SPIRITUALISM – THE TRUTH ABOUT SOUL OR SPIRIT

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Bhavanajagat

SPIRITUALISM – THE TRUTH ABOUT HUMAN SOUL OR SPIRIT :

Adi Shankara( c. 788 A.D. – c. 820 A.D. ), the founder of the Non-Dualist or ADVAITA School of Indian Philosophy has shared his ideas about human soul or spirit which is called ATMA or ATMAN in Indian Sanskrit language. What is the Truth about Soul or Spirit?

Truth is the quality of being in accordance with experience, and verified facts. Truth or Reality can be established by using a reasoning process called verification and validation. To verify or refute a theoretical claim, we need to clarify statements by demonstrating relation between the theoretical claim and the observational evidence. Such a reasoning process could be applied in two manners; 1. The Coherence Theory of Truth, and 2. The Correspondence Theory of Truth. According to the Coherence Theory of Truth, the standard of Truth is the logical consistency of a proposition with a large system of propositions. According to the Correspondence Theory of Truth, Truth is viewed as a relation between an idea or proposition and its object. To verify Truth or Reality, the Subject and Object of an idea or proposition must have a relationship. Truth when applied to statements or ideas is related to the validity of what we mean and hence it requires correspondence between thought and external reality. It is true that man has the biological ability and capacity called ‘imagination’, but man may not have the ability and capacity to translate the act and power of imagination into actuality, an external experience that could be observed by others. In my imagination, I can seek the existence of an all blissful entity called ‘SHIVA’ while in actuality, I exist in the physical world as a fragile, mortal being. Religion, Philosophy, and Science may represent three distinct fields of learning about Truth and Reality. Scientific knowledge not only provides the knowledge that something is true, but it also provides the reason why it is true. Religion, and Philosophy could use different methods to study Truth and Reality, but the ideas they share require verification, corroboration, and validation. In the study of man, the know-er and the known are one. Man is the observer and the observed fact is that of man’s nature. If man has to know the truth about his self, man has to understand the truth and reliability of his own cognitive powers. If the Subject called man is identified as an Object called Soul, or Spirit, the Truth or Reality of Soul, or Spirit involves a structural/functional relationship between the Subject and its Object.

ADI SHANKARA’S NIRVANA SHATAKAM OR ATMA SHATAKAM :

Adi Shankara ( c. 788 – c. 820 A.D. ), the founder of the Non-Dualist or ‘ADVAITA’ School of Indian Philosophy called ‘VEDANTA’ has shared his ideas about human Soul, or Spirit or ‘ATMA’ or ‘ATMAN’ in Indian Sanskrit language. In six short poems popularly known as ‘Nirvana Shatakam’, or ‘Atma Shatakam’, he has presented his mental concepts about human Soul, or Spirit which he called “AHAM”(Subject ‘A’) . Adi Shankara is primarily concerned about establishing the perfect Identity between this Subject ‘A’ and its Object called “CHIDANANDA SHIVAM(Object ‘C’). However, Adi Shankara makes no attempt in his propositions to establish the basis for this Identity between the Subject ‘A’ and its Object ‘C’. Adi Shankara is proposing that the Subject ‘A’ or ‘AHAM’ has no structural, functional, mental, moral, social, and spiritual relationship with its human body or ‘B’. In his view, the human soul or spirit is not involved, and is not concerned with the existence of human body in which the soul or spirit is thought to be residing. In an effort to establish the school of thought called “ADVAITA” or Non-Dualism, he systematically separates the human body from its human soul. Adi Shankara has further extended this proposition to claim that the Subject ‘A’ is the same as the Object ‘C’ and the reason he has given is that of a lack of relationship between Subject ‘A’ and the human body ‘B’. Since, ‘A’ is not the same as ‘B’, ‘A’ is not equal to ‘B’. And, therefore, Adi Shankara claims that ‘A’ is the same as ‘C’ or ‘A’ is equal to ‘C’. He has not stated that there is or there could be a structural, functional, mental, moral, social, and spiritual relationship between ‘A’ and ‘C’. If such relationship exists between ‘A’ and ‘C’, Adi Shankara has not presented any observational evidence in support of his claim that states ‘A’ = ‘C’. Let us briefly review the six verses. Kindly note that the verses are composed in Indian Sanskrit language and there are several minor variations in the words that are attributed to Adi Shankara. The word ‘NIRVANA’ means ‘MUKTI’ or Release( the release of the conditioned human soul ), death, Sunset, and conclusion of an event( such as the end of Life ). I must clarify that ‘death’ may not be viewed as a static, or final event. Death is a dynamic event like Life which is characterized by changes like growth and development and various stages like infancy, youth, man, and old age. Just like Sunset which is followed by Sunrise, the event called death is followed by regeneration, renewal, and rebirth. Living organisms arrive with a plan for their own dissolution and such organic decay and decomposition is influenced by the cyclical flow of Time.

MAN IS A PHYSICAL, MORTAL BEING, A CREATED BEING WITH A LIVING SOUL:

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chittani Na AHAM;
Na cha Karnam( or Shrotra), Na Jihvaa, Na cha Ghraana Netre;
Na cha Vyoma, Bhoomir Na TejO, Na VaayuH;
CHIDANANDA RuupaH ShivO Aham, ShivO AHAM.

Adi Shankara excludes the four mental functions known as Ma-nah( the seat of thoughts and imagination, the chief sense organ called Mind), Buddhi(the seat of intellect and knowledge), Chitta(the seat of emotions such as compassion, affection, and devotion), and Ahankara(the seat of ego, self-pride, the sense of pride that is associated with the recognition of ‘SELF’ or ‘I’ as existing or living) as the basis of his true Identity or Essence(What you are). These four aspects of mental activities are described in Indian tradition as “ANTAH KARANAM” or ‘MANO CHATUSHTAYAM”. The human nature which is known as “CHITTA” or “HRUDAYA”, “KARUNA”, or “DAYA” and “BHAKTI” is recognized as Compassion, Kindness, and Devotion; the mental qualities that are needed for formulating Spiritual relationships both within the Individual and between Individuals. Adi Shankara gives no reason for this separation of human nature from its human Soul. Similarly, he excludes the five organs of Sense Perception( often described as “JNANA INDRIYAS”, the organs that provide sensory information and sensory experience ) such as ears, tongue, nose, eyes, and skin and the Five Primordial Elements described in Indian tradition as ‘Pancha Maha Bhutas’ such as Sky, Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. He thinks that they are not truly related to his True Identity and Essence. He is specifically excluding all known material substances, material structures and forces that operate in the natural world in the description of his True Identity. In my view, I consider that man comes into existence as a newly created object, one of its own kind, original, and distinctive who could always be identified as a specific individual. I claim that man is a created being and man has no choice other than that of existing as an Individual with Individuality. The physical form, the morphological appearance of man always makes him unique and it has to be explained and accounted for. I suggest that human Soul is the internal reality; and Soul is the basis for human Individuality and the Soul is the unchanging principle that allows man to exist with changing external forms with specific physical attributes.

MAN IS DEFINED BY HIS STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, AND BEHAVIOR :

Na cha Praana SamjnO, Na vai Pancha Vaayur;
Na vaa Sapta Dhatur, Na vaa Pancha KoshaH;
Na Vaak Paani Paadau, Na cha Upastha Paayuu;
Chidananda RuupaH, ShivO AHAM, ShivO AHAM.

In this verse Adi Shankara gives a very detailed description of various tissues of human body and describes all the vital functions and states that the Subject ‘A’ or “AHAM” has no structural or functional relationship with human anatomy and physiology. The term “PRAANA” refers to the vital life-energy and is generally used to describe the chief characteristic to make the fundamental distinction between living and non-living; the important sign of life is the act of breathing or respiration.The term “PANCH VAAYU” refers to, 1. Vyaana – the air that is spread in the entire extent of the human body; 2. Samaana – the air that is in the navel region; it could be the air that is swallowed during acts of eating and drinking and may refer to the intestinal gas; 3. Udaana – the air that is in the throat/neck region; this narrow airway is vital for the respiratory function; 4. Apaana – the air that travels downwards and outwards; it could mean the air expelled from the body as flatus or exhaled air from the lungs; and 5. Praana – the inspired air; air that is in the heart, the chief organ of Cardiovascular System that circulates Oxygen throughout human body. The term “SAPTA DHATU” refers to the seven material essences such as the skin, muscle/tendons/nerves, blood, bones, bone marrow, brain( neural tissue ), and “RASA” which describes fluids like semen and lymph. The term “PANCH KOSHA” refers to the traditional view about the structure of Soul. It is believed that the Soul has five coverings or envelopes and each layer establishes human existence and these are called as the five stages of Self-Realization; 1. Anna maya( related to Nutrition ), 2. Praana maya( related to vital functions like Respiration ), 3. Jnana maya( relates to implantation of Innate Knowledge and Consciousness ), 4. Vijnana maya( relates to the ability to make a distinction between human body or Self and Soul as the Knowing-Self ), and 5. Ananda maya( relates to the experience of Bliss, the experience of Peace, Harmony, Tranquility, and Equilibrium as a Living Experience ) ; these are the five aspects of Self-Realization and refer to complete fulfillment or development of man. I have discussed these five aspects in my blog post:

http://Bhavanajagat.com/2012/03/18/Spiritualism-Spiritual-Being-And-Self-Realization/

Adi Shankara also refers to the five organs of action that are described in Indian tradition as “KARMA INDRIYAS” which are the five instruments of Speech(VAAK), Hand-Grip and Manipulation(PAANI), Locomotion( PAADA), Procreation(UPASTHA) and Excretion(PAAYU). Adi Shankara has not bothered to state as to how these different organs and organ systems could function together to support the existence of the human person who lives because of those varied living functions. Life is nothing but to function and in my view, the human Soul is the central element that generates the structural and functional coordination that is required for human existence.

MAN IS A MENTAL BEING, AN EMOTIONAL BEING, AND A MORAL BEING:

Na Me Dvesha Ragau, Na Me Lobha MOhau;
MadO Naiva , Me Naiva Matsarya BhavaH;
Na DharmO, Na cha ArthO, Na KamO, Na MokshaH;
CHIDANANDA RuupaH, ShivO AHAM ShivO AHAM.

Adi Shankara correctly claims that the human Soul may not contribute to human feelings, and thoughts associated with hatred, sexual passion, greed, arrogance, and envy or jealousy. At the same time, he rejects the traditional Indian view about man’s purpose in Life; the purpose of Right Action or “DHARMA”, the purpose called earning money or material wealth to support Life or “ARTHA”, the purpose of Procreation or “KAMA”, and the purpose called God-Realization, Liberation, or “MOKSHA”. In other words, Adi Shankara is suggesting that human life and human existence may have no underlying purpose. He is also not giving any coping mechanism to deal with the problems associated with human emotional experiences like passionate desires. Indian tradition consistently recommends that man can exercise self-control as the human Soul is superior to human mind, human intellect, and human sense organs. If human body has no structural or functional affiliation with its human Soul, it will not be likely that man can exercise self-restraint and self-control. In my view, man, the Mental Being can establish himself as a Moral Being using the discerning ability to make the distinction between right and wrong, and distinguish good from evil by knowing the existence of the Knowing-Self or the Soul.

MAN IS A SPIRITUAL BEING :

Na Punyam, Na Papam, Na Saukhyam, Na Dukham;
Na MantrO, Na Teertham, Na Vedaa, Na YajnaHa;
Aham Bhojanam, Naiva Bhojyam, Na Bhoktaa;
Chidananda RuupaH, ShivO Aham, ShivO Aham.

Adi Shankara is describing that he has no sense of attachment to the consequences of his actions either good(“PUNYA”) or bad(“PAAPA”). He is recommending that man need not perform temple worship, and there is no need to observe religious rituals, sacrifice, and perform acts of pilgrimage. He is rejecting the desire to seek pleasure and comfort(“SAUKHYAM”) and he may not be able to totally avoid the pain, misery, and the experience of suffering(“DUKHAM”). He specifically undermined the role of food and its five functions in support of human existence. The problem is that of the nature of human existence. In my view, man at any given age, in any given condition, under all given circumstances including good health or ill-health depends upon the Power/Energy/Force called MERCY/GRACE/COMPASSION. Man is not in control of his own existence. Man needs a guiding, and controlling force called the Divine Providence. In my opinion, the human Soul operates as the Connection between man and the Divine Providence that supports, sustains, and preserves human existence irrespective of man’s experience of pain or pleasure. Man has no choice other than that of seeking Mercy, Grace, and Compassion that is called “KRUPA” in Sanskrit language.

MAN IS A SOCIAL BEING :

Na Me Mrityu, Na Shankaa, Na Me Jati BhedaH;
Pitaa Naiva, Me Naiva Maataa, Na Janma;
Na Bandhur, Na Mitram, Gurur Naiva ShishyaH;
Chidananda RuupaH, ShivO AHAM, ShivO AHAM.

Adi Shankara very boldly asserts that he is without a trace of doubt(“SHANKAA”) and further adds that the Soul that he calls “AHAM” has no Father, or Mother. Indian tradition calls Father(“PITAA”) as the originating principle, and Mother(“MAATAA) as the sustaining principle. In my view, the human Soul comes into existence(“JANMA”) because of the Supreme Will or the Supreme Soul which is the Prime Cause, the Cause of all types of things and all kinds of Existence. The human Soul is conditioned and is not totally independent and hence, the human soul still needs a Divine Mother Principle to maintain its Spiritual Condition and Spiritual Existence.

MAN IS A CONDITIONED SOUL :

Aham NirvikalpO, Niraakaara RuupaO;
Vibhur Vyapa(or tvaa cha) Sarvatra, Sarvendriyaanaam;
Na cha Sangatham( or Sada Me Samtvam), Naiva Muktir, Na BandhaH;
Chidananda RuupaH, ShivO Aham, ShivO Aham.

In this final or sixth verse, Adi Shankara tries to eliminate the classical dualism that is called the dualism of Universal-Particular. He claims that his human Soul or “AHAM” is universal entity that is limitless, formless(“NIRAAKAARA”) and is without any attributes or attachments(“BANDHAH”). In his view, the human Soul is essentially free; it is everything, everywhere, every time and is always in a state of equilibrium. He has stated this view without a trace of doubt(“NIRVI KALPA”). I would like to suggest some caution and ask my readers to recognize the importance of separation between the human soul and the Ultimate Reality. I can understand that there is no disunity between man and his Creator. I would ask my readers to know the philosophical system of thought called ‘NOMINALISM’ that does not grant universality to mental concepts outside the mind. Universality could be applied only to words or “nomina”, mental habits, or concepts. Nominalism only maintains the objective existence of the concrete, individual thing. It denies all objectivity whether actual or potential to universals. The human soul is attached to the human being and the human being has his existence on planet Earth and hence is not an universal entity. Since the human condition demands existence only on planet Earth and not the rest of the universe, the human Soul cannot escape from its conditioned status while it exists as a human Soul. The Universal Soul as proposed by Adi Shankara is just a mental concept and it can only exist in the mind of the man and it may have no correspondence with the facts of external world and the Universe.

WHAT IS TRUTH, WHAT IS ILLUSION???

SPIRITUALISM AND SOUL – WHAT IS TRUTH AND WHAT IS ILLUSION???
Adi Shankara claims: “Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Na paraH.”
Brahma is the Only Truth, the World is Illusion, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and Individual True Self. My question is: “WHERE DOES THIS TRUE SELF EXIST? WITHOUT EXISTENCE, THERE IS NO ESSENCE. ONLY WHEN A THING EXISTS, IT CAN DEFINE ITS ESSENCE.

Adi Shankara is fully convinced in his belief that ‘A’ and the human body ‘B’ are not connected or related. It must be noted that, ‘A’ or “AHAM” refers to a singular person called ‘I’ and that singular person ‘I’ is in a state called ‘Being’, one who lives, or exists. If ‘A’ is stated to be existing, I would like to ask the following questions:

1. Who is Existing?

2. What is Existing?

3. When it is Existing?

4. Where it is Existing?

5. Why it is Existing?

If the Subject ‘A’, or “AHAM”( I AM ), has no size, no shape, and no form, how could we establish the fact that ‘A’ is existing? Adi Shankara has not categorically stated the place or site where ‘A’ could be existing. If ‘A’ is existing, we may like to know the purpose of this existence. If there is a purpose for the existence of ‘A’, the question would be, What is that purpose? How is the nature of ‘A’ or the nature of ‘C’ is related to its purpose? The Truth and Reality about human Soul, or Spirit can be verified, can be corroborated, and can be validated by knowing the structural, functional, mental, moral, social, and spiritual relationship, partnership, connection, association, or bonding between ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’. Indian tradition suggests that human body has three aspects; “Tri-ani-pada”, or three-in-one; and the three aspects of human body are, 1. Causal, 2. Spiritual, and 3. Material. There is a material connection between ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’, if the human body has a ‘causal, and a ‘spiritual’ dimension. It would be very interesting to note that Adi Shankara has specifically avoided to describe the connection or relationship between the human Soul and human Consciousness. In Sanskrit language, Consciousness is called “CHETANA” and this term is not used in any of the six verses. Indian tradition believes that consciousness is the evidence for the presence of the human Soul and there is a structural and functional relationship between Soul and the Living Entity that is Conscious. We need to explain the concepts of Subject-Object, Appearance-Reality, Perceptual-Categorical, Immanent-Transcendent, Regulative-Constitutive, Conditioned-Unconditioned Dualism in respect of man’s existence and man’s status in Nature. In the context of human existence, the human Soul, or Spirit belongs to the Immanent Realm.

Rudra N . Rebbapragada, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

Biographical Information :

1. Place of Birth: Mylapore, Madras City, Chenna Patnam, Chennai, Madras State, Tamil Nadu, India. Born Hindu( Brahmin, Niyogi, Smartha), Telugu-Speaking.

2. Date and Place of Marriage: January 29, 1973. Congregational Town Church, Cuddapah, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Please view this melodious presentation of Adi Shankaracharya’s Nirvana Shatakam or Atma Shatakam at http://www.Youtube.com site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br29S_GBBjQ

Spiritualism-nationalism-the Land of India (bhavanajagat.com)
Spiritualism – the Victory Over Death (bhavanajagat.com)

SPIRITUALISM-NATIONALISM-THE LAND OF INDIA

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Bhavanajagat

SPIRITUALISM – NATIONALISM – THE LAND OF INDIA :

SPIRITUALISM-INDIAN NATIONALISM – KARGIL WAR 1999 : Indian Army Personnel salute the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Jammu & Kashmir, India on August 12, 2012 in celebration of 65 Years of Independence. The photo insert shows the winner of Gallantry Award of Param Vir Chakra, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.

ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE IN THE LAND OF INDIA :

SPIRITUALISM AND INDIAN NATIONALISM : On August 15, 2012, Indian people are celebrating the 66th Independence Day in commemoration of 65 Years of Independence. The Red Fort in New Delhi is the traditional venue for this celebration and the Indian National Flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India, the elected representative of People of India. In this context we have to explore the relationship between Spiritualism and Nationalism.

Today, on August 15, 2012, people of India also known as ‘BHARAT’ are celebrating the 66th Independence Day in commemoration of 65 Years of Independence. In this context, we have to examine the relationship between Spiritualism and Nationalism. In the ancient Land of India, human beings have lived continuously for thousands of years. But, it was a Land divided into several hundreds of small and large kingdoms until Indian people joined together in a Nationalist Movement to win their Freedom from foreign rule and occupation. Indians won this Freedom on August 15, 1947 when Great Britain ceased its occupation of India.

WHAT IS NATIONALISM ?

SPIRITUALISM-NATIONALISM-THE LAND OF INDIA : This National Flag of India known as ‘Tricolor’ has infused a sense of new ‘SPIRIT’ called Indian Nationalism, a sense of Devotion to one’s Nation.

SPIRITUALISM-NATIONALISM-THE LAND OF INDIA – Indian Nationalism won Freedom at a huge cost in human lives. The British Empire while leaving India during 1947 had divided the Land creating new National entities. The disorder that followed the Partition of India caused the loss of over one million human lives. The concept of Cultural Nationalism cannot and will not defend and preserve human life in the Land of India.

