In essence, we boast of knowing others and their ostensible intentions but woefully we are not aware about our own self. In this, our potentialities and our weaknesses are not known to us. Thus lack of self-realization and persistence of self-doubt at every step influence our thoughts and Karmic deeds too. Not knowing our own self fully inculcates fears in us, the consequences of it all is that we adopt self-defense as our weapon – bringing in its wake duality in our habits, attitude and behavior. Persisting on this course, we adopt self-conceit or exaggerated sense of importance as our trait. What we call as self-importance, willy-nilly, becomes a part of our character.
The doubt (Bharam) and duality (Doojaa Bhaav) thus created become wall between us and our Mool within. This is the blind well of Spiritual ignorance the Gurbani so much talk about.
SELF-CONCEIT WHILE GIVING SHORT SHRIFT TO OTHERS
While we give too much credence to ourselves without any consideration of others self-interests leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction which leads to break in relations. If we continue riding roughshod over others then one day the situation may turn for the worst leading to violence and consequences of violence are known to everybody. Giving more importance to self over others results in breach of jointmanship spirit.
It has been mentioned very clearly in Bible:For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
SIMILARITY BETWEEN SELF-CONCEIT AND IGNORANCE
Sometimes self-conceit may visit us in ignorance, just unknowingly while we let our mind play with our thoughts. By so doing continuously, it becomes a part of our habit and then slowly our soul gets drenched in it thereby getting submerged and darkened. This happens when we think to understand outside world more than our own inner-self! Non-awareness of our inner-self results in enhancing our ignorance leading to egocentric tendencies. Egocentric tendencies results in more self-conceit and superiority complex.
In Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it has been clearly mentioned: In the darkness of ignorance, we identify with the body-consciousness instead of our Mool (Truth, Jot Saroop, True Nature…). Thus, our identification with the physical body-frame creates non-apprehension of the Reality, which in turn, creates in us the misapprehension (ignorance) that we are the finite beings as opposed to Joti-Saroop (Our True Nature).
MY OWN TASTE OF SELF-CONCEIT
I got the taste of feeling of superior complex or self-conceit practically a few days back. I happened to go to MTNL office for discontinuation of telephone-net connectivity because it was not giving satisfactory service. Checking the record, a balance of Rs. 50/- was due to be paid to the MTNL department. This amount was to be paid to accounts section but I was told to visit some other place to deposit the balance. While I went to the place, as I was told, that account section too told me to get the payment done in third place!! The first and second account sections, in order to show their importance pushed me from pillar to post for a paltry amount of Rs. 50/-? That is the self-conceit of highest order showcased by the account sections resulting in expenses of about 300/- by way of travel expenditure etc. for a job which could have been done in the first office itself on e-connectivity.
OUR IGNORANCE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF-CONCEIT
In essence, it could be construed that our ignorance is responsible for self-conceit. This ignorance leads to many things not in consonance to our holistic growth. By showing conceit we are actually earning Karmic debit for ourselves. The exaggerated sense of importance stems from several fears which we are having – if we adopt principle of ease of doing job then we shall be considered as laid-back or easy-going. Some may fear that by so doing, we may lose our importance and self-esteem. This unfounded fear remain haunting us.
In Bhagwad Gita it has rightly been stressed that all those who are self-conceited and give more credence to himself/herself do not know the true nature of the creation. Lowering the dignity of others just to pursue one’s own agenda is steeped in ignorance. And that worker who is always engaged in work against the injunction of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating, is a worker in the mode of ignorance.
WHY SELF-CONCEIT?
It is really strange why some of us show exaggerated sense of self-importance. There are various reasons for such a behavior. Firstly, they are perpetually fearful that others may not respect them if they are acting gently. Secondly, they themselves are not satisfied at the home front. Thirdly, such people are not fully proficient in their jobs and in order to hide their inefficiencies, they resort to creating fear psychosis in the minds of their subordinates. Self-conceit, in some cases results in non-violence since there is a limit to tolerance which may prove to be counterproductive for such a person. Therefore, we should not create fear in the minds of our subordinates and colleagues since jobs done in an atmosphere of fearfulness cannot bring forth good results ultimately. We should follow the principles of fearlessness advocated by Buddha as an essential pre-requisite for non-violence. Any job transacted in fearless and non-violent environs lead to positive results.
FEAR IS NATURAL
The Civid-19 pandemic has shown that due to the fear of contracting infection we adopt various methods such as keeping distance while outside of homes, putting on face mask, sanitizing our hands regularly, taking balanced diet to enhance our immunity, keeping our social contacts to the barest minimum, taking regular exercises in order to keep ourselves sound in body and mind etc. There is logic in this fear to avoid catching infection. If even then, we are infected, then we should face the fact and take all precautions required such as self-isolation, taking medicines prescribed by the doctor etc. This shows that fear is natural but how to live courageously despite fear haunting us at every step. This comes when we are ready to face the challenges fearlessly. There are people who are in perpetual fear of death without realization that whoever is born has to die one day. The cause of death may be any but it will come. Then why fear? I think, this fear of death which is natural should spur us to be egoless, detached and make us humble that we have to die one day, everything here is Maya and impermanence then why adopt self-conceit in our life!
In Bhagwad Gita, it has been said: Neither agitated by grief nor hankering after pleasure, they live free from lust and fear and anger. Established in meditation, they are truly wise. Fettered no more by selfish attachments, they are neither elated by good fortune nor depressed by bad.
GANESH CHATURTHI – HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF BIRTHDAY OF VEGHANA-HARTA ON 22ND AUGUST
LORD GANESHA
We call Ganesha or by any name Ganapati or Vinayaka Or any of His 108 names like Veganna-Harta Each has distinct meaning of its own He is the most powerful deities of all who is hitherto have been known The one who could be most easily identified A huge and gigantic (Vikat rupa) one with the elephant head The Bhupati – the Lords of the deitties A Bhudhinath – Sufficing with Sagacity The one who is the Lord of wisdom And is also a knowledge giver to those who worship Him And above all Vishwaraja The Lord of all. Ganesha is born out of the dirt Rubbed out of the being of Adi Shakti The powerful Goddess Parvati Goes to prove beyond any stretch of the imagination A most significant lesson for us humans That we ought not to feel egocentric about our origin But should introspect that even dirt has the boundless power of its own With our sincere thoughts and Karmic deeds or actions. The meaning of Ganesha Gana means a group And esha or pati means master He is thus termed as the lord or a ruler of large numbers Lambodara – the one with pot stomach Ekadanta – one who has one tusk Gajanana – having the face of elephant He too is called Pilai – the noblest child He too is called as Gana deviyo – the most revered one Portrayed in various forms Dancing, standing action against the demons, Playfully acting with Shiv ganas’ Lord Ganesha holds an axe or a goad and a noose Lord Ganesha’s vehicle (vahan) is a Mushak – a mouse The collected mass of dirt was infused with pranpritishtha – Living energy By Omnipotent and Omniscient Trinity And with their blessing transformed Him the Vishwaraja – the Lord of all The one who is Gunina – the master of all virtues The most Kirpalu – the most merciful and benevolent (Kirpalu) of all The one who removes all obstacles (Veganhatra) of His devotees But the one who creates obstacles (Vegankarta )in the paths of evildoers Which makes Lord Ganesha the first amongst all the deities. When a new project or business has to see the light of the day Venerable one is worshipped firstly For sure success of that venture Or when any sacred ritual or prayer or meditation has to start His name makes a huge difference In the fructification of our sincere efforts. Ganesha has two consorts Named Ridhi and Sidhi Ridhi is for prosperity that is required Sidhi is for getting spiritual movement upward Including increasing positive thoughts into actionable results. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped For bestowing protection And for increasing the power of recreation Whilst removing obstacles from one’s path Because of Lord Ganesha Is considered as the patron Of sagacity and intellect in abundance My fond prayers to Thee O Lord Ganesha Do bestow ease, peace & grace For all humanity So that all live in utmost harmony.
With multiple attributes renowned Which are easily identified The master of all important traits With affluence of wisdom and intellect Wealth of knowledge and learning Besides sciences and arts and much more He is the Deity of all sorts of beginnings & more This beginning could be for starting a business Or admitting a child in new school Or initiating any project or mission to be accomplished Lord Ganesha is the restored son of Parvati and Shiva – Lordess & Lord Since his head was replaced with elephant head After it was cut off by Shiva Himself in a fit of anger Whence Ganesha remained unwavering and stopped entry of Shiva Into Parvati’s living place.
