WOES OF MODERN TIMES

Arvind K Pandey

Modern time has given rise to host of peculiar problems which has filled the lives of ordinary folks with unspeakable pains. One is forced to reach at conclusion that without an intense intellectual movement, which brings conscious souls, no matter what’s their occupation, on one platform. My encounters with masses have revealed to me that ordinary people are willing to carve a new path, however, in absence of real leaders their enthusiasm don’t get translated into action .Recollecting your past experiences you tell us that a man in league in with “pride, intransigence and intelligence was regarded as something of an eccentric with other radicals.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that intellectuals who are truly devoted to cause of humanity ,especially the writers and philosophers, are still ‘untouchables’ in a society that takes pride in materialistic aspirations. Industrial revolution has given rise to class of people for whom higher knowledge or ,for that matter, talks of betterment of neglected souls appear hollow pursuits. Now it seems that it would be nothing short of utopia if I think about bridging the gulf between thinkers and men in love with mindless goals which does more harm than good.On the top of it so-called think –tanks have emerged with cross-purposes in their minds making survival difficult for genuine souls .Ironically, they are laced with hi-tech equipments compared to those who have vision but ,sadly, are devoid of means that helps in its actual projection. This is not as dangerous as the other aspect, which has of late dominated the modern day brain’s. How many parents want their children to follow a path that helps in creation of new order? None. In other words, their attitudes ensure that cycle of abuses and repression remains in existence. Neither the previous generation found time enough to think about evolution of human beings nor the present generation has any ideas as what to be the goal of life. Parents make perfect arrangement that they pick up the dirty tricks that allows them to trample the emotions of commoners with ease. Matthew Arnold sounds so true when he says”, For what wears out the life of mortal men?

’Tis that from change to change their being rolls;’Tis that repeated shocks, again, again,
Exhaust the energy of strongest soul; And numb their elastic powers

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

DEVARISHI NARADA:MOST ADORABLE RISHI

ARVIND K PANDEY

The primary task of Rishi's is to remove spiritual bankruptcy from our lives. Surely, no one does it better than Devarishi Narada. He is the most adorable Rishi of the Devas and their only lifeline in times of crisis. He speaks up on the behalf of both Devas and human beings whenever situation demands so. In other words, he is the P.R.O. of Lord of all Lords. In modern times ,when problems have become our sole possession, his wisdom could certainly show as the right way. In fact, he is champion of devotion and this is why lord Vishnu has provided him such an exalted status. Being advocate of Vishnu's leela,one can always find him singing his glories with simultaneous chanting of Narayana, Narayana....... This particular image of his carrying a veena in his hand has glued in our memories. The way he tacitly acknowledges the serious issues and comes out with its solutions, often fairly acceptable to all, has made him cynosure of all the eyes. No wonder why Asuras always maintain a safe distance from him, being fully aware of the fact his advices have always sabotaged their interest and existence as well. But a deep student of spirituality knows well that what appears to be in bad taste often becomes source of elevation if that is triggered by some elevated soul. After all, Rishis like Narada are always in league with pious intentions.

The life-sketch of Devarishi Narada is full of hilarious incidents. In Vishnu Sahasranama, Lord Vishnu has been stated as ‘ Maargah’ . Narada Muni is the one who unfolds this path to deserving seekers. He knows for sure that highest which is beyond human intellect can only be reached through some form and that is Lord Vishnu, who is both way and the Goal. He is the ultimate destination of human beings who wish to realize the Highest. It is true that students of highest laws are often wrapped in peculiar mindset. This transcends bogus considerations but human beings, after all human beings have limited beliefs, often find it shocking. Just look at this. When his mother passed away, he didn’t pay heed to normal ideas, which hover us during such times. On the contrary, we find him in happy mood so evident when he says" Now I am free to pursue desire of my interests". Pushed to its extreme, the remarks of Narada reveal this bare truth that bondage of all sorts act as obstacle in attainment of the Supreme.

God is always eager to save his bhaktas from the harshness of life weaved by drama of the Maya This happens through divine grace which descend on us to break the shackles of ignorance. The spiritual horizon of an individual gets in touch with ‘Isvaranugraha' in dramatic ways, whose real meaning does not immediately get revealed. Under spell of Lord's Maya Narada was to eager to marry Mohini without being aware of its consequence. He requested Lord to provide him a charming face so that the opportunity does not go in vain. It was not before Mohini’s grand gesture to choose Lord as his husband the realization that Lord has played foul become fully known to Narada. Obviously, Narada failed to reckon with this reality. Lord remained mute spectator to his anger even as Narada kept on shattering all limits of decency. The culmination of his anger resulted in his curse whereby Lord was to suffer the same agony which he had to bear today. Lord didn’t think twice in accepting it gracefully. However, Lord has the last laugh when he decided to project the truth. And all of a sudden everything vanished, leaving Lord and the Narada amid scenario bereft of flashy background, which till few minutes ago dazzled the eyes of Narada.It was now too late for Narada to claim innocence. On the one hand,it allowed Lord to descend on Earth as Avatar and ,on the other, it enlarged the vision of Narada,allowing him to acknowledge that perfect souls should be not aware of anything other than Lord, his own higher self.

Lord is the spin doctor of glitz and glamour, which pervades the world, leaving the owner of worldly possession high and dry. The emotional content of another incident ,which proved eye-opener for Narada could also prove handy for the seekers. Once Narada was overwhelmed with the desire to know the nature of Maya. Sometimes dangers choose men while on few occasions men come to choose them! Similar was the wish of Narada.He didn’t realize what it could it lead to. Within a flash Narada found himself in the front of a beautiful damsel’s house. Being bewitched by her beauty ,Narada chose her as his counter-part.Life was moving with its own pace in a calm fashion .Nobody knows what lies next. A rush of great storm toppled Narada’s well-established family life.He was weeping for his wife and children when Lord folded back its Mayavi world.Narada was in tears for having to bear separation for lord not for few minutes but his ‘innocent wish’ has caused many Yugas to evapourate within few moments. It’s abundantly clear that there is danger of downfall of man if he decides to run against the interests of lord. “All love other than that for Lord is in one sense unlawful; to love any creature as a creature ,and not as the divinity embodied in it is unlawful.

The series of misconceptions which ordinary souls have about souls residing on higher plane of consciousness is irritating. We often enter into falsification regarding their motives, which sadly what Narada has to refute for umpteen times. Unfortunately, a soul which ignores parameters laid down by the world ,merely created to serves whimsical ends, often becomes the target of minds who wear their absurdity as status. Let us not forget that what determines the worth of an act is not is form but the motive that propels it. It is more likely to produce something worthwhile when a soul like Narada jumps in. When Parvatiji was lost in deep meditation, the Saptarishis decided to probe her soul. Using every trick of the book they made several attempts to weaken the convictions of Parvatiji. But their attempts produced little, owing to Mother’s sincerity towards her perceptions. This proves beyond doubt that so long men/women are firmly rooted in their cherished ideals, the turns and twists of external agents holds no significance. Much against the wishes of external agents, it further reinforces their ideas. Mother Parvati reacted in the similar fashion. Seeing that it’s virtually impossible to create inroads into Parvati’s mind they said, “

“Narada Sikh Jo Sunahi Nar Nari

Avasi Hohi Taji Bhavnu Bhikahri

Man Kapti Tan Sajjan Cenha

Aapu Saris Sabhi Chah Keena”

