Indian Identity-Bharat Darshan – Page 5 – Whole Dude

Whole Dude – Whole Peninsula

**Bharat Darshan: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari – One Land and One Destiny**

**Whole Dude – Whole Peninsula: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari – One Land and One Destiny.**

Excerpt: The article talks about the geographical history and future of India, specifically focusing on the Himalayas. It explains that India was part of a supercontinent called Pangea and moved towards Euro Asia to form the Himalayas. It further elaborates on how the Indian plate continues to collide beneath Tibet, causing shifts in the landscape. The post raises concerns about the potential disappearance of Nepal and the threat of global warming on the Himalayan glaciers, which are vital water sources. It concludes with the idea that India must defend Tibet and the Himalayas, as its destiny is strongly tied to their well-being.

The Continental Shuffle

The Land of India as we know today did not exist when our planet Earth was created and had arrived to take its place in the solar system.Our lives depend upon the life giving force of the rivers that flow down our Land and the most important rivers such as Sindhu, Ganges and Brahmaputra take their birth in the Himalayan mountains.We need to know about the formation of the Himalayas, the future of Himalayas and also know the consequences of climate change and be aware of the dangers of losing the glaciers which are the life giving source of our fresh water.We need to defend our Himalayan Frontier as our destiny is inexorably linked to their health and vitality. In an emotional sense, the idea of defending Himalayas has a great appeal and in response to the Chinese aggression in 1962, I served in the Indian Army to defend the Himalayan frontier. Apart from the threat posed by the enemy, we need to understand the bigger threat of global warming and its impact upon the Himalayan glaciers.

Over 250 million years ago, India, Africa, Australia, South America and Antarctica were all one continent called Pangea and is also known as Gondwana Land.

Over the next several million years, this giant southern continent proceeded to break up, forming the continents we know today. What ultimately formed the majestic Himalayas about 60 million years ago, was the rapid movement of India northward toward the continent of Euro Asia (Laurasia). India charged across the equator at rates up to 15 cm/year in the process closing an ocean named Tethys that separated fragments of Pangea. This ocean is entirely gone today.

To understand the fascinating mechanics of the collision of India with Asia, we must first look beneath the Earth’s surface. For at least 80 million years, the oceanic Indian Plate continued its inexorable collision with southern Asia, including Tibet. The Indian sub-continent began to be driven horizontally beneath Tibet like a giant wedge, forcing Tibet upwards and this process continues today. In about 10 million years, India will plow into Tibet a further 180 km and the country of Nepal will technically cease to exist. But the mountain range we know as the Himalaya will not go away.

We are assured that the Himalaya would continue to exist in the future but our future depends upon the survival of the snow fields of the Himalaya.

**Whole Dude – Whole Peninsula: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari – One Land and One Destiny. India must defend Tibet to defend its Himalayan Frontier.**

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Indian People belong to this Indian Landmass and hence have a common Destiny.

Whole Dude – Whole Lifting

Excerpt: The author, identifying as a rational thinker, questions who truly deserves credit for historical structures like the Taj Mahal or the Setu Bandhanam (Adam’s Bridge). They believe such recognition should go to the nameless workers who constructed these impressive works, rather than the kings and emperors who ordered their creation. Expressing a concern about personal and cultural identity, they imply that the credit for structures like Adam’s Bridge could potentially belong to the Dravidian people of Southern India, rather than simply to legendary figures like Prince Rama, as the epic poem Valmiki Ramayana would suggest. Also mentioned, is the importance of preserving such historical structures for their heritage significance.

Whole Dude – Whole Lifting: Taj Mahal or Setu Bandhanam – Who lifted the stones? SETU SAMUDRAM – LORD RAMA’S BRIDGE ACROSS THE SEA – THE STORY OF RAMAYANA GIVES A VERY VIVID ACCOUNT OF THIS BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.

I would very much love to be known as a rational thinker and my faith is just a byproduct of my rational thinking. I started my life in Mylapore, Madras and shared my story as to how Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam gave me concerns about my Identity. Kindly refer to my entry titled ‘Defining Indian Identity – The Language Factor’

https://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2007/08/13/defining-indian-identity-the-language-factor/ .

I grew up in the Smarta tradition founded by Adi Shankaracharya, and rational thinking is always acceptable to me. The ancient Land of India is known for lively debates and the battle of intellects at all of its seats of higher learning.

TAJ MAHAL - WHO HAD LIFTED THE STONES? — **Whole Dude – Whole Lifting: Taj Mahal or Setu Bandhanam – Who lifted the stones?**

We often attach too much importance to the Kings and the Emperors who had ordered building of monuments such as the Pyramids or the Taj Mahal. The real credit should be given to those nameless workers who had actually labored, carved and lifted the stones and made the monuments a cherished reality.

The ‘Adam’s Bridge has generated some controversy. The DMK Party leader M.K. Karunanidhi would prefer to view this structure as the legacy of Prince Rama, an Aryan person. I would like to say that we must give recognition to the denizens who lived south of Vindhya mountains. They lifted the stones and the trees and built this land connection to Sri Lanka. If these workers were of Dravidian origin, the Adam’s Bridge represents the heritage of Dravidians.

Whole Dude – Whole Lifting: Taj Mahal or Setu Bandhanam – Who lifted the stones? Adam’s Bridge, Lord Rama’s Bridge across the Sea, Setu Bandhanam – Sage Valmiki gave a very detailed account of its construction in his epic poem known as Ramayana. I give credit to all those denizens of Southern India who had lifted the stones and trees to participate in this Herculean Project.

India’s epic poem Valmiki Ramayan describes building of a Causeway across the narrow strait that separates India and Sri Lanka.

**Whole Dude – Whole Lifting: Taj Mahal or Setu Bandhanam – Who lifted the stones?**

**Whole Dude – Whole Concept: Taj Mahal or Setu Bandhanam – Who lifted the stones?**

Apart from literary evidence, there is evidence particularly gathered by satellite images to verify the fact of a Causeway built over shallow waters. This historical construction may belong to 5076 BCE and this site deserves protection as World Heritage Site just like the Pyramids or Taj Mahal. In the past, Supreme Court of India restrained Government of India from constructing a shipping channel called ‘Setu Samudram’ and the project was suspended. In my view, Government of India has no right to destroy this site for purposes of building a shipping channel.

**Whole Dude – Whole Lifting: Bharat Darshan – Ram Setu – World Heritage Site**

Whole Dude – Whole Mother

Excerpt: This piece pays tribute to Mother, focusing on the significance of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance in human creation and existence. The author extols the divine principles of fatherhood and motherhood, which shape life through a three-fold inheritance: the human genome, cytoplasmic inheritance, and the inheritance of the physical and social environment. The author emphasizes the role of the mother cell in bequeathing life, energy, and knowledge, via the cell or biological membrane, cytoplasm and its organelles such as mitochondria – the cellular powerhouse. The mother cell also carries unique attributes that, in combination with paternal genes, ensure every human being displays their distinct individuality. The cell’s functionality in acquiring and distributing energy, and its cytoplasmic intelligence, are ascribed to maternal cytoplasmic inheritance.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: Tridevi, the Divine Trinity, or Three-in-One Concept of Motherhood. 1. Mother is the Original Source of the Living Matter, 2. Mother is the Original Source of Life Force, Prana or Energy obtained by oxidation of food, and 3. Mother is the Original Source of Consciousness and Intellect.

I coined the phrase Whole Mother to represent the concept of Tridevi, the Divine Trinity, or Three-in-One Concept of Motherhood. 1. Mother is the Original Source of the Living Matter, 2. Mother is the Original Source of Life Force, Prana or Energy obtained by oxidation of food, and 3. Mother is the Original Source of Consciousness and Intellect.