Ganesh Chaturthi – The Birth Day Of Veghana-Harta (Obstacle-Averter) & Vegana-Karta (Obstacle-Creator For Evil Doers). Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Chauth or Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav would be celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm on 22nd August 2020. He is called the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The celebrations start on Ganesh Chaturthi and continue for 10 days – called Anant Chaturdashi and also termed as the Ganesh Visarjana or Ganesha immersion in the water bodies. At the time of immersion of the idol of Lord Ganesha, the devotees, in procession, sing songs praising the Lord Ganesha up to their destination (water bodies near their homes).
On this day, the devotees keep the clay idols in their homes or in public glare in temporary made stages or pandals. Prayers in the form of Vedic hymns are chanted besides the devotees observe the fast and offerings of modak and others sweets along with Prasadam are also distributed amongst the devotees.
He is the God of fresh beginnings and He eliminates our problems or obstacles by His graces. All the business ventures start by invoking His name. Even Gods and Demi-Gods worship Him and love Him the most. The Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Jammu (J&K) and Chattisgarh.
The earliest mention of Ganapati or Ganesha or Vinayaka is found in Rigveda. In this sacred scripture, Ganesha is mentioned to be the seer amongst the seers, abounding beyond measure in food, presiding amongst the elders and being the lord of invocation. It has also been mentioned: ‘nothing nearby or afar is performed without thee’. His name also appears in many other scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, Brahma Purana etc.
Pieces of evidence of worship of Ganesha have been found from 5th and 8thcenturies. He has been seen with goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth and wellbeing) and Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of skill and knowledge). Lord Ganesha consorts are Ridhi and Sidhi – having their own place as wellness of the devotees.
How the Birthday of Lord Ganesha came about?
Legend has it that Lordess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste which was applied to Her body before taking bath. She was impressed by her own creation which ignited her curiosity of breathing / infusing life into that creation. Low and behold, the creation of Maa Parvati came to life!
Subsequently, She told him to guard the entrance to the bathroom and ordered him not to allow anybody to enter it while she took bath. All this transpired when Shiva had gone somewhere. When He returned back, Ganesha, standing guard, did not allow Him to enter. On asking who he was. Ganesha replied that he was Ganesha the son of Maa Parvati.
Lord Shiva sent His Ganas to teach the child first lesson in mannerism. As Ganesha was created by Shakti, he was very powerful besides being obedient to the core. Indira and his army of demigods too used their power to overpower Ganesha but in vain.
Now it was the turn of Narda with Saptarishis came for persuading the child for allowing Lord Shiva but it was also a futile exercise. All this infuriated Lord Shiva still further. Out of anger, He severed the head of Ganesha. When Maan Parvati came out after Her bath, she found the severed head from the body of her creation. This scene enraged her immensely. Observing her state, Lord Shiva promised to bring back to life their son. For this purpose, the demigods went in search of the person facing north. They could not find any humans. They could find only bring the elephant’s head which was fixed on the headless body. Ganesha came back to life instantly through the supernatural powers of Lord Shiva.
WHY GANESH CHATURTHI IS CELEBRATED?
Previously, only Hindus used to participate in the festivities but presently there is a community participation in this festival. There is the enactment of concerts; discourses based on intellectual competitions and debates /spirituality related discourses, skits, folk dances, etc. Dahi Handi competition is another interesting and much awaited by the participants. Here prizes are also given.
People of all castes, religions, and color participate in these festivities and this becomes a fertile ground for national integration and engenders understanding between different communities. All these activities have the two-fold benefit. Firstly, it enhances unity in diversity and secondly, it ensures completive fervor between people.
As Lord Ganesh is the embodiment of good tidings, people start their new businesses on this auspicious day so as to have His blessings for the success.
From the above, it is evident that this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ensuring cohesion/unity between all the communities, encourage non-discriminatory ideas/ideals besides getting the opportunity to celebrate the auspicious occasion imbibing spiritual onward march and finally to get Lord Ganesh’s bounties of unlimited intelligence and wisdom.
The prominent temples in India are mentioned below:-
Shri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Mumbai.
Shrimant Dag
dusheth Aalwai Ganpati Temple,
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor.
Manak Ula Vinayaka Temple, Pondcherry.
Mathur Mahaganapathi Temple, Kerala.
Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan.
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur.
Ganesh Tok Temple, Gangtok.
Ganapatipule Temple, Ratnagiri, Maharashra.
Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Tamil Nadu.
As you are the Vegen-harta, the remover of obstacles; my most sincere pray is that He should remove ignorance, destitute, poverty, solve the problems of multitudes and engender wisdom and wellness in all the communities of the world. And also, you are the Vegen-karta, creator of obstacles in the path of evildoer, so I pray that He should inculcate good traits even in evildoers and work for the good of the humankind.
MAY THE GRACES OF LORD GANESHA REMAIN ON ALL OF US EVER.
SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI : PRAKASH DIVAS ON 19th AUGUST 2020 SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI – The 11TH GURU
Guru Granth Sahib is the most sacred scripture Construed as the revealed words of Divinity Spoken factually by the Gurus & other most revered Saints Known for the wisdom and sagacity of highest order The holy compact lot is termed as Gurbani Meaning spoken from the mouth of Gurus & sacred saints The most revered ones indeed We’ve firm conviction that these holy words Are the words of Waheguru Ji (God). Guru Arjan Dev Ji the Fifth Guru Made a sincere beginning To bring together and collected and compiled the scriptures Which contained Mool Mantar, Japji and Sohila Composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji The First Guru – the most revered one As a collection of his Holy hymns The scripture was known Thence this Holy Book was termed as the Adi Granth Installed in Harminder Sahib On 16th October 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev Ji Subsequently in 1706 the Adi Granth Became Guru Granth Sahib Ji The supreme and Eternal Living Guru of Sikhs Which was declared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji added 1 Sloka In Mahala 9 Ang 1429 Enriched by the teachings Of Indian saints of repute Such as Ravidas, Ramananda, Bhagat Bhikhan, Kabir and Namdev Besides Muslim Sufi saint Sheikh Farid. Every word and phrase of Guru Granth Sahib Ji Is based on the society and its wellbeing Including the Justice of our Waheguru (God) Which bestows enlightenment to us all The Holi Granth is revered as Gurbani The holy words of Gurus The voice of sanity and wisdom Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the spiritual authority of Sikhs. To dispel his doubts of Mughal Emperor Akbar He undertook a random checking And found his doubt as false alarm By the vested interests He too found the Holy Granth as treasure house of spiritual gyan. Guru Granth Sahib ji is revered And termed as the eternal living Guru The most respected spiritual guide and Guru Which inspires all the communities of the world With its sagacity and wisdom Written in Gurmukhi Meaning coming from the mouth of the Gurus The revered ones opined That through reciting His Naam Through Shabad Kirtan Could bestow the human With bliss – an eternal joy. Then compositions by the Sikh Gurus Added scriptural richness to the Tenth Living Eternal Guru. May the teachings of Tenth Eternal Living Guru Ji Remain enlightening the humanity as a whole For eternity with the blessings of our Guru Jis.
Our selfless National Heroes got us freedom After struggle so unmatched Against the foreign rule The rulers who ruled With an iron hand Handing out punishments For the reasons so filmiest They destroyed the traditional industries To popularize their own brand of products Even education was devised and made applicable in a manner Which produced only chair-borne white colored jobs. Then we remember the grim and sordid massacre of Jallianwala-Bagh Wherein thousands of people were gunned down without any mercy Amongst other chilling incidences With executions on filmiest grounds And jails to many of the freedom fighters Even in Cellular jail (Kala Pani) in Andaman and Nicobar The freedom fighters withstood the severest punishment without much remorse Finally got freedom from foreign rule so repressive With a sacred pledge to create the good impression Amongst diverse groups of people with variety of ideologies Thereby to live in harmony On the principles of unity in diversity And maintain this hard-won sovereignty By removing the spectre of poverty Hunger, ill-will, difference based on regionalism And narrow minded parochialism Ultimately enjoy the fruits of freedom
Along with the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
15th AUGUST – INDEPENDENCE DAY (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS) – MY WISH LIST FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH
It goes without saying that we all wait for The Independence Day with a lot of expectations wherein we renew our resolutions and resolutely follow the chartered path in order to be successful in our endeavors.
We also wait for our PM’s speech delivered from the ramparts of Red Fort which fills us with huge satisfaction that we are marching ahead for holistic growth and development in all fields. It may be industrial development, agricultural development, banking sector, infrastructural development, mining sector, employment generation so as to enhance the per capita income of our people and raise their standard of living. This apart, the position in the diplomatic front too is gauged, if need be, some corrective steps taken to consolidate the bonds of friendship between the nations.
