Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
authorsabariganesh@zohomail.in

 https://sarahah.top/u/authorsabariganesh

            It is a well observed, documented and accepted fact that psychologically every human being is unique in this world. However, Sanathana Dharma has verily classified human beings into three psychological categories - Sathvam, Rajas and Thamas. Every person is a combination of these and is defined by the dominating. However, the prime objective of human birth being self-realisation; the three psychological states need to be transcended. Transcending all the three is the ultimate - Gunaatheetham.

            Of the three psychological states of mind; Thamas is a state when the mind is idle, dormant and non-reactive. Rajas is a state of mind that is unstable, effervescent and tensed. Sathvam is the best of the three, when the mind is stable, alert, calm and active. Sathvam is the balanced state of mind that is between the two opposites - the dull mind full of inertia called Thamas; and the unstable, effervescent, rattling Rajas. Sathvam is the only psychological state of mind which upon maturity attains the ultimate - Gunaatheetham.

            Every activity of man reflects either of the three states; be it food, worship, duty or love. A successful person is one who has attained the balanced state of mind called Sathvam. It is implied that, though by birth one may possess any state of psychological maturity; and the traditional customs as defined by the Veda bearing on any of the three psychological states; every effort must be focused on achieving the balanced state of mind - the stable, alert, calm and active mind termed, Sathvam.

            Veda describes the presence of umpteen number of worlds; of which, it defines Earth as 'Karma Bhoomi'. When the other worlds are mere centres of exhausting the accumulated merits or demerits; the Earth alone is one such place wherein one can perform and attain the best or worst of the umpteen number of worlds; or even get liberated. It indicates the presence of activities belonging to either of the three psychological states. However, with the passage of time, when a person gets relieved of one's direct responsibilities, should attain the balanced state of mind, called Sathvam.

            Veda has also categorised people based on functions as Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vysya and Sudra. The categorisation of people were based on their psychological maturity and functions performed; not birth. Ancient traditional practice aimed at a society that is distinct in functions but united in vision; similar to the senses of the body – distinct in functions but united as one body. Hence the people belonging to every category were dependent on the other aiming at mutual betterment.

            Food provides the essential energy for any activity of a person in this world. The kind of food consumed determines the psychological state of a person. Veda which has categorised people based on activities has also stipulated the distinct kind of food required to promote the requisite psychological substratum. Bhaagasastra is a part of the Veda detailing the kind of food permissible to every category of people in a society that assist their moral activities aiming at the betterment of the society as a whole.

            For instance, the moral responsibility of a Brahmin is to learn, recite and teach the Veda. Every activity of man is streamlined by the Veda. The moral duty of a Brahmin is to guide the society as a whole. The innate necessity for extreme patience has stipulated this category of people to remain in the Sathvik state of psychological maturity at all times. For this reason strict vegetarianism and non-spicy food is mandatory since birth for a Brahmin. Also, a life devoid of materialistic luxury so as to remain detached and selfless is stipulated.

            In the case of a Kshatriya, the moral responsibility is to fight and protect the geographical territorial limits of the region. If being a King, to prune the misdeeds of the citizens in an effort to protect the innocent as guided by the Dharmasastras. These activities demand the genuine need for the psychologically effervescent and physically dominant, Rajasik state of mind. Hence spicy food and non-vegetarian diet is permitted by the Veda for those belonging to this category. However, their activities too are streamlined by the guidance of the Dharmasastras, discoursed by the Sathvik Brahmins.

            The prime responsibility of a Vysya is to roam around the entire earth in pursuit of wealth and material prosperity. The objective of such a pursuit is the economic betterment of the society that one belongs to as a whole; thereby benefitting its every member. Strict vegetarianism is not stipulated obligatory by the Veda, due to the inherent practical dilemma; with consideration. Nevertheless, this relaxation is understood to be applicable only in times of critical compulsion and situational predicament.

            In the case of people performing strenuous physical activities like agriculture or construction of dams and temples, the need for Thamasik state of mind is justified. Scientifically, the more strenuous and repetitive the work is physically, the more latent the mind becomes. A food regime that is much relaxed when compared to that of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vysyas in terms of quality and quantity is permitted by the Veda for this category of people.

