Monthly Archives: October 2009

THE WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY

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Ganges River at Rishikesh.

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Tarangini – A Flowing River or Stream – River Ganga or Ganges emerging from the Shivalik Hills, Rishikesh. She symbolizes an immortal stream of thoughts, ideas, and mental conceptions that drenched the soils of the Land of Bharat and the minds of its inhabitants.

HOW CAN A MAN SURVIVE AFTER HIS DEATH ?

This is not a discussion about “Afterlife“, or “Hereafter”. This is not a discussion about death, resurrection and then “Everlasting Life“. This is not a discussion about man’s historical legacy, his enduring fame after death, or about his perpetual existence in a Heavenly Mansion after his physical death. This is also not a discussion about transmigration or reincarnation of the human soul. The concept of immortality describes deathlessness or the idea of “Lasting forever”. In the material realm, everything that is born must die. The fleeting experience of human existence is often compared to the existence of an air bubble on the surface of a Lotus leaf. The material body cannot enter the immaterial realm. Only a “Tarang” or a ‘Wave’ that is not attached to any physical or material entity, a Wave that is set free and remains in motion, could make the transition and journey into the immortal realm. Does Individuality survive the physical death of the Individual?

Please join me to explore the concept of immortality at my Home page of BhavanaJagat.

http://tarangini.wordpress.com

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

M.B.B.S.,  Class  of  April,  1970.

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THE BATTLE OF WORDS – THE ART OF GETTING KILLED

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If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, the exchange of words between these two parties could escalate into open warfare. Man, specially the Most Auspicious One, is not only willing to accept a defeat but also lovingly chooses to get killed in the duel of words. Getting killed is Divine when the Battle of Words involves your female life partner. In a verbal duel, Woman has a natural Right to Victory because of the Superiority in Communication Style. Getting vanquished in the Battle of Words would let Man to win his Peace and Tranquility and the Woman to shower Compassion on her defeated enemy.

Please join me to explore this conversation between the inhabitants of Mars and Venus at my Home Page of Bhavanajagat.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

M.B.B.S.,  Class  of  April,  1970. 

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TARANGINI – THE WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY

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A propagating wave packet; in general, the env...

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TRIBUTE TO REBBAPRAGADA SURYANARAYANA MURTHY

"TARANGINI" - THE WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY IS MY PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER, SHRI.REBBAPRAGADA.SURYANARAYANA MURTHY.

 

TARANGINI - THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY

  

Ripples are undulating movements on the surface of water.
Ripples are undulating movements on the surface of water.

HOW CAN A MAN SURVIVE AFTER HIS DEATH  ?   

This is not a discussion about “Afterlife” or “Hereafter”. This is not a discussion about death, resurrection and “Everlasting Life“. This is not a discussion about man’s historical legacy, his enduring fame after death, or about his perpetual existence in a Heavenly Mansion after his physical death. This is also not a discussion about transmigration or reincarnation of the human soul. The concept of immortality describes deathlessness or the idea of “Lasting forever”. In the material realm, everything that is born must die. The fleeting experience of human existence is often compared to the existence of an air bubble on the surface of a Lotus leaf. The material body cannot enter the immaterial realm. Only a “TARANG” or a Wave that is not attached to any physical or material entity, a Wave that is set free and remains in motion, could make the transition and journey into the immortal realm.   

‘TARANG’ – ABOUT RIPPLES, WAVES, AND WAVE MOTION  :   

Ripples are little waves or undulating movements on the surface of water when the surface is stirred or ruffled by a breeze. We can also cause ripples by dropping a pebble into standing or still waters. Ripple suggests movement and is the result of a disturbance in the prevailing calm. The word ‘wave’ also describes a ridge or swell moving along the surface of a liquid or body of water as a result of disturbance, as by wind. In Physics, a wave is defined as a periodic motion or disturbance consisting of a series of many oscillations that propagate through a medium or space, as in the propagation of sound or light. Hence waves should be understood not only as the result of a disturbance such as the motion of an object, but also as a change in an electric current, or an alteration of an electromagnetic field. The disturbance is transported from one point to another by a wave, but the medium through which it travels does not undergo a net displacement. Wave Mechanics is the branch of Physics that describes the motion of particles, as atoms, and elementary or fundamental particles, by wave motion. In Physics, waves are typically described in terms of their frequency or wave length; the distance measured in the direction of progression of a wave, from any given point to the next point characterized by the same phase. In colloquial usage, the term wave length is used to describe a way of thinking, understanding etc., The commonly used phrase of being ‘on the same wave length’ describes a state of mutual understanding or accord.   