ADVERSE AFFECT ECONOMICALLY DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has spread its tentacles globally due to which, perforce, lockdowns are being reinforced vigorously. These lockdowns, for keeping check on the virulent infection, have adversely affected the economic activities globally triggering economic downtrend of worst order (5.2 percent contraction in global GDP in 2020). Indian economy too cannot be left unaffected. India went into lockdown situation from 25th March 2020 onwards thus restricting the largest workforce to pursue their respective professions (Skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled) and the sectors hit are real estate, hotel industry, infra sector, professional services sector etc. There has been loss in businesses and job losses which has impacted every sector and almost all the individuals. One thing which is encouraging is that there is no scarcity of food items, partly due to efficient management of wheat, rice and other food items of daily consumption.
LOSS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
In India, as on today, confirmed infected cases stand as more than 2.4 M, recovered 1.7 M and deaths more than 47,033. More deaths has taken place in USA, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, etc. Anybody can imagine that human resource loss is really telling and adversely affects the societal fabric. In India, the recovery rate is good and death rate too is also less. This is due to the fact that respective State Governments are scrupulously following the guidelines of lockdown conditions besides observing other norms necessary to avoid to contract infection. Besides, it has been found that those who are affected are getting their medi-care in hospitals or observing home-quarantine seriously. I would like my countrymen to follow necessary precautions handed out by Ministry of Home Affairs.
INITIATIVES FOR REVIVING THE ECONOMY AND TO BE SELF-RELIANT
Good news is that we have started the campaign of being self-reliant on some of the products which we used to import from our neighbor in a big way thus were totally dependent on virtually everything under the sun. These may be household wares, three wheelers, computers, mobiles etc. This huge reliance on a foreign country has resulted in not merely the foreign exchange and also our industrial base is being depleted to much extent. Both the large and small industries have dwindled due to more reliance on foreign source; so much so is our reliance on that foreign country that it had started dumping their sub-standard goods. I want my country to produce goods for use in the country itself rather than rely on other countries.
POSITIVE SPIRIT CAN ONLY HELP US TIDE OVER THE SITUATION CREATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Keeping in view the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for the independence of our country, I pray to Almighty God that India may have inclusive growth and development, despite impediments created by Coronavirus Pandemic and subsequent economic downtrend. My wish-list for this ‘Independence Day’ and the coming ones is a mix of social harmony, current scenario, economic upliftment, incorruptible politics, probity in public discourse, which working within the ambit of our Constitution, maintaining law & order besides facing the realities of our times including the specter of terrorism, extremism, violence etc.
SAFETY FROM FLOOD FURY
Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in deaths and destruction including destruction of standing crops and live stocks in many parts of India. Most of the rivers are flowing above danger mark thus inundating the areas in their vicinity. The states severely affected in the North are Bihar, U.P., Uttaranchal; North-Eastern states, Maharashtra (Mumbai particularly). In the South, Karnataka and Kerala have been severely affected. Immediate steps should be taken to safeguard the lives and properties everywhere. I want all the states adversely affected by current floods should be protected on war-footings. Although National Disaster Response Force is working round the clock yet more needs to be done for the people who are affected by the flood fury. Till such time we keep our internal situation stabilized and protected from natural calamities , we cannot call ourselves fully free since inclusive progress is not possible without the participation of all citizens.
ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370 FROM J&K
After the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of state into two UTs, it is in the fitness of things to remove all the restrictions imposed in Kashmir are removed and full net connectivity restored. My wish is that all the regions of the state should have all round development (Srinagar, Jammu and Ladakh) without any bias whatsoever. This is really laudable step since people there would get all the benefits which they were not hitherto getting.
FIVE TRILLION ECONOMY (IN DOLLAR TERMS)
Before the hurdles generated by Covid-19 pandemic, the dream of our Government was to ensure development of all sectors of economies so that we could attain our coveted goal of 5 Trillion economy. I still hope and pray that with the concerted and unstinted efforts of our Government along with the State Governments, we can still attain this goal. To fructify our dream, it may take sometimes more but if 1.35 billions join hands anything could be attained – of course with a lot of impediments created by Covid-19 pandemic.
For this to be a reality, the Government has to take measures that will improves unemployment problem, the current NPA problems of the banks should also be taken care of notwithstanding the global slowdown due to Covid-19 infection and business losses and job losses.
SELF RESPECT AS A REWARD OF GIVING RESPECT TO OTHERS
It is a fact that respect is earned by our day to day behavior and demeanor. We have to earn our respect. It is not given to us on the platter for nothing. One who knows how to maintain self-esteem knows the need of respecting others on the basis of quid pro quo. It is synonymous with: Charity begins at home. Even a small child will respond with respect if I treat that child well.
I WANT INDIA TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
The insensitivity and callousness that some people show towards others should be reoriented/re-visited and we should be compassionate towards others.
CHANGE IN THE MINDSET ON THE BASIS OF CASTE, CREED, AND COLOUR
Previously the varnas or caste system was on the basis of professions which the people followed. Now, everybody is free to profess his/her profession, therefore, there should not be any need to give more credence to narrow thinking based on caste, creed and other considerations. Recent happenings in some parts of India are the blots on the society as a whole wherein the Dalits are beaten up mercilessly either by cow protection vigilantes or cold-shouldered even by the law enforcement agencies when approached by them for action. All members of our society should get due consideration and no bias or discrimination shown on the basis of parochial considerations. New norm should be that all should be respected equally and rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected in letter and spirit.
TRADITIONAL MODES OF BEHAVIOR/VALUES SYSTEMS
It is a sad commentary that we are forgetting the traditional modes of behavior. The values which our forefathers attached to family and our cultural modes of behavior are being forgotten and in its place, narrow regional considerations are being given credence knowing fully well that these are neither beneficial to anybody in the society. I would like my countrymen to imbibe traditional values for which my Bharat is acclaimed since ages with the dictum, respect others if you want to get respect. It is never a one-sided affair.
SWACHCH BHARAT MISSION OR ABHIYAN
Swachch Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister of India Shri Narinder Modi Ji at Rajghat on 2nd October 2014 has paid rich dividends and it has become a campaign to make the length and breadth of India neat and clean. Neat and clean India is healthy India and healthy India is free from diseases. I wish that this mission succeeds by the participation of all. This Swachch Bharat Abhiyan has obviously helped us to keep our houses and surroundings neat and clean to as to avoid infection.
ECONOMICALLY STRONG COUNTRY
It is a considered fact that Indian economy cannot be left unaffected by the global slowdown yet we should make efforts so that we are economically strong and self-reliant despite adverse affects created by Covid-19 pandemic. All the economic parameters should be re-orient so that holistic growth and development takes place so that employment rate enhances and people earn their livelihood and not be reliant on Government doles for their day to day needs.
WATER MANAGEMENT
The recent incessant rains in some parts of India and flooding, we have to see that our sewerage system is well taken care of. It has been seen that when it is rainy season, we face problems of water-logging and flooding. This should be looked into seriously. With the aim of ensuring sustainable development and management of ground water resources of our India the Government has rightly has assigned this job to a Ministry. This will ensure conservation, protection from pollution and distribution. This should be done with utmost sincerity and posthaste lest we feel pinch afterwards. Water wastage loopholes should be plugged.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Education of the masses is one of the important factors for the overall health of the country. I am sure the New Education Policy will take care and will help produce more skilled manpower rather than while-colored ones. Care ought to be exercised that students are taught the skills along with the general education so that they ‘earn while they learn’. Skilled and semi-skilled training should be imparted according to the capacity and capability of the student. We are rich in Human Resource. We have to exploit this rich resource for our own benefit. This is also important for avoid brain drain which is presently happening. Our IITs and IIMs are churning out technocrats and management professionals of the highest caliber. Their talents should never go waste. Let our Government come forward in absorbing these talents for garnering benefits for our country.
A COUNTRY WHICH RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRL CHILD
It is high time we respect our women folks. The Divine Trinity has his female counterpart; Saraswati (learning) – Lord Barmha, Lakshmi (wealth) – Lord Vishnu and Parvati (power) – Lord Shiva. All the rituals, especially auspicious ones, are incomplete without women being part of it all. Disrespecting women was construed as the disrespecting the God. All the relationships – mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc are essential for us all. In olden times these relations were considered very reverential. Without these, what is the status of the father in relation to mother, wife in relation to husband, daughter in relation to son, sister in relation to brother etc.
A woman was supposed to be the manifestation of Goddess/Shakti and the male was supposed to be incomplete without the female (Shakti) with him. Lord Shiva is incomplete with His Shakti (Maan Parvati) that is why it is called SHIVSHAKTI.
Even in Ramayana times, women used to choose their suitors – Maan Sita chose Lord Rama after he broke the Dhanush of Lord Shiva in a sacred ceremony called sobmbar. Even in Mahabharata Dropati chose Arjuna in a sobmbar.