Nationalism is the state of mind in which the individual feels that everyone owes his supreme loyalty to the Nation-State. Nationalism is a modern movement and it belongs to the modern world. Before the 18th century, people gave their loyalty to their communities, tribes, feudal lords, princes, or religious groups. The historical sense of attachment to the native soil, to social and cultural traditions, and to established territorial authorities has changed by the end of the 18th century when Nationalism began molding public and private life. Since then, Nationalism has become an important factor of modern history. The American Revolutionary Wars(1775-1783), and the French Revolution(1789) could be regarded as the first manifestations of Nationalism. It led to the formation of modern National States in Europe. The 19th century has been called the Age of Nationalism in Europe. The World War I, and World War II resulted in the spread of Nationalism in Asia and Africa and has manifested itself as a struggle against European Colonialism. Nationalism began to appear in India after World War I. Indian National Congress founded in 1885 began a new political process in the private and public lives of Indian people. It had produced leaders such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi(1869-1948) who had joined the Nationalist Movement for Indian Independence during 1915. The people of India started replacing the king as the center of the Nation. The State had become the people’s State, a National State, and a Motherland. Nationalism is not a political program or ideology; it is a perspective on such programs or ideology. Nationalism can be described as a sentiment that places the existence and well-being of the Nation highest in the scale of personal loyalties. In political terms, it signifies a person’s willingness to work for the Nation against foreign domination. It reflects a person’s willingness to resist foreign political, economic, and cultural domination. Nationalism implies a group’s consciousness of shared history, language, race, and values. Its significance lies in its role in supplying the ties that make the Nation-State a cohesive, viable entity. The terms such as nation, state, or country describe a political entity in which people are united under a particular political organization and are occupying a defined territory. However, the term ‘Nationalism’ demands more than the existence of boundaries or political institutions. Nationalism includes the feelings or thoughts of patriotism, zealous love of one’s country, advocacy of national unity or independence and it involves the creed that fidelity to one’s State or Nation is more important than fidelity to individual interests. We, the people of India and of Indian origin have to truthfully examine if ‘Nationalism’ has ever existed in the Land of India. We have to truthfully explain as to why the Land of India exists as an easy target for foreign invasion, foreign conquest, foreign occupation, and foreign political, economic, and cultural domination.

THE PROBLEM OF NATIONAL UNITY AND THE ROLE OF CULTURAL NATIONALISM IN INDIA :

SPIRITUALISM-NATIONALISM-THE LAND OF INDIA : Mahatma Gandhi is correctly recognized as the Father of the Nation. He won a huge political battle and won Freedom for millions of Indian people. Did he secure Peace, Harmony, and Tranquility in the living experience of the People of India??? The Past is Never Dead. Spiritualism is the potency generated by Consciousness; the Consciousness or Awareness of the fact of existing in a given physical environment. Spiritualism demands the existence of a Living Soul or Spirit.

There is a fundamental problem with the experience of life in the Land of India. The Nation - State was nonexistent during the greater part of Indian history. People did not give loyalty to the Nation – State but to other, different forms of feudal states. Before 20th century, political allegiance was determined by mostly local and regional factors such as that of a local princely ruler, regional language or regional culture. Indian Cultural Nationalism mainly consists of expression of some national characteristics through nonpolitical activities such as art, literature, music, dance, and other forms of culture such as the performance of Temple Worship and Pilgrimage. A vast multitude of people may come together at a particular place in celebration of an event and return to their native places. India did not exist as a large, unified territorial state with political, and economic centralization. The political, and economic centralization that existed in India was largely a product of foreign rule and foreign occupation of the Land of India. This lack of National Unity and the lack of a National identity and Individuality made India an easy target for foreign, military attacks. Sir Jadunath Sarkar, a former Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, a historian who had reviewed the records kept by Al- Utbi, the Secretary of Sultan Yaminu -d- Daula Mahmud bin Subuktigin known as Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna. The Secretary in the Persian document called the Tarikh -i- Yamini recorded the details of several episodes of bloody campaigns waged by Sultan Mahmud between 1001 A.D. and 1027 A.D. Persian historian Ferishta(“Tarikh-e- Fereshteh” work by Ferishta about Mahomedan Power in India ) also recorded the military conquests of India by Sultan Mahmud. The Sultan of Ghazna had directed his military attacks on places of spiritual pilgrimage in India. He had attacked the temple towns of Nagarkot, Thanesar(1011), Mathura(1018), Kannauj(1019), Kalinjar(1023), and Somnath(1024-25). He had also attacked the holy places of Varanasi, Ujjain, Maheswar, Jwalamukhi and Dwaraka. These attacks were witnessed by Persian writers such as Al-Biruni(Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Biruni) and Ferdowsi(Abu ol-Qasem Mansur or Firdawsi/Firdusi). All of these historical records and documents reveal the scale of loss of human life. It is estimated that about two million people had died in the Land of India during Sultan Mahmud’s repeated attacks. Asaru -l- Bilad, a Persian geographer had also described some of the foreign conquests of India. K.S. Lal, an Indian historian estimated that about sixty to eighty million people in India may have died between 1000 and 1525 CE due to foreign invasions. It clearly demonstrates that the idea of Cultural Nationalism did not play a significant role in defending Indian people and had failed to preserve human life. Apparently, Cultural Nationalism did not generate the cohesiveness or Unity that is needed to resist and to defeat foreign military campaigns.

CULTURAL NATIONALISM vs SECULAR NATIONALISM – THE CLASH AT KURNOOL MEDICAL COLLEGE, ANDHRA PRADESH :

CULTURAL NATIONALISM vs SECULAR NATIONALISM – THE CLASH AT KURNOOL MEDICAL COLLEGE : The clash at Kurnool Medical College is a consequence of my participation as a student delegate in a National Student Seminar on National Integration that was sponsored by Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, International Youth Centre, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India during June 1967.

SPIRITUALISM – NATIONALISM – THE LAND OF INDIA : Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Superintendent of Kurnool Government General Hospital worked at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool City, Andhra Pradesh, India from January 1957 to August 1968. He represents the face of forces opposed to the idea of Secular Nationalism. I was a student at Kurnool Medical College who had advocated the need for a National Identity and National Individuality and promoted the idea of formulating marital social relationships neglecting traditional cultural values based upon religion and caste. He had actively opposed my personal initiative and had encouraged my paternal uncle, Dr. R. Anjaneyulu, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B. J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospitals, Pune City, Maharashtra State, India to sabotage my career in Indian Army Medical Corps by using his influential contacts with senior Officers of Indian Army Medical Corps.

I submitted an application to Chief Minister Office, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, India on September 02, 2012. The request made by me is registered by the Secretariat Departments of Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Application Number is shown as : SR 12014477 and it reads as follows:

“I was a student at Kurnool Medical College from November 1965 to June 1970. I had represented the State of Andhra Pradesh as a student delegate at the four-week long National Student Seminar on National Integration sponsored by Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi during 1967 to promote the need for developing a National Identity and National Individuality for National Unity and National Integration. I had encouraged students to ignore any identity that is derived from region, religion, language, and caste as India needs Secular Nationalism and not Cultural Nationalism. This was opposed by Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, M.D., who then served as the Professor of Medicine and the Superintendent of Kurnool Government General Hospital. Since he had actively opposed the principle of Secular Nationalism, I would request you to reconsider the decision made by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to name a building on Kurnool Medical College/General Hospital Campus to honour him.”

ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE IN THE LAND OF INDIA :

The ideas about human soul or spirit( Atman or Atma in Sanskrit language) find their profound expression in the oral and written literature of India. Indian thoughts about the nature of man and his existence can be traced to the ancient texts of Vedas( the Rig-Veda, the Sama-Veda, the Yajur-Veda, and the Atharva-Veda) which were compiled from c. 1500 B.C. to c. 500 B.C. The Sanskrit texts known as the Upanishads( c. 900 – 500 B.C. ) have systematized Indian philosophy. There are six classical systems of Indian philosophy that accept the authority of the Veda and the Upanishads; 1. NYAYA( 6th century B.C. ) is a school of logic and epistemology, 2. VAISHESHIKA( 3rd century B.C. ) posits a sixfold classification of Reality( Substance, Quality, Activity, Generality, Particularity, and Inherence ), 3. SAMKHYA( 6th century B.C. ) expounds two basic metaphysical principles; Purusha or Soul and Prakriti or Material Nature, 4. YOGA( 2nd century B.C. ) of Patanjali accepts Samkhya metaphysics, presents an eight-stage discipline of self-control and Meditation, 5. PURVA-MIMAMSA( 2nd century B.C. ) sets forth principles of interpretation of the Vedic texts, and 6. UTTARA-MIMAMSA or VEDANTA which includes different schools of thought based on the Brahma-Sutras of Baradayana( early century A.D. ) which summarize the Upanishadic doctrine and explain the teachings of the Upanishads. The most important schools of Vedanta are 1. the non-dualist(ADVAITA) Vedanta of Shankara( A.D. 788-820 ), 2. the qualified non-dualist Vedanta of Ramanuja( A.D. 1017-1137 ), and 3. the dualist Vedanta of Madhava( A.D. 1197-1276 ). Buddhism and Jainism are two important schools of thought that do not accept the authority of Veda and Upanishads. To a great extent, Indian traditions claim that man is an embodied soul. The mind, and body that represent the physical person is an illusion as the human body is thought to be “ASAT”, or unreal, perishable, full of ignorance, and not happy. The real or true man as represented by soul or spirit is unborn. The real person is viewed as an eternal person who is not subject to change called life and death. Indian tradition considers that the Objective Reality of man or Essence of man is soul or spirit. We must note that it is impossible to describe this mental concept called soul or spirit if it is never associated with its human body. The separation of man into body, mind, and soul is not supported by scientific study of man. Man comes into existence from a single, fertilized Egg-Cell. This man cannot be separated into distinct entities like material or physical body, thinking substance called mind, and an immaterial principle called soul. These three aspects of man have no independent existence of their own. There is no Life and there is no human Existence if body, mind, and soul are separated. Who you are describes your Essence and it is defined by What you do to establish the fact of your Existence. In other words, the Essence(Who you are) is preceded by the reality of Existence(What you do). Thus, Existence is the precondition to recognize Essence. Hence, I describe man as a living soul and not as an embodied soul. In my impression, the traditional Indian views about human soul or spirit have failed to recognize the importance of human Existence as a precondition to define the nature of human Essence. Indian people have to give due recognition to the problems of human existence and must realize that Essence has no value if its meaning is not attached to the condition called Existence. In my opinion, Spiritualism demands the existence of a Living Soul or Spirit to understand its characteristic functions that generate Peace, harmony, and Tranquility as a living human experience. If India seeks its existence as a Nation, Indians have to forget the parochial differences to develop National Individualities and the primary focus of allegiance must be the Republic of India and not that of the local language, religion, or culture.

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

Danavaipeta Municipal/Corporation High School, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India,

S.S.L.C. Class of March/April, 1961.

Biographical Information :

1. Place of Birth: Mylapore, Madras City, Chennai, Chenna Patnam, Madras State, Tamil Nadu, India. Born Hindu(Brahmin, Niyogi, Smartha), Telugu-Speaking.

2. Date and Place of Marriage: 29 January, 1973. Town Congregational Church, Cuddapah, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Spiritualism and Identity – the Conflict at Kurnool Medical College (bhavanajagat.com)

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – WHAT IS LOVE?

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Bhavanajagat

Image by svennevenn via Flickr

WHAT IS LOVE?

Sri Satya Sai Baba has descibed man as an embodiment of PREMA and it appears that he was inspired by The New Testament of Holy Bible which defines God as Love and asks man to Love God and Love one another.

Love is a powerful emotion felt for another person manifesting itself in deep affection, devotion or sexual desire. If love is viewed as fondness or affection it may include or based in part on sexual attraction which is related to libido( sexual urge or instinct ), and lust( a desire to gratify the senses or bodily appetite that seeks unrestrained gratification ). Love implies feelings that are attached to relationships or objects and assumes various forms such as sexual love, brotherly love, and love of God. The attachment may be felt for inanimate things as well as people, or ideas, or expressed as an abstraction. There are many different kinds of love; different in object, different in tendency, and different in expression. The problem of the kinds of love is further complicated by the need to differentiate and relate love and desire. The category of love known as sexual love has the tendency to desire possession of the object that is loved. The tendency of desire is acquisitive. Sexual love is a love born of desire, and the drive of desire continues until it is satisfied by possession of the loved object. Physical possession is the basis for the satisfaction of sexual desire, sexual appetite, or sexual hunger, or sexual thirst. The other forms of love do not tend to possess the object loved but seek to benefit the object that is loved. Love is selfish when it acts like hunger, thirst, or appetite which need to be satisfied for the benefit of the person expressing that love. Love is altruistic when it acts for the good or the benefit of the beloved. Conjugal love may include a combination of selfishness and altruism. The ancient languages have three distinct words for the main types of love; EROS, PHILIA, and AGAPE in Greek language; AMOR, AMICITA or DILECTIO, and CARITAS in Latin language. However, English language has no such distinct words and hence it becomes necessary to use such phrases as “sexual love”, “love of friendship”, and “love of charity” in order to indicate plainly that love is common to all three, and to distinguish the three meanings. The idea of love expressed in Biblical Scriptures makes no distinction between AMOR, DILECTIO, and CARITAS. For example, in The Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 37, 38, and 39 speak of the Great Commandments of The Laws of Moses: Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Jesus brings unity between the idea of self-love, love of God, and the love of one another without making distinction between the three different kinds of love. Jesus does not specify if man should wish and expect to be loved in return. Jesus did not attach any purpose to this act of love, and did not describe the nature of desire, the attachment, and the gratification of his Love Commandment.

THE ORIGIN OF LOVE :

Sigmund Freud places the origin of Love in sexual instincts and he claims that the many varieties or categories of Love are simply the forms which love takes as the libido fixes upon various objects.

Sigmund Freud’s theory places the origin of love in the sexual instincts, and so for him the many varieties of love are simply the forms which love takes as the ‘LIBIDO‘ fixes upon various objects. He states, “The nucleus of what we mean by love naturally consists …… in sexual love with sexual union as its aim. We do not separate from this; on the one hand, self-love, and on the other, love for parents and children, friendship and love for humanity in general, and also devotion to concrete objects and to abstract ideas….. All these tendencies are an expression of the same instinctive activities…. They differ from sexual love only because they are diverted from its aim or prevented from reaching it, though they always preserve enough of their original nature to keep their identity recognizable.” If love is the passion of the sexual instinct, temperance is an inadequate restraint. Neither reason nor law is adequate to the task of subduing the nature of the sexual instinct. Sexual instinct is a very powerful biological instinct and it profoundly influences human behavior. Hence it becomes necessary to transform sexual love either by repressing it, or sublimating it, or mixing it with tenderness or kindness. In that context, friendship, charity or compassion, and devotion to God could be stated as transformations of sexual love. Sexual instincts are inhibited or actually repressed in the expression of brotherly love, or feelings of deep affection for children and others where the relationship should not be based upon feelings of sexual attraction.

THE COMPLEXITY OF LOVE :

Love is a very complex emotional instinct and it is complex as it may not always provide a sense of joy or happiness. There is a fact about love; love frequently turns into its opposite, HATE. Sometimes there is love and hate of the same object; sometimes love inspires hate, and love may also cause jealousy, anger, and fear. Love seems to be the primal passion, generating all the others according to the oppositions of pleasure and pain and by relation of cause and effect. The individual’s experience of love is extremely variable and it includes the operation of both positive and negative impulses. Indian tradition has carefully examined this complex instinctual behavior and has instructed people of the Land of Bharat or India to understand the three major distinctions or categories of love and to apply a sense of restraint, or that of repression has brought love under the purview of morality, the code of Right Conduct or DHARMA. Indian Culture does not provide the linguistic tools to express feelings associated with sexual passion without using temperance. There is no linguistic equivalent in classical Indian languages to profess love. The terms and words that Indians use have specific meaning attached to them.

LOVE vs PREMA :

Love is not a universal term and this idea is not expressed in Indian tradition and classical literature. The word “LOVE” appears repeatedly in the Bible, in several different editions of Bible. I am not a language expert and I believe that people who had translated Bible have exercised great care to convey the meaning of love. Many editions of Bible have further clarified the meaning of Love in their glossary section or Bible dictionary and define Love as a deep sense of affection, devotion for someone or something and they very carefully exclude sexual desire and sexual passion. In English speaking world, and in English literature, the word Love is used to describe desire, libido, lust, and passion based upon sexual attraction. So, Love is a generic term and it may not always mean brotherly love and goodwill. Indian Culture has erected subtle barriers and has not provided linguistic tools to use the word Love as we like. It separates Love into various categories and sets them apart. The feelings of affection, or fondness that are associated with sexual attraction are specifically known as ‘KAMA’ and intense sexual passion or desire is called ‘MOHA’. Any intense or passionate desire could be called KAMA and to act under its influence could be stated as MOHA. My love for God could only be expressed in terms of Bhakti or Devotion, and the desire could be called PREET. The desire called PREETI or Preet is a legitimate desire. It is also called “ISHTA”. I am allowed to seek or desire certain things in my life and that desire is subject to the rule of Good Conduct or Dharma. I can express the sentiment of Preet only when, and where such desire is allowed to be stated in a legitimate manner, and is acceptable to tradition and established conventions and social norms. If I entertain thoughts of sexual attraction about my attractive and rich neighbor, I am not allowed to express my feelings as Preet. It can not be called “ISHTA”. I can call it Kama or Moha. In the epic poem of Ramayana, when King Ravana of Lanka had wanted to marry Princess Sita and had attended her Swayamvara, the desire was legitimate and he was allowed to feel sexual attraction and it was not Kama. But, when he had abducted her while she was lawfully married to Prince Rama, that desire and sexual attraction represents an impulsive action of Moha, and Kama. King Ravana was not entitled to express his Love for Sita if it is formulated by Kama, and intense sexual passion known as lust or Moha. Similarly, a man can express his love or Preet for a woman in a respectful or legitimate manner and to seek a valid relationship. If the relationship is illegal, it can not be called Preet. A father’s love, or mother’s love, or brother’s love is described as “VASTHALYA”, a natural sense of affection and fondness which is not related to sexual attraction or desire. The word “PREMA” or “PREM” is used to describe the feelings of affection, fondness, friendship(SNEHA), kindness(DAYA, or KARUNA), compassion(KRUPA), happiness, joy(ANANDA) that have no direct relationship to the satisfaction of sexual desires and passions. The deep sense of affection between husband and wife is often called “ANURAG” which indicates an intimate friendship. I can not literally translate this word LOVE into any of the Indian languages as such expression is not allowed without stating the nature of its contents.

If Jesus gives the Commandment of Love your neighbour as thyself; I would not be able to express that thought in Indian languages. Jesus has not stated that idea in terms of friendship(SNEHA), kindness(DAYA), or giving happiness(ANANDA). Only when, and if those qualities of friendship, kindness, and giving joy or happiness are specifically included; Jesus could Command others to express PREMA to one another. However, in Indian tradition, the deep sense of affection or fondness of God is stated as Bhakti or devotion. Mirabai has expressed such deep sense of affection and I would not call it as her love of Krishna. Jayadeva in his famous description of Lord Krishna’s creative activities in Brindavan(Vrindavan) has depicted the intense erotic feelings of the young maidens as a product of their intense devotion to the Lord. I can not use the word Love to describe the sexual passions of the Gopis or the young maidens of Brindavan.

SELF-LOVE AND NARCISSISM :

My concern is not about PREMA or LOVE. My concern is about self-love, a man’s love of himself. In psychology the word ‘NARCISSISM’ is used to describe excessive self-love. In my medical practice, I have not encountered such narcissistic tendencies among people of Indian origin. Indian tradition has erected barriers and would not easily let us identify ourselves with the physical-self. Indian tradition repeatedly instructs us about our Essence and true Identity and reminds us not to get attached to the physical-self. If I have no feelings of attachment to my physical-self, I can not really love myself. If I can not truly love myself, I can not also love my neighbor in the same manner, or to a same degree of my self-love. If man is not expected to love himself, the issue of loving the neighbor is redundant.

The Times of India has published a news story about the likely reincarnation of Satya Sai Baba as “PREMA SAI BABA.”My impression about this story is, Sri Satya Sai Baba has attempted to import a foreign idea to the Land of Bharat without fully understanding the subtle cultural barriers that exist in the Land. The notion of PREMA could only be expressed in terms of Friendship( lack of animosity ), kindness and goodwill, and that of giving happiness to others. It can not be related to the idea of Love. The theory of reincarnation is not the issue. The issue is about the idea itself. He has to attach meaning to the word “PREMA” that he used and distinguish from the word “LOVE” that is used in English language.

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.

“Prema Sai will be born in Doddamalur”

M B Maramkal & K R Rajendra Kumar, TNN | Times of India, Apr 28, 2011, 05.52am IST

DODDAMALUR(Mandya): Will the reincarnation be reality or not?
Whatever happens, the tiny village of Doddamalur, off the Bangalore-Mysore highway, will definitely be in the news in the coming years, with scores of stories doing the rounds here over the reincarnation of Sathya Sai Baba as Prema Sai.

What has lent credence to claims of people of the Vaishnava sect temples of Aprameya (Vishnu) and Ambegalu Krishna (toddler Krishna) is based on a book `Sri Sathya Sai — Anandasai’ authored by one Swami, an ardent devotee of Sai Baba. In that, he claims that the godman, during his visit to Doddamalur, had told him that Sai Baba had three avatars in kalyug, and of them, he is the second avatar (reincarnation) of Shirdi Sai Baba. The third will be Prema Saiand he will be born in this village. He also claims that Baba, during his visit in the ’60s, showed a small house where he will be born.

