Personal resolutions... Global revolutions...

It’s been a one-month break from computers, emails, skype conferences and the e-world at large. I'm not complaining. Taking full advantage of the festive season, our trio of monks travelled to towns up and down the country, with the aim of sharing spiritual wisdom in the form of thousands of books; ancient writings which are food for thought in a fast paced world. Our approximate route: London - Norwich - Lincoln - Newcastle - Sunderland - Durham - Middlesbrough - Sheffield - Nottingham - Derby - Leicester - London (and a lot of smaller towns in between!) One evening, as we drove over the River Tyne and advanced toward Newcastle City Centre, the enormity of modern civilisation dawned on me; a complex web of flashing lights, billboards, rushing cars, tall buildings and amusement facilities. It made me wonder whether the few hundred books in our car boot would change anything in this bustling city. Was the five-hour journey from London even worth it? Would we do anything of significance while we were here?

I like to see myself as someone who is efficient and effective. The thoughts troubled me, but I nevertheless continued with enthusiasm. One morning, however, a reflection offered me some perspective. This endeavor to share wisdom with the world is largely about my own transformation. Extending our hands and reaching out to others is an opportunity to develop compassion, tolerance, empathy, and sincerity. Only after developing such qualities can I think of significantly changing the world, or touching someone else's life. I contemplate my motivations while delivering my message. Is it to establish my supremacy? Is it to expand my fame and influence? Is it to cover up my own sense of insecurity? How many deliver their message out of a true sense of concern and love for another? That is what is ultimately required. Spirituality travels from heart to heart.

A famous Christian leader once reminisced about his desire to change the entire world. After years of hard work he gave up, and instead shifted his focus to changing his country. Even that proved difficult, so he reverted to changing his town. When that failed, he thought he would at least try to change his family. Surprise surprise, they weren't having any of it! In his old age he realised his fatal mistake. "First and foremost I should have changed myself. Inspired by the transformation within me, maybe my family would have changed. With their help I could have changed the town, and then we could have done something for our country. Who knows, maybe that could have led to global change!" It’s interesting how much we think of changing the world, but how little we contemplate the transformation of ourselves. The global revolution begins with a personal resolution. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world".

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Blind eye

I’ve just returned from a two week tour of Bangladesh. Crowned the happiest nation in the world by social researchers at LSE, one can sense the contentment that comes from simple living and high thinking. However, on a second-class overnight train from Chittagong to Dhaka I was confronted with the flip side of the story. A constant stream of desperate beggars petitioned passengers to lend a hand – they were frail, hungry and completely at the mercy of others. As we pulled into the dingy station, the platform was lined with a row of homeless bodies, struggling to catch some rest on the smelly stone cold floor. Past the ticket counters a leper boy perched on the shoulders of his blind friend investigated the trash cans for any useful scraps that may help them get through the day. It was a sorry sight.

Here we come face-to-face with acute poverty - graphic reminders that you don’t see every day in London. It was heart-wrenching, and it definitely made me think. As I studied the reactions of many people around me however, I couldn’t help but feel they were cold and uninterested. It could be that after years of daily exposure one becomes desensitized and emotionally indifferent to the struggles of others. It could just be practical measures. After all, who has the capability to give every beggar a dime, or even the time to politely decline? Either way, it would seem wrong to completely ignore the torment, suffering, pain and desperation that is a daily reality for millions of people worldwide. When you see that, your own life problems don’t really seem very significant anymore.

In my youth, I always found it uncomfortable and awkward to witness images of suffering. Change the channel, skip the newspaper article, or close your eyes – out of sight out of mind. Nevertheless, hard as I tried, I couldn’t seem to forget. Some of it was compassion, but a lot of it was guilt. I had everything while other kids had next to nothing. I’m sure these striking images left a deep impression that perhaps propelled me into a life of renunciation and spiritual welfare work, where I felt I could do my little bit to help the world. Seeing the desperately needy people on this trip rekindled those same emotions and reminded me of my deeper calling. The life of a spiritualist is a life of giving, a life of compassion, and a life of sacrifice for the upliftment of others. Selfless service in consciousness of God is the essence of spirituality. We find ourselves by forgetting about ourselves. Turning a blind eye to the pain of others is not really an option.

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Google vs God

Think of someone you go to when you need help... someone who is always available... someone who has all the answers... someone who never gets angry or frustrated. Yes, I’m sure you’ve guessed it... Google! Those of you who were thinking of God are just old fashioned and out-of-touch! Google now logs 2 billion searches everyday, which translates to around 300 million users. According to internet trends, the term "Google" is searched for more than the terms "God", "Jesus", "Allah", "Buddha", "Christianity", "Islam", "Buddhism" and "Judaism" combined. There is now a “Church of Google,” and they even have a list of commandments that they follow!

