Whole Dude – Whole Learning: Defining Indian Identity – 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:
Whole Dude – Whole Learning: Defining Indian Identity – 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:
Whole Dude – Whole Learning: Defining Indian Identity – Idol Worship – A Way of Life
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.
Whole Dude – Whole Learning: LORD RAMA. His image or idol is worshiped by Indian people. Is that a false belief? Is that a superstition? What is true Worship?
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 Learning: The simplest form of Idol Worship involves standing before the Idol and greeting the Idol with palms pressed in front of you.
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 Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Tribute to Potti SriramuluWhole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Tribute to Potti Sriramulu
My maternal grandfather,Dr.Kasturi. Narayana Murthy, M.D. was the personal physician, friend, and confidant of Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu. My grandfather published a paper giving a detailed account of the changes in the clinical condition of Potti Sriramulu during the entire period of the fast from 19 October 1952 to 15 December 1952, a historical fast unto death. I did not learn about the history of the formation of Andhra Rashtra and later Andhra Pradesh from visiting libraries and from reading books. I am an eye-witness to the historical process and I learned about the key personalities involved in shaping these historical events through my family connections.
Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: ‘VISALA ANDHRA’ -My life’s journey began in Mylapore, Madras while Telugus and Tamils lived together in the composite Madras State (Madras Presidency). I was a student of Danavaipeta Municipal High School, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District (S.S.L.C. March 1961); a student of Government Giriraj Arts College, Nizamabad, Nizamabad District (Pre-University Course and 3-year B.Sc, April 1965); a student of Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Kurnool District (M.B.B.S. April, 1970). My father served in Presidency College, Madras, Government Victoria College, Palghat (Palakkad),Government Arts College, Rajahmundry, Government Arts College, Srikakulam, Giriraj Arts College, Nizamabad, Government Nagarjuna Arts College, Nalgonda, and B.Ed College, Warangal and other places.I got married in Cuddapah and served in Secunderabad Cantonment during my military service. I lived my life in the composite State of Madras, and the three regions of Andhra Pradesh and in the two Capital cities of Kurnool and Hyderabad.Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Tribute to Potti Sriramulu Garu.Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. GREETINGS TO BELOVED MOTHER TELUGU
After leaving the shores of India in 1984, I had no problems of identity as people of other countries very easily find me as a person of Indian origin. However, while I lived in India, my identity had been a very ticklish issue. My birth place is Mylapore, Madras. Since I belonged to a Telugu speaking family, I met problems with embracing the local identity and describe myself as a native of Madras City. As I grew up in Madras, I have seen the growth of Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (D.M.K) as a political force.I saw the bullock cart processions led by Shri.C.N.Anna Durai. As a kid, I grew up with an uneasy feeling. I lived with a sense of fear that the D.M.K Party would not let me claim Madras as my native place. (Because of Lord Kapaleeswara, I still keep a very strong sense of my emotional bonding with Mylapore.) Simultaneously, in 1952, I witnessed Shri.Potti Sri Ramulu who fasted unto death for the creation of a separate State for the Telugu speaking people. This was a historical event. In this fasting saga, my maternal grand father Doctor.Kasturi Narayana Murthy, M.D played a significant role in his capacity as the personal physician of Potti Sri Ramulu who observed the fast in Mylapore in the house of Sri.Bulusu Sambamurthy. Incidentally, my grand father for the first time in medical history had carefully documented the changes in the medical condition of his fasting patient and later published a paper.The fast began on October 19, 1952 and ended on December 15, 1952.This historical event was also witnessed by my maternal grandmother’s brother who was fondly known as ‘Tambi Mavayya’ and his name is Budhravarapu Ch. Narayana Murthi, a high-ranking State official. I remember watching the massive funeral procession of Potti Sri Ramulu as it passed through Mylapore and it became a turning point in the history of post-independence India.The political map of India was redrawn. Prime Minister Nehru had to reluctantly agree to the formation of Andhra State and later this historical event paved the way for the formation of linguistic States throughout India in 1957.
Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor.Mahatma Gandhi is the Father of the Nation and Jawahar Lal Nehru is the Spirit of the Nation.
