Symphony

Symphony

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
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            The crux of Sanathana Dharma is Adwaitham. It indicates singularity of the Aathma. The worldly experience of any individual driven by ego, is the perception of multiple entities and the universe; hence Dwaitham. Transcending individual ego; a person matures to Vishishtadwaitham. The stature of enlightened human being is to remain transfixed in the unity at the substratum. The developments in atomic science eliciting homogeny at the sub-atomic level minimises the conflict of ideas in the minds of the atheists too.

            Any commoner perceives three distinct phenomenon - The Paramaathma; the Jivaathma and the Universe. Scientific developments based solely on intellectual reasoning disappoints in assisting man to surpass duality; hence the indispensability of the Veda. The practical application of the Veda is the focus of the Dharmasastras. Every activity of man is streamlined by the Dharmasastras. The activities to be performed by the common man as propounded by the Dharmasastras are found to be profoundly contradicting!

            For instance; Sumptuous meal during religious celebrations like Deepavali, while complete fasting on certain occasions like Ekadasi; Social performance of art forms during temple festivities, whereas maintaining inaction of the senses on specific days; Polytheistic rituals to please multifarious deities whilst Vedanta propounding Adwaitham that transcends name and form. An incisive contemplation indicates that the extremes in activities counselled, is the unique feature and sublime perspicacity of the Dharmasastras.

            Psychologically, the nature of human mind is to remain in oscillation between opposites. Any practice thrust upon is perceived as curtailing freedom and every opportunity seized to surpass. The human mind is designed to extraneous flow towards sensual pleasures. The Veda has proclaimed that Adwaitham is the ultimate truth; however is impossible for the one driven by senses to gain real time experience. The objective of the Veda is to pioneer the commoner from the intelligible to the inexplicable in mind and word.

            The elegance of the Veda is in its focus and ability to intertwine the human mind entangled in sensual pleasures with the thought and remembrance of the unity at the substratum; thereby effectively guiding it towards realising the ultimate truth. Activities though sensual, when performed in an organised and sensible manner, that alternates the extremes effectively, as decreed by Dharmasastras, in remembrance of the ultimate; balances the weigh-scale of psychological steadiness. It is termed moderation.

            Attaining moderation in attitude, articulation and actions is the vital link that connects the known materialistic worldly experience called Dwaitham and the unknown ultimate termed Adwaitham; the eternal substratum. The ability of the common man, to gain control over the senses systematically, thereby expressing a measured behaviour, that minimises the wavering quest of the mind, to remain in peace is the result of successful implementation of the Vedic principles in one's life.

            Accomplishment of moderation on every aspect that includes the sensual and religious exercises, effectively minimises the vacillation of mind to analyse and comprehend the inherent impermanency of selfish materialistic pursuits. The result is the ability gained by the person to utilise every available resource and energy on activities that benefit humanity and in the course; cherish emotional contentment. The satisfaction experienced by a person in moderation gradually and inadvertently withdraws the mind from sensual pursuits.

            The psychological discipline demonstrated by a person through measured behaviour in attitude, expression and activities exerts a positive influence on the observers to confine and channelise their efforts in the betterment of the society. The primary effort to achieve moderation is to rationalise acquisitive amenities based on inevitable necessity. Peace of mind achieved by downplaying materialistic comforts grants psychological freedom to remain stable even during phases of inevitable emotional turbulence of sorts.

            The materialistic developments experienced in the recent times originated from the west. India has always been known and identified for its spiritual elegance and prosperity. Agriculture was the prime activity of the people in India, a century ago. Money had their real value in material. Even so, the use of money was only among the celestial layers of the realm. Trade elsewhere was executed in the barter system. The property of any person; though segregated based on Varnaashramaas was similar and simple.

            The barter system of trade based on mutual coincidence of needs, eventually negated the possibility of illegitimate hoarding of the food grains and consumables. Every activity of people was flavoured with religious fervour. The temples were centers of trade, tradition and culture. The surplus food was offered to the divine and distributed to the people visiting the temples. When every activity was performed with the remembrance of the supreme divinity, ethical stature was effortless and vivid.

