The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed yet another important aspect of “Dharma” called “Keertanam”, as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit. This, as we discussed yesterday, is a “follow-up” of the previous aspect of “Dharma” called “Shravanam”. Thus, the first step is to cultivate the habit of listening to Bhagawan’s divine names, develop the interest in experiencing the beauty of Bhagawan’s divine “Leelas”, etc. As we develop this interest, we should gradually move into the next stage wherein we start singing Bhagawan’s divine names with ardent devotion. When we talk about “Keertanam”, it involves chanting of “Mantras”, recitation of Bhagawan’s divine stories, singing songs, hymns, slokas, etc. in praise of Bhagawan, etc. Thus, “Keertanam” is an integrated effort to attain Bhagawan and as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma”, we should strive forward to implement it in our daily lives.

If we look at it in a way of attaining spiritual growth, all these aspects of “Shravanam”, “Keertanam”, and few other aspects that we’re going to discuss henceforth, are “conditioners” for our mind. As we gradually involve our mind in all these aspects of “Dharma”, it would slowly get devoid of all the external disturbances that are plaguing us in today’s scenario. Thus, if we’re practicing these aspects of “Dharma” meticulously, our mind slowly starts getting cleansed and gets ready for threading along the spiritual path. We should always remember time and again that walking along the spiritual path is not an easy job in any case. It needs enormous amounts of determination (“Vairaagya”), perseverance, patience and devotion towards Bhagawan. This process requires lot of cleansing of our mind and this is exactly the reason behind Sage Sukhaachaarya giving lot of importance to such aspects of “Dharma”.

Moving on thus with the twenty-fifth aspect of “Dharma”, Sage Sukhaachaarya now talks about yet another important point called “Smaranam” or “Thinking”. This forms the third follow-up aspect of “Dharma” after “Shravanam” and “Keertanam”. “Smaranam” implies that we should constantly fill our mind with thoughts about Bhagawan, His divine names, meanings of His divine names, some background stories from which these names were derived, etc. As we develop these thoughts constantly and gradually, we move into a meditative state. This is an extremely important aspect, which many people emphasize in today’s world – Meditation.

Now what is this meditation all about? We’ve of course witnessed a brief background as to how do we get into this meditative state. Let us discuss this in a bit of detail here. Meditation is a process wherein we’re able to focus our mind on one object constantly for a definitive period of time. Of course, for ordinary people like us, we tend to meditate for a few minutes, however, for spiritually realized people like “Mahatmas”, meditation is their way of life! It should be noted here that Spiritual Masters, highly realized “Gurus” and “Aachaaryas” spend every minute of their lives in meditation and penance towards their favorite deity. Now the question arises as to how do we practice this meditation? Of course, many of us might be aware that, to practice meditation, one should sit on the floor with eyes closed and should try focusing on a deity of his/her own choice. This is exactly the procedure for performing the meditation process, but there are few things that we should understand beyond this.

An individual goes through the process of “Meditation” in different phases. Initially when we sit down for meditating upon our favorite deity for a small time period, say 10 minutes, would we be able to totally focus on our deity for all the ten minutes? The answer is “No”! It is only during those ten minutes of time, our mind would wander from India to America to Africa to Australia to Japan and to Europe! 😊 Even though we might start focusing on Bhagawan’s image or portrait or whatever might be our choice, it is very difficult for us to concentrate on it. This is where we need constant and meticulous practice. We need to first identify an image of Bhagawan, irrespective of whichever deity it might be and should develop a liking towards that image by constantly looking at it for some time. As we keep looking at the image, we should slowly internalize that beautiful image into our mind and heart. This is the most difficult part here and this is where our meticulous practice is required. This internalization process would take considerable amount of time. Of course, the time taken would depend upon the capacity of the individual and is subjective in nature. For instance, some people might be able to achieve this internalization within just a span of minutes, whereas some people might even take months to achieve it. However, even though this internalization process might consume more time, the important point here is that, we should never give up. We should constantly keep trying and at one point, we would surely achieve this internalization.

Once we internalize our deity, it becomes easier for us to transcend into the third phase. So far we’ve witnessed two phases of meditation – Phase one involving our preparatory stage wherein we try and sit at one place, close our eyes, etc. Phase two involves the attempt to capture Bhagawan’s image in our mind and trying to think about it repeatedly. This is the preparatory phase for the internalization process. Third phase is the internalization, wherein, our thinking and mental activity slowly starts getting streamlined towards the internalized image of Bhagawan. Once the internalization process happens, we would be able to traverse into a state of unending bliss and this is the fourth phase of the meditation process. Once we’re able to traverse to this phase, there is no looking back! We’re totally engrossed into Bhagawan and the “Dharma” called “Smaranam” gets fulfilled!

This is exactly what Sage Sukhaachaarya is talking about here. By narrating these aspects of “Dharma” in a sequence, Sage Sukhaachaarya is indirectly preparing all of us to experience the unending bliss of Bhagawan, through our spiritual practices. We should thus realize it and start doing the needful immediately! So for today, let us understand these four phases of meditation, as part of the “Smaranam” aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya! We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next aspect of “Dharma” as we move on! Stay tuned!  😊

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the twenty-fourth aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit, which is nothing but “Shravanam”. This simply means, we should be ready to listen to Bhagawan’s divine stories, incidents, “Leelas” (Miracles) that He had performed, His divine names, etc. As discussed in due course of yesterday’s episode, “Shravanam” forms the first step towards “Bhakti” or “devotion”. When we were amidst the previous “Skandha”, we had witnessed how Prahlaada was an epitome of this aspect of “Dharma”. Even when he was in his mother’s womb, Sage Naarada made sure that Prahlaada listens to all the important aspects and significances of Bhagawan Vishnu. Thus, the devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu, which Prahlaada stands out uniquely for, started from this very step called “Shravanam”. Hence, it becomes important for all of us to listen to various significances of Bhagawan, and if we successfully cultivate this aspect of “Dharma” within us, all other steps would automatically fall in place.

