Musings 74: A Simple Guide-line While Choosing/Following a Master

–On Guru-Śiṣya Paramapara–

The tradition of Guru-Śiṣya paramapra (Master-Disciple Lineage) is one of the most sacred institutions of the Sanātana Dharma, that is Hinduism. Every spiritual-religious tradition that branched out of the Mother faith, at various points of time in history, for various social, political reasons (like Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism …), not only continue to cherish Dharma at its heart, but also has well established Guru-Śiṣya parampara(s). Therefore, to undermine this institution is to strangulate the Dhārmic traditions and the millions of seekers working their way to Ātma Sakṣatkara (Self-realisation).

The importance Guru-Śiṣya Paramapara in Dhārmic Traditions

“Why do I need a Guru at all?” is a question that we often hear people ask. “After all, spirituality is between me and (my) God” they would conclude. How do one answer this?

To answer this, one should understand the paradigm from which this question rises. When someone asks this question he/she has a certain understanding of the concepts of ‘God’, ‘reality’, ‘Guru’, ‘spirituality’ and ‘I’ (oneself), which unfortunately is NOT in sync with the nature of the reality, the goal of seeking, the purpose of human life etc. as per the Dhārmic world view.

In other words, if my concept of God, religion, spirituality etc. is in tune with the ideas of Abrahamic faiths, it is natural that such a question has as a standing. For e.g. if ‘God’ is an entity that rests above the clouds,on a throne, in His kingdom of Heaven, judging people (on Earth) as a good and bad and deciding their fate there upon, dispatching them to heaven and hell accordingly- then the question why do I need a Guru is indeed valid. In such a case, I just have to be good person, doing “good” deeds in this world, by following the commandments of the God, which is recorded in His “book”, and wait for my turn to go to heaven, where upon I lead a life of pleasures.

On the contrary, heaven is not a concern of the Dhārmic traditions. (Dhārmic traditions do acknowledge the concepts of heaven and hell, but for it they are of the nature of a ‘purgatory,’ where one works out his/her Kārmic baggage only to come back in a human form for the liberation from the cycle of births and deaths). In fact, for the Dhārmic traditions, Iśwara (the concepts of Iśwara and God are not one and the same) is secondary to the Brahman- The Truth (not to be confused with Lord Brahma of the Hindu Trinity).

That is, a seeker in the Dhārmic tradition is not after pleasing a/the God and reserving a berth in the heaven post death, but is only in pursuit of realising the Truth which is the fundamental essence of the cosmos and also of him/herself. Each seeker has to find his/her way, which is very subjective and personal. This is where the role of a Guru comes in. A Guru becomes absolutely essential in this pursuit.

Vivekachūdāmaņi, the spiritual treatise, composed by Ādi Śankara atleast 2500 years ago (the colonial historians date it at circa 800 CE, which the traditionalists reject), beautifully explains this in the following verse-

“As a treasure hidden underground requires (for its extraction) competent instruction, excavation, the removal of stones and other such things lying above it and (finally) grasping, but never comes out by being (merely) called out by name, so the transparent Truth of the Self, which is hidden by Māya and its effects, is to be attained through the instruction of a Knower of Brahman, followed by reflection, meditation and so forth, but not through perverted arguments.”
– Vivekachūdāmaņi/Verse 65/translation by Swāmi Mādhavānanda

 

But then, who is qualified to be a Guru?

Now this I believe is ‘the question’ which all of us should be asking. Can anyone wearing ochre robes, mumbling Sanskrit verses, opening a shop down town, and claiming oneself to be a Guru qualifies him/herself to be a Guru?

Absolutely NOT.

The Dhārmic scriptures unequivocally lists down two criteria for one to qualify as a Guru.

1. Śrotriya

One who is not just learned and well versed in śāstra (Dhārmic scriptures), but also lives and acts according to it.

2. Brahmaniṣtha

One who has realised the Truth and continue to operate in the outside world well established in IT.

It is not possible for a lay person to know/understand if an individual is a Brahmaniṣtha, for which he/her him/herself should realise the Truth first. However, it is certainly possible to check (to a reasonable extent) if he/she is a Śrotriya, provided one has learnt the basics of śastra(s) from an Achārya (teacher), or at least through self study with the help (authentic) study materials.