I account for my human existence using the phrase Whole Inheritance which includes the contributions of the Divine Principle, the Father Principle, and the Mother Principle. The term inheritance must include the inheritance of Matter and Knowledge from Mother apart from the genome as the fact of existence needs the support from an external environment at any given time and place.

**Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance.**

The Divine Principle ensures the creation of the newborn who arrives in a physical and social environment to exist as an Individual with Individuality, an original, one of its own kind of object without any exceptions.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. THE ENTIRE HUMAN ORGANISM IS DERIVED FROM A SINGLE FERTILIZED EGG CELL. HOW IS THE IDENTITY AND INDIVIDUALITY IS ESTABLISHED AND IS KNOWN IN THIS COMPLEX MULTICELLULAR ORGANISM?

In Hinduism, a god (Deva) is often accompanied by a goddess (Devi), who is acknowledged as his Shakti or his feminine divine strength while in Physics there is no gender identity in the description of Energy/Power/Force.

The food we eat every day not only serves to satisfy our taste buds but also offers nourishment that ultimately leads to growth and development. In Hinduism, this food that we consume daily is associated with a goddess – Annapurna.

Annapurna Devi is believed to be the divinity of food and nourishment in Hindu Dharma. She is the goddess who delivers food for all living beings on earth. The name ‘Annapurna’ itself stands for ‘giver of sufficient food’ with ‘Anna’ signifying ‘food or grain’ and ‘Poorna’ meaning one who is complete, perfect, or whole. The equivalent of her name in English language would be ‘Whole Food’ or Whole Foods’.

With the blessings of Annapurna Devi, we can consume food and survive in this world. She not only offers nutrition to the physical body but also to the soul in terms of enlightenment and provides energy to achieve wisdom and knowledge. Goddess Annapurna is believed to be an avatar of Goddess Parvati, the spouse of Lord Shiva and is one of the many forms of Shakti. Apart from man and all other living things, Lord Shiva needs the spiritual medium of Anna Purna or Whole Food for his Spiritual Wellbeing. As per legend, Lord Shiva receives this Spiritual Source of Sustenance as alms and collects the offering in His begging bowl.

The Celebration of Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance

The establishment of human existence primarily involves three kinds of inheritance. 1. The Inheritance of the Human Genome, 2. The Cytoplasmic Inheritance which includes the inheritance of cytoplasm and its organelles, the Cell Membrane or Biological Membrane, and 3. The Inheritance of Physical and Social Environment that supports the existence

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The Human Genome is just one dimension of the 3-dimensional inheritance.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and human existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic Inheritance. The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance.

The Inheritance of Cell or Biological Membrane:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: Living cells have a corporeal substance called Protoplasm that has the ability of Spiritual Biotic Interactions. The Biological Membrane or Cell Membrane separates the cell from its environment and other living cells present in the environment. Cells use unique proteins, biological molecules and receptor sites to recognize the other living cells and use chemical signals to facilitate the interactions. Such interactions between living cells have the characteristics of consciousness or awareness.

The Functions of Biological Membrane:

1. Protection: It protects the cell from its surroundings or extracellular environment. Plant cell possess wall over the plasma membrane for extra protection and support.

2. Holding cell contents: Plasma membranes hold the semi fluid protoplasmic contents of the cell intact; thus keeping the individuality of the cell.

3. Selective Permeability: Cell membrane allows only selected or specific substances to enter into the cell and are impermeable to others.

Gases like O₂ and CO₂ can diffuse rapidly in solution through membranes.
Small compounds like H2O and methane can easily pass through where as sugars, amino acids and charged ions are transported with the help of transport proteins.
The size of the molecules which can pass through the plasma membrane is 1-15 A⁰. This property is responsible for keeping a cell ‘as a cell’, an individual unit.

4. Shape: It maintains form and shape of the cell. It serves as site of anchorage or attachment of the cytoskeleton; thus providing shape to the cell (especially in animal cells without cell wall).

5. Organelles: Cell membrane delimits or covers all sub-cellular structures or organelles like nucleus, mitochondria, plastids, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, microbodies etc. thus protecting them form the surroundings and also helps in maintaining a constant internal environment.

6. Compartmentalization: Cell membrane separate the cells from their external environment and cell organelle from cytosol. It help the cells and their organelles to have their own microenvironments, structural and functional individuality.

7. Cell Recognition: With the help of glycolipids and glycoproteins on its surface, cell membranes are able to differentiate similar cells from dissimilar ones, foreign substances and cells own materials. Cell recognition is useful for tissue formation and defence against microbes.

8. Antigens: Cell membranes possess antigens which determine blood grouping, immune response, acceptance or rejection of a transplant (graft rejection by MHC’s on plasma membrane).

9. Microvilli: They are microscopic finger like projections of plasma membrane present on some cells like intestinal epithelial cells, which are involved in a wide variety of functions, including increasing surface area for absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion etc.

10. Sheaths of cilia and flagella: Cilia and flagella are projections from the cell; made up of microtubules which are covered by an extension of the plasma membrane.

11. Cytoplasmic bridges in plasmodesmata and gap junctions: Plasmodesmata in plant cells and gap junctions in animal cells; meant for intercellular transport and communication, form cytoplasmic bridges between adjacent cells through plasma membrane.

12. Endocytosis and Exocytosis: Bulk intake of materials or endocytosis occurs through development of membrane vesicles or invagination and engulfing by plasma membrane.

Exocytosis: It is reverse of endocytosis that provides for releasing waste products and secretory materials ot of the cells with the help of plasma membrane.

13. Impulse transmission in neurons: The transmission of a nerve impulse along a neuron from one end to the other occurs as a result of electrical changes across the plasma membrane of the neuron

14. Cell metabolism: Cell membranes control cell metabolism through selective permeability and retentivity of substances in a cell.

15. Electron transport chain in bacteria: In bacteria; Electron transport chain is located in cell membrane.

16. Osmosis through cell membrane: It is movement of solvent molecules (generally water) from the region of less concentrated solution to the region of high concentrated solution through a semi permeable membrane. Here the semi permeable membrane that helps in osmosis is the cell membrane. Eg: Root cells take up water from the soil by osmosis

17. Carrier proteins for active transport: They occur in the cell membranes and control active transport of substances. Example, GLUT1 is a named carrier protein found in almost all animal cell membranes that transports glucose across the bilayer or plasma membrane.

18. Plasma Membrane enzymes: Many enzymes are present on the plasma membrane with wide variety of catalytic activity. Example: Red blood cell plasma membranes contain a number of enzymes such as ATPases, anion transport protein, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, protein kinases, adenylate cyclase, acetylcholinesterase.

19. Cell Membrane Receptors: Receptor on the plasma membrane performs signal transduction, converting an extracellular signal into an intra-cellular signal. Membrane possess receptors for hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies and several other biochemicals.

20. Plasma membrane assisted Cell movements: Undulation and pseudopodia are cell membrane phenomenon involved in cell movement. Amoeba, macrophages and WBCs move with the helps of temporary organelles like pseudopodia. Pseudopods are temporary cytoplasmic projections of the cell membrane in certain unicellular protists such as Amoeba. Some mammalian cells such as fibroblasts can move over a solid surface by wave like undulations of the plasma membrane.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. Cell Membrane imposes Physical Barrier between Cell and its immediate External Environment. In addition, Cell Membrane creates numerous Compartments to segregate or isolate Chemical Reactions and Events within the Cell. Membrane has remarkable Cognitive Abilities.