In nutshell, it explicitly conveys the diametrically opposite persona of Shri Narada. As per the sentiments expressed in the above couplet people have been advised to keep souls like Narada at bay. Those seeking solace in company of men like Narada are bound to emerge as losers in the battle of life. Why? Because these souls maintain a huge gap between theory and practice. However, a rare soul is not influenced by emotions bordering on superficiality. Since mother Parvati was a refined soul she easily discarded the views thrust upon her by the Saptarishis. Much against the perception of these Risihis, she stunned them by proclaiming that ‘even if Lord Shiva tells me to ignore Narada’s advice I am not going to do so.’ Disbelief seemed to be out of place for Parvatiji. Infact all divine souls have great faith in words of Mahatamas. This episode hints at one’s ability to live in light of one’s experiences. You must look down on percepts which are by- product of deep meditation. Swami Premananda of Ramkrishna Mission conveys the same message when he says that ‘Ideal of all yoga-of all religion and philosophy-is to make the mind single, the heart single, the purpose single. In this singleness lies the whole secrete of realization.’ He says further that ‘when the inner and outer blend, when our thoughts and our acts are the reproduction of one and the same ideals, then we know that we are living in accord with the Highest …..........He has not given man a divided mind. It is we who divide ourselves through our complex desires ,our self-will and ambition”.

In Bhagavata we find Narada engaged in so many thought provoking conversations. In one of such dialogues with an old lady on the banks of Yamuna ,Narada discloses advantages of constant chanting of Lords name. It is believed that intense remembrance of Lord in form of Japa enables a jeeva to attain the highest with ease and that too without adhering to practices prescribed in the Shrutis. This old lady, who represented Bhakti, was perturbed over the loss of vitality of his two sons namely Gnana and Vairagya. The lady didn’t hesitate at all in asking why the Lord allowed Kaliyuga to maintain its influence? According to her, this opened death-traps for virtuous souls. Narada came up with unique reply: “When Lord Krishna returned to his abode the Kaliyuga got a chance to step in. However, King Parikshta expressed unhappiness over its rise. When Kaliyuga surrendered at his feet, the king after a thoughtful consideration spared it from dissolution in toto.” He did so because he had an eye on its rare respect. This age allowed the seekers to establish communion with Lord with least deviation.’ Mere Sankritana i.e. chanting Lords name in the company of like- minded souls is enough to provide access to most sought after destination-the supreme abode of lord Vishnu. In other ages it is seemingly impossible to attain this owing to lack of required qualification even though the souls aiming at it are virtuous by all regards. Considering the facts that it provided the space to ordinary souls absolve of their sins in such an easy way, the Kaliyuga was allowed to carry on its business

Narada has penned Bhakti Sutras, popularly known as Narada Bhakti Sutras, to help souls to rediscover through path of devotion .Let me state it clearly has Jnana and Bhakti do not run against each other .They are inter-dependent on each other. .However, bhakti being attributed to emotional quotient has a larger appeal among the masses. Keeping this thing in mind, Narada did the right thing to carve a standard path for the seekers with a developed heart. In the very beginning Bhakti Sutras provides the readers the most appropriate definition of devotion of devotion (bhakti) by terming it “Param prema rupa’----That (devotion) is indeed of the nature of supreme love (directed towards) for God. In other words, ‘Ananya perema’is the result of loving Lord with total sincerity. Anyway, true love is absent in beings whose hearts and minds are preoccupied with materialistic aspirations. As we move further we anticipate bold proclamations in Narada Sutras. It goes on to advice ardent devotees of Lord to shun Vedas if one wishes to gain a pure unbroken flow of devotion. Discarding Vedas does not mean disrespect or Upanishadic ideals but simply termination of ego centric ideas in intellectual enquiry or form of worship to avoid emergence of ‘I’ factor. Finally, the Narada Bhakti Sutras insist seekers to invoke Lord with least doubt in mind about the outcome of such affection. Lord rightly observes that, “Though I am not averse to idea of granting liberation but I do think twice before granting unconditional love (read pure love).” Without doubt it could be stated that he who has faith in scriptures and wisdom of saints like Narada alone comes to across the Maya. One, therefore, should always remember this advice of Narada : Pursue and cultivate love alone………. And, sooner or later, you will surely be at gateway of Krishna’s abode.

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

PAYING THE PRICE OF PROGRESS

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE HARDNEWS )

The charisma and oratory of Chidambaram cannot overshadow the adverse impact created by the waves of globalization. As India set herself on route to newer heights, the darkness in lives of million of the people living below poverty line becomes more marked. Although I do not wish to contradict Finance Minister’s optimistic observations, we just cannot shut our eyes towards negative overtones. Let us not go gaga over our so-called IT boom or, for that matter, achievements projected in routine statistical terms. For these hardly come to mean anything to man on streets, something quite similar to the person portrayed in the Laxman’s cartoon. Those harping about Indian’s reckoning with newer boundaries are certainly not interested in facing the reality. Otherwise, how can we dare to ignore the fact that more and more people are joining bandwagon of unemployed and drop-outs and that it’s still occupied by quarter of the world’s poorest people. Without sounding arrogant let me state that worshippers of globalization have farther marginalized the poor. This has been their fate because a class of self-centered beings which has captured the present scenario thinks no more beyond than their petty concerns. Certainly, the time has come to shatter this myth that we are pursuing sound development policies. If that’s true, how on earth the gap between affluent and the weaker section has widened. This is apart from India’s poor track record in expanding physical and social infrastructures. One of the reasons for poor expenditure in above-mentioned infrastructures is that red-taped has lead to nontransparent measures which creates retarding effect. The absence of policy for even distribution of wealth has further aggravated the problem. Our arch-rival China, on the other hand, never committed the blunder to ignore underprivileged as it went ahead with its economic reforms. Just see what we did. Nehru, who was mesmerized by the West’s close ties with materialist yardsticks, decided to go against the real sprit of the nation. Had a shown interest in building a nation, resting on its inherent values, this looming crises of identity would never have drowned our hopes. The bureaucratic model of the Britishers plus introduction of PSUs in joint ventures shattered the dreams of nation hoping a new world different from one left by the predecessors. Again the reforms initiated in early nineties did lead to economic boom but an illusionary one! In absence of concrete steps to change the shape of villages, the small scale industries once representing the self respect of rural people were completely eliminated. Their elimination also ensured premature death of customs and age- old values. What could be more pathetic sight, that too when India is shining, than to find rural youth facing sorts of exploitation in the metros. I am compelled to make these harsh statements; after all, I am appalled at the Congress Party’s hypocritical gesture to re-enact Dandi March. I could not help but recall that Gandhi represented ideals emanating from the heart of the nation. His consciousness represented the consciousness of the nation. No need to stress on the fact that Dandi March symbolized the liberation of the Indian attributes from the clutches of the Westerner’s. Contrast it with the background in which it has been re-enacted. All around us nothing exists except king-sized MNCs sign boards, proving beyond doubt that real measures alone are going to truly put the nation back on the rails. The re-emergence of ‘foreign hand’ cannot be counteracted by with soft measures, much less by re-enacting previous ones I don’t know how Gandhi would have reacted had he been alive today. The sight of ‘Indians Idols’ glorifying commodification of human emotions, the MMS type embarrassing incidents, glitz and glamour environing the metros, which consider false values as prize possession would have certainly left Gandhi in ‘shock and awe’. The sycophants in Congress have left no stone unturned to bring constitutional ideals to dust, merely to attain their selfish ends. Can they ever honour the sentiments of Gandhi in true perspective? I don’t know how that nation can boast of its achievements where cultural degradation has made sex education compulsory at the expense of moral lessons. Did we intend to achieve this scenario? This cloud of confusion and disorder is indicative of our ignorance regarding the real ingredients of progressive society, pursuing sound policies, which in my eyes will always remain a distant reality if arrangements are not made to restore tryst with higher consciousness. Arthur Miller hit the bull’s eye when he remarked: This is the land of the great big dogs, you don’t love a man here, you eat him! That’s the principle; the only one we live by……………This is a zoo, a zoo!