(One should also note the cardinal yogic principle here- An individual can choose an Achārya, but not a Guru. It is always the Guru who chooses his/her disciple. The declaration is that, “the Guru arrives when the śiṣya is ready.” Which means that when the disciple attains the right (spiritual) maturity, he/she shall attract/get attracted by the Guru.)

The Threat

The threat to Guru-Śiṣya Paramapara is as much from inside as from outside. While the attack on the Kānchi Shankarāchārya, Pejāwar Swāmi, Rāmānuja Jeer Swāmi and Swāmi Nityānanda were PROVED to be conspiracies hatched by the missionaries with the tacit support of NGO fronts and mainstream media*

(*It must be noted that each of these cases fell apart when they came to the court for zero evidence and they were all acquitted. But the years of well orchestrated negative propaganda continue to stick to them.)

is an external threat, fraudsters donning the garb of Guru and winning gullible followers, in some cases as many as 50 million!, is an internal threat. Needless to say, the internal threat is far more grave than the external one.

The Way Forward

So how can a common man/woman, sincere in the spiritual quest, not to fall for fraudsters?

1. Apply common sense

a. Thoroughly scrutinise the claims of the individual with reason and logic, in the light of śastra(s).

b. Do a background check of the individual and the institution(s) (the controversies, court cases, property and other financial deals, reported violations of law etc.) However, one should be very careful to look at all information available- for and against, and do so without bias.

2. Clarify and collect information about the tradition and lineage the individual comes from.

3. Interact with the senior disciples of the Master.

4. Realise that your foundational study of the śāstra is a prerequisite.

5. Be in Satsanga

Satsanga literally means being in the company of the pious/wise/good ones. Since these words are very subjective, in this context, Satsanga may be taken as, to be in the company of people/ to have conversations and discussions with people, who are already in the path of seeking and is initiated into various sādana (spiritual disciplines) in various traditions.

This injunction of the Mahabhārata should always be kept in mind.

“The one who doesn’t know what is right and what is wrong, and is leading an unrighteous life, that person is to be discarded, even though he may be a Guru.” (Śanti Parva/ 5.77)

—
Srinath Mohandas
August 27, 2017

Musings 73: Sidhbhari

Perhaps the (his)story of Sidhbari starts circa 700 BCE when sage Kapila trekked across the magnificent Dauldhar ranges of the Himalayas to reach this tiny Pahadi hamlet. Perched in a small cave in one of the hillocks, he continued his spiritual seeking with intense self discipline. The result came out as the Sāmkhya school of the Hindu philosophy, which went on to provide the philosophical foundation for the teachings of a Siddharta Gautama- the Buddha, who would walk this path a hundred years later.

27 centuries have passed since Kapila rishi sat here absorbed deep in Himself. I was fortunate to step into the very same cave yesterday.

In 1959, when the Peoples’ Republic of China invaded Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama along with his community had to exile to India. They crossed over to India at Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and proceeded 2,800 kms north-west to Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh). Also known as the little Lhasa, the Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered here. It is barely 10 kms north-west of the Kapila cave.

5 kms further up is Akanjar Mahadev Temple on the shores of a small but fast flowing ice cold rivulet. The legend goes that Arjun, the mighty Pandava, while preparing for the Mahabharata war, in exile, meditated on its banks and won the Pashupata missile from Mahadev.

Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda established Sandeepany Himalayas at Sidhbari in mid 1970s as the second residential campus for the teaching/training of Advait Vedant. The place was specially chosen for its spiritual climate as it is home to many Siddhas (of various traditions), absorbed in deep meditation for decades and centuries together (not an exaggeration).

It was in this quite valley where Gurudev retired for around 6 months when the Emergency was raging (1975-77) and the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi revoked his passport and created hurdles in his work (for his open criticism of her subversion of democracy). His days were spent in sadhna and writing commentaries for the Upanishad(s) which continue to serve seekers and scholars across the globe.

Two decades later, when Gurudev attained Mahasamadhi, his mortal remains was brought here and laid to final rest (bhu-samadhi) at the Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram. It stands at 1.5 kms south-west of the Kapila cave.