To start with, whenever we find some free time at home or during our travel time up and down from office to our residence, we can start listening to some slokas like Vishnu Sahasranama, Lalitha Sahasranama, etc. There are many recordings available on the internet today and we shall make use of them. Of course, now all of us are at home 24*7 and this is the right opportunity given by Bhagawan to commence this aspect of “Dharma” in our homes. Moreover, if we’re making sure that the sounds of Bhagawan’s slokas or phrases of the Vedas are reverberating in our homes, we are filling our homes with lot of positive vibrations. Our home itself becomes a temple of Bhagawan and eventually we needn’t go to any temple in search of Bhagawan!

This is where we move into the next aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya called “Keertanam”. This is the “follow-up” step for the previous “Dharma” called “Shravanam”. So here, “Keertanam” means, “singing in praise of Bhagawan and talking about His significances”. This is also extremely important as we take giant strides towards “Bhakti”. At any point in time, we should make sure that we keep chanting Bhagawan’s divine names, slokas, etc. even at a sub-conscious level. In other words, even when we’re busy performing other important tasks at our workplace, our mind and heart should internally keep chanting our “Mantra”. This is perhaps the highest level of this “Dharma” called “Keertanam”. It needn’t be openly done to attract public audience. It can be done within ourselves and by doing so, we develop something called “Adrishta Shakti” (Internal spiritual power) within ourselves, which would protect us from any kind of catastrophes or dangers that we might have to come across in our lives at any point in time.

Thus, it is very important for all of us to chant our “Mantra”. I’ve already discussed this aspect several times before as well. We should make sure that we chant Bhagawan’s divine names repeatedly without a break. It can be of any deity or any divine name of Bhagawan like Rama, Krishna, Ganesha, Shiva, Devi, Muruga, or whatever. Every “Mantra” or sacred name of Bhagawan has its own unique powers and hence, it is important for all of us to chant our “Mantra” all the time, irrespective of whatever task we perform at any point in time. Many of us might have a question here – How is it possible that we keep chanting all the time and especially when we’re amidst an important board meeting or any task at our organization? Won’t it affect our concentration at our work and thereby lessen our productivity? This is where we should understand that constant practice of chanting is required. Yes – During the initial stages of chanting, we might not be able to focus on the “Mantra” and our work at the same time. There would be hiccups. But we should not let ourselves down at these stages. We should keep chanting our “Mantra” meticulously without a break. Once we start doing this, we are slowly and gradually “internalizing” the “Mantra” within us. Once we internalize the “Mantra”, our lips would automatically keep chanting it, irrespective of whatever activities we are involved in at any point in time. This is the stage which all of us should strive to achieve and this is where, “Keertanam” gains lot of prominence.

Thus, the point here is that, along with “Shravanam”, we should also make sure that we chant and recite Bhagawan’s divine names. It might be in the form of a “Mantra” as explained above, or can be in the form of music too. If some people are blessed with the ability to sing, we should use this ability to the maximum extent possible to sing in praise of Bhagawan as much as possible. Of course, singing is a noble art and not many of us might be gifted by Bhagawan to do so! If some people have this gifted ability, my humble request to all such people is that, please do not commercialize Bhagawan’s gift. Rather, use it to sing for Bhagawan whole-heartedly. If Bhagawan gets pleased by your singing, He’s automatically going to give you all what you want, isn’t it? Instead of that, why should we run behind money, name and fame by using Bhagawan’s name and gift? Hence, musicians should importantly note this point here – Please consider this as a suggestion and not as something to hurt your sentiments or professional growth. If you sing with all your heart, Bhagawan would definitely take care of all your money, name and fame. Let us practice this meticulously thus!

So for today, let us understand and appreciate the important aspect of “Dharma” called “Keertanam”. We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaahcaarya! Stay tuned! 😊

As we’ve commenced the eighth “Skandha” of the “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana”, we had so far witnessed twenty-two different aspects of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit. We still have a long list of various aspects of “Dharma” to discuss, and as part of this list, in the yesterday’s episode we had witnessed that we should highly regard and respect people who are “Bhaagawathas”, or “Gurus” or “Spiritual Masters” as equivalent of Bhagawan Himself. In due course of yesterday’s episode, we had witnessed four important people whom we should respect very highly in our life – Our Mother, Father, Guru and Bhagawan. It is very interesting to see here that as per the sequence, our parents come first, then the Guru and finally Bhagawan. Bhagawan is pushed to the last! 😊 What does this mean? It simply implies that if we respect the first three categories of people, it is automatically inferred that we’ve respected Bhagawan. This is the most important point that all of us should understand from this aspect of “Dharma”. Even though we might have high respect for Bhagawan, if we tend to disrespect or disregard the “Guru” or our parents in whatever way, there is no spiritual progress that is going to happen. We should be very clear in this.

Adding to this point, in the last episode, we had witnessed some important pointers as to what is the significance of a “Guru” or a “Spiritual Master”. Of course, we’ve already witnessed this in many other contexts beforehand as well, in the likes of Prahlaada in the previous “Skandha” – How was Prahlaada, a “Mahatma” or a “fully-realized soul”, in the likes of Hanuman in the Valmiki Ramayana, etc. Although we’ve witnessed many examples in the past, it is always good to have a recollection of whatever important things that we’ve discussed. In this context wherein Sage Sukhaachaarya explains the significance of respecting “Bhaagawathas” as equivalent to Bhagawan, he is indirectly explaining the significance of a “Guru” and why is a “Guru” occupying a paramount position in a person’s life. We should thus understand the significance and pay our respects duly to our “Guru”.