Unfortunately, the reality is that Google does fall short in key areas. The popular search engine provides access to a storehouse of information, collected through the study and research of millions of people. However, even the combination of a million human brains will struggle to grasp transcendental realities beyond the experience of the mind and senses. Google has the ability to answer a multitude of questions and queries, but when it comes to establishing a personal, loving and meaningful relationship with its users, the search engine falls short. Google may have backed up its servers and arranged emergency power supplies, but it is definitely not eternal, immortal or omnipresent; we have all experienced the volatility of modern technology. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Google fan, but it definitely can’t discharge God’s job description.

While technology undoubtedly enhances aspects of our lives, solves certain problems and brings a sense of security, it cannot replace the deep yearning for spiritual connection. The discoveries and innovations of modern science are undoubtedly praiseworthy and notable. However, the notion that such advancements have replaced the need for spirituality is not only erroneous, but frankly a little arrogant and bigheaded. As spiritual beings, our number one priority is to reawaken our true sense of self awareness, inner happiness and relationship with God. To the extent that technology aids us in our personal spiritual journey, and simultaneously helps us to communicate such knowledge to the world, to that extent we gratefully accept its utility. Otherwise, we are quite happy to do without.

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Religious War

Recent world events have compounded apprehensions about the social implications of religious belief. While governments grapple with the problem of terrorism, the growing opposition to religion becomes strikingly apparent. As a traveling monk, I am often drawn into heated debates over the link between religion and war. To complicate matters further, the revered conversation of Bhagavad-gita is spoken at the onset of a fratricidal war, and Krishna is seemingly the one inciting Arjuna to fight! Does the Vedic tradition promote bloodshed and violence? Do spiritualists in this line secretly believe that war, hostility and the killing of innocent people is necessary for 'religious revolution'?

In ancient Vedic scriptures we find the famous aphorism, ahimsyat sarva bhutanam – “one should not commit violence to any living being.” Since nonviolence is a cardinal principle of the spiritualist they are urged to refrain from causing harm to even animals or plants. However, non-violence can mean different things in different situations. As a guardian of the people, the warrior Arjuna was required to take responsibility for the upkeep of law and order in society. In this case, his non-violence had to be expressed through confrontational means. Such strong action is neither taken whimsically, nor for the sake of material gain, and never with a mood of hatred or envy. It was the last resort, and even when the battle commenced it was fought between consenting parties who followed strict moral and ethical codes of conduct. Before drawing any parallels between the Battle of Kuruksetra and modern warfare, one must look into the historical, moral and social context of each circumstance.

History shows that violence has touched every part of the world, independent of the theological beliefs of people. In fact the most destructive wars were fought for secular, political, economic, or ideological reasons. Religion is not the cause of conflict. On the contrary, it is the very neglect of genuine spirituality that causes war, violence and unrest in this world. Societies of genuine spiritualists hold great reverence for life. Qualities of respect, contentment, humility and tolerance are the cornerstones of their lives. Saints who have delivered the Bhagavad-gita to the modern world have affirmed that the real revolution in society is to transform people’s hearts through selflessness and love. The real revolution is a revolution of consciousness. The solution for world peace is not in rejecting spirituality, but rather in restoring, reforming and reviving it in its true nature and spirit.

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The Inside Story

Are power-hungry underground groups like the Illuminati plotting to rule mankind by establishing the New World Order? Was 9-11 an Al-Qaeda terrorist attack, or did the Bush administration help orchestrate the entire incident to justify military policy in the Middle East? Half a century ago, did the US government cover up a UFO landing and alien interaction at Roswell, New Mexico? Was the Aids virus created by the KGB as a means to reduce world population? Was Shakespeare, English language's greatest writer, really responsible for the body of works that bear his name, or were they actually authored by other people? We could go on, but suffice it to say that the modern world is riddled with conspiracy theories which seem to multiply by the day. As the plot thickens, how do we know what to believe? Will our painstaking research lead to any concrete conclusions?

Who knows, the theories themselves could even be part of a bigger conspiracy to confuse people and make us doubt everything! On the other hand, even if they are true, what can we do to change the state of affairs? If the higher echelons of society are directing the future of the world in smoke-filled rooms, it’s unlikely that our whistle-blowing will be taken that seriously. Having said that, there is an argument for the necessity of critical thinking in a world which we could label "the cheaters and the cheated."

There is, however, one conspiracy that we can all be sure of. It’s a conspiracy a little closer to home, and a conspiracy which has been going on since our first breath in this world. The Bhagavad-gita explains that the uncontrolled mind, the lower nature within, is conspiring against us on a moment-to-moment basis. Tempting and distracting us while simultaneously posing as a friend, our lower nature, which you can identify as the ‘devilish voice within,’ is actually conspiring to divert us from the most progressive, pragmatic and fulfilling path in life. Krishna explains that only through spiritual acumen and unbreakable determination can we transform that lower nature, and bring the mind under control such that it becomes our best friend. This brings true freedom, where one is guided by intelligence instead of instinct. The project to conquer the mind requires focus, tenacity, perseverance and incredible drive. It’s a lifetime’s mission, and we need to utilize all the time we have. This is the inside story, the story of the enemy within, the story of the conspirator that we may well have forgotten about.