As I jot down this note, sitting next to Gurudev samadhi sthan, looking at the majestic cloud covered peaks of the Dauladhar, on this Janmasthami Day, a feeling of gratitude is sweeping me over. This Tapo-bhumi has been contributing to the spiritual culture of the world since ages. Sidhbari is quiet, but vigorous.

Humble pranams to life in all forms and beings!

Hearty Janmashtami greetings to one and all!

Hari Om!

—
Srinath Mohandas
August 14, 2017

Musings 72: Bahubali: Arise, O Strong Armed!

“Time gives every coward an opportunity to become a knight. The moment is now!”

(Samay Har Kayar Ko Shoorveer Banne Ka Avsar Deta Hai, Veh Kshan Yahi Hai)

When Amarendra Bahubali admonish a terror stricken Kumara Varman unable to defend the royal women folk of Kuntala from the invading Pindaris, did you feel the scribbles of an ancient poet-sage on a dried palm leaf?

Did you see the silhouette of Bahubali, the legendary Arjuna, when the on-screen Bahubali lifted the spirits of the Kuntala prince with his inspiring words?

Right! The sequence of Kumara Varman and Amarendra Bahubali (undercover as Shivu), was inspired from the story of Uttara Kumara from Virata Parva of the Mahabharata.

As I watched Bahubali 2 last night, I couldn’t but replay that episode of Mahabharat, the way it unfolded before the teenager I was, while reading Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari) in the silence of a moonlit night.

—

The Ajnata-vaas was almost over. Living incognito, in the palace of Virata, in the kingdom of Matsya, was Draupadi and the Pandavas- the scions of Kuru vamsha, the rightful heirs to the throne of Hastinapura!

The Kauravas trying hard to locate their rivals, had finally got a hint of their presence in Viratanagari, the capital of King Virata. Wasting no time, Duryodhana declared war on Matsya, and pounced on it from the south.

With the king away from the capital, the stage was set for a young prince’s claim to glory. Enter Uttara Kumara, the sixteen year old yuvraj of Matsya.

Flushed with excitement, and over confidence obvious to his age, he grabbed the bow and arrows. As he wrapped the armour around, he swore to his sister to bring the capes of Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna and Duryodhana… to make clothes for her dolls! With Brihannala, the eunuch, as his charioteer, he flew to the war front.

All was well till Uttara Kumara met Kauravas face to face. He stood there staring at a sea of soldiers, elephants, horses, and chariots. The gleam of armours and weapons was blinding. Terror struck his heart.

Riding the white stallion was a fierce looking Duryodhana. Next to him was god like Bhishma. Kripa, Drona, Karna, Ashwattama…. awe inspiring men stood galore on the other side.

Uttara Kumara was drowning in the sea raging inside his chest. The terrified prince flung his bow, leapt from the chariot and started running back to the city.

“Disgrace not your noble birth. Better die in the battle than run away.”

Screaming thus, an infuriated Brihannala, the eunuch, swung into action. She grabbed the fleeing prince and threw him back on the chariot. Taking charge, infusing fresh courage into his heart, holding him by her side, she rode fiercely into the Kurus.

Uttara Kumara was yet to know that he was under the wings of Dhananjaya, the conqueror of monarchs. Brihannala was Arjuna in disguise!

—
Srinath Mohandas
May 09, 2017

Musings 71: My Attempt with Learning by Doing

How do you convince someone that an individual learns better by “doing” than by “listening”?

Can you do it by making her “listen” to your long lecture on the superior nature of “doing” w.r.t learning?

Isn’t that like you becoming angry on someone for believing that anger transforms a person?

So, that’s exactly what I did a few months back when trying to convince my friend, a young enthusiastic teacher, that the lecture method, inspite of its benefits, is a very limited and inefficient way of teaching and learning. Of course, she wasn’t convinced.

The Debate

She argued that children need to be ‘taught first,’ before introducing to a task- which meant that children have to be explicitly told what they are ‘supposed to discover,’ before getting into the task!

