Problem of Rocks

Over the years, a multitude of creative arguments have been formed to undermine the existence of God. By focusing on the fundamental qualities of the divine, namely omniscience, omnipotence and benevolence, philosophers have attempted demonstrate that such qualities are actually logically impossible. For example, many argue that “problem of rocks” reveals the paradoxicality of omnipotence, or the idea that there is an all-powerful entity. The theist is presented with a dilemma: “Can God create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it?” If God can create a rock that is so heavy that he cannot lift it, then there is something that he cannot do, namely lift the rock in question. If God cannot create a rock that is so heavy that he cannot lift it, then there is something that he cannot do, namely create such a rock. Either way, then, there is something that God cannot do, and if there is something that he cannot do then he cannot be omnipotent.

While many philosophers attempt to deconstruct the riddle by referring to linguistics, the saint Prabhupada had his own original response. In the 1970’s, he was posed with the same question by representatives from MENSA - “Can God create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it?” Prabhupada’s answer was simple, yet sublime and profound – “yes, he can indeed create a rock so heavy that he cannot lift it... but then he can lift it!” That was the end of that conversation.

The world we live is characterized by boundaries, quantities and restrictions. We tend to approach the divine with these conceptions, and thus fail to recognize that the spiritual reality is beyond the dimensional limits that regulate our daily functioning. In the spiritual strata power is not static – it is ever increasing. Personality is ever expanding. The relationships between those personalities are ever fresh, and ever-deepening. And the happiness derived from such interactions is like an expanding ocean. Thus, since there is nothing static about the spiritual paradigm, it will always prove problematic to try and box it within a material construct.

Read more »

Reality Check

Someone recently pointed out two different statements in the Bhagavad-gita, arguing what they felt to be a contradiction and inconsistency within the presentation. We discussed, debated and churned the topic, exploring the issue from numerous angles of vision. We considered the context and background to each statement, and carefully analysed each word. After a lengthy discussion, not only did we resolve many of the doubts, but we actually felt a heightened understanding and comprehension of the subject matter. It was actually an incredibly refreshing conversation.

It reminded of speed bumps (yes we all hate them!). As we cruise along in our car, we can easily slip into autopilot, and lose consciousness of our speed and surroundings. The speed bumps force us to slow down and become more aware of our mode of driving. Similarly, seeming contradictions and confusions in scriptural writings could be seen as literary speed-bumps. Often, we superficially wiz through ancient texts and give minimal thought and consideration to the words we’re reading. Encountering apparent contradictions can force us to slow down and consider the concepts with greater attention and depth. Through intensified contemplation and deepened deliberation, we realize that the ‘inconsistencies’ are actually paradoxes – concepts which on a superficial level seem to clash, but on a higher level can be reconciled. Thus, we mature and advance our spiritual understanding.

In another sense, however, we may not always be able to logically reconcile truths which exist on a higher platform. One must accept that aspects of the spiritual reality will remain inconceivable to the human mind and intelligence. Those from ‘scientific’ backgrounds may point this out as the downfall of the spiritual approach – to sheepishly concede that we cannot know something, and instead conveniently attribute it to some metaphysical reality beyond our grasp. A cop-out they may say. However, to recognise the limits of our intelligence and perception may also be considered an exhibition of humility and honesty. After all, in this universe there are many planets. On the planet earth there are many countries. In one country, there are thousands of cities, and in one city there are hundreds of streets. On one particular street there may be a dwelling, inside which there are many rooms. In one room, someone may be proudly sitting, thinking they have understood (or will understand) the essential truths behind the entirety of the cosmos. A little ambitious, bordering on childish, wouldn’t you say?

Read more »

Instant Karma

The concepts of Karma and Reincarnation are intimately connected. However, when we discuss the law of karma being dispensed over the context of multiple lifetimes, then invariable doubts arises. If I can’t link my present reaction to a previous action, then how does Karma actually teach me anything? What’s the point of suffering if I don’t know what I did to deserve it? How can such a system actually educate and evolve me? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to receive all reactions in the same lifetime?

