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Mahabharata Wisdom Series: Prahlada and Bali

Blind forgiveness vs. judicious anger

Which virtue is superior?

An interesting discussion between Prahlada and his grandson Bali:

Bali: Is blind forgiveness superior to justified anger?

Prahlad: Aggressiveness is not always good; nor is forgiveness.

One who relentlessly forgives always suffers and makes his dependents also to suffer. 

Servants, strangers and enemies ill-treat him, steal his goods under his very nose and even try to take his wife away. 

The evil-minded will never be affected by compassion.

Equally bad is indiscriminate anger or force.

It results in getting hatred from all owing to recklessness.

One must resort to forgiveness or righteous anger as the situation may demand. 

- Source:

Mahabharata Wisdom Series: The burden of exile and Yudhishthira's pain

Saunaka's advice to Yudhishthira on life, change and pain on account of Pandavas' exile

Yudhishthira could not bear his subjects following him unto exile. It was not going to be easy for him and his brothers to feed, protect and nurture them during this harsh journey rife with danger. Though he could convince some of them to return, there were still others who insisted on staying with him come what may. He was overcome by this gesture and experiencing grief considering the massive change that occurred in their lives - all thanks to the fated game of dice!

It was at this juncture that the wise Saunaka says to Yudhishthira, "Grief and fears galore afflict everyone night and day, but affect only the ignorant. Wise men like you should never be affected by changes of circumstances that result in poverty, loss of home, kingdom or of one's kith and kin."

Saunaka went on to make Yudhishthira understand that the core reality - the truth of one's being - is unaffected by the ephemeral nature of wealth, youth, beauty and possession.

Deliverance comes by ending duality, the cause of our eternal conflicts. To read my blog post on duality and non-duality, click HERE

Yudhishthira believed that he was responsible and capable enough to bear the brunt of life's miseries. However, his family and people who looked up to him did not deserve this fate. Though his intentions are noble, he must also understand that this experience was necessary for them to experience the duality of victory and loss, whilst performing their dharma... their duty... and yet, learn the way of the realized - to be in the world and yet not bound by it.

The impermanence of life around us, the ceaseless change within and outside of us and the roller-coaster ride of emotions should not baffle us, lest we should undergo relentless imbalance and get deterred on the path of righteousness. Holding on and letting go - this tug of war is the very cause of most of our problems.

Later on in the epic, when Arjuna gets overwhelmed by attachment to his loved ones and a misplaced sense of righteousness, it set the stage for the Song of the Lord, The Bhagavad Gita. And Krishna advised Arjuna along the same lines.

Mahabharata Wisdom Series: Lessons from King Yayati's realization

The disillusionment of eternal youth and constant yearning!

Yayati says, "Dear son, sensual desire is never quenched by indulgence any more than fire is by pouring ghee in it. I had heard and read this, but till now I had not realized it. No object of desire - corn, gold, cattle or women - nothing can ever satisfy the desire of man. We can reach peace only by a mental poise beyond likes and dislikes. Such is the state of Brahman. Take back your youth and rule the kingdom wisely and well."

Life is ceaseless change from birth till death. Our weary minds enjoy the thrills and fears, the ups and downs of life until a moment comes when there is an unstoppable quest for that which is permanent and unaffected by change; where suffering ceases and peace is experienced. It takes severe austerities and even several lives to come to the realization of what truth is. Although the ancient scriptures reveal pearls of wisdom for our benefit, few ever muster the courage to exit the patterns of fallacy and ignorance and pursue that in the attainment of which, all pursuits come to an end.

To get valuable insights on how to end suffering, click HERE.

Mahabharata Wisdom Series: Gurus of young Devavratha

Who were Bhishma's preceptors and what important lessons did he learn from them?

1. From Parashurama:

Martial arts, weapons and warfare.

2. From Brihaspati:

Begin work only with the aim of ending it, else the work will drive you to your end.

3. From Shukracharya:

It is the outcome that determines if the work undertaken was right or wrong.

4. From Sage Vasishtha:

Man is like a bird whose wings are knowledge and action. Both are needed to fly towards excellence.
~ Education begets humility.
~ Humility makes one worthy.
~ True worth begets wealth/resources.
~ Wealth/resources aid in promoting righteous deeds and welfare.
~ Good deeds for welfare of self and others begets happiness.