However, confusion prevails among people who are making claims of Baba’s reincarnation in the village. According to Ramadas, who runs a Krishna charitable trust, Prema Sai will be born in this village after 2023, as predicted by Sathya Sai Baba. Ramadas said Baba had predicted that his personal assistant, Narayan Kasturi, who died long ago, will reincarnate himself as a woman in a village near Bhadravathi, marry a person from this village and give birth to Prema Sai. “Today you are my assistant, in the next life you will be my mother,” Sai Baba is supposed to have said.

Doddamalur, located on the banks of the river Kanva, will be called Gunaparthy after the reincarnation, said Raghav, an aged villager, disclosing that the soil and water of the village have curative powers. The village will be called Gun (cure) parthy (place) in the years to come.

WHY DID BABA CHOOSE THIS VILLAGE?

Villagers who are well-versed with its history claim that Baba was carried away by the religious history and mythological importance of this village. People say a Kanva sage did tapasya (penance) here and it was an agrahara (Brahmin settlement) in medieval history. It is said that saint Purandaradasa visited the Aprameya and Krishna temples here and presented a kirtana (discourse) on this village and temples. Baba was enamoured by the historic significance of this village.

LIFE AND DEATH – A CHANGING WORLD AND UNCHANGING REALITY

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Bhavanajagat

Image via Wikipedia

The Individual is Association of Cells that performs living functions because of a Connection, Association, Partnership, or Relationship called Spirituality. Sri Sathya Sai Baba is that Spiritual Individual.

This blog post is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba who has defined the word “SAI” : The letter ‘S’ stands for Spirituality, the letter ‘A’ stands for Association, and the letter ‘I’ stands for Individual. Man is an Individual, an Association of trillions of Individual Cells which formulate the Identity of the Individual because of a Cellular function known as Consciousness which establishes God-Connection, or Spiritual Connection between the energy dependent Individual and the Cosmic Source of Energy/Power/Force which supports, sustains, and preserves the Living Functions of the Individual and all that is living on the planet Earth.

THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL DISTINCTIONS :

The Totality of Things have been divided by describing The Three Fundamental Distinctions; 1. the Distinction between the natural and the supernatural, 2. the Distinction between the material and spiritual, and 3. the Distinction between the lifeless and the living(inanimate/animate, non-living/living, inorganic/organic). How do we make these Distinctions? The Difference, is that of Kind or that of Degree? If physical matter is called natural material substance, Is there an immaterial, transcendental substance called supernatural? The material substance is governed by The Laws of Physics and interacts with other material substances as per The Laws of Chemistry. Who or what governs the nature of Spiritual substance? The Laws of Thermodynamics are applicable to both non-living, and living systems. What is the Difference? The Living matter or Living cell is a thermodynamically unstable system. This means that without a continuous input of energy, a Living cell will degrade spontaneously into a non-living collection of molecules. If Deoxy Ribo Nucleic Acid or DNA is viewed as a Living Organic Molecule, it lives as long as energy is supplied to manifest its living functions. If the supply of energy is withdrawn, this Organic Molecule degrades into its constituent inorganic elements, and molecules.

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH :

Death is defined as the extinction or cessation of Life. Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Dean of the Harvard Medical School(1847-1882), defined Life: “To live is to function, and that is all there is in living.” Life is defined as function at the level of physiology, of molecular biology, biochemistry, and of genetic potential. If Life is defined by function, Who or What is the Subject who lives because of its Function? What is that Function that could establish all other living functions? If living functions are goal-oriented, purposeful, sequential and not random, who provides the guidance or what is the source of Knowledge to perform goal-oriented functions? Life is described as a state of an organism characterized by certain processes, abilities that include metabolism, growth, motion, reproduction, responsiveness to stimuli, and awareness of its own condition of existence in a given environment. Functions depend upon the use of information; the information that is stored at a particular site or location is transferred to a different site or location where its is transformed into action which describes the nature of the function performed. Life could be defined as “Knowledge in Action.” The living functions or actions depend upon the use of energy. If Life is a manifestation of a System that is energy dependent, it requires Knowledge to acquire energy from an external source of energy. Life could be defined as a State of Knowing the Connection between energy- seeker and energy-provider. If a cell or matter to exist as Life, it must exist in a State of Knowing, or Awareness, or Consciousness that gives it the ability to acquire energy from its environment. Man has the Capacity of Consciousness in the presence of the vital functions operated by structures in Brain Stem. Man is certified to be dead when Consciousness departs and the same is evidenced by the absence of his Brain Stem functions. Consciousness is a transcendental term. It establishes a connection between matter or substance and a source of energy that is extraterrestrial or of Cosmic origin.

THE ROLE OF DEATH – IDENTITY, INDIVIDUALITY, AND MULTICELLULARITY :

In a multicellular organism, cells have short lives as individuals. The Whole Organism has a life span of its own. However, the Identity of the Individual who is seen as a living person is defined by a process called Cellular Death. The Identity is formulated by what is known as Programmed Cell Death. To achieve proper numerical balance between functionally related cell groups, the death of many cells is necessary for others. This Programmed Cell Death plays an important role in embryological Growth and Development of human fetus. Waves of genetically driven Cell Deaths are critical to the proper modeling of organs and organ systems. Such Programmed Cell Death events are essential if the organism as a whole is to develop its normal, final form and acquire a recognizable morphological appearance. Lord Gautama Buddha had observed; “Whatever is born, produced, conditioned, contains within itself the nature of its own dissolution.” Life and Death are the two sides or the two faces of the same coin. Without death, the Identity can not be expressed, and death also takes away the Identity that it has established. Identity and Individuality are not the same. Identity is established by the Phenotype which undergoes changes under the influence of Time. The Individuality is supported by Consciousness which operates the Genotype. Man’s Essence( Who you are ) is defined and is preceded by the Physical Reality of Existence. There is no Essence without Existence. There is no Existence without Connection, Association, or Partnership between energy-seeker and energy-provider. There is no Connection, Association, or Partnership without Consciousness. Man begins his life journey as a single cell and during his entire life journey the individual cells that describe his physical body constantly experience Cell Death while the Conscious entity survives the dying process. Consciousness is not affected by the dying process that gives the human a shape, a size, a form, and an Identity. Identity is dependent upon Consciousness and Consciousness is independent of the changing Identity such as infancy, boyhood, adulthood, and old age.

THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE INDIVIDUALITY :

The Individual is a Physical being and is a mortal being. The Individuality survives unchanged during the physical life journey of the Individual who lives with changing identity all his life. What happens to the Individuality? Does it continue without change? It depends upon the Flow of Time. Things in Nature change with Time but certain things like Mass, Energy, Momentum remain constant, unchanged, and they can not be created or destroyed. If Time flows in a cyclical manner, the Past flows into the Present, the Present flows into Future, and the Future soon becomes a Past event. Man’s existence depends upon the cyclical flow of Time, and Man’s existence depends upon his inability to directly experience the events that cause this cyclical flow of Time. Man exists not because of things that change in nature, but because of the constancy or unchanging nature of the change he perceives. Day is followed by Night, and the Winter Season is followed by the Spring Season with unfailing constancy. Very often, the cynical people would ask for verification. If not Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Jesus has provided some experience to His disciples and had verified the fact of His Resurrection. The Book of John, Chapter 20, verse 29 quotes the conversation between Jesus and His disciple Thomas. Today, Sunday, April 24, the Christian community is celebrating the Holiday known as Easter. Man will have no direct experience about the unchanging, eternal nature of his Individuality as his perception abilities, his cognitive abilities operate under the powerful influence of Illusion. As long as man lives on this planet Earth without direct experience of Earth’s Angular Speed, and Linear Speed, he will not know what changes and what may not change under the influence of Time. Man has to be uplifted from his State of Conditioned Existence to know his true nature. In a changing world, that is characterized by changes in function such as Life and Death, man has to seek the Unchanging Reality, the Unchanging Constancy that supports all Life.

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.

Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba passes away on Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 7:40 a.m. at Puttaparthi

The Hindu A child pays floral tribute to a portrait of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Satya Sai Nigamagamam in Hyderabad on Sunday after the spiritual leader passed away at Puttaparthi in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh . Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

Sathya Sai Baba passes away

http://www.thehindu.com/

“Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7:40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure,” Director of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences Dr. A.N. Safaya said in a bulletin »

Spirituality – Soul, Consciousness and the God-connection (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
The Science of Consciousness (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
The Truth About Self – “i Am Consciousness” (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Bhavanajagat

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION :


: Lord Krishna explains the concept of CHATURVARNA ASHRAMA, the Three Modes of Material Nature and the Four Divisions of the Social Order: The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter IV, Transcendental Knowledge, verse 13,”Chaturvarnyam Maya srishtam guna karma-vibhagshah”

THE ORIGIN OF CASTE/VARNA SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF INDIA :

I would be totally surprised if I meet a person of Indian origin who has no personal experience of the Caste/Varna system of India. I am glad to share some of the views presented by Dr. Premendra Priyadarshi in his attempt to explore the origin of Caste in India and the comments from Sri. Ram Gopal, Sri. M K Dhar, and Sri. Bala N. Aiyer on this subject. A mantra or hymn that is found in Rig Veda, Purusha Sukta ( also found in Yajur Veda, Chapter 31 ) is often quoted; “Brahmano-asya mukhamasid, bahurajanyah Kritah; Urutadasya yad- Vaishyah, paadbhyam Shudro- ajayat.” Lord Brahma is the Creator and humanity is described as taking birth from four different parts of the body of the Creator; the Class known as Brahmanas( the priests, religious thinkers, ascetics, and others ) take birth from the Face of the Lord, the Class known as Kshatriyas ( the warrior classes and clans ) take birth from the arms of the Lord, the Class known as Vaisya ( the traders, farmers, and others ) take birth from the thighs of the Lord, and the Fourth Class known as Sudras ( a variety of people with varied social occupations mostly intended to serve the rest of the Society by rendering manual labor ) take birth from the feet of the Lord. This Mantra may create four different Classes of people who have designated social occupations and support the social structures and institutions by their contributions.

THE THREE MATERIAL MODES OF NATURE AND THE FOUR DIVISIONS OF THE SOCIAL ORDER :

The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter IV ( TRANSCENDENTAL KNOWLEDGE ), verse 13, speaks about Varna or Color of people to describe the Four Classes and says: “Chatur varnyam maya srishtam gun karma – vibhagshah.” Lord Krishna states that the Four Classes of people describe His Creative potency called “MAYA” which is a POWER/FORCE/ENERGY that can cause an ILLUSION and mask the true nature of Man. The Creation of Four distinct Varnas or Classes has been attributed to the three modes of material Nature; man acts under the influence of “GUNAS” or modes of material Nature known as Sattva( the mode of Goodness ), Rajas( the mode of Passion ), and Tamas( the mode of Ignorance ). These Four primary distinctions between people are related to occupation and more importantly to the modes of behavior and conduct which could vary from time to time. The Chaturvarnas or the Four Divisions or Classes of the Social Order have been described as under:

1. The intelligent class of men called Brahmins are situated in the mode of Goodness.

2. The administrative class of men called the Kshatriyas are situated in the mode of Passion.

3. The mercantile class of men called Vaisyas are situated in the mixed modes of Passion and Ignorance.

4. The laborer class of men called the Sudras are situated in the mode of Ignorance.

Lord Krishna, the Creator does not belong to any of these divisions who form the human society as He is transcendental to this system of the Four Varnas or Colors caused by the influence of the modes of material Nature. In Indian tradition, these Classes existed in a flexible manner and people were treated with great respect according to the merits of their actions. The word ‘VARNA’ does not refer to the skin color or ethnicity of the individual and it describes the qualities and certain behavioral characteristics of the individual.

THE ROLE OF CHATURVARNA SYSTEM IN INDIAN MYTHOLOGY AND EPIC POETRY :

IDENTITY AND SOCIAL CONFLICT:The Maha Bhagavata Purana narrates the legend about Lord Vishnu’s sixth Avatara or reincarnation known as Lord Parashurama, Rama with Axe. This story may depict the strife or conflict between the two Classes of society in pre-Buddhist India. Caste Identity could become a source of Social Conflict. People of the Land of India or BHARAT need National Identity and National Individuality.

The Bhagavata Purana narrates the story of Lord Parasurama( in Sanskrit the meaning is Rama with the Axe, the Weapon of His choice ), the sixth Avatar or reincarnation of Hindu God Lord Vishnu. His legend reflects the strife between the two Classes of Society, the clashes between the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas, in pre-Buddhist India. In the epic poem of Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki there is no description of strife between different Classes of people. The story of Ramayana very dramatically describes the internal contradictions, the conflict of interests among members of the same royal family and the consequence of this domestic strife and disorder caused the hero of the story, Lord Rama to live in exile for fourteen years. To begin with, there was no rift or conflict between the Kingdom of Ayodhya and the Kingdom of Lanka that was ruled by Ravana. The climax of the story was that of killing Ravana in an epic battle for he had abducted Princess Sita from her forest dwelling. Ravana, a powerful ruler had not attempted to attack the Kingdom of Ayodhya or Kingdom of Mithila, the House to which Princess Sita belonged prior to her marriage to Lord Rama. Rama’s problems were imposed upon Him by the members of His royal family, the people who belonged to His Caste and clan. Similarly, in the epic poem of Mahabharata ( The Great epic of the Bharata Dynasty ), the struggle and the strife involves the members of the families of Kauravas, and Pandavas. These were children of King Dhritarashtra and King Pandu sired by Sage Veda Vyasa, the author who had composed the epic poem of Mahabharata. This story describes a family feud and sibling rivalry. There is no evidence to suggest that the Chaturvarna System had caused conflicts or strife between the Four Classes of the Indian Society. However, in India, during its long course of history, the Society developed a Caste based social structure where people simply inherited the Caste by birth and had lived with no further control on their birth Identity. Foreign occupation, and foreign conquests, and foreign rulers had exploited these divisions in the Social Structure to their advantage and they continue to do so to promote their vested interests in India such as the religious conversion of the people to access political power and to destabilize the country by attacking its Social fabric.

THE COLORS OF INDIA : NATIONAL IDENTITY vs CASTE IDENTITY :

The national flag of India is popularly known as ‘TIRANGA’ or ‘TRICOLOR’. The Saffron or subdued Orange represents Courage, Sacrifice, and the Spirit of Renunciation. The White represents Purity, Peace, and Truth. The Green stands for Fertility, Prosperity, and Faith. The Blue Chakra, the 24-spoked Wheel symbolizes the Wheel of Life in Movement and Death in stagnation. It is the same as the DHARMA CHAKRA or the Wheel of Law found in the Saranath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka the Great.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps: Dull Cherry is the Color of the Royal Army Medical Corps and is associated with Positive Health, Succor, and Freedom from Disease. Black is the Color of Indian Hospital Corps and it is associated with formless state of creating birth and death. Old Gold is the Color that represents Indian Medical Services which existed in India prior to 1943. The Color symbolizes Sun God or AESCULAPIUS, the God of Medicine.

I would not rank myself as a great patriot, but like several other young students, during my life spent as a student, I was inspired by the colors of India’s National Flag popularly known as Tricolor or TIRANGA. The deep Saffron or subdued Orange Color represents Courage, and Sacrifice. The White Color represents Purity, Truth, and Peace. The dark Green Color stands for Fertility of the Land, Prosperity of the People, and the Faith. The Blue Chakra, the 24-spoked Wheel symbolizes the Wheel of Life in Movement and of death in stagnation. This is also the Wheel of Law or the DHARMA CHAKRA found in the Saranath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka of Mauryan Dynasty. Communist China’s brutal attack on India’s Himalayan frontier during 1962 had initiated a desire to defend India from foreign conquests.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY-THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : Vishwa Yuvak Kendra – International Youth Centre, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi sponsored a four-week long National Student Seminar on National Integration during June 1967. I was selected to represent the State of Andhra Pradesh in this National Seminar while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool City, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. The National Seminar gave me the opportunity to define a National Identity and National Individuality that is not derived from any Identity that is related to one’s Region, Religion, Language, or Caste.The idea of Nationalism involves the creed that fidelity to one’s Nation-State is more important than fidelity to individual/personal interests. The Spirit of Nationalism involves an emotion or state of mind in which the individual feels that his Supreme Secular Loyalty is owed to the Nation-State.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : The interviews for the grant of Short Service Regular Commission in Indian Army Medical Corps were held in the Office of Dr. D. Bhasker Reddy, M.D., the Principal, Kurnool Medical College during the year 1969.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : My desire to project a National Identity at the cost of my birth Caste Identity was opposed by Dr. Sripada. Pinakapani, M.D., who had served as the Professor of Medicine & the Superintendent of Kurnool Government General Hospital until August 1968. My desire to formulate a marital social relationship ignoring my Hindu Identity was also opposed by Dr. A. V. Narayana Rao, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, M.D., Professor of Medicine & the Superintendent of Government General Hospital, Kurnool is born Hindu – Brahmin, Telugu-Speaking, and belongs to Srikakulam District of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. He had obtained his M.B.B.S. degree(1938) and M.D. degree(1945) from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam from where Dr. R. Anjaneyulu, my paternal uncle had also obtained his M.B.B.S., and M.D., degrees. Dr. Sripada Pinakapani had served at Madras Medical College from 1944 to 1949 where my maternal grandfather, Dr. Kasturi. Narayana Murthy, M.D., had served as the Professor of Medicine. Dr. R. Anjaneyulu, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B. J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospitals, Pune, Maharashtra State had come to Kurnool Medical College during June 1970 to officiate as an external examiner in the Post-Graduate degree examination. During that visit, Dr. Sripada Pinakapani had influenced and inspired my paternal uncle to prevent me from serving in Indian Army Medical Corps as it involved a desire to project a National identity while compromising my Brahman Caste Identity. My decision to serve in Indian Army is combined with a decision to have a marital social relationship with a Kurnool Medical College student who carried the Christian religious Identity.

To serve, and to defend the Tricolor Flag of the Republic of India, I had joined the Indian Army Medical Corps while I was a Final M.B.B.S.( Part-I) student at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh State in India. The Dull Cherry Color of the Army Medical Corps( AMC ) Flag represents the Color of the Royal Army Medical Corps and is associated with positive health, succor, and Freedom from Disease or “SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYA”, the Motto of AMC. The Freedom from Disease Motto of AMC could not give me Freedom from Social Conflict because of the clash between loyalty to the National Identity and my birth Brahman Caste Identity.

I had attended ‘The Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune from December 1975 to April 1976. I was disqualified and was posted out during May 1976. I have no hesitation to describe this sordid episode as “BETRAYAL OF NATION.” This disqualification was the result of an Unholy Brahmin Alliance in Pune that joined hands to undermine my fervent desire to serve the Nation.

SPIRITUALISM AND IDENTITY – THE CONFLICT AT ARMED FORCES MEDICAL COLLEGE PUNE : This is the photo image of the letter that was sent to Pune University communicating the fact of my disqualification(Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course) in a Screening Examination that was held at AFMC Pune during April, 1976. I am not blaming Lieutenant Colonel S P Kalra, the Chief of the Department of Paediatrics for this disqualification. He had disqualified me in one component of the Screening Examination, the Oral test he had given. He had no control or jurisdictional power over the results of the other two components( Written Examination and Practical Examination) of the Screening Examination. He had simply reacted to the rudeness displayed by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Pune University to a simple request that I had communicated to the Dean on behalf of Naval Army Medical Corps Officer Captain Sachdeva, the Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AFMC Pune.

Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College Pune – The Unholy Brahmin Alliance at Pune : The Disgraceful, Dishonest, and Infamous Phone Conversation between two Brahmins of Pune recorded during April, 1976; 1. The Commandant of AFMC Pune, and 2. The Dean Faculty of Medicine, Pune University, the Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B. J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospitals Pune. I heard to this Phone Conversation at my paternal Uncle’s Office in the Sassoon Hospitals. Both parties of this phone conversation had agreed to share lies about the results of the Screening Examination that was held at AFMC Pune during April 1976 and both had agreed not to further investigate the matter and ascertain the real facts and assessment of my performance in the Written and Practical Components of this Screening Examination. Both the parties knew the reason for Lieutenant Colonel S P Kalra’s displeasure and had decided not to intervene and provide him with a reasonable response to a simple, verbal request that he had asked me to communicate to my Uncle, the Dean.

WHO AM I ? WHY AM I LIKE THIS ? :

In the epic poem of Ramayana, in Book Six, Yuddha Kanda, Chapter(Sarga) 117, verse 11, Rama who spent 14 years in forest exile and had to kill King Ravana to rescue Princess Sita had inquired : “I think of myself to be a human being, by name of Rama, the son of Dasaratha. You, as a gracious Divinity tell me, Who am I? and Why I am like this?”

