatest motivational principle in the world. 

                                 

Stanford Research says that 89% of what we learn is visual, 10% of what we learn is auditory, and 1% of what we learn is through our senses.  Each person look  at  life with a different vision. Three persons can look at a tree. One will see so many board feet of valuable timber worth so much money. The second  one  will see it as so much of fire wood to  be burned to  keep one’s family warm in the winter. The third will see it as a masterpiece of God’s creative art, given to  people  as an expression of God’s love and enduring strength .What we live for determines what we see in life and gives clearer focus to  our inner vision.

Where the vision is one year, cultivate flowers.

Where the vision is ten years, cultivate trees.

Where the vision is eternity, cultivate people.

Sr (Dr) Lilly Thokkanattu SJL

Krishna and Super-consciousness!

There are two forms of Krishna: One is his oceanic form represents the universal consciousness or super-consciousness. His wave form represents Krishna the man who happened some five thousand years ago. Now an image, an icon of his wave form- Krishna the man – can be used to come in contact with his oceanic form, with Krishna consciousness. But when we will really come in contact with Krishna consciousness, the image, this symbol of Krishna will disappear and only the super- consciousness will remain with us. While it is true that his statue can be used for connecting with Krishna’s super-consciousness, if someone sees only visions of Krishna and does not experience his consciousness, then it is merely a case of mental projection and nothing else. Super consciousness does not happen by way of visions and images. It is pure consciousness without any shape or form. We associate Krishna’s name because a person loves Krishna and comes to this consciousness with the help of his image. Another person can come to it with the help of Buddha’s image; he can call it Buddha- consciousness. Names do not matter the real thing is the oceanic consciousness, which is without name and form. 

We can begin with the mind, but we have to go beyond the mind. The journey begins with the mind, and ends with the no-mind, cessation of the mind. It is significant to know that the mind is the world of words, forms and images, these constitutes the mind. And where forms and images disappear the mind disappears by itself. There is no way for the mind to exist with out words, forms and images. The moment the concrete world comes to an end, the mind itself comes to an end. Krishna- consciousness is attained only when the mind ceases to be; it is a state of no-mind.  

Whoever says he has encountered Krishna in his physical form alone without the consciousness, is a victim of mental projection. He is projecting his own mental images on the vast screen of universal consciousness and viewing the objective reality alone. Such visions are not a spiritual experience, they are wholly psychic. They are however very gratifying, a Krishna devotee is overjoyed to see visions of one he has been desiring to see all his life. But we must remember, it is only a kind of happiness, not bliss. Nor can we call it an experience of truth. An oceanic experience is everlasting, once it happens it is forever, and it wipes out all other experiences from our mind. It really wipes out the mind itself. One blessed with such an experience sees divine everywhere. They see divine in trees and rocks, in streams and rivers, in mountains and stars. But so far as projected visions are concerned, they appear and disappear, they never last. They are transient, momentary. Our soul will be fulfilled if we surrender on our own and become an instrument in the hands of existence, and that is the state of super- consciousness the ultimate Krishna consciousness. 

Let us understand Krishna to understand Gita! 

Wishing you all good health and happiness,

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

Target vs. Goal

Having put in more than three decades in the Indian Administrative Service, I often feel confused about the process of development in the country. I have almost always been adjudged as an outstanding officer by my superiors. Not only me, most are assessed as very good, if not outstanding. More or less the same is the case with the officers of the other services. In the secretariat, which is the centre of governance, there is hardly any exception to this assessment. Individually, we all feel very happy about this achievement and take advantage of it at every opportunity.

The main criterion of this assessment is the fulfillment of the targets set for us during the course of a fixed period, generally a financial year. Towards the end of every financial year, the targets fixed by each department are by and large achieved and in most cases, the performance is better than the previous year. Going by this fact, the nation should have become fully educated, healthy, crime-free, clean, employed and prosperous by now. Every year there is a rise in the number of schools, hospitals, police stations, area sown, productivity, number of tube wells, power generation, road construction, so on and so forth. But at the end of all this, we find that the society’s grievances against the administration or governance as a whole are on the rise. Everyone feels that the health and education network has deteriorated, there is manifold increase in the crime-rate, there is annoying traffic on the roads, there are power shortages, there is lack of sanitation and a host of other problems. And on the face of it, no one can deny these facts.

As commissioner of the Lucknow division, I used to travel a lot in my jurisdiction, which was quite large. I myself noticed this situation closely and at times used to feel pained. One day when I was contemplating over this matter, it occurred to me that while the targets were being achieved by all of us, everyone was missing the goal. One reason according to me is that while we applied the entire mind to achieve the target there is hardly any application of heart in our work. Unless we do our work with head and heart both, the true purpose of our work is hard to achieve. Secondly, our individual growth appears to be enough to us. While it may be true in the short-run but if we work for cross purposes, then everyone ends up losing in the long-run. This is what seems to be happening today.

I conveyed my feelings to all the senior officers working with me, in the form of a letter, which was very much appreciated. I don’t know how many of them went beyond appreciation but it is my conviction that unless the goal of development is achieved, mere achievement of targets is meaningless. In other words, unless there is a rise in ‘gross national happiness’ or ‘per capita happiness’, rise in ‘gross national income’ or ‘per capita income’ is without meaning. This is possible only when we pay attention to both, the outer as well as the inner development of the society, and this requires the employment of both our ‘head’ and ‘heart’ in work. The same is true for life also. If the goal of life is to be achieved, we must not only be smart but also good. 

 Rakesh Mittal I A S