Writer's Address:Arvind K Pandey,
Hno 36/B/178,
Bhavapur, Allahabad-211016
UP, India.
Phone No-0532-2617458

SEX EDUCATION:SHATTERING MYTHS

ARVIND K PANDEY

Unveiling the road- map for future,it's evident that we cannot dispense with observance of better principles incuding those related with sexual attitudes.Unfolding the requirements of future society in an unambiguous style, I must say we need to have a vision.The Indian society has always treated sex not as a taboo subject but considered it an essential element of balanced human life.This is why it finds plce in four "Purusharthas"(objectives) laid down in HIiduism as Kama; Dharma, Artha and Moksha being the other three objectives,which help the man to go up the ladder of evolution.It's not very clear how did it come to attain its present distorted form.One reason for it could be that long Muslim rule plus gradual inclination of Indians towards Victorian perceptions during the British regime distanced them from its glorious aspects.While it's true that taking refuge in Indian values cannot rescue impressionable minds from the mess ,which has become part and parcel of the modern times,however, it could still be stated without doubt that had traces of Hindu ideals been alltogether absent the damage would have become irreparable.If there is still the ray of hope,it's only because Hindu ideals are still there doing what they have doing since time immemorial--soaking the impurities without losing their lustre.In nutshell, what I wish to state is that better result could be obtained by combining sex education with revival of past values.Sex education alone holds no meaning if they are not backed up by strong ideals. The issue you have touched has a very complicated angle as well.It's bitter truth that pornographic stuff helps to relieve sexual- tension ,more so in age which keeps woman at par with 'use and throw objects'.Women liberalisaton movement may or may not have taught woman to honour progressive ideals but it has certainly capped them with ability to use her body for commercial interests in the market-oriented world of ours.As a result,their bodies no longer evoke innocent delight but feelings mired in sexual fantasies.How can you expect thes young minds to behave like "expert Yogis",who are adept in controlling their senses.Interestingly,adults themselves are surrounded by illusions of all sorts in these matters.Indeed ,we are living in strange times.In my city the prominent magazine-corner lies adjacent to a theatre showing "BF".If that's not enough ,cast a glance around and eyes are are soon going to intercept posters showing semi-clad women in suggestive postures.Globalization has brought sea-change in our mannerism.Not only it has distanced us from finer values but also turned women into object of pleasure rather than instrument of attaining higher ends.The Western world has cleverly dumped its dubious habits in this country.Or ,in other words, the Indians failed to borrow West's glorious analytical abilities and instead zeroed-on their dark aspects,to an extent that to many their bubble gum literature became the souce of enlightenment! It may appear far-fetched but it's true yhat global powers have effectively projected woman's false image to deviate Indian minds from higher concerns.Who knows they may have plans to shackle this nation again in their chains?Young minds, after all they have no knowledge of corrupt practises of the adult word,were bound to collapse,being too inept to counteract its charm.Aginst this backdrop,it's not hard to imagine why pornographic magazines,X-rated movies and etc. have bombarded the lives of young people and ,therefore,their unsual interest in these matters should not leave us in shock and awe.This is bound to happen since aping Westerrn values has become the prestige issue of both middle and elite class,even if that means deterioration of Indian ethos.Let me make it clear that I am not trying to legitimize the existnce of pornographic materials in our society.On the contrary,I am of the opinion that cheap titilation of the senses should give way to deep and mature relationshiop between man and woman.And,thus, in my eyes this can never be achieved by roping in sex education.It demands more.The dynamics beteen man/woman and society at large need to be governed by refined and elevated principles--the hallmark of Indian ideals.Sex education does serve the purpose but in a flimsy manner.Ther perfect mantra for survival is possible only through tryst wth Hinduism or for ,secular ears, by once again establishing firm bond with the nation's roots.

Writer's Address:Arvind K Pandey, Bhavapur,
Allahabad-211016, UP,
India.
Phone No-211016

ADI SHANKARA –THE UNIVERSAL SOURCE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN SOHAM,MARCH ,2005)

Sri Adi Shankracharya transformed the old and conservative patterns of Hinduism with his extraordinary bent of mind. His intensely microscopic analysis of Hindu Scriptures annihilated the dichotomy, prevailing due to these dubious interpretations. The Indian Diaspora certainly attained new dimensions with his arrival –a natural outcome of positive beliefs radiated by souls like him. One of the cardinal features of Hindu religion is that it has produced great acharyas in times crisis. They take the wind out of upheavals, which come to envelop it. When Shankracharya appeared on the scene, the Buddhist Philosophy was losing its ground –a situation that has enabled quacks to hold reins of religion. This coupled with onslaught of Islamic invaders posed a great threat to the nation’s cultural well being mired in Santana Dharma. Incidentally, the term ‘Sanatana Dharma’ reminds us about Hinduism’s eternal nature of its intrisinic elements. Viewed in this perspective, the external dangers come to lose their sting and, therefore, the prime function of Acharyas has been to provide new life to the faith of people. Sri Adi Shankracharya was exponent of Non dual Brahman centralized in the Upnishads. The goal of any human being is to shape his image in the image of the Lord by shattering the ties created by Avidya. A sufi hymn perfectly conveys above-expressed sentiment:

I am none else than Thou, and Thou than I
I am Thy body and Thou art my Soul
Let no one say thereafter that I am
Other than Thou or thou other than I
Adi Shankara was the only child of Shivaguru and Aryamba. He belonged to Nambudiri class of Vedic Brahmins. Adi Shankra is believed to be incarnation of Lord Shiva, who was anxious to grace the Earth to uplift the Vedic Culture. Consequently, to fulfill the wish of Aryamba, who sought a short-lived genius son, he descended as Adi Shankra. Like other divine souls he was in sync with amazing intellectual and other worldly features. His father died when he was just seven years old. However, it did not prevent him from mastering the Vedas within short span of time. Since he was a rare soul, the normal considerations of human birth including marriage were bound to take a back seat. Interestingly, if one observes his early years one would find that he introduced his own ways and means, unusual in the ascetic order demanding observance of set norms. This only proves that spiritually advanced seekers like least to follow the beaten track. You often find them on the road less traveled. At the same time, it speaks volume about flexibility of Hinduism, which allows so much space for experimentation. Adi Shankra met with his Guru Sri Govindapada, the disciple of Sri Gaudapada, on the banks of Narmada. He formally initiated Sri Adi Shankra into the order of Sanyasa. Ater completion of his course of instructions, he was instructed by his Guru to reach Kashi.