I would not equate myself with Lord Rama. As a human being, if I have to explain as to Who am I and Why am I like this, I have to look at my Brahman Caste Connection. Lord Rama’s life journey was influenced by the actions of the members of his royal family. The experience of my life journey is shaped by my Brahman Caste Connection.

THE PAST IS NEVER PAST :

William Faulkner (1897-1962), was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature during 1949. His novel titled ‘Requiem for a Nun’(1951) has his famous quote: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” I define Who I am and Why I am like this from my experience, the past flowing into the present. The divisions in the Social Order, the Social Rankings, the social distinctions and hierarchical social structures exist among all animal groups and among human communities all over the world. Each individual would experience his identity that is defined by the nature of the social group in which he exists. If I am described as a person of Brahman Caste, it is neither unique, nor special. If there is uniqueness, or distinctiveness about this Brahman Caste Identity, it should be revealed by sharing the experience of this Identity.

“JISH DESH MAIN GANGA BAHATI HAI” – THE LAND WHERE GANGES FLOWS :

This River GANGA or GANGES is adored by people across the Land of India or Bharat. Mother Ganga defines my National Identity and National Individuality. The Brahman Caste identity which I received at my birth has undermined my ability to express my National Identity and National Individuality.

If I had cherished the idea of serving the Tricolor Flag of India, it is not a product of my Chaturvarna Caste experience. This idea is inspired by a variety of factors such as the geography of this Land known as India, the history of its people, and the history of its subjugation by foreign military conquests. I was selected for the grant of Short Service Regular Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps during 1969 and the selection was not influenced by my Brahman Caste Identity or Connections. I was granted Direct Permanent Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps during March 1973 and that selection is not a product of my Brahman Caste Identity. However, I had resigned and relinquished my Direct Permanent Commission during 1983. This act of Resignation from Service in the Indian Army is the product of my Brahman Caste experience. My departure from India during 1984 with a desire to stay away from India is also a product of my Brahman Caste experience. My ability to serve in Uniform with Dignity and Honor, and my Spirit to defend my Country got extinguished by my Brahman Caste Experience.

HUMAN CONTRADICTIONS – THE SOURCE OF SOCIAL CONFLICTS :

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : I belong to the Brahman Caste by virtue of my birth and my social relationship with this group of REBBAPRAGADA Family & its members. There is Social Conflict on account of the Social Contradiction between my Caste Identity and my desire to project a National Identity and National Individuality in my Social Relationships. To confirm my desire to acquire a National Identity and National Individuality, I had pledged my allegiance to the Republic of India and had further demonstrated this shift in my loyalty by deliberately choosing a marital social relationship with a person belonging to Christian community. This choice made during 1969 had provoked a reaction in the form of a direct verbal warning and a written threat to undermine or compromise my ability to serve in Indian Army Medical Corps. I was asked to change my mind or accept the risk of losing my job. I had delayed the implementation of my decision until I was selected for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission in the AMC Examination that was held in September, 1972. The problem of my Indian Identity had followed me after I left India during 1984. When my father died during October 2009, I had no valid Indian passport to make a trip to India. His younger brother was unwilling to provide his name and address to be used as a reference to enable me to file an application for a new Indian passport.

Indian Identity and Brahman Caste Connection: The Ladies of Rebbapragada Family are witnesses of my Brahman birth Identity. However, this Caste-Connection could not help me to file my application for a new Indian Passport while I moved out of India and started living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. My aunt who lives in the United States stated that I could pose a risk to her safety if she were to provide her name and address on my application for Indian Passport. When my mother died during September, 1998, I had no valid Indian passport to make a trip to India.

A STORY OF BETRAYAL AT AFMC PUNE AND MINISTRY OF DEFENCE NEW DELHI :

Lieutenant General Biruduvolu Durga Prasada Rao( B.D.P. Rao ) served as the Commandant( in the rank of Major General ), Armed Forces Medical College(AFMC), Pune during 1975 – 1976 while I had attended the Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course at AFMC. The term ‘betrayal’ describes an act that helps the enemy of one’s country. I have no hesitation to state that the deliberate decision to disqualify me and post me out of AFMC Pune was not made to serve the cause of our Nation. The Brahman Caste Connection undermined my ability to complete this Training in Paediatrics.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : Ministry of Defence, Government of India, South Block, New Delhi: Lieutenant General V V S Pratap Rao, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, during 1982-1983 had successfully completed the job of “BETRAYAL” that was initiated by Major General B D P Rao, the Commandant of AFMC, PUNE during April-May 1976. They had finished a Job that the enemy that I had faced during the India-Pakistan War of 1971 could not accomplish. I had participated in a difficult military operation(OPERATION EAGLE) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and had faced the enemy without carrying my personal weapon. Fortunately, at that time, I was in the company of the men of my Unit with whom I had shared a Spiritual relationship and accepted the challenge to fight on behalf of my Nation as a proud member of a Team, the Unit that was my Family.

Lieutenant General V V S Pratap Rao was the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services during 1982 – 1983 when I submitted my letter of Resignation from Service to the Government of India, Ministry of Defence. General B D P Rao, and General V V S Pratap Rao were the two very high-ranking Officers of Indian Army Medical Corps that share my Brahman Caste Identity. I had never spoken to these two individuals and never had a direct, personal contact or interaction with these two very Senior Officers of the Indian Army. My experience of Service in Indian Army got transformed because of interactions between my Brahman relatives and these Army Generals, the top brass of the Indian Army Medical Corps. None of them have shared my passion and my spirit to serve in Indian Army with Dignity and Honor. Clearly, their actions and interactions because of their Brahman Caste affiliation had no element of the Spirit of Nationalism which had drawn me to embrace a career in Indian Army. The course of my life’s journey got changed. It is not within my ability to change my Identity. If I am free to choose, the freedom is about the destination of my life’s journey. I hope to arrive at that destination by simply surrendering my Brahman Caste Identity. I believe that I am a created being. Indian Tradition has instructed me that I am born out of the face of the Lord. The experience of that Brahman Caste has transformed the purpose of my life. If life is viewed as a voyage across unknown Sea, to reach the Shore, to arrive at my destination, I have chosen to surrender to the Feet of the Lord.

DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – THE TRADITION OF FEET WORSHIP :

BRITNEY SPEARS AND BRAHMAN CASTE CONNECTION : Britney Spears visited the Hindu Temple in MALIBU, California to receive the blessings for her four-month old baby. She was graciously received by Mr. Nadadur Vardhan, the President of Southern California Hindu Temple Association. Mr. Nadadur Vardhan is a South-Indian Tamil Brahman and my maternal uncle, Kasturi. Jagannadha Rao who lived in Lafayette, LA had introduced me and had established a Brahman Caste Connection between two of us. I was not lucky like Britney Spears. My maternal uncle and Mr. Nadadur had worked together to seal my fate. I am still waiting for LORD’s Mercy, Grace, and Compassion.

I have narrated the story about my experience of the Tradition of Feet Worship while on a train journey from Rajahmundry to Lucknow Cantonment during July 1970 while I was on my way to report for duty and join the BMOC 20/70 Course(Basic Medical Officers Command Course) at the Officers Training School, AMC CENTRE AND SCHOOL, Lucknow. Paada Vandanam, Paada Sevanam, Paada Archanam, Paada Namaskaram, or the literal worship of FEET is the Indian Tradition and it inculcates a sense of humility. The very essence of Indian Culture is about teaching humbleness and the practice of humility. We humble ourselves in front of God, various images or idols, and in the same manner, we humble ourselves in front of parents, teachers, elders, people in authority, masters, and the variety of objects that we worship including stones, cows, trees, plants, rivers, Sun, Moon, and others. We often touch the feet of the person to whom we want to show respect. If Shudras have born from the Feet of the Lord, those Feet are my ultimate Destination. Those are the Feet I seek for myself as my final refuge. If my understanding of Indian Culture is correct, man is saved by seeking the protection of Feet and not of any other part of God’s body. We have stories, and hymns that exclusively praise the value of adoring Lord’s feet. Is there a greater honor other than the opportunity to touch the Feet or seek the dust that the Feet have touched?

While interviewing army recruits at Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad, I met a young recruit whose caste was shown as “BALMIKI” and it specifically refers to the person we know as Poet Valmiki, the author of epic poem of Ramayana who belonged to that Bhil-Kirat Caste Community. The thought that passed in my mind was that of seeking the same Identity for myself. I had asked myself as to how I could get the same caste designation and call myself “BALMIKI”. Being born of Feet is a great Blessing and having taken birth from the face of the Lord, I learned a lesson. Now, I understand that the Feet of the LORD GOD represent my Salvation.

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.

Biographical Information :

1. Place of Birth: MYLAPORE, Madras City, Chenna Patnam, Chennai, Madras State, Tamil Nadu, India. Born HINDU( Brahmin – Niyogi – Smartha ), Telugu-Speaking.

2. Date and Place of Marriage: 29 January, 1973. Congregational Town Church, Cuddapah, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

COMMENT FROM SRI. RAM GOPAL :

It is regretful that many of our Hindu activists are blaming Hindu scriptures without having gone through them. The present birth based Varna (Caste) system is against the letter and spirit of our Vedic teachings. Kindly see my following article which will remove most of the prevailing misgivings on the subject.

Evils wrought by birth-based Caste system and remedy :

Protagonists of the birth-based caste system, quote the following Mantra of Rigveda’s Purush Sukta, (also found in the Yajurveda, Chapter 31), “Brahmano-asya mukhamasid bahurajanyah kritah/ Uru-tadasya yad-vaishyah paadbhyam shudro-ajayat”. They interpret it to mean that the Brahmins are born out of Brahma’s mouth, the Kshatriyas of Brahma’s hands, the Vaishyas (traders and farmers) of Brahma’s thighs, the Shudras of Brahma’s feet and, therefore, the Brahmins are the most respectable because of their birth as such. And, similarly, Shudras born of feet are lowly and despicable or untouchables. A close examination of the quoted text will reveal how fallacious are the claims attributed to the Vedas in support of birth-based caste system and for giving a lower status to the Shudras.

Purpose of Varna-Ashram Dharma

The purpose of the Varna (Caste) Dharma and the Ashram Dharma, [set of dutiesassigned to or accompanying each caste and those assigned to or accompanying various stages of life, namely, Brahmcharya (Learning stage), Grihastha (Family life), Vanaprastha (Life preparatory to retirement from family life) and Sanyas (Life ofcomplete retirement, devoted to public good)], is to enable a person to have good health, prosperity and peace in the present life and Moksha after death. Seeing the deplorable condition of Hindus as a nation or society in the global context, it is necessary that we take another look at our caste system and our scriptures to find out where we have failed.

Defects of birth-based caste system

History shows that one of the major causes of Hindu defeats was the degenerate birth based caste system. Under this system, fighting was confined only to a small section of the Hindu society called, “Kshatriya”. In numerous successive wars, continuing since the fall of the great Gupta empire in the 7th century, most of the Kshatriyas got killed. There was no fresh recruitment. By the 15th century, the depleted fighting forces of Kshatriyas or Rajputs, as they were called at the time, lost all hopes of defeating the ever increasing Mohammedan forces. So, as soon as the Mughal emperor Akbar offered the hand of friendship, they made compromise. Many of them offered their sisters or daughters in marriage to the Mughal dynasty. Maharana Pratap of Mewar was the only patriotic Rajput, who refused to submit to Akbar and continued his fight. He had to enlist Bhils and other Backward class people to raise his army. One businessman, the famous Bhama Shah, provided him the money. When Shivaji in Maharasthra and Guru Gobind Singh in Punjab stood up in revolt against the oppressive Islamic rule, they had to face the difficulty of raising their armies. Both of them had to make recruitment from the low castes Hindus (now called Dalits or OBCs). Both gave them the status of Kshatriyas. The same problem, in a greater degree, faces the Hindu society today. There is a great need of finding ways and means to augment the ranks of true Kshatriyas and true Brahmins.

What do Hindu scriptures says?

Thanks to the printing press of the modern age, the holy Vedas are now easily available to common man. First point to note is that the Purush Sukta of the Rigveda consists of 16 Mantras. The opening Mantra perceives the human society as one huge organism, having a thousand heads, thousand eyes, thousand feet which existed in the past, exists today and will exist in the future. Unlike the mortal human body, the human society is permanent. In Mantra 11, a question is raised, “Which is the face, which are the arms, the thighs and the feet of this great Person?” Mantra 12, quoted above, answers, “Brahmins form his face, the Kshastriyas form his arms, and the same way the Vaishyas (farmers and traders) form his thighs and Shudras form his feet”.

It is very clear that, in Vedic view, the Arya or the present Hindu society, composed of Brahmins (learned ones), Kshatriyas ( Kings and warriors), Vaishyas (farmers & tradesmen) and Shudras (service classes), was a compact whole. All were interlinked and functioned in close cooperation. This meaning is also in consonance with thousands of Vedic Mantras which pray to Almighty and invoke various gods (devatas) to let all live together, eat together, enjoy together, pray together, progress together, fight the evil forces together, and work for global peace together. The message is clear that weakening or malfunctioning of any one organ of the society will cripple the whole body. However, if the head (Brahmin class) stops working or goes berserk, the whole body is dead. That may be the reason for the Brahmin getting the first place among equals. It does not mean or signify a master and slave relationship. In tune with this very Vedic pronouncement, Lord Krishna says in the Geeta, (chap.4/13), “Chaturvarnyam maya srishtam gunkarma-vibhagshah”, (I am the creator of the fourfold human society according to aptitude and profession). There is no reference to birth, either in the Rigveda or the Geeta.

In his great treatise, Arthashastra, Kautilya, the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya, (4th century BC), says that (Hindu or Vedic) polity rests on four branches of Vidya (Knowledge & practice), namely, ‘Anvikshiki’ (philosophy of Sankhya, Yoga and Lokayat – Public relations); Trayee (the three Vedas); Varta (agriculture, trade, cattle breeding): and Dandaniti (system of crime and punishment). Through all these, a State or nation makes acquisitions, keeps them secure, makes improvements and distributes the fruits among the deserving ones. To sustain such a complex organisation of humanity, the earlier mentioned chaturvarni (four fold) social order has been prescribed. This social order must necessarily be profession based, not birth-based. So, in one of his Sutras, Chanakya says, Acharvan vineeto-akulinopi-aaryah, a person of proper code of conduct and gifted with modesty should be considered a man of noble birth, even if he comes from a low family, (KPA Menon’s “Kautilaya’s Arthashastra”, p.259, published by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi).

The instances of Rishi Jabala of unknown father, (Chhandyoga Upanishad), Rishi Matang born of lowly parents, Mahrishi Ved Vyas, (author of the Mahabharata), born of a boats man’s daughter, and many such others, show that the birth based caste system crept into the Hindu society much later. The Manusmriti (200 BC-200AD), chap. 10/65, says: “Shudro Brahmanatameti, Brahmanashchetu shudrataam/ Kashtriyajaatamevam tu vidfyadvaishyatatathaiva ch, (through education and training, a Shudra can become a Brahmin, and, devoid of these, a Brahmin can also become a Shudra, a Kshatriya or Vaishya, as he may be fit for). It is a matter of research at which point of time, the element of birth was introduced in the above quoted Vedic mantra and Varnas became birth-based. This birth-based caste or Varna system has done great harm to the Hindu society during the past 2,000 years.

Number of Varnas (Castes)

The Vedas talk of only four Varnas. The Manusmriti also speaks of four Varnas, no fifth (Panchama, chap.10/4). With the passage of time each Varna multiplied into various off-shoots. In addition, some new Varnas, like Kayastha, Bhumihars (Bihar), Bhatia, et al, and their sub-divisions also cropped up. The total number of all these castes and sub-castes is surely in hundreds and may be over a thousand. Incidentally, in his comprehensive history of Vaishya community, (Vaishya Samudaya ka Itihas) in Hindi, Dr. Rameshwar Dayal Gupta has listed 354 sub-castes of Vaishya community alone. Even this does not appear complete because I find many south Indian sub-castes missing.

GOTRA

Gotra is a unique feature of Hindu society and has been, for long, an important factor in matrimonial matters. It is believed that every Hindu is a descendant of one or the other Rishi (sage). Descendents of the same sage have a common Gotra, for example, Kashyapa, Gautam, Garg, etc., etc. Thus, marriage within the same Gotra is prohibited in accordance with the following shloka of the Manusmriti, (chap.3/5): “Asapinda ch ya matu-r-asagotra ch ya pituh/ Sa prashasta dwijatinam daarkarmani maithune”, (Among the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, that girl is best to be taken as a wife or for sex who is not a Sapinda (blood relation) on mother’s side and does not belong to the same Gotra on father’s side). Up to the Mahabharata age, inter-Varna (inter-caste) marriages were common, but marriage within the same Gotra was prohibited. At some stage in the post Mahabharata period, marriage out of one’s Varna(Caste) became anathema, although the above shloka does not bar inter-Varna or inter-Caste marriage.

The Mahabharata, (Shanti Parva,/chap. 296), says that originally there were only four Gotras, namely, Angira, Kashyap, Vashisth and Bhrigu. Matsya Purana names 8 Gotras – Bhrigu, Angira, Marichi, Atri, Pulah, Pulastya, Ritu, and Vashisth. Shatpath Brahmin, (older than Mahabharata), names seven Gotras – Gautam, Bhardwaj, Vishwamitra, Jamdagni, Vashistha, Kashyap and Atri. Based on these and other ancient texts, scholars have deduced that, up to the Mahabharata period, there were 8 Gotras. They also found that Boudhayan, a ninth century commentator, gave the number of Gotras 500 while a later book, “Pravar Manjari” of the medieval period talks of 5,000 Gotras.

In his well researched work “The People of India”, (about 1910), Herbert Risley, (an ICS officer) has given names of main castes, sub-castes under each head of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra and others as in the 19th century. Similarly, he has explained Gotras under the following 5 heads, (1) Totemistic (based on names of animals, flowers, plants, rivers, etc), (2) Great personalities (based on sages or kings), (3) Territorial (based on names of areas or places), (4) Titular or nicknames (like Hazari, Deshmukh), and (5) Local or Tribal (limited to few small areas).

Need to go back to Vedas

The earliest religion on earth, the Vedic Dharma, (the original name of Hindu religion) and Vedic culture took birth in the Indus valley, in the foot-hills of the Himalayas and spread throughout the Indian sub-continent and beyond in Western, Central and South-East Asian countries. It was a period when Varna (Caste) system had not become birth based. Since, it became birth-based and rigid, defence of the country, India, that is Bharatvarsha, became a responsibility of the Kshatriya caste alone. As a result, weakening of India’s defence set in. Along with it, Vedic, that is Hindu Dharma, also started receding. So much so that even the birth place of Vedic Dharma, the Indus Valley, together with its adjoining areas up to West Punjab and East Bengal turned into an Islamic country, before our own eyes in 1947.

It may be recalled that, after repeated attacks from 7th century AD, the Islamic forces from West Asia first occupied Hindu kingdoms lying across Indus (Sindh) river, that is, Afghanistan and Baluchistan, subjugated Punjab and established a firm Islamic rule in northern India at Delhi in 1192 AD. The victor, Mohammed Ghori of Ghor, did not stay here. He appointed his trusted slave General, Qutb-ud-din Aibak as his Viceroy to rule over his conquered territory in India. Qutub-ud-din founded the slave dynasty which extended the Islamic rule up to Gujarat in the West. This dynasty was ousted by Khiljis of Turkish origin in 1290 AD. The Khilji dynasty was subdued by the Tughlaqs. The Tughlaqs were replaced by Sayyids and the latter by Lodi kings of Afghan origin. They too got vanquished at the hands of Babar, who was half Turk and half Mongol. He founded the Mughal dynasty, which ruled up to 1857 AD, when the British, a European power, established its supremacy on Hindus and Muslims both. It would be observed that since 1192, India’s political power passed from one Muslim dynasty to another Muslim dynasty up to 1857, when the British took over. During this entire 800 year period, Hindus – the original nationals and rulers of Hindusthan – made no fruitful effort to replace the oppressive Islamic rule by Hindu Rajya, meaning governance according to Vedic ideals. They were content with their localized dynastic principalities, paying tributes to the Mughal kings or the British Crown.

Consequent to world war II, all European colonial powers, including the British, withdrew from their respective colonies. In that process, India also got Independence in 1947, but only after ceding one third of Hindusthan to Muslim fanatics to make Pakistan. Not only that. Their collective stupidity and cowardice, born out of birth based caste prejudices and detachment from Vedic teachings, led them to adopt a Constitution which made their share of the country, India, a Composite State, (instead of a Hindu State), letting Muslims and Christians have an upper hand in the State policy on the pretext of safeguarding minority interests.