In this article, I present the Mother Principle as Goddess Annapurna, a special spiritual dimension of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Goddess Annapurna symbolizes the harmonious blending or coming together of Matter, Energy and Knowledge. My understanding of Mother and Motherhood comes from the study of the building blocks of Life. The most important building block of human life is the fertilized Egg Cell.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic Inheritance. The newborn baby upon separation from its mother begins life as an independent living entity by initiation of its vital, living functions such as Respiration and Circulation. To survive in physical world, the baby needs the ability to breathe on its own and circulate the vital supply of Oxygen to all tissues and organs of the entire body.

THE DIVINE MOTHER OF LIFE, ENERGY, AND KNOWLEDGE : I DESCRIBE THE CONCEPT OF "WHOLE ANGEL" AS THE HARMONIOUS BLENDING OR COMING TOGETHER OF ANGEL OF BEAUTY, ANGEL OF MERCY, AND ANGEL OF KNOWLEDGE . — Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. Goddess Annapurna symbolizes the harmonious blending of Matter, Energy, and Knowledge using a creative process called Anna (Food) + Purna (Whole, Complete, and Perfect)

The Father and the Mother – The Principles governing Life:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle called Goddess Annapurna symbolizes the harmonious coming together of Food, Energy and Knowledge to perform the complex living functions. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance

Father is described as the male parent, an ancestor, an originator, and as a Controller. Very often, in the Land of India, God is considered as both the Father and the Mother of all life forms. Mother is described as the female parent and something that is regarded as a ‘Source’. In the Indian tradition, Father may be viewed as the ‘Prime Cause’ and Mother as the Source of ‘Prime Energy’. Mother is the source of energy in performance of all kinds of actions and in accomplishment of all kinds of work. The Mother Principle represents the Endeavor/Work/Effort that makes action possible.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. Matru Devo Bhava. Tridevi, the Divine Trinity, or Three-in-One Concept of Motherhood. 1. Mother is the Original Source of the Living Matter, 2. Mother is the Original Source of Life Force, Prana or Energy obtained by oxidation of food, and 3. Mother is the Original Source of Consciousness and Intellect.

If Life is defined as function at the level of biological molecules, Mother represents the Source or the Origin of these organic molecules; Mother is the Source of Energy for the synthesis of these organic molecules; and Mother is the Source of Knowledge that provides the ability of recognition and the ability to use the molecules in a sequential manner to manage the biochemical reactions of these organic molecules to function as Life.

Mother – Source of Life:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance. Goddess Laxmi is the Divine Provider of Life, Food, and Well-being.

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

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Mother Principle of human creation and existence. The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The Biological Dictum states “EX OVO OMNIA” – Everything comes from the Egg.

**Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The Biological Dictum – “OMNIS CELLULA E CELLULA” means all cells from (previously existing) cells.**

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance of Life, Energy, and Knowledge.The Law of Biogenesis states that organisms arise only by the reproduction of other organisms. This cell known as Oocyte develops into Human Ovum or Egg Cell which begins the life of a new human organism after an event called Fertilization.

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

THE Source of Life – Protoplasm:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance of Life, Energy, and Knowledge.There is similarity between the cells of a man and that of his Mother Cell or Egg Cell called Ovum.

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

The most striking characteristics of protoplasm are its vital properties of “Motion” and “Nutrition”. Protoplasm has the intrinsic power to change its shape and position. Motion of protoplasm is called ‘amoeboid movement’ as it resembles the movements observed in the Amoeba proteus animalcule. Nutrition is the power which protoplasm has of attracting itself the materials necessary for its growth and maintenance from surrounding matter and environment. The Egg Cell or the Ovum is the Source or the Mother of Life. This living matter, living substance, or corporeal material has divine attributes. It is conscious, it is aware, and it performs cognitive functions to sustain its own living condition.

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

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

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The celebration of maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance.The Divine Phenomenon – A child always comes into existence as a created object even when it derives its life from a Mother Cell.

Mother – Source of Energy:

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

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: **God created Cytoplasm or Protoplasm as the Ground Substance of Spirituality.**

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

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: Adenosine Tri Phosphate or ATP is a Nucleotide; the monomeric unit of Nucleic Acid,contains a Purine or Nitrogenous base called Adenosine, a Sugar called Ribose and three Phosphate groups.In most Chemical Reactions of all cells in which transfer of energy occurs, the nucleotide ATP is involved. It functions as a Coenzyme in many enzyme-catalyzed reactions and helps in the performance of chemical, electrical, and osmotic work in animals, plants, and microorganisms.

Organisms acquire energy for their metabolism by two general methods and could be classified as autotrophs or self feeders and heterotrophs or feeders of other organisms. Plants are known as Photoautotrophs as they acquire useful free energy from the energy of Sunlight. In a process known as Photosynthesis, plants use Sunlight to break water into Oxygen and Hydrogen. Hydrogen is then combined with Carbon dioxide to produce such energy-rich molecules as Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and carbohydrates and the Oxygen is released back into the atmosphere.

Humans and most other animals are known as heterotrophs – these organisms acquire energy by the controlled breakdown of pre-existing organic molecules (food) supplied by other organisms. Humans utilize the atmospheric Oxygen (released by plant life) to combine chemically with organic matter (food) they have eaten and release Carbon dioxide and water as waste products. Metabolic processes do not occur in one step. It is not similar to burning sugar in air.

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: Cellular respiration is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.

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

Mitochondria – The Powerhouse of Cells:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance. In Mitochondria, many substances are oxidized and ATP, the energy-storing chemical of the cell is produced. This energy is utilized in a variety of cellular functions and activities.

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

Mitochondria and Chloroplasts – A Divine Source for Energy Acquisition:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance. Both Mitochondria and the Chloroplasts are semi-independent and self-reproducing parts of the Living Cells. It is a Divine Mechanism to provide Energy for Metabolism the characteristic of Living Matter.

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

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

Mother – Source of Knowledge:

Whole Dude – Whole Mother: The Divine attribute of Motherhood is the Maternal Cytoplasmic Inheritance. Goddess Sarasvati is the Divine Mother of Knowledge. Indian Tradition recognizes Mind, and Intellect as aspects of Material Energies. Life functions with Knowledge implanted into Living Organisms which display the characteristics of awareness, responsiveness, alertness, and consciousness.

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

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

THE Cytoplasmic or Maternal Inheritance:

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

Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness

Excerpt: The post discusses the diverse belief structures relating to judgement and forgiveness within the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic religions as well as Indian philosophies. While Western faiths promote the concept of a final judgement day, where individuals stand accountable before God, eastern ideology, particularly in India, is shaped by the theory of Karma and the belief in experiencing the consequences of one’s actions over time, without divine intervention. Concepts of forgiveness also contrast, with the West considering it akin to debt release, often through divine pardon, while Indian philosophy embraces ‘KSHAMA’, a guidance for patience, tolerance, and personal responsibility, without seeking divine forgiveness for deeds.

**Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. Judaeo-Christian and Islamic Belief in Day of Judgement**

Oh !, East is East, and West is West,

and never the twain shall meet

Till Earth and Sky stand presently at

God’s great Judgement Seat:

Illustration of Doomsday or Day of Judgement- The Book of 2 Corinthians,Chapter 5, verse 10 — **Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. Illustration of Doomsday or Day of Judgment – The Book of 2 Corinthians,Chapter 5, verse 10**

The ideas of Rudyard Kipling, the First English writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, may have been shaped by his Judaeo-Christian beliefs. The idea of standing before God’s great Judgement Seat belongs to the West. This idea is repeatedly expressed in Holy Bible.

Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. Romans 14:10-12 (NKJV) For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Apostle Paul in his Letters expresses the idea of coming before Christ for Judgment. In the Book of Romans, Chapter 14, verses 11 and 12 read: It is written : ” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

"For we must all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ"-The Second Epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians — Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. “For we must all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ”-The Second Epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians

Apostle Paul reinforces the belief in the ‘Day of Judgment’ in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5, verse 10 reads as follows: “For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

The idea of standing before God for Judgement is not specifically expressed in the East. In the Land of Bharat, the Belief in the Doctrine of Karma shapes the attitudes. In India, the idea of Salvation is not expressed in the context of going to Heaven or Hell as the consequence of a Reward or Punishment on the Day of Judgement. The Law of Karma asserts that “The Fruit of one’s own making is indeed experienced in one’s life.” As per Indian belief, this inevitability of consequences for one’s own actions is not operated by the mechanism of coming before a God on a Day of Judgment. In India, the man is free to choose between good and evil and experience the fruit of his own actions during the present stage of existence or at a later time in any successive stages of existence. These ideas shape our attitude towards others as well as our relationship with God. The Day of Judgement has no particular relevance to my belief in God.

The idea of Forgiveness:

The Lord's Prayer from the Book of Matthew,Chapter 6, Verses 9-13 — **Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. The Lord’s Prayer from the Book of Matthew,Chapter 6, Verses 9-13**

Jesus taught His disciples the manner in which they must pray to God. From the Book of Matthew, Chapter 6, Verses 9 to 13 are recited and popularly referred to as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. The idea of forgiveness is expressed in the context of a debt. To cancel or forgive a debt means an agreement to give up all future claims for repayment and hence there will be no future penalty and no punishment for an act of omission or commission. This same idea of forgiveness is also expressed in the context of sin.

The Lord's Prayer from the Book of Luke, Chapter 11, Verses 2-4 — **Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. The Lord’s Prayer from the Book of Luke, Chapter 11, Verses 2-4**

The Lord’s Prayer in the Book of Luke appears in Chapter 11, verses 2 to 4. Verse number 4 asks : “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us (or, Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us).” This idea of forgiveness is not simply about our sense of our anger or resentment and a desire for retaliation and to extract penalty for an offense. This idea of forgiveness is more akin to a pardon that could only be granted by a Judge.

In the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic Belief, God officiates as a Judge and could grant a pardon and then there is no further punishment or consequence for an offense. In the Land of Bharat, God refrains from the role of being a Judge. God is viewed as a Defender, Protector, and Restorer of Dharma or Right Conduct. God would intervene if the Scales of Balance get tipped towards ‘Adharma’ or immoral conduct. Individuals do not come before God for His Judgment and they would experience the consequences for their own acts according to the Law of Karma. God refuses the role of a Judge and He is not in the business of forgiving sins or debts. Indians firmly believe in the practice of repaying their debts and unpaid debts are passed on to the next of kin or to the member of the next generation. Indians may seek assistance or help to repay their loans or render service in lieu of such repayment. They do not pray for forgiveness of their debts. For their acts of offense, misdeeds, and sinful activities, Indians only ask for patience and tolerance which is described as ‘KSHAMA’ in Sanskrit language. For any offending behavior or crime, an Indian may plead for a sense of restraint and forbearance. This tolerance of an offense, this restraint in retaliation or counteracting a misdeed is expressed in the context of a belief in ‘Prarabdha Karma’, the Karma that afflicts the body as a consequence of past actions. There is no escape from this experience of ‘Prarabdha Karma’ and God does not interfere with the operation of the Law of Karma. However, God may grant protection (Raksha) or offer refuge (Saranu) , or provide a sanctuary (Aasraya) to a person who is seeking to defend his existence from acts of retaliation by his enemies. The ideas of ‘Saranu’, ‘Raksha’, ‘Aasraya’, or ‘Aasaya’ could provide defence, protection, support, and help without actually forgiving the individual from eventual consequences for his actions. The concept of forgiveness of debts and sins is not reflected in the ideas and concepts that originated in India. An individual under no circumstance should make any attempt to avoid personal responsibility and a Superior person would not personally retaliate and would not punish an offender in a fit of anger. The Indian tradition demands us to show patience while dealing with the mistakes and misdeeds of others and urges us to take action to correct a wrong instead of extracting a penalty for the offense.

A Prayer for Patience, Tolerance, Mercy, Compassion, and Grace known as Kshama:

Lord Shiva( the Auspicious one), is known as 'Maha Deva'(Great God), Sambhu or Shambho(the Benignant one),an Ocean of Compassion and a Destroyer of Sensuality, a Great Ascetic, the Restorer of Peace. — Whole Dude – Whole Forgiveness: The concept of Forgiveness defines the Indian Identity. Lord Shiva (the Auspicious one), is known as ‘Maha Deva'(Great God), Sambhu or Shambho (the Benignant one),an Ocean of Compassion and a Destroyer of Sensuality, a Great Ascetic, the Restorer of Peace.

करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा ।
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं ।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व ।
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥

Kara-Caranna Krtam Vaak-Kaaya-Jam Karma-Jam Vaa |
Shravanna-Nayana-Jam Vaa Maanasam Va-Aparaadham |
Vihitam-Avihitam Vaa Sarvam-Etat-Kssamasva |
Jaya Jaya Karunna-Abdhe Shrii-Mahaadeva Shambho ||

Meaning:
1: Whatever Sins have been Committed by Actions Performed by my Hands and Feet, Produced by my Speech and Body, Or my Works,
2: Produced by my Ears and Eyes, Or Sins Committed by my Mind (i.e. Thoughts),
3: While Performing Actions which are Prescribed (i.e. duties prescribed by tradition or allotted duties in one’s station of life), As Well as All other Actions which are Not explicitly Prescribed (i.e. actions done by self-judgement, by mere habit, without much thinking, unknowingly etc); Please tolerate them all,
4: Victory, Victory to You, O Sri Mahadeva Shambho, I Surrender to You, You are an Ocean of Compassion.

Shiva= The Auspicious One, Karunaabhdey = An Ocean of Mercy, Compassion and Grace, Shambho= The Benignant One, Kshamasva= show patience and tolerance, Sarva mey tat= all( actions/activities ) without any exceptions, Vihitha=enjoined or explicable, Avihitham= Not enjoined or inexplicable, Aparaadham= acts of offense or crimes and misdeeds, Krutham=generated or attributed, kara= hands, charana=feet, Vaak=Speech, Karmajam=predestined as a consequence of a past act, sravana=generated by an act of hearing, nayanajam=generated by an act involving the use of eyes, Maanasam = generated in mind or mental visualization of physical acts.

This prayer specifically refrains from seeking an unconditional pardon and does not aim at obtaining forgiveness. The prayer seeks Lord’s Compassion,Mercy and Grace; and is seeking for His patience and tolerance as the individual has no real escape from the consequences of all of his acts without any exception. The individual is seeking Lord’s patience and tolerance as he faces the inevitable consequences for his misdeeds and crimes; and Lord’s Mercy, Compassion, and Grace are needed to mitigate and to help the individual to bear the consequences for such acts and to gain redemption.

Let it be a sin or a debt, I am encouraged to do my best to redeem myself using the process called Paschatap which is similar to the concept of Repentance but does not result in the remission of sins. The Indian Identity is defined by the belief that there is no escape from experiencing the fruits of one’s own actions of all kinds including the actions of good merit.