Mahabharata Wisdom Series: 1 Code Saves 5 + 1

The one coded message that saved the 5 brothers (Pandavas) and their mother, Kunti - thanks to the alert and wise Vidura.

Vidura to Yudhishtra:

"One who understands his enemy can never be hurt.

One should know that there are sharp weapons, though not of steel, that could strike if one is not watchful.

What devours wood and straw can never reach a hole; after all, the jackal (or mouse) is able to emerge from many outlets underground.

The wanderer may ascertain the direction guided by the stars and survive with a firm mind."

Author's purport:

One who knows the enemy means one who doesn't let the enemy's sweet speech or behaviour conceal the true ulterior motives. Just because you worship or feed a snake, doesn't mean that it is not programmed to bite you.

The sharp weapons here could refer to the possibility where Duryodhana's henchmen could first stab them and then set the palace on fire. It could also be a possible reference to sharp and devious minds at play that may operate remotely from the shadows.

The reference to jackal or mouse was intended for Pandavas to escape via an underground route.

For this to happen, Vidura sent a trusted person to carve a subterranean tunnel for the Pandavas to escape. This was because Duryodhana's ally, Purochana, was instructed to wait for the dark half of the month and start the fire on the 14th day at midnight when everyone would be asleep.

Guided by stars is also a metaphorical reference for trusting one's destiny and well-wishers, adapt and survive tough challenges.

Mahabharata wisdom series: On sin and virtue

Sage Vyasa addresses Kunti:

"No virtuous person is strong enough to live in virtue at all times, nor is any sinner bad enough to exist in vice forever.

Life is a tangled web and there is nobody in the world who has not done both good and evil. 

Each and everyone has to bear the fruits of his/her actions. Do not grieve."

Kunti and her sons escape the wax palace that was arranged as per Duryodhana's conspiracy. Having traversed far and wide, exhausted and disheartened by the scheme of things, they encounter Sage Vyasa.

I believe that Vyasa deftly points out to the human nature of pointing fingers, judging actions, labelling people as a response to unfavourable treatment received from the other. None is spared from erring or the results thereof. If reflection is of comfort in any measure, one could attribute one's experiences to one's own karma (good or bad) coming to fruition and balancing itself out, or karma that is destined to fructify in future (impacting both the protagonist and the antagonist).

This vulnerability should all the more encourage us to remain humble, compassionate, empathetic, hopeful, non-resistant and graceful towards whatever happens to us - in the wisdom that time heals everything and nothing happens without a reason.

I'M BACK. Coming soon with a refreshing series of short 'n' sweet posts ~

Logged in after over a year! And voila, I am so pleased to receive more subscribers. I owe you a great deal, really. Welcome to this blogsite! It is going to get better in the coming months.

NEWS - I am penning 2 books in the coming months. Who knows, maybe a YouTube channel too :)
2020 definitely looks promising!

Stay tuned for some awesome wisdom short pieces on this blog... coming soon.

CHANAKYA'S HAPPINESS GUIDE

INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE WELFARE BASED ON ANCIENT INDIAN WISDOM

As an individual, one is never isolated from one's environment / society, which is a collective whole comprising both living and non-living beings. The individual has no other option but to co-exist in order to not only overcome the primal fear of death (survival) but also to depart from this world on a better note.

To some, it means both living and dying happily ... and to some - MOKSHA - the ultimate state of liberation that is beyond the duality of sadness and happiness.

KARMA [action and results] is the common thread linking one's past, present and future during this life.. or several lifetimes - should you believe in reincarnation.

It is your DHARMA that determines your karma. Karma based on your Dharma is most likely to enable you learn, achieve and participate in the creative / destructive process destined this lifetime of yours. Dharma is not merely religion or duty; it has no perfect word in English to explain... so examples suggesting inherent nature of beings comes close to understanding Dharma. Like, it is the dharma of the sun to provide light and heat. It is the dharma of air to remain non-local and constantly moving. It is the dharma of clouds to precipitate, cow to feed on grass, lion to prey on a herbivore, etc. Instinct guides every other being and object to be / act As It Is! It is only we humans that have been endowed with the unique faculty of discrimination - called VIVEK in Sanskrit.