In the beginning Adi Shankra was more inclined to remain tuned to bliss of Nirviklpa Samadhi. Had this really happened it would have proved counter-productive for the future of Hindu religion. After all, there was the urgent need to put the brake on further degradation of Hindu folk. His missionary zeal, therefore, need to be saved from getting trapped in his inner world. Maneesha Panchakam provides the glimpse of Shankra’s mind. Unable to recognize Lord Shiva, disguised as sweeper, he commands him to more away from his path. Lord Shiva was quick to tear-up his command: Do you wish to move matter from matter, or you mean to separate Spirit from the Spirit? Needless to say, Shankra was shell-shocked and was left with no choice other than to offer salutations to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva seized the moment to instruct him to write commentary on Brahma Sutras and, in the process, re-establish the glory of Vedanta among the masses. Although Shankra lived for just 32 years but even this short period proved enough for him to provide unparallel height to Hindu Culture, making contributions that was going to transform many generations. He wrote commentaries on Vishnu Sahasrannama, the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Brahma Sutras. His institutions established in Srinngeri ,Puri,Dwarka and Badri have turned out to be eternal and infallible source of higher knowledge. In Kedarnath where he entered into Samadhi has attained a glorious place in the hearts and minds of those seeking God realization.

Let me now reveal in brief the contributions he made to redefine linguistic, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of India. Knowledge is of two sorts– one is subtle and eternal whereas the other encircles occasioned and impermanent features. Consciousness that grasps the existence of impermanent things is eternal while consciousness that encompasses knowledge of transitory things is temporary which fades with passing moment. Adi Shankra made this former consciousness object of his study. He did not introduce something original, what he really did is that he placed the Upanishadic utterances in right perspective. Shankra’s enlightening and well-meaning ones replaced countless flawed interpretations of Upanishad. He provided flesh to the spirit of Upnishads without harming their intrisinic attributes. In other words, loftiness of the Upanishads wasn’t shattered by his interpretations about which Radhakrishnan says, “The Upanishads protest against the exclusive sway of the dialectical spirit, against the rigid limitation of experience to the data of sense and reason. They believe in the possibility of a direct intercourse with the central reality, intercourse not through any external media such as historical revelations, oracles, answers to prayers, and the like, but by a species of intuitive identification in which the individual becomes in very truth the partaker of the divine nature”. Being one with the center which is center of all he shattered all the myths which pulled man to the lower center of gravity. Let me remind you that mere keenness of mind and sharpness of intellect do not enable to become torch-bearer of Hindu ideals. Since faith, achara, satkarma and bhakti all existed in Shankra, he was easily able to intercept the essence of Upanishads. Apart from sharpness of intellect he possessed “insight”, so essential to provide lucid interpretation and churn out philosophical statements as per sentiments inherent in the Shrutis. In this way he upheld the dignity of knowledge, which he had inherited from the saints and sages of his tradition. He was the perfect channel to transcend lower knowledge, which is meant for people with relatively dull intellect having at its core the worldly aims, and come to appreciate higher knowledge to have authentic experience of Reality. This cannot be truly intercepted without the help of the scriptures. They show us the path but how will be ever come to acknowledge its authenticity if we never start walking towards it? Which is why Katha Upanishad advices us to “Learn wisdom at the Master’ feet; for the path is as hard to tread……….. as the edge of a knife”.

All our life we are compelled to toe the line carved by the insignificant things, only because we maintain a safe distance from the higher laws. Within realm of our contemplation are the rules, which facilitate our access to pebbles. Adi Shankra adopted a revolutionary approach to change the mindset of people, for whom servitude towards bogus concerns was the real purpose of life! Without showing any sympathy for their cause he rebukes them for zeroing in on trivialities – Seek Govind, Seek Govind, Seek Govind, O Fool? When the appointed time comes (death), grammar-rules surely will not save you (Bhaja Govindam, verse1). The summum bonum of Shankra’s teaching is his emphasis on Jeevan Mukti, which is the result of attaining knowledge of Self-Brahman. According to him “Manhood, burning desire for liberation and the capacity to surrender completely to a man of wisdom” are rare characteristics whose presence is the fallout of Lord’s grace. For such a man alone Self-realization is no longer an impossibility. In Viveka Chudamani Acharya speaking about type of person (Adhikari) fit for receiving Highest knowledge says, “He should have the ability to discriminate between the Real and the Unreal (Viveka), next comes a spirit of detachment from the enjoyment of the fruits of actions here and hereafter (Vairagya); after that is the group of six essentials such as Sama; and last is undoubtedly a burning desire for liberation (Mumuksha) ((Viveka Chudamani verse 19). An attachment with Lord is certainly the easiest way to attain detachment. Expressing the above-mentioned requisites in a lucid manner he advises the seekers in Bhaja Govindam “to find the company for gaining non-attachment. The non-attachment shall then bring you freedom from delusion. Once delusion vanishes, there is the Immutable Reality; on experiencing the Immutable reality, there comes the state of liberated-in-life” (Bhaja Govindam verse 9).

What is the state of mind of one who has realized the self as Brahman? He whose mind revels in Brahman he enjoys………..verily, he alone enjoys – Nandati Nandati Nandatyeva, bursts out Sri Nityananda, disciple of Acharya, in the above mentioned book. In Brihadaranyaka Upanishad Yagnavalkya says to Maitreyi “the Self, beloved Maitreyi, is to be known. Hear about it, reflect upon it, mediate upon it. By knowing the Self, my beloved, through hearing, reflection and meditation, one comes to know all things. Chandyoga Upanishad, on the other hand, states the consequence of not knowing it: Therefore those who dies without having realized the Self and its right desires find no permanent happiness in any world to which they go. According to Shankra Ignorance has two powers – the veiling power and the power of projection. This superimposition (Adhyasa), like the appearance of silver in a mother-of-pearl, could be given way to de-superimposition (Apavada) by making ‘one only without a second’ i.e. Brahman the focal point of our ego. Vivarta or illusion can be permanently put to rest by merging the distinction of knower, knowledge and the object of knowledge (Asamprajnata Samadhi) i.e. absorption without self-consciousness. No need to stress on the fact that ‘one who knows Brahman becomes Brahman’.

Sri Adi Shankra could undoubtedly be hailed as the Supreme source of illumination, since Upanishadic declarations have replaced his self. If is his wisdom and enthusiasm that ‘Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Jeevo Brahmaiva Na-aparah’ attained larger than life dimension and, thus, provided enlightening dimension to the national consciousness. His central theme of his work that ‘Brahman alone is the Reality; the world of change is a delusion’ could lead to change of our personality only if we are sincerely interested to glide into the subtle plane of the Infinite Consciousness with right bent of mind. This no longer remains a distant dream, says Bhaja Govindam, when one has faith and devotion to the Guru’s lotus feet. The salutations to this Youthful Guru should have its origin in the knowledge conveyed by him. Otherwise, familiarity with the real Shankra will always remain an enigma.

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

LORD CAITANYA:THE ESSENCE OF DIVINE LOVE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN SOHAM,MARCH ,2005)

"Man is ever divine, ever the embodied Atman of the Universe but he can lose sight of his high heritage, and though its potentiality may remain with him ever, as a possibility of recovery, yet in tilling the fields or scouring the cooking-pots its actuality may have vanished" says sister Nivedita. However, Indian land has never witnessed total absence of seers and prophets. There has never been dearth of realized souls who in coming –of- age maneuvers have helped the souls to stick to the laws of divine. This is the age of mundane intellectuals and aesthetics. This is perhaps also why it’s difficult to stir the conscience of human beings. The real literature which encircles the ultimate truth and beauty of the Highest has given way to cacophony of dry intellects. Real advancement which means knowing Lord becomes possible only when a soul like Caitanya Maharabhu descends on earth to provide access to the kingdom of Lord.