WHAT ARE ‘THOUGHT WAVES’  OR  ’MENTAL WAVES’  ?   

THE GENERATION OF THOUGHTS AND THE PROPAGATION OF THOUGHT

THE GENERATION OF THOUGHTS AND THE PROPAGATION OF THOUGHT

 

BRAIN AREAS - GENERATION OF THOUGHT - VOCALIZATION OF THOUGHT.

BRAIN AREAS - GENERATION OF THOUGHT - VOCALIZATION OF THOUGHT.

 

The word ‘idea’ describes something a person thinks, a thought, a mental conception or image. The word ‘concept’ refers to something conceived in the mind. But, ideas and concepts must be vocalized by the brain and otherwise, their existence would remain unknown. Brain has to generate thoughts and express them or communicate them in a manner that permits others to understand the contents of those thoughts. A brain at rest, calm or tranquil could be visualized like a pond of water which is still with no ripples and waves  seen. ‘Thought’ arrives like a disturbance and stirs up the resting brain. Thoughts arrive in waves and each represents movement of negatively charged ions or electrical activity and movement of electrical signals or nerve impulses between different areas of the brain. Just like in Wave Mechanics described in Physics, ‘thought waves’ have to move by wave motion, a series of electrical discharges before they find their physical expression.   

THOUGHT IS A BRAIN’S CHILD  :   

A thought that is conceived in the brain of a thinker could have an existence of its own. The thinker has to sever the connection between himself and his thought. A child is born, is set free to lead an independent and free existence when the cord that connects the mother and the child is severed. A ‘thought wave’ which is no longer attached to the thinker exists with an identity of its own.   

“TARANGINI” – THE WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY  :   

 The word ‘TARANG’ means a wave or motion which is the property of a wave. The word “TARANGINI” means a moving, flowing, or running stream or river. The act of flowing gives the water a life of its own. The stream or river is alive as long as the water is flowing. If the thoughts, ideas, and mental conceptions of a person are propagated to another person; and if such propagation of ‘thought waves’ continues from one generation to the next, the wave is said to be in motion and the quality of being alive is imparted to that ‘thought wave’. I would like to draw an analogy between the fluidity that manifests as a flowing stream and the fluidity of a mind that lets a ‘thought wave’ to propagate. The attribute called ‘life’ exists as long as the wave continues to move and is in motion. The propagation of ‘thought waves’ across generational lines describes my ‘Wave Theory of Immortality’. There are numerous human mental concepts, ideas, ‘thought waves’ or ‘mental waves’ that are ‘immortalized’ and these ‘waves’ are still in motion, flowing from one generation to the next. The human identity may not be known as the human person who had originally conceived the thought and has set it into motion did not attach his/her physical identity to that particular ‘thought wave’. These immortal ‘thought waves’ have originated in the minds of men who always exist in relation to their physical environment. An immortal thought exists in the context of a human personality in whom the mental ‘disturbance’ took birth and has continued to survive, and has continued to move, and is still flowing through the minds of others who got exposed to this ‘mental wave’. I choose to define the “Indian Identity” in terms of such immortal thoughts that took birth in the Land of India known as Bharat. Human minds have conceived the concepts of ‘SATYA’( Truth ), DHARMA ( Right Conduct ), AHIMSA ( Non-Violence), SHANTI ( Peace), PASHCHATH TAPA ( Repentance), PRAAYASH CHITTA ( Penance ), SHEELA ( Character ), PAAPA ( Wrong doing), PUNYA ( Good deeds),PUNAR JANMA ( Rebirth ), SAMSARA ( the cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth), Aatma ( Human Soul ), PARAMAATMA ( Divine Soul ), VIDHI ( Fate ), KARMA ( Action and its consequences), THIRATH STAAN ( Ritualistic River Worship ), PAADA SEVANAM ( Worship of Feet), KIRTANA ( Singing as an act of worship ), ARCHANA ( acts of ritualistic worship), SUNYATA ( Emptiness), and various others which establish a specific relationship between the man and the physical environment in which he exists. Immortality as an idea is entertained by people of different cultures. In each culture, the idea is expressed in a different context. In the Land of Bharat, the idea of immortality is not discussed in terms of physical death, resurrection and Everlasting Life after the process of ‘Resurrection’. Immortality is not about perpetual existence in a Heavenly Mansion. In the opinion of Indian thinkers, the mortal body cannot be transported to a Heavenly Abode. Immortality is not about eternal or enduring fame. The fame belongs to a physical entity and it remains in the physical realm in relationship with the physical environment. In the Indian Tradition, the fame of an individual is considered to be eternal or lasting forever if it survives as long as water flows down the River of Ganga or Ganges. Indian thinkers have connected the concept of Immortality is to an unchanging Reality described as SAT( TRUTH )+CHIT( KNOWLEDGE )+ANANDA( BLISS ). These immortal ‘thought waves’ have given us a group identity. We need to constantly remind ourselves that each mental concept has taken its birth in the mind of an individual and the immortal thought has moved away from the physical identity of that individual. These ‘thought waves’ or ‘mental waves’ would continue to flow across the Land of Bharat as long as water continues to flow in a River that is admiringly described as Ganga Maa or Mother Ganges. Indian Tradition has always visualized ‘thought waves’ as a running or flowing Stream or River. In the physical environment, a flowing or running Stream or River represents the perpetual hydrological cycle, the cycle involving the evaporation from the sea, precipitation such as snow and rain, and the return flow to the sea. In relative terms, humans lead a transient existence, and the rivers stream until eternity.
I would like to draw an analogy between the Fluidity that manifests as a Flowing Stream and the Fluidity of a Mind that lets a 'thought wave' to propagate.