Vivek is the power that one uses or abuses knowledge [VIDYA] to attain the resources [ARTHA] in order to fulfil one's desires [VASANAS]. The sage uses Vidya or knowledge to ascertain what is truth and what is not; and also, what is acceptable and what is not.

As explained earlier, karma being the binding link.. knowledge is acquired [action] to attain desires and also, desire for knowledge is based on action. The intensity of action is called KAMA - passion to act comes as a close explanation, but mostly other connotations such as physical attraction or sin have quite often been used to explain this profound concept. Can action ever happen without the slightest will or driving force that propels the action? Thus, it would be unwise to assume Kama as anything less than extraordinary force of existence [or Godliness, if you will].
But what triggers kama under whose influence this body performs karma, while the ATMA (soul) remains witness?

INDRIYA - the sensory powers - performing the input /output function. Without appropriate command over one's sense organs [INDRIYAVIJAY], intelligence [BUDDHI] would malfunction in terms of right decision-making [read VIVEK] and one's action thus would result in good or bad results. Good or bad result for the individual is bound to influence the collective (societal or the world at large) fabric, because the individual and the world is interconnected. If you have understood quantum physics, you would relate to this truth effortlessly.
Thus, the individual actions affect the whole, the society's way of existence affects the individual!

But what are arriving at by the identification of result of an action as 'good' or 'bad'?
Good action brings happiness, bad action - does not. And MOKSHA has been the ultimate goal (happiness in a way - or better put as - End of Suffering) of the advanced seeker.

Is there a way out for the individual to benefit from the environment in the best way possible whilst pursuing one's PURUSHARTH [the 4 pillars: MOKSHA, DHARMA, ARTHA, KAMA]? When Ancient India was at its peak of glory, there used to be such a way of life! A truly humble, yet profound way of life.

Just a handful of Chanakya's first few sutras lead us to this wisdom:

 1. Sukhasya moolam Dharmah - सुखस्य मूलं धर्मः

Meaning – The basis of “sukha” or all true pleasantness  is “dharma” or righteous conduct. An artist would seldom trade his pursuit of art for a sedentary job.

2. Dharmasya moolam Arthah -  धर्मस्य  मूलं  अर्थः

Meaning- The basis of all “dharma” is “artha” or wealth. To follow one's basic nature, resources matching the same are essential. What would a soldier do without weapons, a tailor without garments, a farmer without land?

3. Arthasya moolam Rajyam - अर्थस्य  मूलं  राज्यं  

Meaning – The basis of all “artha” is “rajya” or the State. This entails creation or discovery of, management of and judicious distribution of resources to fulfil basic needs and wants for the common good. From the individual's perspective, it means having the right authority and command of one's resources or wealth.

4.  Rajyasya moolam Indriya Jayah  - राज्यस्य मूलं  इन्द्रिय  जयः

Meaning – The basis for the stability of the State lies in control over the “indriya“ or sense faculties providing pleasure. Carelessness will result in poor control, coordination and unfavourable results.

5.  Indriyajayasya moolam Vinayah - इन्द्रियाजयस्य  मूलं  विनयः

Meaning – The basis for control over the sensual faculties is in “vinay” or humility. True wisdom makes one humble upon mastery. As a beginner or student, one needs to be humble so that knowledge is gained with apt focus and restraint of senses.

6. Vinayasya moolam Vruddhopasevah - विनयस्य मूलं  वृद्धोपसेवः

Meaning – The basis for humility is devotion to those grown old through wisdom. In other words, skill and experience that come with age is always respected and treasured. One does not live that long enough to learn everything by making mistakes oneself, instead of learning from the experience of those who have already seen it all and done it all.

7. Vruddhopasevaya Vijnanam - वृद्धोपसेवाय  विग्न्यानं

Meaning – Through devotion to the seniors and the wise, one attains proficiency with the maximum efficiency. 

8. Vijnanena atmaanam Sampadyet - विग्न्यानेनं आत्मानं  सम्पद्येत

Meaning – True knowledge helps one (and the reigning authority) know how to perform which duties with the maximum efficiency.

9. Samapaditatma jitatmama Bhavati - समपदितात्म जितात्मम  भवति

Meaning – Efficient execution of this knowledge and control ensures prosperity to the individual galore.

