Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Goddess Sarasvati is known as the Goddess of Speech or Vag Devi and She symbolizes the importance of Speech Etiquette and Speech Discipline.Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Mother India, or Bharat Mata is defined by Her Speech which is Sweet, Elegant, Pleasant, and gives pleasure and Happiness to all Her listeners.Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: India’s National Song, popularly known as ‘VANDE MATARAM’ was composed by Shri. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee/Chattopadhyay. It describes India’s Speech Tradition.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed India’s National Song BANDE MATARAM (“Hail to Thee, Mother”). “Vande Mataram” became the Mantra and slogan of people of India in their struggle for independence.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette.Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette.
In the Song Vande Mataram, the Land of India is described as Suhasini, and Sumadhura Bhashini .Suhasini refers to a person who can speak in a pleasant manner without being rude or offensive and provide a sense of cheer and humor to the listener. Sumadhura Bhashini refers to a person who speaks good and sweet words which gives a sense of pleasure to the listener.
Speech is the oral, audible expression of human language while talking. Man became characteristically human when he learned to speak. All human Culture and its propagation appears to depend on some form of language to serve as the vehicle for teaching, persuasion and tradition.
Speech is a very important aspect of human personality. Culture plays a significant role in the development of speech behavior. Particularly, in the Indian society, there are social expectations in the use of speech, speech mannerisms and in the observation of speech etiquette.The manner of speech is predictive of human behavior. Indians are expected to speak softly, in a sweet and pleasant manner. A loud-mouthed person is generally viewed as disrespectful, disobedient and disruptive. In the following poem, the famous Telugu Poet Vemana describes the importance of speech behavior.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Telugu Poet, ‘SARVAJNA’, Yogi Vemana had described the importance of Speech Etiquette in a few simple sentences.
Sri Kumaragiri Vema Reddy is popularly known as Vemana, Yogi Vemana (Telugu: వేమన) was a telugu poet. C.P. Brown, known for his research on Vemana, estimates the year of birth to be the year 1652 based on some of his verses. Vemana was the third and youngest son of Gaddam Vema, then the king of Kondaveedu in Andhra Pradesh.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette.
Brass can produce high volume sound as compared to Gold but we consider Gold to be a precious metal and value its high quality in spite of its lack of ability to generate a loud sound. People who are mean-spirited and low in virtue speak in tones that reflects a sense of arrogance and self-importance. People of high virtue and good character would speak in a gentle and pleasant manner that reflects a sense of humility and the listeners would be pleased by listening to the words spoken. While speaking,the pitch and the volume of the sound is less important and we need to focus on the contents of our speech and offensive words must never be spoken raising the volume of speech.
Speech Etiquette and Indian Culture:
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette.
Indian Culture describes “Saraswati” as the Goddess of Speech or “VAK”. She is known as VAG DEVI. Indians worship her to obtain fluency and to become eloquent speakers. Our identity is related to the quality and content of our speech. Speech mannerisms, speech etiquette and speech discipline are parts of the grooming process of the children in our homes. In fact, the Indian Tradition of Learning begins only after imparting the importance of Speech Etiquette in the learning Process. Children are generally counseled to use some restraint in their speech. There are several words and phrases that identify an Indian speaker according to their speech quality and content.The phrase ‘Su Bhasini’ directs us to use good and pleasing words. The phrase ‘Mita Bhasini’ directs us to speak to the point using only a few appropriate words. The phrase ‘Manjula Vani’ directs us to speak in a beautiful and elegant manner.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Indian Speech Etiquette is duly reflected in the Indian Traditional Greeting.
The Indian traditional greeting Namaskar or Namaste represents the devotion to showing respect and displaying an attitude of obedience in public conduct. We can only meet this Cultural expectation by using a manner of speech which would convey the qualities of respect and obedience.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: The Tradition of Speech Etiquette. Speech reflects the character of the person who is speaking.
Dr.Martin Luther King, the famous Civil Rights Leader of the United States wished for that day when his sons would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Similarly, a person’s identity should not be assumed by the person’s physical attributes but by his attitude and behavior. As an Indian, I wish to be identified not by the color of my skin. ‘Sumadhura Bhashini’ is the Cultural standard of our speech behavior. If you care enough, listen to me, my speech would reveal to you the country of my origin.
Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette.Whole Dude – Whole Etiquette: Defining Indian Identity. The Tradition of Speech Etiquette. The Light reflects the traditions of Speech Etiquette.
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
THE TRADITION OF “GURU” WORSHIP (PUJA):
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
Since Vedic times, in the Land of India, teachers are held in high esteem and the reverence is reflected in the following verse. According to my uncle, Capt.R. R. Rao, “there is no Mantra greater than this”:
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
My Guru:
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
After joining Kurnool Medical College in 1965, I started visualizing Lord Sri Krishna as my personal Guru.I had a pocket-size edition of Bhagavad Gita published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.The book includes the verses in Sanskrit with its English translation.That format allowed me to read the verse in its original form and understand its purport through my own efforts.I had a hectic time at the School and was exposed to new information every day.
Whole Dude – Whole Puja: My Guru
Over four and half years time, I studied Physics, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Medical Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pathology, Forensic Medicine, Ear, Nose & Throat diseases, Ophthalmology, Social & Preventive Medicine, General Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Simultaneously, I was reading one or more chapters from Gita every day and was slowly incorporating Krishna as my Guru. I was more attracted to His teaching of “Karma Yoga” and I would still consider Him as my Guru even if “Gita” is the only known contribution made by Him.
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
My other Guru:
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Adi Shankaracharya has emphatically stated that his identity is neither that of Guru nor that of a student or disciple. I am not free to describe him as my Guru and I cannot call myself his disciple. I need to reflect upon my Identity and seek that Identity to experience the Reality.
Fortunately,I did not spend any time and energy to search and discover the right Guru.The choice was made for me the moment I arrived on this planet.I grew up in a family which followed the “Smartha” tradition established by Adi Shankaracharya. I have the freedom to designate Shiva as my personal Protector. I am free to choose Rama as my Benefactor.I seek favors from Sarasvathi in my pursuit of Pure Knowledge.I make the perilous journey across the ocean with encouragement from Hanuman. Ganesha assures me of success in my personal endeavors. In my struggles and battle of life, Krishna guides me to find the winning strategy. If I have to defend my self, I draw courage from Bhavani. I love to read and memorize the beautiful verses composed by Adi Shankaracharya. I would just quote a verse which my eldest brother,Prof. R. Subba Rao recognizes as a very powerful thought:
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
Even after learning every thing that is humanly possible,we still need to desire and focus upon the lotus feet of the Master, the giver of Knowledge or the One who dispels ignorance. With the blessings from my other Guru,I describe my attitude about human existence as that of “Individualism.”