            Strict vegetarianism is assigned by the Veda only for the people belonging to the category - Brahmins. A food regime that included non-vegetarian diet is permitted by the Veda for the people belonging to the other categories to promote the requisite psychological state of mind. However, the Veda has accorded a higher state of honour to the people in other categories, who followed the food regime of Brahmins and at the same time executed the moral responsibilities due to them. For instance, King Janaka of Mithila is regarded a Rajarishi.

            In spite of the diet regime; since the activities were pruned by the Dharmasastras; and are performed for the betterment of the society as a whole in an interdependent manner, every category of people got elevated spiritually. Therefore, though the diet being non-vegetarian; a sensible limit on the choice of food was effortless and evident. Also, when a person from any of the other categories gets relieved off one's direct responsibilities; aimed at practising the way of life that would inculcate the Sathvik state of mind - Vegetarianism.

            The life term of every person in such a societal setup was divided into four Aashramas - Brahmacharyashramam, Grihasthashramam, Vaanaprasthashramam and Sanyasashramam. Of the four; since Brahmacharyashramam is practised at the hermitage of a Guru; who is a Vedic Brahmin, strict vegetarianism becomes inevitable. In the case of a person abiding the Sanyasashramam, a vegetarian diet that includes uncooked food - fruits to a large extent becomes the natural way of life. Sanyasashramam touches the peak of vegetarianism as stipulated by the Veda.

            Vaanaprasthashramam focus on Vedic activities stipulated by tradition along with spouse. However, it is devoid of sensual pleasures, aims at the purification of mind, executed at a hermitage; and so vegetarianism. Grihasthashramam is the only stage in a person's life time, when one is provided a relaxation to consume non-vegetarian diet. The justification being, the requirement of an apt psychological state of mind to execute one's moral responsibilities for the betterment of society as a whole.

            Grihasthashramam is that stage of a person's life, when one heads a family. Protecting the members of one's family; shouldering the direct traditional, familial and societal responsibilities; demand a genuine need for the Rajasik or Thamasik state of mind. Hence non-vegetarianism. Even so in the case of Brahmins, the relaxation to a non-vegetarian diet is prohibited. However, practically, the inherent cruelty to a living being evident in non-vegetarian diet made it less appealing to people following the Vedic traditions.

            The Veda is the source of every scripture of Sanathana Dharma. Krishna Dwaibhayana, who detailed the Veda, consequently called Ved Vyasa; summarised its essence thus -

"Slokaarthaena Pravakshyaami, Yathuktham Granthakodishu;

Paropakaara Punyaaya, Paapaaya Parapeedanam."

            It infers; every scripture of Sanathana Dharma in essence dictates that one should serve others in the good of mankind to earn merits; or if to pile up sin, hurt others. Non-vegetarianism is the most prominent and subtle form of individual selfishness and cruelty to another living being. The prime objective of the Veda being streamlining the activities of every person to accumulate merits, promoted vegetarianism in principle. Yet still; relaxation to a sensible non-vegetarian diet was accorded to the specific class and period based on legitimate necessity.

            In the present scenario; the distinctive nature of societal class and customs based on tradition is blurred. Segregation of a person's life time based on functions are discarded. The responsibility shouldered by a person in the present society have lost their traditional belongingness to any specific class, and period of life time. People lead a mixed up jumbled life style chosen based on convenience and sensuality. Clarity of reasoning and sensible rationalism is victimised; evidently negating the basis of adhering to non-vegetarianism.

            Followers of the Veda are termed Hindu. The term "Hindu" is never available in the traditional scriptures. Hindu is a term accorded to the followers of the Veda by the rest. However, subsequently a shrewd definition was accorded to the term, "Hindu" -

"Himsaayaam Thooyathey; Yah Sah Hindu Ithyapidheeyathey!"