Some points to consider:

1) Cases of remembrance - In special cases one may well be able to access past-life memories. Individuals can be regressed into previous lives, but even more striking are occurrences of spontaneous and vivid memories of the distant past. Researchers like Ian Stevenson have conducted numerous case studies on this phenomenon, finding clear connection between previous incidents and present situations.

2) Sub-conscious Imprints - although we may not remember specific details and experiences, the law of karma nevertheless creates sub-conscious impressions within us. For example, people often undergo experiences in their childhood which lead to a specific phobia later in their life - although they may never recall the actual incident which caused it. Thus, we are constantly learning from past lives on a sub-conscious level, because every experience evolves our deep psychology and mental state, which ultimately evolves our actions and approach to life.

3) General lessons - although we may not remember specific incidents, we can draw general lessons from our karmic reactions. For example, one experiencing suffering is often impelled to question their journey in this world. In hard times people become introspective and inquisitive. The karmic reactions in and of themselves are often an alarm bell. Through karmic reactions we experience the frustration of a material approach to life. Karma teaches us about the general nature of this world.

4) Educational Sensitivity – Karma is not administered in a mechanical, instantaneous and automatic way. For example, if we see someone acting inappropriately, we may not immediately correct them, especially if the time and place is inappropriate. We wait for an opportune moment to offer relevant feedback in a constructive way, giving the person the best chance of accepting and benefitting from it. Similarly, to offer all ones karmic reaction in an instantaneous way would not aid the educational purpose of karma. Thus, for the purpose of educational sensitivity, there is often a gap between the action and reaction.

Read more »

Get rich quick

On recent travels, I've had quite a few interesting conversations with the old and wise. Just last week I met an 82 year-old retired banker. We conversed about his life journey, the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the pearls of wisdom that he had acquired in the process. The conversation came to the topic of money. He looked at me and exclaimed “After all these years I have found the sure way to become rich!” Intrigued, I gave him my full attention. “Most people think that you have to earn a lot of money to become rich” he said, “but actually they’ve got it all wrong!” “So what’s the secret?” I eagerly inquired. “The secret is that you don’t have to earn lots of money to become rich, just be damn sure you don’t spend any of it!” Interesting perspective indeed! While financial pundits may dispute his miserly mentality, I instead reflected on the spiritual significance of his words.

From one perspective his statement made sense. On our life journey we gather so much spiritual wealth and credit through our meditation, study of wisdom, service to others and ritual observances. When we live around spiritual people and associate within a devotional community it’s inevitable that we are regularly drawn into spiritually significant acts. We can earn considerable spiritual credit without even being aware of it. Unfortunately, we may be unknowingly squandering that wealth through our negligence and insensitivity in other areas. If we are critical and judgmental, speak harshly and fail in our consideration of others, or fall prey to carnal desires and material temptations, we end up 'spending' our wealth and stunting our spiritual growth. Thus, by following the basic spiritual practices and remaining conscious and alert to avoid impulsive and imprudent acts, we can become spiritually rich very quickly.

From another perspective, his statement reminded me that spiritual and material successes depend on completely different parameters. In the material field one has to be calculative, cunning, crafty and crude. One has to be on guard and defend his position. The ancient wisdom traditions, however, were based on completely different paradigms. A spiritual life is a life of giving, a life of magnanimity, generosity, kindness and goodwill. As we aim to help others solve their problems, our problems become solved automatically. If we share knowledge and help to educate others, we become genuinely wise and realized ourselves. If we endeavor to bring out the best in others, then God surely brings out the best in us. And ultimately, if we distribute spiritual wellbeing in the world, our own internal stock exponentially grows. There is no harm at all in spending. In fact, spending and investing in others is the sure way to become rich!