In other words, those who want to subjugate women and refuse to give their proper place, they are hypocrites. A simple question: CAN THIS PROCREATION and raising of new GENERATION possible without women? Men and women are the equal partners and ought to be taken as such. It is, therefore my fond hope that women are given their right place and it should be our m9ission to protect the ‘girl child’.
CORRUPTION FREE SOCIETY
One of the impediments that are eating into the very vitals of our society is the hydra-headed corruption. We are aware of the scamps and corrupt practices that were used in allotting coal blocks, use of middleman in defence purchases, and currently, even the Judiciary has come under attack with some people tarnishing its image. God forbid, this is the wing of our society which should/is respected the most if it falls prey to corruption then on whom our society will bank on! Wish that our country becomes corruption free one. This is a crying need of the hour as corruption is taking the wheels of progress backward.
IF WE WANT TO PROGRESS, IT IS A MUST THAT WE ARE INTERNALLY STRONG
For this to happen, it is a must that we are economically stable, politically strong, militarily strong, whose opinion is taken with a pinch of salt diplomatically, help the weaker countries with finance and sometimes militarily as done in case of African nations by India many a time. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D). If we want to make our borders encroachment free, it is in the fitness of things to be militarily strong, be self-reliant in production of defence related equipment and keep the armed forces personnel fully trained to defend the borders at all times.
HEALTH CARE OF THE GENERAL MASSES
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a situation wherein everybody has to take care of his/her health related issues. Everybody has to take balanced diet, exercise regularly and become immune to infections. It is a continuing process.
PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE
We choose our representatives so that they pass various legislation and do everything for the upliftment of the society as a whole. This Monsoon Session was more productive than earlier ones as more bills having positive ramifications were passed in this session.
HONORING THE NATIONAL HEROES – FROM DEFENCE, DOCTORS,POLICE FORCES ETC.
Previously we had those who defended border and made supreme sacrifices were considered as the National Heroes. Now in that list, we have our Doctor, nurses along with staff assigned to keep the surrounding neat and clean too as National Heroes.
UNQUESTIONABLE INTEGRITY
I would like all people with unquestionable integrity for upholding the unity and solidarity of India. This is the most essential asset for an individual. If it is in suspect then the very existence of ours is in doubt and a life with doubt is fraught with impediments.
RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER’s FAITHS AND BELIEFS
India has diverse cultural modes. Its different religions, castes, creeds, belief systems, languages etc. If we respect each others’ modes of behavior, then there would be cohesion and brotherhood amongst our countrymen. When we are united, then no power can subjugate us. For this to happen in the real sense of terms, it is important that we respect each other rights.
SPIRITUALLY FORWARD NATION
One of my fondest wishes is that India may become progressive but with spiritualistic outlook, where people are awakened morally, culturally, aesthetically, progressive and more compassionate. Also keeping all along in that progress – leaving none while following a life of morality and fair-play.
MISCELLANEOUS EFFORTS IN
• Covid-19 pandemic situation should be an eye-opener for us all. Those who take care of their health are less skeptical to catch infection because of their strong immune system. • Due to the persistent use of water for drinking, in agriculture, industry etc, the scenario of ground water available would be grim in near future. Maximum attention need to be given to the precious water resources so that this resource is not depleted.
Small and Medium Scale units should given more priority since in these units more employment could be absorbed. Furthermore it is not capital intensive. • Pollution to be tackled on the war footings. • Imports / Export Policies oriented for improvement of imports and exports. More exports mean more foreign currency for the country. The more foreign currency could reduce the budget deficit which has become a number one headache for the country. • Foreign Exchange Reserve to be replenished. • Fiscal Policies revised as per the need of the hour so that the current rate/value of rupee does not fall as is being happened presently. • IT Sector to be given the boost. India is potentially a soft power giant. But we have to exploit this resource to the hilt as is being done by other countries. Our IT experts are proving their mettle in other countries. We are thus losing our human resources and also the benefits which our country ought to have garnered. • It should never be forgotten that other countries too are improving in the IT sector. It is a must that this Sector should be given more incentive so that it improves further and earns much needed Foreign Exchange for the country.
Infra development should be made because it is labour intensive.
More hospitals and dispensaries should be opened for medi-care of the general people.
The above are some of our wish-list which every right-thinking Indian would like to have for the overall and inclusive development of the Bharat of our dream where people can follow their faiths and belief, have freedom of expression, follow a profession of their choice with merit as a prime consideration and to top it all with no corruption at all. That is the India of my dream.
When prevalence of evil is at its worst When irreligious & immoral rule the roost When there is no respect For the principles of natural justice When voices of virtuous souls are gagged with force When human rights and values are overlooked woefully When ignorant are rewarded only When people with sagacity are ignored willfully When people are disgruntled immeasurably When people without moral conduct are respected unduly When egocentric tendencies are pampered fully When even blood relations are imprisoned by their own offspring unreasonably When divinity and spirituality lose its sheen When saintly advices are not paid any heed When arrogance is allowed to fester When commoners are put to shame by their masters And forced to submit to their whims Thus forced not to pray Omnipotent and Omniscient When seers’ Yajna are defiled By throwing rubbish and filth on the fires so sacred When sages and opposition voices are stifled arrogantly When even just-born kids are done to death mindlessly Because of fear of these children Growing and becoming a cause of their own death When general masses are uncared And left at the mercy of evil marauders Thence our Lord Vishnu descends from His Abode Vaikuntha And incarnates for destroying the evil from the world at large In order to deliver the pious and the righteous Thus He annihilates the evil which has made a residency As irreligious and unreasonable ones Thus re-establish the principles, Of morality and fair-play. At the stroke of midnight, At Ashtami Tithi with Rohini Nakshtra that night Something very mystic happened There appeared Lord Vishnu dressed in shining attire And carrying His weapons including Sudharshan Chakra, In the imprisonment of evil King Kamsa, On request from mother – Devaki & father – Vasudeva, He turned Himself as a baby to be hidden from evil Kamsa, This way, the birth of Krishna took place in Yadu dynasty, Kamsa knew in his heart of hearts, really That nobody can undo the purpose of Lord Vishu incarnation Since the will of God always prevails on all occasions. Lo and behold, the violent and vigilant guards remained in deep sleep, Oblivious what transpired in the guarded dungeon just nearby, Whilst heavy downpour made the Yamuna fully swollen, Vasudeva put the baby Krishna in a basket on his head, With Sheshnag providing a shelter from rain, Yamuna swelled still further on, Wishing to touch the feet of the Supreme Lord, Then Krishna offered His Divine Feet for Yamuna’s touch. After reaching Nandgaon Vasudeva exchanged the baby Krishna Brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya He was back to his prison cell without being noticed by anyone. At Nandagaon, Krishna performed many of His Mystic plays of Leelas – unique ones, Showed His mystical prowess at Mathura and finally at Dwaraka, He mesmerized Gopis with His flute play– at the musical best, Attracting even the cows herds in hoards. Gayatri Mantra was initiated to the Krishna by Guru Gargamuni, And Vedic arts and sciences by Guru Sandipanimuni, At Mathura He killed many demons, To ward off the demons threats, Thus stopping threat looming large, Of many a ferocious demons. During His childhood days, And thereafter during his life time, His role as destroyer of evil is well-known to everybody Mahabharta epic provides us the testimony. . He married many queens, Rukimni being the most beautiful one, Love of Radha & Krishna is etched in folklores, Will ever remain in our memories till ages, As the pious Love of Divines. Lord Krishna acted as a Charioteer of Arjuna, The greatest archer (dhanushdhari) of all times, Was the role of His in the Kurukshtra war! Where Lord Krishna displayed His stupendous Universal Form, When Arjuna was in doubt to fight war, Against kith and kin of his own, Then the Supreme Lord delivered His famed Bhagavad Gita, “The Song of God”, Containing essence of Jnana, All encompassing knowledge – Gyana. In the war that ensued, Evil doers met their doom, Thus had the results of their wicked karmic deeds, Proving that bad Karma leads to bad end, And with them the wickedness that pervaded, Thus Kamsa met his death at the hands of Lord Krishna, A victory of good over evil was ensured, A lasting lesson for us mortals to follow indeed, May Lord Krishna’s blessings be showered on all of us By gracing us with wisdom And spread the message of goodness for us mortals.
KRISHNA JANAMASHTAMI
The birthday of Sri Krishna is celebrated every year. As per the astrological calculations and scriptural details, the date of Krishna’s birth, which is known as Janamashtami is 18 July 3228 BCE. Lord Krishna lived upto 18th February 3102 BCE. He is the 8th Avtar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha (dark night) between the months of August – September every year.
Krishna belonged to the Yadu dynasty descending from Soma. He was the 8th son of Princess Devaki and Vasudeva (son of Surasena). Krishna was carried across the River Yamuna by Vasudeva after his birth in the confinement of Kamsa.