Whole Dude – Whole Repentance

Excerpt: In various cultures, the theme of repentance is deeply prevalent. To Jews it means following God’s will and achieving atonement, in Christianity it’s linked to the purification of sins through Jesus Christ, and in Islam, the concept involves rejecting other beliefs and adhering strictly to the teachings of the Quran. However, in India, repentance is viewed as a mental catharsis and a personal choice, with no connection to conversion or the remission of sins. It’s an act of self-purification leading to changed thoughts, desires, habits, and actions. Indians believe in submitting all actions to God, without hoping for any reward. Repentance is a concept that significantly defines the Indian Identity.

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

Judaism and the Doctrine of Atonement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Repentance is not a personal choice for the Jews.**

The Message of Jesus – The Kingdom of God is Near and Therefore Repent:

"REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!" - Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 2. — **Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: “REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!” – Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 2.**

The Baptism of the sinless Man. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR." - Gospel of Matthew,Chapter 4, verse 17. — **Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: The Baptism of the sinless Man. From that time on Jesus began to preach, “REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR.” – Gospel of Matthew,Chapter 4, verse 17.**

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

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

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

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

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

Christian traditions accept the announcement of God’s willingness to forgive all those who truly repent of their sins. Christians are sharply divided about the Doctrine of Conciliation and the power to “bind and loose.”

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

Islam – “Allah is He Who Accepts Repentance”:

"Know they not that Allah is He who accepts repentance from His bondsmen and taken the alms, and that Allah is He who is the Relenting and Merciful." SURAH IX, At-TAUBAH,verse 104, Holy Quran. — Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: “Know they not that Allah is He who accepts repentance from His bondsmen and taken the alms, and that Allah is He who is the Relenting and Merciful.” SURAH IX, At-TAUBAH,verse 104, Holy Quran.

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

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

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

Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people.( Surah II, verse 185 ) — **Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people. (Surah II, verse 185)**

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

The Land of Bharat: Submission of all actions to God:

**Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Kayena vacha manasenindriyairva, Buddhyatmana naa prakrteh svabhavat, Karomi yadyatsakalam parasmai, Narayanayeti Samarpayami.**

While the Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims are constantly reminded to repent and to seek forgiveness of God for all of their sinful actions, in the Land of Bharat, the people are counseled to submit to God all of their actions; either good or bad.

**Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Submit all actions to Lord God Creator without desiring the fruits of actions.**

Whatever actions that a man accomplishes with his body, with his speech, with his mind, with his organs of motor function, or because of his attitude or temperament; all of those acts without any exception should be dedicated or submitted to the Supreme Lord known as Narayana. Without making any distinction between good or bad actions; man should refrain and should not desire the fruits of his actions.

The Three Modes of Material Nature – ‘Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga’:

**Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Sattvam, rajas, tama iti gunah prakriti- sambhavah, Nibadhnanti Maha-Baho, dehe dehinam avyayam.**

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

Gunam etan atitya trin dehi deha - samudbhavan, Janma - mrtyu jara-dukhair Vimukto ' mrtam asnute. — **Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Gunam etan atitya trin dehi deha – samudbhavan, Janma – mrtyu jara-dukhair Vimukto ‘ mrtam asnute.**

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

Indian View – Repentance does not remit sins:

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

**Whole Dude – Whole Repentance: Prove Repentance through actions**

Whole Dude – Whole Darshan

**BHARAT DARSHAN – A PRESENTATION AT HURON HIGH SCHOOL, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, USA**

Excerpt: “Bharat Darshan,” a presentation on Indian history, culture, and civilization was delivered at Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The speech incorporated an in-depth discussion about Indian culture, its symbolism, and the essence of its traditions. The presenter addressed questions such as ‘who is an Indian,’ ‘what was the most significant event in India’s history,’ and ‘the role of icons, symbols, idols, and images in the culture.’ It postulated that the birth of the Sanskrit language was a defining moment in Indian history. The speech also emphasized the Indian culture’s foundational principles, such as humility, obedience, and respect for various elements of nature.

Bharat Darshan:

I shall begin with a traditional greeting. As a kid, I was trained to greet and acknowledge others. The greeting is called Namaskar or Namaste.

Today’s presentation is named Bharat Darshan. The Land of India in our Culture and tradition is referred to as the Land of Bharat. ‘Darshan’ means viewing a place or an event. During this brief tour, I would present to you a few glimpses of India’s history and Culture. I would launch you on a journey to Discover India.

Culture is defined as learned behavior. My traditions teach me that I should approach life with a sense of abundant caution. I am cautioned to avoid absolute optimism. It is like fastening your seat belt before you begin to drive. In any human endeavor, I am told to expect a positive outcome only after taking care of any possible negative outcomes. If you are driving your car, the State Law dictates that you would reach your destination safely only after taking precautions such as the wearing of seat belt to avoid serious injury. My success is guaranteed only if I anticipate and overcome all the obstacles that I might face along the road. However, my success is never entirely mine. I am trained to believe that my success is a blessing and that I should accept success with a sense of humility.

Bharat Darshan: A presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor. Lord Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles. A Prayer for Success with Humility. Sri Vakratunda Mahaa kaya, Koti Surya samaprabha; Nirvighnam kurume Deva, Subha karyeshu Sarvada.

To remove obstacles that may hinder me on my path, my Culture offers an icon who is designated as the remover of obstacles. This icon is known as Ganesha. He is also the mentor of learning. The learning process begins after seeking His blessings. Today, I like to succeed in my speaking event. I ask Him to help me in presenting this project which I call Bharat Darshan. My prayerful thoughts are expressed by this Sanskrit verse :

‘Shuklaam bara dharam, Vishnum, sasi varnam chaturbhujam

Prasanna Vadanam dhyaaye, tsarva vighno pa shantayey’.

The key phrase in this verse is ‘Prasanna Vadanam’. All obstacles are removed and subdued if I meditate upon His face which is a picture of relaxation and total composure. This prayer specifically guides me to overcome problems by focusing on positive energy that can be gained by reflecting upon a face that promotes tranquility.

Brief overview of Bharat Darshan:

**Bharat Darshan: The National Bird of India. A peacock displays its brilliant plumage. The Discovery of India, a presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.**

During this presentation, I would address the following questions.

1. Who is an Indian?

2. What was the single most important event in India’s history?

3. What is the essence of Indian Culture?

4. What is the role of icons, symbols, idols and images in Indian Culture?

I . Who is an Indian?

**Bharat Darshan: A presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor. The Land where River Ganga or Ganges flows is known as India and the River defines Indian Identity.**

Culture gives people a sense of personal identity. Defining that identity helps in understanding the Culture.

**Bharat Darshan: The Discovery of India, a presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mother Ganga or Ganges describes the Identity of the Land and its people.**

The name Indian is related to the great river SandHumility which is also known as Indus. After the political partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, much of the river Sindhu traverses across the land of Pakistan. However, at no time in our existence we regarded Sindhu river as our symbol of identity. We view ourselves as people of a Land where the river Ganga or the Ganges flows. Indians cherish the value of keeping their hearts and minds pure and clean. We very fondly believe that Mother Ganga or the Ganges can cleanse us and help us to attain that purity. It is like the practice of Water Baptism. Secondly, we belong to a Land where people cherish the value of speaking the truth. Indians claim that God is Truth and believe that Truth is God. This belief is reflected in the motto of our nation. The motto is ‘ Satya Meva Jayate ‘ meaning that Truth alone triumphs.

II . What was the single most important event in India’s History?