Read more »

Character Reference

In numerous sections of the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna outlines the qualities of highly successful spiritualists. He mentions tolerance, peacefulness, compassion, fearlessness, and forgiveness to name but a few. It can be a struggle to imbibe such qualities in the practicality of daily life when situations seem to demand other responses. Don't the peaceful have to be passionate at times? Don't the tolerant have to react strongly in certain instances? Don’t we all have to sometimes be fearful for the sake of survival? It could appear that superficially following such qualities can be one-dimensional and pretentious. Are these character traits to be imbibed in all times, places and circumstances?

Such spiritual qualities are offered as a framework to guide our decisions, responses and wanderings in this complicated world. When deciding any course of action, the spiritualist remembers the deep-seated principles they live by. However, one must have the wisdom to intelligently and appropriately apply such principles in any given situation. We may have a stereotyped image of how humble, tolerant and peaceful spiritualists conduct themselves, but these qualities go much deeper than the surface. The acts we see with our eyes may not be the true indicator of such character, but rather the motivation and consciousness behind such acts.

There is never a time when the spiritualist is not tolerant. At times, however, they may speak strongly, express displeasure and act assertively to create change. Despite this, they  never feel personal discomfort or inconvenience, but simply act for the benefit and welfare of others. There is never a time when the spiritualist is not fearless. At times, they may instinctively manifest certain psychophysical symptoms of nervousness, alarm and fright for the purpose of survival. Despite this, they maintain a sense of equilibrium, peace and clarity in all situations, just like a deep ocean which exhibits crashing waves on the surface but remains serenely calm deep down. There is never a time when the spiritualist is not humble. At times, they may act boldly and exude confidence and self-assurance. Despite this, they remain pure in motivation, never conducting themselves in such ways for the purpose of name, fame, and prestige; the confidence comes from faith in the divine, and the motivation is service to others. Such qualities are promoted in the great wisdom traditions of the world. They guarantee success.

Read more »

Live Options

Someone could propose that the true path to inner peace is to walk into your closest multi-storey car park and smash the windscreen of every blue Vauxhall Astra while simultaneously screaming at the top of your voice! Well... it’s something you could conceivably do, but something I doubt anyone would seriously consider. Firstly, there is the small issue of criminal arrest. Secondly, it’s extremely difficult to logically appreciate how such an act could cause the desired benefit. Thirdly, we don't really see significant numbers of people adopt this approach in their pursuit for tranquillity. While there are many options and choices in life, there is also an inbuilt intellectual screening process which filters out the nonsense.

Some years ago, the American Psychologist William James claimed that although there are a multitude of options in life, certain opportunities stand out above the rest due to key factors:

• Practical – I can do it (without harmful consequences and drastic changes to my life)
• Beneficial – I want to do it (because there is intrinsic logical value in this option)
• Probable – I feel confident to do it (since many people have experienced the benefit)

If something is practical, beneficial and probable, it's considered a “live option”, and it’s in our self-interest to invest time and energy into seriously considering it. To whimsically reject such opportunities would be irrational, unintelligent and unjustifiable. If there is something that could enhance your life, that is quite easily applicable, and is something that many people are clearly benefitting from, why would you not at least explore it?

If we objectively analyse wisdom traditions and spiritual paths it becomes strikingly obvious that they fulfil such criteria. The Bhagavad-gita propounds a spiritual practice that is incredibly practical. It doesn’t require massive lifestyle changes, but simple additions of yoga and meditation into one’s daily routine. There are huge benefits on a physical, emotional and spiritual level that make logical sense and become directly perceivable within a relatively short time. Furthermore, millions of people esteem the profundity of the Bhagavad-gita, and gain immense spiritual wisdom, insight and inner peace from its teachings. While one may not want to blindly follow it, surely it would be just as absurd to blindly doubt it. To categorically deny such traditions, such live options, without any significant investigation, suggests a stubborn, irrational and illogical predisposition towards a certain worldview. Ironically, the individuals who reject such traditions without thorough investigation, simultaneously pride themselves in being 'scientific' and 'free from subjective superstition'!