Krishna Janmashtami has been variously described as: Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shrikrishna Jayanti, Sri Jayanti, Krishna Janma, Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, etc.
Lord Krishna Himself has enunciated in Bhagwad Gita that whenever there is excessive evil/sin in the society; when there is prominence of repressive and regressive forces besides prevalence of irreligious practices, He appears on this planet to eliminate evil thus minimize the scourge of evil from the society besides protecting the pious and righteous people. His form may be different in different ages but He takes birth or incarnates and shows the right course to the people at large with His thoughts and actions.
Lord Vishnu is the cause of creation and He incarnated as Krishna to eliminate demonic forces prevalent in the society at large. It has rightly been said that God is omnipotent and omniscient besides He possesses innumerable names: Lord-Allaha-Rama-Krishna-Jehova-Budha-Akalpurakh but Truly speaking; He is the ONE. He has personal and impersonal aspects. To exemplify this; a drop of water has the same chemical and physical properties as water from huge reservoir of water. One or Many hardly makes any difference. Our body which we love the most is impermanent. Our soul and the Super Soul are permanent. It does not die with the death of the body. God incarnations and saints’ lives which have been enumerated in different scriptures have made it amply clear about the importance of God Consciousness through their discourses and other mystic actions, remain inspiring us humans. Such is the importance of incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Krishna.
THE BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA IS LACED IN MYSTICISM
After the marriage ceremonies, while Kamsa was taking his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudeva in the cheriat, he felt very happy. There is a custom of brother accompanying the married sister to her in-laws home. The procession was passing merrily while Kamsa was driving the chariot. The atmosphere was surcharged with joyous/ecstasy.
As ill luck would have it, there was a prophecy from the sky: “Kamsa, you are such a fool! You are driving the chariot of your sister and your brother-in-law, but you do not know that the 8th child of your sister will kill you.“. Kamsa was dumbfounded and could not control his anger and therefore wanted to kill Devaki (the daughter of Devaka) but Vasudeva intervened and promised that they will give all their newborn children to Kamsa after their births and agreed to stay in his jail cell. They were thus imprisoned under the supervision of guards. Vasudeva also commented that Kamsa being a greatest warrior and should not kill his own sister. He also told Kamsa that we are dying every moment that passes and death is evitable for the one who is born. Thus he pacified Kamsa through his (Vasudeva’s) flattery.
Afterwards, Kamsa imprisoned his own father (Ugrasena) and declared himself as the King besides usurping the power of King Surasena (Vasudeva’s father). He expanded his power to other parts too through his prowess.
Subsequently, first six children of Devaki and Vasudeva were killed by King Kamsa sooner they were born after the news of their birth was conveyed to him. While Kamsa’s relatives and friends tried to dissuade him from doing so but he did not listen to anyone. Then there was a news of miscarriage of seventh child but actually seventh child was transferred to Rohini as Balarama – just secretly – a Mystical potency of God.
AN ATMOSPHERE OF PEACE ON THE BIRTH OF KRISHNA
When Krishna was born, there was an atmosphere of peace, auspicious stars were visible in the sky besides there were all positive signs. The demigods were very pleased and began to shower flowers. Then Lord Vishnu appeared before Devaki and she felt very elated. Vasudeva was also very happy after seeing the shine on the face of the newborn – such opulence and effulgence. The demigods had already informed them that Supreme Personality of Godhead would be born from the womb of Devaki. He was really convinced that the newborn was the Godhead Himself. Vasudeva began to offer prayers. He was of the firm belief that now Kamsa will get justice for his sinful acts. He thus prayed and requested Him to save them from the hands of Kamsa. Devaki requested Him to take the form of an ordinary child so that no harm is done to him.
MYSTERIES OF KRISHNA’S JOURNEY FROM MATHURA TO GOKULA
Afterwards, a mystic thing happened, all the prison locks got opened, all the guards slept and there was a heavy rain. On the birth of eighth child, Lord Vishnu ordained that the child be taken to Gokula to Nanda and Yashoda. There upon, Vasudeva took infant Krishna with him, crossed the river Yamuna and reached Gokul. After leaving infant child at Gokula, he brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya back to his prison cell. Due to the grace of Lord Vishnu, nothing went amiss. The birth of Krishna, and activities are all transcendental and one who understands it is spiritually rich person. His birth is according to His time and place besides the need of such an eventuality. Even the planetary systems were adjusted auspiciously at the time of Krishna’s birth.
Foster father Nanda Baba and mother Yashoda of Lord Krishna were very happy while they were celebrating the birth of their newborn son with great pump and show. There was an atmosphere of joy everywhere. Yashoda always thought Krishna as her dear son and not anything else – they all enjoyed the childhood pastimes of Krishna thereafter.
The news of the 8th child was given to Kamsa. While Kansa was about to kill Yogmaya, she vanished from his hands and thundered that his killer was in Gokula and warned about his looming death. Thereupon, Kamsa sent his various ferocious demons to kill Krishna who were all killed by Krishna.
KAMSA’S PERSECUTION RECKLESSNESS STARTS
Kamsa comes to know about the birth of 8th child and further information that he is taken to Gokula made him furious. He got exasperated and lamented; now the cruel death will not be far away he thought. Yet he wanted to do everything in order to eliminate the child.
IMPORTANCE OF CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS
Significantly, the celebration of birthdays for everybody is a must since it reminds us not only our self-worth but also we realize the purpose of our lives. It also gives us realization how much our friends our relatives and other well-wishers love us. We reciprocate in the same measure the wishes and wellness showered on this day for us. Therefore, it is not only the birthdays of Messengers of God we should celebrate but also of ourselves, friends and relatives.
NEED OF INCARNATIONS
The demons kings were very harsh in their behavior towards their subjects. They inflicted all sorts of punishments on them including not allowing them to worship their deities and carrying out various rituals as enshrined in the scriptures. The demon kings wanted that people should obey them, pray them and remain slave to them. All this and more hardships made the world at large troubled spot. This necessitated and impelled deity of earth – Mother Earth (Bhumi) to go to the Lord Brahma in Brahmaloka with tears in her eyes to reduce the burden of evil doers and the heinous sins being perpetrated by the demons from the earth. Lord Bhrahma, Lord Shiva along with all Demi Gods accompanied Mother Earth for invoking Lord Vishnu to come to their succor. All prevailed upon Lord Vishnu to appear as the son of Vasudeva and all other Demi Gods to appear on the Mother Earth in different forms to assist Lord Vishnu in His new Avtar in one form or the other. .
Kamsa sent Putana who was known for killing small children by her sinful methods, to kill child Krishna. Krishna killed her after suckling her breast.
King Kamsa sent demon named Trnavarta with mystic powers. He was eliminated by Krishna without much difficulty.
A demon named Bakasura attacked him and his cowherd friends. Krishna killed him.
Serpent Aghasura was killed after playful acts of Krishna and his friends with him.
Dhenukasura attacked Krishna and his gops. He killed the demon.
Demon Pralambasura sent by King Kamsa was killed by Lord Krishna.
Demon Kesi in the form of a horse was killed by Krishna.
While visting Mathura, Lord Krishna killed the wrestler named Canura by hurling him to the ground while wrestling.
Finally Lord Krishna dragged the demoniac King Kamsa and threw him on the ground, struck im with His fist repeatedly and killed him. That was the end of the evil along with Demon King
WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC DO ON THIS PIOUS DAY
Devout keep fast on this day and remain awake till midnight at the time when Krishna was believed to have born. The image of Krishna as an infant is kept on the cradle or swing both at homes and temples and everyone wants to have a dharshan makes the swing to move. This is considered an auspicious thing.
Devotees sing songs and make merry besides exchanging gifts and flowers. In temples satsang and puja is also held.
Janamashtmi is celebrated differently In different parts of India. In Maharashtra, Dehihandi is celebrated where buttermilk is kept in a pot and kept at a convenient height. Different parties try to break this earthen pot so as to win this contest. This event is undertaken to remember the event of stealing of buttermilk by Krishna in his childhood from Gopi’s homes. The participants in this event are called Govindas.
In Mathura (the birth place of Krishana), Gokul and Vrindavan the festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People gather in large number and offer their prayers to Him. Even in Dwarka in Gujarat where Krishna established his kingdom, people visit Dwarkadish temple. Bhagavata Purana, the part dealing with the pastimes of Krishna are recited besides offerings of betel, fruits, flowers etc done by the devotees.
Gokulashtami is celebrated with great fervor in South India too. In Tamil Nadu, the people decorate the floor with kolams (decorative pattern drawn with rice batter).
Besides Lord Krishna’s mysticism and Leelas are always enjoyed by the devotees.
Lord Krishna dance upon the heads of the serpent Kaliya thereafter Kaliya realized his mistake.