Moving on further thus, Sage Sukhaachaarya narrates the next aspect of “Dharma” to King Parikshit as follows:

“Shravanam keertanam chaasya smaranam mahataam gatehe!!”

Here, Sage Sukhaachaarya talks about a very important aspect of “Dharma” called “Shravanam”. Now what is this “Shravanam” all about? It means that we should make it a practice of listening to Bhagawan’s divine slokas, stories and names all the time or whenever possible. This is of prime importance here. We should understand that if we’re getting into the practice of “Shravanam” or “listening” to Bhagawan’s “Charithra”, our mind would automatically enter the path of “Bhakti” or “Devotion”. This is not a rocket science at all! This is perhaps the simplest aspect of “Dharma” that all of us can readily implement, starting from this minute itself!

To elaborate this aspect a little more, “Shravanam” is perhaps one of the best ways to align ourselves to the path of “Moksha”. Of course, “Shravanam” might not directly take us there, but it makes sure that many things fall into place! As mentioned earlier, the moment we start listening to Bhagawan’s stories or names or slokas, or whatever, our mind starts calming down. If we’re focusing on this aspect of “Dharma” meticulously, our mind would slowly start getting detached from worldly affairs and objects. Once our mind starts getting detached from worldly affairs, slowly as days or months pass by, we would fall on the track of doing whatever further activities that are required to attain our ultimate goal of “Moksha”. This is like a piece of magnet trying to attract a group of iron pieces together. Bhagawan’s stories and His divine names can be integrated into the “spiritual magnet”. Our minds are like the iron pieces. When the “Spiritual magnet” called “Shravanam” is brought closer to our minds, just like how the iron pieces align themselves and get attracted to the magnet, our mind would also slowly start aligning and get attracted to the “Spiritual Magnet”. Once the attraction happens, all other things would follow automatically. Our mind would become channelized and we would be able to think of the spiritual path ahead of us clearly.

However in the modern-day scenario, we are amidst innumerable aspects of life that are potential disturbances, preventing us from getting closer to Bhagawan. If one has to succeed in his/her professional career, what should be done? He / she might overcome all the potential challenges that might come by and only then would be able to taste success isn’t it? Similarly here too, we should develop the maturity to overcome potential disturbances that might prevent us from undertaking the spiritual path. We should always remember that threading the spiritual path is perhaps one of the toughest things to do in a person’s life. We’ve to develop that “Vairaagya” or “Perseverance” to undertake the spiritual path. For this “Vairaagya” to develop, we should first cultivate the interest and passion for it, isn’t it? Even in our day-to-day life, if we’ve to achieve something, we would take steps towards it only if we have the interest for it. Similarly here too, if we’ve to thread the spiritual path with the required “Vairaagya”, we should cultivate the interest for it, and the only way to do so is “Shravanam”. The moment we start listening about Bhagawan, our mind would slowly start developing that interest towards the spiritual path.

Hence for today, let us ponder over this important aspect of “Dharma” and since this is one of the easiest things that we can follow, let us start immediately without any further delay! We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next important aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion on why “Anna Dhaanam” or sharing of food among other living beings is very important and is a prime tradition of our “Bhaarata Desha”. Especially during the need of this hour of crisis, we witnessed during yesterday’s episode as to what are some possible roles that we as responsible citizens can play to combat the situation. With regards to this aspect of “Dharma” which Sage Sukhaachaarya is narrating, we should be prepared to serve as many poor people as we can at this juncture. Similarly, we should also be compassionate towards animals too, as threat of hunger and lack of food loom large. If we see dogs or cats on the road, or birds coming in search of food and water, we should readily offer them whatever we can. Similarly, if we have pet animals at home, or if we’re maintaining cow sheds, etc. we should make sure that we feed all our animal friends according to their needs, so that they feel contented and satisfied. This is how we should strive to serve the world at this critical hour of crisis and we human beings from various walks of life should come together, join hands and play a part in tiding up this crisis. In a way, we should consider this as a golden opportunity given by Bhagawan to render our selfless service to the world. Let us think about this and thus do the needful as part of our contribution.

Moving on thus, Sage Sukhaachaarya narrates the next important aspect of “Dharma” wherein he explains that we should learn to respect “Bhaagawathas” or “Gurus” or “Spiritual Masters” as that of Bhagawan Himself. This simply implies that we should learn to give respect to those ardent devotees of Bhagawan, and treat them as Bhagawan’s equivalent. This is a very important point for all of us to note. We might even respect Bhagawan very highly, offer prayers every day, perform spiritual practices, etc. in the name of Bhagawan. However, in our due course of daily life, we might fail to give respect to other people around us who are “Bhaagawathaas” or “Ardent devotees of Bhagawan”. This is a wrong thing to do and we should avoid such things. This is why we have the famous saying in Sanskrit that says “Maathru Devo Bhava! Putru Devo Bhava! Aachaarya Devo Bhava! Athithi Devo Bhava!”. This means that we should give our first respect to our parents – Both mother and father. Next to fall in line is the “Guru” (our teachers, Spiritual Masters, etc.) who shows us the light of knowledge. Finally comes Bhagawan.

Thus, we should realize that it is not enough if we respect Bhagawan alone and eventually disrespect everybody around. This is not the right way to do things. Although we might have high respect and devotion to Bhagawan, if we do not show the same devotion towards His devotees or Spiritual Masters or whoever it is, Bhagawan’s heart pains a lot. This is where, the above mentioned saying occupies a prime place in our rich tradition. Our first respect should always go towards our parents, without whom we would never had an opportunity to take birth in this world at all! Without taking this wonderful human birth, how on earth are we going to think of Bhagawan and perform spiritual practices, etc.? Hence, our first and foremost respect should always be for our parents. Second comes the “Guru”.

Now who is a “Guru”? There is a famous sloka that illustrates the role of a “Guru” in shaping up our life.