I would like to draw an analogy between the Fluidity that manifests as a Flowing Stream and the Fluidity of a Mind that lets a 'thought wave' to propagate.

 

SHANKARA - IS HE DEAD OR ALIVE ? "ManO Buddhyahamkaara,Chittaani Na aHam;Na Karnam, Na Jihvaa, Na cha Ghraana, Neytrey;Na cha Vyoma, Bhumir, Na TejO, Na VaayuH;Chidaananda RuupaH; ShivO aHam, ShivO aHam."

SHANKARA - IS HE DEAD OR ALIVE ? "ManO Buddhyahamkaara,Chittaani Na aHam;Na Karnam, Na Jihvaa, Na cha Ghraana, Neytrey;Na cha Vyoma, Bhumir, Na TejO, Na VaayuH;Chidaananda RuupaH; ShivO aHam, ShivO aHam."

 

SHANKARA  -  IS HE DEAD OR ALIVE  ?   

Adi Shankaracharya has expressed his identity as that of SHIVA and that of SHIVA alone. He had excluded mind, intellect, ego, and conscience from his identity. His identity is not related to human knowledge, and the human brain that exists in this physical universe. He had excluded the sensory organs of hearing, taste, smell, and vision from his identity.His identity is not related to the human knowledge that is derived from sensory organs, or sense perceptions. He had excluded Sky( Ether ), Earth, Fire, and Air from his identity. His identity goes beyond the limits of the physical universe and his identity transcends the ‘Immanent’ Realm. However, he has not excluded his ‘thought wave’ from the description of his identity. His ‘thought wave’ is the bearer of his identity. His thought, the mental wave or ‘TARANG’ identifies itself as a True Knowledge of Bliss which is personified and identifed as ’SHIVA’. This ‘thought wave’ that is set into motion is still flowing and this “TARANGINI” is still alive and it describes the quality of Immortality. Shankara is alive as long as the mental concept of “SHIVO AHAM” continues to create mental vibrations and causes electrical discharges in the nerve cells of human brains and these invisible oscillations gain physical expression and is vocalized as the thought to describe the identity of the individual as “I AM SHIVA”, and “I AM SHIVA” and this alone is my ‘TRUE IDENTITY’. Next time, when you look at a Running or Flowing Stream or River, let that ‘TARANGINI’ connect you ‘The Wave Theory of Immortality’.   

River Ganga meandering through the Shivalik ranges near Rishikesh symbolizes my WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY. Man always exists in constant relationship with his physical environment. Immortality is not about perpetual residence in a Heavenly Mansion. Immortality is associated with the idea of Ultimate Reality which is represented by SAT+CHIT+ANANDA. In this physical world, the Indian Identity is immortalized by the flowing River adoringly described as Mother Ganges.