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
Na me mrtyu shanka na mejati bhedaha Pita naiva me naiva mataa na janmaha Na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shisyaha Chidananda rupah shivo’ham shivo’ham Chidananda rupah shivo’ham shivo’ham
I have no fear of death, no caste or creed, I have no father, no mother, for I was never born, I am not a relative, nor a friend, nor a teacher nor a student, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva…
My elder brother Pratap stressed about the importance of “Guru Krupa” (Master’s Compassion). My Guru’s Mercy is revealed to me in the fact that I am able to work seven days a week.I can very easily manage to work eighty or more hours per week on account of this Guru-Sishya relationship while I maintain that I am a mere Individual and I am neither a Guru nor a disciple. I do not experience any stress or mental fatigue on account of sixteen hour work schedules. At the same time, I am mentally alert and could indulge in a bit of creative writing every now and then. Apart from this ability to work 365 days each year while I am 59 years old, the following verse shows that they are advantages in having Krishna as personal Guru:
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
bhagavadh giitaa kijnchidadhiitaa
gangaa jalalava kanikaapiitaa .
sakridapi yena muraari samarchaa
kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa
भगवद् गीता किञ्चिदधीता गङ्गा जललव कणिकापीता . सकृदपि येन मुरारि समर्चा क्रियते तस्य यमेन न चर्चा .. २१..
Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.Defining Indian Identity – Guru Puja. The Worship of Jagat Guru, the Great Teacher of the World.
My Indian Perspective on Current Events and Current Affairs
Excerpt: The given text presents a series of letters to the editor of The Ann Arbor News, addressing various topics including global issues, economics, social inequalities, religious sentiments, immigrant rights, military operations, scientific theories, relationships, capital punishment, autonomy in biological existence, embryonic rights, judicial insensitivity in the Schiavo case, and aspirations for peace. The writer emphasizes the importance of being aware of the Chinese domination of oil and its effects on geopolitical equilibrium. He critiques the military spending by the US in Iraq, advocate for the respectful treatment of immigrants, and stress China’s potential threat. His letters also encapsulate thoughts on citizens’ duty towards national growth and social justice, the significance of religious sanctity, and the role of self-awareness in promoting peace.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
If China dominates oil, it will dominate region
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: If China Dominates Oil, it will Dominate Region. HISTORY OF THE US-INDIA-TIBET RELATIONS: BIRTH OF THE RED DRAGON. OCTOBER 01, 1949.
As the gas prices across the nation hit record high levels, I am not concerned about the United States’ dependence upon oil from the Middle East.
If the United States is not willing to buy its oil from the Middle East, China is in a position to gobble it up. The position of the United States as a global superpower is dependent upon its level of oil consumption. If and when China steps in to dominate the oil market, it would proportionately increase its military supremacy and we would witness the Chinese war ships patrolling the Persian Gulf.
The United States may forego its need for oil from the Middle East, but could it step back from its role to provide peace and stability in that region ?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
McCain’s pragmatic approach preferable
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: McCain’s Pragmatic Approach Preferable
It has been claimed that what is good for America is good for the rest of the world. America’s total spending for the Iraq war is about $617 billion. Does this military spending boost the national economy and create jobs? The verdict is that the military spending is draining resources from the productive economy. It has a detrimental impact on many sectors of the economy. It has resulted in slow economic growth, less investment, higher trade deficits and fewer jobs. The American economy has slowed down. The federal deficit spending has weakened the U.S. dollar in the global currency market.
Meantime, the national debt is expanding at about $1.4 billion a day. Currently, the national debt stands at about $9.4 trillion. In the fiscal year 2006, the U.S. government spent$406 billion on interest payments to the holders of the national debt. The national debt is projected to grow beyond $10 trillion by January 2009 when the new president takes office.
In spite of this bleak economic forecast, American national security will remain hostage to events on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no easy way out. I would prefer to endorse the pragmatic approach of Sen. John McCain and that the U.S. troops can not really come home as being promised by his Democratic rivals.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Celebrities’ boycott of China deserves support
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News. Celebrities Boycott of China Deserves Support.
I am filled with optimism when I heard the news about the boycott of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing by film director Steven Spielberg and actress Mia Farrow. I am hopeful that movements like the “Global Action Plan Day” would one day liberate the Tibetan people and people across the globe can work together to end the illegal occupation of Tibet and restore their rights for freedom and preserve their cultural identity.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wage workers’ plight deserves attention
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Hourly Wage Workers’ Plight Deserves Attention.
While The Ann Arbor News remains focused on the importance of hiring a new football coach, no one has the time to pay attention to the minimalistic existence of countless numbers of hourly wage workers who toil in your neighborhood friendly grocery stores/supermarkets and at the numerous strip malls that have sprung up in this city. These workers are unorganized, their wages are stagnant and their work-related benefits are getting gradually eliminated season after season. As the workers have no protection, they swallow unfair treatment which, if not rampant, is a fact of life.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Cartoon of beheaded Buddha reprehensible
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News. Cartoon of beheaded Buddha reprehensible.
The editorial cartoon picture of a decapitated Buddha that was published in The Ann Arbor News on Oct 3 is plainly disgusting and is clearly an insult. It serves no purpose other than to hurt the feelings of people who respect Lord Gautama Buddha. Having worked for the Central Intelligence Agency’s “Campaign for Tibet” for more than four years in the past, I have come to the following conclusions.
1. America’s support for democracy and human rights is good when and where it serves its selfish interests.
2. America does not care to give a hoot to Buddha.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Encourage immigrants to become taxpayers
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Encourage immigrants to become taxpayers.
I would like to commend Jean Miller for her July 23 Other Voices essay asking that each and every immigrant should be treated with dignity. There is also a valid and genuine concern expressed by others who claim that some of the undocumented immigrants may avail services without paying for them and become a burden upon the society.
I would suggest that every person arriving in the country should be encouraged and be given the opportunity to pay federal, state and local taxes on every penny they earn, even without showing any proof of legal immigrant status.The government has an obligation to protect the borders as best as is feasible and it will be easier to identify taxpaying aliens. Individuals who earn enough credits to derive benefits such as Social Security and Medicare should be given a preferential treatment to adjust their status, provided they maintain a clean, crime-free record during their stay.
Wednesday, April 25 , 2007
U.S. could give Iraqi families assistance
I served in the Land Forces of Sultanate of Oman from January 14, 1984 to July 26, 1986. I served in several different locations and had participated in several Security and Intelligence Operations in the Persian Gulf and particularly at Strait of Hormuz. The decision to embark upon a Journey to United States was made at KHASAB, Headquarters Peninsular Sector Force (Hq PENSEC). The airfield at Khasab was built by American engineers and I have reasons to believe that Khasab was used as a launching pad for the failed Helicopter Rescue Operation to save the American Hostages trapped inside Iran. At Khasab, we provide logistical support to all United States Naval vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Khasab Air base also played a crucial role during the Gulf Wars. I had also supported other American military operations in Sultanate of Oman during my tenure of service in Oman.
On Easter Sunday morning I contemplated if the search for insurgents in Iraq could also include providing immediate relief to the inhabitants of the homes that are entered by the American troops.If no evidence of involvement in insurgency is discovered, the inmates of a home that is searched should be compensated for any property damage, their living conditions should be evaluated and relief aid should be delivered simultaneously.
The assistance could include giving bottled water, non-perishable food, nutritional supplements and oral rehydration fluids for children. Very sick persons when found should be transported to a field hospital.