“Agnyaana thimiraandhasya gnyaanaanjana shalaakaya!

Chakshurunmeelitham yena tasmai shri gurave namah!!”

This sloka explains that the important role of a “Guru” in a person’s life is to bring us our of the “Darkness” (Agnyaana) and shed the light of knowledge (“Gnyaana”). It is the “Guru” who shows us the path to attain Moksha. If such is the role of a “Guru”, He / She should be considered equivalent to Bhagawan Himself. If we look at the composition of the phrase “Guru”, it implies that a “Guru” is a person who acts as a “bridge between the Jeevaatma and the Paramaatma”. We shall find this illustration in various sections of our scriptural texts.

Readers might remember, when we were amidst our first Ramayana project, the role of Hanuman in the entire Ramayana text totally justifies all the roles and responsibilities of a “Guru”. Some of the typical characteristics of a Guru are: He / She should be a highly learned scholar and well-versed in all the scriptural texts and the messages that they convey to mankind. Hanuman was an exemplary scholar and is nick-named as “Nava-Vyaakarna Panditha”. This means, Hanuman is probably the only person in this world, who has gained mastery and expertise over the nine different “Vyaakarnas” of the Sanskrit language. In today’s scenario, many of us struggle to gain mastery over just one “Vyaakarna” and it is that tough! But however, Hanuman has gained mastery over all the nine! Isn’t this phenomenal? Secondly, a “Guru” should be an ardent devotee of Bhagawan and His / Her heart should immediately melt when they hear Bhagawan’s divine names and Bhagawan’s divine stories. Hanuman was into this as well – The moment He hears Bhagawan Rama’s name, He would melt down into tears of devotion! His sole purpose of life was to serve Bhagawan Rama in whatever way possible. Thirdly, a “Guru” should be a person who can guide “Jeevatmas” like us into the path of “Moksha” to attain the Paramaatma (Bhagawan). Hanuman was prolific in this as well. When Mother Sita was suffering from being separated from Bhagawan Rama, who was Her dear husband, it was Hanuman who went all the way to Lanka where She was imprisoned by Ravana. Hanuman slowly educated Mother Sita about the whereabouts of Bhagawan Rama and how is He suffering from Her separation as well. Hanuman also elucidated all the steps taken by Bhagawan Rama to re-attain Mother Sita and to put an end to this horrible separation between them. This is the primary role of the “Guru” or the “Spiritual Master”. Just like Hanuman made sure that he united Mother Sita and Bhagawan Rama together, the Spiritual Master’s role is to unite us with Bhagawan.

Given such important roles and responsibilities that a Guru or the Spiritual Master fulfills in our lives, our respect towards them should be equivalent to that of Bhagawan! This is an important aspect of our “Dharma”. Finally, we should also respect our “Athithi” or “Guest” who comes in search of us. We should make sure that our guests are received properly, given due respects, served food and made comfortable. This is also part of our “Dharma” and we should follow this.

Hence for today, let us ponder over this important aspect of “Dharma” that we should give the highest level of respect to all people around us who are devotees of Bhagawan in their own ways, along with our parents too, because all of them are equivalent to Bhagawan Himself. We shall wait till the next episode to witness a continued explanation pertaining this “Dharma” as we move forward. Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the next important aspect of “Dharma” pertaining to “Anna-Dhaana”, as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya. The underlying point that Sage Sukhaachaarya is discussing here is that, we’ve to make it appoint to share whatever food that we eat, with others as much as possible. We should never consume any food item all by ourselves. We should cultivate the habit of “sharing” of whatever food that we eat. This is why we have the customary and traditional practice being followed even today that irrespective of any religious and auspicious functions that we do at home, we make sure that everybody who comes to attend the function has their share of meal to eat. By way of offering food to others, we’re accumulating lot of “Punya Karma” and this is why, even in temples too, people are encouraged to donate for “Anna Dhaana”. Thus, food has its own place in the life of a living being and we should make sure that we respect it in the right way.

When we talk about sharing food, it not only applies for human beings alone, but for all animals and living beings in this world. Especially with this current emergency situation prevailing in the world today and with series of lockdowns imposed by the governments across the world, there is a huge crisis looming, wherein thousands of people are at the verge of losing their jobs and livelihood, atleast for these 2-3 weeks (or even more). Hence, as responsible citizens, what should be our role with respect to this aspect of “Dharma”? Here is my small list of takeaways in this regard that we can ponder over:

1. There might be many people whom we might be knowing, who are at the verge of losing their jobs and livelihood. Perhaps, with whatever limited facilities that might be available to us, we shall try and help these people with some money, or food items or groceries, etc. for the next one week or ten days to come. This would make sure that they can sustain their daily living without any hassle. At the same time, we can also limit their mobility and can indirectly make sure that they can be confined to their homes at this critical juncture. By doing so, we are also making sure that they do not get unknowingly infected by the virus, which in turn would save their lives as well as several other people apart from them.
2. Now that our movements have been restricted to a great extent (barring only for buying essential goods and services), there might be many other animals on the roads such as dogs and cats, which would be wandering around in search of some food. Perhaps if there is normal human movement on the roads, they would get enough food to eat. But because we do not move around a lot, there is a threat for these animals with regards to shortage of food. Hence, it would be great if we can provide some food to these poor animals too, apart from human beings. We should always remember that just how we have our right to live our life, these animals also have the equal right to live their lives too. Here is where we should show our compassion and love towards these animals and offer them food, so that they don’t go hungry at the end of the day. At the same time, if we have pet animals at home, or if we are maintaining a cow shed, we should make sure that all these animals are also well fed, without any shortage.
3. As we’re witnessing in the news of late, there are many daily-wage migrant laborers who are at the verge of collapsing, because of lack of their daily income. Many of them are trying to flee off to their native villages across the country owing to lack of jobs at this crucial time. It would thus be helpful for these poor laborers if rich and well-off people can offer them three meals a day for them and their family members, so that they wouldn’t need to flee off to their native places. If we’re allowing them to flee in lakhs, there is a grave threat that even if one person is having the infection, all the lakh people are going to get infected, eventually things are going to get out of control! Of course, the government is doing its part to protect these people, but beyond that, it would be great if we can also chip in with our help in serving them.
4. Finally, for people in the opposition political parties – It is to be remembered that whether you like it or not, this is a time to support the government’s actions as much as possible and not to play your petty politics. This is a huge humanitarian crisis that is rather rapidly unfolding day by day! Hence, rather than passing adverse comments or spreading rumors and fear amidst the society, it is better to keep your mouths shut! Please be very clear that you have been rejected by the people of this country. Or, if at all you want to contribute your bit, show it in action, rather than in words. This would suffice.

