Advaita decoded

One morning during his sojourn in Varanasi at the bank of the Ganges, Adi Shankara, the Hindu seer, and his disciples had gone down the Ghats of the Ganges to ablutions. Returning, they were faced with a Chandala, a low caste pariah, leading a pack of four dogs
. When the seer asked the lowly man to step aside from their path, instead of abiding the Chandala is said to have responded with the wise words, “Like your own, my body too is made up of the material food that is consumed and performs the same biological functions as any Brahmin’s. My Atman or consciousness too is identical to the Suprame Brahman which is omnipresent and forms the composition of your soul as well and is totally unaffected by the bodily aspects. So which part of me do you ask to step aside, the body or the consciousness (Chaitanya)? And why do you do so, learned Brahmin?”

These words were a direct reference to Adi Shankara’s own philosophy of Advaita Vedanta which sought to establish the existence of the one Supreme Brahman as the sole truth and all the remaining material substances as illusory.
The seer was dumb struck and awed with the enlightenment of a lower caste man. Adi Shankara prostrated to the Chandala and conceded that he had erred. This is actually the point where he composed the ethereal shlokas “Manishapanchaka”. The Vedantic purport of these shlokas is to accede that the only man who may claim to be illuminated is one who has learnt to see the world and all its beings as part of the Self and not in the form of individuals belonging to various castes.

My interpretation
No matter how often the masters have reminded us of deep principles, we tend to ignore the principle and only stick to rituals and external symbols. Certainly, it would help if we were to understand the core concepts for only then can we move towards true enlightenment.

Jai Jagat - the clarion call of Vinoba

I recently got the biography of Vinoba Bhave and found it really inspiring - the bhoodan movement I did mention in my previous post and was also most impressed at his efforts in Post Partition India. In Pakistan, his response to "Jai Pakistan" was always "Jai Jagat" - Victory to the World. Who can dispute that peace is possible only with this approach ? If only the entire world were to move out of their limited vision and realize this..

Marathi manoos who went to Telangana

Today, when the fire rages in Telangana and a debate on a Marathi Manoos rages on in Maharashtra, perhaps we need to remember and pay a tribute to people like Vinoba Bhave, who had seen the anguish of the Telanganites much earlier and yes incidentally happened to be a Maharashtrian.

In 1973, When Acharya Vinoba Bhave decided to see how he could help the landless people in India, he went to one of the most poverty striken areas, Telengana.

Setting himself up in the courtyard of a prayer compound, he was soon receiving visitors from the entire village. The landless people told Vinoba they had no choice but to support the people fighting for land, because they had no land. They asked him if he could ask the government give them land so they could grow the crops.
Vinoba replied, “What use is government help until we can help ourselves?”
Late that afternoon, by a lake next to the village, Vinoba held another prayer meeting that drew thousands of villagers from the surrounding area. Without really expecting a response, he said, “Brothers, is there anyone among you who can help your landless friends?”

The people were all silent, but they did realize Vinoba had no selfish interest, only their own interest at heart. “Why else would he coming walking all the way?” they thought.

Slowly, a prominent farmer of the village stood up. “Sir, I am ready to give one hundred acres.”
Vinoba could not believe his ears.

A farmer willing to part with 100 acres out of simple generosity. And Vinoba was just as astounded when the landless people declared that they needed only 80 acres and wouldn’t accept more!

Vinoba suddenly saw a solution. .

So began the movement called Bhoodan—“land-gift.” Over the next seven weeks, Vinoba asked for donations of land for the landless in 200 villages. “We do not aim at doing mere acts of kindness, but at creating a Kingdom of Kindness,” Vinoba Bhave used to say.

Yes, Bhoodan did not succeed as much as Vinoba wished, but surely, a remarkable way of solving problems through simple kindness had been shown..

Buddha explains the law of karma

Prince Siddhartha was born in a royal family but gave it all up in his quest for a right path. After many years of penance, he became the enlightened one or the "Buddha" and brought forth some tenets which are extremely valuable. Still, I did have a few questions which I wished to clarify.