River Ganga meandering through the Shivalik ranges near Rishikesh symbolizes my WAVE THEORY OF IMMORTALITY. Man always exists in constant relationship with his physical environment. Immortality is not about perpetual residence in a Heavenly Mansion. Immortality is associated with the idea of Ultimate Reality which is represented by SAT+CHIT+ANANDA. In this physical world, the Indian Identity is immortalized by the flowing River adoringly described as Mother Ganges.

 

A ‘thought wave’ which took its birth in a human mind begins an existence of its own and when the thought is expressed or vocalized it begins a journey of its own. The mortal human body just belongs to the physical realm. A ‘thought wave’ or TARANG that contains the True Knowledge of Blissful existence travels beyond the limits of materialistic realm and enters the transcendental realm. Its identity with a person described as Shiva makes it deathless or immortal.   

http://tarangini.wordpress.com   

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,  

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, A.P., India,  

M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.   

THE BATTLE OF WORDS – GETTING KILLED IS DIVINE

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If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, the exchange of words could escalate into open warfare.

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, the exchange of words could escalate into open warfare.

 

THE BATTLE OF WORDS : 

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, the exchange of words could escalate into open warfare. Women while initiating conversation with men begin in the mode of interrogation. Women tend to open up with a sharp question. Some questions that are often asked are; Who are you?, What have you been doing?, Where have you been?, and What else? When questioned by a female partner, men tend to give straight, and short answers. Women never get impressed by brief and matter of fact statements. While men try to use a specific word to project a specific image associated with that word, women are adept in interpreting that word using an alternate image. Women’s zeal to prolong the conversation is often motivated by a desire to probe the man further. When the grilling begins, man relents, starts using words of endearment with his responses to defuse the situation and to take cover. Once the Battle of Words begins, women tend to remain focussed on the battle as long as they have the ammunition. Women ignore all words of endearment used by the men as they view it as a distraction and fear that they may not be able to accomplish their mission of winning the Battle of Words. The inhabitants of Venus would not stop until a total victory is firmly grasped. Man, specially the Most Auspicious One, not only is willing to accept a defeat but also lovingly chooses to get killed in the duel of words. Getting killed is Divine when the Battle of Words involves your female life partner. 

Kastvam? Shuuli, mrugaya bhishajam;Neela KantaH Priye aham, Kekaam yekaam kuru;PasupatiH,naiva drushtey vishaaney;Sthaanuur Mughdhey, na vadati taruH; Jeeviteysa ShivaayaaH, gachha atavyaam; iti Hatha VachaH paatu va Chandra ChuudaH.

Kastvam? Shuuli, mrugaya bhishajam;Neela KantaH Priye aham, Kekaam yekaam kuru;PasupatiH,naiva drushtey vishaaney;Sthaanuur Mughdhey, na vadati taruH; Jeeviteysa ShivaayaaH, gachha atavyaam; iti Hatha VachaH paatu va Chandra ChuudaH.

 

THE BATTLE OF WORDS BETWEEN THE “FIRST COUPLE”  : 

Parvati :  Kastvam?  =  Who are You? 

Shiva  :  Shuuli  = The one with “TRIDENT”, the bearer of a Spear. 

Parvati :  Mrugaya bhishajam  = ( Go and )  Find medicine. 

Parvati pays no attention to the tradition that allows men to identify themselves by the personal weapon they carry. Lord Vishnu is often identified as “CHAKRI” for He uses “Sudarsan Chakra” as His personal weapon. People who worship Lord Shiva recognize Him as the bearer of “TRI SHUULA” or “TRIDENT”, a Spear. Parvati ignores the image attached to the word “Shuuli” and uses an alternate meaning attached to the word “Shuuli”. The word “Shuula” is a disease entity which is characterized by stomach ache. She interpreted “Shuuli” as a person with a disease entity called “Shuula” and hence She very mockingly suggested to Lord Shiva to go and find some medicine for His stomach ache. 

Shiva  : Priye + Aham + Neela KantaH = My Most Beloved, I am the One with Dark Blue Neck. 