Before I had arrived in Ann Arbor in 1986, I was taking part in a military operation of village patrolling to adddress the threat of Iranian infiltration across the narrow Strait of Hormuz. I could successfully reidrect the military intelligence operation into providing relief to people living in the remote and inaccessible villages of Musandam Peninsula of Sultanate of Oman. Amongst other things, I could use the military helicopters to transport people to visit the dentist at Khasab hospital.The air base at Khasab plays a significant role in the Persian Gulf and could be used to provide humanitarian services.
Money spent upon the reconstruction effort is not making a positive impact on the quality of life of ordinary Iraqi people. The principle of dignity of human life should be upheld at all times. The military security and intelligence operation to find insurgents in Iraq should include some elements of mercy and compassion.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Sound of the ‘big bang’ impossible to prove
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Sound of the Big Bang Impossible to Prove. A Designer Universe is described by a Greek word called ‘COSMOS’ which means Beauty and Order.
Writers of Other Voices and letters to the editor on the subject of creation/evolution frequently mention the “big bang theory.”
On this planet Earth, a sudden loud noise is often accompanied by destruction.Our telescopes and other instruments observe dramatic stellar events like supernovae, but do not record any evidence of loud sounds.Sound needs an elastic medium such as solid, liquid or gas through which sound waves could propagate.Sound cannot exist in a vacuum. There is no way a scientist could prove or verify the sound the “big bang” might have caused.
So, who created this “void” and made it impossible to hear the bang?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Gratitude for the rising and the setting sun
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Gratitude for the rising and the setting sun. What is the “Connection” between man and Sun? Does man have the physical and intellectual ability or capacity to directly harness Solar Energy to maintain his living functions?
This Thanksgiving Day, I want to give my thanks to The Ann Arbor News editor who is in charge of publishing the daily weather report. The weather forecast includes two tiny bits of information which I value immensely. The time of sunrise and sunset are the most important events that shape my life. The reality of my human existence is totally dependent upon this illusionary effect of sunrise and sunset. Apart from the physiological functions of my body, the existence of my mind in its three different states (awake and alert, resting and at sleep, partly conscious and dreaming) depend upon these cycles of periods of light and darkness.Dreaming is a very valuable human experience and I would not like to have that experience during daytime. In reality, the sun shines all the time but I am more happy with the illusion. In India, our people had given beautiful names to the sun. Some of those names are Aditya, Bharga, Divakar, Prabhakar, Ravi, Savitur and Surya.
The daily weather report reminds me that I should remain thankful for my existence and remember the Creator who made possible day and night without turning out sunlight.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Gay relationships deserve respect
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: “That which is done out of Love always takes place beyond Good and Evil.” Man with his Good or Evil actions and behavior cannot control the flow of God’s Unconditioned or ‘WholeLove’.
As another election season arrives in this country, we need to recognize the unfortunate fact that the issue of according equal rights to gay and lesbian couples got buried in the quagmire of ignorance, religious fanaticism and political opportunism.
Gay and lesbian relationships are neither deviant nor represent the overstepping of any spiritual laws. All human relationships, whether between members of the same sex or members of the opposite sexes, are motivated and driven by the same emotional factors that are an integral part of human nature. Humans are ruled by their emotional needs and less so by the biological insticts of reproduction. Any woman on this planet with the strongest of maternal instincts would still desire companionship as much as motherhood.
Reproductive success or failure does not determine if the relationship survives or perishes. The relationships among humans neither succeed nor fail on account of the sexual orientation of the partners. Partners in a married relationship could stay together for decades even in the total absence of sexual activity and no social benefits are denied to such couples.
Truthfulness is the core value of human existence. Being truthful, you would hope to build up a true relationship with your God.
Since all relationships are equal, no particular relationship should be placed on a pedestal while other relationships are ignored or put to ridicule. It is morally imperative to treat all relationships with a sense of fairness and equality.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Death penalty’s correct purpose is retribution
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Death Penalty’s Correct Purpose is Retribution
An article June 19 in The Ann Arbor News on state Rep. Dan Acciavatti’s initiative to amend the state’s constitution to provide the option of the death penalty doesn’t mention the word “retribution.” The purpose of the death penalty is not to protect the rest of the society from violent and vicious criminals. The state has a moral obligation to respect a natural entitlement of the murder victim. The victim’s right to retribution is the real issue in all cases of murder.
Murder is inhumane because it takes away a human being’s right to exist. Murder is immoral because it is a sign of disrespect and disobedience of law. The law that states that “thou shalt not kill” is not a law instituted by man. It is the law given to man. The state should impose death upon people who violate and disobey this law. The death penalty is a just and reasonable consequence of the murderous action of the violator.
Michigan should not shirk from its duty to recompense the murder victims. The state should join the ranks of the rest of the civilized society where people have the opportunity to learn and understand the consequences for their actions and appreciate the values of personal responsibility and accountability.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Nature hasn’t given humans right to choose
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Nature hasn’t given humans right to choose. Could we teach Wisdom to this Cell ? Could we alter the nature of a Cell as a Self-Contained or Autonomous Body?
The words choice and autonomy are frequently mentioned while people express their opinions about issues that pertain to life, issues such as when life begins and the manner in which it may end.
The right to abortion and the right to assisted suicide may lead us to this question. Is there choice or autonomy in the biological existence of human life?
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. The cells perform a variety of fuctions. For human growth and development, a very important function would be that of cell division and multiplication, also known as reproduction. Is there a single cell whose functions we can choose to control and regulate as we please? There is no choice if we do not have the freedom to choose. Is there a single cell whose functions we can directly govern? There is no autonomy when we do not have the ability to govern.
We may cause cellular death to protect the rest of the body from death. This principle is widely used in treating various cancers and to safeguard maternal health while managing complications of pregnancy.
Nature has neither endowed us with the liberty to choose nor bestowed us with the right to govern the cells that make up the human being. The cycle of birth and death may give us pain and we may experience severe loss of function.
Fortunately, there is hope.We can cope with the problems of human existence with our great ability to show compassion.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Embryo has natural right to growth, development
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Embryo has the Natural Right to Growth and Development. Human Embryo Implantation at about six days after Conception. The Single, fertilized Egg Cell and the Human Embryo that develops from it is Conscious of its existence reflecting its Spiritual Nature.
The ethical concerns that are involved in the conduct of research on living human embryos stem from the unique status of the embryo. It is prudent to discuss if the embryo could be assigned any rights that are entitled by a research subject. The embryo has a natural right to growth and development. We need to ask what actions constitute the misuse or abuse of an embryo.
During the biological life cycle, the human being should have a constitutional right to live with dignity at every stage of natural existence. The society has no inherent right to conduct research on embryos. We need to spell out the role of biological parents. Parental accountability and responsibility should be stated in clear terms to ensure that the embryo receives fair and ethical treatment.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Court decision in Schiavo case is insensitive
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News: Court Decision in Schiavo Case is Insensitive.
The attitude displayed by the U.S. judicial system is very shocking and disturbing. Justice proved itself to be not only blind but also totally insensitive to the human condition.
To offer water to a dying person is an ultimate act of kindness and compassion. Customs and traditions established in the ancient land of India make it obligatory to pour water into the mouth of a dying person even if the person is totally unconscious.