Bharat Darshan: The Rig Vedic River Sarasvati is associated with the birth of Devnagari Script and Sanskrit Language. The ideas and thoughts that are expressed in Sanskrit Language flow through our National Life and the Language has become the Language of our actions, interactions, our Culture, our Customs, and our Traditions.

The single most important event in the entire history of India, the defining moment of our history was the birth of the Sanskrit language, the Language of people who identified themselves as “Aryans” around 1500 B.C. The introduction of the Sanskrit language was indeed a blessed event. Sanskrit became the language of our Culture. Sanskrit enriched all other Indian languages and encouraged the growth of literature in almost every region of India. The Aryan Culture flows in India and joins the colorful streams of all other regional Indian Cultures. This Cultural influx can be compared to the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag which we consider as the holiest of all holy places in India. Outwardly, the combined stream of life appears to be the same, but inwardly it illuminated our minds and vitalized our hearts.

III . What is the essence of Indian Culture?

**Bharat Darshan: The Discovery of India, a presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan**

I must again mention that Culture is defined as learned behavior. The most important behavior that is expected of me is that of showing respect and obedience. It is not merely about showing respect to the Gods we worship. Even the Gods that we worship also implicitly observe the rule about showing respect and obedience. This social expectation rules every relationship and activity. It is the basic expectation let it be parent-child relationship, husband-wife relationship, teacher-student relationship, employer-employee relationship, the relationship between the Ruler and the ruled, relationship between siblings and very often even between friends. Respectful conduct is expected while receiving guests, while dealing with any elder even though the person may not be related to you. In addition, several plants, trees, birds, animals, rivers and mountains enjoy a special status and are treated with great respect. This social behavior is encouraged at all times and we are trained as kids to display this behavior. Instead of God, I am free to choose a human, a plant, a tree, an animal, some element of nature or even a stone and worship that object with the same and similar amount of respect that I may give to God. The Gods of our Culture would not get angry or jealous if I get totally preoccupied with showing respect to someone else other than the Gods. Most of us get used to showing respect to a variety of objects.

IV . What is the role of icons, symbols,idols, and images in Indian Culture?

***Bharat Darshan: The Fear of Samsara. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean***

I am trained to believe that life is a complex and challenging experience. The life’s journey is compared to swimming across a vast and unknown deep ocean. The journey as perceived is neither simple nor easy. We are provided with icons and symbols as our navigational tools. We derive our comfort and strength by our dependence upon idols and images. We imbibe values by simply imitating the chosen role models. Personal responsibility and self-motivation are very important but for companionship and guidance we look towards one or the other idol. To draw a comparison, it is like using icons on your computer screen to travel
upon the so-called information super highway. Every icon that we use has become a part and parcel of our Cultural legacy. I shall explain a few of them:

Lord Shiva:

Lord Shiva is like Socrates of 5 Th century B.C. who is claimed to be the father of western thought. He implored people to ” know thy self “. Socrates stated that the ‘unexamined life is not worth living’. Shiva guides me to reflect upon life. Shiva encourages introspection, reflecting upon your own mind and thoughts. Shiva is recognized as the God of learning. To commence learning, we respectfully tell Shiva that we are ready and prepared to receive our learning instructions. In Sanskrit, the phrase that is used is ‘Siddham’ meaning ready. Shiva ensures that we are willing and obedient before we start the first day of our schooling career. Shiva defines that the purpose of learning is to acquire the ability to think for oneself.

Bharat Darshan: A presentation at Huron High School. A Mantra to commence Learning. OM, NAMAH SHIVAYA

Lord Ganesha:

Ganesha is the mentor of learning. He symbolizes the values of attentive listening, writing down words as instructed and patience. In the learning process, He works like a catalyst. He facilitates achievement by removing obstacles. He helps me to gain success with humility.

Goddess Sarasvati:

Sarasvati, the Goddess of Wisdom represents the value of acquiring pure knowledge. She is very much like the person described as ‘ Wisdom ‘ in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 1, 3 and 4 of the King James version of Holy Bible. To optimize our learning potential, to draw upon the immense powers of a creative mind, She recommends an attitude of humility, obedience and discipline. All the Gods of our Culture including Her spouse Brahma worship Her to avoid mental lethargy. She defines that the goal of learning is to transform our minds to make us creative individuals.

Conclusion:

**Bharat Darshan: A presentation at Huron High School.The Discovery of India – The Indian Traditional Greeting known as ‘NAMASKAR’ represents the essence of Indian Culture.**

Discovering India demands knowledge of plants, trees, birds, animals, rivers and mountains that are a part of our landscape. The Culture is reflected in the national symbols that we chose. A single word that can represent the full spectrum of our cultural legacy is Namaskar.

Bharat Darshan - Presentation at Huron High School Ann Arbor Michigan — **Bharat Darshan: The Discovery of India. A presentation at Huron High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan**

Whole Dude – Whole Pride

Excerpt: The post discusses the story of Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh, India who defended her honor by self-immolation. Her act, embodying courage and resistance, is revered as a symbol of pride in Indian culture. The author, a former Indian Army Officer, serves up personal insights about courage alongside the historical context, framing it as not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. The narrative underscores how individuals’ essence can transcend their existence, as illustrated by Rani Padmini’s enduring legacy.

RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORGARH

I had the good fortune to serve in the Indian Army and had the opportunity to take part in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. During my school years, I was a student of Indian History and always performed exceedingly well in that subject. In 1962, when China launched a massive attack across our Himalayan frontier, I was a young college student and took part in a protest march to express my resentment. I participated in the National Cadet Corps training but I never had the physical strength and profile to qualify myself to join Army and fight a battle on behalf of my country. I went to Medical School and in the pre-final year, I was selected in an interview and was granted the rank of Second Lieutenant and joined the Army Medical Corps. I could join the battle in support of those brave and strong men who confront the enemy. Army Service gave me the opportunity to know people of this Land and their great traditions. I take pride in the fighting spirit of each one of them, to name a few, the Jat, the Rajput, the Sikh, the Dogra, the Garhwal, the Kumaon, the Gorkha, the Maratha, the Mahar and the Madras.

I contemplate on ideas of dignity, pride, honour and courage. I knew my men well. I know their strength as well as their fears. I understood that the word courage does not mean being fearless. I see courage as the ability to meet your challenge and perform your duty in spite of fear. The ability to conquer fear is courage and it is not the absence of fear.

Whole Dude – Whole Pride: Rani Padmini – Her Essence and Her Existence. She defended her essence and destroyed her physical existence and her essence still lives in the heart of Indians and gives them a sense of pride. She declared her Victory over Death.

ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE:

What you are is your essence and what you do is your existence. Man is a physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual being. Man’s essence is defined by the contents of his character and conduct. Rani Padmini had set values and had defined her existence in terms of those values that she had cherished. She responded with a great sense of courage and dissolved her physical existence to defend her essence; the sense of dignity and the sense of honor was her true nature, and her physical being merely existed to project her essence. She declared her Victory over Death and her spirit, her essence, her true nature still lives in the hearts of Indians making her an immortal being.

**Whole Dude – Whole Pride: Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh displayed her Essence by detaching herself from her Existence.**

**Whole Dude – Whole Pride: Proud to be an Indian. The Legacy of Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh. The palace on the right is where Padmini is supposed to have stood.**

**WHOLE DUDE – WHOLE PRIDE: PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN – THE LEGACY OF RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORGARH. THE PLACE OF JAUHAR.**

**WHOLE DUDE – WHOLE PRIDE: PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN – THE LEGACY OF RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORGARH. RANA RATAN SINGH PALACE.**

**WHOLE DUDE – WHOLE PRIDE: PROUD TO BE INDIAN – THE LEGACY OF RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORGARH. PADMINI MAHAL**

**WHOLE DUDE – WHOLE PRIDE: PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN – THE LEGACY OF RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORGARH. VIEW OF CORRIDOR AT PADMINI PALACE.**

**Whole Dude – Whole Pride: The Legacy of Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh.**

Whole Dude – Whole History

**A photo and a bit of Indian History. A decorated Gateway at Warangal, India stands for the glorious rule of the Kakatiya Dynasty during 12th Century A.D**.