On October 1, 1953 the new State of Andhra had come into existence with Kurnool as its Capital. Prime Minister Nehru attended the inaugural function. My grandfather was among the dignitaries seated on the dais. In that Andhra State formation’s Inaugural Function, my grandfather was included as he had witnessed the greatest act of sacrifice and he symbolized the presence of that Departed Soul of Potti Sri Ramulu. Prime Minister Nehru was very upset and visibly angry and refused to formally meet my grandfather. My grandfather, Dr. K N Murthy told me that Nehru’s face turned crimson with anger resembling a red apple. My grandfather narrated to me that he made an attempt trying to greet Nehru with due courtesy and had extended his hand to offer a hand shake.Nehru specifically refused to extend his hand and give a hand shake. Andhra Kesari Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu garu was chosen as the first Chief Minister and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was selected as the Deputy Chief Minister. Budhravarapu Ch Narayana Murthi was appointed as the first Law Secretary in the newly formed Andhra State Government and had lived in Kurnool. All of these people known to me had immense respect for Prime Minister Nehru and valued his contributions to our Nation. Telugu people wanted to take part in National Affairs with a sense of Self-Pride and as equals. The Tamils undermined this sense of Self-Respect which Telugu people value in their dealings with others.
Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Andhra Kesari. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Garu, the First Chief Minister of Andhra Rashtra – A witness to the vision shared by Potti. Sri Ramulu
Prakasam Pantulu Garu died in 1957 and Dr. Kasturi. Narayana Murthy had received the urn containing the ashes when they had arrived at Madras by train. Dr. Murthy immersed the ashes into Bay of Bengal at Marina beach. This function was attended by a very huge gathering of Telugu people in Madras. Dr. Murthy addressed this gathering in spite of running a high fever. Dr. Murthy was not a politician. He worked as Professor of Medicine at Madras Medical College and being a Physician he came to know several political leaders of Telugu people and many of them had developed a very intimate and a close personal relationship with him. Dr. Murthy had also a very good relationship with Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and Damodaram Sanjeevayya (the Second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) from the beginning of their political careers in the Freedom Movement.
Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, the First Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity-The Language Factor. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Garu retired from active politics in 1955.
There is a sense of sadness and bitterness about the regional politics of this country where language had become a major player in the political arena. Eventually, the State of Andhra Pradesh had come into existence on November 1, 1956 after the addition of nine districts of Telangana which were earlier a part of the State of Hyderabad. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was the first Chief Minister of the newly formed State of Andhra Pradesh. The City of Hyderabad was chosen as the Capital for the newly formed State of Andhra Pradesh. The government buildings vacated in Kurnool were given to Kurnool Medical College. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Garu took the initiative in the formation of Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati. Kurnool Medical College is affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University. The history of the formation of Andhra Rashtra with Kurnool as its Capital still survives at Kurnool Medical College and the residential quarters. My grandfather left Madras city and found his new home in Hyderabad and Hyderabad became my travel destination for all of my vacations.I had my schooling in all the three areas which came together as a State to represent the Telugu speaking people. In the Coastal Andhra city of Rajahmundry, I could develop a strong sense of Telugu Identity and I am proud of that Identity and cherish that Identity that describes me as a Native of Rajahmundry. I was a student at Danavaipeta Municipal High School from 1955 to 1961. While I was a student at Government Giriraj Arts College in Nizamabad (1961 to 1965) of Telangana region and later while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College in Kurnool (1965 to 1970) of Rayalaseema region, the student community expressed some negative feelings about my Telugu identity and a true sense of harmony was sadly lacking. This particular statement has offended my friend Shri. Apkari. Suryaprakash( who is a well-known Telugu Poet and was recognized by AIR as the Poet of the Year) of Nizamabad who did his B.A. degree course at Giriraj Arts College while I was a B.Sc student. I need to clarify my observation. It is not my intention to state that my friends; I had only two friends while I studied in Nizamabad, namely Shri. S. Mohan Reddy and A.Surya Prakash did not entertain any negative feelings towards me. I am only speaking about the rest of the student community. I had participated in College Elections on two occasions while I was in Giriraj Arts College and got defeated both the times. Suryaprakash being a student of the B.A. class did not take part in my election which was exclusively decided by the B.Sc students. I am saying that I did not enjoy enough support amongst my classmates studying B.Sc to get elected. This election experience has painfully followed me while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College. I tried and failed in the College Election where the concerns about my Identity have played a role. We need to admit and recognize that there are regional differences amongst Telugu people and these differences become apparent in the political arena. My friendly connections to these places have survived. Amongst Telugu speaking people, three political identities exist, the identities of Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, and Telangana. This did not distract me from serving my Nation. In 1967, I had the opportunity to represent the State of Andhra Pradesh at a National Student Seminar on “National Integration.” This was a month long major event and the Seminar took place in New Delhi. Many in the student community viewed the language factor as a major hurdle in achieving the goal of National Integration . While I got rejected in the College Elections because of regionalism amongst Telugu people, I still made my personal choice, and got married in Cuddapah making Cuddapah (Kadapa) of Rayalaseema as my second Home Town.