Hence, it might be useful for all of us to ponder over these points and thus do the needful. Rather than looking at it in the form of a crisis, we should take it as an opportunity to serve humanity and all other living beings. The moment we get this attitude of offering selfless service, the world would become a much better place to live, and eventually we shall be able to tide over this crisis as quicly as possible. We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next aspect of “Dharma”! Stay home! Stay safe! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had an extended discussion in connection with an important aspect of “Dharma” called “Aatma-Vimarshana”, which Sage Sukhaachaarya is narrating to King Parikshit. The underlying point behind this aspect of “Dharma” is that, before pointing fingers at others for their fault, we should make sure that we’re perfect in what we do. Most of the times due to our human limitations, it might not be possible for us to achieve 100% perfection in whatever we do. There might be some loopholes here and there. We should remember that this same rule applies for others too. So, it is not right on our part to keep passing adverse comments on someone for something that is not happening the way it should. Perhaps, if we’re doing so, we should make sure that our comments are constructive in nature, so that the faults can be potentially corrected as we move forward.

This is very important in today’s scenario because we’re in the grip of a deadly pandemic and governments across the globe are trying their best to overcome this situation and to minimize the damage that is being caused. Many governments including that of our Bhaarata Desha are doing a phenomenal job, given their own various limitations and constraints. Hence, as a responsible citizen, it is our duty to follow the directives given by the government, rather than criticizing and creating a sense of fear amongst people. Again, in the Indian context, it is extremely sad to know that some people with “vested interests” in the political circles are constantly trying all their tricks in the trade to instill fear among the poor people. This has a potential capability to create an unrest in the country. Such attempts need to be stopped immediately and everybody, irrespective of whatever political or religious or personal ideologies should come together to fight the pandemic. At this point, we should realize that our enemy is not our fellow human beings, but the Coronavirus. As a request to common people like us, please do not fall into these fear mongers’ attempts. Let us stand united with each other and show these people that their attempts to malign humanity are going to get futile. As we march together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, let us also teach a befitting lesson to those people trying to play cheap politics over this serious situation. Thus, the point here is that, we should stop unwantedly criticizing and commenting about others and should mend our own ways before we mend others’! Hence, let us follow this important point.

With this point, we’ve witnessed twenty different aspects of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya. Moving on with the next few aspects of “Dharma”, Sage Sukhaachaarya explains thus:

“Annaadhyaahdeehe samvibhaagaha bhootebhyascha yathaarhathaha!”

Here, Sage Sukhaachaarya explains a very important “Dharma” – When it comes to food, we should make sure that we share our food with others and consume, rather than consuming everything all by ourselves. For instance, if we have a very tasty sweet in our hand, we should make sure that we distribute the sweet to others too, and only then consume it. Although we might like the sweet item very much, we should resist that temptation to consume the entire block of sweet all by ourselves. This is of paramount importance and in fact, our entire Bhaarata Desha’s fabric is built on this aspect of “Dharma” only. Our traditional and ancestral characteristic was to cultivate food grains, vegetables, fruits, etc. in abundance so that it can be distributed to all our people, without any shortage. It is only because of this noble attitude and generosity of our esteemed farmers even today, India is able to sustain its food requirements without any problem. Despite our burgeoning population, we are able to supply food and necessary items to all our people, and this itself is a huge achievement! We can see many countries around the world, not being able to achieve this feat, but our India is able to. This is primarily because we are the ones who propagate to this world that sharing of food items is part of our life. The happiness and satisfaction of consuming good quality food shouldn’t be restricted only to ours, but should be spread across the whole country.

To narrate this point more interestingly, if we see birds like crows, pigeons, etc. even they have the characteristic of sharing whatever food they get. Birds have their own way of communicating with each other and it might be remarkable to observe how birds call each other when they come across food. If even birds can follow this noble aspect of “Dharma”, what is going to stop human beings like us to follow it? This is one of the many small lessons that we can learn from animals and birds. Thus, the point here is that, when it comes to food, we should always make sure that we share the food with others and never consume anything all by ourselves.

This is why we have this practice of doing “Anna-Dhaanam” for many important occasions in India. For instance, when it comes to a marriage function or any religious celebrations, the first thing that all of us do is to provide quality food for all people who come to attend the celebrations. In fact, wherever the “Saptaaham” of this very text of Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana is being held, one important ingredient of the entire seven-day event is food! After each day’s recitation, it is a customary practice to offer tasty and delicious food to all people who have come to listen to the narratives. Thus, “Anna-Dhaanam” occupies a paramount place in our rich and diverse Indian culture and tradition and we should appreciate it at this point.