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Tattva - See Inside Out

In the late 60's, after NASA had completed a series of groundbreaking space adventures, they interviewed different people to guage their reaction to the events. When they reached a grave-looking monk he shocked the reporter with a radically different perspective. He was saddened by the direction of modern civilization, and wasn’t overly excited by the recent astro-travel. When quizzed why, he responded "now man is diverting his attention further and further outside for answers, for purpose, for happiness - but actually we have to explore deeper and deeper within."

In the modern materialistic climate, our vision, analysis and interaction with the world can be on a very superficial level. Despite this all-pervading influence, many philosophers, theologians, scientists and great thinkers have discussed and debated with a view to understanding the world in a more profound way. The ancient sages of the East were no different. In the body of literatures known as the Vedas, they documented a spiritual understanding of the self, the universe and our deeper purpose in the journey of life. This became known as ‘tattva’ - essential truths and principles which underpin universal reality. Knowledge of this tattva can help one to excel physically, emotionally, socially, and most importantly, spiritually.

This blog is a humble attempt to discuss elements of this tattva. The posts are diverse and cover topics ranging from religion to relationships, science to sociology, leadership to lifestyle management. We hope they will be 'food for thought' in a world that (consciously or unconsciously) is yearning for fresh perspectives and newer pardigms.

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Inner peace... Outer peace...

I scanned the BBC website yesterday. Unfortunately, some things never change. The top 15 headlines were riddled with global issues and tribulations; conflict and corruption in the political arena, instability and exploitation in the economic world, intolerance and loneliness in our communities, and immorality and baseness in personal dealings. Our attempts at creating world peace seem ineffective, short-lived, and all-in-all quite futile. By now, most of us can safely agree that political treaties and media campaigns can only go so far in solving a global trend that is becoming quite worrying.

At the prestigious IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) they were experiencing a recurring trend of students who would commit suicide by hanging themselves from dormitory fans. After an emergency meeting to address the issue, they proposed their solution – “take the fans out of the rooms, and introduce air conditioning units instead!” While it may sound crazy, such an approach portrays the failure of modern philanthropists, social workers and political leaders. Though having good intentions, they fail to address root of the problem, and instead simply make solutions that address the immediate symptoms.

When someone falls sick we intuitively follow a train of thought. First we observe the symptoms, then we discern the root cause, and finally we administer an appropriate remedy. The Bhagavad-gita offers a fresh perspective on world peace - only when there is inner peace can there be world peace. While people are experiencing a vacuum within, they will invariably exploit the external world to fill that void. While there is conflict and agitation within, people will recreate that in their relationships and communities. All the political, economic and social problems of the world are essentially caused by neglect and disregard of spiritual values. The Bhagavad-gita explains the qualities of a spiritually fulfilled person: non-envious, friendly to all beings, free from false ego, equal in happiness and distress, always tolerant, satisfied and self-controlled (Bhagavad-gita 12.13-14). Such people will create the biggest changes in the quest for world peace.

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Grateful or Great Fool?

Before the philosophical discourse at our temple every morning, we sing a celebrated song entitled “Jaya Radha Madhava.” Written by a legendry God-intoxicated saint, it depicts the extraordinary activities, loving relationships, and serene landscape of the spiritual world. Today, the significance of that divine meditation struck me. Every morning we have an opportunity to realign ourselves. We re-establish our ultimate goal, our cherished aspiration. We remember why we are doing what we are doing. In that meditation we can put life’s situations in perspective. The things that agitate our mind and clutter our consciousness don’t seem so important anymore. It reminds me of an upbeat spiritual mentor who used to laugh and exclaim “don’t take the illusion too seriously!”

On a daily basis we are challenged in a variety of ways. Unpredictable dealings with others, the irrationality of our own ‘inner voice’, and the reversals of Mother Nature are all complications which can end up consuming our consciousness. Such contemplation, however, is likened to a rocking chair. While it gives us something to do, it doesn’t really get us anywhere. Instead, we should let go and move on. In the context of our treasured goal, such troubles and inconveniences fall into insignificance.

And how bad is it anyway? I try to reflect on the many gifts I have received in this life - the repeated opportunities, the kind people, the spiritual knowledge, the solid support of a community. All the ingredients for spiritual success are there, and all it requires now is determined application. As the famous saying goes - “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth!” (you can tell the age of a horse by looking at its teeth). The lesson is that when offered a wonderful gift, it would be unwise to nit-pick and find faults. Instead, one would do well to gratefully accept it with two hands and make the most of it. The Sanskrit word for gratitude is “krta-jna” – literally meaning “to know what has been done for you.” The ungrateful person who lacks such a vision may instead be called a great fool.

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