            Art forms of the region - Lalithakala, in the purpose of revivifying the mind, performed as decreed by Gandharva Veda; were spun with divine tales and traditional lore that constantly reminded the commoner the ethical values of life and liability to the divine. The education too was based on the Ashtaadasa Vidhya that hailed the supremacy of the divine. When Artha and Kaama were encapsulated by Dharma to aspire Moksha; simplicity in practice was effortless and the wavering of mind minimised.

            The intellectual development of today's people has only resulted in accumulation of materialistic luxury, sacrificing the subtle niceties of traditional values and customs. The invention of paper money and valuations of every product based on it, has resulted in immoral and irrational accumulation of wealth. The evident result is the colossal scrapping of activities that fulfilled the basic needs of people. The social divide and the resultant intensification of ego are the prime causes for the proliferation of evil in a society.

            The greatest folly of mankind is the public demonstration of one's affluence. India has always been identified as the land of sages and saints. Even the kings of ancient India were dependent on and guided by these sages, who inhabited the forest in a hermitage. The primary quality of the wise is to minimise materialistic comforts. The ability of the human mind to remain focused on the eternal reality is the result. The accumulation of property merely results in losing one's peace of mind for fear of theft, injury or calamity.

            Moderation of passion in any field is the solution to and rationale behind a contented life. The limit is highly individualistic though is determined by the fulfilment of the basic needs. The reason being, anything that is imposed by force would trigger the natural human instinct to oppose. The result is the orchestrated functioning of the body, mind and intellect devoid of negative qualities; realising the inherent impermanency of materialism; eventually marching towards eternal bliss in symphony. Aparigraham!

blueY splice Xanthous

blueY splice Xanthous

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
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            The sublime masculinity and empyreal lordship of nature over all its life forms, including human race is inherent in every sense but in an implicit manner. Nature has always impressed mankind with its spectacular array of colours, textures and fragrance. Among all the colours in the palette of nature; though the intellect of man has accorded every colour specific significance based on a chosen theme; the colour 'Green' stands tall and handsome as the only colour chosen by nature to represent it in all grandeur and glory.

            The colour Green commands much significance due to the grievous issue of environmentalism. Rising population, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation are the terzetto threats that impinge the health of the planet. The superiority of humans among all the life forms on earth is due to the incidence of the sense of discrimination. The effect is the choice to decide between the easy and the just method in performing any activity. Man has always misused the sense of discrimination by being retroactive.

            Efforts of man and the resultant scientific developments has been remarkably myopic in perceiving the impelling detrimental effects of disturbing nature. The deposits that have been chosen by earth to remain under its cover are excavated by man and put to use in the name of development. The deadly duple combo that hurts people and the planet is the burning of coal for electricity and gasoline for transportation. The combustion of natural resources to be used as fuel exhausts thrice their quantity of oxygen.

            Deforestation, desertification, defilement are the prime vexations that threaten the survival of every life form on earth. Use of chemical fertilizers as a means to fulfill the agricultural demands of ever proliferating human population has gravely threatened the ecological balance and the natural food chain. Development of industries, related wastes, and synthetic products resulting in landfills, global warming; profaning the atmosphere and water bodies has rendered most of the species of other life forms extinct.

            The real estate construction activities of man to satiate exponential demands of nuclear families; in the name of development impelling encroachment imperil nature. Buildings are lasting entities that demand electricity and potable water; generate wastes and the consequential carbon-dioxide emissions exert a negative impact on the environment. Studies state that an equal quantity of carbon-dioxide is added to the atmosphere in the process of manufacturing cement.

            The exhaustion of oxygen and heaving carbonic gases in the atmosphere is a well established potent threat to the conducive environment suitable for human life. Trees are the only source of free oxygen due to photosynthesis; and water as rain that would balance the carbon cycle to sustain life. The scientific developments and materialistic comforts as elements of modernisation are insidious and pernicious. Real development and progress is in ensuring that the basic essentials of human sustenance are free and galore.