A person may not vocalize the sensation, but thirst is experienced till the final moments of life.
The U.S. Supreme Court helped to transform the legal guardian into a brutal dictator. Terri Schiavo was a disabled person who was murdered in broad day light. A handicapped person was legally exterminated in a very calculated and deliberate manner by the acts of a heartless, loveless, materialistic society.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1999
We can attain peace if price is affordable
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News:We can attain Peace if Price is Affordable
As we await the dawn of a new year, a phrase that comes to my mind is that of “peace on Earth.”
The history of international peace keeping efforts and the various peace movements is well documented. The annual costs of peace keeping efforts in Bosnia have been reported as $5 billion. If the assessment of Israeli officials is correct, they can make peace with Syria at a nominal price of $18 billion. It appears that we can attain peace if the price is right and affordable.
Is peace a mere absence of war and international conflicts? If society and the times we are witnessing are any reflection on the state of peace, we should definitely ask ourselves the question, is peace attainable?
The various manifestations of violence in our society, whether it is gun violence at schools, violence at work-places, or domestic violence are all aspects of a lack of peace-keeping ability. In general terms, violence is seen as a law and order problem. We can approach the problem of violence in a different manner. Violence may be seen as the expression of a mind that is not at peace. Violence may be attributable to a mind, which is not experiencing an inner feeling of tranquility.
The way to prevent violence would be through promoting self-awareness. You do not really need a teacher to achieve self-awareness. You are the observed as well as the observer. Your inner eye keeps a constant watch on all of your thoughts, feelings, emotions and moods. Your vigilance would have an effect and subdue the anger or rage you may be experiencing.
People need to learn and practice the simple task of observing their own thoughts. The essence of human existence is self-knowledge and the ultimate goal of living would be self-awareness. Every human being is capable of exhibiting kindness and tolerance, is capable of expressing sympathy and is capable of sensing happiness.
While the government is busy spending billions of dollars to secure peace elsewhere on this planet, it will be a wise and an inexpensive step on our part to pay attention to our own inner peace and attaining that peace through self-awareness.
Letters to the Editor, The Ann Arbor News – Peace through Self-AwarenessWhole Dude – Whole Editor: The Final Edition of The Ann Arbor News
Whole Dude – Whole Family – Vasudhaika Kutumbam, the concept of One Global Family with One Universal Divine Mother.
Parvati is Mother, Lord Shiva is Father, His devotees are relatives and all the three worlds (Bhu Loka, Bhuvar Loka and Suvar Loka – Earth, Sky and Heaven/SAT, CHIT, ANANDA) are my native place.
The Theory of Samsara and the Social Concept of Vasudhaika Kutumbam
Whole Dude – Whole Family – Vasudhaika Kutumbam, the concept of One Global Family
As a student of Natural Science, the study of relationships has always interested me.The scientific study of Ecology describes the interconnectedness, the interrelatedness and the interdependence of living creatures in a given environment.A study of Ecosystems deals with the concepts of Mineral Sharing, Energy Flow and Population Control.Living organisms belong to social communities.The understanding of ecological principles would help us to come together as one large global community and it would enable us to treat life with a sense of respect and appreciate the intrinsic beauty and value of all living creatures.
Whole Dude – Whole Family: The concept of Vasudhaika Kutumbakam, the concept of One Global Family
By birth, I belong to the Land of India where I inherited my views about human existence and the social community.The word ‘relative’ when used as a noun describes a person who is connected to the other by way of birth or by way of marriage.
Whole Dude – Whole Family: The concept of One Global Family
By birth, I am connected to the Land of India and by acquiring the theory of ‘SAMSARA’, I am related to all the living creatures of this planet Earth. My soul while transmigrating over several cycles of birth and rebirth has become connected not only to the human beings but also developed relationships with plants and animals.This is a fundamental concept that defines my Indian Identity. I am an eternal being and I am related to a myriad of life forms.
Whole Dude – Whole Family: Vasudhaika Kutumbam, the concept of One Global Family.
While living in Ann Arbor, Michigan I met with a group of young students of Pakistani descent at the local Huron High School. I am a total stranger to this group of young people. The older kid in the group came forward and addressed me as Uncle.This is precisely my own social experience.While growing up as a kid in India, I was always encouraged to recognize other members of the community as if I am related to them by birth. The social norm is to address others in an appropriate manner and even total strangers are treated with respect and are included as a part of an extended circle of family members.I greeted people living in my neighborhood as uncles and aunts. Amongst the members of the Armed Forces and their families this kind of affiliation and a sense of togetherness is much more pronounced. While I served in Uniform, the members of Service families always spoke to me as if I am their brother or their uncle. This social custom of inclusiveness is reflected in our popularly expressed sentiments. Mahatma Gandhi is recognized as “BAPU”(Father). As a child, I grew up knowing the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as “CHA CHA” (Uncle)Nehru.
Whole Dude – Whole Family – Vasudhaika Kutumbam, the concept of one Global Family. BOTH ANIMATE AND INANIMATE MATTER DERIVE THEIR IDENTITY BECAUSE OF UNVARYING OR UNCHANGING NATURE OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS THAT CONTINUOUSLY FLOW IN NATURAL NUTRIENT CYCLES.
Plants obtain their minerals and other nutrients from the soil. Calcium is an important mineral constituent of my bones and it helps to define my physical identity. Iron is the other mineral which is important to the blood that flows through my body and sustains my physical existence. By sharing the minerals and from the energy that flows into my life from plants and animals, I get connected to the soil and I get related to the Land of my birth. I further strengthened my connection to the Land by choosing to serve it and defend it.
Whole Dude – Whole Family – Vasudhaika Kutumbam, the concept of One Global Family: Life depends on the interwoven and interdependent relationships between living organisms and the environment. No organism leads a truly independent existence of its own. Each organism lives by either consuming other organisms or the products from other organisms. In a Biological Community, Life and Death have a relationship which has a Spiritual Basis.
We are all connected and we are all related to each other. Either you could explain it in terms of Cellular Biology and Ecology or you could see it as a consequence of the cycles of birth and rebirth and transmigration of the soul through living entities.
Whole Dude – Whole Family: Vasudhaika Kutumbakam, the concept of One Global Family.
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:The Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
The Ten Commandments:
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
The “TenCommandments” are given in the Book of Exodus, The Second BookofMoses, The Old Testament of Holy Bible and are repeated in the Book of Deuteronomy,The Fifth Book of Moses. In Exodus, Chapter 20, verses 1-5 read as follows:
And God spoke all these words, saying:
2. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage”.
3. “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
4. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
5. “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.”
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
The ideas and thoughts that are expressed in the above Commandments basically oppose attitudes and personal behaviors which constitute and define Indian Identity. If I accept the Ten Commandments, even the simple practice of traditional greeting of “Namaskar” would be prohibited. I greet my God with ‘Namaskar’ and so also I greet my parents, my teacher, my guests, the Sun, the Light, the river, the mountain, the monkey, the cow, the plant, the tree, the rock, the idol with the same reverence and in the same way.