Lord Buddha, I have deep respect for you and your teachings. I would like to clarify some issues. Could you answer my queries?


Of course.

I know you do not believe in an external God and have advised against idol worship but sometimes people do use idols, especially to concentrate and meditate. Many even use your idols. What would you say to this ?


See, I have only shared my own experience, which is focusing inward. Do use what suits you but try to live in accordance with the principles of
1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Desire may be the root cause of most suffering, but desire for positive change has brought in a lot of good, too. Is it then wrong to desire?


It is only detached action that can serve you and the world. As the outcome is not entirely in your hand, it is best to work with that in mind. I realized through my own experience and hence, advise you to try this approach.

Buddhism prohibits killing and yet, some Buddhists do eat meat. Isn’t this a contradiction?


I made a clear distinction between killing an animal and consumption of meat. See, the monks in ancient India were expected to receive all of their food by begging and so, had little or no control over their diet.

Now also, depending on your environment, you may or may not consume meat. That is entirely your choice.

Do remember that it is immoral conduct that makes one impure, not the food one eats.

You have advocated the principle of karma, yet good people also do suffer sometimes. How should one’s response be in this case?


Some actions bring instant retribution while the results of other actions may not appear until a future lifetime.

Still, this should not be used as an excuse to treat the people of poor karma poorly; indeed, all should help them and help to alleviate their suffering. Do remember you too may have been where they are right now.

Further, redemption is always available to all, no matter how heinous the crime as can be seen in my experience with Angulimala

I have found that this is the best way of applying the understanding the dynamics of karma.

As I bow and take leave of the Buddha with an improved understanding, I hope to apply the principles of karma better and wish others also do the same.

Zarathrustra tells me about the choices we have

Living in ancient Persia, now Iran, Zarathustra put forth for the first time the idea of monotheism, that is one God, rather than many gods (polytheism) of his tribal religion and other religions of those days. He addressed this one God as Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord.

With great vision and creative genius, Zarathustra explained the principles of good and evil, of light and darkness as the basis for the human struggle with life.
The principles he espoused are wonderfully simple and clear. Still, there are issues which Parsis or Zorastrians seem to be struggling with.. Hence, I felt I should speak to him about them.


Salulations, Prophet. There are a few questions I would like to ask you. May I?


Of course.

What are the basic principles of Zorastrianism?


God, or Ahura Mazda, is the beginning and the end, the creator of everything which can and cannot be seen, the Eternal, the Pure and the only Truth. In practice, every one is free to choose between good and bad. However, only those who choose the good will achieve happiness and peace.

Do you think one should not get converted? Couldn’t these principles be adopted by all?


The principles could be applied by all but they need not convert to Zorastrianism. If they understand and apply the true tenets of their own faith, and also read and imbibe from other traditions, that would be fine. It is, after all, the practice that is often flawed.

Today, in order to be a Zoroastrian, one must be born of two Zoroastrian parents. One is not enough. No children of mixed marriages are officially Zoroastrian. How then would these children fit it in any faith?


The children are entirely free to choose one faith or the other. The practice is what is more important and I do hope they adopt the right ones.

As I thank and take leave of the Prophet, I realize how simple and yet profound his principles were and still are and do hope more and more people realize this completely in the true sense.

Abraham tells me who the chosen ones are...

Abraham was a man who was tested severely by God many times and is revered by the Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. I do have some queries on some aspects of the faith, though, so I approach him to clarify the same.

Dear Father Abraham. I have heard much of you and would be honoured if you could clarify some doubts for me.

Yes, of course. Go ahead.


You have been tested several times in your life.
What was it that made you never falter?


I always believed in a greater power and I would implore you to do the same.

It is said the Jews are a chosen people. What makes them the chosen ones

The Chosen People is a metaphor for the choices we make in our lives. All Jews are Jews-by-Choice in that every person must make a decision, at some point in their lives, whether or not they want to live Jewishly or as per correct principles.