            Industrial development in its efforts to enhance the comfiness of materialistic life has resulted in water becoming a business commodity; no element of surprise if it becomes the case with oxygen too. The prime reason is the profligate misuse of oxygen by manufacturing establishments that is capable of sapping atmospheric oxygen. Going green is no longer a matter of preference or an element of extravagance but an unavoidable obligation of every stake holder of the society as an ineludible ethical conscientiousness to preserve nature.   

            Human race despite its diversity, as one entity has obstinately paraded from free, unclaimed and surplus water to packaged, ozonised drinking water. Prudence is in reversing this stride by increasing the green cover of the earth; else the day of canned oxygen is a proximal reality. The focus of the efforts of every individual and the management of every establishment must be to reduce, reprocess and reclaim thereby minimise wastes and conserve the existing natural resources.

            The endeavour of companies going green transcends the publicity of the positive image gained out of the crusades of corporate social responsibility; as an ineluctable attempt to save one's own assortment on this planet. The efforts of the governments too must provide an impetus to research activities that bring down to the reach of the common man renewable and clean energy to sustain development. The efforts in going green without forsaking development demands astute and perspicacious decision making by the leaders of the society.

            Companies investing in research to churn out ecologically amicable products reign the future. Such products that claim to preserve nature with tangible scientific evidence is the future of a firm's competitiveness in an era of saturation of brands. The ethical stance of any corporate enterprise must inescapably focus on people and planet to reap profits; else fade away in obsolescence. The evaluation parameters of a corporate endeavour is based on the perceived economical, environmental and élite benefits to the enunciated target segment.

            The effectiveness of the reverse channel system is inevitable for companies to position themselves as an ecologically conscious entity. The roles of the traditional buyer and seller are swapped which in effect integrates the allied and supplementary industries. The outcome is a reduction in the price of the products by cashing in the savings on virgin raw materials. Innovation, and creativity in application is a prerequisite to vouch the quality of products manufactured from redeemed discarded elements of primary products.

            For instance; bagasse - the waste product of crushing sugarcane to manufacture sugar; used as a raw material to manufacture paper is the result of creativity in application that conserves forest. Innovations in flexible packaging like transparent barrier films, shrink packaging technique, intelligent packaging systems incorporating ethylene/moisture/oxygen scavengers; humidity indicating cards; and edible coatings are eco-friendly that chop down a major chunk of rigid packaging and its associated waste generation.

            Informing and educating the consumer on the individual and societal benefits of the initiatives taken by the company towards going green is a vital prerequisite that ascertains demand. The direct channel of communication between the consumer and manufacturer powered by technology and the linked integrated transport systems that lower the cost of logistics; are tools that keep a check on the cost factors; enabling competitive pricing of the product with its 'non-green' rivals.

            The future belongs to Viridity and Verdure; the progeny of Bluey and Xanthous. Our ability and sensitivity to adapt and pelt along; chumming up the successors, in the natural possible way shall ensure our survival and prosperity. The sooner, the better. May everyone of us prove our sensibility by befriending Viridity and Verdure!

The Ultimatum

The Ultimatum

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
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            A retrospection of the development of human race evidence the presence of two categories of people - the theists and the atheists. The substratum of the theists is the dictum in the revered holy texts of their religion. The intellectual development and ability to reason is the substratum of the atheist. History has always confirmed the inherent antipathetic disposition between the subscribers of these two ideologies. However, there can be no element of discrepancy in the verity that regardless of ideologies, the substratum of every human effort is to attain peace.

            It is human nature to remain in oscillation amidst various emotions. The sense of reasoning and logic is the substratum of every emotion; else a lunatic. Among all sorts of emotions, and every effort of man to attain peace; the reality is the discomfited condition of the  common man. The greatest folly of mankind is the belief and notion that happiness and peace are superposable. The certainty reigns that peace and happiness are two different and distinct entities altogether. Mankind is yet to realise this subtle finality.

            Happiness is a derivative of materialisation of desires. The substratum of desire is the acceptance of the psychologically deficient stature of the mind. Desires focus on the gratification of the senses of man. The senses of man are designed to extraneous flow; hence the reason for man to seek happiness from external sources. However, as the source of happiness is extrinsic and beyond the control of man, everlasting elation is intangible, impractical and impossible.