It describes Hindu as the one, who empathises with the suffering of another living being. In spite of the inherent ingenuity; this description clearly evidence the prevalence of vegetarianism among the followers of the Veda in India. It is thus our responsibility to adhere to strict vegetarianism in a scenario that lacks substantial ground justifying non-vegetarian diet; else the resultant shall be the loss of a unique and profound ideal to the entire world.                                                                                                    

Phytovaccines

Phytovaccines

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 
authorsabariganesh@zohomail.in

 https://sarahah.top/u/authorsabariganesh

            Infection and disease is a persistent threat to the existence of human race in this planet. The natural protective mechanism of the human body is its immune system. The ability and success of which, ensures our healthy living. Disease is a condition that indicates the temporary failure of the immune system. Ability of man to cure diseases ensured survival. The quest to healthy living has shifted focus from cure to prevention. Vaccination is a formidable tool in this frontier.

            When the immune system is stimulated by exposing the human body to pathogens after inactivating them; disease can be prevented during actual encounter. The prime objective of vaccination is to minimise the response time and enhance the efficacy of the human immune system. Vaccination is an economical and efficient tool to prime the immune system in an effort to prevent and eradicate infectious diseases. The success of vaccination has incarcerated Small Pox as historic; so shall be with Polio soon.

            A remarkable mile stone in this process is the replacement of the entire inactivated pathogen by select antigens that trigger the same response from the immune system. Thereby, considerable risk of exposing the human body to the complete pathogen is averted. Vaccinating a person is normally done by way of injecting the antigen. The clinical necessities are sterile syringes, refrigeration prior to injection, multiple injections at regular intervals that boost the immune system which is a prerequisite to ensure effectiveness.

            Childhood is the stage when a body receives most of its vaccinations. The clinical necessities, stringent protocols during administration, technical expertise to administer vaccines, huge cost of production and transportation have become factors of inhibition to vaccination. The people of least developed countries where sophistication of life and use of technology is still in its nascent stage, lack of education and proper information on the benefits of vaccination hinder the objective of eradicating infectious diseases.

            Developmental research have been able to express the same antigen protein used as vaccines in edible parts of plants; which when consumed by people, provide the benefits of vaccination. This commenced the research and development of edible vaccines. Since they are produced by plants, they are also called Phytovaccines. The first ever plant derived protein to be used as a vaccine is the Human Serum Albumin. This antigen protein molecule was successfully produced in tobacco and potato plants.

            Phytovaccines is another marvel of genetic engineering. When a part of the plant is exposed to the bacterial medium that contains the antigen gene and the antibiotic resistance gene; modifications occur in its genetic stature. This when kept in an antibiotic medium, the rest of the plant not affected by the antibiotic resistance gene gets destroyed allowing the proliferation of the antigen gene in the plant; called Callus. When this chunk of cells called Callus is allowed to develop into a plant; the edible parts of the plant would be laden with the antigen protein.

            These edible parts of the plant containing the antigen protein, when consumed trigger the human immune system to produce the corresponding antibodies; thus vaccinating the human body. The immune system of the human body as a result would have gained the capability to fight and win over during actual encounter with live disease causing pathogens. So long the leaf and stem tissues of the tobacco and potato plants are used to produce the antigen protein molecules used as vaccines.

            When plants are integrated with the genes that determine the antigens of the disease causing bacteria or virus; the cells of the edible part of the plant provide immunogenic proteins. This upon consumption provide the benefit and protection of vaccination. The process of expressing the antigen protein molecule in edible parts of plants to be used as vaccines is called Transient Gene Expression. The vaccines thus can be manufactured at a comparatively lower cost, with negligible risk of contamination and also in abundance. They can be administered by oral consumption of the edible part of the plant or could be extracted, purified and administered as injections or oral dosage pills.

            Some of the foods under study to manufacture edible vaccines are potato, tobacco, banana, tomato, carrot, peanuts, lettuce, wheat, rice and corn. Of these tomatoes and bananas are preferred carrier of vaccines as they can be grown in any part of the world with considerable ease; can also be consumed in its raw form; and liked by children too. The need to cook potatoes and rice to make it fit for consumption pose the risk of the antigen protein with vaccinating properties getting denatured. Also, opinions galore to avoid agricultural food crops that form the principal food chain of humans to be a vector of vaccines as differentiating the ordinary and transgenic might become difficult and tedious. Another bottleneck to be addressed in edible vaccines is the determination of dosage accuracy and consistency when consuming the transgenic food in an effort to self-vaccinate.