Whole Dude – Whole Telugu: N.T.R. and Telugu Desam Party symbolized my sense of Self-Pride and Self-Respect and I take pride in the fact that I had supported N.T.R. who became the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in January 1983.
While I was posted in Secunderabad, Sri.N.T.Ramarao founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982. NTR’s message was that of upholding the self-respect of Telugu speaking people and he won the election in January, 1983. I supported NTR and his Telugu Desam Party hoping that the new party would build bridges and bring Telugu people together onto a single platform and would give Telugu people an opportunity to play a meaningful role in National Affairs. I was particularly happy with the 1982 Election results because of N.T.R. led Telugu Desam Party performed very well across the three regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu people truly joined hands to project an image of Unity and Solidarity. Telugu Desam Party started with a noble mission and had slowly slipped in its resolve to uphold its ideals of uniting Telugu people and bringing them together on a common political platform.
Sanskrit, The Language of my Culture:
The ‘Three Language Formula’ was conceived as a solution to bring Indian people together and to overcome the linguistic differences. Under this formula, I studied Telugu as my first language (mother tongue), English was my second language (Link language), and studied Hindi as my third language (national language). All the central ideas and thoughts that define our Indian Culture find their expression in the Sanskrit language. I wish that I had studied Sanskrit as my third language under the ‘Three Language Formula’. I am very hopeful that Sanskrit could play a more useful role in promoting National Unity and National Integration. During the years that I had spent in the Indian Army, I became fond of both Hindi and Urdu which had firmly linked me to the rest of the Nation. The sweetness of Urdu could foster a better relationship between Hindu and Muslim Communities. While I lived in Nizamabad, the golden voice of immortal Mohd. Rafi shaped my love for Urdu language. While Telugu gives me the sense of personal identity, and a sense of personal dignity, Sanskrit gives me the ability to connect to my past, and provides a sense of historical purpose; I still need Hindi and Urdu to reach the rest of the Nation; and English provides the bridges to cross the linguistic divide. The story about Telugu speaking people, their aspirations for regional identities continues today and all of Telugu people should come together to discuss this issue.
Silver Jubilee Medal 1972Poorvi Star 1971 Bangladesh OpsSangram Medal 1971Sainya Seva Medal (NEFA) 1972Nine Years Long Service Medal 1979My Telugu IdentityWhole Dude – Whole Telugu: Defining Indian Identity – The Language Factor.
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.
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna my favorite Hero.
Dana, Veera, Soora Karna (Generous, Brave and Courageous) is a man ‘True to his Salt’. But for his unflinching loyalty to his benefactor, the Story of Mahabharata would have been different. The Book of Matthew, Chapter 5, verse 13, reads, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” A man without character should be rejected.
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna my favorite Hero. The New Testament Book, the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Chapter 5 is popularly known as ‘The Beatitudes’. Verse 13, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. But, if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
THE ROLE OF CHARACTER IN DEFINING IDENTITY
Dr. Martin Luther King wished for the day when his sons would not be judged by the color of the skin but by the content of their character. Character is defined as the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group or thing from another. Character is a description of a person’s attributes, traits or abilities.
PRINCE KARNA – A TRUE HERO:
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna, a true hero.
In the Indian epic of Mahabharata, Prince Karna is allied with the enemies of the Pandavas. Karna is the first son of Queen Kunti and is the half brother to the Pandavas and is the eldest of them. However, Queen Kunti abandoned him after his birth and he is known as “ Radheya” and as ‘Suta Putra” as he grew up in the house of a charioteer. Karna sought a position at the court in Hastinapura. His identity as a low-caste person came in the way of his quest for knowledge and mastering the art of archery. Dronacharya the teacher of Kuru princes refused to teach him. Later, Dronacharya held an archery contest in Hastinapura and Karna was publicly humiliated as he was made ineligible to participate in the competition for he had no princely status. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kaurava brothers came to the rescue of Karna to spare him from public humiliation. He immediately appoints Karna as the King of ‘Anga’ province and made him eligible to participate in the archery contest. Thus Karna became a true friend and a loyal ally of Prince Duryodhana. Karna fought for the Kauravas in the great battle at Kurukshetra. Because of the fear of the impending battle, Queen Kunti approached Karna and for the first time revealed her identity as his mother and addressed him as “Kunteya.” The true character of Karna comes out when he told his mother that he must fight the Pandavas but promised not to kill any of them other than Prince Arjuna. On the 15 th day of the battle, Karna was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava forces. Karna braved impossible odds in his whole life and died with great courage, valor and honor. It was Karna’s fate to be sacrificed in a climatic battle with Arjuna. It is a death that is a reminder of the necessity of sacrificial destruction for redemption.