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression: Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
The term ‘omnipresent’, being present everywhere at the same time describes God’s Absolute nature and Indians are culturally driven to seek divinity in all living objects and in all objects of this created world and universe. I touch and worship feet, I worship the fire, the water, the sky and the earth. I have a complete freedom of choice. I choose the object that I want to worship and do it at a time, place and manner that appeals to my free will.The Commandments intend to take away that freedom of expression and the manner in which I worship God.
I expressed my concerns about “The Ten Commandments” in an essay that was published in ‘The Ann Arbor News‘ in its daily edition dated Wednesday, March 1, 2000. I am reproducing the “OTHER VOICES” essay:
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:The Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
Indiana on verge of imposing religion on people
The Ten Commandments and the imposition of Religion on people.
I am indeed distressed to read the news report from Indiana announcing that the state House as well as the Senate had overwhelmingly approved a bill that would permit the display of the Ten Commandments at public buildings, including schools.
This is not a trivial matter. That state is on the verge of imposing religion upon its people. A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress during 1999. The idea of displaying the Ten Commandments is receiving widespread support from the conservative Christians. I am shocked there has been no public opposition to such bills apart from a small concern about violating the spirit of the U.S. Constitution.
Indiana state Rep. Jerry Denbo assumed that the Ten Commandments are not bad principles. Unfortunately, most Christians presume that the Ten Commandments are divine law and that they are benign and noncontroversial principles. Many proponents of these bills also believe that they can prevent juvenile crime and violence by propagating the Commandments.
What is generally not known to supporters of these bills is the fact that the First and Second Commandments have actually sown the seeds of religious intolerance, disharmony and hatred and inspired communal violence of an epic proportion.
These Commandments have curbed the religious freedom of innocent people who are totally unaware of the existence of the jealous God who delivered people from their bondage in Egypt. These Commandments have provoked and gave legitimacy to the religious persecution of helpless people who never even heard of a prophet by the name of Moses. These Commandments specifically deny an individual’s freedom to choose any god of personal choice and prohibit the right to offer worship to an image or form of one’s liking. These Commandments divide the people into two groups, the believers and the non believers.
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression: Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
In spite of their profound religious philosophy and the strength of spiritual knowledge, the Hindu community landed in the camp of non believers with very tragic consequences.
Unlike the Old Testament, the New Testament has no coercive language, and the ministry of Jesus has been a lot more tolerant of the non believers. Islam which emerged later, gave full recognition to Prophet Abraham and Prophet Moses. Islam only recognized Jesus as a prophet of lesser importance. Their holy book Koran or Quran, vehemently opposes the claim of Jesus to be the son of God.
However, Islam became a very strong and ruthless advocate of the first two of the Ten Commandments. Starting from early 11th century A.D., Muslim forces repeatedly invaded and attacked the people of the Indian subcontinent, for the Muslims hated the Indian people who are known for worshiping idols.
The Muslim armies carried out brutal and vicious campaigns, looting and plundering India with a belief that they were justly punishing people who are non believers. The Muslim attackers destroyed Hindu temples and ruined priceless pieces of art and architecture. The Muslim invaders not only enslaved the Indian people but also built their mosques over the sites where the Hindu temples stood before.
This religious persecution on such a vast scale continued unabated for several centuries.The memories of repression still linger in the minds of the victims and are reflected in the distrust and tension between the Hindu and the Muslim communities of the present day.
If the governor of Indiana decides in favor of displaying the Ten Commandments at public expense, he should omit the first two. He should refrain from promoting a bigoted notion that people who worship idols deserve to be punished, and he should not directly or indirectly infringe on the rights of the religious minorities of his State.
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:The Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence. Lord Rama whom I adore, during His life journey described in the epic poem of Ramayana worships His parents, His guru, the River Ganges, the Sun God, Lord Shiva, and others just like any other ordinary mortal being of Indian origin . Gods whom Indians worship participate in similar acts of worship. Lord Shiva worships Lord Rama and Lord Rama worships Lord Shiva.
The Ten Commandments pose a challenge to the survival of the seeds of ideas and thoughts that are planted in the Land of Bharat and the Indian Identity would only exist if people are willing to stand up to this challenge.
Whole Dude – Whole Oppression:The Ten Commandments – A Challenge to Hindu Existence.
BHARAT DARSHAN – DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – MY BIRTHPLACE. SAINT POET OF INDIA, THIRUVALLUVAR LIVED IN MYLAPORE, MY BIRTHPLACE
Mylapore – My birthplace:
BHARAT DARSHAN – DEFINING INDIAN IDENTITY – MYLAPORE – MY BIRTHPLACE IS KNOWN AS THE TOWN OF PEACOCKS
The Tamils called it Mailapur (town of peacocks), Mailiga Vandha Voor (town where peacock offers worship) and in the Sanskrit language it is known as Mayurpuri (the abode of peacocks). Greeks called it Maliarpha and the Portuguese called it Meliapur. Finally, the English called it Mylapore.
Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace, Mylapore derives its name from peacock birds. A peacock displays its brilliant plumage.
Mylapore is a known center of human habitation for thousands of years. Even before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Tamil Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar lived here.He conveyed his noble thoughts in the form of poems and his work known as Thirukkural can rightly be claimed as a gift of God to mankind. I am happy to present some poems translated into English by Shri.J Narayanaswamy.
Reading From Thirukkural.10. Kindness in Words
91. Sweet words laced with love, free from
deceit, are the gift of the enlightened
92. Saying sweet things with a smile, is as
good as munificence of a kind soul
93. Earnest words from the mind, conveyed
with a smile, have virtue in them
94. The woe of unfriendliness does not afflict
those who instil mirth by sweet words
95. Those adorned with modesty, speaking sweet
truths do not need other decorations
96. Pursuing virtue in the goodness of
fruitful words, vanishes harm
97. Graceful words of kindness
yield fruitful good deeds
98. Sweet words free from deceit, afford
pleasure to life and fame beyond it
99. Who perceives seeds of goodness in sweet
words have no mind for harsh things
100. None having ripe fruits relish raw ones; who will
speak harsh when sweetness can achieve good.
Please feel free to spread those sweet words which took birth in Mylapore.
Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I was born at the residence of my maternal grandfather on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Kapaleeswara Temple and the Santhome Cathedral near Santhome Beach.Bharat Darshan-Defining Indian Identity-My Birthplace. Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I was born at the residence of my maternal grandfather on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Kapaleeswara Temple and the Santhome Cathedral.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I was born at the residence of my maternal grandfather on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Kapaleeswara Temple and the Santhome Cathedral.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity – My birthplace Mylapore: This landmark Temple of Kapaleeswarar binds me to my birthplace Mylapore, Madras (Chennai). The Presiding Deity of this Temple is my personal Protector and hence I am “RUDRA.” Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I was born at the residence of my maternal grandfather on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Kapaleeswara Temple and the Santhome Cathedral. A view of Kapaleeswara Temple, Mylapore, Madras.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I was born at the residence of my maternal grandfather on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Kapaleeswara Temple and the Santhome Cathedral. A view of Kapaleeswara Temple, Mylapore, Madras.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome BeachBharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identiny: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome CathedralBharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Santhome Cathedral and Luz Corner.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Santhome Cathedral and Luz Corner.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a very short distance from the Santhome Cathedral and Luz Corner.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome Cathedral.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome Beach. A view of Marina Beach, Mylapore, Madras.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome Beach. A view of Marina Beach, Mylapore, Madras.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: My birthplace was a residence on Kutchery Street, a short distance from the Luz Corner and the Santhome Beach. A view of Marina Beach, Mylapore, Madras.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I have known this house of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Royapettah High Road since my early childhood due to the Kasturi-Sarvepalli Family Connection.Bharat Darshan – Defining Indian Identity: Mylapore, Madras is my birthplace. I have known this house of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Royapettah High Road since my early childhood due to the Kasturi-Sarvepalli Family Connection.Bharat Darshan-Defining Indian Identity – The Saint Poet of India, Thiruvalluvar defines Identity of my Birthplace
Whole Dude – Whole Icon: A visual representation of God for religious devotion and worship.