            It is yet to be ascertained if the cell wall that encloses the cytoplasm with the antigen protein in the food consumed, could surpass the strong acids in the stomach and reach the intestine to be absorbed into the blood stream. However, as most of the infectious diseases that demand vaccination enter the body through the alimentary canal and mucosal surfaces of the nose and mouth, like the Vibrio Cholerae and Entero Toxigenic Escherichia coli infections; edible vaccines that mimic the same route might be expected to possess a relatively higher efficacy in stimulating the mucosal immune response.

            The use of transgenic plants is a success in developing auto-antigens that inhibit, cure and eradicate diseases wherein the human immune system misidentifies the body's home proteins as foreign only to fight against it. Some of the diseases thus expressed by the human body include Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and Type I Diabetes. Focus is also intense on developing edible vaccines for preventing and eliminating tumour cells that include breast cancer and malignant melanoma. However, development of edible vaccines to prevent and fight cancer is in its infancy.

            Research on edible vaccines also focus on an interesting possibility of the pregnant mother consuming the vaccine laden food and pass on the antibodies generated thus through the placenta, thereby vaccinate her yet to be born child; and/or could breast feed the child and vaccinate it by passing the antibodies through milk. Man's quest for healthy living has been a never-ending pursuit. Phytovaccines is another episode that would scientifically establish food as medicine. However research in this field is in its infancy and a long way remains to be trodden.

            An important aspect to be reckoned in the manufacture of Phytovaccines is to maintain easy and clear distinction between ordinary food crops and genetically modified transgenic food crops that are laden with antigen proteins. Legal protocols and compliance parameters are yet to be framed in the production of Phytovaccines on a commercial scale. An ideal scenario at this nascent stage of Phytovaccine production is in its confinement to green houses and horticulture parks; where observation, analysis and total eradication upon misadventure is possible.

            Genetic engineering is one of the most awesome forces of this century and one should not be allowed to wield it like a kid who found its dad's pistol. Prudence in application under close analysis, observation, documentation, repeated protocol testing ensuring effectiveness, eliminating redundant after-effects of residues, and DNA sequencing of the plasmids would open up new frontiers to a healthy life propelled by Phytovaccines.

           

BACK TO BASICS

BACK TO BASICS

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved” 

authorsabariganesh@zohomail.in

 https://sarahah.top/u/authorsabariganesh

 

            A retrospection of the evolution of the human race would lead us to introspection on the factors that influence the collective behaviour of the people as a whole. The ‘Mass Approval Phenomenon’ is one such factor that has had a major influence on the human kind, irrespective of any segregation based on geography, race or sect. The impact of this phenomenon was such that, people whom we adore today were once ridiculed by their contemporaries, in their life time.

            Subramania Barathi, adored by us as Mahakavi, was ridiculed by his relatives as a madcap. Columbus was threatened by his own co mariners to be murdered and thrown in the sea, had they not discovered land by the next dawn. These people were visionaries in their own command and amidst simple people like many of us; unwilling to sacrifice even trivial pleasures. However, since they remained unsubmissive to collective peer pressure; deriving strength from their inner conscience, they emerged successful.

They were intellectually bold in implementing their ideologies and their actions were explicit. This kind of open and truthful execution was due to the fact that they did only what they felt right; driven by conviction. Some other interesting aspects about them were that they were broad minded, expansive; not carried away by trivial pleasures; in steep contrast to many of us.

“Simplicity arises out of profound thought!”

Al Ries and Jack Trout in “The power of simplicity”

Quite a point! On analyzing the factors in exclusion method, that could be the probable substratum of a thought that is actually profound; we are forced to exclude most of the factors that we consider very important. Some of the factors excluded worth mentioning would be education, wealth, social status and authority.

The lack of profound thought that could not be cultivated by any of the above mentioned excluded aspects could be attributed to the existence of an escapist attitude in many of us. We thrive and derive happiness by dwelling in a world of fantasy and fun that is dictated by us, collectively. This is actually the substratum that deludes us from rational thinking and is cashed upon jealously by companies.