All are God’s children. Still, human beings are more empowered and therefore, are more fortunate, if only they make right use of this power.

In this way Jews are called to be a “light to the nations” by doing good in the world through gemilut hasidim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).


Who are the messiahs?


There is no single messiah. They come at various times in various places of God and spirituality.


This is happening all the time.


True.

Will this suffice to overcome the world’s suffering?


Ultimately, it will. However, the ending of all evil could take some time. Besides, the process of good and evil permeating the world is cyclic. Still, goodness alone will ultimately triumph.

The answers seems resonating perfectly with the the theory of Karma. Whether one believes in rebirth or a heaven and hell we would go to later, isn’t goodness alone that we would carry with us ? Isn’t that what all religions teach us?

The true message of Christianity

Jesus of Nazareth's life and message has inspired many, all through the ages. He welcomed and embraced the sinners, the despised and the harlots and gave them solace and peace. To Jesus, God was a loving Father. Jesus' mantra was love for God and one's fellowmen. There is so much to learn from him and yet, he is misrepresented at times. I felt I must meet him and clarify the doubts I have


My dear Lord Jesus, so many people have been inspired by you, still there are some doubts that persist. The areas which do not somehow seem to be in synergy with your teaching. Could you clarify these doubts for me?


Of course. Go ahead and ask me the queries you have.

It is a fact that different people pray to a different God. Some do not even believe in an external God but believe in God being a presence within us. In this scenario, what is the criterion for deciding who is a true ‘Christian’ is? One who believes in the principles you spoke on or one who uses the name “Jesus” instead of say, Allah or Ram?

Evidently, the latter. It is the principle which matters not the names used. This one principle has caused tremendous conflict and I really would like to implore people to stop promoting Christianity as the sole way to reach higher levels of consciousness.

Is idol worship to be avoided?

See, the important thing is remembering the presence of God everywhere. If idols help you concentrate on this divinity, use them as a channel. But do remember it is only a channel and remember to perceive the divinity one can perceive in the world.

In the Christian tradition, a lot of people are quite scared of ‘Satan’ What is this force?


As you probably know, my sermon on the mount clearly stated that God is within each of us. Similarly, Satan or negative forces too are within us. These vices are the ones we need to combat. Ego, jealousy, anger, violence – these are mini Satans among many people. The path to totally rise above them may be ardous, but the results are wonderful.

You sacrificed your life on the cross to save the sins of the world and asked for the
forgiveness of the tormentors. This sort of attitude is sometimes too difficult to cultivate. Is this really possible for ordinary people?


If you are in touch with love, you will realize that holding grudges can only make your path difficult. In my case, I did not want even those moments of torture to take me away from love. Remember this all through your life.

How do we get in touch with the God within us?


One’s life needs to be directed by the spiritual element which is its basis, which manifests itself as love, and which is extremely natural to man.

Unfortunately, this simple truth has often be misrepresented by many and a lack of complete clarity has occurred everywhere in all faiths.

Discard this misrepresentation and understand the true principles of spirituality from all faiths and wisdom traditions.


Which are the sayings you admire apart from the Bible.


See, wisdom is present all over the world. Some beautiful sayings found in other traditions, say the truth which I have ttried to convey in my own life.

For instance, the Thirrukural in Tamil says -

The aim of the sinless One consists in acting without causing sorrow to others, although he could have attained great power by ignoring their feelings.

The aim of the sinless One lies in not doing evil unto those who have done evil unto him.

If a man causes suffering even to those who hate him without any reason, he will ultimately have grief not to be overcome.

The punishment of evil doers consists in making them feel ashamed of themselves by doing them a great kindness.

Of what use is superior knowledge in one who does not endeavour to relieve his neighbour's want as much as his own?

If, in the morning, a man wishes to do evil unto another, in the evening the evil will return to him.

My what clarity and completeness of Christ's true message. I sincerely hope this message permeates to all humans...as Christ would have liked it to.