An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting. They are not simply artworks; “an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion”. Icons (from the Greek eikones) are sacred images. “Icon” and “symbol” are terms that we often use interchangeably, but there’s actually a subtle difference: An icon is a literal, visual representation of the thing it represents, whereas a symbol can be a more abstract representation of something.
Whole Dude – Whole Icons: Defining Indian Identity – The portrayal of religious icons.
Whole Dude – Whole Icon: A visual representation of God for religious devotion and worship
With the fragrant kasturi-mark on the forehead, the precious Kaustubha gem on the chest, the lovely pearl-jewel at the nose tip, the flute in the palm and the kankan (bangle) encircling the hand, the scented sandalwood paste all over the body, the pearl-necklace around the beautiful neck, surrounded by milk-maids – may victory be yours, O crown gem of Gopalas.
The Portrayal of Religious Icons:
Whole Dude – Whole Icons: Defining Indian Identity – The portrayal of religious icons
Apart from the basic differences in the ideas and thoughts of various religious traditions of this world, there is a fundamental difference in the visual characterization of the religious icons. The first thing that strikes the mind of the reader of religious scriptures is the difference in the way the scriptures portray their icons. When I read The Holy Bible, The Holy Quran, no religious image comes before my eyes. I have to really struggle hard to imagine as to who is speaking to me.These Scriptures have several characters which are clearly human but there is no description of their physical attributes and the portrayal is lacking in information that would help the reader to develop a visual image. If you read the above verse, the beautiful image of Lord Krishna automatically comes before you without any effort. I define this as Indian Identity, it is a reflection upon our nature and our literature does a marvellous job giving life and color to the icons and I feel it becomes very easy for me to get connected to them and listen to them as they guide us in our spiritual journey.
Whole Dude – Whole Icon: Defining Indian Identity – The portrayal of religious icons
yasya smaraNa-mAtreNa janma-samsAra-bandhanAt vimuchyate namas-tasmai vishNave prabhavishNave. Om namo vishNave prabhavishNave. [ My salutations to that superior diety vishNu, by a mere thought of Whose name all persons are freed from the bonds of samsara (birth and death).
Whole Dude – Whole Icon: A visual representation of God for religious devotion and worship
Just remembering Vishnu’s name could deliver us from the trappings of Samsara and the remembrance becomes all the more easier when you recall the image.
Whole Dude – Whole Icons: Defining Indian Identity – The portrayal of religious icons.Whole Dude – Whole Icons: A visual representation of God for religious devotion and worship.
Whole Dude – Whole Terror: Defending Indian Identity-The Challenge of Terror. The tragic scene at Lumbini Amusement Park, Hyderabad, India on August 25, 2007 (Hyderabad Bombings).
Excerpt: In the Land of Bharat from where beautiful thoughts have blossomed, the people have now become increasingly vulnerable to Terror Attacks and a countless number of innocent lives have already perished because of evil forces which desire to wipe out our Identity as a people.
Whole Dude – Whole Terror: Defending Indian Identity-The Challenge of Terror. The tragic scene at Lumbini Amusement Park, Hyderabad, India on August 25, 2007 (Hyderabad Bombings).
In the Land of Bharat from where beautiful thoughts have blossomed, the people have now become increasingly vulnerable to Terror Attacks and a countless number of innocent lives have already perished because of evil forces which desire to wipe out our Identity as a people. While we commit ourselves to promote peace and goodwill and work for the well- being of all people, there is no escape from the challenge that we face today. As a community and as a nation, we have no alternative other than preparing ourselves to this threat that is showing its ugly face without prior notice or warning.
A Strategy to face the Security Challenges of Terrorism
Whole Dude – Whole Terror: Defending Indian Identity-The Challenge of Terror. The tragic scene at Lumbini Amusement Park, Hyderabad, India on August 25, 2007 (Hyderabad Bombings).
Terror and ruthless violence have become the tools of fanatics who would like to impose their socio-cultural agenda to bring about large scale societal changes by using coercion and not negotiation. The recent bomb attacks in the city of Hyderabad on August 25, 2007 is establishing a trend. The targets of terror are very soft and nothing was known about an impending attack. There is no easily identifiable group. There is no proclaimed goal or agenda other than that of destroying the fabric of the Indian society.
We should stop clinging to the traditional views of conventional wars between countries. Each incident of terror attack should be legally defined as an act of war and the suspects should be held accountable for war crimes. The Armed Forces of the country should be equipped, prepared and redeployed to join this battle at a short notice.The military planners need to evolve a strategy for urban warfare and to pursue an enemy hiding in densely populated areas and to engage enemy targets with great precision and fire power which could be delivered with greater accuracy. The military intelligence capabilities should be enhanced to evolve military operations against internal enemies. We may need trained, rapid response teams to respond to this kind of aggression and its aftermath of wounded victims. The asymmetrical war unleashed by the terror groups is of equal importance in terms of the danger it poses to our national sovereignty. The response to each attack should come from the nation as a whole with the Armed Forces keeping the option of a military strike in retaliation.
The most important task following a terror attack would be that of caring for the victims. The Army Response Teams should be called in to arrange for the evacuation and treatment of the victims in the same manner that casualties from a battle field are taken care of. The wounded should be treated, rehabilitated and be provided followup care and paid a disability pension if required. We need to take care of victims instead of forgetting about them after paying some compensation. The investigation of the incidents and the prosecution of suspects should happen under the jurisdictional directions from the military authority.There should be no public disclosures about the evidence and the tools and methods used for collection of evidence. Such disclosures would only help the terror groups to plan their future attacks better. The suspects should be tried under the provisions of the military law in military courts. Indian citizens who are accomplices to these acts of war should be charged with treason and tried as traitors. If we are at war with groups and terror outfits based in foreign countries, our trade and diplomatic relationships should reflect the state of war that exists and there should be no normalization of relationships till such time the threat is neutralized.
Our government has an obligation to protect and defend the rights of the people and we need to step up our response to these acts of war of aggression.
Whole Dude – Whole Terror: Defending Indian Identity-The Challenge of Terror
Sanatana Dharma of India. Theertham, Tirtha, Tirthasthan, Tirtha Yatra, Tirtha Snan, and the ritual of Bathing and Purification.