Consumerism is the point of debate that is proposed here. Any activity that is being performed today would have emerged from its rudimentary predecessor of early times. The barter system of trade could be attributed as the rudimentary form of today’s consumerism. The principle of barter trade rests on the need to survive. The exchange of goods was intended to ensure survival; hence the trade was generous; and the surplus was also given away in charity.

In contrast, today’s consumerism rests on wealth accumulation and hoarding. The three prime factors that propel the modern consumerism is the intent to convert every possible luxury into necessity; hence the existing product is outdated; and advertising is a necessity even for products of basic consumption.

The foundation of barter trade was mutual coincidence of needs!

The foundation of modern consumerism is avarice!!

“Poverty wants something, luxury many, avarice all things!”

May we describe today’s consumerism as a deliberate deferral of disbelief in the value of material goods? It may be appropriate in trade that focuses on fun and enjoyment as the end product – like watching a movie or a theatrical performance; where the intention is fun, driven by common sense. However, applying this to every trade is the fatal trend witnessed today.

The emergence of shopping malls and the rapid proliferation of advertisements that flashes on us through different media stand testimony to the fact that the consumers are easily carried away by the fun factors than real need. Advertising, how much ever it is pleaded to be factual or true to purpose; spreads a lie that the product or service advertised is necessary.

It is a lie due to the fact that a product or service that is essential for sustenance of life would need no advertising! Also, these advertisements are pregnant with the only idea conceived that the product is intrinsically necessary. If that be appropriate there would be no justification to our prospective customer being alive, witnessing the advertisement to get carried away by the fun factor and eventually become a prey to the company offering the product by purchasing it; thereby adding positively to the treasury of the company.

The evidence of the above statement is carried in the purchase basket of every modern citizen; wherein the percentage of essential commodities has shrunk to a minimum, creating ample space to the ever proliferating non essential items. An interesting twist to our story and allegation is created by the fact that companies have also started accepting our stand by way of releasing advertisements that suggest the consumers the basic need a product satisfies.

In the cool drink sector, the rudimentary purpose of consuming a cool drink is side-tracked by various advertisements, depicting a swarm of aspects that another company’s advertisement differentiates itself proposing basic need the product satisfies!

“Sprite – Pyaas Bhujayae; Bhaaki All Bhakwas!”

Again, does one need an aerated bottled drink to quench thirst else could choose water or buttermilk! The existence of this phenomenon is because, we human beings – social animals, distrust our direct experience and look at others for our decision making. The result is long term dissonance. So, one must accept only what is essential and discard the rest.

We should introspect to be very clear in understanding what we really require and choose the best; irrespective of what others possess.

Above all, desires can never be quenched by satisfying them. When one gets satisfied, a new set of desires arise, ultimately leading to constant dissatisfaction and dissidence!

The secret is,

“Be simple and keep it simple!”

Spirituality in Workplace

Spirituality in Workplace

© Sabari Ganesh; “All Rights Reserved”

authorsabariganesh@zohomail.in

 https://sarahah.top/u/authorsabariganesh

 

            Superficially it may appear to one’s common sense that the title is absurd with the words not matching, simply out of place! But, is it really so? – One needs to analyse. Chances are aplenty for one to confuse spirituality with religion or religious methods. It is quite clear and explicit that religions are many and varied, and the traditions followed very opposing, but the essence of any religion is the same, what we call spirituality.

            Spirituality, or being spiritual, is to experience the inner energy that is in everyone and is the same. We have many examples in real life of people who rose to superhuman heights not by virtue of their westernized education and behavior, rather by the sheer power of their inner self! A standing example is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, adoringly called the Mahatma. Today, we find many westerners coming to India, inspired by something called Vedanta; we find many Muslims who perform the traditional namaz five times a day, everyday; and pious Christians too.

            One common feature of any religion is the presence of a human being(s), who led the ‘team.’ Followers of Jesus Christ are called Christians, followers of Mohammed are called Muslims and followers of rishis or sages are called Hindus. The preaching of these eminent people is a part of the holy books – Bible, Quran, and Upanishads respectively. The preaching of every one of them was essentially non-violence, universal brotherhood and removal of selfish attitude and ego. We do not find any religion that dictates us to be selfish or ruthless or to fight with each other. The unified essence of every religion is what we call spirituality. Unfortunately, what takes place in the world, in the name of religion is quite the opposite!