Lord Shiva ignored Parvati’s mocking suggestion to find medicine, and very politely responds with the word “Neela KantaH” which is often used to describe Him. As per the legend, Lord Shiva had protected the world from being consumed by a dangerous poisonous gas called ”Haala Hala” and had safely retained it in His throat and the deadly poison had imparted a dark blue color to His throat and contributed to His name and He is very popularly known as “Neela KantaH”. 

"Neela KantaH" or Pavo cristatus, family Phasianidae, a large pheasant with a metallic blue green body; the male is celebrated for its beauty and is endowed with strong "CROWING" voice.

"Neela KantaH" or Pavo cristatus, family Phasianidae, a large pheasant with a metallic blue green body; the male is celebrated for its beauty and is endowed with strong "CROWING" voice.

 

Parvati  :  Kekaam + Yekaam + Kuru =  ( You ) Shout loudly ( with Your “CROWING” voice ) once. 

Parvati not only avoided identifying Lord Shiva as “Neela KantaH” but also She had challenged Him to give a demonstration of His voice. Birds are very often identified in nature by their unique bird calls or songs. The Indian Blue peacock utters a long mournful scream . Parvati is unwilling to look at Lord Shiva’s throat and identify Him as “Neela KantaH” and She would rather prefer to identify Him by the quality of the sound that comes from His throat. 

PASUPATI, BULL - Bos indicus, Zebu, the Brahman Bull; family Bovidae.

PASUPATI, BULL - Bos indicus, Zebu, the Brahman Bull; family Bovidae.

 

Shiva  : PasupatiH  =  The Lord of all four legged creatures; the Lord of all living entities. 

Lord Shiva is not provoked by Parvati’s suggestion to give a demonstration of His voice by giving a loud call. He very politely gives Her a different answer and identified Himself as the Lord of all creatures and He rides a Bull known as “Nandi”. 

Parvati  : Naiva + drushtey + vishaaney = ( I am ) Not able to see the Horns. 

Parvati made a literal interpretation of the word “Pasupati” which means a bull and responded to Lord Shiva with a bit of sarcasm and had commented that She is not able to find the Horns which could be a very characteristic feature of a bull. 

Shiva  : O’ + Mughdhey + Sthaanuur  = O’ Sweet faced One, I am “Immovable”. 

Lord Shiva is very patient, did not argue about the meaning of the word “Pasupati”, and tactfully changes the subject and speaks of His Personal Quality with which people identify Him. He is famously known for His Steadfastness and the word “Sthanuu” signifies this personality trait and character. He also demonstrates no signs of  irritation in His manner of speech and He very carefully chooses His words and responds to Parvati with a compliment about Her beautiful face which is full of charm and youthful exuberance. 

Ficus religiosa or the Bodhi Tree is often worshipped in India. The tree is also described as "Sthaanuu" which means immovable.

Ficus religiosa or the Bodhi Tree is often worshipped in India. The tree is also described as "Sthaanuu" which means immovable.

 

Parvati  :   Na + vadati + taruH  =   A ‘tree’ cannot speak!!! ( How could a ‘tree’ talk??? ) 

Parvati shows no interest in evaluating Lord Shiva’s character and steadfastness and interpreted the word “Sthaanuu” in a very simple manner and further commented  that if the description of “Sthaanuu” is correct; She would not expect to hear  any words as trees are not endowed with the power of speech. 

Shiva  : Jeeviteysa + ShivaayaaH  = ( I am ) Life Partner of Parvati. 

Lord Shiva uses His final and ultimate weapon in this Battle of Words. The word ” SHIVA” also describes “Parvati”. By claiming that He is the Life Partner of Parvati, Lord Shiva intended to charm Her with His words and yet the same time give an appropriate response to Her question of “KASTVAM” with which She has initiated this Battle of Words. 

Parvati  :  Gachha +  Atavyaam  =  Run to the forest. 

The alternate meaning of the word “Shiva” is Jackal. Parvati who is fully focussed upon winning the Battle of Words is not in a mood to succumb to the magic of Lord Shiva’s endearing words. Parvati amply demonstrates Her adeptness in interpreting words as per the circumstances of the Battle. Jackals are very timid animals. They simply run away when they are challenged by voice. Parvati taunts Lord Shiva and tells Him to run to the forest for He has called Himself a Jackal by using the word “Shiva” to describe His Identity. 