The dignity with which Karna conducted his life makes him my favorite hero and I claim Loyalty, Dependability and Trustworthiness as the bench marks of Indian Character and Indian Identity.
ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE:
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna my favorite Hero. Salt enjoys a special status among all food substances that man consumes. The intimate connection of salt with the idea of a “COVENANT” or binding contract or binding relationship, as a mark of Loyalty and Faithfulness, between man and God and between man and man is recognized in all human cultures.
The essence of salt exists in its flavor and if salt loses its taste and flavor, its existence has no purpose and it would be discarded. A man has to define as to who he is, his true nature and his existence would be valued as long as he retains the flavor of his essence. The reality of existence is a prerequisite for having essence and a man of character and integrity would only exist to display his true nature.
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna is my favorite Hero. The Indian Army values Naam (Reputation, Dignity, Honor), Namak (Fidelity, Loyalty), and Nishan (the Symbols of National and Regimental Identity).
To many of us who have the privilege to serve in Uniform, nothing is really more important than being true to the Covenant of Salt or Namak which stands for our true nature or character. Many had cheerfully accepted the test of Loyalty and willingly sacrificed their precious lives in the discharge of their military duty and I am proud to describe this as our national character and as our true Identity.
Whole Dude – Whole Favorite: Prince Karna my favorite Hero. Statue of Karna in Karan Tal Park, Karnal, Haryana.
Whole Dude – Whole Values: Bharat, the Land of Cultural Values. Vande Mataram. Salutations to Mother India.
Bharat: The Land of Cultural Values:
Whole Dude – Whole Values: Bharat, the Land of Cultural Values.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”.
The Book of Matthew, Chapter 5,verse 5 of The Holy Bible teaches that humility has its own rewards. But, Bible fails to offer the tools to practice the Art of Humility.
Whole Dude – Whole Values: Bharat, the Land of Cultural Values
I inherited a sense of humility from the Land of Bharat.I consider humility as my acquired behavior and my Culture helped me to learn it through repeated practice and by giving me opportunities to display it in every aspect of my life. My Indian Identity is defined by this Cultural value. The ultimate purpose of life is defined as getting back to the Lotus Feet of the Lord. I am encouraged to touch and worship feet to reach my goal with a sense of humility. I began the process of learning with a sense of meekness. First I was directed to humble myself before Lord Shiva. I seek pure and perfect knowledge and humility is the light that shines on the path to wisdom. Humility is the gentle wind that dispels the dark clouds that prevent you from viewing the brilliant sun shining in the sky. Ego, like the cloud that causes darkness, could be driven away by learning to be humble. In my daily life, I am given the opportunity to humble myself several times.
Whole Dude – Whole Values: Bharat, the Land of Cultural Values
My living experience is full of interactions with objects which I am guided to treat with a sense of reverence. The Sun, the Sky, the Moon and the Stars, the Wind, the Earth, the River and Water, the Fire and the Light, the Mountain and the Hill, the Plants and the Trees, the flowers, the fruits, the grains and the orchards, the lion, the tiger, the elephant, the Cow, the Bull, the Monkey, the Eagle and the Peacock, the Snake, the Spider, the Rat and the changing seasons I view with respect. As a kid , my learning experience began with showing respect to my parents, my elders, my teachers and the idols and the images that receive worship. The essence of my learned behavior is humility. The Land has given me a sense of meekness and with that I may inherit the Identity of the Ultimate Reality.
Whole Dude – Whole Values: Bharat, the Land of Cultural Values. THIS ARTICLE IS DEDICATED TO THIS INDIAN LADY WHO SYMBOLIZES THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY THAT APPEARS AS THE VERBAL SOUND OR SHABDA CALLED “ASMI” WHICH MEANS ALWAYS PRESENT, OR EVER-EXISTING.
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 Concept 