From 1881 AD, the British had started ten-yearly census. Each successive census up to 1941 showed Hindu population declining and Muslim population multiplying. It was then attributed to the anti-Hindu and pro-Muslim British rulers. In 1947, the British left India in Hindu hands. What did the Hindus do? The declination of Hindu population and multiplication of Muslim population has continued with a vengeance. Analyzing the 1991 and 2001 census figures, political pundits have forecast that the Muslims will gain a majority in Hindu India by the close of this century. The fact, however, is that the political influence of the Muslims even now, when they form just 14 per cent of the total population, outweighs that of Hindus, who make 82 per cent. It seems that as and when the Muslims reach the number 25 per cent, they will force at least 50 per cent of Hindu India to be made Islamic, resulting in mass killing and persecution of Hindus as in the years before and after Partition.

The only way of Hindu survival is Hindu unity, but that is impossible without following the true Vedic teaching, de-linking castes from birth and allowing fresh entries in Hindu religion and Hindu society. History shows that, in pre-Islamic period, foreign invaders, like the Greeks, the Shakas, the Huns, and others, who settled in India, adopted Hindu religion and became important part of the Hindu society. In fact, they added to the dwindling force of Kshatriyas, called Rajputs, who made the front line defenders of Hinduism against subsequent Islamic invasions. The Tait-riya Aaranyaka, 8-1, (a branch of Yajurveda), says: “Om sahnavavatu, sah nau bhunaktu, sah veeryam karvavahe/Tejaswinavadhitamatu/Ma vidvishawahe”, (O, Lord (Parmeshwara)! May we together protect ourselves with love and affection among us: May we together make use of this material world: May we together enhance the power and efficiency of one another so that our efforts bring meritorious success: With your blessing, let us bear no jealousy against one another). This prayer would be meaningless if the Vedas had envisaged the existing type of birth-based caste distinctions.

The day Hindu Dharmacharyas decide to delink Caste distinction from birth, the doors will re-open for fresh entry in Hindu Dharma and Hindu society in terms of the Vedic edict “Krinvanto vishvam-aaryam”, (Let us convert the whole world into Arya). Some skeptics have opined that it does not mean conversion. In this context, it will be useful to refer to the full text of the Mantra which reads: Indram vardhanto apturah krinvanto vishwama-aryam apaghnanto aravnah”, Rigveda, 9-63-5, (Increase your energies, extend them far and wide, make the world Arya and destroy the evil doers). Here, Arya means one who follows Vedic dharma and is a member of Vedic society. It cannot mean anything else. Vedic texts refer to three categories of people: (1) Arya (Vedic people), (2) Anarya (Non-Vedic people, for example, various Tribals) and (3) Dasyus or Rakshasas (the rogues and enemies). Thus, this Mantra, in its entirety, means convert as many non-Aryas as possible to Arya-fold and destroy the enemies. With this very interpretation, Vedic (Hindu) religious preachers and teachers (Rishis and Munis) could convert large numbers of people to Hindu religion in India and abroad. Traces of Hindu religion are found in abundance in South East Asia, (Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, etc.), and to a lesser extent in Western and Central Asia.

Now, it is up to Hindus themselves, their religious and political leaders, to follow the faulty interpretation of the Vedic texts and get gradually extinguished or change according to their correct meanings. Relying on the true meaning of the holy Vedas, the six Shastras and authentic Upanishadas, Swami Dayanand Saraswati of the 19th century had vehemently opposed birth-based caste system, supported conversion of non-Hindus to Hindu fold, and lent support to India’s freedom struggle. Following his teachings, the Arya Samaj converted thousands of non-Hindu religionists to Hindu (Vedic) religion. Of them, many became staunch preachers of Hinduism. The work of Arya Samaj was hampered after Independence, firstly, because of opposition from the “traditionalists” and “secularists” and, secondly, because of internal dissensions in the Arya Samaj itself on personal grounds, which divided it into a number of antagonistic camps.

Comment from Sri. M K Dhar :

Varna and caste system have been created by Brahmin and Kshatriya and certain intermediate caste Hindus. There is an interpolation the Gita: Chaturvarnang Maya Sristhang Gunayi Karmah Vivhagasha= I have created four varnas according to guna and karma. How can God do that dividing his creation into varnas. He did not create varna system for the flora and fauna creations.

Manu is said to be a rishi who gave preponderance to Purusha Sukta that indicate from which part of the body of Brahma which class of people were originated. That is sheer madness of the powerful people in the society for perpetuating slavery of the lowly placed and less privileged people. Manuvad is the real enemy of unity of the Hindu people. Hindu society should be One- but we have weakened ourselves by creating SC, OBC etc castes and Shrenis. Fathers of our Constitution should have abolished this demonic system while framing the laws. But they followed the old social practices and British policy of segmenting the Indians. Now we are threatened by Muslims because they know that damn Hindus would never unite and stand as a solid united vs
challenge to Islamist advancement to India.

If our and next generations do not reform the damned caste and class system we would be doomed as a nation. Let us burn the sasthras that divide the Hindu society.

Comment from Sri. Bala N. Aiyer :

Origin of Caste by Dr. Premendra Priyadarshi :

This is a wonderfull explanation and study of Caste problems.

My own few words on this is as follows.

Varna is often mistaken for Kula and Jaathi and even people who know about this refuse to undertand or accept this

mainly for political purpose and get all the benefits of society in the name of Jaathi and Varna.

60 years of trying to eliminate the Jaathi name has not solved their problem and just got worse.

All us know and understand that Varna as in Purushasooktha and in Dharmasastra is different from Jaathi, now called Caste.

Varna is by Guna and in-born desires and ability to do the kind of work in a division of labor. Caste is purely by birth.

Before all discussions, we must first understand the Hindu [Indian] Society from ancient times and how they were organized and divided through traditions.

We must read the new genetic theories of the Indian Society which shows that ALL Indians are genetically same, all men carry similar Y Chromosome,

as different from all communities outside India and have two types of female [Mitochondrial DNA distributed all over the sub-continent.

Now, the division of society is by: VARNA, JAATHI, KULA, GOTHRA, REGION OF RESIDENCE, SAMPRADHAYA, LANGUAGE [AS MOTHER TONGUE] AND FAMILY TREE.

Here varna and Jaathi are different. What we are talking about is Brahmana Kula with the few Jaathis in it and NOT Brahmana Varna. [I know I am confusing you].

We have tall people and short people, light colored and dark colored, brilliant and intelligent and dull ones, rich and poor in every group and every state and in every Kula & Jaathi.

While 70% may be poor in SC&ST, about 60% are poor among Brahmins and other “upper Classes” – or even equal. There are more poor ones among Brahmins in this subgroup.

The four Varnas are interchangeable by Guna, education and in-born qualities – and not by birth alone. All Varnas are of equal status, not one superior to other.

there was never a fifth [untouchable] but the kings punished some Brahmana and Kshatriya for disobedience. But Kulas go by sampradhaya, traditions and culture.

Among Jaathis, which is only birth based, we must feel all are of equal status, but within that Jaathi some may be higher than some in status by their education and achievement [individually -not as a family]

If you consider all these and feel that you are just equal to all other Indians, there will be no problem. Now, among the various segments of the Brahmana Kula [and jaathis]

if we all get together for common cause and support, there is nothing wrong with that. 60 years of independence and 100 years of reform movements have not eliminated the Jaathi problems in India

because people did not see this differences and unity at the same time. The problem is some felt superior to others and some felt insulted by that.

If you eliminate that all Jaathis and Kulas can survive well. This is an organization of a society that evolves over centuries and can not be erased.

ORIGIN OF CASTE BY DR. PREMENDRA PRIYADARSHI :

I have recently uploaded my new article on origin of caste. It is basically a collection of quotes from authorities like Basham 1967 and Srinivas 1967, and also Romila Thapar 2002 (who had a change of mind at the end of her life).

The resoned view of these scholars is that caste and Varna are absolutely unrelated, and no attempt to fuse or confuse the two should be made.

I hope this will broaden our information about hisroy of caste.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/52693533/Origin-of-Caste

Post Script:
After reading this article one of my friends asked “Can we ignore the Purusha Sukta?”
Some friends asked about Chandal in pre-Muslim periods.

Reply is :
We cannot and should not ignore the Purusha Sukta. That is about Varna. And we are talking about caste here, not varna. Caste is caste. And varna is varna.

Chandal was there at the time of Buddha, and Buddha died after eating uncooked pork at the hand of a Chandal. But authorities opine that Chandal cannot be equated with modern “untouchable” castes. Chandals were often those people who had been excommunicated from society because of some heinous crime, like rape or murder etc. Other chandals were those who were excommunicated because they ate dog’s meat etc., or were violent people (Chand =cruel; in Persian Jallad is a cognate of Sanskrit Chandal).

But the untouchable castes of the modern times were untouchable by the reason of birth or heridity. This type of untouchability definitely started after 1000 AD. Basham clearly writes that Huen Tsang had not noted the type of caste system we see today. Megasthanese also has not mentioned such things.

Al-Biruni mentions caste system in Iran during Khusarow’s reign, who made it mandatory for everyone to follow the profession of the caste which one inherited from parents as a result of birth. Old Testament mentions divine orders, if one marries outside caste, one may be killed. Such caste system we never had in India. (Jat Panchayats have although done something like that recently).

We need to delink caste with varna in our minds, that is what the quoted scholars want to say. What Purusha Sukta says is about Varna, not caste.

Varna in not compasorily ”endogamous” and “heriditary”, whereas “caste” by definition is an “endogamous heriditary” unit of society. Any class is not caste. Otherwise we can say that when we classify towns, we are talking about castes of town. Classes will always be there in all societies at all times. Varna was a term used for class in ancient India.

Manu also does not mention “jati”. To confirm this I went through all the verses of Manusmriti in original. The translations ahve however used the word “cast” for “varna” in English, something which has been considered wrong by Srinivas and Basham, and many more authorities.

It is interesting to note that while we get definite caste system only after Muslim arrival in India, such systems had been there in other nations long back. In Iran it had been there for at least since sixth century BC. When did it start in Japan, we do not know, but caste and untouchability persist even today in Japan, Sri Lanka and many other nations.

I do not wish to raise any finger on any other country or religion, because if I point one finger to others, the three fingers turn to me. Yet it is important that we should be aware of the fact that caste (especially untouchability ) has existed outside India much before it was noticed in India.

See Korean untouchability in this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baekjeong

And the famous Burakumin untouchable group in Japan. Caste system was banned in Japan by Meiji in 1871. Yet it exists.
http://www.iheu.org/untouchability-japan-discrimination-against-burakumin

http://www.suite101.com/content/burakumin-a88427

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burakumin

And in Sri Lanka:
http://asiarecipe.com/sricaste.html

In Thailand Buddhism, there is a different type of caste system. In that system, they have created a special paid class “Thai Brahmana Priest” who is responsible to perform ‘sanskaras’ in each individual’s life. These Brahmanas perform Vaidic rituals to the Buddhist householdersa, like death rituals etc.

http://www.mahidol.ac.th/thailand/brahmans.html

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/34596/blood-rites-spark-off-holy-row

http://cultureandreligionofthailand.blogspot.com/2007/09/kwan-duan-ceremony.html

And see how Thai Royal Family patronizes Hindu rituals and Brahmanas

http://www.earthportals.com/Portal_Messenger/chariotgalyani.html

The Truth About Self – “i Am Consciousness” (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
Spirituality – Soul, Consciousness and the God-connection (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
The Science of Consciousness (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
Defining Indian Identity – What Is Love? (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)

SCIENCE, RATIONAL AND IRRATIONAL BELIEF – THE EXPERIENCE OF REALITY AND ULTIMATE REALITY

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Bhavanajagat

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A POUND OF FOOLISHNESS IS BETTER THAN A PENNY OF WISDOM :

What is Reality? The Golden Gate Bridge is real, Pacific Ocean is real, Sun is real. The Sunset is not real. Can man experience the Reality? How would Reality impact man's existence?

The social scientist Bruno Latour, from France’s “Institut d’ Etudes Politiques de Paris” was in New Delhi, India and spoke about what it means to be modern with Deep K Datta-Ray of Times of India. In essence, I support his view and there is a need for a new approach; the use of irrational belief and not that of scientific rational belief.

CAN SCIENCE PROVIDE EXPERIENCE OF REALITY?

Pencil in Water Illusion. Can Science influence the nature of Perception? The Perception of bent Pencil is caused by the properties of Light rays. Science can only explain the reason for this Optical Illusion. Science has no Power to eliminate the Illusion. The only way man can experience the Reality of this Pencil would be that of changing the State of Pencil's Conditioned Existence. It is easy to remove the Pencil from Water and experience the Reality. But, can Man remove himself from his State of Conditioned Existence and experience Reality?

It would be totally irrational to believe that Science could provide the experience called Reality. Science is not POWER/FORCE/ENERGY which operates in the natural world. Science provides information to understand things and it has no power or force to influence things. Science may reveal understanding of the nature of Reality and such revelation could be of no use in the context of human existence on planet Earth as man lives because of illusional experience of the world and the universe in which he exists.

THE REALITY OF EARTH’S MOTION :

Science can explain the Motions of planet Earth. Science can not provide the experience of the Speed of planet Earth’s Motions. The Reality of Earth’s Motions is known and is understood. But, man exists only if this Reality is not directly experienced. The physical and mental experience of the Speed of Earth, the Angular Speed, and the Linear Speed would not permit man’s physical existence on the surface of planet Earth.

The speed of earth’s motion can be described in two ways; 1. The Angular Speed: The earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours and the speed is 1,000miles/hour. 2. The Linear Speed: The distance earth travels is 584 million miles per year. The Linear Speed of earth is 66, 660 miles/hour.

Science may explain the fact of the speed of a point on the surface of the earth but can not force man to experience the Reality of that Speed. Man exists on the surface of the earth without ever experiencing the Reality. There is no physical experience of this basic Reality. There is no direct mental experience of this fundamental Reality. Man may intellectually visualize this Reality by understanding the facts explained by Science. If the human brain and body is constantly engaged by the fact of earth’s motions, the Reality of earth’s Angular Speed and Linear Speed, man would immediately experience a mental breakdown and would not be able to function as a living organism. Just think about the sense of fear, anxiety generated by a brief event like earthquake. The Subjective Reality of man’s Physical Existence on the surface of earth is sustained, is supported, and is protected by a Fundamental Force called Gravitation. Because of the operation of Gravitational Force man is virtually saved from any experience of Earth’s motions. Man only experiences the environmental changes caused by Earth’s motions. Further, this Subjective Reality of man’s Physical Existence is governed by a FORCE/POWER/ENERGY that causes an illusionary experience of Sun’s movement across the sky. Science would explain the Reality of Sun’s motion at a speed of 155 miles/second. But, man exists on the surface of earth with no physical or mental experience of Sun’s true or real motion. What man experiences is the apparent motion of Sun and experiences Sunrise and Sunset. Science may explain the Reality and teach us the fact of Sun shining with brightness all the time. Man has invented stories and has created folk tales about Sun’s Journey in the Sky. The Reality described by Science does not govern human existence. The biological activities, the Biological Rhythms( Circadian/Diurnal/Solar Rhythms) are synchronized with the experience of ILLUSION and not that of Scientific Reality.

BIOLOGICAL CLOCK AND MAN’S LIFE JOURNEY :

Man's existence on the surface of planet Earth and the duration of his life's journey is measured by the internal Biological Clock. The time duration is measured by the alternating periods of Light and Darkness, the experience of Day and Night, the experience of Sunrise and Sunset which drives the Biological Rhythm. In Reality, the Sun is shining with brightness at all times during the entire length of man's life journey. Man gets no chance to experience that Reality and the Biological Clock is not influenced by that Reality of Sun shining at all the hours of man's earthly existence.

Man can not exist on the surface of physical earth if he has direct body or mental experience of the Reality explained by rational Scientific Belief. The very nature of human existence in this vast universe can not be rationally understood. There is no evidence to suggest that Life could be discovered in other parts of our universe. There is no chance that man could find an opportunity to leave the Solar System and find a Home in a different part of the universe. Man has no control over the structure and organization of the universe. Man has no choice other than that of accepting the conditioned nature of his energy dependent existence with no other place to call as Home. Rational beliefs have no role and do not define the status of man in nature and in the universe. It is more likely that man’s existence could be supported by an irrational belief in Ultimate Reality, which operates the POWER/FORCE/ENERGY which delivers MERCY/GRACE/COMPASSION to spread a veil of ILLUSION to defend man from the direct physical or mental experience of Reality of the Universe in which man lives.

Man can only exist in this Universe if he does not directly experience the Reality of this Universe. Man's earthly existence is defended by ILLUSION and Science has no Power to provide man a chance to experience Reality which is hidden by the ILLUSION.

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.

‘The only shibboleth the West has is science’

Apr 4, 2011, 12.00am IST, Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/The-only-shibboleth-the-West-has-is-science/articleshow/7857996.cms?intenttarget=no

The social scientist Bruno Latour , from France’s Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), was in New Delhi and spoke about what it means to be modern with Deep K Datta-Ray .

Why do you argue that Western Europe has never been modern?

The only shibboleth the West has is science. It is the premise of modernity and it defines itself as a rationality capable of, indeed requiring separation from politics, religion and really, society. Modernisation is to work towards this.

A move away from the pre-modern, which is a period of embroilment and entanglement of everything but when one looks at the practice of science in a laboratory, as i did, this division is revealed as false.

Scientists are very much entangled in their culture and this culture is not pristine, untouched by other cultures and practices. The real history of Europe therefore is one of a constant interaction, a mixing of peoples, various cultures and the material.

What does this mean for our understanding of what the modern world actually is, how institutions thought of as quintessentially modern function?

There’s very little on how today’s world actually functions. Instead there is the official story of modernisation. Meanwhile, there is a prominent discourse in India about modernisation.

My argument is that the baseline for understanding modernity requires interrogation, which destabilises expectations of what a modernising society should do.

Traditionally, the moderns criticised the supposedly archaic, symbolised by the East. Everyone wanted to become modern – but my work demonstrates that being modern was never as clear as presumed. So, when India begins to modernise what happens?

There is a double instability – of an uncertain baseline and then what happens when that is implemented in a society far away and especially in an institutional setting and in an area so close to the state such as governance. So there has to be more work on this.

This is especially important because there are so many more people here, it is possible to have institutions of a different complexion altogether, of alternative ways instituted here. India is a reservoir of alternative interpretations of what the global is and these ways of viewing the world need to be exposed.

Could it also be said that the idea of a universalising ‘modern’ rationality is not necessarily European but became dominant in Europe?

For that there has to be more work on the non-western world. Regardless of place, there have to be thicker descriptions of practice, of what the modern world actually is, how do banks work for instance, because all we have is utopian description of how modernity functions. The dream of utopia killed descriptive work because the focus was on a universalising rationality, not how rationality actually plays out in practice. It should be clear that i’m not saying the East is somehow different, exotic. If one looks at the works of Newton to Einstein they were never scientists in the way modernity understands the term.

What are the implications of this type of work on politics?

Well, politics cannot keep to the scientific ideal quite simply because science in practice meant our moving from the country to the city and getting progressively disconnected from nature. But now one cannot discuss anything without thinking of the whole. Science was supposed to take us out of the cosmos and into a universalising rationality but that has produced all sorts of problems which are being corrected today by new approaches which are reminiscent of the non-modern, such as the politics of nature. This is a cosmological approach, one that ties in everything to make a decision.

Spirituality-the Confluence of Religion, Philosophy, and Science (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)
The Science of Consciousness (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)

TIME AND THE CONCEPT OF UNCHANGING REALITY

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Bhavanajagat

Views of spacetime along the world line of a r...

Image via Wikipedia

UNDERSTANDING TIME AND THE CONCEPT OF UNCHANGING REALITY :

Earth's Rotational Spin provides the experience of Time by causing changes in the environment which Man perceives as Day and Night. This cyclical change of alternating periods of Light and Darkness is synchronized with Man's Biological Rhythms.

Time is defined as the period or interval between two events or during which something exists, happens, or acts; the duration is a measurable interval. Indian thinkers have described ‘Time’ or ‘KAALA’ as a Power or a Force that is eternal suggesting that ‘Time’ existed before the formation of this created universe, Time operates during the existence of this created universe, and Time remains after the total dissolution of this created universe. ‘Things in Nature change with Time’. Does Time exert a force entirely of its own to change things in Nature? If Time is viewed as a Power or Force, who controls this Force and what are the Laws that operate this Force

The Subjective Reality of Man's physical existence is operated by the Biological Clock which may have a plan for Dissolution.