The humble and shy Indian Jackal is also described as "SHIVA".

The humble and shy Indian Jackal is also described as "SHIVA".

 

Iti Hatha Vachah paatu va Chandra ChuudaH  =  The Lord whose hairlocks are adorned by the Crescent shaped Moon, who is thus killed in the Battle of Words may protect me. 

Lord Shiva- Shuuli, Neela kantaH, Pasupati, Sthaanuu, Chandra ChuudaH.

Lord Shiva- Shuuli, Neela kantaH, Pasupati, Sthaanuu, Chandra ChuudaH.

 

The Lord has chosen not to win the Battle of Words. Ordinary mortals should not even attempt to succeed in such a Battle of Words. Following the Lord’s example, man should choose to get killed in a Battle of Words and grant victory to the inhabitants of the planet of Venus. 

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, 

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, 

M.B.B.S.,  Class of  April, 1970.

TO REPENT – DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY

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Prophet Jeremiah had more to say about repentance than any other prophet in the Books of The Old Testament. The idea of repentance is well expressed in different cultures but the interpretation of its consequences is not the same. In the Land of India, the idea of repentance is not used to seek remission of sins. In Sanskrit language, the word repentance is described as “Pashchath Tapa”; it is the feeling of sorrow or grief for inflicting pain, or causing an injury, or an insult. Indian thinkers have described repentance as mental catharsis. It is a process that can bring about changed conduct. Through repentance man changes his thoughts, his desires, his habits, and his actions. India is described as the Land of Karma and man is expected to experience the taste of the fruit of his own actions.

Kindly join me to explore the idea of repentance at my Home page of Bhavanajagat.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

M.B.B.S.,  Class  of  April,  1970.

REPENTANCE – DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY

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The idea of repentance is well expressed in different Cultures but the interpretation of its consequences is not the same. The Jews associate the idea of repentance with Divine Atonement and Absolution of sins. Repentance, and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus is the theme of the Books of The New Testament. Christian faith calls upon man to repent and be converted through the act of Baptism. In Islam, true repentance means that man must reject all other forms of belief and avoid the worship of false gods. By repenting, a Muslim agrees to truly believe in one and only God(ALLAH) and live in strict obedience to His Five Commandments and other ordinances as revealed in the Holy Scripture of Quran. Islam also demands that the true believer must ask the non-believer to repent. Islam encourages the idea of harshly punishing all individuals who fail to truly repent. In India, the Land described as ‘Karma Bhumi’, repentance is viewed upon as a personal choice. Repentance could only be used to change one’s own conduct. Most importantly, in the Land of Bharat, the idea of repentance is not associated with the idea of converting the religious beliefs of a man. The idea of ‘repent or perish’ does not define Indian Identity. 

JUDAISM AND THE DOCTRINE OF ATONEMENT  : 

Repentance is a common theme of Old Testament Prophets. Prophet Jeremiah had more to say about repentance than any other Prophet. He called upon Jews to repent and condemned them for their false worship and social injustice.

Repentance is a common theme of Old Testament Prophets. Prophet Jeremiah had more to say about repentance than any other Prophet. He called upon Jews to repent and condemned them for their false worship and social injustice.

To Jews, repentance means living in obedience to Yahweh’s Will for the individual and the nation of Israel. For a Jew, atonement is expiation for his own sin in order to attain God’s forgiveness. He may achieve this in various ways, including repentance, payment for a wrong action, good works, suffering, and prayer. Repentance and changed conduct are stressed as the most important aspects of Atonement. 

God set up Laws for the Israelites mostly regarding holiness and worship. The Old Testament Book of Leviticus, Chapter 16, verse 34 :"This is to be a lasting ordinance for you; Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites."

God set up Laws for the Israelites mostly regarding holiness and worship. The Old Testament Book of Leviticus, Chapter 16, verse 34 :"This is to be a lasting ordinance for you; Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites."

The Day of Atonement or YOM KIPPUR is the most important and solemn of the Jewish holidays. It is the tenth and final day of the Ten Days of Repentance which begins with Rosh Hashanah. 

God has issued a lasting ordinance and has called upon the Jews to obtain Atonement once a year.After the destruction of the Second Temple at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Jews discontinued the practice of ritualistic animal sacrifice to make the sin and burnt offerings to seek Atonement.