So for today, let us introspect this important “Dharma” within us and let us do the needful. We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next aspect of “Dharma” as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya. Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode, we had witnessed yet another important aspect of “Dharma” as being narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit, called “Aatma-Vimarshana”. This pertains to the fact that before blaming others for anything, we should first introspect within ourselves whether we’re perfect. It is very easy to blame others and to find fault. But if we’ve to put ourselves in their shoes and get the work done, many a times, we would also face similar situations and challenges that others did. Thus, rather than involving in “blame games” over not doing something properly, we should make sure that we work hand in hand with others, to get the job done. Ultimately our focus should be on our task in hand, and not playing politics unnecessarily.

For instance, as the world is currently being gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic and as the total number of “positive cases” is all set to cross the crucial six hundred thousand (SIX LAKH) mark today,  governments across the world are scrambling with whatever limited resources they have, to tackle the situation. This is the same case in our “Bhaarata Desha” (India) as well. As responsible citizens of this great country, what should be our role to play? We should make sure that we obey whatever the government’s instructions are – Both the Central and State governments. Ultimately we should realize that the government is advising us with certain norms to follow, only for our benefit. If we follow them correctly, we can overcome this huge pandemic challenge.

The government has advised all of us to stay indoors for the next 3 weeks. Rather, if we start roaming around on the roads every day, by defying the government’s orders, we’re going to become “potential carriers” of the disease in due course! I’m repeatedly appealing to all our readers and to the world through “The Indian Dharma” blog page – Please, let us all refrain from venturing out of our homes for the next three weeks or so, whatever might be the requirement. I’m very particular on this because of the great danger that this virus possesses – Even though there might be people exhibiting symptoms of the disease, there might be many who are “asymptomatic”. This means that the virus particles might be present inside that person, but he / she might not be showing symptoms of the disease. This is the greatest danger here. Even if we come in contact with such “asymptomatic” people while going out, chances are very high that we might contract the disease too! And let us all remember one important thing here – There is no medicine yet to cure this disease! Of course, our esteemed doctors and researchers all over the world are leaving no stone unturned to come up with a vaccine for this, as early as possible. But till that time, isn’t it our personal and social responsibility to safeguard ourselves as well as our fellow people?

Moreover, we should also be aware that developed countries like the United States of America, Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, etc. are reeling under the impact of this disease today, primarily because they failed to take adequate precautionary measures during the early stages. We’re witnessing in the news everyday that there are overwhelming number of patients in their hospitals and the doctors are stretched far beyond their personal capacities to treat these patients. As a result, their health systems are collapsing rapidly and subsequently the number of people dying of the disease is on the rise!

Given this scenario, rather than blaming the government for anything and everything, isn’t our responsibility to make sure that such a catastrophic situation doesn’t arise in India? Given our various limitations with respect to our healthcare systems, if at all such a situation arises, do we realize what kind of a danger are we posing to our society, for our family members and for our nation as a whole? If such a catastrophic situation arises in future, what would be our immediate reaction? We would shamelessly say, “Oh! The government should have taken adequate steps in the earlier stages itself to control the pandemic!” Do we even have the right to say such things, if we’re not following the protocol laid down by the government? Hence, rather than playing the blame game later on, we should think and introspect within ourselves whether we follow the rules and norms set by the government during this early stage itself.

This is exactly what Sage Sukhaachaarya is explaining here, through the concept of “Aatma-Vimarshana”. As a practical application of this “Dharma”, let us take this situation as an opportunity to implement what we’re learning here. We should always have the confidence within ourselves that we can overcome this danger effectively with minimal amount of damage. Let us also remember one thing – Even now it is not too late. We’re still at a very much manageable situation, as compared to many other countries worldwide. So, let us do the needful immediately before things fall out of hand!

We shall wait till the next episode to move on with Sage Sukhaachaarya’s narrative further. Until then, let us firmly take a resolve to stay indoors as much as possible and stay safe! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of “Mauna” or “Silence” in our present day scenario. We had witnessed it in two different dimensions yesterday in terms of not getting trapped up into the net of strangers by disclosing our intricate personal details, and in terms of controlling our ego to become successful leaders. Both of these dimensions are of paramount importance to our modern-day life and we should make it a point to follow Sage Sukhaachaarya’s important advice here.

For instance, if we’ve to be on a “Mauna-Vratha” for one day in a week or a month, how many of us would be ready to do it? Many a times, we would fail in our attempt, even if we undertake one! 🙂 We might think within ourselves thus, “Oh! If I keep silent for a day in a week, how will things at home and office run? Won’t my family members or my colleagues at work feel unhappy and lonely, just because I’m silent?” The fact would be otherwise in reality – The day when we’re silent, the whole world around us would rejoice! 🙂 Everybody would be at peace if we shut our mouths for a day! This might be funny, but it is the reality, because, if we constantly keep chirping all the time, we are only going to scold someone, or gossip about someone to someone else, etc. There is nothing that is going to be productive out of what we talk! Hence, it is always a good practice to be on a “Mauna-Vratha” atleast for a single day in a week or a month. Let us try practicing it!

Moving on further thus, Sage Sukhaachaarya is going to narrate the next important aspect of Dharma – “Aatma vimarshanam”. Here, Sage Sukhaachaarya drops a huge bombshell – Rather than pinpointing at others every time, why don’t we cleanse and correct ourselves by mending our ways? This is an extremely important point for all of us to ponder. In practical day-to-day life, we might be experts in giving advice, suggestions and solutions for various degrees of problems, sitting at our home’s sofa! But if someone asks us whether would we be able to implement whatever we “suggest” in practicality, most of us would remain silent! This is where our flaw is today. We might be “experts” in pinpointing others’ mistakes and faults, but where are we and what are we? Are we 100% perfect in whatever we do in life? Are we qualified enough to comment on others’ so-called shortcomings or faults? Of course, we can do that. But we need to also remember that we too should mend our ways too in the process. It is not that, everybody is faulty in this world, other than me!