Read more »

Conflict Resolution

Communal living with thirty monks isn’t easy. We may dress in a uniform way and don the same haircut, but you probably couldn’t find a more diverse group of people living in such close quarters. We have monks from five different continents, all with distinct personality traits, varied psychophysical natures and a unique approach to their spiritual development. As you can imagine, there are sometimes differences of opinion! But I guess relationships in any context come with their own complexities. Husband and wife, manager and employee, teacher and student, brothers and sisters, university house mates – where there are people there is bound to be friction. Forming genuine and deep relationships is thorny, complex and testing. But those relationships stand as the most valuable asset in our lives.

Recently, I have increased my meditation on developing tolerance, humility and appreciation, knowing that such traits are the key to connecting with people on a higher level. I am trying to develop broader mindsets and approaches in my day-to-day dealings. When someone’s actions anger me, I am trying to understand what is causing them to act in that way and what the hidden history is. Usually my anger subsides, and I gain greater insight into human emotions and responses. When someone falls short of my expectations, I am trying to reassess the legitimacy of my demands, and simultaneously appreciate whatever efforts and endeavours they have made. It helps put things in perspective, and offers hope for improvement and progression. When there is conflict, instead of running away in frustration and creating emotional distance, I am forcing myself to communicate and actively try to resolve differences. It can be awkward and humbling, but it’s good to talk.

I am coming to realize that the people around me, namely parents, friends, critics, mentors, and others, are not simply there by chance. Whatever the tensions, these are the people that providence has arranged for me to relate with, and these are the relationships that will help me develop into the person I want to become. I am trying to appreciate how everyone around me is having a contribution in my life. They all have the potential to create spiritual transformation within me, knowingly or unknowingly. I hope I will work through the difficulties, and not frustratingly opt out and gravitate towards impersonalism.

Read more »

One but different...

The Bhagavad-gita offers an interesting perspective on world religions. It explains how the various traditions all stem from a divine source, and all offer the potential of spiritual elevation. The differences between them are primarily in culture, ritual and expression, while the central principles remain universal. Since the same message was taught in different times, places and circumstances, the externals had to be adapted – essentially, old wine in new bottles. While many can resonate with such an idea, there are also students and practitioners who would find such a stance difficult to digest. How can we reconcile fundamental differences on philosophical points? How can we overlook striking contradictions in the various historical and cultural accounts? Could this be a naive ‘new age’ attempt to avoid confrontation and create ‘peace, love and unity’? Without a more detailed explanation, some may say it’s a case of politically correct, but theologically wrong. How do we rationalise differences between paths that supposedly stem from the same source?

Context – religious scriptures and statements must be understood in relation to the entire body of teachings, and also with due consideration of the social context within which they were presented. ‘Differences’ may be perceived because we adopt a one-dimensional approach; taking statements simplistically, without understanding the context, purpose and background behind them.

Emphasis – different traditions and teachers may stress different things. Our spiritual evolution requires complete refinement of character and consciousness, and different traditions may well work on different aspects of this. Thus, they may emphasise different points, but such ‘differences’ are a part of a broader harmony.

Interpretation – we understand the divine traditions through the representatives of that faith. While this is perfectly natural, the teachers do have to prove themselves as transparent via mediums, free from the propensity to insert their own ideas. ‘Differences’ may surface because we mistake human opinions as gospel truths.

Authority – any religious claims must be traceable back to the original texts. In today’s world much confusion ensues due to a lack of reference to authentic scripture and religious authority. People claim to speak for a tradition yet offer no reference point for their presentation. Thus, ‘differences’ may well be due to inaccurate and erroneous presentations.

This may provide some insight into why religious traditions are one, but simultaneously different...

Read more »