Everything that is born, everything that has come into existence, and everything that is conditioned arrives with its own plan for dissolution. Whosoever had arrived on this planet Earth, is sure to depart. Time operates this plan for dissolution. Time has the power to cause dissolution of the animate as well as the inanimate world and the physical universe. Whatever qualities, or attributes such as material wealth, social status, social position, and physical state of well-being that man cherishes and desires most would be dissolved and would be rendered useless by the effects of Time. Humans lack the material, and the biological abilities to transform their physical beings into sources of perpetual enjoyment. Time with its Power of Dissolution would eventually compel us to investigate and to explore the concept of Absolute and Unchanging Reality. This Subjective Reality of Man’s existence on this planet Earth which is a member of the Solar System would be dissolved by the influence of Time. The dissolution of Sun and the Solar System would not result in the dissolution of this universe that we currently know and understand. When man has been dissolved, the conditioned reality of this physical universe will continue and remains as before as earth and sun do not describe the total reality of this conditioned universe.

THE PERCEPTION OF CHANGE AND HUMAN CONCEPTS ABOUT TIME

The Moving Train and the Perception of changing landscape. Photo Credit:Indyeahforever.

Many of you who learned Physics understand the term Speed and Velocity. A person riding in a train or any other moving object could perceive a change that is caused by the motion. The nature of this perception depends upon the Speed or Velocity of that moving object. If the person jumps out of the train, the change that he has been perceiving immediately stops. There would be no changing landscape. If the speed of the train is increased, the perception of change also alters and at very high speeds man actually loses the ability of visual perception. The visual image becomes a blur. If man is viewing a Motion Picture, his visual ability to view the Picture could be destroyed by simply increasing the speed of the Projector. Any given point on the surface of the Earth moves with the Speed of the Earth. Earth is moving at a great speed and man has no ability to perceive this motion or the speed. Man perceives a change in his environment and calls it day and night. We run our lives by numbers on clocks and calendars. The clocks and calendars create the illusion that we live in a world of mathematically measured segments of time. Time is looked upon as a flow like a river. Sir Issac Newton(1687) stated that the flow of Time is absolute; “It flows equably without relation to anything external.” In 1905 while postulating the Theory of Relativity, Albert Einstein had observed that Time is not absolute and the measurement of Time is affected by the motion of the observer. The Relativity of Time becomes significant only at great speeds. Gravity affects both Light and Time. Gravity bends both Space and Light. Time is affected by the gravitational field of each celestial body. Time is unique to any one spot in the universe. If you and me do not exist at the same spot in the universe, our experience of Time is conditioned by the place or the position of that particular spot in the universe. Thus, the experience of Time on this planet is an illusionary experience and is not an absolute experience.

‘KAALA CHAKRA’ OR THE CYCLICAL FLOW OF TIME :

The Cyclical Flow of Time brings Cyclical Changes at expected Time intervals. Life exists because of the Cyclical Flow of Time.

Herman Minkowski, a mathematician, added Time as the Fourth Dimension of Three Dimensional Space. Time is seen as a Dimension as it gives meaning to events and the order in which they occur. Physicists describe Time and Space as the building blocks of this universe. Biologists see Time in the internal clocks that keep all living entities in sync with Nature. Human existence and the existence of all other living entities depend upon this illusionary experience of Time. Life exists and operates only if Time flows in a cyclical manner just like a wheel that moves, rotates on an axle or axis. Man needs this experience of day and night during his entire life journey. Man needs the changing Seasons with its cyclical regularity. Just imagine the consequences to human existence if Spring Season does not arrive at the Time it is expected. You have correctly pointed out that planet Earth is not at the same location or place in Space as Time flows. Last year, we had experienced the Spring Season while Earth existed at an entirely different location and we look forward for the arrival of a new Spring Season in spite of the Change in the position. In spite of Changes in location or position, in relative terms, the Spring Season is the Unchanging Reality of the Conditioned State of Human Existence. Because of the Conditioned nature of Human Existence, Man always looks forward, and hopes that Time would flow in a cyclical manner bringing cyclical changes. Biologists describe Life in terms of Life Cycles. All living functions have a rhythmic or cyclical quality. The exchange of gases during a cycle called Respiration involves the cyclical events of Inspiration and Expiration. The vital functions sustained by Circulation demands cyclical flow of Blood. The Individual and his State or Condition of Individuality remains existing as an Unchanging Reality as long as he experiences the cyclical changes in his bodily functions and in the environment in which he exists. I am that Unchanging Reality, the Reality of my Identity and my Individuality remains unchanged as my physical body experiences cyclical changes in its substance and in the environment where it exists. My phenotype or morphological appearance or outward appearance undergoes a constant change and this change is synchronized with the cyclical change called alternating periods of Day and Night. The Biological Clock precisely measures this Time interval or duration of my existence relative to the illusionary change; in Reality, the Sun is shining with all His brightness at all times with no significant change that I can perceive.

THE GOD CONNECTION :

Face Recognition Technology helps in the identification of an Individual. Under the influence of Time, the outward appearance undergoes changes all the time during Life's Journey and yet the Identity and the Individuality survives the Time's Power of Dissolution.

My Identity and my Individuality is the Unchanging Reality of my conditioned state of human existence. I had explored the Nature of this Unchanging Identity and Individuality. This Unchanging Reality of Identity and Individuality exists during the Time interval or duration of my God Connection. I know that Time existed before my creation, Time is operating during my existence as a created being, and Time would continue to operate after my physical dissolution. Time with its great power of Dissolution could not change my perception about my Unchanging Identity and Individuality because of my God Connection. It is rational, it is logical, and it is reasonable to reflect upon Absolute and Unchanging Reality as long as I maintain my Identity and Individuality which can not be changed or altered by the flow of Time.

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/the-ushering-of-the-new-year-the-perception-of-change/

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,
Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,
M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.

From: Srinivasa Rao Kankipati.

Lovely story and nice response. The story holds a great truth in it. The truth is that change is the law of nature. The universe, which means the aggregate of all things in it, is changing right from the moment of the Big Bang. I woudnt say that change is constant. Even the rate of change may be varying. Swami Sivananda penned a beautiful poem titled:”Even This Shall Pass” and some other philosophical essays and poems. All these were contained in a book authored by him, which he sent to me free when I wrote a letter to him in my student days but told him that I cannot pay the cost.

I believe that death which is inevitable for everything is only a result of unavoidable change. As far as I can analyse, the only law governing the universe is the law of (maybe changing) change.
Even though we think that the earth is returning to the same position in space year after year, astronomers tell us that its relative position is changing. We never go back to the same point.

In this light, I dont think there is anything that can be called permanent. As we can easily see from a train when we travel, the near landscape recedes in the opposite direction, but it seems to move relative to the far landscape, which assumes the character of being permanent. But after some travel, we find that the farther landscape also has changed, as against landscape which is even farther away. After some more travel the distant hills and dales at the farthest distance also vanish.

So we are changing, everything is changing, but we falsely hypothesise that it is all against the background of something that does not change. I believe that all change is perceived vis-a-vis something that changes in a slower manner, not vis-a-vis something that remains permanent. To crave for something permanent is madness and a wild exercise of a feverish imagination.

My own definition of civilisation is the construction of something which is less impermanent with the help of things which are more impermanent. All civilisations will eventually crumble. There is nothing permanent.

In this context, imagining a permanent god who will receive us into his kingdom permanently after our cycle of births and deaths is also illusory. With a person’s death, nothing more is heard from him. He has existed only once in the universe and it is just not true that his mind (as Buddhists propound) or his soul (as Hindus propound) will go on to take up another body, until finally God receives the mind and soul.

When a man dies, …
THE END!

On Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 8:30 AM, Rajaram Bojji wrote:

Truth, simple but so difficult to assimilate because, the question, “So, what next ?” arises.
The King could have been captured and beheaded too. Yes that too will pass. Bit it gives a chance to the chance of the saying that may be, even the improbable horse may fly after all!

More often than not our own fear defeats us by painting bleak pictures of failure much before actual occurrence .

While doing tunneling, after making all the pep talk to workers and engineers facing repeated collapses, I used to sleep the night in frustration and depression, which you can share with no one. Get up in the morning and with a gusto start with the saying ” don’t worry , the horse will fly” ( reminding one self of another story when a man promises a King to save own beheading for a few days, that he would make King’s horse fly and before he was required to fly the horse some enemy King beheads the King and releases him from prison)… wear a smile and go back to the job.

Yes, as another American writer has said, the only thing you learn from living and observing life is that life goes on.

Story of a King

Once a King called upon all of his wise men and asked them “Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time. Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me. Tell me is there any mantra?” All wise men got puzzled by King’s question. One answer for all questions? Something that works everywhere, in every situation? In every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory? They thought and thought.

After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper. But the condition was that king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he’ll have to see it. The King put the papers under his diamond ring.

After a few days, the neighbors attacked the kingdom. It was a collective surprise attack of the King’s enemies. King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. King had to flee on his horse. The enemies were following him. His horse took him far away in the jungle. He could hear many troops of horses following him and the noise was coming closer and closer. Suddenly the King found himself standing at the end of the road – that road was not going anywhere. Underneath there was a rocky valley a thousand feet deep. If he jumped into it, he would be finished. And he could not return because it was a small road. The sound of enemy’s horses was approaching fast. King became restless. There seemed to be no way…

Then suddenly he saw the diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden in the ring. He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was very small but very great. The message was – “This too will pass.”

The King read it. Again read it. Suddenly something struck him- Yes! It too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all his pleasures have gone. I am here trying to escape from enemies. However when those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. Calm come on his face. He kept standing there. The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his Kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him.

After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were not on that path. The King was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his lost empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fan fare at the door. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in a festive mood. Flowers were being thrown on the King from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment King said to himself, “I am one of the bravest and greatest Kings. It is not easy to defeat me..”

With all the reception and celebration he saw an ego emerging in him. Suddenly the diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He opened it and read it again: “This too will pass”. He became silent. His face went through a total change – from the egoist he moved to a state of utter humbleness.

If this too is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours, the victory is not yours. You are just a watcher. Everything passes by. We are witness of all this. We are the perceiver. Life comes and goes. Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes.

Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life… Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moment of sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away. There were friends in the past. They have gone. There are friends today. They too will go. There will be new friends tomorrow. They too will go. There were enemies in the past. They have gone. There may be enemies in the present. They too will go. There will be new enemies tomorrow and they too will go.

There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective.

You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows. All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever. Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away.

Who are you in reality? Know your real face. Your face is not your true face. It will change with the time. However, there is something in you, which will not change… It will remain unchanged. What is that unchangeable? It is nothing but your true self. You are just a witness of change.

The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking – God Did Not Create the Universe (bhavanajagat.wordpress.com)

MENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENTION OF SUICIDE

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Bhavanajagat

MAN’S PHYSICAL EXISTENCE :

The subjective reality of man's physical existence is conditioned by his physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual well-being.

If man is viewed as a multicellular human organism, we may have to ask ourselves the following question. Who or what is the subject who lives because of the functions of the trillions of cells? Man has to explore the biological basis for his existence in nature. The subjective reality of man’s physical existence is conditioned by his physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual well-being.

MENTAL HEALTH – THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION :

Mental health is an important component of the total positive health when health is defined as not the mere absence of disease, but as a state of man’s physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual well-being. Physical conditions and ailments affect mental well-being. Mental health and well-being could have important consequences affecting the physical, and social well-being of the man and may even threaten his ability to maintain the biological integrity to survive as a human organism. Mental health is defined as the capacity in an individual to form harmonious relations with others and to participate in or contribute constructively to changes in the social environment. A living organism has a tendency to maintain normal internal stability by coordinated responses that automatically compensate for environmental changes. Claude Bernard had explained this concept of ‘milieu interieur’ as that of “all the vital mechanisms, varied as they are, have only one object; that of preserving constant the conditions of life.” This concept of homeostasis, the maintenance of stability and equilibrium is applicable to man’s existence within a social group. A living thing maintains its individuality while being a member of a social group. Mental equilibrium, and mental tranquility is needed to maintain internal stability and for developing harmonious relationships with others present in the social environment. The different constituent parts of one’s personality should work in harmony so that an individual faces life situations rationally, successfully, and happily. The aim of the positive mental health care is to strengthen and develop well-integrated personality by influencing the behavioral pattern of the individual so that psychological situations are controlled by the individual in a logical, and rational manner. The individual while facing challenging life situations must arrive at solutions without disrupting the physical, mental, or social well-being. Mental health comprises the well-being of the intellectual and the emotional components of the mind. The intellectual breakdown of the individual deprives him of logical and rational thinking. The decisions taken will be faulty if the individual is not capable of logical and rational thinking. Such faulty decisions tend to affect the individual’s well-being. Intellectual breakdown is always accompanied by emotional breakdown. Emotional imbalance affects individual’s reactions. The individual may show inability to cope with life situations. The inability to withstand the strain and stress of the life situations could affect the physical well-being of the individual. The aim of this presentation is to understand the nature of man’s essence and existence in the physical world and to use that information to prevent the problem of suicide.

STRESS AND STRESS RESISTANCE :

A person with a well-integrated personality acquires high resistance against stress and will be able to react healthily while confronting unwholesome life situations.

Resistance against mental and emotional breakdown is built up by the autonomic process of integration of personality. It is the normal process of the growth of personality within the group environs. An individual with a well-integrated personality acquires high resistance against difficult situations. The individual will be able to react healthily while confronting unwholesome life situations. A healthy mind and ability to be moulded in an integrated personality depends upon several factors including the physical, social, and psychological environment in which the individual is growing. It also depends upon the culture patterns and attitudes handed down from one generation to the next. From a very young age, integration of the personality proceeds along with intellectual development and emotional moulding. Children must be given a better chance to develop integrated personalities with resistance against stress. Stress stimuli generate a chain of psycho-physical reactions strong enough to cause manifest effects. Personalities can be divided into 5 types according to their ability to resist strain and stress to master a given difficult life situation without a physical or mental breakdown. The same psychogenic stimulus may not cause similar reaction in all individuals. Each person reacts in a different manner according to the level of preformed stress resistance.

GROUP I : Highly stress resistant. These persons have a high level of preformed resistance. They also have the ability to develop resistance within a short time when exposed to stress stimuli. This group comprises of people with well-integrated personalities with dominant will power and power of endurance. They carry out the task even while under great stress without experiencing any negative consequences. They successfully master the stressful and difficult situation. These individuals live in good positive health and may not have a preexisting disease condition or a predisposition to such disease conditions that may undermine the physical and mental aspects of their health and well-being.

GROUP II : These persons have an average amount of preformed stress resistance. They overcome the stressful situation partially. In the attempt to master the stressful situation and to achieve success the person may suffer from precipitation of internal conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and so on when other predisposing factors are also existing. However, the individual completes the task while facing the stressful stimulus. These persons perform better if they maintain good positive health.

GROUP III : These are persons with very low preformed stress resistance. They still have the ability to develop resistance on exposure to a prolonged stressful situation. While performing the task under a stressful situation, they may display psycho-somatic symptoms of the overt stress syndrome.

GROUP IV : These are persons with no preformed stress resistance. They have a very low ability to create resistance upon exposure to a stressful stimulus. These individuals are more likely to abandon the task which may have exposed them to a stressful experience. They would try to escape from stress rather than attempting to create resistance to stress stimuli. If they cannot escape, the lack of stress resistance is manifested in a variety of bizarre symptoms.

GROUP V : These are persons who are non-resistant to stress. They have no preformed stress resistance. They are not capable of favorably reacting to stress producing situation. Their biological existence could be threatened if they are exposed to a stressful situation. They may manifest an overt psychiatric illness apart from the inability to perform a task that could generate the stress reaction. Such individuals must be recognized in their childhood and they must be provided proper environment and psychological counseling.

The part played by stress varies in different individuals according to their basic personalities. The factors that impact the role of stress include environmental influences, community with its varied backgrounds of culture patterns and life habits. Pre-existent resistance against stress reduces the requirement of immediate psycho-physical response. If the problem of suicide is viewed as a stress reaction, prevention of suicide would require promoting the idea of stress resistance.

THE PROBLEM OF SUICIDE :

A man’s right to life is a well-recognized principle. Very often, the law would defend a man’s right to life and would condone the act of killing if it is purely intended for purposes of self-defense. Does a man have the right to kill himself or renounce his life? Suicide is condemned by various societies. Major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam oppose the practice of suicide. Attempts to commit suicide are punishable by law in several countries. In the East, some cultural traditions have glorified acts of self-immolation or of renouncing life to resist enemy or to defend personal dignity, honor, or as an extreme measure of self-preservation.

To defend her true nature, to preserve her essence, to resist the violation of her personal dignity and honor, Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh, India had courageously responded to a difficult and challenging life situation by an act of self-immolation. Her physical being was destroyed by the fire which she had willingly embraced and yet her spirit has survived. She has declared Victory over Death and she lives as an immortal person in the hearts of Indians and gives them a sense of Pride and Identity. Indian Culture and Tradition glorify the act of giving life to resist the Enemy.

In the West, attitudes have been slowly changing. The law may permit euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide under very special circumstances that affect the quality of life of an individual.

THE PROBLEM OF SUICIDE IN THE ARMED FORCES :

While serving as Medical Officer of Indian Army Medical Corps, I had provided Comprehensive Health Care to the troops and their families. The concept of Fitness to Fight includes both Physical Fitness and Mental Fitness. The goal is to keep the troops Fighting Fit at all times and under all conditions that may impose physical, psychological, social, or biological Stress. Indian Tradition has always paid attention to the well-being of all the aspects of health and it includes the Moral well-being, and the Spiritual well-being of the human being. During the years I had served, the incidence of Suicidal Death in the Indian Armed Forces was minimal.

To the members of the Armed Forces, the problem of suicide is of special significance. The Armed Forces as a military establishment has a very challenging and difficult duty to perform. It has to conserve man-power, keep up the morale of its troops, and retain its fighting abilities and capacities at all times, both during peace and during war. In ethical, and moral terms, Armed Forces believes in the act of killing and accepts the inevitability of causing deaths during the conduct of military operations. Armed Forces also actively prepares its members to overcome the fear of death and willingly exposes its members to the risks of getting killed both for the purposes of training and during actual combat situations. A soldier is not expected to kill himself to escape from the stress of his military duty and at the same time he must retain a very high level of motivation to kill the enemy and be willing to get killed in the performance of his task. Armed Forces selects its members with due care and chooses people with preformed stress resistance and further uses training as a tool to build up the stress resistance level of its members. The qualities of valor, duty, and honor define the essence and the spirit of service and Armed Forces members must exist to display their essence. I had participated in the military operations that were conducted in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and I had encouraged men to overcome stress and had promoted the attitude of stress resistance. Kindly refer to my blog post titled ‘The Victory over Death – The Psychology of Warfare.

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/the-victory-over-death-the-psychology-of-warfare/

THE PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE :

Suicide has become much more common and it ranks as the second or third most common cause of death during adolescence. Suicide is also most pronounced in the older age. The rate of suicide is greatest between the ages of 35 and 75 years with a peak at about the age of 55 years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the year 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Among ages 65 and older, of every 100,000 people, 14.3 died by suicide in the year 2007. This figure is higher than the national average of 11.3 suicides per 100,000 people in the general population.

THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE :

Suicide constitutes the greatest risk in manic-depressive psychosis . During depression, or mania, the psychotic individual shows no insight into the abnormal nature of his mood. Depression is a major symptom of neurosis. Attacks of depression are characterized by signs that the person has deep feelings of melancholia( sadness ). The sufferer typically looks unhappy, he feels hopeless and worthless, considers his life a torment. The depressed individual may experience a desire to punish himself by self-destruction and may directly or indirectly express such feelings or thoughts.

The American Society for Suicide Prevention posted these warning signs of suicide, and signs of depression :- Unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, psychic pain, inner tension, withdrawal, sleep problems, increased alcohol or other drug use, recent impulsiveness & taking unnecessary risks, threatening suicide or expression of a strong desire or wish to die, making a plan, giving away prized possessions, sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications, unexpected rage or anger. Changes in attitude, personal behavior could be always discovered and the individual who is at the risk of taking his life could be helped by simple observation.

THE CAUSES OF SUICIDE :

Current research nad thinking on suicide tend to view biological, psychological, social-structural, and social-situational factors as interacting with each other. Sociological theories of suicide usually emphasize the importance of either the social structure or the social situations, and the cultural pressures that individuals face. Psychological theories emphasize personality and cognitive factors.

THE SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY OF SUICIDE :

EMILE DURKHEIM ( April 1858 to November 1917 ) is considered to be founder of the French School of Sociology.

Emile Durkheim in his paper ‘Le Suicide’ published in 1897, had tried to explain the apparent and purely individual decision to renounce life as a product of social forces or ‘social functionalism’. He had introduced the term ‘anomie’ or anomy. Suicide results from the breakdown of social standards that people need to regulate their behavior. A failed society produces in its members a sense of futility, lack of purpose, emotional emptiness, and despair. Anomie is a condition of relative normlessness of a society or social group. It may also mean a state of mind of a person who has no standards or sense of continuity or obligation to maintain his social bonds.