Protected the people from the heavy rains on the village Vrindavan by lifting Govardhan hill on his little finger.
Rasa Lila (Dance) with gopis at Vrindavana to the tune of the flute.
It is very vividly in Bhaghwad Gita that those who know about the birth, His appearance and all activities of Lord Krishna become eligible to be transferred to spiritual world. JAI SHRI KRISHNA. For this to become reality we have to be Krishna Conscious.
Bhagwad Gita discourse which Lord krishana had with Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra (A DHANUSHDHARI OF REPUTE) enlightens us with the following besides other things:
You have the right to work but never to the fruit of the work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.
Whatever happened, happened for the good, whatever is happening is happening for the good and whatever will happen will happen for the good.
Change is the law of universe, you can be millionaire in an instant or a pauper in an instant.
The soul is eternal.
You came empty handed and will leave empty handed when you die.
Lust, anger and greed are the three the gates to self-destructive hell.
Man is made by his belief, as he believes, so he becomes.
When meditation is mastered the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.
Doubts are our enemies.
We are kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by a clear path to lower goal.
We are all one since all are God’s creations.
Let go off attachment – our attachment to the worldly possessions is the cause of miseries.
Give without expecting anything in return.
Man is his own friend or enemy by his karmic deed or misdeed.
Steadiness equipped with Yoga one controls the mind.
A person can attain supreme state of freedom from the karma by self-control, and disregard for the material possessions.
It is better to do one’s own duty better, even though it may be below our merits which we actually deserve.
The five factors of our actions are: place of action, the doer, the sense organs, numerous efforts and the divine law which govern all other factors.
Essentially, when we want our self-interests to be kept in our mind and fulfilled before taking the interests of others to be taken into account. By so doing, we are following an inward looking way of living. There is no disputing the fact that everybody has the right, wherewithal besides freedom to take care of our self-interests but in this case too, our approach should be more flexible rather than inflexible.
While to fulfill our self-interests is good but to give more reliance to ourselves only, sometimes, it may boomerang on us sometimes. I am of the opinion that we should never be self-serving.
A thing is more interesting when it meets the following principles parameters:-
SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY
It should be kept in mind that a thing when accepted by all, without any reservation is interesting as it does not intrude into the privacy of others for instance obeying the social norms, obeying the laws of land including the Laws of Nature is very interesting and should be followed in letter and spirit by all without any reservation. Any transgression may entail social stigma against us and we may also face the law if we transgress any rule governing our social behavior.
WE SHOUL NOT BE BIAS IN ANY WAY
A thing is interesting if it is for everybody with any bias or discrimination on the basis of narrow biases which some of us do have for others. It should always be kept in mind that we all are creator of the same God. Our birth and deaths are the two things which are no in our hands. If somebody thinks that I am superior to other one owing to my birth in a particular family or leaning then, I am totally forgetting the fact that births and deaths are not in our hands. While we were born, we did not bring anything and while we depart we shall not take anything. Whatever we have is given to us here on this beautiful earth due to our God’s graces for which we should be thankful to Him. Then, for God’s sake which particular think you have which others do not have which makes you egocentric. When you will leave this earth you will not be taking even a strand of hair of yours leave aside anything else!! Therefore, in order to make ourselves socially acceptable, we should first of all respect all and earn respect in return. We should not compartmentalize ourselves on the basis of our religion, caste, creed, colour, language, region etc. Keep in mind that these were not in our hands when we were born, then, why we should have bloated sense of superiority complex? To be more interesting, we should obey the new norms of social behavior and live as the children of God, taking pride in earning more friends than enemies with our bias attitude.
OUR ACTIONS SHOULD BE BEREFT OF SELFISHNESS
When we become more conscious of our own interests, our own ways of living, our own style of functioning without regard to others sentiments and interest involved, then, sure enough, you will not be able to be of any interest to others since you are not earning their gratitude and respect as a member of a society. We must have seen even the animals help each other when one of them is in dire need. I witnessed a video wherein a monkey was saved by a dog (a sworn enemy of monkey otherwise) but when monkey was in need of assistance for its survival the dog helped it to come out the troubled spot. There are so many cases in the animal world wherein they come to the succor of others when in need then why, we as humans who think themselves to have special power of discrimination provided by God disregard it all and become selfish? In order to make ourselves more interesting and likeable, it is in the fitness of things to be understanding of others’ needs and aspirations because you will also need somebody’s assistance. Do not forget we require some people to carry our body while we are dead for burial or cremation??
WE ALL HAVE TO PERFORM OUR OWN KARMA
As humans, we have to perform our various Karmic deeds according to our situation and condition, the environments in which we are living besides our place we have earned for ourselves in the society. Our efforts should be to earn Karmic Credit points by being empathetic, compassionate and always spiritually oriented while performing our various tasks in the society. This will also earn for ourselves a good place in the society besides making ourselves interesting. It should be kept in mind that ‘nobody flogs a dead horse’, if you are not interesting to others, then, why others should be interesting to you??
ON CREATION OF OUR GOOD KARMA
The quality and ethical level of actions of an individual depend on the pattern of his life and his social conduct in society. There are enormous avenues of good conduct. There is no limit to do good karma. Karma is the act, work or deed that affects our future life and also, our life in the next birth. The concept of Karma puts a lot of emphasis, not just on our actions but on our intent as well. Good actions done with good intent help you create Good Karma. Newton had correctly observed that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. What you do today will impact you in some way tomorrow and only those who choose to live wisely, and with this awareness of how nature works will gain in the end. Therefore, we should create good karma. For this to be reality, we should fulfill needs of others of those who need our help, be considerate towards and all. By so doing, we can get peace inward which cannot be bartered for anything tangible.
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF A THING DEPENDS ON OUR DETACHED THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS
ON OUR UNDERSTANDING Understanding of anything Or everything Depends on us individually And collectively Wherein our sincerity Of Inner thoughts And Karmic deeds thereof Without attachment to the fruits Of our action Thoughts bereft of sincere efforts Without much attachment To the fruits of our action Understanding or otherwise Depends on our mind and intelligence Which is individualistic in nature. Then there are some things Which are mystic in nature For these things are wrapped in mystical thoughts We base our understanding On the basis of pure faith and belief – astha Then in understanding We delve in empathy for those who do need our sympathy. What we conceive with sincerity Happens Based purely On our thoughts and action Bereft of attachment to the fruits of our action. We too bstow appreciation Of others point of view Without going deeper Into result of our action we perform.
In Bhagwad Gita is has been rightly said: Such a man of understanding acts with intelligence perfectly controlled, gives up all sense of proprietorship over his possessions and acts only for the bare necessities of life. Thus working, the person concerned is not affected by unethical reactions. Therefore our understanding is dependent partly on our intelligence and party the sincerity of our karmic deeds.
Understanding the intricacies involved in our lives also involves how we should transact anything and everything without attachment to the fruits of our thoughts and actions not forgetting the sincerity involved in that actions.
It has been observed empirically that the understanding of person differs from person to person. While talking about understanding, the comprehension, the thoughtfulness, the conception etc. differs as every person differs in his/her level of knowledge, know-how and will to gain the same.
It should always be kept in mind that understanding or comprehensive capacity is individualistic in nature and depends on the level of effort an individual puts in to garner knowledge (Gyan). For gaining knowledge and enhancing our understanding, we have to burn mid-night oil. It does not come just by wishful thinking.
Then understanding has other meaning too – these too differ from person to person; depending fundamentally on our application of efforts, concentration and willpower to assimilate and gain power to attain the same.
These are:-Sympathy or empathy. One of the important things in our life is having compassion or understand about others.
Compassion brings about concern for others which is essential in day to day life.Considerate. To be considerate in essence is necessary. Those who are not considerate for others lack civility and consideration for others do not know the exact meaning of existence.
Perceptive power. Those who conceive an idea and perceive succeed. This understanding should not be understood by all.
Appreciation of some aspect. Understanding and appreciation others’ positive pursuits bring about holistic development in an individual.
Acceptance. Acceptance in any field will go a long way in understanding the inner and outer aspects in any field of activity.
Though evolution, with passage of time, has taken place and with it the growth and development in science and technology in varieties of fields yet when life originated and also its beginning is wrapped into mystery and delusion and based on conjectures.
Even the studies in science, philosophy, metaphysics etc. are not able to unravel the truth about its genesis. Everything that is known till now is based on the understanding of human brains and conjectures. The human understanding has made a huge difference in progress of the civilization and culture. We have attained awakening in spiritual plane too.All this is attained due to our sincere effort in unraveling the mysteries of Nature,
There are unresolved questions, the understanding of which is difficult to attain. For instance, the beginning of creation’s existence, its genesis, origin etc. we areee groping in dark about its SOURCE. There is lack of understanding when the life began; is it due to self-origination or there is some power who created this earth, the universe, the nature etc.