Caitanya Maharabhu, who provided new dimensions to Bhakti Yoga by introducing Maha-mantra : Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna, Krsna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare Hare, taught how to address God together with his energy. In this Mahamantra Rama and Krishna are names of Lord while Hare represents the energy of Lord. In this way its chanting creates a devotional ecstasy and in the process material energy is transformed into the service of spiritual energy. Lord Caitanya recommended "Kirtaniyah sada harih" - Hari, Krsna, is constantly to be remembered. These noble souls are drenched with knowledge of highest which allows them to be aware of the miseries of souls much in advance. Probably Caitanya Maharabhu, an incarnation of Krishna, was aware that come a time when dehatma buddhi (egocentric desire) was going to rule the sense and sensibilities of the human beings. It was obvious that past patterns of imparting knowledge was going to become ineffective. So in order to correspond physical well being with spiritual well-being it had become imperative to build a new apparatus. So came into existence the Maha-mantra to save the people from traps set by the materialistic aspirations.

Mundaka Upanishad stating the attributes of a real guru lays down that "the genuine guru is well versed in the scriptures and Vedic knowledge and he is completely dependent on Brahman" Being representative of the Lord he is single-minded in his aim to create a better platform for the devotees. The sum and substance of Lord Caitanya's life was to help human beings to assimilate the transcendental knowledge radiated by the shrutis and smirits. In chapter 14 Lord Krisna says, "One who engages in the spiritual activities of unalloyed devotional service at once transcends the modes of material nature and is elevated to the spiritual platform". Lord Caitanya laid emphasis on Kirtana which later attained universal application under the influence of Krishna consciousness movement started by Srila Prabhupada.

Krishna being the supreme Godhead is the origin of all and prime cause of all causes. He is Isvara, or the supreme controller. To be in the line of his beauty, opulence, fame, strength, knowledge and renunciation one has to strike a relationship with him. The ordinary souls who are engaged in countless fields of dubious battle are sure to be skeptical in regard to effort aimed at spiritual awakening. Lack of time and omissions and commissions of their daily lives are the factors which form the basic component of their line of defense in moving against the Lord. Their dilemma is further compounded when they begin to glorify falsehood as the ultimate reality. In the minds of common men sooner or later develops a rigid posture towards anything remotely connected with Lord. So they would cry hoarser about the misfortune supposedly sent by the Lord. Not only for themselves but for others as well these people become perennial source of confusion and disorder. Either they are engineering false ideologies or constantly creating new methods to provide legitimacy to their madness. We all recognize the terrorist who pump bullets in the bodies of people but only a conscious observer comes to recognize another brand of terrorism which hijacks our understanding with a propaganda that spreads venom and nothing else. Therefore anybody, like Sri Caitanya, who helps us to rededicate our principles unto the lotus feet of Krishna, deserves to be treated as supreme acarya. It's not too difficult to save oneself from the cognitive approach of the empiricists if such a teacher becomes part of our lives. The conditioned lives then no longer remain painful but become a mean to enter into the domain of Lord.

One would certainly be defeated if one comes to pin his/her hopes on the material would. How would the impermanent things offer everlasting bliss? The immortality is surely not an ordinary soul's cup of tea. There always come a moment in our lives when Lord send message to pack up but it is always meant to be ignored under pretext of meeting immediate concerns, apparently the most important ones as well !!. Amid this scenario, the task to reveal a supreme field of existence assumes a greater importance and more challenging than ever as well. Lord Caitanya furnished key to the laws of divine through Sankirtana. In Vedanta Sutra it has been stated that by sound vibrations one becomes liberated. In chapter 9 of the Bhagavad-Gita which describes the features of lord-intoxicated bhakta states that Lord's bhaktas are always chanting his glories and worshiping him.

The Kirtana when conducted in company produces a divine effect which uplifts the consciousness of the devotees, more so when accompanied with unanimous intent. Bhag. II.1.5 says, "Therefore, O Bharta, Hari, the lord and protector and soul of all, must be heard and sung and remembered by those who wish to free from all fear.”. Perhaps, one should always keep in mind the transient nature of world to become close to Lord in an intimate way. "This human form of life is obtained after many, many births, and although it is not permanent, it can offer the highest benefits. Therefore a sober and intelligent man should immediately try to fulfill his mission and attain the highest benefits in life before another death occurs. He should avoid sense gratification, which is available in all circumstances" proclaims Bhagavatam.

Sri Caitanya was a true Vaishnava who constantly thought about the spiritual growth of others trapped in hellish experiences. The maya-sukha (illusionary happiness) creates one problem after another for them. Prahalada once exclaimed that "There is only one source of anxiety for me. I am anxious for those persons who are not Krishna consciousness. That is my anxiety. For myself I have no anxiety, but I am thinking of those who are not Krishna consciousness." Sri Caitanya appeared mainly for these spiritually starved souls. He enabled them to bow down before Krishna and surrender unto him their egos. He exposed their souls to much wider range of divine vibrations, creating a pool of detachment which re-kindled the flame of devotion lying dormant in their heart like fire in an unlit match. Finally, let's never forget that Krishna alone can offer permanent bliss. When he enters in our lives as supreme adorable object, supreme friend, supreme master, or supreme lover, we are not drowned out by the harshness of life. Even at the cost of physical and spiritual well being we continue to promote ill-fated objects. However, it is safe to proclaim that route to Lord is devoid of obstacles when we have a soul like Sri Caitanya as our guide and preceptor.

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

SRI RAMAKRISHNA :THE OCEAN ODF BLISS

ARVIND K PANDEY

PUBLISHED IN SOHAM ,FEBRUARY,2005)

It's beyond human intellect to comprehend in totality the attributes of a real Master. Why? Because to know Lord you have to become Lord. Sri Ramakrishna could undoubtedly be hailed as supreme incarnation of the Parabrahman. He is the perfect role model for the enthusiastic seekers who wish to merge their identity in Lord. Ramakrishna is regarded as the real Master by their disciples. While laying down the characteristic of qualified teacher Sri Aurbindo stated "The master is one who has risen to a higher consciousness and being and he is often regarded as its manifestation or representative. He not only helps by his teaching and still more by his influence and example, but by a power to communicate his own experience to others"

Sri Ramakrishna graced this divine land on February 18,1836 in a village named Kamarupkar. Ironically, the decent representatives of Lord always appear at times when the atmosphere is laden with confusion and chaos. As a matter of fact they are like gentle wind amidst the fury of demoniacal interests. Other than human garb, which they use as a mean to wonder among us like an ordinary soul, there is no other point of similarity, which allows to strike a bond with these rare souls. Ramakrishna had a unique childhood. Even then he was in league with his "sublimity of his aim and the one-pointedness of his application to them". Once the person who was chosen to play the part of Shiva in a play, named "Conversation between Shiva and Parvati", was forced by the circumstance to withdraw his name at the last moment. Ramakrishna got the chance to provide colour to the role of Shiva on the stage. No need to mention that he transcended the human consciousness while playing the part and for next few hours remain lost in that particular mood. His childhood provides a glimpse into his bent of mind stuffed with extraordinary perceptions. Ideally, it allowed him to gain insight, which invariably shattered the illusions of this dreamy would.

In his village school, when others were busy in parroting the sterile instructions of the teacher, he toyed with ideal which was not normal by any standard in that age. "What purpose will it all serve-this hard study, this sitting up late at right, this rumination of the glosses and commentaries? Will this help me in attaining the truth? "Obviously, he did not wish to end up as ‘finished product’ much like his school teacher. He rebelled against this sort of teaching system which enabled man to sail in the ocean of materialism with ease. But in the process extracting a heavy price for teaching this art of deception. We are unconsciously turned into monsters that trample other human beings without any trace of remorse. It wouldn’t be out of place to observe that in our times the realistic education has come to mean the ability to laugh at the miseries of fellow beings and name it pragmatism.