A small funny example to illustrate this point – So far, we’ve been talking about fourteen to fifteen different aspects of “Dharma” as being narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit, isn’t it? The moment we start reading through each of these aspects like “Ahimsa”, “Sathyam”, “Maunam”, etc. we would immediately tend to start relating these aspects to some of our known people in the negative way. For instance, if we’re reading about “Controlling our anger”, we would immediately think thus: “Ah! This is a wonderful aspect of “Dharma” which is totally ignored by my elder brother! This is totally applicable for him only! I wish he reads it first and understands it, more than me reading it!” This is where we falter! Just as these aspects of “Dharma” might be important to someone else, we should realize that these aspects are equally or even more important for us to follow as well! When we get such a thought in our mind, we should immediately be able to think within ourselves thus, “Oh! I’m thinking that my brother is a short-tempered guy! What am I then? If he provokes even a little bit, I start fuming on him with great anger! So isn’t this “Dharma” more applicable to me, rather than to him? So why can’t I use this knowledge as an opportunity to correct myself and mend my ways?” This is called “Aatma-Vimarshana”.

Thus, the point here is that, rather than constantly finding faults with others, we should sometimes look at our own back and clear ourselves first. We should make ourselves perfect before commenting on others! Some people have this habit of seeing negativity in anything and everything. For them, whatever good might happen, they would tend to “read between the lines” and find fault even in that. The moment a fault is found, they would immediately start blaming someone for it. This is a very bad habit and we should try and avoid this as much as possible. If we’re getting into this habit, we would risk a situation wherein we would never be able to socialize with anybody in this world. We should understand the fact of this world that no human being can be perfect. All of us have our own limitations and shortcomings and that is in fact the beauty of life! For instance, if I’m so perfect and if I’m able to do everything with 100% perfection, won’t I be equal to Bhagawan Himself? Only Bhagawan can be perfect in all ways! All of us have to live with our own shortcomings and limitations and this is where we as human beings help out each other! Only if we have shortcomings in life, we would be able to reach out to each other as fellow human beings when we are in dire need of something. If everybody is perfect in everything, there is no need to doing “Seva” or “Being tolerant” or any other aspect of “Dharma” at all!

Hence, the important message from today’s episode is that, rather than finding faults with others every time, we should make sure that we correct ourselves and mend our ways first. We should understand that no human being in this world can be an “ideal human being” except for Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita! In fact, even though we say that Bhagawan Rama was seemingly perfect in whatever He did all through His life, He too had His share of difficulties and sufferings isn’t it? There were times wherein Lakshmana had to step up to cheer His brother Rama and to advise Him to move on with things. Hence, we can see from many instances that even Bhagawan, when He incarnates in this world, cannot be 100% perfect. Although we can view this point as a multi-faceted pack of debates and arguments with the “Karma” theory, the fact remains.

So for today, let us understand the significance of the “Dharma” called “Aatma-Vimarshana” and let us try and implement this in our day-to-day lives as well. We shall wait till the next episode to move on further with Sage Sukhaachaarya’s next narrative. Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

In the previous episode, we had commenced an important discussion on yet another aspect of “Dharma” called “Mauna” or “Silence” that is paramount to our daily life as well as for our spiritual growth, as narrated by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit. We’ve discussed two dimensions of this “Dharma” and have illustrated why is it important for us to practice silence as much as we can. Firstly, we had viewed it in terms of avoiding unnecessary talks and gossips. The more we talk ill about others, the more we are exposing our own ignorance and integrity. We should remember always that we’re not here to change the world. The world will keep running the way it is. We’ve got no option but to live amidst this world, irrespective of whether we like it or not. Hence, wee should make sure thus, we strictly avoid this bad practice of cribbing, gossiping, etc. which is of no use to us in any way. As we’ve also witnessed in our earlier episodes for a similar context, if we’re going to talk ill of our superiors in our workplace, we’re facing a grave threat of losing our job! Hence we should be very careful here. Secondly, we had viewed it in terms of saving our own internal energy. We might be performing various spiritual practices every day and thus, accumulating lot of energy within us. However, if we’re going to keep chit chatting and involving ourselves in unnecessary talks, thinking, etc. we are only draining out all the energy that we’ve accumulated with great difficulty. Hence it is not only important that we perform our spiritual practices every day but should follow them up by keeping as silent as possible. We should talk only when it is necessary and during the rest of the time, we shall spend by either chanting our “Mantra” or thinking about Bhagawan.

Now let us look at some more dimensions to this aspect of “Dharma” called “Silence”. Third dimension to this is that, if we practice “silence”, the “trust” that people have in us would increase manifold. This is of paramount importance because, as we develop friendships and relationships in life, “trust” factor plays a pivotal role in sustaining of these aspects. For instance, when we get married to our spouse, it is very important for the couple to maintain certain vital things secretive within themselves. There are certain aspects of life that should be restricted only within the four walls of the house. Such things, if we’re going to vent out in the public domain for whatsoever reason, is only going to damage our family fabric, and this is the reason why we see an enormous increase in the number of couples filing for divorce. Thus, here too, silence plays an important role. It is vital for us to maintain this strict discipline within, so that our relationship becomes a happy and a loved one.

Nowadays, there are some people who act like “predators” in poking their noses into other people’s private matters. Such people are opportunistic and highly selfish in nature, and if we’re going to fall into their “trap” by disclosing our personal information to them, we’re definitely in for a soup! These “predators” might be ranging from those involving in bank frauds, other financial frauds, extramarital affairs, etc. We should thus be very careful if we come across strangers or any third person apart from our close family. With the advent of the social media today, many “cybercrimes” are becoming the order of the day. Of course, I’m not saying that we should keep away from social media, but the point here is that, we should learn to use social media as judiciously as possible, without getting strained into any unwanted things.