            Even so, in the event of attaining the much desired state of joy and pleasure; eventually displaces the mortal comfort and consequently the psychological state of comfiness upon traversing the tolerable limits. It hence can be inferred that any emotion whether quested after or otherwise; causes discomfort to the human body and mind. On the contrary, peace is a state when the mind is devoid of desire. A desire free mind is the result of detachment arising out of understanding the inherent impermanency of external pursuits of life.

            The intrinsic ephemerality of external objects indicate the existence of a singular entity that forms the everlasting substratum for all the ostensible melodrame. The holy texts of every religion has made a clear and unambiguous reference to the existence of an all pervading entity that is the singular principle of every superficial diversity. The atheists, driven by intellectual reasoning have also unanimously agreed to the fact that whether matter or energy; the substratum is unique and ubiquitous.

            Developments in atomic science have proved the homogeny of every matter and energy at the sub-atomic level. However the worldly experience of common man is multiple subjects and distinct situations. As long as a person remains superficial in perception, duality exists. The moment one perceives duality, the seed to emotions is sown. The presence of emotions indicate the bubbling of desires in the mind. Modern science falls short in assisting man to surpass duality. Hence the need and indispensability of the Veda.

            The worldly experience of every person is encapsulated by the factors - Space and Time. The Veda promulgates that the all pervading singular entity transcends Space and Time. It is therefore imperative for one, aspiring peace to transcend the duple limiting factors - Space and Time. The psychological proximity of a person to an external entity based on the factors - Space and Time is the substratum of emotional effervescence. The limiting factor - Space is transcended the moment one accomplishes detachment - 'Horizon'!

            Similarly, when a person transcends the factor - Time; remains in peace. One gets affected by events that are relatively closer in time. However, as time passes by, the impact of the event is minimised and eventually nullified. For instance; remembering now, the death of our close relative that occurred a decade ago would not incite at the moment the same response it did then. When one gains the ability to remain unaffected by the proximity of the factors - Space and Time; one attains peace.

            Events that occur in this world affect any individual as long as one claims psychological proximity based on the factors, Space and Time. The substratum of a person's emotional propinquity to an adversity or success springs out of the thought of performance and possession. Each human being discards the thought of performance and possession every night inadvertently, during sleep. Precisely the reason that affirms the physical and psychological rejuvenation effected by sleep.

            Peace is attainable when one is able to detach the intellect from the thought of performance and possession as in sleep; though remaining awake. The resultant is the person becoming a witness to the activities that occur around; and even through one's own mortal frame. The solitary way to remain psychologically detached is to focus one's intellect on the substratum and origin of the mind - thoughts. The moment the origin of mind is analysed and the relevance of thoughts questioned; one stops reacting.

            The intellect eventually gets focused on the practical essentiality of actions in expression and endeavour. The person becomes emotionally stable to just execute and effectuate irrespective of the external elicitation; based on echt need that benefits humanity. As a matter of fact, even the benefit to a society and humanity out of one's actions is relative to the factors - Space and Time. Nevertheless, that the intent of the person becoming absolute with no reference to, and independent of the factors - Space and Time; attains Peace.

            The constancy of a person to remain anchored in peace is when one matures from being relative to absolute in thoughts, word and deed. An ordinary human being is one who remains relative in attitude, articulation and action to external stimulus. Absoluteness is the nature of a person self-centred with wisdom in spiritual sense. The easiest way to attain the stature of psychological absoluteness is to surrender oneself to a GURU or a form of GOD; and remain so immaterial of the temporal benefit-loss calculations.

            The fugacious, ephemeral and transitory nature of the benefit-loss calculations of materialistic pursuits and consequential life is apparent. Surrendering to a singular form of a perceived superior and inimitable entity termed GURU or GOD would provide an impetus in stabilising one's focus and thoughts on absolute reality; resultant is eternal peace. Adwaitham Aanandham - The Ultimatum!