THE PERSONALITY THEORY OF SUICIDE :

The desire to escape depression is the most frequently cited motivation to explain suicide. A personality factor could be involved in persons who believe that suicide constitutes a solution to the problems that they may be facing. The suicide victim’s ideas, beliefs, and ways of thinking have a causal relationship with an underlying personality. The way people view their problems can produce a greater or lesser tendency to depression and suicide.

THE QUEST FOR AUTHENTIC EXISTENCE :

Philosopher, Nobel Laureate Jean Paul Sartre recommended the quest for authentic existence. He had claimed that Suicide is absurd; it is absurd to get rid of what man is(etre-en-soi) as the true subjectivity of man(etre-pour-soi)disappears at the same time.

The Existentialists suggest that a person must find a situation in which he finds his true significance. In his Existentialist book, ‘Being and Nothingness’, philosopher and Nobel laureate Jean Paul Sartre divides the being( the existing reality ) into two categories. One category is called being-in-itself(etre-en-soi ) and it may describe the essence of the man, the sum of the intrinsic properties without which a thing would cease to be what it is. The second category is being-for-itself( etre-pour-soi ) which comprises the being that has thoughts, feelings, and consciousness. The being-for-itself exists only when it is supported by the being-in-itself. Existentialists view man in terms of his existing thoughts and actions rather than in terms of his essence. According to Sartre, man’s own existence is always attempting to overcome a radical estrangement between man as the object of scientific study or man himself(etre-en-soi ) and the subjectivity man knows in his thoughts and consciousness(etre-pour-soi ). A man’s life in the world and his social transactions often conceal his true subjectivity. A sense of authentic existence is given to each person when he realizes his true subjectivity as a being that is conscious. Sartre claimed that suicide is a final act of absurdity. Suicide is absurd; for in getting rid of what man is(etre-en-soi ), the true subjectivity of man(etre-pour-soi) also disappears at the same time.

THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE :

There is no single approach that could be expected to succeed in substantially reducing the incidence of suicide. However, it will not be incorrect to claim that suicide is 100 percent preventable. The act of killing oneself or the action called suicide is totally preventable even when suicidal thoughts may not be preventable. If an individual’s mind is engaged in suicidal thoughts, it may not be possible to prevent those thoughts as the thoughts have already originated. I may succeed in preventing the individual from acting upon his suicidal thoughts. As long as man knows his thoughts, and would not let his thoughts overwhelm him, man can lead a normal life even when the mind explores ideas or thoughts about suicide.

STAY INFORMED AND STAY CONNECTED :

Suicide is totally preventable if man seeks information about his essence and the connection that maintains his existence.

To help prevent suicide, I would like to keep the man informed by sharing the following information, and the man must reflect upon the nature of the ‘connection’ that sustains man’s existence in the physical world.

EXISTENCE PRECEDES ESSENCE :

Existence is the state of being in the world of actuality. Essence is the most significant part of a thing’s nature, the sum of the intrinsic properties without which a thing would cease to be what it is. What is the fundamental nature or quality that is important or essential to define the true substance of the man? To understand human essence, a human being must be defined as a physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual being. The subjective reality of man’s existence precedes and defines man’s essence. Existence is the first priority and must be preserved if man wants to define his nature or essence. To defend human existence, the physical, the mental, the social, the moral, and the spiritual well-being of man must be defended. As I have mentioned before, Indian tradition honors the man who may define his moral, or spiritual essence by putting an end to his physical existence. That is the only exception to the rule. The rule is; human existence does not depend upon the contents of man’s thoughts, feelings, desires, emotions, self-pride or ego. Man must always strive to rationally understand and evaluate his thoughts, feelings, desires, moods, emotions, and self-pride and should not act upon them to compromise his existence which is truly independent of such factors that impact human life. If I think that I must live for two hundred years, the thoughts about a long life span would not change the basis for my biological existence. Similarly, if I think that I must kill myself, the suicidal thought does not alter the basis for my biological existence. Suicidal thoughts do not describe human essence. A stress resistant individual would have the ability to investigate and reflect upon his suicidal thoughts and trace the reason for such thoughts. Stress is a problem that is associated with identity and individuality. The human person is a multicellular organism and man must know as to how the human organism establishes its identity and its individuality. While man seeks to define his essence in terms of his identity, the organism seeks to identify the individuality of the person whose existence the cells of his body tend to support.

IDENTITY AND INDIVIDUALITY – TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN :

If Essence describes one face of the coin, Existence describes the second face of the same coin.

If Identity is described by one side of the coin, Individuality is described by the second side of the same coin.

Mental health is related to the understanding of identity and individuality. We need to understand as to how identity and individuality is established in the multicellular human organism. My mind may define my identity in one manner and my human organism may establish my identity in a different manner. My mind may seek my identity from my thoughts, intellectual information & knowledge, emotions, and false ego. These four aspects of mental activities or functions are named in the Indian tradition as Manas, Buddhi, Chitta, and Ahamkara. These four mental activities are together named as Mano Chatushtayam or AntaHkaranam. Indian tradition asks people to recognize that the true identity of the individual does not pertain to these four aspects of human brain activities. The attempts by man to establish his identity on the basis of his morphological appearance, anthropometric data, biometrical information, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, language, or nation/ place of origin have no biological relevance in terms of supporting the existence of that human individual. Man exists as long as he has the ability to defend his individuality and maintains the integrity of the various physiological/metabolic activities that support the vital functions that impart the quality or condition called Life and keeps the organism living. In the human organism, this functional unity is maintained by an anatomical structure called Brain Stem. Man lives as an individual while the functions of the Brain Stem are intact and man dies if functional activity is not found in the Brain Stem. Man can seek any kind of identity if he could maintain the individuality that the Brain Stem supports. Man is free to change his morphological appearance, can change his sexual identity, can change occupation, speak a different language, change his place of residence, practice a different religion or no religion, and can change the nature of his personal relationships with others while he maintains his individuality as a living organism. A man must be always conscious of his individuality which exists as a distinct entity from his mind and its mental activities. A man could be aware of the presence of suicidal thoughts engaged by his mind and yet maintain his separation from those thoughts. A man who seeks to exist as an individual will have no problem in resisting his thoughts, feelings, emotions, and mood changes. Such mental activities would not overwhelm or overpower the person. The problem of stress would not go away. However, man can become stress resistant. Such stress resistance from psychogenic stimuli is the key for prevention of suicide. The man who is facing challenging life situations represents just one side of the coin, and on the second side is represented the man who is maintains his individuality as a human organism. This separation of identity from individuality gives us the scope to make people stress resistant and to avoid the psychological compulsions of suicidal thoughts. When this separation is established, a man would not act in ways that could harm him in body or mind. To promote mental health, to prevent the consequences of mental disease, we need to give the tools to people to understand and define individuality and identity as two separate aspects of the same coin.

THE ‘SELF’ AND THE ‘KNOWING-SELF’ :

Man could be divided into two categories; the 'SELF' represents man as the physical, mental, and social being; the 'Knowing-Self' represents man as the Moral and Spiritual being. The 'Knowing-Self' could be described as the function of the Reticular Formation of the Brain Stem.

The living human being could be divided into two categories. One category could be called ‘SELF’ that may be compared to Sartre’s Being-in-itself or etre-en-soi. The ‘SELF’ represents man’s state of existence as the physical, mental, and social being. Both Rene Descartes and Jean Paul Sartre had divided man into two categories; 1. a physical or inert substance that has no thoughts, feelings, or consciousness, and 2. the mind that has thoughts, feelings, and is a conscious entity. Sartre had further named the second as the Being-for-itself or etre-pour-soi which is capable of making decisions and giving man the freedom to act according to his freewill. I do not subscribe to the views held by Descartes or Sartre and I would not seek separation of mind and body into two distinct categories. Man is a multicellular organism; the body cannot exist without a mind/brain and the mind/brain cannot exist without a body which has vital organs like lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. The body and the mind/brain have to function together. I have also stated my view about consciousness. Please visit the page titled, “I AM CONSCIOUSNESS, THEREFORE I AM”

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/i-am-consciousness-therefore-i-am/

Consciousness is not an exclusive psychological function. Consciousness is a biological function that is shared by all living cells which display the attributes such as recognition, sensitiveness, coordination, cooperation, functional awareness, and awareness of external and internal environment and condition. The category that I call ‘SELF’ represents the physical self with various organs and tissues and the mental self which represents mental activities associated with thinking, intellect/knowledge, emotions, feelings, moods, and ego or self-pride. The ‘SELF’ may describe the essence or nature, or identity of the man in terms of the man’s own mental awareness and other people in his environment. The second category that I describe could be called the ‘KNOWING-SELF’. The ‘Knowing-Self’ is aware or conscious of its state and fact of biological existence. It may not always be aware of its external environment. A man who is in a state of sound sleep, a man who is under the influence of drugs, chemicals, or pharmacological agents like anesthetics, or a person with a head injury loses some components of the function called consciousness. However, a man at all times of his living condition is conscious of his internal condition/environment, maintains the state of equilibrium or homeostasis, and supports the vital functions that define his individuality as an organism. The category called the ‘Knowing-Self’ is related to the individuality and in the multicellular human organism this function is served by the Reticular Formation of the Brain Stem which gives the person the ‘Capacity for Consciousness’. Man needs the ‘Capacity for Consciousness’ to compose the ‘Contents of Consciousness’. In the absence of the ‘Capacity for Consciousness’, man has no ‘Contents of Consciousness’ and could be declared dead if the function called ‘Capacity for Consciousness’ could not be sustained. The ‘Capacity for Consciousness’ is essential for man’s biological existence. The ‘Capacity for Consciousness’ is required for man to exist as a moral and spiritual being. Man exists with an intrinsic ability to discern right from wrong, and exists because of his spiritual nature which gives him the ability to acquire energy for his various metabolic, living functions. The category called ‘Self’ may experience all the difficult, and challenging situations posed by life, and the category called the ‘Knowing-Self’ is not subject to these sensory or mental experiences that impact the ‘Self’.

THE GOD CONNECTION :

Man must recognize that his biological existence depends upon energy acquisition. Man leads energy-dependent existence and must acquire energy from external sources right from the beginning of his life journey from the moment of conception. Man does not acquire this energy because of his intellectual effort, or acquired knowledge. The ‘egg cell’ that is fertilized is conscious of its energy dependence and it implants itself into the tissues of the mother who may not be mentally aware of this process called implantation by which the human embryo starts deriving its energy from its mother. This embryo grows and develops into a complex, multicellular organism and continues to derive energy from external sources. This ‘CONNECTION’ between the energy-seeker, and the energy-provider could be called ‘GOD CONNECTION’. Man has no ability to establish this kind of energy acquisition for his survival. If Sun is viewed as the source of extraterrestrial or Cosmic Power, the Solar Energy is trapped by chloroplasts found in the cells of all green plants. This energy is further made available to man by the presence of intracellular organelles called mitochondria which are described as the powerhouses of the cells. Man has no direct control on the nature of this ‘Connection’ and its operation. Man simply exists as there is a Provider for his energy requirements. In good health, or ill-health, under all circumstances and conditions, and during all the stages of his mortal existence, man needs this grace, mercy, and compassion to keep himself alive. This is a supernatural mechanism, or a ‘God Connection’ that supports man while he leads his energy dependent existence. Man who experiences this compassion, mercy, and grace that is sustaining his life would derive a sense of joy and experiences the condition called true happiness. A man who has discovered true happiness cannot experience a mood called depression. It is really hard to kill oneself while the man is connected to a source of Happiness. Man must experience this sense of Joy and Happiness and realize its uplifting power to alter any depressed feeling or mood. If pain is an inevitable aspect of human life, compassion is also an inescapable aspect of human existence. If pain is true, compassion is also equally true. I invite people to find Compassion, Mercy, and the Grace of the Divine Providence in their lives. It would be irrational or absurd to break the God Connection by the act called Suicide.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.

THE DIVINE MOTHER OF LIFE, ENERGY, AND KNOWLEDGE

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Bhavanajagat

THE DIVINE MOTHER OF LIFE, ENERGY, AND KNOWLEDGE: The Father and the Mother – Principles governing Life :

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati – The Indian Tradition describes them as the First Couple or ‘Adi Dampatulu’ or the Original Father and Mother of humans. The Tradition recognizes the existence of a Father and a Mother Principle.

MAATRU DEVO BHAVA, PITRU DEVO BHAVA – THE DIVINITY OF MOTHER AND FATHER :

Father is described as the male parent, an ancestor, an originator, and as a Controller. Very often, in the Land of India, God is considered as both the Father and the Mother of all life forms. Mother is described as the female parent and something that is regarded as a ‘Source’. In Indian tradition, Father may be viewed as the ‘Prime Cause’ and Mother is the Source of ‘Prime Energy’. Mother is the source of energy in the performance of all kinds of actions and in the accomplishment of all kinds of work. The Mother Principle represents the Endeavor/Work/Effort that makes action possible. If Life is defined as function at the level of biological molecules, Mother represents the Source or the Origin of these organic molecules; Mother is the Source of Energy for the synthesis of these organic molecules; and Mother is the Source of Knowledge that provides the ability of recognition and the ability to use the molecules in a sequential manner to manage the biochemical reactions of these organic molecules to function as Life.

DEDICATION :

My Mother is known as “AMMA JI”. Biological Science provides me the understanding to recognize her as the Divine Mother of Life, Energy, and Knowledge.

This blog post is dedicated to the memory of my mother. Biological Science provides me the understanding to recognize her as the Divine Mother of Life, Energy, and Knowledge.

THE MOTHER – SOURCE OF LIFE :

Goddess Laxmi is the Divine Provider of Life, Food, and Well-being.

The complex, multicellular human organism begins as a single cell. That single cell is the source of life, energy, and knowledge.

The Biological Dictum states “EX OVO OMNIA” – Everything comes from the Egg.

The Biological Dictum – “OMNIS CELLULA E CELLULA” means all cells from cells.

The Law of Biogenesis states that organisms arise only by the reproduction of other organisms. This cell known as Oocyte develops into Human Ovum or Egg Cell which begins the life of a new human organism after an event called Fertilization.

I, as a human organism exist in this world as I had arrived from a previously existing ‘Mother Cell’. By repeated cell growth and cell division or replication known as ‘Mitosis’, the human organism grows and develops into a form containing thousands of billions of cells. This process of development is called ‘Morphogenesis’ which involves not only cell growth but differentiation into specialized types of cells. All the tissues and organs of which the human body is composed have originally developed from a microscopic cell known as ‘Ovum’ or the ‘Egg Cell’. This Ovum or Egg Cell may be regarded as a perfect cell and could be described as ‘Mother Cell’. All the solid tissues in the human body can be shown to consist largely of similar cells; it is true that they may differ, but they are essentially similar to an Ovum. The Ovum is a reproductive cell that is adapted to meet the nutritional requirements of the early developmental stages of the embryo. It is always a large cell because it contains sufficient cytoplasmic substance for the development of a self-sufficient embryo. Some of the substance which is packaged in yolk particles contains cell components; typically an Ovum contains sufficient quantities of components for many cells. Thus the Ovum need not grow as it divides; as the nuclei divide, the cytoplasm subdivides until the Ovum consists of a large number of normal-sized cells. By contrast, the male reproductive cells known as ‘Spermatozoa’ contain very little cytoplasm and they cannot further divide into new cells.

THE SOURCE OF LIFE – PROTOPLASM :

There is similarity between the cells of a man and that of his Mother Cell.

The most significant feature of the similarity between the cells of a man and that of the ‘Mother Cell’ from which he had arrived is the presence of a soft gelatinous, semi-fluid, granular material inside the cell. This substance known as ‘Protoplasm’ is similar to that found in the Ovum. The Ovum consists of this viscous, translucent, colloidal substance enclosed in a membrane called Plasma Membrane. A small spherical body called nucleus is embedded in the protoplasm. The protoplasm could also be differentiated into cytoplasm and nucleoplasm based upon its location. Cytoplasm refers to protoplasm located outside the nucleus. Nucleoplasm refers to protoplasm located inside the nucleus. The two essential features of any living cell in the human body are that of the presence of protoplasm and the nucleus.

The most striking characteristics of Protoplasm are its vital properties of “Motion” and “Nutrition”. The Motion of Protoplasm is called ‘Amoeboid Movement’.

The most striking characteristics of protoplasm are its vital properties of “Motion” and “Nutrition”. Protoplasm has the intrinsic power to change its shape and position. The motion of protoplasm is called ‘amoeboid movement’ as it resembles the movements observed in the Amoeba proteus animalcule. Nutrition is the power which protoplasm has of attracting itself the materials necessary for its growth and maintenance from surrounding matter and environment. The Egg Cell or the Ovum is the Source or the Mother of Life.

THE LAW OF INDIVIDUALITY : HEREDITY AND VARIATION :

A child is always a created object even when it derives its life from a Mother Cell. Life always comes into existence as a new, original object and displays variation from other members of the same or different species.

Heredity is the sum of all biological processes by which particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring. A child inherits a genetic constitution from its biological parents. This hereditary endowment, the total of the genes that the child has received from both parents is called the genotype. The genotype of an individual is formed from the constituents of the genotypes of his parents. The genotype in a fertilized Egg Cell influences the developmental pattern of the child. Progeny is not exact duplicates of their parents and usually vary in many traits. Heredity and Variation are two sides of the same coin. The outward appearance of an organism is called the phenotype. The same individual shows different phenotypes in childhood, in adulthood, and in old age. The genotype, on the other hand, does not change during an individual’s life. Each cell in the human body contains the same total genetic information that was present in the fertilized Egg. However, the cells are not identical. In different types of cells, groups of genes are controlled ( in effect switched on and off ) by various biochemical processes, so that each cell manufactures the proteins and structures needed for it to function. Cells are regulated by the DNA in the nucleus and by the transfer of selected portions of the DNA information to the cytoplasm through the intermediate molecules of ‘Messenger RNA’. It is estimated that, on average, only about 10 percent of the genes of any cell are functional; the selection of functional genes varies with the type of cell. This biological phenomenon of selective gene functioning may contribute to what I term as ‘The Law of Individuality’. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA accounts for the ability of all living matter to replicate itself exactly and to transmit genetic information from parent to offspring. The child maintains its individuality by selectively switching the inherited DNA on and off. The Law of Individuality applies to all living organisms. Despite the basic biological, chemical, and physical similarities found in all living things, a diversity of life exists not only among and between species but also within every natural population.

Despite the basic biological, chemical, and physical similarities found in all Living cells, a Diversity of Life exists within every natural population to establish The Law of Individuality.

The Mother Cell is the Source of Life for its child and yet the child comes into existence as a brand new and original product with its own Identity and Individuality. The Mother Cell does not manufacture the new multicellular organism called child. A child is always a created object even when it derives its life from a Mother Cell.

The Divine Phenomenon – A child always comes into existence as a created object even when it derives its life from a Mother Cell.

THE MOTHER – SOURCE OF ENERGY :

To maintain life an organism not only repairs or replaces ( or both ) its structures by a constant supply of the materials of which it is composed but also keeps its life processes in operation by a steady supply of energy.

Goddess Shakti, a Protector, a Defender, and a Personification of all Material Energies present in Nature or Prakrit. Man exists as an Energy Seeker, a heterotroph and human existence is possible because of an Energy Provider. Mother is the Source of Energy for man’s physical and mental work.

Living systems must be supplied energy for continual synthesis of new organic molecules and to replace or to repair broken organic molecules. This functional activity; the processes of synthesis and breakdown of organic molecules by a living cell, is known as metabolism. Metabolism involves a living system’s continual exchange of some of its materials with its surroundings, principally in the process of building up or destroying its protoplasm. growth involves a higher rate of synthesis of protoplasm than a rate of breakdown of that matter.

ACQUISITION OF ENERGY :

Plant Life acquires useful free energy from the energy of Sunlight and hence described as Photoautotrophs.

Plants are known as Photoautotrophs as they have the ability to use free energy from the energy of Sunlight. The Divine Mother is the Source of all Material Energies.

Chloroplasts act like Solar Panels to capture Solar Energy, and all terrestrial life forms depend upon energy from an extraterrestrial or Cosmic Source of Energy.

Organisms acquire energy for their metabolism by two general methods and could be classified as autotrophs or self feeders and heterotrophs or feeders of other organisms. Plants are known as Photoautotrophs as they acquire useful free energy from the energy of Sunlight. In a process known as Photosynthesis, plants use Sunlight to break water into Oxygen and Hydrogen. Hydrogen is then combined with Carbon dioxide to produce such energy-rich molecules as Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and carbohydrates and the Oxygen is released back into the atmosphere. Humans and most other animals are known as heterotrophs – these organisms acquire energy by the controlled breakdown of pre-existing organic molecules ( food ) supplied by other organisms. Humans utilize the atmospheric Oxygen ( released by plant life ) to combine chemically with organic matter ( food ) they have eaten and release Carbon dioxide and water as waste products. Metabolic processes do not occur in one step. It is not similar to burning sugar in air.