Another dimension through which we can look at this aspect of “Silence” is that, if we’re transcending to the higher echelons of our organization and if we’re becoming leaders with various responsibilities under us, this “silence” aspect is very important. This implies that, we should maintain ourselves “calm” and “composed” at all times, no matter what kinds of problems we might face. In a way, as we advance in our career, we should be prepared and mature enough to face a variety of problems and challenges that come through. If we’ve to face them with a strong will, we should not take emotional or “knee-jerk” reactions. When would we take such “knee-jerk” reactions? We would tend to do that only if our mind is not calm. If our mind has to remain calm, we need to control our tongue and this is where, “silence” is important!

Most of the problems arise because we tend to pick up fights and arguments with others, even for petty things. This is because of the “ego” that we possess within us. When someone hurts our ego with few words, we tend to get heated up and try giving them back with even more furious words! This continues and results in a huge war of words and sometimes it can get into a physical fight mode too! Can we give space for all these things if we’ve to become great leaders? We should understand here that we can never win over someone by picking up a fight all the time. There is no necessity that we should react to anything and everything immediately. We shall definitely take our time, calm down, analyze the situation and then react. There are ways to handle tense situations and the more we keep ourselves calm, the more we would be able to think of better ideas and solutions. We should always remember that ultimately a solution for the problem in hand is our prime focus, and not the ego and politics that arise in the middle. This is where, we should exhibit restraint and silence at times. If the situation seemingly is going out of hand, we should have the maturity to calm down things and dose off the problem, rather than accelerating it further with our words and ego.

So for today, let us ponder over these two dimensions wherein “silence” is of paramount importance as our “Dharma”. We shall extend this discussion a little further in the next episode and shall move on with the next aspect, in the next episode! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

In the previous episode we had witnessed the next important aspect of “Dharma” which Sage Sukhaachaarya is explaining to King Parikshit. Here, he had spoken about how important it is for all of us to cut down unnecessary activities, so that our focus remains on our spiritual progress. In due course of yesterday’s episode, we had witnessed quite a few modern day applications pertaining to this aspect. In fact, there is a separate field of study under Operations Management, called “Lean Operations”, which totally emphasizes this particular point. It clearly explains how do we make our business process as lean as possible, by cutting down all unwanted tasks and routines, thereby saving on cost, manpower, time and other forms of organizational resources. This would ensure the efficiency of the organization and eventually the productivity would increase manifold. This in turn would enhance the profit level of the organization as well. Thus we can see here that Sage Sukhaachaarya’s words are completely applicable in any context of modern day life – Be it spiritual progress, or organizational progress or personal progress. Hence, we should make constant efforts to strive and follow the words of Sage Sukhaachaarya.

Moving on with the next important “Dharma” that all of us should adhere – “Mauna”. Many of us might be knowing here – “Mauna” means “Silence”. Maintaining silence is in itself one of the greatest aspects of “Dharma”. As we have the famous proverb, “Empty vessels make noise” – Only those who are half-baked in knowledge and the know-how of things would keep making noise all the time. A learned person (“Panditha”) is one who always keeps silent and this is a remarkable characteristic of an individual.

Now how does this aspect called “Mauna” fit into the scheme of things in this context? There are multiple ways of looking at this and we shall try to ponder over few of those ways. As a continuation of yesterday’s narrative, “gossip” is one way wherein we get trapped quite easily! This is where we need to use our intellect. We should think within ourselves thus: “What is going to change in this world, just because I’m talking about something that is not in my hands? Am I a powerful person in the society, so that, if I say something, there are people to implement? Just because I’m talking ill about someone or something, is that person or thing going to mend his / her / its ways in the future?” If the answers to all these questions are a “Yes”, then we might very well continue talking whatever we talk! On the other hand, if the answers to these questions are a “No”, (which mostly would be the case for many of us) we should better stop opening our mouth! 😊 This is because, the more we open up amidst others especially in the wrong way, the more we are exposing ourselves and our ignorance! I’m repeatedly emphasizing this point many many times here. Readers might remember – We discussed this same point during the Vidura Neeti as well as the Ramayana seasons too.

Thus, the important point here when it comes to maintaining “Mauna” or “Silence” is that, we should strictly avoid unnecessary talks and gossips about someone or somebody to a third person. This would not only expose ourselves, but also might put us in a great danger in the future! We should never talk ill about anybody and this is the first step towards implementing this “Dharma” called “Mauna”.

Secondly, the more we keep talking, the more energy we lose from our body! If we look at this dimension of “Mauna”, it might be startling for us to understand that the more we become a “chatter box”, the sooner we become tired! 😊 Thus, whatever energy we might gain out of performing all our spiritual practices would be easily washed away! This is like closing one end of the tank and forgetting to close a tap at the other end of it! What would happen here? One one hand, water keeps coming inside and it keeps going out of the tank through the open tap on the other side! What is the use of filling the tank then? Similarly, the more we advance spiritually with our regular and meticulous practices like doing our “Sandhyavandanam”, or ‘Gayatri Mantra Japa”, or through chanting Vedas, etc. we would gain enormous amount of spiritual powers and energy. But on the other end of the spectrum, if we’re going to keep chirping and chattering all the time, all our spiritual energy that we’ve accumulated with great difficulty is going to be washed away! We would thus again come back to “ground zero”! 😊 Hence, if we look at this aspect of spiritual growth, “Mauna” or “Silence” is of extreme importance.

Of course, readers shouldn’t mistake my narrative in a sense that we should never talk at all! It is not like that. We should obviously talk for valid reasons and for getting things done the right way. There is no doubt it! What I’m emphasizing here is that, we should avoid too much of talking, which might result in exposing our ignorance amidst the public, and also in draining out all our accumulated spiritual energy within us. So for today, let us ponder over this important aspect called “Mauna” in these two dimensions. We shall add further interesting dimensions to this aspect of “Dharma” in the next episode. Stay tuned! 😊