Deepavali

Deepavali

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
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 https://sarahah.top/u/authorsabariganesh

            India is the land of multiple religions and innumerable traditions. Indians have always been tolerant to diversities. The sustenance of unity among people amidst practically evident differences revivifies the soul of India. The practical application of every religion is based on holy texts that contain the preaching of its leaders. However, in ancient India, the customary way of life evolved to be called Sanathana Dharma that we have termed now as a religion - Hinduism. In any other religion, one would be able to identify a person as to have created or formulated it, but Sanathana Dharma.

            The substratum of every activity as determined by Sanathana Dharma is based on the Veda. The Veda is all pervasive, singular, unlimited and undivided. The significance of the Veda is in its being "Apaurusheyam"; meaning as not to have created by any person or entity. However, Sages with a higher degree of intellectual perception absorbed the Veda and provided it in a form that can be handled by normal human beings. It was Krishna Dwaibhayana aka Ved Vyasa who categorised the basic essentials of the Veda into four major streams - Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana.

            The resultant is the proliferation of Ashtaadasa Vidhya among human beings. The ancient mode of education comprised of imparting the Ashtaadasa Vidhya to eligible disciples adhering to the Brahmacharyaashramam. Hence the substratum of Hinduism comprises of the following eighteen texts -

• Four Veda - Chathurveda - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvanaveda;
• Four Upaveda - Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda and Arthasastra;
• Six vital segments - Shatangham - Shiksha, Vyaakarana, Kalpa, Nruktham, Jyothisham and Chandhas;
• Mimamsa,
• Nyaaya,
• Puraanas,
• Dharmasastras.

            Puraanas are a vital component of the Ashtaadasa Vidhya. There are umpteen number of Puraanas - Shiva Puraan, Vishnu Puraan, Skanda Puraan, Koorma Puraan, Matsya Puraan, etc.. of which; Bhagavad Gita is just a part of one Puraan. However, History evidence that much importance is being accorded to the Bhagavad Gita than any other.

            There are many texts that are termed Gita - Ram Gita, Shiva Gita are a few to mention. However, the mere mentioning of the term Gita, is acknowledged to refer the Bhagavad Gita. Such is the importance and reverence accorded to the Bhagavad Gita though it was not popularised with any human or divine intention. The popularity of the Bhagavad Gita transcends the geographical boundaries of India - the motherland of Hinduism and is seen to have been existent in the islands of Java and Sumatra.

            A prudent analysis would erode any element of ambiguity that such an importance accorded to the Bhagavad Gita can never be accidental. The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is the imparting of the eternal wisdom by Sree Krishna to Arjuna. There is no dearth of holy texts in Hinduism that imparts the eternal wisdom. As a matter of fact, it is the sole and essential focus of the ten Upanishads. Even Upanishads that posses a direct link to, and the ultimate peak of, the Veda are not revered as much as the Bhagavad Gita.

            Generally, imparting wisdom on the inherent ephemerality of materialistic pursuits and the singularity of the Aathma, by a Guru to a disciple would be conducted at a location that is serene, peaceful and tranquil. The psychological states of the Guru and the disciple too shall be pleasant, conducive and relaxed. The Bhagavad Gita was discoursed by the Guru - Sree Krishna to the disciple - Arjuna in the battlefield. The war was between justice and injustice with tension prevailing around, building up muscle and strength with every passing second.

            Uncertainty of life prevailed explicitly in the battlefield; in spite of which the Guru chose to impart the eternal wisdom to the disciple. It is sheer common sense to understand that at such a location - the war front, where remained no guarantee to life, Arjuna - the disciple surrendered unto Krishna to acquire the eternal wisdom; setting aside any kind of importance to any other element; even life. Hence the importance accorded to the Bhagavad Gita. The mere situational reference of Bhagavad Gita clarifies that eternal wisdom is precious than any element of materialistic pursuits of life; even life as it is! Hence the reason for the Bhagavad Gita to display unique divinity and consummate fame.