10. Jitatma sarvarthe Sanyujyate - जितात्मा  सर्वार्थे  संयुज्यते

Meaning – Thus the victor of one's senses will become prosperous naturally, can retain that prosperity, and (will) be successful in further endeavours. Overall welfare results for the individual as well as for the society.

** BEST WISHES FOR YOUR PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS**

SALTY RICE: A TRIBUTE TO INDIAN FARMERS

 

SALTY RICE

I behold these red grains boiling

Tossing and swelling in my cooking pot

Eyes fiery-red, my blood simmering

In my grief-stricken heart turning hot

 

I behold the hot steam spiralling upwards

And hot tears are trickling down my face

Ascends this steam as a soul heavenwards

Perhaps it is him – But I can't see his face

 

Never known him - that farmer

His children or his wife

Knew him only as a nourisher

Before he ended his life

 

Never seen his then-rugged hands

That grew precious crops

Not seen his now-parched lands

That yearn for raindrops.

 

With honour he tilled, with others by his side

Season after season – hot and cold, wet and dry

And when he saw them commit suicide

He too killed himself – could no longer cry!

 

A teardrop just fell into this pot

The steam now dwindling

The rice is now dry and hot

I take a spoonful of serving

 

It tastes salty...very saline!

Could it be from his sweat?

Or from his tears or mine?

The farmer who I never met

 

***** Ratish Iyer *****



OUR ENVIRONMENT –WITHIN AND WITHOUT

“We exist in our environment. Our environment exists within us.” – Ratish Iyer

What is environment?

In every combat there are three factors at any given time: YOU, YOUR OPPONENT, THE ENVIRONMENT. But one who is strong and wise will remove the opponent from the equation and convert that person into an ally. Yet there is always The Other Person and it is true that two forces co-exist as long as the world is.
When I taught martial arts to kids, I created an easy definition of martial arts conducive to their understanding and memory->

“MARTIAL ARTS IS A WAY OF MAKING MYSELF STRONG, ALERT AND WISE SO THAT I CAN PROTECT MYSELF, THE OTHERS AND MY ENVIRONMENT FROM HARM.” – RATISH IYER ©

So what is this environment when it comes to health and our integrity both internally (within) and externally (without)… and what is the kind of environment that we have and wish to leave for posterity?

Let us first look within ourselves into our internal environment:

Human existence = Body / Mind / Soul (I Am'ness)
Existence = Birth<Change>Death

Life is nothing but ceaseless change until death – Dr. BM Hegde

Breath= Inhalation<Pause>Exhalation

Tridosha = Vata / Pitta / Kapha

The tridosha is a combination of the panchabhuta (5 basic elements of life) as follows:

Vata = Vayu + Akash

Pitta = Agni + Jal

Kapha = Prithvi + Jal

These five elements also govern our senses. Our senses in turn, tune in to our environment thereby inducing karma (stimulus<>response<>results<>change).

Eyes – Fire

Ears – Space

Nose – Earth

Skin – Air

Tongue – Water

What do we mean by change?

Energy is neither created nor destroyed. It changes forms.

In other words, only forms are subject to change. When we talk about mind, it is a field of dynamic changes in thoughts (good thoughts/bad thoughts). When we talk of body, childhood to old age is rife with numerous changes (good health/bad health). When we talk about the external environment it is either clean/polluted.

Yoga is all about bringing the external and internal environment into harmony. From the above, we can see that a polluted mind, body and environment will only lead to suffering and dushkarma. I have not attached soul (pure energy – not form) in this discussion because Lord Krishna’s quote  in Bhagavad Gita about soul not being subject to any change, supports the same scientific rationale of energy unbound by change. Thus, environment degradation happens only within the bounds of the manifested creation.

It would be pertinent to note that though the body-mind entity made of the five elements is subject to pollution, the elements FIRE and SPACE are by themselves forever pure and devoid of pollution.

Fire, as we know, purifies anything that comes into its contact. And Space, well… think of a clay pot in your hand that you just happened to drop – what happened to the space that was inside the pot? The first impulse is to imagine the merging of inner space of the pot with the external space upon breaking. But what if I ask you to consider… consider this – that there is actually nothing called inner space. That is, instead of perceiving that there was space within that pot, COULD YOU PERCEIVE THAT IT WAS REALLY THE POT THAT WAS OCUPYING THE SPACE?! Mind-boggling??