I realised that her understanding of teaching and learning came from what is known as a behaviourist model, where you assume that the learner doesn’t know anything about what is being taught. In other words, the assumption is that the learner is a ‘blank slate’ on which the teacher writes ‘Knowledge’ that she posses. Note that, here, teacher believes that there is something fixed called “Knowledge” which the learner doesn’t know, which the teacher imparts. In this approach, the teacher may be willing to do activities in her class, but would want to control the outcomes because her whole focus is on getting “the right result”- Knowledge! If a learner discovers something else in the process, which the teacher did not intend, that will be completely over looked.

That is, the whole idea is that “there is ‘Knowledge,’ which I let you ‘pick up’ from this basket (task) that I have placed before you.”

There is no agency for the learner. This is what we call a typical ‘teacher centric education.’

Constructivism, as opposed to behaviourism, believes in ‘constructing’ knowledge. It doesn’t believe in ‘the Knowledge’ handed down as the gospel of truth from generation to generation. It argues that “individuals actively create knowledge” in the context of their own experiences. Here a teacher would give learners a task to explore various possibilities. There is no concept of “the knowledge” which all individuals “have to” discover invariably, in the absence of which she would “fail”. Therefore, a single task may give ten different insights to ten different learners – all of which can be valid, important and goes into the corpus of ‘knowledge- under construction.’

(This, I find, is most important in social sciences education, where there is no “Truth” but only knowledge which is continuosly built, demolished and re-built)

The developed world has embraced constructivism long back. But many of our teachers are still committed to the old world view of teaching and learning. Infact they are so faithful to it that when exposed to constructivist methods and strategies, they modify and apply it in the behaviourist model!

Back to Our Issue

I was a little disturbed that I couldn’t make my young teacher-friend see (appreciate) my point. Partly because it told me something about my own skills as a teacher and a communicator. However, I left it unfinished, for another day.

Months later, today, I was asked by a senior colleague to present before a group of educators, various constructivist paradigms of teaching and learning. As I was preparing for it, it suddenly occurred to me why I failed with my friend!

Rather than letting my friend ‘discover’ constructivism as a superior teaching-learning process through her personal exploration, I was eager to impart ‘the Knowledge’ that it was great. In other words, I was trying to “teach” her constructivism through the behaviourist model.

What an irony!

—
Srinath Mohandas
May 04, 2017

Musings 69: Men, Women & Marriage

It is disappointing to see young women compromise their lives for marriage. It is even worse when they are brainwashed into believing that it is all for love.

How many times have we seen talented and ambitious girls speaking about independence, nation building, empowerment and liberation getting timid at the first signal of marriage and walking into the mould of a 19th century house wife, the very stereotypes they aspire to break? I feel concerned when I see my near and dear ones taking this path.

Who is responsible for this? Who should take the blame? “The society,” is the cliched answer. Society, afterall, is a collection of all of us.

I see that the problem (and therefore the solution) lies in men- our attitudes to women. Our expectations from various roles played by her- as a mother, sister, friend, girl friend, wife are grossly misplaced. Most of us don’t understand what a woman is. We see woman not for what she is, but for what she should be according to the stories fed to us, as supplemented by our own imagination.

This is the mould that I was reffering to- carefully preserved, enriched by generations, faithfully passed on to future; the very same mould into which a young woman gleefully walks unaware, in her over enthusiasm to be desired and accepted. Welcome to patriarchy.

Marriage is a social arrangement. There is nothing inherently divine about it. The sooner we realise and accept this, the better. The sacredness of a marriage is the sacredness the man and the woman brings to it. Two dependent individuals, burdened by their own misconceptions about love and life, cannot bring fragrance to a marriage. They live as prisoners to each other, deluded that it is love, unaware of what it should be. Women often pay a greater price in it. Because the odds are stacked against her. Thanks to patriarchy.

Love is liberating. Anything that pulls us down and keeps us dependent on anyone cannot be love. Possesiveness is not love. It is pure dependency, slavish attachment arising from one’s insecurities. It can neither liberate the other, nor oneself. Yet most young women mistake this possessiveness as love. They fall for it flat.

Young women must realise that not everything their boyfriends/ husbands say come from selfless love. Many a times it is a man’s insecurity that comes out as advice to his girl friend/ wife. If your man tells you not to go for a second show with your friends, you should be willing to ask him if his concern is your safety or his insecurity of being less relevant in your life (because you can have fun without him). If your man tells you to give up on your career, because he earns enough to take care of you and kids, you should make him understand that career isn’t just about earning but a genuine expression of oneself. If you have a habit of letting your man manage all your finances, and taking a monthly allowance from him for your personal needs, then you should realise that financial independence plays a very important role in your independence as an individual.