This way, there are many things in our lives and beyond which should be understood but we are not knowing but keep on delving so as to reach a happy ending suiting the time and space – till at least TIME helps in solving the mysteries in it all.
As the level of comprehension differs from person to person therefore, the understanding too differs. It differs from person to person.
A DELICATE TWINE MAKES HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SISTER AND BROTHER
RAKSHA BANDHAN – RAKHI (MAY THE BROTHER & SISTER LOVE GETS SYNERGIZED)
Rich in cultural heritage, And traditions so enriching Despite upheavals, Some known and others buried, And forgotten, As time went on, India with its varied festivals, Keeps reminding the multitudes, Of the importance of the festivals, Based sometime on change in seasons, Or some sacred religious occasions, Other times based purely on human emotions, Whilst there is a need to revive relationships, So as to render assistance, To each other when need be, To make the relationship, More accommodative and ready to lend a hand always. The RAKSHA BANDHAN is the festival, so well-known, Where sister ties the sacred thread around her brother’s wrist, Rakshn Bandhan is held in the Hindu month of Shravan, Witnessed by the auspicious full moon from the Heaven, Profuse with sisterly adoration, And awe-inspiring sentiment of brotherly affection, Indeed a close blood relation, A festival of deep bond of emotion, Wherein a brother promises fortification, Of his sister from any danger unforeseen , An ultimate ‘bond of protection’ Though unwritten in real sense, Yet this thread is not an ordinary twine, But solemn undertaking given. Rakhi is not mere a knot between blood related brothers and sisters, It is sacred knot between neighbours, And other society members, To keep the fabric of society united, To ensure communal concord, History is replete with several examples, Where Rajputs & Maratha queens sent Rankhis, To the Mughal kings, And won their support at the time most critical There is also a story of Alexander the Great’s spouse, Sending a Rakhi to King Porus, Which King Porus accepted with immense respect And the promise was so fulfilled By not harming her husband Such is the sacred Rakhi’s bond. Such is the power of this ordinary thread, That it can keep even adversaries united. O our All powerful Creator, Thee who can do anything anywhere, Knot the world community with thy Holy Thread, So that all live in peace and concord.
RAKSHA BANDHAN (An Ordinary Twine which unites the two souls)
We Indians and globally too, are fortunate to celebrate different festivals, particular to the region, which are celebrated with religious fervour and devotion. Festivals may be different but there is a commonality of warmth which is exhibited while celebrating these festivals; which is indeed amazing. That is the beauty which binds us together with a common Thread of Love and Care for each other.
MEANING OF RAKSHA BANDHAN
The word Raksha means an act of bestowing protection and bandhan means a relation/connection/tie/bond/association. Taken together it means a relation which ensures or bestows protection as and when there is a need. Raksha Bandhan, in other words, is a bond between brother and sister for provision of protection to the sister whenever contingency arises There is also a sacred pledge that he (brother) will fulfill the promise of protection come what may. In return, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother. Due to this, the connection of brother-sister get synergized and there and emotional bond consolidated.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RAKHI PURNIMA
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival which highlights the importance of brother-sister relationship. Here, brother-sister may be related biologically or may be biologically unrelated.
In some parts of India it is simply called Rakhi festival or Rakhi Purnima (falling on full moon). India being a multi-cultural society, not only Hindus, this festival is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, etc. The sister ties a (Rakhi thread) sacred thread on the wrist of her brother and the brother in turn gives a solemn pledge or promise to the sister to come to her succor at any unforeseen eventuality or contingency. A promise which is formulized on RAKHI PURNIMA DAY. This festival falls on full moon day (Shravan Poornima) and that is why it is also called as Raksha Poornima. Falling in the month of Shravan, this festival has special significance since it is connected with fasting, on every Monday to earn the graces and blessings of Lord Shiva and on every Tuesday for pleasing Goddess Parvati.
SENSITIVITY IN THE RELATION OF BROTHER & SISTER
The brother-sister relationship is really very sensitive. When brother and sister are biologically connected then they grow up together under the same roof and the parents make them understand the importance of brother-sisterly relationship. As the sister, after she grows up, has to leave the home and hearth of her parents, Rakhi Thread becomes a link between brother and sister to remind each other that there exists somebody to care for him/her. It is, in other words, an emotional bond/link which brings forth the memories of the past days when both brother and sister had lived and brought up together. To say the least, I opine, sisterly love is next the motherly love. A simple woven thread, self made or purchased from market with great reverence cements relationship even further between brother and sister.
Some of the salient features of RAKSHA BANDHAN are given below”-
• Raksha Bandhan signifies the love and affection between brother and sister – an emotional link which solidifies the relationship between the two blood-related or otherwise.
• Brother promises to protect her sister and come to her succor whenever called for besides giving a suitable gift for his sister as a token of love.
• At the time of tying the knot of sacred thread parents, grand-parents and other members of the family ritualistically gather to shower their blessings on brother-sister at a spot where sister ties knot of Rakhi to her brother and pray for their well-being and prosperity. Tying of knot of a Rakhi is done in a ceremony by lighting a earthen wick or a candle in a shallow plate. Sister applies tilak or tikka on the forehead of her brother and then ties Rakhi. The purpose of lighting a wick is for sanctification of RAKSHA BANDHAN in presence of Fire God. Brother gives her gifts and promises to protect her whenever there is a need. Subsequently, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother. Some sing religious songs in connection with Rakhi festival.
• The sister prays to God for the safety and prosperity of his brother.
• A sacred thread, in the form of Rakhi thread, cements a bond between brother and sister thus establishes goodwill and emotional bond between them two.
• Most importantly, when brother-sister love is affirmed outside the biological relationship then it will enhance inter-faith cohesion and fellow feelings between different castes, religions etc. This practice persisted in the past and is prevalent now as well. Raksha Bandhan evokes feeling of love, respect, and a sense of protection and also engenders a feeling of togetherness between different religions.
• Then there is a practice of sending Rakhi threads made by the school children to the soldiers guarding the borders who could not be with their sisters because of their emergent commitments. These soldiers will naturally feel elated and emotionally suffused by this sacred gesture.
• Self made Rakhi Threads along with the sweets and gifts are sent to the orphanages for tying to the ones who were not so fortunate to have their brother tying this sacred thread. This also brings smile on their faces.
• Brothers and sisters who are geographically separated send their Rakhis by post or any other fast means along with the gifts in the form of gift cheque etc. Now-a-days, due to the progress of communication owing to net, Rakhis could even be e-Rakhied without wastage of time. What a way to exploit the fast communication! This gesture too keeps the bond of brother-sister love ever blossoming.
• The Prohits self-make Rakhis and distribute amongst their disciples who put these on their writs with fervour. This too is considered as a SARED TWINE.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Earliest examples of a Rakhi Bandhan prayer is found in VISHNU PURAN: a prayer that Yasoda sung while tying a sacred rakhi lucky charm on Krishna’s wrist. May the lord of all beings protect you, May the one who creates, preserves and dissolves life protect thee.
Historically legend has it that Rajput queens used to send rakhi threads (a scared thread) to other neighbouring rulers in order to show their linkage or relationship and establish a bond of relationship and spread brotherly feeling amongst the neighbourhood and avoid bloodletting on small pretext or misunderstanding of any nature.
There is a legend, Lord Ganesha had two sons named Shubh and Labh. While Ganesh’s sister came to tie a Rakhi around the wrist of Ganesh, his sons became disappointed. They wanted a sister too. Then Narda Muni came and persuaded Lord Ganesha for the same and thus created a daughter by the name of Santoshi Maa by the divine flame emerging from wives named Ridhi and Sidhi who tied Rakhi on the wrists of her brothers Shubh and Labh. There is also a legend in Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana that after Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from demon king Bali, he requested Lord Vishnu along with Maa Lakshmi to stay in his palace. This was not like by Goddess Lakshmi. She had a plan. She tied a Rakhi around the wrist of King Bali and made him his brother. When asked for a gift she asked for the freedom of Lord VISHNU and freed from the promise to live at his palace. Demon king agreed.
In Manabharta, Lord Krishna considered Draupati as his sister. When there was a cut on his finger while beheading Shushupal, she pierced a piece of her sari and tied it around his injured finger which was bleeding. Krishna took it as a sacred thread (RAKSHNA BANDHAN) and bestowed her protection whenever called for the same.
There is also a legend of Yama (the lord of death) and Yamuna (river). Yama, due to pre-occupation could not visit her for 12 long years. She told Ganga for the same. Gangaji mentioned this to Lord Yama. He visited his sister thereafter. Yama was very happy to see his brother after a long time; prepared tasty food for him. On asking for a gift, she extracted a promise that he should visit her year after year. This too is connected with Rakshna Bandhan.