On of the commonplace assumptions regarding the bent of mind of Indian saints is that they lack scientific temper. In other words, they just swallow the facts owing to their inability to discern them in rational ways. The reality is otherwise. Ramakrishna passionately followed all through life that "He shall accept anything as true only after having subjected it to close scrutiny. If it stands the test, I will reduce it to practice. And I shall not look down upon anything of the world if it is not demonstrably untrue". This may be the reason why apparently antagonistic soul like Narendra could hardly resist from surrendering his dreams at his feet. This curious mixture of both these worlds-the earthly and the heavenly-created deep impression on Vivekananda’s mind who didn’t take much time to be the vehicle of his purpose. So much that he openly confessed that "Ever since our first meeting, it was the Master alone, and no one else, not even my own mother and brothers, who had uniform faith in me. That faith and that love of his have bound me to him forever. It was the master alone who knew how to love. He did love, while others only feign to love for the sake of their self-interest".

How intimate was their relationship could be gauged from this hilarious incident. Once Ramakrishna offered the Hookah to Narendra. Perplexed looking Narendra could not turn down this strange offer. He stopped smoking after two or three puffs. The Master then took that Hookah and as he was about to smoke Narendra, stopped him to remind that he should first wash his hands and then carry out the smoking business. This infuriated Ramakrishna and what followed was display of ecstatic mood mired in uncontrollable anger-a familiar sight for Narendra having spent a long time with him. "You rascal, you are awfully conscious of differences" uttered Ramakrishna before gaining normalcy. The smoking session moved ahead with that very Hookah which Narendra had sealed with impunity with his lips.

In earlier year of Sadhana, the group comprising of Narendra, Kesava and others was greatly influenced by Western Philosophy. Narendra however, tried to counteract the charm of alien literature. Something so evident when he quotes Hamilton who felt that "where philosophy ends there religion begins." It wasn’t easy for the Master to de-construct these minds shaped in convictions gathered from here and there. Even Master was bit worried about their flirtations with bogus reading material. "I hope he did not do so because some Western scholars had expressed that opinion."

Under the influence of Western Philosophy Vevekanand held the opinion that God unknown and unknowable. Ramakrishna came to intuitively apprehend his dilemma regarding the true nature of Lord. He advised Narendra to seek the Lord’s grace which he said could result from sincere prayer offered from heart aching for Lord’s darshana. Such feelings when condensed in form of words may read like this "O God, I don’t know Thy nature, do Thou manifest Thyself to me as Thou really art". Vivekananda, who earlier medicated on formless Brahman with attributes, decided to anticipate Lord in its real form. So he started praying "O Lord make me fit to see your real nature". What the Master wanted to convey through this episode was that the Lord couldn’t be governed by any particular belief. He has form and lo and behold formless as well. And thus Narendra bid adieu to doubts in this regard. Being now aware of His glory Swami Vivekananda suggests seekers to unite their heart and mind with the fountain of all bliss." Seek for the Highest, aim at that Highest, and you shall reach the Highest."

Sri Saradadevi, the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, also considered the Master ‘embodiment of bliss itself’. That is why she advised seekers to rely on Ramakrishna in order to remain above the pangs of worldliness. Vindicating the fact that Ramakrishna was not an ordinary soul she said, "Really and truly Sri Ramakrishna was God himself. He assumed this human body to remove the sorrows and sufferings of others". According to the holy mother Ramakrishna played the part of both Maheswara and Maheswari. All through her life she translated into action the will of Master. Perhaps, she has known too well that Lord alone is the real and the world illusionary. It’s really hard nut to crack to cross the ocean of desires partially owning to seeker’s bent of mind but more largely because of Mahamaya’s mysterious designs. "A person may have no relative anywhere but Mahamaya may cause him to keep a cat and thus make him worldly. Such is her play", observed mother in lighter vein. Unmistakably it may sound pessimistic had not she sent supreme souls to show us the way amidst drama of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The moral of this whole story is that a soul must take refuge in these Mahatmas (super souls) if he truly wishes to strike an eternal bond with Lord. Such souls alone provide security blanket from the onslaught of worldly desires.

A man who is in sync with sincerity of his purpose finds himself sooner or later in company of the Lord. Let us never forget that real aim of the individual wondering on this planet is realization. Other than this all other concerns are bound to open the floodgate of misery. In this journey towards the Lord the company of godly souls acts as a catalyst. Our intrinsic nature compels us to return back to our source. It’s only matter of time when the restlessness to attain the Highest germinates in our heart. Indeed, the life goes in waste if it is not used as an instrument to establish perfect communion with the Lord. Finally, I would like to refer to statement of the Master, one surcharged with mystical undertone, which establishes his tie-up with the Lord - All those who are living their final lives in the world will come here, and all those who have, even once, truly called on God cannot but come here. Yes, it’s imperative for the seekers to honour those who share the platform with Lord.

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

THE REAL MIRACLE: LOVING LORD TRULY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN SOHAM ,2005)

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle (Albert Einstein). The mysteries of life need to be intercepted in all its colors. However, the limitations of intellect often don’t let the real picture appear before our eyes with both ‘Maya and Rama’ playing truant. Neither we are able to truly identify ourselves with the lord nor are we able to attain worldly glory. Why does this take place with some seekers? Because most of the seekers don’t take sufficient measures to safeguard themselves against the temptations appearing at different stages while on the road to lord. This is the all more visible in those seekers in whom hidden desires gain predominance over the cherished desire of being one with the lord. So, even though they declare themselves to be seekers, they are, in reality, at crossroads being always in two states of mind. Ultimately, their ignorance takes its toll with them gaining access into zones ‘where angels fear to tread’.

Only the other day my friend, who is ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, remarked with a tinge of sadness in his voice, “Ajkal to sab log Chamtkaar ko Namaskaar Karte Hai”. Although his remark contained an element of truth in it, I became little suspicious about his real motives. Often we anticipate aspirants, who are trapped in the web of illusionary pursuits. Instead of singing glory of lord, they start chasing ‘Pret Atmas’ after mastering the so-called Vashikarana Vidya. It is needless to mention about their fate. Not only they become residents of lunatic asylum but they also bring their followers on verge of total collapse. Take for example the case of this enthusiastic aspirant. When I enquired about real purpose of his maddening efforts to achieve concentration of mind he stated cooley, “I want to gain control over others by reading their minds”. Had he really bothered to look within he would by now have found gems of Divine Knowledge. Worse, all this is being done in the name of spirtualty.

Lo and behold a Siddha person now is one who nourishes your whimsical worldly designs. Going by the number of people constantly seeking company of ‘Siddha Mahatmas’ merely to elevate their social status, I wonder this might be the reason why so many self-styled Gods have phenomenally increased over the years. These Fake-Gods have led to deterioration of Hindu ideals as many among them come to attained this hallowed status through dubious means. The spurt in cases which revel unholy nexus of these God men offering ‘instant moksha’ with unscrupulous elements vindicates the fact that they have no regard for our innocence and deep faith. Nobody is to be blamed for this debacle except ourselves who prefer to remain ignorant about real elements of Hinduism than subjecting ourselves to efforts leading to unfoldment of pearls of wisdom. I agree with the sentiments of this letter-writer in The Statesman that ‘apolitical Hindus are bemused, dazed and terribly shocked over the acts of these crooked, corrupt and in incompetent souls’. It’s high time that virtuous souls in possession of rational approach mired in honest mindset take control of the affairs to prevent the crisis from deepening further.