Excerpt: The post delves into the significance of Indian history and how it bears relevance to the author’s personal life. Central to the narrative is the Kakatiya Dynasty which ruled Telugu-speaking regions in the 12th century, with a focus on King Prataprudra’s reign. Emphasis is put on the legacy of the dynasty, and the heritage value it imparts on modern Telugu people. It also draws attention to the circumstances surrounding King Prataprudra’s demise, where he upheld his honor and dignity despite being captured by an enemy. The author’s and his brother’s names, Pratap and Rudra, are nods to these historical figures, reflecting their father’s admiration for the period.

**A Photo and a bit of Indian History. PRATAP-RUDRA: The names speak for themselves. It is a testimony to the influence of Kakatiya Dynasty over Telugu speaking people**.

My elder brother Pratap and me (Rudra) come together as Prataparudra. Does that name sound familiar to you? My father taught Indian History all his life and he was clearly inspired by the names of the legendary figures found in our history books. He selected names to reflect his admiration for people who lived before and who had established a glorious period in the collective memory of Indians.

My elder brother got his name Pratap to remind us of the bravery of Rana Pratap who challenged the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Telugu people also take pride in the legacy of the great Kakatiya Dynasty that ruled much of the Telugu speaking areas in 12th century A.D. The famous Thousand-Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda near Warangal was built in 1162 A.D. by the Kakatiya king Rudra Deva (1158-1195 A.D.) who is also known as Prataparudra I. One of the few queens in Indian history and a most prominent ruler of Kakatiya Dynasty was Rani Rudrama Devi (1262-1295 A.D.). Her grandson, Prataprudra ascended the throne in 1280 A.D. During his reign, art and literature flourished. The conquest of South India (Deccan) by the Delhi Sultanate started in 1296 by Alauddin Khilji. The first invasion in 1303 A.D. was repulsed by the valiant resistance of the Kakatiya army. The Khilji dynasty ended and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ascended the Delhi throne in 1320 A.D. The first attack by Muhammad bin Tughlaq was repulsed. During 1321 A.D. after an initial failed attempt, a much larger force attacked the Warangal Fort for the second time and finally King Prataparudra was taken prisoner. While being taken as a prisoner to Delhi, King Prataparudra released his life into the loving embrace of River Narmada and preserved his dignity. Maharana Pratap, Chatrapati Shivaji and King Prataparudra are our national heroes because of their resistance to foreign rulers and occupation.

**A photo and a bit of history. The name Rudra derives its historical importance when it is united with the name Pratap when it becomes Prataprudra.**

ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: Who you are (your essence) is defined by what you do (your existence). King Prataprudra desired to exist as a man of honor and integrity and defended the dignity of his existence and did not desire to yield his dignity to keep his existence. Indian tradition makes a distinction between the Subjective Reality of Existence and the Objective Reality of Existence. The Subjective Reality of King Prataprudra who was taken as a prisoner by his enemy was not consistent with the Objective Reality of Existence of King Prataprudra as defined by his nature. The King took the extreme measure to destroy the reality of his subjective existence as a prisoner and upheld the true nature of his essence which was consistent with the Objective Reality of his existence. By killing the prisoner, the King became an immortal individual. The prisoner had died and the King lives in the hearts of Telugu people.

Our names have stories to tell and guide us to revisit the history and we take pride in our Telugu heritage.

**PRATAP-RUDRA: The names speak for themselves. It is a testimony to the influence of Kakatiya Dynasty over Telugu speaking people.**

Whole Dude Worships Whole Idol

Excerpt: “Whole Dude Worships Whole Idol” examines the role of idol worship in Indian culture and the author’s personal experiences with it. The author recalls childhood memories of participating in idol worship, helping gather flowers for ritualistic offerings, and waiting for divine offerings. The depth of the cultural practice is epitomized in a personal account where the author and his siblings prayed at a temple for their father’s sudden abdominal pain. The reassurance they felt from the silent communication with the idol was unforgettable. Despite criticisms and claims of superstition, the author defends idol worship as a source of comfort and a genuine personal experience.

**Whole Dude Worships Whole Idol – Idol Worship – A Learning Experience**

Sri Raghavam Dasarathatmajam aprameyam

Sita-patim Raghu kulanvaya ratna deepam

Ajanubahum aravinda-dalayataksham

Ramam nisachara vinashakaram Namami.

Idol Worship – A Way of Life:

Worship of idols and images is an part of daily life in many Indian homes. Long before its birth as a political entity, the Land of India was recognized by the outside world as a Land where people worship idols. The plurality of gods in daily worship is a way of life. Indian people worship idols and images of one or another of the innumerable gods in their homes, in public places as well as in temples.

Childhood is a time of great learning experiences. A child imbibes Cultural values and learns Cultural traditions mainly at home while the child is dependent on and is educated by parents and other adults. Children acquire the Culture of the society they live in through a gradual learning process. My childhood learning experience of idol worship occurred in two places. While I was in Mylapore (Madras/Chennai City), the day would generally begin with a small errand. Myself and my elder brother Pratap would go out with a basket and gather flowers by just walking around in the neighborhood. Every home would keep some flowering plants which are traditionally used in daily worship. We were fond of gathering a variety of flowers for my maternal grandmother’s morning worship. It was a pleasant task and the fragrance of ‘Parijatham’ flowers that we gathered still lingers in my memory. I also spent my early childhood in Rajahmundry at my paternal grandfather’s home in Innispeta. My grandmother would also worship the morning rising Sun before starting her idol worship. Very often, we wait in the courtyard and alert our grandmother when Sun shows up in the sky. During the monsoon season, one has to patiently wait for the rain clouds to drift and let the Sun come out. At the end of her worship, we were always ready to receive the offerings (PRASAD) and there was always a sense of pleasure while waiting for these daily morning treats. Childhood was spent in observing the adults and on special occasions, the children at home participate in the worship while the elders give directions. The worship at temples was done in the company of parents and elders.

A Learning Experience from 1954:

I was six years old and was a fourth class student at King George Elementary School, in Innispeta of Rajahmundry. One evening, just after it became dark, my father experienced sudden abdominal pain. The intensity of his pain was very severe and he was alarmed by his condition. As the pain persisted, he started pressing people to notify others about his predicament and I remember that he wanted that his younger brother (a doctor) who was then working in Nagpur City, should be alerted with a telegram. At one point of this painful state, my father had even asked that he should be laid on the floor in the anticipation of an impending death.