The ancient traditions of India are often described as ‘Sanatana Dharma’. Indians for a very long time recognized the significance of Water and use it in various rituals, particularly for the purification of the human body which is prone to sickness or illness attributed to sinful thoughts, words, and actions. The term ‘Theertham’ refers to water that is sanctified by prayerful thought and by using it in the devotional worship of God.
Sanatana Dharma of India – Theertam, Tirtha, Tirthasthan, Tirtha Yatra, Tirtha Snan and the ritual of Bathing and Purification.
The term ‘Tirtha’ refers to a body of water such as a well, pond, lake, river, or sea which gets an elevated status because of its geographical association with a physical location, place, or position named ‘Sthan’ or ‘Kshetra’. The physical journey to visit the place of Tirthasthan is called Tirtha Yatra.
Sanatana Dharma of India – Theertham, Tirtha, Tirthasthan, Tirtha Yatra, Tirtha Snan, and the ritual of Bathing and Purification.
The act of taking a bath or dipping into the water at a Tirthasthan is called Tirtha Snan.
Sanatana Dharma of India – Theertham, Tirtha, Tirthasthan, Tirtha Yatra, Tirtha Snan, and the rituals of Bathing and Purification.Sanatana Dharma of India – Theertham, Tirtha, Tirthasthan, Tirtha Yatra, Tirtha Snan, and the rituals of Bathing and Purification.
I ask my readers to reflect on the divine attributes of the Water Molecule. The original, sweet taste of fresh water cannot be discovered by the study of the properties of the Chemical Elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen which combine to form the Chemical Compound called Water. Man, like several other terrestrial creatures, depends upon Fresh Water delivered from Heaven.
Kumbh Mela: Millions of Indians take a holy dip – BBC News
Sanatana Dharma of India – The rituals of Bathing and Purification.
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
Millions of people have taken to the waters at the confluence of India’s sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers as part of the Kumbh Mela festival – humanity’s largest gathering.
Officials told the BBC some 15m people bathed on Tuesday. They expect about 120m visitors over 49 days.
Hindus believe bathing at the rivers will cleanse their sins and bring salvation.
The holy men were among the first procession to arrive early Tuesday.
Sadhus – or ascetics – smeared ash on their bodies as they came out of the water and chanted “Har Har Gange”, or “Mother Ganges”, and danced while posing for photographers.
Sanatana Dharma of India – The rituals of Bathing and Purification.
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
The Naga sadhus are the biggest draw of the festival – held in the northern city of Allahabad, recently renamed Prayagraj – and arrived early in the morning in massive colorful processions.
Thousands of the Sadhus – naked and wearing marigold garlands around their necks – were escorted by police to the river as they chanted slogans invoking Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. Many were waving tridents and swords.
At the last Kumbh in 2013, female ascetics were allowed to bathe at the confluence of the rivers – known as the Sangam – for the first time. A few hundred transgender people were among those who bathed on Tuesday morning.
More than a million foreign pilgrims will also take part in the festival, senior administration official Rajeev Rai told the BBC.
He and other organizers had been preparing for more than a year for the event, which dwarfs the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.
Sanatana Dharma of India – The Rituals of Bathing and Purification.
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas Image caption Religious sects arrived in processions to take a dip
The mela (meaning “fair” in Hindi) has been held in Allahabad for centuries now, but it has grown into a mega event in the past two decades.
Sanatana Dharma of India – The Rituals of Bathing and Purification
Image copyright Getty Images
This year the gathering will be particularly huge and many believe India’s Hindu nationalist government has organized it with an eye on key general elections due in the summer.
Massive billboards of Prime Minister Narendra Modi dot Allahabad city and the Mela ground. Huge cardboard cut-outs have been placed strategically at the bathing areas.
Sanatana Dharma of India: The Rituals of Bathing and Purification
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
A temporary tent city spread over 32 sq km (12 sq miles) has been set up to accommodate the masses, complete with hundreds of kilometers of new roads. Hospitals, banks, and fire services have been set up just for the festival, along with 120,000 toilets.
Hundreds of new train services are running to and from Allahabad to tackle the rush of pilgrims and more than 30,000 police and paramilitaries have been deployed to provide security and manage the crowds.
In the run-up to the festival, religious sects held daily processions marked by much pomp and show.
Sanatana Dharma of India – The Rituals of Bathing and Purification
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
At one such procession on Sunday night, there were elephants, camels, and horses. Brass bands and drummers played, as religious leaders sitting atop several vehicles threw marigold flowers to thousands of devotees.
On Monday – a day before the official start of the festival – tens of thousands of pilgrims bathed at the Sangam. Some then lit clay lamps and floated them along with flowers in the Ganges.
Sanatana Dharma of India: The Rituals of Bathing and Purification
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
Sanatana Dharma of India: The Rituals of Bathing and Purification
Image copyright Ankit Srinivas
The atmosphere at the mela is festive, and the authorities have announced a calendar of music and dance performances. But there’s plenty of impromptu entertainment taking place by the roadside, with children performing rope tricks and shows by drummers and ballad singers.
Most pilgrims, however, say they are here to “answer the call of Mother Ganges”.
“We believe that bathing here will destroy our sins,” farmer Pramod Sharma said.
“The waters here have regenerative properties. Bathing here can cure your ailments. It also removes obstacles from your way,” Shahbji Raja said.
Sanatana Dharma of India: The Rituals of Bathing and Purification.
Kumbh Mela at a glance
A pilgrimage in which Hindus gather at points along the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers
This year’s event expects 120 million visitors over seven weeks, dwarfing last year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia which drew about 2.4 million
Astrology determines most aspects of the festival, including its date, duration, and location
The most recent full Kumbh, held in 2013 in Allahabad, was also a Maha (or great) Kumbh, which happen every 144 years. It attracted an estimated 100 million visitors
A lost-and-found camp was set up in 1946 and has since helped reunite countless family members and friends who get separated in the vast crowds
This year, 15 lost-and-found camps have been set up. These computerized centers are interconnected and their announcements will be heard across the Mela grounds. Details will also be uploaded on Facebook and Twitter to help trace the missing
India’s Sanatana Dharma. Theertham, Tirtha, Tirtha Yatra, and Tirtha Snan. The Rituals of Bathing and Purification.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The Choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish .Whole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The Choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish.
The name ‘ Indian ‘ is related to the great river Sindhu which is also known as Indus. In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed westwards towards setting sun to reach the shores of India. He discovered people living on islands whom he had mistakenly named as Indians. Apart from those island dwellers, the natives of the entire American continent, the so-called New World were named Indians. In spite of concerted efforts to rename them as Native Americans, the name Indian is still in use.
What’s in a Name?The Rudra Dimension of ShivaWhat’s in a Name? NarasimhaWhole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The Choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish.
Name is a very important tool to describe personal identity. The word name as a noun, describes a person, place or thing. It is also a word or words by which an object of thought is known. Indians did not choose the name India or Indian. However, the people of our Land of BHARAT, are extremely fond of choosing names. This fondness for selecting, using and remembering names is an important Cultural attribute which defines our identity. In my case, the choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light. Earthly events have celestial connections.