God has issued a lasting ordinance and has called upon the Jews to obtain Atonement once a year.After the destruction of the Second Temple at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Jews discontinued the practice of ritualistic animal sacrifice to make the sin and burnt offerings to seek Atonement.

The observance of Yom Kippur includes 25 hour period of fasting and intensive prayer. At the end of Yom Kippur, the man considers himself absolved from his sin and is reconciled to God. 

Repentance is not a personal choice for the Jews.

Repentance is not a personal choice for the Jews.

THE MESSAGE OF JESUS – THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR AND THEREFORE  REPENT  : 

"REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!" - Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 2.

"REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!" - Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 2.

The Baptism of the sinless Man. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR." - Gospel of Matthew,Chapter 4, verse 17.

The Baptism of the sinless Man. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR." - Gospel of Matthew,Chapter 4, verse 17.

Jesus announced the approaching Kingdom of God and therefore called people to repentance. Jesus’ call to repentance is grounded in this message of the approaching Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ preaching, repentance does not mean a prerequisite or precondition or even a penitent contemplation of oneself but, rather a consequence of the proximity of the Kingdom of God. 

The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verse 38 :Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verse 38 :Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Christians believe that the redeeming of mankind and the reconciliation of God with man is brought about by Jesus’ suffering and Crucifixion. As per Christian belief, Jesus came to Earth and became the sacrifice for all mankind. It was the sins of all mankind that has put Jesus on the Cross. Christians seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ the Savior. 

Risen Lord - Jesus the Redeemer. The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 3, verse 19 :"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Risen Lord - Jesus the Redeemer. The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 3, verse 19 :"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

LENT SEASON : The period of forty week days from Ash Wednesday to Easter is observed variously in Christian Churches by fasting and penitence. Christians do not celebrate a 'Day of Atonement'. Christians seek forgiveness of sins through GRACE of their Risen Lord.

LENT SEASON : The period of forty week days from Ash Wednesday to Easter is observed variously in Christian Churches by fasting and penitence. Christians do not celebrate a 'Day of Atonement'. Christians seek forgiveness of sins through GRACE of their Risen Lord.

Christian traditions accept the announcement of God’s willingness to forgive all those who truly repent of their sins. Christians are sharply divided about the Doctrine of Conciliation and the power to “bind and loose”. Jesus after the Resurrection told the disciples :”If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”( Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verse 23 ) This statement is interpreted in different ways. Catholics believe in Sacramental Absolution of sins and they extend the power to “bind  and loose” that was conferred by Jesus on the Apostles  to all of their priests. Martin Luther, the leader of Protestant Reformation in Germany had asserted that daily repentance is the repeated actualization of Baptism. The Protestants have ruled out the Fourth Sacrament of Roman Catholicism. 

ISLAM - “ALLAH IS HE WHO ACCEPTS REPENTANCE”.   : 

"Know they not that Allah is He who accepts repentance from His bondsmen and taken the alms, and that Allah is He who is the Relenting and Merciful." SURAH IX, At-TAUBAH,verse 104, Holy Quran.

"Know they not that Allah is He who accepts repentance from His bondsmen and taken the alms, and that Allah is He who is the Relenting and Merciful." SURAH IX, At-TAUBAH,verse 104, Holy Quran.

The Revelations stated in the Holy Book of Quran state that it is always possible for a sinner to repent( Taubah or Tawbah) and redeem himself by a genuine conversion to the truth. Genuine repentance has the effect of removing all sins and restoring a person to the state of sinlessness with which he started his life. 

(Triumphant) are those who turn repentant( to ALLAH ), those who serve( Him ), those who praise ( Him ), those who fast, those who bow down, those who fall prostrate ( in worship ), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits ( ordained ) of ALLAH - And give glad tiding to believers! - Holy Quran, At-Taubah, Surah IX, verse 112.

(Triumphant) are those who turn repentant( to ALLAH ), those who serve( Him ), those who praise ( Him ), those who fast, those who bow down, those who fall prostrate ( in worship ), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits ( ordained ) of ALLAH - And give glad tiding to believers! - Holy Quran, At-Taubah, Surah IX, verse 112.

In Surah IX, At-Taubah ( Repentance ), Holy Quran issues stern Commandments against idolaters, disbelievers, transgressors, the Jews and the Christians for they have taken as lords beside ALLAH their rabbis, and their monks, the Messiah, and that son of Mary. 

Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people.( Surah II, verse 185 )

Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people.( Surah II, verse 185 )

The ninth month of the Muslim Year during which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people is observed as a period of daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is seen as an obedient response to a Command from God and to a lesser extent it may represent a period of Atonement. 

THE LAND OF BHARAT : SUBMISSION OF ALL ACTIONS TO GOD : 

Kaaye na vaachaa manasem indriyairvaa, Buddhyaatma naa naa prakrutey sva bhaavaat, Karomi yadyatsa kalam parasemai, Naraayanaa yeti Samarpayaami.

Kaaye na vaachaa manasem indriyairvaa, Buddhyaatma naa naa prakrutey sva bhaavaat, Karomi yadyatsa kalam parasemai, Naraayanaa yeti Samarpayaami.

While the Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims are constantly reminded to repent and to seek forgiveness of God for all of their sinful actions, in the Land of Bharat, the people are counseled to submit to God all of their actions; either good or bad. Whatever actions that a man accomplishes with his body, with his speech, with his mind, with his organs of motor function, or because of his attitude or temperament; all of those acts without any exception should be dedicated or submitted to the Supreme Lord known as Narayana. Without making any distinction between good or bad actions; man should refrain and should not  desire the fruits of his actions. 

Sattvam, rajas, tama iti gunah prakriti- sambhavah, Nibadhnanti Maha-Baho, dehe dehinam avyayam.

Sattvam, rajas, tama iti gunah prakriti- sambhavah, Nibadhnanti Maha-Baho, dehe dehinam avyayam.

THE THREE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE – ‘GUNA TRAYA VIBHAGA YOGA’ : 

The Lord’s Song known as Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XIV, verse 5 states that the material Nature consists of the three modes – goodness ( Sattva ), passion ( Rajas ), and ignorance ( Tamas ). And when the living entity comes in contact with Nature ( Prakrti ), he becomes conditioned by these modes which enslave the immutable consciousness of the self within the body. Man acts under the influence of any of the three different modes of material Nature. 

Gunam etan atitya trin dehi deha - samudbhavan, Janma - mrtyu jara-dukhair Vimukto ' mrtam asnute.

Gunam etan atitya trin dehi deha - samudbhavan, Janma - mrtyu jara-dukhair Vimukto ' mrtam asnute.

The Lord’s Song further states that when man is able to rise above ( transcend ) these three qualities known as Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, the embodied soul can become free from birth, death,old age, and their distresses, and can enjoy “Amrit” ( the Divine Nectar that bestows Immortality ) even in this life. The Supreme Lord is transcendental to the three modes of Nature. When man acquires the true knowledge of the Supreme Lord, he is emancipated ( Vimukti ) from the conditioning effects of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. 

INDIAN VIEW – REPENTANCE DOES NOT REMIT SINS : 

In Sanskrit language, the word repentance is described as ”PASHCHATH  TAPA”. It is the feeling of sorrow or grief experienced by an offender for his own actions that inflicted pain or caused an injury or insult. The Indian thinkers have described repentance as mental catharsis. Repentance is an act of purification of the mind. A man cannot unburden his conscience by concealing his actions, or by suppressing  the memory of his actions. The emotional stress and the burden imposed by a sense of guilt could be alleviated by bringing the memory of our actions to consciousness and by giving expression to sorrow or grief caused by these actions. The offender does not merely regret his actions. He mentally experiences the pain caused by his actions and gives expression to the emotion of sorrow or grief. In the Indian tradition, grief is manifested by actually shedding tears of sorrow with which the offender cleanses the feet of his victim. This process of mental catharsis brings about changed conduct. The man is enabled to change his mode of conditioned activities. The activities performed in the mode of ignorance( Tamas), and passion( Rajas) lead to distress. Man acquires real knowledge while acting under the influence of the mode of goodness or Sattva. Repentance helps the man to move upward into the mode of Sattva ( goodness ) from that of Tamas( ignorance ), and Rajas ( passion ). Through repentance man changes his thoughts, his desires, his habits and his actions. 

Please also view the related blog post titled ‘East and West – The Idea of Forgiveness’ 

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2009/09/14/east-and-west-the-idea-of-forgiveness/  

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, 

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, 

M.B.B.S., Class of  April, 1970.