My two elder brothers, Hari and Pratap, and myself watched this scene and were moved into action. At my eldest brother Hari’s initiative, the three of us proceeded to Lord Sri Rama’s temple which is located near the Godavari river bank, a short walking distance from our home. The temple was still open and had only a very few worshipers as night had set in. We stood before the idols in total silence and paid our respects with the traditional greeting of ‘Namaskar’. Temple worship is a simple act. You just need to come before the idol and you are not really required to speak out your concerns and spell out the reasons for seeking the darshan (viewing the idol). It took a couple of minutes and the priest graciously gave us a mango fruit as ‘prasad’. Those few minutes that I spent standing mutely before Rama’s idol at night-time, is the reason that I still remember and recall my father’s abdominal pain after a lapse of about fifty-three years. I went to the temple with a sense of anxiety and with a sense of expectation that visiting the idol of Rama would somehow help my father to get rid of that terrible pain. I silently communicated my concern to the idol and I received a response. The response that I received was that of reassurance and comfort. I felt immediately relieved of a burden and felt upbeat and the feeling was one of instant gratification. Myself and my brothers returned home from the temple. I wanted to tell my father about our visiting the temple and I wanted to assure him that he would be alright if he would take a few drops of the juice from the mango fruit that we received from the priest. When we got back, the scene had changed. I did not get a chance to speak to my father and offer him the mango fruit. He had a large vomiting and threw up the food that he ate before. It helped him, his pain started to subside and he could rest without further problems. We retired for the night and the next day was just a routine day at the school. We never discussed that painful episode again and the communication that I received from Rama’s idol got preserved in my memory and my family had no chance to know about it.

The rest of the world may call my visiting Lord Rama’s idol as an act of superstition or false belief. My heart knows and my mind remembers that the idol gave me a sense of relief and comfort and my experience was real and genuine. Every one is welcome to take the place of that idol and if they are willing to be a source of comfort, and I am willing to have their darshan and worship them just like the idols that I would like to worship seeking a personal experience which is real while the basis for the belief is not easy to verify.

Whole Dude – Whole Indian

The Descent of Goddess Ganga - The Spirit of Nationalism — **Whole Dude – Whole Indian: Defining Indian Identity – The Spirit of Nationalism. Mother Ganges is the Spirit of the Nation called India or Bharat.**

Excerpt: This article emphasizes the River Ganges as the defining symbol and spirit of India, uniting the country across changing political and historical landscapes. While acknowledging India’s freedom struggle and leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, it argues that India’s identity is far deeper and not reliant on political history, language or regional customs. Highlighting a song from the 1961 film ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behati Hai’, it asserts that India has always existed wherever the Ganges flows. This spiritual connection overrides every other consideration, encapsulating the essence of Indian nationalism and the country’s cultural traditions.

**Whole Dude – Whole Indian: The country where River Ganges flows.**

“….The Ganges,above all is the river of India,which has held India’s heart captive and drawn uncounted millions to her banks since the dawn of history.The story of the Ganges,from her source to the sea,from old times to new,is the story of India’s civilization and culture,of the rise and fall of empires,of great and proud cities,of adventures of man….”

Discovery of India, Jawaharlal Nehru

Whole Dude – Whole Indian: Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s First Prime Minister speaks eloquently about River Ganges shaping the lives of Indians throughout History. Mother Ganges is the Spirit of the Nation.

Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behati Hai (The Country Where River Ganges Flows)

Whole Dude – Whole Indian: WHAT IS INDIA? INDIA IS DEFINED AS THE LAND OR COUNTRY WHERE RIVER GANGES FLOWS. INDIA CAME INTO EXISTENCE WHEN GANGES STARTED FLOWING THROUGH THIS LAND. RIVER GANGES IS THE SPIRIT OF THIS NATION

Raj Kapoor won Filmfare’s Best Actor Award in 1961 for his portrayal of ‘Raju’, a song writer, in his film titled ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behati Hai’. The picture was released during 1960 when I was twelve years old and was studying in VI-Form (S.S.L.C. Class of March 1961) in Danavaipeta Municipal High School, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India.We had a beautiful marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi right in front of our school.I studied Indian History as part of my school curriculum.I used to score well in my History tests. It was not too difficult for me to remember all those dates,names and other facts that constitute the subject matter of History. I have a deep sense of appreciation for all those leaders who orchestrated the political struggle against the British Rule.The Freedom Movement did indeed foster a sense of purpose and united people to achieve a common goal. It could be true that the fight against the Colonial powers gave a sense of Identity and very often the freedom fighters were called ‘Satyagrahis’. I have great admiration for their sense of patriotism and I am ever grateful for the sacrifices they made to win our independence. I saw this movie ‘ Jis Desh Mein ‘ just once and may have heard the title song on the radio on a few occasions.But the song , “Hotoan pe sachhai rahati hai, jahan dil me safaai rahati hai, Hum uss desh ke vaasi hai, Hum uss desh ke vaasi hai, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behati Hai” never faded from my memory.

**Whole Dude – Whole Indian: Defining Indian Identity – Mother Ganges is the Spirit of the Nation called India or Bharat**

Ten years after seeing the movie, in the year 1970, at the age of 22 years , I was granted President’s Commission and joined the Indian Armed Forces in the rank of Lieutenant.While joining Service,we accept the risks that naturally accompany such an occupation and reflect upon the motivation that shapes the decision.I understand that the Freedom Struggle was important but that Struggle does not define my sense of National Identity.I have known that the country that we call India has existed long before the invasion by the Mughals,the country that we call India has existed during centuries of British Rule and now the country that we call India exists in spite of the changes in the political landscape and the political fortunes of the Parties that we elect from time to time. My sense of National Identity is not dependent upon the political history of our country. My sense of National Identity does not depend upon the language that I speak at home and it is not related to the regional customs pertaining to food or dress. I have known my country from its Cultural Traditions. In 1970,I joined the Indian Army to defend the country which lives in my mind as the Land where River Ganga flows.

Whole Dude – Whole Indian: Mahatma Gandhi is revered as the Father of the Nation and had promoted the Spirit of Nationalism during India’s long Struggle for Freedom. But, Mother Ganges is the Spirit of this Nation called India or Bharat.

In my opinion,the country that we call India is not a mere political entity. It is true that India gained its political freedom in 1947. The country is existing ever since the River Ganges started flowing across its Land.

I am not surprised that the song “Jis Desh Mein” still plays and I still hear the golden voice of immortal Mukesh, whenever my heart dreams about India. Most certainly, the Spirit of Nationalism is inspired by a history which reaches back to a period earlier than the British occupation of India.

Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai Lyric

hothon pe sachchaaee rahatee hain, jahaan dil mein safaee rahatee hain
hum us desh ke waasee hain, jis desh mein gangaa bahatee hain
hothon pe sachchaaee rahatee hain, jahaan dil mein safaee rahatee hain
hum us desh ke waasee hain, jis desh mein gangaa bahatee hain
mehmaan jo humaaraa hotaa hain, wo jaan se pyaaraa hotaa hain
mehmaan jo humaaraa hotaa hain, wo jaan se pyaaraa hotaa hain
jyaadaa kee nahee laalach hum ko, thode mein gujaaraa hotaa hain
thode mein gujaaraa hotaa hain

bachchon ke liye jo dharatee maan, sadiyon se sabhee kuchh sahatee hain

hum us desh ke waasee hain, jis desh mein gangaa bahatee hain

kuchh log jo jyaadaa jaanate hain, insaan ko kam pahachaanate hain
kuchh log jo jyaadaa jaanate hain, insaan ko kam pahachaanate hain

ye poorab hain, poorabawaale, har jaan kee kimat jaanate hain
milajul ke raho aaur pyaar karo, ik cheej yahee jo rahatee hain

jo jisase milaa sikhaa hum ne, gairon ko bhee apanaayaa hum ne
jo jisase milaa sikhaa hum ne, gairon ko bhee apanaayaa hum ne
matalab ke liye andhe ho kar, rotee ko nahee poojaa hum ne
rotee ko nahee poojaa hum ne

ab hum to kyaa saaree duniyaan, saaree duniyaan se kahatee hain

hum us desh ke waasee hain, jis desh mein gangaa bahatee hain