Are men and women equal? I presume all educated people will say “Yes”. But I wonder how many of us realise the depth of the statement and the responsibility it brings along. For most people it is a mere politically correct statement to make. They don’t realise that their actions do not support their speech. Only a few understand and live it.

Love nourishes, helps us grow as individuals. If love is at the heart of marriage, it is the most liberating social institution built by human kind. If not, it is the most oppressive of the systems. How does one know if his/her marriage/ love life is built with love? Look at yourself.

Is your partner helping you grow, evolve as a person? Compared to yesterday, how much independent are you today- physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually?

It is for you to decide.

Letting a woman grow in independence is in the best interest of everyone. It is as much the responsibility of a man (provided he is independent himself) as that of a woman. At the end of the day it isn’t about men and women, but about right and wrong.

It is about justice and injustice.

….

Dedicated to my friend whose experiences inspired me to jot this down.

—
Srinath Mohandas
December 03, 2016

Musings 68: My First Hour into Demonitisation 😀

It was 7.35 pm on November 8. Fresh after a shower, I was ready for the day’s newstainment. I tuned into Times Now and was surprised to see Prime Minister Modi instead of Arnab. “Since when did a lion start intruding another’s territory?” I was amused.

PM with a serious face was detailing the hardships that common man face because of black economy. I was checking my FB newsfeed simultaneously. One of my CA friends, who was also watching live, has updated his status- “Is PM hinting at scrapping Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes?” Wow! I was really excited. I listened to the rest of the speech with rapt attention. And Lo!…. there it is! PM has announced the demonitisation of higher denomination currencies from midnight… tonight!

I reached for my wallet lying at the other end of the dining table totally unaware of the big bang reform which is about to hit it in another 4 hours 15 minutes. Felt really sorry for it. How much its gonna miss its friends- 500 and 1000 notes. (Not that it has many friends in that social class). I counted the cash. Rs.573.. in 100s, 10s and 1s. Phew!

The PM has concluded his speech and the “wise” have started their dissection. FB is exploding with congratulatory messages to PM for his macho ‘Kabali’ move. My excitement peaked. I came out with my own set of “cool” updates. Of course it was an instant hit. Got 303 likes, 52 comments and 21 shares, u c?!

I wanted to share my insights on the move with someone. No, FB status message and comments aren’t enough. I need to speak, articulate in sound. Sumithra isn’t home. She is outstation with office work. Not that she will be excited the way I am. “You and your Modi….,” she will say. But she sure would give a patient hearing.
I made a call to amma. She is a bank employee. She sure has a perspective on this. Let me hear her out. “All lines in this route are busy. Call after sometime,” was what our trusted BSNL told. Okay.

Amma called back after 10 minutes. “Did you hear the news? Do you have enough cash? Run to your nearest ATM…. NOW.” She said that in one breath. The last word was almost a scream. I felt irritated. What’s she talking about? Here we have our PM conducted the greatest, boldest, surgical strike since independence and instead of rejoicing we speak of such trivial issues?! I asked her what she thought about the move. She said she back it in full. That soothed my ears and I forgave her for that initial prattle. “You might have to go through some inconveniences in next few weeks. But I am sure you will bear it all for the national good,” I adviced. She understood that I was running hyper, so calmed me down, and said she will call later.

I continued facebooking and whatsapping while waiting impatiently for Arnab’s darshan in News Hour.

😀 😀 😀
—
Srinath Mohandas
November 19, 2016

Musings 67: Birth Pangs- A New World Order

What we see from India to Brexit to America is not the rise of a global right. But it is the fall of the liberals (elitists) to the movements (or leaders) that understand and acknowledge the reality of our times and inspire hope and action in the masses.

There is no global right camp. But there is a united global liberal (elitists) club which tries to make people “understand what is good for them” and let people choose their members as the cultural and political heads of the states.