 It is as simple as shifting from the perception of yourself vis-à-vis others in a crowded elevator..

>>> From A] I don’t have space.

>>> To B] There is space but it is occupied.

The house you live in is in a particular area. Does anything happen to the existence of the place (read space) regardless of your house getting demolished or even if the name of the area is changed? Think well!

So, in terms of elements – Space and Fire are not subject to pollution themselves but only the effects of imbalance are experienced such as overcrowding or desertion, temperature-associated physical and chemical fluctuations. Pollution however, affects AIR, WATER and EARTH. Let us go a little in depth into the external environment before we examine pollution.

Environment + Ecology = Ecosystem

Environment: It comprises of living and non-living beings in a surrounding. Example: Your house.

Ecology: The interaction that happens between living beings with each other + their environment. Example: You and your pet in the house.

Ecosystem: It is a functional unity of study – can be as big as Planet Earth itself or as small as a drop of water harbouring thousands of microorganisms. Example: Your house with you and your pet taken for study as a functional unit from the totality of your locality; OR your blood sample for study as a small unit vis-à-vis your entire body environment and vis-à-vis your entire home environment.

Types of environment:

1) Atmosphere
2) Hydrosphere

3) Lithosphere
4) Biosphere

Functions:

Atmosphere:

1) Absorbs harmful cosmic and UV rays.
2) Maintain heat balance.
3) Providing oxygen for respiration.
4) Providing Carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

Hydrosphere:
1) Approximately 70% of Earth's surface is covered by water.
2) Water on Earth is 97% salt water, 2% ice, 1% fresh water.
3) Sustains certain life forms.

Lithosphere:
1) 3 layers of earth: crust, mantle, core.
2) Lithosphere refers to only hard surface i.e. soil part of the crust environment; not entirely inside.

Biosphere:
1) Biotic (living) and Abiotic (non-living) beings.
2) Range: 11000m below sea level to 15000m above sea level.
3) Includes most of  hydrosphere, parts of lower atmosphere and upper lithosphere.

Environment, Pollution and the Senses:

1)      Seeing<> Eyes<> Light pollution [Do read on white light, blue light, yellow light and green light, cell phones and other modern gadgets for more details. Also, how birds feel disoriented in bright city lights.]

2)      Hearing<> Ears<> Sound pollution [Do research on common noise irritants as well as background noise effects on children, cell phones, music players and other gadgets for more details.]

 

3)      Smelling<> Nose<> Stench / germs [Do research on nano particles from emissions and their effect on blood brain barrier for more details.]

 

4)      Touching<> Skin<> Dirt/rash [Do research on cosmetics with dangerous chemicals]

 

5)      Tasting<> Tongue<> Food poisoning [Do research on adulteration, pesticide-laden foods, cruelty to animals to satisfy taste buds and what not.]

I will not get into details on the myriad horrors of pollution. But there are some topics that have intrigued me and would like you as well to think about it and act with prudence.

1)      Signal towers and EMP waves <>link<> bee population disturbance.

2)      Global warming<> carbon dioxide or methane? Methane and western/hybrid cow breeds… FRACKING.

3)      Mind (cultural) pollution: Perversions and lies through propagation of negativity by mainstream media, films and advertisements – such as power of 100 lemons for the price of 2 lemons… packaged juice over natural juice! Outrageous!

Some parting quotes to remember:

·         “He that plants trees loves others besides himself.” Thomas Fuller

 

·         “A nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.” Roosevelt

 

·         “Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money.” Anonymous

 

·         “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Robert Swan

 

·         “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe

 

·         “You can either waste energy or convert waste into energy.” Ratish Iyer

 

DO NOT FORGET JUNE 5 – WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.

The purpose of this post is to highlight the fact that we are only as good as our environment and our environment is as good as we are. Choose wisely! The future generations should not view us with disdain if we leave the world in a worse condition than it was when we had inherited it.

"LET NO ONE SAY AND SAY IT TO YOUR SHAME THAT ALL WAS BEAUTY BEFORE YOU CAME."

 

*****