May true spirit Raksha Bandhan prevails and creates congenial brotherly feelings amongst the humanity in general.
Eid-Al-Adha Or Eid-Ul-Adha Eid-Ul-Zuha Or Bakr-Eid simply for us all Calling this auspicious day With any name Makes hardly any difference Factually it is a festival of sacrifice The festival of giving Anything considered most precious Which one has for giving Thereby solidifying our faith in Almighty God. The custom that started When most venerable Abraham Offered his only son named Ismail At the command of Allah Without even the slightest demur of any sort A reality check or test Which God wanted From devout Abraham And also his son Ismail Lo and behold! After actually offering Supreme sacrifice Surprise of surprises Found a slaughtered lamb! Meaning the most Bbenevolent God Tested the love and willpower of Abraham For Him – the benevolent One While Abraham was obeying The commandments of God Satan made attempts to prevent Abraham From scarifying his only son But he did not care to listen to satan The diverter of our attention from Him and His Commandments Instead obeyed the commands of Allah And left for us all A message so enduring God loves those who obey Him And are ready to sacrifice anything On His bidding May this day brings a feeling of self-sacrifice So that needs of all are met By distributing love amongst all Let’s all pray and sacrifice our ego Which divides humanity from each other FOR THE OVERALL WELLBEING OF HUMANKIND AROUND THE WORLD.
HAPPY EID-AL-ADHA
Thoughts on Eid-al-Adha / Eid-ul-Zuha / Bakr-Eid
Thoughts on Eid-al-Adha / Eid-ul-Zuha / Bakr-Eid – A Holiest Muslim Festival
There are auspicious days occasioned due to some renowned events connected either with religions occasions or any other events of importance or connected with events of international or national importance. Eid-al-Adha or Bakr-Eid is connected with event of religious prominence and has gives us message of giving without any expectations, a message which could change our destinies and lifestyle. A positive oriented existence with complete faith on Allah.
Eid means festival and Eid-al-Adha means Festival of sacrifice or it is termed as Bakr-Eid meaning celebration with the sacrifice of a goat. This festival is celebrated with great solemnity and reverence across the world as a tribute to Prophet Ibrahim’s rock-solid belief in God. He willingly agreed to sacrifice his beloved son Abraham as ordained by God.
Here, Abraham’s love and reverence are of prime importance. Legend has it that Abraham agreed without even the slightest doubt to sacrifice his only promised son named Ismail on the express command of God. God wanted to test the love of Abraham for the general masses. Subsequently, before it could be done, Allah intervened and instead provided Abraham a lamb for the sacrifice that is why this day of sacrifice is also termed as Bakr’Eid. At that time the age of Abraham was 99 years and his son only 13 years.
This was also a test of Ismail’s maturity and faith in Allah. He himself offered to be sacrificed. When his father mentioned his (son’s) impending sacrifice, without any reservation the son offered himself. All this is evidence that it was not merely father Abraham but also Ismail was having faith in Allah commandments. It was really unprecedented. Willingness on the part of both father and son to accept the will of God is dear to both besides being dear to our God.
There are high and low tides In the sea There are Tsunamis Of high intensity Generating tides of highest intensity But after taking it all Enduring it all While remaining calm within It exhibits its staying prowess The sea adjusts Becomes serene After huge disturbance As though There were no high tides Which the sea usually withstands Its waves are at the lowest ebb After every storm Of high and low intensity. A huge lesson for us humans There would be biases There would be favoritism There would be discrimination Of low And of highest order We too have to Either put up with everything Patiently Or fight it out With will power We can muster Or ignore it all But never Take this bias To the inner recesses of our heart And get disturbed And resort to some ultimate Which is neither good for us individually Nor collectively.
ON SPECTRE OG NEPOTISM
It pains me immensely when I find bias or discrimination at every step of our lives. This discrimination may be on the basis of caste, creed, colour, origin, region, language, culture, traditions; you take and think in any sphere of activity and you will find this hydra-hooded lurking in nook and corner. No society is immune to this malaise. No country can pride itself of not having this ill-conceived, morally bad, unkind, humiliating, and degrading disease. This is despite the fact that in the eyes of our All Knowing Being, we are humans first and then anything else. This malevolence or wickedness prevalent in our societies around the world divide the humans into different groups and, sorry to say, then stigmatized n- labeled as socially undesirable, persecuted and in some cases looked down upon as scum of the society to be ostracized at every step. I am sorry to use some tough words but is so.
This discrimination continues even after evolution of man from stone-age to the modern era of freedom of speech, freedom to choose our profession, freedom to choose our business, freedom to follow our faiths and belief we cherish etc. Still there are people amongst us who do not even think twice in differentiating others and tagging others the way they want. Some people just tolerate the excesses peacefully, some react with violence and fight this out besides still there are the ones who cannot take in any longer and take ultimate step of committing suicide and finish this all once and for all. The last
The subject nepotism is really on the lips of everybody owing to what happened to the budding Indian actor – Sushank Singh Rajput who started his career in television serials. He committed suicide (at the age of 34 years) due to the pulls and pressures of his profession created by nepotism or any other reason – although the case is under investigation, whether it was a suicide or murder by somebody is yet to be come to light. But one thing stands out, there is nepotism in some organizations or industries. In the instant case, the film industry with some hits to his credit. May be, he took the ultimate step because of disease called nepotism which is rampant in any society. It is there in workplaces even at our formal and informal institutions too.
There may be pulls and pressures, stresses and stra9ins or discrimination or bias in any profession or career but it is also a plain fact that, nobody has the right to take his/her life which is a gift by our Almighty God. If one finds that there is a bias or favoritism or discrimination of any sort, one can fight it out and if need be come clean out of the mess created by others. But to commit suicide is no solution to any problem rather it makes others around especially our blood relations shattered!? Those who think that suicide is the solution for solving any problem then, i am sure, it is one of the retrograde step and must not be taken in any situation or condition.
I shall touch upon my professional lifespan. After my retirement from a Central Government job, after 39+ years of unblemished service, frankly I did not face any bias or discrimination. My education and family background were not so rosy so as to command admiration. Initially, we all have to work hard in order to get on-the-job-experience and subsequently we can get adjusted in any environs in which we are placed. While in this service, I have worked at different places and with different people. My superiors were very considerate and i felt no discrimination or bias even due to fact that in our organization we had people from different family background, with excellent track record of service experience, with excellence in educational qualifications etc. I learned from each one with whom I worked.. Then after my retirement, i have got opportunity of working in two-three organizations wherein i found not even an iota of bias-feeling in any. Everybody, my superiors, my colleagues still like me and I get along with anyone and everyone with whom I work. In other words, I have not faced any nepotism in my public service of spanning around 44 years as on today. To be frank, if I was discriminated, I did not take it all seriously and took everything in my stride with the dictum: Let the sleeping dog lie, if you awake it, he will bark and may be bite you.
If experience is any guide, we get bias tag due to the following:-
EGOCENTRIC TENDENCY
In an organization, we are not always fortunate to get good superiors, colleagues and others. Sometimes, we have to work under fastidious ones too, under whom we have to make adjustments since in any organization we ourselves have to change, nobody will change for us. Our ego should not come in our adjustment in the organization we are presently working. This is also true in case of any society. In the society, we have to command respect by giving respect5 first. Nobody cares for a ‘dead horse’ should never be forgotten.
OUR REACTIVE TENDENCY
There are occasions when we are not able to cope with the situations and conditions in the organisation, especially so after our transfer from one place to another wherein we have to learn new things about the job. We have to be adaptive to change. If sometimes we get undue remark from your superiors or may be from our colleagues, we have to take these in our stride and learn from our mistakes and not resort to reaction – to pay in the same coin. If we do so, then, God knows what will follow thereafter. Reactions create more reactions and living in the surcharged atmospheric is not that easy.
RESPECT IS EARNED BY GAINING KNOWLEDGE
It should always be remembered that we have to have know-how about the organisation in which we are working and always keep in mind what we can contribute for its growth and development. We may not be in the position of POLICY MAKING yet whatever job is assigned to us should be done with optimum care and caution. Never forget even a single nut in a running vehicle can make the vehicle unfit to move. Everybody has his/her job cut out and should give his/her optimum. Then there will not be any ill-feeling for any one.
If at all you are feeling pinch, just have patience, TIME is a great healer. Everything and everybody is impermanent here on this earth. Even discrimination against us too will pass. Tolerance, patience, persistence, and perseverance make huge difference in our lives.
We should, therefore, keep in mind, bias or discrimination or favoritism persists and cannot be wished away. It ingrained in human nature, in some it may be lesser than others but it is there but we have to live with all these negative and positive forces.