Did you notice that there is nothing common between a cultural nationalist Narendra Modi and a racist and misogynistic Donald Trump, except that both of them royally trumped an arrogant, sanctimonious and politically correct liberal establishment? On the other hand look at umpteen similarities between a Hillary Clinton establishment and Lutyens’ Delhi. They match brick to brick. Their edifice is the same, their build up similar, designs exact!

Once upon a time the socialists and the communists represented the realities and aspirations of common man. It was a peoples’ movement. But at the turn of the last century the liberals (elitists) hijacked it, digested it. The movement that was born and nurtured to unseat the liberals (elitists) from the centres of cultutal and political power got itself tamed and domesticated in the hands of their opponents. Thus left liberalism was born.

Left stopped representing people long back, and there is no right that the people can look upto. Therefore all anti establishment movements find support of the people. This is the explanation for what we see around. Some of these have substance, others just fad of times. But one thing is for sure- these are the birth pangs of a new world order!

—

Srinath Mohandas

November 10, 2016

​Musings 66: Theology of Hate/ Poisoning our Children

(I request all my friends, especially my Muslim friends, to read this and share their thoughts. Request not to get carried away by emotions.)

The rapid rise and spread of religious fanaticism (in this case Islamist) is very scary. It is so real and near. The theologians of hate have been greatly successful in brainwashing and poisoning our children.
As I walked into the school today, I overheard a girl student complaining to one of my colleagues that a classmate of her has been appealing to them to convert to Islam “to save themselves from the eternal hell fire after death.” She was emotional (insecure) as she recounted how this boy repeatedly appealed her and her friends even after they clearly conveyed their disinterest in the topic.
I felt disturbed at this and spoke to her to get the fact of the matter. I was shocked to learn that the classmate she was referring to was one of my students from last year, whom I fondly remember as a very loving and soft spoken boy. I have had meetings with his parents (related to his academics) and had found them to be pleasant.
After listening to her, I sent her back to class assuring that I will look into it. I decided to talk and see what’s happening with him.
A few minutes later, I met him at the corridor. As usual he smiled at me with a “good morning sir.” I returned the greeting with a smile. It was breakfast hour and both of us were on our way to cafeteria. As we strolled towards the stairs I gently brought up the issue and asked if what I heard was true. His face turned serious. After about half a minute he replied, “yes sir”. I waited for him to continue. But he grew quiet. I encouraged him to speak and told that I am interested to know his side of the story.
“Sir, my mom recently completed a 3 years course in Islamic studies and is being felicitated at a convention this Sunday at  [asr] auditorium in Cudddalore (Tamil Nadu) . As part of the convention, learned [Islamic] scholars from Chennai and Saudi [Arabia] are coming. In the convention they will speak about [the glory of] Islam and appeal to all non-Muslims to convert to Islam. [One] thousand Hindus will embrace Islam on that day. They will also show [horiffic] videos of what will happen to non-Muslims after death. I saw a few them myself. It is horrific. I don’t want my [non-Muslim] friends to be tortured like that [after death].
“Sir, you will not believe. You will be shocked. I can give you links to the YouTube videos.”
[I am yet to verify the authenticity of what he said regarding the horiffic videos and mass conversion to Islam in Cuddalore on this Sunday]
As he concluded, I asked him if he really believed that “all non-Muslims will be condemned to eternal hell” by Allah. He replied in affirmative with conviction. I asked him how he was sure about it. The reply was, “the book says it. And the book is the word of the God.” I was surprised at the “faith” he has towards his holy (or unholy?) book.
I was very conscious of not provoking him or hurting his sentiments. After all he is sincere. He genuinely believe that being a Muslim is the only way to escape the horrors of hell arranged by the God (what kind of God that is?!) for the non believers. His young mind is not at fault. The fault is with whoever indoctrinated him to this violent and intolerant idea of Islam (religion).
I gently enquired what he thought about the idea of secularism that we had discussed in detail in the previous year in their political science course. I remember spending around 4 hours on the topic (over a week), discussing it from various stand points, reaching a consensus and encouraging all the students (which includes him) to take a pledge that they will forever uphold the secular and pluralist ethos of India as enshrined in Her sacred constitution. I had felt a lot of satisfaction that day. I had considered it my success as a teacher. Little did I realise then that the theologians of hate could undo all of it with such an ease.
He replied me with a blank stare. He was puzzled, unable to understand how the concept of secularism and pluralism related to what he told his friends today.
The bell rang. Breakfast time was over. I patted him on his back and told that we should continue our conversation at a later time. As we parted wishing good day to each other, he held my hand and said,
“Sir, I didn’t intend to hurt anyone. But I am scared that my [non-Muslim] friends, including you, are destined for hell. I don’t want that to happen.”
I was pained. I mentally directed all my rage at that wretched theologian who injected such stupidity, but deep seated fear in my student.
How long will we turn a blind eye towards this trying to be politically correct? It’s time we did something concrete. We should not let them poison our children.
– –