Once Swami Rama Teertha came face-to-face with a yogi while on his way to certain destination. When Swamiji asked him to narrate his spiritual experiences in his 40 years of intense tapa he said, “Swamiji I can reach to the other side of this river by walking on the surface of its water without the fear of getting drowned”. Swamiji whole- heartedly laugh over his achievement. “My dear fellow what you have attained could be valued not more than two pennies. You have simply wasted your valuable years in possessing something which a ferryman does with ease,” said Swamiji.

However, having said that it would be foolish to ignore the attributes of a real Rajyogi. The Rajyogi determined to cross the barriers posed by the though-patterns takes little time to attain the super conscious state after concentration and meditation. But minus ‘Abhyasa and Chitta Suddhi’ this remain a distant dream for most of the seekers. There are some sincere seekers who which to merge with the highest and, thus, for them alone Lord let His Divine Grace act like a medium to turn them into channel of total intelligence. On the other hand, these is another class who practices ‘black magic’ to desettle innocent beings. As a result they are devoid of real knowledge which dissolves the difference between man and the Lord or, for that matter, between man and superman. This is the reason why Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa says “Siddhis or psychic powers must be avoided like filth. This come to us of themselves though Sadhana or religious practices, and Samyama or control of the senses. But he who sets his mind on Siddhi remains stuck therein, and cannot rise higher”.

It’s another thing that USPs of success have their origin in superficialities. Sri Adi Shankarcharya cocks a snook at them in Bah Govindam by observing that “one ascetic with matted locks, one with shaven head, one with hairs pulled out one by one, another parading in his ochre robes-these are fools, though seeing do not see. Indeed, these different disguises or apparels are only for their belly’s sake”. Lord Krishna in Chapter Nine of the Bhagawad Gita refers to souls dealing in Tamasic desires as people influenced by demonic and atheistic views-raksasism asurim caiva, Prakrtim mohinim sritah. At the same time there have been souls who brutally rejected the offer of their Gurus to become owners of psychic powers. Why would a true soul interested in the lotus feet of Lord treat Siddhis as prize-possession? On the contrary, he would immediately discard as all these achievement in his eyes are ‘ulterior than the permanent blissful state’.

Some are today very eager to be christened as Bhagavaan. It’s bitter but true that host of so-called Bhagavaans, who are not even fit enough to be called human beings, forget about them being any where near the ancient interpretation of this Supreme term, have created unrest among the masses. According to the great Vishnu Purana the word ‘Bhagavaan’ means: One who has all the six glories-wealth, power, dharma, fame, character, knowledge and dispassion. Further it is stated in the same Purana that one who knows the beginning and the end, the arrival and departure of beings, and also Vidya and Avidya is legitimate owner of this title. However, it would be sheer ignorance to lay down parameters in such a rigid fashion. All this features may or may not accompany the bearer but some characteristics like perfect detachment and supreme compassion towards living beings are always present. At this juncture, let me state that such souls are rare who have power to recognize Lord wandering on this planet in human form. Only divine grace on Lord’s part allows an individual to perceive his real form. Even human beings can elevate themselves to the level of Prophet through sincere sadhana but more often we find people adopting wrong means as the case of Hitler and his ilk demonstrates.

I have referred to real knowledge at many places in this article. What are the components of real knowledge? All that which describes the glory of Lord, allowing the individual to shatter the barriers between him on the Lord. This includes gems hidden in scriptures which unfold ways to transform jiva into Brahman. In other words, all that which keeps us pushing towards his blessed feet are fit to be called Vidyas. In Prasana Upanishad it is stated that “He who knows that immutable self, wherein live the mind, the senses, the pranas, and the elements-verily such a one knows all things, and realizes the self in all”. Let us recover our inner strength and be in the company of noble souls if we are interested in attaining the Highest knowledge. The dawn of this knowledge is alone the real and desirable miracle.

Writer's Address:Arvind K Pandey,
Hno.36B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad-211016,UP,
India.
Phone No-0532-2617458

THE TRAUMA OF A RAPE VICTIM

ARVIND K PANDEY

Five armed men reach at a house, one of them moves forward and knowcks on the door. The door is opened by a girl and the men who had come to abduct her pounce on the girl like a beast on its prey. The abductors cover her face with a cloth to muffle her voice and drag her to a tempo. All this happens in a flash. The parents could do nothing except being helpless. Before they could make out anything all was over. The girl is taken to a lonely spot and mass raped. No, it is not another scene of some masaala movie but a real life incident.

On August 22, 2001 in Varanasi five men allegedly raped a minor girl. The girl, aged 13, was constantly harassed by two men of her locality. None dared to stop them, which enabled them to materialize their sinister design with ease. The girl who was dropped in the wee hours at her place by the alleged abductors committed suicide after few hours by consigning herself to the flames. On the same fateful day, the day when reported use of prostitutes by Tehalaka news portal came into light, a woman belonging to Jehanabad district in Bihar was burnt to death by a man when she resisted his demonical move.

Both these incidents have been wiped away from our memories. Something that had to happen in fast-paced life of ours. But would it have been so for the members of the affected families? Never. It would take considerable time to heal. In a society like ours such incidents leave deep scars on mind. These incidents bring with it never ending pain loaded with strong sense of guilt. Whatever be our standard of education we never hesitate to assassinate the character of victim. In this case when the parents of victim went to complain at one of the offenders home they were returned with a stunning remark ‘Ab le gayen hai to lauta bhi denge’. This says all.

Rape one of the most heinous of all crimes one commits wrecks the victim physically as well as psychologically. The victim becomes the natural inhabitant of hellish life stuffed with offending remarks about her character. Taking the advantage of prevailing loopholes in our legal system the culprits get away easily. For instance in Mathura case the two accused were acquitted by the Supreme Court on the ground ‘that the girl was not subject to any fear which might have led her to submit to the act and that no marks of injury on her person prove that whole affairs was peaceful one’. The final and the third ground was since the girl did not resist the moves of accused ‘the consent in question was not consent which would be brushed aside as passive submission’.

A lack of good laws is believed by the majority to be the prime factor that has lead to upsurge in sexual crimes. Barely 2 to 3 percent of FIRs lead to conviction of accused. The statistics provided by the National Crime Records Bureau do not present true picture. "The fear of going into court and being verbally harassed and raped" is what silences the woman. But what is shocking is attitude of those around us. In the Varanasi case why did the residents of the locality fail to take notice of her regular harassment by the youths? Why did parents fail to inform about the whole affair to the police? Our society has the tendency to place itself in an awkward position where it could do nothing except being a mute spectator. What is happening today is that while the victim somehow manages to bear the effect of crime, she fails to counteract the ‘social stigma’ indirectly sustained by the people around her. We need to deeply reflect over this pathetic situation.

The shortest and best mean to curb such crimes is to bring a change in our attitudes. It’s bitter but true consumerism her turned women into object of pleasure. But by becoming more sensitive to causes of women negative effects of sexual crimes could be subverted. In one particular case a lady doctor refused to treat a rape victim by saying ‘Kaun Musibat Apne Sar Per Le’. In another case all what a doctor had to offer to suffering parents was this noble advice ‘why are you so agitated? All this is part and parcel of normal human life. Incidentally, this sounds similar to comment of a minister of Bengal State Government while in his efforts to suppress the controversy equated this heinous crime with other acts arising out of human frailties. In one of the cowardly acts village panchayat forced the girl to marry the man who had outraged her modesty. It’s high time that a woman rises above the idiocies of feudal and chauvinistic society.