            We also find another sect of people – the atheists, who ridicule every religion and GOD; driven solely by their intellect. For a while, let’s forget this. When we see sand, scattered around us are we reminded of anything? Does it have any significance? Not at all! When we see a doll, made of the same sand, (clay) we are reminded of its creator and his skill in making the doll! There are two reasons for this - the existence of an order and utility in the latter (doll) that is missing in the former. (Sand)

            Simply put, when there exists an order and a definite utility or either of these, then we can be assured of a creator behind the invisible veil as is the case with our universe. Accepting the huge manifestation of order and sequence, and the utility or purpose behind the universe, our rational minds must necessarily accept the definite existence of a creator behind the high drama, whom we call GOD! The only constraint is its invisibility to our mortal eye. Also, the creation being unique and every holy text claiming their God as its creator, presuming every text to be right, can there be two different identities for the creator of a unique and single product – the universe? A logical thought process would lead us to infer that it is the same ‘person’ who is being referred to in every holy text as to have created the universe. Hence, the product remaining one, the creator has to be one and the same. Also, the essence of the dictates of every holy text remains the same too!

            Hence, the convergence of all religions into one, due to their inherent similarity in principle, resulting in universal brotherhood is what we call spirituality! Now is the debate on the workplace! For anything to constantly change, it must necessarily rest on an unchanging or stable foundation! Only if the slate is stable and unchanging, can the letters be written and rewritten repeatedly! Applying this logic to the universe, the existence of a stable and everlasting foundation becomes a must for the ever-changing nature of the universe. So is the case with every animate and inanimate object in this universe. The only constraint is the invisibility of the unchanging base for all the mirage of this high drama – Life! 

            Also, though every man boasts of his achievement, and claims to have accomplished something, he is still in the twin clutches of ageing and death! Man has never been able to bestow life to a still body, dead a minute ago! Man is incapable of controlling his inner organs and terms their functioning as involuntary and remains in their clutches even now; then where is the question of him accomplishing something? It hence becomes evident that all our actions are predetermined by the invisible creator! The presence of the intellect in this body is to realize this ultimate truth.

            The realization that everything in this universe is dictated by the invisible creator would bestow on us an ultimate peace of mind and a calm nature, the reason being the force of thoughts on competing with each other, ego of achieving something superior than fellowmen, and the superiority complex would be eroded off completely. A simple review of the various life forms would reveal that it is only the human being who is bestowed with an intellect possessing the power of discrimination. It is for us to make the utmost use of this faculty and realize that everything in this world is predetermined and as ordained by the supreme power. This would refine us to become more mature to just do our duty without craving for the results. Naturally, when concentration is focused on the performance of one’s duty, immaterial of the benefits to be received, the mind becomes stable and clear, realizing the inherently impermanent nature of materialistic pursuits. This would lead us to the path of universal brotherhood, where one forgives and forgets other’s wrong doing, taking it as the divine will and remains in peace, without vengeance and hatred. This would eventually make the world a better place to live.

            Today, we have a list of the world’s richest men, and one is amazed at them. But there is always a limitation to money, in terms of securing peace of mind, and health. Else, all the wealth that these rich people have amassed should have successfully provided them health and everlasting bliss! All our literary acumen would run away and hide when death stands in front of us at the fatal hour. It is the mental courage that one should gather in life to face death with peace of mind, realizing the unchanging substratum for all the melodrama that is happening on the surface.

            Hence the crisis management that all business barons talk about must really be the management of the final crisis that everyone should necessarily face irrespective of wealth and power! This entire world is our workplace and the essence of all positive thoughts and actions reflect our level of spirituality in this workplace. The performance of one’s duty without attachment to the ever-changing materialistic mirage, understanding the inherent flaw of impermanency, would lead one to the abode of infinite bliss, irrespective of caste, religion, wealth, power etc., at the arrival of the fatal hour!