KREB’S TRICARBOXYLIC ACID CYCLE :

Most cells derive their energy from a series of reactions involving Oxygen. In the course of Oxidation, three molecules of energy-rich ATP are generated for each Oxygen atom used to form a molecule of water. The Mitochondria is the cellular site of this respiratory Combustion.

The glucose, a simple sugar is broken down by a series of successive and coordinated steps, each mediated by a particular and specific enzyme. The human organism extracts useful energy by a metabolic process described as Oxidation-Reduction Reactions. The glucose is broken down in a series of about 71 enzymatically catalyzed steps. The first 11 of these biochemical reactions do not involve the use of Oxygen. These Oxidation-Reduction Reactions occur in intracellular organelles known as Mitochondria in the cytoplasm of cells.

MITOCHONDRIA – THE POWERHOUSE OF CELLS :

In Mitochondria, many substances are oxidized and ATP, the energy-storing chemical of the cell is produced. This energy is utilized in a variety of cellular functions and activities.

Mitochondria are typically sausage-shaped particles about 0.5 to one micron wide and about 5 to 10 microns long. They are surrounded by an outer unit membrane which controls the passage of material into and out of the mitochondria and govern their internal environment. The inner membrane is the site of the respiratory functions that make the mitochondria the so-called Powerhouse of the Cell. The inner membrane is folded repeatedly into shelf like folds called cristae which contain the enzymes that play an essential role in the conversion of the energy of foodstuffs into the energy used for cellular activities.

MITOCHONDRIA AND CHLOROPLASTS – A DIVINE SOURCE FOR ENERGY ACQUISITION :

Both Mitochondria and the Chloroplasts are semi-independent and self-reproducing parts of the Living Cells. It is a Divine Mechanism to provide Energy for Metabolism the characteristic of Living Matter.

The Mitochondria have a degree of “AUTONOMY” and they are unlike the other components of cells.

Mitochondria and Chloroplasts found in the green plant cells perform the same fundamental processes. The Chloroplasts contain the green colored pigment known as Chlorophyll. The Chloroplasts convert the energy of Sunlight into energy-rich ATP and use ATP to convert Carbon into specific organic substances. The most important equations for living things are mutually inverse. Respiration of human organisms represents the reverse of Photosynthesis of Green Plants. Both Mitochondria and the Chloroplasts are semi-independent and self-reproducing parts of the living cells. They have a degree of autonomy and they are unlike the other components of cells. Mitochondria contain DNA in the form of a Chromosome arranged in a ring. The DNA of Mitochondria has different distribution of bases from that of the DNA found in the Chromosomes present in the nucleus. Mitochondria carry the genes for their own replication and for the enzymes found in them. They can synthesize some of their own proteins and reproduce by themselves. In one respect the mitochondria function as the parts of the cells and in another respect, they behave like independent organisms that reproduce on their own.

A group of Mitochondria – Computer artwork Who has “Designed” the Mitochondria? Do they represent a Divine Mechanism to provide Energy to Energy Dependent Living Organisms?

The Mother Cell is the source of Mitochondria found in all the cells of my human body. During the Growth and Development of Human Embryo and Fetus, all the newly formed cells contain Mitochondria derived from the Egg Cell. Hence, mother as a biological parent represents the Source of Energy for all the Living Functions and activities of her children. I cannot move a muscle in my body without drawing energy supplied by the maternal Mitochondria which continue to live and replicate establishing my mother as the Source of Energy for my existence during my entire Life’s Journey.

THE MOTHER – SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE :

Life is the state of an individual characterized by the capacity to perform certain functional activities including the ability of responsiveness. Life is further characterized by the presence of complex transformation of organic molecules and by the organization of such molecules into the successively larger units of protoplasm, cells, organs, and tissues. Hence, I have defined Life as “Knowledge in Action.”

Goddess Sarasvati is the Divine Mother of Knowledge. Indian Tradition recognizes Mind, and Intellect as aspects of Material Energies. Life functions with Knowledge implanted into Living Organisms which display the characteristics of awareness, responsiveness, alertness, and consciousness.

Responsiveness represents the ability of an organism to change in response to alteration in its environment. Responsiveness, alertness, awareness, and consciousness separates living from nonliving matter and defines life’s underlying principle. Living cells are aware or conscious of the environment in which they exist as well as the state of their own internal environment. The one very important part of the environment of a cell is other cells. The ability called awareness and responsiveness is important for recognition, association, and cooperation between cells. Cells function together by exchanging chemical signals.

THE BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANE – AN ORGAN OF SENSE PERCEPTION :

The Biological Membrane or Plasma Membrane functions like an Organ of Sense Perception and it maintains cell’s internal environment and establishes contact with cell’s external environment.

Cell is the most elementary unit of Life. Cell is bounded by a Plasma Membrane which is more correctly described as a Biological Membrane. It separates the cell from the environment and from other cells. It helps to maintain a constant milieu in which intracellular reactions occur. The Biological Membrane allows a highly controlled exchange of matter across the barrier it poses, some compounds are able to pass through the membrane easily, others are blocked. Cells contain various internal structures such as the nucleus, and mitochondria, each of which is enclosed by a Membrane. Both the Biological Membrane and some of the intracellular membranes are parts of a continuous Membrane System that extends through much of the body of the cell. It serves two purposes. A compartmentalization of the cell is required for many cellular activities, including uptake and conversion of nutrients, synthesis of new molecules, production of energy, transportation, and release of cell products, and regulation and coordination of metabolic sequences. The cellular organelles are protected from one another’s enzymatic activities, and those of the cytoplasm. The Biological Membrane System functions like an Organ of Sense Perception and maintains the responsiveness of the cell.

THE CYTOPLASMIC OR MATERNAL INHERITANCE :

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA accounts for the ability of all living matter to replicate itself exactly and to transmit genetic information from parent to offspring. While offspring inherit a genetic constitution and hereditary traits from both parents, some characteristics are inherited through the maternal line only. For example, there are no Chlorophyll containing Chloroplasts in pollen grains of ( male ) flowers. The act of Pollination does not contribute this most important characteristic known as Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are found only in the Egg Cells of ( female ) flowers. Similarly, humans inherit the Powerhouses called Mitochondria only from Maternal cytoplasm. A Cytoplasmic Inheritance is entirely Maternal. Human functions that involve Sensory Perception, Mental Cognition, Learning, and the functions of Memory and Consciousness should be viewed as functions of the cytoplasm. Cytoplasm represents the Seat of Knowledge. Man begins Life as a single cell with its cytoplasm. The cell grows and divides while building more of its cytoplasm. If Knowledge is defined as the Fact of Knowing, as the State of Knowing, and as the Act of Knowing a range of information, the Mother or the Source of Knowledge is the Maternal Cytoplasm inherited from the Egg Cell, Ovum, or the Mother Cell.

Kindly listen to this hymn “Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu” to give recognition to The Divine Mother of Life, Energy, and Knowledge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hw-A9csKrE&feature=channel

R. Rudra Narasimham/Rudra N. Rebbapragada, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A., Organization: The Spirits of Special Frontier Force.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spirits-of-Special-Frontier-Force/362056613878227

ARE WE LIVING IN A DESIGNER UNIVERSE ? Article by Astronomer John Gribbin

Posted on September 5, 2010 by Bhavanajagat

THE DESIGNER AND THE DESIGN :

A Designer Universe is described by a Greek word called ‘COSMOS’ which means Beauty and Order.

If an object comes into existence as a new object, and if it is unique, distinctive, and one of its kind, I would describe that object as a created object and it cannot be described as a manufactured object. The distinction between creating an object and manufacturing an object is that of inspiration; the action must be characterized by creative thought or influence. Astronomer John Gribbin in his article about the origin of Universe makes an attempt to discuss “Unknown” “Unknowns”. He considers that God is unknown and incomprehensible. Instead of discussing “Unknown” ‘Unknowns”, we may rather try to understand known “Unknowns”. If the Universe is a “Multiverse” with unknown physical laws operating equally unknown universes, the discussion would be futile. We are not present at the time of the birth of this Universe in which we exist today. The birth and the origin of this Universe is unknown. However, we know the Universe as it exists today and it is partly known and comprehensible. It is reasonable to reflect upon the known aspects of this known Universe.

PLANET EARTH IS A CREATED OBJECT :

Different planets have different rates of Rotation. Earth’s Rotational Spin makes it a unique Celestial Body. This Rotational Spin is a characteristic of its Design with purpose, and imagination.

This is the photo image of a new Exoplanet. It is not an Earth like object. This new planet has a different rate of rotation.

There are good and valid reasons to believe that planet Earth is unique, distinctive, and one of its own kind. Man has not discovered any object in this Universe which could be comparable to planet Earth. Man is endowed with Sensory Perception, Mind, Intellect, and Consciousness. The sky that man visualizes while existing on Earth is BLUE in color and the color of the sky beyond planet Earth is BLACK. This Visual Sense Perception demands existence of special organs for Color perception and an appropriate physical medium that can scatter Light rays. Man has organs for Hearing, his environment has the natural ability to propagate Sound Waves, and several of the living entities have special organs to generate Sound. This ability to produce Sound, Propagate Sound Energy, and Perception of Sound is unique to our planet Earth. Unless demonstrated by evidence of Sound Recordings, this Auditory Sense Perception prevails only on planet Earth. Apart from the Soil of this Earth which has a unique fragrance of its own called ‘GEOSMIN’, Man exists in a fragrant world. This Olfactory Sense Perception is a unique experience and could exist only on planet Earth. For this Olfactory Sense function we need the simultaneous operation of physical, chemical, and biotic factors. The Fresh Water that supports Man’s Life has an original, and distinctive pure taste of its own. Man lives tasting unique organic molecules which produce the Gustatory experience. As the saying goes, ‘The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating’; we need acceptable proof about the existence of such unique organic molecules in the rest of the Universe. Today, planet Earth is the only place where Man can Dine and Wine. Man has the ability to actually experience the Power of Creation. The Tactile Sense Perception gives Man the ability to hold his own Baby in his arms and directly experience the New Product as a Created Object. Man always comes into existence as a new, distinctive, unique, and one of his own kind Object. The unique GENOME with which Man takes his birth and comes to Life has not existed before and would not exist again after his Death.

Astronaut Edwin Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 Mission on Lunar Soil. Man has not yet discovered “BLUE SKY” in the rest of the Universe away from his Planetary Home.

INTELLIGENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS :

Intelligence is the ability to acquire and to retain Knowledge. Hence, it may be stated that Intelligence is characterized by the presence of Knowledge. The Laws that operate in the material universe have no intelligence. Nonliving matter has no intelligence. Intelligence can only exist in living entities that have the abilities of Perception, Cognition, Awareness, and Consciousness. Knowledge means the Act of Knowing, the State of Knowing, and the Fact of Knowing a range of information. Man, and other living entities which are endowed with Intelligence can use and exploit the Natural Laws that operate in the material Universe to sustain their own existence. Physical Systems do not need Intelligence in their mechanical operations. I must also add that “Unintelligent Laws” that operate material Nature and Universe cannot give birth to “Intelligent” minds. Intelligence and Knowledge are Biological Functions and they characterize only Living Systems. Both Intelligence and Knowledge are revealed in application of information in a function/action/activity of a living organism. This ability which gives a sense of ‘Awareness’ of the environment in which a living organism exists is called ‘Consciousness’. The Living Organism is a Conscious entity, and it demonstrates its intelligence and knowledge in its living functions. Man uses his intelligence to exploit the Laws of Nature to his advantage. Man harnesses energy from wind, sun, flowing water, and surf. He generates a new form of energy using these resources of energy. He uses intelligence to transform coal energy into fossil fuel, or to generate electrical power. If water flows only in the direction of a natural gradient, man installs a pump and makes the water flow in the opposite direction. Similarly, plants trap light energy and transform radiation energy into chemical energy and create organic molecules. Man oxidizes these organic molecules and converts oxidative energy into chemical energy which he further uses for all of his living functions. A stone could also get heated by Sun and trap some light energy. Stone has no Intelligence or Knowledge and it cannot convert the energy it gained into a different form of energy and use it to build molecules of its own kind. Metals, liquids, and gases do physically expand upon heating and such expansion is not associated with addition of new molecules of their own kind. Only living entities have the “ability” to exploit energy from material nature. The “DESIGNER” who has Mind and Intelligence could be defined as a Living System as Life could be defined as “Knowledge in Action.”

The Mind and Intellect of the Designer is always imprinted on His Design. Man experiences his Life on planet Earth with the help of a ‘Biological Clock’ which acts as an internal timing mechanism.

Indian Tradition offers a very simple and reasonable explanation to all this. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter VII( Knowledge of the Absolute ), verses 4 and 5 states that “Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and false ego – altogether these eight comprise My separated material energies. ( Material Nature is known as ‘Prakriti’ ). There is a superior energy of Mine; which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and who sustain the universe.” Further, verse 9 states that, “I am the life of all that lives.” Verse 10 states that, “I am the original seed of all existences.” Verse 8 affirms that, “I am …… ability in man.” If Mind, and Intelligence are viewed as forms of material energy, the embodied Soul has the “ABILITY” to exploit that energy apart from energies of material nature or Prakriti. The Knowledge of the Absolute describes Living entities as manifestations of Lord Krishna’s Superior Energy. Man is related to the Superior Energy and hence the Living Systems and the Absolute share the same characteristics like Knowledge, Intelligence, and Consciousness. The Bhagavad Gita in Chapter X ( The Opulence of the Absolute), verse 22 states that “……… in living beings I am Consciousness.” The Status of Man in Nature and his conditioned Existence on planet Earth describes the Design and testifies about the Mind and Intellect of the Designer, a Creator God.

The Bhagavad Gita reveals the Mind and Intellect of the Designer. The Design for this Universe and the Plan of Creation are Revealed in Chapter X ( The Opulence of the Absolute ), verse 8 states:”I am the source of everything; from Me the entire Creation flows.”

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVIII ( The Perfection of Renunciation ) in verses 13 and 14 explains that there are five “causes” in the accomplishment of any action, or any kind of work including that of creation and designing the Universe and the living entities that struggle and sustain this Universe. If there are no living entities, there would be no struggle with material nature, and there would be no purpose for the Universe to exist. The five factors of action are 1. the Place of Action, 2. The Doer, 3. the Senses, 4. the Endeavor, 5. and ultimately the Super Soul (which is often stated as the PRIME CAUSE). The Absolute, or the Super Soul has functioning Sense Organs or a Sensory System, and has Intelligence, Mind, Knowledge, Ability, and Consciousness. Lord Krishna has described Himself as the “Consciousness in all the living entities.”

There are five factors of action; the place of action, the doer, the senses, the endeavor, and the Supersoul or Prime Cause. This Designer Universe in which Man exists reveals all the five causes that accomplished the Act of Creation.

Please review my blog post titled “I am Consciousness, therefore I am” for further discussion about ‘SOUL AND CONSCIOUSNESS’.

http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/i-am-consciousness-therefore-i-am/

Rudra N. Rebbapragada/ R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.,

Organization: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spirits-of-Special-Frontier-Force/362056613878227

http://richarddawkins.net/articles/508460-are-we-living-in-a-designer-universe

The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science

Are we living in a designer universe?

By JOHN GRIBBIN – THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
Added: Tuesday, 31 August 2010 at 4:41 PM

The argument over whether the universe has a creator, and who that might be, is among the oldest in human history. But amid the raging arguments between believers and skeptics one possibility has been almost ignored – the idea that the universe around us was created by people very much like ourselves, using devices not too dissimilar to those available to scientists today.

As with much else in modern physics, the idea involves particle acceleration, the kind of thing that goes on in the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. Before the LHC began operating, a few alarmists worried that it might create a black hole which would destroy the world. That was never on the cards: although it is just possible that the device could generate an artificial black hole, it would be too small to swallow an atom, let alone the Earth.

However, to create a new universe would require a machine only slightly more powerful than the LHC – and there is every chance that our own universe may have been manufactured in this way.

This is possible for two reasons. First, black holes may – as science fiction aficionados will be well aware – act as gateways to other regions of space and time. Second, because of the curious fact that gravity has negative energy, it takes no energy to make a universe. Despite the colossal amount of energy contained in every atom of matter, it is precisely balanced by the negativity of gravity.

Black holes, moreover, are relatively easy to make. For any object, there is a critical radius, called the Schwarzschild radius, at which its mass will form a black hole. The Schwarzschild radius for the Sun is about two miles, 1/200,000th of its current width; for the Earth to become a black hole, it would have to be squeezed into a ball with a radius of one centimetre.

The black holes that could be created in a particle accelerator would be far smaller: tiny masses squeezed into incredibly tiny volumes. But because of gravity’s negative energy, it doesn’t matter how small such holes are: they still have the potential to inflate and expand in their own dimensions (rather than gobbling up our own). Such expansion was precisely what our universe did in the Big Bang, when it suddenly exploded from a tiny clump of matter into a fully-fledged cosmos.

Alan Guth of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology first proposed the now widely accepted idea of cosmic inflation – that the starting point of the Big Bang was far smaller, and its expansion far more rapid, than had been assumed. He has investigated the technicalities of “the creation of universes in the laboratory”, and concluded that the laws of physics do, in principle, make it possible.

The big question is whether that has already happened – is our universe a designer universe? By this, I do not mean a God figure, an “intelligent designer” monitoring and shaping all aspects of life. Evolution by natural selection, and all the other processes that produced our planet and the life on it, are sufficient to explain how we got to be the way we are, given the laws of physics that operate in our universe.

However, there is still scope for an intelligent designer of universes as a whole. Modern physics suggest that our universe is one of many, part of a “multiverse” where different regions of space and time may have different properties (the strength of gravity may be stronger in some and weaker in others). If our universe was made by a technologically advanced civilization in another part of the multiverse, the designer may have been responsible for the Big Bang, but nothing more.

If such designers make universes by manufacturing black holes – the only way to do it that we are aware of – there are three levels at which they might operate. The first is just to manufacture black holes, without influencing the laws of physics in the new universe. Humanity is nearly at this level, which Gregory Benford’s novel Cosm puts in an entertaining context: an American researcher finds herself, after an explosion in a particle accelerator, with a new universe on her hands, the size of a baseball.

The second level, for a slightly more advanced civilization would involve nudging the properties of the baby universes in a certain direction. It might be possible to tweak the black holes in such a way that the force of gravity was a little stronger than in the parent universe, without the designers being able to say exactly how much stronger.

The third level, for a very advanced civilization would involve the ability to set precise parameters, thereby designing it in detail. An analogy would be with designer babies – instead of tinkering with DNA to get a perfect child, a scientists might tinker with the laws of physics to get a perfect universe. Crucially, though, it would not be possible in any of these cases – even at the most advanced level – for the designers to interfere with the baby universes once they had formed. From the moment of its own Big Bang, each universe would be on its own.

This might sound far-fetched, but the startling thing about this theory is how likely it is to happen – and to have happened already. All that is required is that evolution occurs naturally in the multiverse until, in at least one universe, intelligence reaches roughly our level. From that seed point, intelligent designers create enough universes suitable for evolution, which bud off their own universes, that universes like our own (in other words, suitable for intelligent life) proliferate rapidly, with “unintelligent” universes coming to represent a tiny fraction of the whole multiverse. It therefore becomes overwhelmingly likely that any given universe, our own included, would be designed rather than “natural”.

While the intelligence required to do the job may be (slightly) superior to ours, it is of a kind that is recognizably similar to our own, rather than that of an infinite and incomprehensible God. And the most likely reason for such an intelligence to make universes is the same for doing things like climbing mountains, or studying the nature of subatomic particles – because we can. A civilization that has the technology to make baby universes would surely find the temptation irresistible. And if the intelligences are anything like our own, there would be an overwhelming temptation at the higher levels of universe design to improve upon the results.

This idea provides the best resolution yet to the puzzle Albert Einstein used to raise, that “the most incomprehensible thing about the Universe is that it is comprehensible”. The universe is comprehensible to the human mind because it was designed, at least to some extent, by intelligent beings with minds similar to our own.

The great British astronomer Fred Hoyle suggested that the laws of physics were so uniquely conducive to human existence that the universe must be “a put-up job”. I believe he was right: the universe was indeed set up to provide a home for life, even if it evolved through a process of natural selection, with no need for outside interference. It isn’t that man was created in God’s image – rather that our universe was created, more or less, in the image of its designers.

Dr John Gribbin is a visiting fellow in Astronomy at the University of Sussex and author of ‘In Search of the Multiverse‘ (Penguin), available from Telegraph Books for £9.99 plus 99p p&p. Call 0844 8711515 or go to books.telegraph.co.uk

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ARE WE LIVING IN A DESIGNER UNIVERSE ? Article by Astronomer John Gribbin

Are we living in a designer universe?

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