The Tradition of Giving Names:
Whole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. Lord Shiva is known as Rudra, Neela Kantha, Pasupati and several other names. This fondness for selecting, using, and remembering names is an important cultural attribute which defines Indian Identity. The Choice of my Name is predestined.
The name ” Rudra ” is one of the earliest names known to humanity. According to legend, the Vedic God Rudra acquired His name from His Creator Brahma. As per the story, a boy was seen ‘crying’ and ‘wandering’. The father had asked the boy the reason for his ‘howling’. The boy had answered that he was ‘weeping’ for he was not given a name. So, the father created a name by bringing together two Sanskrit words which mean ‘crying’ and ‘wandering’. Thus the name Ru+dra was born. This legend is an example of our emotional dependence upon the need for names. The major Deities such as VISHNU and SHIVA that Indians worship are known by thousands of names and remembering those names is deemed as an act of devoted worship. The use of these names is a fundamental right and I understand the term religious freedom in the context of my freedom to choose the name that I would worship. The religious experience that I had gained while growing up in India relates to the use of names as an act of worship. Worship would have no meaning or purpose and would not give me a sense of direction if I do not remember the beautiful names that I have come to know.
A Personal Name and a Personal Story:
Whole Dude – Whole Person: The choice of my Name is predestined. This landmark Temple of Kapaleeswarar binds me to my birthplace Mylapore, Madras (Chennai). If my birthplace had been different, my Name would have been different. The Presiding Deity of this Temple is chosen as my personal Protector and hence I am given the name of RUDRA.
My personal name is very much a part of my personal story. If my birthplace had been different, my Name would have been different. My Name is chosen entirely due to the circumstances of my birth and I remain connected to the persons and the places for the rest of my life. I describe MYLAPORE of MADRAS city (CHENNAI) as my birth place and I describe RAJAHMUNDRY of East Godavari District as my native place.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: MY IDENTITY AND MY CONNECTION. I CALL MYSELF AS ‘REBBAPRAGADA’; MY MOTHER BELONGS TO THE ‘KASTURI’ FAMILY. THIS IS A PICTURE OF KASTURI BROTHERS. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, 1. DR. KASTURI NARAYANA MURTHY, M.D. (MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER), 2. KASTURI. SESHAGIRI RAO (MARRIED TO MRS. RUKMINI, DAUGHTER OF DR. SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN), 3. KASTURI NARASIMHA RAO, 4. KASTURI KRISHNA RAO, 5. KASTURI SOMESHWARA RAO, 6. KASTURI RAMACHANDRA RAO, AND 7. KASTURI SIVAPRASADA RAO (FAR RIGHT).
My mother had given birth to me at my maternal grandfather’s residence 2/37 KUTCHERY road in Mylapore. Corporation of Chennai, Public Health Department entered my birth in the Birth Register and issued a birth certificate which records my gender, the date and time of my birth, the place of my birth, the names of my father and mother, the registration number and it does not show my name as my parents did not give me a name while reporting my birth.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: My paternal grandfather. The family astrologer who had prepared my horoscope predicted an inauspicious event and the prediction came true five months after my birth. But the prediction did not deter my grandfather in any manner. My grandmother whose name I had acquired told me that my grandfather had loved me with all his heart without any concern about the astrological prediction.
I spent the years of my early childhood at my paternal grandfather’s mansion in INNESPETA of Rajahmundry, East Godavari District of Madras Presidency and later Andhra Pradesh, India.
My birth sign: SagittariusMy birth Star: MoolaSagittarius constellationMoola Star of SagittariusKey Themes of Moola Birth StarWhole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The choice of Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish.
As per the traditional belief and the practice of Vedic Astrology known as Jyotish (Science of Light), my birth star predicted and warned about some forthcoming inauspicious events. The astrological calculations suggested that remedial action is needed to counter the negative aspects of the birth star. Accordingly, my father had performed a ritualistic worship popularly known as Rudra Abhishekam and worshiped Lord Shiva at the beautiful KAPALEESWARAR temple of Mylapore. To ensure that I would always enjoy the blessings of Lord Shiva, my father decided to name me as Rudra. Hence, the name of Rudra instantly connects me to my birth place of Mylapore and to KAPALEESWARAR as my personal protector.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: What’s in a Name? The making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish.
My birth star also had forewarned about consequences that would impact my paternal grandfather. There was no easy escape from the influences and the second part of my personal name was carefully chosen to please my paternal grandmother, Srimati. Lakshmi Narasamma. Because of the gender variation, the name Narasamma got transformed to Narasimham. This name immediately connects me to the Laws of Karma.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: The Making of a Whole Name for the Whole Person. The choice of the Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish.
These names are well-known and particularly in the southern States of India, the name Narasimham or variations of that name are frequently used. As long as I remain a conscious entity, my grandparents live in my consciousness. Astrology or Jyotish may not be a perfect Science. Horoscopes may not predict the future course of events in a person’s life. I exist in this world and I am known by a name which was specifically selected for me because of the predictions cast by my horoscope and the prediction came true and I find enough justification for this Indian Cultural Tradition called Jyotish.
Whole Dude – Whole person: The Rebbapragadas Group describes people related to this group of people and others connected to Rebbapragadas.
A unique name and a unique perspective:
In 1965, I joined Kurnool Medical College after I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad. At Kurnool, a batch of B.Sc., degree students were directly admitted into the second year of the medical education program that awards the M.B.B.S degree. Professor Rama Murthy of the Anatomy Department was very fond of knowing and recognizing each of his students by their personal names. On the first day of our Anatomy class, the attendance register was not ready and Professor Rama Murthy had decided to call out names from the list of selected candidates. He very solemnly announced to the class that the roll call begins with a very angry and fiery name. We were intently listening to know what that name could be. Apparently, the list of selected students was prepared according to merit and my name was placed at the top of the list. He called my name and expressed his sense of disbelief. He asked me to verify my name and told the class that it was the first time in his life that he encountered a person with the personal name of Rudra Narasimham. His statement appears to be right and I have not known any other person who may have the same name. It is one of its own kind and is unique and special and these two names were put together to establish me as a Whole Person.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: Socrates implored people to ‘know thy self.’ He had stated that the unexamined life is not worth living. Understanding life involves understanding personal identity and name is a word by which an object of thought is known.
The name Rudra, the first part of my first name is related to SHIVA who is recognized as the God of Learning. Shiva is like Socrates. Socrates of 5th century B.C. is claimed to be the father of western thought. He had implored people to “know thy self.”Socrates had 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 defines that the purpose of learning is to acquire the ability to think for oneself.
The name Narasimham represents to me a Whole Person who defends my right to choose the Name for my worship. The story about PRAHLAD represents the Cultural importance attached to personal choice in matters of religious worship. Names of persons, places and the legends form a part of Cultural legacy of our Land and define the Indian Identity described by the Name Bharat.
Whole Dude – Whole Person: What’s in a name? The choice of my Name is predestined by the Science of Light called Jyotish. Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore, Madras. This Temple contributed to the first part of my first name. A view of the eastern Gopuram from inside the temple. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Whole Dude - Whole Concept 