Srinath Mohandas

August 05, 2016

Musings 65: Bounce back

It is hard to deal with disappointments. It is harder if the disappointment is with oneself. 

It pushes you to utter despair when that habit which pulls you down, which shames you, which you vowed to break once for all, take revenge on you, at that opportune moment when you slip a bit in your awareness.
As that moment pass, when you realise that you are duped, that you have fallen from your ideal, you seethe in rage at yourself. “Why did I do what I did? Why did it happen to me?” That is when it grins at you. It tells you “See, that’s all what you are. Your vow? My foot!” It laughs at you and calls out loud “hypocrite.”
“Nooo! I’m Not!” You retort. You reason it out. Then you fight with it. Reiterate a thousand times that it wasn’t your fault, that it wasn’t intentional at all but was a split second’s lapse of guard.
Damage has already been done. That feeling has set in. It is overpowering you. Your body slack, your shoulder droop, head down, eyes well up. You curse that moment and wonder if you can ever be liberated of it. Yeah! Your self confidence is ruptured.
What can you do now? Calm down. Let the Mahabharata inside subside. Renew your vow. And most importantly commit yourself that you will never be off guard.
Sit quietly and realise that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
P.S.
kshurasya dhArA nishitA duratyayA

durgam pathah tat kavayah vadanti
The razor’s edge is difficult to walk on

Likewise the wise say the Path is hard.
-Katha Upanishad, 1.3.14
—

Srinath Mohandas

July 28, 2016

Musings 64: Insensitive

Had a very sad experience earlier today. My first thought was not to share this in public, for it isn’t something that make us proud. It was an instance of insensitivity and indifference to the plight of women and foreign guests.

My brother and I were on our way to Thrissur from Pondicherry, an 8.5 hours overnight journey in a luxury sleeper bus run by one of the private carriers. There were 3 foreign tourists with us. They seemed to be on their way to Ernakulam (10 hours from Pondicherry). One of them was a graceful looking lady of around 65 years. She was in the single berth, opposite to the one behind mine.

Around 5 in the morning, when the bus crossed Walayar, she felt the need to use washroom. The last urinal break was at 11 p.m (one hour into the journey). She got up, walked all the way to the driver’s cabin, and informed the staff sitting next to the driver. He asked her to wait for a few minutes before they stop at a suitable place with the facility. She came back and sat on her berth.

15 minutes passed and the bus was cruising on NH 47. The lady’s discomfort was growing by the second. She went and reminded the staff one more time. His reply was the same, asking her to wait for a few more minutes.

Another 10 minutes passed and there was no sign of bus slowing down. She walked down and reminded the person for a third time. Same reply, “please wait for a few more minutes”.

She was in agony when she came back and sat on her berth. Her face was down. I was seeing all of this and was feeling very sorry for her. I decided to speak to the driver and find a way to help her out. However by the time I rose from my berth, the bus had come to a stop. The staff came in and politely asked her to follow him. She thanked and followed him in a haste. Soon, 4 more passengers (all men) got up and followed to the facility.

What I saw next was something I didn’t expect. The bus was parked on the road side. There was no facility for urinal. All the passengers were relieving themselves in the open. And this elderly foreign lady had to stand right next to these men (no privacy whatsoever) and relieve herself.

I was really shocked and angered.  I should do something to help her. Would my response be the same if my mom/wife/sister/ friend was in such a situation? But what would I do?

By the time I rushed to the driver, the lady got back to the bus. She didn’t give eye to anyone. She was obviously embarassed. But she still didn’t forget to thank the driver and the staff.

—
Srinath Mohandas
May 01, 2016