            Another incident linked to the life of Sree Krishna has gained importance that matches up to the Bhagavad Gita. The slaying of Bhowman by Sathyabhama, spouse of Sree Krishna. Bhowman is the demon king who ruled the land named, "Praagjyothisham". It is the capital of Assam during his period. He was known for his notorious activities typical of a Raakshasaa. He had earlier obtained a boon that he should not be slain by any other but his mother.

            Bhowman was born to Bhoodevi - Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu's incarnation - Lord Varaaha. Lord Varaaha after killing the demon King Hiranyaaksha rescued the Earth. Bhowman is born during that instance of the union between Lord Varaaha and Bhoodevi. However, since Lord Varaaha was drenched in the blood of the slain demon King Hiranyaaksha, Bhowman acquired the qualities of a Raakshasaa. Sathyabhama, spouse of Sree Krishna is an incarnation of Bhoodevi - the mother of Bhowman.

            Sathyabhama realised that Bhowman who was slain by her was actually their own son. The son of Varaaha and Bhoodevi; reincarnated as Sree Krishna and Sathyabhama. Any lady could be affected by two major sorrows - the death of one's husband and the death of one's son. The former suffering has a miniscule tinge of selfishness as the lady shall henceforth be bereaved of all the auspicious respects. However, the sorrow experienced by a mother on the death of one's son is beyond comparison.

            In spite of experiencing such a sorrow, Sathyabhama perceived the positive aspect of the incident - her son gaining the good fortune of receiving the presence and hence the blessings of the ultimate lord - Sree Krishna. The perception of the good by Sathyabhama, coupled with the realisation on the impermanency of the materialistic life, just like Arjuna; requested her lord, Sree Krishna that every human being in this planet that belongs to her - she being the incarnation of Bhoodevi aka Mother Earth; must celebrate the good merits and the resultant eternal wisdom gained by her son on this day; though his mortal journey would end.

            We, humans are the children of mother Earth. Hence, her son Bhowman becomes our brother! On the day our brother is slain, our mother Bhoodevi perceived the positives of the situation - our brother gaining the blessings and vision of the lord. Sathyabhama aka Mother Earth that we have inhabited, was so very focused on the positives of the situation that made her request Lord Krishna that the good fortune acquired by her son, must be characterised by every human being gaining the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and the benefit of bathing in the holy Ganga on this auspicious day, when they anoint their heads with oil and bathe in warm water; irrespective of the location.

"Thaile Lakshmi; Jhalae Ganga!"

            In spite of the extreme sorrow of a mother - the death of her son; she perceived the good effects inherent in the mournful moment and absorbed the positives of the situation. Similarly, we humans too must develop the ability to perceive the positives in any given situation to remain optimistic and sanguine. He who derives pleasure out of other's suffering is a demon; one who allows others to suffer when he too is suffering is a lowlife; he who takes every effort to remove the obstacles and sufferings of others in spite of his own misfortune is divine.

            The auspicious day when our brother Bhowman received the vision and blessings of the Lord Shree Krishna is celebrated across India as Deepavali. Bhowman is also called as Narakasura. The Bhagavad Gita actuates one to remain steadfast in acquiring the eternal wisdom with no consideration to materialistic life. The practical application of which is characterised by attempting the amelioration of every other living being despite one's own suffering; hence becoming divine - the stature of Sathyabhama and the essence of Deepavali.

            The real celebration of Deepavali is not in bursting crackers, eating sweets and watching movies; but in taking every effort in our limited capacity to bring about a positive change in the lives of the suffering and the needy; termed Charity. Service executed in the good of humanity termed charity, is precisely the substratum and crux of every activity as decreed by Sanathana Dharma. Deepavali is the day of celebrating one's own yearlong efforts of charity.

            Incidentally, Deepavali is celebrated on the day of Amavasya - the new moon day. As decreed by the Sanathana Dharma, Amavasya is the day when one offers food to deceased ancestors every month in a year - the best form of charity that aims to bring solace to one's ancestors wherever they may be; in whatever form. Deepavali is the anniversary celebration of the efforts of charity of every human being within one's own limited capacity. Prudence is in celebrating this anniversary of charity by focusing our festive spending on efforts that benefit humanity.

Hail Deepavali!