Although Supreme Court has delivered some landmark verdicts in favour of women but the modern day mannerism have turned a working woman’s life into a virtual hell. These incidents have not only deteriorated employer-employees relationships but also established living patterns antithetical to societal norms. What has added to their woes is bombardment of gross values unleashed by TV channels. No wonder if ‘rape’ is viewed by some as at par with lucrative industry. At least Ekta Kapoor is cocksure about it. And so are our movie-producers for whom this has always been crowd-pulling stuff. Competing with them are glossy magazine editors, during out second-rated material in the name of lifestyle journalism. The tribe including Poornima Advani need to again upper hand if we are seriously interested in saving the honour of women turning into a venture. Viewed in perspective, there is instant need to revolutionize the mindset of people. At least self-custodians, better call them ‘culture cops’, need to, re-orient their ethical standards, allowing women to have full and real control over their lives. At this juncture, let me remind the readers about the negative aspect of this consciousness regarding a proper code of conduct. This consciousness regarding change need not to be confused with the propaganda of the section of men and women claiming themselves to be progressive. Often we find sincere people carried away by sentiments aired by this deceptive class. Something so brilliantly conveyed in one of the scenes of movie ‘Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai’ wherein Anil Kapoor lashes out at group of people who advice Aishwarya to wage war against administration.

The woman’s struggle against the horrible crime does not mean that it causes more harm than good. After all, the ‘Samskaras’ have enabled us to preserve our identity for more than 5000 years till today. What I intend to say here is that social fabric need not to be distorted. Something so evident in ever-increasing number of fake cases merely registered to settle some personal score.

With advent of technological incarnations, the space for weaving devilish plots against women has increased more than ever. The way MMS was used to ruin the life of a girl student belong to a reputed public school in Delhi is both shocking and tragic. In such a scenario, there appears to be some merit in women organizations demand of a modification in definition of rape to make it subtler. Unfortunately, it may open floodgates of concocted cases. In nutshell, all what we need today is mental alertness towards cases plaguing the lives of women. In morally right and just means lie the hopes. A better implementation of women-oriented regulations is certainly going to provide the Shakti’s manifestation courage to live with dignity.

Writer's Address:
Arvind K. Pandey
H. No.- 36 B/8/178, Bhavapur,
Allahabad -211016
U.P., India.
Telephone No.- 0532-2617458

BCCI VERSUS TEAM INDIA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN HARDNEWS,DECEMBER,2004)

The Indian team had to bite dust in the recent Border-Gavaskar trophy.Even the dramatic victory in the Mumbai test is not enough to penetrate the cloud of gloom , which has come to environ the hearts and minds of the Indian supporters. It’s out in the open that there is something seriously wrong with the Indian team.On the other hand,the Australian team’s dream to win a series on the Indian soil finally transformed into reality but in the process it took 35 years.While this victory allowed the Australians to further strengthen their position in the record books, the Indian team,as usual in the name of professionalism,would like to keep the actual reasons that caused its debacle under the wraps.This attitude of the BCCI vindicates the bitter truth that it still banks on amateurish tendencies instead of relying on attributes of true professionalism.

Commenting on the drabacks of power zones George Orwell says, "All past oligarchies have fallen from power either because they ossified or because they grew soft. Either they became stupid and arrogant, failed to adjust themselves to changing cicumstances, and were overthrown; or they became liberal and cowardly, made concessions when they should have used force, and once again were over thrown."In crystal clear terms, these words describe the present state of affairs of the BCCI.It may have strengthened its position in financial terms but let me make a candid confession that it has failed to evolve as an institution wherein decisions are carved in well-framed committees having principles at their core. What else does it signal when it enters into dubious contracts, keeping on the back burner the most important task of setting its own house in order? If that’s not enough, it introduces a grading system which prima facie gives an edge to big names over dedicated players. Did it give a thought about the cataclysmic consequences of introducing a system latent with seed of grave polarization? One wonder why our so-called cherished institutions doesn’t frame policies, which accelerates our being’s metamorphoses from ‘man to superman’? Australians have been able to magnify their status because Pontings too face the fear of rejection if they don’t fulfill certain conditions.

At this point it would it would not be out of place to cross-examine the legitimacy of retaining Ganguly in the team both as a Captain and as a member.Of late, it has become tendency of the Indian players to disappear from the scene at crucial junctures on one pretext or other, which are in fact most of the time devoid of substance. How often do you find Captain involved in ad shooting when his team is ferociously trying to restore its honour on the field? At present, light seems to be absent at the end of the tunnel for Sourav Ganguly. Captaining a side comprised of members having a temperament diametrically opposite to each other is never an easy task. The positive aspect of this peculiarity of our Indian team is that it confers upon the captain a hallowed status.About its negative effect it can be stated that it never allows him to work upon his techniques, something which takes a heavy toll if there exists a flaw in batting style.The issue therefore is not of axing the captain but creating an atmosphere which allows a skipper to strike a balance between demands of captaincy and improvisation of batting skills.The case in point proves beyond doubt that Ganguly miserably failed to bridge this gulf.Few would object to the fact that he never meditated over causes responsible for his falling batting standards, forget about rising above shocking mannerisms far as damage control measures are concerned, they would be certainly productive if Ganguly realizes that turning a blind eye to his errors is not going to help him anymore.

Writer’s Address:Arvind K Pandey,
Hno.36B/8/178,Bhavapur,
Allahabad-211016,
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VIVEKANAND'S VISION :NEED OF THE HOUR

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN SOHAM , 2004)

Ours world is playhouse of conflicts in which future course of life is paved with unpredictable dilemmas. While most of us get crushed in the affairs of life some not only manage to save themselves from ironies of life but they also come up to play an active part in shaping the future of society. Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual giant who devoted his life for regeneration of India, explored and interpreted secrets of nature in a remarkable way. He unfolded the glory of Vedanta vis-à-vis efforts aimed at finding solutions of complex problems haunting India.

What a pity that Hinduism which is storehouse of principles formulated by the Rishis for upliftment of human soul has attained a dubious from in the land of its origin. Unlike our pseudo intellectual’s secular interpretation of Hindutva which has done more harm than good, Vivakananda in an unambiguous terms revealed his love for it. “If at present the word Hindu means anything bad, never mind; by out action let us be ready to show that this is the highest word that any language can invent. It has been one of the principles of my life not to be ashamed of my own ancestors.”

There will be few takers of it if I say politics in our county can never be kept away from religion. But Vivekananda feels the same way when he says, “It is not only true that the ideal of religion is the highest ideal; in the case of India it is the only possible means of work; work in any other line, without first strengthening this would be disastrous.” Elaborating it further he says, “But the Hindu can understand even politics when it is given thorough religion; sociology must come through religion, everything must come through religion. For that is the theme, the rest are the variations in the natural life.” I wonder how those will react who believe religion should be confined to private life alone.

Vivekanand was conscious of the potential of youths and its power to change the fate of nation if effectively brought in application. Sadly, an overall picture of today’s youth does not present an appealing image. Although they have made rapid progress in spheres at par with materialistic aspirations their inner beings, however, are ruled by monsters of modernity converting them into cold-blooded heartless souls avers